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Business Car Leasing - Image & Impact

Whether you need to travel to get to work or your job requires to travel all over the country, having a can be the most useful form of transport. Car's are a lot more reliable and give you the independence to go anywhere you please. But what happens if you need to travel for business but you do not have a car? Well there is always the option of business car leasing. This will enable you to have a brand new car with all the latest features almost straight away. As an advantage, if you lease a car through a business you as an individual are at a less of a risk. Although to receive an approved business lease you will need to have a good idea of your credit on the business accounts as these will be checked against the approval. Like a normal car lease monthly payments will be required once the lease has been agreed, however as a business lease these payments can be seen as expenses which can be counterbalance against corporation tax. By also taking out a maintenance contract as well as a business car lease means that all of the VAT paid on that lease will be reclaimable. So how does business car leasing work? After you are credit approved through the business accounts, you will place your order which covers your specific requests, and then you will need to pay a deposit as a financial commitment to the contract agreed. Once the deposit has been made and all other paperwork had been completed and signed, the delivery date will be set and you will then need to pay the first initial payment to the company which is dealing with the financing of the lease. Like normal car leases the initial payment is 3, 6 or 9 times the monthly amount. Servicing however all depends on the length of your contract. Like all new lease cars you have peace of mind that you will not have to worry about the MOT of the car unless you have four year contract, as the MOT will be required on after the third year. If you do decide to take out a maintenance contract with your lease, any services, MOT, wear and tear will be covered within your maintenance contract. Are there any advantages of having a business car lease? Well for starters people always say that "the best impression is always the first impression". You may not think this is important when leasing a car but for business this can make a big difference. Although the idea of social classes are slowly blending over the years, it goes without saying that when you rock up in a fancy or expensive car to a business meeting people will picture you as person from a relatively wealthy background. From this an idea of "importance" can be clearly identified and can make a really strong impression. Other advantages are some that were mentioned previously, like the fact that when you decide on a business car leasing, you will be covered by certain business expenses which can cut the overall cost down significantly. Of course with all advantages come disadvantages, and when it comes to business car leasing some of the disadvantages are that as the vehicles are not considered as assets of the company the devaluation cannot be written off for tax purposes. Other tax issues similarly can arise such as the number of vehicles and the amount of mileage that can be claimed for. Like normal leases there will be mileage limitations where anything over the agreed limit will be charged with additional excess fees. As a business you are still required to provide your own fully comprehensive insurance on all leased vehicles.

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Car Buying Tips - When to Buy a New Car

Many people dream of buying a new car, partly because they assume, sometimes wrongly, that it will be completely reliable and they will never have a real problems with it. Whilst a new car generally is very reliable and will have a manufacturer's warranty for a period of years, some people do have problems with new cars, although thankfully it is quite rare. Other people will buy a new car simply for the thrill of having the latest model, and because of that certain feel that a new car has, that used cars simply lack. If someone is intent on buying a new car, then one of the things that they really should take into account is literally when to buy it, i.e. at what time of year. This in some ways goes against the grain of someone wanting to buy a new car and the whole sense of impulse buying that goes with it. If someone is prepared to bide their time, they can often get a new car at a significantly better price than they would do at another time of year. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps the most obvious one is that all manufacturers and car sales have an annual cycle when new cars are introduced. It is part of the momentum of any manufacturing base, and the car/auto industry is often at the forefront. Releasing a new model with new features and new toys, as part of it, is a crucial part of generating interest and keenness in the model and hopefully generating sales. It follows closely that when a new model is introduced, the value of what was the model beforehand immediately loses a lot of its appeal.There is a lot to be said for people to use this as an opportunity to buy their new car, i.e. what is now the old model, as soon as the new model is introduced. As soon as the new model comes out, the dealership will have an inventory or stock of the old model that they will be keen or desperate get rid of. Anyone who understands the mechanics or finances of buying a new car will appreciate that a buyer has considerable leverage at this point. There is also another really good reason for doing this. When any manufacturer introduces a new model there is an obvious sense of excitement, but there can also be teething problems that may take a while to iron out. This is most obviously seen in the software industry, where it is often a really good idea to wait a year or two before buying a new computer or upgrading to a new operating system simply because it takes a bit of time to deal with any problems or bugs there may be. This applies also very much to the car/auto industry where it can take a certain amount of time for a model to stabilise and become embedded in the manufacturers portfolio of vehicles. It is also worth being aware that if a dealership has stock that they need to get rid at any given time they will offer significant savings through various inducements, loyalty offers and incentives to buy. These may or may not run in conjunction with a new model being produced, but they will also have certain specific times of year when they need to free up their stock. These times of year are normally opportunities for great savings. Car Buying Tips - When to Buy a New Car Automotive from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/2nt26wg via IFTTT

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Why Is Honda City the Best Car of the Year?

One of the most popular cars in India, is also the best car of the year. This car has recently been endowed with a diesel engine and also several changes to this car. Here are 10 important things about the new which makes it one of the best cars on Indian roads: 1. Start: The version that we see at present is actually the fourth generation of the Honda City sedan. It was first introduced in the year 1996 with its second generation being launched in 2002 and the third in 2008. The fourth generation was launched in 2014 when the new Honda City was rewarded with a diesel engine. 2. Fuel efficiency: The new Honda City is one of the most fuel economic cars in India. Its 1.5 litre I-DTEC diesel engine is claimed to offer 26 kmpl, which makes it the second most fuel efficient car in the category. 3. Interiors: Talking about the cabin, the latest model of the Honda City is pretty different from the earlier models. The finish is of improved quality and the instrument cluster looks improved than ever. 4. Great features: The new model is packed in with features such as Bluetooth connectivity, powered ORVMs, keyless push-button start, rear parking camera, bottle holders, storage cubicles, ABS, airbags for front passengers, a sunroof, and info-rich instrument panel. 5. Space: The space provided by the new generation is the same. Its dimensions are nearly the same except for its wheelbase which is now a bit greater than the last version, thereby adding more comfort level on the inside. 6. Under the hood: The new generation Honda City is driven by the 1.5 litre petrol and diesel units. Both the engines are highly fuel efficient. The petrol engine is of the same configuration and delivers same output as the previous model, the diesel engine, on the other hand, produces 98 bhp of output. 7. Transmission systems: Honda has offered two transmission options with this car. The models driven by oil burners come with a 6 speed manual transmission. The petrol variants are available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. 8. Trim models: Each variant has been offered with three trims - the E, the S, and the V. The base model is the E variant that does not come with all the features and equipments. The other two trims come equipped with several features and gadgets.   9. Price tag: The new Honda City is loaded with many more equipments and offers more space than the earlier versions. The pricing is attractive and promises great value for the money. The Honda City on road price starts with INR 8.93 lakh in Delhi and goes up to 13.82 lakh. 10. Availability: Honda offers a very well connected dealership network in India. By using their dealer locator tool it is easy to book yourself a test drive for the all new Honda City.

