Category: Health and Wellbeing
Just Pondering
When do you feel most alive?
Melinda
How To Grow Older But Feel Younger
Imagine if the older you got, the younger you felt.
It sounds like an impossibility. In the West, we believe that as the body ages, so too does the mind.
But is that true? Of course, not. In this post, we take a look at some of the ways that you can keep yourself young on the inside. Check them out below.
Keep Your Romance Alive
Human beings without love generally go mad. If it’s not in our lives, we can’t cope. That’s why it is so important to keep the love alive in your relationships, whether romantic or otherwise. If you can keep the spark going between you and others, you’ll feel younger – perhaps like you did when you were a teenager.
Get Traveling
Another way to stay young is to start traveling. Going overseas and seeing new things reminds you that life is an adventure and that there are always new things to see and do.
When you go to new places, it makes you feel like you’re young again because it introduces you to a new experience. When you visit a new place, you get all the smells, sights, and sounds that come with it. And these affect you both consciously and unconsciously.
Have you noticed how much better you feel after you get back from a vacation? It’s all to do with how it rewires your brain.
Join A Community
Being part of a community is essential for feeling younger. You’re less isolated and can share your thoughts and ideas with other people.
The best retirement community organizations facilitate interactions between members. They make sure that there are always group activities to enjoy, no matter what your physical condition or medical needs.
Get Active
Being active reminds your body that the game isn’t over yet. There’s still plenty to do. It sends a signal to all your cells that they need to keep on fighting and make themselves stronger.
When you get more active, you soon discover a new sense of wellbeing and energy. Remember, the amount of energy that you have isn’t a finite stock. Instead, you create more energy, the more you do.
Exercise is also a great way to fight many of the diseases of aging that can make you feel older. It helps to stave off heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. What’s more, it can be an important part of pain management, helping you deal with many of the challenges that you face.
Spend Time Appreciating Nature
As you get older, you should strive to spend as much time in nature as you can. Sunlight encourages the production of the feel-good factor, serotonin, which helps the body to relax and may even keep you young.
The sights, sounds, and smells of nature are also intrinsically relaxing. Basking in them can help reduce stress and fatigue, particularly if you’ve had a long week.
Conclusion
In summary, it is possible to grow older on the outside, but feel younger on the inside. It’s all about reconnecting with the playfulness of your child’s self.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Three Areas Of Your Health To Watch
People are frequently misled into believing that leading a healthy lifestyle entails drastically altering all of their present habits in one fell swoop. This is one of the most common reasons why people fail to maintain their positive adjustments and relapse to their old behaviors, especially when they believe they have a lot to change. Making little modifications rather than a single big change will improve the journey, make it easier, and increase your chances of success.
If you make a few small changes, such as adding more vegetables to your plate or going for a walk during your lunch break instead of diving into a gym commitment and eliminating all carbs from your diet, you will find success and dedication. Plus, if you make a mistake, it’s far easier to go back on course than if you entirely modify everything.
Let’s look at some modest changes you may do to live a healthier lifestyle:
Take Precautions With Medications
Although quick fixes and supplements may appear to be a good idea, you should be aware of the possibility of negative side effects and long-term consequences. Many people successfully use supplements, pain relievers, and heartburn cures, but it’s important to know what you’re putting into your system and why. Sometimes prescribed medications can lead to addiction. If you ever need help make sure you have a look at some American Addiction Centers reviews.
Keep An Eye on Your Food
When it comes to your dietary intake, there is a lot to consider. You should consider how much you eat, whether you’re eating a well-balanced diet, and how much you actually require for your type of body, age, and height, as well as attempting to eat ‘clean.’ It’s difficult, and it’s one of the most common reasons individuals fail when they think they need to diet. Examine which foods are healthy for you and make gradual changes to your diet. If you want to reduce weight or simply eat more nutritiously, you don’t have to completely exclude some foods.
Exercise Often
It’s believed that in order to make a shift for a better lifestyle, they must either conduct tough activities every day or join a gym. This isn’t the case, and you’re more likely to struggle with your shift because your body and mind aren’t used to it. Small modifications to your fitness routine, such as taking a walk during lunch, walking to the store instead of driving, and arranging active family days out, could be a good place to start. You can then add a few workouts or strengthening exercises to your regimen once you’ve gotten acclimated to doing the more easy activity.
