Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
India’s High Growth Will Reduce Global Inequalities
India’s high growth will reduce global inequalities :-
Just as news reports of India overtaking China to become one of the fastest growing major global economies hit the headlines comes yet another study which discusses the impact of India’s higher growth on the global economy. The study brought out by the Peterson Institute for International Economics points out that successful reforms and higher economic growth in India would reduce global inequalities and pull out a few hundred millions out of poverty in the next two decades up to 2035. However, this will not only throw up new business opportunities but also exert more pressures on the environment and pose new challenges for policy makers.
The study which begins with tracing the developments in the global economy at the overall levels estimates that the global GDP of $ 98.5 trillion of 186 countries having a total population of 7.02 billion in 2013 will more than double to $ 210 trillion by 2035 while the population push up to 8.6 billion. Per capita GDP will go up from $ 14,000 to $ 24,500 during this period. The developing and emerging economies will register a per capita GDP growth of 3.5%, with the growth rates varying from 3.5% in Sub Saharan Africa, to 4.4% in China and 4.8% in India.
And India’s growth will have a sizable impact on the global economy especially since it will reduce inequalities in the global distribution of income, if inequalities within India does not worsen substantially, and give a big boost to consumption especially in the emerging and developing economies. Though size of the population is expected to pick up from 7 billion in 2013 to 8.6 billion by 2035 with most of the increase happening in Sub Saharan Africa and also in India and parts of South and East Asia the gains on the economic front are also expected to be very significant with the number of people living below the poverty level (those with a daily income of less than $ 1.25 at 2005 prices) going down from 850 million in 2013 to 300 million by 2035. The number of working poor will decline by as much as 1.2 billion.
Consequently the number of people in the low income group earning between $1144 and $3252 will go up by around 500 million at the global level mostly in sub Saharan Africa and India. Similarly the population in the middle income group earning between $3252 and $ 8874 will also go up by another one billion with most of the additions also coming in in India and Sub Saharan Africa. However, the biggest gains are to be in the highest income group of above $ 8874 where the numbers will shoot up by around $ 1.2 billion mostly in China and other advanced economies
What is even more significant is that the marginally higher growth rate in India during the next two decades, as compared to China, will have a salutary impact of on global inequality. This is in sharp contrast to the impact of high growth China which will increase global inequalities. This is mainly because China per capita income has shot up above the global median income even by 2013. Consequently India’s higher growth will ensure that the Gini Coefficient figures, which reflects the extent of inequality, will fall from 64.9 in 2013 to 62.7 in 2035 which means that the global distribution of income will become less unequal.
And the baselines scenario projects that by 2035 China will be by far the world largest economy accounting for around one fifth of the global economy (20.6%), followed by USA (13.5%), European Union (12.7%) and India (10.6%). Consequently the share of advanced economies in the population in the top decile will come down from 80% to 60% while that of China will double from 10% to 20%.
The bottom decile of the global population will be more concentrated in Sub Saharan Africa which will account for more than half. In contrast the share of India and China in the middle and top deciles will improve substantially. This will pose new challenges for both countries as the substantial increase in consumption would have a negative impact on the environment and the lives of the people.
Just as news reports of India overtaking China to become one of the fastest growing major global economies hit the headlines comes yet another study which discusses the impact of India’s higher growth on the global economy. The study brought out by the Peterson Institute for International Economics points out that successful reforms and higher economic growth in India would reduce global inequalities and pull out a few hundred millions out of poverty in the next two decades up to 2035. However, this will not only throw up new business opportunities but also exert more pressures on the environment and pose new challenges for policy makers.
The study which begins with tracing the developments in the global economy at the overall levels estimates that the global GDP of $ 98.5 trillion of 186 countries having a total population of 7.02 billion in 2013 will more than double to $ 210 trillion by 2035 while the population push up to 8.6 billion. Per capita GDP will go up from $ 14,000 to $ 24,500 during this period. The developing and emerging economies will register a per capita GDP growth of 3.5%, with the growth rates varying from 3.5% in Sub Saharan Africa, to 4.4% in China and 4.8% in India.
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| Developing India |
Consequently the number of people in the low income group earning between $1144 and $3252 will go up by around 500 million at the global level mostly in sub Saharan Africa and India. Similarly the population in the middle income group earning between $3252 and $ 8874 will also go up by another one billion with most of the additions also coming in in India and Sub Saharan Africa. However, the biggest gains are to be in the highest income group of above $ 8874 where the numbers will shoot up by around $ 1.2 billion mostly in China and other advanced economies
What is even more significant is that the marginally higher growth rate in India during the next two decades, as compared to China, will have a salutary impact of on global inequality. This is in sharp contrast to the impact of high growth China which will increase global inequalities. This is mainly because China per capita income has shot up above the global median income even by 2013. Consequently India’s higher growth will ensure that the Gini Coefficient figures, which reflects the extent of inequality, will fall from 64.9 in 2013 to 62.7 in 2035 which means that the global distribution of income will become less unequal.
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| Indian Currency |
The bottom decile of the global population will be more concentrated in Sub Saharan Africa which will account for more than half. In contrast the share of India and China in the middle and top deciles will improve substantially. This will pose new challenges for both countries as the substantial increase in consumption would have a negative impact on the environment and the lives of the people.
Monday, 20 April 2015
IIBS Surface - 2014
IIBS Surface is one of THE EVENTS by IIBS to encourage every management students to showcase their talent. Not only talent, but it also teaches students to plan and implement the cultural events and programmes in the given time.
IIBS’ SURFACE is an annual cultural fest to encourage students to showcase their distinctive & creative talent. Students, who otherwise would only have pursued academic, get an opportunity to find expressions to their innate and unique talent in front of their peer group as well invitees from academic & corporate world.
Though it might seem to be an occasion to frolic & entertain, SURFACE is conceived on the idea that it enhances their capabilities to work as a team and level of self-confidence in interacting with fellow students and peers. It is believe that would act as confidence booster before they eventual make the big leap into the corporate world.
IIBS Surface-2014 event was held at the leading Ambedkar Bhawan of Bangalore. The students participation of more than 300 MBA, undergraduate and Pre-University students, to showcase their latent talent through various stage performances.
In an effort to inculcate managerial skills amongst students, IIBS’ SURFACE is allowed to be planned & organized by students themselves, with little supervision from the management. And, it is commendable the way the students have managed event ever since it was incepted. The event has steadily been growing both in terms of composition as well as duration.
Just to give a glimpse of diverse cultural events that surface at IIBS’ SURFACE, there are classical dance(solo), classical dance (group), synchro, nostalgia, semi-classical (solo), semi-classical (group), mimicry, mono-act, movie spoof, karaoke, classical music, folk song, patriotic song, fancy dress, classical music, mime, light music, western (solo), western (group), instrument percussion, instrument string, drama, elocution English, and so on.
"IIBS" SURFACE is truly an inspirational platform to bring your talent to the fore.
In an effort to inculcate managerial skills amongst students, IIBS’ SURFACE is allowed to be planned & organized by students themselves, with little supervision from the management. And, it is commendable the way the students have managed event ever since it was incepted. The event has steadily been growing both in terms of composition as well as duration.
