May 7th, 2008
100 Simple Ways to Change Your Life for the Better
No matter how perfect you may think you are, the fact this there’s always some small way you can improve for yourself and others. Whether it’s broadening your knowledge or reducing your impact on the earth, there are seemingly endless little things you can do to make a change for the better and make yourself more attractive to others at the same time. Here, we’ll discuss 100 of these steps, and how you can go about doing them.
Health Good health is the foundation of a good life, so make these improvements, and they’ll resonate out to the rest of your life.
- Eat breakfast every morning: Eating breakfast is important for your health and mental power, supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and energy for your day.
- Get a good night’s rest: You just can’t have a happy and productive life if you’re tired all of the time, so get some quality shut eye.
- Drink water: Step up your water intake to lose weight, feel better, and improve your skin.
- Eat slowly: Slow down when you eat, and you’ll find that you consume less while still feeling satisfied.
- Cut down on junk food: Junk food has a nasty way of bringing your health down, so avoid it whenever possible, opting instead for healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Practice good dental hygiene: Researchers have found that dental hygiene is important for more than cosmetic reasons-it can help you chew food and even avoid heart disease.
- Drink tea: Be sure to check out the powerhouse of benefits that tea can deliver, which includes improved memory and prevention of ills such as cavities, cancer, and heart disease.
- Get some exercise: Whether you need to lose weight or not, exercise will have a positive effect on your overall health and quality of life.
- Improve your energy: If you’re feeling sluggish all day, chances are you’re just not going to feel good about yourself. So take a few steps to boost your energy, and you’ll be better in your daily life.
- Intensify your workouts: Researchers have found that by doing more intense workouts, you can enjoy similar benefits that you would with a more relaxed workout for a longer period of time.
- Enjoy fish a few times a week: Eat fish, and you’ll get a serving of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce heart disease.
- Wear better shoes: Don’t torture your toes with restrictive shoes all the time-limit the amount of time you spend in uncomfortable shoes.
- Protect your skin: Stay out of the sun to avoid skin damage, or use sunblock to help.
- Eat at home: It’s easier and cheaper to prepare healthy foods on your own at home, and skillfully cooking a meal is sure to impress just about anyone.
- Get tested for prediabetes: Diabetes is a disease that many Americans are susceptible to, and by discovering it early on you can prevent it or lessen its impact.
- Take a daily walk: Get a little bit of movement and clear your mind with a walk every day.
- Lose weight: One of the best things you can do for your health and overall quality of life is to shed a few pounds.
Social Take these steps to change your social life for the better.
- Join a book club: Get some social interaction while improving your knowledge with a book club.
- Get out of the house: Believe it or not, the world just isn’t going to come to you. You’ve got to get out of your "zone" for social interaction.
- Volunteer: For a rewarding social experience, look into volunteer opportunities.
- Ignore minor irritations: Whether it’s some jerk in traffic, or incessant Facebook application requests, some things just aren’t worth dealing with.
- Start a blog: Spark an online discussion and network with new people through a blog.
- Talk to strangers: Don’t hesitate to spark a conversation with someone you don’t know-you just might enjoy yourself, or even make a new friend.
- Don’t stereotype or label people: Avoid dismissing people based on factors you don’t fully understand, and you may find that they have something to offer you.
- Call old friends: You’d be surprised how many people would be overjoyed to hear from you, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve seen them.
- Go to church: Make new friends and get in touch with your spiritual side at church or temple.
- Host a party: Spend some time with good friends and enjoy yourself at home by inviting others over for a party.
- Enjoy a hobby: Having a regular, relaxing activity will bring you joy.
- Join a club: Whether you’re into board games or photography, there’s a group out there for you.
Emotional Improve your emotional life with these simple strategies to improve your health and relationships.
- Make an effort to be happy: Whether you actually feel happy or not, make it a point to attempt happiness. It will help you feel better, as well as others around you.
- Consider religion: If you’re not a spiritual person, consider becoming more involved with religion to improve your emotional well-being.
- Stop taking things personally: Although it may seem to the contrary, know that not everyone is out to make your life harder.
