10 ways to boost your happiness

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While we don’t advise you to put yourself in any danger, if there is something you have been putting off for a while out of fear, now is the time to bite the bullet and see it through.

Life isn’t always perfect and we all get down sometimes. However, there are many things you can do to improve your cheerfulness no matter what comes your way. From instance happiness boosts to techniques for long-term contentment, here are 10 top ways to boost your happiness.

Happiness tip 1: Watch a comedy movie

We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine, and if you’re feeling down in the dumps then this is definitely true. Laughter can not only release pent-up emotions, but it also produces endorphins to boost your mood. Furthermore, research has found that laughing burns calories and boosts heart health too. To get your happiness levels up and boost your wellbeing too, pop in a comedy DVD next time you’re feeling down.

Happiness tip 2: Eat yourself happy

While our outlook often changes based on external factors, if your mood is often low it may be that you are suffering from a nutrient deficiency. Research has found that having low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (which are essential for good brain health) increases risk of depression and negativity, while research by Kuopio University in Finland found that taking B vitamin supplements could help treat depression. Try choosing foods rich in these nutrients to eat away the blues.

Happiness tip 3: Get outdoors

Research has shown that low levels of vitamin D can contribute to mood disorders and depression. While vitamin D can be found in some foods or taken as supplement, one of the best sources of the mood-boosting vitamin is sunshine, which helps the body to create vitamin D. To boost your supplies of vitamin D, try to spend 10 to 15 minutes outdoors two to three times a week during the summer months.

Happiness tip 4: Have a workout

For an instant happiness boost when you’re feeling blue, try hitting the gym or heading out for a brisk walk or run. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain such as endorphins and anandamide which can boost your mood and leave you feeling great. Not only that, exercise is also good for boosting confidence levels and increasing self-esteem.

Happiness tip 5: Try aromatherapy

While many of us think of aromatherapy as an aid to relaxation, there are also many oils you can use to boost your happiness and help alleviate depression. Good aromatherapy oils to leave you uplifted include bergamot, geranium, neroli and jasmine. To lift your mood, try adding a few drops of these oils to water and burning on an oil burner, or create or purchase a room spray containing these essential oils.

Happiness tip 6: Take a risk

To get the endorphins going and give your confidence a boost, try challenging yourself on a regular basis. While we don’t advise you to put yourself in any danger, if there is something you have been putting off for a while out of fear, now is the time to bite the bullet and see it through. Whatever your fear – be it asking out that special someone, joining a gym or applying for a job abroad – conquering your fears will leave you feeling great as well as helping you achieve your dreams.

Happiness tip 7: Talk it out

If you are feeling seriously down and have been feeling low for a while, it is important to seek some help to get through this difficult phase. Seek out a friend or counsellor to listen to your problems, or visit your GP if you think you may be suffering from depression. No matter how bad you feel it is important to remember that you are not alone and there is no shame in seeking help. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved, and even talking through your issues can help them seem less overwhelming.

Happiness tip 8: Schedule in regular treats

To boost your happiness and satisfaction of life, it is important to make the most of those little things that boost your mood. Make a list of the day-to-day things that make you happy – such as having a catch-up with a friend, drinking hot chocolate in bed, or listening to your favourite song –and make sure you schedule one of these treats into every day. Planning regular treats not only gives you something to look forward to, but it can also subtly improve each day.

Happiness tip 9: Do something selfless

It is easy to get bogged down in our own problems, so every once in a while it is good to put our issues to one side and help someone else feel happy instead. Whether you want to take on a long-term volunteering role, make a donation to charity, or improve the happiness of someone you know with a thoughtful note or gift, making an effort to make someone else smile is a great way to get some perspective, take your mind off your problems and increase your sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Happiness tip 10: Set yourself a goal

Whether you aspire to get fit, obtain that dream job or learn how to cook something other than toast, most of us have something we long to achieve during our lifetime. Rather than putting off your dreams until a perfect moment which may never come, take some positive action and make a plan of how you will achieve your goal starting today. Having something to work towards will not only distract you from your problems, it will also reignite your passion for life and increase your excitement for the future.
YNaija.com

Beckham Moves To PSG On A Five-Month Deal

Former LA Galaxy star and former England captain David Beckham on Thursday signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a five-month deal.
The 37-year-old midfielder — one of the world’s most recognisable sportsmen with a pop star c*m designer wife, and an estimated net worth of £190 million (N47bn) — has been without a club since leaving Los Angeles Galaxy last year.
After a day of fevered speculation, the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan star was unveiled by the French league leaders at a packed news conference after a routine medical at a city hospital.
Club president Nasser Al Khalaifi told reporters he was delighted to have secured Beckham’s services until June 30 while the player himself said he was “excited and honoured” to be part of PSG’s plans to develop into a major European force.
“I chose here because I can see what the club are trying to do, the players they’re bringing in,” said Beckham, as he predicted PSG would have “a lot of success in the next 15 to 20 years”.

