The Optimist Living
Cultivating humility key to creating a strong long-term relationship
Self-promotion is often seen as an integral part of being successful in the professional world, but does this hold true for our personal long-term relationships? Recent research suggests it might not be. Researchers found that people are more committed to their romantic relationship when they Read More...
The Japanese have a skill that’s now copied around the world
If you travel on a train in Japan, you may encounter a conductor talking to himself. He is performing tasks while commenting aloud on each thing he’s doing. He is practicing shisa kanko, which you may also call a form of mindfulness. A study has shown that when asked to perform a simple task, Read More...
8 cost-free ways to help you fall asleep at night
Considering that nearly half of all adults get less sleep than the recommended amount, it's no surprise that an entire industry has popped up around sleep. There are sleep-trackers, sleeping-pills, self-improving beds, and even sleep-consultants that are supposed to help you get some good shut-eye. Read More...
Giving your partner a massage can boost your overall well-being
Receiving a massage is known to improve physical and mental well-being, but did you know that giving your partner a massage may be just as beneficial? In a new study, researchers found that both giving and receiving a massage leads to a reduction in stress as well as pain in each partner. Along Read More...
Singing bowls: Sounds that clean the soul
Sounds can heal the soul. That’s the principle of singing bowls—an ancient practice with origins in Tibet more than 2,000 years ago. Sound-healing is becoming increasingly popular in the West as the practice has been scientifically linked to reductions in stress and anxiety. Interesting fact: Read More...
New research shows that positive change is easier than you think
Most of us hold the—conscious or subconscious—belief that change for the better is much more difficult than change for the worse. New research shows that that perception is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you underestimate the chances of your success, you are less likely to succeed. The good Read More...
Healing the soul: Letting go of all external sensory stimuli in a floatation tank
This is the closest you can get to floating without traveling into outer space. The sensory deprivation, floating tank, also known as an isolation chamber, is a modern-day relaxation therapy that has been gaining widespread attention for its remedial and healing benefits for the mind and soul. The Read More...
The truth about karma: Not fate but a guiding force in life
The concept of karma is much misunderstood in the West. Karma does not mean “fate”. It means “action”, it’s an energy we create every minute through thoughts, words and Read More...
10 powerful all-natural antibiotics that have no side-effects
Antibiotics are a great invention for crisis situations. Unfortunately, we are using this emergency tool far too often in cases where less dramatic solutions could be as effective. Super bugs that are resistant to antibiotics is a very nasty and dangerous side-effect of this trend. In most Read More...
Riding with Arjuna: 5 lessons in self-confidence from India’s most revered text
Hindus in India have been inspired for ages by the story of the warrior Arjuna and his divine charioteer, Krishna. It’s an epic story about overcoming life’s challenges. The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna points the way to liberation from suffering. Here are 5 lessons in self-confidence Read More...