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What You Need to Know About Gold IRA Rollovers

Investing in gold

In times of economic uncertainty and the highest inflation of all time, investing in gold is a great option to save for your retirement. A gold IRA is a great way to do so, and choosing the right vendor and custodian is important for ensuring a smooth process.

Investing in gold diversifies your retirement portfolio

Investing in gold is one way to diversify your retirement portfolio. Physical gold is a safe, stable investment that offers a unique combination of benefits. The investment has a proven track record for protecting funds in times of economic instability, such as when currencies or markets falter. In addition to offering an additional layer of diversification, it also acts as a hedge against inflation and deflation. By combining physical gold with traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, you can protect your retirement portfolio from the effects of inflation and deflation.

Another great benefit of investing in gold is that it is a good hedge against inflation. Over time, gold has done very well as a store of value. As the value of a dollar dwindles due to inflation, gold will protect your money by increasing in value. Because gold moves opposite to the dollar, it is also a good hedge against inflation. While gold is not a perfect hedge against inflation, it remains a decent way to mitigate the effects of inflation.

No transfer or rollover fees

Choosing a service that does not charge transfer or rollover fees is a smart move if you plan to roll over your retirement funds to gold. Most 401(k) providers allow for verbal transfers of the assets. If you have a government-sponsored retirement account, however, you will need to complete internal rollover documents. The entire process will take anywhere from two to six weeks. It is important to remember that the IRS allows one rollover a year from your traditional IRA to a gold IRA.

The process is simple. 

A gold IRA rollover is the process of transferring assets into physical gold bullion bars. This process is the most common way to transfer money from a 401(k) to a gold IRA. 

You can usually do it over the phone or online, and the funds will be held for a few days before being deposited into your new IRA through a different administrator. However, you should discuss the process with your financial adviser before moving assets to gold.

Choosing the right vendor

While precious metals represent a tempting investment option, they can also cause headaches. Choosing the wrong vendor can lead to lost funds and divert them to derivative or bullion-related investments instead of a true asset preservation vehicle. So, how do you choose the right vendor for your gold IRA rollover? Listed below are some things to consider before doing so.

Reputation is essential when shopping for a gold IRA rollover vendor. Beware of companies that are poorly reviewed online and are eager to exploit unsuspecting customers. Look for customer-generated reviews and testimonials. Some companies publish paid-for reviews on social media profiles, which raises the red flag of inauthenticity. To avoid this, look for companies that have positive reviews and offer detailed information about their fees.

You should choose a custodian who is licensed by the IRS to administer gold and other SDIRAs. Choosing a vendor without proper credentials will risk your investments and expose you to legal action and financial consequences. A custodian should also be able to handle purchases and sales of precious metals. This way, your investment will be protected by an IRS-approved custodian.

Choosing a custodian

When you’re planning a gold IRA rollover, you want to make sure you select a reputable company. A reputable custodian will offer transparent pricing and help you navigate the process. They should also be trustworthy and provide all of the necessary paperwork. Check to see if they have any hidden fees or clauses at the end of your account, which could cause you a lot of trouble. Check online reviews and testimonials to determine which gold custodian is right for you.

When it comes to customer service, Augusta Investments is one of the best. Its website refers to its representatives as “customer success agents,” which highlights their dedication to customer satisfaction. The Augusta team is continually educated about the latest issues and trends surrounding alternative assets. Augusta prides itself on exceptional customer service and treats customers like people, not just transactions. Their team can help you learn about the ins and outs of diversifying your precious metal portfolio, and they provide peace of mind as a result.

Living with Depression

medical cannabis

June marked Loneliness Awareness Week in the UK, an annual week that aims to bring about awareness regarding the significant impact that loneliness can have on emotional and mental health. Our understanding of mental health in general has expanded significantly over the years. We now recognise that conditions like depression are complex and tend to have a variety of underlying root causes. Loneliness can certainly contribute to this.

Treating depression is a very difficult task. The strategies that work for one patient may not work for another and over time, how an individual responds to therapeutic intervention may change. Learning how to live with depression is an ongoing battle.

Your doctor or psychologist will be able to recommend a number of strategies to help manage symptoms associated with depression, from lifestyle changes to pharmaceutical products, including medical marijuana.

Continue reading to learn more about what causes depression and how a patient can learn to live with this condition.

What is depression?

The World Health Organisation defines depression as being “characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.” The WHO notes that depression can also cause a patient to struggle with sleep and appetite and that tiredness and loss of concentration are common symptoms.

The causes of depression tend to be very complex and differ from patient to patient. It is often a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors that cause an individual to be diagnosed with depression.

Specific circumstances — like being diagnosed with a serious physical illness — can trigger depression. Some people are also at added risk of developing the condition due to family history or their personality.

Drug and alcohol misuse is also closely linked to depression. Statistics from the Mental Health Foundation suggest that adults with drug dependence are twice as likely as the general population to be using psychological therapy. (1)

depression

Depression and loneliness

While loneliness does not necessarily cause depression, it can be a contributing factor. The Marmalade Trust, the only charity in the world specifically dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness, suggests that loneliness is a very complex state of mind that can have an array of physical and emotional side-effects. Our cognitive and immune functioning may be affected by a prolonged experience of loneliness.

There are known key points in your life that are associated with loneliness. Transitioning from high school to university, for example, often results in isolation and decreased social interaction. Starting a new job or moving to a new town is another. As we age, we naturally lose touch with friends and family, meaning the elderly are often most affected by feelings of loneliness.

