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How to Make Your Bones Grow Healthier & Stronger?

By
Elizabeth Williams

The National Institute of Health which is a US-run agency that focuses on biomedical and public health issues, as well as research, proclaims that around 53 million people of the nation are either suffering from osteoporosis or likely to develop the risk of bone disease. This is due to the fact that in this current day and age we have chosen for ourselves an unhealthy lifestyle that deteriorates our bone health considerably. Poor diet & nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and even our modes of entertainment are killing our bones without us even knowing about it. It is time that we wake up and realize how our bone health is being neglected and what can we do to prevent this from happening in the first place. So in this post, we would like to offer you some great suggestions that can help you regain your bone mass and continuously strive to achieve healthier bones in the future. Let’s begin:

Active Lifestyle

Binge-watching shows, spending hours and hours on social media, online gaming, internet surfing, and online video streaming have made our lives sedentary. All of this causes our bones and muscles to grow weaker with time. What we need is an active lifestyle that promotes physical excursions that can make our bones stronger. Here is what you can do to rectify the current problem:

  • Consider walking or using a bicycle to get to your place of work rather than using a mode of transportation that keeps you seated and immobile.
  • Develop a daily regimen that is built around everyday workouts or going to the gym.
  • Best exercises to promote stronger and healthier bones include yoga, tai-chi, dancing, jogging/running, hiking, and racket sports.

Super Foods for Stronger Bones

First thing first, the primary source of dealing with bone problems is correcting our diet and nutrition options. Junk food, fast food, hydrogenated oils, alcohol, tobacco, processed meat, inorganic edibles, and even caffeine are what cause our bones to become weaker at times. Hence to compensate for our past mistakes, let us actively work to create a diet that includes the following superfoods to help grow stronger and healthier bones:

  • Green and leafy vegetables preferably from an organic source such as broccoli, cabbage, okra, however spinach aren’t included since it is heavily endorsed with iron that blocks calcium absorption within the body. All of these organic vegetables offer you a good source of calcium that is required by our bodies to grow stronger bones.
  • Selected fishes including tuna, salmon, and sardines. Tuna offers you a good source of vitamin D, 3 ounces of canned tuna comprises of 154 IU which is about 39% of your daily requirement of the sunshine vitamin. Salmons have omega-3 fatty acids, plus 3 ounces of red salmon a.k.a. blueback or kokanee salmon offers you 100% of vitamin D that is essential for calcium absorption in our bodies. Sardines offer you both calcium and vitamin D at high levels. Try them out in pasta and salads. Even mackerels and pilchards are great for bones as they are great sources for vitamin D and calcium respectively.
  • Eggs and especially the yolk of theirs are rich in Vitamin D.
  • Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Cheese of just 1.5 ounces is more than enough to have 30% of your daily value of calcium so there is no need to eat it excessively. 8 ounces of fat-free milk does contain 90 calories but offers you 30% of your daily dose of calcium. Fortified milk is better since it adds in the benefits of vitamin D as well. Lastly, one cup of yogurt offers you 30% of your daily requirement of calcium with 20% of your daily requirement of vitamin D.

 Some Home Remedies for You to Try Out    

  • Avoid losing sleep, as a study suggest that men and women over the age of 50 years old become more prone to bone diseases if they slept less than 6 hours at night. As an adult, you require at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
  • Stock up on items in your cupboard such as beans, peanut butter, and vinegar. Beans are rich in minerals such as magnesium and help prevent osteoporosis. Similarly, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter offer you 50 mg of magnesium. Lastly, a splash of vinegar when cooking a soup or preparing a green salad is great for your bones.
  • Fruits like apple and bananas are also terrific when it comes to bone health. Apples have a trace of boron in them that holds calcium within the body. Bananas contribute to making your hips and spine bones to become stronger as they are rich in potassium and keep your blood clean.
  • Tofu is a great source of iron and calcium plus it doesn’t contain cholesterol which makes it an excellent delight for your homes. For vegans and vegetarians, it is a great source for healthy protein as well. Tofu contains isoflavones such as phytoestrogens that can offer you protection against cancer, heart diseases, and osteoporosis. Tofu is made from soybeans curd and is naturally gluten-free as well as low in calories. 122 grams of tofu offers you 421 mg of calcium, 65 mg of magnesium, 3.35 mg of iron, 282 mg of phosphorus, 178 mg of potassium, 2 mg of zinc, and 27 micrograms of folate & DFE.
  • Flowers like the Black Cohosh and the Red Clover. The Black Cohosh is commonly used to treat premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and painful menstruation, as well as acne. They are great for women going into the starting stages of labor as well. Red Clover, on the other hand, is a powerful herb with estrogen-like effects. Supplements of Red Clover can lower the chances of bone loss in women especially. However, one should completely avoid mixing them with prescribed medicine and always speak with a professional doctor before using them.

