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What to Do After Losing Your Partner

Losing a life partner or spouse is an incredibly painful experience, no matter the age or if the death was sudden or not. Nothing can fully prepare you for such a difficult loss. Mourning and grief take time to work through. Not only is the process painful, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful as you try to navigate life on your own and figure out funeral arrangements and legal documents. Thankfully, there are resources available to help you move through this difficult time in your life. 

Planning ahead

Illness, injury, and death usually happen without warning. But despite the unexpected nature of these events, you can plan ahead. As you age, it is imperative to gather all of your important documents into one place and make sure your partner knows where these papers are located. Examples of such documents are personal and financial records. Personal records can include information like your full legal name, social security number, employers and dates of employment, public birth records, marriage license, medications, and will. Financial records can include insurance information, bank account numbers, mortgages and debts, and car registration. Keep this information in a designated location like a file, drawer, or fireproof box. 

A will is one of the main items you will need to draw up as you get older. A will outlines who you want your money and personal assets to go to when you die. You will choose an executor to distribute your estate to the correct beneficiaries. 

Arranging a funeral 

One of the first things you will need to do after your partner dies is to make funeral arrangements. A funeral will typically cost around $5,000 in Australia. Before choosing a funeral company, ask for an itemized and written quote. Funeral services can be expensive, so do your best to maintain a budget and only spend what you can. Some costs to consider include funeral director fees, coffin, death certificate, burial or cremation, and transport. Given how pricey a funeral is, there are ways to help reduce the cost. Your partner’s bank may be able to dispense some money from their account before the court validates their will. And some organizations can help with funerals costs like the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Human Services. 

Collecting financial entitlements 

When your partner passes on, there is usually a shift in household income and you might feel a bit of a financial burden at first. However, you may be entitled to certain finances in some cases. Check with the Department of Human Services for any government payments you are entitled to. Notify your partner’s bank of his or her death. They will let you know what steps need to be taken. If your partner had life insurance, contact the insurer regarding any death benefits. It is recommended for anyone with a partner or family to get life insurance. Make sure to get a life insurance quote with iSelect before purchasing. 

Seek professional help

As previously mentioned, losing a loved one is an incredibly traumatic and agonizing experience. Don’t be afraid to seek out counseling or emotional support if you need it. You may experience feelings of loneliness or depression as you cope with the loss, which is completely normal. Private counseling, support groups, and crisis center hotlines are available to help you work through your emotions and heal. A host of bereavement resources are also available online to help you process your partner’s death. And don’t feel ashamed to reach out to a relative or friend for support during this time. Sometimes just talking to someone about how you feel or asking for a shoulder to cry on can be incredibly beneficial. 

Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Your Weekly Shop

If you’re looking for ways to minimize how much you’re spending each week, there are some clear places you can start to make cuts. Convenience is often something that we pay for, but a little effort instead can save you much more money than the convenience that we buy. A great example of this is moving from eating out to cooking at home. A meal at a restaurant might cost almost as much as a full week’s grocery shop. If you’re trying to save money on how much you spend on food, then try some of these tips.

  1. Cook in batches.

If you’re spending time in the kitchen, then any time you aren’t cooking in bulk is wasted. The time to prepare one serving of a meal and four servings is very similar, making the amount of extra food you get well worth it. This saves you in two ways. The first is that you can buy your food in bulk, which will save you from having to buy the same small amount of each food every time you cook. In addition, you’ll be more likely to use all the food you purchased, resulting in fewer leftovers. You also save time, which is more valuable than anything. Being able to get home and not worry about cooking is a huge time saver and can lower your stress and give you time to do the things you enjoy or spend more time with your family. Some meals that lend themselves well to cooking in batches are those that can be frozen like stews, chili, or curries. Make a large batch and then portion out and freeze for meals throughout the week.

  1. Learn to freeze everything.

If you ever cooked a meal, but there’s a bit too much left over, make sure to take a ziplock bag and throw it in the fridge! Once a week, try having a Leftovers Day where you dig through what you’ve left and eat it all up. In addition, do a quick check of the fridge every few days and save food that you don’t plan on using soon. Vegetables are a good candidate for this. Grab that pepper that’s inevitably going to go off before you get to use it and get it in the freezer. Likewise, if you have fruit that’s about to get too ripe to eat, chop it up and freeze. These can then be thrown in the blender for smoothies later on.

