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Top 15 Birthday Gift Ideas for a 1 Year-Old Baby Boy and Girl
First birthdays call for a grand celebration. A one-year-old's physical, emotional, and intellectual skills are constantly developing, so you should keep this in mind while buying a gift for your child. Here are some ideas:
Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for a 1-Year-Old
1. Walker
By the age of one, children start taking wobbly steps. A push toy will give your baby a sense of confidence and security, and teach him to walk all by himself! He can pull or push the walker around the house.
2. Musical Toy
Babies love noise, especially when they’re the ones making it! Gift your baby a musical instrument and watch him go gaga over it. When your little one experiments with different sounds, it will make him ‘Music Smart’.
3. Soft Toy
Your baby will surely love to receive a soft and furry animal toy as a gift. There are many different types of stuffed toys available that pertain to every budget. From animals to cartoon characters like Peppa Pig, take your pick!
4. Building Blocks
Building blocks are not just fun, they also develop your child’s fine and gross motor skills. They bring out the little architect in your child and develop his imagination. Make sure you get building blocks that are colourful and don’t have sharp edges.
5. Colouring Book
Kids love to play with colours. Even if that means just doodling or scribbling all over the pictures! A colouring book will help your baby associate colours with the objects they see around them. Go ahead and get some baby-friendly crayons, and watch his inner artist come alive!
6. Toy Car
This one is a favourite with boys. You can get your baby a colourful car, or a set of Hot Wheels cars. Research shows that kids who play with toy cars show better spatial skills, as opposed to kids who don’t. Some kids also tend to make their own car collection!
7. Mini Scooter
A colourful mini scooter, complete with musical sirens, promises loads of fun time! Like toy cars, mini-scooters help babies develop their spatial skills, spatial judgement, reasoning, and cognitive growth.
8. Sofa Seat
Haven't heard of a sofa seat? It's a regular sofa, but miniature in size! It is specially made for babies, and will make a great addition to your child’s room. One of its advantages is that it provides comfy seating to babies and toddlers.
9. Superhero Costume
Who said toddlers can't have favourite superheroes? Gauge the superhero that your baby likes - is it Batman, Captain America or Spiderman? Then, hunt for a costume online or at a store and dress him up in it on his first birthday!
10. Sand Toys
If your baby likes spending time at the beach, get him toys that are used to build sandcastles like tiny spades, rakes, moulds, buckets, and a watering can. If you don’t have a beach in your city, you can construct a sandpit in your backyard. Just make sure the pits don’t have creepy crawlies.
11. Princess Tent
Your little girl is your princess, and she deserves to live in a castle. Get your baby girl a princess tent as her first birthday gift. You can decorate the tent with ribbons, balloons, and pretty lights. We suggest that you go for a big and spacious tent; small ones are usually congested.
12. Barbie Dolls
Girls love dolls and especially Barbie dolls! When girls play with them, it's sweet to watch their motherly instinct kick in.
13. Storybook
Storybooks are a great way to introduce your little one to the world of books. Children's books are usually filled with pictures and words, making them one of the best first birthday gifts. Pop-up books make children inquisitive and develop their imagination.
14. Accessories
Baby girls love adorning themselves with beautiful accessories like bows, hair clips and earrings! Go for cartoon-based accessories or just get her a big box of colourful jewellery.
15. Kiddie Pools
If your baby girl loves playing with water, get her a kiddie pool. It should be small, but also big enough for your baby to sit in it. You can keep this pool in the bathroom or your backyard.
When you figure out your child’s interest, choosing the right gift becomes easy. Always remember that safety comes first. Avoid gifts that are tiny, or have detachable pieces or chemicals. Babies tend to put everything in their mouth, so such toys may prove fatal.
First birthdays are less about gifts and more about spending quality time with your baby. Have a blast!
Also Read: Stunning Return Gifts for 1st Birthday Read more
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Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Body Changes & Diet
The first trimester of pregnancy is not a humbling experience; morning sickness and nausea can get anyone down. But when you reach your second trimester, it will get a bit better. The second trimester is generally the easiest, and a lot of women take advantage of this and begin to prepare for the arrival of their little one.
What is Second Trimester?
