LIFE & CULTURE

XpatAthens
Wednesday, 09 March 2022 07:00
4 Apps That Can Help Improve Our Mental Health
If we take a look at our smartphones, we will realize that we have too many applications. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and the list goes on. But how many of them can contribute in a positive way to the promotion of our mental health? None. And to be honest, they sometimes do more harm than good.
If we do a little research, however, we can find and download applications that will have a positive impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Such a positive response can have a music application, for example, where we can create our playlists and enjoy our favorite songs. What soothes the soul more than music, after all? Or it can be a fitness application that will help us get in shape. The point is to make the right choice and download apps that prove to be helpful, not a waste of time.
Below is a list of some applications that can help improve our mental health through various activities, meditation, thought recording, and more. They can also be useful tools for parents, who can encourage their children to spend time on them rather than relentlessly engage in social media.
1. What’s Up?
This is a free application that utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods to help us cope with depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and more. We can record daily our positive and negative habits so that we can more easily identify what we do right and what is counterproductive. The app offers more than 100 different questions that can help us understand how we feel, while the Thinking Patterns tool helps us manage our internal dialogues.
2. MindShift
MindShift is one of the best mental health apps designed specifically for teens and young adults dealing with anxiety. Instead of encouraging people to completely eliminate stress from their lives, the application emphasizes the importance of changing the way we think about stress. The app encourages us to take our lives into our own hands, believe in ourselves, and face any challenges that come our way.
3. CBT Thought Diary
The central element of cognitive-behavioral therapy is the change of our emotions through detecting dysfunctional, negative, or distorted cognitive patterns. We can use the CBT Thinking Diary to record our negative emotions, locate fatal flaws of our thinking, and re-evaluate them. It is a great application if we want to gradually change our approach to stressful situations.
4. Happify
With everything that’s been happening, we all need a dose of happiness! Through a psychologist-approved mood training program, the Happify app is a quick and easy way to get in a good mood. It includes games, activity suggestions, gratitude prompts, and much more to train our brain, as if it were a muscle, to overcome negative thoughts. The best? It's completely free!
Published in
Mind
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Tuesday, 08 March 2022 07:00
Rhodes Is The World’s Most Sustainable Tourist Destination
With low pollution levels and CO2 emissions, Rhodes has been crowned as the world's most sustainable tourist destination, according to a survey by DiscoverCars.com, with Santorini coming in fourth.
Researchers explored a number of ranking factors in order to discover which of this year’s trending holiday destinations are the most sustainable.
They used the following criteria: closest airport, climate impact (in terms of CO2 emissions by a round flight from London Heathrow to the destination), hotels with electric vehicle charging points, the number of vegan restaurants and nature spots, and pollution levels.
Rhodes scored 67 points out of 100, ahead of Spain’s Ibiza (64) and Majorca (63). Santorini also scored 63.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Researchers explored a number of ranking factors in order to discover which of this year’s trending holiday destinations are the most sustainable.
They used the following criteria: closest airport, climate impact (in terms of CO2 emissions by a round flight from London Heathrow to the destination), hotels with electric vehicle charging points, the number of vegan restaurants and nature spots, and pollution levels.
Rhodes scored 67 points out of 100, ahead of Spain’s Ibiza (64) and Majorca (63). Santorini also scored 63.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Main image: @lindos.rhodes.greece
Published in
Local Environment
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Tuesday, 08 March 2022 07:00
How To Build A Better Relationship With Yourself
Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect. Three concepts of paramount importance for personality development. All three of them are interrelated, directly affecting each other and defining the overall self-image of the individual.
When one or all of the above three concepts are low, it is common for a person to be hard on themselves. Of course, depending on the circumstances, even people with high self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect can make the mistake of treating themselves harshly, which is often completely unnecessary. Sure, we may be the worst judges of ourselves, but we really shouldn't over exaggerate. We must love, respect, and believe in ourselves because only then will we evolve as human beings.
So, if you find that you treat yourself too harshly, question or even criticize yourself, engage in harmful behaviors, and/or neglect yourself, here are five ways to have a healthier relationship with you!
1. Understand your needs
Take time to listen to your needs. What do you want the most right now? Recognizing our needs promotes emotional stability, cultivates security in our relationships with others, and contributes substantially to fulfilling our goals.
2. Eliminate toxic people from your life
