Innerzine.com - Happiness

Some Quick Happy Fixes To A Happier Day At Work

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:38:54 +0100

It’s normal that we tend to get unhappy, tired or simply unmotivated to work every once in a while. As I was browsing the Net lately, I came upon some employees’ some quick happy fixes on how to combat a dreary or unmotivated day at the workplace. And here are some of what I found out:

-Have a song for the day and hum it as you leave your house and enter your office. Choose your song of the day and cue it on your Ipod and play it on as you walk your way to work, driving in your car, or riding the elevator up to your office. Work happens best if you start it with a smile.

-Never underestimate the power of chocolates. Eating anything sweet (like chocolates) can help boost your mood. It contains serotonin which is also known as an anti-depressant. So have it on hand when you need a mood-lifter. And don’t forget to share some with your workmates and share the happiness in the workplace!

-Have a tea break, have a pause at work. You can buy a glass teapot with an infuser, and you can share your little tea party with colleagues as a way to ’exhale’ in between office hours, especially at 3 pm. It’s a healthier alternative from a hectic day and it’s also a great way to bond with co-workers.

-Take a walk. During your break time, why not get up from your desks and cubicles and take a walk outside your office, in the hallway, or even outside the building? You don’t have to linger for long; even a 30-40 minute leisure walk out there can enable you to return to your workstations a renewed and re-energized you!

About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Signs That You're Unhappy At Work

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 04:17:07 +0100

Do you feel happy in your job? There are tell-tale signs of unhappiness in the workplace. Check out if you’re feeling these stuff:

1) You’re always procrastinating at work. This is by far one of the obvious signs of unhappiness in the workplace. When you feel unmotivated, it’s only natural that you don’t feel the energy to move about and carry out your tasks, so you keep on postponing it. And if ever you finish your task, you’re always rushing it to make it and hit the deadline, very often producing very haphazard results.

2) You really feel that working hours are long. Do you find yourself constantly checking your watch (or the wall clock) wishing that it’s time to say goodbye to your workmates? You already feel trapped in your job and by the time you enter the office, you count the hours and minutes till it’s time to punch the clock and get home.

3) You spend the night before feeling anxious about working the next day. It’s one of the clear indications of being unhappy at work. If you find yourself worrying and not feeling worry-free in your ’supposed to be’ rest day/s, then you’re experiencing the symptoms of unhappiness at work. Your day/s off must be a time to detach yourself from work and instead relax your mind;
but if you’re still stressed and uptight about your job and you’re extending it to your holidays, then it can be a sign.

These are taken from my ebook, The Happy Worker. Check it out for the complete list of signs of unhappiness in the workplace.

About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Giving The Best Inexpensive Christmas Gift? Then Do Something Nice

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:54:13 +0100

So it’s Christmas--it’s the season of joy and gift-giving, yet some of you may worry what’s the best gift we can give to our loved ones this holiday season. Especially for the totally clueless, or who are trying to save money to give gifts, then how about doing something nice for other people? Hey, it’s effortless, not to mention inexpensive. Plus, they may think that you’re thoughtful, considerate and sweet--even just for this Christmas.

On my last post, I talked about how you can be nice to yourself as a present for yourself. This time around, how about doing something nice for others? Yes, the other people which adds color to your life.

Well, why don’t you try--

1) Giving a Thank You card, just because...a) their presence is already a gift itself b) for their friendship c) for being simply themselves? d) or anything you want to thank for.

Yes, I know it’s kinda outdated, especially in these fast times of SMS, e-mails, Voice mail, chats and all things "instant", isn’t it pleasantly surprising to receive something as rare as a handwritten card? Handing something nice like a Thank You card can make someone happy. And don’t forget that even your mere handwriting is a rarity these days. Never mind if your penmanship looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. Your loved ones may miss seeing them--a true effort on your part.

2) Connect with someone you haven’t talked to for quite some time. These days, it’s never that difficult to get in touch with someone especially with the advancement of technology (as mentioned above). You can search the name on Facebook, send an e-mail, or you can always do the old-fashioned way--give them a call. Your voice will always be priceless.

