exercise Archives | Page 3 of 3

Cheap Ways To Boost Your Creativity Now

You do not have to be as smart as Einstein or as rich as Gates to think creatively. With these few tricks up your sleeve, you can show your own creative side in no time:

1. READ A BOOK OR TWO

If you are fishing in an unfamiliar territory, it is advisable to educate yourself. Do this by reading a book or two about creativity or creative thinking. Try Austin Kleon’s modern take on creativity. With his visually pleasing illustrations and simple vocabulary, you will surely understand what he wants to convey in his books entitled “STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST: 10 THINGS NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT BEING CREATIVE” and “SHOW YOUR WORK!: 10 THINGS NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT GETTING DISCOVERED”. Both books are available at Popular Bookstore for as low as S$20.87.

2. HAVE YOUR OWN CREATIVE SPACE

Assign a place where you can freely create. This does not have to be a fancy space. A tiny corner with art materials, CDs, or a laptop will do. It is important that you decorate this space yourself.

Image Credits: Karen Cox via Flickr with Creative Commons License

3. PAINT THE ROOM BLUE OR GREEN

Color Psychology dictates that colors can help enhance our cognitive tasks such as concentrating and creative thinking. So, paint your room with the colors of our home planet – blue and green!

Blue has physically and mentally calming effects that will help you open your thoughts. On the other hand, green signifies growth and harmony. Putting these colors together shall stimulate your creativity even more.

4. ENVISION THE PROBLEM DIFFERENTLY

In the “Candle Problem” presented by psychologist Karl Duncker, participants were given a candle, a box of thumbtacks, and a book of matches. They were asked to affix a lit candle to the wall without having a single drop of wax on the table below. There are a couple of possible solutions yet, only one will work (know the solution, here).

To arrive at the answer, you must envision the problem differently. Do not limit the function of these said objects too. Relax and examine the problem in varied ways before you begin working.

5. EXERCISE

Previous literature has shown that exercise increases creative thinking due to its ability to pump up the heart and put people in a positive mood. So, when you are having a writer’s block, try to run a few blocks, it may help you have a long-awaited “Eureka!” moment. Jog outdoors, it’s free anyway.

6. ACTIVATE YOUR SENSES

Last but not the least is to activate your senses. You can explore the local libraries, museums, gardens, and zoos. Tickets to these places range from S$0-32. But, that is a small price to pay to enrich your imagination.

Now, if you are still looking for a no-cost way to activate your senses, you can listen to Mozart. According to a book entitled: “The Mozart Effect,” listening to classical music specifically by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart can increase concentration, creativity, and other cognitive functions. His music repertoire is available for free on YouTube.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Shockingly Free Ways To Be Happier Now

Life is a constant search. Whether it be a special someone, a fulfilling job, or an amazing house…our search often comes with a price. But that need not be. There are more meaning things in life that do not cost a thing. One of it is genuine happiness. Here are 6 Ways to be Happier now (yes! they are all FREE):

1. EXERCISE REGULARLY

I cannot stress enough how important regular exercise is to your wellbeing. Studies have shown that 7-10 minutes of exercise for 5 days every week can improve your productivity and mood. You will not only lose weight but you will also be happier. Here is a 7-min. exercise routine you can follow:

2. HELP OTHERS

See some old clothes that are still in good condition? Save space and money by donating them to those who need it the most. Helping others and giving back can surely boost your happiness levels. You do not have to give fancy things; even giving a no-cost constructive feedback to your classmates can lead to personal academic improvement and happiness.

3. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Do you want to live longer and pleasurable life? Research showed that people who have strong relationships with their spouse, family, or close friends are happier and healthier. Spend your quality time with your friends and family by a simple picnic with cycling in East Coast Park or affordable museum tours in Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore. When it comes to your happiness, your dearest friends and family matter.

4. LET GO OF WORRIES, FRUSTRATION, AND RESENTMENT

Dale Carnegie, author of the best-selling book entitled “How to Wind Friends and Influence People”, believed that our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration, and resentment. Address and let go of your worries, frustration, and grudges to lead a happier life.

5. GET OLDER

Fret not that you are beyond your 40s, as you get older, you get happier! This is because older people tend to focus and remember the positive events more and the negative ones less.

As Olivia Munn said: “I think women should start to embrace their age. What’s the alternative to getting older? You die. I can’t change the day I was born. But I can take care of my skin, my body, my mind, try to live my life, and be happy.”

6. SMILE MORE OFTEN

Do you want to make your boss happier? Smile at the customers more to send a more welcoming vibe. Or how about making yourself happier and productive? Smile like you really mean it. Science has shown that people who smile increased their attention and ability to think. C’mon, it is free anyway!

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

We are all in the pursuit of happiness. Try these simple ways – it might just help you. 🙂

7 Low-Cost (or Free) Ways to Lose Weight

One of the top 10 new year’s resolutions of a million people is to lose significant weight. This may be an ongoing resolution that has yet to happen, therefore the decision to lose weight is becoming more emotional.

Along with the article called “5 Ways to Shop for Healthy Foods Without Spending Too Much“…here are 7 Cheap Ways to Lose Weight…

1. STREAM FREE EXERCISE VIDEOS

Watch free exercise videos on youtube and across the Internet. Personally, I recommend Cassey Ho’s Blogilates as she incorporates Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio workouts. Aside from free exercise videos, the Internet is abundant with free or cheap Fitness Plans and Health Information. So, your only job is to make sure that the website is credible.

2. GO MEATLESS ONCE A WEEK

Nutritionist Rania Batayneh says that a sure way to burn off pounds and to save money is by going meatless once a week. You may substitute meat with tofu, beans, and mushrooms.

3. GROW AND COOK FOOD BY YOURSELF.

Growing your own food is organic at its finest. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed.

Image Credits: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

By dinner time, you can browse online (e.g. Kraft Recipes or Eating Well Recipes) for healthy recipes and cook your own food.

4. GAGA OVER GREENS

Kale, arugula, and spinach are some of the most nutritious and affordable foods you will find in a grocery store. As the color of the vegetable gets darker, the more nutritious it is because of its antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Image Credits: Wonderlane via Flickr

5. BUY CHEAP GROUP WORKOUT DEALS

Take advantage of a low-cost workout class if you are undecided and you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for a gym membership. Groupon.sg is rich with Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and Boxing Classes that range from $28 and below.

For example, here is a “Four 60 mins. Boot Camp” pass at $19 only! It will not only push your limits but it will also aid you in losing weight. Usually, newly opened gyms or studios give 1-week free trial so you better watch out.

6. RUN, JOG OR CYCLE OUTDOORS

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither crash diets nor starving yourself. But, the healthiest way is the gradual increase of exercise. As you increase the exercise intensity and duration, you will change your own body mechanism in time.

Try walking or biking to work if you live within a few miles. If that is not an option, then skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll burn calories as you go.

Image Credits: Fit Approach via Flickr

7. EXERCISE AT HOME

Stay fit in the comforts of your own home. You may choose to buy bargain workout DVDs or use the resources you already have.

For example,

Use paint cans or bottle with rocks to work on your biceps.
Find a stable bar at home for chin ups.
Or, do sit-ups and push-ups without any equipment.

Image Credits: Jordan Misner via Flickr

You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

Search the site