Sense -The Lifestyle Issue

ISSUE 34

LIFESTYLE | FASHION | ADVICE | ART | TRAVEL | HOME | TIPS

C O NT E NT S 3.

How to Take a winning instagram pic #qweenofthefestival

7. Why Entrepreneurs Need To Stop Glorifying The Hustle

9. To travel Is To live 13. Learning To Deal With Grief 15. The Twin Life

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The Declutter Project

19. The Benefits Of Art 23. Dear Sense 25. Horoscopes

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HOW TO TAKE A WINNING INSTA PIC! #qweenofthefestival 4

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CHOOSE AN EPIC BACKGROUND There’s probably a gazillion backgrounds to choose from in those glorious festival fields. Whether you opt to get the shot in front of the crowd, market stalls, fave band, Splendour sign or even backstage, here’s some all-important Do’s and Don’ts to help you out.

DO:

Get some killer bands, crowds and all-round good vibes behind you Look for some less obvious (but still epic) photo spots Tipi Forest maybe?

Keep it PG!

DON’T:

Pose in front of the toilet block (ew) Be covered in mud

“Think you’ve got what it takes to be #QWEENOFTHEFESTIVAL? Read on for all of our tips on how to get that money shot, girl!

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GO SOLO

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For your best chance at making the top 10, you gotta go it alone baby girl! Make sure that you’re the main feature of your pic.This means no bestie shots (unless she’s wearing PP too! #twinning).

USE NATURAL LIGHT Work those angles in the sunshine girlfriend! But if you’ve just gotta get that pic after the sun’s gone down, then be sure to take it close up and near some big lights, cause nobody likes a blurry gram!

BE AUTHENTIC Cause we love you just the way you are baby girl!

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Got some killer accessories that you want to show off? Super zoomed in detail shots are always a winner.

WHY ENTREPRENEURS NEED TO STOP GLORIFYING THE HUSTLE T

here are a number of ways we can minimise stress, but you’re in startup land, which generally means you needed to know either three years ago, three months ago, three weeks ago or three days ago. Time is a killer in this world, so however we start to reduce stress it has to be quick, effective and impactful. Below are three quick stress management strategies you can implement today reduce your stress to thrive, not just survive.

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1. Stop glorifying the hustle

3. Move, sleep, eat, repeat

We so rarely talk about the chronic stress and strain that being in a startup has on every other element of life. But even when we do talk about it, not many people have practical, reassuring or helpful strategies to deal with, and manage, this type of stress. And so, we brush it off and say: “It’s just the startup hustle.” This, my friends, is the least helpful answer and if you take anything away from this article, let it be this – please stop glorifying the hustle.

This is going to sound really basic, but getting enough exercise, sleep and eating well all significantly decrease your stress, and increase your productivity and overall health. Here are some quick facts on why.

2. Feel – you’re allowed to..

This is a big one. Let me be very clear. You are

allowed to feel. Feelings are not good or bad – they just are. Just like data, it’s not the data that is good or bad – it’s what is done with it that characterises its traits. The biggest cause of self-doubt, uncertainty and thereby stress comes when we deny how we feel, because we believe we shouldn’t feel that way. We shame ourselves in a conversation no-one else can hear. We tell ourselves those emotions are stupid or foolish. We make ourselves a failure in a false test where there is no grade.

Moving more Increasing oxygen to the brain (via movement and exercise) helps with executive functioning and emotional regulation, making it easier to dampen your stress and emotionally regulate your responses to stress. Walking (and any exercise) also releases endorphins (the happy hormones), which improves the prioritising functions of the brain. After exercise, even a light walk, you are more focused, less distracted and thereby more productive.

Regular exercise ends up saving you time, and money, in the long run.

Sleeping more Getting enough sleep, 7-9 hours a night is vital for a healthy mind and body. Sleep is a restoring, processing and repairing time for your brain. Your brain is incredibly active at this time, and in some cases more than when you’re awake.

Food is the fuel which allows you to perform, so if you want a highperforming company, choose the right fuel.

I know it’s hard to make time for these things and build a company. But here’s a basic home truth: if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. Seriously, nothing works if your body and mind break down.

Chronic stress can be fatal, no matter your age or gender. So it’s best to start preventing and/or combating stress as soon as you can.

Let’s not run the risk of letting stress run us.

Instead of reading this article and then closing your browser to go back to answering emails, Slack messages, updating your Trello board, whatever, commit to taking action. For the next four weeks, try any of these stress reducing options: 1. Get 30 minutes of any exercise three times a week 2. Sleep for 7-9 hours a night 3. Eat more whole foods that are low-GI and reduce your intake of high-GI food Sleep is still work and what you need for the working day; it is not the absence of work.