When trying to live a healthy lifestyle, keep in mind that it’s not about making drastic changes all at once; instead, start small and work your way up. You will get success as a result of it.
Are there any other little changes you could make to assist you to live a healthier lifestyle?
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
3 Fears About Screen Time For Kids-And Why They’re Not True
How Mom’s Shape The World
Simple Ways To Live A Healthier Life
There are mornings where you may be waking up feeling sluggish, or there are instances where you’ve prioritized taking caffeinated beverages because they are helping you power through the day. If the two sound familiar, you should consider ditching some of the quick fixes you rely on and start developing some energy management plans. You may have a hard time getting started, but when on it, you will get energized so you can keep going, especially when you reap the benefits of having a happier, productive, and healthier lifestyle.
Have Good Thought For Others
When you maintain a compassionate mindset, it can be one of the ways of conserving energy. Having kind attention can help practice good thoughts for other people. For example, when talking with your friends, try wishing them well and avoid being too harsh on them. Showing a positive act can keep you from being judgemental. When you start judging other people, it may make you judge yourself, and having negative dialogues can be exhausting.
Take Care Of Your Teeth
It’s vital to take proper care of your teeth because you only get one set of adult teeth. There are things you need to do daily, like brushing your teeth and seeing your local dentist at regular intervals throughout the year. When you do this, you will not only protect yourself against losing teeth and wearing dentures. Since gum diseases are linked to strokes and diabetes, they can prevent serious illnesses.
Try Yoga
Some poses may help increase flexibility and strength and improve balance when doing Yoga. These can be regarded as critical areas, especially for older people, as everyone can benefit from them.
Quit Smoking
If you’re finding a hard time quitting smoking, then you can start by setting a date for quitting. If possible, plan with your friends so that you can have a friend quit smoking and pick the appropriate day within the next month. Picking a date too far off in the future may make you postpone, and choosing a nearby date will make your plan for medication and look for a support system.
Also, try asking yourself why and when you smoke and replace the time with doing other things like taking a cup of coffee. You can also change your smoking routine, start thinking about how you feel the moment you’re smoking, and look for ways to avoid it.
Drink More Water
You may be in a position where you don’t like drinking water, or you’re not drinking enough water daily despite being essential. Water is necessary since it helps carry out bodily functions, removes body waste, and transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Since you may expel water daily through urination or bowel movements, it’s vital to constantly replenish the amount of water in your body.
Conclusion
In summary, when you want to create a healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t have to mean you will go through drastic changes. Just start by picking one thing at a time and work on it daily while letting some of your life habits stay the same. You may be surprised how the small changes have had a positive impact.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
What To Consider When Choosing A Pet for Emotional Support
Seeking an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)’s companionship and friendship can be liberating and therapeutic. However, choosing the right one to suit your specific needs could be challenging. Since the year 2016, the number of ESAs in the US shot up from 500,000 to over a million. Furthermore, deciding on particular character traits of the ESA you intend to choose is extremely important. If you’re in need of a perfect ESA pet, then this article throws light on important things you should consider beforehand.
Are you looking for a young or fully matured pet? This is a crucial question you need to answer before getting an emotional support pet. The average life expectancy of household pets ranges from twelve to fifteen years. Furthermore, animals of varied ages require specific needs, which should be a factor when deciding. Ideally, younger pets are easier to handle and train, but they tend to be very energetic, noisy, and overly curious. As they are still young, you may have your work cut out for you. To ease the burden, particularly with regards to their waste disposal, consider using a professional service. For example, if you have puppies that are not yet fully potty trained, you could hire a dog pooper scooper service to handle your pup’s waste. If your objective is to enjoy a calm and peaceful life with an ESA, a young pet may not be ideal for you. An older or mature pet may be more suitable, but they are harder to train.
Two significant laws protect emotional support pets in the United States; the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA). FHA provides the freedom to live with an emotional support pet in a rented home or in places where pets, in general, are prohibited. That includes the retirement home, campus accommodation, and hotels. The ACAA allows the ESA and its owner to board commercial flights without problems. The law also applies to flights that strictly forbid the presence of animals during a trip. For both laws, it is of utmost importance that your emotional support pet is sufficiently trained to avoid pooping in public.
