Speed Reading Techniques, Exercises and Tips: Learn Faster and Achieve More by Improving Your Reading Speed and Comprehension, Michael Cobble, Digital Media Life, 2019
Everyone wants to be able to read faster and understand more of what they read. This book presents some easy ways to get there.
Try putting your finger, or a pencil, at the end of each line. Move it down the page at faster than your normal reading speed, forcing your eyes, and your comprehension, to keep up. Put a ruler under each line, and do the same. Try reading just the first, and last, sentences of each paragraph. Focus your eyes on the center of each line, and let your peripheral vision read the rest of each line.
Another possibility is to read the first full line of the page, focus on the center of the line for the rest of the page, and then read the last full line of the page, like the letter "I." There are many exercises included, for when your eyes get tired or sore. Like any new skill, this will require lots of practice.
If it is not possible to become one of those people who can read an entire novel in less than one day, don't worry. Any increase in reading speed is automatically a good thing. This book is short, easy to read and very much worth checking out.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
Treadmill Called Life
Treadmill Called Life, Digital Nomads, Amazon Digital Services, 2019
Set in present-day Florida, this short novel is about a high school student named Cricket (her real name is Elise). She, and her parents, feel that her ticket to college is via a sports scholarship. Cricket's life now revolves around sports. If she isn't swimming, or playing basketball, she is involved in softball, or some other sport. If she isn't actually competing, she is at home, in the free-standing workout room that her parents built for her. Cricket is very diligent about not missing practice or competitions, but the word "prison" comes to mind.
Brady is another student at the same high school. His cavalier attitude toward education has gotten him expelled (for one prank too many). He is all about having fun with life. Brady and Cricket get together, and Brady begins to think that Cricket is special. Maybe it is time to start easing up on the pranks, and the getting in trouble. Brady convinces Cricket that occasionally skipping class, or skipping practice, is not the end of the world.
The police get involved, because, one night, Cricket's workout room burns to the ground. Brady has been arrested several times on various juvenile charges. An adult charge, like arson, will send him to jail for a long time. Cricket tries to confess, saying that she left a candle unattended. The police are not even close to accepting her story. Does Brady go to prison? Do Cricket and Brady start an official relationship?
On the positive side, this is an interesting tale about high school like that is worth checking out. On the negative side, this book really needs a trip, or another trip, to a proofreader whose native language is English.
Set in present-day Florida, this short novel is about a high school student named Cricket (her real name is Elise). She, and her parents, feel that her ticket to college is via a sports scholarship. Cricket's life now revolves around sports. If she isn't swimming, or playing basketball, she is involved in softball, or some other sport. If she isn't actually competing, she is at home, in the free-standing workout room that her parents built for her. Cricket is very diligent about not missing practice or competitions, but the word "prison" comes to mind.
Brady is another student at the same high school. His cavalier attitude toward education has gotten him expelled (for one prank too many). He is all about having fun with life. Brady and Cricket get together, and Brady begins to think that Cricket is special. Maybe it is time to start easing up on the pranks, and the getting in trouble. Brady convinces Cricket that occasionally skipping class, or skipping practice, is not the end of the world.
The police get involved, because, one night, Cricket's workout room burns to the ground. Brady has been arrested several times on various juvenile charges. An adult charge, like arson, will send him to jail for a long time. Cricket tries to confess, saying that she left a candle unattended. The police are not even close to accepting her story. Does Brady go to prison? Do Cricket and Brady start an official relationship?
On the positive side, this is an interesting tale about high school like that is worth checking out. On the negative side, this book really needs a trip, or another trip, to a proofreader whose native language is English.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Rough Justice
Rough Justice, LifeTree Publishing, 2019, Amazon Digital Services
Set in the present-day American South, April, a local investigative reporter, is working on a biography of Judge Trulock, a well-respected local judge. She brings Clay, a local private investigator, with her, and they find the judge dead. The Sheriff's Office is called.