3) Give some flowers; surprise them with floral gifts. Never underestimate the soft power of colors and flowers. Never mind if� you’re a man or a woman, giving flowers is no longer exclusive to a man trying to pursue a woman he adores. Flowers instantly lights a person’s face with a smile. So if you want to make someone smile, send some flowers. Who can resist something nice like roses?

4) Practice basic courtesy such as holding the door open for someone, turning cellphones in silent mode, saying "please" and "thank you". Even some of these basic of courtesies can go a long way, they’re the most effortless, and yet they’re the most taken for granted. Your manners say a lot about you, so even saying something nice is reflective of your personality. � About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

This Christmas, Be Nice To Yourself

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:34:32 +0100

It’s Christmas season once again, and it’s time for a breather since the past 11 months you’ve been working hard. It’s the season to be merry and gift-giving. And speaking of gifts, you give your family, friends and loved ones gifts in the spirit of Christmas.

But have you ever realized that you might be giving some gifts to others that you forgot to give one yourself? This holiday season, give yourself something effortless--the gift of being nice to yourself, what else?

Think of some of the nice things to do for yourself.

1) You can choose to live a healthy lifestyle by watching what you eat and that includes going easy on the junk food, or removing it completely off your system. Instead, just eat some healthful stuff like fruits and veggies (if you want your veggies tasty, bring some mayo dips to go with it). Then, drink more water as much as you can. If you want to be nice to yourself, you know that your health always comes first.

2) Cheer yourself up--buy some flowers for yourself. Yes, you read it right--why wait for other people to buy your flowers? Any bunch of flowers brighten up someone’s day, so don’t forget yourself. Instead of waiting for others to cheer you up, you can have the initiative of having a quick fix-me-up.

3) In connection with this, enjoy a spa day. Yes, this is the ultimate "me-time" wherein you get to pamper and relax yourself at the hands of the experts. There, it’s just you, yourself, and well, the masseuse to bring you some rejuvenating glory.

4) Maintain your journal. Now, you have more time off work and more time partying and relaxing, you can record all your activities in your journal. There, you can be yourself, uninhibited and revealing, you’ve all the liberty to edit, censor or disclose all your personal thoughts and feelings.
�
In the end, you know you the best Christmas gift is to be nice to yourself.

Enjoy your happy holidays everyone! About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Best Friends: Your Gifts More Priceless Than Gold

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 08:33:14 +0100

Who are your best friends--they say the gift of friendship is more priceless than gold. I can remember I was lucky enough to have already found mine as early as grade school. In our journey through life, we encountered tons and tons of people, and some of these strangers have turned into acquaintances. Then, if you’re really lucky, some of these acquaintances may form into friendships. �

Best friends are always there whenever you need them. They share your deepest and darkest secrets with them.� Being with them bring about a sense of bonding and camaraderie of like-minded people who enjoy each other’s company. The gift of friendship makes you enjoy life’s experiences more and make you grow more as a person. They say that the most effective mirror is your best friend; real friends say it outright if you got some dirt on your face, in contrast to some fair-weathered fake friends who only stab you in the back.

Whether young or old, we need our pals despite the changing times in our lives. Despite the changes in our bodies, careers, and relationships, they are here to stay. Our interests may change, we may be distanced by years and miles, but we must learn to strengthen our bond because our best pals are part of our lives.

If we grew far apart through the years, then, there’s always e-mail, chat, Facebook, IM, etc. Thanks to the help of technology, it’s as if we never really separated and you remain best friends forever.

About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Stop Worrying And Start Living

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 04:54:29 +0100

"Don’t worry, be happy", so goes a popular song from way way back. Indeed, why worry? I’ve read somewhere that worry is like a rocking chair--you never really get anything from it, yet you still keep on doing it. Usually, worrying stems from living in the past, preventing future regrets or mistakes to happen again. Or what the future may bring.

For you to stop worrying, you need to:

1) Stop living in the past. We all made mistakes, misdemeanors, regrets, follies of our youth, etc. It’s already done in the past and time to move on. What you can do now is to learn the experience coz we can’t do anything about it anymore. Regretting about the past is simply useless.

