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The desire to keep one’s youth and vitality by defying the natural ageing process is not a recent phenomenon. While it may not be as old as the hills, it probably spans the existence of humankind. This Peter Pan-like urge to stop the march of time has long been the subject of popular culture. In the 1959 horror film The Man Who Could Cheat Death, a centenarian artist and scientist in 1890 Paris maintains his youth and health by transplanting parathyroid glands from the necks of the living. Another film, Orlando (1992), based on the Virginia Woolf novel, depicts a nobleman’s struggles to find his place in the world after being ordered not to grow old by Queen Elizabeth I.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cognitive concerns</h3>



The subject of age has dominated the US presidential election campaign, with both Joe Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 77, accused of being too old for the job. Critics point to the inevitability of age-related mental decline and forgetfulness, and attribute their gaffes, such as getting names mixed up, to their advanced years. Some analysts have suggested this is unfair, given the enormous pressure they are under and the constant scrutiny they are subjected to. In these circumstances, occasional misspeaking is to be expected.



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80825 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Laura-Germine2_p.jpg 1121w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">




<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80824" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Joshua-Hartshorne_p-800x1000.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
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Furthermore, the science of ageing is uncertain. Research in cognitive function by Joshua Hartshorne of Boston College and Laura Germine from the McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry suggests it is no myth that wisdom increases with age. Older people tend to have the ability to see the big picture better than their youthful counterparts, though not necessarily the capability to recall specific facts instantly. The former skill is essential for a politician – a greater grasp of the wider historical context of world events would enable more informed decision-making. On the flip side, some studies have shown that tasks involving short-term memory decline from as early as 20 years old. To add to the complicated picture, arithmetic and comprehension skills, plus vocabulary, are thought to keep improving until 50, then decline thereafter.



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80823 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jay-Olshansky_p.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois believes the two main contenders’ well-to-do backgrounds and family history of longevity work in their favour in terms of the ageing process and their expected lifespan.
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An article published in The Hill in January states that both Biden and Trump have higher than average expected chances for men of their age of surviving another presidential term. Olshansky also opines that some of Biden’s gaffes have been blown out of proportion. For instance, when he was captured falling off his bike in June 2022, many deemed it a sign of his physical decline and poor balance. However, a closer examination of the circumstances indicated that he had caught his foot in the pedal strap, something anyone could do. The pertinent point here is that Biden, then aged 79, was comfortably able to ride a bike in the first place – not that he got his foot caught.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Survival of the fittest</h3>



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Some people are chasing the anti-ageing dream far beyond the normal advice to reduce their weight, exercise and sleep more, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who made a fortune selling his electronics payments company Braintree to PayPal, reportedly spends US$2 million a year attempting to stop the biological clock. 
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="960" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nutritious-food.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80826 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nutritious-food.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nutritious-food-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nutritious-food-200x250.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>



An all-over skin laser treatment is said to have reduced the 46-year-old’s skin age by 22 years, and he is known to observe a vigorous daily exercise routine and a strict plant-based diet including eating a kilogram of vegetables before 11 am, his usual dinnertime. He also consumes some 100 tablets a day, including the diabetes drug metformin and the immunosuppressant rapamycin, both hailed by longevity enthusiasts as ‘miracle’ anti-ageing pills.



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Described as the most measured man in the world, Johnson’s biological and chronological age are continually tracked and monitored. His aim is to reverse his measured biological age by more than one year for every one year that passes – the first stage of longevity escape velocity in which life expectancy increases faster than time passes.



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Confident his tortuous routine is paying dividends, he describes how he has near undetectable levels of inflammation, perfect blood pressure for his demographic, the ideal range of vitamin C, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, 1GF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and a DHEA-S hormone level of someone aged 27. Just as impressively, in a series of physical tests, he scored equivalent to the top 10% to 25% of 18-year-olds.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Supplement strides</h3>



Johnson is now selling a basic version of his Blueprint protocol – described on his website as ‘The Most Nutritious Program in History’ – to those interested in adopting what he considers to be the perfect diet for the body. The idea that caloric restriction can significantly extend lifespan as long as all the necessary nutrients are ingested via minerals and vitamins is not new. It was advocated by the late Roy Walford, a professor of pathology at the University of California, among others, and their findings helped spawn the plethora of mineral supplements on the market.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80827" width="410" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roy-Walford_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" /></figure></div>


