Inside and Out: Changing Who You Are

 

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Changing who we are is something that we all would like to do. We all view ourselves in a certain way, but we may grow frustrated with the person staring back at us in the mirror. Changing ourselves isn't something that happens overnight, but there are certain aesthetics that we can work towards, but also make inward changes.

Surround Yourself With Different Components

Changing who you are can be about the environment you are in. Sometimes exposing ourselves to different stimuli forces us to think differently. Taking yourself into more stressful situations can force you to think on your feet. Hanging around with different people forces you to think differently and to see things from different perspectives. But even incorporating different physical items in your life can make you think differently. Changing your look is one thing, but you can also think about changing the things that surround you. Something like a new car is not always an affordable option if you want to change your life completely, but you can change the rims and tyres! These environmental changes can stimulate us to think differently. But it's important to remember that they won't change your thought habits overnight.

Change How You Think of Yourself

When you are on the quest for a new image, it's about looking at how people see you now and how you want to see yourself. You need to decide on the characteristics that you would like to change. And it's a great idea at this point to brainstorm and think about people you admire. It's not just about what people's actions are, but it's their behaviors. But you need to start small. Think about the personality traits that you'd like to have and see if they are still achievable based on your personal beliefs and values. It's impossible to completely change who you are if the person you want to be is at odds with your belief system. Before you declutter your closet and throw clothes out, you need to look at where you want to be and if you can take the steps in that direction.

Changing Your Habits

The biggest alteration of all when you are trying to become a different person is to change your habits. There are so many things that you have to be conscious of before you change your habits. It's not just about the people you are hanging around, but it's also about making sure that you correct what people think about you, but you also need to change how you think about yourself. And these changes can be very daunting. Because you've got to think about so many different components. From looking at how you act in certain situations to ensuring that others notice a change in you it takes a long time to mold. And when you start to embody a new image, you then have to solidify how you feel as a new person. 

Changing who we are is something that we would all like to do but we have to remember that it's about taking small steps.

How Can You Enjoy Greater Financial Security as a Woman

How Can Women Enjoy Greater Financial Security?

Financial security and success is a life goal for many people, not just women. However, for many people and women in particular, it can often seem a lot more elusive. Issues such as disparities in salary in the workplace for female employees, as well as making choices like leaving work or reducing hours in order to maintain family commitments, can often have serious impacts on the financial future of women. If you want to look ahead to a more stable and enjoyable financial life, read on for some useful suggestions on what to consider.

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Review your career prospects

One of the major obstacles for women when it comes to financial security is the vast gap in salaries between men and women. The gender pay gap is a common phenomenon in many industries and workplaces around the world, and while there has been more awareness raised, it continues to persist in many areas.

The pay gap is often a consequence of other limitations placed on women, such as having fewer opportunities to enjoy career growth and promotions, often due to mistaken assumptions about their personal and professional goals, or even because of prejudices about women’s abilities in the workplace. However, there is hope for women here, as more contemporary workplaces are reviewing this issue in a transparent way and offering better career prospects, which in turn can pave the way towards more financial growth.

Think about what you can invest in

Investment can start at any point and does not require a huge sum of money to do so. While some forms of investment, such as buying real estate, will require a significant outlay to begin, other forms of investment can be started on relatively modest sums.

You may want to start a savings fund or trust where a portion of your salary can be put aside on a regular basis. With interest and over a consistent period of time, this can help a relatively modest fund to grow into something of meaningful value. You may also want to look into other forms of practical investment, such as buying antiques or gold, from sellers such as www.nuggetsbygrant.com.

Establish a plan for the future

Finally, one of the most important aspects of creating greater financial security for your future is planning ahead. This can mean different things to many people. You may have specific objectives that you want to achieve, such as buying your own home and owning it outright, or personal goals such as traveling the world. Knowing what a successful future looks like for you as an individual can help you determine what kind of steps you need to take now, as well as help you understand how much money you may want to have in order to feel comfortable and secure.

While these things can vary between individuals, one thing is certainly for sure: all women want to enjoy greater security and stability, and this is not an impossible achievement to enjoy in your life.

22 Things They Don't Tell You About Birth

Motherhood is one big adventure. Before you decide to start a family, you spend time thinking about what your family could look like, how many children you might have and what your family would be. The shocking reality of it is that all the castles in the sky that you built can crash down when you finally have a baby and the reality is very different from what you imagined. Not every birth goes wrong, but every mother has high hopes for their miracle to happen the same way it does in their head.

There is a lot that they don't tell you about motherhood and a lot that they do tell mothers but that goes ignored. You spend your time pregnant and being as safe as possible to keep your baby safe until you bring them earth-side, so it stands to reason to properly research everything from car seats to crib bumpers to keep them safe when they are born, too. There are many things you’ll learn about motherhood as you raise your new baby, but before you get to that point, you have to go through childbirth - and this is the part that’s always a surprise. No one can tell you how your labor is going to go; they can only tell you what could happen and how to prepare yourself. However, they also give you the cliff notes version of things and not the open, honest version of the things that could happen. So, with this in mind, we’ve put together 22 things that they don't tell you about childbirth!

