Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Practice thinking positively. Affirm yourself through positive self-talk. Ask for validation or feedback.

Answer: Let’s say you are preparing for a presentation at work or school. You want to feel self-assured and appear poised for the audience. However, you are not feeling as self-confident as you would like and you are worried that you might make a mistake. Positive thinking can greatly improve self-confidence and help you deal with any difficulties. This is due to the idea that how you think about yourself affects your behaviors. If you think negatively (I am going to fail. This is too hard. I’m going to make a fool of myself), it increases the likelihood that you will display negative behaviors that you don’t want (i.e. stumbling over your words, sweating too much due to excessive nervousness, etc). If you think positively (I will succeed. This is completely do-able. I am going to do the best I can) it increases the chances of positive actions (speaking clearly and maintaining calm physiological responses).  Focus on the positive aspects about yourself and what you do well. Are you good at making people laugh? Perhaps you could use humor in your presentation to lighten the mood. Quickly name as many positive qualities that you bring to the table as you can think of. Some examples might be: passion about the subject matter, level of education, ability to make people laugh, honesty, and persuasiveness. Using positive affirmations and self-talk helps improve self-confidence and reduce cognitive anxiety. Use positive cues when feeling less confident such as, “I can do this! I am strong. Go!” Empowerment and positive thoughts about the self can be heightened through interactions with other people.  Ask friend, family member, or coworker to give you a pep talk. Ask them to tell you what you are good at and that everything will be okay (give reassurance). Be careful not to ask for help too much on tasks you can do on your own because this can increase dependence and reduce self-confidence. Ask for validation, but continue to be self-reliant.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Learn why you need a catheter. Ask your doctor questions. Know the signs of a problem.

Answer: Your doctor will typically prescribe a catheter if you are unable to empty your bladder. Failure to eliminate waste might be a symptom of another medical problem, so make sure your doctor explains why you need this solution. Failure to urinate can lead to a buildup of pressure, which can in turn lead to kidney failure. Neuromuscular conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord paralysis, or functional incontinence can make catheterization necessary. Ensure that you know the specific reason for the inability to urinate independently. When discussing your health issues with your doctor, make sure to be your own advocate. Don't be afraid to ask questions about what is causing your failure to urinate, and how a catheter can help. Make sure to ask whether the catheter is a long-term solution or a temporary measure. Make sure to be aware of symptoms that can indicate an issue with your catheter, or an infection. If your urine is discolored or has an "off" smell, call your doctor. Other signs of problems can be increased lower pelvic pain, fever, or increased confusion or fatigue.  You will also want to contact a medical professional if you have a temperature of more than 100 degrees. If your catheter fails to drain urine, or if it falls out, contact your doctor immediately.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Cut down on driving when you can. Look into refinancing or consolidating your debt. Improve your energy efficiency. Spend less on fun and entertainment. Plan meals Set up an automatic transfer to your savings account.

Answer: Between gas, maintenance, insurance, and any monthly payments you need to make, cars are expensive! If you’re able to carpool or take public transportation to get around, you’ll likely save thousands each year. You might even consider selling your car and learning to live without one.  If you sell your car, put that money right into savings. It’ll give you a big boost and get you that much closer to your new house! If you need to drive to commute to work and get around each day, try to choose an energy-efficient car. You can also do multiple errands on each trip out of the house to limit how often you turn that key in the ignition. If you have student loans, a home or car loan, or credit card debt, contact your creditors. See if you qualify for lower interest rates or programs that could reduce the overall amount you’ll pay in the long run. You can also make an appointment with a financial advisor to discuss your options. Replace all the old bulbs in your home with CFL or LED bulbs. You can also unplug any electrical devices as soon as you’re done using them. During summer months, aim for a temperature of 78 °F (26 °C) when you’re home, and raise the temperature about 10-15 degrees when you leave. In the winter, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable for you and your family. Lower it by 10-15 degrees when you’re away from the house.  To make the house cooler in the summer, run fans in the rooms you’re hanging out in. Be sure to turn them off when you leave, though.  To trap in heat, weatherproof your doors and windows. While going out for a drink with friends may be the perfect way to relax at the end of a long week, those bar tabs can add up. So can trips to the movies and your monthly cable bills! Treat outings as special treats and limit them to once per month. Cancel your cable and catch up on your favorite shows with Internet-streaming services, which are generally much cheaper. To systematically cut back on leisure costs, calculate how much you spend on “fun” during 1 month. In the next month, try to cut that number in half. to cut back on grocery trips and food costs. The more you can cook at home instead of eating out, the more you’ll save. Planning meals will not only help you have more home-cooked meals, it’ll also help you stay organized at the grocery store. This will reduce the number of trips you make and limit the random purchases you tend to make on aisle 5. Saving money is a lot easier when it’s mindless! Contact your bank or use a mobile app to automatically transfer the exact amount you need to save for your house from checking to savings each month. When you can, you should also deposit things like bonuses, tax returns, and other cash windfalls right into your savings account.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Learn about Yang or Wu style tai chi. Consider the Chen form. Find a trained teacher. Consider purchasing a Tai Chi DVD. Wear the appropriate type of clothing. Aim for at least a 20 minute workout. Practice being patient with yourself.

