Continue reading »]]> You don’t hear many people who are completely in love with their iPhone contracts or oftentimes even their service provider.

More commonly, you hear at least one complaint from people you know about their iPhone contract or service provider, but there are ways to take the stress out of your iPhone contracts forever.

In late December 2011, just before the New Year, a wireless company called Orange in the United Kingdom hit their customers with a 4% increase simply because the contract said they could. Not many people pay attention to the fine print in their cell phone contracts, but in this case, Orange customers should have because the company gave them no choice but to pay the increased contract price and wouldn’t allow customers to terminate their contracts.

If you’re near the end of your iPhone contract it may be time to think about unlocking your iPhone so you can begin reaping the many benefits of having an unlocked iPhone.

There are many reasons to unlock your iPhone, but we’ve narrowed it down to the two most popular and stress relieving reasons.

Commitment and Price

If you’re still an iPhone user who’s bound by a service contract from either AT&T, Verizon, and now Sprint you’re most likely in a 2-year commitment and still paying high phone plan and data fees just to be able to make calls, text, use apps, and surf the web.

Unlocking your iPhone can open up a whole new world for you and can allow you the freedom to not have to be bound by iPhone contracts that more often than not are a lot pricier than having a unlocked iPhone.

With an unlocked iPhone you can choose which GSM network you want to be on and most of the time will be paying less for a cell phone plan and data plan than you were when you were bound by an iPhone contract.

An article featured on MSNBC.com by TechNewsDaily states that with an unlocked iPhone, “Some carriers won’t require users to sign a 2-year contract if those users are bringing their own phone to the deal,” said Dan Hope, writer for TechNewsDaily. “An unlocked iPhone can give flexibility not only in network choice but the length and pricing of phone plans.”

Traveling with Ease

iPhone Contracts can become even a more of a nuisance for individuals who travel frequently to other countries because the change in network can become expensive and oftentimes your iPhone won’t always work overseas.

iPhone users generally aren’t willing to part with their iPhone just for the added convenience to be able to have a phone that works overseas, and luckily by unlocking your iPhone you don’t have to.

Although iPhones are some of the smartest phones on the planet today, Hope states in the MSNBC.com article that, “American iPhones don’t travel well, but an unlocked iPhone 4 can easily interface with other GSM networks all over the world. If you travel frequently and want to keep your iPhone, this is a good option.”

Final Thoughts

With iPhone 4 now one of the most popular iPhones on the market, simply unlock iPhone 4 and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the benefits that it can give you and it will take away the stress of your iPhone contract in a minute.

You’ll finally be out of a pricy and long contract and will never have to worry about your iPhone working overseas when you get to take that nice long vacation or quick business trip overseas and most importantly your stress level from those iPhone contracts will be gone forever.

Continue reading »]]> America has become a mobile nation. In the past, most Americans did not move more than a few miles from where they were raised because it meant a more complete separation from their families and livelihoods.

However, with technologies that reach across the country in a second, faster means of transportation, and the need for individuals and families to be flexible with where they live, more Americans end up living far away from where they were raised.

In spite of all the ways that moving has become streamlined, picking up your family and moving them across the country, across the state, or even across the block can be time consuming and difficult.

Start With The End

The first step in moving is finding somewhere that you and your family can stay and build a home together. No matter what type of rental property you’re looking for, reducing stress while you’re moving begins with having a definite destination.

One problem associated with moving to places that you have never visited or are too far to visit is that you are not really able to search out somewhere to live by visiting a physical address. Of course, if you are unable to visit a site yourself, it is important to look for the best rental properties sites.

Exploring Online

Doing an online search through several different websites can make move out deadlines loom larger, especially if different sites have limited rental properties. With over 50,000 rental properties, renters will have no problem finding a rental at RentalAds.com. Reducing stress while moving becomes much easier when the search for a rental property is streamlined and straightforward.

Take A Moving Vacation

Stress relief is important for every aspect of daily life, but it can be harder to do if you are constantly on the go or thinking of many things that have to be done before you move.