  1. Buy frozen.

As well as freezing fresh food that you don’t plan on eating and freezing meals you’ve prepared in batches, think about buying fruit and vegetables frozen rather than fresh in the first place. Frozen vegetables are easy to throw into any meal and are very quick to cook, along with the benefit that you don’t have to spend the time preparing it. Frozen fruit is perfect for making morning smoothies and make the drink cold without having to add ice cubes. Frozen food is also very nutritious, and because it’s frozen while the fruit or vegetable is still fresh, all the nutrients are maintained, while fruit and vegetables that are left on the shelf or fridge too long will start to lose their benefits. 

  1. Buy food when it’s in season.

For the best value for money, always try to buy food that’s both local and in season. This means you’ll get a great variety of food throughout the year as you buy fruit and vegetables in particular that come and go into the season. These will be much cheaper, as buying food that isn’t in season essentially means you’re paying to have it imported. A tomato that has been flown overseas just so you can eat it in the winter will be far more expensive than buying winter vegetables. If you want to keep eating food out of season, try buying in bulk and then freeze so that it lasts. If getting fruit and vegetables yourself is too much hassle, if you work a full-time job with a family, for example, and don’t have time to go to the farmers market, see if you can find a co-op that will deliver to you each week. This will save you from having to source your food yourself and will mean that you have fresh food at your door to prepare every week.

  1. Plan out your meals.

One of the key mistakes that people make when doing their weekly groceries is to go without a plan. This can lead to you wandering around and picking up whatever takes your fancy at the time. You then get home and realize you’ve missed one key ingredient for that new dish that you were going to make, and then have to go back to get it. Not having a weekly meal plan may also lead to wastage, as you buy food and then completely forget that it’s sat in the back of the fridge until it’s too late. Instead, try to focus on 3 to 4 meals each week that you plan to cook, get all the ingredients you need, and then cook your meals in bulk. This will minimize wastage and will mean that you have food for the whole week. One of the best ways to avoid going out to eat or getting food delivered from a place like https://www.foodpanda.com.bd/cuisine/pizza-delivery-dhaka is having food in the house that’s tasty and ready to eat. 

  1. Get membership cards.

Regardless of where you shop, you’ll always save money by buying membership cards for your store of choice. Once you have it, look for deals that are for members only, or that require coupons. As you shop more, you’ll start to notice the benefits of getting discounts on all of the food items that you were going to buy anyway. In addition, make sure to shop around and get membership cards at all and any grocery stores around you. It might be that one store has a great deal you can’t miss out on.

The trendiest A/W ’19 styles for men

This Autumn/ Winter it’s all about oversized outwear, trousers with a twist and sharp retro suits. Forget the tired autumnal shades and try out vibrant colored scarves paired with wet-look jackets.

It’s time to get out of your comfort zone and embrace this season’s trends.

Trench coats 

Oversized trench coats are a practical, yet stylish choice of outerwear. Big designers, like Prada, Fendi and Dolce and Gabbana, have been showcasing this style in Fashion Month.

Why not opt for a more affordable option at Orvis? They offer a range of high-quality coats and jackets that encompass the trendiest styles all year round.

Embrace your inner Parisian with an oversized trench over streetwear. Or, when you are heading to the office on a rainy day embrace the practicality of a long-line trench.

Harry Potter style scarves 

This season is all about oversized outwear. To match these large proportions, designers are upping the ante on scarves as well. Think thick, loosely knitted and contrasting colours for this year’s winter accessories.

Kent and Curwen have embraced the academic look this season. The Hogwarts style scarves are definitely a statement piece that will keep you warm throughout the colder months.

Split Leg Trousers

Last year it was all about the basketball style trouser with a popper slit. This season designers are taking a new look on the flared trouser. Try out the new split hem trend to make wearing flares a little easier.

This style works perfectly with those chunky Western boots in the bottom of your wardrobe. Check out Dunhill’s and John Lawrence Sullivan’s take on the split leg trouser.

Peaky Blinders inspired pieces 

Your favourite TV show made an appearance in Fashion Month this year. Kent and Curwen released their collaboration with Peaky Blinders, named: “By Order of the Peaky Blinders.” Who doesn’t love gangster style?

