Want to thrive while juggling job and family?  Get into a regular rhythm of work and rest.  It’s as vital as inhaling and exhaling.

The right rhythm for you is uniquely yours.

A daily period of 10 to 20 minutes to relax and rejuvenate can do wonders.  You might decide that one day per week; you’ll avoid work related to your paid job and keep household chores to a minimum.  Vacations of several days or longer are marvellous to look forward to.

The key is to make periods of relaxation a regular part of your weekly, monthly and yearly schedule.

START SMALL.

Short breaks are the easiest to schedule.  Even moms with toddlers can manage a few minutes a day to read, pray, stretch or whatever else helps you find your center.

During the spring when my first child was learning to walk, I benefited enormously from spending just five minutes a day reading The Physics of Star Trek.  Over time, my rhythm came to include longer rest periods, with even greater benefits.

Now, if I slip out of my rhythm, my family reminds me to get back into it.  They can tell the difference in me!

So, don’t wait until you’re frazzled and depleted.  If you haven’t do so already, start experimenting to today to find your own, unique rhythm of work and rest.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED:

On what day or days of the week can I most successfully claim time for myself? What time of day works best? What activities will I avoid during my “time off”? What activities will promote inner calm and vitality?

Enjoy!

By Norma Schmidt

Usually the first way two people connect is through looking into each other’s eyes. Before either of you speaks a single word, the eyes have already telegraphed messages. Messages can range from frank curiosity to cool assessment to shy interest. When you look deeply into a guy’s eyes, you’re telling him you think he’s the most fascinating person in the room. In fact, if you keep your eyes locked on his, what you’re saying is that as far as you’re concerned, he’s the only person in the room!

Full frontal eye contact can be risky, however. It can seem too bold and brazen to those men who are put off by such direct behaviour by women. But if you’re not the bashful maiden type, frankly gaze. In a way, it’s a form of natural selection. A guy who is freaked out by your open gaze is probably not a guy for you.

Arm Crossing

When a woman crosses her arms over her chest, it can be interpreted in a number of ways by a guy. It can telegraph the message that she’s a vulnerable female creature, an innocent little lamb who feels the need to protect herself from the Big Bad Wolf!

But arm crossing is also a way of telling a guy that you don’t like him at all and that your fondest wish at the moment is that he’ll go away.

Crossing your arms over your chest is also a sneaky way of drawing attention to your breasts. It’s a primitive gesture of sexual anticipation laced with sexual anxiety, which a man might correctly read as the woman’s acknowledgment of the basic Me Tarzan, You Jane chemistry happening between them.

Leaning Toward Him

The most common form of this is leaning forward when you’re sitting across from him. This gesture shows interest and acceptance. In short, it means you just think he’s the funniest, cutest, most fascinating creature put on the face of this earth.

But keep your poker face, player-girl! If you go overboard with the lean, you’re giving away your whole hand. You want to keep him guessing at least a little bit, right?

If you catch yourself practically falling into his lap, take a deep breath, sit back in your seat and rest your hands in your lap for a few minutes ‑– at least until you cool off.

If you find yourself leaning away from him, you’re either telling him you hate his guts or you’re working overtime to not let him know you’re all hot and bothered for him.

Leg Crossing

Leg crossing can be interpreted as a nervous or provocative gesture. Lots of people unconsciously cross and uncross their legs when they’re anxious. If you’re doing this, the man will correctly intuit that he’s somehow “getting” to you. In other words, it’s a dead giveaway to the guy that he’s unsettled you and his energy has thrown off your equilibrium. On the other hand, if you’re deliberately crossing your legs to show off your sexy gams, or deliberately pointing your top leg in his direction, it means you like him a lot. If you can’t stop crossing your legs and you’re virtually twitching in your seat, again this is an unconscious gesture that clearly tells a man that he’s really getting to you. You probably don’t want to give him that much power. If he knows you’re burning hot for him, he has the upper hand ‑– and you don’t want that. If something about him has really got you squirming, get up, take a walk or go home and take a cold shower.

