About Perfume

Taken from: 

http://www.ehow.com/about_4564007_perfume.html 

Perfume is a mixture of ingredients used to alter body odor. Its popularity has grown through the years to the point that most young women will wear it at least once in their lifetime. Also, celebrities and clothing designers often add it to their brand name because of its lucrative sales. Basically, perfume is a product that has passed the test of time.

1. History of

   • The origins of perfume can be traced back almost 4,000 years. Its name derives from the Latin term "per fumum" meaning "through smoke." The inventor of perfume is unknown. Archaeologists, however, did uncover the earliest perfume factory in Pyrgos, Cyprus. It was filled with mixing bowls, funnels, distilling stills and perfume bottles.

   Evolution

   • In ancient days, perfume was not created with flowers. It was actually concocted with herbs, spices, myrtle, resin and other non-floral items. These ingredients were largely attributed to convenience and religious rituals. Yet, as time passed, perfume's function did as well and it became and item used largely to alter body odor. The Hungarians tapped into this idea and created the first modern perfume in 1370. It was made from scented oils with a floral based and a blended alcohol solution. By the 18th century, the French expanded on this idea and experimented with more aromatic plants. Then, they further popularized the use of perfume to Westerners.

   Features

   • Today, a majority of perfumes are created with essential oils and alcohol. The smells range from musk to sweetened flowers. Perfume is packaged in a variety of ways that usually involves a glass vial or bottle with a small open area or spray pump. The names of perfumes also vary and usually have to do with a marketed idea such as "Desire" or "Poison."

   Effects

   • Perfume effects people in different ways. For some individuals, it is an aphrodisiac that arouses sexuality. However, for others, it is an allergen that causes sneezing and other "negative" physical reactions. Unfortunately, most people don't know which category they fall into until they encounter it (perfume).

   Benefits

   • People who believe in aromatherapy often debate the benefits of perfume. Aromatherapy is the concept that different smells affect a person's mood. Studies do exist to support this theory. Yet, the basic benefit of perfume that everyone enjoys is the fact it can alter body odor. It allows individuals the luxury of smelling the way they want to.

Read more: About Perfume | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4564007_perfume.html#ixzz1HKhOhz00

The effects of anger on our health

Anger is one of the most common emotional expressions

The effects of anger on our health

Anger is believed to be a normal emotional reflex reactions or responses:
Against any event that causes displeasure.To disappointment, frustration, stressors, failures, insults, perceived wrongs, violence, aggressions, etc.

Anger is one of the most common emotional expressions ever known to man, and every person can experience it.
While some people have superior control over anger, and therefore can express it mildly when situation calls for it; others may have little or no control over their anger and can as such explode in rages (violent fits of anger). Some people can hold anger inside without expressing it, (i.e. anger repression) for days, months and even years; others may just dissipate the feeling of anger after a brief moment.
It is important to know that anger is a powerful emotion, and it is the way we handle it that will determine its short-term or long-term health problems on us.
Before we proceed further, let us first of all examine some of the things that cause anger:
In most case, the expression or the feeling of anger are just the symptoms of unresolved physical, social and emotional problems.
Some people may have :
-    A very low self esteem.
-    Deep distrust for other people.
-    A deep feeling of disappointment, frustration, failures, unfulfilled expectations, etc. and they may express all these through an explosion of anger at the slightest provocation.

There are also some physical problems that can lead to an expression of anger in some people e.g.:
Unwholesome eating habits like the excessive intake of red meat stimulants, etc.
Stressful situations, physical pains, noise, discordant musical tones, positively charged atmosphere, crowds, etc. may cause some people to react angrily to certain situations or events.
Violent anger may equally be the symptoms of certain ailments in the body, e.g.:
-    Thyroid problems.
-    High or low blood pressure, etc.


Just like any other negative emotions (such as fear, anxiety, excitement, etc.), anger-justified or not-triggers what is known as the body’s “fight or flight” response, i.e. a survival mode that prepares the body and gives it the necessary energy to face dangerous situations.
These physical responses cause the adrenal gland located on top of the kidneys to produce the stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenalin, cortisone, etc. At the same time, the brain shunts blood away from the digestive system and directs it towards the muscles for physical activities. Consequently, the activities of the brain become sharper, the heart rate, the blood pressure, the respirations, the body temperature, etc. increase. However, if these stress hormones are not burnt off or released through actions or when they are produces excess or inappropriately, they become dangerous and destructive to the body.
A violent fit of anger, or sudden out burst of anger or chronic anger causes the adrenals to flood the body with the excess of these high voltage stress chemical (i.e. adrenaline noradrenalin, cortisone, etc.) which may give rise to some of the short and long-term health problem associated with anger, such as: 
* The contraction of the head and neck muscles which gives rise to:
    - Neck and shoulder tightness.
    - Tension headaches.
    - Sleeplessness (insomnia).
    - Increase anxiety.
    - Raised blood pressure and arterial disorders.
    - High blood cholesterols.
    - Restlessness.
    - Dizziness.
    - Mild tremor or the lips or hand
    - Yelling at people, slamming the door and sudden out burst of anger.
    - Clenching the teeth.
    - Increase perspiration (sweating)
    - Less productivity in school, workplace or at home due to lack of concentration and poor memory, etc.

