Be Trusted and be Respected

Trust

“Trust is like a vase.. once it's broken, though you can fix it the vase will never be the same again.”


Trust can only be earned and there is no other way to get it. It takes a long time to build it and it can be destroyed instantly. How do you build the trust of other people in you?


Trust yourself first: According to Cardinal De Ret, “A man who doesn’t trust himself can never really trust anyone else.” Trust yourself for what you have promised yourself to do. If you can’t believe that you can do it, who else can you believe?

Be trusted at work: Trust is an important success factor at work. It is a part of your performance. When you can’t be trusted it means there is a reservation about your performance. You really have to earn the trust of others for the first time and every time. You have to promise to deliver and deliver as promised and there is no other way about it.

Be trusted at home: In every carton of glasses, there are 4 words written on the outside:” Fragile! Handle with Care”. It is the same as a marriage. Once the trust is broken it is beyond reconciliation, just like Tiger Wood. Likewise, when you have promised your children to do something just do it and don’t break the trust of your children in you. It does not matter how small the issue is, it is the trust that matters.

Be trusted among people: When you do not honor your promises to your friends, it means you do not value friendship and very soon you will have fewer friends. You will regret when you need help and there is no one to count on.

Be trusted in the community: As an example, it takes a long time for others in the blogosphere to trust you. You can build or destroy trust in a simple act like posting your articles. Are you able to post in a consistent and regular basis so that readers will not be disappointed and turned off?


Build trust in you and be trusted and respected.

Reiki for Peace of Mind and Happiness

According to The International Center for Reiki Training, Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. What can we learn from Reiki to promote peace of mind and happiness? Check out the following:

1.      Gratitude: Be thankful to God for your existence in this world. Be happy to live in abundance and be closely connected with your family members and others who are dear to you.

2.      Less worry: Enjoy living in the moment. Find pleasure in what you do every day. The future is not here yet and it is beyond your reach; the best thing is to live life fully now. The future will take shape in what you do now. You will reap what you have sown.

3.      Do not be angry or jealous: Peace of mind is shattered the moment you fill your heart with negative emotions such as hatred, anger and resentment. Forgive and forget to regain your inner balance and composure.

4.      Build a relationship with your work: Find meaning in what you do and be happy at work. Happiness is built when you are interested in what you do and enjoy the process of working. You will find better ways of doing things so that you are able to do less and produce more.

5.      Count your blessings: Being in good health and holding a job you like are the best things to happen to you in life. Be appreciative and enjoy what you have got. Be glad to be benefited by a circle of good friends

6.      Non-attachment: You have come into this world naked and you will be gone without taking anything with you. Peace of mind is about not attaching too much to your material possessions. The other thing is that you do your best and do not think too much of the outcome. You will accept calmly the results.

7.      Meditate: Do Tai Chi or yoga in the early morning to promote energy, calmness and reduce stress. Do it daily to promote inner peace.

8.      Less wants: Wanting less is getting more satisfaction and contentment in life. Peace of mind is prevailed when you want less and avoid getting into debt.  

9.      Kindness: Random acts of kindness cost you nothing. Just be alert in your daily life to lend a helping hand or say a few kind words to warm the heart and lift the spirits of others.

10.  Embrace nature: Admire, respect and appreciate the awesomeness of nature and its wonders. The only way to marvel nature is to slow down and live. Take your time to witness the rising and the setting of the sun. Look at the changing clouds in the sky and listen to the delightful chirping of the birds on the tress. Look and listen to the rushing waves to the shore in the evening and see the moon slowly appearing when the earth transforms itself slowly into total darkness in the skyline.

Peace of mind and happiness is living in harmony with nature and other human beings.

10 Simple Ways to Get Things Done

There are simple and effective ways to do things that can bring you success easily and efficiently:

1. Do less: It does not mean literally doing less and less. It means able to get the same things done by doing less and in less time.  You get rid of the non-essential and concentrate on what is required for the job only.

2. Go slow: Going slow has the effect of getting things done faster. When you are not working in haste you work in a cool and calm mind getting things done with no mistakes. When you work in a hurry you are working under stress and you are prone to errors.

3. Take breaks: Even machines need to be regularly serviced and maintained. All the more you need frequent breaks to reduce stress and clear the clutter in your mind and continue to work more productively with a refreshed brain.

