LIFE STYLE TIPS

Be Comfortable Naked

Get used to being naked when you are alone. Sometimes being naked and just hanging around the house can feel weird. And if you put something on, you feel more comfortable. Well, how can you be comfortable naked around someone else if you can't be when you're alone?

Immersing oneself is the best way to get used to something or get over fears. Humans are creatures of habit. Once you feel comfortable being naked by yourself or around others it becomes difficult to go back to the way you used to feel. Depending on how much you wear when at home will determine where you need to start. If you are fully clothed all the time, including socks, you may want or need to start slowly.

Go barefoot

Start off by no longer wearing socks at home. As soon as you get home, kick off those shoes and take off your socks. You would be surprised how many people are embarrassed by their feet and don't like to be barefoot around others. If you can't comfortably be barefoot around people then being naked will take some time and work, but you must work at anything you really want.

Little By Little

Slowly getting used to being naked little by little is the best way to make this new habit stick. Start by doing whatever you do around the house with less clothes on. Try being topless most if not all of the time. A long time ago I was never comfortable at home without a shirt on. Now I am not comfortable unless I have no shirt.

Try wearing more revealing bottoms

If you wear pajama pants when at home, then wear shorts. If you wear shorts then wear underwear or lingerie. Eventually you will get to the point where you go completely naked.

Tip for women

If you just can't get yourself to walk around the house topless or bottomless try this. Wear a sheer night shirt or bra and panty set. You may feel protected by the feeling of still having clothes on, but they really aren't hiding anything. Your partner will also get some enjoyment from seeing you like this.

Just a minute

Try spending at least a few minutes a day doing normal things around the house without any clothes on. Watch TV, read a book on the sofa, wash dishes, even sweep the floor. You can then get somewhat dressed if you want to. Try extending the amount of time you spend being comfortably naked.

Of course no one expects you to be naked all the time. The goal is to get to the point where it doesn't feel weird or uncomfortable not having any clothes on.

Body image

It feels like it's easier to be naked around someone if you feel you look good. It is. But you don't have to be perfect to look good. Exercise helps tone up the body. Find an exercise program that you like to do or you won't stick to it. And if you ask someone if you look good and they say yes, believe them. Don't think negative and say to yourself they are just being nice. Think to yourself something like "that's right, I'm hot. "

Stay groomed

It doesn't matter if you have no one coming over to spend the night. Being groomed and looking good helps make you feel great about yourself. Plus, you never know when you might get a call that they want to come over. Men get a haircut, women get your hair done. Pedicures, manicures, shaving, trimming, and makeup. These are all things people can use to help look more attractive to themselves and to others.

Living with other people

Ok, you don't live alone and can't just walk around naked. You can try locking your bedroom door and do these same tips. You will just have to put something on before leaving your room. How about sleeping naked? You may find it is so comfortable and never want to sleep with clothes on ever again.

If you take a shower and get dressed in the bathroom, try just wrapping yourself in a towel and getting dressed in your bedroom. If you have a roommate of the same sex then some things can still be done in their presence. If you're a woman how does your roommate walk around? Copy her. Talk to her about this article. Maybe you can work on it together.

 

 

Make Someone’s Night With A Foot Massage

http://www.gonomad.com

After a long day standing, walking, carrying . . . there isn’t much that feels better than getting a foot massage. And giving your spouse or partner a foot massage is a wonderful gift for a special occasion, or just to help them relax at the end of the day. Pregnant women especially appreciate and even need a good foot massage from time to time. 

You'll need a massage cream or massage oil. If you don't have either, you can use any good moisturizer or a vegetable oil (stay about from olive oil – it doesn't absorb into the skin and leaves a sticky feeling later).

Have them put their feet up, and sit or stand so their feet are at the height of your chest. Make sure to keep your touch firm – a lighter touch is more likely to tickle.

Start by rubbing the cream or oil all over the foot.

Wrap your hands around the ball of the foot, pressing into the ball gently with your thumbs. Pull your hands down, squeezing the foot gently. Repeat this 2 or 3 times.

Now take your thumbs and make small circling motions up and down the bottom of the foot. Make sure to press firmly, especially at the arch of the foot, to avoid tickling.

Using the tips of your fingers, rub around the ankles and heel, circle the ankle, do not massage the ankle bone directly. Move your fingers quickly, to create a light friction and warm the muscles and tendons.