David Beckham with PSG Qatari president Nasser Al Khelaifi (L) and Brazilian sport director Leonardo

Beckham, whose family will remain in London, showed he did not move to Paris for the money as he revealed that he would donate his salary during his time in the French capital to a local children’s charity.
News of Beckham’s pending arrival lit up the final day of the January transfer window, a year after the former Old Trafford playmaker was first linked with a move to the Parc des Princes.
The deal with the father of four who is married to the former Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria, gives PSG’s ambitious Qatari owners a celebrity brand with the clout to tap new markets for the club, particularly in Asia.
“He’s more than a player. He’s a brand, a pop star,” said Leonardo in 2011 after making an initial approach to the player, who has a host of lucrative advertising and endorsement deals and is seen as much on red carpets as in the corridors of power.
InformationNigeria

Husband Catches Housewife Sleeping With Another Woman In Lagos

Obinna Stephanie Onyinye, 31 has been declared wanted by the police for alleged involvement in the act of lesbian.
It was reported that Stephanie in 2012 was allegedly caught engaging in the practice of lesbianism with another woman, and has since then been reported at the Afonka Police Division.
He was reportedly caught with her fellow lesbian at Shasha area of Lagos State.
Police sources had revealed that the bubble burst when Stephanie and her lesbian partner, Akin Dorcas, were caught red handed by Mr Akin who ran to the police to file a report.
Investigation also revealed that the two lesbians were always seen together before the revelation.

 

Sources said efforts were on top gear to track stephanie down.
Considering that the Nigerian government frowns at same sex marriages, and all related practices, it is possible the two fingered in this crime will risk jail term.
Naij

Abuja Budgets N5 Billion For Prostitutes

The Federal Capital Territory has proposed to spend N5 billion this year to rehabilitate prostitutes and destitutes who loiter the streets of Abuja
The FCTA as part of moves to remove prostitutes and destitute from the streets of the Federal Capital City, FCC, has set up two training centres in Bwari Area Council and Lugbe in Anuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.
The Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, will be in charge of removing the prostitutes and destitutes from the streets while their rehabilitation will be handled by Social Development Secretariat.
According to a source from the FCTA, the prostitutes when arrested, will be taken to Lugbe where they will be engaged in vocational training in hairdressing, making of yoghurt, computer training, among others for a minimum period of three months. The programme which commenced last year has already graduated over 1,000 of such persons.
In his lead debate yesterday, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma- Egba who presented the FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2013 said the total Statutory budget stands at N253,199,752,409, with N48,034,818,410 voted for Personnel costs; N49,504,534,358 for Overhead Costs and the balance of N155,660, 399,641 is for Capital Projects for the service of the Federal Capital Territory commencing from January 1, and ending on December 31, 2013.
According to Senator Ndoma-Egba, another N7.5 billion will be spent in 2013 by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, where the Departments of Development Control, Parks and Recreation, Facility Management and Urban Affairs belong.
Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba said: “The sum of N4 billion is proposed for the construction of First Lady Mission Building. Also, the sum of N150 million is set aside for the renovation of Vice President’s Guest House in Asokoro.
“The sum of N50.5 billion is proposed for the development of transport sector. Out of this amount, there is a Chinese loan of N44.5 billion for the construction of Abuja 60.37 standard gauge rail track with ancillary facilities.
“The secretariat is saddled with the responsibility of promoting social activities like sports, arts and culture, tourism, empowerment programmes, rehabilitate prostitutes and destitute, etc in the territory. In 2013, the total sum of N5 billion is earmarked to address some of the social menace within the FCT.
“The sum of N30 billion is earmarked for the provision of infrastructure and services in the education sector in year 2013. This will also cater for the expansion and rehabilitation of Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Vocational Schools, as well as to provide teaching aid materials. This will improve the quality and standard of education in FCT.
“The sum of N24 billion is proposed for the provision of infrastructural facilities and to complete the on-going projects. N23 billion is for the completion of on-going projects while N470 million is for new projects.”
Senators fault budget, say it’s scandalous
Meanwhile, Senators in their contributions to the budget however faulted some of the provisions, describing the proposed vote of N4 billion in the FCT budget of N253, 199, 752, 409 for First Lady Mission Building as not only scandalous, but an endorsement of illegality against the backdrop that the office does not exist in the 1999 Constitution.   They argued that public funds must not be used on a private project of such.
In his remarks, Senate President noted that the government was not getting the priorities right in the budget as most important things were not paid attention to, even as he urged Senators to ensure that an effective oversight was carried out.
Earlier in his contribution, Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central while leading a strong opposition against the budget said, “N150 million is too much for the renovation of the Vice President’s guest house in Asokoro. How much is the building that it will now gulp N150 million for renovation?”
Also in his contribution, Vice chairman, Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs,  Babajide Omoworare, ACN, Osun East who also kicked against the expenditure, said: “I’m worried about the provision of bogus figures, there’s a lot of disconnect. This budget hasn’t shown the reality of what’s happening in and around Abuja. Provision of N4 billion for building a mission office for the First Lady is scandalous.
“The Women Development Centre is there for the First Lady to do anything she wants to do and I’m not aware that there’s a First Ladies Mission office in the United States of America from where we copied the Presidential system of government. There is no such building in South Africa and even Ghana that is our next door neighbour.
“N4 billion can be used for a lot of other things. We have not set our priorities right. I’m of the view that the committee should look into this.
“Again, I remember that in this chamber last year, we voted N1 billion only for new federal universities yet we are being asked to appropriate N4 billion for an office that’s alien to the Constitution.”
Also in his remark, Vice chairman, Committee on Establishment and Public Service Committee, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, ACN, Ekiti Central, who was also not happy with some proposals of the FCT Budget, said: “I’m worried and I hope that those of us who are leaders in this country do not take the youths for granted. How can we vote N4 billion for the office of the First Lady? I just pray and hope that this doesn’t get to the public because if it does, we are in trouble.
“How can you appropriate money for an office that’s not known to the Constitution?”
Speaking further, Senate President Mark urged the Senator Bala Mohammed-led administration to set its priorities in the budget right, rather than start projects that would not be 90 per cent completed at the end of every fiscal year.
He said: “You’ve all made very valid contributions. I think the main problem with the budget is getting our priorities right. Some issues have come to the forefront that shouldn’t come to the forefront. I’m wary of completing some projects haphazard.”

