The 5 Best Ways To Spruce Up Commonly Neglected Areas In The Home

Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

With more responsibilities and busier lifestyles than ever before, it can be difficult to find time to keep the home organized. Most people’s efforts go towards keeping the most heavily-traffic rooms in tip-top shape, but if it’s been a while since you tackled the more neglected areas, make time for them this spring. Here are five areas of your home you should take the time to prioritize.

The storage room

Most people’s storage rooms are dark, tucked away places where seasonal items and precious mementos get haphazardly piled up until the day when they might receive attention again. While making your storage room more presentable may not seem like a priority, clutter anywhere in your home can weigh on your mind. Plus, if your belongings aren’t properly stored, they can get damp and begin to mold.

To revamp your storage space, your first step should be to maximize vertical storage as much as possible. Whether it’s by installing shelving for airtight and labelled plastics bins, putting up pegboards, or stacking filing cabinets, you should be able to walk into your storage room and be able to see all your belongings without having to pick something up.

Utility systems

Does your home have exposed radiators, pipes, or electrical boxes? Many people find these unsightly and try to find ways to cover them to make them less noticeable. Though this is one way to go about it, another option is to do the exact opposite – make them stand out.

Home decoration pipe suppliers offer pipes and fittings in bright colors, making your plumbing a stylistic feature of your home. Exposed pipe can also be a great surface for trailing plants to climb along. Electrical boxes can be jazzed up by covering them up with your favorite print.

The pantry

Like the storage room, the pantry often gets out of control without regular upkeep. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to rifle through bags, cans, and boxes to figure out whether you do have another bottle of hot sauce.

While everyone’s pantry space is different, and what is functional for someone else may not work as well for you, there are some principles you can follow:

  • For deep corners that are hard to reach, put a lazy susan in. These spaces are great for vinegars, oils, and breakfast spreads.
  • Labelled bins and boxes are perfect for storing those rarely-used baking ingredients like powdered sugar, white chocolate chips, and corn syrup. They also make storing snacks easier.

When in doubt, make frequently-used items the most accessible, and store bulk items at the back.

A small patio or balcony

Small, concrete outdoor spaces such as patios and balconies often get neglected. With a little love, you can turn this space into a tiny oasis. Installing a vertical garden is a great way to add greenery to the space without taking up too much room. Or, if you want to separate your main living room from this area, you can install sliding patio doors as well! Simple changes such as this could go a long way in changing up the feel of your home!

Hang up neon lights

A cute design trend from Japan – to make the area feel like your favorite bar. Finally, add a couple of patio chairs and you’ll have a cozy little nook to enjoy those warm summer evenings.

The laundry room

Though nothing can truly make laundry a pleasant experience, a well-designed and organized laundry-room will make the dreaded chore a little more bearable. If you have the space, add shelving to any bare area of wall. All those bits and bobs can be stored in aesthetically-pleasing wicker baskets that can be pulled out for easy access.

Nintendo Switch – The Beginners Guide

By now you have heard people talking about how amazing the Nintendo Switch it. It is revolutionary to a mom like me. I grew up playing the original Nintendo system and Game Boy. This is a huge part of my childhood. Thankfully, Nintendo has kept up with the times and is still a leader in gaming technology. This article will help break down what the Switch is, how to use it, and what games we suggest you start getting. If you are buying it for yourself or for someone else, then you may want to consult with a gaming guide, you can click here if needed, which will be able to help with tips and tricks for some games that you’ll be buying, or you can use it for other gaming devices that you frequently use too.

 

 

What is the Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch is a device unlike any other. If you are a child of the 80’s and 90’s then you know about the original Nintendo system and Game Boy. Now take these two gaming systems and make then into a combination system. This is basically how I think of the Switch. This unit is a handheld gaming unit that is powered via a wall charger (new USB-c port). You can use it exactly like a modern version of a Game Boy. The Switch can also link up to a smart TV and be played like a box based device. Here, you can use additional Joy-Con gaming controllers to have more than one player link up and join the game. The Switch allows up to 8 players to participate, the largest available situation on the market today.

