sleep

            Irregular bedtimes could disrupt natural body rhythms

                                          Irregular bedtimes could disrupt natural body rhythms and cause sleep deprivation, so undermining the plasticity of the brain and the ability to acquire and retain information, researchers said. "Early child development has profound influences on health and wellbeing across the life course. Therefore, reduced or disrupted sleep, especially if it occurs at key times in development, could have important impacts on health throughout life," they said. Researchers looked at whether bedtimes in early childhood were related to brain power in more than 11,000 seven year olds, all of whom were part of the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). The research drew on regular surveys and home visits made when the children were 3, 5, and 7, to find out about family routines, including bedtimes. Researchers wanted to know whether the time a child went to bed, and the consistency of bed-times, had any impact on intellectual performance, measured by validated test scores for reading, maths, and spatial awareness. Irregular bedtimes were most common at the age of 3, when around one in five children went to bed at varying times. By the age of 7, more than half the children went to bed regularly between 7.30 and 8.30 pm. Children whose bedtimes were irregular or who went to bed after 9 pm came from more socially disadvantaged backgrounds, the findings show. When they were 7, girls who had irregular bedtimes had lower scores on all three aspects of intellect assessed, after taking account of other potentially influential factors, than children with regular bedtimes. But this was not the case in 7 year old boys. Irregular bedtimes by the age of 5 were not associated with poorer brain power in girls or boys at the age of 7. But irregular bedtimes at 3 years of age were associated with lower scores in reading, maths, and spatial awareness in both boys and girls, suggesting that around the age of 3 could be a sensitive period for cognitive development.

heart disease risk

Lack of sleep increases heart disease risk 

                                             Sleeping for less than seven hours a night may increase the risk of fatal heart disease, a new study has warned. A good night's sleep can increase the benefit of exercise, healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption and non-smoking in their protection against cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to results of a large population follow-up study. Results showed that the combination of the four traditional healthy lifestyle habits was associated with a 57 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease (fatal and non-fatal) and a 67 per cent lower risk of fatal events.

But, when “sufficient sleep” - defined as seven or more hours a night - was added to the other four lifestyle factors, the overall protective benefit was even further increased - and resulted in a 65 per cent lower risk of composite CVD and a 83 per cent lower risk of fatal events.“If all participants adhered to all five healthy lifestyle factors, 36 per cent of composite CVD and 57 per cent of fatal CVD could theoretically be prevented or postponed,” researchers said. The study is the first to investigate whether the addition of sleep duration to the four traditional healthy lifestyle factors contributes to an association with CVD. In the Monitoring Project on Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases (MORGEN), a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands, 6672 men and 7967 women aged 20-65 years and free of CVD at baseline were followed up for a mean time of 12 years. As expected, results showed that adherence to each of the four traditional lifestyle factors alone reduced the risk of CVD, researchers said. Those at baseline who recorded sufficient physical activity, a healthy diet and moderate alcohol consumption reduced their risk of composite CVD from 12 per cent for a healthy diet to 43 per cent for not smoking and risk reduction in fatal CVD ranged from 26 per cent for being physically active to 43 per cent for not smoking. 

However, sufficient sleep duration alone also reduced the risk of composite CVD by about 22 per cent and of fatal CVD by about 43 per cent.Thus, non-smoking and sufficient sleep duration were both strongly and similarly inversely associated with fatal CVD. These benefits were even greater when all five lifestyle factors were observed, resulting in a in a 65 per cent lower risk of composite CVD and an 83 per cent lower risk of fatal CVD

Arthritis

Safer treatments for Arthritis 

                                           The increased risk of heart attack or stroke associated with many arthritis drugs may be avoidable, a new international study has claimed.

Drugs such as Vioxx, diclofenac, ibuprofen and Celebrex operate by blocking an enzyme known as COX-2, whose presence in blood vessels has up until now been held responsible for these side effects. The study, co-authored by researchers at Imperial College London, carried out on mice has revealed that COX-2 is largely absent from the major blood vessels and instead found in the brain, gut, and kidney as well as the thymus gland in the chest. Now that researchers know where in the body the drug is acting, they can begin to develop safer, more targeted drugs for patients with arthritis as well as cancer. Arthritis drugs have long been associated with potentially fatal cardiovascular side-effects in patients. Health concerns led to the anti-inflammatory Vioxx being withdrawn from the market in 2004, and recently medical regulators have advised some patients to stop using the painkiller diclofenac.

Researchers have always believed that COX-2 was found in the blood vessels where it was central to preventing the formation of clots. This meant that any drug that inhibited the enzyme was thought to lead to an increased risk of clotting. The new study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reveals that COX-2 is largely absent from the major blood vessels. Instead COX-2 appears to be present in the brain, kidney, thymus and gut, where it may well be affecting the cardiovascular health. "Now we know the true sites of COX-2, we can begin to develop new ideas that will lead to better drugs for arthritis and cancer with fewer side effects," said lead author, Professor Jane Mitchell of Imperial's Faculty of Medicine. The study suggests future development of COX-2 inhibitors that carry reduced risk of stroke or heart attack may be possible.

Hypertension

Hypertension

                                              High blood pressure, or Hypertension in medical parlance, is not a curable health condition though it can be kept at a distance by observing some changes in one's lifestyle.Stressful life is largely considered as the main cause of temporary BP spikes. The remedy obviously lies in reducing stress.  Deep breathing, Yoga, exercise, household chores, gardening, brisk walking, cycling and so on are helpful in reducing stress. Excessive consumption of  alcohol, smoking and chewing tobacco are definitely hazardous to those with hypertension. Maintaining optimum body weight is also important to ward off blood pressure casualties. It is advisable to keep a body mass index (BMI) of less than 23 and waist circumference of less than 90 cm in males and less than 80 cm in females.

