Being on a budget should not hold you back from looking good. Luckily, fashion has evolved so much that it’s not just the rich that can dress trendy, everybody can. And let’s face it, 2020 has been a difficult year for most, leaving many with not much spare cash floating around. 

Low-budget shopping isn’t difficult, but you do need to be smart about it. Here are our top 5 tips for successful thrift shopping.

1. Stock up on wardrobe essentials for mix and match choices

One way to avoid the need to buy multiple new outfits each season is to have plenty of staples in your wardrobe. Look for neutral colors, simple patterns, and pieces that are easy to pair with other clothes.

This includes plain t-shirts and vest tops in multiple colors, a couple of good-fitting jeans, simple ballet flat shoes, black high heels, a neutral-colored jacket, and of course, an LBD. Having good-quality wardrobe essentials like these will allow you to interchangeably mix and match your clothes, creating many fresh and stylish outfits.

2. Choose affordably, but with quality

Today, you don’t have to invest a fortune in expensive designer pieces such as natural leather bags, especially when there are so many other alternatives that not only look amazing but are a more eco-friendlier option too. There are many vegan leather bags with different designs, sizes, and colors to suit every style. The world’s biggest fashion brands are also catching on to more sustainable fashion trends by incorporating eco-conscious practices and using eco-friendlier materials such as upcycling clothes and using leftover fabrics and natural vegan alternatives.

3. Utilize sales and promotions

You don’t need to wait until the end of the season to grab some bargains. You can almost always find some decent sales picks at any time of the year on retailers’ websites. Just check out the sale section on their site. 

It’s also worth signing up to newsletters to be the first to know about their sales. Moreover, many brands offer special promotions to new customers signing up with them. These new customer initiatives can be a clever way to find some new on-trend pieces for a fraction of the normal cost. 

4. Shop online with affordable fashion e-commerce brands

It’s not just high-end fashion brands that possess the latest styles. You can find many affordable online retailers offering very similar styles for a much lower price. For example, check out the women’s shoes & apparel from JustFab for the freshest and trendiest garments at an accessible price point. While the price may be low, the quality most definitely is not. In 2020, style and quality are financially accessible for everyone.  If you are more into K-pop outfitsfeel free to check the website here.

5. Keep your outfits fresh with new accessories

If you don’t have the money to treat yourself to a whole new outfit, the next best thing is to indulge in a new accessory. Accessories are an awesome way to freshen up an old outfit and add a sense of style without spending much. A bright scarf, with a cashmere australia material , statement necklace, or a couple of chunky bracelets are perfect examples of this.

6. Get involved in clothes swapping

Clothes swapping is a trend that has come into fashion in recent years. For eco-conscious shoppers and budget-conscious fashion lovers, clothes swapping is a cheap, fun, and environment-friendly way to find new outfits.

Many cities now hold clothes swapping events, taking the concept to a much larger scale. These events are great as there’s a high chance you’ll find multiple items you’ll love.

By following these tips you can stay well-dressed without racking up debt. The key to fashion on a budget is to get creative with your wardrobe and think outside the box.

Now that the COVID-19 travel restrictions are being lifted a bit, you and your family or friends are preparing for a much-needed summer vacation. While you love to travel, you don’t like the stomach-sinking feeling of looking into your suitcase and realizing that you left a few key items at home. You need to think about what you’ll be doing on your holiday and how you can bring things that’ll make it easier/more fun, for example, if you are going on a vallea lumina (night walk) then you are going to need bug repellant, hiking shoes, a camera, and so on, so you can make the experience a good one. So remember to write a list and keep it with you when you pack.

Here is a list of commonly forgotten items that should be at the top of your packing list, as well as a few additional packing tips. When you have decided to hire a coach or other means of transport for your long-awaited destination, you can start packing based on these packing lists. By packing well in advance, you can avoid the last minute rush and then you would have all the needed items with you for the travel. And even if you pack something more than expected, relax as you can use the luggage storage services on your trip. Such facilities are common to avail in places like Miami, Seattle and many more. There is luggage storage Seattle that lets you travel without worrying about your luggage anyhow. So, what are you waiting for? Seek such services and get the most out of your travel times.

