Sunday, 23 June 2013

5 Tips on How to Improve Your Concentration

Like most things in life, it's possible to improve your concentration if you decide that's what you want to do. Indeed, the mere act of focussing on your concentration could be enough to shift the balance but often you need to do more. Check out these tips to help improve your concentration.


1. Decide what to concentrate on
You can't spread your attention too thin which means that if you haven't got a focus, you simply won't be able to concentrate on the most important item whatever that is at any moment in time.
So set a few moments aside to work out precisely what it is that you want to place your full concentration on for the time being.

2. Set a time limit
You've probably got a good idea of your current attention span.
Obviously if it's measured in seconds like a teenager then you'll have to increase the time limit before it can be effective. But regardless of that, set yourself a time limit.
This has a couple of advantages. Firstly it means that there is an end already in sight, which can stave off your desire to focus on the next shiny penny. Secondly it means that you can set aside that amount of time to concentrate on the important task that you've homed in on.

3. Reward yourself
Allow yourself a small reward when you actually achieve the task of concentrating on something for the amount of time you've decided.
It could be a quick video game, it could be an edible treat (but careful that doesn't wreak havoc with any diet you're on). You'll know what will incentivize you to complete your chosen task without straying from it and whatever the outcome, deliver the reward if and only if you've concentrated on the task for your allocated time. No cheating!

4. Do it now
Quite often we'll put off a task at the slightest provocation.
So long as it's appropriate, start concentrating on your task now. If it's not appropriate, take the necessary steps to get yourself in the right place.
Don't allow yourself time to procrastinate and make up excuses as to why you can't do the task.
You probably already know which one of your stock excuses you're likely to apply - it's too late in the day, I'm not a morning person, and so on. It’s a bit like the plane in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy that was put into suspended animation because they hadn't got any refreshing tissues. Don't let yourself use petty excuses!

5. Take a break
This may sound like the opposite of concentrating but actually you will find that taking a short break every now and then will give you chance to assimilate the things you've been concentrating on and will actually make the task easier and maybe even enjoyable.
So maybe take a brisk walk before you start then a coffee or water break about an hour into the project or go for another walk or something else to help you break state after another hour. Work out a routine that allows you to be at your best mental ability as much as possible. You'll find that it helps you to improve your concentration almost without effort.



Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/ ?5-Tips-on-How-to-Improve-Your-Concentration&id=7301887


The 12 Best Smoothie Ingredients

You can boost your brain, build muscle, burn fat, and help your heart in less than one minute: Just mix up a smoothie and slurp. It's that simple—if you include these twelve ingredients they not only pack health benefits, but also make your shake taste even better.

Peanut Butter

Packed with protein, manganese, and niacin, peanuts can help stave off heart disease and, when eaten in moderation, promote weight loss.

 

Fat-Free Milk

All the calcium and protein but none of the fat.


Blueberries

The huge amounts of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, in blueberries have been shown to slow brain decline and reverse memory loss.


Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt

A cache of calcium and digestion-aiding probiotics in every scoop.


Raspberries

An antioxidant powerhouse bursting with fiber, manganese, and vitamin C, these berries will keep your heart and brain in top shape.


Fat-Free Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

Calcium, phosphorus, and none of the guilt.

 

Pineapple-Orange Juice

OJ has vitamin C, and pineapples contain bromelain, a cancer-inhibiting, inflammation-reducing enzyme.

 

Cherries

In addition to their vitamin C and fiber content, cherries have been linked to reducing arthritis pain.


Bananas

Heavy on potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, bananas do wonders for your heart and provide good carbs to keep you full and energized.


Whey Protein

It’s essential amino acids help pack on the muscle—making whey the best friend of athletes and gym rats.

 

Frozen Mangoes

To their stock of vitamins A and C, mangoes add a healthy dose of beta-carotene, which helps prevent cancer and promotes healthy skin.


Ice

A little H2O never hurt anyone.




Article source http://www.menshealth.com/ mhlists/best-smoothie-ingredients/

Hidden symptoms of hay fever

 

Did you know that over 12 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever? Common hay fever symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.

