Massage Therapy: 14 Massages to De-stress Yourself

By Sobiya N. Moghul

Massages are not just indulgences but a great way to de-stress and urge the brain to release endomorphine ‘feel good’ hormones.  These hormones trigger feelings of relaxation and relieve you of pain, tension, anxiety and stress.

Confused about choosing a massage for yourself? We give you 14 massages that will help you de-stress and alleviate pain.

1.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Indian Massage (Abhyangam)

Apart from the daily rituals of ancient Indians, this ritual uses long strokes and warm herb-infused sesame oil to stimulate circulation, enhance joint mobility, relieve muscle soreness and hydrate the skin and speed up detoxification. At the end of the session, medicated herbal powder is applied on the crown to re-balance energy flow.

2.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Swedish massage

Boost your energy levels and re-energise your body with the classic Swedish massage that uses rejuvenating seasonal blend of oils to provide a firm and deeply relaxing and healing experience. We recommend it for its effectiveness in relieving muscle soreness and stimulating overall blood circulation.  

3.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: French Massage

Indulge in this authentic massage style that has been influenced by stalwarts from the homeopathic healing tradition. An uplifting combination of aroma oils selected from carefully preserved global bio-reserves, are blended with cold pressed anti-oxidant rich base oils to provide a gentle relaxing massage which works on the senses as much as it works on the skin and nerve endings.

4.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Thai Massage

This is an offering gleaned from Buddhist monasteries where the austere monks perfected the art of preparing the body to become a temple for the soul. Here, they bring you the art, combining the use of Marma points with traditional Thai meridian massage. While this ritual involves deep tissue body work, the use of gentle pressure and stretching, balances energy flow throughout the body.

(This treatment uses no oil. You will be provided with pure cotton garment to wear during therapy)

5.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Balinese Massage

The traditional Balinese royal massage is a continuum of relaxing acupressure, skin rolling and firm, smooth strokes along specific energy channels. This ritual is a confluence of the best of healing traditions of China and India. It guarantees to re-awaken your inner self and evoke calm by releasing energy blockages and restoring smooth flow of energy.

6.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Reflexology 

Recognised by the ancient civilizations of Egypt , China and India and perfected by the healers, enjoy this relaxing and pampering treatment for tired hands and feet where application of pressure point massage stimulates the reflex points on your hands and feet that correspond to the various internal organs. Effective to relieve muscle fatigue after a long journey or tiring day.

7.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Champi 

Traditionally known in India as Champi, this is the source of all modern scalp therapies. It is an invigorating experience where firm and fast strokes are combined with stimulation of trigger points on the head to improve blood flow, nourish the scalp and induce a deep sense of calm.

8.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy works through smell or application. There are different types of oils available, some used as body products and others that are used as room fresheners. Oils that are applied on the body heal according to the property of that particular wood, flower where the oil has been extracted from.

It helps relax the body and mind. Fragrances have their own special properties that work on various aspects of our lives. Choosing the right fragrance would help heal and soothe away situations that could create issues in our body, mind or soul otherwise.

9.    Massages to De-stress Yourself: Tibetan Massage

Tibetan remedial massage is one of the oldest forms of massage. Tibetan medicine begins with the premise that we are made up of five basic elements: earth, water, fire, wind and space. Tibetan massage is primarily concerned with bringing the wind element into balance. The manipulative techniques used in Tibetan massage are familiar to any massage therapist and include rubbing, kneading and stroking. In addition, deep circular motions are applied to acupressure points.

Those who have experienced Tibetan massage have experienced a number of benefits for general health and wellbeing, including improved metabolism, better sleep, high energy levels, improved appetite and an elevated mood

10. Massages to De-stress Yourself: Lomi Lomi Massage

Lomi Lomi Massage is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii. It is a deep revitalising massage.

