Increase your Brain Power
You will feel good about this
Boost your brain power in a week with these nine proofs:- Lack of sleep worsens memory and increases Alzheimer's risk.Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and well-being. At least 7-8hours of sleep everyday. Numerous factors, such as hormones and motivation to exercise, are believed to influence the impact of sleep on weight gain. One notable effect is that sleep deprivation can disrupt hormone levels, leading to increased ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decreased leptin (the satiety hormone). Consequently, this hormonal imbalance may induce feelings of hunger and result in overeating. Multiple studies have confirmed that sleep-deprived individuals tend to have a larger appetite and consume more calories.Additionally, sleep deprivation can prompt a craving for foods high in sugar and fat, as a compensatory mechanism for the lack of energy, considering their higher calorie content.Moreover, insufficient sleep can contribute to a lack of motivation to engage in physical activities such as going to the gym, taking a walk, or participating in other preferred forms of exercise.Therefore, prioritizing adequate sleep can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy body weight.- Prolonged stress destroys the brain and impairs memory and learning.Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at some point in their lives, but the frequency and severity of these episodes vary. Seek professional help if anxiety significantly impairs your daily life. For milder stress and anxiety, learn to cope with individual incidents and adopt a positive mindset. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also aids in combating stress and anxiety. Stress is the experience of emotional or physical strain. It can arise from various events or thoughts that lead to feelings of frustration, anger, or nervousness.Stress is a response of your body to challenges or demands. In short durations, stress can be beneficial, like when it helps you evade danger or meet deadlines. However, when stress persists over a prolonged period, it can have detrimental effects on your well-being.Stress and anxiety are interrelated. It's important to consider the following:Stress is a normal sensation, and it can be categorized into two primary types:Acute stress: This type of stress is short-lived and dissipates quickly. You experience it when you suddenly hit the brakes, engage in an argument with your partner, or navigate down a steep slope while skiing. Acute stress helps you handle hazardous situations and may also arise when you encounter new or exciting experiences. It's common for individuals to experience acute stress at some point in their lives.Chronic stress: This form of stress persists for an extended duration. Examples include ongoing financial problems, an unhappy marriage, or difficulties at work. Any stress that persists for weeks or months falls into the category of chronic stress. It's possible to become so accustomed to chronic stress that you fail to recognize it as a problem. If left unmanaged, chronic stress can lead to health complications.When confronted with stress, your body releases hormones that heighten brain activity, tense your muscles, and elevate your heart rate. These reactions are beneficial in the short term, as they aid in coping with stressful situations. This response is your body's way of safeguarding itself.However, chronic stress keeps your body in a constant state of alertness, even when there is no immediate danger. Over time, this prolonged state of stress puts you at risk of various health problems, including:High blood pressureHeart diseaseDiabetesObesityDepression or anxietySkin issues, such as acne or eczemaMenstrual problemsIf you already have an existing health condition, chronic stress can exacerbate it further.Stress can manifest in a multitude of physical and emotional symptoms. Sometimes, you may not even realize that these symptoms are attributable to stress. Here are some indicators that stress may be affecting you:Diarrhea or constipationForgetfulnessFrequent bodily discomfortsHeadachesLack of energy or difficulty concentratingSexual problemsTension in the jaw or neckFatigueTrouble sleeping or excessive sleepinessUpset stomachIncreased reliance on alcohol or drugs to relaxUnintentional weight loss or gain- Love and hate share brain areas, but love reduces judgment and logical thinking.The Bible instructs us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) as a moral imperative. This command aims to foster a closer relationship with God, who treats both the good and the evil kindly. Translating this command into daily life involves practicing compassion and forgiveness towards your enemies, which brings significant benefits to both them and yourself.- Dehydration affects the brain, reducing concentration and memory.Sufficient water is vital for health and energy. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water and is not replenished. Causes include exercise, illness, or insufficient water intake. Recognizing the signs and responding appropriately are crucial for well-being and recovery. Mild to moderate dehydration can often be self-treated, but severe cases require immediate medical attention. Dehydration arises when your body loses more fluid than it takes in.When the normal water content in your body decreases, it disrupts the balance of minerals (salts and sugar), affecting its proper functioning.Water constitutes over two-thirds of a healthy human body. It lubricates joints and eyes, aids in digestion, eliminates waste and toxins, and maintains healthy skin.Early signs of dehydration include:Feeling thirsty and lightheadedDry mouthFatigueDark-colored, strong-smelling urineReduced frequency of urinationIn infants, signs of dehydration may include:Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the headFew or no tears when cryingFewer wet diapersDrowsinessEven a small loss of fluid can have an impact on the body.If you're experiencing dehydration, it is important to consume an ample amount of fluids such as water, diluted squash, or fruit juice. These options are more effective than consuming large quantities of tea or coffee. Carbonated drinks may contain excessive sugar and may be challenging to consume in large quantities.If vomiting makes it difficult to retain water, try drinking small amounts more frequently.For infants and young children, it is not advisable to provide large amounts of water alone as the primary replacement fluid when dehydrated. This is because it can excessively dilute the already low mineral levels in their body and lead to further complications.Instead, offer them diluted squash or a rehydration solution (available at pharmacies). A teaspoon or syringe can be helpful for administering fluids to young children.Severe dehydration, if left untreated, can be a serious condition and may result in seizures, brain damage, or even death.- Pregnancy changes the brain's structure to enhance mother-baby connection.Pregnancy is an exciting time, and staying healthy is crucial for both you and your baby. Eat well, stay active, and prioritize your emotional well-being. Consider making lifestyle adjustments for the best possible outcome. Your efforts to be healthy will greatly benefit your future child.Excessive sugar consumption impairs memory and learning, while Omega-3 fatty acids counteract the effects.Romantic love and maternal feelings share brain activity, but have distinct characteristics.Love is both beautiful and scary. Expressing love to a reciprocating partner can be initially challenging but never stop loving not just people also everything around you Painting enhances brain function and slows down aging.Painting is a style, it can make you focus more, relaxed, fearless cos you will always be in the moment and also be realistic. - Reading stimulates cognitive abilities and activates specific brain areas.Give your brain a workout by reading an interesting book and discover the incredible benefits!
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BE CONFIDENT 3
Confidence can be an elusive entity. Allowing others to dictate our self-worth is a common pitfall, but in reality, it should solely depend on our own perception. The encouraging truth is that you are the one in control, steering the locomotive of self-assurance, and it's poised to embark on a remarkable journey from this very moment.How can one develop confidence in a new job without prior experience in that field? How can someone feel assured in social situations if they have never experienced acceptance before? Is it possible to be confident in a relationship when past relationships have been unsuccessful?At first glance, confidence may seem like an elusive trait that only favors those who already possess it, leaving others feeling inadequate. When you haven't experienced much social acceptance and lack confidence in unfamiliar social settings, it's natural to worry about being perceived as clingy or strange, hindering acceptance from others.Similarly, in relationships, a lack of confidence in intimacy can lead to difficult breakups, uncomfortable phone calls, and even late-night trips to the store for comfort food.Moreover, when it comes to work, it can be challenging to feel confident without prior relevant experience, especially since most jobs require such experience as a prerequisite.If you've consistently experienced failure in life, how can you possibly anticipate becoming a victor? And if you lack the expectation of being a winner, your behavior will reflect that of a loser. Consequently, the cycle of dissatisfaction persists. This predicament can be described as the confidence conundrum. In order to attain happiness, love, or success, one must initially possess confidence. However, to be confident, one requires the foundation of happiness, love, or success. Therefore, it appears that you find yourself trapped in one of two loops: either you are already within a positive and confident cycle, as depicted here. Perhaps you find yourself trapped in a repetitive cycle of failure, resembling something like this. And if you find yourself trapped in the cycle of losing, it can feel nearly impossible to break free.It's akin to a dog endlessly chasing