Though their life-extending capacity for humans is open to question, some supplements are generating considerable interest. Taurine, an amino acid, was recently found to extend the lifespan of mice by 10%, as well as boosting a whole range of functions in the middle-aged rodents including muscle strength, endurance, coordination and insulin sensitivity. A major study in the journal Science published last year linked lower taurine levels to age-related problems, noting that blood levels of taurine in elderly humans are 80% lower than they were when they were younger. The attention such revelations generated has made taurine a popular dietary supplement among the legion of alternatives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Counter evolutionary?</h3>



Extreme do-it-yourself lifespan extension, however, goes against the grain of evolution, which is more interested in reproduction rather than longevity. It is thought that increased lifespan comes at the cost of reduced fertility. Our bodies contain trillions of cells that will ultimately need rejuvenation or renewal – something which is incredibly difficult to overcome as evolution has little interest in keeping the repair system going.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner-820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80828" width="410" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/William-Shatner.jpg 1026w" sizes="(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" /></figure></div>


So perhaps we should turn to the original Star Trek actor, William Shatner, who is now in his early 90s, for advice on staying young. He told Newsmax: “Say yes to the opportunity life is offering. Say yes to life, yes to dinner, yes to going out, and yes to something new.”

The Elixir of Life: In the modern quest for eternal youth, the path is more medical science than myth

New and even more sophisticated smartwatches are dazzling consumers with their technical wizardry and life-enhancing features. Some luxury brands have upped their product offering to higher levels of functionality and quality to capture the needs – in real-time – of today’s active and demanding watch lovers.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70764 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Montblanc-Summit-3-tiles_p-1-e1680862390523.jpg" alt="smartwatches" width="768" height="678">
Take Montblanc, which continues its smart watchmaking evolution with the introduction of the Montblanc Summit 3. This latest iteration of the Maison’s smartwatch is an expression of elevated luxury with a handcrafted lightweight titanium watch case and configurable watch face inspired by Montblanc’s heritage in watchmaking paired with handmade calf leather and rubber straps.
The Montblanc Summit 3 incorporates a personal health suite on its owner’s wrist, including step tracking, sleep monitoring of the different sleep phases, and blood oxygen measurement. The fitness app has evolved its offering with a variety of workouts that can be tracked to maximise their impact over time. Powered with Wear OS by Google, the new Montblanc smartwatch can be enhanced with the addition of all the apps necessary to meet the needs of its owner.
Signalling its intent as another major Swiss player in smartwatches, TAG Heuer expands its offer to all committed athletes with the Connected Calibre E4 Sport Edition 45mm. Thanks to new functions as well as a redesigned strap, this smart timepiece can monitor any sporting activity with an even wider range of data.
It is boosted by the launch of a new “Trail &amp; Hiking” application for runners and hikers who love the mountains and going higher and further than anyone else. Taking advantage of the barometer, the new activities feature will add to the watch’s multisport offering, enriching it even further. Changing the main metric to Altitude Gained allows the user to monitor their efforts during the session.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70757 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Apple-Watch-Ultra-Orange-Alpine-Loop-Wayfinder-face-220907_p-e1680862593841.jpg" alt="smartwatches" width="768" height="637">
Apple Watch Ultra stakes its smartwatch leader claim anew with the introduction of novel three bands — Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band — offering unique design features that provide a secure, comfortable fit for every adventure. Made from aerospace-grade titanium, Apple Watch Ultra provides the perfect balance of weight, durability and corrosion resistance. The new Action button in aerospace-style high-contrast international orange is easily customised for instant access to a variety of features, including Workouts, Compass Waypoints, Backtrack and more.
Apple Watch Ultra has three built-in microphones that significantly improve sound quality in voice calls during any conditions.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70762 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Samsung-Serie-5-3-007_product_galaxy_watch5_silver_40mm_front_HI_p-e1680862731959.jpg" alt="smartwatches" width="768" height="442">
Turning to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch5 series boasts comprehensive health monitoring features and is built with durable materials to accompany users in all kinds of daily activities and keep tabs on their energetic lifestyle. With the Galaxy Buds2 Pro in synch, exceptional sound quality, combined with enhanced active noise cancellation, assure an unparalleled listening experience that starts at the wrist.
The watch series offers a variety of smart monitoring functions to help users exercise, maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage health conditions easily. The Body Composition measurement tool sends microcurrents to get a detailed snapshot in just 15 seconds, with key measurements like skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water and body fat percentage, allowing accurate track of fitness progress and personalised exercise goals.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70763 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TICWATCH_p1-e1680862804644.jpg" alt="smartwatches" width="750" height="750">
With a range of features to support your physical health to mental health, Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 empowers your workouts both outdoors and indoors, up to the mountains, and down into the swimming pool. There are 100+ workout modes and the watch itself is around 30% lighter and reinforced with stainless steel.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70759 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/michaelkors2_p-e1680862907205.jpg" alt="smartwatches" width="500" height="527">
The Michael Kors Access Gen 6 comes equipped with a range of high-tech features – think Bluetooth-enabled calling, Spotify functionality so you can listen to your favourite tunes as you work out, and a heart rate and activity tracker. All their smartwatches are compatible with iPhone technology as well as Android so there is no need to worry about downloading anything new.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70758 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GARMIN_p-e1680863019721.jpg" alt="smartwatches" width="500" height="516">
Jetting in from Garmin, the Marq Aviator (Gen 2) is a purpose-built luxury modern tool watch which features a hardened swept-wing titanium bracelet, a stunning AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls and a 46mm case made of Grade 5 titanium for an ultradurable design. Designed for pilots, it can give weather reports and has a barometric altimeter among a host of other amazing tools. The jetlag adviser proves handy once on the ground.
(Text: Neil Dolby)

