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7 Proven Benefits of Yoga That Are Backed by Science

By
Elizabeth Williams

What’s your daily routine? Most people’s routine will often involve waking up, make the bed, have a coffee, some breakfast and popping to the washroom to starting the day. Incorporating yoga into a routine whether its daily, two sessions a week or on a weekly basis, could really benefit your quality of life. Yoga routines and this greek website have shot up in popularity recently, many people from all walks of life are trying and partaking in yoga.  In this article we have 7 scientifically proven benefits of yoga that might convince you to try it out.

Increase Strength 

Holding your own body weight in different positions will help increase strength. Holding positions where the acting load of weight wouldn’t normally be will cause your body to adapt to this increase of stress in that position. Now stress doesn’t mean it’s going to be too hard for you to perform the position. There are varying levels and options to make it easier for you when you start. Begin with a few moves that can be done comfortably and then build on these as they become easier. There are multiple studies that confirm this. You can head over to 889 Yoga to know some more about it.

Improved Flexibility 

Practising yoga for just 15-30 minutes a day will improve flexibility in targeted areas. Again, this is where you realise that the body is made for adapting. Studies show that holding a stretch and repeating this over time will allow your body to become comfortable with it meaning you will be able to stretch a little further. This has been demonstrated in studies of adults of all ages, ranging from collage adults to pensioners in studies that compare yoga to other activity’s such as calisthenics (a type of body weight exercise).

Better Brain Health

Studies that used Hatha yoga showed an increase of better mental function based on the increase of grey matter in the brain particularly with an aging sample. This study also showed more cortical thickness in regular yoga practitioners, cortical thickness is associated with higher intelligence. Hatha yoga is focused on the connection of breathing and movement as well as meditation.

Decrease Stress 

A group of women who perceived themselves as emotionally distressed were used for a study where they measured their levels or cortisol. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone secreted by the body. After 3 months they had significantly less cortisol and other mental benefits, this effect has been demonstrated in an array of studies focusing primarily on yoga.

Corrects Irregular heart beats 

According to a journal published by the American College of Cardiology in 2013, Atrial Fibrillation experiences reported by patients dropped drastically among patients who engaged in regular yoga sessions to half the number they had at the beginning of treatment. AFib is a condition characterized by abnormal heart rhythm. Because of the irregular beating of the heart, this condition is responsible for stroke and other significant heart conditions.

May Help Fight Depression 

There are some studies that show yoga could have anti-depressant effect which could help decrease symptoms of depression. This could be as yoga can help decrease the amount or cortisol a stress hormone that influences levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter often associated with depression. It also helps with social interaction which can help benefit you if you suffer with depression alone or with traditional methods. 

Improves Problem Solving and Memory

When we are stressed and facing pressures from work and home life, we can find that we lose the ability to think rationally and solve basic problems. Studies conducted in the USA shows that practicing Yoga twice a week could help the synapses in the brain create new pathways. It is this creation of new pathways that can help us with problem solving, this coupled with the reduction of the stress hormone, cortisol, can help us think more rationally. Furthermore, practicing yoga was also shown to help increase memory, it is not understood how this works yet, but it is thought that chanting involved in some practices helps promote memory function and recovery.

Final Thoughts

Yoga can be a satisfying and toughly enjoyable pastime that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. Morning or evening, setting aside time and making room in your day to fit a 15-30 minute yoga routine is quite achievable. It doesn’t have to be everyday it can be just once or twice a week and you could soon be reaping the benefits for yoga. There are many different types of yoga available, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs. Some types have a combination of different positions and emphasis on breathing, meditation and stretching. You will be able to find a type that can help you work on certain areas that you want to improve. Try yoga and see if you can take advantage of the benefits as proven by science.

Can You Be Friends With Your Ex – Pros & Cons

By
Riley Cooper

Being Friends with Your Ex: Reasons Why This Is Impossible and How to Stay in Warm Relations

Most divorced couples hope that after the divorce, they can remain friends. Yes, there’s nothing wrong with staying in a warm relationship with an ex, but the main question that arises here is: Is it a good idea to be friends with your ex?

Many are not even aware that chances are that this won’t work out and that it can negatively affect the lives of both of you. It makes sense to stay in a warm relationship and respect each other. But friendship is far from what is needed. Let’s talk more about this right here.

10 Reasons Why Staying Friends With The Former Is Not The Best Idea

  • If you have never been on friendly terms with your spouse or the relationship has worsened during your married life, then staying friends after getting divorced can create an unnecessary illusion. Friendship can cause you to make peace, but most likely, it will be the desire of only one side, and this practice has often been shown to be deceiving.  (1)
  • Friendly relations with your spouse will not give you the opportunity to change your life. Divorce is the beginning of a new life and an opportunity for a person to become completely different, to do new things, and so on. Relations with the former second half will slow down all this and make you plunge into the past. And after a divorce, you need to stay in the present, not the past.
  • If you are still experiencing feelings for your ex, staying friends with them can lead to another breakdown. Your ex may meet a new soulmate, which can cause you to feel disappointed even more.
  • Your ex may have feelings for you, which can also prevent both of you from living a new life. Friendship, in this case, is better to be minimized, as your ex will hope that not everything is lost and there is a chance to get back together with you again. (2)
  • An attempt to stay friends with your ex may aggravate the recovery process after a divorce. Usually, people need time to be alone with themselves. You’ll need to spend some time alone so as to process your feelings,  mourn your married life, and let go of your pain. But pretending to be “friends” with your ex will dull the whole process, and you will not be able to recover from the breakdown and will live in the hope that there is a chance for you to be together.
  • Staying friends with your ex may look weird to your children. Even if attempt to stay friends with your ex may aggravate the recovery process after a divorce. 
  • You cannot get into a new romantic relationship with your ex. You will most likely direct all of your energy toward learning how to stay friends. And this means that you won’t be able to let go of the divorce and get into a relationship with another person. Do you understand that sooner or later, you will need to open up to a new relationship? Staying friends with your ex will put off this chance for a long time. Now you understand that staying friends with your ex is not the best option. But maintaining a warm relationship with them would not hurt. Let’s look at three key tips to help you stay in a good relationship with your ex.
  • Get divorced peacefully, if possible. For example, you can fill out legal forms for divorce online to avoid the burden of dealing with many documents. Specialized companies that help to get divorce papers online will tell you how to prepare the divorce do-it-yourself kit, so you can fill out the divorce paper form quickly and simply.
  • Agree with your ex that you will meet only when necessary and when you need to discuss issues related to your children. Also, make sure you treat each other with respect whenever you meet.
  • Don’t hold grudges against your ex. Be open to new opportunities in your life. The longer you live in the past, the more you become immersed in a depressed state and feel resentment against your ex. Release all negative emotions, and then you can communicate warmly with them.

