by admin | Jan 28, 2025 | culture, tourist attractions, Travel, travel destinations, vietnam
Explore Ninh Binh and Tam Coc to witness breathtaking limestone cliffs, ancient shrines, and vast expanses of rice fields that seem to stretch endlessly.
About 50 miles away from Hanoi sits Ninh Binh, a gem nestled in Northern Vietnam and often referred to as the inland counterpart of
Halong
Bay
Here, stunning vistas and historical sites provide tough competition to its coastal equivalent. In Tam Coc, boat trips down the Ngo Dong River offer a picturesque journey through majestic limestone formations and lush rice paddies. Along the way, explore the multi-levelled Bich Dong, an enigmatic temple embedded within the rocky cliffs. Ascend the steep staircases leading to the Upper Pagoda to enjoy spectacular panoramas.
Further up north lies Trang An, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning landscape featuring intricate clusters of karst mountains and valleys. Paddle your way through Trang An’s waterways to discover vibrant green valleys, hidden caverns, and towering limestone formations. This renowned attraction in Vietnam tends to get crowded; therefore, visit either at daybreak or just before sunset for a more tranquil experience.
Tam Cốc
Ninh Hải
Hoa Lư
Ninh Bình
by admin | Jan 27, 2025 | Travel, travel advice, travel destinations, travel planning and tips, travel recommendations
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After losing out on a job, Erica Hobbs booked a 24-day trip to Japan.
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The November vacation was planned last minute, so she ended up traveling solo.
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Reflecting on her past experience, she wishes she had booked transport ahead of time and chosen to lodge in more hostels instead.
In November, after three months of interviews, I lost out on a job and decided it was time for a travel break. I set out on a 3
½-
week
trip to Japan
.
The timing worked out — the favorable
dollar-to-yen exchange rate
, mild weather, and vibrant autumn foliage made it a great time to visit.
Given the limited time to search for a travel partner, I welcomed the independence of going alone and the flexibility to decide spontaneously. As I had previously journeyed solo, I believed I was capable of handling things as they came.
trip to Japan
proved to be more difficult than expected.
My journey involved visiting the “golden triangle” region.
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
, including excursions to nearby locations like Nikko, Mount Fuji, Nara, and Himeji. The itinerary also encompassed stops at Hiroshima and Miyajima Island along with a week exploring central Japan.
The trip cost about $3,400, not including the airfare, which I paid for with credit-card points. As a
cost-conscious backpacker
I opted for staying in pod hotels or hostels and usually dined on street food, items from convenience stores, or noodle dishes at ramen shops.
The largest part of my expenses went towards lodging, amounting to over $915 for staying 24 nights. Ground travel also accumulated significantly. Although local trains were quite cheap, train ticket costs still piled up.
Shinkansen bullet train
They were pricey. The journey from Tokyo to Toyama cost me the most at around $100, followed by Hiroshima to Osaka which was approximately $70, and finally Osaka back to Tokyo costing roughly $90.
A few indulgences included attending a kimono tea ceremony, a
Kobe steak
dinner, and visits to a handful of themed cafés.
Although I enjoyed the journey, there are three aspects I would have changed.
1. Increased preparation prior to the journey
I concentrated my preliminary investigation on locations and experiences rather than logistical details. Apart from arranging the initial couple of things, I did not make reservations ahead of time.
days in Tokyo
This resulted in a disorganized and ineffective journey filled with skipped trains, forfeited chances, and avoidable tension.
I had heard that Japan attracts many visitors during autumn, yet it turned out to be even more crowded than I anticipated, making it challenging to secure affordable lodging at short notice. Numerous well-known sites, such as
Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum
Moreover, the Ninja Tokyo restaurant was reserved beforehand. Various locations across the nation, such as Osaka’s Nintendo Museum, were also included.
ryokans
— Traditional Japanese ryokans — were also fully booked soon.
I was fortunate enough during the tea ceremony — an added bonus.
solo traveling
—but I really wished I had booked them in advance since I couldn’t get into some of them.
I too should have made reservations beforehand using platforms that offer free cancellations. That way, I could guarantee my place to stay and still maintain the option to alter my arrangements later.
For travel arrangements, I would have arranged my transport.
IC card
When I reached the airport, I encountered these cards—Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca—which function as prepaid options for seamless transit across various public transport networks within major urban centers. Following a lengthy 13-hour journey, I hurriedly made my way to check into my accommodation. However, obtaining one of those cards turned out to be more challenging post-flight; they could typically only be found in bigger railway hubs and weren’t always readily accessible elsewhere.
