Good morning. Now that the “tag-ulan” is here, there’s nothing better than taking an afternoon nap with rain drizzling down, with such a soothing sound once it touches the rooftop. Happy Sunday :)

Lifestyle

🧘‍♀️ Meditation for the Restless: Getting Over the Hump

by Tobias Bautista

Your zen is just a breath away…

The first time Marcelle Hutchins tried to meditate, it lasted two minutes before her to-do list yanked her back to reality. “I had a deadline and thought, ‘I can’t sit still this long,’” recalled Hutchins, who was then a busy radio journalist.

So, what’s the secret for all you fidgety folks? It’s all about sticking with it. Research shows daily meditation reduces anxiety, boosts health, and even enhances social connections. The trick is to ignore common misconceptions, like thinking you need to stop your thoughts or achieve perfect stillness.

Tara Brach, a psychologist who’s trained over 7,000 meditation teachers, says, “It’s not about stopping thoughts. The mind generates thoughts like the body creates enzymes. It’s about witnessing them.”

Start Small

No right way to meditate exists. Focus on the present moment—feel your breath, listen to a guided recording, or mentally scan your body. Sit on the floor, in a chair, or even lie down if you can’t get comfy. You don’t have to close your eyes, but it helps.

Set an achievable goal. “Start with what you can comfortably do without feeling like you want to quit,” Brach advised. Even a few minutes can be a great starting point.

When You Can’t Sit Still

Inevitably, distractions will come. Notice the thought or urge, acknowledge it, and bring your attention back. Instead of judging yourself, get curious. Ask, “What does this restlessness feel like?”

Take a deep breath and try to sit for another minute. If you need to move, do so mindfully. Stand up, stretch, breathe deeply, then sit again. You’ll be surprised how restlessness changes over time.

If sitting still is unbearable, consider a slow, meditative walk. Focus on the sounds, sights, and smells around you. “You’re not restricted,” said John Mitchell from Duke University. “You don’t have to sit in silence all the time.”

Keep Going

After your first session, you’ll likely feel calmer, but like exercise, consistency is key for full benefits. Experiment with different techniques to find what suits you best.

Luckily, a universe of free meditation resources is just a click away. “Nobody reading this needs to go buy anything,” Brach said. So, why not give it a try?

Tech Tip

🛤 Keep Track of Your 999 passwords

by Tobias Bautista

Ever signed up for so many online services you can't keep track? Me too. In today’s digital age, losing track of accounts is as easy as forgetting where you put your keys. But these forgotten logins could be gateways for hackers to access your sensitive data. Yikes!

Or, they might just be clogging your inbox with newsletters you didn't even know you subscribed to, or worse, sneaking charges onto your bank account. Time to spring clean your digital life! Here’s how to round up those rogue accounts:

1. Google-fu Your Accounts

You’ve probably logged into a site with Google instead of creating yet another password. To see the list of your Google-linked accounts, follow these steps:

1. Open any Google product (Gmail works perfectly).

2. Click "Manage your Google Account."

3. Head over to "Security."

4. Select "Your connections to third-party apps & services."

5. Click "See all connections."

Voilà! A list of all the apps and services you’ve signed up for with Google. Kick out any unwanted guests by clicking "Delete all connections you have with [name of account]."

2. Use Your Email’s Hidden Powers

If you’re a Yahoo Mail rebel enthusiast, head to the "Subscriptions" section. It’ll show all accounts linked to your Yahoo email and let you unsubscribe in a jiffy.

Outlook users, you’re not left out. Check the "Subscriptions" feature in your settings to review and manage linked accounts.

3. Dig Through Your Inbox

Missed something? Your inbox is a treasure trove of account verification emails. Use the search bar to dig up terms like “thank you for signing up” or “verify sign up.” It’s like an Easter egg hunt, but for your digital life.

4. Social Media Sleuthing

Logged into sites with Facebook or Instagram? Here’s how to clean house:

For Facebook on PC:

1. Click your Account icon (top right).

2. Go to "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings."

3. Click "Apps and Websites."

4. Tick the box next to any unwanted app and click "Remove."

For Instagram:

1. Click your profile icon (top right).

2. Go to "Settings."

3. Click "Authorized Apps."

4. Click "Remove" to revoke access.

5. Password Manager to the Rescue

Password managers are the heroes we deserve. They store all your logins and can help you find forgotten accounts. If you use Chrome:

1. Head to "Settings."

2. Go to "Passwords and autofill," then "Google Password Manager."

3. Review and disconnect from any accounts you’re not using.

There you have it!

Your step-by-step guide to reclaiming your inbox and securing your digital fortress. Now, go forth and unsubscribe from that newsletter you haven’t read since 2010! 🚀

Games

🎯 Fun Brain Teasers

• Wordle: guess the random five letter word

• Connections: match four words of the same category

• Strands: word search but it depends on the category

Referral

Enjoying Araw Araw? Share the sunshine by sending out the link below! Rewards for referrals coming soon 👀

Feedback

Got feedback/concerns with Araw Araw? Help us make your days brighter ☀ by sending us feedback through the form below!

Feedback form here: https://forms.gle/nZ8LnDmsLiTWrp3X9