Good habits are the key to success.

Productivity is all about the capture and the full-finish.

Manage your time to win your day.

Attitude plays a key role in productivity.

You don’t need to make one huge, sweeping change.

Exploring the new term called “andropause,” that affects men as they get older and affects their testosterone levels.

Green Smoothies are packed with nutrients.

What is Repunzel communicating to us?

What is the Tortoise and the Hare teaching us?

What is the Emperor’s New Clothes communicating to us?

You can live a long, great life.

For men over 40, it is important to find healthy snacks.

Understanding technology will help you increase prosperity.

Researchers say that Immortal Cells could increase human lifespan.

Compromise can be good, but only sometimes.

A lean waist is more important than we thought.

Omega 3s are good for neurological pathways.

Two books that were excellent reads.

These are the next books I’m going to read.

There are several formats for reading books in the digital age.

This desk has a tabletop that moves higher or lower with the push of a button!

Even though most of information is stored digitally, I still find this portable mini-office to be a very helpful gadget!

A great gift idea is to give a smartphone stand. It’s a handy gadget!

Understand what your body doesn’t like.

Testosterone plays a different role in men over 40.

We are smack dab in the middle of revolution.

Certain plant pigments are thought to slow aging.

Kale is great for the longevity lifestyle.

There are lots of Omega 3s in Chia seed meal.

The human lifespan is changing.

There has been a major breakthrough in Longevity Science.

Fresh berries are rich in antioxidants.

Organic apples are good for you.

Healthy aging is a matter of various factors, including testosterone levels.

It’s important to keep an eye on sugar intake to avoid type 2 diabetes.

Late-night eating counteracts restorative effects of sleep.

My Coffee Banana Chocolate Shake is healthy too!

Prosperity can be a matter of good vibrations.

Achieving your fitness goals is much easier with good time management.

To do lists are lifesavers!

You can improve your health with an organized schedule.

There are 3 assassins that will try to mess with your day and prevent you from being organized and productive. You can overcome them!

A lifestyle property will change your life.

Pick a lifestyle property that will fulfill your dreams.

Become accustomed to success.

What’s on your wish list?

Organized people can do their weekly review on Sundays.

A weekly review can greatly increase productivity.

Here are the 4 insightful tricks.

      You can take 10 years off your appearance with a few simple tricks, says Dr Oz.         How do other people see your age and appearance? This week on Dr Oz — the hit tv talk show about becoming healthier — Doctor Oz had a guest who conducted a big campaign to find out whether people who thought they looked old, were also perceived as old by others. Speaking personally, while I honor my own silver hair and wrinkles — hey, I figure I earned them and I don’t mind looking wisened — I also must admit that it’s important to me that my appearance align with how I feel on the inside. In other words, if I feel tired, then I don’t mind looking tired. I figure, congruency is healthy. However, if I feel fit and energized, and I look in the mirror and see fatigue, then that tells me it’s time to turn up the dail on my grooming regimen! They organized a huge poll — via all the usual social media suspects — to determine particular people’s perceived age. On the show, one woman shared her story from the experiment. Her perceived age turned out to be, on average, about 53 — nine years older than her true age! Needless to say, this was devastating; but Dr. Oz had some intriguing solutions.   Appearance Made 10 Years Younger, without Surgery? Dr Oz offered the woman who looked older than her age some thought-provoking ideas: Got crow’s feet?     Oz idea: try Argireline — a topical cream that works like Botox Under-eye bags?     Oz idea: try parsley tea ice cubes Sagging skin under the neck?     Oz idea: try Retinoid Cream (but only once/week) Dull skin-tone?     Oz idea: try exfoliating mask made from tomato, sea salt, and honey   Here at instantDane.tv, we’re big fans of the Dr Oz show ~ we think it’s television that makes a positive difference! If you’re a fan, too, we invite you to leave your comments below; let us know your favorite moments from the show!   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Are you yin or yang? Emphasizing one of those energies could make all the difference in your relationship!         Romantic energy is polarized into yin and yang. If we’re observant of nature, this should come as no surprise. A tree breathes in carbon dioxide and breathes out oxygen. We do the opposite. Even blood is a balance of alkaline and acid. It’s no wonder they say opposites attract!   Energy and the Union of Opposites Yin and yang in relationships work just like the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. The yang partner offers yang in exchange for yin, and the yin partner receives yang energy and gives back yin energy. This exchange loop is how people come to feel deeply understood by one-another, and we call this the Union of Souls. Simply put, it creates a synergy often lacking in other relationship models.   It’s difficult to balance on a fence, and it’s uncomfortable to sit on one.”       This is the “matrimonium” of opposites that Carl Jung explored in such great depth in Mysterium Coniunctionis: heat/cold, masculine/feminine, conscious/unconscious.   The Irony of Your Brain Yin and yang have become something of a cliche in modern society, but sometimes cliches exist for a reason. For example, let’s take a quick look at the brain. We can very generally attribute thought to the left lobe and feeling to the right. We can also say: left lobe = mostly initiating right lobe = mostly responsive Are you seeing how applicable this is to the energy of relationship dynamics? Here’s a hint: almost always, a person finds it more comfortable and natural to say one of these to their partner:   “What can I do to help you?” (what a respectful Yin asks a Yang when things are a bit tense)   “How can I help you to feel better?” (what a cherishing Yang asks a Yin when things are a bit tense)   At first glance, you might believe that both of these questions come equally easy to you, but please be advised: it’s very difficult to salute and hug someone in the exact same moment. Therefore, I can almost guarantee you that you’re slightly better at asking one of these questions than the other. In a Union of Souls relationship model (based on the aforementioned exchange loop), you choose between leading most of the time, or following most of the time. The paradox is this: If you consciously decide which of the two you will emphasize, you will end up getting both. The two lobes are connected via the corpus callosum. But, in relationships, people often treat the corpus as though it were a lobe unto itself. What I mean by that is simply this: It’s difficult to balance on a fence, and it’s uncomfortable to sit on one. People straddle the fence with the intention of having everything at once in their romance. By expecting it all instantly, they end up with nothing. Conversely, by choosing to stand firmly on one side of the fence or the other, they can have it all. The corpus callosum is like a bridge. You don’t want to set up shop there, but it’s a good thoroughfare for paying a visit to the other side. In your relationship, are you naturally inclined to emphasize your left lobe or your right? Do you feel that you and your partner have an exchange loop of yin and yang that fosters a Union of Souls? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!  ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Dr Oz reveals that some superfoods help prevent disease in startling ways.         One of the reasons I liked this episode of Dr Oz so much, is that it aligned with my own philosophy on gradually improving lifestyle habits. My goal for my own life was to eat more living, raw foods each day and to reduce my intake of sugar. However, if I had gone 100% raw and 100% sugar-free overnight, I never would have stood a chance. It would have felt like an extreme diet to me and then I would have fallen off the wagon! However, over the last 6 years, I have been slowly making better nutritional choices, and because I’ve done this one small step at a time, I’ve stuck with it! Today’s Dr Oz show was particularly insightful, and covered topics ranging from cancer-fighting superfoods to quick and easy frozen dinners that are healthier. Here are some highlights!   Superfoods: Can Certain Foods   Extend Your Life Expectancy? We all know that there are several factors that contribute to different types of cancers. Many of them — like genetics and other environmental factors — may be out of our control. However, one thing we can control is our own diets. Here are some unexpected superfoods revealed on the Dr Oz show: Lima Beans: 1 cup/day = 25% reduction in breast cancer! Parsley: 1 cup chopped parsley each day starves ovarian cancer (use it as a garnish on rice, etc.) Limes: squeeze 1/2 cup per day. You can mix with water and make limeade, or, you can even use lime as a salt substitute. Lime seems to stop lung cancer growth in its tracks! Apricots: 7 a day reduces risk of stomach cancer by 47%! 7 sounds like a lot, but get the sun-dried, organic ones. They’re just as good.   Here at instantDane.tv, we’re big fans of the Dr Oz show ~ we think it’s television that makes a positive difference! If you’re a fan, too, we invite you to leave your comments below; let us know your favorite moments from the show!   Monday through Friday: Easy Frozen Dinners Today, Dr Oz had a segment that was so practical, I’m sure it will resonate with people. We all know that modern society often leaves us very little time and energy for meal preparation. Well, Dr Oz suggested a few items to make your life a bit easier: Monday: Kashi Thin Crust Basil Pesto Pizza Tuesday: Seapack Salmon Burger Wednesday: Evol Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Thursday: Organic Bistro Chicken Parmesan Bake Friday: Amy’s Light Sodiu Bean & Rice Burrito These choices are so reasonable in price and calories that it was almost hard to believe. He’s not endorsed by any of these companies, and you can feel free to choose others. However, he has checked these out thoroughly, so make sure to compare ingredients. Two women in his audience were on this particular program for 5 days. One lost two pounds, and the other lost five! Most importantly, neither were left feeling hungry.   What Happened on the Show Today’s show also included 99 items for your shopping list. Not all diet foods are going to help you lose weight. Often times, they’re actually making you fatter. Dr Oz has a list of 99 foods that he believes will help you lose weight. Here are the desserts: Breyer’s Pure Fruit Berry Sweet Bars Back to Nature Cookies Almond Dream Lil’ Dreamers (ice cream sandwiches, believe it or not) Vitalicious Chocolate Vitabrownies He also went over some healthy cooking oils. Olive and Canola were the obvious ones, but he mentioned a few others: Macadamia Nut Oil for baking Toasted Sesame Oil for stir fry Walnut Oil as a butter substitute (do not heat or use for cooking)   Best Lines on Today’s Dr Oz The funniest, or at least most unexpected, line of the episode was: “If it doesn’t taste good, it doesn’t matter that it’s good for ya.” And, perhaps the most surprising: “A lot of young women get half of their calories from salad dressing.”   The Big Takeaway from this Episode of Dr Oz It’s good to sometimes challenge your taste buds. You can give them variety without giving them tons of fat. And, for some people, they can’t lose weight if they can’t have dessert because they won’t stick to the program. If you’re one of those people (like I am!) then it’s important to find a program that won’t leave you hungry and won’t leave you feeling deprived. I really do agree with this (which is why on instantDane.tv, we emphasize good habits and lifestyle changes, as opposed to “diets.”)   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

A quick glance at your fingernails might reveal more about you than you realized, such as how healthy you are currently! by Jim Harris When I was a practicing dentist I was well aware that the state of the oral tissues was a good indicator of my client’s general health. As a naturopath I realize that other physical clues, like the condition of the fingernails or hair, can tell me a lot about an individual’s overall health status. Look at Your Fingernails for Health Clues Have you ever seen fingernails that were splitting, cracking, chipping, peeling or layering? White spots on nails are very common also. Most nutritionists will say white spots can be remedied if a proper amount of zinc is added to the daily diet via supplementation; however, this only works if digestion is optimal for zinc absorption! Sadly, digestion issues are amongst the most common symptoms I see with my clients. Without absorbing ionized zinc into the blood stream the symptom of white spots in the fingernails remains, no matter how much zinc is ingested. You’re Ingesting Nutrients, but Is Your Body Absorbing Them?   The Zinc in Your Body An acid medium in the stomach is required to cleave the zinc from the material that it’s chemically bound to. Zinc comes in many forms; zinc oxide, gluconate, asparate and so on. It doesn’t matter what the form is, if the conditions in the stomach aren’t correct, the zinc will stay bound to the molecule and not be a free ion for active use within the body. This is true for all minerals, not just zinc. Good health for your fingernails also requires other trace minerals, along with amino acids from protein and calcium, all of which need healthy digestion to become bio-available. How Much Vitamin D Are You Getting Each Day? I’ve talked about vitamin D in the past and its role in bone health (and reducing inflammation and pain, as well as the risk of colorectal cancer). Vitamin D plays a similar role for nail health! For most adults, 4000IU is a safe dose. …vitamin D is so crucial to thyroid function that its status has now been elevated by researchers to co-hormone. We now know that the variability of thyroid to work or not work in your body is dependent upon the presence of Vitamin D, making it not just of benefit, but absolutely essential” ~ Richard Shames, MD   Make Friends with Your Thyroid Gland An often-overlooked factor when it comes to nail health is the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland (through the production of hormones) affects our basal metabolic rate. The thyroid’s effect on the rate of protein synthesis affects fingernails. If metabolic rate is slowed down due to an under-active thyroid gland, this is reflected in the nails as the body prioritizes where the protein will go (fingernails would be low on the priority list for overall health and takes a back seat to the heart muscle, as an example). A healthy thyroid gland extrapolates to healthy protein synthesis and potentially healthy hair and fingernails. The take-home message here is, that when the nails lack a healthy appearance, look beyond the nails to find what the underlying cause is! Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.

Carrying excess body fat has become the new norm in our culture, and is now a medical epidemic. Could plant extracts be the answer? There is a denial in our society about body fat. This denial can be traced to a shift in norms. What we, as a society, begin to see as normal, still does not shift the effect on our bodies! In other words, if a person is 15 pounds into the overweight-zone, they may look perfectly acceptable from a cosmetic standpoint. However, overweight is a medical term, not simply a cosmetic one.   there seems to be an amazing solution that is being omitted from the conversation” The fact is that most medical disorders can be traced to surplus body fat. An excess of body fat increases the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Simply put: overweight people do not live as long. The Skinny on Body Fat We accumulate excess body fat for two reasons: fat cells become bloated from excess calories fat cells become dysfunctional, impairing the burning of fatty acids for energy Until recently, we’ve remained unaware of a direct solution for targeting the mechanisms responsible for these for these bloated and dysfunctional fat cells. body fat ~ overweight A recent survey suggests that approximately 30% of overweight Americans believe they are within normal range, and 70% of obese Americans believe they are simply in the overweight range. There are those who believe that the medical community has really dropped the ball on this issue. In fact, some go so far as to claim that doctors who do not take aggressive action to reduce overweight patients’ fat mass are committing malpractice. Telling them to diet and exercise might not cut it — and there could a new solution to aid in weight loss. Anti-Adipocyte Plant Extracts Have Transformative Impact on the Human Body Adipocyte is simply the technical term for fat cells. So, you can surmise the meaning of Anti-Adipocyte! This is potentially exciting stuff — not just for our appearance, but for our health! The Life Extension Foundation reports that, of the more than a thousand plants that scientists evaluated (to see which effectively inhibit fat accumulation and enhance fat-burning) there were two that demonstrated significant biological effects: sphaeranthus indicus flower mangosteen fruit Here is an article from Life Extension that provides all of the nitty gritty details of the study. Suffice it to say, the figures are remarkable! To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!  ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    When picking up our dry cleaning is on equal footing with helping our children with their homework, something is amiss with our priorities.       We all have our priorities, and some things obviously take precedence over others. But in an age of increasing abstraction, we can become so overwhelmed that we lose sight of things. Essentially, we go into information overload-mode and everything is sort of put on a level playing field — filed away under the catch-all category of “tasks.”   Priorities in the Age of Information Overload We are part of a global civilization which is becoming exponentially more complex. The addition of virtual reality into our everyday lives has spread us even thinner. We are acquainted with more people than ever before. We can, and do, have instantaneous communication with people living 12,000 miles away! As civilization increases in complexity, our daily lives — both real and virtual — respond in-kind. There’s a competition for your mind. It sounds like the plot of a science fiction film. In reality, it’s just a fact of capitalism in the digital age. Companies are competing for the psychic space of individuals. And it’s not just corporations competing for your attention; Facebooking, searching, emailing, and texting are inundating us on equally staggering curves. Information is doubling on a curve that would stand your hair on end. The implications down the road are a giant question mark. The rate of information doubling simply renders prediction — an act based on extrapolation of current norms — impossible. Let’s take a gander at some of the numbers: 1 A.D.: From this point forward, the first doubling of all available information did not occur until 1500 A.D. The next doubling occurred around 1750…just 250 years The next doubling occurred around 1900…just 150 years The next doubling was 1950…just 50 years The next doubling was 1960…just 10 years Then 1967…just 7 years Then 1973…just 6 years By 1982, the rate was every 3 years. By 1990, the rate was every 18 months   Today, it would be rather conservative to estimate that we experience more change in a year than was previously experienced in a millenium! Historically, information doubling is the stuff that shifts paradigms (It’s an interesting exercise to look at the above dates and match up the corresponding historical shifts).   The 6 Fundamental Priorities So, what are the implications today? Well, the more overwhelmed a person feels, the more every item holding space in his or her mind tends toward equal importance. Our priorities blur. If picking up your dry cleaning is on the same list as helping your son with a homework problem — and both are conceptualized as nothing more than tasks that need to be checked-off so that you can move on to the next one — something is amiss. As readers of this site know, I am a huge advocate of checklists. There’s nothing like scratching completed tasks off of your list. But not all tasks are created equal.   we need to be cognizant of the three-dimensional nature of our two-dimensional lists.”       Often, we have default systems of prioritization that skew our relational lives. So, as we look at our various task lists, let us remember to periodically step back, step up, and see our lives from a broader perspective. First, evaluate how you allocate your time, on average, each day. Here, there are little, practical things you can do to reduce the noise: turn off the television, say “no” to some invitations, limit your email exposure. Next, and most importantly, see if your priorities are aligned with these 6 fundametal priorities: honoring your physical health so that it can thrive honoring your relationship with your spouse so that it can thrive honoring your relationships with your children so that they can thrive honoring your revenue-producing activities so that your career can thrive honoring the relationship with the givers in your life so that your friendships can thrive honoring your relationship with the planet so that you can leave it better off than you found it   We need to be cognizant of the relational, three-dimensional nature of our two-dimensional lists. Intellectually, we already know that not all tasks are created equal, but sometimes we slip into autopilot and an objective assessment of our lives reflects muddled priorities. There are other priorities in life beyond these six listed above, but start with these six first. They are the fundamentals and to return to them is to refocus on what matters most. We express our spirituality and purpose best in earthly ways.   p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Cheating on your diet without sabotaging your week? Sounds good to me!         How to cheat on your diet to ignite your weightloss? On this television show, Doctor Oz — the talented heart surgeon and talk show personality — has created Fat-urday: the one day each week that you are allowed to cheat and eat the foods you love. Technically, your cheat day can be more than once a week. The rule is that you need to have at least five days between each Fat-urday. And, believe it or not, cheating properly will actually help you lose weight!   there are ways to cheat your diet without cheating yourself.”     Fat-urday is your Cheat Day People who cheat lose more weight, and the reason is two-fold: cheating stimulates the thyroid gland and turns up the metabolism cheating gets rid of the taboo of wanting what you can’t have, thereby curbing cravings   You may be asking yourself, “how does this work?” Well, it’s not a binge day. Here’s the skinny: Choose your Fat-urday Eliminate binge temptations (often associated with location) Create your Fat-urday Schedule (which consists of 3 meals and 2 snacks):       breakfast – Fat-urday breakfast wrap with turkey bacon     snack #1 – Brie or Goat Cheese with crackers (salt craving)     lunch – pizza with whole wheat crust (simple carbs turns on the thyroid)     snack #2 – frozen yogurt with almonds (simple sugars craving)     dinner – steak frites with baked fries (protein)   This is just a simple overview, but this cheat day actually comes in at under 1400 calories. It is a cheat day, so that 1400 leaves you with some wiggle-room to indulge in some other healthy cheats. Here are some healthy alternatives!   ~   If you like potato chips, try Taro Chips   ~   If you like chocolate, try dark chocolate bars with chili peppers (the spice makes it self-limiting, and the capzasin gets your metabolism going)   ~   If you like cookies, try Lucy’s Cookies   ~   If you like ice cream, try green tea ice cream (and get all of the benefits of green tea)   Pick the one that fits your snacking weakness! Dr. Oz suggests freezing a natural whipped topping, like Truwhip, as an ice cream alternative.   Funniest Line from this Episode Dr. Oz referred to the Fat-urday Schedule as “structured hedonism,” which has a nice ring to it.   The Big Takeaway Well, it appears there are ways to cheat your diet and ways to cheat the clock without cheating yourself. Now, that’s what I like to hear.     Here at instantDane.tv, we’re big fans of the Dr Oz show ~ we think it’s television that makes a positive difference! If you’re a fan, too, we invite you to leave your comments below; let us know your favorite moments from the show!     To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    There’s a Valentines Day potluck at Cupid’s house — and you’re invited! But will you show up empty-handed?         Cupid phones you up and invites you to a Valentines Day potluck at his place. You tell him you’re all-set and not interested in a fix up, but he assures you it’s not a matchmaking party — it’s a potluck to celebrate romance! You’re not sure what to bring to a celebration of romance. Dessert, perhaps? But Cupid makes it clear: “I want you to bring the one best quality you have to offer in a romantic relationship.”   Valentines Day: Are You Still Celebrating Romance? It’s the evening of Cupid’s potluck. As you approach the house, you see other guests heading up to the front door. Many of them look interesting and fun, and you get that pre-party ripple of excitement in your stomach.   don’t come to the party empty-handed and expect to have a good time.”       You continue your approach, carrying a large pot containing your best quality. You clench your contribution to the potluck, uncertain what others will bring, and slightly nervous. Your stomach knots-up.   The Relationship Table When you arrive at the door, Cupid greets you warmly and points to a large table at the end of the room. “Welcome! So glad you could make it! Bring your quality in and set it there on the table,” he instructs cheerfully. As you enter, you notice a few of the other guests have arrived empty-handed. Setting your large bowl on the table, you notice an eager expression from those nearby as you prepare to remove the lid. Everyone smiles and makes delighted “Oh!” sounds. You are relieved. You realize your romantic quality is going to be a hit at Cupid’s table. Your stomach unknots, and you are ready to enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled evening!   The Parable of Cupid’s Potluck Valentines Day serves as a gentle reminder that we must periodically tend to the romantic energy system at play within our own lives. Many people focus on what Cupid is going to bring them. This is backwards. After all, it’s his party, and it’s tacky to show up empty-handed — especially when you have so much to offer. Give the guy something to work with, so he can be a good host. In the business world, parties bring what they have to offer “to the table” and a deal is struck. What if romantic relationships worked the same way? What stellar quality could you offer in romance? Perhaps you are: Good at cherishing others’ feelings? Good at helping others to feel seen and heard and tended to? Good at helping others to feel respected? Compassionate? Brilliant? Scintillating? A good provider? A good lover? Whether you are hoping to find new romance, or simply to improve the romantic relationship you already have, the concept of what you bring to the love table will help you to cultivate that properly. Come alone or bring a date — just don’t come to the party empty-handed and expect to have a good time.   What are you bringing to the Relationship Table?   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!  ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

the Longevity Lifestyle will increase your energy                       Be fit after 40! The Longevity Lifestyle Kit provides 5 tools to transform your health. If you’re intrigued by life extension, instantDane.tv is certainly the right place to be. We’ve provided an enormous amount of free content over the years pertaining to the science of living longer, the art of living better, and the longevity lifestyle. introducing The Longevity Lifestyle Kit: Everything You Need to Create a Successful Aging Strategy and Live a Fascinating post-40 Life featuring: The Numinous Journey: How to Age Successfully   ~   eBook 28 Best Friends: A Unique Social Experiment   ~   Companion Guide The Dane Technique: How to Get Seriously Organized using Checklists   ~   Bonus Workbook (premium version) 5 Best Smoothie Recipes: How to Use Your Blender to Become Lean and Energized!   ~   eBooklet Shopping Guide for Smoothie Ingredients  ~   Flowchart the longevity lifestyle kit will help you look better and feel better   What is the Longevity Lifestyle? When you improve your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, it adds more years to your life. And more importantly, it adds more life to your years. The Longevity Lifestyle is a style and system of living that optimizes your thinking, feeling, and habits so that you can live the longest, happiest life possible. Wellness is the Ultimate Wealth Wellness is wealth. When you have optimal wellness, anything is possible — your present, and future, are wide open. Wellness is Wealth Principles of Longevity Lifestyle Your wellness has to take the front seat in your life, because nearly everything else you do depends upon it. The Longevity Lifestyle Kit is something we will be offering for a limited period of time to start you on — or help you refine — your journey to extreme health and increased prosperity; I’m excited (yes, excited!) and honored to be able to provide these pivotal tools to help you begin your journey in the ideal way. Prevention: Why Wait Until there’s a Problem? As we reach our 40s, we begin to notices changes. Sometimes we notice a subtle decline in our physical energy, while other times the drop in energy is not so subtle: fatigue, depression, impaired memory, or loss of libido. Sometimes our physical energy is okay, but our emotional energy is… flat. We just don’t lunge out of bed in the morning with enthusiasm anymore. Our lowered testosterone levels can impair our bodies’ ability to clear excess cholesterol from our blood and increase our vulnerability to serious diseases — and let’s face it: this is not fun to think about. But I’m a big believer in prevention:  why wait until there’s a problem to start working on a solution? Why not get a jump on excellent health?! After all, excellent health is the ultimate potentiality. When you’re healthy, all is excitingly possible! excellent health is the ultimate potentiality. When you’re healthy, all is excitingly possible!” The Mid-life Epiphany There are two life events, in particular, that facilitate this epiphany that health is the foundation upon which everything good in life is built: ~ a friend or loved-one gets a life-challenging illness, such as cancer. When you see someone you care for experience intense illness, it occurs to you with crystal clarity:  if you have excellent health, what else matters? Any problem can be solved, any stale situation can be made fresh. ~ you pass the 45-year mark. A Kit Has Everything You Need to Accomplish SomethingNo matter how busy you are or how much you try not to think about such things, at some point — usually between the ages of 45 and 50, you will feel changes in your body, your stamina, your emotional energy, your libido, your flexibility and strength, and your zest. If you’re under 40, it’s never too early to start building your successful aging strategy. If you’re over 50, it’s never too late. The standard way of operating in the modern world simply does not support successful aging. There are too many synthetics and too much bad food, noise, pollution and stress. The Longevity Lifestyle Kit is designed to help you be the healthiest you can be. It prepares you for successful aging. An Exact Strategy for Aging Successfully The blog format of media, which I love with all my heart, is just one medium amid a plethora. The exact strategy to age successfully can be communicated more comprehensively, through a synergy of various media. That’s what the Longevity Lifestyle Kit is all about: bundling together the various facets and latest research on extreme health in order to bring our site’s users the most handy, concise, organized, easy-to-follow, and unified approach to the Longevity Lifestyle. If you’re interested in learning more about the Longevity Lifestyle Kit, you can visit the Kit page for more details, or, if you’re ready to purchase the Kit, you can click on the button below:    

Two of our modern culture’s most famous and forward-thinking doctors share their latest tips to help you feel better and look better. The founder of modern holistic medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil, visited the set of the Doctor Oz television talk show this week to share his latest secrets for excellent health — easy tips that can help people to feel better… and to look better! The two doctors discussed natural ways to lose body fat and how to make anti-cancer “super meals.” The doctors also revealed simple tips to improve the brain, the heart, the digestive system, immunity, and how to live life in better balance.   Feel Better: 4 Quick Tips to Tune-Up Your Body’s Systems The Brain ~ Huperzine A & Phosphatidyl are compounds that can help improve memory (consult you doctor first — Huperzine A can arguably be classified as a drug as opposed to a supplement). The Heart ~ Red Yeast Rice Extract and Niacin are helpful with cholesterol. Niacin is a smart supplement to start out with (it’s akin to B3, but significantly higher than a vitamin dose). This can be much healthier for the muscles and liver than the pharmaceutical alternatives. Use under your doctor’s direction (not everyone has high cholesterol). Digestion ~ Having great digestion can really help you to feel better. Diet is the best way to get your fiber, but Dr. Weil suggests a whopping 40 grams/day. So you can supplement your high-fiber diet with Psyllium Husk fiber if necessary (mix with plenty of water). Immunity ~ Dr. Weil recommends Vitamin A (mixed carotenoids), Vitamin C (low dosage), Vitamin E, Selenium, and CQ10. Here’s the thing. You shouldn’t have to take a hundred pills a day. Many food-based multivitamins can help you feel better over the longterm as they contain the majority of the nutrients you need — check the ingredients to be sure. Look Better: 2 Easy Ways to Melt the Tension from Your Face If you want to feel better and look better in your day-to-day life, you must keep your stress levels as low as possible (consistent, low-level stress is a true ager to the human body). Conscious Breathing: When You Feel Better, You Look Better Dr. Weil shares a scientifically proven breathing technique. Just remember: 4-7-8. Inhale for a 4 count Hold for a 7 count Exhale for an 8 count Now, repeat the above 4 times in a row. This is to be done 2 times per day.   Change the Lens through which You See the World Dr. Weil reveals the benefits to feeling grateful, and expressing it. Giving one’s attention to the things that help a person to feel grateful — for just one week — has been shown to boost one’s mood for up to 6 months, reports Weil.   Dr Oz: Latest Weightloss Tricks Dr. Oz is pretty much a genius at keeping an eye on the latest grocery store items that can serve as an improvement over typical snacks in the standard American diet. Here, he reveals his latest grocery store finds: Instead of chips, try Annie Chun’s Seaweed Snacks. You could lose 13.5 lbs. in a year just from this one trick, reports Dr. Oz Instead of your regular old beans, try Adzuki Beans Instead of peanut butter, try almond nut butter Instead of fruit juice, try vegetable juice. You could lose 8 lbs. in a year   Feel Better with a Boost! Instead of your morning coffee, try Matcha Tea. It has 10 times the anti-oxidants of green tea (let boiled water cool before adding tea bag for better flavor) Instead of your regular old beans, try Adzuki Beans Instead of your regular soda, add Kola Nut Extract and a healthy sweetener to your Club Soda or Seltzer Water Instead of cookies, try Snaque Also on the show this week, Dr. Weil showed Dr. Oz Lastly how to make his once-per-week anti-cancer super meal, Pasta Puttanesca with tuna — here is the recipe. It looks delicious (though for me, personally, I would have fresh tomatoes instead of canned, and I would have raw zucchini shreds in place of the pasta). The Big Takeaway from this Episode of Dr. Oz you look better when you feel better You don’t have to completely replace all of your old habits. Moderation continues to be an excellent strategy for adopting new changes to your lifestyle and helping those changes become permanent. Instead of making many big changes all at once, try biting off a little change at a time. Be consistent, but be gradual, and that way you will experience a more enjoyable — and lasting — transition into better and healthier living! To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  You might need extra protein in your green smoothies, especially on days you exercise. What is the best protein powder?     What is the best protein powder, and should it be an ingredient in your green smoothies? Unless you’re new to this site, you might already know that I am a big believer in the power of fresh green smoothies to transform your health — making you lean and giving you abundant energy. A green smoothie is a thick, blended drink that has the consistency of a milkshake, but is made from fresh and healthy ingredients, including (and this is key) vegetables. These delicious shakes are not always the color green (though often they are); sometimes they are red or purple (but they always have at least one green ingredient, hence the name). Powders are often not required in green smoothies. Raw seeds and nuts are an effective, rich and tasty way to get high-quality protein into smoothies (for extra high quality, those seeds and nuts can also be sprouted). But some people, particularly athletes, like a bit more protein in their smoothies. You might want some extra protein too, especially on workout days. That’s when quality protein powders can be invaluable to help you recover from a workout, feed your muscles, and improve your results. feed your muscles quality protein after a workout   Best Protein Powder: The Rundown So what is the best protein powder on the market (in this case, by “best” I mean what I personally believe to be the most effective, natural and healthiest — based on the many, many powders that I have tried). I tend to stick with (soy-free) plant protein and whey protein. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites! Here are 5 that I like very much (including their approximate prices according to Amazon): ▸ Nativa’s Hemp Protein – $15 (16 ounce pouch) ▸ Vega (Chai flavor) – $49 (that’s for a huge 34.9 ounce tub) ▸ Lifetime Nutritional Specialties: Life’s Basics Plant Protein Vanilla – $17 (18.6 ounce tub) ▸ Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein – $41 (that’s for an enormous 2.2 pound bag) ▸ Biotics Whey Protein – $30 (16 ounce tub) Weighing-in on Protein Our protein needs depend upon several variables (lifestyle, age, size). Nutritionists generally break down the daily minimum protein in grams via a simple equation: ⊙ weight in pounds times .37 = minimum grams of protein/day ⊙ weight in kilograms times .8 = minimum grams of protein/day   According to the above formula, a person who weighs 150 pounds requires a minimum of 55 grams of protein per day. A 200-pound person would want 74 grams. Active people perhaps need more — athletes especially; how much more is dependent on variables like duration and intensity of workout. Sports and workouts involve taxing muscle beyond what is easily comfortable, and that muscle tissue requires restoration after the exercise session. This is when quality protein is invaluable. Marathon Runners might require 50% more protein than a sedentary person. Body Builders might require 200% more; however, all of this is hotly contested — so many experts with so many differing opinons. Some Nutritionists use total calorie intake to determine the necessary protein intake, but calorie intake does not exist in a vacuum. There may be plenty of reasons we are cutting calories, but that doesn’t always therefore mean that we need to be cutting protein, too. “your body might require extra protein on workout days” Protein Controversy So, what does this all add up to? Well, it depends who you ask. There are those who say that the average American gets enough protein without even thinking about it — even if he or she is an athlete. There are those who say that we tend to treat protein as the main course of our meals, when it should be viewed as more of a side dish. These generalizations make for a coarse filter. calculate the grams based on your weight, adjust for activity level…and voila!” You know what you weigh (hopefully), and you know how active you are (hopefully). We all know that protein is fundamental. We all know that the more active we are, the more our muscle fibers enjoy having access to protein. Perhaps this is easier than we make it out to be. I try not to worry myself with what the average American does. If those who say that the average American gets enough protein unconsciously are right — in an abstract sense — so be it. It may not be that relevant to me as an individual because averages aren’t always great at accounting for unique differences. You can take a sample, run tests, and divide your results by the number of participants — but what you come up with will not perfectly represent a single one of their unique situations. I prefer instead to calculate the grams based on my weight, adjust for activity level…and voila! There’s no reason to ignore your protein intake based on generalizations founded on assumptions (or vice versa). Listen carefully and closely to your own body. Really listen, and it will usually tell you what it needs. Aspartame, a sweetener found in most protein powders, is another subject of great controversy. Apparently, there have been studies linking it to a plethora of health problems. This is a highly debated issue, and I’ll just say that it makes sense to me — under the circumstances — to avoid the protein powders that contain it.   Best Protein Powder: The Bottom Line? Including protein powder in your green smoothie is a matter of preference (and is more of a consideration for athletes who might not get enough from sprouted seeds or nuts). Some form of protein in your green smoothies is definitely a good idea, but whether or not protein powder is an important ingredient should be determined on an individual basis. If you do decide to go with a powder, keep in mind that not all are created equal. Choose wisely! By the way, what I do is mix all five of those powders together in equal parts in a big container — for me, that’s the best protein powder! That’s more work than most people want to do on behalf of protein, but I like to do it that way because it keeps the final product from being too sweet or too bitter, and, it makes it less expensive than just using Vega alone (it’s an upfront investment to purchase all five, but then it lasts a long, long time). Like I said, that’s what I do, but it’s definitely not for everyone. To learn more tricks about superfoods and super nutrition, including green smoothies, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

    Why do most of us make the transition from romance to marriage? The real reasons for this primary relationship may surprise you!       Sustaining our happiness in life — and increasing our happiness over time — hinges on our ability to be extremely honest with ourselves. One area in particular where humans find it difficult to be honest with themselves is: the relationship. Understanding our true relationship motivators is challenging because, though we like to think that we have complete clarity about why-we-want-what-we-want, the fact is our beliefs about romance are an ideology born from of our: biology (especially hormones) childhood experiences family of origin culture current circumstances and — let’s face it — the thousands of hours of television and movies we’ve watched over the years.   This ideology we’ve created in our brains may or may not be compatible with how relationships actually work successfully.   The Romantic Relationship In the beginning of a courtship especially, we desire romance. Ah, romance. Romance has a delicious, hard-to-define quality that goes beyond just “attraction.” There’s a spontaneity there. A mystery that we want to hold as a mystery, without ever solving it. We delight in romance — even crave it — because we have an intrinsic need to have our feelings cherished and our thoughts respected by a person with whom we are sexually bonded. Romance blends passion with friendship. A deep interest in one-another’s thoughts and feelings is what makes it more than merely a sexual adventure. But like all reductive approaches to understanding, what we come to find is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and dissecting these motivations will only take us so far. So fear not: the mystery is still alive!   Why We Turn Romance into Marriage In his book, The Evolution of Desire, David Buss examines research results from a Harvard study involving 10,000 participants. Each was interviewed extensively to determine their true motivations for taking that step from romance to marriage — and their answers were not what one might expect. Where you might assume answers like: “tradition” “it’s what people do” (social convention) “to symbolize our love” “to demonstrate our commitment”… the most common answers were actually far more pragmatic; mostly, people confided that their primary reason for marriage was one of these two: dependable sensuality financial security Sex and money: the two big energy systems on the planet that — though they’re not exactly politically correct topics when speaking of marriage — can be deeply spiritual systems through which we experience and demonstrate our compassion and understanding in earthly ways.   Emergence:   That Certain Something Else in a Relationship Many couples work to take to their relationships to another level — beyond convenience, beyond romance, beyond co-parenting. They want something else. “In love” is often little more than code for romantic chemistry based on biological bonding that is deeply rooted in sex. Likewise, “security” is often code for financial freedom. No, this something else runs even deeper. It’s a sort of spiritual teamwork, but it reaches even deeper than values. Perhaps, ultimately, it’s about being a piece of whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. It could be that a marriage is most spiritual when it leaves the world a better place as a result of its dynamic love. It’s about emergence. What do you believe is the real, primary reason that many humans choose to mate for life? Please comment below.     To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!  ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  The Numinous Journey is an eBook designed to help prepare you to live a fascinating post-40 life! One of the most important items within the new The Longevity Lifestyle Kit is the 139-page eBook that helps people to live smarter, live longer, and live better. The Numinous Journey The Numinous Journey is a 139-page life overview — and its purpose is to prepare. The book reveals methods to cut through the noise of the modern, complex landcape so that we can cultivate awareness about our selves and our lives.   Live Robustly, Live Joyfully, Live Passionately The Numinous Journey is divided into three main sections: ~ The Path ~ The Sensation of Being Fully Alive ~ Uncommon Sense Here’s the deal. We live in an era of technology and information. Anybody can Google anything, anytime. So with all of this information at our fingertips, why aren’t we all olympic-caliber athletes and billionaires who live past age 100? It’s certainly possible to do all of these things. So why don’t we? If we want to find out how to create extreme health and fitness, prosperity, and longevity, all we have to do is search online for these terms, and countless experts and research studies will show us what needs to be done …right? Ah, but the latest information is not all we need. We also need a way of making all of that new information stick. How to Age Successfully ~ healthy living adviceOnce we know what positive changes and improvements we want to make in our lives, we must successfully implement those changes in a permanent way until they become new habits. You see, extensive research has shown us that permanent change occurs in five stages: precontemplation contemplation preparation action and maintenance The Numinous Journey is really designed for Stage 3: PREPARATION. This is the most crucial, and most overlooked stage of permanent change. Age Successfully, Live Successfully The Numinous Journey was purposely crafted to increase awareness and lubricate the creative process so that someone can construct a successful aging strategy unique to their needs and then implement that strategy and make their new habits stick. “The Numinous Journey is a well-written book that thoughtfully merges ideas from psychology, spirituality, and taking care of our physical bodies. This is an incredible resource for anyone over 40 seeking to take control of their life and live with purpose and happiness. If you want to teach an old dog (yourself) new tricks, THIS is the place to start.” ~ Paul Newton, corporate sales account manager, Age 44 The fact is, our current culture does not always support our efforts at good health. So there’s a point where you have to decide to rise above the times in which you live and forge your own self-care path. The Numinous Journey is an eBook that will help you forge that path into a robust, fascinating post-40 life! Other insights contained within The Numinous Journey eBook include: ⊙ Life’s Ultimate Success Secret: metabolizing anxiety ⊙ The Mythic Energy of Your Own Life ⊙ Uber Longevity: how to dramatically enrich your daily quality of life …and many more! Hopefully, you’re intrigued by the idea of enhancing the quality and quantity of your own life! If you’re interested in learning more about the Longevity Lifestyle Kit, you can visit the Kit page for more details, or, if you’re ready to purchase the Kit, you can click on the button below:    

Relationships are the Key to Thriving                     New research indicates that paying close attention to the relationships in your life is a social experiment the reaps big dividends! The ultimate social experiment is to try to examine one’s own relationships with fresh eyes. Paying close attention to the relationships in your life is not an extra curricular activity — it’s the reason for life itself. Relationships are Key to Thriving Longevity science is revealing a significant correlation between: ▸ the quality of the relationships in your life ▸ how long you will live ▸ how healthy and happy your remaining years of life will be …and the above is a masterpiece of understatement! If living a happy and healthy life is important to you, especially as you age, then you must pay attention to the relationships in your life. Designed to help you do exactly that, 28 Best Friends: Your Own Social Experiment! is a practical companion guide to The Numinous Journey eBook and a part of the new Longevity Lifestyle Kit.     A Fun and Fascinating Experiment to Help You Assess the Quality of Your Tribe 28 Best Friends is a companion guide AND workbook, that assists you in focusing on your tribe — the people in your life — and encourages you to reflect objectively on the intricacies and dynamics of those relationships through a handful of practical exercises. Within this companion guide, I really ask you to critically assess your closest relationships. No lobs here. These are the fastball questions. “reciprocal, gratifying relationships are an important part of your successful aging strategy” In case you’re wondering, the number 28 is derived simply from the capacity of the human brain, and is thought to be around the upper limit of close adult friendships that one person can handle effectively. Now, you may wonder why I’m choosing to focus on that upper limit. Well, the reason is simple: deepening relationships can have big dividends   What I’ve learned, first-hand, is that prosperity springs from relationships: “the more people you know and like, the more potential for money to enter your life” In my case, when my relationships improved, my net worth significantly increased. And, more importantly, my physical health improved dramatically! Most important of all, healthy relationships are what provide you with the sensation of being fully alive, of being heard, seen, deeply known, and — dare I say it? — loved. It’s relationships that turn life from black-and-white, into color. Reciprocal, gratifying relationships are an important part of your successful aging strategy. The more healthy, intimate relationships you have, the more vitality you will have in your later years — and, research suggests, the more of those later years you will actually have! Talk about a win-win situation… Learn about other proven methods for enhancing the quality and quantity of your life! If you’re intrigued by the upcoming, new companion guide 28 Best Friends and the Longevity Lifestyle Kit — and want to see it improve your health, vitality, and success, then visit visit the Kit page for more details, or, if you’re ready to purchase the Kit, you can click on the button below:  

  Try the Best Smoothie Recipes. Losing inches from your waist is just a side effect; the real purpose is to become even healthier!   How to Use Your Blender to Become Lean and Energized is a recipe eBooklet with the 5 best smoothie recipes that takes you through beginner and intermediate recipes — with tips on how to create your own advanced recipes whenever you’re ready. This is fantastic stuff. These are special nutrient-dense, delicious recipes. The Best Smoothie Recipes I put a lot of thought into the ingredients and ratios, and created a sequence that intentionally helps you ease from sweeter beginning-level fruit smoothies into intermediate-level, life-changing green smoothies! The effects on your energy level and health can be dramatic when you infuse your daily diet with an abundance of dark-leafy greens and superfoods! Best Smoothie Recipes   Help Heal and Restore Your Body “I lost four inches in my waist without even thinking about it” When I started drinking smoothies, I wasn’t trying to lose belly fat, or any weight at all. I just wanted to be healthier, stronger, and have more energy. I was thinking longterm – to get as many nutrients into my body as I needed to: ▸ feel fantastic ▸ extend my lifespan ▸ prevent illness ▸ age successfully But then, a funny thing started to happen: my waist started to shrink…I lost FOUR INCHES without even thinking about it! Your Blender Can Change Your Life The Blue Beauty is one of the Best Smoothie Recipes Be aware, even though the smoothie ingredients cost a bit upfront, many of them last a long time. Once you get into the swing of making smoothies, even your weekly grocery shopping will become easier. Ultimately, smoothies help me save money because I rarely eat out anymore. Also, now that I have smoothies each day, I spend far less money on nutritional supplements, because I get many of them naturally now, from whole-food sources, within my smoothies. And I rarely have to grab “emergency” food on the go anymore for an unexpected blood sugar drop — because my blood sugar rarely drops suddenly, like it sometimes used to. The recipes in the 5 Best Smoothie Recipes provide me with sustained energy. It takes less time to make a smoothie than it does eggs or oatmeal, especially when you factor in clean-up.   The 5 Best Smoothie Recipes eBooklet is one of the life-enhancing items within the new Longevity Lifestyle Kit. The Kit is designed to help you improve the the quality and quantity of your life! If you’re interested in learning more about the Longevity Lifestyle Kit, you can visit the Kit page for more details, or, if you’re ready to purchase the Kit, you can click on the button below:  

Telemores Are Keys To The Body Time Machine Do you wish you could live an entire lifetime within your physical and mental prime? Researchers now believe they may have discovered the proverbial time machine for the human body! Imagine being 90 years old, but with the organ function and mental faculties of a 20-something. No matter how wide-ranging our opinions might be, nearly everyone can probably find common-ground in the wish to live our lives in our physical and mental prime — and new breakthroughs in longevity science mean that living with high energy and robust good health is increasingly possible, even as we age. Breakthrough in Age Reversal Research Telomeres are small units of DNA at the ends of our chromosomes. They are not unlike the aglets on the ends of our shoelaces, keeping our chromosomes from fraying, and our genes from unravelling. if shortening telomeres cause our cells to age, lengthening them should reverse the age of cells!” Normally, cells divide until they become dysfunctional or die. This is a primary reason that we grow old. What happens is that these telomeres shorten. Now, the hypothesis of the researchers was essentially this: if shortening telomeres cause our cells to age, lengthening them should reverse the age of cells! A Startling Experiment In an experiment, scientists artificially aged mice and, as you might expect, the mice developed degenerative problems (yes, this is the shadow side of modern science; please don’t think I’m just glazing over it; presenting this research accurately means addressing its use of mice). Aglets ~ Time Machine As the mice were knocking on death’s door, researchers re-activated the telomerase enzyme. “What happened?” you ask. Well, the telomeres lengthened! After 30 days, there was a reversal of degeneration in every system. Age-related pathologies reversed, organ damage reversed, neurological damage reversed, fertility was restored, and the mice went on to live normal life spans! See what I mean by “time machine?!” Now, to be fair, mice are not people — and artificially shortened life spans are not necessarily a perfectly accurate representation of naturally shortened life spans. However, if nothing else, this study is surely grounds for further research and should legitimize age reversal studies within the mainstream scientific community. As consciousness about the longevity lifestyle increases, their should be less need for undoing damage because good choices will have acted as preventative measures from the beginning (for more information about this, you can check out the article from Life Extension Magazine, “What Are We Doing to Reverse Your Biological Age?”). Time Machine in a Pill? It should be noted: as telomeres shorten, and cells become dysfunctional, we become afflicted with disease. Telomere-shortening is a normal part of life. However, there is much evidence to support the idea that people who practice healthy lifestyles may slow the shortening rate. There is also evidence that… ▸ fish oil ▸ vitamin D ▸ carnosine ▸ and multi-vitamins …may slow the shortening rate.   So, while there is no “time machine” telomerase pill on the market at the moment, we have other powerful methods at our disposal. And, even if their were a time machine pill on the shelves this very day, it’s important to understand the point of this study. The researchers are trying to find a means to reverse pathologies in people who have made a lifetime’s worth of bad choices. People who follow the standard modern diet would fit in this category. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below:

  Do you eat right and exercise – yet that stubborn belly bulge remains? These supplements could help!   Today on his television talk show, Dr. Oz revealed four supplements for reducing belly bulge. Each supplement, says Dr Oz, addresses belly bulge from a unique angle: ▸ 7-Keto revs up your metabolism ▸ forskolin literally melts your fat cells away ▸ caraway seeds combat bloating ▸ and Relora regulates the stress hormone, Cortisol Oz noted that these four are not meant to be combined to form some sort of super supplement. You should determine the cause that is most likely at the root of your belly bulge, and choose the appropriate remedy. 4 Belly Blasting Supplements: A Closer Look 7-Keto is a natural hormone bi-product which stimulates the thyroid gland and converts fat to muscle. We make less of it starting in our 30s. The great thing about 7-Keto is that it helps us restore a high metabolism, and then freezes it there. 200 mg/day (100 mg am, 100 mg pm) was suggested. Forskolin is found in the root of an herbal plant in the mint family. It acts like a furnace in your cells that literally melts the fat away. 125 mg/day was suggested. what if you could signal the same pleasure sensation – only, without the carbs? Well, that’s exactly what saffron extract does.” Caraway Seeds fight bloating. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and they are a natural digestive aid. Essentially, they inhibit the bad bacteria that converts food into gas. They also relax the intestinal tract. Eating a handful after every other meal was suggested. Relora helps to regulate the stress hormone, Cortisol — the #1 cause of weight gain. Taking 250 mg, 3x/day (i.e. at every meal) was suggested. Now, to be clear, these supplements are not replacements for a healthy lifestyle. They are intended to give you a little extra push, while being used in conjunction with diet (meaning healthy eating habits, of course) and exercise. However, there is a little something else you can add into the mix… Is a Natural Appetite Suppressant Right for You? saffron for reducing belly bulge ~ Dr. Oz The philosophy behind implementing satiereal saffron extract as an appetite suppressant is really quite clever. Dr. Oz explains that emotional eating causes us to crave carbs. The carbs stimulate a pleasure sensation that provides us with some emotional relief. The problem here is that the carbs also pack on the pounds. So, what if you could signal the same pleasure sensation — only, without the carbs? Well, that’s exactly what saffron extract does. Dr. Oz decided to test the research first hand. He had two women take the extract for 3 days. At the end of the 3 days, one woman lost 3 pounds and the other lost 5. Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

Doctors have been concerned about the negative impact of stress; inspired by the calming effect of breast milk on babies, they have isolated a peptide that can help adults feel calmer too. by Jim Harris It is hard to believe that 80% of doctor visits are for symptoms that — in one way or another — are related to stress. It’s no wonder that stress has become such an issue, as we are exposed to so much, so fast in our everyday modern life: decisions, data, developments, differences, deadlines and delays. Oh, that traffic jam! We tend to hover in and out of warp speed in our regular day’s activities. Add to this all the stressors mentioned above and you have a recipe for an overload disaster. Health Consultants Have New Solutions for Reducing the Negative Impact of Stress natural and effective methods for reducing stress Of course, we need to eat right and take the appropriate general nutritional supplements, and as important is looking at how we can alter our lifestyle to naturally reduce stress. We need to take a few moments each day to breathe and to look around with nothing on our minds. Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever along with yoga, meditation, Pilates and more. However, at times deep breathing and exercise may either not be enough or we are so overwhelmed we can’t or simply won’t take the time to look after ourselves. There are natural herbs and supplements that can help us deal with stress: sometimes we need something to just get us over the hump other times we literally need to replace reserves of nutrients that have been used up by the stressful situation For my clients suffering from stress in their lives, I use a combination of herbs and whole food supplements along with discussions on lifestyle management. it’s important to choose a lifestyle stress management technique that can comfortably fit into your life without adding to the stress load” I think you might find the following of interest as a quick and natural method for dealing with stress on a short term basis. A research team noted the calming effects of breast milk on nursing babies. They theorized there was a type of natural anti-anxiety factor in breast milk. The research team was able to isolate a particular peptide from the large milk protein molecule. This research team developed a 15-day research trial on the effects of this isolated milk protein peptide on stress. For the trial a number of objective physical parameters were measured both pre and post stress. During the trial, all of these measurable stress indicator parameters improved in the group taking the milk protein peptide! The study also measured subjective or perceived stress of the test subjects. After the 15 days of testing, the people taking the milk protein peptide reported better sleep and a perceived improved quality of life. Therefore, both the measurable objective parameters and the subjective results of the test were positive for the effects of this milk protein peptide. If you are stressed, I’m not suggesting you go out and start to drink a lot of milk as this won’t work as you will not get enough of the specific milk protein peptide. Always remember it is important to address the underlying cause of symptoms, but sometimes we just need to break the cycle or add missing nutrients. This is when a naturopath or nutritionist can help direct you to the correct herbs and/or supplements for your particular situation. Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Part of living your life to the fullest is healthy living. After all, if we have our health all other things are possible. Here is a quick guide containing some of the most often asked questions about living a super long, super healthy life. 6 Frequently Asked Questions about Healthy Living On instantDane.tv, we approach successful living holistically and explore longevity strategies along the full circle of wellness. It’s a lot of exciting information, but even still, there are certain key questions that seem to keep coming up. Here are six of them. 1) How can I live life to the fullest? Most questions worth asking don’t have simple answers, and this is one of them. Living life to the fullest means figuring out what fulfills you, creating a plan that is unique to your goals and desires, then putting that plan into action. Above all, it means making your physical health your top priority. When you have your physical health, you have a foundation upon which you can live a passionate, joyful life. All things are possible when you are healthy. I think there are some universal guidelines for living life to its fullest. The challenge is that, in our current culture, many of them are easier said than done. Among them: ▸ have your passion and your means of making a living be one and the same, or, have a hobby that you absolutely love.   ▸ releasing the past. Not ruminating on old mistakes and hurts but, instead, learning from it and moving on.   ▸ engaging the Law Of Action. Not justifying an unfulfilling present with false hopes about the future. Hope can be disempowering, and can keep us stuck in unbearable situations. One cannot rely only on hopes of better times. Instead, put yourself in the driver’s seat and make it happen.   ▸ anything that minimizes stress, and offers some peace-of-mind, is priceless. Efficiency systems, regular exercise, and nutrient-rich diets can make a huge difference. I’m not advocating self-medicating on pharmaceuticals, alcohol, sugar, et al. I’m in favor of getting to the roots of the stress, and following the necessary steps to create permanent change. We may or may not even know what we really want. If we know, we may not know how to make it happen. We are all on a journey, and there are methods to course-correct on that journey — turning disempowering hopes into empowering realities. Relaxation - Frequently Asked Questions 2) How do I make a green smoothie?   ▸ start out by picking up your dark, leafy greens: spinach, kale, arugula, swiss chard, etc.   ▸ wash the greens and put them in a salad spinner   ▸ let them dry and put them in separate bags   ▸ pour one bag of your leafy greens into a blender with a very powerful motor   ▸ add your extra ingredients, such as fruit, seeds or nuts, plant protein powder, spices, coconut, rice or hemp milk (optional), and ice Green Smoothies - Frequently Asked Questions Ratios will change as your palate evolves. At first, you might want less dark leafy greens and more sweet fruits. Over time, the reverse is likely to be true. This is not a diet. Don’t force the changes, let your cravings dictate the ingredients. It’s good to mix up your recipes and experiment. This way, it doesn’t get stale. Plus, you’ll cover more of the nutrient-spectrum. 3) How can I live forever? Well, talk about a strange question! With 7 billion of us (on an exponential curve that would stand your hair on end), I don’t think the end goal is for each of us to become The Highlander. However, if you’re a spiritual person, then you probably already believe (as I do) that our souls do live forever, and therefore, we’re really talking about how to make our bodies last longer and to be as active and energized as we can while we’re here in this earthly lifetime. Living Forever, Literally “Forever” can be literal or figurative. In a literal sense, short of going into outer space, uploading your brain to a computer (or some comparable transhumanist means), or cryogenically freezing yourself in hopes of some future miracle immortality mechanism, one answer might lie in telomeres. If our strands of DNA can self-repair perfectly each time, we will have mastered one of the key components of aging — and we’re closer to achieving this than you might think. Living Forever, Figuratively In a figurative sense, there are a couple of ways to think about this. Living forever can simply mean leaving a legacy. There is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Ernest Becker, called The Denial of Death, wherein he primarily expounds upon the works of Otto Rank (a brilliant contemporary of Freud). It’s a good read that explores this idea in great depth. But remember, even legacies are not eternal. Sure, Cleopatra is a name we all know, but nothing lasts forever and, in the full perspective of human history, Cleopatra did not live all that long ago. More cultures and religions have been lost than we will ever know. It’s all a matter of time. Try naming just one pre-Mesopotamian historical figure. “When you improve your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, you are setting the stage to add more years to your life – and more life to your years.” The point here is that maybe what’s most important to come to terms with is that we are not meant to live forever — literally or figuratively. But we can have the longest, healthiest life possible — with as much joy, love, and meaning as we can fit into one long life! Another figurative interpretation would simply be using “forever” loosely. In the Longevity Lifestyle Kit, we explore ways to add years, and even decades to your life. So, if we use “live forever” as an exaggerated superlative meaning “live much, much longer,” then we’re back in the realm of reality (and healthy thinking). A Life Beautifully Lived: an Integrated Perspective We need to look at the bigger picture here. I’m reminded of a particular Theoretical Physicist who, though not the first to propose the idea, has been very vocal in recent years about the “stages of civilization.” He proposes that the next step for us is a fully-paved “city planet,” much like Coruscant in Star Wars: Episode I. What a proponent of such a civilization demonstrates is that just because one is a brilliant theoretical physicist, does not mean he or she is not in dire need of an Ecology 101 course. The same is true here. A planet where no one dies, ever, is only appealing in a vacuum. In reality, it’s probably an overpopulation nightmare. But, living the longest, best life possible is a different story. 4) What is the longevity lifestyle? Again, if we’re looking at the “how can I live forever” question as an exaggerated term for living much, much longer — and much much better — then the answer is multifaceted. In a nutshell, it comes down to creating new habits in various aspects of your life (not just the obvious ones), and making them stick. When you improve your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, you are setting the stage to add more years to your life — and more life to your years. The longevity lifestyle is about living the longest, happiest life possible by optimizing your thinking, feeling, and habits. 5) What constitutes a healthy relationship and how do I cultivate one? A healthy relationship relies, perhaps above all else, on reciprocity and healthy communication. Another key aspect is understanding romantic energy. There is a polarity that acts as a magic key, unlocking the power of romantic energy. Opposite energies attract. There are several basic relational styles: ▸ The Drama Triangle ~ One partner takes on the role of “persecutor” and the other takes on the role of “victim.” The “persecutor” treats the “victim” however he/she chooses, and then the “victim” plays “martyr.” It’s a codependent game, and sometimes roles even switch. The triangle is ultimately made-up of persecutor, rescuer, and victim. The persecutor intimidates. The rescuer seduces with guilt. The victim, believe it or not, is most powerful in the role of doormat.   ▸ The Less-Risk ~ Anything but codependent, these two people come together as autonomous, self-sufficient individuals. The style is less risk, because it’s sort of playing house — roommates who have sex, but are free (if a better offer comes along). There is nothing wrong with a convenient, Less Risk relationship. It’s probably healthier than The Drama Triangle. But some people seek more intimacy.   ▸ The Union of Souls ~ Only the bravest attain the Union of Souls because it means facing fears, changing some habits, and compromising. But the payoff is huge. In the Union of Souls the potential exists to be deeply understood by your partner. 6) Is it too late to get back into shape after age 40?   Active Living - Frequently Asked Questions The answer, of course, is a resounding no. Is it more difficult to get back in shape post-40? Often times, yes. But I’d argue that it’s actually a more important phase of your life to be fit. We can get away with a lot more in our teens and twenties. Getting back in shape doesn’t have to be a chore. Mix up your workouts, just like you’d mix up your smoothie recipes. Keep yourself from plateauing — and from getting bored! You know, I lost 4 inches from my waste in no time when I started drinking green smoothies. I wasn’t trying to lose weight at all. I was just trying to get all of my nutrients. The weight loss was a happy side effect. Astounding as it is, the risk of dying increases by about 25% for every additional 4 inches around your waist. So, you could say that I increased my chances of living by 25% when I made the switch to green smoothies. In terms of physical workouts, you have a lot of choices. Depending on your age and physical condition, you may want to focus on lower impact workouts. Pilates is one fantastic and fun option! “No one, and I mean no one, knows your body better than you do.” When we are younger, weightlifting is actually more beneficial to our respective metabolisms than cardio. As we age, the reverse is true. Nevertheless, some kind of strength training is important. As andropause sets in, and testosterone levels drop, we lose significant strength and muscle mass. A protein-rich diet, coupled with strength training, is an excellent way to get fit and stay fit (and of course, you can consult your physician about other methods of increasing testosterone and/or generally combating andropause). Keeping yourself active is a very important part of reducing the symptoms of certain types of arthritis, as well as prevention for back problems, etc. You don’t have to do P90X, just go at your own rate and know your limitations. No one, and I mean no one, knows your body better than you do. Getting back in shape through healthy diet and exercise will relieve stress and optimize bodily functions. It’s yet another important means of combating degeneration. In fact, all of the supplements and other fancy stuff one can implement as means of healthy living are secondary to a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction (all of which are intimately wed). Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

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                          Hi, I’m Dane, founder and curator of instantDane.tv, a site that reveals secrets about how to enjoy your journey into a robust post-40 life!   Who is Dane?   One Man’s Journey into a Robust Post-40 Life Here are 5 random things to know about me: my two favorite kitchen tools are my blender and my food processor my favorite productivity tool is still the old-fashioned clipboard I’ve had the same pair of sunglasses for over 6 years my masters thesis was “Cultivating Intimacy in the Age of Narcissism” I enjoy sharing ideas and solutions to help you live longer and get the most health and adventure from your own life journey after 40!     Your Own Post-40 Journey What is your strategy for having super high energy for the rest of your life? My passion in life is providing you with shortcuts to extreme health — including the latest in evidenced-based research on healthy living, as well as helpful tips on fitness, nutrition, social connecting, and improving personal productivity. I choose to see life after age 40 as the start of a new journey — a journey best traveled with robust health, high energy, and a fit body. Life after 40 is not a journey for the weak and absent-minded. It’s a hero’s journey, and requires a zest for adventure, a sharp mind and a fit body.   Passions: Strength for the Journey After age 40, it’s important to rediscover and reconnect with what you feel most passionately about. Passions are what turn life from black-and-white into color. In order to be strong and live boldly, you need to figure out what you most enjoy. For me, I spend much of my time lately in Palm Springs, California — I even enjoy the hot summers! Other passions include: extreme nutrition: living raw foods, green smoothies, and superfoods estates, lifestyle properties, and high-concept houses improving personal productivity CrossFit lgbt equality the country of Uruguay the art of reciprocity the science of life extension quality of life and voluntary simplicity Pilates all kinds of yoga, from Restorative to Bikram black-and-white movies from the 1940s building valuable communities around original content on the web outdoor runs state-of-the-art homekeeping and home organization and — even though I was born-and-raised in California — I am peculiarly obsessed with all things British!   Let’s connect! I invite you to connect with me on my social channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and you can add me to your Google+ circles!   Meanwhile, to find out the 12 Easiest Ways to Add More Than 12 Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

Yay! WooHOO! This is the free goodies page at instantDane.tv! This is where we give away all kinds of valuable, entertaining information to help you have more energy, joy, and live the longest life possible! Exclusively for subscribers of our free e-newsletter, this 1-minute video explains:   Live Smarter. Live Better. Live Longer. As a subscriber to our Longevity e-newsletter, you get access to exclusive content on living a more meaningful life! ▸ The Dane Technique: A checklist system for outrageous organization presented as a series of very short videos   ▸ Smoothie Guide: A video series that takes you through the smoothie making basics   ▸ 12 Easy Ways To Add 12 (or more!) High-Energy Years To Your Life: Useful longevity tips sent straight to your inbox in our twice-a-month newsletter   The Dane Technique: Get Outrageously Organized! For my first free goodie, I am sharing with you some of the secrets of The Dane Technique, my checklist system for helping you to get more done, faster — thereby creating more free time so you can pursue your passions and spend more quality moments with your loved-ones! It’s really easy — to get started, all you have to do is follow the tutorial, my 11 (one-minute-each) videos below. Hope you enjoy!     Get Leaner, Stronger and More Energized! An Introduction to Making Great Green Smoothies With the right ingredients, drinking daily smoothies can a life-changing experience. This FREE video series will show you the basics of smoothie-making in 8 one-minute installments.     Hopefully, after seeing the videos, you’re feeling inspired to try experimenting with better organizing your life so that you can free up more time to further pursue health and happiness. And, hopefully, you’re feeling intrigued by life-giving green smoothies and willing to experiment with how they might help you look better and feel better! We encourage you to spread the love! Share this resource through Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and receive all that good karma that comes from telling others about positive, life-affirming information! Recommend to your friends that they subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter where we share the greatest hits from instantDane.tv and the latest research on extreme health. add Dane to your Google+ circles!  

