You may have tried meditation, pledged a week of your life to hot yoga and even scheduled regular massage appointments - and yet the chase to lock down your Zen may have proven elusive.

Before you think there is something wrong with you, try these alternative therapies instead.

Best for: A weekly tune in and up

Scoff all you want, but paying someone to hit a gong and bathe you in all that theta goodness can do loads to steady the nerves.

Sessions start with pranayama (breathing exercises) before the gong meditation portion kicks in, and while reactions vary from emerging relaxed to being visibly more emotional, the common denominator seems to be a deeper sleep experienced for the following 48 hours. Regular sessions are held weekly at House of Ascend (www.houseofascend.com).

Best for: Individuals who aren't claustrophobic

Going further than the standard 60-minute bliss-inducing float, a sound meditation segment is added in post-float using ambient and instrumental music composed by sound curator Jean Tay.

The original pieces composed from her own 3-D field recordings have been designed to trigger the vibrations experienced by one's own body by test oscillators in the music software.

If done right, it will facilitate a deeper dive into one's consciousness which then kick-starts the meditative experience. Longer term, the aim is to break up stress patterns for a heightened state of relaxation.

Check it out at Palm Ave Float Club (Tel: 9151-6004, http://www.palmavefloatclub.com).

Best for: The emotionally repressed

This Taoist healing modality uses careful, targeted massage movements blending Chinese and Thai massage.

A trained therapist will manipulate and manoeuvre the abdomen to detoxify and strengthen internal organs to improve digestion and boost the immune system, ultimately restoring balance to the entire body.

Try it at Therapeutics Aroma (Tel: 6737-7039, http://www.therapeuticsaroma.com).

Best for: Anyone looking for a gentle form of self care

Working off the concept of harmonising the body through the gentle touch of one's fingers, Jin Shin Jyutsu sees practitioners use their hands to respond to one's pulse and support re-balancing its harmonious flow through 52 main points on the body.

Depending on one's sensitivities, you may feel some sensations (a warm heat, an involuntary twitch) during the treatment. Post-treatment, it is not unusual to feel a bit lightheaded and a sense of tranquil calm.

Longer term, it works to bring relief to chronic internal imbalances. Book a session at Terra Luna Yoga (Tel: 9658-3611, http://www.terralunayoga.com).

Best for: Expectant mums and anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress

There will never be a more relaxing time than in one's mother's womb. Watsu (or aqua) therapy aims to re-create that weightless feeling to address issues such as insomnia and muscle tension to bring on a deep relaxation state.

Developed by Harold Dull in 1980, it combines water-based shiatsu massage with the stretching of one's meridians (energy channels) to stimulate the flow of energy.

Props like leg floats ensure you are not sinking under, plus it takes place in a heated pool.

Post-therapy, expect to feel a sense of deep relaxation or even a spontaneous release of emotions, almost as if you've had a good cry.

It is offered at Inspire Mum & Baby Fitness, Birth and Swimming Centre (Tel: 9234-1866, http://www.inspiremumbaby.com).

Best for: Children and trauma recoveries

This is another form of light touch bodywork, where no more than 5g of pressure is exerted. While Carniosacral Therapy remains classed under alternative modalities, its effectiveness is the real deal.

Using gentle touch to palpate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium, spine and pelvic bone, a trained therapist releases embedded tension in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system.

In layman's terms, what you may feel is a knot releasing or even a tense muscle relaxing after just one treatment. It is available at Ozworks Therapy (Tel: 6836-4560, http://www.ozworkstherapy.com).

This article was first published in Shape (www.shape.com.sg).

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New age healing therapies to try besides meditation - The New Paper

By Cooper Banks

Are you hip to 8D Audio yet?

These impeachment hearings and all the floor debates can try ones patience and, as with anything, there are many ways to cope.

It reminds me of sitting in class back in college, fighting fatigue (and a hangover) while trying to pick out the most important parts of the profs lecture.

