tips and how to tips and how to

Tips And How Tos
A collection of articles on ‘how to’ and ‘tips’

by

Josie Lydy



Copyright 2014 Josie Lydy
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means
without written permission from the author.
This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this
book, please purchase another copy for each reader.

Content Disclaimer
Health related topics in the articles, should not be substituted for medical advice. Fo any advice,
always consult your professional healthcare.
The articles are provided for information purposes only and does not constitute a professional
advice. Although every reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the writer
makes no guarantees of any kind.

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Introduction
This book is a collection of articles written by Josie Lydy. The articles were made to be on a blog
post but the author wants to gather them in one book.
Each title stands on its own and may not have any connection to other titles. Though, the
articles are sub-divided into 3 categories. The first part is under the category of ‘Life Style’, the

second part is gathered under ‘Business’ category and the third part is about ‘Health’.
The main purpose of the author in collecting the articles in one book is first of all to make easy
the reading of the content in form of eBook and then, the eBook keeps a partial backup of the
articles written by Josie Lydy . With the support of technology, the eBooks bring to the readers
a new style of keeping books for reading. This what is called virtual library.

Part I Life Style
1. Why Yoga is good for you
You may wonder how some people can be so flexible such that they can do any pose without
flinching and even go to the extent of touching their toes just by bending backwards. Mind you
if you dared pull such a stunt it would most likely cost you an unexpected trip to the doctor.
Worry not. The well kept secret is no longer safely guarded anymore. Welcome to Yoga. This
article will enlighten you on what yoga is all about and why it is good for you.
Yoga is an ancient practice originating from India. It has been practiced for over 5000 years and
more people are embracing it. It encompasses the following disciplines: physical, mental and
spiritual. Yoga Sutras concentrates on the discipline of the mind while Hatha yoga focuses on
health and purity of the body.
Picture being in such a peaceful state of mind such that all your stress levels are managed and
you are one with your spirit. I do not know anyone who would not want that. Yoga can be
practiced at any age therefore being elderly should not be an excuse.
Asanas are the most common yoga classes offered which entail learning physical poses. Yoga
classes also entail learning breathing techniques as well as meditation techniques. Yoga has a
lot to offer everyone who practices it be it flexibility, balance or strength. You can take it up for
purely relaxation purposes or to enable you move your body in new ways.
It is important to know the safety precautions you need to take before you start. Most yoga
instructors will have you sign a non liability form thus you have to ensure you take care of
yourself so as to minimize the risks of injury.
Some of the risks associated with yoga that are reported and treated at hospitals include
straining and overstretching of the neck, spine, legs, knees and shoulders. Having certain
conditions may increase your risk of injury such as pregnancy, a case of severe osteoporosis,

problems associated with the ears, spine problems and having either high or low blood
pressure.
To minimize your risk of injury from yoga, here are a few tips:
1. Expectant mothers should consult their doctors and get the go ahead sign since
pregnancy affects women differently. Your doctor will be able to assess what type and
level of yoga is safe for you and your unborn child.
2. For beginners, ensure that you practice yoga under an instructor who has the
recommended credits. Attempting yoga by yourself maybe detrimental since you do not
have someone to guide you on the right way of performing the exercises.
3. Warming up before the yoga session is vital as cold muscles contribute towards injury.
4. Do not try to do advanced exercises when you have just barely begun. Know your limits
by asking your instructor questions so that any concerns you have about your safety are
addressed.
5. Remember that this is not a competition. Of course there will be someone who can do
the exercises better than you. Go slow, take your time.
6. Drink lots and lots of water more so when practicing hot yoga.
7. Wear comfortable clothing so you are able to move around freely.
8. Always listen to how your body responds to the exercises. If you encounter any pain,
dizziness, or you experience too much heat, please stop. Should the pain persist further,
consult your healthcare provider.
9. Finally, ensure that you do not skip your medical routine. While yoga will offer some
major benefits, it is no substitute for proper medical treatment.
Some of the benefits of yoga are as discussed below:
Yoga, as mentioned earlier, can be done at all ages. When started at midlife, it can help
counter stiffness, loss of bone density, depression, fluctuations of hormones and stop
arteries from hardening. These are some of the most commonly faced problems during this
stage of life.
Notable merits of practicing yoga include gaining strength due to doing poses such as
standing on one leg since you learn how to support your body weight. Yoga also does make
your muscles more toned and lean.

Other benefits include reducing stress levels, mental calmness, breathing better reducing
pain and it generally lets you know your body much better hence increased self confidence.
Go ahead and try out yoga and do not despair in the first few classes. With time you will
come to see why yoga is good for you.

