Does wearing high heels boosts confidence?

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Does wearing high heels boosts confidence?

September 02, 2019

Does wearing high heels boosts confidence? | Healthbiztips | photo credit: Valery Sysoev @valerysysoev @unsplash

Does wearing high heels boosts confidence? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health | beauty | psychology

Individuals striding in high heels gives bystanders the impression of fearlessness and empowerment, but does standing in a high platform really build confidence or is it just an illusion created by assuming such tall stature?

Yes, walking in high heels does give certain people confidence. Wearing high heels changes the body's center of gravity, so in order to be able to walk in high heels, one has to assume a good posture in which the chest is held out, tummy is held in, and the head is positioned in line with the spine. This obliges the wearer to stand straight which many may find attractive and professional.

In a way, standing in high heels commands it's wearer to take on a high power pose. The highly criticized research by Amy Cuddy reveals that adopting a high power pose, in which the individual stands or sits straight with hands spread out to assume a dominant posture even for as little as 2 minutes can have a significant biochemical effect on a person, such that it increases the level of testosterone while decreasing the stress hormone cortisol. This hormonal changes makes the person feel positive and less anxious.

If you want to grab attention, then high heels is your friend. A study reveals that the higher the heels women wear, the more they get noticed, particularly by men. Wearing heels is fashion statement that speaks height, attractiveness, and femininity.

I did mention that high heels does indeed increases the confidence of "certain people" because high heels is absolutely not a confidence builder for all type of people. For example, take the case of a woman whose height is 5'10" and imagine how she might feel in a crowd when she wears an incredibly high heels. Indeed, she would really stand out in a weird way.

Let's not forget that wearing high heels regularly can have negative repercussions because it increases the risk of musculoskeletal problem and injury as it puts the feet in an unnatural position.

In my opinion, walking in high heels is a complicated stance, especially to those who are not used to it. I know a person who got so embarrassed for falling in a high heel that she vow never to wear it again as it certainly did an awful impact on her confidence. On the hand, I know a woman who gains incredible confidence when she's on high heels. Whether or not wearing high heels will increase one's confidence still depends on the preference and mindset of the one whose wearing it.

How to Improve Self-esteem

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How to Improve Self-esteem

September 02, 2019

How to Improve Self-esteem; photo credit: Bart LaRue @bartlarueeppler @unsplash

How to Improve Self-esteem | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

People with high self-esteem feels a sense of self-worth and respect. Having an affirmative self-image is undeniably a crucial part of a sound psychology.

It's this unconditional self-love many people want more.

While there are factors like upbringing and life events we can't control, there are still ways we can use to build self-esteem.


Accept your self

Self-esteem is an unconditional self-love. You can have all that you've ever wanted in life but still end up having a tiny sense of self-worth. Here's where the mindset of a person comes to play.

In order for you to love yourself, you have to first accept yourself. You have to reflect on certain traits such as your weakness and strengths and recognize them.

Only by accepting those characteristics can you know those characters which you can change and those which you can not.


It's about improvement, not failure

Failure is a normal consequence of trying. Failure, while might seem dire, is often unavoidable. You have to keep in mind that no one is perfect, including you.

It is understandable that there are many who are afraid of committing a mistake, because an error can be fatal.

In theory, mistake is unacceptable, but we live in a world where mistake is a part of reality that we  have to accept and rectify.


Stop comparing
There are a lot of people who tend to compare themselves with others, in which they judge their success base on how far off their achievements are than that of their peers. When a person uses his or her friends achievement as a scale they have to reach in order to gain self-acceptance, then there is no real self-love there.


Purpose

Finding your purpose in life is something that makes mortality worthwhile. What is it that you want to do in your life? Often, finding one's purpose can be tricky and hard.


Think positive

Having a positive outlook in life is an indispensable tool to achieve a good mental health. It's your way of thinking that can ultimately have the most profound impact on your self-esteem.

Directing your thoughts on the positive side of every situation can get you through tough times. On the other hand, if your focus on the negative aspect of events, you can get drained and stressed out.


Grow

Self-esteem is not an unshakeable state of mind. There are life events or traumatic situations that can rattle your self-esteem. Allow yourself time to heal and move on.

In whatever field you choose, it is important to never stop improving yourself despite setbacks.

