10 Great Ways to Feel Your Best - Every Day

Do you want to lead a happy, successful and balanced life, yet often find you lack the energy, time and motivation to do everything you'd like?

Sometimes the choices you make lead you even further away from goals. Following are ten practical and do-able suggestions for guiding your daily choices. Incorporating them into your life will bring a renewed sense of vitality and wellbeing; greater contentment with where you're at; more enthusiasm for where you're going; and a restored sense of balance in your life - less the stress!

1. Take Daily Actions toward Inspiring Goals

Having a goal that inspires you makes life much more fun and exciting. It doesn't matter how small your action is, but if you commit to doing one thing every day that moves you closer toward your goal, you'll feel a much greater sense of fulfilment and purpose.

2. Nourish Your Body Better

You can't do your best if you are low in energy or sick. If you take your health for granted and neglect your body it will eventually catch up on you. Nourishing your body with nutritious and fresh food washed down with plenty of water will give you increased vitality and stamina to accomplish your goals and better health and longevity in the longer term. As for your favorite 'not so healthy' treats, practice moderation.

3. Give up Complaining for Doing

Is there something you find yourself continually complaining about or annoyed by - a negative person, a situation, a dripping tap, or a noisy car? If so, ask yourself, "Is there something I can do so I won't need to tolerate this anymore?" If so, do it! Perhaps you need to have a conversation with someone to address an issue - do it now. Otherwise, if it can't be remedied, decide to accept it since complaining only perpetuates your suffering and drains those who have to listen to you.

4. Choose Uplifting Company

On that note, choose to spend as much time as possible with uplifting people who are positive about life and encourage you to live yours fully. Their energy is contagious and so too is that of 'energy drainers'. Minimize the time you spend with people who are forever whining about things, zapping you of your energy and enthusiasm.

5. Plan Ahead and Prioritize

There will never be enough time to do everything but there will always be enough time to do the most important things. However, using your time effectively requires that you clearly define your values and goals, and plan ahead. Consistently ask yourself "What is the highest value use of my time that will make the biggest difference in the longer term?" Don't fall into the trap of letting the urgent things continually distract you from the important.

6. Take "Time Out" for Just You

Nothing is more important than taking regular time out to catch your breath and 'regroup'. One simple yet effective de-stressing technique is to practice "conscious breathing", particularly when you're feeling overwhelmed, hurried or anxious. The simple act of just watching yourself breath slows and deepens your breathing. This extra oxygen in your lungs reduces your pulse and lowers your blood pressure so your heart doesn't have to work so hard.

Another habit to enrich your life is putting time aside daily, even just five minutes, to sit in silence. This will help clear your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. Finally, try journaling to provide greater clarity on where you are, where you want to go and the best way to get there.

7. Don't Over-Commit Yourself

By prioritizing the most important things in your life it is easier to say 'no' to things that are not aligned with what you value most. Before you say 'yes' to something, first consider what it will require you to say 'no' to. You are doing a disservice to everyone, yourself included, when you take on too much and get stressed out by trying to please everyone.

8. Nurture Your Relationships

Relationships are one of the richest sources of joy in our lives yet often the time we invest in them doesn't reflect their importance to us. Make a commitment to spend more time with those you value most in your life. This may require scheduling time in your diary rather than just waiting for a day when you (or they) have nothing else on. Practice listening more and speaking less, allowing yourself to be fully present and open to receiving the richness the time you share offers.

9. Exercise - Use the 1% Rule

You spend about 30% of your week sleeping so it seems reasonable that you could put aside just 1% of your week to exercise. That works out to be three ½ hour sessions (believe me, I've done the math). Exercise not only increases your energy but it reduces your blood pressure, keeps your heart in better shape and the 'feel good' endorphins it releases improve your mood. It's a no-brainer - so stop making excuses and get moving… today!

10. Let Go of Perfection

Focusing on what isn't 100% perfect in your life diminishes your ability to feel contentment and appreciation for all that is wonderful. Also if you need to have everything perfect before you move on to anything else you will get very little done. Give up doing what you believe others think you 'should' be doing or striving to achieve some arbitrary assessment of perfection. Instead, continually ask yourself, "What really and truly matters to me?"

By Margie Warrell

Why Men Like Porn

Most nights, after his wife, Kate, had gone to bed, Tom surfed the Internet for porn. Kate learned about this during their second session of couples therapy. Despite Tom's claims that his nocturnal habit had nothing to do with their love life, she worried he preferred porn to having sex with her.

That's a common reaction. "Often, one partner has a porn interest, and the other thinks that's a problem," says Russell Stambaugh, PhD, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based psychologist and sex therapist. "It rarely is. The best studies suggest that only about 5% of porn users have a problem that interferes with their daily life."

That's good news, because a lot of people look at porn. According to the May 2004 Tracking Survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 26% of male Internet users visited adult websites (only 3% of women went to these sites). In 2006, the porn industry raked in nearly 13 billion dollars.

Men and Pornography: The Evolutionary Link

For most women, there's no need to worry. Whatever may be drawing a man to porn, it's seldom a reflection on his partner, says sex therapist Lonnie Barbach, PhD, in practice in San Francisco. "Some women feel threatened because they don't think they're as sexy as a porn star," she says. "But it's not about what he's not getting at home. It's the novelty. It's a turn-on."

