5 Ways To Get Lucky

Look for the silver lining

It is inevitable that some people seem to get more luck than others, but should we just wait to see if luck strikes for us or take matters into our own hands? We can help ourselves a lot by looking for the silver lining in a negative situation. If you focus on the negatives you are only going to cloud your judgement on the solution, so adopt a more positive outlook on the situations in your life and you will feel better about how to handle them and begin to assume a lucky mentality. Change your thoughts and luck will follow.

Be on the lookout for new opportunities

Very rarely do opportunities for luck present themselves; when they do it’s fantastic, but the chances are this is not going to occur. Nine out of 10 times things happen because we make them happen, so why not take some calculated risks to increase your opportunities. Take smaller risks at first and if they pay off you can increase them.  You should always be on the lookout for new prospects, whether it is in the workplace or in your social life. Keep your eyes and ears open as you never know what’s just around the corner and you don’t want to miss out!

Cut loose your anxieties

Individual hang ups can hold us back from doing everyday tasks in our lives. Adopt the mantra: ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’  Don’t let your anxiety get the better of you; your mind is very powerful and anxiety is just a learnt behaviour. Sometimes putting yourself in a stressful situation is OK and to explore new paths in life is essential. Sitting back is all well and good if you’re willing to watch the world go by, but the more open you are to new opportunities the more you’ll increase your chances of luck, so let go of that anxiety and go for it!

Trust your instincts

People who make quick decisions can be led by their intuition. Your gut instinct is more than likely correct; how many times have you been stuck in a situation where you knew things weren’t right from the off, but still carried on and things have turned sour? Listening to yourself can really help you make the right decisions.  So how can you become more intuitive? Take some time for yourself, relax in the bath or go for a walk and clear your head.  Spending time with yourself will help you understand your thoughts clearly; that way when the next decision has to be made you will know exactly what you think and you can manage the situation with a clear decisive answer.

Learn how to deal with bad luck

The way we deal with bad luck can be detrimental to how we view our lives. A pessimistic person can always see the bad in everything, and to dwell constantly on the bad will inevitably get you down in the dumps.  Try to put a positive spin on all the bad situations you find yourself in; focusing what could have made that situation worse will give you that pick up to see you through the rough patch. It isn’t possible to always be happy and positive about everything or everyone in your life, but making a concerted effort to have a happier and brighter outlook on life will make you appreciate the luck you already had in your life that you didn’t notice.

Source: RealBuzz

7 Ways To Spring Clean Your Life

Clean up your relationships

Many of us cling on to friendships and relationships well past their use-by date, believing that quantity is more important than quality when it comes to the people in our lives. However, if you are holding on to relationships that no longer make you feel good, it may be time to let them go. If you think you may just be going through a rough patch then it is worth talking things through with your partner or friend; however, if they have been bringing you down for a while and there’s no resolution in sight, it may be time to focus on those people who make you happy instead.

Dust off your talents

From ballet classes to music lessons, children are always rushing about from one activity to the next. Yet as we get older, many of us abandon the hobbies and interests we used to love in favour of a growing list of chores and obligations. To add some fun back in to your routine, try starting up an activity again that you used to enjoy or be good at. If you find that your passion is no longer there then move on to something else – with so many hobbies out there to try, you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.

Straighten out your finances

If you want to start afresh with a clean slate and a clear mind, one of the best things you can do is to get your finances in order. While it may be scary to assess your financial situation, going on in ignorance will only cause your worries to eat away at you and may even lead to a worse situation further down the road. Bite the bullet and, if necessary, set yourself a budget for the next few months or so. Make a plan to cut down on anything that you don’t need to be splurging on, such as your morning cup of coffee or that fancy store-bought lunch.

Declutter your mind

Many of us harbour negative emotions over time such as anger, jealousy and hatred; however these emotions are not only worthless, they can also be detrimental to your health and happiness. Try to realise that these feelings aren’t adding anything to your life and let go of any negative emotions or grudges you have been holding. Also, find a method to deal with any anxiety and stress, such as through yoga, meditation or counselling.  Remember that worrying won’t change the future; it will only ruin the present.

Clear your schedule

How are you spending your time? Is it on things worth spending it on? The truth is that many of us go through our lives wasting precious hours on things that don’t matter and then complaining that we can’t fit in things that do. Rather than letting your time slip away unnoticed, mentally go through your week and work out how you spend your time, writing down everything you do and how long you spend on it. Once you have your week written out in front of you, you can identify how to maximise your hours, what to cut back on and how to make room for more valuable activities.

Spruce up your diet

Whether due to lack of inspiration or habit, we often end up eating the same meals over and over with little variation in our diets. However, repeatedly sticking to the same foods may mean that you are missing out on certain nutrients and it will also lessen your enjoyment of meals. To liven up your mealtimes and boost your inspiration for cooking, try experimenting with different foods you have never tasted and interesting new recipes. If you are a snackaholic this may be the perfect time to start sampling some healthy replacements for those biscuits and crisps!

Get rid of clutter

While you’re dusting off the other areas of your life it’s a great time to have a traditional spring clean and clear out any household clutter. Throw away or give to charity anything you don’t use anymore (including clothes you’ve been waiting for years for the “right occasion” to wear!), clear your kitchen cupboards of junk food and re-arrange the furniture to freshen up your home. Not only will this give you space for more useful things, but decluttering your home can also boost your mental health.

10 Ways to Self-Improvement

It’s time we stopped thinking of self improvement as a new sweep of lipstick, hair cut or wardrobe overhaul and started remembering that improving ourselves goes more than skin deep. From being a better friend, making peace with your parents to improving your own well-being, start making improvements from within with our 10 ways to self improvement and emerge a more fulfilled, happier person.

1. Keep your dignity

It’s not easy in this binge-drinking, social networking, desperate to get ahead society to keep your dignity but try it and you’ll be respected, successful and people will love you all the more for it. Having dignity is knowing who you are and what you stand for and not swaying from those principles no matter what those around you are doing. People with dignity don’t need to brag, show off or draw attention to themselves because they are not interested in what others think, they are too busy getting on with their own lives and being happy with themselves to be concerned with following the crowd. You don’t need to be prudish and superior, have fun, just don’t lose control and make a prat of yourself.

