UNVEILING THE MASK: Who is Lee Han-byeol?

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 6, 2023 11:23 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Han-byeol is one of the artists who manifested that it's never too late to pursue your dreams! In her feature withHarper Bazaar's Korea, she said that she only pursued acting during her late 20s and did not take any courses related to acting for her undergraduate studies.

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Lee Han-byeol (Instagram)

A new face is unveiled in the new original K-drama series on Netflix, "Mask Girl." Even behind the disguise, the rookie actor who appeared for the first time on the TV screen, Lee Han-byeol, made a powerful debut and caught people's attention for her performance in the Korean thriller.

The actress played the role of the first face of the main character, Kim Mo Mi, the woman whose appearance was hidden by a mask. It's time to reveal more about the rookie star behind the mask, so here are nine things about Lee Han-byeol.

• Lee Han-byeol is a Pisces but doesn't want to reveal her MBTI.

Han-byeol is 31 years old and was born in South Korea on March 18, 1992. In her first solo interview on the YouTube channel of Harper's Bazaar Korea, Han-byeol said that she doesn't want to reveal her MBTI, "If I reveal my MBTI, I feel like I'm naked and people know too much about my tendencies," the actress said. 

• The actress competed with 1,000 participants who auditioned for the role of Kim Mo Mi.

During the press conference of Mask Girl, Han-byeol admitted how she was worried about her role. Still, the director, Kim Yong Hoon, made sure to give all the support and gave her a message that she would do well. The director mentioned that Han-byeol was selected out of the 1,000 registered participants. Yong Hoon was impressed by the actress's looks as it matched the character, although it's relatively new in the K-drama scene.

Lee Han-byeol on the set of 'Mask Girl' (Instagram)

• Lee Han-byeol is signed under Ace Factory.

Korean agency Ace Factory represents well-known actors such as Lee Joon Hyuk ("Dark Hole," "365 Repeat the Year," "Stranger"), Yoo Jaemyung ("Itaewon Class"), Lee Joo Young ("Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Itaewon Class") and more!

• She pursued acting in her late 20s.

Han-byeol is one of the artists who manifested that it's never too late to pursue your dreams! In her feature with Harper Bazaar's Korea, she said that she only pursued acting during her late 20s and did not take any courses related to acting for her undergraduate studies. 

• Lee Han-byeol's first lead role was in 'Mask Girl!'

Before landing her lead role in Mask Girl, Han-byeol appeared in short films. Finally, she made her TV acting debut in Mask Girl, portraying the first Kim Mo Mi, who plays an office worker during the day and a cam girl by night.  

• The actress trained with a choreographer from YG Entertainment for her role in 'Mask Girl'

Dance skills are a must to play the role of Kim Mo Mi, and the show's director said that Han-byeol had to take up dance training for it. Han-byeol trained under a choreographer from YG Entertainment, and the actress revealed that it took quite some time for her to get comfortable dancing in a 'sultry' manner. She also said that the 'Dance in the Rhythm' by Kim Wan Sun was the most challenging track to dance to. 

A picture from Lee Han-byeol’s Instagram @lhanbyeol 

• Many people praised the performance of Lee Han-byeol in 'Mask Girl'

People who watched "Mask Girl'' were so impressed when they found out that it was Han-byeol's first TV acting debut. They praised the performance of Han-byeol in the series, especially knowing that it was the actress' debut performance. 

• Lee Han-byeol opened up on encountering hurtful moments because of her appearance and her avoiding Googling "Mask Girl" because of some comments.

Now, more K-dramas discuss the beauty standards of South Korea, which has been an issue for quite some time. Han-byeol said that discussing this topic is not new to her as she encountered unpleasant experiences from people's perceptions of her. In an interview, she said, "I try not to Google Mask Girl too much because some of the comments might be hurtful." 

• She has an eye for photography!

