by admin | Jun 3, 2022 | Mental Health
Constructive Criticism And Why It’s Good For You
- Learning With A Helping Hand
- No one likes to be criticized.
Even just the word itself seems to carry a negative meaning, which often changes our perspective about what we hear from the get-go. This way of perceiving criticism, however, robs us of some of the most efficient methods of improvement, namely, learning through our mistakes.
Here we explain why constructive criticism is actually beneficial for you, as long as it comes with the right intentions.
The Bigger Picture
Firstly, let’s talk about perspective. When we are trying our best to achieve something, we often become engulfed by it. Although this shows our dedication and keeps our focus, it’s easy to get lost in the details and forget about the bigger picture.
A very illustrative example of this is when a novice starts learning how to draw. When most people start doing their first paintings, they tend to focus on the details from the beginning. And although these parts of the picture might end up really well, there are others that often need more work.
Imagine a landscape with a house, for example – each brick in correct correspondence to the other and to reality, but the perspective, the overall size, or the background are not as well made. It looks as though someone tried really hard for one aspect but neglected another. This is an accurate depiction of the way we subconsciously start dealing with problems in our work and in life too.
And that’s exactly where constructive criticism comes in handy. A different perspective, a fresh pair of eyes would notice that you are too focused on a particular detail and help you see the bigger picture.
With this newly regained point of view, you can start ironing out some of the things that were out of your focus. And that makes for a job well done every time.
Better Relationships
A different aspect in which constructive criticism helps a lot is that it forms stronger, more trustworthy relationships. Communication is the bread and butter of both receiving and giving this type of advice, which is why relationships benefit greatly from it. Let’s break the explanation down to the two aspects of constructive criticism – giving and receiving.
When you’re the one who shares their ideas and advice, you have to make sure that the person opposite of you understands both what you mean and where you’re coming from. This form of communication makes you considerate of the other person’s perception, seeing as that’s the only way to make a positive change.
This is why, when you’re giving advice in the form of constructive criticism, your communication skills and understanding of the other person’s thought process become much better.
On a side note this form of communication makes you more considerate of the feelings of others because one of your main goals is to make sure you’re not offending anyone, seeing as this is not what you aim for. Now that this is clear let’s talk about receiving constructive criticism.
By listening and understanding where the other person is coming from, you start realizing you’re not alone, and you start trusting others. This means that, while relying on yourself, you can share your experiences with others, learn from them and be happier for it.
The building of trustworthy relationships goes both ways, and when you’re on the receiving end, it really helps to know that this person is trying their best to help you.
Final Thoughts
To put it briefly, constructive criticism is incredibly useful on each side of the equation. It is a valuable tool that when used correctly often results in a job well done and happier participants. The idea of constructive criticism itself is to aid in communication, not threaten it. It is providing you both with the resources you need to do the best work you can and with the ability to help in the most useful way.
When you put it that way, it actually sounds good, doesn’t it?
by admin | Jun 3, 2022 | Fitness
Building A Garage Gym – What Equipment To Choose?
If you’re like most people, the idea of a home gym conjures up images of huge piles of equipment, all taking up space in your already cramped basement or garage. The reality is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to get in a great workout at home – and you certainly don’t need anything as big and bulky as a treadmill or an elliptical machine.
In fact, all you really need to get started is your body weight, but we all know that we get adapted to it quite quickly, which is exactly when the need for weights comes in. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at what you might want to consider adding to your home gym arsenal once you’re ready to make your garage a fully-functioning gym.
#1 A Squat Rack
When it comes to building a gym in a fairly small place, you HAVE TO be efficient and pick out the most effective pieces of equipment. Squat racks are some of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment because they can be used for a variety of exercises.
For example, you can use a squat rack to do:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Calf raises
- Bench presses
- Overhead presses
- Biceps curls (usually forbidden in a public gym)
- Rack pulls
Last but not least, if you read part 1 of this article series, we talked that a big disadvantage of a home gym is the lack of a spotter. And well, with squat racks and their safety pins, that is no longer a problem!
#2 A Dumbbell Rack
It is true, the squat rack provides us with the opportunity to put all that raw power to work with the help of a barbell. However, when it comes to developing a functionally and visually symmetrical physique, you just can’t go without uni-lateral work. THIS is where a dumbbell rack comes into play to give each side of your body a nice workout, separately.
While a squat rack will allow you to do all your basic, compound movements, a dumbbell rack can help with that AND some auxiliary exercises, such as:
- Shoulder presses
- Lateral raises
- Triceps extensions
- Dumbbell rows
- Goblet squats
- Dumbbell lunges
- Biceps curls, all kinds of biceps curls!
If not a whole dumbbell rack, you can opt for a set of adjustable dumbbells that will do the work just fine!