Its like that except now, I can take breaks whenever I want (chuckle).

One of the ways Ive found respite is to relax with my headphones on and soak in so-called 8D Audio

I found it on YouTube earlier this week. If you dont know about it yet, I strongly encourage you to grab your best set of headphones or earbuds (Air Pods are great) and give it a try.

With 8D Audio, its as if the music is floating around your head. Its really amazing.

Heres a sample;

Personally, I like to listen to movie soundtracks while my brain is locked in the information processing mode. I find it affects me similarly to classical music.

I get a little bit of a break, but my mind is still getting a light workout (finding patterns, bass structures, and proper harmonies, etc.) instead of relaxing entirely.

Wellback to watching the impeachment stuff.

Read more:

Taking Impeachment Respite With "8D Audio" - 750 KXL

Saraana and Gino have been at The Salt Box daily, preparing for the event in which theyll reintroduce themselves and salt therapy to the community. (Photos courtesy of Saraana Jamraj)

By: Jill Fox

After two years of working for the local salt therapy spa in Parkland, and experiencing the benefits of it firsthand, a Coral Springs resident and her family have bought The Salt Box.

On Saturday, January 25, they intend to celebrate with the community with a free event open to the public including vegan food trucks, live music, free salt therapy, yoga, meditation, arts & crafts, and several local vendors.

The new owner, Saraana Jamraj, 27, started working for previous owners, Jessi and Brian Powell, in 2017. Jessi, a speech therapist, and Brian, a firefighter, opened the space while raising a toddler and pregnant, after seeing the natural benefits it brought to their daughters respiratory health.

Despite having never previously owned a business, they successfully opened the second salt therapy facility in South Florida, and have helped thousands of people in the community improve their health and lives over the past five years.

When the Powells decided to sell, in order to spend more time with their children and each other without being so thinly spread, it was a difficult decision, but deciding who to sell it to, they said, was not.

It was a no-brainer since Saraana started working at The Salt Box over two years ago, she has always treated our business and our clients as if she was the owner, said Jessi.

She said Saraana was incredibly caring and had the time and energy to continue their legacy, and bring new ideas to the business they started.

In addition to working full time at The Salt Box, Saraana is completing her Masters degree at Florida International University and writes for local news sites, including Coral Springs Talk, Parkland Talk, and Tamarac Talk.

She immigrated to America from Trinidad two decades ago, with her parents Sharon and Drona Jamraj, who were instrumental in her purchase of the business.

I couldnt do any of this without themtheyve dedicated their lives to creating opportunities for me, and taught me so many lessons in the process, said Saraana.

When she applied for the job in 2017, Saraana was still suffering from a yearlong mystery illness, and after taking a break from work, she was ready to move on. She said she wanted to go somewhere that encouraged healing.

It was magical. I thought the job sounded perfect for me, and I came, not knowing what to expect, but it turned out better than I couldve imagined, said Saraana.

She didnt know much about salt therapy at the time but was amazed at how it appeared to helped her and all of the clients.

Holistic salt therapy works when clients spend time in the salt rooms, where the machines disperse salt that clings on to allergens and toxins in the body, drawing them out more quickly, through an anti-inflammatory mechanism.

While salt therapy rooms are relatively new in American culture and research, the practice in Europe dates back to the 1800s, when a Polish doctor, Dr. Feliks Boczkowski, found the first salt cave in Poland, upon realizing that salt miners were in particularly good health, and studying the benefits of salt inhalation.

According to The Salt Therapy Association, it can be used to improve respiratory health and breathing, to enhance the skin, and to boost the immune system for general health and wellness and typically works best when done regularly.

The Salt Box has three rooms in which people can experience the benefitsa kids room filled with Himalayan pink salt, toys, and books, an adult meditation room equipped with heated neck pillows, recliners, blankets, relaxing music, and dimmed lighting, and an individual salt bed that provides privacy and more concentrated salt.

