Summer is almost over, but for some, the holiday season isn't over yet. Popular European destinations, such as Italy or Spain, are not to be missed by vacationers even during September. Several beaches there are extremely popular.

As Forbes reports, the situation on some of the most visited beaches has gotten so out of control over the past year that local authorities have had to introduce several strict measures. Their aim is to further improve the vacation experience for tourists and make life easier for locals who are exposed to excessive tourism on a daily basis. What prohibitions do you need to know about before visiting popular destinations in Europe?

Businesses in Barcelona will suffer due to dress code

Spain is undoubtedly one of the most popular European summer destinations. During the season, more than a million visitors visit it. Various rules apply to them, including an appropriate dress code.

In Spanish destinations including Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca, you will not be allowed to wear swimwear outside of the beach and pool. At the same time Several restaurants in Barcelona have a strict dress code. Visitors wearing football jerseys, strapless tops, accessories purchased from street vendors, or any clothing displaying alcohol brand logos are not allowed to enter.

Spain is one of the most visited European countries, also for its nightlife. Tourists flock to the city of Benidorm for entertainment. However, it is also known for imposing fines on visitors who try to reserve their beach spot by laying down a towel. Another restriction applies to people who sleep or swim on the beach between midnight and 7 a.m. They face a fine of up to 1,200 euros.

Several popular destinations have implemented strict measures to control overtourism. Source: freepik.com

In the case of drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in public, they face an even larger fine, up to 2,000 euros. Tourists who expose themselves on non-nudist beaches will also face fines. Their inappropriate behavior can be charged up to 650 euros.

Galicia has decided to shine a light on holidaymakers who urinate or perform other physiological needs directly on the beach or in the sea. The situation is similar in the city of Virgo, where they face a fine of 750 euros. The measure was introduced there after the discovery of worrying levels of contamination.

In Italy, the bans also apply to tour guides

Italy, which is considered the second most popular summer destination, has not avoided the measures either. Some of them are similar to those in Spain. An example is wearing swimwear outside beaches and swimming pools. The town of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast fines holidaymakers up to €500 for this innocent offence.

An interesting rule also applies in Sardinia. Local officials have introduced a ban on sunbathing on towels because they catch too much sand. Several Sardinian beaches have a daily limit on the number of visitors, Some of them also have an entrance fee. If you want to visit Cala Mariolu beach, you have to hurry. No more than 550 tourists are allowed to enter during the day.

If you stray onto Spiagga Rosa beach, you will face a fine of 3,500 euros. In the past, this unique place with pink sand was hit by holidaymakers who stole sand from it and destroyed the environment.

In Sardinia you have to pay to enter some beaches. Source: freepik.com

Posing for selfies at popular tourist spots in Portofino will also cost you dearly. One photo can cost you 275 euros. The bans also apply to tour guides. In Venice, they are not allowed to use megaphones and loudspeakers. The number of tourists in a group is also limited, it can only be 25 people.

Some measures are considered excessive by Italian activists, such as the ban on sitting on the legendary "Spanish Steps" in Rome. Tourists can receive a fine of between 250 and 400 euros.

Other European destinations were also inspired by the measures

Excessive tourism also worries residents of destinations such as Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, and Greece. In an effort to control the problem, several measures have been implemented in their territory.

In Portugal, it is forbidden to play loud music on the beach. If you violate this, you risk a fine of 4,000 euros. Prohibitions and restrictions in this country also apply to unauthorized ball games, camping outside campsites, and fishing in areas designated for swimming.

Some destinations have banned smoking on the beach. Source: pexels.com

You can no longer smoke on French beaches. The United Kingdom has given the green light to walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30. You can pay from 100 to a thousand pounds for this. You can also pay a thousand pounds for carrying pebbles or camping on the beach.

There must be up to 70 % beaches in Greece without sunbeds. In the case of protected beaches, the number is even smaller, namely 15 %.

Social media, like many other things in life, is best used in moderation, according to a key finding from a team at Iowa State University that focused on young people and their mental health. When a group of college students limited their social media use to just 30 minutes a day, participants scored significantly lower on anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of missing out (FOMO).

FOMO – is an abbreviation for the English expression “fear of missing out”, which means “fear of missing out”. FOMO is often associated with social networks – users may feel that if they do not scroll on Facebook/Instagram, they will miss information and will not be able to stay up to date.

People who are dissatisfied and less confident are more at risk of FOMO. As a result, their self-esteem drops even more and they feel like a failure. Symptoms also include irritability, nervousness, impatience, bad mood, and anxiety.

Young people are using social media more and more often, and their mental health is suffering as a result. Source: unsplash.com

Social media threatens young people's mental health

Although tens of millions of people around the world use them every day, In recent years, concerns have been growing about the psychological impact of these platforms – especially on young people and adolescents. The American Psychological Association recently issued warnings regarding social media use among teens and its impact on their health, reports StudyFinds.

Recent research shows an undeniable trend: Young people are using social media more and more often, and their mental health is suffering as a result. Therefore, the scientists prepared a two-week experiment in which 230 university students participated.

Half of the participants were given the task of limiting their social media use to thirty minutes a day. They were given automatic reminders every day to ensure they didn't forget. This group had significantly lower scores in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of missing out at the end of the study compared to the control group, which was allowed unlimited social media use.

