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Ditch the Stress

10 Tips on How to Ditch the Stress and Start Living a Peaceful Life

Do you feel stressed? You're not alone. A full 75% of American adults report experiencing moderate to high-stress levels. The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to start reducing your stress. Follow a few of these suggestions and you'll be living a peaceful life before you know it! Let's take a look at how to do it. 1. Slow Down: Take a deep breath, let it out, and slow down. Take time to enjoy things in life. There is lots of truth to the old adage about stopping to smell the roses. Slow down and enjoy the feel of warm water on your skin in the shower. Cook a steak slowly on the grill and enjoy the aroma of it wafting around. Eat slower and enjoy the flavor of your meal instead of wolfing it down while working or watching TV. 2. Decide What's Important: You might think that you don't have time to slow down. That's probably because you're trying to do too much. Take a few moments to decide what is really important to you. What do you value most in life? To have peace in your life you need to reorder your priorities and activities to align with those values. 3. Cut Down on Commitments: Take a look at your commitments as well. Keep the ones that are most important to you and/or align with your values. Cut down or eliminate the rest. Learn to say no. It's okay to not do everything that everybody asks you to do. 4. Revise Your To-Do List: Take a moment to look at your to-do list. You probably find that there's always plenty of things to do. Every time you can check off an item, you're already adding 3 more. Reprioritize. What's really important to you? What really needs to get done? Are there some tasks you can hire out? Maybe instead of spending your weekend fixing the toilet, you can pay a professional to do it in a couple of hours and be done with it. 5. Exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to bring your stress level down. The mere act of exercising causes your body to release endorphins and cut down on the levels of stress hormones. Plus, if you opt to exercise outdoors, you'll get the added benefit of being outside. Fresh air helps clear the mind and energize the body--all of which helps lower your stress level. 6. Meditate: Take a few minutes every day to calm your mind and body. Meditation is a good way to do this. Have you never meditated before? Getting started doesn't have to be difficult. Once you get in the habit, you'll find that it's well worth your effort to learn. 7. Reduce Clutter: This is one item that should be important on your to-do list. Mess and clutter can make you feel trapped and claustrophobic in your home. You might have to get heavy-handed and throw out some items to properly declutter and organize your home. But, in the end, you'll be happy you did. Without all that extra junk lying around you'll feel freer and less stressed. Start Living a Peaceful Life. Living a peaceful life is totally attainable for anyone. You just have to be willing to take the steps necessary to make it happen. The advice in this article is a great place to start! Looking for more great tips for a healthy and peaceful life? Be sure to check out our lifestyle section.   Read Also:  5 Things You Should Do To Reduce Stress. Why Jumping on Trampolines is More Beneficial than Running or Jogging?  

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Reduce Stress

5 Things You Should Do To Reduce Stress

Stress is one of those conditions you wouldn't want to be in because apart from its manifestations that can range from mild to severe headaches, it can be completely disruptive. It can put your productivity in jeopardy and saneness into disrepute. People who have had to deal with stress can attest to the fact that it is also hard to socialize. When stress invades your life, even eating becomes a challenge because appetite, even for the most sumptuous meal, will be out of the window, and you just want to be left alone. While you can consider https://customwriting.com/write-my-essay to help you do a post on your situation as a way of stress relief, there are other approaches. In this post, I share with you tips on how to deal with stress, but first, What causes stress? Whether it catches up with you at home, or at the workplace, types of stress vary depending on the cause. The following are some of the most common: The pressure at the workplace. Employees sometimes slump into anxiety because there is a lot to do with a strict timeline. It is to say; when it becomes clear that one will not be able to meet a set deadline, stress sets in. Loss of a loved one, through separation, death or in any way. Health conditions such as sickness are a major cause of worry. While patients need to cheer up no matter their situations, diseases like cancer are sure to cause one unimaginable level of stress. Discrimination at school, workplace, and other places. Emotional and physical abuse Common stress symptoms include the following: Tension headaches Depression in the worst cases Insomnia or lack of sleep Anxiety/fear of the unknown Muscle pains Gastrointestinal refluxes/upset Thus far, the next question most people who exhibit these symptoms ask is how to reduce stress so as to become active again, jovial and productive.  Well, studies on stress management suggest different approaches. The following tips will go a long way in helping one recover from any of the above conditions: 1. Take care of yourself : If you cannot take good care of yourself, then who will? It is the first question stressed persons need to ask before embarking on a path of recovery.  Also, what does self-care entail? It is important to feed on a healthy diet, get enough sleep and partake in physical exercises. Studies have indicated that those who do these reduce stress levels in their lives, almost completely. 2. Meditate : There is no way you are going to get away from stress if meditation is not one of the foremost solutions. For those who do not know how to partake in thoughtful awareness, it basically involves sitting silently in a quiet room with one hand on the belly, legs folded or straightened, then listen to the sound of the heartbeat. There are however many other productive meditative approaches people who want to deal with stress can explore. According to research, when you meditate, there occurs an alteration in the pathways of brain neurons, something that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. 3. Do away with negative energy : If the cause of your worries and anxiety is negativity, then a journey to recovery should start with doing away with people who bring negative energy into your life.  Life should be fun, and it all starts with finding people who put a smile on your face. 4. Design a healthy life-work balance : There is no way you are going to be happy if work takes away all the time you have in the world.  People need time for their families, in which case, it starts with knowing how to design the life you want. Come to think about it. What value does being a career addict who is obsessed with deadlines and never has for family and plays bring? It only begets stress. 5. Enjoy your hobby : One of the best approaches to fighting stress is sporting. If you love to play football, go out and enjoy it in the evenings after work. Dance to your favorite music tunes, or watch a favorite movie series.  Hobbies keep your mind busy, and by extension, help in releasing endorphins hormones that will make your face glow once again. In summary, managing stress starts with you, and ends with making the right decision. A psychotherapist will only advise but it is incumbent upon you to execute. Read Also : Unhealthy And Healthy Solutions For Coping With Stress

