Assurance mag final by Ted Baker

SPOTLIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL FOOD & HEALTH FUN LIFESTYLE FALL & HOLIDAYS

ASSURANCE VOLUME 06 / SEPTEMBER 2013

BEING RUSHED HEALTHY CHOICES AT EVERY MEAL

EXAM

SSAT GUIDE

Colourful Autumn Additions

From the EDITOR

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ummer is nearly here. To some, summer means a time of renewal from long winter days. To others, it means time spent with family and friends or vacations and an opportunity for rest and relaxation. Regardless of what summer means to you and your family we want to encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities that summer provides.

Ted Baker Editor

In this issue we wanted to give you some great ideas to make the most out of your summer. We will take you to the high seas on a cruise, tempt you with mouthwatering food and help you plan projects to bring your family together. We would love to have you share with us how you spend your summer. So, as you go though the next few months think about dropping us an email, and hopefully some photos, of what will hopefully will be one of your best summers ever…Summer 2013. Each one of us wishes you, your family and your business a wonderful year.

AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Beth Ann Wyatt

According to employees, DeHayes Insurance is a great place to work. This month we will spotlight one such employee: Beth Ann Wyatt In 2010 DeHayes Insurance acquired a local agency, merging them into the existing DeHayes Group. In that acquisition, Beth Ann brought her considerable 15 years of Life and Health experience to the betterment of the agency as a whole. When the transition brought her and the accompanying agents in; it brought them into new and better technology than ever before. While transition is hard work, Beth Ann began learning the bells and whistles with the teamwork that exemplifies DeHayes. Her turn-key approach of handling the process from proposal straight through to claims made her an effective and valued member immediately. Always available to help clients with Senior Benefits and Medicare questions on the sometimes complicated paperwork involved; Beth Ann is focusing her considerable learning capacity on getting the ever-changing Individual Health Reform changes up and running for the agency. She has educated and equipped herself to be ever at the ready to assist both new and current clients, helping them to wade through the somewhat undefined and unstable exchange system of the current health reform. The idea is health coverage for all with some assistance from the government which depends on if you fall into specific categories such as: * Uninsured now with a pre-existing / without a pre-existing * Insured now with a pre-existing/ without a pre-existing * Group Non- Group, Individual Another criterion is the exchange ratio. The most current exchange ratio is 10 to 1. Need further explanation? Whew, me too. That’s why clients know they can call on Beth Ann to clear the cobwebs and cut thru the red tape to best protect them andtheir families. According to Beth Ann “One of the best things about being at DeHayes is the open lines communication between CSA’s and agents creates a great environment for teamwork.” And that is Exceeding Expectations...Beyond Insurance (WC 337)

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CONTENTS BACK TO SCHOOL SIMPLE BACK TO SCHOOL SNACKING

SSAT EXAM GUIDE

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ARE DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES BETTER THAN REGULAR COURSES?

HOW TO PAY FOR AN ONLINE DEGREE

CRAFTY BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROJECTS FOR KIDS

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FOOD & HEALTH

HEALTHY CHOICES AT EVERY MEAL Soluptatur? Qui ullab iur, que consequ aeptius plitiore nisim res nempori atquam videlique

25 28

GOING GLUTEN FREE FOR REAL Soluptatur? Qui ullab iur, que consequ aeptius plitiore nisim res nempori atquam videlique

STOPPING PANIC ATTACKS NATURALLY

LIFESTYLE

LIFE AFTER 60: TIPS FOR LIVING A HAPPY AND MEANINGFUL LIFE

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33 33

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNIQUES IN BALANCING PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES BEING RUSHED

FALL & HOLIDAYS COLORFUL AUTUMN ADDITIONS GREETING CARDS: ALL ABOUT HOLIDAY CARDS

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35 38

BACK TO SCHOOL

Simple Back to School Snacking The start of a school year - with new classes, new teachers and new friends can be an exhilarating time for kids.

Pack a Bento Box These convenient, easy-tocarry food containers are perfect for lunchtime. The compartments make packing different foods simple, while keeping flavors and textures separate. Pack in hummus along with some dippers, such as pretzels, sliced fruit and veggies for healthy eating on-the-go.

Choose Hummus Cream-based dips and dressings are loaded with sodium, fat and preservatives. Instead, choose hummus, such as Sabra Hummus - the healthy alternative that kids crave. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a dipping party when you pack it with carrots, broccoli, celery and pita bread.

Grilled Vegetable Pita Pizza Ingredients

After-School Noshes Keep the fun, flavorful food options on hand for after-class, as well. When theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re busy doing homework or cramming for the exam, your kids will love the Mediterranean twist on these classic kid-friendly recipes, like this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Pita Pizza.