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Parking Tips And Tricks To Help Ease Your Parking Problems

Cities feature complex spatial structures. The complexity increases with the city size and also is the main reason for disruptions. The transport system efficiency causes congestion in plaguing cities. Thus the main urban problem relates to the parking issue. Parking problems happen owing to the well-known fact which is lack of space. Illegal parking is a big menace hindering businesses. In this way, customers are incapable of parking vehicles and thus results in heavy congestion. Nevertheless, parking is a serious matter, especially if you are driving your personal vehicle and this is a responsibility as you have to look for parking space. Here are a few tips that help · Check if all the doors of your car are locked and also do not forget to switch-off the head lights and the air conditioner. If you keep the headlights on and walk away, the battery is sure to get drained off and on your return starting your car becomes a problem. · Look for brightly lit areas for parking so that your car is safe. Keep away from narrow lanes. in case you park under a tree, bear in mind the tree must be small and should be able to withstand storm or wind. · Airport parking is no less than a gamble. if you have to catch a flight and if you are going in a car, all the way your mind is occupied with worry, if there will place to park and above all when you return will the belongings and the care be in the right place. · Airport parking has everything one may ever expect for. They offer customer service amenities and thus permit any traveler to park and fly peacefully. There are nearby places adjacent to the terminals to park towards the off-site. It is referred to as MDW; you can look for this booking online when you are in a rental car or even on a flight. · Some services offered include pre-booking online service to log on and assure a parking spot with a mouse click. Airport parking provides essential airport services such as affordable short and long-term parking, luggage assistance, secured lots offering surveillance of 24 hour, free shuttle services, discounted rates and also offers the option to leave your keys behind such that it will be picked up and upon arrival will be driven to you. Parking Tips And Tricks To Help Ease Your Parking Problems Automotive from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/2mIgjAS via IFTTT

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5 Tips to Fit Meditation Into Your Life Each Day

Believe it or not, Meditation is not a complicated practice. Kids can meditate as well as adults. You do not have to have a certain surrounding, social training, ethnic background or group to profit from reflection. The ancient spiritual practice provides itself to multiple benefits, favorably enhancing how you function psychologically as well as physically. Since people have such busy lives, it may seem difficult to work time for meditation into your everyday life. It is easier than you think. The following tips will certainly help you have time each day to relax your mind, concentrate on the "present", and enjoy the many positive effects of meditation. 1. Try to find Time Gaps Even the busiest individuals have 10 to 15 minute empty spots in their days. So do you. Start checking out your regular daily schedule. You can probably find at least one, if not more, spots in your day where you can use the time differently. Take advantage of this time to meditate as well as provide a mental reset. 2. Don't Worry About Having the Typical Meditation Experience You don't have to be on a pillow on the floor seated in the lotus position, the room full of lavender scent and mystical music. Meditation can happen in the drive-through, while doing laundry, or when you are sitting in your car waiting for the kids to get out of school. 3. Meditate Just Before Going to Bed or Waking Up If you are like most of us, you use the time before going to bed watching television, checking Facebook or some other less important activity. Swap out at least 15 minutes of that time to use for meditating. In fact, you could go to bed 15 minutes early and simply meditate just before drifting off to sleep. Another option is to set your alarm 15 minutes earlier and use that time to meditate and start your day on a positive note. 4. Make an Appointment with Yourself When you focus on something by putting it on your calendar, you improve the odds of getting it done. Because our minds like lists of things to do you can help yourself by scheduling a regular time each day for meditation. It doesn't matter if you use a paper planner, online calendar or your phone. What matter is that you schedule it in and set a reminder so you receive a little motivation to take the time to meditate. 5. Make it a Part of Your Exercise Routine Do you take your dog on a walk each day? Do you jog, walk, bike, swim or do some other physical activity every day? If so, combine your meditation with your workout. Meditation does not necessarily mean you need to close your eyes and shut out everything. You can use the time while exercising to focus your mind on the present. 5 Tips to Fit Meditation Into Your Life Each Day from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/2j9324e via IFTTT

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Choosing New Windows and Doors

When you think about new windows and doors, what do you think of first? Which aspects of new windows and doors are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? With the increase of energy prices going through the roof consumers are looking for new and more innovative ways to save money. The replacement of old and worn out windows and doors are one of the many ideas on the list. Thanks to new technological improvements in energy efficiency and design plans, new windows and doors can help reduce energy bills dramatically while improving the look and comfort of a room or entire house. New windows can become the defining centerpiece of any room, especially kitchens and bathrooms in dire need of a new look. Windows and doors containing windows, or even a whole wall of new windows will spice up the drabbest of interiors. Window improvements to a kitchen or bath room can result in a major improvement in terms of a fresh new look and feel to an older home. When making your decisions about the many window upgrades it's important to not only consider aesthetics but also practical issues such as, security, ventilation, easy of cleaning and the right placements. With all the newest designs that can be found today, windows and doors can provide added peace and quiet for active homeowners. Double or triple pane windows provide greater sound proofing benefits, not to mention improved energy-efficiency, as compared with older single-pane windows. Another major contributing factor is the ease of cleaning a window without a lot of hassle. It's nice to have the convenience of virtually maintenance free windows such as the aluminum clad exteriors, durable fiberglass composite products, vinyl and other pre-finished exterior and interior windows, which eliminate the need for painting and scraping. There are even self cleaning windows. These self cleaning windows contain a special formulated glass coating that helps break down organic material that washes away in the rain leaving the glass virtually spotless. People may also want larger windows and more expanded views from their kitchen sink. The awning or bay style windows allow for an expanded view, without a post or column in the middle of the window. Another very popular choice is the over the sink casement window that is easier to open and close do to the convenience of a fold away crank, providing an unobstructed view. Other popular features with the newer windows are the shade between the glass concept and the sliding roll up screens that offer a visually clean, clutter-free look for the window. With these styles, the blinds are sandwiched neatly between the panes of glass, which means no cleaning! The slide-up-screens simply are track mounted on the inside of the frame allowing the user to slide the screen up and out of site when not needed. Choosing New Windows and Doors Doors, Home, Windows from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1Su6To6 via IFTTT

