Photo from Flickr by prayitno

Maybe you were never into dancing when you were married, but should that even matter? Now that you’re divorced, it’s a great time to try the things you’ve already forgotten, or the things you would have learnt given the time and encouragement. Like ballroom dancing for instance!

You don’t really need to be a good dancer to start learning how to dance the waltz, the Cha Cha, the tango, or the Foxtrot. All you need are the following: enough courage, a good sense of humor, a willing trainer, a sporty partner, and a good pair of dancing shoes. In no time you’ll be on the go!

Different Types of Ballroom Dances

There are different types of ballroom dances that you can choose from. The beauty about these dances is they vary in speed, tempo, beat, and degree of difficulty. In reality, for all beginners, it’s just a matter of starting with the simplest or easiest dance and then progressing to the more challenging ones.

The simplest for many is Cha Cha. Cha Cha is a very energetic and playful ballroom dance. With Cha Cha, you will need a partner and then you both work and dance together in a very coordinated. Cha Cha involves very simple steps of alternately moving the foot forward and then swaying the hips. It’s really a very easy dance to learn; it’s fun too!

The Foxtrot is another ballroom dance that is fit for beginners because it’s fairly easy to learn. It’s also fun to learn as it is a smooth dance that involves making long, flowing movements across the floor.

Another simple dance is called the Waltz. It is considered one of the most elegant and regal ballroom dances as it requires smooth flow of actions – steps and slides forward, sideward, and backward. It is described as a progressive dance because it involves flowing movements with smooth continuous turns.

Photo from Flickr by prayitno

The more challenging yet very exciting ballroom dances are as follows:

The Tango is considered one of the most enthralling of all ballroom dances. It is described as very sensual and originates from South America during the early twentieth century.

These are just few of the ballroom dances you can enjoy. Always remember also that dancing is a very good form of exercise. It’ll make help you feel good about yourself and it’ll also open many doors for you to meet and make new friends.

Life will always be beset with stress; it’s just one of those things that can be very annoying but there’s just nothing you can do about it but face it fair and square.

According to medical experts that studied the effects of stress, the best way to manage stress is to apply or use healthy coping strategies. These strategies or techniques are proven ways that help lighten the burdens brought about by stress. They do not necessarily solve the problem causing the stress, but they help make the person under stress feel better. Consequently, when a person feels better, his mind becomes quick and uncluttered, making it easy to find resolutions to the problems or challenges at hand.

These stress-relief techniques focus on relaxing the mind and the body, so here are some suggestions of techniques and/or ways to deal or cope with stress.

Activities that Help Relax the Mind

Do things or activities that you enjoy. Maybe you can pursue a hobby that you have long shelved or put on hold such as gardening, crocheting, cross stitching, painting, doing crafts and arts, baking cakes and/or cupcakes, cake decorating, sewing, cooking, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, tap dancing, pole dancing, swimming, etc. Think about any activity that interests you and then pursue it.

Write. Maybe you can begin with a personal journal. Some people find it very helpful to write about the things that are bothering them and they begin writing in a stress journal. A good time to write in a stress journal is before going to bed.

Another good way of expressing yourself through writing is through a grateful journal. I think this is much better. You can do this before you go to bed at night. With your pen and journal, sit in a quiet place and reflect about what happened during the whole day, focusing your mind on the good things. Enumerate them in a list and count them one by one. Make a list, for example, of the things you are thankful or grateful of. This will help you realize that although there are not-so-good-things that happened during the day, I bet you the good things will outnumber the bad things. You’ll end up feeling grateful at the end of the exercise and you’ll feel a lot better.

Talking with friends can also help. Visit a friend or maybe you can invite a friend to come over. Let your friend know what you’re going through and do not be afraid to ask for help. Being able to express yourself to someone who cares is enough to lift up your spirits. However, be cautious not to go and talk with just anybody, especially someone who might make thing worst that better. Some people will not be of great help to you – people who are pessimists for example. Maybe talking to a counselor can greatly help, or go to someone who belongs to your church. Expressing your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress.

Do volunteer work. It has been said that thinking less of self by doing service to others lessens our own burdens. More often, when serving others people come to realize how blessed they are compared to others.

It is possible to manage stress; it’s just a matter of getting enough courage and determination to “rise above the blues” and doing something constructive. When you do this, you are taking good care of yourself. Remember that nobody can love you more than you love yourself, so do everything to take good care of yourself!

Can you imagine a stress-free life? If that is possible, then life will be heaven-like. But that’s not how things are in reality. The truth is stress is a natural part of life. There will always be something that will cause people stress.