Gently massage each toe.

With your thumbs or finger tips massage the top of the foot, in the spaces between the foot bones. Do not massage directly over the foot bones.

Run your hands over the whole foot, just like when you started, and use a towel to wipe off any excess cream or oil.

Repeat on the other foot, and you will have made your spouse or partner’s night. 

Giving a foot massage is not difficult, and can be learned easily.

 

 

How to Deal with Haters

Instructions

• In order to understand the process of why haters hate, you must understand the definition of a hater. A hater is "A person whose jealousy of another person success or achievements makes them verbally nit-pick any flaws no matter how small or just make up flaws in order to somehow try and belittle the successful person."

• Instead of getting mad at haters for hating, keep doing what you do that brings hate your way. Having haters is one way of knowing your constantly doing something right. It's always good to have your name in someone else's mouth, keeps you popular.

• Understand that it's in a haters blood to hate. It's not that they hate you, but rather they hate themselves or hate others who have. The distaste a hater has for you will only grow over time If you continue to suceed, so push forward.

• The most simple way to deal with a hater is not to deal with them at all. They seems to always posses a negative aura around them and it may rub off on you if you're around them to long, so let a hater do their job, drink haterade!

Why do some Men wear Earrings?

There are several reasons why men wear ear rings. Given are top 10 such reasons.

1. Many men wear rings as a fashion trend. Many young men wear ear studs or hoops as a Style statement because they want to or find it attractive or stylish or as a mean to enhance their looks.
2. Many other wear it as a custom or tradition followed in their religion. The practice of piercing ears is one of the Hindu practices performed in the third or fifth year for some Hindu children. This ceremony is celebrated by inviting people and feasting.
3. Some wear diamond studs or golden earrings are a way to display their wealth or as a safe investment they can bank on during hard times.
4. There are many actors who pierce their ears so that they could fit into the character they are playing.
5. Some guys pierce their ears because they think that girls find guys wearing earrings sexy.
6. Many times the man would have got the ear stud as a gift from a girl friend, wife or a friend and would have pierced the ears so that he could wear it.
7. Wearing earrings in one ear (on the right lobe) is considered as a mark of homosexuality. But this is just a misconception. There are also criminals using this misconception to misguide people. Some parents also think that wearing an earring means that person is becoming a hippie.
8. Many wear earrings because of the Therapeutic Significance. It is believed that the point of vision in acupuncture is situated in the center of the lobe. Hence the practice of wearing earrings is thought to have some therapeutic value.
9. It is believed that long ear lobes like Buddha are a sign of spiritual development and superior status. Young yogis even now follow the practice of stretching the piercing to stimulate the psychic nerves connected to the ears.
10. Finally, Many men also wear earrings to rebel or stand out in the crowd. People like to do things which they are instructed not to do. Many also tend to think that wearing it would separate themselves from the masses - to be an individualist.(Thanks John for the point)

Guys, do you wear earrings? What is the reason behind you wearing it? Ladies, what do you think of men wearing earrings?

 

 

It's time for male 'plus size'

Most of us think of a stick thin, starved woman when we think of body image disorders but it more and more men are struggling with the problem.

According to a report by journalist Joseph Stashko of the New Statesman, one in four suffering from eating disorders in Britain are men. A recovering anorexic, Stashko notes that most material geared towards those suffering from this kind of disorder addresses female sufferers which, he says, "makes you feel even more like a weirdo who's failed at being a man."

Not only are there limited resources for men suffering from body image disorders, but the bar for what is seen as acceptable for men to look like is set so high that many will never reach it - a problem that Stashko believes contributes heavily to the growing number of men falling victim to image disorders.

Media shows men with chiseled, bulky frames as being the de facto of what is acceptable - which is far from realistic. Magazines punt "how to bulk up" articles but less often offer advice on how to lose weight, eat healthily and accept yourself as you are.   

As it dawned on him that he suffered from an eating disorder Stashko explains that he felt emasculated.

"We are loath to admit to our vulnerability as men and would rather belittle those who show signs of it. If this is what it means to be a man, what does that mean for a man with an eating disorder?"

Stashko isn't alone in his struggle. Editor Noah Brand of US magazine Good Men Project made a rather outrageous statement in what he called "a direct confrontation with body shame" by posing nude for his own magazine.