Though it may seem that more will get done by forging ahead and checking off all tasks on a to-do list as quickly as possible, it may be more beneficial to take a break for an hour or more to give your mind and body time to relax. Dr. Dov Eden of Tel Aviv University said that “Going nonstop day in and day out takes a toll on the body, but learning to apply a vacation mentality to your daily life can put you back on your game.”

This means that, even if you give your body some down time, it is important to make sure your mind takes a break as well. Many who are dealing with the search for a new home cannot simply stop moving in order to make sure that they relax, but they can do something both productive and relaxing to keep their minds positively occupied.

Make It Fun

Playing a game or talking with family, practicing a skill or hobby, listening to music, or even checking items off of a to-do list that does not have anything to do with moving can both relax and energize mind and body. Reducing stress through “mental vacations” can help to ease the time it takes to pack up belongings and work out all the kinks that are sure to arise even after a rental property has been found.

Continue reading »]]> One of the best–and most enjoyable–ways to relieve stress is to get a massage. What do you do, then, if there is no one around to give you one? Why, learn some massage techniques of your own! Here are some easy ways you can relieve the tension in your body on your own.

Massage Your Limbs Morning and Night

Before you go to bed at night and before you go about your day in the morning, use your fists to gently hammer out any kinks or tense areas on your body. Begin with your arms and legs and then move into your torso. Doctors say that this will help stimulate your body’s blood circulation and calm your nerve endings.

Making this a morning ritual will help your body wake up and get ready for the day ahead; doing this massage at night will allow your body to efficiently wind down and relieve the tension from that day

Massage Your Hands

Every time you put lotion on your hands, take advantage of this and give yourself a calming hand massage. Here is a great hand massage pattern to follow:

First, clasp your fingers and rub your palms together in a circular motion to massage your palms. While your hands are still clasped, massage the area below one thumb with the other thumb and then switch.

Next, gently knead into either hand with the opposing hand. You will feel amazing!

Give Yourself a Neck Massage at Work

Work is the perfect place for this next one–particularly if you spend most of your day staring at a computer screen and sitting in the same position.

Clasp your fingers behind your neck and press the heels of your palms into your neck on the sides of your spine. Knead into your neck in slow, up-and-down motions; then move your fingers up and down your neck and the base of your skull. You’ll feel rejuvenated for sure!

Continue reading »]]> You have probably heard of aromatherapy, the idea that certain scents can have significant effects on a person’s health, mood, and mind. Did you know that there are specific smells that can relieve your stress? Let’s take a look at what they are.

One scent that can have an actual calming effect is lavender, which is said to have multiple healing abilities. Its primary and most common use, however, is that of stress relief.

Lavender is a very nice, clean, floral scent that is said to be able to calm and balance the mind and the spirit. In addition, lavender oils help relieve tension and anger and can help insomniacs get to sleep.

Another stress-relieving scent is chamomile. Chamomile possesses a strong sedating effect–hence the popularity of drinking chamomile tea before going to bed. In aromatherapy, chamomile has the power to calm you while also relieving stresses and pains.

Jasmine is another very calming scent. A very sensual and soothing smell, jasmine has the ability to reduce mental blocks, nervousness, and even sadness. In aromatherapy, jasmine is used as an effective antidepressant.

Sandalwood is yet another scent that can really help you get rid of stress. This India-based oil has a knack for soothing a person’s nerves, relieving irritation, and pull a person out of depression. Sandalwood also helps fight acne–now that is stress-relieving!

The popular and delicious scent vanilla is another smell that helps get rid of stress. Its sweet scent promotes a calm environment and helps all who smell it feel relaxed and happy.

One more stress-relieving scent is that of rose. In aromatherapy, the scent of roses is used to treat things like hysteria and depression. It has even been said that the rose scent can help balance out the hormonal cycles of women.

Go ahead and try surrounding yourself with one or more of these scents and let them get rid of your stress!

Continue reading »]]> When you are stressed, your instinct is probably to grab snacks that are not very good for you–munchies like potato chips, candy, cookies, fast food, etc. However, there are certain foods that studies have shown really do reduce stress levels, and here are some of them:

Oranges have been proven to relieve stress by restoring normal blood pressure levels. The Vitamin C found in oranges also, as you probably already know, boosts your immune system, so your overall health is something you just don’t need to worry about while you eat oranges!

Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are also proven to reduce your blood pressure and help your immune system. Almonds are chock full of Vitamins B and E, so they are smart snacks.

Spinach gives your body the magnesium it needs to combat migraines and that general fatigued feeling.

Avocados lower blood pressure with their high levels of monounsaturated fats and potassium, giving you a calmer feeling. Fun fact: avocados have even more potassium than bananas do!

Turkey, as you probably know, is high in L-tryptophan, an amino acid that releases the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin gives you feelings of well-being and happiness, which is why you feel so calm and sleepy on Thanksgiving Day.

Blueberries, like oranges, are extremely high in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system; they also are high in fiber, which aids in the regulation of the body’s blood sugar, keeping you feeling calm.

Brown rice, like all whole grains, have tons of B vitamins as well as serotonin, that happy-feeling chemical we talked about before while discussing the benefits of turkey.

Skim milk reduces stress levels because of its high levels of calcium, B vitamins, and protein. Protein especially helps relieve stress by keeping your blood sugar levels stable, since when the body’s levels are out of whack, it can often make you feel very stressed.

There you have it! Perfect snacks for when you are feeling stressed out. Enjoy!

Continue reading »]]> There is a fine line between confidence and narcissism, and it was narcissism that started a nationwide movement against corporate greed. Studies have shown that while some stock traders take bigger risks than others because they are more narcissistic, they are no more effective than the average citizen. Ironic isn’t it?

However, researchers now believe that men who indulge in more narcissistic behavior actually have more cortisol (a stress hormone) than men who scored low on narcissism. Study leader Sarah Konrath PhD, a psychology professor at Michigan states, So we can infer that narcissistic guys are under more constant stress than the average person.

Maybe narcissists have a harder time keeping up appearances. We can understand how that would be stressful. High cortisol levels are normal under stressful conditions, but when these high levels are a perpetual problem, it can actually lead to a higher risk of certain heart and other health problems.

Men who have higher cortisol levels (who seem to be more narcissistic) have a higher risk of heart attacks and a lower rate of real recovery from cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. No one has ever really found a direct link between narcissism and negative health conditions, but there are other studies that suggest it. For example, a study conducted in the 1980’s found that individuals who constantly used “I” (which could mean more narcissistic) were more likely to suffer heart disease and heart attacks.

Current researchers believe that the narcissist stresses themselves out by trying to make up the difference. Their beliefs do not always match reality, and they spend hours or even days trying to hide that fact both from other people and from themselves. They have to bridge the gap between their confidence and the less than impressive things they are actually doing. Because of this mental gap, many narcissists definitely experience a higher risk of aggressive behavior (especially when their flawed self-image is threatened) and a lack of empathy for others.

The story of Narcissus, a Greek mythological figure featured this man turning into a flower after he got caught up looking at his own reflection. He rejects Echo, breaking her heart and eventually wasting away and turning into a flower. Obviously, this is both unrealistic and extreme, but even at that time, Greeks wanted to demonstrate the risks of an oversized ego. The Greeks of that time had no way of knowing the effect of narcissism on the heart and other vital organs, but they still got the idea.

If you think that you are overly enthusiastic and in love with yourself, you are one of the rare ones. Most narcissists believe in self-preservation above truth and honesty. However, if you are this enlightened about yourself, you can take steps to address the problem.

Researchers recommend that you spend time with people who share common interests and common goals. Join a Rugby club, take a photography class, watch your favorite team play on TV. Konrath suggests that this focus on common ground will help you to empathize and therefore overcome narcissism and care more about others around you.

Continue reading »]]>

Multiple studies have shown that stress during pregnancy leads to future mental health issues. If the baby feels hostility from the mother at that time, they are more likely to be depressed later in life. However, more recent studies have shown something else entirely. Stress early in the pregnancy could also lead to a higher rate of baby girls.

