The New Year is here and one week has already passed which maybe unfathomable to many people. Every year, no doubt a person desires to write a New Year resolution and declare that they will follow it by the end of the year. But, sadly, as we all know by the first week of the New Year, many lose inspiration to continue with the resolution and the dreams related to the goals for which they desire to achieve it so badly. This year as the day progresses, decide that you dont have to follow a strictest diet but only a healthier lifestyle to keep yourself healthy and happy. In 2020 as you yearn to focus on yourself to be a better version of yourself, then all you need to do is read on three ways with which you can make this year healthiest and best for yourself.

Make fruits and veggies your main priority in this year. In the hustle and bustle of life and the junk food culture one forgets that veggies and fruits are important for ones health. Eating fruits and veggies will provide you with ample of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that will benefit your health the most. So as you know make 2020 your healthiest year by making this lifestyle change to keep your health in check. Every day, eat ample of veggies and fruits that will help you in being the best version as you add this tip in to make your year the healthiest in every possible way.

In the first month of 2020 as you make changes in your life to be the healthiest, remove refined sugar in your diet. In fact, bid adieu to sugar once and for all. To keep yourself in shape and stay healthy as well, eliminate refined sugar at all costs. There are ways that you can find substitute for the refined sugar. You can opt for jaggery, brown sugar for alternatives when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle in this year. Moreover, saying goodbye to sugar is also something that will help as one of the weight loss tips in 2020. This is one such easy tip as you know you have various options to satiate your sugar cravings than taking refined sugar and ruining your goal to live a healthy lifestyle.

No matter how bad you want to eat the ice-cream or that chocolate muffin all by yourself, you need to resist it if you so want to make this year as the healthy version of you. A small tip here for you to remember is that whenever you are eating a buffet outside, take a small plate instead of the large one and even in your plate make sure that you put less amount of food instead of making a mountain of it with all kinds of rice, gravy and curries. You can always refill your plate a second time or a third time to eat. Another thing that you can do is to eat smaller meals throughout the day to keep the hunger pangs at bay. This will make you eat in moderation and not overeat.

Also Read: Walking Benefits: Here Are 3 Reasons How It Can Provide Numerous Health Benefits

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Healthy lifestyle 2020: Here are 3 ways you can make this year the healthiest - The Live Mirror

DEAR ABBY: We need advice about how to respond to friends and family who poke fun or show disdain because of our healthy lifestyle. We are in our 60s. We rarely eat out, and when we do, we avoid fast food. We cook most of our meals with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, fish and chicken. We exercise regularly and have occasional treats. We have no chronic illnesses and aren't on any medications.

For some reason, our food choices rub people the wrong way. If we are asked why we are in good health, we answer, "Over the years, we've learned not to consume foods or beverages that make us feel bad." If we're invited out to eat and order the baked salmon with broccoli instead of the burger and fries, we hear, "Your diet is so BORING." We usually laugh and shrug it off, but we don't think our diet is boring. We simply enjoy being healthy and know that food is "medicine." Should we continue to keep our mouths shut? HEALTHY LIVING

DEAR HEALTHY: YEP! Your friends and family react the way they do because seeing you eat the way you do makes them feel self-conscious about their own food choices. Continue laughing and shrugging to age 100. The others may not be as fortunate as you.

DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend recently discovered that I am still talking to another girl I used to date. I'll call her Kyra.

Kyra and I had agreed we would remain strictly friends, and the breakup was before I started dating my current girlfriend, "Jan." Jan is devastated by this, and I can somewhat understand why. She got cheated on multiple times in her last relationship.

Do you think I was crossing a boundary by wanting to maintain the friendship with Kyra? Or should I have dropped it when I started dating Jan? I'm asking you because everyone I talk to agrees with me, and everyone Jan talks to agrees with her. I assume it's because people agree with whoever is telling the story. You are unbiased, and your opinion would be greatly appreciated. DOING THE RIGHT THING IN UTAH

DEAR DOING: There's nothing wrong with remaining friends after a breakup. Jan is insecure because her last boyfriend cheated on her, and who can blame her? However, that is her problem, and you shouldn't make it yours. Your mistake was not telling Jan when you first started dating that you are still in touch with Kyra and that she's a platonic friend, nothing more. Jan does not have the right to control your friendships, and you shouldn't let it happen.

DEAR ABBY: How do you cut off a person who talks constantly without a break? By the time there's a lull in her speech, I have forgotten what I wanted to add to the conversation. WORD IN EDGEWISE IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR WORD: I have encountered compulsive talkers like her. They are exhausting. Remember, she has to breathe SOMETIME. The minute she starts to inhale, start talkin'!