Just as humans have individual character traits, so do pets. For example, a Labrador that works well with a teenager is not full proof that the same species will do well with another person. Animals exhibit a wide character variety in areas such as calmness and reaction to a strange item. For this reason, a skittish animal may not be ideal for an injured soldier looking for emotional support in a pet. It is necessary to consider the tolerance level of the animal you choose for emotional support. For example, if you already have a cat and are considering bringing in a dog as your emotional support, both should be able to live in harmony.
Naturally, some pets or breeds are more expensive to keep than others, and this should be considered when deciding on getting an ESA. For example, can your lifestyle accommodate monthly visits to the veterinary? Can you handle the bills that come with pet medications and care? In addition to these, some pets require regular grooming to improve their overall well-being. This will require a professional with years of experience in animal grooming, and they certainly do not come cheap. Suppose your ESA is a bird or a rabbit; keeping them healthy and active requires more money. These animals are easily prone to infections and over time, may begin to burn a hole in your wallet. Besides the initial financial value of your pet, you must consider other additional costs like pet food.
Perhaps, this is the most critical consideration of all. After all, the purpose of an emotional support pet is indicated in its general description. You may be lucky to establish an instant bond with the pet you choose, whereas it takes time and effort for others. Indeed, without an ESA, the animal you choose may turn out to be an ordinary pet.
ESA’s make life bearable for their owners who need them to go through life. Each ESA provides comfort, companionship, and a bond that lasts for as long as they are with their owners. Therefore, before you decide on choosing one, remember the considerations listed here.
This a collaborative post.
Melinda
How To Manage Retirement Planning In 5 Easy Steps
Managing one’s own retirement can be a daunting prospect. It is even more difficult for those who are new to the workforce or are still decades away from saving enough for their golden years. Luckily, managing one’s retirement is not as hard as it sounds if you follow these five easy steps.
Find the right plan that is right for you
In order to save money for your retirement, you need to have a way to put those funds aside. Before choosing a plan that fits your needs and budget, do some research on the various plans available. Many companies offer retirement plans; however, if you work for yourself, you may find other plans better for your needs. Those who plan to travel a lot or live in a state with high taxes may find it more beneficial to purchase a variable annuity. Once you have chosen the right plan for you, make sure that your employer offers any company match, and start contributing as soon as possible.
Start early but not too early
There are many benefits to starting your retirement savings as early as possible; however, if you start too early (when you are still in school or unemployed), then you cannot take advantage of compound interest. Instead of choosing an arbitrary age at which to start saving, use the rule of 72 instead. Divide 72 by the percentage of your income that you would like to save per year. If you want to save 5% of your income, then start saving at age 36-72.
Be mindful of where and how you spend
In order to make sure that your savings last throughout retirement, it is important to be mindful of where and how you spend. Try not to live above your means, purchase items that lose value over time (like cars), or spend money you don’t have. You should also fully utilize tax-advantaged accounts.
Invest wisely
Investing can seem like a daunting task for those new to the workforce; however, there are many online calculators and tools to make it easy. You should also consider consulting with an investment professional if you find yourself confused by all of the options and jargon. There are different types of investments that cater to different personalities and risk tolerances, so make sure to do your research before making any investments.
Stay the course and diversify
Whatever plan you choose, don’t let it change as your life circumstances change. If you start saving for retirement in your early 20s, then continue putting aside that same percentage of income; no matter how much you make, your savings should last. However, if you start saving for retirement in your mid-30s and suddenly lose your job and income, do not panic and withdraw money from those accounts (or take on more risky investments). Instead, find a way to continue saving as much as possible. Your golden years will be better if you manage your retirement well. Even with Trilogy Care available, you’d still feel more prepared if you start saving early.
In Conclusion
Managing your own retirement can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these five simple steps, and you will be well on your way to a financially secure future.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What is absolutely unique about you?
Melinda
Blood Donor Awareness Month
The month of January is usually a period of critical blood shortages. People stop donating blood during the holidays and when they get sick during cold and flu season. Blood drives also get snowed out during the winter months.
More than 50 years ago — on December 31, 1969 — the president of the United States signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). The new monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed.
Roll up your sleeve and help save a life today. This month is the most challenging month of the year for blood donations, you can help keep the blood supply full.
Before I became ill, I gave platelets. The process takes longer than giving blood but is used for Leukemia patients I don’t understand the process but they take the platelets out of the blood and pump the blood back into you. It takes about two hours.
