Masks

We all wear masks. What is true and what is not?

With love. Deva.

Leave your worries behind

Growing up, my mom worked for a magazine distribution company. As a result, our household was constantly filled with hundreds of different magazines each month. I can recall reading Psychology Today many times as a young girl, but it hasn't been until my "adult" years that I have truly started to appreciate some of the articles written in them.

Anyway, this week has sort of started out with a negative tinge to it (all of those fun details can be seen on my blog), but although we all get down from time-to-time, it is essential for all of us to be strong enough to bring ourselves out of a rut and brighten our spirits.

Psychology Today has posted seven carefree activities that may well brighten your mood. I can tell you that all of these definitely work!

1. Ride a Roller Coaster: Leave your worries behind when you let go of the handlebars, then feel the wind on your face as you swoop down the crest. The rush comes from the release of epinephrine, or adrenaline, and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the target of a type of antidepressant called a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor, and increasing its function can help raise your mood. Activities like riding a roller coaster allow your body to activate norepinephrine function naturally.
2. Berries in Chocolate: Consuming chocolate and other sweets can activate receptors in the brain's reward center. If you're feeling a loss of pleasure, the neurotransmitter dopamine, which fuels the brain's reward system, may not be operating at top speed. Recent research in depression has focused on dopamine. One tasty way to prime this reward pathway may be to satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy treat.
3. A Day at the Beach: Put on those board shorts and catch some sun-dappled waves. Although you should use sunscreen, research from Australia shows that spending time in sunlight boosts your serotonin production. Yes, many of us do get depressed without sunlight. The brighter the forecast, the higher serotonin levels rise. A low serotonin level has long been a primary indicator of depression and other mood disorders, so naturally a spike in this neurotransmitter could help you beat the blues. Besides, you can enjoy a little eye-candy, too.
4. Massage, With Love: There's nothing more relaxing after a long day than a back massage, and all the better when it's given by someone near and dear. Oxytocin, a neurochemical released during social activities, especially those involving touch, can reduce levels of stress. And chronic stress increases the risk of depression. In fact, just holding hands with a friend or hugging your dog can boost oxytocin. In one study, subjects were given an oxytocin boost through a nasal spray, and asked to spend time with a friend. These subjects had lower levels of stress than subjects who only spent time with a friend or those who received an oxytocin boost alone.
5. A Big, Wet Kiss. The moon reflects off the pond, but you don't notice because you're busy locking lips. Saliva is full of testosterone, so when a guy kisses a girl he transmits the male androgen to her. And a woman's delicate hormonal balance requires a certain level of testosterone—studies have shown that lower levels can be a drag on a girl's mood. Depressed men often have lower levels of testosterone, so they benefit from a rise too. Talk about a connection that transcends.
6. Hit the Seafood Buffet: Tie on that plastic bib and enjoy a meal fit for a king. Make sure your plate is lined with salmon steak or other foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Not consuming enough Omega-3 can contribute to depression, and because we cannot synthesize these special fatty acids in our own bodies, they must come from our diet. Animal studies show that deficiencies in Omega-3s lead to a 50 percent depletion of serotonin and dopamine levels. The health benefits of fish abound. As Jerry Seinfeld said, "Why are fish so thin? They eat fish."
7. Take a Hike: A brisk walk or jog is a great excuse to get a breath of fresh air. What's more, moderate exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a chemical messenger that allows brain cells to grow. BDNF mediates new connections and growth in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in forming new memories that often shrinks during depression. What more can you ask for? Besides boosting mood and helping your brain grow, exercise is also a great way to work up an appetite.

Have any other tips to add to the list?

-Lisa

Are You An Introvert or Extravert?

Hey ladies!

I took a quick quiz of personality today and I think it is 90% accurate for me- I am always interested in personality tests... Take a look if you are interested!

Best of love,
Fran

What Is Your Favourite Colour?

Photo Credit: aubergene

Quickly select and click your favourite colour to read a personal evaluation of your personality based on the color you chose! :o)

RED

ORANGE

YELLOW

GREEN

BLUE

PURPLE
PINK

WHITE

BLACK

Oh my favourite colour is PINK. :o)

Colour Test- Black

BLACK

Attributes: Negativity or the removal of negativity. Outer space, the universe, night. Fertility, wisdom, sadness, mourning, loss, death, discord, confusion, fear and evil. Black is the absence of colors, absorbing all the light of the spectrum.

Characteristics: Black personalities are methodical statisticians who want every thing done in detail. The make fine accountants and tax IRS auditors and collection agents. They always finish what they begin. Although not leaders, under direction, they are hard-working fixers who zero in on the essence of any problem. They tenaciously love to find the mistakes and faults of others like detectives or puzzle fans.

People who like black hold things inside and do not want to be touched. They put a barrier between themselves and others, keeping their strength inside so that they can better protect their emotions. They want no one to take advantage of their sensitivity despite their wish to be part of the world around them.