2. Tips for saving on fuel
Having a car has its advantages the greatest being the convenience top move from one place to
another. However, the one constant pain in the neck of having a vehicle is fuel consumption.
The prices for fuel keep going up and rarely do they come down hence it is important for car
owners to ensure that they find economical ways to save on fuel.
Here are a few tips that every car owner can put to use to ensure that having a car does not
lead them to bankruptcy.
1. Gas gift cards
Some gas stations provide their customers with gas gift cards that have discounted
rates. This means that the fuel consumers pay less for more gas. That is a definite
bargain!
2. Drive sanely
Resist the urge to drive your car at full speed. You are not only wasting gas, but also
putting your life and that of others in danger. Reduce the rate at which you constantly
accelerate and brake as well.
3. Switch off the engine while in traffic.
You are in traffic for an hour and your engine is still running; that is such a waste of gas.
If the traffic is not moving, switch off that engine.
4. The windows and air conditioning
Whilst driving at slow speeds, open the window. When you have to speed keep the
windows closed to reduce the drag and make use of the air conditioning. This will
ensure you use your fuel more conservatively.
5. Economical vehicle
It is ridiculous to spend a huge chunk of your income on fuel just because your car is a
guzzler. The best way to cut your losses here is to get rid of that car and get one that is

economical in its consumption of fuel and also by way of maintenance. A car is meant to
make things easier not leave your pockets empty.
6. Fill the tank
Another way to save on fuel is to always fill up your fuel tank. Avoid fueling in small
amounts because you will always be making trips to the petrol station to add fuel.

In addition to the above tips, you can also save on fuel by ensuring you find shorter
routes to your destination and walking shorter distances. All these will drastically reduce
the amount you spend on fuel so do give them a try.

3. Tips on having a good self image
In this day and age self image is everything. How you present yourself to the world and how
people perceive you will determine how they treat you. Self image is the idea that a person has
of their appearance, abilities, and personality. Having a good self image has its benefits such as
improving your confidence and self esteem.
Below are some tips on how to have a good self image:
1. It is all in the mind.
The best way to improve your self image is to change the way you view yourself. The
first step is to look deeply into yourself and know who you are. The minute you believe
that you are worthy and can make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of
those around you, then you begin to change your image.
2. Appearance
First impressions last in people’s minds. The way you dress and carry yourself will leave
a lasting effect. Dress appropriately; know your body type and dress for it. Ensure you
are well groomed at all times from head to toe. Putting in the extra effort to look good
will be rewarding. Dress for the job you want to have.
3. Do not compare yourself to others
You may want to trade a body part you do not like for someone else’s smile or hair but
nobody is perfect. Stop comparing yourself to others. They probably wish they have
something that you’ve got. Instead, focus on highlighting those parts that you love.

Learn to accept yourself flaws and all. You are a unique being just as you are.
4. Engage in positive activities
These will include being around people who positively influence you. Take up activities
that progress you such as exercising with friends, a cooking class, or even joining a book
club. They will not only boost your confidence and self esteem, but they will also ensure
you stay away from self destructing habits.
5. Create a beautiful environment
It is no secret that we human beings are drawn to beautiful things. They lighten up our
moods and create a wonderful ambience. Keep fresh flowers in your house, use vibrant
colors to decorate, have an aquarium if you like or just put on some soothing music and
have a bubble bath with scented candles. Just do whatever lifts your mood. If you feel
good then you will definitely look good.

4. Tips when planning a vacation
Everyone wants to go on vacation some time. After long months of work day in day out, you
definitely deserve a break to unwind and rejuvenate your spirit. Many people think that in
these hard economic times, a vacation is a luxury only the wealthy can afford. Well, that is
false. You can enjoy an amazing vacation with your family on a budget without worrying about
the post vacation. Good planning is all you need. Below are some vacation tips to ensure that
you do not miss out on a great adventure.
1. Start planning Early
It is never too early to begin making plans. The earlier you start the better as you are able to
carefully organize all the details of your holiday ensuring that you do not forget anything that is
important. It is also advantageous to plan early since you have more information which
translates to more choices in terms of finding accommodation and transport. You also get to
decide when you want to travel and take advantage of off-peak offers.
2. Research
It pays to do your research well. With the technological advancements in the modern world, all
you need is to have an internet connection and you can have all the information you need.
Check out as many sites as you possibly can before you book a hotel room, flight or vacation

package so as to compare the prices and find the best possible offer for you. Call the hotels
personally and request for any particulars especially where children are involved.
Doing the research by yourself and not using a middleman or an agent to do all the work for
you will be cheaper. This is because you do not have to pay for a service that you can execute
on your own. The internet may have a wide variety of options but take extra care though not to
get scammed. There are people who aim at taking your money without deserving it. If you have
to bring in someone else, seek guidance and recommendations from someone who has
vacationed in that place before.
3. Activities
As you plan for your vacation, decide on the types of activities you would like to engage in. they
should be things you love to do such as skiing, swimming and other water sports, sightseeing,
mountain climbing or even yoga among others. Choose the activities that include your entire
family should you be travelling with them to ensure no one is left out.
4. Travel documents
Long before you travel, have all the necessary travel documents ready such as the passports.
You do not want to be all packed up at the airport only to learn that you cannot travel. Avoid
such disappointments by checking to see that all the passports are up to date.
5. Prepare for the unexpected
It is good to be open minded and to realize that anything can happen during your vacation.
Have some emergency cash just in case and simply enjoy your vacation.
Following the above tips will see you have your dream vacation without breaking your bank.
Enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