2) Stop worrying too much about what the future may bring. Learning how to stop worrying is realizing that you can’t predict what will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Still, it’s important to note that in almost all areas of your life, remind yourself that you are still in control of your own life. So stop blaming the outside world for your own woe--like other people, the traffic, the government, the weather, etc. It’s true that there are stuff which are beyond our control, but believe that in your hands lie the power to choose how to act or think.

3) In order to be happier and less worrisome, just choose to be happy! Too often we think that we need more stuff so to make us happier. But actually, it’s so much easier to do it the other way around. If we choose to be happy, then things will just fall into place. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for or the great things that happened to you. Yes, it can be all the small things, like the food that you enjoyed, bonding with friends, free from pains, being healthy, sincere compliment you received, and add up all those stuff you’re grateful for.

It’s a life worth enjoying, so stop worrying.� �

About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

How Do You Build Positive Relationships?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:26:30 +0200

That was the question I always hear from most people. Of course, our life is mostly about relationships and building positive relationships to contribute to a happy life. Research found out that many career failures are not caused by incompetence or lack of skills, but by the various workplace conflicts/personality clashes and/or individual differences amongst employees or with their bosses. When it comes to building relationships, 1) Choose harmony than being right; so forget about insisting on having the last word. Agree to disagree---sometimes, being kind is more essential than being right because building relationships is not really about winning insignificant arguments, but maintaining harmony. And besides, you don’t have to win it all�some arguments are not crucial anyway. 2) In building relationships, forget about gossip. Although at times, we can’t resist listening to those juicy gossips about other people, how would you feel if you’re the subject of those personal rumors? And what have you noticed about gossip mongers? Yes, you got it right! We don’t trust anybody who keeps gossiping and stabbing us in the back. You’ll never know who he/she would gossip about next�it can be you. Naturally, we dislike and don’t trust those people who feel the need to criticize others, for who are we to judge others? Nobody is infallible. 3) In building relationships, listen more than you speak. The Greek Epictectus said it best, �Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak.� Don’t you just hate it if someone is trying to dominate the whole conversation, not giving others the chance to talk, as if they own the whole world? Well, how much more if they always talk about themselves on a constant basis, or even some are only seeking attention with their nonsense talk or offending jokes so that the radar’s on their focus? And egoism will turn most people off. On the contrary, in building relationships, if we listen more and be patient (and speak less), we’re more appreciated by our friends. As much as we love good conversationalists, don’t we also love good listeners? About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Want Greater Happiness? Invest In Experiences, Not Possessions

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:39:59 +0200

�Come on, let’s get tickets to the musical and enjoy ourselves!� I can still remember how my friend shrieked excitedly when we’re about to watch the famous Broadway musical �Chicago�. The tickets were quite pricey, but boy, did we enjoy it! They say that money can’t buy happiness, but did it ever occur to you that what if you spend your money on the right purchases---will it make any difference? Will it give you greater happiness? Well, according to a new study in psychology, purchasing on life’s experiences instead of material belongings brings greater happiness and satisfaction both for the buyer and people surrounding them. Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, said that their findings sustain an expansion of the basic need theory, where acquisitions which amplify psychological need satisfaction would produce the supreme joy and prosperity. The study also shows that experiential acquisitions, like theater or concert tickets, dinner night-outs or vacations, result in improved wellness since they fulfill upper order needs, more so in the arena of relationships, social networking and vivacity---the spirit of being energized. The participants’ result signifies that experiences bring greater happiness in spite of the buyer’s income or the amount spent. In addition, experiences not only provide greater happiness, but also direct to long-term fulfillment. And why is that---since experiences bought gives �memory funds�, we don’t seem to be fed up of joyful moments and memories like we do with some material possessions (which we may get tired of after a long run). Hmmm�so that explains the feeling my friend and I had when we enjoyed the musical, despite their not-so affordable price tags. And I agree with my friend saying, you can have all the money in the world, but it’s how you use it that would generate greater happiness. So enjoy the moment while you have it, and money will come, if you work hard for it, but the moments gone are gone forever. So don’t scrimp on life’s experiences to be happy. And since the greater part of our happiness relies on the decisions we make, go ahead---don’t rethink that plan for a vacation anymore�grab it! Your greater happiness depends and awaits you! About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Be Cool And Choose Your Moods To Be Happy