It is certainly good when you and your ex-spouse can maintain a respectful relationship after a divorce. Now you know how to do this, so say goodbye to negative emotions and open yourself to a new life.

Can You Be Friends With An Ex You Still Love?

The two tricky questions we often have after we break up with someone are: Can exes be friends? and Should I be friends with my ex? The answer?

Well, some people say yes and others say no. If you ask me, I believe the answer to these questions depends on whether you’re okay with the breakup and you’ve come to terms with the notion that whatever you and your ex had is really over. The thing is that if you still have feelings for your ex, chances are that you’ll secretly cherish hopes of reconciliation. And if your ex gets into a relationship with someone new, this is going to break your heart once again. So, in this case, staying friends with your ex isn’t a good idea.

Undeniably, when you break up with someone, whether respectfully and gracefully or on bed terms, you’re left with all kinds of confusing and complicated emotions. It can be difficult to determine how you’re feeling, especially if you’ve been in a long relationship with someone, the breakup can make you feel like your whole world has collapsed over your head.

However, if that breakup didn’t happen because one of you cheated on the other person or did something devastating, then you need to accept the fact that you were a couple for a long time and share many memories. So, in this case, chances are that you might want to stay friends with your ex.

The tricky thing is that the only way to transition into the friend zone is to have a clear intention in mind. If you still truly love your ex, it’s likely that staying friends is only going to bring a lot of disappointment and sadness into your life.

But if you know that you no longer feel anything for your ex, or that even if you feel something, you know those feelings will fade over time, in that case, it’s possible and a good idea to be friends with them.

So, if you’ve decided that you want to keep your ex in your life, here’s how you can safely and easily transition into the friend zone:

How To Be Friends With Your Ex

  • Take the time to get over the breakup.
  • Do not a booty call them.
  • Think about why you want to stay friends with them and how this might benefit you.
  • Ask yourself whether there’s even the slightest chance you might still be longing for them, and let’s hope you’re not.
  • Have an open conversation with your ex about your breakup and come to terms with the notion that things are over.

Why Does An Ex Want To Be Friends?

There could be various reasons why your ex might want to be friends with you, and in what follows, we’ve presented the 8 most common ones.

1. They Miss Your Company

If you’ve been in a relationship with someone for a longer period of time, it can be difficult to come to terms with the breakup and accept the idea that your ex is no longer a part of your life because, after all, you share so many memories.

So, your ex may miss your company. They may miss the things you used to do together and the places you used to go to while you were in a relationship. They simply yearn for your company.

2. They Regret Breaking Up With You

Your ex might have realized that the decision to end your relationship was an impetuous and wrong decision, so now they want to get you back into their life by staying friends with you.

3. They Want You As A Quick Fix

Maybe your ex planned to get into a relationship with someone new soon after you broke up. But, their plan didn’t come to fruition, so now they feel stuck and lonely. So, they may think becoming friends with you can help soothe their loneliness, at least until they find someone else.

4. You Share Common Friends

If you and your ex share common friends, chances are that you’ll often meet. So, becoming friends with you will help make the situation less awkward and unpleasant every time the two of you and your common friends meet.

5. They’ve Realized The Advantages Of Being In A Relationship With You

The reason your ex might want to be friends with you could be that they suddenly realized all the advantages you enjoyed as a couple. Perhaps they felt happier, more content, and more satisfied with their life. Or perhaps they miss the perks of sharing expenses with you.

6. They Fear Change

Cutting all ties with someone who’s been truly important to you in your life can be difficult. Chances are that your ex wasn’t aware of this earlier, but now they are. This has caused them to fear making changes in all aspects of life, from daily chores to personal relationships to work.

7. They Want You To Be Friends With Benefits

Whether you like this idea or not, it could be the reason why your ex wants to keep you in their life. Being in a relationship where they won’t need to commit to you will give them the freedom to see and date other people, which is an opportunity many would like to take.

8. They Want To Keep The Peace

If your ex has told you that they want to be friends with you so badly, perhaps the reason for this is not that they miss your company, want to hang out with you every day, or want to rekindle the relationship. Instead, they might want to be friends with you because they don’t want to live their life thinking that you hold grudges against them or that you believe they feel about you this way.

Is It Best To Cut All Ties With An Ex?

Cutting off contact with an ex may be a difficult thing to do, especially if you’re still trying to come to terms with a breakup. However, going no contact is the most effective and quickest way to get over a breakup and move on with your life. So, here are 6 reasons why cutting all ties with your ex is a good idea:

1. It Will Allow You To Take The Time To Grieve

Whether the breakup was messy or friendly and respectful, sadness, disappointment, regret, and anger are common emotions we experience following a breakup. And the truth is that it’s difficult to deal with these negative emotions if you still keep in touch with your ex.

Cutting all ties with your ex after a breakup will help you heal, get them out of your soul and mind, and move on with your life way faster.

2. It Can Improve Your Self-Esteem

Your relationship most likely ended because it was broken, and things between you and your ex didn’t function the way they should have. Being in this type of relationship can easily diminish your self-esteem and cause you to have a negative outlook on life.

Letting go of your ex means letting go of all the complaints about them and the disappointment and negativity you had to endure while in a relationship with them. Once these are out of your life, you’ll be able to perceive the world and life positively and boost your self-esteem.

3. It’ll Help You Reconnect With Yourself Emotionally

Not only cutting off contact with your ex will help you heal faster, but it’ll also help you achieve emotional clarity more quickly, which, in turn, will help you determine what steps you should take next.

