The Head Game

Mood Food – 15 Proven Food That Eliminate Stress

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There is nothing better than “comfort food” when you are having a bad day.
You go to the fridge and pull out that tupperware care package your mom sent over stuffed to the top with your favorite childhood delights.
You can’t help yourself but to also run to these when you are trying to feel better. Then you blame it on the meal when you start to gain weight and the term “comfort food” has now become TABU.
Well it is not the food that is the problem!
Turns out, when selected correctly, certain foods CAN, in fact, be used (in moderation, of course) to remove the stress of a long day or a fight with a spouse.
 

Slash Your Stress Using Your Diet

Do you know the warm, tingling you feel when you’re in a good mood? That’s the rush of the hormone serotonin being released from your brain. Serotonin is the “feel good hormone” and is crucial to battling stress. Your serotonin levels are directly related to your mood. The higher your levels of serotonin, the better you’ll be able to handle stress.
Serotonin is produced from the amino acid, tryptophan. Tryptophan is found in a variety of foods; the foods with the highest levels are:

  • Shrimp
  • Turkey
  • Cod
  • Tuna
  • Chicken
  • Halibut
  • Calf Liver
  • Spinach
  • Venison
  • Asparagus
  • Salmon
  • Mustard greens
  • Cheese
  • Kelp
  • Eggs

Read more at Earlytorise.com

10 Tips To Increase Self-Confidence That Require NO Work

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Let’s face it, most all of us could benefit from being more self-confident in one area of our lives or another.
The biggest one that most of us have trouble with is our appearance.
But you are not alone!
A recent studies has shown that a lack of confidence in the way we look actually starts at a very young age.
 

One in four females aged between 11 and 17 are weighed down by pressure to conform to an ‘ideal notion’ of how they should look, a survey suggests.
Almost half of the girls described themselves as ‘average’ and ‘ordinary’ with a further 10 per cent feeling ‘plain’, ‘unattractive’ and ‘ugly’, according to the research
The widespread lack of physical confidence has led to girls spending an average of 42 minutes a day working on their appearance, choosing outfits and applying make-up – almost as much time as they spend doing homework.
More than half of the girls studied said they would be happier if they were more physically attractive.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2123757/Girls-lack-confidence-appearance-blighting-futures.html#ixzz1x2SXi1ui
 

So what can you do about it?
I am glad that you asked!
It really is not that hard.  Some of these things you may already be doing and not realizing the positive effect it is having on your confidence levels.
Most of these tips will increase your self-confidence without any real extra effort at all.
Tips to improve self-confidence
Just make them a habit.  Keep the list near you.  Put it in a place where you can read it every morning and it will stay in your awareness.
You will find that you start to do these things automatically.
That is when you should really start getting excited – when positive change is effortless!
 

10 tips to increase self-confidence

1. Dress Sharp
Although clothes don’t make the man, they certainly affect the way he feels about himself. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. In most cases, significant improvements can be made by bathing and shaving frequently, wearing clean clothes, and being cognizant of the latest styles.
This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much”. Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many select, high quality items. In long run this decreases spending because expensive clothes wear out less easily and stay in style longer than cheap clothes. Buying less also helps reduce the clutter in your closet.
2. Walk Faster
One of the easiest ways to tell how a person feels about herself is to examine her walk. Is it slow? tired? painful? Or is it energetic and purposeful? People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step. Walking 25% faster will make to you look and feel more important.
3. Good Posture
Similarly, the way a person carries herself tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.
…continue to entire list

 
You should start to feel the difference and a very noticeable difference in you self-confidence within days and some . . . within minutes!
 
 

Images provided by:
postmasculine.com

What Abraham Lincoln Can Teach You About Happiness

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It’s a spiritual truth that true happiness requires honest
How To Find Happiness Through Abraham Lincoln Honesty self-reflection. The more honest you are with yourself, the greater happiness you will experience. Being truthful brings about an inner ease and happiness flourishes when as John O’Donohue writes, “We feel at home in our life.
”

Honest Abe was on to something!
Not only does being honest increase your own inner peace,  when you are honest with yourself you will find it quite a bit easier to be completely happy with everything else in life.
Continue reading to learn the 5 ways honesty can make you happy.