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:35:07 +0200

Much has been said or written about Barack Obama and his cool, calm and collected behavior. His demeanor, actions and reactions exemplifies a mature person’s emotional independence. He’s the kind of person who decides how he would speak, act, project himself and react to certain situations. He never lets some outside forces be in control over his emotions or his moods that easy. Okay, why are we talking about him? Well, today’s blog is about happiness or being happy. And to be happy is also about habits, especially about being emotionally independent, and balance and freedom are also the main factors. Being happy is not letting other people affect, or gain control over our own thoughts, feelings or actions. This also means that you don’t simply permit people who try to hurt, embarrass, or annoy you to allow them emotional control over you or your moods. Remember, being happy is knowing that other people’s moods have got nothing to do with you or how you deal with your day. It’s simply their own emotions or actions that don’t matter to you. Perhaps they have a bad hair day or suffering from a bad mood, but it doesn’t also mean that you have to follow suit. Instead, being happy is about deciding how you are going to think, feel, act and react. Select your mood, your mindset and your attitude and how you react to certain situations. However, it also doesn’t mean that you can’t get mad or that you do not take necessary steps when you have to, but you pick the proper timing, material and place for your reaction. And being happy also means that you got to weigh your alternatives watchfully, decide how and when you would act and you just don’t want to instantly blow your top and react hysterically. Happy people knows that being happy is about positive thinking and if you allow another individual to piss you off and annoy you, in a way, you’re also letting them be in charge of your own thoughts, feelings, emotions, attitudes, actions and moods. Well, you don’t want that to happen�so don’t do it. This is not synonymous to repressing your feelings and emotions; it simply shows you that you have full command of your own attention and emotions and not them. So the next time somebody tries to propel you into an angry reaction, just think, �No, I won’t give you control over me�I’m so much better than that��try it. About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

True Happiness: Find Happiness Wherever You Can

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:19:19 +0200

To find the true meaning of happiness is by far every man’s ultimate goal in life. Of course, we all want to be happy�who doesn’t? They say that true happiness is such an elusive thing. Sometimes, you don’t really have to find it but it’s up to you to feel happy in even all the small things in life. But then, it’s inevitable that there are still people who are not happy. For one, the key factor to the road of true happiness is when you decide that you would be happy. For some, the joy and welfare of other loved ones are of top priority than their own. Yes, it can please very well the special persons in our life, but this is not entirely the real pathway to true happiness. Take note that I don’t mean that you must be selfish. However, in order for you to be truly happy, your own contentment should not take a back seat just to make other people glad. After prioritizing your happiness, now you have to find out what really makes you happy. In order for you to do this, you can reminisce all those past events and memories which bring you back in time that makes you smile and glad. Rather than think about what made you sad and regretful, just focus on the positive and blissful moments. Then, taking the next step, you could now connect that into an activity. Maybe you could engage in a physical activity that you love best�then you can rekindle that old passion for always wanting to try how to surf, wakeboarding, or whatever you want. Or how about something artistic? Then try some art workshops out there, join a writing class, a foreign language crash course, or anything you like�the choice is yours. Look for ways in order to connect and relate the activity and whatever that makes you joyful. This is an essential factor in finding your true happiness. Okay, for some, this is not enough to make them happy. Most of us still want those special persons to be a part of our lives. Well, now is the time to reconnect with some of our long-lost friends or relatives we haven’t kept in touch with. Or just a little time for bonding with family�a grand family reunion can be set; you can organize and arrange it and spend the moment as if you’ve never been apart by time and distance. True happiness is also synonymous to sharing a part of ourselves to other too. By being there for others�may it be consoling them or giving tips and advice, can be a big help. Or try volunteering for a cause to show your compassion and kindness to a higher level. Be it in big or small ways�it doesn’t matter as long as you’re sincere in your intentions for helping others, then true happiness can be attained. See, it’s not that difficult to find true happiness. You can also make your own listing of even all the small things which make you laugh or smile. A good book, a hilarious movie or a hearty meal in a fave restaurant. It can be anything�find happiness wherever you can get it. About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Happy Children: It's How You Raise Them