On her official Instagram account (@lhanbyeol), Han-byeol has photos mostly about art, and her bio links to the profile of @vbgstxx, which shows photographs of places around Korea. Behind masks, she has an eye for good details and scenes to show. (Kyla Mari Paulo/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)

Kapuso stars brighten up the country’s biggest festivals in Mindanao

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 6, 2023 10:13 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “We would like to thank all Kapuso from various regions in the Philippines for always inviting GMA Network to their festivals and for giving us the opportunity to share with them the talents of our artists. Kudos as well to all the people behind GMA Regional TV because through their hard work and talent, we are able to continuously spread joy and touch lives in all parts of the country,” said GMA Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

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Kapuso Mall Show of TiktoClock hosts during Davao City's Kadayawan Festival

Excitement and love filled the air during the colorful celebrations of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Higalaay Festival in Cagayan de Oro City, and Tuna Festival in General Santos City as some of the country’s biggest stars graced Mindanao’s largest festivities.

Kapusong Dabawenyos couldn’t help but feel happy and kilig as the stars of the top-rated mystery murder series ‘Royal Blood’  — Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, Lianne Valentin, and Dion Ignacio — flew to Davao City to take part in the fun celebration of Kadayawan Festival. Hearts definitely fluttered as Dingdong, Lianne, and Dion ignited the stage through their entertaining and powerful performances in the Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall, Buhangin, Davao City last Aug. 19.

The next day, Aug. 20, remained extra thrilling and fun as Pokwang, Kuya Kim Atienza, Faith da Silva, Rabiya Mateo, and Jayson Gainza from the hit variety show ‘TiktoClock’ celebrated with all the fans who joined their fun-filled Kapuso Mall Show at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City. Prior to their mall show, the Tiktropa immersed themselves with the locals of Kadayawan Village inside the Magsaysay Park and brought some short but sweet entertainment in front of Davao City Hall.

Kapuso Mall Show of Royal Blood stars during Davao City's Kadayawan Festival

Meanwhile, Kapusong Kagay-anons definitely felt special and loved as the stars of the upcoming drama ‘Love Before Sunrise’ visited their picturesque city to take part in the vibrant celebration of Higalaay Festival. The crowd was mesmerized and fascinated as multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo, together with Sparkle artist Rodjun Cruz, treated them to a Kapuso Mall Show in Ayala Malls Centrio, Cagayan de Oro last Aug. 28.

Bea and Dennis, together with their ‘Love Before Sunrise’ co-star Andrea Torres, also flew to General Santos City last Sept. 1 to take part in Gen San’s Tuna Festival. They sparked joy and painted smiles through a Kapuso Mall Show in KCC Convention and Events Center, KCC Mall, General Santos City.

Kapuso actor Gabby Concepcion likewise graced the opening ceremony of Gen San’s Tuna Festival last Sept. 1. Joining the celebration of elegance, culture, and community at the Mr. & Ms. Gen San 2023 last Sept. 2 at Lagao Gymnasium, General Santos City was Sparkle artist Luke Conde.

Kapuso Mall Show of Love Before Sunrise stars during Gen San's Tuna Festival

“We would like to thank all Kapuso from various regions in the Philippines for always inviting GMA Network to their festivals and for giving us the opportunity to share with them the talents of our artists. Kudos as well to all the people behind GMA Regional TV because through their hard work and talent, we are able to continuously spread joy and touch lives in all parts of the country,” said GMA Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

Watch out as GMA Regional TV brings the hottest Kapuso stars to various regions across the Philippines to take part and to spread good vibes in more festivals and special celebrations.

EXCUSE ME PO! Six revelations about Kapuso broadcaster Mike Enriquez

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 6, 2023 02:03 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Marissa Flores, former Senior Vice President of GMA News and Public Affairs, revealed that when the cameras are off, she dances to the music played on set. However, he would show this side of him on cameras, especially at the end of a newscast.

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Mike Enriquez

Miguel"Miguel" Enriquez, a talented speaker, joined broadcast journalism years ago. A respected journalist in the industry, Mike has established himself with his distinctive voice and commitment to the truth.

