Music and Memory

Music and Memory

Elderly people suffering from dementia were said to have better reasoning about their backgrounds and personal history when there was music playing in the clinical area than in silence, during an experiment conducted by Elizabeth Valentine, a psychologist at the University of London and co-author of new research on music and memory. Increasingly, music is accompanying traditional medical therapies to help people heal faster. Experts say music has the power to calm and to energize the spirit. The British researchers conducted a test on 23 people (ages 68 to 90) with mild dementia. The test was done with different sounds playing in the background. While asking the questions, the researchers either played: a familiar tune ( Winter, from Vivaldi's Four Seasons), novel music ( Hook, by Fitkin), or pre-recorded cafeteria noise - or asked the questions in stillness. Over four weeks, each person was tested in all four situations.

The participants answered more questions correctly with sound in the background rather than in silence, and they scored even better when music was playing. “Whether the music was familiar or new did not seem to matter. The music probably aroused the participants and helped them focus,” the researchers said.

Reduce Stress

Reduce Stress

Medical researches show that people who are always anxious produce “stress hormones” like cortisol, which damages brain cells. Make it a point to do something that will relax you everyday. Try meditating, yoga, drinking tea, taking a long bath … whatever works for you. A very effective method to reduce stress is deep breathing and visualizing the expected outcome of any situation to turn out well. Don’t forget to get enough rest. Poor memory is often a result of poor self-image. After all, it all starts and ends in the mind. So to have a healthy mind, believe that you can achieve anything you desire. Boost your self-esteem and be confident in your abilities. Your attitude should be supportive of your goals.

Cardiovascular exercises like walking improves blood circulation and are good for the heart and brain. Research also indicates that walking helps release hormones that aid in regenerating new brain cells. If you’re bored with just plain walking, engage into sports that you love. Play basketball, volleyball, tennis, or anything that excites you. By exercising, you can lessen your chances of developing high blood pressure which contributes to memory loss when you get older. So get up and get moving. Not only will you be getting a fit and healthy body, but you’ll also sharpen your memory and improve your creativity. Not to mention the fun and camaraderie you’ll be getting with your teammates and competitors.

Just like any muscle, you also need to exercise your brain so that it doesn’t deteriorate. Engage in games that will help you think. Talk to people, read informational books, listen to educational tapes, and make it a habit to continuously learn and experience new things. Remember that when your neurons die, they don’t come back to life anymore. So you better use them, or you’ll lose them. If you feel that your memory really isn’t how it used to be, go and see a physician. Sometimes, memory loss can be a symptom of more serious diseases and can go undetected for years because you don’t really feel anything else other than memory loss.

You Are What You Eat

It is often said that your brain is probably the greediest organ in your body, and it requires a very specific type of nutrition from your diet. It shouldn’t be surprising then that your diet affects how your brain performs, and it performs well with a steady supply of glucose. Before you go out of your house in the morning, it would be great if you can give your brain the fuel it needs by eating a hearty breakfast. A salad packed full of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, should also help keep your brain in tip-top condition by helping to reduce damaging free radicals (damaging molecules). As you grow older, your brain has lesser capacity to defend itself from daily threats like free radicals, inflammation, and oxidation. That’s why aging people need more nutrition than younger ones.

Free radicals are like cavities to your teeth; they slowly build up if they’re not cleaned out. As the brain cells grow older, they sometimes stop communicating with each other. As an effect, it slows down essential processes like thinking, short-term memory retrieval, and regenerating new cells. Therefore, anti-oxidants are essential to maintain not only good health, but a good memory as well. Good sources of anti-oxidants are:

• Vitamin A and beta-carotene: Carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, winter squash
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes

• Scientific research also indicates that eating fish can indeed sharpen your memory. Most fish fat contains the polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA, which performs a significant part in the brain development of young children. Tests show that kids who consume adequate foods containing DHA score better on IQ tests than those who take lesser amounts of DHA. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids which opens up new communication centers in the brain’s neurons. This allows your mind to operate at its peak performance. Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oil, wheat germ Studies show that fatty food that causes artheosclerosis (clogging of arteries) are also the same type of food that disrupts neural activities. Cut back on the fat and replace it with foods rich in anti-oxidants. Nothing will replace a well-balanced meal, but to make sure that your body doesn’t lack any of its nutritional needs, it would be a good idea to take food supplements. As the name implies, they’re supplements, and not replacements.