      This blog is a collaborative blog written by a group of individuals. For questions about this blog, please contact: dane{at}instantDane.tv This blog is open to forming strategic partnerships with like-minded individuals, organizations, or companies who believe — as we do — in providing value. We are willing to accept forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog are willing to be compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.         The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers’ own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. The owner(s) of this blog would like to disclose the following existing relationships. These are companies, organizations or individuals that may have a significant impact on the content of this blog. We have a financial interest in the following that are relevant to our blogging: EstateHomesLA.com EstateHomesPalmSprings.com ThinkOfMeMedia.com    

  InstantDane.tv is a digital magazine inspired by an intention. That intention is: to help you live longer. To express this intention clearly, I’ve created an easy-to-understand, 3-point manifesto:     The Live-Longer Manifesto   #1   create happy balance with simplicity Simplicity does not mean you have to sleep on a straw mat in a bare room; it does mean that you’ll be most content when you live the simplest version of the particular life you were meant to live. So whether you’re retired and living in a studio apartment, or running a business empire from a 12-story headquarters, the joy and meaning of your modern life will deepen when you can simplify your daily routine and your surroundings.     #2   rise above the times in which you live Contemporary life has many advantages for which you can feel grateful, but be discerning. You live in a cacophony of consumer culture that has mass-developed destructive daily habits, many of which you have absorbed into your own routine without realizing it. Your soul is thirsty and that salty punch that’s coming down the corporate conveyor belt — you don’t have to drink it. It will only make you thirstier.   #3   give yourself more time           to make a positive difference The advantage to living the longest life possible is that it gives you more time to do things that will benefit or advance the human race. When you improve your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, it adds more years to your life, yes, but more importantly, it adds more life to your years. This can give you the additional time and energy to: demonstrate kindness embody compassion share love deepen your relationships help make a positive difference in the world   It appears that one day, you will have a life-review. But even if you don’t believe this, imagine that it is true. During this review, you will be your own jury and bear authentic witness to your Self — and you will finally, viscerally, know how others secretly experienced you and felt around you. Your personality and press-releases will evaporate and what will be left is the entire truth of who you were in this life. Even if there has been selfishness up to now, by living longer you will have the chance to increase the genuine goodness in your own life-review. Give yourself that opportunity!   ~ by Dane Findley   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter in the right sidebar. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!                   ➚   Pin It (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); https://twitter.com/#!/TanazAkhlaghi/statuses/134473676258160640 new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      PUT TEASER HERE         {opening paragraphs}   Could {keyword} Extend Your Life Expectancy?   Here at instantDane.tv, we’re big fans of the Dr Oz show ~ we think it’s television that makes a positive difference! If you’re a fan, too, we invite you to leave your comments below; let us know your favorite moments from the show!     {keyword}: What Happened on Dr Oz Show   Funniest Line or Best Moment on Dr Oz   {keyword}: Big Takeaway from this Episode of Dr Oz   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

1) Attention/Scarcity 2) Pain Points 3) Problem to Solution 4) Features/Benefits – Chiseled! is a lean and fit post 40 workout in 3 levels. It’s important we understand that one small injury from not warming-up properly can set you back a month or longer! This workout is designed for people over 40 – it raises body temperature gradually, circulating warm blood and oxygen into the muscles to increase flexibility and mobility — so that you can have the best, most thorough workout. The workout develops balance and agility, so that you look fit and youthful not only when you stand still, but when you walk and move. There is an emphasis on cultivating better alignment so that the spine remains long and supple and the back and neck stay healthy. Particular attention is made to the core and waistline of the body, an area of increased concern for over-40s. The workout utilizes a light-bar and foam roller. 5) Call to Action #1 6) Social Proof 7) Risk Reversal Call to Action #2 9) Sense of Urgency 10) Call to Action #3

      Social networking online is a significant trend in our culture, but how do we integrate it into our lives in a positive way?       The biggest problem with social media used to be that it was so sedentary! But now you can do social media in more places than just at your desk or couch. You can do it while you wait for the subway or while you wait in the check-out line or

The best gadgets help you to improve your personal productivity. Which gadget is best for you?   Did you see George Clooney in the film Up In The Air? In the movie, George Clooney portrays a character who is professionally a great success. It comes as no surprise that he’s uber-organized. He has his workflow down to an exact science, and he knows a good gadget when he sees one!   Can Choosing the Right Gadget Help You to Get More Done?   Well, I’m not as organized as the Bingham character in Clooney’s movie, but I did find the film inspiring. Like Bingham, I’ve learned that particular tools and gadgets can help you to create better and faster workflow. Hey, everyone needs a little help every now and then, to find solutions for getting more done during a busy day, and these are gadgets that I have found helpful for getting organized! Here are 3 tools — with photos — to help you perform optimally throughout the day!   Gadget #1:  Smartphone Stand   This little tip is the most affordable of the three, coming in at under five dollars!  Stop fumbling for your smartphone — it’s so unnecessary!  Just prop the little guy upright next to your workstation so that you can always see it at-a-glance. This little trick alone, will save you oodles of time and angst!   Gadget #2: The Portable Mini-Office   Next, I have found it helpful to have something like a “portable office” that I can roll with me from home, to work, to the cafe, to the airport, to… wherever. I use a stackable system from Tumi.  The top half is a smaller day pack that slides right up and off, so that I can grab my wallet, sunglasses, keys, smartphone, etc. The bottom half is for my papers, clipboards, and laptop.   Gadget #3: The Standing Desk   This is a pretty large gadget, and not exactly portable — but, oh, the wonders it will work in your life! If you work on your computer all day like I do, it’s helpful to have an adjustable desk, so that you can periodically stand, and sit, throughout the day while you work. Mine happens to be robotic (I know, I work at a pretty hip company), but you don’t need fancy or expensive equipment, just have more than one place to work during your day. Important: if you decide to recline with a laptop, use one of those laptop desks they sell at office supply stores. Don’t just set the laptop directly on your lap where your vital organs can get zapped with EMFs! Maybe it’s not harmful, but the thought of it I find irksome. Don’t use a pillow, either, because it will cover the vents your laptop uses to breathe and it will then overheat. Here’s a photo of my desk and, when possible, the way I like my desk to look when I arrive on Monday morning!  Notice the Rain stand for my laptop, and the cordless keyboard and mouse — it’s all ergonomic. Update!   Instead of a separate iPhone stand, I obtained a new cover that also has its own pop-out stand. That’s right, the stand is built right into the cover! How cool is that!? Check out the 10-second video:     What tricks for improving workflow have you found that help you get stuff done better, faster, and more enjoyably?   Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-Newsletter below                     ↘

    What are the factors that determine longevity? What if we had an 8-decade study from which to draw conclusions?       All the way back in 1921, Stanford Professor Dr. Lewis Terman launched a study intended to look at intellectual leadership. His primary interest was: high potential. Dr. Terman studied 1,500 hand-picked boys and girls (all born around 1910). The thing is, his interviews were so detailed that his study later became useful in another arena — longevity.   Seizing an Opportunity Dr. Terman began his study by collecting a variety of information, such as: how many books were in the childrens’ homes how active they were at playtime how happy were their parents’ marriages He measured their personalities, dispositions, and habits — and he followed them as they chose their careers and had their own families. His comprehensive work made it possible for researchers/authors Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin to perform an 80 year study, though neither of them have even been alive 80 years. Their primary interest was: factors that affect longevity.   The Sample Sure, 1,500 people is a relatively tiny sample size. One can also question the diversity of the sample, which appears to have been mostly white and middle class. Although, uniformity of sample makes sense in this case. The more controlled variables, the more accurate the study. The real problem with the lack of diversity is how well the findings can be extrapolated and applied to humanity as a whole. Either way, the sheer duration of the study should most certainly count for something.   Approach Unless two people started out exactly identical at birth, and one ate only broccoli while the other ate only fried stake, an accurate comparison is truly impossible (even then, they’d have to be locked in a room and provided with identical stimuli). The study of human health is exceedingly complex because we do not live in a vacuum. The factors that affect our overall health are too numerous to count — and it’s safe to say that many of these factors remain unknown. This is one of the great advantages of a study that spans a lifetime. With a life-long approach, researchers are able to determine which characteristics influence qualities, behaviors, and outcomes.   8 decades of study allowed researches to get a pretty clear picture of participants’ habits and personalities”       What causes the well-being of people with similar backgrounds to diverge? Well, this type of study is arguably the best way to investigate such phenomena — short of a sample of millions of clones.   Longevity Study Many studies are flawed because they rely too heavily on participants’ self-reports. This study does rely on quizzes to assess sociability, neuroticism, and the tendency to catastophrize. Of course, the one place where no self-report was necessary was life span itself. By obtaining the participants’ death certificates, researchers could be quite certain how long they lived. They used statistical models, as well as examinations of personalities, social relations, and behaviors — matching them against life span and ultimate cause of death. No study is without flaw. This one had its share of moving pieces but, again, 8 decades of study allowed researches to get a pretty clear picture of participants’ habits and personalities — and when compared with life span — notable trends emerged. The Longevity Project (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();   Findings According to this study, those who lived the longest: were philanthropic were active had thriving careers had good family lives were resilient to roadblocks and traumatic events However, generally, they were also not the happiest of children. The study suggests that the most carefree, happy-go-lucky children had a tendency to grow up and throw caution to the wind — often taking up unhealthy and/or careless habits that ultimately shortened their life spans. Conversely, the worriers grew up to develop more cautious, conscientious habits that ultimately lead to greater longevity.   The Counterintuitive One thing about this study is that the researchers started by erasing any preconceptions. They were looking for the truth, even if that meant disavowing some of our most commonly held beliefs about health. Here are just a few alleged “myths” that they believe their findings thoroughly dispel: If your child is very serious, encourage him or her to be more spontaneous and have more fun Worrying is very bad for your health Give your children a big head start in school and they will thrive for life Thinking happy thoughts reduces stress and leads to long life If you believe that you are loved and cared for, then you are on the road to good health Retire as soon as you can and play more golf to stay healthy and live longer Get married and you will live longer You can live to be a hundred if only if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred   If you have a chance to take a look at the study, I would love to hear your thoughts!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    What if your thoughts and beliefs determine what the world presents to you?       Often times, we feel that we’re being sabotaged at every turn. The roadblocks to our successes seem to spontaneously emerge from the pavement of the otherwise open highway we perceive ahead. We wait, tapping our fingers and muttering under our breath about the road crew or the city or whomever else may have caused yet another gridlock situation. This situation is pervasive. So how do we change it?   rearranging bricks on a fundamentally shaky foundation will never make for a lasting house.”       We don’t want to see the truth of it. Last night, we were out sleepwalking — and we placed those blocks on the road. We know things have to change if we’re to ever get where we’re going. The constant road closures and single-lane, jammed highways cannot continue. But, as long as we blame the road crew, or the city — and repress memories of the previous night’s sleepwalking misadventure — the self-sabotage will continue; the change we seek will not present itself.   External vs. Internal Taking personal responsibility is not necessarily synonymous with self-awareness. On the occasion one does take personal responsibility, with hopes of affecting change, they generally address the external. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for change of habits. Eating better and exercising more are an enormous part of what instantDane.tv is all about. However, rearranging bricks on a fundamentally shaky foundation will never make for a lasting house. If we don’t look at the core — the internal — the external shifts will likely be fleeting. This is the reason diets don’t work; this is the reason I advocate lifestyle change. But the external is symptomatic of the internal. Changing a physical habit without changing the sponsoring thought-process is like painting brown leaves green. The tree might look better for a while, but the root disease still exists.   Change the Foundation Ultimately, one must figure out what he or she genuinely believes and recognize the connection between those beliefs and what the world is presenting. Carl Jung called this process individuation. Abraham Maslow called it self-actualization. The idea is not just to notice that you’re sleepwalking to the highway ahead of time and erecting roadblocks. Rather, the idea is to find out why you’re doing it.     p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  You can be better organized! The Dane Technique will help you create more free time for self-care and joy!   One of the most important aspects to living longer, and better, is living smarter. The Dane Technique: how to get seriously organized using checklists! is the new premium-version, 30-page workbook — included within The Longevity Lifestyle Kit — specifically designed to help you live smarter so that you can direct more time and energy to what-matters-most in your life! You can be even better organized than you are right now! The Essential Connection between Longevity and Being Organized In today’s modern world, most of us feel drained — like we’re being pulled from all sides. This is the ultimate energy-zapper, and it leaves us overwhelmed, blurring our priorities, and making us resistant to change …even when that change could be greatly beneficial. I feel passionately about helping others to understand, that in order to live longer and more joyfully, it helps to be organized. “longevity requires self care; and self care requires time and energy” After the age of 40, we want to thrive: we want to be energetic, vigorous, healthy and passionate. Before 40, you don’t have to think about it much. After 40, however, you must have a conscious strategy if you’re going to thrive and be fit! Look, the bottom line is this: longevity requires self care. And self care requires time and energy. Efficiency systems and productivity tools are keys to freeing up the time and energy necessary for improved self-care. Efficiency can also be integrated into the self-care protocols themselves, freeing up even more time to spend with your friends and loved ones and doing those activities you feel passionately about. The Dane Technique is a deluxe 30-page workbook that will give you all of the secrets eluded to in so many of my organization blog posts, but never fully elaborated upon, for the simple reason that I can’t possibly fit 30 pages of info and exercises into one-minute blog posts. These secrets are sequenced in a specific way so that they will be easy for you to implement. In-depth sections which include: ⊙ Energy Tips: How to Energize Your Routine and Create Your Ideal Day ⊙ How to Rid Anxiety Using Productivity ⊙ Quotidian Lists: How Modifying Your Everday Rituals Can Lead to Greater Success …and many more!   Now, don’t get overwhelmed. “Workbook” does not mean “homework.” When something is sufficiently fulfilling, there’s no need to conceive of it as something that will be judged or graded. You weren’t graded on your first kiss – that wasn’t the motivation! The same holds true for The Dane Technique. I’m not promising you the magic of a first kiss; but I am promising you something that is sufficiently rewarding unto itself — and shouldn’t feel like work! The Longevity Lifestyle Kit includes The Dane Technique: how to get seriously organized using checklists! and 4 other life-enhancing products. If you’re interested in learning more about the Longevity Lifestyle Kit, you can visit the Kit page for more details, or, if you’re ready to purchase the Kit, you can click on the button below:  

Dane here, Just letting everybody know that I’m throwing in an extra special bonus to compliment The Age Successfully Kit! An Essential Smoothie Ingredients refrigerator list!. This will be your handy guide to make sure you keep the right ingredients in your home, and to serve as your simplest tool for reference at a quick glance!   Click below to check out the rest of The Age Successfully Kit and learn about other proven methods for enhancing the quality and quantity of your life!    

      Conflict resolution skills are what make or break a couple!         Apology dynamics can be confusing. Underuse and overuse of apologies can both have negative consequences. There’s a reason they say “life is not a fairly tale.” Star-crossed lovers are those whose relationship is thwarted by outside forces. In fairy tales and fantasy films, the majority of lovers are star-crossed lovers — and it is some nefarious antagonist who keeps them apart.   ‘I’m sorry’ should be the card up your sleeve, not the deck spread face-up across your coffee table.”         In real life, the opposite is usually true. Generally speaking, the only thing interfering with the prince’s attainment of love is himself. And the only thing interfering with the princess’s attainment of love is herself. Fairy tales and fantasy films do not portray lovers negotiating over who’s going to take out the trash or drive the kids to practice. Quite simply, most of these stories are the lead-up that finally culminates as the couple shares their first kiss. But what does their situation look like two years hence, or twenty? These stories romanticize life and remove the mundane tasks we must grapple with on a daily basis. The real artistry comes into play when attempting to resolve everyday problems. Conflict resolution skills are what make or break a couple.   The Word Many Men are Allergic To It’s a mystery why men have such a difficult time saying “I’m sorry.” Perhaps they’re afraid of losing credibility? Perhaps they’re afraid that it’s a slippery slope? We could make conjectures all day long. Whatever the reason, men who have trouble doling out a necessary apology, generally have trouble in romance. Of course, the opposite is also true. Nobody wants to be apologized to fifteen times a day. Not only is it annoying but, much like the boy who cried “wolf,” it loses all meaning and begins to feel disingenuous. Like everything else, balance is key. I don’t advocate saying “I’m sorry” for every little infraction, because the word loses its punch. There are other ways to acknowledge mistakes.   The Two Models of Apology The Simple Model apology is for small infractions — the little blunders of everyday life. Regret is expressed, but the weightier words such as “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” are saved. The Full Scale Model apology is for when you’ve said of done something deliberately hurtful. This is when you pull out the big guns. If you say “I’m sorry” here, but you’ve already used it fifteen times times a day for small blunders, it will be rendered meaningless. “I’m sorry” should be the card up your sleeve, not the deck spread face-up across your coffee table. If you haven’t squandered it on the small infractions, it will retain its power for when you really need it. So, to summarize, the Simple apology is for those instances when you’ve inadvertently hurt your partner’s feelings. The Full Scale apology is for those instances when you really knew better. Now, you may think that I’m giving too much credence to these words. Well, maybe, but as I see it language is paramount. Body language can be difficult to read, and varies from person to person. Used correctly, words carry weight and can help us avoid the more probable misinterpretations of body language. Let me put this in context for you: Simple apology ~ express regret, explain your actions (without excuses or cop-outs), cherish/respect your partner Full Scale apology ~ own up to your behavior, make amends (“I’m sorry”), make it up to your partner       Now, understand, I’m not trying to give you a “get out of jail free card” here. This is not an invitation to misbehave or take your partner for granted. Ideally, one doesn’t have to resort to the Full Scale apology very often.     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    The result of our frantic busyness is often unrealized potential. But we can reclaim it!       It’s scary to admit that modern society often feels like Groundhog Day. Every day we wake up and the routine begins anew. Today is a facsimile of yesterday. Habits become facts of life, like breathing. Autopilot controls this vehicle. The record skips and the same word repeats over and over again. This scenario is the death of passion and the birth of unrealized potential. We all have unique gifts — things that no one can do quite like we can. Realizing those potentials is important to our health.   it is not until he finds contentment that the cycle breaks and tomorrow arrives – a brand new day.”             Rarely does society support one’s unique gifts. And unless your gift is being watered-down and exploited for the corporate bottom-dollar, chances are slim that you’re spending your days cultivating it. Now, we all have to make a living — and our culture has made a series of choices over several millenia that have made “making a living” far more time-consuming than it once was. The time it takes to make a living seems inextricably wed to the ever-increasing complexity of society. As demands on one’s time continue to grow, one often loses sight of his or her potential. Even with the noblest of intentions, life can get away from a person and potential can so easily go unrealized.   Unrealized Potential? Enter the Checklist This is why making time for oneself is paramount. There are several reasons why I’m such an advocate of productivity systems. A checklist frees up mental space (you can visualize it as a process of removing the task from your mind and placing it in a receptacle we call: the checklist) and frees up time for self care. Self care is not just about making time to hit the gym. Self care is also about being true to your calling, whatever it might be, for the sake of your psyche. Unrealized potential can be damaging to psychic and physical health alike. Fulfillment is irreplaceable. Busyness is an insufficient substitute. In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character, Phil, feels trapped by the broken record that his life has become. Then, he begins to manipulate the record like a DJ. He knows everything that’s going to happen, so he uses it to his advantage. But it is not until he finds contentment that the cycle breaks and tomorrow arrives — a brand new day, a brand new beginning! To stop that broken record from repeating the same word ad nauseum, we need to reclaim our unique potentials. And, with most of us working longer hours than ever before, we can use the assistance of checklists in order to foster efficiency and free up the necessary time.   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Most men tune-out after about 12 words. There may be good reason to be concise.       A useful rule of thumb in conversation is to make your point in 12 words or less. Filtering is not dishonest; it’s conscientious. Reticence means you speak when you have something to say. You think before you speak and, when you do speak, you are concise.   He can sense when you’re about to launch into a diatribe… and he usually stops listening after the first 12 words anyway.”           Thinking out loud is often a sort of selfish form of communication which ultimately backfires. It feels good to get everything off of your chest, but your partner tunes-out in the process.   Getting Concise Make a game out of it. Make it fun. Ask yourself: “How can I say what I want to say in as few words as possible and still be effective?” What you’re likely to find is that it’ s actually far more effective.   Research: Making a Case for Concise Conversation Research suggests that right-handed men use less than half as many words as women do. 90% of men are right-handed. So, if you’re a woman in a relationship with a right-handed man, this is something to be aware of. It’s not that these reticent men don’t have a broad vocabulary — it’s that they find fewer words get the job done. The same would apply to a left-handed man conversing with a right-handed man.   Something to Consider Instead of a monologue about why you can be ready by 7 o’clock, why not simply state: “I can be ready by 7″? This way, he knows what he needs to know and his mind hasn’t wandered by the time you’ve arrived at the bottom line. He can sense when you’re about to launch into a diatribe…and he usually stops listening after the first 12 words anyway. Sure, this is not the most politically correct angle I’ve ever taken on a topic. And one could argue that it’s the right-handed men who should adjust, not everyone else. But I think it’s simpler to consciously change speaking habits than listening habits, and a shift to the concise route make for more efficient communication regardless. If you have any experiences to share with altering communication styles, I would be very interested to hear about them!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Whey Protein can help your body       What is whey protein, and should I add it to my daily diet?       Whey protein is a powder derived from cow’s milk and is a popular choice for athletes who want to easily replenish muscles after a workout. Is Whey Protein Beneficial or Harmful? There seem to be as many opinions about whey protein as there are brands of it on the shelves of vitamin superstores. in moderation, whey protein can be very helpful Some people believe that whey protein has healing properties, and can be used for reducing inflammation within the body and even for reducing risk of cancer cells. Other people feel that whey protein is an overly processed food (whey protein is first a liquid, created as a result of cheese-making, then later turned into a powder) and that, because it’s made from dairy, some people have sensitivities or even allergic reactions to it. Perhaps the best way to learn if whey protein is beneficial or harmful to you, is to listen closely to how your own body feels after you have some. For me personally, I’ve been having whey protein for decades, so I can share with you what I’ve learned over the years that is true for myself: ▸ in moderation, whey protein can be very helpful ▸ not all whey proteins are created equally Whey Protein Can Be Helpful in Moderation In my case, which I realize is an usual one, I eat approximately 70% of my average daily diet as raw, vegan food. However, because I have genetically low cholesterol and lower blood pressure, and because I exercise daily, I find that my health suffers if I go 100% vegan. For me, whey protein has been so beneficial, because it infuses my muscles with branch-chained amino acids when my muscles are at their neediest — like dry sponges after exercising, my muscles soak up the nutrients in whey protein almost instantly! So though I avoid all other dairy, and especially casein, I do believe that whey protein can be very helpful for some people. I’ve learned from experience, however, that there is definitely a difference between brands of whey protein powder! “the best way to learn if whey protein is beneficial or harmful to you, is to listen closely to how your own body feels after you have some” Not All Whey Proteins Are Created Equally Strangely, I’ve found that my body feels a difference between brands of whey protein powder. I don’t quite understand this, because I assume that, just like with vitamins, most of the nation’s supply of whey protein comes from a few big processing plants.   Perhaps the difference is in the other ingredients. For instance, my body doesn’t seem to like the sweetener aspartame, but it does fine with the sweetener stevia. Anyway, I go for the powders that have all-natural ingredients, and I’ve tried many, many different brands. Speaking personally, my body has the best results with Standard Process and Biotics (Also, I have friends who say they have good results with Dr. Mercola’s brand of whey protein powder). Do you exercise daily and, if so, do you believe that impacts how much protein you need each day? Let me know about your own favorite protein sources in the comments section below! Green smoothies can change your life! To receive FREE, instant access to our 1-minute Smoothie Videos Guide so you can learn secrets tips for the healthiest shakes, simply subscribe to our free e-Newsletter below:

  Ever notice how few words we have for different levels of intimacy? Isn’t it peculiar that a wife of three months shares the same title as a wife of thirty years?       Intimacy is one of the blessings of life. To experience intimacy, the human animal requires others with whom to relate. Finding others these days is fairly simple with the internet, cell phones, busy offices, and an exploding global population. Yes, finding others with whom to relate is not a daunting task so long as one is not too concerned with the depth and quality of the relation.   Intimacy and Friendship Superficial relationships are easy to come by. Close relationships are less easy. Although, it depends on how you define “close.” The English language provides a peculiar lack of nouns to aptly describe the plethora of relational experiences.   How many times have you referred to someone as a friend, or an acquaintance, when in truth they fall somewhere in-between?”           For all intents and purposes, there only seem to be three words in common use: acquaintance, friend, and best friend. Think about it, how many times have you referred to someone as your best friend, only to realize that you’re leaving out several other “best friends?” How many times have you referred to someone as a friend, or an acquaintance, when in truth they fall somewhere in-between? What do you call a person who you make plans with, on occasion, but with whom you don’t regularly confide? They are more central in your life than the person you just run into from time to time and know peripherally. But should they share a “friend” label with someone you’ve confided in regularly for twenty years? Or does than then mean that the latter friend has to be bumped into the “best” category, thereby nullifying the superlative?   Intimacy and Romance When romance is involved, one has a few more word options: girlfriend/boyfriend, wife/husband, fiance, spouse, lover, partner, mate (though, how often do we introduce a significant other as “mate”?). Interestingly, we run into the same problem here. A husband of five years is still called a “husband” after fifty. If indigenous northern cultures had many different names for snow (depending on subtleties of texture, cleanliness, and use), then why does our everyday English language have so few words to describe varied degrees of intimacy in relationships? What does the absence of these words say about English-speaking culture and how its members relate? If you believe that language shapes the world, as I do, you may even ask: if we had a broader vocabulary for intimacy, how might our culture transform as a result?   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

keep your thyroid healthy with iodine supplementation     Is your thyroid healthy? Iodine supplementation can help!         Many nutritionists believe that iodine is one of the most important supplements you can take, because iodine helps keep your thyroid healthy. The trick, however, is finding the right iodine supplement that is readily biovailable to your body. Does Your Thyroid Need Nutritional Support? When a person has hypothyroidism it means that his or her thyroid gland is underactive. Your thyroid helps produce the hormones that your body needs to thrive, so when it’s not firing on all cylinders, it means you could have subtle hormonal issues that produce symptoms such as problematic skin and hair — or loss of energy, concentration, libido and zest! Your thyroid gland requires iodine in order to produce the hormones that your body needs in order to feel right.   Are You Getting Enough of the Right Kind of Iodine? It turns out that eating sea vegetables and sea lettuces like kelp and dulce — though helpful — might not provide enough of that quality iodine that your body is craving. Some doctors believe that symptoms of hypothyroidism are too often overlooked, and that an increasing number of people (from each successive generation) are challenged with underactive thyroids. When iodine intake is inadequate, humans can develop thyroid gland enlargement — the body’s attempt to maintain normal thyroid function. Iodine can also help the human body in these ways: ▸ main body surveillance mechanism for abnormal body cells including cancer cells ▸ detoxify chemicals ▸ antiseptic to bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses and protozoa ▸ detoxify biological toxins: food poisons, etc. ▸ protect from apoptotic diseases like leukemia ▸ antiseptic activity in stomach against the ulcer causing helicobacter pylori Your favorite doctor can get a good idea about the activity and health of your thyroid gland by looking at specific markers in the lab results of your blood work. Some doctors offer bioavailable (not synthetic) hormones via a compounding pharmacy to help bolster the thyroid. Also, some naturopaths and nutritionists are able to recommend diet changes and/or glandular and nutritional iodine — or mineral, plant and herbal supplements — that many have experienced as helpful. your body is happier when your thyroid is optimally healthy   Iodine as a part of Nutritional Counseling   Many of people I see as new clients in my practice have iodine deficiency. Because of this, they will readily absorb iodine from the environment when it’s available. However, your body is unable to recognize the difference between regular iodine and radioactive iodine. It will absorb both of them equally well. So if you’re deficient in iodine and a radioactive cloud passes by or the radioactive iodine is in your water, your body will tend to suck that radioactive iodine into your thyroid gland to fill up its iodine stores. Some individuals are so depleted of iodine that it needs to be initially added in small increments so as not to cause hypothyroidism because the thyroid could not handle high iodine intake. Therefore it’s not my recommendation that everyone rush out to purchase supplemental iodine. However, it is my belief that iodine is one of the most important supplements required in the North America. Numerous people have asked me to share my thoughts on the nuclear disaster in Japan and how it might affect us living in America. My review of the literature indicated that the leading American experts are stating that we have nothing to concern ourselves with respect to radiation exposure. With that being said, I believe it is only prudent for us to be proactive in doing our best to protect ourselves. When we consume sufficient iodine and the iodine receptors in our tissues are full, we will not accept any radioactive iodine. Conversely, if the iodine receptors are not full then your tissues are of taking in radioactive iodine. Iodine deficiency is rampant in America and the cause of much of the hypothyroid conditions present in America. It is difficult to get adequate iodine from our food sources as our soils are mineral depleted and studies show that many sea vegetables have little iodine to offer.   “Most underactive thyroid problems stem from a lack of raw material needed by your thyroid gland to produce the necessary hormones. Iodine is by far the most commonly needed material. Subclinical symptoms of hypothyroidism have always been an overlooked problem in this country. It seems that a larger percent of each successive generation suffers from the problem, yet it is given less and less attention. Many of the children of this latest generation are routinely having difficulty concentrating in school and maintaining a motivation for learning.”                     ~ Dr. Williams from Ingram, Texas Healing Hypothyroidism   Dr. Williams goes on to say that sugar regulation and adrenal issues play a role in this phenomenon. Then he states: “ Hypothyroid problems may also be a significant contributing factor and should always be ruled out. I’ve seen dozens of children make dramatic improvements in their school and social lives after being given iodine supplementation and thyroid glandulars (specific whole food supplements).” you can enjoy a better quality of lifeLooking to the future we must evaluate our food sources and be as careful as we feel is necessary to protect ourselves. This is a very personal choice. I learned that the local vegetables from my local farmer’s market have recently been tested to be radiation free. My suggestion is to eat a balanced diet of non-processed foods containing the three food groups of protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats. Keeping the immune system strong is important. Again, it might be in your best interests to seek out a highly recommended doctor, nutritionist, or naturopath to determine what your unique needs for iodine are, and how best to supplement those levels based on the individual chemistry of your own body. As always, the first step is to listen closely to how your body feels: what’s your energy level on a scale of one-to-ten? what is your level of emotional enthusiasm when you wake up? how are your skin, hair, and fingernails appearing? Answers to these questions could provide you with clues to your overall health!   Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.

      The secret to Japanese longevity? Could seaweed fill a nutrition gap that’s missing in the West?         “Food is medicine.” So say the Japanese, whose culture has much lower incidence of most age-related diseases than their Western counterparts. Their diet is generally rich in fish, fruits, and veggies. But there is one staple of the Japanese diet that really stands out: daily consumption of seaweed. Could seaweed fill a nutrition gap that’s missing in the West? Certain seaweed species contain high concentrations of fucoidans. Fucoidans are molecules which have been a strong focus of age research for the past decade-plus. The strongest pro-fucoidan evidence comes from a species of brown seaweed known as Undaria pinnatifida. There are many varieties of fucoidan-rich seaweed in the Japanese diet: wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) mekabu kombu   In the modern Japanese culture, the average person eat 4-6 grams of seaweed per day. It seems that could be a huge piece of the puzzle missing from Western nutrition.   Researchers believe that the shorter life and health spans observed in Western populations result in part from the near total absence of dietary fucoidans.”           This is most obvious when researchers look at the Okinawan diet. Okinawa has long been known for its large population of centenarians.   Bridging the Nutrition Gap Whether we eat more: sushi wakame salad roast seaweed chips…   …or just throw some organic, unpolluted seaweed into our green smoothies, fucoidans appear to be something we should seriously consider implementing into our diets. One can also get fucoidan brown seaweed extract in supplement form.   The Power of Seaweed Studies show that fucoidans hold promise in areas such as: therapuetic intervention for humans exposed to dioxin (this includes most of us, considering that dioxin is now found in every mothers’ breast milk) enhancing the immune system prevention of certain infectious diseases (malaria, herpes) blocking cancer cells from spreading (and even triggering their early death) healing and tissue regeneration relieving arthritis pain combating cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome   Beneficial effects of fucoidans are found in the range of 75-300 mg daily. For more information on fucoidan studies, please visit Life Extension Magazine.     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Could isolation be one of our most harmful habits? How did we become so isolated? And how do we find our way back?       The irony of modern society is that people feel overworked, yet underutilized. We feel a lack of meaning, while simultaneously experiencing exhaustion. How can we be so busy — surrounded by so much noise, so much responsibility, and so many other people — yet still experience such disconnection? There is an ever-increasing isolation in our culture — not just from nature, but from one-another.   Isolation and Community Being part of a community is not about how many tasks need tending-to throughout the day. Nor is it about how many people we encounters. It’s about the depth and quality of those enounters, and the opportunity to derive meaning from them. We’ve largely lost sight of this fact. Or maybe it’s just been moved down on our priority lists? Either way it explains why we experience such feelings of isolation in modern times.   Social isolation has measurable biochemical effects on the body… People who are socially disconnected are between two and five times more likely to die.” ~Robert Putnam               Isolation is not always the product of external forces. Sometimes it’s a defense mechanism. Other times, it’s just an insidious by-product of the activities we enjoy. Some of our favorite pastimes mimic intimacy, and it is only later that we feel empty and recognize the illusion for what it is.   Isolation and Illusion After an hour of watching The Oprah Winfrey Show, one can feel inspired, touched, and even moved to tears. Then the credits roll and you are suddeny aware that you’re alone in a room, sitting in front of the eerie blue glow of a big screen TV. Your connection was with little pixels of light, not human beings. In such sobering moments, it is important to apply whatever you’ve taken from past hour in the real world. As a culture, we lost sight of the natural world long ago. But we’ve only lost sight of our communal world quite recently. The sense of community found in tribal peoples is certainly not the same as the sense of community found in our culture 35 years ago. But, even within the confines of our own culture, the sense of community 35 years ago is nothing like the sense of community today. I remember being a child and watching my father chat with the neighbor over the fence. We don’t see a lot of fence chats anymore. Social networking in virtual reality has put us in touch with more people than ever. But as we’ve already discussed, increased encounters are not a cure for isolation. Depth is what we’re lacking. Trust is what we’re lacking. We’ve taken the “kill or be killed” competitive interpretation of the world to such an extreme that we now conceptualize the neighbor on the other side of the fence as the enemy. So why would we talk to him? There are numerous factors that contribute to the modern trend toward isolation. It’s important that we be cognizant of them. Whether they’re economic, psychological, or memetic, we need to understand why we have less intimate relationships. If we can’t understand the causes, we can’t effectively remedy the symptom.   As a By-product of Escapism Most Americans are drawn to activities that are relaxing and fun (TV, video games, etc.). But what happens when those activities gradually increase their isolation? Researchers believe that depth of relationships suffer, and then health declines.   [when] 276 healthy volunteers [were exposed] to a cold virus, the volunteers with the most diverse social networks were the most disease resistant… Most surprising of all was the finding that those with close social ties and unhealthy lifestyles actually lived longer than those with poor social ties but more healthful living habits.” ~Wilcox and Suzuki               Real interaction reduces friction in society and does wonders for individual health. It’s high time we take a closer look at what’s happening to our deep, meaningful relationships. Our health could be at stake, and our happiness certainly is.   I have notice that the value our society once put on community seems to have diminished in my own life time. Have you made similar observations? I would love to hear your thoughts below!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Today, Dr. Oz explored unconventional treatments that are stirring up controversy. Are they quackery, or cutting edge?       Today on his show, Dr. Oz examined unconvential treatments. He primarily looked at pain, weightloss, fibromyalgia, depression, and stress. This was an episode that really explored taboos in the medical community. It’s easy to dismiss people on the cutting edge of any field as charlatans, quacks, or snake oil salesmen. Those who push the boundaries of what is acceptable are always on the fringe, and always shunned by their peers. That is, until they’re proven right.   The best antidote for pain is time.” ~ Dr. Oz       Dr. Oz takes a balanced approach. He’s not naive, and he ultimately didn’t endorse everything that was discussed.   Problems and…“Solutions”? back pain – Dr. Oz revealed that he’s against back surgery in most cases. He recommended physical therapy (which helped him), visiting a chiropractor, and time: “The best antidote for pain is time.” weight loss – Following up from his most controversial show to date, Dr. Oz took a second look at the hCG Diet. hCG is a hormone that allegedly suppresses appetite (ironically, it is also a hormone produced in pregnant women). hCG provided in drop form is a scam. But the hCG injection research is inconclusive. Most studies claim it doesn’t work. Most dieters disagree. The injection is coupled with a 500 calorie diet. Dr. Oz’s final ruling was that no diet under 1200 calories is safe, unless under strict Dr. supervision (I’ll stick with green smoothies, thank you very much). fibromyalgia – Is it real? Is it a disease, or a symptom of depression? Dr. Oz concluded that fibromyalgia is certainly a disease, and that the medical community has fallen short by not recognizing it as such. It’s affected 6 million Americans (80% women). The difficult thing about diagnosing it is that there is no test. It is diagnosed based on symptoms. They are primarily looking to see if patients meet two criteria: 1) pain throughout the body for 3 months 2) pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points depression – Dr. Oz looked at Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which uses electromagnetic waves to reset neurons in the prefrontal cortex. This is the first biologically based treatment for depression, and constitutes a paradigm shift in Psychiatry. The treatment is 5 days a week for 3-6 weeks. It is not intended to simply create a response, but actual remission. In other words, it doesn’t just help your depression, it completely gets rid of it. stress – Dr. Oz discussed the pros and cons of a daily glass of wine to reduce stress. He explained that people who are hard-wired for stress cope with alcohol differently. While one glass takes the edge off, two actually kicks the stress into high gear. He recommended coupling wine with both friends and food. And, most importantly, keeping in mind that a true single glass of wine is only 5 ounces.   Here at instantDane.tv, we’re big fans of the Dr Oz show ~ we think it’s television that makes a positive difference! If you’re a fan, too, we invite you to leave your comments below; let us know your favorite moments from the show!     Funniest Line or Best Moment on Dr. Oz “If you’re not a wine drinker, don’t become a wine drinker to get healthy. There are other ways to do that.”   Big Takeaway from this Episode of Dr. Oz It is important to be open-minded, but not naive. Don’t be so quick to write-off controversial treatment methods. Some are quackery, and will make you a guinea pig. Others are cutting-edge and could make all the difference in your life. Be critical. Do your homework. Decide for yourself.     To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    When we attempt to understand where others are coming from the world becomes a kinder place.       Our own frustrations often stem from a fundamental difficulty accepting others’ imperfections. Empathy is our best conduit to understanding those with whom we interact. It can bring about peace-of-mind, and relieve feelings of isolation, because it pops our narcissistic bubble and reminds us that the background characters in our lives are the stars of their own (where we are the background characters).   Walking a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes Have you ever stood in line at the coffee shop and wondered what another person in line had for breakfast? Have you ever seen someone overreact in a traffic incident and thought to yourself: “Maybe he has a lot on his plate? Could he have recently lost a loved one? Or gone through a divorce?”   Have you ever tried to imagine another person’s feelings in a given moment regardless of your own agenda?”       Have you ever tried to imagine another person’s feelings in a given moment regardless of your own agenda? If so, was it a rare occurrence? Or do you foster empathy as a way of life? I find that giving one the benefit of the doubt is of paramount importance. That doesn’t mean you should be naive or let others take advantage of you. It simply means that you never know what someone is dealing with. Personal issues do not excuse or absolve behavior that infringes on your own rights, but at least it helps you to understand what might be prompting actions or attitudes that you find off-putting.   Cultivating Empathy Consciously cultivating empathy has played an important role in my own personal journey. I try to filter every interaction through my best approximation of what it might be like to be in that other person’s shoes. Of course, my approximations are certainly way off base, but the intent: is humanizing creates a more genuine connection leads to more equitable (and less exploitative) interrelations.   What is your experience with empathy in your daily life? I would love to hear your thoughts below!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

the universe is listening to the language you use                     The world is made of language and as our communication skills improve so does our place in the world. Everything in The Universe is made of vibrating energy. Some things have a higher vibration; some have a lower vibration. Higher vibrations equate with greater potency. This is why ideas and language are ultimately what change the world, as opposed to machine guns and fighter jets. The Universe is Reading Your Vibration The less visible something is, the higher its vibration. Emotions and consciousness vibrate on a higher frequency than tactile objects. Love and hate, for example, vibrate on a higher frequency than doorknobs and salad bowls. Thoughts, being invisible, have tremendous power. “quantum physics has taken physics to a place where scientific theory breaks down – but notice what remains: language” Language is a Key to The Universe access your positive feelings and turn them into wordsLanguage is comprised of words, which are invisible thoughts shared via invisible sounds waves. And so: their potential for power is enormous! When you access a positive feeling and connect it to a word, The Universe will respond accordingly — by sending you people, events, and circumstances that are a better match to the vibrations you are sending out. It has been said that the world is made of language, and I believe it. Quantum physics has taken physics to a place where scientific theory breaks down. But notice what remains: language — verbal description of that which confounds our normal understanding. So how does all of this apply to you and me? Well, it rather profoundly re-imagines our interpretations of reality. And, hopefully, it inspires us to reflect more deeply on the power of language and the words we use. When we understand that The Universe is matching our frequency, it can motivate us to reexamine our own communication skills. Often times those thing that we take for granted are far and away the most fascinating. The mere fact that a thought in my head can be carried through the air, to your ears, and interpreted within your brain (assuming an even remotely similar lexicon), is truly magical:   When you speak clearly about what you want and the positive feelings you have, you are engaging the natural laws of The Universe to assist you.   To access the 12 easiest ways to add 12 high-energy years to your life, simply sign up for the FREE instantDane.tv Longevity e-Newsletter below:

  Imagine if grocery shopping were as simple as visiting a “tree of life” in your own backyard. The Moringa Tree is possibly the closest thing nature offers to a universal panacea. Its benefits have been touted for decades in scientific journals and for generations via tribal lore and oral history. Those who have deemed the moringa tree the Tree of Life just might be justified! We tend to have a “write me a prescription” mentality in our current culture, when often nature has already thought of everything. So many of our modern ailments (caused my modern circumstances, such as the standard modern diet) have natural solutions found in the superfoods and plant extracts that are proven to be healing. Superfood for Super Health: Is the Moringa Tree a Health Miracle?   High blood sugar, inflammation, and stress are three of the biggest health challenges we are facing in modern life. Any plant food that might heal these challenges needs to be considered. Could the Moringa Tree be the Tree of Life?It sometimes seems that the arrogance of scientific reductionism, as well as our culture’s “we know best” disposition, causes us to often overlook (and turn our noses up at) many (if not most) of Mother Earth’s greatest gifts. The question is: is Moringa among them? Those of us artificially walled-off in an illusion of separateness from nature would do well to take our cues from those who are not. In other words, if cultures much older than our own are enthusiastic about a plant, we might as well give it a fair look. Moringa (M. oleifera) is a rapidly growing tree which contains: ▸ as much protein as eggs ▸ three times more potassium than bananas ▸ three times more iron than spinach ▸ four times more vitamin A than carrots ▸ seven times more vitamin c than oranges, etc. Tree of Life: Is Moringa a Miracle Tree? Moringa Trees have leaves that can be dried and turned into a powder. The trees are drought-tolerant and can be grown fairly easily in a wide variety of regions. According to a large number of sources, Moringa Trees can… ▸ be effective against skin infections ▸ lower blood sugar ▸ reduce swelling ▸ reduce inflammation ▸ help to heal gastric ulcers ▸ lower blood pressure ▸ calm the nervous system ▸ make an efficient fuel ▸ make a good fertilizer ▸ feed livestock ▸ purify water ▸ feed the hungry those of us artificially walled-off in an illusion of separateness from nature would do well to take our cues from those who are not.” Tree of Life ~ Moringa Tree But it is crucial not to get ahead of ourselves. Strength of evidence varies on a claim-by-claim basis. There is a preponderance of evidence for the overall beneficial nature of the Moringa. I can’t imagine anyone arguing against the validity of the Moringa Tree as a superfood. Nor do I believe one would be capable of honestly objecting to the Moringa’s multipurpose uses. Calling the Moringa Tree a panacea without further scientific scrutiny, however, is where we might run into some trouble (I always like to be even-minded about these things because, after all, the burden of proof falls on the one making the claim). I’ll keep an eye on this superfood and let you know what products and supplements seem the most promising, as they come to market. For now, it seems safe to say that, based on the information available so far, the Moringa Tree appears to have legitimate youthening effects on the human body! Discover the 12 easiest ways to add 12 high-energy years to your lifespan by subscribing to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

  Healthy Living is a technique for looking better and feeling better than you ever have before.   Healthy Living is a voluntary lifestyle in which a person stacks positive habits and self-care protocols that create an overall effect of lengthening life expectancy by: ▸ preventing disease ▸ increasing physical energy ▸ enhancing mood and libido ▸ improving health and fitness A side benefit of healthy living — though not its primary purpose — is that it youthens a person’s appearance. healthy living means stacking good habits   Healthy Living Helps People Live Longer Aging occurs in humans for a variety of reasons. Emotionally and spiritually, aging has many benefits! For those committed to personal inner growth and expansion, aging often increases one’s happiness and sense of purpose. Physically, however, aging is a process of change in which inefficiency of the body’s processes increases. By helping our bodies to operate more efficiently, we create the opportunity to live longer. The 2 Causes of Aging healthy living slows agingIt is believed that one reason for aging is because of calcification, a process in which hard and nearly insoluble calciums and nanobacteria deposit inside the body over time. Another reason for aging is because when your body replaces old cells with new ones, the replacement cells are less perfect than the originals. Healthy Living helps to combat these two problems of aging and is therefore an anti-aging lifestyle. It is generally believed that healthy living can easily add 12 years of active, vital living to the human lifespan — possibly more if you also have good genes on your side. However, many longevity scientists are hopeful that current research will lead to additional discoveries that will add even more years to our lives. Healthy Living is a Mindset Perhaps more than just any one particular lifestyle habit, healthy living is really a holistic mindset in which the overall attitude is to honor one’s body and psyche by living within a full circle of wellness. The underlying assumption is that there is always more to learn and that the mind needs to be open to new solutions. One aspect of the healthy-living philosophy is that what works for one person is different than what works for another, and so the bigger point is: to stay on the journey — to keep fine-tuning our self-care until we achieve consistently excellent health.   In my book The Numinous Journey, I provide a step-by-step plan to help people create their own successful aging strategy. Though many people don’t like to visualize themselves aging, those over-40 who are brave enough to consciously imagine their lives decades into the future — and adopt new habits now — are often the ones who end up living the most passionate, fulfilling lives as they get older. Discover the 12 easiest ways to add 12 high-energy years to your life, by subscribing to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

      The trick to creating new habits – and making them stick – is to do what the experts call “Stage 3.”     Have you ever desired to make a change in your daily or weekly habits? Sometimes, acquiring new little good habits seem almost as difficult as learning new BIG ones!     “…when people are not able to make “changes stick,” it has been proven that it’s most often because they skip stage 3: preparation”       Maybe you want to wake 20 minutes earlier each morning, or go for an outdoor “powerwalk” once a week, or say something very kind to your spouse each evening. Here’s the thing: “how people change” has been relentlessly studied. What has been well-researched, yet little-known is this: when people acquire new good habits, it’s most often because they move through 5 stages of permanent change.   5 Stages of Permanent Change of Habits   Pre-contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance     When people are not able to make “changes stick,” it has been proven that it’s most often because they skip stage 3: preparation.   The 3rd Stage (of Permanent Change)   Preparation means spending some time processing: How will I adopt this new habit? When? Daily? One day each week? What day? Where will I do it? With whom will I hold myself accountable? For what real reason am I doing this?   Have you ever “skipped” stage 3 and excitedly moved right into action? Were you able to sustain the habit? Each of us needs to periodically correct our course as we pursue our goals and increase our success. Each positive new habit we permanently acquire, increases our leverage. If you can consistently course-correct, choose new lifestyle and professional habits, and make those habits “stick,” then you will feel like king of the mountain! There are few sensations more empowering and energizing than the feeling of true accomplishment! One method of preparation that could work for you is The Dane Technique — a checklist clipboard system that will help keep you accountable for your new habits until they become muscle-memory. What was the last thing about yourself or your habits (big or small) that you tried to change? Let me know in the comments section below.       Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

You can rid your life of clutter!   Do your material possessions enhance your lifestyle, or, drain your resources? You can design a clutter-free lifestyle — based on quality, rather than quantity! One of the differences between your home, and the items that you store inside your home, is that the home itself can appreciate in value, while the possessions inside the home will generally depreciate. This is in an important distinction.   The Hidden Dangers of Owning Too Much Stuff   Everything that we own, requires time, energy, and resources to maintain. Things like real estate, human relationships, education, and exercise are a much wiser investment. These are things that tend to appreciate in value.     What we choose to possess in life weaves itself into the very fabric of our lifestyle. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with having “things” in this world.   “there is an energetic cost to excess.”   I am noticing that more people are taking a design inventory of their lives. They’re reassessing all they posses, and at least giving thought to the relief of a “lighter load” that owning less things might afford. They want a new design for their lives.   Lifestyle Design: Downsizing on Clutter   Some are yearning for the return of a time when there were less possessions to keep up with, and less mental bandwidth required to try to remember all the items that they own! Downsizing, we call it in the real estate business. I’ve had many clients (my own family included) who have discussed with me their desire to move to a smaller, more easily manageable and size-appropriate space for their needs. Not all of them have wanted to do so to lessen their financial responsibilities. They also realize the possibility that there is an energetic cost to excess. This is probably one of the reasons that my partner and I specialize in helping others find lifestyle properties. The whole definition of a “lifestyle property,” as I experience it, is that it adds a dimension of value to a home because it improves the owner’s quality of life, not diminishes it. You could live in a studio apartment with a bike on your wall in a pedestrian-friendly historic downtown district. Or you could live in a large beachfront estate in Malibu with room for all of your grandkids to visit. These are obviously very different sizes and costs. Nevertheless, both of these are lifestyle properties because they add value. You can design your life to be about experiences, rather than materials. That’s what lifestyle properties emphasize. If you love the Pacific Ocean, then living in a home directly on the beach is going to give you a daily joy that offsets the increased responsibility. If you hate to drive, then the pedestrian-friendly historic downtown is going to bring you bliss. What’s been your experience in recent years? Have you or your friends and family considered how your possessions impact your lifestyle? Have you made, or are you considering making, changes to the design of your life that would alter how many belongings you possess?   p.s. if you want to receive FREE access to our 1-minute-video series on how to: ▸ get organized ▸ manage your energy better ▸ improve your daily quality of life ▸ enjoy more free time! then simply subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter below ↘

        A good smoothie recipe can change your life.       In this video, I share inside tips on getting the most healthy energy — including fiber, vitamins, and minerals — into your morning smoothie. When you can get fresh fruits and vegetables into your body before 10am, well… now you’re ahead of the game!       “At first, it might seem strange to put vegetables into a morning blended, but, really, you don’t taste veggies as much as you taste fruit.”         Veggies…in a Smoothie?   I’m a big believer in the virtues of living, raw foods — and this recipe for a protein shake is loaded with fantastic, alkaline foods. At first, it might seem strange to put vegetables into a morning blended smoothie, but, really, you don’t taste veggies as much as you taste fruit. I often put fresh lemon, cucumber, and spinach in my morning drinks, and the taste is smooth and refreshing! You may not believe that, but when you try it, you’ll know what I mean.     Excellent Smoothie Recipe!   This was one of my first, favorite green smoothies recipes, back when I was first easing-into the blender lifestyle. Try this blender recipe for lean muscle, high energy, and improved health!           Recipe for two: 1/2 cup liquid base (hemp milk, almond milk, coconut milk) 1/2 cup pomegranate juice frozen organic fruit (blueberry, cherry, pineapple, mango, etc.) 1 teaspoon flax seed meal 1 teaspoon raw pumpkin butter 1/2 cup frozen organic spinach 1 tablespoon goji berries frozen organic banana plant protein powder dash of cinnamon dash of ginger dash of tumeric tablespoon of goat’s milk yogurt (optional…you won’t taste it) agave nectar (optional sweetener, definitely not necessary)       Get lean and energized! Learn the secrets to making the healthiest shakes and green smoothies by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

        People who demonstrate these 2 skills are get-it-done people!       Often times, we create our own productivity roadblocks. While we can be our own worst enemies, we can just as easily be our own productivity advocates. If the idea of increasing your own personal productivity intrigues you, it’s important that you first begin to look objectively at your own inner resistance to changing how you work and how you organize your day.   2 Most Important Personal Productivity Skills   For example, the biggest myth about the to-do list is that you shouldn’t make one unless you can finish it. Not so! Have your list ready and rarin’ to go, if and when you need it. The very act of creating the list organizes and quiets your thoughts. In productivity, this is called capturing. Capturing happens to be one of the two most underdeveloped productivity skills in the modern human (and also happens to be one of the most important). When we develop these two essential productivity skills, our lives can improve dramatically! 1. Complete Capturing   2. Complete Follow-Through   As if often the case, talking about these skills is more easy than demonstrating them.   Productivity Skill #1: Art of The Capture   When we acquire and develop the habit of consistently capturing our ideas into a system-of-capturing, the odds of making the idea an actual reality increase exponentially. This is just a fancy way of saying, “write it down when you first think of it!” Whatever system that you use to capture ideas and tasks as they occur to you, the point here is to have a system — high-tech, low-tech, web-based, paper-and-pen, whatever, just have one!     Productivity Skill #2: Art of the Full-Finish   For most people, a project seems “sexiest” in the early stages. The first 75 to 85% of a project will chug along with some momentum, and as it approaches the end, many people will start to lose interest and move onto a new project before the existing project is complete! Resist this temptation at all costs!     When you can cultivate the ability to circle back and look at your own work, to make sure that there are no more little loose ends dangling, then you will truly be a get-it-done person who can be depended upon by others as well as your self.     “many people will start to lose interest and move onto a new project before the existing project is complete! Resist this temptation at all costs!”     Capturing your moments of inspiration, and sustaining your drive to “fully execute,” will lead to a super increase in your productivity!       Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Great tips to help increase your focus so that your day doesn’t get away from you.         Do you ever start out the day with great intentions, but then find that it’s already the afternoon and time has simply “gotten away from you?” Here are 6 ways that you can still “win your day.”   Win Your Day   Time Management is largely about expectations. You can’t expect to beat a game that has no end, and perhaps that’s not the point. It’s all a matter of putting work, and life, in perspective.     “knowing that you can’t possibly get everything  there is to do done in one day …is kind of freeing.”     This post was inspired by one of my favorite magazines, Inc., and a recent issue in which Jim Collins shares insightful advice on how to get more done. I’ve included Collins’ tips here, along with my personal observations:   Accept the idea that work is infinite and time is finite.   Now, think about that for a moment. The work, let’s face it, never ends. It will always be there. That’s a downer, sure, but knowing that you can’t possibly get everything there is to do done in one day… is kind of freeing.   Manage your time and not your work.   Since work is never-ending but life is short, it behooves us to look at our day in blocks of time (instead of as getting all the work done). Allocate your blocks of time toward specific tasks or projects (try using a timer; I use mine throughout the day), and then move on to something else.         Create a laser-like focus on doing first things first.   How to prioritize your to-do list? Up to you, of course, because your day is not exactly like anyone else’s, but… here are hints: which task on your list is the most potentially revenue-producing?   and/or, which task on your list have you been postponing the longest?   Have a ferocious understanding of what you’re not going to do.   These days, I try not to dwell on the negative, but I still find it helpful to know where my productivity weak-spots are, and the activities I should avoid until the end of the day.   Sift through the blizzard of info that hits you nonstop.   My personal productivity increased the day I decided to take current-events news feeds off of my start page. News-surfing, if it lasts more than five minutes, can be a productivity killer.   Do you have the discipline to not have your email on?   A lot of people have just given up on this one, and check their iphones or blackberrys every ten minutes.  I find it helpful to go online and opt-out of all the emailing lists and newsletters that I don’t read. I solve the problem at the source, by decreasing the amount of email that makes it to my inbox. I do this every other month; it takes about 15 minutes. This is yet another reason that I work so diligently to make certain our own free Longevity eNewsletter is relevant, entertaining, and packed with value — because I know how busy people are these days and I respect their time. If I’m not convinced an email can help improve someone’s life, then I don’t send it.   Meanwhile, which of these concepts do you believe you would find the most challenging to implement? Please leave your comments below!       Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      The trick to getting things done is finding the right productivity tools that are a uniquely good fit for you!         What organizational tools are your favorites, for getting things done throughout your busy day? For example, even though I’m kind of a high-tech, gadgety guy — my favorite productivity tool is still a good old-fashioned clipboard! I have several that I use for my various checklists.   Which Tools Help You Get Things Done?   By having my lists — each on their own designated clipboard — I am far less likely to misplace a list, or start using a list as “scratch paper,” etc. Having clipboards keeps me reverent about my process and assists me greatly in getting things done.     But that’s what works for me. What works for you is probably something completely different. Many people find keeping a big spiral notebook with them — a sort of log within which they write everything, like their shopping lists, their to-dos, their phone numbers, etc. — to be the easiest solution. Me? I can’t stand that method! I don’t have time to start flipping through earlier pages to locate something I know I jotted down a few days earlier. Blech! But hey, that’s my point: everyone’s different, and whatever tool works for you, no matter what it is, is the right tool. I work almost exclusively from the home office. I don’t travel a lot right now, and I don’t spend a lot of time in my car. For this reason, clipboards work great for me to help me track how I’m getting things done. However, one of my lists is digital: the work-related list of tasks that I want to be able to share with my business partners and staff — and they share their lists with me. Good project management requires good collaboration tools (we use a product called Backpack by 37 signals). Here are some questions that can help you to decide which tools might work uniquely well for you and help you to get more done:     ~ do you work in one place mostly, or are you on-the-go?   Generally, if you’re at a central desk most of the workday, than you can use low-tech tools if you prefer them. But if you work in the field and spend a lot of time in your car, you might need to go digital.     ~ are you a parent of young children, or a free-and-easy single?   If you’re a parent of young children, you can hold yourself to different standards. Sometimes, just getting through the day with everyone in the family happy, healthy, and fed is a huge accomplishment!     ~ do you like technology, or find it irksome and a waste of time?   If you’re easily frustrated by gadgetry, that’s okay. Low-tech tools can be just as effective. Go with your natural strengths!   This short video (below) is about using simple, specific tools for potentially complex projects. It’s “from the vault,” back before Bionic Butler turned into InstantDane.tv, but I keep this video because it still feels as relevant to me today as it did the day I filmed it:     Do you feel organized today? I hope that you will experiment a bit with different tools and organizational systems so that you find the ones that work best for you and your own unique style for getting things done!   Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-Newsletter below                     ↘

    When we feel time-constrained, it can impact all areas of our lives.   There are solutions!     Do you like the idea of improving your personal productivity, but sometimes feel like you couldn’t possibly squeeze one more thing into your day? The peculiar thing about time is, that if we talk a lot about “not having enough” time, or “feeling harried,” we can actually manifest more of the same: a frazzled lifestyle that seems too short on free time.   Using the Law of Attraction to Create More Free Time This is one aspect of the natural law of attraction at play in The Universe: that which we give our attention to, we create more of. Have you ever noticed that people who focus on the negatives in their lives seem to perpetuate bad “luck,” while people who celebrate their successes seem to manifest a snowball effect of sometimes unbelievable triumphs?     Instead of focusing on lack of free time, we can focus on the free time we do have — to observe it — either when it occurs on its own, or when we schedule it into our day.   Getting the Most from the Time that You Have   Here’s a short video (under 2 minutes) that explores this concept of creating more time:         The solution, ironically, is found firstly in focusing on solutions (instead of the problem itself). Secondly, it’s essential that we give ourselves a break. Being hard on ourselves for not being more organized — or for not using our time more effectively — only creates more guilt and shame, which adds to our chaos and clutter.   “that which we give our attention to, we create more of.”   Celebrating your previous accomplishments will do more to create free time, and help you feel less overwhelmed! I assure you this is true, as fanciful as it might sound to you right now. I encourage you to try it out!     Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-Newsletter below                     ↘

      Break your goals down into bite-sized steps and make steady progress toward the life of your dreams!       Here is a trick of “stacking good habits,” that can help you to get the most out of your days: instead of making some HUGE change in your life, stack together several small improvements, and watch the cumulative effect of those small improvements surpass what the huge change would have achieved!   Small Steps   The Japanese have a word for stacking, “kaizen,” which means, essentially, “small steps.” Whether you are trying to add more health and self-care protocols into your life, or trying to learn more about this crazy new world of social media (because you’ve noticed your friends aren’t using email and voice mail anymore), “stacking” can help you implement a new habit regularly into your weekly schedule by making progress in bite-sized pieces.     “watch the cumulative effect of those small improvements surpass what the huge change would have achieved!”       Video: Life Improvements in Small Steps Add Up     Small Improvements Add Years to Your Life… eating red meat 3 times a month (and no more) adds 3-4 years eating 300-400 calories less than the average American adds 4+ years weight training adds 5+years   These are just a few examples. You can see how implementing small changes, routinely, can cause enormous overall improvements. I would enjoy hearing about your experiences: what small changes have you began stacking in your life?   p.s. if you want to receive FREE access to our 1-minute-video series on how to: ▸ get organized ▸ manage your energy better ▸ improve your daily quality of life ▸ enjoy more free time! then simply subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter below ↘ The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Here are some solutions for how to fit online social into your already-busy life!   How do you spend your mornings online? It’s a question that I ask professional groups when I’m giving a presentation. Here’s how they often answer:   ~ almost everyone raises their hand to answer that they logged-on to Facebook that same morning.   ~ about half as many raise their hand to indicate they have already been on Twitter that day.   ~ everyone answers that they have already checked their email messages and text messages on their smart-phones.   Building Relationships and Strengthening Social Bonds And now, with the launch of the excellent Google+, it seems whatever free time we might have had before, could now disappear altogether! But really, I’m exaggerating for comedic effect. The truth is: there is enough time for everything. In modern life, scheduling has become both an art, and a science.   “social channels have replaced the town square”   So much reading, writing and viewing is in short-form now (for example, the majority of my videos on this site are under 1 or 2 minutes each) and that helps a lot.       Online Culture Reshapes Our Daily Lives   As a culture, our morning habits have changed dramatically. A hundred years ago, nearly everyone woke to check the weather outside, first-thing. Most of us were farmers back then, and the whether outside was the factor in determining our success and productivity for the day. Wow. A lot of change in 100 years. Our modern culture is also much more transitory now. It used to be standard for 3 generations of families to live within blocks of each other. Now, however, many families move from state to state (and even, in some cases, country to country) for the next new and better job. Socially, this means that social channels have replaced the “town square.” Professionally, it’s now essential to have a dynamic digital presence. Certainly, social media has become imperative for business owners, consultants, and entrepreneurs of any sort. But it’s also becoming true for employees of any kind — including those in civil service — in order to keep your professional reputation marketable and relevant. The way we do business is changing! What do you think? Are Facebook and Twitter time-sponges, or time-savers? What about Google+? And lately there’s been a lot of buzz about Pinterest — do you think you could add a fourth social channel into your already busy daily routine!?   p.s. if you want to receive FREE access to our 1-minute-video series on how to: ▸ get organized ▸ manage your energy better ▸ improve your daily quality of life ▸ enjoy more free time! then simply subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter below ↘

  Pilates can provide an excellent workout for men over the age of 40 – and it’s a great way to trim the waistline!   Men who have heard of Pilates — the exercise method — often think that it must have something to do with stretching or dance.   “It creates a type of definition and overall fitness that I’ve not been able to replicate with any other regimen!”   Something in the name causes us to assume that it’s somehow more female-oriented. But the truth is, Pilates is a challenging workout — yet safe enough for rehabilitation — that is ideally suited for men.   What is Pilates?   Actually, Pilates is a type of strength conditioning that emphasizes agility, balance, and the body’s “core” muscles.     Two Styles of Pilates Workouts   There are basically two types of Pilates in one-on-one training (there are “group mat classes” too, but I’ll save that for another post):   #1 ~ Classical Pilates The first type of training is “Classical,” that holds rigidly true to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. These trainers were often trained in New York by Romana, the official protege of Joseph Pilates. This type of training is very technique-oriented. You’re not allowed to “mimic movements” or “make shapes” or progress to the next level until you really understand how to do that particular movement or series from the inside-out (this style is very popular with advanced students and former professional dancers).   #2 ~ Modified Pilates The second type of training is “Modified,” which is basically Pilates updated for our modern lifestyles. In our A.D.D. culture, busy professionals who have hectic lives sometimes don’t have the patience for technique — they just want to move and sweat, turn their brains off for 60-minutes and feel like they burned some calories, strengthened some muscles, and did something good for themselves.   Personally, I have tried both types of trainers and methods, and I like them both! I tend to alternate, because both types of workout are helpful and garner results. The reason that Pilates is especially helpful to men over 40, is that it prevents injury and really targets those abdominal muscles! Here’s a short video of what Pilates for men looks like:     It’s a video I did for EstateHomesLA.com. It has been said that Los Angeles is an “insiders’ town,” and that the best discoveries are made not by spotting something from your car window as you drive past, but rather, by word-of-mouth. Studio Soma is a perfect example. Hidden in the West Hollywood area along a secluded alley, Studio Soma is a fitness training studio in Los Angeles, California.   Exercise: Combating the Sedentary Lifestyle   I do sometimes wonder about the various ways people carve out time during their busy days to exercise. Where do you they enjoy working out? At home? A gym? Do they powerwalk, run, or hike in their neighborhoods? How often? The thing is, unless you work in construction, or are a farmer or rancher or something like that, modern life is sedentary — and we all must find ways to fit some sort of exercise into our daily lives. It’s easier said than done! The truth is that all Pilates — whether Classical or Modified — is technique-oriented, and so, for men who like to “burn off the stress” and “go for the endorphin-release,” then Pilates would be better as one piece of a varied exercise program, one that also includes cardio, weight lifting, or perhaps even yoga. I like to mix it up, and do all kinds of fitness, so Pilates is great for me (that’s me in the video). There’s just nothing quite like Pilates. It creates a type of definition and overall fitness that I’ve not been able to replicate with any other regimen!   Look better, feel better, be stronger! Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘

      The Relationship Era will change everything, including how we succeed. Here’s how to get ahead at work and in life.       We are, each of us, experiencing a revolution of time and communication. Only, we don’t know it yet. The reason we don’t know that there is a revolution occurring, is because we’re smack dab in the middle of it — and so true objectivity and perspective is difficult. Give it time. Eventually, we’ll make sense of this cultural shift, and see it for what it is.   Adapt to Survive   Meanwhile, it’s those early adapters who will fare most well, including in business, because they are asking themselves:     “what can I do today, so that 5 years from now I am relevant, prosperous, and enjoying my work?”       Adapters are already recognizing that the modern world is shifting from analog to digital and they’re starting to sense how this is modifying relationships and attention spans; so they’re consciously thinking ahead — after all, in biology, adaptation describes the change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment. We are entering the era of the relationship. Whether relationships are deepened and made healthier by technology, depends on us. The now-waning analog era used to be a broadcaster’s dream. Behemoth, publicly traded mega corporations controlled their message, and spoon-fed it to you when, where and how they wanted. In the world of media, you had two choices. Consume it, or starve. You were “spun.” You were talked at, not with. So, of course the digital revolution would dramatically change the landscape. How could it not? Slam-cut to today:  the average young man has watched 10,000 hours (at least) of video games by the time he turns 21. On his digital devices — his game console, his smartphone, his laptop, his touch-screen tablet — he’s in charge. He interacts with his device. If you want this guy to sit still for two hours solid while you talk at him, you have to spend over $100,000,000 on a summer blockbuster, and even then you’d better make it in 3-D so that it at least has a wisp of interactivity to the experience. I’m not kidding here. This is a paradigm shift in our society. It’s HUGE.         After the Digital Revolution, We Enter the Relationship Era   Digital technology is changing everything, including relationships. Digital is a revolution, and after each revolution, usually follows a new era. For us, in this time, it will be the Relationship Era. Technology is designed, ultimately, to free up our time so that we can return it to what matters most: relationships. From day one at this site, we envisioned a team of dynamic, creative professionals who aligned with the cultural shift, instead of resisting it — because by aligning with it they can better serve our site’s users with longevity lifestyle information that makes a positive difference. That is the reason that we blog. We blog, because blogs are immediate and unpretentious. They tell it like it is. And they invite comments. There’s no team of publicists around a blog. There’s no Compliance Department. A blog reinterprets the whole concept of the dehumanizing bureaucracy. A blog says: I don’t want to micro-manage my message. I don’t want a fake mission statement that nobody even believes or remembers. A blog says: Let’s talk. Here’s what’s on my mind lately. What’s on yours? A blog provides value and makes itself available to you. Blogs are generous. They engage, without interrupting. For the creative professional, blogging is nothing less than a blessing. That’s right. I said blessing. The reason it’s a blessing is because the very act of blogging, hones your gifts and sharpens your expertise. Blogging helps you master your craft and your service, helps you to get to know your clients better, helps you to focus on the kind of clients with whom you best “fit.” Blogging makes you a better person. Blogging, ultimately, is all about fostering healthy relationships. Of course, all of these benefits of blogging are not readily apparent. It takes bloggers a while to get into the swing of things and to make that internal shift when suddenly they start understanding it on a whole new level (not just intellectually, but bone-deep). I invite your observations in the comments section below. I’m one of those guys that has an opinion about everything! So if you’re in the mood to share with me what’s on your mind, I’m eager to hear it!     Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

You’ve heard the phrase, “know your enemy?” Learn to recognize 3 productivity-killers before they get you!     If you sometimes feel overwhelmed — or find yourself wishing that you could clone yourself or magically add more hours to each day so that you could get more done and improve your productivity — then there are three “assassins” that you must remain ever-vigilant to avoid.   Watch Out for These Efficiency-Killers Improving personal productivity can be challenging. The good news is, that if you can consistently avoid these three pesky demons, then you will be well on your way to getting more done each day, so that when you have free time, you can really enjoy it!   “Sometimes you just have to let something “burn” and get to it later, so that you can remain focused on the larger objective”   Beware of these three, for they are killers to your self-efficiency!   Productivity Assassin #1: Drift Drift is what occurs when each morning you don’t take a moment to re-focus on what your next main goal is in life. Each day that you don’t reconnect with, and affirm, what your big intention is, then you silently move away from it, often without even realizing what’s happening. Imagine yourself in a row boat on the ocean, and you see the island of paradise in the distance. Every now and then you have to steer the boat, using one of the oars as a rudder, because the current of everyday life takes you off course.         Productivity Assassin #2: AutoPilot Auto-pilot is what occurs when when we act unconsciously, following the same mental and physical routine that we’ve been doing, essentially for years. This is great if you don’t want to change anything. But what if you have ambitions? It’s a sort of muscle-memory. Have you ever arrived home from work, and then realized that you don’t even remember driving there? What’s more, you were supposed to stop by the store on the way home! That’s auto-pilot. If you have a new destination in life, then the way you’re going to arrive there is if you remember to turn off the autopilot and pay attention to the drive. Productivity Assassin #3: Firefighting Firefighting is what happens when you “react” to your day. Your day becomes a series of “responding to little fires,” instead of being proactive with your agenda. When your daughter yells, “Mom, where’s my sneakers?” (and she will), then hopefully you have already modeled for her the self-soothing skills to pause, breathe, relax, concentrate… and find the sneakers herself. Don’t get sucked into other people’s little fires and urgencies. Sometimes you just have to let something “burn” and get to it later, so that you can remain focused on the larger objective or project. Which of these three assassins has been the biggest culprit in your own life recently? How would you like to structure your ideal day? Sometimes it’s important to reconnect with the intention for your life, or set a new intention altogether!   p.s. if you want to receive FREE access to our 1-minute-video series on how to: ▸ get organized ▸ manage your energy better ▸ improve your daily quality of life ▸ enjoy more free time! then simply subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter below ↘

    Understanding the unique way that you process information will help you to optimize your own productivity and communication.       I’m a big believer in brain diversity, and the idea that each of us sees the world through a different lens. Introspection is paramount if we are to leverage our personal brain styles and yield our fullest potentials. How can each us of leverage our unique brain styles for maximum positive impact? It’s one of life’s great questions… or should be.   “Of course, each of uses many parts of our entire brain, but which hemisphere do you tend to emphasize?       Leverage Your Brain Style   Over the years, I have come to realize that three keys to professional success are found in the ability:   1. to accept the simple notion that the way I process information is organically different from the way that you process information. 2. to accept our brain-style differences as a natural, healthy part of living — and working — in community. 3. for each us to understand our own unique styles of learning and working, so that we can leverage our brain-styles for maximum productivity.   Which Style are You?   You might already know that the right hemisphere of your brain is more feeling-centered, more imaginative, more intuitive.   The left hemisphere is more logical, linear, and language-centered. Of course, each of uses many parts of our entire brain, but which hemisphere do you tend to emphasize? In the short video below, I share valuable tips on how to get the very most out of your day by determining if you are a Yin or a Yang at work:       Live the High-Energy Lifestyle!   Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible.   Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Humans have evolved to the point where they can impact their own evolutionary process. We are living in a time in which time itself feels as though it’s speeding up. And yet, it’s also a time in which you might be able to dramatically increase the length of your life beyond what was thought previously possible. The Acceleration of Time I met recently with Dan Finfer of Post Human Era to discuss the technological side of longevity. “At the dawn of life on this planet, evolutionary changes happened slowly. We’re talkin’ billions of years,” says Finfer. Living a Long Life, Living a Great Life “One microbe took billions of years to evolve the DNA necessary to replicate itself from simple amino acids. But that first copying mechanism, DNA, allowed information to be transmitted that much faster.” “Then, evolution only took millions of years to create multi-cellular creatures. Good information was kept, and bad information was discarded,” explains Finfer.  “The wheel of time continued until evolution presented the planet Earth with a new species, human beings.” “This is where the evolutionary process of life really began to accelerate,” explains Finfer. “Instead of millions of years to the next paradigm shift, it was only 50,000 years until Man began to talk. And then, only 10,000 to develop agriculture, written language, society, and government. Another 5,000 elapsed, and we had constructed Pyramids, developed theological and monetary systems, and had begun colonizing the planet. This led to the development of Science a few thousand years later.” “Science, after a few mere centuries, thus gave us the Industrial Revolution,” Finfer states, “which after only 50 years gave us the Computer Revolution. Notice the trend? Evolution is a feedback loop. The meaning of life is to speed up.” “The trend of progress we’ve been seeing is actually: exponential growth itself!” ~ Dan Finfer This conversation becomes even more lively and startling. You can hear it in the podcast below, by clicking on “Listen Now.” It’s quite scintillating! Life and Technology: Our Discussion Here are just some of topics we touched-on in our talk… quality of life life extension holistic health current model of human progress exponential trends and computer power science fiction The Matrix television iPhones YouTube futurists The Singularity Through the Worm Hole nano-technology the shadow side of tech   Listen Now [powerpress] Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Here is a delicious, raw food crunchy (yet healthy) option for those mid-afternoon snack-attacks!     I’m enthusiastic about my new discovery: organic, raw-food snacks that are not only healthy and gluten free, but also taste good. Eating healthy without feeling deprived — this is always the tricky part, isn’t it? Green smoothies have really covered my meals in that arena, but healthy, tasty snacks can be a bit tougher.   Slowing Metabolism, Conscious Decisions   For many men over 40, keeping the waistline lean and tight becomes less-easy than when we were in our 20s. The challenge is to find snacks that taste good and provide a ton of sustained energy, while at the same time not adding to the body fat around the abdominal area. Part of the aging process is being more cognizant of things we used to take for granted. That’s just a fact of life. But maybe it’s not a bad thing? Sure, we need to devote more energy to personal maintenance, but we’re also more in-tune with our consumption. Since “you are what you eat” is an extremely poignant adage, I can certainly see the upside in all of this.   Healthy Snacks, Healthy People   I came across some great-looking snacks at a health food store, and thought I would give this one a try. It’s called Go Raw Ginger Snaps, and I was stunned by how great it tasted. Fresh and full of flavor, and a little sweet — but not in that rush-then-crash kind of way. And a handful has about 150 calories — fiber, protein and complex carbs. There’s no flour or wheat. It’s just unsulphured coconut, sprouted sesame seeds, date, and ginger.     “keeping the waistline lean and tight becomes less-easy than when we were in our 20s”       Anyway, I know it may seem like a little thing. But when I come across something like this that’s super healthy and I also like the texture and taste — it’s a big deal.  Especially when it’s something that I can just grab-and-go. For those of you who prefer salty snacks over sweet, this may not be your thing. But for those of us who are trying to gradually reduce our daily intake of sugar, this healthy snack can be a better place to start. Normally, I’m not a snacks on-the-go kind of guy. I often will have a green smoothie for breakfast and another green smoothie (though from a completely different recipe) for lunch. However, sometimes life happens, and as much as I try to prepare ahead of time and be organized, I get caught in my car running from appointment to appointment with no time to stop and get my blood sugar back up. In these instances, having a bag-of-something that I can open up makes all the difference! My other favorite snack is raw, sprouted pumpkin seeds: crunchy handful of those, and I feel satisfied and the protein feeds my muscles!   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Collaboration with others in related fields can unlock new opportunities for success.         Energy is a fascinating thing. You think it will flow one way, but then it flows another. Let’s take a look at the energy of competition and collaboration.   The Value in Collaboration   Competition is healthy when it inspires us to bring out the best in each other. Sometimes, we are tempted to believe that we must stay away from our competition in order to win. Surprise! Sometimes, the opposite is true. Collaboration is one of the secret keys to increased success.   Google Yourself   You need to collaborate with others to increase your success, but before you can collaborate with optimum effect, you need to first obtain a certain level of general exposure and positive regard by others. It doesn’t matter whether you are an investor, an entrepreneur, a CEO, a legal secretary, or a college student. Your prosperity can increase exponentially when you better understand the impact of your reputation on your professional life. Since we now live in the digital era, a great place to start is by Googling your own name. Whatever appears in the Top-Five search engine results, is the current condition of your own personal and professional branding. That may seem frivolous to you, but I assure you that it’s true.     “Collaboration is one of the secret keys to increased success.”       Spirit of Collaboration: Embrace the Auto Mall   It gets even more peculiar. Your increased success — no matter what industry you happen to work in — hinges on your understanding one simple concept: the Auto Mall. To see how something so seemingly arbitrary has a direct impact on your own life, check out this short video below.   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Compromise is sometimes a good thing, and sometimes not. Here are some winning negotiating strategies.       Beware of the misconception that compromise is always a good thing. Case in point: he wants to live in a Manhattan penthouse. She wants to live in a Mount Shasta ranch. So they compromise and move to a suburb in Saint Louis, where neither is miserable, nor is either deliriously happy. The feeling each is left with is: “…meh.”   Counterproductive Diplomacy   The danger in compromise can be that, in order to close a deal, each person “waters down” what they really want. You can usually tell when a compromise is constructive, because at the end of it each party feels energized and enthusiastic You can also tell when a compromise is not constructive, because at the end, each party feels apathetic and exhausted   Ironically, though everyone’s intentions are diplomatic, each party can feel let down after a compromise, to the point where it’s not only unproductive, but counterproductive.   Win-Win Negotiations   Of course, compromise is an important aspect of negotiation. The idea behind compromise is that “I listen to what you want, you listen to what I want, and let’s meet somewhere in the middle,” and compromising in this way is often a good idea. But not always. When negotiating there are a number of possible outcomes: Win/Win: A mutually beneficial outcome that satisfies both parties Lose/Lose: Neither party is happy with the outcome Win/Lose: An “I get my way, you don’t” approach Lose/Win: An “I lose, you win” approach taken by people who are quick-to-please others Sometimes, all compromise accomplishes is:  a lose-lose scenario. “You don’t get what you want, and I don’t get what I want.” Sounds fair, I suppose. But, who really wins?         I’m a believer in win-win negotiating, whenever possible. In a win-win scenario, each party in the negotiation receives something positive from the transaction. In other words, at the end of the day: you win something and I win something.     “The more committed you really are to win/win, the more powerful your influence will be with that other person”       ~ Stephen R. Covey       Compromise   Compromise can take the zing out of the big dream. This happens not just in business, but also in government, and in all kinds of relationships. In my example above (he/penthouse, she/ranch), perhaps one spouse would have derived enjoyment out of supporting the other in his or her dream, receiving a good feeling from being a witness to someone they love being in bliss and boldly pursuing their joy.       But instead, after the compromise, what they were left with, was something so diluted and risk-free, that it had the unintended effect of creating a lack of daily inspiration in their marriage, for both of them. You can look to governments for further examples of this. A President, in order to get a bill passed through the senate, has to keep making concessions to special interests. Finally, by the time he gets the bill through, not only has it lost most of its efficacy, but now both parties hate it. Of course, I’m aware that there are cultural differences in compromise. Some cultures value haggling as a natural part of everyday life, while others see it as unseemly. There’s no right or wrong here, I’m merely challenging the notion that compromise is always good in every scenario. It simply isn’t.   Compensation   Another irony to negotiating, is that when talks become escalated, it often voids the present offer, because that offer was made with the expectation of a mostly easy and pleasant transaction. Now that talks are becoming irritable, someone is going to want more than they did originally — not less — because some part of human nature wants to be compensated for unnecessary angst. I am still astounded at how many people don’t realize this dynamic as it’s happening, or even in hindsight. I kindly suggest that you make certain that, in focusing on winning a tree, you don’t lose the whole forest. And as for compromise, I’m all for it. But remember, it’s a good idea most of the time, not every time.     Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Genetic scientists are working on ways to improve and lengthen our lives, revealing new research on “immortal cells!” Immortality has fascinated humans since the dawn of recorded history. Though it might always remain a myth, living a longer, healthier, and more vital existence is something we can achieve! There is something remarkable about the way biological life continually renews and heals itself.  It is this astounding ability that those of us who are interested in optimal health hope to tap into, to help us get the very most out of our own lives. Let’s take a closer look at “immortal cells.” Researchers are digging deeper into our own genetic composition, and gaining a more complete understanding of the mechanisms our bodies use to regenerate themselves. For example, there are certain cells in the human body that are immortal, in the sense that they can reproduce indefinitely, such as “germline” cells. Immortal Cells and Longevity With a steady flow of new insights, scientists are developing ways to help our bodies renew and recreate themselves more efficiently. One such scientist is Dr. Michael West, CEO of BioTime. I found some interesting information on “immortal stem cells” in an article about the work his company is doing. Here at instantdane.tv, I enjoy having the opportunity to further explore the longevity lifestyle. So, the other day when I happened across the phrase “immortal stem cells,” I was eager to know more.  It turns out, these cells, called “iPS,” are not related to the controversial embryonic stem cells. “iPS cell technology is a way of using just a handful of genes to coax a cell back in time…” ~ Dr. Michael West Apparently, researchers have been able to reverse the aging process in certain cells in a lab dish in a controlled setting, essentially “turning back the clock” in human body cells. It’s all about repairing tissues after they have been damaged. Immortal Cells Increase Human Lifespan In the article, in Life Extension magazine, Dr. West states, “we now have the science and technologies to… [develop] new medical therapies within the next 10 years to reverse age-related degenerative diseases and profoundly influence the course of aging itself.” If this is piquing your interest as it did mine, you can check out the complete article — by authors Dr. Greg Fahy and Saul Kent — by clicking here. I find this stuff fascinating — though sometimes a little technical — so I will attempt to follow these developments and breakthroughs as they unfold and report them back to you in plain English.  To be continued!   I invite you to comment. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!   Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Times are changing – do people still read books?         I’m excited to report that I actually finished reading two books this weekend — and they were both excellent. Filled with success strategies, these two books were a worthwhile use of my valuable time: Re-Work, and Law of Connection.     “Ever since I discovered Google Reader, I’ve been reading print media far, far, far less”     Re-Work is a book that pulls the workplace into the new digital era of business, illustrating what has changed from ten years ago in the business environment, and why. It’s written in a series of bite-sized vignettes that are easy to digest, yet the information is definitely useful (by the way, the authors are the owners of 37signals, the company that makes one of my favorite productivity tools: Backpack). Law of Connection is a book by Michael Losier — also the author of Law of Attraction — and to me this book was helpful for understanding how to communicate even more effectively in business.  I’m a big believer in brain diversity — that each of us processes information differently — and this book offers solid strategies for listening better, and making your point better, to anyone and everyone. Many of the people with whom you work have a different brain-style than you! You can learn how to connect better and communicate better with all types.   Books in the Digital Age I used to read a minimum of 25 books a year, cover-to-cover. And then…. I discovered a little thing called Google Reader! Ha! Ever since I discovered Google Reader, I’ve been reading print media far, far, far less — because Google Reader happens in almost real-time, whereas books can take almost a year (or more) to publish after they’ve been written (plus, Google Reader is free). For those of you who aren’t very familiar with Google Reader, it’s a “web-based aggregator” of creative content, that serves as a sort of customized online magazine into which you decide what content will be automatically filled each day — so that keeping up with your favorite blogs and sites is even easier than checking your email! Here’s a simple little video about how it works:         I do enjoy Google Reader, but I’m also glad that I was able to complete a couple of full-length “tree” books this weekend. What was the last book that you read, that you thought was excellent?  And how did you read it — on Kindle, iPad, or “tree?”   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Do you prefer to read your books on Kindle, iPad, Nook, or traditional paper?         Earlier I posted about my feeling accomplished, at having finished reading two excellent books the old-fashioned way — on books made from trees! A colleague asked me the reasons why someone like me would read traditionally made paper books (apparently he sees me as the digital detective, Inspector Gadget).   Why Paper?   Well, I do appreciate the “digital readers.”  I bought a Kindle when they first came out. Then… a year and a half later, I bought a new Kindle (and gave the previous one away as first-prize for a social media contest at work).  Then, more recently, I decided to give that Kindle away (again, as first prize in a creative contest), and got my spouse an iPad for his birthday. Well, fortunately, the iPad has a zillion more uses than just book-reading, so that was already a smart-move, at least for our family.  But the larger point here is that, so far, I still prefer reading books on paper.     “A colleague asked me the reasons why a techy like me would read traditionally made paper books”       “Tree” Books   The thing is, when I buy a book, I tend to read it cover-to-cover, to the very end.  I think because I spend almost all day every day on my computer (I have that kind of job), and because I read so many blogs and news feeds on my Google Reader, I just find it refreshing and relaxing to put aside the digital equipment for a little while and pick up a good, old-fashioned paper book! So here are the three books that I’m going to read next.  Have you read any of them?   Keith Ferrazzi wrote a previous book that I found very impacting, called Never Eat Alone, which really helped me to see business as a treasured collection of lifelong relationships instead of as “transactions.” I’m eager to see what he has in store for this next book, Who’s Got Your Back? And, I loved reading the first Law of Attraction book so much (by Michael Losier), that I figured I’d give this one a try, by The Hicks. Finally, this particular John Wooden book is about mentoring.  We’re starting an innovative internship program at my company, and I want to know how to be as helpful as possible to our new candidates. What intrigues me is that John Wooden rarely (if ever) talked to his team about winning a championship; instead, he would share with them success strategies in order to help them reach their fullest potential, no matter what the circumstance.  I have a hunch this will be a valuable read!   How Many Books?   Let me ask you a serious question.  It’s an honest question, because I really don’t know and I’d like to hear from some of you to know your thoughts (please use the comments section below, or get me on Facebook or Twitter).  How many books do you think you should read each year, to keep your brain enriched and your mind literary and sharp?   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!   Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Low VOC paints are a good way to improve indoor air quality. And they are becoming more available!       Did you know that your walls are exhaling as you’re inhaling?     “paint that’s been third-party verified to be ‘low VOC’ is always a better option than traditional paint.” ~Big Ideas Blog       Now you can have healthier walls in your home with the launch of a new line of paints that will not have a negative impact upon your indoor air quality because the paint has no volatile compounds to gas-off.     Your lung tissue will thank you! (Have you ever wondered what your lung tissue looks like right now? Have you thought about what it might look like ten years from now?)       Air Quality and City Livin’   I spoke with a medical student who told me what the lung tissue of cadavers looks like in people who don’t smoke, yet live in urban areas: Blackened. If you ever had a non-smoking friend who has healed from lung cancer, you already know that it’s important to — every now and then — think about your air quality at home.     A Balanced View   I stumbled across this Blog recently that looks at the difference between the VOC (volatile organic compounds) contained within paint and the VOC released from paint. The author takes the stance that VOC content is not a reliable barometer for Voc emissions. Nevertheless, he concludes that “paint that’s been third-party verified to be ‘low VOC’ is always a better option than traditional paint.”   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Running errands on your day off can be a drag. Make the most of your time out of the house with this tried-and-true method.         I know, I know — it’s weird that I don’t like shopping… but I don’t! Errands are just not my thing. In these fast videos, I share ways of using your computer to help you run your once-a-week errands super-quickly.   Preparation       Try as I might to enjoy the process of running errands, it’s just not my thing. (I like the results, but not the errands themselves.) Organizing expert Maria Gracias suggests that the one of the best ways to prepare for errands is to call ahead whenever possible. If there is any fraction-of-a-doubt that the item will be there, then phone ahead of time to verify that the item you need is actually in stock or ready to pick up. Also, the best way to make sure that your reusable plastic, paper and/or canvas grocery bags are ready for errands day is to return them to the trunk of your car immediately after you unload your groceries and shopping items. Before you start your car and drive away for an afternoon of errands, it’s essential that you pause, breathe, and look around. If you want to have a great errands experience, it’s worth a few moments to collect your thoughts and verify that you have everything you need to have a good trip before you depart. Is your water bottle refilled? Do you have the addresses of any new places you’re going? Do you have all your lists? Is your mobile phone with you?     “If errands stress you out, change how you tackle them. Schedule your time, plan your route, set an errand day, and organize the process. You’ll get more done, and feel better doing it.”           ~ Maria Gracia       Organized Errands   Here’s how to run your weekly errands in the shortest amount of time possible.         I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!       Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Some of testosterone’s lesser-known functions are hugely important. Hormones are one way that cells and organs communicate. Do you have enough? The human body is nothing less than a marvel, and, heck, we still only know a tiny fraction of what there is to know about, say, the human brain, for instance. We do know a bit more about hormones, but there’s still so much we have yet to discover. Let’s take a closer look at testosterone. Hormones: How Your Body Communicates with Itself At this point, it’s accurate to say that hormones play a key role in the healthy function of our bodies, and that’s a masterpiece of understatement! First of all, hormones script and inspire a lot of our behaviors. We like to think we’re being all independent and conscious, but really, so much of what we do throughout the day is secretly motivated by our hormones. We know that we are animals, creatures of flesh and blood and bone. There’s no denying that. But we also know that there is a vast intelligence and creativity behind what we are, and most of us like to believe that there is a purpose and a soulfulness to our lives. If we get too “into our heads,” we forget about tending to our physical bodies. On the other hand, if we get too into tending to our animal selves, we forget to strive toward our higher, nobler potential. Ideally, we learn to integrate our hormones with our higher consciousness. And we march along, admitting that we are mammals, while simultaneously believing we are something more. Where do hormones fit into all of this? Well, who can say for sure — but, most people would probably answer that hormones represent that part of us that is “mammal.” Without hormones, our cells and the organs they comprise, would be unable to share vital information with each other. Testosterone One well known hormone is Testosterone.  You remember, somewhere back there in middle school, we all learned about testosterone’s role in promoting “male secondary sex characteristic?” Yeah, been there, done that. But wait. The more subtle role testosterone plays in the health of men over 40 is not as frequently addressed. In fact, until recently, it was rarely mentioned. It’s kind of the reason that I created this entire website to begin with. I first started noticing that I felt “different than usual” when I turned 37. My energy seemed to fluctuate more. My body sometimes felt alien to me. I had less zest. My body didn’t burn calories as easily (metabolism changes) and it was easier for me to gain fat, even though I was working out. “Just like when your vision becomes blurry and you get eyeglasses or Lasik, when your hormones get wobbly you do things to get solid again.” Then, when I turned 39, it really started to get a bit strange. One day, I’d wake up and feel 20 years old, the next day I’d wake up and feel 60. I couldn’t figure it out. I thought it was stress. Testosterone and Men's Health I eventually figured out I was having Andropause-like symptoms. Not the end of the world, by any means (I was able to move into solution-mode and get my zest back!) In fact, I came to see it as a sacred, honorable life event and a positive thing (I’ll save that topic for another post). But the point is, why did it take me so long to figure it out? Why wasn’t there more information available to me and why didn’t men talk about this stuff more with each other? Hence, I built this site. So that if somebody did a Google search about male menopause then perhaps they might find this site and know that everything is healthy and natural and, for the most part, fine. Just like when your vision becomes blurry and you get eyeglasses or Lasik, when your hormones get wobbly you do things to get solid again. Because as we approach, and then pass, 40, our bodies often begin to produce less testosterone.  When testosterone levels drop below those which our bodies need to maintain a healthy balance we may experience Andropause. Andropause Symptoms Andropause Fatigue Depression Impaired memory Loss of libido Low testosterone can also impair our bodies’ ability to clear excess cholesterol from our blood and increase our vulnerability to more serious diseases. Take Action But don’t stress, there are ways to address Andropause-like symptoms.  It starts with taking an invested interest in your own health and consulting a trusted physician.  Then you can asses your options and make decisions that are right for you.  It may feel a little awkward at first, but taking action is worth it.   If you want to develop a deeper understanding of this topic, I recommend this feature by William Faloon at Life Extension Magazine which more deeply explores the role of testosterone in our health. And be sure to sign-up for my site’s newsletter so that I can keep you in the loop on breaking new developments in men’s vitality and longevity.   I invite you to comment. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!   Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Pure water and air is one of the keys to vibrant good health and longevity. Did you already know that formaldehyde is the number one indoor air pollutant? Apparently, it “gasses off” walls, furniture, rugs, and more. Not so good for the ol’ lung tissue. But having access to fresh, chemical-free air is easier, and more natural, than you think — thanks to plants. “few things are healthier than having pure air to breathe!” These days, the quality of the air that we breathe is a bigger issue than we like to admit — and indoor air-quality is even more important — so I was glad to discover recently that there are plants that have been scientifically proven to remove significant amounts of toxins from the air inside of our homes! Of these “SuperPlants,” there are a few that have additional qualities: They… are fuller-bodied   are more resistant to mites   do not require abundant direct sunlight and like darker rooms Ideal Indoor Plants Here’s a list of my ideal plants for the modern home. You can ask about them at your local garden center: Dracaenas   Golden Pathos   Boston Fern   Syngonium   Dumb Cane   Schleffera Fern Plants Of course, there are more than just six plants that clean indoor air, but I researched it and these are the six that are easiest to grow and keep in your home. Clean Air and Productivity Productivity and health go together. Really, you can’t have one without the other. What’s the point of being “accomplished,” if your health is subpar? Truly productive people are healthy people, and few things are healthier than having pure air to breathe! Consider adding a few more plants to your bedroom this weekend — your lungs will thank you for it! Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  The secret of success is good “self-care.”   I believe the secret to success is good “self-care.” Think about how much the world is changing, and how quickly!   Just 20 years ago, “taking good care of yourself” consisted mainly of taking your vitamins and having your annual check-up at the doctor. Essential Success Strategies for Modern Life But for me, these days, a surprising amount of my self-care consists of: ▸ saying “no” ▸ protecting my physical energy ▸ cutting through the noise Here is why these same strategies can greatly improve your own life, too. Success Strategy #1:  Say “No” More Often My friends, our culture has become a bit narcissistic. Many people become easily bored and physically restless if the conversation goes more than 5-seconds without being about them. It’s just the way it is right now.  And because of it, you will constantly be pulled into other people’s agendas, orbiting their life, witnessing their experiences, addressing their wants and needs moment-to-moment. Which is fine, if you want to be a moon. But, what if you’re your own planet? In order to stay out of the gravitational pull of well-meaning, self-absorbed people, you need to be able to say “no,” even if it makes you unpopular. Even parents can model the art of reciprocity by saying “no” to their offspring. I mean, maybe your 11-year old son can get himself to soccer practice. Who says you have to be his personal chauffeur? When you honor yourself by setting boundaries, you are giving the world a gift, because it shows other people what is possible within themselves (even if they don’t appreciate it in the moment)! Success Strategy #2:  Protect Your Physical Energy Too often, people work beyond the point where they should stop for the day, into the “depletion zone.”  Do that too often, and it’s hard to bounce-back. life is better when your body is energized!Many Americans just wait until they get so run-down that they get a cold or flu, then they give themselves a few days off.  It’s much more efficient just to monitor your physical energy closely and stop before you hit depletion. Of course, the best ways to cultivate more physical stamina, are still:  quality sleep, exercise, and eat your vegetables. Hey, some things never go out of style! Whenever possible, honor your own unique work-style. One way that works great for me lately, is to work 6.5 solid hours each day (6 days a week), and then if I feel like it, I may work another hour at night right before bed.  Because I engage productivity principles, I’m able to do in that first 6.5 hours what it takes many other people 10 hours or more to complete.  It’s not because I’m so awesome, it’s just that I use systems that help me get more-things-done, faster.  You can, too. You may not yet have the freedom to arrange your day around your own unique style of working, but do what you can. Even little adjustments can make a big difference.   Success Strategy #3:  Cut Through the Noise There is so much information coming at you from all sides every day. Radio, billboards, bus bench ads, emails, instant messaging, ringing cell phones, television, on and on and on. When it comes to information, entertainment, news, mail, etc., you must have a strategy for how you will consume it.  You don’t want to get sucked into the black hole of “constant information.”  It saps your mental clarity and diminishes your quality of life. But there is also a lot of physical matter coming at you, too. We live in a consumer culture, and that means “stuff” finds its way into your home — piling up, day after day. What would your life feel like, if you were living it free of clutter? “Does living luxuriously necessarily mean having lots of possessions?” It’s strange to think that much of the stuff we own ends up one day in a landfill. I aspire to minimalism, yet am astonished how much ‘stuff’ we have accumulated in our home. I am re-inspired to move toward simplicity! The word possession can mean either the state of possessing items, or the state of being possessed. Think about that for a moment. In our modern culture, it often means both simultaneously, for the articles we own take up physical and psychic space. In other words, sometime we don’t own stuff — our stuff owns us! Everything from a golf ball to a refrigerator require time, energy, money, and maintenance. For a golf ball, you have to shop for it, pay for it, store it somewhere and then locate it later. Now multiply that exponentially and it becomes easy to see how the average ‘Westerner’ feels overwhelmed and drained in these modern times. Perhaps we were not all meant to live as Zen monks. I know that I enjoy nice things as much as the next guy — gadgets, art, the latest running shoe — but I also enjoy the serenity that empty space provides. And I wonder, does every square inch have to be occupied? How about a closet dresser with one empty drawer? I know, I know… revolutionary! Does living luxuriously necessarily mean having lots of possessions? Can a person live well and feel prosperous with fewer things? I’m all for prosperity, and if someone wants a large house filled to the brim, I support that. But let’s be conscious about it. Let us choose that lifestyle, instead of just ending-up there. p.s. if you want to receive FREE access to our 1-minute-video series on how to: ▸ get organized ▸ manage your energy better ▸ improve your daily quality of life ▸ enjoy more free time! then simply subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter below:

Newly discovered nutrient may significantly slow aging by acting as a potent protector at a cellular level. Latest Longevity Nutritional Supplement for vitality Your body loves flavonoids. And now there is a rare flavonoid that might be able to help you stay younger, longer and increase your overall vitality. The Healing Power of Flavanoids Flavonoids are a large class of plant pigments that seem to have a particular structure that the human body enjoys and responds to positively. I’ve had friends and relatives who have taken flavonoids in various supplement forms and swear by them for their healing powers. A newly discovered flavonoid, fisetin, has longevity researchers testing the compound enthusiastically. Fisten is naturally occurring in strawberry, mango, and some trees. Nevertheless, it is somewhat rare. “newly discovered flavonoid, fisetin, has longevity researchers testing the compound enthusiastically.” Fisetin and Your Vitality Could fisetin really be the newest longevity supplement that helps people to live longer and have more energy? Here are the perceived benefits of this promising anti-aging nutrient: enables and encourages many of our bodies’ own cellular maintenance and repair systems only known polyphenol to encourage certain antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic mechanisms in our bodies protects sub-cellular systems like mitochondria, proteasomes, and lysosomes reduces inflamation Many of the benefits of fisetin consumption mirror the benefits of a “Caloric Restriction regimen.” This process is thought to increase lifespan by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels. The idea is to keep daily caloric intake within a certain window. I will share more about “the CR diet” and this new trend of the calorie-restriction movement in a future feature. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about fisetin and the research surrounding this potentially exciting new longevity supplement, you can check out the Life Extension Foundation’s website, here.  I will keep you posted on what I learn about fisetin and how helpful it really is! Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Kale is a superfood that can contribute to your vitality and longevity!         When was the last time you had kale? Do you eat kale regularly — say, every week? Do you like kale, or hate it? What if I told you that kale could contribute to your vitality and longevity, and that there are ways to eat kale that actually taste fantastic?   Kale Chips   My good friend Kirsten makes something called “Kale Chips,” which is surprisingly delicious. I know, I know. It doesn’t sound like something you would enjoy. But here’s the thing: you probably would. Even her young kids love it. Basically, she cleans the dark, green leafy vegetable — kale — and then she bakes it in the oven on a pizza stone or cookie sheet. At some point during the baking process, she sprays the kale with “Bragg’s liquid aminos,” which is kind of like a healthy version of soy sauce.     “there are ways to eat kale that actually taste fantastic”       After the kale has been baked in the oven, it breaks into small pieces about the size of potato chips and can be stored into baggies or containers and enjoyed as a healthy, energizing snack. Freakin’ delicious! And so good for you. If preparing Kale Chips at home is not your thing, here is an easy way to get some kale into your diet:  the Kale smoothie.  I had one today and it was fantastic.  Hey, it’s a lot better than it sounds! Check out the video:     Kale and Your Health   According to VegParadise.com, “medical researchers believe that the whole family of cruciferous vegetables helps to prevent cancer.” The cruciferous family includes kale. The site explains that “studies have shown that eating foods in this vegetable family speeds the liver’s ability to detoxify ingested toxins.” Blog states that leafy greens such as kale are “great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown eating foods rich in these antioxidants can significantly reduce your risk of AMD (age-related macular degeneration), as well asnon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.” It goes on to explain that kale is “packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C, and sulforaphane.” Over at WebMD, kale is listed as one of five foods that can boost your health, asking viewers “what if you could make a conscious effort to add five healthy foods to your plate and make an improvement in your longevity?” The article reveals that “the key, say some researchers, is to outsmart your body, which, as you age, is busy half-forming or damaging your cells, rather than creating healthy new cells resistant to cancer, rapid aging, and other ills. Cells are damaged by free radicals [which can lead] to bad cell behavior such as cancer.” Kale is a nutritious, fiber-filled green that is ranked highest in antioxidants in a Human Nutrition Research Center study!   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     Get lean and energized! Learn the secrets to making the healthiest shakes and green smoothies by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Antioxidants are a “youthening” agent found in certain foods. They help your body to replace its own cells with more luster!         We hear about them all over the media. “Antioxidants” this, and “antioxidants” that. But what are antioxidants? Why do they matter so much?     “adding foods containing antioxidants to your daily diet is a delicious way to stay young and healthy.”       Optimize Your Health with Antioxidants   A small percentage of the oxygen we breathe is converted into reactive compounds. These compounds can cause damage to our bodies at a cellular level. This is the reason that antioxidants are a vital part of creating optimum health. Our bodies use the oxygen in the air we breath to help create the energy we need in our daily lives. The O2 we breathe in is then converted to H2O and CO2. These are easily discarded by our bodies.  But for that O2 that gets caught inside, antioxidants can effectively neutralize those reactive compounds that might result. Antioxidants can prevent or halt the damage that reactive compounds are doing inside of our bodies. It gets even better. Antioxidants protect our cells’ ability to accurately reproduce themselves. This slows down the aging process and helps us fight off a variety of diseases.   One very effective (and delicious) way that I use to increase my daily intake of is green smoothies.             When your body recreates and replaces a particular cell, it’s not quite as effective as it was the time before. That’s part of what “aging” is. The cell loses a bit of its luster and perfection. There is the good news. Adding foods containing antioxidants to your daily diet is a delicious way to stay young and healthy.                 Getting Antioxidants is Easier Than You Might Think   Here is a great list of foods rich in antioxidants that I found over at CalorieLab: Apples: polyphenols Blackberries: anthocyanins Black tea: theaflavins Blueberries: anthocyanins Broccoli: polyphenols Cherries: anthocyanins Cherry Tomatoes: quercetin Coffee: phenolic acids Cranberries: procyanadin Dark Chocolate: epicatechin Green Tea: polyphenols Oranges: hesperedin Peaches: epicatechin and phenolic acids Plums: epicatechin and phenolic acids Raspberries: anthocyanins Red Grapes: anthocyanins and phenolic acids Red Onions: quercetin Spinach: polyphenols Strawberries: anthocyanins and ellagic acid   I invite you to use the comments section below. ~ Which of these foods are you willing to try more often?   Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Higher testosterone levels correlate to healthy weight in men. Are you over 40? There’s a correlation between testosterone and belly fat. If you are a man in — or approaching — middle age, you may already know how challenging it can be to stay fit. What you may not know, is that part of your challenge could be a matter of testosterone levels. Deciding to Be Fit After 40 Aging well doesn’t happen by accident. A healthy diet, regular exercise, discipline and determination all play a part in being fit after 40. But another important part of maintaining optimum health is knowledge. The better we understand our own bodies and the aging process, the more prepared we are to address issues as they arise.  One common struggle for fellows after age 40 is excessive weight gain. Some nutritionists suggest that your metabolism slows by 10% each decade. That means by age 50, you could be 30% fatter than you were at age 20. This can open Pandora’s Box to a variety of other problems. But take heart. A man can stay lean after 50. He can even keep a tight midsection! It’s all about making periodic lifestyle changes and improvements. “Low testosterone can foster unhealthy weight gain which can in turn further decrease testosterone levels in our bodies.” Testosterone and the Aging Process Healthy Aging, Exercise, Diet and Testosterone The right diet and exercise are the intuitive solution to this problem. However, they don’t directly address the intrinsic metabolic changes. Men simply produce less testosterone as we age. Medical professionals used to believe that weight gain caused decreased testosterone levels in men. While this is true, it may not the whole truth. Recent studies have shown the connection between low testosterone and obesity to be bidirectional rather than a simple cause and effect relationship. Low testosterone can foster unhealthy weight gain which can further decrease testosterone levels in our bodies. This cycle can lead to some serious health problems like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. But many experts believe that maintaining healthy testosterone levels can help our bodies effectively regulate glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and fat-to-muscle ratios. In some cases, natural bio-identical Hormone therapies can help. As you work toward your health and fitness goals, don’t just work hard. Work smart. If you’d like to read more on this important subject, here is a link to a detailed article on the correlation between testosterone and body fat, with more valuable information. Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below:

Many doctors believe that sleeping deeply is one of the keys to a long and healthy life. The 4:15 Experiment was about more than just waking up super early.  It was about discovering my body’s natural rhythm and creating an optimal schedule as a foundation on which to build more enlightened habits. Schedule Adjustment: Setting Boundaries Helps During the experiment, I woke 30 days in a row at 4:15am and I soon discovered that, in order to complete the experiment successfully, I had to say “no” more often: “No” to working late at the office. “No” to restaurant dinner engagements. Toward the end, I was becoming an expert at setting healthy boundaries! Schedule Adjustment: Clarity Though the initial adjustment to my new schedule did cause a few moments of strain, once the initial shock was gone, I began to develop a heightened sense of self-awareness and clarity. Schedule Your Sleep ~ Avoid Late Night Eating Rising each morning at 4:15 a.m. provided me with more calm moments of reflection — moments that had been less possible back when I rushed to get ready for work from the moment I set foot out of bed. Now, by rising early, I had time to enjoy the morning calmly and set my intentions for the day ahead. I could arrive at my desk earlier and get some outrageously effective work done before the rest of the world got hectic and the emails and calls started flooding in! Schedule Adjustment: Late Night Eating Later that day, when I arrived home after work around 5:30 p.m. I was forced to begin my evening wind-down rather than continuing to pursue this project or that, as I was previously accustomed. “by rising early, I had time to enjoy the morning calmly and set my intentions for the day ahead.” As the experiment progressed I perceived the need to shift my evening meal relative to my new schedule. Ceasing to eat at least two hours before you go to sleep is an important step to aid your body’s natural metabolic cycle, and ensure a restful night’s sleep. It also helps you maximize your exercise and dietary regimen. I encourage you to experiment with your own schedule and see where it leads you. If you’d like to do some further reading on this subject here’s a link with some more great tips on making the most of your resting hours. Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Get your blenders ready to try out this great-tasting, high energy smoothie, which also happens to be super healthy.       For you early-risers out there, you already know that one peculiar aspect of waking up very early is that by the time you’re preparing to head out the door around 8:30am or so, your 6 a.m. breakfast is already starting to wear off!   Action-Packed…Snack?   I needed a post-breakfast high energy “snack” — something fast and packed with energizing nutrition to give me a sustained boost.     “It’s often fun to experiment and modify a recipe to make it your own”       After a couple of tries, I concocted this high energy recipe that I’d like to share with you. It’s refreshing and delicious, and really puts you in the right mood to take-on the world! I made this video really fast before I was leaving for work:     The secret ingredient in this recipe is: water-treated, organic decaffeinated coffee (personally, I’m a big fan of the Van Houtte brand of coffee — it’s mellow and woodsy.) Water-treated decaf is made without those scary chemicals (if you knew what they used to make standard decaf, you might have nightmares — so I’m going to spare you the gory details). For the those of you who still depend on higher levels of caffeine, organic regular coffee can be substituted.   Delicious Ingredients for Coffee Shakes!   water-treated, organic, fair trade decaffeinated coffee frozen organic banana ice rice milk raw pecans raw organic coconut butter carob and raw cacao and a bit of plant protein powder   Not everyone likes the combination of banana with coffee — I enjoy it. If the combination of those flavors doesn’t appeal to you, however, simply substitute more ice for the frozen banana. Another great thing: this recipe is easily customizable; lately I’ve been making it with raw, organic pecan butter instead of peanut butter, and if you feel like a change of pace you can swap out the cardamom for cinnamon. It’s often fun to experiment and modify a recipe to make it your own, so play around and let me know what you come up with.         Get lean and energized! Learn the secrets to making the healthiest shakes and green smoothies by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Large projects remain unfinished because we fixate too much on the enormity of what-lies-ahead. There are solutions!         One of the keys to increasing your success is prioritizing. The most effective use of your time will often be choosing the most important task from among all the others on your to-do list. That task is then called your next-action step.   Making Good Choices   The quality of your day depends on the choosing of your next-action step. Your week depends on it. Your month. Your year. Your life.         In our modern lives, we humans can be very funny about this process of capturing and prioritizing our tasks. Even when we know that there is a particular task that needs completing — how we try to avoid it, postpone it, negotiate with it, and cajole it! I mean, it’s more fun just to wing-it, right? To be fluid, and to do what we feel like doing, when we feel like doing it?     “I’m able to use systems without resenting them for rigidly structuring my time”       Well, it is more fun just to wing-it, yes. For a short while. But things pile-up. Tasks don’t finish themselves, and — in particular — larger, more complex projects need strategy and proper sequence in order to maintain momentum toward full completion. This is where prioritizing really comes in handy. Identifying your next-step on any project, or in any moment, is determined, in part, by your model of personal productivity; that is, the method you use for approaching your day.   Prioritizing: The 2 Models for Productivity   1. Proactive Prioritizing   Taking on your day with a proactive mindset means you have a system and a very conscious thought-process for how you envision the rest of your day unfolding.   2. Reactive Prioritizing   Responding to your day reactively means you “kind of” have a plan, but spend a significant amount of time reacting to new issues that arise moment-to-moment.   Which is your model? How do you approach your day? Look, I’m a guy that uses systems during his day. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing domestic chores at home or facilitating an important meeting at the office — I use systems. The reason I’m able to use systems without “resenting” them for rigidly structuring my time or making my day seem less spontaneous, is because… I control the systems. Knowing that I’m the boss of me and that I have choices, helps me to engage my productivity systems with a sense of play (and not drudgery).     “it’s common for busy people to have over 100 items on their to-do lists”         You are the boss of you. You are in charge of your day and the choices you make. There are days when I don’t feel like using my lists, and so I don’t. No guilt. No shame. I just give myself a break. Ironically, though, knowing that I can “suspend” my systems any time I feel like it — that I give myself complete permission to throw my clipboard into a drawer anytime I want — helps me to feel empowered and enthusiastic about the whole process of capturing tasks into a list and completing them in a methodical way.     Now, in terms of how to choose what you do next, that is both a science, and an art. Sometimes you want to choose whatever on the list has been there the longest, or, choose whatever on the list you feel least like doing, or, whatever on the list is the most potentially revenue-producing, or…. Actually, the “how” to choose what to do next on your list, is a topic for another post and, oddly, not even the most important dynamic. What’s more important is the awareness and intention to see your day, your hour, and this minute, through the lens of the next-action step. Ah, the next-action step: the thing on which your productivity hinges. You can accomplish so much more, once you understand the art of choosing the right next-action. And the very, very best part of the next-action, is: it’s a real de-stresser! In the short video below, I provide insights into how to determine which productivity model you are personally in the habit of using:     When you think of all that you have to do, how much work and time will be involved, how much intricacy and effort — it can really raise those anxiety-levels! But as soon as you begin work upon a carefully chosen next-action, all the noise and angst dissipates and is replaced by a calm clarity. Nothing lowers the heart rate like focusing cleanly on the task at hand. Another benefit, is that completing your highest priority items now, will create more free, “play” time for you later. The goal isn’t too finish everything on your list in one day (these days, it’s not uncommon for busy executives or state-of-the-art homemakers to have 100 to 150 items captured on their lists), but rather, to decide on the most important stuff, and then get-at it.   Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

If you’re thinking of moving to Southern California one day, Los Angeles may be on your “short list” of desirable places.   Thinking about moving to Los Angeles? It will help you to become familiar with the local expressions “Westside” and “East of the 405,” particularly if you want to determine which Los Angeles neighborhood might be best for you!   Angelenos can often be heard using the expression “east of the 405.” For people who want to relocate to Los Angeles, it can be baffling to try to decipher all of the local expressions and to figure out which neighborhood will be the best fit. This short video provides a helpful and very brief overview.         Please leave your comments below; I’d love to hear from you! For more information about lifestyle properties and luxury estate homes, particularly in Southern California, check out David’s site Estate Homes LA.     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Resist the temptation to “complicate” success. Stay focused, and keep it simple, with these 3 basic steps for creating success. Today, I’m fired-up by the words of Nick Segal. This morning I witnessed one of his charismatic presentations and I’m feeling impacted by his motivating words on the topic of prosperity and success. “Understand that relationship-building is not a temporary campaign, it’s a lifestyle choice.” Segal is President of Partners Trust, a boutique residential real estate brokerage in Los Angeles that specializes in helping high-end clients buy and sell luxury homes. Social Media for Success Nick’s talk today on utilizing social media to create new relationships and deepen existing ones, reminded me of 3 essential and effective success strategies. It doesn’t matter if you are a CEO of a Fortune-500 company who wants to increase profits, or a state-of-the-homemaker who wants to model for her children how to cultivate meaningful, reciprocal relationships. These strategies will benefit anyone who engages with them: Step #1. Become accurately and tenaciously aware of how you actually spend your day.   Step #2. With that increased awareness, determine where you can habituate your “future business activities” (i.e., providing value to others with whom you’re not in a current business transaction).   Step #3. Choose to have faith that your reach-out-and-touch habits will enrich your life, if you are consistent and if you persevere. Understand that relationship-building is not a temporary campaign, it’s a lifestyle choice. That’s it. Hey, I said it was simple. The key word in these 3 steps is, “habituate.” As you go about your usual routine, I suggest watching yourself with a third eye: witness yourself objectively as you go from task to task, and see if you can recognize patterns and habits. Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Men covet high-tech gadgets. Here’s a real-life example of one man’s wish list.           Have you noticed that most men covet gadgets? Today, I was kind of startled by my own wish list. As you can see in this snippet, one of these items is not like the others:     Now, okay, yes, my literary tastes are diverse. I mostly read and buy nonfiction, so fiction tends to linger on the list a bit longer. But what the heck am I going to do with a crossbow? Hunt wild game?     “what the heck am I going to do with a crossbow?       I mean, I’m mostly a vegetarian, and on some days, I’m even a vegan. So what gives?   Bond, James Bond   It may be that during my formative youth, my psyche was impacted by the 1981 James Bond film, “For Your Eyes Only” my hands-down favorite of all the Bond films to date (and yes, I’ve seen every one). I wanted to swim in the azure waters of the Greek Islands just like Roger Moore. Romance! Intrigue! Adventure!     I think I must covet this “Barnett Quad 400 Crossbow Camo Package” as some sort of repressed inner-warrior, trying to express himself. Must be that fearless part of me that desires to spear fish, climb coconut trees, and save the world!   What Do You Covet?   Now, my theory is that every man has something equally strange that he covets, whether it’s some weird electronic security device that beams your location to a satellite next time you’re lost in a South American rain forest, or… the standard red Ferrari. Now that I’ve shared with you one of the more peculiar items from my wish list, I’m daring you to share, too: What do you covet? If money were no object, what gadget might you be tempted to buy for yourself?   If you are a man, over forty, stuck and want to change, follow this guy – RT @danenow: Living Passionately:bit.ly/rLjZJ1 — Mike King (@mikeking4re) January 13, 2012   Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  What we say to ourselves – inside our minds – makes a difference.   Your success increases exponentially, when you eliminate negative self-talk and think more positive thoughts. Everyone has an internal dialogue — the random chatter of their own thoughts that occur throughout the day. There is a connection between what the dialogue sounds like inside, and what happens to you in your outside life. The more positive the dialogue, the greater the success.   Change Your Beliefs to Increase Your Success   positive thoughts lead to positive circumstances “By giving your attention to what is positive about you, you will have more physical energy and manifest more positive experiences.” Learning the Power of Positive Self Talk But how aware are we of that dialogue? In meditation, they call it “watching the watcher,” because by learning to objectively witness your self-talk as it occurs and giving it a label (“oh, that’s my inner-critic talking…” “that’s my rebel talking…”), you can start to switch to more encouraging types of self-talk! The process is simple, once you learn how to do it. You consciously observe your negative thoughts only long enough to identify them, then quickly guide your thoughts to what you feel grateful for, and what you admire most about yourself. By giving your attention to what is positive about you, you will have more physical energy and manifest more positive experiences. It’s not that you can’t create any success via the negative route: plenty of fortunes have been made — and power acquired — via bombastic methods. But success is more than just money and power, it’s also presence and good health. Presence and good health are attracted to positivity.   Creating a Healthy Inner Dialogue In The Law of Attraction, Michael Losier tackles this notion in vibrational terms. The idea remains the same. A positive inner dialogue leads to a giving off of positive vibrations. And positive vibrations attract positive outcomes! I urge you to start paying attention to your inner dialogue. Begin to focus on more positive thought-processes. You will be amazed at the impact it has on your productivity. Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below:

