Positive Mantra

If your eyes are tired from constant reading, sewing or working the computer, just take a break to refresh them.
Look up at the ceiling or into the distance. De focussing helps the tired eyes to relax.
Eye drops may help soothe your tired eyes, but may not cure eyestrain.
Use accupressure techniques to relieve the strain.

A) Press either side of the bridge of your nose, at the upper end.
B) Press either side of the inside edge of your eyebrows.
C) Gently massage the outer edges of your eyes.

Handling Dry Eyes

Close your eyes and place a slice of cucumber on each of your eyelids. Or place a wet cloth over them. Shut your eyes. Relax them for a while. Try blinking a few times. When you get outside home, use special glasses or a pair of sunglasses.

Posted by JayRaj at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eyes are naturally well protected, lying in sockets in the skull bone. So even if you fall only the bone takes a hard knock. The eyebrows prevent sweat from running into our eyes, and the eyelashes keep specks of dirt out of the eye. In fact, blinking itself is a protective mechanism.

1> Always read or work in good light. Dim light could cause discomfort in the eyes.
2> Never rub the eyes violently even if they itch. This could lead to inflamation beneath the eyelids.
3> Constant irritation in the eye must be referred to the doctor.
4> Use protective glasses if you're working in ultra-violet or infra-red light.

See the Opthalmologist if...

1> You have pain behind the eye, with a severe headache, drowsiness or pain when you bend your head forward.
2> You have persistent redness in the eye.
3> You have partial loss of vision.
4> You have blurred vision.
5> Your son sits too close to the TV or isn't doing well at school. Poor vision often results in poor scores. And the child may not be able to tell you.

Getting that speck out of the Eye.

1> If there's a speck of dust in your eye, just blink rapidly a few times. This will push the speck away from the cornea to the while part in you eye, where you can spot it and remove it.
2> Wipe the speck out, towards the corner of your eye, with a clean cotton swab or the tip of your handkerchief.
3> Flush the eyes with water. Keep your eyes open as you flush it.
4> Gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower lashes, the resultant tears will wash the speck out.

Posted by JayRaj at 01:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is it true that reading in poor light can cause eye strain ?

No, You don't strain your eyes like you strain a muscle in your thigh or calf. Your eyes may feel tired when you read small print or do embroidery for long hours, especially in dim light.

In fact, however dim or distorted the image received by the eyes, it makes no difference to them - they just pass them to the brain to sort it out. So, if you're getting a headache from reading small print or sewing in bad light, it's not because of straining your eyes, but of tiring your brain, which struggles to sort out the bad quality of images it's receiving.

Tip: For that soreness you sometimes feel, just try blinking a few times. For extra lubrication cup your eyes with your hands or just shut them for a minute.

Short Sight and Long Sight

If you're short-sighted, it means that you can see nearby objects clearly, but have difficulty in focussing on distant objects. The reverse is true if you're long-sighted. Both these are quite common and result from differences in the shapes of eyeballs.

It is nothing to worry about and spectacles can correct the vision. By the time one reaches their twenties, eyes settle down for better of worse. After this eyes generally remain unchanged for the next 25 years.

What About Astigmatism?

This is another problem related to the slight distortion of the eye's shape. Here, the eyes are flattened, resulting in the image being slightly compressed, and thereby the object appears blurred. This too can be corrected by spectacles.

How often should you have an Eye Test?

It all depends on whether your eye is troubling you or not. For example, if the images on your TV screen seem blurred or you have difficulty in reading fine print, then you must see an eye specialist.

A test is recommended for school-going children since a child may not know that his sight is affected. And this could be resulting in poor scores at school. For adults in their forties, an eye test once in 18 months is recommended.

Does everyone's Eyesight worsen with age?

No, it depends on the individual. It's natural to find it hard to read small print, as you reach your fifties.

Posted by JayRaj at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

1 in 10 adults are afflicted by high blood pressure (also known as Hypertension) but sadly, not many realize, until a doctor tells them.

Blood pressure is normal upto 140/90 mm. If the BP is persistently above this, it increases the risk of heart diseases, kidney failures and damage to the blood vessels.

Blood pressure is kept normal primarily by the brain, autonomic nervous system, some endocrine glands, kidney, heart and the arteries. A malfunction in any of these could result in hypertension.

In many cases, the exact reason cannot be found, despite tests. Then it is dubbed as 'essential hypertension'. Sometimes even oral contraceptives which contain estrogen can push the pressure up.

How Does It Affect Us

The heart is forced to pump harder during hypertension. Hence when one needs extra oxygen, as when exercising or working, one will feel short of breath. If hypertension is not diagnosed and treated, this could lead to congestive heart failure.

High BP could also result in temporary heaviness or tightness in the chest, arms or jaw. Initially, it could happen during extreme stress, exercising or tough work, but later it could start off with little activity. When blood pressure is acutely elevated it could result in bursting of the blood vessels.

Tip: Symptoms of high BP include headaches, blurred vision, chest pains.

