come, stay and let's talk. it's a good day to be alive
“have I done my best today?”
I asked myself
as I stared at a blinking cursor
on my computer monitor.
“no, not yet”
I thought to myself
as I typed a few more keys
on my keyboard, relentlessly.
“where is the summit?”
I wondered to myself
and I implored the world in my heart
found the people I’ve met,
stories we shared,
and saw them pointing towards the bright light
next to the blinking cursor
on my computer monitor.
6.2.2023
As young kids, we have enjoyed naps frequently. As we grow older, napping becomes less frequent. Some people may even actively avoid napping, concerned that they may not get sleepy enough to fall asleep at night. Yes, sleeping on time at night is important. But did you realize that sleeping on time is also essential? This post will explore appropriate ways to take a nap and the cognitive benefits of napping.
Just as having enough sleep gives cognitive benefits, there are a lot of benefits to getting a nap. Let’s first explore the cognitive benefits of taking a nap.
One of the ways to get started with napping is to learn how to nap appropriately. Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you go for your nap:
In this blog post, we explored the potential benefits of taking a nap, how we can nap efficiently, and what side effects could happen if we take it at the wrong time or longer than necessary. Each person may have different physiological needs, so consult your physician about napping if you want to dive deeper into the world of napping!
Disclaimer: This web post is for information purposes. If you have medical needs, please contact your primary care physician.
I learned today
that my shadow was actually another person.
he had another thoughts, another feelings,
another memories, and another hopes.
we’ve seen the same things, met same people
but we differ in how we see the world.
now is the time for dialogues
I wonder if he will forgive me.
6.1.2023
As you are reading this post, you may wonder, “How am I absorbing this information?” In short, there are a lot of complicated processes that is involved in reading a text and incorporating the knowledge into our brains. In this post, we will explore what components and processes are involved in reading and are cognitive benefits of reading texts such as books, articles, and blog posts like this one.
While reading is natural for most people, understanding what it really is, and what processes are involved can help you read more efficiently.
There are neurological and psychological components to reading. Here are a few of the major components of the reading process:
While some studies indicate the benefits of reading for preventing cognitive decline in those with early mild cognitive impairment or dementia, some studies did not show effectiveness. Below are a few examples showing the benefits of reading:
In this post, we explored what reading is, what is involved in reading, and explored the potential benefit of reading. Although this is not an exhaustive list, we hope this has helped you understand what is involved in reading and what could be some of the benefits of reading!
walking across a park,
I noticed a deer just standing.
I stared at her, and she stared back.
The deer walked towards me
slowly, smoothly, and silently.
I stood still,
even though I could reach her.
The deer peered into my eyes.
We stood there for a moment,
before she turned,
and started to walk away.
I turned,
wondering what could have been,
had I reached out to her.
5.31.2023
Today we will explore how imagination helps your goal attainment. Many of us may have encountered advice on how to achieve our goal: “imagine how happy you will be when you attain your goal!” Could this be true? Or could this act of imagination backfire? Read this post to learn more about the effects of imagination on goal attainment!
First, let’s define what creativity, imagination, and fantasy means. Throughout the article, we will focus on using imagination for productivity.
As Albert Einstein said, “imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”
Have you ever had a writer’s block, where you cannot come up with an innovative topic to write about even as you wish you come up with something to write about? One of the reasons why we face a writer’s block could be because we were not intrinsically motivated to write. According to the Imagination Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, individuals who are intrinsically motivated tend to be more creative; those who engage in creative activities for the sake of the activities themselves are better able to come up with original and valuable ideas. Wanting to help others may also increase the likelihood of becoming more creative.
We have explored the benefits of imagination in attaining goals, improve memory, and steps that we can easily take to boost imagination and creative activity. Imagination can be a way to proactively create one’s own life path. If you feel you would benefit from proactively constructing your future, try boosting your imagination!
Disclaimer: This web post is for information purposes. If you have medical needs, please contact your primary care physician.
sometimes
I do fall for an all-nighter fun
how do I learn
not to do this again?
I wonder
how I can grow up.
5.30.2023
During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, most of us would admit to gaining a pound or two because of staying at home and restrictions on going to the gym. But did you realize that just taking a walk around your neighborhood can have a beneficial effect on your health? This post will describe the health effects of simple walking.
Walking is a type of cardiovascular activity that increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure. With increased blood flow, oxygen and hormones like endorphins can circulate throughout the body.
Walking is different from standing still. A 2020 study comparing quasi-static standing and walking found that while standing increases the likelihood of lower leg swelling and muscle fatigue, walking did not.
Walking is different from running. A 2006 study investigating the physiological and kinematic difference between the two forms of location found the key difference is that of the timing of each phase of locomotion.
The appropriate walking pace is a metabolic equivalent (MET) of 3.0 – 6.0, or 2.5 – 4.2 mph.
Before the walk: before you set out to walk, a few steps of preparation can make your walk more enjoyable.
During the walk: Mayo Clinic outlines simple tips on how to walk effectively:
After the walk, rehydrate or have a light snack, such as a banana, to refuel. Write about any thoughts that you had during your walk.
Improving Cognitive Level & Mood
Walking, in general, is more beneficial than not walking. However, walking outdoors is recommended compared to walking indoors. An ECG study conducted in 2018 showed that walking outdoors instead of indoors has a higher likelihood and more extended period of “meditative state.” In 2020, another study compared physical exercise with walking in nature and found that walking in nature lowered cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improved mood.
Preventative Effect
Studies have found protective effects of walking by reducing the risk of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. The 2018 Physical Activity Guideline for Americans recommends walking at least 150-300 minutes(2.5h-5h)/week. Walking can help improve body weight, teeth cavities, and diabetes by lowering cravings for sweet things like chocolate. It can even influence the gene expressions related to obesity to reduce the likelihood of obesity, according to a 2006 study. American Cancer Society found that women who walked> 7 hours per week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked < 3 hours per week. Another study showed that those who walked 20 minutes daily for at least 5 days a week had 43% lower sick days.
Walking is a simple activity that many people can engage in. There are a few steps that you can take to make this experience more efficient and pleasurable. It is one of the examples where you can find significant health effects with gradual effort. Try taking a walk today!
Disclaimer: This web post is for information purposes. If you have medical needs, please contact your primary care physician.
it’s intangible
but I think
what goes
comes around.
give for others,
and rest will follow.
do not worry,
as long as
you walk the right way
the rest will follow.
look forward,
not backward
or sideways.
we will meet
at the end.
5.29.2023
You may have heard about the benefits of meditation. But what exactly is a meditation and where does it come from? In this post, we will explore types of meditation and their roots.
There are two large types of meditation: guided vs. unguided meditations. It is recommended that beginners try guided meditation with an experienced teacher that can be trusted. Meditation can be done 1:1 or in a group.
For non-religious purpose, there are common meditation techniques you can use.
Although most people will recognize what meditation involves – closing eyes and sitting still – there is no concrete definition of what “meditation” is. There is an ongoing debate within the scientific community on the definition of meditation. The roots of meditative practices can be traced back to religious origins.
We explored the traditional roots and types of meditations. While this is not an exhaustive list of meditation descriptions, we hope that this post has helped understand and explore where meditation practices come from, and which meditation type to choose for your needs! We also encourage double-checking our sources!
Disclaimer: This web post is for information purposes. If you have medical needs, please contact your primary care physicia
Ralph with Coffee 
You must be logged in to post a comment.