5 rules to be happy

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from God.

Leadership styles

Leadership is defined as the ability to lead and motivate people to achieve a desired goal. Leaders with great people management skills are needed in all organization. Here are some of the effective leadership styles

• Participative Leadership: In this leadership style, opinions are sought from all the team members. The team members get better job satisfaction and get an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. The process take a longer time as compared to other effective leadership styles but the outcome is relative better and satisfactory. This kind of leadership style makes every employee feel appreciated and be in control and always keeps them highly motivated. However it is important to remember in this leadership the leader makes the final decision. This kind of leadership style is suitable when high levels of quality is needed.

• Relations oriented leadership: The leader lays special emphasis on organizing, supporting and enhancing the people in teh team. The most important point being creative collaboration and excellent teamwork.

• Transformation Leadership: This is one of the top notch leadership style. In this style of leadership the leader consistently inspires the team with a shared vision. The stress is on the value enhancing initiatives.

• Charismatic leadership: The charisma of the leader is the driving force which inspires all the team members to deliver above par performance. The leader is universally respected and admired. Charismatic leaders invoke the trust of their followers.

• Autocratic leader: Here the leader wields absolute power and does not listen to his subordinates. This style is suitable for unskilled jobs or fighting wars. The advantage of this leadership style is a greater degree of control as compared to other effective leadership styles. However this style is resented by employees particularly in the corporate sector. It lowers the self-esteem and the morale of the team members, hence it can be counter-productive at times.

Note: The ideal leader must have to use a combination of various effective leadership styles to achieve the desired objective.

Healthy Living - Saffron

Saffron… the name itself exudes opulence and tantalises the senses with its delicate fragrance and subtle flavour. But there is more to these amber coloured threads than mere flavouring and colour.

Saffron, also known as kesar, is one of the most expensive spices in the world, but is worth every penny as its fine tendrils are loaded with innumerable health benefits that can cure several maladies.

Health benefits of Saffron:

• Potent antioxidant: Saffron contains anti-oxidants which protect the body from oxidant-induced stress, infections, cancers and acts as immune modulators.
• Rich in minerals: This novel spice is an excellent source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium.
• Full of vitamins: Saffron is rich in vitamins that are essential for optimum health such as vitamin A, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin C.
• Helps in healing: It is helpful in curing minor cuts and burns. The spice hastens the healing process and minimizes the chances of infections.
• Relieves menstrual problems: Saffron helps in relieving period pains and also regulates monthly periods.
• Regularises sleep: When taken just a pinch with hot milk every night, it is a great remedy for insomnia.
• Anti-ageing properties: Saffron is also known to have anti-ageing properties and is used in various skin lightening and other beauty products. It can be applied topically to soothe skin.
• Cancer suppressor: Studies suggest that crocin, safranal and picrocrocin (three major saffron metabolites) exhibit anti-cancer activity by suppressing the growth of human cancer cells.
• Heart-friendly: It helps in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Anti-depressant: Saffron tea is an extremely good option if one is feeling low and depressed. It can instantly perk up a gloomy soul and bring in a feeling of happiness and elation.
• Eye care: Saffron improves vision and can prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the commonest cause of blindness in the older people. 
• Natural aphrodisiac: People looking to ‘spice up’ their love life should add this spice in their food to increase action in bedroom.

Healthy Living – Yoghurt

Produced by bacterial fermentation of the milk, yoghurt makes for a healthy and easy addition to your daily diet. This dairy product is a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamins, zinc and potassium. Added to that, the good bacteria present in yogurt, makes it even better.

Yoghurt has additional benefits when compared to its source – milk. It is more safe for those with lactose intolerance, the active cultures in yogurts are easier to digest, and thereby are less likely to cause lactose problems. (However, some people might experience lactose intolerance symptoms even when they consume yoghurt).

Health benefits of yoghurt:

There a host of indispensable benefits associated with yoghurt, they are:

• Good for the stomach: Yoghurt is known to have a soothing effect on the stomach, which is why eating yoghurt is one of the most common gharelu nuskha (home remedy).  The good bacteria found in yoghurt are extremely beneficial to our digestive system, especially the colon and the stomach. An effective way to digest spicy food is to consume some yoghurt along with it. Cow’s milk contains low fat and is the preferred choice for preparing yoghurt.
• Boosts immunity: The nutrients in yoghurt helps strengthen our body’s defence mechanism, thereby proving more protection against seasonal cold, cough and such.
• Good for your skin: Regular consumption of yoghurt hydrates the skin and improves skin texture and complexion. In fact, applying yoghurt on the face or mixing it in a facepack will help reduce blemishes and strengthen the collagen in the skin.
• For a healthy heart: Yoghurt lowers blood pressure. It helps lower bad cholesterol and reduces risk of heart attacks.
• A super-healthy source of proteins: Yoghurt is a wonderful source of natural proteins and thus extremely beneficial for vegetarians. It is also safer for those with lactose intolerance to eat yoghurt.
• For healthy bones and teeth: Being rich in calcium, it protects the bones against osteoporosis and arthritis. It promotes bone growth and strengthens the teeth. So, start consuming one cup of yoghurt daily.
• Increases life span: Bulgarians are known for their longevity, this is attributed to yoghurt consumption. So it can be said that yoghurt is responsible for their longevity.
• Discourages vaginal infections: Diabetic women are more prone to yeast infections. A study trial that included diabetic women found that, on consumption of yoghurt, the women did not develop yeast infections.
• Aids weight loss: Yoghurt is known to make one feel fuller and therefore helps in cutting down calorie intake in the next meal. In fact, some studies also suggest that yoghurt helps in burning fat. So if you’re trying to lose weight, you know what you should do!
• Protection against colon cancer: Regular consumption of yoghurt cleans the colon, flushing out harmful disease causing bacteria. This helps in prevention of colon cancer.