Just to give a glimpse of diverse cultural events that surface at IIBS’ SURFACE, there are classical dance(solo), classical dance (group), synchro, nostalgia, semi-classical (solo), semi-classical (group), mimicry, mono-act, movie spoof, karaoke, classical music, folk song, patriotic song, fancy dress, classical music, mime, light music, western (solo), western (group), instrument percussion, instrument string, drama, elocution English, and so on.
"IIBS" SURFACE is truly an inspirational platform to bring your talent to the fore.
IIBS Surface
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| IIBS Surface |
IIBS Surface-Encourage every Management Students to Showcase their Talent :-
IIBS Surface is one of THE EVENTS by IIBS to encourage every management students to showcase their talent. Not only talent, but it also teaches students to plan and implement the cultural events and programmes in the given time.
IIBS’ SURFACE is an annual cultural fest to encourage students to showcase their distinctive & creative talent. Students, who otherwise would only have pursued academic, get an opportunity to find expressions to their innate and unique talent in front of their peer group as well invitees from academic & corporate world.
Though it might seem to be an occasion to frolic & entertain, SURFACE is conceived on the idea that it enhances their capabilities to work as a team and level of self-confidence in interacting with fellow students and peers. It is believe that would act as confidence booster before they eventual make the big leap into the corporate world.
IIBS Surface-2014 event was held at the leading Ambedkar Bhawan of Bangalore. The students participation of more than 300 MBA, undergraduate and Pre-University students, to showcase their latent talent through various stage performances.
In an effort to inculcate managerial skills amongst students, IIBS’ SURFACE is allowed to be planned & organized by students themselves, with little supervision from the management. And, it is commendable the way the students have managed event ever since it was incepted. The event has steadily been growing both in terms of composition as well as duration.
Just to give a glimpse of diverse cultural events that surface at IIBS’ SURFACE, there are classical dance(solo), classical dance (group), synchro, nostalgia, semi-classical (solo), semi-classical (group), mimicry, mono-act, movie spoof, karaoke, classical music, folk song, patriotic song, fancy dress, classical music, mime, light music, western (solo), western (group), instrument percussion, instrument string, drama, elocution English, and so on.
Friday, 17 April 2015
To Stop Neutering The Net, Keep it Neutral
To Stop Neutering The Net, Keep it Neutral :-
There’s been a big debate on for the last few weeks on net neutrality. Nobody above 40 has any idea what this debate is about. I tweeted vehemently in support of it without a clue of what Iwas supporting. It seemed to me by basic logic that neutral things are better than non-neutral things in a largely partial world.
Naturally, being clueless, I was guided by my philosophical belief system shaped mostly when I was in kindergarten, not by the specific facts, which were that I may have to pay to use WhatsApp and Skype. Had I known what I know now, I’d be even louder in support. (I would have written in all caps, I suppose.)
But it now turns out that the debate has been won. Young people revolted online in whatever means they revolt now: by creating memes, signing virtual letters, making ironic music videos. No morchas (which is good because it’s getting very hot outside). Also showing up outside Flipkart’s and Airtel’s offices and shouting wouldn’t have been effective because there are security guards.
Better a revolution by Wi-Fi, sitting at home eating toast. Political parties can take a few lessons from this when they send goons out to protest. Victorious young people have said they are happy that the internet remains free. And not just from British rule.
I was convinced that the net neutrality debate had no relevance to me, a middle-aged man reasonably happy with his mobile phone people and his Wi-Fi people. Yes, I have different providers. I like living on the edge. Actually, no. I meant I like living away from the edge. Living on the edge would be having one provider for both mobile and Wi-Fi and praying they don’t leave India fearing a retrospective tax. Yes, I was a very distant observer to this battle (read: browsing a different url), convinced that this has something to do with the speed at which teenagers can view videos of Kejriwal impersonators.
It doesn’t. It has to do with how we live — not how we will live, but how we live now. In this column, I have often written about what to expect from the future.
But even as I wrote it, I didn’t entirely believe it would transform how we live immediately. A sort of Indian mindset believes: yes, the internet is all wonderful, but basically it’s a place to idle away one’s time commenting on Modi’s shawls or viewing two-minute videos of a cat playing a mandolin. At most, buying online — but paying cash only when a physical person shows up, naturally. Life, as one knew it — the groceries, the maid, the driver, the auto guy, the bank, the multiplex — still remained outside the internet.
The generation before mine had such a profound distrust of online credit card transactions that I once watched an uncle impatiently waiting after he’d loaded his card details as he watched the ‘purchasing now’ graphic circle-thing turn. He then got even more anxious, got up and looked behind the laptop to see where his money may have gone.
Today, as I found out at a recent technology conference in Pune, the internet on the computer plays second fiddle to apps on the mobile phone. It is where people do buy vegetables, tables, tickets and air-conditioners. There are apps to find an autorickshaw, to buy homes, life insurance, get a degree and find a life partner. Someone told me of an app to find a toilet.
It is where people speak more than with voice out of a mouth. The smartphone for the young is their wise grandmother, their best friend, their worst enemy, every phone directory, all maps, most emotions, all memories, any information they’ll ever need and every single transaction they’ll ever do. It is where India lives now. To that generation, an equal internet —i.e., every website loading equally —is not about watching cats-on-trampoline videos. It is about taking away the road outside their house and replacing it with a lake that you’d have to pay to cross by boat.
To the rest of urban India that doesn’t understand this and says, ‘I’ll dive into this modern era when I’m ready’, buster, you’re already swimming in it. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look at all the physical shops closing because everyone just buys stuff online and has it delivered. Yes, young people will tell me, “Uncle, I knew all this already.” To which all I have to say is, “Had I known what Iknow now….”.
There’s been a big debate on for the last few weeks on net neutrality. Nobody above 40 has any idea what this debate is about. I tweeted vehemently in support of it without a clue of what Iwas supporting. It seemed to me by basic logic that neutral things are better than non-neutral things in a largely partial world.
Naturally, being clueless, I was guided by my philosophical belief system shaped mostly when I was in kindergarten, not by the specific facts, which were that I may have to pay to use WhatsApp and Skype. Had I known what I know now, I’d be even louder in support. (I would have written in all caps, I suppose.)
But it now turns out that the debate has been won. Young people revolted online in whatever means they revolt now: by creating memes, signing virtual letters, making ironic music videos. No morchas (which is good because it’s getting very hot outside). Also showing up outside Flipkart’s and Airtel’s offices and shouting wouldn’t have been effective because there are security guards.
Better a revolution by Wi-Fi, sitting at home eating toast. Political parties can take a few lessons from this when they send goons out to protest. Victorious young people have said they are happy that the internet remains free. And not just from British rule.