* The high voltage stress hormones, i.e. the chemicals produced by intense feeling of anger also suppress the secretion of digestive and pancreatic juices which causes: 

Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/The-effects-of-anger-on-our-health 

napapadalas kasi yung mga ganitong scenario sa buhay...

9 Benefits of Reading

By LifeMojo Team / March 7, 2011




Here's another article that ive found...enjoy reading!

Most adults are so busy with their lives that they hardly get any time to read. In our daily lives, watching movies, television, computer games are far above the 'To Do' list than reading. However those who manage to find time and read a lot of books tell others about the countless advantages associated with it. Indeed, reading is going to acquaint you with a vast amount of knowledge which you may have been left without. But there are so many more benefits.

So if you are a person who doesn't read much, here are a few good reasons to start doing so immediately:

1. Exercises Your Brain: One of the critical advantages of reading books is that it exercises your mind. It aids in keeping the muscles of the brain in perfect shape. When you read, you think more to reason out things and thus become smarter. Unfortunately, just like physical exercise, reading also requires you to be consistent in your efforts to reap the rewards.
2. Stress Buster: Stress is a major cause of concern for a lot of people because of the day to day toils. The splendor and pulse of language has the ability to calm us and take away all the stress. Especially, reading a fiction book before bedtime is considered to be a great way to de-stress.
3. Enhances Vocabulary: When you read different materials from different genres, you come across so many words that you otherwise wouldn't have come across in your day to day life. And you don't need to look into the dictionary every time you come across a new word. You can try to infer the meaning of the word by reading the context of the other words in the sentence. This way reading books increases your vocabulary and improves your spelling. This directly affects the way you talk and communicate.
4. Protects from Alzheimer's Disease: Reading can actually directly enhance your brain's retaining capacity. As you read, your brain gets stimulated. This stimulation on a regular basis helps in dealing with problems like Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that engaging in activities that exercise the brain, like reading books or magazines, playing games (such as crossword) etc. may delay or prevent memory loss. According to researchers, these activities stimulate brain cells to connect and flourish.
5. Boost Confidence: Reading books makes you more confident of your knowledge and communication skills. When you have a firm grip on the material that you are talking about, it shows in your presentation skills. And because everybody looks up to you for your deep knowledge and correct information, it elevates your self-esteem. By enhancing your command of the English language, you'll become more persuasive, intelligent, and articulate.
6. Makes You More Creative: The only way to be more creative is to expose yourself to various ideas. There is a saying that goes, "the best source for new ideas are writers who've been dead for centuries". So start reading books from these authors to be more creative at work or at home. Reading trains you to have an active and open mind.
7. Develops a Healthy Sleeping Pattern: When you are accustomed to reading before bedtime, it acts as an alarm for the body and sends the signal that it is time to sleep. This will help you get a sound sleep, and you will wake up fresh in the morning.
8. Improves Thinking Process: Reading books require you to think and imagine about many details like the characters, the plot etc. Also, you need to think more to infer a lot of things while reading. This helps improve your thinking process. Inculcating the habit of reading induces the brain to be more active and ready to absorb more.
9. Enhances Concentration: The mind of a reader is more concentrated and focused. Because of this focus, the reader has the capability to be more attentive and practical in life. This also develops objectivity and decision making skills.

So instead of spending long hours watching TV and playing computer games, spend some time in reading. It will not only refresh you but will give you a great outlook towards life.

Read more: http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/9-benefits-of-reading-115305378#ixzz1GkZDGGrt

SOURCE: http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/9-benefits-of-reading-115305378

10 Ways to let go and Overcome a Bad Mood

by Lori Deschene

“Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.”  ~Unknown

Contrary to popular belief, even positive people get in bad moods.

Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep last night. Or you feel overworked and overwhelmed. Or perhaps something happened, and you keep dwelling on it. Going over and over in your head how you froze up in a meeting, or spoke too aggressively to someone you love.

Whatever the case may be, you feel something you don’t want to, and you’re not sure how to change it. You just know you need to do something before acting on that feeling.

The reality is you don’t have to act on everything you feel. Still, emotional responses happen so quickly that it becomes challenging to put space between feeling and doing.

It may seem like the answer is to stop responding to life emotionally, but that’s just not realistic. Paul Ekman, one of the foremost researchers on emotion, suggests it’s near impossible to bypass an emotional response because of the way our brains are set up.