So many people come in and say theyre feeling better than they have in years, and knowing that we helped is such a great feeling, said Saraana.

Sometimes, she said, clients come for chronic conditions while other times they have no chronic health issues, but after their sessions, they say it was the most relaxing part of their entire week.

Saraana will continue to work full time and run the business with her life partner, Gino Martinez, 26, who also makes crocheted goods, teaches astrology, and offers tarot readings.

We hope to keep the essence of everything that made people fall in love with The Salt Box in the first place while bringing new events and new ways to make the space even more community-oriented, said Martinez.

To celebrate new beginnings, honor the previous owners, and reintroduce themselves to the community, they will be hosting The Salt Box Community Day, on January 25 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with complimentary salt sessions all day. Guests can also enjoy live music, yoga, meditation, art, food trucks, and vendors.

To book a complimentary salt therapy session, guests can call (954) 906-5985. They can also be found on Facebook and Instagram. The Salt Box is located in the Parkland Town Center, at 6710 Parkside Drive.

Were blessed to be surrounded by so much love. We want to share that with the community, said Saraana.

This article has been edited.

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Salt Box Holds Free Community Day with Vegan Food, Salt Therapy, and Live Music in Parkland - Parkland Talk - Parkland Talk

Jenna Palacio, Barton Health

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Barton Health has expanded acupuncture services at its Center for Orthopedics & Wellness to now offer community acupuncture treatments. Community acupuncture provides similar health and wellness benefits of private acupuncture but differs from the private clinical room setting taking place in a group environment with lower costs per treatment.

Just like private acupuncture, community acupuncture can be added to care plans by Barton medical providers to help patients reach their health goals. As part of Bartons innovative healthcare model that treats the whole person and not just symptoms or disease, acupuncture is often recommended to address health issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, smoking cessation, and generalized stress. Anyone can schedule an appointment for community acupuncture, as it does not require a doctors referral and is available as a retail, cash-paid service not dependent on health insurance coverage.

After a brief consultation with a provider, participants in community acupuncture are treated across staggered appointment times in a group setting and do not undergo the traditional patient evaluation and intake process. Zero-gravity chairs, soft blankets, and tranquil music create a relaxing atmosphere in the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness medical environment for these treatments, which are typically shorter than in the private setting.

Local acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist, Melinda Choy, LAc, MTCM, partnered with Barton to bring acupuncture services to the Center for Orthopedics & Wellness when it opened in 2018. The success of these integrated treatments and demand for acupuncture quickly grew, and community acupuncture was launched to expand access for this coordinated care. As a provider at the Center, Choy oversees acupuncture services and advises patients on lifestyle and other alternative forms of treatment.

Healthcare is shifting to a patient-centered model that coordinates treatments like acupuncture to improve health outcomes, said Choy. While acupuncture has helped heal people for thousands of years, its refreshing to see this modern approach of offering integrated treatments in a medical environment here in Tahoe.

Jamie Miller, LAc, MTCM, has joined Choy and the care team at the Center for Orthopedics & Wellness to expand access to acupuncture. Miller specializes in pain management and emotional well-being, with experience in orthopedic acupuncture and sports injury.

For more information integrated wellness services at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, or to make an appointment for community acupuncture, visit BartonOrthopedicsAndWellness.com or call 530.539.6620.

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Barton Health offers acupuncture treatments at Center for Orthopedics & Wellness - South Tahoe Now

Millenials in India today dominate the workplace and many in this generation work online. India boasts the largest population of Millenials and it is no wonder the country is the second-largest online market after China.

While working online comes with multiple benefits, there are also unique challenges. These include information overload, burnout, stress, social media addiction, inappropriate content, among others. Luckily, the internet also provides myriad ways of relaxing when working online. Here are a few creative ways to let off steam when working online or using the internet for long.