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Simple 5-Step Plan for Healthy Exercise

When it comes to exercise and "working out", there's much to choose from, and much to be confused by! One critical concept we must never forget is that "Motion is Life". Our bodies love to move, and our brains thrive on movement. This is about physiology and function, not weight loss and the size of your jeans. When we move our bodies, especially when we fully move key areas like our spine and hip joints, a very powerful stimulus known as proprioception is generated. This is movement neurology. Proprioception is fuel for the brain. Yes, your brain, and everything it's involved with, functions better when it's receiving sufficient proprioceptive input. So, we need to move. Get it? OK, but, "how?" Here's a very simple overview of how to make motion a very regular part of your healthy lifestyle. If you're training for the CrossFit Games, or an ultra-marathon, well then, this list probably won't cut it for you! This if for the rest of us who just want to feel good, look good, and "function good". 5 Ways to Incorporate Movement in Your Life: 1. On a daily basis, do some type of easy, low-intensity, steady-state movement. The goal here is not to reach your maximum heart rate or burn a certain number of calories. It's to move in an easy way, generate some brain food, stimulate your joint receptors, de-stress, etc. Walking is ideal for this type of regular movement. Humans have walked since, well, since we were humans! We should be able to walk, safely, with good posture, and good balance, throughout our entire lives. If you can do so while keeping your heart rate in a nice, low, non-stressed range, then easy jogging, cycling, swimming, stand up paddling, kayaking, etc. can be nice, easy, steady-state movements for you, too. 2. Once or twice each week, add some "bursts" to your cardio-type exercise for "training" purposes. This challenges your body in a different way, more effectively trains your cardiovascular system than old-school cardio, and improves your overall metabolic efficiency, thereby helping you burn excess fat more easily. Examples here are sprinting, hill running, and bursts of "sprints" while doing just about any other type of cardio exercise - cycling, stand up paddling, rowing, and even on some cardio machines, like the treadmill and elliptical. When you're doing this for training purposes, the work out itself is brief. For example, you may do ten 100 meter sprints with a minute of walking in between and be finished with that workout in 15 minutes, including your warm-up. Another way to incorporate the concept of "bursts" is to play certain sports that are inherently based on bursts of activity followed by short recovery periods: soccer, hockey, basketball, football, tennis and other racquet sports, and so on. 3. Two or three times each week, lift heavy things. Yes, this means do some resistance training. Join a gym, hire a trainer, take a boot camp, or do it at home. Nowadays, you really don't 'need' to join a gym, unless that floats your boat. There are many fantastic choices readily available now to help you get a great work out in at home. When you challenge your muscles by moving through some full range of motion (functional movement patterns) with some added resistance, you create lean muscle mass (not bulk) that helps you burn fat more effectively... and look better, more fit, and more toned. It also helps your posture, balance, and protects your bones for years to come. 4. On a daily basis, do something that challenges your body to move outside its 'rigid' comfort zone! In other words, stretch regularly, do some "spinal hygiene" exercises (stretch and bend in a way that moves all 24 of your vertebrae!), and postural exercises. I'd also recommend adding like yoga on a regular basis. When it comes to movement (and flexibility) the saying "use it or lose it" is really quite accurate! 5. Play. In addition to your "work outs" and "training", add plenty of fun things to complete the picture of a healthy, active lifestyle. There are countless examples. Any type of active play with your kids is an excellent place to start: bike rides, jumping on a trampoline, swimming, playing catch, hula-hooping, jump rope, going tubing, etc. Maybe you enjoy playing golf, or skiing, or hiking, or white water rafting, or skate boarding, or surfing, or mountain climbing... whatever it is you do for fun! It's all good! There are plenty of fun ways to incorporate movement into your lifestyle. So, there it is. An easy overview of how you can incorporate a variety of movement into your life and create a healthier, happier brain in the process! Simple 5-Step Plan for Healthy Exercise Exercise, Fitness, Health, Nutrition from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/23CLXDH via IFTTT

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The Five Biggest Mistakes We Make When Choosing Paint Colors