4. More productive: To be productive is a smart way of working. It is getting things done by using the simplest method in the shortest possible time to produce what is needed and nothing more or less. 

5. Change: Adopt a flexible mind and be alert to developments that are taking place every day. Be ready to make changes for the better to replace old and ineffective ways of doing things.

6. Enjoy what you do: When you are happy at work you find pride in what you do and you are always looking for further improvement. You enjoy the process of working and you immerse yourself in doing what you like.

7. Creative and innovative: To be successful you cannot be complacent. It is necessary to look for innovations to get ahead and stay ahead of the competition. The only way to do it is to create original and unique ideas 

8. Get up early: Successful people get up early to welcome a new day with eagerness. They have a good feeling about themselves and they expect good things to happen. They look forward to getting things done in a brand new day and get closer to their objectives. Getting up early gives them a head start to do the right things at the right time. Get up early to feel the positive difference in you.

9. Organized: Productivity is derived mainly from proper planning and organization. A daily to-do list is a tool to be organized and effective work execution. Get your to-do list ready in the evening for the following day to be in total control.

10. Move: Successful people are active people. The energy and the drive to live every day are sustained by regular exercise. Daily physical activities promote abundant energy, better concentration and the stamina to work better under stress. Start today and every day to exercise.  

Effectiveness is about making habit changes in your daily life. Adopt productive ways of doing things will bring you success in life.

Promote Happiness Every Day

Finding happiness is like finding yourself. You don't find happiness, you make happiness. You choose happiness. Self-actualization is a process of discovering who you are, who you want to be and paving the way to happiness by doing what brings YOU the most meaning and contentment to your life over the long run.
David Leonhardt, The Happy Guy

Daily life can be happy and enjoyable   Happiness is the by-product of what you do every day and what you make out of it. Do the following to get more happiness out of your daily life:

1.      Do exercise: This is one thing you can do every day to get rid of depression and inertia. Physical activities promote good feeling inside you and provide you with the energy and the mental calmness to live life energetically. Good health and physical fitness promote happiness.

2.      Enjoy your work: You may not be working but you must enjoy what you do every day. Do something you are deeply interested in and you are good at. The process of doing something you truly enjoy will vibrate fulfillment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement in you.

3.   Harmony at home: A happy home life will bring about a delightful feeling and peacefulness into other areas of your life. You are at peace of mind in whatever you do when you are away from home

4.      Live within your means: Happiness is free from debt. Living within your means and wanting less in life by thinking less are the ways to attain financial freedom and care-free living.

5.      Keep on learning: Life is more thrilling and exciting when you are always curious and keen to learn new things and want to know more. The process of learning stimulates the mind and keeps your brain alert. The more you know the more you will be able to make changes and do things more efficiently. Thanks to advancements in technology.

6.      Live in the moment: Focus and pay attention to what you do at the moment. Don’t allow your mind to worry about the future and think of past regrets. Happiness is living in the moment and getting meaning out of what you do.

7.     Get connected: Friendship, like wine, mellow as it ages but don’t forget to explore for new acquaintances. Happiness is getting people who are willing to share your journey in life in good time and bad time.

8.      Think positive: Be enthusiastic, cheerful and feel the energy inside you. Get up early and welcome a new day with eagerness like a child. Life is full of hope when you expect good things to happen.

9.     Be organized: An organized life means less stress and more productive in getting more things done smoothly in less time. Happiness is the satisfaction of crossing out the to-do list.

10.  Less clutter: Fewer things at home or in the office mean more spacious living environment and it promotes the flow of positive energy and brings you more calmness, peacefulness and happiness in life.

Happiness... is not a destination: it is a manner of traveling. Happiness is not an end in itself. It is a by-product of working, playing, loving and living.
Haim Ginott.

Wish you more happiness today and every day.

What can you do to get Happiness?

“The grand essentials of happiness are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” — Allan K. Chalmers

Happiness is not to be sought directly. The more you look for happiness directly the more you will get depressed and disappointed. Like wealth, happiness is a by-product of something you do. What can you do to get you happiness?

