“nothing is quite as easy as using words like somebody else. we all of us do exactly this nearly all of the time — and whenever we do it, we are not poets.”
- e.e. cummings
sexta-feira, abril 01, 2016
Science Explains How Spending Time In Nature Boosts Kindness And Generosity
According to research that has taken place in Japan, Finland and Texas, people who took walks or were shown images of nature were found to have a natural decline in heart rate. When stress becomes an overwhelming burden, it’s the exact opposite. If nature can reduce the stress levels riveting people’s lives, then generosity and kindness are bound to follow suit. When agitated, it can be difficult to take the time needed to make sure you are calm and collected. You might snap at your friend for something they said without even realizing it. Your nerve endings having taken the increased heart rate into a zone of animosity that can be quelled by visiting the wonders of the earth.
Participants in studies from the University of California have been done on kindness to see if kindness is more willing to be shown in nature. In economic games — The Trust Game and the Doctator Game — trust and generosity were measured. It was found that the people who viewed images of beautiful nature acted more trusting and kind than the people who were not shown them. In a separate study about kindness, individuals were asked to fill out emotional surveys while either sitting next to plants or not next to visually stunning plants. After the survey people were asked if they would volunteer making paper cranes, the researchers noted that the participants who sat next to the plants were more generous and willing to make more.
This type of research gives a small look at the many values that nature offers, and the best part is, it’s everywhere around us. Think back to the times when you were younger and running around during recess, the imagination as free and wild as can be. Think of the times of playing in the park and being free, meeting other kids who were willing to play games with you. There’s a natural kindness that seeps through us when we are just sitting in the presence of nature’s landscapes.
There’s a reason why people in cities are always viewed as standoffish. Everyone is walking around with massive buildings and through crowded streets. There’s trash laying dormant on the street, cars impatiently waiting for you to cross the sidewalk and a lack of the green embrace of the world. In my head I see cities textured in a gray fog. When I think of nature I see illustrious images with full colors and the world, instead of the man made towers that constrict and take away from that.
The researchers from California also made the observation that positive emotions come from being surrounded by nature, which begins to emanate from individuals as prosocial and kind behaviors. Maybe the next time you’re feeling caught under and ready to snap, think of taking a refreshing walk through nature. Let the air blow through your hair and instill the generosity in your soul.
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10 Reasons You Should Travel By Bike And See The World For Its Best
You take a turn and see a lake unfolding. You can feel the breeze on your face and smell the typical hot air of a tropical summer. There plays a group of monkeys by the water. You quietly stop pedalling to watch over the little ones.
That is one in many fond memories of your travels on two wheels. To travel by bike is much more than those memories. It is a way of life with incomparable benefits and joy.
1. You enjoy getting off the beaten paths and into more adventurous ones
Remember the time you were stuck in an over crowded underground in London? Or when you couldn’t manage to take a photo with Eiffel Tower.
It’s no longer the case. You are getting off paths that is so full of tourists to enjoy tranquility.
Besides, some paths are much more enjoyable when you are exploring on a bike. Think about exploring Machu Pichu, a small village along the Mekong River, the deserted archaeological sites in Turkey, or Tuscany on the pedal – That is just to name a few.
2. You meet interesting people
Along unbeaten paths, you meet some local people who have never seen foreigners before. They are often much less grumpy than town dwellers who secretly blame you for their city being overcrowded. They are more likely to be interested in talking to you, showing you a nice route or offering you some home-grown fruits.
You also meet like-minded cyclists, and share a grilled fish over a campfire. This kind of relaxing encounter does not happen as often when you drive a car or rush around in a cross-country bus.
3. You have the ultimate freedom
You can stop at any time you feel like, to pet a horse from the farm by the road or to take a photo of a stunning sunset. Such freedom is not feasible when you travel by public transport. You can go as fast (or as slow) as you want, take a random turn when you see anything intriguing. You stay in the moment with your focus on where you are rather than where you are going to.
Also you can say goodbye to all the time wasting waiting for a bus or a train to show up late. We all know that happens often in many parts of the world.
4. You find clarity
Amidst the rush of modern life, a journey on a bike gives you the chance to slow down. You are able to soak in the fresh air around you. You can hear, see and smell things differently out on a bike, compared with being boxed in a car or a train. Moving your muscles gets your circulation going, releases stress and clears your mind.
5. You improve your health
Cycling is a great way to improve your health. It gets your legs moving and your heart pumping without stressing your body too much. You can cycle for a long time and regularly, which is the best way of exercise. Besides, fresh air and cool breeze have good effect on your health and your mood.
6. You can afford it
After lodging, transportation is the most expensive part of travel. You can find cheap buses but they often choose the shortest route rather than the most scenic route to save fuel and time. Traveling by car is about six times more expensive than traveling by bike. Taking the train and flying are even more costly.