It is better to avoid fatty and fried food items. Salty food such as sauce, pickles, chips, etc should be a no-no and they should be replaced with fruits and vegetables that are low in sodium and high in potassium. Processed and canned food items are high in salt and hence it better is to avoid them. High blood pressure is usually hereditary but that cannot be the only reason. Junk food, sedentary life style, excessive use of alcohol, stressful lifestyle, among others are conducive to accentuating this chronic health condition.If left uncared, abnormal blood pressure may affect the functioning of the heart and the arteries connecting it to the body, which may ultimately lead to strokes.

Root Canal Treatment

           What Is a Root Canal Treatment? How is it done ?

  Root canal Procedures--  Click the picture below to see the procedure [Video]

                                                                           

                                                Damage can happen at any time to your teeth. Simple day-to-day activities can lead to accidents, playing sports, and failure to maintain daily oral care can all lead to chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth that will need repair by your dentist if not spotted early on. Learning about the causes of damaged teeth, the signs and symptoms of spotting a root canal, and how to prevent needing a root canal can not only help you to maintain your oral hygiene, but also save you time and money in the long run.

What is a Root Canal?

There are two basic parts that make up each tooth- the crown and the root. The crown is the part that sits above the gum line and is visible when you smile or open your mouth. The root of your tooth lies below the gum line and contains your tooth's nerves. Each root is surrounded by soft tissue commonly known as the pulp, which provides the nourishment your tooth needs to remain healthy. In the event that the root or pulp become infected or decayed, a root canal can be performed to help to prevent the tooth from occurring further damage. During a the procedure, the root and pulp of the tooth are removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, and then it is sealed for protection.

What Damages the Tooth in the First Place?

Several things can damage our teeth on a day-to-day basis. Repeated dental procedures on your teeth, a cracked or chip tooth, oral trauma, and the most common- tooth decay can all affect the health of our teeth. When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, infection begins to form and can cause tenderness and pain. If infection is not spotted early on nor taken care of, then a root canal may be necessary along the way to help preserve the remaining tooth.
What Are the Signs That a Root Canal is needed?
Though at times, symptoms may not be present, signs of needing a root canal include:

• Discoloration/ darkening of a tooth
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth
• Formation of pimples on the surrounding gums
• Sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures
• Severe toothache when chewing or any form of pressure is applied

If you are currently experiencing any of the above, contact your dentist immediately for a dental exam.

How Do I Prevent Needing a Root Canal?

Since a large portion of root canals are performed due to repeated dental care and tooth decay, maintaining proper oral hygiene is necessary for healthy teeth. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing before you brush, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for routine check ups will help to prevent infection or tooth decay from occurring. If you play sports, wearing a mouth guard can help prevent chips, cracks, and oral trauma from occurring.
Root canals are a treatment of choice. Preserving your natural teeth is always the better solution and the least cost. Prevention is easy when proper oral care is maintained daily by brushing and flossing. If you start to notice any signs of damage, pain, or swelling, always contact your dentist for a dental exam and additional dental advice.

Root Canal Procedure - Step By Step Guide

                                             When the dentist informs you that you need to have a root canal procedure, it is possible that you may not be aware of what this procedure entails. It is quite common and is usually preformed in order to save a tooth that is in jeopardy and may have to be extracted. If the tooth is in the front of the mouth, this can mar the smile and perhaps mean that the patient has to have a false tooth implanted or placed on a plate.

The process of carrying a root canal procedure is performed in the dentist's office, but you will need to make more than one visit. In severe cases, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for the procedure. A specialist of this kind is called an endodontist and usually deals with procedures that are particularly difficult. Whichever dentist performs the work, you will receive a local anesthetic to make sure that you do not experience any pain while the work is being done on your tooth.
You may dread hearing that you need a root canal procedure because you fear that it is very painful. However, the procedure is not painful at all and will give you relief from the pain you had been experiencing before you visited the dentist. It will be uncomfortable, of course, with having to keep your mouth open and having saliva suctioned out of your mouth.

In the majority of cases, root canal is essential to save a tooth in which an infection has caused irreparable damage to the nerve. The pulp of the tooth may also be seriously affected. Once the dentist carries out an oral examination, he/she will take X-rays of the teeth to determine how deeply the tooth has been damaged. He will also check to see how far the infection has developed and if it has actually gone into the bone. The X-Ray will also reveal the shape of the root that the dentist will be working on.

Once the nerve of the tooth has become damaged the tooth will eventually become more and more decayed because the nerve is unable to supply it with the essential elements it needs to stay healthy. During the procedure, the dentist has to remove the damaged nerve and the pulp of the tooth. The damaged pulp is the breeding ground for bacteria from the remnants of food in your mouth and anything you may breathe in from the air. This growth of bacteria can lead to even more problems with your gums and teeth.

Once the dentist is satisfied that the area is numb and that you do not have any feeling in the tooth, he will isolate it by placing a rubber band around it. Then the dentist will use a drill to make a hole in your tooth and then proceed to use small files to clean out the pulp of the tooth and any debris that may have collected. At regular intervals, the dentist will flush out your mouth with water to wash away the debris.

A thorough cleaning of the tooth is then followed by making sure it is sealed. This part of the procedure is not done at this time, if the problem is the result of infection. The dentist has to make sure that all the infection is completely cleared up. To do this, he/she may inject antibiotics into the affected area and there is a good chance that the patient will have to take antibiotics for a period of time before returning to have the next part of the root canal.