Great, new and innovative smartwatches for the smart consumer

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70056 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/woman-coloring-antistress-page-female-hand-painti-2022-11-09-10-17-11-utc-e1677211399994.jpg" alt="therapeutic effects of colouring" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/woman-coloring-antistress-page-female-hand-painti-2022-11-09-10-17-11-utc-e1677211399994.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/woman-coloring-antistress-page-female-hand-painti-2022-11-09-10-17-11-utc-e1677211399994-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/woman-coloring-antistress-page-female-hand-painti-2022-11-09-10-17-11-utc-e1677211399994-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
Forget your time as a child, but as a grown-up have you ever bought a colouring book or downloaded an app and shaded on them? If not, you may want to get started on it. After all, there must be a reason why there are so many colouring books in the market.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70058 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1.jpg" alt="therapeutic effects of colouring" width="762" height="277" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1.jpg 762w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1-200x73.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1-600x218.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1-650x236.jpg 650w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1-120x44.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1-500x182.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/colouring-books-amazon-1-400x145.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 762px) 100vw, 762px" />
So, we did some reading and spoke to experts to understand why a lot of people have been drawn into the practice of colouring during their free time.&nbsp;
Turns out, the therapeutic effects of colouring are many compared to a lot of other activities.&nbsp;
When colouring, people tend to concentrate on it thus freeing their minds from anything that can be stressful or makes them anxious. Individuals also enjoy a sense of satisfaction because the end results are usually beautiful pieces of art.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/de-stress-impress/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">De-Stress to Impress</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70057 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shot-of-a-young-woman-using-coloring-pens-while-dr-2022-09-14-00-34-49-utc-e1677211735969.jpg" alt="therapeutic effects of colouring" width="768" height="513" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shot-of-a-young-woman-using-coloring-pens-while-dr-2022-09-14-00-34-49-utc-e1677211735969.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shot-of-a-young-woman-using-coloring-pens-while-dr-2022-09-14-00-34-49-utc-e1677211735969-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shot-of-a-young-woman-using-coloring-pens-while-dr-2022-09-14-00-34-49-utc-e1677211735969-600x401.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
Many studies have also been conducted on the topic.
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2017.1376505" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One such research</a> is the ‘Sharpen your pencils: Preliminary evidence that adult colouring reduces depressive symptoms and anxiety’ conducted by a group of psychologists in 2017.&nbsp;
For this, nearly 120 female college students from the University of Otago were divided into two groups. One group was asked to colour for some 15 minutes every day, and the other was tasked with puzzles for the same duration.
The final results showed that the women who were assigned the colouring had shown more decrease in depression and anxiety levels compared to the ones who did the puzzles. Adding to it, the first batch had an increase in mindfulness in comparison to the latter.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70055 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mindfulness-coloring-mindfulness-practice-of-payi-2021-09-03-07-00-20-utc-e1677211456736.jpg" alt="therapeutic effects of colouring" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mindfulness-coloring-mindfulness-practice-of-payi-2021-09-03-07-00-20-utc-e1677211456736.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mindfulness-coloring-mindfulness-practice-of-payi-2021-09-03-07-00-20-utc-e1677211456736-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mindfulness-coloring-mindfulness-practice-of-payi-2021-09-03-07-00-20-utc-e1677211456736-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
In fact, one study conducted on a small group of individuals in 2022 even showed that colouring reduced people’s anxiety more than drawing on plain paper.&nbsp;
By way of explanation, colouring before going to bed, instead of mindlessly scrolling the phone, can assure a good sleep.
Other than the therapeutic effects of colouring on our brains, it also improves concentration and brain connectivity.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70059 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/delighted-aged-woman-having-art-therapy-in-worksho-2021-12-09-05-04-37-utc-e1677211935217.jpg" alt="therapeutic effects of colouring" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/delighted-aged-woman-having-art-therapy-in-worksho-2021-12-09-05-04-37-utc-e1677211935217.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/delighted-aged-woman-having-art-therapy-in-worksho-2021-12-09-05-04-37-utc-e1677211935217-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/delighted-aged-woman-having-art-therapy-in-worksho-2021-12-09-05-04-37-utc-e1677211935217-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
With colouring being relaxing, there is a common misconception that it can be considered art therapy. Professor Rainbow Tin Hung Ho who is the Director of the Master of Expressive Arts Therapy Program at The University of Hong Kong explains that they are different.&nbsp;
Art therapy should always involve an experienced therapist who will assess a person’s thoughts and feelings after the patient has finished their artwork. Some psychotherapists keep the conversation going even when the individual is colouring.&nbsp;
Simply put, despite the therapeutic effects of colouring, it is just one of the steps in art therapy.&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/music-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Music Therapy: What is music therapy and who exactly does it benefit?</a>
(Text: Renuka Kennedy)

