Understanding that impact helps you take control of it instead of letting it shape you by accident.

How Constant Connectivity Affects the Body

Your body reacts to screens in quiet ways. You stare too long, and your eyes get tired. Your posture collapses, and your neck carries the weight. Your shoulders stay tense because your arms are always reaching forward. It builds up slowly. You don’t feel it at first, but one day your back aches for no reason.

The bright blue light from screens also confuses your internal clock. You stay alert at night when you should wind down. You feel tired in the morning even though you slept. Your brain wants rhythm, but the constant glow breaks it.

Even though the internet feels effortless, your body pays attention to every small imbalance.

The Mental Load We Don’t Talk About

The internet gives you information instantly. But that speed comes with a cost. Your brain takes in more than it can process. News. Messages. Opinions. Alerts. Trends. Arguments. You jump from one idea to another without any pause.

This constant mental switching drains you. You feel scattered. You lose focus faster. You reach for your phone even when nothing important is happening because your brain craves the next hit of stimulation.

Stress grows quietly. Not as panic — but as a steady tension you stop noticing. You feel restless without knowing why. And that restlessness often comes from the digital noise you carry all day.

Social Media and the Pressure to Compare

Social media changed how we see ourselves. You compare your daily life to someone else’s highlight reel. You judge your progress by images that aren’t even real. You start feeling behind even when you’re doing fine.

These comparisons chip away at confidence. They make you question your achievements. They create pressure to keep up, to prove something, to stay visible.

On the other hand, when you step back from that world, you see how artificial those standards are. Real life never looks as smooth as a curated feed. And the moment you stop competing with illusions, your mind feels lighter.

The Internet Also Helps Us Heal

It’s not all negative. The internet gives access to information that once felt unreachable. You learn about health, habits, boundaries, therapy, nutrition — all from your own home. You find support groups when you feel alone. You discover people who share your struggles.

Sometimes a single article or video shifts your perspective. Sometimes joining a small online community makes you feel understood. The internet doesn’t only drain. It also connects, teaches and comforts.

The impact depends on how you use it — not just on what you see.

Building a Healthier Relationship With the Online World

You don’t need to quit the internet to feel better. You just need balance. Simple habits help more than people expect.
No screens right before bed so your mind can slow down.
Short breaks during work so your eyes can rest.
Muting accounts or topics that trigger stress.
Placing the phone away during meals.
Giving yourself a few offline hours each day.

These tiny choices reset your system. You don’t feel overwhelmed as often. Your mood becomes steadier. Your sleep gets deeper. You feel more present in your own life instead of constantly reacting to a screen.

Choosing Control Instead of Distraction

The internet can help you grow or drain your energy. It can teach you or exhaust you. It can calm you or overstimulate you. The difference comes from the way you approach it.

When you set boundaries, the online world loses its power over you. You become more intentional. You choose what to consume instead of letting it choose you. And that choice shapes your health in real, noticeable ways.

Your mind and body deserve the kind of attention you give your screen. When you remember that, the internet becomes a tool again — not a habit that runs your life.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post Why the Internet Shapes Our Health More Than We Notice appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

Let’s explore how much sleep we actually need, what happens when we don’t get enough, and how daytime naps fit into the picture.

Why Do We Need Sleep?

Sleep does more than help us feel rested. During it, your body and brain are hard at work:

• Repairing cells and tissues
• Balancing hormones
• Consolidating memory and learning
• Regulating mood and stress
• Supporting immune function

Without enough sleeping, these processes don’t work well—leading to fatigue, brain fog, weakened immunity, and even increased risk of chronic diseases.

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

According to experts, the recommended hours per night are:

• Adults (18–64): 7–9 hours
• Older adults (65+): 7–8 hours
• Teens: 8–10 hours
• Children and toddlers: Even more, depending on age

Individual needs vary slightly, but consistently getting less than 6 hours is linked to health risks over time.

What Happens When You Don’t Sleep Enough?

Short-term effects:

• Trouble focusing
• Irritability or mood swings
• Slower reaction times

Long-term effects:

• Weakened immune system
• Higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes
• Memory problems
• Anxiety and depression

Even one bad night affects brain function the next day.

Can Naps Help?

Yes—if done right.