Physical appearance Impacts Student's Self-esteem

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Physical appearance Impacts Student's Self-esteem

August 29, 2019

Physical appearance Impacts Student's Self-esteem. photo credit: Emma Matthews @unsplash

Physical appearance Impacts Student's Self-esteem | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

A research reveals that student's physical appearance has a tremendous impact on their self-esteem. Looks matter so much that it out-weights academic performance in delivering happiness to the student.

Of course, schools are institutions designed to inculcate new skills and information. It's where you study hard, do school projects, cram on take-home assignments, and endure classes, to which in return, they pay you with metamorphic salary, in the form of intangible grades.

Of course, these "wages" students take home to their parents are important as it certainly does have tangible impact on their old folk's view of their child's present and future prospect.

Grades, in turn, especially when it's really good can build a child's positive self-esteem, but do you know that there is another thing that can give these young people true self-love?

In a school setting, there is a quality that can be far superior than grades in boosting a student's self-esteem--it's physical appearance. Looks matter. If you think about it, it's not that surprising that you value yourself based on how well you look. Heck, even just a single pimple can ruin self-confidence, especially when it's centerpiece.


What is self-esteem?

Each person has a degree to which they value their self, that is what we call self-esteem. A positive self-esteem can be the very thing which makes you love yourself when all the other's don't...well, apart from narcissism.

So, if we want to build a genuine self-confident person, self-esteem is the worst thing to neglect. Sure, focusing on your looks may seem like a superficial reason to love yourself more, but there's no doubt that it is indeed a very good reason.



In fact, a study reveals that a student's self concept of physical appearance has a greater impact than academic performance in having a positive self-esteem, especially among girls. Academic standing and interpersonal bonds still has huge bearing in a student's self-esteem, but this research shows how self-image surpass both.

So, now that we know how a student perceive his or her physical appearance strongly affects self-esteem, should we go about questioning the weird uniform, strict school-approved outfits, or the no-make up policy certain academic institutions have in place?

This is a complicated matter. School policies about grooming and proper attire may have reasonable justifications. For example, schools enforce certain rules to avoid certain kind of foreseeable problems. Often, when a child voices out concern about certain school policies, it is taken by the school as a sign of insubordination that challenges their institution's rules. But, in my experience, I find it helpful when the student council or parents intervene by talking to those encharge of the school.


For years, it has been told that school is a place of learning, but it does have a great influence on shaping one's attitude and perception.


Self-esteem that's reliant upon physical appearance can be the reason why a student persists in wearing lip gloss during class. It is the underlying cause of how a pimple can bring down one's confidence. It's why a nice uniform can make you feel good about yourself. It's why you feel ridiculous underneath that baggy uniform.


Resource:

Baudson, Tanja G et al. “More Than Only Skin Deep: Appearance Self-Concept Predicts Most of Secondary School Students' Self-Esteem.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 7 1568. 18 Oct. 2016, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01568

Moving your Eyes from side-to-side Improves Memory

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Moving your Eyes from side-to-side Improves Memory

July 09, 2019

Moving your Eyes from side-to-side Improves Memory | Healthbiztips 
photo credit: Andrii Podilnyk @yirage @unsplash

Moving your Eyes from side-to-side Improves Memory | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

Memory is a crucial part of our everyday life, whether you have an upcoming examination or just trying to remember the name of the person  you've just met. Did you know that you can actually boosts your brain power simply by shifting your gaze from side to side in as short as 30 seconds.

Research by Andrew Parker and his colleagues uncovers that moving the eyes from side to side help people recall words. You may be wondering if moving the eyes up and down hacks the brain to enhance your memory, however, their studies reveal that it does not.

How is this possible? Moving the eyes from side to side for 30 seconds works because it triggers both hemisphere of the brain to interact. When you move your eyes to the right, it activates the left hemisphere of your brain, and when you move your eyes to the left, it activates the right part of your brain.


Related blog posts:

Is it true that talking to yourself makes you smarter?

Ginkgo Biloba sharpens memory and enhances attention.

It takes longer for liars to respond on text messenges

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It takes longer for liars to respond on text messenges

July 03, 2019

It takes longer for liars to respond on text messages | Healthbiztips

It takes longer for liars to respond on text messages | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

Have you ever had that gut instinct that someone is not being truthful on their response to your text messages? Well, it turns out there are clues to know if someone is indeed lying. One of those is to take a closer look into their response time. You see, it takes an individual longer to respond to a text message or chat when they are telling a lie.