The Therapeutic Effects Of Colouring – Why It Is Many Adults’ Favourite Way Of Relaxing?

While a long happy life is the blessing everyone craves, all too often an unhealthy lifestyle ensures this is one dream never likely to come true. One lifestyle-related illness that has reached almost epidemic proportions over recent years is diabetes, an ailment that has spiked on a global basis over the last 20 years. Indeed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than two million deaths were directly attributable to diabetes in 2019 alone.
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A chronic condition, diabetes is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce a sufficient level of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. These subsequently raised sugar levels damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to possible kidney or heart failure and the general deterioration of many bodily functions.
Type 2 is the most common form, a non-inherited variant that accounts for 95% of all diabetes cases. Often triggered by obesity or an inactive lifestyle, there are a number of steps you can take to avoid succumbing to the condition or minimising its impact if you already&nbsp;have it. As the lack of a strenuous exercise regime and poor diet choices are the two biggest risk factors, minimising your susceptibility is a relatively straightforward process.
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Take an exercise break 
It should go without saying that the benefits accruing from regular exercise are so widespread and so profound that it is all but impossible to list them all. When it comes to warding off diabetes, though, strenuous activity can both help you maintain a healthy weight and see any excess blood sugar used to maintain energy levels. A number of studies have also shown that those who exercise on a daily basis have heightened insulin sensitivity, a condition that makes their cells more efficient when it comes to managing blood sugar levels.
Perhaps reassuringly, in order to be effective, any workout doesn’t have to be intense; it just has to be regular. In line with this, many health experts now advocate brief “exercise breaks” as the best way to avoid the damage wrought by a sedentary lifestyle. In simple terms, this should see you avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time, with getting up and flexing your limbs recommended as the perfect way of punctuating any extended sedentary session. Adding such activities as swimming, hiking, brisk walking or dancing into your weekly routine will also pay dividends.
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Sleep well 
Getting less than seven or eight hours of sleep a night can slow down your bodily functions and affect your ability to make routine decisions, while also causing stress and making you feel lethargic or anxious. Lack of sleep can also play havoc with your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, putting you at risk of developing diabetes at a relatively early age.
When the body doesn’t get enough rest, it often tries to compensate by stimulating the appetite, with an unhealthy gain in weight the likely consequence. Sleep deprivation also tends to disrupt hormone activity, which can, in turn, lead to raised cortisol levels, a condition that adversely affects the body’s natural capacity to manage blood sugar levels.
In order to avoid this, it is advisable to adopt an effective sleeping routine, one that optimises both the quality and quantity of your nocturnal downtime. A simple approach to this is to relax your mind and dispense with all distractions before settling down to sleep while making your bedroom an oasis of quiet and calm.
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Carbohydrates and fibre 
Consciously planning your meals and ensuring the required intake of essential nutrients on a daily basis can help reduce your susceptibility to a variety of diseases. In the case of diabetes,&nbsp;maintaining an appropriate level of carbohydrate consumption is important as it plays a key role in maintaining blood sugar levels as it is broken down into glucose, which is then stored as an energy resource. A diet disproportionately carb-heavy, however, may disrupt insulin production, resulting in unhealthy high blood sugar levels.
In order to counter this, prioritise foods with a low glycaemic index (a measure of how quickly carbs are broken down and absorbed by your body) such as oats, beans or barley. It is also advisable to increase your fibre intake as this helps maintain glucose levels by restricting the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream, with soluble fibres the most effective when it comes to countering the effects of a high-carb diet. Also ensure that fruit, vegetables and whole grains form part of your daily diet as they are rich in fibre and help regulate digestion.
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Chromium, magnesium and vitamins 
Diabetes can often be caused by micronutrient&nbsp;deficiencies, which are typically the legacy of a poor or badly balanced diet. Overall, it is a deficiency of minerals such as chromium or magnesium that are most commonly associated with high glucose levels.
Chromium plays an essential role in the treatment and prevention of diabetes as it promotes the metabolisation of carbohydrates and fats, while magnesium boosts protein synthesis and sustains much of the body’s muscular and nerve functionality. A deficiency in both nutrients has also been linked to insulin resistance, one of the core syndromes underlying the onset of diabetes.