The experimental group also scored higher on "positive affect," which the study authors describe as "the tendency to experience positive emotions described by words like 'excited' and 'proud.'" This term ("positive affect") is used to describe states where a person feels good, has positive feelings, and experiences pleasant experiences.

The restriction helped significantly

“I was surprised to find that participants’ well-being improved not just in one dimension, but in virtually all of them. I was thrilled that "A simple intervention like sending a daily reminder can motivate people to change their behavior and improve their social media habits," says lead study author Ella Faulhaber in a university statement.

The psychological benefits of limiting social media use were also evident in participants who occasionally exceeded the thirty-minute time limit. "The lesson here is that it's not about being perfect, it's about making an effort that's crucial. I think self-restraint and paying attention are the secret ingredients, more than the thirty-minute limit," Faulhaber explains.

Study co-author and psychology professor Douglas Gentile adds that these findings fit perfectly with other research coming from the fields of kinesiology and health. "When we know how much time we spend on different activities each day, and when it can be measured, it makes it easier for people to change their behavior," says the scientist, citing as an example the positive impact of smart watches and step-counting bracelets.

They felt the positive changes immediately

Many study participants said that the first days of limiting social media activity were difficult. One participant noted that after a while, he began to feel much more productive and in tune with his life. Other participants reported sleeping better or spending more time with other people in person.

The study authors also point out that other projects have examined the effects of limiting or abstaining from social media use. However, many of these interventions have required strict supervision, deleting apps, or using a special app to block or limit social media, similar to what is done with substance abusers.

Limiting your social media usage can gradually bring real benefits to your life. Source: unsplash.com

Important advice

For anyone trying to limit the time spent on social media, Faulhaber has three recommendations:

• Create awareness: Use a timer or integrated app to see how much time you spend on social media.
• Be lenient with yourself: Be aware that it's not easy to stick to a time limit. Social media apps are designed to keep you scrolling.
• Don't give up: Limiting your social media usage can gradually bring real benefits to your daily life.

Finally, the study authors state that it is also important to be mindful of how and when we use social media. Future studies could look at this topic, as well as the long-term effects of limiting social media and what people do with the time they get back.

“Many indicators show that anxiety, depression and loneliness are getting worse, and we can feel helpless because of it. But there are things we can do to improve our mental health and well-being,” concludes Professor Gentile.

Young people want to see the world more than their parents. However, traveling is not the cheapest hobby, so they are looking for different ways to save as much as possible. That is why many of them prefer the Airbnb service, which offers accommodation at a relatively low price.

While it's praised by tourists, it's become a nightmare for locals. As Forbes reports, it's already been criticized since it officially launched in 2007. Property owners began offering short-term rentals, which have become a more affordable option for travelers than hotels. However, there was a limited supply of housing for locals, and prices began to rise.

This problem has been particularly noticeable in world capitals such as Barcelona, where residents are currently fighting against tourism, as it has had a significant negative impact on their daily lives in recent years. They also want to ban these "unregulated hotels", who must suffer in their neighborhood.

The mayor of this Catalan metropolis, Jaume Collboni, is also on their side. He claims that the housing crisis is the city's biggest problem at the moment. Housing in Barcelona has become downright unaffordable over the past ten years. Real estate prices there increased by 38% over the same period. In the case of rent, the increase was even greater, by 68% over the same period.

As a result, the Barcelona City Council took action and By 2028, it plans to cancel more than 10,000 licenses it has granted to property owners for short-term rentals. However, there is another problem related to this. If this accommodation option is completely removed from the tourism industry, there is a risk that hotel prices will increase. This will negatively affect not only travelers, but also tourism.

Regulations are also underway in other metropolises

This is not the only case where a country has introduced regulation or a complete ban on short-term accommodation. In 2014, Berlin banned them. Four years later, he allowed them again, but under stricter conditions.

Short-term rentals are more convenient for tourists than hotels. Source: pexels.com

A similar situation occurred in Munich. Short-term rentals there have been limited to eight weeks per year. After that period, landlords must obtain a permit.

Regulations also began in Austria this summer. Hosts there can only rent out their properties for 90 days a year. The same limit has been set in Honolulu, Hawaii. In contrast, in Paris, apartments and houses can be rented out for up to 120 days a year.

The situation was worse for tourists and landlords in Amsterdam. Owners can only offer their properties for short-term rentals for 30 nights per year. As a result, the number of listings has decreased. There are currently only around 5,000 in the popular Dutch metropolis.

Lebanon has solved the problem of high tourist numbers in its own way. It has banned new registrations of short-term rentals in some historic districts, which has helped reduce housing prices by nine percent. In the capital of Mallorca, it is not possible to stay in apartment buildings. Only isolated family houses or villas are available.

Some cities have strict bans

There are countries where you won't be able to find a short-term rental at a good price. An example is the Malaysian island of Penang, where the option has been completely abolished. The Tuscan metropolis of Florence also tried to do the same last year. Although the ban only applied to the historic center area, it was recently overturned by a regional court. Other popular Italian destinations, such as Rome, Venice and Milan, are not ruling out restrictions.