Another significant finding suggests that smoking can affect the ability of the brain to process information properly. Chain smokers have higher risks of impairing their visual and verbal memories. So the next time you think of smoking, remember that it’s not only dangerous to your health, but you are sacrificing your memory functions as well. Caffeine and alcohol causes anxiety and nervousness. This may hamper information from properly entering your mind because memory works best when you are relaxed and focused.

Sharp Memory Factors

Sharp Memory Factors

If someone was to read a list of words to you, it’s most unlikely that you will remember all the words in the list. You’ll be able to recall most of the words at the beginning, some at the middle, and a few at the end. These effects are known as primacy (words at the beginning) and recency (words at the end). The only way that a normal person can effectively recall all of the words in the list, is if he applies a mnemonic technique to help him remember. You’ll also find that it’s easier to recall a word if it’s repeated several times in the list, or if it’s related to the other words in any way, or if it stands out among the other words (for example, the word “ruby” will stand out from a list of vegetables).

To take advantage of your primacy and recency, you must find a middle ground. If you are doing something that requires a lot of thinking and you do this non-stop for hours, you’ll find that the dip in the recall between the primacy and recency can be quite considerable.

If, on the other hand, you stop to take breaks too often, your brain will not really reach its primacy because it keeps on getting interrupted. In a more practical application, instead of continuously studying or working for hours, you might want to try pausing and resting after 30-50 minutes of working, just to give your brain time to refresh itself and to maximize the time when your primacy and recency are balanced.
Contrary to popular belief, being smart is not synonymous to having a good memory or good retention. You don’t have to force yourself to study and understand more in order to improve your memory; the key is actually in your lifestyle, your attitude, your diet, and your habits.

When You Give You Succeed

When You Give You Succeed

The gift of giving is the true meaning of success. There are great lessons to be learned from one simple act. One must understand and accept "the power of giving" is an extremely powerful act; which, in turn, will draw success and abundance in the life of the giver. When performed unselfishly and unconditionally, with no expectations, it will create a magnetic force within your whole being and effect you life; taking place in the center of your existence, mentally, physically and spiritually.

For Example in webs is Social Document Sharing, if you are not contribute or give one ebook so you only able to read ebook online, but if contribute or give one ebook you can read ebook online and able to free download ebook for yours.

In addition, you will feel a great sense of fulfillment. The universal laws of spiritual, as well as, scientific are controlled by the acts of "giving and receiving".  In the spiritual realm "you will harvest what you sow" and "don't get tired of helping others, you will be rewarded when the time is right" this is from the book of Galatians. Scientifically, Isaac  Newton's theory, affirms the spiritual realm, "for each action there is an equal reaction". Both spiritually and scientifically, these laws incorporated into one's daily life, you will attract and create the abundance and success in which you desire. The act of giving will lead to success.

Where most people view giving, connected to money; the true meaning of giving goes way beyond money. Allowing the fact, most donating is in the terms of money; one will usually find money scarce. The mere though or act of giving tests our misconceived beliefs and awareness about inadequacy. The amount we give, whether monetary or otherwise, does not measure our true worth.

Giving is a selfless, directly from the heart, act that can be very empowering as well as rewarding. Not connected to any holiday celebration, birthday or any special occasion but an act of compassion. Giving completely and unconditionally, to show gratitude and that you care and for no other reason; especially, not to expect something in return. Giving in this form, signals positive reactions; sets fire to your inner power and transmits positive energy that will draw a positive response from those around you. this message you unconsciously send out, will produce a chain reaction of positive events in your life, leading you to true success.

The chain reaction can be overwhelming at times, but it will be very rewarding as well. Those who share in this process will reap the rewards of their acts of giving, just as you have. Simply and unconditionally giving, with complete acceptance and realizing you have plenty. You can trust you will always have enough for all your needs. This compassionate act of giving develops a bond and very close union with your higher power, universe, spirit, God or your supreme authority. This connection is referred to as trusting in you higher power. You believe and trust in God, you will always have plenty; more than you need and the more you can give to help others. The greater your success will be.