I was convinced that the net neutrality debate had no relevance to me, a middle-aged man reasonably happy with his mobile phone people and his Wi-Fi people. Yes, I have different providers. I like living on the edge. Actually, no. I meant I like living away from the edge. Living on the edge would be having one provider for both mobile and Wi-Fi and praying they don’t leave India fearing a retrospective tax. Yes, I was a very distant observer to this battle (read: browsing a different url), convinced that this has something to do with the speed at which teenagers can view videos of Kejriwal impersonators.
 |
| Neutering The Net |
But even as I wrote it, I didn’t entirely believe it would transform how we live immediately. A sort of Indian mindset believes: yes, the internet is all wonderful, but basically it’s a place to idle away one’s time commenting on Modi’s shawls or viewing two-minute videos of a cat playing a mandolin. At most, buying online — but paying cash only when a physical person shows up, naturally. Life, as one knew it — the groceries, the maid, the driver, the auto guy, the bank, the multiplex — still remained outside the internet.
The generation before mine had such a profound distrust of online credit card transactions that I once watched an uncle impatiently waiting after he’d loaded his card details as he watched the ‘purchasing now’ graphic circle-thing turn. He then got even more anxious, got up and looked behind the laptop to see where his money may have gone.
Today, as I found out at a recent technology conference in Pune, the internet on the computer plays second fiddle to apps on the mobile phone. It is where people do buy vegetables, tables, tickets and air-conditioners. There are apps to find an autorickshaw, to buy homes, life insurance, get a degree and find a life partner. Someone told me of an app to find a toilet.
It is where people speak more than with voice out of a mouth. The smartphone for the young is their wise grandmother, their best friend, their worst enemy, every phone directory, all maps, most emotions, all memories, any information they’ll ever need and every single transaction they’ll ever do. It is where India lives now. To that generation, an equal internet —i.e., every website loading equally —is not about watching cats-on-trampoline videos. It is about taking away the road outside their house and replacing it with a lake that you’d have to pay to cross by boat.
To the rest of urban India that doesn’t understand this and says, ‘I’ll dive into this modern era when I’m ready’, buster, you’re already swimming in it. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look at all the physical shops closing because everyone just buys stuff online and has it delivered. Yes, young people will tell me, “Uncle, I knew all this already.” To which all I have to say is, “Had I known what Iknow now….”.
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
20 Bad Habits You Need to Quit Now
20 Bad Habits You Need to Quit Now :-
Satisfying late night cravings with pizzas and chocolate cake might be a tempting way to end each day, but it's not doing your body any favors. It can impact you and your overall health on a long term basis.
Unintentionally, at times we end up hurting our body and our health on a daily basis due to our habits. Today, Dr. Vihang Vahia - Psychiatrist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, lists out the top 20 bad habits that you need to quit today. If you have any of these habits, then it's never too late. Reverse these habits and start enjoying a healthy and happy life today.....
1: Nose/mouth picking :-
This annoying and silly habit of 'digging gold' is one of the worst habits that goes un-questioned. This habit is not only bad for your health but it is also against common social etiquette. Picking your nose can spread various infections like cold and flu, as cold virus is passed into your body through the mucus. After touching several things and then taking the same finger into your nose, you will land at the doctor's clinic. Hence, stop this awkward habit of pulling sticky substance from your nose, or fetching left over food strands from your mouth.
2: Binge drinking :-
Binge drinking, causes many deaths and hospitalization all over the world says - Dr. Vihang. Binge drinking causes long term health problems like liver trouble and immediate problems like weight gain, dizziness and fatigue. To save yourself from such damage, the key is limitation.
3: You became an 'Owl' at night :-
Many of us, burn the midnight oil for exam preparations and work. But if this becomes routine, you will damage your body in the long run. Without 6-8 hours of good sleep, you are damaging your immune system and other body processes and systems. Due to lack of sleep, your immune system becomes weak and thus produces fewer 'germ fighters' - lowering your tolerance for withstanding common bugs in your environment. To fight against various diseases, it is necessary to at least get a minimum of 7-8 hours of good sleep on most nights of the week. A good night's sleep also helps you stay awake and fresh throughout the day.
4: I am so 'lonely' :-
Dr. Vahia says - the key for good health is a healthy and fresh mind. If your mind is unhealthy, it will affect your immune system and put you at several health risks. If you spend most of your time obsessing over your loneliness, and any other social challenges, or whatever could cause feelings of despair and frustration, then you are harming your mental health, detaching yourself from people, and stressing your mind and body.
5: Wearing headphones for long hours :-
Headphones or earphones are the sole companions for some of us throughout the day. We listen to music to pass time, while travelling or while working out. But, if you have plugged in for hours, with no breaks, then you need to keep this habit under check. Dr. Vihang says - listening to loud music via earphones, can cause hearing loss. He further adds - headphones aren't the culprits, it is the volume and the hours that can land you in trouble. Besides, ignoring minor symptoms of hearing loss is also one of the biggest criminals.
6: TV trouble :-
Sitting for hours on the couch, watching that idiot box can put your heart and eyes at risk. Watching too much TV can put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and obesity. The more you are glued to the TV, the more immobile life will affect your levels of fat and sugar in your blood. Besides, it also strains your eyes and causes damage to the refractive lens.
7: Wearing heels :-
Women who wear heels on a daily basis, do lots of harm to their bodies. Dr. Tina Mahendraker - Physiotherapist, Mumbai says - high heels can affect your posture, put pressure on joints - which can cause arthritis, back pain and tendon injuries and other heels related accidents. Thus to prevent such horrible effects on your health Dr. Tina says - limit your heels to not more than 1.5 inches, and wear insoles to reduce the pressure on your joints.
8: Carrying an extra heavy bag :-
We love to carry our world wherever we go, because we can't afford to miss a single thing. This habit of hauling the world with our (lots and lots of) worldly things on the back or shoulder causes lots of harm to our health. Carrying heavy bags can cause various long term effects like serious back pain, neck pain and poor posture - says Dr. Tina. Hence, to avoid ageing your body prematurely, do yourself a favour and empty that bag.
9: Sleeping with Makeup :-
Many girls have a habit of sleeping with their makeup still on. Whatever the reason could be, this habit can cause grave damage to your skin. Sleeping with your makeup on, leads to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Besides, mascara and other eye makeup can cause irritation, which can also lead to vision loss.
10: Snacking, even if not hungry :-
If you disrupt your regular eating pattern, then your body will no longer send hunger signals and you may end up eating even when you are full. This extra eating can flood your body with extra calories and unhealthy ingredients, which can further cause serious chronic health problems like diabetes, heart problems and acidity.
11: Can't live without a smoke :-
In every health tip, behind every cigarette pack, we read this,' Smoking kills', but people still persist with the smoking habit. Dr. Sunesara says - smoking even a single cigarette a day, can cause blood clots, which may prevent swift flow of the blood and hence develop plaque in your arteries and blood vessels. Besides, you may also damage the life of the non-smoker who is living with you.
12: Lying constantly :-
Surprised to see this one on a healthy living post? Those minute white lies can cause serious damage to your health. If you lie constantly, you will have constant fear of the truth being disclosed, this will create a feeling of stress in you, says - Dr. Vihang. Stress, is the worst thing for your body, as it damages your heath due to the release of stress hormones. Besides, it further leads to headaches and anxiety.
