You’re reading How Traveling for Self-Improvement Could Actually Work, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

We’ve all been there, in that moment when we hit a wall and can’t figure out what lies behind it. And each of us deals with that instance of our lives differently. But, what I’ve learned works for me is traveling. Although I haven’t traveled much and gone too far, most of the people I’ve met on my trips had one thing in common – they believed their journeys made them better and improved. And indeed, after every trip I took I felt better, invigorated, like every experience was an upgrade of me as a person.  

So, if you’ve had some emotional turbulence or are just not feeling good about yourself, here are some ideas about what could help you self-improve while traveling.

Meeting new people will build up your confidence.

The great thing about traveling is that you get to meet people, and especially if you travel abroad you get to know travelers from all around the world. Don’t be shy or withdrawn, but start a conversation and exchange experience with them.

You are now outside your comfort zone and up for an adventure, so be adventurous. They could give you some hints about the place you’re going to, or be companions when sightseeing, as well as support that will empower your self-esteem.

Unfamiliar is good and welcoming.

The best way to fully immerse yourself in the destination you’re visiting is to choose a culture and country you know only the basics about. This means that you don’t know the language or the city, so you have to be resourceful and open-minded. Most of the time you will probably use a kind of pantomime to communicate with the locals, but after a while, you’ll notice that you’re starting to understand them better and will feel more accomplished and proud of yourself.

Choose a comfortable place to sleep.

This may seem contrary to the previous advice, but where you sleep and how you sleep is important no matter where you are. There’s lots of accommodation you can choose from when you arrive at your destination, but if you are already overwhelmed by the fact you are going to an unknown country, like Thailand for example, you might want to book ahead. My experience with Thailand hotel deals online was great and it made me feel more ready to jump into the culture I knew nothing about. The safety I felt at night empowered me for new adventures during the day.

Go to an adventure.

Constricted by my hometown and familiar faces, I was so obsessed with what others might say and what they thought of me. When I lost the job I loved several months ago, I felt like a failure and this obsession only weighed on me more. To compensate, I decided to try something uncharacteristic for me during every trip I went on. And every time the adrenalin and exhilaration hit, I noticed I cared less and less what others thought until I wasn’t bothered by other people’s opinions of me anymore.

The truth is, the only important opinion about you is your own. And it got better after every journey I had.

You control your travel and you alone.

Consider your travel to be a sort of a world inside the world, or more poetically a bubble within a bubble. However you choose to travel, with everything planned to a T or just with a backpack on your back and to jump into the unknown, the point is to always control what you do and what you would or wouldn’t like to experience.

This may seem hard to those of us who are too nice to say when something is not up to their standards or expectations, but there’s no more ideal place to start standing up for yourself than on your travels. And soon enough, it will become natural to you and you’ll be doing it all the time whenever the need calls for it.

In the end

Self-improvement is not something that gets invented or found while traveling, but rather something that awakens and is ready to be shaped. All those upgrades you want to have are already inside you, locked with fear and inhibition. So, you won’t become someone else, you will actually truly be the person you were intended to be all along. So close your eyes and place your finger on the map – the country you blindly chose is your next destination. Bon voyage!  

You’ve read How Traveling for Self-Improvement Could Actually Work, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2wjZ2Dn

You’re reading How Traveling for Self-Improvement Could Actually Work, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

We’ve all been there, in that moment when we hit a wall and can’t figure out what lies behind it. And each of us deals with that instance of our lives differently. But, what I’ve learned works for me is traveling. Although I haven’t traveled much and gone too far, most of the people I’ve met on my trips had one thing in common – they believed their journeys made them better and improved. And indeed, after every trip I took I felt better, invigorated, like every experience was an upgrade of me as a person.  

So, if you’ve had some emotional turbulence or are just not feeling good about yourself, here are some ideas about what could help you self-improve while traveling.

Meeting new people will build up your confidence.

The great thing about traveling is that you get to meet people, and especially if you travel abroad you get to know travelers from all around the world. Don’t be shy or withdrawn, but start a conversation and exchange experience with them.

You are now outside your comfort zone and up for an adventure, so be adventurous. They could give you some hints about the place you’re going to, or be companions when sightseeing, as well as support that will empower your self-esteem.

Unfamiliar is good and welcoming.