How to play

Once your Switch has been charged you can start to play. Choose a game and place the cartridge into the designated slot. When you open the main screen you will see the games logo appear. From here you can select that game and begin to play. It is very fast and easy to go from unboxing to game play. As you buy and play more games the Switch will hold all past gaming information. This way you can move from game to game with out loosing the past data.

There are three modes of play with the Switch: TV mode, tabletop mode and handheld mode. The handheld mode is perfect for individual play, play on the go and has the smallest footprint. You simply pick it up and play with the Joy‑Con™ controllers attached. With the TV play you dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Each Switch unit comes with the adapter for TV play. For table top mode just flip the stand over to share the screen, then share the fun with a multiplayer game. Here you can use your Joy-Con remotes to play and your friend can use their own Joy-Cons for a team or group game.

Suggested Games

If you are planning on using this system a lot and have friends who also have the system and you want to connect with them virtually then consider paying for the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. With a Nintendo Switch Online Membership, you’ll get access to online play in compatible games, an ever-growing catalog of classic NES™ and Super NES™ titles with newly added online play, cloud backup for your save data in compatible games, extra features for the free Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, and access to members-only special offers! – Nintendo

If you aren’t sure what games to start off with here are a few of my suggestions:

Luigi’s Mansion

 

The hotel is haunted. Mario is missing. And our only hope is…Luigi?!
Luigi’s invited to the towering Last Resort hotel, but when Mario and friends go missing, our green-clad hero will have to conquer his fears to save them! Slam, blow away, and vacuum up ghosts with the all-new Poltergust G-00, and join forces with Gooigi to overcome the puzzling contraptions and mischievous boss on each themed floor. And that’s just the Last Resort. Enter the ScareScraper for 8-player local wireless or online co-op gameplay.

See if you can defeat all the ghosts, rescue all the toads, or clear other objectives before time runs out…in the ScareScraper! And for more mini-game madness, compete on teams at the ScreamPark! Whether you play with friends or wander the hotel alone, you’ll be sucked in by the atmospheric music and ghoulish décor of every cobwebby corner you explore. Why not take in the cinematic sights and sounds with a friend? In the main adventure, you and a friend can play together as Luigi and Gooigi in two-player co-op! Gooigi can walk on spikes, slip through tight spaces, and help Luigi overcome obstacles he can’t tackle alone. Never hurts to have a friend in this hotel; it may not be very spooky, but Luigi begs to differ! – Nintendo

 

New Super Mario Deluxe

 

Two Super Mario Bros. games in one, for double the fun!

Join Mario, Luigi, and pals for single-player or multiplayer fun anytime, anywhere! Take on two family-friendly, side-scrolling adventures with up to three friends* as you try to save the Mushroom Kingdom. Includes the New Super Mario Bros. U and harder, faster New Super Luigi U games-both of which include Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters!

Two games in one, for double the fun! Simple, straightforward controls, new playable characters optimized for younger and less-experienced players, and a wealth of bonus content-like a Hints gallery and helpful reference videos**-make this a perfect choice for anyone looking to introduce their family to the wonderful world of Mario. All a player needs is one Joy-Con™ controller, so two people can team up right out of the box! Tackle 164 platforming courses in the two main game modes and enjoy extra replayability with three additional game modes in which you can also play as a Mii™ character: Challenges, Boost Rush, and Coin Battle!

 

Pokemon Shield

Get ready for the next Pokémon adventure in the Pokémon™ Sword and Pokémon™ Shield games.
A new generation of Pokémon is coming to the Nintendo Switch™ system. Begin your adventure as a Pokémon Trainer by choosing one of three new partner Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Then embark on a journey in the new Galar region, where you’ll challenge the troublemakers of Team Yell, while unraveling the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta! Explore the Wild Area, a vast expanse of land where the player can freely control the camera. Team up with three other players locally or online in the new multiplayer co-op Max Raid Battles* in which players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon.