1.      Get happiness at the workplace: Are you happy at work? Do you enjoy what you do? You spend a big chunk of your time at work, it is essential to work with happiness. When you enjoy what you do, you immerse yourself in the process of working. You get satisfaction and contentment out of your work. Find and do work that you are interested and good at so that you will be happy at work.

2.      Get happiness in physical activities: Daily exercise gives you tremendous good feelings inside out. It is good for you physically and mentally. Good health and happiness are closely related. Good health gives you happiness and happiness enhances good health. “Health is not just the absence of a disease. It’s an inner joyfulness that should be ours all the time; a state of positive well-being.” — Deepak Chopra

3.      Get happiness in positive emotions: Positive emotions such as cheerfulness, enthusiasm, confidence and hopefulness promote happiness. Get rid of negative thoughts such as pessimism, fear and resentment from your mind and replace with positive thinking to make you happy.

4.      Get happiness in pursuing your interests and passion: You are happy when you enjoy doing what you like and you are determined to follow your dreams to realize your ambition.

5.      Get happiness in gratitude and appreciation: Think more of others and what they have done for you and think of what you have in life. Happiness is counting your blessings and appreciating your good fortune. “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”– Frederick Keonig

6.      Get happiness in forgiveness: Holding grudges or trying to get even with someone will not hurt the person but only disturb your peace of mind. Your mind is filled with vengeance and hatred and there will be no happiness in you. Forgive and forget to regain your composure and happiness

7.      Get happiness in getting up early: The act of getting up early means you look forward to each new day with delightfulness and eagerness. You are happy to welcome and enjoy a new day such as having a leisurely breakfast to kick start a brand new day.

8.      Get happiness in getting things done smoothly: Happiness is crossing out the to-do list every day. It gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction to get done what you wanted to do

9.      Get happiness in a good night’s sleep: When you are happy during the day, you go to bed happy as well. It has been a great day for you and you want to have a good night’s sleep to start another new day with zest and a fresh mind

10.  Get happiness in debt-free living: You get more than just happiness; you enjoy peace of mind in financial freedom and independence. This can only be achieved when you live within your means with fewer wants in life.

11.  Get happiness in family togetherness: Money cannot buy you a lasting marriage and the happiness of a close-knit family. You have to really work at it by spending quality time with family members. It means you watch less TV at home and more communication with each other and sharing more household chores.

12.  Get happiness by going slow in life: Don’t rush about in life. It is hectic and stressful. Work a little slower and drive a little slower to enjoy your work and the journey. Go slow to admire the wonders of nature and appreciate its awesomeness.

13.  Get happiness in connecting with people: Happiness is sharing your ups and downs in life with those who are close to you. Networking is a win-win situation by sharing what you know and seeking from others what you do not know. Get connected more often. “True happiness arises, in the first place, from the enjoyment of one’s self, and in the next, from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions.” — Joseph Addison

Happiness is about activities. When you do more of the right things, you will get and enjoy more happiness in life.

Early Risers are Successful People

Do you know why there are people who do not want to get up early? The main reason is that they don’t enjoy what they are supposed to do for the day. They also don’t find meaning in what they do day in and day out. There is no excitement or incentive for them to start a new day early. Another reason is that they don’t plan ahead to take charge of a new day. They take their own sweet time and allow things to happen and react to them: They are not proactive to do what they want to do. Early risers do things more efficiently and effectively:

• They plan ahead: They decide what they want do in the evening for the following day. They get ready the to-do list for the following day before going to bed. Psychologically it gives them peace of mind because they are already in control of events before it is unfolded.

• Positive emotions:  They are eager and enthusiastic to get up early because they are fully aware of what to expect in a brand new day. If they do not know what to do, do you think they have the urge to get up early? The other point is that they enjoy the activities. Most likely what they are going to do will bring them closer to their goals in life.

• Do it now: Early risers are determined to get things done. They have an attitude of getting things done right away. Otherwise, what do you think they are so excited about getting up early?

• Organized: If they are not organized why should they wake up and get up early? The day has already been planned ahead and all they need to do is to follow the plan and execute accordingly. They have less stress and less pressure and enjoy better health.

• Happy people: They live in the moment, they enjoy the process of working and they are focus on the task at hand. They are happy in doing what they want to do.

• Effective time management: They work better in the morning and they get the most important things done in the early hours of a new day. They are able to achieve 80% of their productivity in spending just 20% of their time. They are in full control of their time.

