The Daily Mind
Daily Steps To Mindful Living
Stress is part of the human condition. Depending on how you harness it, stress can be very beneficial or incredibly harmful. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Institute of Stress indicate that most people find certain life events extremely stressful.
Here are the top five causes of extreme human stress identified by researchers. [Read more…] about How to Fight Back When Extreme Stress Attacks
Originally posted on August 3, 2013 @ 8:58 am
Everyone wants to be a better person, but what if you don’t have an extra two hours in the day for navel-gazing and working in a soup kitchen? The good news is that self-improvement doesn’t have to feel like a chore, otherwise you’re going to end up feeling like you’re punishing yourself instead of feeling and becoming better.
There isn’t a single plan for self-improvement; it’s more of an a-la-carte option.
Start by identifying the five biggest things you’d like to improve about yourself, and write down why. Maybe you want to practice more empathy because when a friend tells you her troubles, you don’t quite know how to act. Maybe you’d just like to pay your bills on time.
No matter what you’re after, here are seven small steps that can drastically boost self-improvement. [Read more…] about 6 Small Steps to Big Benefits for Self Improvement
Originally posted on August 2, 2013 @ 6:28 am
Creating a harmonious space is all about minimizing distractions; the idea is to keep much of the “everyday” world out to allow focus on developing inner serenity. So, reducing noise, limiting reminders of the so-called “real” world, and creating a calming space lead the list of tips for developing a meditation area. [Read more…] about Feel the Meditation Space
Originally posted on July 31, 2013 @ 6:10 am
Advances in the study of the brain have led to a greater understanding of depression. It’s not just a bad day, but a host of symptoms caused by chemical imbalances that can more deeply root the neural pathways of the brain in a cycle of depression.
Studies have shown the depressed brain can atrophy and change over time if not treated. However, recognizing when depression has set in is one of the trickier parts to overcome because the symptoms go beyond sadness. [Read more…] about Blues or Depression? Knowing When to Seek Treatment
Originally posted on July 22, 2013 @ 2:33 am
Some people find it easier to take a step back and refocus more than others. For these people, they can find that special thing within themselves wherever they are. It could be influenced by personality and/or upbringing, or it could be the result of long years of practice.
For some, going away on dedicated retreats is the best way to find focus amidst a busy life. And even those who are more centred than others can benefit from going on a retreat. After all, being away from one’s hectic routine and simply taking the time to reflect and meditate is beneficial to anyone.
Whether you are based in Australia or you’re there for a trip, visiting an Australian retreat centre is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself. The good news is that there are many retreat centres around the country, so the chances are that you will find one that is easy to get to. [Read more…] about Find Focus by Going to an Australian Retreat Centre
Originally posted on March 23, 2013 @ 1:10 pm
Homeowners, when given the chance to remodel their homes should consider doing it in relation to green living. Remodeling entails cost but it would be worth it if the home can be improved in such a way that there is an expected return in investment in terms of comfort, future savings, and responsibility to the environment. Contrary to the common belief that it is hard to achieve a green home, there are actually very simple modifications that may be done in a home to achieve the purpose.
Having a green home is not merely going with a trend. It involves a comprehensive overhaul of homeowner’s views so that they can easily adapt and incorporate green living concepts in everyday living. It is about making a home a healthier place to live in, and making the home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Select home remodeling efforts can result to better indoor air quality, energy and resource conservation, less wastage of materials, and opting for products that are considered beneficial to people and the environment.
Based on the recommendations of green advocates, a green home is founded on choosing the green option in all aspects including the use of non-toxic paints and sealants, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, natural flooring, energy-efficient lighting, tank-less water heaters, local building materials, native plants for landscaping, and many other specific ways that may be applicable to a home.
Living in an ideal home is essentially about being free from the worries of exorbitant energy costs, harmful construction elements, and wastage of anything that can be put to better use. Not many homeowners are aware that those seemingly minor inconveniences spotted in a home can actually pose a threat to the health of the occupants and the integrity of the home structure, not to mention hard on the pockets.
Molds and other allergens may be conveniently living in homes due to water intrusion, excess moisture, or condensation. An HVAC system that is not efficiently functioning can result to annoying random spots in the house which can either be too hot or too cold. Proper and sufficient insulation is really a must if a homeowner is to achieve an energy-efficient home. PA Electricity Companies provide some tips in their website for the information of the public. However, according to the experts at DePalma Construction, “While replacing drafty windows and maintaining the heater are both good ways to reduce energy bills, a commonly forgotten space in the home is the roof.” Homeowners should consider utilizing the unused space on their roofs for either solar panels or rooftop gardens. PA Electricity Companies provide some tips in their website for the information of the public.
Any modification from the smallest to the biggest effort will contribute greatly to the attainment of a truly green home. Once the difference between houses which have not benefited from any green-living modification and those that have been remodeled to comply with green living is experienced, homeowners will never want to go back to non-green living.
About the Author
Shirley discovered that a green home is actually attainable after having some minor modifications done in her home.
Image: ecoinstitution.com
Originally posted on March 13, 2013 @ 6:15 pm