With a total of nine months of pregnancy, the three trimesters involve three months each. The second trimester takes place from the fourth to sixth month of pregnancy, or in other words, the 2nd trimester weeks include week 13 to week 28. This is when most women begin to look pregnant as their belly starts getting bigger and those who had not yet made their pregnancy known to their friends and family, do so at this time.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
Most women say goodbye to morning sickness in the second trimester of pregnancy, but expect the other symptoms from the first trimester to carry on in the second. Not only that, but there may be some new symptoms to look out for. Here are a few:
1. Breathlessness
Even mundane activities such as walking to the kitchen may make you feel quite breathless. This is normal because as the uterus grows, it pushes into the diaphragm, which in turn pushes against your lungs, making it harder for the air to go in and out. If your breathlessness seems to be severe, or if you feel faint after activities, you should consult with your doctor.
2. Abdominal Aches
Your uterus is growing and stretching the ligaments surrounding it. This is why you may experience some discomfort in your abdominal area during the second trimester.
3. Quickening
By around week twenty, you should be able to feel flutters of movement in your belly. This is something known as quickening and are the first delicate movements of your baby. Some women only experience this from their sixth month. If you begin to feel “blips” towards the end of your second trimester, don’t worry. Your baby just has the hiccups.
4. Emotional Changes
Your hormones are still in overdrive, but you are more likely to be more used to them now as you have had three months of experience already. You may find that you have a bit more control over your emotions now.
5. Back Pain
Your back is going to feel the pressure from all the weight you are carrying. It helps to use chairs that provide good back support. Wear comfortable shoes and do not try to carry anything heavy. When you sleep, lie down on your side and tuck a pillow between your legs.
6. Leukorrhea
The milky white discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester called Leukorrhea and it is experienced by women during pregnancy. Use a pad or panty liner to help keep things clean, but do not use a tampon as this may carry germs into the vagina.
7. Frequent Urination
Your first trimester probably involved many trips to the loo, but because your uterus will rise away from your pelvic cavity during the second trimester, you will be relieved to know that frequent urination during the second trimester will not be so strong. Enjoy the break though because your third trimester will send you running right back.
8. Bleeding Gums
Hormonal changes cause at least 50% of pregnant women to experience sore and sensitive gums as more blood rushes to the area. This will stop after you have your baby. In the meantime, switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles and be gentle while cleaning your teeth. Pregnant women who have gum diseases may be more prone to going into preterm labour and may even have a baby with low birth weight.
9. Congestion and Bleeding Nose
The mucous membranes that line your nose will start to swell and can lead to a stuffy nose. This may cause you to snore or your nose to bleed. Try steaming and other natural methods rather than using decongestants. If you experience nosebleeds, keep your head straight and apply a little pressure to the nostril, until the bleeding stops.
10. Headaches
Almost every pregnant woman will experience headaches. It is one of the most common complaints. Get plenty of rest. You should not take any of the medications you usually do for headaches such as aspirin, but instead, consult your doctor about the medication that is safe for you to take during your pregnancy.
11. Constipation and Heartburn
During pregnancy, your body produces more of a hormone called “Progesterone” which relaxes some muscles such as the ones that move the food you have digested through the intestines and the ring muscle of your lower oesophagus which is what keeps the food and acids down in your stomach. Try eating smaller meals a day and include more fibre in your diet.
12. Haemorrhoids
The swollen blue and purple veins around the anus are called varicose veins. These may enlarge during your pregnancy as there is increased pressure on them from your constantly growing uterus. To get relief from this, sit in a warm bath or ask your doctor to prescribe you some medication.
Foetal Development
Your baby is very busy growing this trimester. Once the second trimester ends, you will have a 1 kg baby in your tummy. Your baby may even begin to kick you. Here is how your baby grows during the second trimester of your pregnancy:
1. Hair, Skin, and Nails
Your baby’s first hair will begin to grow at around 15 weeks and his eyelashes and eyebrows during the week 22. Your baby’s skin will be covered in something resembling a fur coat called a lanugo. By week 19 your baby will be covered in a greasy layer of oil and dead skin cells called vernix caseosa. This will protect your baby from the amniotic acids in your stomach. This will be shed before your baby is born.
