Christmas is a time of year like no other; gifts are exchanged, little-spoken-to relatives are contacted, and appetizing treats are consumed with great gusto. Christmas can be both a time of stress and a time of relaxation. But whether you love or hate Christmas it’s pretty difficult to avoid – and so your brain may be altered by the experience one way or another. Here are some of the main facets of the Christmas experience, and how they might affect your brain.

The festive spirit of Christmas

The joy surrounding Christmas may influence some of the chemicals in your brain (dopamine and serotonin) which affect your happiness levels. Dopamine is known to be involved with reward-driven behavior and pleasure-seeking and serotonin are thought to increase our feelings of worth and belonging. So when people talk about “Christmas cheer” they may be on to something.

In fact, researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducted an imaging study to try and find the “centre” of the Christmas spirit in the human brain. Here, participants were shown Christmas-themed images and, in those participants who actively celebrated Christmas, there was increased brain activation in the sensory-motor cortex, the premotor and primary motor cortex, and the parietal lobule. Previously these brain areas have been associated with spirituality, bodily senses, and recognizing facial emotions. While these results should be interpreted with some caution, it is interesting to note the physical effects that feeling festive can exert on your brain.

Stress

Not everyone finds Christmas an entirely joyful and festive time – many people find it very stressful. In fact, the burdens of navigating through a busy shopping centre to find the ideal gift for your other half, or of cooking the perfect turkey for a house full of hungry people, are enough to rattle even the calmest person. Stress can exert a physical response in your body, with the automatic release of adrenaline and cortisol. Further, cortisol has been shown to have a profound effect on the hippocampus, which may decrease your memory and ability to multitask.

Giving gifts

The giving and receiving of gifts is an age-old Christmas tradition and there’s no better feeling than seeing your loved one’s eyes light up when you’ve found the perfect gift for them. But why does giving make us feel so good? Generosity has been linked with the reward circuitry of our brain, causing the release of dopamine and endorphins. Researchers have described a “helpers’ high”, which is experienced after giving. The chemicals that cause this high can reduce stress and increase your desire to repeat these acts of kindness. So, while you may resent being out of pocket after buying your great aunt that pair of slippers, your brain at least ensures that you are compensated with a chemical reward.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you work you never accomplish all the things you would like to?

 

This is very common and one too many people have trouble effectively structuring their time and improving their productivity. If you need help shaking off this feeling of unproductiveness, the below 5 easy-to-implement tips will help you boost your workplace efficiency. 

1. Take regular breaks

It may seem counterproductive, but taking regular breaks can actually improve concentration and boost your mood. According to studies, taking small breaks during long tasks helps you keep a consistent level of performance, whereas working on a task non-stop causes your performance to steadily diminish.

2. Set your own deadlines

While we normally associate stress with a negative feeling, a controlled level of self-imposed stress can actually be beneficial in terms of keeping us focused and helping us achieve our goals. Give yourself a deadline for open-ended tasks or projects, and then stick to it. You might be amazed at how productive you can be when you want to. 

3. Follow the "two-minute rule"

To make the most of the tiny windows of time, entrepreneur Steve Olenski advocates using the "two-minute rule." The concept is simple: if there is a task that can be completed in two minutes or less, do it right away. According to Olenski, finishing the task immediately saves time compared to returning to it later. This method has helped him become one of the most influential content strategists online.

4. Stop multitasking

Trying to complete many jobs at once might be tempting, especially if they appear to be minor or simple. But it's not going to work. According to psychologists, attempting to complete multiple activities at once, might result in lost time and productivity. Instead, try committing to a single task at a time. 

5. Overcome perfectionism

It's normal to become fixated on perfecting a task when, in reality, nothing is ever flawless. Instead of wasting time pursuing the illusion of perfection, complete your assignments to the best of your ability and move on. It's preferable to finish the job and get it off your plate and, if necessary, you can always go back and improve it. 

Athens is an amazing city worthy of exploration all year round!

 

Thanks to a milder climate, wandering around Athens in winter is a truly pleasant experience. Although the capital of Greece offers numerous opportunities, let’s discover some of the best things to do in Athens during the colder months.

 

Anafiotika is located in the neighborhood of the Acropolis, and it is one of the most charming areas of the city. It was founded in the 19th century by the inhabitants of Anafi, a Greek island. Anafiotikas’ architecture and flair definitely mirror the ones from this Cycladic Island. The white small houses and the narrow paths will bring you back in time. You will even forget that you are in 21st century Athens.

A few steps away from Anafiotika you will find yourself in the heart of Plaka. This is another typical area of the city which is famous for its architecture. Here you will find many shops to buy souvenirs for your beloved. These include Greek olives, olive oil soap, ouzo, and much more.