This therapeutic massage is applied with rhythmic grace, palms and elbows. It relaxes and refreshes the entire body. The massage can be done by one person or by two or more people working together. Having two people massaging tends to send to recipient into an even deeper level of relaxation as you really can’t focus on four hands doing different things - it really is a blissful and fairly mind-blowing experience.

11. Massages to De-stress Yourself: Kalari Massage

"As the name already suggests, Kalari massage is essentially associated with ‘kalaripayattu’ - the ancient martial arts form of Kerala.

During kalari massage, skilled masseurs take into account an individual's age, needs and health problems. A massage in which the masseur applies varying degrees of force and weight with his legs, while holding on to suspended ropes for support, is known as utsadana. When the masseur works just with his hands, it is known as samvahana. When two masseurs work together at the same time, it is called suparithala kriya. The various methods followed are detailed in ancient texts such as Maipayattu."

12. Massages to De-stress Yourself: Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu or finger pressure massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, is a Japanese form of physiotherapy. It is often described as the equivalent of acupressure, but this comparison is not entirely accurate, because the technique looks beyond specific pressure points, incorporating other methods such as stretching, breathing and rotating for a more whole-body approach to restoring energy balance.

13. Massages to De-stress Yourself: Heated Volcanic Hot stone massage

According to spas.about.com, "Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones, either as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body while they massage other parts of the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly."

14. Massages to De-stress Yourself: Acupressure

Acupressure is the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Acupressure deals with all the aspects of a person as a whole: body, emotions, mind, and spirit as one, not as separate parts. It relaxes muscular tension and balances the vital life forces of the body.

Source: Massage Therapy: 14 Massages to De-stress Yourself

10 things you have to know about arranged marriages

People in the western countries are at their wit’s end when it comes to comprehending the rationale behind arranged marriage system, more so the success rate that it enjoys. But there is a lot more to this traditional system of making matches than what meets the eyes.

Bollywoodshaadis.com

1.    Right age: Love knows no age, but in order to make a good match through arranged marriage, it is imperative to keep age consideration in mind. The preferable age for girls is around 25 or 26 and for guys no later than 30.

2.    Self assessment: Take a pen and paper and list down what all things you expect in your spouse to be and what level of compatibility do you desire, that will be in tune with the compromises that will need to be made.

3.    Decent Expectations: Expectations in an arranged marriage tend to run high and higher the expectations, greater are the disappointments because at the end of the day, it is not necessary that all the virtues that you desire can be found in one person.

4.    Economic compatibility: Arranged marriages take everything in account and strive for utmost compatibility even in terms of economic standing of the families. In fact, in olden days it was a way of ensuring financial security for the bride.

5.    Beauty: Arranged marriage is about suitability and compatibility. Beauty can easily take a back seat. Your intended need not be as dashing as Tom Cruise or as charming as Kate Winslet. Looks are important but not the most important thing.

6.    Understanding: Now, this is the million dollar question: how can you understand a person in just one or two meets? At times a lifetime seems less to truly understand someone. It is here that you should share your feelings about the person with your very close friends or may be siblings.

7.    Observe Etiquettes: Yes, there are some set codes of conduct that society at large expects you to follow. For example, do sufficient background research about the person before consenting to meet. Answering in negation after having met twice or thrice may be detrimental to the person’s self confidence.

8.    Take Advice: Feel free to take advice from those you feel will be able to guide you in the best possible way. Do not make a show of your feelings but then do not go about it unsolicited.

9.    Final Decision: Do not just marry a girl or a guy just because your parents or friends asked you to. It has to be your own decision and you will be responsible for whatever happens later in the life.

10.  Commitment: Arranged marriages are based on commitment and it is the most necessary element that keeps a relationship going.

Source: 10 things you have to know about arranged marriages

Heart disease: Signs of heart problems

Trina Remedios, Health Me Up

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests can take away loved ones in an instant. The best way is to prevent such unfortunate and tragic outcomes is to keep a constant check on heart health.

