2021 Feb Articles Archives

Learn your love language

Do you and your partner speak the same love language? Possibly not. That doesn’t mean that your relationship is destined for failure. Everyone has different ideas about how love should be expressed in an intentional and meaningful way. What makes you feel loved, or how you express love, may be different for your partner. This can easily lead to misunderstandings and conflict. If your love languages are different, your acts of love may often go unnoticed. You might come home with a surprise gift after working late when your partner would actually prefer some quality time with you cooking dinner together.

There’s no scientific formula to make a relationship work but learning to speak your partner’s love languages could certainly help to improve your relationship and to bring you closer together. Let’s take a closer look at the five love languages:

Words of Affirmation. “I love you” – it seems simple, but for people with this love language, affectionate words like this are important. Compliments, praise, encouragement and appreciation are constructive and uplifting.
Quality Time. The more time spent together, the better, doing things like making dinner or exercising. Plenty of one-on-one time is important As your undivided attention is what makes your partner tick. Making time to really talk, listen and bond with no distractions creates the feeling of love and appreciation.
Receiving Gifts. It’s not all about expensive or extravagant gifts. It’s the effort and thoughtfulness that goes into the gift that makes the person feel loved and being special. A hand-picked bunch of flowers, a home-made photo frame or a favourite home-cooked meal is what makes them feel good.
Acts of Service. Small acts of service that ease the workload, like doing the dishes or packing a work lunch, go straight to this person’s heart. It’s the little things that count.
Physical Touch. It’s not all about sex! A loving touch creates a feeling of safety and warmth. Hugs, hand-holding, kissing, or a gentle touch on the arm are all examples of intimate touching that makes the special person in your life feel valued.

Sources:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-5-love-languages-explained

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/understanding-the-five-love-languages/

https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1059295/what-are-the-5-love-languages/

Food that fight cancer

February is Cancer Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. So it’s safe to say cancer has impacted most of our lives one way or another – either personally or via a loved one. An increasing body of research is starting to show that not only does a healthy diet improve all aspects of your health, but it can actually reduce your risk of getting cancer. Consider these tips when planning your weekly meals:

Colour is key. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients that keep your body fighting fit. The more different colours you include in your diet, the better. Aim to eat the rainbow!
Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to cause tumour death and reduce tumour size in some studies. Think broccoli salad! Yum!
Carrots can be a healthy snack or a delicious side dish. Studies have found that eating carrots may reduce your risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer.
Beans are super rich in fibre and have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer. And they are so versatile. They can be thrown into stews and soups or munched on just as they are.
Berries are packed with antioxidants that may decrease the growth and spread of certain cancers.
Go nuts with nuts! Research has shown that Brazil nuts and walnuts may be linked to a lower risk of cancer.
Citrus fruits like oranges, naartjies, lemon and grapefruit, could decrease the risk of cancers like pancreatic and stomach cancer. They’re perfect to include with breakfast or as a light snack.
Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are believed to protect against cancer, both of which are found in fatty fish. So be sure to include salmon, sardines, herring or mackerel in your diet!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/ss/slideshow-cancer-fighting-foods#:~:text=Dark%20green%20leafy%20vegetables%20such,lung%2C%20skin%2C%20and%20stomach.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cancer-fighting-foods