How to Look and Feel Your Best During the Pandemic

As the pandemic marches on, many of us are feeling a little run-down and worn out. However, it is more important than ever to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Practicing self-care will help you get through this challenging time. From eating healthy to cleaning your home to getting good exercise, there are many things you can do to look and feel great as you ride out the pandemic.

Stick to a Healthy Diet
Eating clean, nutrient-packed food is a great way to boost your whole-body well-being and brighten up your features. For glowing, blemish-free skin, avoid saturated fats and foods that cause insulin levels to spike like candy and white bread. Instead, eat foods packed with antioxidants and skin-friendly nutrients. Leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, bone broth, avocados, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and legumes are excellent options. Take a look through your pantry for these ingredients and try to incorporate them into simple meals. For example, you can throw a few healthy pantry items together to create soups, stews, sandwiches, and other nutritious meals.

Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine
Sitting around most of the day is not conducive to good health. Unfortunately, this is exactly what many of us continue to do, especially when working from home. If you are feeling tired and groggy, a little exercise can be the pick-me-up you need. Burn through a quick bodyweight workout, sign up for a yoga class, or get out of the house for a run. You don't need to join a fitness center to benefit from a good workout. If you are struggling to get motivated, try treating yourself to a tangible reward after your workout, like a delicious smoothie or an episode of your favorite show.

Tidy Up Around the House
If you are still spending the bulk of your time at home, your house might feel a little stuffy. Cleaning, decluttering, and reorganizing will help infuse your home with refreshing new energy. Vacuum, dust, mop the floor, wipe the counters, and wash your bedding. While you are cleaning, open all of the windows and let fresh air flow through your home. Cleansing your home in this way will help you clear out negativity and inject some positive energy into your space.

Redecorate Your Home
All that tidying and reorganizing might leave you with new inspiration to change up your decor and the aesthetic of your space. Bold changes include painting rooms with vibrant colors or adding eye-catching wallpaper. You can also add statement pieces like an original work of art or a captivating crystal formation or geode. Fun throw pillows, accent lamps, window sheers and rugs can then tie everything together.

Change Your Career Trajectory
The pandemic has given all of us a new perspective on life. After switching to remote work or losing a job, many of us have had “aha” moments that have been the impetus to make career changes. With the world of e-commerce booming, many people have become home-based business owners, while others found a calling through their side hustles. If you feel compelled to make a change, there’s no time like the present. Got a business idea? Launch your own venture. Feel stalled in your current role? Prep your resume and start looking for something better. Or maybe it’s time to go back to school to pursue the business degree you’ve always wanted. Online courses make it easier to manage your personal and professional responsibilities without feeling stretched too thin. And in the end, you will be a more marketable and valuable job candidate.

Focus on Sleep Quality
Did you know that beauty sleep is a real thing? When we sleep, our bodies release growth hormones that encourage our hair to grow, our skin cells to regenerate, and our muscles to repair damage. The body also releases anti-inflammatory compounds during sleep, which help to combat the damage of sun exposure and pollutants on our skin. Getting too little sleep on a regular basis is robbing your body of this essential regenerative time, resulting in dark eye circles, skin dullness, wrinkles, and widespread inflammation.

Weathering the pandemic has not been easy on our mental or physical health, and if you are feeling burnt-out from the events of the past few years, adopting a self-care routine will lift your spirits and recharge your energy.

Bob Shannon created SeniorsMeet along with his wife, Mary. Their goal is to create an online meeting place for seniors like themselves who thrive on community. The site offers information and resources that are helpful to seniors as well as ways to keep in touch.

Safety Tips for Running in the Rain

When you are trying to meet your fitness goals, rain is the last thing you want to see on the forecast. You might assume that stormy weather automatically means you cannot go on your usual jog.

However, unless there is a torrential downpour, you can safely run in the rain simply by following a few pointers. These tips include wearing the right running shoes and taking care of your body after you exercise.

Keep reading for all the tips you need to run in the rain.

Clothes to Wear When Running in the Rain
You may need to change up your typical exercise outfit when going for a jog during a storm. Check out the clothing you should wear to stay protected and comfortable on your rainy run:

1. Lightweight hat — Wearing a hat with a brim can keep your head and hair dry.

2. Bright fabrics — Bright, reflective fabrics can help others notice you through the fog.

3. Gloves — An insulated pair of gloves can keep your hands warm.

4. Thin socks — Lightweight socks help wick moisture away from your feet.

5. Windbreaker — A waterproof jacket or windbreaker adds an extra layer of protection.

6. Moisture-wicking fabrics — Form-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes can help prevent chafing.

7. New running shoes — Invest in a new pair of running shoes with treads that are designed for rainy weather.

What to Do After Running in the Rain
After running in stormy weather, there are a few extra steps you will need to take to stay safe and dry. Keep these tips in mind once you finish your rainy jog:

1. Dry your running shoes — To keep your running shoes in good condition, stuff them with newspaper to soak up excess moisture.

2. Soak your feet — Take care of your feet by soaking them in warm water and putting on cozy socks.

3. Take off your wet clothes — Right when you get home, remove your wet clothes and change into something dry.

Simply by following these tips before and after you exercise, you can keep up your fitness routine while staying safe in the rain.

Looking for even more advice? Take a look through this infographic for an in-depth guide to running in the rain.

Makenzie Pohl is a content creator who develops helpful and compelling stories. Her passion for digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from travel to lifestyle. She calls San Diego, California home, and enjoys dining out, photography, and traveling in her spare time.

Sunday Reset to Avoid Sunday Scaries

Let’s face it — the Sunday scaries happen to the best of us, they seemingly come out of nowhere, and they can make you feel anxious, depressed, and sluggish.

However, what if we told you that there is a way you can beat them? The Sunday scaries don’t have to be an end-all be-all for your week. In fact, they might be the motivation you need to get off the couch, get rid of your dead butt syndrome, and get into a week-long fitness routine. 

Reframe Your Mentality
Reframing your mindset is the first step in combating the Sunday scaries and creating a workout routine that works for you. There are four simple steps you must follow to get yourself in the zone to achieve your fitness goals.

1. Evaluate
   The first step to a successful Sunday reset routine is evaluating the past week and focusing on the fitness goals you would like to accomplish for the week ahead. For example, do you think you could push yourself further by increasing your weights, or can you complete more sets?

2. Plan 
   Make a plan for your workout routine based upon your self-evaluation of the last week and your goals for the upcoming days. If you focused on weights for the majority of the previous week, it might be best for you to do some cardio training.

3. Reset 
   This step is all about turning your Sunday reset plans into actions. Get off the couch and onto the treadmill, or into your favorite gym. As we all know, getting started is the hardest part of working out. Keep yourself motivated by thinking about getting your week started on the right foot.

4. Rest
   Although your fitness goals are important, it is equally important to end your Sunday reset routine with something that brings you pleasure. Cook your favorite meal, or watch an episode of a TV show. After accomplishing so much, you deserve it.

The Fitness Framework for a Sunday Reset
Creating a Sunday routine oriented around physical activity and movement may seem intimidating at first, but it is the best way to start your upcoming week. Healthy activities can help keep your body and mind feeling young.

By evaluating, planning, resetting, and resting, you can shake the Sunday scaries and push yourself into your physical prime. Furthermore, you can spoil yourself with goods and services that can keep your mindset framed in a state of wellness.

Check out the below visual, which further explains how to create a Sunday reset routine that sets you up for success. We also included tips from mental health specialists on the best ways to reset before the workweek.

