Do you know why most of us do not succeed in most of what we try to do? Is it lack of effort? A plan gone awry even with the best intentions, perhaps? Well, maybe. But know this, the main reason why we fail is because of our lack of BELIEVING in ourselves. We essentially hold ourselves back. What's holding us back? Fear and lack of self-esteem.
Look at yourself at the mirror and speak out loud of what you see. Do you really see yourself or a shadow of what you aspire to be? You are unique and special because there is no other like yourself. That can be good and bad you say but that is the plain old truth of it all. You lack the will and determination of pushing through your aspirations and endeavors for fear of two things, actually; failing and rejection. What do the most successful individuals in their respective fields have in common? They have failed so many times. They saw their failures as stepping stones or learning curves and they were not afraid to fail nor did they remain fallen for long.
Be proud of who you are. DO NOT MEASURE YOURSELF BY SOMEBODY ELSE'S STANDARDS. As long as you are happy the way you are there is absolutely no reason for you to change for anybody. Remember that acceptance is the first step to loving so if you feel that you don't exactly 'fit in', it's because you haven't yet met the crowd where you belong. Don't get me wrong here. Individuality has nothing to do with it. It's just that most people feel they need to belong to the 'in crowd' in order to be somebody and that is absolutely B.S. The only standards you need to live by are your own. Let me repeat that in case you haven't really absorbed what I just said; THE ONLY STANDARDS YOU NEED TO LIVE BY ARE YOUR OWN.
Well, as usual, here are some tips on overcoming low self-esteem;
1. Socialize more. When you have reached your level of comfort zone in interacting with other people you will eventually overcome your weaknesses.
2. Dress to impress but do not overdress. Don't look like you just got out of the sofa when you go out. Look the part and you will get noticed.
3. Maintain collectiveness and reservations in social gatherings. Don't talk too much or you'll be labeled as the 'insecure' one and are desperately vying for anyone and everyone's attention.
4. Speak with confidence. Don't mumble or stutter either. Choose your words carefully and speak plainly.
5. Learn to control your fears. There is no harm in trying. the greatest damage is knowing you can do it but really never had the guts to even begin. Don't let your apprehension hold you back. The world is out there and you need to be a part of it.
6. Give yourself enough credit. Commend yourself on deeds well done. Boosting your self- confidence will elevate your self-esteem.
7. Learn to relax. Nothing is as hard as what you make it out to be. It's all in your head. Think power thoughts and positive thoughts and positive energy will flow through you.
8. Stay away from negative people. Negativity only breeds negativity.
9. Do not stereotype other people because unknowingly you are simply comparing them to yourself.
10. Lastly, smile often. happy people are contented people. Set your goals and aim high but know this- sometimes in order to succeed you need to fall a couple of times. It's just life.
Well, I hope this helped you guys. I was once insecure and had a low self-esteem. If only I could only lock myself from the world. Boy was I wrong. Totally wrong. you don't want to spend the rest of your life running down through your "if only..." list, now do you? Until our next post. You guys take care.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
How to Increase your Memory
As we age our memory, or more precisely our ability to memorize, declines. Aging neurons are not replaced and therefore our capacity to memorize, recall, and even recognize somewhat diminishes. This is a natural physiologic process and is part and parcel of growing old. There are, however, degenerative diseases which does affect memory but these are pathological conditions and they can occur at any age. Before we begin our post on how to increase or improve our memory power let's make a clear concept of what memory is and the types of memory ( what, you didn't know there are several types of memory?)
Ever lost sleep trying to recall the name of somebody you ran into at the local supermarket? You know it's at the tip of your tongue you just can't remember who that person was. You RECOGNIZE her but can't RECALL her name. This case scenario happens to everybody and it's nothing new. Well there are essentially several types of memory but are categorized into two groups; that of short term memory, and that of long term memory. Long term memory can be further divided into explicit, implicit, and autobiographical memories. Let' just say, to make things simple, that short term memory is your "working" memory. It's what you remember on a day to day basis. It allows you to function with familiarity and continuity. Long term memory, on the other hand, is STORED memory and are often more complex than short term memory in that they involve more detail and are stored in different memory systems. Short term memory does not have this ability to be stored so if you stopped doing something for a while you will probably forget how to do it next time around. However, if you've been playing baseball all your life, you'll never forget how to play it. See the difference.
But enough of the medical lingo now and let's get to HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR MEMORY OR ABILITY TO MEMORIZE. The brain, being an organ in and of itself also needs "EXERCISE" You have to get into the habit of trying to recall things in order to work your memory. You can also do mental exercises like a crossword puzzle, perhaps, which hones your ability to think for sustained periods as well as increase your span of ATTENTION. The first step to increasing your memory is to INCREASE YOUR ATTENTIVENESS. Most of us go through a day without even paying much attention to the little moments and details which comprise our day. We simply want to hurry things along to get them over with. Sometimes completion is more important than procedures for us.
The next is perhaps the most obvious and the most overlooked; and that is optimal health. Your brain consumes a lot of what you take in and if you eat poorly or excessively ( both ends of the spectrum), your mental state of mind also suffers.
Eat to sustain your body ONLY. Eat right, exercise frequently, and eradicate any vices you might have. Foods high in iron, minerals such as folic acid, and B-vitamins increase brain power. Lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, and fatigue decreases it.
As I mentioned earlier, try to do mental exercises. Do the crossword puzzle on your morning paper. This allows you to exercise rote memory as well as retrieval from your long term memory stores. Another exercise you can certainly do is be an avid reader. Be wide read but not bookish ( if you know what I mean). You don't want to be called a bookworm now do you?
Increasing your ability to memorize names, things, places, concepts, and even detailed information like numbers comes with continual practice. You can associate things with other familiar objects to make memorizing them easier. You can also make a song out of a slew of information. Anything silly will be memorable so keep that in mind. Until our next post, you guys take care.
Ever lost sleep trying to recall the name of somebody you ran into at the local supermarket? You know it's at the tip of your tongue you just can't remember who that person was. You RECOGNIZE her but can't RECALL her name. This case scenario happens to everybody and it's nothing new. Well there are essentially several types of memory but are categorized into two groups; that of short term memory, and that of long term memory. Long term memory can be further divided into explicit, implicit, and autobiographical memories. Let' just say, to make things simple, that short term memory is your "working" memory. It's what you remember on a day to day basis. It allows you to function with familiarity and continuity. Long term memory, on the other hand, is STORED memory and are often more complex than short term memory in that they involve more detail and are stored in different memory systems. Short term memory does not have this ability to be stored so if you stopped doing something for a while you will probably forget how to do it next time around. However, if you've been playing baseball all your life, you'll never forget how to play it. See the difference.
But enough of the medical lingo now and let's get to HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR MEMORY OR ABILITY TO MEMORIZE. The brain, being an organ in and of itself also needs "EXERCISE" You have to get into the habit of trying to recall things in order to work your memory. You can also do mental exercises like a crossword puzzle, perhaps, which hones your ability to think for sustained periods as well as increase your span of ATTENTION. The first step to increasing your memory is to INCREASE YOUR ATTENTIVENESS. Most of us go through a day without even paying much attention to the little moments and details which comprise our day. We simply want to hurry things along to get them over with. Sometimes completion is more important than procedures for us.
The next is perhaps the most obvious and the most overlooked; and that is optimal health. Your brain consumes a lot of what you take in and if you eat poorly or excessively ( both ends of the spectrum), your mental state of mind also suffers.
Eat to sustain your body ONLY. Eat right, exercise frequently, and eradicate any vices you might have. Foods high in iron, minerals such as folic acid, and B-vitamins increase brain power. Lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, and fatigue decreases it.