Heart disease must be detected well in advance, before it can cause damage. One way to do this is to lower cholesterol and reduce unnecessary fats in the body. But heart diseases also affect people who are 'slim' or who have no history of heart problems in the family. Just like any other disease and sickness, there are ways to judge if you will suffer a heart attack and there are signs that you can watch out for in others around you. These are the top 10 signs of heart problems.

Sign of heart problems #1: Tiredness and weakness

Everyone feels tired at the end of the day, but if you are literally dead exhausted then you should check with your physician, he will perform other tests to help you pin point the problem. If this kind of fatigue persists, it could be leading to the final day.

Another way to spot heart problems is weakness. If you are weak to the bone where you can barely get out of bed then there might be a chance that you may suffer a heart problem.

Sign of heart problems #2: Discomfort in the chest

This is actually the main symptom or sign to detect heart problem. Women are more likely to experience chest pain followed by a heart attack. Chest discomfort is associated with clogged or narrow arteries which prevents the blood to flow to other parts of the body. This lack of supply of blood can cause heart problems. Blocked arteries also cause numbness and weakness in the body.

Sign of heart problems #3: Sweating

What makes you sweat? Summer, hot bodies, workouts and intense activities creates sweat patches. But if you start to sweat if you are not doing anything, like sitting on the couch then you should be concerned. Sweating is generally accompanied by discomfort, numbness and pain in other parts of the body.

Sign of heart problems #4: Dizziness

Dizziness is associated with ear infection, low blood pressure or motion sickness. But if you feel dizzy or light headedness then it could be a sign of heart problem. Dizziness and heart problems are linked when the pulse is irregular or rapid or slow. This erratic pulse induces dizziness.

Sign of heart problems #5: Nausea

Nausea is the biggest symptom of food poisoning. But if you experience some of the other symptoms of heart problem and nausea you may want to rush to the hospital. People tend to throw up before they suffer a heart attack.

Your stomach too goes for a toss when your abdomen swells during this period. The swelling of the stomach makes to lose your appetite too. But more or swelling later.

Sign of heart problems #6: Anxiety

It is believed that people who survived a heart attack have experienced tension or a feeling that you are going to die. But it could well be linked to psychological anxiety and stress.

Sign of heart problems #7: Body pain

Earlier we had mentioned about chest pain, this pain can travel to other parts of the body. Generally, men experience pain in the left arm while women can experience pain in both the arms. The pain can be experienced at the shoulders, jaw, elbow, back or neck; this pain tends to go and come. Body pain is due to clogged and blocked arteries.

Sign of heart problems #8: Irregular pulse

When you experience other heart disease symptoms along with erratic pulse you may want to get your self tested immediately to avoid fatal consequences. Irregular heart beat is mainly due to thickening of heart muscles or due to valvular heart disease. Valvular heart disease may be caused by narrowing to the valves, leaking or if the valve doesn't close properly.

Sign of heart problems #9: Shortness of breath

There are several reasons why you could experience shortness of breath, in terms of the heart:

·         Thickening of blood vessels is one of the major causes of shortness of breath. This causes lack of supply of blood to the body.

·         Irregular heart beat

·         Heart defects

·         Thickening of heart muscles

·         Heart infection

·         Valvular heart disease

Sign of heart problems #10: Swelling

Swelling is caused when fluid accumulates in the body which is a sign of heart problems. Swelling is generally experienced in the legs, ankle and stomach. Swelling is a sign of heart defects or thickening of the heart muscles; it is also attributed to valvular heart disease.

Source: Heart disease: Signs of heart problems

I Need To Tell You Something

-- Margaret Meloni

I need to tell you something. I hope you don't mind. You see, what I have to tell you might not be something you want to know. But here goes, "You are not always right." This is my polite way of telling you that sometimes you are wrong.

It's OK. Believe it or not, we all are wrong about something. We are wrong regularly and repeatedly. It is the nature of who we are. I am not asking you to dwell on when you are wrong or what it is you are wrong about. I ask you to consider how are you wrong? Translation, when you are wrong about something, how do you behave and how does this impact your team?