The best way to fully immerse yourself in the destination you’re visiting is to choose a culture and country you know only the basics about. This means that you don’t know the language or the city, so you have to be resourceful and open-minded. Most of the time you will probably use a kind of pantomime to communicate with the locals, but after a while, you’ll notice that you’re starting to understand them better and will feel more accomplished and proud of yourself.

Choose a comfortable place to sleep.

This may seem contrary to the previous advice, but where you sleep and how you sleep is important no matter where you are. There’s lots of accommodation you can choose from when you arrive at your destination, but if you are already overwhelmed by the fact you are going to an unknown country, like Thailand for example, you might want to book ahead. My experience with Thailand hotel deals online was great and it made me feel more ready to jump into the culture I knew nothing about. The safety I felt at night empowered me for new adventures during the day.

Go to an adventure.

Constricted by my hometown and familiar faces, I was so obsessed with what others might say and what they thought of me. When I lost the job I loved several months ago, I felt like a failure and this obsession only weighed on me more. To compensate, I decided to try something uncharacteristic for me during every trip I went on. And every time the adrenalin and exhilaration hit, I noticed I cared less and less what others thought until I wasn’t bothered by other people’s opinions of me anymore.

The truth is, the only important opinion about you is your own. And it got better after every journey I had.

You control your travel and you alone.

Consider your travel to be a sort of a world inside the world, or more poetically a bubble within a bubble. However you choose to travel, with everything planned to a T or just with a backpack on your back and to jump into the unknown, the point is to always control what you do and what you would or wouldn’t like to experience.

This may seem hard to those of us who are too nice to say when something is not up to their standards or expectations, but there’s no more ideal place to start standing up for yourself than on your travels. And soon enough, it will become natural to you and you’ll be doing it all the time whenever the need calls for it.

In the end

Self-improvement is not something that gets invented or found while traveling, but rather something that awakens and is ready to be shaped. All those upgrades you want to have are already inside you, locked with fear and inhibition. So, you won’t become someone else, you will actually truly be the person you were intended to be all along. So close your eyes and place your finger on the map – the country you blindly chose is your next destination. Bon voyage!  

You’ve read How Traveling for Self-Improvement Could Actually Work, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2wjZ2Dn

You’re reading How to Re-Integrate a Splintered Self, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Have you ever felt more voices inside your head than outside on any given day?

You’re not alone.

Unfortunately, due to unhappiness, trauma, loss, and other issues that cause negativity to our emotional insides, we can break apart and spend days, months, weeks, and years in the middle of internal arguments.

This self-fragmentation adds to our unhappiness, because it reduces us to a place of internal poverty.

It robs us of our chance to know emotional wealth, the optimizing of all our internal assets.

Good news: if you suffer from such internal disagreement and inner alienation, here are some tips to bring yourself back together and for your psyche and soul to move forward as one.

Here’s how.

1-Listen

Identify the voices inside you.

Last week, I wrote a letter from one clearly defined part of myself to another.

These parts had NOT gotten along for some time, but now, I suddenly saw clearly that they could be first partners, then part of a larger, happier whole.

Borrowing Gail Sheehy’s wonderful terms from “Passages”, one part of me was “The Seeker”, and the other was “The Merger”.

I was concentrating on looking back and somehow making sense of the most difficult part of my life, and I knew that time had fragmented myself.

The letter from the “Seeker” to the “Merger” and the response identified the key disputes concerning what happened during that period.

2-Accept the Different Parts of Yourself

One of life’s great lessons is accepting.

From my work on the stage, both as actor and playwright, I know that one of the theatre’s greatest gifts is the art of improv. Yes, improv is just what it sounds like, working on something without any preparation and making that lack of preparation a gift.

But that’s not the core of improv.

The core of improve is acceptance.

If you’re on the stage doing improv, if your partner tells you you’re in the desert, then you’re in the desert, even if the theatre happens to be leaking rain at that moment.

If you don’t accept, you can’t do improv.

If the splintered parts of you can’t accept each other, then you can’t “perform” or participate in the drama of life together.

So, each part of you, read that letter, overcome the negativity toward the other part and accept that why he or she did or didn’t do something.

3-Find Your Internal Coach

Your Internal Coach is really simply a fancy or inspirational name for a nourishing internal parent.

After my Seeker and Merger accepted each other, they realized they need another internal force who would supervise their integration, bring the best out in both, help them set goals, and most of all, help them find happiness in every moment, in every situation.

