Lynds in Real Life

A Lifestyle Blog

Health

Family Matters – Oldest to Youngest

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No one likes to think about something terrible happening to their family, and often, that is why millions of us are unprepared. We all want to take care of our families, to provide for them in the long and short-term. With each new addition that joins your family, a lot of love follows them – but so do financial responsibilities. 

Those responsibilities aren’t just yours; they belong to everyone. However, it is essential that you do everything you can to make sure it all goes as smoothly as possible. 

Photo by Jake Thacker on Unsplash

Smallest

The beautiful thing about children is that you have a clean slate. You can start saving for them; you can start growing a nest egg. A simple savings account with a few dollars a month can help your children pay towards college, books, meals, travel, and more when they reach an age that they really need it. 

The most important thing and the one money can’t buy is, of course, time. We all have free time that we don’t always use to the best of our ability. Moreover, is there anything better than spending it on the smallest members of your family? Maybe they are your kids, and perhaps they aren’t – but spend the time, and you will feel those rewards for years to come. 

Middles

There are probably more family members in the 18-58 age bracket. Usually, this age group has the most modern pressures. The young end of that spectrum have exams, job stress, trying to afford a home, and sometimes they can feel like others are too busy being successful, or living their own lives to check-in. So take the time to say hi, grab a coffee, and just listen. 

It is nice to ask ‘Are you okay?’ it’s more helpful to ask ‘hey, do you need help with anything, what can I do?’. 

Emotional and mental support is a big deal, and all it takes is to make sure that you are there. Also, the kind offer of helping with week of grocery shopping, or even a monetary offer, usually won’t go amiss. 

Elders

The elder members of your family need just as much love and support as the younger ones – but it might need to be in a different form. The 58+ bracket sadly comes with more ailments and illnesses. If you can, start talking about their will, and if they don’t have one, it might be time to get one written up. Talk about what might happen if they can no longer care for themselves, and check out in home health care professionals so that they can stay in a place they are happy. 

It isn’t a surprise really, but the best way to take care of people is to be there for them, through the good and the bad.

•How do you and your family take care of each other? Please share below in the comments section!

Thank you for reading!

Fitness

Finding The Perfect Gym For You: 4 Helpful Tips

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While it is possible to work on your fitness at home, a gym membership undeniably has its advantages. A gym is a dedicated workout space, so your home can be reserved for relaxation; the equipment is more likely to be high-end. There’s a range of different classes available for when you feel you need to shake things up, and help will be on hand if you run into any difficulties.

However, it’s fair to say that the experience of visiting a gym can vary. Some gyms are excellent, offering a wealth of benefits to their members that more than justifies their fees. Others… aren’t so excellent, and in the worst cases, could actually harm your ability to meet your fitness goals.

If you’re on the lookout for a new gym, here are four tips that can help to make sure you find the perfect gym for your needs.

#1 – Time Your Visit Carefully

Touring a gym before joining is highly recommended. Make sure you plan your visit around the same time as you would usually be working out. Doing so allows you to get a rough idea of how busy the gym is, and allows you to assess the atmosphere and conditions based on what you are most likely to experience if you sign-up.

#2 – Check the Machines Thoroughly

During your visit to a gym you are considering, take the time to check the machines in detail. First and foremost, look at safety aspects; do the machines look modern and well-maintained, or are they in the kind of disrepair that suggests using them may result in needing to call a personal injury attorney in future? In addition, assess the cleanliness; good gyms tend to ensure that their equipment is thoroughly cleaned regularly, so any sign of accumulated dirt will make that gym a no-go.

#3 – Examine the Existing List of Classes and Ask How Popular They Are

If you are considering a gym because they offer a range of classes you are particularly excited to try, it’s important to ask a member of staff how popular each class actually is. Gyms often cancel classes that have relatively few attendees, so you’ll need to make sure that the class you want to try will actually be available. On the flip side, if the classes you are interested in are bordering on too popular, you may find yourself having to join a waiting list before each class – so it may be worth trying a different gym to see if they have better availability.

#4 – Read the Fine Print

It would be impossible to discuss finding a great gym without a discussion of the contract you will be asked to sign, especially given that gym membership contracts have a tendency for being difficult to break.

*Just ask my boyfriend: Planet Fitness will only allow him to cancel his membership by GOING TO THE GYM HE SIGNED UP AT, which mind you, is in California! We live in Nevada now. Ugh, it is so frustrating. Don’t fall into that trap.

Always ask for time to read through your contract in full before signing, paying particular attention to the clauses related to canceling the contract. Hopefully you won’t need to cancel anytime soon, but it’s always important to make sure you know exactly where you stand before you sign on the dotted line.

The four tips above should help you to find the best gym for your needs. Once you find one, come back here and share which gym you chose! I’d love to hear more about it.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

In Our Right Mind: Getting Free From Addiction Using The Right Tools

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Suffering from any addiction is crippling in the mind and body. When we suffer a problem that we can’t appear to overcome, is it about mind over matter? Our mindset has a lot to do with overcoming any obstacle in life, but can we use this to break free from addiction? When we have numerous bad habits in life, from biting our nails to smoking cigarettes, it’s mostly about the power our brain has. So does this mean we’ve got to put our brain into gear to get over some sort of addiction? It appears so, right? How can we use our mindset, or acquire one to ensure that we put a stop to an addiction that is harming us?

Assessing Our Current Mindset

The big problem that we have in terms of addiction is that we stand in our own way. Maybe we don’t have the ability to admit that we’ve got a problem. As is the usual procedure, when we need help, it has to be us that instigates the fact that we need some sort of support. By assessing our current mindset, it could very well be done independently. When it comes to quitting something, we have to look at which mindset we currently have. Tolerance is one of those mindsets that are connected with addiction. It’s a physical and psychological process. But what happens is, when a behavior is repeated, you become less sensitive to something. You develop a physical or mental tolerance. And on the flip side, we experience withdrawal, either in physical or mental symptoms. And it’s these two things that can get in the way of truly addressing our addiction.

Looking At Our Fixed Mindset

If we have a fixed mindset, this provides a major obstacle to overcoming any addiction. It’s about being immovable on a subject. We may embody a fixed mindset in a very black and white way. For example, if we fall off the wagon, we consider ourselves to be a failure. We may feel our abilities right now determine that they cannot be moved. This is something that provides a major barrier to overcoming any form of problem in our minds, not just addiction. Once we start to establish that we have a fixed mindset and that these things can be moved, this is when we can start to make progress.

