Tips & Tricks Archives | The Rakstar

TV Series or Movies?

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 18:56:17 +0000

Rakstars, what do you prefer? TV Series or Movies?

TV Series are a beautiful extended version of a story that brings the pace to a realistic period of life (most of the time anyways). We become so attached to the characters, watch their growth and struggle, that we become their best friend. We root for our loved characters and are so engrossed within the story that we forget about real life. When the seasons all come to an end and it’s the series finale – that’s when we cry. Like a long term relationship.

A TV series uncovers the ups and down, evolution of characters and gasping plot twists with emotions so deep, we are heavily invested. Our commitment to each episode increases our loyalty and we mature as adults. Our emotions grow stronger, anticipating the next episode and sharing joy and heartbreak through this long term relationship.

Movies are well-versed condensed versions and provide a wonderful story all within good time. It’s quick, it’s fast, it’s what we like. We don’t want to miss a scene because if we do, we miss out. We are attached to it for as long as we can be. Gluing our eyes to the screen, every second of the way only to find out our suspicions were right all along or sometimes we don’t even see it coming; it was the best friend. (Drop the mic!) What? It happened all so fast and now we are just thinking what the heck? Like a short term fling.

A movie is like a passionate fling where it captures our attention for a brief amount of time but yet it is so excitingly intense that it gives us the thrill of powerful emotions running on a rollercoaster ride but then once it ends, it ends. We crave instant gratification but once we say our goodbye’s, it’s all over, like summer. A movie is for those who seek the escape and a brief encounter like a short term fling leaving a lasting impression.

Rakstars, what do you gravitate towards: A long term relationship or a short term fling? I mean, a TV series or a Movie? These entertainments reflect our emotional capacity and our desires as humans. Do you yearn for the long road of steadiness, compatible and evolving connection or do you seek the thrill of immediate brief passion? Whatever you choose, it’s up to you. One thing is for sure, the world of entertainment captures our romance in us all.

: Photo by Anastasiya Lobanovskaya

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Commitment Issues?

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 18:45:06 +0000

How do you know if you have Commitment Issues?

Hey Rakstars,

Do you have commitment issues? Like IRL?

Do you or people around you have commitment issues?
Do you find yourself within the first 10 minutes changing the show because it doesn’t interest you only to find yourself going back to it?
Are you bored easily, is that why you can’t commit to a movie theater because you already paid for one movie but you have all the options at your fingertips with Netflix?

How do you know? Well, let’s just say what do you prefer: Movie Theatre or Subscription Services (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc)?

You enter the movie theater, pass through the buttery popcorn that mesmerizes in the air and as you stand in the line, the anticipation of choosing the right movie becomes a crucial task. What do you choose to watch? A romance drama or a gripping horror film? As you step closer and closer to the front of the ticket line, the pressure increases.

When you walk into the movie hall, after you pay for the movie you chose, you watch it. Sounds simple, right. But there’s no turning back – you have now committed to this movie like a blind date. The stakes are high! But what happens ten minutes into the movie, you are itching at the end of the seat, bored and unimpressed. What happens then, you can’t surf the remote nor can you just get up and leave? Do you commit to staying and watching the movie? Or do you prefer to get up and leave? Maybe, if that’s your option. If you can’t commit to a movie, maybe you have commitment issues. It could be a possibility?

Now Rakstars, let’s just say that you are at home, on a Subscription service like Netflix, you scroll through the numerous options, picking the choice that grabs your attention like a dancing buffet. You can sample as much as you want or little as you please, but through a buffet of entertainment, you’re in your seat like a still balloon. Finally, you select the movie you want to watch and if in the first ten minutes, it doesn’t please you to the tea, then, you are most likely to change it? Or since you had started it, do you plan to finish what you started? But for those with commitment issues, they make a quick exit to the home page having a painless escape. With subscription services, comfort grows and at last they can pause and play and sample another buffet item.

Which do you gravitate towards: Movie theaters or Subscription Video On Demand Services? Did your choice have to do with your commitment issues?

If you picked Movie Theatres, then you are all in. You can handle the commitment. You have the willpower and tenacity to finish what you started. As well, you love the immersive experience of being indulged with a big screen sticking till the credits appear. Even though you have the choice to get up and leave, the stakes are high – the cost of the movie ticket. If you are willing to leave, then you know that you can make a choice without any fear.