The biggest thing the internal coach does is outlaw toxic self-criticism inside the newly integrated being.

4-Coaching to the Best Outcome

Each day holds the possibilities of happiness, regardless of circumstances.
Each day holds the possibilities of making the most of opportunities, no matter what they might be.

Toxic internal criticism creates a re-splintering, and you have just overcome that, so here’s a way to mediate both feelings and events in a way that teaches with compassion.

Here’s how.

5-Diary Time: Record the Day’s Events and Feelings.

1-Give thanks for all, no matter what. (Remember your improv training around acceptance!)

2-Perhaps you made a mistake or didn’t do something as well as you might have.

The splintered is not inclined to provide a teaching moment in such circumstances.

The coach will.

The coach will act as your kind adult and say, “What would have been a better approach?”

You will tell the coach, and the coach will applaud your maturity.

You can then add that to what you’re grateful for.

So, you see, each day is a new opportunity to reknit yourself, in case any splintering went on during the day.

Everyone wants to live their life with a full deck.

Everyone wants to make the most of who they are.

Everyone wants to be happy.

These elements are all about a life of wealth.

An integrated being is the best way to maximize your assets. Be rich!

---

Lars Nielsen has decades of experience helping individuals and businesses discover and share their core message. Whatever your message or audience, grab his “Make YOUR Message Matter Cheat Sheet” and put his time-tested techniques to work immediately.

You’ve read How to Re-Integrate a Splintered Self, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2tTvEDb

You’re reading How to Re-Integrate a Splintered Self, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Have you ever felt more voices inside your head than outside on any given day?

You’re not alone.

Unfortunately, due to unhappiness, trauma, loss, and other issues that cause negativity to our emotional insides, we can break apart and spend days, months, weeks, and years in the middle of internal arguments.

This self-fragmentation adds to our unhappiness, because it reduces us to a place of internal poverty.

It robs us of our chance to know emotional wealth, the optimizing of all our internal assets.

Good news: if you suffer from such internal disagreement and inner alienation, here are some tips to bring yourself back together and for your psyche and soul to move forward as one.

Here’s how.

1-Listen

Identify the voices inside you.

Last week, I wrote a letter from one clearly defined part of myself to another.

These parts had NOT gotten along for some time, but now, I suddenly saw clearly that they could be first partners, then part of a larger, happier whole.

Borrowing Gail Sheehy’s wonderful terms from “Passages”, one part of me was “The Seeker”, and the other was “The Merger”.

I was concentrating on looking back and somehow making sense of the most difficult part of my life, and I knew that time had fragmented myself.

The letter from the “Seeker” to the “Merger” and the response identified the key disputes concerning what happened during that period.

2-Accept the Different Parts of Yourself

One of life’s great lessons is accepting.

From my work on the stage, both as actor and playwright, I know that one of the theatre’s greatest gifts is the art of improv. Yes, improv is just what it sounds like, working on something without any preparation and making that lack of preparation a gift.

But that’s not the core of improv.

The core of improve is acceptance.

If you’re on the stage doing improv, if your partner tells you you’re in the desert, then you’re in the desert, even if the theatre happens to be leaking rain at that moment.

If you don’t accept, you can’t do improv.

If the splintered parts of you can’t accept each other, then you can’t “perform” or participate in the drama of life together.

So, each part of you, read that letter, overcome the negativity toward the other part and accept that why he or she did or didn’t do something.

3-Find Your Internal Coach

Your Internal Coach is really simply a fancy or inspirational name for a nourishing internal parent.

After my Seeker and Merger accepted each other, they realized they need another internal force who would supervise their integration, bring the best out in both, help them set goals, and most of all, help them find happiness in every moment, in every situation.

The biggest thing the internal coach does is outlaw toxic self-criticism inside the newly integrated being.

4-Coaching to the Best Outcome

Each day holds the possibilities of happiness, regardless of circumstances.
Each day holds the possibilities of making the most of opportunities, no matter what they might be.

Toxic internal criticism creates a re-splintering, and you have just overcome that, so here’s a way to mediate both feelings and events in a way that teaches with compassion.

Here’s how.

5-Diary Time: Record the Day’s Events and Feelings.

1-Give thanks for all, no matter what. (Remember your improv training around acceptance!)

2-Perhaps you made a mistake or didn’t do something as well as you might have.

