10 Simple Things You Can Do Today That Will Make You Happier, Backed By Science

Happiness is all we want in our life and the interesting thing is we all have the different perspective to how to make ourselves or others happy. It is very difficult to explain happiness because happiness can't be explain it's basically a state of mind and virtually everyone strives for it but not everyone will reach it. Everyone loves to be happier and we will describe you 10 simple things which you can do today that will make you happier.

1. Sleep more: The very first thing you should do is to sleep well, the more you will sleep or the more you have sound sleep the more it will make you happy. According to a study, it is proven that how well you sleep will probably affect how you feel when you wake up.

2. Spend time with your family and friends: Time spent with family and friends makes you much happier than anything else in the world. Yes, it is true social time is highly valuable when it comes to improving your happiness several studies have researched in it.

3. Just 7 minutes exercise: You wouldn't believe how 7 minutes of exercise can change your mind state of mind. Exercise has such a good effect on our happiness and it's actually been proven to be an effective strategy for overcoming depression.

4. Feel the fresh air: Go outside, happiness is maximized when you are in fresh air. Making time to go outside on a nice day also delivers a huge advantage and according to a study spending time, 20 minutes outside in good weather boost your positive energy.

5. Assist others: Helping others and providing a piece of advice to others will make you feel happy more than anything else and according to a study it has been proven that helping others can also make you feel happy and enriches your life.

6. Smile always: Try to smile always as smiling makes us feel good which increases our attentional flexibility and our ability to think positively. A smile is the best thing you can do to improve your circumstances and gives you the energy to overcome from this situation.

7. Schedule a trip: Taking a holiday make you feel happier and boost your energy up to a certain level. Highest spike in happiness came during the planning stage of a vacation as people enjoy the sense of anticipation.

8. Meditation: Yes meditation has a very big hand in the happiness of a person; meditation clears your mind and calms your mind so to take decision easily which will make you happy. Studies show that in the minutes right after meditating we experience the feelings of calmness and contentment.

9. Believe in yourself: True happiness comes from within that is when you try to believe in yourself and when you start to thank everything you get in your life.

10. Give yourself a boost: Stay healthy with fruits, veggies, and protein as when your body start feeling good automatically your brain will also feel good and this, in turn, makes you feel happy.

Source: Shruti Sharma

Techniques to Improve Your Memory and Mental Health

The part of the brain called the "mind" serves as the Central Processing Unit of the body. As a result of its strategic assignment, it requires very close attention for optimum performance. The memory, which also stores information on past events, also needs to be sharpened.

One sure way to keep the memory and mind in optimum shape is to engage them. Just like an athlete, the more you exercise and practice, the better the performance; so also, the brain needs to be constantly challenged. Make brainteasers your friend. Read books. Get familiar with new words. Take verbal and quantitative aptitudes. All these help to stimulate the mind and build up the brain cells. Try doing some arithmetic on paper at any opportunity (this helped me personally).

Secondly, it is very important to rest the mind after sufficient strain has been put on it. It is recommended that six to eight hours of sleep should be observed, not just for the mind, but also for the general wellbeing of the body. Sleep is important, as it helps in clearing cortisol, the stress hormone, which must have accumulated during the different stressful and potentially traumatic experiences of the day. It is also very important in replaying the events of the day, making them more registered in the brain.

Also, in order to help the memory, repeated exposure to different concepts is important. When new data is introduced to the brain, it registers in the short-term memory, depending on several factors, however, such as how spectacular the event is.

The next time you encounter it, the concept is now more familiar. In the by-and-by, after coming close to the object or idea many times, it moves into the long-term memory, and is easily remembered without effort.
Meanwhile, getting involved in a sport is recommended for both physical and psychological wellbeing of an individual. Talking about all the benefits of exercising is a whole topic on its own.

Next, staying close to nature is therapeutic. Surrounding yourself with greenery and horticultural beauty is very good for the mind as it unlocks the creative part of the mind. In fact, almost every innovator has been known to have his own get-away, where he stays away from distraction and connects with Mother Nature.

Still on psychological wellbeing, it helps to surround yourself with people who share mutual affection with you. If love comes knocking, give it a chance. Engage in activities that will make you laugh. Yes, laugh a lot. Watch comedies. Live happy.

Finally, it is in your best physical, academic, emotional and psychological interests to cultivate the habit of forgiving. It may not be easy, but forgiving unburdens the mind of load that people have placed there through their various offensive words or actions. By learning the difficult art of forgiving and forgetting, you will not only lead a healthier, happier life, you will also ultimately prolong your impermanent life span.

Source:  Emmanuel Sokefun

5 NONRESTRICTIVE EATING HABITS TO BE HEALTHY AND STAY FIT Getting healthy isn’t always about going without

The key to successful healthy living is to aim for long-term changes. It’s a constant work-in-progress and we must learn to appreciate the journey, be gentle on ourselves, and have fun in the process.