The strict ban since last September also applies to New York. In the event that the tourist is not registered in the city and does not live in the apartment in the presence of another resident, the possibility of short-term rental is illegal.

In some countries, the option of short-term rentals has been banned altogether. Source: pexels.com

Despite New Yorkers struggling with high housing prices, Airbnb has contributed only about one percent to overall rent growth. A bigger problem is excessive tourism, which impacts the lives of locals.

The Czech Republic will not avoid stricter conditions either

Czech Airbnb providers will face several new obligations from 2025. The issue of regulation has been addressed there since short-term rentals became the main source of income for many landlords. Prague has been trying to enforce it for a long time, but its steps have so far been fruitless.

Cities and municipalities lose tens of millions of crowns annually due to undeclared stays through platforms like Airbnb. In addition, they are also concerned about tourists who disturb the locals with their maladaptive behavior.

Excessive tourism in some countries negatively affects housing prices. Source: pexels.com

Starting in the new year, landlords must register their guests through the e-Turista portal. V prípade, že tak nespravia, hrozia im 100-tisícové pokuty v korunách. Zároveň hostitelia budú musieť pod registračným číslom v registri uviesť dátum začatia svojej činnosti v danej lokalite, najvyšší možný počet lôžok či svoje osobné a kontaktné údaje.

Situáciu chce riešiť aj ministerstvo pre miestny rozvoj. Plánuje poskytnúť obecným správam právomoc, v dôsledku ktorej by mohli krátkodobé prenájmy regulovať oveľa prísnejšie.

Practical information for travelers

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience., but to enjoy your trip to the fullest, it's a good idea to be prepared. In this article you will find some invaluable tips and tricksthat you should know before you set off on your journey.

 

A. Print out all important documents

Don't forget to make a copy of your passport and it is useful to have also a printed version of your travel insurance.

To enter many countries you will need a visa or other documents.

It always helps to have a printed copy of all important documents, such as also an electronic version on your phone.

This way, if your phone gets lost/your battery runs out, you'll have a backup.

 

B. Get a SIM card as soon as you land

A SIM card will come in handy as soon as you arrive in the country, especially if you are travelling by public transport from the airport/bus terminal to your accommodation.

With You will most likely be dropped off in the city center or on the side of the road, and it's very useful to have the internet to find out, where are you located.

 

The Cascadas de Agua Azul, Mexico. Photo by: Natália Jančušková

C. Download offline maps in advance

Even if you have a sim card with data, you don't always have a signal.

Make sure you have downloaded the offline version of the maps, which covers the area you are traveling to.

Another useful tip is pin key locations to the map – such as accommodation, attractions, bus terminals and places to eat.

Still like that you will be able to find your way to key places, services and attractions.

 

D. Take a screenshot of your accommodation and write down the address

Don't rely on having internet access during your arrival.

You'd be surprised how many passengers gets off the bus in a new city and doesn't know the address or even the name of the place where they are supposed to stay. In case you don't have internet and access to your emails or apps,  you can get into a really awkward situation.

Take a screenshot of your accommodation and booking or write down important information in your notes.

A screenshot is ideal, as you will be able to show it at the accommodation. if there are any ambiguities or complications with the accommodation.

 

East coast of Costa Rica. Photo by Natália Jančušková.

E. Read reviews

While it's not the way to focus on one negative review out of 10 positive ones, Reading reviews is definitely worth it.

Whether it is about accommodation, attractions or services.

Filter reviews by "newest first" and make sure you know what to expect.

The amount of accommodation It is undergoing changes and they are not always positive.

 

F. Beware of scams

Traveling is an amazing experience, and many of the people you meet will be welcoming, friendly, and helpful.

However, you will also encounter locals who will try to take advantage of travelers.

The most common scams usually involve taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, or money exchange kiosks.

Exchange money only at authorized currency exchange kiosks. – your accommodation should help you with this.

 

Tikal, Guatemala. Photo by: Natália Jančušková.

G. Check the weather when planning your trip

Research the individual countries you want to visit, and Plan which month would be best for you to travel.

If you plan to visit several countries during one trip, arrange them logistically with the weather in mind.

Sometimes it may not be the most financially advantageous,This way you will avoid a negative experience and wasted time and money.

 

H. Plan your route, but allow for flexibility

Whether you plan to visit one country or several countries, plan your trip in advance.

Having a rough plan of your route is a good idea so that you have an idea of what you would like to see in your time frame.

However, don't be too strict in your plans and Leave it to the natural course of life.

Be be flexible and take advantage of opportunities to visit places you didn't include to your original itinerary.

Having unexpected experiences is one of the best things about traveling!

 

You can find the continuation in a new article soon.

Feng Shui, starobylá čínska prax, sa zaoberá usporiadaním priestoru a jeho energetickým tokom s cieľom podporiť harmóniu, rovnováhu a blahobyt v našich domovoch.

Jeho zásady sa zakladajú na presvedčení, že prostredie, v ktorom žijeme, môže významne ovplyvniť naše zdravie, šťastie a úspech.

Ak sa chcete dozvedieť, ako vytvoriť harmonické a pozitívne prostredie vo vašom bývaní, tu sú niektoré praktické tipy z feng shui.