If you picked Subscription Video On Demand Services, then you are comfortable with predictability and you often change your mind. You like a multitude of options. You have the desire to enjoy change and don’t want to waste time. Even though you have the choice to finish what you started and stay till the end of the movie, you have the option to fast forward and move on to the next one. You are not fearful of trying new things.

Whichever one you chose, depends on you – but it’s a good test to see if friends, partners or family members have commitment issues. Next time, you want to test a companion commitment issue – put on a movie – one that you know they won’t adore.

See how long they last. Can they commit?

: Photo by Davide De Giovanni

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Youtube or Gym Membership?

The Rakstar — Sun, 12 May 2024 18:14:15 +0000

Have you been consistent with YouTube workouts or do you find your gym membership more like a depreciating asset?

Do you often say, “I will start tomorrow, Monday, if anything?”

Are you savaged for time?

Need to be motivated to workout and get that routine going?

Fear not, you’re in for a treat. (Well, not literally – since you are working out you probably want to say clear of all that junk food treats, but healthy treats are awesome. We love smart sweets.

A fitness journey is fun, yet exhilarating but in a world of digital technology, there is no excuse. You can opt for Youtube workouts in the comfort of your pajamas or if that’s not your fuel – you can commit to a gym membership. The real question is not really Youtube Workout or Gym Membership – the real question is are you committed to being consistent?

Motivation is something that needs to be practiced on a daily basis just like sipping your tea. It’s so easily frustrating when we don’t feel like doing something because in the long run, we are harming ourselves. Fitness, Exercise, Yoga, getting off the chair – whatever you like to call it, is so important for our health that we must move our muscles, pump our heart and prevent diseases.

Youtube Workouts

These workouts are awesome, especially when you are on a budget or you are just getting started. You have an endless array of fitness workouts right at your fingertip which mostly don’t even require machines. This convenience can help you get started straight away – no excuses, no payment plan – just you in your gym clothes, moving your body.

Gym Membership

This is when you are committed. Yes, you put down your money, you have made the commitment to workout, so now you have to do it. There is no other reason not to workout. The building is fancy, you are surrounded by like minded individuals who place fitness as a priority, have access to professional equipment, classes and a motivating atmosphere.

Do Motivation

Listen, we get it, not everyone can afford a membership. Youtube workouts provide a perfect jump start. Get your routine down, stay committed and find your groove – whether you enjoy yoga, pilates, HIIT training, Zumba, you name it – it’s there. But remember, the only way to workout is to stay consistent.

Set up a routine – specific days and times for your workout – plan ahead making it a priority.
Change it up – nobody said to repeat the same song over and over again unless it’s a Taylor Swift song – am I right? So, your fitness routine shouldn’t be boring either – mix it up – try different intensities, alternate between cardio, strength and zumba. Have fun!
Fitness Buddy – you don’t have to do it alone! Find a workout buddy who can help you add accountability and friendship at the same time. Ask friends, family, co-workers you don’t hate and make the experience exciting.

KEEP Motivated

Realistic Goals are essential in any workout – you know if you just started working out – you ain’t going to have an incline of 10 on the treadmill. News flash! You are not a superhero fitness ninja. Make sure your goals are achievable – this is how you can stay motivated.
Keep a log to document your progress. When you see how far you have come along – these improvements in your strengths, endurance and flexibility reinforces that motivation.
Treat Yourself: As mentioned earlier, a healthy treat if you want, but you can also reward yourself by going to the mall and getting that thing you had your eye on. Rewarding yourself motivates you to keep on doing what you are doing! You never know at this rate, you may just have purchased a new closet full of goodies. Who said working out was that bad?
Remind Yourself: Keep constant reminders to yourself that you are doing the right thing. Working out can help increase your energy, relieve your stress and improve your mood. These are just one of the few benefits but as you remind yourself about it, it will motivate you.

Rakstars, whether you chose Youtube Workouts or a Gym Membership – make sure you are willing to stay committed. Stay focused on your goals and experiment with different workouts and celebrate your wins along the way. Get ready to tie your shoes and let your fitness be joyful and empowerful. Rakstars, you can do this!

: Photo by Karolina Grabowska

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