Some health experts are saying that stress is good in the sense that it adds “spice” to life. It motivates people to reflect, do some introspection, to move forward, to act, to level up, to aim higher, and to be better.

However, just like everything else in life, anything in excess is harmful. Thus, when there’s too much stress, it becomes unhealthy and even dangerous to the person going through the stressful situations. This is especially true if, when, and with people who do not know how to manage stress.

Here’s the good news: stress is manageable. Here are some examples of how stress can be managed.

To relieve stress, people can do the following:

1. Take slow, deep breaths.

For example, if you’re busy doing your work, just pause for a moment and close your eyes and then take slow, deep breaths. Do some mental counting and focus your mind by listening to your breath as you inhale and exhale. Just be sure you do it properly and you don’t overdo it because you might hyperventilate.

2. Take a short walk.

Stop whatever it is you are doing and take a short walk. You may, for example, get a few minutes break and walk to the ladies room. If you’re at home, you can go out of your backyard and make a few rounds in your lawn. The most important thing is you stop for a moment whatever it is you are doing and stand up and walk a few steps.

3. Listen to good, uplifting music.

If you are stressed out, it will do you good if you listen to good music. Good music means something that will uplift your mood. Avoid lonely music, or music that is loud as they will worsen your feelings rather than make you feel better.

Warm Bath Can Help Reduce Stress

4. Have a warm bath.

When you get home from work, or if you are already at home, soak in a warm bath. If you don’t have a bath tub, take a hot shower or a warm bath. It’ll help you feel better.

5. Meditate.

One great stress reliever is meditation. If you’re up to it, here’s how to meditate. Find a peaceful place where you can have privacy. Sit down and cross your legs and close your eyes. Try to empty your mind; stop thinking about things that worry you. Listen to the sound of your breathing and take slow deep breaths.

Men have special needs when it comes to their dietary requirements. Specifically, men need certain nutrients that can help them stay healthy and strong. They need specific kinds of food that will help maintain their muscle mass, prevent prostate cancer, and others.

What are these foods? Below is a list of the top 5 foods that men needs in order to stay healthy.

1. Oysters

Oysters are rich with the mineral zinc. Zinc is an antioxidant and is involved in hundreds of body processes which include producing DNA as well as repairing cells.

There are studies that show that adequate zinc may protect against cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer. Health professionals also say that zinc helps enhance the sexual functioning of the male reproductive system including increased sperm counts.

There is, however, a precaution when it comes to eating uncooked oysters in relation to an infection called Vibrio vulnificus. Moreover, people who use alcohol heavily, those with liver diseases, and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic renal failure are warned against eating uncooked oysters.

The daily recommended dose of zinc is 11 milligrams a day. Other sources of zinc include lean beef, other shellfish, lean pork, and legumes.

2. Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium which is required to normalize nerves, heartbeat and most especially blood pressure. Foods that are rich in potassium and magnesium can greatly lessen the risk of stroke.

Aside fro potassium and magnesium, bananas also contain vitamin B-6 which helps the immune system, helps form red blood cells, ensures a well-functioning nervous system, and assists in protein metabolism.

Other sources of potassium include milk, orange juice, beans, and tomato products.

3. Omega 3 Rich Food

It’s called healthy fat or omega-3 fatty acids. This polyunsaturated fat helps the heart, the circulation, as well as the immune system. They also help reduce the risk for prostate cancer.

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are effective anti-inflammatory foods which help lower triglyceride levels. Omega 3 also helps reduce aches and pains such as the pain felt with arthritis.

The best sources of omega 3 are salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Eating fish twice a week is ideal, according to the American Heart Association. Fatty fish rich in omega 3 are also good sources of vitamin D, a very important nutrient that may help prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and bone disease.

Other sources of omega 3’s include walnuts, flaxseed, soy, canola oil, and eggs.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is called cruciferous vegetable, and is loaded with vitamin C, potassium, beta-carotene, and sulphoraphane, a phytochemical which may have anticancer properties.

Broccoli is coined the “super-nutritious green vegetable”.

Other cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, shredded broccoli slaw, cabbage, and cauliflower.

5. Whole Grains

A diet rich in whole grains is ideal for men as it provides fiber, vitamins, minerals which are necessary for a healthy heart, for building and maintaining strong muscles, and in ensuring that waistlines remain small.

Foods that are rich in soluble fiber include oatmeal and barley. They are also rich in B vitamins which help lower bad cholesterol. They are also very good for the prostate. The daily requirement for soluble fiber is 10-25 grams a day. Best sources of soluble fiber also include (aside from oatmeal and barley) apples, beans, and also pears.