These experiences may trigger depression. Alternatively, many people diagnosed with depression have an excellent support network around them but are still affected by this mental disorder. While being lonely certainly won’t help manage symptoms associated with depression, it doesn’t always lead to this diagnosis.

Strategies for managing depression

If you have received an official diagnosis of depression, your doctor or psychologist has no doubt provided you with an array of strategies to help manage your condition. The fact that we don’t fully understand the root cause of this condition means there is no strict cure. Instead, a combination of lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions, and pharmaceutical products may be recommended. 

These can include:

Lifestyle changes: For mild cases of depression, focusing on making positive changes to your lifestyle can have a significant impact on mood and symptoms. Enjoying a healthy diet, getting an appropriate amount of exercise, reducing your screen time, and prioritising sleep are all simple steps you can take to improve your symptoms.

Talking therapies: Talking to a trained therapist, counsellor, or psychologist is often recommended as a strategy to help manage depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is a popular approach that is designed to identify practical ways you can address the root cause of your issues.

Prescription medication: A range of prescription medications are available to help manage symptoms associated with depression. In the United Kingdom (and an increasing number of countries throughout the world) this list of medications includes medical marijuana.

Medical cannabis may be offered to patients who have been diagnosed with depression and struggle to manage their symptoms for a prolonged period of time. Such patients have likely tried multiple strategies, including making lifestyle changes and speaking to a qualified professional.

Medical marijuana contains a number of active ingredients, including cannabinoids known as CBT and THC, which interact with our endocannabinoid system. This system has a regulatory effect on several body functions, such as mood and appetite.

Feelings of loneliness and depression are common and can be difficult to manage. If you have been living with depression for a prolonged period of time, consider speaking to a medical cannabis clinic in the UK. They may identify you being eligible for a medical marijuana prescription and recommend it as a strategy to help manage symptoms associated with depression. (2)

Author Bio:

Bridget is a writer and editor, currently living in Melbourne. She is a copywriter for Newpath Web and loves working with words of all shapes and sizes. When not playing around with punctuation and grammar, she enjoys travelling and curating her Spotify playlists.

5 Lifestyle Changes to Make to Become Healthier and Happier

Lifestyle

In many parts of the world, citizens’ attitudes towards health are distressing, because people are reactive to health problems instead of being proactive. They look for help when health problems occur, but oftentimes, some damage has already been done by then. Fortunately, leading a healthy lifestyle does not require crazy sacrifices, and making even a few small changes in your routine can go a long way towards ensuring health for years to come. Let’s look at some changes for the better that anyone can make.

1. Analyze and improve your diet

If you feel like you aren’t eating as healthy as you should be or just want an accurate reading of your state of diet, an analysis would be beneficial. You can leave it to the professionals and sign up for something like macro nutrition coaching or get a notepad and track/analyze what you are eating yourself. Once you have the data, you can easily compare it to health experts’ recommendations and come up with a plan for what you want to change and how.

2. Pick up a new sport

Everyone knows how important it is to stay physically active, yet many people still fail to do it. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons is a lack of motivation and interest, which might be solved by trying a new sport. For example, many people with a low level of physical fitness find a new passion in powerlifting, because the sport makes them feel strong and capable, and supplies them with plenty of endorphins after a workout. But it can really be any sport that you’ve always been curious about. (1)

3. Make time for in-person interactions

Human beings are not meant to live in isolation, and spending very little time in physical contact with friends and colleagues can be very detrimental to mental health. Thus, if for example, your work is done remotely or involves very little in-person contact, you can seek more interactions through study groups, clubs, competitions, and other mediums where you can share your thoughts and feelings.

4. Say no to salt and yes to spices

Salt is an invaluable part of our daily nutrition, but we tend to have a very poor feel for how much of it we really need in our food. And so, when we add too much salt, it has an immediate negative effect on our blood pressure in the short term and our heart in the long term. So the healthy change here is to cut back on salt and embrace more spices (such as cumin and ginger) which not only make food more delicious, but have a modulating effect on mood, digestion, and even cognition.

5. Improve sleeping conditions

With millions of people all over the world consistently experiencing low quality of sleep, decisions about this process have never been more important. What we know is that the sleep environment should be as dark and disturbance-free as possible, and the sleeper himself should tone down their electronic use before bed and abstain from drinks high in caffeine or alcohol. (2)

Dr. Ryan Shelton Zenith Labs Research Director Shares 7 Supplements That Can Help Acne In Men

Skincare Routine

If you’re a man and suffer from acne, you’re not alone. Acne is a common problem for men of all ages. In this post, Dr. Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs will discuss seven supplements that can help improve acne in men. These supplements are all-natural and are effective in treating acne. So if you’re looking for a way to clear up your skin, consider trying out some of these supplements!

What Causes Acne In Men?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects both men and women. However, there are some critical differences between the two. For instance, acne in men is often caused by an increase in testosterone levels. This hormone stimulates the production of sebum, which can then clog pores and lead to breakouts.

In addition, men tend to have larger pores than women, which can also contribute to the development of acne. While many different factors can cause acne, these are some of the most common culprits in men. However, with proper treatment and care, it is possible to control this condition and keep breakouts under control.

Supplements That Help Acne In Men

Dr. Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs says there are many different supplements can help improve acne in men.

Zinc

This mineral is essential for healthy skin. It helps to regulate the production of oil and can also reduce inflammation. Zinc can be found in foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and beef. You can also take zinc supplements if you feel you are not getting enough from your diet.