13: You live on medicines :-
If you pop a pill for regular headaches, menstrual cramps or normal tummy trouble then you need to stop now. Constant pill popping is an extremely harmful habit that will put your health at stake. Dr. Sunesara says - if you are eating a balanced nutritious diet then you don't need extra nutrients. If the intake of any nutrient increases, it may create severe side effects. Hence, always check with your doctor, before popping any pill.
14: Skipping breakfast :-
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - says Ms. Eileen - Nutritionist, Mumbai. If your entire breakfast comprises one cup of rushed coffee and a toast, then you're setting yourself up for an unhealthy future. This will affect your digestive system. Besides, it will also harm your energy reserves and negatively affect your metabolism. If you skip your breakfast, you are likely to eat more during the other meals and this can lead to weight gain. Eileen says - the key to a good breakfast is a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
15: You are in love with junk food :-
Fast food is rich in trans fat, sugar, spices and artificial preservatives. But a life dependent on constant fast food will add to your waistline and cause serious health problems like high cholesterol, diabetes and heart problems in the long run. As fast food is rich in bad fat, it raises the bad cholesterol in the body and leads to the hardening of the arteries, which can further cause plaque deposits. Hence, switch to a healthy diet and protect yourself from weight gain and other serious health problems.
16: Nail biting :-
This habit of using your teeth to cut your nails, just for time pass or due to extreme nervousness, can cause germ entry into your body. Dr. Sunsesara says - your hands are constant travellers, they pick several things throughout the day, and then taking these nasty, germ-filled fingers into your mouth can make you bed-ridden for days, due to cold or flu. So, stop this dirty habit right away.
17: Ignoring sex :-
Whatever the reason for a low libido might be, whether too much work or stress, avoiding sex altogether for many days and months at a time is not good. Sex is good for you and your health. It helps to improve your immune system and relationship. But if you are not interested in this pleasurable act, then you need to talk to your doctor immediately. Because, a low libido can be beyond stress, it can be caused due to an under active thyroid, hypertension or simply a hormonal imbalance.
18: Fast eating :-
Eating at lightning speed due to work pressure or lack of time can adversely affect your digestive system. You should take at least 20 minutes to finish each meal. If you just gulp your food, without chewing it properly, it can cause acidity, bloating and excess gas in your stomach. Hence, slow down and enjoy your food.
19: Being in an unhealthy relationship for a long time :-
If you are in a relationship wherein you don't manage to get your share of joy and happiness, then it's better to leave the knot at that moment itself. If you have been suffering an unhealthy relationship for a long time, i.e., a relationship that is abusive verbally or physically, or encourages you to participate in unhealthy activities, then you're harming your health. An unhealthy relationship causes stress and this further lowers your blood pressure, immunity and digestive system.
20: Picking at your skin :-
If there is some flaw on your face, you must resist yourself from constantly stressing on it. If you constantly keep worrying about acne by touching it, it will act up more. Besides it will lead to scars and inflammation. Hence, stop picking at your face to avoid worsening skin issues.
Satisfying late night cravings with pizzas and chocolate cake might be a tempting way to end each day, but it's not doing your body any favors. It can impact you and your overall health on a long term basis.
Unintentionally, at times we end up hurting our body and our health on a daily basis due to our habits. Today, Dr. Vihang Vahia - Psychiatrist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, lists out the top 20 bad habits that you need to quit today. If you have any of these habits, then it's never too late. Reverse these habits and start enjoying a healthy and happy life today.....
 |
| Stop Bad Habits & Secure Your Future |
1: Nose/mouth picking :-
This annoying and silly habit of 'digging gold' is one of the worst habits that goes un-questioned. This habit is not only bad for your health but it is also against common social etiquette. Picking your nose can spread various infections like cold and flu, as cold virus is passed into your body through the mucus. After touching several things and then taking the same finger into your nose, you will land at the doctor's clinic. Hence, stop this awkward habit of pulling sticky substance from your nose, or fetching left over food strands from your mouth.
2: Binge drinking :-
Binge drinking, causes many deaths and hospitalization all over the world says - Dr. Vihang. Binge drinking causes long term health problems like liver trouble and immediate problems like weight gain, dizziness and fatigue. To save yourself from such damage, the key is limitation.
3: You became an 'Owl' at night :-
Many of us, burn the midnight oil for exam preparations and work. But if this becomes routine, you will damage your body in the long run. Without 6-8 hours of good sleep, you are damaging your immune system and other body processes and systems. Due to lack of sleep, your immune system becomes weak and thus produces fewer 'germ fighters' - lowering your tolerance for withstanding common bugs in your environment. To fight against various diseases, it is necessary to at least get a minimum of 7-8 hours of good sleep on most nights of the week. A good night's sleep also helps you stay awake and fresh throughout the day.
4: I am so 'lonely' :-
Dr. Vahia says - the key for good health is a healthy and fresh mind. If your mind is unhealthy, it will affect your immune system and put you at several health risks. If you spend most of your time obsessing over your loneliness, and any other social challenges, or whatever could cause feelings of despair and frustration, then you are harming your mental health, detaching yourself from people, and stressing your mind and body.
5: Wearing headphones for long hours :-
Headphones or earphones are the sole companions for some of us throughout the day. We listen to music to pass time, while travelling or while working out. But, if you have plugged in for hours, with no breaks, then you need to keep this habit under check. Dr. Vihang says - listening to loud music via earphones, can cause hearing loss. He further adds - headphones aren't the culprits, it is the volume and the hours that can land you in trouble. Besides, ignoring minor symptoms of hearing loss is also one of the biggest criminals.
6: TV trouble :-
Sitting for hours on the couch, watching that idiot box can put your heart and eyes at risk. Watching too much TV can put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and obesity. The more you are glued to the TV, the more immobile life will affect your levels of fat and sugar in your blood. Besides, it also strains your eyes and causes damage to the refractive lens.
7: Wearing heels :-
Women who wear heels on a daily basis, do lots of harm to their bodies. Dr. Tina Mahendraker - Physiotherapist, Mumbai says - high heels can affect your posture, put pressure on joints - which can cause arthritis, back pain and tendon injuries and other heels related accidents. Thus to prevent such horrible effects on your health Dr. Tina says - limit your heels to not more than 1.5 inches, and wear insoles to reduce the pressure on your joints.
8: Carrying an extra heavy bag :-
We love to carry our world wherever we go, because we can't afford to miss a single thing. This habit of hauling the world with our (lots and lots of) worldly things on the back or shoulder causes lots of harm to our health. Carrying heavy bags can cause various long term effects like serious back pain, neck pain and poor posture - says Dr. Tina. Hence, to avoid ageing your body prematurely, do yourself a favour and empty that bag.
9: Sleeping with Makeup :-
Many girls have a habit of sleeping with their makeup still on. Whatever the reason could be, this habit can cause grave damage to your skin. Sleeping with your makeup on, leads to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Besides, mascara and other eye makeup can cause irritation, which can also lead to vision loss.
10: Snacking, even if not hungry :-
If you disrupt your regular eating pattern, then your body will no longer send hunger signals and you may end up eating even when you are full. This extra eating can flood your body with extra calories and unhealthy ingredients, which can further cause serious chronic health problems like diabetes, heart problems and acidity.