Getting enough sleep helps you better manage stress and actually reduces your stress levels.

Investing in more sleep is investing into tomorrow’s output.

Eating well Eating wholefoods, which have a low Glycemic Index (GI), like whole-grains, proteins and low-fat dairy can help you combat stress and remain more even tempered throughout the day. Additionally, foods which are high in GI increase feelings of stress. The high GI foods which increase the feelings of stress are sugar, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, foods with additives, and foods high in saturated fat.

Avoiding these in times of stress and replacing them with low-GI options is a quick and easy solution to help reduce your stress levels.

If you can do one of these three things, I guarantee you, you will feel more energised and less stressed. Ultimately, we are never going to eliminate all the stress of being a founder or working in a startup, but hopefully you now realise you don’t have to. All stress, when managed properly, brings focused, committed and motivated working. What we need (and what this article seeks to offer) is a healthier, balanced and sustainable approach to talking about and dealing with startup stress.

When we integrate any stress-reducing strategies on an individual, organisational or industry-wide level, we start to move stress from the negative to the necessary. We stop blaming and denying. We start owning and changing. Mostly importantly, we stop glorifying the hustle and start glorifying our health – the one thing that we actually can’t do any of this without.

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TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE.

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote; to travel is to live.�

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uring that time of our lives, we may have the least amount of responsibility and obligation than we ever will again. It is also a formative time in life, having just left the comfort of home or the education system, and for the first time, we are venturing out into a mostly unknown world.

What better time to act freely and go to Thailand—for no other reason than we want to—than when we have no mortgage payments and no family depending on us?

What better time to thrust ourselves even further outside of our comfort zones by plopping ourselves into a different culture and having to fend for ourselves, than when we are building the foundation of who we’d like to become?

Like Mr. Roberts, I also found myself in a freelance-based, jet-setting, nomadic lifestyle for many years after leaving school. In addition to the travel I did for work, I was also fortunate to have the time and means to travel the world for pleasure. Most of this travel was done alone—as a woman, no less.

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While I agree with Mr. Roberts that not all answers we seek can be found at the bottom of a suitcase, I believe it can be worthwhile and important to spend those formative years of one’s life taking risks, taking advantage of opportunities, and doing things that scare you.

Dear Elephant Reader - Do you need someone to confide in? Try a Betterhelp licensed therapist – it’s affordable.

The answers I found at the bottom of my suitcase were not the ones I thought I was looking for. I didn’t find my dream job while abroad, or my “calling” in life, or my future husband. But what I did find was rich and life-altering.

Through traveling, especially the roads I have trekked alone, I have become a more confident, more open, and a wiser version of myself.

For me, “aimless travel” was anything but useless, and ultimately anything but aimless.

The life skills and inner growth that I came home with will stay with me forever because they have so decisively changed who I am.

When traveling, we may not be studying for the LSAT, or perfecting our coding skills, but

we will very likely learn how to be self-reliant, how to problem solve, how to ask for help and speak up for ourselves, how to interact with strangers, how to make friends, how to be flexible, and how to deal with people who have completely different ideas and values.

We’re constantly building confidence in our ability to overcome obstacles and learning about who we are as human beings and citizens of the globe—all of which benefit us in any endeavor we choose, not just becoming a successful lawyer or computer programmer If we want to think economically, which seems to be Mr. Roberts’ main concern, I think of “investing” in travel at this time of life as investing in myself—the self whose value is not dependent on job status, how much money I make, or how early I can retire, but myself as a human being living a wellrounded, more examined life.

Traveling in our early 20s is not procrastination.

In a time when humans are living longer than ever, we will still have more than enough time to find our path, build our career, and put down roots. And when we do finally do those things, we will be a more complete version of ourselves than if we had forgone those important life experiences.

Mr. Roberts writes, “Aimless travel, not tied to building a skill or business enterprise, is not likely to increase a millennial’s value to others or produce a tangible return on investment moving forward.”

I take real issue with this idea. You know who loves people with broad, global experience?

You know who loves self-reliant, resilient people with the wisdom and understanding that comes from learning about the world, and therefore, yourself? Future employers.

And future life partners.

Because of experiences I had while traveling, I am a better employee, co-worker, friend, and partner. I also learned that I want travel to be a regular and important part of my life, even a priority, and I am looking for a life partner who shares that passion. I’d call that a return on my investment.

When I finally did settle down a bit more, I found I slipped into “adulting” a little easier because of the growth I had experienced while traveling.

And now, the more I’m “building my nest,” the less I feel able to leave it because of the realities that come with adulthood and laying down roots. So again, I suggest taking advantage of being unattached while you can, if you can.

This is not to say, nor would I advocate, being irresponsible with time or money. I have been fortunate to do all the traveling I’ve done, and I realize that is not the case for everyone, nor is it what everybody wants.

