Demystifying The Practice Of Acupuncture

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When faced with physical pain or discomfort some will seek out the advice of their family physician. Others visit a physical therapist in hopes of finding exercises and stretches that will strengthen problem areas of the body. And still, others search for a skilled massage therapist to help alleviate the pain. Seeking out acupuncture may not be the most popular or common form of pain relief, but it is one that can be beneficial. Acupuncture can not only help reduce pain and soreness but can help promote overall wellness.

Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that is used for pain relief and to treat sickness. As part of this practice, extremely thin needles are inserted into key points, or acupoints, of the body that are linked to the sources of pain or health problems. The needles are left in for a length of time and may be stimulated manually or electrically. The goal of the needles is to promote healing by improving the energy flow of the body. The flow of energy is a fundamental part of wellness, according to Chinese medicine, and will be discussed more in depth later on.

 

The History

 

Acupuncture started in China. Unfortunately, there are not any existing documents that give a definitive date as to when it first began. However, there are sources that indicate records concerning meridians and qi, which are fundamental components of this alternative medicine. Documents containing details of this nature date back to 198 BC. Later a book was written around 100 BC called The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. In addition to providing information about meridians and energy flow it also provides explanations of early acupuncture procedures.

 

Popularity Through The Years

The popularity of acupuncture has fluctuated greatly over the course of history in China. Its popularity often depended on who the Chinese ruler was at the time and what his beliefs were regarding health and wellness. Some emperors and rulers hailed acupuncture, while others viewed the practice with ridicule.

During the 20th century, Western medicine saw many scientific advances. As people from all over the world tuned into these advances and modernizations, many in China started to question the value of acupuncture. In 1929 acupuncture was outlawed in China, along with other forms of traditional Chinese medicine.

In the 1950’s the Chinese Communist government re-established acupuncture and it became once again a relatively common practice in China. During the next decades, as international travel increased, people visiting China gained exposure to acupuncture. Acupuncture is now practiced in other parts of the world, including the United States.

However, in the United States, acupuncture wasn’t exactly embraced with open arms. Many have been skeptical of this type of alternative medicine. While there are acupuncture practices around the country today, it was actually illegal in many states not that long ago. Even today, many states still haven’t officially made it legal in writing.

 

The Principals Of Acupuncture

A big component of acupuncture is the idea that energy continually flows throughout the body; channels of energy link one part of the body with another. In Chinese medicine, this life-force energy is called qi (pronounced chee). The channels that qi travels through are called meridians. There are twelve organ meridians that run through the body. During a session, acupuncturists insert needles into points that are along these meridians. Pain or health problems may be experienced in one part of the body, and an acupuncturist will insert a needle into a different location. But since the needles are inserted into points along a meridian, the idea is that by addressing that point, it will promote wellness to affected areas along that meridian. There are over 2,000 points acupuncturists can make use of along the meridians.

Another important concept in acupuncture are the ideas of balance and harmony. You may have heard of the phrase of “yin and yang.” Behind this phrase is the belief that there are positive and negative forces, and it is important that they complement each other. According to Chinese medicine, an imbalance of energy forces leads to sickness and other health problems. An acupuncturist applies needles along the meridians in hopes of improving the flow of energy and therefore overall health.

Read More on Natural Healing Practices

Making an Appointment

 

Compared to a health procedure like massage, finding an office that specializes in acupuncture is generally more difficult. It can be especially challenging to find a skilled and trustworthy acupuncturist. Despite the fact that acupuncture isn’t necessarily viewed as a scientific medical treatment, there are acupuncturists in all 50 states. In fact, there are probably more than 9,000 acupuncture practitioners in the United States. While there are offices all over, it generally is easier to find one in an urban area.

Rather than trying to locate a practitioner via the internet or through a phone book, it may be beneficial to conduct a search by asking around. It is always nice to get a referral from someone you know rather than feeling like a guinea pig at that first appointment. Many are fearful of an amateur acupuncturist sticking needles into their body. Nonetheless, prior to that first appointment, it may be wise to ask some questions about the background and experience of the acupuncturist. Some practitioners hold an MD and they usually charge a higher rate for a session.

 

The First Appointment

For the acupuncture appointment, you will want to wear loose and comfortable clothing. Shorts and tee-shirts are ideal if the weather allows for it. Generally, most acupuncture points can be accessed by rolling up a sleeve or pushing up a pant leg. However, there are some points that cannot be easily accessed; and if this is the case the practitioner may ask you to disrobe down to your underwear. Of course, if this makes you feel in any way uncomfortable don’t hesitate to speak up.

It is also a good idea to have a snack before heading off to the appointment and to be hydrated. First appointments can be longer than an hour and some even come close to two hours. It might not be a bad idea to tote along a bottle of water as well so that you can stay hydrated throughout the session.