1 1/2 cups summer squash (about 2 medium size) yellow and/or green 1/4 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 red onion 2 vine ripe tomatoes 3 (6-inch) round pitas 1 cup Sabra Classic Hummus Black pepper and salt to taste

Preparation 1. Slice summer squash in 1/4-inch rounds. Place in bowl and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. 2. Peel and cut red onion in half. Then slice with grain in 1/3-inch wedges. Repeat with second half. Place in bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and combine. 3. Cut tomatoes in half and slice 4-6 half-moon wedges. Repeat with second half. Place in bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and combine. 4. Grill summer squash about 4 minutes on each side. Grill onions about 5 minutes, rotating once. Grill tomatoes about 5 minutes rotating once.

Try New Condiments When it comes to dressing up sandwiches and wraps, go beyond the ordinary mustard and mayo routine. Your kids will love exploring new flavor combinations, especially when you choose their favorites. Spread delicious Sabra Hummus on whole grain bread and fill with their favorite sandwich fixings for a tasty variation on a lunchtime classic.

5. Warm pita on the grill about 3 minutes each side. Once warm, remove pita from heat and slather with about 1/3 cup hummus. 6. Top with summer squash, tomatoes and onions. Cut into 8 pieces and enjoy.

Serves Yield: 3 pizzas, 24 small slices

BACK TO SCHOOL

SSAT EXAM GUIDE A significant step in life

Acquiring the SSAT examination (secondary school admission test) is a significant step in the life of anyone hoping to get into an excellent institution. A good SSAT Guide is definitely an important step in assuring yourself that you will have the perfect score whenever you go on it. Good preparation is important in acquiring any test, and the SSATs are absolutely no distinct. You will really want to be diligent, as we say, in terms of choosing the best tutorial for you and for studying it. You need to take training tests, possibly over and over, until you are performing towards the top of your capabilities. This is a significant stage to you. To get involved with the perfect institution, you need to do effectively at this point. There are several ways in which it is possible to assure yourself of doing effectively and also in locating the precise suitable study guide for yourself. Initially, it is a great idea to consider how you learn best. Are you much more auditory or are you the type of one who does greater with the written word? There are instructions for both types of pupils. If you do better following material, you will find manuals that are offered on CDs. And of course, there are lots of, SSAT Tutorials that are composed content. Select good for yourself and you will expand your study achievements. You might think about using both styles, as this may very well improve your odds of an excellent rating. Be honest with your self about the quickness at which you learn. If you’re a person who needs more time with some material to actually grasp it, then you really need to search out the right SSAT Guide for you early. Supply yourself sufficient

time to acquire this right. The cramming style of studying isn’t going to accomodate the SSAT. This is a detailed examination which is going to demand work and time to grasp. There are many training guides accessible to you. Spend some time and choose the best one to suit your needs. If you shop in a bookstore you’ll be able to compare them side by side, and if you search on the web you can check out there the benefits and drawbacks to each one. Be sure that the one you select has a type which is easy for you to comply with. Make sure that the one you select has excellent sample tests. High quality SSAT guidebook will have a training test.

Don’t Take Chances With Your Family’s Lifestyle

You should get more than one guide. Distinct guides focus on different things, oftentimes. If you actually want to get better at the SSATs, consider buying quite a few. Distinct books will also provide you with

You need to take training tests, possibly over and over, until you are performing towards the top of your capabilities. various practice tests. The harder you study and rehearse the better you will get! Don’t sell yourself short on this essential prerequisite. When you start your search, first make certain and navigate to the official SSAT website. You can find a link that will give you a superb listing of study guides within the heading for preparing and applying for the examination. Do your best with this. It truly is the main factor to your success in life.

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BACK TO SCHOOL Teaching Childen to Learn Click to view video

are distance

learning courses

better than regular

Courses?

here are many universities that conduct information days and evenings when you are allowed to views of the university premises. Similarly, if you want to make a background check about the university, the best source for you would be to contact the distance learning students. There are many alumni associations that organize a variety of activities and whose members have once been a

part of the distance learning courses in these universities. You can also approach them for gathering information about the distance learning courses. Since they were a part of the university before, they will be able to give you correct information about the university and its background too. These alumni associations also arrange for the annual free fairs on the distance learning information in almost all cities of the country. There

are participants who come from various countries to attend the discussions that take place in these fairs about the present education scenario and also the job prospects in the entire world. Thus it is indeed a great opportunity for you to meet up with such representatives and obtain all the required general information about the distance learning courses. Another way of finding and choosing the correct distance learning program is to do some research online and go

Tips for Helping Your Child With Homework Click to view video

If you ever have the opportunity to visit any of the online university for enrolling yourself in the distance learning course, then you must also in addition, get the information about all kinds of courses that are offered there along with also the kind of environment it offers, the people who works and the students who study at these online distance learning universities.

through the various sites of these online distance learning universities. The distance learning courses are mainly aimed at those working professionals and the students who work in the managerial posts or want to hone their skills in leadership etc. Here are some general criteria that you must be eligible in, in order to get admission in the distance learning course of MBA. You must have a good academic background with great results, you must also have at least 2 years or more of work experience in the domain of your choice, you must bring with you two or more letters of recommendation etc.

