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Mind

What’s the Deal With Friday the 13th Anyway?

September 12, 2019 by Marcela De Vivo

You may or may not have noticed that tomorrow is Friday the 13th.  Many believe Friday the 13th is one of the unluckiest days on the calendar. There’s so much myth and superstition surrounding this day, that we thought it might be fun to dig into it a bit more.

Here are some facts and some lore about this wildly feared day:

  • In France on Friday, October 13 1307, multitudes of Knights Templar were captured and tortured.
  • According to University of Delaware professor, Thomas Fernsler, the fear of the number 13 comes from it following 12. Twelve viewed as a safer number, as there were 12 apostles and we have 12 months and 12 zodiac signs.
  • Supporting the fear of the number 13, many buildings and hotels skip having a 13th floor entirely.
  • The number 13 also has witchcraft connections and is declared the number of witches you need to form a coven.
  • French King Philip IV would torture victims on Friday the 13th.
  • Likewise, in Britain, many public hangings took place on this day.
  • In Geoffrey Chaucer’s, Canterbury Tales, he referenced the unlucky day, warning that starting a journey or a project on a Friday is bad luck.
While the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th seems to be just that, there’s no denying that history has several tragic incidents that have occurred on Friday the 13th. Legendary rapper, Tupac Shukar, died on Friday the 13th. Several plane crashes have happened on the unlucky day as well.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average’s second largest crash occurred on Friday the 13th. During World War II, the Nazis dropped multiple bombs on Buckingham palace on Friday the 13th.

Whether there is any truth to the superstitions that surround Friday the 13th will forever remain unclear, but that will not stop millions of people across the world from worrying about the unlucky day.

Filed Under: Mind Tagged With: did you know, facts, Friday the 13th, history, just for fun, learn, news

5 Ways to Fight the Monday Blues

August 26, 2019 by Marcela De Vivo

We’ve all felt it. Sunday night, you’re beginning to come down from the joy of your weekend and reality that you have to go back to work the next day is starting to set in.

The feeling of stress or anxiety for the upcoming week is known as, “The Monday Blues,” and if you feel it, you’re not alone. Whether you don’t love your job or class, or you just feel overwhelmed with all that you have to accomplish within the week, its easy to feel negative emotions about the coming work week.

To help get you through, we’ve put together 5 tips to help you stay joyful and motivated throughout the week.

  1.  Prepare for Monday on Friday You don’t want to dedicate your allocated down time on the weekends to prepare for Monday. This can make Monday mornings particularly chaotic since a lot of the time is dedicated to playing “catch up” from work that has piled up over the weekend. To help ease some of the burden, make sure you are using the last hour of your day on Friday to prepare for Monday. When possible, hold off scheduling calls or meeting until later on in the day on Monday.
  2. Practice good self-care principles The basics of self care should not be neglected, especially when you have a busy week coming up. This means getting a good night’s rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and fitting in some good physical activity. The better you feel on the inside, the more equipped you are to handle all the outside stresses that the day may throw at you
  3. Add moments of joy to your schedule Your calendar should not only be full of work deadlines and appointments. Make sure that you schedule in fun with friends, work out classes, walks with your dog, or anything else that brings you joy. Even if you don’t have a ton of downtime to spare, there is always an opportunity to carve out some time for joy.
  4. Tackle one task at a time Nothing is more overwhelming than seeing dozens of items on your to-do list. Ease the burden on yourself by working on one thing at a time. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also give you the feeling of satisfaction that comes along with checking items off the list.
  5. Evaluate your situation While feeling the blues for a coming Monday sometimes is normal, continuously feeling dread or unhappiness to go into work is not. If you are constantly feeling anxiety about going into the office, it may be time to re-evaluate how happy you are in your position.

