by | Mar 15, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Keeping a clean home has a lot of importance. While this may be a habit that your parents instilled in you while you were young, or maybe this is societal pressure, something about having a clean home feels so essential outside of these two factors. If you want to take some simple steps towards taking proper care of your health, it may be best to take a good look at your home. The condition of your home, specifically how clean it is, can indeed affect your health. Some science backs this up as well. If you let your home get dirty or a bit disorganized, it can affect you. So what are the benefits of a clean house?
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Having a clean home will make you feel less stressed
Visual clutter is known for increasing stress, especially if this is clutter that you know you need to take care of. Your mental health, especially your stress levels are, can be linked to your environment. So it’s essential to tackle your to-do list and wipe away from those piles of visual clutter that may be in your home.
You’re reducing hazards.
This is significantly more apparent regarding your fireplace, appliances, and HVAC system. A thorough deep cleaning is needed everywhere on these to avoid fires. Dust and debris build-up is quite common, which often begin to start fires. Even if it’s not something you can personally take care of, you can hire professionals from DUCTZ to help you sort this out. A clean home is a safe home.
You’ll get sick a lot less.
If your home is clean, it means there are fewer spots for germs, bacteria, and mold to grow at. Some prime locations these hang around are carpets, rugs, bedding, upholstery, dark areas, and moist areas. However, other areas such as doorknobs can be at risk of sheltering bacteria. The more you clean your home, the fewer germs and bacteria will be around. This keeps you and the rest of the household in your home very healthy.
A clean home boost productivity
Another mental health benefit to having a clean space is that you will be more inclined to feel productive. So what does a clean home have to do with productivity? Visual clutter also creates clutter for the brain. It means that you’re going to see too many distractions from an unorganized space. But if the room is clean and organized, the exact opposite will be happening where you’ll feel more inclined to be active and productive because there aren’t any visual or mental distractions.
Your sleep can improve.
Have you ever had a hard time sleeping because your to-do list was nagging at you? That’s happened to all of us, but if you have a clean home, this will be one less thing on the list of what has to be done. Most to-do lists that the average person has involved cleaning up their home.
by | Mar 10, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Your health and wellbeing should top your list of priorities. Taking care of your body and mind is essential and will help you lead a happier, healthier, and even potentially more extended life. But there are so many different areas that you can focus on when it comes to leading a happy and healthy life that many of us can struggle to decide where to start. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, making significant life changes that can be difficult to stick to, you could be better off taking things one step at a time. Minor changes are easier to manage, and you’re more likely to stick to them. So, here are a few that you might want to consider as time goes on!
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Attend Regular Health Check Ins
There are several health appointments that you should attend at regular intervals just to give your healthcare professionals a chance to check in on you and ensure that you’re in good shape. It would help if you visited a reliable dentist like Allen Dentistry once every six months. Visit both a dentist and a hygienist. The dentist will ensure that there aren’t any problems with your teeth, while your hygienist will be able to clean your teeth thoroughly. It would help if you visited your optician once every two years. This will help them ensure that your eyesight hasn’t changed and give them a chance to identify any eye health issues you may be experiencing. If you have a cervix, you should attend cervical screening when requested. Prostate checks should begin if you have a prostate and are over 50.
Eat the Right Amount
Let’s talk about diet. Now, you don’t need to go on a significant diet unless your doctor recommends it. We just need to make sure that we’re eating the right amount in the right quantities for most of us. You can understand how much you’re supposed to eat daily using a recommended calorie count. The number of calories you should eat will differ depending on your age, sex, and how active you are. This rough guide below should give you an idea of where to start.
Children aged 2 to 8 – 1000 to 1400 calories
Girls aged 9 to 13 – 1400 to 1600 calories
Boys aged 9 to 13 – 1600 to 2000 calories
Active women aged 14 to 30 – 2400 calories
Sedentary women aged 14 to 30 – 1800 to 2000 calories
Active men aged 14 to 30 – 2800 to 3200 calories
Sedentary men aged 14 to 30 – 2000 to 2600 calories
Active adults over 30 – 2000 to 3000 calories
Sedentary adults over 30 – 1600 to 2400 calories
Choose Exercise You Enjoy
You should be getting roughly one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week, or seventy-five minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. You’re much more likely to hit these targets by choosing something you enjoy.