Mona Freund is a San Diego-based content marketing specialist. When she is not working on new content, you can find her surfing in the Pacific Ocean, playing frisbee with her puppy Pesto, or baking her famous chocolate chip cookies.

5 Ways to Stay Fit All Year Round

In the midst of your chaotic schedule, it can be hard to focus on your health. But you don’t need to completely forget about self-care - in fact, this is the perfect opportunity to block off a little more time for yourself! From taking yoga classes to cooking healthy meals, here are a few ways to support your health and Stay Fit all year round.

Prioritize Self-Care
First, it is important to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine. Even when you have lots of commitments, taking a few minutes for yourself at the end of the day can help you unwind. Signing up for a yoga class or getting a massage are great ways to honor yourself and enhance your wellness routine.

Stay Active
With a busy schedule, you might feel like you have no time to work out. Your usual gym sessions may disappear from your schedule. But you can still stay active - it’s all about incorporating movement into your daily errands. For example, you can take a brisk walk or find time for short exercise sessions while you’re cooking.

Say “No”
Remember - you don’t need to say “yes” to every invitation. Sometimes, it is okay to turn down an invite. If your schedule is already overloaded, and someone else reaches out about a social gathering, it may be best to give them a raincheck. And if you’ve already committed to hosting a particular event at your own home, feel free to ask other people in your household to pitch in with the preparations! You don’t have to do everything on your own - instead, start delegating tasks to your family members so that you can tackle your to-do list in a more efficient manner.

Choose Nutritious Foods
There is nothing wrong with enjoying desserts now and then, but eating too much sugar when you really need lasting energy can leave you crashing. Therefore, it is a good idea to cook healthy meals on days when you don’t have as much going on. If you want to keep up with a healthy diet without totally eschewing treats, Gym Junkies recommends limiting sugary drinks and baking with unrefined sugars like raw honey, agave nectar, or stevia. Sugary snacks and desserts are tasty, but you will feel much better if you eat a balanced diet.

Consider Your Professional Future
Perhaps you rarely feel challenged at your job anymore, and you want to pursue a career path that would be more fulfilling and less stressful. If you are unsatisfied with your professional life, switching careers could actually benefit your mental health. And if you are considering a career change that would require further education, you can enroll in a convenient online degree program in an engaging field like IT or computer science so that you can tackle your coursework on your own time.

Once you are ready to switch careers, you will need to put a professional-looking resume together to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience. You can create an impressive resume with a free resume builder. Choose from professionally designed templates and then add your own text and design elements.

When you have a busy schedule, it is easy to get distracted from your usual healthy habits. But you don’t have to completely let go of your routines. With these tips, you will be able to feel your best all year long!

Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student who knows how difficult it can be to sift through the mountains of health-related information on the web. Together with a friend, she co-created Public Health Library to write about health and wellness topics and to create a forum for sharing reputable health and medical information.

How to Prevent Dead Butt Syndrome

If you are a working professional that sits all day, you have likely experienced some discomfort in your lower back or hips. If this pain is in your glutes and hips area, you could be experiencing dead butt syndrome (DBS).

DBS, which is also known as “gluteal amnesia,” transpires due to prolonged sitting. With DBS, your gluteal muscles become weak; it can be painful and can also disrupt your daily flow. Below, we will discuss the main sources of DBS and how you can prevent this discomfort and strengthen your gluteal and hip muscles.

Cause 1: Inactivity + Tight Hip Muscles
Inactivity is normally the main cause of DBS. If you work 40+ hours at home or in the office and don’t get up to move around enough, then you are cutting off blood circulation to your lower extremities. Blood circulation helps muscles stay active and healthy. Moreover, sitting for a prolonged period decrease your hip muscles’ strength and increases tightness.

Cause 2: Sedentary Lifestyle
Not only can sitting in an office chair all day cause DBS, but if you go from the office chair to the couch in the evening, you are more likely to suffer from DBS. There is an inverse relationship between inactivity and DBS: The more sedentary you are, the higher your chances of suffering from DBS are.

Ways to Prevent DBS
There are several ways to help prevent DBS. Most of them include some sort of physical activity. These exercises are simple and most of them can be done from your desk. Here are three easy ways to prevent DBS:

1. Daily Stretching 
You ought to stretch daily to help prevent DBS. Stretching just five minutes in the morning and afternoon can help prevent DBS. Below are some key DBS-preventing stretches:

• Hip thrusts

• Butterly stretch

• Variations of the pigeon stretch

• Quad stretches

• Hamstring stretches

2. Exercise
Not only does stretching help prevent DBS, but so does daily exercise or healthy activities. Most of these exercises you can do in your home office or at your office desk:

• Donkey kicks (2x10)

• Forward lunges (2x8)

• Glute bridges (2x10)

• Body-weight squats (3x10)

For more information on what DBS is and ways to prevent it, review the below infographic from Hello TUSHY.

Chi Whitley is a content marketer who writes for various B2B and B2C clients ranging from SaaS companies to lifestyle businesses. He is based in Austin, TX and when he is not brainstorming or writing SEO-backed content, you can find him playing ultimate frisbee or hiking with his dog.

How to Welcome Your New Pet Home While Starting a Business

Due to the pandemic, the number of pet adoptions around the country has skyrocketed, and more people are realizing the benefits that come with adopting a pet. If you plan to bring home a new dog, you are no doubt excited at the prospect of getting to know each other. However, if you are preparing to launch a home-based business, it is likely you are also concerned about how you will be able to manage your business at the same time.

It is going to be a bit of a roller coaster at first, but it will be worth the ride! To help ease your anxiety so that you and your pup can comfortably adjust, below are some helpful tips to guide you along the way.

Take Care of Key Matters First
Before bringing your new pet home, focus on some of the more time-consuming matters first. For example, go ahead and prepare any necessary paperwork for your business, apply for your business license and even prepare a workspace. Remember too that every covidpreneur needs a business structure, and now is the time to register your entity. Common choices are either a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company. There are benefits to both, but having an LLC generally means less paperwork, certain tax benefits, and different types of flexibility.

Regardless of the structure you choose, managing important business first allows you to spend more time with your new pet when they come home. This includes taking care of some of the more time-consuming tasks that should be completed early on, like drafting a marketing plan and creating branding graphics like your logo. An eye-catching logo is paramount to standing out from the competition, but if you are strapped for time or simply not skilled in the graphics department, don’t sweat it -- you can use a tool like Adobe’s free custom logo maker to help you generate a logo perfect for your business’s identity.

Develop a Schedule for Everyone
Once your dog arrives, help them adjust to their new life by setting up a schedule that you both can follow. Animals and people tend to do better when they have a regular routine. It can be soothing to a new pet who is trying to settle in, and, as Career Girl Daily notes, having a work schedule allows you to ensure your work is completed in a timely manner.

Think about what you need to get done every day for work and what you need to do for your pet as you establish a routine. Perhaps your pup can start their day with a little playtime, a short walk and then breakfast. After this, your dog will likely be ready to lounge for a bit, making this the perfect time to tend to emails, planning your day and so on. When lunchtime rolls around, you can stop for lunch and a quick play, and then stop for a long noontime walk.

Enlist Help When Necessary
There will be times when you cannot tackle it all. Like when your pet needs attention but you have pressing work matters to take care of. In cases like these, tap into the services of a professional dog walker who can take your pet out and provide them with some much-needed attention. Professional dog walkers can help with taking your pet outside, supplying them with extra love, and even working on issues like separation anxiety and socialization. Don't be afraid to ask for help with your pet, especially when you need to focus time on managing your company.