I also do not dispute that learning a trade, setting ourselves up for financial stability, and working hard to earn rewards is vitally important—it is. I just argue with the timing of these things, and doing them at the expense of learning how we fit into the world before taking on the important responsibilities of career and family.

Too many people have followed the more “practical” path and woken up at age 45, feeling lost, and wondering, “what have I been doing with my life?”

People who feel certain about a path early in life, and land that perfect first job just out of school have a gift that shouldn’t be ignored.

For those of us who were less certain about a path and had the desire and opportunity to see the world while still unattached— that’s a gift I will never, ever regret. The job market will still be here when we come back.

The inner growth, honed life skills, and broadened horizons will continue to benefit us throughout our life and career—at least that has been my experience.

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As with all things, balance is required to achieve success.

Leaving school deeply in debt with no job prospects, and spending the remainder of your savings on running away to the Greek islands is maybe not the best way to begin your adult life.

On the other hand, doing what is “practical” and “right” while never making it to your dream destination or while dealing with immaturity, doubt, and frustration probably isn’t the answer either.

And again, as with all things, if you listen closely, you will know what is right for you.

And if it’s right for you, nothing that I say or Mr. Roberts says will matter.

Author: Vanessa Chumbley Images: Sarah Wheeler Editor: Sarah Wheeler

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It is a natural response to loss.

What is Grief?

Greif can affect us in various ways. It is a natural response to loss. For many the overriding feeling is one of intense emotional pain. Grief is said to be a necessary part of the healing process and learning to adapt to a new situation.

The Cambridge dictionary describes grief as “very great sadness, especially at the death of someone”. Of-course not everyone grieves in the same way but repressing your grief can be harmful, emotionally, physically and mentally.

So, how can we express our grief in healthy ways? Sense contains some advice.

The stages of grief.

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1. DENIAL 2. ANGER 3. BARGAINING 4. DEPRESSION 5. ACCEPTANCE

Symptoms of grief.

a. Shock and disbelief b. Guilt c. Sadness d. Anger e. Fear Although we often think of grief as an emotion process, but it often involves physical symptoms and problems a. Insomnia of fatigue b. Weight loss of weight gain c. Nausea d. Lowered immunity How to cope with grief.

1. Acknowledge your pain and face the loss 2. Let the pain out 3. Share how your feeling to someone other than yourself 4. Distanced yourself from people who aren’t compassionate – remember there is no time limit on the healing process 5. Keep the mementos that remind you of that person or pet in a box. A constant reminder of that someone is gone can make it hard to move on. Bring them out when you need a reminder

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LE AR NI NG TO DE AL WI TH GR IEF

“Choose whatever calms

you and gives you a sense of enjoyment.” of all your happy memories with this person Just because they are gone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always remember them. It’s comforting to know that even though they aren’t in front of you, the friendship and love will always exist and be a part of you.

6. You may feel guilty but must remember – you CANNOT change the past. It’s not your fault that you lost someone you loved. If your dwelling on the thoughts of “I wish is said one last goodbye” or “I wish I did this for them” talk to other people who knew this person. It will almost always convince you that the loss isn’t your fault 7. Get help. Seeing a therapist or counsellor does not make you weak. Rather, it’s a sign of strength. Seeking help shows an admirable desire to move forward and overcome your grief. h. It’s time to shift your focus away from the sadness. Try and remember the good times with what or whom you’ve lost and what brought you happiness at that time in your life. Focusing on the negative regrets won’t change what has happened. Remember that you will have an unexpected day below the line, this is completely normal but shifting your focus and writing all the good thing you can remember perhaps in a diary, can be a reminder of the happiness you had.

8. Distract yourself. Keeping busy and occupying yourself can give you a break from constantly ruminating over the loss. Although work and studied provide some relief, help reacquaint yourself with happier pursuits by doing something that brings you happiness and peace. Perhaps gardening, cooking, fishing or drawing? Choose whatever calms you and gives you a sense of enjoyment.

Submitting to harmful habits like drug use, alcohol abuse, internet overuse and oversleeping threatens your wellbeing and reliant to the addiction and you’ll never truly heal.

9. Don’t fake your happiness – that makes it become a chore and harder when reentering your everyday routine. Spend time with good people. A common symptom of grief is staying at home and neglecting your external life. It can be hard to motivate yourself and get out and spend time with friends. Although, doing so can cause an improvement in your mood. Having fun, kind and sensitive friends that understand you haven’t 100% recovered will help you return back into your social role. It will also help you stay occupied as you learn to deal with your grief.

10. Finally, allow time to heal and don’t second guess your happiness. Time heals all wounds , so don’t feel bad for feeling good!

