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Weight Loss Drugs: 8 Pros And Cons Of Using Them In Your Fitness Journey

get skinny

There are a lot of ways to lose weight, and many people choose to do it the natural way, which is through diet and exercise. However, several people turn to weight loss drugs to help them meet their goals. Are they right for you? Here are the pros and cons of using weight loss drugs in your fitness journey.

weight loss

Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs

  • Immediate results

One of the biggest benefits of using weight loss drugs is that you can see results relatively quickly. If you are struggling to lose weight and are looking for a quick fix, weight loss drugs may be the answer. Based on active and archived clinical trials, weight loss drugs can help you lose anywhere from five to ten percent of your body weight within the first twelve weeks. Hence, it can also help improve your self-esteem. When you look in the mirror and see a slimmer, healthier version of yourself, it can do wonders for your mental state. If you have been struggling with your weight for a long time, this can be a huge relief and help you feel better about yourself. However, you need to be aware that the weight will likely come back once you stop taking the drugs.

  • Controls appetite

Another benefit of weight loss drugs is that they can help to control your appetite. Many people struggle with their weight because they feel hungry all the time. If you are struggling to control your appetite, weight loss drugs can help because they work by blocking or reducing the absorption of fat in your body. This means that you will feel fuller for longer after eating and won’t be as tempted to snack throughout the day. As a result, you will consume fewer calories, which can help you lose weight.

  • Increases metabolism

Weight loss drugs are designed to help increase your metabolism, which can help you lose weight. If you have a slow metabolism, weight loss drugs can help you lose weight by increasing the rate at which your body burns calories. This means that you will be able to lose weight even if you are not exercising. However, it is important to note that weight loss drugs should not be used as a replacement for diet and exercise. They should be used in conjunction with these healthy lifestyle choices. This way, you will be able to maximize the benefits of the drugs and healthily lose weight.

  • Easy to take

More often than not, weight loss drugs are easy to take. You simply take them as directed, and you can see results relatively quickly. For instance, if the weight loss drug is in pill form, you can simply take it with water. Weight loss drugs are usually designed to be taken orally, which makes them easy to take. Nevertheless, if the weight loss drug is in patch form, you can apply it to your skin. And if the weight loss drug is in injection form, you can give yourself the injection. In terms of the latter, you need to familiarize yourself with the injection process and make sure that you are comfortable with it before self-administering the injections.

Drawbacks of Weight Loss Drugs

  • May be addictive

One of the biggest drawbacks of using weight loss drugs is that they may be addictive. For example, amphetamines, which are commonly used in weight loss drugs, are highly addictive. If you become addicted to weight loss drugs, you may find it difficult to stop taking them. This is because you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking the drugs. These withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, depression, and anxiety. As a result, you may start taking the drugs again to avoid these symptoms. This is not a good cycle to be in and can be difficult to break out of.

  • Potential side effects

Another downside of weight loss drugs is that they may have many side effects. These can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you experience any side effects, it is important to speak to your doctor. Usually, the side effects will go away once you stop taking the drug. However, in some cases, the side effects may persist even after you have stopped taking the drug. This is why it is important to speak to your doctor about any potential side effects before starting to take weight loss drugs. If you are taking other medications, it is also important to speak to your doctor because weight loss drugs may interact with these medications.

  • Expensive

Weight loss drugs can be expensive. On average, they can cost between $50 and $100 per month. What’s worse is the inconsistent results of these drugs. For some people, weight loss drugs may not work at all. Everyone’s body is different, and weight loss drugs may not have the same effect on everyone. If you find that weight loss drugs are not working for you, then better to try other methods such as diet and exercise which are proven to be effective but it may take time before seeing results.