Selenium

Selenium is another mineral that is important for healthy skin. It helps to protect the skin from damage and can also reduce inflammation. You can find selenium in Brazil nuts, tuna, and eggs.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health. They help keep the digestive system healthy and improve the skin. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

Omega-Three Fatty Acids

Omega-three fatty acids are essential for many things, including the skin’s health. These fats help to reduce inflammation and can also improve acne. Omega-three fatty acids can be found in salmon, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds. You can also take omega-three supplements if you feel you are not getting enough from your diet.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for many things, including the skin’s health. This vitamin helps to reduce inflammation and can also improve acne. Vitamin A can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and has many benefits for the skin. It helps to reduce inflammation and can also improve acne. Green tea extract can be found in green tea, supplements, and topical products.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another vitamin that is important for the skin. It helps to reduce inflammation and can also improve acne. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, grapefruits, and kale.

Daily Skin Care Routine To Help Reduce Acne

To have healthy and beautiful skin, following a daily skincare routine that includes supplements is essential. The most crucial step is to cleanse the skin, which can be done with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Next, exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This can be done with a physical or chemical exfoliator.

Finally, moisturize the skin to hydrate and protect it from environmental damage. In addition to these steps, it is also essential to take supplements that support healthy skin. These include vitamins C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. By following this daily skincare routine and taking supplements, you can achieve and maintain healthy and beautiful skin.

FAQS About Acne In Men

Q: Can men get acne?

A: Yes, men can get acne. It is a common problem for men of all ages.

Q: What causes acne in men?

A: Acne in men is often caused by increased testosterone levels. This hormone stimulates the production of sebum, which can then clog pores and lead to breakouts.

In addition, men tend to have larger pores than women, which can also contribute to the development of acne. While many different factors can cause acne, these are some of the most common culprits in men.

Q: Can supplements help improve acne in men?

A: Yes, many different supplements can help improve acne in men. These include zinc, selenium, probiotics, omega-three fatty acids, and vitamin A.

Q: What is the best skincare routine for men?

A: The best skincare routine for men includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. In addition, taking supplements that support healthy skin can also be beneficial.

Final Thoughts

Acne is a common problem for men of all ages. Many different factors can contribute to the development of acne, including hormones, genetics, and skincare habits. Fortunately, some other supplements can help improve acne. These include zinc, selenium, probiotics, omega-three fatty acids, and vitamin A. By incorporating these supplements into your daily routine, you can help improve your skin health and reduce the appearance of acne.

3 Main Signs Of Autism In Adults : How To Get Easily Tested For Autism As An Adult?

signs of autism in adults test

There are many cases when adults are not diagnosed with autism when adults because they have chosen not to have an assessment or they are not aware that they are autistic and they haven’t been accessed as children.

Their symptoms may be mild, difficult to be recognized, and may not impact their everyday life significantly. There is a possibility that they received another diagnosis for their symptoms, or they just simply do not want to get tested because it may cost them and for some other reasons.

Some adults may find their life difficult, while those with mild autism ( high functioning ) autism may just sometimes notice that they act differently from others or their families may notice that they behave differently.

Signs Of Autism In Adults

Symptoms in adults are different than those in children and are often related to social and communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors.

The most common symptoms of autism in adults include :

  • They always speak just about one or two topics of interests
  • They feel discomfort during eye contact
  • They tend to take things literally, which can cause difficulties in communication
  • They tend to engage in repetitive or routine behaviors
  • They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling
  • They have unusual emotional expressions and reactions
  • They have problems with making new friends and keeping them
  • They have trouble reading social cues
  • Their speaking is robotic, monotonous and they use a flat voice that doesn’t reflect their emotions and feelings
  • They use their own unique phrases and descriptive words
  • They may find small talk such as talking about the weather and what others are doing difficult
  • They have difficulties doing multi-tasking activities 
  • They have a strong reaction to some sounds, textures, smells, and tastes 
  • They like to work alone at home and at work 
  • They have superior ability in just one subject, for example, mathematics or some other discipline

What Are The 3 Main Symptoms Of Autism In Adults?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by some brain differences. Every person who is diagnosed with ASD is a unique case and doesn’t resemble another ASD case in terms of symptoms and severity. 

However, the 3 most common autism symptoms in adults are: 

  1. Problems with social communication
  2. Repetitive and restrictive behavior 
  3. Restricted interests

Repetitive behaviors mean intense interests and obsessions, strict layouts, and restricted schedules.

Problems with social communication mean problems when communicating and understanding what other people think or say.

Restricted interests mean interest that can be sometimes unusual or interest in just one topic of interest and speaking about it constantly.

How To Get Yourself Tested For Autism As An Adult?

If you are interested in getting tested for ASD as an adult, you can consult your family doctor, who may check your symptoms and see whether they are related to autism, or maybe they refer to some other health condition and may refer you to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist to make an in-depth assessment.

There are some medical diagnostic tests that clinicians have already developed and you should visit a doctor in person to ask you some questions. They will also take your symptoms into consideration when making the evaluation. They will make some additional observations and ask questions about your childhood and your lifelong patterns as the earliest symptoms of autism appear in childhood when they are most severe and apparent.

Most autism centers are child-focused and sometimes, child psychiatrists can help you with the autism diagnosis. There are also psychologists and psychiatrists that are specialists in diagnosing ASD and you can consider finding them in some big universities and medical centers where you can get tested for autism as an adult.

 The most common diagnostic autism tests are:

1. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): This test contains 93 questions that focus mainly on the 3 main characteristics of autism such as social interaction, repetitive behavior, and language and communication for an autism assessment in adults. 

