Married Thursday, tracksuit Saturdays. That appears to be the very relaxed wardrobe convention Justin Bieber has embraced following the tabloid speculations of his secret wedding to Hailey Baldwin.

The 24-year-old pop star reportedly married his 21-year-old fiancee late last week in a secret civil ceremony, just a month after he proposed to his girlfriend of not-very-long. But honestly, who cares about all that?

Bieber was spotted over the weekend in New York rocking a wild tie dye tracksuit by Nike and paired with Nike x Off-White Blazer Mid sneakers. The look was interesting to say the least and far from subtle – but we are talking about Justin Bieber here.

The hoodie and sweatpants feature striking floral patterns in shades of violet, pink, blue and orange whilst Bieber ironically tried to shield himself from the paparazzi. Baldwin meanwhile was a bit more conventional in her wedding weekend wardrobe choice with a black leather jacket.

If this is how Bieber presents after a civil ceremony, we can’t wait to see what he shows up in for his actual wedding. Check out the gallery to see else is a serial tracksuit offender.

RELATED: Lewis Hamilton Is Proving That You Can Wear Whatever The F*ck You Want In New York City

The post Justin Bieber Rocked The Wildest Tracksuit On His Wedding Weekend appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There is nothing better than when your eyes fill with sweat. Lying on your back, gasping for breath, utterly exhausted. “Mission accomplished,” exclaims your personal trainer.There is however, a slight misconception that this is what fitness needs to be and it’s how we achieve the body of our dreams. If you’re a career professional who balances career with wellbeing, your training programming needs to evolve past the old ‘flog and log’ model we constantly see.

Athletes vs Regular Trainers

Athletes and those professionally fit, such as personal trainers and models, have lifestyle priorities that maximise return on their physical performance. Priorities dictate that time be spent on adequate nutrition, rest, mobility and rehabilitation work – all choices geared to enable a high physical output.For many that inundate social media, they are also in their physical peak, that is, the 18-30-year-old group. Those that are fit as a professional have different priorities and commitments than those of the corporate professional.As a young gent, competition and physicality is built into our DNA. However, as a young corporate professional, striving to earn more and improve one’s trained abilities, our competitive focus and lifestyle priorities change.

Trappings Of A Corporate Routine

Mental performance day-in-day-out within an office environment, coupled with social lives, means rest, rehab and nutrition often take a back seat to the economics of the office.Changing our focus from a physical to a mental performance means we need to change the way we see our exercise regime.Due to the nature of a career lifestyle, be it sitting for 10-plus hours a day, late nights working, social drinking, chronic stress, or skipping meals for meetings, our body reacts differently to exercise.We don’t recover as quickly. We get tighter through the hips, back and shoulders and our cells use energy differently.

Health Dangers

Inevitably professionals must manage an array of degenerative effects caused by office life.Limited time in the gym, sedentary tightness through hips, back and shoulders, sub-par nutrition and less time spent on rehabilitation from training means the training we are doing is having a much more profound physiological effect, exhausting our bodies.Failing to match training habits to office life will end in injury or burn out. Commonly we see asymmetry as the biggest cause of injury. Habits such as talking to a colleague on one side, or sitting cross legged tightens the body in one direction.Trying to lift more with ineffective mobilisation of tight muscles and activation of weak muscles will sacrifice technique and eventually lead to injury.Further, constantly pushing to get it done at 100% leads to coping or numbing mechanisms which are usually detrimental to our goals, pushing us backward. This could be a sign of gym addiction.

A Smarter Solution

Now whilst the large majority of overweight professionals need to harden up and train more, those of us that do enough activity already, need to listen to our bodies and match our training to how we’re feeling. If you’re feeling tight, do mobility work.If you’re feeling tired do something routine and less intense. If you’re feeling good then work on your weaknesses and then lift the intensity.Train within your means and train as a means to improve your health.Jordan Ponder is the founder of Paramount Recreation Club and Transform Health in Sydney, Australia. Transform Health has been created to inspire habitual health and improve performance. Contact Jordan to arrange a nutrition, fitness and lifestyle consultation.

