LIFESTYLE

4 Powerful Ways To Be Assertive And Stand Up For Yourself In Any Situation

Published

5 years ago

January 16, 2019

Every day we make dozens of little choices that either benefit us by asserting our ideas or diminish us because we hesitate in making our views or desires known. Sometimes it seems easier to go with the flow to avoid potential conflict. But the truth is that letting people walk all over you can increase feelings of stress and anxiety, and it might eventually lessen your feelings of self-worth and play to your insecurities.

Learning to be assertive and standing up for yourself will help you take charge of your life, believe in your own power and embolden you to reach for your dreams. The stronger you feel, the stronger you will become.

Practice being transparent and authentic

It might be difficult at times, but if you learn to express yourself openly and honestly, it will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. So often, we hide behind a halfhearted smile and nod instead of saying what we think. It takes practice, but learning to be authentic and open about what you are feeling or thinking is the first step. Once you get in the habit of making yourself heard without being overly accommodating or defensive, people will be more open to hearing you.

Seek to understand first before being understood

Asking yourself what drives the other person to behave and communicate in ways you feel create harm can greatly help to reduce your growing sense of anger and fury. However, stepping into the other person’s perspective is not about dismissing your feelings or compromising your values and principles; rather, it helps you to communicate in a language the other person will understand. Your efforts to be assertive will have far greater impact when you actively consider what might be going on for them.

Take small but powerful steps

If you are struggling with being assertive, start taking small steps to stand up for yourself. Even just learning to walk more confidently—head held high, shoulders back—will help you appear and feel more confident. Channel that confidence when dealing with others. This attitude can apply to all areas of your life.

Agree to disagree

Don’t make the error of thinking effective assertiveness means convincing and winning over others to adopt your values and point of view. If you do, expect to be met with resistance. You also risk becoming a bully yourself! The smarter approach involves having a genuine willingness to invite and appreciate others’ perspectives. Recognizing and appreciating these differences helps to even the playing ground. It reveals that even though you disagree, you have the wisdom to still show respect.

Related Topics:4 Powerful Ways To Be Assertive And Stand Up For Yourself In Any Situation Assertiveness

Up Next

These 4 Brain Rules Will Help You Survive At Work

Don't Miss

See The 5 Most Stylish Football Managers In The Premier League 2018/2019 Season

FOOD

How To Make Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Published

4 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Make Honey Butter Dinner Rolls | Fab.ng

These soft, sweet honey butter dinner rolls are the perfect way to elevate any meal! This delightsome goodness is perfect for Sunday dinners, and special occasions and holidays.

They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re so delicious that you’ll be making them again and again.

Brushing them with honey butter sauce after baking takes them to the next level. These delightful rolls are perfect for any occasion, from Sunday dinners to holidays and special events.

These dinner rolls are guaranteed to be a family favourite! The secret lies in the honey butter sauce, which creates soft, buttery rolls that melt in your mouth.

Want your rolls to rise faster? Heat some water in a heat-safe dish and place it in your cold oven on a lower shelf. The heat and steam will help activate the yeast and speed up the rising process.

Why you’ll love these honey butter dinner rolls

They’re Irresistible! These rolls are so delicious, that they’re practically habit-forming. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
They’re the ideal addition to any special occasion or holiday meal. They’ll add a touch of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness to your dinner table.
Get ready for a delightful combination of soft and fluffy. These rolls have an incredible texture that practically melts in your mouth.
The honey butter sauce is the star of the show! It adds a burst of flavour and richness that will have you wanting more.
This recipe is mixer-free! No need to worry about extra equipment.
As long as you can spare an hour and a half (or even more) for rising, you’re good to go. Plus, baking them is a breeze – they take less than 15 minutes!
These rolls can be prepped in advance! Make them days or even weeks before you need them, and simply bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What you’ll need to make Honey Butter Dinner Rolls:

For the rolls:

All-purpose flour: This is the base for the fluffy dough.
Warm whole milk and warm water: These activate the yeast and create a moist dough.
Softened butter (room temperature): This adds richness and flavour to the rolls.
Monk fruit sweetener or sugar (the recipe uses monk fruit): Choose your preferred sweetener for a touch of sweetness.
Envelope of active dry yeast: This helps the dough rise for light and fluffy rolls.
Egg (room temperature): This adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavour of the rolls.

For the honey butter sauce:

Softened butter (room temperature): This creates a smooth and spreadable sauce.
Honey: The star ingredient! Honey adds sweetness and a touch of floral flavour.
Confectioners’ or powdered monk fruit or sugar: This ingredient (choose your preferred sweetener) adds a touch of sweetness and helps thicken the sauce for a perfect drizzle.

Honey Butter Rolls - Fab.ng

Let’s Bake Honey Butter Dinner Rolls, step-by-step

Get ready to make these amazing honey butter dinner rolls from scratch! Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Gather and prep:

As with most recipes, prepping your ingredients makes things easier.
First, we’ll activate, or “proof,” the yeast. In a bowl, combine warm water with the yeast packet and 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener (monk fruit or sugar). Stir it all together and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.

