A Few Reasons Why Apartment Living Is a Good Choice for New Moms

There are so many choices a new mom has to make. The more of them you can make and implement before birth, the better. Once the child is occupying their own space outside your body, things get fast and furious. There is no pause button. There is no undo. You just have to live in the moment and take things as they come. Once the baby is born, everything gets a little harder than it was before. Don’t worry. You can handle it.

One of those big decisions has to do with where you are going to live. Your current house might be fine for you and a partner. It is perfect for one or two adults. But it might be a nightmare for taking care of a newborn. Things like the size and amenities of the bathroom take on outsized proportions. Does your current place have room for a nursery? What about the air quality? That old house had its problems. But it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. Suddenly, a vulnerable newborn changes the whole equation.

Perhaps it is a good time to consider moving. Houses have their benefits. Even so, it could be time to consider moving to an apartment for the first phase of your baby’s life Here’s why:

Flexible Leases

As a new mother, everything is moving at the speed of a humming bird’s wing. You barely have time to catch your breath. Add a pandemic to the mix and things get very interesting, and not in a good way. You need maximum flexibility. This is not the time to sign a 30-year mortgage. You can’t be sure if you will be working in the same job next week. Your company might force you to relocate. This is just the way it is right now.

You need the ability to pick and move to one of those furnished apartments with a flexible lease so that you can do things like skip expensive deposits and a lengthy process of selling the old place and buying a new one. Modern apartment leasing allows you to pick up and move within days, not months.

Some of the premier leasing programs allow one to easily transfer to a different unit or even a different city. If a long-term mortgage is not a good fit for your situation, apartment living can go a long way to removing some of the stress.

No Maintenance

Personal injuries are on the rise. One of the common sources of injury is home improvement. In a house, one frequently finds themselves on a ladder, or insecurely balanced on a chair. You might even find yourself under a house doing some bit of routine maintenance. There is no end to the projects you will need to do in a house.

An apartment is generally a much safer proposition. For all intents and purposes, there are no DIY projects. When something needs to be fixed, you pick up the phone or go to the online portal and file a maintenance request. In a good complex, those requests are taken care of in a matter of days, if not hours. In a house, you can call a professional. It might take days or weeks to get someone just to come and assess the problem. Then, there are the fees, and the repair schedule, and the delays… You get the idea. A new mother needs things to work as expected and to be repaired quickly and easily when they don’t.

Amenities and Extras

One of the best things about apartment living is getting all the great amenities. Your house probably doesn’t have a well-stocked gym with all the latest equipment. But there is a good chance your next apartment will. Best of all, it is included in the rent. There is also package management meaning no more Amazon boxes left outside the house for anyone to come along and pick up. As a new mom, you want all the extras you can get included in the price of rent. You get none of that with a typical house.

Not everyone is going to be an apartment person. And you don’t have to remain an apartment person forever. You can use apartments for specific periods in your life where it makes the most sense. If you are someone who could use flexible lease options, maintenance-free living, and tons of extras, you might be in one of those periods where an apartment makes the most sense for you.

Buy Local with the Exception of These Three Things

No one has escaped the pandemic completely unscathed. Retail has been hit harder than most. The ma and pa shops along the boulevard are on the ropes if not already down and out. They need all the help they can get. A great location doesn’t help as much in a pandemic because no one is leaving their home unless they absolutely have to. People often combine shopping with eating out. But if your town does not allow inside dining right now, that foot traffic is all but gone.

Coronavirus comes after a series of challenges to local businesses. People were already getting a bit disenchanted with brick and mortar retail. Price was not the only reason they were abandoned for Walmart in the burbs. There was a distinct lack of responsiveness to customer needs. Returns were a hassle when possible at all. Delivery was expensive. Some shop owners behaved in an unprofessional and entitled manner that put a lot of people off. Then, there were the inventory problems. Everything you really wanted had to be special ordered.

For many shop owners, the pandemic was the final kick in the teeth. They have had enough. The shops that did business the right way are left to suffer for the sins of the rest. Many businesses have survived and thrived against all odds. We all want to see them do well and offer our patronage. By all means, shop local at the places that do it right. They need your help. But there are a few exceptions. Here are three:

Clothes That Fit You Well

Don’t just settle for clothes that kind of fit, and that is kind of the style you wanted. The reality is that small, local shops have limited space for merchandise. They cannot afford to bring in items that don’t sell very well. That forces a lot of people who wear plus sizes to settle for much less than what they really wanted and needed.

What you need is a plus size online boutique that carries the selection you are looking for and fast, free delivery as an option. This is not infidelity to local businesses. Long before the pandemic, women routinely had to drive to out of the way places to find a clothing store with options that fit. This has never been one of the strengths of local clothing shops. So while you continue to support those shops for your family, use the superior online options for yourself. You deserve to be as happy with your clothes as the rest of your family.

Healthy Meal Kits

Meal kits are a trend that is sweeping the nation. Even large supermarkets are getting in on the game by making their own. However, if you have special dietary needs, it might be difficult to find one that is right for you.

A healthy and happy mom is a better mom. And you need to do the things that make you healthy and happy. Moms tend to be happy when they can take a day off and not have to work the kitchen like an unpaid line cook. That doesn’t mean they are willing to sacrifice healthy eating. Find a healthy meal kit plan that is right for you and enjoy the luxury of not having to cook every night.

Consumer Electronics

Unless you have a big box retailer in your neighborhood, you are not going to have much luck sourcing the hottest electronics. It is a thousand percent certainty you are not going to find a PlayStation 5 at the neighborhood electronics shop. If you browse the tech sites, you will encounter many new and interesting products that you are never going to encounter in your local store. Shopping online is often the only way to feed your craving for the latest and greatest gadgets.

Local stores are suffering like never before. And many did nothing to deserve it. They did everything right. But the pandemic was too much. Unless you are shopping for clothes that fit you well, healthy meal kits, or high-demand electronics, shop local. They could really use your help right now.

Here Are Some Ways You Can Take Care of Your Family During the Pandemic

Something like a pandemic leaves us all feeling a bit helpless and defeated. What can we possibly do against an enemy that is literally in the air we breathe? We cannot see the coronavirus with the naked eye. And none of us are walking around with microscopes powerful enough to detect it. We don’t know when it is directly attacking our family. We don’t know which of the people in a 20′ radius of our children is a carrier of the plague. We just send them off to school and hope against hope for the best.

That’s no way to live. That feels more like surrender. While you don’t have a handy way to detect the coronavirus, you are not helpless. There are many things you can do to protect your family. One of the most important things you can do is to persevere. Do not give up on them. They need you more than ever.

You don’t have to be a doctor or a superhero to keep your family safe. That doesn’t mean that nothing bad will ever happen to the people you love. It is inevitable. But when bad things happen, you are strong enough to deal with them as they come. In the meantime, here are some of the things you can do to keep those bad things at bay:

Plan for the Worst

One of the greatest pieces of wisdom you need to live by in a crisis is to hope for the best but plan for the worst. It might not be the coronavirus that takes you. But over a long enough timeline, we all must take a bow and leave the stage. The one thing completely within your control is how your family will be taken care of when that happens.

If you don’t have it already, no one needs to tell you that you need life insurance. You already know that. There might be a few things you don’t know such as, is life insurance taxable? Does being a smoker make you ineligible? How much more will you have to pay if you have a pre-existing condition? These are the kinds of questions you will need to resolve before choosing a policy. But don’t delay in getting those answers and making that choice.

There are too many stories to count where a young, healthy bread-winner passed unexpectedly and left the family with no way to carry on financially. One simple act can guarantee the protection of your family in the face of disaster. Don’t be someone else’s cautionary tale. Be the hero your family deserves.

Don’t Let Your Family Stay Inactive

You also know that it is time to get your family off the couch and back in action — any action. You just need to get creative about getting your family outside. If you don’t have a park in your neighborhood, drive to one in the city. Better yet, take them on a road trip and take a nature walk in the woods. Too cold? Grab a frisbee and do something more active. The grace period for sitting around and doing nothing has passed.

Throw Away the Junk Food

You have let the food situation get out of hand. You have gotten so used to ordering food delivery that you have forgotten how to make a healthy and tasty vegetarian dish from scratch. What you have to do is stop ordering the tacos and throw out the junk food that has accumulated in the fridge and the cabinets.

A lot of people have given themselves an extended grace period for eating poorly. When everything does get back to normal, families are going to find that everyone is 15 lb. overweight and a lot of people will be declared pre-diabetic. Take control of the situation right now before things get out of hand.

We are headed into the second year of the pandemic. The fact of the matter is it might not go away anytime soon. All grace periods must be canceled immediately. This is not the time to wallow in defeat. This is the time to be a leader and take action. Protect your family by getting life insurance, getting them moving, and taking a stand against junk eating. Stop worrying about what you can’t do and commit yourself to what is well within your grasp.

Rules to Keep in Mind when Securing Your Child’s Future

All parents worry about their children’s future and how they can secure it. Whether it’s creating a safe fund for them or making sure your family asset is protected, there are some things parents should pay attention to the most. Although this may seem like a simple and easy task, there are many factors you should look into when planning this. You need to do as much as you can on your own, but still learn when to call the professionals and let them handle everything else. These people know what needs to be done and can do things that will suit you and your family. Start by writing down all the things you wish to know, and then create a detailed list that will guide you through the process.

Start a fund

This is a very popular idea because parents generally believe that creating a fund is a great way to secure your child’s financial future. You can start doing that as soon as your child is born, or whenever you feel you’re ready to start saving. Although education is probably the main reason why these funds are created in the first place, this is also a great way to provide your kids with a decent amount of money in the future.

Maybe your children will want to invest money in a good business opportunity, start a business of their own, or move to another country. Whatever they do, this is a great opportunity to help them start a new chapter in their life. Thinking about their personal development is what you need to do in order to help them become more independent and learn more about the world.

An insurance policy

No matter how old your children are, they probably have no idea what a life insurance policy is. This is something we all keep ignoring our entire lives, until it’s too late, and it’s much better to think about our lifestyle and our habits in advance – at least before anything bad happens.

Most insurance policies cover a lot of things, and finding one that will suit your children the most is important. In addition to that, you can find good policies for the whole family and think about what you want to cover. Find an insurance company that has everything you need and ask for policies that you’ll be comfortable with. Ask your insurer to explain to you all the details and help you understand all the items listed in your policy.

Protect your asset

Our assets are among the most important things in our lives, and protecting them is a must. However, no matter how proud of our assets we really are, we don’t think about their future and what might happen to them.

If you want to make sure your children are in full control of your possession once you’re gone, you need to think about consulting professionals who deal with the safest asset protection solutions, as well as learning all the details of this process. It’s better to be prepared and make sure your children have all the rights when it comes to your property without having to deal with too many legal procedures. Any experienced lawyer will guide you through this process and help you and your children retain the full rights to everything you own.

Invest in something

Whether you want to invest in your own business or you’ve learnt about a great investment opportunity, this can be something that will ensure your child’s future. Make sure you explore different profitable investing opportunities in order to find the right one for you.

Although trust funds are among the best ideas in the world, sometimes it’s better to think outside the box and invest in a great business deal that will allow you to keep earning money in the years to come too. Think about different options, but make sure to check everything with a professional who can help you see the real potential of your investments.

From protecting your assets to making a few new investments, you need to do everything in your power to help your children have a great life without worrying about legal issues. Go through everything with them and get them involved in the process, especially when it comes to knowing their rights.

Parenting in a Pandemic: 5 Ways to Help Kids Keep a Positive Attitude Despite COVID Restrictions

Kids are resilient. But even they are under stress from COVID, and as the pandemic continues, they are likely feeling even more big emotions than they did before.

As parents, we want to see them thrive but may be unsure how to support our children with all of the current COVID restrictions. Here are five ways to keep your child’s positive attitude during the pandemic:

Address your child’s fears

As adults, when we hear our child’s fears, we can be tempted to brush them off or quickly soothe them and move on. We know there is nothing to be frightened of, so we want our child to recognize this truth too.

The problem is, for the child, the feeling of fear is real. And if we step in and carry our children through the difficult childhood fears, they may not develop the emotional regulation skills they need to work through fear as they mature.

The benefit to allowing your child to handle their fear is they learn to rely on themself for emotional security.

When addressing fears about COVID, allow your child to express their fear. If they name it generally, work with them to help them voice their fear as precisely as they can. Getting to the “nugget” of fear will help you guide their thinking and help them learn to manage their fear.

As you discuss their fear, it’s crucial you can discuss without bringing in any of your own fears. Your child will see that fear and internalize it, making their fear stronger and more real.

Establish healthy routines

Most children already thrive on routines. They like the predictability of what comes next because it gives them a sense of power and control. That’s why they love reading the same book over and over again. The positive ending is just as satisfying the 50th time as it is the first time.

Establishing a healthy routine for your child will give them the structure they need to mentally and physically perform their best throughout the day.

If you’re juggling a lot, or you have never really had a routine, start small. A simple strategy would be to wake up at the same time each day and change into daytime clothes—no sleeping in until midday and no staying in PJs all day long.

Even this small routine will set up your children for better productivity. Treating the school day as naturally as possible will trigger their internal “go to work” mentality no matter their current schooling situation.

It would be great to incorporate some outdoor time into your routine to encourage even better physical and mental health. Especially for younger children, whose brains seem to short-circuit after too much sitting time, it is important to find several opportunities for recess or downtime. Even the routine of a short afternoon walk through the neighborhood will help.

Use positive discipline

When children have big emotions, their confusion about how to process them can erupt into “bad behavior.” And many children have big emotions about the pandemic, from not being in school to not being able to socialize normally with friends.

Add to the behavior the strong emotions parents are feeling, and you have a home situation ripe for raised voices and a lot of punishing.

The problem is, punishment doesn’t work. Because, for your child, negative attention is still attention.

Instead, work to use positive discipline. This means you actively plan and look for positive ways to interact with your child each day. The more positive attention they get from you, the less compelling negative attention is.

The added benefit is that when you use positive discipline, you can then ignore the negative behavior. Ignoring it cuts off the stimulus. You are giving no reaction to what they are doing. If they are getting attention from you in other, positive ways, they will quickly choose not to engage in negative behavior. And noticing their positive behavior is more fun for you too!

An important caveat to remember: make sure you intervene when their negative behavior results in them hurting themself or someone else.

Encourage good hygiene

We know that one of the best ways to keep us healthy from any disease is to practice good hygiene. Now it’s even more vital that we encourage our children to learn these habits.

While older children may easily understand why you’re asking them to wash their hands more often, younger children will not make the connection between COVID and clean hands as quickly.

Washing hands is a great way to introduce the concepts of why in a child-safe way. Cleaning to a fun song and laughing about getting any “yucky germs” off of their hands gives them a sense of easy empowerment. It is something they can do to help protect themselves and the people they love.

Set a good example for them

Our children are looking to us to see how to react to COVID. So, if you want your child to practice mitigating procedures while remaining as positive as possible about their experiences, then that’s what you need to work for too.

You don’t have to be perfect at it, but you need to show them the behavior you would like to see. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, make sure you take a break. No, you may not be able to get together for an evening with your close friends, but you can still go for a walk, take a long shower, or even sit on the front step with a mug of hot tea and enjoy the silence.

Showing your child how you manage your emotions will help them learn to manage theirs. You can encourage them to work through what they feel and think by letting them talk about their thoughts without interruption. A journal for kids is another excellent way to let them express themself.

By setting a good example for how to act and respond during stressful times and situations, you give your child the tools they need to respond appropriately to their stresses.

Conclusion

As the pandemic continues, we may need to reset our strategies and practices to detail the regulations. Parenting is challenging under ordinary circumstances, but it has become even more stressful now.

We want to help our children through the situation, and we can. We need to recognize how our behavior and reactions are serving our goal or not.

Balancing Art and Family: 6 Tips for Creative Busy Moms

We all know that being a mom is challenging. More so if you are trying to balance parenthood and your professional career.

Imagine if you are in the creative arts like a painter or professional calligrapher?

For instance, finishing an illustration is time-consuming. Meanwhile, taking care of your children requires your full attention. You will need to feed them, help with their homework, ensure that they are not burning the house down, and more.

Fortunately, becoming a great parent while finding time for your life’s passions doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Here are six helpful parenting tips on how to balance your art with family life:

Take it One Day at a Time

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, take one step, one project at a time.

If you have a project that you can break down into smaller steps, then do so. This is also where having productivity tools could come in handy.

When you try to get everything done all at once, it can come across as overwhelming. You might end up losing your momentum or train of thought.

But if you try to focus on one task, then start doing it, you’ll feel much better, and you’ll accomplish more. It might take longer to finish in some cases, but breaking down tasks into simple, manageable steps will let you achieve your goal.

You’d also find that there will be some days that are the hardest. So, be gentle with yourself.

It doesn’t mean that you don’t have the drive or energy at that very instant- it doesn’t mean that it won’t come back.

Make Time to Create

You shouldn’t make art every time ‘inspiration hits’ you. If you’re able to satisfy the inner artist within you whenever the feeling strikes, then you’re lucky. However, if you’re most people, these things take time.

Treat art as your necessity and not just a luxury. See it as something essential and valuable to your health and well-being.

Many creative moms recommend using your kids’ nap times to work on creative projects. You might also want to find the right time that works for you so that you can regularly exercise your creative muscles.

Plan but Stay Flexible

Although you can set a plan for the things you need to do, unexpected things come up in reality.

For instance, your babysitter might cancel on you at the very last minute. You’ve been getting more work than you can handle, or a family member or loved one might be counting on you for support.

Ensure that you carve out time to do your art even if you have a busy schedule. However, understand that you also need to be flexible as well.

Your children might get sick, you might wind up tired doing household work, or you might take a lot of time than you’ve expected. Your schedule or plans might change with that, but it’s okay.

Set Creative Goals for Yourself

If your goal is to paint, then you can add something measurable to your plan. Let’s say you wanted to paint for an hour each day, 4 hours per week, and complete at least six paintings every month.

Think of goals that you can achieve realistically. You can reduce that a little slightly to increase the probability of achieving success.

Also, remember that growing as an artist isn’t how many works you finish. You need to set goals that not only improve your skills but your creativity as well!

Make Your Creative Space

Being creative and staying “one the zone” isn’t always easy. You can create a “flow room” at home that’s dedicated to helping you stay creative. You may hang a wall art in your home to create personal atmosphere and unique style you may visit Kace Art to get idea about different wall arts for your home.

Having your spot at home where you can be creative makes it easy for your brain to jump into ‘creative mode.’ After all, artists have their studios.

Ideally, this should be a spot that will serve as your creative haven. Treat it well and give it the respect that it needs.

It also helps that you fill your space with plenty of inspiration. You can set up an inspiration board and make sure that you keep it comfy and cozy as well.

Take a Walk

Even just a quick 15-minute walk can get those creative juices flowing!

You can even bring along a notebook with you and try to capture anything that might grab your attention.

You can even bring along the kids with you! Remember that the goal here is to take quiet walks. So, if you have chatty toddlers with you, you can teach them how to play a casual game.

Teach them how to listen to the sounds, take in everything right in front of them, and then do the same. Even just a couple of minutes of walking will give you that much needed mental space.

Being a parent should not hinder you from pursuing your passion. In our opinion, it is just a matter of finding time and space for your endeavor. And with the help of the tips listed above, you can balance making art and raising your kids.

Ways To Treat Yourself Without Breaking The Bank

When is the last time you treated yourself to something nice? Sure, it sounds a bit selfish, but it’s well-deserved. As a mother, you do a lot to ensure your family’s happiness, health, and safety. You sacrifice your time, energy, and resources to ensure they have everything they need. As such, it’s only right that you reward yourself for a job well done. Not to mention, treating yourself can boost your mood and relieve the stresses of everyday life.

So, maybe you want to treat yourself but simply don’t have the money. While you may not be able to afford a week-long vacation or a designer outfit, there are ways to lift your spirits without breaking the bank. Consider these suggestions listed below.

Stash Some Cash

After you’ve paid the bills for the week or month, set a few bucks aside in a savings account. There’s nothing wrong with having a little mad money for yourself. Whether it’s $5 a week or $10 a month, the savings plus interest will eventually give you enough to purchase something you enjoy.

Earn Extra Money

If your budget is too tight to stash cash, you can earn some extra money on the side. There are plenty of opportunities to earn money online that won’t complicate your already busy schedule. You can answer surveys, submit product reviews, play games, view websites, and more in your spare time. The payouts add up over time, giving you enough money to treat yourself without feeling guilty.

Use Coupons

One of the simplest ways to save money and treat yourself is to use coupons. You can find printable coupons and promo codes online that can give you percentages of products and services you love. Capitalize on your savings by using these coupons and codes during a huge sale.

Affordable Treats

Instead of trying to treat yourself to something expensive, look for something more affordable. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make yourself feel good. Coffee lovers might treat themselves to a caffeinated beverage and pastry from a nearby cafe. If you love fashion, shop at a secondhand store where you can find lots of trends or wardrobe pieces for pennies on the dollar. If you’re into health and wellness, something as simple as a reusable water bottle or a scented candle can do the trick without going bankrupt.

Look For Free Stuff

The idea of getting free stuff online might sound impossible, but it’s not. There are several opportunities to acquire neat little gifts for yourself without paying a cent. You can sign up for free giveaways, ask for trial products, take advantage of free trials, and even use rebates to purchase things you want for free.

Buying things isn’t the only way to treat yourself. There are plenty of free activities you can do that are just as enjoyable. Why not treat yourself to a walk in the park, take the day off from mom duties, or prepare yourself a nice lunch on your porch or patio? The experience is priceless as you take time to focus on your needs.

Credit Card Rewards Programs

Many major credit card companies offer rewards to loyal customers. Cashback offers are some of the most popular. Cardholders that use their accounts to pay for qualifying products and services will receive a percentage of their money back. Depending on how often you use your credit card, you could accumulate several hundred dollars each year to splurge on yourself.

Mothers have some of the hardest yet thankless responsibilities. While you don’t mind doing these things for your family, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back. Treating yourself to a product, service, or experience is the perfect way to reward yourself for all that you do while easing emotional stress. If you’re living on a tight budget, don’t let that stop you from spoiling yourself on occasion. As you can see from the examples above, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase things that make you feel good without breaking the bank.

8 Essential Foods For A Healthy Spine

Spine-health problems can be painful and can affect the life of a person to a greater extent. From trouble lifting heavy things to inability to perform routine tasks; this ‘can’t do’ list can lead to a dead-end.

If you have been suffering from a spinal issue, you can surely relate how it feels. Sharing my personal experience, I became habitual of resolving my pain with over-the-counter painkillers. You can say I learned to manage pain over time but I never tried to figure out the root cause of the problem. The result was that I had to go to the chiropractor in Peshawar where I began my treatment.

Why is spine health important?

Spine-health is one of the most important aspects of human health as our spine literally makes us stand. Numerous conditions can affect our spine health starting from the neck to lower back. Most common causes of spine disorders include;

Accidental injuries
Inherited spine problems
Infection
Ageing
Birth defects
Inflammation

How does food affect your spine-health?

Spine problems can range from back bracing to complex spinal surgeries depending upon the condition. However, diet can play a major role in your spine health. No matter if you are looking for prevention or dealing with a spine health problem, some foods are packed with nutrients that can improve your spine health.

Spine-healthy foods

Here are some of the foods that you can improve your spine health including;

1- Plant proteins

Proteins are one of the three major nutrients in our diet. Apart from our muscles, proteins are known to improve your spine health as well. In protein, plant-based protein is rich in proteins that don’t cause inflammation and are safe for consumption with spinal problems. Among plant-based protein lentils, flax seeds, chia seeds, beans, and soy are some good sources of protein.

2- Salmon

Besides plant-based protein, the omega-3 fatty acid is also important for your spine health. If you don’t have a problem with seafood, you can add salmon to your diet. Salmon is a source of lean protein as well as it has omega 3 fatty acid in a good quantity. Omega 3 fatty acid in salmon can help to protect against inflammation.

4- Vegetables

Undoubtedly, all vegetables are good for you but the vegetables with natural pigments are the best. Some vegetables contain properties that help them to effectively fight spinal problems. The veggies like broccoli and kale have components with anti-inflammatory properties that can work well for your spine health.

Apart from spine health, veggies tend to improve your overall health in general. I remember when I was going to the caring and curing center in Peshawar for certain treatment, I remember my physician asked me to consume a minimum of 7 cups of vegetables in a day.

5- Good fat-containing oils

As per common belief, oils are considered as a high-calorie dietary product but some of the oils contain key nutrients in them. You can include certain oils such as olive oil, sesame oil in your diet as these are a good source of omega-9 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

6- Dairy products

Calcium has its recognized role in improving bone health in general. Many dairy products including milk, cheese and yoghurt provide sufficient quantities of calcium that makes them a spine-healthy food. You can add these dairy products to your diet if you want a healthy spine.

7- Herbs and spices

Using certain spices and herbs for treatment is a centuries-old practice. Well, when we look deep we get to know that these herbs and spices contain certain good properties. Such as turmeric is known for its healing properties and ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties. You can add these herbs and spices into your diet including herbal teas as they are known to boost immunity, reduce inflammation and have healing properties.

8- Fruits

Just like veggies, fruits are also good for your spine health. The fruits packed with antioxidants and other essential dietary components can make your spine healthy.

Bottom Line!

The first thing that comes to your mind when you think of spine problems is probably medication. But you can eat a healthy diet to improve your spine health. So, start today because choosing the right food today will ensure a healthy spine tomorrow.

Avoid These 6 Biggest Mistakes Moms Make When Buying a Nursing Bra

Some new mothers make the mistake of buying a larger bra for their nursing needs. But if you don’t invest in a proper nursing bra, you won’t get the comfort and support you need during one of the biggest changes of your life. What are some mistakes you need to avoid?

1. Wearing the wrong size

Don’t wear the wrong size nursing bra. It’s true that your breast size will vary widely from your pregnancy and in the first few weeks after giving birth. But it is possible to buy a nursing bra that is never the wrong size, no matter what stage your breasts are at. What’s wrong with wearing the wrong size?

Too big? Less support. You might think that going bigger is better, but that’s not true. Your breasts are already dealing with unfamiliar growth, and they need proper support. Without it, the skin will be strained and you will feel the weight.

Too tight? More risk of mastitis. Your breasts grow because the ducts are filled with milk. If your bra is too tight, it will clog and block the milk ducts. This might lead to mastitis, where the clogging causes unhealthy swelling. In the worst cases, it turns into a full infection.

2. Buying poor quality bras

The last thing you want to be stuck with is a low-quality nursing bra. The wrong material, the wrong support, and you’re either going to suffer or go invest in a better quality bra. To know what you need to buy, always check bra reviews before purchasing.

Bad quality material. A good nursing bra has two qualities: elasticity and padding. If your nursing bra is not elastic enough, it will constrict your breasts. If it is not padded properly, you will not feel comfortable, and any leaks will show.

Hard to take off for nursing. A nursing bra should fulfill its purpose—that is, it should be easier and more comfortable to nurse with it on. But if it has no drop-down cups or it is extremely difficult to take off to nurse, you’re in trouble.

3. Buying the wrong bra for your shape

Did you know that no breasts are shaped the same? This affects the kind of bras we buy, although we don’t think of it very often. Here are some general tips.

Round or top-heavy? If your breasts are perfectly round, or full at the top, a t-shirt bra might be just what you need. It balances the look of your breasts and adds more support from beneath.

Bottom-heavy? If your breasts are fuller or wider at the bottom, balconette or demi bras are a good fit for you. They push upwards and make your breasts seem more even. Naturally, as long as it is a good quality nursing bra, you can mix up the styles you wear.

4. The band is riding up your back

Do you notice yourself pulling down the back band every now and then? You might think it’s a natural adjustment, but you shouldn’t actually be adjusting your bra that many times. If it fits properly, the band should be snug and unmoving. If it’s being pulled upwards at the back, that may mean the bra is too large or given too much slack. The weight of the breasts are pulling downwards, pushing against the material and shifting the whole front. Like we mentioned, a too-large bra does not provide proper support.

5. Not getting professionally fitted

If you’ve already tried on quite a few kinds of bras and none are working for you, you might want to get professionally fitted. Sometimes, just figuring out your cup and band size is not enough. Because of the changes to your body, and your nursing needs, you need a little more expertise than a regular store staff can provide.

If you consistently feel like you’re getting the wrong band size or cup size, or you’re being overly chafed by the material of your bras, visit a professional fitter. They will help you figure out the real challenges with your bra and choose the right bra for your nursing needs.

6. Wearing the same size when pregnant or breastfeeding

You might think all bras that have to do with maternity are the same, but that is a misconception. Maternity bras were designed to adjust to your body as it changes in pregnancy. It is designed for comfort and support, not for nursing.

A proper nursing bra, on the other hand, usually has drop-down cups so you can feed your baby anywhere. It also has better padding so any leaks won’t show on your clothing. If you already have a maternity bra, you need to invest in a nursing bra. A very adjustable nursing bra can actually help you sometime in the middle of your pregnancy up until you give birth.

It’s time to make the right investment! Don’t settle for less than what you need for this chapter of your life.

4 Reasons Why CBD Can Have A Massive Impact On Your Love Life

Regardless of how sexually uninhibited you are, having an intense love life is essential for all of us. Sex gives a healthy relationship a higher sense of intimacy; it gives you the opportunity to let go and the chance to experience a pleasure.

But while some love lives happen organically, some of us struggle to enjoy our sex life because of other factors such as stress, anxiety, or pain inhibiting us from enjoying the experience to the fullest. Therapy, toys, and role-play can all help change up your love life, but sometimes you need something subtler, which is where CBD comes in.

What is CBD?

Cannabinol (CBD) comes from the same plant species as marijuana. Now, before you dismiss this natural compound as another way to get high, know that CBD differs from marijuana in one critical way. While the latter can contain up to 30 percent THC, hemp-derived CBD has less than 0.3 percent.

For CBD users, this means that they are not at risk of getting high, becoming paranoid, or overdosing from this natural compound. Researchers have yet to gather enough data on CBD, but preliminary studies have shown encouraging results regarding CBD’s potential health benefits. From depression to insomnia, Alzheimer’s, and cancer onset, this natural compound can help in various chronic and mental health issues.

Besides the health benefits, the CBD market has also made this natural compound more alluring, thanks to the myriad of products available. You can buy pure CBD flowers from somewhere like https://organiccbdnugs.com which can be rolled and smoked and, for those who prefer to vape, you can also find safe CBD vape pens. Don’t want to smoke or vape? Not a problem! There are CBD edibles, tinctures, balms, skincare products, and so many more CBD-infused items. For instance, nowadays, some people prefer to take CBD in the form of gummy bears made from hemp – ultimately, it is all about finding a CBD infused product that suits you.

The growth of the CBD market in Europe is attributed to the increasing acceptance of CBD-infused goods in industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and medical applications. The CBD Oil in Europe is premium and of high quality.

How CBD can maximize your love life

Besides chronic and mental health issues, CBD can help improve your love life as well. The following are four significant ways this natural compound can improve your sex life:

CBD eases pain

Pain is a huge downer to have to navigate every day, and it affects your love life. Whether it is a chronic pain caused by a slipped disc or the temporary kind caused by a strenuous gym session, CBD can ease those incessant aches for you to enjoy your sex life thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

This natural compound can ease chronic pain caused by disorders like multiple sclerosis or a slipped disc. For women suffering from dyspareunia, CBD might be the answer they have been looking for. The latter is a term that describes various disorders that lead to women experiencing painful sex. By easing the chronic inflammation and giving you some relief, enjoying an intimate moment with your partner is possible.

CBD encourages orgasms

Orgasms are referred to as the climax for a reason. While the session should be good throughout, we all need that climax at the end. Otherwise, it’s like sitting for a five-course meal and not having dessert. If you struggle with reaching orgasm, consider using CBD.

This natural compound can increase blood flood in the tissues and even improve nerve sensation, leading to better sex and more intense orgasm. You can try this out for yourself by opting for a CBD-infused lubricant.

CBD lowers stress and anxiety

Nothing deters from your sex life, like chronic stress and anxiety. The two are more likely to put you off sex because you believe there are far more critical things to do — like worrying about imagined scenarios. During sex, stress and anxiety can stop you from enjoying it thoroughly as well, primarily when the constant thoughts running through your mind inhibit you from focusing on the present moment.

Stress and anxiety are detrimental to your health, not just your sex life, so it is essential to address these issues before they take over your life. CBD can help in this area by managing your cortisol levels and releasing more serotonin into your body, and balancing GABA levels in the brain region.

Chronic stress leads to the overproduction of cortisol, which leads to a weakened immune system and fatigue. In balancing the production of cortisol, CBD provides better hormone balance in your body.

Additionally, this natural compound can signal to the receptors to release more serotonin in the body or encourage better use of the body’s serotonin. The latter is a critical natural mood stabilizer that keeps anxiety symptoms at bay.

CBD encourages emotional intimacy

CBD can heighten emotional intimacy by encouraging the body to release more of the neurotransmitter known as anandamide. Referred to as the ‘love hormone,’ ‘cuddle chemical’ or the ‘moral molecule,’ increasing this neurotransmitter during a social experience such as sex is a way of increasing pleasure.

CBD is another way of bettering your love life, but it should not substitute for lack of something. If you feel like something is missing in your relationship, it is best to speak out in a safe environment and with kindness so that both you and your partner can enjoy great sexual experiences.