How to avoid Depression

Is it possible to avoid depression? What is the secret of cultivating happiness and avoiding periods of unhappiness? To a large extent, we determine our own frame of mind; we shouldn’t feel that we are a helpless victim to depression. Depression is something that we can avoid by cultivating the opposite – happiness.

Here are some tips for avoiding depression

1. Offer goodwill to Others.

If we seek to make others miserable how can we expect to be happy ourselves? If we offer goodwill to other people this creates a powerful positive energy. Focusing on other people’s good qualities can definitely help improve our own state of mind. There is a principle that what we give out, we get back. Therefore, by offering positive energy to, at some time, we will also be the recipient.

2. Learn to Detach from Thoughts

Thoughts play a very significant role in determining our state of mind. If we pursue negative thoughts then we give them greater power and influence over our state of being. However, it is possible to decide which thoughts to allow and which to reject. We have to learn to be vigilant and prevent negative thoughts from taking hold. As soon as we become aware of negative thoughts we should let go of them. We can imagine that we are throwing them out of our mind into a cosmic dustbin.

3. Keep Busy.

If we struggle to detach from negative thoughts we should just throw ourselves into other activities. When we get involved in other activities that we enjoy it takes us out of ourselves. Activity forces us to do something constructive, and does not allow us to dwell on our depressed state of mind.

4. Avoid Feelings of guilt.

If we have made a mistake, harbouring feelings of guilt will not help alleviate the situation. In particular, we are seeking to avoid feelings of guilty for minor events of no significance. Often we have done nothing wrong, but, others seek to make us feel guilty for their bad fortune. Instead of feeling guilty we should seek to concentrate on doing the right thing.

5. Live a Balanced Life.

In life we need to make room for different aspects. If we focus all our time and energy on work then we will have no time for relaxation and cultivating other aspects of our life. If we pursue an unbalanced life unhappiness is more likely to occur.

6. Don’t Base your Happiness solely on other people.

If we expect to gain happiness from another person, at some time, we are bound to be disappointed. If bad relationships end, we should see it as an opportunity to move on. It is no use dwelling on what might have been. It is also a mistake to feel that we can change somebody to match our preferences. If we seek to change a person fundamentally we will just feel frustrated when we fail.

7. Share Problems

Good friendships can offer tremendous help. Especially, if we can have 1 or 2 friends who are able and willing to listen to our problems. Our friends will not be able to solve our problems. However, simply having someone to talk to and share difficulties is a tremendous help in being able to work through our own problems.

8. Cultivate Happiness.

To avoid depression we have to focus on the alternative which is happiness. The problem is that when we are depressed, the idea of happiness seems a million miles away. But, sometimes if we can force a smile or try to be insincerely happy, we can trick the mind and force happiness to descend; and after a while we start to achieve real happiness.

9. Have Low Expectations.

Depression often occurs because our desires remain unfulfilled. The more desires we have, the more likely we are to be disappointed. After disappointment comes a sense of frustration and depression. If we minimise our desires then we will not be prone to disappointment. This does not mean we cannot strive for excellence and achieve things. We definitely should strive to achieve various accomplishments. However, we should try to have an attitude of detachment to the outcome. Nor should we expect people to behave in a certain way.

10. Don’t Dwell On the Negative.

This is the key to avoiding depression. If we focus always on negative things this will eventually filter through into our state of mind. Negativity can be, miserable people, depressing situations and our own negative thoughts. If we want to cultivate happiness, we should seek to avoid depressing situations and depressing people.

How to get pregnant - Part 2

In my previous post I had mentioned about sexual position to increase the chances of pregnancy. If u have not read click here ( Part 1 ). Here are few tips to get pregnant.

1. Ignore contraceptives. Dump the Pill. However, you might notice some irregularities in your cycle and might require couple of months to get your cycle to get back to norma. Though lots of women tend to be fertile during the very 1st month after they stop taking the Pill. This goes true for contraceptive patch and ring.

2. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs. All these addictions significantly minimize your chances of getting pregnant and may also result in miscarriages, premature birth, and even low-birth weight babies.

3. Maintain your weight. In accordance with studies, women whose body mass index (BMI) is under twenty or over thirty have got a more difficult time getting pregnant.

4. Control your stress levels. Women who experience depression are twice as likely to have difficulties with fertility as women who don't. Consider stress management techniques like yoga exercise and even meditation, which studies suggest may also help in getting pregnant.