2. Senses
By week 22 your baby will be starting to experience smell. His eyes and ears will also be moving into the correct places and opening, meaning he is beginning to see and hear.
3. Brain
Your baby’s brain is developing fast, enabling him to use all of the senses that are being developed. By week 23 his little brain will help him to blink.
4. Heart
Week 17 brings with it a more regulated heartbeat instead of a simple, spontaneous beating. At week 20, you should be able to hear it with a stethoscope. Capillaries begin to form to carry all that oxygenated blood throughout the body at 25 weeks.
5. Digestive System
At the beginning of your second trimester, your baby will have an already developed digestive system. During the second trimester, he will also learn to suck and swallow. He will even be able to taste the food that you eat through the amniotic fluid. This will determine his preferences later in life so be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Even though all the nutrition your baby gets is through your placenta, your baby’s waste system will be working well now too, and your baby will be peeing every 40 minutes.
Body Changes
While the second trimester is comparatively more comfortable than the first and third, there are some changes in your body that you should be aware of.
1. Hormonal Changes
Sudden changes in oestrogen and progesterone and the amount and function of many other hormones will cause various changes in your body that not only affect your mood but also help in the development of your foetus and will also impact the amount of physical exercise you can manage.
2. Sensory Changes
Your sight, taste, and smell will all change during pregnancy. Some women experience nearsightedness, blurred vision or may have irritation when wearing contact lenses. Women also experience changes in their taste buds as they begin to prefer more salty or sweet foods and have a higher tolerance for sour foods as well. Some women claim to be more sensitive to different scents during pregnancy.
3. Breast Changes
While the soreness may reduce, your breasts are going to get much bigger during your second trimester as they ready themselves to breastfeed your baby. It is wise to invest in a good supportive bra. During the second trimester, most women will begin to leak a thick yellowish substance, called colostrum, and this is the first milk produced by mothers.
4. Cervical Changes
During pregnancy and labour, the cervix (entry to the uterus) undergoes a few changes. The tissue of the cervix becomes thicker and firmer. A few weeks before you are due, the cervix walls become soft and may dilate slightly.
5. Skin Changes
Hormonal changes result in a “pregnant glow” for most women. This is because the change in hormone levels makes your face look flushed. Some women may go through facial skin darkening, which is known as “the mask of pregnancy”. A dark line forms down the middle of the abdomen, and the expanding skin causes stretch marks. These should all go back to normal once your baby is born.
6. Hair and Nail Changes
Your hair and nails also change. Some women experience hair loss during their pregnancies. Others experience the complete opposite and instead have much thicker hair that sometimes also grows in unwanted places.
With nails is a similar story, while some experience faster nail growth others find that their nails are more brittle.
7. Spider and Varicose Veins
Expect your blood circulation to increase as your body adjusts to send extra blood to your baby. All that extra blood flow cause small red veins, or spider veins, to show on your skin.
The pressure from your growing baby can cause the veins in your legs to become swollen, and they will appear to be purple or blue. These are called varicose veins. There is no real way of stopping these, but moving around more and avoiding being seated for long periods can make you more comfortable and can prevent them from becoming worse. These should all fade after you deliver.
Weight Gain
With your morning sickness gone, your appetite should be growing, and while it is tempting to give in to all the cravings you have, try to stick to a balanced diet as you should not gain too much weight. The desired weight gain during the second trimester is 1 pound or ½ kg per week.
Tests and Scans
The three most common pregnancy problems are preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. In order to rule out preeclampsia, the protein content in the urine will be checked. For gestational diabetes, a glucose screening is usually performed at the end of the second trimester. You will need to go in for another blood test during weeks 15 and 20, during which time an ultrasound will be recommended in order to establish your baby’s due date.
Exercises to Try
Pregnancy can be extremely draining, but some exercise will help you a lot. Women who exercise during pregnancy will experience fewer backaches, a better body image and more energy. Here are a few exercises to try:
1. Pile
You will need to stand parallel to the back of a chair. Rest one arm of the back of the chair and give your feet hip distance between them. Pull your belly in and bend your knees, lowering your body without bending your torso. Straighten your legs and repeat.