{Just Say YES} How Saying Yes To Your Child Can Make Them More Happy and Confident.

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Just say yes to your childredAs parents the word “No” fills our daily conversations with our children. “No” You can’t stay up late. “No” You can’t have cookies as a snack. Sometimes we say “No” because it’s just our natural reaction or for selfish reasons. Saying “Yes”to your child as often as possible relieves tension, makes them feel more confident, and encourages communication as they grow.

Why should say YES?

Being a parent can be stressful especially if you have more than one child coming at you with request. Learning creative ways to say “Yes” to your child will decrease chances of melt downs or arguments.

When is the right time to say YES?

If your little one asks to go for a walk right before naptime, instead of telling him/her “No” it is your naptime kindly tell them “Yes” we can go for a walk after you wake up from your nap.
When your older child begs you to have a friend over don’t instantly say “No” response with “Yes you may on Wednesday”. Giving an alternative “Yes” answer from a straight “No” will release the tension caused by sometimes badly timed request.
 

Understanding the power of YES

 
Knowing they are being heard and their feelings are being considered will make a child more confident. Imagine if you went to work and every project you submitted to your boss he/she said “No” to without even considering it. Eventually your confidence level would drop.
The same is true with children.
The more we tell our children “No” without even considering their request the less likely they are to come to their parent with a request. Consistently turning down a child may bring on bad behaviors such as lying, being sneaky or becoming disrespectful.

Raising confident children is by finding a balance between creative Yes’s VS straight No’s.

If all you do as a parent is tell your child No No No, they are less likely to come to you with request or problems. Closing the door to communication with your child is an easy one with “No not right now” being all they hear.
Opening the door back up is a long hard battle of earning trust back. Feeling loved and understood comes from open lines of communication even when it disturbs your wants as a parent.
If you have had a long day at work and your children ask you to play a game of catch consider saying “Yes I would love to just let me change my clothes and sit for 10 minutes can you set a timer for me?”
Finding ways to replace our most common response of “No” to a “Yes” will help ensure we raise happy, confident children who feel open to sharing even the toughest of choices with their parents.
 

This is a Guest Post by Nicole

Nicole blogs at Seamlessly Savvy. There she shares her love of couponing, staying organized, freezer cooking and trials of raising five rambunctious boys. Her passion to give her boys a less chaotic childhood than her own is what inspires her to be Seamlessly Savvy.

Images provided by:
schoolathome.blogspot.com

Are You Exercising For All The Wrong Reasons? Find out why you may be wasting your time

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Why do you exercise?  I mean really?

Think about what is your main focus when you head off to the gym?instant benefits of exercise
Do you find that some days you are more motivated than others?
Some days not at all?
It is possible that you may have to rethink your goals.
Sure, we all want to look good in our swimsuits but is that enough to really enjoy the process?

Missed Motivation: Instant Exercise Gratification

“I run each day so that I may stay healthy.” Also hear: “So I can live long.” This works well if the Grimm Reaper, with sickle in hand, is chasing you down the street. Yet it is not so successful if death’s doorstep is a bit further away. Fortunately, the end of days is well in the future for most people. This reality makes striving for health a bit of a weak motivator. It is not within our headlights, so remains out of sight and un-motivating on a daily basis.
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/fitness/getmovingblog/2012/05/missed_motivati.html

 

In this world instant gratification you can easily see we are all motivated by speed.

