Wonderful Life

Wonderful Life

1. Live Below Your Means

There will always be temptation to forsake the future for immediate gratification. We all want to buy that new piece of technology, treat ourselves to an expensive night on the town, or take out a loan for the flashy car we can’t afford. It might feel great at the time but rash spending hurts a lot later on.

Enjoy life’s simple pleasures and save as much as you can. Expensive things don’t create lasting happiness and security. Careful spending will bring you greater leisure and enjoyment in the long run.

2. Put Your Money to Work

Saving is great, but to make the most of your money you need to put it to work. Good investments can be the difference between retiring in your 40′s or in your 60′s.

A post today at The Simple Dollar really got me thinking. According to Trent’s projections, if a person in their early 20′s invests 20% of their income in an S&P index fund, the interest they earn will equal their current salary when they reach their early 40′s. They could retire without a drop in income!

Wise investing is the surest path to financial independence and it’s something everyone can work on. It’s definitely an area I’ll be devoting more attention to in my personal life and on this blog.

3. Educate Yourself

To be happy we need continuous growth. The best way to grow is life long education. This doesn’t mean you need to pursue a doctorate or spend 2 hours reading every day. Self education can be anything that takes you out of your comfort zone. The important part is keeping an open mind and searching for fresh ideas and perspectives.

Education builds over time. It might feel like the bits of wisdom you acquire don’t mean much, but over the years they add up to form a wiser, kinder, more interesting person.

4. Develop Lasting Personal Relationships

Suppose you had everything you wanted. Would you be happy without anyone to share it with? The personal relationships we develop with friends and family members are the greatest source of happiness in our lives. Don’t forget about them.

Taking the time to cultivate and enjoy personal relationships is essential to longterm happiness. Without the people you care about you’ll probably be miserable, no matter how successful you become.

5. Work Towards a Dream You’re Passionate About

Even if your life isn’t perfect, you can always build towards a goal you’re passionate about. If you aren’t building towards something, you’re probably stagnating. When this happens to me I start to feel like a victim trapped by my own life. The best way to reverse this is working towards a goal.

We can’t control everything about our lives, but working towards a goal gives us something positive to focus on and lays the foundation for future success. No matter what your passion is, get out there and start doing something. 

6. Stay in Shape

You only get one body. Once it’s been ruined there isn’t much you can do about it. Exercise to keep the rust off. Avoid excessive consumption of damaging substances and unhealthy foods. It may feel like terrible self denial at the time but enjoying good health in your later years is worth the sacrifice.

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How to Choose the Right Partner in Life

How to Choose the Right Partner in Life

First of all, find someone that you're attracted to. Obviously, you can't find the right partner for you if you're not even attracted to them. When we say 'attracted', make sure that you don't just like them because of their looks. Beauty is only skin-deep, remember. Even if you find somebody that's totally beautiful/handsome, their personality might need some work. Wouldn't you rather be with someone that is pretty good-looking, and who's personality is great? If you love someone JUST for their looks, it's not real love, and they're not the right partner for you.

Now, find interests between you and your potential partner. That way, you can enjoy doing things and talking about them together without getting bored. Often times, having too many different interests requires you or your partner to sacrifice one’s desires for the happiness of the other. Eventually, it may lead to ego problems and misunderstandings, so as much as possible, choose a potential partner who shares a lot of common interests with you. Remember that they don't have to have ALL the same interests as you, because that would get boring. Sometimes, being with someone with a few different interests makes life more exciting because you get to experience some of his/her interests.

Consider you and your partner’s intellect. If you are an over-achiever with too many honors and your partner is very laid-back and would prefer to just sit and watch TV all day, that could impose a threat to your relationship. It is very important that you see eye to eye in terms of how you both are able to think and process things. It sounds shallow at first, but just imagine yourself talking to a person who frustrates you because he/she cannot understand what you are saying or doing. You don't need to both be geniuses, but you need to have around the same intellect level.