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Good advice for everyone teens to seniors is in "The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It." To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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Dear Abby: Couple is target of ridicule for their healthy lifestyle - Chattanooga Times Free Press

CROMWELL, Conn. With the New Year comes resolutions for a healthier lifestyle that often include more exercise and eating right. Many consumers look to join a gym, start eating better or try a new health supplement in order to jump start their resolution. But if you aren't careful, you could find your bank account getting slimmer than your figure!

BBB Serving Connecticut offers these tips for consumers looking to jump start a healthy lifestyle without getting scammed in the process.

Gym Memberships

Joining a gym can be a big decision and before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

Take a tour.Make sure the gym has the equipment, classes and trainers you need or expect. Pay attention to things that are important to you, whether its the cleanliness of the locker room or the availability of Wi-Fi.

Calculate the true costs.Gyms often use special introductory offers to encourage new members, but the price could go up more than you budgeted once the initial period is over. Make sure you understand what the regular monthly fees will be and what they include.

Dont feel coerced.Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities, do some research, and make an informed decision.

Meal Delivery Services

Meal delivery services offer a convenient way for consumers to make simple healthy meals at home. Before trying one of these services, make sure you know what you are agreeing to.

Read the fine print.Many meal companies want to entice new customers by offering impressive coupons like "$100 off" but read the fine print. You won't be able to get 3 boxes of free food, instead you might get a small discount off several shipments once you are subscribed to the program.

Beware of automatic shipments.Be aware that many meal delivery services run on an automatic shipment schedule. Know what you are agreeing to so you aren't surprised by another package of fresh food on your doorstep and another charge to your credit card.

Diet Plans and Health Supplements

Before starting a new diet plan, pill, or health supplement you should always contact your physician first. Be weary of exaggerated or fake health claims that accompany these products which claim to give you the "perfect" body in one month.

Don't trust celebrity endorsements.Just because the company or advertisement claims they are endorsed by a celebrity doesn't mean they actually are. Refer to the celebrities' official social media pages or website to make sure they actually endorse the product.

Read the original:
CT BBB Warns of New Year "Get Healthy" Scams - HamletHub

Exercise is a key ingredient in a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, knowing the proper way to exercise for your age, ability, fitness goals, and injuries can be complicated. If youre going about it alone, be prepared to weed through bad information in search of the answers. However, even ifyoure fortunate enough to have the budget to hire a personal trainer, theres still the problem of choosing between dozens, if not hundreds of personal trainers. How does one choose the right personal trainer for them? Simple: look for these 5 qualities of the best personal trainers.

In the age of social media, anybody can pose as an expert and promote themselves as such. While researching, you need to make sure you can view their education background so you can be sure theyre qualified to take you through a workout program.

Unfortunately, the fitness industry isnt very well regulated and there is no governing body that forces trainers to have certain credentials. This can be very dangerous for the unsuspecting client. Unlike searching for attorneys or doctors that you know have the proper college degree and credentials, you may be working with a trainer that has an online certification they passed over the weekend. Ideally, you really want to look for a personal trainer that has a college degree in exercise in addition to a nationally recognized certification from organizations like the NSCA, ACE, ACSM, and NASM, just to name a few, says Brian Maher, owner of Philly Personal Training, a private personal training gym in Philadelphia.

This scene is all too common in many gyms: a personal trainer taking a 73-year-old woman through the same workout packed with heavy lunges, squats, and deadlifts he or she just had for a 23 year old athlete. The best personal trainers dont take the same workouts and apply them to every client. Instead, they adapt to each individual clients fitness levels, age, goals, and more to create a completely customized program that will give that individual the results theyre looking for. Which leads us to our next quality of the best personal trainers.

If your prospective personal trainer begins your first conversation by telling you about the great results youll get before asking you anything about you, be wary. The best personal trainers know how to listen to you as the client first. After all, how will a personal trainer know what they can help you with if they dont even know what your goals are or what injuries you may be experiencing? Theres a great deal of information a trainer will need to know before coming up with any sort of workout programming. Being a great listener will come in handy once youre a client as well. There will be workouts where something may feel off or you may feel more sore or more tired. A good personal trainer will take that information and adjust your workouts accordingly.

The best personal trainers arent trainers who simply show you exercise form. While hearing all the technical terms of human biomechanics and physiology can sound impressive to the average person, it means nothing if you dont understand what it really means. The best trainers will teach you everything they know about an exercise and break it down into terms you can understand so you can take that information into the gym with you when you work out on your own.

