Everything you Wanted to Know about Windows 8 :

Microsoft released a new version of its Windows operating system this week, one designed to make desktop and laptop computers work more like tablets. It represents the software company’s effort to address the growing popularity of smartphones and tablet computers, namely the iPad.

The new software is a radical departure from previous versions of Windows. The familiar start menu on the lower left corner is gone, and people will have to swipe the edges of the screen to access various settings. There will be a new screen filled with a colourful array of tiles, each leading to a different application, task or collection of files. Windows 8 is designed especially for touch screens, though it will work with the mouse and keyboard shortcuts, too.

Tony Roos, an American missionary in Paris, installed a free preview version of Windows 8 on his aging laptop to see if Microsoft’s new operating system would make the PC faster and more responsive. It didn’t, he said, and he quickly learned that working with the new software requires tossing out a lot of what he knows about Windows.

File photo: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer comments on the Windows 8 operating system. AP

“It was very difficult to get used to,” he said. “I have an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and they never got used to it. They were like, ‘We’re just going to use Mom’s computer.’”

Windows 8 Launch Event

Windows 8 is the biggest revision of Microsoft Corp.’s operating system since it introduced Windows 95 amid great fanfare 17 years ago. Ultimately, Windows grew into a $14 billion a year business and helped make former Chief Executive Bill Gates the richest man in the world for a time. Now, due to smartphones and tablets, the personal computer industry is slumping. Computer companies are desperate for something that will get sales growing again. PC sales are expected to shrink this year for the first time since 2001, according to IHS iSuppli, a market research firm.

The question is whether the new version, which can be run on tablets and smartphones, along with the traditional PC, can satisfy the needs of both types of users.

There will be several versions of Windows 8:

Windows 8 :

Windows 8 Home Screen

Like its predecessors, Windows 8 will run on computers with processing chips made by Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. There’s a basic version designed for consumers and a Pro version for more tech-savvy users and businesses. The Pro version has such features as encryption and group account management. Large companies with volume-licensing deals with Microsoft will want Windows 8 Enterprise, which has additional tools for information-technology staff to manage machines.

Windows RT

Windows RT :

For the first time, there will also be a version running on lower-energy chips common in phones and tablets. That version will run on tablets and some devices that marry tablet and PC features. While tablets with Windows 8 can run standard Windows programs, the RT devices will be restricted to applications specifically designed for the system. Borrowing from Apple, Microsoft is allowing RT to get applications only from its online store, and apps must meet content and other guidelines.

Windows Phone 8 :

Windows 8 Phones

While Windows 8 and RT will be out on Friday, the phone version won’t be available until an unspecified date this fall. Microsoft has an event on it Monday and may announce more details then. Nokia and Samsung Electronics already have announced plans for new Windows phones.

You can get Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 only by buying devices with the software already installed, while Windows 8 can be purchased as an upgrade as well.

Here's how you can get - Windows 8 : 

Buy a new PC:

Desktop, laptop and tablet computers with Windows 8 already installed will go on sale on Friday. Several PC manufacturers including Samsung, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard and Dell already have announced details about their new machines, while retailers have trained staff to explain and demonstrate the new system. Microsoft will also have its Surface tablet with Windows RT out, with a Windows 8 version coming later.

Upgrade your PC:

Those who have bought a Windows 7 PC (other than the Starter Edition) since June 2 will be able to buy Windows 8 Pro for Rs 699. The offer applies to Windows 7 PCs sold until January 31, and the upgrade must be claimed by February 28.

To claim the offer, register the machine at https://windowsupgradeoffer.com. You’ll get an email with a promo code, which you can use to get the Windows 8 upgrade online.

Those who bought a Windows PC before June 2 will be able to upgrade for $39.99 (Rs 2150 approximately). You must already have Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Those who prefer buying a DVD to upgrade will have to pay $69.99 (Rs 3800 approximately).

Before buying the upgrade, check to make sure your machine is strong enough to run Windows 8. Microsoft lists the system requirements here.

Not sure if you have what it takes? Microsoft has an upgrade tool that will stop you if you try to buy Windows 8 without the requirements. The tool will also warn you of software that might need updates to work on Windows 8. Go to http://windows.com starting Friday to get started.