5. Choose the best moment along with the ideal sexual position. Check out the previous post to know more ( How to get pregnant - part 1)

How to Tie a Tie

Most of us face this  "I need to learn How to Tie a Tie and only have 5 minutes!" We franticly look for someone who can give us instructions. Or maybe you had someone tie a tie for you and it's never been un-tied, you just leave it in the closet as is! This, I have learned, is an easy way to damage your tie. 


Videos to learn how to tie a tie.

  

   

How to gain weight

How to Gain Weight through food

Trying reverse psychology when it comes to gaining weight doesn't really work. Just because obese people are asked to cut down on cheese and friend foods, doesn't mean by eating cheese and fried foods, you are going to gain weight. To gain weight you need to eat healthy fats that will not only not harm your body, but will give you a healthy weight gain, without the risk of long term diseases like heart problem, osteoporosis and others. The key to weight gain that is healthy is to eat foods that are healthy and filled with healthy, fat protien and carbs.
Healthy fats include omega-3 essential fatty acids sources like tuna, salmon, flax, and walnuts. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and legumes. Healthy carbohydrate sources include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
It may be easier to eat five or six smaller balanced meals per day rather than eating three large meals, especially if you are not used to eating much at one sitting.
Protein powders and nutritional supplement drinks can be added as in-between meal snacks to gain weight if you still need more calories. Some protein powders used to gain weight are flavored and only need added water and some others can be blended with your choice of juice or milk to improve the taste.

Gain weight with supplements

A high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement is a good idea to make sure you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need to gain weight. Some people who are very ill may need liquid nutritional preparations that are available through their doctors in order to gain weight.

Gain Weight with exercise

Wait a minute. Isn't exercise for those who want to LOSE weight? WRONG! You definitely need exercise
Exercise is also important for healthy weight gain. Resistance training exercises such as lifting weights will help to increase your muscle size and gain weight. Aerobic exercises such as running and stationary bicycling are better for fat loss and excessive aerobic training may cause you to lose more weight. Resistance training can be done at a health club, gym or at home with the proper equipment in order to gain weight.
Remember that it can take a while to gain the weight you need, but be patient and continue to choose healthy foods until you reach your goal weight.

Tips to Gain Weight

Use these tips and tools to help gain weight:

• Track the calories that you eat. Keep counting your calories. Eat more than the required calorie intake for your body type, weight and gender.
• Snack throughout the day. Don't eat junk food or friend stuff, but healthy snacks, like milkshakes, cereals, health bars, cheese sticks, nuts and dried fruits
• Don't add calories to your meals by choosing unhealthy fried foods such as french fries, chicken nuggets and fish sticks. Choose healthy foods such as baked potatoes, baked chicken and fish, just make your portions a bit bigger.
• Keep your meals balanced. One meal should have a healthy protein source such as fish, low fat meat, chicken or legumes plus two or three servings of vegetables. Green vegetables add lots of vitamins while starchy potatoes and corn add extra calories.
• Drink healthy beverages such as milk and fruit juices to add calories. Don't choose sugary sodas, which only add calories and no nutrition.
• Drink at least 2 glasses of milk each day. You can replace tea with a glass of milk
• Choose dairy products, fish and meat over bread. Choose eggs over vegetables. Eat foods with high protein content such as beans, pulses and peas, and foods with high starch content such as potatoes, rice and tapioca.
• Focus on free weight exercises (which do not require machinery) that target your large muscle groups. For example, you need dumbells, not fancy gym machines.
• It might take a long time, usually a few months, for the weight to actually show. Some people get frustrated and quit when they fail to see drastic results. Your body will only responds to a consistent schedule. No weight gain programme will work for you if you are not regular.

How to reduce weight

 Below are few effective and easy home remedies for obesity. Pick any home remedy and lose weigh effectively.

