3 Less-heard-of Ways to Lower Your Stress Stat

Contrary to what most people think, stress can be good for the body. In fact, it is a natural response to threats like a pathogen fighting against the immune system or a possible bite from an animal.

If your fight-and-flight response doesn't work properly (or, on rare occasions, at all), you won't be able to determine the difference between a dangerous or neutral situation. You won't build lifelong skills like resilience or agility based on your experiences.

But chronic stress is a different beast. In the long term, it can increase the risk of inflammation, impair the immune system, and dampen the mood. For women, some studies suggest that it may decrease fertility.

While you cannot escape from chronic stress, you can learn to cope with it and lower its levels. And, as it turns out, even some of the unusual things you can do can help you manage this issue. Here are a few ideas you can try:

1. Do Some Chores

How can cleaning the house, sewing, or washing the dishes help you beat stress? These activities sound counterproductive. In reality, depending on how you do them, they can induce mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the concept of being conscious or aware of the elements of the present moment: sounds, objects you see, feelings, touch sensations, smell, and a lot more.

Doing this can slow down what could be an overthinking brain. It also teaches you to perform observations objectively or without judgment. This sense of detachment and awareness can reduce your feelings of anxiety and ease the tension in the body that could have been brought about by stress.

Usually, when people talk about mindfulness, they think about meditation. They don't mean the same thing, as there are other kinds of meditation.

Moreover, mindfulness meditation is just one approach to it. You can always be mindful by focusing on what you're doing, including the chores. Even better, activities like working on sewing patterns to download can turn into hobbies, so they become even more relaxing.

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2. Walk Barefoot on the Grass

Also known as earthing, grounding is the process of walking barefoot (or with the least barrier between the feet and the ground). This is based on the premise that this activity connects your body to the free electrons on the surface.

Based on studies, people may develop the disease because of oxidative stress, and this happens when the body has more rogue electrons stealing from other healthy cells. Grounding, therefore, can help restore the balance and, thus, provide antioxidant effects.

It may also improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of illnesses. The best way to ground yourself is to go out early in the morning and walk on the green grass. This way, too, you can enjoy some sunlight that helps produce vitamin D.

However, if this is not possible, you can perform visualization. Imagine yourself walking in the forest barefoot or touching the sand with your feet. Another option is to picture your feet slowly growing roots into the ground during meditation.

3. Embrace a Tree

Another unusual-but beneficial-way to decrease your stress levels is to hug a tree. Called forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku, since it originated in Japan), this is a mindfulness practice that can promote health and well-being in the following ways:

• The forests can bring your attention outward, so you have less time to ruminate or overthink. In turn, not only does it calm your mind, but it also gives it a rest. This probably explains why many people feel refreshed after taking a walking trail among the trees.
• Even the faint smell of the trees and forest can be calming, according to a 2020 study. Scientists in the research explained that this could be due to the unique way the brain processes smells. Because it bypasses certain regions, the brain can receive these sensory outputs more quickly, so you also respond faster with scents.
• Hugging a tree may help release feel-good hormones. One of these is oxytocin, which other experts also call the love drug. It gives you the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you embrace a person. This is also the same hormone responsible for feeling or concepts of trust and empathy, which are essential in relationships.

Can exercise lower stress? Yes, it can. So do meeting with friends, writing your problems in a journal, or scheduling digital detox once in a while. But as this list shows, you can do so much moreto lower your stress level fast.

Moving to Singapore: What You Need to Know About Renting

Moving to a new home, no matter where it is, is a stressful process. There’s the act of getting a place to rent, then the delicacy of signing contracts, and finally the stress of actually moving in. 

When you add in the extra factor of moving abroad, the process can feel overwhelming. But moving abroad is an incredibly exciting opportunity and shouldn’t be ruined with unnecessary anxiety around the moving process. 

Singapore is a great place to live. With beautiful scenery, a bustling economy, and easy access to neighboring countries like Malaysia and the Philippines, there’s nowhere more interesting to relocate. 

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To avoid any anxieties about moving abroad to Singapore, here are a few things to make sure you are aware of before beginning the process. 

Expats need a diplomatic clause when moving abroad. This diplomatic clause is essential, as it allows you to break any agreements early - this can only be done after a certain amount of time. Plus, the clause will enable you to escape any heavy penalties if you need to leave the country early for any reason. 