5. Acquiring Self discipline
You may have wondered why you do not seem to succeed in accomplishing most of your
dreams. It could be that you are just plain lazy or you have no idea how to transform your plans
into actions. To accomplish your goals you will require self discipline. This is how to go about
acquiring self discipline.
Self discipline can be defined as the training and control of one self and their conduct. It is
challenging to acquire self discipline since it will require a lot of sacrifice and you will have to

continuously work on it. You will need all of your willpower to keep going as it is easy to give
up. Do not be intimidated though as this is the only way you can improve.
One way to look at self discipline is to think of sports people. Athletes wake up early everyday
while it is still dark and cold to train because they know they have to get their bodies ready for
the track. It is year round practice for very few minutes on the track. The athlete has his eye on
the Olympic gold and that is worth all the sacrifices.
Perhaps the first step towards acquiring self discipline is carrying out a self assessment. Be
honest about the position you are in, your level or lack of personal discipline, accept it and
make a decision to do something positive about it. Set up realistic goals and start with simple
ones then proceed to tougher tasks.
Change your view on discipline. A lot of people have a negative attitude towards discipline as
they claim it is too much work. In actual fact discipline gives you freedom. You are no longer
enslaved by your passions or emotions. By being disciplined you can easily give up a moment’s
pleasure for a greater benefit tomorrow.
It is really all in your mind. Decide to rise early and accomplish a few set goals in a day then
wake up and work on them. Schedule all you want to do in a day so you get your priorities right.
Make it a habit and soon enough it will be easy.
Self discipline can also be likened to working out. If you do not work out you quickly get out of
shape and gain a lot of weight. Quit being lazy! Find motivation deep within you and in your
surroundings. Having role models you look up to and who inspire you is another great way to
acquire self discipline.
Avoid procrastination by focusing on getting a task started rather than on completing it. Ensure
that you are able to look back and see how much you have been able to achieve and then
celebrate those small victories as they inspire you to take on more complex tasks.
Self discipline plays a major role in ensuring that you not only succeed but also enable you stay
at the top of your game. It is therefore not impossible. With sheer determination, courage and
commitment you can acquire self discipline and change your life.

6. Planning for retirement
Planning for retirement is not a walk in the park for a lot of people. Many people would like to

imagine that the future will take care of itself but the truth is it will not. Some say you only live
once so why not blow all your money on whatever pleases your senses. But one day we shall
get older and we shall retire and we will not have a career to fall back on. It is important to save
for such days.
Life is full of uncertainties and it would not hurt to put away some funds to help you live as
comfortably as you wish when you one day are not as energetic as you used to be. With a little
bit of commitment, planning and putting aside some money you can comfortably prepare for
retirement
Below are some of the steps you can take to enable you in planning for your retirement.
1. Start as early as you can.
The earlier you start the better. Do not wait until you are forty or you are making a six
figure salary. The secret is to start small. It is never too late. Start saving and stick to
your goals but do ensure that the goals you set are realistic. This will save you from a lot
of disappointments.
2. Seek professional advice.
Draw up a plan. Visualize the kind of life you want to have once you retire. You may
want to bring in a financial advisor to help out with the finer details. The guidelines will
enable you have an easier time.
3. Research
Learn about the various retirement plans or pension schemes that are available. Check
with your employer to see what kind of pension plan covers you and ensure you
understand how it works. Your employer has a retirement savings plan for you as is
common in many employment contracts. Contribute as much as you can towards this
plan. You will be thankful you did so in the future.
4. Investments.
Do not save blindly. Save smart! Do not let your money sit around in the bank when you
could make it work for you by earning you interest. You could put your savings in
different investment portfolios. Buy shares on the stock markets, invests in a mutual
fund, or a Sacco among others. By diversifying your investments, you reduce the risk
and increase your returns.

Knowledge is the key to financial security. Always cover all the basics before delving into
the deep waters.
5. Leave your savings alone.
Forget about your savings. Do not withdraw them as this beats the purpose of saving in
the first place. By withdrawing your savings, you may miss out on tax savings as well as
principal and interest benefits. In some cases, you may be charged withdrawal penalties.
6. Stay debt free.
There is nothing more frustrating than owing money to people. Learn to live within your
means. Pay off all loans you owe such as student loans and only take up a loan that is
beneficial and which will bring in a profit to you such as business loans. This will free up
more money and ensure you save more towards your retirement.

With the above tips, saving for retirement will be a walk in the park. Remember it is
never too late to start.

Part II. Business
7. Investing Wisely
Planning your finances right is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Through planning
all your income you are sure to have money for expenses, savings and for investments as well.
However, many people find themselves in situations whereby they have no money left over to
invest. You do not have to be a millionaire for you to dive into the world of investments. Below
are a few tips on how to invest wisely.
1. Do your research.
Investments are not always characterized by clarity hence the need to tread cautiously.
There is no certainty due to factors internal and external that can change the trend in
the brink of an eye. By doing your research you are able to make the right decisions and
avoid losing money.
Educating yourself on all things investments is also important since you will be able to
spot investment scammers. Learn how to analyze financial statements and stocks. Your
ignorance will be to another man’s benefit.

