laziness and helplessness

Laziness can often appear as indifference of emotional, physical, and social life in apathy. Laziness is sometimes a derivative of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is the feeling of, well, helplessness. S/he who has it, feels as though they cannot do anything about life, so they just sit back, and let it pass by. They feel that every decision has a possibility for negative consequences, so they don't make that decision. There are physical, social, and mental implications to learned helplessness and laziness. Neglect of diet, exercise, and medical treatment lead to physical health problems. Mental health issues can be caused by failed academic subjects and dedication to work. Children who have learned helplessness tend to use it as an excuse to get out of doing something. People don't tend to have high expectations in the individual, so s/he doesn't try to impress other people. There is also social implications. People who are usually extremely shy, passive, anxious, and depressed can easily learn helplessness to provide answers to such discontent. Therapy can "cure" this "disease". Laziness and learned helplessness are truly just mind sets that can be changed.

Gifts: More or Better?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124829.htm

The paradox of gift giving. If you want to buy someone a cashmere sweater as one gift and the other option is to buy the sweater and a $10 gift card, if your money would allow it you would get both. The reciever of the gift doesn't see it that way. They view the gift as a whole where as the gift-giver goes by 'more is better'. "The luxury sweater represents a generous 'big' gift. Adding on a 'little' gift makes the total package seems less big." There is a simple remedy, take the view as the reciever and ask yourself what you would think if that gift is given to you. How would you like it and what would be your opinion.

I feel that this article is very interesting because it is in some ways true. If someone gives you a great gift then another not so good one the value over all is lessened, but they paid more for it. It is something good to learn and I'm glad that I found this article, especially around Christmas time and the holidays.

Now when I give a present I will think about what the reciever will think about it and whether or not they would like it. I wouldn't want to give some one a present that they hated or didn't want. Or worse one that they sell or give away.

Nostalgia

Research from earlier years has shown that nostalgia can increase one's self esteem, boost perceptions of meaning in life, and bring up a sense of social connectedness. Nostalgia is a yearning or want for the past, be it a good event or a bad one. In studies, nostalgia has shown to increase the amount of charity donations, such as for an earthquake that may relate to the donor's past. Nostalgia, in this case, increases empathy for others. Strangely, however, nostalgia has been regarded as a negative emotion for several hundred years.

Music

All over the world poepele spend, time, money, and effort into music. It has been proven in studies that children who took keyboard or singing lessons often did better and got a higher grade on tests. Another study that was done, it said that boys between the ages of 6 and 15 who took music lessons got a higher score on verbal memory tests. Rather than the control group who did not have any music lessons. It has also been found that patients who are getting ready to have surgery, who had listened to piano, harp, synthesizer, orchestra or slow jazz, hadless post-surgical pain than those who did not. Music help autistic children to stay calm when they are under stress also. So from that they are able to socialize better. So all in all music helps you in school, or with disabilites. Music is a very powerful thing that many people appreicate, some more than others.

Meditation

Meditation has been used to help center your body, mind, and soul. Monks are usually the ones to be referred to when meditation is brought up. Mantra meditation is when words such as "om" "ah" and "hum" are used to connect yourself with the correlating part. "om" connects your body, "ah" connects your speech, and "hum" connects your mind. "om" of course is the stereotypical word for used when meditating, but other words are valid. Meditation can help by: increasing intelligence, decreasing insomnia, increased personal development, decreased stress and anxiety, reduced cardiovascular related death, lowered blood pressure, easier concentration, and reduced risk of disease and illness. Meditation is essentially relaxation. Taking a break if you will. When we take a break, give ourselves some "me time", we refuel our "batteries". This allows for more focus usually. When practiced enough, meditation could be a form of this. You may look stupid, but meditation can really help. Would you rather be cool, or healthy?