The distance learning is an open course and is conducted all over the world. The distance learning courses are usually conducted via the e learning mode, with the help of emails, teleconference, video and audio conferencing etc. The in the distance learning mode is great for people who can combine their job and family commitments along with studies. The study hour for such distance learning courses are rather very flexible and you can study at your own pace and convenience. Distance is not an obstacle when it comes to the distance learning mode and hence, you can easily get hold of a foreign degree while sitting at the comforts of your home in your country of residence.

BACK TO SCHOOL

How to Pay for an Online Degree Wondering how to pay for an online degree? You may be in for a pleasant surprise.

he government offers many opportunities for students to get money for college, and accredited online university students are no different. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, regardless of your major, there should be something that you qualify for.

ACG In order to qualify for the Academic Competitiveness Grant, students must also be eligible for

College Essay Writing Click to view video

the Pell Grant and must be enrolled at least half-time in their first or second year of a certificate or degree granting program. Awards are $750$1,300, and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be repaid.

Federal Perkins Loan Undergrad and grad students in financial need may qualify for this

loan of up to $5,500 for undergraduates and $8,000 for professional/ graduate students.

FSEOG Grants Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants offer awards ranging from $100 to $4,000 for undergraduate students in financial need.

National Smart Grant The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant offers awards of up to $4,000 annually for students who qualify for the Pell Grant, who are enrolled at least half-time in the third, fourth or fifth year of certain subjects and study programs, and who have at least a 3.0 GPA.

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant offers awards of up to $4,000 Unsubsidized Loans

Subsidized Loans

Direct and FFEL Stafford loans, between $3,500 and $8,000, are provided to students in financial need attending college at least half-time, and they must be paid back, starting after graduation. With subsidized loans, the United States Department of Education pays the interest while the student is still in school.

There are also unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford loans, which range from $5,500 to $20,500, based on grade level and credit level, and they accrue interest while the student is still in school.

Direct and FEEL Plus Loans If you are enrolled in an accredited online university at least half-time, your parents may qualify for these unsubsidized loans, depending on their credit history and other factors.

BACK TO SCHOOL Tips for Buying Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes Click to view video

Crafty Backto-School Projects for Kids

. Combine a love of reading with crafting by making a one-of-a-kind bookmark. Kids can complete the project then use it all school year long. Back-to-School time is one of the busiest of the year. Kids love the excitement of catching up with friends, learning new things and meeting new teachers. Teachers and moms see this time as hectic. Both have to buy supplies, organize and get kids back into a routine. And routines can be the biggest challenge. Some kids finish work fast, leaving them bored and waiting on their siblings or classmates to finish up. The experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores suggest creating a box of simple craft projects to keep kids busy during these downtimes. Whether done at home or at school, crafts are a fun way to teach kids important life skills. Kids learn to share, socialize and take pride

in their work. They also learn to embrace creativity, make choices, explore their own curiosity and express their thoughts and emotions. Dexterity and coordination are also developed as kids manipulate various tools, such as scissors, pottery wheels, needles and hooks. Complex crafts can also teach perseverance and build concentration.

Bookmarks With Personality Crafting Time: Under 1 hour Skill Level: No experience necessary

Supplies and Tools: Colorbok stamps: 4-inch by 8-inch Borders 4-inch by 8-inch Leaves 4-inch by 8-inch Christmas 4-inch by 8-inch Travel

Whether done at home or at school, crafts are a fun way to teach kids important life skills.

Colorbok papers: 12-inch by 12-inch Travel Chitchat 12-inch by 12-inch Jolly & Bright Mini Dots 12-inch by 12-inch Harvest Strip

Acid-free ink pad Hole punch Ribbon Acid-free adhesive or tape Scissors 1. Cut the base for bookmark to size and shape. 2. Using a separate piece of paper, preferably solid or with a subtle pattern, cut pieces to layer onto the base sheet. 3. Cut pieces slightly smaller than the first shape, so the base of the bookmark can be seen.

4. Stamp images firmly onto paper cut-outs. 5. Adhere stamped pieces to the bookmark base. To make a bookmark of conjoined circles, tape ribbon between large bottom circles and small top circles. 6. Punch a hole 1/2 inch from the top of the bookmark. 7. Run ribbon through the top. Secure with a knot.

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bookmarks Crafting Time: Under 1 hour Skill Level: Some experience necessary.

Supplies and Tools: Assorted colors of felt scraps Assorted buttons Scissors or pinking shears Fabric glue 1. Cut bookmark background piece to desired size (approximately 8 inches long x 2- 1/2 inches wide). 2. Cut bottom into fringe, a point, or straight across. If desired, cut two, one slightly larger than the other, and glue together. 3. From other scraps, cut various shapes and designs such as hearts, flowers, apples, leaves, geometric shapes. 4. Arrange shapes on bookmark and glue in place. Decorate as desired with ribbon, buttons or beads.