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:03:58 +0100

Parenting involves raising happy children and it requires a lot of attention and time as well. It’s not that easy of a process most especially if you know that there is really no trade secret to go after. But you can always refer to other tips and guidelines online in order to raise happy children. 1. Establish parenting first and foremost. Remember to be a good parent first and being a friend becomes secondary. Don’t worry because your kids would form friends on their own. That’s why they need guidance from you and they also have to know their limitations. 2. Listen to your kids. Another way to raise happy children is to listen to them. Set them aside and listen attentively and take them seriously. When you take the time to listen to them, it signifies your interest and desire in what they got to say and their young opinions. 3. Spend some quality time with them. What your kids want the most is your attention. You may notice that sometimes some children exhibit bad behavior. This is actually one way of getting your attention. That’s why it’s important to do certain stuff together like playing, reading, visiting family and neighbors and even just taking a walk in the park. 4. Be showy and demonstrative of your love and care. Don’t be shy of showering them with your overflowing hugs and kisses even in public. (Since you can’t do this when they’re grown ups and children do grow up fast.) Let them know that you love them every day and your actions validate that. 5. Do not criticize the child but on his actions and behavior. Don’t tell them that they’re bad, but rather clarify to them that what they did was not appropriate or acceptable. Make use of clear and succinct language when talking to them to distinguish the good from bad, and the right from wrong. And most of all, when you want to raise happy children, help them to learn from their own mistakes. 6. Make your kids feel safe and protected. Show them that as a parent, you are there to secure and safeguard their well being. Comfort and reassure them as well whenever they feel afraid and unsure. 7. Be conscious of what they absorb. As much as possible, try to monitor what your children are watching on TV, radios, and the Internet for they can be influenced rapidly since they absorb facts and infos fast. 8. Compliment your children also. Happy children thrive on sincere compliments. Whenever they behave well or if they learned something new, praise them and tell them that you’re so proud of them. 9. Lead by example�be a greater influence. Epitomize and demonstrate proper behavior and good conduct (most especially in public), kind behavior towards other people and strength of will. 10. And also bringing up happy children means getting involved when it comes to their schooling. Assist them in their homework and ask them what they learned that day. Supporting and fostering them to be good students and letting them deal with their school life will develop their self esteem. About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Finding Happiness Within You And In Others

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:29:43 +0100

So you may think that finding happiness in life is really that tough? Well think again�they say that finding happiness is an invisible thing. You just feel it and you don’t have to find it. Still, others attest that you really have to look for it in all the right places. And if you believe that you agree with the latter and you’ve been searching in all the wrong places, I agree that indeed, it could be disappointing and a frustration. Okay, here are some of the tips on how to go about in our never-ending quest for finding happiness. 1. Begin to define what happiness is for you. Yes, since being happy is such a personal thing to begin with, we all have our own perception of what being happy is all about. People all over the world have their own varying notions and definitions of what makes them happy or fulfilled. That’s why learn not to get caught up or be swayed by what others’ standards of finding happiness is all about. Today’s society and the media may dictate finding happiness in this and there, in some material things and possessions and whatever, but in the end, finding happiness is your own business. Remember that what makes other people happy may not be the same for you. Try writing down what’s your definition of being happy is, so it becomes clear to you. 2. Begin to explore your passions and whatever that makes you glad. Think about it�you can’t truly be happy if you’re doing something that you hate, right? Now is the time to have that change in your life and have that zest for living, for life is too short to be unhappy. You can just see or observe from enthusiastic people you know; they live their life to the fullest because they live their passions in life. So start discovering that joyful feeling within and it will eventually manifest itself outside. 3. Also, help other people in their own journey for finding happiness. Question: have you tried remembering that time when you helped another person? And how did you feel back then-- great, inspired, amazing isn’t it? Coincidentally, I met a friend recently and told me that she was at her happiest when she helped someone else. Remembered the movie �Pay It Forward�? I haven’t watch it yet but I read its reviews and it’s like a �helping cycle��helping you to help others and others helping other people as well. You see, it’s like this overflowing energy inside you that you created such an impact on the lives of others or you assist them in their needs. It’s validating that you’re a nice human being and you just don’t live here by yourself and people can rely on you. And inspiring others in finding happiness in life, is for me the greatest validation that any person can have in his lifetime! I recalled a scene in the movie �As Good As It Gets�, Helen Hunt is asking Jack Nicholson that she needs a compliment, quick! Jack Nicholson just stared squarely at her and said, �You make me wanna be a batter man.� Greatest compliment a person can ever receive. About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