2. Forgive your parents

There comes a time in every adult’s life when you have to stop resenting and blaming the people who raised you and simply forgive and forget. Yes, your parents may have made your childhood and even adulthood a misery and yes, they may continue to be completely oblivious to the constant annoyance, guilt and misery they cause you but, by continuing to hold onto the blame and resentment you feel towards them you will only make yourself miserable and angry and there is only one person responsible for how you feel and that’s you. 

Author of the international bestseller The Rules Of Life, Richard Templar offers some words of advice when it comes to trying to forgive your parents, ‘As offspring you do have a duty to be respectful. You have a responsibility to treat them (your parents) kindly and be more than they are by being forgiving and non-judgemental. You can rise above your upbringing.’

3. Share your time and talent

We’ve become so concerned with having full, busy lives and being popular that it’s easy to forget how to be a good friend, or even a good person. Everyone is busy, that’s what living is, and if we weren't we’d be sat on the sofa watching Friends reruns every night. Don’t hang onto your time like it’s a sacred thing, share it and share your knowledge while you’re at it. Everyone knows something about something and has at least one skill they can share with others, whether that’s DIY, sewing, speaking a language, playing an instrument or writing beautifully. It’s important to pass on what you know and not give in to that feeling of having the upper hand just because you know something no one else does. Try it, you’ll feel good about yourself, have fun and learn something new.

4. Feel the fear

We all have our comfort zones and there’s nothing wrong with that but refuse to step outside of it every once in a while and your life will become stagnant and dull. Challenging and frightening ourselves regularly not only injects us with a new found love of life and feeling of self-confidence, it also prepares us for those unexpected moments when life takes a turn for the worst. By doing something that scares us regularly, we realise that we can handle those tough situations and life won't seem as stressful as it would if you walk through it with blinkers on. In his bestselling book,Fear – The Friend Of Exceptional People, BAFTA winner and author Geoff Thompson calls tackling the fear of the unknown exposure therapy and discusses how visualising yourself succeeding and failing will help anyone tackle something that terrifies them; ‘Plan ahead: don’t enter blind.Imagine the good, the bad and the ugly. I always pictured myself the victor and used this as inspiration. I also looked at the worst-case scenario and visualised myself handling that gracefully.’

5. Be a better friend

Research shows that if you have five or more friends you are a happier person so being a better friend will not only make you a better person, it will also make you a happier one too. You might well be thinking, ‘well, I’m OK I have tons of friends’ but how good a friend are you really? Do you regularly cancel plans with your friends? Or leave the planning to someone else? Or do you ever bitch about or criticise your friends behind their back? Being a good friend does mean being honest with your friends but it doesn’t involve saying something mean. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project devoted an entire month to improving her friendships and describes how doing good deeds for others is more important than others doing good deeds for you. ‘I get more satisfaction out of thinking about good deeds I’ve done for other people than I do from thinking about good deeds that other people have done for me. It’s a secret of Adulthood: Do good, feel good.’

6. Join a library

If you haven’t been in the library since you were at school you’re in for a big surprise. The days of rows upon rows of worn, dated books are long gone. These days libraries not only have WI-FI, computers, cafes and bestsellers, they have language CDs, music CDs, the latest DVDs and even e-books for your e-reader. As well as saving you money, you’ll also discover books you never would have come across if you were just browsing online and you’ll be helping the environment by re-using books too. Most libraries now host book clubs, writing workshops and poetry clubs too so they’re a great way to meet other people and learn new skills.

7. Pursue a passion

All of us have at least one dream that makes us gaze into the distance and think, ‘yes, one day, that’s what I’d like to do’. Well, what’s stopping you? OK, adult responsibilities and money probably, but tweak your dream to make it more realistic and you could still pursue your passion. After all, it was C. S. Lewis who said ‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream’. Always fancied yourself as a master chef or restaurant owner? Start a dinner club and compete against your friends and colleagues at dinner parties. Want to write a book? Start or join a writing club. Want to learn how to play an instrument? Rent one and ask a family member to pay for a couple of lessons for you for a birthday present (or see rule 3. Pursuing your passion will not only make you happier but it will help put other things in perspective; your crappy job won’t seem so crappy, your boyfriend actually isn’t that annoying, it’s just that your unhappiness is making you grumpy and you’ll find that you’re actually more brave that you thought you were for taking that leap and trying something new.

8. Switch off the TV

How much time do you spend a week watching television? When you add up all of those hours sat on the sofa, you may be shocked. TV has gone from being a form of entertainment and way to relax to a mere distraction from reality. Switching on the TV every evening and weekend allows us to switch off from our own lives and the problems that exist within it such as a stressful or mundane career, loneliness and low self-esteem. As well as giving us an excuse to ignore unresolved issues, TV stops us from communicating effectively. We used to sit down and have real conversations instead of watching television but these days, it’s rare that you will sit and speak to someone without checking or glancing at your phone, the internet, or TV. Try setting yourself a time limit for your weekly TV viewing and see what you can achieve in the time you would have wasted. That might be calling a friend or family member, going for a walk or reading a book. You’ll soon realise just how much you’ve been missing out on.

9. Go swimming

Swimming has numerous health benefits and if you haven’t yet found a form of exercise that you enjoy then you should take a deep breath, buy a costume that you feel good in and take the plunge. As well as being a great non-impact form of exercise, swimming is a great stress reliever. The contact with the water coupled with the regular rhythm and concentration of the stroke acts like a form of meditation helping to ease away the stress and worries that have built up throughout the day. You can also burn between 200 and 300 calories from just 30 minutes of swimming and it helps to tone your entire body rather than just one muscle group making it a great all-round sport.

10. Become an early bird

Going to bed earlier and getting up before the rest of the world can be incredibly liberating and is a great way to start the day. The next time Saturday comes around, get up at your normal weekday time and go straight out for a walk, even if it’s only a leisurely stroll to get the milk and papers. You’ll feel as if you’ve accomplished something instead of just sleeping in and waking up groggy and set the tone for the rest of the weekend. If you’re one of those people who often feels guilty when you’re doing nothing, getting up early will also make you feel as if you deserve to relax with a coffee and a chat to a loved one later in the morning. 




Source: Yahoo! UK & Ireland Lifestyle

The Best Time of Day to Exercise, Take Meds, and More Health Moves

There's an optimal time for every health move, from eating breakfast and taking your allergy meds to quitting smoking and even having sex. Here's how to tune into those magic hours to boost your everyday well-being — and your long-term health.