Short daytime naps (10–30 minutes) can:

• Improve alertness
• Enhance mood
• Boost learning and memory

Long naps (over 60 minutes) can leave you feeling groggy unless timed well. They’re better suited for people with irregular sleep or high physical or mental strain.

The best time to nap is early afternoon (1–3 p.m.), when energy naturally dips.

Tips for Better Sleep

• Stick to a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
• Limit screens before bed: Blue light disrupts melatonin
• Create a calm space: Dark, cool, and quiet
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late in the day
• Wind down: Try reading, meditating, or stretching before go to bed

Final Thoughts

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Getting enough sleep helps you focus, stay healthy, and feel better every day. Your body and brain need it—and you’ll thank yourself for making it a priority.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post Why Sleep Matters: How Much You Need appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

As strange as it sounds, there is a connection. While we may not feel the pull of Jupiter or the heat of a distant star, the universe influences us in ways we don’t always realize. From the moon’s cycles to solar storms, let’s explore how space and health might be more linked than we think.

The Moon’s Influence: More Than Just Tides

You’ve probably heard people say that the full moon affects sleep, emotions, or even hospital emergency rooms. But is there any truth to it?

Science is still debating, but studies suggest:

• Sleep Disruptions – Some research shows people sleep less during a full moon. A study published in Current Biology found that melatonin levels drop and deep sleep is reduced during the full moon phase.
• Mood and Behavior – While myths about the “lunar effect” on behavior exist, there’s little hard evidence. However, some people are more sensitive to light changes, which could play a role.
• Menstrual Cycles – The average menstrual cycle (28-29 days) is eerily similar to the moon’s cycle. While there’s no definitive proof of a connection, ancient cultures believed in a deep link between lunar phases and human biology.

Sunlight: The Star That Keeps Us Alive

The sun’s impact on our health is huge—and not just because it keeps the planet warm.

• Vitamin D Production – Sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
• Circadian Rhythms – Our internal body clock is set by sunlight exposure. Too little sun? Your sleep cycle can get thrown off.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Lack of sunlight, especially in winter, can lead to mood imbalances. That’s why light therapy helps people with seasonal depression.

Solar Storms and Human Health: Cosmic Radiation Matters

The sun isn’t always gentle. Occasionally, it erupts in massive solar storms that send charged particles toward Earth. While our atmosphere protects us from most of this energy, some effects might be more subtle than we realize:

• Geomagnetic Storms & Heart Health – Some studies suggest that increased solar activity can correlate with changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and even a higher risk of strokes or heart attacks.
• Satellite Disruptions – Okay, this isn’t directly health-related, but solar flares can mess with communication systems, GPS, and even power grids—which could impact medical equipment and emergency responses.

The Psychological Effect of Stargazing

Beyond the physical, there’s something undeniably calming about looking up at the stars. Astronomy connects us to something bigger than ourselves, and that alone can be a powerful stress reliever.

• Perspective & Mental Well-Being – Studies show that awe-inspiring experiences (like seeing the Milky Way) can boost mental health, reduce stress, and improve overall happiness.
• Reduced Anxiety – Watching the stars can be meditative, helping lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and promoting relaxation.

The Takeaway: Space Does Affect Us

While we’re not floating around in zero gravity, the universe influences us more than we realize. From the sun keeping our body clocks in check to the moon possibly tweaking our sleep, and even solar storms playing with our health—astronomy isn’t just about distant stars. It’s part of our daily lives.

So next time you look up at the night sky, remember—you’re not just staring at space. You’re seeing something that, in its own way, sees you back.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post Astronomy and Your Health: Is There a Connection? appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

The Science of Emotional Tracking

Emotions are no longer invisible. Technologies like facial recognition, voice analysis, and wearable devices can detect subtle cues that reveal how we feel. For instance, your smartwatch can monitor changes in your heart rate and skin conductivity to sense anxiety or excitement. Facial recognition algorithms can identify micro-expressions—tiny movements in your face that signal happiness, anger, or fear.

But here’s where it gets more interesting. Advances in AI allow machines to not only detect emotions but predict them. By analyzing patterns in your behavior and physiological data, systems can anticipate your mood shifts and even suggest interventions. Feeling down? Your phone might recommend a meditation session or connect you with a friend. Exciting? Yes. Creepy? Maybe a little.