Your Credit Card

If you don’t normally use a credit card that often, you might not have a spot of honor for it in your wallet or purse. But when traveling, it is a great idea to have a Visa or other card handy; this way, you will have peace of mind that you aren’t carrying a ton of cash on you at one time. If possible, choose a credit card that will reward you in some way; for instance, USAA offers a number of options including Visas and American Express choices that will give you cash back on your purchases.

Ear Plugs

Whether you want to drown out the noise of your beloved kiddos bickering in the backseat of the car, the sound of your spouse sawing logs with endless snoring during the night or you want to try to sleep on a noisy plane, Travel and Leisure advises bringing a box of ear plugs. Pack enough to share in case your tweens and teens also complain about the snoring in the hotel room keeping them awake.

Outlet Covers

This tip is meant mostly for parents of little ones, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. If you will be staying in a hotel and/or with grandparents, bring along a package of plastic outlet covers. You can pick them up at a home improvement store or buy them online from Amazon. This way you can baby- or toddler-proof the outlets where you will be staying and then remove them before you head home.

Chargers A’ Plenty

To keep your smartphones, tablets and laptops ready to go during your vacation, make sure you pack chargers for every device. If you bring along travel chargers that plug into outlets in the car, double check that they are still working prior to your trip, and if something is broken, replace it before you head out. Keep all of the chargers in a large Ziploc bag or plastic container with a sturdy lid so your family can all find what they need in one spot. Include a list of what’s in the bag or box so you can make sure all of the chargers are also coming back home with you.

A Few Additional Packing Tips

When choosing clothes to bring with you, Smarter Travel suggests choosing items in neutral colors that you can layer, depending on the weather. This will give you more versatility in what you wear on your vacation while keeping your suitcase on the light side. If you will have access to a washer and dryer when you are away, you can pack even less – just be sure to add a well-sealed bag of laundry soap pods in your luggage.

As you pack, ask yourself if you will need any of your stuff right away at your destination. If the answer is “yes,” put those items in your carry-on or backpack. This way, in case your luggage is delayed at the airport, you can still get by until it shows up. Also, to avoid overpacking, you can go through a review guide (like this Florida Review Guide, for instance) of the place you are visiting to learn about the different kinds of places and recreations it has to offer. Knowing this beforehand can help you decide the exact type and number of clothes you may need. Besides, typical items to have handy are medications for you and any family members, basic toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo, pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol, feminine hygiene products, your phone, and credit card.

Have a Wonderful Time!

To say that you need a vacation is a major understatement. Now, by planning ahead and being careful not to forget key items and pack in a well thought out way, your trip is sure to be as relaxing as you hoped it would be.

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2020 has been an odd year. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic gripped the world and things still haven’t returned to usual since. Governments around the world set strict social isolation and social distancing measures to slow the spread of the virus. Many of us have found ourselves only having close contact with the people we live with. Alternatively, those of us who live alone probably haven’t seen our nearest dearest for a hug for months. It’s not all too surprising that many of us are enthusiastically planning being reunited with our loved ones. We can’t wait to get them around to ours for dinner, drinks, a film or just a general catch up. Of course, you’re going to want to make sure your home is as accommodating as possible when the time comes to do this. Here are a few tips that will help you to achieve this!

Make Sure There’s Sufficient Seating

We all tend to fall short of seating when it comes to accommodating guests. You see this happen around occasions like birthdays or Christmas. But having somewhere comfortable to sit really is an essential. Consider a large sofa like those found here https://www.sofadreams.com/leather-sectional-sofas/. Consider matching chairs. Consider stackable extra chairs that can be piled away in a cupboard or the shed throughout the rest of the year. If you’re lucky enough to have a large back garden you can have people over in, you should consider investing in some garden furniture. Deck chairs, sofa style chairs, tables and chairs… the list of potential choices is endless! However, if you do decide on upholstered furniture for your guests, make sure that you have them cleaned by professional sofa cleaners before your event.