This trend includes tailored suits, grandad shirts and all things tweed. Embrace your inner twenties gentleman with this collection.

Long puffer jackets 

Just when you thought puffer jackets were going out of style, the leading designers have hit the refresh button. This season it’s all about the long puffer jacket. From vibrant retro colours to wet look pieces, the longline puffer has to be your new statement jacket.

If this style is a little to avant-garde for your taste, why not try a padded gilet or quilted jacket? You can achieve a toned-down version of the puffer jacket, while still remaining practical and comfortable with your style.

How Smart Casuals Ignite Your Golf Experience

What you are and how you feel essentially defines your personality. In turn, personality in you drives your skills the best in your favorite game. It gives you self-confidence when you are with your fellow participants and even with your friends and helps you stay awakened throughout the game. You should experience the mental and physical drives that accompany wearing comfortable fabrics to know better! Smart casuals are elegant, comfortable, and easy to wear. A button down shirt for men or women is always satisfactory. Why is it so? And what are the best brands that specialize in these button down shirts? This article discusses precisely those aspects.

What Can a Comfortable Fabric Offer?

Comfortable button down shirts are more famous for their appearance and quality. The easy flow wings of the collar became out of fashion years back, and shirts with additional buttons underneath became prominent slowly. These buttons give better looks and increased comfort levels, as well. As you button them up in the shirt, it looks neat and professional from the neck till the waist. These shirts make you breathable and help you engage well in any of your activities by boosting your motivation levels as you start playing. 

Why do the Best Services Matter?

The unique shirt pattern is best, and so is the brand that offers it. Premium and good quality brands provide you the finest products. They are known for their excellent fabrication. Considering various aspects while purchasing the shirts is undoubtedly essential. Getting heated up and sweating is common during a heavy workout play. Managing with fabrics is an ideal choice to get rid of fatigue and feel fresh as well. It is highly essential for a healthy and hygienic lifestyle.

Look for products that are designed with desired levels of ventilation to help you stay cool. They will keep your skin dry and fresh as well. You should expect a swift evaporation and good luster. Check for varied designs with contrasting colors. If you do so, you will never get bored with the traditional routine patterns. Matching colored trousers and shoes will get you complete for the experience of your favorite sport. Look for products that are available with the right fit and that retain your body shape entirely. Doing so will help you move freely and with extreme swiftness as you swing during your turn in the golf court. Golf rangefinders are definitely worth the money if you are looking to improve your game

Advanced Online Shopping

Online shopping offers extended brand support from the time you purchase the product until you get the best experience. You get a clearer picture of the size on screen and the perfect fit that you need to choose. If you always feel that it is not up to your expectations on size and fit, you can always go for an exchange. The ordering and shipping operations are just so perfect that you see convenience at its best online. You can sit at home and purchase any shirt you like from any shop.

When you have everything around a necessary fabric, why are you waiting? Just go shopping for your favorite pattern and color. Feeling comfortable and motivated is always essential while playing. The above are two things that keep hampering your playing activities as you go on and forth. The button down shirt type and its fabric design is undoubtedly a plus when it comes to golf. The product is affordable, cost-effective, and the best in quality. Purchase, wear and experience it for yourself.

Feeling Tense and Worried? This is How You Can Overcome Your Fears

If you are feeling tense and worried, there are ways to overcome your fears. Click here for some tips and ways to overcome fears.

Are you struggling with constantly feeling tense and worried? 

If so, you’re not alone. In the U.S. alone, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, and nearly 40 million American adults suffer every year. 

The best thing you can do for anxiety is to seek professional help, but only about 37 percent of American adults receive treatment for their anxious thoughts and behaviors. 

Receiving professional treatment is a good option, but it’s not available to everyone.  The good news is that there are some things you can do to help yourself overcome fears and live a happier, healthier life. 

If you’re struggling but not sure how to find relief, keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks. 

How To Help When You’re Feeling Tense 

Fear is one of the strongest and most complex human emotions, so it’s difficult to overcome. You won’t find relief overnight, so you have to start building small habits every day that will eventually make your anxiety more manageable. 

To help you get started, here are four tips that will help you manage constantly feeling tense and worried about your everyday life: 

  1. Try and Face Your Fear 

If you can try and face your fears head-on, you might realize that you were concerned about something minor and easy to manage. 