If you’re upgrading from Windows 7, the tool will let you keep settings, personal files and applications. You can migrate settings and files from Vista and files only from XP. You’ll also have the option to start fresh and bring nothing to Windows 8.

Microsoft hasn’t said what the cutoff date for Windows 7 will be, but expect to be able to buy Windows 7 as an upgrade for another year or pre-installed on a new machine for two more years.

After Windows 7 came out in October 2009, for instance, retailers were still allowed to sell boxed versions of the predecessor, Vista, until October 2010. PC makers were able to sell Vista machines until October 2011.

Microsoft plans to continue providing technical support for Windows 7 until 14 January, 2020.

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Apple iPad Mini review :

Apple made its play to dominate the fast-growing tablet market on Tuesday by unveiling an "iPad mini" - a new tablet half the size of its existing iPad - to compete with Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon's Kindle Fire.

Apple iPad Price

But the price may prove a barrier for potential buyers considering it against its rivals: the iPad mini will start at $329 (£269 in the UK), against $159 for the cheapest Kindle Fire and $249 for the Nexus 7.

Even so, Apple chief executive Tim Cook pointed to the momentum that Apple has built up in the tablet market, saying that two weeks ago the company had sold its 100 millionth iPad - "unprecedented for a new product in this category," he said. The first iPad went on sale in April 2010.

The new iPad mini With a 7.9-inch screen, this is perfectly sized to be stuffed in Christmas stockings. Recipients who will discover the pleasure and convenience of being able to take pictures, surf the Web, watch video, read books and listen to music on an exquisitely designed device that's pancake thin.

As the company usually does at its product unveilings, Apple Inc. only provided reporters with limited, strictly supervised access to the iPad Mini on Tuesday. That meant I could only experiment with it for about 15 minutes, but as an experienced user of the iPad 2, I could quickly see that the smaller tablet does just about everything its bigger brethren does.

Even though the Mini's screen is 1.8 inches smaller than the standard iPad, the movie "The Avengers" looked lush, even in a side-by-side comparison with the larger tablet. When I pulled up the latest issue of the New Yorker, I didn't have to strain to see the text or pictures on the smaller screen. A quick check of other websites verified that the Mini's screen isn't so tiny that it's going to cause a lot of squinting. After I took a very crisp picture of another reporter testing out a Mini, I decided to email it to her to test how easy it was to use the keyboard on the smaller screen. No problem there. Best of all, the iPad Mini can be held in one hand and is about half the weight of the larger iPad.

The Mini worked so much like my standard iPad that it immediately caused me to have second thoughts about a decision I thought I had already made. I like my iPad 2 a lot, but it's just too big to carry with me wherever I am. But there have been times I really wish I had it with me, like when I spot something that would make a great picture or when I've needed to check something on the Web. For various reasons, I didn't want a smartphone that would require a data plan, so I had my mind set on buying the latest iPod Touch, which has an iPhone-size screen and superb camera.

Apple iPad Mini VS iPad 

Now, the iPad Mini has me vacillating. Apple isn't making it easier with its pricing strategy. The latest iPod Touch with 32 gigabytes sells for $299. An iPad Mini with 16 gigabytes of storage sells for $329. I'm tempted.

Like others who will no doubt be weighing the same decision, I'll have to make up my mind. Do I want something that can fit in my one of pant pockets like the Touch? For starters, it comes in more colors than the black-or-white Mini and offers more storage capacity for a cheaper price.

Or do I want to pay a little more for another tablet computer that can slip into a coat pocket and offer a richer experience with a screen nearly two times larger than the new Touch?

The iPad Mini is so mighty that I can't believe the iPad 2 will be on the market too much longer. The iPad 2's $399 price now looks like too much, given that the iPad Mini can do just about everything it does on a slightly smaller screen. The iPad 2 still may have some appeal for people who want a larger tablet at a lower price the newest iPads, but I can't see too many consumers buying Apple's second-generation tablet now that the Mini is available.