Have Sufficient Crockery, Cutlery and Glassware

Of course, big gatherings aren’t possible at the moment. But they will be eventually. You want to make sure that there are enough plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons and glasses for all of your guests. This will ensure that people don’t have to wait for others to finish their food or drinks before getting started themselves. If you don’t have sufficient storage space for these extra items in your kitchen year round, you can put them away in the loft ready for special occasions!

Use a Spare Room Wisely

If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room in your home, why not turn it into a guest room? Guest rooms provide people who travel from afar or who want to stay late somewhere comfortable and secure to rest their head for the night. All you need to add is a bed. It’s as simple as that! Of course, there are all sorts of extras you can add to make things more comfortable. A nightstand or bedside table for guests to rest their phone on while they sleep. Storage for extra bedding. The list goes on.

As you can see, there are a jumper of things you can do to make sure your home is as guest friendly as possible. Following these simple steps can ensure that you’re able to have guests over and accommodate them in the best way possible. They’re simple to implement, but will make all the difference!

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Oak furniture is a popular choice for a lot of people when they are decorating their homes. After all, there are many benefits associated with oak furniture pieces.

There is no denying that this is a material that looks stunning. It gives off a homely, warm, and cozy vibe, yet is unbelievably stylish and elegant at the same time. If that wasn’t enough, oak is easy to maintain and strong too. You can be sure you will get a lot of years out of your oak furniture and, therefore, you are definitely going to get your money’s worth.

But if you take a look on the Internet, you will see that it is virtually the land of oak! There are so many options to choose from! So, how do you narrow down your search? Read on to discover what you must consider when you are buying oak furniture…

What to consider when buying oak furniture pieces

When delving into oak furniture options, you should begin by determining your budget. It can be easy to spend more than you can truly afford when redecorating any room or home. If you establish a stringent budget from the offset you won’t experience any nasty surprises at the end.

Don’t forget to consider any extras that you may need to purchase as well. For example, if you are buying an oak wardrobe, it is definitely worth purchasing pheromone carpet moth traps. If you are purchasing a dining table, you will obviously need table mats and perhaps a cloth too.

In addition to this, you must consider what style of oak furniture you wish to go for. Oak itself is a material that is very traditional, yet this does not mean you cannot go for a contemporary style. Make your choice carefully. After all, you want to love your furniture just as much five or ten years down the line as you did when you bought it.

Aside from these points, you will need to think about the dimensions of the room in question, to ensure the furniture does not look out of place.

Finally, you must buy from a quality company. Look for an oak furniture store with a wealth of experience and a credible reputation.

How to choose a good oak furniture store

If you read the reviews that have been left by the company’s previous customers, you should expect to soon see that they have an exceptional reputation in the industry. This should fill you with confidence that they are the right choice for you.

Do they offer a money-back guarantee? Do goods arrive to your door flat-packed or are they ready to go? Some of the best companies out there will assemble your furniture, if necessary, and place it where you want.

So there you have it: an insight into the beauty and wonder of oak furniture, as well as the different factors that need to be considered when purchasing this type of furniture for your home!

Renovating your home is an increasingly popular alternative to selling up and moving on. If you love your home, its location and the memories you have created there, why move? You have a choice: either sell your home and buy a new one, or invest your money in the home you already have. This option means less housing market stress, avoids you taking out another mortgage, and means you get to stay in the place you and your family love the most. But are there any downsides to a home renovation?

In short: yes, there are downsides. Like any major upheaval, renovating your house can be very stressful, and things can go wrong at unexpected times, if not planned properly. Nevertheless, contacting a reputed Interior Designer in Greenville, SC, or the area your home is located in, could help you achieve your dream home look, that too without any stress.