As I mentioned earlier, try to do mental exercises. Do the crossword puzzle on your morning paper. This allows you to exercise rote memory as well as retrieval from your long term memory stores. Another exercise you can certainly do is be an avid reader. Be wide read but not bookish ( if you know what I mean). You don't want to be called a bookworm now do you?
Increasing your ability to memorize names, things, places, concepts, and even detailed information like numbers comes with continual practice. You can associate things with other familiar objects to make memorizing them easier. You can also make a song out of a slew of information. Anything silly will be memorable so keep that in mind. Until our next post, you guys take care.
Friday, July 8, 2011
How You Look Matters
Nothing exudes confidence better than your appearance. First impressions are hard to forget and most likely the lasting ones. If you're going to put your best foot forward, start by looking the part first. What am I talking about here? Am I suggesting that you go out and get a copy of that fall fashion catalog you saw your neighbor perusing over the other day? Appearance, folks is not just based on how you look. It's how you carry yourself. It's the way you talk. Do you talk with the utmost confidence or just simply mumble your words? It's also the way you project your personality towards others. These and your outward appearance can say a ton about you ( and consequently mean being hired or having your application relegated to the "other" stack).
The first order of the day is learning how to broaden your vocabulary. Strengthening your word power can project intellectuality but more importantly it shows you are a willing learner. Be a wide reader and try to look up confounding words if you can. Also, how you answer can mean a lot. If you are asked a yes or no question then give a yes or no answer. If asked to elaborate further then do so. Don't go beyond the scope of the question because your answers will fall on deaf ears.
Secondly, personal hygiene and grooming are essential. They indicate whether you are health conscious and look after yourself. Tidiness at the workplace and home can also say a lot of your character. Individuals who are detail-conscious are goal oriented and this sort of work ethic can mean the difference between coming up with solutions or being barraged with endless suggestions. Remember that hard work builds character.
Thirdly, power dress yourself but don't overdo it. Keep your wardrobe simple and don't accessorize to the point of vanity. Wearing loud colors won't help either. On a job interview black is the gold standard. Keeping your wardrobe pressed and free of stains speaks volumes of your projected image. You don't want to look like you do at 5 o'clock when it's only 9 a.m. in the morning now do you? Also. don't over accessorize. Use soft glow colors and less printed fabrics.
Lastly, learn to speak and act with positivity. Stand tall and exude confidence. Be humble yet sure, be friendly yet reserved, be open and willing yet non-compromising. So you see, it's not JUST the way you look that reflects who and what you are. Of course don't get caught in your local supermarket wearing your house scrubs. Always look your best and be at your best. You'll never know when you will be caught off guard and unawares. Project an image that says what you want other people to think of you. Carry yourself appropriately and accordingly. Never loose your calm in any situation. How you look matters because how you are seen ( especially for the first time) already instills an 80% image in the mind's eye of the casual observer. So look your best. Until our next post,folks.
The first order of the day is learning how to broaden your vocabulary. Strengthening your word power can project intellectuality but more importantly it shows you are a willing learner. Be a wide reader and try to look up confounding words if you can. Also, how you answer can mean a lot. If you are asked a yes or no question then give a yes or no answer. If asked to elaborate further then do so. Don't go beyond the scope of the question because your answers will fall on deaf ears.
Secondly, personal hygiene and grooming are essential. They indicate whether you are health conscious and look after yourself. Tidiness at the workplace and home can also say a lot of your character. Individuals who are detail-conscious are goal oriented and this sort of work ethic can mean the difference between coming up with solutions or being barraged with endless suggestions. Remember that hard work builds character.
Thirdly, power dress yourself but don't overdo it. Keep your wardrobe simple and don't accessorize to the point of vanity. Wearing loud colors won't help either. On a job interview black is the gold standard. Keeping your wardrobe pressed and free of stains speaks volumes of your projected image. You don't want to look like you do at 5 o'clock when it's only 9 a.m. in the morning now do you? Also. don't over accessorize. Use soft glow colors and less printed fabrics.
Lastly, learn to speak and act with positivity. Stand tall and exude confidence. Be humble yet sure, be friendly yet reserved, be open and willing yet non-compromising. So you see, it's not JUST the way you look that reflects who and what you are. Of course don't get caught in your local supermarket wearing your house scrubs. Always look your best and be at your best. You'll never know when you will be caught off guard and unawares. Project an image that says what you want other people to think of you. Carry yourself appropriately and accordingly. Never loose your calm in any situation. How you look matters because how you are seen ( especially for the first time) already instills an 80% image in the mind's eye of the casual observer. So look your best. Until our next post,folks.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
How To Cure Loneliness
Can you recognize symptoms of loneliness? Can you outrightly pick out behavioral changes brought about or due to loneliness? Well, being alone is no fun that's for sure but what's important to unravel is why people are alone, or more importantly, why do they make the conscious decision to BE alone.
A lot of times in our lives we experience pain that continually haunt us. Because of the anxiety, depression, and remorse associated with such an experience we often avoid circumstances and situations which may precipitate a repeat of such an experience. In other words we become defensive in nature. Perhaps a failed relationship or a tragic experience can lead to this. It is in our human nature to take the path of least resistance and this form of countermeasure, although effective, has its own downside as well.
A lot of us tend to be "loners", preferring to be left alone going about our own business. Well, let me share with you two universal truths regarding loneliness;
1. NONE of us are ever truly alone.
2. Loneliness is NOT healthy.
Let me elaborate on these two points. None of us are ever truly alone. Whether we care to admit it or not, we are never really alone. Somewhere out there someone or a group of people associate themselves with you and that means relationships. Of course if you have other issues in question like communication gaps and issues of trust that is a different matter altogether. Resolution or closure of such issues can indeed broaden distances between two people and is , therefore, unhealthy. The other point is that we as human beings thrive on relationships for personal growth, maturity, emotional completeness, and character building. Without other people to complete our lives we are socially insecure, emotionally unstable, and lacking self-esteem. What's more is that loneliness can lead to depression and depression can lead to death.
So the question begins with HOW,but the first part of any problem starts with recognition and acceptance. Only when you have come to that point can healing be initiated( and without difficulty). I am not saying you should go out more, although that's not a bad suggestion in the sense, but I am hinting at making your present relationships richer. Relationships, you see, are like plants. They need to be taken care of and nurtured in order to grow healthily. So curing loneliness begins with this first step:
1. Make your relationships richer.
The next step has something to do with YOU. You must allow yourself some room to change, be open-minded, be patient, and, most importantly, be more loving. Know this other universal truth; There are many things in life we are not capable of changing, but those in which we have the power to change we can certainly improve upon. And that certainly does not exclude you. The second step to the HOW then is:
2. Reset your life by resetting yourself.
The third step to curing loneliness is rather difficult for most people. Difficult in the sense that they don't see this term in it's totality. Instead they see it in gradients or degrees of partiality. What am I talking about? FORGIVENESS. Is it so hard to forgive SOMEONE? Let me rephrase the question in a different light. Is it so hard to forgive YOURSELF? I want you to think long and hard on that one. Try to see how the question relates to your life, your relationships, your outlook, and almost everything else,really. You see, it all begins with recognizing the problem, accepting that there is indeed a problem, and for whatever mistakes or shortcomings thereof-forgiveness. Remember, the third step is:
3. Learn to be more forgiving.
Being alone or feeling lonely is not healthy. Not only do you harbor negativity and emotional instability you also prevent yourself from growing in all aspects. Don't close yourself out. Don't shut the door to the world. You are not simply going to fade away or become distant memory because this is real life, not poetry. With that we come to the last step in curing loneliness:
4. Be not afraid.
Fear is the one greatest thing which hampers almost everything in our lives. I can go on and on on how it affects us and destabilize and immobilize us but let us take it on the viewpoint of loneliness. We are alone because we are afraid to commit, we are afraid to make the first step to closure, we are afraid of taking risks, we are afraid of being hurt (again?), or we are afraid of failing. You get the picture. Life warrants necessary risks from time to time, you see. Learn to use your fears to your advantage. Use it as a leverage to becoming more cautious, more attentive, and more sensitive to your needs and other peoples as well. Never let it be a deterring factor in your life.
Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
A lot of times in our lives we experience pain that continually haunt us. Because of the anxiety, depression, and remorse associated with such an experience we often avoid circumstances and situations which may precipitate a repeat of such an experience. In other words we become defensive in nature. Perhaps a failed relationship or a tragic experience can lead to this. It is in our human nature to take the path of least resistance and this form of countermeasure, although effective, has its own downside as well.
A lot of us tend to be "loners", preferring to be left alone going about our own business. Well, let me share with you two universal truths regarding loneliness;
1. NONE of us are ever truly alone.
2. Loneliness is NOT healthy.
Let me elaborate on these two points. None of us are ever truly alone. Whether we care to admit it or not, we are never really alone. Somewhere out there someone or a group of people associate themselves with you and that means relationships. Of course if you have other issues in question like communication gaps and issues of trust that is a different matter altogether. Resolution or closure of such issues can indeed broaden distances between two people and is , therefore, unhealthy. The other point is that we as human beings thrive on relationships for personal growth, maturity, emotional completeness, and character building. Without other people to complete our lives we are socially insecure, emotionally unstable, and lacking self-esteem. What's more is that loneliness can lead to depression and depression can lead to death.
So the question begins with HOW,but the first part of any problem starts with recognition and acceptance. Only when you have come to that point can healing be initiated( and without difficulty). I am not saying you should go out more, although that's not a bad suggestion in the sense, but I am hinting at making your present relationships richer. Relationships, you see, are like plants. They need to be taken care of and nurtured in order to grow healthily. So curing loneliness begins with this first step:
1. Make your relationships richer.
The next step has something to do with YOU. You must allow yourself some room to change, be open-minded, be patient, and, most importantly, be more loving. Know this other universal truth; There are many things in life we are not capable of changing, but those in which we have the power to change we can certainly improve upon. And that certainly does not exclude you. The second step to the HOW then is:
2. Reset your life by resetting yourself.
The third step to curing loneliness is rather difficult for most people. Difficult in the sense that they don't see this term in it's totality. Instead they see it in gradients or degrees of partiality. What am I talking about? FORGIVENESS. Is it so hard to forgive SOMEONE? Let me rephrase the question in a different light. Is it so hard to forgive YOURSELF? I want you to think long and hard on that one. Try to see how the question relates to your life, your relationships, your outlook, and almost everything else,really. You see, it all begins with recognizing the problem, accepting that there is indeed a problem, and for whatever mistakes or shortcomings thereof-forgiveness. Remember, the third step is:
3. Learn to be more forgiving.
Being alone or feeling lonely is not healthy. Not only do you harbor negativity and emotional instability you also prevent yourself from growing in all aspects. Don't close yourself out. Don't shut the door to the world. You are not simply going to fade away or become distant memory because this is real life, not poetry. With that we come to the last step in curing loneliness:
4. Be not afraid.
Fear is the one greatest thing which hampers almost everything in our lives. I can go on and on on how it affects us and destabilize and immobilize us but let us take it on the viewpoint of loneliness. We are alone because we are afraid to commit, we are afraid to make the first step to closure, we are afraid of taking risks, we are afraid of being hurt (again?), or we are afraid of failing. You get the picture. Life warrants necessary risks from time to time, you see. Learn to use your fears to your advantage. Use it as a leverage to becoming more cautious, more attentive, and more sensitive to your needs and other peoples as well. Never let it be a deterring factor in your life.
Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
A Time of Giving
What makes a person memorable, ever wondered about that? Is it their personality? Their status, perhaps? The way they engage conversations? Maybe so, but the truth is the people we remember the most are the ones who share a little of themselves, their time, their resources to those in dire need of a helping hand. Call it charity, if you will, but it simply is an act of love called kindness.
We go through life aiming for a gold standard. We want to belong and we want to feel that we are needed or we are someone important. Often times our only real competitor ( and conscience) is ourselves. And yet we hear about these individuals everyday, giving generously to the community, to charity, to a cause they believe in. "Giving back", is a loosely coined term which means sharing some of the blessings bestowed upon them. If you were, perhaps, a millionaire you would probably do the same.
My question to you is do you really need to be somebody famous, rich, or important to show a gesture of kindness and love to those in need? What about the millions of unsung heroes who unselfishly give whatever they can to those less fortunate than they? You certainly never hear about them. My point here is that we need to exercise humility and generosity in our lives. An old friend of mine who passed away a long time ago used to always tell me that a coffin has no pockets. He would rather die a poor man and be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched than die a rich man nobody ever knew. That was the legacy he wanted to leave behind. He did.
We hoard materialistic possessions and we have become slaves of society and somewhere along the line it's becoming really difficult to be a good samaritan. The truth is we have become obsessed with beating deadlines, acquiring promotions, climbing that corporate ladder one rung at a time, or even just making ends meet with that nine-to-fiver minimum wage job, that our daily practices circumvent towards monotony. We have forgotten how to feel and be felt. That is why generosity sometimes reminds us that we have one other social obligation we have for so long neglected; to help a friend.
The time of giving is now. Don't always associate giving with money because a little of your time, a sound advice, a helping hand, even just a warm meal can mean the world to someone. If you were to leave a legacy behind leave one worth remembering over and over again. Practice kindness, be patient, be humble, be unselfish, be forgiving, be loving, and always believe in yourself. Until our next post,folks.
We go through life aiming for a gold standard. We want to belong and we want to feel that we are needed or we are someone important. Often times our only real competitor ( and conscience) is ourselves. And yet we hear about these individuals everyday, giving generously to the community, to charity, to a cause they believe in. "Giving back", is a loosely coined term which means sharing some of the blessings bestowed upon them. If you were, perhaps, a millionaire you would probably do the same.
My question to you is do you really need to be somebody famous, rich, or important to show a gesture of kindness and love to those in need? What about the millions of unsung heroes who unselfishly give whatever they can to those less fortunate than they? You certainly never hear about them. My point here is that we need to exercise humility and generosity in our lives. An old friend of mine who passed away a long time ago used to always tell me that a coffin has no pockets. He would rather die a poor man and be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched than die a rich man nobody ever knew. That was the legacy he wanted to leave behind. He did.
We hoard materialistic possessions and we have become slaves of society and somewhere along the line it's becoming really difficult to be a good samaritan. The truth is we have become obsessed with beating deadlines, acquiring promotions, climbing that corporate ladder one rung at a time, or even just making ends meet with that nine-to-fiver minimum wage job, that our daily practices circumvent towards monotony. We have forgotten how to feel and be felt. That is why generosity sometimes reminds us that we have one other social obligation we have for so long neglected; to help a friend.
The time of giving is now. Don't always associate giving with money because a little of your time, a sound advice, a helping hand, even just a warm meal can mean the world to someone. If you were to leave a legacy behind leave one worth remembering over and over again. Practice kindness, be patient, be humble, be unselfish, be forgiving, be loving, and always believe in yourself. Until our next post,folks.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
How to ask a girl out
There comes a time in the life of every young man when the opposite sex becomes interesting. High school and college were indeed the days, don't you agree? Well, anyhow, this post is about how to approach the opposite sex ( not the same as asking a girl out to a date but it CAN certainly lead to that).