The post How Personal Trainers Can Actually Kill Your Fitness appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Every man is born with some degree of competition in their blood but the one place this primal trait should never rear its ugly head? Post-breakup.It happens quite often when a couple calls it quits only to be engaged in a petty display of who can move on quicker or appear happier to the world. The act of blowing up social media with constant updates of how awesome you are without an ex whilst stalking them to track their “progress” is called a ‘Breakup Competition’ and the only people who care are the ones engaged in it.For your friends, colleagues and acquaintances on social media, they all get to enjoy a free episode of The Bold & The Beautiful which they never ask for.Don’t be that guy. Here are the expert-backed reasons why you should never compete with your ex.

It Will Make You Miserable

Let’s get this straight. This is one competition you can’t win even if you think you’re winning. Chris Manak who is one of Melbourne’s leading dating and lifestyle coaches says that it’s also a sign that you’re clearly not over an ex if you’re still competing with them.“Even if you think in a way you want to get over her, you’re still thinking of her.”

Your Behaviour Is Obvious To Others

Most people aren’t fools and can tell when you’re going out of your way to make an ex jealous. Given that most post-breakup competition happens on social media, your game is at the mercy of everyone including friends of the ex.If your goal is to make the other party jealous then its safe to say there’ll also be collateral where your reputation as a mature alpha male could be compromised amongst your peers or worse, a potential future date.“If you bring it into conversation all the time, the [new] person you’re with will be aware that you’re trying to get over your ex,” says Manak. “No one wants to be the rebound girl or guy.”

It’s Time Consuming & Expensive

An often overlooked fact of going head-to-head with an ex is the damage it can do on your wallet. Think about it.You’re constantly going out on dates and spending money on a new person whom you probably don’t know too well or like just for that hot Instagram photo. The price of jealously is not free, my friend. And it’s also mentally draining since you’re trying to curate a social media profile you don’t actually live.As Manak quite frankly puts it: “If you’re trying to compete with the ex, you’re still playing in the kiddie pool and squirming in the shit.”

A Man’s Path To Progress

According to the experts, men generally have more scope for personal growth after a breakup than women. It may appear misogynistic at first, but Manak explains that it’s not so much about that.“If a girl goes through a breakup, she can go out and pickup within minutes,” he says.“She can have other options within minutes whereas men don’t really have that option. Our only option is to become a more attractive person. [That’s why] men tend to do better after breakups whereas I see more women repeating mistakes.”In other words, focus on yourself rather than a replacement ASAP. It’s good for you which leads us onto…

The Solution

It doesn’t take rocket science to come to the conclusion that a man should focus on his own growth after a period of heartbreak. Thinking of getting over someone still means you’re thinking of that person but rest assure, a breakup is the number one catalyst for growth and change.Manak firmly believes that every good thing in life will come after a breakup. Men should therefore brush aside the painful memories for a second and ask things like: Where do I want to be in five years? Or what do I want to do with my life?Every man comes to this same cross road after a failed relationship and comes to two options: Crash and burn or use it as leverage to something even better.“If you go through a breakup and do shit, in a year’s time you’re going to look back going, ‘what the hell man? Why was I so cut up about that?’ You need to leverage that pain and frustration into something else.”Doing ‘shit’ can extend to anything from getting a new job you actually like to travelling the world to getting fit, healthy and attractive. Personal growth attracts the right partner and this is the only way a man should handle a breakup with class.“Look at areas of your life that’s not working for you and use that frustration to make some changes. Or just be a pussy and complain about it.”If an ex respects you enough in the end and you haven’t made a fool of yourself, they’ll make a genuine effort and reach out. It’s then your job to figure out what their intention is and whether or not that suits your needs.RELATED: How To Successfully Ask Out The Girl Of Your Dreams

The post Competing With Your Ex Is The Biggest Mistake A Man Can Make appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There’s only so much of a city’s character you can experience by crossing landmarks off a guidebook’s to-do list. For a deeper look at what makes a town tick, an exploration of its underbelly is a must. The world’s red light districts are colourful, exhilarating, exquisitely sordid, and irresistibly tempting to a certain kind of traveller.