There's never a bad time to do something healthy, right? Not so fast. When it comes to maximizing your health, timing is everything. That's because we're hardwired to follow a "body clock," an internal timer that tells the body whether to sleep or work, nibble a light salad or devour a hearty stew, ovulate or grab a maxi pad. "Everything in nature works on a rhythm that is defined by time — hours, days, nights, weeks, seasons, years, and more," says Matthew Edlund, M.D., director of the Center for Circadian Medicine in Sarasota, FL, and author of The Body Clock Advantage. Unfortunately, our lifestyle — wolfing down lunch at 3 p.m. between meetings, flouting our bedtime to watch The Daily Show — often throws those rhythms out of whack, which can lead to weight gain, up our risk of illness and disease, and leave us feeling sluggish and sad. But tuning in to your internal clockwork more closely has great advantages. "If you can get your innate body rhythms in sync with the food, activity, and rest you need, you can not only get healthier but even feel better day to day," Edlund says.

Calibrate your body clock with the timing tricks below. You'll improve your workouts, gain more energy, stabilize your mood, manage your weight more easily, and even prevent and treat illness more effectively. It's health as nature intended!

In the Morning

• Sleep an extra 20 minutes. There's no substitute for a solid night of z's, but research suggests that rising as late as you can get away with — even if it's just 20 or 30 minutes later than you usually do — can make you more relaxed during the day. Our bodies naturally crank up the stress hormone cortisol in the a.m. so that we'll get up and moving, but postponing your wake-up time can lower those levels just enough to take the edge off. In a study at London's University of Westminster, earlier risers (who woke up as early as 5:22 a.m.) had higher cortisol levels during the first 45 minutes of their day and tended to be angrier at night than later risers (who got up as late as 10:30 a.m.), regardless of how much total sleep they got. While there's no optimal wake-up time, the researchers say, set the alarm for as late as your schedule will allow. For best results, try to go to bed and wake up at about the same times every day; this will keep your body clock running smoothly.

• Weigh yourself. Stepping on the scale first thing (after the bathroom, before breakfast, wearing little to nothing) gives you the most accurate read on your weight, which can fluctuate by up to three pounds during the day! It's a good idea to weigh in daily: A study from Brown University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill showed that 61 percent of people who did so maintained their weight within five pounds over time (compared with 32 percent who weighed in less often), mainly because it helped them catch weight gain early.

• Slather on sunscreen. For the best possible protection, apply it (year-round) a full 30 minutes before you head outdoors — that's how long it takes for the stuff to soak in and become effective.

• Bask in the morning light. Boost your energy for the day, and ward off depression, by getting a healthy dose of sunlight in the morning (after putting on sunscreen!). Exposure to natural light in the a.m. signals your body to cut off production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. Light is also a natural antidepressant, according to several studies, and increases your body's production of vitamin D, which may help you fend off cancer and heart disease. So head outdoors for at least 10 minutes early in the day, whether that means walking to a farther bus stop or sipping your coffee on your porch.

• Eat breakfast if you're watching your weight. A hearty starter, ideally eaten within 15 to 30 minutes of waking and no later than 8 a.m., will help you stave off a gain. "If you don't eat breakfast, your body thinks it's in starvation mode, and you'll eat more food later on," Edlund says. A Harvard Medical School study confirms that people who ate a morning meal were one third less likely to be obese than those who didn't. Go for whole grains (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal, or whole-grain toast) with a serving of protein (an egg, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a slice of low-fat cheese) and some fruit to keep you alert and feeling full for longer. Aim for a meal of around 200 to 300 calories.

In the Afternoon

• Take a power nap. A midday snooze isn't just for babies! By 2 p.m., your body temperature starts to dip, just as it does before bedtime, bringing your eyelids with it. Instead of hitting the vending machine for a sugar high — and eventual crash — try succumbing to your sleepiness and indulging in a 10-minute siesta. An Australian study compared naps lasting 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes and found that 10 minutes left participants feeling the most refreshed, rested, and alert. Just make sure to set an alarm on your watch or phone so your doze doesn't go overtime, which can cause sleep inertia (that horrible post-snooze grogginess). Can't nap at work? Get off your duff for a 10-minute loop around the block. It's not as restorative, but it will clear your head and boost your circulation, energizing mind and body.

• Skip "lunch" in favor of two mini-meals (of about 300 calories each). Eat the first one three hours following breakfast and the second about three hours after that to keep your blood sugar steady and your metabolism fired up. Time the second mini-meal to coincide with the low of that afternoon slump we mentioned — so, between 2 and 3 p.m. "You feel tired, and it's difficult to stay mindful, so you start putting stupid things in your mouth," says Pamela Peeke, M.D., author of Fit to Live: The 5 Point Plan to Be Lean, Strong, and Fearless for Life. "But having a bunch of fat and refined sugars is the worst thing you can do, because your energy will spike and then crash." Instead, go for lean protein, high-quality carbohydrates, and a bit of fat. Peeke's picks: 1 Tbsp of low-fat peanut butter on a pita, half a turkey wrap, or some low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit.

• Get moving. Late afternoon to early evening (5 to 6 p.m.) may just be the best time to exercise, because that's when you're hottest, literally. Your body temperature reaches its daily peak (2 to 3 degrees warmer than in the morning), giving you maximum muscle strength, flexibility, agility, and stamina as well as faster reaction times. Even your lungs are using oxygen more efficiently at this time. You'll work out harder with less perceived effort and are less likely to injure yourself. Of course, any exercise is better than none, so if an early workout fits best with your schedule, keep it there. In fact, a.m. exercisers are most likely to stick to their habit: Studies have shown that more than 90 percent of people who work out in the morning are consistent about doing it.

At Night

• Down a glass of cranberry. You've probably heard that compounds in cranberry juice can help prevent urinary-tract infections. If you drink a glass in the evening, the juice will hang out in the bladder, fighting bacteria, till morning. Sip a cup after sex for extra protection: The juice can keep bacteria that's been pushed up the urethra during intercourse from sticking to bladder walls.