There's a lot of fear over choosing wall colors, and a lot of it comes from errors in procedure. The following is a list of the five biggest mistakes people make when choosing paint colors. I hope that by avoiding these mistakes you'll enjoy much happier results! Mistake #1: Paint the room first, purchase furnishings later. There's this urge to put a nice fresh coat of paint on everything, then go out and pick out furnishings. If it makes you feel better to freshen up, then do the repair work needed, fill cracks and repair moldings, then put on a coat of primer. Don't make any color decisions yet. You need the freedom to choose the fabrics you want without self-imposed restrictions. Paint colors are limitless, but fabric colors are not. Paint colors should be chosen later. Mistake #2: Make Mine Vanilla Rooms conceived in fear never get off the ground. There is nothing wrong with white walls when walls of white are called for. But there is everything wrong with white walls when they end up white due to fear of making a commitment. Think about how irrational this (common) fear is. But, when you throw in that bold stroke, you look like a genius. Wimp out, and your room will, too. Mistake #3: All woodwork should be painted pure white. Look at a color card of white paints, and you might be surprised to see that there are dozens of colors, classified as white, that range from ivory to cream, to bone, to oyster, to outright yellow or gray. Pure optical whites (such as the color of sugar or the inside of your refrigerator) produce a very harsh effect against most wall colors. A creamy white trim (such as Benjamin Moore's classic Linen White) enhances wall colors. The deeper the wall color is, the deeper the "white" trim can be. For instance, if you decide on a deep taupe for your walls, try a trim color in an eggshell tone. It will look "white" by contrast to the wall color, but will round out and complement the color rather than put a glare on it. Mistake #4: Always paint the ceiling the same white as the moldings. Your house painter will do this as a matter of routine. He/she is paid to paint, not to determine the aesthetics of your room. Many factors come into play when choosing paint colors for the ceiling. There are many choices, depending on the room and the effect you are trying to achieve. But in general terms think of your ceiling as the fifth wall. Consider mixing some of the wall color into your trim color to create a tint, and paint that tint on the ceiling. This will give you a much softer effect than the sharp contrast of a white ceiling. This looks particularly good when there is a crown molding painted in the lighter trim color. Mistake#5: Choosing paint colors from the color card, buying the paint, and painting the room. Many of us are very impatient. Many of us have no idea how shockingly different the color on the paint card will look once on your wall. I am constantly surprised, although I am faced with this over and over. Here are the facts. Any given paint color will look different in every room. It looks different on the chip than it will once it is on your wall. The light hits your walls in a totally unique way. Especially if you are the impatient type, consider this practical advice: Good painters are expensive. Even if you are doing it yourself, paint is not cheap, and your time is worth something. Do yourself a favor and save great expense and disappointment. TEST at least three colors on your wall, against the trim colors, before choosing paint colors for the wall. Make large patches, at least 2'X2'. Have fabric swatches in hand when viewing them. Look at the test colors in the morning light, and again in the evening, to be sure you are happy with both daylight and evening effects. Try different trim "whites" until you find the one that best enhances your chosen wall color. Then, and only then, purchase your paint and get busy. Once you go though this process you can be sure you'll really enjoy your room for many years to come. The Five Biggest Mistakes We Make When Choosing Paint Colors Colors, Decorating, Design, Paint from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1QcIvTA via IFTTT

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How to Relax Your Mind and Reduce the Stress of Day to Day Living

Ultimately, we all have the power to choose how we are going to react to day to day stresses. We do indeed have the ability to minimize the negative effects of stress merely by our conscious attitude toward the source of our stress. But until we have mastered control over our thought patterns, there are physical and mental exercises that will mitigate the damaging effects of stress. The following methods will show you just how to relax your mind and body and reduce the stress of day to day living. It's no secret that we are all living with too much stress: our economy, cost of living, health issues, tensions at the office, relationship tensions, and the news media. Just never listening to the news, in itself would be therapeutic and would contribute greatly to our peace of mind and well being. But alas, we all succumb to curiosity and we think we need to know what is happening. So we listen and we read. These are all things that are part of life and can't be avoided. The good news is that there is much we can do to alleviate some of this wear and tear on our psyches and bodies. You can learn how to relax your mind. We don't have to be ravaged by life! These days most of us, in practically all of our everyday activities, are driving with the brakes on. The worst part is, we are not even consciously aware that the brakes are in use, nor that the severe loss of energy from our clenched jaw or other constricted muscles results in serious physical and mental fatigue. Tension is wasted effort, a drain on the adrenals, and a squandering of energy into tasks that should be done automatically. A good example of this is the speaker who tries too hard to speak correctly and starts to stutter and becomes tongue-tied. Tension (the brakes) becomes an unconscious habit. That habit spells the end of relaxation, and is fertile ground for stress-related maladies. Knowing how to relax your mind takes practice and diligence. The mind/body connection here is indisputable. In order to relax your mind you must relax your body. According to the tenets of Hatha Yoga, in order to relax the body, paradoxically, we must first produce more tension, this time conscious tension. Here is one of the best "exercises" for relieving tension: Lie flat on the floor, arms at your side. A series of long, slow breaths (in and hold, out and hold), will help to begin the process of relaxation. Inhale deeply, and each time you exhale, feel your spine melt a little deeper into the floor. Feel your muscles let go. But as we said, in order to relax one must first produce more tension. Start with your left leg. Tense all its muscles - the calf, the thigh, the buttocks - as tightly as you can. Squeeze hard. Harder. Then let go. Relax totally and let your leg "disappear" until you can't feel it anymore. Repeat the process with your right leg. Continue, tensing and releasing your left arm, then your right, your abdomen, your face, until your whole body seems to have "disappeared". Continue lying there, breathing, floating on air, as long as you like. Relax your body. Relax your mind and let the stress float away. As you go through the day observe tension in your body. Do you have the "nervous habit" of fidgeting with your hands? Do you clench them? Do you scrunch up your face or furrow your brow? Do you wiggle your foot? This is nervous tension sending fight or flight signals to the body. Not as innocent as we might think, this tension taxes the adrenal glands and stresses the nervous system. Learn to stay conscious of these signs of stress. When the hands are tense the whole body is geared for action. Learning to relax your hands when you are under pressure will give you a feeling of relief and mastery. The rest of your body will eventually get the message and relaxation will become your new habit. Breathing is key to body relaxation. Anxiety has taken most of us by the throat. We hardly dare to breathe deeply anymore, and our breathing has become shallow. Breathing deeply is as important as eating lunch. When you take your lunch break, also take five minutes to inhale deep, slow, belly breaths. Fill your belly with fresh air. Hold the breath in, then exhale slowly. Hold the air out for several seconds. Repeat this process at least five times. Let deep breathing become a habit. It slows the heart rate, relaxes the muscles and clears the mind. This is an excellent technique for how to relax your mind and reduce stress. The workplace is stress's playground. People are bombarded with stress related challenges at work. Give yourself a break and be sure that the chair you sit in is ergonomically designed to properly align your body and prevent unnecessary tension on muscles and joints. Sitting in a chair that has been engineered for human activity and the human body is more essential that most people realize. And it's not just physical. It also affects how oxygen is being absorbed by your brain cells, which has to do with how well you are able to think. During your work day, take time to walk around the office in hourly intervals and if possible get out into some fresh air several times a day. Finally, practice smiling. There is a mind/body connection with the smile. It announces to the body that all is well, which then sends a message to the brain that all is well. And, this also sends a message to your colleagues that all is well, so that they will in turn smile and be better, healthier and happier, too. A simple smile is one superb method for how to relax your mind and reduce stress. How to Relax Your Mind and Reduce the Stress of Day to Day Living Body, Fitness, Health, Mind, Relax, Spirit, Stress from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1VqCJ8w via IFTTT

