Top 5 Mobile Security Tips Against Identity Theft

In older times, the crooks used physical strategies to get hard hand on your money. But as it is A New Era Of Knowledge and Technology, you can lost your money directly from your account due to some wrong steps of your. So you should safeguard yourself from such mobile  and possible identity thefts before something bad actually happen to you.

If you have lost your Cell Phone, then it will take no time to a Cyber-Criminal to steal your identity, money and your valuable information. Until you are protecting yourself with following precautions.

1) First of all save your cell phone`s brand and model, the serial [IMEI] number, PIN code, other mobile descriptions. This will help the police to find out your Cell Phone when it is stolen. Your network company will immediately block your phone across all possible networks.

2) Use PIN codes or phone locks to secure your phone when it is not in use. Some new cell phones has remote lock feature. Use it to lock your cell phone and memory card access.

3) An Ultraviolet marker is available in market. Use it to place an identity mark on your mobile and battery. It can be your name, or house or any lucky number.

4) Internet and Messages

*   Clear your all important messages and calendar entries as soon as possible.

*   Never use “Remember your Password” or “Stay Me Logged in” option when you are using 

     cell phone for your bank accounts.

*   Remove the browsing history quickly after usage.

*   Avoid using Downloadable software and Avoid using Credit Card on every unprotected

     website.

5) Never save your Friend and Family personal information in cellular phone. When you are engaged on call in public, avoid sharing much important and secret material. 

Source : DSDG

Self Help Mantra - Work Your Relationships

With both partners working in stressful jobs, couples feel that they do not have time for each other.

Often a husband and wife relationship gets torn between office commitments, tours, deadlines and presentations. Here are some solutions that will help you come closer to your partners despite your busy work schedules :

BACKPACKS HELP

Taking a vacation together is a great idea and can be a great bonding exercise. Sachin, automobile engineer from Mumbai, India says, "Since wife & my timings don't match, we make it a point to for weekend getaways quite often. Whenever we feel that we are getting less time for each other, we just plan a power holiday to one of the nearby beaches or hill stations and just chill there. Along with sightseeing, we ensure we go to hotels where we can swim together, play table tennis or just make sure we talk.  And on a holiday as a rule, we switch off our cell phones and just spend time with each one another.

SMALL GESTURES, BIG GAINS

Marriage is a relation, that has to be nurtured and doing small gestures for your partner really goes a long way in strengthening it. "Every relationship has to be nurtured. Since my husband and I do not get to spend time with each other, we go on lunch dates as our offices are close by. We keep work, in-laws and our baby aside and just talk to each other. This really strengthens our relationship. Also, small gestures like husband making tea for me, when I am running a cold, says a lot," says Tina, who works for a advertising agency.

HOUSEHOLD CHORES CAN BE FUN TOO

Doing household chores together or cooking together on weekend can also bring a couple close. "We don't have a TV at home and that's a deliberate decision, we have taken. In order to bond, we listen to music and cook together. This helps us spend some good time together" adds Arnob, a resident of India.

Source : Timeswellness

Self Help Mantra - Know the Wine Etiquette

How should I hold the glass ?

Traditionally, always from the base or the stem so that the warmth of your hand doesn't affect the temperature of the wine.

What kind of glasses should I serve different wines in ?

Generally, bigger glasses for red and tulips (standard wine glasses) for whites. Champagnes can be served in flutes (tall, long, thin wine glasses) so that the bubbles don't escape or in tulips.

How should you store a bottle of wine ?

Try and store in a cool, dark place (like the bottom of a cupboard) wrapped in newspaper to keep the temperature constant, without moving them around too much. If they have corks, lie them down horizontally.

Must I finish the whole bottle once it is opened ?

The latest trend world wide, initially started by brave wine makes in New Zealand and Australia is screw caps on wine bottles. Studies have indicated that there is much less spoilage with screw caps than traditional corks. Once you open a screw capped wine bottle, you can empty left over wine into a well washed small glass bottle with a tight screw cap leaving no gap for any air. The wine generally lasts a week or so like this in a refrigerator (fridge). With a traditional cork bottle, you will have to consume the wine very quickly after opening.