So let's say you are in your teens and is dying to talk to a girl you have had a long-time crush in. You are being teased by your friends as an instant failure should you even dare to approach the said girl. So there you are, practically a nervous wreck shacking in the knees every time she walks past you in the hallway after homeroom. Day in and day out you live in this fantasy of actually asking her out to a date. Sounds familiar? Well, truth be told that was how I was in high school. I was one of the "geeks" and no girl on her right mind would date a geek let alone be caught talking to one.
Well, all that changed when I learned how to finally ask a girl out. Here's some pointer's for you youngbucks;
1. Look your best and try to stay abreast with today's fashion statements. Nothing gets you more noticed than the way you look.
2. Get a haircut. If you are called "johnny 4-eyes" in your school consider wearing contacts.
3. Talk to her friends and get a general idea of what her preferences are or what she looks for in a guy. If you ask nicely you'll get truthful answers.
4. Behave accordingly. Don't do anything stupid or foolish to make her want to look the other way. Being cool doesn't mean being stupid.
5. Be yourself. Don't be "another" person just to blend in or gain attention. Nothing beats being genuine and true.
6. Make the first move. Approach her casually and don't rehearse your lines and end up saying something foolish or out of the blue ( exposing your nervousness). Try to look for something different or unique about her and comment on that. That usually breaks the ice. Don't resort to what I used to do ( slipping notes in her locker). It's always best to be direct.
7. Let her know you appreciate her and don't drop the bombs on flattery too much because you certainly would be overdoing it.
8. Ask her what her interests are but know them beforehand from her friends. That way you can comment wisely or may even have a common interest with her.
9. Make your first date memorable and special. Set the mood and find a special place. You don't have to be lavish, just a quiet place to talk and get to know each other better.
The funny thing about this post is that it's not what I normally write about in this blog. I read an article the other day about dating and it occurred to me that kids these days are way too liberal. There's a right and proper way to get to know someone and I may be old-school but I think it still starts on trust. It takes time to gain someone's trust. Well, I hope this helps all you young bloods out there. Oh yeah, one more thing, on your first date, don't wear your dad's cologne. Until the next post. take care y'all.
So let's say you are in your teens and is dying to talk to a girl you have had a long-time crush in. You are being teased by your friends as an instant failure should you even dare to approach the said girl. So there you are, practically a nervous wreck shacking in the knees every time she walks past you in the hallway after homeroom. Day in and day out you live in this fantasy of actually asking her out to a date. Sounds familiar? Well, truth be told that was how I was in high school. I was one of the "geeks" and no girl on her right mind would date a geek let alone be caught talking to one.
Well, all that changed when I learned how to finally ask a girl out. Here's some pointer's for you youngbucks;
1. Look your best and try to stay abreast with today's fashion statements. Nothing gets you more noticed than the way you look.
2. Get a haircut. If you are called "johnny 4-eyes" in your school consider wearing contacts.
3. Talk to her friends and get a general idea of what her preferences are or what she looks for in a guy. If you ask nicely you'll get truthful answers.
4. Behave accordingly. Don't do anything stupid or foolish to make her want to look the other way. Being cool doesn't mean being stupid.
5. Be yourself. Don't be "another" person just to blend in or gain attention. Nothing beats being genuine and true.
6. Make the first move. Approach her casually and don't rehearse your lines and end up saying something foolish or out of the blue ( exposing your nervousness). Try to look for something different or unique about her and comment on that. That usually breaks the ice. Don't resort to what I used to do ( slipping notes in her locker). It's always best to be direct.
7. Let her know you appreciate her and don't drop the bombs on flattery too much because you certainly would be overdoing it.
8. Ask her what her interests are but know them beforehand from her friends. That way you can comment wisely or may even have a common interest with her.
9. Make your first date memorable and special. Set the mood and find a special place. You don't have to be lavish, just a quiet place to talk and get to know each other better.
The funny thing about this post is that it's not what I normally write about in this blog. I read an article the other day about dating and it occurred to me that kids these days are way too liberal. There's a right and proper way to get to know someone and I may be old-school but I think it still starts on trust. It takes time to gain someone's trust. Well, I hope this helps all you young bloods out there. Oh yeah, one more thing, on your first date, don't wear your dad's cologne. Until the next post. take care y'all.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Why we need to Connect
I was sitting on a bench one day, overlooking the Cove in La Jolla and I saw something rather interesting. A couple, probably in their mid 40's, walked by and they were arguing about something. I didn't really hear what the argument was about but what was interesting is either was listening to the other. They continually drove at their points not even considering what the other was saying or even want to, I think. Needless to say tensions rose and, obviously, they didn't look happy. In their case it wasn't miscommunication or lack of communication that ruined their moment ( hey, it was a gorgeous San Diego day that day), but rather, it was the refusal to communicate, to connect.
A healthy relationship fulfills a fundamental human need. How we relate or bond to family members, your spouse, your friends, your office mates, pretty much defines you. It is the social interaction that you partake in on a day to day basis which builds relationships. Why is it then that some people are just difficult to get along with, talk to, or even approach? Such difficulties can put strains in relationships and causing tensions eventually leading to gaps.
We need to connect with people. We need to build relationships, build on them, and nurture them. It is how connected we are that allows us to grow in many aspects. Being connected also defines how we see and respond to the world we live in. It is a fundamental need. How then do we establish healthy relationships in any given setting? Here are some helpful pointers:
1. Have an open mind. Remove all stereotypical notions you may be having. Don't be too judgmental and jump to conclusions.
2. Learn to break the ice. Sometimes when you start things going they open up to you.
3. Give people credit where credit is due. Let them know you appreciate them and what they do.
4. Give a little of yourself. Unselfish acts speaks volumes of your character.
5. Say what you mean and mean what you say. That way nothing is ever lost in translation or transition.
6. Learn to carry positive thoughts. Do away with ALL negativity. Your thoughts reflect your actions and your actions reflect the energies you emit. Positive thoughts harbor positive energy and positive energy nurtures relationships.
7. Learn to be patient with people. Allow them time to understand the points you tell them, don't drive it home to them.
8. Be more understanding and sensitive to other people's needs. Let them know you understand them and respect their differences and sensitivities. You will gain their trust in return.
9. Nurture your relationships. Make time for one another. Don't let the hubbub of everyday life deter you in having healthy relationships.
10. Love is everything. It is the key. Think about this one.
We need to connect because we need to grow. We need to feel wanted and that we feel like we belong. Without healthy relationships feeling remorse and alone is not healthy. Remember that depression has profound effects on your health. So take note of the list above and think about how you can improve upon your "connectivity" with pthers. Until the next post, you guys take care.
A healthy relationship fulfills a fundamental human need. How we relate or bond to family members, your spouse, your friends, your office mates, pretty much defines you. It is the social interaction that you partake in on a day to day basis which builds relationships. Why is it then that some people are just difficult to get along with, talk to, or even approach? Such difficulties can put strains in relationships and causing tensions eventually leading to gaps.
We need to connect with people. We need to build relationships, build on them, and nurture them. It is how connected we are that allows us to grow in many aspects. Being connected also defines how we see and respond to the world we live in. It is a fundamental need. How then do we establish healthy relationships in any given setting? Here are some helpful pointers:
1. Have an open mind. Remove all stereotypical notions you may be having. Don't be too judgmental and jump to conclusions.
2. Learn to break the ice. Sometimes when you start things going they open up to you.
3. Give people credit where credit is due. Let them know you appreciate them and what they do.
4. Give a little of yourself. Unselfish acts speaks volumes of your character.
5. Say what you mean and mean what you say. That way nothing is ever lost in translation or transition.
6. Learn to carry positive thoughts. Do away with ALL negativity. Your thoughts reflect your actions and your actions reflect the energies you emit. Positive thoughts harbor positive energy and positive energy nurtures relationships.