When it comes to regulating diabetes and even preventing its onset, Vitamins C, D, E, B6 and B12 all have vital roles to play. While Vitamin C suppresses sorbitol (a harmful sugar that can trigger such diabetic complications as retinopathy, neuropathy and kidney damage), D and E promote insulin sensitivity and blood oxygenation. For their part, B6 and B12 help treat diabetic neuropathy,&nbsp;the damage done to the nervous system by overly-concentrated sugar levels.
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Stay hydrated 
Among the many benefits of drinking water is a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing diabetes. This is because keeping your body hydrated helps it to effectively dispel any excess sugar, while also suppressing the urge to binge on unhealthy food.
High glucose levels can also cause dehydration, with maintaining a high level of water intake is the best way to avoid any such risk. Such a routine can also help prevent blood sugar levels from becoming too concentrated, which can act as another gateway to diabetes. For those at high risk (as well as those already diagnosed with diabetes), it is best to avoid soft drinks and soda altogether in favour of water or unsweetened green tea.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68662 aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/vitamins-2022-08-01-04-49-40-utc.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525">
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(Text: Zaira Abbas)

Diabeating- Avoid being one of the two million people who die from diabetes

In times of challenges, Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW), together&nbsp;with Gafencu and De Beers, worked together to interview several&nbsp;influential women who can inspire us to shine bright, no matter how dark&nbsp;the shadows sometimes seem. We believe that the strength of a&nbsp;woman&#8217;s spirit is as resilient as that of a natural diamond itself, born&nbsp;through hard work and under intense pressure.
<figure id="attachment_68021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68021" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68021 size-full" title="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle alison chan el azar" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68021" class="wp-caption-text">Alison Chan El Azar wears Portraits of Nature by De Beers High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alison Chan El Azar</a> 
HK Influencer
Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but&nbsp;she knows that she can do something big, something&nbsp;important. She is always working to be a better version&nbsp;of herself &#8211; just like a natural diamond &#8211; when it&#8217;s&nbsp;polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it&nbsp;will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_68020" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68020" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68020 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang-owen Thirty30 creative" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68020" class="wp-caption-text">Victoria Tang-Owen wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria&nbsp;Tang-Owen</a> 
Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio
Victoria understands that “starting a business is tough,&nbsp;especially being a women-owned business. It takes&nbsp;courage and discipline.” I like the touch and feel of&nbsp;rough diamonds, understated yet powerful. Just like in&nbsp;life, some things do not have to be polished or perfect.&nbsp;
Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_68019" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68019" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68019 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68019" class="wp-caption-text">Ruth Chao wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruth Chao</a> 
Founder of RCS
&#8220;We are what we think. We become what we do. Creating&nbsp;for businesses with positive impact and meaningful&nbsp;causes is what fuels my fire of creativity.&#8221; The strength of&nbsp;Ruth is like the stunning diamond jewellery she is&nbsp;wearing &#8211; rare, finite, and extremely difficult to find.&#8221;
Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_68022" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68022" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68022 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle diana chou" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68022" class="wp-caption-text">Diana Chou wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Portraits of Nature High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/">Diana Chou</a> 
Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)
Diana Chou, the founder and Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group, (DGA), has over time been a strong leader and mentor for up and coming female entrepreneurs.&nbsp;“When you see a natural diamond, you don’t know its brilliance until you have to shape it, polish it, before it will shine. This is just like a woman going through life, and they need to be polished before they can shine”.
Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond

The -ber months are knocking at the door&nbsp;harbinger the beautiful transition of nature seasonal changes.&nbsp;While evergreens transform from fresh greens to rustic oranges and deep reds, the&nbsp;cooler weather calls for more comfortable spaces to lounge in, prompting our inner creative sides to elevate our abodes to reflect the beautiful autumn landscapes. Here are 5 home décor ideas to spruce up your spaces with a warmer and enchanting ambiance.&nbsp;
1. Light up your home with candles
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68009 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shashi-chaturvedula-HgXMSInWpOM-unsplash-e1664511140887.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shashi-chaturvedula-HgXMSInWpOM-unsplash-e1664511140887.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shashi-chaturvedula-HgXMSInWpOM-unsplash-e1664511140887-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shashi-chaturvedula-HgXMSInWpOM-unsplash-e1664511140887-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Candles are a fantastic decorative element, they can complement your existing décor when placed in front or on side of paintings, vases, lamps or sculptures creating magical shadows and silhouettes. Dress up your home by adding a variety of candles on shelves and mantle pieces. You can place them on tall candle stands of different heights or in glass lanterns to give a more vintage vibe. Scented candles with flavours of maple leaves, clove, cinnamon, apple or lavender are perfect to make your home even smell like autumn.&nbsp;
2. Celebrate the changing colors
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="504" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-68011" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fall-Living-Room-750x504.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fall-Living-Room-750x504.jpg 750w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fall-Living-Room-750x504-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fall-Living-Room-750x504-600x403.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> 
Adding more warm colors to your space will instantly create an autumnal theme. Fluff up some orange, red and dark brown pillows for your bedroom and cushions for your living room. Choose blankets and throws of similar colors to drape over your sofas, couches or carpets. These will serve as accessories to your existing furniture without you having to make big changes and replacing your current possessions.
3. Follow up the fall foliage
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-68070" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare.png" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Website-Horizontal-Autumn-skincare-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /> 
When you think of autumn you can’t help but think of leaves, either fallen or dancing in the breeze. To give the home a touch of fall ambiance, place decorative plants around the room, leaves in bowls or perennial planter boxes in corners on the wall or sitting atop window sills. Common Ivy, Hydrangea, cactus, maple and oxalis and excellent choices are great choices for indoor plants that will last longer through the autumn season.&nbsp;
4.&nbsp;Hang in some vines, wreaths and fairy lights.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68012 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/annie-spratt-rYuZ6WdEX_8-unsplash-e1664511173235.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/annie-spratt-rYuZ6WdEX_8-unsplash-e1664511173235.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/annie-spratt-rYuZ6WdEX_8-unsplash-e1664511173235-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/annie-spratt-rYuZ6WdEX_8-unsplash-e1664511173235-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
If you find plants to be high maintenance, you can use artificial vines and wreathes made up of flowers, leaves, pines and pumpkins to decorate your walls, doors and curtains. You can use them in combination with fairy lights that can light them up giving a festive feel and warmth.&nbsp; Bookshelves look more appealing with fairy lights and vines, making your reading corner into a dreamy cozy space to find comfort in.
5. Adding warmth to outdoor spaces
<figure id="attachment_68016" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68016" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68016 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon.png" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/zzue-creations-Summertime-Oasis-Barlow-Tyries-new-collection-of-outdoor-furniture-cocoon-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68016" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of Zzue Creation</figcaption></figure>
Just because it&#8217;s cooler out, doesn&#8217;t mean you have to keep from the outside. Give your outdoor spaces some love by furnishing it will autumn tones and rustic textures to add some warmth and cosiness to your balcony, terraces and patio. Woven textures like rattan are a good choice, such as Barlow Tyrie’s “Cocoon”&nbsp;seating system,&nbsp;from its 2022 outdoor collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its strong aluminum frame and soft plush cushions come in a set of 2 deep seated armchairs and a 3-seater sofa, available at <a href="https://zzuecreation.com/">Zzue Creation</a>,&nbsp;provides the perfectly comfortable gathering spot on a breezy autumn evening.
6. Pump it up with Pumpkins
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68013 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/randi-wilson-86JeNqrU5hE-unsplash-e1664511247725.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/randi-wilson-86JeNqrU5hE-unsplash-e1664511247725.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/randi-wilson-86JeNqrU5hE-unsplash-e1664511247725-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/randi-wilson-86JeNqrU5hE-unsplash-e1664511247725-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Pumpkins often go hand-in-hand with the autumn season. And with Halloween just around the corner, what better way to enrich your living space with the many&nbsp; colours and variety this auburn squash can offer. Real or faux, pumpkins can be used as dining table centerpieces, and decorative ornaments on kitchen. Pumpkin scents also adds a romantic touch to the space thanks to its&nbsp;sweet and spice scent. Scented candles from <a href="https://www.diptyqueparis.com/en_us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diptyque </a>and <a href="https://www.franciskurkdjian.com/int-en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maison Francis Kurkdijian</a> perfects these aromas very well.
&nbsp;
(Text: Zaira Abbas)