2. Plank
First get on your knees, keep your wrists directly parallel to your shoulders, and then straighten your legs. Do not let your tummy hang or arch your back.
3. Curl and Lift
Sit on a chair and keep your back straight. You should have two weights with you, each about 5 to 7 pounds. Keep your arms bent and parallel to your thighs. Slowly lift your arms, keeping the elbows bent, until the weights are at shoulder height. Straighten and go back to starting position.
Second Trimester Diet
As your baby grows, it is expected that you should feel hungrier. It is important to keep a balanced diet so that your baby gets all the right nutrients he needs to grow.
Foods to Eat
Choose different vegetables for each day. Make sure your plate is always colourful. In the second trimester, including fruits in your diet is a must.
Add starchy whole grain carbohydrates such as bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, and cereals.
Include low-fat dairy, to ensure you are getting enough calcium.
Eat foods rich in proteins, such as meat, fish, lentils, and eggs.
Have some oily fish once a week for omega 3 which will help in your baby’s brain development.
Instead of having snacks like chips and cookies, try having healthier snacks such as toast, fruits, sandwiches, etc.
Foods to Avoid
Liver and liver products as they have toxic levels of vitamin A.
Some fish like swordfish, shark, and marlin.
Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, or fish.
Unpasteurized cheese.
Coffee, you can always switch to decaf if you really crave coffee.
Alcohol.
The Second Trimester to Do List
It is always best to make two to-do lists; one dedicated to medical and health issues and the other dedicated to other logistics. Here we have some suggestions to help you take care during the second trimester of pregnancy:
Medical and Health List
Schedule your doctor’s appointments and make sure to keep them.
Make sure to get all your dental work done to avoid any unnecessary problems.
Join a pregnancy exercise program or look into some exercises you can do at home.
Stick to a healthy diet.
Decide if you want the help of a doula at the time of labour.
Look for parentcraft or antenatal classes to help prepare for the later stages of pregnancy.
Keep track of your weight. Do not fall for the “eating for two” business and remember that you should only be consuming 300 extra calories each day.
Sleep on your left side as it increases the flow of blood to the placenta.
Get immunized in case it is flu season.
Other Logistics List
Go shopping for maternity clothes. You will need to be comfortable for the rest of your pregnancy as you will be doing a lot of growing.
Sit with your partner and discuss baby names.
Make a budget as you are now going to need to spend a lot of money before and after your baby arrives. It is good to plan for these things, so you do not run into any problems later.
Baby-proof your home and remove anything that may not be child-friendly. You can also take pleasure in decorating your baby’s room.
Precautions to Take during the Second Trimester
Here are some precautions that you need to take during the second trimester of your pregnancy:
Only take supplements that have been prescribed by your doctor.
Be sure to never sleep on your stomach, or you may suffocate your baby.
Avoid self-medicating at all costs and always consult your doctor if you feel ill.
Do not lift heavy objects or do anything too strenuous.
Warning Signs to Watch Out for
Some warning signs that you should watch are:
Bleeding, which can mean an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
Extreme dizziness.
Severe cramping or abdominal pain.
Rapid weight gain or rapid weight loss.
Foul smelling discharge or if it is any other colour, like green, yellow, clear or bloody.
Persistent and severe headaches, abdominal pain and swelling typically occur when a mother is 20 weeks pregnant. These are the signs of preeclampsia.
Low activity levels in your baby after you are 6 months pregnant could mean trouble if your baby was very active.
While all this preparation may sometimes make you anxious and nervous about what is to come, remember to relax and as long as you follow through with everything on your checklist, especially keeping a well-balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest, but also putting in some time to do some daily exercises, you will be just fine. Your doctor will be able to guide you through this and answer any questions you may have. In the end, you can hold your baby in your arms and all the discomfort during these months won’t seem so bad.
Also Read: Things to Do and Avoid in Pregnancy Third Trimester Read more
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Essential Oils in Pregnancy - Safety, Benefits and Precautions
Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are used for various purposes such as fragrance, health benefits, for skin care and a lot more.