April and Clay do some investigating on their own. Attention shifts to a man named Alden Mallory. He was on trial several years previously for allegedly beating his wife to death (it was not the first time). He was convicted on a lesser charge, and will be released in the next couple of months. Perhaps he is settling some old scores. April and Clay find evidence of jury and witness tampering.
Clay learns, through his "sources," that someone wants him dead. Perhaps Mallory is that someone; maybe Clay has gotten too close to the truth. Is the "bad guy" found? Do April and Clay survive until the end?
This is a very good story. Sometimes a person needs a good old fashioned, well done, present-day murder mystery. This is that mystery. But, this book also needs a trip, or another trip, to a proofreader whose native language is English.
Set in the present-day American South, April, a local investigative reporter, is working on a biography of Judge Trulock, a well-respected local judge. She brings Clay, a local private investigator, with her, and they find the judge dead. The Sheriff's Office is called.
April and Clay do some investigating on their own. Attention shifts to a man named Alden Mallory. He was on trial several years previously for allegedly beating his wife to death (it was not the first time). He was convicted on a lesser charge, and will be released in the next couple of months. Perhaps he is settling some old scores. April and Clay find evidence of jury and witness tampering.
Clay learns, through his "sources," that someone wants him dead. Perhaps Mallory is that someone; maybe Clay has gotten too close to the truth. Is the "bad guy" found? Do April and Clay survive until the end?
This is a very good story. Sometimes a person needs a good old fashioned, well done, present-day murder mystery. This is that mystery. But, this book also needs a trip, or another trip, to a proofreader whose native language is English.
Friday, December 13, 2019
The CEO Next Door
The CEO Next Door: How to Beat Sexism and Self-Doubt to Become a CEO, Daniela Palaez, Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2019
The number of women in senior positions in American corporations has slowly risen over the past few years, but there is still a long way to go. This book is for any woman with aspirations to occupy the CEO's office.
The first thing a woman should do is to look inside themselves and remove any self-doubt. How can anyone consider you worthy of being a CEO if you don't consider you worthy? In college, a degree in business or marketing, for instance, is simply going to be more valuable than a liberal arts degree.
Don't discount the importance of being on time and prepared, every day, for every meeting, especially if you are the one leading the meeting. For all other meetings, have some questions, or other contributions, ready. For years, women have been taught to keep their heads down and their mouths closed. It is time to ignore that "advice." Again, how can anyone consider you worthy of being CEO if you don't start showing them what you have between your ears?
As you ascend the corporate ladder, don't wait for other people to bring you more work; ask for more work. If you reach a concrete ceiling, not just a glass ceiling, move to some other company where there are better chances for upward mobility. Don't be afraid to ask another woman to be your mentor; be a mentor if a younger woman asks. Work-life balance is something that each woman has to work out for themselves. There is a fine line between promoting yourself and your accomplishments, and bragging. Last, but not least, network, network, network.
This is an excellent book. It is worth reading for all women, including those who just want a better job, but not rise all the way to the C-Suite. For those women who have their eyes on the CEO's office, here is the place to start.
The number of women in senior positions in American corporations has slowly risen over the past few years, but there is still a long way to go. This book is for any woman with aspirations to occupy the CEO's office.
The first thing a woman should do is to look inside themselves and remove any self-doubt. How can anyone consider you worthy of being a CEO if you don't consider you worthy? In college, a degree in business or marketing, for instance, is simply going to be more valuable than a liberal arts degree.
Don't discount the importance of being on time and prepared, every day, for every meeting, especially if you are the one leading the meeting. For all other meetings, have some questions, or other contributions, ready. For years, women have been taught to keep their heads down and their mouths closed. It is time to ignore that "advice." Again, how can anyone consider you worthy of being CEO if you don't start showing them what you have between your ears?
As you ascend the corporate ladder, don't wait for other people to bring you more work; ask for more work. If you reach a concrete ceiling, not just a glass ceiling, move to some other company where there are better chances for upward mobility. Don't be afraid to ask another woman to be your mentor; be a mentor if a younger woman asks. Work-life balance is something that each woman has to work out for themselves. There is a fine line between promoting yourself and your accomplishments, and bragging. Last, but not least, network, network, network.
