Mind
Where I've been and where I'm going
Friday - April22 , 2011
I am currently working on a new website with much more content. I have lots of good idea’s and I hope you will benefit from all this new information and new inspiration.
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Picture yourself taking the steps to your goals and overcome fear?
Tuesday - February22 , 2011
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
Fear captures attention and makes us look for potential threats. We tend to see things more negatively, because that's what the fearful brain was designed to do. Fear and stress turn the conscious brain off, and what we have left to help us figure out solutions is the unconscious brain, which works quickly but not always accurately.
When we're under stress, we tell ourselves not to do things, and then we'll wind up doing exactly the things we told ourselves not to do. You've seen this at work if you've ever concentrated hard on not spilling red wine on a white couch.
Imagined action and actual movement activate the same parts of the brain, so it's important to picture your intended outcome from behind your own eyes, not to observe yourself as an onlooker.
If you want to run a marathon, look down and see yourself in black shorts. See the road ahead. You want to give yourself the feeling of being in the race. Tell yourself a goal may be difficult but possible. When you think a goal is possible, that gives the brain permission to reach it.
Tarot inspiration for today
Sunday - February13 , 2011
Using the Tarot card in the position of self as an inspiration I am going to use my mind to steer my behavior in mind, body and spirit.
Today my Tarot card is Chariot; I will focus my thoughts toward my goals and match my efforts to help meet my goals. That means that I will focus on getting my home and finances in order so I can hit the ground running with my studies next month and I will pay close attention to my eating and make sure I get some exercise today as I have been slacking off. An athlete poised at the starting line needs to be focused and prepared for the task ahead. Read on to hear more about The Chariot and where you can find your Tarot inspiration.
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Improve your memory by taking a mental picture
Thursday - February10 , 2011
Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don’t really learn people’s names at first because we aren’t really concentrating on remembering them. You’ll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you’ll do much better.
One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you’re able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.
Get a GOOD nights sleep
Tuesday - February08 , 2011
Stock Photos from 123RF
Try out one of these techniques and see if it improves your sleep.
Keep a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up as close to the same time everyday as possible. If you need to catch up take a nap.
Make your bedroom more sleep friendly by keeping noise down and keeping the room dark and cool. Even dim lights—especially those from TV or computer screens—can confuse the body clock
Create a relaxing bedtime routine by turning off the television, read a book, take a warm bath, listen to soft music, do some easy stretches and make simple preparations for the next day.
Eat right and get regular exercise. Stay away from big meals at night, avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed. Definitely quit smoking if you do.
Visualize relaxation. Practice deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. Starting at your toes, tense all the muscles as tightly as you can then completely relax. Work your way up from your feet to the top of your head. Visualize a peaceful, restful place.
Deal with your Narcissistic co-worker
Monday - February07 , 2011
Narcissism is a defined personality disorder and is a pattern of behaviors that show a pervasive need for attention and admiration, as well as a lack of concern or empathy for others. The narcissist may switch moods frequently, all with the intention to keep you off balance. They avoid feeling vulnerable by blaming others. The narcissist woman will make you feel that you are a wonderful and special person as long as you humor her. “As long as you give me what I want, you are the ideal person for me”..
They feel a need to control co-workers, projects and situations around them, and they can be manipulative, spinning situations and facts to make it appear that others around them are the problem, not them. A narcissist attempts to make you feel like you’re the one with a problem.
The nature of the disorder makes it nearly impossible for a person suffering from it to seek treatment. Word of Caution: Because of the way people with narcissistic personality disorder interact with others, you may be the only one who realizes something's wrong.
Try some of these suggestions:
Minimize your contact with them. Ignore them in social settings, don’t respond to emails, don’t answer the phone when they call. If you have to because of a work situation then minimize the contact with them. This is for your own mental health and stability. Avoid discussions with the narcissist unless you have a witness and the discussion is required. People with narcissistic personality disorder are masters of manipulation whether it's actively manipulating you or twisting your words so they mean something other than what you actually intend.
Switch the focus. If they seem fixated on telling you what you're doing wrong, get them to talk about themselves. Ask how they faced a similar situation. That may be what they want to talk about anyway.
Pick your battles. Not every disagreement requires a fight, especially with a narcissist. If you get into a battle with a narcissist you WILL lose.
Be the person you want to be. Trying to out-control control freaks generally doesn't work; they've had a lot more practice at it than you.
Understand why they control. Compulsive behavior generally is driven by anxiety about what they view as a dangerous, unpredictable world. When you know why they act as they do, you can have compassion for their behavior.
Experiment. Ask your partner to switch roles for five minutes. You be the controller and your partner plays you. Then talk about what the experience was like.
Give time to yourself. You have the right to say, "I'd like some time to consider what you said. Let's talk again tomorrow."
Read at least One Chapter of a Book
Thursday - February03 , 2011
Pick up a new book or one you haven’t read in a while and read a chapter from it tonight. You may find that you would like to replace that hour of TV with an hour of reading that will benefit you in ways you can’t imagine. I’ve found that no matter what I read, the act of reading every day has helped me in nearly every aspect of my life. Here are a few of my favorite ways that reading can improve your quality of life.
Enhanced Intelligence
It turns out that reading helps in almost every area of intelligence. Those that read have higher GPA’s and general knowledge than those that don’t. No matter what you’re wanting to do or become, you can’t do it without more knowledge. Reading is an excellent way to get where you want to go.
Reading reduces stress
When I’m reading a book, my mind shifts gears. Where I might have had a stressful day, a book can easily distract me. Reading a great fiction book is perfect right before bed time.