While it might seem a little challenging to bring home a new pet as you build your business at home, rest assured that it can be accomplished. Taking care of pressing matters early on and creating a schedule can do wonders for you both. And don't forget to outsource and ask for help when necessary. With these tips in mind, it should be easier for the both of you to adjust to your new life together.

Cheryl Conklin Is an aspiring writer. From being a dedicated blogger, traveler, and adventurer, she created Wellness Central so she could share her thoughts and resources gathered from her endless aspiration to achieve wellness for both herself and everyone.

Senior Fitness Advice: How Yoga and Meditation Can Boost Your Health

Seniors need to keep physically active to Stay Fit and healthy. You can choose from a variety of fitness programs, but an exercise dedicated to balance and flexibility like yoga has a range of benefits. Meditation is important for your wellness, too, and read on to learn more about the benefits of yoga and meditation, and how you can easily start practicing in the New Year.

Why Meditation Matters
According to Mindworks, seniors can benefit from consistently participating in meditation techniques. Meditation can help to slow down progressive forms of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease by improving your focus and mental acuity. When you meditate, you improve your digestive systems and stabilize your mood. Meditation will also help with relaxation and keeping calm during your everyday life. You can look for meditation techniques online or consider using these podcasts to enhance your practice.

How Yoga Helps Wellness
One of the great things about yoga is that it can be practiced by people of any age. In fact, recent statistics show that over 14 million Americans over the age of 50 are practicing yoga on a consistent basis. Yoga is not only appropriate for seniors, but it can also help to improve your physical and mental health. The breathing exercises that most yoga practices are known for will improve your lung capacity which is great for remaining active and getting a good night’s sleep. Seniors are at great risk of injury from falls, and consistent yoga practice has the added advantage of improving balance and flexibility.

Best Yoga Styles for You
There are quite a few different styles of yoga, but not all of them work well for seniors. This is especially true if you are a beginner. Senior Living explains that a couple of the yoga styles that might be appropriate for seniors include Iyengar yoga, which focuses on basic posture poses and alignment, and restorative yoga, which uses aids for passive poses that will help you relax. For styles with more movement, consider vinyasa and ashtanga, both of which encourage fluid flow from one pose to the next. When practicing, you should be careful to avoid poses that may exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma, back injuries, or high blood pressure. If you’re looking for low-impact yoga options, then a chair or water yoga practice is your best bet. These offer similar poses but keep your joints protected.

How to Find Senior-Friendly Yoga Classes
As a senior, it is best to look for senior-friendly yoga classes close to you. When attending a yoga class, make sure you’re properly dressed and inform the teacher of any medical conditions or pain issues you have so they can suggest modifications for you during the class. If cost is an issue, review your health insurance policy to see if it will cover classes. Basic Medicare plans don’t cover yoga classes, but many Medicare Advantage plans allow you to join the SilverSneakers program, which gives you access to fitness facilities that offer yoga classes.

For seniors who are not quite up to leaving home to participate in a class, using a yoga app that’s designed specifically for older adults will help. Whichever option you choose, it’s important that you consult with your physician before starting a yoga practice or trying something new. If you notice any ill effects on your body, don’t ignore it! When it comes to your health, it’s always best to play it safe.

If you decide to keep your practice home-bound for the time being, make sure you have a space you can dedicate to yoga. This means having an open area in your home with room enough to move around on your mat. Other items worth having in this space include props like blocks, a strap and a bolster, an oil diffuser or even a speaker to play soft music. If you need to move furniture around to accommodate this space and can’t do it alone, reach out to friends or family who can help. Better yet, play it safe and work with moving specialists who can make short work of furniture removal or replacement. Simply search online directories to find top-rated companies.

Anyone can reap the benefits from the consistent practice of yoga and meditation. Just make sure you have done your research and have chosen the best option for your needs. Stay Fit and Namaste!

Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student who knows how difficult it can be to sift through the mountains of health-related information on the web. Together with a friend, she co-created Public Health Library to write about health and wellness topics and to create a forum for sharing reputable health and medical information.

21 Quotes to Inspire Your Health Journey

As we head into 2022, talk of New Year's Resolutions are resurfacing.

While it is tempting to compare our past resolutions to our current self or switch gears to consider what future resolutions will help you meet your goals, it is equally important to slow down and appreciate where you are now.

Learning to celebrate and appreciate ourselves in every stage of our health journey — no matter if you are just beginning or if you are ticking off your goals — helps us foster healthy body image.

Just like our health goals are an ever-evolving journey that may shift with our priorities and age, so will our body positivity journey. Practicing kindness toward our bodies and all that they do for us can help us in every step of our health journey.

While there is no easy fix for being happy in our own skin or boosting low self-esteem, focusing on shifting your mindset around body positivity can help you develop a more positive outlook on not just yourself but the world around you.

We have compiled a list of inspiring body positivity quotes from experts such as therapists and authors to remind you of the beauty your body holds.

1. “Say goodbye to your inner critic, and take this pledge to be kinder to yourself and others.” — Oprah Winfrey, Host & philanthropist

2. “And I said to my body softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.’” — Nayyirah Waheed, Poet, Salt

3. “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” — Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Psychiatrist

4. “You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise Hay, Author

5. “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” — Thich Nhat Hanh, Monk & Poet

6. “Don’t let your mind bully your body.” — June Tomaso Wood, Therapist

7. “You can’t hate yourself happy. You can’t criticize yourself thin. You can’t shame yourself worthy. Real change begins with self-love and self-care.” — Jessica Ortner, Author

8. "Since I don't look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that—to be different. But different is good.” — Serena Williams, Professional tennis player

9. "There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.” — Maria Mitchell, Astronomer

10. "Each individual woman's body demands to be accepted on its own terms" — Gloria Steinem, Journalist & Activist

11. “I’ve learned that if you’re too skinny, they’ll say something about it. If you’re not skinny enough, they’ll say something about it. I just try to feel good in my own skin as much as I can.” — Jennifer Love Hewitt, Actress

12. “I am allowed to look sexy, feel sexy, and be in love. I am worthy of all those things. And so are you.” — Mary Lambert, Singer

13. “I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.” — Emma Stone, Actress

14. “No amount of self-improvement can make up for any lack of self-acceptance.” — Robert Holden, Psychologist

15. “Confidence is a habit that can be developed by acting as if you already had the confidence you desire to have.” — Brian Tracy, Motivational speaker

16. “If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is, too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think.” — T. Harv Eker, Author

17. “A person’s worth in this world is estimated according to the value they put on themselves.” — Jean De La Bruyere, Philosopher

18. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady & Activist

19. “The confidence which we have in ourselves gives birth to much of that which we have in others.” — Francois De La Rochefoucauld, Author

20. “Self-esteem is made up primarily of two things: feeling lovable and feeling capable.” — Jack Canfield, Author

21. “Work out because you love your body, not because you hate it.” – Torre Washington, Fitness Coach

We hope these words of wisdom serve as helpful reminders to talk and think about your body in a kind manner. Try jotting some of the quotes that speak to you the most on post-it notes that you can leave around your home or in places you spend a lot of time, like the office, your car.

While our journey to self-love is a lifelong one, making positive changes such as being kinder to your body can serve as a catalyst for a more positive outlook.