  • We have convenient stores with drive-thru’s
  • We record our TV shows so we can fast forward the commercials
  • You can buy pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the grocery store (we all know how sooooo inconvenient it is to spread jam on bread)http://www.thefauxpawblog.com/2009_10_25_archive.html
  • Drive thru car washes
  •  We microwave steak
  • We pay extra at amusement parks so we don’t have to wait in line (because the prices haven’t gone up enough)
    disneyland ticket prices
    You can't even PARK for this amount now!
Images provided by:
www.thefauxpawblog.com
www.flickr.com
Nope!
A beach bod is not enough to guarantee you will not cheat on your workout.
What you need is what you can get immediately!
We often neglect the motivation that lies right in front of us. In his article, Maddux grabs onto Eastern philosophies and suggests paying attention to each moment, embracing each step – being mindful. This can be a bit abstract, so an easy first step could be to remain non-judgmental while doing. Plainly put, save the analysis – the labeling of good or bad until the workout is completed. Go with the flow and determine the quality of the workout a while after all the sweat and self-imposed suffering has concluded. As the sneaker company says, “Just do it.” Analyze it later.
This leads to the reward that lies right in front of us…. good feelings and energy follow physical activity. There is no need to wait weeks until the scale cooperates. There is no need to trust that you have assured yourself one more day on this earth with each successful pull-up. The reward of good feelings is immediate and quite regular.
 
The moral?
FEEL GOOD NOW!
Take time to really notice how fantastic you feel after a good workout!
Don’t you notice an instant rush?
Do you pay attention to how you mental state has been altered?
Well you should!
[social_share/]
Besides just feeling absolutely awesome, which should be enough, try to find more ways you can find to feel motivated about each workout.
I ask you….
What other instant benefits can you get RIGHT after your done exercising?
 
 
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5 Steps To Becoming A Better You Later In Life

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5 steps to becoming a better person
Life can be stressful, but too much stress can control your life. Psychologists state that when under stress, people are more vulnerable to depression and the loss of love for former passions. Conditioning the five most important aspects of your life can help you avoid feelings of stress and negativity, and also help you create a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Confidence
Building your confidence and taking the time to realize who you are will help you feel secure in the other aspects of your life. However, your ideas can only go so far in social and business-oriented situations. Being confident in public is the key to persuading others to consider your point of view and needs. Knowing what you want and confidently expressing it will help you get further in life more quickly. Take some time every day to talk to yourself in the mirror. Be aware of your accomplishments and what you’re proud of. Wear clothes that you feel most comfortable and attractive in.
Hobbies
Hobbies make people who they are. Some hobbies, such as art, writing, and craftsmanship can develop into successful careers. The intensity and quality of your hobby all depend on how much effort and time you are willing to put in. The most important thing about having a hobby you’re dedicated to is the fact that it gives you something to do that you enjoy. If you’re having a stressful day and it’s beginning to wear too deeply into you, take a breather and work on something you love. It will turn your whole day around.
Career
Your career is very important to your happiness, and it can exist in many different ways. Careers are about being proud and happy because of the work you do, and the impact you make on the world. Your career will also bring other opportunities to you in the future. It can take a lot of time to realize what you want to do; many people go back to school when they’re middle aged because of that fact. However, if you’re passionate about a career early on in life, do everything you can in your power to make it happen as quickly as possible. If you are set up early, you will be more comfortable later.
Finances
Finances shouldn’t drive you to be the person you are, but you should save your money as much as possible. If you control your finances and bills early on in life, you will save yourself a lot of stress in the future. Try to schedule an appointment with an accountant, and ask them for financial advice. Look for tips that will help you save. Take advantage of shopping deals and coupons. Open up a savings account and start saving immediately, even if it’s not a lot.
Relationships
People hate being alone. We are naturally attracted to relationships. One way to fulfill your life is to create and sustain healthy relationships. Relationships with others can be very profound and therapeutic. However, they can also create very negative and traumatizing experiences. If you feel someone is using or abusing you, drop the relationship immediately. If you’re experiencing a positive relationship, continue being a kind and caring person. Spend time with your family. Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t want to be treated. Remember, how we treat other people is a mirror of how we feel about ourselves.
These are the most important aspects of your life that you should work on to become a better person. They define and determine the situations that occur in your life and the choices you will make. Be patient with your life, career, and the people around you. A happy life and good character need to be built with great effort and time.
[box type=”info”]This is a Guest Post by Jim Parrot
Jim Parrot is a motivational speaker and guest contributor at Super Scholar, a site with the current best online college rankings.[/box]
 
 
cc licensed flickr photo shared by Fountain_Head

Tomorrow's Happiness Begins Today – Best ways to being happy instantly

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The future starts today, not tomorrow.
Pope John Paul II

You can be happy!
Right now.
In this moment.
You can make the choice.
But, if you are like most of us, it is not always that easy.

how to show compassion for happiness
image via thisisyourconscience.com

Compassion for others has the power to totally transform what you are feeling and immediately give you an inner sense of well being through the thoughtfulness you are giving to others.
When you are “feeling” for someone else you can’t help but to raise your own vibration.