To feel good about yourself, you need to remove toxic relationships from your life. Remember that the three concepts mentioned above can be influenced by significant others and our social environment, in general. Therefore, look for people who make you feel better, not people who constantly try to put you down.
3. Focus on what you have, not what you lack
Let's start with the basics - everyone will not get everything they want. This is the way of life, and it's not a problem. The problem is that most people focus only on what they do not have. The illusion of perfection projected through social media (and other media too) is very much responsible for the sense of frustration that afflicts many people and the feeling of jealousy that timidly emerges, putting us in the process of comparing ourselves to others all the time. When this happens, we need to redirect our energy into appreciating everything we have.
4. Stop blaming yourself
Taking responsibility for our actions is indeed very important. However, sometimes we overdo it. Some things are beyond our control, and it makes no sense to try and change them. Let life flow, and do not spend time on things that are not up to you. This way you eliminate the excess stress and have more energy to deal with what you can actually control - your present moment, your goals and aspirations.
5. Accept that not everyone will like you
People want to be liked. However, this may not always be the case, and you need to learn to deal with it. It's a big mistake to change your behavior and alter your personality just to be liked. Pretending to be someone you are not can only hurt you and will result in your relationships with others being based on a very shaky foundation. Love yourself and accept you for who you are.
Published in
Mind
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Friday, 04 March 2022 07:00
What The Carnival Costume You Choose May Reveal About You
Carnival time or Apokries in Greek is at its peak. During these three weeks, it’s customary for children and adults alike to have fun, to party, and to dress up; customs that go back to the festivities in honor of god Dionysus in Ancient Greece.
Carnival is one of the rare chances we get to try something different, something crazy because hey, it’s just for fun. By choosing to put on a mask or a costume we can leave our everyday identities at home and put on a completely new identity; one we don’t own in our daily lives.
Of course, not everyone is up for it. There are those who feel quite uncomfortable dressing up. I personally enjoy Carnival and dressing up. I feel like a little kid, full of energy, free of my daily challenges, and ready to have fun. How about you? Are you among those in favor of dressing up? And if so, what is your favorite costume?
In an unofficial survey that I did with my clients, the costume of Cleopatra came by far first among women. When I asked them why they chose it their initial answer was because they like the outfit and because Cleopatra was a good-looking woman. When we went a bit deeper and started talking about the qualities of her character, my clients said they liked very specific traits such as her leadership qualities, her ability to set limits, her steady focus as well as her grace, beauty, femininity, and confidence. They also liked to get into the role and behave like her. They even admitted that these exact qualities they admired about Cleopatra were the ones they wanted to have more of into their daily lives.
It’s true that uniforms create some psychological transformation even if it’s for a very short time and even if it’s for fun. So, next time you choose your Carnival costume just think about what this may say about your personality.
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Carnival is one of the rare chances we get to try something different, something crazy because hey, it’s just for fun. By choosing to put on a mask or a costume we can leave our everyday identities at home and put on a completely new identity; one we don’t own in our daily lives.
Of course, not everyone is up for it. There are those who feel quite uncomfortable dressing up. I personally enjoy Carnival and dressing up. I feel like a little kid, full of energy, free of my daily challenges, and ready to have fun. How about you? Are you among those in favor of dressing up? And if so, what is your favorite costume?
In an unofficial survey that I did with my clients, the costume of Cleopatra came by far first among women. When I asked them why they chose it their initial answer was because they like the outfit and because Cleopatra was a good-looking woman. When we went a bit deeper and started talking about the qualities of her character, my clients said they liked very specific traits such as her leadership qualities, her ability to set limits, her steady focus as well as her grace, beauty, femininity, and confidence. They also liked to get into the role and behave like her. They even admitted that these exact qualities they admired about Cleopatra were the ones they wanted to have more of into their daily lives.
It’s true that uniforms create some psychological transformation even if it’s for a very short time and even if it’s for fun. So, next time you choose your Carnival costume just think about what this may say about your personality.
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Published in
Mind
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Thursday, 25 April 2024 07:00
Great Seaside Greek Destinations To Visit This Spring
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. When traveling in Greece during spring one can admire nature at its best, get acquainted with the authenticity of the place, away from the crowds of summer, and, of course, enjoy the mild temperatures as opposed to the scorching summer heat.
Let's uncover together 4 destinations by the sea, perfect to visit during the spring months!
Nafpaktos