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Healthier Lifestyle

Easy Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle

If you’ve been feeling less than fresh so far this year and none of those New Year’s resolutions made a dent in your overall lifestyle, it’s not too late to make some changes. The secret to leading a healthier lifestyle is to make gradual, sustainable changes that you can truly stick to without abandoning within days. If you’ve been finding it hard to make the switch to a way of living that’s better for your body and mind, try incorporating these simple changes into your day. Change the portions on your plate : Revolutionizing your entire diet is no easy feat – anyone who’s attempted to make drastic changes to their food intake all at once knows that. What’s more, quick-fix diets don’t tend to be successful in the long-term. If the way you eat is one of your concerns when it comes to your overall health, then simply adjusting the way you portion up to your plate could help. Shop at supermarkets that source fresh produce from wholesale fruit and veg suppliers, and try to increase the number of fruits and veggies on your plate at each meal while decreasing the less healthy foods. Add a walk to your daily routine : If you want to improve your fitness but are starting at a basic level of, well, zero fitness, then hitting the gym every day and transforming into a gym bunny may not be realistic. Taking a walk each day, however, can be great for both your physical and mental health. Start off with a short stroll and increase the distance to see a gradual but substantial improvement in your fitness levels. Make a snack exchange : Another small food-related shift you can make in your day is to change out the snacks you’re munching on between meals. If you tend to grab a high-sugar snack to give you a lift in at mid-afternoon crash period, try swapping it out for something nutrient-dense that will give you energy without the crash. A handful of nuts, yogurt, or other protein-packed snacks with a small number of healthy fats all make great alternatives to your usual unhealthy pick-me-up. Reach out to your friends : If your emotional health has taken a knock recently, then making connections could be even more important to your overall well-being than any diet adjustment or a trip to the gym. Social media has its benefits, but it can also leave us feeling isolated, rather than genuinely connected. Give an old friend a call, make plans to do things you enjoy with people you feel comfortable talking openly to or just start picking up the phone more often instead of resorting to communicating through memes. Understand sleep hygiene : The quality of your sleep can have a huge impact on your overall health and lifestyle. If your nights haven’t been as restful as they should be, take a look at your sleep hygiene. This means getting electronics out of your room at night, developing a relaxing evening routine, and ensuring that your bedroom is a soothing, comfortable space that makes it easy for you to settle down. It may seem surprisingly simple, but just making a few tweaks to your evening routine may drastically improve the quality of your sleep, which could make you feel physically and mentally stronger. Read Also : How To Stay Healthy And Fit Despite A Hectic Schedule Important Habits To Protect Your Ear Health And Hearing Must-Have Appliances For A Healthier Life