- Be optimistic: Put a positive spin on things and feel better about the future. This inludes staying positive about your romantic prospects.
- Know when to lose sleep: Sometimes, you have more important things to do than sleep, but they key is knowing when that should happen.
- Step out of your comfort zone: Make it a point to step out of your comfort zone once in awhile. It’s a great way to advance yourself.
- Get rid of ill-fitting clothing: Clothes that don’t fit right will just make you look bad and feel worse about yourself. If you love a piece, but it just doesn’t look good, consider getting it tailored.
- Spend time with a child: Look at the world through a child’s eyes and get inspired. You’ll learn to appreciate simple things and see life with excitement.
- Pamper yourself: Take care of yourself, whether that means getting a pint of ice cream now and then, or just getting a spa treatment.
- Celebrate your successes: When you’ve accomplished something great, take a moment to feel good about it!
- Quit your technology addiction: Although you may love your BlackBerry, you’ll feel a whole lot better if you just step away from the screen for a while.
- Set goals: By setting goals, you’ll give yourself something to strive for and look forward to.
- Feel good about yourself: Make a decision to improve your self-confidence, and you’ll feel better. Others will notice it, too.
- Be thankful: Every now and then, take some time to acknowledge all of the good things you have in your life, big and small.
- Cut yourself some slack: Avoid inventing your own impossible, stringent rules that you have to stick to-they’ll only make you feel nervous and guilty.
- Let go of the past: Don’t hold grudges-let go, and you’ll free up emotional space.
- Don’t be dramatic: Stop inflating small problems, or you’ll make yourself more anxious than you need to be.
- Express yourself: Let your emotions come out through art, writing, or other forms of expression.
- Meditate: Take some time out every day to have an inner dialogue with yourself.
Financial Make these changes to improve your life’s financial outlook.
- Pay off debt: Nothing will improve your finances better than simply getting rid of debt.
- Build an emergency fund: Keep an emergency fund to save yourself from plummeting into the red when something pops up, and you’ll be much more secure.
- Track your spending: At some point in their lives, nearly everyone has wondered where all their money goes. Try this exercise to finally get to the bottom of it, and identify spots where your money could be better spent.
- Be frugal: Embrace frugality in your life, and you’ll save money while living more simply.
- Make extra payments: Pay off mortgage and other large debts early, and you’ll take a load off.
- Diversify your income: Provide yourself with some financial security by finding multiple sources of income.
- Save: The concept is simple-save money, and you’ll have more financial power to do the things you’d like to do.
- Eat at home more often: Eating out all the time may be fun, but preparing meals at home is a better financial strategy.
- Invest: Investing is not only fun, it’s an excellent way to make your money grow.
- Set a goal: Give yourself a financial goal to achieve, whether it’s saving for a particular item, or doubling your investments.
- Save for retirement: Don’t give your future self a huge mess to take care of-save now, and you’ll enjoy it later.
Mental Improve your mind by taking these simple steps.
- Go back to school: Continuing your education does not have to be a complicated endeavor. Take an online class, or just a weekend seminar.
- Read classic books: Improve your mind by finally picking up all those books you were supposed to read in school.
- Plan: Always have a plan for your life, so you’ll know what you’re working toward.
- Quit procrastinating: Resolve to get moving, and you’ll find that you have much more time than you originally realized.
- Get inspired by a book: Read a book that will help you spark positive changes in your life.
- Learn from your mistakes: Don’t let mistakes get you down. Instead, consider what you did wrong, and how you can avoid doing so again in the future.
- Stop worrying: Let go of worry, and know that the future will come no matter what you do about it.
- Learn to play a musical instrument: Pick up a guitar, or even a harp, to improve your mental capacity and have something fun to do.
- Work to your own advantage: Improve upon what you can, and let the rest fall away.
- Think slowly: Instead of jumping to conclusions, carefully calculate what a situation means. Doing so can help you save relationships that might be damaged by rash thinking
- Participate in a debate: Have a rational discussion with someone of similar intellect to improve your knowledge.
- Learn a new language: Broaden your horizons by learning how to speak a new language.
- Visit Wikipedia: Spend some time on Wikipedia learning lots of interesting facts you’ve never realized before.
