Embracing a Positive Mindset

Have you ever had one of those days where from the moment you rolled out of bed, nothing seemed to go your way? You then immediately thought, “Its going to be a crappy day!”  Since you get exactly what you wish for, you face one setback after another, and it all takes on a snowball effect as one problem rolls into the next. It’s like you have a cloud of gloom following you for the remainder of the day until your head hits the pillow at night.

Sometimes when disappointments come our way, it is because we expect them to. It’s kind of like our belief system is displaced. You expect turmoil, so that is exactly what you get. We become so used to a negative mindset that the vicious cycle of discouragement becomes familiar to us after a while.

There is so much negativity in the world from the moment when we wake up, turn on TV, and get on social media. And do you know what? It is all out of our control!  The problems of the world do not have to rest on our shoulders. But we tend to let them have an effect on us, and we sometimes play the blame game and fault situations or other people for the way we feel.

When a simple downfall hits you head on, you have a choice to let the negative energy continue or the choice to stop it in its track. Just like you would flip a light switch, you need to switch on your positive thinking or switch off the negative thinking.

Once you realize that you have control over your feelings, you can nurture it into a positive mindset and keep the power going. You have to consciously remove the lack of optimism that squashes your right to be happy and put yourself in better frame of mind knowing that you can overcome obstacles that come your way. You can construct a consistent, peaceful frame of mind with conscious effort. It starts with knowing that you deserve to be happy and acknowledging that you are responsible for your own happiness on a daily basis. In other words, you need to cultivate that warm and fuzzy feeling within yourself and embrace it.

Three Surefire Ways to Incorporate a Positive Frame of Mind on a Daily Basis

1. Embrace it.

Make a shift in your mind that you are ready for a positive change. Have gratitude for all of the good that you have going for you. Make a list on a daily basis of what was special about your day. Start a journal that will help you chart your goals and achievements. Reward yourself for taking baby steps towards a more optimistic energy.

2. Learn it.

Read positive quotes or inspirational stories. There are many self-help books and CDs available to educate and inspire you. Surround yourself with people who support you, and put a smile on your face instead of draining your energy. Be aware of your breathing and posture. Smile more because it will make you feel better from the inside out. Connect with others who have a more forward-looking outlook on life because it will reflect your way.

3. Believe it.

Visualize in your mind, the end result of you in a more positive state of being. Raise your expectations of what you can achieve. Stop any negative thoughts in their tracks, and replace each one with a more beneficial belief pattern. Believe in yourself and also in something greater than life itself.

And remember: it may take a bit of practice, but we all have the power to change our thoughts and behavior. You need to make it a conscious decision on a daily basis to embrace the “I can” attitude. With a bit of discipline, better days will override the bad days. Expect good ones!

Featured photo credit: Getty Images via weebly.com

The post Embracing a Positive Mindset appeared first on Lifehack.

5 Wonderful Natural Gems To Explore in Southeast Asia

So you want to go out in the world and travel? If you are a fan of simply going out and seeing some natural wonders instead of the sometimes over-hyped cities in the western world, then maybe you should consider traveling to Asia and seeing what this amazing continent has to offer. The reality is, we all got caught up so much in traveling to Europe or the States that we forget about Asia.

Even as just a small part of the whole continent, the Southeast has a lot of exciting natural wonders you can visit and spend weeks exploring. Not only is the Southeast quite rich in various attractions, but the whole continent, in general, is quite cheap. All of the expenses you would have for a typical holiday in the western part of the world are halved in Asia and your biggest expense is the plane ticket needed to get there.

On top of that, the regulations for visiting Southeast Asia are quite lax and most countries don’t require visas to visit them. This means no waiting period, just hop on a plane and go to whatever place seems attractive to you in Southeast Asia. While we are at it, let’s see what amazing choices there are for visiting nature’s works of art in this part of the world.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Since the airport in Bangkok has the most flights from everywhere around the world, Thailand is a good place to start your trip. Although Chiang Mai is a city located in the north of Thailand, its cultural heritage and epic sights around it simply need to be mentioned.

The city of Chiang Mai has a lot of culture, amazing food markets, relaxed atmosphere, polite locals, old temples and pretty landscapes. It was able to become “the spot” for backpack travelers and digital nomads in the past couple of years.

Chiang Mai offers some of the best street food in whole Thailand and it is very cheap with the cost-per-dish being around one dollar. You can find hotel accommodation for just 3 dollars per night and get a place to stay with the locals for an even cheaper price while learning more about their culture and enjoying their hospitality.

Once you’ve settled in, go jungle trekking as Chiang Mai is the start for many routes. Go to the Elephant Nature Park, go zip lining through its surrounding mountains or tour the amazing temples you can find all around Chiang Mai. Set aside some extra time when visiting Chiang Mai as you will love it and want to spend more time here.