FOOD & HEALTH

Make Healthy Decisions For families of the nearly 30 percent of the general population who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, making healthy diet decisions is not an option, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a necessity - especially when those sufferers are children and young adults.

From Farm to Table Click to view video

or families of the nearly 30 percent of the general population who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, making healthy diet decisions is not an option, it’s a necessity - especially when those sufferers are children and young adults. “It’s no secret that getting children to make healthy choices at meal time poses a challenge for all parents, but when you throw IBS into the mix, the task gets much harder,” said Patsy Catsos, registered dietitian and author. While there are no known causes or cures, there are simple ways to figure out a child’s food triggers to avoid some of the discomfort it brings. Below are three simple tips to help families outsmart IBS: Begin by discreetly keeping a food and symptom journal for at least two weeks. Record portion sizes, times of meals and symptoms. This information will be important for discussions with a medical professional in case symptoms increase. Next, discuss with your medical provider about incorporating VSL#3 JUNIOR, a high-potency probiotic medical food for young sufferers of IBS.

Healthy Choices at Every Meal Simple Tips to Outsmart IBS

Lastly, remember there are many healthy, IBS-friendly recipes the entire family can enjoy. Everyone will want seconds when you serve them creamy, delicious Macaroni and Cheese or these chewy, moist Coconut Granola Bars.

SUMMER FOOD

Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

8 ounces uncooked corn elbow macaroni 2 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 3/4 cup lactose-free milk 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1.5 ounces crumbled potato chips

Preparation • • •

•

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 2. Spray a 9-inch by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 3. Cook pasta according to package directions in 8-quart saucepan. Do not overcook. Drain and set aside. 4. Combine cornstarch, salt, dry mustard and black pepper in same saucepan. Add milk. Stir briskly until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with flat end of pancake or burger spatula. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese and red pepper flakes 5.Add pasta, stir, spread out and transfer to greased baking dish. Sprinkle potato chips on top of casserole. 6.Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow casserole to cool briefly before serving.

Serves • • • •

Yield: 6 servings Calories: 361g Total Fat: 16g Cholesterol: Protein: 15.1g Carbohydrates: 40.2g Sodium: 496.4mg

SUMMER FOOD

Coconut Granola Bars

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

Preparation • • •

•

Serves • • • • •

Yield: 6 servings Calories: 361g Total Fat: 16g Cholesterol: Protein: 15.1g Carbohydrates: 40.2g Sodium: 496.4mg

FOOD & HEALTH

Going Gluten Free...For Real!

In the past few years, there has been a huge increase in the variety andavailability of gluten free food choices. Most grocery store chains now devote an entire aisle to ”health foods” and consumers will find many gluten free choices there.

ately, I’ve had clients without celiac disease or gluten intolerance ask whether they should go on a gluten free diet to improve their health. The emergence of many food products, along with some help from celebrities and TV talk shows have made the gluten free diet popular indeed. So should you go gluten free? The short answer to this question is “it depends on your why you are doing it.” For those diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the gluten free diet is the only treatment for getting well. For everyone else, it’s not likely to be the magic bullet to weight loss or better health. For years I have helped clients with

celiac disease or gluten intolerance learn how to navigate in food markets and restaurants so that their food choices are gluten free. The learning curve for going gluten free is pretty steep. It can take weeks or months to learn how to get gluten completely out of your diet. Just learning what foods are gluten free and how to read ingredient lists on labels is a daunting task itself. This past week I got to experience that learning curve first hand, when I received my own diagnosis of celiac disease. To say I was stunned is an understatement. Having none of the classic signs of celiac disease, it took me several days just to process this reality. The proof, of course, was in

the blood work and a small intestinal biopsy. Had I not seen those results for myself, I would not be convinced. So here I am in the same shoes as my clients who have to think about every food they choose to eat. Fortunately for me, I already know what to look for and how to prepare gluten free foods. It’s just that I’ve never had to do this before. Yesterday I spent the better part of the day planning for the items I will need for my meals. I’m weeding out those items I will no longer use. It’s unlikely that I will purchase many of the packaged gluten free products, as many are high in calories and low on fiber and nutrition. I’ll stick to the whole foods and try my hand at baking some gluten free items from scratch, using gluten free whole grains. I know I will miss eating many favorite foods (pizza and pasta for starters), but fortunately I am fond of many naturally gluten free foods that I already eat on a regular basis. In the weeks to come, as I adjust my style of eating I’ll add some recipes and observations about living the gluten free lifestyle to my blog. I’m sure that even with my training and knowledge of the subject, there’s still lots to learn. Living it is sure to be different than teaching it!