Blood is more important to me than ever now that I have a rare Immune Deficiency Disorder called Hypogammaglobulinemia. Since my body doesn’t make antibodies, I need other people’s donated blood and antibodies to help me stay healthy.
Give blood this month and help save a life, maybe a loved one’s.
Melinda
Financial Planning For Life’s Emergencies
Making plans for the future is something that’s natural to do. It keeps you moving forward, helps you stay motivated, and makes you work harder too. But life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s those unexpected events that can bring the most difficulty, especially financially.
Having a plan for emergency situations can help your family stay afloat, even when things are difficult. Take a look at the following tips to help you get your finances in order and feel prepared for whatever might come your way.
Build up emergency savings
Having an emergency fund can bring you a lot of benefits, serving as a cushion if you ever face a financial emergency. Being unable to work or facing unexpected medical expenses can really hit your finances, but your emergency fund will see you through.
It’s worth reading all about emergency funds to learn more about them and to see how to get one started.
Consider expanding or adding value to your home
Your home is one of your biggest investments, and you never know when you might need to lean on it in the future. By expanding or renovating your home, you could increase its value, giving you a nest egg for the future.
Another reason to consider expanding your home is to cope with future situations. You may need to take care of an elderly parent or support a loved one after an accident, and additional space could help make things a little easier.
Get insurance that provides extra protection
There are different types of insurance that can help you plan for future emergencies. Health insurance is a must to make sure you’re covered against accidents and illnesses while having some life insurance can be critical for your family if the worst were to happen.
There is also insurance in place to help you should you need to take a leave of absence from work. Explore the different levels of cover that are out there to make sure you’ve got all the protection you need.
Have a plan for your retirement
Have you worked out a financial plan for your retirement? It can help you work out how much money you’ll need to live on once you’ve finished work. Making investments and savings now can benefit you a lot in the future when that money becomes necessary.
While working out your retirement plan, you’ll need to consider different possibilities, including if you’re faced with ill health. Home health care and other expenses can have a big impact on your future finances, so you’ll want to plan for them, just in case. With a retirement plan in place, you won’t have to worry about your future.
You can never predict where life will take you, but it’s good to have a plan in place so that your future is taken care of. Careful financial planning will put your mind at ease so that you can focus on enjoying every moment.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Review of Vital Field Vagus Nerve FrequenCell
It’s interesting that Vital Field has a Vagus FreguenCell because I have a Vagus Nerve Stimulator for my depression. It was implanted in 2005 and after years of different settings, I had my doctor turn it off. It wasn’t making enough difference and it changes your voice when it comes on, it vibrates the vocal cords.
I’ve reviewed many of Vital Field’s products and you can see one here. I’ve been very impressed with Vital Field, the research that goes into making each cell is extensive. Not every FrequenCell will work for you, if it didn’t work the first time try again.
This post contains affiliate links, they don’t cost you and it funds my coffee habit.
About Vital Field
Vitalfield has collaborated extensively with expert scientists and healthcare practitioners in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with a focus on biophysical and frequency medicine applications. Until early 2018, most of the technology in this field involved significant investments and training before it could be utilized in clinical environments.
Recent scientific breakthroughs have made this treatment accessible to the general public, in the form of miniature, portable and wearable applications that target specific health problems, such as chronic pain, inflammation, cell regeneration, metabolism,
Vital Field Vagus FrequenCell
Stress is the one thing that needs no introduction. We all experience it, we all battle its negative effects on our bodies and minds, we all try to find ways to deal with it.
This is where the Vagus Cell comes in, like a superhero to save the day. Wearing it will ensure more flexibility and stability for the autonomic nervous system, and higher resilience. This way, it can improve your everyday life and relationships, protect your mental health, help you achieve career goals, and in general reinforce your body against the effects of stress.
“The better you become friends with your system, the more it really works for you.“
– Mechthild Rex-Najuch,
world-leading vital field energy practitioner and naturopath
Get to know your body
Vagus, the largest cranial nerve, wanders through the entire body and there is hardly a structure that is not connected to it in some way. It is imperative for the reactions of our vegetative or autonomic nervous system. Together with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, the vagus nerve regulates our behavior during stress.
In the course of evolution, two parts have developed: A posterior and an anterior. While the posterior part keeps the entire body autonomously stable, the anterior part learns and is largely responsible for the perception of social elements and security. It is likely that communication has only become possible because of this. If the posterior part reacts autonomously, it means that it works independently. It ensures that all internal processes are maintained.