From the free-for-all alleys of Bangkok, to the red-lit and well-regulated laneways of Amsterdam, the sex industry has made an indelible mark on some of the planet’s most popular destinations. If you’re ready to take the plunge in these international erotic playgrounds – or just want to observe as a curious spectator – here are seven of the world’s best red light districts.

De Wallen | Amsterdam, Netherlands

As the most notorious red light district in the world, Amsterdam’s De Wallen sets the bar astronomically high. It’s not only shockingly beautiful, thanks to its tree-lined canals and gabled houses, it’s also surprisingly safe. Government regulation keeps the area as clean and pure as a neighbourhood dedicated to sex could possibly be. Though Amsterdam has made efforts to clean up its image, De Wallen’s red-lit rooms, sex shops, and peep shows have captured the imaginations of generations of visitors.

VIEW OR BOOK FLIGHTS

Kabukichō | Tokyo, Japan

Japan is well known for its eccentricities (some more charming than others), and its biggest red light district is no exception. Kabukichō, located in central Tokyo, caters more to locals than foreigners. The clubs embrace all of Japan’s peculiar tastes, from hostess bars, to themed love hotels, to naked karaoke, to rentable sex dolls. Paid sex is technically illegal, but anything – anything – else goes under the neon lights of Kabukichō.

VIEW OR BOOK FLIGHTS

Reeperbahn | Hamburg, Germany

The Reeperbahn has the distinction of being both Hamburg’s red light district and one of its top two nightlife neighbourhoods. Parts of the area are packed with restaurants, night clubs, bars, and theatres. Elsewhere, strip clubs, sex shops, and a sex museum dominate the scene. The most hardcore action happens on the Herbertstraße, where prostitutes entice prospective customers from behind windows. The street is partitioned off so as not to offend minors and those with delicate sensibilities.

VIEW OR BOOK FLIGHTS

Patpong | Bangkok, Thailand

Many a real life Wolf Pack have tested their mettle in Patpong, one of Bangkok’s two world-famous red light districts. The area was once a banana plantation before an influx of American troops in the 1960s drove up the desire for ‘entertainments’ of a salacious variety. Today every stereotype you’ve heard about in Thailand can be found in Patpong – go-go girls, ladyboy cabarets, ping pong shows, massage parlours, and stalls selling the full spectrum of sex toys and enhancements line the neighbourhood’s two streets.

VIEW OR BOOK FLIGHTS

Pigalle | Paris, France

For a more high-brow take on the red light district, head to Paris. The city’s Pigalle neighbourhood is home to the Moulin Rouge, which features full dinner service and a show that’s titillating without being obscene. Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec all lived or worked in the area, adding an extra touch of culture to Paris’ centre of sleaze. More x-rated adventures await in Pigalle’s sex shops, strip clubs, peep shows, and erotic museum.

VIEW OR BOOK FLIGHTS

Zona Norte | Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana’s nightlife of all varieties is well-known, but none of the city’s entertainment offerings is more legendary than its adult industry. Zona Norte is home to Adelitas, which is not only the biggest brothel in Tijuana, but also the largest and oldest brothel in North America. TJ is a “tolerance zone,” meaning prostitution is legal and the clubs must conform to health regulations. In addition to established brothels, prostitutes called paraditas advertise on the streets and have become part of Tijuana’s cultural history.

VIEW OR BOOK FLIGHTS

Villa Tinto | Antwerp, Belgium

Even a country known for its world-class waffles and chocolates has a seedier side. Then again, it’s almost hard to called Antwerp’s red light district “seedy.” The Schipperskwartier is a three-block tolerance zone that offers a tasteful, tidy, and civilised way to indulge your baser nature. Its crown jewel is Villa Tinto, a brothel that has been dubbed “Europe’s most high-tech bordello.” Amongst its amenities are safes to store cash, a biometric scanner to identify workers, an onsite police station, and a panic button under the beds to ensure the women’s safety.

