Welcome back to school

School bells are ringing, loud and clear;

Vacation’s over, school is here.

We hunt our pencils and our books,

And say goodbye to fields and brooks,

To carefree days of sunny hours,

To birds and butterflies and flowers.

But we are glad school has begun.

For work is always mixed with fun.

When autumn comes 

 the weather is cool,

Nothing can take the place of school.

Most common phobias

Phobias are distressing emotions initiated by out-of-proportion-fears, both real and imaginary. To the sufferer, a phobia can seem unbearable or even life-threatening, while others might find these strange and bizarre phobias quite fascinating. Today, I will show you some of the most common phobias in the world, so sit back and be prepared to be equally terrified, amazed, surprised and entertained. Without further ado, here are the top 10 phobias of all time, starting with number 10 and counting down to the one thing that people fear most.

10. Trypophobia – The fear of holes
Biological revulsion and culturally learned fears are the primary causes of Trypophobia, which is the extreme and irrational fear of holes. While this fear might seem irrational to ‘normal’ people, the mere sight or thought of holes can set off a panic attack in the Trypophobe. As a result, the individual avoids objects such as coral, sponges, skin, meat, dried honeycombs and pretty much everything that has holes on it. Holes seem disgusting and gross to the sufferer and s/he goes to all lengths to avoid it.

9. Aerophobia – The fear of flying
Aerophobia is the fear of flying which affects nearly 6.5% of the world’s population. The phobia is usually associated with other fears including Agoraphobia (fear of being unable to escape) and Claustrophobia (fear of small and restricted spaces). Naturally, the fear affects the person’s professional and personal life as air travel is nearly impossible for him/her. The mere thought of an upcoming flight can cause intense distress in the sufferer including nausea, panic attacks, etc.

8. Mysophobia – The fear of germs
Mysophobia is the excessive fear of germs which is often closely related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Many people suffer from both OCD as well as Mysophobia, as a result of which they might indulge in excessive bathing or hand washing. The unhealthy fear of germs causes the phobics to also fear contamination of food or exposure to bodily fluids from those around them. Mysophobia might lead to many complications since the person goes to extreme lengths to avoid all kinds of social situations. Isolation is a common symptom of this phobia. The condition might also give rise to other phobias such as Agoraphobia as well as various anxiety disorders.

7. Claustrophobia – The fear of small spaces
Nearly 5 to 7% of the world’s population is known to suffer from Claustrophobia – the fear of small or restricted spaces. This phobia is mainly related to the fear of suffocation or the fear of restriction. The phobia has been highly studied by experts and scientists, though the sad fact remains that only 2% of its sufferers seek treatment. Claustrophobia is often confused with Cleithrophobia which is the extreme fear of being trapped.

6. Astraphobia – The fear of thunder and lightning.Storms are a common occurrence in many parts of the world, and to an Astraphobic individual, they can be downright debilitating. The majority of sufferers of Astraphobia are children, although the phobia can persist into adulthood as well. Even the most ferocious and wild animals have an extreme fear of thunder and lightning, and hiding is the natural psychological defense. Astraphobia, also called Brontophobia, is known to affect nearly 2% of Americans. Thankfully, it is a highly treatable phobia with many treatment options.

5. Cynophobia – The fear of dogs
Fear of Dogs Phobia - CynophobiaCynophobia, the extreme fear of dogs, is one of the most common animal phobias around the world. Nearly 36% sufferers seek treatment for Cynophobia and the majority of these are also known to be afraid of cats. The extreme fear of dogs is actually even more debilitating than the fear of spiders and the fear of snakes due to the fact that dogs are commonly present in most residential areas. Nearly 75% of Cynophobes are women, though the fear also affects men. The condition usually begins in childhood, but many patients are also known to have developed the fear in their adulthood.

4. Agoraphobia – The fear of open or crowded spaces
Fear of Open or Crowded Spaces Phobia - AgoraphobiaNearly 2 out of every 100 Americans suffers from Agoraphobia, the fear of open or crowded spaces. This is a debilitating condition which prevents the phobic from visiting malls, markets, theaters and other crowded areas as well as open grounds. The individual feels intense panic at the mere thought or sight of such a space (that s/he feels it will be difficult to escape from). Agoraphobia becomes a vicious circle where the sufferer feels afraid of experiencing a panic attack and these thoughts again lead to a panic attack. Limiting activities and avoidance behavior becomes a part of the phobic’s life. Depression is hence a common symptom of this phobia.

3. Acrophobia –
-Acrophobia is an irrational fear of heights or the fear of falling (even when the person is not really that high up). It is a specific phobia that causes the sufferers to be highly agitated or in a state of panic which could interfere with his/her ability to climb down. In severe cases of Acrophobia, a panic attack might be triggered even when the sufferer is climbing up or down a chair. Nearly 10% of people in the United States are known to suffer from Acrophobia.