Hair Twirling

Toying with your hair is a sure sign of nervousness. If you find yourself doing this, take a moment to ask yourself why this guy is making you nervous. Is it because he’s too handsome? Too incredibly clever? Is it because you can’t get your mind out of the gutter imagining what he would be like in bed? Save your agitation for later ‑– like when you finally fall asleep and have a red-hot dream about him!

Hair twirling can also be a playful gesture. Women with long hair tend to play with their hair. Hair is sexy and twirling and tossing it draws a man’s eye to it. But beware: Many guys say it really bugs them when women keep playing with their hair. Talk about sending the wrong message! What some women think is sexy is a major turnoff to some guys.

Lip Licking

This is purely physiological. Forget what they say about “drooling” over a hot guy. When we’re aroused and excited, our mouths get dry. If you find yourself licking your lips a lot in the company of a new man, it means that something about him is really getting to you. Watch out!

Lip licking clearly conveys the message that you’re interested in a man. It is a very sexy, and overt, type of body language ‑– that is, if it is done correctly. What we are talking about here is a slow, sultry swipe along your lips with the tip of your tongue. Just remember to use this one with caution. Your Flirt Object will probably think you are telling him you want to take him to bed. And maybe you do! If that’s the case and you’re both equally interested, by all means, lick your lips. It’s another way of saying, “Let’s go back to your place right now.” In other words, it’s an action getter.

Flared Nostrils

OH MY god, this is the mother of all body language signals! Flared nostrils are an irrefutable sign of sexual arousal. If you’re talking to a man and his nostrils are flaring, you can bet your booty he’s aching’ for you. And, um, it works vice versa. If your nostrils are flaring, your nipples are probably hard, too. If you’re flirting with a guy and you’ve both got the nostril thing going, look out. You might have to rent a hotel room

 

1. Write about how you feel about everyday events; writing about the events is fine, but be sure to include the feelings.  The goal is to get the intense emotions on paper and out of your body/mind.

2. Write about the issues that are most impacting your life today, particularly any health concerns.

3.  Make a list of everything causing you stress-which can lead to ill-health, then note what you can (or cannot) do about each item.

4.  If you can’t get an event out of your mind-like an unpleasant conversation with a co-worker-write what you wish the conversation had unfolded, in dialogue form.

5.  Create a mantra or positive affirmation, then journal ways to fulfil the affirmation. An example of a mantra might be:  “I am safe; my life is filled with peace.” 

Finally, re-read your journals on a consistent basis, looking for self-defeating or negative patterns.

By Patti Testerman

A few research studies are linking certain chemicals found in some hair dyes and colouring products to an increased risk of various types of cancer. While there hasn’t been a definite cause-and-effect established, it’s important to take precautions when dyeing your hair.

Take action:

Here are some safety tips to follow, courtesy of the US Department of Health and Human Services and HealthDay News: don’t leave the dye in your hair longer than required - rinse it out after the time stated on the instructions; be sure to completely rinse your hair and scalp of the dye and residue; when putting the hair dye on your hair, wear gloves; always follow the instructions carefully; and don’t mix multiple hair dyes or other products together.

Your mood was fine until you got to work. There’s Mr Brent sniffing away as if he’s a vacuum cleaner and Ms Malloy turning up the sound on what must be the worst radio station south of the Sahara. Suddenly, for just a second, you understand how murder is possible.

The workplace is riddled with potential stressors. From irritating fellow employees, to noise pollution, to irritating habits, impossible workloads and a boss that would make Attilla the Hun look like someone’s maiden aunt. So what are the worst of these?

Unilateral decisions. The time for top-down management is over. If you have a boss who foists decisions on employees without ever consulting them, it may be time to jack up your CV and put out the word about your availability. No person always knows everything about everything, even if they think they do. The time for autocratic management is over. Also for autocratic managers.