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1. Your waters may never break. Most people expect the big splash and pop that happens in the scenes during movies. Unfortunately, it’s not as fun as watching a water balloon pop and coat the pavement. In some cases, your waters may never break - and the doctor has to do it for you! Sometimes, waters go slowly and it feels like you’re wetting yourself. It’s not the most pleasant feeling in the world!

2. Maxi pads are going to be your best friends when your water is trickling - oh yes, it can trickle over some time and you may not even lose your waters just once. Your forewaters (that is, the waters at the front) can go before the hind waters; at the back of the sac. With the right stock of maxi pads, you won’t have to worry about ruining your underwear.

3. Your birth plan is a nice guide and gives you something to do, but doctors will throw the whole thing out the moment your baby and you are in any danger. You can list everything that you want and have someone with you to speak for you when you’re in pain, but know that a birth plan is not written in cement. It can and does often change at the last minute.

4. Sometimes, labor and birth are easier alone. When you have people with you as you give birth, you can spend too much time concentrating on whether they are okay and this distracts you from the task at hand. Birthing alone gives you the chance to concentrate and breathe. It’s rather empowering to go it alone!

5. That being said, you and your partner may find that everyone wants to be involved in the birth. It’s okay to tell your mother and his mother that you don't need them there! You were alone together when your baby was conceived and you are within your right to birth the baby without outsiders watching you dilate. 

6. After your labor begins, it can take hours and even days for the baby to arrive. It’s not like the movies: you will often have to spend most of your time walking and living life as you contract and dilate. It’s only when you hit 4cm dilated that the hospitals consider your birth to be active!

7. If your waters break while you’re at home, you need to avoid any more “baby encouraging” sex to get the baby out. You no longer have waters intact to protect the baby, which means you are susceptible to infection. Your labor should start within 24 hours of water leaving, and if you don't go into labor, your doctor will give you a helping hand with induction drugs.

8. You will panic when contractions start, even if you think you won’t. Your brain naturally wants to fight the pain and try to control it, and you can’t. The best thing to do to get through the contractions is to breathe and keep moving while they happen. Don't hold your breath when they hit, either, as this can make it more painful!

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9. Not all pain relief options are good ones. Depending on the country you live in, you may not get every single option, and not everyone wants an epidural given the higher risk of needing a c-section. 

10. Most women forget that they can have a birth that they want to have regardless of what anyone says. Informed choice is the most important thing you can have when you give birth, and you deserve to know that if you don't want a csection unless in absolute danger, then you can refuse one. Always weigh your options: the goal is a healthy baby, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try for a vaginal birth if you want one.

11. If you want an epidural, you can have one! You only need to ask for one and while doctors will try to get you as far along as possible without pain relief, you are allowed to control your birth.

12. Giving birth feels like you’re doing a number two - but in a big way! You may be smiling, but did you know that you may poop on the birthing bed? Yep, that’s a thing you know now! And it’s totally normal and natural. Midwives and doctors simply scoop it away to make space for the baby to arrive. 

13. Purple pushing can cause more tears. What is purple pushing? Well, it’s when you are coached to push your baby when a contraction isn't happening. You go purple in the face because you’re pushing against the wave: the baby isn't coming yet but you push anyway. This can cause your vagina to tear and you get exhausted in the attempt!

14. If your baby gets tired during the birth, you may need forceps or a ventouse to help the baby out. Both of these options are fairly invasive, but they’re less invasive than a c-section. Again, informed consent is a must for labor, and you need to know all of your options and outcomes. They may be scary to research, but knowledge is power.

15. Your chosen doctor may not be the person who delivers the baby. This can be disconcerting when you’re initially in labor, but when the moment comes to push you won’t care!

16. Episiotomy. It’s a word that you may avoid, but you need to understand it. A swift cut to your perineum (the bit between your bottom and your vagina) can give you more room in the birthing canal to get the baby out. It’s rare to happen now, especially when there are so many more birthing techniques you can rely on. However, it’s important to be aware!

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17. You can stand up and birth if you like. It’s an antiquated notion that you have to be on your back, when in fact, it’s the least comfortable and the least practical position in which to give birth. You can hold a rope from the ceiling and squat, you can go on your hands and knees while holding the back of the bed - you can birth in any position that feels most comfortable.

18. You may “moo”. Honestly, the noises you make in childbirth will happen whether you intend them to or not. Most women seem to “hum” which sounds like a cow “mooing”. The noises you make are absolutely fine - whatever helps you to concentrate.

19. You don't just birth a baby - you also deliver a placenta. Most women don't actually feel this bit as the body naturally ejects the placenta once it’s detached from the wall of the womb. Some women encapsulate it and choose to ingest it!

20. You may need stitches if your baby is born with a hand against its face, or they come through at an awkward angle. Sometimes, stitches can be more painful than the contractions, but the doctor will give you an injection to numb the site. 

21. Post-baby bleeding is called lochia, and you will deal with that. You will bleed for up to 3 months post-baby, but a lot of women stop bleeding after six weeks. The bleeding is caused by the placenta coming away - it leaves a wound the size of a dinner plate in the womb. It’s for this reason you shouldn't have sex before the bleeding stops (and before six weeks!), and you shouldn't use tampons either. You want to avoid infection!