Habits Make these changes in your daily life to improve upon yourself.
- Quit smoking: It’s the single most important thing you can do for your health, appearance, and energy. You’ll smell better, too.
- Wake up early: Be an early riser, and you’ll find that you have more time to get things done.
- Spend more time outside: Head outside to become more active and enjoy the world around you.
- Be organized: Make things easier on yourself by living a more organized life.
At Work You spend so much time at work, but probably don’t often consider how you can improve upon this important facet of your life. Take these steps to make things just a little bit better.
- Make friends with your coworkers: One of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve your career is to practice inner networking. Socialize with your coworkers, and they’ll be more willing to help you when you need it.
- Improve your writing skills: If you improve upon your writing skills, you’ll instantly sound more intelligent and persuasive.
- Collaborate: Don’t go it alone-ask for help, and give help in return.
- Keep your inbox empty: Reduce anxiety and simplify by clearing out your inbox as much as you can.
- Leave work at the door: Don’t bring work home with you, or you’ll stress yourself out at home.
- Join a professional association: Network with others in your field for fun and career advancement.
- Ask for a raise: Simply asking for a raise you deserve is a no-brainer way to feel better about work and your paycheck.
- Improve your resume: If you’re not happy with your job, give your resume a facelift and consider seeking a new position.
- Improve your system: If you’ve got a messy desk, or generally lead a disorganized work life, take charge by reorganizing.
- Start your own business: One of the best ways to improve your career is to go into business for yourself.
In Your Community Getting involved in your community is a great way to improve upon your life. Try these methods for getting out there.
- Vote: Impact your community’s future by participating in the election of officials.
- Donate unused items: Instead of holding a garage sale, pass your old items on to people who need them-like books to schools, and clothing to shelters.
- Support charitable endeavors: Whether it’s with money or time, do what you can to help out charities in your community.
- Be a coach: Offer to coach a youth sport, and you’ll shape young lives while having fun.
- Visit your local library: Take advantage of your community’s library to both save money and broaden your mind.
In the Environment An excellent way to improve upon yourself is to reduce the negative impact you have on the world. Take these steps to get greener and change your life for the better.
- Work to reduce your carbon emissions: Find out about the many things you can do to help cut your carbon emissions, and then take action on them.
- Improve your gas mileage: Drive more slowly and coast as much as you can to improve your gas mileage.
- Turn off the lights: Cut your waste and energy bill by turning off your lights whenever you don’t need them.
- Get a reusable water bottle: Keep plastic water bottles out of our landfills by getting a container you can use over and over again.
- Reduce your trash: Take steps to cut down on the waste you put in landfills.
- Buy local and organic food: Support your health and local farmer by purchasing local, organic produce.
- Adjust your thermostat: Let your heater and AC take a small break by adjusting your thermostat to reduce waste.
- Stop using plastic bags: Quit using plastic bags, and you’ll both reduce your impact and save animals.
- Take shorter showers: Save a precious resource by reducing the amount of water you use in your daily shower.
May 6th, 2008
25 Ailments That Can Be Cured By Having Sex
Sex is great for your relationship, but did you know that it’s also great for your overall health? That’s right-sex has been found to help with conditions ranging from the common cold to high blood pressure. And although you’re not likely to come home from your next doctor’s appointment with a scribbled prescription for sex, it can be highly effective as a preventative measure and complementary treatment. Read on to find out what conditions you’re protecting yourself from every time you enjoy a roll in the hay.
- Depression: Without the help of researchers, just about anyone can agree that sex will make you feel good about yourself and better about your relationship. But one researcher has said there’s a scientific explanation that goes a bit farther. Professor Gordon Gallop says that there’s an unknown chemical in semen that has an antidepressant effect on women.
- Pregnancy: Sex is both the cause and the cure for pregnancy. Women who are ready to induce labor often have sex to speed up the process, and research backs up this method. Semen contains prostaglandins, which help the cervix prepare to open, and orgasms produce oxytocin, which will help cause contractions.
- Headaches: Although sex can sometimes bring on a headache, it can cure them too. The tension release your body experiences during and after sex can ease restricted blood vessels in the brain.