11: Can't live without a smoke :-
In every health tip, behind every cigarette pack, we read this,' Smoking kills', but people still persist with the smoking habit. Dr. Sunesara says - smoking even a single cigarette a day, can cause blood clots, which may prevent swift flow of the blood and hence develop plaque in your arteries and blood vessels. Besides, you may also damage the life of the non-smoker who is living with you.
12: Lying constantly :-
Surprised to see this one on a healthy living post? Those minute white lies can cause serious damage to your health. If you lie constantly, you will have constant fear of the truth being disclosed, this will create a feeling of stress in you, says - Dr. Vihang. Stress, is the worst thing for your body, as it damages your heath due to the release of stress hormones. Besides, it further leads to headaches and anxiety.
13: You live on medicines :-
If you pop a pill for regular headaches, menstrual cramps or normal tummy trouble then you need to stop now. Constant pill popping is an extremely harmful habit that will put your health at stake. Dr. Sunesara says - if you are eating a balanced nutritious diet then you don't need extra nutrients. If the intake of any nutrient increases, it may create severe side effects. Hence, always check with your doctor, before popping any pill.
14: Skipping breakfast :-
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - says Ms. Eileen - Nutritionist, Mumbai. If your entire breakfast comprises one cup of rushed coffee and a toast, then you're setting yourself up for an unhealthy future. This will affect your digestive system. Besides, it will also harm your energy reserves and negatively affect your metabolism. If you skip your breakfast, you are likely to eat more during the other meals and this can lead to weight gain. Eileen says - the key to a good breakfast is a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
15: You are in love with junk food :-
Fast food is rich in trans fat, sugar, spices and artificial preservatives. But a life dependent on constant fast food will add to your waistline and cause serious health problems like high cholesterol, diabetes and heart problems in the long run. As fast food is rich in bad fat, it raises the bad cholesterol in the body and leads to the hardening of the arteries, which can further cause plaque deposits. Hence, switch to a healthy diet and protect yourself from weight gain and other serious health problems.
16: Nail biting :-
This habit of using your teeth to cut your nails, just for time pass or due to extreme nervousness, can cause germ entry into your body. Dr. Sunsesara says - your hands are constant travellers, they pick several things throughout the day, and then taking these nasty, germ-filled fingers into your mouth can make you bed-ridden for days, due to cold or flu. So, stop this dirty habit right away.
17: Ignoring sex :-
Whatever the reason for a low libido might be, whether too much work or stress, avoiding sex altogether for many days and months at a time is not good. Sex is good for you and your health. It helps to improve your immune system and relationship. But if you are not interested in this pleasurable act, then you need to talk to your doctor immediately. Because, a low libido can be beyond stress, it can be caused due to an under active thyroid, hypertension or simply a hormonal imbalance.
18: Fast eating :-
Eating at lightning speed due to work pressure or lack of time can adversely affect your digestive system. You should take at least 20 minutes to finish each meal. If you just gulp your food, without chewing it properly, it can cause acidity, bloating and excess gas in your stomach. Hence, slow down and enjoy your food.
19: Being in an unhealthy relationship for a long time :-
If you are in a relationship wherein you don't manage to get your share of joy and happiness, then it's better to leave the knot at that moment itself. If you have been suffering an unhealthy relationship for a long time, i.e., a relationship that is abusive verbally or physically, or encourages you to participate in unhealthy activities, then you're harming your health. An unhealthy relationship causes stress and this further lowers your blood pressure, immunity and digestive system.
20: Picking at your skin :-
If there is some flaw on your face, you must resist yourself from constantly stressing on it. If you constantly keep worrying about acne by touching it, it will act up more. Besides it will lead to scars and inflammation. Hence, stop picking at your face to avoid worsening skin issues.
Thursday, 9 April 2015
Giving Education A Sporting Chance
Giving education a sporting chance
You are probably wondering what a UN official is doing writing about the World Cup. So let me start with an assurance. I’m not about to offer post-match analysis, express a view on the vuvuzela or take a position on the merits of the official World Cup football.
A British football manager was once asked whether he thought football was a life or death issue. “Of course not,” he replied, “it’s much more important than that.” When you ride the roller coaster of the World Cup, you get a sense of what he meant. Whole nations hold their breath, experience those moments of soaring hope, and then slide into collective anxiety. Yet in the end football is game. What makes this World Cup different is that it has given football and South Africa a chance to tackle a real life and death issue – a global crisis in education that is blighting the lives of a whole generation of children in Africa and beyond.
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| Learning By Sports |
In football, both teams follow the same rules. Matches are won or lost through the skill of the players, the tactics of the coaches and sometimes moments of chance.
Nobody would think it fair if a match kicked off with one team’s forwards having their feet tied together. Yet poverty and gender inequalities in education shackle the talents of Africa’s children. This is one of the greatest social injustices of our time.
The 1Goal campaign – a global partnership between the world soccer federation Fifa and civil society organisations across the world – has helped to focus attention on this crisis in education. On July 11, the campaign will culminate in a special education summit in Cape Town, hosted by President Jacob Zuma. The aim: to get the 72-million primary-school-age kids currently denied an education into decent quality schooling by 2015.
This World Cup summit is a one-off chance to galvanise the leadership and the financial resources needed to make this happen. So far, political leaders have failed to treat the education crisis with the urgency it merits. Perhaps that’s because you don’t see kids dying for want of schooling. But when 72 million children don’t have a chance to go to school, there are deep social, economic and human costs.
Consider the links between maternal education and child survival. Children in Africa born to mothers with a secondary education are half as likely to die before the age of five. Put differently, universal secondary education in Africa would avert around 1.8 million deaths a year – a stark illustration of the fact that gender inequalities in schooling cost lives.
Failing to educate young girls, the majority of those out of school, is not just immoral and a violation of their human rights – it’s also plain stupid. Denying girls an education is bad for economic growth, bad for the health of the country and bad for democracy. It’s like missing an open goal in the World Cup final.
Achieving the 1Goal ambition will not be easy. If we carry on as we are, the target of “Education for All by 2015″ will be missed – there will still be 56 million children out of school. At a time when rich countries are struggling to come to terms with fiscal deficits, more aid is vital. Estimates by our Global Monitoring Report suggest that another $11 billion will be needed annually.
Yet despite repeated pledges to do more, donors have been cutting aid to education. If broken promises to the world’s children merit a caution, several G8 governments would be heading for a red card and an early bath.
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| Learning While Playing |
As Nelson Mandela once put it, “Education is the great engine of personal development.” It equips people with the skills they need to work their way out of poverty, to broaden their choices, and participate in political processes that affect their lives. And in our increasingly knowledge-based global economy, education is the surest route to higher economic growth, decent jobs and future prosperity.
When it comes to global reach, soccer could make the United Nations green with envy. The World Cup will be watched by a cumulative audience of 26 billion people for all matches. In a world scarred by so much violence and conflict, football cuts across ethnic, religious and cultural divides – and unites people across national borders.