The splintered is not inclined to provide a teaching moment in such circumstances.

The coach will.

The coach will act as your kind adult and say, “What would have been a better approach?”

You will tell the coach, and the coach will applaud your maturity.

You can then add that to what you’re grateful for.

So, you see, each day is a new opportunity to reknit yourself, in case any splintering went on during the day.

Everyone wants to live their life with a full deck.

Everyone wants to make the most of who they are.

Everyone wants to be happy.

These elements are all about a life of wealth.

An integrated being is the best way to maximize your assets. Be rich!

---

Lars Nielsen has decades of experience helping individuals and businesses discover and share their core message. Whatever your message or audience, grab his “Make YOUR Message Matter Cheat Sheet” and put his time-tested techniques to work immediately.

You’ve read How to Re-Integrate a Splintered Self, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2tTvEDb

You’re reading 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Are you an introvert?

Yes? Then there are two of us.

Nobody knows better what it means to be unable to fit into the society than introverts. We’re too quiet, too withdrawn, too lost in our heads and too individualistic to be accepted by the extrovert majority.

Our friends and family find it hard to believe that we might in fact WANT to spend our free time alone, on a comfortable armchair, under a blanket, with a book in hand and hot tea on the table.

What’s wrong with that?

Don’t worry about what other people say! Do what makes you happy!

I know from experience that what gives an introvert sleepless nights is finding the ideal profession.

Thus, let me share with you my golden means to a happy and satisfactory life.

I don’t fit anywhere.

It’s difficult to find a perfect job. You’re right.

It’s easier for extroverts. Since they are outgoing, sociable, enthusiastic and attention-seeking, they feel great in professions where human interaction is a must.

For introverts, on the other hand, the choice of profession is tough to make.

Although you might find many jobs difficult to cope with, there are still those that are suitable for you!

One of them is writing.

Why should I become a writer?

If you’re wondering why you should become a writer, check the 10 ultimate reasons why this job is ideal for you.

Let’s begin!

• No more recharging!

Isn’t working alone a dream come true? When you write, it’s just you, your laptop and a coffee on the table. Nothing else. No direct human contact needed.

• Creativity appreciated!

Aren’t the creative tasks or hobbies those that you enjoy most? It’s been proven that introverts might be the most creative people, so why not to have a profession that will allow you to express that creativity?

• Daydreaming allowed!

How much time do you spend in your head pondering about new ideas, rehearsing for possible future conversations or imagining yourself in various situations? You adore it, don’t you? But, you are also being scolded for it. What would you say if you could have an excuse for living inside of your head?

• No more uncomfortable communication!

Isn’t it hard to give immediate feedback once you’re asked a complicated question? No wonder. Unlike extroverts, you need time to process information, so speaking off the cuff is difficult. Discussing issues, especially with a group of people, is also tough. Ask yourself, do you prefer oral or written communication?

• Reading! Reading! Even more reading!

You love reading, don’t you? There isn’t a better evening than the one spent in bed with a new bestseller. As Stephen King teaches us, good writers read a lot. Doesn’t it mean you might be perfect for this job?

• Boredom at bay!

What would you say for going to a party? Do you want to say, “spare me, please”? I know what you mean. Nothing makes introverts more exhausted and bored than such socializing. Writing, on the other hand, will keep you engaged all the time. Isn’t it fascinating to spend your time creating new worlds and characters, educating others by writing compelling posts or researching topics and writing down your opinions and findings?

• Comfortable clothes allowed!

Do you like dressing down? It’s been observed that introverts prefer comfortable and practical clothes. Isn’t it great that once you’re a writer, you can dress the way you like? If you work from home you can even write in your pajamas!

• Work in the right environment!

You easily get distracted by over-stimulating environments, don’t you? You need peace and quiet for good concentration (check the success guide for all introverts). Thus, working in such places as hospitals, restaurants or schools sounds uninviting. Wouldn’t it be easier to choose the place to work? Depending on the type of the writing job you have, you can either work in a quiet office or at home. Wouldn’t you like that?

• Feel energized for social interaction!

Do you seek solitude? That’s because unlike extroverts, you gain energy by spending time alone. Imagine how energized you’ll be if you spend most of your day on such a solitary and fun activity as writing. It will prepare you for meeting your friends, family or the significant other. Will you not have more strength to spend time with people once you spend some time alone?