At the initial appointment, the acupuncturist is going to assess your overall health. Just like a medical doctor would ask about your health history and symptoms, expect an acupuncture practitioner to do the same. Before he or she inserts any needles into the body your health is thoroughly examined. As part of this, the practitioner will probably check various pulse points, observe symptoms, and look at your tongue. Once the practitioner has a clear idea about your health he or she may proceed with the needle insertion part of the acupuncture appointment. However, that is only if it has been determined that you have enough energy to go through with the procedure.

 

Typical Costs

The price of the session can vary depending on the skill level of the practitioner and the area in which you live. However, generally, acupuncture sessions cost less than a massage therapy appointment. An acupuncture session price ranges from $60 – $120. The first session is usually more expensive since it is longer.

 

The Needling

One of the common concerns many individuals have going into an acupuncture appointment is the pain factor involved as a result of the needles going on. Despite that needles are inserted into the body as part of acupuncture, few clients complain of pain. The needles are extremely thin, like pine needles, and are inserted into the skin layer only. In other words, they won’t cause bleeding like hypodermic needles. Seldom more than a slight pinch is generally experienced.

During an acupuncture procedure typically four to eight needles are inserted into the skin. However, the amount depends on the condition being treated and the severity of the problem. The acupuncturist may also insert some needles deeper than others if the treatment calls for it. In addition, the practitioner may stimulate the needles in some way to help improve the flow of energy through the meridians.

Once the practitioner has inserted all of the needles, he or she will leave the room for about 30 minutes. During this time the client lays still, usually either under a blanket or warming light, as the needles help to improve the flow of energy. Recipients of acupuncture usually enjoy this time since it can be meditative and relaxing. Also at this time, most begin to feel the positive effects. Closing the eyes and taking deep breaths during the process is a helpful way to maximize relaxation during the appointment.

 

The Great Acupuncture Debate

 

Against Acupuncture

The biggest complaint critics have of acupuncture is the lack in scientific proof. The concepts behind acupuncture differ greatly to those in human biology. When gaining an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, the concept of “meridians” is not a fundamental component. Therefore, critics don’t view the fundamentals of acupuncture as a science; the American Medical Association currently does not recognize acupuncture as a medical specialty.

Another complaint of acupuncture has to do with its effectiveness in treating major diseases and health problems. There haven’t been any scientific or conclusive studies to show long-term positive effects of acupuncture. Even when it comes to the pain factor critics of acupuncture argue that there aren’t any significant studies that demonstrate that acupuncture reduces pain over time. Since it can’t treat broken bones or other physiological issues, scientists argue the medicinal value of acupuncture.

 

Advocates of Acupuncture

Despite the several criticisms made against acupuncture, multitudes of people continue to seek out this form of therapy. And those who do, tout that acupuncture is effective and has many health benefits.

Advocates of acupuncture say it can help with a wide range of physical and mental issues. Below are just some of the reasons people choose a therapy of acupuncture:
-Helps speed up recovery from surgical procedures and dealing with related pain.
-Beneficial to clients dealing with issues of the nervous system. Those suffering from headaches, anxiety, depression, or addictions have had conditions improved with acupuncture.
-Helps those who have muscle, bone, or nerve pain.
-Beneficial to women dealing with menopause-related health issues.
-Makes the Immune system stronger.
-Promotes overall wellness- physically and mentally.
-Many also believe that acupuncture helps those with cold and flu symptoms. Whether it is sinus congestion or a sinus infection, many claim that acupuncture makes them feel much better afterward.

 

What The Professionals Have To Say

Aside from clients seeking out acupuncture for their individual health reasons, there are health professionals that advocate acupuncture as well. For example, the National Cancer Institute suggests acupuncture as a way to help Cancer patients who are receiving medical treatment and struggling with the effects the medicine has on the body. Clinical studies have shown acupuncture to help reduce the vomiting and nausea Cancer patients experience as a result of Chemotherapy treatments. Acupuncture also helps to make Cancer patients’ immune systems stronger.

The World Health Organization also supports acupuncture. They have pointed to several medical problems that acupuncture can help with. While there is a strong track record proving western medicine to be effective, increasing studies show acupuncture as a complementary practice alongside western medicine to achieve improved health.

 

Acupressure

 

For those not interested in acupuncture or who don’t like needles in any shape or form may want to look into acupressure. Acupressure makes use of the same acupoints used in acupuncture; however, in acupressure, you apply pressure to the points rather than a needle. There are practitioners across the country who specialize and perform acupressure. Some massage therapists even specialize in massage techniques that utilize acupoints as well.

 

Acupressure Techniques

There are some acupressure techniques that you can perform right on yourself when dealing with common health ailments. Below are a couple common health problems and how you can help relieve them by performing self-acupressure.
1) Nausea – Whether the feeling of nausea is a result of the flu, pregnancy, or motion sickness, applying pressure to the inside of the wrist can help reduce that unpleasant sensation. To discover the point, find the two large tendons on the inside of the wrist at the base of the palm. Take the two or three fingers of your opposite hand and apply pressure to this spot for a few minutes. Take deep breaths to relax as you apply pressure for a few minutes.