Emotional AI in Everyday Life

Emotional AI isn’t just for science labs; it’s creeping into everyday life. Think about customer service bots that “understand” frustration and adjust their tone accordingly. Or mental health apps that use voice analysis to detect signs of depression and offer support. Even advertising is jumping on board, using emotional tracking to tailor ads based on how you’re feeling in the moment.

One promising area is healthcare. Emotional AI can monitor patients with chronic conditions, ensuring they receive help when they’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed. In education, AI tools can detect when students are struggling emotionally and provide targeted resources to support their learning.

The Ethical Dilemmas of Emotion Tracking

With great power comes great responsibility. The ability to track and analyze emotions raises serious ethical questions. How much of our emotional data should we share? And who gets access to it? There’s a fine line between helpful technology and invasive surveillance.

For example, should employers be allowed to monitor their employees’ emotional states? What about governments tracking emotions to identify potential threats? The potential for misuse is enormous, and the regulations around emotional AI are still catching up.

Another concern is accuracy. Emotions are complex and can’t always be neatly categorized. Machines can misinterpret signals, leading to errors or unintended consequences. Imagine an AI system misreading your anxiety as anger and escalating a situation instead of defusing it.

Can We Hack Happiness?

One of the most intriguing possibilities of emotional science is the idea of enhancing emotions. Brain-computer interfaces, like those being developed by companies including Elon Musk’s Neuralink, could one day allow us to control our emotional states. Feeling anxious? Tap a button to calm down. Need a boost of confidence? Adjust your neural settings.

While this sounds incredible, it also opens a Pandora’s box. Should we manipulate emotions to fit societal expectations? And what happens to the authenticity of human experience when emotions can be artificially controlled? These are questions humanity must grapple with as we move closer to emotional augmentation.

What’s Next?

The science of emotions is still in its infancy, but its impact is already being felt. As technology continues to decode feelings, it will reshape how we live, work, and connect with one another. The possibilities are endless, from improving mental health care to creating more empathetic machines. But it’s up to us to set the boundaries and ensure these advancements enhance our lives without compromising our humanity.

One thing is certain: the way we understand and interact with emotions will never be the same. The future of feelings is here, and it’s going to be fascinating.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post The Science of Emotions: How Technology Decodes Feelings appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

Why Nature Heals the Mind

There’s something magical about stepping into the natural world. The sounds of birds, the rustle of leaves, the feeling of sun on your face—it all works together to calm a busy mind. Science backs this up. Studies show that spending time outdoors reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels. It also improves focus, lifts mood, and even enhances creativity. It’s no wonder so many people find clarity in the woods or peace by the water.

But there’s more to it than just being outside. Nature gives us space to connect, not just with the world around us but with each other. When you’re hiking a trail with your family or tossing a frisbee to your dog, distractions fade. Phones stay in pockets. Conversations flow more naturally. It’s these small, shared moments that build bonds and bring joy.

The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together

Spending time in nature as a family isn’t just fun; it’s foundational. It gives kids a chance to explore, ask questions, and experience the world in a hands-on way. Adults get to step back from the pressures of daily life and focus on what really matters. Together, you create memories that don’t just live in photo albums but in your hearts.

Think about the simple beauty of a picnic in the park. Everyone brings their favorite snacks. Your dog runs circles around the blanket, tail wagging like crazy. Kids laugh as they chase bubbles or skip rocks by the lake. Meanwhile, you get a chance to breathe—really breathe—and take it all in. These moments remind us why time together matters.

Even a short walk can make a difference. Head to a nearby trail or nature reserve. Let your kids lead the way, turning over stones or pointing out birds. Bring your dog, who will undoubtedly be the happiest member of the group. The movement, fresh air, and shared exploration will leave everyone feeling lighter and closer.

Pets: The Ultimate Nature Buddy

Pets make every outdoor adventure better. They’re not just companions; they’re catalysts for joy. A dog’s excitement over a simple stick or a new patch of grass is downright contagious. Pets pull us into the moment, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the little things.