Establishing A Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is all about progression. In a simple way, it’s about positivity, but having a growth mindset allows you to progress forward. In a biochemical sense, it can help to create extra neural pathways. It’s all about this idea of habit. We’ve learned new habits throughout our life, but it’s about breaking the ones that don’t help us. Sometimes it’s by assimilation; we could go to a group therapy practice, or involve ourselves in a sober living community so we are influenced by others that are going through the same issues. Because we stand in our own way of success, when we see others undergoing the same problems, or are just far along in the recovery process as us, it’s humbling, but it’s also a perfect way to provide stimulation and motivation. A growth mindset is vital for recovery, and it’s something that can be harnessed. Counseling is one approach; especially with counselors who provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Developing New Thoughts

Because we have specific thought patterns that we may think are fixed, this is what will lead to a more negative mindset. Issues like a self-fulfilling prophecy, negative opinions of oneself will begin to cloud our judgment. A growth mindset is not just about training yourself in terms of new thought processes; it’s about undertaking the right practices that will help you on the road to recovery. This could very well be about getting rid of certain pressures in life. It could be through social situations, or friends that are a bad influence on you. Once we start to liberate ourselves of our old thought patterns, we can begin new thoughts, and grow to become a completely different person.

Making It Work Together

Naturally, all of these things are fantastic in theory, but can be difficult in practice. The most important piece of information that we can all learn in life is that it takes as long as it takes. When we are learning a new skill, or overcoming a dependency on something, we’ve got to break free of the antiquated notion that we are “limited.” That there’s only so much we can accomplish. Time and time again, it’s been shown that the mind and body are more than able to overcome obstacles, either by highlighting the effect that neuroplasticity has on our brains, or the fact that our body is a machine, and was built for physically demanding situations. When it comes to making all of this work together, it is mind and body, but also spirit. Whether you are religious or not is beside the point; once we equip ourselves with the tools, it’s about making it all work together according to what we want.

Like they say in rehab facilities, “we provide the tools, but it’s down to you to make sense of them.” Nobody can hold our hand through a unique problem like addiction, because we are suffering from it in our own heads. We can ask for help and guidance, and we can be given the tools, but it’s down to us to make it all work. Learning as much information as possible about overcoming something, disregarding the irrelevant tools, and making the most of the relevant ones can be a lengthy practice; but it’s all about ensuring that you are going in the right direction.

Is It Mind Over Matter?

It’s such an antiquated expression, but it is mind over matter when we have the tools at our disposal. Getting “over” an addiction isn’t about taking a magic pill. Addiction is something that can stay with us long after the physical symptoms have gone. This means that we have to develop a sense of inner strength, but also equip ourselves with all the necessary information and tactics. In this respect, it is mind over matter.

•Have you struggled with an addiction? How were you able to overcome it?

•If you’re still struggling with addiction, what are some tools that would help you be successful in breaking that addiction?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Is It Time For A Full Body Detox?

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Our bodies are designed to naturally get rid of all the bad stuff. However, we can often end up shoving so much of this bad stuff into our bodies that they cannot cope with the demand. Undertaking a full body detox can help to flush out the backlog of toxins in our body, allowing us to feel fresh again. Here are just several ways in which you can go about giving yourself a full body detox.

Cut Out the Bad Stuff

In order to stop all the bad stuff from piling up, you need to temporarily stop putting this stuff into your body. Some of the biggest culprits include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, refined sugar, and trans fats. Try going a week without consuming these ingredients or try significantly lowering your intake – while the cravings may make you feel worse at first, you’ll feel so much better a few days in when these unhealthy ingredients are no longer in your system.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

It’s when we’re asleep that our body does most of its natural detoxification. If you’re not getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, you’re likely not letting your body complete this process. By upping your sleep for a week, you could help to rejuvenate your body. You’ll also recharge your energy reserves, making your brain feel much more alert and your body feel much more limber.

Drink More Water

Drinking lots of water will help to flush out all the toxins in your body. Focus on trying to drink 8 glasses of water per day. You can also try other drastic rehydration methods. To get all the toxins out of your bloodstream, you could consider IV hydration. Meanwhile, if you’re constipated and bloated, you could give colonic hydrotherapy a go.

Consume More Probiotics

Probiotics are your body’s source of healthy bacteria. These are needed to balance out the unhealthy bacteria in your gut. Too much unhealthy bacteria could be affecting your ability to digest food, your ability to absorb nutrients, and your ability to fight bugs and infections. Probiotics can be found in various foods such as yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut. They can also be taken as supplements.

Stay Active

Exercise is also important for detoxing your body. When we are active, our blood flows faster around the body, allowing antibodies and nutrients to get to the right places more quickly. Exercise helps us to get oxygen into our bodies faster and also helps to speed up our digestive system. All in all, it’s essential for a full body detox.

How do you detox your body? How often? Share below!

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Surprising Causes of Headaches and How to Stop Them

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Did you know that it isn’t just stress and colds that can cause headaches? Sometimes little things, like cleaning your home or even sleeping in, can cause them too. If you want to help yourself then here are the top surprising causes of headaches.

Relaxing

Do you find that headaches strike you more on the weekend? Especially on a Saturday morning? If this is the case, then there is a very good reason. As you relax, the tension from the week subsides, and your stress hormones start to drop. This can cause a release of neurotransmitters, which sends out impulses to the blood vessels in the brain. When this happens, the vessels constrict and dilate. This can cause serious headaches, and it may cause you to suffer all weekend as a result. If you want to stop this, then try to avoid the temptation of sleeping in on the weekend. Instead, go for a yoga class or a walk.

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Pent up Anger

When you are angry, all the muscles that are in the back of your scalp and your neck really tense up. Of course, this will cause you to experience a constricting sensation around your head, known as a tension headache. If you want to try and stop this from happening, then try to breathe in deep and slowly. Also, focus on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will relax your back and your neck.

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Poor Posture

Poor posture can create a lot of tension in your upper back. This can cause you to experience a headache, and you may find that you get a throbbing pain in the back of your skull. If this is the case, then avoid sitting in one position for a long period of time. If you get pain behind the eyes, this could be because of an eye problem. If this sounds like you, then check out Biotrue ONEday for astigmatism. I have astigmatisms in BOTH eyes, so I know the pain and frustration associated with it.

Perfume

If you think that housework gives you a headache, there is a high chance that you could be right. Cleaners, fragranced air fresheners, and strong perfumes can all contain chemicals which are notorious for bringing on headaches. If you want to fix this, then try and avoid heavy perfumes, and also make sure that you keep your windows and doors open as much as possible. The same applies to your workplace as well. When someone is spraying perfume, open the window and always make sure that you turn on your air conditioner where possible.