Perhaps the best goal is to identify negative feelings quickly and improve your state of mind instead of responding to feelings with more feelings. Odds are if you choose the latter, you’ll do something you’ll regret later.

I’ve come up with 10 ways to overcome a negative state of mind:

1. Get to the root.

If you’ve ever snapped at someone who didn’t say or do anything to offend you, you’re familiar with this common dilemma: you feel something but you’re not entirely sure why. So you start looking for explanations. The kids are too loud. Or the TV’s too small. Or the car’s too dirty.

Maybe you’re afraid of acknowledging someone hurt you because you prefer to avoid confrontation. Or maybe you’re disappointed in yourself but admitting it is too painful. Whatever the case, it’s time to get honest. Lashing out won’t address the problems that are creating your feelings.

2. Be real.

There’s no point in pretending you’re full of sunshine when internally you feel like crying or screaming. You’re entitled to feel the full range of emotions and express what’s on your mind when you need to. Don’t worry about bringing other people down; you’ll only do that if you dwell in negativity.

If someone asks what’s wrong, be honest: “I’ve had a rough day, I don’t feel so great, but I’m sure I’ll feel better when I…”

3. Complete the “I’ll feel better when I …” sentence.

Everyone has something that’s guaranteed to put a smile on their face. Playing with your dog. Watching re-runs of Friends. Jump roping to bad 80s music. It’s helpful to have this Ace in your pocket to pull out when you need a smile. (If you’re on Facebook, read more ideas to make you smile here.)

I know yoga always enhances my mood. I also know when I feel bad I’m less motivated to go yoga. It helps to remind myself it will be worth it in the end if I push through my discomfort because yoga always helps, at least a little.

4. Take responsibility.

Sometimes when you’re down it might feel like you have to stay there. But the truth is we caninfluence how we feel by choosing what we do. Sitting around sulking causes prolonged sadness. Doing something proactive will help you start to feel better.

When you realize you’re the only thing standing between you and a smile, you get motivated to take action. That’s the thing about feelings: you can’t sit around waiting for them to change. You have to do something to change them.

5. Think it out.

The best way to change how you feel is to change how you think about  what’s bothering you. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, identify what you learned and what you can do with that knowledge to make your next moments better.

Instead of dwelling on everything that’s out of your hands, focus on things you can actually control. How honest you are about your feelings. Whether you take responsibility or blame other people. Whether you cling to pain or let go. You can’t avoid feelings, but you don’t have to exacerbate them with negative thoughts.

6. Change the story in your head.

Sometimes when you’re in a bad mood, it’s tempting to cling to a story that justifies it–and then retell it over and over like a picture book you’ve heard a million times. And then he said this…And then I did this…And then I messed up…

Visualize yourself closing a book and taking a new one off the shelf. Then start telling yourself a different story. One where you’re not a victim. One where you’re not powerless. One where you’re accepting what happened, and moving on so you don’t lose anymore time to that other book.

7. Want to understand.

Even if something happened to create your bad mood, you’re responsible for maintaining it–and it’s easy to do that if you refuse to see the other side of situations. If you want to believe your best friend meant to hurt you. Or the world is against you. Or your boss didn’t promote you because she’s out to get you.

Instead of fueling your anger for your friend, feel compassion for the pain she must be in–she’d never hurt you on purpose. Instead of thinking the world is against you, put your day in perspective. Everyone has bad days. Instead of imaging your boss is out to get you, realize she had a tough choice to make, and you’ll have more opportunities to advance down the line.

8. Uplift yourself.

Diffuse your negative feelings by generating positive ones. Watch something funny and silly on YouTube. Or watch something inspirational that reminds you people are good–life is good. I recommend Validation. Every time I see it I feel good about myself and want to pay that forward.

9. Use the silly voice technique.

According to Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap, swapping the voice in your head with a cartoon voice will help take back power from the troubling thought. (As mentioned in 40 Ways to Let Go and Feel Less Pain.)

When you start thinking about the interview that went downhill, do it as Bugs Bunny. When you rehash the fight you had with your boyfriend, do it as one of those high-pitched mice fromCinderalla. Sound ridiculous? It is. That’s the point.

10. Repeat.

You’ve tried everything but your mind is still being stubborn. Now it’s a battle of wills: the part of you that wants to let go against the part of you that doesn’t.

Repeat this to yourself: “I still feel bad. I accept it. I know I won’t always feel bad, and it will change as soon as I’m ready.” Simply affirming that you won’t always feel bad–that you’re not destined to feel angry, sad, or frustrated forever–and that you are in control of your feelings might motivate you to let them go.

What are your tips for overcoming a bad mood?

Source: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/10-ways-to-let-go-and-overcome-a-bad-mood/