2. Chose hostels over capsule hotels
A lot of folks believe that traveling alone means doing everything by yourself. However, what I enjoy most is meeting new individuals during these trips. Hostels typically provide a great environment for socializing, so I expected similar experiences elsewhere.
capsule hotels
Instead, I discovered that the pod hotels—although wonderfully serene and spa-like—were far less sociable. Additionally, many of the guests staying there were local travelers who did not speak English.
However, I quickly became friends with people at the hostels where I stayed.
Hiroshima
, we had an amazing time exploring Miyajima Island as a group of seven throughout the day, even tackling a mountain I probably wouldn’t have gone up solo. If I had begun my journey staying at hostels, I might’ve met traveling companions sooner.
3. Dedicated additional hours to exploring Nikko and Osaka
Approximately 90 miles north of Tokyo,
Nikko
It’s a common day trip destination, yet I felt that allocating two whole days would have been ideal for thoroughly experiencing the town. The area is renowned for its intricate shrines and temples as well as stunning mountain landscapes. During my visit in November, all attractions shut down by 4 p.m., causing darkness to set in soon afterward. This restriction made it challenging to see all of what Nikko has to showcase within the available time frame.
The 126-acre Tokugawa shrine and temple area – designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 – lies within ten miles of Lake Chuzenji, marking the starting point for the ascent up Mount Nantai. However, despite their proximity, moving between these locations might require about sixty minutes. The intricate details and grandeur of the place were such that I wished I had spent all day exploring it, particularly the renowned Toshogu Shrine.
I also hope I could have spent an entire day discovering the stunning lake, cascading waterfalls, and numerous trails surrounding the mountain. The one-day visit seemed hurried and only covered the main attractions.
I likewise hope I had devoted
more time in Osaka
Since it gained prominence mainly because of its cuisine, I assumed two days would suffice; however, it turned out that the non-culinary aspects were my highlights and what I wished I could have explored further.
The Dotonbori district was brimming with lights and crowds, exuding an energetic vibe that I really appreciated being immersed in. I had a great time exploring for about half a day.
Osaka Castle
, however, with additional time, I would have explored the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living as well as the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, places that fellow travelers I encountered spoke highly of. Additionally, I would have taken a direct flight back home from Osaka, saving myself both half a day and the $90 cost of a bullet train ticket.
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Business SANGGRALOKA
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by admin | Jan 27, 2025 | culture, habits, lifestyle, popular culture, television
Lifehack My ID.CO
– Bisa jadi Anda pernah menjumpai orang yang gemar tertidur dengan televisi masih hidup. Biasanya kebiasaan seperti itu dikira hanya akan merusak tagihan listrik atau gangguin pola tidur, namun dari sudut pandang ilmu psikologi terdapat sebab-sebab lain yang mendasari tindakan aneh tersebut.
Orang-orang semacam itu mungkin mempunyai ciri khas atau tendensi spesifik yang menunjukkan bagaimana mereka berinteraksi dengan lingkungan sekitar.
Menurut artikel di Personal Branding Blog, berikut adalah 7 tindakan umum terkait dengan kebiasaan tersebut.
1. Takut Keheningan
Untuk beberapa individu, ketenangan sebenarnya dapat menimbulkan perasaan cemas. Keheningan pada malam hari kadang-kadang menciptakan sensasi kesendirian atau bahkan kewaspadaan yang tak mudah untuk diceritakan. Bunyi televisi yang berkelanjutan ternyata berguna dalam melengkapi keriuhan tersebut dan menjadi alat pengalih dari pemikiran-pemikiran yang mengganggu.
Dalam bidang psikologi, hal ini biasanya berhubungan dengan dorongan untuk merasakan koneksi atau menyingkirkan pikiran kompleks yang dapat menyebabkan ketegangan. Oleh karena itu, bagi sebagian orang, bunyi televisi tidak hanya merupakan nada latar, tetapi juga cara melepaskan diri dari kesunyian yang dianggap membahayakan kedamaian mentalnya.
2. Kemampuan Multitasking
Entah percaya atau tidak, banyak orang yang biasanya tertidur dengan televisi menyala justru memiliki kemampuan otak untuk memfilter informasi. Hal ini disebabkan oleh rutinitas tidur di hadapan suara latar tersebut, sehingga secara tak sadar mereka telah melatih diri untuk menentukan mana informasi yang perlu diperhatikan dan yang bisa dilupakan.
Sayangnya, kebiasaan tersebut juga berpotensi merugikan mutu waktu istirahat mereka. Pencahayaan bluelight dari televisi mampu menciptakan gangguan pada pola siklus alami tubuh, sehingga menyulitkan proses masuk ke fase tidur yang nyenyak. Walaupun demikian, perilaku multitask ini pun mencerminkan tingkat kemampuan adaptasi untuk menjalankan beberapa aktivitas secara bersamaan dengan cerdik.