2. Sapa, Vietnam

You can get to Sapa through two separate means of transport, by bus and a train ride. You can grab a train from Hanoi to the station called Lao Cai. When you arrive there, take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Sapa. The road from Lao Cai to Sapa costs around 3 dollars and it can get a bit shaky.

The Sapa valley is full of beautiful sights and this city is the main base for all trekking that goes around here. Apart from having amazing nature around the whole valley, there are also many traditional small villages and various hill tribes you can visit while trekking.

Sapa is also well-known for its marketplaces where you can buy a lot of souvenirs including the handcrafted items people from the tribes around the city come to sell at Sapa marketplaces.

3. Taman Negara

Taman Negara is a large rainforest and one of the oldest of its kind. Thousands of tourists visit this national park every year to see all of the beauties that it has to offer. The best way to get to Taman Negara is to go through the Tembeling river with a boat.

Through the river, you can reach the small village called Kuala Tahan, which is the base for all of the adventures you can have in this national park. If you do this through tour companies, make sure that they explain all the details to you and make sure that they don’t simply drop you off in Kuala Tahan, and leave you there to manage the rest of the tour on your own.

One of the most famous canopy walkways is located in Taman Negara as it is the longest in the world. The whole track is well signposted and just after 45m, it offers tourists amazing views of the whole rainforest. Experiencing it costs less than a dollar. What’s even better is the fact that you can find all the information you want on the wildlife and birds you see from these treetops.

4. Mount Kinabalu

One of the tallest mountains of Southeast Asia is called Mount Kinabalu and its 4095 meters tall. This mountain stretches across north Borneo and it’s the highest peak between the island of New Guinea and the Himalayas. A person with good physical conditioning can climb this mountain easily, as there are no difficult slopes and there are many routes and roads that lead to the top of the mountain.

There is also no need for any climbing equipment, but just in case, there are a lot of guides who will go with you and help you avoid any problems. The climbing experience is amazing and even those people who’ve done this a lot say that it’s fun to climb Mount Kinabalu. The easiest way to get here is to catch a minibus from the capital of Borneo Kota Kinabalu.

The whole area around the mountain is also a national park and there are many tourist guides who can show you around and help you experience the complete beauty of this place.

5. Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park is located in Indonesia, a country further to the south. This island is located between two islands called Flores and Lombok. To get to the Komodo National Park, you will first have to go to Bali and from there, catch a plane or a boat.

You can catch a flight from the airport in Bali to Labuan Bajo which is one the Flores Island. This is the leading base for exploring the national park. From this place, you can take some great diving tours and enjoy the marina located there.

At Labuan Bajo, you can also get a charter boat and go on a cruise around all of the Komodo islands and go snorkeling or discover some interesting things about the archipelago. You can also go sightseeing from Bali. Here, you can get on board on a liveaboard and go on an amazing diving cruise around Komodo marine and Lombok Island.

When in Labuan Bajo, go discovering the whole island with a bus or hire a driver guide that can take you around all the gems this island has to offer. Everyone who visits this national park is, of course, there to see the Komodo dragons. These are the largest lizards on the planet, and they can only be found here so, if you are nearby, take this amazing opportunity.

The best locations for seeing them are on the Komodo and Rinca islands. They are dangerous and they have attacked people in the past, but they are usually quite slow and don’t move a lot. But still, always have a guide present and listen to their instructions.

No matter which of these places you visit, make sure that you get to know the locals living there and talk to them. You can learn amazing things and they can show you what these places have to offer to the tiniest detail. If you can visit Southeast Asia, I guarantee you that you will have a memorable holiday with a lot of great experiences.

The post 5 Wonderful Natural Gems To Explore in Southeast Asia appeared first on Lifehack.

Five Myths that can Harm your Credit Score

The average U.S. household carries $5,700 in credit card balance, according to 2016 data by the Federal Reserve. Unfortunately, a few myths persist that misinform consumers when it comes to sound financial practices and these misperceptions can have a negative impact on your credit report. It’s important to have a good profile with the three major reporting agencies because a low credit score can increase your borrowing costs, prevent you from accessing loans, and even diminish employment opportunities.

Here are five myths when it comes to personal credit.

Myth No. 1: Closing your accounts will improve your score.

This is a common myth. Nearly one-third (31 percent) of Americans surveyed think that closing unused cards is good for credit according to an Oct. 2016 Capital One Credit Confidence Study. It can actually hurt your score by lowering your overall credit availability. What improves your score is paying down your balance and meeting your current obligations. Moreover, make sure you have a low credit utilization ratio. A high ratio can inform potential creditors that you may be over your head in loans.

You aren’t born with a credit score. You have to build it and maintain it. It measures your financial dependability.