In the past, we’ve always been taught that the sperm decides the sex of the baby and male sperm are just weaker. This study still allows room, but in some ways disputes that finding. We always thought that once one became pregnant, the sex was decided, but maybe stress leads to more miscarriages for male babies. Studies have also shown that female babies who are born premature recover faster than male babies who are born at the same time. Right now, we are just talking about this study.

What Did the Study Say?

Study researchers did not put pregnant women under stress as that would not be considered ethical. Instead, they looked at the statistics of pregnant women who were pregnant in Chile around the time of a major 2005 earthquake. Investigators checked out all birth certificates signed between 2004 and 2006 in that particular area, also factoring in just how close women were to the epicenter of the 7.9 earthquake.

Authors found that women who were exposed to the earthquake in their 3rd month of pregnancy were significantly more likely to have girls than boys, reducing the male to female birth ratio. According to Dr. Karine Kleinhaus, a lead investigator and an assistant professor of psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology,

Generally, there are more male than female live births. The ratio of male to female births is approximately 51:49 – In other words, out of every 100 births, 51 will be boys. Our findings indicate a 5.8 percent decline in this proportion, which would translate into a ratio of 45 male births per 100 births, so that there are now more female than male births. This is a significant change for this type of measure.”

Is This Study Real?

So far, we have seen no indications that this study is not real. It could be a fluke. The only way to disprove that possibility would be to conduct another survey and another study in another area where a disaster hit. So far, investigators have not invested that kind of time or effort into this particular process.

We’ll admit, we weren’t wholly surprised by a lot of the findings. Women were also more likely to experience premature births, and scientists never recorded the number of miscarriages around that time. There is a definite possibility that stress does not change the sex at all, it just causes more miscarriages in potential male births.

There is only one thing that we wouldn’t have seen coming. Statistics in this particular study showed that there was no significant difference in the number of premature baby boys.

Continue reading »]]> Old wives’ tales have abounded no matter what you’re talking about, but especially when it comes to stress, we think things that are not necessarily true. Misinformation has spread far and wide, but now you don’t necessarily have to believe all of the mistruths about stress.

1. 8 Glasses of water a day – Starting in 1945, people were told that a healthy person should drink 8 glasses of water a day. This was just meant to be a guideline, because how much you drink and how much water you need depends on you. If you weigh more, you need more water, if you have certain body types, you need more water or maybe less. However, while the stress has always been on water, other drinks such as juice, milk, and tea can be just as good at keeping you properly hydrated.
2. Stress turns your hair grey – Too much stress has long been said to turn your hair grey or even white in extreme cases. However, there is no scientific evidence to back either of these ideas, they are only in the movies. Too much stress can age you at an accelerated rate from the inside out, but your hair won’t necessarily be the first thing to go. According to expert Nancy L Snyderman MD, chief medical editor for NBC,
   

   ”Too much stress does age us inside and out”

   There is just no evidence that it actually turns locks grey.

3. Too little light ruins your eyes – Again according to Dr. Snyderman MD, Reading in dim light can strain your eyes. You tend to squint, and that can give you a headache. However, there is no substantial proof that his will actually cause permanent damage to the eyes. It may increase your risk of crow’s feet, but that’s about it.
4. Coffee is Bad – Actually, studies have recently shown that the antioxidants in coffee can substantially lower the risk of diabetes in patients who have a family history of diabetes. Other studies have shown other benefits. Yes, the caffeine in coffee can give you jitters, but it’s not overtly dangerous for most.
5. Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever – Colds and fevers tend to be caused by viruses’, not temperature. Temperature can make you more susceptible,but fasting does not actually help colds and fevers. These viruses tend to last 7 to 10 days, no matter what you do. However, even if you are not hungry, you still need plenty of fluids.
6. Fresh Vs. Frozen – Scientists have focused on the benefits of antioxidants and other vitamins that are supposedly more abundant in fresh foods, making frozen foods second rate. However, the truth is that frozen foods can actually be just as good at locking in the nutrients, there is no scientific evidence to prove otherwise.