Consumers who aren't set on buying one of Apple's devices will have even more choices to make. The iPad Mini is clearly aimed at siphoning sales away from the Nexus 7 tablet that Google Inc. began selling four months ago and the longer-established Kindle Fire from Amazon.com Inc. Figuring out which one is best-suited for you (or that special someone on your shopping list) will likely come down to weighing price against performance.

Amazon sells a Kindle Fire HD with 16 gigabytes of storage and 7-inch screen for $199 and a similarly sized Nexus 7 goes for $249. That means an iPad Mini will cost $80 to $130 more, a price that Apple believes is justified because it boasts more features, such as front and back cameras. The Mini's reliance on aluminum instead of plastic for its exterior also makes it look more stylish and more enjoyable to hold.

If the speculation on technology blogs pans out, Google might make things even more interesting - and dizzying for holiday shoppers - by introducing a $99 version of the Nexus 7 in the coming weeks.

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iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 Review :

The iPhone 5 has just been revealed. As expected, it features a larger screen, a faster processor and a slightly-improved camera. But the real question is - which one should you buy, the iPhone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S3? 

iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 Review

I’ve taken a look at the features of both phones, put them in the ring and told them only one is coming out alive. Here's how they fared…

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5: Dimensions

The Galaxy S3 measures in at 71 x 137 x 8.6mm and 133g. The iPhone 4S, is thicker and heavier than the Galaxy S3 but Apple has outdone Samsung with the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5 is 59 x 124 x 7.6mm and 112g, according to Apple.

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5: Screen

The Galaxy S3 has a 4.8-inch display and while every single iPhone in the past has had a comparatively tiny 3.5-inch one, the iPhone 5 has a 4in display.

Apple has increased the screen size and also the resolution to 640 x 1136, retaining the Retina quality pixel density of 326ppi. Samsung's Galaxy S3 has a slightly lower but respectable pixel density of 306ppi from its 720 x 1280 resolution

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5: Processor

Samsung uses its own Exynos 4 Quad chip for the Galaxy S3 which is unsurprisingly quad-core. It's clocked at 1.4GHz and is based on the ARM Cortex A9 architecture.

As expected the iPhone 5 has an A6 processor which Apple says is twice as fast as the A5 chip found in the iPhone 4S, including graphics performance. Apple hasn't revealed any technical specifications for the A6 so it's hard to compare with the Galaxy S3's. It is believed that the A6 is dual-core.

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5: Storage

Both the Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 5 come with three storage options, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. Samsung does, however, include a microSD card slot for expansion (up to a further 64GB) which Apple does not.

Apple iPhone 5 VS Samsung Galaxy S3

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5: Cameras

The Galaxy S3 has a rear facing camera rated at 8Mp with the ability to record video in full HD 1080p quality which Apple matches with the iPhone 5's rear iSight camera, although each has different software features.

Both front cameras on the smartphones can record HD video at 30fps but the Galaxy S3's has a slightly higher rating at 1.9Mp compared to 1.2Mp.

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5: Software

Apple’s iPhone runs its own iOS software while Samsung’s Galaxy S3 uses Google’s Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and a TouchWiz overlay.

Samsung will be updating the S3 to the latest version of Android, 4.1 Jelly Bean while Apple's iPhone 5 comes pre-loaded with iOS 6. 

Verdict :

More than is often the case, the battle between the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 is the very definition of the case between iOS and Android, between Apple and Google. The Samsung Galaxy S3 is more flexible, with expandable memory and a more malleable OS. However, the metal body of Apple's phone feels a lot more premium, and is a much friendlier design for those with less than giant hands. And with the larger 4in screen, it won't feel quite so tiny next to the Samsung Galaxy S3, either.

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11 Simple Truths Smart People Forget :

Some of the Smartest people I know continuously struggle to get ahead because they forget to address a few simple truths that collectively govern our potential to make progress.  So here’s a quick reminder :

Truths For Smart People

#1 – Education and intelligence accomplish nothing without action.

It doesn't matter if you have a Genius IQ and a PhD in Quantum Physics, you can’t change anything or make any sort of real-world progress without taking action.  There’s a huge difference between knowing how to do something and actually doing it.  Knowledge and intelligence are both useless without action.  It’s as simple as that.  For some practical guidance on taking action.