• One of the most effective remedies for obesity is fasting on lemon honey water. Drinking lemon water with honey in regular intervals is highly effective in weight loss. To a glass of lukewarm water add ½ lime juice and 1 tsp of honey.
• Cabbage is considered to another effective homely way for weight loss. According to latest research studies cabbage contains valuable chemical called as tartaric acid. This chemical obstructs the conversion of carbohydrate and sugar into fat. Hence cabbage salad or soup is the most effective and simplest way to loose weight.
• For obese people finger millet is considered to an ideal food. The main reason for this consideration is because its digestion is slow, hence carbohydrate assimilation takes time. Eating ragi or finger millet curbs the desire to eat more hence regulating your calorie intake. Besides this finger millet is a rich source of iron, calcium, Vitamin B1, B2, Phosphorous and other minerals.
• Honey with hot water is another way to lose weight. Initially you can take 10gms of honey mixed in hot water. Gradually you can increase the dosage. This is very effective home remedy for weight loss.
• Another effective remedy for obese people is to drink carrot juice. It is observed that drinking carrot juice helps in weight reduction.
• For 3 months try eating tomatoes early in the morning. Make sure that you eat tomatoes before yourbreakfast. This is another effective way to get rid off excess body fat.
• In a pot boil a slice of ginger. When it starts boiling add a slice of lemon. You can drink this solution either hot or allow it cool. This solution is effective in controlling the desire to eat. Hence effective home remedy for obesity.
• Want to get rid of obesity try eating leaves of Indian plum or Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis). Soak few leaves of Indian plum overnight. Next morning strain it and drink it first.
• Try to include figs, peaches, guava, jackfruits, grapes and French beans in your diet.
• In a cup of water mix 1tsp honey, 3tsp lime juice and 1/4tsp black pepper powder. For 3-4 months drink this mixture regularly. Highly effective home remedy for obesity.
• For at least 3-4 months eat 10-12 fully grown curry leaves. It effectively reduces your weight.
• In lukewarm water add 1/2tsp of honey and 1/2tsp of basil paste. Make sure that you use fresh basil leaf paste. It is effective home remedy for obesity.
• Drink dandelion root tea a cup thrice in a day.
• Chewing thin slice of ginger root before meals is beneficial in weight loss. You can even grate ginger and eat it with little salt and lemon juice.
• For quick and healthy weight loss eat papaya or vegetable soup for 2-3 months.

These home remedies are effective and without any side effect. Try one of the home remedies for obesity and after regular use you will see reduction in your weight.

Top 5 Homely Exercises to Reduce Weight
Following home remedies along with some basic exercises at home will help you in reducing weight effectively. There are two types of exercises : Aerobics and Anaerobic. Both of them contribute differently to reduce weight. Aerobic exercises burns a lot of calories whereas anaerobic exercises increases the speed of the metabolism rate which is nothing but the number of calories your body will burn while you are at rest.

1.Squats:- A body has large muscles in legs and buttocks, so everyday for about 10 to 15 minutes put your feet at shoulder level while facing forward. Squat everyday as it will build your buttock and leg muscles. If you are experiencing any severe pain in your knees stop doing it and make sure to warm up first before doing squats.

2.Push-ups:- In push-ups, 70% of body weight is being supported by arms. One may do 20 push-ups in order to strengthen arm. It is a form of strength training exercise.

3.Jumping jacks:- This is one of the best exercises one can do at home. Aerobic is a workout for the entire body and one may do 15 to 20 jumping jacks or as needed.

4.Fast Walking:- Fast walking is considered as one of the best aerobic exercise. Fast walking helps in burning fat quickly. Before walking, stretch yourself first and warm up with regular exercises. Try to maintain as much speed as you can when you walk.

5.Stepping:- In order to burn calories, stepping is one of the best exercises that one can do. You can use stairs at your home in order to do this exercise. For a beginner 20 steps is more than enough. It not only helps in losing weight but it will also shape up your legs and buttocks.

On the whole, if you are overweight and have not been exercising regularly, consult a doctor before starting an exercise program.

how to improve spoken english

As learning English has become an international craze a lot of people try different means to improve their spoken English. Many want to improve it without even learning Grammar.

In case, your mother tongue is English you do not actually need to learn grammar. You will learn English naturally. But if it is not your mother tongue then you can not speak it correctly without understanding the sentence structure. Still you do not need to go deep into grammar. A simple knowledge is enough. Here are few tips which will help you to improve your spoken English fast:

• Visit this site everyday and read a few conversations loudly. Some persons ask frankly: what is the use of reading loudly? I tell that it removes hesitation, and like children we learn speaking faster when we can hear our own voice.
• Not every day but now and then read grammar chapters. Basic need is to learn simple sentences, tenses, imperatives, modal and articles. You do not need to learn grammar in detail. Learning definitions of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, or structure of clauses is wastage of time. Moreover, it will confuse your mind.
• When you have got some knowledge of grammar and conversations from this site, first try to speak in English with your close friends or family members. As you are less hesitant with them it will help you to improve easily.
• Accent practice is easy at your own home. You can practice three types of accents. To learn your country's accent watch news channels of your country. To learn British accent watch BBC. And to learn American accent watch CNN. Listen and try to imitate the news readers. This is the best method to learn an accent. No institute can help better when you can learn it at home from the best speakers - the media news readers.
• Once a week you can listen to your recorded voice. Record while speaking on a particular topic or talking to your friend or family member. Then see your pronunciation and understand your mistakes.
• Keep a dictionary with you. It will help you to learn the meanings and correct pronunciation.
• Write a diary or blog regularly. It will refine your sentence making. Consequently, you will gain confidence in speaking.