If there is no sign of infection, the sealing may be done in the same visit. This involves filling in the area of the tooth that has been cleaned out. When there is an infection present, the dentist will use a temporary filling that can easily be removed on the next visit.

The last step in the root canal procedure is to repair the exterior of the tooth. The hole drilled in the process and then filled has to be covered up and made to look like your own tooth. Subsequent visits will involve having tooth restoration carried out in the form of a crown to protect the tooth from further damage.

 

Goal Setting - The Basics of Effectively Setting Your Goals

 Goal Setting - The Basics of Effectively Setting Your Goals

This is what most people say about goals. "I don't need goals; I'm doing fine."

But the truth is, living your life without goals and objectives is like going from north London to south London on the underground but without use of the underground map with which train to catch in which direction. Hopping on and off station-to-station and hoping for the best. If you are doing well today without written goals and plans, you could probably be doing many times better in the future if you had clear targets to aim at and the ability to measure your progress as you go along.

If you have tried and failed before and look to give it one more try, you have to know your mistakes and learn from it and set realistic and time-bounded goals to make sure you are still in the right track.
Effective GOAL SETTING is essential and a critical step to achieve success. If you want to achieve the end result you have envisioned in your mind whether it be success at a business, the lifestyle you always dreamed of or finally having the financial security for your loved ones. Whatever end result you have, goal setting is necessary to achieving it.

Fortunately, goal setting is a skill, like time management, teaching, selling, managing, or anything else that you need to become a highly productive and effective person. And all skills are learnable. You can learn the skill by practice and repetition until it becomes as easy and as automatic as breathing. And from the very first day that you begin setting goals, the progress you will make and the successes you will enjoy will dazzle you.

Here are the steps to help you effectively set up your goals:

1. Find your Passion - The first thing you should focus on is finding a business, a career, a venture or anything at all that you know will keep you motivated especially in the long run. Remember that you're in this for long-term. Your passion will serve as the fuel in motivating you to move closer to reaching your goals

2. Visualize - Before you even start, you need to see the end result in your mind and always keep it there. You have to see yourself living out your dream, your business, and your passion. You have to see everything clearly in your mind, every detail and every achievement. For what your mind can perceive, you can achieve.

3. Be Realistic With Your Goals - Although we can set specific goals for us to achieve, it is also necessary to base our goals on realistic targets and end-results. Make sure that when you set them, with the resources you have at hand, the time and effort you can achieve them. Know your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your goals according also to your skills and capabilities to make sure that they are definitely achievable.

4. Identify Long-Term from Short-Term Goals - Goals also have variances.
 A short-term goal is something you want to do in the near future. The near future can mean today, this week, this month, or even this year. A short-term goal is something you want or you need to accomplish soon while a long-term goal is something you want to do further in the future. Long-term goals require time and planning and can take months to years to achieve such as expansion, increase or branch out a business, increase sales to 50%, etc.

5. Prioritize your goals - Prioritizing means that you decide what is most important to you as of the moment. It is concluded that all of your goals are important, but it's impossible to work on all of them at once. So you have to be decisive and flexible. Being flexible is important. Change your focus on goals as your life changes.

6. Set Goals and Act on them - Don't waste too much time on setting your goals and spending less time achieving them, you have to budget enough time for setting or changing goals and more on action. Make sure that you are giving your best effort to reach those goals, put in the extra effort, love what you do and it will eventually turn out well.

Always keep in mind that when you have clear, long-term goals, with specific plans to achieve it, even if you may have to change course many times, but you will eventually arrive at your destination of health, wealth and great success.

Profession

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Profession

Humans have the God-given will to choose what they want to be in life. However, a few fail to choose what they need to be in life; as a result, other factors present in the environment including friends and family end up making the decision. The factors to consider when choosing your profession include:
· Passion
To choose a profession or career, passion must be taken into consideration. It is important to choose a profession that you love to do; this will prove easy to do. In case you are satisfied with a particular profession, you are assured of staying motivated. Furthermore, you are likely to stay enthusiastic throughout the profession. In case you are not satisfied with the profession, it will prove difficult to remain productive. Some other people are driven by the love of for money; as a result they end up sacrificing their passion for money. Many get to a point where they work for the money and it is not long before they lose interest in their profession, always looking for ways where they can get other jobs.
· Talent
The ability to undertake a particular profession is important. Before deciding to apply for a particular profession it is important to ask yourself whether you are ready for the job. Find out whether you can cope with the profession and whether you have the ability and are willing to do the job. Answers to these concerns will give you an idea about your capacity. When you have a talent in a particular field, you are likely to enjoy the career. You will also find it easier to do the job.
· Prospects
When choosing a profession, it is important to consider chances of promotion and salary increments. It is rather pointless to consider remaining in a profession that fails to give you an opportunity for improvement. To determine the type of prospects offered by a particular career, it is important to undertake ample research from those already in the profession that you are interested in.
· Income
Although the amount of salary receivable should not be the main consideration when choosing a profession, it is equally important to consider the income to ensure you are being rewarded fairly for your skills.
For people who are considering a career in engineering, they may consider becoming precision engineers - who are concerned with designing fixtures, machines and other different structures that feature an exceptionally low tolerance, stable over time and are repeatable. The approach is applied in many fields including machine tools, NEMS, MEMS and optoelectronics design.

Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking: Is Positive Thinking Dangerous?