- Menstrual cramps: Sex acts as an analgetic to relieve menstrual pain, primarily because of the relaxation and endorphins sex brings.
- Arthritis: In his book, "How to Treat Arthritis with Sex and Alcohol," rheumatologist Carter V. Multz asserts that sex, as well as alcohol and other complementary treatments, can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with arthritis.
- Common cold: Manfred Schedlovski, a Swiss researcher from Zurich, asserts that sex has a positive effect on phagocytes, which are a part of the immune system that goes after alien bodies, like cold germs, and kills them. Phagocytes are increased signficantly during sex, and will often double after orgasm.
- Stress: Orgasms offer a great way to relax, and even nonorgasmic sex offers some relief. Dr. Joshua Golden asserts sex’s relaxation properties, as well as emotional benefits.
- Tooth decay: Kissing, as well as oral sex, encourages saliva production. This increase in saliva helps to wash food particles from your teeth, prevents plaque build-up, and helps lower decay-causing acid. Additionaly, seminal plasma has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.
- Erectile dysfunction: By exercising your Kegel muscles with frequent sex and delaying ejaculation, men can help strengthen muscles enough to help with minor erection problems.
- High blood pressure: Semen has been found to lower blood pressure in women. Specifically, swallowing semen can help ward off preeclampsia, which is a dangerously high blood pressure that sometimes occurs during pregnancy.
- Insomnia: Many people find that the relaxation they experience after sex helps them go to sleep.
- Prostate cancer: Men who ejaculate more frequently have been found to be at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Hangovers: Sex may not save your liver, but it will help you shake off a funk. Having sex will help boost your endorphins and oxytocins, which stimulate muscle contraction and help you avoid aggressiveness.
- Toxic system: Sex gets your blood pumping faster, which helps to rid the body of waste.
- Heart disease: Studies have shown that if men have sex twice a week or more, they tend to have a lower risk of heart attack. For women, increased levels of estrogen caused by sex help to protect against heart disease.
- Stubborn wounds: Studies have found that oxytocin, which is released during sex, can help wounds heal faster.
- Low energy: Sex increases energy through exercise and emotional well-being.
- Minor cognitive problems: Whenever you become sexually excited or have an orgasm, the hormone DHEA is released. DHEA has been found to improve cognition.
- Skin irritations: The sweat released during sex will cleanse your pores, helping to relieve rashes, blemishes, and other skin problems.
- Pain: Orgasm releases endorphins, which will alleviate pain for just about everything.
- Obesity: Although few doctors are likely to prescribe a sex diet, the fact is that sex is a form of exercise. Performing the act of sex requires physical activity that will burn calories and strengthen your heart. It’s an especially great exercise for those who have little motivation to get to the gym.
- Incontinence: Every time you have sex, you’re exercising your Kegel muscles, which are the same ones you use to stem the flow of urine.
- Weak bones and muscles: Sex brings on a boost of testosterone, which helps to make your bones and muscles strong.
- Semen allergy: Unfortunately, some women are allergic to their partner’s semen. However, along with other treatments, frequent sex has been found to work as an effective desensitization therapy for this allergy.
- Death: That’s right, sex can help ward off death for men. Professor Stuart Brody reports that men who orgasm twice a week are half as likely to die as those who only orgasm once a month.
May 1st, 2008
Perfectly Fit: 50 Ways to Meet Healthy and Active Singles
If going out to a smoke-filled bar night after night to meet singles doesn’t appeal to you, there are lots of other options out there for finding a date. Meeting up and hooking up doesn’t have to include sketchy rendezvous or even a night-owl lifestyle. This list will help healthy and active singles connect with each other at sporting events, during adventurous vacations and even online. Everyday Locations From the grocery store to the gym, here are several ways you can bump into your future honey at anytime during the day.
- At the gym: The gym is full of people interested in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as individuals looking to surround themselves with lots of other people. Those who make the time and feel confident enough to go to the gym and work out in front of other people are probably more receptive to making new friends too.
- The park: Camp out by the jogging trails at your city’s park to scope out all the hotties running by.