2. Consult the professionals.
Get professional help too as the experts know the market better than you do. The worst
mistake you can make is to go into investments with assumptions that could cost you
dearly.
3. Know what options you have.
There are very many ways to invest. You can buy shares of companies in the stock
market, buy bonds and treasury bills among others. It all depends on whether you are
looking to invest in the short or long term.
Know your objectives regarding your finances too as this will help a great deal when
choosing what to invest in.
4. Start small.
It is advisable for beginners to start small when investing. Ensure that you save about six
months worth of living expenses in case you lose your job. Then invest another amount
and observe it, learn from it and see what your results are. Once you make a profit, you
get the confidence to invest a larger amount.
5. Diversify your risk.
It is very unwise to put all your eggs in one basket. A good investor always spreads out
their investments to minimize risk. The economic climate is very dynamic therefore
investing in a portfolio with the right mix is important.
6. Patience.
Investing requires you be patient. Avoid making hasty decisions when it concerns your
money. If you do not understand it, leave it. The mentality that investments make you
rich overnight is misguided. This will also apply to instances whereby a broker gives you
insider information and pitches a product to you. Verify that information always.
7. Follow Up.
Once you have made your investments, do a follow up. Tracking your investments will
enable you to know where it is you are making profits and which investments are giving
you poor returns. It will also enable you to keep the costs of investing, such as fees and
commissions, low.

Note that the higher the expected rate of return, the greater the risk. Investing wisely
will accumulate wealth for you as it has done for many others. The above tips on
investing wisely will guide you on how to do it right.

8. How to promote your Website
A website is a very important tool for anyone hoping to make their presence felt online. It is
made up of related web pages with content such as text, images, video and audio and it is
hosted on a server. In this article you will learn how to promote your website so that people
know about it and find out what it is you have to offer.
With the advancement in technology, it has become necessary for businesses, even small ones,
to have their own websites. Websites provide clear information on what a business is about, its
location, product and services that it offers and it also gives consumers a chance to air their
views and give feedback.
Creating a website is not the toughest part especially if you are a technology guru. You could
also get an information technology specialist to create one for you. Getting the right website is
half the battle won. Next is to let the world know that your website exists and draw people to
it.
Most people do not have the slightest clue of how to promote their website. Well, of course
you cannot just sit there and wait for people to discover it. You have to create and direct some
traffic towards it. Below is how to go about it.
Make use of article directories. People online search articles that are in various categories and
after going through them they will most likely click on the link at the end of the article which
directs them to your webpage. There are also article directories that are well established and
bring traffic to websites. One of the most common article directories is www.eHow.com.
One of the best free search engines for your website is Google. This is because it is very popular
as lots and lots of people use it to find just about anything. All you have to do is get your
website indexed by submitting it to Google which is free, easy and pretty fast. Before
submitting it however, search Google to see if your website is already on Google’s index.
There are free directories that can promote your website for free such as Yahoo!
For business or websites for service companies, classifieds are the way to go as they are free

and reach a larger audience. You can get back links and traffic to your site from forums. Sign up
and become an active member of such forums and contribute to the topics of conversation.
Leave your website link in your forum signature. Ensure your comments are intelligent as these
will attract people to your site.
There is perhaps no faster way of getting people to know your site than through social media.
We are living in a generation obsessed by social networking: face book, twitter, my space, the
list is endless. Suggest your website page to your friends and groups that you belong to and
keep them updated on new products, services or offers.
Word of mouth is an old fashioned but effective way of marketing your site. Make your site as
attractive and memorable then tell your family, friends and colleagues about it. Prepare
business cards to give to whomever you speak to about your website.
Social bookmarking sites provide one with a chance to promote their website. Write an amazing
article and submit it to the social bookmarking sites so as to drive traffic to it every time it is
bookmarked.
To further promote your site you can opt for print advertising which is rather expensive but can
be really effective more so if you are advertising for the opening of a boutique or a restaurant.
Making flyers and handing them out is also a great way to inform people.
There are also sites which have the designer and artist portfolios. You can submit your work to
them to gain exposure for your own website.
Other ways of promoting your websites include link baiting, link exchanges, viral marketing,
entering contests, email marketing, creating videos, eBooks, networking, podcasting and
sending out press releases.
With all the above options, marketing and promoting your website has never been easier. Find
whichever way is suitable for you and get going on promoting your site.

9. Branding yourself
The world has become a very competitive place such that you have to go an extra mile if you
really want to get to and stay at the top. It could be you are looking for a job and you have met
all the qualifications, but you have not landed your dream job yet. You may have an amazing
business idea but the investors keep turning you down. You have to learn to sell yourself right.