How do you practice compassion?

 

  • Put yourself in the other person’s position. It can be difficult to feel compassionate during an argument. Try to take the other person’s perspective. Look beyond any feelings of hostility. Seek common ground and opportunities for compromise.
  • Listen respectfully to others. Even if we hold different views, we can listen with an open mind to what others are saying. It’s easier to sustain compassion when people feel like they’ve been treated fairly.
  • Be considerate of others’ wishes. Being flexible goes hand in hand with being compassionate. If your top priority is to create a better situation for everybody, you’ll be willing to consider alternative approaches instead of sticking to your familiar habits.
  • Focus on other people’s good qualities. Often, we naturally feel compassion for people we love. By noticing others’ positive attributes, you can extend affectionate feelings toward more people than just your “inner circle.” You’ll also be able to respond constructively in less comfortable situations.    ….. see full list

 

The main goal is to shift your mind from “you” thinking to more of a “how can I help” position.  When you do, notice how it makes you feel.  When you try to make someone else feel better… YOU FEEL BETTER!
Start Today!
Right now!
Who is in need of some extra compassion right now?
What are some of the best ways you can show it?
 

How to Create Compassion
Similarly, you can conclude that all living beings are the same in wanting happiness and not wanting suffering by examining your own situation. By doing so, you will easily generate compassion, which is an aspiration thinking …
http://zeninspiration.blogspot.com/

 

10 Ways to Center Your Life Around Happiness
He presented research-backed evidence that our brains and nervous systems are wired for compassion and that it is fundamental to our happiness, health, and to developing strong communities around us. His talk inspired listeners to challenge themselves …
menlopark.patch.com

How Compassion and Civility Can Change Your Life
The Meaning of Nice reminds us that happiness is not a mood state or personality trait, but rather a capacity for flourishing and an engagement in life. Since the quality of our life depends on the quality of our relationships and the quality of our …
metapsychology.mentalhelp.net

How an indoor water fountain can revitalize you and your home.

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In today’s culture, it can be hard to find ways to relax. Most of us have busy lifestyles, and encounter many stress factors throughout the day. When you come home, you want to come back to a soothing environment that will replenish you after a stressful day. An effective way to create this environment is by using indoor water fountains.
Soothing Sounds
indoor zen water fountainFew things are more relaxing than the sound of running water. In fact, humans are conditioned to like this noise – our ancient ancestors relied on bodies of water to live, and early settlements were developed alongside them. The sound of water flowing is the reassuring sound of natural life. Many of us today, however, do not live close enough to a body of water to get this calming benefit. For those who don’t, indoor water features are a great substitute.
Even if your work continues when you get home, the sound of your indoor fountain lets you imagine you are floating along a river, walking on a beach, or standing next to a waterfall. The sound of your fountain is not only soothing, it can help cover up sounds that may be distracting or annoying, such as outside traffic or noisy neighbors.
Humidified Air
Indoor fountains have additional stress-relieving benefits besides their sound. They also work as humidifiers, but without the mechanical noise and aesthetics that commercial humidifiers bring. Fountains add natural moisture to the room, which helps you breathe freer and easier. Having moisture in your indoor environment also prevents dry skin and eyes, fights fatigue, and strengthens your immune system against colds. Indoor plants and pets will be healthier in a moister environment, too. All of these factors help keep you calm and relaxed when you’re at home.
Ionic Balance
Another reason indoor fountains reduce stress is because they release negative ions. Negative ions are molecules that are found in the humid air you breathe when you’re out in nature, such as on a mountaintop, in a forest, or near bodies of water. Most indoor environments have very low concentrations of negative ions, not only because the air is drier than outdoors, but because electronic devices emit positive ions, changing the atmosphere’s molecular balance. The televisions, microwaves, stereos, and other equipment in our homes are creating an ionic balance that decreases energy, lowers immune system function, and promotes depression.
Negative ions, on the other hand, reduce stress and depression and decrease fatigue. They also improve breathing and respiratory system function, which strengthens the immune system. Introducing indoor water features will add these much-needed negative ions to your home, creating a healthier and happier environment for you and your family.
Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, indoor fountains can reduce stress by improving the aesthetic quality of your home. We’re all happier when our surroundings are visually appealing, and whatever your home’s style, there is a fountain to fit it. Indoor wall fountains, tabletop fountains, floor fountains, and water walls can be used in any room of your house, or even in combination with each other. Styles range from sleek and modern to rustic and pastoral, and they enhance the beauty of any room. You can even incorporate lights, stones, and other features to create a display that is not only soothing, but also visually stunning. Introducing a natural element to an indoor environment is a unique interior design feature. Indoor fountains can both captivate and soothe you and your guests.
We all want our homes to be sanctuaries of relaxation, free from the stress of the outside world. Try an indoor water feature today, and discover how it can benefit your health and happiness.