22. Within three months of giving birth, you will be thinking about the next baby. All of the things that you went through with childbirth will feel like a distant memory. It may be the baby hormones that do it so that we continue to procreate!

4 Benefits Of Adopting A Pet

 

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Nowadays, it seems like the trendy thing to do is buy an exotic breed and show it off like it’s a new car or handbag. Don’t get me wrong; Cockapoos and Labradoodles are beautiful animals with plenty of personality. However, there are cats and dogs in need of help, and you should do your best to step up to the plate. After all, adopting a pet has many benefits that you don’t consider when you think about a shelter. Therefore, it’s about time you gave them a look and factored in the advantages of adoption.

Continue reading for more.

You’ll Save A Life

It’s sad that animals have to lose their lives because of irresponsible owners. That’s what happens when pets end up in shelters and aren’t re-housed. Due to the lack of space, some have to be euthanized, which is horrible to picture. Considering Uncommon Giving says that 6.4 million dogs and cats enter shelters every year, you literally save a life by adopting unfortunate pets who have done nothing wrong. Plus, so many of them are sweet and caring and don’t have a bad bone in their bodies. Designer pets will always have a home, but animals in shelters aren’t as lucky.

You’ll Save Money

You should consider the costs of pet ownership as it isn’t cheap to keep an animal. The Simple Dollar puts the average expense at upwards of $1,000, and that’s just for purchasing a dog. All in, you can expect to fork out tens of thousands of dollars in food, clothes, and veterinary bills. So, it’s essential to paws for a moment (pun intended!) and consider whether you can afford to own a pet. If you can but you’re on the edge, adopting an animal can cost as little as $50, saving you $950 straight out the gate.

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You’ll Avoid Health Problems

The issue with buying from private breeders is that you can place style over substance. This means you’ll be tempted to gush over how cute they are without thinking about the mix. Designer dogs, while stunning, aren’t always healthy since they take on attributes from different breeds that can put their wellbeing at risk. A British bulldog is a prime example. Vice points out that not only are they cheaper from a shelter, but they will have fewer health issues as professionals understand how to care for a bulldog’s chronic respiratory problems.

You’ll Enjoy The Journey

Yes, rescues are harder to train and assimilate into the house. The ones that have been through hell will take a while to realize that love is healthy. As such, you can expect a pet from a shelter to lash out for a couple of weeks or months until it’s comfortable in its new surroundings. It’s tough at first, but it gets easier. Understanding your new member of the family is part of the process, and one that pet owners who rescue animals wouldn’t change for the world.

The process is sweeter when you recognize where you started and how far you have come as a unit.

Dealing With Family Loss: How To Make Coping More Doable

The concept of losing a loved one isn’t something that any of us can comprehend until it happens to us. There’s is nothing worse than losing someone that you love, and coping with that loss can be extremely stressful and upsetting. This is especially true if you have been put in charge of dealing with the arrangements following their death and you have your own young family to look after. 

Knowing where to start after losing a loved one can be extremely difficult. There’s a lot that you need to think about and consider when it comes to coping with the loss of a loved one - it’s not an easy task, knowing what steps to take in the wake of someone you care about passing away. However, just because it’s not easy, that doesn’t mean that you cannot make coping a little easier. 

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Here’s how to make coping when dealing with a family loss a little simpler to manage - read on for everything that you should know. 

Don’t put pressure on yourself 

It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself when it comes to coping with family loss, as there’s probably a lot that needs to be done. However, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Realize that it’s okay to move slowly to organize things and that there are no time constraints on how long you have to get organized. Coping with a family loss is hard and it’s important to realize that it’s okay to not be okay and to need time. 

Find a funeral home 

An important step to take when it comes to coping with the loss of a loved one is to find a funeral home to work with on the end of life celebrations. You want to find a funeral home like George Boom Funeral Home that is able to offer you plenty of help and support with every aspect of your loved one’s funeral arrangements. Finding the right funeral home will help to make the process that little bit easier, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right one. 

Spread the load 

Don’t try and deal with everything yourself, you’re grieving too. Spread the load and speak to other family members and friends and see if they can help you to organize everything in the wake of your loved one’s passing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, after all, you need time to grieve too. Whether you need help organizing the service or you need help organizing the memorial, don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Coping with the loss of a loved one is never easy; it can be extremely upsetting and even traumatic. Dealing with that loss and putting the arrangements in place to say goodbye isn’t easy either, and it can often end up feeling like a little too much pressure. Hopefully, however, the advice above will help to make dealing with your loss that little bit easier to cope with. 

5 Things You Should Always Be Saving For

 

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We all know that it’s important to save a portion of our income every month, but what exactly are you saving for? You might have a luxury purchase or a dream vacation in mind but there are other things that should be a top priority too. To ensure you’ve got a good financial management strategy in place, take a look at these five things you should always be saving for:

1. Your Family’s Future

When you’re saving money, don’t just look six or 12 months into the future. Instead, you’ll want to consider what the future may hold for every member of your family. If you have children, for example, you may want to save in order to help fund a college education or to help them buy their first home.