• Invite the night. Preparation for bedtime should start well before you brush your teeth. Wind down any exercise three hours before bed to give your body temperature a chance to cool and signal the brain that it's sleep time. Also close the kitchen (and the bar) two to four hours in advance, since it takes that long for your stomach to empty of solid foods; doing so will help you avoid indigestion and acid reflux. Aim for an undivided seven to eight hours of sleep every night. And because environmental factors, from bright moonlight to fluorescent street lamps, can disrupt cues to your internal clock, it's best to keep the room dark — no night-lights, no neon alarm clocks, and certainly no flashing cell phones. Your brain's pineal gland needs darkness to make melatonin, a hormone that tells your body to drift off (see "Bask in the morning light"). The pineal gland gets confused if it senses light, compromising your sleep quality. Melatonin also has been linked to improved immunity and lower risk of cancer.

• Slather on a sweat-stopper. Take a shower before bed (or just spot-wash your underarms — or your feet, if they've been smelly). Then dry off and apply the antiperspirant of your choice. At night, your body's temperature naturally lowers and you're less likely to sweat, which gives antiperspirant a chance to fully absorb and allows its active ingredients to go to work. By the time you step into the shower the next day, you'll be totally protected.

• Take your allergy meds. Both allergy symptoms and the pollen count are highest first thing in the morning, so take your long-acting antihistamines at night to avoid waking up to a sneeze-fest. Bonus: If the pills make you sleepy, taking them at bedtime might help you drop off.

• Pop an aspirin if you're a candidate for high blood pressure, the biggest risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In a recent study from the University of Vigo in Spain, people with prehypertension (blood pressure that's between normal and high) who took aspirin around 11 p.m. had lower blood pressure readings after three months than people with prehypertension who took aspirin at 8 a.m. or who made dietary changes. Researchers believe aspirin works by slowing the nighttime production of hormones and other substances that lead to clotting. Talk to your doctor to find out whether it might help you.


Source: Redbook Magazine

Unexpectedly Smelly?

Has a friend or significant other gently hinted that your breath is, um, pungent? (Many halitosis sufferers can't tell.) Brushing and flossing more diligently may do the trick, but a few more minutes at the sink won't always help, say experts. Below are eight causes of bad breath that may surprise you.

Medications
Saliva rinses away bacteria that foul the breath, and many drugs, among them antidepressants, diuretics, and even aspirin, can dry the mouth.

Diet
Foods high in protein or dairy products generate large amounts of amino acids, which are fodder for bacteria. A diet low in carbs burns stored fat, creating toxic-smelling ketones. And last year, researchers linked bad breath with obesity, although the basis is unclear.

Skipping breakfast
Besides the well-established advantages to body and mind of having a good breakfast, it helps quell morning breath by stimulating saliva production and scrubbing bacteria from the tongue. (But lay off the sardine-onion sandwich.)

Alcohol
Heavy alcohol consumption also can dry out the mouth.

Bacteria
The stink-creating kind mostly hang out on the tongue, happily churning out gases as they munch on food particles and substances broken down from saliva. They multiply at night when the salivary glands slow down (hence morning breath). Some people harbor more species of malodorous bacteria than others do, which may be why certain individuals are especially halitosis-prone. This month, a study in the "Journal of Medical Microbiology" suggests that H. pylori, the same bug that is often responsible for stomach ulcers, can cause bad breath and gum disease if it finds a home in the mouth.

Mouth breathing
Any condition that dries the tissues of the mouth, preventing saliva from washing away bacteria, encourages bad breath. Candidates include sleep apnea, snoring and asthma.

Ongoing illnesses
A potent breath can signal particular diseases. Kidney failure produces a fishy smell and uncontrolled diabetes generates fruity fumes, for instance.

Respiratory tract infections
Tooth and gum infections are recognized sources of bad breath. But so are bronchitis, sinusitis and even a cold. RTIs break down tissue, starting a flow of cells and mucus that feed bacteria that create foul odors.

Provided by U.S. News & World Report




Source: AOL Health

World's Happiest Countries 2009

A British researcher merged dozens of statistical metrics to rank nations on the elusive notion of contentment

Feeling blue? Perhaps you live in the wrong country. A recent study from Britain's University of Leicester examined a range of statistical data to devise a ranking of the world's happiest nations. Heading up the list: Denmark, which rose to the top thanks to its wealth, natural beauty, small size, quality education, and good health care. At the bottom were Zimbabwe and Burundi. But there were a few surprises along the way, too. Asian countries scored worse than researcher Adrian White expected. Capitalism — sometimes criticized for its heartlessness — was far from a source of discontent, though the top-scoring capitalist countries also tended to have strong social services. And the U.S. ranked only 23rd, due to nagging poverty and spotty health care. Read on to learn about the world's 12 happiest countries — by the numbers, at least.

No. 1: Denmark

Population: 5.5 million

Life Expectancy: 77.8 years

GDP Per Capita: $34,600

With a high standard of living, negligible poverty, and a broad range of public and social services, it's easy to see why Denmark tops the happiness map. There's a high level of education; public schools are top-quality and private ones are affordable. The low population gives the nation a strong sense of identity. And Denmark's physical beauty forms a great backdrop to daily life. The weather is a bit tough, though.

No. 2: Switzerland

Population: 7.5 million

Life Expectancy: 80.5 years

GDP Per Capita: $32,300

Smack in the middle of Europe and surrounded by picture-postcard scenery, Switzerland ranks second among the world's happiest countries. It has a low crime rate, good infrastructure, and a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing in the Alps to boating on Lake Geneva. Home to the International Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and parts of the U.N., it's not surprising that the Swiss devote a large portion of private and public money to health care — spending an average of $3,445 per person. It's pretty peaceful, too: years of political neutrality have sheltered the Swiss from the conflicts of their neighbors.

No. 3: Austria

Population: 8.2 million

Life Expectancy: 79 years

GDP Per Capita: $32,700

Another Alpine hotbed of happiness, Austria also boasts beautiful scenery and a surprisingly rich cultural scene. Like many of the world's happiest countries, it boasts a strong health-care system, as evidenced by the long average life expectancy of its citizens. Strict environmental regulations are starting to pay dividends, says Oskar Hinteregger, of the Austrian National Tourist Office. He credits the country's happy mood to its relaxed atmosphere, efficient public transport system, and general cleanliness. Austria does have some poverty, though: nearly 6%.

No. 4: Iceland

Population: 300,000

Life Expectancy: 80 years

GDP Per Capita: $35,600

There's more to Iceland than hot springs and Björk. The tiny country's extensive welfare system plays a big part in its citizens' happiness. The Icelandic government offers a broad range of services, such as generous housing subsidies, and with very little poverty, wealth is evenly distributed among Icelandic society. Literacy is high and unemployment, at 2.1%, is low.