 

 

Filed Under: Mind Tagged With: Advice, Joy, Mind, Monday, Monday Blues, Tips, Weekend, Work

Candlelight Yoga Promotes Relaxation, Restfulness, and a Great Night’s Sleep

February 5, 2019 by Joy Score

Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years. While it’s foundation was originally rooted in spiritual and meditative rituals, yoga has evolved over the years into an excellent form of exercise, both physically and mentally. It focuses on the mind-body connection using a combination of strengthening poses, deep stretching and breathing, and relaxation techniques. It’s grown so much there are now more than 100 different variations of yoga, including everything from challenging power yoga to a gentle restorative approach. You can burn some serious calories, tone your muscles, and/or gain a sense of mindfulness. Whatever your goal is, there is a yoga class to match it.

One of the newest yoga trends on the scene is candlelight yoga. As it’s name suggests, this form of yoga usually takes place in the evening in a darkened room with candles around the perimeter. Quiet music is usually playing in the background to create a calm, inviting ambience. While it can still tone your muscles and tighten up your abs, this form of yoga is different than bikram, vinyasa flow, or power yoga. Usually a 75 minute session, it’s focus is on relaxation and stretching. Instead of being an invigorating, high energy practice, candlelight yoga is geared toward preparing your mind and body for rest and a peaceful night’s sleep. It combines yin yoga, which incorporates holds and twists that may last up to five minutes, and restorative yoga, which uses props and bolsters to support restful, healing poses. Using props provides added balance and support, allowing the body to more fully relax and release any tension. Mindfulness is encouraged in candlelight yoga, and the poses are focused on stretching rather than strengthening. This combination of candlelight, deep stretching, and breathing techniques calms your nervous system and quiets the mind. You’ll leave class feeling soothed, peaceful, and ready to let your body fully rest.

Classes are popping up across the country and around the world. However, you don’t have to go to a gym or studio to experience candlelight yoga.  You can do it in your own home with the same benefit as long as you dedicate the time and space and are committed to the goal of quiet, peaceful relaxation. If you have children or pets, put them to bed first. If you have a partner, he or she can be in the space, but only if they are joining in the practice. As for the actual yoga space, it needs to be in a quiet part of the house without a lot of external noise or light. It needs to have enough free space for your mat and props without feeling crowded. Turn your phone off, or better yet, leave it in the other room so you won’t be tempted to use it. Pull down the blinds, turn the lights off, and light candles around the perimeter of the room, taking care not to put them near flammable fabrics or surfaces. Turn the tv off and play some quiet, soothing music. With all these items in play, you’ll be set for a truly relaxing yoga session and a restful night’s sleep afterwards.

Whether you have difficulties sleeping or just want a better way to shake off the stress of the day, candlelight yoga is an excellent tool to add to your yoga practice. Deeper stretching, a relaxing environment, and restorative poses can guarantee your body will be more relaxed, restful, and ready for a peaceful slumber.

Filed Under: Body, Mind

Helping Seniors Overcome Isolation and Depression

February 4, 2019 by Joy Score

Helping Seniors Overcome Isolation and Depression

Depression and isolation are very real problems with our aging senior population and according to a recent NY Times article, their numbers are growing. Almost two million people over the age of 65 rarely or never leave their homes, which makes up roughly 6% of this group. These homebound folks far outnumber the residents of nursing home facilities at around 1.4 million, and of those who haven’t left their house in the past month, 80% have dementia and another 60% don’t go out by themselves anymore.

Coping with depression is difficult at any age, but coupled with failing health, victims of stroke, those struggling with arthritis, they have higher rates of heart and lung disease, therefore most of these people have literally become prisoners in their own homes. Depression is widespread amongst this older crowd affecting up to a third of those semi-homebound persons and almost 60% of the completely homebound.

So how can we help? What are some ways for the elderly to curb their growing feelings of depression and isolation? Here are some tips on keeping our older friends and relatives happier:

Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

Many people, regardless of age, may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to curb their depression, when in fact, alone or together, these will likely only make things worse, not to mention a dangerous combination. USA News recently reported a new trend with “overage drinking,” it’s not the college kids that are increasing their drug and alcohol use, it’s grandma and grandpa.