The radio. There are few more irritating things than having to listen to some radio station all day. Especially if they play the kind of music over and over again that you would never have chosen to listen to. The endless jingles, the endless ads - you simply cannot believe that anyone chooses this torture. And the main culprits, of course, always refuse to wear earphones.

Endless meetings. In any workplace there is the chance of meetings. But they don’t have to be endless. It is a good idea to limit the duration of the meeting beforehand. One effective tactic employed by a good manager is to make everyone stand for the meeting. It cuts out endless monologues and circular arguments by the workplace bore.

Workplace affairs. You’ve come across Mrs Bennett and Mr Jackson kissing each other in the storeroom. As far as you know, they’re both married. And if this blows up, it’s going to change the atmosphere in the office to that of a dentist’s waiting room. Or worse. Office affairs place enormous stress on all colleagues. Should they tell the spouses, or not? Does this make them accomplices? Do they lie to cover up where these two really are? And then, of course, it inevitably all comes to an end. Or even worse, it doesn’t.

Irritating habits. Whether it’s obsessive throat clearing, loud personal telephone conversations, gossiping, chewing gum or sniffing - people have irritating habits that could really grate, especially in an open office. Maybe you also have some of those. Spending eight hours per day with someone who drives you round the bend, is enough to make your stress levels go through the roof. Be tactful, but you can say something. After all, it is affecting you and your work.

Unhealthy canteen food. Canteen food is about feeding the masses - quickly and cheaply. Generally, health doesn’t really come into it. In fact, if one were to copy Morgan Spurlock, maker of the movie Super Size Me, and eat nothing except canteen food for 30 days, the results could be disastrous. In the movie he ate nothing but McDonald’s food for a month, by the end of which he had liver problems, had picked up several kilos and was instructed by his doctor to cease the experiment. If you take a look at the grease content of the average canteen portion of food, most dishes should be renamed heart-attack-on-plate. And heartburn in the afternoon will certainly add to your stress levels.

Backstabbing. The workplace can be a pretty competitive place. Especially when there are things like retrenchments or promotions in the air. But, if you can help it at all, stay out of office politics. There’s little to be gained by getting embroiled in this vicious game that seldom has any winners. If you go down this slippery slope of office politics, you might as well have a target painted on your back. Be upfront, firm and polite and don’t let people ride roughshod over you. When someone takes credit for your work, say something such as “Oh, I can see you’ve been working on the idea we discussed yesterday”. Chances are, they’ll think twice about doing it next time.

Faulty equipment. In order to get a job done, the right equipment is essential. Not necessarily top-of-the-range, but halfway there would be nice. And when it breaks down, it is very demoralising when the company expects its employees to limp on with a printer that prints every third page blank or a photocopier that swallows documents. Meeting deadlines cannot be done without having access to equipment that works.

All work and no pay. Stress levels tend to escalate when your company expects you to walk the extra mile or five, but when it comes to negotiating your salary package, it stays put and won’t budge. Employees who feel underpaid or undervalued quickly become disgruntled and demotivated, and they certainly don’t contribute to the general atmosphere in an office or workshop. Most companies (fortunately not all) will pay their employees not what they’re worth, but what they can get away with. So learn to ask for what you think you’re worth.

Big talk, no do. In any workplace there will be someone who has grandiose ideas that never come to fruition. Or that have to be made a reality by the other employees. This places stress on other employees, because it often becomes their responsibility to make these impossible things happen at short notice. And guess who takes the credit for it in the end? No wonder you’re in need of a holiday. And while we’re on the topic, there are few things more aggravating than having someone, who cannot do the job themselves, determine deadlines for those who have to do the tasks.

By Susan Erasmus

 

Beauty is in the eyes of beholder, beauty is something more than skin deep, beauty is unique charm and self-confidence, a shining light that twinkles through the smile and eyes. Every women desire to look good, some has natural beauty and some tends to make them look beautiful and looking beautiful everyday can be a complicated task, however, to look beautiful everyday all you have to do is to take proper care of yourself. For instance if you want to look stunning you can not leave from your home with dirty hair, you must wash it almost every alternative day and if you have oily hair try to wash them everyday, and on the top don’t forget to visit your hair dresser as frequently as possible. Dire hair may ruin your whole day, so it is very important to take care of your beautiful and delicate strands.

