Theres no denying it: Were all stressed, whetherits work, school, upcoming holidays orrelationships.

Its time to take notice of the physical and emotional symptoms that come with stress, even if they are subtle.

Subtle Signs Youre Under More Stress Than You Realize

Here are 6 telltale signs you could be more stressed than you think:

1. Poor posture or negative body language.

Stress has a physical component.

According to WebMD, 43 percent of adultsexperience physical symptoms caused by stress.

How we sit and stand becomes much more contained when were stressed.

If you notice youre hunching your shoulders, slouching or crossing your arms, think about your posture.

Open up your body by standing tall, pushing your shoulders back and extending your spine.

Physically expanding your body helps counterstress. Power posing is one of the most powerful and efficient ways to better body language and increased confidence.


2. Shallow breathing.

When youre under too much stress, your breathing can become more shallow.


3. Language becomes shorter and sharper.

If you find yourebarking directions at people and snappily jumping to conclusions, check yourself.

Count to three in your head before you respond. The time will give you a chance to formulate your best response.


4. Drinking, smoking and eating unhealthy foods way more.

Stress can be managed in productive and healthy ways, or unproductive and unhealthy ways.

Drinking alcohol, smoking, eating more sugar and white flour, watching more TV, spend more time distracting yourself than engaging in things you really like these are all habits associated with numbing yourself, to some degree.

If you constantly need a drink at the end of your work day, you are stressed. Take short breaks during your work day. Watch your health and notice your habits.

What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol


5. Being more negative and aggressive toward people around you.

If you find yourself feeling negative about more people than usual and feeling the need to be aggressive, its time to check your stress levels.


6. Working out compulsively or not exercising at all.

According to Celebrity Fitness Trainer Jillian Michaels, one of the worst workout habits is not knowing your limits, a phrase which translates into many aspects of life when someone is stressed.

And according to Psychology Today, the real reason why some people dont exerciseis to avoid any experience of discomfort, which is partly understandable if yourestressed and drained, but also ironic because physical activity is proven to decrease stress levels and overall discomfort.

Its all about balance always. No overdoing it. No underdoing it.

Keep the balance in physical fitness and your overall wellness, and youll be on the right track to feeling better.

What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Working Out [LABS]

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Read more: http://elitedaily.com/wellness/signs-more-stressed-than-you-think/1691427/

Here’s what American military members and Iraq War veterans are saying on the anonymous secret-sharing app Whisper about the tense situation in Iraq. BF_STATIC.timequeue.push(function () { if (BF_STATIC.bf_test_mode) localStorage.setItem(‘posted_date’, 1407854631); }); BF_STATIC.timequeue.push(function () { document.getElementById(“update_posted_time_3415288”).innerHTML = “posted on ” + UI.dateFormat.get_formatted_date(1407854631); });

The Pentagon said Monday that four days of U.S. airstrikes have slowed the progress of ISIS, but not broken the militant group’s stronghold in the Northern part of Iraq.

With President Obama not giving a definitive timetable on the operation in Iraq, American servicemen and women anonymously offer their thoughts on the U.S. operation in Iraq, ISIS, the prospect of boots on the ground, and how the recent activity in Iraq is affecting lingering PTSD symptoms.

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If you want to read more confessions or post your own, you can visit the Whisper App here.

Read more: http://buzzfeed.com/mikehayes/reactions-from-american-soldiers-to-us-airstrikes-in-iraq

http://twitter.com/#!/jerryrscuba/status/304635134680899584

According to Michael Connelly at Red Flag News, the Department of Veterans Affairs is arbitrarily depriving veterans of their right to own guns:

How would you feel if you received a letter from the U.S. Government informing you that because of a physical or mental condition that the government says you have it is proposing to rule that you are incompetent to handle your own financial affairs? Suppose that letter also stated that the government is going to appoint a stranger to handle your affairs for you at your expense? That would certainly be scary enough but it gets worse.

What if that letter also stated: “A determination of incompetency will prohibit you from purchasing, possessing, receiving, or transporting a firearm or ammunition. If you knowingly violate any of these prohibitions, you may be fined, imprisoned, or both pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, Pub.L.No. 103-159, as implemented at 18, United States Code 924(a)(2).”?