Branding yourself is the key to opening up all the potential you have got and paving way for
greater success.
The marketplace has become crowded due to availability of information hence the need to be
unique and stand out from the rest. It is vital to ensure that you put your best foot forward and
that people remember who you are otherwise if you are boring and dull you will never get the
job. Since we are living in a digital era, you have more platforms to show case your brand from
LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites. Be sure to fully exploit all these
avenues.
Branding yourself can be a hectic undertaking. It is not as simple as creating a logo or a slogan.
It goes beyond that. It is about the way you sell your service and the value of the service itself.
You need not only be good at what you do but also be memorable. Concentrate on building a
brand that represents who you are within your market. Avoid being a jack of all trades as it
tends to get people confused on what it is that you represent.
The secret to branding is not transforming yourself into a totally different person. It simply
requires figuring what you are good at and harnessing your skill until you become an expert in
your desired field. Once you have accomplished that, you have to let people know that you
have exceptional skills which set you apart from the competition.
Memorability is the next step in branding yourself. Identify the traits that make you unique. It
could be your sense of humor, your love for music or nature or your hobbies. Incorporate these
traits into your brand so that it resonates with people. By so doing, your brand is deeply etched
in the minds of potential clients and anytime they require your service, you are the first person
that comes to mind.
It is important to remain committed throughout the entire process. Personal branding takes
time but the benefits in the long run are worth it. Your brand will speak for itself enabling you
to concentrate on your core activities to keep the brand running.
Branding yourself has advantages such as being an expert and a valuable asset, ensuring people
remember you and hence easily locate you and also build trust.
It is therefore very important to take some time and brand yourself. If you do not, someone
else will and it will most definitely not be to your advantage. Branding yourself will not only
ensure that you are relevant in your field but will also create a lasting impression to the people

you interact with and to potential clients.

10.Tips on improving your public speaking skills
Every now and then, you will find yourself in a situation where you may have to speak in front
of people. To some, public speaking is a walk in the park while to others, it is a nightmare they
never want to encounter. The mere thought of standing before people to speak causes them to
get so nervous that they forget what they are about to say. The good news is that anyone can
become good at speaking in public. You just have to be ready to face your fears and follow the
following tips:
1. Be Knowledgeable
Whether it is giving a speech at the office party, giving a presentation to your bosses or
speaking at a forum, the foremost important thing is to know the topic you are going to
speak about. Be sure to research on it so that you are well informed. Ensure the topic is
interesting by incorporating stories and even humor. This will help grasp the attention
of the audience.
2. Take time to practice
Stand in front of a mirror and practice your speech as though your audience were
present in the room. You could ask your colleague or friends to analyze your
presentation and provide tips on where to improve. Practicing your speech will help you
familiarize yourself with it and also enable you time yourself so that it is neither too long
nor too short.
3. Know your audience
This is very important. Knowing your audience can make or break you as a public
speaker. The way you communicate with college students is different from how you
dialogue with your colleagues at work. There needs to be a clear distinction.
4. Attire and grooming
Ensure you dress professionally and that you are comfortable in your clothing. First
impressions last plus you do not want to have a wardrobe malfunction when all eyes are
on you. Ensure that you are well groomed as well.
5. Relax

Most importantly be relaxed. Breathe in and out and compose yourself before you give
the speech. It is never too serious. Engage your audience to break the ice and do involve
them in your presentation. Do not beat yourself up over mistakes. You are probably the
only one that noticed.

With the above tips and by repeatedly speaking in public, you will gain experience, get
more confident and be volunteering for more chances to speak before people in no time
at all.

Part III Health
11.How to deal with depression
Perhaps at one point in your life you have undergone depression. Maybe things were not going
as well as you expected and you felt helpless. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest but
depression can prevent you from living your life. However, you can overcome it. Here are a few
tips on how to deal with depression.
Depression can be defined as a state of feeling sad. It is a condition in which a person is
mentally disturbed and finds it difficult or lacks the energy to concentrate on a task, loses
interest in life and also feels gloomy and dejected.
It is a natural part of life to feel blue sometimes but if it stretches over a long period of time and
it affects your daily activities such that you cannot perform as well as you were before, it is time
to address the core issue.
Whether you are the one going through this phase or it is someone you love there are ways to
get over it. Access to the right information is vital and so is seeing the right doctor. Having a
great support system from your family is also very helpful as they contribute largely towards
your recovery. With all the above, even the most severe depression can be treated.
The first step towards dealing with depression is to identify whether indeed you are depressed.
Only then can you be able to seek appropriate help and start the journey to recovery.
Common symptoms of depression include: anxiety or a feeling of emptiness, sadness that is
persistent often resulting to crying, feeling worthless and low self esteem. Insomnia or sleeping
a lot more than usual, an unexplained fatigue and lack of energy to do simple tasks, overeating