He describes himself as almost obese but says the experience of posing nude was "intensely liberating."

He admits to suffering through self-hatred and shame over his body in the last two decades but that he has chosen to shed that shame and accept himself for what he is.

Yet another man speaking up about this growing consciousness of the male struggle with body image is Australian model James Richard Aitken who, at six feet tall and 103 kilograms, has recently posed for plus size magazine Plus Model.

Aitken told Hugo Swyzer of Jezebel.com, "I want to make guys who aren't skinny or who don't have amazing muscular bodies feel comfortable too… men also need reassuring."

Aitkin's frame is far more realistic for men to aspire to than carefully sculpted bodies that are seen in various media, yet we seem a long way off from making this simple transition.

A growing body of evidence shows that men need a broader range of images to aspire to and identify with, or risk falling into the despair of the unattainable.

 

 

How to look good in every photo

Get the perfect profile picture

Fed up of being tagged looking terrible? Check out our tips for mastering the perfect pose and start looking your best in every shot.

Look to your right

A US study conducted by Wake Forest University has revealed that the left side of the face is more attractive than the right, apparently due to the fact that this side of the face shows more emotion. To capture the perfect profile picture, look slightly to the right to reveal your ‘best’ side. This can also help to give the illusion of a slimmer face for those with rounder faces.

Choose your makeup carefully

For the perfect photo-ready appearance, make sure you avoid light reflective or mineral foundations containing high amounts of titanium dioxide (a reflective pigment). Although these foundations are great for an everyday luminous look, the flash of a camera can quickly transform your dewy complexion to a ghostly white one as the white light reflects back from the camera. Once you have applied a suitable foundation, finish your look with some face powder to help eliminate shine.

Accentuate your best features

To look your sparkling best in photos, make sure you emphasise your favourite features to make them the standout feature in your snapshot. Try playing up your eyes with some eyeliner or false lashes. Alternatively, perk up your pout with some bright lipstick. Also, make the most of your best body features with an outfit that complements your shape and colouring.

Look away from the lens

Nobody wants glaring red or half-shut eyes ruining an otherwise great photo, so make sure you avoid this by focusing your eyes just slightly above or below the lens. Looking directly at the lens causes light to flash off the retina, leading to the red eye effect. Looking slightly away from the camera will also reduce the risk of those mid-blink shots.

Avoid “red eye” shots

As “red eye” in photographs is caused by light reflecting off the back of the eye, those with large pupils are more likely to suffer from this pesky problem. If averting your gaze from the camera is not doing the trick, another tip for alleviating the red eye effect is to make sure photos are taken in well lit environment or to look at a bright light just prior to the photograph being taken to make your pupils smaller.

Banish the double chin

There’s nothing worse than spotting a picture of yourself sporting a double chin where you previously only had one, yet sadly this happens to the best of us. To avoid the appearance of a double chin in photographs, make sure that the camera is just above or at your eye level. Also, try tilting your head up and jutting your jaw out slightly – you may want to practise this one first in the mirror to stay looking natural!

Avoid direct light

It may not always be possible to control the lighting for your photographs and, unless you happen to be a professional model, you most likely won’t have someone on hand to make sure it’s just right. However, it is worth bearing in mind that direct light from above can cast shadows on your face and accentuate the appearance of under-eye shadows. Opt for areas with softer lighting or head to the shade if outdoors.

Pose like a pro

If you’re posing for a full body shot, try the classic celeb pose of turning your body three quarters of the way towards the camera, with one shoulder closer to the camera and one foot in front of the other. This will make you body appear slimmer than if you were facing the camera face on. Try keeping your back straight with your shoulders back and your stomach in (just try not to suck it in too much, you won’t be fooling anyone!).

Master the perfect smile

Many of us focus on our mouths when smiling; however, in the words of supermodel Tyra Banks, it’s all about the “smeyes” (smiling with your eyes). Rather than forcing a grin, think about something that makes you happy for a more natural smile. You may also want to perfect your personal smile to work with your features. For instance, a beaming smile works great for those with good teeth, while a more relaxed half smile will make small eyes appear larger and lips appear fuller.