When choosing a future partner, it's okay to have standards! You almost want to treat it like hiring someone for a job. Does he/she fit the description on which your ideal partner should be? Remember, don't just choose whoever. This is your potential life partner! You wouldn't just pick someone off the street to hire for a job, so why pick a random person as your partner?

Make sure that you both respect each other. You can't spend your life with someone who has no respect for you, your personality, and your goals/dreams. You and your partner should always respect each other.

Is your potential partner trustworthy? Can you count on your partner to keep your secrets? Can you bring your partner out to dinner and not have to worry about him/her checking out that hot girl/guy over at the next table? Could you leave for a weekend and know that your partner wouldn't sleep with someone else? Think about these questions.

Spend time together. How are you supposed to know if he/she is the right partner for you if you don't spend time together? Go on dates with your partner and go out to different places with him/her. Get to know him/her well. After all, if you two decide to spend the rest of your life together, you can't really do that if you two can't stand to spend a day together!

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Top 15 Tips for Building Muscle

Top 15 Tips for Building Muscle

1. Genetics are important. If you ever could, you would choose your parents well. The ability to pack on muscle is at least partly determined by genetics. However, starting from a low base you can always improve your body shape. Being male and young also favors muscle building.

2. Train with high volume and medium intensity. "Volume" is the quantity of sets and repetitions you do and "intensity" is how much weight you choose. For each weight training exercise set, perform 10 to 15 lifts with less than a minute break between sets. Lactic acid causes that burning sensation in muscles when you exercise intensely and this appears to stimulate muscle growth, perhaps from an increase in growth hormone production.

3. Push each exercise set to near “failure.” Failure means you could not do one more repetition in a set because of fatigue. For a 3-set exercise, you could start off with a heavy weight for 15 repetitions in the first set and then reduce each set by 2 so that your last set is 11 lifts. Even as you tire, you should attempt a maximum effort for each set.

4. Utilize the "big three" weight training exercises. These are the squat, the deadlift and the bench press. They build strength, condition and bulk and should always be included in one form or another.

5. Train three times each week. At least 3 sessions per week should provide sufficient volume of exercise to create a muscle-building stimulus. Experienced trainers may attempt more sessions and novices could start with 2 sessions.

6. Don’t try to train for a marathon and build big muscles at the same time. You can mix cardio and weights -- it makes a great fitness combo -- but at the extremes, the training physiology and biochemistry are contradictory and you will not maximize your results unless you concentrate on one or the other.

7. Eat sufficient for muscle growth. You will struggle to build muscle in a weight-loss mode when you are cutting calories and exercising at the same time. If you must drop your food intake, at least keep your protein intake the same and reduce fat and refined carbohydrates.

8. Cycle food intake during weight loss. If you want to maintain or increase muscle in a weight loss phase, try eating well on the days you exercise -- especially in the hour before and after exercise -- and cutting back strongly on intake for the days you do not exercise. Don't make it an excuse to overeat on exercise days.

9. Measure body fat. Don't be discouraged if your weight does not change much when you train with weights. You may be losing fat and increasing muscle. This is not easy to do at the same time, yet net weight loss or gain is not a good measure of muscle or fat movement.

10. Eat sufficient protein. Even if you train hard, the maximum amount of protein you need for muscle building is about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. A little more or less will not make much difference.

11. Eat sufficient carbohydrate. If you exercise hard and long with cardio, circuits or bodybuilding programs, you need sufficient carbohydrate to fuel your effort and to maintain body stores of glucose. Failure to do this will result in muscle being broken down for protein and then carbohydrate. Low-carb diets are not suitable for this type of training. Depending on the intensity and volume of your training, you may need 2 to 3.5 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight per day.

12. Eat some protein before and after you weight train. About 10 to 20 grams of protein consumed about 30 to 60 minutes before you train may help induce a muscle-building effect following training. This is about 1 to 2 glasses of milk or equivalent supplement drink such as whey or soy protein.