Not only are the best personal trainers great teachers, they also love to teach. Any trainer who is willing to teach you everything they know about exercise is a trainer who is truly passionate about what they do, and a passionate trainer is going to care so much more about your results than a trainer who isnt passionate. When you have a trainer that really cares about you and your results, you have someone on your team whos going to make sure you reach your goal, Maher adds.

Where can you find personal trainers who possess all these qualities? Theexpert personal training staff at Philly Personal Training was created with all of these qualities and more in mind. At Philly Personal Training, youll be matched with an attentive, passionate expert in exercise science who will guide you to reach your desired fitness goals. Every personal trainer on staff has a 4-year college degree in exercise in addition to a nationally recognized personal training certification, so you can be sure youre working with a real expert. If youre looking for more proof, check out Philly Personal Trainings Yelp and Google business listings to read reviews on how Philly Personal Training has helped thousands of Philadelphia residents reach their goals. For more information on Philly Personal Training, check out their website at http://www.phillypersonaltraining.com.

Excerpt from:
5 qualities of the best personal trainers - PhillyVoice.com

When we think of self-care, most people immediately think ofmassages, a burning candle and a hot bath, picking out a workout activity thatbrings us joy and sticking to it, meditating or even practicing yoga. We recognize the importance in taking thetime to do something that nurtures our physical and emotional well being whichallows us to focus on practicing healthy lifestyle choices, yet we do not tendto consider our financial health in those practices.

If 2019 left you feeling overwhelmed, anxious and stressed about your finances, youre not alone. Money is the biggest source of stress in peoples lives more than their concerns about work, family or physical health. At a time when economic anxiety is increasing, over two-thirds of people (69%) identified financial health as having a significant impact on their well being.

People who report feeling clear about their financial goals report lower stress levels. So, what is financial self-care and how do we practice it? Financial self-care is about taking the time to check in, to focus on your finances, gain awareness and develop financial goals to ensure that you are financially well. Implementing a financial self-care practice comes down to three steps:

Track down pay stubs along with any other sources of income to determine how much money you have coming in each month. Review your paystub what is your after-tax income, i.e. your take home pay?

Gather and review monthly bank statements to determine your monthly expenses and to get an understanding of your spending habits. Categorize your expenses (mortgage, utilities, health, insurance, leisure, car payments, etc.) and tally them up.

Acknowledge your expenses and spending habits without judgment. Ask yourself what can you learn about how you spend your money? Are there any patterns? Is there room for improvements? This exercise is not meant to make you feel guilty, but instead it is about creating awareness and establishing a reference point to see where you are starting from.

Once you determine your monthly expenses, use the 50/30/20 rule to make a spending plan. Organize your expenses into 3 groups: 50% of your take home pay going to essentials (rent/ mortgage, loan payments, utilities, insurance, etc.), 30% going to lifestyle expenses (eating out, travel, shopping, etc.) and 20% going to future you (savings, investments, buying a house, retirement, etc.) Allow yourself some flexibility if the percentages above are not realistic based on your expenses calculated in Step 1, then adjust maybe it needs to be 80/15/5 or 60/20/20 or whatever mix works best for you.

Set smart financial goals for yourself. Your goals should encompass both the short term and long term. And, they should be smart: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. If for example your goal is to reduce debt this year, start by reviewing your spending plan. How much can you afford to realistically pay down each month? Your goal to reduce debt could then be revised into a smart goal such as paying off $300 of credit card debt per month. Your smart goal should be deliberate about how much money you would like to contribute to reduce your debt and how you plan to do it. Essentially, a smart goal will help you to focus your efforts and motivate you to increase the chances of achieving that goal. You can also take mindful steps to put any additional income like your bonus from work or tax refund towards your existing debt.

Take advantage of 401k employer match programs find out if your employer has a 401k program and whether they match contributions. If the company does match, take advantage of the free money and contribute enough to at least get the full match.

Make paying down debt a priority the faster you can pay off high interest debt, the more youre likely to have funds available for other things like travelling or saving; not to mention the more you will save on interest you owe.

Financial emergencies are going to happen, but you do not have to be unprepared if you establish an emergency fund. Start with an initial goal of $500, then $1,000 and work your way up to three to six months of your take home pay.

Keep your momentum moving forward and start contributing or increase your contributions to your retirement plan. You can also take steps to start investing in your future money goals buying a house, investing in your business, portfolio investments, etc.