Here are five simple tips you can start applying today to improve your health and well-being in the long run.

01. INSTEAD OF REMOVING, TRY ADDING.

We often associate healthy eating with deprivation and restriction. But sacrificing the foods we love will inevitably lead to frustration and a very good chance that we’ll throw in the towel and go back to our old habits.

So instead of removing foods from your diet, try adding more of the good stuff. Having pizza for dinner? Add a green salad. Can’t start the day without your morning toast? Serve it with a green juice or small smoothie. Burgers are your guilty pleasure? Choose a whole grain bun and load it with roasted veggies. The more healthy foods you introduce into your meals, the more they will become a natural part of your diet. With time, you’ll notice that your body will crave healthier options and you’ll naturally—and effortlessly—start making smarter food choices.

02. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING.

Learn to read nutrition and ingredients labels. Many packaged foods contain ingredients we’ve never heard of or can’t pronounce. My rule: if you don’t know it, you shouldn’t eat it. Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, seeds and grains. Stay away from things that come in a box; they usually contain chemicals, artificial flavors and additives. Skip foods labeled as low-fat, as they’re often loaded with added sugar.

Be mindful of how the food you eat was grown too, whether it’s organic or not, or how far it travelled before making it to your plate. Harvard research found that local foods are both fresher and more nutritious. They have a smaller impact on the environment and they taste much better than foods that were picked weeks ago and shipped in refrigerated trucks.

03. SLOW DOWN WHEN YOU CHOW DOWN.

Slow eating is your digestion’s best friend. Our stomach doesn’t have teeth to chew—it has to use enzymes to break down food—so the less chewing we do, the more work our stomach and digestive system will have to do. Further, when we eat hurriedly, our sympathetic nervous system and stress response are triggered. The body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode and suppresses digestive activity. In this state, enzymatic secretions and bile flow are hindered and the entire digestive process does not function optimally. This can lead to digestive upsets, food allergies and sensitivities, inflammation, malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies.

Studies suggest that eating slowly may also maximize satiation (the feeling of fullness). It takes about twenty minutes for our brain to realize we’re full and to send signals of satiety. Eating slowly gives our body the time it needs to receive those signals, which decreases the risk of overeating and leads to better weight management.

Above that, food tastes better when we take the time to savor each bite. Eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures and doing it slowly and mindfully makes the whole experience more enjoyable and satisfying.

04. SQUEEZE A FEW MORE GLASSES OF WATER INTO YOUR DAY.

I know this is an obvious one, but a little water goes a long way! Many of us are affected by issues caused by dehydration and we don’t even know it. Water plays a role in almost every single process of the body. It’s essential to digestion, it helps with the transportation and absorption of nutrients, proteins, and hormones, aids weight loss, relieves headaches, maintains focus, supports the body's natural detoxification process, nurtures healthy and glowing skin, and the list goes on.

Aim for at least eight to ten glasses a day. Bring a bottle with you when you leave the house. If you find water boring, add sliced fruits or fresh herbs to make it flavorful. Or set alarms on your phone to remember it’s time to drink. Use whatever works for you!

05. PLAN AHEAD.

We all know that eating healthy requires a bit of planning. But don’t let it overwhelm you! Meal prep is not as difficult as it sounds. Reserve some time during the weekend (I like Sundays) to prepare your food for the coming week. It will take a couple hours, but it will save you time later on and make it much easier to stick to your healthy habits.

Cook big batches of whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, farro), and proteins (legumes, tempeh or animal proteins), chop and pre-cook veggies, and prepare a couple sauces and dressings to use throughout the week. I make hummus for snacks or bake a big batch of homemade granola to use on yogurt or oatmeal.

If you leave the house, keep healthy options on you in case hunger strikes. I carry nuts, dried fruits or homemade granola bars when I’m on the go. By having healthy options ready, you're less likely to grab a bag of chips or order fast food on your way home.

Remember that you don’t have to apply all of these healthy eating habits at once. Start with one that seems realistic for you right now and let it become a natural part of your routine. Then integrate the next one. Don’t forget to celebrate your success and be proud of your efforts! With each step you take toward a healthier life, no matter how large or small, you’re making yourself the most precious gift.

Source: Sophie Bourdon

 

Presence of wonder

How to eat less junk food? Serve it to yourself

Even for those of us with the healthiest of intentions, it’s incredibly hard to resist the biscuit tin, chocolate box, or plate of cocktail sausages when it’s offered directly to you.

And when the craving hits, seeing that deliciously unhealthy food right under your nose often results in the crumbling of willpower and giving into temptation. Sometimes it’s inevitable.

But according to new research, the best thing to do in such situations is simply to serve yourself, rather than have someone else cut you a slice of that rich fudgey chocolate cake.