13. Try a creatine supplement. Although results can be variable for individuals, creatine supplements at about 5 grams per day may enhance your ability to train harder and longer, which may lead to increased muscle growth. Also, a creatine supplement with protein and carbohydrate may have a direct muscle building effect according to recent research. However, for long-term viability and cost, the fewer supplements you use the better. I don't recommend creatine or similar supplements for high school athletes.

14. Get plenty of sleep and rest. Muscle building, recovery and repair occur at rest and during sleep. Ensure you get sufficient recovery. Failure to do so may delay your muscle building efforts and possibly lead to illness and injury.

15. Set reasonable goals, monitor your progress and be patient. The best bodies are the result of hundreds of hours of effort. Start slowly, don’t be discouraged yet don’t expect miracles if the muscle gods are not with you for your body type. The fitness and health you attain will be assets that will stay with you for as long as you keep training.

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Six pack abs without gym

Six pack abs without gym

Phew! Still huffing and puffing away in a gym to get six pack abs like your favourite actors Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan? Experts say you can now get illusionary abs – with artistic cosmetic surgery.

Introduced in the country about three years ago, Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance (VASER) is a revolution of sorts as it’s not only used for body contouring but also helps in getting illusionary abs.

Rajesh Khurana, president of Timpac Healthcare, says the illusion can be created by an artistic cosmetic surgeon.

“In this, the hands and designing aspect is very important. First, the fat is removed from the body in longitudinal lines by creating humps in such a way that it creates an illusion,” Khurana told to media.

Timpac Healthcare is known for offering clinical obesity management, cosmetology, medical aesthetics, wellness, medi-spas and anti-aging treatments.

“This is done by etching the skin and removing superficial fat by segregating it from surrounding tissue through liposuction,” said senior plastic surgeon Ajay Kashyap.

“VASER uses third generation internal ultrasound technology that artfully, selectively and permanently contours the body into a more proportioned, smoother shape without compromising on comfort and safety.”

The procedure can’t be performed by every plastic surgeon because it requires special training to master the art.

VASER, if explained in a more technical way, is an ultrasound-assisted liposuction system where fatty tissues are extracted from the body by using sound waves and they emulsify targeted fat cells.

The sound energy gets transmitted through small probes. These sound waves enter the holes and vibrate rapidly to produce ultrasound energy. This energy that penetrates inside the body breaks the cellular membrane and discharges the lipid content.

In India, there are only 10 machines available for the procedure because both the equipment and the process, which is still evolving, are expensive, says Khurana.

“Not many Indians opt for this procedure as it is very expensive and not every surgeon can perform it. A lot many people are not aware of this technology and a lot many can’t afford it,” he said.

In fact, when Shah Rukh made headlines for his six pack abs for “Om Shanti Om”, his fans worshipped his perfection while fitness experts wondered.

Khurana is not sure, but he believes the superstar might have taken the help of technology for a quick-fix.

Noida-based fitness expert Aashu agrees. “It takes discipline, perfection and a lot of hard work to get six pack abs. You don’t have to sacrifice food, but a lot many things to maintain them. A person can’t achieve it in a few months, it takes time and patience,” he said.

The cost for this procedure can be anywhere between Rs.100,000 and Rs.200,000 and recovery takes about a week.

Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said there is less blood loss and quick recovery, but “the disadvantage is if the cuts are not done in the right manner, the entire idea will flop”.

Also, Kashyap says, one needs to work out to maintain those abs. A cardio routine for half an hour is essential. Brisk walking for 20 minutes helps and there should be some diet control as well in the initial weeks.

There are not too many takers for this right now. “It is around one to two enquiries per month, but operations take place once in three months because it’s expensive,” said Dhir.

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Tips for A Tighter Stomach

Tips for A Tighter Stomach

Avoid materials that are too clingy; instead, opt for fabrics that are thicker and will help hide a tummy.