Even if you have a nagging thought in the back of your mind that you might sell your current house in the time to come in case you find a better place for yourself, you can still consider renovation and restoration. The reason is you might be curious about what else can you do to get the best price for it. Apart from that, if you want to move out of your current home, you should invest in a better location at a lower cost. If you happen to live in Meridian, ID, you can always contact real estate agents like Statement Premier Real Estate who can assist you with the deal and also take a lot of the stress out of the process. If interested, you can get in touch with them via the website https://meridianidhouses.com/relocating-to-meridian-id for more information.

Read on to find out other four major factors you should consider before renovating your home.

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1. Moving Out Short-Term

Depending on the size of the renovation you are undergoing, it can be disruptive to your daily life for quite some time, so you might need to move some of your furniture out using moving services similar to these residential movers Toronto to create some space. You may even need to move into temporary accommodation in order to complete a large-scale renovation. This can be both expensive and create quite an upheaval for you and your family. Particularly if you have pets or small children, finding suitable accommodation in which to stay while your house is undergoing renovation can be hard. You will need to find a place to rent which is nearby your house, in order that you can visit and check in on the progress of the work. In addition, your furniture may need to be placed into storage while the building work is going on. There are a lot of storage units available in your local area, you just need to compare the storage costs to make a well-informed decision.

While this sounds like a total nightmare scenario, it doesn’t have to be. Often, moving out for a few months to a year while your house is being renovated allows the work to happen faster, without you and the family being in the way. In addition, it means your daily routines of cooking, cleaning and family time are not impeded by dust, scaffolding or tools lying around.

2. Health and Safety

Having major renovation work done on your home means increased health and safety measures being implemented into your household. Especially in the era of COVID-19, having construction workers and contractors in your space means strict social distancing, hand washing and face coverings should be in place. But coronavirus is not the only risk that a renovation poses.

If you have small children or pets such as a dog or cat, a renovation happening under your roof can be quite a hazard. Excessive dust, tools and heavy equipment or even a loose nail or screw can be very dangerous for a child or animal. This means that if you are considering a renovation with small kids or pets, make sure you organise your space in order to protect them from dangerous accidents involving building equipment. This modification to your daily routine can be a challenge, and means your little ones will need constant supervision while the building work is underway!

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3. Can You DIY It?

Who doesn’t love a bit of DIY? Painting in your overalls, saving your hard-earned cash, and making your own little slice of heaven inside your home. DIY, if you can get the hang of it, is a cheaper option which can yield similar results to hiring a professional. Sometimes. This all depends on your building, painting and decorating skills, and the amount of time you have to complete the work. DIY is a fantastic option if you don’t have the budget for a team of contractors and builders. Or is it?

For many people, it seems the concept of DIY is more fun than the actual execution. Once you get started, it can be hard to climb out of the giant DIY hole you have dug for yourself. You might then feel like you could have contacted home builder sydney or a similar company for the job, but by then things would be out of your hands. The projects get put off, other life events get in the way, and you can wind up living in a half-renovated house for years, but, if you are really DIY-type of person then you should check reviews on the exterior and interior wood paints by kitchenhome.co.uk.

In short, the execution of a DIY project is not to be underestimated. It is work, and shouldn’t be treated as a fun leisure project, or it will never get finished. There are also some elements of renovation which should only be done by a professional. No matter where you live in the world, or how good your DIY skills are, you should leave dangerous aspects such as electrical services and knocking down walls to the pros.

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4. Time Is Of The Essence

If you want a quick-fix renovation like something from the TV show 60 Minute Makeover, you will be sorely disappointed. Major renovations can take a year or more to complete. Undertaking a project like a total home renovation will be worth it in the end, but do not underestimate the length of time for which you will be living in discomfort and potential disarray. You need to prepare for the worst case scenarios, just in case.