TalkOfNaija

Jenessa Simons, Utah Woman, Finds Apparent Birth Mother Via Facebook In 3 Days (PHOTO)

The Huffington Post  |  By Andres Jauregui  

Facebook is supposed to connect people, but one Utah woman's incredible story recently brought new meaning to the power of social networking.
Adopted at birth, Jenessa Simons posted the above photo to her Facebook page Jan. 27 in an effort to find her biological parents.
“Everyone on Facebook’s been posting posters like, 'One million likes and I get a puppy,' and I thought, ‘Hey, these are getting shared around. I’ve seen kids get likes and get a puppy, so I should probably give it a shot,'” Simons told KSL.
Friends and friends-of-friends shared the photo more than 150,000 times. Although there were several false claims, three days later Simons was contacted by a woman that she believes is her birth mother.
“She sent pictures of me as a baby that my mother had given her,” Simons told ABC News affiliate KTVX. The woman also knew that Simons had been born by caesarean section, a fact that she hadn't made public.
Simons said that she will take her time getting to know her birth mother, although the two may meet soon. She is still searching for her birth father.
According to ABC News, she later wrote: "This page has gone crazy and I would love to turn it into a resource for others to help find birth parents."
This isn't the first time Facebook has been used to locate family members. In 2010, a California woman reportedly reconnected with her children via the social network after having been separated from them for 15 years.