Taking your pet into nature also benefits them. Dogs thrive on exercise and new scents. Cats, if they’re leash-trained or enjoy secure outdoor spaces, find stimulation in exploring. Even small animals, like rabbits or guinea pigs, can enjoy safe outdoor time. These shared experiences strengthen the bond you have with your pet while giving them a healthy dose of physical and mental enrichment.

Nature and Mental Health: A Perfect Pair

Here’s where the science gets even more interesting. Being in nature doesn’t just make you feel good in the moment; it has long-term mental health benefits. It reduces anxiety, combats depression, and improves overall well-being. Adding family and pets into the mix amplifies these effects. Together, you laugh more, move more, and create positive memories that anchor you during tougher times.

Nature also offers a chance to practice mindfulness without trying too hard. When you’re outside, it’s easier to be present. You notice the color of the sky, the smell of pine trees, the sound of your child’s laughter. These sensory experiences pull you out of your head and into the here and now. And that’s where true peace lives.

Making Outdoor Time a Habit

You don’t need to plan a grand adventure to reap the benefits of nature. Start small. Take a morning walk with your dog. Spend Saturday afternoons at the park. Try gardening together, letting your kids get messy while planting flowers or vegetables. Even stargazing in the backyard counts.

The key is consistency. Build outdoor time into your routine. Make it something you all look forward to, like Sunday hikes or evening strolls after dinner. Keep it simple, and focus on the joy of being together.

A Prescription for Happiness

In a world that often feels overwhelming, nature is the reset button we all need. It reminds us to slow down, breathe deeply, and focus on what truly matters. Sharing these moments with your family and pet doesn’t just create happiness in the moment—it lays the foundation for better mental health over time.

So grab a leash, pack a picnic, and head outside. Watch your kids climb trees and your dog chase squirrels. Feel the sun warm your skin and the grass under your feet. Let nature work its magic. Because sometimes, the best way to heal is simply to be together, surrounded by the beauty of the world around us.

Picture Credit: Freepik

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The Moon, Earth’s only natural satellite, is more than just a beautiful nightlight. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of our planet. Without the Moon, the tilt of the Earth’s axis would vary wildly, leading to extreme climate changes that could make life as we know it impossible. The Moon’s gravitational pull also orchestrates the rhythmic dance of the ocean tides, a phenomenon that has influenced coastal ecosystems and human activities for millennia.

But did you know that the Moon is slowly drifting away from us? Each year, it recedes about 1.5 inches from Earth. This gradual separation is due to tidal friction, a process where the Earth’s rotation and the Moon’s orbit transfer energy to each other. While 1.5 inches might not seem like much, over millions of years, this subtle drift will have significant effects on our planet’s dynamics.

The Moon’s surface is a tapestry of history, marked by craters, mountains, and vast plains known as maria. These maria, which cover about 16% of the lunar surface, were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. The term “maria” is Latin for “seas,” named by early astronomers who mistakenly believed they were large bodies of water. In reality, they are vast plains of solidified lava, a testament to the Moon’s tumultuous volcanic past.

One of the most intriguing features of the Moon is its “dark side.” Contrary to popular belief, the dark side of the Moon is not perpetually shrouded in darkness. It experiences just as much sunlight as the near side. However, it was a mystery until 1959 when the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft captured the first images of the far side. This side is markedly different from the near side, with a thicker crust and fewer maria, raising questions about the Moon’s formation and geological history.

The Moon’s influence extends beyond the physical realm; it has woven itself into the cultural and mythological fabric of societies around the world. Ancient civilizations revered the Moon, attributing to it deities and myths. In many cultures, the Moon was seen as a powerful force, governing not only the tides but also human emotions and behaviors. The word “lunatic” for instance, originates from the Latin word “lunaticus” meaning “moonstruck” reflecting the belief that the Moon could influence mental states.

In modern times, the Moon remains a symbol of exploration and human ingenuity. The Apollo missions, particularly Apollo 11 in 1969, marked a giant leap for mankind as humans set foot on the lunar surface for the first time. The iconic image of Neil Armstrong’s boot print on the Moon represents not just a scientific achievement but the boundless curiosity and determination of humanity.

Yet, our lunar journey is far from over. Current missions, like NASA’s Artemis program, aim to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. The Moon is considered a crucial stepping stone for future Mars missions, serving as a testing ground for new technologies and a base for further space exploration.