2. Medical Treatment

At some time or another, it’s highly likely that someone in your family will require medical treatment. Even if you have medical insurance, the cost of deductibles can quickly escalate. By having access to a savings pot, however, you can ensure that you’ll always have the funds to cover any healthcare costs.

3. Your Retirement

As you get older, your needs will change, which means your budget may be affected. When you stop working, you may want to travel the world, pursue new hobbies, and move into the best luxury assisted living facility. No matter what your dreams are, by planning your financial strategy now, you can ensure that you have the funding you need to finance a fantastic retirement.

4. Investments

Making an investment can be a great way to increase your capital or to generate a second income. However, you’ll need to have access to some initial funds in order to make a worthwhile investment. Saving to make an investment now could mean that you’ll have access to a larger amount of capital in the future. Of course, no investment offers a guaranteed return, so it’s important to seek financial advice before making any major decisions.

5. A New Home

If you are currently renting your home, you may be eager to save up enough money to purchase your own place. Alternatively, if you already own your home, you may wish to save so that you can climb the property ladder and move to a larger home. Your family home is generally your biggest asset, so building up equity in a home can be a viable way to prepare for your financial future, as well as enabling you to enjoy having your own space.

Creating a Savings Plan

With so many things to save for, it’s easy to see why making regular contributions to your savings pot is so important. By calculating how much you can afford to save each month and listing it as an essential expense on your household budget, you can ensure that you never miss a contribution. This will enable you to reach your savings goals within the relevant timeframe and should mean you can look forward to a bright financial future.

Four Life Lessons Worth Knowing For Good Health

Good health is something that everyone wants to achieve when it comes to their mind and body. In order to live a long and happy life, it’s important to take care of yourself in any way you can. With that being said, there are certain life lessons worth passing on to make sure you’re doing everything possible to look after yourself. Here are four life lessons worth knowing for good health.

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Look After Your Mental Wellbeing

Firstly, your mental wellbeing is always good to be aware of because there can be a lot of things in life that can impact it. If you’re not open about your own mental health or don’t have anyone that you can talk to, then it’s something that you need to try and change. We all deal with mental health in our own way, and it shouldn’t be something to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Think about what is causing you a mental drain at the moment and work on improving those areas in your life. It might be to do with work, perhaps a relationship with a partner or friend. There can be many contributing factors, and it’s important you try and make these changes where you can in order to help your body.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Talking of stress, the amount of stress one can have throughout their life can vary depending on where it comes from. It also depends on your outlets and what you do to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm you or affect your health. Stress can certainly be something that ages a person, and so it’s good to find ways of reducing those stress levels where you can, Whether you’re dealing with a premier injury law firm regarding an injury or you’ve lost your job, try to find coping mechanisms that work well for you and your mind.

Moderate Your Food But Enjoy It

Food is essential because we need it to fuel our bodies, right? However, with so much pressure to eat healthily, we often end up taking up the satisfaction out of eating. Instead of focusing so much on what food types you’re eating, instead, focus on moderation. Moderating what goes onto your plate and not over portion is going to be helpful for you to keep healthy. It’s also going to make you happier, knowing you can treat yourself every now and then. You shouldn’t feel guilty when it comes to what food you eat.

Live In The Moment

Sometimes we get so worked up over what’s happening in the future that we forget to take a moment and just enjoy what’s happening right now. Living in the moment is important and something you want to try and carry forward in everything you do. It’s going to make a real difference to your outlook on life and to help you live your life to its fullest.

These four life lessons are certainly worth carrying forward with you in life and passing on to anyone you know!

Reorganize Your Closet

 

The start of a new season is a great time to clean out and reorganize your closet. It’s a big project, so set aside a chunk of time and then dive right in. If possible, take everything out of your closet and don’t put it back unless you’re sure it has a place in your life.

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Declutter

Paring down your wardrobe is a daunting task especially if you’re between sizes or between jobs. The best way to accomplish decluttering is to give yourself permission to keep items you’re unsure about; however, you can’t keep them in your closet! Pack up every item you’re on the fence about into a box. Seal and date the box and move it to the garage or attic. Set a reminder on your phone for three months and six months in the future. When you get the first notification, ask yourself two questions: Have I missed anything in that box? Do I even remember what’s in the box? When your answer is “no” to both questions, donate the box without opening it up again.

Upgrade

Take care of the items that you do keep by upgrading how you store them. Clothing that can easily get stretched out should be folded or put on padded hangers. Jewelry should be kept in drawers on velvet liners. Shoes and handbags should be stuffed with paper to hold their shape and stored upright.

Add Space

There is often plenty of unused space in a closet up high and down low. Consider adding a pull-down rack for extra storage. Hang belts, scarves and pants on slim line vertical hangers rather than spread out across the bar. Labeled, stacked boxes can go under shorter clothing. If you have space inside the door, install hooks to hang purses.

The biggest hurdle in closet organization is your mindset that you can’t get rid of things. Once you pare down your clothes and shoes to what you really like and really wear, you’ll discover a neater, simpler closet.

Take The Stress Out Of Moving: 3 Simple Steps

Moving house is incredibly exciting - as who knows what adventures await you in your new town or home? However, the process can also be very stressful - as you have a lot of different things to contend with from trying to save money when moving to ensuring you have everything packed and ready to go. In fact, moving home is considered one of the most stressful things you can do!