2) Headaches – Headaches vary since there are many triggers that cause headaches as well as many locations where the pain occurs. Some may experience pains behind their eyes after a long day of work, while others suffer from persistent migraines. Others experience frontal headaches periodically after a busy or stressful day.

Click here for Learn More About Pressure Points

Headaches and Acupressure

Depending on the location of the headache there are a few different acupoints you can apply pressure to. Experimenting with the various points will hopefully allow you to find a spot that works best for you in terms of relieving pain. Below are a few examples:

– Third Eye Point – This point is located between the eyebrows at the very top of the nose. Applying pressure to this spot is useful for frontal headaches or when you experience strain behind the eyes.

-Wind Pool Point – This zone is located at the back of the neck where the skull meets the neck muscles. Reach behind your head with both arms, place your thumbs in this area and knead the area for a few minutes. Doing this can help reduce headaches, migraines, and fatigue. Even taking a few minutes to gently pull hair near the roots that grow in this area can help reduce the pressure and throbbing sensations in the head.

– Union Valley – This acupoint is situated in the hands. Using one hand find the flat space of your other hand that is situated between your index finger and thumb. Apply pressure to this spot using your thumb. Then switch hands. Using pressure on this point helps relieve frontal headaches as well as tensions in the neck and head.

When faced with pain or a sickness, sometimes popping a pill seems to be the easiest solution. But taking the pill approach is usually just a quick, temporary fix. Advocates of acupuncture claim that participating in acupuncture will not only bring about relief from pain immediately but also is beneficial for preventing pain and sickness in the future.

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Diet Vs. Exercise: How To Finally Lose Unwanted Pounds

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It is common knowledge that in order to lose unwanted pounds and live a happier life both exercise and diet need to be incorporated into your daily routine. We’ve all been taught in school that to lose that unwanted weight we need to increase our aerobic activity and resistance training. And of course, opt for more fruits and vegetables. To avoid eating fast food and going out in general; to take the time to cook a healthy meal at home, and hit the gym every once in awhile.

And yet, most of us are unhappy with our weight; stuck in this vicious cycle of wanting to lose weight, but also loving the food we’re consuming… and our lazy lifestyle. And we have the best intentions when we join a gym: “I’m going to exercise two hours per day during the week!” Life inevitably gets in the way and before we know it we’re back to our old lifestyles of eating out and letting our gym membership sit idle. Tomorrow will be the day to start the diet again, and I’ll go to the gym, I promise! Yet these self-affirmations are half-hearted, and before we know it our normal routines kick back into place.

So diet and exercise are both important to implement in our lives, but let’s dig deeper into the benefits of each one exclusively.

 

Dieting: The Taboo Word Everyone’s Talking About

 

With summer on the horizon, squeezing into that bathing suit is becoming more and more of a reality. It’s the yearly struggle of loving that hamburger and fries, but hating the fact that your belt is getting tighter by the day. When most people think of dieting to lose unwanted pounds they picture strict weight restrictions. You hear the word ‘diet’ and run the other way, or become deterred before the diet has even started. Others may plunge into the diet head first, going from eating multiple heavy meals a day to a salad with some fruit. This is only asking for a quick burnout and even quicker relapse into old eating habits.

The benefits of dieting are proven and measurable. However, a big part of success is understanding that you don’t necessarily have to eat less or even eat less frequently. Diets are most successful when the type of food you consume is changed; it’s all about moderation.

 

Limit Your ‘McDonalds’ Consumption To lose Unwanted Pounds.

If you are looking to drop in pant size, of course eating out at Outback Steakhouse, or Chilis is not the answer. As delicious, and convenient as these options may be, especially with Dollar Menu’s everywhere we look, if you are really serious in shedding excessive weight you’ll need to have a bit of a diet change. Even limiting the number of times you eat out every week can improve your overall weight.

Also Read: Foods That Make You Sluggish 

It’s understandable that people become busy, and life gets in the way of eating a healthy, balanced diet. You are working 40-hour weeks, or maybe in school studying for hours on end and pulling all-nighters. It’s so convenient to simply stop into the closest restaurant or fast food and grab a quick bite. Not only is it convenient, but also it’s cheap. You get your quick fix, fill your stomach and dive back into your busy day without a second thought.

This lifestyle becomes a habit by so many and living in America where there are literally so many options to eat out, and before we know it we’re eating out more than we are at home. It doesn’t take long to get into this routine, and it’s even harder to get out of it without the right tools. And yet as bad as it is, I’m sure we’ve all fallen culprit to this eating habit at least once in our lives.