@mynafpaktos
Let's uncover together 4 destinations by the sea, perfect to visit during the spring months!
Nafpaktos

@mynafpaktos
Once an important Athenian naval station in the Peloponnesian war, the seaside town of Nafpaktos, on the north coast of the Corinth Gulf offers a relaxing atmosphere all year round. It boasts a picturesque harbor teeming with restaurants and cafés. Visit the Venetian Castle and, if the weather permits, explore the nearby beaches of Chiliadou, Monastiraki, and Psani.
Gytheio

@sofiasachouli
Gytheio

@sofiasachouli
The charming harbor town of Gytheio is located on the southern side of Peloponnese and is an ideal spring destination. Hiking around Gytheio and discovering the old footpaths that lead to antique churches, enchanting villages, unspoiled beaches, and marvelous views of the sea is popular among visitors. Once there, make sure to try delicious local specialties at one of the numerous seaside taverns.
Galaxidi

@greekmood2

@greekmood2
Fokida's crown jewel, the gorgeous Galaxidi, is just a short distance from Athens. You will be enchanted by the traditional settlement, which strongly retains its authentic character. Admire the sea, the colorful captain’s houses, and the restored mansions carrying a sense of past grandeur. Agora and Chirolakas, its two natural harbors, are not to be missed as they once served as a naval base.
Spetses

@spetsesisland
The affluent island of Spetses in the Saronic Gulf is without a doubt one of the best spring break destinations in Greece. Romantic and cosmopolitan, you will fall in love with its beautiful beaches and friendly residents. The Museum dedicated to Bouboulina, the fascinating Spetses Museum, and the islet of Spetsopoula are some of the island's main attractions, definitely worth visiting.
Spetses

@spetsesisland
The affluent island of Spetses in the Saronic Gulf is without a doubt one of the best spring break destinations in Greece. Romantic and cosmopolitan, you will fall in love with its beautiful beaches and friendly residents. The Museum dedicated to Bouboulina, the fascinating Spetses Museum, and the islet of Spetsopoula are some of the island's main attractions, definitely worth visiting.
Published in
Travel Greece
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Wednesday, 02 March 2022 07:00
3 Greek Beaches Among The Best In Europe
Greek beaches have a reputation that they are second to none and, once again, the international media put them high on the list of the best beaches in Europe. Conde Nast Traveler distinguished three Greek beaches and invites travelers from all over the world to swim, at least once, in their crystal-clear azure waters.

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada. Credit: @anna.vvagner
Lefkada’s Porto Katsiki beach is the first of three Greek entries on the list. As the article points out, it is a postcard-perfect beach on the south coast of the island, famous for its intense turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Ionian islands.
The second Greek beach on the list is Kleftiko, the most popular beach on Milos island. It's only accessible by boat or on foot. through a hiking path, but it's definitely worth visiting to marvel at its dramatic coastline. Not to mention its iconic volcanic rock formations, ideal for cliff-jumping.

Kleftiko Beach, Milos. Credit: @thetantraveler.

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada. Credit: @anna.vvagner
Lefkada’s Porto Katsiki beach is the first of three Greek entries on the list. As the article points out, it is a postcard-perfect beach on the south coast of the island, famous for its intense turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Ionian islands.
The second Greek beach on the list is Kleftiko, the most popular beach on Milos island. It's only accessible by boat or on foot. through a hiking path, but it's definitely worth visiting to marvel at its dramatic coastline. Not to mention its iconic volcanic rock formations, ideal for cliff-jumping.

Kleftiko Beach, Milos. Credit: @thetantraveler.
Last but not least, the third entry is Seitan Limania in Chania, Crete. Imposingly located on a steep cliff, it's the perfect beach for adventure lovers since you have to walk through rugged dirt roads to get there (or simply take the boat). The reward is a white-pebbled beach with glittering blue waters!