When increasing the consumption of dietary soluble fiber, be sure to drink plenty of water.

Single Cruises

Here’s a suggestion: go on a cruise and leave all your worries behind! This may be a temporary thing, but who cares? You deserve a break, and going on a cruise is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself at this time of your life.

Go on Vacation

When planning your vacation, here are few of the things that you should consider to ensure that your vacation will give you an amazing time.

Look for Single Cruises

You will want to meet as many single people on board, and this is quite a challenge with very large cruises with guests numbering 5,000 to 5,400. So the best thing for you to do is look into smaller cruise lines. These smaller cruise lines are more conducive to social interactions and it can be safely said that it’ll be easy for you to meet the same people on social nights on board. Smaller cruise ships offer open-seating dinners. They also give preference for smaller trip numbers with interactive activities as highlights.

There are a few concerns with single cruises. One is the fact that most of these small cruise ships cater to older clientele and it’s a bit more expensive than the cruises offered by larger ships. Another thing is that not very many cruise ships offer single cabins for solo travelers. This means that you have to book well ahead of time, or be ready to pay for an extra charge of 10% to 100% for a good-for-two bed cabin; unless you are open to the idea of sharing it with another person.

Share a Cabin

Consider Sharing a Cabin

Sharing a cabin with someone may not appeal to most people, but if you’re open to the idea, it’s a good way to save on extra supplement (having to pay the extra room charge of 10% to 100% for occupying a room that’s good for two). It can also be a good idea to meet and make a new friend. How is this done? Certain cruise ships offer their services for free and they find you a match, of your gender of course, and usually someone who likes what you like and whose interests are almost same as yours. They make the match using information and details that you furnish them as you make your reservation with them. That’s why it’s also important that you tell them that you’re traveling alone. Tell them your preferences and make the necessary arrangements.

Plan Your Budget

Money is always a consideration when vacationing. To make the most of your vacation, make a budget and establish how much you are willing to spend on your vacation. It’s not bad to splurge on yourself once in a while because you deserve it, but be sure that you have set a limit for yourself. This is wise financial management, and this will help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest knowing that you are doing the right thing.

To make your vacation memorable, do research first on the single cruises offered and make your decision based on the information you have gathered. Doing so will prepare you well for a well-deserved vacation!

Are you always feeling down and unhappy? Maybe you are going through depression. Maybe it’s time you pick up yourself and go out and do something different.

Have you ever been to a park where you saw Chinese people, mostly seniors, moving gracefully together in an almost serene way? Have you ever wondered what they were doing? Actually, they’re doing something called Tai Chi, from the Chinese people. It is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of mild gentle physical exercise that involves a lot of stretching. It is believed to help reduce stress and promote a person’s feeling of general well being.

Tai Chi involves movements and bodily postures that are performed very slowly in a graceful manner. It is done in such a manner that the actions flow from one position to another without much effort.

For Tai Chi practitioners, they describe the whole movement as meditation in motion because the whole program promotes peacefulness through calm movements, and while doing these movements, connecting the body and the mind into one cohesive whole.

Benefits of Tai Chi

According to Tai Chi experts, from the traditional Chinese medicine’s point of view, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are very effective in promoting personal energy for self healing, in developing the feeling of general wellbeing by reducing anxiety and depression, and by increasing energy, endurance and agility. The benefits are actually aplenty; and preliminary studies have shown that Tai Chi can actually be a very good activity for older people.

Can Anybody Do Tai Chi?

Yes! Most forms of Tai Chi are gentle and can be done by almost anyone, even the older people or the very young ones. Tai Chi gives emphasis to technique rather than strength, so it’s actually safe even for those with concerns on their physical abilities. Moreover, Tai Chi is really a low impact activity so it’s actually best suited for older adults who otherwise may not exercise for many reasons.

Advantages if Tai Chi Over Other Exercises

Tai Chi is not expensive because there’s no need for special equipments or uniforms. It can be done outdoors, in the lawn or in any open field. You can do it alone, or you can do it with a group.

However, just like any form of exercise, it will always be for your best interest to talk to your doctor first and tell him about your interest to, or desire to try Tai Chi. This is essential most especially if you have medical concerns with your heart, joints, or your spine. This is also true to pregnant women; see first your doctor for approval. If you have had problems before like old fractures, or if you have osteoporosis, better consult with your doctor before starting a Tai Chi program.

Going through this difficult phase in your life, it can be expected that you would rather just stay indoors and do nothing except watch TV or sleep and let time just pass by. Many a times, facing other people can also be a challenge, as you would prefer to be alone. Divorce does this to a lot of people. Most of the time, it destroys enthusiasm for life, especially for people who least expected it.