Bad Weather

If you are prone to getting headaches, you may find that they are brought on by high humidity, increasing temperatures, and even grey skies. Pressure changes can trigger electrical and chemical changes in the brain and this can irritate your nerves. This can then lead you to developing headaches and other side effects. If you want to stop this, try and take some pain relief for when bad weather does strike. I get terrible migraines, and they’re almost always due to the barometric pressure (or a change in air pressure). High humidity causes mine, as well. When in Ohio, where it’s always over 50% humidity, I get severe migraines. Here in Las Vegas, the humidity is almost always under 10%, and I get fewer migraines!

Do you get headaches? How do you combat them? Comment below!

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Fitness Health Uncategorized

Why Helping Yourself On Your Fitness Journey Isn’t A Bad Thing

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Like anything people can become passionate about, the fitness community can sometimes have those who take everything they do with utmost seriousness, and can become quite draconian when imparting advice. Of course, when this comes to matters of health and safety, or when it comes to actually promoting what works, this is completely fine. However, sometimes you may be intimidated, thinking that unless you are following ‘the perfect way,’ you’re not following a way at all.

Fitness is a metaphor for our life, in that if we want something, we have to stay committed and work for it. However, over time this can prevent you from making the progress you want despite putting work in. Fitness, like anything you do to better your life, should be enjoyable and something you look forward to when it’s at its best. If you hate every gym session, every healthy meal, and feel as though you simply have to suffer through it – you’re not going to last very long at all.

This is why, especially in the beginning, helping yourself out on your fitness journey isn’t a bad thing at all. After all, if you want to climb a mountain, it’s a good idea to bring climbing gear.

Consider:

A Shoulder To Lean On

A gym can be an intimidating place to be your first time there. You likely do not know what most of the equipment is outside of the obvious fixtures, and trying to navigate a busy gym during peak times can be a nightmare. This is why it can be important start with a gym induction, and to simply walk around the place to see what you can and can’t do. Asking questions such as what the weightlifting chalk policy can help illuminate what actions you should be taking.

Sometimes, it can be hard to simply get in a routine schedule. If you haven’t gone to the gym for some time, what makes your current need so different? Also, how might you ingratiate yourself into the fitness lifestyle well? We’d recommend that finding a shoulder to lean on could be a great idea. Perhaps you could look online at a forum dedicated to your local area, and try to find a gym buddy that way. Perhaps you might ask one of your friends to start this new lifestyle with you, if they have also suggested that they wish to become fitter.

When you have someone waiting on you as you’re waiting on them, both of you will find it much harder to let the other person down. This can help you both enjoy one another’s company and also gain a stronger and more dependable approach when helping each other overcome their lifts.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing this. In fact, it can be a much safer method of attending the gym. For example, having someone ‘spot you’ on the bench press can help you avoid being punished by gravity if placing too much weight on the bar. You can also both help each other with scheduling, your diets, observing the other’s form, and giving one another safety pointers. In fact, the more specialized an athlete becomes, the more they will have to rely on the opinions and help of other people. So as a novice, there’s absolutely zero shame in finding this for yourself, and the same goes for the use of excellent personal trainers.

Getting Active & Alert

While many of us love attending the gym, getting up at an early hour in the morning, walking to the gym in the pouring rain, and having to wake yourself up on the treadmill or by lifting weights can be enjoyable, yet a little rough to experience. Sometimes, we might wake up feeling full of energy and well rested. Other times, we might feel the complete opposite.

Does that mean we should cancel our gym session the moment we feel just a little tired? Of course not, that would be rather ridiculous. But it might also be that we need just a little help in getting active and alert each morning. For example, it might be that you decide to homebrew beautiful filter coffee to keep you alert and active each morning. You might also decide to use pre-workout to help you get in the zone. You might decide to run to the gym in order to wake up, or perhaps join a certain specialized class you must attend in order to get the blood moving. On top of that, ZMA supplements can help you feel more alert after a great night of rest.

Getting active and alert is the key to success with your fitness lifestyle. We would recommend you consider the powerful benefits of doing this. You never know just how much it could help.

Supplementation

Added supplementation can be a wonderful thing. From using Vitamin C and D supplements to help your immune system (preventing you from catching something such as a seasonal flu from gym equipment,) purchasing T5 fat burners to help you drop weight naturally, and also fulvic acid can help you gain minerals you might have lost out on before.

Protein supplements can help you repair your muscles after an intense gym session, and help you meet your daily macro requirement. On top of that, weight shakes can help you bulk up and put weight on, allowing you to exceed your daily need for certain calories if hoping to build muscle. BCAA’s can help your muscles repair even more appropriately, as they are literally providing the amino acids necessary to help you heal in the most fundamental manner possible.

If you have a fitness issue, either hard work, readjusting your schedule, sleeping, eating better, or supplementation can help it. But supplementation is often a dirty word, because of all the questionable products that can be sold, especially overseas. But enjoying the use of these, if properly vetted, can help you get to the next level of your fitness life. To that extent, this can be a net positive.

With these tips, you’re certain to help yourself on your fitness journey!

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

The Relationship Between Work & Health

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You have heard plenty in the past about the work/life balance – but what about the work/health balance? While it is not necessarily clear cut to say that working more means having less health, there is something of a link there which is worth looking into if you want to try and make the most of your life. Your health is obviously the most important thing to you in the world, and as long as you are living in a way which pays respect to that, you should find that you are moving in the right direction. But there are many ways in which your work can get in the way of that, and it is a good idea to try and look into what you can do to stop that from happening too much. In this post, we will look at some of the ways in which your work and your health are related, and what you can do to make sure you find the right balance.

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Choosing A Job

Let’s be honest: most of the time, people choose jobs based on circumstance and chance rather than a top-down kind of objective approach. That is the nature of working in the world today, and that is the reality for most people. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t choose to try and put a little more effort into finding a job that you will hopefully love, and one which is not going to cause you too much strain or trouble with your health. If you are thinking of switching jobs or getting a job, you will want to keep your health at the forefront of your mind. As long as you do that, you should find that you are much more likely to get hold of a job that will be fairly good for you, or at least not do you too much harm. Again, this is not always possible to do, but insofar as it is, you should make sure that you are happy to make the right choice and always put your health first ahead of any job.

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Working Safely

An important way to make sure that your work is not going to negatively affect your health is by focusing on what you need to do to work safely. The more that you are able to work in safety, the more likely it is that you will keep your health where it needs to be, and that’s obviously what we all need and want. There are many things to consider here to make sure that you are working as safely as necessary. For a start, there are likely to be a number of health and safety rules which you need to adhere to in your workplace, so make sure that you are aware of these and that you appreciate what they mean and really entail. You should also make sure that you approach your work with common sense and don’t do anything unsafe on purpose, and that you don’t do anything physical which you know you probably can’t do. Remember that your employer has their side to keep up here too, and if they don’t then you should seriously consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to get their legal assistance. As long as you do that, and you work safely, you can at least be sure that your work won’t cause you any actual injuries, which is a hugely important thing to be aware of on the whole.