The recipients of these selfless acts will in turn earn you, their love and respect. People, in general, have the need and desire to return acts of kindness that they have received. You will feel confident someone will be there for you, to help, because you first helped them.

Remember, your acts of kindness are unconditional; you should not expect anything in return from those you help. From the goodness of your heart, share and you will be rewarded. Make your reason for giving be the intense feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Your higher power will pour out blessings upon you at the right moments in your life, in a way only he can, beyond any earthly understanding. When you reach out and give a helping hand, share and act of kindness, donate in a time of need; you will feel an overpowering sense of joy. You will know the feeling of true success. It is scientifically proven; you will enjoy a healthier, prolonged life when you receive that feeling of inner accomplishment and peace. Life becomes more enjoyable when you incorporate a healthy habit of giving.

Always engage in giving from the heart; don't allow fear and selfishness be your guide. Be thankful and be aware of all the miracles that occur instantly in your life. With the true gift of giving you will succeed. Human nature and giving have a solid bond. When you engage in this simple act, you discover
joy and fulfillment; as well as, attract an abundance of blessings. These blessings will in turn, lead to true success in all forms.

Things You Thought You Knew About Leadership

The literature written on leadership is phenomenal. The guide lines, tips, styles and profiles of exceptional leaders during the course of history, just to name a few areas of leadership. As we read and research, we learn to recognize specific leadership ideas and qualities we previously failed to see before. Following is a list of things we thought we knew and understood about leadership.

1) Leaders come in different styles.
History points us toward Albert Einstein, well known for his Theoretical Physics; Leonardo da Vinci, Known for his Art. These are leaders we use as mentors for their wisdom and experience or by their virtue and expertise, as well as what they contributed to society. Elders of a tribe or grandparents could be included in this category of informal leadership. Then you come up against the 'formal' leaders or those appointed or elected to the position of leadership. Senators, congressmen, presidents or judges fall into this category; those who are elected to the position of eldership within a government or club. Literature written by Lewis outlines the three basic styles of leadership which are authoritative, participative and delegative.Then there is literature written by Likerts which outlines the four styles: authority that is exploited, authority that is charitable, deliberative and participative. Also, included in the list of literature written by Goleman, who researches six styles of leadership; visionary, instructive, networking, democratic, commanding and pace making.

2) Leadership is a process of 'coming into'.
Some people seem to be born with leadership qualities, while others learn the art of leadership. However you come into these qualities, you need to develop and sharpen these leadership abilities. You can obtain knowledge by attending seminars, workshops and conferences on leadership. Another way to increase your abilities is to interact with people who already project and practice these leadership qualities. Expanding your knowledge and exposure will enable you to obtain and exercise leadership attitudes, insights, and intergrading the cycle of learning. Being a leader is a full time, lifelong learning process; not something you accomplish over night. A good leader puts his or her knowledge , skills and attitudes to the test daily; plus, sets a goal to have a new experience each day.

3) Leadership begins with You.
First, applying the knowledge you accumulated to your own life is the best way to develop leadership abilities. Leaders enjoy the limelight. Remember your actions affect your credibility; as in 'action speaks louder then words'. How you interact with family, friends, co-workers or the public; connect with your actions and development as a leader. Time management in both your personal and professional responsibilities will affect your leadership qualities, too.
Repetition develops habits; habits form character. '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Steven Covey, a must read for insight on achieving personal leadership.

4) Leadership is shared.
Leadership is designed to be a shared responsibility between members of a group or team. Each individual must fulfill his or her responsibilities. Elected or 'formal' leadership positions are merely additional responsibilities from their usual team or group responsibilities. Being and effective leader means sharing the work. Putting a group of individuals together, forming members and leaders to work toward one mutual goal; is the formation of a great team. While
learning to work together; there must be trust within the full group to be effective. Through actions the foundation of mutual respect and trust are built, which in turn builds confidence.