• Recover through writing!

Do you suffer from depression? Since introverts are the most misunderstood people (deemed to be anti-social, unemotional or no fun), they tend to have a lot of social problems. Many find it difficult to make friends. Others feel they don’t belong anywhere. If you also have such problems, writing might help you recover! Won’t you give it a try?

As you can see, writing has a number of benefits for introverts, thus it makes a desirable profession. There is one problem, though.

Can I earn my living by writing?

Yes, you can!

Depending on your aspirations, talents and aptitudes, you don’t have to be a novel writer. If you want to have a job with a steady income, you might consider being a freelance writer, journalist or a blogger. There are many possibilities!

Need more reasons to start your writing career?

You’ve read 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vWGedZ

You’re reading 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Are you an introvert?

Yes? Then there are two of us.

Nobody knows better what it means to be unable to fit into the society than introverts. We’re too quiet, too withdrawn, too lost in our heads and too individualistic to be accepted by the extrovert majority.

Our friends and family find it hard to believe that we might in fact WANT to spend our free time alone, on a comfortable armchair, under a blanket, with a book in hand and hot tea on the table.

What’s wrong with that?

Don’t worry about what other people say! Do what makes you happy!

I know from experience that what gives an introvert sleepless nights is finding the ideal profession.

Thus, let me share with you my golden means to a happy and satisfactory life.

I don’t fit anywhere.

It’s difficult to find a perfect job. You’re right.

It’s easier for extroverts. Since they are outgoing, sociable, enthusiastic and attention-seeking, they feel great in professions where human interaction is a must.

For introverts, on the other hand, the choice of profession is tough to make.

Although you might find many jobs difficult to cope with, there are still those that are suitable for you!

One of them is writing.

Why should I become a writer?

If you’re wondering why you should become a writer, check the 10 ultimate reasons why this job is ideal for you.

Let’s begin!

• No more recharging!

Isn’t working alone a dream come true? When you write, it’s just you, your laptop and a coffee on the table. Nothing else. No direct human contact needed.

• Creativity appreciated!

Aren’t the creative tasks or hobbies those that you enjoy most? It’s been proven that introverts might be the most creative people, so why not to have a profession that will allow you to express that creativity?

• Daydreaming allowed!

How much time do you spend in your head pondering about new ideas, rehearsing for possible future conversations or imagining yourself in various situations? You adore it, don’t you? But, you are also being scolded for it. What would you say if you could have an excuse for living inside of your head?

• No more uncomfortable communication!

Isn’t it hard to give immediate feedback once you’re asked a complicated question? No wonder. Unlike extroverts, you need time to process information, so speaking off the cuff is difficult. Discussing issues, especially with a group of people, is also tough. Ask yourself, do you prefer oral or written communication?

• Reading! Reading! Even more reading!

You love reading, don’t you? There isn’t a better evening than the one spent in bed with a new bestseller. As Stephen King teaches us, good writers read a lot. Doesn’t it mean you might be perfect for this job?

• Boredom at bay!

What would you say for going to a party? Do you want to say, “spare me, please”? I know what you mean. Nothing makes introverts more exhausted and bored than such socializing. Writing, on the other hand, will keep you engaged all the time. Isn’t it fascinating to spend your time creating new worlds and characters, educating others by writing compelling posts or researching topics and writing down your opinions and findings?

• Comfortable clothes allowed!

Do you like dressing down? It’s been observed that introverts prefer comfortable and practical clothes. Isn’t it great that once you’re a writer, you can dress the way you like? If you work from home you can even write in your pajamas!

• Work in the right environment!

You easily get distracted by over-stimulating environments, don’t you? You need peace and quiet for good concentration (check the success guide for all introverts). Thus, working in such places as hospitals, restaurants or schools sounds uninviting. Wouldn’t it be easier to choose the place to work? Depending on the type of the writing job you have, you can either work in a quiet office or at home. Wouldn’t you like that?

• Feel energized for social interaction!

Do you seek solitude? That’s because unlike extroverts, you gain energy by spending time alone. Imagine how energized you’ll be if you spend most of your day on such a solitary and fun activity as writing. It will prepare you for meeting your friends, family or the significant other. Will you not have more strength to spend time with people once you spend some time alone?

• Recover through writing!