2. Developmental, Dimensional, and Diagnostic Interview-Adult Version (3Di-Adult): This test looks for any not typical and obsessive behaviors such as obsession with certain objects and focuses mainly on problems with social communication.

3. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) Module 4: This test is the gold standard for people of all ages. 

If you want to know how much autism tests cost, you may check the prices of the clinic you will visit as they may range. Sometimes they can be rather costly and if you are not paying with insurance, you need to pay all the costs out of your pockets. The average cost for full screenings in private companies can be as high as $2000.

Self – Administrated Online Tests For Testing Autism In Adults 

Self – administrated tests for autism in adults are available online and they are a very good starting point if you want self-assessment and are free tests for autism spectrum for adults. (2) (3) (4)

These tests are for personal use only and are not real diagnostic tools, and the real diagnosis can be made only with a clinical evaluation.

What Do Autistic Adults Struggle With?

Some autistic adults may struggle with many issues when they are diagnosed with ASD such as:

  • Fixation on routines
  • Sensitivity to sound and light
  • Difficulty in social interaction

Adults who experience these symptoms may find it difficult to live independent lives and some of them can have difficulty finding a proper job. One study with autistic participants showed that 27% of them were unemployed. (1

Some autistic people do not require any support and autism becomes part of their own identity and may even have very high intelligence, unique sense of humor, and strong memory.

People who struggle with their condition may seek help in the following:

1. Education

People living with autism can learn more about it to understand it better, find some solutions, and feel validated.

2. Therapy

They may experience stress, anxiety, and feeling of isolation, and visiting a therapist may be the right choice for them. The most common therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy which can be taken either individually or in a group setting.

3. Vocational rehabilitation

Some autistic people may find their workplace uncomfortable to work at as being too noisy, too light, or they need to travel a long way to get there. Vocational rehabilitation may help them to cope with their career challenges. Some employers may also make appropriate accommodations for neurodivergent individuals such as people with autism. (2)

4. Connection with other autistic people 

Some adults with autism may find it useful to connect with other autistic people and take part in some online groups or in-person meetings.

These meetings may give them additional ideas and information on how to face their problems in life. One program showed that peer support could influence an autistic person’s life in a very positive manner. (3)  

5. Medication for anxiety and depression

There is no medication for ASD, but some medications can be used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression that can co-occur with ASD.

Can Anxiety Be Mistaken For Autism?

Autistic people may be prone to anxiety and to someone who is not very familiar with ASD, autism, and anxiety may look similar. 

But, in fact, many of the symptoms of both conditions may overlap and appear at the same time, such as: 

  • difficulty adapting to changing plans
  • lack of eye contact
  • nervousness
  • limited social communication

How are they different?

Social anxiety is a mental health condition, while autism is a neurodevelopmental condition.

They have different diagnostic criteria and it is very important to get a diagnosis from a licensed professional. 

People with social anxiety may avoid conversations and eye contact because of fear, while autistic people may sometimes not speak at all, or engage in one – side conversation. 

Social anxiety can be a result of a trauma, while autism is not triggered by any traumatic event. 

The brain functioning is also different for both health conditions, and adults with autism have a weaker connection between the temporal lobe and the amygdala. 

Other Mental Conditions Mistaken For Autism

Some autism symptoms are similar to symptoms of other conditions and they can be mistaken for autism and can cause a problem.

Conditions that can be mistaken for autism are: 

1. Problems with hearing and speech or other developmental delays

 some children may have development delays in hearing in speech which can be caused by other causes and can be development delays, but this doesn’t mean that they have autism.

2. Reading early or high intelligence

Hyperlexia is a syndrome when a child is obsessed with learning letters and numbers and starts reading very early, beyond expected ability. In some cases can be part of ASD, but this is not always the case.

3. Sensory or sensory processing issues

Some children may be sensitive to loud music, light, or textures, which are signs of autism, but not necessarily in all cases.

4. Other psychological disorders 

Psychological disorders like schizophrenia, Reactive attachment disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Avoidant personality disorder may have similar symptoms to autism, but they aren’t.

5. Lead poisoning 

Lead poisoning may lead to development delays and sometimes to autism, according to some scientists, but this is not yet proven scientifically. That is why it is very important to diagnose a child or an adult if there are any chances they are lead poisoned to get the needed treatment.

6. Narrowed interests

Some children or adults may get obsessed with some objects or people and do not have many interests, but this doesn’t mean that they are autistic.  

Gambling Sites: How A Review Can Help You Choose One For You

aces with playing chips

If you are a gambling enthusiast, then you must have come across a large amount of information telling you that you can play your favorite games online. That, however, does not mean that you’ve immediately jumped to such an opportunity, especially if you are “old-school” and thus used to dressing up and visiting a land-based casino. There is something to doing that, I won’t deny it.

There is, however, also something to playing these games online. Things are much easier this way and you can play whenever you feel like it. Not to mention that you don’t have to dress up nicely in order to be admitted into a casino, for instance. You can even play in your pajamas if that’s what you like, and nobody will say a word. Go here to read some more about the benefits of gambling websites.

You could already be aware of those benefits, though. In that case, there is most likely something else on your mind. In short, there is a different question bothering you and you aren’t entirely sure as to how to answer it. That is the question of how you can choose the right gambling site for you and I can certainly understand if you’re not quite knowledgeable on the topic. Sure, you might have played a lot of casino games by now, but if this is your first time playing online, you’ll certainly need to be careful when deciding where.