#2 – Happiness and success are two different things.

I know an extremely savvy businesswoman who made almost a million dollars online last year. Every entrepreneur I know considers her to be wildly successful.  But guess what?  A few days ago, out of the blue, she told me that she’s depressed.  Why?  “I’m burnt out and lonely.  I just haven’t taken enough time for myself lately,” she said.  “Wow!” I thought.  “One of the most successful people I know isn’t happy.”

I also know a surfer who surfs almost all day, every day on the beach in  San Diego.  He’s one of the most lighthearted, optimistic guys I’ve ever met – always smiling from ear to ear.  But he sleeps in a van he co-owns with another surfer and they both frequently panhandle tourists for money.  So while I can’t deny that this man seems happy, I wouldn’t classify his life as a success story.

“What will make me happy?” and “What will make me successful?” are two of the most important questions you can ask yourself.  But they are two different questions.

#3 – Everyone runs their own business.

No matter how you make a living or who you think you work for, you only work for one person, yourself.  The big question is:  What are you selling, and to whom?  Even when you have a full-time, salaried, ‘Corporate America’ position, you are still running your own business.  You are selling one unit of your existence (an hour of your life) at a set price (the associated fraction of your salary) to a customer (your employer).

So how can you simultaneously save your time and increase your profit?  The answer is slightly different for everyone.  But it’s an answer you should be seeking. 

#4 – Having too many choices interferes with decision making.

Here in the 21st century where information moves at the speed of light and opportunities for innovation seem endless, we have an abundant array of choices when it comes to designing our lives and careers.  But sadly, an abundance of choice often leads to indecision, confusion and inaction.

Several business and marketing studies have shown that the more product choices a consumer is faced with, the less products they typically buy.  After all, narrowing down the best product from a pool of three choices is certainly a lot easier than narrowing down the best product from a pool of three hundred choices.  If the purchasing decision is tough to make, most people will just give up.

So if you’re selling a product line, keep it simple.  And if you’re trying to make a decision about something in your life, don’t waste all your time evaluating every last detail of every possible option.  Choose something that you think will work and give it a shot.  If it doesn’t work out, choose something else and keep pressing forward.

#5 – All people possess dimensions of success and dimensions of failure.

This point is somewhat related to point #2 on happiness and success, but it stands strong on its own as well…

Trying to be perfect is a waste of time and energy.  Perfection is an illusion.

All people, even our idols, are multidimensional.  Powerful business men, polished musicians, bestselling authors, and even our own parents all have dimensions of success and dimensions of failure present in their lives.

Our successful dimensions usually encompass the things we spend the most time doing.  We are successful in these dimensions because of our prolonged commitment to them.  This is the part of our lives we want others to see – the successful part that holds our life’s work.  It’s the notion of putting our best foot forward.  It’s the public persona we envision as our personal legacy:  “The Successful ABC” or “The Award Winning XYZ.”

But behind whichever polished storyline we publically promote, there lies a multi-dimensional human being with a long list of unprofessed failures.  Sometimes this person is a bad husband or wife.  Sometimes this person laughs at the expense of others.  And sometimes this person merely takes their eyes off the road and rear-ends the car in front of them.

#6 – Every mistake you make is progress.

Mistakes teach you important lessons.  Every time you make one, you’re one step closer to your goal.  The only mistake that can truly hurt you is choosing to do nothing simply because you’re too scared to make a mistake.

So don’t hesitate – don’t doubt yourself.  In life, it’s rarely about getting a chance; it’s about taking a chance.  You’ll never be 100% sure it will work, but you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work.  Most of the time you just have to go for it!

And no matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should be.  Either you succeed or you learn something.  Win-Win.  Remember, if you never act, you will never know for sure, and you will be left standing in the same spot forever.

#7 – People can be great at doing things they don’t like to do.

Although I’m not suggesting that you choose a career or trade you dislike, I’ve heard way too many smart people say something like, “In order to be great at what you do, you have to like what you do.”  This just isn’t true.