If one has read anything do with self help or come across one of the primary figures in the industry, they will have heard of the term 'Positive Thinking'. This is nothing new and has been around for many years.
In 1952, Norman Vincent Peale published the book - The Power Of Positive Thinking. And then as time went by, this idea was turned into a whole industry. There are numerous books and people that espouse this outlook.
Affirmations are also commonly used in the same way; with all kinds of books and figures recommending them. And then there is something known as the 'Law Of Attraction' that has exploded in popularity thanks to certain books and DVDs.

Popularity

As positive thinking is so popular and has been around for quite some time, it would be natural to see it as normal and the right thing to do. The general human tendency is to avoid pain and to seek pleasure.
So to think positive can assist in this aim and allow the mind to deny and change what the body is emoting and feeling. This will then enable one to see themselves and life in a different way.
Through this process, one's behaviour can change and result in them having new experiences.

The Body

While we all have a brain that thinks, we also have a body that feels, emotes and senses. But due to things like trauma and pain that can build up in the body, one can become stuck in their brain (head).
This can be the result of trauma and pain that was experienced in childhood or in later life. And if this pain becomes too much, it is natural for ones consciousness to remain in the mind.
Here, different defence mechanisms can be used in order to keep this pain at bay. If they were not used, it would be too much and one could die from the overload.

The Consequences

Even though this pain may well have become repressed and locked in the body, it won't just stay there. The body wants to release this pain and heal itself, but the mind will generally ant to avoid the pain.
However, the pain will become known through numerous ways. This can lead to: inner restlessness, negative thoughts, depression, illness, loss, dysfunctional relationships, mental and emotional problems, reactive behaviour, addictions, obsessions and many others things.
The mind has done all it can to keep the pain away, but these can all be signs that the body is what needs to be looked at and not just the mind.

The Rejection

This focus on the mind and the rejection of the body is not something that just happened. And while positive thinking has a time and a place, it has become the primary focus. The body is often overlooked and ignored.
As I have said above, when too much pain is created in the body it is then normal for one to live in their head. So it would make perfect sense to say that part of the reason positive thinking has become so popular is due to people having so much pain in their body.
And is a natural consequence of people becoming estranged from their: emotions, feelings and sensations.

Real Power

A sense of empowerment and personal power is gained through being grounded in the body. This is where actions come from and without action very little happens. The mind can think as much as it wants and come up with all kinds of fantasies and illusions, but that doesn't make it reality.
So it would seem odd that in a day where people want to be empowered, that they are not embracing the body and are choosing to live in the mind.

The Relationship

But it would also be completely inaccurate to say this was a conscious choice. If one has a negative relationship to their motions, then avoiding them would be normal and natural. This is a relationship that is typically formed in ones childhood.
If one had a caregiver that was empathic and therefore emotionally available, it would have resulted in one being emotionally regulated as a child. This means they would have been: validated, soothed, mirrored and touched during emotional unrest or unease.

Two Benefits

Two things can occur through this process. One is that one will learn how to regulate their emotions or feel safe enough to seek assistance. And the second thing is that they won't have to repress their emotions.
When it comes to the unempathic caregiver, the above is unlikely to take place. This means that one will not learn how to regulate their emotions or feel safe enough to ask others for assistance. One will also end up having to repress their emotions.

Later life

Now, for some people this will have included emotions that were slightly painful, but not any where near the other end of the spectrum. And for others, this would have been emotions that were extremely painful and even the result of abuse or trauma.
But one thing is certain, if one did not form a healthy relationship with their emotions as a child, then avoiding them is going to be vital. This means the mind is going to be kept extremely busy in trying to block these out.

And positive thinking or affirmations will need to be constantly applied in order to continually repress these emotions and feelings.
This can easily turn into an addiction or an obsession, as to stop thinking positive could cause all kinds of repressed emotions to appear. And as they have been repressed for so long, they could be extremely powerful and overwhelming.

Conclusion

This is not to say that positive thinking should be avoided, but it does mean is that it may be necessary to look a little deeper. To see what is going on in the body and what has built up there.
As when the body is in a place of peace, the mind will often follow suit. If there is conflict in the mind, there is probably conflict in the body. And as one releases what has built up in the body, the need to think positive will not be there as much - simply because there won't be as much going on.

Awareness

In the short term it may be more painful to deal with ones repressed emotions and feelings, but the long terms benefits will outweigh the short term pain. This is not something that has to last forever.
And it may be important for one to seek the assistance of a therapist or healer who will allow one to release their emotions in a healthy and supportive way.

100 Most Common Characteristics of People With Poor Self-Esteem

Poor self-esteem is the single most deadly personality trait that a person can have, because it shades all aspects of their lives in a negative way. Whether in their relationships with others, with themselves, in their careers, with their families, they exhibit a tendency to put themselves down and have all sorts of negative self-talk that prevent them from ever fully realizing their full potential.
What would be considered some characteristics of poor self-esteem? Below is a list of the 100 most common characteristics of people with low self-esteem, notice any that applies to you?