  • Weight loss plateau

Lastly, one of the drawbacks of weight loss drugs is that they may cause you to reach a weight loss plateau. This means that you will lose a certain amount of weight and then stop losing weight even if you continue taking the drug. This can be frustrating because you may feel like you are not making any progress even though you are taking the weight loss drug. If this happens, it is important to speak to your doctor so that they can adjust the dosage of the drug or switch you to a different weight loss drug.

apple and water

Weight loss drugs can be a great way to lose weight quickly. However, there are several drawbacks that you should be aware of before you start taking them. If you are considering using weight loss drugs, be sure to speak to your doctor first. Rest assured that with a little bit of research, you can find the weight loss drug that is right for you.

How To Lead with Empathy in the Workplace

Empathy in the Workplace

Leading with empathy in the workplace can be a challenge. You’re juggling numerous demands and trying to maintain a sense of calm amidst the storm. However, research suggests that empathy is a key leadership trait. In fact, one study found that empathy was the strongest predictor of job performance for leaders.

So, how can you lead with empathy in the workplace? Here are some tips:

1. Seek to Understand Before Being Understood

When someone comes to you with a problem, take the time to really listen and understand their perspective. This can be difficult in the midst of a busy workday, but it’s important to try to see things from their point of view.

2. Put Yourself in their Shoes

Empathy is about trying to understand how someone else is feeling. So, when you’re dealing with a difficult situation at work, try to imagine how the other person is feeling. This can help you respond in a way that is more understanding and helpful.

3. Communicate with Care

The way you communicate with others can either help or hinder your efforts to show empathy. When you’re talking to someone, use a calm and caring tone of voice. Avoid coming across as judgmental or condescending.

“One of the best approaches to managing people is to lead with empathy,” says Ryan Azimi, Director of International Development of ETIAS.

“When you can see things from the other person’s perspective and understand how they’re feeling, it’s much easier to find a resolution that works for everyone.”

A caring tone in communication can break down walls and help build trust. Try to think about the way you typically sound when you’re communicating with others.  If you tend to come across as harsh or unapproachable, try to soften your tone a bit.

4. Be Aware of Your Own Emotions

If you’re feeling stressed, angry, or frustrated, it will be difficult to show empathy for others. Before you respond to someone, take a few deep breaths and try to calm yourself down. This will help you be more present and understanding.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Vulnerability

Sharing your own vulnerabilities can help build trust and rapport with others. It can also help them feel more comfortable opening up to you. When you’re sharing something personal, make sure to do so in a way that is respectful and appropriate for the workplace.

Leading with empathy in the workplace can be a challenge, but it’s important to try to see things from the other person’s perspective. By being aware of your own emotions and communicating with care, you can build trust and rapport with others.

“I like to think of empathy as the superpower of good leaders,” says Mark Sider, CEO, Co-Founder of Greater Than. “When you can understand how someone else is feeling, it makes it much easier to find a resolution that works for everyone.”

6. Be Aware of Your Body Language

Your body language communicates a lot, so be aware of what it’s saying when you’re interacting with others. Make sure your facial expressions and gestures show that you care about the person you’re talking to.

“I’ve found that one of the best ways to show empathy is through my body language,” says Rachel Reid, CEO of Subtl Beauty. “When I make eye contact, smile, and use an open and welcoming posture, it helps the other person feel seen and valued.”

7. Ask Questions

If you’re not sure how someone is feeling, ask them directly. This can be a good way to get a better understanding of the situation and how they are feeling about it.

Communication is the foundation of empathy. By taking the time to really listen and understand, you can build trust and rapport with others.

“As a leader, it’s my job to get to the bottom of what’s going on with my team,” says Melissa Rhodes, CEO of Psychics1on1. “I do this by asking a lot of questions and really listening to the answers. It’s the only way to truly understand what they’re going through and how I can best support them.”

Empathy is a powerful tool that can help you build trust, rapport, and understanding with others. By taking the time to see things from their perspective and communicate with care, you can make a positive difference in your workplace.

8. Offer Support

If someone is going through a tough time, offer your support. This could involve simply lending a listening ear or offering to help them with a task. Whatever you do, make sure it’s coming from a place of care and concern.

When you provide tools and solutions to overcome problems in the workplace, it shows your team that there isn’t anything you can’t work through together. 