The results of a new study published in the Journal of Marketing Research reveals that people eat less unhealthy food when they serve it themselves, rather them have someone else give them a plateful.

• READ MORE

Eating ju

“We find that when participants are given the choice of whether or not to consume snacks that they perceive as relatively unhealthy, they have a greater inclination to consume these snacks when less (versus more) physical involvement is required to help themselves to the food,” study authors Linda Hagen, Aradhna Krishna, and Brent McFerran said.

So when eating the junk food involves effort on your part - ie. getting up, going over to a table and taking a selection of chocolates - you’ll likely eat less than if you were given a plate of chocolates by someone else.

“We suggest that this behaviour occurs because being less physically involved in serving one's food allows participants to reject responsibility for unhealthy eating and thus to feel better about themselves following indulgent consumption.” If someone else has served the food, it's not your fault, right?

Interestingly, the authors found the same did not apply for healthy foods.

To reach their conclusions, the researchers conducted five different experiments. Volunteers were brought into a lab where there were Reese’s Pieces (the delicious M&M-sized peanut butter chocolates) left out on a table for them to eat.

Different serving methods were tested - when the chocolates were placed in big bowls for the volunteers to serve themselves, no one did. 

However when the Reese’s Pieces were already served in small cups, about a third of the participants ate them.

So if we want to eat less junk food, perhaps the answer is always to serve food in a way that requires measuring out our own portions, because apparently we're too lazy to do so.

Source: Rachel Hosie

5 Healthy Ways of Adding Almonds to Your Daily Diet

Nuts are known to be healthy - they are full of essential nutrients and minerals that are good for your well-being. These are a bite-sized nutrient package that most of us do not include enough of in our diet. Nuts are a great option if you're looking for a quick fix to eat healthier.

Amongst nuts, almonds are considered to be one of the healthiest. A handful of these nuts have protein, vitamin E, fibre, riboflavin and many other essential nutrients that ensure a wholesome and healthy life. Almonds are nutrient rich and also make a delicious snack that offers natural goodness in every bite.

In fact, an interesting study published in the England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed that people who ate a 28g serving of nuts such as almonds, at least seven times per week had a 20 percent lower all-cause mortality rate (death from any cause) compared to those who did not eat nuts.

Almonds are also a weight-wise snack which has been proved in various scientific research studies such as the one published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study found that study participants consuming 43 grams of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds every day experienced reduced hunger and improved dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated ("good") fat intake without increasing body weight.

Hence, to make sure you reap all these benefits of almonds, here are 5 healthy ways of adding almonds to your daily diet:

Make the Healthy Swap

We are all familiar with untimely hunger pangs. It is difficult to ignore them and we often end up wondering about healthy alternatives. A handful of almonds can be just that! Keep them handy and you are good to go. Start with replacing that bag of cookies, in your drawer/bag that you gobble down while at work, with some wholesome almonds. Easy to store in a jar or mint box, these tasty nuts can keep you from consuming unnecessary junk in between meals and help maintain a balanced diet.

Power breakfast with almonds

Almonds make a great addition to any meal. Since breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, you can make it wholesome by adding these nuts to your favourite choice breakfast. These not only add a healthy crunch to your breakfast but also help enhance its nutritional value.

Post Workout Snack!

While exercising every day is essential for a healthy and fit body, it is also important to keep a check on the post-workout snacks we consume. More often than not, we find ourselves reaching out to anything and everything to munch on, post a workout session. However, what we do not realize is that we end up gaining back the calories we burnt at the gym right before. Hence, introducing a habit of munching on almonds post a rigorous exercise helps keep a check on this, in addition to providing essential nutrients and taste.

'Chai' Time with Almonds

Taking a break with a hot cup of chai or coffee is an everyday ritual for all of us. Be it at home or at our workplace, we always make time for that well-deserved cuppa. However, our chai time experience is never complete without its accompaniments. However, like we all know how unhealthy our regular fried namkeen is, some dry roasted and flavoured almonds can be the healthy choice to make. The delicious crunch of almonds can complement your hot beverage at any time of the day. You can also try different almond snack recipes such as the Sweet Chilli Almonds recipe, for a flavorful chai time.

Top your Salad with almonds 

Salads - a go-to choice for weight watchers, can be made healthier and taste better by adding almonds in it. Especially since the concept of salads is no longer limited to the raw greens, various, exciting recipes can be prepared using healthy vegetables and fruits which almonds sprinkled over them. One such salad you can try is the almond, oranges and roast pumpkin salad.

Source: Anurup A

How To Quickly Declutter Your House Today

So you've followed all the advice and de-cluttered your house. But all too soon, you realize that you have clutter creep. Stuff is starting to build up again.