5) Leadership styles connected to situations.
Where dictatorship works in Singapore; it does not work in the United States of America. Leadership styles used in 'formal' leadership depends greatly on culture, beliefs, values and the form of government in that nation. There are no restrictions on the number of leadership styles used for any given situation. Most of the time, a combination of styles are used as the situation dictates. In instances of war and calamity, decision-making is a matter of life and death; a nation's leader cannot afford to consult with all departments to arrive at crucial decisions. Leadership is different in times of peace and order, each sector and branch of government can freely work together and positively affect each other while working toward the mutual goal set before them. Another situation would be leadership within an organization. When there is a high motivation and competent level; a combination of delegative and participative styles of leadership is in order. However, if the competence and commitment is low, a combination of high coaching, supporting and directing style of leadership is required. The ideas we may already know or concepts we take for granted are actually the most useful insights we can have on leadership. How we apply these insights to our life is the difference between a good leader or a great leader.

Self Improvement Plan

Making a self improvement plan and living based on it are probably some of the best things that a person can do for himself. No one else will benefit but him. In most cases, the self is taken for granted and as soon as the person realizes it, it is too late already. Thus, it is ideal that you start the soonest possible time with your self improvement plan and bring out the best in you and in your life.

However, one does not easily get the realization and encouragement to improve one's self. It really takes a lot of humility and desire for personal growth. What happens normally is that a person, at the very start, is afraid to make a decision on self improvement. There are a lot of factors causing this kind of hindrance.

A person has the tendency to think that self improvement is not purely his responsibility. He points out to other people, blaming them for the misfortunes and unpleasant circumstances in his life. Thus, any self improvement plan will become successful only if a person admits to himself that everything relies on him and he is the only one who has the power to make himself better. All self improvement plans start from within. As soon as the desire to improve is there, the rest of the process will be easy. This is especially the case if things are planned properly. A good self improvement plan must spring out from a personal knowledge of what one specifically wants to improve. There are several possible categories for this. It can be an improvement on one's career, finances, health and fitness, relationships, and many others. Breaking it down to these categories will further align and focus the plan.

The creation of a categorized plan should serve as a guide but should still leave some room for flexibility. This is important to note as there is no such thing as a definite line of events. Circumstances do change and unpredictability of happenings in one's life is inevitable. A great level of patience and perseverance what must be involved no matter what in any effort towards self improvement. The unpleasant surprises of life should not be a reason to give up and forgetabout the plan.

Furthermore, all self improvement plans are more likely to succeed if there is enough support system from the people around. Family, friends and other loved ones play an important role as they can easily push one forward should discouragement arise. Although any self improvement effort begins with the self, one should still realize the fact that everyone is interdependent. As self improvement is not an easy task, it will further boost one's morale to continue in spite of difficulties if every simple success is celebrated. Each milestone, no matter how minor it is, is still one step towards the success of the entire self improvement plan. Such celebration emphasizes further that it is totally possible to improve and be a better person.

There is indeed something more to life that every person is entitled to discover and unleash. It is really not a matter of luck. People are not successful or happy just because they are lucky. Instead, those who have improved selves are those who are willing to exert extra effort and are not afraid to constantly stand up in times of difficulties. They believe in themselves and their capacity to bring out their full potential.

Unlock Your Self Improvement Power

Unlock Your Self Improvement Power
To unlock the infinite power of self you must understand what Self is. Your self consists of three
core elements: your body your mind and your spirit. You must work on each one of these
elements as part of the self improvement process. Each part of self affects the other and each
is as important as the other.

Self Improvement Through Body

Your body is the vehicle with which you interact with physical life. Through your body you
communicate with the world around you. Your mind uses your body to express itself, your spirit
uses your body to experience itself. You must keep your body as fit and active as it is possible
for it to be for the rest of your life. Improve your diet. There is so much information on nutrition
and health. Feed your body so that it can perform at an optimal level everyday. Your body
includes your hair and skin, your heart, your blood, your respiratory system and your hormones.
What are the foods that you need to be consuming that keep these parts of the body functioning
at their peak - always?

Your body was built as a strong active working machine. It has been constructed for a potential
life of well over a hundred years. If you do not let your body do what it was designed for it will
falter and ultimately fail. As well as feeding body for optimum health you must also exercise it so
that it can renew itself. Your muscles keep themselves strong by use. The same can be said of
your brain too.

