Solitude

It seems that everything comes in a list format nowadays. “Wash, Rinse, and Repeat” or “Open box, Remove Contents, Try and Assemble”. Maybe it is because when we see things in a list format our brain interprets them as a set of instructions - rules that must be followed. The proliferation of articles about happiness as of late has been astonishing. Everybody is coming up with the magic formula for finding happiness. I don't know about you, but I need to keep things simple and in perspective at all times. Wouldn't it be great if there were a simple set of instructions for living a happy and fulfilled life? How about an instruction manual for life? Something along the lines of “Enjoy childhood, Explore young adulthood, Engage in a rewarding career, and Enjoy life.” Unfortunately, things are not that easy. That doesn’t mean there aren’t techniques and tips you can use in your everyday life that can help you find happiness and fulfillment as you go through the journey of ...

Grief and loss can be debilitating but can be overcome.  Ms Howard stood rigid and unemotional by the grave in which her 20-year-old son Patrick was buried. Life as she knew it was over. Time was now referred to as, “Before Patrick's death” and “After Patrick's death.” It's been 10 years since her loss. As she sat on my sofa, she said with a smile, “You know, Patrick wanted to be a psychologist. He wanted to work with people who had lost someone dear and look at the irony... here I am, still grieving Patrick, even after 10 years.” It has taken Ms Howard years to reach out and ask for support. All this time has been spent trying to hold her family together, move on, live life and “get over it”. “After a point people merely feel sympathy, but no empathy. They said that I should try to forget and stop grieving. People keep telling me that 10 years is a long time. I feel very depressed that I am unable to move on.” Part of life Grief and loss can come disgui...

What's the secret of eternal youth? see the answer from experts If there is one thing on the wish list of most adults, it is to remain forever young and escape the effects of aging. However, getting on in years is something that cannot be avoided. What accelerates the aging process is the polluted environment we inhabit with all its toxins and chemicals, and the part played by free radicals. Although the human body produces a certain amount of antioxidants to counter free radicals, the silver lining is the fact that Nature has generously provided us with enough antioxidants in fruits, nuts, vegetables, and grains/legumes to help halt the damage. In simple terms, antioxidants are agents that inhibit oxidation and neutralise the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances, in other words, counter oxidative stress. The rusting of iron, brass artefacts turning black, an apple slice or a piece of raw potato turning brown, are examples of oxidation which happens to all cells i...

The secret to losing weight isn’t just watching what’s on your plate; it’s also about watching what’s in your glass. Popular soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks can be loaded with added sugars and carbohydrates that can sabotage your weight-loss strategy. Here are five tasty ways to drink up without packing on the pounds.   1. Water We all know this one, but it’s important to remember that water is the single best choice for effective weight loss. Whether it’s still or sparkling, aim to make water your go-to beverage choice. Think water is boring? Try adding fresh lemon slices, lime, cucumber, and even a slice of tomato to add flavor without adding many calories. 2. Vegetable juice Whether in a can, bottled, or homemade, vegetable juice is an excellent way to get the fiber and nutrients your body needs to fuel your weight loss. If you can find a low-sodium variety, even better. The veggies will keep you fuller longer and the tangy flavor will keep your taste buds happy. ...

By now, it’s an accepted fact that all of us urban workers, unlike earlier generations, will go through at least five to six job changes (if not more) during the course of our working lives. But disengaging from one company and moving to another can be a tricky proposition, particularly if you leave on a bad note. There’s always the temptation to badmouth the former workplace and boss. However, while venting your rage may feel good, it’s not right to vent just anywhere nor is it smart to vent to just about anyone. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are supposed to be open forums where you can freely speak your mind. But there have been plenty of instances where people have been let go from their jobs for venting on these websites. For example, in 2009, Dawnmarie Souza, a union worker for the American Medical Response of Connecticut, was fired for insulting her boss in a series of Facebook updates. Moving on People quit their jobs for a variety of reasons, b...

The weight loss industry grows at six per cent a year and yet the incidence of obesity also increases by six per cent every year! Obviously something is not working. To make matters worse, we are deafened by a cacophony of conflicting dietary advice from the Cookie Diet to the Cabbage Soup Diet and everything in between. If you’ve found it hard to maintain or lose weight, you need to go beyond the familiar “diet and exercise” mantra. There are three hidden causes for the obesity epidemic. 1. The “Overfed / Undernourished” Syndrome Depleted soil conditions and refining give us nutritionally bankrupt foods which fill us without nourishing us. This leads to constant hunger at the cellular level. Solution: Turn to “superfoods” such as wheat grass and alfalfa sprouts to satisfy your ‘cellular’ hunger. Voila! You will eat less and feel more satisfied without dieting! 2. The “Craving-for-Refined-Foods” Syndrome It is not the lack of will power, but undiagnosed food allergies that make you...

In this fitness-obsessed world; where gym is home, treadmill your pal and the staircase your daily mission, your exercise regime tops the priority list. But, really, how long can you keep doing the same old routine season after season; even the dedicated ones will need a change. Once the raindrops start and the overcast sky opens up, motivation slowly and steadily moves to zilch. Our metabolic rate also takes a lazy turn but your body needs serious movement now. Also since the cold has been proved to aid weight-loss; do just that, only with a twist. Nothing shakes up that stubborn cellulite like a change in routine. With the fitness world offering a variety of vigorous, yet fun, fitness fundas, ditch the regulars and introduce some zing while you continue with those workouts. Kayaking Don't we all love those row-boat rides in our misty hill stations? Even all those weights with multiple sets and counts aren't as effective as a session of swift kayaking. Basically a lean, row ...

1. It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes and failures are there to teach us. If we learn from them and correct the way on our path, better things will result from it. 2. We create our own reality. We have the power to break mental patterns that no longer serve us, and we have the power to consciously choose thoughts that empower us. It’s only a matter of breaking old habits and creating new ones. 3. Finding validation and seeking love from another person through relationships is a self-destructive path. Those types of relationships never last, and when they end, they burn in heartache. You must love and respect yourself first. When you wholeheartedly love who you are, the world will fall in love with you, and the right relationship will fall into place. Until I fully accept, love and respect myself, I will continue to attract those relationships rooted in fear, insecurities and disempowerment. 4. A few moments of silence each day will broaden your horizon, strengthen your self-a...