 

# 1, Optimalizujte vstupnú časť

Vstup do vášho domu alebo bytu je považovaný za „ústie“ energie, ktorá vniká do vašej domácnosti.

Uistite sa, že vchod je čistý, dobre osvetlený a príjemný.

Umiestnite pri dverách príjemné dekorácie, ako sú kvety alebo umelecké diela, aby ste privítali pozitívnu energiu.

Zabezpečte tiež, aby dvere sa ľahko otvárali a neboli blokované.

 

# 2, Udržujte poriadok

Poriadok je kľúčový pre dobré feng shui.

Preplnené a neusporiadané prostredie môže blokovať tok energie (Chi) a vytvárať stres.

Pravidelne vyraďte nepotrebné veci a zabezpečte, aby sa vaše miestnosti udržiavali v čistote a poriadku.

Dobre organizovaný priestor prispieva k hladkému toku energie a pozitívnemu pocitu.

 

# 3, Zvoľte správne farby

Farby hrajú dôležitú úlohu vo feng shui a môžu ovplyvniť náladu a energiu v miestnosti.

Napríklad, zelená a hnedá sú spojené s rastom a stabilitou a sú vhodné pre obývacie izby a pracovné miestnosti.

Modrá a fialová podporujú relaxáciu, preto sú ideálne pre spálne.

Zvážte, aké farby zodpovedajú vašim osobným potrebám a účelu miestnosti.

 

# 4, Správne umiestnenie nábytku

Umiestnenie nábytku môže ovplyvniť tok energie vo vašom domove.

Uistite sa, že hlavné kusy nábytku, ako je posteľ, stôl a sedačka, sú umiestnené vo vhodnej pozícii – čelom k dverám miestnosti, ale nie priamo pred nimi.

To vám poskytuje lepší prehľad a pocit bezpečia.

Vyhnite sa umiestneniu nábytku priamo pod okná, pretože to môže narušiť stabilitu a pohodu.

 

# 5, Zamerajte sa na kvalitu vzduchu

Kvalitný vzduch je zásadný pre dobré feng shui.

Zabezpečte, aby ste mali v miestnosti dostatok čerstvého vzduchu a prirodzeného svetla.

Rastliny sú vynikajúcim spôsobom, ako zlepšiť kvalitu vzduchu a pridať prírodný prvok do vášho domova.

Vyberte si rastliny, ktoré sú známe svojimi čistiacimi vlastnosťami, ako sú sansevieria alebo aloe vera.

 

# 6, Používajte zrkadlá s rozvahou

Zrkadlá môžu pôsobiť rôzne – môžu rozšíriť priestor a reflektovať svetlo, ale nesprávne umiestnenie môže spôsobiť problémy.

Nemali by byť umiestnené priamo oproti dverám, pretože môžu odrážať energiu von z miestnosti.

Tiež sa vyhnite zrkadlám nad posteľou, pretože to môže narušiť pokojný spánok.

 

# 7, Zabezpečte dobré osvetlenie

Osvetlenie ovplyvňuje náladu a energetický tok v miestnosti.

Dobré osvetlenie môže vytvoriť príjemnú a stimulujúcu atmosféru.

Zabezpečte, aby vaše miestnosti mali dostatok prirodzeného svetla a doplňte ich príjemným umelým osvetlením.

Vyhnite sa príliš jasným alebo rušivým svetlám, ktoré môžu narušiť harmonický pocit.

 

# 8, Udržujte kúpeľne v poriadku

Kúpeľne sú považované za „odpadové“ miesta, kde energia môže unikať.

Udržujte kúpeľne čisté a uzavreté.

Zvážte umiestnenie rastlín alebo jemných dekorácií, ktoré pomôžu vyvážiť energiu v týchto oblastiach.

Uistite sa, že toalety sú vždy zatvorené, aby sa energia nestrácala.

 

# 9, Pracujte na harmonizácii farieb a materiálov

Harmonizácia farieb a materiálov v domácnosti môže vytvoriť súlad a vyváženosť.

Kombinujte rôzne textúry a materiály, aby ste dosiahli pocit rovnováhy.

Napríklad kombinovanie mäkkých tkanín s tvrdými povrchmi môže vytvoriť príjemný kontrast a zlepšiť energetický tok.

 

# 10, Venujte pozornosť spálni

Spálňa je dôležitá pre regeneráciu a odpočinok, preto je kľúčové, aby bola v súlade s feng shui.

Uistite sa, že posteľ je umiestnená v správnej pozícii a že máte okolo nej dostatok priestoru.

Minimalizujte rušivé prvky a používajte jemné farby, ktoré podporujú relaxáciu a pokoj.

 

Tieto tipy z feng shui vám môžu pomôcť vytvoriť prostredie, ktoré podporuje vašu pohodu a šťastie.

Každý domov je jedinečný, a preto je dôležité prispôsobiť princípy feng shui vašim osobným potrebám a preferenciám.

Uplatnením týchto zásad môžete dosiahnuť harmonickejší a vyváženejší životný priestor.