Social & Relationships 

1. Withdrawing from social activities
2. Fear of being in the limelight
3. Fear of speaking in public
4. Anxiety in social situations
5. Lack of social skills
6. Conform to social norms and not willing to "rock the boat"
7. Always the wallpaper
8. "Nice", boring, forgettable
9. Being the listener to all with problems
10. Unable to accept and give compliments easily
11. Not being fair to yourself - placing everyone else first
12. Need to please others at all costs
13. Keep on giving while finding it difficult to receive from others
14. Unduly self-conscious
15. Worrying about others' opinions of you
16. Worrying whether you have treated others badly in any way
17. Quiet and shy
18. Treating yourself badly but not other people
19. Need to impress everybody
20. Talking a lot to attract attention to yourself
21. Likes to complain
22. Always needing to prove yourself correct in arguments
23. Lack of trust in others
24. Feelings of sexual guilt
25. Fear of intimacy
26. Pushing away others even though you want to get close to them
27. Boasting behaviours
28. Excessive apologizing
29. Selfish, non-caring of others
30. Fighting with others over small things
31. Develop shallow relationships
32. Revenge seeking attitude
33. Lack kindness with people, can be harsh and unreasonable
34. Possessive
35. Making fun of others to make yourself feel better
36. Difficulty saying no to others
37. Have friends and parents with similar characteristics
38. Limited interests
39. Prefer to live in an imaginary world than the real world
40. Like to ask others how they find you
41. Need others to constantly affirm you

Career and Success 

42. Reluctance to take on challenges
43. Fear of success
44. Fear of failure
45. Lack of confidence in own abilities
46. Expecting little out of yourself
47. Expecting little out of life
48. Not speaking up on your opinions
49. Not having the courage to stand up to own principles and values
50. Critical of self and others
51. Indecisive and wishy-washy
52. Job hopping
53. Giving up easily
54. "I can't" attitude
55. Easily affected by criticism or negative comments
56. Have difficulties asserting yourself
57. Self-sabotage behavior
58. Likes to stay within comfort zone
59. Lack of life purpose
60. Difficulty with authority figures

Physical 

61. Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia
62. Overly concerned with how you look
63. Neglecting physical appearance
64. Neglect of the physical body
65. Body odor (BO)
66. Alcohol addictions
67. Cigarettes addictions
68. Sexual addictions
69. Addictions to online games
70. Lack of energy
71. Compulsive or obsessive actions
72. Abused or currently the abuser of others
73. Self-hurting behaviours

Emotional 

74. Depression and sadness spells
75. Accentuating the negative
76. Inner destructive self-talk
77. Suicidal tendencies
78. Phobias and insecurities
79. Fear of the future
80. A lack of fulfillment and joy
81. Serious and inability to see the humor in situations
82. Comparing yourself with others and always ending up short
83. Inability to accept your own shortcomings
84. Self-pity
85. Feel victimized
86. Jealous and envious
87. Perfectionistic
88. Feel dependent on others
89. Lack of self-respect and self-love
90. Feelings of lack and inadequacy
91. Not living in the present but dwelling on the past or future
92. Feelings of hopelessness
93. Lack of self-awareness
94. Feelings that you are small and unimportant
95. Feel lonely and isolated
96. Expect the worst of others
97. Feels life is unfair to you
98. Frustrated with the way that your life is going
99. Lack of inner peace and harmony
100. Feeling overwhelmed

Many people believe that poor self-esteem is something that you are born with and which you cannot change easily and quickly, but that is a myth that I would like to debunk. In the new millennium, new techniques have been discovered that can transform poor self-esteem in a quick, easy and effective manner that you would be amazed. The costs of poor self-esteem - failure in all aspects of life, need no longer be a fact and something that you must live with for the rest of your life.

Are We Victims Of Our Circumstances Or Have We The Freedom To Transcend Them?

Do you feel out of control of your life? That events and the situations around you dictate how you feel? That your appetites or fears are in charge of you rather than you being in charge of them? That you are not free to break away from their hold and that life is a powerful current that you are helpless to swim against? Many have wondered about just how free anyone is to determine one's personal destiny. Are we victims of our circumstances or have we the freedom to transcend them?

Limiting factors

We are all only too aware of the way personal freedom is restricted by lack of money, demands of parenting, or the economic recession, to mention just a few limitations commonly encountered in everyday life. From an academic viewpoint, scientists point out the myriad of factors which influence our behaviour and thus curb our liberty to do and be what we want. These factors include - to name just a few - your bodily constitution and family upbringing, any physical impairment, the chemical effects of medication and the social values of our culture.

Reciprocal determinism

Yet, although the environment can be seen to determine behaviour, psychologists also talk about how we shape our own individual environment. This they call 'reciprocal determinism'. One example is the experience of mass media. People can affect this by what video and television they individually choose to watch and what magazines they choose to read. Another example is to do with personal interactions. We have all come across those people who seem to cope well with problems. They can be easy individuals to be with because of their rewarding conduct and charming and sincere way of dealing with others. They predictably bring about a positive social atmosphere wherever they go.
In other words although the environment around them may play an important role in determining what they do, nevertheless to some extent they make this environment themselves in how they interact with it. Perhaps we have some say in controlling our lives after all.

Inner versus outer freedom

Another reason for supposing we have more chance to take control over life is the sense of inner freedom we can experience. For example how you choose to think is something you are free to inwardly do regardless of your outward activity. You can manufacture a self-fulfilling prophecy by the way you look for the worst or the best in others, or in the way you focus on the threats or the opportunities in any new challenge.

My favourite Greek once said:
"I must die. I must be imprisoned. I must suffer exile. But must I die groaning? Must I whine as well? Can anyone hinder me from going into exile with a smile?" (Epictetus)
Not even the god Zeus could conquer his inner freedom of will.

A patient of the psychotherapist Irvin Yalom had a serious physical deformity. She believed that life without a love-sexual relationship with a man was without value - that one is either coupled or one is nothing. So she shut down many options for herself including a close non-sexual friendship. Through therapy she eventually realised that although she was not free to escape her deformity, nevertheless she was inwardly free to adopt a different attitude towards it.