Taking Regular Breaks

One of the ways in which work can affect your health is if you work too much, an affliction which many people find that they adhere to from time to time. If you do work too much, then it will only mean that you are going to cause your body and mind to experience much more stress, and that will inhibit the function of your immune system to the point where you are considerably more likely to develop an illness at some point in the future. This is clearly no good for you at all, and absolutely not worth the extra working hours. Instead, you should aim to take regular breaks wherever you can, so that you can be sure you are going to keep that stress as low as necessary, and not allow it to become too much. There will be a legal requirement for break time which you should follow, and hopefully your employer will let you take a little more too, so make sure that you are happy to do that if you want to really look after yourself. Taking breaks is essential for your health.

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Eating Well

Many people fail to eat properly when they are at work. This might be because they are rushed off their feet and they don’t find it easy to get hold of good food, or it might be that the stress of the day means that they crave fast food. Whatever the underlying reason, you need to try and make sure that you don’t go too far down that hole. Instead, try to make a point of eating as well as you possibly can when you are on lunch break and other breaks. You can do this by preparing a healthy meal at home which you bring in, or simply by making sure that you make a point of making better decisions when you buy your lunch. The healthier you eat during the working day, the better off your health will be on the whole – and you will also find that it makes it much easier to carry on working without getting too overwhelmed or stressed too. Food is one of the most important parts of this whole process, and you should make sure that you treat it as such. Your diet is the central pinnacle of your health, especially when you are already stressed from work.

Understanding the relationship between work and health and taking the steps above will help you to lead a much healthier and happier life!

•How do you balance your work and health life?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health Nutrition Reviews

Food Intolerance Testing with York Test Labs Pt 2: Results

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A couple weeks ago, I shared about Part One of my food intolerance testing with York Test Labs. Quick summary: I was given the opportunity to take an at-home food and drink intolerance test. I sent two little cotton swabs of blood to be tested for over 200 common intolerances. Note: this blood test checks for intolerances (some are possible intolerances), not allergies.

Disclosure: Lipton Publicity provided a sample, and the opinion I express is 100% my own.

I’m back to share my results with you! Via email, I received these results:

The top red ones (in the first photo) with the black dots are what my blood reacted to. The only one I’m sad and surprised by is the cocoa bean! I’ll definitely have to get more info on the specifics of that. If I can’t have chocolate ever, what kind of life would that be?! 😉

I’m not surprised by the milk and eggs (including yolk). I’m bummed about beef, because I love a good cheeseburger. With the eggs, it’s funny: exactly 5 years ago, I started eating food that only felt good in my body, even though some of the foods I couldn’t eat were considered healthy. Here’s the post:

That post was specifically talking about eggs! Eggs have always made me feel bloated, despite never feeling full. It felt good reading these results and knowing it wasn’t all in my head.

The yellow food/drinks with the black dots are things my blood sort of reacted to. Those are possible intolerances, but not a “for sure.” Everything else, I didn’t have a reaction to! Pretty awesome.

Had I taken this test a year ago, I’d be so sad about the intolerances to wine. But, luckily, I no longer drink, so it’s not a big deal to me.

•••

After receiving the results, you’re given a phone number to call and schedule TWO 30-minute nutritional therapy sessions! You’ll talk with a professional to better understand your results and ask any questions. You’ll also receive a food diary and guidebook.

I feel extremely satisfied with the testing process with York Test Labs, and the results I received. I highly recommend checking out their website to learn more, & to purchase your own kit! There’s nothing more important than your health.

PS: There’s currently a SALE happening! Use code MAY20 to receive 20% off!

Thank you for reading!

Keep in touch on Instagram 🙂

Blogging + Business

4 Proven Ways To Make Money Online In 2022

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Rapid technological change has made life a little easier, especially as the opportunities to make money online continue to increase. The global shift towards an on-demand economy means more entrepreneurial opportunities for creating wealth and enjoying freedom while working from home. Recent studies suggest that the pandemic has many looking for flexible working opportunities. While the prospects are many, you want to consider these four proven ways to make money online this year. 

  1. Trade forex 

With advancing internet technologies, making money isn’t only limited to traditional offline methods. The internet can play a major role in augmenting your finances. The forex market can generate profits if you want to make passive income online. Although this market is highly lucrative, you need the right knowledge and strategies. It is vital to understand the market, find the right platform, and take risks. Fortunately, platforms like MT5 offer a comprehensive multi-asset platform for trading forex and CFDs across various platforms. It can be useful to practice with a demo account if you are a beginner. 

  1. Affiliate marketing 

You can join an affiliate marketing program if you have the cuts for promoting products and services effectively. This method is simple, and you will earn a commission for promoting brands, products, and services by sharing your links via several platforms. Many people assume you can only make money from affiliate marketing when you have a website. However, this is not the case, as you can use platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to promote your business and make money. This is flexible and can be highly lucrative. 

  1. Write websites and apps reviews 

One proven way to make money online is to review websites and apps for cash. Some businesses offer payments either in cash or products to leave positive reviews on their websites. Others likewise pay to examine the performance of the websites, for example, functionality and page fastness. How much you earn usually depends on your marketplace and testing methods, although you are likely to earn more when testing one-on-one with customers via video conferencing. A recent survey shows that you can average $4,435 per month and $53,221 a year. 

  1. Social media consultancy 

You can promote yourself as a social media consultant if you know how to get followers on social media platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. Brands are constantly looking for individuals to help with creative ideas to produce content and more. This is an excellent money-making opportunity if you have social media skills since you can utilize your current profile as a portfolio. You can market this in your digital marketing pages, groups, and forums. However, make sure to add your profile links to the outreach emails you send. 

The opportunities online are limitless, whether you want to make some extra cash with a side gig, quit your 9 to 5, or start your own small business. This article offers ways to do this with little or no startup investment.

What are some ways to make money online that you suggest? Comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Lifestyle

How To Realize Your Dream Of Sailing Around The World

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Do you dream of sailing around the world? Maybe you have resigned yourself to the idea that this is something you will never be able to do?

A lot of people never consider sailing around the world because they assume that it is going to cost them a small fortune. This is an understandable assumption to make. However, you can sail around the world without breaking the bank. Read on to discover some useful tips to help you do so.