Väčšina ľudí si povinné návštevy zubnej ambulancie nespája s príjemnými pocitmi, mnohí ľudia majú dokonca zo zubárov strach. Vyzerá to tak, že čoskoro by sa problémy s chrupom mohli riešiť oveľa rýchlejšie a príjemnejšie. Podľa odborníkov nás v najbližších rokoch čaká revolúcia v stomatológii. Robot poháňaný umelou inteligenciou totiž vykonal svoj prvý zákrok na pacientovi bez ľudského dozoru, informuje bbc.co.uk.

Robot namiesto zubára

Robotického zubára vyvinula americká spoločnosť Perceptive a jeho prvá operácia dopadla na výbornú. Robot úspešne vymenil pacientovi korunku iba za pätnásť minút, čo je osemkrát rýchlejší výkon v porovnaní s ľudským špecialistom.

Pred samotným zákrokom boli pacientove ústa najskôr zmapované 3D skenerom, následne potom umelá inteligencia naplánovala a vykonala operáciu autonómne. „Tento prielom v medicíne zvyšuje presnosť a efektivitu stomatologických postupov a demokratizuje u pacientov prístup k lepšej starostlivosti o chrup,“ vysvetlil generálny riaditeľ a zakladateľ spoločnosti Perceptive Chris Ciriello.

Korunkové náhrady opravujú oslabené a pokazené časti zuba umelým materiálom. Doteraz na to boli potrebné dve návštevy zubára, z ktorých každá trvala približne hodinu. Robotický lekár vraj zvládne tento úkon skrátiť na spomínaných pätnásť minút, a to bez akéhokoľvek ohrozenia pacienta.

Stomatológia budúcnosti

Spoločnosť Perceptive už získala 30 miliónov dolárov na financovanie vývoja svojej technológie. Jedným z investorov je aj otec Marka Zuckerberga – Edward Zuckerberg, ktorý je tiež zubným lekárom.

„Robotický systém riadený umelou inteligenciou premení stomatológiu. Zážitok pacientov bude lepší vďaka zefektívneniu postupov a zvýšeniu pohodlia pacienta,“ tvrdí Karim Zaklama, ktorý je zubným lekárom a členom poradného zboru Perceptive Clinic. Ďalej dodáva, že roboti z tejto spoločnosti dokážu vŕtať s presnosťou 100 mikrónov, čo je približne šírka ľudského vlasu, píše Daily Mail.

Spoločnosť sa tiež chváli tým, že jej skenovacia technológia umožní zubným lekárom vykonávať skoršie a presnejšie diagnózy zubných problémov. Vytvorením 3D modelu celých úst vraj budú lekári aj pacienti jasne vidieť, kde vznikol kaz. Táto technika má vraj až 90-percentnú presnosť pri odhaľovaní kazov a iných erózií.

Ďalším bonusom je, že skener nevystavuje pacienta ionizujúcemu žiareniu, ktoré vzniká pri tradičnom röntgenovom skenovaní. Tieto skeny sa následne poskytnú umelej inteligencii, ktorá samostatne naplánuje, ako vykonať zákrok.

Kedy sa k takýmto prevratným zákrokom dostanú aj bežní pacienti, je zatiaľ otázne. Robotickému zubárovi, skeneru a softvéru umelej inteligencie v tejto chvíli ešte chýba schválenie amerického Úradu pre kontrolu potravín a liečiv.

 

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Umelá inteligencia v medicíne

Kým na robotického zubára si ešte musíme počkať, existuje už niekoľko odvetví a úkonov v medicíne, kde sa umelá inteligencia úspešne využíva a to už aj na Slovensku. Elektromechanické a robotické zariadenia asistujú napríklad aj detským pacientom s diagnózou detská mozgová obrna (DMO), ako informuje vat.pravda.sk, umelá inteligencia sa využíva aj pri diagnostike rôznych ochorení, spracovávaní dát a podobne.

Odborníci však upokojujú ľudí, ktorí majú obavy z moderných technológií v medicíne, aby neprepadali panike. AI rozhodne ľudských odborníkov nenahradí úplne a nie je v medicíne hrozbou, ale skôr spojencom.

For many successful people is right now morning time is a key moment, which determines what the rest of their day will be like.

If you set a proper morning routine, you can increase your productivity, improve mood and overall quality of life.

In this article we will look at a few practical tips, How to create a morning routine that will energize you and prepare you for a successful day.

1. Wake up at the same time every day

Consistency is key to a successful morning routine.

Getting up at the same time every day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which means your body adapts to sleep patterns more easily and you will feel more rest.

Try to get up at the same time even on weekends to maintain your rhythm and avoid feeling the "Monday blues."

2. Hydrate immediately upon waking

After After a few hours of sleep, your body is dehydrated. which can affect your energy and concentration.

Start your day with a glass of water with lemon, which will provide you with vitamin C and support digestion. Hydration is the key for the proper functioning of your body and can significantly improve your productivity.

If you want to further enhance the effects of lemon water, the zdravie.sk portal states that you should drink lemon juice with warm water.

Warm (not hot) water stimulates the activity of the intestines and the entire digestive tract. Lemons are rich in minerals and antioxidants, which supports detoxification of the body.

Additionally, the combination of warm water with lemon juice effectively helps with constipation and has diuretic effects.

3. Short exercise or stretching

Morning exercise doesn't have to be intense, just a few minutes stretching, yoga, or a short cardio workout.