For many, black is a 'comfort' color, making them feel at ease and when necessary, allows them to hide from world. The 'evil' aspects of black are largely and historically religious in nature in our western culture. Other people use black for celebration and marriage attire. The irony is that we wear black to funerals but also to the most elevated of formal affairs.

Colour Test- White

WHITE

Attributes: Protection, purification, freshness, cold, and potential. Spiritual strength, faith, truth and sincerity. White reflects all light rays and is therefore cooling and restful. It is the sum of all colors.

Characteristics: White is the color of purity, of new snow or heavenly light. Despite outward appearances, those who favor white may have flaws not apparent to others. They observe others and camoflage themselves in their environment, seeing themselves as special and above it all. Sometimes these people show a false sense of shyness, waiting to be noticed so that they may express their very outspoken thoughts.

Regardless of their behavior, white people express a virginal attitude and are known for this by others. They examine others critically while not making them feel judged. Once approved, they tend to be happy at their appraisal. White personalities are reluctant to discuss their beliefs with others despite firmly holding to their beliefs. They are confident and assured in their self-awareness which is not to say they are not pleased when another acknowledges their beliefs as truth. Self-importance then, is integral to their personality and can be both a positive attribute or negative depending on the individual.

Colour Test- Pink

PINK

Attributes: Peace, love, friendship, compassion, relaxation. Gentle emotions and unions. Overcoming evil, honor, morality, friendship and success.

Characteristics: People who love the color pink either seek or already enjoy a peaceful state of grace or bliss. They smile constantly which can sometimes irk others who are not in the same space. These people try to see and bring out the best in others, truly loving everyone. If they don't believe someone is essentially good, then you can be sure there is a valid reason they would conclude this.

Pink people are very intelligent and contemplative. They study, analyze the best way to go about something before they take action. They may appear slow as a result, but are merely methodical in their thoughts and hard working.. Sometimes overly optimistic, these people tend to look younger than their years. They view the world in such a positive light it can be dazzling. Shy, they would like to be more active but fear precipitous action, choosing not to make mistakes because they do not wish to be judged unfairly by others. Humor is a tool pink people use to make others happy although they may not be rautious or ribald, instead possessing a dry wit.

Colour Test- Purple

PURPLE

Spectrum: 7th and last color of the spectrum
Planet: JupiterElement: Fire
Gemstone: Sapphire Metal: Tin
Musical Note: B - sacred music, hymns

Attributes: Nobility, spiritual aspiration, honor and self-esteem. Magnetic, tense, powerful, healing, spiritual, meditative, religious, royal and divine. Medically, it cools the nerves and is antiseptic.

Characteristics: Purple personalities strive to better themselves spiritually, mentally and emotionally. They are voracious readers, constantly seeking knowledge, particularly in tales of the lives of others. Wanting a greater spiritual connection, they love the subjects of theology and religion. Thus armed, they love to spread their findings to others to help them on their spiritual paths.

Being perfectionists, they are prone to self-sabotage by being overly critical of themselves. In an extreme form, those who like the muted shades of purple can become religious zealots who feel the God given right to judge others and mete out retribution. The search for spirit is lost in their fanaticism.

Those who favor darker purple work to find inner peace and love and a connection to God or their higher power. As givers, they are fine friends as they don't seem to ask much for themselves. If they do seek help from another and are not clear in their desire, they may resent the fact that their request is not forthcoming. They can develop a hard-done-by attitude in this case. Over-functioner resenting under-functioner.

Colour Test- Blue

BLUE

Spectrum: 5th color of the seven spectrum colors
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Gemstone: Amethyst
Musical Note: G - romantic music

Attributes: Love, devotion and harmony. Healing, peace, psychic ability, patience, happiness. Symbolic of the ocean, sleep, twilight, and the sky.

Characteristics: Blue people are emotional and stay within themselves. They tend to not trust others as they carefully watch them. Pale blue is the color of devotion and reflects one who prefers things to be in order. As blue becomes darker, it becomes moody and depressed, hence the term, 'the blues'.

Lovers of royal blue can be on either a large high or in a deep pit of emotion. Navy blue is favored by those who are very emotional but wish to conceal it. They tend to indulge themselves in their emotions and can, in extreme cases, become obsessed. Being feelers, they cry when they are happy or sad and as a result leave themselves wide open to others. They can easily guage the mood of any person they are around regardless of their state of mind.

Blue personalities can't explain the range of their emotions, as they are products of their environment. Looking for sympathy in others, blue people can be miserable to be with when they expect you to be down with them. Codependently, they need you to feel as they do. Too much blue around will create depression so it needs other colors to balance it.

Colour Test- Green

GREEN

Spectrum: 4th color of the seven spectrum colors
Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Gemstone: Emerald
Metal: Lead
Musical Note: F - minor key, melancholy music

Attributes: Stability, harmony, pacifity, luminousity, quietude and peace of mind. Money, luck, success, prosperity, abundance, employment, fertility, healing, growth and cooperation.