2. Make the dough:

Once the yeast is proofed, add it to a large bowl with the warm milk, beaten egg, softened butter, and the rest of your chosen sweetener. Use a whisk to combine everything. Don’t worry if the mixture isn’t perfectly smooth – small butter lumps are okay.
Now, add the flour and salt. Use clean hands to mix everything until it forms a dough ball. The dough might be a bit sticky.

3. First rise:

Lightly oil another large bowl and place your dough ball inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and find a warm, quiet spot for it to rise. Let it sit for at least 45 minutes to an hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Make the honey butter:

While the dough is rising, prepare your honey butter sauce. Simply combine honey, butter, and powdered sweetener (or powdered monk fruit if that’s what you choose) with a spatula. Set this mixture aside for later.

5. Knead the dough:

Once your dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down with your knuckles to release the air. Flour a pastry board and transfer the dough there. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6. Roll and shape the dough:

Divide the dough into two equal balls. Set one aside for now. Lightly flour your rolling pin and pastry board or mat. Roll out one dough ball into a large square, similar to pizza dough.
Use a pastry cutter to cut the dough square into small rectangles. You can aim for roughly 16 rectangles, or more if you prefer smaller rolls. Grease a large baking dish (ideally 9×13 inches or bigger) to prepare for baking.

7. Brush and second rise:

Take your honey butter mixture and lightly brush it over each dough rectangle. Now, roll up each rectangle and place it in the greased baking dish.
Repeat this process with the remaining dough ball.
Once all the rolls are shaped and placed in the dish, cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm spot for another 45 minutes to an hour, or until they double in size.

8. Bake and enjoy!

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Take off the plastic wrap from your baking dish. Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
While the rolls are hot out of the oven, brush them with any leftover honey butter sauce.
Serve your delicious, warm honey butter dinner rolls alongside your main course.

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls | Fab.ng

Helpful tips for making Honey Butter Dinner Rolls:

The dough might feel a bit sticky before its first rise, but that’s completely normal. Just make sure to grease the bowl before placing the dough inside for rising.
After the first rise, use your knuckles to gently punch down the dough. This helps release the air trapped inside, leading to better results.
Don’t forget to flour your pastry board or mat before kneading the dough. This will prevent sticking and make the process easier.
The recipe uses monk fruit sweetener, but feel free to substitute it with regular sugar if that’s what you prefer.
Avoid over-kneading your dough. Knead only until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Make sure to let your dough rise for a second time after shaping the rolls. This allows them to become light and fluffy before baking.
Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven. To avoid burning, set a timer for 15 minutes. Remember, baking times might vary depending on the size of your rolls or your oven’s specific settings.
If you’re unsure if your rolls are done baking, you can use the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the centre of a roll. If it comes out clean, your rolls are good to go! If it comes out with raw dough clinging to it, bake for a few more minutes.

HEALTHY LIVING

Goosebumps In Hot Weather: Not Just A Chill, It Could Be A Warning Sign

Published

8 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Goosebumps in Hot Weather: It Could Be a Warning Sign | Fab.ng

We all know goosebumps as those raised bumps on our skin that appear when we’re cold. But did you know you can also get goosebumps in hot weather? While it might seem counterintuitive, it’s actually possible.

However, goosebumps in hot weather can be a sign of something more serious than just a strange bodily reaction.

Understanding goosebumps

The science behind the bumps

Goosebumps, medically known as piloerection, are caused by tiny muscles beneath the skin called arrector pili muscles. When these muscles contract, they pull on the hair follicles, causing the hair to stand on the end and the skin to dimple, creating a bumpy appearance.

Evolved for warmth (usually)

This reaction is a leftover from our evolutionary past. In colder temperatures, piloerection traps a layer of air around the body, providing some insulation and helping us retain warmth.

Animals with fur experience the same phenomenon, fluffing up their fur to create a thicker layer for better insulation.

Goosebumps in hot weather: A sign of trouble?

So, why do we get goosebumps in hot weather when it doesn’t make sense to stay warm? It turns out, that goosebumps during hot weather can be a sign that your body is struggling to regulate its temperature. Here’s how:

Heat exhaustion

When the body gets too hot, it tries to cool down by sweating. However, sweating can become less effective in extreme heat or during intense exercise.

In this case, goosebumps might appear as the body attempts to trap a thin layer of air close to the skin for some minimal insulation, a leftover response that isn’t helpful in this situation.

Goosebumps along with other symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps could indicate heat exhaustion.

Fight-or-flight response

Sometimes, goosebumps in hot weather can be triggered by a sudden emotional response, like fear or anxiety. This is because the body’s fight-or-flight response diverts resources away from non-essential functions like sweating, which can lead to a temporary spike in body temperature and cause goosebumps.

Goosebumps in Hot Weather: It Could Be a Warning Sign | Fab.ng

When to be concerned

While occasional goosebumps in hot weather might not be a cause for alarm, there are situations where it’s important to seek medical attention:

Persistent goosebumps with other symptoms

If you experience persistent goosebumps along with symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or headache in hot weather, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion.