Success is a three-step process. Plan ahead, get up early and get things done.

After doing a good job, don’t forget to take a deserving break and have a cup of coffee to reward what you have done.

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Do Your Articles R.O.C.K.?

Are your articles able to offer what the readers are asking for? The most important thing is to write articles within your niche for the readers and not for the search engines. Find out from your own popular articles and go to forum sites to know what others are looking for and then write your articles with these hot topics. How do you produce articles that R.O.C.K.?

• Realistic: Are the ideas in your articles practical? Is the article able to solve the problems of the readers? Provide tips that readers are happy to accept and implement right away.  An article that offers simple solutions to problems is most welcome by readers.

• Original: Write in your own style, offer you personal views and write in a different way. It may be a subject written over and over again by others but you can write in a unique way to attract the attention of the readers.

• Captivating: Is the content of an article good enough to capture the interest of the readers? Present your ideas in short sentences and short paragraphs and in bullet points to make it easier for the readers to read quickly and understand. Insert a relevant and heart-warming image to seduce your readers to stay longer at your site.  

• Kiss (keep it simple and short): Write a short introduction and bring the readers straight to the gist of the article in a clear and concise style. Your closing paragraph should summarize the most important points and motivate the readers to take action. Readers normally do not spend much time to read an article, they just scan and move on to the next web page. If it is not written in an easy-to-read style, readers just skip the page and move on.

It is not an easy task to write a distinctive and outstanding article. The best thing is to write regularly. The quality of your articles will improve over time.  At the same time read articles of great writers on the Net. One of the writers that I admire the most is Leo Babauta of zenhabits.

Do Less and Be More Productive

Productivity is doing things effectively and efficiently in getting the most important things done in less time to reap the maximum output. Here are the ways to do less and get more out of your effort:


1. Be efficient: It is doing things right. Do what is required and nothing more and nothing less. Use the quickest method and the easiest way to get it done.

2. Be effective: This is about doing the right thing such as doing the most important and the most urgent thing first.

3. Getting more done in less time: It is to organize your work in such a way that the things you need to do your work efficiently are at one place and you are able to get one job done after another in a seamless fashion. There is no interruption and it is done smoothly in the shortest possible time.

4. Get the most important things done for the day: This is doing less and getting more out of your effort. This is the 80/20 rule whereby just by spending 20% of your time on a job you are able to achieve 80% of the results. The key is to identify the most important and productive thing to do.

5. Effective to-do list: The list should be prioritized to do first thing first and do the rest of the things when there is time available or not at all.

6. Be innovative and creative: Innovation and creativity bring about efficiency and effectiveness. The outcome is more productive in getting things done in less time.

7. Change: Do not be complacent with the current situation. Always remind yourself this: There must be a better way of getting this thing done.

8. Try new ways of doing things: Employ various methods to do a thing and adopt the best way to a better job.

9. Take breaks: The most effective way to clear the clutter in your mind is to take a break. You have encountered much time in the past that when you can’t solve a problem after trying many different approaches, you decide to get away from it and have a cup of coffee. When you come back to your workstation to look at it again, your problem is instantly solved.

10. Kept fit: It gives you the stamina, the energy and the mental calmness, alertness and concentration to work under a stressful situation.


Do less, be more productive and be more successful

Ask to Get What You Want

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8

There are many reasons why you should ask for it when you want something. You may get it or you may not. The most important thing is that if you don’t ask for it you don’t stand a chance of getting it. .Don’t think that it is humiliating to ask.  Be firm and confident to ask for the right thing or something that you deserve. All the more you have to ask for it when you need help.

 

1. You deserve it: As an example, when you truly deserve a raise. Go ahead and ask for it. However, do your homework to justify your case.  See the boss at the right time and allow the boss to consider your request. Asking and not demanding will get you a better chance of getting a raise. Always ask for more so that you will not get less than what you want. You can't ask for what you want unless you know what it is. A lot of people don't know what they want or they want much less than they deserve. First, you have to figure out what you want. Second, you have to decide that you deserve it. Third, you have to believe you can get it. And, fourth, you have to have the guts to ask for it.
   Barbara De Angelis

2. You need to get things done: It is necessary to ask when you have too many jobs to handle at the same time and you are not very sure of the instructions. Find out the importance of the assignments and do first thing first.