Achieving emotional clarity can also help you become more aware of your deepest emotions and decide what qualities you’re exactly looking for in a partner and what kind of relationship you want to be in in the future.

4. You’ll Be Free To Do Whatever You Want

It’s sad that many people stop doing activities and practicing hobbies they enjoyed before they got into a relationship. Many people tend to forget their likes, interests, desires, and passions in a relationship. They get accustomed to living life in their comfort zone and forget about essential parts of their lives.

Cutting all ties with your ex will give you more energy and time to commit to pursuing your goals, do things you’ve always wanted to do, practice hobbies you’ve always wanted to try, and go to places you’ve always wanted to visit. Once you let go of your ex, you’ll quickly realize that your life without a partner can be so beautiful, sweet, and meaningful.

5. It’ll Prevent You From Idealizing The Relationship Or Your Ex

When you break up with someone and feel disappointed and sad since the relationship failed, it’s easy to fall into a trap where you’ll constantly remind yourself of the good times and all the beautiful memories you and your ex share while overlooking their flaws.

If you focus too much on your past, you can easily start idealizing your ex and hoping you’ll rekindle the relationship. However, what you need to remember is that just because your relationship was deep and meaningful doesn’t mean you’re supposed to stay together forever, and loving someone doesn’t mean they’re right for you.

6. It’ll Make It Easier For You To Find A New Relationship

Cutting all ties with your ex will make it easier for you to find and fall in love with someone who’s right for you. Someone who deserves your attention and love and is more than willing to commit to you.

However, if you don’t get rid of the emotional baggage from your past relationship, every romantic relationship you might be in in the future is bound to fail.

WHY SHOULD YOU PAY FOR SOCIAL MEDIA INTERACTION?

By
Elizabeth Williams

Do you think that you may need to invest in your social media profile? Do you see why you might need to buy 20 real likes on Instagram or relevant comments for Facebook or genuine followers on Twitter? If you cannot see why this may be useful for your social media account then perhaps you need to sit down and have a read of this article. Here, we will lay out for you why you should take this suggestion seriously and what are the best ways to go about it. There will be people who see this idea as a waste of money while others will recognize that it should be seen as an investment in the future success of your profile. When you look at the amount of money that the leading figures in social media can make then you can see how paying for some features to boost your image at the beginning can be considered an investment. Your social media advertising pricing will vary from service to service, but once you consider these costs, you’ll find that it’s often beneficial to allocate a certain percent of your budget towards boosting content.

Why all the fuss about social media anyway? 

To start with, you may not be aware of the reason why so many people get to the point of even considering paying for social media features. This all begins when you take into account the number of people who use social media. It is estimated that there are at least three and a half billion unique social media users throughout the world. This means that a little over half of the world’s population is using some form of social media. No matter how you look at this, it is clear to see that this represents a large audience of people, all of whom are concentrated in the same place. If you are someone who is looking for attention, for whatever reason that may be, then social media is definitely the easiest way to find yourself a crowd. Not only this but social media users are scattered all across the globe and the sheer number of people involved guarantees that, no matter how niche or specific your interest is, you are bound to find people who share your interest.

So many social networks to choose from 

There are hundreds of social networks out there and picking one is tough. This is a matter that can be of concern for people who are considering using social media as a way to connect with a large number of people. It’s true; you don’t have to stick to just one social network. There are plenty of people who run accounts on all three of the big social networks (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) but this also leads to three times the workload for the person involved. It is better to focus on one of these while keeping the other ones up and running just in case. In terms of which social network would be the best for your purposes, the important thing to remember about social media is that interaction is king. This means that the more people who view, like and comment on your content, the better. On average, content on Instagram gets more engagement. Thanks to this study, the statistics show that Instagram has an average engagement rate of 1.22%, dwarfing that of Facebook (0.09%) and Twitter (0.045%) respectively. Let there be no doubt about which place is best for you to approach.

Why the need for interaction? 

As we mentioned above, interaction, in all its forms, is essential for any social media account. Whether it is views, likes, comments or followers, all these types of engagement contribute to having a more visible presence on social media. With this, it is easier for people to find your account and your popularity will grow rapidly. Interaction is something that occurs organically on social media. However, without a bit of encouragement, interaction may take some time to come along. More importantly, a steady stream of regular interaction is crucial to having a successful account, although having this become a reality is not an easy task.

What are the ways to get more interaction on social media?

Using hashtags and locations are one way that is sure to attract the attention of social media users as both these features allow you to categorise your content and direct at a specific area of the social media community. Running competitions where the only rules for entry are liking or commenting on the post in question is another useful approach as is asking questions and inviting responses from users. These are just some quick ideas that don’t require much preparation. However, there is only one way that guarantees that you can get the social media interaction that you need to make a lasting impression.

Purchasing social media features

Spending your money on social media features that appear anyway may not seem like a smart money move to some. However, if you are one of these doubters, we hope that this article has opened your eyes to the reasons why such a suggestion may be appropriate. It is now time to tell you about the how. It really couldn’t be more simple: There are hundreds of websites out there that give social media users the chance to buy these features in the amount that you want and for the social network you want. It is then up to you to decide how you want to apply them to your account. In the case of views and likes, you should add as many as you can as this is the only way that these features can have an effect. However, with comments, you only need to add one or two as comments tend to generate more interaction from other users. With followers, it is recommended that you add them over a period of time in order for the engagement level to increase gradually. With the right approach, these features can help you develop a popular social media profile, one that will help you get your message to the largest audience possible.

Yes, You Can Win Money on Casino Cruises (And Here’s How!)

By
Elizabeth Williams

Wondering if you can win money on casino cruises? The answer is yes. If you want to learn how, click to read more today!

Casino cruises are more popular than you think. Major casino cruise lines produce more than 3.5 billion hand pulls per year and more than 155 slot jackpots are paid out every day. 

What makes gambling on a ship better than gambling on land? Your chances of winning are greater. There’s no scientific reasoning for this but long-time gamblers swear that cruise casinos are luckier than regular casinos.