With that in mind, here are three top tips that can help take away the stress of moving!

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Pack First, Panic later.

Whatever your reason for moving - be it to pursue a new job, or for a change of scenery - you will always find a reason to worry about it. What if you don’t like your new boss? What if your children don’t make friends? What if you find it hard to settle in? As a result of these worries, you may begin to ‘put off’ tasks associated with the move as they will only make you feel more anxious. For example, packing your belongings into boxes feels very final - once they are packed, there is no going back. 

However, it is essential that you start packing early. The process always takes much longer than you expect it too, especially if you are trying to put your whole life into a few boxes. Starting early gives you plenty of time to prepare yourself, and also means you minimize the chance of anything being broken or damaged in hasty packing. Start by packing up the things you rarely use or pack up a room at a time. 

Once you have finished packing, you should also look into hiring a moving company, such as  North American Van Lines to move your items for you. Whether you are moving to a new home in the same city, or across the country - they will ensure all of your belongings arrive in one place, with secure and efficient collection and delivery. This means you can focus on getting into your new home! 

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Say Goodbye

If you have a lot of memories in your home or local area, it is important that you spend some time saying goodbye. Not only to the people who surround you but the place itself. Throw yourself a going away party - even if it is virtual. Share stories about the happy memories you’ve had there. Take photographs to make memories last forever. Then, think about all of the exciting things that lie ahead. Saying goodbye can help make the process of moving easier.

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Renovate First

As much as you have to ensure you are prepared to move in, you have to ensure your new home is ready for you. If the home needs renovations, attempt to have them completed before your move-in date - after all, there is nothing worse than moving into a property without proper heating or damaged facilities. This also means you won’t be getting in the way of any construction workers or decorators, and you can start unpacking right away! 

Signs It's Time To Move Your Business Elsewhere

Are you thinking of moving your business to a new location? It’s a good idea to ensure this is the right move for you before going ahead, otherwise, it can be costly. You’ll spend a lot of time and money moving business locations, so you need to look out for the signs that this is the right time to do so. Here are a few things you should look out for to figure out if moving is the right thing for you to do:

1. Your Business Is Growing

If your business is growing, it’s a pretty big sign that you need somewhere more suitable to work. With growing business, comes more equipment, more staff, and other things. Of course, this also means that you need more space. You may be able to hold off on moving right away, but if you leave it too long you’ll be doing nothing but stunting the growth of your business. 

2. You Need More Space 

Maybe you simply need more space. If you’re accumulating equipment and other business related items faster than you can find a place for it, then it could be time to call a place like Allied Van Lines and ask for their help getting your stuff to a more suitable location. 

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3. You Can’t Afford Your Current Location

Maybe you already have a place, but you can’t afford it any longer. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, so this is nothing to be ashamed of. Perhaps you could find some kind of office share so that you’re not the only business shouldering the overheads and other costs, or maybe you could even hire a virtual office. Virtual offices allow you to enjoy most of the benefits of a physical office while working remotely. You’ll get a professional address and a number, and will be able to use the facilities for important meetings. 

4. You’re Finding It Tough To Hire

You need to know where the talent is if you’re going to hire people that will enhance your team and share your values. If you just aren't finding the talent you would like, it could be time to move elsewhere. 

5. There’s an Unhealthy Work Environment

Maybe the environment you’re currently working in is unhealthy. As a building becomes older, it could become unhealthy. It might even just be a dull place that doesn’t promote productivity. See if you can find a better place, and don't forget to hire a cleaner to ensure a hygienic environment. A place with natural light that has been well maintained is always a good place to work. 

6. There Are Changes Within Your Industry

If there are changes within your industry, this could impact your business in a big way. In some cases, downsizing your premises and focusing more online could benefit you. It all depends on what is going on in your industry right now - make sure you stay flexible and don’t get too attached to doing things a certain way!

Is it time for you to move your business elsewhere? 

5 Ideas to Help You Make the Most of Lockdown

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When you’re stuck at home in lockdown, things can begin to look a little bleak. You can’t go out to see your friends, you may be forced to work from home, and the future is uncertain. Who knows when life will return to normal?

But being in lockdown doesn’t have to be a prison sentence. You have two options. You could sit around at home eating junk food, watching trashy TV, and moaning about the horrible circumstances the world has found itself in. Alternatively, you could use all this extra time to do something productive and make the most of the situation. Your social calendar is on hold, you have fewer errands to do, and a lot more time in the day as a result. Why not fill these empty hours with something meaningful?

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are five ideas for ways you can make the most out of the lockdown.

Make some home improvements

If you’re like most people, you probably have unfinished jobs or minor repairs that need doing, which you can never seem to find the time to knuckle down and finish. But there’s never been a more perfect time than right now to get your house in order. Create a list of all the tasks and improvements that need completing around your home, and you’ll come out of lockdown with your place looking better than ever. For the more complicated tasks, find a YouTube tutorial to teach you some basic DIY skills. 