Practise your pose

If you’re really keen to capture the perfect photo, the best thing you can do is practise beforehand. Experiment with different face and body angles, smiles and facial expressions to find what works for you, either in front of the mirror or with your own camera. Once you have discovered which looks you like best, you are ready to unleash them at every photo opportunity, making sure you look perfect each time.

 

 

7 healthy handbag essentials

7 health-boosting items to keep in your bag

Most women’s handbags are packed with useless bits and pieces we will never really need, from old tickets and receipts to unnecessary gadgets. Give your handbag a healthy overhaul by clearing out the clutter and replacing with these seven essential items.

Healthy handbag essential 1: Sunscreen

Not only is sun damage responsible for up to 90 per cent of the visible signs of ageing, skin cancer – caused by overexposure to the sun – is also the most common form of cancer. Research studies have shown, however, that few of us are regularly wearing sunscreen (statistics by Mintel show that only 52 per cent of women and 37 per cent of men in France, Germany, Spain and the UK wear sunscreen, while a poll by ABCNEWS.com revealed that only 53 per cent of women and 36 per cent of men in the US use sunscreen at least sometimes). To help look after your skin, keep an SPF of at least factor 15 in your bag and reapply throughout the day if exposed to the sun for long periods.

Healthy handbag essential 2: Water

Getting enough fluids is essential for keeping your organs healthy, increasing energy levels, helping to detoxify your body, curbing hunger, improving digestion and reducing fluid retention. Not only is it great for your health, drinking water is also one of the cheapest beauty treatments around, helping to promote a clearer, more radiant complexion. While there is no definitive guideline for how much you should drink, it is important not to wait until you are thirsty as by this time you are already dehydrated. Keep some water to hand to stay energised and hydrated throughout the day.

Healthy handbag essential 3: Nutritious snacks

Junk food cravings affect even the strongest willed of us from time to time, so make sure you defend yourself against them by packing a healthy snack for next time the cravings hit. Good handbag-friendly nutritious snacks include magnesium-rich dried fruit (chocolate cravings can be a sign of a magnesium deficiency); raw, unsalted nuts, which are rich in protein to help you feel fuller for longer; and fibre-rich roasted chickpeas or seasoned popcorn, which are great low-calorie savoury snacks.

Healthy handbag essential 4: Hand sanitiser

While it is important not to get obsessive about cleanliness, good hygiene standards are still important for your health. We come into contact with bacteria frequently throughout the day without realising it; for instance, cleanliness tests in Britain have revealed that cash machines are just as dirty as public toilets, while a study by the University of Arizona found that the average work station contains nearly 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. Keep a hand sanitiser in your bag to cleanse your hands when necessary, particularly before handling food.

Healthy handbag essential 5: Pedometer

According to experts, we should all be walking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day in order to maintain good heart health and a healthy bodyweight. However, many of us are consistently falling short of this mark. To make sure you are squeezing enough activity into your day, try keeping a pedometer in your handbag as you go about your day. With this handy piece of equipment you can easily record your total daily steps and be spurred on to take more. By increasing your daily steps you can improve your energy levels, reduce stress levels and improve your overall health and fitness.

Healthy handbag essential 6: Medications

This may seem like an obvious one but it is easy to forget about packing your pills when hurriedly getting ready for a busy day. To stay healthy and prepared for wherever your day takes you, make sure any medications, including hay fever and allergy remedies, painkillers, asthma inhalers and treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, are at the top of your packing list.  Tablets can be dispensed into handbag-friendly pill cases to leave plenty of room for other essential items.

Healthy handbag essential 7: Entertainment

Look after your mental health by keeping your brain working hard during lulls in your day. Research has found that frequent participation in mentally stimulating activities can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, so give your brain a boost by packing a crossword, Sudoku puzzle or book for those quiet moments. Alternatively, researchers at the University of California Los Angeles found that browsing the web helps boost brain health in those middle-aged and older, while studies have suggested that listening to music can improve immunity, lower stress and improve heart health, so squeeze an iPod or web-enabled phone into your handbag for a quick health boost.