New Year�s Eve Party Styles Around The World

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 04:33:42 +0100

Yes, yes, I know that it is quite late for an article about New Year’s Eve. But since we are still on the month of January and we still have a hangover of the celebration, why don’t we discuss some of the global scenes or hot spots that celebrate the bombastic New Year’s Eve in style�shall we? With this momentous occasion marking the end of the whole 12 months and the beginning and promise of another, with this comes resolutions and kicking bad habits. But it’s really entirely up to you to make those New Year’s resolutions or not, but with every 12 months coming to a close, it’s always nice and fun to celebrate this festive season. And while we’re at it, let’s take a peek at the world’s hottest parties celebrating New Year’s Eve. So, you might want to experience New Year’s Eve for a change�that is relaxing in style and luxury. Then you may want to check out Land Down Under�the Sydney New Year’s Eve cruise on the harbor. Well, if you’re tired of being land based and for a change wants to relax on the deck as the fireworks brighten up the sky, then make sure that you have an early reservation since luxury cruises and airfares fill up fast during holiday seasons. Yes, it’s worth it since they even provide some world-class orchestra guaranteed to fulfill your holiday listening pleasure to the max. If you’re a tourist in London, well then, the Trafalgar Square is the popular place to be. Nevertheless, party settings sell out like hotcakes, but that’s not to say that you just can’t have your hands on the great deals at some of the fabulous hotels in London hosting New Year’s Eve bash. But if you really want to witness some fantastic fireworks, then be ready to situate yourself at the London Eye’s splendid fireworks display. Prepare yourself to be literally rubbing elbows with some of your fellow party animals since it was estimated last 2008 that roughly about 150,000 people were there. And of course, almost everyone is already familiar with New York City’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Absolutely, the Big Apple is internationally known for throwing its exciting annual Time Square f�te. The festive night is overflowing with glamorous celebs, famous bands and who’s who in the entertainment scene. So, if you’re planning to spend your New Year’s Eve there, be sure to arrive early to get that prime spot. However, if traveling is out of the question due to financial reasons, well, you can still relax and enjoy the event�at the comforts of your own home, that is. As they say, there’s still no place like home. Being around your family is always a great time to make merry and rejoice during New Year’s Eve. It doesn’t matter where the place is, as long as you have the people around you that matters in your life--your family and friends to add cheer to the season. Bring on the fireworks, everyone---Happy New Year of the Ox! About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