Further your professional career

Everyone has career aspirations, and it takes hard work to get to where you want to be. Other personal commitments often get in the way and prevent you from doing the work you need to do to achieve your dream job. Here is an opportunity to make some progress towards furthering your career. Send off some job applications, hone your CV, or take some online courses and qualifications that will nudge you along your career path.

Nourish your mind

Do you ever wish you were a bit smarter or knew more about the world? Use this lockdown to feed your mind. Sit down with a hot drink and work your way through your reading list. By the end of the pandemic, you’ll be smart enough to impress all your colleagues at work.

Hone your physique

If you prefer to work on your body instead, you could spend the next few weeks getting fitter and stronger. If you’ve always wanted to lose weight or improve your physique, now’s the time. There are plenty of free online workouts you can do at home to help you on your fitness journey.

Have a bit of fun

The pandemic has been a dark time for many people, so for the sake of your mental health, you should try to find some levity where you can. Schedule some online activities like quiz nights with your friends, and make time for the hobbies you enjoy. Even your face covering can be a source of amusement if you order one of these fun mask designs from The Mountain.

Don’t let 2020 get you down. By finding ways to make the most of lockdown, you’ll be able to improve yourself and set yourself up for success once the world is back to normal.

How To Transition Back to Work With Kids

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Taking time away from work to bond with your children is important, but for many reasons, many parents decide to return to work. If you are looking to go back to work after having a baby or spending time at home with young kids, this can feel like a big step. Here are a few tips to help you manage this transition smoothly as you make the adjustment to balancing personal and professional life.

It Takes a Village

The idea that it takes a village to raise children is certainly true, especially during times of change. If you are looking to head back to work, consider finding a care network and supportive help that can promote positive child development Norwalk CT. Not only will you be assured that your children are well cared for, but you can know that they will be learning and enjoying their time while you are away.

Know Your Flexible Work Options

If you are looking to return to work, many people imagine that they need to go back all at once; however, this is often due to not knowing the options out there. By investigating what is available to you and transitioning back to work over time, you can alleviate some of your stress levels.

Self-Compassion Will Be Key

This can be a challenging time for everyone, so caring for yourself will also be important. The reality is that returning to work after children can be an emotional experience. You need to give yourself the same kind of compassion and care that you would your children. You need to learn to be kinder to yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate these adjustments.

Going back to work after having children is a big shift. Not only do you need to embrace the needs of someone else, but your priorities and personal needs may also have shifted. If you want the process to go smoothly, you need to find grace, compassion and options that will support you and your little one during this time.

Planning A Worldwide Travel Adventure

Gaining the chance to travel around the world is a once in a lifetime opportunity that simply can’t be missed, as you’re guaranteed to encounter a whole host of inspiring cultures and beautiful landscapes that you’ll remember for years to come. Planning such an extravaganza can take a lot of time and effort, as it’s a huge adventure that carries a large amount of risk and responsibility that you must consider in order to make the most of your time abroad. Luckily there are a few key areas in which you can focus your energy when organizing your worldwide travels, enabling you to to utilize each and every day whilst staying safe and healthy throughout. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that will assist you in arranging the most amazing round-the-world adventure ever. 

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Choosing Your Destinations 

One of the most important steps that you must carry out is to heavily research each potential destination that you wish to visit, exploring a wide range of options in order to bring it down to your definite chosen few. There are a seemingly limitless number of different locations on the earth that you can delve into, from dense tropical rainforests to barren deserts, so it’s completely up to you wherever you wish to go. Remember that simply picking a country isn’t specific enough, as there can be hundreds of cities and towns to choose between, so do your research and see which places are right for you. Search for things such as environmental factors like climate, and other selling points such as natural beauty spots too. There are many sources from which you can seek honest, unbiased information, such as travel agencies, (unpaid) bloggers and so much more. Certain sites may be paid by local governments or other big businesses to speak positively in order to attract more tourists and visitors, so always utilise more than one platform to gather your information. It’s a great idea to try and write down a list of potential places you wish to visit along with their unique selling points, as you can begin to make a real plan on where to start and where to go next! Constantly criss crossing over continents on long haul flights simply isn’t part of a global travellers lifestyle, as you should aim to move from location to location using cars and boats - be sure to plan your trip so that you need not experience an excess of transport, as you should instead aim to explore on one specific interconnecting route around the globe.  

Finding Sufficient Funds 

Once you’ve decided on which amazing spots you would really like to head out to, now's the time to start being realistic in your journey. Finding sufficient funds for your global travel extravaganza may not be easy, as it often costs a fair bit of money to simply take a plane and book a hotel and you must repeat this process again and again. As a result of this, you should try to plan your trip as far in advance as possible, allowing yourself enough time to work, earn and save some money or find an alternative funding method that will allow you to pay for your trip. Getting a full or part time job for at least 6-12 months should offer you the funds that you require, but of course you have to be able to save up every penny without splashing out on anything else during this time, and have the availability to put in regular shift’s too. If this isn’t something that you can do, exploring something like a Wise Loan could provide you with the money you need to pay for your trip! Of course you must give these funds back in smaller monthly payments, but this can be very affordable if you choose a long term plan. Additionally, if you’re choosing to complete any kind of charity work during your journey, you can perform fundraising activities that allow you to receive donations from the public. Attend a grocery store to pack shopping, set up your own car wash, or arrange a bake sale to sell some delicious homemade cupcakes! 