Thinking about taking a casino cruise soon? There are a few things you need to know. Keep reading to find out how you can win big while on a casino cruise ship.

How to Win Big on Casino Cruises

Experience high stakes on the high sea with a casino cruise. If you want to win big, you need to have a strategy. Here are a few things to help you fare better at gambling:

You Have Better Odds on Tables

Although slot machines are fun, you have the lowest chance of winning big on tables. Why? Slot machines encourage you to spend more money. The more you lose, the more you play, and the more you play the more money the cruise line makes. 

Not only that but the odds of winning at a slot machine are pretty slim. We’re talking a 7% chance of winning. That’s not to say you won’t get lucky. 

Choose the Right Slot Machine Location

If you’re feeling lucky and want to play a slot machine, location makes a difference. You want to avoid machines in the corners. Instead, stick to one in the middle of the casino — these are the ones that hit more. Why? These are the slot machines people walk by the most. It makes sense to have the most visible machines showcase winnings.

Don’t Drink Too Much

We get it, you want to have a good time and gamble but try not to overdo it. Drinking too much tends to cloud your judgment and loosen your inhibitions. These things spell trouble when trying to win big at the casino.

You need to have a clear head and make wise decisions. You don’t want to wake up with a massive hangover and empty bank account.

Bet the Minimum to Start

If you’re feeling super confident, it can be easy to bet a lot in the beginning. However, it’s best to bet low and test your luck. Not to mention, you can still hit big with a small bet.

How to Find a Cruise With a Good Casino

Now that you know a few pointers on how to win on a casino cruise, let’s talk about choosing the best cruise line.

First, you want to make sure that the casino cruise line offers its players the best perks. That way you’ll get the best value.

One, in particular, is Celebrity Cruises. They offer upscale packages that include spa access, VIP tickets, top-notch Wifi connection, and priority embarkation. 

Ready to Test Your Luck?

Casino cruises are always a good time. You get to take risks and possibly leave a few dollars richer. For more casino and gambling tips, be sure to follow this blog!

Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for That Hard-To-Buy-For Person

By
Elizabeth Williams

Do you know someone who’s impossible to buy presents for? You can stop searching! Take a look at these unique birthday gift ideas they’ll love!

Do you know someone who’s impossible to give gifts to? It can get quite frustrating when you spend hours poring over options only to realize they’re disappointed with the gift you gave them.

You can stop searching! Stop panicking! 

We’ve got 10 unique birthday gift ideas below for you to consider. Take a moment to read about these and find one that perfectly suits the birthday celebrant’s tastes:

  1. Photobook

Coming up with birthday gift ideas for someone hard to please can turn into an expensive experiment. Most of the gifts they might like could cost hundreds of dollars. Fortunately, you could save a few bucks by giving a photo book birthday present!

Don’t confuse photobooks with traditional photo albums. The pictures on a photo album fade with time. The pictures can come loose and get lost.

That’s not the case with a photobook. The photos get printed onto the page, guaranteeing high-quality production and longer shelf life.

  1. Kindle

Books make for excellent birthday gift ideas but why give one when you can give hundreds? 

Don’t worry, you don’t have to get a big shelf to do so! Instead, get the person an Amazon Kindle. These might look like traditional tablets but their screen and unique e-ink set them apart. 

For one thing, these devices replicate the look and feel of paper. They also use up a lot less energy compared to a phone or tablet, guaranteeing at least 28 hours on a single charge.

  1. Instant Camera

Cameras don’t seem like creative birthday gifts but that’s only when you consider traditional units. Why give a regular camera when a phone like the iPhone 11 could do better, right? 

Give an instant camera instead!

These are cameras that come with photo paper inside. As soon as you take a photo, the camera will print it out. 

No, you don’t have to look for an ancient Polaroid camera. There are modern iterations of this technology, such as the Polaroid Now and the Instax Mini. 

Don’t forget to buy an extra pack of photo paper so they can take a bunch of photos the moment they get their gift!

  1. Nintendo Switch

Is your loved one into video games? If they are, you should consider giving them a Nintendo Switch. It’s their latest gaming console that you can play docked, hooked to a TV, but also take out as a handheld device. 

There are a bunch of great games on the system. First-party exclusives such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 easily make it a worthwhile investment. There are also a bunch of great third-party games, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Overwatch. 

Are you afraid they’ll spend too much time on the couch? Get games like Ring Fit Adventure, Fitness Boxing, or Just Dance to make exercising fun!

It’s also a console built for couch multiplayer. Get 2-8 people to play games like Puyo Puyo Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or Mario Party, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

  1. Buy a Star

Did you know you can buy someone a star? You won’t find birthday present ideas more unique than that!

How does it work? Most stars don’t have an official name. They only have a registration code. 

By purchasing one, you get the opportunity for your special someone to name that star. They’ll even get a certificate and star map to go with it. The most amazing thing is that buying a star as a gift isn’t expensive! 

  1. Customized Shirt

You can never go wrong with specialized birthday gifts. This is why customized mugs, bracelets, and hats are so popular. However, why give something small when you can give customized shirts?

Someone difficult to please might not like traditional DIY print such as “I love my husband” or any other quirky phrase. Think outside the box and print images or quotes from their favorite movie, video game, book, or song. 

Take your time to discover what the recipient loves. Use that as your basis for the shirt’s design.

  1. Smart Coffee Machine

Who doesn’t love coffee? Almost everyone has a taste for good coffee but not everyone has time to brew a cup. Some people need to rush in the morning for work and school.

Fortunately, you can resolve that issue with a smart coffee machine. Internet of Things (IoT) devices make for special bday gifts but most of them are too complicated to use. Smart coffee machines are a lot simpler yet still effective.

Simply put some coffee grinds and connect the coffee machine to a phone via an app. Now the recipient can schedule an automatic brew at a specific hour each morning. They can use the app during their drive home so that it’ll brew a cup in time for their arrival.

  1. Murder Mystery Dinner

If you want to give a unique birthday gift the recipient will never forget, treat them to a murder mystery dinner.

During the dinner, actors will enter the dining area and set a scene. As the name implies, the story involves a murder scene and now all the diners have to go around the restaurant looking for clues. Diners also need to interview the actors to get their alibis and piece the crime together.