Maybe you ended up replacing some of the stuff you got rid of or maybe everyone isn't pitching in to keep the house de-cluttered. Here are a few simple, quick habits that all family members can do to keep the house de-cluttered.

#1 Deal with mail immediately
The last thing any of us wants to do after a long day at work is deal with the mail. But since it has to be done, do it immediately. Throw ads and other junk mail directly in the trash or recycling bin. Put bills and other important papers in the specified place and shred sensitive information that doesn't need to be filed.

To make this even easier, make all your bills, banking and other statements paperless and get your name on the "no junk mail" list. Before long, there will be very little mail to deal with at all.

#2 Nightly pick-up routine
As you gather in the living room in the evenings, each family member brings stuff with them-a mug, a glass, a snack plate, an iPod, a hand-held video game or homework.

Have you ever noticed how frequently that stuff stays in the living room, making it cluttered? Set a new rule that each night before heading to bed, everyone picks up everything they brought into the room that evening and puts it back where it belongs, in their out-the-door basket, for example. It takes 2 minutes to do and keeps clutter creep to a minimum.

#3 Add a coat rack and baskets
As soon as the family walks in the door, they are likely to take off coats and backpacks, set down lunch boxes and briefcases, all right in the entryway where they will be tripped over for the rest of the evening.

To keep this area de-cluttered, add a coat rack and a basket or cubby for each person in the entryway. Get family members used to hanging up their coats and putting the other stuff they bring home in a designated place, like their out-the-door basket. It will take a little time and a few gentle reminders, but everyone will eventually appreciate the new peace that a de-cluttered house exudes.

#4 Eliminate your junk drawers
This may sound un-doable, but it really isn't. Have a place for everything, including the small items that tend to end up in a junk drawer.

Get small containers or better yet, up-cycle some with the kids, and keep these small items separated and organized in drawers. Things like batteries, paper clips, rubber bands, twist ties, etc. all have their own place in a drawer or two. Take a rubber band off the Sunday paper? Put it immediately in the correct cubby hole before sitting down to enjoy the paper.

Source: Keye Wu

Let go ......

5 steps to being more organised in 2017

Step 1: Create a Cleaning Schedule

If you're like me and clean all willy-nilly and need to have company over just to make you clean, a schedule is just the trick you need to start January off on the right foot! I keep telling myself to stick to a weekly schedule, so I finally took time to research it online and found a wealth of different plans. Browse around and find one suited to your personality - mine must be detailed, but simple and achievable because cleaning is really the last thing I want to do!

Step 2: Make a Weekly Meal Plan

A friend of mine has been doing this for years and swears by it. It sounds like a lot of extra work to me, but when I think of how much energy and time I waste deciding on what's for dinner each night, the planning doesn't sound so bad anymore! And once your meals are planned out, it's even easier to compile your grocery lists and be extra organized in the kitchen. A weekly menu planner with grocery list is the perfect solution to your meal prep woes.

Step 3: Dust Off Your Crockpot and Stock Your Freezer

If you have hectic afternoons and evenings, a slow cooker may be your true salvation. They free up a lot of your time and by using mainly fresh ingredients cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time, they retain nutrition-rich, natural juices from vegetables and meats. Try hearty, warming soups, immune-boosting bone broths and kid-friendly recipes for Sloppy Joes and Teriyaki chicken in your crockpot, and don't forget to make double batches so there are leftovers to freeze for another day.

Step 4: Downsize and De-Clutter

After the holidays, have your family go through toy bins, drawers and closets. Tell them they need to make room for the new stuff they received by giving older items they no longer use to goodwill. Also, when taking your Christmas decorations down, make note of what you didn't put up last year. It's more than likely you won't use them again this year either, so add them to the donation bin, too.

Step 5: Involve Your Children More Often

I know it's easier to do things yourself, but keep trying to involve your kids in chores and cooking whenever you can. Make chore charts and delegate tasks at mealtimes. It takes time and persistence, but it is so worth the effort, for you and them. All of a sudden, you'll feel liberated when you don't have to unload the dishwasher for the millionth time or fold the laundry and dust the living room alone. Your family will operate better as a team and your children will learn valuable life skills.

Source: Kristen Wint

24 Happy Films That Will Lift Your Mood And Change Your Life

Clueless, 1995

Cher Horowitz, a privileged high school student from Beverly Hills, and her friend Dion tackle teenage life – friendship, boys, sex and how to accessorise a plaid skirt – while trying to makeover new girl at school Tai, before realising they might need a lifestyle makeover themselves.

Lena De Casparis, Culture & Special Projects Director, says: 'From the pure optimism of Cher, laugh out line one liners, and that happy making wardrobe - everything about clueless will make you feel good.'