 

Preparing Meals At Home: How To Lose Weight While Still Eating To Your Fill

What if, by even eating one less meal out, and preparing a meal at home, or packing a sandwich to take to work, could help you to lose unwanted pounds? It may seem like such a small change in diet, but even one meal can produce results. What if you made this two meals a week, or even three? What if you could limit yourself eating out to only once a week, or even less? The more time you spend preparing meals at home, and the less you spend buying something out will not only be good for your wallet but will also play a big factor in your overall weight loss goals.

So now let’s talk about what’s going on in the kitchen. If your diet at home consists of eating frozen pizzas, or chicken fingers every day you cannot expect to see substantial weight loss! I’m not saying that you can’t ever enjoy that Dominos pizza every now and again, but again it comes down to moderation. Your body needs nutrients; vitamins and minerals. You need to find a balance between eating healthy and indulging.

 

Plan Ahead

Next time you go to the store, really have a plan of action: have a list of things you want to buy. Don’t go the store on an empty stomach- this will definitely lead to some unnecessary and post guilty feelings. Find a recipe online, write it down, and head to the store with a game plan. Spend some quality time in the fruit and vegetable sections; pick out some foods you would normally walk right by without a second thought. Buy products that are fresh, not frozen. I personally enjoy walking through the fruit and vegetable sections first; this way I can buy what I know is healthy for me, and then move on to the more unhealthy areas of the supermarket.

Set Yourself Up For Ultimate Dieting Success

Now that you’ve bought the food, set aside time to prepare it. If you know you’ll be too busy in the morning to prepare your lunch, then prepare it the night before and pop it into a Tupperware. This way you’re setting yourself up for success; you won’t be as tempted to go out to grab a bite to eat with your friends if you know you have a delicious, healthy meal already prepared. Not only is food preparation important, but also the type of food you’re preparing. I can’t stress enough the importance of eating vegetables; make this the dominant feature in any meal, with the meat and carbs more of side additions. A good rule of thumb for meat portion is making sure the protein is no larger than the size of your fist.

Even for breakfast, if you enjoy cereal, opt for a healthier option, and then load it up with fruit: strawberries, bananas, whatever strikes your fancy. You can always add as many fresh vegetables and fruit to any meal, and feel completely guilt free. Still feeling hungry after a meal? Cut up a healthy fruit salad, or prepare some yogurt before you delve into the chocolate cake. You will feel better with your new eating habits, have more energy throughout the day, and ultimately start to lose unwanted pounds.

 

Exercising: You Don’t Have To Join A Gym To Lose Unwanted Pounds

 

So, as we talked about earlier, it is possible to lose unwanted pounds by dieting alone. But if you’re finding it too difficult to change your eating habits, the least you could do for yourself is to try to exercise every so often. You don’t have to join a gym in order to exercise; this is just a glorified space for people to get their sweat on.

Gyms are great for people who want the options of having a variety of workout tools, along with guided classes and personal trainers. But this is not necessary to lose weight, and there are countless ways to get into shape on a budget. Watch a YouTube video on free weight exercises, or cardio, or really whatever interests you. Get outside and take a walk on the local nature trail, or join an intermural soccer team. Go out of your comfort zone in whatever way possible. As long as you can find some form of exercise that gets you off the couch and raises your heart rate for a time, you’ll be well on your way to losing those extra pounds.

Here are some tips to creating a gym at home. 

 

The Overall Benefits Of Exercise

Exercising is not only beneficial to your health, and losing weight, but it’s extremely good from a mental point of view. When you exercise to the point of breaking into a sweat you are releasing endorphins. Endorphins will increase your happiness, while simultaneously building lean muscle and losing fat. Don’t be deterred if after weeks of exercising you get on the scale and don’t see any drastic changes. Realize that muscle takes up less space than fat, so even though you are losing weight, at the same time you’re gaining muscle.

If you can find an activity, or join a gym, or simply something that gets you moving, and stay committed to that form of exercise, you will see results. Not only will your physical appearance improve, but you will have an increase in energy. Not to mention an improvement in your overall flexibility and strength. Most importantly you will have an increase in self-confidence, which can lead to an improvement in relationships, work success, school success, and ultimately overall happiness.

 

Diet and Exercise: Two Keys To A Successful Weight Loss Regime

 

Okay, so we’ve briefly covered the benefits of both dieting and exercise as separate entities. Now, it all comes back to the fact that they are most effective when combined together. If you really are dead set on looking good in that new bathing suit then you need to accept that your current lifestyle needs some tweaking. Refer to the guidelines above about dieting and make amends to your current eating habits.

I’m not saying you have to go on an all-vegetable diet or take carbs completely out of your diet. Not at all. Instead, make modifications to your meals; limit the amount you spend out of the house on food every week. Even have a budget, say for example $20 that can be spent on eating out each week.

 

Have A Plan To Lose Unwanted Pounds

Have a solid plan of attack when you next go to the supermarket; buy more fruits and vegetables, and less frozen food. Prepare your meals ahead of time. Be aware that a busy schedule may entice you to eat out, and fall back into old routines. And exercise! Exercise not only helps you lose unwanted pounds, but you will start to feel better, and happier with yourself. Instead of spending hours debating on whether you want to go for a jog, just get up and do it; you will never regret the jog you did take. Only the one you didn’t because you were too busy making up excuses.