2. Ophidiophobia – The fear of snakes or Ophidiophobia is the second most common zoophobia (right after the no. 1 phobia on this list) affecting nearly 1/3rd of the adult human population. Like the phobia mentioned below, the fear of snakes also has evolutionary roots. To an extent, the fear of venomous snakes is also essential for survival. Extreme Ophidiophobia can affect one’s life as one tends to avoid hiking, camping and related activities or might even become afraid of pet store snakes and other reptiles. Next up is the number one phobia of all time.

1. Arachnophobia – The fear of spiders
-  . It is one of the most common animal phobias around the world. The cause of the phobia is often evolutionary meaning that some species of spiders are deadly and it is a natural human response to survive. Arachnophobes however tend to go to extreme lengths to ensure that their surroundings are free from spiders, often causing themselves a great deal of embarrassment, which is something most phobics try hard to avoid.

few yoga asana that you can easily do

It is widely known that 21st June was celebrated as the first ever international yoga day. Promoted by our Honorable prime minister, Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.
The science of Yoga imbibe itself the complete essence of the Way of Life, including - Gyan Yoga or philosophy, Bhakti Yoga or path of devotional bliss, Karma Yoga or path of blissful action, and Raja Yoga or path of mind control. Raja Yoga is further divided into eight parts. At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches, is the practice of Yoga Asana. 

Here are few of the asanas that you can do.

1. Tadasna
Steps
1. Stand ERECT with the feet together, the heels and toes touching each other. Rest the heads of metatarsals on the floor and stretch all the toes flat on the floor.

2. Tighten the knees, contract the hips and pull up the muscles at the back of the thighs.

3. Keep the stomach in, chest forward, spine ERECT and the neck straight.

4. Do not bear the weight of the body either on the heels or the toes, but distribute it evenly on both the toes.

5. Place the arms by the side of the thighs.

Benefits

1)      Improves posture

2)      Strengthens thighs, knees and ankles

3)      Increases awareness

4)      Strength and flexibility of the spine increases, helps in increasing height

5)   Improves blood circulation

2. Bhujang asana

Following are Bhujangasana steps which help you to obtain benefits of Bhujangasana.

Step 1: -

First of all lie down on floor on stomach and feel relaxation of each & every muscles.

Step 2: -

Now keep your forehead on floor.

Step 3: -

Then place both arms & legs together near to the body and put hands beside the chest such that palm facing in downward direction.

Step 4: -

Inhale steadily to raise upper part of the body to maximum extent as much as possible same as cobra raising its hood.

Step 5: -

Now bend vertebrae gradually 

Step 7: -

Keep your chest and head such that they are pointing upwards.

Step 8: -

Remain in this posture for about 30-seconds.

Step 9: -

Now exhale steadily to place down the trunk smoothly on the ground .

Advantages of Bhujangasana

1)   Bhujangasana benefits you for stimulating endocrine system.

2)   It increases Spine flexibility.

3)   Practicing Bhujangasana steps makes back muscles fit & fine.

4)   It toughens abdominal muscles.

3. Vajrasana

Steps:

1. Stand on the knees with the lower legs together and stretched backwards, the two big toes crossing each other.
2. Lower your body and sit on your heels. Your buttocks will be resting on the heels and the thighs on the calf muscles.
3. Keep your hands on your knees and keep the head straight.
4. Concentrate on the breath and observe the process of inhalation and exhalation.

Benefits

1.Vajrasana modifies the blood flow in the lower pelvic region. The blood flow to the legs is reduced and the blood flow to the digestive organs is increased. This increases the efficiency of the digestive system and helps those with weak digestion to digest a full meal easily.

2.It helps to prevent acidity and ulcers by improving the digestion.

3.It is a good meditative pose,Slow and rhythmic breathing in this position can induce a meditative state.

Books that you should surely read

The joy of reading books can't be described in words. It's something that you understand only by real experience. A book is not just a story it is a world trapped among few pages. A book represents the life of the author through the mouth of its character. By reading a book you come to understand not just the mind of the author and the circumstances that she lived in; but also experience something extraordinary and different from your life. Here are some books you must surely read.

1.

Charlotte's Web

By E.B. White

 Wilbur the pig learns about life and friendship from his spider friend, Charlotte, in this touching tale. 

2.

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

 Published in 2000, this is a tale about a girl in a trailer park and her scruffy dog, Winn-Dixie. Through the antics of the wily mutt, she learns about life, love, and friendship

3.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

By C.S. Lewis 

Not the first book of chronicles of Narnia series like the popular belief, however the best one out the collection. Fantasy, magic, talking animals, satyrs what other excuse do you need to escape the world through the magic wardrobe.

4.Harry Potter Series

By J. K Rowling

Magic, wands, butterbeer, flying brooms the world the queen of magic rolls in her words is not just a lifetime wanted by many. It is an adventure, trials of friendship, learning to be brave and fight evil.It may only happen in your mind, but that does not mean it's not real.

5.

Matilda

by Roald Dahl

The story of a genius girl who feels too out of place with her mediocre family. It is her story of learning telekinesis  (what!!! It is the power to move objects with your mind. So cool, who does not want that) and finding a place where she can fit