#3 Dip & Pull Bars
For the most part, people think that at the beginning of your ‘training career’, you should start with bodyweight exercises and then move on to weights. And well, that couldn’t be further from the truth, because even when you adapt to your own bodyweight, these exercises are still bomb.
This is especially valid when you consider adding some extra weights to those movements! If what we just said resonates with you, consider getting a dip & pull-up bar to your home gym. This is the equipment that will allow you to do different kinds of bodyweight exercises, including, but not limited to:
- Chest/triceps dips
- Wide grip pull-ups
- Chin-ups
- Neutral pull-ups
- Leg raises
- Knee raises
- Active/passive hangs
- Muscle-ups
- More complex bodyweight exercises
#4 A Cable Machine
Now, though free weights must be at the core of your workouts if your goal is to get stronger and more fit, that doesn’t mean you should ignore cables.
In fact, we all know how good of a pump cable machines can bring about. With this in mind, it is fair to say that a cable machine should be considered once you get all the other essentials sorted! A cable machine will allow you to do more concentrated work on exercises, such as:
- Triceps press downs
- Cable curls
- Cable pullovers
Final Thoughts
Knowing what equipment to use for your garage gym is important, but having the right attitude and mindset will make or break you. A home fitness workout should be about more than just getting a good sweat on. It’s also about testing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally – all of which are necessary components if you want to live an active life and improve your body and mind.
The most important thing you can do when building your own space at home is to choose gear that fits your lifestyle goals to feel like a part of who YOU are. So go ahead, get on the market and find YOUR perfect pieces of equipment to set up your personal training temple!
by admin | Jun 3, 2022 | Mind
Coping With The Loss Of Another – How to mourn
You may have heard the saying that death is just the end of a surprisingly short forest path. And if you think about it, it sounds really peaceful.
If you’ve had someone really close pass away, however, then you probably know what it felt like at the moment you found out – The things you’ve heard, the people that you’ve seen in your lifetime, the buildings, the oceans, the earth, and sky – it is all utterly meaningless in that moment of quiet stillness.
Everything is so quiet, the most ear-shattering loss of noises and sounds that you have ever encountered… If you are in this situation right now, just know…
Feeling sad and letting your emotions go wild is not a bad thing.
The truth is that it really does hurt, physically and mentally, but there is a way to not let it consume you. There is no magic word, a potion, or a pill that makes the pain vanish.
It definitely helps to let those tears flow or you may wind up in a situation where you will not know how and when to express what you’re feeling. us don’t let yourself get too comfortable in the fumes of those feelings. It’s just not healthy, nor fair to yourself.
We Will All Pass
It sounds so easy to say it when you’re on the other side, but saying these words can change the feeling of despair. That is If you understand the logic behind them.
These words give you the insight that it happens and you can’t do a damn thing about it. The sooner you realize this, the closer you are to reaching inner peace. At the end of the day, the important thing is to appreciate life. Dying is, and always has been, the most natural event in the logic of the universe. Every living thing in our surroundings is bound to meet the same faith as us.
Talking About It Helps
It really does, especially If you have a couple of stories that commemorate the legacy of this person. Share them, be a little bit clingy and obnoxious, your friends will understand and support you. Don’t stop reaching out for help by talking. Remember that you are doing this for yourself and you don’t have to be ashamed of that. Sometimes talking may lead to an occasional bottle of alcohol or constant visitations to the grave of the loved one.
Other things like doubling your exercises or going to support groups may be of some efficiency, but nothing really beats a commemoration with your friends and a drink in memory of the person.
Having Dreams About Them Is Normal
Yes, you dream of that person and you wake up feeling like you’ve run a marathon. It’s perfectly normal. But sleep is too important to not take action. Try visiting the home of the deceased, try talking about it with their family, be supportive, and don’t stray from receiving support – everybody needs it and no, you’re not the exception.
Then a couple of months go by and things seem to be looking up. You still think about the person, but you feel that it’s in a much healthier way, you frequently smile and laugh when someone says his/her name and It feels natural. Finally, you realize that the important thing has always been to appreciate and love the people in your life while you can still touch and see them.
Life is too short to hold on to the people that are not with us anymore. On the contrary, celebrate their life. Now… call your parents and friends and say you love them as if it was for the last time.
by admin | Jun 3, 2022 | Health
Could An Oxygen Colon Detox Improve Your Colon Health?
A healthy colon is a vital part of a healthy body. The colon, along with the small and other sections of large intestines, are a major area where the nutrients in food are absorbed. If the colon is not clean, it cannot fulfil this important task. Not only that, the impacted faecal material that builds up in the colon and intestines releases toxins into the bloodstream. You are in effect getting toxins instead of nutrients – not a very good trade.
Symptoms that a colon detoxification might be in order include tiredness, PMS, headaches, and of course, constipation or diarrhea. There are a variety of ways colon cleansing can be done, including colonic irrigation, enemas, dietary fibre, and laxative herbs. These methods can help, but each has some negative points according to some physicians.