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You Only Get One Body

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." (Jim Rohn) Unlike hermit crabs, we can't discard our body and find a bigger, better one to move into...so it's vital to acknowledge the body's needs and provide for it. The body provides us with constant feedback on what it likes and doesn't like. If you've ever eaten too much and felt overly full and uncomfortable, then you know what it feels like when your body received too much fuel. If you've ever had an upset stomach after eating something particularly unhealthy, then you know what it feels like when the body tells you "no thanks - I don't want that". The big question is, "Are you listening to it and responding to its feedback?" In my experience, sometimes my body is smarter than I am! It remembers it doesn't like dairy, but sometimes my mind has a way of "forgetting" about that when a delicious ice cream is in front of me. It's only later when my body is complaining and making me physically uncomfortable, that my mind says, "Oh yeah, why didn't I remember not to eat dairy? I know it doesn't sit well in my stomach." So many of us take our body for granted, assuming we can feed it whatever we like, without consequences. And when we're young, our bodies tend to tolerate this abuse with good nature. But for most of us, as we age our bodies are no longer able to process volumes of food, or certain types of food. And so at some point, we are forced to listen. But why wait until then? I encourage you to start now - to begin listening and honoring your body's needs. By doing so, you'll be in sync with your physical nature, and your body can focus its attention and energies on other processes, like disease prevention, promotion of health, etc. Listening to your body is also a form of gratitude - giving thanks to it for its years of service, its autonomic functions (like breathing for you even when you're not thinking about it), and for "taking out the trash" every day for you. Thich Nhat Hanh said, "Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos - the trees, the clouds, everything." Your body is one tiny part of the cosmos, and by keeping it healthy you contribute to the flow of life. Know that your body is more than a mere vehicle for your spirit to ride around in on this earthly plane - your body has its own consciousness. Begin to listen to its knowing and become responsive to its needs, and it will provide you with unconditional, loving service in return. You Only Get One Body Body, Fitness, Health from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1Q5383W via IFTTT

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Choose the Right Gym

Fall is here and as anyone from the Midwest knows, it doesn't last long. That means our outdoor workout regimens will soon have to be shelved for the next five to six months (at least that's the case here in the frozen tundra). Wisconsin winters don't offer a great deal of outdoor workout opportunities. So now we have to look indoors to get our exercise fix. For some of us our home gym will provide the necessities for our winter workouts. I am a big proponent of working out at home, however, home workouts are not for everyone. Some of us need the amenities and motivation that a gym or health club offer. For those who don't want to go the home workout route or just don't have the space, this time of year forces us to focus on joining a gym. So let's look at some of the criteria that should be considered when looking into joining a gym. Cost. Times are tight right now. With an economy that seems to spiral ever downward, cost often becomes the main concern when signing up for any type of membership. Many gyms will reduce the price for an annual membership but be certain you are comfortable with the gym before jumping into a year-long contract. Free trial period. Many gyms today offer a free trial period. A trial period allows you the opportunity to try out the equipment, talk to the staff, and see if you are comfortable training in that gym's environment. Take advantage of this option and try before you buy. Travel time. If it takes 30 minutes to drive to the gym how often are you going to make that trip? If your workout time is limited (like it is for just about everyone) you don't want to spend an hour just getting to and from the gym. Look for a gym that's less than 15 minutes from home or no more than 15 minutes out your way to and from work. Make sure that the travel time isn't going to be the deciding factor in whether or not you work out. Hours of operation. There are more and more 24-hour fitness clubs opening all the time. Jobs are no longer nine to five. Many people have to work long days or nighttime shifts. Be certain that the gym is going to be open during the hours you are most likely get in a workout. Equipment. Big box, commercial gyms usually have more equipment than you can use and definitely a bunch of equipment you don't need. Make sure that, regardless of the size of the facility, it has adequate equipment to meet your fitness needs. Fitness professional on hand. If you are a novice to exercise you will need a fitness professional to help guide you though your workouts. A session or two with a personal trainer or fitness coach may be all you need. Be certain that there are resources in place so that you can get the most out of your time in the gym. Environment. The atmosphere in public gyms and health clubs can vary a great deal. Some gyms may be too hardcore for the fitness newbie. If the gym is full of bodybuilders lifting ten plates and screaming obscenities, the average Joe trying to get into shape may be a little intimidated. On the other hand, if you are an experienced fitness enthusiast you may not want a health club that is really more of a social club. Make sure the environment fits your fitness level and personality. There are an estimated 29,000 fitness facilities in the U.S. Most people have multiple choices of gyms near their home or office. Choosing the right one can have a huge impact on whether or not you meet your fitness goals. Do your homework and find the right gym for you. Choose the Right Gym Fitness, Gym, Health from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1oNxIZD via IFTTT