3. You can’t decide:  You need a second opinion.  Ask your close friends, people who are experts or ask someone you can count on. Approach the right people to assist you.

4. People are happy to help: People are delighted to help. It means when a person is being approached he is good in a particular subject. Moreover, the person  feels good that he can offer help

5. Asking is learning: According to the Chinese, there is a saying “不耻下问bu chi xia wen”. It means you should not feel ashamed to ask. How would you learn if you do not ask for things you don’t understand?

6. Clear your suspicion to avoid misunderstanding: Do not form your own conclusion that somebody is trying to go against you. Ask and seek clarification to avoid unnecessary relationship problems.

  

7. People are preoccupied: Working people are busy people. You need to voice your concern and ask for the things you want in order to do your job well.

8. Get what you want: Do not expect others to know what you want. Always ask for it. People cannot read your mind. In life, you try to help others to get what they want so that it is easier for you to get what you want.

9. Avoid costly mistakes: It is very important not to assume things but always ask to avoid making a blunder. Always seek clarification when you are in doubt before you proceed.

10. Get a clearer picture: It is especially necessary to ask when you have just started out in a new job. Find out more about the company and the people that you are going to work with. The more you know the easier it is for you to get things done smoothly.

Speak your mind so that people will know what you want. Be prepared to accept rejection and learn to approach in a different way.

Slow Down to Enjoy What You Do and Take Breaks

There are three things in life you should do every day to enhance your happiness. They are:

1. Go slow
2. Enjoy what you do
3. Take breaks

Go slow: Go slow is an effective way to get things done faster with fewer mistakes and less stress. You work with a cool, calm and collected mind to produce quality work. Just work a little slower to get more out of life. Go slow to appreciate and marvel the wonders of nature. Eat slowly to enjoy your food and get better digestion. Talk slowly to get your message across clearly and precisely. Drive a little slower to avoid accidents.

Enjoy what you do: Life is too short to be miserable and you should enjoy what you do every day. You will surely enjoy celebrations here and there but they are few and far in between and the best thing to do is to find happiness from day to day. The way to do it is to enjoy what you do daily. Enjoy your commute, your work, your breaks, your leisure, your family life, your passion and interests and your sleep.

Take breaks: Taking a break from time to time is a way to go slow and be more productive. Taking a break after a job done well is to celebrate your accomplishment. Taking a break is also essential to clear the clutter in your mind after getting a tough job done so that you can go back to work with a  clear mind and renewed energy.

You will find satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness in your daily life when you go slow, enjoy what you do and take breaks.

10 Simple Ways to Enjoy Your Life

Happiness is neither in the past nor the future. Happiness is here and now. Happiness is enjoying what you are doing every moment of your time. If you don’t; do you think you can enjoy it in the future? The present moment will be the same in the past, now and in the future. You have to change your mindset to enjoy the present moment. Here are the ways to do it:

1.      Enjoy your work: When you enjoy your work you enjoy the process of working. You build a relationship with your work by finding ways to do a better job and make your work easier. If you do not like your work you just want to get rid of it quickly and forget about it. There is no relationship between you and your work. Work will be a chore and you don’t enjoy doing it.

2.      Enjoy your commute: Don’t rush about on the road. Speed kills. Take your time and enjoy your ride. Use the time productively to think, observe or plan when you are caught in a crawl.

3.      Enjoy your sleep: If sleep is not important we could have wasted a third of our life on bed. It is essential to get and enjoy a good night’s sleep to repair damages done to your body so that you are fresh and full of zest to start a new day.

4.      Enjoy the precious time with your family: Just enjoy the togetherness and the communication. Do it now so that there is no regret later in life for the things you want to do but you haven’t got the time to do it

5.      Enjoy the process of doing things: Be focus and pay attention to what you do at the moment. When you try to rush about, you make mistakes and it is frustrating to redo something.

6.      Enjoy being an early riser: Be with nature and enjoy the quietness and the fresh air in the morning. Enjoy your meditation without being disturbed and enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start a new day right.

7.      Enjoy your deserving breaks: It is pleasurable to enjoy when you do and it is satisfying to get things done and enjoy a deserving break. Have a cup of coffee or go outside for a breath of fresh air to clear the clutter in your mind.