Tips to follow so you can sail around the world and realize your dreams

  • Get a simple boat – There is only one place to begin, and this is with the boat itself. You should look for a boat that is affordable and easy to maintain. Do not fall for the luxuries of huge modern sailboats. Yes, they look amazing, but they cost a fortune and they aren’t necessary. Look for a boat with simple systems, which are much easier to look after and less likely to break, for example, boots that manual foot pumps for water. Companies like Volvo Penta can help you with all of your needs.
  • Work as you go – What better what to save money than by earning some? While you are sailing the world, keeping an income is essential. The good news is that the Internet has opened the door to many money-making opportunities, which you can make the most of with a laptop and an Internet connection. From content writing and website design to translation services and admin, there are many different types of freelance jobs that are available. Head to a website like People Per Hour and you can pick up freelance opportunities.
  • Anchor out as much as you can – Another effective way to save money while sailing around the world is to anchor out as much as you can. This will save you cash in terms of mooring expenses, which can be very high, especially in the most popular cruising grounds. There are marinas in the Mediterranean that will ask you for 100 euros per night for a medium-sized boat. If you can get used to anchoring quickly, you will save yourself a lot of money.
  • Eat and drink in – The fourth and final tip for sailing around the world without breaking the bank is to eat on your boat. While it can be tempting to go out, you should try to limit the amount that you do this. Plus, what could be better than enjoying a meal while looking across the ocean?

As you can see, it is possible to sail around the world without spending a fortune. If you follow the tips that have been presented above, you can make your dream a reality. From getting a simple boat to anchoring out as much as you can, there are a number of different ways you can lower the cost.

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Beauty

How To Achieve The Perfect Eye-Catching Smile

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Your smile has a massive impact on your entire look and aesthetic, so shying away from showing your positive side to others can influence the way that they perceive you. A big, inviting smile can encourage people to feel so comfortable in your presence, viewing you as an optimistic and happy individual. Of course, feeling uncomfortable about the way that you look while smiling can stop you from fully expressing yourself, but there are many simple steps that you can follow to take your smile to the next level while improving your confidence, too. So, if you’re interested in finding out more about how you can transform your smile, then read on to uncover some of the best tried and tested tips and tricks that you can utilize today to make a noticeable difference in no time at all! 

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Eat A Teeth-Friendly Diet

The food and drinks that you consume on a regular basis will have a huge impact on your oral health, as there are particular ingredients that do nothing to support you in your quest to achieve a bright white smile. Any high sugar food or drink, whether they are natural or processed, is going to be extremely detrimental to your teeth. Sugar breaks down in your mouth to create a kind of acid, and this acid then creates cavities through tooth decay slowly but surely causing your teeth to dissolve. Avoiding high sugar foods will help you to limit the degradation of your teeth, and therefore help you to maintain a healthy mouth so that you can keep that perfect pearly smile for as long as possible. 

Adopt An Oral Hygiene Routine

One of the most important things you must do to maintain a healthy mouth is to adopt a hygiene routine. During each morning and evening, you must make an effort to brush your teeth thoroughly using a dentist approved toothpaste. It’s a good idea to add extra steps such as flossing and mouthwash on a regular basis, as this will help to promote whiteness. Getting into a cycle of regular tooth brushing will allow you to adopt the freshest breath, as well as stopping any build up of plaque or debris that could affect the colour or health of your teeth. 

Consider Cosmetic Dentistry

There are so many different cosmetic dentistry options that you can invest in to promote a healthy, eye catching smile, from whitening procedures to veneers. Utilizing one or more of these items could be the step that you have been waiting for, as you may be able to completely transform your smile by using something such as invisible aligners. If you struggle with crooked teeth, missing teeth or any other large scale issue, there’s almost guaranteed to be a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help you to get on the right track.  

Achieving the perfect smile has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above!

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Food Health

5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Through Food

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Did you know that what you consume daily can directly correlate with your mental health? Food can impact how you feel physically, including your energy levels and strength, as well as mentally, including your mood and anxiety. The relationship between mental health and diet is complex but has been shown strong from several scientific studies. While many things in your environment will impact your mental wellbeing, including the level of stress that you are exposed to, your physical activity, and more, diet is something you have complete control over. Here are some important facts on how food can impact your mental health, and steps you can take to improve it. 

How does food impact your mental health?

Not getting enough nutrients 

If you live on a diet of highly processed foods, likely, your body is not getting a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins that it needs to function. You may also be eating foods such as palm oil and butter, which prevents the food from being converted into the nutrients that the body requires. Nutrients are crucial for your heart and development, your immune system, and your cognitive function. If your brain is not sufficiently fueled, it can lead to low moods, lack of concentration and attention span, impaired decision making and reaction times, and fatigue. 

Consuming stimulants 

Consuming high sugar food such as chocolate, and stimulants such as caffeine can impact the brain by tricking it into releasing chemicals. This is because it believes we are lacking that particular chemical, which can then alter your mood. Stimulants can also make you feel more anxious than usual, and then cause your body to crash a few hours later due to your blood levels spiking higher than usual, which can then lead to sudden feelings of fatigue and low moods. 

Hormone imbalances 

Certain food, particularly processed foods, can cause hormonal imbalances in your body, especially if they are rich in hydrogenated and saturated fats. This is because food can impact the production and secretion of certain hormones in your body, as it affects your gut health, changes the concentration level of your blood metabolites, and can also impact the circulation of gut hormone levels. Imbalances with your hormones can lead to increased stress and anxiety, fatigue, and depression. 

How to Eat to Improve Your Mental Health

A good diet, that contains balance and variety, can significantly improve your physical health, as well as your mental health. 

Eat a variety of food 

Incorporating a variety of food, including whole grain, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruit will provide your body and brain with the fuel it needs to function properly, and help improve your energy levels, and your mood. Make sure you don’t just eat the same thing every day, or every week because your body needs a variety of nutrients and vitamins to thrive. 

Eat to improve your gut health 

Science has shown an increasing link between your gut health and your mental health. It can therefore be beneficial to incorporate food that will boost your gut health. Not only does this include a variety of food, but also prebiotics, probiotics, and meals filled with important amino acids such as this freshly made chicken broth recipe, which has been shown to significantly improve gut health if consumed regularly. 

Eat foods that promote brain health

Your body and brain require the right nutrition to be able to grow effectively and function adequately. To do this, you will need to ensure you consume a variety of minerals such as fatty acids, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. These include quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes, chicken, soybeans, fish, eggs, and flaxseeds. The nutritional value of these kinds of food is much higher and will provide your body with the right kind of energy it requires. 

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is vital for your mental health, and reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. Not only can a lack of water make you feel more fatigued, but it can also take its toll on your mood. The brain is made up of 75% water and requires sufficient hydration (with a fine balance of nutrients too) to function at an optimum level. Without proper hydration, your concentration and emotional processes will suffer. 

Mindful eating

Mindful eating is the practice of paying more attention to what you eat, and when you eat. When you pay close attention, you gain a good insight into your patterns to ensure you are not eating more or less when you are stressed. It can also act as a moment of mindfulness, which in itself is a practice that supports mental health. Making your meal times an activity to give your full attention to will help you stay in the present moment, and stress less. 