Take small steps to feel good by usingthese strategies and implement them in your regular routine so you can boostyour financial well being not just today but in the long run too. The more we allowthe idea of self-care to permeate all aspects of our lives, the greaterlong-term impact it can have. Bydevising a regular financial self-care practice, you will strengthen yourresilience, boost your confidence and take control of your finances which willmake life just a bit easier to roll with challenges when they strike.

Excerpt from:
3 Actions You Need to Take to Help You Start 2020 on the Right Foot Financially - Thrive Global

Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Her stage shows are true feats of endurance, requiring the singer to run, sprint, dance, and shake it for hours on end all while staying perfectly in tune with her songs.

While many stars might rely on backup dancers to carry much of their onstage performance, Swift likes to work hard to stay in perfect shape for her pop star lifestyle.

Taylor Swift definitely puts in work at the gym in order to keep her lean, trim figure. Swift is fond of regular cardio sessions to help build endurance and regularly puts in work on the elliptical or treadmill. Swift is also a known fan of the Body by Simone workouts.

The workouts burn calories through a series of movements that target many different areas of the body. Participants in the classes (which Swift attends in New York City on a regular basis) are encouraged to dance and move to the beat, having fun as they tone up.

Swift isnt a gym rat, and it is clear that when it comes to getting her exercise in, she prefers to do fun workouts that incorporate elements of her performances.

While exercise is important, diet also plays a huge role in staying fit. Taylor Swift follows a basic, realistic eating plan that encourages her to eat like a normal person. She has revealed that during the week, she tries to generally eat as healthy as possible, opting for salads and light sandwiches over heavy entrees like pasta or burgers.

For breakfast, Swift likes to eat a hearty meal of buckwheat pancakes and a fried egg, in order to give herself the energy to fully attack the day no lemon water and puny fruit cup for the hardworking singer.

Still, on the weekends, Swift likes to indulge herself with comfort foods like pizza, wine, and cookies from her favorite bakery in New York. The singer loves to cook at home and is a talented home chef, preferring recipes from Ina Garten.

Swift is also a Starbucks aficionado and treats herself throughout the week with her signature drink the skinny vanilla latte, a sugar-free drink that still has a jolt of sweetness. She balances out her caffeine habit with lots of water and reportedly drinks around 10 bottles of water every day.

Although Taylor Swift seems to stay slim and trim at all times, there are certain occasions when Swift feels the need to really cut calories. When she is trying to lose weight, Swift turns to chia seeds. Chia seeds are tiny, gray seeds that dont look impressive at first glance. But when added to water, the seeds expand, making them feel more like a fulfilling snack.

The seeds have some other health benefits as well. Reportedly, they contain a substantial amount of protein, fiber, and B vitamins.

While they have been touted as a superfood, some experts have pointed out that studies dont really support chia seeds being used as a tool for weight loss. Plus, they are rather high in calories, so it can be easy to go well over the recommended serving size and inadvertently consume too many calories.

In Taylor Swifts case, since she is exercising regularly and lives a generally healthy lifestyle, she likely doesnt turn to chia seeds on a daily basis, but rather, as an occasional dietary aid.

Read the original:
This Superfood is One of Taylor Swift's Keys to Weight Loss - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Figures behind some of Thailand's top fitness and wellness centres discuss their dedication to people's wellbeing

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Keeping body and mind healthy has never been more relevant in modern times. While the world continues to advance in ways our ancestors would have never thought possible, this progress has come at a cost. The effects of environmental pollution and the sheer pressures of daily life take a serious physical and mental toll on us. With a long history of traditional therapies, Thailand has become associated the world over with physical wellbeing and its establishmentsfrom full-scale health resorts to specialised exercise studioscontinue to enhance this reputation. The masterminds behind a number of these establishments are society figures who practise what they preach when it comes to getting in shape and staying that way.

Opened in 1995 by Boonchu Rojanastien, who sought to create a splendid sanctuary of tranquillity removed from buzzing Bangkok, Chiva-Som Hua Hin has grown to become globally recognised for offering a path to wellness. Since its establishment, the resort has been a seaside favourite for Thais and foreigners alike. The famous spas name means haven of life and wellness is what it excels at, offering a variety of retreats and meticulously created programmes that range from fitness and stress management therapies to accelerated body shaping, chakra balancing and craniosacral solutions among others. Committed to providing world-class facilities, unparalleled skills and depth of knowledge, everything at Chiva-Som promises the utmost diligence and care complemented by the locations serene setting.