No. 5: Bahamas

Population: 303,800

Life Expectancy: 65.6 years

GDP Per Capita: $20,200

Bahamanians know how to enjoy life. “Maybe it's our 'Bahama Mamas,' our sweet sea breeze, our conch salad, and fun loving people,” suggests Kendenique Campbell-Moss, a senior executive at the Bahamas Tourism Ministry. Although the poverty rate, at 9.3%, is relatively high, the beautiful weather and laid-back lifestyle keep Bahamas' citizens smiling. Campbell-Moss also reckons the fusion of African and European cultures, strong family values, and Christianity contribute to the happy vibe in the Caribbean country.

No. 6: Finland

Population: 5.2 million

Life Expectancy: 78.5 years

GDP Per Capita: $30,900

It's dark and cold in the winter and has some of the highest taxes in Europe. But that doesn't get in the way of Finns' overall happiness. High quality medical care — at little to no cost — contributes to the country's high average life expectancy. The country's free educational system is one of the best, resulting in a 100% literacy rate. Poverty is rare; so too, is extreme wealth. “Our beloved government makes sure that taxes are high enough to prevent easy ways to riches,” says Jaakko Lehtonen, director-general of the Finnish Tourism Board. “Finns think a good salary is two cents higher than your neighbor's; it's enough to make you feel wealthy and subsequently, happy,” he says.

No. 7: Sweden

Population: 9 million

Life Expectancy: 80.50 years

GDP Per Capita: $29,800

Taxes are high and the winter is trying. But social equality, one of the best welfare systems in Europe, and a great work/life balance keep Swedes smiling. Parents get extensive maternity and paternity leave, and child care is heavily subsidized and available to all. Sweden also has unusually transparent government and a strong emphasis on ensuring the freedom and equality of its people. “Ordinary citizens in Sweden have the right to see the prime minister's official mail, and they often exercise that right,” notes Susanna Wallgren, of the Swedish Tourism Board.

No. 8: Bhutan

Population: 2.3 million

Life Expectancy: 55 years

GDP Per Capita: $1,400

Here's a surprise: The small Asian nation of Bhutan ranks eighth in the world, despite relatively low life expectancy, a literacy rate of just 47%, and a very low GDP per capita. Why? Researchers credit an unusually strong sense of national identity. Plus, the country has beautiful scenery and a largely unspoiled culture, thanks to strict governmental limits on tourism, development, and immigration. Pretty counterintuitive, but Bhutan seems to have found a recipe for happiness.

No. 9: Brunei

Population: 380,000

Life Expectancy: 75

GDP Per Capita: $23,600

It helps to have oil. Wealthy and politically stable, Brunei's government plays a major role in its citizens' happiness. The same family has ruled the Southeast Asian nation for more than six centuries, providing free medical services and education. Even university-level education is paid for by the government, which also subsidizes rice and housing. That ensures virtually nonexistent poverty.

No. 10: Canada

Population: 33 million

Life Expectancy: 80 years

GDP Per Capita: $34,000

Canada may sometimes feel overshadowed by its giant neighbor to the south, but a strong sense of national identity and abundant natural beauty help make the sprawling and sparsely populated country one of the world's happiest. Canada also punches above its weight economically, with a huge $1.1 trillion GDP and per-capita that ranks among the world's highest. It also has strong health care and a low crime rate.

No. 11: Ireland

Population: 4 million

Life Expectancy: 77.7 years

GDP Per Capita: $41,000

Once so poor that its citizens fled by the millions, the Celtic Tiger has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth over the past dozen years. Credit membership in the European Union and a can-do attitude has raised standards of living and even lured former immigrants back home. The excellent education system, open economy, and relaxed pace of life all contribute to the overall happiness of the Irish.

No. 12: Luxembourg

Population: 474,500

Life Expectancy: 79 years

GDP Per Capita: $55,600

Luxembourg's position proves that sometimes money can buy happiness. It has the highest GDP per capita in the world. And with great access to education, 100% of the population is literate. The people of Luxembourg should find comfort in their surroundings, too. Mercer Resource Human Consulting ranked the city-state as the safest in the world in 2005.


Source: BusinessWeek

Healthy Social Climbing

Studies show that a little social climbing can prevent a host of stress-related diseases.

Picture a ladder with 10 rungs, each representing a higher level of social prestige than the one just below it. At the top of the ladder are the leaders in your community--the good neighbors, parent coaches, Girl Scout leaders, and church elders. At the bottom are the residents who you feel have little status. Now, ask yourself which rung you occupy. You see yourself near the top? Congratulations! The reward for your high self-regard is the promise of a long and healthful life.

You've probably heard that people with big bank accounts and prestigious jobs tend to live longer than those below them on the economic totem pole. Well, similar Rockefeller-like health benefits are also available to the rest of us if we simply do things that enhance our status in our own minds--regardless of our net worth.

"People who perceive themselves as high on the social ladder--regardless of their actual educational degree or size of their paycheck--are less likely to suffer from a range of health problems, including depression, insomnia, and certain risk factors for heart disease," says Nancy Adler, PhD, director of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Socioeconomic Status and Health. Researchers believe these people feel more in control of their lives and are better able to cope with stress--and that keeps them healthier.

That's great news, because although you can't exactly ask your boss for a raise on the grounds that it will help you avoid heart disease, you can do some simple things--donate regularly to good causes, be a good role model for your kids--to enhance your sense of self-worth. Make these efforts and you'll find they add up to a lot more than money in the bank.

Holding You Back: "My colleagues are doing better than I am"
Move Up A Rung: Put stock in your reputation

When you chose your rung on that imaginary ladder, the first thing you did was compare yourself with others. "It's not unusual for us to look around and see how we stack up in a variety of realms--socially, financially, physically, morally," says Joan Ostrove, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Macalester College. But the individuals you compare yourself with, and what factors you allow into the equation, affect your self-image.

Consider your feelings about your salary. "Part of your satisfaction with your income is based on the reputation you have among people in your field," says Ed Diener, PhD, a psychologist who studies subjective wellbeing at the University of Illinois. That means you should measure yourself not just by your paycheck but also by your experience and reliability, which make you the go-to person to head up big projects.