What does 'Room Temperature' mean ?

Red wine should be served cool (18deg C ) not in our topical temperature, which is around 30deg C. To coax the red wine down to this temperature, simply put it in the lower part of the refrigerator for an hour; or if you have left it there overnight, take the bottle out and stand it for an hour before serving. White wine and sparkling should be served cold but not chilled to the bone, a few degrees away from freezing, and kept chilled in an ice bucket. If you have to chill champagne or white wine really quickly (i.e, you have forgotten to do it earlier - happens to the best of us), prepare a large bucket with tons of ice and cold water and dunk it in there for 20 minutes,

How do you know when a wine has gone off ?

The most common problem is a "corked wine". This results in a musty, mildew smell. It often also occurs with poorly made corks. oxidization is another common fault.

Note : Remember, wine is alcohol. it needs to be sipped and savoured, not gulped down!

Source : TOI

Tips for People Who Don’t Have Time to Meditate - Part 2

2. Become “present”, I.e., become totally aware of your current surroundings. What do you hear? How does it feel to sit? Do you feel tension in a specific body part? Where are your thoughts? Are your thoughts running? (That’s perfectly fine, it happens to the meditation pros, too). Just try to sit and “smell the roses” as best you can.

3. Focus on your breath. Breath, breath, breath. Meditation (and yoga for that matter), is all about the breath. Try to take long and deep breaths, and feel your breath move throughout your body — from your lungs and out through your nostrils or your throat. (Breathing through your nostrils is better though either will work). Your mind will wonder (which is okay), just try your best to be as focused as possible.  And as meditation guru, Sharon Salzberg always says, “bring it back to the breath.”

4. Feel your body. Once you’re focused, take notice of your body and how each body part feels. Start with the toes and work your way up to your head. If your mind continues to wonder then bring your thoughts back to your breath. Breath 5-10 times with full concentration on each breath. Take it a step further and hum “Om” as you breathe out if you feel like it. If not, no biggie.

5. Learn from the pros. Deepak Chopra does a lot of things well – including meditation. Check out his 11-minute video where he walks through some great meditation techniques for beginners. Not into video, and you’d rather read? Jack Kornfield’s book, Meditation for Beginners, is one of the best, quick-reads on meditation you’ll find. And if you’re ever in New York City and would like to check out a class then there’s none better than Sharon Salzberg’s beginner meditation classes at the Tibet House.

6. Practice, practice, practice! Like anything, practice makes perfect. Make sure to carve out a time each and every day to practice. You’ll hopefully find all your practice totally worth it as meditation can be life-changing!

Happy meditation!

Concluded

Source : DSDG

Tips for People Who Don’t Have Time to Meditate - Part 1

Interested in beginning meditation but don’t know where to start? The good news is that all you need is 5-10 minutes a day to get started.

Are you thinking to yourself, ‘Ten minutes, I don’t have an extra ten minutes a day! My life is already jam packed with work, family, social obligations, and I’m not even mentioning my growing to-do list”?

Well, what if I told you that the benefits of meditation include a reduction in stress, sharpened concentration, improved circulation – and as you get further into your practice you’ll experience a quieter mind, a more open and receptive heart, a sense of inner freedom – and perhaps even a streak of creativity that’ll help you make films like David Lynch. (Lynch has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for over thirty years.)

Sound good?

Here are six easy tips and meditation techniques for beginners that will help get you started. These tips worked for me when I began my practice – and although I’m a lot further along then I was a year ago when I first started, I still have a way to go – as it’s important to remember that meditation is a process.

1. Be comfortable in a quiet place. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. To get started, it doesn’t matter whether you sit or lay down as long as you are comfortable. You can sit cross-legged, on the floor, or on a chair. If you can sit erect, then great. If not, it’s just important to have your body in a somewhat stable position. Then have the palms of your hands face the sky.