Self Improvement Through Mind

It is through the mind that you make the decisions for your body. Everything that you are today
has been planned out by your mind. The job you do, how much you earn, the person you
married, your weight, your beauty, your car, your house etc, etc. Through your mind and your
thoughts you have created your present life experience. If you want self improvement any part
of your life as you experience it now you must improve your mind. Knowledge is a key that
opens so many doors. Improve your mind through the acquisition of information. Perhaps you
want a better job and to earn more money. What do you need to know to get from where you
are to where you want to get to? Do you need extra qualifications or to retrain?

However improving the conscious mind is the easier part. The difficulty is the subconscious
mind which also has a huge part to play in your life as you experience it today. Perhaps you
are overweight because you eat inappropriately. You find it difficult to resist the urge to binge
on chocolate but you don't know why. The answer probably lies somewhere in your
subconscious where you have stored learned behavior from the past.

Once you access the subconscious you can change what is stored there and thus improve your behavior. There are a number of professionals and therapies who can help you improve your self through the mind
and there are a number of self help techniques you can use.
Self Improvement Through Spirit

Such concepts as faith, hope, joy, contentment, peace, and love all fall within the realm of the
spirit. You don't have to be religious to know the essential nature of these things to fully
experience a life of the highest quality. However working with the spirit is different than working
with the body and mind.

You can work to improve you body and mind but you must work to let
your spirit improve you. Just taking time on a regular basis to get in touch with your spirit will
bring you self improvement at the most profound level. Religious structures and practices have
been put in place by our ancestors to help us commune with the spirit. You may choose to
follow a religion or find your own path but without good spiritual health you will find the power of
self improvement in all areas much more difficult to unleash.

Creative Notions

Creative Notions

We are all creative beings just as the ultimate being is the divine creator. To create something is
to bring into existence something that did not exist before. Creative genius comes when you
bring into existence something that will enhance the lives of all who encounter your creation,
including yourself. In order to tap your creative genius, there are a few considerations that you
should be aware of.

There is one thing that your creative energy demands a lot of and that is time. You have to
allow yourself enough space for your creative energies to flow. Some people are fortunate to
have a form of employment which requires them to apply their creative minds on a regular
basis. If you are a teacher you will continually creating new ways in which to impart knowledge
to individual children. The best teachers are always creative geniuses. Others of us are in jobs
that only require a certain set of skills. After we have acquired the skills we keep on applying
them over and over again without much room for creative thinking. If you fall into this category
then you will need to set aside separate time in which to work creatively.

Finding extra time is not always easy with modern daily schedules. Work, travel, family, health,
are all things which take precedence over our time. After these priorities are attended to we are
often too spent to begin thinking creatively about anything. The problem is that when we are not
able to apply our creativity, which is an inherent drive within all of us, we become dissatisfied
and unfulfilled. Sometimes we encounter disgruntled people in the work place and those who
appear to hate their jobs. These people are often expressing the deep dissatisfaction they feel
at not being able to express themselves more creatively in their lives.

To avoid becoming dissatisfied you must apply yourself creatively. The best way to do this, if
you have a very busy schedule, is to channel your creative energy into those things you have to
do everyday. A good example of this is food. Cooking is an excellent way to get creative and
many of us have to do it everyday. Instead of preparing the same old meals everyday or relying
on supermarket ready prepared selections you can create new ways in which you and your
family enjoy food and stay healthy. If you travel to work everyday by bus or train you might use
this bit of regularly occurring time to read. Reading inspires creativity and you can use the reading
time to read something that will teach you something new about what you are interested in.

Although being creative is time consuming it can also be very relaxing. After a hard day at
work, instead of slumping in front of the TV for the next 3 hours, you can use this relaxation
period to apply yourself creatively. If painting or flower arranging or writing is your thing, this is
a very good time to allocate toward pursuing such creative hobbies.

Those who do have a bit of extra time to spend being creative can consider attending a course
or group that specializes in their chosen creative pursuit. Other people who are interested in the
same thing as you are and who express themselves creatively in a similar way to you, provide a
wonderful resource of creative energy which you can draw on to fire up your own creative
thinking. Other members will be drawing from you too, everyone contributes and everyone
benefits.