After hours hunched over your laptop, it is healthy to take a breather. One of the most interesting forms of digital therapy is window shopping. There are thousands of online stores stocking all types of items. Whether you love cars, clothing, jewelry, cool gadgets, or anything else under the sun, you can now find it online. Browsing through these shopping websites is a great way to take your mind off work and relax.

YouTube is one of the most popular websites with over two billion people logging in every month. If you need some form of relaxation, you can now watch any music you wish on this platform and in any format. Music therapy works in any stressful situation, and it boosts your productivity.

Ever wondered how stuff works? Theres no better time to learn than when you need to relax. If you have been working on a project for a long time, you can take a breather by taking your brain on a journey of discovery. Online platforms cover all topics under the sun, and you will not only add to your ken but also relax the mind.

Many people suffer burnout when working online.

Millenials who make up the largest percentage of Indias online workforce are susceptible to this problem. Listening to instrumental music online can help unwind thus overcoming stress and burnout.

Some addictive online behaviours can ruin an individuals life and this is where e-counselling services come in handy. Some not-for-profit organisations offer free online counselling and these can help alleviate stress.

Talking to a stranger online might seem weird but with time, this becomes a relaxing way to let off steam and focus on your life. If you have any emotional problems hindering you from living comfortably, you need to check out e-counselling platforms and other support groups.

Online gaming is a big industry and you can leverage different types of games to relax and unwind. You can also download free games or play online at any time you need to take a break from work. If youre feeling lucky theres a bunch of online games that involve potentially winning or losing real or fictional money, such as thisgovernment lottery in India.

The rise of the do-it-yourself (DIY) culture has seen the rise in demand for handy skills. Whether you want to build a backyard pool, gazebo, smart home, or any other project, you can now use online tutorials to gain these skills. This is a creative way to relax and also improve your life.

You can learn income-generating skills or acquire any other skills you would like.

Meditation is one of the oldest self-care practices with roots in the orients. Today, meditation is popular in alternative medicine, and doctors recommend it as a way of treating both body and mind.

Almost every service is now available online and you can partake in a guided meditation session through online platforms or mobile apps. It is a creative way to unwind whenever you feel tired or if you need to let off pent-up emotions. Some apps will even remind you of your scheduled meditation.

Working online offers Millenials in India immense advantages. However, theres the risk of stress which requires creative ideas to overcome. These tips will help you stay safe when working online and also boost your productivity.

Excerpt from:

8 Creative Ways for Indian Millenials to Relax Online - NorthEast Today

A SIGN telling mums to put down their phones while breastfeeding babies has caused outrage at one hospitals baby unit.

It read: Mummy & Daddy... Please look at ME when I am feeding. I am much more interesting than your phone! Bosses at Yeovil District Hospital in Somerset said the poster was to encourage bonding and strengthen a mothers milk flow.

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But parents have reacted angrily saying keeping in touch with friends and family was a lifeline while poorly babies were receiving care. Lynsey Hope, from West Malling, Kent is expecting her third child and here argues why no mum should be shamed this way.

IN an ideal world, all mums would breastfeed their babies in a dimly-lit room while listening to relaxing music and gazing lovingly at their newborns perfect face. Sadly though, for many, that is not the reality of motherhood.

Breastfeeding can be an amazing experience and one that has been championed by the NHS for its health benefits, for both mother and baby. But, as any new mum would tell you, it is not easy. If you are one of the lucky ones who manages to feed successfully, well done. But thats a big if.

Britain has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, with around half of new mums stopping before their baby is six weeks old. Only 34 per cent of babies are still receiving breastmilk at six months.

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If you can feed but it takes an age and you want to chat on your phone or do internet browsing at the same time you should not be shamed for doing so. When I had my son Jacob in July 2014, he had a healthy appetite. He fed every three hours and each time would take a good hour thats eight hours a day.

And some mums have babies who cluster-feed over a few hours, during which time they are pretty much chained to their little one. Needless to say, breastfeeding can seem, at times, like a full-time job. With Jacob, I was changing nappies, doing washing, taking baby out and going to groups during the day.