FOOD & HEALTH

Stopping Panic Attacks Naturally

If you want to understand how to stop panic attacks naturally then it sounds like you are planning to go the self help option instead of making use of prescription drugs to manage your anxiety and panic. Anxiety attacks can be halted and there are incredible all natural means of accomplishing this. Panic and anxiety attacks start off in the brain and they are created in the area of the brain referred to as amygdala. This really is rather like a switch that turns anxiety and off. Controlling the amygdala is the vital thing to mastering precisely how to cease panic and anxiety attacks naturally. Panic and anxiety believe it or not accomplish a useful purpose as their function is to alert you of approaching threat so that you can do something to assure your own survival. This process is named the fight or flight response. Panic and anxiety symptoms happen once this process becomes too easily induced due to over excitement of this response. The good news is that panic attacks and anxiousness really are a behavioural pattern which you acquired over time when you are in contact with stressful stimulus. Any kind of behaviour that is acquired may be unlearned as well. This is how to prevent panic disorders naturally. Although there are natural cures for panic and anxiety attacks such as natural herbs they simply offer you short-lived reduction because the secret is unlearn this behavour rather than manage it using drugs or herbal treatments. Learning how to overcome your anxiety and panic necessitates finding out how to do a few simple techniques that can stop this pattern. It is easy to avoid anxiety and panic attacks as soon you feel anxious by performing psychological exercises which have been intended to retrain the amygdala. Once you are in the position to stop the amygdala initiating panic and anxiety attacks this ultimately turns into a brand new behavior which changes the previous behavour where panic and anxiety attacks are brought on easily. The most essential approaches to getting to know how to stop panic attacks naturally is finding out how to breath correctly. When panic attacks arise your breathing becomes faster and shallower. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sign of the fight or flight response getting triggered. By taking power over your breathing by taking extended deep breaths youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to seize control preventing an anxiety attack. It is essential to make deep breathing exercises a part of your everyday regimen because this will help you become a more serene person and less at risk from the stimulus that bring about panic and anxiety. The most beneficial step you can take with regard to ending panic attacks naturally would be to follow a training course that will take you through each of the approaches you must learn to bring your anxiety and panic under control. The very best help I have found with regard to learning how to end anxiety attacks naturally are The Linden Method and Panic Away. They are easy to understand self help products created for assisting you to simply triumph over any kind of panic and anxiety disorder. Myself and also 1000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of other individuals have found these programs to be very effective methods for teaching the best way to stop anxiety and panic attacks naturally.

ADVERTISMENT

LIFESTYLE

If you are in good health then you are better than a 40 year old person who is in bad health.

Life I After 60

f you are 60 plus and losing interest in life then I must say â&#x20AC;&#x153;you are wrongâ&#x20AC;?. There is no reason of losing interest in life. You should not count your age in numbers. Your real age depends on your physical, mental and emotional fitness. If you are in good health then you are better than a 40 year old person who is in bad health.

Tips For Living A Happy And Meaningful Life

The real exciting and a more meaningful life starts at the age of 60. At this age people are mature enough to enjoy life in its true spirit. Mostly they are physically fit, financially

Feel Yourself Great: Your feelings play an important role in influencing your life. Feel good about yourself. Feel energetic and full of life. Feel as if you are getting younger and younger day by day. Feel the warmth of youth in your body with a strong desire to live an active life.

Give Priority to Health and Fitness: -Give top priority to your physical fitness by adopting a healthy life style. -Be very selective in eating. Eat those foods that are good for your health and avoid those foods that you consider are harmful. -Stop smoking and limit your intake of alcoholic drinks. -Keep your weight under control. Go for a brisk walk and do exercise daily. -Avoid visiting your doctor frequently. Twice a year medical check up is sufficient. For minor ailments use herbal medicine or allow your body to heal naturally. -Live a simple and stress free life as far as possible.

sound and have plenty of free time to live life according to their own free will. If you have worked hard all your life and planned ahead of your post retirement years then you may not be facing any difficulty at this stage of your life. Feel young and keep on telling yourself that you can live for another 20, 30 or even 40 years. Think seriously how best you can enjoy the coming years and how you can live a more meaningful and productive life. I am giving below some useful tips that you might find helpful in devising your future life course:

Keep on Working: Keep on working even if you do not face any financial problems. Working makes you realize that you are a useful member of the society. Work

SIDEBAR

LIFESTYLE

for some non-profit organization or volunteer yourself for some noble cause. Work for your community. Work keeps you young, physically and mentally.

helping needy people. Living for others mean that you are living a true meaningful life.

Read and Write:

Take interest in family matters. As a senior member of your family, you must give love and guidance to your siblings, children and relatives. Participate in their happy and sad moments. Be ready to extend help to any needy person. Play with your grand children or the children of your neighborhood. Do some silly things as you used to do in your childhood.

Spend a few hours daily in reading books of your interest. There might be some of your favorite unread books lying in your personal library awaiting for you to read. Reading is great for seeking knowledge and expanding your mental horizon. Do some research work. Write on topics of your interest. Write articles and share your knowledge and experience with other people. Start writing a book or just write for fun. Writing is a great creative activity that keeps your brain sharp and gives you great inner satisfaction.

Follow Your Passion

Take Interest in Family Matters:

Sing Songs: Whenever you have a chance to participate in some joy party, social or family function, sing songs and dance like a young person. Enjoy the occasion fully. Give the message to others that your are young by heart if not physically.