Mike provided insightful coverage of significant events, shaping public opinion and highlighting crucial issues.

Last Aug. 29, the veteran broadcaster passed away at age 71 while having dialysis. His wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping-Enriquez, said that Mike’s blood pressure suddenly dropped and his heartbeat stopped.

Let's take a closer look at the life and legacy of the beloved broadcaster, as revealed in the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

 

• Mike was a funny guy
   

Despite reporting difficult and serious topics, the broadcaster also had a funny side. Joel Reyes Zobel, anchorman of DZBB, said that Mike was a serious person sometimes, but he would crack some jokes here and there.  

His wife, Baby, said that the real Mike was different from the one we see on television. Apart from his authoritative voice and serious persona, Baby said that he was a joyful and talkative person. 

Marissa Flores, former Senior Vice President of GMA News and Public Affairs, revealed that when the cameras are off, he dances to the music played on set. However, he would show this side of him on cameras, especially at the end of a newscast.

 

• Mike frequently coughed because of nuts 
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The iconic “Excuse me po!” was actually because of his love for eating nuts. His throat would often get dry because of this choice of snack. Fellow broadcaster Jessica Soho even told him to avoid eating them, but staff members would sneak in some nuts for him to eat.  

It came to a point when he even said “Ilang beses ba kong pwede umubo? Papalagay ko yan sa kontrata ko” when Marissa talked to him. 

 

• His nickname 'Booma' came from comicbook

 

Mike’s friends used to call and tease him “Booma” because of his weight. The nickname came from an elephant in a comic by Mars Ravelo. At first, he would get angry whenever they called him Boooma until he eventually got used to it and it stuck with him even during his career. 

Baby Enriquez (left) and Jessica Soho with Mike Enriquez’s standee (Facebook)

 

• Mike and his wife treated their dogs like their babies

The couple did not have any children, so they considered their pet dogs their children. 

They also had a knack for naming their dogs with Mike’s nicknames. Their brown poodle is named “Booma,” and the white one is named “Mickey.”

“Yung Mickey was his nickname when he was small. 'Yun ang tawag sa kanya nung mga parents niya, grandparents,” Baby said.

[Mickey was his nickname when he was young. It is what his parents and grandparents called him.]
 

• Mike had a very generous heart

 

According to Baby, Mike is a generous person who is always ready to help others without any hesitation. Elgin Feliciano,  a crew member of "Imbestigador," said that Mike helped him financially when he needed surgery for his appendix. 

“Madali siya lapitan. Bukas-palad 'yung pagtulong niya kahit sino ang lumapit sa kanya.” he said. 

[He was approachable. He was generous and helped anyone who came to him.]

Joel also said that Mike comforted him when his dad died, saying that he should not be ashamed to cry. The journalist even told him that “Kapag huminto kang malungkot, parang nakalimutan mo na sila.” [When you stop being sad, it’s like you've forgotten them.]
 

• Mike was a diligent worker

Maan Famador, floor director of Imbestigador and 24 Oras, said that in the span of 22 years, Mike was never absent from work. 

When he was taking a medical leave, he always looked forward to going back to his work. Baby said that the caregivers told her that Mike contacted GMA Network’s chairman and CEO, Atty. Felipe Gozon. Days passed and a letter from Atty. Gozon arrived, stating that “Yes Mike, basta you’re 100 percent sure of yourself that you're healthy and you can do it and your doctors are giving clearance that you can go back to work, you’re welcome.”

Mike has certainly made an impact on the field of journalism in the Philippines. He has inspired many aspiring broadcasters with his unwavering dedication to delivering the truth and fighting for the abused. (Jaff Emielene Conejos/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)

Sommer 2023 war global so heiß wie nie seit Beginn der Wetteraufzeichnungen

Experten rechnen mit weiteren Klimarekorden in den kommenden Jahren

Quelle: dpa/Thomas Warnack

Noch nie waren seit Beginn der Aufzeichnungen drei aufeinander folgende Monate so heiß wie in diesem Jahr. 2023 könnte das heißeste erfasste Jahr werden – ein wichtiges Klimaphänomen baut sich gerade erst auf.