As we gaze up at the Moon, it’s humbling to think of the countless mysteries that still await us. Each crater and mare tells a story, each phase a reminder of the celestial dance that connects us to the cosmos. The Moon, in all its phases and facets, continues to be a beacon of wonder, urging us to explore, to question, and to dream.

In this ever-expanding universe, the Moon is our constant companion, a silent witness to the unfolding story of Earth and its inhabitants. So next time you look up at the night sky, remember that the Moon is more than a mere rock orbiting our planet. It is a gateway to understanding our place in the cosmos, a symbol of human curiosity, and a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration.

Picture Credit: Freepik

The post The Enigmatic Moon: Unveiling Celestial Secrets appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

Many families breed dogs, often with the goal of providing greater security in the home or simply out of love for the lesser brothers. And have you ever thought that our four-legged friends are also good doctors? Let’s see what kind of health benefits dogs can bring.
Dogs against depression
Why appreciate a dog? First of all, for her devotion. She loves her master simply for what he is, regardless of his material wealth, social status, appearance. It is this fidelity and unconditional love that create for the person a world in which he is comfortable and in which he is not alone.

Thanks to dogs, people feel that someone needs them, someone admires them and loves them. It is an effective remedy for depression.

This is especially important for the elderly. It is not for nothing that abroad in nursing homes contain dogs that help people compensate for some age-related manifestations.

Image credit: henriethaan

If older people get dogs at home, they have to go out more often, go to the store to buy food. Often, caring for a quadruped pet becomes the meaning of the life of an elderly person. In addition, dogs help their masters to expand the circle of friends and acquaintances. Of course, such a tool helps mainly those who love dogs since childhood.

A group of scientists from the United States studied the impact of communication between people and dogs on depression. The study involved 6 thousand people. It turned out that four-legged friends reduce the probability of depression by 60-70%. Also, dogs help to recover after a long treatment. The appearance in the hospital of a beloved dog brings even more emotion than communication with relatives.

Dogs from mental disorders

According to American scientists, dogs can significantly improve the condition of children with autism. They seem to return from another world into the real world.

In people with disabilities or suffering from psychological diseases, self-esteem rises, the state of loneliness disappears, and a belief in solving internal problems appears.

It is not uncommon for four-legged pets to save their masters from possible suicide. No matter how gloomy the internal state was, the look of the pet loaded them with positive energy, brought them back to life.

Facts about the benefits of seals

James Serpell of the group of animal studies at Cambridge University holds the view that pets tend to radiate kindness and support, which lacks relationships between people.

In some countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, dogs help patients with epilepsy. No one can explain how the tailed brothers less feel the approach of the attack of the illness, but they do it perfectly.

When the consciousness of the patient is disconnected, they substitute their body: thus, they absorb shock when seizures of those for whom they took “responsibility”. In addition, in case of accidents, dogs can call for help, referring to other people.

Dogs for children

Animals can be excellent teachers for children. Even toddlers learn to observe, draw conclusions, to foresee consequences. This can be understood by observing the communication of the child with the dog. Without saying anything, they understand each other and are friendly.

Image credit: Mondisso

Dogs teach children kindness and responsiveness. They can raise a respectful attitude towards others in the child.

In adolescents, a tailed friend reduces manifestations of aggression, develops a sense of responsibility, tolerance, kindness, independence. It is a faithful, understanding companion.

In addition, dogs expand their horizons. Children learn the features of animal nutrition, their behavior, understand the need to take care of loved ones.

And besides, it is important that dogs fulfill the duties of guards. Even small dogs can scare off their thieves, attract the attention of household members. With such a friend it is less dangerous to leave children alone in the apartment.

Dogs for heart and immunity

Dog lovers suffer less from hypertension. It is believed that by creating contact with the pet, stroking it on the wool, a person improves the indices of palpitation, breathing, and pressure. In addition, the dog’s saliva contains enzyme lysozyme, which destroys pathogens.

Studies have shown that those who keep dogs in the house, lower the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Some dog owners claim that to improve their well-being, they just need to have a tail tail close.

Suffering heart disease or easily excitable people are advised to start quiet pets. Scientific studies in Canada and Australia have shown that dog owners are less likely to turn to doctors, rarely use medicines.