Exercise in the morning helps wake up your body, improve blood circulation and give you endorphins, which improve mood.

If you don't have time for a full workout, at least stretch for a few minutes - your body will thank you.

The portal realsimple.com writes that research has found that Exercise can help improve mood and a sense of well-being by increasing neurotransmitters such as endorphins, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

It also turned out that physical activity increases cognitive function, how is memory, attention, concentration and learning.

Needless to say, sweating is a great way to start each day, especially before work or school when you want to be in top mental form.

Morning exercise can also help you to beat the summer heat.

4. Morning meditation or breathing exercises

Before you dive into the whirlpool of daily stress, Take a few minutes to meditate or do breathing exercises.

These techniques will help you gain inner peace, improve concentration and prepare for challenging tasks.

If you don't know how to do it, there are various apps or videos on YouTube that will help you with it.

5. Planning the day

Before you begin to tackle the tasks that await you, Plan your day.

Create a to-do list, set priorities, and make a clear plan for what you want to achieve and when.

Planning will help you focus on important things and prevent procrastination.

In addition, a clear plan for the day will allow you to better utilize your energy peaks and ensure that You tackle the most challenging tasks when you are best prepared.

This systematic approach will give you a sense of control and motivation as you see your tasks are gradually crossed off the list.

6. Nutritious breakfast

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day., so take care of them.

Choose foods that are rich in protein, healthy fats and fiberto have enough energy until lunch.

Try, for example: oatmeal with fruit, a smoothie with protein or whole grain toast with avocado.

Don't forget about eggs, which are an excellent source of proteinYou can also add to them fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, spinach or peppers, which will add necessary vitamins and fiber to your meal.

7. Time for personal development

The morning hours are ideal for they invested time in their personal development.

It could be reading a book, learning a new language, writing a diary or other activity that you moves forward.

This time is dedicated to you and your goals, which will help you start the day feeling fulfilled.

8. Positive thinking

Start the day positively.

Before you get to work, take a moment to reflect. Think about what you are grateful for or say affirmations that encourage you.

Positive thinking will help you set the right tone for the whole day and improve your mood.

A productive morning routine isn't about feeling pressured to achieve your maximum, but about you have created a system that will help you feel good and be effective.

Take time to enjoy yourself. created a routine that works for you and stick to it. Over time, you will notice that not only your productivity improves, but also your overall quality of life.

So start today and create a morning routine that will keep you will kick off every day into a new day!

This year could go down in history as a time of great social change. Elections are being held in seven of the ten most populous countries in the world, allowing nearly half of humanity to vote. This includes the United States.

In less than two months, The US presidential election will be held – November 5, 2024. Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris will face each other. She replaced Joe Biden after he withdrew from the race.

Both candidates are currently campaigning, trying to win over undecided voters and solidify their position among their base. While their campaigns retain some of their traditional forms, new methods are also emerging.

Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump has discovered what artificial intelligence is capable of. On his social media site Truth Social, which he founded after his Twitter account was blocked, published a series of generated images.

Taylor Swift as Uncle Sam

Donald Trump has falsely accused his political rival Kamala Harris of using artificial intelligence to artificially inflate the audience at her events, and later released a photo of her alleged event that was generated this way.

The AI-generated image purports to show Democratic candidate Harris from behind, with crowds of people in Chicago standing in front of her. The entire photo is tinted red, complementing the color a huge flag of the Soviet Union.

pic.twitter.com/H0ExcNXBdl

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2024

A day later, he posted screenshots of X (Twitter) posts. Only one of the images is a real photo, the rest were generated by artificial intelligence. They show young women wearing T-shirts that say “Swifties For Trump.”

However, one picture is different from the others. It shows a familiar Singer Taylor Swift as Uncle Sam, which is the personification of the United States of America. This character was used during World War II with the text: "I want you in the US Army".

However, the alleged photo of singer Swift is accompanied by the text "Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump"Presidential candidate Trump used a generated likeness of a famous person to promote his candidacy, although she never supported him.

The Unteachable Elon Musk

Former President Donald Trump has been repeatedly exposed for lying or misleading, including a post by singer Swift that was supposed to support him. However, that didn't happen, and she has even supported his opponent in the past, CNN reports.

Earlier this year, 20 leading tech companies signed an agreement to reduce the risk of political disinformation using artificial intelligence, including Elon Musk's social media platform X.

However, his other company, xAI, is hard at work developing the Grok model, which differs from other models in that it allows users to generate things that other AI models would refuse to generate. This also applies to images, recently..

Users with a premium account on X have access to Grok's artificial intelligence. Source: unsplash.com/@alexbemore

As The Guardian reports, social media platform X was flooded with deepfake images of Trump and Harris almost immediately after the launch of the new Grok model feature. It adds that the model can also generate a likeness of a famous singer, which other companies would avoid.

Singer Swift's likeness was used to create pornographic material in January. The posts were seen by more than 45 million users and hung on the platform for hours before being taken down. From that moment on, talk of regulation began.

Insufficient legislation

In the US state of Tennessee, where Swift's corporate office is located, Governor Bill Lee signed the groundbreaking ELVIS Act in March. It is intended to protect artists from unauthorized imitations of their works by artificial intelligence, reports TechCrunch.