For example, if you’re overcoming the fear of driving at night, try going for a short drive at night and work your way up to managing that fear. 

Also, try and figure out what the root of your fear is. Maybe you’re afraid of driving at night because you can’t see things at night very well. If this is the case, a simple trip to the eye doctor could help you manage your fear. 

  1. Keep a Journal 

Sometimes we feel worried or anxious for no apparent reason. To try and track what triggers your tense feelings, keep a detailed journal of how you feel and when you feel it. Also, write down any thoughts you’re having and what you think might have caused your panic. 

Reading back over your journal entries can help you identify patterns and events or thoughts that trigger your anxious feelings, and then you can work to avoid those things in the future. 

  1. Work More Exercise Into Your Routine

Exercise is one of the best ways to take a break for your routine and clear your head. A good workout requires concentration, and you might find that after your workout, you can’t remember what you were anxious about in the first place. 

  1. Eat Healthily 

Healthy eating is another way to manage your anxiety. Dips in blood sugar can create more anxious thoughts, so keep your body happy and fed with plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

Learn More About Anxiety and Overcoming Fears 

Feeling tense and worried is a normal part of life, but when it begins to impact your daily activities, you should seek professional help. While there are some things you can learn that will help you manage your fears, don’t be afraid to speak with an expert. 

If you’d like more information on managing anxiety and overcoming your fears, check out the rest of our website for helpful mental health resources. 

 

Use These Dietary Tips to Help You Reduce Dia Recti

Have you recently had a child but hate the way your body looks? You’re among the millions of American women dealing with postpartum issues. One of the significant problems that most women face is the flabby tummy that is hard to get rid of. Doctors call it diastasis recti.

If you’re not new to childbearing, you have probably heard that an exercise program can help you reduce dia recti. This fitness program has helped a lot of new mothers in the US gain back their confidence. It engages women in customized workouts to help them deal with different issues. The program meets the needs of every mother, and it’s easy to follow.

Exercise is, however, not the only secret to eradicating diastasis recti. Proper nutrition can enable your body close to the diastasis recti gap. Therefore, you have to maintain a healthy diet for the sake of your body and mind. What you eat when you have such a condition can either heal you or make it difficult to recover. Proper nutrition supports your body’s repair process. If you want to get rid of that flabby tummy after pregnancy, start by making changes in your kitchen.

The dietary tips for diastasis recti

Healthy foods can help reduce the fat on your poofy stomach while at the same time, support the development of strong muscles. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, leads to more accumulation of fat around the belly, which can worsen your condition. It can also lead to less motivation during workouts.

  • Avoid inflammatory foods

For you to heal from this condition, remove any inflammatory foods from your kitchen. This includes things such as processed foods, caffeine, trans fats, alcohol, and sugar. One of the leading contributors to most illnesses in the US is chronic inflammation. This affects your immune system negatively and makes the healing process slow. Foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar, such as sweets, can lead to excess weight gain and increased cholesterol levels.

  • Consume essential fatty acids

As you get rid of such foods, you can replace them with some healthy alternatives such as essential fatty acids. These can give you the energy you need for your daily routine and also boost your immune system. Some of the healthy sources are oily fish, eggs, seeds, avocados, and nuts. Each food source has its specific benefits that you should be aware of. For instance, nuts reduce your appetite and prevent you from overeating.

  • Take vitamins and minerals

Ensure that your foods are rich in vitamins, such as A and C, as well as minerals like zinc. These are essential in the regeneration of collagen, which muscles require. You can get vitamins and minerals from foods such as carrots, kiwis, peppers, beans, and kales.

  • Consume fiber

Your body also needs enough fiber to boost the digestion process. One of the symptoms that many women with diastasis recti face is constipation. You can reduce this by taking whole grains rich in fiber such as lentils, beans, broccoli, and berries.

Conclusion

A combination of proper diet and workouts can help you get rid of dia recti for good and enjoy a flat tummy. Do not also forget to take water since it helps in boosting connective tissue healing.