Hay fever can also cause other symptoms that are less well known. In some people they cause 
sleep problems, poor concentration and even depression and asthma.

If you're suffering from unpleasant hay fever symptoms, it's time to take action. Here, Dr Mike Smith has put together his hay fever symptoms hit list, which includes the lesser known symptoms and how you can make sure they don't disturb your fun in the sun this year.

Sore throats

One of the most forgotten, yet painful, hay fever symptoms is the sore throat. There are a few reasons for this problem developing.

Dr Mike Smith says: 'Firstly, as hay fever blocks the nose and sinus, sufferers are forced to breathe through their mouth constantly, which leaves the throat sore, red, dry and irritated.

'Secondly hay fever causes sinus drainage, or 'post nasal drip'. This is a build up of mucus at the back of the nose which then 'drips' down to the throat and can result in chronic pain and infection.

'Sore throats also can be made much worse by being dehydrated, especially on a hot day. It's a good idea to carry an antiseptic throat spray at all times to provide fast and effective relief when needed.

Asthma

Hay fever is much more likely if there's a family history of allergies, particularly asthma. Hay fever sufferers are more likely to develop asthma than those who don't suffer from hay fever.

Allergens can trigger asthma symptoms: tight chest, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. If this happens to you, speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. They will give you medicines to help you control these symptoms.

Headaches

Dr Smith says: 'There are many disorders of the ear, nose and throat which can cause recurring headaches. A common one sinus problems. Hay fever causes swelling in the nose which can result in sinusitis.

'It also brings on headaches when the immune system overreacts to irritants, such as pollen. The best way to avoid or get rid of a sinus headache is to treat the underlying sinus inflammation.

'Using a humidifier during hay fever season could help, as could a saline nose spray. If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.'

Depression

Dr Smith says: 'Research indicates that if you have a mood disorder and are also allergic to tree or ragweed pollen, your depression will likely worsen during hay fever season.

'Research has found that 53 per cent of people diagnosed with either depression or bipolar disorder tested positive for ragweed or tree pollen allergies.

'If you suffer from low mood during hay fever season, treating the symptoms of hay fever could help, otherwise visit your GP for further advice.'

Skin rash

Hay fever skin rashes can be caused by pollen falling on the skin, by direct contact with leaves of offending plants, or by droplets of moisture from plants which can often carry pollen.

Dr Smith says: 'Activities in the garden during peak hay fever season such as mowing the lawn or trimming bushes can aggravate pollen in plants, particularly the common ragweed (one of the worst offenders for hay fever suffers), causing skin irritation.

'The best advice is to check the pollen count first thing in the morning and avoid doing gardening on days when it is likely to be high. Antihistamine products are also very effective for rashes'.

Sleep problems

Many sufferers report their hay fever symptoms being worse at night, particularly in the summer months, which can cause sleep problems.

Dr Smith says: 'When the air cools after sunset, the pollen can slowly descend, creating an invisible pollen shower. A top tip is to wash your hair before bed and regularly change your pillow case - this will help to get rid of any pollen particles which could be the cause of your night time hay fever attacks.'

5 quick tips for handling hay fever

Don't let hay fever spoil your summer! Follow these 5 tips from Dr Mike Smith to handle your hay fever symptoms:

·         Avoiding exposure to pollen is the best way to reduce the allergic symptoms of hay fever, so stay indoors when you can on 'high-pollen-count' days (when the count is between 50 - 150)
·         If you wear glasses, fine. If you're not, it's best to wear wraparound sunglasses on high pollen days
·         Take a non-sedating anti-histamine to dampen symptoms
·         Drink at least an extra 500ml of water on pollen days to make sure that you remain hydrated
·         Take your holidays by the sea. The land being warmer than the sea, attracts pollen-free air for the sufferer to breath and with it some natural relief for the hay fever symptoms. 



Article source   http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/ wellbeing/522049/hidden-symptoms-of-hay-fever