Continue reading »]]> With high crime rates, traffic congestion, and long commutes, the quality of life in most major cities may exclude them from being the best places to live. Yes, you are close to a lot of different amenities, but you can get many of the same benefits without the hustle that can cause so much stress.

1. Vienna
Vienna has been considered the best place to live since 2009, and with all of the history, that doesn’t sound too bad. Vienna has the largest population in Austria and quite a bit of cultural, economic, and political diversity. Vienna transforms the old to new, and they won the urban planning award in 2010 for improving living conditions across the city.

2. Zurich
The largest city in Switzerland, you have access to many different amenities. This particular city offers the economic backbone of Switzerland offering 1/9 of the total jobs. Low tax rates attract businesses and individuals alike, and overseas company have also set up shop here. There are 82 banks here, and this is also Switzerland’s biggest tourist destination. Zurich has a lakeside location combined with many leisure activities.

3. Auckland, NZ
Auckand is found in a beautiful country and houses 1.35 million people, which makes up 30% of the country’s total population. 63% of residents are European and Maoris and Pacific islanders make up about 24%. Auckland has 11 extinct volcanoes, two harbors, and the largest boat ownership per capita in the world. This is also the second safest city in the Asian region. Singapore is #1.

4. Munich
The third largest city in Germany, Munich is one of the key economic centers of the country. This city houses some of the biggest businesses including the engineering firm Siemens and the insurer Allianz. As the population has aged, this city does have a shortage of skilled laborers, even though there is an extremely prosperous economy.

5. Dusseldorf, Germany/British Columbia
In a tie, Dusseldorf is 7th in line in Germany for having the highest population. Dusseldorf has a high center of fashion and trade fairs, and this is one of the top telecommunications centers in the country. Dusseldorf also comes with Hewlett Packard and Nokia Siemens.

British Columbia on the other hand is the only Canadian city to rank. It is known as one of the most livable cities in the world in the past decade and ranked in the top 5 in the Mercer quality of life survey for the past 5 years straight. Vancouver has one of the mildest climates in Canada, even being quite pleasant, and the city is famous for green building, snowy mountains, water, etc.

Continue reading »]]> Everybody from scientologists to health enthusiasts have been known to tell us all about how toxins can harm our bodies, and ultimately, how toxins can drag us down and cause us stress. There are of course skeptics, and there are medical professionals who are unsure of the benefits of detoxes. However, no one has disputed the harmful effects of things like air pollution, processed foods, and other things that supporters claim toxify your body. However, whatever you think, there are a few easy ways to detox your life. At the very least, avoiding certain types of extra steps like sleeping pills might help.

1. Buy different sheets
Something as simple as buying new sheets could get you in a more comfortable position and help you to avoid sleeping pills. Of course, this is not enough for everybody, but for some, the difference is just that small. Untreated cotton sheets taken from the dryer can make a more significant difference than you might think.

2. Avoid pressed woods
Pressed woods can contain formaldehyde, and avoiding these woods can help you to detoxify your life without much effort from you according to Dr. Laura Beane Freeman PhD, an investigator with the National Cancer Institute. In fact, Dr. Freeman has actually linked the formaldehyde in these woods to myeloid leukemia in factory workers.

3. Use a hose in your garden
If you happen to grow your own gardens, try something as simple as spraying your harvest with a hose instead of dousing your lawn with chemicals. It can be just as effective in certain ways, and herbacides made with corn gluten meal or vinegar can again be just as effective without all of the chemicals. You can also try setting your lawn mower to 3 inches or longer.

4. Choose organic foods
There are a lot of people who have never necessarily believed in the effects of organic foods, and there are quite a few people who believe that it’s just another way to charge you more. We can even see that logic. However, when you eat organic foods as it turns out, you consume fewer pesticides, which is actually healthier.

5. When it comes to dry cleaning
Cleaning fluid used in dry cleaning can lead to headaches, liver damage, and serious kidney damage. Eventually, this can even lead to problems with uterine cancer in lab animals. You should look for “wet cleaning” or carbon dioxide methods. However, if you choose to dry clean, make sure to keep clothes bagged on the way home and then air clothes out outside or in an apartment stairwell for an hour without the bags.