I read today that older people are happier than younger people. This comes from the American Psychologoical Association of Toronto, Canada and a Pew Research Study.

I accept this idea completely. I have a teen. She is a beautiful girl with all sorts of possibilities ahead of her. You’d think she’d be happy, but everything – and I mean everything – is annoying. You know what annoys me?  Crowds. How do I deal with them? I avoid them. Problem solved.

Here are a few of the ways in which older people find greater happiness:

 

*They are better able to recognize what triggers stress and avoid it
*They don’t sweat the small stuff and have greater control over their emotions
*They nurture close relationships with family and friends
*They have a more “positive mindset” and prefer to look at things from a positive point of view – both present and past events
*The have more time for hobbies, friends, or religion because they are retired
*They pick and chose their battles, having learned long ago that to let the little stuff slide

An interesting point made in the article is that a younger person’s more high-strung nature may actually contribute to better success in the workplace.

“Sometimes, happiness is something that you might not be able to achieve in the same way when you’re young and you have these things to accomplish,” she said. “Your time will come.”

Image credit: SXC.HU

Post from: Blisstree

Happiness Comes with Age

I am excited to announce that Zestra is hosting a giveaway with Blisstree to offer readers the opportunity to try out this new product for free.  Zestra uses natural botanical oils and is applied to a woman’s body to increase sensitivity with a fabulous warming sensation called the Zestra Rush.  Clinical trials have shown that women using Zestra have had a significant increase in their level of sexual satisfaction when asked to quantify their experience before and after using the product on a linear scale from 1 to 10.

If you are curious about Zestra and interested in taking steps to increase your sexual well-being, this is a chance for you to try something new.  Zestra is giving 25 Blisstree readers a free package that includes two packets of the product.  In order to enter the giveaway all you have to do is send an email to zestraforblisstree@gmail.com and say that you would like to experience the Zestra Rush.  The first 25 readers to send an email will win!

If you want to learn more about Zestra or how to order the product, please visit their website at www.zestra.com.  You can also leave comments here if you have any questions and we can have a professional answer them!

Thank you to Zestra for offering Blisstree readers this wonderful opportunity!

Image: sxc.hu

Post from: Blisstree

Experience the Zestra Rush Giveaway

Zestra is a new product made from natural botanical oils that is applied on a woman’s body to increase sexual satisfaction.  I wanted to hear a little more about how Zestra works, so I conducted an interview with Dr. Michael Krychman, MDCM about the product.  Dr. Krychman is the medical director for Sexual Medicine in Newport Beach, CA and formerly served as Co-Director of Sexual Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  He has experience studying sexual dysfunction in cancer and non-cancer patients.

Q:  I understand that Zestra is made from natural botanical oils.  Can you explain how it affects a woman’s body once it is applied?  How would it affect other parts of the body?

A:  The oil is topically applied and most women can expect a pleasant tingly or warming sensation within 3-5 minutes—this has been coined the Zestra Rush™!!! Women should apply the oil to the mons, clitoris, labia or outer areas of the vagina.  In clinical situations, I have also suggested some women apply it to the breast and nipple area—sometimes nipple and breast sensation can be diminished so the use of Zestra can also be helpful. Rarely, for some women, this feeling may result in a temporary feeling of discomfort, but it can be washed off simply with soap and water.

Q:  How is sexual satsifaction measured in a woman?

A:  Sexual satisfaction can be measured in a variety of ways—patients can either self report the strength of orgasm/latency (time to orgasm), their overall improved sexual function and of course sexual domains like arousal and desire can be measured by objective questionnaires which are typically used in the research setting.  Very often in the clinical setting, health care providers will ask patients to personally rate their satisfaction on a linear scale, e.g. 1=bad, 10 = great, since sexuality is so individual and unique satisfaction is also something that is personally measured.  In my clinical experience when patients try Zestra they move up on the scale towards the “great” level. Women who said their orgasms were weak are now reporting improvement, and they also report decreased time to achieve orgasm.  Overall, in the clinical scenario and with my patients it’s been shown to be helpful.

Q:  If a woman has success with Zestra, does it increase the possibility that she will have sexual satisfaction without the product?

A:  Zestra can enhance the sexual experience and promote wellness in the relationship; it can be used as an add-on to sexual activity.  Certainly sexual happiness and sexual satisfaction as well as intimacy and love are dynamic complex interactions for the couple—women’s sexual improvement can directly and indirectly affect a variety of facets in her overall health and functioning.

Q:  What are the benefits, besides happiness, of sexual satisfaction in a woman?

A:  Improved sexual function and positive intimate relationships have been linked to improvements in overall health, wellness, decreased disease, decreased medication requirements, lowered stress and decreased chronic medical disease.  Those who have some positive sexual connections and increased intimacy can expect to live longer happier lives—sexual hormones can boost immunity, promote longevity and in some cases have been linked with lowered rates of depression and anxiety.

Q:  Are there any side effects to using Zestra?

A:  Using Zestra has been demonstrated to be safe in clinical trials. No serious side effects have been reported, but as stated above, some women may find the tingly or warming sensation discomforting.  Zestra should not be used if you have any active infection, genital infection or local irritation.

You can visit Zestra’s website at Zestra for more information about how to order.

Post from: Blisstree

Zestra Helps Women Find Sexual Satisfaction

Everyone will have a different answer. Sometimes, I will say that my key to happiness is to not feel alone – because when I feel that way, it is when I feel the most lost in the abyss, and when I am surrounded by love – be it platonic or romantic – do I feel happy.