Perhaps you do this because you come from a culture where admitting an error is a sign of weakness or you are afraid of losing face. When you are wrong and you hide it, you are teaching your team to engage in the same behavior. This makes it very difficult to proactively solve issues

When you try to cover up the fact that you are wrong about something you damage your integrity.

When you look for someone else to blame, you are hiding the fact that you are wrong PLUS telling a lie about someone else. This is even worse for your integrity and your credibility. Now you are teaching your team to use other team members as human shields. This makes it very difficult to build any kind of high performing team.

When you are wrong and you admit it, you model responsibility and integrity for your team. You can proactively address issues, you can demonstrate how to behave like an adult professional and you can all move forward.

So here goes, "You are not always right." This is my polite way of telling you that sometimes you are wrong. It's OK. Believe it or not, we all are wrong about something

Source: I Need To Tell You Something

Women too have high sex drive

Men have traditionally been touted as the 'hungry for sex' species. With a comparatively higher sex drive than their female partner, men are often expected to assume charge while performing in bed and are held responsible for a gratifying act too.

But why are men having all the fun? Women too can act bold when it comes to showing off their sex drive. But how?

Dr. Deepak Arora, a sexologist elucidates, "Men love their wives to have sex and wives have sex to get love from their men, in this way they become a supplement for each other. So if the female partner starts taking an equal interest in the act of intimacy; it can bring them closer to each other and they can enjoy a healthy sexual relationship."

Relationship and sex counselor Dr. Geetu Bhardwaj supports, "Gone are the days when a 'high sex drive' was considered a male prerogative. With various sexual techniques and arousal methods, even women can enhance their sex appeal and thus give their sex drive a much needed boost. Once women empower themselves to take charge in bed, they can overtake men not only in their sex drive, but also in sexual performance."

Breaking away from the preset notion of 'men are sexually more active', we get experts to share ways as to how a woman can overtake her man in sex drive...

Take charge of foreplay: Men, in general, are not overtly interested in prolonged foreplay. So it comes as an added advantage for women to give a push to their sex drive and initiate the primary foreplay. Sex therapist Dr. Devesh Roy advices, "Women must keep in mind that the arousing acts should be intense so that the man feels that you are fully charged up for a steamy session in bed. Do not focus much on unnecessary things like cooking a meal etc that may mar the mood before it actually gets going."

Plan for a sensuous night: You'd have often seen in Bollywood flicks that the hero is decorating the room for a night of passion and is going all out to woo his lady love with surprise gifts. But why do men make way for these sexual fantasies? It's time for women to let their wild imagination spread its magic. Relationship and sex counselor Dr. Geetu Bhardwaj opines, "Keeping their sexual desires on a high, women can plan for opulent bedroom settings whereby they can have everything that hints towards their sexual desire. Right from dim lights and aroma oils to fragrant rose petals and orchids strands; create an atmosphere that is conducive for a lovemaking night."

Dress attractively: Quite often, women feel low on sex drive because they feel less sexy and attractive from inside. Hence, they wait for men to pamper them and make them feel wanted. Dr. Amita Mishra, a relationship expert however states, "Looking attractive in sexy attires like a bikini or see-through lingerie ignites the female sexual desire to get intimate with their partner and vice-versa. Even if your man is not interested in sex on a particular night, there are chances that your dressing provocatively will arouse them for a sexual session."

Exchange naughty gestures: While men always boast of their sex drive through gestures like tickling, caressing, kissing, whispering and at times publicly displaying their affection, women too should try shedding their inhibitions and acting a bit naughty. While having dinner, women can try holding their mate's hands or giving them a surprise hug when he's shirtless right after a shower. "These sexual gestures act as clear indications that a woman is much more aroused as compared to the man. This high sex drive gets translated into a wonderful chemistry in the bedroom while having sex," feels Dr. Roy.