Scientists from the universities of Finland and Germany have established that children in contact with dogs are 50% less likely to suffer from eczema, dermatitis, asthma.

Some pregnant women admitted that dogs in the house helped them to tolerate toxicosis more easily. This can be explained by the fact that the pet distracted himself from the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy.

A few words about dog hair. Warm mittens made of such wool are well protected against frost, and belts and scarves help in the treatment of sciatica.

Image credit: tranmautritam

Healing rocks

A good soothing effect is possessed by such breeds of dogs as labrador and shar pei. For children are good collie, risen schnauzer, boxer, Airedale, St. Bernard, Newfoundland.

Large dogs can give great help. Large dogs have high cardiac alpha-rhythm activity. And if you put your hand every day in the area of ​​his heart, then the dog will become for you a kind of “pacemaker”. US scientists have revealed that the highest percentage of survival after a heart attack in pet lovers. Observations during the year after the attack showed that the health of such people recovered better than the rest.

The superiority of the healing effect belongs to the Chinese crested dog. On her body there is no hair, and the body has a high temperature. It is believed that high degrees help in the treatment of radiculitis, skin diseases, joint diseases.

Dogs for the preservation of the family

Observations in the United States for married couples showed that those who kept dogs could easily pass through turmoil and resolve conflicts more quickly than “courageous” couples. One of the explanations for this phenomenon is that pets rally the family, create common interests.

Dogs for sports

Having a dog, willy-nilly forced to walk it every day, and in any weather. And this is a good sport. Some pets have an energetic character, forcing their owners to walk fast or even to run. By the way, every day the owner and dog go through great distances. Agree, without a dog it’s hard to get yourself to walk. Dogs play a role as an alarm clock, forcing the family to wake up, and the simulator.

Image credit: Motorbiene

The owners of dogs spend from 5 to 7 hours a week on traffic. Engaged in fitness – from 2 to 3.5 hours.

It turns out that dogs, helping their owners to engage in physical education, hinder the development of obesity, reduce the possibility of cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, prolong life.

The post The Best Medicine Is A Dog appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

Tips for the proper use of time have turned into a large and highly profitable industry. However, more and more scientists declare that time management not only does not make our life better, but, on the contrary, only reduces its quality. Among them is well-known psychologist and business coach Tony Crabbee, whose services are regularly used by such world business leaders as Microsoft, HSBC and Disney. In his new book, Crabbe took a decisive offensive against time management. And speaking more broadly, and today’s principles of the relationship to time in general.

Referring to the work of the famous British historian Edward Palmer Thompson, the psychologist recalls that mankind was not always so concerned about hours and minutes. And yet some 250 years ago, watches seemed to be exclusively a luxury item. In addition, their accuracy was rather conditional, which, however, did not bother anyone. For centuries, mankind has been guided not so much by the time as by the need to solve specific problems. Of course, it is also necessary to plow and sow in the due time, but this period is determined not by hours and minutes, but rather by days.

The industrial revolution radically changed the situation. The work of the factories required the concerted efforts of hundreds of people. And then the account went for a minute or even a second. And with him came the era of worshiping the clock.

Today, this worship has reached an unprecedented and absolutely unjustified scope, Tony Crabbe is sure. He gives three main arguments against endless attempts to stretch his day for a few extra hours and shove as many things as possible into them.

1. Battle with the Lernaean Hydra
The main argument of time management is that, by learning to quickly manage your own affairs, you will free up more time for yourself. Crabbe categorically disagrees. He likens time management to a fight between Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra. This monster was different, scientifically speaking, a high ability to regenerate. And on the spot of each head, severed by Hercules, two new ones immediately grew up. This is exactly the case with time management, as well, writes Crabbe. We are freeing up time to immediately fill it with new business and make it as much as possible. And quickly coping with one task, we take for the next two. Probably also very important. That’s just to say that this approach raises the quality of our lives, alas, it is not necessary.