Often, around 2am or 3am, Id be WhatsApping friends with babies. Night-feeding was often the only chance Id have to talk to mates. Wed laugh about all being up in the middle of the night, joke about who was going to have to take their baby out in the car to get them back to sleep again, arrange catch-ups, play dates and coffees.

It gave me a lifeline and made me feel less alone. I knew I was not in this haze of sleep-deprived motherhood alone. New mums already feel isolated enough, so anything that can make us feel more connected and less alone should be encouraged.

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Often while feeding, Id find myself Googling baby-related stuff: Why is my babys poo green? When do babies start teething? At what age do babies start rolling? It was the only chance I had to research things I had no idea about.

On top of that, there would be nappies to order and baby classes to book. Usually, Jacob was sleepy anyway, so I dont understand the experts who say that having eye contact with your baby while breastfeeding is important for bonding.

My babies rarely fed with their eyes open, so this was an opportunity to tick off my to-do list rather than when my babies were alert and I was trying to get a smile out of them. When my Olive was born in March 2017 I was diagnosed with sepsis during labour and had to remain in hospital for several days.

My husband couldnt stay as he had to care for Jacob. It would have been a very lonely time without a phone to keep in touch. I was even able to speak to my little boy while feeding Olive. Once home, the phone and feed multitasking got more necessary. There was even less time and even more jobs to do with two children.

4

Between feeds I built train tracks or read stories to Jacob, or prepared his tea. I had a two-year-old whod wake at 5am, plus a newborn who liked to be up all night. Falling asleep while feeding was a real risk and of course it can be dangerous.

Looking at my phone was one way of keeping awake. Id also be catching up on my sons pre-school admin such as paying invoices, buying World Book Day costumes, all while feeding Olive.

She didnt seem to mind and it meant fewer jobs to do during the day, giving me more time to play with my kids. I was working for myself by this point too, so had very little time off. I needed all the time I could get to email and make calls for work even while Olive was feeding.

Its only the same as celebrities like Gisele Bundchen getting her hair and make-up done while breastfeeding.

Im expecting my third child in April, and I suspect Ill have to do even more multitasking. If I want to phone a friend and ask advice or jump on social media to see whats going on in the outside world, Im not going to beat myself up.

The simple act of having her on me, feeding her, hugging her and loving her regardless of what else I need to do is all the bonding Ill need.

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Sun writer slams hospital feed-shaming sign and says smartphones are a lifeline for lonely mums - The Sun

Weve all been there. As your long weekend comes to a close, or your annual leave comes to an end, that feeling returns to the pit of your stomach. Before you know it, its the night before youre due to return to work and you cant think of anything else. You cant stop worrying, cant sleep, cant focus

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Happiful

Its no surprise that so many of us feel anxious when getting back to work after taking time off. In the UK alone, 74% of us have felt so stressed at some point over the past year that we have feltoverwhelmed or unable to cope.

Feeling worried or anxious from time to time is completely natural; however, when it starts to interfere with your day-to-day life, or the enjoyment of the last few precious days of your time off, it can be a sign that you may need a little extra help to relax, unwind and address what has you on edge.

According to leading mental health charityMind one-in-six of us experiences common mental health problems such as anxiety and stress at any given time, with one-in-four of us experiencing mental ill health during our lifetime.

If worries about work are keeping you up at night, or a growing sense of dread is seeping into your time off, there are plenty of small things you can do to help. Here are five simple ways you can beat back to work anxiety and make the most of your time off.

Set yourself up for success

We all worry about the future; the anticipation, and mounting what-ifs, can be one of the toughest things to get past. Instead of focusing on the tasks or meetings you have ahead, try instead thinking about the here and now.

Ben Edwards suggestsgetting your thoughts in order. Whether youve been enjoying a long weekend or are just getting back from time off after being ill, the first day is bound to be the hardest and one of your busiest. If you are worried about being bombarded with new tasks, emails, catch-up conversations, meetings and more getting your thoughts in order can be a good starting place.