Make kissing a memorable experience: Passionate kissing works wonders in your sexual paradise, but again don't let your man make the first move. Make him feel that you know much more than him when it comes to kissing. Try different kinds of kisses and drive him crazy. "Kissing is a quintessential part of foreplay, the actual act and after-sex moments. Women can use kissing as a weapon to stimulate their partners and at the same time also experiment with newer ways of kissing to leave their partner utterly surprised," suggests Dr. Geetu.

Don't insist too much on contraception: A short cut to let your man know that you're equally, or more, ravenous for sex is to let the things happen without much of interruption. While performing in bed, women must not insist too much on using protection and just try to enjoy the act. "Continuous reminders about using contraception make a man feel that the woman is not keen on sex and is rather overtly worried about the aftermath. So it's suggested that the pleasurable moments should be performed sans any hindrance to show a woman's craving for sex," says Dr. Amita.

Source: Women too have high sex drive

10 Tips for Better Business Writing

By Mark Nichol

Writing in a business environment is an activity with associated norms, challenges, and opportunities. Keep the following points in mind as you craft communication in the context of a company or an organization.

1.    Clarity

Be clear. Clarity is the primary goal of all communication, and in business writing, the degree of transparency in one’s message can determine whether one succeeds or fails in a venture, whether you’re transmitting a report or closing a deal. State the intention of your message, provide the necessary details, and request the precise response you need or want.

2.    Active Voice

Employ active construction (subject-verb-object). “This report was sent to me by John Smith” is not wrong, and it’s probably the best choice if you want to distinguish one report from another, but consider whether “John Smith” should be the subject of the sentence; the active syntax is more vigorous, and usually more appropriate.

3.    Direct Language

Construct concise, declarative statements. Your goal is to provide or invite information, or to persuade or be persuaded. Your time is valuable to you, but the recipient or recipients of your communication also have constraints and deadlines, so take the time to express yourself with economy and directness.

4.    Simple Words

Favor plain, clear words and phrases over technical terms, jargon, or buzzwords. Take care not to complicate your vocabulary or stiffen your tone in an attempt to seem more businesslike or expert. By all means, use proper terminology to enhance clarity and demonstrate your knowledge and skills, but imagine how you would speak to your intended audience, and write with a conversational glossary in mind.

5.    Tone

Strike a balance in tone that depends on the particular context of the communication. Even within categories (memos, whether in print or in email form, or marketing content), the feel of the correspondence will depend on many factors. Consult with management and colleagues, study precedents, and consider the audience when settling on the voice of a particular message.

6.    Role

Consider the role of a particular piece of communication. If it’s summarizing a report, don’t go into so much detail that the report itself is unnecessary (unless, of course, you’re providing an executive summary for a company leader who doesn’t have time to read it). If it’s part of a larger project, match your writing style to the approach of the overall suite of materials.

7.    Goal

Focus on the expected or hoped-for outcome. Whether you’re writing to a superior or a subordinate, or to a colleague or someone outside your company or organization, be clear but courteous about the goal of your correspondence.

8.    Candor

Avoid euphemisms or generic references; name topics outright. Diplomacy is a foundation of successful business transactions, but you can undermine success by seeming too solicitous or vague about sensitive matters. Be forthright in your discussion.

9.    Formality

Standards for business correspondence have become more relaxed, but maintain a professional tone, avoiding slang or text-speak, exclamation points, and overly informal salutations and sign-offs.

10.  Words with Friends

Be cautious about making exceptions about formality when corresponding with coworkers or associates you consider friends or confidants. Just because you dish or swear when the two of you chat in person doesn’t mean you should do so in email messages or other electronic communications located on a company network. Drop the formality a notch, certainly, but don’t document your lapses in professional behavior.