We hope this post was able to offer you some great insights as to how you can consciously make better decisions in your life to promote stronger and healthier bones. However if earlier problems persist and conditions prove to be unfavorable then it is best for you to contact chiropractic services immediately for help. For any further questions and queries regarding the topic, please feel free to let us know of your views and opinions in the comment section below.  

Everything you always wanted to know about the keto diet

By
Elizabeth Williams

“The keto diet seems to be en vogue these days.  I have heard of it often, but I am still not completely sure what it is exactly.”  Many people, maybe even you, have asked this question when the keto diet is mentioned to them.  This article will attempt to answer this question in sufficient enough detailed information by acting as a ketogenic diet guide for readers (and you) to make a solid decision regarding following the keto diet.

What is the keto diet

“Ok I have heard of this ‘keto diet,’ but what is it exactly?  I have not gotten comprehensive enough information to decide if it is worth it for me to follow it!”  If you are finding yourself saying this, it is likely because the media has not given you comprehensive enough information about the keto diet, let alone its benefits.  The first thing to know is that the keto diet is not new – it is almost 100 years old.  It has recently gained popularity largely because celebrities are embracing and endorsing it.  If you decide to follow the keto diet, you will be consuming foods which are primarily low in carbs and high in healthy fats.  Good examples of these types of foods are fish (high in omega3 fats), and beans (low in carbs).  The omega3 fats in fish are good for developing and repairing brain tissue and neuron connections. The fiber and low carbs in beans will help keep you regular while allowing your body to burn fat even as you eat.

Good examples of foods to eat when on the keto diet

You want to eat foods in the meat, fish, legumes, nuts, and vegetable groups.  Good examples would be salmon, chicken, almonds and walnuts, any kind of bean imaginable, and broccoli and avocados.  These foods are high in the good fats which your body needs to function at its best and repair body tissue.  The low carbs in these foods ensure that your body will be storing the vitamins and minerals present and not the calories.  Any kind of carb – complex or simple – is full of calories which your body will store as sugar.  This sugar is eventually converted into and stored as body fat.  This is why eating processed foods like cakes, white bread, and some canned foods makes you gain a great deal of weight in a relatively short period of time. These foods are full of simple and complex carbs.

What you may not have heard about the keto diet

You eat foods high in good fat when on the keto diet.  Your liver will break this fat down into a molecule called ketone which is full of energy.  This energy allows your body to function, sometimes on overdrive.  It also allows your body to burn fat even when you are reading a book in your recliner or when you are sleeping.  If you have type two diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure) you should seek medical advice from a doctor before starting the keto diet.  Because the keto diet will alter the effects of the medicines you need to take for either condition, it may make taking these medicines entirely unnecessary for you with time.  You will, therefore, need to follow a trained physician to adjust your medications over the course of the keto diet.  Pregnant and nursing women should not follow this diet because it may deprive them of the nutrients they need to keep their babies healthy.

Now it’s time for you to decide

Now that you understand more about the keto diet, what to eat when on it, and how to follow it, it’s time to decide if it is the right diet for you!  Hopefully, you will decide that it is!

Should I Send a Gift? 6 Essential Tips About Wedding Etiquette

By
Elizabeth Williams

Whether you’re the bride or a guest, there are strict social rules when there is a wedding. Read on to learn all about wedding etiquette.

We hear wedding bells in the air! To engaged couples and their loved ones, that means a celebration is on the horizon.

As unfortunate as it is, a wedding is also full of opportunities to offend or fight with the people you love most. For couples and guests alike, those conflicts often start with mistakes you don’t know you’re making.

To help you make sure the next wedding on your calendar is a joyful occasion, follow these wedding etiquette tips for couples and guests.

  1. Handling Registry Information

A gift registry is a touchy part of the wedding process. They make life easier for couples and guests alike, but advertising them makes a couple look greedy. So what do you do?

If you’re the one getting married, don’t include your registry information on your wedding invitation.

After you register, spread to the word to your immediate family. This way, if anyone asks them where you’re registered, they can let them know. You can also include registry information on your wedding website.

If you’re a guest, don’t assume a couple doesn’t have a registry if it isn’t on their invitation. If the couple doesn’t have a wedding website, call the couple or call their parents if you’re closer to them.

  1. Accurate RSVPs

If you’re a wedding guest who has planned your own wedding or someone else’s wedding, you know how important numbers are. Extend the courtesy that your past guests may or may not have shown you: RSVP with care.

If you RSVP “yes,” set aside the date on your calendar and consider it a commitment. If something unavoidable arises and you can’t attend the wedding, tell the couple as soon as possible.