It is often hard to  find out if someone is lying on their text message because unlike in a face to face interaction, we do not have the benefit of seeing real time facial expression and body language that can potentially give them away.

Yes, it is undeniable that pointing out that someone is lying simply on the basis that it took them a hefty long time to respond may seem unfair and downright wrong. That's because although this method is proven by research to have significance, it is not foolproof.

You can't convict a liar solely on the fact that it takes them a long time to respond, but it does give you a good factor to consider when judging to the true intent and nature of that person.


Resources:

Brigham Young University. (2013, September 5). People who lie while texting take longer to respond. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 18, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130905113654.htm

What is the difference between depression and loneliness?

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What is the difference between depression and loneliness?

June 27, 2019

What is the difference between depression and loneliness? | Healthbiztips

Is loneliness and depression the same? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

It is worth knowing that although loneliness and depression are associated with extreme feeling of sadness, these two are completely different things.

To a layman, the difference between loneliness and depression may not be apparent.


Let's look into loneliness. Have you ever felt the emotional pain caused by being far away from your family or loved ones? Have you ever experienced the pain of a break up?

Loneliness is the sadness a person feels caused by the absence of or being away from close relations like family, friends, and intimate relations.

In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, we learn that love and belonging  is a basic human need that needs to be fulfilled in order for a person to be motivated to achieve self-actualization. Other basic human needs include physiological needs (such as food, water, sleep, and clothing), safety, and self-esteem.

Humans can go to such extremes just to feel accepted and loved because the sense of belonging is a basic human needs.

When our need to belong is not met, it is normal to feel the pain of loneliness. Did you know that this feeling actually activates the same area of the brain that processes physical pain, thus, the pain experienced is real.

Loneliness stems from the absence of close ties and meaningful relationships.

Depression

Depression is mental health problem in which a person experiences profound sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. While loneliness is a normal and temporary response, depression is a serious mental illness that needs to be addressed and treated.

Depression affects both the individuals mental and psysical state. Below are several of it's manifestations:

• adhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
• inability to feel pleasure in previouslt enjoyable activities
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• sleep disturbance
• social withdrawal
• loss of self-esteem
• feeling of worthlessness
• inability to concentrate and think clearly
• loss of purpose and meaning in life
• developing suicidal thoughts

What causes depression?

The exact cause of depression if hard to point out, but there are several factors linked to it's development:

• genetics and family history
• mental health disorder such as bipolar disorder
• medications such as corticosteroid and isotretinoin
• unpleasant life experiences
• history of experiencing abuse
• death of a loved one

To summarize, loneliness is the feeling of temporary sadness that an individual experiences due to the absence of the basic need of being loved and accepted. On the other hand, depression if a serious mental health problem characterized by long lasting feeling of extreme sadness that's debilitating to a person's normal functioning.

Children who are Good at Lying tend to be Successful adults

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Children who are Good at Lying tend to be Successful adults

June 17, 2019

Children who are Good at Lying tend to be Successful adults | Healthbiztips

When a child tells a lie, is it bad? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

If you want to be a successful adult, then as a child, you should focus on your grades and studies. Lying almost feels like cheating, but a research brings childhood lying into a better light.

A study by Dr. Kang Lee, the director of the Institute of Child Study at Toronto University, challenges the common notion that "honesty is the best policy".

The research finding reveals that being able to tell convincing lies at such a young age is a sign of good brain development and reflects competence in terms of social interaction.

Every good parent wants what's best for their children. But, many of them are not aware that lying is a common thing people do, which does not exclude children.

Lying is a form of deception but it isn't always bad. Think of the white lies you've told your colleagues just to make them feel happy or avoid senseless conflict. Have you ever thought about those lies you've told your interviewer so just you get the job?


Turns out, telling a lie requires higher brain processing that controls the executive functioning. So, anyone can tell a lie, but there are those who can tell it in a manner that makes it seem like the fake is authentic.


If you're worrying that your children will turn delinquent because of the lies they utter, then fear not. Turns out, delinquents are usually bad at lying. In fact, the research reveals that childhood lying have no impact on cheating on examinations, and becoming fraudulent later in life.


Of course, the fact that a study reveals a positive side of lying doesn't really make the act less ethical. There's always the question regarding it's morality.

Dr. Kang Lee still points out that parents who catch their child lying should take the opportunity to speak to their child regarding the untruthfulness of their words in a constructive manner.