6 Ways to Lessen Your Home Insurance Rates

Getting home insurance is a must these days as a property is usually the most prized possession and you need to protect it from the unexpected dangers or at the times of natural disasters. The following are 6 ways in which you can have proper control over the cost of your home insurance if your life insurance policy is already eating up your monthly income:

  1. Shop around

You need not hurry when you are deciding upon purchasing a home insurance policy. But, you need to explore and discover on the insurance policies that are offered through several different insurance companies. For estimating the cost of the policies you will also be coming across the quotes. You need to select the company that is trustworthy enough for you to purchase comprehensive home insurance plans through them that would meet your needs as well as your budget.

  1. Increase your deductibles:

Depending on the terms of the policy, the deductibles are usually the part of the claim that you would be paying before your insurer clearing your claim. You are set to have lower premium rates every month the higher the amount of deductible you are setting. So, you need to ensure that you are setting the deductible higher and one that is affordable by you.

  1. Locate intelligently

You need to ensure that you are setting your property at a location that is best and is not under the damage-prone zone. The home insurance policy might be having a different deductible for every kind of natural damages while you are living in zones that are prone to disasters such as that of flood, storm and other natural calamities.

  1. Avoid making small claims

This is where people make huge mistakes. You need to have room for huge loss protection as you are exhausting your policy in the smaller claims. You also need to deal with the minute issues on your own and have this policy untouched to protect your home in times of natural calamities.

  1. Improve home security: You also need to make sure that you have an increased amount of security in your home with the installation of home security devices, such as that of sprinklers, alarm systems and others. This is the best way in which you can avoid burglar breakouts and other damages.
  2. Merge Policies with one Insurer

You can now merge your policies under a single insurer. This proves to be the cheapest solution when you are buying health insurance, life insurance as well as your vehicle insurance and secondary home insurance  from the same company. This is the factor that also lowers down your premiums. It is also cost-effective when you buy the policies in the form of a package. You are also living stress-free, as you will be pulled off from the policy renewal.

You will come across several insurers who are offering age as well as profession discounts. Discounts are also there for retired people and people who hold a good credit score.

About the author:

Tejas Maheta is the Founder of techiegenie.com and a tech geek. Besides blogging he love reading books, Learning new things, and Hanging out with friends.

 

Smart shopping tips during Black Friday Sale 2019

The holidays are almost here and everybody seems to fervently wait for the Black Friday deals. Hullabaloo and deep discounts are in the air. Get geared and avail up to 80% discount on popular stores like Macy’s, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Kohl’s  and Walmart among many other stores featuring Black Friday sales. To help you sail through the madness, we have come up with an array of tips and advice so that you can make the wisest choice this shopping carnival.

Make a list and check it twice

The very first thing you need to do is prepare a checklist and prevent yourself falling into the trap of buying unnecessary stuff. List the items on the basis of the importance. You can use Amazon or even Alexa to make your customized list. You can even share your list publicly to make sure your friends and family get you gift you want.

Be an early bird

Early bird catches the worm. Oh yes, this is true for Black Friday as well. Black Friday sale is no more a one day event, offers and deep discounts are unveiled throughout Thanksgiving week. Many retailers put their items on sale before Black Friday so be the first to grab the best of the deals.

Get social

Want to get a leg up on the best deals and offers? Get social and follow all your favourite retail stores. Facebook and twitter are the most popular social media platforms for retailers. Instagram very often reveals special discount coupons for its followers. Retailers will often reward customers who like or follow them with special alerts to Black Friday discounts and incentives. Retailers such as Kohl’s will often reward customers who like or follow them with special alerts to Black Friday discounts and incentives.

Be a part in your credit card reward program

You may win extra cash back when you shop at a store that is partnered with your credit card for extra savings. Discover your match program and gain the most this festive season. Further use a credit card to maximize your savings. There are various online tools that will help you choose the best suited credited cards and help you grab rewards and cash backs.

Make applications your allies

There is a whole world of application available for Black Friday connoisseurs. Some combine the best of sales near you and notify you beforehand. Some might help you park your car or tell you where traffic is the least. Others curate all the best coupons and keep track of all your store reward points. Every little bit will help you this Black Friday.

Grab the Thanksgiving newspaper

The very first thing you can do to begin Black Friday is grab the thanks giving copy of the local newspaper. The thanksgiving edition has Black Friday coupons, inserts and list of deal and offers of various stores. Go through them wisely and map your shopping journey of the day.