It is always a good strategy, for those who are able, to take time to visit somewhere else away
from home. If you are able to get away to areas of outstanding natural beauty for example, you
should find that the environment inspires you creatively. It is no coincidence that many artists
have produced some of their best work in some of the world's most fabulous locations.

The way to tap your creativity is to try to think creatively as much as you can even while
occupied with mundane, non-creative activities. You should also understand that creative
energy needs to be fed by time; you must find as much time as you can to apply your creative
thinking otherwise you might not blossom into the creative genius you are capable of being.

Train To Achieve Efficiency

Train To Achieve Efficiency!

Many people believe on the expertise and the great help of life coaches. Who are the life
coaches? What do they do? Generally, the life coaches are those transformation experts who
are oftentimes referred to as magicians because they are that devoted to their clients in terms of
guiding them towards the right path to success. Life coaching requires great commitment. So if
you think you are ready to face the challenges ahead, then, train to be a life coach!

First, for you to train to become a life coach, you must apply in the CFLC program. But before
that, you have to be able to complete the necessary application prerequisites that the course
asks for. The requirements must be accomplished in a span of eighteen months with an option
to complete the in a shorter time depending on your desire and what you see is most apt for
you.

Among the included training is attending the Fearless Foundation Weekend. This will teach you
to overcome your fears in order for you to finally realize your hidden potentials. You will also be
tasked to participate in the Creating and Leading a Fear Buster Group that will help you out in
integrating all philosophies involved in fearless living. During the course, you will be into the
most possible situations that will arise at the time of the coaching sessions.

The training to be a life coach, likewise, requires you to be into a minimum of six coaching
sessions to obtain the letter of recommendation that will come from the Program Prerequisite
Approved CFLC. The people behind the firm possess special training that will all the more
enhance your understanding and enrich your knowledge about the real task of a life coach. In
turn, they will give you the right edge.

Training to be a life coach also includes insights on how you will be able to get the most
potential clients. Do not simply be overwhelmed by the feeling of managing and controlling your
own task and helping out people. This kind of task of course is faced with a bunch of difficulties.

It is not as easy as having your business or calling cards made and distributed and you expect
that your appointment book will automatically be filled up with names of clients. The schools that
offer you the training to be a life coach will not necessarily give you a list of potential clients but
they will assist you with regards to how you will be able to harbor clients within your midst. You
should bear in mind that you are the sole responsible person who will take charge of your
income and success inflow.

Networking and self-promotion are big deals when it comes to attracting clients. A means of
clientele will be most possible as you network with friends, acquaintances, by placing ads,
participating in forums, building professional relationships and seeping in through networking
groups, and a lot of other creative manners that can come into your mind.

Your popularity as a life coach will soon bloom as you earn a good rapport with your clients and
through their referrals too. These things will take time. They don't happen overnight. But then,
you should be prepared always. Through all these, the training to be a life coach will open your
doors to success.

Scrapbooking Made Easy

Scrapbooking Made Easy

Scrapbooking is an ideal way for you to preserve memories and share thoughts. It is a great way to spend some time too. Every one of us has memories that mean so much to us and the thought of losing them is something that no one really wants to think about. Yet, when we get them together and get them on paper, they can be with us for a long while and they will be there even when we are not.

But, getting started in scrapbooking may seem overwhelming. If you walk into the local craft store, you are likely to see a wide range of products to purchase. You’ll find a lot of kits that you can use, stickers, papers and fun colored markers and paint. You’ll find a wide range of choices and this may have you thinking that you need to purchase all of this to create a great looking scrapbook. The fact is, though, that you really do not need to do all of that at all. When getting started in scrapbooking, you should carefully consider the options that you have and the things that you really would like to use. You don’t have to use pricy products to have a great looking scrapbook either. Here are some tips that can help anyone to get started with
their scrapbooking project.

Scrapbooking can be done with virtually any products that you would like to use for them. There are many various things that you can do. You can even make some of the most amazing quality scrapbooks out of products that you will find throughout your home. Just imagine making a scrapbook that is filled with not only your child’s photos but some of the things that he has grown out of over the course of his years. We all want to hold on to our child as they age, but there is no way to keep them young. Yet, with scrapbooking, especially when you use scrapbooking materials from home, you will be able to hold those memories for a long time to come.

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