If you were under the impression that there were only a couple of sites out there that you can choose to play at and that you won’t, thus, have a hard time making the decision, then let me tell you right away that you were wrong. Quite on the contrary, there is a huge number of gambling websites out there and it will definitely take some time for you to make this choice. Of course, you could always just randomly pick one website and be done with it, but that might not be such a good idea, as I am sure you understand.

Since you cannot choose randomly, you’re now most likely wondering what it is that you should do in order to actually make the right choice. Well, that is a pretty good question, and here’s your answer. Basically, there are certain reviews out there, written about various different gambling websites, that can help you choose the right site for you. You’ll undoubtedly manage to find a lot of reviews like these if you take your time to look.

You are now, without a doubt, wondering what it is that those reviews can actually help you with. After all, you don’t feel like wasting your time on something that might not be helpful, especially since you’re probably eager to start playing your favorite games right away. Well, I definitely understand your thought process here, but I have to advise you to be patient when trying to make this choice and to take your time to read these reviews because they will certainly be of help in the choosing process, and I will now tell you how. (1)

online gambling

They Teach You How The Websites Function

Is there anything worse than being all excited about playing some of the games that you like and then finding a website that offers it only to realize that you have no idea how that specific website functions and how you should use it correctly? I suppose I know the answer to this question. Nobody likes having to spend a lot of time trying to get around a particular platform. You will especially not be keen on this when you have a different plan in mind. In this case, the plan includes gambling online.

Well, the good news here is that the reviews that I am talking about can be of great help. In short, when you find an interesting gambling website and you know nothing about it, reading a review will, among other things, help you understand how that particular website functions and how you can use it correctly. That way, you’ll learn all about the registration process, the deposit and withdrawal policies and many more important things that you need to know before you start playing.

They Help You Determine Legitimacy & General Reputation

When trying to find the best online gambling sites for you, there’s no doubt that you want them to be legit. After all, if a certain website is not legitimate, then you are bound to get into trouble, lose all your money or even get scammed. Since those are not very favorable scenarios, I suppose that you would very much like to avoid them. The only thing is, you’re probably not sure that you know how to avoid them.

If you take your time to read a few reviews about the gambling sites you are considering before actually depositing your money and starting to play, then you will definitely manage to avoid this. Those reviews will address the legitimacy of all of these websites, and they will help you determine their general reputation. That is bound to help you choose the right gambling platform and avoid playing at some shady ones.

They Get You Acquainted With The Game Selection

If you are a seasoned gambler, then you most likely already have some favorite games. It goes without saying that you won’t to play those games when you decide to take your gambling endeavors online. In order to be able to play those, the platforms will have to offer them. And, the reviews will help you check the entire game selection of the different platforms, which will help you in the choosing process. (2)

They Allow You To Compare Different Sites

The most important thing that these reviews will help you do is compare the different gambling platforms that you’re thinking of joining. You’ll be able to do rather thorough comparisons regarding the number and the quality of games, reputation, gambling policies and practically anything else you have on mind. In short, the comparisons will help you make the best choice.

Best Men’s Fashion Moves Of 2022

man fashion

Fashion reaches people faster than faxes. It’s like a mirror. It displays you to the world. Fashion is a dynamic term. It isn’t the same as it was a few years back. It’s its specialty. In today’s fast-running era, everyone has a ‘thing’ of their own. Thus, trends are not set by the stars or celebrities that much but by the people.

In 2022 men’s fashion has become spirited and chic. This has been a year when people came out of their houses after the lockdowns and when the affliction of Covid softened. It has been the year of experiments and flaunting our hearts out. (1)

Here are the seven best men’s fashion moves of 2022

1. Masked men!

Masks became a statement piece in 2022. It’s a piece of cloth that is adored on your face. As wearing masks were necessary in most places, they became the best canvas to display your sense of fashion.
It is an old saying that the first thing someone notices in you are your shoes, but it isn’t true anymore. The attention grabber game has been won by masks this year!
Companies went ahead and experienced different fabrics, patterns, and materials.

2. Slayer Sunglasses

What’s the next thing you do after masking yourself? Well, the sunglasses! From round aviators to men’s pilot sunglasses, stylish sunglasses have been on every man’s fashion list this year. Giorgio Armani 2022 Eyewear range has the trendiest sunglasses. The hard-to-find styles were not hard to find anymore after this dapper range was released. Moreover, even celebrities like Tom Cruise topped the sunglasses game. He looked sleek in his iconic Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, which he wore in the Top gun movie released this year. Thus, setting the standard of sunglasses high.

3. Quirky piercings

Quirky piercing is a notable craze in men’s fashion. Men are interested in not just the piercing, but the style of piercing is also unique. Snakebite, constellations, Conch, and Bermuda triangle are some types of piercings.
For example, the snakebite piercing is one piercing on top of the other, as the mark of snake fangs.
Furthermore, The stunning Justin Bieber, graceful Niall Horan, classy Harry styles, sensational Zayn Malik, and many more celebs have ear piercings, making them even more trending these days.

4. Low Waist baggy pants

People have risen above simple pants and jeans. Everyone wants a little funk in their clothes. The trend has been shifted to low-rise baggy pants to add a pop to everyday casual wear. They are also known as Puddle Pants and have been popular for a while, but the trend didn’t become apparent until they started to appear on every street.

Moreover, men can be spotted in every corner of Paris, London, New York, and Milan in baggy pants. They’re back this year, and the varieties and styles are better than ever. New and updated styles are followed, from loose, extra-long trousers to slouchy, faded denim, cargo camouflage print, and many more. Thus, If you want to stay up-to-date, this is what you need to switch to from those bland and monotonous trousers you wear.