Illusions of freedom

We can get ourselves caught up by negative attitudes and corrupting habits. Fears and obsessive cravings can become reinforced if repeatedly adopted. The sufferer does not realise how much of life is dictated by these feelings.
Some people drift into self-centredness. They can be caught up in the desire to exercise manipulate and control, to get even with anyone who does not please them, and get hold of anything that they fancy having by foul or fair means.
When one wants to carry on in this way it seems like one is acting freely. But I would suggest that anyone who has allowed bad desires and self-delusional thinking to predominate is actually in a state of spiritual slavery. When you are carried away with delight in something it seems like you are a free person to have chosen it. But this is self-deception.
"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Real freedom

According to philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg, real freedom is something very different. It is having the heavenly state of mind and character to be able to receive the spiritual life unspoilt by all the negative stuff that blocks out the heat of love and light of wisdom.
"Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace."
(Buddha)
As long as we remain attached to envy, greed, resentment and other selfish attitudes we are not free to experience deep happiness. The negative stuff first needs to be set aside if we are to gain unfettered access to the divine source of all that is good.

Simple Steps to Improve Your Life and Gain the Rewards You Deserve

                                              When I was growing up in Vancouver Canada, my bedroom window faced Grouse Mountain. Throughout the winter, several students in my high school would plan skiing outings and spend the day racing down the slopes. They came to school in their ski sweaters and occasionally drove into the parking lot with skis attached to their roof racks. As soon as the last class had ended, they sped up to their winter wonderland.

I often dreamed of riding the chairlift, but not until years later did I finally have the time to learn how to ski. My nervous energy quickly evaporated when I felt the excitement of shushing down the side of a mountain. The joy of gliding through the snow more than made up for my anxiety about trying something new. After several weeks of lessons, and numerous falls, my comfort level increased, and I began living my dream. The rewards were plentiful: exercising in a pristine landscape; breathing fresh air; admiring the amazing views from the various lifts; and enjoying the camaraderie with others after a day on the slopes. Thank goodness I got out of my comfort zone and took that first step.
The journey to the top of the mountain was an exciting one, but the real journey starts from within our hearts and minds. The greater adventure comes when we decide to take that first step to live our dream. The desire to accomplish a goal, whether physical or creative or educational, can be so strong that if we resist the 'call' our spirits suffer. We feel empty, listless, fidgety, and frustrated. Our energy level lacks oomph, and we crave something better, but we're not sure where or how to begin.
The first step is to listen to your inner voice. Your tentative motion toward this new path is made bolder when you sit quietly and heed your inner guidance. You know what you truly want to do with your life. You know it! You're just afraid to admit it. Should you really dare to dream that big? The answer is a resounding 'yes.'

You know your limitations; you recognize your weaknesses; you definitely know your strengths. Over the years, you've witnessed your skills in action, but your lack of confidence holds you in check. Think about the ache in your spirit when you continue down a path that leaves you unfulfilled and unsatisfied. Is doing nothing really the best you can do for your spirit?

The next step is to make a decision. Make a choice to try. Draw strength from your excitement that this dream could become a reality. Be courageous. While a daunting prospect, as any new venture is, you deserve a chance at living a life that's compatible with your nature. When you look around and see how far you've come and how much your life has improved, you'll be happy you made the right choice.

Expect obstacles. Everyone's journey to meet their goals starts with bumps and ruts that seem constructed to test you and trip you up. These discouraging signs usually come in the forms of self-doubt and fear. Expect them. But keep moving through them. Also, expect the naysayers to voice their opinion. The people who say 'you can't' or 'you won't' are the ones scared that 'you will.'
I was nervous about getting on two long, thin boards and then sliding down a snowy slope in the dead of winter, but I really wanted to try. I had oodles of self-doubt and fear, but my desire to learn was stronger. Fortunately, I had an instructor who kept saying, 'You can do it.'
Be your own enthusiastic coach and take heart that you are not alone: many have stepped onto this path to pursue their dreams and encountered a few spills, but they stuck to it and discovered tremendous rewards.

If you're serious about learning more about how to change your life and reach your goals, pamper yourself for a few moments each week by receiving supportive and encouraging tips guaranteed to empower you in your quest. Regardless of where you are in your journey to realize your dreams, these tips can become part of your daily practice of boosting your spirit. Give yourself a chance to reach your goals. Be proactive. Link to your inner power every day.

3 Incredible Ways to Boost Your Brain Power to Attain Limitless Success

Your brain is your greatest asset, the store of infinite wealth, happiness, good relationships, abundant health and everything else that you have ever desired in this life. These could be realized in your life if you learn the techniques to boost your brain power. You should have awareness of the various processes that you can put into place to achieve these goals. These are achieved by the power of binaural beats of the brain that induce the mind towards the goal. These states have the effects of allowing you to have more creativity, be more accurate and learn more skills easily.
Boosting your brainpower is easy and takes shape once you have put your subconscious mind to instant self- tailored medication. This method of realizing and exploiting your full potential is non-toxic and easy. It does not involve any intakes of drugs that sellers promise to have the ability to boost your brainpower. Other methods of boosting one's brainpower one could use include drugs, but one bad thing with drugs is that most are illegal in addition to having undesired effects on you.
What you should know is that your brain has the full potential and the correct running and operational methodology that it needs to become much better than its current state and if you will be keen enough, you will learn that the brain does not function at the levels of its fullest potential. This is sporadic and more often than not, you will not be able to realize when it matters.

Incredible ways to boost your brainpower to attain limitless success

1. Music - this is a great tool for boosting your brainpower to higher levels. Music easily achieves this by presenting your brain with a calming and a stimulating effect that depends on the particular type of music you choose to listen.
You can choose to switch to soft music to give your mind an inner calming or even rock you mind out to get it thoroughly energized. Enjoy the music you chose by carefully listening to it so that you can maximize on the mind improving skills. For mind challenging tips, try to pick out all the instruments incorporated in that particular piece of music.