Tighten your stomach muscles throughout the day while you are standing in lines, driving your car or even watching television. Pull your stomach muscles in. Hold for a few seconds. Release and repeat several times. This will build your core stomach muscles.

Perform 50 regular crunches followed by 50 side-to-side reaching crunches each day.

Do cowboy crunches daily. Begin cowboy crunches lying supine with your knees up toward the ceiling, feet flat on the floor, hands behind your head and elbows facing the sides. Lift your feet off the floor and press your knees out to the sides. Hold this position, lift your head and shoulders off the floor and crunch your elbows and knees in to meet in the center. Release back; repeat this crunch 20 to 25 times.

Another piece of advice that you can use for the six pack diet you plan on implementing is regarding fiber. It helps you feel fuller and it does that for a longer period of time which allows you to say no to that second helping at your table.

Don’t wear jeans that are low-rise. As an alternative, choose mid-to-high waisted jeans. Make sure you go with thicker and darker denim; it will give the illusion of a smaller tummy.

Add three 8 ounce glasses of water to your daily diet. Try to consume the water at each meal. Water helps the body stay hydrated and will in the long run help to tighten stomach skin.

Once that fat has been burned off with four or five weeks worth of diet and cardio, you’re ready to tone up that tummy. That means, stability ball exercises, sit-ups, crunches, and more. Under the search words “core-conditioning” you can find about a thousand suggested exercises for your abs online.

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10 brain damaging habits

10 brain damaging habits

According to world health organization following habits damage brain severely: 

1. No Breakfast :- It lowers blood sugar level. which leads to insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration. 

2. Overreacting – Brain arteries hardens, leading to a decrease in mental power. 

3. Smoking :- It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease. 

4. High Sugar consumption :- Too much sugar interrupts the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition also interferes with brain development. 

5. Air Pollution :- Brain is the largest OXYGEN consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, Lower Oxygen - decrease in efficiency. 

6. Sleep Deprivation :- Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells. 

7. Head covered while sleeping :- Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects. 

8. Working your brain during illness :– Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain. 

9. Lack of Positive Thinking :– Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage. 

10. Talking Rarely :– Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain. 

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Top Home Remedies for yellow Teeth:

Top Home Remedies for yellow Teeth:

1. Baking soda is one of the best ingredients that you can use to get rid of your yellow teeth. You can make a whitening mouthwash with baking soda by mixing two tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of cold water. 

2. Strawberries contain good amount of vitamin C, which help in making your teeth whiter. Take a few strawberries and grind them to make a paste. Now use this paste to rub your teeth gently. If done twice daily for a few weeks, the yellow tinge on your teeth will vanish. 

3. The bleaching property present in lemon can also be used to get rid of yellow teeth. In fact, gargling with lemon juice and scrubbing teeth with lemon peel is also one of the best ways to make your teeth white. 

4. Apple is a kind of crunchy fruit that can scrub your teeth like a toothbrush and make your teeth look whiter than before. 

5. Salt is one of the fundamental dental cleansing agents used since ages as it helps to replenish the lost mineral content of the teeth and help them to regain their whiteness. You can use common salt regularly each morning as a toothpowder instead of toothpaste. 

6. You can also clean your teeth with fresh orange peel on regular basis in order to reduce the yellow tinge accumulated on your teeth. 

7. Banana peel:1. Brush your teeth as usual with a natural toothpaste or you can use the banana peel first and then brush. Use a ripe banana as it has the most potassium content in it. Peel from the bottom end as this is how monkeys peel their bananas and it will keep you from having all those loose threads. 

Take a piece of the inside of the banana peel and gently rub around on your teeth for about 2 minutes. The amazing minerals in the peel like potassium, magnesium and manganese absorb into your teeth and whiten them. 

Repeat the same procedure at night or before bedtime, to whiten teeth. Leaving the banana peel on longer is optional if you have stains that need to come off. 
Do the banana peel routine twice daily to see teeth whiten. 

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