Early intervention is crucial to prevent it from progressing to heatstroke, a more serious condition.

Chronic goosebumps

If you frequently get goosebumps even in mild temperatures, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition like thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or certain neurological disorders. Consulting a doctor to determine the cause is important.

Staying safe in hot weather

Here are some tips to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses, including those that might cause goosebumps:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Seek Shade and Air Conditioning: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak heat hours. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing: Choose lightweight, light-coloured clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
Limit Strenuous Activity: Avoid exercising or engaging in strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Take Cool Showers or Baths: Cooling down your body temperature can help prevent overheating.

By understanding why goosebumps can occur in hot weather and being aware of the potential dangers, you can take steps to stay safe and enjoy the warm weather comfortably.

If you enjoyed reading this article, consider visiting here for more.

ARTS & CULTURE

Why ‘Isiagu’ Styles Are Becoming Norm At Igbo Ceremonies

Published

13 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Why 'Isiagu' styles are becoming norm at Igbo ceremonies | Fab.ng

The ‘Isiagu’ is a traditional Igbo attire that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is becoming increasingly common at Igbo ceremonies and events. This trend reflects a growing interest in cultural identity and traditional fashion among the Igbo people of Nigeria.

‘Isiagu’ literally means “lion head” in the Igbo language. The name comes from the design on the fabric, which often features lions’ heads. However, modern Isiagu designs may include other animals or symbols that are significant to Igbo culture.

Traditionally, the Isiagu was worn only by Igbo chiefs and elders. It was a symbol of status and authority. The garment usually consists of a loose-fitting shirt, often paired with trousers made from the same fabric. In the past, it was typically made from a thick, textured material.

Today, the Isiagu has evolved. It is now worn by many Igbo men, not just chiefs and elders. The style has become more diverse, with various colours and designs available. Some modern Isiagu shirts are made from lighter, more comfortable fabrics.

Several factors have contributed to the rising popularity of ‘Isiagu’ styles at Igbo ceremonies:

The vibrant Isiagu fabric with its lion head motif is becoming an increasingly common sight at Igbo ceremonies, and its rise in popularity stems from a confluence of cultural pride, fashion innovation, and a desire for connection.

Celebration of Igbo identity

Younger generations of Igbo people are experiencing a surge in cultural awareness. Wearing Isiagu becomes a way to express this newfound pride and connect with their ancestral roots. It’s a tangible symbol of belonging and a celebration of their unique Igbo heritage.

Fashion with heritage

Nigerian fashion designers are playing a key role in this trend. They’re taking inspiration from tradition and reinterpreting the classic Isiagu fabric for a modern audience. This translates into fresh silhouettes, cuts, and even colour variations that weren’t typically seen before.

This innovative approach makes the fabric more appealing to a wider range of people, introducing them to the rich cultural significance of Isiagu.

Celebrity influence and diaspora connection

Igbo celebrities and public figures sporting Isiagu at high-profile events further fuel the trend. Their visibility puts the spotlight on this unique garment, making it desirable and emblematic of Igbo style.

Similarly, Igbo people living abroad often wear Isiagu at cultural gatherings. Also, it’s a way for them to feel connected to their heritage and express their identity even across vast distances.

Versatility for modern life

The beauty of modern Isiagu styles lies in their adaptability. Unlike the traditional use of the fabric for specific occasions, contemporary designs can be dressed up or down. This versatility makes them suitable for a variety of occasions, from weddings and formal ceremonies to casual gatherings. This functionality allows people to incorporate their cultural background into their everyday lives.

Beyond Isiagu: a pan-African movement

The growing popularity of Isiagu isn’t an isolated phenomenon. It’s part of a wider movement across Africa where many ethnic groups are rediscovering and reclaiming their traditional attire.

This cultural awakening is a form of expression, allowing them to showcase their unique heritage and resist being dominated by Western fashion trends. Isiagu’s rise is a microcosm of this broader movement towards cultural self-affirmation through fashion.

A balancing act: tradition vs. accessibility

However, the trend isn’t without debate. Some Igbo traditionalists argue that the widespread use of Isiagu diminishes its significance as a symbol of authority and exclusivity. They believe that the fabric held a special weight when reserved for certain occasions or social statuses.

Others welcome the “democratization” of Isiagu, seeing it as a way to keep Igbo culture alive and relevant for future generations. They believe that wider adoption fosters cultural appreciation and ensures the traditions don’t fade away.

A blend of past and present

As Isiagu styles continue to evolve, they are likely to remain a prominent feature of Igbo ceremonies. The fabric serves as a powerful symbol of Igbo identity, seamlessly blending tradition with modern fashion sensibilities.

Its increasing popularity reflects the dynamic nature of cultural practices and the enduring importance of traditional dress in contemporary African societies.

Ultimately, the rise of Isiagu showcases how cultures can adapt and evolve, while still holding onto the threads of their heritage. Indeed, it’s a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the human desire to celebrate our unique identities.

For more on culture, visit here.