A good friend of mine is a public accountant.  He has told me on numerous occasions that he dislikes his job – “that it bores him to death.”  But he frequently gets raises and promotions.  At the age of 28, out of nearly a thousand Jr. Accountants in his division, he’s one of only two who were promoted to be Sr. Accountants this past year.  Why?  Because even though he doesn’t like doing it, he’s good at what he does.

I could come up with dozens of other examples just like this, but I’ll spare you the details.  Just realize that if someone dedicates enough time and attention to perfecting a skill or trade, they can be insanely good at doing something they don’t like to do. 

#8 – The problems we have with others are typically more about us.

Quite often, the problems we have with others – our spouse, parents, siblings, etc. – don’t really have much to do with them at all.  Because many of the problems we think we have with them we subconsciously created in our own mind.  Maybe they did something in the past that touched on one of our fears or insecurities.  Or maybe they didn’t do something that we expected them to do.  In either case, problems like these are not about the other person, they’re about us.

And that’s okay.  It simply means these little predicaments will be easier to solve.   We are, after all, in charge of our own decisions.  We get to decide whether we want to keep our head cluttered with events from the past, or instead open our minds to the positive realities unfolding in front of us.

All we need is the willingness to look at things a little differently – letting go of ‘what was’ and ‘what should have been,’ and instead focusing our energy on ‘what is’ and ‘what could be possible.’

#9 – Emotional decisions are rarely good decisions.

Decisions driven by heavy emotion are typically misguided reactions rather than educated judgments.  These reactions are the byproduct of minimal amounts of conscious thought and primarily based on momentary ‘feelings’ instead of mindful awareness.

The best advice here is simple:  Don’t let your emotions trump your intelligence.  Slow down and think things through before you make any life-changing decisions.

#10 – You will never feel 100% ready when an opportunity arises.

The number one thing I persistently see holding smart people back is their own reluctance to accept an opportunity simply because they don’t think they’re ready.  In other words, they believe they require additional knowledge, skill, experience, etc. before they can aptly partake in the opportunity.  Sadly, this is the kind of thinking that stifles personal growth.

The truth is nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises.  Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow emotionally and intellectually.  They force us to stretch ourselves and our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.  And when we don’t feel comfortable, we don’t feel ready.

Just remember that significant moments of opportunity for personal growth and development will come and go throughout your lifetime.  If you are looking to make positive changes in your life you will need to embrace these moments of opportunity even though you will never feel 100% ready for them.

#11 – It is better to do Something then to do Nothing...

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15 Tips on How to Live Without Any Regrets :

Live Life Without Any Regrets

Life is very short, and so we should do our best to spend our time in a way that will make our life worth living. I am saddened when I see old people who feel regrets about the life they have lived. To spend a life which is not fulfilling, and then reach to a point where you have no more energy to transform your life, is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. But how can one live without regrets?

Here is a list of 15 tips on how to live without regrets which I have found to be of utmost importance. If you manage to follow them, your life will be filled with joy and deep satisfaction.

1. Take care of your body. Always keep in mind to eat well, exercise, and have a good sleep.

2. Choose to live your own way, instead of living the way others expect you to.

3. Think for yourself. Question the beliefs that have been placed upon you and never let others think for yourself.

4. Take responsibility for your life. Stop blaming people or situations, and realize that you create your destiny with your thoughts and actions.

5. Learn from your everyday experiences. Every experience has something important to teach you, and the more you allow yourself to learn, the more you will be able to grow.

6. Be focused on the present moment. Always remember that only the here-and-now exists, the future is just an illusion.

7. Take risks. Be courageous enough to regularly challenge yourself, transcend your limitations and expand as a human being.

8. Do what you love doing. Life is short, so make sure you don’t waste your time in things that don’t make you happy.

9. Be grateful to existence for what it has offered you. Maybe you don’t have everything, but you have more than enough to be happy.

10. Share your love, knowledge, and presence. Share and you will receive more, withhold and you will lose even what you possess.