As a result, you’re far less likely to see turnover or angry employees. It pays to build a cohesive team in your workplace, and empathy is a key ingredient.

9. Show Appreciation

Remember to show appreciation for the people you work with, even if they’re not going through a difficult time. A little recognition can go a long way in showing that you value their contribution to the workplace.

It’s no secret that many people respond better and are more loyal when they feel appreciated. Showing empathy in the workplace is one way to show your employees that you care about them and value their contributions.

Let your team know that you see their hard work and appreciate it. This will encourage them to keep up the good work and feel more connected to the workplace.

10. Be Flexible

Things change, and sometimes the best-laid plans don’t work out. When this happens, be flexible and adaptable

Leading with empathy in the workplace can be a challenge, but it’s worth it. By taking the time to understand others and communicate with care, you can build strong relationships and create a more supportive work environment.

Closing Remarks

Empathy is an essential skill for any leader. By taking the time to understand others and communicate with care, you can build trust, rapport, and understanding in the workplace. These ten tips will help you show empathy and build stronger relationships with your team.

5 Things To Consider Before Working Out: Your Physical and Mental Health

stretching exercises

Are you considering working out but unsure if it is your suitable decision? If so, you are not alone! There are a lot of factors to consider before starting a new workout routine, both physically and mentally. This blog post will discuss five things you should remember before working out. By considering these things, you can make an informed decision about whether or not working out is right for you.

Get Energized

HELO Air Caffeine Diffuser

The HELO Air Caffeine Diffuser is a unique device that can help you boost energy without drinking coffee or energy drinks. The diffuser works by releasing a fine mist of caffeine into the air, which you then inhale. The caffeine is quickly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, providing a safe and effective way to increase your energy levels. The diffuser is portable and easy to use, making it an ideal tool for busy people on the go. The HELO Air Caffeine Diffuser is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get an energy boost.

Get Energized and Ready Quicker

A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling rested and energetic in the morning. Many people find that they can get out of bed more easily and get ready for the day quicker after a whole night’s sleep. Waking up early can also help improve energy levels, allowing you to start your day with a set routine. Getting up at the same time each day and getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off can help to train your body to be more alert in the morning. As a result, you may have more energy and focus throughout the day.

Stretch

One of the reasons stretching helps us feel more energetic is because it increases our heart rate. When we move our bodies and get our blood flowing, we naturally feel more awake. Additionally, stretches help improve our posture, affecting how easily we become fatigued throughout the day. If we’re constantly hunched over or sitting in one position for too long, it’s no wonder we start to feel run down. Improving our posture through stretching allows our muscles to relax and avoid tension build-up. Lastly, extension increases our flexibility, which reduces stress levels.

Warm Up

It’s essential to warm up before working out. Cold muscles are more prone to injury. A good warm-up increases blood flow to the muscles, which delivers oxygen and nutrients. It also helps prepare the mind for physical activity. There are several things to consider when warming up. First, choose a move that will gradually increase your heart rate. For example, walk or jog slowly for a few minutes before starting your workout. Second, focus on dynamic stretching exercises that move your joints through a full range of motion. These exercises help prepare your muscles for the demands of exercise. Third, listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain. Warming up is an important part of any workout, so take the time to do it right.

Hydrate Before and After

Before working out, it is essential to hydrate the body by drinking water. This helps to prevent dehydration and ensures that the body has the fluid it needs to perform at its best. Additionally, drinking water before working out can help to reduce the risk of cramps and other muscle problems. Drinking plenty of water after working out is also essential, as this helps the body recover from strenuous activity. Aside from hydration, a few other things to consider before working out. For example, it is essential to warm up the muscles to avoid injuries, and stretching can also help to reduce the risk of straining a muscle. It is also essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you are feeling pain or discomfort, it is best to stop and rest. By following these simple guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and successful workout.

Refuel

Before starting any workout, it is essential to think about what you have eaten that day. It is best to work out on an empty stomach, but that isn’t always possible or realistic. If you have eaten recently, it is essential to give your body time to digest the food. Depending on your eating, your body can take two to four hours to digest a meal. Eating too close to a workout can lead to indigestion and cramps. Therefore, planning and ensuring you give your body enough time to digest before working out is crucial.