In conclusion, when parents find out that their children are telling a lie, it shouldn't always be a cause of alarm. Research has reveal that children who tell good lies have good brain functioning and development. It is worthwhile to note that every child is unique so every situation should still be taken with regards to it's context.

Is it true that talking to yourself makes you smarter?

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Is it true that talking to yourself makes you smarter?

June 14, 2019

Is it true that talking to yourself makes you smarter? | Healthbiztips

 
Is it true that talking to yourself makes you smarter? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

I've found psychology blogs online pointing out that talking to yourself makes you smarter. That's great because I know there's a lot of people who want to boost their brain power, right?

I thought to myself how cool this is but I got disappointed when I got to the real answer.

According to the research conducted by G. Lupyan from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a self-directed speech, not a conversational self talk, can increase your focus.

So, my nonsensical self-speeches do not count at all. I should have known better. Striking a conversation with yourself (I mean, a real talk) still looks strange so you won't want other people to see that part of you. You know, just in case people speculate about your social life.

To make it short, you're only boosting your brain power when giving yourself instruction regarding something you're currently engaged with or when you're discussing with yourself things you've learned.

Say, you're trying to find a familiar object in a grocery store, then repeating the name of that object verbally increases your attention into finally finding that thing.

Research revealed that the strategy of repeating a familiar object's name will increase your speed of finding that object in a grocery store by up to 50 to 100 milliseconds.

Ironically, doing the same strategy to find an foreign object proves to be a handicap. Turns out chanting an unfamiliar object's name doesn't make it any more recognizable in a sea of stuffs.


In conclusion, you get smarter by increasing your focus on the task at hand by speaking out about the current task your have to accomplish and reciting things you've learned to improve your memory about that subject.

10 min vs 30 mins Nap during Nightshift

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10 min vs 30 mins Nap during Nightshift

May 27, 2019

10 min vs 30 mins Nightshift Nap: Which is better? | Healthbiztips

If you've worked the nightshift, you know that there's a time when you really have to take a short nap to energize yourself. You might think that the longer the duration you spend napping, the better the outcome is.

10 min vs 30 mins Nap during Nightshift
photo credit: Jon Tyson @jontyson @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

Researchers compare the short term impact of a 30 minute and 10 minute nighttime nap on alertness, concentration, and performance by determining which nap duration predisposes an individual to experience sleep inertia.

Sleep inertia is the state of disorientation and grogginess you experience right after when you wake up. It significantly decreases alertness and physical performance and generally lasts from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Surprisingly, in the study done, it is the 30 minute nighttime nap that is link to sleep inertia, not a 10 minute nap. Which means that employees who took a 30 minute nap during a night shift are more prone to feel groggy and tired afterward.

In tasks that require concentration such as driving and operating machinery, sleep inertia can inevitably expose an employee to occupational hazards.

In a working environment, this research reveals that a 10 minute sleep is not as detrimental as a 30 minute sleep on an employee's performance.

Often, employees are not aware of the short lived mental and physical impairment that is brought about by sleep inertia.

While a 10 minutes nap is beneficial beneficial because it usually does not cause sleep inertia, it however did not boost the performance of those who took it.


Did you have enough sleep prior to taking your night shift?

People who lack enough sleep are more prone to experience sleep inertia. So, it's worth knowing that it's not just the duration of a nap that's a good determinant of how well a person performs afterward.


Resources:

Hilditch, C. J., Centofanti, S. A., Dorrian, J., & Banks, S. (2016). A 30-Minute, but Not a 10-Minute Nighttime Nap is Associated with Sleep Inertia. Sleep, 39(3), 675–685. doi:10.5665/sleep.5550

The way a person treats restaurant staff reveals a lot about their character

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The way a person treats restaurant staff reveals a lot about their character

May 24, 2019

The way a person treats restaurant staff reveals a lot about their character | Healthbiztips

Do you know someone who speaks to their superior in an incredibly nice way, but treats their subordinate rudely. How about a customer who speaks to his comrades kindly but treats restaurant staffs like lowly servants? I've seen it happen and I tell you, it's really awful.

It's like that person is wearing a two sided mask. But, which side is the real one?

Did you know that how a person treats servers and subordinates tells a lot about their character.