3. Imajinatif
Televisi yang menyala sebelum tertidur kerapkali membuka jalan ke imajinasi tanpa batasan. Untuk orang-orang dengan jiwa kreatif, gambaran dari tayangan televisi ataupun film dapat merangsang mimpi berwarna-warni serta mendorong lahirnya inspirasi baru.
Di bidang psikologi, hal tersebut berhubungan dengan jejaring modus default (DMN) dalam otak, yang bekerja ketika seseorang biarkan pikirannya berkelana. Melalui pemanfaatan televisi, mereka tanpa disadari mendukung proses kreatif otaknya. Oleh karena itu, tak perlu terkejut apabila individu seperti ini lebih sering menunjukkan pemahaman serta ide-ide yang segar dan asli.
4. Mencari Kenyamanan
Televisi yang berfungsi dapat memberikan perasaan kenyamanan dan keamanan, terlebih untuk orang-orang yang tengah menghadapi kesulitan. Bunyi-bunyian yang dikenali dari program pilihan atau sinarnya yang redup membentuk atmosfer yang meredamkan, seringkali mirip jaket pelindung hangat.
Psikolog menjelaskan bahwa hal ini merupakan cara untuk menemukan kenyamanan, di mana individu berusaha mengurangi tekanan dengan merancang suasana yang dirasanya hangat dan familiar. Setelah melalui hari yang padat, televisi bertindak sebagai sahabat yang membantu mereka menghilangkan lelah.
5. Suka Begadang
Orang-orang yang biasanya tidur sambil meninggalkan TV nyala umumnya termasuk dalam kategori “burung hantu malam.” Mereka merasa senang dan tenang menghadapi kesunyian dini hari bersama latar belakang nada halus dari televisi. Hal ini menciptakan rasa seolah-olah masih ada teman yang mendampinginya walaupun pada saat-saat dimana mayoritas orang telah terlelap.
Tipe pola tidur tersebut mungkin tak cocok dengan norma-norma kesehatan tidur, namun hal itu menunjukkan metode unik mereka untuk mempersiapkan waktu beristirahat. Untuk mereka, televisi menjadi sarana relaksasi menjelang saat tertidur.
6. Lari dari Kenyataan
Terkadang, orang memilih untuk tertidur sambil menyalakan televisi karena ingin menghindari stres kehidupan sehari-hari. Arus narasi dari serial TV ataupun film memberikan sebuah realitas alternatif yang lebih ringan, tempat mereka dapat melepas lelah dari kewajiban dan tanggung jawabnya.
Di dalam ilmu psikologi, hal tersebut umumnya dikenal sebagai escapist behavior atau perilaku lari dari kenyataan, yakni sebuah mekanisme pertahanan untuk sesaat meninggalkan permasalahan. Walau begitu, penting bagi kita memahami bahwa tindakan melarikan diri itu hanyalah jawaban jangka pendek, serta tak bisa menjadi ganti bagi metode menyelesaikan persoalan dengan cara yang lebih baik secara keseluruhan.
7. Kebiasaan Yang Menantang Untuk Dihilangkan
Orang-orang yang terbiasa tidur sambil menonton televisi umumnya telah melakukan hal ini selama bertahun-tahun, menjadikannya suatu kebiasaan yang susah ditinggalkan. Mereka cenderung merasa asing atau kurang betah ketika berusaha istirahat tanpa adanya bunyi dari siaran TV tersebut. Hal ini dapat mengindikasikan ketergantungan mereka pada pola-pola spesifik demi mendapatkan kedamaian mental.
Psikologi mengungkapkan bahwa pola perilaku semacam itu biasanya muncul sebagai salah satu metode self-soothing, yakni suatu cara untuk meredakan diri dengan membentuk lingkungan yang kelihatan familiar dan menenangkan.
Kebiasaan tidur dengan TV menyala mungkin terlihat sederhana, tetapi psikologi menunjukkan bahwa ada berbagai perilaku dan alasan di baliknya. Mulai dari menghindari keheningan hingga mencari kenyamanan, kebiasaan ini mencerminkan cara unik seseorang menghadapi hidup.
Oleh karena itu, apabila Anda menjumpai seseorang dengan kebiasaan tersebut, sadari bahwa mereka sedang mencoba cara mereka sendiri untuk merasa lebih damai dan santai. Semua tingkah laku pasti ada sebabnya, dan barangkali kisah mereka tak sangat berbeda dari milik Anda.
pri/jawapos.com
)
by admin | Jan 26, 2025 | fitness, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, healthcare and medicine
Increasing your fitness level prior to significant surgery might reduce the risk of postoperative complications by half, according to a study.
The study also revealed that patients who proactively got ready for scheduled surgeries through exercise and better nutrition generally experienced faster recoveries.