Both a last-minute “yes” and a last-minute “no” will cost the couple money and stress. If the RSVP deadline is drawing near and you don’t know if you can make it, talk to the couple and explain why. Let them know when you expect to have a definitive answer.

  1. Dietary Restrictions

Serving food is a customary part of any wedding, but that comes with complications including dietary restrictions.

If you’re an engaged couple, ask about dietary restrictions on your guests’ RSVP cards. Make sure you set the RSVP deadline early enough to make arrangements for those restrictions with your caterer.

If you’re following one of the popular wedding trends of serving food buffet-style, label all foods clearly with their dietary limits.

If you’re a guest who has a dietary restriction or allergy, let the couple know. Don’t assume they know or assume they’ll have options available. Planning a wedding is a complicated journey, so don’t assume your dietary needs are the couple’s top priority.

What do you do if you forget to tell the couple about your dietary needs? Don’t spring it on them at the last minute. Be prepared to choose from what is available and bring stacks in case you need to supplement your meal.

  1. Leaving Room for the Pros

When you’re a guest at a couple’s wedding, you’re just that: a guest. The couple invited you so you could enjoy their special day, not so you could document it for them.

Instead of trying to get pictures of all the special moments in the day, let the photographers and videographers do their job.

Snapping selfies during the reception is great. When it comes to the ceremony, sit back and relax so the photographers can get the best views possible.

  1. Save the Dates

As a couple planning a wedding, you know your loved ones have busy schedules. It’s traditional to send out invitations a month or two before the big day, but what if your guests need more time?

That’s why more and more guests are sending out “Save the Dates.” These are less formal than invitations and you can send them as soon as you confirm the wedding date.

Save the dates are especially helpful if many of your guests will need to travel to your wedding. They give the guests time to book flights, request time off work, or make other arrangements.

It’s also a good idea to send save the dates if your wedding will be during a busy part of the year like the summer or around the holidays.

Be sure to send your save the dates to everyone you will invite to your wedding: not just those who will be traveling. You don’t want any locals to hear about the save the dates and, if they don’t receive one, assume they won’t be invited to the wedding.

  1. Minding the Schedule

This one is for the guests and the couple alike: be on time.

If you’re a guest, remember that a wedding is a carefully planned event. The last thing you want to do is put a wrench in the festivities, so watch the time and be on schedule.

If you’re the couple getting married, remember that your guests are taking time out of their busy lives to celebrate with you. Respect that by starting your ceremony, reception, and other events on time.

It’s also a good idea to be clear about that schedule from the beginning. Tell guests how the day will proceed so they can plan accordingly if they need to.

This rule goes for all events associated with the wedding. We’re talking about the rehearsal, bridal shower, post-wedding brunch, and more.

Wedding Etiquette Basics

No one who’s preparing for a wedding expects it to cause a rift in a treasured relationship. It’s supposed to be a day for celebration and joy. Following the wedding etiquette tips above can make sure that’s the case.

Whether you’re a guest or an engaged couple, check out other articles on our site for more helpful tips and tricks.

 

Can Stress Make You Sick? Understanding the Physical Signs of Stress

By
Elizabeth Williams

Stress is something you feel all over your body, but can stress make you sick? Here’s what you need to know about the impact of stress on your body.

Did you know that 44% of Americans reported higher stress levels in the last five years? That includes children, too, with almost a third experiences physical results of that stress.

But can stress make you sick? Read on to learn about the relationship between stress and illness.

Can Stress Make You Sick?

Some stress can, but some stress is good for you.

There are two main types of stress: acute and chronic stress. There are also two sub-types of stress: eustress and distress. It is important to understand each type of stress and its impact on your health.

Types of Stress

Acute stress is a typical fight or flight response.

Your response, for example, when a fire alarm goes off. Your heart rate increases and your metabolism increases. Typically, the effects of this response go away after about an hour and a half. 

Chronic stress is the stress we experience on a regular basis. This is the stress we often discount as just life. This stress, left unchecked, can have a negative impact on your health.

There are two other sub-types of stress. Eustress is the stress of daily life that is positive, such as having a baby. Distress is the stress of daily life that is negative, such as divorce or an injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Below are some things that may indicate that you are experiencing chronic stress that is affecting your health. 

Acne

If you experience a sudden appearance of acne, this can be a sign of stress.

It is a combination of your body’s physical response, but individuals who are stressed often touch their face, too. This touching tends to spread the bacteria found in acne.

Headaches

Often times, a stressful event will precede a headache. If you notice that you are experiencing more frequent headaches, start a journal—you may just notice that stress is the culprit. 

Frequent Sickness

Stress can lower your immune function. Frequent colds and illnesses are often the first sign of chronic stress.  