Use the loyalty program

Many retailers lure customers by loyalty programs that offer sales and promotion to members first and let them win rewards on what they buy. Signing up for Black Friday shopping notifications will get you the early word on promotions, coupons, and discounts.

Shop on Wednesday

Black Friday sales are not always the lowest. Visit the store on Wednesday and you will discover great deals and discounts. You might find prices same if not lower than a couple of days later. Try to shop early and avoid exposing yourself to mall havoc.

Check the store policies in advance

It is always good to know the store’s price- match policy and return policy. Almost all stores will have a price-match policy but, some stores might suspend it on certain items so it will be better if you read the fine print. Check the return policy of the store and make sure it does not charge any restocking fees from you later on.

Black Friday can prove to be a good opportunity or a potential pitfall. It’s always better to plan ahead and find the best deals for you. Do not get carried away with luring advertisements and end up spending on frivolous items. Black Friday deals should not haunt you rather energize you. Paint the town this shopping fiesta with your friends and family. Happy shopping!

How To Take Care Of Your Body After A Surgery

Our body needs to recuperate after undergoing surgery. The length of recovery depends on the surgical area, the presence of concurrent medical disease, the age of the patient, and the presence of emotional burdens. Medical illnesses such as diabetes can prolong healing time, and injury secondary to a misdiagnosis can have an emotional impact on a patient. According to Tinker Law Firm, incidents such as these are pretty common in the US. In fact, as much as 4,000 Americans suffer from preventable surgical errors.

Recovering after surgery involves having a lot of willpower. In most cases, your healing time will depend on how willing you are. Here are some of the things you must do after having a procedure done at a surgical center.

Walk

Depending on your surgical area, walking is a great way to keep your body functioning the way it used to before surgery. First, consult with your doctor about how much walking you can do. Remember, moving around allows blood to circulate in your body, including around the surgical area. This blood circulation will allow for faster cell regeneration and muscle strengthening. If you still have difficulty walking, try changing your positions in your bed. Any movement will prevent the development of bedsores and encourage blood flow. Visit NativeState to know more about the importance of body movement after surgery.

Eat Healthily

Immediately post-op, your diet is pretty limited. But, once your digestive system is working correctly, most doctors advise loading up your body with healthy and nutritious food. Food items with high levels of protein can help your body heal faster. Try to include walnuts, egg whites, almonds, chicken, and fish to your daily meals.

Hydrate

Hydration is a key component of healthy living, and you’ll require more liquids when you are recovering after surgery. Aside from flushing all the anesthesia out of your body, hydration will also address any electrolyte imbalance you might have. Most patients get dehydrated after surgery, so keeping sufficiently hydrated should be a top priority.

Manage Your Pain

After surgery, it is normal for you to feel pain as the effects of anesthesia wear off. One of the ways you can deal with your pain is to practice deep breathing exercises. You can also do meditation to help attain a calm mind that will help you in your recovery. Dealing with your pain will allow you to move around quicker.

Avoid Stress

Undergoing surgery is stressful as it is. It comes with unnecessary costs and limitation of movement. There are tons of things that you cannot attend to, and this can cause you a lot of stress. As mentioned earlier, stress and anxiety can delay the healing process. Take your mind off from any of the stressors and instead focus on more positive things like listening to music or catching up with friends who visit you in the hospital. Stop thinking about your daily tasks and instead have someone do it for you in the meantime.

Stop Infection

Since you underwent surgery, you are categorized as immunocompromised. With your immune system at low levels, you have to protect yourself against infections. Drink your antibiotics diligently and ask about how you should clean and dress the surgical area. If you notice that your incision area has any redness or inflammation, inform your doctor right away.

Your movements become limited when you undergo surgery, but this should not be an excuse for you to be lax in taking care of yourself. Taking care of yourself is your responsibility. So, whatever the consequences of giving up on your health, you will be the one to suffer. The best thing you can do today is to prepare for your recovery so you can get back in shape in no time.

How Long Do Essential Oils Last? A Guide to Essential Oils for Newbies

essential oil

Are you new to using essential oils for health purposes? Learn how long do essential oils last and how to use them correctly in this article.

The essential oil industry is worth over 3.4 billion

But what’s all the fuss about? Do essential oils really work?