My Thoughts
The first time I tried the cell I didn’t see a difference but after hearing how well Nassia’s husband responded, I decided to try again. So glad I did.
I started my trial on December 27th, 2022, and was impressed by the morning. I rarely sleep thru the night, usually up for a couple of nights mostly due to pain and my mind not shutting off. I woke up on the 28th after having slept thru the entire night and later in the morning had some pain relief. A couple of hours later, I had several hours without pain.
Although it’s not the Pain Cell it did provide pain relief in intervals.
I only needed two days to call The Vagus FrequenCell is a winner.
Use coupon code Light20 to save 20% on any Vital Field product.
You can find more information on all Frequencell’s here
Melinda
References:
Five Tips For Successful Co-Parenting
Co-parenting is one of the hardest things to reconcile with when you have had a breakdown in a relationship. Coming together to continue to parent as a team isn’t always easy, but it’s something that has to be done if you want to ensure that your child grows to be better-rounded and secure in their relationship with you both. Working together to bring up happy and healthy children may be a challenge, but it’s something you must come together to do as soon as possible.
When you speak to a family attorney and you go through the rigors of divorce, you might be emotionally spent. A big part of the process is going to be deciding how your children live with you, and which parent is the primary carer. These are all big decisions to make and at times, it can feel like it’ll be impossible to get along with your child’s other parents, but it’s a must to keep the peace. So, with this in mind, here are five tips that you need for successful co-parenting:
Work on boundaries
As parents and as individuals, you have to identify things about your relationships with your children that cannot change. You also have to identify the line between co parents and exes – and that’s the hard bit. Work on a calm and comfortable list of boundaries together, such as introducing your children to new partners, agreeing to set limits and tune into your feelings calmly. Agree to come together on parenting decisions and stick to that.
Make a schedule
It’s so essential to have a schedule that you work on together, and that you both respect. No chopping and changing the schedule after it’s set and any unforeseeable changes must be discussed in advance. Work together and come up with days and times you both see the children and create consistency. You have to keep their best interests as a common goal for you both.
Communicate
It’s not easy to do this, so do it in text or chat mode if necessary. Communication is key and it’s very important that you work together on this. This has to be treated like a business partnership and that means that when it comes to the children, you constantly work together.
Maintain flexibility
You both must understand that life happens and changes aren’t there to spite the other parent. When changes need to be made, consider the impact on the children and how much flexibility you can allow without being walked all over and then go from there.
Remember respect
You must model respect for each other so that your children will see this and respect the relationship. Truly make the commitment to respect one another no matter what because you once loved each other enough to create children who will see how you treat each other. Be a couple that your children will feel comfortable around and will rely on, and you will find that your children are happier as a result.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Resolutions Set You Up To Fail
For years I’ve seen people put together a pie in the sky list of Resolutions at the beginning of each year and by the second or third month they look at the list and nothing is checked off. Here’s the reason, resolutions are wishes and wishes don’t magically come true. Resolutions set you up to fail.
If you want to accomplish something you have to set a goal, write it down, and have an action plan. That is how you look back and see progress during the year. The key to setting goals is to reaccess as the year progresses, maybe you need to change or set new goals.
I can wish to win the lottery and the only action I can take is to buy a ticket, the rest is up to karma! I have no control over winning beyond buying a ticket. But if I set a goal for something that is important for me to accomplish during the year and take action towards the goals then I have a good chance of accomplishing it if I want it bad enough.
I’m also realistic, I don’t have a list of 20 items, which is crazy. Set a reasonable number because you are going to have to put the work behind each goal to accomplish it.
Happy New Year!
I wish you all the success in the world and know it’s within your control.
Melinda
Happy New Year
2021 has been a challenging year, to say the least, but we’ve come out the other side and we’re stronger for it. I don’t know what 2022 holds, no of us do but I know that we all have the ability to control our destiny.
Happy New Year, 2022 is upon us and we can make it a great year.
Sending Good Karma to you for all of 2022!
Melinda
How to Lighten Your Work Load into 2022
2021 has been a strange year. Uncertain for business and disastrous for local economies, the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over. A new variant has shut down international travel, and many sectors suffer. Yet, the world expects numerous other services, and you may be lucky enough for business continuity. But as we head into more uncertainty, you could lighten your workload for optimal conditions into the new year.