7 Home Décor Ideas to Follow this Autumn

Diana Chou is the founder and chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA) while Anna Wong and Ines Gafi are founders of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide <a href="https://www.thefewgroup.com/">(FEW)</a>. Diana also sits on the board of directors of FEW from the early years and she&nbsp;always shared with them that&nbsp;sometimes we&nbsp; need to experience&nbsp;setbacks in order to learn and grow &#8211; it&#8217;s&nbsp;like a caterpillar that undergoes a&nbsp;transformational process to become a&nbsp;butterfly. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-68136" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-600x382.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-400x255.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Anna: “Diana is a wonderful mentor&nbsp;because she shares her life, experiences,&nbsp;and struggles. She let me see how she&nbsp;manages the ups and downs in her life.&nbsp;She invites me to her business meetings&nbsp;and friends gatherings. She let me see&nbsp;how she runs things.&#8221;
Ines: &#8220;Diana is a great inspiration, as she&nbsp;inspires us to pay it forward and mentor&nbsp;other younger women. And we are&nbsp;constantly looking for more great&nbsp;business and corporate leaders to&nbsp;mentor our members.&#8221; 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-68135" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-600x382.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-400x255.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds</a>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor</h3>
<ol>
<li>Do not look like a helpless and miserable young woman.</li>
<li>Dress &#8220;one level up&#8221; &#8211; if you are just a manager, you could dress like a future director in the office; If you&#8217;re an entrepreneur, please dress&nbsp;like a successful entrepreneur.</li>
<li>Show them that you have the talent to do it through your work ethic&nbsp;and achievements.</li>
<li>Sell your passion and bring in positive energy to people&#8217;s life.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Demonstrate you&#8217;re doing something to drive a positive impact in&nbsp;society, as they want to give back to the society too.</li>
<li>Be genuine. You get to truly love the people you’re with. Try not to&nbsp;make friends with people because of their status or money.</li>
<li>Invite them to a coffee meeting. Tell them sincerely about what you&nbsp;admire about them and want to learn from them.</li>
<li>Join platforms like FEW or other business associations based on&nbsp;your needs.</li>
<li>Say thank you or send a gift for their guidance and trust in you.</li>
<li>No need to rush into any relationship. You also need to know that&nbsp;if you can work and communicate well with the person who’s goingto help guide you.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alison Chan El Azar, Hong Kong Influencer</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS</a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle diana chao 600x337