Laughter Yoga� A Fun Way To Good Health

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 04:54:04 +0100

Laughter Yoga or Hasya (�Hasya� in Sanskrit means laughter) is an alternate technique in healing which involves some exercises patterned to make human beings laugh for no apparent reason at all, blended with some simple and basic breathing methods in Yoga. Each day, new researches are being made and published on the countless psychological and physiological benefits that laughing can bring, and Laughter Yoga could aid people to participate and indulge in these benefits. This makes use a fusion of frolicsome and tension-releasing laughter exercises to lessen stress, enhance health and improve feelings of wellness. In a Laughter Yoga session, you will not find individuals sitting in a circle and using their sense of humor or exchanging hilarious jokes to make each other laugh. But rather, one session of Laughter Yoga contains of a series of various exercises which involve humorous and comical gestures, yoga breathing, systematic cackling and giggling, and some other improv-like exercises. This activity actually fosters unconditional laughing�it’s highly possible for grown-ups and oldies to laugh like little kids without using humor, comedy or jokes. These laughing exercises, even though started by faking it, has manifested that simulated laugh makes the similar physiological reaction in the human body just like the real and spontaneous laughter. Therefore, even if you are only feigning it, your body will not notice the difference. So in short, you do not need to be really genuinely happy to laugh and you do not even need the reason to laugh at all�even a pretentious laugh can boost one’s mood and could help alleviate stress. A session of this Yoga would probably start with a chanting of �Ho-Ho-Ha-Ha-Ha� in unison and rhythmic clapping, succeeded by a combination of breathing, stretching, plus some bits of silliness. And here are some of the exercises very typical of the Laughter Yoga session: 1. People circulating their hips whilst talking rubbish. 2. Improv-style activities like flapping one’s arms resembling a seagull; sitting in a fanciful rocket ship preparing for take-off; or playing on an imagined swing set. 3. Men and women of all ages roaming around with their hands in the air, laughing boisterously. 4. A well-known exercise is the �Lion Laughter��eyes widened, lash out the tongue, and then extend the hands as if they’re claws while laughing. 5. At one point, you try to walk around to various persons with your palms pressed together at the upper chest in the Namaste fashion�close your eyes, put the hands together at the heart area, and bow your head�or laugh and shake hands, ensuring that you look into other people’s eyes. 6. Then there’s also the Regal Laughter: every individual takes turns walking like a queen or king between 2 rows of cheering and applauding subjects. 7. Yet another improv-style activity is the Airport Laughter: people act as if they are at the airport and are late for their check-in, running around with their luggage. Laughter Yoga is presently practiced by over 250,000 people in more than 50 nations around the world. So go ahead and look for a Laughter Club in your vicinity and join the fun way to good health! About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.

The Origins And Delicious History Of Thanksgiving Celebrations

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:53:27 +0100

All throughout history of mankind, the celebration of a bountiful and abundant harvest has always been a yearly happening. Harvest festivals have been made a tradition amongst all races, cultures and nations. And long before organized religion came to be, the Greeks, Chinese, Hebrews, Romans and Egyptians have all had their own harvest celebrations. And in America, the very first Thanksgiving celebration occurred in 1621. Sans the help of the Native Americans, the explorers would not have yielded plentiful crops nor would they have survived their earliest winters. These Native Americans shared and contributed to this occasion with the Pilgrims since the latter had learned how to hunt wild animals and how to plant crops in the New World according to Native American cultures. The Pilgrim’s festival of harvests is deemed as the original Thanksgiving celebration, but in essence, the term �Thanksgiving� was naturally pertained to a religious holiday till the 19th century. The foremost celebrations in America were not referred to as �Thanksgiving�. It is often thought that seafood was a chief element in the harvest celebration due to the propinquity of the colonists to the Atlantic Ocean. Thanksgiving Day was officially approved as an annual event by New York State in 1817. In the year 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national holiday of Thanksgiving, so since then each president has given their Thanksgiving Day pronouncement. From the years 1939-1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the 3rd Thursday of November as officially Thanksgiving Day, yet in 1941 The Congress passed a resolution affirming that it was to be held officially during the 4th Thursday in November. And ever since that time, the holiday has been observed and celebrated on that day. During the early Thanksgiving celebrations, there was harvest merriment which never includes what are staples in current times like the ubiquitous turkey, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. It’s really possible that wild fowl such as duck and turkey were served, but turkey didn’t hold the cherished place as it holds today. Desserts like cakes and pies were most likely never included due to a lack of sugar and of course, there weren’t ovens in which to bake them, anyway. There could have been some seasonal veggies like squash included in the revelry, but also side dishes also play a big part in the festivities. Nevertheless, all those traditional foods and dishes served on Thanksgiving Day already evolved and changed over a hundred years of history. More often, the turkey is the only thing in common with the modern Thanksgiving celebrations have with the harvest feasts celebrated by the Pilgrims. Some side dishes such as stuffing and green bean casserole have been the byproducts of the affluence of food supplies and of the modern times. And not to forget the favorite desserts of all time like the pumpkin pie were not around from the harvest feasts during World War II due to scarcity of sugar. Consequently, the foremost Thanksgiving celebrations were celebrated to rejoice in the survival of the Pilgrims, and of course, of the plentiful harvest�is a fact that we need to remember each year. About the author. Amy Twain is a successful Self Improvement Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals for many years. Amy now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become more self confident and successful.