Lydia McAllister is a content creator who develops helpful and compelling stories. Her passion for digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to lifestyle. She calls Texas home and enjoys practicing yoga, trying out new recipes, and spending time with her adorable nephew.

The Health Benefits of Giving

When you picture health and wellness, most people imagine a rigorous gym routine, nutritious diets, and morning meditation to start the day. Although these practices are great ways to Stay Fit and healthy, they are not the only way to boost your overall health and well-being. Today is Giving Tuesday, and by giving to those around you, whether it be someone you love or a random stranger, it can help make you a healthier person.

Giving “just because” has been proven to have major health benefits — both physically and mentally. These benefits not only affect the receiver, but also positively affect the giver. If you are looking to start living a healthier and happier lifestyle, perhaps you should begin with giving back to others around you.

Here are some awesome benefits of giving “just because”:

Makes You a Happier Person
Seeing someone's face light-up when you give them a gift makes your brain release serotonin. Doing more things that release serotonin will drastically improve your mental health. People who volunteer and give more gifts to others are proven to be happier and healthier than their peers.

Builds Confidence
Studies show that those who choose to give back are more likely to have higher self-esteem. This often builds from the fact that they were able to make someone else happy. Better mental health is often seen in confident people. Plus, confident people are more likely to participate in health classes and go to the gym, there’s all kinds of benefits to this new-found confidence!

Reduces Anxiety
Increased stress and anxiety are a common factor in poor mental and physical health. The happiness of giving gifts or your time to those you love or those who are in need tend to help calm stressed and anxious minds. This goes hand-in-hand with building confidence as well, as confident people tend to stress less.

Evokes Gratitude
Not only does the receiver of the gift feel gratitude, but giving also evokes a sense of gratitude in the giver. In other words, the sender feels grateful for the receiver's gratitude. Gratitude is known to promote better mental health, so it is a positive mental health experience all the way around!

Could Extend Your Life
People who give back are often known to have longer, fuller lives. Studies have found that those who gave to loved ones like spouses, friends, or neighbors were independently linked to a lower chance of dying. This is because the reduced stress and anxiety from giving gifts leads to lower blood pressure and less chance of other stress related issues that could cause health problems.

Spreads the Love
When one person gives, it inspires others around them to do the same. Giving gifts to friends and family is fun, but you can also give back to strangers with random acts of kindness. 

Some common random acts of kindness include:

• Paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru line

• Donating toys to a local toy drive

• Sending flowers to healthcare workers

• Tipping the bill at a restaurant

Sometimes the simplest things in life can be what improves our mental and physical health the most. Giving back leads to a healthier and happier life for not only you, but those around you. For more benefits of giving, check out this infographic from Redbubble.

Madison Smith is a content creator and writer helping businesses build their online presence through informative, creative and shareable blog posts. When not writing on all things lifestyle, you can find Madison at the beach, hiking, planning her next travel adventure, or indulging her inner foodie at local taco shops.

12 Healthy Snacks to Grow in Your Backyard

Wouldn’t it be great if you could grow healthy, delicious foods in your backyard without going through all the work of creating a sectioned-off garden? You actually can! There are several healthy snacks that you can harvest in your backyard that thrive when planted with ornamentals out in the open. These healthy snacks are often-times planted among other wildlife-resistant plants to avoid the possibility of being eaten by a hungry animal. Here are 12 healthy snacks you can grow in your own backyard to create a truly unique edible landscape.

Strawberries
Strawberries are a favorite for salads, smoothies, and more. They are also perfect for planting in your own backyard. Strawberry plants are perennials that thrive in spring and fall.

Blueberries
A handful of blueberries is a delicious and healthy snack you can grow in your own backyard. They grow on beautiful bushes with white flowers in the spring and fall.

Fruit Trees
Planting fruit trees allows you to have many different types of healthy fruits at your fingertips. Fruit trees are best to plant in the fall. 

Some fruit trees that grow best in a backyard are:

• Pear Trees

• Fig Trees

• Plum Trees

• Cherry Trees

• Peach Trees

• Orange Trees

Herbs
Perennial herbs, such as oregano and lavender, grow wonderfully in backyards! These herbs thrive in early spring. Having herbs in your own backyard is a convenient way to spice up many of your favorite healthy dishes.

Peppers
Hot and sweet peppers make for great foods, such as salsa, and can grow in your backyard. Many peppers cannot be left in the open at first, due to their leaves attracting hungry animals, but once they have grown taller and hardier, they can be planted in your backyard. 

Artichokes
Artichokes are great for open landscapes, as they have prickly leaves that ward off any hungry wildlife. What's even better is that they are also a super yummy and healthy addition to meals. Baked, grilled, or steamed, they are a perfect side dish.

Eggplant
Eggplants have scratchy leaves that keep wildlife at bay, making them a great choice to plant in your backyard. Their star shaped flowers make for a pretty landscape, while the veggie itself is a healthy and delicious option as a roasted vegetable.

Beans
Pole beans grow tall on a trellis with chicken wire around the bottom so wildlife cannot get to them. Plant these in the spring for a healthy and tasty side dish option.

Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Alliums, such as these, are yummy ingredients for many recipes that you can grow right in your own backyard. They deter wildlife as well, making them great to plant next to other vegetables. These alliums thrive best when planted in early fall.

Kale
Kale is a fan favorite and one of the healthiest veggies out there! It is great for making a summer salad.

Tomatoes
This plant loves the sun and will easily climb a trellis or stake. Plant tomato seeds in late spring and have delicious ingredients for salsa, salads, and sauces all summer long.

Edible Flowers 
Edible flowers are great garnishes for salads and cocktails. Flowers such as daisies, lavender, and lilacs look beautiful in your yard and on your plate!

To learn more about edible landscaping and growing healthy produce, check out the infographic by Angi below, and Happy Growing! 

Hana Rehman is a Chicago-based content creator who believes in the power of compelling stories. Her passion for creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from wellness to gardening. In her spare time you will find her exploring new places, hiking, and listening to audiobooks while walking her dog.

Healthy Activities to Keep Your Body and Mind Young

It can be daunting to think about how your life will change as you age. There is a lot of negativity about the differences that everyone experiences in their mind, body, and routine as they get older. But aging should not be so negative, and there are plenty of activities you can do now to reap the benefits as you get older. 

Get Outside
Scheduling more outdoor time is an effortless way to make your life a bit more wellness-focused. Working in a walk when you otherwise may have had couch time is a great way to get yourself moving a bit while still having time to unwind.

Even if you just decide to take your normal leisure time outside, reading your book outdoors is still a great way to get some extra Vitamin D and boost your mood. Spending more time outdoors is a simple way that you can make your current leisure habits a bit healthier.

Get Social
It is just as important to support your mental health as you age as it is to support your physical health. Creating more opportunities to connect with friends and family is key to reducing loneliness. After all, what good is your health if you do not get to share it with your loved ones?

Committing to a common health goal with a friend is a great excuse to socialize more often and create a fitness support system. Whether you decide to jog together, share healthy recipes with each other, or volunteer together, changes in routine are always easier when done with a friend.

Make it Fun
Exercise should not be boring! Having fun is the best motivator when it comes to fitness, so do not be afraid to try less conventional forms of exercise. Putting on your favorite album and dancing around your living room counts! Looking at health from an all-or-nothing perspective is more likely to hold you back than empower you to make better choices as you age.

Why Healthy Aging Matters
Doing what you can now to ensure that you stay healthy as you age benefits you and your loved ones. Making these small changes in your routine means that you can spend less time worrying about your future health and more time together. 