This is an excellent book. It is worth reading for all women, including those who just want a better job, but not rise all the way to the C-Suite. For those women who have their eyes on the CEO's office, here is the place to start.
Haliden's Fire
Haliden's Fire, Chris Sendrowski, 2019, self-published
This fantasy novel takes place in the land of Alimane. Haliden Stroke is a well-known artist. The only hole in an otherwise good life is the loss of his love, Milane. Things quickly change, for the worst, because the Breath is coming.
Think of the Breath as a magical, continent-wide forest fire that destroys everything. Putting out the fire is not an option, so the only choice is to flee to the Block, a long way away. It is a giant wall of granite that was built several centuries ago, the last time the Breath made an appearance.
Haliden stops in his home village, and is nearly beheaded in retribution for a murder his father committed many years previously. Haliden agrees to take the village's venermin to the Block. It is a large chest that contains the village's institutional memory (seeds, documents, etc.). It is needed to rebuild the village after the Breath is done.
With a constantly changing group of companions, Haliden continues to the Block. The path goes through the town of Marigel, which was sealed off by a plague many years ago. Those who are left openly live in filth and raw sewage. Their attitude is one of No One Leaves This Town.
Haliden and companions, also carrying Marigel's venermin, finally reach the Block. Along with them are many desperate refugees, and veraxes, carnivorous beasts who love to eat humans. Is the front gate open to welcome everyone, or are guards posted at the gate, along with bows and arrows, with orders to kill everyone?
This is a really good thriller story that also looks at human nature in the face of disaster. Some people, like Haliden, want to stay alive, while others welcome, and worship, the fire. Yes, it is worth reading.
This fantasy novel takes place in the land of Alimane. Haliden Stroke is a well-known artist. The only hole in an otherwise good life is the loss of his love, Milane. Things quickly change, for the worst, because the Breath is coming.
Think of the Breath as a magical, continent-wide forest fire that destroys everything. Putting out the fire is not an option, so the only choice is to flee to the Block, a long way away. It is a giant wall of granite that was built several centuries ago, the last time the Breath made an appearance.
Haliden stops in his home village, and is nearly beheaded in retribution for a murder his father committed many years previously. Haliden agrees to take the village's venermin to the Block. It is a large chest that contains the village's institutional memory (seeds, documents, etc.). It is needed to rebuild the village after the Breath is done.
With a constantly changing group of companions, Haliden continues to the Block. The path goes through the town of Marigel, which was sealed off by a plague many years ago. Those who are left openly live in filth and raw sewage. Their attitude is one of No One Leaves This Town.
Haliden and companions, also carrying Marigel's venermin, finally reach the Block. Along with them are many desperate refugees, and veraxes, carnivorous beasts who love to eat humans. Is the front gate open to welcome everyone, or are guards posted at the gate, along with bows and arrows, with orders to kill everyone?
This is a really good thriller story that also looks at human nature in the face of disaster. Some people, like Haliden, want to stay alive, while others welcome, and worship, the fire. Yes, it is worth reading.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
DUAL 14-Day Detox
Dual 14-Day Detox: Complete With Tasty Recipes and Detox Tips, DUAL GmbH, Amazon Digital Services, 2018
What is detoxing? It is an attempt to live a healthier lifestyle by removing as many toxins as possible from the environment. Some toxins, like air or water pollution, cannot be easily removed by the average person. However, when it comes to food or personal hygiene products, it is very possible to reduce. or eliminate, such toxins. That's what this book is all about.
Greatly increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic items are preferred). Greatly reduce, or eliminate, your consumption of fried food, sugar and processed food (the typical American diet). This book specifies which foods are healthy, and why.
Try pronouncing some of the ingredients on a bottle of shampoo or body wash. Those chemicals are being absorbed, through the skin, into your body. Look for alternatives that have fewer, or pronounceable, ingredients. Consider making your own shampoo or body wash. That way, you know what is in it.
This is a short (less than 50 pages) and very good book. Even if a complete detox is not possible, any movement toward a healthier lifestyle is automatically a good thing. This works really well as an introduction to detoxing.