 

Set Realistic and Achievable Goals

Most importantly, take your lifestyle change gradually. Don’t immediately cut all the sweets, and fast food out of your diet. You will only burn yourself out, and before you know it you’ll be back to your original diet habits. By gradually cutting out a bad habit, you will have a higher probability of creating new, long-lasting, healthy habits. The same goes for exercise: don’t burn yourself out by trying to work out for two hours every day. Instead gradually incorporate exercise into your lifestyle in a way that will be long lasting. Start with a couple of times a week, and modify it accordingly.

Follow these tips and tricks and expect results! There is no better time to start to lose unwanted pounds than now, so what are you waiting for? Good luck!

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How To Stand Out And Impress Your Future Boss

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The first impression that people get of you matters a lot. More often than not, how people perceive you initially will determine how they will treat you. You can have quite a good personality but when you present yourself in the wrong way publicly, they may misjudge you. It is important to consider the ways on how to stand out as an individual among a group.

Life presents us with very many situations where we need to ensure we stand out. For instance: a group interview, dating site profile… what of standing out among your friends and getting “the girl” or “the guy”? We are living in a generation where looks matter a lot, sometimes even more than our education levels.

Among a group of friends, there is that one person who always tends to steal the spotlight. He/she is the most admirable in the group and almost everybody wants to associate with them. On the other hand, in the same group, there is always that person who seems a little bit out of place, it’s like they are dragging behind in fashion and their personality barely fits the group. It may sound rude but these are the duffs of the group. Often these people are not aware of the fact that they don’t fit in the group.

 

How To Stand Out In a Group 

The following are the major ways you can avoid being a duff, and steal the spotlight amongst both your friends and during your next job interview.

 

Dress nicely

Yet again the dress code you choose will determine if you will stand out among your friends or not. Your friends can’t be in trendy attire while you are stuck with your 1960s fashion brands and expect that you will stand out. No! You need to be updated on the current fashions in the market.

So what is the right dressing code that will help you stand out among your friends? That’s a good question. And, no one expects you to drain all your savings and buy a $1000 dollar suit or dress in an attempt to ensure you get the spotlight.

The first key step is knowing your body type. Yes! You need to know if you are curvy so that you can choose attire that will be appropriate. When you know your body type and shape you can then proceed in deciding the kind of clothes that will be most appropriate for you; consulting a designer might do the trick!

Click here for some: Tips and Tricks for Larger Body Types.

Research has it that, the first thing that new people notice are your shoes. Yes! This is the first thing that draws their attention, so, for this reason, it’s good to ensure you wear nice shoes. Heels for women or something slightly elevated is a plus.

Nice accessories

People who wear nice accessories always appear to be more attractive. Stop by a jewelry shop and buy some jewelry. Again, not every accessory will look great on you, so you need to seek some professional advice on what suits you best. Buy a nice necklace, bracelet, nice pair of earrings… just to name a few.

If you have the appropriate accessory you will stand out among your friends. What of men? Despite the fact that men don’t have a variety of accessories that they can choose from so as to stand out, this doesn’t rule out the fact that there are one or two things they can add to compliment their looks. A nice watch is a good place to start. Women are more attracted to men who wear watches. You got it, and, it’s a win-win.

 

Confidence and attitude

To begin with, never dress in something you are not comfortable being in maybe just because you saw someone look good in it or your favorite celebrity wears it. Don’t wear a short tight mini-skirt if you know you’ll spend the entire night pulling it down. Dress in something that will boost your confidence and you don’t have to go to the washroom every 30 seconds to look at yourself in the mirror to check yourself. Confidence is paramount! Walk upright, maintaining eye contact and smile where necessary.

If you are the type that looks down after being complimented you won’t stand out among your friends. Confidence boosts attractiveness and this might be just the missing ingredient you need to steal the spotlight.

Also, have a nice attitude. No one wants to be associated with someone who is always negative and criticizes virtually almost everything. Actually, the funnier the better, after all, who doesn’t want to be around someone who makes them laugh? Have a positive and energetic attitude and you’ll be sure to stand out among the rest.

 

Hygiene is paramount 

Don’t be the kind that people will tend to avoid just because of lack of hygiene. Smelling good makes you attractive to the people around you and also this will help boost your confidence. Don’t be the person unaware of their own odor.

Wear nice cologne and perfume and you will be surprised by how much people will gravitate towards you. Anything that will help you stand out among your friends is very crucial, smelling nice being one of them.