  How to Dress for Your Body Type

Identify your body type. One way to define a woman's body type is by how her curves connect her bust, waist, and hips. There are four general body types: 

• Apple - top-heavy; 14 percent of women; bust three or more inches bigger than hips; if you have this body type, you probably want to emphasize your tight legs and butt, draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).
• Straight/rectangular - 46 percent of women; waist is about the same as hips and waist, more like a cylinder; if you have this body type, you can "pinch" your waist and exaggerate curves to avoid looking lanky or boyish. Go for ruffles and frills to add texture and volume (and femininity) to your figure. Steer clear of baggy jeans and track clothes if you don't want to look boyish.
• Pear - bottom-heavy; 20 percent of women; hips significantly larger than bust; if this is your body type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, but some women might want to make their butts bigger!
• Hourglass - 8 percent of women; equal hip and bust measurements with a narrow waist; if you're one of the lucky few with this body type, dress to flatter - not flatten - your beautiful curves.

Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the mid-section. If you have a straight shape, this is a must because it'll create the illusion of curves. If you have a pear or hourglass shape, this will accentuate your existing curves.

• Avoid this, though, if you have an apple shape (which means you have a thick waist, or you put on weight easily there) - wear tops that "drape" over any love handles, like tunics and flowy tops with an empire waist (the waist begins just below the bust and flows outwards).
• Dresses or tops that wrap around your waist and cross over your chest are only a good idea if you have an ample bust; otherwise it can make your bust look disproportionately tiny (if you're pear-shaped) or your chest and shoulders look flat and square (if you're straight-shaped).

Elongate your legs. No matter what your body type, making your legs look longer is generally flattering.

• If you're apple-shaped or straight-shaped, choose flared pants over straight-leg or skinny pants. It adds more "shape" to a straight body and it helps balance out wide shoulders and/or a heavy upper body. Stock up on miniskirts and bright tights to make the most of your great legs.
• If you're pear-shaped and you are short (or have short legs), wear straight-leg or slightly flared pants with heels. Skinny pants that hug your ankles can make your lower body take on the appearance of an upside-down triangle. Flared pants can make your legs look very thick, perhaps bowl-legged, in comparison to your upper body.
• Wear clothes with patterns that go down your body (especially your legs) and not across.

Shape your bust. If you have an apple or hourglass shape, you probably have an ample bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy. Book yourself a professional bra fitting; it's life-changing and will make your chest look fantastic! Stock up on V-neck dresses and tops - they're super flattering on big-busted girls. If you don't want to draw attention to your chest, stay away from necklaces and wear chunky bangles instead. You should also wear plain colours around your bust and go for patterned and colourful bottoms instead. If you have a straight or pear shape, wearing a push-up bra to add curves up top might not be a bad idea. If you have a flat stomach and aren't shy about showing it, cropped tops will make your chest look a little bigger in relation to your waist.

Choose your colors and patterns wisely. If there are any curves, handles, or lumps that you'd prefer to hide, wear solid dark colors (black, navy, dark purple) over them. Wear bright colors or patterns on your hot spots to draw attention away from your trouble spots!

Draw attention away from unwanted curves by enhancing a feature that is further away or you can cover it with dark colors.

Wear what you feel most comfortable in for confidence. And make sure that your clothes fit properly. Clothes that are too tight or too big will not necessarily make you look better.

• Remember, just because you have an hour-glass figure doesn't mean you have to wear clothes that make you blush. If a neckline is too deep, or if a hemline is too short, leave those clothes on the rack.
• Comfortable clothing will make you feel better and make you more confident. Consider all your options.

 If you're a petite woman (short and skinny) avoid full-length coats and maxi dresses - they'll just swamp you. Choose cropped jackets, shorts, and mini dresses to keep your petite frame in perfect proportion. Dressing in one colour or wearing vertical stripes will make you look taller. Try high heels too!

 5 Things To Do With Clothes You Never Wear

1. Sell them

Take your unwanted clothes to a thrift shop and sell ‘em. Before you head off, sort your clothes by season and style. Of course, check for stains or rips on your clothing, as those items won’t sell. Make sure your clothes are interview ready: cleaned, ironed and sharp.  Shop around and see which shops will give you the best rates (not all thrift stores are created equal). 

If you’re feeling ambitious and have a lot of unwanted clothes, yard sales are always an option. Advertise, sort your clothes by price, and wait for the money to flow in. Generally the rule of thumb is to price items around 25% of their original value, but go with your gut; you can always bargain later. 

One last option is eBay! If you’re Internet savvy and not looking to spend an entire day selling things outside in the heat, this might be a nice option. This way a huge consumer base can browse your clothes. Unlike a yard sale, however, you will have to pay a fee for each item you list and sell. 