Love Nature:

You wanted to do something extraordinary in life but did not find time due to the pressing demand of your career. Now after retirement, you have lot of free time to engage yourself in matters that interest you. Follow your passion now and enjoy life.

Plant flowers and do some gardening. Go for hiking, boating, fishing, bird watching etc. Capture the glimpse of some fascinating natural beauty in your camera. Appreciate the colors of autumn and enjoy walking or jogging.

Live for Others:

Spend some quiet time alone daily and do some meditation. Sit crossed legs on the floor. Close your eyes and communicate with your inner self. Meditation is good for stress reduction, getting inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. If you are not used to do meditation then learn some meditation techniques. You will love to do meditation because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great for body, mind and soul.

Do something good for other people. Do some charity work. Volunteer yourself for community welfare projects. Use your knowledge and experience in helping other people overcome their personal problems. Be kind and generous in

Do Meditation:

LIFESTYLE

BREAKTHROUGH

TECHNIQUES IN BALANCING PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES

hen trouble starts brewing on the home front realization dawns that its time they were less concerned about how the business is going and there are promises and pledges galore of spending more time with the family and taking that long overdue holiday.

Tips Here are some tips on how you can make amazing breakthroughs in your business and private lives. Have you as a business person and a successful one to boot, ever felt that in spite of all your accomplishments and successes there was something missing. The harder you work, the happier you should feel but it is the other way around and you wonder why?

The truth is that you are shackled in prisons of your own making. You have the answers but are prisoners of pushing schedules that leave time for little else and fun means profit statistics on graphs and bank balance sheets.

The ability to balance business life with family life, without compromising on the quality of both is a rare skill that few possess. Most business people devote long hours to their businesses and very little time with their families and lead lives of stress and worry, that quite often leads to breakdowns in marriages.

Here is what you need to do: Make a list of the top 8 areas that are crucial to the success of your business, ignoring which could have disastrous consequences for your business. Make a similar list of importance for your family life. Then see how best you can combine the too. Identify areas where compromises can be made and determine what areas, in business as well as your personal life give you maximum happiness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have a clear picture, for this is what your future will be. Set yourself attainable targets that will require lesser contribution of time. Look at broader goals and not merely targets set for the day or the week. Imagine you are on the last day of the year, musing on the year passed. Would you have changed anything, not only in your business life but also in your personal life? With the advance of technology and information splurge becoming one of our biggest strengths, physical presence at the work place does not necessarily mean more money, no more does time equal money, now results equal money. Find time away from your business. Free time will make you sharper and energize you and you will return not only with a happy and contended family, but with new viewpoints and a higher energy level and increased resourcefulness. Realize that it is erroneous to believe that results are in direct proportion to how hard you work. Smart work is more important than hard work. Once you master the technique of balancing your professional life and personal life without compromising on eitherBusiness Management Articles, it will become second nature and you will continue to reap profits at the workplace and also stay happy on the home front.

LIFESTYLE

Being Rushed If there is one thing that almost everyone can agree on today, it’s that we all have too much to do and not enough time to do it. Whether it’s meeting deadlines at work, picking up the groceries and the kids, getting that report out, or getting that school project in, this inequitable amount of work and time seems to be a fact of life for almost everyone. Further, the resulting feeling of being rushed is also universal, and thus, I thought I would offer some ideas on why this doesn’t work, and what we can do instead to make the best use of our time, even when there isn’t enough of it. For those of you familiar with my “Top of the Mind” philosophy which is based upon the latest brain research, you know that the reason rushing in response to being rushed is doomed to failure is because we are being driven by the lower 20% of our brain. This part of the brain can only do two things, fight, or push harder and go faster (i.e. rush) or flight, give up, give in, and just stop trying. In fact, this is why well-meaning advice such as “just calm down” or “don’t rush” never works. The lower 20% of the brain hears this as “give up” or “be late,” and the part of us that knows how important it is for us to accomplish the task rejects this idea. Unfortunately, this only leaves us with fight, or go faster or . . . rush, which would be fine if this did indeed help us finish faster, however, this is rarely the case. As we all have experienced, when we rush, we make mistakes which require us to go back and repeat steps, and since speed versus quality has become our prime objective, not only do we take longer, the quality of our work suffers as well. Not good. What is amazing is that we all know this! In other words, ask anyone if rushing to finish a project or task is a good idea, and you will get a resounding, “No!” The reason for this “reasonable” response is that when people are being asked the question, they’re not “being rushed,” which means that they are in the part of the brain (the Top of the Mind) that reasons and makes purposeful choices. On the other hand, as discussed, when we are being rushed, we are thrown into the reactive brainstem which triggers stress chemicals and increases anxiety. So, what’s the solution...are we supposed to just close

our eyes, assume the lotus position, and start chanting, “ooooommmmmm” when we are being rushed? No, when we are short on time, there is truth in the fact that working at our peak proficiency and finishing as soon as possible are valid and important goals . . . the question is, how do we speed up without going so fast that we end up making mistakes and taking longer? The answer is “we don’t,” meaning that our metabolism and the speed at which we do things isn’t like an accelerator on a car. We can’t just speed up a little, because the reason for the speed (our fear or concern that we will be late or not accomplish the task) throws us into the part of the brain that only knows “really fast” or “give up trying to make it on time” (fight or flight).