Where possible, its great to take just five or 10 minutes to organise your workload and the week ahead before going away; this gives you an easy starting point when you return, whilst reminding you of any outstanding tasks that might have slipped your mind. Having the reassurance that you have a list of priorities ready and waiting to go can help put your mind at ease, allowing you to let go and take full advantage of your time off.

Think long-term

Ourfight, flight or freeze response releases hormones including cortisol and adrenaline that make us feel more vigilant great when we are actually in danger or there is a physical threat, but not so helpful if we are dreading getting back to our inbox at work.

Figuring out exactly what is causing you to feel this way is the first step towards addressing your worries and creating sustainable routines to counter these negative feelings. It can be tough, but try thinking back to the last time you were away from work. Is the anxiety you are feeling now new, or is this something youve experienced before? Can you identify what is causing it, or are you feeling a more general sense of unease?

Unfortunately, there isnt always an easy solution that you can implement here and now, but you can start looking into other, more long-term, methods that can help. Try thinking outside of the box; different solutions work for different people its all about finding a method that works best for you.

Hypnotherapycan be an effective way to seek out the root cause of your worries and change your relationship with anxiety. Hypnotherapy can help boost feelings of confidence and self-belief, whilst helping to reduce your feelings of fear and worry. Working together with anexperienced hypnotherapist, you can tailor your sessions to help discover what triggers your anxiety and why, working towards changing the ways you react and helping you achieve a calmer state of mind.

Take care of your body

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It can be easy to overlook, but how well we look after our bodies, and what we eat, can have a significant impact on ourstressandanxiety levels. For example, the more stressed and anxious we are feeling, the more our digestive systems can be under strain. Small changes to your diet can have a surprising impact on how you are feeling, physically and emotionally.

Try reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake, as well eating fewer foods high in fat and sugar. While alcohol may have an instant, calming effect in the moment, it can also increase the amount of long-term stress through further impact on your overall health and wellbeing over time.

Similarly, while high sugar foods may provide a short burst of energy, the release is only temporary, followed by a sugar crash that can leave you feeling worse. Switching caffeinated teas and coffees for decaf versions can reduce the amount of strain our bodies are under, as caffeine acts as a stimulant, causing hormones like cortisol the substance usually activated during fight, flight or freeze responses to release, putting us on edge.

Switch off and relax

Take a moment to consider: how do you usually relax? Weve each got our own unique,self-careroutines, but how many of us spend our downtime moving from one screen at work, to another at home? If you find yourself putting your brain in neutral and setting down with Netflix, or scrolling through social media, you may not be giving yourself the time to actively relax, unwind, reconnect with your body and recognise any signs of stress or strain you may be experiencing.

Listening to music or podcasts can be a relaxing way to unwind without staying glued to your screens. Providing a soothing background noise during meditation, music can help us to calm ourselves, reduce the effects of anxiety, andprovide a boost of comfort and positivity. Creating your own playlist can be a soothing way to refocus nervous energy and take your mind off of what is worrying you, whilst at the same time creating a tool you can use in the future to help you unwind. If youre looking for a few songs to get you started, check out our

If music isnt your thing, podcasts and audiobooks can offer the opportunity to learn new things, gain confidence and become inspired by others. If youre feeling stuck in a rut, thesenine podcasts to help inspire and motivate you can help you to gain confidence, refocus the direction of your career, and rediscover your passions.

Consider why youre feeling like this

If back-to-work anxiety, and work worries, have been plaguing your time off, and invading your thoughts, it could be worth taking a step back and considering why this is happening. Is it because youve had time away and the thought of returning to your routine is daunting? Or do you feel this same back to work dread every time Sunday rolls around? Is yourwork/life balanceoff-kilter, or is there a short-term, temporary reason for your worries?

