Top 10 Tips to Refresh Yourself

Time out is essential, not only for peace and quiet, but to get things done for your life. If you try to wait for all of your chores and responsibilities to your loved one to be finished, you may be waiting a long time. Get started now on finding time to refresh yourself.

Here's a list of the top 10 things you need to do regularly.

    1. Get regular physical activity. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is a good energizer that reduces stress, helps keep blood pressure and cholesterol at heart-healthy levels and helps maintain a healthy weight. Aim for 30 minutes a day on most, if not all, days. You can break it down to 10- or 15-minute sessions. Walking is a great way to get started, even if you only walk around the yard.
    2. Eat heart-healthy foods. They give you more energy, keep your brain fed (which helps combat depression) and help prevent other health problems. If you've got to “eat on the run,” choose nutritious snacks.
    3. Take time every day for an activity that you enjoy such as reading, listening to music, crafts, cooking — whatever makes you happy and relaxes you.
    4. Keep humor in your life. Laughter IS good medicine. Find the humor in your situation when possible, watch a silly TV program or pop in a comedy movie. Find things to laugh about with your loved one. They need joy too! Laughing quickens the pulse rate, stimulates the blood circulation, activates muscles, increases oxygen intake and helps you relax. If you've forgotten how to laugh, try to be around people who still know how. Laughter's contagious!
    5. Get out once a week and go somewhere enjoyable. Visit the local coffee shop, attend church events, take a class, visit a friend or just wander around the mall or a park. If your loved one needs constant attention, ask for help. You can find someone to give an hour a week to let you get out.
    6. Treat depression and stress. Recognize signs and symptoms and do something about it as soon as it starts. If you think you may be depressed, get professional help. Talk it out. Admit your feelings.
    7. Take care of your business. Keep your checkbook balanced, work when you need to, spend time with friends and family and don't stop planning for the future. It's out there waiting for you. If you live totally “in the moment” of your caregiver responsibilities, you'll find it more difficult to re-integrate into life later on. Keep living.
    8. Keep all your medical and dental appointments. Do all you can to keep from getting sick. If you're sick, you won't be able to do what your loved one needs. Ask for help when you need it to get away and take care of your health.
    9. Think positive. Take time every day to refresh your mind. Admit your limitations. Let go of guilt. Admit that you're angry. Pat yourself on the back for the job you're doing. If you're feeling guilty or angry, take a break.
    10. Stay connected with the outside world, even if it's just by phone or online. Don't isolate yourself. Talk to friends about something other than your situation. Stay interested in what would be going on in your life if you weren't caregiving. It's still there and you're still a part of it.

Did you know? Medical studies show that laughter boosts levels of endorphins, the body's "feel-good" hormones. Laughter may even boost the immune system. A good attitude and exercising your sense of humor may reduce stress, lower depression and help your body and mind to heal. As Groucho Marx said, "A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast."

Source: American Heart Association

Serena Notches 600th Career Win

Serena Williams proved yet again on Saturday why she is the No. 1 seed at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships.

The most dominant women's tennis player on the planet easily defeated Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the fourth round at the All England Club.

Wimbledon's official Twitter noted how both players were chasing milestones in career victories, but it was Williams who emerged with her 600th—201 more than that of her opponent:

It was remarkable that Date-Krumm could hold the same court as Williams; the Japan native showed she could still be a factor at a Grand Slam even at the age of 42. Date-Krumm was the oldest woman to ever compete in Wimbledon's third round.

However, the outcome was never in any doubt—and Williams certainly wasn't short on confidence prior to the match:

Even when Date-Krumm broke Williams at 5-1 in the first set, there was little suspense to be had. After all, once the defending champion Williams takes the opening set, opponents might as well lay down, as ESPN Tennis points out:

Date-Krumm was no match for the pummeling prowess of Williams. A telling statistic was the average speed of each woman's first serve. While Date-Krumm hovered at 88 miles per hour, Williams was at 103, with a best of 116.