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Swiggy app

How to Start Business Like Swiggy

The Swiggy Is Popular food delivery app in India. Swiggy specializes in Providing food delivery services from the local restaurant to the home of the customers. The Local Restaurant owner needs to just register their restaurant, submit all required documents and Pay Registration fees. Now there is must be a question in your mind like can you start a business like swiggy. The Answer is Yes, You can start Business like swiggy. The business model of Swiggy : The Swiggy generates major revenue from the commission it collects from restaurants for promotion and For generating sales for the restaurant and for delivering their food as a delivery partner. It Also charges a nominal delivery fee from customers on orders below 200 rupees for most cities. The Swiggy is using Both Offline and Online medium to Promote its business in India. Swiggy is highly active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. How to Start Business like Swiggy Conduct market research : To form a Business like swiggy first step you need to take is to conduct a market research to find out how a Food Delivery business works,  What are the equipment and Technical aspect that are required for this kind of business, What is The Investment For Food delivery Business, how many vehicle and type of vehicle You will require in this Business and what are the Legal Formalities etc. Draft A Business Plan : You have done Market research and have established clear Understanding of the industry and your Internal Capability and have decided to open a business like swiggy. Now its time to form a business plan which will serve as a medium to guide you towards progress and will also help in securing much need Funds and Finance for Your Business. You take help of experts to write a business plan Apply for Loan Or funds with Bank Or Financial Institutions When you have prepared the business plan, Now You must approach a bank or financial Institute to get a loan or funds For your business. You can also Approach a venture capitalist or private Investor to secure Loan. Get Business registration : Meanwhile, Your loan Is Under processing, you should also apply for Business registration . for that all you have to do is select a business entity such as Private Limited company, partnership, LLP and One Person Company, etc and Visit The government Portal to apply for business registration. You can also get Business registration With the help of Udyog Aadhar Registration and Shop Act License registration. Apply for Food Registration : If you are involved in any business that deals with Food Items and Products then You must apply for FSSAI Registration That Is granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. You can take the help of my online a to apply for FSSAI Registration Create a good Website and Mobile app : Swiggy is an online food delivery app, it means that it delivers its service using the internet. So To form a business-like swiggy You must have a good Website and Mobile app that is designed and works very effectively and efficiently. To make a website You can take help of a professional Web developer or a web designer. Make a strategy for Marketing and promotion of Business You can market Your Business with the help of newspaper ads, tv ads, radio ads, and other Traditional Marketing Methods or you can market your services by using social media platforms, Digital marketing, and other Internet services. Hire People For Business : You require people that will look after customer service, Delivery boys for delivering food And Administrative staff for the office. You can Hire staff By giving Ads In Newspaper, By posting job requirement in Job Portal or you can take help of Hr Consultant. Commence Business : When You Have Completed All The steps above It is now time to commence the business and Start Promotion of Your business using marketing campaigns. Conclusion : The Online ordering of food In India has Increased Very hugely in India. People are finding it more comfortable to order food online. Food Delivery business is growing consistently in India, which can present good opportunities for people who wish to Start a Business like swiggy in India. If you are considering opening a Food Delivery business, you must keep in Mind all The points that we have discussed above for successfully opening Your Food Delivery Business.

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Family Vacation

Planning a Family Vacation as the Kids Grow Up

There’s no doubt family vacation is one of the most precious memories that we have. In fact, a survey conducted by the Family Holiday Association found that 49% of British community said that vacation time with their family is their happiest memory. Prioritizing vacation with the family does not only rejuvenates your spirit and relieves stress but it also helps foster stronger family ties. Spending quality time with the whole family on a trip gives your kids a happy childhood. How about when the kids grow up? Is it still necessary to take a family vacation? Yes, it is. In fact, family vacations can be more fun and adventurous when kids are already older. Unlike spending vacations with toddlers where they don’t really have much say on your location or activities scheduled, planning a family vacation with older kids could be more challenging. They have their own lives and preferences so it’s important to communicate and plan for something that’s appealing to everyone. Below are some of the tips that you can use when planning a vacation with your older kids: Select a Location that Offers Wide Selections of Activities : When your kids were little, choosing a destination for your family vacation was relatively easy. You can just bring your brood to any amusement park and they’d be on cloud nine. Choosing a destination for your older kids is a different story. To make your vacation memorable, you have to choose a location that would interest your kids who are not kids anymore. Generally, older kids want adventure and excitement. Spending the whole day on a museum could be dragging and boring for them. These family getaway destinations will be appealing to your older kids: Yosemite National Park : If you want an affordable yet interesting vacation, visiting a national park is your alternative. Yosemite National Park in Mariposa Country is a must-see for any trip to California. It’s beaming with majestic views, hiking trails, and family vacation opportunities. Bahamas : f you’re looking for a dream vacation getaway, the island of Bahamas offers a family vacation that you can never forget. Aside from the magnificent beaches and water activities, treat your family with sumptuous meals and have fun getting to know with the locals. Booking at a family welcomed or 21 and the older resort is a wise idea to save money. Cruises : Going on a cruise is the best option if you want to get the most of everything in a small window of time. Aside from covering a lot of ground in a short period of time, the cruise company caters to vast interests, both onboard and on land. You and your husband can enjoy sunbathing on the sundeck of the ship while your kids can head ashore and go shopping. After all, alone time with just your husband is a necessity in your marriage. South Africa : Choosing a destination that has plenty of options is a must when traveling with grown-up kids. South Africa offers diverse family bonding opportunities with their majestic mountains, beaches, fascinating museums, renowned vineyards and cuisine and even a colony of a penguin on Boulders Beach. Choose a Homestay Rental over a Hotel Though going on a vacation with your family could be a luxury, it does not mean that you have to spend your entire savings account and be broke for the next 10 years. Prioritizing practicality and functionality will go a long way. Though staying in a hotel room can be convenient and could really make you feel that you are on a vacation, it could be pricey especially if you’re staying for a few nights. Renting someone else’s house or apartment instead of staying at a hotel is an excellent idea to save money. What are the advantages of homestay rental over a hotel? First, they are unique and special. Variety of accommodation is limitless, from city apartments to a villa to treehouses. Space is all yours and you will get the privacy that you need. You don’t have to deal with hotel staff or personnel knocking on your door. It also offers comfort and convenience just like your own home, plus you can cook your own meal since the majority of rentals have kitchens. Be Flexible and Spontaneous : Though creating an itinerary for your trip is important, you don’t really have to stick to it 100%. Sometimes, we’re too concerned about ticking everything off of our to-go or a to-do list that we forget to have fun and enjoy the moment. Since your grown-up kids have minds of their own, they may feel to explore the shopping area instead of checking out the museum as you planned. Be open with the unexpected turn out of events and embrace the fact that your kids also need time to do things that they like. Having older kids may mean less time together as they get busy with school, work, and even their own family. Make up for these lost time and create a family vacation that you and your whole family will never forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late - book a trip that everyone can enjoy. Read Also : Yacht Charters And Sailing Vacations 10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking The Bank Fundaments Of Happy Family