Eating is not just about losing weight, it is also an important factor in your mental health and how you feel every day. By making small changes to your diet, you can live healthier, and happier. 

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Food

Incredibly Simple Single Serving Desserts

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Ever wanted to make yourself a sweet treat but you simply could not be bothered to go through the effort of a big, complex recipe that sees you end up with enough to feed a small tribe? If that’s the case, you might need to look at a few single-serving recipes that don’t take quite so much time. Here, we’re going to look at a few desserts that you can be totally selfish with, indulging in some sweet bliss without too much effort.

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Enjoy a little zest

Cheesecake might not be the kind of thing that you can imagine only making for one person, but it’s perfectly possible, as shown in this zesty lemon cheesecake mousse recipe. A lighter and fresher sweet treat for when you’re not really feeling like eating anything too thick or cake-like, and it requires no baking whatsoever. You simply have to whip the ingredients up together then put them into the fridge for a while. Set it and forget it to surprise yourself with a nice chilled treat later in the day.

A chocolate hug in a mug

Sometimes you really just want a nice spoonful of sumptuous chocolate goodness to warm you up and hit that sweet tooth. You don’t need to spend a lot of effort at all to make this 3 ingredient Nutella mug cake. All it takes is flour, egg, and Nutella, then some time in a microwave and you have the perfect evening treat. You can top it up with things like banana slices, ice cream, or whipped cream to add a little of your own favorite flavors to it. The recipe even includes an egg-free version.

Get nutty with it

Find yourself addicted to peanut butter but don’t quite want to just eat it out of the tub? A little change in consistency can go a long way and this peanut butter cookie offers just that. You can make this recipe all in one bowl, after which it only requires around 13 minutes of baking, so you’re not going to be standing around too long waiting for your treat to be ready. Of course, this recipe can be expanded to make more for a larger crowd, too, if you’re so inclined.

A tiny classic

Banana bread is truly a classic, to the point that it’s often one of the first things we learn to bake. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth revisiting now and then. Using cereal instead of traditional bread, this delicious banana bread for one recipe creates a slightly crunchier treat that still has that same taste, and tops it off with a lovely dollop of vanilla icing to add the extra sweetness that makes it perfect for dessert, as well as an any-time snack for when you’re craving something a little sinful.

You don’t need hours of prep work or enough ingredients to feed a household for five days in order to have a creative and delicious treat. Hopefully, the above examples show that. Enjoy!

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Health

How to Ensure Stronger Day-to-Day Health

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Stronger day to day health is something that we should all be thinking about and considering. If you know that you don’t currently have the healthiest routines in the world, it’s time to do something to change that, as challenging as it might be to get right at times. So read on now and learn about all of the things that’ll add up to create stronger and healthier day to day routines.

Improve Your Sleeping Routine

First of all, you should try to establish a better and healthier sleep routine if that’s something that you’ve struggled with up to now. It’s something that many people get wrong or don’t pay enough attention to, and their health eventually pays the price for that. So try to sleep at regular times and do what you can to improve your sleep hygiene. You’ll eventually be glad you did so.

Take the Stairs

Taking the stairs is just one example of how you can get a little more active each day. By taking the stairs, you can make sure that you’re always doing what’s necessary to be active rather than taking the lazy option. It’s about rejecting that little extra convenience and instead taking the opportunity to get active and move your body when the opportunity to do so arrives.

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Deal with Pest Problems in the Home

If you have pest issues in the home, don’t overlook them for a second longer. They’re not just an annoyance or a nuisance, they can be so much more than that and they can seriously impact your health in many instances. So call the mosquito control or the rodent control team or whoever you need to get your problem dealt with as quickly as possible.

Keep Lunches Light and Healthy

What you eat for lunch will have a huge impact on how you approach the rest of the day, and that’s precisely why you should try to keep your lunch light and healthy. It’s harder to concentrate and be productive when you eat a really heavy plate of food for lunch. That’s not what you want at all; a salad is always a good option if you’re not sure.

Get Some Fresh Air and Natural Light

Getting outside and getting some fresh air during the day is something that’s always good for your health, and that includes your mental health. We all need that connection to nature and we need to feel the breeze on our skin at times. Natural light will help as well, not least in boosting your vitamin D levels when you spend more time out in the sun. So try to do a little of that each day.

Day to day health is something that most of us should be paying more attention to. If you’re not sure what you should be doing differently and how you can make sure that your health stays on the right track, simply make the most of the tips and ideas outlined above. Each of them will serve you well.

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Food Health

Are You Eating Too Much Processed Food?

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Between being farmed and ending up on your plate, almost all foods go through some level of processing. However, some foods are completely unnatural to the point that most people don’t even know what’s in them. It’s these ultra-processed foods that are a problem – things like white bread, candy, hot dogs, fries, chips and sweetened breakfast cereals. Many of us don’t realise just how much of these foods are in our diets and the issues that they cause.

What’s wrong with processed foods?

Highly processed foods typically have no nutritional benefits. Almost all the nutrition is taken out of them during processing and replaced with chemicals, salt, sugar and unhealthy additives. A bag of chips is a prime example – while mostly made from raw potatoes, practically all the vitamins and minerals from the potato are removed and replaced with salt and sugar. Eating too many of these foods deprives your body of the nutrients it needs, while pumping it full of unhealthy things that it doesn’t need.

On top of being unhealthy for you, processed foods are also typically unhealthy for the planet. A lot of energy is poured into manufacturing, transporting, and storing these foods and many chemicals are often added throughout the process such as pesticides, which cause damage to the entire ecosystem. To top it off, most of these foods are wrapped in plastic.

How Can I Consume Fewer Processed Foods?

Eating fewer processed foods is great for you and the environment. If you want to consume a diet that’s low in processed foods, think about every food you purchase and the likely processing it has gone through –  aim to minimize this whenever you can. Below are just 6 ways to consume less processed foods!

Prepare more meals from scratch

When you make your own soup out of raw ingredients instead of eating a canned soup, you know exactly what has gone into that soup. This allows you to control just how healthy and eco-friendly the meal is. The same goes for other meals. Yes, preparing meals from scratch is much more time-consuming. However, it is ultimately more rewarding. 

Buy food labelled ‘organic’

Food labeled as ‘organic’ typically has little to no chemicals added. When buying organic tomato sauce, you can usually guarantee that no pesticides were added to the tomatoes during farming and that no chemical preservative, colorants, or flavorings have been added during the sauce’s manufacture.

Swap out refined grains for whole grains

Many breads, pastas, cakes, cereals and cookies are made from refined grains – these are grains that have had pretty much all the nutrients stripped out, often replaced with salts and chemicals. Whole grain products retain all the original nutrients found in the grain and are therefore much healthier.