No, the answer is to come from the other direction. In other words, let’s use our natural tendency to increase adrenaline when pressed for time as a way to increase our focus on the task, and then take the manic or frantic edge off by enacting what I call “The 2% Solution.” In my book, “Life from the Top of the Mind,” I go into detail about this concept, but for the purposes of this forum, I will describe it more briefly because, hey, we don’t have a lot of time, right? It’s actually quite simple to describe, but like many skills, it will take some practice to perfect. Basically, it’s about just noticing when we are rushing in response to being rushed, or running short on time, and slowing down just 2%, or doing everything just 2% slower. There are several reasons this works. First, the ability to notice our speed and take that manic or frantic edge off by going 2% slower is driven by the upper 80% of the brain (versus the lower 20%). This means that we are making purposeful choices versus reacting to a fear of being late. Secondly, we don’t have to wrestle with the fear of giving up or giving in because we are only going 2% slower. Finally, when we notice that even as we slow down by 2% we are still going faster than we would if we had plenty of time, we feel good about our efforts to finish on time and the fact that we are proceeding with speed, but not at a frantic or rushed pace. Bottom line, we are looking at the situation at hand, and are making choices that are purposeful and deliberate, that we believe will be more effective, that make the statement we want to make about who we are (i.e., I am someone who keeps my agreements) and in a way we would teach or recommend to someone we love. Because we are using this neocortex (or Top of the Mind) criteria for what we are doing and how we are doing it (i.e. 2% slower than rushed), we are bringing our best to the task at hand. Or, put another way, rather than responding to being rushed with rushing, we are instead bringing our clarity, confidence, and creativity to the situation and working at the speed of life.

The Problem of Being Rushed Click to view video

FALL & HOLIDAYS SUMMER TRAVEL

Colorful Autumn Additions While dusting off your favorite sweaters and corduroys, don’t forget to dress up your home décor as well. Here are some tips from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores to bring the cozy charm of autumn into your home:

Pull in nature

This season is all about celebrating nature’s bounty, so bring that celebration home. Pumpkins and gourds of every shape and color make inexpensive additions that brighten any tabletop or mantle. Or, place as many of these beloved squashes you can on a bale of hay outside the front door for a display the whole neighborhood can enjoy.

Try transitional pieces

Situated right before the busy holiday season, some fall styles can be eased into both decorating schemes. Rich, wine-colored berries and bittersweet arrangements look wonderful for both fall and winter. Pinecones bring a rustic, warm vibe to both seasons. For other fall decorating ideas and projects, visit www.joann.com. Add new color trends

According to color experts, fall 2013 will be a season filled with vibrant purples, bright blues and dazzling greens. These colors blend perfectly with the autumn décor you already own. Watch as plum hues pop when paired with the traditional fall foliage of burnt orange, copper, gold and brown. Create your own glittering display with this Colorful Candle Ring, which features lively, on-trend hues certain to make your fall more glamorous.

Colorful Candle Ring Some experience necessary Crafting Time: 3-5 hours

SIDEBAR

Supplies & Tools 4 bags of decorative gourds 2 Styrofoam brand foam rings 1 package floral picks Spray paints: Purple Short Cuts; Gray Primer; Gloss Varnish; Krylon Purple, Island Splash and Peekaboo Blue Bottled paints in desired colors Paintbrush Glitter Glue Black gems filler Pillar candle Glass hurricane container 1 roll purple tulle Feather picks 1. Spray foam rings with Purple Short Cuts spray paint. Let dry.

2. Paint gourds in desired colors, some spray-painted, some brush-painted. If the gourd is orange or yellow, spray it with primer first, then the color. Otherwise, the orange or yellow will bleed through. 3. Break the ends off the floral picks if too long, dip both ends in glue then insert one end into the gourd and the other end into the Styrofoam ring, nesting closely together. Let dry. 4. Place glass hurricane inside the ring first to determine how to position the gourds. Remove the hurricane before proceeding to the next step. 5. Spray the finished ring with gloss varnish, sprinkle with glitter while still wet, and then spray again with gloss varnish. Let dry. 6. Add small tufts of tulle to fill any holes between gourds and to give a softer look around vase. 7. Embellish with several feather picks; glue in place. 8. Return hurricane to center, fill with black gems. Insert pillar.