"This bill was passed with bipartisan support because everyone seems to be aware of the problems that artificial intelligence and the misuse of artificial intelligence tools can pose to the public," lawyer Noah Downs explained to TechCrunch.

However, its effectiveness is not yet known, as it has only been in effect for a short time. So far, there is no precedent, how it could be used. The law also targets artificial intelligence-generated audio recordings that imitate singers' voices.

The Verge reports that 20 states have regulations governing the use of fake AI-generated images in elections. Their application in this case is unlikely to be possible because It's not enough that it's a deepfakeif its content is not credible.

Bali, a jewel in the Indonesian archipelago, is a destination that attracts travelers from all over the world.

An island known for its beautiful nature, rich culture and hospitable people, offers countless experiences for every visitor.

 

Natural beauty

One of the main reasons why travelers return to Bali, there are local beautiful beaches.

From white sandy beaches in Nusa Dua to dramatic black volcanic sands In Lovina, Bali there is a beach for everyone.

Surfer paradises like Kuta, Uluwatu and Canggu are ideal for adrenaline lovers, while Quiet bays like Jimbaran Bay offer relaxation and tranquility.

Besides beaches, Bali also offers breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Mount Batur volcano, a popular destination for tourists, offers unforgettable sunrises with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Batur.

Rice terraces in Ubud, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a symbol of traditional Balinese agriculture and at the same time a postcard-like scenery.

 

Cultural and spiritual wealth

Bali is known for its rich a culture that is deeply rooted in Hinduism.

Temple complexes like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih (also known as the Mother Temple) are not only spiritual centers, but also architectural gems, which attract visitors with their majesty and history.

Festivals like Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) and Galungan, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, are an opportunity to see authentic Balinese customs and traditions.

These events are accompanied colorful processions, traditional music and dances, which give the island a unique atmosphere.

 

Gastronomic pleasure

Balinese cuisine is rich and varied, with flavors that will appeal to every gourmet.

Local specialties such as Babi Guling (roasted pig), Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Sate Lilit (grilled meat skewers) are just some of the many dishes worth trying.

Fresh fruit and vegetable markets, such as Ubud Market, offer a rich selection of local ingredients that are worth discovering and tasting.

 

Adventure and relaxation

Bali is a paradise not only for those seeking peace and relaxation, but also for adventure lovers.

Diving and snorkeling in areas like Amed and Nusa Penida reveals the beauty of the underwater world with colorful corals and exotic fish.

For those who prefer the mainland, cycling through rice terraces or rafting on the Ayung River are experiences you must not miss.

On the other hand, Bali also offers countless options for relaxation and wellness.

Traditional Balinese massages, available in numerous spas and wellness centers, provide the perfect way to relax and recharge.

 

Hospitality and accommodation

Bali is known for its hospitality.

The locals are friendly and always willing to help.

Accommodation options in Bali are diverse, from from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to cozy family guesthouses and affordable hostels.

 

4 main spiritual places in Bali

Bali, known as "Island of the Gods", is not only a tourist paradise, but also a place of deep spiritual energy.

This Indonesian island is dotted with temples and sacred places, which attract pilgrims and spiritually-minded visitors from all over the world. Here are five major spiritual sites you shouldn't miss when visiting Bali.

# 1. Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)

Pura Besakih, often called the Mother Temple, is the largest and most important Hindu temple in Bali.

It is located at the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest peak on the island, and it is a complex of more than 80 individual temples.

Pura Besakih is the center of the spiritual life of the Balinese and hosts countless religious ceremonies and festivals every year.

 

# 2. Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot, one of the most famous temples in Bali, is It is located on a rocky cliff surrounded by the sea.

This temple is dedicated to sea deities and is an iconic place that is known for its beautiful sunsets.

Tanah Lot is a popular destination for both tourists and locals who come here for prayers and offerings.

The atmosphere of this place, especially during high tide when the temple is surrounded by water, is truly magical.

 

# 3. Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple, built on a steep cliff high above the Indian Ocean, is one of the nine directional temples (Kayangan Jagat) that they protect Bali from evil spirits.

Apart from its religious significance, Uluwatu is also known for its stunning location and dramatic views.

The temple is also a place traditional Balinese Kecak dance performances, which take place every evening at sunset.

 

# 4. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul, also known as the Temple of the Holy Spring, is a place of spiritual purification.

This temple, located near the city of Tampaksiring, is famous for its sacred springs, where locals and tourists alike come for purification rituals.

Spring water is considered sacred and has cleansing and healing effects.

The atmosphere of this place is peaceful and Meditating to the sound of flowing water is an unforgettable experience.

 

 

The most beautiful beaches in Bali

 

# 1. Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is one of the most famous and most visited beaches in Bali.

It is located only a few minutes from the airport and is a popular destination for surfers from all over the world.

A long sandy beach, plenty of bars, restaurants and a lively atmosphere make Kuta Beach an ideal place for day and night activities.

Sunsets at Kuta Beach are unique and often accompanied by street performers and live music.

 

# 2. Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua Beach is synonymous with luxury and peace.

This beach is home to some of the of the best resorts in Bali and offers beautiful white sands and crystal clear water.

The beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing, and its shallow waters are safe. also for families with children.

Nusa Dua is also known for its exclusive spas and wellness centers where you can indulge massages and treatments right on the beach.

 

# 3. Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran Bay is famous for its romantic beach restaurants offering fresh seafood and beautiful sunsets.

The beach is calm and less crowded, which makes it an ideal place for relaxation and evening walks.

Jimbaran Bay is also a popular spot for traditional Balinese fishing boats returning with the day's catch, which gives the beach an authentic atmosphere.

 

# 4. Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang Beach, hidden among the rocks and accessible through a narrow rock passage, is a true gem of Bali.

This small but beautiful beach is popular with surfers and was also used as a filming location for the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" with Julia Roberts.

The beach offers white sands and turquoise water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

It is the perfect place to spend a peaceful day surrounded by natural beauty.

 

# 5. Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is ideal for those looking for a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

It is located on the southeast coast of Bali and is famous for its a long promenade that is popular for morning and evening walks.

The beach offers fine sand and shallow waters, which is ideal also for families with children.

Sanur is also a great place for sunrise and a fresh start to the day.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), more than one person dies every hour in the U.S. due to an eating disorder. That equates to more than 10,000 deaths a year in America alone, reports indy100.com. The most well-known variant of eating disorders is anorexia nervosa, but bulimia is also included, which is equally widespread.

Anorexia reportedly has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses – affects people of all genders, races and socio-economic status. A new study has raised hopes that it could soon be cured with an affordable drug.

Anorexia (or anorexia nervosa) is a serious mental illness in which people are underweight due to restricting their energy intake. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, or situation. In addition to restricting the amount of food they eat, these people may also exercise excessively to get rid of the food they eat. Some people with anorexia may experience cycles of binge eating (eating large amounts of food at once) followed by purging (vomiting or diarrhea).

The way these people see themselves is at odds with how others see them – they often have a distorted self-image and think they are fatter than they actually are. They experience an immense fear of gaining weight and weight is usually a big challenge for them. It is most common in young women and teenage girls and can lead to death. (zivotbezzavislosti.sk)

Anorexia reportedly has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. Source: unsplash.com

Reasons for eating disorders

A study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience shows that The most common trigger for eating disorders is stress, which can lead to emotional overeating. However, there are other factors behind the development of these diseases.

Psychiatrist Barbora Pavlová explains in her book The Spectrum of Eating Disorders that They are also influenced by, for example, social environment, age, nature, or psychological vulnerability.

The most common motive, especially among the teenage population, is the desire to be admired by those around them or to adapt to trends. People suffering from these disorders often encounter misunderstanding, as in many cases they are subjected to obsessive control over their figure or eating habits.

The drug was tested on mice

Canadian and French scientists now believe they may have discovered the brain mechanism behind anorexia. In studying mice with anorexia-like behavior, they found that a lack of a chemical called acetylcholine negatively affects the reward system in the brain, leading to the excessive formation of often unhealthy habits. This is related to the compulsive fasting that often occurs in patients with anorexia.

After identifying the imbalance, the team attempted to correct it using donepezil, a drug known to increase the presence of acetylcholine in the brain. The administration of donepezil was successful in mice. Lead author of the study, Salah El Mestikawy, confirmed that donepezil reversed anorexia-like behavior in the mice.

When will we see a cure for anorexia?

The effects of donepezil have already been tested in humans. Independent studies in Toronto and Montreal have shown positive results in ten patients with severe anorexia nervosa, three of whom achieved complete remission. The remaining seven showed significant improvement.

Additional studies comparing patients taking donepezil with those taking a placebo are scheduled to begin this year at Columbia University, the University of Denver, and the Hospital Sainte-Anne in Paris. However, Dr El Mestikawy warned that it could take many years before the drug is approved by authorities and can be used to treat anorexia patients. In addition, the drug has side effects on the digestive tract and muscles, so the team is working to develop a new compound with fewer problems.

However, if it can be developed and approved by the authorities, the team of doctors hopes that it will help a wide range of patients. "We believe that donepezil may also improve other compulsive pathologies, such as obsessive-compulsive disorders and addictions, and we are actively seeking collaborations with other psychiatrists around the world to explore these possibilities," said Dr. El Mestikawy.

However, other experts point out that any drug that has side effects is not a solution. However, the use of appropriate medications, especially in combination with appropriate behavioral therapies, can prove to be very effective.

The most common trigger for eating disorders is stress. Source: unsplash.com

Eating disorders in numbers

• More than 70 million people worldwide (20 million in the EU) suffer from eating disorders, but only 25 percent of them seek and receive professional help.
• It is a psychosomatic illness that affects one in six young women.
• It is the mental illness with the highest mortality rate. Every hour someone dies from the consequences of PPP, 25 percent of patients commit suicide.
• The disease lasts an average of 6 years in a person's life.
• Around 97 percent of people with PPP have another associated psychiatric diagnosis (comorbidity).
• People with eating disorders: 47 percent of them suffer from a diagnosis of binge eating disorder, 12 percent from bulimia nervosa, 3 percent from anorexia nervosa, and 38 percent from other specified eating disorders (OSFED). (chutzit.sk/statistics)