It’s fun, it’s silly, and the birthday celebrant will have an evening worth remembering.

  1. Wireless Phone Charger

If you want to give something functional but also not too loud and crazy, give them a wireless phone charger. These are also quick and simple to use: simply place a phone on top and they’ll wirelessly begin to charge. 

  1. Smart Speaker

Last, but certainly not least, you should consider giving a smart speaker. There are a ton of these nowadays, from the Amazon Echo Dot to the Google Assistant speaker. All of them allow you to control other IoT devices with voice commands.

The user can also use the speaker to play music or search for information on Google with voice commands too. These are intuitive and fun to use on their own but they become essential if the person also owns other IoT devices, like the aforementioned smart coffee machine or smart lights, locks, and a TV.

11. Travel Humidor

Buying a gift for a man who loves to smoke cigars? Buy them a travel humidor. This handy device can protect and keep cigars fresh. Most of these humdiors come with a built in hygrometers and a humidifiers, which can track the temperature of the cigar and keep cigars handy. To learn about cigar humidors, read more at 10BestRanked.

Try These Birthday Gift Ideas Now!

Giving gifts to someone hard to please can be a nightmare but these 10 choices guarantee they won’t complain. These are some of the best birthday gift ideas because they’re all fun, unique, and functional. 

Of course, these aren’t the only items to consider buying. If you need special gifts specifically for a girl or a boy, why not check out our other guides here? We might have the list you need!

How Do You Know if You Are Psychic? A Helpful Guide

By
Elizabeth Williams

Are you wondering how do you know if you are psychic? If yes, you should check out our guide here to learn more about psychic abilities.

Did you know that one in five US adults (22%) have consulted a psychic or a medium? While one-third of Americans (34%) believe that they’ve experienced a psychic episode themselves.

The study found that psychic episodes such as predicting the future seem to be more prominent in women than men. Along with psychic powers, 38% of Americans also claim to have felt the presence of a spirit at some point in their life.

But how do you know if you are psychic? Keep reading to find out more about your potential psychic abilities. 

How to Know If You Are Psychic

There might be many instances where you’ve stopped yourself and asked: “Am I psychic?”. For example, if you’ve ever been to a new place but felt like you’ve been there before. Or if you have a sense that something strange or unusual is about to happen and then it does. 

A human mind is a vast place that still isn’t completely understood. It is very possible that we all have psychic abilities within us. Psychic intuition is seen in our daily lives, but often we shrug it off and think that it was a coincidence. 

Some people believe that this psychic intuition is a result of life experiences. They believe we subconsciously log a range of information in our brains. Body language, tone of voice, facial cues, or something out of a place, are all examples of information we subconsciously log and use later for intuition purposes.

Other people believe that psychic intuition comes from a sense within. These psychic abilities operate underneath our layers of logic at a subconscious level. These intuitions are driven by unconscious reasoning that makes us do things without us understanding why.

Whichever you believe in, it is undeniable that intuition stems from a combination of factors. Those factors are intellectual ability, past experiences, knowledge, and sensory perceptions. To get immersed in what you know you’re good at, better keep in touch with a trustable professional willing to guide you through a self-discovering process. Regin Le Faye Psychic stands out as a great spiritual guide.

Do I Have Psychic Abilities: Signs You Are Psychic

So how do you tell if you have psychic abilities? It’s a grey area because of differing values and beliefs surrounding psychic powers. However, these signs might suggest that you are psychic.

  1. Your Gut Feeling Is Always Right

Sometimes we all have a gut feeling about something and it turns out to be true. However, you are more likely to be psychic if this is a natural occurrence. Having the right gut feeling all the time can often feel like you know things without being consciously aware. 

An example of these gut feelings could be knowing that an event will be canceled before it has been announced. Another example might be going a different way home because you just felt like you had to and then finding out there was an accident that happened on your usual journey home.

You might never know how you know these things before you find out, but you always do.

  1. Your Dreams Become Reality

You might have vivid dreams that you wake up and remember very well. These dreams might then play out in your life. Or manifestations of these dreams might come into your daily life.

For example, you might dream about losing a beloved item in your dream and then find that you lose something the next day. Some people might think that these are visions of the future. Whether they are or not, they can act as useful intuitions to help you prepare for things.

You might also experience dreams becoming reality when you are daydreaming. Daydreams might unfold moments after you’ve finished daydreaming. 

  1. You Struggle to Focus Your Mind

You might be psychic if you struggle to focus your mind. For example, traditional meditation may seem impossible because your brain is so active. 

Psychic people’s minds are often overrun with thoughts, colourful imagination, sounds, smells, and much more. So struggling to focus on something still like meditation and your own breathing may seem difficult. 

Being unable to focus can be frustrating however, it is also a gift that your senses are so heightened. 

  1. Ability to Read the Room

Those with psychic abilities are often very well connected with their surroundings and those around them. Being able to read a room and understand how people are thinking or feeling without them telling you might suggest you are psychic. 

You might also be able to feel how others are feeling. For example, you might feel their pain, sadness, anger, or even illness. This ability can be useful for everyday life and ensuring those around you are okay. 

As well as being able to read the room, you might feel more inspired to support those who need it most. For example, you are probably more inclined to offer a helping hand to those who are suffering or being bullied.

How to Develop Your Psychic Skills

If you believe you have psychic powers or intuitions then you might be interested in adventuring them further. To do this you might consider connecting with yourself and getting to know your mind and body better. 

You might also want to research more about what it means to be psychic and how you can use your powers for good. Learn more about psychic reading meanings including readings through astrology, angel cards, tarot cards, and palmistry. 

It is also useful to share your experiences with friends and family. Discussing your potential with them might help to bring some insight from their perspective. Maybe you’ll find out that you’ve always had these intuitions.

Use Our How Do You Know If You Are Psychic Guide

If you’ve ever felt like you might be able to predict the future, consult with our how do you know if you are a psychic guide to learn more about your potential powers. You can try honing in your psychic skills by being more mindful of your surroundings and signs that are sent from the universe.