The way a person treats restaurant staff reveals a lot about their character | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Deleece Cook @deleece @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | psychology blog

Let's face it, we just can't help but create an impression about certain people, whether they are friends, strangers, or enemies. At times, it's really important to know a person better. Imagine being engage to the kindest person you've ever met, then finding out after your marriage that he's not as kind as you think. If you'd like to know a person better, then observe how they interact with staffs in a restaurant.

If you're going to a restaurant with a colleague, a friend, or a fiance, pay attention to the way that person treats restaurant staff as it  reveals a lot about their character.

Because let's admit it, we tend to be in our best behavior when we're in front of our boss, but when it comes to dealing with strangers or people we think are working to please or serve us, we can't help but reveal our true essence, and at times, it can reveal the worst of us.

I don't know about you but I don't trust someone who is nice to me but rude to waiter and waitress. If you fiance talks to you like he's all kindness but shouts or acts rudely in front of a restaurant staff because something didn't go by his way, then, it can be a telltale sign of her inner character.

How you treat other people can reveal valuable personality traits about you.

How Art Therapy heals Addiction

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How Art Therapy heals Addiction

May 09, 2019

Art therapy for addiction treatment | Healthbiztips

Did you know that art therapy has been used to treat addiction in as early as 1950s.

Art therapy for addiction treatment | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Hin Bong Yeung @hinbong @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Art therapy for addiction is a therapeutic technique that offers individuals a creative and positive outlet to communicate their thoughts and feelings which ultimately lets them overcome their addiction and bad behavior. It is a form of psychotherapy that is done under the supervision of a therapist.

Addiction, especially to tobacco, illegal substance, and regulated drug is a health problem that's a global threat. Treatment and rehabilitation for those people afflicted remains a challenge.

A lot of smokers find it hard to quit their detrimental addiction to nicotine.

Using art therapy is an old and effective strategy to fight addiction. It is used by rehabilitation facilities in addition to other forms of therapy to help an individual to eliminate an addiction.

Expressing creativity fosters a good mental health. It's application can not be underestimated.

People who want to get rid of addiction finds art therapy as an outlet of their emotions and a way for them to express their thoughts. Art therapy remarkably reduces anxiety, stress, and depression.

Art therapy can be a valuable coping mechanism that individuals can employ to lessen the urges brought about by their addiction.


It has several forms
Art therapy to treat addiction can take several forms such as drawing, painting, sculpting, dancing, singing, and playing musical instrument.


The purpose of art therapy
Through engaging in an artistic work, the person not only is able to communicate feelings that are often hard to put into words, with proper guidance, he can also gain valuable insights into the inner workings of his mind, thereby, know himself better.


In art therapy, you are not alone.
Art therapy treatment for addiction is guided by a therapist who helps individuals interpret their artistic work and find hidden meaning that are often overlooked by the naked eye.


It's not about how good you are at it.
The success of art therapy to manage addiction is not dictated by the craftsmanship and superiority of the artwork made. Art therapy is simply a valuable medium to  enable self expression, improve self awareness, and redirect negative emotions. You don't need to be artistic or talented to engage in art therapy.


Art therapy is not enough
Addiction can't be treated by art therapy alone so it is used together with other forms of therapy such as group therapy to achieve success in treatment. Furthermore, art therapy may not work well for all individuals. It is crucial that treatment plan for addiction be tailored to the person's unique needs.



The emergence of correction center to treat addiction is important to help people be cured. However, it is a reality that a huge percentage of people needing treatment for addiction do not receive treatment.

Coffee fights depression

Facebook addiction can point to Social insecurity

Why do we sigh?

Resources:

Aletraris, L., Paino, M., Edmond, M. B., Roman, P. M., & Bride, B. E. (2014). The use of art and music therapy in substance abuse treatment programs. Journal of addictions nursing, 25(4), 190–196. doi:10.1097/JAN.0000000000000048

Dunning-Kruger effect: How well do you know yourself

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Dunning-Kruger effect: How well do you know yourself

April 19, 2019

Dunning-Kruger effect - Healthbiztips

The fool doesn't realize that he is. Do you know someone who believes that his abilities are far more superior than it actually is?

In psychology, we call this the dunning-kruger effect.

Dunning-Kruger effect - Healthbiztips
photo credit: Joshua Hoehne @mrthetrain @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Dunning-Kruger effect. It's the tendency of a person to overestimate his abilities. They believe that they are smarter and more competent than they actually are.

Not only do they lack the competence and skill, they simply don't have the mental faculty to gauge their own ability.