Delegate Critical Infrastructure
Bill Gates famously stated he didn’t learn how to do business until he trusted others. Whether your business is small, medium, or large, you cannot do everything. Additionally, you aren’t qualified to do it all. Fortunately, there’s a large pool of talented individuals available to which you can delegate critical infrastructure. For instance, you can assign eCommerce processes to a remote software development team or leave cybersecurity to a managed IT service. Depending on your budget, you can hire talent in-house or outsource most work for a cost-effective solution.
Manage Your Projects
It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. And even less when you aren’t as organized as you could be. Appointments, milestones, and critical meetings are just a few examples of things you can miss when bogged down. However, the advent of the smartphone makes project management more accessible than ever. Quickbooks are excellent for financial tracking, and inventory managers like Delivrd are perfect for keeping stock. You can also manage the projects and schedules of your employees more effectively with Teamdeck.
Prioritize Tasks
It can be challenging to know what to do and when with so much work to do. Task prioritization isn’t an easy skill to learn, yet it’s vital for your work and home life. Additionally, your physical and mental health could suffer if you try to do too much at once. It isn’t ideal for putting one task off over another, but it is necessary. For instance, suppose you operate a plumbing company. Customer number one’s dripping tap isn’t as crucial as customer number two’s flooded kitchen. Stay organized and stress-free by exercising professional judgment on urgent tasks.
Take a Break
It’s easy to feel that you cannot step away from work when you think it’s important, but you must take breaks. Burnout is a genuine concern and causes severe health issues. Depression, stress, and anxiety brought on by burnout will cause your work and home life to suffer. A good rule of thumb is to not bring your home with you. Understandably, this is challenging for some professions, and your job might affect you on an emotional level. Nursing or law enforcement are prime examples. But breaks from work are necessary for your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Learn to Switch Off
Like taking breaks, learning to switch off your work mode is essential for easing your professional burden. Of course, you could find it easy to switch off by de-stressing with a relaxing bath, your favorite hobby, or spending time with your family. But modern technology has a way of creeping into our lives. So unless you absolutely need to leave it on, switch off your work phone, or blockwork numbers when at home. Additionally, stop yourself from checking work-related sources like company Facebook groups, colleague profiles, and company emails.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Solstice Holiday Sangria
Kombucha gives a nice fizz to this holiday sangria. Bonus: It’s full of probiotic bacteria that may help maintain a healthy gut.
Amber Turpin
Ingredients
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 (750 milliliter) bottle Spanish dry red wine, such as tempranillo
- 1 cup blood orange juice
- ½ cup brandy
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 oranges, preferably blood oranges, sliced
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle ginger kombucha
- Ice
Directions
- Step 1Combine wine, orange juice, brandy and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir well, then add orange slices. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
- Step 2Add kombucha to the sangria and serve over ice.
Tips
To make ahead: Refrigerate sangria base (Step 1) for up to 1 day.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cupPer Serving: 202 calories; protein 0.4g; carbohydrates 16.8g; dietary fiber 0.1g; sugars 12.2g; fat 0.1g; vitamin a iu 85.2IU; vitamin c 22.5mg; folate 13.6mcg; calcium 14.5mg; iron 0.9mg; magnesium 19.5mg; potassium 240.9mg; sodium 11.1mg; added sugar 8g. Exchanges:
1 1/2 alcohol equivalent, 1/2 other carbohydrate
Enjoy!
Melinda
Just Pondering
Where do you go to disconnect from your thoughts?
Melinda
3 Steps To Getting What You Want In A Negotiation
How To Turn Off Work thoughts During Your Free Time
3 Rules For Better Work-Life Balance
Dreaming of Moving Away From the City? Here’s Why You Should Do It in 2022
In 2020 and 2021, a record number of people moved out of big cities. This happened for many reasons.
Firstly, the advent of remote work has enabled more people to keep pursuing their career goals away from the city center. And, of course, the pandemic and associated risk of contagion has encouraged people to find less densely populated areas to live in.
So, if you have always dreamed of living close to nature and always from the hectic lifestyle of the city, 2022 might be the perfect year for this lifestyle change. Find out what to expect below.
The Healing Power of Nature
Have you ever felt calmer and more relaxed when in nature? No, it’s not just you – the healing power of nature has been documented and studied. Some of the beneficial effects of being in a natural environment include:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone
- It promotes the production of cancer-fighting cells
- It helps us become more mindful and aware
- It can help relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and disorders such as ADHD
If you are looking to work on your health in 2022, moving to the countryside can help.