Der Sommer 2023 war global gesehen der mit Abstand heißeste seit Beginn der Aufzeichnungen 1940. Das teilte der EU-Klimawandeldienst Copernicus am Mittwoch für die drei Monate Juni bis August mit. Die Durchschnittstemperatur habe in dem Zeitraum bei 16,77 Grad und damit 0,66 Grad über dem Durchschnitt gelegen, noch einmal deutlich höher als im bisherigen Rekordjahr 2019 mit 16,48 Grad.

„Die globalen Temperaturrekorde purzeln 2023 weiter“, sagte Copernicus-Vizedirektorin Samantha Burgess. „Der wärmste August folgt auf den wärmsten Juli und Juni und führt zum wärmsten borealen Sommer in unserem Datensatz, der bis 1940 reicht.“ Es habe in den vergangenen Monaten zudem rekordverdächtig hohe Anomalien der Meeresoberflächentemperatur im Nordatlantik und im globalen Ozean gegeben, hieß es weiter.

Das bisherige Jahr (Januar bis August) sei das zweitwärmste in den Aufzeichnungen nach 2016, als es ein starkes wärmendes El-Niño-Ereignis gab. Derzeit baut sich das Klimaphänomen erneut auf – was Klimaexperten mit Sorge auf die kommende Zeit blicken lässt.

„Unser Klima implodiert schneller, als wir mit extremen Wetterereignissen, die jeden Winkel des Planeten treffen, fertig werden können“, erklärte UN-Generalsekretär Antonio Guterres zu den Copernicus-Daten. Er forderte die Staats- und Regierungschefs zum Handeln auf. „Wir können das schlimmste Klimachaos immer noch verhindern – und wir haben keinen Moment zu verlieren.“

„Die wissenschaftlichen Beweise sind überwältigend“, sagte Copernicus-Vizedirektorin Burgess. „Wir werden weiterhin Klimarekorde sowie intensivere und häufigere extreme Wetterereignisse sehen, die sich auf Gesellschaft und Ökosysteme auswirken, bis wir aufhören, Treibhausgase auszustoßen.“ Das Jahr 2023 liege derzeit nur 0,01 Grad hinter dem aktuellen Rekordhalter 2016.

Lioness

 

By Charity Staness D. Padilla

A female lion. "The queen of the beasts. As I was making this portrait, I was thinking of my mother.

Yes, there is a lion, the so-called "King of the jungle". However, the lioness is the only one who can dominate him especially during play.

Silent personality, maybe, but in one roar the King highly respects her and bows down.  She is one good responsible "Mama", who takes good care of her cubs and protects them with her life.

Those were my thoughts.

Chary Padz

Charity Staness D. Padilla

CSP 777

Ein weiblicher Löwe. „Die Königin der Tiere. Als ich dieses Porträt machte, dachte ich an meine Mutter.

Ja, es gibt einen Löwen, den sogenannten „König des Dschungels“. Allerdings ist die Löwin die Einzige, die ihn vor allem im Spiel dominieren kann.

Vielleicht eine stille Persönlichkeit, aber mit einem einzigen Gebrüll würdigt der König sie und verbeugt sich vor ihr. Sie ist eine verantwortungsbewusste „Mama“, die sich gut um ihre Jungen kümmert und sie mit ihrem Leben beschützt.

DepEd sets 30-day straight break for teachers this school year

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Sep 5, 2023 06:11 PM

  

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In time for the National Teacher’s Month, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Sept. 5, promised that teachers will have a 30-day straight break without volunteer work for the School Year 2023-2024.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte delivers her speech during the National Teacher’s Month kick-off at the Bohol Wisdom School in Tagbilaran City. (Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

The official said this in a speech for the National Teacher’s Month kick-off at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.