Difficulty Sleeping or Grinding Your Teeth 

It is easy to identify chronic stress as the cause of your sleepless nights. The challenge is that lack of sleep causes chronic fatigue and increases your stress levels. 

If you wake up with tooth or jaw pain, chronic stress may also be the cause. If you do find yourself grinding your teeth, a Brux Teeth Grinding Night Guard will protect your teeth as you work to resolve the stress itself. 

Depression

Stress and depression are also linked. If you are constantly feeling overwhelmed, this can lead to symptoms of mild or moderate depression.

What’s Next?

Can stress make you sick?

Yes, but you can learn to manage the stress and work to improve your overall health. If you take time to learn self-care, such as meditation, you can learn to better respond to the stress you experience.

If you are curious about other ways to manage stress or improve your life, then the Curious Mind Magazine will not only inspire you but also offer other suggestions on life improvement. 

 

Zodiac Love Facts 101: What Your Sign Says About Your Love Life

By
Elizabeth Williams

Our horoscopes speak a lot about our lives, particularly our love lives. Discover right here what your sign says about your love life.

Love and romance may end up as a battlefield with a lot of factors involved. There are a lot of variables that come to play. If you put it in that perspective, it helps when you know what you are up against.

Your signs can help in this matter. As they shed light into what you are as a person and how it interacts with the other signs and the heavens. 

Those born in cusps have a complicated situation, being born in between two signs. If you don’t know what that means or what your zodiac signifies, the following will show what your sign says about your love life.

Gemini

Communication and charm are your great points. It is because of you being social that you also approach people. Great conversationalists and people with quick wit attract your attention.

You also have a knack at analyzing everything that happens. You might end up overthinking things. Which may end up being a stressful thing for you and your love interest. 

Consider a productive distraction to help you refocus your energy and attention. You might find up reconnecting and rediscovering your lover in the process.

You can check out more on your Gemini love horoscope for an in-depth look.

Libra

Connection and social relationships are your strong points. This brings about opportunities for possible romantic relationships, surrounded by friends and other people.

The idea of love excites you. You are at your happiest when in love.

You become sensitive and sweet to your partners. As well as being stalwart with your commitments.

Though the downside is your avoidance of confrontation. Consider adding a bit of logic in your partner choices, and also listen to your friends.

Aquarius

You can be quirky and nothing short of being a visionary. You can come off as mysterious and alluring due to how careful you are with showing deep feelings. This attracts people to you, all curious of what lies behind your expression.

Your strength rises in being a problem-solver in your relationships. The capability to run things in your head without emotion allows for excellent decisions. Though you might seem unsympathetic.

If you like someone, make efforts to share some of your feelings. This is the time you take the risk to let you gain a deeper connection with someone.

Taurus

You can be a physically affectionate person. Something that you can use to make your partner feel loved and cared for. This works to your advantage when your partner is also just as tactile in showing affection.

You can also be luxurious and extravagant when it comes to material things. You also exude sensuality, making you highly appealing. You can easily jump into the relationship when you find someone without being afraid of commitments.

You may end up having this tendency of being a bit clingy. Take your time to let your partner ease in.

Virgo

You have traits that make you one of the best partners anyone could have. Being laid-back in love and not making unreasonable demands to your partner. 

Put those traits and with a logical mind into the mix. These help in resolving conflicts without erupting into fights.

Your sensitivity to your partner’s needs also acts as a boon to your relationship. While appearing as closed off to others when it comes to emotions, you go all out when you pursue romantic attractions. 

Capricorn

You have high standards when it comes to your love life. Winning your heart would require giving you precisely what you want. This capability of identifying your needs can work as an asset for you.

You also have patience and you can be rather steady as well. This helps when you are in a relationship, being able to negotiate and not throw a fit.

While your high standards can make you seem inflexible, your patience lets you opt for waiting on the right person to come along. Consider giving one or two dates then gauge from there.

Aries

Energetic and impulsive, you move on instinct when it comes to love. Independence and strong-mindedness are also your hallmarks, making you the person that keeps their hobbies even after finding someone to date. This provides no compromise with how you want to live. 

This lets you move on past rejection. You are also alright with the prospect of being perpetually single. As for facing problems, you tackle it head-on and swiftly. 

Having a like-minded partner can spell harmony for your love life. This means you don’t trample on each other’s freedoms. 

Leo

You enjoy being the center of attention, especially to your lover. You’re the type of person who needs to know what your sign says about your love life.

The attention and affirmation they give you stand as highlights for your relationship. You have the charisma and confidence to approach someone you’re interested in, taking the opportunity when it shows up.

Take pride in being a genuine romantic. But also know that you gain respect by giving respect.