2. Games of the mind - These boost your brainpower by increasing your focus and by demanding from you the skills of reasoning and logic thinking. Work out on crosswords, Sudoku, and other games in your daily newspaper and engage in trivia questions with your friends, you will greatly increase the power of your brain.

3. Nutrition- your diet affects your mind equally as it does your body. Go slow on sugary foods and consume foods abundant in omega-3 fatty acids such as seeds, nuts and oily fish. These foods boost your brainpower by reducing blood sugars in your brain.

Whatever you embark on, just remember that research is the key. You need to know as much as possible so that you do not subject your brain to any exercise blindly. Remember, brainwave entrainment works always

Relaxation

The 321 Relaxation Technique

                                             Let's take a look at a simple relaxation technique. One that is well known, has stood the test of time and these days is used as part of the Photo Reading whole learning technique; so that you can relax the body and mind as a way to prepare the brain for new information and tap into the unlimited resources within it. With practice you will be able to apply the technique quickly in any situation you choose.

So what technique am I referring to, naturally I'm referring to the 321 method.

Before I explain how to develop the technique, stop a moment to recall a time and place where you felt totally well in your body, a time and place where any preoccupying concerns of mind are nothing more than a distant speck of dust or totally non-existent. It might be on a holiday you took on a fabulous beach and or a very special moment with your favourite person. Whatever it may be, be sure to choose the memory well and one that is particularly special for you, because you will start accessing this beautiful memory as a way to relax using the 321 method.

Some people may find this easy to do, for others it may take a little more practice; everyone can do this. It is just a matter for each person to find the best way for them to access that memory. Think about this, a star stuck night, the sea laps gently on the shore. The warm gentle breeze caresses as I gaze admiringly upon her face. It's like I can taste her smile, I'm charmed as her presence somehow releases me. I'm blessed, the feeling of air on my skin, something thicker than air yet thinner than water, it heats up a little. There is magic in the air time slows down and I tune in.
Well that does for it for me for sure... now this memory represents the number 1.

3. Relaxed body
2. Relaxed mind

1. Your very special memory
Over the next posts we will look at ways of relaxing the body, for now you can... 

3. Start with your toes up to the tip of your head. My toes are relaxed I feel them relaxing, the ball of my feet are relaxed I feel them relaxing, my heals are relaxed I feel them relaxing, my ankles are relaxed I feel them relaxing... up to the top of your head and back down again to your toes... 

2. Relax the mind mentally... with a relaxed body you will find it easier to bring your mind into the present moment, let go of pre-occupying thoughts preparing yourself to recall your special place number 1

How To Be Happy And Always Feel Good

You don't have to dig every corner looking for your happiness.
You don't have to search for ideas and advice online on how to live your life always happy and feel good.
You also don't have to read so many books, attend so many seminars, try to find your true happiness in life.

The fact is, happiness is already in you.

All you need to do is look at the mirror now - give yourself a happy smile.
You will trigger off the happiness in you starts to flow so naturally out from you.
When you finished reading this article, you will know exactly how to live your life always happy and really feel good.
Happiness is here and it is always here in you ever since the day you were born as a lovely baby to experience life on this beautiful planet.
Happiness is who you really are and living your life always happy and feel good is so natural to you.
As long as you don't think of negative thoughts about yourself, about the people around you and about this wonderful world you live, happiness will flow so naturally out from you.
The easiest and the fastest way to make sure you really feel good and always happy is by living your life now in the state of appreciation.
You can enjoy doing your appreciation in the morning, at lunch-time, in the evening or at any time and at any place as you wish.

1. In the morning - before you open your eyes and wake-up from your bed

* While you are still lying on your bed, start to think of those things and those people you can really show your appreciation.
* Sincerely appreciate those things you already have that make you so feel good and happy, but don't think of those things you don't have that make you feel disappointed and sad.
* Sincerely appreciate the things you love to do that make you feel so wonderful and great, but don't think of those things you don't like to do that make you feel awful and mad.
* Sincerely appreciate those people you love for they make you smile and feel so nice, but don't think of those people you dislike that make you feel unhappy and frustrated.
* Sincerely appreciate those people in your work who make you feel so confident and motivated, but don't think of those people in your work who make you feel so bad and demoralized.
* As long as you don't think of negative thoughts in your mind, your happiness will flow out naturally while you are doing your appreciation.
* Once you are certain you really feel good and happy, you are now ready to open your eyes and wake-up to begin a new day and your work.

2. At lunch-time - while you are having your meal at lunch hour

* You purposely look for things and people around you that you can show your appreciation.
* There are things you like and you really appreciate. There are also things you don't like and you find it so hard to show your appreciation.
* There are people you admire and you really appreciate. There also people you dislike and you find it so difficult to show your appreciation.
* It is impossible for you to show your appreciation when you see those people around you who are feeling unhappy with their life.
* But your main purpose at this moment is looking for something that you can really show your appreciation, so that your happiness will naturally flow out from you.
* The easiest way to begin your appreciation is by focusing on the food you are eating.
* Your happiness will flow out from you naturally while you are appreciating the delicious food that you are now eating.