      There are 4 strategies for obtaining what you want in life, and enjoying it passionately!       So many of us, these days, lead busy lifestyles. As society grows exponentially more complex, so do our responsibilities. The only thing that stays the same are the hours in a day.   4 Strategies for Getting What You Want   While many of us might be truly interested in developing new strategies for self-improvement and personal growth, we often feel so time-constrained that we don’t believe we have an hour to sit down to read a new book or take a new workshop.     “you’re going to want to have healthy ways to metabolize some of life’s natural anxiety.”       With that in mind, I’ve written this post for all of you super-busy folks: it bottom-lines how to create a new goal, and achieve it quickly! I’ve also included a link with each step that points to more specific, helpful hints.   Strategies for Success #1: Fantasize Vividly   Visualize what you want perfectly in your mind — close your eyes, breathe, and see yourself having what you want, so clearly that you can actually feel it.         Strategies for Success #2: Modify Your Language   Attract what you want into your life by using positive vibrations and feelings, choosing to observe the best of your life, and eliminating the words “don’t,” “not,” and “no” from your habitual language.   Strategies for Success #3: Look Closely at Your Day   Move into action, by looking consciously at how you spend your time each day, and establish systems of productivity. This website is loaded with many tips on getting the most bang from your average day, so I invite you to explore a bit, until you find systems that work uniquely well for you.   Strategies for Success #4: Find Outlets!   As you’re visualizing, feeling, attracting, and improving, you’re going to want to have healthy ways to metabolize some of life’s natural anxiety. Many people who are diligent at the first steps, will stumble when they get to this fourth step. For whatever reason, we humans are not always proactive in finding habitual ways of releasing tension from our minds and bodies. In fact, if we look back closely at the mistakes we’ve made in your lives until this point, we’ll see that we made them when we were feeling anxious or “off-center.”   I encourage you to experiment with these four strategies!   Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Your desk is your command-central. It’s how you get things done. It’s where you make the magic happen.       Often, a good first-step toward a great day, is getting your work desk straightened-out. There is a funny television commercial for canned beans, in which the spokesman exclaims, “Roll that beautiful bean footage!” (the joke being that “beans” are not that sexy). Well, here’s my own version of that commercial!     “where we work, affects how we work.”       As many of you know, I’m fascinated by other people’s desks. In fact, on Twitter and Facebook, it’s not uncommon for my friends and me to send each other candid, real-time photos and videos of our desks.   Usually, those photos are one of two things: a completely organized desk, or a desk that looks like a tornado hit it! We’ve all had days where our desks almost explode with papers and chaos. It’s just an aspect of modern work life. If all is well, most of the time, we manage to keep the desk systematized, clean, and poised for success! Because, the truth is, where we work, affects how we work.   My Work Desk   Here’s mine, in this moment. Can you pick out what some of the items are, and what what their purpose is?       Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Juicing is a great way for busy people to do something healthy for themselves on-the-go.     “Productive, on-the-go people sometimes find it even more difficult to eat nutritious, fresh foods.”       One of the huge ironies of modern life is: that you can have a harried schedule and frantic mind, while at the same time leading a sedentary lifestyle. It seems like that shouldn’t even be possible, and yet it is a reality of daily life for many of us. Juicing is a great way for busy people to do something healthy for themselves.   Juice on the Go   Just because you’re stressed out, doesn’t mean that you’re active (moving, strengthening, and stretching your body). Driving and desk-sitting seem active because the mind is active, yet they can be, in reality, sedentary — and real downers for the human physique. Productive, on-the-go people sometimes find it even more difficult to eat nutritious, fresh foods. The busier you are, the more important it is to do something very healthy for your body every day. And do I have a great solution for you: Juice! And I’m going to share with you the best juice recipe for vibrant, high-energy health that I know of:   cucumber + kale + celery + parsley + lemon + ginger = feeling like a superhero!   I’m drinking some right now, and it’s as fresh as it gets!   Local Juicing   Hopefully, you live in a neighborhood or town that has a health food store or local “juice bar.” I have a couple near where I live, and I frequent them often — popping-in, on my way to-or-from a meeting or errand. If you’re lucky, the fellas behind the counter will even make you laugh!         Today, I stopped by Nature’s Health Cafe in Palm Springs, California (next time you’re vacationing here, you can find it near the southwest corner of Sunrise and Ramon). I prefer Green Smoothies over green juice. But Green Smoothies are like entire meals, and sometimes when I’m out and about, I just need a pick-me-up, and that’s where green juice comes in… I had just run a bunch of errands, was on my way to the gym, and needed a serious pick-me-up. ZING! This juice had me feeling fantastic almost immediately! As you can see in the photo, this particular juice is a bright, life-giving green!   Get lean and energized! Learn the secrets to making the healthiest shakes and green smoothies by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    There have been some great mainstream films this year — big hits — but here are 6 outstanding films, available now on DVD, that you may not have seen yet.         There were several brilliant movies and entertaining series that were released recently on DVD, most of which you’ve probably already seen. For lovers of serious film, we had: Up in the Air The Kids Are All Right A Single Man   And, for fans of good ol’ fun and entertainment, there were also several season-series available on DVD: Burn Notice: Season 3 Mad Men: Season 3 Leverage: Season 1 In Plain Sight: Season 2 Nurse Jackie: Season 1   This Year’s Underrated Film & Television (on DVD) But what about the films that earned a bit less at the box office? Here is a countdown of 6 outstanding films, from a variety of genres, that are available now on DVD, and that you probably haven’t seen yet — saving the very best for last:   #6. 500 Days Of Summer Okay, you might have seen this one. For a quirky film, it made a huge impact at the box office. It earned over $32 million domestically, yet cost under $8 million to make! Big success, and it deserved it. It’s very hard to capture the poignancy, joy, humanity, and absurdity of first-love, but this movie did. It even has a tongue-in-cheek dance number that actually adds more dimension to the story. Amazing stuff.   #5. She’s Out Of My League. Look, the critics are very hard on comedies. Who knows why. I think comedy is much harder to pull-off successfully, and I also believe that, as a culture, we’re at our very best when we make good comedies. What makes comedies challenging, is that the good ones manage to celebrate what’s best about the human condition, while simultaneously poking fun at ourselves. I mean, who wants to come home after a hard day and eat dinner in front of “There Will Be Blood?” (A fine film, but I’m just sayin’.)         “What makes comedies challenging, is that the good ones manage to celebrate what’s best about the human condition, while simultaneously poking fun at ourselves.”       Just like 500 Days Of Summer, She’s Out Of My League also made almost $32 million domestically (but it cost a lot more to make) and I’m surprised that it ranked around 85 of all the top-grossing films of the year. I mean, that’s great, but this movie was so funny, I thought more people would see it first-run at the theaters.   #4. Emma The BBC aired a new version of Jane Austen’s Emma in 2009, that was available this year in the US. The thing about Austen is, that as good as the theatrical interpretations of Austen usually are, she is best-served in full-bodied episodes (not the 90-minute condensed versions at the theaters). This is hardcore romance, folks, and I can’t imagine anyone who will make it to the end of this Emma without feeling invigorated and happy.   #3. Did You Hear About the Morgans? Everything I said above about comedy applies here. This is good, clean, fish-out-of-water farce. It won’t win any Oscars, but, geesh, let’s lighten-up a bit. Isn’t it enough to laugh and have your heart warmed? Juxtaposing Hugh Grant’s bumbling, self-effacing comedy with Sam Elliot’s stone-faced, hyper-masculine Americanism is pure genius. This film ranked 93 of the year, and I think it deserved a much higher spot.   #2. Lark Rise to Candleford Man, oh, man, I so loved Seasons 1 and 2 of this BBC series event. It’s just film perfection. Complete, wholesome, fully satisfying entertainment. The only other thing I can think to say is: you won’t regret it.     And now… wait for the drumroll… …here is the best film on DVD that you didn’t see in 2010:     1. Moon These days, most “science fiction” is, in fact, action-adventure being disguised as science fiction. Not so, here. Moon is science fiction at its best. Thought-provoking, symbolic, and it does what science fiction does so well: asks us to consider our own definitions of “progress.” This movie only made $5 million at the box office! Yet, almost everyone who has seen it, loves it. It’s about a man ending a lonely 3-year maintenance stint on a moon base. His employer is a mega-corporation and his friend is — you guessed it — a robot. This is real cinema, folks.   Okay, there you have it. My picks for the best recent DVDs that you might not have seen.       Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Portland photographer Elizabeth Soule is creating high-concept photo boxes of miniature figures — small frames with a big impact. See what you think.         I’ve been admiring Elizabeth Soule’s work for several years; she’s a Portland artist who is drawn to photography and miniatures.     “I believe everybody should have some art in their home and their office.”       I first learned about Soule in Sunset Magazine. She shoots pics of figurines against textured backdrops, and frames them in high-concept photo boxes.   Our Artist of the Year Creates Small Frames with a Big Impact   I’m a big fan of juxtaposition in art, because I’ve noticed that when you contrast two different feelings with each other, you experience those feelings more fully together than you would individually. And perhaps that is why I like Soule’s work. There’s something uplifting and whimsical there, but there’s a seriousness, too. The overall effect of Soule’s photography is playful, yet very intentional. Personally, I find them understated, and, in their own way, amazing.     In looking through her lens at the miniatures, there is something wistful, something so slightly poignant — one almost senses that they are observing some relic found in an archeological dig and restored in a museum facility:     “See here, and learn about the human race, that once roamed the planet. They were a quirky, intense people who could be ferocious with each other — but also very loving.”       Look, I’m not one for a lot of clutter, yet I believe everybody should have some art in their home and their office. I mean, we all need inspiration and daily reminders that we are multi-dimensional, creative human beings capable of good works. And if you are going to display stuff in your home, then — I say — do it beautifully. InstantDane.tv has named Elizabeth Soule its Favorite Artist of the Year. See Soule’s photo boxes for yourself, and I invite you to leave a comment — if you’re on Facebook, please use the Facebook-enabled comments below.     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Winning at life is about making the most of each day!         I have many nerdy hobbies. Among them, I enjoy experimenting with ways to improve self-efficiency, and then sharing my discoveries about what actually works. Winning the day became an achievable goal. This website evolved from an idea I had several years ago of providing uplifting solutions for very busy people.   Win the Moment, Win the Day   I think almost everyone likes the idea of improving their personal productivity and living a more streamlined lifestyle. And, indeed, life has shown me that our real lives are comprised from our smallest daily habits and choices.   A former business coach of mine often encouraged me to “win the day!” His idea was that first you win the moment, then you win the hour, then you win the day. And a day is won by making a series of good choices that you follow-through upon.     “the day isn’t over till it’s over”       Winning: You Can Make Mistakes and Still Win The Day   Your day is not won by being perfect, for none of us is. Winning is not perfection. Let’s say you mess up by eating a plate of peanut butter cookies for breakfast. Well, the day isn’t over yet. You can still take this thing. Let’s say you screw up by watching reruns of Green Acres on Hulu during lunch, instead of going to the gym. Well, the day isn’t over yet. You can still take this thing. The day isn’t over till it’s over. And you might not know until the following morning, whether the day before was — overall — a productive one or not. By eating fresh vegetables with lunch and dinner, say, or going for a power-walk in your neighborhood before bedtime, the day can still be won, even if you’ve slipped up a couple of times.         Winning: Each Day Plant Seeds for a Future Harvest   One of the mistakes people make most often in their day, is getting so caught up in a current project, that they forget to allocate a little time toward cultivating new relationships and deepening existing ones. It seems that almost everyone is tempted to make this mistake: company executives, entrepreneurs, fitness trainers, real estate agents, homemakers — you name it. In business, cultivating relationships is the ultimate “future-business activity,” because if you spend all of your time working with an existing client, without spending at least a little time generating future clients, it’s hard to reach that tipping-point where your business will grow exponentially. What I recognize, is a natural law of attraction operating in The Universe, that reveals that prosperity is often magnetized by enthusiasm and connectedness. In modern daily life, it’s very easy to forget these basic principles of common sense. Even if you spent all morning and afternoon reacting to problems from a current consuming project, you can still allocate an hour or so from this day to reach out to your tribe of friends, acquaintances, relatives, and past clients to connect. First win the moment, then win the hour, then win the day.     Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Using project and task lists effectively can improve your life and create more time for play!         Anybody who’s great at being organized and getting a lot done (in comparatively less time than other people), probably uses lists as part of their “productivity system.” If you want to become even more organized and accomplished, it will help you to accept lists as a part of your daily time management routine.     “Your to-do list is not only not your enemy, it would like to be your best friend!”       Lists are an essential component of self-efficiency. Here are four helpful ways to use to-do lists so that you can live optimally, get more done in less time, and move steadily toward your goals!   4 Easy Ways to Use Lists for an Enjoyable and Productive Life   1. Give Yourself a Permanent Hall Pass   What’s with the long face? Stop beating yourself up for not being perfect, and approach your list with a lighter, more-playful energy. Stay out of the shame zone — it’s a complete waste of your mental and emotional energy! If you decide to experiment with using lists each day, give yourself permission to blow-off the lists on any day you’re not “not feeling it.” This sounds strange and unlikely, I know, but the fact is that you will be more likely to stick with lists if you know you have the option to take a day off from them whenever you feel like it. If you’re going to take time off, at least enjoy it! If you want to take a day off, take a day off! Which leads me to…   2. Use a Different “Lens”   Start looking at your lists with rose-colored glasses. When it comes to our task lists, what most of us need even more than a new system, is a new perspective. What I suggest is: don’t resent the list, don’t rebel against the list, don’t feel oppressed by the list — because, hey, the list isn’t saying “you are a mess; look how you ignore me,” or, “I am the boss of you.” If you your list could talk, it would instead simply say: “I am a tool designed to help you. If you need me, I’m here for you.” Your to-do list is not only not your enemy, it would like to be your best friend!   3. Re-engage With Your Lists Every 48 Hours   If you can, try never to take more than two days off in a row from your lists. Keep yourself in the game, so that you don’t develop any unhelpful habits that you’ll just have to struggle again to break. Yes, in #1 (see above) I advise you to take a day off whenever you feel like. Heck, take two, if you like. But try to climb back on the horse on day-three (unless you’re on vacation or recuperating), otherwise it’ll be that much harder to reconnect.         4. Trust the Process   Everyone has made a to-do list and then never looked at it again. So what? Big deal. Who cares? The process of writing the list is, in itself, clarifying. The process lets you dump out the worrying contents of your brain onto paper so that all the stuff doesn’t have to recirculate endlessly in your mind. Even if you never looked at the list again, it was still better to have made a list than to have never made one. And those are my 4 tips. Are you energized? Feeling positive? Ready to take on your day — to create and achieve your goals? What about next week? Have you taken a few minutes to plan out next week yet?     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      By recognizing when you arrive at milestones, you’ll achieve your goals even more quickly.         I share a lot of tips and tricks on this site for improving personal productivity. It’s a great feeling to realize that — with a tweak here and an adjustment there — you can increase self-efficiency and achieve excellence! Strangely, the best part about using our time more efficiently isn’t that it increases our “output” and our accomplishments. Instead, the best parts of becoming more productive are the positive things we learn about ourselves along the way.     “what we celebrate and focus on, we get more of”       Here are 5 realizations that many people have as they gradually increase their success. I believe these realizations reveal how to achieve excellence. Being mindful of these dynamics as they occur during your own journey of self-improvement can make the process more meaningful and — frankly — also help you to achieve your goals more quickly.   The Journey toward Excellence   Realization #1: Wanting to Feel Better or Do Better   The journey often begins as we become irritated with our own habits, and feel that we’re not realizing our full potential. There’s some inner voice — conscious, or otherwise — that whispers, “I know I can do better.”   Realization #2: Understanding that Doing Better Means Changing   As irritation moves to frustration, there tends to be a bit of negative self-talk: “Come on, now, stop slackin’ off! Get your act together!”     We know our lives are cluttered, and we know we’d like to streamline. But even the word “clutter” fills us with a bit of dread. We immediately think of the things we should be doing if only we were “better” — like cleaning the boxes out of the garage, or sorting through that pile of receipts on our desk. Still, at this point, we begin sensing, on some level, that our daily habits need fine-tuning.   Realization #3: Becoming Aware that Some Thoughts Create More Anxiety Than is Necessary   Surprise, surprise — for most us, guilt and shame are not sustainable motivators, and so nothing changes, or the changes that we do make, don’t stick. The fact is, that goal-setting and organizing is optional. We don’t have to do it, and we’re still good people if we don’t. The ability and willingness to re-frame our challenges as something positive, is key.   Realization #4: Choosing to Metabolize Life’s Daily Anxieties in Healthier Ways   At this point in the journey, we encounter a sort of psychological fork in the road: “Being hard on myself isn’t working that great, so… what if I turned it into a game?” This is a big moment — a choice, really — and from here we can embark in a new direction with a positive attitude, a light heart, a sense of humor, play, and discovery. The fact is that many people in our modern era manage their anxiety by repressing and self-medicating (sugar, beer, television — whatever the “drug” of choice is; anything can be used addictively). Organizing, on the other hand, is a healthy way to move forward into change. It’s a great self-soothing technique.   Realization #5: Recognizing that It’s Working   The way that life often operates is, that what we celebrate and focus on, we get more of — and that includes our accomplishments. As we move into a higher state of productivity and excellence, it’s essential that we recognize and celebrate our successes — large or small.   What am I missing? Please leave your comments below — I’d love to hear your thoughts. Meanwhile, I invite you visit instantDane.tv daily, for inspiration and tips. Leave comments. Share ideas. Lean-in to the community, and as you cycle through these realizations, you will continue to improve your performance.     Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Ojai is a small, historic village in the mountains, near Santa Barbara, California – a desirable place to live, vacation, or even just to take a day trip.       I’ve got Ojai, California, on my mind today — probably because last night, I watched the dvd of Easy A, an entertaining movie that was filmed on-location in Ojai. Having spent much time in Ojai myself, it was fun to recognize all of the buildings and vistas in the flick! Ojai, California often makes the “best places to live,” “best places to day trip,” and “hip and stylish communities” lists of many magazines. It is considered a very desirable place to live among small Western towns, in particular.     10 Great Activities in Ojai, California   Below is a list of my most favorite Ojai, California excursions — please leave your own personal favorites in the comments section! 1. Walk the Trail. Walk, run, or bike “The Trail.” Though it sits on the edge of Los Angeles, the Ojai Valley has retained its rural charm. Part of that charm is the rail-trail that travels all the way down to Ventura, passing broad open spaces and offering stellar mountain views along the way. 2. Take a Yoga Class. At Lulu Bandha’s. They actually have a class called, “Stiff White Guys,” and several gentle classes for beginners. 3. Breakfast at Rainbow Bridge. In the morning, they offer organic scrambled eggs, free-range turkey links, and oatmeal at their food counter. A scrumptious way to begin the day, and many locals do — which is why the breakfast food is usually all gone by 10am! 4. Hike Shelf Road. A fairly simple hike that overlooks Ojai Valley. Take Signal road until the trail head. Frequented by families and dog walkers. Bring water and wear walking shoes, but this hike is not very difficult. There is a bench at the most scenic part of the hike that overlooks the entire valley. Orange trees line the hike. 5. Lunch at Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill. I like to grab their Vegetarian Burrito (“cut in half, hold the chips”). They offer a selection of salsas.     6. Stroll the Arcade Plaza and Libby Park. This is the part of town with whitewash mission architecture (most of it built in 1917), bell towers, and all of the little galleries, shops, and cafes on East Ojai Avenue. Behind the “arcade” is a plaza that has a grassy area, benches, and tiled arches. Across and in front of the arcade is Libby Park, with its lovely Spanish fountain and oak trees, gazebo, and a play area for kids. The park also has 8 really nice public tennis courts toward the back. Look up and east at dusk and you might witness Ojai’s famous “pink moment” (see photo, top). 7. Visit the Ojai Valley Museum and Visitor’s Center. You can pop in and obtain maps, brochures, and flyers on local areas of interest and special events. The museum looks like a mission (complete with tower, though not to be confused with the famous post office tower just two blocks east), and there is a nice courtyard in front. The friendly folks inside can offer suggestions and answer your questions, plus they sell maps of the hiking trails in the area. The museum is filled with local artists’ work and various small exhibits. 8. Ride the Trolley. The Ojai Trolley Service is a well-known feature in the Ojai Valley and owned and operated by the City. The trolley provides daily fixed-route transportation to approximately 9,000 riders per month. I believe the cost is still 50 cents (bring exact change) and begins at 7:15am at Ojai Ave at Signal St (look “up” for the Trolley Sign) and picks up there every hour after that. Each route is about an hour. Nothing earth-shattering here, but it’s a good way to get a “lay of the land” if you’re new to Ojai. 9. Sunday Morning Farmer’s Market. On Matilija, from 9am to 2pm. Enjoyable! We like the raw chocolate and the fresh-cut lavender. 10. Browse Bart’s Books. A charming outdoor bookstore (you can’t miss it) that is fun to browse (302 W. Matilija), unless you’re very allergic to book dust.   Living in Ojai, California: 3 Important Questions   Ojai, California has been a great weekend getaway for Angelenos and was long thought to be the ideal place for a second home. Recently, however, there seems to be a new trend: professionals who choose to keep their main home in Ojai and who commute to Ventura, Malibu, Santa Barbara or northwest Los Angeles to work northwest Los Angeles (and, of course, Ojai has citizens who do not commute by car, but walk or bike to their offices without leaving the Ojai Valley at all!). Perhaps, ultimately, Ojai’s charm is found in its diversity: it’s not just all celebrities and executives — there are bohemian artists, laborers, teachers, and all kinds of good folks from all walks of life who seem to co-mingle in Ojai’s relaxed and easy atmosphere.     “Ojai, California often makes the ‘best places to live,’ ‘best places to day trip,’ and ‘hip and stylish communities‘ lists of many magazines.”       If you’re having fantasies of living in Ojai, there are three important questions to ask yourself as you begin your home search: #1 Do I want to live in Ojai’s historic downtown? Sounds like an easy choice, yes? Not so fast. Some people like the idea of having a few quiet acres of land in the hills. You know, the full ‘country’ experience. The trade-off is, you’ll have to drive everywhere, which for some people sort of defeats the whole reason of living in a charming small town in the first place. If you live near the historic downtown in Ojai, you’ll be able to stroll just about everywhere, including the health food store, the post office, the yoga studio, shops, restaurants, grocery, nature trails — you name it. However, you may have to sacrifice that acreage. How important is a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle to you? How would you feel in the first year of having to drive everywhere? What about the second year? The third? #2 What level of maintenance do I want? Generally, the larger your spread, the more work involved in maintaining it. In condos and some green-housing communities downtown, monthly homeowner’s dues are required. Monthly dues sound like a drag at first, but it also means that for a hundred bucks or so, all the gardening, landscaping, watering, community areas, and weed-whacking will be handled for you. A little gardening is fun when it’s optional, but are you ready to maintain two or more acres on your own? On the other hand, it can feel luxurious to have the space and privacy that a large parcel provides. #3 Will I live in Ojai full-time, or just weekends and vacations? If you have some flexibility in your work schedule, it’s possible that you can live in Ojai full-time and still commute to LA for professional reasons. For example, if you only have to be in LA four times a week or less, then a full-time Ojai lifestyle could work well for you. This is even more true if you can leave your Ojai house at 9am, missing most of the heavy traffic, and then can make your return trip back on or before 4:30pm. Use the time productively, returning your business calls on the drive, or using Jott (verbal task-listing) to organize the next day’s projects (speaker-phones only, please!). On the other hand, if you must be in LA five times a week or more, and must be on the road during rush hour, then Ojai will probably only work for you as your weekend getaway and vacation retreat. When it comes to commuting, it’s better to err on the side of the caution — and not bite off more than you can chew. Commuting can really wear you down over time if you’re not organized.   Best Barbershop in Ojai, California   I sometimes like to drive to Ojai early on a Saturday morning. As many of you know, Ojai is less than a 90-minute drive from the Westside of L.A., and the drive north along PCH is startlingly beautiful — I’ve even seen dolphins jump out of the water as I drive along! As I pull into Ojai’s serene Main Street and arrive at its charming historic downtown district, I take a left at Signal Street until I arrive at an authentic, true-Americana barbershop — Montgomery’s — where I can get one of the best haircuts ever (closed on Sunday, and the schedule is booked solid on Saturdays, so no walk-ins — call ahead!) Remember Floyd, the beloved barber of Mayberry, from the classic television show Andy Griffith? Ojai has its own Floyd, only his name is Duane and he has been standing in the same spot giving professional haircuts since 1967! Duane and I were talking about how so many people these days will relocate themselves for a new job. It has become a mobile, transitory culture. Duane said that 50 years ago, people were more prone to find a town or a company that they liked, and then stay there forever. There is something time-honored and American about sitting in the barber chair, getting a fresh clipper cut, and catching up on the latest local news. It is an enjoyable experience, and you leave there looking better than when you went in.     For those that want to live in a beautiful, natural, walkable area, and yet still live in proximity to a major metropolitan area, Ojai can be a desirable option. This is the type of home that is available in Ojai, California.       Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Some days, life in the fast lane is… slow. Beat traffic with these freeway-tested tips!         Southern California is a driving culture, and most of us work far outside of our immediate residential neighborhoods. This means we spend a lot of time sitting in traffic. The U.S. Census reports that many in Southern California, and, indeed, much of the rest of country, commute almost 35 minutes each way to work each day, and this number may be increasing as many have been willing to look even farther outside their own neighborhoods for job placement.     “Take the time to gather your belongings that night so that you won’t have to run around frantically in the morning to pull it all together.”       And, of course, there are some commuters who would love to have a commute of only 35 minutes, as they are traveling two or three times the distance of what is considered “average.” Many people I know spend over 10 hours a week just getting to and from work — and that doesn’t even include errands and chauffeuring the kids. Think about this: a significant portion of your life, is spent behind the wheel!   5 Tips to Make the Best Use of Your Time in Traffic:   Traffic Tip #1: Prep the Night Before   Before going to bed, plan for the following day. Take the time to gather your belongings that night so that you won’t have to run around frantically in the morning to pull it all together. Pack your lunch or a healthy snack, fill your water bottle, place all materials needed for presentations or meetings in your carryall, set your alarm (give yourself plenty of time to accomplish your morning ritual), define your “must leave at” time (always have at least a 15-minute cushion in your commute time to anticipate the unexpected), and if you must have your morning coffee or tea, set your maker at a “brew time” and go to sleep as early as you can (don’t wait until the last minute to turn out the lights).   Traffic Tip #2: Visualize in the Morning   Visualize your productivity for that day, taking a few moments to see what you want to happen. Recognize the steps that must occur in order to reach your objectives. Picture yourself achieving, and feel the positive feelings that accompany the image.   Traffic Tip #3: Use your Smart Phone, Smartly   In many states (including California), the law mandates that all drivers use hands-free functions, so make a well-researched investment in a device suitable to your particular phone (for example, Dragon Dictation is a service that allows you to leave a message that is then sent to you via text and or email so that your thoughts are never lost).   Traffic Tip #4: Invest in an Audio Storage Device   Find a system that works within your budget, whether it’s an iPod or the CD player. You can rent, purchase, and even borrow from your local library a variety of audio books, university lectures, and various podcasts to expand your knowledge and enrich your life. Note: no ear buds while driving, please! Use a speaker system.   Traffic Tip #5: Double-Check your Route   Before you leave home or the office, take a moment to check the traffic on your particular route. If there is a predicted slow-down, plan your alternative route.   What are your favorite strategies for a stress free and productive commute? I invite you to share them in the comments section below!   Special thanks to Kristin McNeice Luebke and Joel Nass for their help crafting this helpful post.   Create more free time! Learn the secrets of using checklists to get organized by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Raw food restaurants are the newest trend. More and more of them are popping up, like this one in Santa Monica, California.         Within a short stroll from the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean lies a hidden gem in the culinary world of raw living: Euphoria Loves Rawvolution.      “Our gourmet Raw Food Boxes provide truly healthy food that you can bring to work or have waiting for you when you return from a long day” ~Matt Amsden       “Rawvolution”  is my absolute favorite eatery in all of L.A.   Raw’s Snowball Effect   What began as a home-delivery service soon blossomed into a raw cookbook. Shortly thereafter, a full-service raw dining experience!  This local Santa Monica restaurant was founded by Matt Amsden, who started Rawvolution with “The Box.” The Box is a large container of fully prepared, organic, low-calorie raw foods. It includes: two savory soups four gourmet entrées four side dishes two delicious desserts             “This provides truly healthy food that you can bring to work or have waiting for you when you return from a long day,” reports Amsden. The box can be picked-up in Santa Monica, delivered anywhere in Los Angeles or New York City, or shipped via Fed-Ex Overnight anywhere in the continental United States.   Raw staurant   Euphoria Loves Rawvolution brings this service into restaurant form. It features exciting items like: Durian Chocolate Chlorophyll Lemonade and no-bake almost-coconut cookies (see video below)   Next time you happen to be in the Santa Monica area, see if you can make Rawvolution a part of your adventure. You won’t regret it!     Rawvolution is located at 2301 Main Street in Santa Monica. Do you have a vegan restaurant near your neighborhood?  What is your favorite dish there? Let me know in the comments section below. I enjoy hearing your thoughts and questions!   The truth is that Los Angeles is an insiders’ city and so many of the newest and most enjoyable events and activities are not things you would typically discover during day-to-day living.   To keep abreast of all the best things to do in Los Angeles, and the latest news and community information, visit estatehomesLA.com regularly, or if you have specific questions about Los Angeles real estate, call David at 310-345-6911.     Another Lifestyle Feature You Might Enjoy: Relocation: Boomers Seek Diversity and Higher Quality of Life   Get lean and energized! Learn the secrets to making the healthiest shakes and green smoothies by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    One of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day in Southern California is at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.         If there is a place in Los Angeles that looks like the futuristic village of a utopian society it surely is the Getty Center. It is located in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. What Angelenos call “the Westside.” The Getty Center and its famous museum, are an impressive legacy of the Getty family. Built in 1997, “The Getty” contains one of the best art collections on planet earth.   The Getty Tram   One of my favorite parts of a “day at the Getty” is the tram ride.  This sleek, modern mode of transportation that you use to enter the museum is both elegant and suspenseful.  The pilotless Hovair Getty Tram silently whisks you along a steep mountainside while you survey the greater Los Angeles area below. Cars and skyscrapers become miniature toys as you near the apex of the tram‘s path of travel.  The ride itself builds your excitement. Just when you think you’ve reached the pinnacle of your journey, the sprawling Getty Center comes into view.  The tram slows, the doors fold open, and you are no longer in Los Angeles. You have entered a seemingly timeless exposition of art and culture at its finest.  Here’s a short video I did while riding the tram:     Me-Time at the Getty   When was the last time you took yourself on a date? It may sound strange, but I believe it’s important to sometimes take a weekday afternoon off and spend some quality time with…you. Art galleries are the perfect place for some languid, reflective time with your ‘Self.’ They provide ‘zen moments’ of solitude. As you peacefully browse the art, you can quietly allow each piece of art to provide you with its own unique experience without having to discuss it or intellectualize it or interpret it out loud. If you’re going to take yourself on an art date, why not go to one of the greatest museums on planet earth? The Getty Center.   Magnificence of the Getty   The scale of this museum is nearly impossible to describe because of its sheer magnitude. One might say the Getty Center is an architectural masterpiece – both in design and function. During the construction phase, every square foot of its 110 acre property was carefully planned by Richard Meier, to incorporate as much of the land’s natural beauty as possible. Meier created huge pillars of travertine – notably the very same travertine that can be found in Vatican City. These pillars and angles frame perfectly Santa Monica, Brentwood, the Pacific Ocean, Palos Verdes peninsula, downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the mountains beyond. This is arguably one of the best views in all of Southern California. Even if the Getty Center didn’t house a single painting (and they reportedly spent $35 million on a portrait of Louis XIV, which means they take it seriously), the exterior gardens at Getty Center would be reason alone to stop by for a visit. Fountains, aquatic mazes, and plant sculptures scatter the foreground. The ocean vista provides an unforgettable backdrop.     “One might say the Getty Center is an architectural masterpiece - both in design and function.”       It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist from another country or simply a local with some free time. The Getty Center in Brentwood is worthy of any occasion. The Center focuses on art from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Impressionist. Their collection also entails many forms of sculpture, both organic and man-made.     J. Paul Getty’s Trust actually yielded two distinguished museums. The Getty Villa near Malibu and the sprawling Brentwood epic, the Getty Center. The Villa specializes in ancient art. In a future post, I will share more interesting information about the Getty Villa. What’s your favorite thing about the Getty?   The truth is that Los Angeles is an insiders’ city and so many of the newest and most enjoyable events and activities are not things you would typically discover during day-to-day living.   To keep abreast of all the best things to do in Los Angeles, and the latest news and community information, visit estatehomesLA.com regularly, or if you have specific questions about Los Angeles real estate, call David at 310-345-6911.   Another Lifestyle Feature You Might Enjoy: Relocation: Boomers Seek Diversity and Higher Quality of Life     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    The recent economic downturn impacted people’s approach to money management in a positive way. Now, as the nation recovers, will we all remember the lesson?       When I was a teenager in the 1960s, I remember my father telling me that he made two mortgage payments every month. I also remember our going without things we wanted, in favor of getting the mortgage paid as soon as possible. I didn’t fully understand his thinking, but I sure do now. I had left home before the mortgage was paid in full, and I’m nearly certain my father did not have a mortgage-burning ceremony after the last payment was made, but there was a time when paying off the last payment of a mortgage was a cause for wide celebration, often marked by an actual party where the document was torched.     “the ceremony had shifted from a celebration of the alleviation of debt to a celebration on the occasion of new debt having been obtained”     Backward Thinking   Back in 2007, Washington Mutual sponsored a promotion in Los Angeles, giving away $2,500 — the first month’s payment — to the first fifty applicants who qualified for their new loan product, combining a first mortgage with a home-equity line of credit. In an interesting moment that I believe speaks to a cultural shift (which has not served us well), Washington Mutual sponsored a ceremony in which the first mortgage payment coupon was set fire. The ceremony had shifted from a celebration of the alleviation of debt to a celebration on the occasion of new debt having been obtained. And, the mortgage product which was the subject of the gaiety was one in which homeowners were highly leveraged, often beyond their means (it is perhaps not surprising, then, that about a year later, Washington Mutual’s closure was the largest bank failure in the history of the United States). Though some debt is “smart debt,” and home ownership often falls into the category of smart debt — it depends on the unique circumstance. The larger point here is, it’s prudent to be aware about how you might be being influenced by your current culture’s perception of debt as you go about making important financial decisions for yourself or your family.   How Our Culture Perceives Debt   As is most always the case when balance is sacrificed, the pendulum is swinging back in the direction of moderation. People now seem less interested in the excess that brought our financial system to its knees and more interested in living within their means in more manageable and predictable ways. Some have experienced loss from their excesses, while others are choosing to “downsize” in an effort to make their lives and obligations more in keeping with their actual needs.   It will be interesting to track the cultural shifts which occur as a result of our experiences in these fiscally turbulent times. What will we learn?   I invite you to leave a comment — if you’re on Facebook, please use the Facebook-enabled comments (see below). If you’re not on Facebook, please use the regular comments-feature below that. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, opinions and questions!     David Findley is a Certified International Property Specialist who focuses on Southern California Estate and Lifestyle Properties. David can be reached at 310-345-6911.       Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Hybrid and all-electric vehicles improve each year. Here are some intriguing “green” cars!       If you’ve ever taken an extended car trip with a young child, chances are you’ve been asked, “are we there yet?” Advocates of the hybrid and electric cars have adopted a similarly anxious tone over the past decade while awaiting the re-introduction of EVs (electric vehicles) to the consumer market. My own goal was to drive my Prius for 8 years, and then I hoped there would be a good hybrid or all-electric truck available on the market, and I would sell the Prius and get an electric pickup truck! Before the Prius, I owned a Ford Ranger pickup, and I still think it’s an amazing car — or it would be …if it burned less fossil-fuel. Well, I have a couple more years left to hit the 8-year mark on my Prius, and I’m beginning to get excited about the hybrid and electric trucks that are becoming available!     “the easiest way for the everyday citizen to decrease his or her carbon footprint is by switching to public transit, or by driving less,…or by driving better!”       The interim has seen an increased popularity of hybrid cars, which has been great. My spouse and I both drive hybrids, have really enjoyed owning them, and there is something strangely attractive about the thought of getting stuck bumper-to-bumper in zero emissions traffic on the freeway!   The New Wave of New Choices   In this next exciting wave of electrics, and there are a variety of model and style options! Here are five green(er) cars that are catching my eye!   Green Car #1: The Leaf – Electric   Nissan Leaf:  This is an economical, fun little car with a planned range of 100 mi. and a prices starting around $25K after tax rebates.  (Delivery begins 12/2010)   Green Car #2: The Volt – Hybrid   Chevrolet Volt: In the works since 2007, this full-size sedan will be offered starting at $33.5K, after tax rebates, and will feature a small gasoline engine which will serve to recharge the vehicle’s battery packs, extending its range to 300+ miles. (Delivery begins end of 2010)   Green Car #3: The Mini E – Electric   Mini E: The Cooper Mini has enjoyed widespread popularity here in Southern California,  and though the electric version is still in trials, this car’s classic, sporty styling make it an exciting prospect for the EV marketplace.   Green Car #4: The Tesla – Electric   Tesla Model S: This beautiful sports sedan is proof that electric cars owners don’t have to sacrifice style or performance. With range options up to 300 mi, and prices starting at around 50K the Tesla model S is sure to provide healthy competition to its gasoline powered counterparts. (Delivery begins 2012)   Green Car #5: The A-BAT – Hybrid   And finally, I am very eager to test-drive the Toyota A-BAT (see photo above — it looks kind of bad*ss!), a four-seat hybrid pickup with a four-foot rear bed and roof-mounted solar panels to charge its on-board accessories! The vehicle might appeal to all those other pickup drivers who seldom load lumber, but, as Toyota describes, “want versatility, roominess, sleek styling, and top-notch fuel efficiency.” What will the combined MPG be? Well, as of the moment I am typing this, they haven’t yet announced it. But I hope it’s very, very good, because it would be hard (impossible, really) to go from my Prius’ 48 MPGs to something, like, 18. So here’s hoping!   Driving is an undeniable part of the American lifestyle — especially in the western United States where many towns and cities were built after the automobile (and lack the good public transit infrastructure that they have in the eastern US) — and this new breed of electric automobiles comes closer than ever to meeting consumer needs.  As technology moves forward, I hope that environmental public awareness, and a desire for a cleaner towns and cities, advance too. Regarding the new electric and hybrid cars and trucks, let me make one thing clear: for all of our talk about helping the environment by choosing the right light bulb or recycling our spaghetti sauce jars, I’d like you to remember this essential fact: the easiest way for the everyday citizen to decrease his or her carbon footprint is by switching to public transit, or by driving less, or by driving better. My understanding is that cars are still the big culprit to our environmental goals, and I hope all you green-experts out there will correct me on this, or add stats and thoughts of your own in the comments section at the end of this post. There are still quite a few issues standing in the way of EV’s being the new industry standard — up-front cost, range issues, charging infrastructure, and battery performance (just to name a few). “Are we there yet?“  Well, no but we are getting close.       Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) 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    Should people choose their next hometown, and their next house, years before they actually need it? Some experts are saying, “Yes.”     “many sophisticated boomers are searching not for home equity but for ‘lifestyle equity.’”     ~Michael Saunders       Many in their fifties or sixties are currently purchasing a second house. They’re buying these as their retirement homes. However, they have the intention of first using them as their vacation homes until they’re actually ready to retire.    Timing is Everything   According to a recent article in US News and World Report, retirees and second home buyers are purchasing homes in some of the most beautiful destinations of the US (Florida, Palm Springs, Malibu, Tucson). The prices are significantly lower than they were just a few short years ago. Statistics indicate is that now might be a nearly ideal time to consider buying a home that fits the lifestyle imagined for retirement years. Prices in many popular retirement communities have decreased sharply and interest rates are at the lowest levels seen in decades. The World Report also states that properties in some parts of Arizona are being discounted upwards of 70 percent off their recent-years values. Properties in parts of Nevada are down at least 50 percent from prices paid by buyers in the mid-90s. Michael Saunders is a Sarasota broker active in the second-home market. He states that “many people still have a lot of money that sits on the sidelines waiting [and] the wait is over for them,” as “anywhere you look, you are going to find prices we haven’t seen since 2001.” He goes on to note that many sophisticated boomers are searching not for home equity but for “lifestyle equity.” Many Americans plan on working at their new “retirement” locations too. Though, perhaps at a less frantic pace.   Lifestyle Equity   That’s what most attracts me as I consider the perfect spot for a vacation or retirement home. It’s all about quality of life and finding the perfect combination of local amenities to match the lifestyle I choose to live.     “now might be a nearly ideal time to consider buying a home that fits the lifestyle imagined for retirement years”       I imagine a retirement home where contact with nature is plentiful. I’d like it to: be in/near a small town with a good sense of community have room for organic farming     and/or easy access to organic fruits and vegetables and fresh water have a moderate climate with lots of sunshine be on/near a body of water And all in an area with a reasonable cost of living. There are so many great places to consider living. Many people choose to retire in Southern California. They relocate here from all over the globe in order to enjoy our… sunshine relaxed way of living beautiful homes lovely neighborhoods and communities immense cultural offerings   What would be at the top of your list of priorities in a vacation or retirement home? Let me hear from you in the comments section below.       David Findley is a frequent contributor to InstantDane.tv, he specializes in Southern California Estate and Lifestyle Properties. You can reach David at 310-345-6911.     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      A winning 3-step formula for deliberately attracting what you want (and avoiding what you don’t want).       I was touched and appreciative to receive in the mail recently a wallet-sized card — from Michael Losier, author of Law of Attraction — that provides a handy, helpful, at-a-glance reminder for manifesting the life you dream of!   By focusing on the things in are life that are working, we manifest more joy and prosperity.”       Three Steps toward Creating Your Dream Life   Step 1. Identify Your Desire The part about Step One for me that was so pivotal and life-changing was “clarity through contrast.” Because some people have a harder time deciding what it is that they absolutely want, being able to first identify what is not wanted, and then imagining the opposite of that, can help you hone-in on what you do want. I know it sounds simple and obvious, but for me (and for many others) this is an extremely helpful principle.   Step 2. Give Your Desire Attention By the way, once you know what you don’t want, it’s important not to observe it any longer than you need to. If you hyper-focus on what you don’t want, you’ll only get more of it! It’s so essential to remain mindful about what thoughts we are thinking. By focusing on the things in are life that are working, we manifest more joy and prosperity. We can make our dream life a reality. In a sense, our brains are little 3-pound manifesting machines!   Step 3. Allow It Step Three is the hardest for most of us. Our habitual inner-monologue is sometimes full of negative thoughts, and our unconscious is sometimes rife with limiting beliefs — beliefs that we didn’t even know we had! This is where we are challenged to do The Work. As we increase our awareness and come to know ourselves better and more authentically, we can start to make conscious choices that rewire our brains and help facilitate what we dream!     I encourage you to explore some of Michael Losier’s books and seminars. I’ve read both Law of Attraction and Law of Connection, and can vouch for them both whole-heartedly.     You Might Also Enjoy: See Michael’s extremely helpful article “How to Use LOA Principles to Run Your Successful Business”       Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Planning your life is an important process. Answering this one question can change your outlook and help you to live life to the fullest!     Planning your life is essential if you want to live life to the fullest. One one hand, it’s good to live in a relaxed state and to be in the moment. So much of the struggle and stress in life comes from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. On the other hand, life can be more gratifying when you have dreams and use good planning to move toward your goals.   Planning Your Life: What is Your Calling?   There is so much to be gained by finding your calling. However, I don’t think every person needs a “career” or a job that they feel passionately about — contrary to popular belief. Yes, increasing your daily quality of life can mean figuring out what you want to do for a living. Some people will want careers, and that’s great. But other people will merely want jobs-that-pay, while having a hobby or interest that they feel passionately about, outside their job. And that’s great, too. Either way, an pivotal part of the planning process is to figure out what you feel passionately about. Later, you can do some additional planning to figure out if that passion will be a career or hobby. So much can be gained in quality of life, by the simple act of distilling and acknowledging what it is that we really want.   A Question to Help You Live Life to the Fullest   Though this process is not always breezy, here is a good, simple, strategic question to ask yourself periodically, to make sure you’re absolutely on your path and actively fulfilling your own unique purpose:     “How would you apply your time and energy if there was nothing holding you back?”       Do I really believe that a person’s daily quality of life can gradually improve by simply answering one pivotal question? Yes. I do. During the course of my month-long early-morning wake-up calls, I came to a realization that has really changed my outlook. So here’s another inspirational video moment taken from the 4:15 a.m. experiment I conducted earlier this year:     Planning your life well is an important and essential process. A willingness to honestly answer this one powerful, strategic question can dramatically change your outlook and help you to live life to the fullest! I invite you to leave a comment. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, opinions and questions!   Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Can social media channels, such as Twitter and Facebook, improve your overall fitness? Fitness is not the organic part of our lives that it once was. Computers, televisions, cars, gadgets: sometimes, all of these devices seem to be conspiring to make our lifestyles as sedentary as possible! Add to that mix: the social media channels — such as Twitter and Facebook — in which hours of enjoyable conversation occur from a reclined position, and you potentially have the perfect recipe for creating: BLUBBER! But what if you could spend hours in front of a computer each day, and still be healthy and fit? Counter-intuitive, but Possible! Fitness ~ Josepf Seeks to Become Healthier Is such a thing even possible? That was the question posed to me by Josepf on Twitter on New Year’s morning. Josepf and I are buddies from the #UsGuys chat stream on Twitter — a group of inclusive guys and gals who are enthusiastic about social media’s positive possibilities. One thing led to another, and now… it’s on! “Online social networking can make you healthier, if you use it to communicate with your friends about health, and help hold each other accountable!” A group of us — mostly from Twitter and Facebook — are participating in the #UsLiveWell Initiative — a social media health adventure! We will determine, once and for all, if it’s possible to be fit and a gadget-geek at the same time! And you can join in, too! Fitness ~ Can Twitter Make You Fit The Social Media Fitness Experiment This is the ultimate science experiment that will help us to determine: can I be a Twitterholic, yet still have abundant amounts of physical energy? can I be a Facebook enthusiast, yet still have strong lungs and a powerful heart? can I work at a computer much of the day, yet still be flexible and lean? It’s easy to particpate: #1 Post Your Specific Goals in the Comments Sections Below Just say what it is you hope to achieve: You want to fit back into those skinny jeans? You want to lower your body fat to 15%? Want to run that 10k in the spring? Want to eat more fresh vegetables? Want to bring your waist down to 34 inches? Well, break out the tape measure and let’s get this party started! #2 Check-In Daily Use the #uslivewell hashtag and “check in” on Twitter each time you workout and do some good self-care (meditate, eat dark green veggies.. whatever is an accomplishment and progress for you!). Online social networking can make you healthier, if you use it to communicate with your friends about health, and help hold each other accountable! fitness ~ online support can help you get fit If you’re not on Twitter, you can check-in here on this post, below, in the comments section. You can receive support as we hold each other accountable! If you did workout, post about your workout. If you didn’t workout, post one thing about your day that was a success. (Make sure you bookmark this post so that you can return to it easily). The trick to success is to keep things simple whenever possible, so let’s not over-complicate this. Just get the ball rolling by stating your goal below, and then check-in daily from this point forward. Make this your best year yet! You can work at a computer and still be healthy. Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      If you want to thrive professionally, it’s important to regularly expose your mind to fresh ideas.       One of the peculiar benefits of an economic recession, is that many of the businesses that provide so-so service or so-so products tend to leave the marketplace. You’ve got to be excellent to survive in a down economy. To really thrive you must run your business with solid planning, a dynamic sense of purpose, and a tenacious commitment to self-improvement. This is where new ideas emerge.     “It is important to regularly go within and rethink where you see yourself going and what you see yourself doing.”       In many ways, this peculiar economic climate is the ideal time to grow market share. There is simply less competition than usual.   5 Ideas to Grow Your Success   Below are five posts that I wrote for other websites. Whether you are a consultant, a blogger, or the chief executive of a Fortune 500 company, these five posts have information within them that can help you improve your game!   Ideas for Success: 1) Grow Your Relationship Garden   Do your clients know you care about them? Maintaining quality relationships with previous clients is extremely important. It’s the lifeblood of your business. Taking good care of your existing and past clients provides a steady source for referrals that can be grown into new relationships. In this way, you cultivate an abundant garden that nourishes your business.   Ideas for Success: 2) Make Your Workspace More Collaborative   Feeling like your task-list is too often unmanageable? Is your company’s culture impacting performance? I believe that the happier you and your associates are, the more successful everyone will be. Productivity is a passion of mine. I’m often seeking ways to become more efficient through personal wellness. Check out this feature. You might gain a new perspective and find the motivation you need to become unstoppable!   Ideas for Success: 3) Use Statistics to Invigorate Your Clients   Many companies are now using statistics, graphs, and charts to provide value to their colleagues and clients. Stats offer your clients that “wow” factor. They engage the client, strengthen the appearance of you as an expert, and, visually, they perk up your website! Many companies now even allow you to register for weekly stats updates from their sites. Check out this feature to discover why stats are more important now, than ever before. Dazzle ‘em with data!   Ideas for Success: 4) Use Productivity Hacks   When was the last time you did a vigorous, internal self-inventory for your personal life? How about your professional life? It is important to regularly go within and rethink where you see yourself going and what you see yourself doing. What was important last year might not be so important this year, or in the coming ones.   Ideas for Success: 5) Take a Fresh Look at Your Own Backyard   Effective marketing is local! Businesses and publishers need to understand that the best way to provide value to people is to speak with them about their lives at the community-level. It’s all about neighborhoods, and lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle!       I enjoy hearing your thoughts and ideas!       Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Sometimes the best advice, is the advice you least want to hear.         What rocky romances most often need, is a solid dose of common sense.   Resistance to Reframing Relationships   There was a time in my life when I wanted to be a relationship coach and couples counselor. I even got a masters degree in depth counseling and wrote a how-to book. Then, I realized something startling. People are more resistant to seeing relationships in a new way than they are to almost anything else.     “If it’s love that you’re mostly after, then reflect and focus on your ultimate fantasy.”       As children, we unconsciously form an answer to the question, “What does love look like?” and from then on it’s very difficult for human beings to change their internal answer to that all-important, life-shaping question. You’ve heard parents say that it’s always the childless people who seem most comfortable offering parenting advice? Well, I’ve found that it’s single people that are sometimes the most fixated on how they believe a relationship should operate.   Romance: “The 1970s called; they want their ideology back”   One of the peculiar aspects of having people — single and married — ask me questions about improving the romance in their lives, is that, even though I am an open-minded, live-and-let-live kind of fellow, I find myself saying, out loud, the kind of common-sense advice that I imagine a conservative grandmother dispensing. Okay, I never say things like, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” but sometimes I do feel that more traditional principles would offer solutions to the problems presented. What makes these old-fashioned responses of mine even stranger, is that I’m in a same-gender marriage (we had our first date almost 20 years ago) and I’m an eco-conscious, California born-and-raised, organic-vegetable eating liberal. Or so I thought. I decided eventually, that I was more fascinated by lifestyle-design in general, than I was in being specifically a relationship coach. So I forged a slightly new path — though still heading in the same direction: helping others identify who they really are, what they really want, and crafting a strategy for how to get there. Occasionally, though, I still get asked for my opinions about what-to-do in relationships, such as this question from a smart and lovely woman:   Question:   “My boyfriend and I have been fighting for 5 years: hang-ups, shouting matches, break-ups… you name it. We love each other and the sex is great, but we seem to have such a hard time getting along. I’m trying to figure out what to do. Don’t spare me any bad news, tell me what you really think!”   Answer:   There are some talented, licensed therapists who can be very helpful to you in this situation, so I do hope that you’ll consult with one. Regarding “bad news,” it’s like this: in my opinion, it’s VERY hard to think clearly and make good decisions about a relationship while you’re having great sex with that person. The sex has created an oxytocin-party in your bloodstream, so that you can’t think clearly from a “high-altitude perspective.” And, if the relationship ends, then how long it takes to “de-bond,” depends on how passionate the sex is. The hotter it is, the harder the break-up will probably be. One thing I’m learning, is that the Law of Attraction doesn’t respond potently to ambivalence. It’s so important to know — with outrageous clarity — what your end-objective is. If it’s a healthy and happy marriage you’re secretly hoping for, be honest with yourself about it. Forget sounding PC and independent, unless it’s independence that you’re mostly after. If it’s love that you’re mostly after, then reflect and focus on your ultimate fantasy. Also, in regards to your “bad news” question — I hesitate to type this because I know how old-fashioned it sounds, but one of the biggest mistakes I see women make in romance is that they act like they have all the time in the world, even though they know they don’t. You’ve got to set boundaries with men and stick to ‘em. I think it was Marianne Williamson who said that, after the age of 40, another “5-year detour” becomes increasingly unwise.     “That’s the funny thing about relationship advice: other people can often see your situation much more clearly than you can.”       Okay, I sense that you’re asking me to be very frank with you. Yes? Since you’ve asked for the truth, here’s my unvarnished perception of your situation: Sometimes women get so “caught” in the story of who-said-this and who-did-that, that they forget basic common sense. Try to laser-in on what really matters here. At this stage of your life, whether or not you want to be married requires a yes or no answer in order to move forward. If you’re unsure, then The Universe will give you: unsure. Do you understand what I’m trying to communicate? Either answer is okay, but you need to get clear with yourself. Look to your fantasies, they will inform you.   The brutal truth is that the drama-rollercoaster is terrible for your health and it sucks up time. Time that is so valuable, that if I tried to tell you HOW valuable, I would still be understating it. I know it’s a strange thing for me to say, but the mating-marketing-window is, in fact, very narrow and you need to make the most of your loveliness and brains and take advantage of the pool of healthy, relational men while it’s still somewhat large (it does shrink with time). Everything I’m telling you, you would see so clearly (on every level — not just intellectually) and the only reason you cannot (because it’s pretty obvious) is that you are extremely bonded. That’s the funny thing about relationship advice: other people can often see your situation much more clearly than you can. I’m not suggesting that you break up, or stay together. I have no idea — that’s up to you. But if you’re going to try make this work, you’ve really got to shift the entire paradigm. …and did you hear what I said about “5-year detours?”     Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Jack LaLanne spent a lifetime reminding us that there’s no substitute for eating healthy and exercising regularly.       In an era which saw the American mainstream eating more and more fast food and watching more and more television, Jack LaLanne pushed back! His memory and spirit helps us to get motivated to exercise!   Jack Lalanne: A Fitness Pioneer   A native son of California, LaLanne was known for his public displays of vigor and fitness. He swam the ocean waters off San Francisco (handcuffed, boats-in-tow), and set a world record for push-ups. He also emphasized a connection between the mind and body (years before such statements were commonplace). He encouraged us to exercise not only for personal fitness, but to “reduce worry.” LaLanne once said that he didn’t care how long he lived, as long as while he was alive that he live adventurously. Passing away at the age of 96, LaLanne was indeed passionate and vibrant for the entire length of his life. Once bodybuilding and fitness were seen as eccentric and fringe. But LaLanne leveraged his persona (he presented as a good working-class bloke who might work in a lumberyard, or a friendly neighbor who would help you push your car out of the snow) and altered that perceptiom. He worked tirelessly to make fitness fun and accessible to the masses.     “I hate to exercise. It’s very hard to leave a warm bed and a hot woman for a cold gym.”       ~ Jack LaLanne, at age 94       Even juicing, which used to be perceived as raw-food craziness for young hippies, was made palatable to senior citizens via LaLanne’s upbeat infomercials.     Jack LaLanne: A True Inspiration   LaLanne’s efforts to steer us all toward a healthier and more active lifestyle were undertaken with a good-natured spirit and big smile! He lived long and well; vital until the end. He will be remembered as a true inspiration. I’m sharing with you a little radio segment I heard yesterday featuring clips from a 2004 interview with LaLanne.  If you are looking to get inspired for your workout today, this ought to do the trick!           Look better, feel better, be stronger. Discover 12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or more!) Healthy Years to Your Lifespan by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Experimenting with cuisine and attempting to eat healthier is a hero’s journey!         Where are you currently on the diet-spectrum? And which health diet is better — paleo, or raw food vegan? Nutritional expert David Rainoshek talks about how each of is on a nutritional journey and at various times in our lives we find ourselves in different places on the diet spectrum.     “wherever we happen to be on the diet-spectrum is fine, as long as we understand that we’re on a journey and that we keep moving toward increased health and vibrancy”       Your Health and the Diet Spectrum   Right now, there’s a full spectrum of cuisine available to the modern Westerner. Rainoshek explains that traveling bravely along this diet-spectrum is, in fact, the journey of today’s hero. Currently, two of the most popular health diets are Paleo and Raw Food Vegan. Interestingly, the primary objective of these diets is not weight loss, but rather, improved health and longevity. I know many people following each diet, and I can see that they each have advantages. Raw food vegan is not only good for the person following the diet — it emphasizes organic, living foods — but it’s good for the planet, too. On the other hand, Paleo is great in its simplicity, and athletes in particular seem to do very well on it. For the past 4 months, I’ve been following a diet that is, peculiarly (or perhaps brilliantly), a combination of the two. I generally have two green smoothies a day (the ingredients of which are almost entirely raw and vegan), and a few times a week I have small portions of organic eggs or free range turkey — both of which I get at my local farmers’ market. In some ways, the Paleo and Raw Food Vegan regimens are extremely similar, in that they both avoid cooked grains. But in other ways, they are vastly different, namely in that one allows for meat and the other doesn’t:     The video below is, in its own way, kind of mind-blowing. Rainoshek puts the daily intention to eat better into a broader cultural context: that each of us in on the hero’s journey, and that wherever we happen to be on the diet-spectrum is fine, as long as we understand that we’re on a journey and that we keep moving toward increased health and vibrancy:     I felt deeply and positively impacted by this video, and I’m wondering what you think of it. How did you feel after viewing it — inspired? skeptical? annoyed? hopeful? I’m eager to hear your thoughts — please post them in the section below! For this post in particular, I’m really inviting you to comment, no matter who you are or where you are on the spectrum.     Get lean and energized! Learn the secrets to making the healthiest shakes and green smoothies by subscribing to the FREE Longevity e-newsletter below                     ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Making great strides in improving your health is often just a result of making several tiny changes in your daily habits.           This post is a collection of tips and videos on how to improve your nutrition. I like to do posts like this every now and then, because — by being exposed to different nutrition thought-leaders — we are inspired to see our daily diets in a new way.   There’s raw, and then there’s …RAW!”     Hopefully, these videos will motivate you to make some new and interesting choices that will increase your physical energy! It’s a very good idea to, periodically, take a fresh look at our daily habits: what are we eating and drinking? We think we know, but do we really?   Valuable Tips for Improving Your Nutrition Here’s a fast video with a great shortcut for working a superfood into your morning routine:     Here’s a video of Anthony from Blackbird Naturals. There’s raw, and then there’s …RAW! This guy is really getting into it. I love it!     Here’s a tip about how increased awareness about “the little things” will lead to improved health.     This one little drink, that tastes great and energizes me, is like a lifesaver during those especially busy days. By now, many of you already know my recipe. Cucumber + Kale + Parsley + Celery + Lemon + Ginger = a sweet buzz!     I love blender-recipe videos. This one has raw, living ingredients.     I’m intrigued by this recipe for “cauliflower popcorn.” Toss chopped cauliflower, cayenne, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and a touch of coconut oil into a baggie and shake it up! Raw food treat!     And, finally, I get such a kick out of this video, that really shows you what the blender lifestyle is all about! 15 green smoothies in 3 minutes — wow!       You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Can eating uncooked superfoods make you younger?   These experts say yes!         Do raw foods infuse the human body with more vital energy?   Superfoods are vibrant, nutrient-dense foods that are believed to be especially helpful to the human body.”       Many vegans and raw-fooders believe that uncooked foods have more prana (prana is a word from the ancient Sanskrit language that means “lifeforce” or “breath of life”) and more enzymes that help the body to age at a slower pace.   Real-Life Case Study: Raw Food Works! This video — amazing, in every sense of the word — certainly illustrates why consuming more living foods into our daily diet might be a very good idea! (p.s. I was astonished when I found out how old this woman really was!)     Superfoods: Add Them to Smoothies and Salads Superfoods are vibrant, nutrient-dense foods that are believed to be especially helpful to the human body. If you would like to experiment with adding more living superfoods into your own daily diet, two easy places to start are: super smoothies super salads   Here is one man’s example of a super salad! (I feel inspired by the way this gardener/chef just whips this magnificent salad up in a few minutes — the depth-of-knowledge some people have about edible plants continues to astound me!)     Between-Meals Snacks: Raw Food Nibble Ideas As I first began attempting to incorporate more living foods into my daily diet, one situation I found perplexing was: what to snack on between meals? Initially, I answered this question by chopping vegetable sticks each morning. These included… celery cucumber bell pepper carrots purple radishes and taking them with me to work in a cooler/lunchbox. However, while this worked great for curbing my between-meal peckishness, I found that some mornings I just didn’t have the time to clean and chop vegetables before leaving for the office. More importantly, on days when I exercise, I need more protein than what vege-sticks can provide.   My solution? Raw pumpkin seeds! About half-a-handful of raw pumpkin seeds (the kind I buy are sprouted, and seasoned with Celtic sea salt) do the trick, because I love the taste and texture, they have ample protein, and they are remarkably effective for curbing hunger. When I’m done with my pumpkin seeds, I usually like to finish my snacking with some dried goji berries. In fact, I had some today! (see photo, left): Do you believe that eating more raw foods would be good for your body? If you’re already successfully adding more living foods into your daily diet, let me know what they are and any tips you might have, using the comments section below!     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!       new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      These ancient stories reveal life’s simplest lessons — and reconnecting with them can unlock new levels of success!       If you want to achieve even more, here is potent success tip: enlist the help of your unconscious in your endeavors. It’s easier than it sounds. A lot easier. Because the unconscious part of your mind prefers to communicate with images — even more than words — the process of reaching your goals can be optimized when you spend a little time with images that resonate with you. Myths and fables are stories that are especially rich with vivid and unusual images.     Success comes that much more quickly when you strive to see the world with fresh eyes”       In the growing movement of depth psychology, researchers are exploring the hidden potential of images. Fables, myths, and icons — all of these can be powerful keys that unlock the corresponding archetypal energy that has lain dormant within us, waiting to be set free! I realize that this all sounds kind of fancy, but archetypal images don’t need to be analyzed in order to be effective. In order to work for you, they need only be tended to. Though I’ve included my own commentary here as a matter of interest, I encourage you to explore the original source material, and I’ve included links to do just that.  Here, then, are 3 fables to unlock the deeper success energies inside of you!   1.  Fable for Success: Rapunzel   This is a very, very old story that goes back at least as far back as 1000 AD in the middle east, and maybe even back farther than that. Many different cultures across the globe have variations of this same tale. Why would this story be told over and over again for over a thousand years? Clearly, on some deep level, it speaks to a most soulful part of the human experience. The pivotal part of Rapunzel — and the most remembered — is when the Prince calls up to the tower window, where Rapunzel is trapped.  “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair to me.”  Rapunzel drops down her long braid, and the prince uses it as a rope to climb up the wall of the tower. A romantic night ensues, and something important is conceived between the couple. And so it is in life, that we must participate actively in our own rescue.  Seems simple, but millions of people are waiting for something outside of themselves to “happen to them” to make life better. This fable activates the energy of personal responsibility. The image of the prince scaling the tower to rescue Rapunzel while using her own hair as a rope, is a powerful one.   2.  Fable for Success: The Tortoise and the Hare   The sprightly Hare likes to continually tease the Tortoise for being slow-moving. Finally, the Tortoise challenges him to a race. The Hare laughs in his face, taking delight at the thought of humiliating the Tortoise. When the race commences, the Tortoise crawls along, and the Hare is so bored that he decides to take a little nap to kill time, so that he may wake later and tease the Tortoise at the finish line.  Except:  the Tortoise wins. And so it is in life, that slow and steady gets it done.  Quick-thinking humans with high IQs have a constant temptation to think of themselves as having an edge because they happen to be intelligent.  In fact, when agility is not appreciated as a responsibility, it can become a curse.  (Smart people sometimes become easily bored.)  This fable activates an essential truth:  it’s those little things that we do well everyday that make the most positive difference.  Consistency! The image of a tortoise crawling past the finish line is a powerful one.     3.  Fable for Success: The Emperor’s New Clothes   Mischievous tailors and weavers convince an Emperor that the new outfit he ordered is complete.  The Emperor, not wanting to be shamed or seemed stupid, convinces himself that he sees the wardrobe, and wears it proudly in the parade.  All the minister and subjects plays along, fearful that they’re the only ones missing the point, when finally a young child says simply, “But he wears nothing at all!”  The Emperor feels compelled to keep pretending anyway, in order to save face. This fable activates the energy of authenticity. And it has never been so timely.  In this age of celebrity, it seems a constant temptation to value something simply because everyone else seems to. Success comes that much more quickly when you strive to see the world with fresh eyes.   There you have it, the 3 fables that can help you achieve greater success.  What fables as a child do you most remember?  Which were your most favorite?  Please let me know in the comments section below!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Could the size of your waistline determine how long you will live? Here’s the latest research.       I’ll start off with the good news: Losing even just two inches off of your waist can dramatically improve your overall health. Now for the startling news: the risk of dying increases about 25% for each additional four inches of waist size! I know, I know — it’s shocking and scary, but there you have it.   The Standard American Diet At one point in my life, I had my waist to almost 36.5 inches. Currently, it’s probably at 32. (I’ve been eating much more fresh produce over the last year). I have this theory — it may sound strange to you — that most of us are mildly allergic to many of the foods in the standard American diet, but we don’t know it. And, according to my own quirky theory, the more allergy-producing foods you eat, the more subcutaneous and visceral fat cells your body produces to pad and protect your vital organs from toxins. I have no proof of this. It’s just something that I’ve come to believe over the years. Of course, I encourage you to seek out your health care professional to develop a proactive, conscious healthy-aging strategy.  Having said that, my personal belief is that there is a quick way to find out if you are mildly allergic to something, because there are two things you can pay attention to.  All you have to do is, determine if:   #1) You Feel Discomfort Everybody gets a little gassy sometimes, but if you’re seriously bloated and uncomfortably flatulent, then perhaps what you ate is something that your own body is challenged with processing. (note: if you’re not used to eating fiber and then you start eating fiber, you’ll get gassy, but that’s usually just because you’re body isn’t used to fiber yet; and that’s different than what I’m talking about here.)   #2) Your Energy Level Drops Please, please, believe me when I tell you, that food is supposed to give you energy, not drain it!  If you feel even a little tired after you eat something: receive that as a message from your body! Most of us who have been eating the standard American diet for years, are so used to feeling full-and-tired after we eat, that we don’t even think anything about it. Full-and-tired is not the feeling you want to go for (unless you’re sleep-deprived or stressed, which are separate issues).   …after you eat your lunch, you want to feel agile and energized!”       And 30 minutes after you eat? Guess what? You still want to feel energized. I think wheat and dairy are the big culprits to the waistline. (Well, beside the obvious culprits — like sodas, fried foods, and booze. But I’m guessing that users of this website know that already.)   Tight Waist: Evidence-Based Lifestyle Improvements There was a recent, excellent article in the New York Times linking waist size with longevity.  The article reveals details about a recent research study by epidemiologist Dr. Eric Jacobs, who tracked 48,500 men and 56,343 women, over the age of 50, from 1997 to 2006. What they discovered is fascinating. I encourage you to read the article, but the upshot of it is:  it’s important to your lifespan have a tight waist! Those of you who follow my blog know that I am very interested in the art and science of improving personal productivity. I truly believe that: a significant part of success is having great organizational systems this is especially true when it comes to eating-for-strength When we “fall off the wagon” with our food and lifestyle choices, it’s usually because we’re not fully prepared   For example, for me personally, I tend to eat and feel so much better when I pack my lunch and bring it to work (instead of going to a restaurant, market, sub shop, or burrito place during my lunch hour). But packing lunch requires preparation! It requires having a list for the once-a-week visit to the grocery store. And it requires scheduling a set time to fix and pack the lunch before leaving the house in the morning. Even if you work from home, you still have to be organized in order to pull it off successfully. Do you believe the results of Dr. Jacob’s research study, that long life correlates to a lean waist? I invite you to share with me your thoughts, below in the comments section.     To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!  ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Are giant master bedrooms always the best use of square footage?       My philosophy on home design is a bit… different. I say: forget the huge, overly ornate master bedrooms stuffed with furniture and bric-a-brac. A bedroom serves you best when it is simple, restful, and organized.   Why Master Bedrooms Are Sometimes Better When Smaller Most people find large master bedrooms appealing. And if they don’t have one, they fantasize about having one. However, I confess (and I realize that I am an exception, here) that I do not share most people’s enthusiasm for large master bedrooms. To me, master bedrooms should be for sleep and romance — that’s it. Enough room for a bed and some houseplants, sure, but what’s all the other extra space for? I don’t get it. An exaggerated example of this would be Saddam’s palace bedroom (in this photo by Romeo Gacad of AFP from Getty Images):   a US Army Sergeant photographs a pink bedroom at Hussein’s presidential palace   I would rather take the surplus square footage and use it functionally somewhere else. We did just that to our house. Building an additional closet (there was already a walk-in) right inside the room. Talk about putting your square footage to good, practical use! We used a beautifully grained wood and these great vintage iron door-handles, and the room actually looks better now with the closet than it did without it. Here (see right) is a photo of the closet we built, midway through the project. By the time it was finished, it not only looked fantastic, it also improved the whole feeling inside the room. Too much space in master bedrooms is not only a waste, but it gives the room an uncomfortable feeling. Sometimes the solution is to use the space to build more storage. We enjoy the closet significantly more than we did having that extra few feet filled with superfluous furniture. A bedroom is a sacred space to retreat and regenerate — according to the principles of Feng Shui — and I believe a master bedroom is best when it’s simple, relaxing, and organized. The master bedroom is like the emotional foundation for your entire home, and really, your entire life. Master bedrooms should relax, then revitalize — helping you to feel good about yourself so that you can get a peaceful night’s sleep and wake up the next morning ready to make your mark on the world! You know what else I don’t get? With the exception of parents of young children, why would anyone want an open floor plan (kitchen that opens out to dining area and living room: all one huge room) if it sacrifices a formal dining room? I don’t get it! What are your thoughts? How important is a huge master bedroom to you? Leave your opinions in the comments section.   Other Posts You Might Enjoy: The Best Place in a Room to Put Your Desk How to Create a Home or Office that Supports Your Success   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Here’s how to arrange your home so that it will meet your unique needs.         Floor plans are like anything else: they can become dated over time. You know how you sometimes look at photographs of yourself from 20 years ago and think, “what the heck am I wearing?” Well, just as acid-wash jeans and big hair go out-of-style, so do trends in home designs and floor plans. When home builders fall prey to fads, they create cookie-cutter floor plans that may or may not be functional for their everyday living. I encourage you to see beyond the current fads, and design a home — and a floor plan — that fits your unique needs and style of everyday living.   The Myth About Open Floor Plans Yes, parents of young children can find it especially helpful to have a kitchen that opens out onto the living room and within sight of a backyard — because it makes multi-tasking easier (one can make pancakes while keeping an eye on the little ones as they play with their toys in the next room). However, as children enter their teens (those years when kids seem to be listening to music, talking on the phone, and doing their homework – all simultaneously), parents begin to find that clearly defined spaces become increasingly helpful (translation: they don’t want to be around you every second, and you don’t want to be around them every second)!   Yes, there are adults without young children who also like open floor plans (the bachelor who likes to microwave his buffalo wings while keeping an eye on the Lakers game on his large livingroom flat-screen), but that’s just my point: everyone is different, and each family needs to layout their home in a way that works best for them, uniquely. Take, for instance, folks who are lucky enough to have a housekeeper. They often find that a separate, privated-off kitchen is better, as it keeps the housekeeper from infringing on the family’s privacy (or for those occasions when entertaining with caterers, the function flows better if staff have a separate area to work).   …as children enter their teens, parents begin to find that clearly defined spaces become increasingly helpful”     Even those without a housekeeper who still like to entertain occasionally find that the event goes more smoothly when the noise and bustle of the kitchen is kept separate from the rest of the living space. Essentially, the more often and the more formally one entertains, the less advantageous an open floor plan becomes. Functional matters aside, some people enjoy the energy and breeziness of an open floor plan, while others believe open floor plans make a space seem too commercial-feeling, like they live in an echo-y airport hangar. Some style mavens are even reporting that the ‘great room’ idea is becoming a bit dated. Once again, it comes down to different strokes for different folks. Tastes vary, even with floor plans! What is the current floor plan in your home? Is it still meeting your needs? Could it be improved? What would you change? I invite you to leave your comments in the section below!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Taking your life “to the next level” will be so much easier if you have a home office that supports your increased success.       In order to take your life to the next level and enjoy even greater success, it really is helpful to have an organized office. It is so much easier to undertake a challenging task when your physical environment is serene and free of clutter. Every minute is valuable when you’re working toward growing your business. You won’t have to waste time on unnecessary inconveniences when you’re organized. Losing your train of thought because your surroundings are so chaotic will be a thing of the past.   …complicated feats begin first with a simple intention.”       Consider state-of-the-art homemakers. They conceptualize their “profitability” as making a home that successfully helps to restore and re-energize their family. When you think about, that’s just about the most noble profession that there is.     My philosophy on this is pretty basic. I have found that there are:   2 Ways to Achieve Greater Success   #1) The Bombastic Way The bombastic method of achieving involves constantly fighting and struggling to overcome obstacles and emergencies.   #2) The Swim-with-Current Way The swim-with-current way of achieving involves using clarity and focus to align yourself with a simple purpose.     Which of these two methods of achieving greater success do you choose? Me? I prefer the swim-with-current way. It’s easier to understand this principle when we look at some examples. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport had over 2,400 flights a day last year. That’s almost 70 million people floating up and down through the air. We’re talking about enormous, heavy flying machines ascending and descending every single minute, carrying live human beings! If we humans can organize a project as outrageously intricate as Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, we can certainly organize our homes and offices. Every day people are successfully completing huge projects. I’m referring to projects that have so many moving parts that many would have said, “impossible!” But extremely complex projects are entirely possible if you start with a clear intention.   Organizing Your Office Begins with Clarity Does the idea of reorganizing your home office environment seem daunting? Well, complicated feats begin first with a simple intention. For example, what is the intention for your home? How do you imagine it, ideally? Whether you have a four-story mansion or a studio apartment with a roommate — what do you picture in your mind when you see your home serving you better? Start from this intention! Of course, it works the same way with your office. Create a clear visual image in your mind, of you standing in your home or office and feeling supported by it. Imagine that the environment is so simple and clean and organized that you feel certain you could accomplish anything there! Here is my standing desk at home (yes, I like to stand while I work for most of the day):     This process of beginning with a clear intention is an effective first-step toward achieving any goal. It is particularly effective for undertaking improvements to your physical environment. I invite you to share your steps in this journey in the comments section below!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      These are the 2 most-important tools you need for an organized home.         Keeping a clean and organized home is essential to your efficiency, if not your sanity! Your living space — whether it’s a studio apartment you share with a roommate, or a large estate that you have to yourself — serves as the foundation from which you build your many successes in life. The stronger your foundation, the stronger your successes. Keeping your living space clean and organized is easier said than done. It helps to have the right tools. If you have the right tools, you’ll use them. If you don’t, you’ll put off cleaning and organizing, and this will, in turn, impact every area of your life.     Among cleaning tools, two are particularly important to you. And they’re probably not what you think! Here’s a hint: it’s all about gravity. (Really.)   if I told you what dust really is, you might become disgusted and stop reading, so I’ll spare you the gory details”       Dust and dirt follow the law of gravity — eventually, everything undesirable will find its way down. As particles become smaller and smaller, they will become airborne with the slightest breeze or movement, and float still further down again. This means, that you must look to your floors and carpets. That’s where every thing unappealing ends up (and if I told you what dust really is, you might become disgusted and stop reading, so I’ll spare you the gory details. I also won’t tell you what microorganisms and substances we drag into our home from the outside world on the soles of our shoes!). I encourage you to invest in these two quality tools:   Home Cleaning Tool #1: A Pair of Kneepads That’s right, you heard me correctly. Every home should have a pair of good knee pads tucked away somewhere and readily available. Here’s the deal: I have all kinds of state-of-the-art cleaning tools and natural solvents, but still — sometimes I feel like I’m just pushing the dirt around. Over the years, I’ve found that the best way to get something done, is to get down on my hands and knees and put some ‘elbow grease’ into it! Hence, my belief in knee pads. I like the feeling of satisfaction from doing a job well and using the right tools. Whether you’re weeding the garden, removing a motor oil spill from the garage, or making your kitchen floor shine, a good pair of pads can make all the difference on your knees — and they help make the task a lot more enjoyable. Personally, I like the foam ones. They’re light but durable (I’ve had the same pair for many years). And since most brands sell for under 9 bucks, they’re a pretty good value, too. The thing about mops is, they really just move the dirt from one place to another. I do use mops in my home for in-between cleanings, but most of the time I find it’s more effective to just pop on the knee pads and go for a good old-fashioned scrubbing, using rubber gloves, microfiber cloths, and a bucket with hot, soapy water. This may sound corny, but I swear to you the feeling of satisfaction after this particular chore is… empowering!   Home Cleaning Tool #2: An Excellent Vacuum I had a funny conversation recently with a colleague who was telling a light-hearted story about his bride who had purchased a vacuum cleaner that he thought was absurdly expensive. I met his gaze directly and offered this:  “she was absolutely right.”  If the vacuum is under a good warranty and it’s of exceptional quality, then it will last for years and years.  It’s all about the suction power. You want a vacuum that will pull up the dust, dirt, and hair from your furniture, your rugs, and every crevice in your home. By the way, my colleague just rolled his eyes and replied “you two are made for each other!” At our home, I use a special industrial-strength backpack vacuum (see photo, right). It looks like a jet-pack! I even use it outdoors on the patio. It’s super, super strong and can suck up anything. But you don’t need a backpack vacuum — any good upright is fine — but do invest in a good one. If your upright doesn’t have a powerful hose attachment, than you’ll need an additional mini-handheld vacuum. But it had better be strong!     What am I missing? Is there a particular tool that’s been a lifesaver for keeping your home tidy and neatly arranged? I invite you to share your comments in the section provided below.   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Is pomegranate really that good for you? Here’s the latest info on this amazing superfood!       When was the last time you ate some pomegranate? Hopefully, you had some recently, because it turns out that pomegranate is an amazing superfood that improves your health. The pomegranate tree is still blowing researchers’ minds in the lab. Over and over again, science is proving the valuable benefits of superfoods — including ingesting the ruby-colored fruit of the pomegranate tree, and also its seeds and flowers!   Pomegranate Slows the Aging Process According to the experts at Life Extension Magazine, “an abundance of data supports the power of pomegranate extract as a broad-spectrum, multi-modal defense against multiple diseases of aging.” How can you participate in the life-saving qualities of this tree? The easiest place to start is: the juice. Try adding a 1/2 cup to your morning blended smoothie. If you want to eat the seeds raw — say, as a topping over a salad — try opening up a fresh pomegranate within a big bowl of water. That way, the seeds will float to the top, and not go flying all over the place, staining your counters and floors! And here’s something to prove my point that pomegranate might be worth your looking into: according to LEF, in a study group of humans who took pomegranate daily, after 12 months “blood flow through the carotid arteries improved 44%,” yet worsened by 9% in the placebo group!     Let me know in the comments section your favorite way of getting this important super food into your diet.   You might also enjoy: Green Smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes! new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Here are valuable tips on designing an outdoor area for your home – perfect for working or socializing!       One of the amazing benefits of living in the southwestern region of the United States, is that your patio, balcony, backyard — heck, even your carport — can become a second office or living room area to be enjoyed year-round. An outdoor living space should be, above all, functional.”         Even if you live in the northeastern part of the US, there will be at least a portion of the year that you can enjoy the outdoors part of your home. Even in the winter, a covered area outside with an outdoor patio heater can make working in the fresh air a possibility — even if just for 20 minutes. It really can change the outlook of your whole day when you’re able to work outside for a little while! Ideally, everybody should be able to work and socialize outdoors for at least a part of the day during a part of the year. Sometimes it feels good just to take your laptop, leave your desk, and go sit under an umbrella patio table to finish a project — fresh air is good for the body and good for the soul! Having sung the praises of outdoor living, I must also now tell you that many of the outdoor living spaces that I see portrayed in the magazines are a bit, well, …foolish. Outdoor furniture can become dusty and sooty pretty quickly, and even if you’re fortunate enough to have a professional cleaner for your home, it still isn’t practical to have overly ornate design in an outdoor space. Even something as simple as a vase or candle is not going to stay as pristine as it would indoors. I’m not saying not to include decorative items in the design of your outdoor space, but I advise to keep it to a minimum. An outdoor living space should be, above all, functional.   4 Items Your Outdoor Office Must Have:   ~ comfortable chairs and recliners with fabrics specifically created for the outdoors. ~ one large table that is very easy and fast to clean. ~ drought-resistant plants and landscaping (if you live in southwestern US) ~ a collapsible awning or umbrella for shade (very important).   That’s all you need! No portable firepit or gold lamé throw-pillows required!           Notice this photo on the right. The bowl of apples (out in the sun?) seems a bit absurd, and where is the shade? There needs to be a canopy or umbrella in order for this space to be practical! —->         Now, if you really want something luxurious (high-maintenance though it is), I don’t blame you at all. I recently made acquaintance with a fellow who spends a significant number of hours working from home on writing projects. In order to get through these projects, he cannot be “cooped up” indoors. So his outdoor living space is his office, and it includes all the amenities you can imagine. In my last gig as a Marketing Director, I would sometimes suggest to my Features Editor that he go work across the street at the outdoor cafe. Fresh air invigorates your employees and, also, sometimes there are less distractions outdoors than inside the office! So, if you believe you will genuinely get good use from your outdoor space, then a few extra features in your design might be especially appropriate in your case. Personally, for outdoor living ideas, I usually go right to Sunset Magazine. It’s one of my favorites, because the editors really seem to “get” the southwestern lifestyle. No matter where you happen to live — they probably have an idea that you can use in crafting or improving your own outdoor space. Meanwhile, here’s a very short video that I did on the subject:   How would you design your ideal outdoor living space? Please let me know in the comments section below.   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Is a high-concept lifestyle property a good fit for you?         “Lifestyle Property” is a phrase that you’ve perhaps heard lately. But what does it really mean? A lifestyle property is a home that has one or more unique features that improve quality of life for its residents.     Certain physical spaces offer more moments of serenity and joy”       A misconception about lifestyle properties is that they are all multi-million dollar estates. While this is often the case, it is not always so. The high-concept attributes that a home possesses are what make it a lifestyle property. These are not always expensive. A small cottage in a living-foods commune would be a lifestyle property, even if it is priced at only $90,000. It’s in a community where the residents share one meal a day and everyone adheres to a raw diet. That makes it a lifestyle property. To those who choose to live there, it offers a higher quality of daily living. Another example of an affordable lifestyle property would be a studio condo in a historic downtown district. Replete with charming mom-and-pop shops, a studio near a stroll-able main street can be highly desirable. The fact that is has so many unusual amenities that would impact and improve daily life makes it a lifestyle property. In this short video, David Findley explains:     Owning Property in a Walkable Community “Urban Pedestrianism” is the latest high-concept in healthy living. Homes that live next to the Lake Hollywood Reservoir in Los Angeles are increasingly considered lifestyle properties. In the Land Of The Car, being in such close proximity to a popular walking and running spot is considered highly desirable. Imagine waking up early each morning and stepping into your “backyard” and hopping into your rowboat for a quick workout on the sea water? That’s exactly what it’s like to live in the Venice Canals in California. Now that’s living! Of course, many lifestyle properties are estates, that have their own unique feature, such as an accompanying vineyard, or an ocean for a front yard, or a vast organic hobby farm, or stables and trails for horses, or a designated heli-pad for the “chopper.” As psychic-space becomes more crowded in the Age of the iPhone , it may be the physical spaces that offer access to more moments of serenity or joy. These are becoming the new ideal in real estate.   ~ What do you think makes a home a Lifestyle Property? ~ What about the home that you live in now do you think is unique? ~ What unusual attribute do you hope to have in your next home?   Please leave your comments below; I’d love to hear from you!   The truth is that Los Angeles is an insiders’ city and so many of the newest and most enjoyable events and activities are not things you would typically discover during day-to-day living.   To keep abreast of all the best things to do in Los Angeles, and the latest news and community information, visit estatehomesLA.com regularly, or if you have specific questions about Los Angeles real estate, call David at 310-345-6911.     Other Lifestyle Features You Might Enjoy: Relocation: Boomers Seek Diversity and Higher Quality of Life New Statistics! Foreign Investors Buying Up California Real Estate     new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Is there a better way to arrange your office to optimize the floor plan? …Yes!       One of our site’s users from California recently asked me this question about their office floor plan:   I’m in a new office and have the opportunity to organize it to my liking. I will eventually share this office with another manager. Should I…   1. take the seat by the door, thereby making myself more available to colleagues? or 2. take a desk further from the door to minimize interruptions?”   A Floor Plan That Works for You Optimizing the floor plan of your office area can improve your own personal efficiency. You, too, might be wondering, where is the best place to put my desk? Well, my answer may surprise you: According to principles of Feng Shui, your desk should always be in the “power position” of facing the door, because it positions you for opportunity and service. However, there is one more important factor to consider when devising your floor plan: eye strain! If there is a large bright window directly behind you, and you work on a computer much of the time, the glare could drive you bananas! Therefore, my answer is this: arrange your desk to face the door, unless there’s too much light on your computer screen, in which case, you may want to modify the positioning a bit (desks that come diagonally from a wall are perfectly okay) or find a glare-reducer for your monitor. The main thing, as always, is to find a floor plan that works for you uniquely. Sometimes, unusual solutions are best. For example, my spouse and I share a large standing desk in our kitchen, that faces out into the living room. Odd, perhaps, but it works fantastically well. Here’s a 15-second video I just took of our desk:     “Where do I put my desk?”   …it’s such a great question, and I love it when readers understand that small changes can have a profound, cumulative impact on improving our personal efficiency!   Do you have any tips for how to best position a desk? I invite your questions and insights in the comments section below!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  These time management tips will improve your self-efficiency and help you to get more done in less time!   It sometimes feels as though our culture just gets more frantic and more harried with each passing year. Too many people are frazzled, sleep-deprived, and disorganized. The solution is to reconnect with the time management principles that have worked for you in the past, as well as to learn new time management concepts so that can take your efficiency to the next level! Manage Your Time and Energy Better with Productivity Tips   Here are some effective time management tips to make sure you are not among the habitually disorganized masses! There are enough hours in the day to do everything you want to do, you just need a new perspective: good time management creates more free time for fun   Time Management Hack #1: Sharpen Your Awareness about Time Most of us are convinced that we know how we spend our time during a typical day — but do we, really? It’s essential that we sometimes “pull back” to a higher-altitude view of our life and instead of working “in” our day, we need to work “on” the day itself, to determine where, when, and how we are expending our energy. I’m a big fan of timers. I have three timers in my kitchen, and it’s not uncommon for me to have two going at once, tracking different projects. “what you need to understand about time, is that saving a few minutes here and there really adds up after a while!” Time Management Hack #2: Use Productivity Hacks to Save Time “Productivity hacks” are little time-saving tips that save you a few minutes here and a few minutes there. What you need to understand about time, is that saving a few minutes here and there really adds up after a while! Also, studies consistently reveal that more time is wasted looking for stuff than people realize.   Time Management Hack #3: Say “No” to Things Most of us like to think of ourselves as nice people, but sometimes we have to say “no” to people and situations that do not serve our higher purpose. ⊙ say “no” to material purchases of items you don’t need that are just going to clutter your home or office and require dusting and maintenance.   ⊙ say “no” to social invitations when you’re already behind on your sleep and your other self-care protocols. The person who is most responsible for taking care of you, is… you. It’s perfectly okay to be fiercely protective of your physical energy. This is a fundamental success strategy, and an integral part of time management. Ironically, you will have more to offer the world if you set healthy boundaries and say “no” to things.     Time Management Hack #4: Understand that Time Management Is a Paradox Sometimes, the tasks you think are most productive are really time-wasters, and conversely, sometimes the tasks you think are the biggest time-wasters are, in fact, extremely productive. This is the paradox of time: ▸ Example A: office meetings are generally believed to be a smart use of time, but it has been relentlessly proven that office meetings are usually too expensive and too inefficient. People show up to meetings not having completed their assigned action-steps from the previous meeting (probably because they didn’t take meticulous notes) and meetings tend to have ambiguous objectives much of the time anyway.   ▸ Example B: many busy people do not meditate regularly because they feel like they’re too busy to meditate… that it’s a waste of time. Again, studies have relentlessly proven that meditation clears and focuses the mind — increasing mental energy and stamina. People who meditate consistently are better thinkers who are regularly inspired with creative solutions to complex problems. Here’s a photo of my “meditation station” with my yoga sitting-bolster and affirmations workbook, and also a photo of me sitting in the station (yes, in my morning pajamas). Time Management Hack #5: Realize that All Hours Are Not Created Equally Unless you live in the rural countryside, you must realize that some time-windows are so congested, that there’s little point in even bothering. In many places in Southern California, for example, if you have to be at work at 9am, you’ll probably have to leave your house at 8am just to make sure you arrive on time. That’s two hours a day sitting in the car just getting to-and-from! Meanwhile, If you leave your house at 6am, it will only take you 20 minutes. So why not go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, drive to the gym right near your office, sneak in a morning workout, and then zip to your office nearby? In the time that you would have been just sitting in traffic, you have now already gotten your workout out of the way. From a time management perspective, this is a no-brainer. Or, if you need to do the family shopping once a week — it’s going to take 2 hours longer if you try to do it on a Saturday afternoon, when the lines are longest and the parking lots are fullest. What if you ran errands on your Wednesday lunch hour instead? You’d save at least an hour and a half in one fell swoop!   To find out the 12 Easiest Ways to Add More than 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

