Self Improvement Tips

How to manage grief?

2010-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Is someone very ill at home? Learn to manage grief. It’s never easy to manage the pain of seeing someone dear suffer. But, we must know that it’s best to accept what has happened. Give the best treatment to the family member. Keep them pain free. Support them in every little way. Spend more time with them. Calm their fears, but they must know the disease that has come upon them, especially if it’s not curable. It’ll help them find the strength to go through it. Do everything possible to make the person feel that life was worth all the while. Find the inner strength to be normal yourself.

How to manage bad breath?

2010-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Are you embarrassed by your bad breath? Find a quick fix. Bad breath is caused by upset stomachs, pungent odour foods that have onion and garlic. The formation of bacteria in your teeth can also cause bad breath. Smoking and drinks can also lead to bad odour. Regular brushing can help to some extent. A mouth wash can also be a temporary relief. Flossing can help keep your teeth clean. But a dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of bad breath and suggest a permanent solution.

How to solve chronic cough?

2010-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Chronic cough can be troublesome. Find out how to manage this well. It may be caused by problems in the nose, throat or stomach. Asthma, smoking and gastric trouble commonly lead to chronic cough. Sometimes one feels a tickling sensation that brings up the cough. Drinking plenty of water, popping in a cough lozenges or inhaling steam does provide some relief. Treating the sinus, asthma, gastric problem is the permanent solution though. Diet with high fibre is said to help prevent chronic coughs. And, yes, keep away from people who have any bronchial diseases.

How to reduce knee pain?

2010-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

Suffering from knee pain? Here’s some quick remedy. General knee pains occur due to overweight, straining due to excessive physical activity, lack of activity for long periods or injuries. Take adequate rest and avoids any sports for some time. For relief, apply ice every four hours. In case of swelling, keep in raised position. While sleeping you can keep a soft pillow below knee. A knee cap or bandage can be used to reduce swelling. Painkillers must be used only in case of acute pain. And never regularly.

How to reduce computer eye strain?

2010-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you’re straining your eyes before a computer, then this is for you. You should always be seated atleast 20 inches away from your computer. The computer or laptop must be a little below your eye level. See to it that the lights above or behind don’t cause too much of a glare. Dim lights could also cause eye strain. Get away from the seat once an hour. Also look into the ceiling for a few seconds to defocus and reduce the strain. Irritated eyes or blurred vision needs to be referred to an eye specialist. Maybe, the power has changed.

15 Short Funny Motivational Sayings

2010-01-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

A collection of little motivational quotes that are outright funnny and provoke thought and laughter.

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln

I find that a man is as old as his work. If his work keeps him from moving forward, he will look forward with the work.
William Ernest

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
Erma Louise Bombeck

Never exaggerate your faults. Your friends will attend to that.
Robert C.Edwards

If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive.
Dale Carnegie

Holding onto anger is like grasping onto a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else. You are the one who gets burned.
Buddha

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.
James Dean

How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter?
Woody Allen

Life is just one damned thing after another.
Elbert Hubbard

Ideas are funny little things. They don't work unless you do.
Anonymous

Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot.
Groucho Marx

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
Brian Littrell

Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so.
Bertrand Russell

Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.
Dodie Smith

There are only two stimulants to one's best efforts: the fear of punishment, and the hope of reward.
John M. Wilson

How to solve my allergy of pets?

2010-01-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Keep your pets clean with regular baths and visits to the vet. Not allowing pets into your bedrooms can reduce the allergens. Don’t snuggle up with a cat or dog. This could lead to aggravation of your allergy. The hairs and smell could cause allergies in you, not very good if you have asthma or breathing related problems. Carpets, beds and sofas are places where hairs could accumulate and cause allergies. Clean up any saliva or urine immediately. Visit the doctor in case you have chronic allergy.

How to keep children at home safely?

2010-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Is your child alone at home till you return from office? Find out how to be safe.

Be careful with the neighbour with whom you trust the keys. Always keep your master bedroom and cupboard locked. Keep food and snacks ready for the child to eat. Teach children not to open doors without checking who it is. Call once in a while to check if all is okay. Teach child to call you in case of any fear. Children must be trained to call for neighbours in case of any need. Keep some toys and games for them to play.

How to stop heart burns?

2010-01-18T03:43:00.000-08:00

The burning sensation or pain around the chest area must be referred to a doctor to rule out any heart disease. Heartburns are caused when the gastric juices from the stomach come up the oesophagus towards your mouth. Some ways to reduce heartburns is to avoid fatty foods, coffee and smoking. Sometimes eating to the full can also cause a reflux which leads to a burning sensation. Frequent eats during the day is recommended.

How to stop belching?

2010-01-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

Digestive discomfort, fried stuff, tubers, carbonated drinks, eating or drinking very quickly tend to cause you to belch loudly. It’s quite embarrassing when you have to belch in a public place. Sometimes a full stomach forces you to belch, to relieve you of the discomfort. Avoid eating a complete meal before sleep. Cut down on carbonated beverages, milk products and potatoes. Exercise to help tone your stomach muscles. Don’t wear tight fitting clothes that might cause abdominal discomfort.