Today the spa is run by the late Boonchus son Krip Rojanastien, who says, We have always been committed to evidence-based holistic wellness, which we approach in a comprehensive manner. Even our logo, which represents the body, mind and spirit, encapsulates this. While quick fixes were once a popular go-to, people are becoming increasingly aware of the need for enduring solutions and in line with these changing trends Chiva-Som focuses on sustainable long-term answers. We need to address the root causes of physical and mental fatigue and be sensitive to individual needs, which is why our treatments and programmes are highly personalised, says Krip. We dont believe in simply adapting to changing trends and demands, our aim is to anticipate and pre-empt them.

As Chiva-Som continues to excel so too the industry as a whole in Thailand has boomed. I think the growth of the wellness sector here is a great thing, chairman Krip says, adding, We probably have the worlds best therapists and this type of business leverages an innate skill in Thai people. But it is important that we set high standards for ourselves. We should be aiming to exceed expectations. For Krip that means looking beyond the spa itself. With a keen understanding of the ecological impact of tourism, he is adamant that the business does its part to preserve the local area.

"You cannot expect to have personal wellbeing without environmental wellness. In the last couple of years we have been authorised to manage a plot of 12 rai [over 4.5 acres] of land attached to Wat Krailas, a temple less than three kilometres from Chiva-Som, he explains. We decided to plant over 5,000 trees on the site and turn it into a green area for people to enjoy. The top of the hill where the temple is located offers fantastic views and we have plans to take our guests up there to meditate and walk in the forest to truly get a taste of Thai culture and the tenets of Buddhism.

Although youngsters under the age of 16 are not allowed at Chiva-Som, the award-winning health resort is aiming to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle choices among children. Our challenge is to bring wellness and sustainability to the local community and the world, says Krip. We have a duty to spread the wellness message among children. We need to make an impression on future generations and the earlier you start the better. This is also why we adhere to the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals.

This year marks Chiva-Soms 25th anniversary and the chairman hopes to reinforce its formidable reputation with expansion to Qatar with the management of Zulal Wellness Resort, the countrys largest, and the regions first, full-immersion spa.

See also: 20 Things To Do In 2020

Another award-winning Thai wellness establishment is The Barai, which opened at the Hyatt Regency in Hua Hin in 2007. According to Vansamorn Wannamethee, CEO of Chai Talay Property, owner of the facility, it took years to put the project together. Although it has garnered a reputation as a premier luxury spa, Vansamorn stresses that The Barai is more than that. We offer a journey for the mind, body and spirit, she says. Designed by Thai architect and National Artist Lek Bunnag, the spa has a unique setting that uses the architecture as a tool to not only foster a sense of inner peace but also to stimulate emotions and curiosity of the mind. The minute our customers enter the property we want them to feel relaxedto feel as if they have left all their stress behind them, Vansamorn says. Art as architecture is a key concept here in creating the right atmosphere. Even before guests indulge in our therapies, just walking around the property takes them on a journey of the emotions.

The Barai offers a wide range of treatments that take inspiration from traditional Thai methods but also infuse innovative Western therapies. In addition, it recently introduced what it calls its lifestyle collection packages that Vansamorn says were carefully created to instil lasting healthy lifestyle changes based around three pillarsrelaxation, exercise and nutrition. This holistic approach to wellness includes the use of technology and science. For example, our consultations feature specially calibrated machines to measure muscle mass and so forth, the CEO adds. Our qualified trainers and therapists are well versed in scientific and non-invasive ways to get you fitter and healthier without damaging your body. Running any kind of business in an environmentally friendly manner is crucial today and Vansamorn and her team are committed to ensuring the use of organic products, decreasing the use of plastic, recycling the spas water and more besides. We are also very careful in terms of where and from whom we source our ingredients for products, she says. We try to make everything that we do here as natural, organic and sustainable as possible.

While The Barai has been successful over the years, earning many accolades, Vansamorn is looking to up the spas game. To be honest, having only eight suites when demand is so high has been quite limiting, so we are looking to expand in the future. We have a plot of land next door and we are working on expansion concepts now.

Vansamorn hopes to see Thailand reinforce its position as a top wellness hub in the world. We have already made a name for ourselves but I think Thailand has yet to reach its full potential. Thai people have so much to offer. Instead of our therapists going to work abroad the focus should be here. We want to draw people to our beautiful country. As for The Barai, we will continue to build on what we have, she says. I think we have been able to show the world that when you truly strive for excellence you can achieve it.