Certain Pokémon can even Gigantamax to gain a new look and a powerful set of G-Max moves. But there’s more to being a champion than honing your battle skills: you can pick your own clothes and get a new hairdo while visiting the stores in town, so you can be the trainer you want to be. Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter newly discovered Pokémon as well as familiar ones that will look a little different in their new Galarian forms! For another way to level up your Pokémon, assign them Poké Jobs to complete, and for fun, you can even play with your Pokémon in Pokémon Camp!

Accessories

Don’t forget to get a pair or Nintendo Switch Joy-Con’s!

The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip. They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games. Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.

 

MamatheFox received these products for free in exchange for an honest review.

3 Amazing And Useful Gifts Ideas For The New Moms

When you are trying to figure out a gift for new mothers, a number of options trigger in your mind. But, when your aim is to think beyond diapers, blankets, or other normal gifts, the choice and options get restricted to a few options only. Minimizing the further options to useful and unique gifting ideas, here we have listed 3 ideas to please new mama. Read these and select the best gift of your choice. 

 

Healthcare Breast Pumps

 

Breast pumps are the most useful gift for new moms to add comfort in a stressful life. Pumps are something that most people do not imagine. Therefore your gift could be one of the most memorable gifts on special occasions. If you are a father or close family member and want to buy a new mother breast pump, you can also buy a breast pump through insurance coverage. This could be the most affordable gift as buying from insurance cover involves zero payment from your end. You get the product delivery in 4-7 business days. 

 

The best part of gifting breast pumps is that it is easy to carry and use. The baby app connected by Bluetooth helps to track pumping sessions to the mother. Moreover, it is easy to carry and use at any place, and you don’t have to worry about hard clearing. Dishwashers can assist in accomplishing tasks in a few minutes. 

 

A Complete Baby Care Kit

 

A baby care kit can help mothers to take care of their babies. Soaps, lotions, shampoo present in one place can make the baby bath more comfortable. Especially, new moms are struggling with the best baby products that could be a soft and healthy choice for junior’s sensitive skin. The products in the kit are added as per growing kids’ needs and pH balance level. Some of the important details added in the kit are baby clothes, feeding bottle, baby carrier, hygiene products, bedding, toys, accessories, skincare products, etc.

 

While buying a baby care kit, always look for chemical-free products or products organic in nature. Because babies’ skin is sensitive compared to adults, therefore have high chances for infections from pathogens and bacteria. So, always go with a good brand name or check ingredients used in a product, if you want to try something new. 

 

Weight Loss Material

 

Mother’s biggest trouble after delivery is how to lose weight and get back to shape. So, you can offer a solution in the form of weight loss books, CDs, or online material. These materials involve basic tips related to diet plans, yoga, or healthy exercises after delivery. Following them for a few weeks can help the mother to fit in her old dresses. Moreover, you can also buy a sports club membership for the new mom to motivate and spend some time with herself.  

 

To Sum it Up!!!

 

These simple and easy solutions for mothers can help the mother to take care of babies and herself. You can either choose the one or go with all to please mom from all ends. A healthy breast pump can add comfort to a mom’s life, whereas a baby care kit can make her task easy. Moreover, weight loss is something that every mother misses at the initial stage and finds trouble after some time.  

 

Finding an Above Ground Pool for Sale

The summertime can be so hot and can impact our quality of living. The AC at home can do the trick whenever we are indoors. But how can we relax outside our house and still feel relaxed and rejuvenated? Well, a swimming fixture for the backyard can do the trick. An example of such an excellent and convenient swimming fixture is an above-ground pool.

 

An above-ground pool is a fixture for your home to provide you with a calm and relaxing, fun experience. It will ensure the summertime can be a memorable experience for you. If you’re not sure how you can benefit from one, you can find more here on the usefulness of an outdoor pool. 

 

But how can you shop for an above-ground pool? Someone who isn’t familiar with the fixture might find it challenging to find the best one for their home.

 

There are things that you have to know before finding a swimming fixture for sale. This article will provide you the best info on some important things you should know when shopping for an above-ground pool. 