Do you suffer from depression? Since introverts are the most misunderstood people (deemed to be anti-social, unemotional or no fun), they tend to have a lot of social problems. Many find it difficult to make friends. Others feel they don’t belong anywhere. If you also have such problems, writing might help you recover! Won’t you give it a try?

As you can see, writing has a number of benefits for introverts, thus it makes a desirable profession. There is one problem, though.

Can I earn my living by writing?

Yes, you can!

Depending on your aspirations, talents and aptitudes, you don’t have to be a novel writer. If you want to have a job with a steady income, you might consider being a freelance writer, journalist or a blogger. There are many possibilities!

Need more reasons to start your writing career?

You’ve read 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vWGedZ

You’re reading Erin’s Things: Sunday, June 30, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Thanks for joining me for my weekly round-up. This week, I’ve got a couple of really cool apps, devices and a movie. I’d love to hear what you’re really into, so read away and then leave a comment below!

Be well,

Erin

1. PERCH.COM

Sometimes I need a little inspiration to get working, so when I discovered Perch.com, a design and aesthetic focused furniture start up I was super excited! You’ve got modern and inspiring (key word here!) pieces, never predictable. I especially love the desk headphone hanger and the ‘Hay’ laptop brush. Where you work in terms of the effect it has on positivity can be just as important in sparking your creativity. I’m up for trying anything that will make me more productive!

2. THE BELL JAR

The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath’s only novel, as a film! It’ s directed by a woman, who just happens to be actress turned filmmaker Kristen Dunst. The film stars Dakota Fanning, another fantastic talent. I have always loved this book, a classic story of its central character ‘Esther Greenwood’s melancholy decent into mental illness. It is an acclaimed tale of the young and unreachable out there, and with a fresh adaptation co-written by Kristen Dunst herself and Nellie Kim, I am beyond excited to see this all female version light up he screen.

3. OPEN SWEAT

Things get busy in life, to the point where I find myself calling ‘exercise’ a few minutes of yoga stretches in the morning and at night. For those of us who don’t necessarily belong to any gym or take regular studio classes to work out, there is now an iOS app that solves this problem and it even gets you in on incredible discounts! Open Sweat is a great new app that  is free to download, you register on a platform then you browse all classes in Los Angeles that are under booked. Best thing to add is that every night between 6pm the night before and 30 minutes before the class, you can get discounts of up to 50% on these classes. SO if I find myself having the time on any given day, this app makes it easy and affordable.

4. HAND ENERGY

Remember that part of that lyric to that song ‘got the whole world in his hands?’ Well, now that is reality! That is if a large part of your world revolves around your smart phone (and let’s be real…). This ingenious device is a pocket electricity generator, shaped like a ball that you can take anywhere with you wherever you go. It works to generate the same current it would take to charge your phone to an external outlet, but with your own body’s energy charging a built in battery. That is GENIUS! You only may look a little strange to some as you rotate your wrist trying to get energy into your phone…but the upside of that is it can be surprisingly meditative? Just a hunch.  This is an energy efficient product and I’m all for it.

5. TROPHY DAD

The indie rock band, Trophy Dad, has something special, unassuming and contemplative on one hand, dance worthy on the other hand. Lyrically and musically on point with interesting narratives smattered throughout. Their single ‘Louis Sachar’ has a melodious hook that is still in my head as I type this. They’re on my to watch list for sure.

---

What are you loving this week? Let me know in the comments below!

 

You’ve read Erin’s Things: Sunday, June 30, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2uJmImt

You’re reading Erin’s Things: Sunday, June 30, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Thanks for joining me for my weekly round-up. This week, I’ve got a couple of really cool apps, devices and a movie. I’d love to hear what you’re really into, so read away and then leave a comment below!

Be well,

Erin

1. PERCH.COM

Sometimes I need a little inspiration to get working, so when I discovered Perch.com, a design and aesthetic focused furniture start up I was super excited! You’ve got modern and inspiring (key word here!) pieces, never predictable. I especially love the desk headphone hanger and the ‘Hay’ laptop brush. Where you work in terms of the effect it has on positivity can be just as important in sparking your creativity. I’m up for trying anything that will make me more productive!

2. THE BELL JAR

The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath’s only novel, as a film! It’ s directed by a woman, who just happens to be actress turned filmmaker Kristen Dunst. The film stars Dakota Fanning, another fantastic talent. I have always loved this book, a classic story of its central character ‘Esther Greenwood’s melancholy decent into mental illness. It is an acclaimed tale of the young and unreachable out there, and with a fresh adaptation co-written by Kristen Dunst herself and Nellie Kim, I am beyond excited to see this all female version light up he screen.