Characteristics: Green personalities are nurturers. They wish to help, heal, or mother others. As such, these people can be found in the medical profession or social work. Others view them as good listeners and trustworthy as they keep their thoughts to themselves. As natural observers, they make excellent guidance counselors, human resource people, psychologists and psychiatrists. They can see all sides to issues and respect all positions.

Green personalities treat others as they wish to be treated and can put others at ease with no effort. Loving harmony makes them born peacemakers. Their homes reflect this by being comfortable and warm for visitors. If one likes dark green the person may be envious or overly concerned with the lives of others. In some cases they have to help others to feel good about themselves, which in its extreme form is codependent. As sometimes over-functioners, they must avoid the tendency to become martyrs.

All in all, green personalities make excellent friends because they are happy, caring and trustworthy. Needless to say, they are natural gardeners and pet lovers.

Colour Test- Yello

YELLOW

Spectrum: 3rd color of the seven spectrum colors
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Gemstone: Topaz
Musical Note: E - lowest of the seven notes martial music

Attributes: Intellectual, wise, quick witted, confident, divinity, communicative, eloquent, full of movement, luminous, thoughful and royal. Attractive, persuasive, trustworthy and charming. Yellow is the main color in all herbs which are purgatives or nerve-stimulants, such as senna , sulfur, fig juice, tartar, castor oil.

Characteristics: Yellow is the color of the Buddha and His followers. Yellow people make good leaders as they are methodical in their thinking and decisive. They analyze before acting.

People with yellow personalities are very business minded and like to be thought of as educated. They use their minds to achieve their goals and as a result, love games and are particularly good at chess. Yellow people can be stubborn and if they favor mustard yellow, they can be pompous and cause suspicion. The darkest characteristic of yellow is deceit and cowardice.

Yellow personalities consider all points of view prior to making decisions. They can bury their emotions when they are feeling stressed out, believing it to be a sign of weakness and refuse to allow others to see them this way. They are insular, keeping their circle of intimate friends very small and limited to those who are also business types. Even having friends, yellow people depend only on themselves. Both males and females are considered clothes horses, liking to look good at all times.

Colour Test- Red

RED

Spectrum: 1st color - the lowest of the seven spectrum colors
Planet: Mars - God of War
Element: Fire
Gemstone: Ruby
Metal: Iron
Musical Note: C - the lowest note on the scale - martial music

Attributes: Strength, force, power, control and leadership. Stimulation, warmth, excitement. Good health, physical energy, love, sex, passion, courage, protection. Birth, life and death, birth and volcanic eruptions. Red is the chief color in any herbs or medicines having a heating and stimulating effect, such as cayenne, cloves or musk.

Characteristics: A person who likes red can express many personality traits. The positive ones being passion, energy, and money making. The darker manifestations of those who favor reddish-brown colors can be addictions such as drugs, alcohol, eating disorders or emotional instability. Red-oranges are dynamic people persons who love the outdoors.

High emotions are characteristic of those who like red with blue overtones. They can be energetic people to be with. Red personalities are seductive. Men are attracted to a woman wearing red regardless of how good looking she may be. Business people who wish to stand out wear red to meetings, expressing their desire for power and control. They crave the attention.

The red personality makes others feel more energetic and vital. This personality may have a volatile temperment but cools off just as quickly. A bit of a know-it-all, the red person is quick to give others answers to any question. What they don't know, they will find out, as they are terrified of appearing stupid. They want everything done in a hurry. They are expert power nappers when they run out of energy and then bounce back as before.

Red personalities feel all powerful and convince others that they are but they do not make good leaders. Under proper direction, they do make good followers and have no problems doing whatever needs doing to finish a job. A bit scattered, red personalities can go off on tangents, their attention span being limited. Quick minded, bright people, when focused, they can be very determined.

Colour Test- Orange

ORANGE

Spectrum: 2nd color of the seven spectrum colors
Planet: Sun
Gemstone: Amber
Metal: Gold
Musical Note: D - emotional music

Attributes: The color of nature, warm, invigorating, confident and courageous. Encouragement, helpfulness, concentration, attraction, adaptability, stimulation.

Characteristics: As nature lovers, orange people love being outdoors, whether walking in the forest or participating in sports. Nature invigorates them and being housebound depresses them. They feel an affinity for both flora and fauna, recognizing that all people are also part of nature. Well thought of by others, orange personalities make good friends and excel at careers such as farming or ranching, wilderness guides or professional sports.

They may sometimes make others mad but it is short-lived, it usually doesn't last very long. Most are the nicest people but it's not smart to put them in a corner as they will bite. They are generally considered good lovers with a decidedly kinky side, in that they are completely open to try anything to please a partner. Egalitarian, they like to support the underdog and are very much good Samaritans. They do talk a lot, project their voices loudly and are not afraid to express opinions on anything. Learning from past mistakes, orange people are thoughtful and very aware of their actions and surroundings.Orange personalities are completely secure in knowing that what they wish for in life is theirs for the taking and that they deserve the best.

Some More Quotes :o)

Hello all you guys!

Thank you Deva for the great and very true quotes! I will keep going with quotes: something old and something new for today. :o)

Best of love,
Fran