7. Learn to be patient with people. Allow them time to understand the points you tell them, don't drive it home to them.
8. Be more understanding and sensitive to other people's needs. Let them know you understand them and respect their differences and sensitivities. You will gain their trust in return.
9. Nurture your relationships. Make time for one another. Don't let the hubbub of everyday life deter you in having healthy relationships.
10. Love is everything. It is the key. Think about this one.
We need to connect because we need to grow. We need to feel wanted and that we feel like we belong. Without healthy relationships feeling remorse and alone is not healthy. Remember that depression has profound effects on your health. So take note of the list above and think about how you can improve upon your "connectivity" with pthers. Until the next post, you guys take care.
Friday, June 24, 2011
How to maintain Good Cholesterol levels
When we think of Cholesterol we immediately associate it to being something bad or something that will clog up our arteries and eventually cause a stroke or even a myocardial infarct. Well, truth be told is our body makes cholesterol as it is a key component in our cells, hormones, and some vitamins. Cholesterol then is essential for survival. It is the cholesterol that we take in from our diets from fats is the culprit especially when taken in excess and, itself, excessively stored in our adipose tissues as fat. How then can we maintain good cholesterol levels when almost all that tastes good is loaded with sugar and fat? Well, here are some helpful pointers:
1. Eat in MODERATION
Well, this goes without saying. Our body is like an engine whereby fuel taken in in the form of food is burned or metabolized by our billions of cells for energy and the waste products from this combustion is excreted respectively. What happens when we eat more than we burn? We become overweight. The heavier we get the harder it is for us to move and our metabolic rates decreases as well. This vicious cycle continuous until something gives and you become a candidate for the high risk groups for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Eating in moderation is not deprivation. You still get to eat what you want but lesser servings. You need to be aware that what you put in you need to burn out, and that means our next topic, exercise.
2. EXERCISE
Exercise to most people means weight loss. Losing weight is indeed a consequence of exercising but it is not the main reason why our bodies need exercise. We need to exercise in order to live longer. When our body sees more work, our cells burn more energy and to keep up with the increased demand our body's metabolic rate adjusts accordingly. Energy reserves in the form of fats stored in fat cells or adipose tissues are utilized. Some health pointers here, though- our body by way of how it preferentially metabolizes fuels and macro-nutrients uses protein before it uses fats. It's essential then that we replenish with protein after a strenuous workout. Remember that exercise is also a form of STRESS for our bodies. Another point to remember is that we lose tremendous amounts of water and trace elements when we exercise in the form of heat and from sweating. Rehydrate yourself.
3. Know your Cholesterol
Cholesterol and lipids in general have extensive roles in our body both anatomically and physiologically. They serve as key components for cell membranes as well as cellular components. Cholesterol is transported in our blood via protein carriers. Lipids once absorbed in the gut is brought over to our liver in the form of chylomicrons in order to be processed.It is when cholesterol is oxidized that it becomes dangerous. Nevertheless, our liver scavenges these oxidized cholesterol and repackage them. There are several players here and without getting into too much medical lingo know that there are 4 things you have to look out for; LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and your serum triglycerides.
4. Fiber, fiber, fiber
Why do we need fiber? Fiber adds bulk and it acts as a sponge while transiting in our digestive system, absorbing fats, harmful byproducts, and even toxins. You don't need to continually drink your fiber when it's so much better when it's eaten. Do you know that there is also good and bad fiber? Yes!! The best fiber to eat is unprocessed meaning found in fruits and vegetables. It's natural so it comes down easy. SO the take home point with fiber is it helps absorb cholesterol so you won't have to digest it.
5. Your Liver is the key
Maintain a healthy liver. It is the main processing plant in your body. Not only does it process the nutrients we eat but also pretty much everything we take by way of mouth including medication, alcohol, and others. Some bad habits which can damage your liver; excessive alcohol intake, smoking, eating fatty meals too much, and drugs( I mean the illegal kind). Defective liver function can be seen in liver function tests.
6. Anti-oxidize!!
Lessen the chance cholesterol gets oxidized in our bloodstream and ultimately eaten by our immune cells and deposit in our vessels by taking in anti-oxidants. Remember the anti-oxidant vitamins are vitamins A, K, D, and E. Eat yellow fruits high in beta-carotene, drink orange juice, lemon this and lemon that, and read up on some herbal which have good anti-oxidizing power.
7. Lifestyle
All I can say is lifestyle choices dictate how you look and feel. Stop smoking. Lose weight. Exercise more. Become an intelligent grocery store shopper. Don't skip meals. Know your basic food groups and your RDA's. Pray more. Learn to look at things in a positive light and harbor nothing but positive energy. Wow, that's a mouthful but it hits them all.
8. Your lab results are in
Ok, when your doctor reads you your lipid profile you would most like ask if it;'s good or bad. One advice I can give you is do your research on the routine lab requests they ask for in clinics and hospitals and don't be relieved if you fall under "borderline" because it takes just as much work to return to normal levels. Serum cholesterol is considered normal up to 200 mgs/dl, serum TG's( triglycerides) need to be below 180 mgs/dl, HDL-cholesterol is 30-60 mgs/dl , LDL-cholesterol is100-190 mgs/dl, Total/HDL ratio should be less than 4. Knowing these values help when you go to the hospital or clinic.
So there you have it. How to maintain good cholesterol. Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
1. Eat in MODERATION
Well, this goes without saying. Our body is like an engine whereby fuel taken in in the form of food is burned or metabolized by our billions of cells for energy and the waste products from this combustion is excreted respectively. What happens when we eat more than we burn? We become overweight. The heavier we get the harder it is for us to move and our metabolic rates decreases as well. This vicious cycle continuous until something gives and you become a candidate for the high risk groups for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Eating in moderation is not deprivation. You still get to eat what you want but lesser servings. You need to be aware that what you put in you need to burn out, and that means our next topic, exercise.
2. EXERCISE
Exercise to most people means weight loss. Losing weight is indeed a consequence of exercising but it is not the main reason why our bodies need exercise. We need to exercise in order to live longer. When our body sees more work, our cells burn more energy and to keep up with the increased demand our body's metabolic rate adjusts accordingly. Energy reserves in the form of fats stored in fat cells or adipose tissues are utilized. Some health pointers here, though- our body by way of how it preferentially metabolizes fuels and macro-nutrients uses protein before it uses fats. It's essential then that we replenish with protein after a strenuous workout. Remember that exercise is also a form of STRESS for our bodies. Another point to remember is that we lose tremendous amounts of water and trace elements when we exercise in the form of heat and from sweating. Rehydrate yourself.
3. Know your Cholesterol
Cholesterol and lipids in general have extensive roles in our body both anatomically and physiologically. They serve as key components for cell membranes as well as cellular components. Cholesterol is transported in our blood via protein carriers. Lipids once absorbed in the gut is brought over to our liver in the form of chylomicrons in order to be processed.It is when cholesterol is oxidized that it becomes dangerous. Nevertheless, our liver scavenges these oxidized cholesterol and repackage them. There are several players here and without getting into too much medical lingo know that there are 4 things you have to look out for; LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and your serum triglycerides.
4. Fiber, fiber, fiber
Why do we need fiber? Fiber adds bulk and it acts as a sponge while transiting in our digestive system, absorbing fats, harmful byproducts, and even toxins. You don't need to continually drink your fiber when it's so much better when it's eaten. Do you know that there is also good and bad fiber? Yes!! The best fiber to eat is unprocessed meaning found in fruits and vegetables. It's natural so it comes down easy. SO the take home point with fiber is it helps absorb cholesterol so you won't have to digest it.