Comparing yourself to someone who makes more money can actually boost your self-image--and your productivity--say researchers at Stanford University. The key: placing more emphasis on the ways you're alike than on the ways she outshines you. "If you see that both you and your boss are outgoing and open-minded, for instance, you may feel a sense of kinship, even though there's an income disparity," says Camille Johnson, PhD, lead author of the study and now an assistant professor of management and organizations at San Jose State University.

Holding You Back: "I should be a better person"
Move Up A Rung: Be more generous with others

Our self-image often reflects deeply held principles and standards--and whether we feel we are upholding them. If you're meeting your own ethical goals--you do regular volunteer work, give to worthy causes, and are a responsible parent and thoughtful neighbor--you will likely place yourself high on the community ladder.

In other words, becoming a legend in your own mind may be as simple as offering to help out at the library or heading up a youth outreach group at church. The payoff is substantial: People over age 55 who volunteer for two or more organizations have half the chance of dying in the next 5 years as those who volunteer with just one group, and are 63% less likely to die in that time than nonvolunteers, according to the Buck Center for Research in Aging in Novato, CA.

"Volunteering has as strong an effect on mortality as exercising four times a week," says Stephen Post, PhD, a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine and coauthor of Why Good Things Happen to Good People. "Helping and giving to others increases your self-esteem and gives you a sense of dignity and purpose that enhances your sense of your own status--and, thus, your well-being."


Holding You Back: "I'm too stressed to change my life"
Move Up A Rung: Seize what control you can

People who stand lower on the social ladder tend to be under greater stress, researchers have learned. In one study of premenopausal women, Adler found that those who ranked themselves lowest had the highest output of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, during a 3-day lab experiment in which participants did mental math and other anxiety-provoking activities.

"The women who thought highly of themselves were able to get used to the stress. They released a lot of cortisol the first day, but their levels decreased over the next 2 days," she says. "That didn't happen with the women who said they had low status. They pumped out cortisol throughout the entire experiment."

The bottom line: Minimize stress to improve your health--and your status. Here are three ways to get started:

Keep a good news diary

"Every day, write down five positive things that have happened," suggests Carol Ryff, PhD, director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "In order to perceive your life as good, you need to focus on the gratifying things in it."

Stay connected with friends

"You're more likely to feel stressed and have higher cortisol levels if you lack social support," says Robert Sapolsky, PhD, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers.

Laugh loud and often

"Laughter prompts the body to secrete natural mood-boosting chemicals and decreases levels of cortisol," says Post. "Keep a drawer full of your favorite comics and cartoons and look at them when you're feeling stressed."


Source: AOL Health

Boost Your Mental EQ

Get your mind going with some cerebral quick starters

"Use it or lose it" certainly applies to your mind. If you challenge yourself by doing crossword puzzles, memorizing poems, or learning a new language for that trip abroad, you're more likely to feel--and stay--mentally sharp. Take a look at the following four tips that can also keep your mental motor revved.

Go for Green Tea. It's a much better pick-me-up than your typical Starbucks latte. The reason? Although it does have some energizing caffeine, it also contains theanine, a compound that has a stress-reducing effect on your brain. "It calms you while giving you mental clarity," says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic.

Have Bran for Breakfast. Eating a morning meal rich in fiber may make you more alert during the day. A recent study done at Cardiff University in Wales found that subjects who ate a high-fiber cereal in the morning showed a 10 percent reduction in fatigue, lower incidence of depression, and better cognitive skills. One theory: Fiber helps slow down the absorption of food in the stomach, so you have more energy for a longer period of time.

Pop a Peppermint. Oils in the peppermint plant increase alertness by stimulating your trigeminal nerve, "which is the same nerve that's activated when you revive someone with smelling salts," says Alan Hirsch, MD, director of the Smell and Taste Treatment Foundation in Chicago. Mints also contain menthol, which makes you feel cooler and more awake.

Rearrange Your Office Furniture. Think about it: Suddenly you can't just reach for the wastebasket unconsciously; you have to stop and flex your mental muscles to find where it is. You can also try taking a different route to work. These non-routine actions activate seldom-used nerve connections in your brain, to help strengthen and improve memory and make you less likely to succumb to fatigue.


Source: AOL Health

Handbook 2009

Health

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2008.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least

40. Please share this to everyone you care about.

'25 Things' You Should Know About Facebook

If you're a Facebook user, then you've probably been invited to offer up '25 Random Things' about yourself in the past month. The online chain-letter-like viral sensation has made the rounds of social-networks such as Facebook, inviting countless folks to offer up personal tidbits, little white lies, confessions, and other revealing facts about themselves for all (who are on Facebook) to see.

It's a phenomenon that many folks have found fun and self-revealing, while others – such as the Washington Post's Dan Zak – have found a bit annoying and limiting. Zak quotes sociologist Michael Stefanone, who sees the '25 Things' trend as a way for us to compete for attention, and, ultimately, a bit of the old TMI ("Too Much Information") syndrome. We couldn't agree more.

So, enough with the '25 Random Things' about you lists. Most of the ones we've seen are boring, rude, and self-indulgent, which is why it's the latest addition to our list of Facebook Dos and Don'ts, the rest of which you can find below. Read 'em, and instantly become a better, more fun-loving, and well-liked member of Facebook.

1. Use a current profile picture
While Facebook allows you to post as many pictures as you like, and tag yourself in pictures that your friends have taken, the Web site only allows you one profile picture, so make it count. You may very well have some potential suitors on the Web site, so be sure to portray yourself as accurately as possible. A clear, well-lit picture of you will help you to put your best foot forward, particularly if it's a portrait or captures you in the midst of one of your favorite activities. And you might ought to refrain from using one of the pictures from that New Year's Eve party, as your profile picture is accessible to everybody on Facebook, even with the privacy settings engaged.

2. Don't overdo your 'Interests'
With your 'Interests' section, you really have two routes lying before you. Taking the first route would be to fill this space with some kind of witticism, since asking somebody to sum up what most interests him or her in life on a Facebook profile is slightly ridiculous. A decent example would be to respond, "Facebook," for instance. The snarkier, the better, really. The second route would be to list the interests that best differentiate you; it's understood that you enjoy "chillin' with friends" and "reading a good book," so get more descriptive. Instead of "chillin' with friends, say, for example, "eating fried chicken livers while watching football with the boys." Instead of "reading a good book," respond with, "Victorian British literature."