   

How to impress a girl

So it finally happened. You saw her in a party…standing quietly in a corner as if waiting just for you. And before you knew cupid had played its favorite pastime at your expense. Really…feels like being on top of the world… Doesn’t it? A feeling that is better left unexplained, which can be experienced just by a person who is in love.

So, now that the easier part is over, let us come to the tricky issue. You’ve fallen in love but the girl of your dreams probably doesn’t even know about it.


How to impress a girl and make her fall in love with you is the next question that crops up. It seems a tough task at first, especially if you are a little shy and introvert, but it isn’t as tough as rocket science either.

1. The mantra to success here is to be your self. Remember, girls like guys who do not try to be like someone else or pretend to be over smart just to impress others. Such things can easily put off girls and could end your quest even before beginning. After all, first impression is often the last impression.


2. The key here is not even trying to think about impressing the girl when you are actually trying to do so. The reason for this being that guys often lose their originality and go out of the way when trying to impress girls and end up being labeled as mere show-offs. The best way, thus, to go about the job is to be your own self and let things happen on their own.

3. Another big mistake that guys often make is to think that girls are impressed by money. However, the truth is that if a girl is with someone because the guy has money then she is only interested in the money and not the guy. More than money and material things, what girls look for in a guy is a caring attitude, the way he talks and presents himself as well as a good sense of humour. Having these qualities can easily overshadow the lack of money.

4. Girls come across numerous men who try to impress them with all that they’ve got. But the sad part is that most end up losing their originality and are put in the same category and labeled as losers. There is a huge possibility that you too may end up in the same category unless you are different than the others.

5. Try to kick start a conversation, which in turn may and often does lead to the start of a relationship. But to be able to talk something that makes sense, you would have to be intelligent and know about various interesting things. The mantra to become knowledgeable is to read a lot and try to keep up-to-date with the events around you.


6. Another thing that most guys are usually careless about is personal hygiene. Try to dress smartly and comb your hair properly as an untidy looking person can be a put-off for anybody. Try to be a little humorous but refrain from being too outspoken as it may offend the other person.

7. Respect the girl and give her some space so that she does not feel like wanting to get out of the place quickly. A good way to break the ice is to start by asking her the time and praise her watch.

8. If you are going to a restaurant, remember that the boy is expected to pay the bill.

Follow the above tips and you will surely be able to impress the girl of your dreams!

You might also be interested in knowing how to get a girl to like you.

How to kiss

It is said that just after one kiss, a woman comes to know whether you are the one she can spend her entire life with, or not. I’m sure that this one liner must have stressed the importance of kissing, for all you guys out there. Infact, being a good kisser is one of the essential requirements of having good physical relations between the partners. A kiss might mean anything, right from emotional affection to passionate desire. What you are able to convey to the other partner will depend upon the way you kiss him/her.

Kissing Tips & Techniques 

• First things first! Make sure that your physical appearance is attractive. Otherwise, the other person will not even feel like kissing.
• Kissing means using lips. Make sure you lips are soft and supple and for that, start using lip balm on a daily basis. However, don’t use a balm or a gloss just before kissing; it will be a major turn-off.
• Nobody wants to kiss garlic or onion or say, smoke. Do not kiss if you have just had smelly things for lunch or smoked cigarettes. At the same time, always keep mints with you, for that perfect fresh breath.
• In the initial seconds, go easy. Give the other person time to feel completely at ease. You don’t want to scare your partner.
• Always try different types of kisses. French kiss is not the only kiss in the world.
• Don’t become so lost in the kiss, so as to completely forget the other person. Be attentive to his/her non-verbal responses.
• Lastly, be confident. Getting nervous while kissing is sure to make the beautiful sensations end up in a mess. Just go with the flow.

Different Kiss Types

Many people believe that there are only two types of kisses - check kiss and French kiss. However, the realm of kiss is very vast. To know more, read on! 