Work-related stressand anxieties can have a huge impact on all aspects of our lives both in the office, and at home; the longer we ignore it, the worse it can get. Work-related stress is thought to lead to a number of other mental health problems, ranging from anxiety and depression to low self-esteem and low self-confidence.

If youre worried that your work is impacting your emotional health and wellbeing, it could be time to speak with a qualified therapist. A counsellor can offer a private, confidential, judgement-free space where you can talk about what is worrying you and explore the steps you can take to overcome these problems.

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Beating back to work anxiety - Ed Exec

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley has identified and mapped the 13 subjective experiences that different kinds of music can evoke in people.

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted a playlist of musical tracks to put you in a certain mood for example, to motivate you to work but were unsure how to find it or put it together?

Soon, it may become easier to find music to suit your current emotions or kickstart you into action, thanks to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

The research, which doctoral student Alan Cowen led, used more than 2,000 music samples to gauge how different types of music influenced emotion in cohorts from two different countries and cultures: the United States and China.

"We have rigorously documented the largest array of emotions that are universally felt through the language of music," says the study's senior author Prof. Dacher Keltner. The study findings now appear in PNAS.

For their study, the researchers recruited 1,591 participants from the U.S. and 1,258 participants from China, who listened to a total of 2,168 samples of different types of music.

A first experiment involved a subgroup of U.S. and Chinese participants who listened to a music library of 1,841 samples, which they rated on 11 scales assessing for broad affective features.

This primary investigation allowed the investigators to come up with a long list of possible emotional experiences that different types of music could evoke.

It also allowed the researchers to verify how participants from different cultures perceived the same subjective experiences that the music tracks elicited.

"People from different cultures can agree that a song is angry but can differ on whether that feeling is positive or negative," notes Cowen.

Further experiments eventually led the researchers to identify a range of 13 emotions associated with music, which participants from both countries recognized.

The categories were: amusing, annoying, anxious or tense, beautiful, calm or relaxing or serene, dreamy, energizing, erotic or desirous, indignant or defiant, joyful or cheerful, sad or depressing, scary or fearful, and triumphant or heroic.

Across the spectrum, songs such as the iconic "Rock the Casbah" from the '80s rock band The Clash made people feel more energized, and the same went for Antonio Vivaldi's Baroque masterpiece, "The Four Seasons."

Al Green's 1971 single, "Let's Stay Together," elicited erotic feelings, while Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's upbeat version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" made listening participants experience feelings of joy.

Participants tended to experience feelings of defiance when listening to heavy metal and, as the researchers had predicted, feelings of fear when they heard the track "The Murder" by Bernard Herrmann, which served as background music for the famous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho.

To make sure that participants from different cultures really did experience the same emotions when listening to certain types of music, the researchers also conducted a confirmation experiment that they had designed to eliminate, as far as possible, cultural biases.

This experiment involved asking participants to listen to more than 300 traditional instrumental tracks from both Western and Chinese cultures. The participants' responses confirmed the findings: Listeners from both the U.S. and China reported that these tracks evoked similar emotions.

"Music is a universal language, but we don't always pay enough attention to what it's saying and how it's being understood," notes Cowen.

"We wanted to take an important first step toward solving the mystery of how music can evoke so many nuanced emotions," he adds.

"Imagine organizing a massively eclectic music library by emotion and capturing the combination of feelings associated with each track. That's essentially what our study has done."

Alan Cowen

In the future, the researchers believe that their work may even have practical applications. It may help psychologists and psychiatrists develop better therapies involving music and better allow developers to program music streaming services to identify playlists that will fit the listener's current mood.

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The 13 emotions that music evokes in us - Medical News Today

If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it's understandable.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success.

NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to team up and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that encourages people to improve heart health together.

"Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more," said NHLBI's Dr. David Goff, director of cardiovascular sciences.

Risk: Inactivity

Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster and leaves you a little breathless. If you're busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks.