The whole purpose of paying your cards properly is to show potential and/or future lenders that you’re a low-risk borrower who makes payments on time. Doing so can give you access to a low-interest mortgage or car loan. Your credit-based transactions form part of your records with the credit reporting agencies. If you only pay with cash, you won’t have any payment history to show. Cash payments do not leave electronic proof of reliability as a borrower or consumer.

Myth No. 2: Paying a delinquent loan will remove it from your report.

A late or missing payment, a delinquent loan, accounts in collection, and bankruptcies aren’t removed from your credit report even if you pay or settle such accounts. In other words, negative marks will remain on your credit profile for seven years. Also, some bankruptcies stay on your report for up to ten years.

It’s more important to not fall behind in the first place than it is to fix a delinquent account. Adverse information sticks to your report for a long time, so stay current with your bills and avoid items getting reported to the credit bureaus.

(The article continues below.)

Myth No. 3: Settling your phone bill will increase your score.

Wireless is either neutral or bad when it comes to personal finances. Paying your cellphone bill on time won’t build up your credit profile, but a delinquent payment will show up as a negative item. More than half (53 percent) of U.S. respondents incorrectly believe that paying their cellphone bill builds their credit score, according to Capital One’s study.

If you go on vacation, pay your cellphone company ahead of time. You should exercise caution whenever you have a dispute with your provider. An inaccurate statement or a bill that incorrectly charges you for unwanted services could lead to a lengthy resolution process. During the dispute process, it’s possible that your payment could be classified as late.

If you have a dispute, consider paying your bill upfront and ask for a refund if the amount owed ends up being less. Alternatively, work out a plan with your wireless provider so you can avoid having a delinquent payment show up on your credit report.

Myth No. 4: A “hard” inquiry won’t affect your score.

Yes it can. An inquiry involving card applications, credit checks, and employment background inquiries can cause a temporary dip in your score. However, “soft” inquiries such as monitoring your credit score won’t have an adverse impact. About 27 percent of Americans incorrectly think that checking their credit report will reduce their score, according to the same Credit Confidence Study.

There are monitoring tools and mobile apps, such as CreditWise, that allow you to check your score. There are websites that let you check your score for free once a year with Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

Myth No. 5: A debit card can increase your score.

No it won’t. A debit or check card such as those you use at groceries and gas stations are issued by your bank or credit union but they do not impact your credit report. They simply give you access to cash that you already keep in your checking or savings account. These plastic cards do not represent a credit card balance or consumer loan.

A good credit report isn’t affected by how much money you have deposited into your bank. A credit score doesn’t measure how much paper currency you have stored. “Only by signing up for a credit card and proving that you can use it responsibly will you improve your credit score simply by paying for things,” writes Lauren Gensler at Forbes. However, if you bounce checks or have a negative balance at your bank it can be reported to credit bureaus.

Featured photo credit: Picjumbo via picjumbo.com

The post Five Myths that can Harm your Credit Score appeared first on Lifehack.

The Formula Of A Perfect Resume: Seven Ingredients to Avoid

To make a five-star resume is difficult enough. It is very important to make an attractive, well-structured job description including your level of education, years of experience, salary range, current location, work skills, and abilities. Here are Top 7 Ingredients You Should Avoid while composing your perfect resume that will totally impress employers.

Featured photo credit: http://ift.tt/28R3SNr via resumes.expert

The post The Formula Of A Perfect Resume: Seven Ingredients to Avoid appeared first on Lifehack.

5 Simple Cyber Security Tips That Will Prevent Future Headaches

How often do you think about your online privacy? Do you enter your personal information and credit cards on every site that asks? Have you ever had a security incident? If not, you’re lucky — 38 people are victims of identity theft every hour, and as we integrate our real lives even further with our online lives more risks are beginning to crop up. Though it’s not possible to protect yourself from every threat online, there are some easy steps you can take to help prevent identity theft and other cyber security breaches. Here are five simple cyber security tips that can help you prevent a future headache.

1. Be Realistic About Online Privacy

First, you need to be realistic about what strangers can see about you online. True, in an ideal world, everything we put online would be kept private at all times unless we chose to share it publicly. Unfortunately, if you post or share online, particularly with a company, it’s safe to assume it’s public. There is a surprising lack of awareness surrounding this issue, especially among the younger generation, who grew up with advanced technology. 44% of Millennials believe that their personal information online is kept private at most times, a huge disconnect from the realities of cyber security. This leads to greater vulnerabilities to cyber threats and identity theft. Be aware of, and be careful about, what and where you post online — you never know who may see it.