The post The Best Red Light Districts In The World appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Well this is a welcome change. Whilst we don’t have our own legion of parasites just yet (i.e. kids), we do have many friends who harp on about what they love and hate in a family car.

Does the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Italian marque’s first ever SUV, make the cut in today’s hotly contested world of four-wheeled family smugglers?

We took the keys of a brand new Stelvio First Edition to find out. During a week we put the car through its paces in Sydney across overcast skies filled with heavy traffic and open roads.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the market for a premium SUV.

Quick Facts

Cost: First Edition AU$75,900
Transmission: 8 Speed automatic
0-100kmh: 7.2 seconds
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 148kW, 330Nm

1. You can easily tell it’s an Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeos have a cult following so it’s good to see that in SUV form the car’s design is still essentially “Italian” with curvaceous Alfa Romeo lines and distinctive front fascia.

2. The sportier looks will cost you though

We do have to add that much of the car’s sporty appearance is enhanced by the 19-inch sport alloy wheels and red callipers – options that only come on the more expensive First Edition models. Brakes were a bit on the softer side for our liking but do the job fine for an SUV.

3. They’ll even see you coming at night

Needless to say, the Alfa styling is so strong in the Stelvio that it’ll even shine through at dusk

4. You get other cool stuff for the premium price tag

We never really understood the need for 14 speakers in a car but nonetheless the Stelvio packs it all in complements of Harman/Kardon. It wasn’t mind-blowing but did a decent job of drowning out our imaginary crying babies and the boss’ phone calls.

5. But wait, there’s more…

Other extras in the First Edition Stelvio include a cool panoramic sunroof and tinted rear windows.

6. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine is very quiet, but…

From inside the cabin you can barely hear the cylinders firing away which is great for snoozing passengers. The downside? The smaller 148kW engine which makes 330Nm of torque does lack urgency off the line. The SUV builds speed gradually rather than quickly – we say gradually because we’ve been driving a succession of sports cars off the back of taking the Stelvio.

7. Quiet and cruisey isn’t necessarily bad…

As a result of the lack of grunt off the line, the fuel efficiency of the Stelvio is insanely good. It averaged about 7L/100km for us with the start-stop system engaged. There’s also a strut brace in the engine bay to improve the car’s body rigidity and aid handling.

8. It’s big on safety and collision avoidance

Autonomous-emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and parking sensors all round are helpful in heavy traffic or urban areas. The extra-cautious emergency braking system did startle us a few times though.

9. Space is a winner in the Stelvio

That’s 1,600 litres of load capacity with the rear seats folded flat for those playing at home – good for hauling bulky IKEA furniture or your ex’s junk on route to Vinnies. The rear boot is electric powered.

10. You even get a cargo net

You can also hold down your melons with this handy cargo net included. Note: Melons not included.

11. The seats…oh, those seats

Whilst we can talk about how awesome the front seats are for days (they hug you like a proper sportscar), it’s also worth mentioning that the rear leather seats are just as plush and dare we say, easy to clean.

12. Super slick interior detailing

In true Italian fashion, the interior detailing is beautiful, clean and faultless. From the ambient interior lighting to the finely machined aluminium finishing…

13. To the highly intuitive infotainment interface

Which made a breeze of scrolling through everything from car settings to diagnostics to entertainment.

14. It can be more refined though…

The indicator and wiper stalks are placed a bit far from the fingers which makes using them a bit of a stretch – this was confirmed by another trusty long-fingered chap.

15. There’s a slight ‘knock’ when reversing

Turn the wheel full lock, reverse slowly and there’ll be a sudden single ‘knock’ noise from the gearbox or front axle. We’re not sure if this is just the gears engaging but it was rather off-putting and made us think we had swiped something whilst reversing. This happened twice whilst we drove the Stelvio.

The post 15 Things We Loved & Loathed About The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, The Italian Marque's First Ever SUV appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

TAG Heuer call it their Carbon Series but we’d like to keep it simple and just call it sexy as hell.

