Some Mistakes of our Life

Little Health Mistakes Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us. 

Crossing Our Legs

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realize you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not Changing Our Toothbrush

How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating Out Often

There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping Breakfast

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High Heels

High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping On A Soft Bed

You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it o! ut and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea. 

Pillows

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on yo! ur back, to give your neck adequate support. 

Not Exercising 

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out.. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

7 Stupid Statements That Can Sabotage Your Job Interview

Could you be sabotaging your job interviews without even knowing it?

With one stupid statement, you can take yourself out of the running for your dream job. Unfortunately, many candidates are following bad advice and need a refresher course in what not to say on a job interview.

1. Sorry I'm late.
Let's start with the basics. Never, ever be late for a job interview. It's almost impossible to recover from tardiness, even if you're a perfect match for the job.

The usual excuses (traffic, subway delays, dog ate your resume, alien abduction) aren't good enough. The interviewer is thinking: “If he can't make it on time for the interview, what can we expect if we hire him?”

2. I'm a people person and a team player!
Skip the clichés and generalities. You'll come across as bland, boring, and forgettable. 

Do you have any idea how many times your interviewer has heard the phrases "people person" and "team player?" These "strengths" are overused and, frankly, unimpressive. After all, being able to interact with people and work on a team are minimum qualifications for just about any job.

To make a strong impression, lead with strengths that are specific, compelling and relevant to the job at hand. So you're not just a "team player." Instead, you are someone who has a knack for motivating and leading cross-functional teams (followed by an example of how you did that recently and got great results).

3. I have an MBA, a PhD, and 3 Tony Awards. (or any other blatant untruths)
Repeat after me: I will not lie in job interviews -- especially if there's a good chance I could get caught.

As you know, lying is wrong. More importantly, I have heard many stories from HR directors about job offers rescinded after references and background checks uncovered candidate dishonesty.

Even a tiny white lie (rounding up your current salary significantly, changing the dates for a past position) can come back to haunt you. Also, interviews are stressful enough without having to worry about keeping your embellishments straight.

Of course, you don't always have to tell the whole truth. Highlight your most positive and relevant qualities and accomplishments and downplay your weaknesses. That's just good marketing. However, be careful not to cross the line into false advertising.

4. I'm leaving my old job because of my manager.
Your interviewer will want to know why you're leaving your current position (or why you left your most recent role). With the overabundance of horrible managers in the world, it may be tempting to blame it all on the boss. Don't do it.

Avoid making negative statements about any past jobs or supervisors. Nobody wants to hire a complainer, an excuse maker, or a perennial victim.

But what if you have legitimate complaints about your previous manager or company? If it's an essential part of your story (for example, you were let go unfairly), find a neutral, diplomatic way to talk about it.

Problematic: "I'm leaving because my new manager has something against me. He's bringing in all of his buddies from his old company and giving them the best clients even though most of them have no idea what they're doing."

Much Better: "The company brought in a new manager for the department and he has naturally made some changes. Given the new structure of the team, I don't really see opportunities for me to continue to grow and take on new challenges in this role."

Put the focus on seeking bigger challenges, not on running away from a bad situation.

5. My only weakness is that I just work too hard.
Really? That's your only weakness? And what a tragic weakness it is! How do you sleep at night?

Unfortunately for you, many interviewers still love to ask, "What is your greatest weakness?"  Be prepared to answer this always awkward question.

I know that many how-to-interview books tell you to "turn a strength into a weakness." This is bad advice. Maybe it worked for the first person to try it, but it definitely doesn't work now.

Hiring managers are not stupid. They will see through this non-answer and either press you for a real weakness or write you off as not worth the time.

The smarter approach is to identify a real weakness, but one that is not a deal-breaker for the job at hand. Describe this weakness in a way that doesn't scare your interviewer and discuss how you are already working to improve.

6. Based on our discussion, is there any reason that you wouldn't hire me?
Here's yet another example of bad interview advice. The misguided logic here is that you should ask your interviewer what she doesn't like about you so that you'll have the opportunity to address any misperceptions.

I have never seen this approach work in a candidate's favor. First of all, you are putting your interviewer on the spot and creating an uncomfortable moment. You risk coming across as needy or aggressive (depending on how you ask).

Even more importantly, you are unlikely to get any valuable insights this way. Many companies train their interviewers to avoid providing specific feedback. Also, most thoughtful interviewers need time to review their notes and process their thoughts before making a final decision on a candidate.

Finally, the worst thing you can do is end the interview on a negative note. The most memorable moments in your interview are your first impression and your last impression.  Do you really want your last interaction to be focused on your weaknesses? 

7. I don't have any questions.
You know it's coming -- the moment when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?"

The answer is always yes. Prepare at least three questions in advance. Select questions that demonstrate that you've done your research on the job/company and that you are excited about the opportunity.

Even if you've asked questions throughout the interview, you should still have at least one at the end. Smart questions will help show them how you think and where your interests lie, so focus on asking for information that would help you excel in the job.

A brief about Saffron (Kesar)

5 tips to use LinkedIn for a better job

In times as lean as these, searching for a new job can be a full-time job in itself, more so if you limit yourself to the usual channels: newspaper ads, consultants or networking with friends. What you need instead is to pull out all the stops and use every possible resource at your disposal.

And LinkedIn often ignored or underutilized is just one of the most efficient of them. As of September 30, 2011, LinkedIn's corporate hiring solutions are used by 75 of Fortune 100 cos, according to its press centre.

So how to make best use of this portal. Here are some tips...

Update your profile

Here's how you can make sure you're not left out. Capture all key aspects of your education, work experience and achievements in your profile. Often HR executives now referring to LinkedIn profile to get the first impression of the candidate, says chief HR of on of the big Life Insurance. "It helps if you write detailed job descriptions as it makes it that much easier to be spotted by a prospective headhunter," he says.

Get recommendations

A good recommendation from your boss/manager emphasises your strong points and shows you were a treasured employee. "My boss had praised the extra hours, effort and initiative I had put in on various projects that went beyond my job responsibilities," says, a former media professional. and "It helped a lot when I relocated to a different city and opted for a job in the corporate sector."

Keep networking

"There is a difference between social and professional networking. LinkedIn as a medium is meant for the latter. Hence communities and connections should be chosen keeping this in mind," says, associate director of executive search firm.

Maintain discretion

When entering into subject discussions and debates on relevant groups, work on the assumption that a potential employer is silently watching, says a MNC group president (HR). "Recruiters are often silent members of focus groups and are constantly monitoring views. Say what you want to say but be mindful that a potential employer may be observing you," he adds.

Get noticed

Identify people in various companies and get on to their networks. You can build a network of relations with their connections. "In today's virtual world, getting connected with decision makers is easier through this passive medium," says, associate director of executive search firm. Adding to this "There are various recruiter groups on LinkedIn. Closely monitor those which keep posting relevant openings and see if you can explore these," he says...