FitSugar

10 Herbs to Enhance Your Focus

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:47:52 PDT

What are the chances you can read this story completely without letting your mind wander elsewhere? If it's slim to none, you may need to read it the most. With the television, blogs, cell phones, iPads, and kids running around my house, it's a wonder I can focus on any given task. When I'm exercising, I'm usually dialed into the task at hand, but when it comes to completing my to-do list, it better be written down or else it's likely not going to get a line through it. Instead of wearing blinders and plugging my ears, I've discovered some herbs and essential oils that are said to help one stay focused.

Rosemary
Ginger
Grapefruit
Basil
Black Pepper

Come check out the rest of my list!

Are You Highly Focused or Easily Distracted?

DearSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:00:00 PDT

When it comes to work or school, we all have projects, assignments, reports and deadlines to deal with. We have things to type, research to make, books to read, and emails to write.

Some of us can stay focused and get through a to do list even when there are people chatting, music blaring, food being passed around, or sirens outside - (like me). Then there are others who can pay more attention, and get more accomplished when they are completely alone, with no sounds or people to distract them.

So I want to know, when it comes to getting your work done, are you highly focused or easily distracted?

Source

Adult ADD and ADHD: Know the Signs

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Adult ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are conditions that have to do with the way you think. Unfortunately, they can seriously affect adults when it comes to their job, relationships, and their finances. It's true that they have to do with not being able to concentrate, but there's a lot more to it. Some of the signs include:

"zoning out" during conversations, or daydreaming

not remembering being told something
being late or forgetting to show up when expected
speaking without thinking first or interrupting others when they talk
talking fast or excessively, and hopping from one topic to the next
getting easily frustrated or bored
procrastination or difficulty staying focused
not finishing what you start (projects, books)
low self-esteem or insecurity
impulsive behaviors, quick to get angry

There are also some really positive "gifts" if you have ADD and ADHD? Want to hear them, then

Adults with ADD or ADHD may also be able to maintain intense focus on something that they are greatly interested in. This is called hyper focus, where people can be engaged for hours with a lack of awareness for others or time. They can be super determined and have high energy and enthusiasm for something if it sparks their interest. Einstein and Da Vinci had this ability and look how successful they were!!
People with ADD or ADHD are also great at creative thinking, problem-solving, and brainstorming ideas. Scientists, inventors, artists, musicians, and doctors can benefit from this type of brain.
Intelligence, flexibility, and spontaneity are also character traits of someone with ADD or ADHD.

Dear's Advice:

Source

Maintain Focus - No Matter What

FitSugar — Sat, 05 May 2007 02:00:00 PDT

When you're doing yoga, it's really important to be aware of your body, and to be conscious of your movements. Bringing your attention inward is a big part of the yoga practice. If your mind is wandering, or something distracts you, you could get careless with your actions, and end up getting injured.

Check out this yogi's response to a furry, purring distraction...

Now that you are inspired and focused, try this side angle pose.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Mountain - Create Your Intention

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:30:11 PST

Depending on what kind of yoga class you are taking some start off seated and some start off standing. However the class begins physically, it's always important for you to begin your personal practice mindfully.

If the instructor offers you a moment of meditation in the beginning of class, use this time to bring yourself into your body.

Try to let go of any thoughts about your day: what you forgot to do, who you need to call, or a disagreement you may have had, then connect with your body in the present moment. After all this is what yoga is all about.

Before you begin moving, create your intention. Bring your awareness inward to your breath and focus your energy on a person, an aspiration, a dream, a hope, a purpose, or something you wish to change in the world or in your life.

While seated, or standing at the front of your mat in Mountain Pose, create a space for your mind and body to be free, steady, and aware. For the entire practice and with each inhale and exhale, try to stay present and focus on that intention.

Through your yoga practice, you strengthen your spirit by connecting with yourself, which in turn, opens your heart and your mind. So when you step off your mat and into the world, you'll feel strong and confident to handle anything.

Try to get out of your mind that you wish your leg was straighter, or that you could hold a handstand for 10 breaths. It's not about what the poses look like, it's about moving and breathing, feeling good, and honoring you.

Drishti: It's Where You Look

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 07:30:00 PST

Your drishti, quite simply put, is your gaze, or where you look.

When you focus your eyes on a fixed, non-moving, single point, your attention naturally follows, making it easier to concentrate (during meditation) or balance (during yoga). Your drishti will help you block out distraction, so you can draw your awareness inward.

When using your drishti, don't squint or strain your eyes - the muscles on your face should be relaxed and the gaze should be soft.