Conclusion

First, it is vital to warm up thoroughly to avoid injury. Second, choose an activity that is appropriate for your fitness level. Third, listen to your body and stop if you feel pain or fatigue. Finally, cool down properly after your workout to help your body recover. HELO Air caffeine diffuser will help with aroma therapy and make you more relaxed while you work out. By following these simple tips, you can maximize the benefits of your workout and stay safe while doing it.

Ways Camping Can Be Advantageous For the Entire Family

Camping trip

Parents today want to expose their kids to a wide range of experiences so they can learn, develop, and explore, becoming intelligent and well-rounded adults. And taking their kid’s camping is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Planning your first camping vacation in a state or national park is a terrific idea. Bring plenty of card games and simple camping meals with you on your journey. You won’t want to forget any of these vital details. Discover more fantastic camping advice that is ideal for your upcoming camping trip.

Develop skills for life

Children engage in many different group activities while at summer camp or hot ground gym. For instance, leading a group of young hikers will help a child develop leadership qualities. Or, by sharing out the work at an overnight camp, a child will gain better communication skills. As a child engages in novels and exciting activities like zip lining or archery, they may develop crucial decision-making skills as they confront difficulties and overcome hurdles. These are all great life skills that are developed at summer camp. Camping brings kids together in a setting that fosters a stronger sense of community and respect for individual diversity instead of school, which primarily focuses on academic success.

Fresh air and family camping

People can feel happy and less worried while outside and in the sun. Clean mountain air, beach air, and forest air stimulate your appetite and improve your sleep quality. Additionally, it improves lung health and mental clarity. Organize your trip for your Birthday Parties centers for Kids around family-friendly activities. Plan your trip to a lake if you enjoy swimming or canoeing. If you enjoy hiking or backcountry camping, you might want to look at some of the trails. Include your children in selecting the activities or locations they might love if they are old enough to participate in the planning process.

Reduces stress

Schedule overload should remain at home. When you go camping, there is nowhere you have to be at a specific time, and nothing is trying to get your attention or interrupting you. Relaxing and stress reductionare among the best outcomes of this kind of environment.

Relationship development

Camping’s ability to foster and strengthen connections is among its best and most crucial features. Going camping with friends or family allows you to spend uninterrupted time talking and visiting, even late into the night.

Connection with nature

Camping allows you to reconnect with nature, just like Birthday Parties centers for Kids, view wildlife, and experience the night sky far from the city’s harsh lights. Nothing else compares to it. When you discover the various advantages of camping, make sure you and your family get the chance to be in touch with nature.

Because anything might happen while you’re removed from your regular life and the comfort of home byahot ground gym, it is better to avoid going into an experience with rigid structures and predetermined outcomes. Instead, keep an open mind before you depart. Even though the kids will get hungry at odd hours, they may wake up early to the sound of birds. There may be cuts, scratches, and bruises. Still, these things will contribute to an amazing camping trip that you and the kids will always remember and benefit from because they encourage tolerance, resilience, and problem-solving while allowing for more fulfilment.

5 Tips for Choosing the Most Suitable Eye Care Center for Lasik Surgery

eye care

You are eligible for Lasik eye surgery if you suffer from nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness. With a 96% success rate, Lasik is arguably the most compelling vision correction as it gives you permanent vision improvement. However, you must carefully choose the eye center from which to get the surgery, ensuring success and convenience. Here are the tips to use when choosing an eye care center:

  1. Choose Local

Eyes complications make day-to-day activities like traveling difficult. In addition, you can’t drive right after Lasik surgery. For that reason, you need an eye center near you. You will get such eye care centers using location-specific terms like kansas city lasik surgery. This search will give you results from which you can choose the one to seek your treatment conveniently. A local eye care center will enable you to quickly travel back to your place after the surgery. In addition, you can get help faster should the eye develop a complication.