The brain is endangered when hypertension is prolonged and untreated. The high BP could cause hemorrhage in the brain. High BP could affect the kidney's job of filtering water from blood. Fortunately, most of these complications can be prevented by just lowering the blood pressure.

Tip: Never drop out of medication, unless advised by the doctor.

Alcohol, Salt and Overweight

More than two drinks a day could harm your pressure levels. Excess salt in food isn't good if your pressure is high. Being overweight too could complicate matters.

Smoking

Although smoking doesn't lead to high BP, temporarily it raises the pressure levels. If you're diagnosed for high BP, it's wise to cut down on cigarettes.

Cholesterol

Despite no direct influence on the pressure levels, it's been proved that high blood cholesterol increases the risk of heart diseases.

Help Yourself

Exercising strengthens the heart and lowers the heart rates when at rest. Research has proven that active people have lesser risks of coronary heart diseases.

Relaxing results in a fall in the pressure levels. Yoga, reiki, relaxation therapies, stress management programs or plain change of hectic, stressful lifestyle, could ease your pressure problems.

Posted by JayRaj at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So, you think you deserve a big raise. And you plan to seek a meeting with your boss. But before you walk into his office, BE PREPARED.

Are You Worth it?

Ask yourself this question. Put down in your diary the achievements over the past year. Have you fared better than expectations? How has the company benefited from your presence? What are you core skills. Have you taken the initiative, motivated, managed your team to greater heights? Any new skills acquired or newer responsibilities undertaken. Have you ironed out your communication inadequacies, learnt to appreciate others, listen to colleagues, recognize talent and developed special skills in a critical area. Above all, are you indispensable? If a thorough self-analysis gives you an 'A' grade on these counts, only then pitch in for a raise (else first work on these).

Test Your Worth In The Market

Although even friends, in similar positions, are unlikely to reveal their true packages, they could throw useful light on salaries of peers in other companies. Probe on the fringe benefits. Gain insight into current enumeration trends. Access corporate salary information from the Net, business newspapers or magazine surveys. Drop into recruitment firms and check out for further information. This will tell you how high up you can peg your raise.

Analyse industry and your company's performance and prospects

This can be discussed with your industry contacts over dinner. Speak to more than one in the same field. Get your company's annual report, study it well and look at financials, ongoing programmes and future plans. Make notes for the discussion with your boss.

Master your company's salary administration techniques

Find out if they pay in accordance with industry standards, match competitor's levels or have a proprietary method. What is the weightage given to seniority? Do performance appraisals include talks on packages. How often are these done? What is the percentage of raise for the CEO, managers and your category? Have there been exceptions to the rule. Find out the job factors that determine a performance appraisal.

Preparing for the Raise

Maintain a record of all your achievements from day one. Remember, written commendations must be sought and filed. All improvements made over the months prior to appraisal must be noted. New, perceptible skills acquired - be it technical, attitudinal or functional, must be highlighted. Your critical skills must be emphasised. Direct contribution to the revenues of the company must be pinpointed. Dates, figures and claims must be accurately substantiated. Graphics, charts and pictorial representations are welcome.

Final Preparation

Getting to know your boss is critical to winning a negotiation. His attitude, skills, accomplishments and method of handling employee appraisals. Anticipating your boss' response will give you an edge in the battle of negotiation. Learn to handle the boss' usual tactics - "The company's revenues haven't been as expected", "But you just got a raise only six months ago", "If I give in to you, I'd have to face a lot of other pitches for raises", "your promotion's coming up", or "The file is in the Chairman's office". Be prepared to answer, "Yes Sir, but......" Place your merits one by one, surely and steadily. Listen to objections. Iron them out with your strengths, contributions, accomplishments, critical skills and future plans.

Now You're Ready

Fix an appointment with your boss. Arm yourself with your personal file and surefire strategies. Stride in confidently. Make your pitch based on critical skills, accomplishments, willingness to take on additional responsibilities, outline increased benefits to company, highlight why you deserve a raise, display accurate statistics, be calm, listen don't give in easily. But, be prepared to compromise a little below your desired raise levels, but not before extracting your pound of fringe benefits - employee stock options, car allowance, personal loans, paternity leave or anything else that'll satisfy your wife.

Dress well smartie.
Mind your body language.
Listen carefully.
Take time to answer.
Don't duck or fend.
Place benefits to company on top.
Work away objections with positive factors.
Weigh each word before you say.
Don't threaten to quit.
Stay cool.
Sound confident.
Have no fear of failure.
Don't argue.
Communicate effectively.
Gesticulate, but don't become agitated.
Ask him when you'll get the written order.
Thank him. And reiterate what you'll do for him and the company.
Finally, don't brag about the raise to anyone.

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A Good Night's Rest Recharges Your Batteries for the Next Day.

6 hours of sleep is necessary. 8 hours of sleep is luxury. Anything beyond that is a crime, said Jawaharlal Nehru. Adequate rest ensures that you wake up with a smile on your face. When your sleep is disturbed or inadequate, you wake up feeling tired and wish the nights were a little longer. Stop bad habits. Start exercising.

Always Do What You Love.