8.      Enjoy your workout: Be active physically. Health, happiness and enjoyment are closely linked. You enjoy life more when you are full of energy and you feel good about yourself inside out.

9.      Enjoy your passion and interests: I enjoy writing articles and I take the time to do it. The most important thing is to enjoy the writing process. What do you do to enjoy yourself?

10.  Enjoy as what you are: Be happy, contented and enjoy being what you are and what you have. You enjoy more peace of mind when there are fewer wants in life. 

You may celebrate with joy and delightfulness on special occasions which are few and far in between, It is more important to live and enjoy life happily from day to day. When you enjoy what you do every day, then every day will be a sweet and happy memory in the future to be cherished.

Be a Valued Employee and Secure Your Job

According to a recent article, Unemployed find old jobs now require more skills, job openings in their old fields exist. Yet they no longer qualify for their old positions because companies are becoming more productive by doing more with fewer workers. They are asked to take on a broader array of duties—duties that used to be spread among multiple jobs. Accountants must do financial analysis to find ways to cut costs and factory assembly workers need to program computers to run machinery. How do you secure your job at your workplace? Consider the following:


1. Be more productive: Productivity is about efficiency and effectiveness. The key is to get more things done in less time. An effective to-do list is one important tool to get things done in the shortest possible time.

2. Broaden your skills: More and more employers are looking for multi-skilled employees. It is a wise move to acquire additional skills relating to your expertise. While you are a business analyst can you be a system analyst as well? Can you take on the role of a human resource position while you are doing accounting? Look for additional skills to increase your value and productivity.

3. Be creative and innovative: The only way to get ahead and stay ahead is to be creative and innovative. Don’t be complacent about doing things the same old way. Try new ways to get things done with better results.

4. Create value for the company: What can you contribute? Think of ways to increase revenue, reduce costs or make the company more efficient.

5. Be a trusted brand: Can you deliver in a timely fashion? Do not break the trust of others in you. Promise to deliver and deliver as promised the first time and every time.

6. Enhance your people skills: Be in the good book of your boss so that it is easier for you to get what you want. Get along well with your co-workers because a cordial staff relationship is crucial in getting things done smoothly through others.

7. Be noticed: Don’t just do your job quietly. Get noticed and be noticed so that your boss is aware of your input. Be a valued employee.

8. Attend courses: Find out more about what you can learn to enhance your position at the workplace. Take up a relevant course and obtain certification. How many languages are you good at? It is an added advantage if you are proficient in more than one language. In a country like Malaysia, you need to have a working knowledge of three languages.


Job security is about what you can do for the company and how well you can perform.

Are You or Your Horoscope is Responsible for Your Life?

Daily Horoscope 

Your horoscope forecasts and predicts your future events relating to your career, health, money and relationships daily, weekly, monthly and also yearly. Do you let the horoscope decide your future or are you in control of your own destiny? Let’s take a closer look at each area:


Health: Your horoscope alerts you that you will fall ill in a certain period. The fact is that if you have been neglecting your health, you will succumb to illness sooner or later. When you have been taking good care of yourself by doing daily exercise, following a balanced diet and having sufficient sleep, there is nothing to worry about your health.

Career: It is predicted that in the following month your career luck will be smooth sailing. If you are doing a good job consistently there is no difference between one month and another. You are in full control: you plan your work and you work your plan, things get done smoothly and fully.

Money: Your horoscope will tell you that your money luck is good on a particular day. So you bet heavily on that day and you become poorer. Nobody can predict your fortune or else there is no need to work; all you need to do is to strike it rich on your lucky day.

Relationship: Your family life is cracking, your love one is leaving you and your friend is giving you a cold shoulder. These are often predicted in your horoscope depending on whether you are married or single. The truth is that you are in full control of your relationships with others. You are treated the way you treat others.

Stop reading your horoscope. You are fully responsible for your future outcome. You reap what you have sown.

Yummy Food for Health, Lasting Happiness and Brain Power

There are foods delicious to eat, make you happy and nourish your brain. These foods are very likely that you consume every day. What are they?