or lack of appetite leading to weight gain or loss, pessimism, experiencing body cramps,
headaches and other aches that medication fails to treat, being restless and irritable and having
suicidal thoughts.
Talk to your doctor so that you can find the root cause of depression. It could be as a result of
medication you were taking before. Medical conditions may imitate depression. Some medical
conditions such as hormonal imbalance, alcohol and drug addictions, deficiency of vitamins or
minerals may offset depression. Women may also experience post-partum depression soon
after childbirth.
Some natural depression remedies may include light therapy which means you should get out
more often and soak up some sunshine. It will do you good. Exercising and especially doing
aerobics will increase your heart rate. The more active you are the better and faster it will be
for you to get out of depression.
Accept who you are with all your strengths and flaws. Quit giving yourself a hard time for all the
mistakes you have done or opportunities you missed out on just because you felt you were not
good enough to take a risk. That is the past and it does not matter at all.
Once you accept yourself, get to know a little more about who you are. Try out new things such
as enrolling for a dance, cooking or an art class, signing up for the gym, playing your favorite
sport, or participating in a charity. There is no greater joy than being of service to others.
Seeking the help of a counselor is also highly recommended especially if the cause is a strained
relationship that is bringing unhappiness. The parties involved should talk to a counselor and
try to work through the issues together. Another way to deal with depression is through use of
acupuncture as well as aromatherapy.
Yoga can help beat depression especially through meditation and breathing exercises. Being
religious is also another way to overcome depression since there is a higher power watching
over you and listening to your problems.
Be creative as much as you can and avoid being idle. Start a blog or get a job. Writing stories or
poetry also aids in diverting all the negative energy into something useful. To sleep better, you
can use natural sleep remedies. Avoid putting off decisions and deal with things as they occur.
As outlined above, it is possible to overcome depression. There is no reason to continue living
in darkness when you have the chance to really live and enjoy life. Hopefully, the above

enlightens you on how to deal with depression and overcome it.

12.Health benefits of green tea
Green tea is a gem that not so many people in the world seem to have discovered. It is however
becoming increasingly popular as it is believed to have powerful health benefits. It has its origin
in China where it has been used as medicine for ages and ages.
It is made from a Chinese plant known as the Camellia sinensis. The leaves are quickly steamed
or dry cooked as soon as they are picked. Applying heat to the leaves minimizes oxidation
ensuring green tea does not lose its benefits. Below are reasons why green tea is good for you.
1. Fights Cancer
Green tea reduces the risk of cancer. It contains antioxidants that help protect the cells likely to
be damaged by cancer. The polyphenols or rather the natural chemicals are believed to have
anti carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory traits.
2. It’s good for your brain
It is believed that green tea can assist in improving your brain function. Everyone wants to be
smarter; I do not know anyone who doesn’t.
3. Improves physical performance
Taking green tea can increase burning of fat. In certain studies, it has been shown that it
increases one’s metabolic rate which helps in burning fat and hence improves physical
performance.
4. Keeps depression at bay.
This is another reason to add green tea into your diet. The tea leaves contain an amino acid,
theanine. This produces a relaxing and tranquilizing effect to the drinker.
5. Wrinkles and aging.
Green tea is a great way to keep you looking youthful as it reduces wrinkling and aging all
thanks to the antioxidants. It also prevents acne as it has antibacterial properties that kill the
bacteria that cause acne.
6. Managing cholesterol levels
It is believed; by researchers that green tea does stabilize your cholesterol level. It
reduces absorption of cholesterol in your digestive tract and speeds up the rate of

excretion.
Other great uses of green tea include boosting your immune system, fighting tooth decay and
causes of allergies, treating multiple sclerosis, preventing nerve damage which leads to
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, keeping diabetes and strokes at bay and many other
benefits.
It is therefore without a doubt, safe to say that green tea is a must have. To top it off, you can
choose to have it as a beverage or as supplements. So go on and have some green tea and
enrich your life.

13.How to nurture your mental health
Living healthy has become a lifestyle and a lot more people are taking physical exercise
seriously. As great as that is, we forget that the mind too needs exercising. Your mental health
affects other aspects of your well being. It is therefore important to go the extra mile and look
after your mental health as it will improve the quality of your life.
Physical activity can go a long way in enhancing your mental health. Go on a run. Cardio is great
because it gets your heart racing, makes you feel lighter and when your body feels good, your
mind will definitely feel better. Exercise will also help avoid anxiety and depression.
Keep stress at bay. We all get stressed up at times. Some of the things that stress us up are in
our control while some are not. The best way to deal with stress is to identify the potential
stressors and then consider options of how to deal with them, not by escaping but by finding
ways to relieve the stress. An example could be engaging in a hobby, or talking to a counselor.
Dealing with your moods is also vital to your mental health. It is natural to have mood
variations every now and then. However, ensure that your moods do not take over your life
because then you will not be truly living.
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. According to researchers, laughing has chemical effects
to your brain which in turn uplifts your mood and lets go of stress. So watch some more of
comedy, hang out with people who make you happier and laugh your problems away.
You have also probably heard that you are what you eat. Take more note of what you eat.
Include healthier foods in your diet. Check with your doctor on what vitamins and supplements
to incorporate to your diet too.