 

Getting that dream job

First time interviews make everyone nervous. You don’t know what questions to expect or if you are even fully qualified for the job. Somehow this is understandable, facing a panel of interviewers who ask challenging questions just to evaluate how fit you are for the task at hand isn’t quite a walk in the park. Personally, on my first interview, I was literally shaking so much they asked me to take some 5 minutes to try and relax before starting the again. Yes! It was that bad.

A big challenge is knowing there are other’s fighting for the same position. So, being at your best and standing out is paramount. The following are the ways you can stand out as an individual in a group of interviewees.

 

Dress code

Maybe this has been your dream job for quite a while and finally, an opportunity presents itself. The only thing standing between you and your dream job is a bunch of interviewees whom you are competing with for the given job position. So dressing for success can give you has an extra advantage in securing the job.

I know it’s tempting. For instance, dressing provocatively may help you get the job. Hello! Yes, you might want to wear that favorite tight miniskirt that shows all your curves and exposes your thighs, that blouse top that shows your cleavage. Maybe, just maybe if they see how admirable your goodies are they might give you the job, right? As a man, you might be tempted to dress in that t-shirt that is so tight it shows your six packs and chest. Perhaps this might give you points if the interviewer is female?

On the contrary, you don’t have to dress provocatively to win an extra point and stand out among your fellow competitors. Sometimes simple but decent does the trick. Again, understand the kind of job post you are being interviewed on. Obviously, if it’s an adult film audition interview, then don’t dress like an Eskimo, because of course with this, the less the better.

 

Confidence and Honesty 

Having confidence is extremely important during a job interview. Yes, you will get nervous at some point, but, compose yourself and fake it till you make it.

You are certainly not going to secure the job if when asked a question, you face down and start shaking. Ensure you maintain eye contact with the panel, take a deep breath when you feel that you are getting nervous and answer all the questions confidently. Smile with confidence and answer with certainty.

Brag about your accomplishments, but be honest. Don’t say you have 10 years of experience as an assistant manager even though you have just turned 21. If they see you as a dishonest person, consider yourself not getting the job.

Maybe you lack experience in a particular field; tell them, but ensure you are a quick learner and can catch up. By so doing you will score extra points, maybe just what you need to secure the job and stand out among your fellow counterparts.

Also check out: How To Be Happier And Healthier At Work

It is the 21^st century where everything is so competitive and to stand out, we have to be at our best. This article has fully discussed the various aspects in which one can stand out in a job interview and among friends. The key factor is to take the spotlight without losing yourself. If you adopt these methods you can rest assured that you won’t be the duff among your friends and if it’s the interview this will increase the chances of you being hired.

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Online Dating VS Real Life Dating

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Online dating vs real life dating: which is better? Back in the day when there was no internet, our forefathers had a system of their own of getting their spouse and that is: real life dating. This is an ancient method and, hey, we need to appreciate it. Otherwise we wouldn’t have been born.

With rapid evolution over the years in all the sectors, technology has not been left behind. Back in the day if you wanted to communicate with someone who was far you had to do it via a letter. This would usually take more than 5 days to reach the recipient. Then assuming they reply to the message you have to wait for another 5 days or more to get the reply letter. Hectic! Right? But with improved technology, you can get a reply from someone who is miles away in less than 30 seconds.

 

 

Online Dating VS Real Life Dating

 

 

It is this technology that has made it possible for the creation of the online dating apps and sites. Perhaps a competition to real life dating or is real life dating the undisputed way to find a spouse? There have been mixed views on this issue with more and more people giving online dating a trial. Is this an indication of the success of online dating vs real life dating? To begin we need to explore the pros and cons of each method before making a judgment on which method is better.

 

 

Online Dating Pros

 

 

Never too busy for online dating

We live in a generation where we have to work hard and to strive to make ends meet. There is a lot of competition in virtually every aspect and this has led to busy schedules. Hey, some of us are even too busy to find time to go to a bar, club or any other public places where they can bump into their soul mate or sex partner.

With online dating vs real life dating, you don’t have to be in this public places to meet new people and possibly someone to lay you. At the comfort of your home or office, you can connect with hundreds of potential mates.

 

Wider scope

With real life dating, you are limited to a certain geographical area. Who wouldn’t want the anxiety and passion of having a partner from another state or country? Just as how sex with one partner if not properly spiced up can get boring, being confined to meeting people in a certain geographical area can be boring too. Most of the major online dating apps connect users of over 50 countries around the globe.

 

Also Read: Online Dating Mantras You Should Live By

 

If you are fed up with meeting people in your country then online dating gives you the opportunity to try your luck with a partner from another country. Heck yeah, personally I would do anything for the passion and romance of being with someone from another country.

 

High chances of a right match

When meeting someone in real life, you don’t know their marital status, sexual preference, and personality. Online dating, on the other hand, gives you the chance to read a brief bio about someone. This gives you the ability to determine if the person would be right for you.