Bananas

Bananas: Bananas are an excellent source of starchy carbohydrate which promotes the production of serotonin, the happy hormone. Bananas also contain tryptophan, which the body cannot make itself. It is a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. According to Dr Caroline Longmore, author of the book The Serotonin Secret, she suggests eating between four to 11 bananas a week. No wonder monkeys are the happiest animals in the world. Research has also shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Chocolate

Chocolate: Theobromine, which has the same effects as caffeine, is the active ingredient in chocolate and it occurs only in cacao. Cacao beans, the main ingredient for chocolate, are rich in antioxidants and other brain-enhancing elements. The chemical compounds in dart chocolate promote positive mood by raising serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain.

Coffee

Coffee: The main ingredient in coffee that gives us the kick is caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant. Caffeine is found naturally in coffee beans. Caffeine also increases dopamine levels in the same way that amphetamines do. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates pleasure centers in certain parts of the brain.

Pumpkin seeds

Seeds, nuts and grains: Sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, peanuts and oats promote brain functioning. They are a great source of magnesium. Magnesium is found to be needed for the proper performance of serotonin.

Berries

Berries: Berries possess antioxidant, vitamin and brain benefits but also contain essential fatty acids. Two-thirds of our brain is made of fats. Fatty acids are key building blocks to a healthy brain. Certain fatty acids have been shown to actually boost intelligence and an imbalance of fatty acids may be linked to hyperactivity and depression. So fatty acids are an essential part of our diet.

Green Tea

Green tea: EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is a compound found only in green tea which possesses many health benefits such as anti-cancer and anti-ageing. Research by the University of San Francisco and the State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science in China has shown that green tea promotes brain health through protecting brain cells at risk for damage, such as from Parkinson's disease and stroke. You will be happy to note that L-Theanine, an amino acid naturally found in green tea, promotes relaxation.

Vegetables

Vegetables: Green leaves such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach which contain folate act against depression. Anti-depression nutrients that come most into play with vegetables are the B vitamins, particularly B-9, also known as folic acid. There has been evidence connecting a deficiency of folic acid in the diet to depression. Lettuce, for example, is high in potassium, which is important for brain neuron function. Vegetables are simply the best source of most of the vitamins your body needs including a happy brain.

Fish

Fish: Fish such as mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring and wild salmon are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to depression by researchers. Fatty acids are necessary for human health but the body cannot make them.


Avoid sugar which uplifts your mood temporarily and makes you worse off when the effect wears out.
Healthy foods mean positive moods and lasting happiness.

How to be Happy at Work

No doubt about it, you are happy when you enjoy what you do at work. It gives you the satisfaction of accomplishment by getting things done. You are further motivated by the appreciation shown by your boss. There are, however, other factors, equally important, contributing to your happiness at work.


1. Optimistic outlook: Are you hopeful about the future? Looking at the bright side of things and thinking positive about the future will enhance your happiness many folds.

2. Health: When you are in good health your energy is at your peak. Your mind is at ease and you can concentrate under stress. You work with full attention.

3. Connection: It is a wonderful feeling when you can get support from your network to help you to get things done. You know you are not alone and you can seek help whenever necessary from your connection

4. Sleep well: In the morning, when you see yourself in the mirror, you look cheerful. You are refreshed after a good night’s sleep. You feel good about yourself inside out.

5. Positive emotions: Fill your heart with forgiveness and love instead of hatred and resentment. Positive emotions give you peace of mind and happiness.

6. Diet: Adopt a balanced diet. Have a nutritional breakfast to kick start a new day with zest and enthusiasm. Avoid junk food and sugary drink. Food with nutritional value gives you more than just energy; your mind works better as well.

7. Take breaks: Avoid stress by taking breaks between tasks. After a break your mind is clear and you have also renewed your energy to continue working productively

8. Family: There is a delightfully feeling every morning when I leave home and go to work because I have a happy home life. The delightful feeling lingers the whole day.

9. Creativity: Invest time to think of new ways of doing things so that you can do more and get more done in less time in the office. Happiness is about effectiveness and efficiency.

10. Be organized: Get organized the night before for the following day. I have the habit of getting ready my to-do list in the evening for the next day. I am happy that things get done smoothly at home and at work. Crossing out the to-do list is real happiness for me.

All these positive factors will add more happiness at the workplace