The Pros and Cons of Drinking Coffee

If you wake up in the morning and feel groggy, you might reach for coffee to help pep you up. Many people who drink coffee every morning thing of the drink as a godsend. But while drinking coffee can help you wake up, it might cause problems to you in other ways. It can cause changes in your sleep patterns, raise your blood pressure, stain your teeth and even make it more difficult to absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Of course, there are other benefits to drinking coffee besides boosting your energy. It can also reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's, gallstones, cancer, strokes and other health problems. Plus, caffeine can also make certain pain killers, like aspirin, more effective.

Can Stress Kill You?

“In a busy world with unending work and responsibilities piling up, stress can get to the best of us. But, how bad is it for you really? Can stress actually kill you?”

Stress is a theme in most of our lives, but how dangerous is it really? The following video from AsapSCIENCE explains why we get stressed, how it works and whether it can really damage our health.

Stick around until 2:20 for the solution to stress!

Know someone who’s been feeling a little stressed lately? Share this video with them to let them know how stress works, what they’re doing to themselves and that you’re here to help.

10 Things To Remember When Everything Seems To Be Going Wrong

Problems and heartaches in life are inevitable. However, there are some things to remember when you’re right in the thick of it that can help you get through it. When everything seems to be going wrong, practice telling yourself these things.

1. This Too Shall Pass

Sometimes life’s rough patches feel like they’re going to last forever. Whether you’re dealing with work-related issues, family problems, or stressful situations, very few problems last for a lifetime. So remind yourself, that things won’t be this bad forever.

2. Some Things are Going Right

When things are going wrong, it’s hard to recognize what is going right. It’s easy to screen out the good things and only focus on the bad things. Remind yourself that some things are going right. Purposely look for the positive, even if it is something very small.

3. I Have Some Control

One of the most most important things to remember is that you have some control of the situation. Even if you aren't in complete control of the situation, one thing you can always control is your attitude and reaction. Focus on managing what is within your control.

4. I Can Ask for Help

Asking for help can be hard sometimes. However, it’s one of the best ways to deal with tough situations. Tell people what you need specifically if they offer to help. Don’t be afraid to call on friends and family and ask them for help, whether you need financial assistance, emotional support, or practical help.

5. Much of This Won’t Matter in a Few Years

Most of the problems we worry about today won’t actually matter five years from now. Remind yourself that whatever is going wrong now is only a small percentage of your actual life. Even if you’re dealing with a major problem, like a loved one’s illness, remember that a lot of good things are likely to happen in the course of a year or two as well.

6. I Can Handle This

A lack of confidence in handling tough times can add to stress. One of the best things to remember is that you can handle tough situations. Even though you might feel angry, hurt, disappointed, or sad, it won’t kill you. You can get through it.

7. Something Good Will Come Out of This

No matter how bad a situation is, it’s almost certain that something good will come out of it. At the very least, it’s likely that you will learn a life lesson. Perhaps you learn not to repeat the same mistake in the future or maybe you move on from a bad situation and find something better. Look for the one good thing that can result when bad things happen.

8. I Can Accept What’s Out of my Control

There are many things that aren't within your control. You can’t change the past, another person’s behavior, or a loved one’s health issues. Don’t waste time trying to force others to change or trying to make things be different if it isn't within your control. Investing time and energy into trying to things you can’t will cause you to feel helpless and exhausted. Acceptance is one of the best way to establish resilience.

9. I Have Overcome Past Difficulties

One of the things to remember when you’re facing difficulties, is that you've handled problems in the past. Don’t overlook past difficulties that you've dealt with successfully. Remind yourself of all the past problems you've overcome and you’ll gain confidence in dealing with the current issues.

10. I Need to Take Care of Myself

When everything seems to be going wrong, take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, get some exercise, eat healthy, and spend some time doing leisure activities. When you’re taking better care of yourself you’ll be better equipped to deal with your problems.

Why Green Tea?