Beyonce Comes Clean: Admits To Lip-Syncing On Obama's Inauguration

Beyonce answered critics of her Inauguration Day performance the best way she could - with another sterling performance of the national anthem.
The difference?
On Thursday, it was live: She admitted during her Super Bowl news conference that when she performed for President Barack Obama and the nation, she decided to sing to a prerecorded track because she didn't have time to practice. Calling herself a self-proclaimed ''perfectionist,'' she said wanted the day to go off without a hitch.
''I practice until my feet bleed and I did not have time to rehearse with the orchestra,'' she said, adding that she was also emotional that day. ''Due to no proper sound check, I did not feel comfortable taking a risk. It was about the president and the inauguration, and I wanted to make him and my country proud, so I decided to sing along with my pre-recorded track, which is very common in the music industry. And I'm very proud of my performance.''
It was the superstar's first public comments on what has become known as ''Beyonce-gate.''
Her rendition of the anthem was critically praised, but was scrutinized less than a day later when a representative from the U.S. Marine Band said Beyonce was lip-syncing - merely mouthing the words to a pre-recorded track - and the band's accompanying performance was taped. Shortly after, the group backed off its initial statement and said no one could tell if she was singing live or not.
With the controversy growing each day, and everyone from politicians to other entertainers weighing in, the inauguration performance threatened to overshadow her planned Super Bowl halftime show. So the 31-year-old, wearing a tight, cream mini-dress, addressed the issue as soon as she took to the podium Thursday afternoon.
She asked everyone to stand, and, with an image of the American flag behind her, performed a live rendition of the national anthem that mirrored the one on Inauguration Day. After, she said with a laugh: ''Any questions?''
Despite her performance, there were.
When pressed about whether any sound was coming from her voice when she sang for the president, she said she was singing along to the track and not mimicking (though it's unclear how audible her voice was). And when asked if she would be singing live at the Super Bowl, she said: ''I will absolutely be singing live.
''This is what I was born to do.''
She added later: ''I always sing live. ... The inauguration was unfortunately a time where I could not rehearse with the orchestra, actually because I was rehearsing for the Super Bowl. So that was always the plan.''
Beyonce also got a chance to talk more in detail about the reason why she was in New Orleans - to perform at the halftime show. Calling it one of her career aspirations, she said when she arrived at the Superdome, she was so moved by the experience she took her shoes off and ran on the field, taking in the history at the famed venue.
''It really makes me emotional,'' she said. ''When I am no longer here, it's what they're gonna show.''
Beyonce has teased photos and video of herself preparing for the show, which will perhaps be the biggest audience of her career. Last year, Madonna's halftime performance was the most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance ever, with an average of 114 million viewers. It garnered more viewers than the game itself, which was the most-watched U.S. TV event in history.
But she would not give anything more away about the performance. While a Destiny's Child reunion was shot down by Michelle Williams, who is starring in a production of ''Fela!'', the third Destiny's Child member, Kelly Rowland, is in town. Beyonce laughed off questions of whether Rowland or Beyonce's husband, Jay-Z, would join her on stage.
''I can't give you any details, sorry,'' she said.
She also would not reveal her set list, though acknowledged she was having a hard time trying to ''condense a career into 12 minutes.''
Before the news conference, Beyonce's ''Life is But A Dream'' was shown to the media. The documentary about the star's life features her talking in-depth about intimate details of her life, including suffering a miscarriage; it will air on HBO on Feb. 16.
In it, she also reveals more of her 1-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, whom she called her inspiration.
''I feel like my daughter changed me and changed my life and has given me so much purpose,'' she said. She added that she was counting down until 9 p.m. Sunday, when her performance would be over - and she could be reunited with Blue Ivy.
TalkOfNaija

Threat of Arrest: Jega Explains Absence to House

Thursday, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega explained why he did not honour the invitation of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, blaming it on communication gaps.

The House of Representatives had Wednesday threatened to arrest the INEC Chairman for not honouring its invitation to appear before it.
But Jega has in a letter to the chairman of House Committee on Public Accounts explained why he did could not appear before the lawmakers.
The INEC Chairman is expected to appear before the committee on to explain the expenditures of the commission between 2003 and 2011, following the queries raised by the Auditor General of the Federation on INEC’s accounts, within the period under review.
Dr. Abel Guobadia completed the tenure of Justice Ephriam Akpata in 2005 and Prof. Maurice Iwu who was appointed as INEC chairman was the chairman of the commission till 2010 when Jega assumed office. The probe by the House will look into the expenditures of the commission under three chairmen.
According to Jega in a letter dated January 31 2013, “My failure to respond to your committee’s invitation was wholly unintended and regrettable. I had travelled out of the country for a while and only returned to office early this week; and there was apparently a communication gap that made me unaware of the invitation to appear before the honourable committee on Wednesday.
"I learnt from the media this morning that your honourable committee has resolved to issue an arrest warrant on me, following my failure to appear before it at its scheduled sitting on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
"The resolution, obviously, was borne out of the anger of committee members over my unfortunate absence at the Wednesday sitting. It is, thus, perfectly understandable," Jega said in the letter.
The INEC Chairman said he has no reason or intention to be disrespectful to the committee, or to shun its summons, promising that he would ensure to be readily available at the next scheduled sitting.
Naij