Williams' masterful final set featured just two total points lost in her service games, while Date-Krumm managed to win only four of 15 games in which her first serve was in play. At some point, it just has to be frustrating playing against such a force like Williams, and that was visibly on display during one of the changeovers:

Breaking Williams' serve was an achievement in and of itself for Date-Krumm. Yet despite relatively aggressive tactics and frequent charges to the net, Williams' superiority was insurmountable. When she failed to capitalize on her first match point up 40-30 on Date-Krumm's serve, Williams let out a yell when her forehand sailed wide of the baseline.
 
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It showcased her characteristic razor-sharp focus, and she closed things out with a beautiful backhand over a net-seeking Date-Krumm with the advantage in the deuce game. ESPN's telecast noted this was Williams' 34th consecutive win.

No. 23 seed Sabine Lisicki awaits Williams in the fourth round, courtesy of her victory over the 14th-seeded Samantha Stosur.

Lisicki bounced back after dropping the opening set to Stosur. Williams, meanwhile, has not even been in any remote danger of losing a set. Very few—if any—obstacles are likely to stand in the way of Serena Williams and a sixth Wimbledon singles title.

Heart risk warning over painkiller diclofenac

People with heart problems have been advised to stop using one of the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs in the UK.

The medicines regulator said painkiller diclofenac could significantly increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke for some patients.

The advice has been updated after a European review of the risks.

Millions of people take diclofenac for a range of conditions including headaches, back pain and arthritis.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the drug should not be used by people with serious underlying heart conditions.

People who have suffered heart failure, heart disease or a stroke should stop using it completely.

Smokers and people with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and diabetes have been advised to use the drug only after consulting their GP or pharmacist.

The MHRA said diclofenac would continue to provide safe and effective pain relief, apart from patients in certain "at risk" groups.

Dr Sarah Branch, deputy director of the MHRA's vigilance and risk management of medicines division, said: "Whilst this is a known risk and warnings have been included in patient and healthcare information for some time, this advice is now being updated."

Six million prescriptions were written for diclofenac last year and the drug is also available over the counter.

Source: BBC

How to Buy a Gift for Someone Who Has Everything.

Don't know what to get a gift for your father? Purchasing a gift for him could be a challenge. He may already have everything he needs or he might be the kind of man who won't request something if he needs it. Maybe you have some ideas, but you aren't sure what make of drill to buy or how big shirt your dad wears. Below are great tips that might help your quest to find the right gift.

Step one

Give your dad a gift card or gift cards. Does he have a favorite sports or home supply store? Remember his favorite restaurant or electronics or office supply store. Consider what dad likes to do in the spare time. Does he go to the gym? Spend time on the golf course? Prefer to work in the yard? Consider using a gift certificate for his favorite workout spot, the course or driving range, or nursery. Consider his interests and employ your imagination. Gift cards or certificates allow any dad to select what he wants. This way, you don't end up returning something which doesn't fit or the wrong type of tool allow your father to consider his time and choose what he wants.

Step two
Choose a gift of entertainment. What exactly are dad's favorite movies? Does he like action, western, or comedy? Choose several DVDs among his favorites so he is able to watch them anytime. Give a box of microwave popcorn making a batch of his favorite cookies to increase the package for a complete movie night gift. Or, treat your dad to some night at the movies. In case your budget allows, treat him to dinner after or before, too.

Step Three
Give your father the present of time. Are there projects throughout the house that he has been too busy to get at? Make up your own gift certificate that's good for a fix-up project, cleansing the car, or some yard work. Dad will appreciate one less thing on his to-do list.

Step four
Buy your dad tickets to some sporting event. What's his favorite sport? When the major league team tickets are out of your reach, check out the minor league or local college teams. Or, purchase tickets to have an upcoming event that he want to attend, like a concert, trade event, or themed expo. Make a day's it and tag together with him, then treat him to lunch, too.

Step five
Choose a personalized like a coffee mug, T-shirt, pen or mug. Dad might even appreciate a customized mouse pad with a cute picture from the grand kids. Photo processing centers have numerous custom gift options; many local an internet-based stores offer different options too.

Step six
Take your father on an outing he'll enjoy for example fishing, hunting, surfing, a warm air balloon ride or sightseeing. The options are endless; check with the neighborhood chamber of commerce, hunting or fishing associations, clubs, tourism bureaus and much more for ideas.

