Chocolates - The Achilles Heel of Women

Why do women love chocolates so much?

Chocolate equals love. It is thought of as a romantic gift. For women especially, it's associated with love and romance. Chocolate makes them feel loved and special.

It tastes great as it melts in your mouth. Chocolate lovers often describe this melting feeling as a moment of true of ecstasy. It's the cocoa butter in chocolate that gives it the rich and creamy texture that we love so much.

Chocolate makes us feel good. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, the same chemical that is released in the brain when we fall in love. Eating chocolate can give some people a natural "high" which is often related to the feeling of being in love.

Chocolate is good for you. Recent studies show that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains chemicals that can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants in dark chocolate have shown to make a difference in cardiovascular health.

Chocolate is great for your sex life. It is believed that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Chocolate makes us feel good, which in turn makes for a healthy sex life. Chocolate can also be used in the bedroom for more creative ideas, many couples use chocolate body paints and lubricants with their Adult Toys to bring a bit of fun to the bedroom. Sex and chocolate combined is certain to help you maintain a happy relationship.

By Danie de Villiers - Freelance writer

The power of Positive Thinking

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic and it may even affect your health.

Here's how you can learn positive thinking skills:

Positive thinking doesn't mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach the unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.

Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head every day. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist someone who practices positive thinking.

The health benefits of positive thinking

Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
• Practicing positive self-talk will improve your outlook. When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you're able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

By Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer

Music - the Universal Language

Music is indeed the universal language and does not know any human made boundaries. It can inspire, uplift and motivate people. Music can also be relaxing and can move any person to tears, laughter and joy.

The power of music has been known and used since the beginning of human kind. 

There are many kinds of music. Fast, upbeat music combined with a workout stimulates the brain and body into movement whilst relaxing music lulls the mind and body into a relaxed state. Soft relaxing music helps getting children to quieten down and at night time whilst reading a bedtime story helps to create the right atmosphere for sleep.

Music is a magical tool, one that works for people of any age. Like smells, music can be strongly linked to one’s emotional state. It can take a person back in time or remind them of certain people. 

Nobody can be without music - make it part of your life and enjoy the many psychological and health benefits.

by Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer

How to Look After your Back

If you are in the habit of slinging a backpack full of books over one shoulder, you are actually misusing your back and even are causing some damage to it. Among students, this is a common cause of pain in the back and shoulders. The correct way is to carry a backpack properly over both shoulders.

Those of you who love bicycling, if you do not have the correct posture on the bicycle it can impact on your back. Adjust the bicycle handlebars and seat to support correct posture. Upright handlebars, rather than the racing type (drop handles) may be better for avoiding injury to your back.

Try to wear flat-soled shoes that are designed for comfort and support. High heel shoes increase the forward curve of the lower back. Do not stand in one place too long - shift your weight and change positions. As you walk or stand, remember the three natural curves of the back and maintain correct posture. 

Do not lean over your work, hobbies, projects, etc. Angle the work in such a way that you can look straight ahead, or sit closer to your work area. Do some neck exercises throughout the day. Also try taking frequent breaks to relieve tension and avoid overhead reaching. Use a ladder or step stool instead.

Avoid stress on your back during sexual intercourse. Try positions which seem the most comfortable such as having your partner on top, or lying on your side.

During pregnancy, special precautions should be taken since ligaments soften. Also, the added weight of pregnancy can cause further strain. Consult your doctor or physical therapist about any problems you may be having.

By Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer

How to Sleep Correctly

The average person spends a third of his life in bed. The bed, and more importantly, the mattress that you buy should be considered an investment in your health. Usually the more expensive a mattress, the more supportive it should be. 

You should check that when lying, your mattress supports you fully and your spine should be in its appropriate curves. A too firm mattress can be just as bad as one that is too soft. Sleeping on a board will not help most people. However, if your bed is very soft, putting a 3/4 inch plywood board under your mattress may give it some additional support. 

The position you lie in can make a difference to your back. If you are in any doubt consult your physical therapist.

The correct way:

1. Lying on your side with your knees bend effectively flattens your back. A pillow may be used to support your neck, especially if your shoulders are broad.

2.  Sleeping on your back is restful and correct when your knees are fully supported - place a cushion or two underneath them whilst sleeping.

Danie de Villiers