The lack of ability to recognize one's own weakness is something we can all be guilty of.

Talking without knowing.

Dunning–Kruger effect

The name "Dunning–Kruger effect" is a mix up of the names two psychologists --  David Dunning and Justin Kruger, who observed in their study that less skilled people tend to overestimate their ability, while competent people tend to underestimate themselves.

Not only does one fail to realize how incompetent he is, 

With an amazing amount of self-expectation, it is very hard to convince a low competent person of his actual ability.

As the person's level of competence increase over time, the tendency to gauge oneself excessively diminishes. However, it is noted that those who reached an expert level tend to underestimate their own self.

What's the early sign of dementia? - Healthbiztips

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What's the early sign of dementia? - Healthbiztips

April 09, 2019

What's the early sign of dementia?

While dementia is incurable, catching it at it's early stage can buy a patient some time to start treatment that can  slow down the progression of the disease.

What's the early sign of dementia? - Healthbiztips
photo credit: @plushdesignstudio Plush Design Studio @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan


Failure to identify common scent is an early sign of dementia.

As we age, out sense of smell normally declines, but patients who are at the early stage of dementia experience a profound loss of the ability to smell even before the onset of cognitive impairment.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by memory loss, language impairment. cognitive decline, and learning disability which worsens over time.

People who experience a profound decline in their sense of smell have been shown by various studies to have higher chance of developing dementia.

It's a recognized early sign of dementia proven by scientific studies. It's a valuable piece of information because a patient can already show sign of smell impairment several years up to decades before the onset of cognitive and memory decline.

Often, dementia is  diagnosed when it's already too late, when severe neurological damage has been done that results to a significant physical and mental retardation.

In itself, olfactory deterioration can reflect a covert serious neurological deterioration.

Doing a "smell test" is simple and inexpensive. However, even when a person's difficulty in detecting common scent can potentially point to dementia, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool so it is imperative not to "self-daignose", but  to consult a healthcare provider.

Are you stress shopping? - Healthbiztips

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Are you stress shopping? - Healthbiztips

April 08, 2019

Are you stress shopping?

Have you ever bought something you don't really need just so it will improve your mood? If so, then you are doing retail therapy. 

However, retail therapy is not a legitimate therapy. While stress shopping does improve the mood of a person, it is not constructive and can backfire.

Are you stress shopping? - Healthbiztips
photo credit: @freestocks freestocks.org @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Stress shopping is a lot more common than you think. When we are under stress, we become vulnerable. Chances are, you may have unconsciously done it yourself.

You may have found yourself buying a treat like sweets or a new shoes at the end of a long busy week or during times when you are feeling down. It's usually a harmless source of euphoria.

Stress shopping is not all that bad considering that the positive effect it has over a person's mood is real. However, when finances gets depleted, it's a serious problem.

Women, especially teenagers, are more prone than men to engage in retail therapy. Studies shows that women tend to buy clothes when they are stress shopping, as opposed to men who tend to buy food.

Of course food and clothing are basic commodities, but when purchases becomes too many, too much, and unreasonable, it doesn't take long to realize that there is an underlying psychological problem.

One can find herself buying material stuffs or food just so it will improve her mood during highly stressful periods in her life. It is worth noting that stress shopping is usually as short lived shopping compulsion lasting only for the duration of the stressful event.

However, when purchasing unnecessary stuffs becomes a long-standing problem or has lead to addiction, then it can can be a sign of compulsive buying disorder  in which the individual looses control over her purchases.

Buying something out of compulsion can have severe percussion to the financial resources of a person which can potentially be a cause of further harm to the person's emotional and mental well-being. Compulsive buying disorder is a mental disorder that can be treated so it is crucial to seek psychological treatment.

When finances becomes depleted and debt starts to pile high, it can aggravate stress, lead to depression.

Is Bribing Children Okay? - Healthbiztips

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Is Bribing Children Okay? - Healthbiztips

April 01, 2019

Is Bribing Children Okay? - Healthbiztips

Bribing your children is the quickest way to get it all done. It's easy but costly. Sure, it can't drain your wallet dry, or could it?

Bribing sounds like a bad thing to do. Have it ever crossed your mind what this escape goat act does to a child's psychology?

Is Bribing Children Okay? - Healthbiztips
photo credit: @fiveohfilms Eddie Kopp @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Now, let me clear off misconceptions about this topic by saying that bribing a child to behave nicely or get something done is catastrophic to your child's mental development.