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LIVING THE TWIN LIFE Sense sat down with the Partridge twins for a short but sweet interview to find out what life is like as a twin.

“ Just. Like. Me.”

So, tell me a bit about you guys D: I’m Darcie, I’m 16..

B: I’m Bronte, I am also sixteen..

Both: and we are identical twins

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Pros and cons about being a twin in high school?

B: Having the same friend group is definitely a pro. It’s also hard having teachers constantly mix you up, like you’ve been my teacher for 3 years, they know us and still get confused.

D: You’re never alone in social and study events. I always have someone with me especially in confronting social situations. I also hate teachers misplacing us and forgetting who’s who.

Do you guys have casual jobs around school?

B: Yeah we do.

D: We both work at McDonalds.

B: It was our first job Wow, the same McDonalds? How do you find that guys?

B: Yeah, the same McDonalds.

D: We usually get the same shifts, and everyone comments on how they are seeing double as I might be at the ordering window.

B: Then, ill be at the delivering end,

handing people their order, and they are like.. wait a second..

You guys are around the age of having your learners drivers license, tell Sense what thats like!

D: We thought it would be difficult, perhaps because we both want those hours to graduate to our P plates. But we made a deal B: Yeah, we made a deal, because we go everywhere together, that we would take turns.

So it worked out fine. Especially taking trips to work all the time.

Who is the oldest?

D: Bronte Do you guys ever dress alike?

D: No, not really.

B: Yeah when we were younger.

Do you have nicknames for each other?

D: I call Bronte, Bon-Bon *laughing* B: *Laughing* I don’t want to say mine it sounds stupid... but when I was younger, and now I sometimes call her Dar-Dar Whats each-others dream job?

D: um, probably some type of makeup artist.

B: probably for me, seems to be a vet at this stage. I love animals.

Have you ever tried to trick someone with stealing each other’s identity?

D: No B: Such a common question, but no.

Describe each other in three words.

B: Funny, Darcie’s funny. Caring and

loyal.

D: Um, Also funny. Supportive. She always has my back. Trustworthy.

What is your favourite thing about each other?

B: The fact that we always have each other.

That she’s always been around and always there to stick up for me.

D: I really want to say the same because that really is my favourite thing.

How does it feel to have someone who looks exactly like you around all the time?

B: um, it just feels normal. That’s all we’ve ever known D: We know no different, that’s what we are use to.

Most frequently asked questions you guys get about being a twin?

B: “Who’s older?”

D: “Do you guys trick people?” all the time.

B: “Do you like having a twin?”

D: yeah!

Have you ever dated the same person?

D: Yeah, in primary school B: Not at the same time though Have you guys ever had a crush on the same person?

B: Actually, not that I can think of..

D: Even though we think the same, and have the same opinions, we have two different types of taste in boys. *laughing*

classrooms or social events without eachother.

Do you guys think there has ever been any jealousy or intense competition with your other twin?

D: Not exactly jealousy but I know I’ve felt fear of Bronte being better looking. I don’t know..

I’d call it insecurity.

B: Well, thats strange considering we look the same Darcie.. Although I am guilty of thinking similar things like you having a smaller tummy than me.

D: To be honest, I think it just helps us improve and better each other.

They say twins can read each other minds, do you think that’s true?

D: Yeah sometimes, not so much ‘read’ each other minds. But because we’ve gone through the same life experiences.

B: yeah, I think we know how the other twin is feeling because we have been around each other our whole lives.

Whats your favourite memory together?

D: all of our birthdays together. It’s a happy time for us.

B: Because we’ve shared it every year together.

Do you believe you can feel each others pain?

B: Not physically D: Emotionally I do.

But if Bronte breaks her arm, I am not going to feel that B: Yeah I feel upset if Darcies upset.

Who takes long to get ready?

B: Darcie! *laughing* D: yeah me… *laughing*

Do you guys have the same bestfriend?

D: Yeah, her name is Amelia. We have been friends since primary school B: But i believe we have two different relationships with her.

Do you guys ever have seperation issues?

B: Not recently.

D: About around the ages 10, 11 and 12 we would feel weird about going into different

Complete this statement “my twin sister is...”

D: cute Both: Laughing B: My twin sister is just like me.

D: just. Like. me.

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T H E D E C L UTT e are captivated and confused as we watch unhappy hoarders on TV as W they cling to their clutter, yet the ad breaks persuade us to buy more products

we just don’t need. William Morris once said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe not to be beautiful.” If your chasing a dream for nice shiny things, shopping can become and addiction.

Perhaps surrounding ourselves with possessions is distracting us from the question, “what do I really care about?”. How much stuff do you really need or use? Well here’s some simple steps into letting go of that mountain of clutter consuming your home.