2. Create Unique Passwords

Let’s be honest: you’ve reused your passwords. You’ve used simple passwords. Most people reuse the same passwords over and over again. Most people know it’s better to create unique passwords for different sites and platforms, and yet only a tiny percentage of internet users actually follow through with this tip. This is a huge problem, because cybercrime affects 3,000 businesses each year, potentially exposing their customers’ and employees’ passwords. This can be devastating if you use the same password on every site. To prevent this, the best bet is to create a unique, difficult to hack password for each site. To make this a little easier, you might consider adding a cue word within the password that is related to the site, to help you remember. This tip isn’t always easy to implement, but it’s vitally important to your security.

3. Cover Your Webcam

Why does Mark Zuckerberg cover the webcam and microphone on his laptop? To prevent people from looking in or listening. Skilled hackers have the ability to gain remote access to these devices by using remote access trojans, which could potentially lead to them spying or gaining information that could be used for fraud or theft. While Zuckerberg is a bigger target than most people, it’s still not a bad idea to consider covering your webcam and microphone — just in case.

4. Smart Syncing

It’s very convenient to sync your apps to different platforms, but if you choose to sync everything you can, you’re sending out a lot of information that could ultimately be accessed in a cyberattack. Worse, if your phone is used as a verification method, it could become vulnerable to hacking as well. Be cautious about syncing, and consider whether you really need to update your data at all times before proceeding.

5. Triple Check Site Authenticity

Cyber criminals are very good at making websites and emails look legitimate, even when they aren’t. Double and triple check site authenticity before you proceed—there are several signs to look for when trying to spot a possible hack, including:

• The domain name is spelled incorrectly (hackers often create fake websites that appear extremely similar)
• A payment site without a padlock symbol displayed by your browser
• A site that is full of ads that don’t match the site
• A redirect that asks you to provide login information before entering (these sites often front as social media sites)
• A link within an email that has a phony or suspicious signature

Go with your gut, and back off if anything looks suspicious!

Do Your Best

Implementing these steps can really help to reduce your chances of a cyberattack. It’s important to remember, however, that no system is perfect, and even if you follow these guidelines, you might still get hacked one day. You can do everything on this list to help prevent future headaches, but unfortunately, you may still run into problems. What’s important is doing your best and taking proactive steps for preventing fraud and identity theft. Don’t just resign yourself to potential threats, fight against them! It’s much easier to prevent problems than it is to fix them. Set yourself up for success by practicing safe cyber activity and taking these precautions — if you don’t, you could find yourself dealing with the consequences in the near future.

Featured photo credit: Blue Coat Photos (CC BY-SA 2.0 License) via flickr.com

The post 5 Simple Cyber Security Tips That Will Prevent Future Headaches appeared first on Lifehack.

5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations to Celebrate your Love

It was Summer and now it’s Fall. Love is still floating in the air while cupid flies around looking for someone to shoot. People are rushing to plan their perfect wedding and others are arranging for their beautiful honeymoon. The world right now is one big fairytale with various happy endings.

An Autumn wedding is magical they say, as the bride walks down the aisle with an array of golden leaves guiding her path. Under that beautiful tree, she stares at the man she has fallen in love with, over and over again. Her father lets go of his beautiful daughter as the couple vow to stay together forever.

Forever is a word that may seem cliche to many, but for some, what determines the forever is their honeymoon in a foreign land. Communication, respect, and trust is the key to an everlasting marriage, hence a honeymoon plays a huge part in one’s marriage.

We have put together a few places that would make you want to fall in love all over again.

1. The Classic Japan

Japan is a country that represents itself with beauty and poise. Its identity revolves around the beauty of the Sakura, it’s tradition shown in its food culture and it’s tenaciousness shown in their hospitality and the love towards people . Japan has been the country that reminds one of why it’s important to put in the effort as well as love on any journey.

For any newly wed’s you will find the opportunity to enjoy their delicious food. From the best of Ramen to their delicious Udon noodles, you’ll have the first-hand experience cherishing those beautiful tastes. Hike up mount Fuji, in the Shizuoka Prefecture to view the beauty of Japan and make a wish that will always come true.

Japan has also been famous for their array of fresh fish and tradition. Dine together with your husband in a custom Kimono and remind yourself of how the journey is going to be. You will realize there’s more to your relationship than materialistic and superficial possessions.

What a great way to start your journey .

2. Italy and All it’s Beauty

While many say that Paris is the land of love, Italy has proven it’s stance every now and then on its uniqueness. It’s warm hospitality and tantalizing European cuisine makes one’s heart melt. If you’re in love, the scenery and its architecture alone will spice up your romance.

Walk down the street or take a road trip to Venice, the floating city to be amazed by its beauty. Go on a journey of tasting the best wines all around the country and indulge in the finest pastas and pizzas. Take a walk through the forest and find the gems of the Italian forest; the truffles. Tasting fresh truffles is often considered a lucky encounter hence why not start your journey as a married couple by being exquisite.