If you know what you’re doing and use the right ones, the answer to that question is a definite yes. We’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about essential oils and to answer other important questions, like “How long do essential oils last?”.

So let’s get started!

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oil is made from compounds extracted from different types of plants. These compounds are then added to carrier oils, which creates the products so many people use today. 

But what does this oil actually do?

That depends on how you use it. 

When you take a deep breath of essential oil, it interacts with your limbic system. This is the part of your brain that influences behaviors, emotions, sense of smell, etc. 

Because of this, the scent of essential oils can lift your mood, relax you, give you more energy, and more. 

The Many Benefits of Essential Oil 

Essential oils have a number of benefits that affect both mental and physical health. For example, breathing this oil can do the following things: 

  • Reduce stress 
  • Relieve anxiety 
  • Treat headaches and migraines 
  • Improve the quality of sleep 
  • Help sleep insomnia 
  • Fight inflammation 
  • Lift your mood 
  • Reduce depression 
  • Give your focus 
  • Provide antibiotic properties 
  • Relieve pain 
  • Reduce depression 
  • And more

The list of essential oil benefits goes on and on. You can use essential oils for autism and other serious health conditions as well. Some types of essential oil even act as a natural insect repellant and house cleaning. 

You can also use essential oil for much simpler purposes—there’s nothing wrong with wanting your house to smell nice!

Does Essential Oil Have Any Side Effects?

Essential oil doesn’t usually have any negative side effects. However, there are a few things you should know before you start using it. 

If you are sensitive to strong smells, essential oils might give you small headaches. Essential oils can also produce rashes or allergic reactions if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. 

But most people don’t have any issue with these oils. If you are worried about possible side effects, you can talk to your doctor first. 

How to Pick the Right One 

Different types of essential oils do different things. So how do you know you’ve picked the right one for your needs? 

It all starts with a few simple Google searches. 

Do Your Research 

A Google search will be able to tell you what essential oils work best for things like anxiety, inflammation, headaches, etc. We’ve put together a quick guide for a few of the most popular types.

  • Peppermint: relieves inflammation/pain and boosts energy
  • Lavender: relieves stress
  • Tea Tree: fights infections
  • Jasmine: helps relieves depression 
  • Rose: reduces anxiety
  • Sandalwood: improves focus 
  • Lemon: relieves headaches, improves mood, helps digestion, etc. 

Remember, there are over 200 types of essential oils. So spend some time doing your own research about what they are and what they do. 

Educating yourself will ensure you find the right type for you. 

Check the Purity 

Pure essential oil shouldn’t contain any synthetic oils, chemicals, or other additives. Read the ingredients before you buy anything and make sure they only list the plant’s botanical name

Make Sure It’s High-Quality 

To ensure the essential oil you buy is high-quality, only buy it from reputable places.

This doesn’t mean you can’t buy essential oils from online stores. It does mean, however, that you should read reviews and do some research before you buy anything. 

How to Use Essential Oils

You should never swallow essential oil. Instead, you should use one of these methods. 

Breathe It In

Open your essential oil bottle, hold it under your nose, and take several deep breathes. You can also put a drop or two of the oil on a cloth and hold it against your nose. 

Rub It on Your Skin 

Pour a few drops of essential oil of your hands and rub it over your skin. 

Don’t use too much. You can dilute your essential oil in another carrier oil to get more out of each drop. 

Put It in a Bath 

The next time you take a bath, put a few drops of your essential oil into the water. This will turn your bath into a relaxing and enjoyable experience—even more than normal!

Use a Diffuser 

One of the best ways to experience the benefits of essential oil is to use a diffuser. Even a small diffuser can disperse a fine mist of oil throughout the entire room. 

And all it takes is a few drops. After that, you can turn on the diffuser, sit down, and relax. 

How Long Do Essential Oils Last?

Essential oils can last anywhere from three to 20 years. It depends on the type of oil you get. You should be able to find the expiration date on the bottle. 

But storing it in the right place can make it last longer. 

Always keep your essential oil in a cool location away from the sun. Keep the lids screwed on tight and don’t transfer the oil into anything other than glass. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils

Using essential oils can benefit your mental and physical health in a number of ways, but only if you use it correctly. 

Make sure you know the answer to basic essential oil questions before you start using it, such as “How long do essential oils last?” and “What type of essential oil is best for me?”.

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