Duterte shared that End of School Year rites were already included in the official school calendar.

“We made sure that in this year’s school calendar, teachers will have 30 straight days of rest during the break without any DepEd activity that requires volunteer work,” she added.

“All activities with voluntary participation is scheduled after the said 30-day break.”

The Department of Education (DepEd), which she heads in a concurrent capacity, will release a memorandum to school heads and regional directors regarding the break. 

Duterte also vowed that DepEd will look into alleviating the teachers’ financial burdens by reorganizing administrative tasks and addressing issues in loans.

With the help of key government agencies, the official hoped to soon unburden teachers and allow them to focus on the students’ learning.

“The Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda is not just a slogan. It is our roadmap to institutionalizing reforms within the department. This includes the protection of your rights and the promotion of your welfare,” she told teachers.

Noting that several school teachers “are overly stressed about their financial insecurities,” Duterte stressed that DepEd is working together with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Civil Service Commission, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to help teachers with their loans, administrative responsibilities, and training.

“We are looking to address your concerns over accrued interests or arrears of your loans,” the official revealed.

She also underscored the need to let teachers focus on the students’ learning without the burden of doing administrative duties. 

“Soon, you will be relieved of the administrative responsibilities that prevent you from focusing on enhancing our students' learning,” she furthered, sharing that the DBM already approved the additional positions for 3,500 administrative officers and 1,500 project development officers.

“Still, there's more to come. With the vetted guidelines by both DBM and the Civil Service Commission, we are requesting a higher allocation for teaching overload pay,” Duterte said.

But to provide more opportunities for teachers to grow in their careers, the Vice President focused on DepEd’s “initiatives for in-service teachers and the continuous professional development programs.”

“We have always placed immense value on continuous learning, not just for our students but for our educators,” she said.

“As we move towards a more resilient basic education sector, trainings on blended learning and tools to integrate technology in the classroom will ensure our educators are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.”

While the official knows that there is no monetary value to their contributions to the country, Duterte said the Marcos administration is “committed to recognizing and compensating our teachers for their invaluable contributions.”

Building on Einstein’s work, Filipina physicist discovers uncommon subatomic particles

Filipina physicist discovers uncommon subatomic particles

BY RHOWEN DEL ROSARIO

Sep 5, 2023 09:03 PM

  

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A brilliant Filipina physicist, Dr. Gennevieve Macam, along with other researchers, made an outstanding contribution to the field of Science by discovering a special class of subatomic particles known as Weyl fermions.
 

(Photo credit to UPD)

These particles can be described using concepts from the "Theory of Relativity" by no less than one of history's greatest and most influential minds --- Albert Einstein.

Dr. Gennevieve Macam of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP) and other researchers were looking into Weyl fermions — these are exotic subatomic particles that are comparable to electrons with the absence of mass.

"Our work shows how Einstein's equations can be adapted to describe quantum materials," Macam said.

In their study, the group discovered that by applying Einstein's views on causality, they could understand the behavior of these particles, though slightly different from electrons.

Weyl fermions were first proposed by German physicist Hermann Weyl in 1929. As a result of their charged but massless nature, their existence was only confirmed nearly a century later, in the year 2015.

"This paves the way to a better understanding of how the strange quantum world and our everyday reality are intertwined," Macam explained. 

The said study was co-authored by Prof. Guoqing Chang of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and his researchers. 

Joanna Ampil, Aicelle Santos among star performers at CCP's 54th anniversary gala

Aicelle Santos and Joanna Ampil are among the performers at the upcoming 54th anniversary gala of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on September 9 and 10, 2023.

Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) marks its 54th year, and it celebrates this milestone with an anniversary gala dubbed "Anywhere We Sing Is Home" at the Samsung Performing Arts Center on September 9, 8 p.m. and September 10, 3 p.m.