If you’re a historic couple, then Rome can offer you the best experiences. You’ll be able to visit many architectural wonders and immerse yourself in the Roman empire. It will undoubtedly be the best time of your life .

3. Watch The Beauty Of Denmark

Often times when choosing a honeymoon destination, many prefer choosing the rather mainstream places. Not that it’s a wrong thing to do however, there are more to see in this world than just a handful of places. The Scandinavian part of the world is often overlooked as an impossible adventure.

Some fear the price while others estimate it’s unattainability. However, neither one of those concerns is accurate when it comes to traveling to Denmark. Denmark is a land of art and culture. Upon entering Copenhagen you will notice the beauty in the arrays of buildings all aligned in perfection. You will also notice the friendly nature and the artistic influence this country has had throughout the world.

If you and your significant other have a great love for art, I would suggest booking your destination to Denmark. You’ll be left dazzled and bewildered by its uniqueness and the difference in the people. If you have the chance, make sure to take a nice walk through their forest, experience the best of fermented fishes and find out the colors of the country.

Plus, remember to visit Kristianinia, you will definitely witness the influence of the reggae culture and Bob Marley there.

4. Stay Fit By Going On An Adventure to Borneo

Asia, as we all know, is a land of mystery and excitement. It feeds one with the motivation and drive for adventure. Its beautiful landscapes and it’s wonderful array of nature makes one’s heart dance to the beat. One of these exclusive countries would be Malaysia and the gem in Malaysia would be the Islands of Borneo which consist of Sabah and Sarawak.

It’s untouched nature and the amount of wildlife habitat will leave you in awe. The difference in aboriginal tribes and the respect towards mother nature will bring you back to your roots. If you and your significant other are looking for a meaningful, intimate and mindblowing adventure, then Borneo is the place to go.

Not only will you be able to experience the beautiful Flora and Fauna but you would also be able to enjoy moments with the villagers and experience life as a part of the tribe. You will understand the values of unity, peace , trust and respect which creates a solid foundation for your marriage.

If you’re looking for spirituality in your marriage then this is definitely the place to go.

The post 5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations to Celebrate your Love appeared first on Lifehack.

How To Overcome Failure As A Freelancer

Dealing with failure: A key skill for freelancers

More individuals than ever before are working in a freelance capacity. The rise of widespread internet connection and the desire for a flexible working style has meant that many people who previously worked as employees are now embarking on careers as freelance writers, graphic designers, programmers, and so on. However, few people receive practical or psychological training when it comes to running their own business or living a successful, low-stress life as a self-employed individual.

Practical versus psychological skills: Why you need both to succeed

When you start out as a self-employed person, you of course need to make sure that you have a marketable skill, that you know how to find clients, and that you know how to price your work. At the same time, running a business is just as much of a psychological as a practical challenge.

One key professional skill important to everyone, but especially vital for a freelancer, is knowing how to bounce back from failure. When you work with other people or in a traditional job, you can look to others for support. Not so when you work alone. This is why you need to anticipate setbacks and learn how to overcome them by yourself.

Your reputation is important, which can make the prospect of failure especially daunting

Failure can be especially hard for a freelancer because your personal and professional reputation is more fragile and important than that of an average salaried employee. It is therefore vital that you have a healthy attitude to failure and are prepared to overcome setbacks. Here are a few brutal truths that you need to face in order to propel yourself to greater heights!

1. Failure is inevitable.

Whether it’s difficulties with your first website or a missed project deadline, you will fail at some stage. If you cannot deal with this reality, consider whether the freelance life is really for you. You will make mistakes, you will take on more than you can handle from time to time, and you will lose, occasional days here and there fixing your errors. However capable you are, you are still human and you will mess up.

2. You should never try to hide your failures.

There’s no need to broadcast it to everyone when you make an error but you should always be honest with those who will be affected by your mistakes, whether it be a client or someone to whom you owe money. Honesty is the best policy! Lying is stressful, and the truth has a habit of coming out eventually. Furthermore, clients respect an honest freelancer who admits they misjudged a project. They will never respect a liar.

3. Remember that a few months from now, you probably will not even remember a particular mistake.

When you encounter failure, it can feel as though the world has ended and that your career will be over forevermore. This is especially likely if you have been under a great deal of stress or are working on an especially important project. However, it is important that you stay calm, remain honest with everyone involved, and remind yourself that in a few months’ time, you will probably have forgotten all about your mistake.

4. You should always learn from your mistakes.

Whilst there is no point dwelling on your mistakes once any given crisis has passed, you should always try and learn from the experience. How could you prevent the same mistake happening again? Keep a journal or professional log if possible. The saying that “experience is the best teacher” really is true.

5. It is important to congratulate yourself for doing the best you can.

Always celebrate your professional successes, because they are just as important as your failures! When something goes wrong, remind yourself of two or three recent successes. Keep a balanced view of your career and projects.