3. OPEN SWEAT

Things get busy in life, to the point where I find myself calling ‘exercise’ a few minutes of yoga stretches in the morning and at night. For those of us who don’t necessarily belong to any gym or take regular studio classes to work out, there is now an iOS app that solves this problem and it even gets you in on incredible discounts! Open Sweat is a great new app that  is free to download, you register on a platform then you browse all classes in Los Angeles that are under booked. Best thing to add is that every night between 6pm the night before and 30 minutes before the class, you can get discounts of up to 50% on these classes. SO if I find myself having the time on any given day, this app makes it easy and affordable.

4. HAND ENERGY

Remember that part of that lyric to that song ‘got the whole world in his hands?’ Well, now that is reality! That is if a large part of your world revolves around your smart phone (and let’s be real…). This ingenious device is a pocket electricity generator, shaped like a ball that you can take anywhere with you wherever you go. It works to generate the same current it would take to charge your phone to an external outlet, but with your own body’s energy charging a built in battery. That is GENIUS! You only may look a little strange to some as you rotate your wrist trying to get energy into your phone…but the upside of that is it can be surprisingly meditative? Just a hunch.  This is an energy efficient product and I’m all for it.

5. TROPHY DAD

The indie rock band, Trophy Dad, has something special, unassuming and contemplative on one hand, dance worthy on the other hand. Lyrically and musically on point with interesting narratives smattered throughout. Their single ‘Louis Sachar’ has a melodious hook that is still in my head as I type this. They’re on my to watch list for sure.

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What are you loving this week? Let me know in the comments below!

 

You’ve read Erin’s Things: Sunday, June 30, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading How To Boost Your Mental Health With Nootropics, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Are you looking for an effective way to boost your mental health? Or maybe you want something that will help you stay focused when you need to stay up late at night? If so, then you may want to look into nootropics. Over the years, nootropics have become increasingly popular, things to a growing body of evidence that shows their effectiveness in terms of increasing mental performance and even treating certain mental health disorders. In this resource, you will learn how you can get started with nootropics to help boost your overall mental well-being.

What Are Nootropics?

Also referred to as smart drugs or neuro enhancers, nootropics are supplements meant to help users attain the mental performance. They are most popular among young professionals who spend countless hours at work and students who need to study for long hours in preparation for an exam.

According to a recent study, 16% of young adults in the US already take cognitive enhancing supplements. This number is only expected to rise in the following years. The nootropics industry continues to grow larger, with more and more people acknowledging there are many health benefits.

Why Should You Use Nootropics?

Nootropics are expressly designed to help increase mental performance. The problem, however, is that the term mental performance can be too vague. Each person may have his or her own definition of mental performance. This causes some people to end up getting disappointed after using nootropics without experiencing any noticeable benefits.

This is exactly why many health experts suggest taking a more particular approach when it comes to using nootropics. A good starting point is to learn the two categories of neuroenhancers: natural supplements and nootropic drugs.

Natural supplements are extracted from leaves, herbs and organic oil. Vitamins and brain foods are also placed under this category. If you are looking for something that can help boost your mental performance over the long term, then natural supplements should be your number one option. Since they are made from natural ingredients, you can expect to suffer from zero side effects throughout your use. The downside, however, is that they provide mild effects compared to nootropic drugs.

Nootropics, on the other hand, are created from laboratories. They are made from a variety of ingredients, which may include natural sources. Nootropic drugs are designed in a way to deliver more potent results. Also, a nootropic is usually developed to deal with a particular mental health problem.

How To Get Started With Nootropics?

Just like taking any other kind of supplement, the results you get may vary from other users. This is because boosting your mental performance depends on several variables include in your daily diet, genetic predisposition, and exposure to environmental toxins. Also, you cannot expect nootropics to magically increase your mental clarity, attention span, and focus.

When you’re first starting out, try to hold the factors mentioned above as constant as you can. Through this, you can try different nootropics and see which one works best for you. You may also want to start with premixed stacks. These come with several ingredients that have been shown to provide the most benefit in terms of improving mental health.