Packing Your Bags 

Once you have paid for your life changing trip around the globe, the reality of your massive adventure is bound to start setting in. It’s such an inspiring exploration that you’re about to undertake, one which you should aim to be prepared for in every sense. Packing your bags in the correct manner will help you to achieve this preparedness, as including all of the right clothes, shoes, cosmetics and equipment will help you to make the most of your trip. Consider each and every location that you’re planning on visiting, packing at least one suitable outfit for the different climates you’re due to experience. Don’t think in terms of fashion, as materialistic ideals such as this will be a thing of the past as soon as you get into the swing of travelling. As long as you include a long pair of trousers, some shorts, a long shirt and a t- shirt, you have the basics covered. You’ll be able to find very affordable clothing in lots of different locations as markets are commonplace, so don’t fret over these mundane features. The most vital things you must remember to pack are items such as sturdy walking boots and thick socks, a first aid kit with plasters, bandaging and medication, weather protection such as sun lotion and sunglasses, and any other creature comforts or personal essentials that are unique to you. Things such as technology and books may not be available in your next location when travelling, so if you wish to include any entertainment options then bring these from your hometown. 

Safety Considerations

Now, though you may gain the opportunity to have the time of your life when travelling globally, such a journey can come with a considerable risk. Each location offers its own unique dangers which you must research and prevent before you begin your travels, as you do not want to put yourself in harm's way when trying to have a good time. You can find basic information about ‘no-go’ areas which you should aim to avoid, as some places are experiencing situations such as political unrest or kidnappings, but a proportion of such information is used as a form of scaremongering so always check more than one website to get the real facts. There’s going to be a risk in every location that you visit, even when you decide to head ‘home’, so it’s better to figure out how to prevent and deal with such dangers rather than aiming to avoid them completely. Issues such as theft and robbery are all too common in tourist hotspots, so be sure that you keep your belongings in a secure bag that utilise a padlock for extra safety, whilst storing your most important documents such as your passport and credit card in a small cross body bag that can go beneath your clothing. You may wish to go out and experience the nightlife of each location during your explorations, but this can present many dangers (especially for female travellers). Never accept a drink from someone that you do not know, and watch the bartender make any drink that you do in order to ensure no suspicious ingredients have been added. 

Travel Partners & Solo Travel 

Deciding whether you would like to travel as part of a group or completely solo will influence your trip quite dramatically, so it’s important that you can try and make this decision in advance. Travelling with a partner or friends is the best choice when looking from a safety and security perspective, as you’ll have a number of people watching your back going the exact same route. However, travelling with more than one person can be tricky when it comes to deciding where to go and what to do, as there may be a clash of personalities at some point that can focus your group and cause arguments. Opting for solo travel means that you have full control over where and when you wish to go, freeing you from those who may hold you back from exploring as you wish to. Unfortunately, solo travel is an extremely risky business that requires extra attention to detail, as you must implement extra safety steps to minimize danger. Solo travelers should take a mobile phone that utilizes a SIM which is contracted to operate in every country, as this way you can keep in touch with friends and family on a regular basis to let them know where you are and how you are doing. 

Planning a worldwide travel adventure has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips, tricks and ideas that have been detailed above! Exploring the sights and sounds of the globe can change your life completely, and there’s no time like the present to get out there and soak up some culture. 

Women Can Achieve a Work-Life Balance Even in These Challenging Times

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Women have so many demands put on them. They have to be present mothers, keep tabs on their kids' life and school, pursue their careers, and perform household chores. Hence, it can be challenging to wear all these hats and still have a successful career. However, it is possible, and any woman can do it. Here are tips you can use to balance life and career.

Have a Desk Calendar

It is essential to have a desk calendar to mark all events of the month. This will be your planner to avoid last-minute rushes. At the beginning of the month, you should color code the dates, for example, blue for business meetings, red for school occasions, and green for a day out with family or friends.

You can also set a reminder on your phone several days before the events to avoid inconveniences. If possible, ensure you set aside one weekend every month for you to relax. You can go to the spa, sit at home meditating, do yoga, or go for a drive or a walk.

Prioritize Commitments

As a working woman, it is crucial to master the art of prioritizing. You should know which family events you really need to attend and the office meetings you can skip. This will protect you from the burnout of trying to participate in every occasion.

Make Sound Financial Decisions

When you make the right financial decisions, you won't need to overwork to finance your life. For example, learn to budget, save, invest, and manage finances. Financial decisions also include making long term decisions like purchasing life insurance to secure the future of your family.

Therefore, take the time to review different life insurance companies and choose one that offers the best insurance products. Also, consult experts to guide you on ways you can benefit from the insurance, investments, and retirement plans.

Delegate Some Responsibilities

You don't have to handle every task in the office; you can delegate some to your employees if you are an employer. If you are an employee, you can partner with competent colleagues who can help you with projects. You should also apply the same concept at home, where you allow your nanny or teens to run some errands for you. Besides, you can hire a cleaning company to help with cleaning and housekeeping jobs.