Staying healthy also means that later on, you don’t have to worry as often about securing Medicare participating providers or deciphering your health insurance plan. Check out the infographic below for more ways to prioritize your health while you age.

Claire Silverberg is a writer who loves exploring all sorts of topics in her work, such as wellness, business, and lifestyle. On her off days, you can find her honing her skills in the kitchen or reading on her patio.

Finding New Ways to Achieve Wellness at Work or From Home

The below article was written by Daniel Corridon, C.E.O. of Stay Fit Housing LLC, and originally published on October 6, 2021 at Thrive Global.

Mental health, over the past year and a half, has undeniably come to the forefront of household conversations – and rightly so. During the pandemic, 4 in 10 adults have reported symptoms of anxiety – up from 1 in 10 adults the previous year. But one’s well-being isn’t limited to their at home performance. 

In addition to raising a family and finding personal fulfillment, our occupations, for better and for worse, take up a significant part of our daily lives. And due to the built up expectation of ‘hard work is good work,’ it can be extremely difficult to fight for your workplace wellness. Especially as hybrid and work-from-home businesses models continue to persist.

With a growing number of workers reporting that they don’t have enough time to exercise and eat right, the need for employee faceted health programs that address both mental and physical health has never been greater.

Fortunately, for many of us, the stress management and health-preserving techniques we adopted in our personal lives can be translated to the workplace. How we introduce these lessons into actionable workplace items, however, can be tricky and heavily nuanced. 

In addition to regular sleep, staying hydrated, and daily exercise, there’s a whole new set of issues to consider in today’s ever-evolving work environment. Unfortunately, employers may not always be privy to the wellness requirements of their staff. That is why it is up to all workforce members to support and encourage the adoption of all types of wellness initiatives and programs.

Wellness programs are a type of employee assistance program (EAP) that provide employees with resources to help them succeed in their wellness journey. They can be designed to help employees achieve wellness success by helping them identify key issues and building a plan to address them.

There are a variety of means to enhance employee wellness both within formal programs and as part of your organization’s overall benefits. These include but are not limited to:

On-site Fitness Centers
The fitness industry is reemerging right now with gyms and fitness clubs popping up all over the place, offering everything from free weight training to personal trainers. A gym membership can be expensive, however, and it can be difficult to find the time and interest to go to the gym regularly. As a result, employer-provided fitness services are becoming more and more popular. Many of these services are gamified as well to increase competition, teamwork, and overall office morale.

Corporate Housing
For many of us, where we live can be a much more temporary concept – especially as business travel returns. After turning your home into the perfect work-life environment, moving to a new location can be a terrifying and isolating experience.

To avoid this very predicament – and ensure a smooth home-to-home transition – employers are increasingly looking to provide the mobile worker with enhanced corporate housing options during extended business travel. 

The reasons for this policy change are manifold: they can provide employees with a more comfortable home away from home, new ways to de-stress, and offer them curated nutritional guidance to choose from while away. There are several advantages to using corporate housing versus hotels, including 4-5 times more living space to enjoy and entertain, gourmet kitchens for cooking, and the option for pet-friendly residences.

How you live starts with the quality of your home environment.

Smoking Cessation Programs
Stress can manifest itself in many different ways, most often as harmful or addictive habits, such as smoking.

Smoking is the single largest cause of preventable death worldwide, killing nearly 7 million people each year. Despite the amount of public health knowledge, nearly 14 of every 100 adults in the U.S. smoke. Employees who smoke are more likely to experience health issues, which may limit their ability to exercise, focus, or generally feel good. Many employers have a smoking cessation program or have policies to help these employees quit smoking. And find positive, health-promoting habits to manage both their professional and personal stressors.

Transit Options
One of the first things that employees should request from their employers is a variety of transportation options. Not only does this promote a healthy work-life balance, but it also gives employees a better chance at getting to and from work by encouraging them to take public transit or use a bike-sharing service. Biking or walking to work is a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to get to the office. It is, therefore, not a surprise that bicycling has become quite popular during the past year and a half.

Massage Sessions
Many companies will offer their employees allotted budgets for health and wellness purchases over the course of a year. But deciding what you are going to do with that sum can sometimes be overwhelming. If you are struggling to determine how you should invest your self care allowance, massage is always a great place to start.

The benefits of massage are well documented. It’s a simple, natural way to relax, and it can improve circulation, reduce stress and muscle tension, relieve aches and pains, and aid sleep. Low back pain and neck pain from sitting for long hours at a computer are examples of conditions that can be effectively treated with massage.

Yoga Classes
Yoga is another excellent way to invest the money you have set aside for health and wellness. That is partly why it is becoming more and more popular; to the point where employers are starting to offer classes for their employees. 

It’s an excellent form of exercise, and it can help to keep employees healthy and on top of their game. Yoga is not only good for one’s physical health, but it also improves mental health, relieves stress, reinforces effective breathing techniques, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lunch and Healthy Snacks
Your physical and mental health begins and ends with your diet. That is why healthy food options in the office kitchen have become more commonplace and will continue to be so as employees return. 

Kombucha, fresh produce, and various fruits and nuts have emerged as excellent health-promoting energy boosters for employees to tackle the day. While employers might believe that they have to provide unhealthy snacks to keep their workforce happy, these types of snacks may actually hinder employee productivity and increase the risk of various health conditions. The solution, therefore, is simple: provide healthy snacks to your employees so that they feel more energized and alert.

Meditation Sessions
Research shows that meditation can improve health and boost productivity. It can also be used to reduce stress and anxiety, which is why many companies are teaming up with meditation experts to help their employees de-stress and improve productivity at work. 

A meditation session can differ significantly based on the instructor and the individual. It should be noted that meditation is not suited for everyone, but for those that it works for, it can be extremely effective for improving one’s mindfulness and reduce the mental anguish of stressors.

Meditation can be done in a group, one-on-one, or even by yourself in your own home. A session usually lasts for 20 minutes but can be longer or shorter. The sessions can be done 1-2 times a week, or once a day. Some people follow a meditation practice for years and learn to do it without guidance. 

Intermittent Naps
A nap at work seems unlikely, right? That’s what people say until they try one. After all, you likely had a late night the night before, and your morning alarm probably went off way too early. Many tech companies such as Facebook and Asana have special nap rooms in their offices for employees to visit and take a rest. Employees feel refreshed and renewed to continue with their work. At the very least it is a reminder to all team members that you don’t have to be ‘on’ all the time – and that is okay.

Wellness Challenges
Workplace challenges related to wellness are effective in promoting healthy lifestyles within your workforce. They are also excellent pathways for encouraging employee engagement. Whether these are client initiated or employee initiated, when implementing wellness challenges, it is important to consider how these programs can help employees to achieve their wellness and workplace goals.

Since 2020, wellness has become an unavoidable buzzword. One that is as overused as it is under-utilized. Many major corporations are realizing the benefits that employee health and wellness can have on the bottom line, such as with employee retention. For example, over 87% of workers say they consider an employee wellness program as a major factor when deciding on a job. That is because, like all of us, employees appreciate being valued. And nothing demonstrates employer care than investing in the well-being of their employees. 

Organizations that look to offer their employees a healthier life now have the option to encourage better nutrition and exercise to ultimately promote a more productive, less stressed workforce. But these programs won’t be implemented on their own. It is up to workplace leaders to initiate, support, and invest in this philosophy.