In the Canadian study involving 15,684 individuals whose medical records were reviewed, participants who adopted healthier behaviors—referred to as prehabilitation rather than post-operative rehabilitation—experienced fewer complications within a month following their procedures and reported an improved quality of life.
Scientists found that boosting physical activity prior to surgery, whenever feasible, might decrease the likelihood of complications by half. Additionally, maintaining a nutritious diet—especially one high in proteins—was linked to reducing the risk by 38 percent.
It was unexpectedly discovered that one of the most efficient ways to decrease the length of hospital stay following surgery is providing patients with access to psychological support. This involves clinicians discussing in detail what to anticipate during the recovery phase.
When combining all three factors — exercise, a nutritious diet, and therapy — the likelihood of experiencing post-operative complications decreased by 36 percent.
Proactively getting ready for significant surgery might also reduce the duration of recovery in the hospital.
Individuals who increased their physical activity and received emotional backing spent approximately 2.5 less days in the hospital compared to those who didn’t.
Combining exercise and healthy eating was associated with 1.22 fewer days.
Up to 44 percent of NHS patients in the UK experience complications following significant surgeries such as internal hemorrhaging, infections, and strokes.
Dr. Daniel McIsaac, who led the research and works as an anesthetist at Ottawa Hospital, stated: “Preparation programs before surgery might be advantageous for adult patients.”
The researchers are now set to explore the impacts of customized prehabilitation exercises, like emphasizing leg strength prior to knee surgery.
Read more
by admin | Jan 23, 2025 | almonds, health, healthy living, nutrition, nutritionists
Among the most beneficial nuts, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts stand out for their array of advantages, making them excellent additions to your diet.
According to
Healthline
, nuts are veritable hubs of nutrition, abundant in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, beneficial fats, and proteins. Research mentioned by
Health.com
suggests that consuming nuts could aid in lowering the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and specific types of cancer.
Let’s take a detailed look at nine of the most nutritious nuts you should consider adding to your diet.
1. Almonds
An ounce (28 grams) of roasted almonds contains 170 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. They also include vital nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium.
Vitamin E aids in safeguarding cells against oxidative harm and supports both immune system functionality and cell-to-cell communication. Research indicates that almonds could assist in decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is considered bad cholesterol, along with reducing inflammation, thus enhancing cardiac and gastrointestinal well-being.
2. Pistachios
Pistachios contain fewer calories and less fat compared to numerous other types of nuts, offering 159 calories, 13 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein for each ounce. These nuts are abundant in vitamin B6 as well as antioxidants such as lutein and flavonoids. Such nutrients aid in lowering blood pressure, boosting metabolic processes, enhancing immune system performance, and maintaining good cardiovascular health.
3. Walnuts
Pecans stand out due to their significant content of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, offering 2.57 grams per ounce. Additionally, they include vital minerals such as copper and manganese, aiding in maintaining brain health and bolstering the immune system.
Studies indicate that consuming walnuts may help decrease LDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.
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A mix of various nuts in a bowl. Stock image by Pexels
|
4. Cashews
An ounce of
cashews
includes 157 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein. These also serve as an excellent source of vitamin K, magnesium, and manganese—nutrients crucial for maintaining strong bones.
Research indicates that cashews could potentially enhance blood pressure and triglyceride levels; however, additional studies are required for confirmation.
5. Pecans
A single ounce of pecans contains 201 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fiber, as well as zinc and manganese. Zinc aids in immune system support, promotes wound healing, and assists in DNA synthesis.
Pecans might also aid in enhancing cardiac health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
6. Macadamia nuts
An ounce of Macadamia nuts includes approximately 204 calories, 21.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein, as well as vitamins like B1 and minerals such as manganese. Studies indicate that these nuts may aid in reducing LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and blood glucose levels.
7. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium, as one ounce provides 989% of the recommended daily intake. This mineral aids in thyroid function and DNA synthesis; however, they should be eaten in moderation to prevent excessive consumption.
These nuts are abundant in vitamin E and magnesium, nutrients that assist in regulating blood glucose levels and blood pressure, maintaining proper nerve function, and boosting energy creation. Furthermore, they exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.
8. Hazelnuts
An ounce of hazelnuts contains 178 calories, with 17 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. These nuts are abundant in vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and health-promoting phytochemicals. Such nutrient content can contribute to reducing LDL and overall cholesterol levels while providing anti-inflammatory advantages.
9. Peanuts
Although botanically classified as legumes, peanuts share a nutrient profile akin to tree nuts. Each ounce of peanut contains approximately 7 grams of protein and includes polyphenol antioxidants along with folate. This latter nutrient is particularly crucial during pregnancy for promoting healthy fetal and placental growth.
Peanuts might also lower the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and strokes; however, this advantage doesn’t apply to peanut butter.