The lightweight material born from aeronautics and commonly used in race cars has finally made its way into two of TAG Heuer’s most popular models – the Aquaracer and the Monaco by Bamford Watch Department.

Aquaracer

The Carbon Series Aquaracers models will come in a choice of three hues, blue, yellow or rose gold, with each one limited to 750 pieces worldwide. The casing is where the beauty lies with a 41mm black PVD-covered titanium case surrounded by a striking carbon bezel. The dial however unfortunately is not carbon – it’s faux carbon. Nonetheless it’s a lighter piece when compared to the standard Aquaracer whilst still boasting the same level of robustness.

Price: Rose Gold- $5,300, Yellow – $5,250, Blue – $5,250
References: WBD218A.FC6445 (rose gold), WBD218B.FC6446 (yellow), WBD218C.FC6447 (blue)
Movement: Automatic Calibre 5
Fucntions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Case: 41mm titanium covered in black PVD
Bezel: Carbon and matt black PVD steel
Caseback: Grade 5 titanium covered with black PVD
Dial: Grey SuperLuminova indexes
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap: Black nylon with contrast stitiching

Monaco by Bamford Watch Department

Not that it needed any sort of reinvention but as a motorsport-inspired timepiece, it was only a matter of time before the iconic model was reimagined in carbon fibre. And looking after those duties is Bamford Watch Department who have done a stellar job.

The carbon Monaco sees the Swiss watchmaker teaming up with the British watch customisation name for the first time ever. As a result, fans will get a solid carbon case paired with a slick black dial offset with aqua blue chronometers. Makes us swoon just talking about it.

Price: $10,600
Reference: CAW2190.FC6437
Movement Automatic Calibre 11
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, small seconds, chronograph minute counter
Case: 39mm square in carbon
Dial: Opaline black with blue SuperLuminova indexes and counters
Crown: Black polished with Heuer logo
Caseback: Steel with black PVD coating with special “Monaco Bamford” engraving and limited edition number
Water Resistance: 100 metres
Strap: Black alligator leather and rubber interior

Want To Swim With The Sharks?

The duo of have been released as a TAG Heuer boutique and online exclusive only so those keen better move quick.

TAG Heuer Australia are celebrating the series release by offering the first ten buyers of the Aquaracer 300M Carbon Series from their Australian boutiques a chance to swim with the sharks. The experience is exclusive to Australian TAG Heuer boutiques only, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Chadstone, Brisbane and Pacific Fair.

The post TAG Heuer Goes Carbon With Two Of Their Most Famous Watches appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Donald Glover is usually a bit of a cult hero when it comes to his wardrobe choices. For the most part the actor-rapper gets the eclectic fashion movement right, but not all of us are perfect. And Glover proved it overnight by breaking one of the biggest style rules in menswear.

Put on a damn shirt, man.

At Rihanna’s 4th Annual Diamond Ball, Gambino opted for a dark turquoise double breasted suit by Dior Homme in a very relaxed fit. That wasn’t the issue though – he did it by replacing his shirt with chest hair and gold necklaces. Whilst living out the days of the northern summer may be a thing, going down the no-shirt-suit combo is a big no-no unless you want to look like an exotic salesman of human organs who also happens to moonlight as a pimp.

RELATED: The Modern Way To Rock The Smart Casual Look

The solution is rather simple. Always put on a shirt with a suit. If it really is too hot, go for a linen shirt or a standard one with the buttons undone. Topless should only be reserved for the beach, working out and the bedroom.

Still don’t believe us? Check out the disaster that happens whenever men choose to go semi-topless via the gallery.

The post Donald Glover Just Broke One Of The Biggest Rules Of Menswear appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Our round-ups of the world’s most drivable roads wouldn’t be complete without an edition dedicated to Japan. The island nation is home to one of the most fascinating carscapes on the planet, as well as some of its most zealous auto enthusiasts.As the land that gave us drifting, Japan has no shortage of rousing routes to explore, just resist the urge to drive like ‘Drift King’ Keiichi Tsuchiya unless you’re actually Keiichi Tsuchiya. Or that ‘DK’ guy from Tokyo Drift. We give you, the best driving roads in Japan.