  Modern life sometimes makes it challenging to set aside time for the people that are most important in your life. It’s one of the peculiarities of modern life, that the people we love the most, often receive only what’s left of our energy — our “energy leftovers.” It seems wise that we would first extend physical energy on our own behalf — as the flight attendant says, ‎”…in the event of a loss in cabin pressure, a mask will drop before you. Please put your own mask on first, before assisting others.” After taking care of ourselves, it then seems logical that we would spend our energy on those we profess to love the most. This is just common sense, yes? give the important people in your life quality energy Saving Some Energy for the Ones You Love Most It is often our spouses, children, and pets who get our residual energy — only after we’ve done everything else that week that needs doing. Doesn’t that seem odd, that the people we say are most important to us what amounts to the crumbs-on-the-plate of our time, quality attention, active listening and physical energy? And at the very bottom of our list? Usually, it’s ourselves. This is backwards, and not an especially effective way to live.   Cutting through the Noise of Modern Life Of course, it isn’t that we mean to put ourselves, or our loved-ones, last on the list. It’s just that, well, life happens. Without realizing it, we’ve gone on auto-pilot. are we too busy for each other? Over at the Mantys’ blog, we had a scintillating conversationgoing in the comments section about who really receives the bulk of a person’s physical energy — strangers, or loved-ones? The discussion was inspired by Jill Manty’s insightful blog post about influence that essentially poses the question “with whom do you have clout, and why?” Manty wondered what the reason is that our loved-ones so often seem to get the least of us, and proposed that one reason may be because we feel safe with our loved-ones and we know that if we neglect them, there’s probably more buffer before it causes negative consequences in our lives. I also think that the reason we sometimes put our loved-ones on “energy rations” is because of the immense amount of distraction that exists in our modern lifestyles. The average person today is exposed to more information in one month than a farmer of yesteryear would have been exposed to in a lifetime. When family is ALWAYS where you sacrifice, you can be sure your loved ones notice” ~ Jill Manty Over the last 200 years our environment has changed outrageously. But — and it’s a big but — our human physiology remains comparatively unaltered, so in a sense we haven’t yet physically developed the coping skills to deal with all the noise, distractions, and craziness. Cable channels devoted to 24-hours of non-stop bad news? Come on, it’s crazy! Satellite radio in your car, digital billboards that change ads as you drive past, smart phones that send video, text, voice calls — it’s a wonder we do as well as we do! Begin With Awareness But then, there’s a part of how we allocate our energy that has nothing to do with modern, digital life. The truth is, that on a psychological level, the proximity and intimacy of those we live with every day causes us to “integrate” them into our psyche — as if they are a part of ourselves — which means they get treated similarly to how we treat ourselves. And for many of us, our self-care isn’t so fantastic! In plainer language: we simply take the people we love, including ourselves, for granted. It could be helpful to take an honest, objective look at your typical daily, weekly, and monthly life. How often do you phone your closest friends? To whom do you send anniversary cards? How much playful, yet focused, one-on-one time does your spouse or child receive from you each day? Classical-music writer Julian Johnson explains that modern life is “over-rich in stimulants” — in sound, color, materials, food, speed — that it is often hard for us to appreciate the simpler pleasures around us. As the years pass, it requires an enormous amount of awareness and intention to remember that our lifemates and our children — these people to whom we’ve committed to honor and walk the journey of life with — are not afterthoughts and they are not extensions of ourselves. They are separate human beings with their own thoughts and feelings, and worthy of our gratitude, time, and energy! I’m inviting you to share this post with your friends, relatives, and colleagues. When we help and inspire each other to remember to tend lovingly to our own relationship-gardens, it improves the quality of life for all of us. If you want to receive free instant access to the one-minute video series — about how to use The Dane Technique to use your time even more effectively — then sign-up for our Longevity e-Newsletter below. You, too, can use a checklist system to become outrageously organized and create even more free time to be with your loved-ones!

    Discovering new ideas is what makes the journey toward improved health so rewarding. These raw food recipes will help you feel fantastic!     One way I am working to improve my lifestyle is to move my diet progressively toward more raw food. Fresh raw food is so beneficial to our bodies, packed with bio-available nutrients, enzymes, and even micro-organisms that aid in the digestion of our food.   Raw food, especially when organic, ensures that we are building our bodies at the cellular level with the purest possible substances, free from preservatives and artificial additives.   What is Raw Food?   Raw food is basically any food that hasn’t been heated to (approximately) above 104 degrees. When people refer to raw food, they’re often referring to the vegan variation (yet technically raw food could include raw meats, too — though this is far less pursued!) Raw food has an inherent lightness and vitality, so it also won’t give you the “food hangover” that often accompanies rich, cooked foods. There are many differing opinions about how our food should be optimally prepared. For instance, some believe that while most of our food should be eaten raw, that there are certain vegetables that are even more nutritious when cooked. For this reason, there is a growing movement of people who are gradually incorporating more raw foods into their daily diets, without having the intention of ever one day “going 100% raw.”   Currently Popular Nutritional Regimens   The Paleo Diet I have friends who are doing more of a Paleo Diet (lots of lean meat, no flour or grains), and they do look trim and virile, I must admit. This has inspired me to add free-range, organic turkey to my diet three times a week.   The China Study I’m also intrigued by the book The China Study, that strongly supports veganism as the healthiest lifestyle on the planet. This type of veganism is less concerned about whether the vegetables and foods are cooked or not, and more concerned that everything be simply meat-free.   I Have Questions The thing is, for those individuals who have naturally, genetically low cholesterol and low blood pressure — is the vegan lifestyle too light? Also, if cholesterol is needed to make hormones, how do men who are vegans keep the diet from becoming too estrogenic? (My friend Joel solves this dilemma by adding the yolk of one free-range egg to his blended smoothie on most mornings.) If you have ideas or answers to these questions, please leave them in the comments section found at the bottom of this post. Meanwhile, if you care to join me in my exploration, here are some delicious, sweet and savory recipes I’ve gathered from some of the web’s finest sites dedicated to raw foodism. Check them out — just click on the photos that look most intriguing to you:     Need a better breakfast? Try out these gluten-free, dairy-free fruit crepes.       Indulge in something sweet and spicy with this Papaya Sushi.         Add some crunch to your diet with these Dehydrated Flax Chips.             Get the zing you’ve been craving with these Ginger Snap Cookies!               Enliven your senses with this refreshing, tangy treat.     You might also enjoy: FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Too many fads and gimmicks around losing weight. Such nonsense! There is a simple formula for permanent success.         As a fitness trainer of 15+ years, I learned quickly that the people who had success at losing weight permanently, did it at the sane pace of 1-pound per week. A pound-a-week means that you’re not dieting, you’re making lifestyle changes.”       My personal opinion is that roller coaster weight loss (lose it, gain it back, lose it, gain it back) is demoralizing and unhealthy, and for this reason, I believe that for those individuals who already weigh under 250 pounds, a-pound-a-week is a good pace at which to lose weight permanently. A-pound-a-week means that you’re not dieting, you’re making lifestyle changes. The Breakdown for Permanent Success Here’s what actually works: lessening 200 calories from daily diet, and exercising daily to burn another 300. 500cals x 7days = 3,500 calories = 1 pound of body fat. It’s a simple formula that’s very, very successful. Sometimes, what helps people to keep making healthy lifestyle choices every day, is to have an everyday checklist. Here’s a 56-second video that makes it easy to understand:         Please share this post on Facebook and Twitter, and let’s end the madness together!     To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘  

How sane are you? These indicators reveal the qualities of a strong mind. Many great thinkers throughout human history have asserted that less than 15% of people are truly “self-actualized.” That means that only a fraction of us are making the most of our potential and our mental capacities! Being conscious of how we process our daily life can be a big factor in maintaining our mental health. Over the years, psychology has revealed to us that people can only acknowledge the harsher realities about themselves in small, gradual doses. As a result, we construct defenses to keep too much reality from rushing in at us all at one time! This is healthy and normal. After all, nobody is perfect. That’s part of the beauty of being human. Ironically, the more knowledgeable you become about yourself, the less threatening it becomes to discover new imperfections.” Hopefully, as we travel along on life’s journey, we become increasingly brave about exploring who we really are. This bravery can help us to enjoy sustained mental health. Here are six ways to know if you’re poised to engage all of the intellect, compassion, and creativity that lies within you! Mental Health Signal #1: You Are Seeing Yourself Objectively You are developing the ability to see yourself realistically and in proper context. This is harder than it sounds. Often, how we experience ourselves is not how other people experience us. Mental Health Signal #2: You Are Recognizing Your Own Patterns You recognize patterns in your life, especially as it relates to your own behavior and choices. This is not always as easy as it sounds. Mental Health Signal #3: You Are Tuning-In to Others Many people become bored or frustrated if a conversation goes too long without being about themselves. Some people can last 2 hours. Many cannot last two minutes. There is a paradox here. As you do The Work of personal growth, you begin to realize that you are responsible for how you feel and other people are responsible for how they feel. As you mature, your ability to accurately determine what someone is feeling strengthens. You find you can use these powers of empathy for much longer periods without becoming restless. Mental Health Signal #4: You Are Receiving Feedback More Gracefully Some can hand out constructive criticism generously. However, they become very defensive if anyone challenges their version of things. Ironically, the more knowledgeable you become about yourself, the less threatening it becomes to discover new imperfections. Mental Health Signal #5: You Are Managing Anxiety Consciously Your Mental Health ~ 6 Ways To Know If Your Mind is Strong You’re continuously finding healthier ways to manage and “metabolize” anxiety. In modern life, everyone feels anxiety every day (in both big and little ways). How we “self-medicate” our general anxiety varies greatly: television, jogging, codependency, romance novels, heroin, sugar, meditation, oxycontin, beer – the list is almost endless. Some methods serve us better than others. Just as a plant uses the process of photosynthesis to turn the sun’s radiation into sustenance, so can humans take anxiety and use it as fuel for increased clarity and personal expansion. Mental Health Signal #6: You Are Being Happy with What You Have Of course, you still have dreams and goals. Nevertheless, you’re also learning to be content in the present. You feel less and less like that person for whom nothing is ever enough, or the person who will only be happy “once this happens” or “once this is in place.” You are finding it easier to relax in-the-now, with exactly how things are in this moment.   Are you on a vigorous journey of personal growth and insight? What positive things have you learned along the way? To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘

      You can use the Laws Of Connection and Attraction to align with prosperity.         This video by author Michael Losier (at bottom) is one of my favorite videos of all time. I start watching it, and then, 2.5 minutes later, I always feel better and more hopeful. It’s all about creating opportunity by focusing on what we want, as opposed to what we don’t want. I’ve watched it many, many times… and will probably watch it many more! In appreciation of Michael Losier, and to celebrate the newly improved design of instantDane.tv (by the talented fellows at Tizish), we held a contest, chock-full of giveaways and goodies!       Fresh Look for instantDane.tv Why the newly revamped site for instantDane.tv? There are 3 main reasons for the spruce-up:   Even More Viewer-Friendly As we approach our one-year anniversary, it seems important to give viewers a new format that’s loaded with even more value and that’s even more user-friendly. Since instantDane.tv is a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping viewers create opportunity and improve their daily quality of life, magazine format was more appropriate than a single-column blog (single-column blogs are better for very niche blogs about one narrow subject).   More Opportunity for Google and Bing Frankly, the site needed some SEO (search engine optimization) improvements. Most of our viewers find us from the recommendation of their friends and from the social networking channels such as Twitter and Facebook. That’s great! But it’s also good for viewers to be able to discover us through search engines such as Google and Bing, and in order to make that happen more often, the site needed some improvements to its format and coding.   Increased Interest And the third reason is that instantDane.tv is a success! When I launched the blog almost a year ago, I had ambitious plans for providing enriching and entertaining articles and videos. First I wanted to see if other people were as interested as I am in the longevity lifestyle and the science and art of excellent living. Well, it turns out, they are! Every day more and more people sign up for our free newsletter, become Likers of our Facebook page, and tweet our posts out to their friends on Twitter. Not only am I having a lot of fun, but I also sense momentum, and so now it seems justified to take this site to the next level!       UPDATE! May 6, 2011 ~ Congratulations to all of our winners! More contests and prizes to come, so keep enjoying our many helpful features — we appreciate our viewers!     To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

     

      These healthy granola cookies are packed with protein and energy — and they taste fantastic!       Athletes are generally careful of what they eat. However, indulging in a treat packed with protein and energy is not a bad way to go. After all, even athletes want to have dessert sometimes! I’ve been working out pretty often and hard lately, but I still like to reward myself with a treat each evening. The complex carbohydrates will give you energy and the healthy ingredients will nourish your heart and muscles!” I follow a philosophy similar to that New York Times food writer who was recently ordered by his doctor to eat better. The food critic’s answer to his predicament was to keep mostly a raw menu for breakfast and lunch, and then indulge a bit at dinner. “Vegan Before Dinnertime” seems to work well for me, too. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a private chef or a stay-at-home spouse, then you probably find that making three freshly prepared, home-cooked meals each day is just not always realistic. But eating out all the time is less healthy and satisfying. So what to do? Many people find the solution is to make a big batch of meals one day of the week, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, so that they can be easily enjoyed for the remainder of your busy week. This recipe for tasty and satisfying granola cookies are perfect for that. It makes 42 cookies, and is ideal for busy athletes or health-minded eaters!     The quality fat that is in this recipe — mostly which comes from the coconut and almond butter — will sustain you and satisfy your hunger. The complex carbohydrates will give you energy and the healthy ingredients will nourish your heart and muscles!   Dane’s Energy Cookies Wet ingredients: 3 free range eggs 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup organic maple syrup (grade B) 1/4 local honey 2 Tablespoons organic butter 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice (the juice of one, large orange) 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan or Celtic sea salt 2 cups raw organic almond butter 1 cup canned organic pumpkin   Dry ingredients: 1 cup kamut flour 1 cup brown rice flour 1 Tablespoon baking soda 1 Tablespoon baking powder assorted favorite spices (see video for mine)   Blend the wet and the dry together, then fold in: 1 cup shredded coconut 2 12-ounce bags of gluten-free granola 2/4 cup organic raisins   Baking instructions: Bake for a total of 14 minutes at 350 degrees. Use an ice-cream scoop to dispense batter onto baking trays. Set the timer for 7 minutes, then turn trays, flatten cookies gently, and bake the remaining 7 minutes (see video). Ovens vary dramatically, so keep a close eye. Avoid over-baking.   I invite you to leave your questions and comments below. It would be great to hear from you!   You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!       new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Few exercises are more effective at shaping legs and firming the glutes than prayer squat-jumps.       Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements. Basically, it’s just a fancy way of saying, “jump!” The thing about plyometrics is: they work! Even though jumping is about the most intense exercise there is (it really makes your heart pump!), it’s also the most effective for strengthening and improving the shape of the body — especially your legs. The great thing about plyometrics is that, in addition to helping you feel and look fitter, they also can dramatically help your sports performace. Any safe and regular exercise regimen that includes plyometrics is almost certain to make you jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder. One of my favorites among the plyometric exercises is the prayer squat-jump. (That’s me in the photo to the left, doing a jump.) As always, It’s important to be well-rested and free of injury in any of the limbs to be exercised, before you start seriously jumping around. In fact, when I do my “leg day” at the gym, I kind of see the plyometrics exercises as the most important, most eventful part of the workout, and everything I do before that is in preparation.   How to Do a Prayer Squat Jump I start off with 6 minutes of on the ellyptical machine — to slowly raise my body temperature, and get the oxygen and blood flowin’. Next, I proceed with a few of the easier leg exercises first, to gently lubricate the joints and to get ready for those prayer squat-jumps! First you squat low, with your feet flat on the floor and your hips lowering a bit below knee-level (if you’re flexible enough for that) and your hands in a prayer position. Next, jump as high as you can, as you raise your arms over your head! Here’s a pic of my workout body Ron demonstrating a prayer squat-jump with his usual good form. When you land, try to land softly, and return the hands to prayer position (but you can leave them out if you need them for balance). Rinse and repeat! See if you can do 6 to 12 repetitions (depending on your current level of conditioning), for 3 sets (with a two-minute rest between sets).   As Always, Consider Your Safety The highly focused, intense movements used in jumping do help the joints and tendons — but also can compromise them if you overdo it. So remember, though plyometrics are not inherently dangerous, you need to proceed carefully (and consult your health professionals if you’re unsure if plyometrics might be an effective addition to your workout routine). Meanwhile, what’s your favorite jumping exercise? Let me know in the comments section below.   To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    For some, it’s easy to figure out how to go after what they want – the hard part is figuring out what they want. Here’s how!         There is already much advice available on how to achieve your goals. But what if you don’t know what it is you want? What if you sense that there’s something else you should be doing — but aren’t yet clear on what that is? There is a simple method to help you determine what it is you really want in your life — and it works for the little stuff (like, where to go to dinner) and the big stuff (like, your life purpose)! It’s a myth that everybody knows what they want. I repeat: not everyone just automatically knows what it is they want! In fact, ironically, sometimes the more creative, intelligent and passionate a person is, the harder it is to determine — because almost everything looks interesting! If you’re one of those folks who sometimes has a hard time figuring out what you want, try this:   Figuring Out What You Truly Want   #1 Cultivate Awareness Everything begins with awareness. Start opening your eyes a little wider, and begin paying attention throughout the day to things you wouldn’t normally notice. How do you walk? How do you breathe? When do you laugh? You especially want to pay attention to how you feel when you do your everyday rituals.     #2 Start Fantasizing Turn off the television, turn off your smart phone, and go for a walk. Let your mind wander. What are dreaming about? Where are you? What are you wearing? Who’s with you? At this point in the process, you want to avoid critiquing your own thoughts, or evaluating what’s realistic or obtainable: let your imagination run wild!   #3 Move Toward Authenticity As you start to have ideas for what you can do, resist the temptation to imagine what other people will think about it. At this point, you want your creative-gates open widely! If you have a visual image of having fun as a trapeze artist in the circus… go with it!   #4 Ask Yourself, “How Long Might It Take?” This one’s important. There are some dreams that sound nice. But if it took 10 years to achieve them, you know you’d lose interest! By gauging the time a goal might take to accomplish, and then imagining yourself traveling through that process, you can get a much clearer picture of whether or not that goal is meant for you. For instance, you might like the image of yourself as a concert pianist, but you realize that 8 years later — or 12,000 hours of practice into the process — you would become bored. Whatever length of time your idea would take, you also want to be able to mostly sustain the fire-of-passion in your belly throughout that period!   #5 When All Else Fails, Figure Out What You Don’t Want I don’t normally advocate focusing on the negative, for the simple reason that what you focus on, you get more of! (The Law of Attraction teaches us that’s it better to focus our time, energy and feelings on positive things — so that we magnetize more of that good stuff!) But for some people, it’s helpful to first briefly imagine what they don’t want, in order to cross those items off their list. So for clarification, get out a piece of paper and quickly write down the types of things you know you’re not interested in. Then put the list away for a day and when you return to it with fresh eyes, you’ll be able to see a pattern. This works no what matter decision you’re needing to make — choosing the ideal mate, the perfect vacation destination, or where to go to graduate school.     Which of these techniques are you already using, and which haven’t you tried? Let me know in the comments section below!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

If you are male and over 38, then you need to know what Andropause is, and how to navigate it successfully! If you are male and over the age of 38, then you need to know what Andropause is. Otherwise, when it happens to you, you won’t know what’s going on. So I’ve included a podcast (see below) with some fascinating information about what andropause is and why it matters to you…and I hope that you’ll listen to it. Meanwhile, here are the bulletpoints: * Andropause is kind of like menopause, only andropause is something that happens to men.   * It happens to men as they age, when their testosterone levels begin dropping.   * It happens at different times, depending. For some, age 38. For others, 55. And everywhere in between.   * Symptoms of andropause vary greatly. Some report having lower energy. Others feel their heartrates fluctuate.   * Historically, men have been less inclined to share personal details about their journey into mid life. Hopefully, this is changing.   * The medical community is still trying to understand andropause and there are differences of opinion about it.   * Testosterone, and your own body’s ability to naturally produce it, is more precious to you than gold. (and I’m not kidding).   If you’re a guy who is interested in successful and healthy aging, your first step — as always — is to consult your health care professional, and to allow yourself to be curious and proactive in improving your health, strength, and energy as you age. If you want to improve your health, stop thinking of testosterone as just a sex hormone. It’s much, much more than that. Testosterone is like cell phone reception. You need enough to function optimally.” andropause happens to men   Imagine your body is like an iPhone. Living foods and exercise are like the iPhone’s battery. Testosterone is the reception! You wouldn’t want to build your house directly under a huge cell phone tower because that would be too much reception. However, if you don’t have enough reception, your iPhone won’t work well, or at all. Testosterone is like cell phone reception. You need enough to function optimally. But not so much that it fries you. Podcast #1: Andropause [powerpress] I invite you to leave a comment — if you’re on Facebook, please use the Facebook-enabled comments (see below). If you’re not on Facebook, please use the regular comments-feature below that. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, opinions and questions! To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘

New research is providing answers about the benefits of omega 3s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been a popular supplement in the health food community for sometime now. Walk down the isle of even conventional grocery stores, and you’ll see it listed front-and-center on the labels of fish, eggs, flax seed, chia seed meal, walnuts, and capsules. For me, I try to get my Omegas from a variety of sources.  In my morning smoothie, I have for several years been adding a teaspoon of flax seed meal (make sure you get the meal, not the whole seeds — unless you want to grind it yourself in your coffee bean grinder!). whales live on Krill in the ocean, and what strong, magnificent beasts they are!” Then, I heard that too much flax is “estrogenic.”  (I have no idea if that’s true, but I’m a 45 year-old man and the last thing I need is more estrogen. I try instead to focus more on superfoods that naturally increase testosterone.)  So, I cut back to half a teaspoon of flax, and just recently started adding a teaspoon of chia seed meal to the blender.  I like what it does to the texture of my breakfast shake. Makes it a bit thicker, and has a mild, nutty taste that I enjoy. Omega 3 - Neurological Pathways Need It! Next, I started adding Krill Oil capsules to my regimen. Whales live on Krill in the ocean, and what strong, magnificent beasts they are! My understanding is that Krill cannot be over-farmed, which is good from an ecology standpoint. I still take cold water fish oil capsules, too, but a bit less now that I’m also taking Krill.  I admit, Krill oil smells a bit funky — like low tide — so you don’t want to take a deep inhalation right after you open the bottle! Though its benefits to cardiovascular health date back to research done in the 1970s, new studies have shown that Omega-3′s are not only good for your heart but good for your head.     Two types of Omega 3s DHA and EPA (two specific kinds of omega 3′s) are important contributers to brain structure and function, in fact they make up nearly 8% of your brain. Doctors are now employing DHA and EPA in therapies for brain related issues from depression to Alzheimer’s. Today’s studies have also shown that these vital fatty acids increase brain volume and stop or even reverse age-related brain shrinkage and nerve cell death. Though DHA and EPA are absolutely critical to maintaining a healthy mind, our bodies cannot synthesize, or build them, from other substances, they must be obtained in their complete forms from the foods we eat. They are in a sense, the basic building blocks our body uses to construct the neurological pathways in our brains and throughout our bodies! Omega-3′s are an important component of a nutritious diet, and designing a balanced diet to promote a vital and extended existence is right at the core of the longevity lifestyle! I found this Life Extension article to be insightful and helpful, so for more information about the benefits of Omegas, you can check that out here. You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~ ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!

    Few things are more life-changing than learning the tricks and tools for getting organized and improving your own personal productivity!       There is nothing that brings peace of mind like being organized.   Have you ever opened your eyes first-thing in the morning with the best of intentions? Have you ever said to yourself something like,   “Today is the day that I pull my act together!” or… “I’m going to use my time super-efficiently today!”   And then… the day just seems to get away from you, and you were only able to accomplish a fraction of what you had hoped. Well, it happens to the best of us. It’s partly human nature, and, partly modern life. Don’t fret. There are 2 significant benefits to organizing your typical day. I’m going to tell you what they are, with the hope of inspiring you. Additionally, at the end of this post, I offer some reading suggestions that can really empower you to begin a mental de-cluttering process that can improve your life in remarkable ways!   #1)   Being Beautifully Organized             Increases Your Prosperity You don’t waste money buying stuff that you already own, but can’t find. Plus, I’m a big believer that when you get serious about The Universe, The Universe gets serious about you. Organizing is a form of reverence and respect – for the time you’ve been given and the physical energy and able-bodiedness you possess”       #2)   Being Beautifully Organized Brings You Serenity You have more time to spend with your loved-ones and cherished relationships, and what is more: that time you spend together is of a higher quality because you are less frazzled, with more peace of mind and more physical energy.   With these benefits in mind, today I’m sharing with you some of the great thinkers in productivity who have inspired me, and can inspire you to get more done in less time: 1. Marla Cilley Cilley wrote a popular book called Sink Reflections. I have recommended this book to most of my friends. Some look at Marla’s bookcover or website and don’t understand why I am big fan; her site is pink, feminine and her community has many midwestern soccer moms. Well, I’m a guy, live in California and I don’t play soccer — yet, while I may not be the “target demographic” of her book, I still know that her guidelines are extremely helpful for anyone who believes an organized home fosters success in other areas. Cilley has this whole philosophy about “sink shining,” which represents the importance of completing small tasks that give you big feelings of accomplishment. Here’s a short video “from the vault” (back when this site was called Bionic Butler) that talks more about what Cilley’s book can offer — with specific examples:   2. David Allen Allen wrote the huge bestseller Getting Things Done and coined a lot of the productivity terms that I use in my blog. Allen consults for big companies and some people see his bookcover and worry that it is geared toward the cubicle-corporate culture and won’t apply to them. Well, I say that even if you are a creative type or work from your home office or are a homemaker or entrepreneur, Allen’s book is still for you. You can modify some of Allen’s specific tips to fit your own situation (he would want you to), and his general concepts of how productivity improves the human life apply to everyone. 3. Kathleen Norris Stay-at home dads, where is your bestseller? You deserve one. I know there must be a million (or more) of you out there needing helpful resources and a sense of community. I would write that book myself except that I am not a dad. But (as the kids of today say), I feel ya. Until you have your own bestseller, I want to recommend a book that, just like with Cilley and Allen’s books, you might have to look past the cover and look instead to the very soul of the book (which will energize you!): The Quotidian Mysteries. Quotidian Mysteries is a very short book, and one of my favorite reads of all-time. It talks about laundry, liturgy, and “women’s work” (that last phrase is in ironic quotes). Norris is an esteemed, literary writer and this book deserves a place in your productivity-library. (My copy is highlighted, dog-eared, and much loved.) Norris has a mystical quality to her writing — and makes connections about homekeeping and her own spiritual path.         Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Making a list is an important part of getting organized.       For those of you who have tried making a to-do list in the past with little or no success, I encourage you to try again. List-Making helps you to realign with your motivation and clarity.”       Ideally, you want to move through your day productively. But completing projects sometimes feels like traveling through the desert, and it’s better to travel the hot, sandy desert by horse and wagon than it is to crawl on your hands and knees! Everyone falls off the organizing-wagon sometimes, and here are some hints to get you back onto that wagon so you can arrive at your destination easily and more quickly — fresh, hydrated, and optimistic!   The 2 Best Reasons to Update Your Task List   Yes, the technique of keeping a current, written task list will help you to get more stuff done, but honestly, that’s not even the primary reason why I promote it. Here are two better reasons: Reason #1 ~ The Process Itself Is Clarifying       List-Making helps you to realign with your motivation and clarity. It refocuses your energy! Reason #2 ~ It’s Like Meditating       The process of crafting a to-do list helps you spill the contents of your noisy mind onto paper so that you can feel better and free up space to think about nicer things. It creates serenity.   It’s true that everyone has a different metabolism and everyone processes information differently, and you might be tempted to think that you’re not a list-making type of person — that you’re too in-the-moment, too creative… or too tired! But, really, all types of people benefit from lists, and the trick is to figure out which type you are.         Primarily, there are 3 types of people: those that scribble down their to-do lists at night, those that make their lists in the morning, and those that keep an on-going list on their computer in real time.   3 Types of Organizing People Type #1 ~ Night People       The night-folks like to empty their brains before bed so that they can relax and sleep better. They sit down at the dining room table for a few minutes in the evening, and visualize their day tomorrow, writing down everything that comes to mind. Type #2 ~ Morning People       The day-folks think more clearly in the a.m., and like to take a few moments in the morning to write down what they want to accomplish that same day, usually while they have their tea or coffee.   Type #3 ~ Tech-Savvy People       Tech-Savvy People are these gadgety folks that habitually keep an eye on their blackberrys, iPhones, Outlook Tasks, or Backpack virtual office. The advantage to doing it the tech-savvy way is that you don’t have to keep re-writing unfinished tasks onto a new list (although, some people want to do it this way, as it encourages them to get things done on the first day). I use Backpack, because I access it from anywhere, and because I like both my business partner and my assistant to have access to my list, too. (Additionally, I have the Backpack iPhone App, “Satchel” that helps me update my list in real-time from anywhere.)  Another advantage of going digital, is that you can slide tasks easily up or down your list depending on their priority that day (though an old-fashioned hardcopy list works too, because once you’re done writing your list, you can just scribble next to each individual task “A,” “B,” or “C” depending on its priority).   Now that you’re convinced of the significant benefits of keeping a current task list, and also you’ve figured out what type of organizing person you are, and you’ve crafted a list of things you’d like to accomplish. Now comes the daunting part, you must figure out how to jump into the list and get at that first task! Well, daunting as that may seem, actually, is pretty simple:   3 Ways to Decide Which Task to Do First Way #1 ~ Start with Whichever Task Is the Most Revenue-Producing       This does not have to be a corporate office/spreadsheet kind of process. State-of-the-art homemakers, too, can prioritize their lists based on revenue! For instance, if one item on your list reads “return shower curtain to Target,” well, that’s a revenue-producing task, because at the end of it you will have ten dollars more in your pocket! Or let’s say that you have a satellite-radio subscription at home, but you haven’t hooked it up yet. Well, you’re paying for it, but you’re not enjoying it, so if you either cancel the subscription or finish hooking up your speakers — either way you’re creating more value for your money, so that’s “revenue-producing.”   Way #2 ~ Do the Task that Has Been on your List the Longest.       Come on, you know that task I’m talking about: the one that’s been lingering on your list for ages and is now all covered in dust! Sometimes it feels energizing just to knock that sucker out and get it done… finally!   Way #3 ~ Do the Task that You Least Want to Do!       There’s always that one task that makes you go, “bleh.” It can be very empowering just to finish that task so that it no longer haunts you and drains your emotional energy. You’ll be left with an exhilarating sense of accomplishment!   Okay, so are you ready to give task lists another try? Let me know how it goes, in the comments section below! Meanwhile, here’s a very short video about lists that I did at Partners Trust Real Estate Brokerage in Los Angeles:       Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Learning to fit workouts into your schedule has numerous benefits.         One of my primary goals during my recent 4:15 Experiment (30 consecutive days of waking up super early) was to integrate exercise more consistently into my weekly schedule. I found, for me, that early mornings are definitely advantageous to accomplishing this goal:   Know what your “peak” time of day is, then make the most of it!”     On days I traveled to the gym, early hours helped me avoid much of the traffic (that L.A. is famous for), reducing my round trip drive time from 2 hours, to only 30 minutes. I also saved time by getting my exercise in before work. I used to try to slip out of the office in the early afternoon for a quick lunchhour workout, but I found I was showering, dressing and prepping for work two times, instead of one, which was very inefficient (when you add cufflinks, necktie, vest, etc., to the equation, it just gets a bit ridiculous from a time-perspective).       As I increased the frequency of my exercise during the experiment, I began to feel the positive effects: I found I was sleeping more soundly and deeply (which is important when you are getting up at 4:15 a.m.) I also felt like I was more focused while at my desk at work.  So many of us have jobs that are more or less sedentary, and engaging in regular exercise helps bring balance to our lifestyle. I felt less stressed.  When we exert ourselves our minds shift their focus from the mental to the physical allowing us to clear our heads of all the information and emotions that often cloud them.     Optimize Your Schedule If you’d like to try optimizing your own schedule, then the first — and perhaps most helpful — question to ask yourself, is simply: am I a morning person, or a night person?     Most people tend to slightly favor one time of the day over the other, in terms of their physical energy and mental clarity (even if only by a small margin). Know what your “peak” time of day is, then make the most of it!   p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ then simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘  

  A quick happiness-inventory of your own life might reveal that simpler pleasures are what help you to be happy.   What events in your own life would make you even happier than you are now? What does it mean to be happy? As modern human beings, we routinely make predictions about how happy future events will make us — a new car, a million dollars, a face lift. We make guesses about how these things will increase our long-term feelings of satisfaction and inner-peace. Often, our predictions turn out to be incorrect. The things we were so sure would make us happy people, do not. How to Get Happy In an insightful article in The New Yorker magazine, writer Elizabeth Kolbert explained that there are a whole range of activities that people tend to think will make them happy — such as getting a raise, moving to Hawaii, having children — that, in fact, do not. “when I do my happiness-inventory, it is these quiet moments from my daily routine that stand out.” Of course, many of us already know this stuff intellectually, and yet: we keep forgetting: happiness is not often found where we might expect to find it.   The Paradox of Contentment: Plan Ahead, yet, Be In The Moment On one hand, it seems good to have goals — goals give life texture and provide us with direction. On the other hand, this moment — this simple little moment — is, oddly, all we know we have and our biggest opportunity lies within it. I mean, when you really think about it: the whole idea of postponing opportunity because you expect to be alive ten minutes from now and will have more energy and where-with-all then, than you do now — well, it’s kind of comical in a way. What I’m saying might sound woo-woo to you — I realize that — but isn’t that what research, such as the research cited in Kolbert’s article, really tells us? Kolbert startles us with revealing statistics and vignettes, such as: lottery winners who take significantly less pleasure in daily activities (such as clothes-buying), than non-lottery winners.   Take a Happiness Inventory: How Happy are You? If you were to take a brutally honest “happiness inventory” of the last couple of years, you might be surprised at those moments that stand out most. Think back on these last two years — where is your contentment located? Sometimes we answer questions such as this, with how we think we should answer… yes, the truth often alludes even ourselves. In order to arrive at an authentic answer, a few minutes of solitude can be very helpful. Give yourself a few moments alone to sit, close your eyes… and gradually calm yourself, looking inward: What physical sensations are you aware of? ▸ What parts of your body feel healthy and good? ▸ What parts of your body feel tight or uncomfortable? Gradually bring your attention to your lungs, following the sound and sensation of your own breath. When your mind starts to chatter, gently guide your attention back to the actual sensation of breathing. After spending a few minutes in this relaxed state, ask yourself this question: What are my favorite parts of a typical day? …allow the answers to present themselves:     A Case Study: What Makes This Fellow Happy When I recently conducted my own happiness-inventory, these typical moments of subtle joy were revealed to me: ⊙ Saturday mornings, sitting cross-legged, next to a lit fire in the fireplace, on our living room rug, my laptop on the coffee table, a cup of warm yerba mate tea by my side, and my spouse sits nearby working on his laptop, too. ⊙ On weekdays mornings, the spouse helps me tie my tie each morning. I choose which vest, the cuff links, which shirt, I polish our shoes, and then I ask him his opinion about our day’s wardrobe. Final changes are decided upon, a shower and a shave, and then he ties my tie. (Yes, even though I aspire to be a gentleman-hero from an Austen novel, the truth is, I have a hard time tying my own tie!) When I do my happiness-inventory, it is these quiet moments from my daily routine that stand out. I don’t think a new Ferrari or a trip to Paris would bring me as much contentment as David tying my tie each morning. Not even close. A happiness-inventory may remind you of your own life’s simpler pleasures. Think back to the last two years of your own life. Heck, think back to just yesterday. What made you truly happy? Where are your moments of joy really found?     p.s.   The Dane Technique 1-minute video library is free to you, and is designed for increased happiness, by creating more free time in your life for you to spend with loved-ones or pursuing those activities or hobbies that you feel passionately about. To get instant access to the videos, simply subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

      Here are some tips that will help you to stay in the productivity-zone!       There are so many ways that we humans use to deal with our anxieties of living in the modern age. We drink wine, watch television, eat potato chips, or smoke cigarettes — these are all just methods of self-medication, to smooth-out life’s rough edges and frayed nerves. Getting organized is also a way to deal with anxiety. But it’s a much, much healthier way. To be a get-it-done person, you’ve got to swim in a different direction from that of our current culture.” For example, have you ever had a day similar to this, when you get an enormous amount accomplished before 11:00am? you wake early exercise have a healthy breakfast drop everyone off at school have two back-to-back meetings land a new account return all of yesterday’s calls and outline a new report …and it’s not even lunchtime yet!   However, you’ve probably also had days, when you look up at the clock, and it’s 11am, and all you’ve accomplished is to check your email!   The Kind of Difference Being Organized Makes This sort of thing happens a lot, and it’s an example of the kind of difference that being truly organized makes. When you have your systems in place — you have a plan for the day and a way to stay on track when potential distractions present themselves — you can flow through your day accomplishing one task after the other, and it feels fantastic!         True productivity is about having a clear intention, having systems and tools that work uniquely well for you, and, finally, having a positive attitude.   The Joy of Self-Efficiency As you might already know, I’m pretty fascinated by the topic of self-efficiency (which, of course, goes hand-in-hand with being organized). To me, it’s like a fun game — to see how much I can get done during a typical day if I’m really organized. The pay-off to this game is pretty big: the more organized you are, the more free time you will have left over for relaxation and recreation. I like these insights from Jessica Stillman at BNET’s Entry-Level Rebel, in which she debunks some common myths about how to get-things-done. These principles are counter-intuitve, yet accurate: Your productivity will vary wildly from day to day — this is normal. Working more hours means getting less done. Working harder means getting less done. Procrastination can be good for you. Happiness is the ultimate productivity enhancer.   The bullet point that I least agree with is “procrastination can be good,” because I do believe that, every now and then, it’s best to take that one thing from your task list that has been there the longest, and just gut-it-out and get-it-done. But perhaps Stillman meant that it’s better to procrastinate a task than to burn yourself out — which I totally agree with. And I think Stillman also means, that — like it or not — sometimes you have to procrastinate some tasks because higher-prioritized tasks will be the focus of the day. Which is true. The big, ultimate point here is this: it’s very hard to be awesome at anything if you just “wing it” each day. When it comes to improving your own personal productivity, you simply can’t do what mostly everyone else does, which is to “react” to their day. You have to be organized. Do not swim with the other reactive-fishies! To be a get-it-done person, you’ve got to swim in a different direction from that of our current culture. I’m tellin’ ya, here and now, and please believe me: it’s in your best interests to, periodically, look objectively and consciously at how you spend your time, habitually, each day. I mean, really look at it. Evaluate, and determine where you can make small improvements. Then, play around with different systems until you find ones that work particularly well for you.   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      One of the tricks to getting organized, is to implement a system called the weekly review.         I have found that many organized people have some sort of “weekly review” system for getting things done and improving their personal productivity. I hate to say it, but I believe Sunday is the ideal day for your own weekly review. In fact, this entire post was inspired by a humorous Tweet about how to get the most productivity out of your Sundays (see image below).   Sunday or Friday Weekly Review? Which is best for Productivity? However, if Sundays are out of the question for you, then the second-best day to measure your productivity is, in my opinion, is Friday, late-afternoon. If your work schedule is that of a more conventional “9-to-5-er,” you can fully organize your desk so that, when you arrive back on Monday morning, you’re ready to rock. Oh, and if you’re a parent of young children, you may also find that Fridays are better than Sundays for a productivity review. Really, it just depends on the person. The reason I prefer Sundays over Fridays, though, is that if I have an action-packed weekend, I may lose a bit of steam by Monday, and — frankly — I might forget “where I left off!” By doing my weekly productivity review on Sundays, it helps reacquaint me with both long-term goals and my immediate targets for the coming week:  the next morning, everything is still fresh in my head.   Don’t worry, your weekly review only has to take an hour or two, and you’ll still be able to spend your Sundays having quality time with your loved-ones. The reason I think Sundays are an ideal day for gauging your productivity is that the business and professional world fires-up again on Monday morning, and your Review process will help you be poised for success — helping you to hit the ground running and stay in front of the pack!   a weekly productivity review allows you to look at how you process your work, during a typical week — this fresh perspective will then help you to prioritize even better!”     But whether it’s on a Sunday, a Friday, or whatever day of the week, the point here is not when… pick a day that works best for you. But do try, whenever possible, to make it a “set thing.” Pick a couple of hours, on the same day and time every week, and make that your sacred, weekly review event! David Allen, one of my favorite and most-brilliant productivity gurus, is the fellow from whom I first learned of this concept of the weekly review. According to the Wikipedia on Allen, a weekly review focuses on the various aspects or categories of one’s work-flow and then, the perspective gained from these reviews can drive one’s priorities. So one of the big ideas here, is to determine the priority of the individual tasks and “commitments gathered during the work-flow process.” I realize that this all sounds kind of fancy, so let me just boil it down. 4 Basic Steps of a Good Weekly Review     1.  Inbox Zero Cull through that email inbox and turn emails into your own next-action steps, or defer them to someone else, or delete them.  TIP: but before you delete an email, make sure to “unsubscribe” from any newsletters or companies from whom you no longer want updates.  (Not mine, though. My High-Energy and Longevity Newsletter rocks and is loaded with value!)  During your weekly review, try to get your email inbox to zero, or as close to zero, as you can.   2. Update Task List Ideally, your To-Do List is updated in real-time, from moment to moment. But let’s face it, sometimes the week gets away from you! Your weekly review is an opportunity to polish-up your To-Do List and to identify what tasks next week will be, potentially, your most revenue-producing and also which tasks have been “hanging around” your list for a long time that you seem to keep putting off (we call those your “frogs”).   3. Identify Your Givers Okay, this one is kind of an energetic, Law of Attraction, spiritual thing. One of the lessons I have learned in my life so far — and not always the easy way, folks — is that a healthy way to achieve increased success is to “give to your givers.” At some future point I will write a feature (and/or film a video) about exactly this principle, but for now, just take my word for it: if you can determine who last week was most-generous to you, and then provide those people with extra support and gratitude, you will be rewarded in the long run.   4. Comment on Your Colleagues’ Blogs Okay, I have a lot of colleague’s who blog. A lot. It would take me most of the day to read everyone’s posts over the last week and comment on them. However, though I might not be able to see everyone’s, I can certainly reach out to many of my colleagues — and industry leaders and thinkers — and participate in the dialogues that are happening. You can, too!   Okay, so those are my 4 tips for a solid weekly review that can help you get organized and increase your personal productivity for the week ahead. But what am I missing? Let me know in the comments section below!         Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Ready to take your prosperity to the next level? These secrets for building wealth may surprise you!       I’ve learned a few things in my life (thank goodness). Because I’ve always been uniquely interested in patterns, I’ve been able to look around the world and identify certain repeating patterns of cause-and-effect, and here is what I’ve discovered: Prosperity is magnetized by enthusiastic relationships. The more people you know — and the more positive and excited you are about knowing them — the more readily you will manifest increased wealth. I’ve seen this again and again (and again) in life. Now, if you’re an introvert like me (introverts get their energy from solitude — that’s how they recharge their emotional batteries) then knowing a lot of people may not come as breezily to you. Like me, you’ll have to make a concerted effort each day to extend yourself and grow your sphere of influence. Fortunately, we introverts genuinely like people (even though we enjoy our alone-time, too) so once we set good relationship-building habits, it does start to get easier.     Look, here’s the deal: we all answer to somebody. If you’re a landlord, you answer to your tenants. If you’re a teacher, you answer to your students, parents, and principal. If you’re a bishop, you answer to your diocese. If you’re a nurse, you answer to your patients. If you’re a small or micro-business, you answer to your clients. And if you work at a corporation, you answer to your customers. We all answer to somebody and we all need relationships — they are the glue that hold modern life together. Life and Social Media That’s why I value social media and online networking. Because, unlike the older “broadcasting” forms of media, social media is directly about engaging in relationship.     For people who are eager and curious about social media, I enjoy guiding them into the new digital era. This year, in particular, it was fun for me to encourage talented sales teams to experiment with social media and other digital marketing techniques.     Creating Your Relationship List One of the activities I invite my colleagues to participate in, is creating a Relationship List. A Relationship List is a roster of your favorite people in the world. It is a list of the “givers” in your life. It may be relatives, past clients, old college buddies — just people you like. I like to imagine my Relationship List as a garden. It needs tending. It needs water, air, nourishment, weeding, and love. And when you tend to your relationship garden, your garden will bear abundant fruit each harvest season. Yet, so many people treat the relationships in their lives as an afterthought — a wild orchard that they just “happen upon.”  They snatch a few pieces of fruit from a tree, and they keep walking. I prefer to be more aware — more conscious — about the relationships in my life. I like to reflect on my relationships, and I like to reach out to my relationships. I like to give to my relationships. The analog era was about broadcasting. The digital era is about reciprocity. So I suggest that you don’t waste your time trying to garden with people who are “takers.” No amount of energy that you invest will ever be enough, and come harvest time, you’re crops will not be abundant. Instead, give your time and energy to the people in your life who are “givers.” They already understand true reciprocity and so will appreciate your efforts. I get a kick out of the funny responses I often receive from sales pros who are new to social media. “Where will I find the time?” I hear a lot, and sometimes,“how much will it cost me?”  The reason I say that’s funny is, if you stop to think about it, relationships are work. Period.  Social media or no social media.  Even if you’re a “people-person” like me, it still requires time and energy to create healthy, equitable relationships with the fellow human beings in your life. Imagine for a moment that you are a part of a field of energy, and within that field, there are two dynamics to which prosperity is attracted: enthusiasm a person who connects well with others If you want to be a magnet to money, get to know more people and get to know the people that you already know, better. In this way, a Relationship List can not only bring you and your tribe more joy — it can also be an effective wealth-building tool!     In today’s very busy world, in particular, there are practical considerations:   …how will I have the time to reach out to all of the people I like and respect?”     Well, that’s why social media is so great!  It can be a real time-saver, because you can check in with your whole tribe in just minutes, and in one fell swoop:     What is your experience with social media? Do you send email newsletters out to your Relationship List once a month? How do you converse with your tribe?  What is your favorite social media channel? And, most importantly, how do you give to the people you like?       p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ then simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘  

      Here are 4 valuable insights for further increasing your own success – by turning up the dial of your personal growth to “warp speed!”     Do you have big dreams, or the desire within you to improve yourself and manifest greater success? Personal Growth is the process of looking closely at how you handle life from the inside, and making the most of your potential before you die. Whether you have ambitious, clearly defined goals, or simply the sense that you could make even more of a positive difference in the world, looking at your life — and yourself — consciously and deliberately will help you to realize your dreams, and find success, more quickly. I remember back in my younger days, feeling haunted by my unrealized potential. I knew I had so much to offer the world, and I wanted to make “more of my self,”  but sometimes I felt as though I was just spinning-my-wheels!   One’s only rival is one’s own potentialities. One’s only failure is failing to live up to one’s own possibilities. In this sense, every man can be a king, and must therefore be treated like a king.                ~ Abraham Maslow           Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve learned a few things over the last 46 years. I’ll share some of the best with you now. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find them interesting, or even helpful. Here are 4 valuable insights to help you dramatically increase your personal success, physical health, and happiness:   Success Insight #1: Find a Healthy Way to Metabolize Anxiety “Metabolize” is an internal process in which you take something potentially harmful and turn it into something useful. For example, taking a fearful thought and turning it into a realization that you are stronger than you previously thought, or taking a nervous thought and turning it into excitement. It’s hard to really get much momentum going on your personal growth if you don’t have a good strategy for dealing with anxiety. Because when it comes time to recognize something about yourself — something that you sense will be momentarily painful to see — you might let yourself get distracted, in order to avoid the pain. Anxiety is part of life on earth. If you don’t deliberately find a healthy way to deal with daily emotional discomfort, you might be tempted to “medicate” your anxiety with… something less healthy.  Like:  sugar, denial, cigarettes, prescriptive opiates … whatever.  There is no “one” right way to deal with anxiety. Everybody’s a bit different. Explore your options. For me, I find slow, thorough breathing to be grounding. Also, when I exercise daily, it seems to help my brain chemistry. It keeps me brighter and more optimistic. Additionally, the ability to witness my thoughts calmly as I think them, and to observe patterns in my thinking, has been enormously helpful. When I objectively see myself thinking negatively, I can stop, and course-correct before I stress myself out too much. Anyway, those are a few examples of self-soothing strategies that work pretty well for me. What works well for you?         Success Insight #2: Believe in Something Stronger, Smarter, and More Loving than You In order to dramatically increase your personal success, physical health, and happiness, you’re going to need to be able to surrender your frustrations to something Higher than you. Otherwise, all the world’s problems might drive you nutty. A spiritual or religious tradition can work.  It really helps to imagine that there is an Infinite Field of intelligence, compassion and creativity of which you and everyone is a part — but, if that’s too squishy for you, maybe you can simply remember that, even though you don’t have all the answers, you still have faith that the planet will be spinning tomorrow just like it did today.   Success Insight #3: Cultivate Gratitude I know, you’ve heard this one before. But here’s something that you may not have tried:  instead of just having the intellectual thought of gratitude (in other words, identifying something for which you can or should feel grateful), try turning that thought into an actual, physical, visceral, feeling. Here’s what works for me: decide on something for which you can be grateful, then hold that image peacefully in your mind for a moment. next, imagine your heart becoming very light, your chest actually lifting a bit. beam joy and appreciation from your heart until you imagine your whole body glowing. let that feel good.   There you have it. Thinking grateful is good. Feeling grateful is even better.  What’s more, the cells of your body will thank you for it, in the form of improved health.   Success Insight #4: Own Responsibility for What Happens (Every Time) This is the one that can be especially challenging:  owning specific responsibility for our lives and what occurs (by the way, it’s hard to pull this one off if you haven’t already figured out how to metabolize anxiety — see #1, above — because this “shift” might produce some anxiety in the beginning). In order to make this work, you need to pretend that “you get what you vibrate.”  Well, it’s even better if you can believe it. But for those of you who don’t believe that you create the circumstances of your life by the thoughts that you have, just pretend that it’s true for now, and act accordingly.  When something unfortunate happens, ask yourself calmly and lovingly, “How exactly did I create this, and what can I do to create something better?” You’re not going to disappear or die or go crazy if you take responsibility”         Resist the temptation to make a case for why this isn’t true. You don’t need to play the role of a lawyer and cite examples of starving children, or assert that this is like “blaming the assaulted instead of the rapist.”  You don’t need to focus on other people’s tragedies at all when it comes to this. Focus on your own stuff. Your own life. And own it. What makes this one work, is when you pay attention to “the energy behind the owning.”  Owning circumstances with a sense of guilt or shame is different than owning with two feet planted firmly and a chin held level. So when you ask yourself, “how did I create this?” ask it not from a victim-place, but from the part of you where common sense resides. By the way, if you mess up with someone, then name it. Say what you did, express regret, say it won’t happen again (and mean it), and — for serious transgressions — make it up to the person.  Don’t worry that it conflicts with the vision you have of yourself. You’re not going to disappear or die or go crazy if you take responsibility (as long as you can do #1, see above). And, perhaps most importantly, when something goes right in your life, celebrate that success in your mind! By celebrating your successes and cultivating and focusing your passionate energies on the tasks, projects, and people you love most, your success will increase exponentially. Richard St. John explains this best, in this 3-minute Ted video!   I’ve just shared with you 4 insights for creating increased success and dramatically improving a human life. Which are you already using masterfully? Which are you eager to strengthen? I invite you to share your own insights in the comments section below!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Use these encouraging tips to run a personal success inventory, and build an increasingly prosperous future.         The thing about goals is: they work. Setting goals helps you move steadily toward your desired target and achieve personal success. Something about the process of setting goals — thinking about them, writing them down and visualizing them as though they’ve already happened — energizes the unconscious into action! One aspect of goal-setting that is often overlooked is… celebration! Identifying recent successes and celebrating them joyfully creates the perfect rocket-fuel to help propel you toward your next set of goals.   Success Inventory: Prosperity Loves Enthusiasm Have you paused yet, to reflect back on the past year and recollect your positive achievements? Doing a success inventory of your recent past sets a beneficial tone for what’s still to come. You can build on your previous success and keep that momentum going!   A great life or a great career is built by performing one task at a time, quickly and well, and then going on to the next task”                          ~ Brian Tracy         There are times to be modest, but during a success inventory is not one of them. Be emboldened, and give yourself the credit you are due! The Law Of Attraction teaches us that what we give our time, energy and focus to, we create more of. And by generating positive feelings of gratitude and joy over recent events, we magnetize more of the same. One of the highlights of last year for me, was the 4:15 a.m. Experiment I conducted during the month of September.  Waking up super early for 30 consecutive days was quite an adjustment in my life, but one that fostered real change and many positive experiences: Increased Opportunity for Exercise Development of New Recipes   Time for Meditation and Self Awareness   Reduced Stress resulting from a Balanced Schedule       Looking back, one of the best parts of the experiment was the positive interaction and support I got from my friends, via Facebook and Twitter, as I shared my early morning experiences. That adventure has inspired me to use 2011 to pursue and develop my ideas of online community, and to strengthen my “tribe” so that we can continue to know one another better and offer each other encouragement, and a few laughs! You may choose to take your own personal success inventory for the past year. In fact, I really hope you do. Life can sometimes get so busy that we forgot to “steal” a few quiet moments for ourselves to simply, quiet the mind, deepen the breath, and honor ourselves for continuing valiantly on this journey that is our lives! So I invite you to take a moment to: Recognize and name the successes of the past year Allow those accomplishments to inspire you to dare for bigger goals   Fantasize about what you’d like to have happen next year   Choose a few action steps toward making that good stuff happen   Determine specifically how you might be tempted to “get in your own way” and how you will identify if that happens and what you will do to course-correct   You can align with the Law Of Attraction now, by sharing one of your recent accomplishments in the comments section below. Let’s get some celebratory energy movin’ and workin’ on our behalf!   To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘  