By Hasan Imti.

Meditation Can be the key to Success.

There is a famous saying that goes like, “To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily still”. No doubt, meditation is one of the most powerful forces. There are a lot of records that depict how inner peace of mind can help you conquer the greatest heights. If you are looking to enjoy the true fruits of success, you have to delve deep into your inner conscience and meditation can help you achieve the zenith of excellence. 

The first step to success is having the belief that you can do it. The belief that nothing is impossible stems from inner conscience. The mind games are the toughest to crack and when you spend an hour or two on meditation, you can unlock raw strength from your heart. We have immense potential inside us, however, the plight and agony remains that most of us are blind to our own inner strength.
Meditation is one of those sciences which help you in looking in your own soul and discovering the mountain of strength that is latent. When you opt for meditation exercises, you will be able to develop your confidence and self belief. Both these attributes can play a crucial role in achieving success.
Meditation And Human Mind
Meditation affects human body in a lot of different ways. There are various different methods and you should choose the ones that can truly help you. The main aim of meditation exercises is to increase the power of concentration. It is believed that the mind is the most powerful aspect of your body. If you can instill the belief that you are going to succeed, you would break all the shackles and achieve that which is your destiny.
When you are indulging in meditation, you need to concentrate hard and block all other thoughts.
The Play Of Energy Meditation creates the right energy flow. There is both positive as well as negative energy that surround us. The key to success is to eliminate all negative thoughts from your mind and body. The meditation ways would basically teach you how to explore the depth of your inner conscience and to stay away from the negative thoughts that can weaken your resolve and will power.
We will elaborate the key components of success and they are as follows.

 • Iron will: you need to have the will to succeed. • Determination: you must be determined to achieve your destiny. • Effort: if you do not put in the right effort, it is not going to take you anywhere. • Self belief: you should have the belief that you can succeed in the task that you are undertaking.
When you indulge in meditation methods, it would have a direct effect on the iron will, the self belief and your confidence. The amount of effort that you put is up to you; however, once you strive to succeed, the effort should come naturally to you.
Half of the battle of victory is all about will. The moment your mind calls it quits, the game is already lost. Meditation will improve your attention span, your focus and your confidence. If you allow yourself to be influenced with negative energy, it will kill your belief and confidence and subconsciously you will quit before even putting an effort. Meditation aims at driving away such false thoughts and improves your resolve to win and succeed.
So, you should not avoid the meditation benefits. You do not need to meditate all round the day. Devote an hour early in the morning and make sure to do it with full dedication. It shall set the tone for the rest of your day.

 There are a lot of different meditation classes that are held. If you are looking to find about the main ways in which you can benefit from meditation, feel free to explore the internet. For some basic tips on how to begin your meditation session at your own home, use the following:
• Sit alone: when you are opting for meditation, you have to choose a room that is devoid of noise and interference. You should sit alone in the room with eyes closed. 

• Contemplate: when you are meditating, you need to contemplate and introspect. Do not think about the negative thoughts. Start your day with thoughts of love and happiness. It will channel positive energy in and around you. 

• Concentrate: make sure to close your eyes and try to concentrate on a single spot or a single image that you can form with closed eyes. If you see a black spot, keep fixing your attention on it till it slowly turns into bright light.

 • Mute other thoughts: once you have started excelling in these basic ideals, you can move to advanced meditation methods. These involve sitting in a crowded place and managing to block all other sound, energy and interferences. It requires immense skill but once you master this art, you will be close to clinching success.

By Hasan Imti.

End Your Day With A Smile.

One of the best things you could ever come across in life is when people greet you without knowing who you are. There will be a different taste to that friendship that you hardly know anything about. It's a relationship that you and only you accomplish, not with people that you know, but with an entire society. Sometimes it comes with fame and at others times fame will have nothing to do with it. There is a sweet taste in knowing that you are loved by people who do not know you. It could be the highlight of your day someday.

When you see the people around your house walking around and waving to you with a smile on their faces, or saying nice things to you when they pass by, you will feel great. You will feel as if you have accomplished something even if you are poor.