 

Swimming pools make your home much more comfortable to live in. It also provides a contemporary look to a home. Elevated puddles, in particular, are much cheaper compared to inground. They are a lot much easier to install and maintain as well. 

 

Although, before buying the perfect one for your home, you have to consider some factors. There are a few things to note when looking for above ground swimming pool for sale, and you can read about them below. 

 

Know the Various Above Ground Pool Types

 

Make sure you know the various above-ground pool types. Do this before making plans for your purchase. This will enable you to find the best fixture suitable for your home.

 

Resin Frame

 

Resin frames are much easier to care for than other materials. Resins are used to create lots of valuable materials. Examples of such valuables are jewelry, furniture, floorings, and many more products. Keep in mind that resin frames are expensive. Nonetheless, they are top-quality materials and are used to make the best swimming fixtures.

 

Steel Frame

 

Before the introduction of resins, steels were the preferred material used for swimming fixtures. Steel is also a perfect choice for elevated ponds because they are lightweight. They can also be bent into various shapes, meaning they are flexible compared to resin. They are also less expensive than resins.

 

Hybrid

 

A hybrid is an excellent option as well. This is because it combines both steel frame and resin frames. This enables the swimming fixture to be resistant to heat and water. It also ensures that the fixture has excellent support and wouldn’t easily be damaged.

 

Radiant

 

If you want an option that resembles the inground pools, then the radiant type is the best choice for you. The radiant type above-ground pool is much more expensive. This is because of the process of installation. They are installed into a hill or slope, which provides a look of an inground swimming fixture.

 

Know the Above Ground Pool Size

 

The size of your swimming fixture should be considered before making any purchase. If you plan to host occasional parties, it’s best to go for a more significant size option. Whereas, if you plan to take a bath with one or less than three individuals, then you can select a smaller option. 

 

There are helpful suggestions here https://www.thespruce.com/building-new-swimming-pool-or-spa-2736835 on swimming pool construction you want to check out. 

 

Know the Equipment of Your Above Ground Pool

 

Just like inground pools, above-ground fittings can be installed with equipment. And this equipment will mostly depend on your preference,

 

Heater

 

Yes, your swimming fixture can be installed with a heater as well. Discuss this with your provider to find the best and convenient way to install a heater.

 

Pump

 

The pump will be different from the one for the inground fitting. This is because they are not as big as elevated swimming fixtures. You will find convenient pumps with 1.5 horsepower. These are powerful and can do the trick.

 

Filter

 

The volume of your swimming fixture will determine the filter you get. And, since your swimming fixture isn’t so big, your filter wouldn’t be so big and wouldn’t cost much.

 

Ladder

 

A ladder can be installed with your fittings. This is because most homeowners find it convenient. However, it depends on your choice. If you do not want a ladder, it can be disregarded.

 

Take Away

 

It is essential to know what you want before shopping for your elevated pool. This will enable you to find the fixture that suits your home and provides the comfort you need.

 

Home interior trends inspired by Japan

Japan is an incredibly fascinating country. Millions of people visit every year because the cultures and lifestyles are like none other. Japan has the beauty of being incredibly traditional and having many values but also strives to be innovative.

It’s really no surprise that interior designers and homeowners tend to take inspiration from Japan and try to implement just some of their appreciation in their homes. Since good interior designers, similar to this Denver Interior Design MARGARITA BRAVO, for instance, are always on the lookout for something innovative and creative, they often seek inspiration from different cultures, people, and places.
Now let’s take a look at some of these Japanese elements:-

Neon lights

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is known for being luminous. The lights are so bright they can be seen from miles away! There are neon lights everywhere in Tokyo. There is no street without them, and most lights are stacked on top of one another, creating huge towers and light screens. It’s awe-inspiring, and because of this, many homeowners want to incorporate neon lights in their home. Neon lights can be used in the home in various ways. They can be moulded into specific shapes, lettering, and even phrases. If someone really wanted to give a nod to Japan, they could use one of the Japanese symbol lights from Neon Mama. A Japanese symbol could represent the love and appreciation for Japanese traditions as well as having the meaning of the symbol.