Well, I'm not a green tea drinker. But to be honest, the real reason I want to try to drink it because of the benefits. Here's a list of some of its amazing benefits. Benefits that you may not have been aware of. As for now, I've been trying Boh Green Tea.

1.  Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.

2.  Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.

3.  Heart Disease. Scientists think green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks. 

4.  Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them. 

5.  Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. 

6.  Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells. 

7.  Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions 

8.  Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. 

9.  Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers. 

10.  Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases. 

11.  Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

These are some of the many benefits but the reality is one cup of tea a day will not give you all the abundant gains. But it is worth trying for. 

Reasons To Love The Skin You're In!

• Remember you're the only one of you there is!

Yes. You're totally unique and that's pretty awesome! Celebrate being you. There's no right or wrong way to look, we're all individuals.

• Embrace being young!

Ok, so your parents constantly telling you about appreciating your youthful skin and non-achy joints may be slightly annoying, but there's no denying it's true. Enjoy it!

• Dress to suit your shape! 

The key to feeling confident is feeling comfortable and not every trend is right for every body shape. Make sure you look and feel your best by wearing things YOU want to wear. 

• Eat healthily! 

Not only can eating natural, healthy foods make you actually feel happier but they'll keep your body looking and feeling great, too. Avoid junk food and fizzy drinks, which can make you feel sluggish and lazy. 

• Shake off the haters! 

Nobody has a right to make you feel bad about yourself, so avoid anyone who brings you down. It can be hard, but try not to let any nasty comments get to you, and confide in your friends or family if you are feeling a bit down. A problem halved is a problem shared, and all that. 

• LAUGH! 

Laughing really is the best medicine and there's nothing like giggling with your friends until you can hardly breathe to make you feel awesome. Also, what's prettier than a smiley girl? EXACTLY. 

• Focus on the things you like about yourself! 

It's all about a positive mental attitude. Rather than obsessing over things you'd like to change about yourself, focus on the things you DO like. The more confident you feel about yourself, the more confident you'll appear to others—and confidence IS attractive. 

• Have a sharing chit chat with your friends! 

It may sound cheesy, but if you sit down with your besties and have a chat about body confidence, you'll realize that everyone worries about the way they look. You might think your BFF is perfect in every way only to find out she hates her hair and thinks her boobs are too small. It helps to realize you're not the only one who worries. 

• Exercise! 

Exercise releases endorphin's, and endorphin's make you happy! Keeping active will also ensure that your body stays healthy and always important when it comes to loving the skin you're in!

Credit to Seventeen.com

Tips and Tricks For Dressing

As if getting dressed in the morning wasn't enough for a challenge, when you're really tall or really small, hunting for clothes that FIT and look COOL can be tricky!  So, for petite girls out there, this is for you! And for me! And for US! Finally. 

For petite girls :

• Think twice about floaty frock.

Boyfriend cuts can look great on petite gals, but be careful when going for the baggy shifts and pouffy skirts with loads of excess volume as it can end up swamping your frame and make you look smaller than you are. That said, if you do like a bit of volume in your clothes, make sure it's got a tailored fit at the waist and shoulders to give you a bit of definition.

• The high-waist is your new best friend.

Not many people are lucky enough to be able to pull-off high-waisted trousers and skirts, but they look fabulous on all you petite girls so definitely don't be afraid to rock the look. Tucking in your tops and highlighting the waist it creates with a belt can also be a nifty tricks for elongating your legs too!

• Less is more.

Avoid fuss and clutter when it comes to pockets, pleats and ruffles as all it will do is distract from the smooth line of your clothes, which is the thing that'll elongate you.

• Go pale.

I have no idea why this is, but pale denim is a wonder fabric and makes you look taller. Try it and see!

• Shop petite.

In exactly the same way tall girls should check out the tall section, if you're under 5'3" then the petite section is about to become your new home. Alternatively, if you're handy with a needle and thread and like a challenge, don't be afraid to play with hemlines and lengths yourself to put things back in perspective.

Credit to http://www.sugarscape.com