      Tea not only invigorates, it has also been proven to reduce tumors.         Earlier this year I conducted my 4:15 a.m. Experiment — 30 days of getting up well before the sun, in the name of personal improvement and enhanced self-care. As you might have guessed, morning tea played a big part in this new endeavor. On more than one occasion (especially early on), I was tempted to hit the snooze button, but I had planned ahead with a back-up alarm and this concoction which is not only delicious, but invigorating! That’s right, tea provides a clean buzz which creates a calm, yet alert state of mind. The health benefits are wide-ranging. Tea has been proven time and time again to reduce tumors, boost the immune system, lower stress levels, and even impede the growth of the bacteria that causes bad breath. It is actually good for your teeth, as well. It contains fluoride and tannins that can hinder plaque. Not to mention that it builds strong bones, and is extremely low-calorie (I don’t think anyone will object to that). It can be a lot of fun to create your own concoctions. There is such a great variety of options out there, each with their own unique benefits. So figure out what works for you, and have some fun with it.   Key Ingredients for Special Tea Blend: Guayaki – Traditional Loose Leaf Yerba Matte The Republic of Tea – Get Charged Tea Minor Ingredients that are Optional for Great Tea: Traditional Medicinals – Echinacea Plus Timothy’s – Orange Indulgence White Tea       So that’s our secret recipe, and you can kick-start your early mornings with this tasty hot tea concoction. Tested and approved by the 4:15 a.m. Experiment. What are the special ingredients to your morning beverage?   To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘  

      Fine-tuning our daily habits is the key to increased good health and prosperity. Here’s how to do it.     Most people find it helpful to set goals. The reason that they find goal-setting helpful is because… {drumroll, please}… it works. Goals work, because they help us to improve our daily habits. Everyone has a daily ritual, whether they realize it or not. Of course, there are good habits and bad habits, and what makes a daily habit “good” is that it aligns us toward the life we most want to live.   Daily Habits Lead to Realized Goals When you look back on an old list of goals you wrote, the chances are that you will see (believe it or not) that many of your goals have been realized — even though you forgot to think about your goal list every day and, in fact, forgot that you even made the list in the first place! When you carefully and passionately create a list of new goals, you are engaging your unconscious. And, let’s face it, daily habits mostly come from a very unconscious place. When we do something almost as if on autopilot — as if our muscles have memorized the particular activity — then we can say that activity has been habituated. The very process of crafting a goal list causes you to visualize the goals as having been attained already — and this places positive images into your psyche. And your unconscious loves images even more than words!         What Is a New Years Resolution? The annual phenomena of New Years Resolutions means that, sometime between December 26th (the day after Christmas) and January 1st (New Years Day), millions of human beings over the planet take the opportunity to reflect on their lives — to celebrate their successes, to feel grateful for their abundance, and to focus on what else it is that they want from their lives, and from themselves. everyone has a daily ritual, whether they realize it or not. The trick to increased success in life, is to periodically look at your daily ritual with objectivity, as if you’re watching how someone else spends their time, studying those habits so you can fine-tune them”   New Years Resolutions: The Perfect Time to Evaluate Previous Habits   Of course, you don’t need a holiday in order to update your list of new goals. You can do it any time that you want to, and needn’t be constrained by dates. However, the fourth quarter of each calendar year seems to be an ideal time for this process. It turns out that I have a slightly different view on setting goals. I believe a very wise place to start your goal-setting process, is by looking at your daily rituals. And determining what specific habits need changing. Each good daily habit is a helping hand that helps you to steady your bow, so that you can stay on target with your New Year resolution.   Do you have a ritual? Of course, you do. Everyone does. You eat every day. You brush your teeth every day. You do all kinds of things every day. It’s the ordinary tasks and activities that we do every day — our quotidian — that make us exactly who we are. I suggest focusing your awareness on how you actually, typically, spend your time. Really look at it closely. Whatever we habituate on the daily level: that’s our life. I love that word: habituate. Within that word, is hidden the key to significant self-improvement, I believe. Fred Rogers — television’s Mister Rogers — knew this simple but powerful concept, that habituating daily good choices is the key to thriving, and through his educational programming he helped children to integrate this valuable life-skill. Do not be deceived by the simplicity of this video, his wisdom was genius!     It took me many years to figure out, what I’m sharing with you now — that success, happiness and health are really built from the foundation of our daily habits. Now that I know that, I give my quotidian the care and thoughtfulness it deserves, and I’m nearly always fine-tuning my routine!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      How many workouts do you think you’ll fit in this week? Here are some videos to help motivate you!         Sometimes, when I’m planning my workouts in my mind for the week ahead, I like to watch DVDs or videos to motivate myself to stay on track with my fitness goals. Here are 6 inspirational vitamins for your soul and psyche, that I hope will motivate you to take good care of yourself this week, especially when it comes to exercise. We all need a little butt-kicking motivation every now and then to get movin’!   …focus on one thing that you’re already doing right.”     Videos to Inspire – #1: Motivate Yourself with Others’ Successes What you may not know, is that the human flag pose is among the very hardest poses. It is the ultimate test of agility and strength. Talk about core muscles! This commercial gives you an idea of our potential as humans, when we take charge of our fitness and condition our bodies for success! Of course, I don’t expect you to do the human flag pose — but it can be so inspiring to see what the human body can do when it is exercised regularly!     Videos to Inspire – #2: Choose an Accountability Partner Recently, I started meeting a buddy once a week at the gym to workout together. We build the day-and-time into our schedules as a regular, standing appointment. We’re having a lot of fun and, more importantly, we’re helping each other to stay on track as we move toward our health targets. Having accountability partners can be pivotal in accomplishing your health and fitness goals, too:     Videos to Inspire – #3: Work with the Circumstances You Have Some days — let’s face it — it just becomes almost impossible to tear yourself away from your desk to fit in a workout (if you have kids, this can be especially true). Well, let’s not make excuses — there are exercises you can do right at your desk, to help your spine and improve your posture. I actually just now did each of these stretches and I must admit — it felt great! Took just a couple of minutes. If you spend daily time in front of a computer of laptop, you will find value in this:     Videos to Inspire – #4: Be Mindful of Your Mood You can still do something productive for your well-being, even if you don’t have to time to go to the gym. One thing I like to do, when I’m too busy to fit in a whole workout, is to… do a handstand! All that blood running in the other direction to my brain — it’s a real mood-elevator! Many yogis believe that it’s healthy and detoxifying to elevate your hips above your head, and I also like to do it because it improves my mood and mental clarity.     Videos to Inspire – #5: Plan Ahead One of the big questions you want to ask yourself if you’re wanting to get back into shape is, “Am I a morning person, or a night person?” Generally, you’ll want to plan most of your workouts for when your mind is clearest, your enthusiasm is brightest, and your physical energy is highest. For me, that’s: mornings! By the way, when your physical energy begins to improve from exercise, don’t be surprised if that, in turn, begins to improve other areas of your life — such as your personal and professional relationships!     Videos to Inspire – #6: Cut Yourself Some Slack Finally, if you have a challenging time jump-starting your workouts again, my suggestion is to resist the temptation to blame yourself for being undisciplined or disorganized. That only makes it worse! Instead, I strongly and kindly advise, that you focus on one thing that you’re already doing right:       To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      The trick to improving your nutrition is finding solutions that work uniquely well for you.       As we get older it’s important to keep making gradual improvements to our diets. You might be able to get away with consuming countless canned sugary energy drinks and fried corn chips when your 23, but as the years pass it’s best to give your body the proper nutrition it needs to repair or replace damaged cells. Here are four short videos to help inspire you to keep making those small lifestyle and nutritional adjustments that lead to robust good health!   Nutrition Video #1: Yerba Mate Tea I used to have coffee every morning, and once in a while I still do. But ultimately I decided that getting that huge jolt of caffeine in the morning, for 365 mornings in a row, might not be the healthiest thing for my body. Some health experts are now saying that we have to be mindful of not overstimulating, and then exhausting, our adrenal glands. Also, I decided that coffee is extremely acidic, and I didn’t want to hit my insides with that first thing in the day. So now I ease into my day more gently with yerba mate tea, made from tea leaves that grow in Amazonian rain forests. I make it the easy way, by steeping tea bags in hot water for five minutes. However, yerba mate is a treasured South American tradition that is used to celebrate good will and camaraderie among neighbors and friends. Here’s a video of the world’s most popular extraction method for yerba mate — millions of South Americans do this every day! Yerba mate has a clean buzz, a very enjoyable flavor, is nutritious, and, yes, mood-elevating! Have a look:     Nutrition Video #2: Fast and Fresh Guacamole Some nights we come home from work so tired that the thought of making a healthy dinner from scratch seems…well, daunting. The temptation is to microwave a frozen burrito or have pizza delivered. But wait! Here’s a healthy, delicious, home-cooked meal you can make in under ten minutes!     Nutrition Video #3: Turn Pure Water into an Adventure! Having clean, pure water for you and your family to drink is a foundation of good health. The purity of municipal tap waters vary from city to city and town to town. There’s so much drudgery involved in filtering our water — whether it’s changing the filters on our cleaning systems or hoisting that water jug up into the dispenser! It’s little wonder that there’s a new trend emerging that involves weekend excursions and exploring adventures! Finally, a chance to put the fun back into pure water! Have a look:     Nutrition Video #4: Superfoods for Extra Protection Even for the most careful and disciplined of us, sometimes we get to feeling a bit run down. Sometimes our stress levels get higher than they should, other times there is a flu or cold going around the office or school. During those challenging periods, sometimes our bodies require a little extra nourishment and protection. Certainly, I find that reducing my sugar and dairy intake — and eating more vegetables — helps strengthen and energize my body. But occasionally, I do also take supplements to bolster my immune system. Here are some superfoods that I rely on during especially strenuous periods:     Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!  

    These four videos will inspire you to explore unique solutions for managing your time effectively — so that you can create more serenity and joy in your daily life.         It seems that people are now busier than ever — despite all of our modern conveniences and gadgets. These four ideas will help you to use time even better than you do now.   Time Management Idea #1: Hold Space for Solutions   The funny thing about time is, that the more you angst over there not being enough of it, the busier and more disorganized you will become. The Law of Attraction teaches us that when we focus on finding solutions with a light heart — instead of dwelling on the problem — our path is made clearer.     Time Management Idea #2: Take Yourself Off Auto-Pilot   No one likes to talk about it, but the truth is that, the older we get, the more important it becomes to take care of ourselves. But how do we make time for extra self-care protocols — freshly-prepared meals, exercise, meditation, quality time with our friends and family — when we already feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? In order to find the answer that will work best for you, you’ll need to take yourself off “auto-pilot” for a while, and look at your day — and how you spend your own time from minute to minute — objectively.     Time Management Idea #3: Seek Individualized Answers   In our peculiar, hustle-and-bustle culture, so many of us feel time-constrained and yet no one solution is perfect for every person. Each person’s situation is unique, and each time-management solution must be tailored to fit. Sometimes we need to think differently in order to find creative answers for taking care of ourselves and getting things done!  

  That’s me in the bottom of the photo. I’m at the gym. I love these retro photographs from classic fitness magazines. Fun! I’ll use anything for inspiration — sometimes you need to seek motivation to get that extra oomph for an intense workout!         To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘  

    This week’s desert hike into Fern Canyon, a hidden oasis within the Indian Canyon tribal lands in Palm Springs, California.       We hiked about 75 minutes out, and 75 minutes back. Interesting hike, because the terrain changed often. Very flat parts, then winding trails up the hills, then down into damp, mystical-feeling canyons with rare, dark-stemmed ferns growing from the cliff walls — and a very active, large, loud beehive! Also: grand vistas, peaceful silence, and even this late in the spring there is still water in the streams (though, perhaps not for long). Ended where we started: at the waterfall.     To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘  

      It looks like a 1950s sci-fi jet-pack! Are you ready for take-off?         My favorite vacuum is a backpack vacuum. I know, it looks like those jet-packs one sometimes sees in a 1950s sci-fi B-movie. The thing is, this vacuum is powerful. It has a super-strong motor that provides uber-suction for the dirtiest of floors, carpets and corners — making everything sparkling clean. The #1 rule of housecleaning is that (because of the law of gravity): eventually, everything — all dust and dirt — ends up on the floor. So, if you can get your floors really clean, that’s the ultimate achievement. This is my favorite vacuum because it teaches the dirt who’s boss!     I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, opinions and questions!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      We scored some beautifully fresh produce today at the local Farmers Market in Palm Springs, California.         Farmers Markets continue to increase in popularity — people are really catching on that locally grown is better for your health! Plus, there’s a positive community-vibe at your neighborhood Farmers Market that is unquestionably enjoyable. This is David, holding our canvas bag of take-home items.     It was our first time there at this particular market, and what struck me was: how affordable the prices were, compared to other Farmers Markets I’ve been to how friendly the farmers were to the shoppers   how relaxed the environment was — a little soft, live reggae music in the background and plenty of room to stroll around.     What We Took Home from the Farmers Market! 1 zuchinni squash, butternut squash, and yellow star squash 2 pounds of free range, grass fed turkey breasts   4 meyers lemons   2 red and 1 yellow bell pepper   1 bag of salad greens   1 head of boston lettuce   1 bunch of swiss chard   1 bunch of baby asparagus   2 outdoor hydroponic tomatoes   1 bunch of purple radishes   If you have any questions about produce — how to cook it, or the specific ways that a particular vegetable is good for your body — you can ask Johnny at Johnny’s Garden. He is patient and helpful.       You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!  

      Approaching a task or project with the right mindset will make all the difference.         Perhaps we can’t all enjoy every moment of our work each day, but attitude plays a key role in the quality and quantity of our productivity. Whether it’s creating a financial spreadsheet at the office, or mopping the kitchen floor at home, if we approach our work with a sense of dread, it is not only unproductive, but counterproductive. The truth is, that sometimes in life, we resist what we most need, and this is especially true when it comes to improving our own personal productivity and self-efficiency.   Work and the The Productivity Paradox In this short video, I explore this “productivity paradox,” and how you can leverage it to your benefit. Remember: coming to a project with a heavy feeling of drudgery only makes the project take longer.   It’s so important to approach your own productivity systems with a light heart and a sense of humor.”       If we approach a task with a sense of play, it can help us to better focus and increase our speed.     I have a special clipboard checklist-system of productivity that I’ve developed and fine-tuned over the years, and when friends ask me about it, the first thing I share with them is this energy secret of productivity: your to-do list is your best friend, and if you treat it like it’s your enemy — as if it wants to oppress you instead of help you — or if you think of it with shame, resentment or dread, then your productivity goals were over before they even began! It’s so important to approach your own productivity systems with a light heart and a sense of humor. Choose to see your checklists as living, organic, breathing entities that you’re always nourishing and improving. Imagining this process as a sort of game makes it a lot more fun. Ask, “this checklist is great — and how can I make it even better, more accurate, more efficient?” Even when I approach serious or important subjects, such as in this video below on how to get more done during the day by identifying your next action step, I try to be relaxed and enjoy myself.       I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Increase your personal productivity by using checklists in a new and different way.         If your ‘to do’ list could speak, what would it say to you?   Making lists help you spill out the contents of your cluttered brain so that you see what you have to do objectively.”       Many of us have complicated relationships with our tasks lists — we ignore them, resent them, or we can’t find them!           Value of a Task List I’m a big believer that task lists have great value, even if you “fall off the wagon.” The very act of creating the list in the first place — even if you lose the list 2 hours later! — is clarifying. Making lists help you spill out the contents of your cluttered brain so that you see what you have to do objectively. This quiets the mind. Even if it turns out to be outrageously long, hey, at least you know what needs to be done. That’s a good first step.     I’m a big believer that task lists have great value, even if you ‘fall off the wagon.’”       Making the Most of Each List In this second short video below, I share essential tips to help you get the most out of your lists, so that you can become even more organized and accomplished! This video is from the early days of InstantDane (back when it was still called “BionicButler”), but I keep the video posted because I still think it’s helpful, and I still believe in its ideas. But, what do you think? Let me know in the comments section below.         Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Suffering from low energy, or hard-to-diagnose symptoms? You may have food sensitivity.       In the photo above, I’m holding two products that I’ve been pretty excited about lately. One is Daiya vegan cheddar cheese. It has no casein, no dairy, and no soy (foods that many people are sensitive to). It tastes fantastic! It’s made from pea protein, and makes an excellent garnish over vegetables, or within any recipe in which cheese is called for. The other is Go Raw sprouted pumpkin seeds. I use them in my smoothies in place of nuts. Sometimes I’ll even just eat them by the handful after a workout.         Food Sensitivities There is new hope for those of us who are looking to improve our health even more and increase our energy to higher levels! There so many great-tasting products available these days that we can use to replace those foods that we normally have sensitivities to. What do I mean by “food sensitivities?” Many people experience reoccurring “alarm signals” from their own bodies, yet are unable to find the root cause. These signals present themselves as mild discomfort, and even chronic pain. Even just mild feelings of physical discomfort can becoming discouraging when they are relentless.     Some Symptoms Fatigue or “low energy” headaches stiff joints skin irritation red eyes digestion difficulties …all of these can begin to erode daily quality of life when they elude diagnosis!   once you set sail on this journey toward increased understanding of what your body actually likes and doesn’t like you’ll start feeling more vital and youthful”           Recently, I posted a theory of mine about the standard American diet and “mild food allergies.”  At the time, I was just speculating. Now I’ve done a little follow-up research and learned some new and fascinating information. I discovered that, what I had called “mild food allergies” are actually classified as food sensitivities or intolerances. A food allergy produces a specific immune response. A sensitivity produces a less violent reaction with a slower onset. Food sensitivities to things like gluten or lactose have been part of the public consciousness for years now. There are many possible causes of these intolerances. They range from organic chemicals found in some vegetables, cheeses, and meats, to man-made preservatives, flavorings, or dyes. Though diagnosis involving blood-testing and systematic elimination of certain foods can seem like a tedious undertaking, it may be necessary to optimize your diet.   Your Body is Trying to Tell You…   I’ve found that when I listen to my body and avoid the foods that it doesn’t metabolize easily and naturally, I feel more balanced and ready to take on new challenges. Once you set sail on this journey toward increased understanding of what your body actually likes and doesn’t like, and as you develop sharper “hearing” for what your body is trying to tell you, it actually gets easier. And as you start feeling more vital and youthful, it gets more fun! For more information about food sensitivities, I find the Life Extension Foundation website to be helpful. You can check them out, here.     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes! new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

A new antioxidant promises to extend the average human life to 100 years and beyond. A new breakthrough in Longevity Science is well on its way. History has shown that significant scientific advances are often met with skepticism. Such is the case for Russian professor and biochemist, Vladimir Skulachev, as he closes-in on a “cure for aging.”   it does promise to help more of us live healthy, vital lives to 100 and beyond.” Though his claims are lofty, he asserts that there is an antioxidant compound that can substantially extend the average human lifespan. His efforts over the past forty years do lend credibility to his claims. As head of the Bioenergetics Department at Moscow State University, Professor Skulachev has published numerous papers contributing to our collective understanding of the aging process.  More recently he has studied a particular antioxidant substance SKQ1, and shown that it functions at a sub-cellular level to reduce harmful oxidative effects. If successful his current work on a “cure for aging” would truly be the culmination of a lifetime of study and research. Longevity Science Skulachev’s new anti-aging compound has already undergone substantial animal testing and is now in the first stages of clinical trial on humans. He claims to have successfully tested the compound on himself and hopes to make it available to the public within the next two years. Longevity Science: Quality and, Perhaps, Quantity? This new antioxidant therapy does not claim to extend the maximum human lifespan. However, it does promise to help more of us live vital lives to 100 and beyond. Here’s a link to the article that got me interested in Vladimir Skulachev’s research. I look forward to keeping you posted on how the creation of this SKQ1 pill continues to unfold. Stay posted to instantDane.tv for the latest cutting-edge research in life extension. To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Lessening your sugar intake is a big step towards lifelong health! Here are some tips for reducing your daily intake of sugar.       The average American diet is stuffed full of refined sugars, and most of us already know that too much sugar in our daily diet is bad for us.   Some Basic Ideas for Reducing Sugar Cutting down on sodas, and other beverages that have added sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Eating balanced meal that focus on fresh vegetables and include modest portions of fats, proteins.   If you’re in the mood for something sweet enjoy a piece of fresh fruit rather than a piece of candy.   Scaling Back Your Sugar Intake I think the most overlooked piece of advice for quitting sugar (or, having far less of it) is: it’s harder in the beginning, and gets much easier the longer you do it. If you know that going in — then when you start to have cravings the first few days of trying it, you’ll be able to stick with it, knowing that the force of the cravings will mellow with time. Glucose is our bodies primary fuel at the cellular level.  After we eat, the level of glucose in our blood stream goes up a bit and then gradually descends as it is absorbed by our cells. But the wrong kind of diet can cause dramatic spikes in our blood glucose levels. Over time these spikes can contribute to a wide range of illnesses, the most obvious of which is, of course, type-2 diabetes. For people with diabetes, monitoring and controlling blood sugar becomes essential to their health, but studies by the International Diabetics Federation have shown that, even for non-diabetics, sharp spikes in blood sugar after eating a meal can increase your risk for: retina damage thickening of arteries increased inflammation decreased blood flow increased cancer risk   Maintaining low/stable glucose levels can do more than just protect you from disease, it can actually rewire your bodies metabolism to rely less on glucose and more on fats and proteins as energy sources — this increases your bodies over all efficiency, lowers cholesterol, and makes it easier to achieve a healthy weight. New research has shown that it can also encourage the favorable expression of our “longevity genes.” Many people practice calorie restriction in an attempt to maintain low/stable blood glucose levels. Continuing studies have show that the benefits of calorie restriction observed in animals during lab testing are likely to produce similar results in humans (though the length of the human life span makes it difficult to gather definitive information).   If you’re in the mood for something sweet, enjoy a piece of fresh fruit rather than a piece of candy.”       Still, for many of us, a dietary regime based on calorie restriction may be a little too intense. That doesn’t mean that we can’t benefit from reducing those foods in our diet that contribute to to sharp rises in our blood glucose levels. For more specifics on controlling blood glucose levels, including target ranges, check out this article. Are you a sweet-tooth person, or a salty-snack person? Let me know in the comments section below. Also, be sure to mention any tips you have for reducing cravings!     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!  

      You can utilize the power of your own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs to become even better at attracting prosperity!       Your vibrations and your prosperity go hand-in-hand. What sort of vibrations are you sending out to others? What kind of response are you picking up? There is a connection between the things you think and the things you experience!   It can be so beneficial to take time regularly to explore and adjust the feelings and mindset that we are cultivating with ourselves.”       Up Your Prosperity by Greeting Each Day with the Breath of Fire The solitude of early-morning often provides ideal opportunities for self-reflection and honest evaluation. During my thirty-day experiment of waking and rising at 4:15 a.m., I was able to experience those quiet moments and give my mind a chance to clear and to focus — a somewhat uncommon feat in this age of multi-tasking and instant media! One concept that my mind kept returning to, was the vast power each of us has, set the tone of our own lives — to wield greater influence in the experiences we have. So far, I’ve had 45 years worth of experiences in which to learn that the energy we put forth is not only absorbed by others, but it is also reflected back to us. We can shape these vibrations into strong self-perpetuating loops, often referred to as winning-streaks, good habits, symbiosis, or being “on a roll.” Generally, the energy of prosperity — and I include good health within the definition of the word prosperity — is not strongly pulled to a person’s ambivalent thoughts. The energy systems of money and health are powerfully attracted to feelings of joy and enthusiasm. For this reason, mornings can be a perfect time to celebrate your successes!     But this great power can also develop into negative patterns as well — resulting in frustration, fatigue or general malaise. So, be mindful. It can be so beneficial to take time regularly to explore and adjust the feelings and mindset that we are cultivating with ourselves. Tending to our mind is this way improves our thoughts and feelings — and even our beliefs — giving us a more positive outlook, which in turn raises the frequency of those vibrations we emanate, which then attracts a better set of circumstances and people into our lives. You don’t have to get up before the sun to keep tabs on your vibrations, but I do encourage you to set aside time — daily, if possible — for repose and reflection.       Follow @danenow     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Few things give me that clean buzz better than a green smoothie.         I just enjoyed drinking a thick, frothy, delicious green smoothie! Few things give me that clean buzz better than a green smoothie. Seriously, they get me a little high. All you need is a really good blender.   Are You New to Green Smoothies?   If you’re new to all of this, start out slowly, making your drinks less green and more sweet. Over time, you develop a palate that allows for more green and less sweet.     If you pay close attention to how your body feels after you eat or drink something, it’s a great way to know how that food collaborates (or doesn’t) with your unique chemistry. do you feel lean or bloated? did your energy level go up or down? was that energy sustained, or did it drop off sharply? Green smoothies give me the cleanest high! I almost always have one in the mornings, and sometimes in the afternoons, too — particularly after an intense workout.   What Goes in a Green Smoothie?   The base is either almond milk, green tea, or spring water. The “green” is blue green algae, frozen organic spinach, and fresh garden cucumber. For improved texture (and minerals), I add half of a frozen banana. For additional protein you can add some plant protein (such as Vega or Sunfood) or a high-quality whey. My secret ingredient? Raw, sprouted pumpkin seeds. For advanced health enthusiasts or juicers, add a bit of kale, parsley, celery, lemon and/or ginger. Feeling ambitious? You can always add additional superfoods. Seriously, green smoothies are potentially life-changing. You’ll see. Your body will thank you for it!   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, opinions and questions!   You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!  

        Oh, heck yeah! This green juice is going to give me a clean, sweet buzz!         Green juice is a high-energy drink that differs from a green smoothie.  Green juice is just produce-through-the-juicer, such as kale, parsley, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger.  A green smoothie, on the other hand is made in the blender — often with ice, sprouted raw seeds, coconut butter, and superfoods.     I tend to have my smoothies in the mornings, and my juices as an afternoon pick-me-up! Both are high-energy drinks, packed with nutrients that your body will appreciate. I have a juicer at home, but sometimes, if it’s just me and it’s just one juice, I’ll swing by neighborhood juice bar instead of doing it myself at home.       You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!   https://twitter.com/#!/righteousgeek/statuses/157945822846259200

      Everyday life has a way of sometimes dulling a marriage. Helping a marriage to shine again is not only possible, but wise.       It’s pretty easy to become worn down by all of the happenings of our average day. The chaotic pace of modern life an especially take a toll on our marriages. It’s as if our primary relationships have a tendency to receive our energy leftovers. On the other hand, healthy romantic relationships can stabilize and restore us in challenging times. Why is that some marriages are the casualty of a hectic day, while others are the antidote? Often it depends on the fundamental dynamic in the relationship. If two partners have a similar intention for the style of connection they seek, then they’re relating tends to go well and their partnership is consistently reinvigorated! One style is not better than the other. How could it be?”       An important first step towards cultivating what you want in your marriage or partnership, is to become aware of your own patterns. Do they work for, or against, your desires for true romantic intimacy? There are typically three types of dynamics at play within a romantic relationship. Often times these dynamics play-out on an unconscious level. These three styles of relating apply to all types of couples, including same-gender ones. One style is not better than the other. How could it be? We’re all on different paths at different times, learning different lessons. The point here is to increase your own awareness about your past styles and current style, so that you can move closer to the style of relationship you most desire in your future. Which of the three styles is best for you?     The Drama Triangle Relationships   In a drama-triangle relationship, one person has to be the loser and the other has to be the winner. The roles can shift from time to time but there is never a sustained win-win environment for each person. When we commit ourselves to being in this sort of relationship there is an underlying agreement that real love means that someone is always losing. Where do we develop such an unconscious belief? Usually, it’s rooted in our early childhood experiences and the relationships we saw modeled by our relatives or family of origin. It’s called a triangle, because there are three possible roles in any given moment: persecutor, rescuer, or victim. It tends to be a very passionate, high-drama relationship. The style may not be so good for your longterm physical health. However, in its own way, it can be very intimate.   The Less-Risk Relationships   Though the couple in this dynamic may live together and share a bed, they tend to maintain almost everything else as though they were still single. This can include their financial, social, and professional lives. People who are drawn to these types of relationships want to minimize the risk and loss that are inherent possibilities in all relationships. However, in the hopes of negating the prospect of pain they sometimes lose out on the rewards of deeper intimacy. The upside to this style of relationship is that one is perhaps able to maintain a greater independence.   Union Of Souls Relationships   In this style of relationship, the couple is able to negotiate a mutual interdependency for the greater good. This dynamic requires facing fears, changing habits, and finding new ways to communicate and compromise. Downside: Though all three styles of relationships require work, this one also requires the most change. We’re talking about lasting change, which can be very difficult. Upside: In exchange for their honest and open work, partners will often benefit from a sense of freedom and strength within a tender and encouraging union.   What Works for You? What Doesn’t?   Which of these three style of relationships best describes your own experiences so far? If you have been able to shift away from destructive patterns and into healthier ones, what were the keys to your success? Please share your triumphs and challenges below and check back soon for more conversations on growing romantic intimacy after the age of 40.     To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘  

      Just followed this big salad recipe, packed with protein and sustained energy!         Here is my Power Salad Recipe. Confession: when it’s just me, I tend to eat my salad from a giant glass casserole dish!     Power Salad Recipe   I obtain the ingredients from my local farmers market:   ~   organic, locally grown salad greens   ~   free range, fertile eggs   ~   raw pecans   ~   yellow bell pepper   ~   outdoor hydroponic tomato   ~   cucumber   ~   vegan almond cheese, cubed   ~   freshly squeezed lemon, olive oil and Celtic sea salt … and topped with a few raisins!     It’s not fast food (took me a few minutes to chop and throw together) but after I ate it, I felt fantastic!     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!  

      New research reveals why active people live longer and age better.       One theory is that running reduces the mutations in our body’s mitochondria. That is to say, working-out helps the human body to better replicate its own cells. Now the theory has been proven.   The Benefit of Running…   Athletes Proven to Have Fewer Mutations in Their Mitochondria   A recent article in Outside Magazine explains how genetics may not play as significant a role in our longevity as previously thought. Once again, the research indicates that it is our lifestyle choices that will determine how long we live and the quality of our years after age 50. Apparently, under the right conditions, you can stay young by running!   a lifelong endurance regimen may help your body look and perform younger than its age. “Three times a week—not a lot of exercise—caused a complete reversal or arrest of all the symptoms of aging, via outsideonline.com   Digestion is Hard Work   Writer Justin Nyberg also points to the mounting evidence that lower-calorie intake extends life span. This has always made sense to me. Digesting food is significant effort for the human body. I’ve always wondered if giving the body a rest from digesting frees up its energies to work on healing in other parts of the body. My hunch is that the less healthy food we eat (such as much of the food found currently in the Standard American Diet), the more effort it requires of our bodies. People who are physically active for 30 or more hours a week — such as professional athletes or construction workers — need to fuel their bodies to match the intensity of their typical day. But for many of us, our lifestyles are much more sedentary than our ancestors’ lifestyles. Therefore, many of us require less calories. So it seems that running, coupled with a low-calorie diet, can have a significant impact on the way we age. Are you an avid runner? Have you thought about taking-up a running regimen? Please share your thoughts below!   To discover 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

        This isn’t your grandfather’s burger!         This yummy raw lunch is made from almonds, carrots, raisins, onions and a little olive oil. It’s kind of like a live garden burger, because the “bun” is a hollowed-out red bell pepper, and the “patty” is a delicious raw food concoction!   The Ultimate Live Food… The recipe for this comes from The Ultimate Live Food Cookbook by Sergei and Valya Boutenko.       photo by Sean Cameron     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!       new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Resist those daily distractions and zip through your workload with the aid of a simple kitchen timer.       In this digital age, a world of distraction is at your fingertips, and it can be difficult to remain focused on a task. But don’t fret! With the Pomodoro Technique, a simple kitchen timer can make all the difference. Certainly, your friends’ status updates, photos, and tweets — always just a click away — can provide a tempting diversion. But social media is often the least of your dangers, really. With phone calls, meetings (often inefficient), and anybody walking past your desk, there is an almost limitless menu of potential distractions to impede your momentum ….or even derail your efforts altogether.           I think at this point we pretty much all know (hopefully) that multi-tasking is a myth. What multi-tasking really means is that you’re doing several things at once less effectively. It’s almost always better to focus your efforts like a laser, for short bursts of concentrated effort. Everybody has a productivity system, whether they know it or not. For most people, their system is to have no system, to run their day by the seat-of-their-pants. But how you block your time, schedule your time, prioritize your time, and look objectively at your time: is a success fundamental. In other words, how you work with time determines whether or not you have a foundation solid enough on which to build outrageous success.   Winners don’t just learn the fundamentals, they master them. You have to monitor your fundamentals constantly because the only thing that changes will be your attention to them.” ~ Michael Jordan           The Pomodoro Technique The Pomodoro Technique can help you strengthen your focus — with just a kitchen timer, a sheet of paper, and a pencil. The first step of Pomodoro is pretty standard to all productivity systems: you write up a list of the tasks you want to get done, then prioritize which ones you want to complete by placing them at the top of the list. The second step of Pomodoro, however, is where things get really interesting: you set the kitchen timer to 25 minutes and spend that time concentrating on your task. You do nothing else but this task until the timer rings. When the timer rings, check off your task on the list — and reward yourself with a 5 minute break. Every four Pomodoro sessions, you can take a longer break. Maybe get some fresh air, grab a green juice smoothie, or post a tweet celebrating your productivity. For tasks that take more than one Pomodoro, just keep making a checkmark on the paper for every 25 minute interval (be sure to take those 5 minutes breaks between each!) until the task is complete. This will help you track and process how long things take. The technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s while he was a university student. He named the technique after the tomato shaped kitchen timer he had when he first developed the system. His free e-book is available at pomodorotechnique.com. My favorite explanation of Pomodoro is Steffan Noteberg’s Pomodoro Illustrated, which boils the technique down into its simplest parts with cheerful illustrations. Actually, kitchen timers have many more uses beside just making sure the cookies don’t burn:         It’s a great lo-fi way to cut down on interruptions, although the technically minded might enjoy a free Focus Booster app for your desktop at focusboosterapp.com.     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      20% of the tasks on your to-do list will give you the largest return on your energy investment     According to one intriguing theory, 20% of your tasks deserve 80% of your energy! It’s called The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80-20 rule, or the law of the vital few – which sums it up quite nicely. The principle is named after an Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto who, in 1906, observed that 20% of the pea pods in his garden contained 80% of the peas. This also applies to many other practices. We all have a ‘to do list’, be it in your head, scribbled on paper, or saved on a smart phone. These are the things that need to get done. But which items on your to-do list will lead most directly to your increased prosperity and joy?   Examples of The Pareto Principle at Work 80% of the world’s income is owned by the richest 20% of the world population 80% of profits come from 20% of customers 80% of health care resources are used by 20% of patients 80% of sales come for 20% of sales staff 80% of crimes are committed by 20% of criminals 80% of profits come from 20% of the time you spend   Applying The Pareto Principle to Your Life Although Pareto couldn’t skip the seeding and watering of the ineffective pea pods and just produce that productive 20%, we can examine how we spend our time. Pay attention to your working practices, look through your task list and examine which of these things will give you prosperity or joy and select those vital few first. Ask yourself:   What 20% of tasks bring me prosperity and what 20% of activities bring me happiness?       This can be applied to everything in business and pleasure, so take a look at your schedule, your social engagements, your web bookmarks, even your TV. DVRs can fill up at an alarming rate so examine which shows truly entertain you and which you are sticking with just because you want to know if they get off that damn island… ahem, I digress. This will allow you to put greater care and attention into the remaining 20% of tasks. Microsoft applied The Pareto Principle to fixing software bugs on the 20% of features that are most often used. That way they actually sorted out 80% of the bugs people would experience. Imagine what you could achieve if you aligned with this principle in your working life! Check out what people are saying in the comments sections below…     I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Getting your daily servings of cancer-fighting vegetables doesn’t have to be hard – just visit your neighborhood juice bar!       Apparently, each of us is supposed to be eating 3 to 9 (depending on who you ask) servings of vegetables a day. That’s a lot of veggies, especially for someone who is busy throughout the day (like me, and probably like you, too).   Green Juice is the Key to Getting My Daily Servings I finally found a solution for getting all of my required servings of produce each day: juices and smoothies! I do have a couple of juicers at home, but often I’m running around — and it’s just as easy for me to swing by my neighborhood juice bar for a quick green juice. I freakin’ love green juice now.”       Green juice clears my head. It’s energizing. It’s alkalinizing. And it helps me to feel fit and fantastic! At first, when you try adding greens to your juice, you’ll find that you like a little green, but mostly fruit — such as apple. Over time, however, you’ll soon discover that you not only get used to the juice of dark, leafy green vegetables, but that you actually crave it, and then you’ll start to have less fruit in your juices, and more greens! I discovered a trick, for making green juices delicious to drink: add a little lemon — for the tartness — and a little celery — for the saltiness.         My favorite juice — as I’ve mentioned in previous posts; but, hey, it bears repeating — is: Cucumber + Kale + Parsley + Celery + Ginger + Lemon = ….a magic elixir! I double-dog dare ya to try one of these juices and see if it doesn’t help you to feel significantly better after you drink it!   P.S. The reason I don’t add spinach to my green juice is simply because I already have a ton of spinach in my green smoothie each morning, so for the rest of the day, I like to try other green vegetables.     The juicer regarded @danenow with a threatening glare. ‘You shall not pass,’ it said. Dane simply showed him the carrot. ‘Yes, I shall’. #FF — Juan Pablo Hurtado (@righteousgeek) January 13, 2012   You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  This checklist system will help you become seriously organized. See FREE video tips!   Getting organized just got easy with this new, a new 30-page eBook that helps you to create a productivity checklist system that’s perfect for your life! We have a lot of fun on instantDane.tv, exploring new ideas for improving your personal productivity. We do this because we recognize the connection between organizing and living a long, joyful life. What is that connection, you might wonder? In order to live longer you need to take better care of yourself, by doing self-care protocols. By getting more done in less time, this creates space — giving you more time with your loved ones (instead of giving them your energy leftovers) and more time to take good care of yourself. A Checklist System Can Help You Get Seriously Organized new checklist system can help you succeedTo kickstart your organized lifestyle, we created an astoundingly helpful guide, The Dane Technique: a checklist system for outrageous organization! as one of 5 helpful products within the new Longevity Lifestyle Kit. To see if the Kit, including the Organizing Guide, is a good fit for you, you might simply subscribe to my free e-newsletter (using the sign-up box at the bottom of this post), and you’ll be given access to our free Goodies Page. The Goodies Page contains a secret library of entertaining — and extremely useful — 1-minute video featurettes that will help you to create a high-energy, purposeful life! Then, if you like the free videos, you can decide if you want to get the Kit (if you like the free videos, then you’ll love the kit)! Is a Checklist System Right for Me? checklists can improve your quality of lifeI’m very grateful to the users of this site. Each day they engage in vigorous dialogue with one another in the comments sections of the posts — sharing advice, asking questions, cracking jokes — and it really lifts my spirits, keeps me goin’ and helps me to love what I do! For this reason, I have decided to share the secrets of my own checklist system for becoming outrageously organized — a system I developed over the last ten years! If you’ve ever wished that you could get more done in less time, this checklist system might be for you. Remember the key to increasing happiness in modern life is: simplifying. Every distraction and fracture in your day drains your energy and, ultimately, diminishes your quality of life. While every lifetime must contain its challenges, the purpose of organizational systems are to reduce the unnecessary stress of day-to-day living. It’s the unnecessary stress of life that can sneak up on you and diminish your well-being.     The Dane Technique In addition to selling a guide, I’ve also created a series of free videos that provide a short and entertaining overview of The Technique so that you can experiment with creating your own checklist system: Video #1 ~ Get More Done! Why Your To-Do List is Your Best Friend {60 seconds} Video #2 ~ Using a To-Do List: What If I Don’t Feel Like It? {44 seconds} Video #3 ~ The Quotidian Lists: Your Everyday Rituals {51 seconds} Video #4 ~ Why Must My Quotidian Fit on One Page? {56 seconds} Video #5 ~ Super Organized! Creating a Once-Each-Week List {40 seconds} Video #6 ~ Getting Things Done: The All-Important Errands List {1 minute, 13 seconds} Video #7 ~ Personalize Your Productivity: Making Your System Work For You {45 seconds} Video #8 ~ Optimal Organization: Should Checklists Be Digital, or on Paper? {1 minute, 8 seconds} Video #9 ~ My Daily Life: What Checklists Will I Need to Stay Organized? {59 seconds} Video #10 ~ You’re Organized! Now Here’s How to STAY Organized {50 seconds} And, of course, as you’re experimenting with establishing (or improving) a productivity system of your own, you can lean-in to this site daily, to get support, ask questions, and have a few laughs along your journey to better organizing! The free video-series takes 11 minutes to watch. Do you have 11 minutes to put a life-changing system to work for you? Of course you do. This time next week, you could be getting more done than you ever thought possible! Your next action-step? Simply subscribe in the box below and you’ll get instant access to the free videos:

      Fit more fruit and vegetables into your diet with a tasty Green Smoothie.         We’ve all heard that the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables is five servings a day, but the truly health-conscious know that 5 servings is just the minimum. The best way to pack-in as much nutrition as possible is with a daily Green Smoothie. Simply put, a smoothie is a blended beverage made up of fruit and vegetables. I told you it was simple.   Once you start to notice how energizing and fulfilling these miracle drinks are you’ll be craving them like crazy on a daily basis.”       Just throw some produce and a few other interesting ingredients into the blender, and in a minute or two you’ll have an energizing health drink that’s as filling as a meal.     Of course, finding the right mix of fruit and veg can sound daunting, but blending is actually an easy and fun experience that could (and probably will) change your life for the better.         Welcome to the Smoothie Lifestyle!   Smoothie Facts Smoothies became popular in the USA in the late 60s when ice cream vendors and health food stores began selling them It is thought the 60s resurgence of vegetarianism lead to searching for new ways to consume vegetables The smoothie is a descendent of pureed fruit drinks which originated in Brazil Commercial mainstream smoothies usually contain dairy products but there are actually many other options for a liquid base such as almond milk, pineapple juice, or good old fashioned water. Smoothies are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine   Green Smoothies A Green Smoothies is called that because it’s, well, green. The key ingredient is raw, dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach or kale because of their rich nutritional value. If you’re not used to eating these veggies you might find the taste bitter at first. Don’t worry, that’s what the fruit is for. Using more fruit in the beginning is a great way to sweeten the taste with natural ingredients. You also might be interested in sweetening your glass a bit more by adding a teaspoon or two of honey or agave nectar. You can lower the amount when you’re further into your smoothie adventure.     When finding a fruit and veg balance think in terms of ratios. A good beginners ratio is 60% fruit and 40% veggies. When you’re a pro you’ll want 70% veggies and only 30% fruit. The only way you’ll know your starting balance is to play around with the mix, find what ratio gives you the most pleasure, and move towards more veg at your own pace. Once you start to notice how energizing and fulfilling these miracle drinks are you’ll be craving them like crazy on a daily basis. We’ll be talking a lot more about Green Smoothies over the coming weeks so check back for more tips, tricks and advice.   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!       thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!       new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      3 new productivity tools can help you get organized!         Productivity is, ironically, a key to being able to relax. By making the utmost of the time that you’re working, it will then allow you even more time for your own self-care, spending quality time with loved-ones, and other activities you’re passionate about. Everyone needs a few productivity tools to help with the noble endeavor of becoming more self-efficient. Your tools might be super high-tech, or they might be as simple as a kitchen timer or a clipboard. What’s important, is that you find tools that work uniquely well for you, and are fun for you to use. Having tools you enjoy using, will keep you using them time and time again.         3 Fun Productivity Tools Let’s take a look at three new tools that you might enjoy for optimizing your task management. These are potentially great little helpers and all very different: we have a neat piece of hardware, a cool new software, and a simple print-out for those want to stick to paper.   Productivity Tool #1: Digital Pens The Zpen isn’t just any pen — it transcribes whatever you write onto a USB device so you can upload your notes to your computer! You don’t need any special paper or an electronic pad like other digital pens, you just clip the USB receiver to the top of you notepad and write away. When you’re finished with your notes you can plug the receiver into your computer and it transfers it to your machine. You then have options to catalogue, convert to digital text, or search your transcribed documents. The Digital Pen is designed for: Management Group meetings Students   It allows for meeting rooms and lecture halls to go back to a simpler time — when we were without the distraction of laptops. Basically, the pen allows its user to concentrate on participating, which creates a more productive environment for everyone. The pen does need to be trained to recognize your handwriting, which may be time-consuming — but it certainly sounds like a fun gadget! If anyone has any experience with the product, please tell us about it in the comment section.   Productivity Tool #2: Sparkling Sheet This is an interactive time tracking application. Sparkling Sheet allows you to keep track of how you’re spending your hours and automatically sums up the time you’re spending on daily tasks. You might be shocked to find how much time you are spending, commuting, sleeping or grooming yourself! An interesting feature that makes it stand apart from other time management diaries is that it pairs up with your calender allowing you to see your tasks and appointments together. This app is still in development, so the jury is still out on this one. Check out www.sparklingsheet.com for updates.   Productivity Tool #3: Time Monitor A great way to get more out of your week is to become more aware of how you spend your time. By logging your week’s activities you can see what’s taking too much of your time and take more accountability for fitting in exercise or passion-projects. My168hours.com is a website named after the amount of hours in the week which offers a simple time management spreadsheet for you to print out and log your hours. On the site they make a very good point:   “If you want to lose weight, you keep a food diary. If you want to get out of debt, you record your spending. Likewise, if you want to use your time better, you should keep a time log.” ~ my168hours.com           Using the free my168spreadsheet can help to make you aware of how much time you spend on each activity and allow you to see more clearly what is the best use of your time (creator Laura Vanderkam also has a book called 168 hours on freeing up your schedule).   Which productivity tools do you enjoy currently, and what tools are you excited about trying?   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!   thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Dane does Box Jumps to Stay Lean  When it comes to getting leaner, it’s important to know exactly where you’re starting from.   The Body Mass Index or BMI is a system used to measure your percentage of body fat, and to determine if you are at a healthy weight — using your height, weight, age and gender. The results of the index will tell you, generally, if you’ve got a healthy body fat percentage and what your ideal ratio of fat-to-muscle probably is.   Is Your Current Weight a Healthy Weight? Basically, your Body Mass Index is a really simple way for you to tell if you are underweight, normal or overweight. It’s also a great way to tell what changes you may need to make — or what progress you are making — on your journey towards increased health and a longer life. will your body mass index reveal that you are underweight or overweight?   There are plenty of free BMI calculators on the web that will tell you your approximate Body Mass Index, but you can even do the math yourself:   (Weight in pounds) ——————————————————————— x 703 = BMI (Height in inches) x (Height In Inches)   You can then compare your BMI number to the list below: ▸ 18.4 or lower: Underweight ▸ 18.5 to 24.9: Normal weight ▸ 25 to 29.9: Overweight ▸ 30 or higher: Obese When my local gym was offering a free Body Mass Index test I jumped at the chance to get tested.” Of course, our bodies are all different genetically, and this calculation doesn’t take into account how much of your body is actual fat and not muscle (and it it is therefore not always suitable for athletes).   Getting Your Own Body Mass Index Tested We sent our own Sean Cameron out into the field, to see what it was like to get your Body Mass Index (BMI) tested. Here is what he reported: “To get a more accurate result you can take a Body Mass Index test using a machine. When my local gym was offering a free Body Mass Index test I jumped at the chance to get tested. My own personal health journey started when I married my vegan wife last year. Not stocking meat and dairy in the fridge meant 18 pounds have dropped-off of me. I remember looking at my Body Mass Index before and being a high normal so it was time to see how much my body has changed.   The friendly Gym Instructor imputed my details into a Body Mass Index monitor (as you would in the BMI equation). I then held the machine’s two metal handles so it could calculate my body fat. It does this by sending an electric current through your body tissues and measures the resistance to calculate your total body water, and then determines your fat-free body mass. If the words ‘electric current’ had you worried, don’t worry – I didn’t feel a thing. You can easily buy one of these machines online but it’s important to use it correctly for a truly accurate result. Luckily I had an expert to guide me or I’d have just held it like a Mario Kart controller. My result was 16.3 percent which is normal for my gender and age (11% to 21%). This meant I had a Body Mass Index of 21.6. which my instructor described as “perfect” – Naturally, I rushed home to tell the wife.”   Check out your Body Mass Index with a free online calculator like this one or contact your gym to see if they offer this service. To find out the 12 Easiest Ways to Add 12 or More Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

    It’s Follow Friday on Twitter! Here are my day’s suggestions of good people to follow on Twitter.           I’ll admit it. It took me a while to “get” Twitter. The first few months on the social networking site, I kind of floundered. I felt kind of shy, and wasn’t sure how to converse.   It takes a little while to get into the swing of things, but if you ask me, it’s a worthwhile use of time and a very enriching social networking activity!”           I’ll tell you, though, what really helps to get the ball rolling, is when you start following some stellar Tweeple!   My Follow Friday Twitter Recommendations Here are some folks who are true engagers who I think you might enjoy following, too.         From now on, I’ll post my #FF (Follow Friday) recommendations here on my site under the “Daily Adventures” category. (If you’re already someone I follow, but you don’t see your name here, please be patient: I do see you, I do appreciate you, and I will include you in a future post soon because, believe me, if you are a generous retweeter then I will be recommending you to others as good person to follow on Twitter!)   @qstreet ~ You’ll enjoy the enriching tweets of Sam! She is philosophical and postiive — my kind of gal! @magnusRhellberg ~ Magnus is, like, the best retweeter, ever! And a kind-hearted fellow.   @mediasres ~ Kevin is super smart and has some fascinating theories about the positive possibilities of social media!   @100010001 ~ Shahram is in Sweden and is brilliant about all-things-Mac.   @masonry ~ Ryan is really interesting when he talks about culture — movies, politics, you name it. Plus, he’s the one who introduced me to the #usguys stream! The guy is connected!   @tedcoine ~ sharp mind, good business sense!   @libbytalks ~ a lovely, spiritual soul.   @pegfitzpatrick ~ she’s just about the friendliest person online — bright and funny, too!   So…who do you recommend I follow? Let me know in the comments section below! And if you’re not on Twitter yet, you might consider giving it a try. It takes a little while to get into the swing of things, but if you ask me, it’s a worthwhile use of time and a very enriching social networking activity!     p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Get more joy, energy, and taste out of your Green Smoothie – by evolving your own recipe.         You can get more lifeforce and flavor out of your smoothie, by evolving your recipe over time. You can become leaner and more energized by discovering all the terrific things your blender can do for you! Okay, so you’ve started drinking green smoothies, and you’ve begun to find a balance of fruit and vegetables that your taste buds eagerly welcome each morning. You’ve even probably started to notice improvements in your mood, energy level and general well-being.   by mixing your greens, you will not let the alkaloids build up in your system”       Basically, green smoothes are awesome and you know it — so what else can you get out of them? As your health and vitality improve, it’s time to develop your recipe further to increase the positive results by fine-tuning your nutrition.   The Three Green Smoothie Nutrients You want to make sure that your smoothie has the following key ingredients: Protein: sprouted seeds, raw nuts, dark greens and vegetable powders Carbohydrates: fruits are a good source of carbs Fats: ingredients that our high in fat include avocados, coconut, chia and flaxseeds You need all three of the above nutritional categories, but how much of all three depends on you and your needs and your unique metabolic type (some people handle carbs better than most, while there are other people who thrive with higher protein and fat).   Finding Your Recipe Fad diets will tell you to avoid carbohydrates but complex carbs can be an essential high-octane fuel and very desirable for your body (especially on days you exercise). If you are just starting out with Green Smoothies you’ll probably want more carbs. For beginners, carbs often come from fruit. For advanced blenders, carbs tend to come more often from vegetables — such as spinach, kale, or cucumber. Protein comes in all sorts of forms, you can get a vegetable protein powder or a hemp protein powder and add a couple of tablespoons to your smoothie to help give you strength and repair tissues. Fats will help you to feel full and satisfied after a smoothie, and help the smoothie to give you a sustained energy for hours.         Rotate Your Greens The challenge is to try to add as many leafy green vegetables into your smoothie as you can, while still enjoying the flavor and texture. However, it’s also a good idea to rotate your greens. Plants need their leaves to survive but are constantly losing their leaves because animals eat them. To put animals off their leaves, the plants protect themselves by mixing all that nourishment with small amounts of alkaloids — which can be a sort of poison. But by mixing your greens, you will not let the alkaloids build up in your system (in nature, animals like chimpanzees will constantly mix their greens by picking at different plants). The same can be said for nuts and seeds, and some nutritionists believe that sprouted seeds are better in this regard. But perhaps the best reason to have several different smoothie recipes that you’re always improving and evolving, is that it will keep blending fun and interesting to you! It’s really up to you how you find your nutritional balance. There are so many factors that determine how you make your smoothie, such as: your physique goals any current health challenges you might have how much you’re working out what your current weight is For exact measurements, here are some actual green smoothie recipes that can help you feel fantastic!     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Here’s a simple web-based application that I use to get organized and stay on track.   It’s called Backpack, by 37signals.       Where is your to do list right now — that list of tasks you’d like to get done at some point in the near future? Is it in your car? Is it on your desk? Is it in your smartphone?   Once you find a system that works for you, it really, truly makes a difference in terms of getting things done.“       Some people like to keep their to do lists on pen and paper, others digitally, and still others — like me — do both! In this video below, I show you — briefly and simply — how I use Backpack to improve my self-efficiency!         As I mention in the video, you can use Backpack not only to put your own personal productivity on steroids, but also to vastly improve how you collaborate with your team — be they colleagues or family. Backpack offers a free modified plan for 2 users, and a 30-day free trial for the more premium packages. One thing I didn’t mention in the video, is that sliding tasks up or down in your Backpack to do list, is super, super easy. It’s sounds like a little thing, I know, but, believe me, it makes a huge difference. Over the last ten years, I’ve tried many other project management and task list applications, but I always returned gratefully to Backpack. If you’re familiar with 37signals, you might already know that as a company they do not believe in gimmicky features that might distract the user and clutter the design. They believe in simplicity… and so do I!   To Do Lists: Get Back on the Horse! If you don’t keep a to do list, or if you’ve tried keeping to do lists in the past but have since fallen off the wagon, I’d like to encourage you to try again. Once you find a system that works for you, it really, truly makes a difference in terms of getting things done. You can leverage this in two ways:   Be more professionally competitive and get more done in a day than other professionals do, on average. By getting more done in less time, it will create more free time that you can then use to spend with your loved ones, or doing good-for-you stuff… like exercising!         Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Here are five stellar tweeples that you will enjoy following!           Who to follow? Let’s face it: we all want to be retweeted, liked, shared, and +1′d. It’s human nature!   Twitter comes alive for you when you follow the right people”       When someone shares your content, links, or status updates on any of the online social networking channels, it’s as if they’re saying “I see you, and I appreciate the value you bring to my stream.”       I Recommend You Follow… @StephenCaggiano @DanteHarker @LewisPoretz @Westxguy @GoSocialSA   Twitter comes alive for you when you follow the right people and cultivate the right relationships! The whole experience of being on Twitter can quickly go from “meh” to super interesting, just from following a few new key people. So, in the spirit of Follow Friday, here is my second gratitude video, with recommendations of some stellar tweeples for you to follow!     p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘       new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

put the best protein possible into your smoothies                     Protein is needed in virtually every part of our body. Our bones, skin, muscle — you name it — all need protein. Our bodies don’t store protein the same way as they store fat, so it’s important that we consume quality protein daily, as part of a healthy diet. The more physically active we are on a particular day, the more important it is to pay attention that day to our intake of protein. 2 Great Protein Options for Your Smoothies   A smoothie can be a great way to top-off your daily dose of protein. There are two forms of protein, in particular, that you might find useful for your smoothies: Smoothie Protein Option #1: Powders Your first option is to add a protein powder. This can be made from whey, hemp or other plant protein powders. You can even make your own powder by putting flaxseeds into a spice or coffee-bean grinder. “a smoothie can be a great way to top-off your daily dose of protein.” When you’ve chosen a powder (I usually prefer soy-free plant-based mixes), try adding a tablespoon or two to the blender and work from there to find your ideal ratio. If you’re exercising on that day, you might want to add a bit more. Your smoothie’s taste will not be effected by the powder at all. Hemp powder can be a bit bitter on its own, but the fruits in your smoothie will render the hemp’s taste invisible.   Smoothie Protein Option #2: Seeds and Nuts Your second protein option is nuts and seeds, which are actually pretty yummy on their own and can enhance the texture to your smoothie. seeds and nuts are good protein for smoothiesNext time you’re in the store, pick out some of your favorite raw nuts and seeds and add them to your recipe. When you’ve mastered that you may want to try seeds. Try to purchase the raw kind as they have a richness that is lost in the pasteurization or roasting process. My favorite are sprouted raw pumpkin seeds (my least favorite are peanuts and cashews). Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein. For instance, just one ounce of raw pecans contains 2.6 grams of protein. Eventually, over time, as you become more experienced and adventurous in your smoothie-making, you might find that you get the most out of your nuts and seeds when you soak-and-sprout them. “quality protein in your smoothies is an easy way to strengthen and nourish your body.” Advanced-Level Smoothies: Soaking & Sprouting! Soaking your own nuts and seeds is super-easy and a common practice among smoothie aficionados. The main reason to soak your nuts and seeds is because they contain enzyme inhibitors. These enzyme inhibitors are intended to protect the nut until it has the right conditions to grow (conditions like: enough sun or rain). The benefits of soaking and sprouting are: Reduces phytic acid (enzyme inhibitors) Allows better digestion Reaches the ideal protein state To soak your nuts and seeds, you place them in a jar of water for a few hours. Make sure to replace the water every once in a while to wash away the anti-enzymes. To sprout, leave the nuts and seeds in water for a day or so until they swell to almost twice their size and you see a little tail. Now experiment with your protein sources, and feel the results of vitality and energy! You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~ ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes! // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Change your desk habits and live longer – by using a standing desk. Although many of us experience this modern 21st-century life as fast-paced and fast-moving, have you ever paused to consider how much you time you actually spend sitting down? Driving, office work, watching TV — it all adds up, and the more you sit, the more detrimental it is to your health. You might want to stand up for this… Sitting more than six hours a day makes you 40% likelier to die within 15 years compared to someone who sits less than three. That’s right: sitting shortens your life.     standing desks are better for your life than sitting desks   Stand Up for Your Life ⊙ on average we sit for 9.3 hours while we spend 7.7 hours sleeping ⊙ obese people sit for 2.5 hours more per day than thin people ⊙ between 1980 and 2000: Exercise rates stayed the same while sitting time increased 8% and obesity doubled ⊙ while sitting, calorie-burning drops to 1 per minute So it’s settled then. Not to be too dramatic, but the chair is a four-legged grim reaper. Okay, that’s pretty dramatic, but don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be this way. You just have to rethink the way you work at a computer. People are beginning to realize the effects of sitting down all day and the market for stand-up desks has grown.     There is now a selection of tall desks — as simple as a table with taller legs or as futuristic as an electronic height-adjustable desk (with the dual-function of a sit down desk and stand up desk). Don’t be daunted at the prospect of spending 8 hours a day standing at a desk. Standing all day isn’t that good for you either. You just need to strike a balance between the two by making a few adjustments and finding a schedule that works for you. I like to spend 1.5 hours standing followed by 1.5 hours sitting, and then repeat. As you build your strength, you’ll be happy to spend more time on your feet. You get used to it! Try to Stand a Little More Each Day If your work place doesn’t offer a stand up desk be sure to break up your sit down time. is life better while standing or sitting? If you have a desk job, you may have thought you’d escaped occupational hazards usually associated with working outside, but manual labor has its health benefits; namely: standing. Good ideas for an interruption are: stretching, walking in place, jogging on the spot or jumping jacks. Walking burns 3 to 5 times the amount of calories than sitting, so take every opportunity to walk around the office. Avoid calling or emailing your colleague and walk to their desk instead. You can always limit the amount of time you sit at home. The less you sit at your own computer or in front of the TV, the less impact your sitting at the office will have on your health. Remember, getting 30 minutes of exercise a day is not enough to fight off all the damage sitting does. The only way to do that is to cut down the amount of time you sit at your desk. If you’re going to sit, make sure to recline your chair to a 135 degree angle. We have all been trained to sit forward or up straight from years of nagging by our school teachers but this is not right or healthy. It actually puts too much strain on your back. “The human body simple isn’t built to sit for long periods of time. A hundred years ago, when we were all out toiling in the fields and factories, obesity was basically nonexistent. But since we can’t exactly run free in the fields til the end of our days, we have to help our bodies in other ways. We have to stand up for our right to stand up.”                   ~ MedicalBillingandCoding.org It will take at least a week to get used to your standing desk so be sure to rotate positions when tired, and have a foot rest in front of you to give each foot a break every now and again. Give it a try and let me know how you are doing. I love seeing pictures of people’s desks, too, so please send them to me! Meanwhile, check out the infographic below:   Via: Medical Billing And Coding   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! To find out the 12 Easiest Ways to Add Over 12 Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

      All of these social tools are bomb-diggity, but of course “share” is the best!             Which of these three online social networking channels are you using most often? Google+? Facebook? Twitter?   Do you believe that you are currently using your favorite channel’s reciprocity tools often enough?”         Google+ Reciprocity     Facebook Reciprocity     Twitter Reciprocity     Do you believe that you are currently using your favorite channel’s reciprocity tools often enough?     p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want access to the FREE video series of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Here’s how to make a green smoothie that tastes fantastic!   Green smoothies are fresh, blended shakes that have green vegetables added. When made properly, green smoothies are extremely health-inducing and potentially life-transforming. They can be a part of a raw foods lifestyle, or just a healthy addition to a more standard diet. Usually, the best way to begin experimenting with the benefits of a daily green smoothie, is with recipes that have more fruit than vegetables. Over time, as you begin to love smoothies and your taste buds begin to appreciate vegetables, you can gradually transition into recipes that have more dark leafy green vegetables and less fruit. This will further reduce the sugar in your daily diet, increase your energy, shed body fat — particularly in the belly area — and help to prevent illness and disease. green smoothies can help you lose fat and live longer   Do Green Smoothies with Raw Vegetables Taste Good? Generally, when someone is new to smoothies and the blender lifestyle, they enjoy the sweet taste of fruits, and so create all sorts of smoothie concoctions in a rainbow of colors. All are very tasty and, of course, good for you, but eventually beginners find that they’re ready to take it one step further and begin to gradually add raw vegetables — small amounts at first, then gradually, with time, more and more.     The more vegetables in your blender (especially the dark, leafy greens that are so terrifically healthy for you) the more green the smoothie. The greener the smoothie, the better it is for you.   Acidic Foods There are way, way too many acidic foods in the standard, modern diet. Popular foods that are acidic include: Sugar Wine Wheat Flour products Beans Peanuts and Peanut Butter Corn Beef Bacon Canned Fruits Coffee Alkaline Foods My favorite kinds of smoothies are green smoothies because they are so healing, restorative, and alkaline-producing. Lots of fruits can be acidic and, with all the acidic foods in the standard American diet, it’s important to counter with alkaline-based foods. with all the acidic foods in the standard American diet, it’s important to counter with alkaline-based foods.” Try making a completely alkaline smoothie to help get the balance right. Green smoothie ingredients that are alkaline include: Almonds Alfalfa Carrots Celery Cucumber Kale Pumpkin seeds Spinach Tomatoes Pineapple   Pineapple is highly alkaline and very sweet, a great way to suppress the bitter taste of dark greens.   Raw Lifestyle: Carbohydrates Green vegetables contain complex carbohydrates that are rich and take longer to digest slowly and releasing their nutrition, which means they will sustain your energy-levels for many hours. Simple carbohydrates are absorbed much faster and are also known as simple sugar. These are things like bread, pasta, candy, or sodas — plus the naturally occurring simple sugars in fruit. Simple carbohydrates give you a rush of energy followed by an energy-crash that we’ve all become far too accustomed to. During the first couple of weeks as you seek to introduce more complex carbohydrates into your smoothie recipe, I recommend two vegetables in particular (because they’re great “entry” vegetables for beginners): The first is cucumber. I love cucumber in a smoothie because it tastes so refreshing — which is especially noticeable during the hot summer months. The second is spinach, fresh is always best when possible, but the frozen organic kind will do, too. You’d normally want to add ice to your blender anyway so frozen fruits and vegetables are great because then you don’t have to worry about using them before they spoil. You can just drop the spinach right in your blender and you won’t even taste it in the smoothie as the freshness of the other ingredients — such as spices or fruits — will usually dominate the taste. I encourage you to try adding tasty, alkaline, green, complex-carb veggies to your smoothie.   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!     To gain instant access to our free Green Smoothies Video Guide, simply subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