Iroha-zaka Winding Roads | Tochigi Prefecture

Iroha-zaka is a pair of winding roads that connect the lower elevations near central Nikko to the higher elevations of the Okunikko region. Used by ascetics in a former life, the Iroha-zaka Winding Roads are composed of 48 hairpin turns, each of which corresponds to a letter of the ancient Japanese alphabet. The turns are all labelled with their respective characters, which you’ll pass in alphabetical order along your journey.

Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge | Shizuoka Prefecture

The Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge is an exemplary illustration of Japanese ingenuity. The steep grade of the mountainside made a linear ramp impossible, so instead a spiraling road that looks more roller coaster than motorway was constructed. The twin coils are 1.1 km long, 80 m in diameter, and carry cars up and down a full 45 m. As tempting as it may be to floor it, the unique structure demands careful driving and the speed limit is only 30 km/h. We suppose 30km/h sideways shall have to suffice.

Mount Aso | Kumamoto Prefecture

In the centre of Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island, is the country’s most active volcano. The picturesque location makes it one of the best driving roads in Japan, it lends itself to leisurely driving with stops for soaks in the natural hot springs that abound in the area. Pay a visit to the spectacular Nakadake Crater – provided the risk of volcanic activity is low and your respiratory system can handle the intense volcanic gases – followed by some retail therapy at the Tosu Premium Outlets.

Norikuya Skyline Road | Nagano Prefecture

Take a cruise amongst the clouds on Japan’s highest road. Mount Norikura climbs to 3,026 m above sea level, offering unparalled panoramic views of the Northern Alps Mountain Range. The Norikuya Skyline Road is often closed due to heavy snowfall, but when open drivers are free to meander up to 2,700 m. Past that point, the road is no longer public and a taxi or bus must be taken to continue. The highest peak, Kengamine, can only be reached on foot.

Bandai Azuma Roadway | Fukushima Prefecture

The Azuma-Kofuji peak, located in the Mount Azuma volcanic mountain range, is a perfect miniature replica of Mount Fuji. Arriving at the base means travelling the Bandai Azuma Skyline, one of Japan’s most impressive mountain roads. Outstanding views are in ready supply, particularly when the autumn colours are in full bloom. Take note: the road is far in-land from the Fukushima nuclear powerplant and safe to drive.

Hakone Hill Climb | Kanagawa Prefecture

The iconic Hakone Hill Climb is a bucket list item for drivers in Japan. The road took the pioneers of drifting to the remote mountain passes where the technique was born, and has a surface that’s better suited to a speedway than a normal street, making it the place to go if you want to put your skills to the test. Since it’s a privately owned toll road, odds are good that traffic will be minimal and you’ll have free range to explore its twists and turns at your own pace.

Kanjo Loop | Osaka Prefecture

“Kanjo” requires us to answer two questions: “what?” and “who?” First the what: the Kanjo Loop is an elevated highway system in the heart of Osaka. For most of the city’s citizens, it’s just a regular roadway. For the who in question, an underground band of outlaws known as “Kanjo Racers” or “Kanjozoku,” the loop is an opportunity to throw caution (and laws) to the wind. The Kanjo street racing scene is an insane, highly illegal, and utterly captivating automotive mystery.

Mikuni Pass | Shizuoka Prefecture

Mt. Fuji is one of Japan’s most recognisable symbols and the country’s highest mountain. Its extraordinarily symmetrical cone is a must-see if you’re in the vicinity of Tokyo and in the mood for sightseeing. Take a serene and spirited drive along Mikuni Pass, which provides breathtaking views of the mountain and Lake Yamanaka below. The viewing spots can be crowded, but keep driving and eventually you’ll find a calm patch to take in the scenery.