These small steps are easy to implement when you set your mind to them. Hopefully, at least one will help you to lead a healthier lifestyle!
by | Mar 7, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Creative people are a rare breed. They can see life from an entirely different perspective than the average person. Whether it’s painting, writing, or designing, creative people tend to have a lot of hobbies.
While most people associate creativity with painting or artistic skills, there are many other creative activities that you can explore and get better at on your own time. And hobbies aren’t just fun; they’re great for your mental health too. Here are just 10 to help you discover and explore your inner creativity.
Image by Deeana Arts via Pexels
Ceramics
Ceramics is a hobby that doesn’t require a lot of money to get started. You can make your pottery and paint them, or buy pieces that are already made and paint them. You can also create your kiln in your home. By exploring this hobby, you’ll learn about the process of making ceramics and how different glazes work when they are heated in the kiln.
And you can even get ceramic kits sent to your home so you can explore this hobby in your own time if classes aren’t for you.
Painting
Painting is one of the most well-known creative activities. You can paint anything you want, and there are many different styles to choose from.
One popular style is abstract art. This is when you use colors to create a conceptual design that may or may not have any specific meaning behind it. The great thing about painting is that it can be done on various surfaces. You could try painting on a canvas, wood paneling, or even stone slabs. It’s all up to you and your creativity!
Another form of painting is watercolor paintings. Here, you would combine water with pigment powder to create your desired design or picture using the fluidity of water for its unique effects. There’s also oil painting if you want to push the boat out. This is where artists use oil paints made from linseed or sunflower oils mixed with pigments to paint their work. There are many ways to make these paintings; some artists will dip the end of their brush in oil paints while others will apply them straight on the canvas by dabbing them on with a cloth or your fingers as they go along!
Writing
Writing is a great hobby. Not only can you work on your writing skills, but it’s an excellent way to socialize with people in your community. Writing can be done in blogging, short stories, or even poetry. You can also explore different forms of writing like nonfiction or fiction.
Try journaling if you want to get writing but aren’t sure where to start. It’ll give you a positive outlet for your emotions and get the creative writing juices flowing.
Quilting
Quilting is an excellent hobby for people who enjoy hands-on crafts and hobbies. Quilts are made from fabric patches, and the skills required to cut out and sew together just the suitable shapes and colors are often a sign of your creative potential. Quilters have to think creatively about what goes well together and create beautiful patchwork with fabric.
The beauty of quilting is that getting started is easy and cheap. You can use old clothes as your source of fabric. And then, you can choose a simple pattern and get to work. Of course, the first try won’t be perfect. But something is calming about focussing all your attention on a craft.
Knitting And Crochet
Knitting and crochet are not only great hobbies to help you relax, but they also teach you to be creative. There are many different patterns and stitches that you can use to create your pieces.
There are plenty of how-to books and courses online to get you started. And you can utilize YouTube for free videos if you don’t want to spend any cash upfront. In addition, knitting and crochet are excellent hobbies to get you exploring your creative side because when you start, there are patterns for you to follow. And then, once you know what you’re doing, you can explore your creative side in designs of your own making.
Photography
If you have a knack for taking pictures and capturing the perfect moment, photography may be a hobby for you.
You might be worrying that getting into photography will be expensive. This is because cameras, lenses, and film are needed to take pictures. But thanks to modern technology, you can get started for free if you own a smartphone. Their cameras are as good as those the professionals use. So don’t let not having a camera hold you back!
Photography is not only a fun activity, but it’s also an art that could potentially lead to a career as well. If you’re someone who has an eye for composition and enjoys taking photos, this hobby is perfect for you.
Music Making
Making music is a hobby anyone can do, no matter your skill level. You don’t need to be classically trained to make music. You can make music on any device – like your phone or even a tablet. This is especially helpful for traveling or who don’t have a piano nearby. And you can use fun tech like a mini MIDI keyboard to help you produce your music. The Akai MPK mini MK3 is an excellent option for beginners; check out a review of it here.
If you’re looking for new inspiration and want to do something different, try out some of the free online courses from Berklee College of Music and Stanford’s Center for Computer Research in the Humanities (CCRH).
Cooking
If you cook at home often, you might not think that it’s a creative pursuit at all. But actually, creating a meal requires lots of creativity on your part.
Cooking is a very creative activity that can be done at home and doesn’t require any special skills. There are many different ways to cook, and each dish has its ingredients and cooking technique. Therefore, the same word can be very different if you use other cooking techniques or choose various components.
