Next time you feel like you’re about to lose it, switch off your computer monitor and take a look out the window.
New research shows it might be just that simple. Looking at a landscape in the middle of a stressful situation helps calm your heart rate. Read the rest of this entry »
Feeling overwhelmed? A quick liaison with lavender may help keep things under control.
Seems a scant 5 minutes of exposure to mild lavender aromas helps curb the release of cortisol — a key stress hormone that can prematurely age you by triggering inflammation.
Bonus Scents
In a recent study of Japanese co-eds, sniffing lavender not only lowered cortisol levels but also may have enhanced antioxidant activity in their bodies — a double blow to the aging process.
5 More Ways to Relax and Live Longer
Every little bit of stress busting helps your health. So in addition to lavender baths and aromatherapy kits, help kiss your stress goodbye with these tips:
* Think it away. This in-the-moment technique will do it.
* Set your iPod to your “slow tunes” playlist.
* Try these calm-you-down-quick foods.
* Set aside some time to get your worrying done. Here’s why.
Managing chronic disease can diminish its effect on your RealAge.realage
A hobby is more than a way to pass the time. It may be a way to get more of it.
Know which hobby has probably added years to the longest-lived people in the world? It’s gardening. Okinawans — whose men typically live to age 78, women to age 86 — have a long tradition of working with soil.
Flex Your Green Thumb
The benefits of gardening reach body and soul, according to Dan Buettner and his book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. “It’s a source of daily physical activity that exercises the body with a wide range of motion and helps reduce stress,” he writes. So, as the ground thaws and the seed catalogues start arriving, make a pact to plan — and plant — a plot this year. Read the rest of this entry »
THIS YEAR is very significant with regards to wellbeing, for instance the number eight is the power of two and represents strength, new beginnings and regeneration.
With each new year there is talk of new beginnings, but while new resolutions and commitments are made with good intentions, they tend to tail off before spring.
If you’re still feeling the pinch of the Christmas spend two months on, and the bank credit crunch, it’s hard to be optimistic when there seems to be little light at the end of the tunnel.
Wellbeing not only relates to physical health, it is a state of mind. The mind, body and soul need to work in tandem to create a complete sense of self.
So, a total declutter is required, from the removal of negative thoughts, to organising your life to better manage your time between work. The goal is to have more time for friends, family and, most importantly, you.
Most people set out to self-improve and take stock early in the year, but unfortunately, these recycled promises are too often broken, leading to disappointments.
Not following through can have a negative impact on your self-image, your relationship, or your lifestyle.
So, if you are ready to embrace 365 days of excitement and challenges, the following wellbeing guide will be of great use to you.
Most people have the desire to learn new things, maintain a healthy lifestyle, get their finances in check, and become more family-orientated.
Sadly, only a very small group of people will ever attempt to fulfil these desires, and actually make them happen.
Nevertheless, it is never too late to achieve your chosen life improvements. Rededicate yourself daily to the journey towards becoming a more complete and happier person.
Happiness needs to be prepared, cultivated, nurtured, defended and protected, so that it has longevity.
Achieving happiness starts with positive thoughts. Believing that happiness is possible for you will open doors to healthy relationships.
Cultivate your mind to eliminate negative thoughts and make way for positive ones. Happiness is a choice – you choose to be happy or not.
Most of us are waiting for something or someone to make us happy, but before you can expect someone else to appreciate you and what you stand for, you have to value and love yourself.
Working hard and managing your time effectively will ensure you give each task your all, as well as allow you ‘down time’.
Also, family is one of the strongest relationships any of us will have. It is vital that we take time out of our busy schedules to maintain and nurture such bonds.
The Institute of Wellbeing offers five tips to develop a strong family relationship:
Set a good example
Children copy everything, so behave appropriately in front of them.
Allow your children to pick up good qualities and habits.
Build on communication
When your children are ready to talk – look beyond their words and figure out what emotions are involved.
Encourage them to communicate their feelings, expectations, challenges, sorrows and joys.
Use the right discipline
Aim for balanced discipline, where you install firm rules and boundaries, whilst respecting your children’s views.
Avoid negative comments and using threats to gain control.
Pay attention
All children need positive attention, cuddles, and words of love.
Paying more attention when they are bad will encourage them to always seek negative attention.
Praise good behaviour.
Encourage independence
Allow children to experience the natural consequences of their behaviour or mistakes.
Allow children to gain a sense of responsibility and respect.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Imagine believing you have no reason to get out of your bed every day. Your purpose is like an inner compass that guides you on your journey through life; it gives direction to your thoughts.
Finding your life purpose can help you to move with greater focus, give you clarity and make every day of your life more meaningful.
It is only when you seek, discover, and understand what your life’s purpose is, that you can set and fulfil goals.
Living a life of purpose reflects who you are inside, your beliefs, values and passion.
Ask yourself:
What am I good at?
What do I love doing and feel I should be doing with my life?
What makes my heart sing?
You are never too old or too young to have a dream or vision for yourself. Make it your duty to learn, explore or create new things.
So, if you are unsure of who you are or why you are here, remember that only you can refine and define your life’s journey.
Learn from your choices, the opportunities you have taken, and the possibilities for others that may arise. And finally, take stock of how your contribution to life can positively impact others. It won’t go unnoticed.voice-online