5. Varsity Jackets

In 2022 Varsity jackets is back in Men fashion. They are smart, classy, lettered jackets that give a sporty look to any outfit.
This trend suddenly took over the streets. Moreover, they are much more attractive than normal sweaters and jackets. Thus, it will be wise to invest in these jackets as they can be paired with any outfit. It will be the right fashion move as they are an evergreen piece of clothing.

6. Vividness of Vests-

The 70s styles of vests are back in fashion, and they are all you need to up your game of fashion. If you don’t like the GenZ-styled funky dressing, this one is for you. The vest sweaters are back on the menu. They can make you look formal while adding that retro and trendy look.
Moreover, they aren’t just fashionable but very cozy too. Not just in a formal way, but you can also wear it casually. Furthermore, you can wear it without tailoring. Additionally, they’re ideal for layering.

7. Silk scarves

Scarves are a fashion accessory. However, as much as they are fashion accessories, they are utility wear too. Moreover, In the millennial era, where people prefer subtle things, this is the perfect add-on to every man’s outfit, which is one reason for its rise. The scarf’s symbolism and use have persisted for millennia in religious and cultural contexts, but its function as a fashion accessory in western popular culture has changed with time. In 2022 it has suddenly become popular in men’s fashion.

Furthermore, It is a versatile accessory that may be worn as belts, head wraps, and in any other fashion your imagination can come up with. It flawlessly completes any style of outfit you choose to put together and showcase. (2)

7 Effective Activities To Raise Your Self-Esteem

build self esteem activities 

Many people have low self–esteem, which may lower their overall quality of life and overall well–being. They often criticize themselves, think that other people’s achievements are just pure luck, and take their own faults very personally, which badly influence their life in general.  

Having low self-esteem can be a result of their own socioeconomic status, physical appearance, loneliness, and other factors.  

On the other hand, having overly high self–esteem may be troubling as nobody likes bragging.

So having a healthy self–esteem is always the right choice to make. But, how can we achieve this? Can we train our self–esteem?

Luckily, yes, we can, and there as some simple and effective activities that you can use to boost your self–esteem that we will speak about in this article.

In addition, there are many exercises, worksheets, and workbooks to help you in this process of building your self-esteem. (1

7 Activities To Raise Your Self-Esteem

Everyone deserves to be happy and have a healthy self–esteem to enjoy their life and feel good about themselves, so here are 7 activities to achieve it easily:

1. Use positive affirmations

This is a very known tool for improving your self–esteem and confidence. You can always go for some gentle affirmations and do not use exaggerating ones such as:

“I am capable of doing hard things.”

“I will carry on and survive this.”

“I can always grow and learn from my mistakes.”

You can even write them down and place them somewhere to look at them while at home or work.

2. Set a goal and work towards it

Probably the best way to boost your self–esteem is by reaching a goal in your life. This will make you feel proud and will certainly boost your self–esteem even a little bit.

The important thing is that the goals should always be realistic and important for you. For example, if you like running, you can sign up for a race.

3. Practice mindfulness

One systematic review has shown that mindfulness can have a very positive effect on the self – esteem. Still, more research is needed to relate this research to low self–esteem because they had some methodological weaknesses. (2

Mindfulness is a 2500-year-old Buddhist practice. It is about having a clear mind, being fully present and aware of what you are doing, without any interference in the past and in the future. It has already been deployed in Chinese psychiatry as a method for reducing stress, anxiety, and even drug addiction. (3

4. Stop comparing your real life to other people’s highlight reels

Sometimes you may feel bad because of the achievements in the life of some people, especially those who are on social media. But, you must know they have real lives as well, and everyone experiences hardships, vulnerability, and imperfections, and nobody is perfect.

Start having your own life and spend more time on self–care. You can even start volunteering to see that there are people less fortunate than you and with even bigger problems. When you start some positive and meaningful difference in the world you live in, it will surely boost your self–esteem.

5. Keep a self-esteem journal

You can start keeping a journal and write down all the positive things that happened during the day. It is very simple and it takes only a few minutes of your time.

Cultivate your gratitude as well by writing down things you are grateful for in life, giving some compliments about yourself when you look in the mirror, make some gratitude expressions like “I am grateful for my health and all the great people I have in my life”.

6. Spend more time with people who boost your self–esteem

Self–esteem can be affected by people and events coming from outside. If you spend time with people who criticize you very often, it will be hard for you to improve your self–esteem.

Try to spend some time with people who motivate and inspire you, and tell all of your friends who criticize you that criticizing is not acceptable and that you will no longer spend your time with them.

7. Always accept compliments

According to one study, people with low self–esteem have problems with accepting positive feedback and it is more likely that they will accept the negative one. (4

Just practice saying “Thank you “ or “That means a lot, thank you “ when someone gives you a compliment, and do not be shy and have that good feeling most people have when receiving a compliment. It will sure make you feel better.

5 Effective Ways To Build Self-Esteem

Cultivating your self-esteem can be surprisingly tough, but there are some smart ways to improve our feelings of self–worth.

Here are 5 exercises to use to build your self–esteem when you feel it is low:

1. Identify your competencies and develop them

You can start by demonstrating the abilities you have, but first, you should find your core competencies and find the right opportunity to show them. For example, if you are a good cook, try making home parties and invite guests as often as you can.

2. Eliminate self-criticism and introduce self-compassion  

When you have low self–esteem, you will probably start with self–criticism and criticize yourself often with a self–criticizing monologue, which makes your low self–esteem even lower. So when you start criticizing yourself, think about what you would say to a dear friend because we are always compassionate towards friends and try to say the same compassionate words to yourself. Compassion always builds your self–esteem, so be self – compassionate as much as you can and stop criticizing yourself!