  1. Ascertain Certificationand Experience

Your eyes are a sensitive part of your body, and you must take good care of them. This calls for getting treatment from a qualified and certified ophthalmologist. You should seek Lasik surgery from reputable clinics like discover vision centers to make it easy. Such centers have professionals certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), which will assure you of safe surgery. 

How many similar surgeries has the surgeon performed? You need to ask such questions to determine the level of experience. You undoubtedly don’t want an inexperienced Lasik surgeon operating on your eye. It would be best to choose a clinic with an experienced ophthalmologist for better services. 

  1. Ask about the Technology Used

Procedures like Lasik surgery require technology for success. However, some eye care centers don’t have the latest and most efficient technology. You, therefore, need to ask about the technology used by the eye clinic during consultation. The latest, the better; it will give the intended result without complications. For instance, a right eye care center should use technology such as custom Lasik, which is among the best in eye care

  1. Think about Price and Financing options

The cost of the surgery will be a determining factor when choosing an eye care center for the eye surgery. However, you shouldn’t choose the cheapest you come across in an attempt to save. Instead, it will help if you go for the moderately priced that you get after comparison. In addition, choose an eye clinic with other financing options, like a credit card to get your surgery and then pay later. That’s why you need to eye clinics like Discover Vision Centers, which are reasonably priced and have favorable financing options. 

  1. Get Recommendations within Your Circle 

Lastly, when choosing the right eye care center, you should seek recommendations within your circle. Chances are that a family member or friend has received similar treatment, and doing so will save you from the process of vetting the clinics again. 

Surgeries like Lasik are the best when it comes to treating eye-related complications. However, the service quality will depend on where you get the surgery. Therefore, it would be best if you use the information in this article to help you choose. And the best way is by starting by using search terms like Kansas city Lasik surgery, then vetting the results. 

Do You Have A Crush On Someone? Learn How To Deal With It.

In love

Have a crush on someone? Don’t Worry! Everyone crushes on someone. It is normal to want an extra slice of that heavenly blueberry cheesecake during a diet.

To be honest, haven’t you looked out for signs your husband has a crush on another woman? Or maybe you have had a crush on someone and have felt bad about it? Well, we all are guilty of doing this at some point. But, you have to first accept the fact that having a crush as a married person doesn’t make you a cheater.

Moreover, if you have some questions lingering in your mind, read on to learn how to deal with them.

Reasons You Could Have A Crush On Someone? 

●     You have FOMO

Have you noticed signs your husband has a crush on another woman, and have you felt insecure about it? You have seen him feeling much chirpier, and you want to feel the same. Having a crush is not always bad for a relationship. It can lead to some exciting, positive changes in your relationship. Adding a spark to your relationship with a healthy dose of jealousy is nice.

●     You are simply bored.

You are in a good space in your marriage. But you keep finding people who make you feel extra special. If this is you, then these crushes must again be momentary, and all you need to work on is some self-validation. And communicate with your partner and show him how to help you get excited about your life even during the dull phases of your marriage. 

●     You have an emotionally distant husband.

If the communication between you and your partner has broken down and every day feels heavy, then crushes can help make it lighter. But that is not the answer. You need to talk it out with your partner, which might also mean roping in a marriage counselor. Be open to where such interventions take you. 

●     You have met your soulmate.

Even in a solid marriage, sometimes you meet someone who understands you more deeply and completely than your partner. This is more than just a crush.

However, remember, when it comes to your soulmate, the timing is always right. Depending on your spouse’s understanding, touch upon this topic with them and see where it goes. If you can’t see past your circumstances, wait and learn more about your feelings.

Maybe you will realize there were just some specific character traits that attracted you to your spouse earlier, but now they have changed with more responsibilities. Maybe your crush wasn’t about the person but about the possibilities of new and thrilling adventures you can experience together.

This can be a tricky situation if there is interdependence and insecurities involved. But sometimes, making some tough decisions might be the need of the hour. This might complicate things in the short run, but clarity always is preceded by confusion.