In two weeks’ time, the final whistle will blow and the winning team will collect the World Cup. One set of supporters will be euphoric. The rest will be left trying hard to remember that football is just a game, and that there will be another World Cup in four years.
Whichever team we are backing, all of us should be supporting the demand for an education summit that delivers a result. Education is not a game. And kids get only one chance to go to school. Giving them that chance would really make this a World Cup to remember.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Measuring Gender Equality in Education
Measuring gender equality in education: A challenge for the Sustainable Development agenda :-
As we look to the post-2015 agenda, discussions are turning to how we can expand our thinking around girls’ and women’s education from just gender parity (comparing numbers of girls to boys in the classroom) to gender equality. The focus on parity since the EFA goals were set in 2000 is widely acknowledged to have left serious obstacles to girls’ and women’s educational opportunities, including gender insensitive curricula and learning materials, classroom practices that undermine gender equality, and school management ignoring or minimizing incidents of school related gender based violence (SRGBV).
It is important to move the discussion on from parity to equality. Hiding behind what may seem like parity, for example, may be vast differences in the quality of education girls and boys receive.
How can we measure gender equality?
There are two main challenges associated with measuring gender equality in education. The first is the imprecision associated with the current measurement system. Critics note that current metrics provide limited perspectives for policy discussion. The data routinely collected through administration channels or household surveys does not lend itself to explore more complex processes of inequality. The challenge of finding a way to define and measure SRGBV, which is one of the entrenched forms of gender inequality in education, is an important example.
Questions arise about whether we can measure gender equality in terms of what certain groups do or do not possess, or can gain through education—for example, access to schooling, adequate resources (teachers, textbooks) or qualifications. But measuring who has what leads to the concern that gender equality would again be viewed in a parity perspective. Gender equality in education has a far broader meaning than this.
Why should we measure gender equality?
The second main challenge around measuring gender equality is that there has been a failure to clarify why it is something worth measuring. Is it, for example, because we want education systems to be more efficient or is it due to concern for social justice and human rights? It is one step, after all, for critics of gender parity (and the simple measure of distribution) to say that it is not an adequate measure of gender equality in education. It is an altogether more difficult proposition to say what measuring gender equality in education should entail and how it should be accomplished.
Gender equality has a broad meaning.
Given the history of women’s exclusion, subordination and injustice, noted in every country in the world, it is important that the voices and perspectives of women are considered in how gender equality in education is measured and for what purposes. The metric for gender equality must include the right of women to articulate, review and critically comment on justifications for social arrangements. The metric must also consider the political economy and socio-cultural norms and practices that maintain injustices towards certain groups and exacerbate gender inequalities. Measures must additionally evaluate processes for real change towards greater gender equality and social justice. And lastly, because of the significance of bodily and emotional vulnerability in many meanings of gender, measuring or evaluating gender equality in education must aim to promote progress towards reducing all forms of gender-based violence and ensuring women are empowered to exercise their rights to reproductive health and autonomy.
Towards a common definition of gender equality in education.
A useful way to move beyond this impasse is to use list-based approaches to defining what gender equality in education is, while subjecting this process to rigorous scrutiny and debate. This approach has been successfully used by the UNDP and OECD to develop gender equality measures, although, as of yet, their measures in relation to education still only focus on gender parity and only at the national level. Thus a further challenge is to ensure relevant measures are developed at other levels—for example, the community, school, teacher and individual student levels–in order to assess and change discriminatory gender attitudes and behaviour.
We urgently need an informed political and technical discussion on how to develop a normative approach to defining gender equality in education. And on the basis of this discussion we will be able to work on developing improved and policy-relevant measures. Without this discussion, and consensus on the definition, whatever measurement we develop will attract the criticism that we have only reworked gender parity using imperfect proxies. It is important we get the parameters right early on in the post-2015 era. If we do not, we will find we have not reached the vision we are aiming for by 2030.
As we look to the post-2015 agenda, discussions are turning to how we can expand our thinking around girls’ and women’s education from just gender parity (comparing numbers of girls to boys in the classroom) to gender equality. The focus on parity since the EFA goals were set in 2000 is widely acknowledged to have left serious obstacles to girls’ and women’s educational opportunities, including gender insensitive curricula and learning materials, classroom practices that undermine gender equality, and school management ignoring or minimizing incidents of school related gender based violence (SRGBV).
It is important to move the discussion on from parity to equality. Hiding behind what may seem like parity, for example, may be vast differences in the quality of education girls and boys receive.
 |
| Equality in Education |
How can we measure gender equality?
There are two main challenges associated with measuring gender equality in education. The first is the imprecision associated with the current measurement system. Critics note that current metrics provide limited perspectives for policy discussion. The data routinely collected through administration channels or household surveys does not lend itself to explore more complex processes of inequality. The challenge of finding a way to define and measure SRGBV, which is one of the entrenched forms of gender inequality in education, is an important example.
Questions arise about whether we can measure gender equality in terms of what certain groups do or do not possess, or can gain through education—for example, access to schooling, adequate resources (teachers, textbooks) or qualifications. But measuring who has what leads to the concern that gender equality would again be viewed in a parity perspective. Gender equality in education has a far broader meaning than this.
Why should we measure gender equality?
The second main challenge around measuring gender equality is that there has been a failure to clarify why it is something worth measuring. Is it, for example, because we want education systems to be more efficient or is it due to concern for social justice and human rights? It is one step, after all, for critics of gender parity (and the simple measure of distribution) to say that it is not an adequate measure of gender equality in education. It is an altogether more difficult proposition to say what measuring gender equality in education should entail and how it should be accomplished.
Gender equality has a broad meaning.
Given the history of women’s exclusion, subordination and injustice, noted in every country in the world, it is important that the voices and perspectives of women are considered in how gender equality in education is measured and for what purposes. The metric for gender equality must include the right of women to articulate, review and critically comment on justifications for social arrangements. The metric must also consider the political economy and socio-cultural norms and practices that maintain injustices towards certain groups and exacerbate gender inequalities. Measures must additionally evaluate processes for real change towards greater gender equality and social justice. And lastly, because of the significance of bodily and emotional vulnerability in many meanings of gender, measuring or evaluating gender equality in education must aim to promote progress towards reducing all forms of gender-based violence and ensuring women are empowered to exercise their rights to reproductive health and autonomy.
Towards a common definition of gender equality in education.
A useful way to move beyond this impasse is to use list-based approaches to defining what gender equality in education is, while subjecting this process to rigorous scrutiny and debate. This approach has been successfully used by the UNDP and OECD to develop gender equality measures, although, as of yet, their measures in relation to education still only focus on gender parity and only at the national level. Thus a further challenge is to ensure relevant measures are developed at other levels—for example, the community, school, teacher and individual student levels–in order to assess and change discriminatory gender attitudes and behaviour.
We urgently need an informed political and technical discussion on how to develop a normative approach to defining gender equality in education. And on the basis of this discussion we will be able to work on developing improved and policy-relevant measures. Without this discussion, and consensus on the definition, whatever measurement we develop will attract the criticism that we have only reworked gender parity using imperfect proxies. It is important we get the parameters right early on in the post-2015 era. If we do not, we will find we have not reached the vision we are aiming for by 2030.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
There is Nothing as Important as Education
“There is nothing as important as education”
Liberia, battered by two civil wars, is one of the countries we’ll look at in the 2011 Education for All Global Monitoring Report, which will focus on conflict and education. In his article, George Weah – who ran for president of Liberia in 2005 – draws attention to the need to ensure that children get a chance not just to go to school, but to get education of a high standard.