Block the Mom Guilt

What is mom guilt? This is when you feel like you are not doing enough for your kids. This can come from within you when you are away or from people who tell you it is time to go back to work or how you should feed your kids every day, and so on. Whenever possible, avoid entertaining such ideas and do what works for you.

For instance, you can catch up with your kids in the car if you always pick them from school or hang out with them on the weekends. This will help you control mom guilt.

Work-life balance is the goal of every woman, but you need to know that it is a process. It might also take time to master, but eventually, you will achieve a balance. The tips in this guide can help you get started on the right foot. 

Future Planning: Tips On Giving Your Children A Brighter Future

As a parent, you’ll know only too well how much you worry about the future of your children. You find yourself constantly asking questions like “am I doing enough for their education?” and “are they getting enough nutrients in their diet?” and that’s completely normal! The truth is, the only time you should be worrying is when you’re not asking these types of questions. As a parent you also have to think of the future, both their future and your own, and you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do now to make sure their future is as bright as it can be. Luckily, there are a few things you can put in place, so check out these tips on setting your children up for life.

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Help them learn money management

Knowing how to handle your money is one of the most important skills you can have, and teaching your children this from an early age will help them understand that money doesn’t grow on trees. You can do this through allowing them to earn pocket money to spend as they please, but teaching them that once it’s gone, they will have to earn money if they want something else. For older children, encouraging them to put their allowance into a savings account will teach them the importance of saving money.

Plan for the worst

It’s a horrible thought, but one day you won’t be here for your children and they will be left with overwhelming decisions that are hard to make when you’re grieving. Thinking about this now and taking action will prevent them from any unnecessary stress and upset. Head to websites like Miller Funeral Home to get an idea on the types of things you could arrange.

You should also think about writing out your last will and testament in case the worst happens unexpectedly. That way, everything you’ve worked hard for will go to the people you love the most and most importantly, not end up in the wrong hands and cause any upset.

Set up savings

While you may be teaching your children the importance of being sensible with money, you can also set up a savings account in their name. Depositing funds as and when you’re available to will help build up some savings for the time they’re ready to leave the nest. Whether it’ll help with further education or a deposit on their own home, they’ll truly appreciate it for the rest of their lives, and you can rest easy knowing you’ve helped them build their dreams.

Teach them valuable life lessons

Finally, school is wonderful, but doesn’t always teach children skills that will help them in the real world. Skills such as cooking a nutritious meal, washing their clothes, and even learning how to do taxes (and the importance of them) are valuable skills you should begin teaching your children from an early age.

Being a parent is scary at times, but with these tips and your eternal love, your children are going to thrive!

5 Ways People Are More Distracted On The Car

People have been using cars for over 100 years. It’s a long time when you think of how much cars have improved and developed. But are they safer than they used to be? 

Ultimately, accidents on the road have shown no sign of slowing down. Perhaps, it’s time to blame bad driving rather than bad cars. Staying safe at the wheel means you have to be aware of the many distractions around you.

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#1. They surround themselves with loud noises

Admittedly, as electric vehicles are becoming more and more common on the road, fuel-powered engines are likely to fall into disuse. But, we’re not quite there yet. Most drivers should be able to rely on surrounding noises to make decisions on the road. For instance, someone approaching an intersection can rely on motor noises for guidance. Unfortunately, loud noises in the vehicle, typically from the radio, can ùmake it hard to hear what’s happening outside. In the long term, a lot of drivers are at risk of developing hearing problems, as they maintain an unnecessarily loud environment inside the car. The bottom line: They can’t hear traffic. 

#2. They are texting

There’s a reason why using your phone isn’t a good idea when you’re driving. It is highly distracting. According to car accident lawyers, crashes could have been avoided if drivers didn’t use their phones. Sending or reading texts while you’re driving forces you to take your eyes off the road. A couple of seconds, that’s all it takes to hit the brakes too late. 

#3. They are eating

We get it: it’s been a long day and you just crave a cheeky burger on the way home. However, drive-through restaurants are no excuse to eat as you drive. You are more likely to get distracted or find yourself unable to react when you’re worried about holding your burger. 

Ideally, if you need to eat during a long journey, you should park the car safely. You’re not saving time by eating on the go. You’re only making it more difficult for yourself to look at the road. 

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#4. They are already angry

We’ve all had a bad day. Whether it was a difficult meeting with the boss or the barista spilling coffee on your blouse, sometimes you’re just angry. But driving while you’re angry is the worst decision you can make. Anger makes you more likely to drive fast and not pay attention. More importantly, it can turn you into an aggressive driver who puts others at risk. 

Angry drivers are easy to spot on the road. The best and easiest way to manage them is to move over and let them drive past. 

#5 . They are setting the sat nav

The GPS is, in many ways, similar to using the phone. When your eyes and hands are on the screen, they’re not paying attention to the car. Set up your sat nav system before driving to avoid any issues. 

Drivers are creating more and more distractions. Unfortunately, we are shaping a multitasking lifestyle for ourselves where people constantly need to do many tasks simultaneously. This, however, should not apply to driving. To keep distractions to a minimum, you need to be fully focused on what you’re doing. When you’re driving, there’s no room for singing, texting, eating, or even releasing your anger!