Be adequately careful with you attire, to look beautiful you do not have to be extremely fashionable or modish, Just make sure that your dress is clean and fresh and no matter what your style is, you will definitely will look beautiful. For that ensure that your clothes are not much small and not much shaggy for you as it can make an impression of untidy personality and person. Your nails as well, are very important as you yourself will be amazed to know how much attention people give to your hands. Nobody would find person with broken or dirty nails attractive, and sure you are not an exception in any case, and to be more attractive and beautiful be very attentive with every minute and little-little details.

When it comes to make up, do not forget one rule natural is equal to beautiful, try to use make as rare as possible and try to flaunt your natural beautiful skin more, just accessorize it by mascara or a lip liner as excess of everything is bad. Don’t forget elegance, small steps and straight back will ensure an elegant look that will definitely add charm and attractiveness in your personality. for most women it may be a shock or surprise as graceful walk are so important, women’s who always walk with straight back and head up are always considered beautiful.

Take care of how you behave in public, doing nonentity which is objectionable in public does not mean that your behaviour and manners are good, never forget to thank and sorry people, control your tongue and tone whilst talking with others and even clean your lingo. The properly and in nice tenor will help you in building healthy relationship with friends, colleagues, and family members as well making you a beautiful woman not only from outside but from within too.

Not to forget Scent, which is an essential part of your personality as well, people those are around you willed finitely remark your new perfume and how you smell actually. Knowing that people smell your fragrance and not your sweat will make you feel good yourself. Combining all these features will undoubtedly make you a good looking, beautiful woman as beauty is not just about the body shape or facial feature. Also always keep in mind, you will feel beautiful from inside and outside then only other people will find you attractive, charming and beautiful.

By Abrahamson Owen

If I Could Give My Mom the World

 

If I could give my mom the world Or anything she wanted, I’d give her my own heart and soul And leave my own heart haunted.I’d take upon myself her life With all its strife and pain, And let her ease into some space Where she could live again. The pain for me would not be pain, At least not for a while; For I’d be doing it for her, And I would see her smile. I wish that I could take her heart And cleanse it with my tears, And make her sorrow go away, And answer all her fears. I wish, I wish, but then I can’t, As I watch helplessly, And take her in my arms and say I wish that it were me. But loving is a hard, hard way, With all the pain it brings. And yet there is no other way To touch the heart of things.

Very few women fear heart disease, despite the fact that the condition claims more lives than breast cancer does. To make matters worse, women’s symptoms are also often atypical - a situation that can even confuse their doctors.

Be aware of these signs of a heart attack (which are very specific to women) and seek help immediately: jaw pain; shoulder pain; anxiety; sweating; shortness of breath; dizziness; nausea; and unusual fatigue.

The dress code in most organizations is as different as the organization itself, so it is impossible to find an outfit that will work well in all interviews. What should you do? Do some investigating and find out how the employees dress and follow their lead but dress just slightly better.

Wear business-like attire, avoiding flashy colours, bold prints, logos and keep jewelry to a minimum. Wear clothes in which you feel comfortable and don’t wear skirts that will ride up when you sit. Carry a nice attaché case or folder to hold your resume and examples of your work.

Before you leave home check yourself in a full length mirror and have one last look for rips, runs in stockings (take an extra pair just in case you get a run along the way) and buttons that are about to fall off. A few extra points:

1. Wear a fashionable suit or dressy tailored separates. Make sure they fit well and don’t remove the jacket during the interview (don’t laugh, I saw this happen).

2. Prepare your clothes for the interview the night before and try it on. Don’t leave anything to chance.

3. If you are not wearing a jacket but choose to wear something more casual long sleeves are a must. Sleeveless garments should not be worn in a work environment and certainly not for an interview.