Anti-stress peptide helps block alcohol dependence in animal model

Anti-stress peptide helps block alcohol dependence in animal model

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/11120915052.htm

The Scripps Research Institute has published a new study entitled "Nociceptin/ Orphanin FQ Blockade of CRF-induced GABA Release in Central Amygdala is Enhanced after Chronic Ethanol Exposure" in the journal Biological Psychiatry. The researchers identified a stress peptide that promotes excessive alcohol drinking, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and an anti-stress peptide, nociceptin. Both peptides have opposite effects on the inhibitory neuro-transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the amygdala. CRF stimulates GABA while nociceptin inhibits it to help control alcohol intake. They also found it didn't matter if the CRF or nociceptin were introduced first, because the nociceptin drove down levels of GABA regardless. The researchers were also able to determine both peptides effected the amygdala neurons of alcohol-dependent rats vs. non-dependent controls more. And both peptides rely on the same enzyme, protein kinase A (PKA), to regulate GABA release. The researchers hope these discoveries will help lead to a new treatment of alcoholism.
"Alcoholism is a complex disorder with many contributing factors, one of which is stress. By targeting a particular system that's associated with stress, we can better understand the interaction of alcohol and stress in the brain." stated first author of the study, Maureen Cruz. Alcoholism is a chronic, complex disease that won't be treatable by just one new pill, but this is a new approach that tackles the stress factor.

Yawning

Have you ever seen someone yawn, and a few seconds later yawn yourself? It is often said that yawning is contagious, and in a sense, this is true. Recent studies have shown that yawning can be a sign of empathy towards people, such as family and friends. The research shows people yawn more often when the person they see yawning is a family member, and much less often if a person is a complete stranger. They say that seeing a person yawn triggers multiple brain functions, such as imitation, movement, and social behaviors. This trigger is overstimulated if the person is someone you care about, thus causing a yawn.

Ophidiophobia

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=152565

Ever wonder why snakes made the hair on the back of your neck stand up? Or why you start shaking when you see a snake? Studies suggest that you have a good reason to be afraid of these reptiles. There is a documentation stating that a small tribe in the Philippines was the first to notice how dangerous these creatures can be. For the Agta Negritos of Luzon Island this is still true. Anthropologist Thomas N. Headland went to this island to interview those who had been attacked by pythons. The ones who lived to tell the story bared scars from the encounter. "This amounted to one 'traumatic python incident' -- either fatal or nonfatal -- every two or three years, the authors stated." According to reasearch an adult man was little over half the mass of a large female python, which wasn't a big meal according to snake standards. But the natives of the island too feed on the snakes. It was recorded that a 23ft long python was killed and provided 55 lbs. of meat. "And modern-day psychiatrist Dr. Bryan Bruno, acting chairman of the department of psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, agreed that the lingering fear people have today may indeed date back to human ancestors who were even more vulnerable to serpent attacks." It is said that "The fear, is 'human universal'."

This is quite shocking to me because personally I love snakes and the thought of one eating me isn't all that pleasent. I won't just be terrified of snakes after I read that but some people could be. For example ones that don't like snakes to begin with might classify this as one of the reasons. It's kind of like a food chain. The natives eat the snakes and the snakes eat the natives. I could understand this to be something tramatic especially if I saw it happen or a snake actually attacked me. Then perhaps I would be afraid of snakes, but only that specific type of snake. Others might hate snakes all together and would be those to shake or whose hairs raise.

Branding and Social Media

Studies show that advertising products on Facebook, where all your personal information is seen as well, increases the amount of people who purchase them. This is believed to be caused by high self esteem, for when people see themselves next to a product that is somewhat tailored to their own lives, their own importance seems to rub off onto the product. They tested whether people would would go for an object branded as "self" or "other," and the "self" category won, reinforcing the theory.