Sagittarius

Craving for new experiences carries over to all aspects of your life. This includes your love life. You aim for a dynamic and as such, you also desire freedom.

You have the capability to leave a relationship without any hesitation if it isn’t working. But when you have found love, you would know.

You also value freedom, independence, and honesty. Finding these qualities in a person draws you closer, making them the ideal partner. 

Cancer

Mature in the realm of emotions, you also bear a caring instinct. This makes you a wonderful partner and you have the potential of being a good parent. Due to this nature, you build a nurturing atmosphere for yourself and your partner.

When your partner tells you something, check what they really mean before assuming the existence of a veiled insult. Also, while you have a caring nature, be wary of those who would take advantage of it.

You have the disposition fitting of starting a family.

Scorpio

You tend to be wary and cautious, ensuring that no one takes advantage of you. You can spot an insincere person even from afar, making sure they do not win your heart.

Though this form of cynicism keeps people away, know that a lot of individuals out there have a good heart. Consider making the first move towards your love interest.

When you do get to a romantic relationship, you bring wonders to your partner. You always find something to please your lover. Or even find the source of the conflict and be able to stop it there.

Pisces

Compassionate and humble, you do everything you can to make your partner happy. You also have the empathy to understand your partner. When it comes to attracting or courting your partner, sensitivity becomes your asset.

You may also come off as selfless, but be wary that your good nature may end up abused. Look for someone who cherishes you. Also, learn to defend yourself when someone disrespects you.

Know What Your Sign Says About Your Love Life

Once you know what your sign says about your love life, you have an idea of what you should do and improve. Consider learning more of your signs and from there, make use of your strengths to improve on your romance.

Did you find this useful? We also have other guides and tips that you can check out today.

 

Custom Living: 7 Essential Tips for Building a New Home

By
Elizabeth Williams

Thinking about building your dream home? Be sure to do your required research beforehand and check out these tips for building a new home.

The idea of building a brand new home can be exciting. Imagining yourself living in a home no one else has ever lived in is a comforting thought. It’s the ultimate sanctuary for you and your family alone.

However, without proper planning and the right mindset, building a home can be incredibly challenging. It’s vital that you go into it with all of the information. It’s also important that you take all the right steps, rather than diving into headfirst and blindfolded.

Take a look at our top seven tips for building a new home before you start the process!

Tips for Building a New Home

Reading through these tips for building a new home will put you in the right mind space to begin your journey. Additionally, it may help you remember something you were forgetting!

Keep in mind, building a home for you and your family is a big investment, both of your time and your finances. However, it’s also a big emotional investment. Your whole family gets ramped up about it.

The last thing you want to do is let important things fall through the cracks or create a long stall before getting the house complete. Take a look at these essential tips to avoid headache and heartache in the future.

  1. Plan Well in Advance

First, and most importantly, you need to plan ahead. Obviously, when building a new home rather than just buying one that’s prebuilt, there’s a lot that goes into the creative process.

This also depends on if you’re designing it room by room or hiring an architect to do it for you. Regardless, you still need to have some prudent planning in place.

For example, you need to consider your family. Will it be growing? How much space will you all need?

Additionally, you need to think about other factors. How often will you be entertaining? Do you need guest rooms?

There are countless factors to consider comfort and convenience as well. These include where you want your laundry room, how many bathrooms you need, where you want plugins, if you want a large deck or patio, how many common area rooms you want, where the garage is going to be, etc.

The list goes on forever, and you need to have it all planned out!

  1. Know Your Budget

After you’ve got a good idea of what you’re home is going to look like, you need to get a lockdown on your budget. Knowing how much money you want to spend is one of the most practical tips for building a new home.

We recommend creating your dream home, then scaling it back where necessary to meet your budget. However, we also recommend creating an extra room within your budget as things will inevitably come up throughout the process.

Remember also that you never want to max yourself out. For example, just because you can afford a $400,000 home, it doesn’t mean that you should.

You need to factor in your monthly costs to include all the factors such as land, taxes, insurance, and utilities. Can you afford those monthly payments without breaking the bank? Most Americans make this mistake and live paycheck to paycheck, endlessly trying to catch up financially.

  1. Find the Right Land

Next, you need to find the right plot of land to build your home on. Location is an incredibly important aspect of where you decide to live, especially if you have children. It’s also one of the most important tips for building a new home.

How close do you want to be in town, schools, and work? Do you want to have parks nearby? How safe are the neighborhood and surrounding areas?

These factors all play into your quality of life and the potential resale value of your home, should you ever decide to move.

  1. Save Money Where You Can

Next, you need to be willing to compromise when necessary. As we suggested before, things will inevitably come up over and over again. Some of it will be time delays and some of it will be financial setbacks.