What is sad is that this situation affects not only the emotional being of a person; it also endangers the body of the one suffering from emotional pain.  Depression can be very damaging, and it can open floodgates of other problems too. For instance, when there is less activity or mobility, such as when a person chooses to just sit or lie down for a very long time, or when one ceases to walk even a short distance, the bones and the joints in the body deteriorate.  In time, the body will become unhealthy and will be susceptible to illness and disease. Then, aggravating the situation are age-related diseases or medical conditions caused by sedentary lifestyle, and these are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.

The Pain that is Arthritis

If you’re not that old, I’m sure you’ve heard so much about it. Normally, people older than you make funny remarks about arthritis and old age.  These old people often laugh about their own experiences. When you did not join in the laughter, you were told that your time will come; and you will know that your time has come because you will begin feeling those pains in your joints. People will tell you its arthritis!

What Really Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the swelling of one or more joints in the body, which in time causes pain, inflammation, and progressive stiffness. If you’re experiencing these pains now, be aware that arthritis worsens as you get older.

The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis. The most common symptoms include joint pain, muscle and joint stiffness, swelling of the joint or the affected area, redness, and decreased range of motion.

Different Types of Arthritis

When experiencing pains on the joints and when stiffness is steadily increasing, these are apparent indications of a developingOsteoarthritis. These may come with noticeable swelling, fever, and later, chills.

When there is the presence of a painful blister; when there’s inflammation; and when the stiffness in the arms, wrists, fingers, and legs are happening in similar joints on both sides of the body, especially when awake, these might be indications of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Infectious Arthritis is accompanied with fever, inflammation of joints, and sharp pain at the affected area. Normally, this condition is combined with an injury or other infirmities.

Did you know that even children can have Arthritis? If your child or a child experiences an irregular fever, does not want to eat (which can eventually lead to weight loss), anemia, or mottled rashes becomes evident on the arms and legs, this may be some signs of some form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis is accompanied by stiffness on joints, a limp, or a joint inflammation.

What Causes Arthritis?

In general, the pain that comes with arthritis is triggered by the damages on the joints. There are three major parts of the joint: the Cartilage; the Joint Capsule, and Synovium.

The cartilage is a hard, glossy outside layer on the ends of the bones. This allows the bones of the joint to slide smoothly over each other. All of these joint parts are enclosed by a tough membrane called Joint Capsule, and this capsule is coated with a thin membrane called Synovium, which lubricates and nurtures the cartilage.

These are the cause of arthritis:

• Arthritis comes with age; the older one gets the risk of suffering from arthritis increases.
• It can also be due to family history or genes. Normally, when parents or grandparents have arthritis, it’s very likely that the children will have it too!
• Obesity is identified as a major cause of arthritis. The excess weight causes stress on the joints, resulting to joint damage. The damage in turn increases the likelihood of arthritis.
• Women are more likely to develop arthritis, while men in general develop gout. Injured joints are also high risk candidates for arthritis.

What You Can Do

It’s true that there are certain things in life that people can not run away from.

One good example is divorce.

Then there’s also the reality that some people are more at risk to having arthritis because of their genes.

Well, there are worst things in life than divorce and arthritis!

Looking at the bright side, there certainly is life after divorce! And when it comes to arthritis, it’s not fatal; nobody died because of arthritis. So just like divorce, there is life even with arthritis.

Therefore, the best question to ask is this:  Is there anything I can do about these two?

Yes there is! The answers are simple! If you are divorced, know that its not the end of the world. You will find someone else, and if you do all that you can to learn from your mistakes, life can be wonderful again.

Now, with arthritis, there is a way around it. A healthy lifestyle free from vices, doing regular exercise, being active, and eating healthy foods – all these can help manage arthritis.

A common misnomer is that perspiration causes BO, but in fact the combination of bacteria and perspiration is what causes it. Scientifically speaking, here’s what happens:  the bacteria on your skin feeds on the oil secretions from sweat glands, called apocrine glands.  Then the bacteria’s excrement causes yucky body odor. If you’re going to work out, take a shower first.  Then you can sweat with little or no embarrassment, as sweat itself has little or no odor.

The degree of odor from one person to the next depends on our unique chemistry.  Asian men and women have very few apocrine glands, therefore they rarely have BO. Another variable is your sex.  Men have larger sweat glands, activated by the male hormones-thus they typically have more body odor than women. Overweight people can have more B.O. because the excess weight makes them sweat more.