Also, nowadays, the paradigms of relationships are shifting a lot. Society is becoming more open toward open marriages, polyamory, and divorces. Maybe, that might be the space your marriage is heading to. Be open to possibilities. 

Conclusion

No doubt, loyalty is one of the pillars of a relationship. Crushes show us what we want more of in our lives. But you can never be loyal to your spouse if you aren’t loyal to yourself about your feelings and desires. Once you can be honest and open about your feelings without resorting to blame games, your introspection and communication will take your marriage to a better and healthier place.

Top casino games enjoyed by A-list celebrities

poker

A generation ago the casino was perceived as the playground of the rich and famous. That’s not the case these days, if it ever really was at all, as casinos are accessible to everyone, especially when we use online platforms.  

However, that’s not to say the rich and famous don’t love casino gaming too. Las Vegas and Monte Carlo are two of the world’s top casino hotspots and are also among the best places for celebrity spotting. Here we look at the most popular games among celebrity gamblers. 

Poker  

The lure of the poker table is so strong that some celebrities have been known to give up the careers that made them famous and become full time professional poker players. Hollywood stars Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilley are both regular faces on the WSOP circuit, the latter having scooped more than $1 million in winnings.  

Poker has also proved popular with sports stars, providing a lucrative second career after retiring from their sport of choice. These include swimmer Michael Phelps, snooker player Steve Davis, basketball star Allen Iverson and tennis legend Boris Becker 

Blackjack  

It takes time and dedication to play poker at a professional level. Blackjack, on the other hand, is a game where basic strategy is quick to learn and can get you a long way. There are some useful strategic tips at Gamble Online (gambleonline.co/casino/games/blackjack/). The most famous celebrity blackjack player is Ben Affleck, who notoriously found himself ejected from a Las Vegas casino a few years ago for being just a little too good.  

Rapper P. Diddy used to insist on a blackjack table on his rider list when he was on tour, while famous NBA figures Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are also keen players.  

Baccarat  

James Bond author Ian Fleming was so passionate about baccarat that the original Casino Royale novel dedicated as many pages to game strategy as it did to the espionage plot. In more recent years, Gladys Knight has spoken openly about her gambling addiction in the 1970s that saw her lose tens of thousands playing baccarat in Las Vegas casinos every night.  

On a more positive note, Hollywood hard man Bruce Willis is rumored to have once taken an Atlantic City casino for half a million dollars at the baccarat table in a single night.  

Roulette  

The Devil’s Wheel is the casino’s great leveler. You could play alongside the most famous celebrity or the most experienced player at the roulette wheel and stand exactly the same chance of winning. That’s probably why roulette tends to appeal to less experienced gamblers.  

They didn’t come much less experienced than Harry Styles and his One Direction bandmates. At the height of the band’s fame in 2012, they were just getting warmed up at the roulette table in a Vegas casino when they were unceremoniously ejected. The reason? 18 is old enough for drinking and gambling in the UK, but in Sin City, they were three years below the legal age. These days, of course, Vegas casinos welcome Harry and the rest with open arms. 

Effects Of Silence On The Brain – It Is Much More Important To Our Brains Than We Think

Effects of Silence on the Brain

There was a marketing campaign by the Finnish Tourist Board back in 2011 that used silence as a marketing product.

They released photographs of Finland, the beautiful country of silence, with the slogan “Silence, Please,” inviting people worldwide to enjoy the nature and silence of this country. The effects of silence on the brain is much more important than we think. 

This was one of the first times when silence was being used for selling purposes. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more appealing. With the world getting busier as well as louder, one can find oneself seeking for the peacefulness and calmness of the quiet places.

Spending time in quiet can indeed be a smart move for you as studies show that silence is indeed golden because it is more beneficial to your brain than you might think.

SILENCE KEEPS YOUR BRAIN CELLS FRESH

One study on mice, published in Brain, Structure and Function Journal (2013), studied the effects that different sounds and silence have on mice’s brains. The scientists found something unusual.