To Be Continued...

Source : DSDG

Self Help Mantra - How to Stop Relationships Blame !

Most of us have learned defensiveness as a mode of survival. For some of us, this approach manifested itself in our adult minds and continues to control our lives, especially in relationships. Blaming the other person for your misery and continuing in the vicious circle of the "blame game" is not only damaging to the quality of your relationship but also unhealthy for your emotional well-being.

Instructions

Step 1 :  Understand how you contributed to the problem. Analyzing the mistakes on your part is the first step to finding a solution. There is really no soul-quenching satisfaction in proving that you are right and he is wrong. As how Louis Nizer puts it, "When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself."

Step 2 :  Take responsibility for all your actions and words. Regardless of how victimized you feel, remember there are two individuals contributing to a relationship. Admit your mistakes, offer ways to correct it and avoid its recurrence.

Step 3 :  Communicate your concerns without assigning responsibility or blame to the other person. Deal with issues in a calm manner instead of letting things fester without taking the time to resolve the issue.

Step 4 :  Remember that you can inspire and motivate someone else to change but the initiation has to come from the other person. Criticizing and complaining, of all tactics, is not going to effect a change. A relationship should never be a power struggle about who is right.

Step 5 :  Accept the other person entirely instead of having conditions and expectations. Trying to find fault will overshadow the beautiful things that are genuinely a part of your relationship.

Step 6 :  Respect the other person's point of view. Try not to assume that dealing with an issue based on your values and beliefs is the only right way to go about it. Understanding and acknowledging the other person's outlook gives a chance to grow in love.

Source : DSDG

Top tips to keep your eyes healthy in front of a screen - Part 4

* Keep your screen free of dust and fingerprints.

* Use an adjustable chair that enables you to sit at a proper angle and distance from your computer monitor screen.

* If your work involves prolonged data entry use document holders to secure any reading or reference material. Placing them close to the monitor and at the same distance from your eyes as your monitor, will enable your eyes to remain focused as they look from the monitor to the reading material.

* Use a character size that is visible. The character size is an important factor since it determines the distance at which you prefer to view the monitor.

* Make sure your workstation is set up comfortably; avoid poor posture which can lead to neck, back, arms.

by Bronte

Concluded

Top tips to keep your eyes healthy in front of a screen - Part 3

The College of Optometrists has top tips to keep your eyes healthy in front of a screen :

* Make sure that if you need spectacles to look at a screen, you wear them!

* Blink regularly. When focusing on a screen your reflexes will slow down, tear production will reduce, and you will blink less, causing dry and uncomfortable eyes.

* Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eye muscles a break and help increase the rate of blinking.

* Keep the distance of the monitor from your eyes between 16 to 30 inches. Most people find a distance of 20 to 26 inches comfortable.

* Make sure that the top of the monitor is at a level at or slightly below your horizontal eye level.

* Tilt the top of the monitor away from you at a 10- to 20-degree angle. This will enable you to create an optimum viewing angle.

by Bronte

Top tips to keep your eyes healthy in front of a screen - Part 2

The majority of people of all age groups (64%) are now spending between one and four hours a day on the computer outside of work, and “ combined with longer working days that means that the majority of UK workers who use computers spend seven hours in front of them.

Dr Rob Hogan, President of The College of Optometrists, says : We are reaching a critical point, with more and more people spending an increasing amount of time in front of a computer screen. At work employees should at least be encouraged to take regular breaks from their screen, but with leisure time now also being spent on computers thers even less chance that people are looking after their eyes properly.

While using a computer cant permanently damage your eyes, if you dont take regular breaks and use the correct vision aids for your eyesight, you can strain your eyes, and may experience headaches, blurriness, tired eyes, and focus problems. This can be painful and uncomfortable, as well as making your time both in work and out of work tiring and inefficient.