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| Education |
Monday, 6 April 2015
10 DAILY HABITS THAT WILL GIVE YOU INCREDIBLE WILL POWER
10 DAILY HABITS THAT WILL GIVE YOU INCREDIBLE WILL POWER :-
1. MEDITATE :-
Meditation is the fastest and most effective way to increase your willpower. By meditating you are training the brain to focus and resist the urge to wander. Research shows that after just 2-3 days of practicing meditation for 10 minutes, your brain will be able to focus better, you will have more energy, and you will be less stressed.
There are a lot of myths surrounding meditation. Burning incense, chanting, wearing robes, etc. So let's start by explaining what meditation really is.
2. EAT A LOW GLYCEMIC DIET :-
When the body takes in food, it creates a chemical known as glucose that travels through the blood stream. This is what the brain uses as its source of fuel to think, create, and exert willpower. So to ensure a healthy stock of willpower, we want to make sure our brain has enough glucose to use as energy.
Any food that contains calories will give your brain glucose to work with. But not all glucose is created equally. Sugary foods will cause a quick spike of glucose, giving you willpower fuel for the short-term, but will cause a subsequent crash that depletes your willpower just as fast.
3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP :-
When you don't get enough sleep, your willpower takes the biggest hit. When you are tired, your brain cells are not able to absorb glucose as efficiently as when you are well rested. This means that you begin lose the “power” in your willpower.
Then your brain will recognize the fact that it is not getting enough glucose, and immediately start to crave sugary foods and caffeine to replenish its supply. However, because your brain cells are not absorbing glucose as efficiently as they should be, not only will you give in to eating junk, you will eat much more than you need.
4. EXERCISE :-
We all know that exercise is good for our health, but can it also be good for our willpower? In order to find out, researchers found 24 non-exercisers between 18 and 50 to partake in a 2-month study. They were given free gym memberships and asked to exercise just 1x/week for the first month and 3x/week for the second month.
Throughout the study they would test the participants on various self-control activities from resisting temptations to persevering through challenging tasks.
5. FOCUS ON ONE TASK AT A TIME :-
We have 2 distinct parts of our brain that help in our problem-solving. One is the limbic system, which makes our easy and automatic decisions. This includes brushing our teeth and stopping at a red light. This part of the brain is also short-term minded, and is what motivates us to indulge in unhealthy food and get off of the treadmill.
The other is the pre-frontal cortex, which solves more difficult problems like how to effectively communicate or solve more complicated math equations like the one above. This is also the part of our brain that thinks long-term and is responsible for our willpower.
The problems above both require the pre-frontal cortex to solve. If I were to ask you to write the 50 states and do a simple problem like 10 x 5, you would have had no problem doing it. 10 x 5 is easy. It only requires our limbic system to solve, so we can successfully multi-task.
The more we multi-task, the more we train our limbic system. So by trying to do 4 things at once, we are unknowingly making the part of the brain that wants us to indulge stronger.
The pre-frontal cortex, however, cannot multi-task. The problems it deals with are too complicated. So by focusing on one task at a time, we are making the part of the brain that exerts willpower stronger.
6. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS :-
We tend to believe that every choice we make throughout the day goes through a process of well-informed decision-making. But 45% of our daily-decision are made completely automatically. From what we decide to eat, what we decide to wear and what we decide to do when we first get to work, our brains are running on autopilot.
You can overcome this tendency by becoming more mindful of your daily decisions. This is as simple as pausing and questioning why you are making the decision to get coffee as soon as you make it into the office. Or why you are eating cereal for breakfast rather than eggs.
7. SELF-MONITORING :-
Something odd happens in our brains when we look at ourselves in the mirror. The part of the brain that would say "hey, that's me in the mirror" is not activated. Instead it is a part of the brain that says "I wish I was taller, skinnier, more muscular, etc."
In other words, rather than seeing see who we are, we see who we want to be. This is not because we are shallow, it is because we all have an ideal self that we want to live up to. With this ideal self in our mind, we begin to think and act more like them.
The best way to keep your ideal self in mind is through a process called Self-Monitoring. This involves keeping track of as much information on yourself as possible. Like with the mirror, you will look at the information on yourself and compare it to what you really want. This will strengthen your willpower and help you make better decisions.
8. PLAY OFFENSE :-
When researchers came across a group of people in the Netherlands who seemingly had unstoppable willpower, they thought they must be saints. They ate extremely healthy, exercised regularly, hardly procrastinated and reported less stress than almost everyone around them.
But they were not saints at all. Many of them reported that if they were to get behind a bar stool, they would never leave. Others reported that they were unable to resist sweets whenever they were around. It seemed that these "saints" were prone to the same temptations as the rest of us.
So what was their secret?
The secret, it turned out, was that these people simply did not put themselves in those situations. Their lifestyles were well-organized to prevent having to look temptation in the face.
9. FIND INSPIRATION :-
We have all experienced the feeling of inspiration at some point in our lives. It may have been from a story in history, a speech by a great leader, or by someone in our own lives. When we become inspired, we get a rush of energy that we feel can take us to new heights. It's almost as if we get more willpower.
When we witness something inspiring, the part of the pre-frontal cortex that thinks about the long-term lights up. The neurons in this part of the brain start firing and we feel a rush of energy as we begin to believe in our dreams and goals.
This essentially means that by becoming inspired, we give the pre-frontal cortex more power. This strengthens our willpower and makes it easier to work towards our long-term goals.
10. CHUNKING :-
The last and perhaps the most important willpower habit is chunking. Chunking is the process of taking a large task, goal, dream, etc. and breaking it into manageable “chunks”.
If you’ve ever had a goal, you know how exciting it can be at first. You can see the “after photo” of your life when the goal is achieved - and you love what you see. You imagine all of the great things about the “new you” and you can't wait to get started working towards that goal!
Then it’s time to actually do the work. And whether that work is putting pen to paper, or putting foot to treadmill, you get a sudden rush of being completely overwhelmed. You see just how much work it’s going to take to get you from where you are, to where you want to be. Then you get paralyzed by the fact that you don’t know where to begin. So you don't bother trying, or you lose the persistence to keep going.
Chunking works because it shifts your focus from that larger goal, into smaller chunks that are easier for your brain to comprehend. If your goal is to follow a 12-week exercise plan, it can be overwhelming when you’re tired on day 4 and thinking about the fact that you have 80 more days of this.
But if you shift your focus to simply accomplishing the workout plan today, you are far less likely to become overwhelmed. Then, before you know it, 20, 40, 60 days have passed and you are more confident than ever that we can make it to the end.
CONCLUSION :-
Excellence is a habit. It is a lot of small things done well, day-after-day. Starting any one of the habits listed above has been proven to give you incredible willpower over time. But you must be consistent.