Stay motivated: Make walking dates. Join a pickup soccer or basketball game. Join a fitness class with your neighbor. Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen.

Risk: An unhealthy diet

Solution: Consider an option like NHLBI's Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Stay motivated: Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade recipe ideas.

Risk: Smoking, even occasionally

Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you've smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know. If you've tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and what made it harder.

Stay motivated: Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or SmokeFree's .

Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep

Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Resist that late afternoon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listening to music, reading or taking a bath.

Risk: Uncontrolled stress

Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase physical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also help improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Join a friend or family member in a relaxing activity like walking, yoga or meditation every day.

Learn about heart health and heart healthy activities in your community at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues or family members are being heart healthy together.

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5 Ways to improve your heart health - San Marcos Daily Record

He started singing at the tender age of five under the direction of Priscilla Psaila. In 2016 James took part in the Singer Stage International Festival, finishing third, and that same year took part in the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza with the song Ahwa Maltin, Ahwa Ghawdxin as part of the supergroup K4 featuring Graziella Vella, Maria Desira and Justine Delmar. James has also made appearances on Malta Llejla, Kalamita and Twelveto3.

Whats the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I take a shower and have a bowl of cereal, to give me a boost for the day ahead.

What is the best advice youve ever received?

No matter how hard life gets, keep smiling.

What do you never leave the house without?

My mobile phone and wallet.

Pick three words that describe yourself

Hmm I really dont like describing myself but people say Im quiet, shy and calm.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is working in a school environment with children of all ages. It was always my dream job, since I was a child myself.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Eating a lot of chocolate.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Giving up is never an option, especially if you believe in yourself.

Whats the most expensive thing youve ever bought?

My car for sure.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

Playing the guitar, even though its never too late to learn.

Whos your inspiration?

My mother! I have always looked up to her.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Due to the fact that my voice changed when I was younger, there was a time when I had to stop singing completely so getting back in music was quite challenging, especially getting back on stage, but I am glad to have taken that step.

If you werent a musician, what would you be doing?

Most probably I would practise a sport. Football and tennis are definitely at the top of the list.

Do you believe in God?

Yes!

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

There are way too many people whom I would like to meet up and have dinner with, but if I had to choose just one person, it would have to be Freddie Mercury because he was incredibly talented and would surely share a couple of stories.

Whats your worst habit?

Putting unfolded clothes in my wardrobe instead of hanging them (Sorry ma!)

What are you like when youre drunk?

Extremely funny, and loud.

Who would you have play you in a film?

Hugh Jackman.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Being double-faced, I cant stand it.

What music would you have played at your funeral?

Any music, but preferably, it wouldnt be sad, because I want it to be a celebration of my life.

What is your most treasured material possession?

My laptop as I watch a lot on movies on it in my free time.

What is your earliest memory?

My earliest memory has got to be of me singing for the first time in a singing competition. I was about five years old.

When did you last cry, and why?

Not so long ago. My dog hurt her leg and couldnt walk easily. But somehow, miraculously, after four days she was back to normal.

Who would you most like to meet?

Billie Eilish as she is my favourite singer at the moment. I would like to pick her brain.

Whats your favourite food?

Mixed shellfish and fish.

Whos your favourite person on social media right now?

Sarah Zerafa and Tamara Webb are definitely at the top of my list.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

I would go back to when I was still in secondary school. It was definitely the best time of my life with no real responsibilities. The only worry I had back them was how I was going to complete the objectives on my playstation games.

What book are you reading right now?

I dont read a lot of books as I find online news more interesting.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Being invisible or teleportation.

Whats one thing you want to do before you die?

Seeing the Northern Lights has always been on my bucket list.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

A myriad of musical songs by Disney with the re-release of Aladdin and Lion King.

In the shower or when youre working out, what do you sing/listen to?

It depends on my mood and how tired I am but normally I would prefer to hear some relaxing music.

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Brad James: 'Seeing the Northern Lights has always been on my bucket list' - MaltaToday