Ensure you have enough rest. The mind needs enough sleep, about seven hours of
uninterrupted sleep to recharge. Try playing games to stimulate the mind as well such as chess
or board games.
All the above activities will greatly change your life so go ahead and try them out. Ensure that
you nurture your mental health and improve your life.

14.Tips on how to whiten teeth naturally
Dental hygiene is something today’s society values greatly. Discolored and yellowed teeth are
unsightly, unhealthy, embarrassing and will put people off. They will also negatively impact on
your self confidence. Most whitening products available in the market contain harmful
chemicals. Here are some tips on how to whiten teeth naturally.
1. Brush and Floss daily.
Ensure that you have brushed your teeth after every meal and that you floss every day.
Prevention is better than cure and this goes for your teeth since removing the stains is a
difficult process.
2. Water.
Drinking water rinses and removes any food particles in your teeth hence preventing
decay and stains.
3. Baking soda and lemons.
This is a very effective teeth whitening method. Mix a little baking soda with freshly
squeezed lemon juice and make a bubbly paste. Using cotton wool, wipe off saliva and
any excess plaque then apply the mixture on your teeth. Do not let it stay any longer
than a minute and then brush it off. Do this once a week since using the paste regularly
damages the enamel.
4. Raisins.
They are considered a natural mouth wash as they induce the production of saliva which
rinses away the plaque.
5. Crunchy vegetables and fruits.
Apples, carrots, pears and celery are natural teeth cleansers due to their acidic and
abrasive nature. Eat them whole instead of cutting them up as they are more effective

this way.
6. Strawberries.
They are not only sweet but beneficial to your teeth too. They contain malic acid which
aids in clearing away the discoloration. Their rough texture also acts as a buffer for the
enamel making it smooth and bright.
7. Dairy products
Yoghurt, cheese and milk have minerals that keep teeth strong and improve their
general appearance.

Remember to keep this process moderate and do not overdo it since teeth are very
fragile. With the above tips on how to whiten teeth naturally it will be impossible to
stop smiling.

15.Tips for building muscle and burning fat
It is pretty common knowledge that sit ups are not as effective as a lot of people set them out
to be. The real and the best way to burn fat is to do exercises that are aimed at building muscle.
This way, your body will be burning fat even when you are not actually exercising. Below are
some tips for building muscle and burning fat.
1. Cardio and more cardio.
It is practically useless to try and do crunches without having done any heartwarming
exercises. Get moving; get your heart race up. Go for a walk, jog, dance or go for a run.
Do this for about 20-30 minutes three days a week. Ensure you warm up and do some
stretches before beginning. The secret is to always be consistent.

2. Strength training
Incorporate exercises that build muscle or increase your strength. They include: lunges,
squats, dead lifts and overhead press. It is important to have your doctor give you the go
ahead before attempting strength training exercises. Start small and continue taking up
more challenging work outs as you progress.

3. Eat clean
Perhaps the most overlooked yet very vital part of getting in shape and burning fat is
good nutrition. If your diet has included a lot of junk and fast foods, it is time to make
the tough choices. These foods will not only hinder your progress but will also have
serious repercussions to your health in terms of heart attacks, cancer and diabetes
among others. Make a resolution to eat healthy. Get tips from your doctor or
nutritionists on what foods to include in your diet. You can also find fun and healthy
recipes online.

4. Water
I cannot emphasize this enough. Drink lots of water; at least 8 glasses a day.

5. Monitor progress
Keep track of the progress you are making. It is okay to reward yourself once you reach
your goals but do not overdo it such that you forget and you get back to square one.
Keep yourself motivated. It will enable you to keep going even when you do not feel like
it.

With the above tips, you will be on your way to building muscle and burning fat the
healthy and effective way.

16.How music is used to heal
Music is the one language that everybody all over the world understands. The songs may be in
different languages, from diverse cultures, with different harmonies and melodies but people
from every corner of the world will listen to them and they will strike a chord with them. Music
is not only used to communicate or entertain, it can also be used to heal. In this article you will
find out exactly how.
A lot of people may doubt this wondering how music impacts on their well being and even go as
far as healing. The truth is it has a profound effect on the emotional, psychological as well as
spiritual aspects of a human being.