Research has shown that alcohol and prescription drug problems among adults 60 and older were among the fastest-growing health issues facing the country, expressing worry about an “invisible epidemic” of substance abuse among seniors. If you believe an older adult has a substance abuse or alcohol problem, encourage them to get help.

Differentiate Grief From Depression

By the time women reach the age of 65, over half of them will be widows and losing a life partner can lead to chronic depression for up to 15% of these separated spouses. The problem comes with identifying the difference between a normal grieving process and signs of actual depression.

Sadness over the loss of a loved one can carry on over the course of time, sometimes in waves, but it shouldn’t stop a person from enjoying their regular day-to-day activities. If someone is having persistent problems lasting over many years instead of several months, insomnia, bouts of crying, and feelings of intense sadness, guilt, anger, irritability, or loneliness, they should seek medical attention. Depression is a disease, not a frame of mind and should be treated by a professional.

More Simplistic Solutions

Often it’s the little things in life that can make a big difference, especially for those who are growing older. Here’s just a few ways to “get going,” in order to become more cheerful, seem less isolated and alone:

  • Get more exercise – obviously most older people can’t perform rigorous cardiovascular exercise routines, instead try something more low key like Tai Chi or Yoga.
  • Get online – many older folks are staying in touch with friends and family on the internet, whether it’s emails or networking on social media sites.
  • Get a hobby – when we’re no longer working for a living, we need a purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning and a hobby can help with this.

While many of us may worry about our aging older relatives, we can do more to help them to feel needed, less isolated and depressed. If you haven’t spoken to your parents in a while, give them a call. Your other older adult relatives would appreciate a visit, a phone call or maybe just an email. Take some time to brighten the lives of those around you and you’ll feel better too.

Filed Under: Mind

How to build a new habit?

February 1, 2019 by Joy Score

Over 4,000 years ago, ancient Babylonians would begin the new year by promising the gods that they would pay their debts in the coming year. This ceremony has since evolved in modern New Year’s resolutions, when people around the world promise themselves that they will making the most of their futures. Some of us want to get in shape, some of us want to make more money, and some of us want to find love; any way you slice it, everyone wants 2017 to be their best year ever.

But let’s be honest: despite our sincere aspirations, most of us give up on our resolutions before January even ends. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait for the start of a new year to truly begin the journey toward your goals. It all starts with building up your healthy habits.

Find a Buddy

Let’s say you want to make exercise a priority in your life. You want to get up early every morning (yes, even on the weekends) and exercise before you head into the office. You write down your resolution, you set the alarm, and head off to bed excited to get started. The trouble is, your bed is so cozy when morning comes along, and day after day you hit the snooze button instead.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There are many people struggling to motivate themselves to build better habits. So why not partner up? Commit to working out with a friend, or use apps to publish your exercise routines to social media. You’ll soon come to find that your friends and family can be excellent motivators.

Take Baby Steps

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Rome wasn’t built in a day. We all know these expressions well, but when it comes to our own habits, we’re not so great at heeding the advice. Part of the reason building habits is hard is because we focus on our end goal. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated before you even get started! Avoid this feeling by setting smaller, manageable goals along your journey.

Here’s an example: let’s say your goal is to lose 20 pounds. Right now, that may seem impossible. But instead of giving up, calling 20 pounds undoable, how able losing only five? Once you’ve done that, try five more. Before you know it, your single steps will take you thousands of miles away.

Find the Time and Set Reminders

I get it, life is incredibly busy. Between balancing work, family, friends, and kids (if you have them), it may seem like a new goal is just not possible. Where will you find the time? Maybe you’ll cut back on TV and social media. Maybe you’ll wake up a little earlier in the morning. The bottom line is that anyone can carve out a little time to take a step towards their goals.

However, before this time becomes second nature to you, you may not always remember to do it. This is why writing notes or setting a reminder on your calendar or phone is so important; it will help you stay committed to building your habits! Set a time – morning, evening, lunch break, doesn’t matter – to work on building this new habit, and make sure you don’t forget it! Before long you’ll be so used to this new routine that you won’t need that reminder anymore.