7. You are being environment friendly
Considering the global warming, cycling is the most ethical way of travel. You leaves no carbon footprint from fossil fuel usage. People take much less from the earth in order to make a bike comparing with making a car or a plane.
To travel by bike, you are much more aware of the changes in the environment and appreciate things like unpolluted air, healthy-looking trees, harmonious rivers and so on. Those are things that are not so easily felt and appreciated when you are sealed up in a metal air-conditioned wagon. Car drivers sometimes end up forgetting about how important it is to have more fresh air and less smoke from burning fossil fuel.
8. You have it easier
This might sound odd but fast cars are not always the best. On a bike, you don’t have to worry about parking when you stop, running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere, and driving over the speed limit. You can let your guard down now and then to just enjoy the scenery. If it gets boring, you can always go off-road. You are worry-free.
9. You have a lot of time to think
When you are alone on a quiet track through sand dunes, it is a lot of time to think. You need to make a tough decision? You want to find a new idea? Nothing beats a long bike ride through the countryside.
10. You are always learning
You learn about your own strength. Cycling is a mental exercise. It has little to do with your physical condition, age and sex and more to do with pushing your limits. The weather can be just too hot and humid. Some hills just seem too steep for you to climb up. But you will do it. You push your limits further pedal by pedal. You get over the hill and you feel great. Then you know boundaries are there to be broken.
You learn to be sensible. Drink more water, take regular breaks or even make a fire.
You learn to enjoy time alone, even just to find out you like it best when you have company. You also learn to talk to strangers. When you are out there in the open, you are more willing to open up to strangers. Some of the best conversations come from random encounters like that.
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8 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil That Will Surprise You (+Beauty Recipes)
If the Earth indeed has anything close to a magical potion in the healthy and beauty section, it would be tea tree oil. For those who are not too familiar with the benefits of tea tree oil, no, it does not provide instant healing and neither does it make you immortal. But what it can do for you is that it might be able to take away some of those pesky ailments you have had all these years.
Although there is still insufficient evidence for many of the claimed effects it has on ailments such as ear infections, scabies or ringworm, it is still a good natural remedy for some of the health problems that we will be mentioning below:
1. It helps clear acne
One of the benefits of tea tree oil which has received rave reviews for a very long time is it’s reliable ability to clear acne. Its anti-microbial properties are able to unblock the inflamed sebaceous glands that cause acne and disinfect pores. According to NCCH, using 5% of tea tree oil might be slightly less effective than 5% of benzoyl peroxide but is is shown that tea tree oil has fewer side effects. One of the best recipes consisting of tea tree oil to fight acne would be the one with Aloe Vera as there is good scientific evidence that Aloe Vera is able to cure skin diseases and dried skin.
2. It is a goodf cure for fungal infection of nails
Positive results have also shown that tea tree oil is a good cure for fungal infection under the nails. According to Dr Weil, using a 100% topical extract of the tea tree oil will help get rid of the fungus due to it’s anti-fungal properties. Applying the oil 2 times a day over 2 months will most likely show results.
3. It helps treat athlete’s foot
Probably one of the most popular reasons why tea tree oil is used for is Athlete’s Foot. Athlete’s foot is caused by tinea fungus growing in between your toes or on your feet as they thrive in warm and moist environments. Studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil has anti-fungal properties and applying it on the affected area directly for once or twice daily for 30 days can help ease the problem.
4. It reduces Dandruff
The itch from dandruff can be quite destructive to people’s lives in terms of well-being and appearance. The white flakes falling from your hair are caused by fungus that thrives in our scalps and causes the build-up of dead skin that forms dandruff. Mix 15 – 20 drops of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and massage it onto your head, then leave it overnight. Repeat once a week until you see results.
5. It can be used as a deodorant
Body odour has been the bane for the people who perspire a lot. The causes of body odour is due to bacteria breaking down sweat into acids, which causes the unpleasant smell. Using Tea Tree Oil in any particular area of your body makes it an unfavourable environment for bacteria to thrive, hence reducing the odour. Try mixing drops of Tea Tree Oil into nice smelling essential oils like Patchouli and Lavender and apply it to smell great the whole day.
6. It is good for your oral health
Some studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil might have the ability to cure gingivitis which is caused by the build up of bacteria causing plaque and calculus to stay on the teeth and cause the gums to swell. Its anti-bacterial properties kill off bacteria and reduce tooth decay. Mix Tea Tree Oil with baking soda and coconut oil and use it as a toothpaste.
7. It helps soothe eczema
Itchy skin can disrupt lives quite drastically. Eczema, which is the inflammation of skin due to many reasons, can also be alleviated by the properties of Tea Tree Oil. If you suffer from eczema, try mixing five drops of Tea Tree Oil with five drops of Lavender Oil and apply it on the affected area daily.