Buy from local producers

When you buy from a local farmer, you reduce the need for long-haul transport – which often means no need for chemical preservatives. Such foods also typically don’t have to be packaged as heavily. 

Look into macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is a way of dieting that promotes health, mindfulness and environment-friendliness. It involves cutting out pretty much all processed foods. You can find out more about macrobiotics at this site from Denny Waxman, macrobiotic counsellor. 

Grow your own produce

The best way to ensure food is unprocessed is to grow it yourself. Growing your own pepper plant or strawberry plant allows you to control how it is grown so that no chemicals are added. You’ll unlikely be able to grow all of your own foods, but it’s worth growing a few foods.

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Kids/Nannying Lifestyle

A Beginner’s Guide To Baby Room Essentials

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Choosing the perfect baby room essentials can be a daunting task. You want to make sure that you are getting everything that your little one needs for their new home, but with so many different products out there, it’s hard to know what is necessary and what isn’t. To help you find your way through this maze, we’ve put together a list of some of the essential pieces in any nursery!

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A Crib

A safe and comfortable place to sleep for your baby is of the utmost importance. You want something that will keep them snug as a bug but also provide plenty of airflows, so we recommend choosing either a traditional crib or a convertible model with an adjustable base.

Some other features to look for include:

– A teething rail to protect your baby’s delicate gums

– At least two height positions, in case you have a taller or shorter child

– A mattress that is both firm and waterproof

You will also need to purchase some crib bedding, such as a fitted sheet and a mattress pad,. Do some research on the types of baby pillows available as you may need a quality baby pillow, too.

Tip: If you’re looking for a used crib, be sure to check that it has not been recalled due to safety concerns. You can find out if your model has been recalled by visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

A Dresser

A space to store all of your baby’s clothing and supplies is a must for any nursery. In addition, you will want something that can grow with your child, becoming either a short dresser or low bookshelf as they get older. In the end, you should have three separate drawers: one for newborn-sized clothes, one for clothing sized up to six months, and the last drawer for clothes that will fit your child until they are about two years old.

You can also opt for a changing dresser with an attached changing table also called a changer or get a separate stand-alone changing pad that can be placed on top of a dresser.

You will need to purchase some kind of hamper while your child is in diapers, as well either an open-style wicker basket that can be lined with plastic bags for easy cleanup or one that uses individual drawers. You may also want to invest in separate laundry baskets depending on how much laundry your child will generate.

Tip: If you’re looking for a used dresser, be sure to check that all of the drawers open and close smoothly and that it is free from any scratches or dings.

Rocking Chair

A place to sit and relax while holding your baby is a must for any nursery. You want something comfortable but also stylish enough that it will not look out of place in the room. Luckily, there are plenty of options available on today’s market!

You can either opt for an armchair with side pockets for storing bottles or books or a more traditional rocking chair with curved armrests and no storage.

Many gliders also come equipped with an extra-soft cushion for maximum comfort, as well as multiple glide positions for getting the perfect rhythm when gently bouncing your baby.

Tip: If you’re looking for a used rocker, be sure to check that all of the moving parts are in good working order and that it is not missing any screws or fasteners.

Changing Table

Another furniture essential that you should consider when decorating the baby’s room is a changing table. It will give your child privacy and help keep them warm while they change their clothes after bath time or if they make a mess with food during meal times. Make sure to choose one based on your budget, preference, and space availability in the nursery. You can customize it by adding storage drawers for diapers and wipes or regular towels, towel racks, and shelves where you can place lotions, powders, etc.

Stroller

A stroller is another must-have for parents with newborns. It will come in handy when you take your baby on walks outside or to the mall, and it’s also perfect for carrying all of your baby’s essentials like diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, and snacks. Again, there are different types of strollers to choose from, so do your research and find the perfect one for you and your baby.

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White Noise Speaker

To ensure that the baby gets a good night’s sleep, it is important to have some form of white noise in their room. This can be anything from a fan to a white noise speaker. The sound will help block out other noises coming from outside or even inside the house, which might startle and disturb the baby during slumber time.

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is a must-have for any parent with a newborn. It allows you to keep an eye on the baby even when they are in another room, thus providing peace of mind. Choose one that has good range and can pick up clear sound, especially if your child’s nursery is located on a different floor from where you sleep. Additionally, make sure the monitor has a low battery indicator and talk-back function so that you can comfort your baby without having to leave your bed.

Room Paint Color

The paint color of a baby’s room can have a big impact on their mood and sleeping habits. Soft, tranquil colors such as pale blues, greens, and yellows are known to be calming for babies and often lead to better sleep. If you want to go for a more vibrant look, opt for shades of pink, purple or red but make sure that they are still light enough so as not to overwhelm the little one.

Humidifier

A humidifier is a must for the winter months when the air becomes dry and can cause respiratory problems in babies. It releases moisture into the room’s air, which helps to prevent these issues as well as skin irritation. Choose one that has a built-in filter to get rid of harmful particles in the air, and make sure to clean it regularly for best results.

Temperature Control

Since babies are more sensitive to changes in temperature, it is important that you control the atmosphere of their room accordingly by having a thermostat installed. Not only will this make sure they don’t get too hot or cold but also prevent sudden spikes and drops in temperature.

Baby Bath Tub

When your baby is ready to start taking baths, you will need a good bathtub that is spacious and comfortable for them. Look for one with non-slip surfaces, adjustable water levels, and a reclining position so that you can bathe the baby in comfort. Additionally, make sure to get a few washcloths, towels, shampoos, and soap sets to keep everything organized.

Away From Home Baby Bag

Every new parent should have an away from home baby bag packed and ready to go in case of emergencies. This should include items like diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, formula or milk if needed, snacks, and water. You can either buy a pre-made one or put together your own customized kit based on your needs.

Mosquito Net

Since mosquitoes can be a big nuisance, especially during the summer months, it is a good idea to get a mosquito net for the baby’s crib. This will protect them from getting any unwanted bites and help keep the room cool and bug-free.

Plenty Of Diapers

You will need a good supply of diapers to get you through the first few months until your baby starts potty training. It is best to go for cloth or re-usable ones so that you don’t have too many waste products cluttering up the house and landfills. By buying these in bulk, you can get them at a discounted price and save money in the long run.

Baby Toys

It is important to start building a collection of baby toys as soon as possible. Not only do they provide entertainment and stimulation, but they can also help in the development of various skills such as hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and motor skills. Look for brightly colored, soft, and safe toys that will keep your child amused for hours on end.