3. Don't underestimate the importance of your 'Favorite Music' section
As any self-respecting music geek knows, one's musical taste says a lot about somebody, so be judicious in listing your favorite bands in your profile's 'Favorite Music' section. A thorough music section, mentioning your appreciation of Gene Vincent, might make the difference in whether or not that cute rockabilly girl (or guy) responds to your message. Don't be yet another one of those people that says, "I like pretty much everything." Get specific, giving artist names (and, if you're up to it, album titles). One tactic that seems to be popular is to sort your iTunes according to the "Play Count" or "Last Played" tabs, and then copy down what you find. These tips – save the last one of course – also apply to your Favorite Movies and Books sections.

4. Invite All of Your Actual Friends (and Family)
For those of us who grew up in the pre-Facebook era, it's sometimes tough to reach out to old friends and say (in a smarmy voice) "will you be my Facebook friend?" But it's something we should all get over, because the flurry of social-networking only starts getting good when you have a size able community of folks you know and like that are also out there making new friends and contacts. it just means you'll get more cool stuff in your in-box, and also means you're more likely to hear from some random person you went to grade-school with (or maybe an old flame), which, to be honest, is kind of the most moving thing about social-networking (reconnecting with long-lost folks, that is). This writer is even getting to know far flung members of his family that he wouldn't otherwise have much rapport with if it were not for Facebook.

5. Don't add random friends
We have a hard time understanding the mindset of wanting to send friend requests to perfect strangers in faraway places, but plenty of people do it. If it happens that you stumble across somebody on the Web site whose profile piques your interest, it is best to send that person an introductory message. You wouldn't ask a stranger to lunch without speaking with them first, would you?

6. It's okay to decline random 'Friend' requests

Inevitably, you will receive friend requests from folks that you've never laid eyes on or, frankly, don't like all that much. In those instances, you are well within your rights to decline friend requests. No, really, it's okay. Just ask this etiquette expert.

7. Make friend suggestions on behalf of new members
When you become friends with somebody new to Facebook, you will get a prompt asking you to make "Friend Suggestions" on behalf of the newbie. Scroll through your list of friends, and select the folks that are also friends of the new user. Notifications will be sent to those you select, informing them of the new friend's presence on the site. This is simply the nice thing to do, the Facebook equivalent to baking a pound cake for your new neighbor. As for indiscriminately selecting your friends, regardless of whether they know your new friend or not, please refer to the previous "Don't Add Random Friends."

8. Know the difference between suggested friends and friend requests
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it can be a challenge to tell the difference between "Suggested Friends" that your other Facebook pals are recommending, and actual people who are asking to be your friends (known as "Friend Requests"). So, to be clear: Suggested Friends are at the top of your pending Friend request page and Friend Requests are on the bottom half. Make sure you read the headers (each begins with "You have __number friend...") on each of those sections clearly. It's not the end of the world, of course, but do you really want to be one of those folks who invites random strangers to be your friend?

9. Do write on your friends' "Walls"
Possibly even more so than messaging, the Wall feature is the cornerstone of interpersonal communication on Facebook. That being the case, Facebook etiquette requires that you write on friends' walls periodically. As the Wall is there for the whole world to see, though, it is best to follow some simple guidelines. When writing on a friend's Wall, don't leave personal information ("I got a new phone: (205) 555-1234."), sensitive correspondence ("Hey, man. I'm sorry to hear about your aunt passing away."), or incriminating stories ("I was just thinking about that time we got arrested in Tijuana. You remember that??"). Keep Wall postings light-hearted, leaving the other stuff for messages, or -- better yet -- e-mail.

10. Make sure to use the privacy settings
While many of us have been freaked out by the stories of potential employers snooping around on job candidates' Facebook profiles, there's really nothing to worry about with Facebook's privacy settings. By clicking on the Settings, and then Privacy Settings, at the top of your homepage, you can put limitations on who is, and who is not, able to view different parts of your profile. Just make sure you purge those New Year's photos before you accept your boss's friend request.

11. Manage your online profile, because potential employers and college admissions may be checking
In the early days of the 'book, you didn't really have to worry about everyone having access to your friend lists, photos, profile, etc... Now, anybody can join the site, and we're not surprised to hear that college admissions departments and employers are using Facebook as research for applicants, thanks to its treasure trove of information on people. While you don't have to be incredibly uptight and formal about it, it's probably a good idea to fill out your education, work, and interests on your profile, because it just could snag you that job interview.

On the cautionary side, use a bit of common sense when posting images and messages to the site. It's probably best not to post those pictures from that crazy party last weekend -- you know, that one that you don't fully remember.

12. Update your 'Status'... occasionally
Let your friends know what or how you're doing with Facebook's 'Status' feature, the speech bubble situated near the top of your home page. Folks often use the feature to concisely and quickly inform their friends of personal goings on ("John Doe is now happily married to Jane."), current events ("Jane Doe is excited about the outcome of the Alabama-LSU game!") and – of course – non-sequiturs ("John Doe is a maniac, a maniac on the floor.") While friends' Status updates can be fun to read, their humor decreases as their frequency increases. We don't need to know about your every move; one update every few days is certainly sufficient. And please keep your Status updates at least relatively interesting. Nobody cares to read: "John Doe is going to take a nap."

13. Download these apps
Folks on Facebook have become application-happy over the last several months, festooning their pages with more software bells and whistles than a reindeer-and-referee convention. While many of them are disposable, these three applications are worthy of your profile's valuable real estate:

iLike: This Facebook-friendly app allows you to select your favorite songs from iLike's massive library, post them on your own profile and dedicate them to your friends. By playing its included music trivia game, you have a chance to win free music.

Where I've Been: Asking you to list the states, provinces and countries you've visited, lived in and wanted to go, this application then generates a world map, color-coded according to your answers. With Where I've Been, you can keep track of your friends' travels, as well as get a visual image of where you have been, yourself.

Mob Wars: Recruit your friends into your own "mob" and vie to be the mafia boss of Facebook. Millions of hardcore gamers and bored office-workers alike join ranks to hustle, steal and kill in their struggle to get to the top. As our friends who use it have said it's quite addictive, and as we have work to do, we haven't taken the plunge quite yet.

14. Don't download these:
While fun can be had with some applications, there are others that – right away – strike us as bad ideas. Here are three of the worst.