Source: 10 Tips for Better Business Writing Daily writing tips

7 Tips to Attain Peace of Mind

By Junaid Tahir

When you were child you had a pure mind; the mind which was free from worries and anxieties. As the time passed, you were influenced by several social, personal, familial and official crises such as financial complications, broken relationship, lack of trust, joblessness, failure in business, loss of respect and so on. When the mind is stressful, the associated germs of negativity, jealousy and pessimism add fuel to fire and hence your pure mind becomes impure. These impurities if taken out can bring back the mental purity hence real spirit of joy of childhood can be attained up to an adequate level. Off course you cannot fix all of your problems at once but you can train your mind to develop the skills which can help either bypass or overcome the depressed and tragic situations so as to give you a big time relaxation while you focus on the solution to your problems. Below are some techniques which can be used to combat the peace stealing triggers:

1.    Mind your own business. Yes, please mind your own business. When you start being concerned about things which are not related to you, you lose your grip on your thought process which often results in negativity disturbing the mental peace. Basically, your mind starts wandering here and there. As you know that a non-focused mind is evil's workshop hence the germs of negativity and jealousy gain more strength. So next time an unnecessary thought comes to your mind, think whether this is really something you should be worrying for? If not, shun it right away and focus on something positive, practical and fruitful.

2.    Surround yourself in positive people. Ignore negative comments and stay away from negative souls. When someone is negative, he spreads negativity and you get affected. Permanently staying with such people will have long term impact on your character so think about your company.

3.    Don't think about others too much. Remember the great quote: small minds discuss people; Average minds discuss events; Higher minds discuss ideas and Great minds act in silence. Don't allow your brain to compare yourself to others as this is an insult to yourself. Don't be Jealous; it's a heart killing disease, get rid of it as soon as possible. When you are jealous you focus on finding faults in others even if they don't have. This poisons your soul and steals the mental peace.

4.    You can't keep everyone happy. Don't be over sensitive. Be natural and genuine in what you do. Be positive, constructive and ethical in your deeds and then don't really care too much about others. Be aware, don't apply this formula to too closed relations. Develop trust to establish powerful relationships.

5.    Control your mood swings as it is an indication of unstable personality. Do it by not being over sensitive to others. Stop being reactive and implosive. Stay calm.

6.    Ignore your thoughts about being unlucky. Bad luck happens to everyone. It's not your fault at all. Time whether good or bad, passes quickly. Develop the power of not looking back into your past. Believe in the power of Now.  Believe in your skills. Work hard and have faith in God; you will get what you have been entitled for. Be patient and see what God has planned for you. Patience and consistency in your deeds is the key to success.

7.    Simplicity in your character and living style can overcome the stress and improve your happiness index. Don't be socially sensitive and start following every single trend your social circle is following. 

With these recommendations, I believe you can bring major changes in your life style hence attain back your mental peace. What are your recommendations in gaining mental peace?

Ten ways to perk up your morning

Shameem Akhtar

Simple tricks to up your mood in a jiffy

Ads are made around products that promise to perk your moment, indicating just how chronic this problem may be and how widespread. A majority of humanity lumbers out of bed, fatigued at the thought of having to face a working day ahead. Interestingly, even the stay-at-homes, who may be on a holiday or no special challenges stacked up for the day may feel this same sense of tiredness. What causes this sense of lethargy and unwillingness to face the day with the verve we wish we could muster?

It could be many things:

·         A late and heavy dinner

·         A dislike for the chores ahead

·         A hormonal downswing, that suppresses hormones that perk us up -- dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, to name a few

·         A lack of protein and core minerals in our diet, which again affects our moods negatively

·         Lack of exercise, which can add a pep to our lives

·         A dull or stressful day ahead

·         Even overall boredom can be a mood-killer

·         Chronic constipation can also make you feel fatigued

Yogacharya Shameem Akthar gives you simple tricks on how to up your mood in a jiffy:

1. Yoga trick

A full body stretch is an immediate wake up call. Some poses do it naturally and are not complicated or exotic. The mountain pose (tadasana), the yastikasana (stick pose) are simple full-body stretches. While for the former you need to stand up and stretch from toes to finger tips, the yastiksasana is done lying down, and could be the first thing you did on waking up.