That makes is sound like something right from a documentary on a tyrannical dictatorship somewhere in the world. Yet, as I write this I have a copy of such a letter right in front of me. It is being sent by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of America’s heroes. In my capacity as Executive Director of the United States Justice Foundation (USJF) I have been contacted by some of these veterans and the stories I am getting are appalling.

Many Second Amendment supporters are understandably alarmed:

VETERANS OF AMERICA: The Communists in DC Are Taking Your Gun Ownership Rights Away. thegatewaypundit.com/2013/02/shock-…Thank you for your service.

— FloridaJayhawk (@FloridaJayhawk) February 22, 2013

Obama to veterans: thanks for your service, but if you try to buy a gun, I’ll fine you and throw you in jail. thegatewaypundit.com/2013/02/shock-…

— Razor (@hale_razor) February 22, 2013

Exposed: Obama’s Ployto Disarm Veterans! #Obamas DeputizedDoctors to Label Veterans Mentally Unfit to Own a Gun!

— Southern With Sass (@LilSouthernSass) February 21, 2013

#VeteransAffairs to hundreds of #veterans: You are prohibited from purchasing / owning #firearms: tavernkeepers.com/va-sends-lette… #NRA #gunrights #VA

— Tavern Barkeep (@TavernBarkeep) February 22, 2013

FEDS SEND LETTER TO VETS REVOKING GUN RIGHTS:thegatewaypundit.com/2013/02/shock-…#tcot

— Dennis (@Dennis_Hostetlr) February 22, 2013

Is #Obama trying to deny 2nd Amendment rights – starting with veterans… tinyurl.com/avuxdta …or not? tinyurl.com/abv39sv

— Mike Murray (@emmeffemm) February 22, 2013

VETERANS receive letters from VA PROHIBITING OWNERSHIP or PURCHASE of FIREARMS!!! #GUN #TeaParty @nra @tedcruz thegatewaypundit.com/2013/02/shock-…

— Jim Chookagian (@nf3l) February 22, 2013

But the alarm over the VA letter seems to be unwarranted. In a post entitled, “Don’t beleive the hype on the VA letter summarily denying vets gun rights,” conservative blogger Bob Owens (who supports Second Amendment rights) debunks the rumors:

I have no idea who Michael Connelly is, but I can tell you this: his story is misleading at best, and purposeful fear-mongering at worst.

Connelly lays this out in such a way that the average person reading this gets the impression that the VA is arbitrarily sending letters to unsuspecting veterans that they’ve lost their 2nd Amendment rights because someone in far away Washington summarily checked a box on a whim. It is portrayed as a bolt from the blue, affecting a large percentage of veterans.

This [provision doesn’t apply] to someone just because they went into combat, or if they have some level of PTSD, or if they have a head injury. This generally applies to folks that are seriously mentally compromised.

Milblogger John Lilyea has a similar take:

The letter, despite the breathless reporting by this lawyer dude at the [Red Flag News] blog, explains to the veteran to whom the letter is addressed how to avoid being ruled incompetent.

By the way, I looked up the cite from 18 USC 942(a)(2) which merely refers to 18 USC 922(a)(6) which, in turn says you can’t lie when you buy a gun – so all of that legal crap doesn’t say anything we don’t know and it has nothing to do with being a mentally incapacitated veteran.

But, basically, what the letter doesn’t say is that the VA is disarming veterans arbitrarily. Don’t let this letter be the reason you don’t go to the VA to get the treatment you need and earned.

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/02/22/no-the-va-isnt-arbitrarily-disarming-veterans/

There are many things that can be deal breakers when it comes to relationships, and finding yourself involved with a mamas boy can be a pretty high contender.

But while they definitely pose a challenge, someone who loves and respects their mom as much as they do is bound to love and respect their partners too. So it might be worth sticking around

However, you definitely deserve a little more credit for dealing with an overbearing mother.

