If you find that idealistic representations in the media are having a negative effect on your self-esteem, it may be a good idea to decrease your exposure to media and social media outlets. Limit your time spent on social media websites, or eliminate it altogether. Delete or disable your social media pages. If you don’t want to completely disable or delete your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account, then limit the time you spend each day, or each week, checking up on your accounts. For example, keep it to 10 minutes a day or 30 minutes a week, but use caution since even small amounts of exposure can lead to negative comparative thinking. Limit your exposure by avoiding fashion magazines, reality television shows, certain movies, and music, etc. If you found yourself frequently comparing you to a certain model or athlete, avoid magazines, shows, or games that feature them. Even temporary exposure to media depicting ideal images has been shown to impact self-esteem and self-image negatively. This can even put you at risk for rumination and depression symptoms. Idealistic images in the media cannot always be avoided, so be aware if you're comparing yourself to them. Think about the realities of those seemingly perfect people or things.  For example, if you envy the perfect relationship that a friend has with her spouse, remember how difficult it was for her to find that partner and the challenges she may have faced. Empathy will replace jealousy. If you see someone with the body, car, or life you want, try to think of actions you can take to get yourself closer to these goals and write them down. Find ways to use them that will enrich your life. Follow educational, informative, or inspirational pages. If you want success, follow entrepreneurial accounts. If you want to achieve a better physical condition, follow fitness and healthy eating pages. If you want to improve your mind and personality, try following brain and psychology-related accounts.

Summary: Decrease your exposure to media and social media outlets. Avoid media that show ideal images. Start thinking realistically. Use social media in a positive way.


Tongue scrapers or cleaners can be purchased at the pharmacy or big box stores like Target or Walmart. They may feel less invasive than a larger, wider-surfaced toothbrush.  A tongue scraper is a small tool made of plastic or metal that gently removes debris and plaque from the tongue. To use a tongue scraper, place its edge toward the back of your tongue and gently pull forward. Repeat as needed to cover the surface of the tongue, rinsing between scrapes.  To reduce the gagging reflex, simply do not place the tongue scraper as far back into your mouth as you use it. Find the farther point you can place it without gagging, and start there. If the tongue scraper method does not work, you can use dental floss to clean the surface of the tongue.  Take a normal length of dental floss and drag it down across your tongue. This works well for individuals with a particularly high gag reflex, but it does not remove as much debris from the tongue as other methods. As with the tongue scraper, to reduce the gag reflex you will need to find the farthest distance back on the tongue that you can place the floss without gagging. If a tongue scraper or floss still triggers your gag reflex, a simple wet washcloth might be all you need.  Use a soft, clean washcloth and moisten it with warm water. You can add a bit of toothpaste if you like, but it isn't necessary, especially if the taste of the toothpaste contributes to your gag reflex. Wrap the cloth around one finger and gently rub the surface of the tongue to remove plaque and debris. Go as far back on the tongue as you can without gagging, rinsing the cloth periodically. People with very strong gag reflexes or sensitive tongues may not find a tongue cleaning method that works for them, but use of a good mouthwash can eliminate most of the problematic bacteria and leave the mouth healthy and clean.  Look for an antimicrobial mouthwash containing fluoride and alcohol. Be sure to rinse the teeth for 30 seconds then spit the mouthwash out completely. Do not drink water or rinse the teeth for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash. Brands like Listerine Total Care are effective at reducing bacteria in the mouth and leaving the breath fresh.  Ask your dentist about a prescription for an oral rinse of chlorhexidine gluconate. Using this twice a day may eliminate the need for tongue brushing and help you battle gingivitis.

Summary: Try a tongue scraper. Try flossing your tongue. Try using a washcloth. Use mouthwash.


Although these two positions are similar in some ways, they differ from each other considerably. While the duties and prerequisites for a medical examiner may be more consistent from one locality to the next, those of a coroner vary a great deal. Know the difference between the two to decide which position adheres the most to your ambition.  Medical examiners are typically appointed. To be appointed, you need to be a licensed physician with a specialization in forensic pathology. Your primary purpose would be performing autopsies when needed and disclosing your conclusions to law enforcement. Coroners may be elected or appointed. Depending on local laws, you may need to have the same qualifications and perform the same duties as a medical examiner. Or you may serve as more of an administrative head who contracts outside help, in which case the qualifications for your office may require less medical training. For any particular place where you wish to find employment, find out what prerequisites are demanded by the state, county, and municipality. Know what higher education, previous experience, and specialized training is required for that particular office. Determine whether you will have to run for office or simply apply for the job. Find out if your state even offers coroner positions.   States mandating that you must be a physician: Kansas; Louisiana; Minnesota; Ohio.  States demanding that you receive specialized training: Alabama; Colorado; Georgia; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Mississippi; Montana; Nebraska; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; West Virginia; Wyoming  States without coroner offices: Alaska; Arizona; Connecticut; Delaware; District of Columbia; Florida; Iowa; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; Oklahoma; Oregon; Rhode Island; Utah; Vermont; Virginia If you are serious about pursuing death investigation as a lifelong career, improve your chances of finding well-paid employment by becoming a medical examiner. Whether a chief coroner position is filled by appointment or election, set yourself apart from other candidates with an impressive resume that is most relevant to the job in question. Increase your mobility with the necessary prerequisites to find employment elsewhere should you fail to be hired for a specific office.

Summary: the difference between the two offices. Research local laws and hiring processes. Consider becoming a medical examiner.


Mix 1 cup of water with approximately 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the water and lemon juice into a spray bottle. Use clips to section your hair up, and thoroughly spray each section of your hair. After your entire head of hair is sprayed with lemon juice, run a wide-tooth comb through your hair. You could also spray smaller sections of your hair for highlights. Simply section off the pieces of hair you want lighter, put a towel underneath that section of hair, and spray that individual portion of your hair. Go outside and let your hair be exposed to the sun. The sun will react with the lemon juice to lighten your hair. The sun will dry your damp hair. Be very careful to wear a protective sunscreen while outside. After your hair is fully dried, rinse out the lemon juice from your hair. You can shampoo your hair normally, but make sure you condition your hair. The lemon juice is notably drying to your hair.
Summary: Mix together water and lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your hair. Expose your hair to sunlight. Rinse your hair.