What are the worst case scenarios for a home renovation? Things can go wrong at every turn. Your contractor may not have predicted a certain logistical problem in refitting your kitchen, or perhaps there is a storm which damages the building work, or perhaps one of your suppliers does not come through on time. All of these things need to be prepared for, which means you, the homeowner, need to be aware that you may spend more time on this renovation than you originally hoped. Getting your hopes up about a quick turnaround might leave you feeling disappointed when the time comes.

[Conclusion]

You love your home and don’t want to leave it – but it does need a re-do. Renovating your home adds value to it, which means you will be rewarded financially for your investment down the line. In addition, you get that new-home feeling, without the stress of actually moving. Renovations are a great compromise between moving somewhere new and staying in a dated home; just watch out for those downsides. Be prepared and do your research, and away you go!

Children’s toys are becoming more and more advanced with each passing day. Because of this factor, the potential health risks that these seemingly harmless toys bring along need to be discussed, both for your child’s safety, but also for your own.

Throughout history, a pattern has been observed in regards to the types of children’s toys that cause the most harm – electrical, projectile-based, and outdoor-based toys. Let us take a closer look at these products and see how we can protect our children from the imminent health hazards that they bring:

Electrical Toys

Toys on the US market need to adhere to a strict set of health and safety manufacturing guidelines imposed by the CPSC before they are marketed for sale and mass-production. Electrical toys, however, have been notorious in failing to respect said guidelines for years on end.

The Easy-Bake Oven

A well-known example of this manufacturer’s negligence is the case of the Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven, which had to be recalled twice in 2007 because of its extremely hazardous nature.

Several children suffered burns on their fingers because they had been caught in the appliance’s oven-window, with a case of amputation also being reported. Hasbro has released a newer, allegedly safer, version of the product since then, but the fire-hazard is still a great concern to parents across the country.

The Hoverboard

In more recent years, the popularization of the Hoverboard has also caught the attention of health and safety specialists.

If left to over-charge, the product would overheat and combust, causing major injuries, irreparable damage to the house, or even death.

Projectile-based Toys

Children, especially those who have yet to reach the age of three, are exposed to a vast number of choking hazards on a daily basis.

It is because of this that guns, crossbows, darts, or any other toy that can shoot or launch a projectile, present an immense risk for your child. And toy manufacturers have to be aware of that.

NERF Guns

NERF guns are a stark example of that.

Beyond the fact that their polyester darts can be ingested, which would lead your child directly from your backyard to the ER, they also pose significant risks in regards to eye injuries, as shown by previous child safety data.

Fidget Spinners

Another unconventional example would be the notorious fidget spinner of years past.

While its spinning lead projectiles would usually be kept inside the spinning wheel, children have been shown to remove the metallic wheels with great ease and ingest the harmful material. This occurred in both branded and knock-off models, so it could not have been attributed to low-quality material claims.

Outdoor Toys

Some of the greatest injuries can occur in the outdoors, even without the addition of a children’s toy. Ranging from spinal trauma to complete paralysis, outdoor toys have caused countless injuries throughout the years.

Trampolines

Trampolines, a children’s favorite in summertime activities, cause approximately 100,000 ER visits per year.

They have been most often been associated with blunt-force trauma accidents, such as concussions or broken bones, and in some unfortunate cases, even death.

Slip N’ Slides

Slip N’ Slides, another summertime favorite, pose an even greater danger to adults than they do to the younger generations.

Due to the added weight and body length, the impact of an accidental slip and crash could result in permanent spinal cord injury. This is the prime reason as to why Slip N’ Slides have had such a strained history with the CPSC.

Preventing Further Damage

Now that we have established the many health risks of the toys that are available on the consumer market, it is time to consider your options if your child has been victimized by any of the aforementioned products.

From a consumer standpoint, it is advisable to undergo extensive research on your toy’s manufacturer and their previous history in adhering to CPSC guidelines, before committing to purchasing any of their products.

From a lawful point of view, you are entitled to receive legal help if injured by a product, and a specialized lawyer can give you the necessary counsel and advice that you require to obtain the compensation that you deserve.