its own tail or Domino's ordering its own pizza. You may spend considerable time scrutinizing every detail, attempting to mentally unravel it all. Yet, just like your waning confidence, you'll likely find yourself right back where you started. But perhaps we've been approaching this issue incorrectly all along. Maybe the enigma of confidence isn't truly an enigma. If we pay careful attention, we can glean valuable insights about confidence simply by observing others. So before you hastily proceed to order that pizza, let's dissect this situation:3 OF 3 THINKING CONFIDENTPRACTICING CONFIDENCE 1. Embrace your passions and pursuits. Now is the perfect time to indulge in that sport or hobby you've always yearned to excel in. By honing your skills, you'll reinforce your innate talent and experience a surge in confidence. You can delve into learning a musical instrument or a foreign language, explore the realm of painting or other artistic endeavors, or embark on exciting projects that captivate your curiosity. - Should you encounter initial setbacks, don't let them dampen your spirits. Remember that learning is a gradual journey, and your focus should be on relishing the small victories and enjoying the therapeutic nature of recreation, rather than striving to be the absolute best. - Consider adopting a hobby that can be enjoyed in a group setting. Discovering individuals who share similar interests can effortlessly lead to forging friendships and nurturing self-assurance. Seek out local communities or associations where you can join forces with like-minded enthusiasts, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.2. Engage in conversations with unfamiliar individuals. Let's face it, confidence goes beyond mere mindset—it becomes a habit. Ultimately, that's what defines us as human beings. To cultivate confidence, it's essential to engage in actions that exude confidence. One such action is initiating conversations with strangers. Initially daunting, each interaction gradually diminishes any unease you may feel. - Contrary to popular belief, approaching strangers in a non-threatening manner doesn't disturb them—unless, of course, you resemble an unpleasant, malodorous Quasimodo-like member of the KKK. Imagine someone greets you with a friendly "Hey!", smiles, and seeks your opinion on whether they should visit Starbucks or Coffee Bean. How would you feel? Most likely, you would feel positive. Everyone appreciates being the catalyst for someone's day, conversing with others, and embracing spontaneity. By engaging with strangers, you inject a dose of brightness into their otherwise mundane lives. - Don't believe you have opportunities to interact with new people? Have you considered striking up a conversation with the barista at your favorite coffee shop? What about the person working at the checkout counter in your local grocery store? Even the random strangers you pass by on the street can provide opportunities for connection.3. Avoid excessive apologizing. Having the ability to apologize is a commendable trait (unfortunately, something that many people struggle with). However, it is important to exercise caution and apologize only when necessary. Apologizing when you have unintentionally caused harm or inconvenience is considerate. On the other hand, apologizing when you have done nothing wrong may create a sense of subservience and unwarranted guilt. Before reflexively apologizing, take a moment to assess whether the situation truly warrants an apology from you. - Explore alternative approaches. It is possible to convey sympathy or regret without resorting to an apology. For example, if you are concerned about inconveniencing someone, instead of automatically saying "I'm sorry," you could express, "I hope this hasn't caused too much trouble." - Unnecessary apologies can undermine your self-assurance. It is illogical to apologize when you are not at fault because you are not inferior to anyone. Why apologize if you have not committed any wrongdoing? Furthermore, excessive apologies diminish their significance. Being sorry for every little thing implies that you are sorry for nothing at all. Consider treating "I'm sorry" like "I love you." It should be expressed with sincerity and thoughtfulness.4. Embrace compliments with grace. Instead of dismissing them with a nonchalant gesture, acknowledge and embrace them wholeheartedly. Remember, you deserve the praise! Engage in eye contact, let a warm smile adorn your face, and respond with a sincere "thank you." Accepting compliments gracefully does not undermine your humility; it demonstrates your politeness and self-assurance. - Consider reciprocating with a compliment. If you find it challenging to accept compliments, try offering one in return once you have acknowledged the kind words directed towards you. This gesture can help you feel that the exchange is balanced and prevents you from feeling overly proud.5. Boost your self-assurance through acts of kindness towards others. Dedicate some time to offer a sincere compliment or perform an unexpected good deed for someone. Not only will you brighten their day, but you'll also enhance your own