3. Affirm your real worth

Make a list of all meaningful things that you are really worth in a specific situation, like, for example, a date rejection. If you have been rejected by a date, make a list of qualities you have for a good relationship ( you are loyal, trustful, you are totally committed to the relationship, etc.). You can take just one of those qualities and write a short essay about it and mention how this quality is very valuable, and people should appreciate it.

4. Learn new things every single day

By learning new things every day, we learn how to focus on success and less on making new mistakes, which will surely boost our self–esteem. There are many fun ways to start learning something new, like listening to podcasts, reading self–help books, online courses, and starting new hobbies or creative activities.

5. Start with a self–care

You can always feel self-worth by doing things for yourself, like enjoying a long bath, watching a favorite movie, going out for a coffee with friends, or getting a massage. You can even make it a habit. So, start with your self–care activities; you deserve it for sure!

How Do You Build Self-Esteem In Group Activities?

If you think that you have low self–esteem and you want to make your life happier, and you may find group therapy sessions very enriching.

You will find people that experience something similar and you won’t feel alone in your fight. It is great for all ages and it is complete fun. Here are 4 fun activities you can use to improve your self–esteem in group therapy for building self–esteem in youth and these are also building self-esteem activities for adults.

Therapists use different techniques and therapeutic approaches to improve self–esteem, but they usually recommend their clients to spend at least 5 minutes every week for an extended period of time.

1. Ice–breakers

During this activity, some ice-breaking techniques are used to get people talking. For example, each member of the group shall start sharing some humorous or unexpected thing about themselves or start describing themselves with adjectives with the first letter of their name.

2. Gratitude

In this group activity, group members discuss gratitude. They discuss some specific things they are grateful for, and this reminds the participants about the positive and good things in their life.

3. Role-play

In this group therapy, clients switch their roles with their partners to promote empathy or to practice some challenging situations, like asking for a raise or resisting temptations.

4. Compliments

Giving compliments is always a nice way to brighten someone’s day. In this group therapy session, each participant would say something positive about each member of the group.

After that, each participant will repeat the statement using an I statement such as “I have a pretty smile.”

4 Steps To Take To Improve Your Self–Esteem

To improve your self–esteem, you can use these 4 steps from cognitive behavioral therapy and start enjoying your life and getting the needed confidence.

1. Identify troubling conditions or situations

You should think about all the situations that decrease your self – esteem such as crises at work or at home.

2. Become aware of thoughts and beliefs

Then, think about what kind of thoughts you have about them and how you interpret them. They may be positive, neutral or negative, rational or irrational. Ask yourself whether they are true, and would you tell them to someone else? If you cannot tell anyone else, do not tell them yourself.

3. Challenge negative or inaccurate thinking

In this phase, test your affirmations and see whether they are logical or based on real facts. You should always have enough evidence to support your thinking and never confuse emotions or feelings with facts.

Never jump to negative conclusions like: He did not reply in my chat because I made something that made him angry. 

4. Adjust your thoughts and beliefs

Try to replace all the negative statements or inaccurate thoughts with real, accurate ones.

Encourage yourself and give yourself credit for positive changes and focus on the positive, and think about the positive things in your life. Forgive the mistakes you have made in your past, and think about the things you have learned from them. Avoid using “must” and “should” statements and stop making unreasonable demands.

Best Definition For Self-Esteem And 3 Types Of Self-Esteem With Their Characteristics

the definition of self-esteem 

What Is Self-Esteem In Psychology? 

In psychology, self–esteem is a term that is used for appraisal of your own worth or value and how you feel about your own limitations and abilities regardless of the circumstances.  

Self–esteem encompasses emotions such as pride, shame, triumph and despair, and beliefs ( “I am worthy” or “I am competent”) and some more evaluative statements like “I am good at math”, which means you put worthiness on yourself and you do not describe yourself negatively.

Your self–esteem is influenced by many factors such as:

  • Identity
  • Sense of belonging
  • Feeling of competence
  • Self – confidence
  • Feeling of security

In childhood, self–esteem seems to be the lowest, and it increases in adolescence and as you grow older. Having a healthy amount of self–esteem is important to face life’s challenges and take part in activities you find enjoyable and rewarding. It also influences your motivation, and you will feel inspired to make new challenges in your life. Let’s see which self-esteem is perceived as good and which as bad and help you feel free to choose the right behavior in certain life situations.

The Best Definition Of Self–Esteem

According to the American Psychological Association and the definition of self–esteem in social psychology, self-esteem is the degree to which characteristics and qualities you contain you perceive as positive.

The more positive attitude you have towards your qualities and characteristics, the higher your self–esteem is.

3 Types of Self-Esteem With Examples

Self–esteem can influence your life choices and help you navigate in life with a positive attitude. There are 3 known types of self–esteem:

  1. Inflated self–esteem
  2. Low self–esteem
  3. High self–esteem

Inflated Self–Esteem

Having inflated self–esteem means that you have an excessive amount of self–esteem and is usually perceived as a negative characteristic. 

People who have overly high self-esteem will have problems with socializing because they do not like to be criticized, they will crave praise from others and they usually think that they are perfect, so they do not change themselves and grow as persons. All these characteristics may badly influence their social and love life.

They are always ahead of others and sometimes hurt other people’s feelings to achieve their goals because they think that this will make them happy. In addition, they blame and undervalue other people all the time and never listen to their opinions because they have a great fear of rejection and always try to hide their incompetence. 