In yoga, while your drishti might help you stay up in Crow pose, it can also be used to deepen your stretch, as in twisting poses like Bound Squat - your drishti can help motivate you to move further into a pose. It can also help you to hold poses for a longer amount of time.

Yoga poses have specific drishti points that are used. In Ashtanga Yoga there are 8. Want to hear more about them? Then

read more Nasagrai Drishti: gaze at the tip of the nose, as used in upward facing dog and standing forward fold poses. Angusta Ma Dyai Drishti: gaze at the thumbs, as used in warrior I. Nabi Chakra Drishti: gaze at the navel, as used in downward facing dog. Pahayoragrai Drishti: gaze at the toes, as used in hand to toe pose and most seated forward bends. Hastagrai Drishti: gaze at the hands, as used in triangle and warrior II. Parsva Drishti: gaze to the side, as used in seated spinal twists. Urdhva Drishti: gaze upwards, as used in warrior angle, balancing half moon, and prayer twist. Naitrayohmadya or Broomadhya Drishti: gaze at the third eye or forehead, as used in fish, upward forward fold, and reverse warrior II. You can use these drishti points for other kinds of yoga as well. If you're not sure where to look in certain poses, do what comes naturally, or ask your yoga instructor.

Meditation: A Simple Way to Start

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:15:00 PST

We are a month into the new year and already that resolution to be less stressed has been tossed out the window. Well, bring that resolution back and focus on something that makes you tick. Your breath - yep, I am talking meditation.

Meditation involves concentrating on a single thought, word, image or movement and is a great way to reduce stress. Essentially you are trying to strengthen the relationship between your mind and body. How sweet. The goal is to quiet your mind by focusing on the moment instead of your worries.

So where to begin? I have always found it best to focus on my breath. So find a comfortable and quiet place to sit, I find it too tempting to fall asleep if I meditate lying down. Then focus on different aspects of your breath. How it sounds and how it feels.

I have heard meditation explained like this. Your mind is a puppy that is getting paper trained/housebroken and the paper is meditation. As your mind, the puppy, wanders off the paper you gently steer it back to the paper, which is your breath and meditation practice. Just as you wouldn't be harsh with a puppy learning where to "go," you shouldn't be harsh on yourself if your mind wanders. After all that is what the mind does.

Set an alarm for 5 or 10 minutes and meditate until the alarm goes off. No cheating or peeking. It may feel like an eternity, but it will soon get easier to focus your mind. Practice in this case doesn't make perfect, but makes one simply more self aware.

Shambala Centers offer classes on meditation in the Buddhist tradition. You can find centers listed by state on their website.

Show Us the Gadgets You Love and Enter to Win a Samsung Focus S

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:06:12 PST

We're getting ready for Valentine's Day by sharing loads of gadgets that we love on Pinterest. Dozens of boards are already filled with our favorite geeky finds, and now we want you to show us what you love! Share your favorite gadgets with us on Pinterest and enter to win an AT&T Samsung Focus S Windows Phone. It's supereasy to enter - just follow the steps below and make sure to complete your board by Feb. 13 as we will be picking the best gadget board winner on Valentine's Day. Check out the official rules for more entry and giveaway info. Ready? Then start pinning and share your link in the comments!

Love Your Laptop: 8 Tips For Keeping it Healthy and Happy

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:23:02 PST

Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be about giving affection to your significant other. It can be about showing your appreciation for the people and things that make your life awesome. Take your laptop, for example. Your window to the vast Internet, your laptop works really hard for you without asking much in return. Give your laptop a little TLC this Valentine's Day with these tips that will keep it happy and healthy all year long.

Clean it up - Giving your laptop (or desktop) a thorough cleaning is essential to extending its life. Back up any data you may already have stored (on an external hard drive or a portable flash drive), organize your desktop icons, empty your computer's trash on a regular basis, and clear out any programs you don't use. This will help free up space and keep you on the fast track to productivity.
Practice proper shutdown habits - Shutting down all open programs and putting your laptop to sleep instead of just closing the lid will help your computer stay cool and safe while in transport. But if you've had your laptop in a cold environment, let it warm up to room temps slowly before turning it on. This will keep condensation and dew at bay, which can ruin your computer's sensitive guts.
Protect your investment - If you're going to be lugging a laptop around, make sure it's protected in a padded case!

See the rest of my tips after the jump.

Watch Theyskens' Theory's Retro-Meets-Modern Fall 2012 Runway Show

FabSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:14:46 PST

Theyskens' Theory focused on basics, but obviously the way Olivier Theyskens choose to view basics. That means gorgeously tailored jackets, skinny leather pants with a just a hint of slouch, artfully cut sweaters, and a series of cocktai dresses that hint of his old days designing for Rochas. Check out the entire runway show here.