The Return of Business Travel: How to Avoid Sacrificing Recent Wellness Success

The below article was written by Daniel Corridon, C.E.O. of Stay Fit Housing LLC, and originally published on September 29, 2021 at Thrive Global.

In the past year and a half, the nature of business has significantly changed. After transitioning to an all-digital job interface, the possibility of face-to-face, in-office interaction is once again a reality. In addition to added safety precautions and hybrid work schedules, the return to work also means the return of business travel. 

Pre-pandemic, a high percentage of business travel was spent in airports, hotels, and rented cars. While most of these critical modes of transportation are the same, how they are used – and how they impact employee well-being – is completely different. Understanding the importance of wellness and holistic living, that standard of corporate mobility has changed – drastically.  

The pandemic forced many of us to switch to remote work, but for some, a return to the office is imminent. According to the findings of a Gensler survey, employees are most eager to return to the office for the networking and community aspects, which are difficult to replicate organically while working from home. The COVID-19 Delta variant surely has and will delay office openings for the remainder of 2021, even still, some major employers plan to have employees return after Labor Day. 

In many cases, remote work served as a sufficient substitute for in-person activities, especially in terms of saving time and costs. However, many companies are worried that a sense of community has been permanently compromised. In-person client visits, conferences, and internal summits involved more than absorbing information and executing against an agenda; it was also about building and further cultivating solid business relationships. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 95% of people agree that face-to-face meetings help build and maintain these relationships.

Indisputably, organizations are stronger if they have deeper client relationships only truly achieved through face-to-face interaction. In fact, the Global Business Traveler Report revealed that 80% of business travelers are worried that the inability to travel to meet face-to-face will negatively impact their professional life. Furthermore, investing in in-person client interaction speaks to the organization’s quality and commitment to an overall positive customer experience.

Improving Employee Well-Being in a Post Pandemic World
According to Gallup’s 2021 report, 57% of North American employees report feeling stress on a daily basis since the start of the pandemic, up by 8% from the previous year. Therefore, by looking into what you can do to improve employee well-being during business travel in 2021, you could greatly increase their happiness and reduce the risk of burnout. As an example, you can provide them with access to a healthy living regimen, including hiking groups that promote physical and social wellness.  

An eventual return to the office also means some employees will be back in the air for business travel. That being said, organizations will have to adapt to their employees traveling in a post-pandemic world. The most significant change is how the pandemic highlighted the importance of employee well-being. 

Post-Covid Business Travel: Focus on Employee Well-Being
How can organizations keep employee well-being as a priority now that business travel is resuming? Fortunately, 78% of the world’s employers are committed to creating a workplace culture of health to boost employee engagement. There are several avenues to meet this initiative for keeping your employees safe and happy during their travels by facilitating the opportunity to live in a furnished residence that supports both their health and well-being, particularly for extended assignments or relocations. This will help ease the transition to new surroundings and help enhance overall well-being, which will have a positive impact on workplace performance.  

For some, traveling for business is a chance to visit new places and learn about cultures they may not otherwise encounter. Travel, after all, can help businesses develop a better understanding of their customers and affiliates all over the world. However, there’s also the risk of business trips and employee relocations going poorly, which could lead to the loss of strong talent. That is why it is critical to keep employees secure, satisfied, and health-focused.

Extended travel poses a myriad of challenges for employees who are often under significant work-related stress, and coupled with being away from family, this combination can be detrimental to both the employer and the traveler. Ensuring the well-being of your employees should remain a priority during business travel. Businesses should look into offering exercise programs while their employees are traveling to keep their minds sharp and reduce stress. Giving employees back their free time could help them have a better experience, and thus improve employee satisfaction.

How to Support the Mobile Workforce 
For companies that routinely send employees on long-term assignments, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for temporary relocation. The first is ensuring they have access to appropriate communication. For example, some organizations provide a dedicated phone number for employees on the road to call for support.

Adequate travel expenses are crucial for employees since they can be quite costly and the location might be more expensive than where they currently live. That means businesses should take into account the housing prices near their intended destinations and overall cost of living adjustments.  

Elevating Business Travel During COVID-19
With the global marketplace becoming more competitive, businesses need to travel overseas. In this case, they may need to relocate their employees for business travel. Relocating employees is a sensitive matter since it may mean uprooting them from their family and friends in the short or long term. Still, there are ways to ensure that the process runs smoothly.

Major factors to consider when moving an employee include living costs and benefits. If an employee moves to another city, state, or country for work, their employer can face several challenges. Before you decide to relocate an employee for business, you need to consider the benefits and drawbacks of the move.

For one, hiring a global mobility relocation outfit is essential. A specialist will know the ins and outs of relocating people on and offshore — from preparing personal effects to finding upscale accommodations and even navigating complex tax matters in another state or country. Second, businesses can provide their employees with the support they need during and after the process. A top employer with sterling employee retention typically provides great benefits, a stable workplace, and opportunities for personal and professional development. Healthy employees are more likely to remain at their current company, and 65% of worldwide employers believe that wellness programs attract and retain workers.

Reshaping Business Travel Recovery Post Covid-19
Global business travel is re-emerging, and companies are a big reason for this trend. With the amount of time spent on the road, it’s critical to find a solution that can make employees feel safe and comfortable when away from home. Full-time workers in the US with chronic health conditions miss 450 million additional days of work each year compared to healthy workers. For those who travel for work, this is where employee corporate housing and wellness lifestyle comes into play. This kind of accommodation provides a wide variety of benefits to the business, including:

• Curated nutritional guidance that keeps any specific dietary restrictions in mind

• Access to social groups to help the employees meet others who share the same healthy hobbies

• Clean, safe, and fully furnished residences

• Living like a local in an upscale residential community to acclimate easier

• Meal kit subscription services with healthy recipes

• Spin, Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Boxing, and HIIT classes to stay fit and active

It shouldn’t feel like an employee is outside of their element during business travel. They should feel just as at home so they can focus on doing their best work. That’s why it is important to plan ahead and do everything in your power to ensure the business travel your employees will be engaged in during 2021 goes as smoothly as possible. 

As a final note, equipping employees to feel their best also prepares them for doing their best. So, companies who go the extra mile to ensure positive outcomes with business travel will help fortify employee satisfaction and maximize return on investment.

Managing Stress and Anxiety Can Make Your Business Stronger

When you are an entrepreneur, it can seem like anxiety and stress are a guaranteed part of your workday. You are responsible for not only overall business success but also for many of the day-to-day details. It is a lot to take care of. Whether you are trying to start up a new company or keep an existing one afloat, you need to manage daily tensions. Fortunately, there are proactive steps that business proprietors can take to help relieve the pressure, especially the following tips.

Delegate When You Can
As a motivated entrepreneur who has personal resources invested in your company, it can be hard to let go of responsibilities. Business owners can fall into the habit of trying to handle everything themselves.

However, assigning responsibilities when you can comes with advantages. First, it frees you to spend time on high-level tasks that impact your business. If you have a dependable payroll system, for example, you don't need to consume time and energy worrying about tax errors or employee payouts. You can focus more energy on functions that strengthen your organization's effectiveness. Finding a reliable payroll for startup system is the key. It should help set a schedule, determine withholdings, stay abreast of tax payments, and keep your records organized. Clean and efficient record-keeping starts you out on the right track, and you won’t have to worry about getting into trouble with the government.

Stick With Proven Processes
When you are backed up with work, cutting corners can seem like a good idea. In some cases, though, your business methods may be your strength. Using dependable methods can keep you from making costly mistakes or doing something over again.