Seitan Limania, Chania, Crete. Credit: @soulrepresentations
Main image: @lefkadaslowguide

Seitan Limania, Chania, Crete. Credit: @soulrepresentations
Main image: @lefkadaslowguide
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 28 February 2022 07:00
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary
Five years have passed since the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in 2017 changed the lives of the residents of Athens and visitors to the Greek capital for the better. From then until today it is a favorite destination for cultural and sports activities but also an ideal entertainment destination for the young and old.
About the SNFCC
The SNFCC is an international, environmentally sustainable public space for expression, culture, and recreation. The creation of the SNFCC was initiated by SNF and executed with an exclusive grant from the Foundation and the cornerstone of the more than $750 million in support SNF has allocated to the project in total. It includes the facilities of the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO), as well as the 40-acre Stavros Niarchos Park.
From the inception of the idea for the creation of the SNFCC through the cultural institution’s fifth anniversary, SNF gave a total of $739 million toward the project through several grants. This amount primarily went to the construction of the SNFCC but also supported operational and programming costs for its first five years, following the commitment SNF made during the delivery of the SNFCC to the Greek state. In addition, SNF’s support has gone to programs for the development of the SNFCC and to infrastructure projects beyond the original design.
The idea for the SNFCC originated in 1998, with SNF’s decision to support the construction of new facilities for the NLG and the GNO. From these disparate plans and with the opportunities offered by the site allocated for the project in the Municipality of Kallithea came an exciting opportunity for a cultural, educational, and environmental “Triple Project.” This would include the new NLG and GNO facilities, as well as the creation of a major urban green space, Stavros Niarchos Park.
Stavros Spyrou Niarchos (Greek: Σταύρος Σπύρου Νιάρχος, 3 July 1909 – 15 April 1996) was a Greek billionaire shipping tycoon. Starting in 1952, he had the world’s biggest supertankers built for his fleet. Propelled by both the Suez Crisis and increasing demand for oil, he and rival Aristotle Onassis became giants in global petroleum shipping.
The video to celebrate its 5th anniversary
On the occasion of this anniversary, a video was created, “My Face” written by Giannis Asteris, directed by Andreas Loukakos, and voiced by Harry Frangoulis. The video also stars Angel Martinez Sanchez, a dancer of the National Opera Ballet. The video was created in collaboration with the National Opera and the National Library of Greece and is in Greek.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
About the SNFCC
The SNFCC is an international, environmentally sustainable public space for expression, culture, and recreation. The creation of the SNFCC was initiated by SNF and executed with an exclusive grant from the Foundation and the cornerstone of the more than $750 million in support SNF has allocated to the project in total. It includes the facilities of the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO), as well as the 40-acre Stavros Niarchos Park.
From the inception of the idea for the creation of the SNFCC through the cultural institution’s fifth anniversary, SNF gave a total of $739 million toward the project through several grants. This amount primarily went to the construction of the SNFCC but also supported operational and programming costs for its first five years, following the commitment SNF made during the delivery of the SNFCC to the Greek state. In addition, SNF’s support has gone to programs for the development of the SNFCC and to infrastructure projects beyond the original design.
The idea for the SNFCC originated in 1998, with SNF’s decision to support the construction of new facilities for the NLG and the GNO. From these disparate plans and with the opportunities offered by the site allocated for the project in the Municipality of Kallithea came an exciting opportunity for a cultural, educational, and environmental “Triple Project.” This would include the new NLG and GNO facilities, as well as the creation of a major urban green space, Stavros Niarchos Park.
Stavros Spyrou Niarchos (Greek: Σταύρος Σπύρου Νιάρχος, 3 July 1909 – 15 April 1996) was a Greek billionaire shipping tycoon. Starting in 1952, he had the world’s biggest supertankers built for his fleet. Propelled by both the Suez Crisis and increasing demand for oil, he and rival Aristotle Onassis became giants in global petroleum shipping.
The video to celebrate its 5th anniversary
On the occasion of this anniversary, a video was created, “My Face” written by Giannis Asteris, directed by Andreas Loukakos, and voiced by Harry Frangoulis. The video also stars Angel Martinez Sanchez, a dancer of the National Opera Ballet. The video was created in collaboration with the National Opera and the National Library of Greece and is in Greek.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Published in
Local News
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Monday, 28 February 2022 07:00
Acheron River: The Mythical Gateway To The Underworld
At the beginning of time, when gods and monsters roamed the earth, the Titans fought the Olympians for control of the Universe. During the ten-year battle, the Titans gained strength by drinking from the Acheron River. Enraged, Zeus cursed the river which, according to Greek mythology, was the gateway to the underworld.
