8 Hobbies To Boost IQ and Mental Health

It’s good to have a hobbit. But hobbies are more than a simple pastime or another string to add to your bow. Hobbies can provide many different benefits, from keeping your buddy active to improving your mental and physical health and even improving your cognitive ability and raising your IQ, not to mention the social aspect of hobbies where you can connect with others too.

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While the sole reason for taking up a new hobby shouldn’t be dependent on how much brighter it can make you, it can help to know that you are getting additional benefits aside from the enjoyment of indulging in your hobby as frequently as possible.

But if you are curious about what types of hobbies can help you boost brain function and increase your mental capacity for learning and retaining information, read on.

Knitting & Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting are both types of needlework that require you to create patterns using yarn or threads and needles and hooks to help create patterns, designs, clothing, and more. A 2011 study found that knitting and crocheting can help to slow down the cognitive decline of age, while another study found that 71% of respondents said knitting helped to improve their concentration, and IQ increased by over 9%. Not only this, it can also help enhance dexterity, reduce stress levels, and even provide you with clothing or a new income stream if you have a flair for knitting and crocheting. Try these crochet project ideas to get you started.

Learning A Language
Learning a language has been a popular hobby for many people worldwide. Whether they are learning a new language for practical reasons for traveling and to communicate with others but for many, learning a new language is something they enjoy too, and it can improve their mental health no end. Learning a language was proven to increase IQ by 5.88% in a 2020 study by DIYS.com. Of nearly 5,000 volunteers, those who learned a new language not only developed a new skill but benefitted from increased concentration and the ability to absorb more knowledge.

Playing An Instrument
Playing an instrument is one of the more creative hobbies you can undertake. While many children learn an instrument at school, it is never too late to pick up something, figure out how to make it, and create sweet music and melodies. From learning the guitar to piano or something more niche, such as bagpipes or the didgeridoo, learning an instrument increases your IQ by 9.71% (DIYS study). It involves using both parts of the brain in conjunction with each and increases activity in the corpus callosum.

Free Writing
Free writing is picking up a pen or opening up your keyboard and typing. With no thought, rhyme, or reason, just writing. It can be your innermost thoughts; it can be something creative like fiction or anything else you wish. Studies found that writing by hand offers more mental health benefits and improves brain and hand-eye coordination, but writing on a keyboard can also be beneficial. There is no end goal, nor does your writing need to make sense to you or anyone else. Pick up that pen, let your creativity flow, and your IG gets a little boost.

Crosswords/Puzzles
Crosswords and word puzzles have long been linked to improving cognitive ability. They are often touted as one of the best activities for those experiencing cognitive decline or to help slow down the aging process and for a good reason. Many studies have shown a link between doing crosswords, word games, word searches, and the like and improved brain health and function in adults over 50. If you want to see how much benefit it can add to your life, make a habit of doing the daily crossword in the newspaper or invest in some puzzle books to keep your brain sharp.

Drawing and Painting
Much like free writing, painting and drawing don’t need a focus or end game. Creative hobbies were found to be more beneficial for health in many ways, from reducing stress levels to opening your mental capacity and helping you to improve neural functioning in the brain. You can choose to follow patterns and learn creative drawing techniques, or you can select any medium to paint and draw with and see where your mind takes you. It isn’t about the end. The result is about simply doing it, so if you want to try it, don’t focus on what you think you should be pudding. Just express yourself freely and see what happens.

Gardening
Gardening is proven to have many benefits, not just improving your IQ (5% as per the same study). Being in nature can improve your heart and mental health and expose you to vitamin D, which your body needs to help fight illnesses. The presence of plants and nature has long been proven to increase mental wellness. Everyone can do or can learn gardening, which can offer a way to get outdoors while learning a new skill and boosting your brain health.