On the other hand, if you see an opportunity that makes financial sense, don't be afraid to investigate and see if a new approach is a good fit. Automating marketing emails, for example, can save you from repetitive tasks and prevent errors while personalizing your message to the customer.

Take Breaks
Leaving the building for a quick walk can help you hit the reset button when you are bogged down. Studies show that physically detaching and engaging in physical activity during work hours enables you to maintain focus and reduces the need for recovery after the day ends. Breaks can help you maintain the mental strength you require to keep your company performing at its peak.

Stepping away from a confounding problem or intense situation gives your mind a chance to back up and get a different perspective. If you are struggling with something at work, try relaxing for five minutes and see if your viewpoint changes.

Find a Hobby
At first, enjoying a hobby can seem like an inefficient use of your time when you could be concentrating on business functions. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, give yourself something to look forward to by adding leisure time to your schedule. A hobby is a worthy diversion if it helps you clear your head and return to work refreshed.

A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology indicates that everyday creativity supports positive functioning. In this capacity, your hobby can help strengthen your business by improving your mental abilities.

A hobby that connects you to other people also gives you a chance to interact with individuals outside your work setting. You can make new friends and find emotional support while disengaging from business concerns.

Managing your stress level while running a business does not mean you are taking time away from your productivity. In fact, stress management can strengthen your business. When you perform at your peak, you can give your best to your company and position yourself for growth in the future.

Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student who knows how difficult it can be to sift through the mountains of health-related information on the web. Together with a friend, she co-created Public Health Library to write about health and wellness topics and to create a forum for sharing reputable health and medical information.

13 Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy

These trying times have likely taken a toll on your health. As we get bogged down in the day-to-day stresses, it can be helpful to take a step back and get a reminder of what is needed in order for us to be our best selves. Here are 13 ways you can Stay Fit and healthy:

Find Ways to Boost Your Mood
Don’t ignore the influence your mind has over your physical health. The right mindset makes all the difference in how you view yourself, your lifestyle, and your relationships. Staying positive can help keep you feeling your best, all the way around.

• Take small steps to care for yourself each day.

• Add mood-boosting foods to your meal plan.

• Optimize workouts with motivational apps. These will be on your smart device during a lot of physical activity, so be sure to protect your smartphone with a durable and versatile case.

Create a Fitness-Focused Space
Even if you are a hardcore gym rat, you can find fulfilling and worthwhile workouts in your own digs. Working out at home is one way to Stay Fit when you are avoiding public spaces or just cannot make it to the gym, and in fact, with a little creativity, you can create a nice supplementary program to your usual workout routine.

• Incorporate daily yoga practice to your at-home routine.

• Choose the perfect fitness equipment for your workout goals.

• Implement exercises to ease joint pain as you amp up your workouts.

Upgrade Your Eating Habits
Good food means good fuel for your body. Focus on nutrient-dense foods in all your major food groups. Be sure to include lean protein, healthful fats, whole grains, and colorful fruits and veggies (the more colorful the better!), basically replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and refined sugar. And when it comes to actually pausing to eat, whether it is at the dinner table or on the fly, be mindful of how you are consuming the food (mindful eating), which forces you to slow down and enjoy the meal or snack, as well as help with digestion.

• Add healthy snacks to your shopping list.

• Start meal prepping to spend less time in the kitchen.

• Improve your nutrition by changing how you prepare your meals.

Give Your Body the TLC It Needs
Caring for your body involves more than healthy eating and exercise. Your wellbeing requires a “whole body” approach to overall health, which entails getting enough sleep, finding ways to reduce stress, and enjoying the company of others.

• Schedule a couple more hours of sleep per night.

• Take a vacation -- an essential step, as ZenBusiness notes here, for reducing job stress, especially for those in management or leadership roles.

• De-stress to support heart and overall health.

• Make socializing a priority for better mental and physical health.

When your schedule, health concerns, or other issues get in the way of your gym routine, you can innovate ways to Stay Fit and healthy. By focusing on boosting your mood, getting active, eating well, and taking a break when your body needs it, you will be ahead of the game when you return to your usual fitness plan.

Personal Trainer Sheila Olson encourages her clients to stay positive and incorporates mindfulness and practices for reducing negative talk into her sessions. She created FitSheila to spread the word about her fitness philosophy.

You Can Rebuild Your Life Again

Are you trying to start your life over again? You might be going through a divorce, recovering from losing your home or job, or maybe you are simply trying to rebuild everything after the COVID-19 pandemic. Either way, it is possible to start over again, no matter your age or what is going on. It may seem like an uphill battle, but the process is probably easier than you think, and below are some steps you can take.

Create a Fitness Routine
Exercise is the first course of action many people turn to when they want to lose weight. It has many more benefits besides tightening your abs, though. According to experts, working out benefits your mental well-being and can help you feel better about yourself. Discover what types of exercise would be most helpful for you, such as dancing, cycling, or even playing a team sport like basketball. You might even appreciate changing up your routine from time to time. This may make it more likely that you will stick with working out. Having a fitness routine can help you develop strength and improve your overall mood as you rebuild your life.  

Give Your Diet an Overhaul
Step back and take a look at what you are eating. Is it fresh food or something that would be found in a "clean" diet? Or do you fall victim to eating processed meals often, like TV dinners or fast food? If the latter is the answer, look for ways to slowly sneak in healthy snacks. Start menu planning so that you know what is for dinner before you even get home. Break bad habits and make it possible to move toward a new and healthy lifestyle. 

Take a Close Look at Your Finances
Having enough money is a problem many people face, no matter where they are in life. In a post-pandemic world, finances can be stressful for anyone. You can work on saving money by stashing a certain percentage of your paycheck every pay period or consider gig-work as a way to bring in additional funds. If you are a homeowner, refinancing your house is a possibility. When you refinance, this decreases the equity that your home currently has, giving you the chance to reduce your monthly payments or freeing up additional funding. This can give you the opportunity to get your new life started off on solid financial footing. 

Develop Hobbies You Enjoy
Life shouldn't feel like a rat race all the time. Consider working on some hobbies or interests that can give your life meaning and help you improve feelings of self-worth. Volunteering with organizations that interest you, taking up a physical hobby, like hiking, or even socializing with friends more often are good examples of ways you can find fun and meaning when living life on your terms. 

Create a Wind-Down Routine
Another way to develop a healthier lifestyle is by creating an evening wind-down routine. This will signal to your body that it is time to get ready for bed. You might find your body feels more at ease with a routine in place, and it can be a good way to start your life over, one step at a time.

Even after difficult changes in life, whether due to the pandemic or personal circumstances, it is important to understand you can start over, step-by-step. 

Stephanie Haywood is happy to be living her best life. Personal development and self-care gave her a boost when she needed it most, and now she works to share the gift of self-knowledge, self-care, and self-actualization with everyone who visits MyLifeBoost.com.

Natural, Inexpensive Cleaning Products for Your Home

2021 is a great time to become more conscious about the cleaning products we use in our homes and around our families. Choosing to go more natural and eco-friendly has many benefits, and doing so does not have to break the bank.

Cleaning products that are purchased at the store are usually made with many chemicals that can be unhealthy to not only the environment but also to your family — not to mention they can also be expensive. 

There are many positives to using all-natural cleaning products. For starters, a lot of the commercial cleaning products sold in stores contain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia that can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat, and can even cause more serious health problems like cancer. 

We curated these three natural, inexpensive cleaning products to ensure you will be more sustainable, and at the same time keep your space sparkling. Additionally, most of these products are ideal for shopping on a budget!