2. Donate them 

Why not do some good with clothes you’ll never wear again? There are tons of organizations that accept lightly used articles of clothing. Find a Goodwill or a Salvation Army in your area and donate your clothes to people who need them. 

For items like suits or prom dresses there are excellent charity options. Dress For Success helps underprivileged women find jobs. The organization preps the women for interviews and provides them with a suit to wear to it! That’s where you come in, if you’ve outgrown any blouses, blazers or even professional shoes, visit and help a struggling woman get a job. 

DonateMyDress.org and Becca’s Closet will take your prom dresses, or dresses from any special occasion, and distribute them to women who can’t afford to buy them.  Don’t leave those formal dresses sitting in your closet, hidden from the outside world. Give them to women who will wear and treasure them. 

3. Make the Old New

If your clothes are looking tired or outdated, whip out your sewing machine and make a few adjustments to them. Melanie Yates writes a blog called “She’s In Love With The Captain” and is always transforming and tweaking her clothes. She has several suggestions for updating your clothes:

• Replace the buttons on an old cardigan or coat. Pick up new fun buttons at the fabric store to update the look. 
• Switch up the hem: If a skirt is too long and bulky, shorten it! 
• Turn those retro flare jeans into skinny jeans.  Melanie walks us through the process: “Turn your jeans inside out and pin the edges of your jeans together, about up to your knee, but still leaving room to bend your knees. Then sew along where you placed the pins. Turn the jeans right side out and try them on. (They will be a little snug because of the excess fabric, but try to overlook that.) If they are too big/small, you can still take out the stitches and adjust the size of the leg hole. If they fit, you can snip off the excess fabric and wear them!”

Check out her blog for more ideas! 

4. Get That T-Shirt Pile Under Control

You probably have way more t-shirts than you’ll ever wear. You don’t need that many for working out or sleeping, and you certainly don’t need to hang on to those oversized t-shirts from your camp days, or every single sorority t-shirt that’s been passed down from your Big Sister. 

If you’re not ready to start using them as rags, t-shirts can still undergo serious transformations. HC Style Editor Elyssa Goodman transformed an old ugly T-shirt into a new tote bag!  Here’s how it’s done:

• Cut out the sleeves of the T-Shirt.
• Trace a large round object (like a plate) past the original neckline.
• Cut your line
• Turn the shirt inside out and sew the bottom of it shut.
• turn it right side out, and voila!

Or cut your t-shirt into strips that are ½ and inch or so thick. Then tie the shreds of shirts together and make throws for your couch, or pillowcases.

5. Swap Your Clothes with Friends

Your friends are constantly shopping in and perusing your closet anyway. Why not make it official? Sort out the clothes that you don’t want anymore (be ruthless!) and have your friends do the same. Then go shopping.  By swapping clothes with your friends, items that no longer fit you will find a new home in a closet not too far away.  Any items your friends don’t want, you can donate or sell.

 

Top 9 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Work

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It is important that you make a good impression at work. If you make a good impression on your boss, he or she is more likely to give you more responsibility which can lead to promotions and raises. Here are nine ways to make a good impression at work.

1. Use Proper Office Etiquette

Using good manners will help you make a good impression with your boss and also your co-workers. Office etiquette includes everything from the proper way to use email to knowing when, where, and how to use your cell phone while at work.

2. Face Up to Your Mistakes
When you make a mistake at work, which everyone inevitably does at some point, face up to it. Don't ignore your error or place the blame on others. Take responsibility and come up with a solution to fix your mistake. Your boss may not be too happy about it, but she will at least be impressed with your response.

3. Know When to Call in Sick to Work
Do you think coming to work when you are sick instead of staying at home will impress your boss? Reasonable bosses know that a sick employee not only isn't productive, he or she can spread an illness around the office rendering everyone else unproductive. Call in sick when you need to.

4. Come Through in a Crisis
When the unexpected happens at work, who will make a better impression on the boss -- the employer who wrings his hands and does nothing or the one who springs into action? Of course it's the employee who deals with the crisis quickly and effectively.

5. Know What Topics to Avoid Discussing
Avoiding inappropriate topics may not help you make a good impression at work but it will keep you from making a bad one. Subjects that do not make for good workplace conversation include politics, religion, and health problems and other personal issues.