Although essential oils are completely natural, some women are hesitant to use them during pregnancy because the oils are very strong. Most aromatherapists say that when you are pregnant, it is safe to use some essential oils as long as you are mindful of how much and for what purpose you are using them. However, there are counter-arguments to this as well.
So, let us look into the essential oils that are safe for pregnant women and also a few tips and advice for using them for very specific reasons.
What is Essential Oil?
Essential oils are concentrated oils that are extracted from plants leaves, herbs and other materials. It is extracted through a process of cold pressing or steam distillation. The essential oil is highly concentrated. It is typically diffused, applied topically, inhaled, massaged and added to food as well. The lovely aroma of the oil works wonders for soothing and relaxing the body and mind.
How does it Work?
Essential oils work the way medicine work in the body. The molecules of the concentrated oil are very small and can reach the infant’s circulation. Since they are concentrated forms of oil, just use a drop or two. For pregnant women, it is said that the oils will take some time to work as they have fatty layers in their body and this slows down the process.
Are Essential Oils Safe to Use during Pregnancy?
Essential Oils are safe for pregnant women after the first trimester. Some women take it before as well. There are talks about how oils could reach the baby through the placenta. However, these are not researched facts, and there are no cases of such incidents that have been recorded.
However, if you want to use it before your first trimester, it is advisable to consult an aromatherapist who treats pregnant women. Even after your first trimester, it is good to be aware of what you are using as some oils should best be avoided.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils during Pregnancy
Essential Oils if used appropriately in the right proportion can be used to help you through various pregnancy symptoms. Essential oils have quite a few uses and can be a relief during your stressful pregnancy days. However, just be sure of how and which oil to use. Some options that you could follow are here:
Nausea: Some essential oils for nausea during pregnancy are Massage Lavender, Sandalwood or ginger diffuser.
Aids Digestion: Essential oils such as peppermint oil can help alleviate heartburn and other digestion related ailments. It can be either massaged onto the belly or consumed with honey after a meal.
Detox: Oils such as lemon oil help in flushing out all the toxins and extra stomach acids out of your system.
Bloating: A common ailment that pregnant women have to deal with, essential oils like ginger can help reducing that feeling of bloating as it helps calm the stomach.
Insomnia: Essential oils like Ylang Ylang and Bergamot help relaxes the mind and avoids overthinking which can lead to sleeplessness.
Reduces Anxiety: Essential oils like Basil helps to regulate cortisol which is responsible for stress.
Reduces Depression: Essential oils like Myrtle oil are known to help stimulate the thyroid gland and reduce any hormonal imbalance.
Bathroom Cleaning Agent: Oils such as pine are yeast killers and can help clear out any moulds that may be present in the bathroom.
Dishwashing Liquid: Thyme is a powerful germicide and can be used to clean utensils, especially those that have been in contact with raw meat.
Air Freshener: Most essential oils such as lavender and lemongrass, when burnt can help give out an aromatic smell.
List of Oils that are Safe for Pregnant Women
Some essential oils are proven to be extremely safe for pregnant women as long as there are no complications in the pregnancy However, don’t overuse any of them. Make sure to dilute the oils using one or two drops.
Here’s a list of pregnancy essential oils that are safe to use:
Geranium: bitter orange is oil which will help you with water retention.
Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia): If you have constant body aches and pains, you can blend ginger and lavender with massage oil to apply on your body. This is great for pain relief.
Cypress: Cypress is a great comfort if you are struggling with varicose veins and swollen ankles.
German camomile: If you are struggling with a painful backache, chamomile massage is the essential oil to pick.
Common lavender: The essential oil of lavender is such a great stress relief that you would not want to let it go during your pregnancy. Diluted lavender essential oil is a safe choice for a weekly bath. It can also be used once in a week in a diffuser to help ease of pregnancy stress.
Frankincense: This essential oil is used by women to reduce stretch marks in the body.
Sweet orange: Sweet Orange (Orange Sinensis) essential oil is used to keep your body energetic during your tiring days of pregnancy. The oil is mixed with ginger to help ease of nausea and indigestion. However, it is good to avoid this oil if you are planning to get out in the sun.
Sweet marjoram: This one is beneficial to women who struggle with frequent urination.