This is a guest post by Polly Godwin
Polly Godwin is the owner of IndoorFountains.com, a company specializing in indoor wall fountains as well as home and business décor.

What you did wrong is none of YOUR business

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“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

Let go of the past!Pulling out hair in anger
It happened!
SO WHAT!
Let it go!
We have all done things that we probably wish we didn’t.
There are times when I want to smack myself the very second after I have blurted something out before my mind actually caught up to what I was saying.
But there is nothing you can do about it!
Every single time you find yourself using the word “should” you will find that your inner dialogue is basically making you feel worse through blame.
When you say you SHOULD HAVE done something, that translates to saying that what you actually did was wrong… so you start to feel bad.
Then, you realize it is in the past so you cannot correct what you have done so you feel even worse!
STOP THAT!
The only power you truly have is in the present moment.
This moment is the only moment you can control.  Why not use that power by keeping all of your focus on being present
 

The Power Of Being Fully Present In The Moment

Power of the Present: We all suffer personal losses and struggle at times to heal. Most of the humanity is in constant pain and grief. You can heal yourself by living in the present.
In the present moment, there is no hurt or pain, as ego digs into the past memories to bring suffering into the present. We are pure joy. In the present moment, there is no anxiety or stress as there is no anticipation or expectation of future. In the present moment, our actions and thoughts come from our highest self, which is divine. Miracles happen in present as the divine works through us. Being in the present moment is a practice and it requires discipline.
Make this practice your daily mantra to heal and discover your divinity for a blissful life.
…..continue reading

 
When you stop focusing on the present and continue to dwell on the past you might even begin to feel lonely.  Like you are facing all your troubles by yourself.
Think about it….
No one can travel back to the past in your head with you.  So you end up not even noticing who may be sitting right in front of you to give you a hand.
When there is something “back there” that you just cant help but to think about try these few tricks to help get you back centered.

Steps for bringing your focus back to the present

  • Get Wet:  Water has Getting wet to focus on the presentmysterious powers. Something about it always has a way of instantly bringing you into a place of peace.  Take a shower. Run a bath.  Jump in a pool… If all else fails, drink a giant glass of ice cold water.
  • Make Some Noise: This may go against the more appropriate opposite of meditation, but I find when I really have something heavy on my mind it seems like the quieter it gets on the outside, the louder that negative voice gets on the inside. BANG A DRUM. Break a dish (not your own, preferable) Crank up your favorite song and belt along with it.
  • Get Primitive:  Write!  You would be surprised at how much focus it takes to actually put pencil to paper and journal out some of those profound thoughts you writing with pen on paperhave.  Not texting. No typing.  Actual paper and pencil!

One of these methods may work great.  Maybe you have some of your own ways of keeping your mind in the present moment.
Just know that you are at your most powerful right now.  Only right now.
This moment is fresh and brand new.  Will you spend it creating a beautiful lasting memory, or let it be dashed away by yesterday’s debris?
 
 
 

Images provided by:
mydualities.wordpress.com
www.flickr.com
videoproducer.wordpress.com