10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor

<figure id="attachment_68023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68023" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68023" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68023" class="wp-caption-text">Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS, wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">“I&#8217;m fascinated by depth, creativity, love”</h3>
</blockquote>
The turning points that created the life I have Today:
<ul>
<li>When I quixotically applied to the art department of British Vogue 13 years 
ago that kickstarted my creative career.</li>
<li>When I co-founded my first company with Antonia Li at the age of 25 that 
began my entrepreneurial path.</li>
<li>When I founded my second company at the age of 30 to keep building the 
creative dream.</li>
<li>Each turning point in my life stemmed from moments of courage.</li>
</ul>
3 practical ways I improved my confidence:
<ul>
<li>Choose to believe in the positive.</li>
<li>Trust in the process.</li>
<li>Let myself to just simply be.</li>
</ul>
Top 3 things I do to motivate myself
<ul>
<li>Appreciate the past.</li>
<li>Daydream about the future.</li>
<li>Enjoy the present.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds</a>
&nbsp;
Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alison Chan El Azar, Hong Kong Influencer</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diana Chou, Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle ruth chao 600x337

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond- Ruth Chao

<figure id="attachment_68026" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68026" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68026" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang owen" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68026" class="wp-caption-text">Victoria Tang-Owen,&nbsp;Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio, wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">“I adapt very easily. I can be comfortable in any sort 
of situation you put me into”</h3>
</blockquote>
Two important men in my life&#8230;
<ul>
<li>I was working for my father and&nbsp;was always overshadowed by him,&nbsp;and not allowed to cry in front of&nbsp;him. He said: &#8220;Excuses are just&nbsp;excuses. Fix it. Face it.&#8221; I had to&nbsp;constantly prove my creative&nbsp;output to him. All of&nbsp; these make&nbsp;me stronger Today.</li>
<li>My husband is left-brained,&nbsp;strategic and business-minded — a great planner. We complement&nbsp;each other so well in each single&nbsp;aspect, which is beautiful.</li>
</ul>
Starting a business is tough, how I did it..
<ul>
<li>Have a genuine passion for what&nbsp;you do, not falling into habits of&nbsp;working simply to work.</li>
<li>Commit to it 100%. If you don&#8217;t&nbsp;believe in it, no one does. Stand on&nbsp;your own feet.</li>
<li>Find the right partner and people for&nbsp;you to work and surround yourself.</li>
<li>“You are what you give, not what&nbsp;you are given&#8221; is what I was told in&nbsp;my early adult life.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds 
</a>
&nbsp;
Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alison Chan El Azar, Hong Kong Influencer</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diana Chou, Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</a></li>
</ul>

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle victoria owen tang 600x337

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond-  Victoria Tang-Owen

<figure id="attachment_68025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68025" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68025 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle alison chan el azar" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68025" class="wp-caption-text">Hong Kong Influencer Alison Chan El Azar wears Portraits of Nature by De Beers High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">“I&#8217;m adventurous, determined, and spontaneous”</h3>
Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but she knows that she can do something big, something important. She is always working to be a better version of herself &#8211; just like a natural diamond &#8211; when it&#8217;s polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.</blockquote>
My Struggles:
<ul>
<li>I was feeling dark and lost in my&nbsp;teenage years, as my parents got&nbsp;divorced&#8230;</li>
<li>Thinking how to transition to the&nbsp;next chapter in my life and conquer&nbsp;the fears.</li>
<li>Give up other aspects of my life for&nbsp;being a full-time mom and my kids.</li>
<li>Who am I outside of mom, outside&nbsp;of my kids?</li>
</ul>
How I conquer my hard times:
<ul>
<li>It’s okay to feel lost and have doubt&nbsp;in certain stages of your life.</li>
<li>Waking up every day feeling&nbsp;motivated is just unrealistic. Do not&nbsp;pretend everything is alright.</li>
<li>You don&#8217;t need to be perfect or a&nbsp;billionaire.</li>
<li>It’s all about accepting where&nbsp;you’re at.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Exercise and be grateful.</li>
</ul>
What I&#8217;m looking&nbsp;for now:
<ul>
<li>I believe I can do something.</li>
<li>I look for something on the side besides being a mom.</li>
<li>I want to live a happy and simple life with purpose.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds</a>
&nbsp;
Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS</a></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diana Chou, Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</a></li>
</ul>

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle alison chan el azar 600x337

Tag: lifestyle