What is detoxing? It is an attempt to live a healthier lifestyle by removing as many toxins as possible from the environment. Some toxins, like air or water pollution, cannot be easily removed by the average person. However, when it comes to food or personal hygiene products, it is very possible to reduce. or eliminate, such toxins. That's what this book is all about.
Greatly increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic items are preferred). Greatly reduce, or eliminate, your consumption of fried food, sugar and processed food (the typical American diet). This book specifies which foods are healthy, and why.
Try pronouncing some of the ingredients on a bottle of shampoo or body wash. Those chemicals are being absorbed, through the skin, into your body. Look for alternatives that have fewer, or pronounceable, ingredients. Consider making your own shampoo or body wash. That way, you know what is in it.
This is a short (less than 50 pages) and very good book. Even if a complete detox is not possible, any movement toward a healthier lifestyle is automatically a good thing. This works really well as an introduction to detoxing.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Memory Improvement Guidebook
Memory Improvement Guidebook: Exercises and Techniques to Enhance Your Brain and Memory With Easy to Follow and Implement Examples, Michael Cobble, 2019, Digital Media Life
This short book presents some easy ways to improve one's brain and memory.
What sort of learner are you? Do you need to see it, hear it or do it before you learn it? If you are memorizing a long string of numbers or words, try bunching them together into groups of numbers, or phrases, instead of trying to memorize them individually.
The brain is like any other muscle; the more often it is used, the better it will function. Consider taking up daily puzzles, like sudoku or crossword puzzles. But don't do the same kind of puzzle every day; you brain will get bored. Try writing, or moving your computer mouse, with your non-dominant hand. Several apps are mentioned that do various kinds of brain training. Learning a new language will certainly engage your brain. Chewing gum can actually be good for your brain (!).
Physical or emotional stress is a normal part of daily life. A little bit of occasional stress is not a bad thing. Chronic, or continuous, stress is a bad thing. Find some way to let go of it, like with moderate exercise. Which sounds more doable, going for a walk a couple of times a week, or doing yoga or tai chi? Don't forget the need to eat right, drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep. The book gives details about Good and Bad foods.
The book also contains several other, more specific, memory techniques. It is an interesting book that is good for anyone from any walk of life. But, the book loses half a ratings star because parts of it needed a trip, or another trip, to a proofreader. There were also problems with the layout. It is still well worth reading for everyone.
This short book presents some easy ways to improve one's brain and memory.
What sort of learner are you? Do you need to see it, hear it or do it before you learn it? If you are memorizing a long string of numbers or words, try bunching them together into groups of numbers, or phrases, instead of trying to memorize them individually.
The brain is like any other muscle; the more often it is used, the better it will function. Consider taking up daily puzzles, like sudoku or crossword puzzles. But don't do the same kind of puzzle every day; you brain will get bored. Try writing, or moving your computer mouse, with your non-dominant hand. Several apps are mentioned that do various kinds of brain training. Learning a new language will certainly engage your brain. Chewing gum can actually be good for your brain (!).
Physical or emotional stress is a normal part of daily life. A little bit of occasional stress is not a bad thing. Chronic, or continuous, stress is a bad thing. Find some way to let go of it, like with moderate exercise. Which sounds more doable, going for a walk a couple of times a week, or doing yoga or tai chi? Don't forget the need to eat right, drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep. The book gives details about Good and Bad foods.
The book also contains several other, more specific, memory techniques. It is an interesting book that is good for anyone from any walk of life. But, the book loses half a ratings star because parts of it needed a trip, or another trip, to a proofreader. There were also problems with the layout. It is still well worth reading for everyone.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Zilch to Conversational
Zilch to Conversational: A Guide to Language Learning Tools, Strategies and Techniques for Conversational Fluency, Daniel V Rusteen, OptimizemyBnB.com, 2019
You have decided to learn another language. Now what do you do?
The first thing that is needed is motivation. Is the language learning for business or pleasure? This book will help a person reach the level of eighty percent fluency. The learner should be able to navigate a restaurant, and the local market. There is little reason to go for total fluency if you are just going on vacation.