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Save Garden

How to Prevent Root Damage to Sewer Line and Save Your Garden

Having a beautiful garden with big majestic trees is a dream come true for many. However, that’s until the roots of those trees don’t damage your sewer line. There’s nothing majestic about that except the royally high bills repairs and damage can add up to. The average cost for a main sewer line repair is nearly $2,500, according to HomeAdvisor. And your insurance won’t cover it if the problem is caused by wayward root growth, because this is classed as a ‘preventable cause’. Therefore, it’s essential that you do your best to prevent roots from damaging your sewer line. If all fails, you also need to use the most effective strategies for fixing the damage as fast as possible. How to Prevent Root Damage to Your Sewer Line and What to Do If You Fail : The most important thing to understand is that roots are naturally growing towards sewer lines seeking moisture and nutrients. Not having any trees directly on your property doesn’t guarantee the safety of your pipes either, because they grow for many feet underground and can get to you from the neighbors. The first thing to do in order to prevent costly damage is creating a map of sewer lines running through your property. Next, you need to get them examined for leaks and replace any places with even the smallest crack. Even a tiny leak ‘attracts’ roots, which can grow into the pipe and wreak havoc on it and your lawn. To minimize the costs you can use modern trenchless methods of drain replacement. This approach allows replacing whole sections of sewer lines by digging only a few small holes. Therefore, you save money on landscaping restoration. This method of repair and replacement is also faster than digging a trench, so you can minimize the damage. Now that you’ve ensured your sewer line system is perfectly fine and know exactly where the pipes are, you can move on to the ‘active’ prevention state. This starts with installing barriers that won’t allow roots to get to your pipes. Like with drain replacement, you can choose between methods that will require digging up your lawn and ‘non-invasive’ options. The latter is chemical growth inhibitors, like potassium hydroxide or copper sulfate. Bear in mind that the vegetation in the area where you spread these chemicals can suffer to some extent. The other option is to plant metal or wooden barriers directly into the ground so they run along the pipes. If you are only starting your garden, you have a chance to prevent root damage to sewer lines by designing it so the larger trees and shrubs are as far as possible from the pipes. You also need to choose the species with small root ball systems. Be sure to water them well so the plants don’t have to seek out additional moisture through the ground. Root Damage to Sewer Line: How to Tell If You Aren’t Too Late? One of the worst things about root damage to the pipes is that it’s very difficult to spot right away. And by the time it gets severe enough to be obvious, the repairs will cost a small fortune. Regular inspections by professionals will help avoid this, but you also need to know warning signs to look out for. These include drain clogs, wet patches on your lawn, and slow-flowing drains. In case of any of these, contact a professional plumber to find the reason as fast as possible. Read Also : Grow These Flowering Plants In Your Home Garden To Remove Vastu Related Problems Smart Fun Gardening: How To Take Care Of A Money Tree How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden

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perfect fit bra

7 Friendly Tips for Small-Chested Women on Finding the Perfect-Fit Bra

If you are a small-chested woman, you are not excused on the problem of searching for the right bra. Bra shopping can be a nightmare when it started on the wrong fence. The size of your breasts is not something that cannot be controlled unless you go under surgery, which is pretty expensive. There is a different set of concerns as well as dedicated bra tips for small breasts. Women with small breasts recognized these problems: cup sizes never really fit and straps always falling down. However, these problems can go away because there is actually information on how to get fitted, supportive, and comfortable bras for their needs. 7 Friendly Tips for Small-Chested Women on Finding the Perfect-Fit Bra Below are some tips that small-chested women can follow before doing online bra shopping: Know your right size and fit : No matter what your size is, knowing the right measurement of your breasts is important. If you still do not know what your size, you may get fitted by a professional, whether in your local store or someone who knows bras. The professional would help you know the right cup and width size for your bra. If you do know someone who can help you, you can watch some tutorials online such as Youtube videos offering step by step on how to calculate what bra size works best for you. Pick and try the best material for you : Lace is one of the best materials you can try because it fits tighter compared to stretchy synthetic fabrics. Heavier lace is a good one because it can fit more tightly, providing better support compared to some thinner lace that offers more stretch. The key here is to fit more types of lace until you feel the right tightness and support it provides. Another recommended is cotton lingerie because it is soft and provides comfort. It may become your go-to bra under any outfit of your choosing. You will never go wrong with the cotton material. Consider wire-free bra : This may sound like a few girls with small-chested can really wear wire-free bras because it gives comfort that wired-bras cannot offer. You can choose bras without wire and be able to avoid the skin-digging problem, after all, you are after the right petite cup bra for you. Choose fitted bras : Fitted bras may be the safest bet among bras because it always makes our breasts look firm ever. It provides an illusion that your size is up higher. You can check your measurement every six months to make sure that you are wearing the right fitted bra for you. Up to one notch the cup size : Before choosing a notch higher on your cup size, ensure that it fits properly. Make sure it sits smoothly on your breasts and cozy around your body with no spillage over the cups. Going up on your cup size is mostly recommended when purchasing a padded bra. Having padded bras ensure that your chest area is well-covered but still providing a better cleavage. Go for demi cup bras : Why are demi-cup bras great? One major reason is it gives an enhanced cleavage. The best choice would be demi-cup bras with no padding that is perfectly designed for small-busted women. This type of bra can cover the lower part of the breasts, offering tilted cups that push the breasts towards the middle. Most importantly, they are comfortable to wear. Read Also : 5 Perfect Fashion Clothing Choices For Petite Women Spend wisely on multi-way style The multi-way bra is worth every penny because it provides support, comfort, and functions well. This bra style offers many features, making it as a maximum push-up bra. You can wear as a halter, strapless for a special occasion, and criss-cross. It can be customized according to your needs no matter what size you are.

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sailing vacations

Yacht charters and sailing vacations

Crewed yacht charter in Tulum provide unique opportunities to see distant countries from a new perspective: not from a hotel’s window or tourist bus but from the white deck of an elegant yacht. You will be able to visit the islands and beaches that have not been influenced by mass tourism, go to small towns and villages, and get the skills of sailing a cruise catamaran or yacht. Advantages of traveling by yacht You will see more stunning views than within the territory of a hotel or resort. Sailing on the yacht will allow you to explore the new landscapes and beauties every day. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to dive and snorkel. You can plan your sailing itinerary and visit picturesque lagoons, magnificent coral reefs, as well as mysterious tunnels and caves.  Yacht gives you the ability to get to almost any part of the seacoast and explore the sea with a scuba or mask. You will be able to visit various smaller port cities and stay there for as long as you want. Get a yacht tour and pick your own route! Unlike the ordinary cruise, your tour will not be spoiled with compulsorily paid excursions. On the contrary, you will get a chance to visit the landmarks, galleries, and museums that you fancy and for as long as you want. No crowded beaches! Most people associate vacations with noisy hotels, overcrowded beaches, and lots of tourists in the streets. Using yacht charters is one of the most effective methods of organizing the perfect trip and avoiding large crowds of tourists. You will be able to visit completely deserted islands and beaches, which is impossible on an ordinary tour. During the cruise, the crew of the yacht will take care of your comfort, and you will be able to enjoy the sea, sun, and sails. There is no need for you to purchase a yacht to travel to distant seas and islands. You can take your friends and family, choose a yacht, and start the most pleasant journey to new seashores.  We can offer you 32 destinations in seven regions: Central America, Northern Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. The number of our destinations is constantly growing! Unforgettable pink sunset, which can be watched only in two places in the world - Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands, in combination with wild white beaches, blue sea, and the gentle sun make the Caribbean an ideal place for both relaxation and adventures. Try to live the life of Vikings and sail the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean with an experienced crew. You will see the rocky coast of Iceland, many arches, and stones of unusual shapes created by water and wind. The views are absolutely amazing! Oceania is the perfect place to dive in bays and visit places where Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were shot. You will be able to see waterfalls, climb to the top of the volcano, and experience the real taste of adventures. Order a crewed yacht charter and make your own private cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. It is an excellent opportunity to relax, swim in the see-through waters, and get acquainted with the local nature. You can stay away from well-known resorts and discover small and cozy wild beaches. Renting yachts is especially popular in Central America. Every year hundreds of people escape from Panama City to perfectly organized yacht charters. The rest, try delicious food and entertain themselves with sightseeing, swimming, and diving. The Indian Ocean is the ideal place for diving safaris. Thanks to the clear water, various types of fish, and the coral nature of the islands, the sea world is particularly rich and diverse.