FALL & HOLIDAYS

Greeting Cards: All About Holiday Cards

-Stop smoking and limit your intake of alcoholic drinks. expanding your mental horizon. Do some research work. Write on topics of your interest. Write articles and share your knowledge and experience with other people. Start writing a book or just write for fun. Writing is a great creative activity that keeps your brain sharp and gives you great inner satisfaction. You may think of holiday cards as being Christmas or Seasons Greetings cards, but really there are many more holiday cards than this one holiday. There are holiday cards for Christmas, Hanu You may think of holiday cards as being Christmas or

Seasons Greetings cards, but really there are many more holiday cards than this one holiday. There are holiday cards for Christmas, Hanukah, Easter (or Resurrection Day), Thanksgiving, Halloween, Columbus Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Independence Day, New Years, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, and Administrative Assistants Day. As you can see, there are many holidays we celebrate, and each of them have their own holiday cards. You may think of holiday cards as being Christmas or Seasons Greetings cards, but really there are many more holiday cards than this one holiday. There are holiday cards

for Christmas, Hanukah, Easter (or Resurrection Day), Thanksgiving, Halloween, Columbus Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Independence Day, New Years, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, and Administrative Assistants Day. As you can see, there are many holidays we celebrate, and each of them have their own holiday cards. Holiday cards were not always so popular. Only in the last several years have holiday cards been created for all of the holidays we celebrate as Americans. I was surprised to find Halloween and Thanksgiving holiday cards when I went Christmas card shopping last year. I later discovered that holiday cards are becoming more and more popular, as people send holiday cards all year round to their friends and family. It is becoming increasingly popular to send holiday cards to all of you friends and family at every opportunity, just to let them know you care. Holiday cards come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose holiday cards that are uniform and simple, and send one to everyone on your list. Or, you can choose individual

holiday cards suitable for each person based on personality and what holiday they celebrate. For example, if you know people who are Christian and people who are Jewish, you may choose to send a uniform card that says simply “Season’s Greetings.” On the other hand, you can choose to send your Christian friends Christmas holiday cards, and your Jewish friends Hanukah holiday cards. This way everyone feels special, and knows that you are

thinking of them specifically. Holiday cards can come with fancy pictures or cartoons, sentimental poetry or funny phrases, or even music or pop up figures. You can get holiday cards specifically for each member of your family. There are holiday cards for children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, husbands, wives, and friends. There are romantic holiday cards, funny holiday cards, sexy holiday cards, and sentimental holiday cards. You can find holiday cards at any general store, retail outlet, discount store, or holiday store. You can also find holiday cards at wholesale outlets, dollar stores, and specialty shops. The funniest and most sexy holiday cards can be found at novelty stores such as Spencer’s, found in most shopping malls.

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Alternatively, you can make your own holiday cards with a little bit of glue, construction paper, a pair of scissors, and a lot of creativity. Children rather enjoy making holiday cards for their friends and family. Buying a holiday card is not nearly so much fun as making one your-

FALL & HOLIDAYS

STRESS MANAGEMENT 3 Steps to Eliminate Holiday Stress Holiday stress is often self induced. Trying to please others and forgetting to enjoy the holiday. Instead of enjoying the holiday we spend the season stressed and worried about making it perfect. It doesn’t have to be that way.

uch of our holiday stress is self induced. We all love the holidays and want to them to be a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience. We tend to spend a great deal of time and effort engaging in various activities trying to make the time period extra special. Our desire to have the best holidays possible often delivers an ironic just like O’Henry’s Gift of the Magi. Instead of enjoying the holiday season, we spend our holiday season stressed and worried about how to make our holidays perfect. One of the chief causes of holiday stress is that gnawing feeling that

the things you must do are going to outstrip your available time. Shopping, cooking, packing, wrapping and decorating suddenly fill what used to be your free time.

1. Adjust Your Expectations An often overlooked way to deal with holiday stress is simply readjusting your expectations of the holidays. The media and advertising industries lead us to believe that any holiday celebration that doesn’t end up resembling a Norman Rockwell print is a failure. This of course, is not the case. It’s fine to strive for a wonderful holiday season, but it’s not necessary to create the Perfect Holiday nor is it possible. Instead of

FALL & HOLIDAYS concerning yourself with every detail, you can reduce your stress level by focusing on the parts of the holidays that are most meaningful and important to you and placing less emphasis on other aspects of the season.

2. Start Early Here’s a rule about holiday stress we shouldn’t break - start early. We often laugh at the fact Christmas decorations tend to go up in shopping malls right after Halloween decorations disappear. Although we don’t necessarily need to take the not-so-subtle message of holiday commercialization to heart, we can learn quite bit from the early decoration trend. By starting our holiday preparations early, you can reduce the amount of pressure and stress you experience during the season.

3. Follow Santa’s Lead Santa Claus, the song tells us, makes a list and checks it twice. If he left delivery of millions of toys up to his memory, he would probably be the North Pole’s most stressed resident. You can learn an important lesson from Santa Claus and can create your own organized list of holiday tasks and chores. By carefully assessing your holiday needs and expectations, starting early on the holidays and keeping an organized to-do list, you can make your holidays a pleasure!

Here’s a rule about holiday stress we shouldn’t break - start early.

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