How to improve sleep?

2010-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes changing a pillow and using one with a slight indent in the middle can improve sleep. Giving a two hour break between meal and sleep is necessary. Avoid fried stuff, tubers or excess oil that cause burps after your meals. It’s best to relax with family for 10 to 15 minutes before sleep. Sprinkling lavender water on your pillow cover leads to a relaxed sleep, show studies. A few walnuts after meals are supposed to induce sleep. Regular sleep times induce a good habit.

How to Spot Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children?

2010-01-15T22:59:00.000-08:00

This is every Parent's Guide to preventing sexual abuse in children. Learn the tell tale signs of sexual abuse and the art of preventing it.

Listen to your child’s cries. Look for signs of sexual abuse. Prevent by making the child aware of sexual abuse.

Would you believe that the chances of your child being sexually abused is as high as 90%? And the terrible thing about it is …….. a trusted relative, a long-time friend or respected neighbor will be the perpetrator. Children are so vulnerable to abuse in our society where tradition demands utmost respect for elders. Grown-ups take advantage of this and even threaten a child to make it succumb. Since children can hardly understand the feelings that go with abuse, they are at a loss to explain to parents the incident. Shame, guilt and fear of being reprimanded force the child into agonizing silence, more often leaving an indelible psychological scar for life.

What’s it really?
Sexual abuse can be verbal, visual, physical or emotional. Fondling and touching the private parts is just one bit. Exposing the child to the adult’s private parts, showing revealing pictures or playing adult films in the company of child. Undressing, fondling on the pretext of giving a bath to the child, or even worse getting the child to do things on the adult, are other forms. Older children sometimes indulge in sexual play in the pretext of role-playing as parents.

What dares them to do it?
. Child’s trust in them
. Child’s inadequacy in understanding what’s happening
. Pliability of children
. Children easily succumb to threats
. Parents generally admonish children who may be attempting to say something against an elder
. Confident of not being confronted by a victim’s parent.

Signs of sexual abuse
It is unlikely that a young victim can articulate a sexual exploit. Hence, it’s the parents who must look for signals of distress and abnormal behaviour. Physical tell tale signs are rare. Therefore, an adult has to look for behavioral changes.
. fear or dislike of certain adults
. refusal to go to some people’s home
. sudden drop in scores at school
. general disinterest
. withdrawing from playing with other children
. unusual disobedience
. display of unseen aggression
. interrupted sleeping patterns
. health problems
. odd behaviour in the presence of certain adults
. low self-esteem
. depression
. using ‘sexual language’ that doesn’t go with the respective age
. indulging in sexual play-acts with other children
. undressing or posing nude in front of playmates
. displaying interest when parents change

Listen to the child’s cry
When your child reports an ‘accident,’ never admonish the child straightaway. Encourage the child to express the details. Reassure the child that everything is all right. Assuage his/her feelings to avoid shame or guilt overcoming the child. Assure the child that you’ll warn the offender and see to it that isn’t repeated. Do not discuss the ‘incident’ before others, and help the child to get over it. Commend the child for its honesty and prompt reporting. Remember, the child looks up at you as the protector. And you must act like one.

How to Prevent Sexual abuse of your Child?
Parents can’t always be there when things happen. But, certainly, they can train children to identify and repel probable offenders.
Tell children that certain parts of the body are private and they are not to be touched by anyone.
Ask children to report any ‘advances’ made by adults, however close they may be to the child or you.
Always keep an eye on children when they play with adults or older children.
Teach children to warn adults who misbehave – “I will report this to mom (or dad).
Teach children that dressing and undressing should only be done at home either alone or in the company of parents.
Tell children that they must never do what they dislike. And speak up for things.
Talk to children generally about whom they like and dislike. This will throw up signals, if at all there’s any.

Gosh! My child has been……………. Tell the child that it wasn’t his/her fault at all. Keep out feelings of shame or guilt.
. Comfort the child and encourage it to spell out the incident in detail
. Confront the individual in the presence of the child (tactfully, though)
. Never let the offender ever get close to your child
. Don’t panic or overreact
. Avoid talking about the incident even to others in the family
. Warn the offender if necessary even threaten to take-up issue with the offender’s family
. If child shows abnormal behavioral pattern even after a few weeks, then consult a child psychiatrist

Warning: Don’t brush aside complaints from your child
Believe the child, you’re the only one it trusts
Always remember children don’t have a motive in saying things. So there’s every reason he’s telling the truth.

Is your child being sexually abused?
Always
1. Attend to your child when she displays erratic behaviour
2. Trust the child when she complains
3. Handle it tactfully if you see him posing nude or ‘examining’ a playmate
4. Encourage children to express their feelings.
5. Reassure the child that she’s safe with you.

Never
1. Take her to a place where she’s refusing to go.
2. Let a perpetrator get away.
3. Panic.
4. Brush aside your child’s complaints
5. Forget to commend the child for its honesty.

How to stop constipation?

2010-01-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

Constipation may be due to lack of fibre foods or water. Many a time certain foods like bread or rotis can cause this in some individuals. Identify and avoid them. Stress can also cause constipation. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, eat plenty of fibrous food and exercise a few minutes. Chew your food well and eat at regular times. Take laxatives only under directions from a doctor. If it persists a thorough examination is recommended.