Sleep Disorder

There are a lot of sleeping disorders. Here is a list of things that causes sleeping disorder: Bruxism, delayed sleep phase syndrome, insomnia, jet lag or desynchronosis, narcolepsy, night terror, parasomnias, periodic limb movement disorder, rapid eye movement behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome , shift work sleep disorder, sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking or somnambulism, and something simple such as snoring. Theres a cure for sleep disorders thankfully. These include medication, psychological therapy, and other somatic treatments. I love my sleep, and would hate if I couldnt sleep until 10 on the weekends.

Suicidal Kids

Suicide can happen to anyone. Give the person a emotional awakening and it will make them think they should end their life. If you hurt someone bad enough, suicide might be their last resort. Most people have ways of controlling the thought of suicide like hanging out with a friend or eating their favorite food. Kids commit suicide too, from bullying or a bad family. Statistics have found out that forty percent of teenage suicide attempts happens before high school. I think this is an interesting fact, considering high school is pretty much the biggest thing in teenage life. I would think that most teenage suicides attempts happened during high school.

Happy Quiters

People picture people who smoke cranky and always mad because they are taking them away from their pride and joy. No doubt quitting cancer sticks will ensure better health but no one looked how it effected their pschycological well-being. Addiction and fright are not good do quitting. My grandpa smoked damn near his whole life, starting when he was in his 20's. Quitting has been off and on for him, off, on, off, on, etc. He finally quit this year and I've noticed a difference. He doesnt get as mad and overall is just happy. So if your a smoker, quit now and be happy the rest of your life! :)

Sexual Orientation

Most people are heterosexual. They tend to like the opposite sex. Some people are homosexual, attracted to the same sex. Some are bisexual, attracted to both sexes. There are actually more than 3 sexual orientations. Some people just aren't interested, some people tend to dress as the opposite sex. This is only naming a small portion. Psychologists have come with theories as to why homosexual orientation exsists, but are truly baffeled, as no true answer is apparent. As you read through this blog, keep an open mind, and see how many of these apply to you. It doesn't mean you are homosexual or bisexual.
Personality
Each person desires something different from others. One may want prosperity, one may want success, one may want failure (it has happened). Everyone wants something different. One child may suffice playing with him/herself, where another may have a handful of friends, and still need more. One child may get little affection from his/her parents and be greatful, where another may get more, but still want even more. Many men with homosexual preferences tend to be more sensitive. They can be "in love" easier, but also get hurt easier.
Biology
It is very doubtful that biology plays a part, but there may be some hints that there is a gene or chromosome that differs from a heterosexual's own. Most homosexuals know that they are attracted to the same sex at a very early age, which can almost immediately identify this. Some wont know until late in life, possibly by a tramatic event with a loved spouse. There is no true evidence that says homosexuality is biological though.
Paternal Relationships (for men with a heterosexual father)
The relationship with a father can mean the difference between homosexuality and heterosexuality. If the relationship was not well, homosexuality is likely to occur. If the relationship was very well, heterosexuality is likely to occur.
Maternal Relationships (for men)
The relationship with a mother can also be important. The mother can either allow a strong relationship with a father, or dominate and diminish the relationship with the father. If the wife-husband relationship was not well, and a divorce took place, you may not have been able to see what the relationship was suppose to look like. If this happened, you may not have had the "correct" image of a boy. I quoted correct because it is not neccessarily correct or incorrect.
Self-worth
Low self-worth and self-esteem are common in homosexual males and females. Usually the same sex can understand each other better, as they have more likelihood of being in the same situation. Those who understand each other are usually better in companionship.

homosexuality is becoming more common, but less accepted today. My belief is that homosexuals may not be able to breed and repopulate, but people love who they love. Allow them to live a long, happy, prosporous life without hurting their self-esteem more than it is. They wont become straight, unless they are bi-curious, which may not even happen then. Please, allow them a fruitful and happy life. They probably deserve it.

Social Rejection

We've all suffered the pain and/or fear of social rejection. We want to be accepted as people by people. If not, we are made fun of, and cast away from the "cool people". These people are often referred to as "loners", basically saying that they are alone. This can be because of their style of dressing, their religious view, what ever reason people can and will find. People try to find the flaws in others to subdue the flaws in themselves. Social Rejection is something to be taken seriously, as people have commited suicide when they were not accepted.