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Creams, Lotions, And Oils

A baby’s skin is extremely delicate, which means you will need to stock up on creams, lotions, and oils. Look for brands that are gentle enough so as not to irritate them but provide plenty of moisture. You can also opt for 100% natural ones if you want a more eco-friendly alternative.

Decorative Accessories

Once you have all of the essential furniture and equipment in place, it is time to add some decorative accessories to complete the look of the baby’s room. Choose items that are age-appropriate and reflect their personality. You can go for mobiles, wall decals, curtains, or rugs as long as they are safe for babies to touch and play with.

Summer And Winter Clothes

Babies grow extremely fast, so it is important to have a good supply of both summer and winter clothes. Make sure that the fabric is breathable and lightweight for the summer months and warm and cozy for the winter ones. You can either buy them from stores or online or get hand-me-downs from friends and family members. Just make sure you wash everything before placing it in the closet.

In conclusion, these are some of the essential items you will need for your baby’s room. By preparing well in advance, you can ensure that everything is organized and ready to go when the time comes. From there on, all you have to do is shower your baby with love and make special memories.

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Health

5 Surprising Reasons For Your Digestive Problems

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Digestive health is a popular topic at the moment. A lot of recent research suggests that looking after your gut is important for improving overall health, and it can even impact your mental health too. So, if you have digestive issues, you need to make some changes.

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There are some obvious causes of digestive issues, like a poor diet, which can be fixed by eating more whole foods and probiotics. However, there are a lot of unexpected causes of poor digestion. When people can’t work out what is causing their gut problems, it’s impossible to fix. 

If you have altered your diet but you are still not seeing a difference, consider some of these surprising causes of digestive issues that you may be overlooking.

Lack Of Sleep

When you don’t have enough sleep, your body naturally craves sugar and fat. This makes sense because during sleep, your resting metabolic rate slows down, so it can’t burn off extra calories. It’s also why you crave junk food when you are tired because the fats and sugars give a quick energy boost. Caffeine is also a go-to when you’re not sleeping enough, but this causes digestive problems when consumed in high amounts.

Lack of sleep also throws off hormones that control everything from blood sugar to appetite levels. Unfortunately, even though they are delicious, lots of carbs and sugar can irritate the digestive system and cause inflammation. So, when you get those cravings, reach for whole foods and high-protein snacks instead of sugary and carb-filled treats.

Misaligned Teeth Or Jaw

Sometimes, digestive problems are actually caused by misaligned teeth or jaw. If you are not chewing your food properly, it is much harder for you to digest it, so you will feel bloated. If your jaw is misaligned, it can also cause choking or hiccups. Don’t self-diagnose the problem – go to an orthodontist and have your teeth checked for problems. If you get fitted for braces and straighten your teeth, you should notice a big difference in your ability to chew and this will help with your digestion too.

Bad Posture

Bad posture can also contribute to digestive issues. When you have bad posture, such as slouching over all day, then muscles in the gut become tense and constricted which prevents proper digestion.

This is a common problem for people that work at a desk all day, and you need to take measures to prevent it. It’s a good idea to do some core exercises every day to strengthen your back and improve your posture. Some simple yoga exercises before bed can make a huge difference too. However, if the problem is chronic then you need to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor.

Too Many Probiotics

A lot of people take gut-friendly probiotics to improve their digestive health. However, while this is usually a good idea, too many can actually have the opposite effect. Probiotics feed good bacteria in the gut, but it’s all about balance. Small amounts of probiotics will make you feel great because they encourage the healthy bacteria to flourish. But once you start increasing the probiotics in your diet, you upset the balance and go too far the other way.

The best thing to do is start with a very small amount of probiotics and see what difference it makes. Give it plenty of time to start taking effect, and don’t increase the amount right away. By gradually increasing the levels of probiotics that you consume, you can find the perfect balance.

Drinking Too Much Water

Drinking water is important for good digestion, but you need to think about how you drink water. If you glug a lot of water during a meal, this can actually harm digestion. Your stomach needs time to prepare the food for digestion, so if you gulp a lot of water during your meal it can dilute digestive juices and enzymes. This will make it harder for you to digest your food and leave you feeling bloated. 

Ideally, you should drink some water around half an hour before you eat, and then leave it for another half an hour afterward before drinking again. This will ensure that you get the benefits of drinking water without interrupting your digestion.

Don’t wait until you get digestive problems to start eating healthy and taking care of yourself. There are so many simple things that you can do every day to improve your digestion. If you notice any persistent digestive issues then don’t forget to consider these unexpected causes. However, if the problem won’t go away, it’s always best to seek medical advice.

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Lifestyle

5 Ways To Boost Your Dating Confidence

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Whether you’ve come out of a relationship or have always been single, one thing’s for sure: you’ll likely want to get on the dating scene and potentially find someone to share your life with. The thing is, dating isn’t as clear-cut or easy as some people might have you believe.

One of the challenges with dating is that you may not have enough confidence to get out there and mingle with other singles. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry because all is not lost. Check out these top tips for boosting your dating confidence:

1. Consider Using Chatlines

If you’ve never done dating before or haven’t done so for a very long time, you might feel anxious about talking to people for the first time. Did you know that you can overcome such problems by using chatlines?

For example, https://thechatlinenumbers.com/gay can be a great way to develop your social skills before putting them into practice with people face-to-face. Another option might be to consider singles chatrooms or groups on social media.

2. Don’t Have Expectations

One of the pitfalls of dating is that many people have expectations about the singles they talk to and meet. For instance, they might expect feelings to develop and a relationship to ensue within a specific timeframe. However, the reality is such actions seldom follow a “plan.”

That’s why it makes sense not to have any expectations whenever you match with someone and start talking to them. Just have a fun experience and enjoy talking to new people. If anything develops, it will do so naturally.

3. Do Things That Make You Happy

When people look for love, some individuals put all their effort into finding “the one” and hardly any at making themselves happy outside of dating. It’s important to maintain a social life and have hobbies and interests outside of work, for instance, that make you happy.

You’ll feel more positive as a person, and you won’t be spending so much time thinking about how lonely you feel or sad that you’re not with a significant other.

4. Improve Your Look

Dating and going for job interviews are very similar in some respects. You have to make an effort with your appearance to impress those that you meet. Yes, the way you dress or groom yourself is only part of the “real you” when meeting potential dates.

However, first impressions count, and if you don’t make any effort to make yourself appear presentable to dates, they might form the wrong opinion of you from that initial meeting.

5. Let Your Positive Qualities Shine Through

Lastly, it’s a good idea to let your positive attributes shine through. When those qualities are visible to others you meet in your life, it’ll increase the chances of other people wanting to talk to you on the dating scene.

Take a look at https://blog.hubspot.com/service/positive-attitude for some inspiration. Everyone has positive qualities – including you!

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