Never ever do something you don't enjoy, even for the sake of others. You're never short of energy or enthusiasm when you do something you love. You can put your heart and soul into it and not be worried about results. Above all you'll have no regrets. There seems to be unending energy in you and you'll tend to surprise yourself doing the impossible.

Passion turns work into a hobby. The energy and zest seems to dissipate hurdles, tensions and fatigue. No wonder artists, musicians and writers seem to be at peace even in a noisy park. The freedom and satisfaction that comes out of doing what you love is unequalled. You feel positive and enjoy doing things.

Get Adequate Sleep

We've all felt the deep satisfaction of waking up after a good night's sleep. And we've also woken up with a heavy-headed feeling when the alarm clock goes off. Sleep allows you to recharge. It tones up the immune system, relieves headaches and stiff muscles, improves cases of arthritis, peptic ulcer and colitis. It also helps you heal faster.

Although you should not sleep like Rip Van Winkle or Kumbhakarna, neither should you sleep too little. Doctors recommend 6-8 hours of sleep. Getting adequate sleep has been linked to longevity. In a study conducted by doctors the California State Department of Health Services, found that people who slept six hours or less a night had 70 percent higher death rates than those who slept seven to eight hours.

Lack of sleep could have serious mental and physical implication. That's why deprivation of sleep is used as a method of interrogation and sometimes even torture. So take adequate rest, so that you'll feel confident, enthusiastic and positive the next day.

Maintain Your Relationships Well

It is never easy to be good all the time. Arguments, distrust, misunderstandings, jealousy are all part of unhealthy relationships. One must learn to forgive, overlook small errors, sacrifice for the sake of others and set a good example. Learn to lend your shoulder, stretch out your hand, be caring and express your affection.

Having friends helps you tide over loneliness, depression and even contributes to general good health. You could even kick off old habits when in the company of good friends.

Lack of emotional satisfaction through relationships, could lead to disastrous side-effects, warn psychiatrists. People who enjoy healthy relationships are more positive, caring and are less prone to heart diseases. A study of 15 support groups in the US revealed that people who had good associations experienced lesser stress, were able to overcome pain and displayed vitality unseen in those with few friends.

Check Your Negative Emotions

Anger, jealousy, frustration or depression can all damage your system. All these destructive feelings will cloud your judgement. This leads to doing things without being fully aware of it. And the result - damaged relationships, bruised egos, nervous breakdowns, regret, remorse and guilt.

You can see pebbles at the bottom of a clear pond, isn't it? And when you throw a stone into it, the mud rises and you can no longer see the pebbles at the bottom. So also the mind. It can think clearly. But, when a negative emotion disturbs the mind, you can no longer think straight. And that is when you begin to make mistakes, sometimes costly ones.

Start Exercising

Walking, jogging, playing frisbee or even washing your car, is an exercise that tones up your muscles and helps you relax. Any activity that makes your heart pound faster and breathing quicken is a 'good' exercise.

When you do any of the above, your muscles need more oxygen to create the required energy. So the lungs work harder to transfer oxygen into the blood and the heart pounds rapidly to speed up the blood supply to the muscles. The more you exercise, the stronger your heart becomes and consequently, it pounds slowly but has learnt to cope with the demands of the body.

Tip: It is best to join a group to exercise regularly. Try the local gym, aerobics classes, dancing school or early morning joggers at the beach.

Advantages: Feeling of Goodness, Less Fatigue, More Energy and Relaxed Nerves.

Posted by JayRaj at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Forever, we yearn for a lot of things in Life. Especially, what we want others to give us.

Receiving gives us pleasure and makes us feel wanted. And we feel loved too.

Have you ever wondered if others think the same? Did you attempt to GIVE.

Not just birthday gifts or lunches. But kind words, a pat on the back, a warm hug or a phone call to share happiness.

Most of us miss it, right?

We're not to be blamed 'cause we are never taught to GIVE.

Perhaps, mom didn't teach us. Dad was busy. Grand parents weren't around. Teachers were more keen on studies.

But then....didn't Nature teach you. Yes, it did. And does so every day. Only you didn't notice it.

Look at the rivers, mountains, oceans, trees, birds etc. Nature GIVES you plenty of exciting things to see, experience, eat and enjoy.

And does not even expect anything in return.

Learn to GIVE. And experience a new burst of energy, peacce, calm and ecstasy in YOU.

Posted by JayRaj at 06:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Any adult who hasn't been living under the rock
will agree that you can't live without Nature.

Rather, without loving and nurturing it.

We are part of a unique system that are in
love and dependence with each other.

Go out for long walks along avenues or woods.
Smell the flowers, feel the leaves and hug the trees.

See the delight of innocence in you. Your children will
protect the forests tomorrow, saving them for the generations to come.

Read to them stories of nature, the wild animals, forests, the water
cycle and the environment.

Grow a few plants in the garden, water it and watch them grow.

You can then watch them grow in perfect harmony with Nature.
A more balanced growth, for sure.

Being one with nature is like sleeping on your mother's lap.
Secure. Stress-free. Pure joy.

Posted by JayRaj at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)