One key thing to look out for when moving into your new property in Singapore is the inventory. When you move in, you’ll be given an inventory by your landlord. This will detail everything in the flat you need to take care of. At the end, the inventory will be used to ensure you haven’t stolen or broken anything. Check the inventory matches with you flat - otherwise, it could be used to cheat you out of money!

To summarise, look at this helpful infographic which outlines all the things to watch out for. 

Infographic Design By: PropertyGuru Group

Lockdown Schooling: How to Teach Your Child at Home

The coronavirus pandemic has placed pressure on people from all walks of life: Entrepreneurs, Businesses, and also moms. Many people don't think about it, but the way moms from all over have had to step up to the plate and do even more than what they currently had on their plate is almost near impossible. Not only has your work been moved to your home, but your kids' schools have also probably sent them home somewhere along the line. This places the onus on you to ensure they receive a quality education while juggling your work and maintaining your household. That said, here are some tips on teaching your child at home productively and efficiently. 

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

Schedule

One thing that is crucial to make teaching your child at home more manageable for everyone involved is setting a schedule for everyone to hold by. Trying to fit sporadic study sessions in throughout the day will only exhaust you and keep your children from having the chance to be prepared for some school work. In contrast, a schedule will allow everyone to manage their day according to it and give them enough time to prepare and also be on time. A schedule will also create a sense of normalcy like your children would have experienced at their school, which may make the transformation a bit more manageable. 

Prepare

This is where you come in - preparing lessons beforehand will speed up the process and give you a chance to set out tasks and homework for your children to exercise with. Classes can be prepared the day before or on a Sunday for the week ahead, but the point is that there will need to be some planning involved for things to run smoothly. You can also use tools like Studentreasures.com in order for you to prepare study material for your kids to work with. Sometimes, the work received from schools to give to your children can be challenging for them to sort through themselves, so taking a few minutes a day to prioritize and prepare will make the world's difference when you're actually busy with a lesson.

Patience

During lockdowns and government restrictions, you and your child experience things you never even deemed possible - it's essential to cut the two of you some slack and allow every feeling to be had. You never thought you'd be working from home on a semi-permanent basis and teach your child simultaneously because it's not safe to go to school anymore. Having patience may sometimes feel like a monumental task, and you may even wonder sometimes if you're doing everything right and if you're giving your child what they need to have a good education. Still, odds are you're doing your best, and that will always be enough for them!

By using the above guidelines, you'll be able to prioritize work and give your child comprehensive lessons calmly and efficiently. You can also designate a room or a space in the house that will only be utilized when it's time for "school," thereby giving them a classroom feel and helping them to concentrate for more extended periods of time.

4 Renovation Tasks that Create Complete Home Transformation

Your home is a reflection of your personality, your lifestyle, and your comfort. When guests walk into your residential property, they will get a glimpse of the environment where you do your most private and personal activities. If you want to ensure that your home is an attractive place, you have to perform household chores and maintenance tasks.

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However, you might come across a time when your home feels like it needs a reset. You might no longer be enjoying your comfort zone. The stuck feeling could expose you to unwanted moods and less productivity, making it critical to reignite your environment. Fortunately, you will find that renovating your home can provide you with the refreshing scenery you need. A renovation project might consist of many things, but you will find that these tasks are a top priority if you want to benefit from significant changes from the start.

Outdoor Landscaping

Your home is your shelter. It should provide you with the comfortable and safe environment you need in your life. It will be evident every time you experience a bad day. You will look forward to going home after an exhausting day at work or after receiving bad news. However, you might find it challenging to get excited when your home environment feels uninspiring. If you do not feel excited after going home, you might have to make significant changes to your exterior. Fortunately, you will find that outdoor landscaping can help you boost your curb appeal. You will find many options to start your renovation plans. Creating a garden is a classic exterior improvement idea with a timeless appearance. Creating concrete pathways and driveways leading to a garden statue can also transform the outdoor space.

Unfortunately, it might be challenging to achieve your plans by yourself. You can hire professionals who can perform outdoor landscaping. Your exterior design will serve as a welcoming hug every time you go home, so you will have to prioritize your transformation in that area.

Hardwood Flooring

People rarely pay attention to the floors aside from times when they clean. If you want to perform renovation tasks without making the property an inhabitable area, you might do great if you avoid touching the floor. However, changing the flooring material could ensure that your home improvement project is already transforming your space.

Your floors are durable enough to withstand any damage, so homeowners can enjoy decades of use before it requires replacement. However, it limits the changes they want to pursue. You will have to ensure that the new design matches the floor. If you want your changes to be transformative, you must consider an overhaul.