How a hug a day reduce stress levels?

2010-01-15T03:36:00.000-08:00

Studies have shown that hugs give a nice feeling that lasts all day. What happens when you hug is that you’re reassured that you are safe and secure in this world. The feeling that there’s someone who stands by you and loves you for what you are energizes the system and motivates you. The joy of finding support in times of stress is a great stress reliever. Hug your partner every day and see the benefits of better stress control. Do it now.

When should you say NO to your love?

2009-08-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Relationships are built on the platform of honesty. You must not take things lying down or accept everything the other says. If you feel you’re deceiving yourself by accepting what he or she says, you must put your foot down and say NO. If internally something the other says or does is making you uncomfortable, then you must express your feelings. If something is against your principles, be straightforward with your love. Learning to say NO is a positive strength in you. Realize it now.

4 Signs of a Heart Attack you must know

2009-08-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

If you feel short of breath and are uneasy, you must rush to a doctor. Chest discomfort with squeezing or pain in the centre of chest for a few minutes could be a warning of an attack. Discomfort in the back, arms or neck could also indicate an attack. Feel like vomiting, sudden sweating and feeling of dizziness must be investigated immediately. Rush to a doctor at once, do not delay. The earlier the detection, the safer you are.

Dont mess with money in relationships

2009-07-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we tend to ignore the money in a relationship. It does play a major part and you must give adequate attention. Whether you dine out regularly or gift occasionally, keep an eye on who’s spending how much. Return the favours, although not necessarily at once. Take turns to pay while you date. This is also a way of earning respect for yourself. If partner is willing to go Dutch on outings, do it. It’s healthy for both partners to spend while the relationship is firming up.

Advantages of being a vegan

2009-07-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian foods are generally low in fat and cholesterol and thus they have lower risk. But you need to have essential vitamins and minerals in a veg diet. Whole grains, nuts and vegetables have plenty of essential and non-essential amino acids. Breakfast cereals and fortified soy beverages are necessary for vitamin B-12. A source of vitamin D is critical too. For calcium greens must be eaten regularly. Dry beans and spinach have a fair amount of iron. Grains, legumes and nuts are a good source of zinc.

How to avoid misunderstandings

2009-07-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

If there’s something that bothers you, it’s best to clear the misunderstanding with your love. Burying it in your heart and getting along erodes your confidence in the other and will result in a dangerous outburst sometime. It also results in scrutinising every small thing that the other says which is painful for both. If you don’t express things, it’ll confuse your partner. Get over it by talking and clearing the air. This will help bond better and help tide over bad times much much better.

How to stop droping out of exercise

2009-07-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

We all struggle with exercising regularly. We start in right earnest and after a week, we drop out. The best way to do this is to find company. Team up with friends or neighbours to go jogging or hit the gym. This not only results in company to talk as we run or walk but more importantly if we don’t wake up in the morning, one of our exercise mates will ring the doorbell. Being in a group also means seeing the progress in the health of each one. This motivates the rest in the group. Besides you can pool up in cars or bikes.

Why you should listen to others

2009-07-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ask what’s happening and you’ll find the other open up with so many things in life. Listen and encourage partner to speak about home, friends, work or anything that interests him or her. That’s a way of saying that you’re interested in the other person. It also keeps you in sync with partner’s joys and challenges and offers more insight into their dreams. Listening is also a good way of developing interest in other people rather than being self-centred all the time. Listening also adds a new communication skill.

How to stay young and cheerful?

2009-07-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

The process of ageing is natural. But it is also partly in the mind. By exercising and staying fit, we tend to be more energetic. Have healthy habits by cutting out alcohol, smoking and other unhealthy habits. A positive outlook has an effect on the way we perceive things. Develop a sense of humour and also a sense of seeing things in a humorous way. Dress well, eat healthy and be in the company of young and cheerful people. Also connect to family and share happy things every day.

How to find time for partner

2009-07-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Lack of quality time with partner generally increases the gap between the two and many a time results in severing of the relationship. Take a day off and be together. Try finishing your work early and spend time together. Do not bring office work home. Find time to call in between work. Put children to bed early and chat up your partner. Weekends are a great time to head out and be with each other.

How to reduce arthritis pain

2009-07-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re feeling stiffness in the joints, have swelling or pain around the joints is an indication of arthritis. It may be due to overweight, illness, injury or even hereditary. To reduce pain and swelling, doctors may prescribe pain killers or creams. Massages, relaxation therapy, reduction in weight and nutritional supplements may be suggested. If it’s severe you have to consult a specialist to undergo regular treatment. Managing pain is a key relief procedure for you.

How to manage time after new child

2009-07-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Most new parents are not really prepared for life with a child. Suddenly they find themselves in a world where there’s less attention from the partner and a kind of separation. The best way is to talk about the joy of the new child and also about the need for being more supportive to keep the relationship going well. Having an elder at home to help the mother can ease some time off her. Deciding to spend some time together every day is a great idea. Reading a book or sharing lighter moments by the bedside is energizing.