The freelance life is not for everyone. It requires tremendous mental resilience and determination. However, it can also offer significant rewards in terms of earning and lifestyle. Prepare yourself for the inevitable low points and you will be one step closer to a successful freelance career.

The post How To Overcome Failure As A Freelancer appeared first on Lifehack.

How To Really Hear, Rather Than Simply Listen

You may hear, but do you truly listen? Active listening is an important skill that few people possess. It is the art of allowing someone else to feel truly heard. In our busy modern lives, many of us are under more stress than ever. Too often, we find it hard to concentrate on what others are saying, and therefore struggle to give friends and family a place to vent their troubles.

The skill of active listening can build relationships by fostering strong bonds and communication. Active listening isn’t just setting aside a few minutes to allow someone else the chance to talk. It is about being willing to remain receptive to whatever the other person wants to say, and accepting their perspective without judgement.

A few tips for active listening are as follows:

1. Make good use of body language.

Lean forward, maintain eye contact with your conversation partner, do not fidget, and do not glance over to other people in the room. Have you ever spent time talking with a friend who keeps tapping their fingers on the table or twirling their hair around and around their fingers? You probably found it to be very irritating. Keep your hands still if possible so as not to distract your companion.

2. Put your phone away.

Checking your emails or messages every five minutes will signal to your friend that you are not truly listening, which will make them feel as though their presence is merely an inconvenience to you. We have all been in a meeting or conversation with someone who seems glued to an electronic device. It doesn’t feel very respectful when they nod absent-mindedly whilst tapping out a message, does it? Keep your phone zipped away in a bag or pocket.

3. Use gestures to encourage someone to keep talking.

People who use gestures carefully know how to make sure that their conversation partner feels truly heard. For example, a well-timed nod or small hand gesture can give someone else the confidence they need to carry on talking when otherwise they might have dried up.

4. Repeat the main points someone has said, using your own words, followed by “Have I understood you correctly?”

Have you ever been in a situation in which you just don’t feel as though someone is really grasping the meaning of whaever it is you are saying? It’s frustrating, but there is a simple way to check that you and another person are working within the same framework of meaning.

When someone has finished making a point, paraphrase it and ask whether you have understood them properly. This will convey that you have truly listened to, and understood, the other person. Of course, if you have misunderstood, they will then have a chance to correct you.

5. Do not interrupt.

Interrupting is one of the quickest ways to frustrate a conversation partner! It sounds simple, but if you want to instil confidence in your conversation partner, you cannot afford to interrupt them. If you are known to be a chronic interrupter, you could even make this exercise into a game – see how many minutes you can listen for without giving into the urge to speak.

6. Resist the urge to give advice.

Most of us will have been guilty of trying to tell someone else what to do. For example, if your friend tells you that their partner has cheated on them, your first response might be to shout “Dump them!” However, sometimes another person just wants someone to hear them out. Remind yourself that your primary gift to someone is not your advice but your time. Repeat this like a mantra in your head when you are tempted to chip in with unsolicited advice.

Follow these tips and you will soon gain a well-deserved reputation as someone who knows how to listen carefully and respectfully to those around them.

The post How To Really Hear, Rather Than Simply Listen appeared first on Lifehack.

3 Things You Will Learn When Taking a Social Media Hiatus

I took a break.

A much needed, 6-month break.

If you know me personally, you know that it’s hard for me to disconnect from the social media world, so the break shocked my followers and those close to me, leaving them wanting to know: Why was a break from social media necessary?

I am a writer, and being on social media is a very important part of branding and developing who it is I want to consistently present to my audience. So, from a distance, it all seemed like something I should not have indulged in, but post-hiatus, I am more than grateful I made the decision.

I hit a speed bump in my life right before the hiatus that prompted me to shut down a bit. I became discouraged about my future and my self-esteem hit the lowest point. I learned many things in the 180 days that I plan to take with me throughout life, and though I was very unsure of what was ahead of me while on hiatus, there are 3 things I learned that I feel are worth sharing.

If you are thinking of taking a break, or you know people who are either social media junkies or just need to disconnect from the social world and reconnect with the world around them, these 3 lessons will help in making it a smooth transition.

1. You become what you consume.

I am a firm believer that what you allow to enter your realm is what motivates you, and ultimately molds you. Social media is one of those outlets that, if you are not careful, you begin to get so consumed in that world, you begin to forget about yourself and the world you live in outside of the social perimeter. Let’s be honest, what we see on social media sites and/or apps are over-exaggerations of lifestyles that are unrealistic. And if you stay tuned into their lives, you leave both your mental and spiritual realm open to be consumed.