InstantDane.tv unleashes its new look, making it easier to learn about extreme heath and efficiency. At instantDane.tv, we believe that you can living longer is easier than ever! We look through a lot of research, and we’ve discovered that living longer isn’t that difficult. Excellent health is a journey. Living Longer is Incremental Small improvement here, tiny adjustment there…. after a while, the new small habits begin to add-up to improved health and longevity. The creative team at instantDane.tv have all kinds of info to share about life-extension and life-improvement — but how do we communicate our relevant message to our users, when our users are already being bombarded with information and images all day, every day? The name “instant” in instantDane.tv is intended to convey that we value the users of our site, and we respect their time — so we turned to a branding professional to help us make the most of the limited time our site’s users have. We wanted our site’s videos to be under 1-minute, whenever possible. It’s difficult to pack a lot of entertaining and fascinating information into 1-minute, but it’s not impossible! Next, we needed our site to have a look and feel that is clean, bright, hopeful, and… energized! Our branding pro helped us to flesh-out what’s most important to our site’s users. What are their needs? How can we best help them? It was a vigorous dialogue! we turned to a branding pro to help us make the most of the limited time our site’s users have” The result of that rebranding process was: we realized we needed a crisper look! You should see evidence of this all around you now on this page (though if you’re a frequent visitor to our site, you may have to hit your browser’s refresh button several times)! Old Look for instantDane.tv ~ Living Longer Compared to our old look from over 2 years ago (see image), you can see what a difference it is! The Bionic Butler? The site was originally called Bionic Butler and was a drawing of yours-truly as half robot and half human, meant to symbolize the different hemispheres of the brain and how it takes both efficiency/logic and intuition/feelings in order to extend one’s lifespan. Well, that was the idea, anyway. In hindsight, I now realize I was also just being shy about putting my face and name out there, because basically I’m an introverted fellow. So now things are less ambiguous — fresher, lighter, and easier on the eyes! To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Here are suggestions for superior Green Smoothie ingredients that will taste great and infuse your day with extra energy!       You can put any fruit or vegetable into a smoothie. Really, anything! As long as your blender is strong enough to liquify it, you’ll be fine (yes, there is a difference in blenders). Of course, having such a blank canvas to work on, can feel a bit daunting — especially in the beginning when you first start experimenting with smoothies.   it’s hugely satisfying to know you’re the creator of your own health-boosting, longevity-earning, super smoothie!”         It’s tempting to toss as many sugary fruits as possible into your blender, but leafy greens are the key to improved nutrition and often the quickest way towards improved health. So in addition to fruits, try liquidizing that left over cilantro or those carrot-heads that you’d normally throw away …and your body will thank you! (Hahah! I know! But it tastes soooo much better than it sounds. Please choose to have faith in what I’m telling you. Smoothies can change your life!)         Ideal Green Smoothie Recipe There is no ideal recipe, misleading headline I know. But here’s the good news: you get to create an ideal recipe for you. Each of us is on a different path in our nutritional journey, and each of us needs different superfoods at different times, and in different amounts. When working with beginners, I like to suggest that they experiment, and try creating their own recipe. You might have to make a few so-so smoothies in the beginning while you get the hang of it, but the advantage to doing it this way is that you really learn — it teaches you to think about smoothies in terms of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates, because you want to find ingredients you like for each of the three nutritional categories. Trust me, it’s hugely satisfying to know you’re the creator of your own health-boosting, longevity-earning, super smoothie! With that in mind I’m going to share with you what I like in my smoothies, in the hope that it will inspire you to come up with terrific ingredients that meet your own needs and likes. Some of these ingredients might work for you, too!   My Green Smoothie Ingredients First, you start with a liquid base. Here are some possible options: green tea almond milk (buy it or make it yourself, a great cholesterol-free alternative to milk and one of the few alkalizing nuts) hemp milk rice milk   Next, you need to add some healthy fat. Here are examples of fat choices: chia seeds flax oil coconut butter raw pecans sprouted pumpkin seeds   Then, you want to add some extra protein. Here are some options: whey protein powder (natural and aspartame-free) plant protein powder (made from fermented rice, sprouted grains and peas)   And now, the fun part: fruits and vegetables! Here are just some examples: Organic Cucumber – Really refreshing in a smoothie, very good for you and has a great texture when blended. Tomatoes – you can just plop a whole tomato in the blender with seeds, stems and all. Trust me, it’s gonna taste great. Organic Blueberries – Another natural ingredient with a sweet taste Mango – this fruit contains age-reversing properties and also adds texture, available in bags of frozen chunks so you don’t have to worry about it spoiling Spinach – a dark green full of iron. Can be frozen or fresh and isn’t noticeable in the final taste (so a good choice for people who struggle to enjoy their vegetables)   Next, you want to add extra flavors. This is the “polish” to your smoothie. Some options are: freshly squeezed lemon cinnamon cardamom ginger fresh mint leaves   Finally, the last ingredient is good old-fashioned ice, to ensure a chilled beverage and smooth texture.   Whatever ingredients you choose, make sure to keep it nutrient-rich with as many dark greens as you can handle (though in the beginning, that might be a very small amount), and add that extra plant protein powder to rejuvenate your body. As I’ve mentioned in previous videos, in the beginning, you’ll want to emphasize fruits. Later, as your become more skilled in your smoothie-making, your taste buds will evolve, and then you’ll want to try adding more vegetables than fruits (in other words, you’ll be ready for a smoothie that is less sweet). For example, I’m a pretty advanced smoothie-maker at this point, so I add kale, celery, and parsley to my smoothies regularly. Remember, improved health is a journey (not an on/off switch), and the best way to learn about green smoothies is by actually experimenting. Yes, you will make a few mistakes along the way, but that’s part of the adventure!   You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    You can stop procrastinating and move through your to-do list quickly! Here are useful tips on how to get “unstuck.”         Some tasks on our to-do lists seem too uninteresting, or too horrible to face. That’s just a natural part of everyday life. Procrastination is often our default setting for such tasks. To break the cycle, and stop procrastinating, requires diligence.   tackle something less-appealing at the beginning of your day.”       If we’re not vigilant about it, we can too easily fall into the trap of putting off “until tomorrow” all of the tasks that seem daunting or irksome. You can triumph over your to-list and take back control!     Stop Procrastinating: Dreadful Tasks Procrastination kills your productivity, especially when you’re replacing high-priority tasks (that will make the biggest difference in your life) with lower-priority tasks (that will have less impact toward achieving your goals). The thing about writing a to-do list is, you commit everything you want to get done to paper (that feels good!) and once the glee of having dumped it out of your think-box fades, you’re faced with the reality that these tasks aren’t gonna do themselves (and that feels bad).   pick a task that seems to you has been on your list for quite some time… and do that one first.”       Sure, you can pick at the easy tasks, but it’s not making life easier. The longer the dreaded to-do items linger, the more low-level anxiety you will feel when you look at your list. Another peculiar effect of procrastination is: the longer we put off dreaded items, the more dreaded items appear on the list. It can become overwhelming — and when we are overwhelmed, we procrastinate even more. It’s a downward spiral! Eventually, the list ends up crammed in the junk drawer, and we’re left disorganized and feeling disappointed in ourselves. We all have important tasks we don’t like doing, tasks like: tax returns calling back a tricky client balancing the checking account oil change for the car   All of these are necessary, but they’re not necessarily fun to do — yet, once I’ve done them I feel so much lighter. Procrastination loses its power, and I find myself wondering: why did I wait so long?   Stop Procrastinating: Morning Rituals  Psychologists are still debating why we procrastinate, but until they arrive at definitive answers, you and I have to work out the best way to beat it. Here’s what I suggest: tackle something less-appealing at the beginning of your day. A great way to combat the growing number of “bleh” tasks on your list, is to adopt a simple, task-busting ritual every morning: pick a task that seems to you has been on your list for quite some time…and do that one first. You’ve been staring at your task for too long and it’s done little more than stare back at you. This can create negative feelings and scare you off using a list all together, but don’t let it beat you! Just do a lingering task, scrub it off the list, and enjoy the energized feeling you get! This tip will re-invigorate you and your list. You’ll have gotten the momentum going first thing in the morning, and now you can power through your day.   Stop Procrastinating: Overall Impact You only have to do this once a day. There may be other horrid tasks, but you’ve had your share so let the rest wait until tomorrow and you’ll find the process far less daunting. If you do this everyday you’ll have chopped down your least favorite list items considerably; making it much easier each morning you do it. Eventually you’ll have a hard time finding the list items you really hate because you’ve successfully weeded them out. So go ahead, pick the biggest, dirtiest, nastiest item on your list and show it who’s boss.   thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Smoothies come in all styles and flavors. These three recipes not only taste refreshing, but they also help you to feel better.         The fun part of making a smoothie is dropping the ingredients you’ve chosen into a blender and creating a concoction that meets your taste bud’s wants, and your body’s nutritional needs. Here are three smoothie recipes for you to try. Compare how your body feels after you drink them, with how you’d normally feel after a snack or a meal.   Detoxifying Breakfast Smoothie This smoothie is high in leafy greens and delightfully sweet — making it easy to kick start your healthy day and meet your vegetable quota. Pineapple Juice (1 cup) – This will be the liquid base. If you’d prefer you can cut your own fresh pineapple chunks but be sure to add enough water to cover the blender blades. Kale (2 big handfuls) – This leafy vegetable comes in a dark green or purple color. It is a form of cabbage and has become kind of a fashionable food lately. Many nutritionists label it the most nutritious vegetable and a powerful antioxidant. Parsley (handful) – Often used as a garnish, in this case it compliments the kale by being mineral-rich and a great antioxidant as well. Mint Leafs (handful) – Its pleasant taste enhances. Mint also cleans out your digestive tract and research indicates it has anti-cancer properties. Ground Flaxseed (2 tablespoons) – Freshly ground in a spice or coffeebean grinder is best, as its nutrition starts to deplete once ground. A good energy booster and full of omega 3. Ice (1 cup) – Adds a chilled and slushy texture. You’ll really need a good blender to liquidize all those soft leaves.   Mango Surprise Smoothie Here’s a nutrient-dense super-smoothie that’s extra good for you. This is a more advanced recipe for people who already enjoy the taste of vegetables. If you’re newer to smoothies, you probably want to start with more fruit and possibly even add a little honey or agave to this one.     Almond Milk (1/2 cup) – For the liquid base. Almonds are good for digestion and one of the few alkalizing nuts. This milk has a very smooth texture as well. Organic Cucumber (1) – Peel the skin to ensure a clean smooth texture. This is so good in a smoothie and is known for its many healing properties. Organic Spinach (1/2 cup) Very high in iron. You can use fresh or frozen, I prefer frozen for smoothies as it won’t spoil. I can then save the fresh produce for salads. Mango (1/2 cup) – Mango has a flavanoid in it that is anti-aging, but is also great tasting and adds a sweet kick to the smoothie. Plant based protein powder (2 tablespoons) – Our body builds and repairs itself with protein so it’s important to make sure we get enough. Adding it to a smoothie is a great way to give your body more building blocks and give you energy. Raw sprouted pumpkin seeds (1 tablespoon) – Another good dose of protein. Small Tomato (1) – Just drop the whole thing in there. Bee Pollen (1 teaspoon) – Contains vitamins and minerals. Many believe grown bee pollen to be especially good for you, especially if you have plant allergies (as it’s rumored to help you build an immunity to the local pollens). Ice (1 cup) – To add that chilled smooth taste that’s so desirable in a smoothie. Blueberries (3/4 cup) – This is optional, but I think most people would prefer it. Frozen or fresh — up to you. Agave Nectar – also optional.   Coco-Cashew Smoothie This can be either a smoothie on its own, or an after-dinner dessert. It will taste like an ice cream milkshake, but made from the all natural sugars found in the ingredients. Dates (6) This super sweet fruit is full of healthy nutrients, make sure to remove the pit first. Cashew Nuts (2 cups) – Soak them in a jar for a few hours to soften and allow the protein level to rise. Raw Cacao (to taste) – A healthier, purer version of chocolate. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons (but don’t go overboard or it will taste bitter). Frozen banana (half or whole depending on preference); this will help give it the texture of a milkshake. When blended and poured into a glass, sprinkle some carob nibs or nutmeg on top.   Compare how your body feels after you drink them, with how you’d normally feel after a snack or a meal.”       Experiment You can change and adapt the ingredients and their portions to meet your wants and needs. In fact, I encourage you to do so!       thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature       You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    When you arrive at your desk in the morning, what task and project should you tackle first?         Prioritizing means being able to differentiate between tasks that seem important and tasks that will actually have a long-term effect. So you have arrived at your desk; you know you’ve got your to-do list around here somewhere — oh, there it is — and now: where do you start? If you’re like most people, you start with the task on your list that seems the most enjoyable, or, you start with a task that’s not even on your list, but rather, some “fire” that someone has brought to you — in email, phone, or in person — asking you to put out. Sounds familiar, yes? Look, the truth is, that prioritizing your day is easier — much, much easier — when you have a couple of basic rules.   I encourage you to take a look at your list through the lens of revenue, and start prioritizing your tasks based on what you see.”       Last week, I suggested that one smart place to begin is by tackling the task on your list that has been sitting there the longest. The idea is, that the sense of accomplishment you get from knocking a dusty-old task off your list first thing in the morning, becomes rocket fuel to help propel you through a terrifically productive day! And you know what? It works! However, there is another option for kickstarting your day productively, and that is choosing first that single task from your long list that is the most potentially revenue-producing.   Revenue-Producing Activities The reason we have lists is because we have a goal. That goal is usually to succeed, and one of the barometers by which we measure our success is — you guessed it — revenue. I encourage you to take a look at your list through the lens of revenue, and start prioritizing your tasks based on what you see. When it comes to our to-do lists, sometimes we can lose focus by working though the list items in the order they were written, or some other arbitrary method, rather than thinking about why they are on the list. By focusing on a revenue-producing activity first, you will remind yourself of one of the primary reasons you arrived at your desk in the first place!       Direct or Indirect Revenue Sometimes a list-item will jump out at you as potentially profitable. For instance, sending out an invoice to a client has an obvious dollar amount attached to it, or depositing the check at the bank (hey, don’t laugh; when I help my friends or colleagues get their offices organized, I have discovered more un-cashed checks stuffed in the back of desk drawers than you would possibly believe). However, usually, revenue-producing tasks are not so obvious. Tasks such as sending out a resume, writing a hand-written thank you note, or returning a faulty item to the office supply store — these are potentially revenue-producing activities, too! Basically, any activity that asks or encourages others to refer you clients or customers, is potentially revenue-producing.   The Exhilaration of Task Prioritizing Remember, once you have completed that first task in a deliberate, strategic, and conscious way, you will have begun your day with a profitable action step — and this is energizing! Knowing that you’ve already “made it rain” in the morning will give a real boost to your day, and give your working-life more vigor. In time you will notice a sense of satisfaction, achievement and, yes, increased profitability!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      What type of blender should you get to complement your new smoothie lifestyle?         When it comes to smoothie-making there is one simple rule that all smoothies abide by: a good smoothie requires a good blender. A smoothie needs to be smooth — I mean, come on, it’s in the name. To help make that smooth, rich, milkshake-like texture happen, you’ll need to invest in a good quality blender.   Blenders are an absolute necessity for smoothie-making, but there can be so much to consider before purchasing.”       If you already have a blender, then that’s cool, you can carry-on if it suits your needs, especially when first starting out with smoothie-making. But pulverizing vegetables and ice is tough work, and you really want a blender that can handle those thicker ingredients. The cheaper ones may not completely liquidize your drink, and there is also a risk in burning out the motor or even stripping the coupler. Over time, as you become more advanced in your blending, you’ll find that you become not only more adventurous with your ingredients, but also more of a smoothie aficionado — and then you might be ready to upgrade.     It sounds like a funny thing to say, I know, but the fact is that an excellent blender can be life-changing. Vitamix and Blendtec are the current dueling-champions of the blender world. There are many things to consider when buying a blender so let’s take a look at your options.   Size Matters What size blender do you want? If you and your family are all having smoothies you probably want a huge one. Vitamix has an 8-cup carafe (the jug) which can easily be split four ways. Blendtec now has a 4-quart carafe size — that’s absolutely massive. If your household doesn’t have the same tastes (and what family does?), then there is a Magic Bullet Blender with multiple smaller carafes allowing each family member to make their own smoothie without having to wait for the other to finish and wash up the carafe. You might also want to choose the blender size, based on the available space in your kitchen, as your counter might already be crowded and it can be frustrating trying to fit a blender into an already-crowded cupboard.   Super Strength The power of the motor and the sharpness of the blade is really important. Generally, the stronger the blender the more expensive it is, but it will save you time when your powerhouse of a blender can obliterate your veggies in 30 seconds! The extra-smooth texture is also fantastic. Blendtec is famous for its strength, and for the video series ‘Will It Blend?’ which shows many “scientific” experiments where they check to see if things like a Justin Bieber doll or the latest IPad will blend (the answer is usually: yes).   Smoothie and Beyond Be sure to check the other functions as a blender isn’t just for smoothies. They can do a variety of other things, so see which one suits your culinary likes (Vitamix, for instance, will heat-up if left on for a few minutes. This is a great way to make warm soup in five minutes). A blender with a power-dial is great, as you can use it like a food processor on the lower settings.   Other Tips There are other things you may want to think about when purchasing your blender: Dampener: The Vitamix comes with a dampener which is a sort of prodding stick to allow you to push all the ingredients down. Very helpful at times Base Size: Blendtec has a wide base which means things are less likely to get clogged up at the base Warranty: Which ever blender you get, check the warranty with the supplier — the more expensive blenders come with a long warranty so you know you’ll get your money’s worth. Refurbished: Consider talking to the manufacturer’s sales office to see if they offer refurbished models. These are models that have been returned to the store and then cleaned and checked over by the manufacturer. They are in excellent condition and you get a nice discount. They also come with the same warranty as a new model!   Decisions, Decisions, Decisions Blenders will definitely give you more menu options if you’re committed to adding more fresh vegetables into your daily diet! Blenders are an absolute necessity for smoothie-making, but there can be so much to consider before purchasing. Do your research online, and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section below.     thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video   You might also enjoy: Green Smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

We know more now about how to live a long life than we ever have before. Here’s the latest info. Some of it may surprise you!   A buddy on Google+ recently said that “legacy is even more important to me than longevity.” I agree with this principle. The positive difference that we make in the world is more important than how long we happen to live. However, the two are usually not mutually exclusive. Living longer, especially when we live vibrantly and full of joy, maximizes the impact we have on the world. This happens either indirectly (by modeling happiness, strength and grace for others) or directly (with our good works and deeds). What follows is a infographic that reveals proven methods for extending the human lifespan. If you follow these suggestions then you statistically will have a better chance to live longer and to leave a positive legacy. Live Longer Through Calorie Restriction Research seems to support calorie restriction as a key method for living longer. I know “restriction” has an ominous sound to it. But it’s actually not so bad. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with 1700 calories a day (hardly “restrictive”) with 300 additional calories on days when I exercise (for 2000, total). I’m 5-foot-nine-inches, so as long as my workouts are normal, then 2,000 calories a day seems to work fine. Bear in mind, those are 2,000 quality calories.   if you follow these suggestions then you statistically will have a better chance to live longer and to leave a positive legacy.” There are periods when I workout strenuously every day. On those days, a mere 300 extra calories might not be enough. I haven’t been working out that hard lately, so I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Your own daily caloric intake should be determined by your height, genetic metabolism, and fat-to-muscle ratio. Everybody’s unique, so everybody’s number can be different. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. And kudos to the talented folks at Greatist and Voltier Creative for this stellar infographic: To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Stop your belongings from owning you, by clearing your life of clutter. Here are four easy tips.       Most of us own too many possessions and, even so, we still probably have a list of additional items that we’d like to own! Our lives are filled with clutter, and clutter requires attention! Have you ever really considered how much time and energy you put into your possessions? You’re not just investing money in a new item, you’re starting a new relationship with an object that you’re going to be sharing your life with.   You don’t have to move countries to cut down on your stuff.”       In order to make time for self-care protocols that will lead to a longer life, you will need to simplify some aspects of your everyday living experience. Owning possessions is complicated. Purchasing, storing and maintaining material objects requires your attention — maybe too much of your attention. It’s important to remember this when making a new purchase and ask yourself: “is it really worth it?“   Lighter Load Personally, I am from England and moved to California last year. When I did this, I decided it would be best if I cut my belongings down to fit the airline’s allowance of two pieces of luggage. I gave away furniture, sold off my DVD collection, donated books to charity, and gave clothes to those without a fashion-sense. In fact, dropping off my old belongings felt really good – not just because it would raise funds for charity but because it meant the items would find a new home where they could be appreciated more. More expensive items went on eBay and sold for far more than I originally expected — it really is a seller’s market so consider that when offloading any unwanted items. Each time I got rid of something I felt physically lighter. I was very proud of myself and regularly preached my new (almost) possession-free lifestyle to anyone that would listen. A friend then told me “That must feel so great, I’d love to do something like that.” But he could, if he really wanted to. You don’t have to move countries to cut down on your stuff. Of course, it’s hardly practical to cut your possessions down to two suitcases, but a lighter load will free up time, space and energy. If you can’t see the appeal yet, just think about how much you enjoy vacuuming. Are you with me? Good!   Minimize Your Possessions I am now wary when purchasing new items, I’d rather get a book from the library than own it, or download an album (legally, or course) than buy the CD. I’ll also have more frequent charity donating-purges (instead of waiting until the next time I change continents). When thinking about your future clutter-free lifestyle, have a “room sweep.” I’ll let Dane explain in this video:         Clear Your Head, Clear Your Clutter De-cluttering can be a brutal experience, especially if you have an emotional attachment to some of your things. Here are a few tips to help get you started: The Success Ritual: I would always clean-and-clear before starting a project, and I mistook this for procrastination until someone told me I was just making room for success. Remind yourself that by clearing your home of unwanted things you’re making room for success.   Useful or Beautiful: When my wife has a clear-out, she asks herself one question: “Is this item useful or beautiful?” If not, then it goes.   Share a Memory: Mementos can be hard to purge. Tell a loved-one the story behind your nik-nak before getting rid of it. It’s almost like the memory has been released from the item.   One Out, One In: Once you’ve found a balance, any new items you buy have to replace old ones, not join them. Remember your home is at capacity, and no-one is coming in until someone leaves (this policy works for nightclubs, so why not your home?)   Take Action Go ahead and bust that clutter! Please comment below and let us know how your new streamlined lifestyle is coming along!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

A man’s life becomes fascinating after age 40! Around age 40, a new season of manhood begins. When I turned 40, I noticed changes in my body and energy level. I tried to find a good source of information online.   I launched instantdane.tv to help others move through life successfully and dynamically – and to assist them in exploring the energizing effects of extreme health.” I looked around for support and information — to see if other men were experiencing insights and questions on their journey into mid-life — and in the process I happened to notice that many other guys were just not dealing with the maturing process. Of course, it’s impossible to prepare for a smooth transition when you have your head is buried in the sand. What You Need to Know About Andropause and Your Manhood Manhood ~ upper body workout Understandably, many men postpone processing the impact of — what really is a sacred life event — andropause, and avoid making any conscious decisions or plans for what they want the next 50 years of their life to look like, and specifically how they are going to make that happen. I launched instantdane.tv to help others move through life successfully and dynamically — and to assist them in exploring the energizing effects of extreme health. I hope you allow the features, videos, and podcasts at InstantDane.tv to entertain and motivate you on how to have a fantastic and potent life! For the fellas, I worked with an animator to create this funny cartoon video about the “Seasons of Manhood.” If you find it helpful or amusing, please share it with your tribe!   To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Here’s a 1-minute video with current recommendations for Follow Friday.         Follow Friday is a day on Twitter when we let each other know who we think the best people to follow are! In celebration of Follow Friday, here is a video showing gratitude to my tweeples. These are some stellar individuals that you might enjoy following on Twitter to make your stream more interesting and enjoyable.   Who do you recommend that I follow on Twitter?”     Follow Friday Gratitude Video:   My Recommendations! @SharelOmer (reciprocity) @healthyolga (superfoods) @YouGoMedia (online optimization) @DoinaOncel (fitness) @MikeLehrOZA (leadership) @NHhealthyliving (healthy living) @JureKlepic (social marketing)     Who do you recommend that I follow on Twitter? By the way, the graphic for Mike Lehr should read @MikeLehrOZA instead of @MikeLehr — give him a follow; you’ll be glad you did!   I invite you to comment.   I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!       p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Google+ can be productive and entertaining — if you know who to add to your circles! Here’s how Circle Sunday works.       If you’re participating in the new online social networking platform Google+, or considering trying it out for a while to see if it’s a worthwhile use of your time, then you’ll need some good people to add to your circles.   Here is a shout-out to my favorite Google Plussers. I suggest you add them in your “fantastic” circle!”       What makes Google+ fun compared to other social networks, is that it’s easier to meet friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends — or even meet new people with no previous connection to you in any way.   Circle Sunday on Google Plus Just like Twitter has Follow Friday when users recommend other users for their followers to follow (well, that’s a mouthful!), Google+ seems to be building a movement called Circle Sunday, when others make recommendations of who to add. Here’s an essential tip: if you participate in Circle Sunday, remember to say why you are recommending that person (it’s such a drag on Twitter when people tweet out 8 people they think you should follow, without saying the reasons that it’s a good idea). Here is a shout-out to my favorite Google Plussers. I suggest you add them in your “fantastic” circle!         I hope you decide to give Google+ a try. It’s not only a lot of fun, but it’s a great way to get your news and information. And if you’re already on Google+, I encourage you to participate in Circle Sunday. It’s easy: all you do, is post a status update on Sunday of who you think other people should add to their circles (and why). Remember to keep your recommendations under 8 people. You can always recommend more people the following week.         p.s. potentially life-changing: if you want to receive the FREE video series, with accompanying eBook, of The Dane Technique ~ how to get outrageously organized! ~ simply subscribe for the FREE newsletter below and the links to the 1-minute videos and book will arrive in your email. ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Checklists are life-changing and help you create even more space for joy in your life – if you approach them with the right attitude!   People hate being told what to do — that’s probably the primary reason that most people don’t use checklists, even though checklists make life easier and more enjoyable. The genius of checklists is that, when properly structured, they help us to better manage our time and to better manage our energy. Of course, it’s not that checklists are actually telling us what to do, it’s just that it sometimes feels that way to us, because when we look at a checklist, we hear in our minds, “you should to this, and you should do that.” And no one likes to hear the word “should.” Time-Management: Healing Our Relationship with Checklists What’s funny about our internal response to checklists, is that: it’s a complete projection of our own anxieties onto a friendly tool — a tool that’s only there to help us. For this reason, it’s extremely helpful to have a sense of humor when using checklists!       Checklists can help us stay on track with projects, preventing the day from drifting away from us. Checklists help us get more done, faster, so that we can spend more quality time with our loved-ones. Checklists also create more free time at the end of the week so that we can spend time pursuing our hobbies, and those activities we feel passionately about. Checklists help us to excel professionally, making us more competitive in our careers and more appealing to our clients and customers. Generally, people feel as though they’re in good hands when they engage with someone who is cheerful, organized, and highly productive. It’s just human nature — our unconscious is able to detect these abilities in other people and we are drawn toward that. What could you accomplish in your own life if you were even more organized than you are now?   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To stay up-to-date on these life-changing habits, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

subscribers receive free life-changing goodies!               Who doesn’t love free stuff? I launched instantDane.tv to share fascinating solutions with others — namely, how to habituate lifestyle techniques that lead to being happy and fit at age 100. I believe this is a part of my life purpose — to share positive, entertaining information that can help others to improve and lengthen their own lives. Toward that end, my team and I decided to create a Goodies Page for those users of this site that subscribe to our free e-newsletter. Remember: when you have excellent health, you have everything. When your body is optimally healthy, it means that you are pure potential. Any hope that you have, any dream that hold dear, is possible. Physical health is the foundation upon which you can build a magnificent life. No wonder what complaints you might have, if you’re healthy then your life is not only amazing in the present, but your future is unbound!   Now Free to Subscribers:   Our Longevity e-Newsletter itself is a relevant and helpful email that arrives in subscribers’ inboxes about every 2 or 3 weeks. When you subscribe, you’ll receive:   12 Easy Ways to Add 12 (or More) High-Energy Years to Your Life! The latest research has revealed that there are particular lifestyle improvements that can dramatically improve our energy level and help us to look better and feel better, all while lengthening our lifespan. Our subscribers receive these 12 most-effective lifestyle improvements! We also give our subscribers access to our Goodies Page, which is a fascinating and free collection of our very best resources and tools. “subscribers to our FREE Longevity e-Newsletter receive instant access to the Goodies Page!”   Currently Featured on the Goodies Page:   How to Create More Free Time: Video Bar 11 videos — each about a minute long — shepherd you through the process of using your time more wisely and increasing your efficiency. How to Make Great Green Smoothies: Video Bar Reveals how to make great smoothies, with stellar tips on superfoods and blending. Green smoothies are a key strategy in improved health and life extension, and you, too, can learn to enjoy the blender lifestyle! As always, on instantDane.tv, we try to keep our videos concise at around 1-minute in running time, because we know people are busy! If you want access to all of this life-changing information — if you want to be lean, have high-energy, enjoy vibrant good health, and be supported as you pursue the life of your dreams — then I invite you to sign up for the FREE e-newsletter below:

      Make smoothies tastier and healthier with these 6 tricks, and your blender will be your new best friend!       When making smoothies, you learn many tips and tricks along the way to get the most out of your blender — and, as this is most likely a daily activity, it doesn’t take long to discover what works best for you. Within a few weeks, you’ll have invented many of your own tricks! In the meantime, here are some handy tips to help you improve the taste and quality of your smoothies.   Your Blender Wants You to Learn About Ingredients Read up on your favorite fruits and vegetables so that you can know their unique benefits, and as you become attuned to your body’s needs you’ll be able to tell what which ones to add — or combine — with your recipe. With a high quality blender that has a super strong motor, you’ll be surprised what you can toss in and have it come out in milkshake-like consistency! You’ll want ingredients that are high in the following: energy boosters vitamins strength enhancers fiber detoxifying qualities   A Good Blender Loves Ice Before adding ice to the ingredients, blend what you have and do a taste test. Ice will water down your smoothie a bit, so tasting beforehand will give you a better idea of how much ice you’ll really want. Once again, the better the blender, the more easily it deals with ice.   Your Blender Wants You to Start Slowly When blending, use the slowest setting first and then speed it up. This stops the larger chunks of frozen fruits and vegetables from overworking or jamming your motor.     Use Natural Sugars Only A smoothie can be so sweet it’ll be a dessert. Using sweet fruits can really satisfy your sweet tooth — without resorting to unhealthy man-made, overly refined sugars. You really won’t need to sweeten your drink with honey or agave if you put the right amount of fruit in. (And, down the road, after you become adept at smoothies, you’ll even find that you need less fruit, and that you prefer more vegetables! But for most people, that comes later.)   Balance Your pH It’s recommended that you keep your diet 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. Most popular store items are acidic but you can use your smoothie to help find balance by making it out of all-alkaline vegetables. Alternatively, if you have a good balance of acid/alkaline in your diet you can make 20% of your smoothie out of acidic items like strawberries to stop yourself becoming too alkaline. (If this part sounds complicated, no need to worry! The experimenting part of smoothie-making is what makes it fun, and by listening to how your body feels after having each smoothie, over time you will develop an intuitive sense of what ingredients and ratios are working best for your own unique chemistry.)   With a Good Blender You Can Minimize Liquid To stop your smoothie from being too watered down only add enough liquid base to cover the blades at first. Once you’ve blended it you can then add more liquids to find the consistency and taste you enjoy. Here are some ideas for what you can use for your liquid base: almond milk rice milk hemp milk water pomegranate juice coconut milk or coconut water   Share Your Tips What have you learned from your smoothie-making so far? Let us know in the comments section a trick, technique or tip that you’re using to make an easy and nutritious smoothie!   thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video     You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide   ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes!   new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  To be a great accomplisher you need a productivity system, but to master a system you must align with your to-do list.   Writing a to-do list is extremely helpful (pivotal, really); however, there comes the time when you actually have to do the tasks on your list! That’s when it can become hard to follow-through with your plans. You can end up ignoring your checklist or even feeling intimidated by it, and good ol’ procrastination sets in. If you find yourself in this situation, then I encourage you to look at your list through a different lens. The degree to which your list of today’s tasks can be helpful to you is determined by the attitude with which you approach it.   See Your List as Your Loyal Sidekick It’s time to kiss and make up with your checklist and remind yourself that your list is there to help you. Think of it as a sidekick, it’s the Robin to your Batman, ready to take on the day’s battles. It will be tempting to blame the checklist system and divert time into looking for other ways to be organized. But don’t get caught in this trap (you’ll only be delaying progress)! Stay loyal to your sidekick pal! When it comes to our checklists, what most of us need even more than a new system, is a new perspective.   Your List Speaks Softly to You     I know it sometimes feels like your checklist is scorning you, but try to remember that your list isn’t there to make you feel bad. If you your list could talk, it would instead simply say: “I am a tool designed to help you. If you need me, I’m here for you.” To reverse that negative energy and get into back into your positive productivity-groove, it’s helpful to remember the following: ⊙ remind yourself your to-do list is a helpful tool ⊙ tell yourself the checklist is a list of things you want to happen ⊙ treat your checklist as a crutch to lean on in frantic times your list of today's tasks can help you shine   Lists and Success: Best Friends Forever If you need a reminder that your to-do list is there for you — your best friend forever, your partner in crime — then put a reminder at the top of your checklist. Something to welcome you when you pick it up. Affirmations are a powerful way of suggesting positive thoughts. If you start your list with a message saying something along the lines of: “Hi, I’m here to help you, let’s get through this day together,” then it might be easier to remember that your checklist is your pal. Afraid your colleagues or relatives will tease you? Who cares!? Productive achievers are bold, fearless, and innovative! If you need a creative solution to realign with your checklist, then create one!   If you want to receive FREE access to our 1-minute-video series on how to: ▸ get organized ▸ manage your energy better ▸ improve your daily quality of life ▸ enjoy more free time! then simply subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter below:

      You can stay engaged with your to-do list!         To get the most out of your organizational and time-management process, it’s important to refer to your to-do list every day. Well, almost everyday. You’re allowed to take a day off when you feel like it. That’s healthy and encouraged. You can even take two days off; however, my rule is: make sure you re-engage with your list within 48 hours. Mastering your organizational system requires persistent practice! If you go more than two days without your to-do list, you’ll find it harder to get back into your system. You want to keep yourself in the game. You’ve done so well to keep your list this long, so why jeopardize it? You don’t want to develop any unhelpful habits that you’ll just have to struggle to break. Here’s some pointers to remind you why you’ll want to keep your to-do list going:       Building a Habit Takes Time Forming a good habit (like keeping a to-do list) is a lot like building a muscle. It takes practice and exercise. If you stop for too long the muscle shrinks or disappears. They say it takes at least 21 days to build a habit. That’s three weeks. When starting out try to stay engaged for the full three weeks, by the end of it you’ll be so used to referring to your list — it will be ingrained into you — that you might not even want a break anymore.   Remember Why You Arrived Here Remember the reasons you chose to get organized in the first place. If you don’t feel like picking up your list, ask yourself why you started a list to begin with. You don’t want to end up wasting time and energy worrying about tasks or looking unprofessional because you forgot a task. You certainly don’t want to fall behind on work. Still wanna take a third day? http://twitter.com/#!/Hassanmirza/statuses/130678887628800000   Prevent Obstacles If there is a stumbling block that discourages you from getting on with your to-do list system then find a way to overcome it. My list runs from Monday to Sunday but come Monday morning I would find myself too busy to revise my list and print out a new copy so I put it off. To overcome this I now print at the end of the previous working week. This allows me to dive right in on a Monday and that obstacle is no longer there. You know yourself and you know your weaknesses so anticipate that and prevent it from happening. It will be much easier.   Take a Vacation from Your To-Do List You must get back on the horse on the third day to ensure you continue with your list — unless you are on vacation. When on vacation, you are in another land and it’s best to fully enjoy that experience and be present with the people you love. When you are totally and intentionally out of your routine you can put your to-do list aside. It will only help energize you and make it easier for you to dive right back into your healthy habits and organizing techniques when you return home!     Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Green smoothies are a snap with our free Video Guide!   Green smoothies have changed my life. No kidding. I’m leaner now and have more energy than perhaps any other time in my life, thanks to green smoothies! Our handy free video guide will show you how to make the best green smoothies. Free Video Guide Reveals Secrets to Great Green Smoothies   The trick to making the best green smoothies is, first, to start from where you are. free video guide reveals how to make best green smoothiesSometimes I get weird comments from hardcore raw-fooders that want my recipes to have 100% fresh, raw ingredients (and many of my advanced recipes do), but my beginner recipes take into account that small, gradual lifestyle changes are the ones that stick. If a recipe is too drastic, the psyche will see it as a diet (instead of a new lifestyle habit) and then it won’t work. For this reason, my beginner recipes include more fruits than veggies, and they allow for frozen produce (because, a single mother of four children who works two jobs is perhaps not going to be able to do all the marketing that an advanced-recipe requires. At least, not until she gets accustomed to the beginning-level habits first). At instantDane.tv, we wanted to help our site’s users who are new to smoothie-making. Our 8-part Smoothie Video Guide will help anyone new to smoothies to hit the ground running! Each video is about 1-minute, so they’re very digestible and easy to watch.   With these videos, you can avoid some of the common mishaps that people stumble into when first experimenting with smoothies. If done correctly, smoothies can absolutely change your life forever. You can be leaner, healthier, and have more energy than you ever thought possible — at any age! Your body will more effectively be able to heal itself when you partake in the bounty of enzymes and nutrients available in the fresh, living superfoods that the best green smoothies are made from! To access the Smoothie Video Guide, simply sign up for the FREE instantDane.tv Longevity e-Newsletter below:

    Forget those past to-do lists that you never completed. Start the efficiency process and try again. All you need is a little trust.       Just about everyone has written a to-do list before, and then failed to see it through. So what? It’s time to get over it, and start again. The great thing about attempting an organizational system is there is no limit to the amount of times you can try. Efficiency is something we can always aim for with a clean slate.   Trust that writing your list will be a beneficial experience.”       The key principle for allowing any efficiency system to work for you successfully is: to trust the process. Your increased success and peace of mind hinges on: finding or creating an efficiency system that’s right for you choosing to have faith that the system will work for you if you lean into it It can be easy to put off writing a to-do list and instead write a mental list of reasons why you “should,” or “don’t want to.” What a waste of energy! You could have written up your tasks in that amount of time, and even knocked a couple off the list!   Clarity The process of writing an efficiency list is, in itself, a clarifying experience. We can get lost in thoughts, working out the next steps before we’ve finished the current one. By writing down everything you want to achieve you have dumped the worrying contents onto paper and freed up your mind. You are now free to focus on the task at hand as you no longer have all that stuff recirculating endlessly in your mind. You’ve freed-up your brain’s RAM! Even if you never looked at the list again, you still gained clarity to concentrate. It’s not a failure to first attempt and then give up on a list if you benefit from it in this way. Trust that writing your list will be a beneficial experience.   Trust The Efficiency Process     Energy Giving A to-do list is an energy-infusing activity — trust and follow it and you will start to notice the benefits: feeling energized, feeling positive, ready to take on your day — each and every day – to create and achieve your goals. Take some time now to plan our your week and see what you can do!         Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Freshly prepared foods can help you get fit. Here’s a fast way to make healthy food at home.   Preparing healthy food is often misrepresented as a time-consuming experience, but, with the right tools, you can get fit and save time. All you really need are a couple of kitchen tools to speed up the process and to make healthy meal preparation a fast and enjoyable experience. For starters, I recommend using a food processor. What’s funny about food processors, is that many kitchens already have them — usually, buried behind the pots and pans at the very back of a bottom shelf! Time to find that processor, dust it off, and display it prominently in your kitchen as one of your new favorite get-fit tools!   to stay lean, it helps to eat more fresh vegetables   Why Your Food Processor is the Ultimate Flux Capacitor A food processor has multiple-abilities (including dough making) but its simplest and best function is to chop vegetables easily and quickly. The Food Processor is the closest thing we have to an actual time machine.” If you’ve ever prepared a coleslaw salad with nothing but a knife and a chopping board you know it can take hours. A Food Processor really does take all the pain away and saves you loads and loads of time. We’re talking from hours to minutes!   The Food Processor is the closest thing we have to an actual time machine. With one of these babies on your kitchen counter there really is no excuse for eating a processed frozen meal. You can create a yummy salad or veggie topping in mere moments. Easy Recipe: Quick Veggie Southwest “Rawcamole” Usually we revert to takeout food or packaged food when we are time-constrained — or just physically too tired to make a fresh meal — but with a food processor it’s simple to eat healthy and get fit. All you do is take the vegetables you have in your refrigerator, give them a quick wash, and toss them in the processor! As an example of how to use your food processor to make a meal that is both super fast and super healthy, let’s use this recipe to make a California-inspired version of guacamole: ▸ Red or Yellow Bell Peppers ▸ Avocado ▸ Fresh Parsley or Cilantro ▸ Tomato ▸ Juice of Half a Fresh Lemon ▸ Cayenne Pepper I put these into the processor (see video above) with some Celtic sea salt and turn on the food processor and hey presto! — a tasty topping that can go with lean chicken, veggie patty, turkey burgers, organic scrambled eggs or, if you’re in a real hurry, a stand-alone salad. You could also use it as a sandwich filling or have it as a celery dip. The final product has an astoundingly appetizing scent and is a super fast way of adding delicious kick and zesty flavor to a meal that will support your fitness and energy level. Remember, an important component of shedding body fat and improving your overall health is to eat more fresh raw vegetables, and food processors make that much, much easier. Bonus Tips to Get Fit while Saving Time ⊙ if there’s more than one or two people in your household, then get a large processor to insure you can make big batches less often. ⊙ check that the parts are machine-washable so you don’t have to spend extra time cleaning by hand. Check out your fridge contents and let us know what you were able to create!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To stay up-to-date on these life-changing habits, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

      If you can get more done in a day, you can win the day.         Here are some tricks on how to avoid useless activities, and focus on productive tasks instead. Maintaining a to-do list of one-off items can be awkward at times. You jot down items as you think of them, and end up with something more like a recorded stream of consciousness than a to-do list. And yet, in order to get more done in a day, you need to use lists.   Excellence means: keep your momentum going until the very, very, very end.”       Working through your items in the order you thought of them, is a time-consuming and scattered approach. Here are four tips to keep you on track with your task management.   Tricks: Put Your List in Order Of Importance When you make a to-do list of one-off items, craft it in order of priority. Don’t just look through the list and try to mentally grab which tasks are most important for today. Commit to a prioritized list so that you’re not tempted to waste time on easier or less-important tasks. Spend a minute putting the items in order of priority — look through your notes, (because a list that isn’t prioritized is really just a collection of notes) and number them in order of importance (or, if you use a browser-based, digital list app, you might be able to simply slide tasks up and down based on importance). Put a checkbox next to the item if you like. Nothing is more rewarding that ticking a box at the end of completing a task, and seeing your list of items get smaller. It’s hugely motivating, and definitely pleasurable.   Tricks: Set Deadlines for Projects Deadlines are unfortunately named. “Deadline” sounds oppressive and foreboding. Nonetheless, deadlines are important, especially for projects that require a series of related tasks. When you are managing your own time it can be hard to stay self-motivated enough to push on through. We all want to be nice to ourselves and give ourselves a break from restrictions like a deadline, but a deadline is actually very healthy. Remember, a project is always sexiest in its beginning phases. Many people lose interest during the last 30% of a project. That’s when people lose their momentum and urgency, they take too long to complete the simplest of tasks; they stop checking their own work and things fall through the cracks. Excellence means: keep your momentum going until the very, very, very end.   Tricks: Make Your List Unavoidable Put your list, or at least your priority items, in an unavoidable place. Give it top billing. Make it the star of the show. Shine the spotlight on it! Use desktop files or a phone reminder. Or print out your list on your desk. Anything short of a tattoo to your forehead, as long as it helps give your list the energy and attention it deserves.   This is going too far for most of you, but I actually created a special easel for my clipboards (see photo above) that I keep right next to my standing desk, so that all I have to do throughout the day is glance up and see everything I need — proudly and accurately displayed. It really helps me to stay on track! (For those of you who spend much of your time in the car or travelling from appointment to appointment, you’d probably be better off with a smartphone application.)   Tricks: Celebrate! The Law Of Attraction shows us that what we give our energy, time, attention, and focus to, is eventually amplified. By celebrating your successes and making a fuss over your own accomplishments, The Universe will be compelled to send you more successes. So reward yourself! Too many people can be hard on themselves and choose the stick over the carrot.     If there’s a small, useful item that you want to buy, a restaurant you want to visit, or a new theatrical or speaking event in town, then make it a reward for completing your priority tasks, or finishing that project or getting that bonus!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Not on the green smoothie kick yet? What’s the hold up?         Perhaps you’ve heard lately, people talking about “green smoothies” and you might be wondering: what is a green smoothie? A green smoothie is a blended meal that you drink like a milkshake that is made from mostly raw, living foods such as dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, ice and fruit. When made correctly, the taste is fantastic. More importantly, however, is that green smoothies give you a sustained, alkalinizing energy that helps you to feel ten years younger. Green Smoothies help you to feel like Iron Man!   Iron Man Up with a Green Smoothie Watching the blockbuster film Iron Man 2, I couldn’t help but notice when Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr) is in his laboratory working on his metal suit and other world-saving activities, that he also likes imbibe on a green-colored beverage. The film was released in 2010, and I didn’t have a chance to see it at the theater, but viewing it on DVD recently, I jumped out of my seat, declaring: “Iron Man drinks green stuff, too!” Hey, what can I say? Every fellow likes a little validation every now and then.   Anti-Toxin When asked what he is drinking, in the film Tony Stark calls it “chlorophyll,” which is the green pigment found in almost all plants — so he’s just giving his particular blend of green drink a cool/nerdy name. From a health point of view, it’s refreshing to see a comic movie hero get his life-saving powers from a green drink as well as his metal suit.   I Googled it, and it said if you have any radioactivity overload, chlorophyll will combat it”                 ~ Robert Downey Jr, star of Iron Man, to E! News         Part of the movie’s plot involved Stark being slowly poisoned by the radioactive device that keeps his heart alive — the machine increases his blood toxicity.         In a way, all green smoothies are taking on the same fight — battling off the everyday toxins from daily environmental pollution, or processed and packaged food. Armed with antioxidants, a daily green smoothie is a powerful weapon in the fight against premature aging.   Chlorophyll It turns out, green smoothies taste a whole lot better than they look. In fact, they taste fantastic! Often, you don’t taste the vegetables in the smoothies at all, except as accent flavors that give the drink an appetizing edge. It’s all about the ratios of ingredients, and discovering what fruits complement what vegetables, so that the fruit becomes the predominant flavor. Chlorophyll is found in any green vegetables, and you can make your own smoothie out of any of the following: swiss chard kale green cabbage celery collard greens spinach basically, any vegetable that’s green.

  Reduce your intake of refined sugar with this delicious recipe for Peach Banana “ice cream” – a healthier frozen dessert that your sweet tooth will love.   The truth is that the older you get the less sugar you can have. Raw ingredients can be a lifesavers — and I mean that literally. This is especially true for those of us who, historically, have enjoyed indulging our sweet tooth! In fact, by reducing your average weekly intake of refined sugar, you can slow down the aging process, get leaner, and possibly avoid some of the health challenges that seem to be cropping up more and more in modern times. A diet low in refined sugars is better for your digestive system and elevates your general well-being. Now, having said all that, I must admit that cutting-down on sugar has been a bit challenging for me in the past, especially at night when I like to have a treat. raw frozen desserts can be made without refined sugar   Since I’ve been reducing my intake of dairy and refined sugar, it has been a little more difficult to find a treat that’s both good for me and that I enjoy having. Until I discovered a solution: frozen desserts made in the blender! Raw and Blended Healthy Desserts with Less Sugar Instead of having conventional ice cream which is loaded with dairy, fat, and refined sugars, you can have this vegan option made up mostly of organic fruit. This is a frozen treat that is healthier; I’m not saying it’s completely sugar-free (fruit still contains natural sugars) and I’m not saying it’s not a dessert, but it is much healthier than most other desert options. At the moment, I’m using peaches ripe from my local farmers’ market, because they are fresh and in season. by reducing your average weekly intake of refined sugar, you can slow down the aging process“ Raw Peach Banana Ice Cream Recipe Combining these ingredients in your blender will delight your taste buds! ▸ peeled, frozen organic bananas ▸ peaches ▸ pre-soaked raw pecans (or macadamia nuts) ▸ cinnamon ▸ plenty of ice ▸ hemp milk   When it comes to quantity it depends on what you want from texture and consistency or thickness… so I encourage you to experiment. You can see what I like to use in this video:     Raw Food Kitchen: Tips & Tricks Every healthy kitchen needs a blender, and the more you use your blender, the better you get at using it. Here are some hints for helping your frozen dessert turn out great: You need a quality blender to make this fruit variation of ice cream, because there is a lot of ice and frozen fruit which can burn out the motor of a weaker model. Use a dampener to push the solid ingredients down towards the blades; they have a habit of getting struck. Also, always start in low speed, then work your way up. For you athletes out there, you can add a teaspoon or two of some natural whey protein, to help your body stay strong. Or, if you want to keep it vegan, add a bit of raw food plant protein powder. On days when I’ve exercised, I also toss in a teaspoon of coconut flour into the blender, which has a fantastic taste and mimics the richness of dairy ice cream — without the dairy. Many nutritionists believe that cinnamon is a spice that is particularly good for your health, so really add a lot! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, pour in a few drops of real vanilla extract, too. Adding the liquid rice or hemp milk is tricky, because you know you need at least enough to cover the blades at the bottom of the blender, but not so much that your ice cream turns to soup. Be patient, and add a little liquid at a time. As an alternative, you can substitue frozen organic blueberries or frozen organic strawberries for the peaches. When you’ve poured the mixture into a glass or bowl sprinkle a nutmeg topping for garnish. To learn more amazing raw recipes and to get leaner, look better, and have more energy than you ever have before, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

Here’s how to find the best and healthiest candles. by Jim Harris While some candles are good for your health, other candles can add to your indoor air pollution. Allow me to elaborate… Yesterday, during lunch with a friend, I mentioned that my wife and I were doing a detoxification program. He asked how often we do a detox, and I responded every 4 to 6 months. My friend looked puzzled and replied, “you live such a clean life. Why would you detox so often?” My answer was that none of us live in a protective bubble. We are all exposed to toxins on a regular basis — no matter how much we attempt to protect ourselves. Most of us are inadvertently adding to our toxic burden on a daily basis without knowing where it’s coming from. A client mentioned to me that the health studio she frequents burns several paraffin wax candles during classes and it makes her feel ill. Another client who performs maintenance on heating and air conditioning systems says that he can easily recognize when a household burns candles because of the black soot deposited on the filters within the furnace or heat exchanger. Flickering candles add beauty and create ambiance, while scented candles can set a mood that is uplifting, homey or even sensual. Nearly everyone loves candles — especially if they smell good — however, are you harming your health with the candles you burn? Paraffin Candles and Your Health According to the EPA, paraffin wax candles are a leading cause of indoor air pollution. Paraffin wax is part of the organic material in the petroleum sludge left over from oil and gas production. The wax is treated, bleached and processed into a solid and used to make a variety of things including candles. Most candles on the market today are made from paraffin wax, many have potentially toxic metal wicks and are scented with synthetic fragrances. Stabilizers are often added to the paraffin to control the way the candle burns.   Most of us are inadvertently adding to our toxic burden on a daily basis without knowing where it’s coming from.” candles and health Candles can emit trace amounts of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, and naphthalene all of which sound very nasty to be breathing in. Paraffin candles produce smoke and soot which are the product of the petroleum-based paraffin wax. A 2009 study confirmed that even unscented, non-pigmented paraffin candles using no dyes still released pollutants into the air. While these candles can look and smell good they may actually be affecting your health by adding to your toxic burden. Healthy Candles We have alternative and healthy choices for our candles which include soy and beeswax candles. Look for candles with wicks made from braided cotton or paper with a cellulose core (the purpose of a “core” in a wick is to prevent the wick from falling over and extinguishing itself). You can also choose candles that contain plant based all natural essential oils. Essential oils usually won’t trigger asthma and can truly have a therapeutic effect. A major benefit of beeswax is that it allows for complete combustion of the wax and the wick due to the hotter flame resulting from the beeswax. It gives a slow, clean burn that is virtually smoke-free and soot-free. As a bonus, slow, even burning beeswax candles do not drip. When you light a beeswax candle it burns with a golden bright light and releases a wonderful honey fragrance adding calmness to your environment. Although I am not an advocate of soy as a healthy food, soy candles are clean burning and a healthy alternative to paraffin candles. Be certain your soy candle is 100% soy, for example not 10% soy and 90% paraffin. There are more and more manufacturers out there that make truly pure, safe candles — you just have to look for them — so choose your candles carefully. Enjoy your healthy candles and remember they have open flames and precautions must be taken to prevent an unexpected fire in your home. never leave burning candles unattended keep lighted candles away from children and pets keep the wick trimmed for a low flame use sturdy candle holders keep candles clear of combustible materials Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Long-term use of pain medications can sometimes create more problems than they solve.But there are healthy alternatives for managing pain! by Jim Harris The most frequently purchased over-the-counter medications are those for pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for the short-term. Habitual long-term use of these medications can sometimes cause problems such as arthritic changes, internal bleeding and more.   Developing a healthy wellness lifestyle today will yield tremendous benefits for a pain and inflammation-free future!” The American Journal of Medicine estimated in 1998 that approximately 107,000 people are hospitalized each year for NSAID related GI complications. There were at least 16,500 NSAID deaths each year among arthritic patients.   Healthy Strategies for Pain Control fish & vegetable pain control The good news is that there are healthy strategies for pain control which can be as effective as the NSAIDs. Anti-Inflammatory Diet The Standard American Diet (SAD) feeds the fire of inflammation because it is lacking in antioxidants and minerals and filled with pro-inflammatory foods like refined sugars, starches and hydrogenated oils. A revitalizing diet consists of complex carbohydrates, quality fats and protein. Fish and vegetable sources of protein are less inflammatory than other animal-based proteins.   Detoxification My experience as a naturopath has revealed to me that many people suffering with chronic pain are carrying a large toxic load inside that is burdening their bodies. A quality whole-body detoxification is paramount in reducing the inflammation in their bodies and pain level.   Strategic Nutrients I have recognized that a great deal of chronic pain is inflammation-based. I look at natural nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. For this, I use nutrients, and botanicals or herbs. Vitamin D is right at the top of my list of nutrients to use. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and in addition a Vitamin-D deficiency can be the cause of inflammation. Essential Fatty Acids and Omega-3 fats in particular are buzz words today. Yet most people still are not aware of all their positive benefits. While a maintenance dose of EFAs is 1400 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, a daily dose of 3000 to 5000 mg reduces both pain and inflammation. After a few months with this high dose of Omega-3 fats, it is best to switch to a blend of Omega-3, 6 and 9. There are also the botanicals. Large amounts of research supports the use of herbs for the control of pain and inflammation. Herbs such as… celery seed ginger turmeric boswellia …are an integral part of my practice for the control of pain and inflammation. Enzymic Therapy The prudent use of enzymes is an important aspect of the pain and inflammation protocol in my practice. Research shows us that enzymes: speed up the inflammatory process and bring it to a conclusion help clean up the waste products in an area like little “Pac Men” eating up biological debris decrease pain and swelling improve the supply of nutrients to an area Developing a healthy wellness lifestyle today will yield tremendous benefits for a pain and inflammation-free future! Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. You might also enjoy: green smoothies can change your life! FREE 1-minute Smoothie Video Guide ~ ↪ Secrets Tips for Healthiest Shakes! // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Your health and longevity are directly impacted by Vitamin D, in more ways than we ever realized! by Jim Harris In my most recent post, I stated the importance of Vitamin D in the reduction of inflammation and pain. The good new is that this is only the tip of the iceberg with respect to Vitamin D! Dr. Cedric F. Garland is a cancer prevention specialist at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In a study, he and his colleagues estimated that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented each year worldwide by increasing intake of vitamin D3. For the first time, we are saying that 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year worldwide, including nearly 150,000 in the United States alone.” ~ Dr. Cedric Garland New Vitamin D Research The amount of new research on the benefits of Vitamin D makes it easy for me to say that everyone should be on a daily dose of Vitamin D. This new research shows that low blood levels of Vitamin D can be associated with: hypertension migraine headaches influenza diabetes gum disease epilepsy osteoporosis heart disease   This list is just the beginning, because I can add: infertility PMS fatigue seasonal affective disorder depression MS rheumatoid arthritis Crohn’s disease   Vitamin D has been shown to: improve survival with lung cancer increase athletic performance increase cognitive performance in adults Vitamin D should be part of any pain treatment protocol. Vitamin D How is it that Vitamin D can have such far reaching effects? All of your body organs and cells have receptor sites for Vitamin D. This means that Vitamin D communicates throughout your body. The vast majority of new clients in my practice have an over acidic body chemistry which is a breeding ground for disease/illness. Our body chemistry does not function properly even if we are only mildly acidic. Calcium is a major buffer in our body to reduce acidity and Vitamin D consumption causes increased calcium absorption to supply a reservoir of buffering agent for the acidic body. Better health comes with better body chemistry! My experience is that not all Vitamin D supplements are equal. I generally recommend to my clients a specific Vitamin D that has nano-sized particles in an oil emulsion which is absorbed directly into the lymph system. A safe dose is 2000IU for children and 4000IU for adults. You should evaluate your Vitamin D dosage with a yearly blood test for 25 (hydroxyl) Vitamin D. Your goal should be for a reading of at least 50 ng/ml. Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Longevity can be achieved through healthier choices. It’s time to stop blaming “bad” genes and choose health. by Sean Cameron Time and time again we hear stories about people’s ailments or poor health being blamed on “bad genes” or a family’s having a history of people dying in their 50s. While some traits are certainly hereditary, it’s important that we not believe that we’re bound and destined to get a condition after mid-life simply because our relatives did and therefore we believe it to be in our DNA. The danger in believing that everything is hereditary and genetically predetermined is that is can cause people to give up on attaining optimum health. Through better habits and healthier choices, people can reverse their fortune.   Healthy Choices You Decide Blaming your genes is a sad decision that places you in the role of unhealthy victim, when you could be your own hero! It’s time to look to the future rather than past. This is an empowering message: through healthier lifestyle choices we can dramatically improve our health and live longer, better, lives.   Bad Genes I’m not denying that hereditary disease exists or that people aren’t susceptible to certain health problems. Try to think of it this way: bad genes can make you pre-disposed to a condition but these conditions are often also triggered by environmental factors or diet choices. Isn’t that a freeing notion? To know you can have a genetic disease but you’ll never get it because of healthy choices you made? To give you an example of the new kind of healthier choices people are making, here’s Dane sharing tips for that new trend, the green smoothie: Unfortunately, the current standard American diet and lifestyle does not help the nation achieve longer living. But there is a growing movement of people educating themselves and finding out ways to beat allergies, disease and family history though, you’ve guessed it, healthier choices. Product Of Choice   I often ask people if they are a product of nature or nurture and I try to make a point that it’s neither. It’s a product of choice. You can choose your response to both nature and nurture.” ~ Stephen Covey While the medical community focuses on miracle breakthroughs that will allow future generations to live well beyond 100, we can make positive changes in our own lives that will impact us now and add years to our own lives. That’s why at instantDane.tv we concentrate on what healthier choices we can make to increase our lifespan today. It’s particularly helpful when you can turn healthier choices into daily habits, because once a habit becomes a part of your brain’s wiring and your body’s muscle memory, it becomes easier to stick with. Healthy Choices you can make: choose exercise choose to reduce your sugar intake choose to eat more vegetables choose to detoxify with green smoothies choose to avoid stress through better organization   To find out my 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘

  Cutting down on sugar doesn’t mean you can’t have a tasty dessert every now and then. I try to avoid refined sugar in my meals and now when I have one-too-many cookies I really notice the impact it has on my day. Almost like a sugar hangover. So now I’ve been searching online for more desserts I can make without the need to add sugar. Raw Cheesecake is a fantastic treat and actually easier to make than the original. For me, the extra challenge is that I’ve been mostly gluten and dairy-free for the last two years (which has really helped my allergies). Finding something sweet that is dairy and gluten-free is hard enough. When you throw in no refined sugar I thought it would be impossible. When I came across this Raw Cheesecake recipe, I discovered it was far easier to make then a traditional recipe and tasted better than any cheesecake I’d ever eaten in my entire life! by Sean Cameron raw cherry cheesecake is a healthy dessert Why Raw Cheesecake Is the Best Cheesecake There are many benefits to choosing to make a Raw Cheesecake: ▸ no refined sugar ▸ no processed ingredients ▸ it’s vegan so has no animal products means you don’t have to worry about cholesterol ▸ nuts are high in protein ▸ it’s delicious!   Raw Cheesecake Recipe This recipe is based on Raw Raspberry Cheesecake by Nathalie Lussier at rawfoodswitch.com. You can get her original recipe along with 29 other raw desserts by signing up to her newsletter at the website. I actually made Raw Cherry Cheesecake because Wholefoods had a sale on cherries and, well: they are awesome. “it was far easier to make then the original recipe and tasted better than any cheesecake I’d ever eaten in my entire life!” The Base To make the base you’ll need: ⊙ 2 cups of walnuts (or pecans) ⊙ 12 soft dates ⊙ pinch of salt Blend all the above ingredients in a food processor. I tried a blender the first time but it gets quite think and jams up the blades. Blend your ingredients until it becomes a dough and pat down into a pie pan, or, if you want to get fancy: a spring form pan. The Filling To make the filling you will need: ⊙ 3 cups of soaked cashews ⊙ 1/2 cup of honey or a few drops of stevia ⊙ 1/2 cup of lemon juice ⊙ 2/3 cup of coconut oil ⊙ dash of vanilla ⊙ 1/4 cup of water Drop all of these ingredients into a blender and make sure the water covers the blades so it doesn’t jam up. A great tip Natalie shares is putting your coconut oil into a bowl of warm water to help it melt without having to heat up the oven. Pour the filling into your pie pan or spring form pan and leave it to chill in the fridge for a few hours. The Topping Really, you can add the fruit topping of your choice, Natalie does raspberry, I chose cherries, and I’m guessing blueberries would be excellent. Place one cup of fresh or frozen into the blender with a 1/4 cup of honey or dash or stevia. I didn’t have honey so dropped in a few tablespoons of Agave Nectar instead. Blend it until it is as chunky as you desire and then pour on top of your cheesecake and leave it in the fridge to set. You could also refrigerate the cherry sauce for later and then pour it on individual slices if you prefer. We’ll be exploring plenty more healthy dessert options so check back with us at instantDane.tv, or read our Peach Banana Ice Cream recipe. Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! New research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To receive this vital information, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

What Would It Feel Like to Be Extremely Healthy?       Living longer, and better, is about acquiring new lifestyle habits.         At instantDane.tv, we like to entertain and illuminate with a yin/yang approach: ▸ for the left side of your brain, we present features that reveal the lastest science behind longevity ▸ for the right side of your brain, we share features that explore the art of living better Longevity Requires More Than Just Information, It Requires Inspiration! longevity ~ how to live to 100We figure that this holistic approach to engaging your brain will ensure that much of this important information about how to live 100 and beyond is retained by your mind, and then converted into new good habits that will help you to live a longer, more robust life!       We invite you to use our site as a sort of “cheat sheet” of longevity resources that you can access quickly (within this short post alone are links to 8 articles and 1 video with information that help you improve your health and fitness!). Think of instantDane.tv as a frequently updated list of the most important information we have on how to live to 100 and beyond! Remember: the Longevity Lifestyle requires a yin/yang approach. Information alone isn’t going to help you adopt healthier habits, you need daily inspiration, too. This site contains valuable longevity resources to help you live the best life possible!” Additionally, to find out the simplest 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘

      More consultants and healthcare practitioners are moving online to help their clients.       by Jim Harris   Google+ and Skype are making virtual healthcare practice a reality. There is a high degree of interest today when someone mentions an internet or virtual-based healthcare practice. Questions arise relating to how a virtual practice works. People are curious whether it’s suitable for their personal needs. All kinds of business consultants today are using social media, video calls and video conferencing. But this discussion primarily relates to holistic healthcare.   Holistic Healthcare in the 21st Century: Google+ and Skype Holistic practitioners work under the premise that the body has the innate ability to heal and/or repair itself. For the repair or healing to occur, anything stressing the body must be removed and the correct building blocks need to be available. The stressors could include: emotional stress chemical toxins metals organisms (such as bacteria, fungi, parasites)     The function of the virtual practitioner is to determine if there are stressors present and to develop a strategy or protocol for their removal. The practitioner must also address a systematic approach for the healing or rebuilding of the body to occur.   Holistic practitioners work under the premise that the body has the innate ability to heal and/or repair itself”       Potential clients of the virtual practitioner generally have gone through the practice’s web site and gained a degree of familiarity with the practice and the practitioner. The potential client tends to be well-informed and prepared with pertinent questions. First contact between the new client and the practitioner is usually by either email or telephone. Subsequent communications are generally made by video conferencing using computers and free programs like Hangouts on Google+, or Skype. A virtual practitioner will need to have good listening skills, a wealth of theoretical knowledge and years of prior hands-on clinical experience.     Advantages to Clients of Virtual Healthcare Practice no travel time required for appointments elimination of travel expenses for appointments weather at time of appointment is not an issue appointments are in the comfort of your home or office practitioner and client can be in different cities or states as the distance between them is not an issue necessary supplements, herbs, etc. are conveniently drop-shipped right to your door   The next time you think about wanting to have quality of life as you get older you may want to think about a contacting a virtual holistic healthcare practitioner.   Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.       To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘     new HelloBar(7302,4836);     The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

green smoothies can help you lose belly fat     Green smoothies are delicious and help you lose belly fat.       A green smoothie each day will do wonders for your health. Green smoothies detoxify your body while infusing you with nutrients. And, there’s one more thing a green smoothie each day can accomplish for you, over time: to lose belly fat. How to Lose Belly Fat by Drinking Green Smoothies When I started drinking green smoothies, I wasn’t trying to lose belly fat, or any weight at all. I just wanted to be healthier, stronger, and have more energy. I was thinking longterm — to get as many nutrients and superfoods into my body as I needed to feel fantastic, extend my lifespan, age successfully, and prevent illness. But then, a funny thing started to happen: my waist started to shrink…   If my story intrigues you and you would like to experiment with a bit of green smoothie-making to see if you can lose belly fat, too, then I encourage you to go for it. However, I recommend that your emphasis be on improving your overall health. Coming from a positive mindset of honoring your body will eventually help you more than just focusing on the cosmetic changes. I wasn’t trying to lose belly fat, or any weight at all. I just wanted to be healthier, stronger, and have more energy.” To help make your journey into the blender-lifestyle easier, here are some tips to save you time. I know that most of our site’s users keep very busy schedules, so hopefully these kitchen tips will prove helpful, not only to lose belly fat, but also to increase your strength and energy! How to Save Time Preparing Your Green Smoothies Making green smoothies doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive task as long as you have the right preparation. Green smoothies are not that hard to make, though sometimes I find that early in the morning — when I’m groggy and without my wits (exactly when I don’t want to make a smoothie) — is when I benefit from a smoothie most. It’s as if I need a green smoothie just to give me the energy and alertness I need to make a green smoothie! Be Prepared: How to Food Prep Your Smoothies The best way to approach this is do some preparation for your green smoothie beforehand. It’s far easier to spend some time preparing your green ingredients once a week. Every week I head to the farmers market to buy a week’s worth of produce. I pick up all my dark leafy greens: spinach, kale, arugula, swiss chard, parsley, sprouts and microgreens (along with celery, cucumbers, fruits, etc). I keep all the ingredients in washable produce bags. Be Clean: It’s Important to Wash Your Veggies Back in the kitchen I wash the greens and put them in the salad spinner. Once dry, the greens are evenly placed into separate bags. Time Saver: Now You’re Ready for a Week of Green Smoothies! Now, in anticipation of when I wake up, I’ve just simplified my steps: I pour one of the bags of “green leafys” into the blender, then add the extra ingredients — such as fruit, seeds or nuts, plant-protein powder, spices and ice. No thinking, no fuss, and best off all: no washing. I can start drinking my smoothie first thing in the morning and have a great start to the day! For instant access to the Green Smoothie 1-minute video library, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

You’ve heard about people taking probiotic supplements.Are they right for you? by Jim Harris If you watch any television, you know that probiotics are being promoted in certain processed foods. Is this just a current “buzz” word to attract attention? Or is there truth to what Jamie Lee Curtis says in her commercials?   Probiotics are required for healthy gut microbial balance and therefore also for good general health.” What they’re talking about in the TV commercials is the balance of good and bad organisms in the gut. Two things are commonly found when cultures are grown from gut organisms. ✧   there is an abundance of bad bacteria (or “bad bugs”) ✧   there is an absence of good bacteria When there is an abundance of bad bacteria and few good bacteria in the gut, this is called gut dysbiosis. It is not a sign of good health. 5 Things that Can Mess Up Your Gut Here are some key causes of this unhealthy imbalance:   Stress ~  stress causes a change in gut pH which negatively affects the growth of good gut bacteria   Low Fiber Diet ~ good bacteria feeds on fiber. if you don’t have enough fiber, you starve the good guys   Sugar-Laden Diet ~ sugar feeds bad bacteria!   Trans-Fats ~ a diet high in trans-fats and hydrogenated oils will reduce bile flow. this helps regulate gut pH and food transit time needed to support the growth of good gut bacteria   Antibiotics ~ antibiotics (which can come from a prescribed pill or from commercially prepared meat like chicken, beef or pork) may kill off the good gut bacteria The majority of people I see in my practice have some sort of digestive issue. Healthy probiotics have been shown to improve digestive function!   Probiotics and the Benefits of a Balanced Gut A healthy balance of gut bacteria has these additional benefits: improves or modulates the gut immune system reduces the number of bad or unhealthy bacteria helps to maintain a healthy gut mucosal lining. this assists in blocking unhealthy organisms and foreign bodies from crossing into the blood stream helps to improve liver function probiotics It is my belief that all of us need to go on a periodic re-seeding of the beneficial bacteria with a high quality probiotic. Consideration must also be given to supplying the required food for these good bacteria in the form of a prebiotic. For those with a large imbalance of bad to good bacteria, I institute a weed-and-feed program. The weed is to kill off the bad bacteria. The feed is to re-populate the gut with the good bacteria. Probiotics is not just a “buzz” word used to promote commercial food products. Probiotics are required for healthy gut microbial balance and therefore also for good general health. Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

      Good decision-making is an essential lifeskill; you can learn how to make the right decision!         Do you know how to make the right decision, when the right decision does not seem obvious? Good decision-making is an ability that will move you quickly toward your goals — when executed properly. Life is a series of choices and success is directly correlated to the amount of good decisions that you make. Let’s face it: if you were to collect a small random group of people together, probably at least one person in that group has developed a reputation among her friends for making unfortunate choices (almost everyone has that friend who chooses the wrong mate, the wrong job, the wrong car…). Clearly, some of us are better than others at choosing. But is making excellent decisions a common sense, that we’re born with, or can we learn — over time — to make better choices in our lives? Some people don’t seem to have an organic, common-sense knack for how to make the right decision — and yet good decision-making is a skill that can be learned!   Pause and Breathe: How to Make the Right Decision Most of the Time Bestselling author Shad Helmstetter wrote a book about discovering the 100 most-important choices. He believes that it is indeed possible to become more conscious and careful in choosing, and it starts by increasing our awareness of the choices we make in a typical day and that we develop the intention for learning how to make the right decision and that we approach the process with an un-rushed reverence. For example, here just some possible choices you could make during your day:   how much time I will spend conversing with my spouse what I will think about while I’m getting ready this morning whether or not I eat breakfast how much time I give myself to get ready before leaving the house with whom I will spend most of my time today if I will read from a book today and, if so, which one how much television I will watch the appearance of my home the organization of my home office how long something will stay broken before I fix it how much time I will spend with my kids today if I will invite a friend over today whether or not I will have fresh vegetables with my dinner how late I will stay up tonight what I will think about just before I go to sleep tonight how early I will rise tomorrow morning   These are just a fraction of the choices we make in a typical day. So often, we make our choices unconsciously, on autopilot, by default — by not choosing deliberately. What can be helpful is to do the opposite: to take a fresh, objective look at our daily choices!   Secret Formula Reveals How to Make the Right Decision On a Jean Chatzky radio show, I heard Dr. Doug Hirschhorn expand on this even further, sharing a mathematical formula for determining smart risk. Now, when I first heard this, I went, “huh?” My brain shut down after the words “mathematical formula.” But last night, I was saying the formula out loud to myself, and suddenly I “got it.” All you have to do is assign a probability, using a combination of your logic and intuition. Here is the formula:   probability x magnitude = expected value   Completing the formula, sounds like this: “There is an 80% chance that if I do this, I will have this outcome: [fill in the blank yourself].” And then say the opposite, “There is a [fill in the blank yourself] chance that if I don’t do this, I will have this outcome: [put outcome here].” According to Dr. Hirschhorn, this simple process can be extremely clarifying when trying to figure out what is the best thing to do next — especially if you’re on-the-fence about something. I’m looking forward to experimenting with this formula the next time I am undecided about something! Making good choices consistently is a big part of being a highly productive person, and by playing with noticing how and when you make the simplest of choices throughout the day, you will increase your awareness of the choices available to you each day, we start to make even better ones! Yes, you can learn excellent decision-making! Making good choices takes practice, and it all begins with awareness.         Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Research reveals new habits that will help you to look better, feel better, and be stronger than you ever thought possible. To find out 12 Easy Ways to Add at least 12 Healthy Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks, plus access to free goodies!  ↘    new HelloBar(7302,4836);    The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

The trick to taking years off your appearance and helping your skin to look better is to allow your skin to breathe!Here’s how to do it. by Jim Harris Skin is an important part of the overall wellness puzzle. There are simple techniques that you can use to help your skin look better and be healthier!   my wife and I have a rule that we will not put anything on our skin that we wouldn’t eat” Most people don’t think of their skin as an organ but it actually plays a significant role in the elimination of waste and toxins. The liver is responsible for 2/3 of the body’s purification and elimination activity. The remaining 1/3 is shared by: the skin lungs kidneys lymphatics and intestines The pores must remain open for the skin to effectively function as an organ.. Having clean, open pores helps your skin look better! We need to shed dry skin on a daily basis and not clog up the pores with creams that have synthetic ingredients or potions that are laden with petrochemicals. The pharmaceutical industry makes transdermal patches for estrogen and smoking-cessation products because the skin transports them into the body. With this in mind, my wife and I have a rule that we will not put anything on our skin that we wouldn’t eat because whatever we put on our skin is being absorbed internally. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate is an emulsifier in many skin creams that could have all kinds of possible health risks as it is absorbed into the body. Fortunately, there are effective ways to take great care of your skin that don’t involve applying chemicals to it! Help Your Skin Look Better: 7 Tips for Healthier Skin Eat!   Eat 10 servings of fruit and vegetables each day ~ this provides fiber for healthy bowel elimination as well as antioxidants to scavenge for skin damaging free radicals. Drink!   Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily ~ A 140-pound person should drink 70 ounces of toxin free water each day. Move!   We need exercise and to perspire in order to flush the toxins from our lymph system. Brush!   Dry skin brushing ~ dry brush daily before showering to stimulate the lymph system and remove excess skin cells. You’ll see your skin look better after even just one dry brushing! Moisturize!   Oil your skin from the inside ~ add healthy dietary oils to the diet like coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil as well as a balance of the essential fatty acids (EFAs). Supplement!   Supplement with quality multivitamins and minerals ~ we need the trace minerals for optimal nutrition and to rid the body of toxins. Soak!   Epsom salts and baking soda baths can be a great way to open skin pores and allow metabolic acids to leave the body and rehydrate the skin. Bathing in Salts Can Help Your Skin Look Better  This may seem like a lot of things to do but remember that these principals are also reducing the risk for diseases. Optimal internal health will manifest itself with a robust and healthy skin glow, helping you to look energized and taking years off your appearance. Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to the free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!  ↘ // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  People are talking about green smoothies and their amazing health benefits, but how many calories are in a green smoothie?   Green smoothies are life-changing, helping you to become lean and strong, and to have higher energy — but how many calories are in a green smoothie? The number of calories in a green smoothie varies. Though green smoothies are typically low in calories, just how low-calorie they are depends on the recipe. I suggest letting the purpose of the green smoothie determine the calorie count: ⊙ Is the smoothie a meal, or just a snack? ⊙ Did you exercise yesterday? ⊙ Are you mostly hoping to: reduce body fat, gain muscle, or maintain weight? How you answer these questions will determine what kind of green smoothie you make for yourself. Green Smoothie Calorie Breakdown The leafy green vegetables used in a typical green smoothie are very low in calories. Of course, a nutritionally dense green smoothie can benefit from a variety of other ingredients. green smoothies are rich and filling, but light in calories   Here are two of my green smoothie recipes. Take a look at the calorie breakdown.   Recipe #1: Tropical Green Smoothie 1/2 cup or more of raw kale ~ 16 cals 1 stalk of celery ~ 7 cals 1/8 cup of raw sprouted pumpkin seeds ~ 90 cals 1/2 cup pineapple ~ 45 cals One heaping tablespoon of plant-based protein “powder” (optional for athletes) ~ 55 cals 1 teaspoon of coconut flour ~ 10 cals 1/2 teaspoon of bee pollen ~ 8 cals 3 dashes of ginger and 1 dash of turmeric ~ 2 cals pure water and ice Total Calories: 278   For every extra 100 calories a person eats (or drinks) each day, that adds up to 10 pounds at the end of a year. Just 100 calories! You know how EASY that is?“                                       ~ Dr. Chris Mohr Recipe #2: Spinach Mango Smoothie 1 1/2 cups of frozen organic spinach ~ 38 cals 1 cup of other raw organic vegetables (e.g. chard, yellow or red bell peppers, parsley, cucumber) ~ 25 cals 1 1/2 teaspoons of raw organic macadamia nut butter ~ 54 cals 14 small cubes of mango (about 1 1/2 cups) ~ 90 cals One heaping tablespoon of plant-based protein “powder” (optional) ~ 55 cals Total Calories: 262   I know of some Paleo athletes who — for additional protein — will add one raw (washed) organic farmer’s market egg; bringing the grand total to 325 calories.     Caloric Intake: Doing the Math What’s interesting about this, is that it’s generally believed that the body can process approximately 600 to 800 calories at a time, and that when you exceed that amount the body then has to store some of that food energy as fat. So, if we use that 600-calorie mark as a barometer, we can see that these green smoothie recipes are providing us with a nutrient rich meal, packed with dietary fiber, and low enough in calories to prevent an increase in body fat. I encourage you to experiment with these two green smoothie recipes. Use them as jumping-off point, adding or subtracting other ingredients and calories based on your unique needs for any given day.   For instant access to the 1-minute Green Smoothie Video Library, simply subscribe for the free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

A detox cleanse can help us feel great again, ridding our bodies of the bad stuff that can accumulate inside over time. Have you ever done a detox? I believe that the human body benefits from a detox regimen periodically, especially today when we find ourselves surrounded often by the temptations of unhealthy foods! Each new client comes to me with a different list of health symptoms or health issues. One may be complaining about daily headaches, while the other has elevated blood pressure. These symptoms may not appear to have a common link on the surface; however, I’ve come to recognize that many symptoms and client-complaints disappear when we address toxicity. Toxic Syndrome Toxic Syndrome is an end-result of general toxic overload. Toxicity can begin to burden the body to the point that a person begins to experience one or more health issues.   Jack Needs a Detox Jack came to see me with elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Using my standard evaluation methods, Jack fell into my category of general toxic overload. One week into his program, Jack’s M.D. reduced his blood pressure medication by 50%. After two weeks Jack was completely off his high blood pressure medication. When I saw Jack four weeks into his program, his blood pressure was remaining normal and his blood sugar had dropped to near normal levels. Additionally we were working with Jack’s diet and his digestion. Peter Needs a Detox Peter presented himself with a number of symptoms including daily intractable headaches. Similar to Jack, Peter’s evaluation indicated a general toxic overload and he started a program to assist him in clearing his toxic burden. Peter was amazed with the reduction of his symptoms which included weight loss, a degree of emotional stability he had not experienced in years and no more daily headaches. His Toxic Syndrome symptoms had disappeared. Exposed to an Unnatural World Jack and Peter’s stories are not unique but are more the norm with my new clients: The majority of us are not born with a toxic overload but slowly build up a level of toxicity over decades through environmental exposures to substances toxic to our systems” The toxic burden continues to add up slowly over time until a tipping point is reached when symptoms begin to arise like Jack’s elevated blood pressure and blood sugar and Peter’s mood swings and daily headaches. As toxic burden increases, a steady downward decline in health status is set in motion. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the lotions and soaps we use to groom ourselves with. It is very difficult to avoid toxin exposure on a daily basis but we can take steps to reduce our exposure. 4 Types of Everyday Toxins Toxin exposure falls into 4 primary categories: •    Environmental toxins •    Household toxins •    Food toxins •    Lifestyle toxins Environmental Toxins Pollution from trucks, cars and trains, wastes from factories as combustion pollutants go into the air that we breathe. There are the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the air from compounds like Agent Orange and DDT which will be floating in the air we breathe for a hundred years or more. The majority of the 20 million people suffering from asthma in this country live in areas with poor air quality. Household Toxins New furniture, carpets, rugs and freshly painted walls give off gases to the air we breathe in our home. Chemicals used as flame-retardants on our clothes and furniture fabrics  persist for an extended period of time in the home environment, eventually accumulating in our bodies further adding to the toxic burden. Food Toxins Chemical pesticides and insecticides are used on the fruit and vegetables we consume on a daily basis. Data shows that over 90% of fresh salmon, more than a third of fruit and vegetables, and 40% of cereal products, contain pesticide residues which enters our body when we consume the food. Lifestyle Toxins We know the dangers of both first and second hand cigarette smoke. Drugs, both over the counter and prescription, are synthetic chemicals which can end up as toxic deposits in the body. Very likely your deodorant, perfume, hair shampoo and conditioner, body wash and makeup are further adding to your toxic load. Detox: How to Do a Whole Body Cleanse raw organic vegetables There is much we can do on a daily basis to reduce our exposure to the harmful chemicals that add to our toxic load and to the development of “Toxic Syndrome”. When Toxic Syndrome is present due to an overwhelming toxic burden then a detoxification program must be instituted in order to reverse the ensuing downward decline in health status. A detoxifying regimen designed and supervised by a health professional could be helpful to you.   by Jim Harris Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.

  A new era of state-of-the-art homemakers are excelling at the domestic sciences.   Homemakers are half artists and half scientists. I genuinely believe that the success of modern culture hinges on our willingness to value and respect the domestic arts and sciences. And yet, somewhere along the way, homemaking got a bad rap. There are several reasons why this occurred, but the end result is that, in our culture, being a homemaker lost much of its status and appeal. When a culture doesn’t value its homemakers (regardless of gender), then fewer people opt to become one (even when they hear the call to this vocation), and this poses a problem. Our lives our not made from big, dramatic “oscar moments,” despite what you see in movies. Rather, our lives are formed from small, everyday moments. Homemakers: Masters of the Quotidian a talented homemaker can improve a family's quality of life   Our little daily habits and rituals might seem inconsequential when looked at separately, but when looked at in their consecutive entirety, it’s easy to recognize them for what they are: the very fabric of our lives. True homemakers see homemaking as an art and a science. Homemakers are in charge of society’s daily habits and rituals. They facilitate life and living. The home is where we nourish, heal, and recharge our spirits, our minds, and our bodies, and whoever facilitates that is a sort of modern-day shaman” Our daily life forms our “quotidian.” Our quotidian is sacred. It forms young psyches and makes — or breaks — cultures. I believe passionately that we need to return status to today’s homemaker. Yes, I actually believe the well-being of modern society hinges on our ability to revere homemaking, and hold it as among the noblest of modern professions. When we can accomplish this, our culture will be healthier and less narcissistic. In my opinion, it’s very important that we achieve this. Creating an Inspired Home from the Inside-Out Recently, I was interviewed by the Forbes sisters of Inspired Everyday Living. Laura and Alison and I are aligned in our belief that a home is more than four walls — it is the foundation from which a stellar life is built. I invite you to have a look at the interview, and let me know if you have any thoughts or questions!   Live the High-Energy Lifestyle! Our Longevity e-Newsletter reveals secrets to help you look better and feel better – more than you ever thought possible. For instant access to the goodies, subscribe below:

Research suggests that resveratrol is a nutrient that increases life expectancy in humans. by Jim Harris One of the ultimate fables of human history concerns the desire to extend life expectancy. The myth has been an oral tradition in many cultures throughout the world, and tells the tale of someone enthusiastically in search of a remote and mysterious location, where there will exist waters that have such miraculous curative powers, that any old person who bathes in them will regain his or her youth! Life Expectancy: In Search of the Fountain of Youth The odds of you discovering the fountain of youth are unlikely. I should know as I’ve been looking for more than twenty years! Would you settle for a longer-than-average life expectancy, with quality in those added years? Scientists today believe we have the ability to modify the aging process by expanding life expectancy and giving higher quality by reducing the diseases that people typically get when they age. There is a class of enzymes called sirtuins that exhibits these anti-aging properties. The sirtuins enzymes are universal regulators of aging and life expectancy in all living organisms. Sirtuins play a role in gene repair, increased cell survival, increased energy metabolism, and the bodies positive response to stress. Undoubtedly the pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to find a patentable drug that will enhance sirtuin function. Fortunately there is a natural substance that will increase sirtuin activity and that substance is resveratrol. Studies with resveratrol indicate: Yeast treated with resveratrol survive 60% longer than untreated yeast Resveratrol increased the lifespan of worms and flies by nearly 30% The lifespan of resveratrol treated fish increased by almost 60% Mice fed a high caloric diet and resveratrol have less damage to their livers Resveratrol treated mice can run twice as far as those with no resveratrol Life Expectancy Increases with Resveratrol Research has given us plenty of data on the clinical benefits of resveratrol: Reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides Inhibits plaque formation in the arteries Aids in blood clot prevention Normalizes blood pressure Regulates blood sugar Enhances the body’s antioxidant pool Resveratrol, as many of you will know, is naturally occurring in red wine. To put this into perspective, one bottle of high quality Pinot Noir contains about 5 mg. of resveratrol. I take a 250 mg. capsule of resveratrol each day which would be the equivalent of drinking 25 bottles of Pinot Noir per day. So if you plan on getting your total resveratrol from red wine you should reconsider your choices. Before you rush out to purchase resveratrol you need to understand that not all forms of resveratrol are biologically active. This puts you at the mercy of the manufacturer and their suppliers. As a consumer you must determine that your source of resveratrol is well-tested and documented to be biologically active. Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Our bodies respond to toxicity in foods by creating visceral belly fat. The good news is that this toxicity can be neutralized with proper food preparation!     by Jim Harris   Common knowledge is that food contains a variety of nutrients. A lesser-known fact is that many foods perceived as being healthy have toxicity. These toxic substances found in foods are known as anti-nutrients. In most cases, the food contains the “anti-nutrient” in order to assure the continued lifecycle of the plant. For example, grains — which must be able to sprout in an appropriate environment to continue the grain’s lifecycle — contain anti-nutrients. Grains protect themselves from predators by being armed with toxic proteins in the form of enzyme-blockers and lectins. These enzyme-blockers disrupt the predator’s digestive enzymes discouraging the bird or animal from eating further grain meals. When we humans eat poorly prepared grains, our bodies respond to those anti-nutrients by creating visceral belly fat. Yes, our bodies often create extra belly fat in order to pad and protect our vital organs from toxicity! The enzyme blockers also act as preservatives for the grain until the grain sprouts at which time most of the enzyme blockers disappear. We know that lectins are toxic proteins which also act as natural pesticides for the grains, protecting them from bacteria, fungi, insects, worms and rodents. Most humans, however, are not aware of the negative toxic effects of unprepared grains to their personal health.   Neutralizing Toxicity: A Better Plan for Nutritional Health   Grains, beans and legumes including soy are full of enzyme blockers and lectins. Potatoes contain not only enzyme blockers and lectins but also a group of toxins known as glycoalkaloids. This group of toxins are collectively known as anti-nutrients. Lectins and enzyme blockers are mostly neutralized by sprouting or fermentation and sometimes the cooking process (cooking however does nothing to alter the toxic effects of the glycoalkaloids in potatoes).   My grandmother always told me ‘you are what you eat’ and for me those words from her wisdom never get old as I am constantly reminded of the benefits of eating the correct foods with proper preparation”         The glycoalkaloids are particularly concentrated in green and injured potatoes which should be avoided and eating raw potatoes is something that is strongly discouraged. Some enzyme blockers disrupt the body’s natural protein digestive enzymes including the enzyme pepsin in our stomachs, and trypsin and chymotrepsin in our small intestines. Others block the effects of the enzyme amylase for the digestion of starch. With the blocking of these enzyme functions, the digestive process is altered and the absorption and uptake of essential nutrients from our food is disrupted; thus the name anti-nutrients.     to learn if your body is currently healthy or has toxicity, you can take Jim’s toxicity questionnaire     Additionally, lectins can have devastating effects on our cells by tricking them into doing things they normally would not do. Lectins can be responsible for removing protective mucous from tissue, damaging the cell lining of our intestines, stimulating cells to secrete hormones, causing pancreatic enlargement and much more. Lectins may even be responsible for tricking our immune systems into attacking ourselves as seen in the auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as examples. My message for today is to either avoid the foods containing enzyme blockers, lectins and glycoalkaloids or learn how to properly prepare foods to neutralize the negative effects of antinutrients. As I mentioned above, sprouting and fermentation helps to reduce the negative effects of enzyme blockers and lectins. Additionally, you can soak your grains to:   deactivate the enzyme inhibitors deactivate phytic acid which blocks the absorption of minerals including copper, magnesium and zinc neutralize tannins and lectins which are gut irritants begin the breakdown of gluten which is a non-digestible protein and toxin initiate the breakdown of cellulose which otherwise is non-digestible   Proper preparation makes seeds, grains and nuts more readily digestible, making their nutrients more readily available for assimilation.   The Correct Way to Prepare Oatmeal   This morning I began to prepare oatmeal for my wife’s “tomorrow morning’s” breakfast. I placed the water and oatmeal in a stainless steel pot, squeezed some fresh lemon juice into the pot for acidity and gave the mixture a stir. I turned the stove burner on at a low heat for a minute to gently warm the contents of the pot. I then placed a lid on the pot and set it to the back of my range. Tomorrow morning I will simply turn the heat on to cook the prepared oats, and add some crushed walnuts and yogurt for serving. Delicious! My grandmother always told me “you are what you eat” and for me those words from her wisdom never get old as I am constantly reminded of the benefits of eating the correct foods with proper preparation.     Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

it's important to read labels and look for food additives   Food additives can be toxic to the human nervous system. Fresh food reverses their negative impact.     Good nutritional eating seeks to reduce the amount of chemical additives consumed in food — food additives are synthetic substances inserted into food to help preserve it and “enhance” its flavor or color. Dr. Russell Blaylock, a prominent neurosurgeon, in his book Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills explains how certain food additives can negatively affect the development of a child’s nervous system. He further states that these same chemical food additives may precipitate neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, ALS and even Alzheimer’s disease. Reducing Food Additives in Our Daily Diet Have you ever wondered why certain fast foods and processed foods taste so good? They usually contain flavor enhancers which are added under misleading names that sound harmless. These flavor enhancers are in almost all packaged foods with names like textured vegetable protein, sodium caseinate, spices, carrageen and many more unfamiliar names. Dr. Blaylock calls these chemicals “excitotoxins” because they cause certain brain cells to get excited and begin to fire off signals rapidly. The brain cells can be so active that they become exhausted and die off, leading to the neurodegenerative diseases. Infant formulas and toddler processed foods can be loaded with flavor enhancers which may be harmful to the developing brains of our children. Nutritional Eating: Fresh Is Best! It’s important to understand that canned foods have lower nutritional value than fresh foods, and that there are potential issues from the plastic liners used in cans and the chemicals that they might leak into the food. We have an abundance of children with attention deficit disorders, autism, mood disorders and mental illnesses. Practitioners have seen children with seizure disorders that when taken off processed foods and fed Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and organic homemade baby food had a disappearance of their seizures. I have worked with adults with debilitating neuromuscular degenerative diseases that show not only a stop in the progression of their disease but at least partial recovery with only changes in diet and lifestyle along with the addition of certain nutrients. It’s a known fact that a person with multiple sclerosis can get significantly worse for days or weeks after eating just one meal with flavor enhancers. There are specific nutrients that have neuro-protective properties however the best thing you can do is to go back to eating real food. I am a strong proponent to eating fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits. I look forward to seeing you at the local farmer’s market!   by Jim Harris Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.

60% of all Americans will be affected by Alzheimer’s by the time they reach age 90. Here’s what you can do to keep your brain sharp and healthy! by Jim Harris I recently attended two meetings about brain health. My post doctoral research was directed at finding non–invasive methods for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, and having this background has made brain health a topic of continued interest for me. Today’s researchers believe that 60% of all Americans will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease by the time they reach the age of 90 years. We all need to have as much of an understanding of brain health as possible and do what we can to protect our brains! There are cognitive changes during normal aging which is called “Age-Associated Memory Impairment” or AAMI. AAMI begins to affect us around 40-50 years old and is a relatively small cognitive loss involving primarily our short-term memory. We normally lose about 3600 brain cells per hour. Wisdom, judgment and language skills generally remain stable. AAMI is associated with normal aging and is not a sign that Alzheimer’s disease will occur. A simple example of this would be going into the kitchen and not remembering what you were going there to do (something that happens to each of us from time to time)! In the past, we thought that this normal brain aging was a given and something we had to accept. Today we have a better understanding of the brain. I was taught as a student that the brain developed with a specific number of neurons or brain cells, blood vessels and synaptic junctions, end points or terminations of the nerve cells with other cells. However, it is now known that within the brain we have the ability to form new blood vessels (angiogenesis), new nerve cells (neurogenesis) and additional synaptic junctions throughout our lifetime. There are a couple of key activities we can do to optimize cognitive function during brain aging which result in angiogenesis, neurogenesis and new synaptic formations. Sweat for Your Brain Research has shown that physical activity and exercise decrease the risk of cognitive impairment by increasing angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Additionally we now know that intellectually engaging activities increase neurogenesis and uniquely increase neuron synapse formation. You Can Keep Your Brain Healthy by Sweating It is so very important to remain both mentally and physically active throughout our lives because it enables us to keep the Age-Associated Memory Impairment at a reduced level. Beyond the AAMI there is also dementia which is the continued and progressive decline in memory and intellect. Alzheimer’s disease is the cause of 70% of all dementia cases. Only ten percent of Alzheimer’s disease has a genetic linkage while a startling ninety percent is from other or unknown causes. The genetic or familial form occurs prior to age 60 and that of the unknown cause or sporadic form starts after 60 years of age. In my next posting I will discuss the pathology or the disease process of Alzheimer’s, and natural solutions for healing the brain and keeping your mind sharp! Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Certain lifestyle habits will help you to keep your brain healthy now and in the future! this is the second feature in our ongoing series by Jim Harris about healing the brain. No one likes to talk about Alzheimer’s disease. We all want to keep our mental acuity sharp as we age. Knowledge is power, however, and the best way to protect ourselves from the negative impact of Alzheimer’s is to stay informed and to do what we can now to keep our brain tissues very healthy. Prevention truly is the best medicine, and healing the brain is more possible now than ever before. Healing the Brain: The 3 Stages of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease can be separated into three progressive stages of the brain’s functional deterioration: Early Alzheimer’s Disease: Associated with moderate short- term memory loss, language problems and often associated depression. Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: Exhibits more severe short-term and long-term memory loss, more severe language impairment, wandering, aggression and sometimes hallucinations. Advanced Alzheimer’s disease: Virtually complete loss of memory and intellect with the individual being bedridden in a near vegetative state. Certain pathology is present within the brain of all people with Alzheimer’s disease. The affected brain gets smaller in size, loses nerve cells and synapses. These changes mainly occur in the outer layer of the brain or the cortex as well as in the hippocampus. This makes sense when we understand that memory loss is a primary symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and the brain cortex is associated with long- term memory and the hippocampus with short-term memory, the two affected sites of change. Within these same two parts of the brain, two enzymes start to cut or cleave short sections out of proteins within the nerve cells. These newly formed abnormal protein sections eventually are able to migrate out of the nerve cells and unite together forming protein “tangles.” These protein tangles, in simple terms, begin to strangle the nerve cells to death. The third pathology, in these same two parts of the brain, is the formation of what is known as plaques of Beta-amyloid. The Beta-amyloid plaques result in brain inflammation. Healing the Brain with Superfoods and Prevention The cumulative result of these 3 processes is the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Healing the Brain: Risk Factors for Brain Problems Researchers have been able to identify particular risk factors associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease: the risk for the disease increases with age and peaks at about 90 years the next generation of an Alzheimer’s Disease patient are at greater risk for the disease head trauma increases the production of Beta-amyloid plaque formation and its deposition strokes induce Beta-amyloid production depression increases the likelihood of the disease by 50% sleep deprivation increases Beta-amyloid production. However, it is interesting to note that taking short mid-afternoon naps enhances memory recall for hours afterwards. type II Diabetes with high blood sugar and insulin levels gives a two-fold greater risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s Disease. Some researchers go so far as to call Alzheimer’s Disease Type III Diabetes! additional risk factors are: high blood pressure, poor diet with low fruit and vegetable intake, low levels of the protein “leptin,” a high fat and or high caloric diet, elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.   Healing the Brain: Natural Solutions for Brain Health If you are considering cholesterol lowering or statin drugs, understand that they have been reported to cause memory impairment in a high number of patients (However, there are statin drugs that do not enter the brain. For example, the supplement red rice yeast is a natural low-dose statin which does enter the brain). red wine and fish can be helpful food that is healing to the brain As a Naturopath and Nutritionist, I believe we must always consume great nutrition to have great overall health and this includes great brain health. Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, and the flavenoids found in green tea, red wine, cocoa, onions and berries are associated with less cognitive decline during aging. One glass of red wine per day when consumed with a meal has been shown to reduce the negative vascular effects seen with dementia and over a 20 year period of time individuals doing this exhibit 50% fewer deaths over non-drinkers or heavy drinkers. High dietary fish intake is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease which is probably related to the protective function of the Omega-3 fatty acids in the fish. Caffeine is a brain stimulant but it does not increase cognitive performance above normal. It has been stated that caffeine has benefits for the damaged brain by improving performance and protecting against brain dysfunction. Studies show that caffeine suppresses the action of the two enzymes responsible for the formation of the protein “tangles” described earlier and for the removal of the Beta-amyloid plaques which cause the brain inflammation of the Alzheimer’s patient. Research indicates that Alzheimer’s patients show a lowered level of caffeine and an increased level of Beta-amyloid in the blood. Black tea can be a good safe source of caffeine. It appears simple. Exercise, use your brain, eat right and take appropriate supplements for a better chance of having a healthy body and a healthy brain. Ask your nutritionist/naturopath what supplements are right for you. Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. // The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

    Discovering what foods and exercises work uniquely well for you can be a slow trial-by-error. The Blood Type Diet could be a helpful shortcut!       Is the Blood Type Diet for you? Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo believes that each of the four blood types has a different ideal diet which can sustain health, achieve perfect weight, and lengthen lifespan. In Eat Right For Your Blood Type, D’Adamo explains the science behind his theories, and he lays out pracitcal guidelines: The food you eat contains proteins called lectins. These lectins are incompatible with some blood types, causing your blood to reject them and agglutinate the blood cells in that area. Dr. D’Adamo tested different food groups with each blood type to see what causes the agglutination. By avoiding these bad foods and eating what’s beneficial to our blood, D’Adamo believes we will live healthier, longer lives. D’Adamo wrote the book about the Blood Type Diet so that if you wanted to experiment with improving your health and energy, you could learn how to eat for your blood type to see if it helps:   Blood Type Diet: Type O Blood Type O is the oldest of humanity’s bloodline. Because of this it still benefits from the diet of early man and does not do well with newer man-made foods (like those made from wheat). This blood type benefits from a high-protein diet that enjoys lean meats and vigorous exercise like swimming. Beneficial foods for Blood Type O include: fish fruits vegetables   Foods Type-O’s can avoid: corn kidney beans cabbage wheat Blood Type Diet: Type A Blood Type A stems from agricultural society. It’s believed to have developed when humans learned to farm for their food and started building villages, towns, and (eventually) cities. Because of this, a Type A does well on a diet of vegetables. It’s a mostly vegetarian diet that enjoys beans and grains, as well as seafood. Also, Type A does best with calming exercise like yoga or tai-chi. Beneficial Foods for A’s: beans fruit grains seafood tofu vegetables   Foods to avoid: dairy kidney beans meat wheat   Blood Type Diet: Type B The B Blood Type is believed to come from traveling groups, like early jewish tribes. It is the nomadic blood that can make do in any environment and because of this type Bs have a tolerant digestive system that allows for a balanced diet. A Type B can enjoy meat, vegetables and low-fat dairy but should stay away from wheat and chicken. Moderate exercise like hiking or cycling is best suited to the Type B. Beneficial Foods for B’s: beans grains vegetables meat   Foods to avoid: chicken corn lentils wheat shrimp   Blood Type Diet: Type AB Type AB is the modern blood type. The Type AB has a sensitive digestive tract which should avoid red meats but enjoys seafood, tofu and most fruit and vegetables. They can enjoy a mixed diet and moderate exercise like hiking or brisk walks. Beneficial Foods: beans dairy fruit meat seafood tofu vegetables   Foods to avoid: buckwheat corn red meat seeds   Testing Your Own Blood: What Blood Type Are You? Before you can see if the Blood Type Diet might be helpful to you, you need to know what your blood type is! Years ago, after hearing about these diets I ordered an at-home blood test online for $10 dollars from the D’Adamo website. The kit came with simple instructions and even though I can be a bit squeamish about blood, it was a surprisingly easy process. You put four drops of blood on four different chemical patches to see which ones react. You then compare which ones reacted (or not) with the diagram to see what blood type you are. This can also be quite suspenseful, although it a positive step towards increased health I was also dreading finding out what food I should not eat anymore. Will it be wheat? corn? red meat? chicken? It was like a tense moment from a game show. After learning my type, I began incorporating the principles from the book. I gained muscle and lost fat fairly quickly. My energy went up. The whites of my eyes got whiter. I’m not a scientist, so I can’t verify the principles of the Blood Type Diet or know if it will be good for you (ask your own doctor, nutritionist or naturopath), but for me personally, it seems to have made a positive difference in my life. When I discovered, for example, that most of my carbs needed to come from vegetables, especially the dark leafy green kind, I bought an excellent blender and began making green smoothies daily. This one lifestyle habit has transformed my life and made me much stronger and more fit!   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Iodine is one of the most misunderstood, and most deficient, of all nutrients. Here’s the best way to get the iodine your body needs.     Iodine is found in each cell in your body and without it life is not possible. David Browstein M.D. explains in his book Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It that of all the elements known so far to be essential for human health, iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet iodine is the safest of all the essential trace elements — provided it is in the inorganic nonradioactive form. In the correct form, it can be taken daily and for long periods of time, according to Dr. Brownstein. How to Nourish the Cells of Your Body with Iodine Over 80% of people tested in the Midwest are iodine-deficient (the Midwest is considered the goiter belt of America due to this deficiency) making it one of the most deficient and misunderstood nutrients ever! Iodine is essential to life and as such is responsible for the production of all the hormones of the body. Proper immune function requires adequate levels of iodine for warding off parasites, bacteria, viruses and maybe even cancer. Iodine helps to alkalize the body pH (it’s a known fact that acidic body chemistry is a factor in many diseases). Iodine is essential to the health of every cell in the body: ▸ women might find it helpful to know that high concentrations of iodine can be found in healthy thyroid glands, healthy ovaries, and healthy breast tissue. ▸ men might find it helpful to know that high testosterone levels depend on ample amounts of iodine. How Much Iodine Does a Healthy Human Body Need? The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150 mcg. per day for disease prevention. Dr. Brownstein believes this is too low and points out that: ▸ the Japanese on average ingest 86 times more than the suggested RDA amount of iodine. ▸ the U.S. has the highest incidence of breast cancer while Japan’s is the lowest in the world. ▸ life expectancy for Americans is 48th of 226 counties while Japan ranks 6th. ▸ Japan’s infant mortality rate is the lowest in the world at 3.5 per 1000 births while America is double that, at 7 per 1000. ▸ when Japanese immigrate to America they quickly join the U.S. statistics (there is more to this than just iodine, but it should make you stop and think about your daily intake of this essential nutrient!) Don’t Interfere with my Iodine! There is more to the lack of iodine than just not ingesting enough. Let’s look at a little chemistry and the periodic table of elements: The elements at the top of the table will displace elements that are below them on the table. Reading from the top of the table to the bottom with the halogen family of elements we have fluorine at the top, then chlorine, then bromine and finally at the very bottom and most easily displaced is iodine. Fluorine will then displace iodine and can be found in municipal drinking water. Fluorine is also found in pharmaceutical drugs like Cipro, Lipitor, Prozac, Paxil and Effexor. Fluorine is an ingredient in the sweetener Splenda. Chlorine will also displace iodine, and it is also found in our drinking water as well and in drugs such as Zoloft and Wellbutrin. Bromine also displaces iodine but since the 1980s bromine has replaced iodine as the anti-caking agent used in baked goods in America. Therefore, the iodine we ingest can be displaced by these other, more aggressive elements — which are easily ingested on a daily basis by many Americans. I have said this before and I quote my Grandmother: “We are what we eat.” By keeping a watchful eye on our potential accidental intake of fluoride and chlorine, and ingesting good natural sources of iodine such as sushi, California rolls (the outer seaweed wrap is a good source) and marinated seaweed salad (see top photo), our health could be well-served. I encourage you to ask your naturopath and nutritionist about excellent supplemental sources of this essential trace element — but do consult your holistically minded health professional, as the quality of nutritional supplements vary greatly.   by Jim Harris Jim Harris is a Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant assisting people all over the world through his virtual practice at The Art of Wellness Center. Jim is a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs.

    The Master Cleanse is a simple juice fast that encourages your body to detoxify. But is this the right detox for you?       The Master Cleanse is a 10-day detox regimen developed by Stanley Burroughs that became popular after Burroughs published The Master Cleanser in 1979. “Master Cleanse” has an intimidating sound to it, reminiscent of a Harry Pottor villain (Harry Potter And The Master Cleanser?) but, in fact, the Master Cleanse is a fairly straight-forward juice fast that requires you to eat no food for at least 10 days, and to instead drink a special, homemade lemonade. A-list celebrity Beyonce made the cleanse famous in recent years when she dropped weight for a film role using the cleanse. Unfortunately this made it a popular fad diet seen as a way to lose weight quickly, with many people forgetting the original intention of the cleanse: to detoxify.   the Master Cleanse is not a weight loss diet! It’s a 10-day regimen designed to detoxify the vital organs and tissues of the human body”       On the cleanse you drink 6 to 12 lemonade drinks a day, one herbal laxative tea in the evening and a salt water flush in the morning. The lemonade cleans out your body while the laxative tea and salt water help pass the toxins (which is the most delicate way I can put it). Some people also make bentonite clay a part of the regimen.   Main Recipe from the Master Cleanse The lemonade recipe is as follows: 8oz of water 2 Tablespoons of organic Grade-B maple syrup 2 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice dash of cayenne pepper The lemon and cayenne help to dislodge and expel toxins, while the maple syrup contains nutrients (including minerals) and energy that will sustain you throughout the process.   Stanley Burroughs believed that by not fasting your body then didn’t have to spend energy on digesting food, which therefore allows your body to instead focus energies on cleaning-out (instead of processing the toxins that are already in your standard daily diet). By going without food the theory is that the body will start to eat itself and pick out the weaker diseased parts of your body first which ultimately will make you stronger and healthier. This is alternative medicine and isn’t backed by medical institutions. Perhaps the only way to really judge if this works is to try it and see if you notice any differences in your body. I can only tell you about my experience:   Days 1 to 3 of the Detox The lemonade will make you feel full but eating is habitual so it felt weird to not eat. Most people will tell you this about the Master Cleanse: the first 3 days are the hardest! I struggled with this and avoided watching or seeing others eat. Of particular importance for me was to not watch television during the cleanse. The Taco Bell commercials are torture, and I don’t even eat from Taco Bell, ever! Apparently, this is common. I have vegan friends who (although Burroughs writes you should follow up the cleanse with a healthy plant based diet) found themselves wikipedia reading everything there is to know about In & Out Burger and dreaming of day 11!   Days 4 to 7 of the Detox By this time I started to feel good. I needed a bit less sleep and woke up very easily in the mornings. Some people can get to work and not experience any groggy or fogginess — in my case, I was a bit “spacey” during the entire 10-days.   Days 8 to 9 of the Detox Some people at this point report feeling mild cold and flu symptoms. This was not the case with me.   The End of the Detox By day 11, I was actually looking forward to a salad, but I came off the lemonade and eased into normal food with soup broth and freshly squeezed juice. The day after that, I ate lots of raw vegetables and salad and started easing into normal. Some people will do this cleanse for much longer than 10 days, which I can’t imagine!   Results of the 10-Day Master Cleanse: I felt clean, clear and energized at the end of the cleanse. I believe it had a positive impact on my overall physical health. But would I recommend the Master Cleanse for others? See my answer below:   Yes! What I Liked Best about the Master Cleanse For me personally, the best part of the cleanse is what it did for my self-confidence. Frankly, before starting the cleanse — I didn’t know if I had what-it-takes to complete it. I thought my blood sugar would drop too low and I’d become too weak to continue. After I completed the cleanse, I felt a true sense of accomplishment and felt like I could do almost anything life requires of me.   No! What I Liked Least about the Master Cleanse My concern about the cleanse is that it somehow (though this isn’t its intention, surely) encourages people to eat badly, then do the Cleanse in an attempt to try to make up for it. Pizza and booze for six months, and then 10 days of cleanse? Hmmmmm. That doesn’t seem smart. That sounds like a diet to me. How about just making lifestyle changes that don’t create toxins in the first place?   that maple syrup that’s in the lemonade: it seems like a lot of sugar   Another thing I don’t like about the Cleanse is that, having seen many people go through it, I recognize that many people come off the Cleanse and then eat junk food ravenously as a “reward” for having survived the Cleanse (they also often gain back all the weight they may have lost on the Cleanse, and then some!).   Finally, there is the issue of addiction. If we are addicted to things like flour, wine, dairy, sugar (by “addicted” in this case, I mean “can’t imagine my life without it”) then I think any sort of detoxifying cleanse should be done under the supervision of either a western-style medical doctor or — perhaps even better — your chosen, holistically minded health professional, such as a nutritionist and/or a naturopath. Also, please understand the there are other cleanses besides the most-popular Master Cleanse. And it’s possible that one of these other cleanse regimens might be a better fit for your body.   Other Tips to Remember if You Decide to Do the Master Cleanse Again, having done the Cleanse myself and witnessed many others go through it, too, I cannot officially recommend that you do the Master Cleanse. However, if you decide that the Cleanse is right for you, here are some tips: it’s recommended that you don’t repeat this cleanse for at lease 3 months keep a diary to maintain focus and to notice how different you feel each day although you will loose weight on the Cleanse, you’ll probably need to stick to a mostly plant-based diet to maintain that loss (which may or may not be right for you) read Stanley Burroughs’s book (either buy it online or at Whole Foods) before attempting this. Don’t just read about it online; you need to know the full ins-and-outs before attempting.   To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks! ↘ new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

  Low-level, everyday anxiety is now commonplace, yet stress can be metabolized naturally and easily with these natural remedies.   Anxiety has become an issue for many, many people in daily modern life. When we hear the word anxiety we tend to imagine it dramatically — it makes us think of panic attacks. In reality, it’s the low-level everyday stress that can often be the most problematic, because it sneaks up on us and erodes our quality of life in ways that might not seem obvious. It’s important to understand that stress does more than just lessen our enjoyment: it kills. Stress impacts our body’s ability to function optimally — it can surpress our immune systems and increase our susceptibility to diseases and accidents. working almost nonstop can create anxiety   3 Extremely Effective Methods for Metabolizing Daily Stress and Anxiety The good news is, that there are solutions for lessening feelings of anxiety and the negative impact of stress on our everyday lives! Here are three of them. StressBuster Method #1: 5-Minute Meditation The goal of meditation, is to be here, now. It sounds so simple, yet when we take the time to actually witness our own thoughts as they occur, we recognize that they are often centered in the future or the past. Chewing on the past or projecting into the future are usually not calming to the psyche and body. What is healing: being present, fully, in this moment. A meditation practice helps that occur. I call this method “5-minute Meditation” because if you know that only 5 minutes is required, you’re more likely to actually do it; with time and consistency, however, you may find that you gradually enjoy meditating for longer periods. (You can have a peek inside my own meditation practice, which I usually begin with affirmations and a “brain dump.”) StressBuster Method #2: Positive Internal Dialogue The soundtrack of our thoughts is what determines our ultimate health. How we speak to ourselves, those imaginary conversations we have inside our heads, the moment-to-moment mind chatter — all of these are hugely impactful to our longevity: to be extremely healthy, the talk that goes on in your brain needs to be as positive as possible” There are additional in-depth solutions on how to create a positive internal dialogue. StressBuster Method #3: Exposure to Nature Nature is one of the best self-soothers out there. Fresh air, a little sunlight, a quiet walk — all of these have a subtle — but ultimately profound — effect on our bodies and minds. It’s easy to forget that for thousands of years our brains were accustomed to using nature as a way to recalibrate the central nervous system. Slam-cut to thousands of years later: we receive only a fraction of the daily exposure to nature that we used to. The air is full of noise, signals, and synthetic chemicals that didn’t even exist before the industrial age. You better believe that has an impact on our psyches and stress levels (even if the impact operates outside our day-to-day awareness). As busy as most of us are these days, we still have time to get at least a few minutes of nature each day (and certainly each week). In order to find the time for this, we need to look carefully at our typical day and build it in to our schedule: make it a priority, block it out on your calendar, and say “no” to people and invitations that attempt to infringe on your own self-care or quality time with nature. If you don’t take it seriously, no one else will either.   StressBuster Bonus Method: Monitor Your Beverages! For pete’s sake, if anxiety is an issue with you in any way, please limit yourself to one coffee a day, only, at most!   I encourage you to experiment with these methods for smoothing out the rough edges of everyday living and improving your quality of life. Remember, however, that these methods are most effective when done consistently. I invite you to share with me in the comments section below, what other natural methods you’ve successfully used to manage daily stress!   To find out the 12 Easiest Ways to Add Over 12 Energetic Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter below:

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  Live Longer and Unlock Success Strategies to Increase Your Physical Energy! SPECIAL OFFER! Download all 5 products instantly for only $85 The Numinous Journey: How to Age Successfully   ~   eBook 28 Best Friends: A Unique Social Experiment   ~   Companion Guide The Dane Technique: How to Get Seriously Organized using Checklists   ~   Bonus Workbook (premium version) 5 Best Smoothie Recipes: How to Use Your Blender to Become Lean and Energized!   ~   eBooklet Shopping Guide for Smoothie Ingredients  ~   Flowchart     How I Learned to Stack Good Habits When I turned 40, I began to notice changes in my body and energy level. One day, I’d wake up and feel 20 years old, the next day I’d wake up and feel 60. I couldn’t figure it out. Initially, I thought it was stress. Eventually, I figured out I was having Andropause-like symptoms. Not the end of the world, by any means — as I was able to move into solution-mode and get my zest back! In fact, I came to see it as a sacred, honorable life event and a positive thing. But the point is, why did it take me so long to figure it out? Why wasn’t there more information available to me and why didn’t men talk about this stuff more with each other? I was suddenly amid this shift that I hadn’t really heard anyone speak of. I tried to find a good source of information online. I looked around for support and information — to see if other men were experiencing insights and questions on their journey into mid-life — and in the process I happened to notice that many other guys were just not dealing with the maturing process. Of course, it’s impossible to prepare for a smooth transition when you have your head buried in the sand. Nobody’s really talking about this stuff, and we all know avoidance doesn’t resolve anything. Awareness: The First Step to a Robust Life Understandably, many men postpone processing the impact of — what really is a sacred life event — andropause — and avoid making any conscious decisions or plans for what they want the next 50 years of their lives to look like — and specifically how they are going to make that happen. It’s as if we enter our 40s on autopilot. The problem is that if ignored, the symptoms you begin to notice as you approach your 40s will simply compound. Personally, I didn’t like the idea of where I was headed… I was concerned that my robust nature would diminish with time, and frustrated that my strength and energy level seemed to be dropping bit by bit. So I did some digging. Like I said, information on Andropause was scarce. Information on successful aging was scarce. But, by stacking good habits, I was able to switch tracks before derailing into the cliche pitfalls associated with “middle age.” C’mon people! Let’s challenge the stereotype together. Your 40s and 50s and 60s and beyond do not have to be synonymous with sitting on the couch, pot-bellied, reminiscing about the glory days. They can be your glory days!   I should mention, I started instantDane with the intention of it being primarily a post-40 resource for men, largely because: ▸ menopause isn’t swept under the rug in quite the same way andropause is… AND ▸ why would people under 40 have to think about middle-age? But a funny thing happened: I started hearing from both genders, and often in their early 30s! It turns out, the longevity lifestyle is appealing to a broader demographic than I ever expected, partially because people are noticing symptoms earlier and earlier, and partially because people are starting to become pro-active, as opposed to reactive. So: don’t let the nomenclature fool you. You don’t need to flash me a 40+ ID to make use of The Longevity Lifestyle Kit. How to Feel Better than You’ve Ever Felt Before I’ve found that, above all else, there is no universal panacea. I cannot offer you a promise of immortality and lifelong high energy. I wish I could. What I can do is steer you toward a number of proven good choices and good habits that make all the difference in one’s quality and quantity of life. My passion in life is synthesizing my exhaustive research and providing you with real shortcuts to extreme health; in other words, bringing you the latest in evidenced-based research on healthy living, as well as helpful tips on fitness, nutrition, social connecting, and improving personal productivity. What does this all amount to? Well, in a nutshell I’m going to show you how you can add a minimum of 12 high-energy years to your life! The Longevity Lifestyle Kit is a focused collection of everything one needs to know to begin his or her journey toward the longest, best life possible. Abundant Energy: Real Solutions that Actually Work The Longevity Lifestyle Kit is a multi-tiered approach to longevity — because life is complex. The problem of aging is complex. And complex problems require layered solutions — but not to fear. I lay everything out for you; clear, concise, and step-by-step. Like I said, my passion is synthesizing this information and making it as simple for you to implement into your daily lives as possible. As a very busy person myself, I only propose practical, real-world solutions that will fit into real people’s modern day, stretched-to-the-limit schedules. And you’ll find that a big part of the process is the systematic creation of more free time. So if you’re concerned this will leave you with even less free time than you have now, I assure you — it will leave you with more. Ultimately, it’s not that we’re trying to help people add more years to their life, it’s that we’re trying to help people add more life to their years. This is because: when you focus on quality first, the quantity usually follows. Said differently, for any aging strategy to be successful, it must include a recipe for joy. Because, when you are living in joy, life extension is often a natural result.   Life-Changing Tools of Value I want you to go into this with your eyes open. So allow me to elaborate. The Longevity Lifestyle Kit is broken down into 4 essential pieces: The Numinous Journey: How to Age Successfully is a book divided into three main sections: The Path, The Sensation of Being Fully Alive, and Uncommon Sense. Topics include “Life’s Ultimate Success Secret: Metabolizing Anxiety,” “The Mythic Energy of Your Own Life,” “Uber Longevity: How to Dramatically Enrich Your Daily Quality of Life,” and many more! In order to live the Longevity Lifestyle and feel better than you ever have before, you don’t just need information — you need a way to make the information “stick” to your life (have you ever desired to make a change in your daily or weekly habits? Sometimes, acquiring new little good habits seem almost as difficult as learning new BIG ones!). The Numinous Journey was purposely crafted to increase awareness and lubricate the creative process so that someone can construct a successful aging strategy unique to their needs and then implement that strategy and make their new habits stick. …when people are not able to make changes stick, it has been proven that it’s most often because they skip stage 3: preparation” Here’s the thing: how people change has been relentlessly studied. What has been well-researched, yet little-known is this: when people acquire new good habits, it’s most often because they move through 5 stages of permanent change. Extensive studies have shown us that permanent change occurs in: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The Numinous Journey is really designed for Stage 3, PREPARATION. This is the most crucial, and most overlooked stage of permanent change. 28 Best Friends: A Unique Social Experiment is a practical companion guide to The Numinous Journey. 28 Best Friends is also a workbook, and focuses on your tribe — the people in your life — and encourages you to reflect objectively on those relationships. What I’ve learned, first-hand, is that prosperity springs from relationships. The more people you know and like, the more potential for money to enter your life. In my case, when my relationships improved, my net worth significantly increased. Also, my physical health improved dramatically. Quality relationships are a verified component of a long life expectancy. The Dane Technique: How to Get Seriously Organized using Checklists is a deluxe 30-page workbook that will give you all of the secrets eluded to in so many of my organization blog posts, but never fully elaborated for the simple fact that I can’t possibly fit 30 pages of info and exercises into one-minute blog posts. The bottom line is this: longevity requires self-care. And self care requires time and energy. Efficiency systems — or productivity tools — are the key to freeing up the time and energy necessary for self-care. Efficiency is also integrated into the self-care protocols themselves, freeing up even more time to spend with your friends and loved ones. 5 Best Smoothie Recipes: How to Use Your Blender to Become Lean and Energized! This is a recipe book that will take you from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced smoothie-making. This is fantastic stuff. These are very special nutrient-dense, delicious recipes. I put A LOT of thought into these to keep the transitions smooth and the effects dramatic! Though the smoothie ingredients cost a bit upfront, many last a long, long time; in fact, ultimately green smoothies help me save money because I rarely eat out anymore. And I no longer have to grab “emergency” food on the go when my blood sugar drops, because my blood sugar rarely drops unexpectedly any more. Green smoothies provide me with sustained energy. And it takes less time to make a green smoothie than it does eggs or oatmeal, especially when you factor in clean-up. Also, I don’t spend as much money on nutritional supplements, because I get many of them naturally now, from whole-food sources, within my green smoothies! I can’t emphasize enough how life-changing green smoothies are. One of the key tricks to unlocking your longevity potential is to consume high amounts of dark leafy greens each day. Green smoothies provide an easy and delicious solution! At last! But that’s not all! I’m throwing in an extra special bonus for you as well! A Shopping Guide for Smoothie Ingredients. This is an essential flowchart for your refrigerator that assists you in making sure you keep the right ingredients in your home, and serves as your simplest tool for reference at a quick glance. Of course, the Longevity Lifestyle Kit includes a Welcome Infographic that will instruct you in exactly how to navigate the kit for optimum usage. So, ALL of this: The Numinous Journey Book, The 28 Best Friends Social Experiment Companion Guide, The 5 Best Smoothie Recipes for High Energy eBooklet, and The Dane Technique checklist system — PLUS the bonus Essential Smoothie Ingredients refrigerator list is all bundled together and waiting for you to get instant digital access. Yes, all of the tools in the kit are digital which means you can be partaking in this life-transforming information in just minutes! Now, you’re probably thinking this is going to cost you a fortune. But that’s simply not true. I charge $85 an hour for private coaching, but I’m happy to say that this is not the case here. You can get your hands on the ENTIRE Longevity Lifestyle Kit for the one-time low price of just $85! That’s the equivalent of one hour of a private with me — and you’re getting far, far more content than I could ever hope to pack into one session. It reminds me of that episode of Friends where the gang asks Phoebe why her massage clientele has decreased, and she responds by saying: “I taught a massage-yourself-at-home workshop, and… they are.” My goal is to is to reach as many people as possible, and if getting you to “massage yourselves at home” is the most efficient way to do that, then I’m all for it! Imagine Yourself Leaner and Stronger     Now, I’m going to share my own success story with you; but I don’t want you to take my word for it exclusively. Personally, when I started drinking green smoothies, I wasn’t trying to lose belly fat, or any weight at all. I just wanted to be healthier, stronger, and have more energy. I was thinking long term — to get as many nutrients and superfoods into my body as I needed to feel fantastic, extend my lifespan, and prevent illness. But then, a funny thing started to happen: my waist started to shrink…I lost FOUR INCHES without even thinking about it! Now: you’ve heard all about The Longevity Lifestyle Kit, and all about people’s great results. But I can guess what you’re probably thinking: “what if this doesn’t work for me…?” That’s okay. I want to put all of the risk on me, so I’m giving you my 100%, no questions asked, 365 day money back guarantee…this means you have 1 full year, 12 months, to put The Longevity Lifestyle Kit to the test. If you don’t like it, whether it’s the sound of my voice or the color of my logo, simply send me a quick email and I will refund your money, no questions asked, and you can keep access to The Longevity Lifestyle Kit and all of the bonuses. This is just a simple thank you for giving my Longevity Lifestyle Kit a try and choosing me to be your ambassador to Longevity Science and Extreme Health. Understand: I can make this kind of guarantee because I’m so confident that The Longevity Lifestyle Kit works. I know because it worked for me and, after all, there’s no substitute for personal experience. Now, to get access in just minutes click that orange Add to Cart button at the bottom, fill in your details on the next page and you’ll be granted instant access to The Longevity Lifestyle Kit…and the path to energy, organization, and the quality and quantity of life that you deserve! Move into Action Now! (It’s Better than Procrastination) It seems important to remind you of one thing: The Longevity Lifestyle Kit will only be offered for a limited time. If it feels like a pressure tactic, that’s because — in a sense — it is. We want to encourage you to not put-off taking your health to the next level of excellence. My passion is reaching as many people as possible, to get them on the wellness track as soon as possible! I think most people intellectually “get” that when you have your physical health, you have everything. But it’s time to take that next step and do something about it. The longer you delay, the more problems compound. You love life, you love your family and friends, so I encourage you to do this for them also — because you can’t love them, and take care of them, and be there for them if you’re exhausted… or, if you’re not even around. So, take action now. Click the add-to-cart button below and add more than 12 high-energy years to your lifespan!  

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    InstantDane.tv has a crew of talented lifestyle designers who are dedicated to helping others live their longest and best life possible!       Dane Findley   ~ Editor-in-Chief at instantDane.tv       specialist in the longevity lifestyle:       increase your energy and joy,       and extend your life expectancy!           ~ Partner at Estate Homes LA,       international luxury relocation experts     ~ Partner at Estate Homes Palm Springs       improve your daily quality of life and live the warm-weather lifestyle!     David Findley   ~ Homes and Properties Editor of instantDane.tv   ~ President of Estate Homes LA, international luxury relocation experts   ~ Relocation Expert at Estate Homes Palm Springs David grew up on a farm where, every morning before sunrise, he would share a bowl of Neopolitan ice cream with his grandfather. Today, David loves high-technology and gadgets, and he wonders what his grandfather would say if he could hold an iPad.   David helps people buy and sell luxury lifestyle properties, including those international clients relocating or adding to their real estate portfolio from overseas, specializing in Estate and Lifestyle Properties within the Southern California area. Many of David’s clients have Business Managers, and he has much experience working seamlessly within a client’s team of advisors. You can easily connect with David via his mobile at 310-345-6911.     Jim Harris Jim Harris is the Nutritional Expert at instantDane.tv and founder of The Art of Wellness Center, and a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery in Ontario, Canada. With over 20 years of clinical experience with patients, Jim has a thriving practice providing state-of-the-art nutritional consulting, via Skype, to clients all over the globe. As a naturopath (and a graduate from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute), Jim recognizes that our bodies have the innate capability for self-healing — especially when the correct information and energy is supplied in combination with the correct food, supplements and herbs. You can reach Jim Harris on the phone at 760-778-5600.     Sean Cameron Sean is a writer and producer of web content recently relocated to California from England where he was born and raised. When not laughing at the British weather reports Sean enjoys new media, Los Angles hangouts, hiking, and making online comedy videos which can be found at writtenbySean.com.           Kirsten Throneberry ~ Depth Psychology and Spirituality Editor of instantDane.tv Kirsten is a copywriting consultant who specializes in topics related to healing and spirit. Additionally, she maintains a private practice in which she helps clients use images to create purposeful lives.         To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter in the right sidebar. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!       ➚   ⇨ click here to learn about engaging our services ⇦ (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();

    Above is a short video of Dane giving a business presentation on how to use social and digital media to deepen client and customer relationships and grow market share. Any from our panel of lifestyle experts — Dane, David, Sean, and Kirsten — is available to speak at your event or facilitate a skills-improvement workshop during your function — on a variety of fascinating topics! We believe in promoting products, people, and services that are helpful or make a positive difference in the world!     Do you have a product that you would like us to review? We invite you to contact us!   Hire Us have an idea for an endorsement, alliance or strategic partnership? curious about engaging our consulting services? interested in engaging any from our panel of lifestyle designers to speak at your function or event? intrigued by the idea of advertising on our site? have some other business development opportunity to present or discuss?   We invite you to contact us; however, before we have our first phone or Skype call together, it’s helpful if you can include a brief overview in your request of what you have in mind and in what ways you imagine it will be a win-win alliance.   Write for Us If you have a knack for writing and enjoy sharing lifestyle information that makes a positive difference in the lives of readers, you might want to consider being a Featured Contributor for instantDane.tv: we showcase our writers with ideal formatting and photos we optimize each feature for search engines we include a bio for the writer in each post each post contains 3 anchor-texted backlinks to the writer’s website   all that we ask is: when the post goes live, you email a brief (and enticing) description and link to your sphere of influence you promote the link on your social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Google+) you refrain from posting the article anywhere else online for the first year (Google doesn’t like duplicate content) We invite you to contact us!     To find out 12 Ways to Add 12+ Years to Your Lifespan, subscribe to our free Longevity e-Newsletter in the right sidebar. You’ll receive a new strategy every two weeks!       ➚   (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();   new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

        Our studio is located in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, California.         Our mailing address is: 8721 Santa Monica Blvd #532 W. Hollywood, CA 90069-4511 you can reach Dane directly via email at: dane[at]instantdane.tv   if you’re on Facebook, you can ‘Like’ the instantDane.tv Facebook Page and share in the discussions we have there about the high-energy lifestyle   converse with Dane about extreme health on Twitter, and add Dane to your Google+ circles!   sign up for his FREE newsletter on living the healthiest and best life possible, in the right sidebar ➙     [gravityform id=1 name=ContactMe] (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); new HelloBar(7302,4836); The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.