La La Land, 2016

Damien Chazelle's romantic musical comedy-drama sees coffee shop girl/aspiring actress Mia and die-hard jazz pianist Seb struggle to make their dreams a reality in Hollywood. Cue tap dancing, singing, musical numbers and Los Angeles shot at magic hour. The most beautiful film, ever.

Up!, 2009

Right, let's get it out of the way. Yes, you will be weeping buckets after that scene early on in the Pixar film but you'll soon feel inspired by Carl, a septuagenarian balloon salesman, who has always dreamed of traveling South America. Little does he know his life is about to be changed by an eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell. Oh, and a talking dog. This film is sure to turn that frown upside down.

Mamma Mia!, 2008

Call us cheesy but the cast alone of the romcom-cum-musical has us smiling. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters steal the show in this adapted-from-Broadway story. Non-stop ABBA tunes, the glorious sights of a Greek island and Colin Firth in platform boots. Enough said.

Breakfast At Tiffany's, 1961

Avoid the mean reds with a step back in time to this 1960s classic; a story that tells the life of eccentric socialite Holly Golightly who reluctantly falls for her neighbour, struggling writer Paul Varjak. The music alone will have leave you feeling nostalgic and with the urge to throw on a black dress and fetch a croissant. Pure perfection.

Pitch Perfect, 2012

Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp and Brittany Snow are but a handful of stellar comedic actresses that star in this musical comedy film. The plot follows all-girl a cappella group, The Barden Bellas, as they compete to win Nationals. Sarcasm, self-deprecation and music at its finest.

Toy Story, 1995

While you might need to grab the tissues at the end of this one, this comedy adventure film will have you reminiscing about your childhood and toys as you watch Woody and Buzz defeat the odds to become firm friends and devoted toys for Andy. As Woody says: 'Reach for the sky'. Has there ever been a more inspirational phrase?

Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986

The high school boy who bunked off school for the day to hang out with his best friends Cameron and Sloane before graduation is one of the most inspiring and touching films of the century, teaching us all that there's more to life than rules and conformity.

It's a Wonderful Life, 1946

Many make the mistake of reserving this film for Christmas and New Year but we think it's a timeless classic, perfect for all occasions. A story that explores the like of George Bailey as he learns how different his town would've been if he wasn't there, it warms the coldest of hearts and encourages us all to appreciate life that bit more.

Four Weddings and a Funeral, 1994

'A funeral doesn't sound the cheeriest of scenes', you cry. However, Richard Curtis perfectly straddles the reality of humour and tragedy in life, depicting a group of friends who appear to be unlucky in love, until their luck changes.

Katie O'Malley, Digital Writer, says: 'Rowan Atkinson's part as Father Gerald alone will have you chuckling along with the cast. Genius.'

Little Miss Sunshine, 2006

A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus. Starring Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Toni Collette and Steve Carell, this film is about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy.

De Casparis says: 'Abigail Breslin literally brings sun in to the rainiest cold days in this heart walking family drama.'

Annie Hall, 1977

Starring Diane Keaton – whose role was specifically written for her – Annie Hall tells the story of a neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) who tries to work out why his relationship with Annie Hall (Keaton) ultimately ended and the nature of love.

De Casparis: 'Woody Allen's hilarious nervous pessimism will have you gunning for happier vibes. The lobster scene alone should make you feel better.'

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 2001

One line of that iconic music and you'll be in your pyjamas, sat down on the sofa gorging on a Terry's Chocolate orange and wondering what life would've been like if you'd attended Hogwarts.

Take a journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione and relive your childhood once more. And no, we don't care if you prefer the books. It's essential viewing for improved happiness. Don't blame us, it's science.

Matilda, 1996

Danny DeVito, Roald Dahl, Mara Wilson – can you really get a better combination. This fantasy comedy is sure to cheer you up, with genius girl Matilda beating the odds (her horrid parents and Miss Trunchball) to find happiness with Miss Honey. The chocolate cake scene alone will make you feel inspired. 'Bruce, Bruce, Bruce…'

One Fine Day, 1996

Warning: After viewing this film you'll immediately be in search of a partner willing to pick you up and carry you through a puddle so not to damage your heels. It's inevitable.

Single Melanie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and (Jack) George Clooney are forced to take care of their children on the most important days of their careers and juggle looking after each other's sprogs amid deadlines and pressures from their bosses. Proof that work isn't your top priority.

Mary Poppins, 1964

A spoonful of sugar really does help the medicine (a hangover, a temperature or the grumps) go down, and is perfect if you're feeling a bit under the weather. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke are an essential pairing for a mood lifter.

Forrest Gump, 1994

Overly sentimental? Perhaps. Heart-warming to the level it will make you want to hug a puppy? Definitely. This Award-winning film sees the astonishing life of Forrest Gump, a man who lives charmed life of success and love. A stunning film about overcoming adversity and the cards you were dealt with. 'Stupid is as stupid does,' says Forrest. Don't be stupid, watch the film.