High Self–Esteem

If you have high self–esteem, it means you will feel comfortable with social and personal assertiveness and enjoy the humorous aspects of life. (1

There are some other aspects and characteristics of people with high self – esteem and we brought this into the spotlight in this article.

Examples Of Having High Self–Esteem

There are many examples of characteristics that differentiate someone from others related to their self–esteem.

If you have high self – esteem you will probably:

  • Feel free to discuss your own ideas, experiences, and opportunities
  • Feel free to show your curiosity
  • Feel free to acknowledge mistakes
  • Feel very comfortable giving and receiving compliments
  • Display harmony between what you say and do
  • Love and accept yourself

People with high self–esteem will also usually:

  • Appreciate themselves and the people around them
  • See life realistically and accept things and people as they are
  • Enjoy everyday activities and grow as a person and easily find meaning in their life
  • Are capable of making their own decisions and conform to others ‘decisions only if they agree
  • Love and respect their partners
  • Know how much they are worth and live their lives accordingly
  • Never let others manipulate them
  • They do not take it very seriously when someone criticizes them and do not depend on other people’s opinion
  • Can easily find the balance between personal life and work
  • Take risks and learn from their own mistakes
  • Understand their needs and are able to express them

Low Self–Esteem

Low self–esteem may be a result of socioeconomic status, bullying from peers and physical appearance and, in some cases, may lead to suicidal ideation.

If you have low self – esteem you will feel worthless and it may lead to depression and negative thoughts, you will be afraid to try new things because you think you won’t be capable of reaching them and have issues with your needs and relationships. In addition, you will have a lower level of confidence and feel unlovable and unworthy.

People with low esteem do not believe in their capabilities and never put their worthiness on themselves.

They usually have:

  1. Poor relationships because they are full of self–doubt and may please the wrong people
  2. Depression and anxiety because they often feel fear, worry, or sadness
  3. Addiction to drugs and alcohol to release the negative energy they have and escape everyday problems

People with low self-esteem will usually:

  • Have low confidence
  • Try to please anyone and have a hard time saying no
  • You are not sure about your decisions
  • Get irritated and angry very easily
  • Do not take risks and try new things in life
  • Experience self–doubt, worry, and fear pretty often
  • Believe that other people are better than they are
  • Cannot express their ideas and needs
  • Have a fear of failure

What Is The Difference Between Self-Confidence And Self-Esteem?

Self–esteem and self–confidence are different, although in some cases, they overlap. 

As noted above, self–esteem is related to your self-value and appreciation of your own capabilities and values. It can change during your life as a result of the interaction and experiences you have with other people.

Self-confidence, on the other hand, is the belief you have in your capabilities and in yourself, and it can change according to certain life situations. 

Having low self-esteem and self–confidence can restrict you from many things in life and you will feel very often negative about yourself, which will discourage you from continuing with some activities and may result in:

  • lack of assertiveness.
  • social anxiety
  • shyness
  • communication difficulties

What Is The Difference Between Self-Image And Self-Esteem?

Self-image and self-esteem are connected, but they are still different. Self–image is how you see yourself and the image you have created yourself about how you look and behave, while self–esteem is how you value yourself. 

How to Improve Your Self-Esteem? 

  • Identify your negative thoughts and try avoiding them 
  • Make some positive affirmations about yourself
  • Try to forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made and go on with life
  • Always try to think positively and more realistically

Indoor Team Building Exercises For Your Team

team building

Working as a team can be hectic at times. It can make you physically and mentally sick. There’s a famous saying: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So if you keep working all day long and don’t rest or go for recreational activities, you’ll eventually become dull. You won’t have the zest or energy to work; you’ll just try to pull it through. Getting involved in team-building games indoors not only helps you freshen up but also helps you be creative and learn new games. (1)

Indoor Games For Team Building

Businesses should often organize indoor games to help members be more collaborative and motivated for work. These games and exercises help in bringing individuals together. So keep reading about the fun team building games indoors that help team building.

1. Dog, Rice, Chicken

An indoor game that involves logical thinking and planning among team members. One of the group members will be allotted the role of Farmer, and the rest will act as villagers. He must return home by crossing a river with only one of the items. He cannot leave the dog behind because he will eat the chicken, and he cannot leave the food grains because the chicken will eat up the food grains. So how will he return home with all the three items? This is where the villagers will help him find a solution.

2. Talking in Circles

This game is very challenging, and the difficulty level rises after each task. So communication and coordination are very important among team members. The group will be asked to stand in a circle with a circling string. They will be asked to form different shapes such as squares, triangles, rectangles, etc. The team will be asked to perform the task with their eyes closed to increase the difficulty level. To further raise the bar, one of the team members will be asked to be muted at different times. This game tests the guidance and trust in each other

3. Blind Drawing

This game involves listening and interpreting by simply paying attention to their partner. This game requires a pair, both of them sitting back to back. One of the members will be given the word or object, and he has to explain or give a verbal description of that thing without specifying directly what the thing is. The other member must understand the verbal description and draw the thing with his interpretation. 

4. Three truths and one lie

This game is very simple and can be played anywhere without hassle. The team members will be sitting in a circle with each person stating four facts about themselves, of which three are true and one lie. You have to fabricate a lie in such a way that it’s hard to guess and easy to believe in, making it difficult for others to guess. One by one, the rest of the team members are supposed to guess a lie from the four statements. Once done, the right answer is revealed. This game will help the team members to open up.

Bottom Line

Team building games indoors help the team members to come together and play games. This will develop trust and help to know each other better. As a result, realizing your goals and driving growth will become easier. (2)