Tea tree oil (not in labour)
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil can be used to help with congestion. It is also used as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
Neroli: This essential oil helps in relieving pregnant women from anxiety and stress.
When to Avoid Essential Oils?
It is best to avoid all essential oils in the first trimester. This is the time when your baby is growing and has a highly sensitive body.
Some essential oils can lead to abortions, and so it is very important to watch out for them. Always consult your aromatherapist before you use an oil that you are not sure of.
Avoid applying essential oils especially when you step out in the sun.
Avoid essential oils that have been stored in plastic for too long.
Avoid using essential oils if you are a thyroid patient.
If you have a history of miscarriage, it is safe to avoid essential oils.
If you have complications such as vaginal bleeding, you must avoid essential oils as there are chances for it to cause complications.
Don’t use oils that are old, rather make sure to buy oils that are new and recently manufactured.
List of Oils to Avoid during Pregnancy
Some essential oils can complicate pregnancy and should be avoided. Also, there are some oils that we are not very sure of and so it better to avoid them as well. If you are a looking to study which essential oils to avoid during pregnancy. Here are some of them:
Fennel
Clary Sage
Marjoram
Cinnamon
Thuja
Mugwort
Birch
Wintergreen
Camphor
Hyssop
Aniseed
Tansy
Wormwood
Precautions to be Taken while Using the Oil
There are various claims and myths regarding the use of essential oils when pregnant. Although it is quite sure that you don’t have to avoid them completely, one thing you can do is play it safe. Take advantage of the amazing benefits of essential oils but at the same time make sure you prevent any sort of risks. Here are things to be mindful of when using essential oils.
Essential oils are usually quite strong and can cause problems, and so it is important to dilute the concentration before using it.
Using essential oils for more than an hour can sometimes lead to side effects like nausea, vertigo, lethargy, and headaches.
It is important to check the quality of essential oils. At times, oils are adulterated, and this can lead to adverse effects. Make it a practice to do a quality check before you use your oils.
Some oils contain phenols and aldehydes which can have effects on your sin. Hence, dilute it well before applying it.
Applying essential oil on the damaged skin can also lead to reactions.
Do not use essential oils every day
Make sure you don’t use it directly on your skin. Since essential oils are concentrated, it could lead to skin problems.
Essential Oil for Pregnancy Myths
Frankincense is said to be abortifacient. But there is no study or research that proves this point.
Always consult your Gynaecologist or midwife in order to use the oils while pregnant.
Essential oils for pregnancy births and babies are absolutely safe. This statement is quite flawed because it is obvious that essential oils can be too strong on sensitive baby skin.
Use essential oils in the process of childbirth. Well, this could work if your delivery is happening at home. However, if you are going to the hospital, please avoid these techniques as it could mess with the methods and equipment that the doctors have to follow.
The use of essential oils during pregnancy is highly debatable. While there are numerous articles, blogs and websites that talk about the safety and risks of essential oils, there is no substantial research done to prove this point. Most of these statements seem to have stemmed out of experience, myths or internet research. Hence, we cannot be 100% accurate about the safety of essential oils during pregnancy times.
So, boiling down to the simple question, can you use essential oils while pregnant?
Yes, some essential oils are safe for pregnancy, albeit you have to be attentive to how much, when and why you are using them.
It is wise to be on the safer side and not risk your pregnancy process. If you really want to use oils during your pregnancy, please be sure that it is safe to use it during this time of life.
During your pregnancy, there are quite a few restrictions that you will have to keep in mind. At times it can be frustrating as you really don’t want to set too many boundaries in your lifestyle. Of course, it is a challenging period however, remember that taking care of your body during these nine months is very crucial for both yours and your baby’s wellbeing. This means you have to make a few sacrifices and avoid taking risks during this time. Read more
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10 Body Language Tips to Make a Long Lasting Impression
The way you present yourself to others spells out the kind of confidence you have. Your exterior mannerisms can tell people a lot about your state of confidence. Having good body language, hence, becomes crucial in portraying a poised image of yourself.
What is Body Language and Why Is It Important?