Legally Blonde, 2001

'Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands,' says Elle Woods. Well, happy people also watch Legally Blonde, the story of an innocent Beverly Hills sorority girl who defies judgement and heartbreak to become Harvard's top lawyer. She's a one girl revolution, after all.

Pride, 2014

Based on a true story, this LGBT-related comedy-drama depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised funds to help those affected by the British miners' strike in 1984. Tackling subjects of prejudice, homophobia and community spirit, this is essential viewing to restore your faith in humanity.

Bridget Jones' Diary, 2001

This wanton sex goddess is a woman's life-long friend and confident who makes sense of life, love and London with a group of mismatched friends in the Big Smoke. Big knickers aside, this film will have you cheering for the underdog and debating who is hotter, Daniele Cleaver or Mark Darcy.

Sing Street, 2016

The film that will make you wish you'd formed a music band as a teenager, Sing Street is about a boy called Conor growing up in Dublin during the 1980s and starts a band to distract himself from his troubled schooling and strained family life, in order to get the girl. The fashion and music references to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet are enough to get you dancing. Available now on Netflix.

Rush Hour, 1998

Mismatched cops are on a mission to rescue the Chinese consul's kidnapped daughter. The perfect police pairing. Unsah Malik, Social Media Manager says: 'There's no better classic comedy duo than Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Broken up with the boyfriend? Bad grade at school? Crippling anxiety? Disconnect yourself from the world and switch this on.'

The Blues Brothers, 1980

In the mood for a pick-me up? Look no further than The Blues Brothers.

Aretha Franklin, Carrie Fisher, Twiggy, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star in this hilarious musical crime comedy. Jake and his brother Elwood are on a 'mission from God' to reunite their old band to play at a fundraiser to save their childhood orphanage.

Junior Writer Daisy Murray says: 'There are 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses...hit it.' This line makes it the coolest musical of all time. Full stop.

Despicable Me, 2010

Nothing defines happiness like a minion. Fact. With the help of Gru, the world's most evil/adorable super villain/father and a group of yellow, denim dungaree-clad friends, you'll find it hard not to smile at this heartwarming animated comedy.

Happy viewing!

Source: Katie O'Malley

Dreams .....

5 Ways to Use Honey in Your Diet

Honey is an extremely versatile food, known worldwide for its numerous health benefits; so versatile is this rich, golden liquid that its usage extends beyond dietary purposes! From food spreads and skin potions to illness remedies and beauty applications, the utilities of honey seem boundless.

Honey possesses hygroscopic, antibacterial, antioxidant and nutritional properties that make it a power food for the whole family. Since honey is an adaptable food, serving multiple purposes, one can include honey in the daily diet in several ways.

1. In your beverages:

Kickstart your day with a tall glass of warm water, two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This honey-water-lemon concoction is known to help aid faster burning of fats, when coupled with an active lifestyle. You can replace sugar and other calorie-heavy sweeteners. Opt for honey in milk, instead of sugar. You can also whip up your very own, healthy power drink to immediately feel refreshed and energized. Mix two cups of water, one-fourth cup of fresh lemon juice, one-eighth teaspoon of salt and two and a half teaspoons of raw honey in a water bottle. Consume as and when needed to rehydrate yourself, instead of consuming unhealthy sports drinks and mixes.

2. As a bread spread:

Using honey as a breakfast or bread spread is a smart and healthier alternative to the sugar-packed conventional bread spreads available in the market. Generously spread honey onto your morning toast for a delicious breakfast; remember to have some fruit portions as well. Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder and apply it on bread as a spread, instead of jams and jellies. You can also make a honey-mustard spread for sandwiches in a trice - just blend one-fourth cup of prepared mustard, one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of mayonnaise, and spread the mixture between bread slices. Alternatively, you can use honey as a great dip to go with breakfast rotis or chapatis. A popular way in some rural ways is to dip freshly made Dosas in a mix of honey & ghee.

3. As a salad dressing:

Salads taste great when married with the right dressing! You can use honey to up your salad dressing game, and turn snack time into a delicious, healthy daily routine. Simply add equal parts honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil into a jar; add a sprinkling of your favourite herbs and a pinch of salt to taste. Close the jar tightly with a lid and shake thoroughly, or simply use a spoon to mix the contents well. Add a generous portion of the dressing to your salads, instead of using mayonnaise or other calorie-rich salad dressings.

4. As a power snack:

For a quick and nutritious snack, mix your favourite dry fruits, a cup of raw toasted oats, a little warm milk and three tablespoons of honey in a bowl. This muesli-like snack bowl is super-nutritious and packs quite the punch in filling you up; it works perfectly as a light tea-time snack, thus preventing you from binge-eating salty, fried or processed snacks.