 

When spending some time in Athens, it is always worth visiting the Acropolis, a symbol of the Greek capital city. Built in the 13th century BC, the Acropolis has much more to offer besides the Parthenon. The World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO, is an example of the finest Greek classical sculpture and architecture. A traveler can appreciate its majesty from every part of the city.

In order to reach the top of the Acropolis, you have to walk through olive trees surrounding the steps, and once on top, the view over Athens is simply stunning. Climbing over the Acropolis is an amazing idea for a winter Sunday morning, as on that day of the week the entrance to the site is free for everyone from the 1st of November to the 31st of March.

Take A Rest At The National Garden


@dimagkos

The National Garden is located close to the Hellenic Parliament and the Presidential Residence. It was initially conceived as the garden of the latter building, but nowadays it belongs to the city of Athens, which makes it possible for everyone to enjoy it all day long.

Walking through the 15-hectare garden is a delightful experience, even in an Athens winter. If you are traveling with children, they will undoubtedly appreciate the many birds and animals which populate the garden, which is also extremely appropriate in the case of a romantic getaway.

Climb Mount Lycabettus


@conmpampani

Being 300 meters above the sea, Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens. It can be reached either by funicular or, alternatively, you can opt for a walk to the top. From the top, you can enjoy one of the most astonishing views of the city. Go there at night, to see the twinkling lights of Athens in winter. For those who plan on spending New Year’s Eve in Athens, Mount Lycabettus is an excellent location to admire the fireworks. If it gets too chilly, sip a hot drink at the restaurant located at the top of the hill. It is right in front of the Chapel of St George.

To read this article in full and discover even more amazing things to do in Athens in winter, please visit: gloholiday.com

Main image: @giagkos_p

Trams will start serving the recently extended line to Piraeus in the next few days, according to the Athens Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY).

The two routes that will serve the expansion are the N6 Syntagma-Pikrodafni and the N7 Asklipieio Voulas – Akti Poseidonos Piraeus. Both routes can be accessed by commuters in southern Athens at the Pikrodafni stop on Poseidonos Avenue, between the Edem and Marina Alimou stops.

Passengers who start their journeys from Syntagma will have to switch trams at Pikrodafni to get to Piraeus.

In the meantime, the test runs for the link to Piraeus port have been reportedly progressing smoothly over the past two weeks, and the only pending issue is the announcement of the exact start date of the itineraries. ​​​​​​

The contract for the 5.4-kilometer route connecting the center of Athens to the port was signed in 2013 and the project was beset by snags and delays.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

The comparative advantages of Kos as an emerging biking destination were presented by Deputy Transport Minister Michalis Papadopoulos during an event held recently on the island by local authorities.

According to Papadopoulos, cycling has become an everyday habit for the residents of Kos, an island that for decades has been receiving groups of cyclists who enjoy its numerous cycling routes. He also referred to the climate crisis and the need to use mild transport modes in order to reduce carbon emissions.

“Green tourism has become a trend in many areas of Europe such as Scandinavia. Travelers now choose environmentally friendly modes of transport… Kos can offer all that with the bicycle as a vehicle,” Papadopoulos added.

Greece’s EuroVelo Cycling Routes

During the event, Papapopoulos also referred to Greece’s efforts to establish a National EuroVelo Coordination Center that would promote cycling tourism in the country.

EuroVelo is a cycling network connecting European countries. It includes 17 certified cycling routes that cover 51,000km across 42 countries.

“There are three cycling routes passing by Greece and our ambition is to include Kos in the EuroVelo network as the island fulfills all the requirements: it offers flat terrain, many roads with low-speed limit and traffic, and – above all – special interest routes,” Papadopoulos said.

He also pledged that the Transport Ministry would offer the support and know-how8 in order for Kos to become a prime biking destination.

Kos’ Study For Biking Tourism

Organized by the municipality of Kos, the event also included the presentation of a study for the development of biking tourism on the island. Its main proposals include:

– the promotion of existing cycling infrastructure
– the extension and signage of its cycling routes
– the creation of dirt roads for the promotion of Kos’ mountainous areas
– the development of suburban routes to be included in the EuroVelo network
– the development of an action plan for the promotion of Kos’ biking tourism product in Greece and abroad.

Main image: @cocomat.bike_kos

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Who We Are:

"The Smile of the Child" was created in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, who, shortly before leaving from life, expressed in his diary his wish to found an organization that will ensure for all children what he had so generously enjoyed: love, affection, care and respect.

The dream of 10-year-old Andreas became reality and today the Organization "The Smile of the Child", recognized internationally, with a Vision: the Smile of every child, implements nationwide, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, effective and direct actions for preventing and addressing particular phenomena that threaten children.