This is only one of the origin stories of the river. In fact, the 52 km-long Acheron River in Epirus, northwest Greece, is far more than the fame it had in mythology.
Teeming with life, the river enchants the visitors with a complex ecosystem of gorges, lakes, and waterfalls. In riverside villages, nature lovers discover wildlife, learn about the local history, and adrenaline junkies can engage in a range of adventure sports.
Many villages have access to the river, but most travelers head to Ammoudia, Mesopotamo, and Gliki. Located 5 kilometers east of Ammoudia, the settlement is the home of the old Acherousia lake, which ancients believed was the entrance to Hades.
Today’s visitors can combine a stop at the nearby ruins with a visit to Ammoudia, where boat trips explore the wetlands along the river, lined with water lilies and trees. About 20 kilometers up from Ammoudia, Gliki is known for its adventure sports and hiking trails. It also combines swimming with rock climbing.
In addition to the many outdoor activities, Acheron supports a habitat that hosts rare and endangered animals and plants, endemic to the area. In the Straits of Glyki, there are endangered birds such as golden eagles, vultures, and Egyptian vultures. In total, the 11,440 acres surrounding the Acheron Straits and wetlands zone are part of the European Commission’s NATURA 2000 network of protected areas.
To read this article in full, please visit:
This is only one of the origin stories of the river. In fact, the 52 km-long Acheron River in Epirus, northwest Greece, is far more than the fame it had in mythology.
Teeming with life, the river enchants the visitors with a complex ecosystem of gorges, lakes, and waterfalls. In riverside villages, nature lovers discover wildlife, learn about the local history, and adrenaline junkies can engage in a range of adventure sports.
Many villages have access to the river, but most travelers head to Ammoudia, Mesopotamo, and Gliki. Located 5 kilometers east of Ammoudia, the settlement is the home of the old Acherousia lake, which ancients believed was the entrance to Hades.
Today’s visitors can combine a stop at the nearby ruins with a visit to Ammoudia, where boat trips explore the wetlands along the river, lined with water lilies and trees. About 20 kilometers up from Ammoudia, Gliki is known for its adventure sports and hiking trails. It also combines swimming with rock climbing.
In addition to the many outdoor activities, Acheron supports a habitat that hosts rare and endangered animals and plants, endemic to the area. In the Straits of Glyki, there are endangered birds such as golden eagles, vultures, and Egyptian vultures. In total, the 11,440 acres surrounding the Acheron Straits and wetlands zone are part of the European Commission’s NATURA 2000 network of protected areas.
To read this article in full, please visit:
greece-is.com
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Monday, 11 April 2022 14:07
Harp Tunes At The Winter Garden Of Hotel GB
Every Friday, indulge in a music journey through the centuries.
Captivating melodies will unveil the beauty and romance and take you to mythical times through the airy, crystalline sounds of the harp accompanied by piano.
Lay back and relax, sip a glass of wine or a premium brandy and follow the Harp Tunes at the Winter Garden within a magical ambience.
Published in
Music
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Tuesday, 22 February 2022 13:36
Greek Maritime Golf Event Returns For Its 8th Edition
Greek Maritime Golf Event, the top golf tournament for the maritime community returns for the 8th year renewing its annual appointment with the Greek and world maritime industry, on September 8-11, 2022, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.
Golf action in 2 new signature courses
The best golf event in Greece and Cyprus, as distinguished at the Sports Marketing Awards 2020, is expected to bring together more than 80 leading executives from the maritime industry forming 20 teams of four. Golfers will have the opportunity to play in the two new 18-hole signature golf courses, designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal at Navarino Hills. The action will take place in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos.
The games
Participants will compete on a team level on Friday, September 9, in the two (2) ball better ball (3/4 hcp) at The Hills Course. Respectively, on Saturday, September 10, they will take part in a shotgun scramble that will take place at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.
Watch the tournament’s teaser video HERE
Distinctions for the top teams
Participating teams will claim the significant prizes for the top three positions in the overall standings; while special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories.
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company and Jotun Hellas are Golden Sponsors.
DNV is the Silver Sponsor.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
Greek Maritime Golf Event, is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.
The tournament will bring together representatives of the Greek and world shipping industry, who will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport, golf, in a completely safe destination, with the necessary approvals of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, taking into account the strict specifications set by the Hellenic Golf Federation and the health & safety conditions that will be valid at that time.
More information about the schedule of this year’s event and the unique moments that golfers will experience during the tournament, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event by Mike Tsolis
Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino #navarinohills
Published in
Local News
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