Remove harsh products out of your cleaning routine and explore these simple, yet effective natural cleaning products for the home.

1. All-Natural Everyday Cleaner
When it comes to eco-friendly natural cleaning products, citrus is your friend. Its strong acid components work well to get rid of pesky stains and odors in the home. But be sure to not use this recipe on natural stone tile or countertops.

• Ingredients:

  • Recycled citrus peels 

  • 1 teaspoon castile soap

  • 1 cup white vinegar

  • 2 cups water

  • 20 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

• Directions: 

1. Fill an empty jar with slices of citrus peels, fill with white vinegar, and set out for about two weeks so it has time to infuse.  

2. Next, strain vinegar from the jar and place the peels in compost. Mix the vinegar with castile soap and water. 

3. Add 20 drops of lemon-scented essential oil (optional).

4. Pour mixture into a spray bottle. 

2. Non-Toxic Air Freshener
Another ingredient that is low cost and great at getting rid of odors is baking soda. This recipe is simple to create and you can relax knowing that you are avoiding the harsh products found in a store-bought air freshener. 

• Ingredients:

  • Baking soda 

  • Natural scents, such as cinnamon sticks, rosemary, dried lavender flowers, dried orange peels, or essential oils

• Directions: 

1. Fill any jar halfway with baking soda. 

2. Add your natural scents to the jar. 

3. Mix the ingredients to make sure the scent is well dispersed.

4. Open the lid of your jar wherever you need to get rid of odors.

3. Eco-Friendly Glass Cleaner 
Did you know cornstarch can also be used to clean glass surfaces? Cornstarch is an ingredient that is low cost and chemical-free — not to mention most people have cornstarch lying around in their cupboards. Cornstarch is the perfect natural substitute since it breaks down the water bonds that cause spots and streaks.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch 

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

• Directions: 

1. Mix together all ingredients.

2. Shake up this mixture until well combined and pour into a bottle with a spray nozzle. 

Check out the infographic below for more natural cleaning recipes.

Makenzie Pohl is a content creator who develops helpful and compelling stories. Her passion for digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from travel to lifestyle. She calls San Diego, California home, and enjoys dining out, photography, and traveling in her spare time.

Reduce Financial Stress and Improve Your Health

Your money has a direct impact on your mindset. When you are feeling at odds with your income or expenses, it manifests into financial stress. But how do you manage one when you don’t have the other? In this post, we explore how your health impacts your wealth, vise versa, and how to improve both.

The connection between health and money has been studied for centuries. In ancient Greece, philosophers pondered the idea that without health, there is no wealth. Today, money is one of the basic needs of survival. When we don’t have basic necessities, our body compounds the loss into stress. This type of stress results in both psychological and physical ailments that are even more complicated to solve.

If you have experienced fiscal or fitness-related stress, consider the following (and the infographic below):

• 15 minutes of movement: Exercise helps combat high blood pressure, helps ease sleep problems and anxiety, and helps manage weight gain. The best part? A healthier you means fewer co-pays and doctor’s bills.

• Asking a professional: Sometimes help goes beyond our own physical abilities. Asking a professional financial advisor or therapist for assistance will help you prioritize what you need to work on.

• Meditating: Meditation creates self-awareness, which can result in better spending habits, less anxiety, and an improved overall cognitive function.

• Completing a small goal: Small goals give you the confidence to complete loftier tasks down the road. By building confidence with small goals, you are improving your mindset to be able to improve the more complex issues you face.

• Eating healthy: Eating healthy means more than fruits and vegetables. Focus on maintaining a regular eating schedule. Try and home make three meals per day to start to combat the risk of diabetes, and eventually – healthcare costs.

• 8 hours of sleep: Sleep is one of the most underrated necessities in our lives. Lack of sleep and constant work has been glorified, but it may not give you the most glory in return. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night to improve your productivity and your life.

• Reflection: Reflect often. Write in a journal about your physical, mental, and financial state, and then look back at the end of the week at your reflections to find common themes. Once these themes are identified, it will be easier to maintain the good and combat the bad.

Jessica is a Content Marketing Specialist, developing high-quality content for diverse industries, including: tech, finance, travel, and lifestyle. Her work can be seen featured on sites like Better Homes and Gardens and wikiHow. Read more of her posts on Possible Finance.

How to Achieve a Whiter, Brighter Smile Naturally

In-office dental bleaching treatments are expensive, and the ones that you get over the counter don’t always guarantee results. So, how do you maintain the brightness of your smile and create that perfect first impression without ending up with a significantly lighter wallet?

Naturally, of course. Did you know that there are some natural foods and beverages that can help you get a winning smile? All of this without having to spend a lot of money, or purchasing plastic-packaged, disposable whitening products from the market that will eventually harm the environment. 

There are many foods that whiten teeth. Below is a list of natural food and drinks that you can incorporate into your diet to effectively combat dental stains, and to reveal a healthier, shinier smile:

• Apples and Carrots: Apples and carrots have one thing in common – that giant, satisfying crunch when you take a bite. This hard, crunchy, and gently abrasive nature of apples and carrots give them natural scrubbing properties. They can fight stains and contribute to gum health at the same time.

• Strawberries: If you have been shying away from smiling your fullest because of pale, stained teeth, all you need in life is more strawberries. Strawberries are known to gently lift stains and have natural whitening properties. They are packed with Vitamin C and have countless other health benefits too.

• Pineapples: Not that anyone needs an excuse to eat more pineapples, but these fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C and Bromelain. The latter is a naturally-occurring enzyme that has cleansing properties and can help with dental staining or general discoloration.

• Cheese: Here is one less thing to feel guilty about next time you ask for more cheese at a restaurant – it can help rebuild enamel for a healthier, brighter smile. It contains a protein known as casein which contributes to the health and formation of new enamel, and also lactic acid, which helps prevent caries.

Believe it or not, but the answer to most of our health-related problems lie within an inexpensive, healthy, natural diet, self-care, a regular routine that nourishes mind and body, and of course a positive attitude towards life. For more, check out the below infograph.

Lydia McAllister is a content creator who develops helpful and compelling stories. Her passion for digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to lifestyle. Lydia calls Missouri home, and in her spare time, she enjoys solving crosswords, getting outside, and cooking.

The Power of Protein

Are you looking to stay healthy during your travels this summer?

If so, you may want to add more protein to your diet. There are many good sources of protein to choose from, including egg whites, lean beef, legumes, nuts, seeds, and seafood, among others. Protein is vital because it helps your body stay healthy and work properly.

Did you know that there are more than 10,000 types of protein found within the entire body?

Having protein in your diet is vital because it helps the body repair cells and make new ones, including the muscle cells that are damaged during exercise. It is also important for development in kids, teenagers, and pregnant women.

There are many benefits to this essential macronutrient. It can help improve bone density, sleep, and brain function. It can also boost muscle development and muscle mass, as well as strength. Protein also plays a key role in maintaining the proper pH of your body, since it regulates the number of acids and bases in your blood and bodily fluids.

While protein is important for maintaining a healthy physique, it is possible to consume too much of it. The daily limit is about 25 to 30 grams per meal. To learn more about the power of protein, see the below infograph.

Dr. Myur S. Srikanth is a board-certified bariatric and cosmetic surgeon at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery. He has been performing bariatric surgery exclusively since 2000 and has performed over 4,000 weight loss surgeries. Dr. Srikanth performs nearly every operation that is currently available to treat obesity.