Heres a list of the daily struggles you might face while dating a mamas boy:

1. He will never truly be independent.

No matter how old he is, she will always come over probably unannounced to cook, clean and do laundry for him, all the while making snide little comments about how he must be starving without her.

This of course will go completely unnoticed by your SO, who will just smile and push past you to kiss her on the cheek. Dont mind us.

Lets not forget though, that this is if youre lucky and have managed to find one who has actually left the nest already, otherwise good luck trying to get him to move away from all those mommy home comforts.


2. Hell never believe anything unless his mom tells him so.

This could be as simple as you telling him how to cook a piece of pork right or booking a vacation. If itsnot how mom would have done it, its not right.

And thats not to mention the tough stuff like investments and buying a place together. If she doesnt know and approve of the neighborhood, you can kiss that apartment you love so much goodbye.


3. She will try and control your life now too.

No matter if you get him by some miracle to agree with you about where to live, or you simply give in and choose an apartment thats mom approved, dont just assume youll be able to decorate it how you want.

Get ready for enough pink frilly curtains and porcelain ornaments to make Professor Umbridge content.


4. He thinks your taste is her taste.

On that note, it wont be long until he starts to assume you both like the same things, which of course means matching Christmas presents. *Sigh.*

Obviously it is the thought that counts and you love him for that, but how many left out jewelry catalogues and web pages can one man miss?


5. She will always have the final say.

No matter the topic, mommy will always have the final say. Even if you manage to get him to see your point behind closed doors, just one phone call with dear old mommy and youll be set to swap your romantic Paris getaway for two with a family vacation.

Because obviously, its easier to say no to you than it is to her.


6. Youll never be able to avoid the comparisons.

I am sure these mamas boys dont do it on purpose, but its impossible for them to not look at the woman they have chosen to share their life with and compare them to their mothers.

Whether its the detergent you use (If youre nice enough to even do his laundry that is, because why should you?), the way you cook your eggs or the way you talk to him in the morning, hell always be quick to tell you that mom does it differently.

You know, just in case you want to morph into her anytime soon.


7. Hell always have to have his own way.

There is no person more stubborn than a mamas boy.

Being so used to getting his own way with no qualms from mom, hell struggle to understand why that treatment isnt extended to your relationship too.

With a little bit of patience, you might be able to get him to understand why its important to compromise, but if you have a short fuse, it might be time to say goodbye and find a more independent fella.


8. Youll never be able to make a joke about his mom.

No seriously, never ever. His mom is his entire world and hell see any joke made at her dispense, a personal dig and will not be able to let it go no matter how much you reassure him you like her.

Its just not worth it. Keep your mouth shut and send it to the girls chat instead; theyll give you the laughs you deserve.


9. He texts her more than he texts you (and doesnt think that its weird).

Ever get home from work and wonder why youve hardly heard from your SO all day? Only for him to tell you hes been crazy busy and hasnt had chance to look at his phone all day? Havent we all.

Do Women Actually Prefer Food Or Sex?

But of course if you saw his inbox you would see that hes not been too busy to respond to his mom earlier this afternoon. My advice, dont even bother confronting him about it, hell just look at you blankly and say, but thats my mom, that doesnt count.

*Sigh*


10. Hell call her about every little thing.

If you ever ask him to do any household task, hell make at least five phone calls to his mom to make sure he is doing it right thats if she doesnt just come over and do it for him.


11. He will lack drive.

Its only natural for somebody who has had things handed to them their whole life to struggle to understand the importance of hard work. It isnt necessarily his fault, but then again it isnt yours either, so why should you suffer because of it?

The best way to get him out of this bad habit is try to guide him in the right direction with support and encouragement.

There is nothing more infuriating than someone who just expects good things to happen for them with no effort. He needs to get out of this awful habit in order to succeed in life and to keep hold of your relationship.


12. He becomes unbearable when hes sick.

We all know that man flu is a very real thing, but when hes a mamas boy, its so much worse. And no matter how much you try and make him feel better, you wont be doing it right. It wont be long until his mother is over making soup and complaining about the lack of housework you seem to do.

