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The Stephen Bunting bandwagon rolls on as Liverpool daft darts star channels Arne Slot with rivals an afterthoughtLea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!online game mobile 。

syahrir maulana This article renews the Hold rating of my latest review of OUSM of July 2023, in light of current portfolio and updated data. OUSM strategy O’Shares U.S. Small Cap Quality Dividend ETF ( BATS: OUSM ) was launched on Quantitative Risk & Value (QRV) provides you with risk indicators and data-driven, time-tested strategies. Get started with a two-week free trial now. Fred Piard, PhD. is a quantitative analyst and IT professional with over 30 years of experience working in technology. He is the author of three books and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010. Quantitative Risk & Value Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Show ’em if you got ’em! Mayor Eric Adams’ legal team threw down the gauntlet Monday — claiming federal prosecutors don’t have the goods for another indictment despite saying months ago that they were “moving quickly” on more charges. “[T]he incriminating evidence the government hoped to obtain does not exist,” celebrity attorney Alex Spiro wrote in the early morning filing. “The government’s ‘evidence’ thus reveals what defense counsel knew all along: this case is an egregious overreach by prosecutors with no interest in a search for the truth,” Spiro added. The high-profile attorney — who is also repping Jay-Z in his underage sex allegation lawsuit — also claimed that none of the discovery turned over so far contains any damning evidence and more than two dozen witnesses provided testimony that allegedly clears the mayor. However, Spiro notes, the defense team still doesn’t have all the witness statements, which he claims the feds want to withhold right up until trial in April . Adams, who has vigorously denied any wrongdoing, was slapped with a historic federal indictment in September accusing Hizzoner of accepting bribes — free or heavily discounted luxury travel — in exchange for political favors. In the days following, lead prosecutor Hagan Scotten told the judge a “superseding indictment” was “quite likely” and the feds were “moving quickly.” But the feds have yet to bring any new charges against the mayor or anyone else involved in the alleged scheme that included hiding the real source of thousands of dollars in campaign donations. The filing is just the latest in a contentious back-and-forth between the Adams’ lawyers and SDNY prosecutors — both accusing each other of trying to sway public opinion in court filings and press statements. Last week, prosecutors accused the defense of breaking federal trial rules over Spiro claiming the case “isn’t real” as well as his attacks on key witness Rana Abbasova. “Adams, like every criminal defendant, is entitled to a zealous defense. His counsel is free to make arguments about the Indictment, the evidence, or the Government’s witnesses to the Court,” Acting SDNY US Attorney Edward Kim wrote. “But rather than test those allegations in a court of law ... defense counsel has instead chosen to litigate this case in press statements, where he can simply pretend certain facts do not exist.” Spiro shot back in the Monday morning filing that the allegations were “baseless” attacking the prosecutor’s letter to the judge as merely a “government press release” meant to subvert the very same rule. Adams has pushed to move up his case to the start of April to give him more time to campaign for reelection before June’s Democratic primary. He is set to stand trial on April 21.All zodiac signs have their own characteristics and traits which define someone’s personality. Wouldn’t it be helpful if you started your day by already knowing about what’s going to come your way? Read on to find out whether the odds will be in your favour today. Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) You manage your finances well through careful earning, saving, and spending. Avoid revealing your business plans now to keep your competitors uncertain. An unexpected visitor will bring excitement to your home. Starting a new exercise routine will yield great health benefits. A business trip outside the city might not go as planned, with the deal potentially falling through. Love Focus: Romance calls, promising deep happiness and fulfillment. Lucky Number: 11 Lucky Colour: Pink Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) A profitable deal could bring significant financial gain. Your full dedication will be needed to make a project successful. Finding time for family might be challenging today. Be cautious and don’t neglect your health. A trip with friends promises to be relaxing and refreshing. Some of you may actively engage in numerous academic activities today. Love Focus: Your partner may appear distant today. Lucky Number: 7 Lucky Colour: Green Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Expected