Repurposing Furniture
Like many people, you probably have a lot of old furniture lying around your house. That old sofa is looking a little worse for wear, and the dresser in your bedroom has scratches all over it. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix!
Repurposing furniture is a great way to recycle what might otherwise be thrown away. You can strip down furniture to its natural state and then re-paint or glue on new fabric. The possibilities are endless! Not only does it give your furniture a new lease of life, but it gets you thinking creatively too.
Printmaking
Printmaking is creating art from a series of types, images, or objects. Printmakers use surfaces like wood, linoleum blocks, or glass to make prints. And you can do it easily at home.
If you want to take on a challenge, you can turn your hand at lino printing. But if you’re new to printmaking, you can use things found around the house to create a pattern. Think back to kindergarten, where you used potato halves to print with. You can do that now as an adult and still make beautiful prints.
by | Mar 3, 2022 | Lifestyle |
It’s no secret that looking after your health is essential. But what many people don’t realize is just how important it is to look after your eyes. Your eyes are one of the most critical organs in your body. If you don’t take care of them, you could end up with some severe problems. This blog post will discuss the importance of eye care and outline some simple steps that you can take to protect your vision.
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels
Get Regular Eye Exams
One of the most important things you can do for your eyes is to get regular eye exams. It will allow your doctor to catch any potential problems early and provide treatment before they become more serious. Most health insurance plans cover at least one eye exam per year, so there’s no excuse not to go.
You should also have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every two years unless otherwise recommended by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, drops are placed in the eyes to enlarge the pupils and allow the doctor to see all of the structures inside of them. This type of exam is the best way to detect eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. During these tests, they will also determine if you need ptosis eyedrops.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is vital for your overall health, but it can also help to protect your eyes. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. It’s also essential to avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fat, which can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to vision problems, so make sure you’re drinking enough fluids each day.
Protect Your Eyes From The Sun
Too much exposure to the sun can damage your eyes and increase your risk of developing eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. That’s why it’s essential to protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outside. Make sure to choose sunglasses that offer UV protection to help shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
It’s also a good idea to avoid looking directly at the sun, especially during peak hours when the sunlight is most vital. If you need to look at the sun, make sure to do so through a pair of solar eclipse glasses or welder’s goggles.
Use Proper Eye Protection
If you’re working with hazardous materials or participating in a dangerous activity, it’s essential to wear proper eye protection. This will help protect your eyes from injuries and reduce the risk of developing an eye disease.
There are many different types of eye protection available, so make sure to choose the right style for your needs. Safety goggles are a good option for activities that involve projectiles or flying objects, while welding masks are ideal for working with sparks or flames.
In conclusion, it’s essential to protect your eyes and your vision. Be sure to get regular eye exams, eat a healthy diet, and wear proper eye protection when necessary. By following the simple tips, you can help keep your eyes healthy for years to come.
by | Mar 2, 2022 | Lifestyle |
There are a lot of benefits to getting your kids into sports, such as helping them learn about responsibility and teamwork (vital if they want a puppy, for instance) and assisting them to live a healthier life. However, not all kids will be interested in sports if you throw them into them headfirst. Here are a few ways to make it easier for them to stick to sports.
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Give them an example to follow.
We are shaped by our environments first and foremost. The commonplace habits in your household are also likely to become a part of your child’s life. If you are worried about whether or not your child will be active enough, you should look at sites like https://www.sheknows.com/ that can give you ideas on ways to be busy with them. Of course, even outside of what you do with them, you should be getting involved in exercise and even some sporting groups around you. Kids mimic their parents and pick up their habits.
Share their passion for it.
If you want your child to stick to a sport, then you need to be there with them. It becomes more than an interest. It becomes something for the family to bond over, as well. Of course, this means supporting them during any time they’re playing, but if their fandom follows them home and they get into professional sports, then you can watch with them as well as use sites like https://sportnews.in/. This way, you can stay up to date and insightful, talking with them and helping them build their passion for sports bit by bit.
Get physically involved, too.
It’s not enough to support them in their efforts to enjoy sports and to compete. If you’re able to get involved with them, they’re much more likely to stick with it. There’s a reason that the idea of playing catch with your child holds an inherent and immediately understandable value. If you want your child to associate sports with fun, then you have to start by playing sports with them, even casually, if it’s just the two of you.