The best thing to do when man flu strikes is leave them to it. That way, you dont have to deal with him whining about being sick and he gets his mom time without you having to take the brunt of her judgment.

Youre way too fabulous for phlegm and snot anyway.

But in the end, despite all their challenging characteristics, theres no doubt that a mamas boy knows how to dote on the women in hislife. And thats something special to hold on to.

Subscribe to Elite Daily’s official newsletter, The Edge, for more stories you don’t want to miss.

Read more: http://elitedaily.com/dating/cant-make-decisions-12-issues-come-dating-mamas-boy/1691505/

Staff Sergeant Kelly Foster of Pearland, Texas served in Iraq to protect his community, and now, that same community is rewarding him.

Foster purchased a classic 1965 Ford Mustang after his first tour of duty in 2005. The car, which quickly became his pride and joy, was expensive to restore. He could only afford to purchase one or two parts at a time.

When a pair of local car enthusiasts heard Foster’s story, they decided to chip in. Unbeknownst to Foster, Margaret and Timor Martin gathered enough money for $20,000 worth of repairs on the Mustang.

The Martins both come from military families and feel it’s important to show respect for troops.

Margaret said it was a community-wide effort to raise the funds.

We got some friends of ours together and everyone pitched in…We wanted to kind of pay it forward for someone who has served this country.

When the car was complete, Pearland residents gathered to surprise Foster with the impeccably repaired car, which he thought he was picking up after one or two minor repairs.

In response to the generous gift, Foster, who grinned from ear to ear, said he was “speechless.”

H/T: USA Today

Read more: http://elitedaily.com/news/world/strangers-surprise-iraq-war-veteran-by-repairing-his-vintage-mustang/799108/

Red Starbucks cups, flannels and gorgeous autumn leaves are some of the more pleasant ways that tell us winter is coming.

On the other hand, the not-so-pleasant ways include static everywhere, dry, itchy skin and runny noses.

Winter weather can really put stress on our skin and hair, which can end up affecting our mood. (SAD anyone?)

Face Mask Hacks For That Summer Glow [LABS]

Once fall rolls around, we know to swap out sandals for boots and coral lip gloss for burgundy matte lipstick.

But, there are also things we can switch up in our beauty routines to avoid feeling like a dry, fluffy ghost for the next five months:

1. Switch: cleanser

Changing your regular cleanser to a cream cleanser is the first swap to makein your beauty routine duringcolder months.

Many gel and foaming cleansers, especially those for blemishes, contain drying ingredients (alcohol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid). Look for a cream cleanser that contains glycerin, beeswax or any type of oil.

This goes for shower gels as well.


2. Add: facial mist

This may seem excessive, but a moisturizing facial mist can make a world of difference before applying face lotion or makeup.

If your face is still feeling tight after cleansing, spritz on some facial mist to rehydrate the skin and prepare it for face cream, or use it any time throughout the day when skin is feeling dry.

Bonus: Giving your face a few spritzes after applying makeup will help it last longer, appear more natural and take away the cake face feeling.


3. Add: exfoliation

If you dont already, start exfoliating that bod to slough off dead skin cells and prep it for ultimate moisture absorption.

Look for products that contain polishing particles like sea salt and sugar. Or, you can opt for an exfoliating mitt to use with your favorite body wash.

And dont forget about the face! If physical exfoliants are too harsh for your face, try a gentle chemical exfoliant that will give you the same results without the irritation from scrubbing.


4. Switch: lightweight to thick moisturizer

The skin on our face will usually be the first to tell us when its time to switch things upfor the winter.

Another swapthat will help keep you from drying up like a prune is exchanging your lightweight face lotion for a thick facial moisturizer to keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay, prevent dry patches and keep the skin feeling and looking youthful and plump.

Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

And dont forget about the delicate skin around the eyes. If you haventalready, add a hydrating eye cream to protect those peepers.


5. Switch: body lotion to body butter

Lightweight products are nice to use in the warmer months when slathering on a body butter can leave the skin feeling greasy.

But in the winter when moisture is sparse, switch your body lotion to a thick body butter to keep all your bits super soft and ready for a last-minute Netflix and chill session.