Through this preventive due diligence, you will have assured yourself that no other damages will come to your child and that justice has been earned for the collateral damage that your family suffered from because of professional negligence.

Keeping your kiddos entertained can sometimes prove to be a challenge, and during this unique time, it can be harder than ever coming up with fun games and boredom busters to keep your little ones happy and occupied. Looking for some fresh ideas of fun things to do together? Check out some of our favorite family activities to take advantage of during quarantine!

Make Quarantine Fun

We understand that it can be tough to come up with fresh ways to keep your kids entertained and happy during this challenging time. Schedule some time for these fun activities and make some lasting memories together! Play Magic Cards or similar games with them to keep everyone entertained.

Allow Children to Play in Backyard:

Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors is undoubtedly beneficial in early childhood development. It can help children to keep away from technology and improve their motor skills and aids their physical well-being. Having a playhouse in your backyard could naturally promote all of these health benefits for your child who may not get outside enough. A playhouse opens up the opportunities for children to get outside to enjoy fresh air, Vitamin D, and extra physical exercise that they might not get while playing inside the house.

Bake a Treat

Nothing helps a child feel more grown up and helpful than lending a hand in the kitchen. Look for a simple recipe that they can help you throw together, tie an apron around their waist, and get started on something yummy together! Whether you’re relying on your trusty chocolate chip cookie recipe or you’re venturing out and trying something new for dinner, let your child help you make the magic happen. Whether they’re measuring things and pouring them in or you’re helping them stir the batter, this is sure to help them feel extra special. Once you have finished baking, you can look for the best upcoming new horror movies or the genre that your children love, and enjoy the treat with your whole family while watching it.

Build a Fort

What’s more classic than building a fort together on an uneventful afternoon? Gather together all of your blankets, pillows, and cushions and get to work on building the ultimate blanket fort. Major plus if you also have some bar stools and kitchen chairs you can incorporate! Once your fort is built, gather some books and toys to help pass the time. You might even consider bringing in a laptop or tablet and letting them watch a movie in their new hideout.

Kid Workout/Yoga

Help your little ones get their wiggles out by doing a kid workout together! There are plenty of resources available online, a quick search is sure to bring up some good options for you. You might also consider doing some kid yoga together to help them calm down when they’re riled up. Have a baby in tow? Put them in their baby carrier while you do your workout with the older kids. Not only will this keep them cozy and comfortable, but it will make it a better workout for you, so it’s a win-win!

Plant a Garden

There’s a certain level of pride that comes with nurturing something and helping it grow. If you have the space, planting a garden with your kids is a great way to give them something to take care of over a long period of time. Choose some seeds together and gather all of the supplies needed for a successful garden. Whether you’re wanting a cute flower bed, an herb garden, or you’re planting vegetables, this a great ongoing project to keep your kids involved and motivated. If the weather conditions are harsh at the moment and won’t allow you to garden outdoors, consider getting a 3×3 from primal or other providers that enables you grow plants inside the house. Temperature and light regulation also become easier with the use of indoor grow tents.

Camping Indoors

Pull out your camping gear and set up camp in the family room! You might be staying home, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a fun experience for your little ones. Set up your tent, unroll the sleeping bags, and plan a menu of classic campfire foods. You might consider prepping some tin foil dinners for everyone to enjoy, or turn to the classic hot dog and smores menu. Make shadow puppets on the walls of your tent and tell stories together before going to bed. They’re sure to have a blast!

The school year will be looking a lot different this year. Whether you have a child in kindergarten or are in college you are likley going to be affected by the Covid 19 pandemics effect on schooling. There is much uncertainty or clear direction for this years students. Most schools are starting the school year online. An entirely new ballgame for students and paretns alike.