Exercising/Dancing
The health benefits of exercising and dancing are vast. Our bodies need to move to keep them fit and healthy, but exercising has also been proven to improve brain health and boost IQ points; it is the third best hobby to boost IQ, according to the DIYS study in 2020. Those who exercise can benefit from a delayed aging process, increased physical health, lower rate of illnesses and injury, and all the mental health benefits and IQ-boosting properties. So if you want to find a hobby that considers all aspects of your health, find an exercise or dance class you enjoy and get moving.

Conclusion
Hobbies can be more than just a great way to pass the time. They can have many health benefits and help you to improve your brain health and IQ at the same time.



Is Your Online Business Running Smoothly?

Having an online business can be exciting, and there are so many great experiences that you can have as part of that. But it can also be worrying, unnerving and stressful, which is just a fact about running this kind of enterprise. In any case, ensuring you are trying to keep your business running as smoothly as possible is wise. In this post, we will look at some of the essential things you should look into to ensure your online business is running as smoothly as possible.

Choose The Right Hosting Platform
One of the things that will make the most difference is having the right hosting platform in place. This is a service whereby your online business can be run effectively from one place. Having a good hosting platform in place will make running the business more manageable and smoother and ensure that you will have a better chance of keeping customers coming in. So this is something that you will want to consider from an early point in time and will take a lot of consideration on your part.

Set Up Secure Payments
Secure payments are significant in keeping customers happy in your online store. As long as you have done this, there will be more trust between you and your customers, and you will find you are much more likely to build a strong and healthy relationship with them. To begin, get yourself a virtual payment terminal that you think you can trust and that your customers can therefore trust. This will be a very strong start to getting your payments secure as best as possible.

Focus On Cybersecurity
As an online-only business, cybersecurity is not merely a good idea – it is essential to the proper and complete running of your business. You, therefore, need to make sure that you are putting as much of a focus on solid cybersecurity as you possibly can. If you do that, you have a much better chance of keeping everything in place for a long time. Much of the work here can be done in-house, but there is no doubt that having a professional outsourced cybersecurity team on your side can also be beneficial.

Keep On Top Of Trends
The more aware you are of trends in the world of online businesses, the easier it will be to keep up with them. That is perhaps obvious, but you should keep it in mind as you build your online business because it will make a significant difference in how things turn out. Keep on top of all the relevant trends to your business; you will find it helps you greatly.

10 Common Ways Companies Lose Money

There are many ways companies can lose money. Here are 10 of the most common causes of loss and how to prevent them.

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Refunds
If too many customers ask for their money back, it can eat away at your profits. Customers can ask for refunds for various reasons, but in almost all cases, a product/service didn’t meet their expectations. Putting in place quality control measures and improving your return policy are two ways you can reduce refunds.

Chargebacks
Chargebacks occur when a customer disputes a purchase with their credit card provider. The credit card provider then reverses the transaction. Like refunds, chargebacks can cost companies a lot of money. If you’re a high-risk merchant, you must get chargeback protections to limit these losses.

Miscounting errors
Many companies can lose money through miscounting errors. This can include accidentally giving back too much change or accidentally overpaying staff members. Going cashless and automating staff payments is one way that some companies combat this.

Unprofitable discounts
When offering customers discounts, it’s vital that these discounts are still profitable. Think carefully before slashing prices, and ensure that things like loyalty point systems or membership discounts aren’t too generous.

Expired stock
Items like food products, paints, and even printer ink have an expiry date. It’s important to use/sell these items in good time so they don’t expire. Using day dot systems and offering promotions on items nearing their expiry can help to reduce expired stock. You should also think carefully as to how much stock you order so that you don’t go overboard.

Damaged products
Damaged products often cannot be sold or have to be heavily discounted, which can also result in losses. Storing supplies in the right conditions is essential to avoid product damage. Make sure also to hire a reliable courier and use good quality packaging to avoid products getting damaged in transit.