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A Better Way to Warm Up

We have all grown up with the warmup consisting of a light jog followed by some static stretching. In many cases, if we were hitting the gym for a lift, we didn't really warm up at all. At most, we just do a couple light sets of whatever our first exercise might be. But is this enough to prepare our bodies for a workout? Let's look at a better way to prepare our bodies for a workout. A dynamic or active warmup is a series of continuous movements designed to loosen and warm up the body before working out. What exactly does a dynamic warmup do for our bodies? 1. Stimulates the entire nervous system. This stimulation enhances our coordination and motor function. The warmup gives our bodies a wake up call and tells it that we are about to put it through a workout. 2. Increases the temperature of our bodies, specifically our muscles. Raising your core temperature several degrees before a workout ensures that our bodies are loose and allows the muscles to react more efficiently when we put a higher demand on them. 3. Lengthens the fascia surrounding our muscles. This is also important to achieving maximum effort during our workouts and reduces the damage to the fascia during resistance training. 4. Lubricates the joints. An active, high energy warmup gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing. This helps to lubricate the joints and prepare them for more strenuous work. 5. Prepares us mentally. Maybe the most important factor of any warmup is the mental preparation. With a more active warmup we are forced to focus on the task at hand and it sets the proper state of mind for our workout. So how do we do a dynamic warmup? The idea is to include exercises that hit all the major muscle groups. Here is a list of various muscle groups and some of the exercises to perform in the dynamic warmup. Quads and Hamstrings - High Knees, Butt Kicks, Lunge Reach, Power Jumps, Quad Walks, Overhead Squats, Frankenstein Walks Glutes and Hips - Knee Hugs, Long Back Pedal, Gate Swings, Forward and Backward Hip Circles, Carioca, Glute Bridges. Ankles and Calves - Pogo Jumps, Ankle Flips, Jumping Jacks, In and Outs. Chest and Shoulders - Inchworm, Scapula Push-ups, Forward and Backward Arm Circles, Arm Scissors. Choose two or three from each of these groups and then perform one set of 10-15 repetitions for each exercise. Start with a slow pace and gradually build up the intensity, resting less and less between each of the exercises. When you are finished you should have a pretty good sweat going and will be nice and loose for your workout. Here are two more tips for your warmup. First, dress in layers for your workout. Make sure you start with a long sleeve shirt or even a sweatshirt over top of a t-shirt or a tank. This will help speed up the warming of your core temperature and also the warming of the muscles. Second, if you finish your warmup and any muscles still feel tight, then do some static stretching and get on a foam roller to message out the soreness. This can greatly affect how you feel and decrease the recovery time needed between workouts. The lap around the track with a static stretch takes too long and will not produce the warming effect of the dynamic warmup. Try a better way to warm up. Use the dynamic warmup and prepare your body and mind prior to your next workout. A Better Way to Warm Up Exercise, Fitness, Health from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1qgjVMr via IFTTT

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4 Benefits of a Morning Run and How to Keep It Up

Starting the day can be very difficult for most people, including Qataris and expats. Who wouldn't love to just stay in a comfy bed? Unfortunately, for most of us, we have to start the day, and start it early. That's why it's so difficult for lots of people to schedule their runs in the morning. However, a morning run can be a good idea, even if you are not a morning person. If you can manage to squeeze in an early run in your schedule, you'll be sure to get the 4 benefits of a morning run. Wakes up your system. Most people grab a cup of strong coffee to wake them up during the wee hours of the morning. But a run can replace that coffee boost, and the effects are more widespread and can last longer. A morning run can jumpstart your body and keep it alert for the rest of the day because of hormones like adrenaline. Muscles are warmed up and ready to go, while you experience mental sharpness. Running in a scenic area also acts as a natural visual stimulant. If you're lucky enough to get some early morning sunshine, not only will you get a Vitamin D boost, you'll feel more energized. Can a cup of cappuccino do that? Elevates your metabolism. If you run to lose weight, then an early morning run is a great way to trim the pounds. Scientific studies show that if you start your exercise early, your metabolism gets revved up allowing you to burn more calories during the run. But the best part is, since your metabolism has peaked so early, it will continue to burn calories at a heightened rate even when you're at a resting pace for the remainder of the morning. So when you eat a post run meal and lunch, your body gets replenished with nutrients, but still continues to burn extra pounds. Starts a routine but gives room for sudden urgent matters. A fitness routine can be difficult to maintain, but if you start it early in your day it becomes a lot easier. You'll sustain a good habit because it's one of the first things you do to start your day. You learn to develop a sense of discipline by sticking to your morning run ritual. Another benefit is even if an urgent matter crops up during the day, you can still run and just displace other less important aspects of your day. Deeper, more restful sleep. If you suffer from restless nights a morning run can help you ease the situation. Obviously, a morning run requires you to wake up early. As you start your day early and go about the rest, by the end of the day you will feel natural fatigue to help you get quality sleep. This is compared to a late evening run where you can still be left alert even if it's already time for bed. Okay, so you know a few of the benefits. What about the harder part of a morning run? Here's how to maintain the routine and a few other tips. Get ready before going to bed. Save time (and prevent being lazy) by getting your stuff ready before you go to sleep. Ready your running clothes and shoes so all you have to do is put them on in the morning and not pick them out. If you're still looking for running gear, technical clothes and Reebok running shoes are a good running combo. You can get them at your favorite online shop. Set up an alarm far, far away. Obviously, waking up is the hardest part. So force yourself to get out of bed by placing your alarm clock where you will be forced to get up, walk and shut it off. This way, you really get to move and won't be tempted to hit the snooze button. Drink and eat up. During sleep, your body does not get a regular supply of fluids, leaving it dehydrated. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Eat a light, small meal high in carbs, low in fat and has a moderate amount of protein for pre-run meal. For example, oatmeal, eggs on whole wheat toast and cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt with berries and almonds are good choices. Move! Once you stop, like to check your social media feed, you'll lose momentum to get out and run. So keep moving after you wake up. A five to 10-minute warm up can help avoid stiff muscles, so don't forget that part. 4 Benefits of a Morning Run and How to Keep It Up Benefits, Metabolism, Run from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1qwD650 via IFTTT

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5 Healthy Ingredients You Can Start Using Right Now

