Natural Ways to Beat Depression...

April showers bring plenty of glowers. But why? Early spring's oscillating temps and lack of sunlight can cause a serious drop in your level of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that's found in the brain. And without enough serotonin, our mood descends into darkness or, at the very least, an unpleasant crabbiness (you know, the bad temper we typically blame on the rain). Fortunately, you can outsmart wicked weather patterns with these mood-boosting tips as you await the arrival of sunnier days.

Light Up Your Life

If a Miami mini-break isn't an option, seek out a light box. A strong one that emits at least 10,000 lux can have the same effect as basking in the early-morning sun--minus the cancer-causing UV rays. Place the light box on a table near you--you need only 30 minutes of exposure to increase your serotonin levels and leave you "more alert and energized, two factors that contribute to a good mood," says Michael Terman, Ph.D., director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at New York City's Columbia University Medical Center. For more info--such as where to buy a light box--visit cet.org.

Devour Chocolate Daily

It's true: One small square a day can keep the blues away. Chocolate contains a pleasure-promoting, mood-regulating neuro-transmitter called phenyl---e-thylamine, which stimulates a rush of endorphins, the same compounds released during an orgasm. Studies show that cocoa has almost twice the amount of antioxidants as red wine, so it helps lower blood pressure and wards off wrinkles. When snacking, stick to dark chocolate that's at least 70 percent cocoa--; it's healthier than the milk-infused variety.

Find Bliss in the Bedroom

Your body releases oxytocin, the so-called cuddle hormone that lets you feel more emotionally connected to your partner. Just one romp in the sheets will get you to your happy place.

Go Fish

People who eat foods containing omega-3 fatty acids--like salmon and tuna--have a better handle on their emotions and are more likely to be upbeat and agreeable, says Sarah Conklin, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. The American Heart Association recommends eating two four-ounce portions of fish twice a week. But don't overdo it: Stick to one can of albacore a week to avoid mercury poisoning. Walnuts and flaxseed are also packed with the get-happy proteins, which have been proven to prevent heart disease.

Study Claims Connection Between Women’s Self-Esteem and Facebook Photos

A recent study claims the relationship between the concept of self-esteem and the photo posting habits of women in Facebook, the top social networking site of the present times. The study was published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking journal by the University of Buffalo last Monday.  The main result of the said research indicated that women whose self-esteem depend on their appearance upload more photos of themselves and tend to have more “friends” in their social networking accounts.
The study, led by Dr. Michael A. Stefanone, involved a group of 311 individuals that was comprised of about 154 women. They were asked to respond to a questionnaire that measured how they see themselves and also gauged how they use their Facebook accounts. Self-esteem was measured in terms of public sources like the World Wide Web and private sources like the participants’ families.

The result of the research indicated that the individuals, whose self esteem depends on public contingencies like the Internet, uploaded more pictures. These people see themselves in terms of their physical appearance, other people’s appreciation or good opinion of them or in winning competitions or rivalries. Those who are dependent on appearance in fact showed the highest amounts of photos uploaded online.

The research also claims that people who derive or get their self-esteem from private sources like academic proficiency, morality, and familial love show less internet activity. It was found out that about 12 percent of the friends of Facebook users are not really acquaintances but people they just met online. Women also showed more close friends than men and spend more time editing and keeping their profiles updated.

Can I trust the home values at the County Appraisal District value?

Here is another question I have to address constantly with my friends and clients: The short answer is no, but I will explain why below.

First of all, you should know that these values are there for taxation purposes only, and they are only done once a year.

Second there is a difference between market values and tax appraisal values. In theory, they should be the same but it is absolutely impossible for the county to visit every neighborhood in the county, go inside each home to check its condition, and generate at least "three" comparable solds for each property.

Third, the county bases its appraised values based on budgetary reasons for the year. That means, the county establishes a budget for the year, decides the increase in taxation needed to meet the budget, and then generates the increase in tax rate applicable to all the properties in the area. Then if the increase was too much for a homeowner the burden of proof is in the homeowner to show the county that they made a big mistake.

Fourth, Texas is a nondisclosure state. That means that when you buy your home, you don't need to tell the county how much you paid for your home. Texas is still a free country and they can not force you to reveal that. So when they ask you how much you paid, it is up tp you to disclose that.

Fifth, some uninformed homeowners don't dispute their increase in taxes under the belief that the market value is rising, not realizing the only true thing is that their taxes are increasing. On the other hand, there are some savvy homeowners that make use of very depreciated data and pull the values down based on low sales in the neighborhood.

Sixth, market values, like gasoline prices, are determined by actual supply and demand (higher in the Summer than in the Winter). It is established when a buyer and a seller come to a meeting of the minds, sign a purchase contract, and the transaction actually closes.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Houston Association of REALTORS®

 

RE/MAX is a company built on the promise of exceptional customer service. Whether you are selling your home or searching for that special place to call your own, you deserve to work with someone who has your best interests in mind. I realize that something as valuable as your trust must be earned.

I strive daily to live on the basis of Honesty, Integrity, and Trust.

Whatever your particular real estate need, I'll work hard to make sure that you are completely satisfied. I have the knowledge, experience, and dedication that it takes to get results.

Shay Wesley, RE/MAX CityView

713-965-7161

shaywesley@remax.net