You have plenty of options when considering the materials, but you will benefit from the timeless appearance and flexible compatibility of a solid hardwood floor made of white oak.

Light Fixture Replacement

It will be challenging to transform a home with a single change. The environment will likely be a combination of new and old, which is not wrong in any way. However, you might be looking for that transformation that makes you feel that you are in a brand new home. Fortunately, changing your light fixtures offer you the ideal and budget-friendly solution. You may opt for dimmer lighting, which could make your home feel more intimate.

Replacing the fixtures could also transform your home's theme, with pendants and sconces creating a more attractive look for your property. You can pick a room and start the revamp there. However, you will have to ensure that you distribute lighting well. You can consult with an interior designer to help you apply the renovation if you do not have confidence in yourself.

Wall Removal or Replacement

Adding space can completely transform your home, but you will find that getting more area for your property will be expensive. Seeing the same walls over and over might be the reason why you seek the home transformation, but you do not have to spend a lot of money to achieve your goal.

Replacing your walls with glass panels could provide you with the illusion of more space. If you have an outdoor area, you can also enjoy the refreshing scene while remaining indoors.

Removing a few interior walls can also provide you with significant changes. Kitchens and dining rooms are morphing into one location in modern home design.

You can achieve budget-friendly renovation projects, but you might be looking for tasks that can transform your home. These ideas are ideal for your goal. However, keep in mind that you can achieve the best overhaul for your home by seeking professional help when performing them.

Speeding Up Your Mortgage Approval: What You Should Know

 

Everybody wants to have a place to call their home. However, the process of getting your very own home can be a bit more complex than most people think. It goes without saying that buying your very own home or property will take years (or even decades) to achieve. However, most individuals and families don’t have the luxury of saving up for years, especially those with responsibilities. 

Fortunately, professionals and hard-working adults can still afford a comfortable home through a mortgage loan. However, getting a mortgage loan is easier said than done since you’ll need to go through a variety of hoops. Here are some things that you’ll need to know when it comes to expediting mortgage loans.

Be Transparent

First and foremost, one of the best ways of cutting down on time and energy for your mortgage process is by being transparent with your employment history, spending, and financial power. It’s important to keep in mind that the mortgage processing time can be rigorous. Many loan-issuing agencies will put a great deal of time into investigating and uncovering information about their applicants. The best way of ensuring that you’ll get no problem with your mortgage application is by being well-meaning and honest. Remember, the last thing that you want is lenders investigating information about you that you haven’t divulged to them.

That said, one of the best ways of increasing the likelihood of getting your mortgage approved is by being transparent and making a full disclosure as early as possible. Setting the lender’s expectations will give your lender ample time and resources needed to evaluate whether you’re fit for a mortgage loan. Let’s face it: lenders and well-meaning businesses wouldn’t want to give a loan to felons and individuals that might have a “questionable” history. 

Although the chances of meeting serious criminals who want a loan are quite low, many borrowers think that their record of credit card mishap that they made a decade ago would be lost in time. In reality, there are many records that lenders can delve into that could unearth many secrets regarding your financial history. Thus, you’ll need to be as honest as possible with your lenders.

Build a Personal Relationship with the Processors

Communication goes both ways. Many lenders want to build trust and friendship with their borrowers since this is a good way of knowing their financial background and social standing. On the other hand, borrowers should also build trust with their processors.

Once you’ve finally applied for your mortgage, your lender can vouch for your information, property appraisal, and document acquisition. When you’re getting your loan approved, you’ll need to treat it as if you’re talking to a business partner; both of you want something from each other, and both parties should work together to achieve that goal. Not only is your lender a source of your status information, but this can also give you a head’s up on what you’ll need to do. 

Negotiate Early On

Another thing to consider is that value of homes can fluctuate, especially when there are might structural issues that can arise from home inspections. This can often lead to problems from negotiations between sellers and buyers. Let’s face it: nobody wants negotiations to drag on for weeks; what could have been a simple transaction will become increasingly complex. That said, negotiate early and set things in motion as soon as possible. When you come to an agreement or a middle ground with your processor, you’ll be surprised at how much time and money you can save. 

Don’t want to hassle yourself with negotiations and a mountain of paperwork that you might have to sign for your mortgage? There are always business organizations that have your back in financing your dreams. If you haven’t chosen a property just yet, you can check and purchase houses and lots for sale through bank financing. Not only is this a hassle-free process, but these businesses are known for giving the best deals in the real estate market.

