You are browsing the tag archive for lifestyle.

Photo: Picture Perfect Pose / Flickr

Some people go through life with their ‘foot on the brake’, says Sonia Choquette. Others, who are not as hesitant and fearful, ‘have their foot on the gas’, by being enthusiastic, adventurous and open to life. To get the most from one’s life, one has to let go of fear. Living a fear-based life often comes from looking out for what is wrong and planning for a troubled outcome – rather than expecting the best and planning for a positive outcome. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

‘What pleases you will stimulate you. And what stimulates you will energise you. Therefore, it’s vital to enjoy life! The good news is that it is no longer necessary to feel guilty about your pleasures – they are doing you good,’ advises Judith Wills who has written about re-discovering your zest for life. Research has shown that the immune system is boosted by the lighter and brighter side of life. Feeling happy is good for one’s health and longevity. (more…)

Photo: Celeste33 / Flickr

Longer working hours and more demands at home often lead to less time to devote to important things like your own personal well-being. Saint Benedict spoke long ago about living a complete life by routinely structuring things like work, exercise and spirituality and this still applies today. Practicing virtues like generosity and building good relationships can also heighten one’s sense of happiness. As can getting your hands dirty in soil, as recent research shows us. (more…)

Photo: paurian / Flickr

Sometimes it feels like there is a fine line between the real world and the virtual world. There may also be a fine line between the ‘real you’ and the ‘online you’ which can leave you a little confused at times. Balancing the two worlds gets a whole lot easier if you apply the same housekeeping rules to both, which will bring you greater clarity and efficiency. So where exactly is your virtual home and is it working for you? (more…)

Photo: Frank Gruber / Flickr

To be an expert in your field, you’ve got to be a ‘know-it-all’ – and knowing what’s happening right now is as important as knowing what’s happened in your field in the past. Keep on learning about your chosen field, its history, the present situation and what’s expected in the future. From there it’s important to practice your calling, your talent or your skill every day, come rain or shine or monsters. (more…)

Photo: dr.coop / Flickr

It’s an indisputable fact that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. Between working out, an occupation, relaxing, and serious hobbies that require dedication like learning to play an instrument, it’s tough to get everything done in the measly 24 hours each day has. There are things you can do to help be more productive, though. And number one on that list is stopping interruptions. (more…)

Photo: magandafille / Flickr

Since the 1960s, the terms ‘beauty without cruelty’ and ‘cruelty-free’ have made regular appearances in the media. Is this a movement that most of us should concern ourselves with? Is this a fringe lifestyle mostly associated with hippies, vegans and PETA supporters? It might initially have been that way, but these days, this movement has become part and parcel of the mainstream culture and is in line with our new awareness of all things green and environmentally friendly. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

We try and get the absolute most out of our days by packing as many activities into it as humanly possible. In short order, we find that we are slaves to our personal planners, to-do lists, and calendars. All of this adds up to a far worse scenario – being slaves to time as opposed to bending time to our will. We discuss why being a slave to time is a bad thing, as well as suggest a few simple ways to break the cycle. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

As a nation, we’re not shy when it comes to using painkillers. According to NHS figures, the number of prescriptions for heavy painkillers in England increased from 6.2 million to 14.8 million between 1999 and 2008. While pain medication is necessary for a variety of diseases and disorders, in some cases feeling pain (and knowing why you’re feeling it) could help save your life. Here’s what to look out for. (more…)

Photo: neil alejandro / Flickr

As the years go on, even the most adventurous soul who is routine averse begins finding they do the same things over and over, day after day. This would not be a problem if these people enjoyed routines, but for many people doing the same thing day after day represents being stuck in a rut, and not necessarily having order to your life. (more…)