You can specify the kind of partner you want to date in online dating vs real life dating. “Tall with black hair, blue eyes, loves to watch CN network on a Friday night, or even likes to cough a lot…” I was probably joking about the coughing part. But, generally, chances of finding your dream partner are high as a user of online dating vs real life dating. This is due to their algorithm matching making mechanisms that notify you of people with the specification you stated on the kind of partner you are searching for. People! Yes, there may be more than 5 people, maybe 10 or even more whom you are matched with and it’s up to you to determine which one of them is the best. Something that real life does not present to us.

 

 

Online Dating Cons

 

 

Fake profiles

The major problem that the online dating world faces today is the issue of fake profiles. A lot of effort has been put to curb this issue but to no success. There are very many fake profiles in online dating apps. The mission of majority of these people being to extract money from you, sometimes something even as evil as kidnapping you.

 

No contact

You might be messaging with someone for a long time but may never actually meet for an actual date. What is even worse is that online dating is addictive. Yes! Just as how smoking a joint is addictive, smoking a cigarette or even visiting your favorite porn sites when no one is home, online dating too can be addictive.

How do you know you are addicted? If you find that you are spending a lot of time on your computer sending messages to the hotties you see and you don’t even take chances presented to you in real life then you are an addict. I had a friend who was an addict of one of the major dating apps we have and with him, it was even worse. He would spend a lot of time searching for hot girls on the dating app that he wouldn’t even remember the basics in his life like take a shower, or brushing his teeth… Gross! Right!?

 

Time and money wastage

Whereas the majority of people on this dating apps are actually serious about finding either a sex partner or a long life partner, there are those who are here for the fun part of it. They know they look good and hence upload some of the hottest pictures they have to get the attention of many. They watch their inbox get full and they will only reply to a few and will never agree to plan a date. Dealing with such people will have you waste your time and money.

 

 

Real Life Dating Pros

 

 

Great story

Meeting in real life ensures that you have great memories of your first encounter. If someone asked how you two met you shall have a great story to tell “he was so drunk that he confused the ladies washroom as the gents I had to direct him and it was there where the magic started” great story, right? Now assuming you met via an online dating app and someone asks you how you two met.

 

Comfortable and mutual friends

Between the online dating vs real life dating categories, real life dating is the ancient method of finding a spouse; it is natural and allows you to be natural. Above all it allows you to express confidence that ladies find as the most attractive ingredient in a man. The magic and confidence in approaching or being approached by someone in real life cannot be compared to when someone sends you and old cliché as the first message on your encounter in a dating app.

 

Also Read: How To Keep Your Relationship Spiced Up

 

Real life feels more natural and comfortable compared to online dating. Also, in real life dating, you can be introduced to someone by a friend and you won’t have to feel awkwardly weird texting someone in a dating app that you even aren’t sure if their profile is real or not.

 

Better judgment

We have had a lot of people who get disappointed after meeting someone they have been chatting with on a dating app. Reason being? They don’t look the same as in their profile picture. Some people add filters on the pictures they upload online hence exaggerate their looks. However, with real life dating, you get to see the person and can judge if you find them attractive or not within the first few seconds of your encounter.

 

 

Real Life Dating Cons

 

 

Awkwardly shy people

We can’t deny the fact that there are some people who are too shy to approach. What happens to them? Whereas online dating presents you the opportunity to make passes on someone you find attractive on the site via message. Real life dating has proven to be too harsh to this category of people.

 

Can’t judge their marital status

I have had incidences where some of my friends have found a guy attractive and decided to approach them. But only to end up in a catfight with their girlfriends or wives. It is logical to claim that everyone in an online dating app is single and either looking for a lifetime partner or a sex partner. But, the same can’t be said about real life dating. When approaching someone in person, you can’t be sure of their marital status.

 

First impression

In real life dating, first impressions matter. There was a time I was doing some laundry and was in a funny faded old track suit. I decided to go and get an ice cream; I didn’t mind how I looked since the ice cream shop was just a few yards away from my house. On the way I found this handsome guy. He was the most attractive person I had ever seen, second to the person I see when I look in the mirror. He only gave me a single gaze and walked past me. How many of us have missed the chance of being with our soul mates just because our first impression wasn’t good enough? However, online dating you can introduce yourself to someone while on pajamas.

 

Online dating vs real life dating which is better? This is a hard question to answer and different people have mixed views on it. But, it’s understandable, right? Both methods have their pros and cons. The main purpose of online dating is to find someone suitable to date in real life. Whatever the reason that may have made you choose this path you are not inferior to those who approach people in real life. In fact, according to a research done in the US, 35% of recently married couples met online. For success and better relationships, we should adopt both methods. You can use an online dating app but ensure you don’t ignore chances presented to you by real life. Most importantly ensure you don’t become an addict. When you find the perfect match partner, it is time to take it to real life dating.

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Why Eastern Europe is a Backpacker’s Paradise

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Anyone with a social media account has realized just how many people are flocking to Eastern Europe. Back in the day, you needed to be right next to someone for them to bore you with how amazing the Eiffel Tower was or what the gelato tasted like in Rome. With the advent of social media, however, they can do it from a distance.