The number of spa and wellness establishments in Thailand has boomed in recent years and while the allure of the more lavish and well-appointed spas and wellness centres is attractive, there is also a certain charm and appeal in the smaller scale, more laid-back venues. Take 209 Aesthetic and Wellness Studio in Rama IX Road, for example, which came to existence just over a year ago as a result of two mothersMR Chantaraladda Yukol, known as Yingair and Orawan Setabandhu, or Yuiwho wanted to provide a cos
y facility for women, particularly pregnant women and new mums, to pamper themselves and get back in shape. Many new mothers, myself included, want to get back into shape as soon as possible after having a child, but pregnancy and childbirth change you physically, so it isnt always easy, says Yingair. We wanted to help mothers feel good in their skins, feel pretty and get fit again.

Located in a detached house with a small garden area, 209 Aesthetic and Wellness Studio is a full-service spa that combines traditional therapies with advanced modern techniques in personalised treatments. Its post-pregnancy programmes entail toning and slimming massages, among other things, and are coupled with the use of a variety of specially formulated toning creams and oils, as well as cellulite-targeting machines.

What is clear for us is that we do not want to get into the more medical and invasive side of things, she says. I think people these days are too willing to be prodded by needles for beauty. This is why here at 209, we focus on different types of massages and traditional knowhow and the overall experience of being pampered. You might see slower results but it is effective. We embrace the use of touch combined with organic products.

The convenient thing about 209 is that customers can indulge in aromatherapy, slimming massages, facial massage and other regimens, all for a reasonable price. The problem with so many of the spas and wellness centres out there these days is that they are extremely overpriced, Yingair says. I understand that this might be the case perhaps because of the very advanced technologies they use but we wanted to make 209 accessible to everyone. Yes it is a business, but we are doing this from the heart based on what we are passionate about and we want to be able to share that passion with others.

A year into the business, Yingair says they are not quite at the stage of expanding into additional branches just yet. For now, it is about perfecting what they are doing and continuing to offer a sanctuary where people can feel at home and relaxed. We are, however, considering selling our high-quality products online, the entrepreneurial mum explains, adding, I come into the spa every week to make sure everything runs smoothly. We have a great team who have helped to build a loyal clientele.

Although there is a growing interest for working out and getting fit, the gym is not necessarily for everyone. Luckily for those in search of fun way to stay healthy, theres Tribe Bangkok, a boutique fitness studio on Ploenchit Road in the heart of the city. While the emphasis is on spinning classes, the studio also offers barre classes and boxing as ways to build stamina and achieve all-round fitness. What is also unique is that all classes are conducted to a specifically designed, tempo-driven play-list and led by energetic instructors who motivate participants.

Tribe is the brainchild of Pasu Liptapanlop and co-founders Ploy Bhinsaeng and Natapa Sriyuksiri. I used to live in Singapore where I got to experience spinning for the first time, says the son of politician Suwat Liptapanlop explaining how Tribe came about. I really enjoyed it but when I returned to Bangkok I couldnt find a place offering spinning classes, so my friends and I thought to open a place where people could try it as an enjoyable form of exercise. From the start our focus has been on community, which is a key factor that drives Tribe. We wanted to create an interactive space where like-minded people could burn off energy and leave in a good mood. Our classes are made to generate positive vibes and good energy.

In fact, at Tribe everything is meticulously created to ensure a sense of enjoyment. Exercise becomes a chore when it is boring, Pasu laughs. Hence our use of music. People really open up and feel more engaged when they are surrounded by music, following the beat. It sets the tone of the classes and really helps you get in the zone.

Kitted out with top-notch equipment, Tribe is the citys first venue to use high-quality aqua punching bags, known to enhance the boxing experience. We make no compromises with our equipment. And because we are a boutique studioas opposed to being part of a big chainwe can afford to take our time and really fine-tune things to get our classes right, says Pasu. We allow our instructors to set their own rules in terms of how they want to conduct their classes, which enables them to form close teacher-student relationships with their customers, he adds.

The indoor cycling experience at Tribe is a full workout that burns calories while improving cardiovascular health and building strength and endurance. The benefits of spinning classes are undeniable and Tribes way of offering a fun and dynamic means to stay fit has become a popular choice for people of all ages. We have clients ranging from teenagers to people in their 60s. Working out here is also a communal thing with friends and family signing up for classes as groups, Pasu says. Its about teamwork and how you combine positive energy together. Currently, people are more concerned about health and work-life balance and its not just about exercising but how you service both body and mind. I think our classes answer both.

Looking ahead, Pasu and his team intend to continue improving and create new products. We have to make sure that our ideas are executed in the best way possible and we want to keep rolling out new classes and enhancing the experience for our customers before looking to expand. It is important people truly understand what we stand for.