Learning how to scale back on certain things to save money where you can really help you stick to your budget. This can also apply to things that can always be changed later, such as expensive fixtures, doors, windows, etc.

  1. Hire the Right Builders

One of the most important tips for building a new home is finding the right builders for the job. The contractors you hire will determine everything from price, efficiency, communication, quality and more.

Make sure you do your research before hiring a contractor. Look up reviews online, ask for recommendations, etc. Never pick the first company you find. If you do plenty of research can come back to the first company, no problem.

You may also want to consider a prefab home company. Prefab homes are cost-efficient and are more stylish and high-quality than ever before. Learn more here about the ever-improving industry.

  1. Keep Communication Strong

Next, it’s important that you keep a strong and open line of communication with the builders. You need to be as available to them as you expect them to be to you.

If anything goes wrong or needs to change during the build, you need to be in the know. Additionally, if things change on your end, you need to know that you can get ahold of your contractor.

Communication is essential for a smooth build.

  1. Roll with Setbacks and Changes

There’s a popular saying that it takes a strong couple to build a home together without breaking up. That’s because the process can be incredibly frustrating. Things come up left and right.

Being able to roll with the punches is one of the most vital tips to building a new home, especially if you want to make it out with your sanity intact. Don’t take anything too personally and remember that your home will be beautiful no matter what.

Good Luck

Now that you have all the essential tips for building a new home in your tool belt, you’re ready to get started.

Remember to take your time and plan everything out before anything else! Also, make sure you put plenty of wiggle room in your budget for emergencies and setbacks. Otherwise, have fun and enjoy the process of creating your new home!

Good luck and remember to check out the rest of our articles about family, lifestyle and more!

 

Healing Anxiety, Naturally: 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Anxiety Without Medication

By
Elizabeth Williams

Having issues dealing with anxiety, but don’t want to take medicine for it? Read on to learn everything you need to know about healing anxiety naturally.

40 million adults suffer from anxiety in the United States.

That’s a scary statistic. After all, anxiety is a debilitating mental condition that impacts almost every area of life. It can sap the joy from daily experience.

Modern treatment approaches can help. But they’re far from fool-proof.

Therapy can be costly and isn’t always effective. Medication can have nasty side-effects and, equally, might not work.

Looking for alternatives? Here are 5 methods for healing anxiety without medication.

  1. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can be anathema to anxiety.

It doesn’t have to be anything excessive. Sometimes, just getting out of the house and walking around the block can work. Fresh air, oxygenated blood, and the release of endorphins all make a difference.

Similarly, there’s a sense of growth and progress that comes with exercising regularly. Focusing your attention on this goal can help alleviate negative emotional experiences.

  1. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital for our mental health.

Unfortunately, it’s also one of the first things that seem to be affected in difficult times. You might find it harder to sleep when you’re feeling acutely anxious. Thoughts race around your mind. Relaxing enough to get some sleep can be a tough ask.

If that’s the case, then try and cultivate a sleep routine. Go to bed at a certain time each night. Remove electronic devices. Avoid using your phone just beforehand. Set a reasonable temperature and sleep in a comfy bed. All of these factors can help.

  1. Meditate

Mindful meditation is well known and scientifically proven to reduce anxiety.

Mindfulness is about tuning into the present moment. It’s about non-judgmental awareness of the here and now. Focusing on the present provides some much-needed relief from the incessant worry and concern that can dominate the anxious mind.

Try and incorporate a mindful practice into your day.

It doesn’t have to be for long. You could start with ten minutes in the morning. Sit, focus on something sensory, and see what comes up.

  1. Help others

Strangely enough, helping other people is often the best way to help ourselves.

It simply feels good!

Anxiety is a natural human experience. It’s an evolutionary system designed to protect us from harm. Generally speaking, anxiety levels reduce when a perceived threat goes away.

However, in some cases, anxiety sticks around. Threats are perceived from all angles. It’s difficult to turn outwards and focus on anything else. Helping other people provides an outlet. It shifts our attention to other things and releases positive chemicals in our brain that lifts our mood.

  1. Try CBD

CBD is becoming increasingly recognized as a help for anxiety.

Short for cannabidiol, it’s a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. However, unlike its cousin, THC, it won’t get you high! Instead, CBD is used by masses of people for its health benefits.

One of which is a calming, anxiety-relieving effect. CBD is slowly becoming a recommended treatment approach. Unlike typical medication, it’s entirely natural. Something like CBD oil contains no THC and can be taken in all manner of ways.

You can rub it into your skin, cook with it, and so on.

Final Thoughts on Healing Anxiety

There you have it: 5 easy methods for healing anxiety without medication.