11. Forgive others and yourself. To understand that no person is perfect is liberating.

12. Be a participant in life rather than an observer. Squeeze the juice out of life.

13. Do not be afraid to fall, but always be brave to stand up and try once more.

14. Always offer a helping hand to those who need it.

15. Embrace change. Life is a flux, so make sure you always keep on flowing with it.

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5 Signs Your Boyfriend Loves You too :

Love is a lot more than extravagant chocolates and fun, moon-lit kisses. Yet how do you know when your boyfriend has fallen for you or if he still thinks ‘The One’ is out there waiting for him? These five signs will help you answer that question and will show you whether your boyfriend really loves you or not.   

True Love Signs

Sign your boyfriend loves you 1: Boys’ night

Boys’ night is a sacred night for the male of the species and has been central to your man’s existence since he turned 16. Poker is played, beer is drunk and girls are gawked at. Yet, this Friday where was your boyfriend? Was he living it large with the lads, or at home with you, snuggled up in couple heaven? Once your guy bails on boys’ night you know he’s in trouble and that he’s caught a one-way train to Love Town. Be prepared for some initial hostility from his friends though, as a bromance gone wrong can get ugly. Can you handle it?

If you’re not sure how you feel about your guy loving you, or whether you will say ‘I love you’ back, ask yourself whether you’d ditch girls’ night for him.

Sign your boyfriend loves you 2: He opens up to you  

Although it’s a bit of a stereotype even our lovely 21^st century boys struggle with the idea of opening up and talking about their feelings. Recent research has come up with a reason why guys may find it more difficult to open up than women do. Their findings suggest that after emotional stimulation men’s immune systems and blood pressures take longer to return to their normal states compared to women who have experienced the same emotional stimulation.

Therefore scientists think that men may be reluctant to chat to you about their emotions because it makes them physically vulnerable. So, if your guy decides to tell you about his horrible boss, his rollercoaster relationship with his mother or his feelings of inadequacy when he’s with his friends, he’s not just unloading. It’s a true sign he loves you and that you will be the last lady to be granted entry into his LBB (little black book).

Sign your boyfriend loves you 3: He talks about your future  

If you’re lying in bed, or brushing your teeth, or cooking your dinner and your man suddenly looks dreamy-eyed and asks you how many kids you want, you may as well hang up that sports kit because lady, you aren’t going to be a player for long; your boyfriend loves you. If your man keeps asking you questions about your future as a couple or your hopes and dreams for life, chances are he’s sussing out whether you’re wife material and whether his emotional investment will pay off.

Future always Matter

He may ask you about where you want to settle down, what kind of house you want or what your views are on marriage. These questions may be asked casually or seem like a joke, but they give him an insight into what your future may be like together. When he asks you things about your future answer carefully. He may use your replies to judge whether you’re compatible as a couple.  

Sign your boyfriend loves you 4: Affection without the sex

When your boyfriend runs his fingers through your hair and tells you that you look hot, you know he’s feeling horny and wants to get it on under the covers. So what does it mean when he runs his fingers through your hair, tells you that you look hot and then leaves the room? Do you need to run out and buy a miracle cream that promises to make you look 10 years younger, or buy enough make-up that could turn a warthog into a dazzling princess?

Our answer is no. Not only are you pretty enough without tons of ugly cosmetics, when your guy gives you love and affection and doesn’t want sex it doesn’t mean he’s gone off you or doesn’t find you attractive any more. It means he loves you. You can even start checking his receipts and pockets for an engagement ring if he’s still doing it after six months.  

Sign your boyfriend loves you 5: He asks for your advice

If you need to know whether your boyfriend loves you or whether he thinks of you as another fling, you should pay attention to those times he asks you for advice. When guys are single they become very independent and make lots of decisions for themselves (even if it does mean wearing that terrible T-shirt). However, when men get comfortable in a relationship they give up some of this independence and begin to take on their partners’ views and opinions.

So, the next time he asks you what he should do to get a pay rise or what shoes look good on him, be aware that this shows he considers your relationship as being serious. It also shows you that he respects your opinion, which is a big part of falling in love.