self-esteem. As you become a beacon of positivity, others will naturally gravitate towards you, fostering a more positive atmosphere. - It's worth noting that many individuals struggle with accepting compliments. However, when you extend a genuine compliment, there's a high likelihood they'll reciprocate. Just ensure your compliment is heartfelt, as an insincere remark like, "I really like that shirt you're wearing. Was it made in China?" may not elicit the best response.6. Let go of those who drag you down. Being confident becomes challenging when you are surrounded by individuals who constantly pass judgment on you. Even if you naturally exude extroversion, enthusiasm, and self-assurance, their presence transforms you into an neglected puppy. It's time to break free from these toxic individuals as if you're quitting a detrimental habit, and do it now. - Prioritize surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and make you feel like the finest version of yourself imaginable. Only in their presence can you truly achieve the personal growth you aspire to and are capable of achieving.7. Take it easy. Many individuals feel uncomfortable in large crowds, and even more people struggle with public speaking. If you happen to find yourself in either of these situations, it's crucial to take a step back and slow down. When we're anxious, our tendency is to rush through things just to be done with them. However, that's not the right approach. It's the first giveaway that you're feeling nervous, and it also reinforces your own awareness of it. - First and foremost, focus on your breathing. Taking short, shallow breaths signals to your body that it's time to fight or flee. So, put an end to that and automatically ease yourself down a notch. Fortunately, understanding human behavior isn't as complex as rocket science. - Secondly, consciously make an effort to decelerate your actions. Imagine a hyperactive six-year-old on a sugar rush—that's you at the moment. Align your movements with your breath. Voila! You'll achieve a state of tranquility.8. Anticipate achievement. A significant portion of life operates on the principles of self-fulfilling prophecies. When we hold the belief that we will fail, our efforts are often half-hearted. Likewise, when we perceive ourselves as inadequate, our actions tend to reflect that perception. However, by fostering an expectation of success, we can manifest it in our lives. Pessimism, on the other hand, can undermine our innate abilities. - At this point, you might be thinking, "I cannot accurately predict the future! Expecting success seems illogical—weren't you just emphasizing logic a moment ago?" Well, indeed, but consider this perspective: you frequently anticipate failure, so why not anticipate success instead? Both outcomes are equally probable in most cases. - Shift your focus towards what you desire rather than fixating on what you wish to avoid.9. Embrace risks. Sometimes, the only way to find a way out is by pushing through. To excel in life, you must confront experiences that compel you to learn. You can't expect instant mastery. If you continue to follow familiar paths, you'll never improve in anything. You must dare to take chances in order to evolve and develop.[9] - Failure is an inevitable part of life. It is bound to happen, but it doesn't define you. What truly matters is your ability to rise again. Setbacks are common to everyone, but not everyone possesses the resilience to bounce back. It is the act of standing up again that nurtures confidence, and failing in the first place is a prerequisite for such growth.[10] - Step outside your comfort zone to gain valuable lessons from experiences and foster greater self-assurance.
By Adebisi Kasim10 months ago in Humans
Red Shelves
Death is a black hole. Think about it. A black hole is the corpse of a star, something once warm and bright, now come to the end of its life cycle. But some will argue that the cycle of life does not end with death. That death is merely another path we must walk once our bodies expire and our souls ascend. In that moment, when the fuel in the star’s chemical tank hits empty and the shiny matte coat explodes into supernova, the mass left behind – the corpse – becomes a black hole. We understand that, around such a vast cadaver, dimensions work a little differently in death to the way we’re used to in life. For example, light cannot escape the pull of a black hole when it hits the point of no return. That’s where it gets its colour. Space itself is contorted by a black hole. That’s where it gets its funny shape. Even time. Time slows right down the closer you get to it. The closer you get to a black hole. The closer you get to death.
By Matthew Curtis5 days ago in Humans
Music Prompt? Music Thingy!
At work a few weeks ago, I was using that Spotify DJ thing, the AI tool that slightly bugs me on principle, but not enough for me to boycott it. (You know the one?) Anyway, I was jamming out to songs I was familiar with, a few new ones, and then all of a sudden, I was stopped in my tracks.
By Mackenzie Davis4 days ago in Beat
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