• In the Butterfly Kiss, you bring your face very close to that of your partner and then, flutter your eyelashes rapidly.
• Cheek Kiss, as we all know, is one of the friendly kisses. It is usually adopted on the first date. You need to gently brush you lips across your partner’s cheek.
• Earlobe Kiss involves sipping and sucking the earlobe of the partner. Since you are so close to the ear, do not make too loud noises.
• In the Eskimo Kiss, you gently rub your nose with that of your partner.
• Eye Kiss, as the name suggests, implies giving a tender kiss on the closed eyes of the partner.
• You can do the Finger Kiss, while relaxing with your partner. Take his/her fingers and gently suck on them.
• Considered an erotic kiss, Foot Kiss involves gently sucking the toes and then, kissing the foot very lightly.
• Forehead Kiss is meant to be the friendliest kiss. You simply brush your lips across your partner’s forehead.
• Freeze Kiss, also known as Melt Kiss, is the one in which you put an ice cube into your mouth and kiss your partner, while passing the cube to his/her mouth with your tongue.
• French Kiss is the most sensual kiss amongst all. At times called the Soul Kiss, it involves the tongue along with the lips.
• While doing the Fruity Kiss, you put a piece of a juicy fruit between your lips. While kissing you nibble a part of the fruit, while he nibbles the other.
• In Hand Kiss, you raise your partner’s hand to your lips and brush them lightly across the tip of the hand.
• Hot and Cold Kiss involves first licking your partners lips to make them warm and then, blowing on them to make them cold. Keep alternating.
• Lick Kiss is gently running your tongue over your partner’s lips, just before kissing.
• Lip Sucking Kiss means that you suck on the lower lip of the partner while kissing.
• For Neck Nibble Kiss, start with nibbling you way up and down your partner’s neck. Finally, place a gentle kiss on his/her lips.
• Nip Kiss will require you to slightly nibble on your partner’s lips, while kissing. Make sure you do not end up biting him/her.
• While doing the Shoulder Kiss, come from behind your partner, give a slight hug and then, kiss the top of his/her shoulder.
• You can do the Sip Kiss while drinking something sweet. Take a sip of the drink, leaving a little of it on your lips, and gently kiss your partner.
•  In Trickle Kiss, you take a sip of your favorite drink and then, trickle it into your partner’s mouth while kissing.
• Wake Up Kiss is more about time than technique. Just before your partner is about to wake up, kiss him/her - starting with the cheeks and ending at the lips. Then, softly say - Good Morning!

How to get pregnant

Getting pregnant maybe the easiest of all things, however, some couples do find it hard to conceive for several reasons, including weak or insufficient sperm count.

In some cases, as when nature needs a boost, a little push from you and your partner can go a long way in getting pregnant. When it comes to the best position to get pregnant, the general rule is that the male sperm must be deposited as near to the female cervix as possible.

This has something to do with the life spans of the female egg and the male sperm. Once an egg is released from the ovary – a stage also known as ovulation – it begins its path down the fallopian tube to the uterus. A released egg typically survives for only 24 hours, while a sperm can last anywhere from three to five days in the female body. As such, the egg has to be as close to the egg as possible so they can meet and join before the egg dies.

While not a lot of people will agree that the sexual positions have anything to do with getting pregnant, the logical inference is that it makes sense to assume the position that can help the sperm meet the egg in the shortest possible time.

This is especially true when for couples who have problems or difficulty conceiving. Having said this, the first "best position to get pregnant" tip is to avoid positions that least expose the cervix to the male sperm, and that generally defy gravity such as sex while standing up, sitting down, or with the woman on top. When trying to conceive, it is best to limit the amount of sperm that flows back out of the vagina.

The woman's hips should also be positioned in such a way that the sperm released is kept inside, giving it enough time to swim up to the female cervix.

Consider the following positions instead:

1. The missionary position. Or man-on-top is said to be the position that's best for getting pregnant. This is because this particular position allows for the deepest possible penetration, making it possible for the sperm to get deposited closest to the cervix.

2. Raise the hips. Elevating the hips, which can be done by placing a pillow behind her, can also be helpful because this exposes the female cervix to as much semen as the male can release.

3. Doggy-style. The rear-entry position where the man enters the woman from behind is also a recommended position. In this position, sperm is also deposited closest to the cervix, thereby helping increase the chances of conception.

4. Side-by-side. You can also try having intercourse while lying side by side. This position likewise causes the most exposure of the cervix to the male sperm.

5. Orgasms. Finally, while this has nothing to do with sexual positions, there are also researches that suggest the importance of the female orgasm in conceiving. According to studies, female orgasm leads to contractions that could push sperm up into the cervix. The lesson: have fun while trying to conceive.