8. It treat cancer
According to researchers from University of Western Australia, Tea Tree Oil has proven to reduce non-melanoma skin cancers in mice just within one day and this is nothing short of a promising result for advances in skin cancer cures. If you are suffering from skin lesions, apply Tea Tree Oil with some Frankincense and apply it every day.
More Beauty Recipes made with Tea Tree Oil:
Tea Tree Oil Mask
Whisk 4-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil with one egg white and apply on face like a mask. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Jojoba Oil Face Mask
Mix 3-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil with a teaspoon of Jojoba Oil and half of some finely chopped tomato to make it into a paste. Apply on affected area of face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Wash face after.
Tea Tree Oil with Honey
Mix a few drops of Tea Tree Oil with two teaspoons of pure Manuka Honey. Apply over affected area and leave for 3-4 hours or overnight. Rinse face after.
Tea Tree Oil with Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Mix 3 drops of pure Tea Tree Oil to 2 tablespoons of Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Wash face with the liquid. Wash regularly.
Tree Tree Oil with Aloe Vera
Mix a few drops of Tea Tree Oil with two teaspoons of Aloe Vera Gel. Leave for 3-4 hours or overnight and rinse. Apply regularly until acne heals.
Featured photo credit: http://ift.tt/1E3s8cj via shutterstock.com
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NO MORE SANDWICHES! 20 Handy Non-Sandwich Lunch Recipes
While sandwiches are perfect for days when we’re running late or have a hankering for a kid-like lunch again, take a step outside the (lunch) box and try a few non-sandwich lunch recipes once and awhile. You can create a more exciting, more satiating, and possibly healthier lunch with just a few tweaks here and there.
You’ll want to select a nice mix of easy-to-digest protein, some healthy fats, and some fiber when you create your lunch. This combination will ensure that your lunch fills you up without weighing you down. Start with some of the options below and turn lunch into a more exciting part of your day with these non-sandwich lunch recipes. Don’t worry, they’re still very easy to make, and many of these options can be made ahead of time just like sandwiches. You never know—you might just find a new favorite lunch recipe!
1. Avocado Egg Salad
Don’t limit your egg salad to mayo alone—opt for something just as filling but a little lighter with the almighty avocado. Packed with healthy fats, fiber and even a little protein, avocado can be a great addition to any lunch of your choice. Its creamy nature creates a delectable egg salad in this recipe by The Roasted Root. Enjoy it plain, top a bed of greens with it, or slather it on some toast or crackers for an easy meal in minutes.
2. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Wraps may be similar to sandwiches, but they have the benefit of being able to be created out of any type of wrap you wish. There’s now whole grain, coconut, and even veggie-based wraps you can choose from. This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wrap happens to use a whole grain wrap and is a healthier version of traditional Buffalo wraps you might be used to. Get the easy recipe from The Creative Bite and see what you think!
3. Pasta and Avocado Caesar Salad
Perhaps you just can’t give up all the carbs at lunch. Now you don’t have to since this recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen uses pasta for a quick and easy lunch salad recipe that’s filling yet still light too. Make it ahead, and whip it out when hunger strikes!
4. Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Salad should not be boring, especially at lunch where it’s the main meal of your mid-day eats. So take your salad up a few notches and add some light protein along with a fabulous salad dressing recipe. This Superfood Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette by Iowa Girl Eats has you covered.
5. Quinoa Chicken Bowls With a Mango Salsa
Bowls are all the rage right now, and the possibilities for quick combinations are limitless. Prepare a batch of chicken and quinoa ahead of time, along with the salsa, and use them in a variety of your meals throughout the week for quick and easy meals that contain healthy ingredients. These Quinoa Chicken Bowls With a Mango Salsa are the perfect option to start with!
6. Paleo Avocado Tuna Salad
Just like egg salad can be made with avocados, so can tuna salad. In fact, tuna salad made with avocado isn’t only nice and colorful, but it’s also more filling thanks to the extra fiber found in avocados. Here’s a fun fact: Both tuna and avocados pack heart-healthy fats, so you can feel especially good about noshing on this lunch recipe by Cook Eat Paleo each day!
7. Creamy Turkey Pinwheels
Pinwheels are a more exciting form of wraps in a way. They’re also a bit easier to eat and can be dipped into any sauce of your choice. These Creamy Turkey Pinwheels by Yummy Healthy Easy are easy to make, and they will keep you filled up all afternoon long thanks to the lean protein found in turkey and the fiber found in the other ingredients.