Shoji

Perhaps one of the most popular customs many homeowners have replicated is that of Shoji. Shoji is a Japanese style door or window which separates a room. This is often implemented in homes that are aiming to be more minimalistic. This is because Shoji sliding doors take up far less room than a swinging door, and it also means the furniture can be positioned differently in a room, as the space a swinging door requires can be utilized in different ways. Not only is this design supposed to be simpler, but it’s also supposed to let in an abundance of natural light. It’s common knowledge that the more natural light, the better, as it can brighten up a space and make everything feel fresh and open. Not to mention, natural light can significantly improve mood. For homeowners that are looking to do this sort of thing, they could consider looking for 3form partition walls. They would allow the homeowner to divide up the room and change the space in their home. Perhaps that could be one way of bringing Shoji into the house.

Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi is an ancient Japanese practice that essentially means to find beauty in anything. This practice is commonly used with pottery and ceramics, although the philosophy can be applied to interior design problems. When it comes to cracked pottery or ceramics, many Japanese crafters will use gold lacquer to highlight the imperfections and give the item a new kind of beauty. This theory can be applied to almost anything that is in the home. So, if something is cracked or damaged, instead of throwing it away, add more beauty. This could be a piece of furniture that is worn and chipped, and instead of throwing it away, repurpose it. Paint it and polish it, bringing it back to life! Not only does this fit in with Japanese traditions, but it can also help save money as new furniture doesn’t need to be bought, and it can also help conserve the environment as good materials are not just being thrown away.

Plants

Many homeowners already include plants in their homes to brighten up a space and make it feel more vibrant. This is also a common occurrence in Japan, except the logic behind it is to bring the outside in. This is commonly done with the use of Bonsai trees. Bringing the natural world into the built world is a way many Japanese architects like to combine natural elements with more modern ones. Ferns and Japanese styled flower arrangements can also be used to connect the elements as well as add subtle colour to a room. Many plants can also make homeowners feel serene as the plants bring an element of zen into the home.

Renting a place for yourself? Apartments Are an Ideal Choice!

What do you look for when finding a perfect home?

  • Security?
  • Maintenance?
  • Surveillance?

It is needless to say that, if you are looking for each and everything, the ideal choice would be an apartment. So whether you are looking at apartments for rent in miramar florida or somewhere closer to where you are based now, you may find it a lot easier than going for a house.

In fact, the lifestyle of apartments is catching up with the pace with urban civilization. No wonder that these are modern solutions in the housing world. And your quality living begins from here. That said, if you notice carefully, most of the lifestyle apartments, which are for rent often end up getting rented quickly without any hassle. Perhaps the owners of these apartments take the assistance of experts like the letting agents Manchester who can easily find tenants and make the process of renting hassle-free.

Anyway, coming back to the topic, when looking for an apartment, there are a few things you will need to consider. Do you want to be on a lower upper floor? Does the apartment need to be pet-friendly? How big do you need your apartment to be? If you’re trying to find the right one for your needs in Canada then take a look on Bwalk.com to find plenty of options available on there. It will make your property search much easier.

If you’re still on the fence about apartments then you might be wondering what are the benefits that come with it? Curious to know? Don’t worry! Just scroll down and find what you are looking for!

Tension free maintenance – The foremost reason you should consider renting an apartment is the ease of maintenance. Why is it so? Because the responsibility of the expenses is generally on the apartment staff. The staff have all the contacts handy. So, they can come whenever you need their assistance. For instance – facing a leaking tap, they will quickly call the plumber. Do you feel the issues of a leaking roof in the monsoon? Then they will take all the responsibility to repair it. You need to just pick up the phone, call them up for the property maintenance and voila! All your issues are solved.

Power of safety – What do you look first while searching for a place to stay? Many researchers say that safety is the supreme priority if you are looking for living somewhere. Many Americans spend over $20 billion dollars every year on safety measures. Luckily, flats come with impeccable security systems. Plus, security staff is there to supervise the entry of outsiders. Along with the security of the apartment complex, it is also a good idea to have a thorough idea about the insurance and security of the building itself. It is thus, prudent to have a chat with your landlord about insurance for multi family homes such as yours. This insurance could not only help in repairs of the building in case of an unfortunate event but also help the landlord get reparations for damages.