Tateyama Snow Canyon Road | Toyama Prefecture

Drive along Tateyama Snow Canyon Road and Game of Thrones fans will be forgiven for thinking they’re beyond the Wall in Westeros. There are no White Walkers here, just gravity-defying snow walls that reach up to 20 m high. The route is only 37 km in length, but the fantasy landscape is so unique that the trip is well worth it. Currently the road is only used for sightseeing, so expect a flood of tourists exercising their arms with selfie sticks.

Mount Haruna | Gunma Prefecture

The final stop for the best driving roads in Japan is the Gunma Prefecture, a driver’s paradise that serves as the setting of drifting culture comic and animation Initial D. Take a spin on Mount Haruna, home base of Initial D‘s main character Fujiwara Takumi and setting in the PlayStation 2 games Tokyo Xtreme Racer: Drift and Tokyo Xtreme Racer: Drift 2. You’ll see plenty of modified cars and motorcycles that have come out just to take the illustrious drive.

The Best Of The Rest

• 10 Canadian Roads You Have To Drive
• 10 Australian Roads You Have To Drive
• The Best Japanese Menswear Brands

The post Best Japanese Roads To Drive or Drift In Your Lifetime appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’ve all had that car ride with a mate when we found out they were struggling with something we never expected. Whether that be insomnia, relationship issues, anxiety or a Cadbury Top Deck addiction, you’d be surprised what can be going on in the head of someone who seems to have their life “together”.

This is why the, “R u ok?” movement is so valuable: it reminds us, without the hype we’ve come to expect from the mainstream media, to casually check in with our friends and see how they’re doing. However, that’s easier said than done. Suicide prevention is a serious issue, and if you aren’t used to discussing “heavy” topics with your mates, you might not know how to bring it up.

But, without getting all doom and gloom on you, rates of depression are on the rise, and our social-media-status driven world is conditioning us to put a smiling Valencia-filtered face on things, regardless of how we really feel. So it’s important now, more than ever, to give each other the chance to open up, without fear of judgement. With that in mind—and to avoid you asking, “R u ok?” and getting little more than a, “Lol, yeah” in response—here’s your guide to asking a mate how he’s really going, without making things weird.

Today is #RUOKDay and a reminder to check in with the people in your world who might be going through a tough time. We want these conversations to be genuine, caring and effective. This guide can help.#RUOK pic.twitter.com/UUN4MbMu0O

— R U OK? (@ruokday) September 13, 2018

We spoke to Jamie Gonzalez, mentor, self help coach and founder of Limitless Living, to get some handy tips for the, “R u ok?” talk. He told us to keep it simple, and break it down into two parts. This begins with a casual question:

“The easiest way I find to start this conversation is to ask: how are things going mate?”

Listen to their response, he says, then ask “And how are you doing with all that?” Again, he advises, keep listening, and from this point employ your own judgement as to what to do next.

“I just listen (again) and sometimes if I feel like I can see my mate is still holding back a bit, but there is more behind his words, I ask ‘How are you feeling?’ For us guys, going straight to the ‘How are you feeling?’ question can be awkward enough—so asking more general questions to get things started is way easier and less intimidating for most of us.”

“You really never know what someone’s going through,” he adds, “And we can be amazing at hiding how we are really feeling out of embarrassment and our own self judgment. When I have asked a mate how he’s really doing it has always worked out for the better; if anything it made our friendship even stronger.”

“Having that helping hand can sometimes be the life saver you never knew it would be for someone.”

Here are a few more tips:

#1. Be specific
I guess this means like be specific about how you ask. “I noticed a change” something like that. It makes it easier for people to open up.

— Mark Serrels (@Serrels) September 13, 2018

#2. Be gently persistent
Sometimes people don’t know who to trust, being gently persistent helps people get over that. Helpful to say that you’ll check in later.

— Mark Serrels (@Serrels) September 13, 2018

#3. Follow up
RUOK shouldn’t just be a day. If you ask someone if they are okay and they’re not. It’s super important to check in later, follow up. Chat with them again later down the track to see how they’re going.

— Mark Serrels (@Serrels) September 13, 2018

RELATED: Ryan Reynolds’ Battle With Anxiety Proves Men’s Perception Of Mental Health Is Changing 

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