To counteract BO, bathe morning and night, more if it’s hot outside, or according to your level of activity.  Use soap or deodorant soap and water. Wear clean clothes as odors linger in fabrics. Use deodorant or anti-prespirent. If allergic to these try a “crystal” type product available at health food stores. Avoid use of perfumes or colognes to counter BO.  Try to stay away from the following foods: onions, garlic, curry, chili, cumin, fish, beer, cheese.  Take notice of other foods that may also interact with your chemistry causing body odor.  Keep yourself smelling clean, for you never know when you may be passed over for a job, or a date, due to this easily remedied hygiene issue.

2.     Try not to get back in the game.  Worrying that you have to “get out there” creates apprehension.   More likely you’ll meet someone going about your regular routines than going someplace to “hook up”, be it a bar, singles club, cruse ship or the like.

Photo: Truckandbarter.com

3.     Do something about staying healthy , that you didn’t do while married.  Like going shopping all day and letting the house be a mess.  Or calling in sick to work and taking off to your favorite resort get-away on a whim.  These things rejuvenate you-you’ll feel glad to be alive, free and single.  The happier you are alone, the more likely a nifty guy or gal will notice you.

4.     This one is first on many people’s lists:  Get In Shape.  Here it’s fourth;  Hollywood standards can place undue emphasis on the perfect body–most of us will never look like movie stars.  So placing this first is a set up for frustration.  If it’s just to attract someone you may give up your workout or diet when you don’t get results right away.  A fit body is absolutely healthy,  but do it for yourself. Commit to exercise and healthy eating because it protects you from depression, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other maladies.  You’ll feel better when you look better, and enjoy a huge increase in energy.

5.     Wherever you go, be nice to people.  Here is an interesting post on  ten keys to kindness and consideration, It goes a long way toward making a good impression.  It only works, however if you’re sincere, not just showering consideration on pretty people.  Lend a hand wherever possible:  whether the hostess needs help with decorations or the old church lady needs someone to bring cookies.

Activity 1: Join a Divorcee Group

Nowadays there are tons of options out there for people like yourself who may need support during this time. Try joining a support group for divorcees to channel whatever anger or bitterness you may be feeling into a healthier forum.

Activity 2: Take up a Physically Aggressive Sport

Some may think this is bad advice, but slamming a ball into a wall or demolishing a punching bag may be exactly the type of healthy activity you should engage in after a divorce. So relieve some stress and get in shape by playing a vicious game of racquetball or taking a class in cardio kickboxing.

Activity 3: Explore Health Oriented Vacations Such as Eco-Tours

Eco-tours are a healthy and non hedonistic way to do something healthy for your body but yet still have a good time. Many eco-tours offer a wide range of activities from canoeing, to snorkeling, to exploring hidden trails in the rainforest of your choice. Eco-tours can be a healthy distraction from reality.

Activity 4: Find a Creative Outlet

From a gourmet cooking class to learning to paint with acrylics, put your energy into a creative outlet that will allow you to tunnel your energy into something that can relax you and help you to relieve some stress accumulated by the daily grind of attempting to get over a divorce.

Activity 5: Start a Team Sports Group

It’s interesting how many women start divorce groups where they spend time bashing their exes and drinking away their misery. Instead of falling into that pattern, try getting a group of divorcees together to form a softball team. It’ll be a great stress reliever and good for the body.

Activity 6: Get Involved in a Community Service Project

A healthy activitiy that will distract you from thoughts of your own situation is volunteering to help others. Try working in a soup kitchen or helping to create a community garden in an underserved neighborhood.  You may even end up finding someone else that you find very special and want to get to know more.  When the relationship progresses to sexual one, be prepared and have your Viagra  ready.

Activity 7: Sing in a Choir or Take Up an Instrument

Another healthy activity for the mind is singing or playing an instrument. Letting your voice be heard or letting your fingers make beautiful music is timeless skill that eases away emotional pain.

Activity 8: Adopt or Foster an Animal

For all you animal lovers, a healthy way to heal a broken heart may be to direct your love elsewhere. There are literally millions of animals out there, just waiting for your attention. It’s easy to find a pet and give it a good home.

Activity 9: Establish Fitness Goals

Perhaps you’ve wanted to run a marathon for twenty years now, but never got around to doing it. Well, you have no excuses now. Training for something like a marathon, especially if it’s for a charity, will keep you inspired and your reality in perspective.  Getting healthy and losing weight go hand in hand.  Xenical can be prescribed to help with weight loss as well.

Activity 10: Learn a New Language

To officially say adios to your significant other try learning to say it in a new language. It’ll be a welcoming distraction and may even bring some unexpected closure.