3. In the evening - before you call it a day and go to sleep

* You may write down in your notebook about the things and the people you have shown your appreciation during the day. This will make sure you really feel good and you are happy before you go to sleep.
* Sincerely appreciate this article you are now reading. As you are enjoying reading the words in this article, you are letting the happiness in you flows out naturally from you.
* However during the day, you might see, you might hear or you might read about an unpleasant situation and it makes you feel bad and uncomfortable during the evening.
* If you find it hard to accept this unpleasant situation that has already happened, it is good you do your meditation immediately and ask the Infinite Intelligence in you for guidance.
* You will amaze how wonderful it is your Infinite Intelligence is guiding to understand the real benefit for you in this unpleasant situation, and it makes you feel good and comfortable before you go to sleep.
* Don't forget to do your appreciation tomorrow morning before you open your eyes and wake-up from your bed.
* Once you make a habit to do your appreciation in your daily life, you will truly live your life always happy and feel good.

Conclusion:
1. It is really simple and easy to live your life always happy and feel good. All you need to do now is - read this article many times, until you truly live your life always in the state of appreciation.

2. Any moment you have difficulty in doing your appreciation just because there is an unpleasant situation that has already happened. It is good you immediately do your meditation and ask your Infinite Intelligence for guidance. You will be happy the moment you understand the real benefit for you in this unpleasant situation.

3. Don't forget to share this article with as many people as you can, because your sincerity and your willingness to help others to live a happy life is also a wonderful way to make sure you are always happy and really feel good.

The Largest Organ Of Your Body

                                                The skin is the body's largest organ. Knowing how to properly care for it is essential to good health. It is important to stay informed about the most up-to-date technologies and advancements, as well as getting information about the ingredients that get results.
Knowledge Equals Results

ATP and Cellular Aging

Energy is created in the body by Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP as it is commonly called. As you age, your body contains less ATP, thus reducing energy levels over time. Since the skin depends on ATP for renewal and regeneration, it is greatly affected. That is why proper skin care is essential to maintaining healthy skin.

Using the most current skin care technologies will help revitalize your skin while preventing damage caused by the environment. You can even prolong the aging process by making a few small life changes to diet and exercise.

As you age, there are various products you can use to preserve your skin and help it remain smooth and glowing. Several modern technologies are also available to help slow down the affects brought on by the aging process. Arming yourself with the right information will help you when deciding which is right for you.

Maximizing ATP with Microcurrent Technology

An entire system has been designed to encourage the production of ATP and improve overall skin health. Microcurrent technology is a skin care tool used to maximize ATP energy while renewing the skin and re-educating muscles of the body and face. Over time, skin loses energy and becomes less elastic as a result. By adhering to a healthy diet, using the right skin care products, and taking advantage of revolutionary tools such as microcurrent technology, you can give your skin a whole new life of its own.

ATP Enhancing Benefits of LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is responsible for enhancing the production of ATP in the body. It assists in healing damaged skin so it may be renewed and revitalized.

Studies indicate that microcurrent and LED applications have significant side benefits of ATP synthesis that include increases in collagen (more than 12% in 20 days), elastin (more than 48% in 20 days) and blood circulation (more than 39% in 20 days).
Oxygen Technology and ATP

ATP is responsible for giving skin a youthful and glowing appearance. As it decreases, finding effective skin care treatments becomes increasingly important. Oxygen is often combined with other technologies to revitalize the skin by increasing the production of collagen, elastin, and ATP.
Note: LED, oxygen, and microcurrent technologies are among the most used by surgeons for pre- and post-op applications. Their healing properties provide many benefits for the healing process, often greatly reducing postoperative swelling, bruising, and discomfort

Eating

The Best Way to Eat Healthy in a Family

There are various ways through which dietitians and nutritionists encourage people to eat every day in order to attain healthy living. Some of the information available is based on a number of issues some of which are medical while others are genetic. However, the basic principle of eating healthy remains sticking to a well balanced diet. There is no better path to a healthy family nutrition than through a well balanced meal comprising of natural elements, as opposed to artificial foods or even drugs. As much as these drugs may be made specifically to correct some special cases and conditions, nothing beats natural foods, and in this case we are talking about meals made from vegetables.
Nutritionists recommend that people must eat lots of fruits and vegetables for various reasons depending on the health of different individuals. For instance, the following are some of the benefits one will get from eating fruits and vegetables daily and on a regulated mode.

1. Chronic adversaries and cancer are known to be prevented by natural vegetables and some fruits that are readily available from the market or even in farm yards.

2. For good health, a diet rich in the above will certainly provide the body with vital components like minerals and vitamins.

3. They do contain minimal or no fats or unhealthy calories.

4. They are 100 percent natural and safe. You do not need to worry of adverse side effects or reactions. Therefore, they possess zero health risks.

Today, there are so many people suffering from conditions like obesity and overweight. Some of these situations are as a result of poor eating habits that have been practiced for ages y individuals. The truth of the matter is few people will complain of such conditions after sticking to healthy eating. Still on the same, the most annoying fact is that it takes both time and money to reverse these conditions and there are never a guarantee that there will be positive results.

Fruits for instance can be cheaply available because they are found in most homesteads and in orchards from trees that act as shade providers. Since the time everybody was growing up, we learned from posters in clinics and TV adverts that an apple a day keeps the doctor away or at least a fruit is good after or before a meal. The essence of the above two statements was and still is to emphasize on the need for eating healthy for families from the grassroots.

Not most junk food will be prepared with vegetables and fruits. This can be confirmed by emerging number of overweight individuals who relies on junk for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A good diet as advised in nutrition center should contain a touch of these two essential components. However, it is prudent to stay within some nutritional limits or Required Daily Allowance(RDA) that your body can contain. There are calculators online that will provide information regarding the right amounts of fruits and vegetable intake for a healthy diet. Have a healthy family nutrition hence a healthy living!