4. Never go without hosiery and don’t wear sandals.

5. It has been said that you can look at a person’s shoes and determine how wealthy they are - it seems shoes are the last investment. For an interview or business, wear shoes with a closed toe and closed heel and keep them polished without nicked heels or scruffy toes.

6. Pay attention to your hair. A stylish haircut is essential to a professional image.

7. Carry yourself with confidence; stand tall with your shoulders back. Portray a successful image by paying attention to details - tastefully applied makeup, the best garments you can afford and being prepared for the interview.

When you are prepared for the interview, which means knowing the job you have applied for, knowing your resume and how you fit that job, your self-confidence will become apparent. Taking care of how you look will give you one less thing to worry about so you can concentrate on selling your skills.

Don’t forget to smile!!

By Sheila Dicks

 

Maintaining breast health is of utmost importance. The American Cancer Society’s findings indicate that breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. (American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2007, 2007) Moreover, the highest incidence of breast cancer occurs in women living in North America. ( American Cancer Society, What Are the Key Statistics for Breast Cancer?, 2007) Breast cancer gets a lot of attention because of these statistics, but there are other conditions that you need to be aware. Read on for general information about breast disorders, the importance of early detection and some tips on self-examination. The information presented in this article does not replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. It is intended to bring awareness to this area so that you can be motivated to consult a medical professional about regular screenings and preventative health tips.

There are numerous breast disorders to be aware of; so many in fact that we’ll stick to pointing out some major categories. There are a number of breast conditions associated with infections and irritation that are due to hormonal changes and breast-feeding. Mastitis, which is caused by the blockage of milk ducts, is more common than you might think and can lead to pain, fever and abscesses, which would require surgical intervention. Pregnancy can be a beautiful life-changing event, but a woman needs to be conscious of risk factors. Fibrocystic Disease, which is characterized by benign tumours or cysts in the breast, can be disturbing because it can be mistaken for a cancerous variety. Paget’s disease of the breast, on the other hand, is malignant (meaning: severe and progressively worsening) and can go relatively unnoticed until very late in its progression because the symptoms don’t present themselves as harmful. These disorders all have one thing in common: they can be diminished but require a woman to be conscious of changes to her breast and body.

Early detection is vital to a woman’s health and treatment options. It’s important to know that not all breast disorders are malignant. Therefore, if you notice that there have been changes to your breast or nipple shape, discharge, or skin irritation, do not be alarmed: simply report these findings to your doctor. The more in tune you are with your ever-changing body, the better off you’ll be in keeping yourself healthy.

Early detection is significantly improved by routine checkups, ever improving technologies to detect cancer and regular self-exams. Prevention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle combined with early detection can help people overcome disease.

Self Examination is a necessary part of your overall health routine and maintenance. We’d like to share a few tips. Practice makes perfect: if you try to do a Breast Self Exam (say) once a month on an easy-to-remember day, you get to know your breasts well and can be more conscious of gradual changes. Try to pick a period of time when your breasts won’t normally be swollen or sore (e.g. not near a period).

Also, do a visual inspection of your breasts and take note of scaliness, rashes, nipple discharge and changes in shape and color of your breast and/or nipples. Use a mirror to assist you and consider noting down observations in a journal. Also, do your self exam in a number of positions like standing, sitting and lying down. Use the first few fingers of your hand and use circular motions to inspect the tissue all around your breast, in your armpit, from your collarbone to the top of your tummy. Your best bet would be to get your doctor to show you how they do it.

If you find something unusual while doing a breast exam, don’t panic because there are a lot of conditions out there that are benign (meaning: mild and non-progressive). However, make it a point to get it checked out thoroughly. If you are not a person who has high risk factors for breast cancer, share this message with people that you care about who might be: it might motivate them to live a more consciously healthy lifestyle to try to diminish any risk factors that they might facing.