Anxiety is immensely common in the United States. This debilitating condition affects millions of people every single day. Unfortunately, current treatment approaches are far from perfect. Many people seek alternative ways to cope.

Hopefully, this post has highlighted some of the best ways to reduce anxiety outside of the conventional medication-heavy approach.

Want more articles like this? Head to the Anxiety section of the website now.

 

Til’ Broke Do Us Part: The Top Tips for Opening a Joint Credit Card

By
Elizabeth Williams

Are you thinking about applying for a joint credit card with your spouse? Check out this guide to learn the top tips for opening a joint credit card.

You’ve thought about it for some time now, and after plenty of discussions, you and your spouse decide that it’s time to open a joint credit card account. It’s a big step in the relationship, and it should take some serious thought. This account will join you and your spouse together financially for as long as it’s opened for.

Are you ready to make this big commitment? Keep reading for a complete guide on the top tips for opening a joint credit card account!

Know the Multiple Types of Shared Accounts

There’s not just one type of shared account. And in many cases, people tend to use the term “joint credit” very loosely. However, it’s important to know that different lenders and banks offer different types of shared accounts.

It’s important to know the difference between them. 

Authorized User

As an authorized user, you have permission to use the credit, but you’re not responsible for paying it back. The account holder is responsible for making the payments because it’s their account and they’ve simply given you rights to spend money on it. 

You, as an authorized user, never filled out or signed an application for the credit. However, do keep in mind that even though the account holder is 100 percent responsible for paying the credit back, if the account holder fails to make payments, some lenders will come after you for payment.

Joint Credit

With a joint credit account, you’re a partner on the account. This means that you’re 100 percent responsible for the bill and making payments. In this situation, you sit down and fill out and sign an application for the account.

This means that the account is in your name and the credit you use goes towards your credit score. The other person on the account, your spouse, is also 100 percent responsible for making payments and handling the bill. 

Co-Signer 

As a co-signer, you’re signing to be responsible for making payments, however, the account is in someone else’s name. Because it’s in someone else’s name, you cannot use this credit or loan and you most likely won’t have access to the account’s information.

The account holder will be the one receiving and paying the bills for the account. But if the account holder fails to make the payments, or is late on a payment here and there, the bad credit behavior can affect your credit score. 

Know Joint Debt Is Your Debt

When opening a joint account, any debt that is accrued is 100 percent your debt. It’s not split 50/50. You’re responsible for paying all debt off. 

Joint credit history does not exist. This will affect you and your partner equally. The entire debt is put onto your credit history as it is put on your partner’s credit history as well. 

This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. If you have a credit card account in both names that’s never used and always kept paid off, then it’ll significantly boost both of your credits. However, if one spouse is using this account and maxing it out without paying it back, then it’ll significantly drop both of your scores.

If you have weak credit and don’t want to bring your spouse down, then there are other options. There are guaranteed approval credit cards as another option. This is also true if you have great credit and don’t want to add your spouse with weaker credit to your account. 

Even those with bad credit can apply, and you don’t have to worry about it affecting your spouse. 

Discuss a Purchase Limit

Once the joint account is opened, it’s ideal that you and your spouse discuss a purchase limit. Talk about what the max amount of money is that either of you can charge to the card. Be sure not to go over this limit and always keep the credit card at least at 30%. 

If you set spending limits and stick to them, then trust is built and credit scores remain healthy.

Communicate Effectively 

Always communicate about the credit card account effectively. Aside from discussing purchase limits and setting them in place, you want to be open about any spending associated with the account. Even if it’s a purchase made below the discussed limit. 

Keeping your partner in the loop helps both of you stay on top of the spending and payments. If a situation calls for a purchase to be made that’s larger than the purchase limit, discuss this with your partner. You should seek out other alternatives first.

But if there aren’t any, be sure to have a payment plan in effect for paying this large purchase back. 

Always Check the Balance

At the very least, always check the balance. Communication is key when dealing with a joint credit card account, but it’s still important that you check the balance and monthly statement regularly. It’s easy to forget all about that $22.93 purchase at the grocery store, and the $15.72 purchase at the drive-thru, and that $10.99 transaction at the car wash.

These small purchases add up quick, so be sure you’re constantly checking the balance to ensure you’re not over-spending.

Ready to Apply for Your Joint Credit Card?

Are you ready to begin the application process with your spouse for your joint credit card account? After reading these helpful tips above, we hope you’re now better prepared than you were before. 

Interested in more topics on love and relationships? Be sure to visit us daily for more!

 

Understanding the Power of Prayer

By
Elizabeth Williams

When you think of the power of prayer, what comes to mind? Understand just what it means and how to incorporate it into your daily life.

According to the Pew Research Center, 76.5% of people in the United States consider themselves to be religious.