Despite the closure of its Main Building, the relocation of its offices and changes in leadership and systems, the CCP finds every reason to celebrate Filipino artistry and creativity, pay tribute to Filipino artists and bring their creativity to a greater audience. Since it was founded in 1969, CCP has served as the leading institution for arts and culture in the Philippines and is recognized globally for promoting artistic excellence.

There is no better venue to show it than in its forthcoming anniversary gala, where the CCP breaks boundaries and embraces what is uniquely Filipino. 

Directed by Floy Quintos, "Anywhere We Sing Is Home: The 54th Anniversary Gala" features artists who made their mark in both the local and international performing arts scene — Joanna Ampil, Aicelle Santos-Zambrano, Gerald Santos, Sheila Francisco, Gab Pangilinan, Reb Atadero and Arman Ferrer — performing with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Toma Cayabyab.

The concert celebrates all Filipino artists who embody grit, perseverance, adaptability and resilience that has enabled them to excel on wherever stage they perform. Highlighting the Filipino talents’ artistic journey, reflecting their triumphs and even failures, the concert highlights the fact that wherever in the world Filipino artists perform, they make that stage their own home.

As CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo puts it: “There’s the edifice, which is a landmark and icon in itself. But there is also the CCP, the entity that forges new directions, discovers and nurtures new Filipino artists, and promotes Philippine arts and culture beyond the complex. The CCP is more than the structures where performances happen. Anywhere there are artists passionately practicing their craft, anywhere there is an audience willing to watch and experience the arts, anywhere Filipino people can engage in art-making and performing, anywhere we sing is home.”

Under the music direction of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, the artists will perform well-loved Filipino music, Broadway and classical songs such as "Iisa ang Tibok" from "Rama Hari," "American Dream" from "Miss Saigon," "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" from "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Awit ni Isagani."

Tickets are available at Ticketworld. For group discounts and other inquiries, email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

Are you an overthinker?

Here are three tips for overthinkers

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Sep 4, 2023 07:15 PM

  

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Overthinking is both an important strength and a frustrating weakness. 
Former clinical psychologist and researcher-turned-writer Alice Boyes, Ph.D, the author of The Anxiety Toolkit and The Healthy Mind Toolkit, highlighted the significance of acknowledging the advantages of thinking deeply and being able to dial it back whenever necessary. 

“You may desire to retain the benefits of thoughtfulness while eliminating the self-defeating aspects,” she said. “This will give you maximum flexibility, lower stress, and best results.” 

Boyes, whose body of work focuses on how others can use diverse strategies from social, clinical, and positive psychology studies in their everyday lives and romantic relationships, likewise reiterated that over-scrutinizing is not the sole path to success. 

MASTER YOUR MIND Dr. Alice Boyes, the author of The Anxiety Toolkit and The Healthy Mind Toolkit

“Sometimes it is enough to recognize that you currently do not overthink every decision, and that can work out fine, and even well,” she added. “You can begin to see yourself as someone who sometimes overthinks, but not always.” 

In support of Boyes, the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) encouraged the general public to apply three practical solutions to address overanalyzing:

Execute once, then optimize
When faced with a new task or situation, accomplish it with basic thinking. Only amend or develop your approach in subsequent times. This course leads to quicker judgments. It allows you to learn more through experience instead of delays. 

Put your thoughts in a suitcase
Anxiety warns you to be more cautious of potential threats. Trying to stop these thoughts will only amplify them. While your worries cannot be silenced, you can put them in a suitcase. Carry them around but do not interact with them. This creates sufficient psychological distance from apprehensions and enables you to make more skillful choices and actions.

 

Embrace both impulsive and deliberate decisions
You may have experienced engaging in meta-cognition or “thinking about thinking.” Use this for your gain. Ponder on the decisions you have resolved that resulted in affirmative outcomes. Sometimes, the best ones are the results of exhaustive research and accurate perceptions. But this is not always the case.