STEP ONE - THINKING OF THE REASONS TO SAY GOODBYE a. Possessions attach you to the past. Whether it be inherited items, furniture or old photos, these items can stop you from moving on, especially if they are linked with bad memories. b. Less choice equals less stress. For example, if you have less clothes that’s less laundry and less time consumed when finding an outfit. c. You’ll get to display your lovely things when there’s less

clutter. d. You’ll feel lighter. The lighter the load the better the mind. e. Buying less sill reduce your carbon footprint – Better for the environment.

STEP TWO - TACKLING IT a. be kind to yourself and ruthless with your junk! It doesn’t need to be done in one day. Give yourself a good month for a good clean out. Start with the one room method and do a room a day. b. Don’t want it, don’t need it, don’t use it? What’s the point in keeping it.

Label four large boxes with ‘sell’, ‘donate’, ‘rubbish’ and ‘recycle’. c. Continue with the one category process. Place all cosmetics in one pile, all kitchenware, all tools all books.

This is the point where you

ERPROJECT realise you don’t really need three of the same pair of shoes. d. The medicine cabinet. Painkillers, old prescriptions and cough medicines all have use-by dates. So, for the things that have been there for years, it’s time for a clean out and dispose of safely.

STEP THREE - SOME THINGS ARE EASIER TO REMOVE FROM YOUR HOME THEN OTHERS a. Sentimental or guilt items – Personal gifts, or something someone’s made for you or stuff you have inherited are some of the hardest things to tackle because they tie in with someone that loved you. They remind you of someone. Well, that persons feelings towards you aren’t defined by glassware that has dust growing over it or their badly knitted scarf. If you wouldn’t have brought it for yourself it’s time to let go. b. Expensive items – we hold onto the things we worked hard for. But its value dropped the moment you brought it so ask yourself, “what would pay for this now?” – if it’s worth it, sell it or donate it to charity. Spend the cash on something that will make you generally happy.

STEP FOUR - KEEPING IT UNDER CONTROL a. One in one out rule. - If you bring an item home, make sure you remove something else. Something has to go! b. Keeping it eco-friendly – for everything that no longer has a place in your home, think of how to recycle before chucking it in the bin where it will just become landfill. c. Stop buying – Stop spending that money in the first place.

If you really love something its necessary and that’s fine. Stop and think what would actually make you feel better.

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Sense | 16

THE BENEFITS OF ART There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about art.

Some think you have to be creating paintings or sculptures to be considered a real artist.

Others believe that you are either born with talent — or not.

Many are afraid that since they aren’t very good at something, there is no point and they won’t get any benefit from doing it.

Another myth is that you have to work with an art therapist to get any therapeutic benefit from doing art.

But we are all born with an innate desire to express ourselves and art encompasses a wider range of activities than you may have ever imagined.

Here are some of the best ways creative expression can benefit your brain and mental health to make you a happier, healthier person.

your environment. In this way, it acts like meditation.

A popular art trend for stress relief is adult coloring books.

This idea was first popularized in France, a country that’s number one in per capita consumption of antidepressants, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.

Some coloring books are created with stress relief in mind and have become an acceptable adult form of artistic expression.

Many art therapists are supportive of the movement and would like to see coloring become a gateway to reach those who could benefit from art therapy.

So far, this has worked to gently transition veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into art therapy.

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

— Pablo Picasso Creating Art Relieves Stress Activities like painting, sculpting, drawing, and photography are relaxing and rewarding hobbies that can lower your stress levels and leave you feeling mentally clear and calm.

Creating art provides a distraction, giving your brain a break from your usual thoughts.

The average person has 60,000 thoughts per day and 95% of them are exactly the same day in, day out!

When you get totally immersed in a creative endeavor, you may find yourself in what’s known as “the zone” or in a state of “flow.”

This meditative-like state focuses your mind and temporarily pushes aside all your worries.

Leonardo da Vinci said, “Painting embraces all the ten functions of the eye; that is to say, darkness, light, body and color, shape and location, distance and closeness, motion and rest.”

Creating art trains you to concentrate on details and pay more attention to

Art Encourages Creative Thinking Dr. Lawrence Katz is an internationally recognized pioneer in neuron regeneration research and author of Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises to Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness.

He found that mental decline was due mainly to the loss of communication between brain cells, not from the death of brain cells themselves.

Dr. Katz coined the phrase “neurobics” to describe brain exercises that use your senses in new and novel ways, and creating art certainly fits this definition.

Art enhances problem-solving skills.

Unlike math, there is no one correct answer in art.

Art encourages creative thinking and lets you come up with your own unique solutions.

Out-of-the-box thinking also stimulates your brain to grow new neurons.