Most of us at any given point in our lives, have tried to be on a diet. Cutting off the things we love - junk food, alcohol or sugar and sticking to the new 'it-diet'. There always seems to be something more promising in the market, on the web - that guarantees a fitter, healthier you. But what if you could be on any diet you like? And only had to add a few ingredients to make it healthier? Well, read on. Below is a list of ingredients with their benefits how to incorporate them in your diet. These can be used everyday; regardless of the sort of cuisine you're eating. Get that extra boost of health you need! 1. Cinnamon This is a miracle spice. It smells great, is easy to use and has a multitude of benefits. Cinnamon not only helps with irritable digestion, it helps lower the risk of type II diabetes. Since regular use of this ingredient helps lower insulin levels in the body, it's also known to assist in weight loss. Talk about healthy! How to use: Sprinkle cinnamon powder over a bowl of cereal or mixed fruits with yogurt. For a more enriched experience, you can brew tea with whole cinnamon sticks. 2. Chia Seeds You might have already heard loads of nutritionists and/or health fanatics aggressively endorsing these kernels. So, what's the fuss about? Chia seeds come from Salvia Hispanica, which is a plant native to South America. Scarce in calories and high in fiber content, chia seeds are an excellent additive for weight loss and are appetite suppressants. They are also an excellent source of calcium, aiding in healthy bone development. To top it all off, studies have shown that chia seeds help fight heart diseases. What more could you ask for? How to use: The fun part is, because these seeds are nearly tasteless, these are easy to add to anything. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two in your salad, porridge or any dish or add them to your protein shake before working out for an extra boost! 3. Turmeric This bright yellow spice has positive effects on one's health as well as beauty. It has been used extensively in ancient Chinese and Indian medicine for its anti inflammatory properties. Moreover, it provides relief from joint pain if one is suffering from arthritis. Turmeric also helps prevent and fight cancer cells. Its uses don't just stop there; from fighting signs of aging to reducing dark spots on the skin, turmeric does it all! How to use: Put a teaspoon or two of this in your milk for easy consumption. Usually, turmeric is used in Indian curries as food coloring. Add a little turmeric to any curry or even a marinade. 4. Apple Cider Vinegar So this isn't the best tasting ingredient in the world, but after hearing about its benefits - you'll want to give it a shot. From killing bad breath to lowering cholesterol, this acid has wide ranging health benefits. It has also been known to lower blood sugar in the body. ACV aids in faster weight loss and prevents heart problems. How to use: Mix a few teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with honey and dilute in water. You can drink this everyday to reap its benefits! 5. Ghee (Clarified butter) Although one would not think animal fats for cooking would not be on that list, this is one oil that may come as a surprise. Ghee is rich in oil soluble vitamins - A, E. It helps keep the immune system strong and because of its nutrients, gives plenty of energy. Contrary to its counterparts, this oil helps in easy digestion. It is also known to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. How to use: Replace this with your regular oil while cooking. But use it sparingly. Although it is not proven, studies link heart diseases in men with excess consumption of ghee. So there you have it, stop reading and start using them now! 5 Healthy Ingredients You Can Start Using Right Now Fitness, Health, Nutrition from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/23ewmXj via IFTTT

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Are You a Positive Person?

Many people don't give a lot of thought to how much they focus on positive versus negative emotions. However, the way you balance these emotions has a tremendous impact on your life and those around you. Studies have shown that the average person is exposed to more positive emotions than negative emotions. The problem is we pay more attention to negative emotions (e.g frustration over the amount of traffic) and tend to overlook positive emotions (e.g a quick hug from your child). The way you balance your positive and negative emotions affects your relationships with your spouse, children, friends, co-workers, and just about everyone else you come into contact with. How Balanced Are You? Dr. Barbara Fredrickson is one of the leading experts in the study of positive psychology. She's even developed a mathematical formula to determine a person's positivity ratio (a measure of your positive compared to negative emotions). Based on Dr. Fredrickson's work, the secret to enjoying a happy and positive life is countering each negative emotion with thoughts of 3 positive events or emotions. This method is so simple, yet so powerful that it works for relationships, child raising, and even to create a strong, successful business environment. How Would You React To Some Spilled Milk? Your son knocks over his glass of milk and it spilled all over the kitchen floor. You know he already feels bad (negative emotion #1), but how do you respond? Do you add to the negativity count by pointing out the he should have been more careful (negative #2), complain that you need to clean the floor again (negative #3) and ask why he can't just sit still like his sister (negative #4)? Once the negativity ball starts rolling, it can be hard to stop. You just keep going down that negative spiral and drag everyone around you down it too. Instead, you can look at your son and say, "It's alright, it was only milk (positive #1). I know it was an accident (positive #2). I'm just glad the milk didn't ruin that beautiful picture you were coloring for me (positive #3). How easy was that? Instead of a day of fighting, bickering and bad moods, you can enjoy a fun day together creating even more positive memories. The same method can work in a meeting. Sometimes there's that one person who criticizes every idea and makes you feel like the meeting is a complete waste of time. You can turn that meeting around and create an open, engaging discussions. Ask open-ended questions and find out what Mr. Negativity thinks would be a good plan of action. Explore other people's ideas for improvement. Let the group know that the focus of the discussion is going to be brainstorming for solutions, not dwelling on past problems. How Do You Increase Your Positivity? It's really not that hard to create a more positive environment for yourself. The first big step is to stop hyper-focusing on every negative thought and feeling in your past. Decide to just let it go and move forward! The second important step is to stop imagining and predicting bad things in the future. Once those two stumbling blocks are out of your way, you are free to start focusing on all of the wonderful, positive things in your life. This doesn't mean you will be magically transport to a new world where death, illness, and hardship don't exist. Negative events actually play an important role in helping us to appreciate the good things in life. The trick is finding the proper balance in life. Smiling, laughing, and taking a deep breath are great ways to get started. Self-care has also been found to be a powerful tool, so take a walk, try a yoga class, enjoy a long hot shower, or explore a new hobby. Expand your joy to others by performing acts of kindness, focusing on who or what you are grateful for, or helping out with a local charity. When you focus on creating more positive events in your life, you open up your mind and spirit to all kinds of new and wonderful experiences. You might even find that you can't believe how you used to get so upset over silly, unimportant things like a little spilled milk. Are You a Positive Person? Balance, Emotions, Positive from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1RAy6X8 via IFTTT

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No Excuses - Exercise!