Make your living easy with amenities – Do you want to make your living easy with all the luxurious amenities? Of course, you do! With apartments, you will get to witness the pool, gym, delicious places to eat and what not. As per Washington DC Neighborhood Guide: Columbia Heights, you must look for facilities, such as music studios, game room, stage and others before finalizing the deed. You want to carve out a great life for you and your family, correct? Therefore, you must look for such amenities to make your life comfortable and convenient.

Bonding with the great community – When you live in the flats, you can increase the harmony with the society because of the closer proximity to the neighbours. How is it done? Barbecues and parties are organized here, paving the way to strengthen your bonds with the neighbours. What more do you want?

In case you face an emergency, you can easily call your neighbours for help. This further helps to foster a great bond.

Don’t forget about tenant insurance It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream apartment and overlook important details like tenant insurance. Could you afford to replace your belongings if you had a break-in and they were stolen? Similarly, even the nicest landlords can face legal action. Without personal liability insurance, you could face massive legal bills! Duuo provides the most important renter protection for as little as $12-20 per month, allowing you to settle into your new home with greater peace of mind.

To sum it all up

There is no wonder that you want to make your life easier. Everything you need is here. And we are sure that the above-given benefits are more than enough to tell you why you should prefer apartments. As it is the right place where convenience meets luxury. Hence, make the correct choice for your family.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and get your place. Be ready to experience eternal comfort. Wishing you a happy living!

Putting The Health Of Your Family First

Have you been thinking about the health of your family recently? If you have, then it might be time to make some changes. Often, people only think about the health of someone because they think that it can be improved, and if this is the case, then you need to at least try. In this article, we are going to be looking at some of the things that you can do to make sure that you are putting the health of your family first. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Image Source – CC0 Licence

 

Watch What They Consume

 

The first thing that you are going to need to do is watch what they are consuming. Whether this is food or drink, your children and your partner need to be more careful about what they allow in their body. This is not to say that you should make them afraid of eating fats, sugars and carbs because all of these are needed for a healthy diet. It does mean though, that you need to teach them about moderation and how to eat healthily.

 

If you have children who are of school age, then you cannot really control what they eat when they are out of the house. Same goes for when they visit their friends houses, but what you can do is insist on family dinners. Of course, exceptions can be made for people who have plans as long as it is cleared with you first. This way at least, you know that they are eating one healthy meal per day, and not relying on smoothie nutrition 24/7.

 

Go On Family Outings

 

Another thing that you should be thinking about doing is going on family outings. Not only is this nice as it promotes family bonding, but it also is a chance for everyone to exercise together. For example, you can go mountain climbing, you can go to the beach, the park and so on. All of these places provide a fantastic opportunity for you to get your family moving, without them realizing what you are doing. 

 

You need to keep your body and their bodies moving every day if you want to keep them healthy. Muscles that aren’t being used are not healthy muscles.

 

Be Open About Health

 

Finally, if you want to put the health of your family first, then you need to be open about it. Talk about physical health and mental health. Let everyone know that they can come to you with any concerns that they may have about their health. Allow people to speak freely, and it will be far easier to come to an understanding regarding the family health as a whole.

If you check out this dentist in Pasadena, they will strongly advise visiting your doctors regularly – have a health checkup annually and a dental examination every 6 months.

Hopefully you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do in order to put your family first. If you have older kids, this might not make you very popular with them, but their health must always come first, no matter what. We wish you the very best of luck. 

Why a Hobby is the Perfect Escape for a Humdrum Daily Routine

Woman Knitting Handicraft Hobby Homemade

Credit: rawpixel.com Via Freepik

As current times have us doing our best to navigate through a socially distant lifestyle, there’s a good chance finding some form of excitement each day is more of a pipe dream than reality. For anyone using words like dull, uneventful, repetitive or tedious to describe their present day to day life, you’ve come to the right place to learn how to turn those adjectives into antonyms.