We aren’t saying there’s anything wrong with hitting some of these unbelievable destinations. But maybe there is more to life than what everyone else is doing. If you have slowly started to realize that, but you still want to come travel Europe, there is another option.

 

 

Why Eastern Europe is a Backpacker’s Paradise

 

 

Heading away from the land of tourism can be quite a jump, but we assure you that it’s worth it. It’d be tough to say why Eastern Europe is an amazing place to visit in just one article, but we are going to give it a shot.

 

Budget cuts won’t bite hard

Are you the type of traveler who loves to save money, but doesn’t want to spend your vacation eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

A traditional Slovak meal with starters of bean soup, 5 pounds of roasted pork knuckle with sides, and 4 pints of beer cost two people $30! As far as dining experiences go, you can eat like royalty. This price was for one of the most popular restaurants in Bratislava. So this is about as expensive as it gets. My travel buddy and I were able to make pork sandwich for two days afterwards, as well.

If you’re looking for food on a budget, you won’t be forced to eat at street-side burger stands, although those are good too. You can easily find a meal for less than 7 bucks with a drink at a sit down restaurant.

 

Fascination In Eastern Europe

Attractions, as well, are budget friendly. Museums all over Eastern Europe are spared from the exorbitant fees charged out west. Here, you won’t be paying $15 to visit a WWII museum like you would in Paris or Berlin. Most churches, too, are free to enter and climbing to the city lookouts within them costs less than a couple dollars.

 

Transportation Alternatives

Transportation, another major travel expense, is also a great area to save money on by traveling in Eastern Europe. Taking a ride on the metro in Berlin is not a pleasant experience, but doing it in Prague isn’t nearly as bad. It isn’t going to break the bank and it will get you from point a to point b.

Travel between cities and countries is as cheap as it is easy in Eastern Europe. If you find yourself in Bratislava and are interested in going to Vienna, just an hour away, it will cost you just 14 euros round trip. That price is certainly on the steeper end, as it’s one of the most popular tourist routes in the region, so it only gets cheaper than that. I’ve personally taken an overnight train from Krakow to Prague that seemingly cost nickels and dimes for a sleeper berth. Waking up to the fresh winter snow is infinitely better when you know you’re seeing it on the cheap.

 

Lost in The Island

How many of you have searched for “off the beaten path” itineraries in an attempt to avoid all of the wandering, photo snapping tourists blocking the views that you spent so much time and money to see? Some Eastern European cities like Prague, Budapest, and Dubrovnik have more recently become tourist destinations. However, they are still relatively undiscovered compared to places like Paris and Barcelona.

Some cities have become notorious for being overrun by party-crazed foreigners, but those are few and far between. In most of the gems of Eastern Europe, like Bratislava, Bucharest, and Belgrade, you won’t feel like you’re lost in a crowd of tourists.

But don’t worry, a visit to Eastern Europe does not mean that you will constantly feel lost in translation by the lack of English speakers. Romania, for example, is home to tons of people with excellent English skills. You will have an easier time there than in most of Western Europe’s southern countries; (we’re looking at you, Spain and Italy).  There will always be someone to help you out. Even if you can’t get by with the tried and true hand signals method.

 

Curiosity Communicate With Places

This goes hand in hand with point number two. But there’s something about being in Eastern Europe that will make you take a step back and think about how glad you are to be on the road. Paris or Rome or London just doesn’t feel as foreign as Ljubljana. Not to take anything away from those stunning cities, but there really is something to getting off the beaten path.

Also, not as many people have visited these places and the top destinations aren’t being exploited. It’s nice to see some of the world famous sites like the Eiffel Tower or the Coliseum. However, it can be draining being heckled by street vendors every 10 feet. The world-class destinations across Eastern Europe have so far been spared that unfortunate fate. You can walk down the street and take in the sites with undisturbed city life alongside you.

The established cities of Western Europe that I mentioned above will always be available to travel, too. But unfortunately, tourism will eventually make its way east and these destinations won’t be the same. Get out and enjoy the beauty in Eastern Europe before going to Bratislava is as stereotypical as going to Barcelona.

 

Feel The Beauty of tourism!

Three reasons aren’t nearly enough to describe why we love Eastern Europe. It’s a region rich in history, culture, and filled with diversity. If you take a three-hour train ride you’ll be listening to a language you can’t even begin to make sense of in a country you can’t pronounce. But that is the beauty of Eastern Europe. It takes you off of the typical tourist trail, which is tough to do in the most traveled continent on earth.

We live in a unique era where the countries of Eastern Europe are developing a great infrastructure for tourism. But the tourists haven’t found out about it. Getting between cities and countries is a breeze, all at a price that you can enjoy. If you have visited all of the blockbuster destinations in Western Europe, why don’t you pack your bags and consider heading east before you call it a day?

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