Ancients healed many ailments using music. Clinical studies have proven that music accelerates
the process of natural healing in patients at hospitals. Even babies do respond to music that is
soothing helping them calm down and sleep.
When you feel stressed and anxious for whatever reason, most of the time you will pick up your
earphones and listen to some music. The result is usually a calmer you. This is a healthy way to
relieve stress rather than engaging in self destructive activities such as drugs and alcohol.
After a hard day’s work, you probably want something that will help you relax and unwind.
Listen to the kind of music you like the most. Choose what you want to hear wisely as there is
music for every occasion. You do not want to end up feeling worse than you already are. Even
during exercise, music will keep you motivated all through.
Research shows that patients with conditions such as high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease,
cancer, labor pains, surgery and complications from old age, brain injuries as well as problems
caused by substance abuse respond positively to music therapy.
Music therapy is the field of health care that uses music to heal. The way it works is that it helps
patients with the above conditions to better manage their pain, calm them and prevent them
from falling into depression or recover from it. It also promotes movement, eases tension
within the muscles and generally speeds up recovery.
The effectiveness of music therapy is explained in the following ways:
1. State of mind
There is no debate whether music inspires a positive state of mind. You have to try it if
you have not already done so and experience it for yourself. Whether you are
experiencing a bad day where everything is just going downhill or you just are not in the
mood, there is nothing like sweet music to bring a smile on your face.
It can also increase your levels of creativity and optimism. Clearly, a dose of good music
is all you need.
2. Brain waves
Music with strong, fast beats, according to research done, is said to bring sharper
concentration making your thinking more alert. It will put you into a meditative state if
the tempo is slowed down. This is because the strong beats stimulate the brainwaves to
resonate in sync with the beat.

3. The heart and breathing rate
Music therapy can help prevent the effects of chronic stress which are usually fatal. As a
result of the brainwaves being altered other changes such as slower or faster breathing
and heart rate will occur.
Music has many other benefits such as boosting immunity, easing muscle tension, lowering
blood pressure and hence greatly decreasing the risk of getting a stroke among other health
problems.
It is important to undertake music therapy under the care of a professionally trained therapist.
Using untrained people will be ineffective and can even cause more stress and discomfort with
the patients. Patients should not however discontinue their medical treatment and rely on
music therapy alone as this will lead to serious health consequences.
Music improves the lives of those who are healthy and boosts the recovery process of those
that are ailing. It is inexpensive and there are no known side effects of listening to music; just
don’t listen to very loud music in your headphones to avoid damaging your hearing.
All people irrespective of their age group will benefit from listening to music since it aids in
relieving both mental and physical problems. Give music therapy a try and see how it improves
your life.

17.How to get back on your feet after an injury
Life is full of uncertainty. We never really know what card it will deal us come a new day. Every
morning when you get out of bed, you are taking a risk as anything could happen in the course
of the day. Accidents happen mostly without our knowledge. We may cause them ourselves or
be victims but either way they have a negative impact on our lives. This article aims at helping
you know how to get back on your feet after an injury.
Should you be involved in a motor vehicle accident either as a passenger or as a pedestrian or
sustain injuries from an accident in relation to construction work, you may and will most likely
have to discontinue your daily routine. This will depend on the extent of the injury. Some
injuries will require you to undergo surgeries while others will not.
The road to recovery may not always be smooth. It can be slow and utterly painful as the
recovery period is not known due to the complex nature of the human body. There are

however, some things you can do to accelerate the healing process. The following are some of
the ways you can contribute towards your recovery.
Often, victims of accidents try to hasten their recovery process by being more active than they
really should. Nobody wants to feel useless but pushing your ailing body is more disastrous. It
could worsen your injuries and end up prolonging the time you should have spent healing.
Rest as much as you can. This will ensure that the body concentrates most of its energy towards
healing. Resting should not be regarded as time wastage, rather view it as you would a
vacation. Treat your body well and it will reciprocate by healing faster than you expect.
Another way to promote healing after an injury is to eat right. The importance of nutrition
cannot be stressed enough. As you recuperate, your body will have a rising need for protein
which is required for the repair of tissue and muscle. Your physician may also recommend
adding certain foods to your diet that are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Fluids are also a big part of getting better faster. Your body is made up of 70% fluids and they
play a huge role in ensuring all the essential elements are transported to the injured areas. The
fluids will also rid the body of toxins and wastes that are produced during healing. Water is life
and the body will barely function without it.
During this period of recovery, try as much as possible to manage your stress levels. No matter
the extent of your injury, a positive attitude will help your immune system to function at
optimal levels.
To reduce stress, engage yourself in enjoyable activities such as listening to classical music,
watching cartoons, the sunset or the stars. Share a laugh with a friend and appreciate the fact
that you are alive and the progress you are making in your recovery.
You can stimulate your body to heal by undertaking exercise. Most normal forms of exercises
are prohibited due to the injuries but it is important to exercise all the same. Light exercises are
recommended such as walking as it will increase your blood flow. Your physician will also guide
you on the safest and most effective activities to carry out.
If your accident was so serious such that you lost movement of your limbs, you will have to
undergo physiotherapy to regain motion and reawaken the nerves in your limbs.
Definitely, this will be a period where you will experience light to excruciating pain. Nobody
likes pain and you can seldom escape from it. You can however learn how to manage it. Take

your pain medication as prescribed and let your doctor know your pain levels regularly so he
can figure out the best way to proceed.
Finally, follow your doctor’s advice. He is more rational than you are in that moment and he
probably knows best. Also remember to register for insurance cover for times like this if you
have not done so already. It will give you much needed peace of mind since you will not have to
worry about drowning out your finances.
Hopefully, the above tips enlighten you on how to get back on your feet after an injury.