5. In your soups:

Honey is an excellent ingredient in soups such as bisques, broths made with carrots, squash, sweet potato of certain fruit, and in soups or curries seasoned with ginger. Just a drizzle of honey works to add more complexity and balance to soups. In case of soups that work on the bitterness angle such as cauliflower or parsnip based soups, honey makes the soup softer on the palate. Spicy soups gain a slightly sweet dimension when honey is added. Moreover, the natural viscosity of honey helps in adding more body and thickness to soups.

Honey works wonderfully in various food preparations, both as an additive and a key ingredient. Experiment with honey by using recipes for whole-cooked meals with honey. But do note that Ayurveda warns against heating honey. If you want to keep it simple, go the easy route and add honey as a table ingredient in your daily meals such as beverages and snacks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9278838 Karthik Guduru

Tips for a Healthier Heart

It is clear as crystal - your diet has a profound effect on your physical and mental health. When combined with a regular physical exercise routine, adequate sleep and minimal-stress lifestyle, you pave way towards a long and healthy life!

In terms of cardiovascular health, it is a well-known fact that a healthy diet comprising of certain heart-friendly foods work wonders to keep heart diseases at bay. With cardiovascular diseases being the numero uno killer of men and women globally, it is important to maintain a healthy heart by consuming foods that help lower cholesterol levels, control blood pressure and blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy body weight. Here are a few heart-healthy diet tips that work towards preventing heart diseases.

1. Control your portion size

Eating right begins with eating the right size! Stuffing yourself with food is a sure way to add unwanted calories. Try using a small plate to control your portion size. Incorporate larger portions of fruits and vegetables, while lowering the portions of processed foods. It is a good idea to track the number of portions or servings that you consume. For starters, use a measuring cup, spoon or scale to track the size and weight of your servings.

2. Reduce unhealthy fats

Saturated and trans fats increase the levels of 'bad' cholesterol - Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) - in your body, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Work towards limiting or entirely cutting out trans fats from your diet. Limit your consumption of processed or packaged foods such as chips and cookies. Replace solid fats such as butter and hydrogenated margarine with liquid vegetable oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil. You can also swap whole milk with low fat or skimmed milk.

3. Incorporate healthy fats

Not all fats are bad for you! Omega 3 fatty acids, Omega 6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats work towards increasing HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels that are good for the heart. Fatty fish such as salmon, trout and herring are rich sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. Vegetable oils and soy nuts are great sources of Omega 6 fatty acids, while peanuts, pecans, almonds, cashews and avocados are good sources of monounsaturated fats. A simple way to add healthy fat to your diet is to grind flaxseed and add it to cereals, breakfast mixes or any baked foods. However, the key is moderation; all types of fats have a high calorie count.

4. Consume low-fat proteins

Lean meats such as poultry and fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk are excellent sources of low-fat protein. As previously mentioned, fatty fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel are rich sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. Alternatively, you can consume flaxseed, canola oil, walnuts and soybeans for vegetarian sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. You can completely substitute animal protein for plant protein by using legumes such as beans, lentils and peas. These are good sources of protein, contain less fat and no cholesterol.

5. Indulge in fruits and vegetables

Besides being super-rich sources of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables are low on calories and may curb your pangs for high-fat foods such as processed foods and snacks. Always keep a bowl of fruit or a box of cut vegetables handy in the refrigerator for some healthy snacking, or to whip up a fresh salad! Incorporate vegetables, especially leafy vegetables, into your cooking. Add legumes such as beans, lentils and beans to your diet. Carrots, tomatoes and celery are rich in insoluble fibre while berries, citrus fruits, beans, nuts, apples and pears are rich in soluble fibre. Both types of fibre are heart-healthy.

6. Be a fan of whole grains!

Whole grains are rich sources of fibre and other vital nutrients that help in regulating blood pressure, thereby maintaining a healthy heart. Substitute white rice and refined flour products such as white bread, biscuits and so on with whole wheat flour, whole grain bread, oatmeal, high-fibre cereals, and whole grains such as brown rice.

7. Reduce your sodium intake

High sodium levels can increase your blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Limit your sodium intake by reducing the amount of salt and salty foods in your diet. Avoid foods and condiments with high sodium content such as table salt, canned soups and foods, soy sauce and tomato juice. Replace them with herbs and spices, low sodium labelled foods and sauces and salt substitutes.

Besides following a heart-healthy diet, it is important to lead a stress-free life, combined with adequate physical activity and regulated sleep to keep your body energised, your mind fresh and your heart ever-healthy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9243176 Karthic Guduro

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Is Dehydration the Reason for Your Back Pain?

These days, you can't turn your head without being reminded of the importance of drinking enough water. But does an adequate supply of H20 really make a difference to how you feel on a daily basis? Could dehydration be contributing to or even to blame for your aches and pains?

Absolutely, yes!