Lawsuits
Lawsuits can cost businesses thousands of dollars. There are many reasons to file a lawsuit, but typically it comes down to not sticking to promises or accidentally injuring someone/damaging their property. Creating legally tight contracts, taking stringent health and safety measures, and not promising more than you can realistically achieve are all ways to prevent lawsuits. Taking out insurance can, meanwhile, help to pay for lawsuits that are unavoidable. 

Unnecessary loans
Some loans can be a form of investment – such as buying expensive equipment that will eventually help you to make money. Other loans can simply be the result of poor budgeting or to afford luxuries that you don’t need. Make sure that you’re not over-relying on these types of loans, as you’ll end up losing money in the long run through repayments and interest fees. 

Theft and fraud
Theft and fraud can result in huge losses for businesses. This is why it’s crucial to invest money into security when starting a business. Make sure that any physical premises are alarmed and monitored, and use reliable security software and cloud backups. Security measures like employee background checks can also reduce crime from within. 

Unplanned downtime
Equipment faults, personal illness, or power cuts can result in downtime in which you cannot serve customers. This, in turn, can result in a loss of income. Plan ahead to avoid loss of income in these situations, such as servicing equipment, taking out income protection insurance, and possibly even buying a backup power generator.



Why Invite Your Priest to Dinner

If you are a member of the church community where you live, you know that it’s pretty customary to have dinner with your priest from time to time. If you haven’t ever had your priest over to your home, you might want to consider being the next to offer. 

It’s not as common as it used to be to invite a priest to stay for a meal. It’s a shame, given that a church community is one of collaboration, family, and love, which should extend to the clergy in your church. If you invite Father Adam Park as your local clergy, to your home for dinner, you’d be in a good position to learn about what is wanted from you as a community member, and you’ll feel more included in it. So, with that in mind, we’ve got some of the reasons that you should go ahead and invite your priest to dinner below:

Photo by Edward Eyer 

You can show your appreciation. As a member of the church, you need to think about how you can show your priest that you are appreciative of everything that they’ve done for you and your family. Dinner gives you the chance to communicate in a way that’s laid back, low key, and less pressure, plus you can ask all of the questions you need to to a knowledgeable member of the church.

It is an enriching experience. Everyone has their own backstory and insights about their faith. You are the same, and that means you have a chance to ask any exploring questions, dive into your faith and really get to grips with the place you take up in the congregation. You no longer are the family at the back of the church but someone making the priest feel welcome.

You can give back to the parish. When we support our priests, we are supporting our parish. You can help your priest feel better able to serve in their capacity. They will then feel that their hard work and message are worth it. Sometimes, priests feel they’re preaching into the void, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If your priest comes to your home for a meal, you are enriching their lives as much as they do yours during mass.

It’s an act of charity. The whole message within religion – any religion – is to love your fellow man. Priests are busy people who rarely have the time or energy to do much for themselves. Being able to cook and host a delicious meal gives your priest a break and the chance to feel like charitable giving is going on.

Never assume inviting your priest for dinner is a bad idea. It’s going to be an excellent idea to let them into your home and your life, and now you know all of the reasons that you should go ahead and invite them, it’s time to plan your menu!

Good Skin Habits To Start This Summer

As the summer season is here and the summer holiday is approaching, it’s the perfect time to reevaluate your skincare routines and adopt healthy habits that will leave your skin glowing and radiant. While the warm weather brings challenges, such as increased sun exposure and humidity, incorporating a few simple habits into your daily lives can help you maintain healthy and beautiful skin. 

Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

Back to the kitchen
First and foremost, healthy eating plays a crucial role in achieving vibrant skin. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the essential nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy and beautiful. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in these foods help protect the skin from damage caused by harmful UV rays and promote collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity. 

During the summer, we are blessed with abundant seasonal fruits and vegetables, which you can include in your meal plans. Incorporate water-rich options like watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits into your diet to stay hydrated and maintain a youthful complexion. These fruits and veggies are not only refreshing but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your skin from within. 

Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help combat free radicals contributing to premature aging. So, summer is the perfect season to start making conscious choices about your diet. 

Trust a skin expert
In addition to a healthy diet, regular visits to a specialist dermatology clinic are essential for maintaining your skin’s youthfulness and appearance. Dermatologists are trained professionals who can provide not only expert advice and guidance tailored to your specific skin type and concerns but also deliver skin-enhancing treatments such as injectables and chemical peels. 

They are also committed to addressing skin health issues, such as adult acne, sun damage, and skin conditions, providing targeted treatments and suitable skincare products. Did you know that many skin complaints could be easily eliminated by visiting a specialist? So, if you are concerned about issues, such as summer outbreaks or eczema, it is worth scheduling a check-up to catch and address any potential problems before they escalate.

Be active
Summer is the season for outdoor activities! As such, staying physically active in summer tends to be easy. You have to remember that exercising is a crucial aspect of achieving and maintaining healthy skin. Indeed, engaging in regular physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation, which nourishes the skin cells and helps carry away waste products. Increased blood flow also brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, giving it a natural, healthy glow. 

During the summer, enjoy the pleasant weather to participate in outdoor activities, such as swimming, jogging, or cycling. This is the opportunity to start a new healthy habit. Not only will you benefit from the exercise, but the fresh air and vitamin D from the sun will also contribute to your overall well-being and skin health. 

In conclusion, adopting good skin habits this summer is not only beneficial for the present, but it also establishes a foundation for long-lasting skin health. Hopefully, you can gradually implement these practices into your daily routine to reap the rewards of healthy and beautiful skin throughout the summer and the rest of the year. Remember, taking care of your skin is an investment in yourself. 

Finding the Perfect Birthday Gift for a Child

Finding the perfect birthday gift for a child can be a daunting experience. There’s the chance they may not like it. Or the parents may not be happy with what you buy.

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See What’s Currently Trending
You can always play it safe and see what’s trending right now. Toy fads come and go. But some toys stay popular. And others are even becoming collective because they are so in demand. For example, LOL Surprise toys are highly prized by kids between 4 and 11 years old. You can check what’s trending with a simple Google search. Or you can check individual retailers who usually have a “What’s Hot” section on their online sales websites.

Ask the Child’s Parents
Of course, the easiest way to find a gift for a kid is to ask the parents. However, there are some risks with this. The parents may not want to put you on the spot because they don’t know how much you are willing to spend. Conversely, they may ask for something expensive that you aren’t willing to spend. Either way, however, you will get major kudos from the parents, and the kid will love you. But this can also help you get something the parents will approve of.

A Book is the Perfect Birthday Gift for a Child
Kids love toys. Of course, they do. But most kids also love reading, especially if it’s a child’s book focused on something they are interested in. For instance, if your nephew can’t get enough of Jurassic Park, then a big book of dinosaurs would make you the best aunt or uncle in the world. Then, of course, some children are above average reading age. Classics such as Roald Dahl’s books, Narnia books, and others are a safe bet.

Consider Sharing Toys
There are many types of toys. And not all are made for the individual and are best enjoyed by others. Board games are a perfect example. Today, video game versions such as for Nintendo Switch might be more appropriate. Then there are things like puzzles, sports games, and activity books. These are great gifts for kids with siblings, friends, and cousins who visit often. It also means they will learn to share and develop better social skills while having fun.

Make Sure a Gift is Age Appropriate
Toys are labeled with ages for a reason. Some toys are not appropriate for certain age ranges and may be dangerous. For example, an action figure for 8-year-olds isn’t the best thing for a toddler because of choking hazards. You also don’t want to get a toy too young for a child, either. And then, of course, there are age-rated products. You know, the ones. Many kids have gotten a copy of Grand Theft Auto V, even though it’s for 18+.

Summary
It can be tricky to find the perfect birthday gift for a child. But you can always try trending toys, a book of something they like, and try to make sure the gift is an appropriate age level too.