There is a website called Fluent Forever, that specializes in language learning in months, rather than years. Another site, called Ankiweb, allows the creation of digital flashcards, not just in languages, but in any subject where lots of memorization is needed. It can be downloaded to your cellphone, so studying can be done anytime.
A human teacher can be very helpful, whether in person or online. It is important that the teacher realizes that everyone learns languages in different ways and at different speeds. Some teachers know only one way to teach languages. Books, in your target language, can also be very helpful. It might be best to start with a grammar book, even a young adult grammar book, then work your way up to, for instance, a book of short stories. When a more advanced level is reached, consider changing your cellphone's default language to your target language. Last, but not least, plan on spending a couple of hours per day, every day, studying your target language.
This book does a very good job at making the language learning process as painless as possible. It will still take time and effort, but many of the question marks have been removed. This is very much worth reading.
You have decided to learn another language. Now what do you do?
The first thing that is needed is motivation. Is the language learning for business or pleasure? This book will help a person reach the level of eighty percent fluency. The learner should be able to navigate a restaurant, and the local market. There is little reason to go for total fluency if you are just going on vacation.
There is a website called Fluent Forever, that specializes in language learning in months, rather than years. Another site, called Ankiweb, allows the creation of digital flashcards, not just in languages, but in any subject where lots of memorization is needed. It can be downloaded to your cellphone, so studying can be done anytime.
A human teacher can be very helpful, whether in person or online. It is important that the teacher realizes that everyone learns languages in different ways and at different speeds. Some teachers know only one way to teach languages. Books, in your target language, can also be very helpful. It might be best to start with a grammar book, even a young adult grammar book, then work your way up to, for instance, a book of short stories. When a more advanced level is reached, consider changing your cellphone's default language to your target language. Last, but not least, plan on spending a couple of hours per day, every day, studying your target language.
This book does a very good job at making the language learning process as painless as possible. It will still take time and effort, but many of the question marks have been removed. This is very much worth reading.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
The Fog of Data
The Fog of Data: Navigating Data to Derive Implications, Unlock Value, Get Buy-In and Increase Transparency, Jason Schenker, Prestige Professional Publishing LLC, 2019
In this era of Big Data, it is tempting for a company, of any size, to jump in, head first. After all, the more data a company has, the better the "answer," right? Not exactly.
First of all, what question (or questions) is your company trying to answer? Is this the right question? Can any of that mountain of data be put aside, or trashed, or is it all needed to answer the question? Is your data in the right currency, or the right unit of measure? If your data doesn't fit, is it worth the time and money to make it fit?
Data that is, figuratively, sitting in a corner gathering dust is worthless without useful questions to answer. Good analysis is just as important as good data answering the right questions. The final answer from your data must be constantly re-tested. Just because an answer is "correct" this year does not mean it will be equally "correct" next year. Not all data is useful.
Sometimes it is necessary to create your own data. From the start, focus on getting the data you want so that you don't have to change direction somewhere in the middle. If such a change becomes necessary, do it as quickly as possible. When presenting your data, use images and pictures, not just words. If possible, tell a story with your data.
This book does an excellent job at helping the reader navigate the world of Big Data, before they jump in. It is recommended for companies both big and small.
In this era of Big Data, it is tempting for a company, of any size, to jump in, head first. After all, the more data a company has, the better the "answer," right? Not exactly.
First of all, what question (or questions) is your company trying to answer? Is this the right question? Can any of that mountain of data be put aside, or trashed, or is it all needed to answer the question? Is your data in the right currency, or the right unit of measure? If your data doesn't fit, is it worth the time and money to make it fit?
Data that is, figuratively, sitting in a corner gathering dust is worthless without useful questions to answer. Good analysis is just as important as good data answering the right questions. The final answer from your data must be constantly re-tested. Just because an answer is "correct" this year does not mean it will be equally "correct" next year. Not all data is useful.