5. Your Liver is the key
Maintain a healthy liver. It is the main processing plant in your body. Not only does it process the nutrients we eat but also pretty much everything we take by way of mouth including medication, alcohol, and others. Some bad habits which can damage your liver; excessive alcohol intake, smoking, eating fatty meals too much, and drugs( I mean the illegal kind). Defective liver function can be seen in liver function tests.
6. Anti-oxidize!!
Lessen the chance cholesterol gets oxidized in our bloodstream and ultimately eaten by our immune cells and deposit in our vessels by taking in anti-oxidants. Remember the anti-oxidant vitamins are vitamins A, K, D, and E. Eat yellow fruits high in beta-carotene, drink orange juice, lemon this and lemon that, and read up on some herbal which have good anti-oxidizing power.
7. Lifestyle
All I can say is lifestyle choices dictate how you look and feel. Stop smoking. Lose weight. Exercise more. Become an intelligent grocery store shopper. Don't skip meals. Know your basic food groups and your RDA's. Pray more. Learn to look at things in a positive light and harbor nothing but positive energy. Wow, that's a mouthful but it hits them all.
8. Your lab results are in
Ok, when your doctor reads you your lipid profile you would most like ask if it;'s good or bad. One advice I can give you is do your research on the routine lab requests they ask for in clinics and hospitals and don't be relieved if you fall under "borderline" because it takes just as much work to return to normal levels. Serum cholesterol is considered normal up to 200 mgs/dl, serum TG's( triglycerides) need to be below 180 mgs/dl, HDL-cholesterol is 30-60 mgs/dl , LDL-cholesterol is100-190 mgs/dl, Total/HDL ratio should be less than 4. Knowing these values help when you go to the hospital or clinic.
So there you have it. How to maintain good cholesterol. Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
Change is a Good Thing Right?
We often do not understand what prompts us to change. We may call it a reaction towards a given stimuli whether it be one which elicits pain or one which has pleasing results; the bottom line is we either move towards or away. The same goes true for almost every aspect in our lives. We react and interact with stimuli on a daily basis whether they may be on a personal, social, or professional level. The underlying question here is actually twofold. What prompts us to change our lives can be asked as what prevents us from changing. So there's actually two sides to the coin here.
I had a friend once in college who used to have a hard time deciding on almost everything. His indecisiveness hindered him from becoming more of an outreaching, social type of person. he would sulk for a while and ask me what would I think if he does this or that or if he didn't do this or didn't do that. He could really get on our nerves at times because we would always retort back with the all too familiar, " Would you please make up your mind?!" There are actually several reasons to this argument of change and the following list pretty much isolates and defines them.
What MAKES us change:
1. Ambition, Drive, Goals, Dreams
2. Necessity
3. Prevention
4. Growth and Maturity
5. Reaction and Interaction
6. Love
7. Religion
8. Pain
What PREVENTS us from changing:
1. Fear
2. Insecurities
3. Lack of insight
4. Low self-esteem
5. Laziness
6. Hinderance
7. Selfishness
You see,all these factors interplay in our daily lives. We have to maintain a certain presence of mind and awareness in what actually drives us in basically all that we do. Perhaps, change is not a bad thing after all. As human beings we have the most adept ability to adapt to our surroundings and this includes all which stimulates us. It is how we respond to these given stimuli which defines us. I guess what I am alluding to is that we need to have a renewed perception on the many things, factors, and issues in our lives which have an impact on how we make choices. Having an open mind helps, as well. Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
I had a friend once in college who used to have a hard time deciding on almost everything. His indecisiveness hindered him from becoming more of an outreaching, social type of person. he would sulk for a while and ask me what would I think if he does this or that or if he didn't do this or didn't do that. He could really get on our nerves at times because we would always retort back with the all too familiar, " Would you please make up your mind?!" There are actually several reasons to this argument of change and the following list pretty much isolates and defines them.
What MAKES us change:
1. Ambition, Drive, Goals, Dreams
2. Necessity
3. Prevention
4. Growth and Maturity
5. Reaction and Interaction
6. Love
7. Religion
8. Pain
What PREVENTS us from changing:
1. Fear
2. Insecurities
3. Lack of insight
4. Low self-esteem
5. Laziness
6. Hinderance
7. Selfishness
You see,all these factors interplay in our daily lives. We have to maintain a certain presence of mind and awareness in what actually drives us in basically all that we do. Perhaps, change is not a bad thing after all. As human beings we have the most adept ability to adapt to our surroundings and this includes all which stimulates us. It is how we respond to these given stimuli which defines us. I guess what I am alluding to is that we need to have a renewed perception on the many things, factors, and issues in our lives which have an impact on how we make choices. Having an open mind helps, as well. Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Choices You Make
Life is full of choices. If you really think about it, our daily lives are made from the choices we make. What we are and what we do is also due to what we choose. Well, let's go about it from a different angle; what if we choose NOT to make a choice. Simply put, we let life take us along for the ride, taking in the scenery and be dictated by what life throws at us. Well, THAT in itself is a choice too. We cannot simply resign ourselves to being victims of circumstance any longer. We can choose to stand up or choose to remain lying down.
But what is really eating us? What makes us indecisive to the point of anxiety? Why is it that when it comes to making BIG decisions in our lives we get knots in our stomachs. Well, the answer to that can be explained in one simple word-FEAR. We are afraid to make decisions because we are uncomfortable with venturing into the big unknown. We want to make choices based on clear outcomes. Contingency plans are not our forte because they are really just patch-and-repair modalities. Well, let's think about that for a moment.
You want to know what makes some of the most successful people excel in their respective fields? It's because THEY ARE NOT AFRAID TO MAKE CHOICES!! I am not saying we venture blindly into anything or trust our gut feelings in almost everything. What I am saying is let's open our minds and ourselves to possibilities. Let's not close ourselves to the advent of something altogether new for the sake of familiarity. We make intelligent decisions based on learning all that there is to know about the choices presented to us and their possible outcomes.
Make it a practice to try something new everyday so you won't be anchored too much on familiar grounds. We would rather do the same thing day in and day out because we are familiar and comfortable with the results as they are often unchanged. When we encounter something different or a setback from the norm we become unhinged and tense and seek a return to familiar territory again. This is good in some way but is quite limiting in nurturing our potentials. We can never really say we have to be all that we can be when we are simply not.
Learn to trust your feelings and intuitions. Don't second guess yourself in the choices you make. Forge ahead, bear down, and if for some reason things aren't going quite as planned or expected, well, tackle it head on. Don't ever take the easy way out but rather learn to IMPROVISE and ADAPT. Be fluid with your life. You will learn that you will be less tense and anxious that way. Remember that we make choices everyday and some of the choices we make aren't really for the best or aren't even beneficial for us. That, however, is a matter of making good or bad choices. Never plan ahead. Individuals who are control oriented want to see things through towards completion leaving little room for changes midway. Learn to deviate from this kind of mentality. Be at your best and do your best and you can never go wrong. Until our next post folks, you guys take care and THANKS again.
But what is really eating us? What makes us indecisive to the point of anxiety? Why is it that when it comes to making BIG decisions in our lives we get knots in our stomachs. Well, the answer to that can be explained in one simple word-FEAR. We are afraid to make decisions because we are uncomfortable with venturing into the big unknown. We want to make choices based on clear outcomes. Contingency plans are not our forte because they are really just patch-and-repair modalities. Well, let's think about that for a moment.
You want to know what makes some of the most successful people excel in their respective fields? It's because THEY ARE NOT AFRAID TO MAKE CHOICES!! I am not saying we venture blindly into anything or trust our gut feelings in almost everything. What I am saying is let's open our minds and ourselves to possibilities. Let's not close ourselves to the advent of something altogether new for the sake of familiarity. We make intelligent decisions based on learning all that there is to know about the choices presented to us and their possible outcomes.