Body language is the unspoken way of communication that relays what we feel through gestures, postures, and facial expression. On it, depends your confidence, credibility, and the legacy you want to leave behind. It is something that can make you or break you. The vibe that body language transmits can lift the spirit of the people around, improve relationships, enhance productivity, and can assist you in presenting ideas with unprecedented impact. Body language has to be cultivated over time, and the nitty-gritty has to be learned. But, one step at a time.
10 Tips to Improve Your Body Language
If you are curious about how to improve body language, then follow the steps mentioned below and feel the difference it creates.
1. Go For a Power Pose
Researchers, while discussing how to improve body language, believe that assuming an expansive pose for two minutes like leaning back with outstretched legs on the desk and hands behind head or with hands and legs wide apart while standing can boost testosterone level, a hormone that determines power and dominance. Known commonly as “high-power” poses, these can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. At the same time, these poses help in conveying messages later with an added impact, all the while letting you feel more confident and ensuring high-risk tolerance level. While standing, proper composure should be maintained with head held high and shoulder at ease with the posture.
2. Listen Well and Participate
Any distraction like checking text or time can deter others from speaking their mind freely. Instead, focus on listening to them more intently by facing them directly and by maintaining eye contact. Even better, if you lean forward and nod your head to encourage them to show that you have devoted your attention to them. Engaging yourself to what they say is a small step, but it opens up multiple possibilities. It is important to display how keen you are to make them more productive.
3. Collaboration is the Key
Breaking barriers is an easy step to improve body language. Between you and your team, nothing should come. Not even a coffee cup. Conversations turn fruitful when the physical barriers are removed. Things that can block your view or form an obstacle between the team and you should be removed at once to encourage the team in collaborating. A simple example could be how high you hold a cup while having a chat. Insecure people often hold things close to their chest but the ones, who are relaxed, never take it above their waist.
4. Connect with a Handshake
Warmth in tactile contact can create bonds forever. That is why a proper handshake often sets the tone. It is one of the essential body language tips for interviews. The handshake is a sign of confidence, and it has to be firm. It is also a sign of mutual respect which many recruiters find an essential step of hiring a candidate.
5. Set it up with a Smile
It is imperative to make others feel positive by spreading your charm with a hearty smile. While lighting up your face, it informs others of your well-being and makes you approachable. It can promote you as a trustworthy person. This easy tip to improve body language can trigger long-lasting relationships where people can feel better around you. As one of many body language tips for interviews, it can do wonders.
6. Right One for Right Occasion
People often judge others by looking at what they are wearing. That is why selecting the perfect dress is one of the essential body language tips for interviews. Wearing a perfectly fitted dress for a job interview is crucial. However, overdressing a bit can work just fine in case of any confusion. For example, in a company that follows casual dress code such as jeans and t-shirt, a tucked-in shirt without a tie can do well.
7. Speak with Words…and Hands
Researchers found out, while scanning brain, that Broca’s area that assists in speaking also works in tandem with the hand. Gestures and speech are intricately linked, and that can be seen the way people wave their hands in mid-air while speaking. It has its benefits. It can boost thinking process. At the same time, waving hands can engage more people and initiate a lively chat. A little trick to improve body language is to show your palm often while having a conversation.
8. Feet Fact
When people feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable, they often start fidgeting their legs and feet. While they maintain a composed upper body, they do not focus on how their legs and feet are reacting. They start shaking their legs or rest their feet around a chair or table. They do it often to feel relaxed and release the tension. It is in our instinct to react in such a way. So extra measure should be taken to avoid such things. Employers prefer people who effuse confidence. Hence, a complete composure is needed. An often ignored one among the body language tips for interviews, but of great importance, if you want to make a holistic impact.
9. Memory Matters
It is not just always about how to improve body language. A good memory is essential. But most of us don’t know that these two are interlinked. Researchers, while conducting studies, have found out that people who sit with an open posture, that means without crossing their hands and legs, tend to retain more information than their counterparts. Good memory and relaxed conversation always lead up to effective communication and assist in brewing ideas that can further prospects.
10. Pitch It the Perfect Way
When it comes to how to improve your body language, the trump card is speaking with a confident voice. A conversation with good content could fall into deaf ears if the words were not uttered in the right way. People often end their sentences with a slightly high-pitched voice, which listeners interpret as a question or an attempt to seek approval. If so, even a statement can fail miserably to make an impact. The ideal way to say things is to follow an arc where the first words should come out in a definite tone and the middle words should rise to make an impact before falling a bit to end the sentence. This arc assists in establishing an air of authority which leads to a lasting impression.