When parents bribe their children, they're basically telling their kids to act negatively the next time and only stop the bad behavior when they are bribed with money, a toy, or a treat. I'm telling you, you'll be amazed at how fast most children learn.


Respect and Responsibility

Come on parents, seriously, how do you expect your children to grow as a responsible and respectable adults when you're training them to receive bribes at such a young age?

You parents, how do you expect your child to respect you when you're giving them bribes. It's poor parenting. It's really bad.

I know it could be tough to deal with the screaming, crying, and temper tantrums. I understand most parents want an easy way out of this. Often, bribing has become the norm so parents fail to question this tactic.

The thing is, bribing children gives them a false sense of entitlement. Let's get real, when you grow up, having a temper tantrum is not a legitimate way to earn a living. The world doesn't owe you anything. You have to work for it!

Come on, the world has enough self-entitled people.


That's what they're supposed to do

We all have to do something because it's the task that we have to do. You know. ...do homework, finish a project, behave nicely, eat, drink, sleep.

A bribe is the thing you give a child to do something that he has to do. On the other hand, reward is the thing you give them for accomplishing something good.

It's like this, you give your child bribe just so the little brat does his homework. Another parents, who didn't bribe their child to study, treats their kids for receiving high grades at the end of the school year.

When children confuse bribe with reward, it can mess up their psychology. Oh, no! What if they confuse bribe with salary. Then, you'll get yourself a lazy unemployed employee.

Bribing a child teaches him to do something only if he receives a treat. If there's no bribe, that only means the kid don't have to do it.

It works on dogs, so could it be effective for children. The clear answer is NO! Well, a police certainly won't give a person a treat just to stop him from doing that bad thing, but most certainly he'll get himself arrested.

Some things just doesn't go by your way.

A child's brain is at it's formative years. It's at this period that they develop important traits.

Their are rules they have to go by, be it household rules or state law. Their are homeworks they have to finish. They have to learn that money don't sprout from nothing. Anyways, do you, as parents, want to earn their respect or not?


A vicious cycle

Once you bribe your child to behave or do homework, it can backfire. This can start a vicious cycle. Just hang on until your child becomes a teenager, it'll be pure terror.


What if my child is having a temper tantrum

I know it's hard not to give in especially when you're dealing with your child's rage. You have to know what to do in this situation.

When your child is having a temper tantrum, you have to stay with the child and prevent him from inflicting himself harm, until the tantrum ends. Keep away blunt objects. You have to keep yourself calm so you don't end up yelling which can aggravate the matter.

Tantrum is just your child's way of handing that extreme emotion inside of him. It's common in toddlers and preschoolers. Given time and nurture, your child will be mature enough to handle it.

You do not want your child to handle the extreme emotions inside them with a bribe.


Who says being a parent is easy? Ultimately, it's down to parents to hone their child to be responsible and respectable adults.

Facebook addiction can point to Social insecurity

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Facebook addiction can point to Social insecurity

March 03, 2019

Facebook Addiction is linked to Social insecurity. 

Many of us can be guilty of this -- we tend to compare our lives with others. It seems there are people whose standard is to exceed other's accomplishment. Do you doubt yourself and question your accomplishments to the extent that you have to look at the success of others? This is where social insecurity comes in.

In spite of their inferiority complex, people with social insecurity have a defense mechanism to ease their feeling of self-doubt. They brag about their accomplishment, and try to make others feel insecure.

Now, if you think about it, Facebook, the social media giant, sounds like a very good platform for people with social insecurities.

In fact, a study has revealed that Facebook addiction is linked to social insecurity.

Facebook addiction can point to Social insecurity

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Let me clear our what Facebook addiction is. Millions to billions of people check their Facebook account every single day. But, merely browsing Facebook is not yet an addiction. A person who has Facebook addiction spends the majority of his/her time on Facebook to the extent that it harms his/her personal, social, work, or school responsibilities.

Is FAD, which stands for Facebook Addiction Disorder" a real thing?

Although Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD) is not a valid diagnosis, it's coinage makes us realize the extent at which Facebook influence the lives of a huge number of people across the world.

Social media sites is a place for people to interact with one another, yet even in this virtual environment of people interaction, their are people who get addicted. Facebook, a popular worldwide social media site, has gained  an enormous craze and mania, so much that it has become an obsession.