payments may come through, improving your financial position. A new project is likely to progress smoothly with ample support. Relocating may come with unexpected challenges. Academic matters look favorable for you. Socially, you may succeed in gaining popularity with strategic moves. Mental stress plaguing some is set to disappear. Love Focus: It's a good time to strengthen your relationship. Lucky Number: 4 Lucky Colour: Blue Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 22) You may find ways to increase your income effectively. Prospects for a new job appear promising, especially for younger professionals. Your efforts will help relieve stress and bring mental calm. An opportunity to showcase your skills in competition will arise. Staying connected will enhance your social reputation. Plans to travel to someplace exotic will get to see the light of the day. Love Focus: Try to mend the relationship before it becomes unfixable. Lucky Number: 6 Lucky Colour: Peach Leo (Jul 23-Aug 23) Previous financial troubles are likely to resolve soon. There is a strong chance of a promotion, possibly involving relocation. Staying active will keep minor health issues at bay. Academically, you may handle a challenging task well. Transport issues may be resolved by finding alternatives. You will manage to resolve a family issue through your initiative. Your personal touch will have people eating out of your hands! Love Focus: Respect your lover’s feelings to avoid conflict. Lucky Number: 18 Lucky Colour: Brown Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23) You will maintain excellent health. Additional work responsibilities might come your way. A project could demand more investment than expected for success. Family will offer support willingly today. A social gathering may require travel. Academic assistance you provide will help others succeed. You will need to remain vigilant on the road. Love Focus: A drive with your partner could improve their mood. Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Colour: Peach Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) Financial gains are likely to continue steadily. You might rely on someone’s recommendation to secure a desired position. Your health will benefit from wise lifestyle choices. A family conflict will be resolved smoothly. Success in academics will work in your favor. Those travelling overseas are set to enjoy the trip to the hilt! Day seems favourable for builders and property dealers. Love Focus: You will make a lasting impression on someone special. Lucky Number: 1 Lucky Colour: Light Red Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Financially, you are in a strong position. Staying active and eating right will keep you in good health. You may feel uncertain about promoting your professional skills. There is a possibility of missing a family event. It's an ideal time to invest in property. Travelling with near and dear ones will be fun. You may spoil your chances by not playing your cards well on the academic front. Love Focus: Your undivided attention will enhance romance. Lucky Number: 17 Lucky Colour: Green Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) A loaned sum is likely to be returned. Professionally, things might feel somewhat out of control. The timing is favorable for property investments. Plans at home will be warmly received by family. Your excellent academic performance will be recognized. Physical fitness will allow you to pursue sports. Keep your thoughts positive, even in the face of adversity. Love Focus: Consider doing a background check on your current partner. Lucky Number:4 Lucky Colour: Brown Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) Avoid letting laziness affect your health goals. Now is a good time to invest in reliable schemes. A cheerful spouse will bring happiness to the household. A fun trip with friends is on the cards. Your efforts in a seminar or event will earn praise. Things move smoothly at work as you manage to implement your ideas. Students will manage to stabilise their position on the academic front. Love Focus: Listen to your intuition regarding love. Lucky Number: 9 Lucky Colour: Saffron Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) Your hard work in fitness will pay off. Efforts may be needed to collect a pending payment. Your authority at work will be well recognized. A homemaker will receive unexpected appreciation. A valuable asset may be acquired soon. Pilgrimage will help you evolve spiritually. Academic front may appear to be a bit tedious, but you will be able to tide over it. Love Focus: Notice if this marks the start of a new romance. Lucky Number: 7 Lucky Colour: Pink Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) You might not be fully satisfied with your finances now. Address work-related issues promptly to avoid setbacks. Resolve domestic tensions by moving past old grievances. Prepare thoroughly if awaiting admission. A long drive may provide mental clarity. You may think in terms of buying or selling property, as stars appear favourable. Love Focus: Romance may not be a priority today. Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Colour: MaroonTORONTO — Mark Scheifele scored a hat trick and an assist while Kyle Connor collected two goals and an assist to spark the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. The Jets enter the Christmas break with back-to-back wins, while the Maple Leafs dropped their second in a row at Scotiabank Arena without wounded captain Auston Matthews, out with an upper-body injury. Connor scored late in the first period on the power play and early in the second to give the Jets a two-goal lead. Gabriel Vilardi picked up his second assist of the night with a brilliant pass to Scheifele in front at 3:27 of the third, giving the Jets a 3-1 advantage. Scheifele banged in a loose puck for his 20th midway through the third period and added an empty-netter for his hat trick. John Tavares scored twice for the Maple Leafs. Winnipeg out-shot the Leafs 27-25, with Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck making 23 saves before a crowd of 18,923 fans. Joseph Woll stopped 22 shots in the Toronto net. Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey also notched two assists to reach 30 for the season. The win avenged the Maple Leafs' 6-4 victory in Winnipeg on Oct. 28, which ended the Jets' eight-game win streak to start the season. Maple Leafs forward William Nylander extended his point streak to seven games with assists on the Tavares goals. Takeaways Toronto: Defender Chris Tanev missed his first game this year with a lower-body ailment after skating in the pre-game warmup. Winnipeg: As impressive as the Jets (25-10-1) have played before the break, they are only one point ahead of the 36-game pace of 23-9-4 set a year ago. Key moment After Jets defenceman Neal Pionk had his shot blocked, the puck bounded to Marner for a breakaway. Pionk hustled back to lift Marner's stick to foil his shot attempt early in the second period to preserve Winnipeg's 2-0 lead. Key stat The Maple Leafs have gone 7-4-0 with Matthews on the sidelines this season and 42-23-2 in his career. Up next Toronto returns to action after the holiday break on Friday, visiting the Detroit Red Wings. On Saturday, the Jets play host to the Ottawa Senators. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press

What we can VERIFY about Trump’s plan to use the military to support mass deportationsArtificial intelligence server company Super Micro Computer Inc SMCI and Taiwan’s Guo Rui announced on Wednesday their plans to establish a renewable-energy-powered computation center in Taiwan, the Taipei Times reports . Following discussions with Supermicro founder Charles Liang and Guo Rui chairman Lin Po-wen, Premier Cho Jung-tai instructed the formation of a cross-ministerial task force to promote renewable energy and facilitate land acquisition for green power projects, Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee told the TT. In a separate announcement to the TT, Nvidia Corp NVDA revealed plans to establish a secondary headquarters in Taiwan, matching the scale of its Silicon Valley operations. Also Read: AI Smartphones To Cushion Semiconductor Industry Amid Data Center Uncertainty: Report National Development Council Minister Paul Liu highlighted to TT Taiwan’s robust talent pool, infrastructure, and proximity to supply chains as key factors that could contribute towards the country becoming a global hub for AI development. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi expressed their commitment to attracting Nvidia’s new headquarters to the TT. New Taipei City offered a portfolio of potential sites and incentives to secure the investment. Supermicro is also a key Nvidia client. Reportedly, Nvidia supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co TSM is considering five factories in the heavy industrial city of Kaohsiun in Taiwan . The first plant will likely start commercializing by 2025 or a year later. The chipmaker’s expansion has prompted the city government to set up water recycling plants and ultra-high-voltage substation facilities to ensure a stable water and power supply. In the current geopolitical scenario, President Joe Biden approved $567 million in defense aid for Taiwan in September, strengthening its military capabilities as tensions with China intensified. Additionally, the U.S. approved a $228 million military sale to Taiwan to improve its aircraft combat. In December, Taiwan Semiconductor showcased its advanced chip fabrication plant debut in Arizona, marking U.S. attempts to reduce dependence on China as a semiconductor supply chain. The company targets two additional fabs in Arizona, bringing its total investment to $65 billion. Price Actions: At last check on Friday, SMCI stock was down 5.00% to $32.06. NVDA is down 2.62%. Also Read: AT&T Gains FCC Approval to Replace Copper Lines With Wireless Tech © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.