Fear

Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. It can be brought up by specific stimuli such as pain, or danger. This leads to the "fight or flight" responce, which allows you to choose (very quickly) whether or not to fight, or run away. In extreme fear, a sort of shock in which the body goes num, the thoughts are racing, and a type of rigor mortis, or disuse of the muscles takes place. In essence, you can't move. Today, we use fear as a fun activity. Haunted houses, scary movies, all types of things we use to engage fear and laugh. Scientists say it is possible that we may even be curing phobias by provoking the fear hormone. Common fears that exsist include, but are far from limited to: ghosts, evil powers, bugs, animals, heights, water, closed space, tunnels, bridges, needles, failure, social rejection, public speaking, fire, etc. There are many fears, just about of everything that exsists in the world. Fear is a commonly known thing, that may be pleasant, or painful. Don't be fearful of how you use it, as it can only help.

Music

Music is widely loved, and widely cherished. Most people adore music, and don't know what life would be like without it. It has been used since before the medieval times. Some people are effected by the mood of music. For instance, sad music strikes a sad feeling, whereas happy music strikes feelings of happy and joy. My personal favorite song to make me happy is I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. I can sing along with it, which allows happiness. Singing and dancing can engage a certain hormone which provokes happiness. Sing, dance, and listen to joyful music and the world will be at your feet.

Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies was a novel, and a movie about a group of people on a plane. The plane crashed down, and none of the adults survived the crash, leaving the boys to fend for themselves on a nearby island. Psychology has its name writen all over the cover of this story. It takes hold of the whole story. Government was one boy's idea, Ralph. He ran the other boys for a short while, but most finally rebelled. This is because it is within the human mind to push away from those who want to help, and those who want to lead, and try to do things for ourselves. Piggy, Ralph's friend, is killed by the rebels. Could this be because they didn't want Ralph around? Because they were annoyed of Piggy? Because they wanted to push Ralph to his limits? All possiblities, all psychology.

2012

Why does 2012 have people packing food in their basements, collecting water to drink, and afraid for their lives? Because everyone else is. What will you do? Will you pack food in the basement, or will you sit back and relax? That's what determines your need to follow. 12, 21, 2012 is the end of the mayan calender. That's all. Do you believe that the mayans could foresee the future? Or do you think that the mayans just ran out of room on there stone calender? It's your choice.

Dissociative Disorders

Resource: http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Dissociative_Disorders.htm

Dissociative disorders are described as losing or having interruption from a person's fundamental aspects of their waking conscious or the information about their past history or one's identity. These disorders can become problem especially when a person tries to push away reality. For example, the conscious is trying to prevent a situation or traumatic event to getting to one's actual mind. The first disorder is the amnesia. This is known by blocking out important information about one's self. Usually it is of a traumatic or stressful nature. Unlike other types of amnesia, this type can't be effected by a blow to the head or medical trauma. Another type is fugue. It is considered rare. This is described when someone will unexpectedly and suddenly will take a physical leave from one's body and their surroundings, and then they will go on someone adventure. This can happen for hours, days, and even months. They can even travel over thousands of miles before coming back to reality. The person may also experience of a lost identity and will least likely take another personality. Thirdly, the next disorder is DID or Dissociative disorder. It can be taken as the person with many personalities. They have been seen in many movies since it seems to be popularly known. It will also have the different personalities alter one's memory or perspective like multiple people in one person. Lastly, the depersonalization disorder. This can be described as having a distance from one's physical body, experiences, or self being. They can easily be spotted, and a good example of this like feeling in a dream where life can feel sort of distorted or unusual

Disorders are one of the recent things humans have found. Many thousands of years ago, people would be killed for having such unusual minds. We will continue to find more and more treatments to these mind boggling mysteries that occur with our own little heads.