We see the emergence of a generation in which people spends so much time engaged in social media sites. Facebook addiction is a strong word that points to those people who spend tremendous amount of time on Facebook, to the extent that it interferes with their normal life. Facebook addiction can lead them to neglect their family, friends, school activity, work, and even themselves.


Social media sites like Facebook offers a convenient and fast way to express yourself and to connect with people, however, a trends can easily turn into an obsession for a number of reasons which can include social insecurity.


Resources:

Shensa, Ariel et al. “Problematic social media use and depressive symptoms among U.S. young adults: A nationally-representative study” Social science & medicine (1982) vol. 182 (2017): 150-157.

Take Slow Deep Breaths to Calm your Nerves

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Take Slow Deep Breaths to Calm your Nerves

March 01, 2019

Take Slow Deep Breaths to Calm your Nerves

Take Slow Deep Breaths to Calm your Nerves
photo credit Carol Oliver @caroliveer @unsplash

When you feel shaky and your mind starts to go blank, wouldn't you hope that their's something you can do to prevent yourself from going downhill.

How about this tip to calm your nerves: Take slow deep breaths.

A lot of stuffs in life can cause a person to feel nervous and anxious, like speaking in public, taking an examination, and talking to an interviewer. If you're wondering that in spite of all these serious stuffs, you're only getting a simple advice that tells you to breath slowly, then don't take this lightly...

There's an actual science behind this. You see, when you take slow deep breaths, you activate your brain's parasympathetic system which creates a sense of calmness and relaxation. Your heart rate and blood pressure decreases. Meanwhile, your blood oxygenation is enhanced. You regain control.

You may notice that when you're anxious, your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing increases. This is because stress activates your brain's sympathetic center. The opposite happens when your parasympathetic nervous system is activated.


How to take slow deep breaths?

• 1. Breath in slowly through your nose for about 4 seconds.
• 2. Hold your breath for about 2 to 3 seconds.
• 3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for about 4 seconds.
• 4. Hold your breath for about 2 to 3 seconds before inhaling.
• 5. Repeat step 1.

Continue doing slow breathing for about 10 to 15 minutes to ease your mind.

Did you know that controlled breathing techniques to calm the nerve and reduce stress is actually an ancient practice that often goes along side with meditative practices in the eastern world.

Resources:

Zaccaro, Andrea et al. “How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing” Frontiers in human neuroscience vol. 12 353. 7 Sep. 2018, doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353

Russo, Marc A et al. “The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human” Breathe (Sheffield, England) vol. 13,4 (2017): 298-309.

How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology - Healthbiztips

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How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology - Healthbiztips

February 24, 2019

How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology

You may have known that exposure to sunlight is a beneficial to the body in that it stimulates the skin to produce Vitamin D, but did you know that sunshine has a tremendous impact on our mind.

How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Research has shown that immersion to direct sunlight uplifts the mood, reduces anxiety, increases feeling of satisfaction, and lessens stress.

On the other hand, lack of enough exposure to sunlight, especially due to weather condition or the season, is strongly linked to mental health problems such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (a type of depressive disorder that affects a person during the fall and winter season).

Depressed people are particularly vulnerable to sunshine's positive psychological effect. So, if a person is already suffering from depression but prefers to stay indoor with minimal exposure to sunlight, it can potentially lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.

Sunlight improves blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, it regulates the wake-sleep cycle (circadian rhythm). Sunshine also balances crucial chemicals in our brain such as serotonin and melatonin.

Exposure to sunlight triggers our brain to release more serotonin, but less melatonin. The increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin uplifts the mood and reduces depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, the decrease in the sleep hormone melatonin causes the person to become energetic and attentive.


It goes without saying that sunshine plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy both mentally and physically. Waking up to a nice warm sunshine is refreshing and invigorating.


Resources:

Kent, Shia T et al. “Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study” Environmental health : a global access science source vol. 8 34. 28 Jul. 2009, doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34

An, Mihyang et al. “Why We Need More Nature at Work: Effects of Natural Elements and Sunlight on Employee Mental Health and Work Attitudes” PloS one vol. 11,5 e0155614. 23 May. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155614

Patwardhan, Vivek G et al. “Duration of Casual Sunlight Exposure Necessary for Adequate Vitamin D Status in Indian Men” Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism vol 22,2 (2018): 249-255.