Contrary to popular belief, creative thinking

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does not mean using the right side of your brain.

It involves getting both hemispheres of your brain communicating with each other.

The concept of left-brain right-brain dominance never had a strong foundation in science in the first place, and now this theory has been totally debunked.

The most complicated functions humans perform, such as learning a language or playing or listening to music, require whole brain thinking.

Art Boosts Self-Esteem and Provides a Sense of Accomplishment You may stick your kids’ artwork on the refrigerator door to boost their self-esteem.

Hanging your latest work of art on the wall can instill in you the same feeling.

Creating art increases the “feel good” neurotransmitter dopamine.

Dopamine has been called the “motivation molecule.”

It boosts drive, focus, and concentration.

It enables you to plan ahead and resist impulses so you can achieve your goals.

It gives you that “I did it!” lift when you accomplish what you set out to do.

Dopamine stimulates the creation of new neurons and prepares your brain for learning.

You don’t have to produce fine art.

Crafting hobbies of all kinds — knitting, quilting, sewing, drawing, photography, woodworking, gardening, and do-it-yourself home repair — increase dopamine, ward off depression, and protect the brain from aging.

Art Increases Brain Connectivity and Plasticity Every time you engage in a new or complex activity, your brain creates new connections between brain cells.

Your brain’s ability to grow connections and change throughout your lifetime is called brain plasticity or neuroplasticity.

Creating art stimulates communication between various parts of the brain.

In this way, creating art has been proven to increase psychological resilience and resistance to stress.

It’s thought that intelligence depends more on the number of brain connections than the size of your brain.

Art Lessons Make Children Better Students for Life Educators and parents alike have long suspected that music and arts programs make better students.

Now, with neuroimaging, science can finally back this up.

Children with musical training perform better in math, language, and reading.

Early music lessons enhance brain plasticity and increase blood flow to the brain.

There’s evidence that the brain-enhancing benefits of music lessons received during childhood can follow through adulthood and last a lifetime.

The benefits of visual art programs are equally impressive.

Art lessons increase brain plasticity, fluid intelligence, IQ, and attention.

They improve overall behav­ior and reduce impulsiveness.

Unfortunately, budgetary cuts have slashed music and arts programs across the country.

Considering the lifelong benefits of art training, this is a short-sighted policy.

Art Increases Empathy, Tolerance, and Feelings of Love A study of over 10,000 students found that a one-hour trip to an art museum changed the way they thought and felt.

Students who visited a museum not only showed increased critical thinking skills, they also exhibited greater empathy towards how people lived in the past and expressed greater tolerance towards people different than themselves.

Professor Semir Zeki, a neurobiologist at the University College London, discovered that simply the act of viewing art gives pleasure, much like falling in love.

Brain scans revealed that looking at works of art trigger a surge of dopamine into the same area of the brain that registers romantic love.

Art Is for Everyone ArtTherapyBlog.com puts it like this, “If it’s therapeutic for you to draw or paint a few times a week (without an art therapist), then I would consider that therapy. Who says art therapy always has to be professional?”

Creating art isn’t just for those born with talent or for those in a position to work with a therapist.

Art is for everyone!

By Deane Alban, bebrainfit.com

Art Exercises to Do at Home Albert Einstein said that “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

If it’s been a long time since you had fun expressing yourself creatively, you might not know where to begin.

Some of these exercises are craft-like, such as making a dream catcher. If you are more into “cut and paste” than drawing or painting, there are several ideas for creating collages.

For those who are more analytical, you can start by creating a mindmap to visualize your thoughts or feelings.

If you don’t want to share what you are doing with others, use sand, chalk, or water to create temporary art.

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ASKSENSE A T L ETT E R S @ S E N S E .C O M

DEARSENSE Chester, 23.

“Dear Sense – I am generally concerned in the amount of sleep I get. Its little to none. I feel though the day I could have a nap because the night before I spent most of the night tossing and turning, feeling restless!

Do you have and tips or tricks before I consult a doctor?”

Hi Harley! Glad you asked because I have plenty of tricks to the art of sleeping up my sleave.. First of all, try to keep a regular sleep pattern. Going to bed and getting up around the same time each day. I would avoid having that nap through the day to get you started so you’re ready for the next night. Also, don’t try and use weekends as a “catch up on sleep” this is a bad habit.

Secondly, make sure your body is tired. Exercising regularly either morning or afternoon, but try not to exercise to close to bedtime.

The adrenaline release will keep your body awake. In like matter, eating too close to bed time, according to dieticians, increase both your blood sugar and insulin levels, as a result you’ll have a tougher time getting to sleep. In the meantime, spend time in the natural light, generally speaking, vitamin D and sunlight will help synchronise your body clock. Try going camping for a week that will get your body clock into shape!

