Posts del May, 2020

Secrets of the North of Chile: Climate, Tourism and Astronomy

When observing the map of Chile, we can immediately notice that it is a long and thin country. However, Chile has 16 regions and 4 of them belong to the northern end of the country. Arica and Parinacota, Atacama, Tarapacá, and Coquimbo keep valuable secrets of astronomy, as well as vegetation and resources that the territory generously offers.

It is Divided in Subzones

The cities of the northern end of Chile are divided in subzones known as ‘Norte Chico’ (Small North) ‘Norte Grande’ (Big North). On the one hand, Norte Grande encompasses the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta and the north of Atacama. They’re all known for their desert climate.

On the other hand, the Norte Chico subzone includes the region of Atacama, Coquimbo and part of the north of Valparaíso. The climate in these areas is semi-arid.

Tourist Spots in the North of Chile

Chile is a country that offers different types of tourist experiences. In the case of the north, its beaches, the Atacama Desert, and the Andean plateaus are some of the favorite tourist spots.

You can explore the Atacama Desert by bike, enjoy the incredible beaches in Iquique and La Serena, or get lost in Lauca National Park, which is located 4,500 meters above sea level and stands out due to its surrounding volcanoes.

In Iquique you can enjoy the colorful dance show that is part of the Tirana, an iconic festivity that celebrates the customs and traditions of the north.

Astronomy: A Must in the North of Chile

Wherever you are, you’ll be able to enjoy a starry sky at its best. The north of Chile is recognized to have one of the cleanest skies worldwide, especially in the Atacama Desert. Due to this, the area has been chosen as the perfect scenario of study for scientists and astronomers from all over the world.

What most people don’t know is that during certain days, the observatories are open to anyone who’s interested in visiting them. Among them, you can find Cerro Tololo in the Coquimbo region, La Silla Observatory in the Atacama region, and ALMA in Antofagasta.

Chile, a Source of Energy

Did you know that northern Chile has the biggest solar incidence in the world, particularly the Atacama Desert? (Source: Generadoras de Chile).

The northern area has developed successful projects of Solar Power Energy. Moreover, the Coquimbo region is recognized due to its wind power park. Nowadays, the north of Chile is an incredible source of renewable energy.

Remember #dreamtodayandexperienceitlater

4 Tips to Control Anxiety at Home

Anxiety is something that everyone can experience in their daily life. In these situations, we can be consumed by different worries and fears, even more so in the context of the current quarantine which forces us to stay home. It is important to learn to control these feelings so they do not overcome us physically and mentally.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a state that almost everyone may experience, some in an unconscious way and at different levels. This state is triggered by everyday concerns that may generate stress, like school, work, family, etc.

Anxiety provokes a feeling of fear and anguish, which can be permanent. In some cases, anxiety can lead to panic attacks.

How do I know if I Have Symptoms of Anxiety?

Symptoms can be varied, and they range from fear, sweating, anguish, to finding trouble breathing or fear of dying. These can be accompanied by chest pain and heart palpitations.

The experience of anxiety is different for everyone, but if we start feeling anxious about a particular situation is good to learn how to keep it under control.

How Can I Control my Anxiety?

Remember that this feeling can be something that experience occasionally throughout your life, that is to say, it’s temporary and you can add certain activities to your routine to feel better. However, if you think that your anxiety is persistent, with symptoms that intensify, it’s good to talk to a specialist.

Here we give you some tips to keep your anxiety under control:

  1. Exercise

If by being at home, you feel limited when it comes to clearing your mind, an excellent aid for that is exercising so you can release endorphins.

Look for tutorials on YouTube or Instagram, make up a routine, use some of the equipment you have at home and start exercising in the way that’s most comfortable for you. Maybe an online Yoga class or a dance class might help you get you out of your routine.

  1. Distract Yourself

Distraction is essential when controlling anxiety. When we start feeling anxious we make the mistake of holding on to our negative thoughts when what we should do is stopping them.

Negative thoughts create a feeling of anguish, which can increase if we don’t stop those ideas by ourselves. What you have to do is to concentrate on other things, think about happy moments in your life, look for photos of places that give you peace, listen to music, cook, etc.

It’s very important and it’s completely up to you to change your focus immediately and fill your mind with thoughts that can generate happiness or calmness.

  1. Relax

Try meditating in your room every morning or during the day if it’s necessary. Do some breathing exercises as well, this will help you calm your mind and your body.

If you don’t know where to start and you’ve never meditated before, look for a tutorial online. Or, simply, press play on a song that brings you peace and start breathing with your eyes closed.

  1. Try Some Natural Solutions

Chamomile and Melissa tea are key to help the body relax. Prepare an infusion, look for a place in your home that’s comfortable and enjoy this natural medicine and you’ll be able to see how your body enters a state of tranquility and calmness.

Music for Studying and Concentration

Studying is a process for which we need to stay as focused as possible. If we also take into consideration the fact that it is something we have to do at home and online, we’re also exposed to other distracting factors. That is why some music can be of great help to relax and concentrate.

Today, you can choose among different music platforms like YouTube or Spotify, which are some of the most popular ones. There you can find playlist to work, relaxing music, music for studying, etc.

Now, it is important that you find the genre or style that suits your studying habits better, so you can fully concentrate.

Why Should You Study with Music?

  1. It helps your concentration.
  2. When you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine. What is that? It’s a hormone that regulates memory and it’s beneficial for cognitive processes.
  3. Music allows you to relax, which helps you manage the anxiety that comes from studying or working.

What Kind of Music Should I Listen to When Studying?

You can find different playlists for studying. Music for working, relaxing music, instrumental music, etc. There are many varieties to choose from, however, you’re free to listen what’s best suited to your taste and feelings.

Maybe you can listen to rock or cumbia, or maybe you prefer music that’s quieter or just instrumental. Everything will depend on what makes you feel more comfortable.

Music recommendations on YouTube or Spotify

If Spotify is your preferred platform, we recommend the following playlists:

  • Instrumental music
  • Nature music
  • Music for studying
  • Piano playlist
  • Vibes playlist
  • Chill playlist

On the other hand, if you prefer listening to music on YouTube, here are some links that might interest you: