Lifestyle Archives - Page 12 of 52

New Baby at Home? How to Get More and Better Sleep

There is no better feeling than bringing a new baby into your home. It’s like a dream come true, only better. However, there’s one thing you’re likely to struggle with: sleep. Your baby needs you during the night, so you’re going to spend a lot of time awake.

If you want to get more sleep and better sleep – even if you have a baby that needs you throughout the night – there are some simple steps you can take. Here are five things that you should do:

1. Read as much as you can

You have a lot to think about as a new parent. From choosing the right baby clothes to ensuring that your child gets a good night’s sleep, your mind is always racing. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take the time to research things you can do to improve your own life.

There is no shortage of books, websites, and blogs that provide tips and advice for how to get a better night’s sleep — even if you have a newborn who is doing their best to keep you awake for hours on end.

2.Track everything

There will be times when you feel like you’re getting the proper amount of sleep. There will also be times when you wonder if you’ll ever get back to your normal schedule. This is something you should expect. By tracking everything you do, you can pinpoint both the good and the bad.

For instance, make note of when you go to sleep and when you wake up. This should include all the times that you wake up in the middle of the night to tend to your child. It’s important to get the proper amount of sleep, but you’re not going to do so unless you have a clear idea of what’s working and what’s not.

3.Put away your phone

When you finally get the chance to hit your pillow, it’s time to fall asleep. Don’t spend time searching the internet. Don’t browse social media. The more you do this, the greater chance there is that you’ll stimulate your brain and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Keep your phone turned off. And while you’re at it, do the same with your television.

4.Watch what you eat

Meals — Healthy meals are placed in plastic boxes

No matter if you have a new baby at home or not, what you eat before you go to bed can impact how well you sleep. This goes along with tracking everything. Should you find that a certain food doesn’t sit well with you, cut it out of your diet.

A good example is eating spicy food before you retire for the evening. It may taste good on the way down, but it can result in acid reflux. And if that happens, you could suffer through a night full of pain while still having to care for your newborn.

5.Upgrade your mattress

That old mattress should find its way to the curb sooner rather than later. Even if you think it’s comfortable, it could be wreaking havoc on your sleep and your health as a whole. Learn more about modern mattresses, as you’re likely to find that an upgrade can do wonders for your mind and body.

Tip: even though online mattress companies are growing in popularity, it may be best to shop locally. This gives you the opportunity to test out each mattress on your shortlist before you make a final decision. Doing that can save you time, money, and aggravation over the long run.

Final Thoughts

A lack of sleep can affect your mental and physical health, so you need to fight back against it to the best of your ability. The one thing you need to remember is that this is just a temporary phase. There will come a time when your baby sleeps through the night. That thought alone should be enough to keep you going.

Take as many steps as you can to get more and better sleep. Even if you only take small steps in the right direction, it’s sure to do wonders for how you feel.

What tips do you have for sleeping better with a newborn at home? Is there anything that didn’t work for you?

Personalized Holiday Gift Guide

Finding holiday gifts used to be a task that was relatively easy. We’d wrap up a few candles or mugs, bake a few dozen cookies, sign, and mail the cards, and then cross everything off our to-do list. These days, when it comes to holiday gifting, the bar’s been raised. This is because things like app promotions, online sales, and the higher prices that are accompanying things mean that gifting can easily break a budget. That is unless you do your shopping with a list. To that end, here’s a quick list for people who want a more personalized guide.

The Healthcare Professional

This is someone who loves taking care of others, so why not pamper them a little bit. You could get them something like healthcare shoes since they tend to be on their feet all day. Another idea for this essential worker would be a set of comfortable scrubs that have enough pockets for everything they need to carry. You might even want to splurge and get them a day at a spa so they can relax a bit.

The Gym Rat

This person will check their steps on their Fitbit while they’re doing the shopping, ride one of those cruiser bikes that looks akin to the old-style Schwinns when they take a spin around the neighborhood, and she may even wear leggings on a daily basis. You might even say she’s a gym lover or ‘gym rat.’ Try sprucing up the sneakers look with a nice tunic sweatshirt that has a high-low hem. These flatter all body styles. You might also want to go for a knit hat lined with fleece that has a faux fur accent to help them stay warm if they like to get some exercise outdoors.

The Trendy Type

This lady’s always the first one to wear and do everything from sock booties to shag hairstyles. This is because she shops for new and trendy things and the term ‘age-appropriate’ never even crosses her mind. These days, retro dazzle seems to be the thing. To that end, try a sequin shirt paired with black pants and a slouchy shoulder bag.

The Earth Lover

This person might be a vegan who loves fashion and beauty with a sustainable, green twist. Feed her altruistic lead with green gifts that have a Fair-Trade certification, are made from recycled materials, or are organic. These might be gifts that you make yourself or those you can buy from a variety of stores, both online and off. Beloved has some great body mists in a myriad of scents, which are all-natural.

The Classic

Holiday — A happy young girl is on the street that is decorated for Christmas while it is being snowed

Do you know that woman in your life who wears pants instead of jeans? Maybe she pairs them with loafers as opposed to kicks and won’t wear a sweatshirt but will rock a sweater anytime. If you know the lady in question, you also know that she tends to not leave the house without perfume and lipstick, so either of these would be a good gift option. Get her something that’s polished and sophisticated but up to date just enough to make a bit of a difference to contemporary style. You may even want to splurge and get her a translucent glass jewelry box so that she can keep either her makeup or her bangles organized and on display where she can find them whenever she needs them.

No matter which woman in your life you’re shopping for, as long as you think about who she is and what types of things she enjoys, you’ll be able to find her a gift that she’ll absolutely love because it’ll show the effort you put forth.

Leggings are Back on The Agenda: 7 Ways to Wear Them in 2022

If there’s one clothing item that is perfect for multiple occasions, then it’s women’s activewear leggings. They’re comfortable, and stylish and can be worn with a wide variety of outfits. This is why they’re going to be popular in 2022, which after all, isn’t a big surprise. So if you’re a fan of comfortable, diverse clothing pieces, then here are some useful ways that will show you how to match leggings with the rest of your clothes.

Wear them with a chic tunic or a long shirt

If you have a tunic or a long button-down shirt then you love wearing, adding leggings to the combo can seriously elevate your whole outfit. Plus, they’re lighter and more comfortable than jeans or regular trousers, which is why they’re such a great choice when you want to cover your legs without wearing pantyhose. Pantyhose are great but really suitable for cold weather, and in that case, leggings can be a great replacement.

Make them colorful to spice up your outfit

Those who love colorful and vibrant outfits might consider wearing statement leggings with floral or animal print motifs. You can go even a bit further and combine such legging with other prints and colors for a more exciting effect. Mixing and matching contrasting patterns can be done, but it’s important to be careful and pay attention to every little detail, in order to create a balanced look.

Wear them as part of your activewear outfit

The easiest and most practical way to wear leggings is while exercising. After all, this is why they exist. You can either wear loose or tight clothing while exercising, as long as you feel comfortable and motivated to reach your fitness goals. There are no definite rules, but many people prefer tight clothes as they feel it gives them better control of their bodies during exercising.

Find an elegant jacket to match with your favorite pair of leggings

Those who love business casual fashion will be happy with the next outfit. Since leggings are such a versatile clothing item, that means you can combine them with pretty much anything, and the final result will be stunning. So if you choose a pair of seamless leggings, you can add an elegant jacket to the mix as that will likely make you look both stylish and laidback. Since sneakers are fashionable again, that also means you can wear them as well, and still look amazing regardless of the occasion.

If you want the ultimate stylishness, then go with leather leggings

Leggings are the savior of every fashion-conscious lazy girl, which is not surprising. If you consider yourself a bit lazy, then leather leggings will be a wonderful addition to your wardrobe. They fit perfectly to almost any top, and leather definitely makes everything look more stylish. For those who prefer unique colors, then feel free to pick burgundy, as this color is going to be very trendy in 2022.

Make sure to pick the right material

The choice of material matters a lot if you want to look your best while wearing leggings. Even many big designers’ names are starting to catch up, so now it’s possible to find matte, shiny, and lace inserts that are all perfect for different occasions. If you enjoy elegance, romance, and sophistication, and you need a quick solution for a fancy night-out outfit, then lace leggings are a perfect choice for you. When it comes to leggings, there’s a spectrum of different materials, so picking the right one should depend on your aesthetic preferences and the occasion.

Woman — A young woman is wearing leggings in the nature

Know your style goals

Knowing your style goals is important, as it helps you pick the best clothes. And when you rely on leggings, it’s important to know the best pieces to match with them. For example, if you love a casual look, then combining leggings with a leather or denim jacket is the right thing to do. Then again, if you love an active lifestyle, choose sports leggings and pair them with a casual tee or a sports bra.

Conclusion

Wearing leggings is going to be trendy in 2022, and these tips will help you pick the best pair, and match it properly for the most stylish effect. So feel free to experiment with different prints, materials, and colors. As long as you keep everything proportional and balanced, you’ll look amazing no matter what you wear

Key Freight Member Regulations You Have to Meet Before Joining a Freight Alliance

If you’re a freight forwarder working independently, joining a freight alliance makes a lot of sense. Freight alliances help their members increase their business profitability. As members of international networks, freight forwarders also get access to key industry information. They get to understand how the bigger players operate.

Freight forwarders can even create business connections within these networks to bolster their operations. But, joining a freight forwarder alliance is not easy. While there are many freight forwarder alliances located all around the world, the best ones have strict regulations for members.

Understanding How Freight Forwarding Alliances Accept Members

International freight forwarder alliances are extensive groups of international freight forwarders. The best attracts the best. Hence, to join the best freight forwarder alliances, members have to go through various vetting processes. Why do freight forwarders have to meet these standards to become a part of the alliance? Transparency.

According to key players in the global supply chain, the lack of transparency is the biggest threat to profitability. When there’s no transparency, there’s no accountability. When things go wrong with shipments, end customers usually have no recourse. The best freight forwarder alliances don’t want irresponsible or non-transparent members.

That’s why these alliances enforce the following freight member regulations –

Vetting Before Joining the Alliance

Before joining a freight forwarder alliance, applicants have to fill out various forms. These forms request the freight forwarder’s company details, financial details, track record, etc. After submitting these forms, freight forwarders have to undergo strict screening and vetting processes. These vetting processes are designed to –

Check the financial stability of the freight forwarder’s company
Confirm the specific objectives of the applicant’s freight forwarding operations.
Verify the applicant’s reputation to ensure a high degree of reliability.

When each member of the alliance passes these rigorous screening processes, the overall trust inside the alliance grows. No freight forwarder wants to be associated with professionals who have poor track records or outstanding financial obligations. These types of faults reflect poorly on the alliance.

So, the best freight forwarder alliances always have extremely rigorous qualification processes. These alliances want to maintain high standards for their members.

Acceptance of the Proposal – Joining the Alliance

Invitation — A man is holding a piece of a paper

If you’re a freight forwarder who is new to alliances, don’t expect to climb up the ladder too soon. You’ll have to pay the membership fee. Then, your company’s details will be added to the freight forwarder alliance’s network database. These details are accessible to all members.

Bear in mind – your fellow members will be high-quality freight forwarders themselves. But, once you prove your reliability to the freight forwarder alliance’s administration team, you receive a host of perks. Some of the basic benefits include –

Assistance with day-to-day business operations via access to the latest shipment tracking/managing software tools.
Payment protection plans.
Insurance.
Marketing services.
Partner discounts.

While it’s easy to see the advantages of joining a freight alliance, there are several rules you must follow before you can join one. Here are some key points to remember:

Be an established freight forwarder with a proven track record
Sign contracts with clients for at least 12 months
Pay membership fees
Follow the alliance’s rules and regulations
Abide by the code of ethics set by the alliance

If you can meet all these requirements, it’s likely that your freight forwarder business will benefit from being a part of an alliance.

The quality of benefits depends on the quality of your freight forwarder alliance. The better the quality of your freight forwarder alliance, the stricter the membership rules. Memberships in such alliances come with hefty fees and strict requirements. But, ultimately, these fees translate to direct business advantages.

How to Come up with a Custody Schedule That Works

Divorce is not an uncommon situation today, with half of all children in the US going through the experience of their parents getting a divorce. However, a marriage ending does not mean that the family has to end as well. Many parents who decide that their marriage can no longer go on are concerned about minimizing the impact of the divorce on their children and want to make sure that their kids still feel safe, secure, and with a family to belong to no matter what has happened between their parents in the past. When it comes to making sure that the impact of divorce is minimal on your children and they are able to continue growing up in a way that is happy and healthy for them, a custody agreement is often essential. This agreement creates guidelines for your family when it comes to parenting time and how responsibilities are shared, making it easier for you to adjust to your new lives and providing much-needed stability for your children.

Modern Custody Agreement Trends

Some experts have noticed that these days, dads are no longer satisfied with older-style custody agreements where kids tend to traditionally spend more time with their mother, and only spend time with their dads on one weeknight and every other weekend. The good news is that more dads are looking for spending more time with their kids and genuinely want to share the parenting responsibilities 50/50, rather than only going for this kind of custody agreement as a way of getting out of child support. While after a divorce, children do not get to see both parents at the same time anymore, it’s usually healthiest for the child if an equal custody agreement can be reached, as they are not spending more time with one parent compared to the other. For more information, check out Onward for advice on parenting time guidelines. Onward offers an app that you can use to split costs and childcare responsibilities with your ex, and their advice on parenting time guidelines can be used to help you come up with a custody plan that works best for you.

Popular Custody Agreement Ideas

With more and more children now sharing their parents more equally after a divorce, and more dads looking to spend more time with their kids than the traditional every other weekend, both families and legal professionals have become a bit more creative when it comes to the different ways that they can divide this time. Some of the most popular ways to divide parenting time when it comes to custody agreements include:

Alternate weeks: The child will spend one week with one parent, and then the next with the other. Most families switch over on a weekend or Monday morning.

2-2-5-5- split: With this type of agreement, parents will alternate back and forth with having the kids. First, there’s a shorter period of two days, then two longer periods of five days each. As a result, parents do not go more than five days at a time without spending time with their children and the children can spend one half of the week with one parent, and the next half with the other.

2-2-3-3 split: With this agreement, one parent will have custody of the child for two days, before the child goes to the other parent for another two days. The first parent then has three days, and then the other has three days. This allows parents to alternate weekends spent with their kids.

3-4-4-3 split: This type of custody agreement split allows parents to divide the week almost in half, with each parent getting the kids for three days one week, then four days the next.

How to Come Up with an Ideal Parenting Time Agreement

Every family is different, and when it comes to deciding on a child custody and parenting time agreement, different things will work for different people. While there are various ways to divide parenting time that you might be able to choose from if you think that one is going to work well for you, keep these tips in mind as you decide on a parenting time agreement to help you come to a decision that you can all be happy with.

Use an App: There are plenty of apps available now that are designed for co-parents to create shared calendars and more. This makes it easier to communicate with your ex when it comes to working out your schedule and can help you with parenting time over occasions like birthdays and the holidays.

Be Flexible and Creative: Standard parenting time or custody agreements might not always work for every parent, for example, parents might have unusual work hours that require a more flexible and creative agreement. If you or your ex-partner work unusual shifts, for example, then it might be necessary for you to spend a little more time coming up with an agreement that is going to work.

Consider the Children’s Schedules: Often, this has to be the top priority when coming up with a custody agreement as the last thing that you want is to cause disruption to your child’s life. If your ex lives nearby and is easily able to take children to after-school activities and sports, for example, this is unlikely to be a huge problem. However, if not, it’s important to think about how a custody agreement is going to affect your child’s schedule and what the best way to minimize the impact will be.

Ask Your Child: While most experts don’t recommend allowing your child to make the final decision, it’s worth getting their input on what they think might work for them, especially if you have older kids who are capable of understanding what’s going on and can voice their own wishes. Not only could speak to your child make it easier for you to come up with ideas that you may not have thought of yourself, but it also demonstrates to them that hearing them is a priority during what can be an unstable situation.

Deciding on a custody agreement that works for everybody is not always easy, but with the right strategies, you can create a schedule that everybody is happy with.

Invest in One Cargo Tracking Tool or Multiple Tools? The Complete Guide for Merchants

Visibility over the location of your containers is critical if you’re a shipper, importer, or exporter. Unless you track your containers at each stage of their journeys, ensuring reliable and on-time arrivals is impossible. Your organization can lose money if it doesn’t track its shipments and they go missing or experience delays.

Cargo or container tracking tools allow shippers to track the locational data of their sea cargo. These tools provide the cargo’s exact coordinates, port details, and other important information. A top shipment tracking tool always boosts’ a company’s productivity, accountability, and profitability.

Thankfully, modern-day shippers can choose from different real-time cargo tracking tools. They can even monitor their cargo at all times by using different cargo tracking tools. Should you opt for one cargo tracking tool, or should you use different tools? If you’re using only one tracking tool, what features should it offer? Let’s explore your options.

The Different Types of Cargo Tracking Systems

Here are the basic cargo tracking systems that most cargo tracking tools use–

Standard Tracking: This basic form of container tracking system records the movements of the cargo’s journey as it passes through major ports. This type of data is scattered. Standard tracking systems don’t provide a complete picture of the cargo’s status and location.
GPS Container Tracking Systems: These systems use GPS technology (Global Positioning System) to declare the real-time location of containers on merchant’s vessels. Containers need to have GPS tracking tools (with battery packs) installed inside for these systems to work effectively. GPS container tracking systems can even show the container’s temperature, travel speed, latitude, and longitudes. Some advanced GPS container tracking systems even provide “shock reports” documenting the damages ensued by the cargo during transportation.
Automatic Identification Systems: Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) collect digital data from nearby AIS stations on ships, satellites, bases, etc. If your container is next to an AIS station, your AIS tracking system will instantly detect its location. AIS stations are present on all merchant ships, satellites, bases, and ports. Hence, you can determine the exact loading/unloading time of your cargo using the data from the AIS systems. This digital data exchange with nearby AIS stations gives AIS-powered cargo tracking tools increased data accuracy.
Multi-Tracking Systems: These systems are specifically designed for logistics service providers. As the name suggests, multi-tracking systems collect locational data using a variety of technologies. Your multi-tracking system may use GPS data, AIS data, and other types of data to determine your cargo’s location. These real-time tracking systems are by far the most efficient.

Which Tracking System Should You Choose?

From a cost and convenience perspective, investing in one multi-tracking system makes the most sense. These systems can provide rapid responses and second-by-second updates regarding cargo coordinates. You can now fully integrate multi-tracking systems on your websites.

By doing so, you can make your website the direct source of all information regarding the location of your containers. Invest in one secure, easy-to-use, and low-cost multi-tracking system. Use it to optimize your delivery schedules.

Top Health and Well-being Trends for 2022

2020 and 2021 have changed perspectives about health and wellness drastically. People all around the world have begun prioritizing health than ever before and quite surprisingly in newer ways.

The pandemic has pushed us to explore areas of our lives, which we either preferred ignoring or weren’t even aware of. Consequently, we see a brand new array of health and well-being trends in the coming times.

Let’s check out a few.

Disease Determination Using DNA

Fields like bioinformatics and biosciences are also progressing to make the best of their knowledge and make this world a better place, especially after the horrors of the pandemic. In 2022, DNA will serve as a major means of determining diseases.

This determination could help predict possible health risks as per the genetics of a person. And consequently, keep the particular individual from contracting those diseases.

This health trend will particularly apply to infants. Before birth, DNA tests will help medical professionals detect the possibilities of diseases in the developing baby. The mother will be given medications and treatments to eliminate the possibilities for those diseases.

Stress Tracking

Currently, technology is helping us take better health initiatives by suggesting beneficial stuff. In 2022, this technology will move one step ahead. And more and more devices and technology will incorporate health monitoring systems. These mini-systems will keep us updated with our heart rate and stress levels.

Be it physical stress, emotional, or mental stress. Users can use this data to enhance their routine and lifestyle and eliminate factors that cause stress.

Zero Commitment Makeovers

The world is becoming fast-paced, both professionally and socially. Most of us find ourselves searching for the perfect look almost every other day. This leaves minimal room for permanent changes, such as dying your hair and investing thousands in getting extensions that you will eventually get removed.

Hence, people are shifting towards wigs, accessories, and make-do beautifying stuff that serves temporary needs. If you’re an Instagram influencer who wishes to transform into a new persona for their audience, then this news may as well be the biggest win for your next year!

Facial Exercises Becoming a Part of Skincare Routine

Facial exercises will be trending in 2022 as well. Fundamentally, facial exercises help with improving the appearance of facial skin. With facial exercises or yoga in implementation, the skin will become more fresh and smooth.

It will be excellent for those who wish to straighten out wrinkles and marks of stress from their face. Along with relieving tension, it will increase circulation as well.

Balanced Diets & Must-Have Breakfasts

Brekfast — During breakfast, different kind of food is displayed on the table

COVID swept off a lot of people because of two reasons. Either these people had a weak immunity system or they took the virus quite too lightly.

The only solution for COVID-affected was to have a heavy and nutritious diet. For that very reason, the diet has come forth in the spotlight.

People have learned their lesson for good and it’s going to walk into 2022 with us. We will be witnessing a great inclination towards consumption of a balanced diet involving whole grains, nutritional yeast, dairy foods (low-fat), fruits & vegetables, proteins, etc.

With that said, breakfasts appear to have gained the most priority. We’re witnessing people planning ornate but essential & refreshing meals to begin the day with. That’s because a healthy breakfast such as Kosher bread basket, eggs, low-fat dairy, fruit, and vegetables delivers the much-needed dose of glucose and nutrients at the start of the day, empowering us to function at our best throughout the day. Plus, it reduces the risk of illnesses.

Health Policies Prioritized in Work

Many people lost their mental stability working from home. The same applies to those who suffered extreme economic crises and got turned down by companies for whom they’d work for decades.

Naturally, this has led to an increased rate of suicide, mental instability, loss of work efficiency, and whatnot.

For this very reason, the year 2022 will be witnessing a rise in the development and implementation of health policies. Work environments are becoming more forgiving and acknowledging health issues. Newer policies like more paid leaves are coming into existence.

Some companies have even expanded their range of valid excuses, considering mental instability an acceptable excuse in case the work comes to a halt. Greater grants and leniencies are also coming forth.

Portable Well-Being Tools

Biomedical engineers of the present times have come up with innovative solutions. You can now carry wellness tools anywhere and everywhere to keep your sensitive body metrics in check.

For example, the use of self-purifying bottles helps keep the water fresh and safe. EKG monitors help keep a check on your heart rate. And a portable massage gun could help you get relieved as you practice your mini-workout routine in your office.

Virtual Healthcare

Similar to portable well-being tools, healthcare services are also becoming available on the go. You need not dedicate a day to book an appointment and travel back and forth to the healthcare center. Instead, you can book an appointment and consult a medical professional online only.

If you have therapy sessions or consultation sessions due, you can take these online too.

Final Thoughts

Summing up, health and well-being will be a prioritized concern in 2022. We may see more trends apart from those listed above. Surely, this is a positive change. Let’s hope for the best!

6 Easy Health & Fitness Habits You Can Start Before the New Year Begins

As the year comes to an end, that’s often a sign it’s time to make some amazing decisions for the year that’s ahead. The majority of people love feeling excited and self-assured as they write down their goals, intentions, and plans. However, when reality hits, things become a little different: suddenly, all those decisions about health, fitness, and a better lifestyle become less important.

This is why it’s better to start now. When you wait for a perfect moment, you also make time for excuses. So if you’ve been thinking about adopting some easy health and fitness habits, then here are some of them that you can do now, without waiting for the new year to start.

1. Start embracing mindfulness

Mindfulness is probably the healthiest habit that you could literally start now, which will benefit you if you remain persistent about it. Meditation is a wonderful habit that can teach you how to be in the present moment, which will also help reduce anxiety and stress. In case you’re a parent, then you know how stressful it can be. Mindfulness is one of those easy habits that can help you be more grateful about everything.

Additionally, regular meditation is a great way to stop taking things personally, and if there’s one thing that can help you be your better self, it’s this. The easiest way to start is through guided meditations, and when you feel ready, feel free to move on to traditional practices.

2. Move your body (without going to the gym)

Exercising and being physically active in general is one of those habits that are often put on hold. A lot of people wait for an ideal moment to start going to the gym. However, going to the gym isn’t necessary if you want to work out. Basically, all you need is a stable internet connection, some gear, and self-discipline. Besides, home workouts are a great solution if you’re a young parent who’s too busy to go to the gym.

There are many YouTube videos and other online spaces that offer amazing workouts, from yoga to more demanding exercises. Therefore, you don’t need to prepare for a special moment, you just need to feel motivated enough to exercise from the comfort of your home.

3. Focus on your mental health

Your mental health is your biggest asset that you should cherish above anything else. This is especially important if you already have a history of mental health issues, or if they run in your family. We are living in unprecedented times, which is why it’s important to remain grounded and focused on our own well-being. This is why you should never neglect your own mental wellbeing, and if you ever notice symptoms of depression and anxiety, then make sure to consult a mental health professional.

4. Eat healthy and stay hydrated

This might seem challenging, considering that the festive period is when we tend to indulge more frequently. But, with some effort, it’s possible to feel satisfied and to eat healthily. If you’re also exercising, then consuming healthy protein powder supplements will help you remain strong while feeding your body all the important nutrients. So feel free to eat anything you like, but keep in mind that your diet needs to be diverse and nourishing to keep you strong, healthy, and energized.

5. Spend more time with your loved ones

Your loved ones are another integral part of your life, so spend more time with them. If you’re a parent, then you’re already aware of the fact that kids grow up so fast. So don’t hesitate to laugh, dance, go out and have fun with them without worrying about the future. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with paint colors or cake mix. Enjoy your life, and invite those you love to be a part of it. Being close to your loved ones will also help you appreciate your own life a little bit more.

6. Stop taking everything personally

Girl — A happy girl is outdoor and is thankful for snowing for the first time in a while

Sure, if someone’s acting offensive, it’s your right to speak up. But sometimes, there’s no need to, because not everything is aimed at you. Hence, if you want to improve your life, then it’s important to stop taking everything personally since a lot of things people say are a reflection of them and their issues. Now, mastering this skill takes time, but once you manage it, you’ll definitely feel much happier and more accomplished.

In conclusion

These are healthy habits that you can start implementing right now, especially if you’re a busy mom. A new year symbolizes new beginnings, but if you start now, you’ll start a year feeling more motivated and self-confident.

By Lucas Bergman

Benefits of Having a Swim Spa in Your House

Swimming pools and hot tubs offer many different benefits. They are a fun way to enjoy some quality time alone or with people you love and help you relax. And when combined and enhanced with spa features, these yard accessories provide specific health benefits and improvements to your well-being.

If you are looking for a way to relax after a long day or you’re recovering from surgery, it might be a good idea to jump into a swim spa. Soaking in warmish, bubbly water offers many different benefits to help you get over many physical and mental inconveniences.

Tips on maintaining pools with spa add-ons are listed below:

https://tubtopia.com/swim-spa-maintenance/

Pain Relief

Spending time in the water is an excellent way to relax sore muscles and relieve painful body parts. This activity can eliminate the pain in your back and neck. If you feel discomfort because of conditions like sciatica or scoliosis, swimming is a great way to handle pain.

When you exercise in water, it gets the blood moving and working throughout your body. It’s an excellent benefit for those suffering from arthritis. You may ask your therapist and see what they think about swim spas. The truth is that these can be of great help for painful and swollen joints.

Improved Blood Flow

Another benefit of a swimming pool with spa features is boosting blood flow. When you swim or walk outside and get some nice physical exercise, you will be healthier and happier. The same thing is with enjoying a swim spa, except you don’t have to leave your home and yard at all.

When you speed up blood circulation, your skin will be much more youthful and healthy-looking. Your muscles will also thank you as they become stronger and more flexible, especially those injured or that have been sore for a long time.

Post-Surgical Recovery

A swim spa will help relieve the pain, tension, and stress that you feel after surgery. Recovery after any surgical procedure can be challenging and lengthy, but having this accessory in your backyard can speed things up. Even therapists recommend this activity, as the beneficial effects of water on your body are well-known. See here which exercises are doable in this pool.

Jets inside these pools simulate the currents in open waters, allowing you to swim or exercise in place. These waves lift you and allow easier drifts. It’s like you move without moving for real. That can help to speed up the healing process and make you ready to get back to normal life faster. Just in case, make sure that you have someone available to help you with entering and going out.

Stress and Tension Relief

One of the main benefits of jumping into the swim spa is stress reduction. There is nothing like taking a swim or a long walk after being under lots of pressure. If you can take some time out and relax, you will find that it makes you feel much better. But if you have no time to visit a spa or hike in the mountains, you can get a swim spa in your backyard and enjoy it after having a hard day.

A swim spa is a great place to get exercise and relax at the same time. Just imagine taking e a nice hot bath while listening to the soothing sound of a running water stream. Spending some time in this pool can help you reduce the stress levels in your life. You will find that after a nice soak in the swim spa pool, you will feel so much better. It also improves sleep, almost like a warm bath before bedtime.

Weight Loss

Swimming pool — A kid is swimming in the house swimming pool

It’s generally known that swimming is an activity that involves and activates the whole body. That makes water an ideal workout environment for those who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Just fifteen minutes per day will give excellent results in this endeavor.

While you are in the water, you are much lighter than outside. That allows you to perform the exercises more easily. At the same time, the water provides low-impact resistance, which makes your workout session more effective. If you have injuries, water training in a small swim spa will ease stiffness and provide effortless movements with no pain.

Even if you haven’t been too active so far, exercising in the pool with additional features like wave jets will make your workout more bearable and fun. After a while, you will notice the effects of using the swim spa. Your body will be toned, and your muscles strengthened and sculpted.

Jets of warm water all over your body are excellent therapy for many discomforts you deal with every day. When you start experiencing all the benefits of a swim spa regularly, the quality of your life will be much better. You can enjoy this accessory all year round; just do some research and find the best pool for yourself.

Holiday Chaos Tricks for Dogs

The holidays are upon us, complete with all the parties and fanfare we expect while celebrating this time of year. We often get so caught up in the moments of holiday cheer that we forget our furry friends may not be having the same joyful reaction to the season’s activities. While we ooh and aah at the explosive fireworks as we ring in the New Year, many dogs are cowering in corners, shaking uncontrollably, panting, running in circles, unable to find solace in any soothing stroking of their fur we offer. The holidays are replete with unfamiliar sounds, an abundance of strangers, changes to routine, and overindulging. That applies to both humans and our beloved dogs. But there are some tricks to help lessen your dog’s anxiety during these exciting times.

The Triggers

We can anticipate two holidays as being especially noise-laden: the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. It’s not even dark yet, and the fireworks have begun. You know it’s going to be a long night for everyone, but especially for your dog. The best trick is to drive away. Pack up the car with snacks, a blanket or two, and your dog(s). The easiest way to avoid anxiety is to go in the opposite direction. Most dogs enjoy a good car ride. Being in the car mutes the outside world and gives him a calm, stress-free environment. German shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Collies are the breeds most likely to be sound sensitive. Paying particular attention to their behaviors will help to anticipate their reactions.

Holiday parties can also create a lot of stress for your dog. The craziness surrounding party preparation can leave little time for the usual walks or attention your dog requires. Add to that the sudden addition of strangers coming and going. This can be incredibly confusing. Find a bedroom or other room in your home that is familiar and comfortable for your dog. Make sure you can keep the door closed or locked from the outside. Ideally, you don’t want someone accidentally walking into that room either. If the party is noisy, consider playing some music for your dog. It will help to drown out the sounds and potentially make him less anxious. Music, in general, can be soothing during these unusually loud times by buffering the noise.

A natural alternative to lessening holiday-related anxiety in your dog is the use of CBD products like CBD calming chews for dogs. They contain a naturally calming formula that helps dogs to relax. Anxiety is reduced, and panicked, scared behavior becomes less as well. And because calming chews are just like treats, dogs will not balk at them like other medicines.

For extreme cases of anxiety, talking to your veterinarian is the best course of action. Fear-related anxiety can be anticipated and treated in advance. Knowing the triggers that cause your dog’s anxiety will allow you to seek the best treatment from your vet. Medications need not be long-term and can provide the needed soothing to get through a rough night.

A sad repercussion of the holiday celebrations is the large number of pets that run away from home. Rescue shelters and the Humane Society see increases during this time, especially the 4th of July because animals flee their homes with homeowners often away during these celebratory hours. Regardless of the time of year or celebration, dogs should have clear identification and ideally have a chip for a quick return to their owners, who are likely devastated at their dog missing.

‘Tis the Season

Holiday spirit — A person is holding sprinklers in the hands at open night

Fortunately, holidays are not everyday occurrences. With good foresight and planning, alleviating adverse reactions to triggers can be anticipated. And, of course, the last thing you ever want to do is get mad at your dog. He’s having a hard enough time as it is. Ultimately, stay calm and recognize what he is going through. The fireworks and parties will soon be over, and his everyday life will once again be just that. Dogs are man’s best friends for a reason. If we can do a little in return to make it less stressful for them during loud, chaotic times, that is the least we can do.