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Pregnancy Foods

The Top 10 Best Foods to Eat in Early Pregnancy

Good news ladies, pregnant women need to eat an extra 350 to 500 calories each day. Finally, a valid excuse to eat more! With that statistic in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to reveal to you the best foods to eat in early pregnancy. That way, you'll be able to use this surplus of calories to both you and your babies advantage. So, without further ado, let's dive in! 1. Beans and Lentils : If you're looking to nurture your 14 weeks pregnant belly, we recommend eating plenty of beans and lentils. These foods are a fabulous source and protein, and pregnant women need an extra 10 grams of protein each day. Therefore, beans and lentils make an excellent addition to your diet because they contain as much as 15 grams of protein per cup! If you're unsure how to use them, we suggest adding cooked lentils and beans to your salads and rice dishes. These are sure to be a tasty addition! 2. Broccoli : Now, broccoli isn't always everyone's favorite food. However, it's worth bearing with because it's packed full of nutrients such as calcium and folate. In addition to this, it's high in fiber and vitamin C which is essential for helping your body absorb iron. Therefore, the best time to eat broccoli is when you accompany it with iron-rich food like lean red meat or wholegrain pasta. Plus, broccoli is rich in antioxidants, which promote healthy digestion and strengthen your immune system (which is obviously even more critical when you're pregnant). Also, if you're struggling with constipation (which is exceptionally common among pregnant women), broccoli is a must because of its high fiber content. Really and truly, broccoli is the perfect pregnancy food! 3. Bananas : Bananas are a brilliant snack for pregnant women. Not only does the potassium help combat fatigue, but they're also kind on the stomach if you're suffering from morning sickness. 4. Lean Meat : Just like protein levels, pregnant women also need to increase their iron intake. The volume of their blood increases, which causes them to need double the amount of iron. Therefore we suggest eating plenty of lean meat as this provides a form of iron that's quickly absorbed by the body. Good examples of these include: Beef Pork Chicken In addition to iron, these meats typically contain choline and vitamin B, both of which pregnant women need more of. 5. Oatmeal : There's no better to start your day than by eating a bowl of nutritious cereal. The complex carbohydrates in oatmeal will leave you feeling fuller for longer, and this breakfast will help lower your cholesterol levels--win-win! Top Tip: Don't buy processed oatmeals that are full of sugars and additives. Instead, cook yourself the plain variety and add a dollop of jelly. Yummy! 6. Leafy Greens : When you cook the following greens: Spinach Kale Turnip greens You release higher levels of iron and folate. In addition to this, they're also a fabulous source of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and potassium. We suggest sprinkling a few of these leafy greens in your pasta dishes, adding them to soups, or substituting iceberg lettuce for them in your salads. 7. Whole-Grain Bread : The simple swap from white to whole grain can make a massive difference when you're pregnant. By doing this, you ensure you get your daily intake of fiber. Ideally, you want to ensure that each slice contains at least two grams of fiber before you commit to purchasing the loaf. Plus, wholemeal bread also provides you with both iron and zinc, which are both essential nutrients for pregnant women! 8. Oranges : Oranges are an excellent fruit to eat while you're pregnant. They're full of the following goodies: Vitamin C Folate Fiber Water Now the water might not sound like a massive deal, but these fruits are almost 90% liquid, which is excellent for keeping you hydrated and combatting fatigue. 9. Nuts and Nut Butters : Healthy fats are critical for your baby's brain development, so we suggest eating one ounce of nuts a day and two tablespoons of nut butter. Plus, these snacks will help keep you full! Top Tip: if you suffer from any kind of allergy, we suggest steering clear of highly allergenic foods such as nuts while you're pregnant. Some scientists believe that exposing the baby to foods like this during pregnancy could increase their risk of developing a more severe allergy during childhood. 10. Sweet Potatoes : Sweet potatoes are full of a nutrient called beta-carotene. When we digest it, we transform it into vitamin A. This is fabulous for mothers to be because Vitamin A helps the fetus' cells grow and differentiate from one another. Top Tip: pregnant women are usually advised to stay away from high levels of animal-based vitamin A because these can sometimes be dangerous when eaten to excess. This is another reason why foods that contain beta-carotene are essential to include in your pregnancy diet. Best Foods to Eat in Early Pregnancy: Final Thoughts It's important for women to swot up on the best foods to eat in early pregnancy because your dietary requirements change a little. However, by sticking to diets high in protein, iron, and fiber, you shouldn't go too far wrong! If you enjoyed this article, we're confident you'll love the other features published on our family and parenting blog. Over there we discuss everything from pregnancy care tips to family leave. Enjoy! Alternatively, if you have any questions about this subject, please feel free to drop us a line. We love to hear from our readers! Just fill out the simple contact form, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Speak soon! Read Also : Choosing The Best Mattress That Will Make Mothers Comfortable During Pregnancy Golden Pregnancy Care Tips For All Expectant Women 9 Tips For Staying Fit And Healthy During Pregnancy