With this in mind, when its bed time aim for dark.

Perhaps invest in some block out curtains or a silk mask especially in the summer months. Equally important, please try and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may cause sleeping difficulty. As a

matter of fact, don’t rely on things like alcohol or sleeping tablets. They will help you get to sleep but cause fragmented sleep. Now, we should only be using our bed for two things, sleep and… well you know what I mean. Keeping that mobile or laptop out of the bedroom has been proven to be pretty tricky. But using your bed for other activities like social media, watching tv and study will cause your brain to separate bed from sleep. UKS sleep council have proven that the blue light releasing from gadgets stimulates the brain and inhibits melatonin production – the hormone you need to sleep. So, keep other activities away from the bed to get some shut-eye. Finally, winding down. Consider a relaxing bath before bed to unwind the body and mind. Make sure the water isn’t too hot – the aim is to relax not boil!

I also found lavender scents to be very rewarding when it comes to relaxing. Whether it be Topical use – applying the oil to your neck or the bottoms of your feet OR Aromatic use – using an oil diffuser. If you still can’t sleep, consider: could your bed do with replacing? If not, think of positive thoughts and not focus on the sleep you’re not getting but the relationship of your body and the bed as it touches the mattress and focus on you breathing, the rise and fall. I wish you the sweetest dreams!

Harlow, 18.

“Dear Sense, I’ve had a few boyfriends the past couple of years but never made it to the bedroom. I have been dating my now boyfriend for five months and we are spending the weekend together in the city and I am excited but also nervous about the ol’ cherry pop. Do you have any advice to calm the nerves for me?”

Hi Charlie. First of all, relaxing is the key. Secondly, cherry popping is a myth! There seems to be this idea of bursting through the virginity gate (the hymen) with guys. When in fact the hymen is just a piece of tissue that lines the vaginal opening

and doesn’t even need to be broken or damaged.

With the combination of the women being relaxed and plenty of lubricant the hymen should just stretch without breaking. The more you know! #facts. So, we need to look at finding your inner zen! You’re nervous about losing your virginity?

Perfectly natural but you need to think of it as you’re not actually losing anything.

Virginity is an absence of experience, you can’t lose not having something in the first place, right? Also, I want you to ask yourself if you’re really ready? This may be why you are nervous because if you’re not, this guy will still love you if you’re not.

So, don’t feel pressured to do anything. If this is not the case remember to just breath and try foreplay first and see how you feel then and let it take its course! You go girl.

Reilly, 25.

“My Dearest Sense - How do I lose this last bit of weight? I must admit I am not a regular exerciser but I’ve tried diets and shake programs. Im just not happy with myself at the moment..”

Oh honey, we cant have you unhappy. First of all you must do regular physical activity. Now dont be quick to sign up to the gym but to find something you enjoy!

Perhaps netball, yoga or dance classes? and secondly remember with shake diets to always incorporate food into your diet. if you are constantly on shakes and lose all that weight, the second you eat food you’re just going to put that weight back on. Remember not to eat right before bed. You dont need to “diet” but to simply make healthier choices! A healthy life is a happy life!

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Horoscopes The Babylonians are generally credited with the birth of astrology. Their astrological charts enabled them to predict the recurrence of seasons and certain celestial events. So in the beginning and for more than 2,000 years, astrology and astronomy were the same science.

Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century B.C. and, through the studies of Plato, Aristotle, and others, astrology came to be highly regarded as a science. It was soon embraced by the Romans (the Roman names for the zodiacal signs are still used today) and the Arabs and later spread throughout the entire world.

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While earliest astrology was used to bring a sense of order out of apparent chaos, it was soon utilized to predict weather patterns, primarily for agricultural purposes. It was eventually broadened to include forecasts of natural disasters and war and other events in the course of human affairs. Amassing successes in these fields, it was a natural progression for astrology to be used as counsel for kings and emperors and, in time, for all of us.

The Zodiac The zodiac (which is derived from the Greek word meaning “circle of animals”) is believed to have developed in ancient Egypt and later adopted by the Babylonians. Early astrologers knew it took 12 lunar cycles (i.e., months) for the sun to return to its original position.

They then identified 12 constellations that they observed were linked to the progression of the seasons and assigned them names of certain animals and persons (in Babylonia, for example, the rainy season was found to occur when the Sun was in a particular constellation which was then named Aquarius, or water bearer).

The signs of the zodiac are subdivided into four groups: Fire Signs: Aries, Sagittarius, Leo

Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Air Signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini Earth Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo Each of these four groups is inscribed in its own quadrant, or group of “houses,” on a circle. The division of the 12 houses is based on Earth’s daily rotation and relates to such circumstances as relationships, finances, travel, etc. The division of the 12 signs of the zodiac, on the other hand, is based on the earth’s year-long rotation around the Sun and relates to character traits and areas of life (e.g., Venus represents affection, Mercury represents speech and writing, etc.). Each planet is associated with two signs, and the Sun and Moon with one each.