8. Avocado Toast With Eggs, Spinach and Tomatoes
Topped toast is also nice to enjoy at lunch, and it can be a little lighter than bread-heavy sandwiches. Use a whole grain or gluten-free toast of choice and top it with this protein-rich topping using eggs, spinach, and avocados created by Two Peas & Their Pod. Or, if you’re not into bread at all for lunch, just enjoy it without toast—it will still keep you full and taste just as great!
9. Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza is a favorite of many for lunch, but you can lighten up your pizza and lunch with this Pizza Pasta Salad by Spend With Pennies. Plus, who wouldn’t love to dive into this recipe for lunch and not need a nap right after?
10. Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, and Feta Turkey Wrap
Light, filling, and totally satisfying, this Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, and Feta Turkey Wrap by NeighborFood makes for an easy lunch recipe that you can make ahead just like sandwiches. If you choose a whole grain wrap, you’ll even pack in some extra fiber too!
11. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
Maybe you’re feeling under the weather, craving something cozy, or you just happen to love soup. Whatever the case, soup can serve as the perfect make-ahead lunch that happens to taste even better a few days later after it sits in the fridge. Or, make a batch of this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup by DAMN delicious in the slow-cooker during the night, and carry it the next day to work to share with your co-workers. Just be warned, you might have them asking you to make it again and again!
12. Balsamic Chicken Salad With Lemon Quinoa
Salad can be a nice lunch option for those that prefer something light and filling. It can also be enjoyable to look at and makes a lovely canvas for limitless amounts of ingredients. This Balsamic Chicken Salad With Lemon Quinoa by Cafe Delights is the perfect combination of lean protein, fiber from greens and veggies, and fiber from the almighty quinoa grain-like seed. You won’t be hungry all day after this lunch!
13. Paleo Lemon Tahini Tuna Salad
Paleo recipes eliminate grains and legumes, so lunch options that cater to Paleo devotees make great non-sandwich lunch recipes to turn to when you want something without bread for your mid-day meal. Don’t let the bread-free part fool you, though; Paleo Lemon Tahini Tuna Salad by Stupid Easy Paleo still pack satiety thanks to the high amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats so you’ll feel great all day long!
14. Tropical Lentil Lunch Bowls With Coconut Lime Dressing
Take a vacation with your lunch every once and awhile and try some exotic flavor at lunch. Tropical lentil Lunch Bowls With Coconut Lime Dressing is a fun one to start with, and it’s a great source of meatless protein and fiber thanks to the use of lentils. The dressing alone is worth giving this recipe by Sweet Peas AND Saffron a shot—you won’t regret it!
15. California Roll Sushi Bowl
Love sushi? Then you need this California Roll Sushi Bowl recipe by Wonky Wonderful in your lunch routine (and life). It isn’t only filled with traditional sushi ingredients, but it’s also quick to throw together and there’s no need for time-consuming sushi rolling here!
16. Rice Bowl With Fried Egg and Avocado
Eggs make a great lunch option because they’re packed with protein, lighter than meat, and they even have some heart-healthy fats. While hard-boiled eggs are nice, fried eggs can have some major appeal to those that prefer a warm option. Plus, this Rice Bowl With Fried Egg and Avocado by bon appétit can be thrown together in less than five minutes if you have your rice made ahead of time. Choose whatever rice you want, grab a skillet, and go!
17. Tuna Patties
Tuna patties are loved by both children and adults, so enjoy some tuna patties for lunch a little more often. You can turn this recipe from Simple Recipes into your own lunch creation by either pairing it with a salad, some veggies, your favorite dip, and even serve them with lettuce and a whole grain bun just like a beef burger. Make these ahead and enjoy all week long!
18. Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl
Vegans rejoice! This Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl packs meatless protein that’s still hearty, and it has a tangy, Thai flavor thanks to the peanut sauce that can be made ahead and used on salads, bowls, and wraps throughout the week. This recipe by delish knowledge would even make for the perfect meatless dinner on another note. Don’t let tofu scare you if you’ve never had it—you just might love it!
19. Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Wraps
Speaking of exotic flavors, why not use the humble pineapple in your lunch every once and awhile to give you a tropical treat? Here’s a nutrition secret you might like to know too: Pineapple contains a special enzyme called bromelain that helps break down proteins making the protein easier to digest. This means you can get the most ‘bang for your buck’ from whatever protein you pair with pineapple, plus the bright yellow fruit even offers vitamin C too. Get the recipe for Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Wraps by CREME de la CRUMB and give it a try this week!
20. Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad
Finally, for a healthy, filling and still light salad, this amazing creation by Culinary Hill is one of the best non-sandwich lunch recipes you can try during spring and summer. Feel free to add whatever lean protein you want for a more filling option, rotate the nuts if you prefer to, and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors that this salad offers—it’s a winner for sure!
Want more creative and easy lunch ideas? These other 20 sandwich-free ideas have you covered!
Featured photo credit: bon appétit via bonappetit.com
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