Whether it's an excuse to do something or to not do something, people use excuses all the time. Most of us use them more than we should. With regard to exercise, the list of excuses we put forth to avoid working out is staggering. Here are some of my favorites. I don't have enough time. Now this excuse is probably the most prevalent one for not exercising. Everyone is busy! That doesn't mean you can't make time for exercise. Ask yourself these questions, "How much time do I waste watching my favorite shows?" "How much time do I waste surfing the internet?" "How much time do I waste just vegging on the couch?" You don't need much time. In 15 to 20 minutes you can get a great workout in. You can't find the time. No one is going to give you the time. You have to make time. Make fitness a priority and you will make enough time to exercise. I'm too fat. Are you serious? Listen to yourself! If you think your too out of shape, what better reason could you have to start exercising? No one is too fat or too far gone to start making a change. If you're concerned for your health talk to your doctor. Get the okay from your doctor before starting any exercise. Then find a good, qualified personal trainer to get you started. Don't watch the infomercials for P90X or Insanity or whatever the latest exercise craze is. Start at a pace that is sustainable for you and not in a program you will drop after the first week. If you want to lose weight it takes hard work, but more than anything it requires a level of dedication. Be sure you can maintain the exercise program you choose and you will see success. I'm too tired. Well, most likely the reason you're too tired is because your not getting enough exercise. It may sound a bit backwards but exercise will actually give you more energy. Try working out first thing in the morning before you get to your busy day. Starting your day with a workout has several benefits. First, a morning workout will jumpstart your day and make feel more energetic. Second, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and frees up the rest of your day for other activities. Last, while you sleep your body is in fat burning mode. Starting your day with exercise will stoke that furnace and allow you to get more fat calories burned. If you're not a morning person, like me. Pick the time that you feel best during your day to work out. For some it may be early afternoon, for others it may be in the evening. Find what time works best for you. I don't like going to the gym. Not a gym rat, not a problem. Most people don't like going to the gym. That's okay. With a small amount of inexpensive equipment, such as a set of dumbbells, a resistance band, a swiss ball, and maybe a medicine ball, you can get in a great workout right in your own home. All you need is a small corner of the room. Even if you don't want to purchase equipment there are an endless number of bodyweight exercises you can do to get in an extensive full body workout. Exercise is boring. It doesn't have to be. Find an activity that you enjoy. Hiking, biking, swimming, golf (without the cart), tennis, and racquetball are all great activities to burn some calories. There are also endless cardio workouts and cardio classes including dance classes, aerobics classes and boot camps. Again, there is some form of fitness for everyone. Don't like working out alone? Find a workout buddy. Training with a partner is fun and gives a level of motivation on those days that you don't feel like exercising. It's amazing what a little peer pressure can do for a fitness program. I'm skinny and don't need to workout. But are you "skinny fat"? I'm talking about the person who looks good, even skinny in clothes, but still has a large percentage of body fat compared to muscle. Vegetarians who don't get enough protein-rich food often have this issue. The "Hollywood Image" can also lead to a skinny fat body. Specifically women, teens most of all, who want to look like that hollywood starlet, starve themselves and don't get enough exercise. Or, they pound the treadmill hour after hour each week and create imbalance in much-needed nutrients. What most people don't understand about nutrition and diet is that when the body is starved, it will cannibalize muscle before it burns fat. This is the body's defense mechanism against starvation. It saves the fat stores for last when it doesn't get the nutrients it needs. A skinny fat body can have just as many if not more health issues than an overweight body. The worst kind of excuses are the ones we make to ourselves. Why do we do that? I mean, we know why we do or do not want to do something. So why make excuses? Be honest with yourself and be straight forward with your reasoning. Make your health a priority and start making excuses TO workout. No Excuses - Exercise! Exercise, Fitness, Lose Fat, Lose Weight from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1MLwkCe via IFTTT

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The Best Organic Green Tea Nutrients

It is a Well-Known fact around the globe that green tea, especially organic green tea, is possibly one of the healthiest beverages available for consumption on a daily basis. Consuming at least two to three cups of green tea to positively affect one's health, both physically and mentally. It is derived from the Camellia sinensis shrub, the same shrub which provides black tea, white tea and oolong tea. 1. Zero calories: It is best when consumed with plain warm water, without the addition of any form of sweeteners. This method of consumption ensures that you are consuming a calorie-free beverage, thus cutting down on your daily intake of excess calories while keeping your body adequately hydrated. 2. Polyphenol content: It is naturally rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids and catechins. These nutrients are responsible for reduction of the formation of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are attributed towards ageing and in contributing towards a number of diseases. Consuming polyphenol-rich green tea on a daily basis thus protects the body from damage, even at the cellular and molecular levels. 3. Antioxidant power: It is the quintessential antioxidant powerhouse, providing more antioxidants per cup than any other beverage. It is particularly rich in the antioxidant compound Epigallocatechin Gallate, better known as EGCG. 4. Vitamins and Minerals: A rich source of manganese, It also contains other health boosting minerals such as zinc, selenium and chromium. It also contains good amounts of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamins B and B5, Vitamin H and Vitamin K. 5. Caffeine content: Although it does not contain as much caffeine as coffee, It contains enough amount of caffeine to stimulate the body without the jittery after-effects that coffee offers. Caffeine from green tea can improve one's mood, vigilance, memory and reaction time. 6. Amino acid storehouse: It is rich in the amino acid L-theanine which is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA which counteracts anxiety and its effects. Therefore, it is often recommended to lessen one's anxiety levels and to promote a sense of calmness and reduce stress levels. The theanine content is also attributed to increasing dopamine and alpha wave production in the brain. Recent studies have shown that the caffeine and theanine combination present in green tea have a sort of synergetic effect in the body, causing an improvement in the functioning of the brain. The Best Organic Green Tea Nutrients Calories, Minerals, Tea, Vitamins from 1Infobest http://ift.tt/1Mwud58 via IFTTT