It will be far more beneficial for you to begin just 1 of these daily willpower habits and do it consistently, than to do all 10 for a short period of time. So select just 1 habit to add to your life and stick to it. After it has truly become a habit, move on to the next one. Over time, you will see incredible benefits to your willpower!
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”
1. MEDITATE :-
Meditation is the fastest and most effective way to increase your willpower. By meditating you are training the brain to focus and resist the urge to wander. Research shows that after just 2-3 days of practicing meditation for 10 minutes, your brain will be able to focus better, you will have more energy, and you will be less stressed.
There are a lot of myths surrounding meditation. Burning incense, chanting, wearing robes, etc. So let's start by explaining what meditation really is.
2. EAT A LOW GLYCEMIC DIET :-
When the body takes in food, it creates a chemical known as glucose that travels through the blood stream. This is what the brain uses as its source of fuel to think, create, and exert willpower. So to ensure a healthy stock of willpower, we want to make sure our brain has enough glucose to use as energy.
Any food that contains calories will give your brain glucose to work with. But not all glucose is created equally. Sugary foods will cause a quick spike of glucose, giving you willpower fuel for the short-term, but will cause a subsequent crash that depletes your willpower just as fast.
3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP :-
When you don't get enough sleep, your willpower takes the biggest hit. When you are tired, your brain cells are not able to absorb glucose as efficiently as when you are well rested. This means that you begin lose the “power” in your willpower.
Then your brain will recognize the fact that it is not getting enough glucose, and immediately start to crave sugary foods and caffeine to replenish its supply. However, because your brain cells are not absorbing glucose as efficiently as they should be, not only will you give in to eating junk, you will eat much more than you need.
 |
| INCREDIBLE WILL POWER |
4. EXERCISE :-
We all know that exercise is good for our health, but can it also be good for our willpower? In order to find out, researchers found 24 non-exercisers between 18 and 50 to partake in a 2-month study. They were given free gym memberships and asked to exercise just 1x/week for the first month and 3x/week for the second month.
Throughout the study they would test the participants on various self-control activities from resisting temptations to persevering through challenging tasks.
5. FOCUS ON ONE TASK AT A TIME :-
We have 2 distinct parts of our brain that help in our problem-solving. One is the limbic system, which makes our easy and automatic decisions. This includes brushing our teeth and stopping at a red light. This part of the brain is also short-term minded, and is what motivates us to indulge in unhealthy food and get off of the treadmill.
The other is the pre-frontal cortex, which solves more difficult problems like how to effectively communicate or solve more complicated math equations like the one above. This is also the part of our brain that thinks long-term and is responsible for our willpower.
The problems above both require the pre-frontal cortex to solve. If I were to ask you to write the 50 states and do a simple problem like 10 x 5, you would have had no problem doing it. 10 x 5 is easy. It only requires our limbic system to solve, so we can successfully multi-task.
The more we multi-task, the more we train our limbic system. So by trying to do 4 things at once, we are unknowingly making the part of the brain that wants us to indulge stronger.
The pre-frontal cortex, however, cannot multi-task. The problems it deals with are too complicated. So by focusing on one task at a time, we are making the part of the brain that exerts willpower stronger.
6. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS :-
We tend to believe that every choice we make throughout the day goes through a process of well-informed decision-making. But 45% of our daily-decision are made completely automatically. From what we decide to eat, what we decide to wear and what we decide to do when we first get to work, our brains are running on autopilot.
You can overcome this tendency by becoming more mindful of your daily decisions. This is as simple as pausing and questioning why you are making the decision to get coffee as soon as you make it into the office. Or why you are eating cereal for breakfast rather than eggs.
7. SELF-MONITORING :-
Something odd happens in our brains when we look at ourselves in the mirror. The part of the brain that would say "hey, that's me in the mirror" is not activated. Instead it is a part of the brain that says "I wish I was taller, skinnier, more muscular, etc."
In other words, rather than seeing see who we are, we see who we want to be. This is not because we are shallow, it is because we all have an ideal self that we want to live up to. With this ideal self in our mind, we begin to think and act more like them.
The best way to keep your ideal self in mind is through a process called Self-Monitoring. This involves keeping track of as much information on yourself as possible. Like with the mirror, you will look at the information on yourself and compare it to what you really want. This will strengthen your willpower and help you make better decisions.
8. PLAY OFFENSE :-
When researchers came across a group of people in the Netherlands who seemingly had unstoppable willpower, they thought they must be saints. They ate extremely healthy, exercised regularly, hardly procrastinated and reported less stress than almost everyone around them.
But they were not saints at all. Many of them reported that if they were to get behind a bar stool, they would never leave. Others reported that they were unable to resist sweets whenever they were around. It seemed that these "saints" were prone to the same temptations as the rest of us.
So what was their secret?
The secret, it turned out, was that these people simply did not put themselves in those situations. Their lifestyles were well-organized to prevent having to look temptation in the face.
9. FIND INSPIRATION :-
We have all experienced the feeling of inspiration at some point in our lives. It may have been from a story in history, a speech by a great leader, or by someone in our own lives. When we become inspired, we get a rush of energy that we feel can take us to new heights. It's almost as if we get more willpower.
When we witness something inspiring, the part of the pre-frontal cortex that thinks about the long-term lights up. The neurons in this part of the brain start firing and we feel a rush of energy as we begin to believe in our dreams and goals.
This essentially means that by becoming inspired, we give the pre-frontal cortex more power. This strengthens our willpower and makes it easier to work towards our long-term goals.
10. CHUNKING :-
The last and perhaps the most important willpower habit is chunking. Chunking is the process of taking a large task, goal, dream, etc. and breaking it into manageable “chunks”.
If you’ve ever had a goal, you know how exciting it can be at first. You can see the “after photo” of your life when the goal is achieved - and you love what you see. You imagine all of the great things about the “new you” and you can't wait to get started working towards that goal!
Then it’s time to actually do the work. And whether that work is putting pen to paper, or putting foot to treadmill, you get a sudden rush of being completely overwhelmed. You see just how much work it’s going to take to get you from where you are, to where you want to be. Then you get paralyzed by the fact that you don’t know where to begin. So you don't bother trying, or you lose the persistence to keep going.
Chunking works because it shifts your focus from that larger goal, into smaller chunks that are easier for your brain to comprehend. If your goal is to follow a 12-week exercise plan, it can be overwhelming when you’re tired on day 4 and thinking about the fact that you have 80 more days of this.
But if you shift your focus to simply accomplishing the workout plan today, you are far less likely to become overwhelmed. Then, before you know it, 20, 40, 60 days have passed and you are more confident than ever that we can make it to the end.
CONCLUSION :-
Excellence is a habit. It is a lot of small things done well, day-after-day. Starting any one of the habits listed above has been proven to give you incredible willpower over time. But you must be consistent.
It will be far more beneficial for you to begin just 1 of these daily willpower habits and do it consistently, than to do all 10 for a short period of time. So select just 1 habit to add to your life and stick to it. After it has truly become a habit, move on to the next one. Over time, you will see incredible benefits to your willpower!
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”
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