Most people don't drink enough water and this is an issue that should not be taken lightly. If you suffer from back pain, it's worth evaluating how much water intake you get on a daily basis as dehydration can have serious damaging effects on the spine.

The discs between each vertebra in your spine are largely made up of water. If your body is dehydrated, the discs are at risk of shrinking which can add pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in pain and even neurological symptoms. Chronic dehydration can even lead to the spine becoming less stable which can cause herniated and bulging discs. So the answer is an affirmative yes; not drinking enough water can absolutely affect how you feel on a daily basis - especially when it comes to back pain!

Worryingly, many people suffer from debilitating back pain for years without even realising that dehydration could be the cause. As dehydration can lead to a lack of flexibility and joint stiffness, many people can wrongly assume they are suffering from arthritis or another chronic disease, when their bodies are simply lacking water.

Of course, back pain is just one of a host of symptoms that dehydration can cause. Here are just a few other reasons to keep up your water intake:

To Maintain Good Circulation
Dehydration can lead to persistent headaches, as well as dizziness, blurred vision and hearing difficulties.

For Good Energy Levels
If your body is dehydrated you may feel weak, fatigued or exhausted. This is usually because dehydration causes the blood to thicken, resulting in the heart having to work harder to pump the blood around the body. It's always better to drink a glass of water than a cup of coffee or a sugary drink if you feel in need of an energy boost.

To Maintain a Healthy Weight
A low water intake can lead to a slow metabolism and weight gain. Most people find that they naturally lose some weight just by drinking more water on a daily basis.

For Healthy Sinuses
If you are not drinking enough water your sinuses and the lining of your lungs are at risk of becoming dry, which can sometimes lead to breathing issues.

The damaging effects of dehydration on the body could take up an entire book; this article simply highlights some of the most common. Start making a focused effort to add more water to your fluid intake. You're likely to see some positive changes to your health.

Important note: Some of the symptoms mentioned above can be caused by other medical conditions and the possibility of dehydration should be considered when other causes have been eliminated. Contact your health care provider if you are at all concerned about any of your symptoms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9550384 Etienne Dupont

6 Tips to Fit Meditation Into Your Life Each Day

Believe it or not, Meditation is not a complicated practice. Kids can meditate as well as adults. You do not have to have a certain surrounding, social training, ethnic background or group to profit from reflection. The ancient spiritual practice provides itself to multiple benefits, favorably enhancing how you function psychologically as well as physically.

Since people have such busy lives, it may seem difficult to work time for meditation into your everyday life. It is easier than you think. The following tips will certainly help you have time each day to relax your mind, concentrate on the "present", and enjoy the many positive effects of meditation.

1. Try to find Time Gaps

Even the busiest individuals have 10 to 15 minute empty spots in their days. So do you. Start checking out your regular daily schedule. You can probably find at least one, if not more, spots in your day where you can use the time differently. Take advantage of this time to meditate as well as provide a mental reset.

2. Don't Worry About Having the Typical Meditation Experience

You don't have to be on a pillow on the floor seated in the lotus position, the room full of lavender scent and mystical music. Meditation can happen in the drive-through, while doing laundry, or when you are sitting in your car waiting for the kids to get out of school.

3. Meditate Just Before Going to Bed or Waking Up

If you are like most of us, you use the time before going to bed watching television, checking Facebook or some other less important activity. Swap out at least 15 minutes of that time to use for meditating. In fact, you could go to bed 15 minutes early and simply meditate just before drifting off to sleep. Another option is to set your alarm 15 minutes earlier and use that time to meditate and start your day on a positive note.

4. Make an Appointment with Yourself

When you focus on something by putting it on your calendar, you improve the odds of getting it done. Because our minds like lists of things to do you can help yourself by scheduling a regular time each day for meditation. It doesn't matter if you use a paper planner, online calendar or your phone. What matter is that you schedule it in and set a reminder so you receive a little motivation to take the time to meditate.

5. Make it a Part of Your Exercise Routine

Do you take your dog on a walk each day? Do you jog, walk, bike, swim or do some other physical activity every day? If so, combine your meditation with your workout. Meditation does not necessarily mean you need to close your eyes and shut out everything. You can use the time while exercising to focus your mind on the present.

6. You Can do it With Two Breaths

Before you return a call, check your e-mail, back out of your garage or do some other simple job, take in 2 deep breaths. If you can, close your eyes, and pay attention to your breath. Take each breath in deeply, hold it for 2 seconds, and then breathe out slowly. No matter how busy your day may be, this is a simple method to enjoy several moments of relaxation and meditation throughout the day.

Choose 1 or more of these tips to put into your daily routine and begin to experience the positive changes. After you put one of these into practice you can add a second one to your day to add variety or to at least have options based upon your schedule of activities. You can do this!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9562259 Mark W Howell