Its crucial for everyone, but especially for those using a computer screen for a significant amount of time during the week or weekends, that you take regular breaks and visit your local optometrist regularly who will be able to pinpoint any problems you may have with your eyes.

by Bronte

Top tips to keep your eyes healthy in front of a screen - Part 1

Two in five workers who use computer screens say that they suffer from headaches and over half say that they get tired eyes, with a quarter also admitting that they have difficulty focusing. One in five workers also say that they suffer from blurred vision. Eye experts are warning that these conditions could be linked to the increasing amount of time that millions of people all over the country are spending staring at a computer screen.

The alarming statistics reveal that over 9 per cent of people admit to spending more than six hours a day in front of a computer screen on top of time spent working, with this increasing to over one in ten (14%) of the 18-24 year old age group. At weekends, nearly one in ten (9%) of the population confess to spending over eight hours on the computer, rising to 15% of the younger demographics.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo occupy the leisure time of nearly eight in ten under 24 year olds, while two in five use their computers to play games, and half download music. Nine in ten (93%) of the older age groups use their computers for researching and surfing.

by Bronte

Some suggestions to lift Bad Mood !!

No one can live a long and healthy life without the will to go on; sometimes mood swings can make us feel that life is too much for us.

A bad mood not only gives you a gloomy outlook, it also lowers your immune function, leading the way to illness. Here are some suggestions to lift your mood, your spirit, and your health.

1. A Laughing Matter

"Laugh Therapy," pioneered by Norman Cousins, has turned out to have real substance. Research has discovered that laughter and joy boost immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer cells that help defend the body from illness and cancer.

Laughter also increases the release of endorphins - compounds that give you a sense of well-being - in your brain. Without a doubt, joyful people liver longer and healthier lives. So read your favorite comics, watch your favorite comedies, and laugh it up!

2. Amino Acid for Restored Mindset

When an imbalance or deficiency is creating a bad mood, the Europeans use supplements of a natural compound found in human cells to regulate mood and restore a healthy mindset. SAMe (S-adenosyl- L-methionine) is produced from methionine, an amino acid that plays a role in the production of uplifting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

One study indicated that SAMe worked on patients who had unsuccessful results with conventional antidepressants. To get a boost from SAMe, take a supplement combining it with vitamins B6 and B12.

3. Hands-On Healing

Human touch increases the production of endorphins, growth hormone, and DHEA, all of which lengthen your life span and lower the negative impact of stress. Studies have found that patients who are regularly touched recover faster than those who are not touched. So give someone a hug and feel both of your moods improve.

4. Boost Your "Youth Hormones"

You don't need pills to flood your body with a rejuvenating flood of growth hormones. Research has found that doing squats and leg presses will greatly increase your natural production of the "youth hormone". Increased growth hormone translates to an elevated mood, among other physical benefits. Keep it up with weight training, knee bends, push-ups, and rowing.

5. Take a Bracing Breath

Breathing correctly is important for dispelling the toxins and wastes from your body; in fact, it is estimated that we expel only about 30 percent of toxins in our bodies through the bowels and bladder-the rest is all respiratory. Breathing is also a great way to clear your mind, boost your energy, and improve your mood. Practice deep, slow, rhythmic, breathing daily with mind-body disciplines such as tai chi, yoga, qigong, and meditation.

6. Smell the Joy

Research has shown that smell has a definite impact on our bodies and minds. When you stimulate the olfactory nerves inside your nose, you activate the limbic system of your brain, which is associated with moods and memory. This concept is instrumental to aromatherapy, a natural health tradition that makes use of the healing powers of plants with strong scents.

Aromatherapy recommends treating depression with jasmine, eucalyptus for exhilaration, and grapefruit to increase alertness and joy. Just put a dab of the essential oils from these plants on your temples, back of your neck, or acupressure points. Another option? Boil the herb in water and inhale the steam through your nose.

7. Feel Fine with Flowers

There is a reason that flowers are the traditional get-well gesture. Colorful flowers have a powerful influence on moods; they can uplift a patient's mood and even combat stress. One study found that during a five-minute typing assignment, people sitting next to a flowering bouquet were more relaxed than those who sat near foliage-only plants.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy !

Self help Mantra - How To Get Your Dream Career ? - Part 2

5 ESSENTIAL SKILLS :

Average to strong working knowledge of English both, written and oral, is essential in the globalised workplace. Keyboard typing, MS Office and emailing are basic skills for all jobs with prominent employers. Cultivate a range of IT skills to enhance your flexibility for a wider variety of dream jobs. 

6 ADAPTING TO CHANGE : 

Learning how to learn can be very useful in this era of rapid change. People who are curious and desire to keep up-todate will be in great demand. An employee who is able to apply new knowledge and technology efficiently to typical job duties assists the employer in meeting competitive challenges. 

7 TEAM SPIRIT :

Demonstration of teamwork skills is as important for recruitment as it is for sports. 

8 SHOW ENTHUSIASM :

An enthusiastic worker has a positive influence on colleagues, the manager and clients, so employers are always on the lookout for this trait. 

9 RIGHT ATTIRE :

Dress neatly and appropriately for the job interview. Every job demands formal attire that fits well. 

10 BE PATIENT : 

And remember, anything in this world that is worth having will require some amount of effort, patience, persistence and planning. 

Note : (The writer is a career and education consultant. She anchors regular columns in dailies published across the country and has also authored various books on careers)

Concluded

Source : DSDG

Self help Mantra - How To Get Your Dream Career ? - Part 1

START NOW : Start exploring your dream job as early as you can

The 21 st Century has brought with it a wider and more diverse range of jobs than ever before. But that hasn't really made the job hunt any easier. In fact, organisations have now become even more selective about hiring. Here are 10 tips to help you get your dream job:

1 EXPLORE EARLY : 

The process of self-discovery is much easier when you're young and have limited family responsibilities. So start exploring your dream job/s as early as you can to give yourself more scope for self- discovery and pursuing your passion. Do not rely merely on your qualification, academic performance, skill, aptitude and a good personality to guarantee your dream job - these are only threshold requirements.

2 CLEAR PLAN : A successful sales person does not sit back and wait for business to come by; a serious job hunter should also adopt the same attitude. Research the recruitment process, and shortlist reasons why you are suited to your dream job, so that you have a clear plan for marketing yourself.

3 NETWORKING : 

Your circle of contacts should know that you're looking for a particular job.

4 DO YOUR RESEARCH :

Detailed research on companies and organisations that offer your dream job is important.

To Be Continued....

Source : DSDG

Self Help Mantra - How to Resolve Conflicts with Friends - Part 2

Step 5 

Respect each other's space and time. Everybody's different. Your friend may need a week before he is ready to resolve the conflict and you may need only a day. Give him the time he needs. 

Step 6 

Communicate. Not talking only makes matters worse. Periodically contact your friend to let her know that you still care about her. 

Step 7 

Listen well. Listen intently and focus on his point of view with an open mind. 

Step 8 

Choose your words wisely. Avoid accusatory phrases like "you never," "you always" or "why would you." 

Step 9 

Leave out the "but" When your friend asks if you accept his apology doesn't say "yes, but..." It's a conditional acceptance and can lead to more hurt feelings. The same goes for "I understand, but..." 

Step 10 

Let it go. If you can't find common ground, agree to disagree and let it go. Nothing good will come out of the conflict if you don't.

Concluded

Source : DSDG Group

Self Help Mantra - How to Resolve Conflicts with Friends - Part 1

Fighting with friends is tough all around. We often say things we don't mean and feelings get hurt. Occasionally, no one wants to admit they were wrong and no one wants to apologize; it seems as though the situation is beyond repair. There are many ways to resolve conflicts with friends. Here are some things you can do to start down the road to conflict resolution.

Step 1

Calm down. No one thinks rationally when emotionally worked up. Give yourself time to calm down before even thinking of the subject of the conflict again.

Step 2

Give each other respect. Without first respecting your friend, it is unlikely that the conflict will be resolved amicably.

Step 3

Give each other space. When the conflict has become too heated, walk away.