See also: The New Age of Altruism: Young Thais Who Make Giving Back A Life's Priority

Read the original here:
Inside 4 Elite Thai Fitness And Wellness Centres, And The Figures Who Run Them - Thailand Tatler

In our hectic lifestyle, often our workplace is the source of a lot of pressure and workload. We need to learn to maintain a balance, not letting our work stress permeate into our personal lives and vice versa, while at the same time ensuring to keep in mind the following steps to maintain our psychological well-being at the workplace.

Time management

Effective time management is the key to staying mentally healthy. Make it a point to disconnect from work on the weekends. It is important to set realistic goals, prioritize tasks and maintain a balance between demands of work, family as well as personal life.

Adopt healthy lifestyle choices

A disciplined and healthy lifestyle is very beneficial in maintaining mental health. An adequate sleep, a proper diet, and regular physical exercise would help us stay physically as well as mentally fit.

Avoid monotony

Often the mundane routines could become very depressing. It is useful at times to alter the physical appearance of your work station. Rearrange your desk, make efforts to brighten the room, and also try and bring changes in your work routine.

Allow yourself to take regular breaks

It is important to allot a me time, allowing yourself to get refreshed. It is ok for you to have a do nothing in your to-do list. Listen to yourself, and take time out from work and family.

Planning a short vacation could be one of the best ways to de-stress! It is important to keep aside some time for a recovery period along the way, to help replenish the energy being invested by you. This is not just a reward to give yourself for your efforts, but also a necessity for you to rejuvenate and take care of your own needs.

Keep it simple

Try and focus on one thing at a time. Maintain clear boundaries, and work towards short term goals. De-clutter your work space, and try to keep it simple, neat and tidy. Simplicity in your work environment would prevent distractions, and would help keep you motivated to work.

Focus on yourself

Instead of comparing notes with others, try to focus on your own performance. Despite of living in this competitive world, it is more beneficial to be focussed on your own work and efforts, rather than trying to succeed over others. Remember your own goals and targets, and be motivated towards it.

Prioritize

There will inevitably be times when you have too many things to be done. Rather than getting flustered, reorder the priorities in your head, striking off the less important or urgent ones and focussing on the present instead. At times like this, its important to take a step back and introspect on the reasons of our actions and why we want to achieve what weve wanted to.

Have realistic expectations

Getting caught up in the hectic pressures of our work often leads us to expect too much from ourselves or from others as well. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to remind yourself to be realistic in your evaluations, so that your decisions are based on objective facts rather than your faulty and unrealistic expectations. Always keep the external factors in mind, which are not in your control, to avoid experiencing chaos and confusion at the last minute.

Maintain clear boundaries

Not letting your personal life mix with your professional life though sounds quite an impossible quest, actually isnt so difficult to achieve. It is essential to ensure you have dont let your work spill into your home life as this is likely to have an adverse influence on your interpersonal relationships. At the same time, do not let your personal problems interfere with your professional responsibilities at your workplace.

Dont overcommit

Be aware of your limitations and also accept them. The goals that you set for yourself must be doable and achievable, without having excessively high or optimistic expectations from yourself. Take on only as much as you can handle, and its ok for you to delegate tasks to others or to be assertive.

Use humour

If you make an effort to find opportunities to smile and laugh often, not only would this help lighten your mood, but it will also have a positive effect on the others around you.

This is the cheapest and easiest stress-buster ever. While it is easy to get trapped in the vicious cycle of a hectic routine, it is more important to remember to enjoy yourself. Look for opportunities to laugh at, and humour is a great way to lighten the mood and relieve your stress levels. Being at work doesnt mean you cant have fun!

(The author is Consultant Psychiatrist and Director at Fortis School Mental)

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Work-life balance: Is our mental health taking a toll due to stress - Hindustan Times

January 9, 2020

Netball

City Pharmacy Limited netball club received new uniforms that include polo shirts to participate in the NCD Private Companies netball competition this season.

It is also the companys objective to support and encourage its staff, especially women to stay fit and healthy during their free time.

The competition serves well in empowering women in sport, promoting healthy lifestyles, community, social and individual networking among staff.

Sport has become an important medium of communication among the CPL staff and their colleagues from other clubs competing in the netball competition.

Coach Oti Lasagavibau (pictured), who is also an employee of the CPL Group of Companies, said the competition was an avenue for the company promotes healthy and beauty lifestyles because it was also involved in promoting, marketing and selling health beauty products to stay healthy and keep fit.