6. Manage Your Time Effectively
Your ability to complete projects in a timely manner will help you make a good impression on your boss. You should demonstrate that you know how to manage your time effectively by handing in projects when, or even before, your deadline.

7. Dress Appropriately
Make a good impression at work by wearing the right clothes. You should dress the right way for the "role you are playing." If you aspire to be a leader at work, dress like one.

8. Avoid Offending Your Co-Workers

Make a good impression or avoid making a bad one by not doing things that offend your co-workers. Always show respect towards your co-workers. The last thing a boss wants brought to his attention are the uncivil actions of one of his employees.

9. Represent Your Company Well at Business Meetings
When you represent your employer at a business meeting making a good impression on other attendees will in turn help you make a good impression on your boss. Dress appropriately, network on your employer's behalf, and bring back information.

 

How to Deal With Stress

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Take control of your life and take a moment to think about all you have been given and how blessed you are. Be thankful for everything you do have in control and dismiss everything you don't. Be thankful for even the simplest things such as having a roof over your head, having a bed to sleep on, having quality food, warmth, security, and mostly good health. This is something that many people in the world don't even have so think how lucky you are.

Be aware of your choices; you always have a choice. This is true for emotions as well as work. Sometimes you need to let your emotions out but still stay in control.

Say something positive to yourself as soon as you wake up every morning. This will keep your energy and mind going.

Start every day with a reflection, spiritual or otherwise.

Set goals for what you need to achieve that day, then write a "to do list". When writing your "to do list":

• Know your limits - Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day.
• Prioritize your tasks and work to finish them starting with the highest priority (urgent/important).
• Do your most unpleasant or most difficult task at the beginning of the day when you are fresh, thereby avoiding the stress of last minute preparation. Procrastination feeds stress!
• Emphasize quality in your work, rather than sheer quantity.
• Schedule your day and your stress as this can reduce the number of stressors you must juggle at any one time. Stagger deadlines for large projects.
• Add some "breathing" space that will allow you time for "recharging" and creative thinking. You will also be better prepared when an unanticipated task arrives. Too much logical and systematic thinking creates stress - you need to give that part of the brain a rest and stimulate the other parts of the brain.
• Review your goals at the end of the day and think about everything you have achieved. This is cathartic and will help you sleep better. Check off the things that you accomplished on the "to do" list.
• Know your limits and do not push yourself too hard or beat yourself up when you do not achieve your goals. Tomorrow is another day, start writing tomorrows to-do-list before you lie down so that it is off your chest.

Be organized. Much stress arises from feeling overwhelmed. Being organized and getting your priorities straight can help you break responsibilities down into manageable pieces and focus on the things that really matter.

Identify the things that put you under stress. Make sure you understand why you become stressed so that you can try to avoid these circumstances.

Stop worrying about what you cannot change. This especially comes with things such as politics. Learning to accept things as they are is an important coping mechanism, but not as easy as it sounds.

Take responsibility for making your life what you want it to be. It is less stressful to make decisions and take action than to feel powerless and react to other's decisions. Decide what you want and go for it!

Treat your body right - You will have more self-confidence and energy, and be less likely to experience the physical side effects of stress:<

• Eat a healthy breakfast and healthy snacks only. Your choice of food is very important when dealing with stress; stay away from sugary snacks and have unsalted nuts and fruit available.
• Drink water it is the best beverage and stay off alcohol which always adds to stress one way or another. Caffeine is also known to raise stress levels, so again it is best to drink water.
• Get fit. Exercise a little every day. This releases endorphins that can lower stress levels, also eat chocolate it also releases endorphins, but only in a small to moderate dosage.
• Get enough sleep, and, if possible, get into regular sleeping habits.

Listen to music. Stress can inspire intense emotional reaction. Utilize it. Vent the spleen to a favourite piece of music and experience a happy release. Also, positive and relaxing music can be helpful.

• Listen to calm and soft music. It really gets you relaxed and happy. Try listening to music with no vocals and pick music with instruments like the flute, piano, etc.
• Use positive self-talk - One of the first things you can do in facing stressful situations is to reinforce your resolve through positive statements such as, "I can handle this, one step at a time," or "Since I've been successful with this before, there's no reason why I can't do it again".