Step 4

Give each other time. Time to cool off will help all parties involved think things over in a rational manner.

To Be Continued....

Source : DSDG Group

Self Help Mantra - TIPS TO BE A GOOD MOM - Part 3

Don't interfere in your children's fights unless it's necessary :

Allow your kids to settle issues on their own. As long as there is no bullying or physical violence, do not get involved in their fights. When you try to resolve their disputes, you will be required to take sides and this will not go down well with one of them. It is better to allow children to handle their own problems as far as possible. If they are not able to do it, or you feel like the situation is getting to you, ask them to play separately till they are able to be civil to each other and find a solution. You will be doing them a favor by teaching them the values of co-operation, problem-solving and compromise in the process.

Honor their father :

One of the best things a mother can do is Honor her children's father in front of them. Even if you are separated or divorced, never speak ill about your spouse in front of your children.

Talk about him with respect and teach your children to respect him too.

Get the kids to interact with extended family :

Get your children to bond with extended family -- uncles, aunts, cousins. Make an effort so that they interact with both the maternal and paternal sides.Even if you don't get along with your in-laws, teach your children to respect their grandparents. They will hold you in higher esteem for doing that.

Keep your self-respect intact :

Always expect to be treated with respect by others in the presence of your kids and by your

kids themselves. Do not allow anyone to cross a line. Maintain your dignity under all circumstances; be honest and keep your integrity intact always.

Take care of yourself :

Sleep well and take out time for yourself. Keep yourself in good health. Remember, a happy, relaxed mother can give more of herself to her children and family than an overworked, tense parent.

Concluded

Source : DSDG

Self Help Mantra - TIPS TO BE A GOOD MOM - Part 2

Keep your children safe :

All parents want to keep their kids safe. Remember to take the necessary precautions, whether it is making them sit in the backseat of the car while driving, or making sure that there is someone responsible with them at all times. Make sure your home is childproof, with electrical outlets out of reach, furniture edges rounded off, glass items out of the way etc.

Teach your children values :

Make sure to impart good values to your kids - it's the best gift you'll ever give them. Values are the foundation of a child's character. Teach your children values through everyday interactions, stories and by the way you conduct yourself. While story-telling, however, make sure you don't connect the story to the child. If, for example, you want to teach your little one about honesty, tell him/ her interesting stories related to it. Do not say, "You should behave in the same manner as so-and-so did and always tell the truth" - the message will not sink in. To a youngster, this feels like nagging and moralizing, which will go in one ear and out the other.

Be a good role model :

Remember that your kids are watching you all the time and want to ape you in every possible  

way. Even very young children take in and listen to everything their parents say and do, so remain aware of your actions and behavior around them. For example, if you talk rudely to the domestic help, you will not be very successful in teaching your children the value of politeness. Model the behavior that you want them to develop. 

Keep your kids healthy, but allow them their personal likes and dislikes when it comes to food :

Provide nutritious meals for your children, but allow them to make their own choices about what they like or don't like. As long as you are providing them with nutritious options and not junk food, they will almost always make the right choices. With young children, try and be creative with their meals, so that it's fun for them. If, for instance, there is cooked vegetable and bread (chapattis) for dinner, fold some cooked veggies into each chapatti so that the kids can enjoy it as a roll.

Set rules and limits :

A good mother is firm and flexible. Don't leave discipline only to a child's father. Set reasonable rules and limits and discuss them with your kids beforehand. Follow through with the consequences whenever applicable. However, there are times when you have to be flexible and ease the rules; times when youngsters are tired, sleepy, hungry or not well.

Be just and fair :

Treat all your children in the same manner. However, don't try to be overly fair, as it will get in the way - for example, if you are out shopping and spot a book that one of your kids needs for a reference project, you do not necessarily have to buy something for the other child. Similarly, bring the other child what he/ she requires when it's needed. As long as you are providing for both of them equally, they will understand and not make an issue. When you try to be overly fair, children tend to find faults with every little thing you do.

To Be Continued ....

Source : DSDG