Reduces Risks of Contagion
Countryside areas and forests are not as densely populated as big cities are. In turn, the risk of being affected by Covid-19 is reduced. If you or someone in your family is struggling to cope with everything that is going on in this period, living away from the city can help.
Opportunity To Work From Home
Many people are looking for a positive fresh start in 2022. If you have always dreamed of working from home and working towards a better work-life balance for your needs, this year might be perfect.
Indeed, thanks to the advent of remote working fuelled by the pandemic and the many hybrid work schemes offered by employers, you no longer have to compromise between finding the perfect location to live and your career. Consider transitioning to working from home and making the most of a remote lifestyle!
A Choice That Leads to a Healthy Lifestyle
Living closer to nature has endless benefits, including the availability of fresh air, sunlight, vegetation, and wildlife. However, in your new home, you might not find all the comforts you were used to, including malls, big shopping centers, or cafes and restaurants around the corner.
Naturally, you will start to dedicate your life to looking after the garden, hiking, and exploring the surrounding areas – all activities that can improve your health and mental wellbeing!
Reduced Stress
Living in a rural area immersed in nature can be an excellent option for you to achieve your life goals, improve your wellbeing, and reduce the levels of stress deriving from a frenetic lifestyle.
However, if you have always lived in the city center, it is important to find a house that can help you live comfortably. Indeed, if you are moving into a house that is not comfortable or not suitable for your lifestyle, you might feel a whole different kind of stress! That is why speaking to an expert real estate agent specialized in rural properties such as williampitt.com can help.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
My 2021 Book Reviews
I’ve read so many interesting books this year and thought it would be nice to compile a list for you to look for resources and or motivation in the new year.
The Smart Girls Handbook by Scarlett V Clark
Adaptable by Alexa Carlin
Manic Man by Jason Wegner
Time To Talk by Alex Holmes
Finding My Right Mind by Vanessa Potter
Hope and Learning by Dr. Linda Snow-Griffin
The Better Boundaries Workbook by Sharon Martin
Down But Not Out by Mat Desforges
Hope Amid the Pain by Leslie L. McKee
One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi
Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman
How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder by Dr. Pam Macdonald
A Mindfulness Guide For Survival By Ruby Wax
Heal Yourself with Colour by Walaa AIMuhaiteeb
Navigating Panic Attacks By Dr. Rita Santos
How to Help Someone with Anxiety by Dr. Rachel Allan
Where Do We Go From Here? By Bethany Hacker
Finding Frank by Rachel Townsend
My Journey Home by Hannah Green
The Joy Of Being Selfish By Michelle Elman
Stand Tall Little Girl by Hope Virgo
Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin
A is for Alex by Lesley Roberts
Happy Reading!
Melinda
The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets
Being a pet owner carries a lot of responsibility, but you can’t underestimate the benefits that come from pet ownership too. Whether you’re a dog owner, a cat lover, or a parent to a furry rodent or scaly reptile, you’ll find that there are endless unexpected advantages that arise from adding a pet to your family and the impact on your mood is just one of them.
To find out how a pet can change your outlook, take a look at these four mood-boosting benefits of pets now:
Photo by sergio souza on Pexels.com
Stress Reduction
Stress or anxiety can have a major impact on your mental health but spending time with your pets is known to reduce your stress response. In fact, some studies have even shown that petting a dog can reduce your blood pressure, which highlights just how effective pet ownership can be when it comes to alleviating stress. When you feel less stress, your mood naturally lightens, and your outlook is enhanced. In turn, this makes you feel more proactive and in control, which further helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Ease Loneliness
Feeling lonely or isolated is often a precursor to low moods or depressive symptoms. After all, humans are social creatures and crave interaction. When the opportunity to meaningfully engage with others is reduced, it doesn’t take long for your mood to decline too. Fortunately, pets are a great source of companionship. Not only will they become a beloved family member, but your pet may also give you a reason to engage with other people too. Walking a dog, visiting stables, or even joining online groups to talk about pet care can be a great way to connect with people and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Promote Relaxation
An unrelenting schedule can leave you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, which naturally impacts your mood. When you have a pet, however, you need to meet their needs and provide them with the environment they need to thrive. As well as giving your pet an appropriate amount of exercise, you’ll need to ensure that they have time to relax too. From snuggling up with your puppy on big dog beds or making time to chill out with your cat, encouraging your pet to relax gives you the opportunity to unwind too. Of course, relaxation is an instant mood-booster, so you can look forward to feeling happier and more content as well.