It comes when you do the little good things you do. When you help an old lady cross the street, you gain a lot of respect. Whether someone sees you or not, you do it for good. It comes to you when you help a little kid or just pat his head.

It's all about how you present yourself to be. If you are look scary, it doesn't really matter. Looking scary can be something good especially if you are a nice person. When people fear you, it's something different. Fear comes from within, but the way you present yourself to be is the way you are. If you help people out then people will help you out when you need help. If you are rude to people then people will be rude to you. Your attitude is one of the major aspects of your personality and the way you are treated.

Many people complain about how others don't seem to like them, but when it comes to whether they like people or not, it becomes completely insignificant to them. One who treats others the way they would like to be treated usually get the good treatment back and ones who do horrible things often end up the way they were treating others. You could have a scar across your face that makes people flee away from you and yet you find them treating you with a smile because most of people believe that appearances are not necessary unless it comes to a romantic side of their life.

If you want to end up having good things in life, if you want to end up with a smile on your face by the end of each day then you should fix the bad things you do. Apologizing is a huge deal when it comes to pride, but at the end, a great satisfaction comes when you know that no one is upset with you. It's honorable when you admit your mistakes and it's even more honorable when you help someone who needs your help. It all starts with how you act.

By Hasan Imti

Become the Landlord of Your Beliefs.

Beliefs are an interesting thing. They aren't there from the day you are born. They are gradually passed on to you by your parents based on their lives and experiences. These beliefs are for them a way of thinking - a way of life. They take them for granted as fact for your safety.


Without knowing any different, we take on and follow these beliefs. After all, our surroundings and environment are supporting these beliefs so there's every reason to begin to support them ourselves.
As you grow older and begin to socialise, you are potentially exposed to a wider range of beliefs. Some of these new beliefs may be in conflict or difference to what you have taken on as your own, and some may also be the same or similar to what you have come to believe and accept as true.
So, what is a belief? If you were to break it right down, a belief as a convenient assumption that something is true or false. Quite often people mix up beliefs as facts.
This can be simply illustrated by a familiar scenario.
Let's say there are 2 cars that smash on a suburban street, one is a red car and one is a blue car. These are the facts – irrefutable and undeniable. Let's say there are a couple of witnesses including the driver of each car. One person says that the driver of the red car is at fault, another says the blue car did the wrong thing. The driver of the red car complains that the blue car didn't give way for a sufficient amount of time which caused the accident. The driver of the blue car says that the red car was going too fast, which caused the accident. The differences in these stories all come back to beliefs. Believing what is seen from the angle that we see it.
Beliefs are a powerful thing, but more importantly and maybe difficult for some to swallow – beliefs are not real. Beliefs are completely made up. Remember, a belief as a convenient assumption that something is true or false. And we have a belief for everything – and I mean EVERYTHING!
We are very quickly able to assess any situation that we meet by running it through our ‘belief filter'. In milliseconds, we can choose whether something fits within our belief system or not. Even if it's something completely foreign to us, we are able to make an almost immediate assessment and create a belief around it. We instantly call upon reference points from our surroundings, our past, and our peers – anything, so we can create a belief that makes sense to us and is congruent to our other beliefs.
When you were younger, there was very little to question in regards to our beliefs. They were generally there to keep us safe or to help us grow. But some beliefs have an expiry date and are no longer valid or useful.
I'm presuming that those that are reading this are adults and therefore I can safely talk about the belief in Santa Claus (fingers crossed…). This is a belief that a lot of people are familiar with, and has been used by many families for generations. Some will defend it and some will tell you that it's lying to children. Those conversations are all based on beliefs! But the point I wanted to make by bringing it up here, is that there is a point that parents generally reach where they feel that this belief has reached its expiration date – that the child is ‘old enough to know the truth'.
I'm not going to enter the conversation as to whether I think it is helpful or not to indulge in this belief – that's for you to decide. But it's a perfect example of assessing and deciding whether a belief serves or hinders.
There are beliefs that served us at one particular point in our lives that we have carried around far longer than we have needed to. There are also beliefs that we have created that have never actually been a healthy choice but were made to get through a specific time because we thought it would help.

Are the beliefs that you hold on to and live by helping you today?

By Hasan Imti