2. Confetti time
Equipped with the latest gadgets, we seem to ourselves to be mighty warriors armed to the teeth in a duel with time. Our smartphones and computers allow us to check mail at any time in any part of the globe, talk with customers, report to the authorities and take part in important discussions. With the help of these devices, we seem to cut life into the smallest segments that journalist Brigid Schulte wittily called “confetti of time” in her book.
However, in reality we “shred and grind” is not the time, but our own attention, the ability to focus on something important. We negotiate on the beach, instead of having a rest, and check the mail for dinner, instead of staying with the family. This psychotic mental activity psychologist Mihai Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes as “mental entropy”. It was Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who described the state of the optimal mental experience, called the “flow”. The state of the flow is characterized by the complete dissolution of the person in the action being performed – and the loss of the idea of ​​the course of time. It can be work on a difficult task, or maybe a heart-to-heart conversation with friends, the essence of it does not change – the state of the flow is by definition impossible to achieve, every minute looking at the clock. And the more we turn our time into confetti, the further we find ourselves from the optimal state of our psyche.

3. Ghost Efficiency
To sacrifice one’s psychological well-being and quality of life for the sake of doing more things – ultimately, the personal choice of everyone. But the trouble is that even there is no such choice. The opportunity to be more effective and succeed in life due to time management – if not a myth, then the idea is at least outdated, Tony Crabbe believes. Referring to the research of many serious scientists, he shows: our obsession with a lot of cases and the truth helps us make more decisions. However, the solutions are the most obvious and far from always successful. For example, a professor at the Harvard Business School, Deepak Malhotra, argues that the distribution of attention to a multitude of tasks and concern over time limits reduces our ability to make right decisions. We prefer short-term gains – and often to the detriment of strategic interests.
And psychologists Michael Dedon and Heath Demari showed that a sense of lack of time negatively affects our ability to achieve the desired results. Damocles swords hour and minute hands simply do not allow us to show our abilities to the fullest.

Dictate watches played an important role in the history of mankind, radically changing the world. But we live already not even in the post-industrial, but in the information age. Time is no longer money. And it’s time to use other strategies: making a bet on a deeper understanding of the problems and a creative approach to their solution.

Image credit: geralt

The post Don’t Manage Your Time, Manage Your Attention appeared first on Just Some Stuff.

This observation convinced me to adopt my new policy when giving gifts.  Previously I had given folks gift certificates or cash.  But my new policy is to only give books as presents.  Some feel ebooks can serve this purpose.  I think reading from a screen doesn’t have the same impact as reading from the printed page where you can go back as often as you want until you’ve fully absorbed the content.  But the most important thing is to encourage reading in any form.  I buy my books from Abe Books and use Groupon promo codes to make my purchases at substantial discounts.  They offer a wide range of books of all types, that are brand new, rare, and even collector’s items.  They have content that will stimulate the recipient’s mind and thought.  They should be curious and motivated to read further on their own and Abe has just the selectioin to make that happen.  Children’s books start at just $1, so there is something to fit every budget.  And Abe Books offers free shipping to many parts of the world, so if you’re interested in  gifting books, now would be the perfect opportunity to shop Groupon so you can make your purchases for less.

It is best when people read a diversity of subjects.  Many often say that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” however, the fact is that no knowledge at all is pure disaster.  It is better to have many books and read them often than to have machines that provide only what one wants to hear and nothing else.  Declines in national reading and learning scores can be reversed if more time is taken to encourage reading in the home, exercising in fresh air and learning to play an instrument.  That and self-discipline go a long way toward keeping young minds engaged and stimulated to grow.

Get the youth in your family or neighborhood a book; sit and read with them and make an investment in our future.  Challenge them to read about a new country or city every month, with the goal of visiting that place in the future.  You can put the world in a child’s hands when you give them a book.

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As per recent estimates, optometrist point out that 90% patients having blast injuries or concussions exhibit eye movement dysfunction. According to new studies, 75 patients that experienced trauma were tested. Participants were 18 to 60 years old and their pupils were monitored for more than 200 seconds on watching a video.  Concussion is known to affect both genders across age groups. It takes place in almost every sport which increases the significance of quick and correct diagnosis. The challenges faced by physicians are diagnosis more often based upon self claimed symptoms. Dr Samadani of Cohen Veterans Centre and his team has developed a method which is reproductive, simple to perform and non evasive. Through this method, functional deficits occurring with a traumatic brain damage is assessed. It helps the physician in making a quick and correct diagnosis.