Make it a practice to try something new everyday so you won't be anchored too much on familiar grounds. We would rather do the same thing day in and day out because we are familiar and comfortable with the results as they are often unchanged. When we encounter something different or a setback from the norm we become unhinged and tense and seek a return to familiar territory again. This is good in some way but is quite limiting in nurturing our potentials. We can never really say we have to be all that we can be when we are simply not.
Learn to trust your feelings and intuitions. Don't second guess yourself in the choices you make. Forge ahead, bear down, and if for some reason things aren't going quite as planned or expected, well, tackle it head on. Don't ever take the easy way out but rather learn to IMPROVISE and ADAPT. Be fluid with your life. You will learn that you will be less tense and anxious that way. Remember that we make choices everyday and some of the choices we make aren't really for the best or aren't even beneficial for us. That, however, is a matter of making good or bad choices. Never plan ahead. Individuals who are control oriented want to see things through towards completion leaving little room for changes midway. Learn to deviate from this kind of mentality. Be at your best and do your best and you can never go wrong. Until our next post folks, you guys take care and THANKS again.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Health Power
Ever come to the point when it's as if you feel tired all the time? Has a little amount of work left you breathless? How's your weight? Your heart? Your vices if any? Well, I can go on and on with all of these related factors but the underlying issue here is maintaining and nurturing our bodies for optimal health. Often times, we want to tackle too many issues at the same time regarding our health but the key to any preventive measures is having the right mindset and a level of awareness of what you need to be doing to regain that vitality you have lost.
The first of any agenda are lifestyle changes. Eating to nurture our bodies and, most importantly, eating right. Go back to organic food. Do your research on what your 4-5 recommended daily servings of fruit actually does for you. Fruits and vegetables are "alive" foods as they are digested with their naturally available nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Lessen your intake of cooked "dead" foods like meats. By changing into this pattern of eating alone you'll feel nimble and light on your feet. Another added advantage of eating more of your greens is you purge your body by flushing away accumulated toxins and waste products.
The next on our list would be to gradually increase the amount of activity that we do. By doing so we increase our metabolic rate or our body's way of metabolizing nutrients for energy. As we progress we can increase our workload to include the added benefits of cardiovascular workouts. Losing weight is not what we target here but BECOMES A CONSEQUENCE of simply changing our habits and adapting into becoming more activity conscious. Remember, however, that the amount of work you can do can only be dictated by your doctor if you have heart disease, diabetes, or other degenerative disorders.
Thirdly we have to be more conscious of what we eat, when we eat, and how much. Moderation is the word of the day here. You can still eat that chocolate cake but only a couple of mouthfuls and not the whole slice. Don't punish yourself with complete deprivation because eating shouldn't be toilsome but fun. One fruit I happen to love in particular is the Papaya fruit. This fruit is worth it's weight in gold, mind you, and I am not just saying that. It has many health attributes actually and amongst these are it increases vitality, it promotes healing, it acts as an anti-ageing factor, it's anti-oxidant properties prevent cancer, it helps with indigestion, and it also acts as an immune booster. I love papaya, can you tell. Oh, and did you know that if you are suffering from GERD or reflux disease, a daily serving of this fruit not only helps in alleviating symptoms but promotes rapid healing? Well, it does that and more. More on this wonderful fruit. Until my next post. Take care guys.
The first of any agenda are lifestyle changes. Eating to nurture our bodies and, most importantly, eating right. Go back to organic food. Do your research on what your 4-5 recommended daily servings of fruit actually does for you. Fruits and vegetables are "alive" foods as they are digested with their naturally available nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Lessen your intake of cooked "dead" foods like meats. By changing into this pattern of eating alone you'll feel nimble and light on your feet. Another added advantage of eating more of your greens is you purge your body by flushing away accumulated toxins and waste products.
The next on our list would be to gradually increase the amount of activity that we do. By doing so we increase our metabolic rate or our body's way of metabolizing nutrients for energy. As we progress we can increase our workload to include the added benefits of cardiovascular workouts. Losing weight is not what we target here but BECOMES A CONSEQUENCE of simply changing our habits and adapting into becoming more activity conscious. Remember, however, that the amount of work you can do can only be dictated by your doctor if you have heart disease, diabetes, or other degenerative disorders.
Thirdly we have to be more conscious of what we eat, when we eat, and how much. Moderation is the word of the day here. You can still eat that chocolate cake but only a couple of mouthfuls and not the whole slice. Don't punish yourself with complete deprivation because eating shouldn't be toilsome but fun. One fruit I happen to love in particular is the Papaya fruit. This fruit is worth it's weight in gold, mind you, and I am not just saying that. It has many health attributes actually and amongst these are it increases vitality, it promotes healing, it acts as an anti-ageing factor, it's anti-oxidant properties prevent cancer, it helps with indigestion, and it also acts as an immune booster. I love papaya, can you tell. Oh, and did you know that if you are suffering from GERD or reflux disease, a daily serving of this fruit not only helps in alleviating symptoms but promotes rapid healing? Well, it does that and more. More on this wonderful fruit. Until my next post. Take care guys.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Little Something Different
Hello guys. Sorry for the long absence. I know my blog is hardly read or if seen at all but I feel it's been a part of my life. It's an avenue by which I write about pertinent things, values, character, and almost anything important to our lives and health. I haven't really opened this blog for quite some time due to sickness but I feel I owe posting to it. If you've been doing something for quite some time it becomes part of you regardless of what you originally intended to do with it.
Ok, here's something different. I love cars. I think there's a certain romance and poetry in one's love affair with his or her set of wheels. I love cars with character, which means I love old cars. and I love them with a passion. My dream car? Well, it's hard to say because I have lots of dream cars ranging from a 5 window '32 Ford hot rod with a 429 shotgun or a 392 Hemi stuffed between the framerails, to the infamous 911 Carrera RSR and even the car with the most venomous bite, the Cobra 427 SC. But alas, as luck would have it, I am stuck with my ancient '93 Dakota with the magnum v8, and my "project car" for 20 years, my little Porsche 924. I love that car because it's light, nimble, and if set up right can run the slalom with respectable time.
As with many things I have passion doing, my little garage is, on some days, my mecca, tinkering away, disassembling this and that knowing full well I probably may not put it back together the way it was ever again. My point in all this, you ask? a lot of us immerse ourselves with work that when asked what our interests are we unroll the long list of " Well, I'd like to ....if I only have enough time." When we are passionate about something we immerse ourselves in our labors of love and this is one way to fight STRESS, by DIVERSION. Of course a lot of us may have different interests but it really doesn't matter. What matters is we nurture our creativity and at the same time we can share something unique that speaks volumes about ourselves.
I mean wouldn't you feel better if by chance you were in a car show and ran into someone who not only loves cars but is an anime fan like yourself? Wow! Take care guys, it's good to be back, typing away. Until my next post.
P.S.- I write poetry in my other blog.(",)
Ok, here's something different. I love cars. I think there's a certain romance and poetry in one's love affair with his or her set of wheels. I love cars with character, which means I love old cars. and I love them with a passion. My dream car? Well, it's hard to say because I have lots of dream cars ranging from a 5 window '32 Ford hot rod with a 429 shotgun or a 392 Hemi stuffed between the framerails, to the infamous 911 Carrera RSR and even the car with the most venomous bite, the Cobra 427 SC. But alas, as luck would have it, I am stuck with my ancient '93 Dakota with the magnum v8, and my "project car" for 20 years, my little Porsche 924. I love that car because it's light, nimble, and if set up right can run the slalom with respectable time.