Types of Students Who Will Be Taught Online

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Elementary Students

The first years of schooling have a lasting effect on a child’s development. A child learns so much more than just their ABC’s and 123’s while in school. Kids learn how to act successfully in society. How to wait your turn. How to walk calmly around the class and halls. How to be responsible for their books and pencils. How to speak to teachers and their peers. When you are in a room with your peers you learn social skills and norms that you can only learn by being with other people. Many parents are concerned about the lasting affects of the online learning for their children. Have you considered how you and your family will combat these issues?

High School Students

When kids are in High School they are developing into their adult nature. How to truly be responsible for their well-belling, their learning and their social nature. This is a time of growth, experimentation and noticing how their peers are maturing. They build off each other and learn how important it is to listen to the authorities placed in their life and how to help each other when things get hard. When you are in high school a lot of your time is based on relationships. Whether it is young love or simply friendship, they learn about themselves and society at large.

The stress of learning more difficult subjects, considering continuing higher education, moving out of their parents’ home, and so many other topics probably have high schoolers more stressed than ever. Some of these issues can be easily sorted; for instance, kids moving out for higher education can hire assistance similar to Miracle Movers Durham (or elsewhere) to move their belongings and explore realtors to get a place near the university, or ask their parents for help. However, they may need extra attention and support from friends and family to deal with mental stress and anxiety.

If you notice a high schooler or any student who seems not to be doing well remember to reach out. They probably need to talk to someone but are not confident in reaching out for help on their own. Talk to them about using online counseling. It’s affordable, easy, and convenient.

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College Students

Deciding to move on into the choice of higher education is a huge lifestyle change. Typically students are no longer in their parents homes. They are in dorms, apartments or other temporary housing. This freedom can be thrilling and scary simultaneously. They are adults making their own choices and living how they choose. They are learning how to fully care for themselves academically, physically and mentally. If they are now doing this but all online they probably free so many emotions, emotions like angry, resentment, lack of care or even depression. These students were prepared to move on to real adulthood in college. College students have been raised using technology so they know the benefits that this technology provides. If you are dealing with this type of situation and need to reach out for help, just remember how useful online e-counseling tools can be.

In conclusion, just be honest with yourself. Are struggling? Do you see a loved one struggling? Don’t ever feel bad in expressing your concerns and asking for help.

In these unprecedented times we are all experiencing a large variety of feelings and thoughts.

Have you wondered if they are “normal”? Or thought about how others are handling things?

You are not alone. We are all overwhelmed with how life looks now a days.

Relax

We can all agree that is it easy to get worked up and stressed out with life. During the Covid-19 pandemic we have all felt that stress and anxiety increase. Things are so scrambled and life is so very different than it was last year. When you get worked up try your best to stop and realize that your feelings are valid. If you notice your breathing getting fast you may want to try mindfulness. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

Reach out for help

If you keep thinking about how you need a shoulder to cry on, a person to vent to, someone who can hear what you need to say then you should look into finding a counselor online. Most offices are telling us that it is not safe to visit a medical physicality right now. The risk of being at exposure to the virus has slowed all office visits for now. This fact should not stop you – you can reach out virtually. Check out BetterHelp, as this online resource can help you find the right type of counseling for you.

Call a friend

When you feel blue, just pick up your phone. Odds are that most of your friends and family are feeling the same way. When you call them, and are honest with your situation, it may even help them. They may be in the same boat as you emotionally and your phone call may be just what they needed to. We may not be able to get together for a dinner and drink, but that cant stop you when you do it virtually. Stop and think about who you should call. If you aren’t sure what you talk about try starting off with a corny dad joke!

Be safe

No matter how sad, lonely, angry or worked up you may get just remember you can always find help. Think of topics that will lift your spirits. A past birthday party that was so much fun. The last family gathering and how great (or dramatic) it was. That awesome family roadtrip. When you saw your friend do that hilarious thing he does. If you have a dog, try taking them out for more walks. You both will benefit from some fresh air. If you don’t have a dog then why not call a friend or family member and suggest you take the dog for a social distant walk together.