Posts tagged Cup Of Coffee
Three Bad Habits That Could Actually Be Good For You
Sep 29th
These days, scientists have discovered that divulging in some guilty pleasures once in a while is okay and can actually be healthy for you too. So, go ahead and nibble on that chocolate (it’s high in antioxidants) and sip your wine (red vino is heart-healthy). Did you know that there are now studies going on where they are finding positive attributes to other so-called bad behaviors, like smoking or an addiction to cookies ‘n’ cream? Here are three more “bad habits” that can feel oh so good and may be good for you.
Going off the Anger Deep-end
Expressing a little anger may be just the boost you need for both your body and your mind. New studies suggest that people who become peeved easily make better decisions. And researchers at have found that anger can prompt your brain to release less cortisol, that pesky stress hormone linked to obesity, bone loss, and heart disease. So let your anger out once in a while but don’t go overboard.
Have Your Morning Coffee
Coffee’s most promoted characteristic, caffeine, is nothing compared to the real health superpowers of coffee. Studies now show that by drinking just one cup of coffee a day could minimize the risk for Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and type II diabetes. A lot chronic diseases are directly related to inflammation, but coffee is full of anti-inflammatory components, so says Shelley McGuire, Ph.D., an associate professor of nutrition at Washington State University. Coffee also contains more antioxidants than almost any other kind of food. Sipping one to three regular or decaf cups a day could just be what you need as long as you stay clear of those fat traps like the fancy whipped cream, whole fat lattes. “If you are piling on added stuff that will add more calories you’re probably going to wipe out all the benefits.
Go Ahead, Be a Slob
Kenneth Rosenman, M.D, an environmental and internal medicine expert, says it’s okay if you only keep your home reasonably clean. It isn’t necessary for it to be pristine and sanitized. He explains that the huge push to disinfect our homes isn’t healthy. Being a little dirty is okay. By killing every germ all around you, including harmless ones, can open the door for much more serious or resistant strains. Not only that but certain household disinfectant sprays and air fresheners can release chemicals that can create an asthma risk for otherwise healthy people. So skip spray cleaners instead us environmentally friendly pourable ones. Don’t forget that using a simple clean damp cloth can do wonders and go a lot further on your budget.
Get More Done – 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Achieve More
Sep 24th
We all have the same number of hours in the day – and some of us just seem to get more done- apparently effortlessly. Here are five simple but effective ways to get more done in less time without comprising the result.
Use music to spur to you to action
Have you noticed how some stores use slow, relaxing music to both create a mood and encourage you to take your time as you browse their wares? It can work the other way, too – so put on some upbeat music to help lift your mood, energy and activity levels.
Batch process
This is especially relevant for routine, repetitive tasks which can otherwise develop into HUGE time stealers. Rather, for example, than checking your emails periodically throughout the day – put aside a set amount of time once or, at most, twice a day – which you dedicate to dealing with them all at once and once and for all. Do the same with other tasks that can be easily grouped together and which take similar resources and skills – so that you ‘get into the flow’ and benefits from efficiencies of scale.
This works for household and routine maintenance tasks, too.
Ask for help
Chose your help mates wisely, brief them well – and then let them get on with it.
Promise yourself a treat when you complete the task
Make it meaningful – i.e. something you want, that will motivate you – and proportional. For example, you might postpone a cup of coffee and use it as your reward for dealing quickly and efficiently with your email inbox, and offer something bigger/more meaningful for completing a bigger task.
Know when to stop
Remember the 80: 20 rule (otherwise known as the Pareto Principle) when defining what an acceptable standard/end point for any task is. 80% of your results will come from 20% of your effort. Conversely, the last 20% of ‘results’ – will take 80% of your time/effort.
So, ask yourself – how many times do you really need to rewrite that report before submitting it? What would happen if you launched your website now – just as it is – and viewed it as a work in progress rather than something that must be the perfect ‘ finished article ‘ before you go live? Where you decide to set the bar for will be different for different tasks – the Pareto principle is a guide rather than a rule to be slavishly followed. The important thing is to understand that ‘good enough’ is just that. Good enough. So, when you get there – stop.