Approximately 2000 B.C., Babylonian astrologers believed that the Sun, Moon, and the five planets known at that time (Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus) possessed distinct powers. Mars, for example, appeared to be red and was associated with aggression and war.

Referancing Introduction to horoscopes, Astrologers.com Americas federation of Astologers home page.

Monthly horoscopes, cosmopolitan.magazine. comw

ARIES This week is all about education for Aries.

You may be graduating with a qualification or enrolling in a subject with a wise teacher guiding you. However there is no sole focus on formal education, with the opportunity to teach or learn informally also present. This week brings potential to be someone’s guide, but you may also be affected by your own.

Make sure you are passing your knowledge on as it will gain you respect, admiration and that certain something that adds to your aura, but don’t forget to absorb the information coming from your own guide.

GEMINI

This week sees a yearning for adventure, a certain mad optimism and a total lack of interest in what’s real, ordinary, and practical.

Your ambition is peaking due to a Sun-Jupiter conjunction in your zone of lifestyle so keep your eyes wide open to the details of your everyday life as it presenting so many ways for you to excel in terms of your profession and social life.

TAURUS Things are in constant movement now that

Mars, the action planet, has moved into a new sign. You may be seeing changes in your daily routine, lifestyle and regular workload this week. The winds of change are definitely about in a big way, but don’t let this fluster you. The fact that Taurus is an earth sign, your grounded and practical nature-pared with the fact that the bull knows when to control the pace- means that you will be able to keep yourself comfortable even in this rapid pace.

CANCER

The time has come to carefully look at your assets and possessions, Cancer. There is a key money-related decision to be made this week, whether it’s parting with it, earning it or owing it. How you value money will also be called into question, and you will need to know the worth of what is around you. You will also find yourself looking into the future from a financial perspective, and find that you will go that extra mile to bring that cash in.

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LEO

Leo, it’s time to move past your imagination and indecision, and start making clear choices. You currently have a Neptune cycle which can tend to bring confusion, so be firm about your priorities and be proactive about banishing anything which is clouding your judgement. This week brings particularly focus on your assets and finances, so if you’re considering a change in your living situation, now is the time to lock it down!

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LIBRA

You seem to be stuck between the past, present and future, Libra, but a moon change this week may push you out of this limbo.

This move, however, is dependent on your ability to take dramatic action rather than giving into procrastination. If you are a serial procrastinator, you may want to ask yourself why that is, because a great deal would be possible for you if this wasn’t the case. If you find yourself unhappy with an aspect of your life, it’s time to pull up your socks and do something about it!

VIRGO

You will find an increasing urge to explore, experiment and expand this week.

A line-up involving the Sun and Jupiter finds you ready to travel, move or just shift your ideas dramatically forward. You may be ready to take a giant leap forward, or a small move which still allows you to leave some unwanted baggage behind. Jupiter brings with it optimism and faith, but do be warned Virgo- you will still need to do your homework before making these decisions.

SCORPIO

Scorpio, this week is not the week to procrastinate! If you have a great idea that has huge potential, but you’ve still done nothing about it, now is the time to make a commitment to it. Take it out of your notebook and into a productive and positive environment, changing it slightly if that’s what it would take to get it off the ground.

SAGITTARIUS

Everyone is familiar with the saying that money is power, but it’s time to put a stop to wasteful spending and realise that even a little money can still go a long way. You may make the conscious decision to put a small amount of money away each week, perhaps for a new place or a car. But do make sure you start thinking long term about where you spend your money and how you will get the best possible return from it.

CAPRICORN

This week calls for some alone time Capricorns- and it will do you good. With Saturn in your house of solitude and spirituality, it’s time to get your hermit on so you gain some real understand and insight into your own truth. You will find yourself questioning what makes you happy, what your path in life is, and what will help guide you through it.

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AQUARIUS

Aquarius, it’s time to wake up and appreciate the connections you have in your life! You have quite a powerful little asteroid called Salacia travelling through your horoscope, and although this is great for daydreaming, meditating, yoga and the rest, it can remove you from the real world. This is not helped by the fact that your sign doesn’t always let you see the value of these connections.

PISCES

Reach for the money and make it real this week, Pisces! There is a significant sum of money to save or make here, but it has to be dragged out of your imagination and into your everyday life before the opportunity disappears. With activity around your financial axis of your horoscope, as well a pattern in your horoscope which shows that another part of the country- or even the world- is calling you, it’s possible that your future movements are your money-saving incentive this week.

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