As with many things I have passion doing, my little garage is, on some days, my mecca, tinkering away, disassembling this and that knowing full well I probably may not put it back together the way it was ever again. My point in all this, you ask? a lot of us immerse ourselves with work that when asked what our interests are we unroll the long list of " Well, I'd like to ....if I only have enough time." When we are passionate about something we immerse ourselves in our labors of love and this is one way to fight STRESS, by DIVERSION. Of course a lot of us may have different interests but it really doesn't matter. What matters is we nurture our creativity and at the same time we can share something unique that speaks volumes about ourselves.
I mean wouldn't you feel better if by chance you were in a car show and ran into someone who not only loves cars but is an anime fan like yourself? Wow! Take care guys, it's good to be back, typing away. Until my next post.
P.S.- I write poetry in my other blog.(",)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Stress and You
Stress is part of everyday living. We encounter stress at home, in the workplace, and even within ourselves. Coping with stress is often difficult because it is done so on a continual basis. In fact, it becomes a ritual. How we deal with stress affects the way we perform, the way we connect with people, and the way we think and feel about ourselves. So you see, stress is no laughing matter.
We register, interpret, and respond to our environments via our neural and hormonal pathways. A key role of our stress hormones is to prepare us for "fight or flight" responses; we either remove ourselves from a stimuli which can potentially harm us or deal with it. Either way our body is subjected to changes which prepares it for one or the other. A point to remember with stress is that it is often blown out of proportion. We allow ourselves to be stressed out. Stress, you see, is a risk factor for heart disease, ulcers, aging, and some degenerative diseases. We often complain about being stressed out at work or at home but we really don't have a full grasp of how it does us damage.
So the main question we have to continually ask ourselves is WHY. Why are we stressed out at even the most miniscule of worries? To understand the question in a different light we have to think in terms of cause-and-effect. When we allow ourselves to worry tirelessly we increase the level of oxidative damage to our cells and this in turn causes premature aging. Another way of looking at it is that people with type A personalities ( the "I want to be in control type") are prone to stress ulcers. The answer to the WHY is simply CONTROL. We are anxious when we don't get our lives and things "figured out". We are afraid of what we don't know, what we don't expect, and we are afraid to take risks.
How then do we manage the everyday stressors we encounter daily? We simply cannot ignore them or even pretend that they never happen. One way is to put a lesser emphasis on their perceived value and outcome. What I am trying to say here is worry less. Another way is to do stress relieving exercises like slow deep breaths or condition your mind to think of another matter altogether. Regardless which practice works for you the emphasis here is to divert yourself from being stressed out. There are a lot of things we can worry about but there are ONLY A HANDFUL of things we can have control over and the power to change. Anything that we have no power over is not worth the effort of worrying. Remember this, positive thoughts breed positive outcomes and positive outcomes create positive flows in your life.
A final word on managing stress is it's a form of lifestyle change. We have to change certain aspects of our lives and what I mean by this is dealing with stress is of a lesser impact compared to avoiding it altogether. Prevention is still key, even when regarding stress. So there you have it folks. Don't sweat the small stuff, because in the greater scheme of things it's actually all small stuff. Take care guys, thanks for dropping in. Until the next post, JowelMD signing out.
We register, interpret, and respond to our environments via our neural and hormonal pathways. A key role of our stress hormones is to prepare us for "fight or flight" responses; we either remove ourselves from a stimuli which can potentially harm us or deal with it. Either way our body is subjected to changes which prepares it for one or the other. A point to remember with stress is that it is often blown out of proportion. We allow ourselves to be stressed out. Stress, you see, is a risk factor for heart disease, ulcers, aging, and some degenerative diseases. We often complain about being stressed out at work or at home but we really don't have a full grasp of how it does us damage.
So the main question we have to continually ask ourselves is WHY. Why are we stressed out at even the most miniscule of worries? To understand the question in a different light we have to think in terms of cause-and-effect. When we allow ourselves to worry tirelessly we increase the level of oxidative damage to our cells and this in turn causes premature aging. Another way of looking at it is that people with type A personalities ( the "I want to be in control type") are prone to stress ulcers. The answer to the WHY is simply CONTROL. We are anxious when we don't get our lives and things "figured out". We are afraid of what we don't know, what we don't expect, and we are afraid to take risks.
How then do we manage the everyday stressors we encounter daily? We simply cannot ignore them or even pretend that they never happen. One way is to put a lesser emphasis on their perceived value and outcome. What I am trying to say here is worry less. Another way is to do stress relieving exercises like slow deep breaths or condition your mind to think of another matter altogether. Regardless which practice works for you the emphasis here is to divert yourself from being stressed out. There are a lot of things we can worry about but there are ONLY A HANDFUL of things we can have control over and the power to change. Anything that we have no power over is not worth the effort of worrying. Remember this, positive thoughts breed positive outcomes and positive outcomes create positive flows in your life.
A final word on managing stress is it's a form of lifestyle change. We have to change certain aspects of our lives and what I mean by this is dealing with stress is of a lesser impact compared to avoiding it altogether. Prevention is still key, even when regarding stress. So there you have it folks. Don't sweat the small stuff, because in the greater scheme of things it's actually all small stuff. Take care guys, thanks for dropping in. Until the next post, JowelMD signing out.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How soon a Lifetime
A lifetime can seem awfully long to most of us and in terms of remembering the experiences we gather in the length of one, well a lifetime may even see an eternity. One's life can even seem short, always in need of more time. Your life can be as fruitful as you want it to be or can be as dull if you so choose it. My point is this; We can never take back lost time. Whatever time is given to us is it, and how we spend it and choose to live this lifetime is entirely up to us.
There was a time when you lived your childhood memories, always full of laughter and memories of home and summer vacations. Then you were a teenager full of vibrant youth and unrestrained energy, always eager to try something new. Then adulthood came up and an expectant you evolved, wanting to take on the world, to change it as you see fit.
When you start nearing the later part of your life you tend to take things slower, be more cautious, and always wary of uncertainties. Then the time comes when you will have to face what we will all face, a time to have a final glimpse of our lives AND WE WILL WONDER where our life had been or that if we had done things differently we certainly would have had a better life. Maybe we'll regret some things but on the whole we will feel blessed.
When you surround yourself with people who love you and more importantly, you love back you will find a life richer in meaning. Yes, a lifetime is indeed too short and it can pass by in a breath's time but the moments which comprise your life define who you are. Take the time to do more of these things and you will find yourself happier and more content with your life.
Share more
Feel more
Love more
Pray more
There really is no secret to a long and happy life. It is there if you want it and it can be yours if you strive for it. Do take care of yourselves. Until the next post.
There was a time when you lived your childhood memories, always full of laughter and memories of home and summer vacations. Then you were a teenager full of vibrant youth and unrestrained energy, always eager to try something new. Then adulthood came up and an expectant you evolved, wanting to take on the world, to change it as you see fit.
When you start nearing the later part of your life you tend to take things slower, be more cautious, and always wary of uncertainties. Then the time comes when you will have to face what we will all face, a time to have a final glimpse of our lives AND WE WILL WONDER where our life had been or that if we had done things differently we certainly would have had a better life. Maybe we'll regret some things but on the whole we will feel blessed.
When you surround yourself with people who love you and more importantly, you love back you will find a life richer in meaning. Yes, a lifetime is indeed too short and it can pass by in a breath's time but the moments which comprise your life define who you are. Take the time to do more of these things and you will find yourself happier and more content with your life.
Share more
Feel more
Love more
Pray more
There really is no secret to a long and happy life. It is there if you want it and it can be yours if you strive for it. Do take care of yourselves. Until the next post.
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