OBGYN Souvenirs: This app gives you the opportunity to post a picture of OBGYN equipment on a friend's profile as a "gift." That's a gift we'd take back to the store.

Who Is Better?: This application asks you to determine which of your friends is the best at a particular activity. We can see nothing good coming of this.

How To Knw That U R In Love??: This app's description reads: "Here we are going to explore deep inside ur heart and see if it's true that u r in love or lets stop." We'd really rather not.

TerraPresents: With this app, you can post images of rocks on the profiles of your friends. Unless you happen to be deeply involved in a community of geologists, we wouldn't recommend this one.

Kissletoe Gifts: A promotion for an upcoming attempt to break the world's record number of people kissing at one time, Kissletoe Gifts just creeps us out.

15. Don't use the 'Poke' function, ever
While Facebook's infamous Poke function is relatively straightforward in its operation, its intended use is a mystery. When looking at another person's profile, you have the option of "Poking" them. If you do Poke said person, a notification will show up on their page, informing them that you did, in fact, Poke them. That's it. When Facebook first started, "Poking" seemed to be a kind of cautious precursor to a flirtatious message, kind of like a furtive glance before eye contact and a smile. But, then it dawned on us: Isn't a flirtatious Facebook message cautious enough? At this point, "Poking" somebody is pretty much considered to be either creepy or just plain confusing. Let's just leave it at sending messages and wall posts, okay?

16. Get on Facebook from other places
There are other ways to stay in touch with your Facebook contacts while not actually being on Facebook. Instant Messaging programs such as Adium (for Mac), for example, let you add your Facebook Chat friends right into the mix with all your AIM, Yahoo! Instant Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger friends. This means you not only get to talk live with your Facebook friends while using your favorite chat program, but that you also can get instant status updates flashing on your screen as soon as your friends post them. For other apps that'll help you manage and visit your Facebook prfile, be sure to check out the Switched/CNET downloads area.

17. Access Facebook from your phone
Just because you're not on your computer doesn't mean you can't get the latest status updates on or correspond with your friends. Both the iPhone and BlackBerry offer mobile-specific applications that let you interface with Facebook right on your handset (the iPhone app even lets you chat live with other Facebook friends). For anyone who doesn't have those two phones, Facebook offers a less graphics-intensive mobile version of the service at m.facebook.com.

18. Add your blog, Twitter account, and more to Facebook
Do you have a blog? Use Twitter? Many Facebook apps have been built to allow you to pull in content from all over the Web. Instead of manually posting your latest blog post into Facebook as a note to share with your friends, you can set up an app to automatically share your newest posts whenever they go live on your site. The more you update, the more your friends will keep coming back to your page, which is kind of the essence of social-networking.

19. Create and invite 'Friends' to 'Events'
If you're hosting a party, going to a football game, putting on an art show, or something of the sort, Facebook has you covered. Create a Facebook Event for your happening and enter all the pertinent information. Once you've done that, you can invite folks from your friend list, as well as via e-mail, and designate whether your event is open to all of Facebook, a particular network or just your friends, or whether it is only open to those you invite. If you're throwing a surprise party for somebody, then use the latter option.

20. Do 'tag' your friends in pictures
When you post a new picture, or just come across one a friend has posted, for that matter, you have the opportunity to "tag" the folks that appear in it. By doing so, you include that image in that particular friend's "Photos of..." section. This function is a particular boon to friends who do not own cameras and might not otherwise have many pictures on the site. Your buddy will always be grateful for a tagged picture, unless, of course, it features him with his eyes closed or was taken when he was going through that awkward trying-to-grow-a-moustache phase in junior high school.

21. Edit your 'networks'
In your account settings, you can set up additional networks. Just what is a network and why should you care? It can be a group of folks from places as far flung as your school(s) or company to your region, city, or hobby, and adding networks lets you manage your privacy settings on the site. By selecting your networks (e.g. Stanford and San Francisco), you'll then be able to set your profile's visibility within different networks -- for example, you can let people in your city see partial contact information, while you can give full access to everyone from your college.


22. Fine-tune your e-mail notification settings
As any Facebook veteran will tell you, it's well worth your time to adjust your e-mail notification settings so that you're not flooded with hundreds of Facebook updates as you begin to use the service. Click the account menu and then 'notifications,' and you'll be greeted with a huge list of Facebook events. Sick of receiving an e-mail every time someone sends you a message? Switch the radio button to 'off,' and you won't have to worry about it ever again. In case you've totally caught the Facebook bug and are looking for nonstop updates, go to the 'Mobile' tab and activate your phone -- you'll now be able to receive friend requests, messages, status updates, and more on your cell phone

23. Make a page for your business, club, band, candidate, pet...
With Facebook's Page Manager application, you can create a Web page for – well – just about anything, from your social club to your rock'n'roll band, from your favorite politician to your favorite puppy dog. Once you've started and customized your page, you can keep watch over the page's Web traffic and even promote it on the Web site, with the ability to target a specific demographic of Facebook members. Due to the ever-increasing number of those members, a Facebook page – and an advertisement, to boot – really could bolster the number of your business's customers, your bands' fans or your candidate's supporters.

24. Be Wary of Scammers
As with any other popular place, Facebook (and other social-networking sites) has its share of evildoers -- namely, in the form of spam e-mail and Facebook messages and random messages posted on your wall. How to stay safe? We recommend typical online anti-scam best practices such as not opening any links or files in any e-mail messages or Facebook messages from folks you don't know. Also, be skeptical of links posted on your wall that don't seem legit (in other words, from random sites you've never heard of).

25. Set up your News Feed preferences
Assuming you've added a couple friends on the site, you've probably started to notice the never-ending 'News Feed' on the home page pumping out updates on your friends' activities. If you're like us, you may have grown tired of seeing when friends add new apps or when that old friend from middle school posts slightly embarrassing poetry.

You have several options. First, hover your mouse to the right of a note within the news feed, and you'll see a pencil icon pop up. Clicking the icon reveals the option to read more or less about the person posting the update, which lets you adjust the frequency that you hear from certain people.

You can also scroll down to the bottom of your feed and edit feed options by clicking on 'Options for News Feed.' Sick of status updates? Just drag the equalizer-esque button all the way down. Don't want to miss any of the photos uploaded by your friends? Drag it to the top.