They discovered that when mice were exposed to 2 hours of silence a day, they developed new brain cells in the hippocampus (the brain region associated with emotions, learning, and memory).

“We saw that silence is really helping the new generated cells to differentiate into neurons, and integrate into the system,” said the researcher Imke Kirste.

THE BRAIN ACTIVELY INTERNALIZES AND EVALUATES INFORMATION DURING SILENCE

One study showed that even when the brain is in a rest mode, it stays active evaluating the internalized information.

When the brain is resting, it can integrate external and internal information into “a conscious workspace.”

This happens because, in the periods of silence, the brain has a freedom to find its place in your external and internal world thus helping you to think more clearly about things.

SILENCE RELIEVES TENSION AND STRESS

It has been discovered that noise alleviates the stress hormones in our body. Because our body reacts to the sound waves even when we are sleeping.

The amygdala (a part of the brain associated with memory and emotion) becomes active thus emitting stress hormones. This is why if you live in a noisy environment you are more likely to be stressed.

Silence, on the other hand, has the opposite effect on our brain. While noise causes tension and stress, silence releases the tension and stress from our body and brain.

A study published in Heart Journal found that even 2 minutes spent in silence can be more calming than listening to ‘relaxing’ music.

SILENCE REPLENISHES OUR COGNITIVE RESOURCES

Noise affects our cognitive functions, such as memory, reading attention, and problem-solving

Many studies have proved that, children, who were exposed to classrooms or households near highways or railways have lower reading scores, and they have a slower development of their language and cognitive skills.

Luckily, in silence, the brain can restore some of the ‘lost’ cognitive functions.

There you have it. Now you can enjoy your moments of silence while being grateful for them.

Strategies for Kicking the Habit

Quit Smoking

It is common knowledge that smoking tobacco has many health risks, yet people still cannot kick the habit anyway. It does not matter if you’re a social smoker or a chain-smoker burning two packs daily. Kicking the habit is no walk in the park; quitting could take more attempts than you can count.

Why Is It So Challenging to Quit Smoking?

The problem with smoking tobacco is that it is both a psychological habit and causes chemical dependency on nicotine. Nicotine from tobacco gives the smoker an addictive and temporary high, which is how it usually becomes a habit. However, there is a tobacco-free alternative to traditional dip that can help break the addiction and reduce the risk of tobacco-related health issues. When you take away their daily nicotine fix with a tobacco free dip, it can still provide the same oral fixation and ritualistic experience without the harmful effects of tobacco. This can help avoid triggering withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

Most people turn to cigarettes as a quick and reliable way to unwind and relieve themselves from the stress of daily life. Some people also turn to cigarettes to cope with anxiety or depression.

For chronic smokers, smoking becomes a part of their routine. To a habitual smoker, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day is like having coffee with their breakfast.

Some smokers are a product of environmental exposure. People around them, like friends or family, can influence someone into picking up the habit. They may try to quit, but if people around them do not, it could trigger withdrawal symptoms.

Successfully breaking the habit means addressing your smoking problem as a physical and physiological addiction. It is possible to quit even for habitual smokers; it is challenging without support.

Here are a few insightful ways to kick the habit:

Be Prepared to Fail

It may not sound like a motivating first tip, but it makes sense. Many people who try to quit smoking end up failing multiple times until they eventually give up on quitting altogether. You must understand that you will keep succumbing to your cravings during withdrawal in the first few attempts.

You should not feel discouraged in cases like this because it is part of the process. Smoking has become a part of your daily habit. You cannot expect to change that abruptly and expect it to stick after a week.

It takes months to years of a conscious effort to break old habits and create new ones. Smoking tobacco is no exception to this rule. You only need to understand that every effort to quit the habit is progress despite how often you fail.

Have Alternatives Ready

A great way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a new one. Going cold turkey is not easy, and some people do not have the willpower to resist their urges. Thus, sometimes having a healthier alternative is the next best thing to do.

A great alternative where you can still keep your smoking routine is by switching to tobacco-free CBD cigarettes. Oklahoma Smokes is a great brand that uses organic hemp flower cigarettes rich in CBD.