The simple solution to putting new life into a humdrum daily routine is to pick up a new hobby. Believe it or not, on top of being the perfect escape from the flat reality of everyday life, there are oodles of benefits of having a hobby that can bring about some big, positive and long-lasting change. So whether you are looking into Hobbies for women, men, children, etc. you’ll be able to find something that ignites that spark within you.

You might be thinking that you’re not very good at any particular thing but that’s the point of a hobby, you get to see how you improve as time goes on! My friend started painting at the start of lockdown and could barely paint an apple. Now, she’s so good that she has even been changing the canvases she paints on. Just the other day she bought the best paint for glass and has been creating beautiful art that is only made better by light shining through it.

Now without further ado, let’s get into the reasons why now is the perfect time to learn a new hobby!

Give Yourself a Break

That’s right, you deserve to take a break from the daily demands of life. Instead of zoning out on social media or having a cat nap as a break during the day, start a new hobby that will encourage you to productively use of that time, such as:

  • Drawing,
  • Sketching, or
  • Painting

These hobbies can bring out the hidden artist in you, and soon you could be looking at various techniques such as how to use a light box to make your drawings look more professional and stylish!

Release Stress

There’s no denying it’s been a stressful year around the globe. Use a hobby as a healthy outlet to help release stress with a productive distraction, like practicing yoga each day.

Reduce Anxiety

The unfortunate reality is that stress can lead to anxiety. Engaging in a relaxing hobby, like daily gratitude journaling, can help preoccupy the mind away from things that are making you anxious.

Avoid Bad Habits

A hobby is a healthy way to avoid creating or continuing bad habits, like smoking or frequently binge-watching television. Help avert from destructive behaviors, like lighting up a smoke for a break during the day, by finding a hobby that offers a better use for that time instead, such as:

Challenge Yourself

The best cure for a dull routine is to incorporate something new and challenging into each day, like starting a fun new hobby. Find an enticing hobby so that you’ll want to stick with it even if it may take some time to get the hang of it, like learning a new language. For instance, you could begin playing online games that are challenging and can entice you to perform better with each passing level. Playing games can take your mind off the stressful events in your life. There are also games that pay real money if you prefer the thrill. These are usually casino games like slots or poker. If you want to make some extra money, these games may be for you!

Instill Patience

In a world where everything is expected to have an immediate result it’s important to remember the old saying, “patience is a virtue”. Introducing a new hobby to your routine, like learning knitting and crocheting patterns, can help positively reaffirm patience because it takes time to learn something new.

Discover Hidden Talents

As we practice social distancing, there’s no better way to take advantage of being home than trying different hobbies to discover hidden talents you never knew existed. Spend time trying different hobbies, such as:

  • Baking or cooking
  • Upcycling old furniture, or
  • Sculpting

One thing is for sure, learning a new hobby is the perfect escape from a humdrum daily routine!

How Different Sleeping Positions Impact Your Body

When it comes to the position in which we sleep, most people don’t pay too much attention to it.
We usually sleep in whichever way feels natural to us. But what many don’t understand is that
sleeping positions can affect your body in more ways than one. Some sleeping positions may trigger
health issues while others might not be the most conducive to sleep. Your body type will also have
an influence on which sleeping position would be the best for you. Let’s take a look at how different
sleeping positions impact your body.

The Effects of Sleeping on Your Side

Side sleepers are the most common and make up 74% of all sleepers according to a recent study.
And, according to research, it is the best position for sleeping.

The reason for this is because your spine stays in perfect alignment when you’re in that position.
That reduces the risk of developing back, neck, and shoulder issues. It has also been shown to help
reduce sleep apnea and snoring to a degree.

The best mattresses for a side sleeper will cradle the body so that there isn’t too much pressure on
the shoulders and hips. So, you will need to look at something that is slightly on the softer side with
a deep comfort zone.