Commit to a Challenge

Scientists say that building a habit takes an average of 66 days. So how can you be certain that you keep up your habit that long? Consider a boot camp or challenge! Whether you’re trying to write a novel or up your fitness level, there’s likely a challenge available online which will push you to keep going until you’ve reached that 66 day mark.

Even if there isn’t a challenge that fits your needs exactly, who says that you can create your own? Think up your own 66-day routine (and let your buddy know, so he or she can hold you accountable) and get to work! If you commit to it, and work on building your habit each day, you’ll be stunned to discover how easy forming new habits can really be.

Be Flexible

As important as it is to work hard to achieve your goals and create healthy habits, it is also important to remember when to take it easy. Flexibility is the key to forming habits that last, as it keeps you from feeling restricted and prevents you from rebelling (yes, deep down we all still have that teenage rebellious streak).

If you’ve been working out every day for two weeks, it’s ok to give your body a day or two to rest and recharge. If you’ve been carefully managing your money for weeks, paying all your bills and even paying off some debts, feel free to splurge on a small treat for yourself. After all, building new habits is a big deal, and you deserve to celebrate your achievements!

Filed Under: Mind

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

January 19, 2019 by Joy Score

Although many people think of yoga as an exercise that burns calories and strengthens muscles, it’s actually much more than that. Yoga doesn’t just work the body—it works the mind as well. Here are some of the many psychological benefits of yoga:

Reduces Panic and Anxiety

Yogis will be taught to meditate, control their breathing, and focus on the present. Together, these three aspects of yoga can induce the relaxation response in your body, which is the opposite of the fight or flight response. Whereas the fight or flight response activates when your mind senses danger, the relaxation response kicks in when your mind believes the coast is clear.

As you practice yoga, you may feel a sense of calm wash over your mind and body. The worries and irrational fears that typically race through your head will begin to slow down and may eventually vanish completely. For this reason, people who experience anxiety or panic attacks can greatly benefit from yoga.

Sense of Self

Challenging yourself to try new poses or hold onto a difficult pose for just a few more seconds will help you develop a more positive relationship with your body. Over time, you will stop pointing out flaws and imperfections, and instead learn to appreciate what your body is capable of doing. Developing this nonjudgmental relationship with yourself will boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Traumatic Experiences

Mental health professionals often advise patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to try yoga. Patients who have this condition may experience distressing nightmares or flashbacks and suffer from severe anxiety and depression. Symptoms may be so severe that they significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Fortunately, a number of studies have shown that yoga can help those who suffer from PTSD.

During yoga, patients with PTSD learn how to calm themselves down when symptoms begin to flare up. They are also taught self-acceptance, which greatly benefits victims who are still blaming themselves for the tragedy that affected their lives.

Improve Focus

Yogis have no time to think about anything besides what their bodies are doing on the mat. If they lose focus, they risk falling out of the pose that they have worked so hard to master. Yogis are also required to control their breathing by focusing solely on every inhale and exhale. Because so much of yoga involves focus, it is incredibly beneficial to people who are having trouble concentrating.

Are you ready to start practicing yoga? If you’re nervous about getting on the mat for the first time, try to show up to class a little early so you can have some one-on-one time with the instructor. Introduce yourself and let him know about any injuries or health conditions that you may have. If you’re not familiar with the equipment, such as blocks and straps, ask him for a quick tutorial before class begins.

Be sure that you wear appropriate yoga clothing so you don’t accidentally reveal too much while twisting into different positions. Then, step onto your mat and start to experience the many psychological benefits of yoga!

Filed Under: Mind

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Dr. Bob Singhal

Professor Bhupendra 'Bob' Singhal, has taught creativity by joy and right brain thinking, a renowned international architect, won major design competitions, has over 70 awards, publications, media mentions and served as President of the American Institute of Architects South Bay. In 2011, in his book Joy in Health and Happiness: Your Optimal Path to Success, Professor Singhal wrote about the transformative power of joy and helped readers learn to enhance their daily experience of it.

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