An unusual therapy I heard about the other day was explained to me as ‘’another natural option for colon health, which is to use an oxygen-based colon cleanser. This method uses magnesium oxide that has been treated with oxygen and ozone. This substance will react with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach to release oxygen. The oxygen gets into the bloodstream to nourish all parts of the body, but it does more than that. It also nourishes the favorable bacteria that live in the digestive tract.
Unfavorable bacteria in the digestive tract will give you vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. Favorable bacteria compete with the unfavorable ones for living space. An oxygen-based colon detox will encourage those good microbes, for better all-around health.’’
So how exactly does it work? The therapist I met explained that :
‘’An oxygen-based colon health product creates a chemical reaction that releases oxygen and melts the impacted material in the intestines and colon into gas and liquid. It will make you need to stay close to a bathroom for a day or so while you eliminate the material from your colon, but you will feel much better afterwards.’’
She continued:
‘’Look for an oxygen-based colon detox product that is available in a capsule form. Make sure it does not include ascorbic acid among the ingredients because ascorbic acid is an antioxidant. An antioxidant will undo the good that could be done by the oxygen. A good ingredient to look for, however, is GE-132’’. ( I must admit I had not heard of this so thought I had better research this a little- I suggest you do too and make up your own mind.
‘’This is the germanium-132, which is good for the health of the immune system. It also facilitates and adds oxygen. It is considered to be a nutrient that is helpful for many ailments.
Cleansing the colon can help with weight loss. Many people who have eaten an average diet for years have accumulated ten to twenty pounds of impacted faecal matter in their colons. An oxygen-based colon cleanse will help the body eliminate this material, resulting in a quick loss to jump start your weight loss plan. Follow up the cleanse with reasonable portions of healthy natural food. You should have enough energy after the cleanse to start an exercise program, too.’’
Well, I have to admit I’ve heard of many forms of colon cleansing and do agree they are great for overall intestinal health, but this one specifically had passed me by, however when I looked into it more there were many oxy based cleanses, so I do suggest if it interests you, to do lots of research and check out all the many different oxygen-based products and grab a cuppa beforehand because there are a lot!!
Happy colon cleansing
by admin | Jun 3, 2022 | Mind
Crowded Places Or crowded People – a Guide To The World Of Introverts
In the Merriam – Webster dictionary the definition of the noun “introvert” is the following: a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone. While this is a spot-on depiction of the word, many people are skeptical towards the whole introvert and extrovert scenario.
Focusing on this I would like to view some of the reasons why this phenomenon is at large in our modern society. Introversion is a basic personality style that is usually associated with people who prefer to spend their time by themselves or with fewer people. This does not mean that they are lonely, plagued by society, nor sick.
Social gatherings are the best place for such people, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like personal interactions. It just means that they gain power by being a bit more self-dependent. In comparison with extroverts, introverts enjoy solitary experiences as a gesture of self-care. Now without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the most common traits of introverts!
They Think Differently
Carl Jung, the creator of the phrase “introversion”, claims that the way of thinking between introverts and extroverts can differ. A study shows that in larger groups, the brain of introverts produces less dopamine. That leads to a state of wanting to alienate yourself and recharge your batteries in a quiet and calm place.
It is also known that introverted people react to different incentives than extroverts. For example, a stimulating brain jog would be things like remembering the past and planning ahead.
Not shy, Nor lazy
In our modern society, personality styles are met with differing opinions. Extroverts are, more or less, considered more normal, because of their outgoing nature and social leadership. Introverts, on the other hand, are presented as shy, freakish, and lazy people.
None of these things are even slightly accurate. The people in this personality style are great leaders and can communicate freely and easily with people. They just don’t want to. The idea that all people have to be socially active for them to be perceived as healthy members of society is fine If you live in fifteen century France. In a modern community like ours, this kind of thinking just sends us back decades.
There Are Always Exceptions
Leading away from popular beliefs, there are always those few that would use being an introvert as an excuse to procrastinate on purpose.
The fact is that one in five people could be doing this to get out of an assignment or chores. The best way to prevent that is to be aware of the actual signs for an introverted person.
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
You know how they say opposites attract one another, well this isn’t the case. A survey shows that introverts and extroverts would not be the perfect couples or duo. Often there would be misunderstandings in the communication.
Imagine you’re at a party and the loud and open guy, or girl, goes up to you and starts a conversation. There is a huge chance that he would mistake your quietness and non-verbal approach as a sign to not stop talking. I’m not saying don’t talk to each other. What I’m saying is to always try to understand your crowd, don’t judge or jump to any rash conclusions.
It’s very important for both parties to make sure that It is a safe space for interactions. An unpopular opinion is that having an extrovert next to you may be comforting. He would take the pressure away from you having to talk to people and you can easily get involved in your active listening.