In many respects, religion is as important to our lives today as it was centuries ago. And while many things may change, there’s always one constant when it comes to faith: Prayer.

Keep reading as we explore the power of prayer and its place in modern society.

Why We Pray

The biggest reason why we pray is that it gives us a direct line to our preferred deity. It makes us feel as though we can contact them whenever and wherever we need to.

The great thing about prayer is that there isn’t much of a secret to it. You can do it anywhere at any time.

In this respect, prayer helps us feel as though we’re never alone, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

We may also pray as a sign of goodwill toward others. Have you ever prayed for a friend or loved one? You’re practicing a type of prayer known as intercessory prayer.

Praying for someone else is a way of showing concern or care, and lets us help even when we can’t take direct action.

Benefits of Prayer

Whether you believe in a divine being (or beings) or not, science tells us that prayer does, indeed, make a difference in our lives.

In 2009, two scientists in India set out to study the impact of prayer on medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even infertility.

To start, they followed the lives of 219 infertile women who had recently undergone in vitro fertilization treatment. They were then set into two groups: One who would receive prayer, and the one that wouldn’t.

The women who received prayers had almost twice the rate of pregnancy compared to those who weren’t prayed for.

While both scientists were quick to point out that prayer may have caused a placebo effect, the point still stands. Prayer can be an effective way of dealing with hardships. You can browse around this website for more effective and beautiful prayers to be used daily

Making Time for Your Faith

Given the power of prayer, you might feel like opening your heart. Of course, we live in a busy world that never stops. Finding the time to pray can be as much of a challenge as anything else you face throughout the day.

Still, if you’re leading a faith-based lifestyle — or if you want to inspire positive thoughts — you must find time to pray. Making time to open your heart doesn’t have to be tough.

You can pray during the quiet moments of your day, such as when you first wake up or right before you go to bed. Or take regimented prayer breaks throughout the day if you don’t already.

Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer

As we wrap things up, we’d like to stress again how important it is to believe in the power of prayer. Even if you don’t have faith in a higher power, it never hurts to send good vibes into the world.

So give it a try and experience the benefits for yourself.

And if you’re looking for more coverage on topics like religion, psychology, and spirituality, make sure to check back with our blog!

 

Retro Is Back: 5 Awesome Vintage Things to Collect

By
Elizabeth Williams

Do you love dumpster diving or checking out thrift stores? Here are some awesome vintage things to collect (that might even be worth some money!).

You know the old saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” this can be true in more ways than one! 

Do you love dumpster diving or checking out thrift stores? Here are some awesome vintage things to collect (that might even be worth some money!).

  1. Old Toys Can be Fun Things to Collect

Believe it or not, there is a big market for people who collect old toys and action figures. The nostalgia factor plays a huge part in driving the market for these items and its a great opportunity for you to take advantage of it. 

Toys and figurines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s are popular right now because the kids from those eras are all grown up and are looking to bring back some childhood memories. If you come across any of these items, be sure to grab them up because they might be worth a fair amount, and who knows you might still have some from your collection at your mom’s house. 

  1. Coins

Old and rare coins have always been a popular item to collect because many of them are made out of precious metals like gold and silver. There is a wide range of different coins to collect from military coins, historically significant ones, or mistakes that were printed from the mint that were accidentally passed into circulation. 

When collecting coins, it may be easier to focus on one particular niche so that you can become familiar with the different aspects that make it valuable. Also, be careful not to try and clean the coin because certain chemicals can be damaging, that is best left up to a professional. 

  1. Classic Books

Classic books can be a fun thing to collect especially if you are a big reader. They are also easy to find at a thrift store and garage sales and are usually pretty cheap to invest in. 

Keep an eye out for the classics because they can fetch a lot of money if you happen to find a rare edition or are lucky enough to find one with the author’s signature.

  1. Comic Books

Comic books are great vintage items to collect. When they originally came out they were priced inexpensively and were easily bought but some of the rarer editions can be worth thousands of dollars now. 

Comics have gained in popularity with the success of the Marvel Universe movies, so if you had a collection when you were a kid now is the time to root around your parents’ attic or basement and see if any of the ones you had are worth anything now. Keep an eye out at thrift stores too, sometimes these can be donated without people knowing their worth. 

  1. Old Technology

With everything becoming digital these days it’s easy to understand why some would have a yearning to collect old record players, typewriters or televisions. Some of the oldest models were created to be a feature in your home and were crafted to not only be functional but artistic as well. 

If you are curious about technology, this is a great niche of vintage items to start collecting. 

Are You Ready to Check Out Some Thrift Stores?

These are all great ideas for things to collect and there are many other great items to look for!

Be sure to visit our website daily for other great ideas and lifestyle tips!

 

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