Sometimes it is necessary to create your own data. From the start, focus on getting the data you want so that you don't have to change direction somewhere in the middle. If such a change becomes necessary, do it as quickly as possible. When presenting your data, use images and pictures, not just words. If possible, tell a story with your data.
This book does an excellent job at helping the reader navigate the world of Big Data, before they jump in. It is recommended for companies both big and small.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
The Way In
The Way In: 5 Winning Strategies to Lose Weight, Get Strong and Lift Your Life, Andrea Marcellus, 2019, Avrock Press
There seem to be a million diet/health/lifestyle books currently on the market. This one is different.
How is this book different? Most diets last for a certain number of days. At the end of that time, the weight will start to return; the diet is over. This book attempts to re-program the stomach to be satisfied with smaller portions. It is all about reduced portion sizes. This book also authorizes a specific mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. For instance, eating nothing between breakfast and lunch will make you overeat at lunch.
The author advocates the 80/20 Rule. Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, 80 percent, or more, of the time, and spend no more than 20 percent of the time eating bad foods, like soda and ice cream (the book gives lists of good and bad foods). That's right, nothing is forbidden in this book. It is important to learn to stop eating when you are satiated, not when you are full (there is a difference). Get away from the "Clean Plate Club" mentality taught by your parents.
When it comes to exercise, moderate exercise is more than enough. There is no need to train to run a marathon, unless you really want to run a marathon. Getting your heartbeat up for 30 minutes at a time, several times a week, is all you really need. Also, standing burns more calories than sitting, so do more standing during the day.
This book feels very plausible, and easy to follow. For those who have tried every diet available, maybe a new approach is needed. Instead of counting calories, try getting your stomach to be happy with less food. This book is very much worth checking out.
There seem to be a million diet/health/lifestyle books currently on the market. This one is different.
How is this book different? Most diets last for a certain number of days. At the end of that time, the weight will start to return; the diet is over. This book attempts to re-program the stomach to be satisfied with smaller portions. It is all about reduced portion sizes. This book also authorizes a specific mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. For instance, eating nothing between breakfast and lunch will make you overeat at lunch.
The author advocates the 80/20 Rule. Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, 80 percent, or more, of the time, and spend no more than 20 percent of the time eating bad foods, like soda and ice cream (the book gives lists of good and bad foods). That's right, nothing is forbidden in this book. It is important to learn to stop eating when you are satiated, not when you are full (there is a difference). Get away from the "Clean Plate Club" mentality taught by your parents.
When it comes to exercise, moderate exercise is more than enough. There is no need to train to run a marathon, unless you really want to run a marathon. Getting your heartbeat up for 30 minutes at a time, several times a week, is all you really need. Also, standing burns more calories than sitting, so do more standing during the day.
This book feels very plausible, and easy to follow. For those who have tried every diet available, maybe a new approach is needed. Instead of counting calories, try getting your stomach to be happy with less food. This book is very much worth checking out.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
For Travelers (and Digital Nomads) Not Tourists
For Travelers (and Digital Nomads) Not Tourists: A Guide on How to Connect With a Destination for a More Fulfilling Travel Experience, Daniel Vroman Rusteen, 2019, Optimizemybnb.com
You have suddenly decided that you want to try living, and working, in another country for a month or two at a time. Now what do you do? This short book attempts to give the answer.
Start with Google searches for, for instance, "popular neighborhoods Singapore" or "party neighborhoods Rio." Do you want to be downtown, or in the local equivalent of the suburbs? Make sure that the neighborhood has things like a food store, gym, park, library, etc. You will be doing a lot of walking, or using public transportation, so you don't want to be in an isolated area.
When you reach your destination, visit the local tourist office. If there is a bus tour of the city, take it. The tour will be a good introduction to the city, and show the touristy areas to be avoided. Staying in a traveler's hostel is good for your first few days, but you will find that the sooner you can find an airbnb or other accommodation, the better.
Make an attempt to learn some of the local language. The locals might appreciate the effort, no matter how badly you mangle it. When you are at the gym or food store, talk to people. They might know of an inexpensive room for rent, or show you places the tourists don't know about. At minimum, you have someone to visit the next time you are in town. It's important to connect with the locals, if only to get out of your comfort zone. On the other hand, it's acceptable to hang out with other expats, or expatriates, who are living in the area.