If you are dealing with a specific mental health disorder, then you may want to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis. Once your condition has been diagnosed by a medical professional, you may seek advice regarding the use of nootropics. The doctor can help select the best nootropic that addresses the particular mental health problem you have. This also helps you avoid what supplements can interfere with other prescription medications you’re taking for your condition.

Summing It Up

It’s interesting to see how far nootropics have gone over the years. They are now widely used by millions of people across the globe, with an increasing number of psychiatrists swearing by their efficacy. Remember, though, that getting the results you expect depends heavily on choosing the appropriate nootropic drug for your condition. You cannot shop blindly without understanding what a particular brain supplement can do for your health. Keep in mind that you can always work with your doctor to choose the best nootropic that will take your mental acuity to its peak.

---

Garry is a nootropic enthusiast and the site owner of “The Nootropics Review“. Visit his website and read his in-depth reviews to find the right nootropic stack for you.

You’ve read How To Boost Your Mental Health With Nootropics, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2u6gZE3

You’re reading How To Boost Your Mental Health With Nootropics, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Are you looking for an effective way to boost your mental health? Or maybe you want something that will help you stay focused when you need to stay up late at night? If so, then you may want to look into nootropics. Over the years, nootropics have become increasingly popular, things to a growing body of evidence that shows their effectiveness in terms of increasing mental performance and even treating certain mental health disorders. In this resource, you will learn how you can get started with nootropics to help boost your overall mental well-being.

What Are Nootropics?

Also referred to as smart drugs or neuro enhancers, nootropics are supplements meant to help users attain the mental performance. They are most popular among young professionals who spend countless hours at work and students who need to study for long hours in preparation for an exam.

According to a recent study, 16% of young adults in the US already take cognitive enhancing supplements. This number is only expected to rise in the following years. The nootropics industry continues to grow larger, with more and more people acknowledging there are many health benefits.

Why Should You Use Nootropics?

Nootropics are expressly designed to help increase mental performance. The problem, however, is that the term mental performance can be too vague. Each person may have his or her own definition of mental performance. This causes some people to end up getting disappointed after using nootropics without experiencing any noticeable benefits.

This is exactly why many health experts suggest taking a more particular approach when it comes to using nootropics. A good starting point is to learn the two categories of neuroenhancers: natural supplements and nootropic drugs.

Natural supplements are extracted from leaves, herbs and organic oil. Vitamins and brain foods are also placed under this category. If you are looking for something that can help boost your mental performance over the long term, then natural supplements should be your number one option. Since they are made from natural ingredients, you can expect to suffer from zero side effects throughout your use. The downside, however, is that they provide mild effects compared to nootropic drugs.

Nootropics, on the other hand, are created from laboratories. They are made from a variety of ingredients, which may include natural sources. Nootropic drugs are designed in a way to deliver more potent results. Also, a nootropic is usually developed to deal with a particular mental health problem.

How To Get Started With Nootropics?

Just like taking any other kind of supplement, the results you get may vary from other users. This is because boosting your mental performance depends on several variables include in your daily diet, genetic predisposition, and exposure to environmental toxins. Also, you cannot expect nootropics to magically increase your mental clarity, attention span, and focus.

When you’re first starting out, try to hold the factors mentioned above as constant as you can. Through this, you can try different nootropics and see which one works best for you. You may also want to start with premixed stacks. These come with several ingredients that have been shown to provide the most benefit in terms of improving mental health.

If you are dealing with a specific mental health disorder, then you may want to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis. Once your condition has been diagnosed by a medical professional, you may seek advice regarding the use of nootropics. The doctor can help select the best nootropic that addresses the particular mental health problem you have. This also helps you avoid what supplements can interfere with other prescription medications you’re taking for your condition.

Summing It Up

It’s interesting to see how far nootropics have gone over the years. They are now widely used by millions of people across the globe, with an increasing number of psychiatrists swearing by their efficacy. Remember, though, that getting the results you expect depends heavily on choosing the appropriate nootropic drug for your condition. You cannot shop blindly without understanding what a particular brain supplement can do for your health. Keep in mind that you can always work with your doctor to choose the best nootropic that will take your mental acuity to its peak.

---

Garry is a nootropic enthusiast and the site owner of “The Nootropics Review“. Visit his website and read his in-depth reviews to find the right nootropic stack for you.

You’ve read How To Boost Your Mental Health With Nootropics, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2u6gZE3