Lie down where you are, raising hands overhead. Bring feet together. Inhale and exhale. Once more inhaling, bring the palms together and the feet closer to give yourself a complete stretch. Release the stretch when you exhale. And you are done! It is a simple but powerful way to remove the stiffness in the body and mind.

2. Breakfast well

Plan a good breakfast. Looking forward to a hearty breakfast could be the best thing you did to yourself: make it colourful, engaging and different. Have small bits of several food types -- fruit pieces/or juice; carbs in the form of breads/cereals/or your native food (idli, paratha etc) with the right accompaniment.

Add your protein source (yoghurt/egg) and treat yourself with something sweet. Having sweets in the mornings is better in terms of weight control since you are likely to burn it off. It gives an immediate perkiness.

In ayurveda, a meal is complete when all the major tastes that the tongue requires are taken care of.

3. Dab some mood-boosters on

Using a dab of the essential oils listed below, in your kerchief, inside of your wrists, or on your inner wear (where you can smell it for long, like in the bra or vest), can keep you on a fragrant high the whole day. These oils are easily available at medical or beauty shops and include ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, geranium, sandalwood. Or use perfumes or deos with these oils in them.

4. Sunlight does it

Most of us like to be in dark spaces for a while after we wake up, allowing the body enough time to adjust to the sudden clamour of the alarm clock. But if you are in a bright space after this initial adjustment is made, you will find that your mood is up and ready to face the day.

This is because the pineal gland responds to sunlight and stimulates the nervous system, readying you for the day. So, if you can sip your coffee in a space where the sunlight is dribbling in, it will be a natural way to wake up a sleepy, lethargic mind.

5. Colour the mood

Bright colours have a natural mood-stimulating, mind uplifting effect. The entire entertainment and food industry exploits this principle when trying to sell something to us. Having a cheerful painting, or decor or accessories (including cups or breakfast utensils) could have a powerful, look-forward-to-day impact.

Some colours that win hands down are yellow and orange.

Even bright shades of otherwise sober colours like blue (copper sulphate blue), green (light green), violet (purple, lavender) could make a huge difference in the way you adjust to your day.

6. Gems and crystals

In alternative therapy, bright stones are seen as natural mood lifters. If you are shy about being teased about wearing them, you can still use them as key chains, or just raw chunks that may be carried with you in your wallet.

Some stones that are believed to uplift are the shimmering sunstone, the resinous amber, the sparkling citrine, the precious topaz, and the bright orange carnelian.

7. Uplifting foods

Good fats are mood uppers. These include dry fruits, especially walnuts, seeds that like flax seeds and sunflower (may be ground and used to garnish soups, salads or yoghuts), olives and olive oil and most fish, but especially salmon. Try and squeeze some of these into your daily diet, for a natural upper.

8. Exercise

Weekend exercise can be exhausting and can actually be counterproductive. Try to have a short but regular exercise regimen involving activity that you enjoy.

Even ten-minutes of exercise squeezed into your morning routine will give a high that will last you the whole day: yoga, brisk walking, cycling can do the trick.

9. Look forward

Plan something for the end of your day. It could be cuddling with a book you wish to read, a TV show you want to watch, a dessert outing with the family.

If you plan it ahead, at the start of the day, it will hang about you like with a strong mood-upper the whole day. It will help you face the crowded day and carry it forward effortlessly.

10. Snuck in a private moment

Usually if a day is stacked up with several things you must do, you will feel tired even before you start. Squeezing a private moment to yourself -- like a walk out after lunch, taking the dog out for a walk, grooming your pet, a tea-break with colleagues or friends or just with yourself -- would help break the monotony of a busy day.

If you make a habit of this you will find that you can handle the rest of a tiring day easily. Having it organised beforehand would help ensure that you will commit time for yourself. In fact, amongst the entire list we gave above, this one could be the one which gives the right perk to your morning. And your day.

Source: Ten ways to perk up your morning