6. Add: oils

In the warmer months, its easy to avoid applying oils because the moisture in the air prevents skin from drying out.

But during the colder months when skin is desperately craving moisture, adding a layer of oil to the skin and hair can work wonders.

When your skin is dry, it creates excess sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture, which can lead to unwanted oily skin and clogged pores.

Keeping your sebaceous glands balanced by applying facial oil may help reduce the amount of oil your body needs to produce.

Use a light oil such as jojoba oil for already oily skin, and a heavier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, for dry skin.

But dont just stop at your face.You can apply oil like a body lotion immediately after a shower or wherever your skin is feeling dry.

For ultimate baby-butt-soft skin, apply body oil followed by lotion after a shower.

Not only does oil work great for the skin, but it also keeps frizzy hair at bay.

Static is one of the most annoying cold weather side effects, and it can make us look like we just stuck our hand in an electric socket.

To avoid Einstein hair, rub a small amount of oil from the mid-length to the ends of your hair while its still damp, after heat styling or any time you feel like its floating away. Just remember, a little goes a long way.

You can also create a homemade oil hair mask by combining your favorite oils and applying to the hair from root to tip.

Leave on for about 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual for extra soft and supple hair.


7. Add: nasal spray

This may seem like an odd addition to a beauty routine, but trust me, its worth it.

The dry weather doesnt only affect the skin, but it can dry up sinuses, too. Prevent nosebleeds and uncomfortable allergy symptoms with a natural nasal spray,an alternativeto chemical decongestants.


8. Add: face mask

When you think of a face mask, you may think of a tightening clay mask that draws out impurities and leaves the skin feeling tight and clear.

While those masks are beneficial, a hydrating mask can bring your skin back to life and give it a major boost of glow power. Try a sheet mask or a replenishing mask in a pot.


9. Add: self-tanner

The worst part of the winter may be the moment when we realize we cant see our tan lines anymore, and we become sad, pale spirits of summers past.

Self-tanner is quite possibly the most genius invention that gives us an instant confidence boost during our pastiest moments.

A nice wash of color helps us look slimmer, healthier and keeps us from fading into the snowy background.

Some self-tanners work in as little as two hours, allowing plenty of time to perfect that cat eye and red lip before the holiday party madness ensues.

What are your favorite winter beauty products tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Subscribe to Elite Daily’s official newsletter, The Edge, for more stories you don’t want to miss.

Read more: http://elitedaily.com/women/beauty-products-skin-care-winter/1689890/

http://twitter.com/#!/KenWahl1/status/487350408247930880

Actor Ken Wahl isn’t quite ready to move on to the Obama administration’s current crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border until at least one previous crisis is under control. He’s calling for a “surge” at the scandal-plagued Department of Veterans Affairs.

http://twitter.com/#!/lstowe48/status/487369141112672256

Related:

‘Blistering assessment’ of Veterans Affairs scandal quietly issued

‘Can’t speak for himself?’ Aide says Obama is ‘madder than hell’ about Veterans Affairs scandal

‘Smoking gun’ email shows Veterans Affairs office gaming the scheduling system

‘Administrators lied, veterans died’: Jim Geraghty seeks summary of VA scandal

‘This country has failed its veterans!’ Stacey Dash appalled by deaths at Phoenix VA

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2014/07/10/help-american-veterans-first-ken-wahl-calls-for-va-surge/

Jason Statham is doing pushups for a really great cause.

It’s called the 22 Pushup Challenge and it’s meant to draw awareness to the epidemic of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among military veterans. The 22 represents the highly-cited stat for the number of veterans, on average, who die by suicide each day (although that statistic is lacking context and possibly based on outdated or incomplete numbers).

In recent days, Statham has been posting videos of himself completing his 22 daily pushups even poking fun at director Guy Ritchie’s less-than-perfect form in the process.

To honor those who serve and to raise awareness for veteran suicide. Real heroes that need help.
@22pushupchallenge #22kill @guyritchie

Posted by Jason Statham on Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The goal of the challenge is to utilize the power of social media to combat the stigma surrounding veteran suicide.