2. Social media will always be around.

The world of social media is a world that is constantly growing, so hear me when I say, it is not going anywhere. With the way technology is developing, it would be silly to think that social media would just get up and walk away. What is important to note about the idea that “Social Media will always be around” is the fact that although social media will be here for decades and centuries to come, the people and experiences you love won’t be. Social media is so powerful, it will take your attention away from what’s most important, and you miss out on moments that come to impact and grow you. Those same moments that are essential in defining and motivating who you become.

Not to say that all the things I learned while taking a hiatus away from the world of social media are not essential, but honestly, the most impactful thing I learned was that:

3. What you have and what you are is enough.

This will sound like a cliché, and I am okay with that. But if no one ever tells you in your whole life, I want to be that person to say it. There is just one you. This is the only life you will have, and though there may be a person who has something you feel like is more than what you have, I am here to tell you; that’s not the case at all. What you have is enough, and who you are is more than enough. Social media will have you looking in all directions, comparing your life to those that exaggerate, and/or live unrealistic lifestyles. Part of the reason I took my hiatus was because of the comparing I did daily, without even knowing it sometimes. And though it is ok to look, you cannot allow your eyes to see what they have as something you lack. What you have is far grander than any number of likes or views on any social media site. Who you are and what you have deserves your time and energy. Don’t give it all to an industry that sincerely does not deserve it.

The post 3 Things You Will Learn When Taking a Social Media Hiatus appeared first on Lifehack.

Weird Laws Around the World That You've Never Heard Of

Whether you’re interested in travel and culture or you just plain like knowing obscure trivia facts, it pays to learn the weird laws around the world.

For example, say you and your honey travel to Greece. On a nice night out, you get dressed up, go out to dinner, then head off to see some Greek monuments. Awesome!

But then you get there and discover what the above video reveals: High heels are banned. Suddenly you’ve got to choose between leaving the area or committing to some serious piggyback action. Not the end of the world, but certainly an inconvenience — especially for the piggyback giver!

Some laws, like the heel rule in Greece, are fairly forgiving. Others, however, like showing too much affection in the United Arab Emirates, are less so. To be a prepared traveler and culturally knowledgeable fact finder, find out how different laws really are around the world.

Learn About Laws and Globalization

It’s impossible to keep up with every little law made in every nation, but keeping an eye out for new and weird ones does three things for you:

• Increases your awareness of international trends, events and cultural norms
• Decreases your chances of being culturally insensitive or, when traveling, unwittingly breaking any laws
• Puts you ahead of the curve on trivia and day-to-day conversational topics of interest

To get started, take a look at the strange international laws listed in the video.

The post Weird Laws Around the World That You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on Lifehack.

Adult Life Is Full Of Irony, But You Can Choose To Live It At Your Own Pace

When we were kids, we couldn’t wait to reach the adulthood where all the things seemed awesome, like not having to wait for pocket money, or go to bed early. However, when we finally reached that desired age, we see that it’s not always so awesome and that there are much more responsibilities than we thought. You earn your money, but don’t have time to spend it. You go to bed late because of being busy, but you want to sleep early.

A talented artist Shenanigansen from Massachusetts brilliantly illustrates everyday struggles of growing up. Yet, all those seemingly serious problems and dilemmas can be overcome if you decide to consider them from a different point of view. Yes, there are some situations that seem like an ironic twist, but in every such situation there is a lesson to learn which can help you at some point in your life.

1. Approach every situation as a new lesson

Whatever life throws at you, don’t beat up yourself thinking there’s no way out. Every situation can either bring something positive, and even if it’s something you would rather not go through and just give up, hang on, you will definitely learn a valuable lesson.

2. Start you mornings by doing things you love

Don’t start your day thinking about the problems, rather think about what you can do to make yourself feel better, and solutions will come to you. Play your favorite music while drinking coffee, or read a few pages of your favorite book, maybe do some exercise, and you will feel packed with positive emotions and energy.

3. Find people you have common interests with

It might seem harder to make friends as an adult. Yet, you are now at the age when you know what things interest you. Therefore, try to make friends who share your interests. Attend concerts of your favorite musicians, go to book clubs, go to dancing classes; there will sure be someone you can become close friends with.

4. Happiness is just a corner away

Happiness is not some big unachievable abstraction. It shouldn’t feel as a struggle, but rather an enjoyable process. Start with finding joy and happiness in small things, such as drinking coffee with friends, watching your favorite TV show, buying a new book. When you start appreciating small things, bigger reasons for happiness will surely come.

5. Take at least 15 minutes each day to unwind

Stressing out brings you no good, that’s why it is a good thing to take 15 minutes each day to unwind – meditate, take a longer bath with candles and a glass of wine, or simply lie down and relax your body.

6. Take care of your body

Stop making excuses for not taking care of your health. There’s no time like the present. Take care about what you eat, and you will start to feel better and have more energy.