Still, the question remains: Why do so many men like looking at pictures of naked people? That's not an easy question to answer. Porn-induced arousal has been linked to many parts of the brain. One recent theory holds that mirror neurons, brain cells that fire when an action is performed as well as when it's observed, play an important role in male arousal. But knowing what's fired up by porn doesn't tell us why our brains get turned on.

Stambaugh points to evolution. Men's brains, he says, are hard-wired for easy arousal, so that men are ready for sex whenever opportunity knocks -- a propagation-of-the-species thing. With online porn so readily at hand, vicarious opportunities -- cue the mirror neurons -- are ever present.

Once Kate realized that porn was not her replacement and Tom felt less ashamed about his habit, the couple talked more easily about their sex life. And that led to sexy outfits and a little experimentation in the bedroom. The porn was never the problem, Stambaugh says. "More often, the problem is how you talk and how you reveal yourself to each other."

Exploring Pornography

Thinking you might be interested in seeing what porn is like? Follow these guidelines to make it a positive part of your relationship.

Ladies' choice. Couples who want to try viewing porn together face a huge variety of choices. Men are easy to please, so it's best to find out what she likes. If she likes it, it's probably good enough for him.

Safety first. Unsafe sex is common in porn. It shouldn't be in your bedroom.

Time and money. If you're spending too much of either on porn, it often reflects a larger problem, like marital difficulties or a job loss.

By Matt McMillen

Top 10 Reasons to Smile

Smiling is a great way to make yourself stand out while helping your body to function better. Smile to improve your health, your stress level, and your attractiveness. Smiling is just one fun way to live longer read about the others and try as many as you can.

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in (avoid these smile aging habits to keep your smile looking great).

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

By Mark Stibich

Tips to Reduce Everyday Mental Anxiety

Today’s daily pace may feel like it runs at over 100 mph and women everywhere are feeling the impact. Whether it comes out as anxiety or even pain, stress can engulf the average woman’s life quickly and without much warning. As doctors are learning more about stress, they often encourage those under a great deal of tension, to find ways in reducing the stress in their lives.

While tense parents can’t very well reduce their relationship with their children and employees can’t eliminate stress altogether at their job, there are simple and natural techniques of gaining effective stress reduction and overall stress relief. Anyone can overcome worry or nervousness and learn how to start coping and dealing with stress in positive and effective ways. These tips are useful stress reduction secrets that can help you get your life under control, getting you back on the road to relaxation and happiness.

Exercise & Meditation for Stress Free Life

Experts agree the number one way to reduce stress is surprisingly not involved with prescription medication. Instead, the best way to reduce stress in your life is by exercising. Yes, not only does exercise help you stay healthy and look great, but it also encourages your body to produce natural stress-relieving hormones. Relaxation holistic exercises including Pilates, yoga and mediation are the perfect solutions for those wanting to be stress-free and stay healthy.

Work place Choices to Reduce Anxiety

Work place stress is among the most commonly mentioned when discussion tension. Many people find their job overwhelming, with mental stress in the workplace spreading through all industries. While you can’t likely quit working there are techniques you can do to reduce your work related stressors. First, bringing work home is a big mistake. If you aren’t required to work at home, there is no reason to bring work from the office to your house. Many people find it difficult to set time boundaries when it comes to their job, and thus find themselves working non-stop at the office and at home. Choose to set stopping times and stick to them. Remember, while work is important, it can certainly wait until the morning.

Healing Diet & Eating Habits

Studies now show a person’s diet can directly affect their behavior. This is most often studied in children with conditions such as autism, however it directly relates to healthy adults as well. Proper eating habits can do wonders for your stress level. Not only will you look and feel better, but when you properly fuel your body, you’ll have more energy to get things done. Your life will be efficient and ultimately less stressful. Eliminating refined sugar, caffeine and un-whole wheat is a terrific way to begin your new stress-free life plan.

Healing Workshops and Stress Reduction Clinics

You may want to bond over stress-relief concepts. If so, sign up for a local healing workshop. These classes are offered all around the world and can provide you with wonderful methods of controlling stress. You can often find information on them at your local health clinic.

Useful Stress Relief Devices

If you’re the type of person that tends to get a bit aggressive when you get overwhelmed, think about purchasing a squeeze reliever. These squishy balls are perfect to take your aggression out on when you’re feeling as if you need a time out. Although the concept seems quite juvenile, you’ll be shocked to notice how great it feels to squeeze one when you’re feeling out of control.

Natural Herbal Stress Management

Sure, prescription stress medications are necessary for some people. But, if you are under a normal amount of stress and are otherwise healthy you may want to forgo the chemicals and stick with herbal assistance. Herbs like St. John’s Wort, Black Seed and Chi Herbal are the perfect solution for those who’d rather take the natural route.

Jenny Love

6 Marriage Mistakes Women Make

Attention, married women: What you don't know about marriage may spell trouble.

For instance, if you don't speak up for what you want, your husband is flying blind -- and not likely to deliver. And the way you talk about your issues may be making matters worse. And then there's the bedroom.

Getting married is easy. Being married can be trickier. Here is some expert advice to avoid or correct six common mistakes that can cost a marriage, or at the least, weaken its foundations. Whether it's you or your spouse making these mistakes, taking positive action can make a big difference.

Some wives are too willing to give up on what they want, says Susan Heitler, PhD, a Denver-based clinical psychologist and author of www.poweroftwo.org, a marriage skills-building course.

Read further . . . . .