Postures to Avoid for a Better Body Language
Here are some poses that can ensure better body language.
Crossing hands should be avoided. It creates a barrier between speakers and discourages people from sharing their ideas freely. Similarly, crossing legs symbolise nervousness or discomfort which people should avoid at any cost.
Too much eye contact can be interpreted as rude. Hence, researchers feel that making eye contact for about 30%-60% of the entire conversation duration can be considered the right balance.
Fidgeting is a strict no-no, especially during interviews. This adversely impacts the conversation.
The ending of a sentence should never be in a high pitch as that makes others interpret it as a query.
Inappropriate dressing can leave a negative impression.
Drooping shoulder and head should be avoided.
How to Read a Person’s Body Language
Followings are some tips for a comprehensive understanding of a person.
Studying the eyes is of prime importance. Looking away more than making eye contact is a sign of lack of confidence.
By reading smiles only, the intentions can be understood. A warm smile engages the face while a fake one engages mouth only.
Mirroring gestures is a good sign. When a person mimics you it shows his intense interest in your topic.
The speed with which a person nods his head during a conversation shows his interest in the topic. Slow nodding is a good sign, whereas, the faster ones exhibit signs of distraction.
Relaxed feet are a sign of confidence, and it shows the interest of the other person on the topic.
Hand in the pocket or on the head is a cue for deception or nervousness.
Crossed arms imply defiance or rejection.
Space between speakers can say a lot about them — closed proximity talks of good rapport. However, if the person tends to move away, then it shows the feeling is not mutual.
A good conversation is always productive. And it starts with your body language. Maintaining an impressive body language can initiate plans and later, expand the horizon. Building up a positive body language would help in imprinting a lasting impression on others on your very first appearance. It would ensure that you grab the opportunity at the right moment without letting your prospects fizzle out too soon.
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Hope inside me #never let it die
Pregnancy is a gift..
Live it,,love it,,adore it.embrace it
Hope wil never die
It started on a happy note on Nov 21 2019..I was pregnant.😃It was joy ,happiness, anxiety all mixed emotions.I went for a regular checkup n confirmation of my pregnancy during 3 mon..
My bp shooted to a alarming level,Yes I was tensed but my blood pressure did not match my anxiety..it was far behind it.
My real journey started from there..
Tests...tests...tests...regular visits..medicines..my scans which were far more than a normal uncomplicated pregnanancy..
Adding to this I AM A DOCTOR myself ,insted of consoling myself I made it really scary at the start..and special attraction was COVID
That doubled my tension up as there was no medicines thn for pregnant women..
Lock down,sanitisation,....😔😔 But still keeping my confidence high for HOPE growing inside me n support n love from my husband n my parents n my doctor I made it till 7 month..
But whhn I was about to enter 8 mon..my last scan showed I had decreased liquior..it was expected due to my meds..n doctor said to be under observation for few days..n had a scan after two days as I doubted liquor leak..n it showed severe decrease in liquor..n an c section was planned immediately...following surgery..n I delivered a cute little baby girl my hope my life HRITIKA..
U may ask what's there in this..it's very common..but those few days from scan to surgery n post op was the most difficult time of my life.. from surgery to my bp fluctations n added to this premature delivery( 34 weeks) with my girl geting admitted to nicu..suffered neonatal jaundice thrice..n slowly building her to a healthy baby like every other kid...Yes it was tough , scary , by my hope never died ...since I hav birth to my hope , my confidence ,my baby girl HRITIKA..seeing her daily makes my hope double forgetting everything...moving forward
Being a doctor u may think it is silly to get afraid as u all know everything ,,treatment,,remedy,,
But let me tell this ...
if we know about living n geting out from danger,,we even know about non treatable complication n death..
That makes mind of doctor scary..
Finally..never let hope die..😊😊
u may not get the expected result but it builds strength in u..
#keertika Read more
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A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
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Rashmi
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Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
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A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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