With roles in movies like “The Transporter” series, “The Italian Job,” the “Fast & Furious” series, and pretty much any other film that’s ever needed a tough guy with a cockney accent, Statham is one of the greatest action stars of all time.

Knowing that, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that he’s got his form locked down when it comes to being able to fire off a string of pushups.

Statham isn’t alone, either. Tens of thousands of others celebs and otherwise have taken the 22 Pushup Challenge, sharing their stories on social media.

Some notable participants include John Krasinski of “The Office” and, more recently, “13 Hours.”

Actors Chris Pratt and Anna Farris also joined in the challenge.

And even Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker got in on the action.

Like other socially-driven awareness campaigns, the 22 Pushup Challenge relies on a combination of participation and fundraising.

Similar to 2014’s Ice Bucket Challenge, which helped raise more than $100 million for the ALS Association, the 22 Pushup Challenge helps raise money for an organization of its own: Honor Courage Commitment‘s 22Kill. Money raised by 22Kill through the 22 Pushup Challenge will be used to support organizations offering programs focused on veteran empowerment and mental health treatment.

While PTSD can affect anybody, veterans are at a higher risk of developing the condition than the general population.

Many combat veterans are exposed to traumatic, life-threatening experiences. According to the Veterans Administration, between 11 and 20% of veterans have PTSD. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to suicide.

To learn more about the 22 Pushup Challenge, visit 22Kill’s Facebook page.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/people-around-the-world-are-getting-in-on-the-22-pushup-challenge-to-help-veterans?c=tpstream

http://twitter.com/#!/mikekirbyone/status/400036821155205121

Twitchy favorite Stacey Dash was in the audience of Fox News’ “The Five” this afternoon and posed for a snap with hosts Kimberly Guilfoyle, Eric Bolling and Dana Perino.

http://twitter.com/#!/DanaPerino/status/400040149142106112

Dash was a big hit, especially considering she just watched the show from the audience.

http://twitter.com/#!/VampyKiss/status/400041167678472192
http://twitter.com/#!/libbens/status/400043162833412096
http://twitter.com/#!/PatrickMillsaps/status/400026753097154561

Dash also tweeted a Veterans Day thank you earlier today.

http://twitter.com/#!/REALStaceyDash/status/399969021824868352

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/11/11/star-power-stacey-dash-poses-with-three-of-the-five/

Dear US Veterans,

You're NO better than Islamic Terrorists.

Sincerely,
@JoyceCarolOates

twitter.com/joycecaroloate…

(ht @TwitchyTeam)

— Ed Shahzade (@Ed) May 15, 2014

That’s the message Joyce Carol Oates sent to veterans on Thursday when she suggested a repugnant moral equivalence between Islamic terrorists and those who serve in the U.S. military. “We are so very superior to the “suicide-bomber” cult–are we?” she asked. “US does not transform young vulnerable hopeless into human weapons of war?”

Many Twitter users weren’t buying the slimy attempt to inoculate herself against criticism with a couple of question marks.

http://twitter.com/#!/ConservativeLA/status/467028893741113347

How about these questions, Joyce?

http://twitter.com/#!/clarkr3000/status/466993664409882624
http://twitter.com/#!/Bilford_Wrimley/status/466993957092999168

Whatever’s wrong with her, it’s time for Oates to seek help.

http://twitter.com/#!/FrogSupply/status/467003539206963201

So do we.

These Twitter users say they served the country and were far from “vulnerable” and “hopeless.”

http://twitter.com/#!/BrandonStahl1/status/466984901108326400
http://twitter.com/#!/LislAK/status/467164378970603520
http://twitter.com/#!/FredKiesche/status/466988772379590656
http://twitter.com/#!/jon_jononymous/status/467032790253322241
http://twitter.com/#!/KurtSchlichter/status/467139294105059328

Pathetic, indeed.

Related:

Degenerate Joyce Carol Oates: Is the US military really ‘so very superior’ to terrorists?

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2014/05/16/veterans-hit-back-at-pathetic-author-joyce-carol-oates-after-asinine-military-smear/