Create a Routine
Nearly all pets thrive when they have a routine in place. This might mean feeding your pet at the same time each day, providing them with exercise regularly, or simply devoting a certain portion of the day or evening to them. When you’re experiencing low moods, it’s easy to let the structure go out of your day, which is why pet ownership can be such an effective way of boosting your mood. When you have a reason to create a routine, you’ll feel the emotional benefits of this added structure too.
Are You Ready to Become a Pet Owner?
There are numerous benefits to having pets but it’s important to consider the practical implications of pet ownership too. However, if you have the time and space to provide a loving and nurturing home to a pet, you’ll find that they make a wonderful addition to any family.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Supporting Your Loved One After An Accident
An automobile collision is a traumatic experience for everyone involved, including the ones closest to them. You might be unsure how to show your support for a friend or loved one who has gone through this. We have a few suggestions for how you may support your friend as they make their way back to good health and happiness.
Take Them To Appointments
When someone is involved in a car accident, they may be required to attend a number of appointments. It’s extremely beneficial to have a friend by your side when seeing an auto injury doctor who specializes in automobile accidents, going to the insurance agency, seeing their Car Accident Lawyers or any other case where your friend needs to leave the house. For one thing, folks who have been in a car accident may find it difficult to drive confidently (or may be unable to do so owing to injuries), and for another, your emotional support will be invaluable in this situation.
Keep Important Documents Up-to-Date
Along with accompanying your friend to their appointments, assist them in keeping track of vital paperwork. After an auto accident, insurance must be handled, and documentation from doctor’s visits may become misplaced – the last thing they want is crucial information to go missing when it’s most needed. Offer to assist your friend in keeping track of these documents by establishing a folder for the key sections and using sticky notes to keep track of what’s what.
Provide Step-by-Step Instructions
It can be tough to remember the logical next actions after being in a car accident. Remind your friend that they need to see a doctor within a set length of time if they need to see one (the Personal Injury Protection part of their auto insurance mandates they see a doctor within two weeks of the accident). Encourage them to visit a doctor that accepts PIP insurance (not all do) and to note their calendars for any additional appointments they have.
Provide A Meal
After a vehicle accident, the last thing anyone wants to do is prepare dinner, so take care of it for them. Purchase a pizza (or several, if they have a family) and prepare a salad before calling it a night. Providing a meal not only keeps them nourished but also demonstrates your genuine concern.
Continue To Be Compassionate
Last but not least, remember to be empathetic. Don’t tell them how they should feel; instead, be a listening ear. Instead of interspersing your own stories about accidents you’ve been in, tell them you’re there if they need you, and let them vent, whine, or utterly break down. Don’t pass any judgment.
It’s not easy after having an accident or knowing how you can support someone who is experiencing it. These tips should help you to help them.
When a friend or family member is involved in an automobile accident, your assistance is crucial. You can assist them in sorting through their to-do list, transporting them to their appointments, and providing consolation when things become difficult. After a car accident, your friend will appreciate your unwavering support, so be there for them.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
How To Protect Your Mental Well-Being Online-From A Gen-Zer
5 Reasons to Start Your Day With Lemon Water — Guest Blogger Stimulife Health Blog
The simple habit that can yield big results. Even the smallest changes in your routine can have a big impact on your health. Take starting your day with lemon water, for instance. Internal medicine specialist Roxanne B. Sukol, MD, MS, discusses seven reasons why you should consider adopting this super simple habit. Aids in digestionAcid helps break […]
5 Reasons to Start Your Day With Lemon Water — Stimulife Health Blog
Merry Christmas
It may be hard to get in the spirit with all the wild weather, the media, and COVID going on but it’s a blessed time of year. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, it’s a great time to get into the giving spirit and enjoy time with family and friends.
Yes, it will look different again this year but here’s the thing, it’s going to look different every year. COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. It forces us to decide what is quality and worth the time. We’ve had to get creative in taking care of our mental health and helping others with theirs.
It’s all about perspective, we have a choice.
Have a blessed week.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Can you treat yourself with softness when things are hard?
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 