For anyone planning to live overseas, even if only for a couple of weeks, this book belongs in your suitcase. It is very short, less than 100 pages, and is full of information. It is a gem of a book.
You have suddenly decided that you want to try living, and working, in another country for a month or two at a time. Now what do you do? This short book attempts to give the answer.
Start with Google searches for, for instance, "popular neighborhoods Singapore" or "party neighborhoods Rio." Do you want to be downtown, or in the local equivalent of the suburbs? Make sure that the neighborhood has things like a food store, gym, park, library, etc. You will be doing a lot of walking, or using public transportation, so you don't want to be in an isolated area.
When you reach your destination, visit the local tourist office. If there is a bus tour of the city, take it. The tour will be a good introduction to the city, and show the touristy areas to be avoided. Staying in a traveler's hostel is good for your first few days, but you will find that the sooner you can find an airbnb or other accommodation, the better.
Make an attempt to learn some of the local language. The locals might appreciate the effort, no matter how badly you mangle it. When you are at the gym or food store, talk to people. They might know of an inexpensive room for rent, or show you places the tourists don't know about. At minimum, you have someone to visit the next time you are in town. It's important to connect with the locals, if only to get out of your comfort zone. On the other hand, it's acceptable to hang out with other expats, or expatriates, who are living in the area.
For anyone planning to live overseas, even if only for a couple of weeks, this book belongs in your suitcase. It is very short, less than 100 pages, and is full of information. It is a gem of a book.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide, Gustavo Kinrys and Alexandra Gold, Boston Press Group, 2018
Physical or mental stress and anxiety seem to be part of daily life. A little bit of stress, off and on, is not a bad thing. The problem is when the stress is chronic. This book offers ways to combat it.
Anxiety can manifest itself in many different symptoms, ranging from chest pain to dry mouth to sleep disorders to depression. The book talks about the common symptoms of stress and fear.
There are a number of nutrient-based supplements that are available, including lysine, magnesium, melatonin and omega-3 fatty acids. There are also a lot of herbal-based remedies available, including chamomile, ginkgo biloba, lemon balm, lavender and valerian root. Don't forget about other natural remedies, including deep breathing, choosing the right foods, staying hydrated and exercise.
These therapies may lessen, or eliminate, the effects of your anxiety, but they won't do anything for whatever is causing the anxiety. That might call for yoga or acupuncture, meditation or biofeedback. If the cause of your anxiety is a phobia, you might need cognitive behavioral therapy.
As with anything medical, a trip to your local doctor is a very good idea. The book also includes a shopping list of fruits and vegetables that will help reduce the effects of your anxiety. This book is short, and very easy to read and understand. For those suffering from constant stress or anxiety, the "answer" may be right here.
Physical or mental stress and anxiety seem to be part of daily life. A little bit of stress, off and on, is not a bad thing. The problem is when the stress is chronic. This book offers ways to combat it.
Anxiety can manifest itself in many different symptoms, ranging from chest pain to dry mouth to sleep disorders to depression. The book talks about the common symptoms of stress and fear.
There are a number of nutrient-based supplements that are available, including lysine, magnesium, melatonin and omega-3 fatty acids. There are also a lot of herbal-based remedies available, including chamomile, ginkgo biloba, lemon balm, lavender and valerian root. Don't forget about other natural remedies, including deep breathing, choosing the right foods, staying hydrated and exercise.
These therapies may lessen, or eliminate, the effects of your anxiety, but they won't do anything for whatever is causing the anxiety. That might call for yoga or acupuncture, meditation or biofeedback. If the cause of your anxiety is a phobia, you might need cognitive behavioral therapy.
As with anything medical, a trip to your local doctor is a very good idea. The book also includes a shopping list of fruits and vegetables that will help reduce the effects of your anxiety. This book is short, and very easy to read and understand. For those suffering from constant stress or anxiety, the "answer" may be right here.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)