Greater tranquility
Reading can soothe like no other. Given that I’m a pretty high-energy person, reading forces me to sit still. This daily act of making myself be quiet and still is perfect for relieving my “fidgety factor”.
Improved Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking is boosted by reading. Readers improve their general knowledge, and more importantly, are able to spot patterns quicker. If you can spot patterns quicker, your analytical skills receive a boost.
Increased Vocabulary
It’s no secret that reading increases your vocabulary and improves your spelling, but did you know that reading increases your vocabulary more than talking or direct teaching? Reading forces us to look at words that we might not have seen or heard recently. In fact, language in children’s books are likely to be more sophisticated than your average conversation. Knowing what other people are saying and using the perfect words to convey your feelings is a critical part of being a better human. Better listeners are more successful in life.
Improved Writing Skills
This isn’t much of a stretch, considering that reading improves vocabulary and critical thinking. That’s why English classes in High School make you read “the classics”. That’s why art students learn to copy masterpieces, so they know what creating something incredible should feel like.
Helps Prioritize Goals
Many times we’re certain we know what we “really want” in life. Yet I’ve found that activities like reading show me things I didn’t know about myself. My mind will drift to things that I’d really like to do or things I haven’t thought of in a long time. Reading gives you a chance for your mind to wander.
When you remove yourself from your work environment, you’ll start to see things that you might really want to do, that you’re not doing yet.
If you think that you don’t have enough time to start reading, you’re wrong. We make time for the things that are important to us. How much TV do you watch? How much time do you spend searching the web? You could easily replace reading with those activities.
There is really no excuse to not start reading on a regular basis. The benefits far outweigh the costs, and more knowledge never hurt anyone.
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Fitness for your Brain
Saturday - January22 , 2011
Stock Photos from 123RF
Your brain creates new neurons and neural connections throughout your entire life! Physical and cognitive exercise can stimulate this process, increasing the number of neurons and connections. Try some brain training exercises. http://www.lumosity.com/brain-games
What is brain training? Brain training involves puzzle and game-like activities available in computerized programs, hand held gaming devices and PDAs, flash cards, and book formats. Brain training activities are designed to stimulate thinking skills and problem solving.
What are the benefits of brain training? Current research in neurology using magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) has shown that daily training activities improved memory. Some researchers theorize that these daily activities improve blood flow to the brain, improve overall brain functioning, and possibly slow the effects of aging. Brain training activities may improve visual reasoning, verbal and nonverbal reasoning skills, memory, thinking skills, attention, concentration, and response time.
Researchers stress that to get the full benefits of brain training programs, consistency is key. Regular, daily practice for several minutes is important to produce lasting, long-term benefits.
1. Play Games
Brain fitness programs and games are a wonderful way to tease and challenge your brain. Suduko, crosswords and electronic games can all improve your brain's speed and memory. These games rely on logic, word skills, math and more. These games are also fun. You'll get benefit more by doing these games a little bit every day -- spend 15 minutes or so, not hours.
2. Meditation
Daily meditation is perhaps the single greatest thing you can do for your mind/body health. Meditation not only relaxes you, it gives your brain a workout. By creating a different mental state, you engage your brain in new and interesting ways while increasing your brain fitness.
3. Food for your Brain
Your brain needs you to eat healthy fats. Focus on fish oils from wild salmon, nuts such as walnuts, seeds such as flax seed and olive oil. Eat more of these foods and less saturated fats. Eliminate trans fats completely from your diet.
4. Tell Stories
Stories are a way that we solidify memories, interpret events and share moments. Practice telling your stories, both new and old, so that they are interesting, compelling and fun. Some basic storytelling techniques will go a long way in keeping people's interest both in you and in what you have to say.
5. Turn off the TV
The average person watches more than 4 hours of television everyday. Television can stand in the way of relationships, life and more. Turn off your TV and spend more time living and exercising your mind and body.
6. Exercise Your Body to Exercise your Brain
Physical exercise is great brain exercise too. By moving your body, your brain has to learn new muscle skills, estimate distance and practice balance. Choose a variety of exercises to challenge your brain.
7. Read something different
Books are portable, free from libraries and filled with infinite interesting characters, information and facts. Branch out from familiar reading topics. If you usually read history books, try a contemporary novel. Read foreign authors, the classics and random books. Not only will your brain get a workout by imagining different time periods, cultures and peoples, you will also have interesting stories to tell about your reading, what it makes you think of and the connections you draw between modern life and the words.
8. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill works multiple areas of the brain. Your memory comes into play, you learn new movements and you associate things differently. Reading Shakespeare, learning to cook and building an airplane out of toothpicks all will challenge your brain and give you something to think about.
Improve your memory by writing
Tuesday - January04 , 2011
Write at least a paragraph today on any subject you choose. Focus on a concern of yours, or an idea, not just a grocery list.
Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you’ll recall things more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking. It is a way to exercise your creativity and analytical ability. Diaries, idea-journals, poetry, note-taking and story-writing are all ways to use writing to boost your brain power.
Try New Things to Grow your Brain!
Friday - December17 , 2010
When you have an new experience or learn something new, a new pathway is created in your brain. So, trying new experiences actually can improve your brain. Who wouldn’t want that? Read on for idea’s on how to get started. Read More...
Use Multiple Senses in Everyday Tasks
Friday - December10 , 2010
Positive Affirmation
Wednesday - December08 , 2010
De-stress your life
Monday - December06 , 2010
Begin to de-stress your life by starting a journal of your stress points. We will publish the next steps in the coming weeks. Read More...