- The dentist: You don’t have to have a serious oral hygiene problem to go to the dentist. Make an appointment to get your teeth cleaned, and you’ll bump into lots of other health-minded individuals who value hygiene, fresh breath and preventative care.
- Religious settings: Join a group at a church or temple. Most religious centers sponsor groups just for singles, and you’ll meet people who care about their spiritual and mental health.
- Volunteer projects: Get involved with a charity that does a lot of physical work, like Habitat for Humanity’s house building program, or a group that educates the public on the dangers of drug abuse. If they’re involved in the fight against drugs or alcohol, then they’re probably clean too.
- Take lessons: Sign up for an adult dance class or swimming lessons. You’ll feel like you’re part of a group and will get the chance to socialize before and after class.
- Environmental groups: Those choosing to lead a "green" lifestyle generally take good care of themselves, as well as the planet. They’re also more in tune with nature and are more likely to be interested in outdoor activities.
- Whole Foods: Whole Foods is a favorite spot to shop for health nuts. You’ll probably also find singles sitting at tables drinking coffee, reading the paper and chomping on granola.
- Farmer’s markets: Local farmer’s markets attract a variety of singles, including environmentally-conscious people, healthy eaters, community advocates and those interested in nature and the outdoors.
- By the water: Bodies of water typically bring together socially-minded people who enjoy the outdoors. Join up with others by going swimming, renting a paddle boat or canoe, fishing, water skiing or even hosting a (healthy) bar-b-que.
- Intramural and club sports: Even if you haven’t played in years, join an intramural team or sign up to be their water boy (or girl) to meet lots of other healthy, active singles.
Special Events Hang out at special athletic events like city marathons to meet like-minded singles.
- Marathon or races: Whether it’s a race for charity or a city-wide marathon, these types of events attract large crowds of athletes at all levels.
- Sports events: While major league football and hockey games can be full of drunk, disorderly fans, tennis matches and other, more low-key sports events attract true lovers of the game.
- Competitions: Enter yourself into or just attend a city or county competition for lifeguards, firefighters, pet trainers or any other group. Often, these events have games, food and music.
- The Olympics: Getting a ticket might require a big investment, but you’ll be surrounded by athletes from all over the world, as well as hardcore fans and plenty of singles looking for a fun time while on vacation.
- Singles Yoga: This company welcomes individuals to learn and practice yoga with each other while building a "professional community for singles who are into health and wellness and meeting like minded people." The group is located in Canada, but anyone can network with the students and teachers online on Facebook, MySpace or Meetup.
Healthiest Cities If you’re serious about joining a community that values health, diet and fitness as much as you do, consider moving to one of these cities, all considered to be extremely healthy.
- San Francisco: In 2007, San Francisco was named the city with the most healthy singles by Match.com.
- Los Angeles: In the same study conducted by Match.com, Los Angeles ranked number two on the list of cities "where you will find singles hitting the gym." LA is also close to beautiful beaches, perfect sites for playing volleyball, surfing or rollerblading.
- Seattle: Seattle’s proximity to the mountains, ocean and rainforest give singles in the area lots of options for outdoor activities. The city also placed 3rd on Match.com’s "Top Cities for Vegetarian Lovers" list and fifth on the "Top Cities for the Non-Smoker" list.
- San Jose: San Jose, CA is ranked number one on Sperling’s "Top 10 Cities with Highest Healthiest Cities Scores."
- Washington, D.C.: The U.S. capitol has the highest Mental Wellness score, as designated by Sperling’s list.
- Austin, TX: This Texan city is home to lots of outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious singles. Austin is also close to the beautiful Texas Hill Country and several lakes and rivers.
- Portland, OR: Portland was ranked in the number 2 spot on Cooking Light’s list of the cities where people eat right, exercise and "live well." Portland also features 277 miles of bike paths, over 200 parks, and lots of hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
- Calgary: Calgary, Canada, was named "the world’s best city when it comes to healthy living" in 2004. The city offers many outdoor activities for visitors, including camping, bike riding and more.
Vacation Ideas Take a vacation to indulge your adventure-seeking side and to join up with fun, active singles you wouldn’t normally meet at home.
- Aspen, CO: This ski resort town is popular with people of all ages, but especially young singles. Visit this website for information on annual events, group rates and more.
