speaking-related stories
Need a raise? These foods might help
If you're about to make a pitch to your boss about a much-needed raise, Health.com recommends you consume lean protein and whole grains, plus a little caffeine. Why?
Because you want to be alert and upbeat, and protein foods contain the stuff to increase mental alertness. Whole grains also improve energy and so does caffeine for a bit -- but more important, it can improve your attention and short-term memory. How about this menu to rev you up: An egg-white and spinach omelet, a whole-wheat bagel with low-fat cream cheese, and one or two cups of coffee? If you don't get the raise, you'll at least be primed for a spunky day.
Health.com has you covered in all sorts of scenarios. Speaking to a large crowd? A high-protein, low-fat meal is best. Trying to get pregnant? Complex carbs, protein, and folic acid are your essentials. Before a workout: A light snack with carbs and water.
There's more. Learn exactly how to eat for performance right here.
The most popular phobias
Whether it's fear of that big spider in the bathroom or anxiety related to giving a speech at a relative's wedding, we all feel afraid sometimes. Fear is an ancient emotion designed to warn of potential danger -- fear causes extra caution, preparation, and sometimes even avoidance of the situation altogether. But although most of the "scary" situations we face in today's world are not life threatening, that doesn't mean they aren't well-founded or don't serve us a useful purpose.
For example, being afraid of that spider in the bathroom is actually an instinctual and learned response to the fact that some spiders are poisonous. But unfortunately, most of us can't just "turn if off," and I still think spiders are creepy and scary -- even when I get a good look at one and realize it's not the dangerous kind.
Snakes and spiders are a big one when it comes to the most commonly shared fears, but some other common causes of anxiety are public speaking, heights, and closed or tight spaces. I don't personally have any actual phobias, although I am afraid -- to some extent -- in most of the situations on the list!