If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure you have a read of some of our other lifestyle articles. 

Praise Be! How to Choose a Church Fellowship That’s Right For You

By
Elizabeth Williams

Looking to join a new fellowship that truly suits your personality and religious beliefs? Here’s how to choose a church fellowship that’s the perfect fit.

No matter who you praise, you want your church to be a place of comfort and solace. 

Or comfort and excitement – a place where you can grow, thrive and make friends. 

If you were lucky enough to have this kind of church experience while you were growing up, you know the hole that not having a congregation, you feel you truly belong to can leave in your heart. 

We’re here to help you fill that hole! Whether you’ve recently come back in line with your faith or have moved to a new place, we’re going over how to choose a church that will have you singing “hallelujah” (or your version of it), below. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Stray from Your “Denomination” 

There are many types of Christians. And you may find that there’s a better fit for you than the denomination of Christianity (or anything else) that you grew up as. 

When you’re looking for a new church, do some research about the denomination you know best. Which other denominations are closely related to it? What do you not like about your current denomination? 

There may be another church with similar teachings but less of the aspects you don’t like, nearby. You just have to be open to trying new things. 

Church websites are the go-to places these days, as doing general research about denominations isn’t necessarily helpful. Each church interprets its faith in a different way, and its website will give you a hint as to how they do that. 

It’s possible to find a Baptist church, for example, that doesn’t concentrate so much on the hellfire and brimstone, but more on the love Jesus taught us to have for each other. 

You wouldn’t commit to a job or a school without doing market research, so why should your church be different? 

Learning more about different types of churches can only help you learn more about your faith – which is exactly what every higher power wants!

Ask Friends If You Can Go With Them 

If you know someone that truly loves their church, ask them if you can go with them for a week or two. Let them know that you’re essentially “shopping” for churches, and you love how passionate they are about theirs. 

Yes, it will be a little awkward if you don’t “pick” their church in the end, but a true friend wants you to find the best fit for you. 

Any potential awkwardness will be worth it for the stronger bond you make with that friend, and the people they introduce you to when you attend. 

There’s no reason that you can’t join another church’s book group or bridge club, even if you find a better fit. People are people, and we’re all looking for the same thing: meaningful connection.

Don’t Know Anyone? Go On Your Own!

Churches welcome guests, and you can go to a service for the first time with whatever level of interaction you want. 

That’s the beauty of church. You only have to get as involved as you want to. Maybe you’re more comfortable slipping into a back pew and not talking to Anyone for the first time when you’re trying out a church. 

That’s fine! But don’t be too afraid to talk to someone on the welcoming committee, as you’re looking to determine the social fit of a place of worship, as well.

Know What You’re Looking For 

Just like you know what you’re not looking for, you need to know what you’re looking for in a church, as well. 

Some people go to church for the musical aspect, and so finding a place of worship that prioritizes their choir or band is essential. 

Youth Program Considerations

Have kids? A church that invests and takes care of its youth needs to be high on your list. But just having a youth program isn’t enough. 

You want to find out how they teach their youth – and with what methods. Talking to other parents during your first few exploratory sessions is the best way to do this. 

Here are some youth-program questions to ask. 

  • How involved is your youth program? IE, how often do they meet, are there opportunities for involvement that aren’t just Sunday-school?
  • What’s their retention rate?
  • What is the goal of their youth program? 

While you should talk to other parents about the youth program, don’t be afraid to also meet with their youth services director. This is the place your children are going to spend time every week, and you need to screen it like you would anywhere else.

Consider Catch-All Denominations 

If you’ve never felt like you truly found your spiritual home, maybe that’s because you have a non-structured version of spirituality. 

That’s absolutely ok. You don’t have to put any rules on yourself when it comes to picking your place of worship. 

There are churches for every type of spiritual person, including those that don’t necessarily believe in God, or in God the way the classical churches teach. 

Examples of Non-Traditional Churches 

Two good non-traditional churches to try are the Unity Church and Unitarian Universalist Fellowships. 

While you’ll have to do the bulk of your own research, here’s a quick look at what each church believes. 

The Unity Church is a Christian denomination but in a mild way. You are welcome at the Unity church if your version of spirituality or Christianity revolves around the idea of love – not fear. 

The Unitarian Universalist Church, on the other hand, is not a Christian denomination. You can think of it as a catch-all for those that want a place to explore their spirituality but aren’t comfortable with the confines of traditional religion. 

In both above faiths, you are welcome to interpret God as whatever it means to you – whether that’s the earth, the universe, or anything else that makes sense for you. 

And whether you choose a church like the Parkway Fellowship or decide you’d like to convert to Judaism, we at Womanfesting will be bursting with joy for you. 

How to Choose a Church You Love

While we think of spirituality as a creative, living, breathing thing, sometimes it has to be practical. And while that may make the idea seem less romantic, doing the practical research steps above is the only way we know to help you learn how to choose a church. 

Did these tips work for you? Have you found your spiritual home? We hope so!

If you need more guidance on spirituality, check out the rest of this blog page.

What is Cervical Spinal Stenosis? Common Signs of a Severe Back Problem

By
Elizabeth Williams
Back Pain

How do you know when you have more than just muscle pain in your back? Check out this guide to cervical spinal stenosis and common symptoms to watch for.

If you suffer from cervical spinal stenosis, just know that you aren’t alone. Nearly 500,000 Americans currently suffer from some form of spinal stenosis. 

While this condition usually affects the population around 50 years of age, many others are younger that are suffering as well.

Spinal stenosis, especially cervical spinal stenosis, can be excruciatingly painful. As the space in your spine narrows, there is more pressure put on the nerves, which can feel unbearably uncomfortable. 

So what is spinal stenosis, what does it look like, and what can you do to feel relief from it? The last thing you want to experience is putting your life aside because you cannot handle the pain.

Thankfully, we did some research and found out some answers. Keep on reading to learn more about cervical spinal stenosis, and how you can deal with it.