- Dude Ranch: Head out to a dude ranch for old timey country fun. Other visitors will be up for the adventure and fit enough to ride horses and go on hiking trails.
- Whitewater Rafting: Research whitewater rafting vacations, which will introduce you to extreme water sports and groups of energetic travelers.
- Vegetarian Vacation: There are lots of travel options out there for vegetarians who want to experience a true "veggie holiday." While you’re out in nature bike riding, camping or taking a llama trekking tour, you’ll meet other active vegetarians.
- Health spas: Nurture your mental and spiritual health at a nature spa, where you can meet others during community events, outdoor activities and more.
- Culinary vacations: Learn about other cultures while you travel with a group to places like Provence, France, where you’ll learn new recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.
- Wine country bike tour: Take a wine tour through California’s Sonoma and Napa valleys. You’ll meet lots of fun singles and won’t feel too guilty about your indulgence if you travel by bike.
- Wild Women Expeditions: Wild Women Expeditions is a Canadian "outdoor adventure company for women" that features special lesbian-friendly vacations. Trips include hiking, paddling, fly fishing, cycling and more.
- Special singles vacations: Many travel companies like Singles Travel International offer or specialize in organizing vacations just for singles. Book an Alaskan cruise or a mountain climbing trip to Peru to meet other active singles.
- The Caribbean: The Caribbean isn’t just for honeymooners. Trips like this one to the British Virgin Islands are great for outdoor-minded individuals who want to sail, go snorkeling, water skiing and meet adventure-seeking singles in a tropical location.
- Hawaii: Another popular honeymoon spot, Hawaii is also a paradise for singles. Honolulu is considered one of the healthiest cities in the world, and visitors can take advantage of the many natural resources for healthy eating, surfing, hiking, camping, visiting health spas and much more.
Online Networking These online networking sites will connect you to singles and people who like maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Join one to learn about social and athletic events in your area, meet up with singles during a trip or just socialize online.
- Meetup: This popular site allows members to find like-minded friends based on geography and interest, including sports, travel and health and wellness.
- Care2: Get advice on planning a green vacation from the members of Care2, a social networking site all about becoming an advocate for protecting the environment.
- OKCupid: This online dating site is free to use and lets users customize the way they search for potential dates.
- OUTeverywhere: OUTeverywhere is a gay social network with chat forums on topics like climate change, rugby, wine, fitness, economics, travel and more.
- passportstamp: Network with other travelers, and organize a meet up during your next vacation to introduce yourself in person.
- Sportsvite: Joing Sportsvite to learn about sports events and teams you can join in your city. You can also play games and manage teams online.
- TravBuddy: Stay connected when you travel by logging in to TravBuddy. You can meet other travelers when you’re abroad, post pictures of your vacation and get tips on hotel stays, plane tickets and more.
- WAYN: WAYN stands for Where Are You Now? Use the site to connect with other travelers and friends when you’re on vacation.
- Match.com: This popular online dating site lets you scope out member profiles before meeting them in person.
- eHarmony: eHarmony is another online portal for meeting singles. Screen potential dates to find out their hobbies, health habits and more.
- Fitness Singles: This site is the "fastest-growing online dating community for sports and fitness enthusiasts." Post a free profile and connect with singles interested in racquetball, skydiving, sea kayaking, tennis, skiing, baseball, kickboxing, Pilates and other adventures.
- Active.com: This site publishes articles and blogs, sponsors discussions and chats and provides resources for active individuals, including singles. Search topics like cycling, football, softball, triathlon and more.
Bonus opportunities For the truly devoted, here are a few more bonus opportunities that will help you meet fun loving singles.
- Host a cooking class: Advertise a free cooking class for healthy eaters. Open up your own home or see if you can access a kitchen at the YMCA or other public center.
- Sponsor a weekend getaway: Organize a weekend camping trip or bike tour with your friends. Ask them to invite a person you don’t know to include more people and increase your chances of making a love connection.
- Join an OREC group: Colleges usually sponsor lots of OREC opportunities for students, but if you’re not eligible to join, start your own or look for community-wide clubs that go on day or weekend excursions.