I have friends who find happiness in material wealth. Some find happiness of food, or sex, or something entirely different.

My puppies? A good greenie.

Researchers at the University of Rochester, NY recently researched this subject, and discovered that for many, money, looks, and even fame, don’t actually create happiness. The study showed that the acquisition of external goals not only didn’t bring about the sense of happiness expected, but in many cases actually brought unhappiness. Students who achieved internally focused goals such as personal growth and strong relationships were significantly happier.

This makes a lot of sense, and actually gives us something to think about. So, I ask you – what is the key to your own personal happiness?

Image: Sxc.hu

Post from: Blisstree

The Secrets of True Happiness

Here are a few of the things you shared me regarding your idea of bliss:

Sara L. said, “A hot bath, a good book, and some Dove chocolate gives me bliss!”

I know a lot of people agree with you there! In fact, many of your comments had to do with chocolate and reading a good book. I think it’s those two activities together that really signify a serene moment.

It’s interesting how often food translates to bliss. After all, if our tummies are full and we’re with our family, we have so much more than so many others in the world. Anne said:

“Bliss to me, is having my adult daughters and their children over for a huge meal, filled with much love and much laughter!”

Did you get a chance to weigh in on this? What’s your idea of bliss?

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Reader Feedback on Bliss

According to Dr. Thom E. Lobe, MD of Beneveda Medical Group, there’s practical solutions people everywhere can incorporate into their lives to get their grin on once again.

So (not to sound corny), but what can you do to turn that frown upside down? Here are some of the doctor’s tips:

1. Get your vitamin D level checked. Most of us are vitamin D deficient yet don’t know it. Take a supplement if necessary.
2. Learn how to breathe properly. Coordinate your breath and heart rate and you will help re-set your brain waves into a more relaxing rhythm.
3. Eat healthier. When you are overloaded on fats and sweets you feel more depressed.
4. Exercise. Exercise boosts production of serotonin, the “happy hormone.”
5. Volunteer. Help kids, the elderly, the disabled, the needy. Put your focus on someone else for a change.
6. Go hunt for a bargain. Find your bargain, whatever it is, and then move in for the kill. This is another great way to experience a serotonin high.
7. Take your spouse, partner or friend somewhere fun and unexpected. Make it a date, and don’t tell the person where you are going.
8. Visit a farmers market. Buy a healthy treat, talk to farmers, shoppers and try some new organic fare.
9. Go for a walk every day no matter what, and vary your routine. Take in new sights and sounds.
10. Don’t get on the phone and gossip. It only fuels further feelings of envy or encourages ridicule of others. Neither is productive to feeling good.

Image: Sxc.hu

Post from: Blisstree

Finding Happiness in Tough Times

No, I don’t mean a happy state of mind, but rather an actual location. Yeah, times are hard right now, but we all know people that remain happy no matter the circumstances. (Aren’t those people annoying? haha – Just kidding. I’d like to be counted among them actually!)

The very happy folks at Gallup did a study that determined where the happiest U.S. residents are…. (drum roll please)…. and the winner is: Utah.

(I can hear the groans and scratching of heads now, saying… Utah?)

Happiness was measured by how much people “enjoy their jobs, express deep optimism about future prospects, and even manage to stay healthy.” Utah has crazy low unemployment right now (4.6 % versus the national average of 7.6.) Wyoming, Colorado, and Minnesota were all in the top echelon as well. Want to know where your state ranks? Check out the entire list.

Image: sxc.hu

Post from: Blisstree

The Happiest State

I’m having a special time, for me. I have to say “for me” because I’ve been on the other side of this fence for a very long time. I understand the feeling of thinking nothing special will ever happen in your life. Especially when it seems like the phrase “This too shall pass” is a cuss word. And, this special time is full of fear – that it won’t last or isn’t real. Getting re-centered these last few days has actually been difficult. Thank God for Alcoholics Anonymous – in many more ways than one!

If it doesn’t last, it will be okay because even the few moments have been full of elation and have been worth every moment. Which is why this passage strikes me as being so timely;

“Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in the eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have a spiritual experience. The feeling that the drink problem has disappeared will often come strongly. We feel we are on the Broad Highway walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe.”

So, I’m going to make use of another phrase I’m fond of passing along – when you’re on a pink cloud, ride that baby for all its worth!

I owe a special thanks to Sheila B.

Post from: Blisstree

“It” Truly Does “Get Better” One Day At A Time

Why it is and continues to be:

Why We First Came to ACA

“Our lives didn’t work; they had become unmanageable. We exhausted all the methods we thought were supposed to have made us happy, healthy, and successful. In trying to reach our desired ends, we exhausted our resources. We often lost our creativity, our flexibility, and our sense of humor. No matter what we did, the results no longer gave us the thrill, the joy, the sense of power, or the feeling of elation they once did. We were at a dead-end. Continuing the same existence was no longer an option. Nevertheless, we couldn’t quite abandon the notion that if we knew just one more thing about how the world worked…

So we tried one more time. With little to win, nothing to lose, we came to our first meeting.”

Why We Keep Coming Back

“In ACA we come to understand how our childhood experiences affect our behavior and choices today. We learn how our behavior affects others, and we learn that we can change it. Gradually, from an adult perspective, we reexamine our life decisions. This is the first step in reparenting. Ultimately we become happier, stronger, more capable, and more able to take on a proactive role. We learn to be more respectful of ourselves. The quality of our lives improves as we learn to define and communicate our boundaries and insist that they be honored.”

Post from: Blisstree

Adult Children Of Alcoholics Revisited