7. Motivation can bring you a long way

Even if you are doing something you don’t like, and you feel like it would be better to just quit and run away, motivate yourself by doing something you really like, but only after you’ve finished your task. There’s no better feeling when you finish something you were putting off for a long time.

8. Be the best version of yourself

Don’t make yourself feel bad by comparing yourself to other people, we are all unique and you should try to do the best of your abilities, otherwise, you will never be satisfied.

9. Talk about what troubles you

It is always easier when you share your worries with someone else. They might have been in a similar situation and can provide you with a great advice from their own experience, or just be there to support you through the rough patch.

10. Every problem has a solution

The sooner you deal with what’s troubling you, the better you will feel, and will overcome obstacles in the future more easily.

11. Problems = challenges

You can place the blame for your problems on someone/something else, but they are only problems if you treat them that way. Start looking at problems as chances for personal growth.

12. Don’t be a slave to material things

It’s OK to treat yourself to some new piece of clothing or a fresh new gadget, but don’t let this desire for material go too deep. Learn to appreciate and be grateful for all non-material things, such as good health, love, family and friendship bonds.

13. Everything is not what it looks like online

It may seem that your friends have a perfect life on social media. However, bear in mind that reality is often different and try spending less time online and more time enjoying life outside social media.

14. Love yourself

Write down all the positive traits you like about yourself; you can also ask your friends or family to do the same, and every time you feel down, just read it, and you will immediately feel better.

15. Don’t run away from responsibilities

Responsibilities will catch up with you no matter how fast you run – the sooner you face them, the better you will feel.

The post Adult Life Is Full Of Irony, But You Can Choose To Live It At Your Own Pace appeared first on Lifehack.

Doing These 4 Simple Things Can Hugely Improve Your Digestion

When we have poor digestion, our bodies come under great strain because the nutrients in our food aren’t getting to our every point of our body efficiently and our health can start to suffer. The most common problems are tiredness and chronic fatigue, nutrient deficiency that leads to all sorts of nuanced ailments and even premature ageing.

If you want to take action towards knowing how to improve digestion, we need to be more mindful of what we are eating and drinking. Creating optimal eating habits is the key to our overall well-being and will allow our digestion to work at peak performance.

How Can We Improve Our Digestion?

While the conscious choice of the types of food we put into our body is a major influence on our digestion, there are other habits that can help facilitate our digestion and give it a bit of support:

1. Good Posture

People who practice yoga are much less likely to suffer from digestive problems and this is down to posture. When we have bad posture (slouched shoulders, hunched back), we are effectively squashing down our digestive area and not providing it with optimal space to function properly. By opening up our shoulders and straightening our back, especially during and right after we eat, we are creating enough space for our digestive organs and not adding extra pressure which will improve overall digestion.

2. Avoid Drinking Fluids While Eating

While it’s great to drink plenty of water throughout the day, drinking during meals and straight afterwards can be detrimental to our digestion. The digestive enzymes in our saliva are crucial for helping to break down the foods that go into our digestive system while also preparing the food by killing natural bacteria. When we drink water, our mouths automatically produce less saliva and so not as much is produced leading to a less efficient digestion process.

Drinking water during meals and right after, also dilutes the much-needed stomach acid that breaks down the food and pulling out all the lovely nutrients our body needs. We don’t want our digestion to work under more pressure and not being as efficient as it can be, so step away from the water until at least an hour after you’ve had your meal.

3. Mindful Eating

Our body and mind are intrinsically connected and this has gone towards a rise in popularity for mindfulness. How we think and feel directly affects our bodies and this also goes for our digestive system. When was the last time you really thought about what you were eating? Really felt the textures and tasted all the flavours? Our busy, modern lives have given us a plethora of choice together with fast, convenient ways of eating which takes away the importance of appreciating and being grateful for the food in front of us.

Using all our senses while eating puts us in a state of slowing down and really allows us to take in the amazing varieties of flavours and even how we feel. Together with taste and smell, really feel the food in your mouth, be mindful of chewing well, think about the body’s amazing ability to convert your food into energy and health while all you do is sit there! This connection between the mind and the body can promote a more healthy digestive process.

4. Relax When You Eat

Continuing on from the mind-body connection, creating a relaxed environment and being in a calm state will also cause your whole body to relax; creating an optimal digestive process. Many people are calling the digestive tract the “second brain” because it’s so sensitive to emotional states.

Never underestimate the mind’s role in how physically healthy you can be. Having a great mindset and attitude towards your eating habits and having full appreciation for the magical way our bodies are able to work will create a much healthy and happy life. Understanding how to improve digestion is all down to creating good and healthy eating habits!

Infographic: The Key to a Healthy Brain Is a Healthy Digestive System | Bimuno

The post Doing These 4 Simple Things Can Hugely Improve Your Digestion appeared first on Lifehack.