The Effects of Sleeping on Your Stomach

Stomach sleepers are the second most common type at 16%. However, contrary to the side sleeping
position, it is not considered a good position for sleep. While it can help reduce snoring, your head
will be slightly elevated because of your pillow which will cause spine alignment issues. The
overarching of the spine can also put additional strain and your neck and back.

Another problem with sleeping on your stomach is that it restricts blood flow. This is why people
sleeping on the stomach will often wake up with numb joints and extremities. If that is the case, you
may be causing nerve issues that could get worst over time.

While stomach sleepers might love the comfort a soft and cushy mattress would give them, what
they should be looking for is support. The last thing you want is for your spine to dip even deeper.
This is why a firm mattress is usually recommended in that case.

The Effects of Sleeping on Your Back

Back sleepers are said to make about 10% of all sleepers. Sleeping on your back is considered a great
position as it favors spinal alignment and allows the mattress’s ergonomics to perform their best.
This is especially the case with mattresses with extra features that correct posture. However, know
that this position could end up increasing sleep apnea and snoring, though it could be beneficial to
someone who’s suffering from digestive issues such as acid reflux.

The Effects of Sleeping in Multiple Position

Last, you have people who sleep in different positions during the night. These are often referred to
as combination sleepers. While it’s not considered the best way to sleep, it does have some benefits.
For one, movement facilitates good circulation, which is great. It can also reduce snoring and sleep
apnea.
When it comes to choosing a mattress, many combo sleepers will go based on the position they use
the most. But, if they don’t have one or don’t know what it is, then a medium-firm mattress is
usually the best bet.
As you can see, the position in which you sleep can affect you in a myriad of ways. That is why you
need to be mindful of it and choose the proper setup to optimize sleep while reducing the chances
of experiencing pain and discomfort.

 

 

Why Getting Started Today Can Be More Powerful Than Overthinking

Pixabay CC0 License

 

A quick glance around the self-help section of any book store will show you that a huge amount has been written about the importance of goal setting, positive visualisation, habit management, and other such personal development techniques.

 

In life, we all have goals we want to achieve and ideals we want to move closer towards, and it’s important to spend some time reflecting on the best path to take.

 

At the same time, though, there are some good reasons why it can be very important to avoid overthinking, and to begin taking action, today, in the pursuit of your goals.

 

Here’s why getting started today can be more powerful than overthinking.

 

Because often you will learn and improve best “on the go”

 

It’s always going to be impossible to have things perfectly “worked out” from the outset, and there’s no amount of deep reflection or research that will allow you to ensure perfection in whatever it is you do.

 

When all is said and done, you’ll often learn best “on the go,” and will often benefit most from iterative improvements that you implement as a reaction to developing circumstances.

 

If you’ve decided to get a dog, figuring out the animal’s particular needs on the go and maybe eventually getting dog food for sensitive skin or some other specialist items is likely a more practical path forward than trying to perfect everything upfront.

 

Because there is a huge gulf between intellectual understanding and embodied understanding

 

There’s a widespread and conventional idea out there that “knowledge” is simply a matter of abstract rationalising, and that it’s possible to fully understand most things, as a rule, by following a purely rationalistic framework.

 

Increasingly, though, psychologists and brain researchers are developing the idea of “4E Cognition,” which emphasizes the fact that a lot of our understanding of the world comes through embodied forms of engagement.

 

In other words, there’s a big gap between understanding something purely intellectually, and understanding it in the deeper kind of way that comes with knowing it through experience.

 

If you get too caught up in overthinking things, you can completely miss out on these deeper levels of embodied experience.

 

Because we are often very good at talking ourselves out of getting started

 

If you’re thinking about pursuing some particular course of action, or going after a particular goal, it is – obviously – important to make sure that you wouldn’t be violating your own morals or putting yourself at an inordinate risk by doing so.

 

Beyond that, though, there are all sorts of other – less good – reasons that we often come up with for not taking action and getting started.

 

In fact, if you don’t get into the habit of stepping outside of your own thought bubbles at some point and getting started, there’s a good chance that you will end up remaining completely static, with an endless number of justifications for procrastinating.