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How To Get Rid of Depression Naturally :

I am not a doctor, but I have had periodic bouts of deep depression in my life ... tell me, who hasn't? Feeling depressed is a common feeling, and it's usually a sign that something is wrong in your life. (At least that's what I've found.) It could be something as little as not exercising enough and working too hard or as large as not being happy in a job or a relationship. Depression is a tool for discovering the truth, if you are brave enough to face it rather than try to wish it away. So here are my 11 tips for beating depression naturally that are both life-learned and based on medical evidence:

Get Rid of Depression 

1. First, see a counselor. Don't be afraid or ashamed! A counselor will be able to tell you if you need more serious medical help. It's amazing how quickly talking about your depression with someone else (a professional counselor, not just a friend) can uncover things that afterwards might seem obvious but in the moment of darkness are impossible to see. I guess that is why depression feels so dark ... it's hard to see things!

2. Go for a long walk outside. In Europe, doctors prescribe exercise for their depression patients. I think the best is a combination of exercise and getting out in nature ... along with giving your body and mind enough time of mindless walking to let the true feelings and thoughts rise to the surface. You will also see that nature has cycles, too — there are times of joy and times of hibernation. Allow your body and soul to sync with nature and you'll automatically feel a bit better.

3. Let the sun warm your skin. A few years ago, vitamin D supplements were being touted as super-pills that could protect you from depression and other ailments. Well, it turns out that's not really true. The truth is that people who spend time outside and eat plenty of fatty fish, such as wild salmon, have higher vitamin D levels and less depression. Is it the vitamin D or the lifestyle? I say, skip the pills and go outside and get your sun on!

4. Read a book. I recommend "The Mind-Body Mood Solution," by Dr. Jeffrey Rossman, because he has helped me many times with my depressive bouts. As the behavioral health specialist at Canyon Ranch, he has taught me how to get to the real issue quickly and change my perspective on my problems. It really works!

5. Eat right. Eating crap, or overeating anything, literally feeds the depression cycle. Every time you eat crap, you feel bad, and then it just gets that much harder to pull yourself out of the dive. A few foods that are renowned for improving your mood are wild-caught salmon, walnuts and dark chocolate.

6. Stop drinking and drugging yourself. Trust me on this: While drinking might make you feel better momentarily, all you are doing is swallowing your problems, where they eat away at you in even deeper darkness inside your soul. If you are using alcohol or drugs to anesthetize yourself against your problems, please stop. Get help if you need it!

7. Fall in love. With yourself, first! Treat yourself as you would a precious lover whom you adore, flaws and all. Pamper yourself with baths, naps, flowers, massages. Write love letters to yourself. Tell the voice in your head that says you are not good enough or pretty enough or smart enough to shut up and hit the road, Jack.

 8. Laugh. Studies have shown that laughter does really make you feel better. Watch some silly comedies! Or old "I Love Lucy" episodes. Go ahead, watch "America's Funniest Home Videos" — at the very least, you'll be thankful that you are not the one getting whacked in the groin, bonking your head on something stupid or falling ridiculously from doing something no person in their right mind should really do.

9. Create. Write down your thoughts and secrets. Paint or draw pictures about how you feel. Build something. Garden! Actually, studies have shown that there is stuff in garden soil that works better than antidepressants. So get out there, and don't wear gloves. Get dirty, get creative and don't worry about whether it's good enough — if you made it, it's awesome. And while you are doing all this, listen to music, because that helps, too.

10. Connect with your dreams. Do you remember what, as a child, you dreamed your life would be like? Often, I find, I get depressed when I have strayed too far from my original dreams. Yes, sometimes we need to change our dreams, but it's amazing the power of those deep original dreams and how they can guide us.

11. Have the courage to change. Truly, I believe the only way out of depression is to listen to what the darkness is trying to tell you and change your life accordingly. I've been shocked sometimes by what I've learned and heard in those darkest moments, but as long as you trust your heart and soul and what they're trying to tell you, you will find the brightness again. The light is right there waiting for you to turn the corner and see it. It will get better, and then you will be so grateful and happy that you had the courage to get through the darkness awake and alive.

Always remember that after the darkest storm is when the rainbows come out.

I HOPE YOU'LL ENJOY THIS. 

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