She is urging all women to take part in sporting and fitness activities and take exercise seriously and at the end of the day their bodies are healthy and fit.

Rose Rauka, the team captain who works with the companys finance department was thrilled with the new uniforms and polo shirts that the club had received.

She said playing netball during her free time outside of the office helped her to stay physically fit and taking part in the NCD Private Companies netball competition builds their network and it strengthens their relationship also with employees from other business houses.

The competition, only held in Port Moresby attracts companies from the private sector operating in and around the National Capital District.

The rest is here:
CPL promoting healthy lifestyle through sports - POST-COURIER

Gwyneth Paltrows wellness brand Goop has secured its own show on Netflix and anti-pseudoscience crusaders are demanding its cancellation, insisting the doyenne of jade vaginal eggs is hurting people with health misinformation.

Paltrows medical faddism does real harm by contributing to the erosion of critical thinking, University of Alberta researcher Tim Caulfield tweeted on Monday after Netflix posted a teaser for the premiere of The Goop Lab later this month, setting off a firestorm of panic among a certain stripe of science enthusiast. The idea of an entire show devoted to whatever bizarre health practices the actress can dredge up from obscurity - the teaser mentioned psychic readings, exorcisms, and cold therapy - has triggered calls for its cancellation from skeptics who fear an outbreak of 'monkey see, monkey do' among its audience.

Caulfield wrote a whole article last month eviscerating the celebrity wellness industry, insisting that while it might seem like a relatively harmless form of profiteering, it actually gives cover to scientifically-unproven health practices. Non-pharmaceutical procedures like cryotherapy, gluten-free dieting, and IV vitamin therapy - to say nothing of the jade egg that made Goop a household name - would be utterly obscure if not for their celebrity boosters, he argued, accusing celebrities of contributing to a culture of untruth and confusing people about what a healthy lifestyle entails.But pharmaceutical companies - FDA-approved drugs being the preferred route to health for many critics of Paltrow and other celebrity wellness gurus - spend over $6.4 billion advertising their products to customers every year. Some of these ads use celebrities - who can forget then-presidential candidate Bob Doles star turn in that Viagra ad, or Olympic athlete Bruce (now Caitlin) Jenners fulsome praise of painkiller Vioxx on the Larry King show? Vioxx may have gone on to kill tens of thousands of people, but at least they werent taken in by some snake-oil seller like Goop. Surely, Americans should have the right to choose whether theyd prefer to pop pills, juice, or shove a jade egg where the sun doesnt shine?

Not to Caulfield and the others who joined him in speaking out against The Goop Lab. An absence of critical thinking and a favorable feeling for celebrity anecdotes have combined to short-circuit our natural skepticism, he insists, going so far as to link the Goop craze with the fake news epidemic. Indeed, hes written an entire book slamming Paltrow and Goop - apparently hoping readers will stop uncritically listening to and funneling money to celebrity wellness gurus and start uncritically listening to and funneling money to him instead. Its a microcosm of the fake news epidemic in general, which exists largely in the minds of establishment journalists angry when their audiences prefer competing narratives.

A change.org petition, apparently launched last year when the show was first proposed, warns that Goop is scaring people away from vaccinating their children and warns that a measles epidemic underway in Washington at the time would worsen if people take the celebritys advice. Ironically, the petition features an image of a baby suffering a rash in reaction to receiving the smallpox vaccine - though it had been erroneously passed off as a child with measles by CNN. Paltrow is routinely excoriated for introducing the world to holistic health psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, who espouses a link between vaccines and autism, in 2018, even though the Goop website dismisses the vaccine-autism link as a conspiracy theory in the only vaccine-related article it has published.

The petition author isnt the only one to draw a direct causal line between Paltrows show and declining enthusiasm for vaccines - some went even further and suggested children would die of vaccine-preventable diseases if The Goop Lab was allowed to air.

Others (accidentally) admitted that real scientists already have health shows, and that those are carried by Netflix already.

While the common line seemed to be that the bizarre treatments publicized by Goop were harmful, even predatory

some pointed out that not all medical treatments were particularly scientific or healthy, either.

Paltrows show may give a voice to the most ridiculous pseudoscience, but censoring it because harm is a step down a slippery slope that ends in barring coverage of all treatments that fall outside the scope of orthodox medicine from the airwaves. Every medical innovation has faced doubt before becoming widely accepted - better to beef up ones own critical thinking abilities than impose censorship in service to the lowest common denominator.

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Netflix roasted for leading viewers astray with health misinformation in Gwyneth Paltrows Goop show - RT