Make sure you’re encouraging age-appropriate sports.
Of course, you don’t want to try and get your child into anything they’re not ready for. You should have a good idea of what sporty activities you should suggest for your child based on their age. If they’re in early grade school or younger, focus more on activities such as kicking the soccer ball, hitting balls off the tee, jump rope, hopscotch, and such. As they get older, that’s when you start looking at more structured and social sporting activities.
Sports aren’t the only ways to help your kids live a more active life, but they certainly are amongst the more fun and accessible ways to do it. Keep the tips above in mind as you and your child navigate the world of sport together.
by | Mar 1, 2022 | Lifestyle |
A respectful handshake outside a home – Image Courtesy of Pixabay
Sadly, not getting along with the house next door is pretty standard. People are different, and what is annoying to you is fun for another. But it would be best if you always tried to defuse a problem with a neighbor rather than losing your temper and making things worse.
Know Your Rights
In most situations, something your neighbor does will be harmless, yet no less annoying. However, in some circumstances, it may be the case that the person next door is in breach of building or neighborhood regulations, local restrictions, or even the law. Therefore, it is best to know where you both stand before taking any actions. Hiring legal services is a great place to start since attorneys are typically knowledgeable about such things. However, bringing legal action against someone will cost time and money, so make sure it’s necessary before you begin.
Express Your Concerns
Of course, going down the legal route should be a last resort because it can have real implications for everyone involved. A legal demand might escalate tensions and will cost you financially. Therefore, it is helpful if you make an effort to speak to your neighbor and let them know if they are causing you distress. In almost all cases, people are reasonable and will apologize, trying not to do it again. It’s also possible they aren’t doing anything wrong, yet you perceive it as such. For instance, everyone has the right to use power tools on their property.
Find Common Ground
Upon expressing your concerns, it’s always helpful to find common ground when something affects you. Using power tools as a further example, it might be how your neighbor makes a living. Therefore, it isn’t reasonable to expect them to stop their income because it annoys you. However, you could ask that they use their tools between certain hours, such as nine to five. Your neighbors might be willing to accept such a proposal. Of course, there are probably local restrictions about noise restrictions, and they may not be in your favor.
Ask Your Other Neighbors
Most of the time, noisy neighbors aren’t aware they are a problem. Most people go about their business and don’t realize they are causing distress. Yet, there exist people who seem to do it on purpose. If you need to make a case, get the opinions of your other neighbors:
Ask if it’s a problem for them too.
Check if they have also asked them to stop.
Consider a group complaint.
Find out about petition requirements.
Confront your neighbors as a group.
A recent survey found that around 40% of people experience problem neighbors. If enough people complain, there are requirements for authorities to act in many cases. However, if you decide to work as a group, put aggression aside and approach with respect.
Stay Calm and Polite
One of the best ways of dealing with an undesirable situation is to stay calm and always be polite. Even though you feel wronged, you won’t help the situation by losing your temper. You will make it worse. Additionally, suppose you approach a problem aggressively. In that case, you risk turning into a violent situation, which isn’t suitable for anyone and will hurt your case. If your neighbor is aggressive, try to record with your phone or get witnesses. That way, your claim against them will help show their unwillingness to cooperate with the neighborhood.
Keep a Record of Issues
Recording a confrontation on your phone can make a situation worse. Some people take great offense to being filmed. However, you can keep a detailed record of violations in a diary. It is best to include dates and times so that any authorities can use them as evidence. Additionally, you can record offenses that happen on your property or in a public space. CCTV is a great way to capture illegal activity on your property. However, under no circumstances should you record your neighbor on their property. This is illegal and could be used against you.
Be Willing to Compromise
You want to get along with your neighbors when all is said and done. And what you think is annoying might be a day at work for them. Therefore, it isn’t fair to place your irrational thinking on them. But in most cases, your neighbors will be willing to reach an agreement. However, you must understand that you may not have everything your way all the time. For example, your neighbors have the right to play music, host friends, or fix up vehicles on their property at certain hours. And while it might annoy you, you will need to accept that this is their way of life.
Summary
One of the most distressing things in life is dealing with problem neighbors. But before you go off half-cocked, you should express your concerns, try to find common ground, and always stay polite. A simple conversion might be all that is required to resolve a situation.
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