Procrastinator No More!Written by Kenia Morales
Procrastination is when ever we postpone a task or duty intentionally without a valuable explanation. It is a natural tendency in people. Let’s face it, sometimes we are tired or a specific task is unpleasant to perform and we respond by putting it off until later. If it happens only once or on something of not much importance it is okay. But, what happens when a student keeps putting off school work. At last minute he may want to make up for lost time but fails class. So, can you see how procrastination can get in way of your success and objectives? Therefore, it is crucial for people to learn how to avoid this negative tendency and manage it effectively. Below I have added some tips that can convert anyone in to a procrastinator no more!•On a daily basis make a “to do list”. Check each completed item as you go. •Prioritize, do first what is most important. This way if you do not have a chance to do other ones (for any reason) at least, you have completed most important duties. •When there are tasks that you rather avoid classify them between most tedious and lighter ones. Do ones that you find less amusing first. Once you are done with ones you dislike your day will flow extra smoothly.
| | Does Money Buy Happiness?Written by Gayla Swihart DeHart
According to researchers (footnote, E.g., Martin Seligman, Daniel Kahneman, Ed Deiner), money buys happiness only to a very limited extent. Not having money- that is, a family income of less than 30,000- is related to less happiness, but once your basic needs are being met, increase in happiness from say, $31,000 to $131,000 is really not that great! Hard to believe, isn’t it? Think of all time and energy we spend trying to attain more money- and it really doesn’t make that big of a difference! The United States is a very rich country, but overall level of happiness there is lower than in many poorer countries. So, question is, if money can’t buy happiness, what can? Things that are hard to buy. Here are some tips for improving your feelings of happiness and well-being: 1. Develop a strong social support network. Call your family members regularly. Make time to call and see your friends. Get involved in your community- coach a team, volunteer for a charity drive. Get to know your neighbors. 2. Acts of kindness – random or otherwise. Do these regularly. Hold door open for someone. Add change to someone’s parking meter. Drop off a meal for a family who is dealing with an illness. There are an infinite number of things that we can do for others every day, at little cost to ourselves, but with great reward. 3. Regularly write down things that you are grateful for. Have a special place for this- a journal perhaps- and write down top five things, small or large, that you are grateful for. Do this at least one time per week. 4. Eat well and exercise consistently. Just like your mother told you- lots of dark green and bright orange vegetables, at least 8 glasses of water per day, stay away from processed or fried foods, and eat sweet stuff only in moderation. Exercise does not have to be rigorous, but it should be consistent. Try to do at least 20 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week. Park farther from entrance, take stairs. Every little bit helps. 5. Have tools for coping with stress. Learn relaxation techniques. Have a stress-free zone (either in your home or in nature) where it is easy for you to relax. Take a bubble bath. Call a friend. Do yoga. Develop several tools that work for you and use them regularly. In fact, don’t wait until you are stressed- you will get stressed less often this way. Also, remember that caffeine is stress is a cup.
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