Most chiropractor and physicians recommends the intake of Soma pain medication to help combat the excruciating pain caused from spinal stenosis. A number of people is seen to buy Soma online USA for its potency to fight the pain by blocking the pain signals from the spinal cord from reaching the brain of the person. Its efficacy to work within thirty minutes of taking the dosage makes it a trusted pain medication among most doctors and health professionals. With a half-life of two to three hours, the effects of Soma pain medication lasts for 5 to 6 hours in a person. The Soma dosage can be taken with other therapy and chiropractic treatments for better results.

The benefits of chiropractic care treatments are that it can help to widen the space between the bones of the spine and the spinal cord within the narrowed spinal canal. This can help to relieve the tension within the tightened muscles, remove the pressure off the nerves, and correcting the displacement of the spinal nerves.

Let’s get started.

What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs when the little spinal canal that hosts your nerves and spinal cord begins to narrow (stenosis). This creates compression in the spine and pinches the nerve roots or spinal cord. 

This is an essential part of your nervous system, as it is the main connection of the entire body to your brain. There is no cure as of yet, but this can lead to other conditions and worsen if not treated or managed.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

For a majority of people, osteoarthritis is the main cause of cervical spinal stenosis, along with wear and tear such as arthritis.  

As we age, the cartilage breaks down in between our bones, and the little disks (similar to a jelly donut) become flattened and no longer provide support.

When osteoarthritis occurs, the spinal ligaments thicken, bone spurs begin to develop, and there is tremendous pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

A few other causes of spinal stenosis include:

  • Tumors that put pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Trauma damages the area around the spine.
  • Herniated disks, which causes the liquid (jelly in the donut) to seep out and presses on your spinal cord or nerves.
  • Paget’s Disease, an occurrence where the bones grow excessively fragile and larger, which presses on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Spondyloarthritis, which is a type of arthritis that attacks the spine. 

This typically occurs in older adults, primarily if you are over 50 years of age, female, have narrower bones, and have had previous trauma to the spine.

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis may begin as pain in your neck or lower back, which can make it hard to make a diagnosis in the beginning. Eventually, there will be tingling sensations, numbing sensations, and pain down one or both legs.

Some other symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

  • Difficulty standing up or walking: Due to the pressure on the spine when in an upright position.
  • Sciatica pain: This is characterized by a pain in the buttocks that travels down either the left leg, right leg, or both.
  • Foot drop: The pinched nerve causes weakness in the leg which leads to fibular nerve pain and eventually, the foot to drop. 
  • Incontinence: In a worst-case scenario, the function of the bladder and/or bowels may happen due to the weakened nerves in the area.
  • Paralysis: Full inability to use one or both legs due to weakened nerves and pinched spinal cord.

The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary, so it is essential to see your general practitioner as soon as possible to begin diagnosis and treatment.

Besides symptoms, there are a few ways to test for spinal stenosis, including Computerized Tomography (CT scans), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), OR X-Rays. 

How Do You Treat Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

There are many different types of treatments available for spinal stenosis, and it depends on your level of severity and pain. 

Medications

Your doctor may immediately begin treating you with certain medications such as muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications, or Naproxen.

These should only be a short term relief and not the full treatment, as these medications can lead to side effects. 

Injections

Another great treatment is a corticosteroid injection such as prednisone into the spine, which again, is a great short term relief, but only numbs the pain and does not get to the root of the problem. There are also other injections like nerve-blockers, but again, they only provide blockage of pain-not a treatment.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Surgery is another option, including laminoplasty and laminectomy, which create a space in between the spinal bones so the inflammation can slow down. Surgery, however, should be a last resort option as it has many more risks than the other options.

Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy

Chiropractic treatments can help to widen the space between the bones of the spine and the spinal cord within the narrowed spinal canal. This can help to relieve the tension within the tightened muscles, remove the pressure off the nerves, and correcting the displacement of the spinal nerves.

Make sure you make an appointment with a specialized spinal stenosis chiropractor to ensure you get the best results. 

Home Treatments

In some cases, you can lessen the symptoms of spinal stenosis just by changing your lifestyle. 

Exercise can help you to strengthen the weakened muscles that surround the spine. This can also help improve your posture, which will help correct some imbalances in the spinal area.

Hot and cold therapy is also a great way to handle the inflammation in the spinal joint. Alternate between a very cold shower or ice bath and a heat pack on the spine.

Learn More About Cervical Spinal Stenosis

There you have it, everything there is to know about cervical spinal stenosis. What it is, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to treat it.

If you found this article useful, check out more like this under the health and wellness section of our blog! 

A Ceremony to Remember! 9 of the Best Wedding Venues in California

By
Elizabeth Williams

Are you trying to learn about the best wedding venues in California? If yes, you should check out our list by clicking right here.

Over 2 million weddings are performed in the U.S. each year.

With so many people planning on getting married, there are so many wedding venues booked each year. 

If you’re planning a wedding and want to know what wedding venues are absolutely gorgeous, check out the 9 best wedding venues in California. 

  1. Brix Restaurant and Gardens

This beautiful wedding is in Napa surrounded by wine country. This venue seats up to 200 people and has views of the Mayacamas Mountains. You will also find a dance floor and an onsite catering restaurant.  

  1. Bear Flag Farm

This gorgeous wedding venue has a backdrop of lavender fields and citrus groves. It also offers award-winning wines for your wedding. 

To top it off, it also has local-produced catering that’s perfect for catering. You can include up to 100 guests at this amazing wedding venue. 

  1. Wedgewood Wedding

A beach wedding is the dream of a lifetime for many couples. Wedgewood in Carmel, CA offers a beautiful backdrop of a beach and an ocean. 

After the ceremony, you can celebrate after in beautiful banquet halls. 

  1. Moniker Warehouse

This beautiful wedding venue is located in sunny San Diego in trendy East Village. It holds up to 200 guests and you can select your own catering service instead of choosing from a select few. 

  1. Noor

This wedding venue is located in Pasadena and gives you outdoor and indoor wedding options. 

If you choose outside, you’ll have a decorative fountain and a courtyard decked out to the finest. If you choose inside, you’ll find two beautiful ballrooms. You’ll also find several catering packages as part of the wedding venue. 