In the course of 23 years of action "The Smile of the Child" has supported more than 1.480.000 children and their families. Children victims of any form of violence, missing children, children with health problems, children living in poverty or threatened by poverty, have found a solution.

The Organization is staffed by spezialized scientific personnel, has the precious support of volunteers and is based on citizens and companies that actively provide their support in practice through donations and sponsorships.

What We Do:

- We are next to every child victim of Violence Physical, Sexual and Psychological Abuse, Neglect, Bullying, Smuggling & Trafficking.
- We are next to every missing child. 
- We stand by each child with health problems.
- We support each child living in or being at the risk of poverty.

Violence against women and girls is a fact that crosses all boundaries across the world. Research shows that nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime mostly by their intimate partner. During the COVID pandemic, these numbers have increased – 2 in 3 women – as domestic violence has been on the rise.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most persistent and widespread human rights violations in the world. Whether physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally women and girls are intimidated, harassed, exploited, and killed when they speak out. Young girls, older women, refugees, women of minorities, women with disabilities, and women with gender issues are more easily manipulated.

However, women and girls all around the world must be able to talk and need to be heard instead of having their voices silenced.

Education is, in my opinion, the most significant key to this scourge. And we, parents, play a major role in educating our children both girls and boys. Because it’s not only girls that need to know they have equal rights to boys; it’s also boys that need to learn that respect, equality, and development apply to both genders.

Violence begins at home. Children mirror our behavior. When children watch their father being abusive to their mother and their mother staying silent in this relationship they get the message; the wrong message. And they will repeat it as victimizers and victims.

So it is imperative that we, as parents but also as teachers and authorities, educate our girls, our daughters first. We need to teach them what true love really is:

• Love is all about giving the space to the other person to grow and evolve and to support them even when we may not agree with their choices.
• Love, real love, should not hurt or harm us in any way.
• Love should not make us do something against our will.
• Love should not make us feel dirty or guilty.
• Love should not imprison us. On the contrary, it gives us wings to fly.
• Love includes respect.
• Love is a beautiful, warm feeling; not one we want to run away from.

There is no prosperity or growth unless we end violence against girls and women. Let’s educate our girls – and boys – so as not to have violence as a continuous obstacle to equality and development. Let’s start talking and make our voices heard.

November 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

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Just a stone’s throw away from the historic city center with stunning views of the Acropolis, Hard Rock Cafe Athens is a must-see for both visitors and locals alike. From a lazy Sunday brunch to a romantic dinner, Hard Rock Cafe is always a great option!

We are excited to announce that all XpatAthens readers are entitled to an exclusive 20% OFF discount on HRC Athens’ menu, excluding drinks. Scroll down to download your own PDF VIP Card and be sure to present it to HRC's staff. HRC will also be happy to provide you with a paper copy upon your request.

So grab your family or friends and get ready to enjoy mouthwatering, fresh, high-quality food, which includes a selection of starters and salads, as well as delicious Legendary burgers, steaks, and many more!

Upon visiting, make sure not to miss Hard Rock's iconic collection of memorabilia which adorns the walls of Hard Rock Café Athens!

Important Notes About This Promotion:

1. The offer is available from Monday to Sunday until the 30th of December 2022.
2. The offer excludes limited edition items like alcohol, charity and other itmes for sale.
3. The offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotional offer or seasonal menus like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.

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Download your PDF copy of the HRC Athens VIP Card here

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On Wednesday, December 1, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is once again being transformed into the city’s most enchanting Christmas destination.

On the first night of December, countless festive lights go off, effusing their glow over the plane trees of the Canal and the decorated fir trees at the Agora! A festival of light dons the nighttime Stavros Niarchos Park in radiant hues: three light installations by renowned artists, foreign and Greek, capture our glances, creating a unique jovial atmosphere that will set the scene for our Christmas memories.

This special evening, as is evident from its title , will be filled with SNFCC visitors’ memories, which our host, Dimitris Kouroubalis, will be sharing with the people gathered at the Agora..

And all of this will happen, as always, against the sounds of music: a special partnership between the youth orchestra and youth choir of El Sistema Greece community music project and the fascinating band ONIRAMA, featuring their incomparable frontman, Thodoris Marantinis. Adaptations of popular Christmas songs, Greek carols and international hits make up a program that is sure to spread the joy of the holiday season among young and old alike.


According to the latest measures to protect public health from the risk of spreading COVID-19, a valid vaccination certificate or a disease certificate, is required for the public to enter the event venue, as the venue operates as a pure venue. The above applies to adults. Μinors from 4 to 17 years old may, alternatively, submit a statement of negative self-diagnosis (self test) of the last twenty-four hours, a certificate of PCR (72 hours) or rapid (48 hours) diagnostic test, in accordance with the latest provisions of Joint Ministerial Decision.