Through tracking of eye movements, function of your brain is quantitatively accessed. A new approach like this would identify the patients overlooked by centering the evaluation on subjective complaints. It provides a dimension in a physician’s ability to offer secure, quick and authentic care, believes expert Dr Ellenbogen. Cohen Veterans Centre discovered that use of such technology may also reveal edema and swelling inside the brain. It could act as a worthy biomarker for assessment of brain functions and monitoring recovery levels in individuals with injuries in head. The study came out in a journal which only focused on military veterans. The future work of Dr Samadani is aimed at replicating the technology’s diagnostic strength for large scale head injuries in ophthalmology field. It is with reference to Afghanistan and Iran veterans suffering   brain injury and post concussive syndrome.

Emergency departmental visit rates for traumatic brain injures declined by 70% in a decade as per certain estimates. Presently, there isn’t a single tool recognized as high standard for diagnosis of concussions. With no structural brain damages, CT Scans and MRI imaging tests are ineffective. According to Dr Samadani, eye tracking could help in revealing when a particular patient is more affected compared to another in concussion cases. Dr Grady from University of Pennsylvania mentions that the aforementioned research study establishes a dependable marker for detection of concussion. Concussion could take place with no loss in consciousness which holds significance in military and athletic sideline evaluation. There is more work to be done to establish the specificity but signs are quite promising, expressed Dr Grady.

Author Bio: Tony Rollan provides consulting services to VSI (http://www.patternless.com). He is an author of many articles on all types of optical, ophthalmic equipment and advanced medical technology technology.
Image credit: Carlos Santa Maria

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– What a question! Certainly seen! And if anyone did not see it within the next month can fill this gap in its development: it is full moon each month.

It is difficult to argue against this. But is it at the moment, which is called the full moon, the moon is in the full sense of the word complete? Under what conditions will the moon is full?

The full moon should be called only when the whole side facing the observer, fully illuminated by direct sunlight. But this requires that the observer was on the line connecting the Sun and the Moon. If the observer is on Earth, then it can be referred to directly get only with the Earth . But then the Moon and the Earth’s shadow falls terrestrial observer sees an eclipse of the moon. The Sun and the Moon are not covered (or rather, barely illuminated by red light sunlight curving over Earth by scattering in the earth’s atmosphere).

Of course, to call a full moon, covered with the shadow of the Earth, a few illogical.In any other location, as the Sun, Earth and Moon latter can not be complete.

In the full sense of the full moon can only be seen by the observer, got to the line Sun – Moon alone, without the Earth . Thus the observer can only astronaut. Of course, the shadow (or rather, penumbra), which at this point will drop to the moon spaceship can be neglected.

All of the above should not, of course, that the word “Moon” to cancel. Full Moon agreed to call the most complete of all the phase of the moon, which are possible in the current month. If this is hard to remember, the word “Moon” is not misleading and does not cause any discomfort, despite its inaccuracy.

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“They are not like the planets in our solar system. Their cover of a vast ocean. They can be a life, but if she can produce a technological civilization? Life on these worlds will flow under the water, with no access to metals, electricity, or fire. However, it is quite possible that the infinite ingenuity of evolution will lead life on such planets on a technological level that will amaze us, “- said Lisa Kaltenegger of the Astronomical Institute in Heidelberg (Germany).

Kaltenegger and her colleagues discovered just two water planets that are in the “zone of life”, watching the star Kepler-62, located at a distance of 720 light-years from Earth. It is a small yellow dwarf whose mass is approximately 30% less sun. The authors analyzed data collected during the observations of the Kepler-62, and found five planets.

Three of them are not suitable for life – they are located too close to the luminary, and two of them are gas giants. Two other planets, Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f, removed a good distance from Kepler-62 – they make a turn around for 122 and 267 days. Relying on circumstantial evidence, scientists have tried to estimate the mass of the planets, their chemical composition and the possibility of life.

It turned out that the two planets can support life. They have a small mass (40 and 60% more of the earth), and its surface temperature is sufficient to maintain the water in liquid state. Scientists suggest that on the surface there is a global ocean. Both planets are in the central part of the “zone of life” in orbit Kepler-62, which makes them the best candidate for the role of the most Earth-exoplanets to date.

Picture credit: NASA

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