  1. The Abbey on Fifth Avenue

Located in San Diego, this wedding venue is at an older church where you are surrounded by beautiful architecture. 

You also have the services of an event planner to help your day run a bit smoother. 

  1. The Pearl SF

Located in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco, this beautiful wedding comes equipped to give you everything you need for a wedding. It comes with a bar, on-site catering, and so much more. 

  1. Brownstone Gardens

This venue is located in Oakley and offers an amazing garden setting for you to get married. 

There are also fountains, koi ponds, and waterfalls that surround you during your perfect day. 

  1. Cinnabar Hills

This wedding venue in San Jose is at an exclusive golf club. It offers a beautiful backdrop of the rose-covered pergola and accommodates guests up to 250. 

If you want to find a wedding outside of beaches and golf resorts, you’ll find that nothing says destination wedding quite like cruise weddings. 

The Best Wedding Venues in California: Make Your Wedding More Memorable

While your wedding will already be memorable by marrying your best friend, you can make it more memorable by having your wedding at the most beautiful locations in California. You can have a dream wedding! 

For more information on the best wedding venues in California, you can visit our website and learn more!

18 Interesting Astrology Facts You Should Know

By
Elizabeth Williams

There are many fascinating astrology facts that are worth knowing. You can click right here to learn more about these facts.

Although astrology has been around for thousands of years, it’s currently seeing a huge surge in popularity. In fact, one study found that astrology apps are now so popular that they’re a billion-dollar industry. 

If you’re one of the many people who is just starting to discover astrology and is looking to learn more about the subject, you’ve come to the right place. Or, if you’re well-versed in astrology but are looking to expand your knowledge, this guide is also for you. 

Read on to discover the top interesting astrology facts you should know. 

  1. You Need Your Exact Time of Birth for an Accurate Chart 

Have you ever read information about your horoscope and felt that it was a little bit off? Or, have you read something online about your birth chart that didn’t seem quite right?

If so, this is possible because in order to pin down your various signs and map out a personalized birth chart, you need your exact time of birth- we’re talking down to the minute. Luckily, all you need is a copy of your birth certificate to pin it down, as this information is written on there in addition to the day, date, and year.

  1. You Have More Than One Sign 

Most people think they know what their astrological sign is. However, if you know the sign that’s based on your birthdate, what you’re thinking of is your sun sign. Most of us know are sun sign because it’s the biggest factor when it comes to determining personality traits. 

However, everyone also has a rising sign and a moon sign. And, these aren’t always the same. For example, your sun sign may be Sagittarius, while your rising sign may be Gemini. In order to figure out your rising sign and moon sign, you will need to know your exact time of birth. 

Your rising sign also identifies your personality, while your sun sign is what drives your spirit and ego. Essentially, your sun sign is what motivates you to reach your goals. Additionally, your moon sign represents your emotions. 

  1. Sagittarius is the Most Common Sign for Celebrities 

Have you ever read a horoscope article that includes a section with other celebrities who also share your same horoscope? Most of us are usually tickled to find out that we share some of the same characteristics as big celebrities like Taylor Swift or Jennifer Aniston. 

But, if you’re a Sagittarius, then you get some extra bragging rights, as Sagittarius is the most common sign for celebrities. On the other end of the spectrum, Taurus was the sign that was least represented among celebrities. 

Sagittarius are known for being extremely charismatic, funny, and outgoing, so we think this makes sense!

  1. India, China, and Greece Were the First Countries to Use Astrology 

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, astrology has been around for centuries. It actually originated in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. From there, different cultures adapted the practices of astrology and created their own beliefs around it. 

While now astrology is practiced in nearly every country in some form or another, the first countries to use astrology were actually India, China, and Greece. 

Greeks would actually intertwine astrology with mythology. China and India, on the other hand, would combine superstition and religion with astrology.

Additionally, many of the first scientists in medieval Europe were astronomers and astrologers. While some people now view astrology as a pseudoscience, it was a very well-regarded profession back in the day. 

  1. We’ve Had Astrology Buffs for Presidents 

You probably wouldn’t think that many US presidents would believe in astrology, but think again. 

Both presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt were astrology buffs. And they were even known to quote horoscopes from time to time. 

Additionally, the Reagans were actually pretty into astrology. Mrs. Reagan, in particular, would take astrological circumstances into consideration when planning big events. It was said that she became particularly interested in the subject after the attempted assassination of her husband, President Ronald Reagan. 

President Reagan also consulted a professional astrologer in order to help make decisions in the White House. 

  1. An Astrologer Predicted Hitler’s Future  

While no one could have predicted the horrible acts Hitler would carry out, one astrologer came pretty close to predicting his future. The astrologer’s name was Frau Elsbeth Ebertin, and after looking at Hitler’s birth chart, she predicted that he would be the Fuhrer of Germany (aka leader). 

Hitler was also said to belive in astrology and he even consulted with astrologers throughout World War II. 

  1. There are Many Different Branches of Astrology 

Just as there are many different religions, there are also many different branches of astrology. Some of the branches are still in practice, while others have died out. Some modern branches of astrology include:

  • Burmese astrology
  • Horoscopic astrology
  • Chinese astrology
  • Indian astrology
  • Electional astrology
  • Horary astrology
  • Tibetan astrology
  • Western astrology
  • Sri Lankan astrology

Some historical branches that have died out include:

  • Mayan astrology
  • Judicial astrology
  • Hindu astrology
  • Egyptian astrology
  • Celtic astrology
  • Nadi astrology
  • Political astrology
  • Katarchic astrology
  • Mundane astrology

Each of these branches has its own fascinating history and set of rules that are worth looking into. 

  1. Astrology and Palmistry are Different 

Many people think that astrology and palmistry are one and the same, but they’re actually completely different. 

While astrology looks at how our birth chart and the planets affect our behavior, palmistry relies solely on your hand. If you want to learn more about palmistry, you can check out this guide to learn how to read main palm lines. 

Are You Ready to Share These Astrology Facts? 

We hope you discovered some interesting astrology facts that you didn’t already know. Now, it’s time to share these facts with the other budding astrologers in your life. 

Also, be sure to check back in with our blog for more astrology news and tips.

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