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baby sleeps

Things to do before bed for a perfect night’s sleep

Good sleep is usually described as how a baby sleeps. A baby is likely to enjoy quality sleep because they have no worries or anything that could hinder that perfect sleep. However, as you grow up, sleep quality tends to deteriorate because of different factors associated with adulthood. It is very important to have enough and good sleep as it has a significant effect on your body in terms of health and general activeness. You need to adopt the habit of sleeping early and having uninterrupted sleep time for about 7-9 hours every night. What should you do before bed to have a good night's sleep? Tidy your room. Study shows that people with clean and decluttered rooms tend to sleep better than those whose rooms are untidy and unkempt. Make your bed, fold your clothes and keep your room in order. Finish up your daily chores. Once the day is over, you should have finished everything you had planned for that day. Wash that blue cantilever umbrella you had planned to by the end of the day. By doing so, your mind will be able to relax when you get into bed. Eat dinner early. Most people will have their meals so late in the night that they end up sleeping late. It is better to eat early so that you can give the food time to digest. Doing that will actually help you sleep better. Make your bed comfortable. This includes changing your bedsheets into clean ones and getting the right sized pillow and mattress. You should also get s blanket that will shield you from the cold at night and is soft to your body as well. Take a warm bath. This helps to cool off your body and prepare it for sleep. Bathing with warm water will get your body temperature going down when you step into the cool bedroom from the shower. That helps induce sleep. Set the room temperature. You do not want a room that is too hot to sleep in or too cold that you cannot sleep. Regulate the temperature to what you feel is comfortable for you. Organize your thoughts. Going to bed with a lot of unorganized thoughts will keep you up for hours. Make sure you write down anything disturbing you and try to find a solution before you can sleep for better sleep quality. Switch off electronics. Things like phones, laptops, and TV should be switched off 2 hours to sleeping time. The blue light produced by these gadgets is not so good for your eyes when you want to sleep. Eat cherries. As I said, you should not eat right before bed. However, you can snack on some cherries as they are natural sources of melatonin which is a sleep-inducing hormone. Block any light from outside. You could switch off your electronics but there is still light coming from the outside. Total darkness is the recipe for sleep. Use dark and heavy curtains to block any light coming from the outside. Read a book. This is a good way to spend the last minutes before bed. Make sure the book does not require a lot of intellectual engagement and neither is it too exciting to take away your sleep. Listen to soothing music. There are people who cannot sleep in total silence. If you're one of these people, get some soothing music and play it in low tones right before you sleep. Spray some lavender scent into your room. Lavender is associated with having a calming and sedentary effect on you. It will help you sleep much faster and better. Conclusion : Don't deny yourself the opportunity to sleep better by ignoring some of these things that are necessary for a good night's sleep. In fact, these things are very easy to do and they can have a tremendously positive effect on your sleep life. Observe each one of them and make it a routine before you go to bed. Within a month or so, your body will have adapted to the change and you won't have to keep a reminder anymore. You'll be doing these things naturally. Invest in good sleep and your body will thank you for it. Make sure that everything is done to your preference for an easy time. Read Also : 5 Ways To Make A Big Statement In Small Bedroom 3 Tips On How To Plan The Best Cheap And Fabulous DIY Bedroom Makeover 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space

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Opiates

A Loved One Addicted to Opiates? Here Are Common Signs

If you've been paying attention to the news, you already know that the opioid crisis in the United States has reached critical mass. In some areas, opioid overdoses increased by 70 percent in just over a year's time. The opioid epidemic now touches the lives of millions of everyday Americans. As a result, the chances that you know someone with opioid addiction have increased astronomically. For anyone concerned that their loved one might have a problem, it's important to recognize the early warning signs of opiate use. That's what this article is for. Below, you'll learn a few basic things to look for when trying to determine if a loved one has an opiate problem. With any luck, you won't need this information, but preparedness and awareness are always important. Physical Signs of Opiate Use : When dealing with opioid abuse, there are two major categories symptoms can fall into: physical and behavioral. Let's tackle the former first. One major and obvious physical warning sign to look for is needle marks. Often, an addict will start to use drugs intravenously, which means they're injecting it. This will usually leave clear signs of use at the injection point, which is very often the major artery in the arm. Beyond the clear physical appearance of abuse, addicts will often suffer from other physical ailments. One prominent side effect is "nodding," which means that the user falls asleep suddenly and at inappropriate times. If your loved one frequently drifts off mid-conversation, this can be a sign there is a more serious problem under the surface. Other than the two unmistakable signs above, physical signs of opioid use are hard to spot. Other symptoms like constricted pupils and flushed skin can be attributed to many other things, so it's best not to worry about them alone. However, if they're paired with needle marks and nodding, there is cause for concern. Behavioral Signs of Opiate Use : The behavioral side effects of opioid abuse can be tough to spot because they closely resemble side effects caused by other common ailments like depression, stress, and anxiety. But since they're so often paired with physical signs, you'll most likely be able to tell the difference. Withdrawing from social activities is a big early warning sign. If your loved one suddenly retreats from social groups or things they once enjoyed doing, it can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Isolation is one of the earliest and most clear indicators that something is up. Mood swings and drastic behavior are also something to look for. If someone is acting highly out of character, breaking the law, and engaging in unusually high-risk behavior, something is probably wrong. All in all, behavioral shifts can be hard to hone in on, but drastic changes are almost certainly a sign of something worse. Even if it isn't an opioid addiction, it's always worth checking in with a loved one if their behavior changes unexpectedly. There are treatment centers like SMC Recovery that specialize in opiate addiction rehabilitation. Reaching out to a facility such as this can provide you with the resources and expertise you need to determine if your loved one requires medical follow-up. What's Next? Now that you're familiar with some basic signs of opiate use, you can stay vigilant when it comes to keeping loved ones safe. Addiction is a notoriously difficult problem, but there's always hope. People recover every day. If you or a loved one has an opiate problem, don't give up. With the help of professionals, friends, and family, no obstacle is too tall to scale. Stay strong, and with a little help, recovery is well within reach. Follow our blog for more health-related news and updates. Read Also : 5 Reasons Why It’s Not Too Late To Get Help Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits

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Ear Health

Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing

Hearing loss isn't always something that can be prevented. Sometimes loss of hearing is just something that happens as you get older. But in an increasingly loud and busy world, hearing loss might be caused early or worsened by the environment around you. And once you're hearing is gone, it can be gone for good. Can you imagine life without being able to hear? It's a scary thought for many and should be. And yet, very few of us take the proper precautions in protecting our ears and our hearing. That changes now. If you're committed to the concept of ear health and protecting your hearing, read on. We'll discuss several ways to help ensure that your hearing stays strong and true for many years to come. The Case For Earplugs : You likely rolled your eyes back in your youth when your parents advised you to wear earplugs to that rock and roll concert. But they were on to something. Approximately 15% of Americans lose hearing as a result of too-loud work or leisure environments. If you work or spend lots of time in an environment where the sound level forces you to shout to be able to communicate, it's likely that the sound levels there are dangerously high. This loudness could be due to a concert or club, or even more often, due to some form of loud and consistent machinery. If you know that you spend many hours around this kind of noise level, you should absolutely invest in a good pair of earplugs. Earplugs are easy to obtain, generally affordable, and can even be made individualized for your ears upon request. They can dampen the level of sound coming in from your environment by a significant margin, helping to curb the possible loss of hearing. Keep The Volume Low : According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people each year are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of audio devices. Earbuds, like the popular headphones designed by Apple, are especially dangerous for ear health as they fit directly into the eardrum. If you're a music lover, you probably spend a lot of time listening to music on headphones. If you care about the health of your ears, though, you should make an effort to keep the volume at a lower level. Doctors recommend a philosophy they've dubbed the 60/60 rule. The rule is a recommendation that you listen to music through headphones at 60% volume for less than 60 minutes a day for the benefit of your hearing. Even when not listening to headphones, you should aim to keep music played at a normal level to ensure long-lasting ear health. Avoid Cotton Swabs : One of the most common items in any household bathroom cabinet is a jar of cotton swabs. These little tools have been used by people to clean out ear wax for years and years, but it's only more recently that their nefarious reputation has begun to reach the public. It actually turns out that a little wax in the ears is both healthy and normal. Ears are self-cleaning organs and the wax in your ears actually serves to prevent dust and other particles from entering your eardrum. If you do have excess wax, it is not advisable that you use a cotton swab. You can very easily damage your eardrum by using a cotton swab. Instead, considering using a damp towel to gently clean around the canal. There are also various ear wax solutions that are available in stores. These are applied to the ears overnight and can help to dissolve and soften ear wax so that it can flow out of the inner ear on its own. Keep Your Ears Dry : Another frequent cause of ear damage is extra moisture. Excess moisture can allow bacteria to enter the ear canal and cause serious problems, such as a swimmer's ear or other infections. Following swims at the pool or beach, showers or baths, or any other water-related activity, you should be sure to gently towel-dry your ears. If you can feel the moisture in your ear following swimming or bathing, tilt your head to the side and tug lightly on your eardrum to help water drain out. There are also specially designed swimmer's earplugs available on the market, which can help prevent water from entering your eardrum during a swim. They work great for any age, kids or adults, and can be individually fitted for your ear by a licensed physician. Consider Getting Regular Check-Ups : Especially as you get older, you should ask your physician to incorporate hearing screenings into your regular checkups. Hearing loss doesn't happen in a flash of light, it is a very gradual process. It's recommended, then, that you have yearly consultations with a hearing healthcare professional, who can recognize the signs of hearing loss while it is still in the early stages. Taking action against hearing loss is important, as is discussing it with your doctor. Loss of hearing has been linked to other health concerns such as depression, dementia, and heart disease. Establishing a relationship with your doctor in regards to ear health early on can contribute to better overall health later on. If you do find yourself losing hearing, you should ensure to invest in a proper hearing aid. With all the advances in rechargeable hearing aids over the past few years, they now serve people with hearing impairment much better.  A well-designed hearing aid can help improve the quality of life for someone who has lost hearing and can stave off the other health issues previously mentioned. If you're interested in the best hearing aids on the market, you can learn more here. Read Also : 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile Essential Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil Must-Have Appliances For A Healthier Life

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