Useful Web Find: 7 Ways to Boost your Brain

Here's another interesting article I found on the web. You can read it fully here.

I only score three out of the seven ways I can boost my brain. Gotta start doing the other four (often).

Exercise reverses brain aging.

Aerobic exercise boosts not only speed and sharpness of thought but also the volume of brain tissue. As little as 50 minutes of brisk walking 3 times a week was found to have this brain-expanding effect.

Tip: For an added boost, walk in the park: volunteers whose course took them through a tree-filled setting performed 20% better on memory and attention tests than those who walked downtown.

Google Often

When you search the Internet, you engage key centers in your brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning.

And these few clicks may be more mentally stimulating than reading. Internet searching uses neural circuitry that's not activated during reading--but only in people with prior Internet experience. MRI results showed almost 3 times more brain activity in regular Internet searchers than in first-timers, suggesting that repeated Googling can be a great way to build cognitive strength over time.

Tip: Spend around 20 minutes a few days a week searching topics you've always wanted to learn more about—regardless of how seemingly frivolous: Whether you're researching a celebrity's latest pratfalls or musical harmony, the benefits to your brain are the same.

Brush and Floss

Oral health is linked to brain health.

Gingivitis and periodontal disease were associated with worse cognitive function throughout adult life—not just in later years.

Tip: Follow your dentist's advice—floss daily and brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least once a day. 

Drink Sparingly

Limiting cocktails is beneficial for cognitive function.

Keep your alcohol consumption within the safe and healthful limit: no more than one drink a day. The more alcohol a person drinks, the smaller his or her total brain volume becomes, according to a recent study. The link between drinking and reduced brain volume was stronger in women—probably because smaller people are more susceptible to alcohol's effects.

Tip: If you like a glass of white wine with dinner, make a spritzer by replacing some of the wine with sparkling water. You'll cut your intake even more.

Pitiful Puppy

I am not that overly independent type of individual. Not too free but not feeling suffocated either. So, it's something that I am happy about and I feel blessed to be me.

As a person, we are given the freedom and it is up to us to do things in whatever way we want - knowing right from wrong that is. Yes, we need friends. As the cliché goes, "No man is an island". But do those so-called friends of yours help you to grow or just always have you at their beck and call? While you yourself, being loyal and sad to say stupid, agree to become a puppy. Wagging your tail and always following what the others do or tell you to do.

Where now is the freedom of that type of person who can't even stand on his own? Literally, he is free but an invisible leash is there and he's not even taking courage of doing anything about it. I've always wished those pitiful people find themselves and learn to do the things that really matter to them. Not what matters to their peers. Being your good self does not ensure acceptance in groups or decisions that are always correct, but at least you know in your heart that you made those decisions without relying and being influenced (most likely in a negative way) by other people whom you can't ever be sure how sincere they are to you.

Open your eyes wider and you'll realize that not everything you thought is as it seemed. It must not also be forgotten that those who stand by you during low points in your life are even more worthy to be treasured than those who are only most often present during happy times. And that true friends will always be happy at your accomplishments, never envious. Definitely not a leech. Genuinely concerned, supportive and will bring out the best in you. 

Choose your friends well. For the closer your friends are to you, the likely they are to be your worst nemeses should your relationship suddenly turn sour, God forbid.

 "A friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself." - Jim Morrison

Target Date

When did setting deadline begin? Perhaps when people realized no things are getting done, time seems to be running out and goals are slow at being achieved, etc. Even though time is not ours but of God, the more we should maximize it for the good. And sometimes when a wish to have a target date on something enters our mind, we pray that it is a time that God would also agree upon for it to happen.

Whenever we think we are in control or we want to control things our way, let us be reminded that it is God who is in control and pray for guidance. That would then leave no doubt in us for He always knows what's best for us. Our heart's desires fueled by perseverance, along with His blessings will surely come true. We just got to have a strong faith.

Can't Wait!

... until one long-time dream will come true.

Useful Web Find: Shortcuts to Getting Richer

Maybe not exactly rich just yet, but at least a guide to help you move forward at where you are financially... I found this true and motivating article on what you can do to be financially fit.

(Disclaimer: Modified as necessary for this post's purpose.)

TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE MORE OR SPEND LESS

1. Saving More

Problem: You want and should be able to save more, but it never seems to happen.

Solution: Take your discipline (or lack thereof) completely out of the equation by automating your savings. Save before you see the money by transferring it automatically from every paycheck into savings, either regular or retirement. If your employer can't make it happen, talk to your bank, broker, or mutual fund to schedule regular transfers to savings or investment accounts. Instead of trying to find the money every month, you set it once and watch the money pile up.

Not only is saving automatically more efficient, it's more effective. If you take the traditional approach—waiting until you've paid all your bills before saving what's left—there's often nothing left to save. There's a reason "pay yourself first" has been the mantra of the money-enlightened for decades: It works.

2. Paying Bills on Time

Problem: Forgetfulness leads to late bills, which leads to fees and potential damage to your credit score.

Solution: Most banks and credit unions offer automated bill payment you can set up online. Utilities and other companies offer this service too, and might waive convenience fees or offer discounts for the right to suck money directly from your account. If your monthly bills include debt payments, automatically pay more than the minimum to work off debts faster. Remember: Minimum payments are for losers.

Warning: Make sure you maintain a sufficient checking balance to auto-pay all your bills without over-drawing your account. If there's even a chance you might, set up an auto-transfer from savings or a credit line to cover any potential shortfall.

3. Creating a Budget

Problem: You see the advantage of budgeting, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of creating spreadsheets, then tracking and recording where your money's going.