Answer:
Yang and Wu styles of tai chi are probably the most popular forms of tai chi.  The Wu style is a variant of the Yang style.  In addition, they're the most commonly practiced forms of tai chi worldwide.  These styles use wide slow flowing movements which make them the best styles for beginners.  Yang and Wu styles are also great for helping those overcome tension or stress in their lives.  Both use meditation as part of the practice Because both Yang and Wu styles are so popular, the majority of classes, DVDS and videos will incorporate these two styles of tai chi most frequently. This is a more active form of tai chi and may not be for everyone.  It doesn't necessarily fall into the slow, gentle flowing movements of some tai chi practices.  The Chen style of tai chi uses some explosive and fast moves - like jump kicks.  This may be out of the fitness range of some people. If you're already fairly fit or athletically inclined (or looking for a more exciting form of tai chi) consider the Chen style. The Chen style uses wide, expansive movements that can be hard on the knees and lower back.  Be careful when performing this style. Tai chi is an easy type of exercise to do.  However, it's very different from any other more traditional forms of activity.  It's important to meet with a trained teacher, if possible, so you know how to do tai chi correctly.  A tai chi teacher will be able to guide you during a class or individual session.  They can teach you how to breath and use your breathing to promote calmness. A good way to find a decent teacher is by talking to that teacher's students but also speaking to the teacher yourself.  Ask about the classes, the personality of the teacher, and how the classes are conducted. Although it's important to learn correct form and how to maximize the benefits of tai chi, if you cannot afford to take a tai chi class or cannot find one, you have very little risk of injury or other adverse effects by doing this exercises yourself. Since tai chi isn't a overly popular form of exercise, you might have some difficulty finding a local teacher or class.  However, tai chi is easy enough that you can do it in your own home.  There are many tai chi videos and DVDs that you can purchase so you can perform this exercise in the privacy of your own home. When purchasing your DVD decide whether or not you should be purchasing one for beginners, pregnant women, older adults or those with special health problems.  Many tai chi practices are designed for a very specific condition. There are also many tai chi videos online.  You can download many videos or go to websites for live streaming.  This may be a good option if you don't want to settle only one DVD. Many forms of exercise require specialty equipment or clothing.  Tai chi doesn't require specialty clothing, however tai chi teachers do recommend the following:  Wear clothing that allows you to comfortably flow through the series of movements.  Do not wear restrictive clothing that feels tight or prohibits a full range of motion.   Yoga pants, running shorts and other more traditional exercise clothing is permitted. Wear comfortable, flat bottomed shoes or go barefoot.  Whatever works for you.  Avoid wearing jewelry or watches as they may interfere with some of the movements done with partners. Once you've gotten into a routine of doing tai chi or have found that you enjoy this practice, set yourself up for doing at least 20 minutes of practice per session.  It's typically recommended to do at least 20 minutes of practice as it is believed that this allows your blood to flow through your entire body in this time period.  This is an essential part of tai chi practice.  It is also believed that it takes 20 minutes for your body to be fully warmed up and have increased blood flow to all your muscles.  It is thought that this is responsible for the "good or happy feelings" many practitioners experience at the end of a tai chi workout. Like any new exercise routine, it can take a few tries to get the moves and routine down.  Be patient with yourself as you experience and try out this new alternative form of exercise.  Although tai chi isn't considered a difficult or high-intensity physical activity, it is something very different from most traditional forms of exercise.  Be patient with yourself as you grow and learn in your practice.  In addition, it may take time for you to get the breathing down and be able to quietly meditate as you move through the movements.  This also takes time and practice. It's recommended to set a regular time each day to practice so you become more proficient in this relaxing form of exercise.