Stay Away from Triggers

Smoking is a psychological habit, so there will be things you associate with it that serve as triggers. It can be as simple as seeing other people smoking during breaks or drinking alcohol.

It does not necessarily mean you can never have a casual drink now and then, but it does help to avoid it as much as possible.

Get Physical

Getting some exercise is good for you and helps shake off withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Whenever you feel like lighting one up, put on your jogging shoes and walk somewhere to keep yourself distracted.

The kind of exercise you do does not have to be intense. It can be as mundane as pulling out weeds from your garden or walking your dog.

However, studies show that aerobic exercises can reduce cravings if you want to do something a little more intense. It also promotes healthier lung and heart activity since the exercises involve keeping your heart rate up and more arduous breathing. Examples of aerobics are:

  • Swimming
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Dancing
  • Boxing

It does not matter what activity you decide on doing. What is important is you keep yourself active. When you keep yourself occupied, you distract yourself from the urge to smoke while keeping your body strong.

Ask for Help

Tell people you are close to, like friends and family, about your plans to quit. Having someone you can trust to encourage you to stay on track helps fight the temptation to light one up.

Smoking tobacco is an addiction. It is something you will need a lot of support and maybe even therapy to shake off. You might want to consider consulting your doctor about what methods you can use to help you quit.

Kicking the habit is no joke and could take you months to years to get off tobacco cigarettes for good. However, following these simple strategies can get you on the right path.

How To Bring Autumn To Your Garden

Autumn in garden

Whether you refer to it as the fall or autumn, there’s no denying that this particular season brings with it a touch of magic. Maybe it’s the small but noticeable change in temperature from warm to crisp mornings. Perhaps it’s the brisk winds that blow the last remnants of summer away. Or is it the dramatic color changes of the leaves from luscious green to striking red, orange, and gold?

For gardeners, autumn is the traditional time for putting away the tools and closing the shed doors until spring. But you can bring the beauty of the season to your garden and enjoy the fall from the comfort of your own home with a red maple tree. These easy-to-maintain trees come in different varieties, with one, in particular, recognized as the best red sunset maple tree available today.

What makes the red sunset maple so special?

For the warmer part of the year, the red sunset maple is covered in deep green leaves, but look out for red flowers that bloom in the spring. These clusters flower and eventually turn into the two-winged samara fruit, otherwise known as wingnut or helicopters.

However, it’s in the autumn that the red sunset maple lives up to its name. While the leaves of other trees can be softer shades of yellow and orange, the sunset maple offers a fiery explosion of red and orange, which makes it stand out from the other fall colors. And in an effort to emphasize its status, the red sunset maple is usually the first to change color, almost two weeks before any other trees. However, it manages to hold onto its leaves for many more weeks before they finally fall.

How high do they grow?

Red sunset maple trees can grow to a height of 45 feet, with a spread of between 30-40 feet, so the impact of color will be worth the space they take up. However, it is not advisable to plant the tree within 20 feet of your home. They grow at a rate of 3 feet per year and are tough enough to withstand the strong winds that autumn likes to bring. They can be trimmed and pruned every year to control the height and can be effectively used as a hedge or privacy screen.

Are there other types of red maple?

There are several other types of red maple, so if the striking red and orange aren’t for you, you can always consider the following:

  • October Glory – a fast-growing red maple but with a smaller spread than the Sunset Red. This variety has a reputation for attracting birds and wildlife.
  • Autumn Blaze – grows up to 50-60 feet tall with a spread of almost 40 feet. This red maple is not as striking as the Sunset Red but produces long-lasting bright orange leaves
  • Burgundy Bell – this red maple grows slower than its siblings but produces deep colors of burgundy, magenta, purple and darker red that stands out and contrasts well against other maples.

Maple red trees truly define the autumn season, depicting the changing season with their dazzling and colorful displays. A hardy tree that can grow in almost any type of soil, these stunning trees will add color and vibrancy to your autumn garden.