Tie Up Loose Ends

Lastly, an important factor to be cognizant of is that most loan commitments will have special conditions you’ll need to fulfill. This is another way of saying that they’ll need more information and documents regarding you. Whether it’s evidence of insurance or a history of previous loans, you’ll need to know that you’re almost there when it comes to getting that homeownership that you’ve always been wanting. 

There are various ways to expedite your mortgage loan approval process. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to be transparent with your financial history while staying on the good side of processors. At the end of the day, building trust and transparency among lenders is the best way of getting your mortgage approved as soon as possible.

Why Gardening Improves Your Property

Your garden plays a vital role in the appearance as well as function of your property. Tending to it, from cutting the lawn and taking out weeds to fertilizing it, have beneficial effects on your well-being. But the importance of gardening doesn't stop with these favorable results. When you plan what goes into your garden, this spot of greenery can improve how you live in your home as well as raise its value in the real estate market.

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A Manageable Home Improvement Project 

Garden improvement may not be an obvious project when you're planning to upgrade your home. Whether you intend to place the property back on the market, smart gardening can count as a practical project. You don't have to worry about construction activities disrupting your routine. You don't have to be confronted by surprises like outdated electrical wiring or foundational cracks that require expensive repairs.

The extent of problems you may encounter when improving your garden will depend on the size of your lawn - and your plans for its enhancement. But the issues aren't likely going to be as pricey as an interior home improvement plagued by common construction nightmares.

How exactly will garden improvement improve your property?

It can serve as pest control 

Some pests don't appreciate certain plants; they're repelled by it. So an alternative to using sprays and devices targeting these pests, try this mosquito control strategy: plant.

What do you plant?

Add the following to your garden:

• Marigolds - they release a scent that turns off mosquitoes
• Floss flower - it has a chemical called coumarin that repels the pest; but keep it away from pets and kids because ingesting it can be toxic.
• Citronella grass - a popular option to keeping these pests away from your home
• Herbs - rosemary's woody scent and basil's pungent smell repel mosquitoes; mint also acts a natural mosquito repellant.

Most of these plants can keep away other pests, like flies, ants, squash bugs and others that may destroy your garden.

Enhance your privacy

You can design your garden to prevent prying eyes from looking into your yard. If you enjoy quiet time or prefer to be in solitude, adding a high wall isn't the only option. Improve your privacy by:

• Going with hedges as garden boundaries; deciduous trees can also function as boundaries
• Planting climbers like ivy to create a private area with a romantic atmosphere
• Using a trellis for other climbing plants
• Installing a water feature for ambient noise; choose one that's low maintenance
• Trying bamboo fencing instead of a wall as a garden screen

Low maintenance plants and trees can be a selling point

A low maintenance garden that looks just as charming as any will add value to your property; it may even be a selling point for some buyers because no one wants to spend too much time looking after a yard. It's not just expensive, but it's also taking away time from one's self or family.

Some low maintenance plants to consider are: peonies, hydrangeas, hardy geranium, fescue and thorn-less honey locust tree.

The right trees can help manage the cost of ownership

Trees not only look appealing in any garden. They also improve the air quality, add privacy and provide shade. When you plant them in strategic areas around your garden, they can also help you manage energy bills.

When considering which tree to plant, think about:

• Maintenance, if you have to keep sweeping the yard for seapods, fruits and the like
• Maturity, if its growth over the years could mean problems for your roof or power lines
• Property space, will the tree's growth affect your neighbor's yard with litter or obstruct views
• Deciduous or evergreen, the former is lush during winter whereas the latter has striking foliage during fall
• Environmental conditions, will your chosen tree thrive in your location

The addition of a deck or patio extends your living space

Finally, when your indoor space feels a bit cramped, extend it to the outdoor space. A well-constructed patio or deck doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be planned right for your lifestyle. Do you entertain friends frequently? Do you kick back and relax after a day at work? Or do you enjoy time alone?

How your outdoor space is designed and what it will contain in terms of furniture and accessories will depend on your goals for it.

Food on the Road: Finding Our Way around Gold Coast through Local Food and Nature

 

Once upon a time, we discovered that the best way to connect with people when we found ourselves in a new place is through food and learning about the local geography. Since then, we've made our way through city after city getting familiar with the local cuisine and the nature paths. Our wanderlust led us to where we are settled today: Gold Coast. 

The region is dubbed the holiday capital of Australia and it’s easy to see why. It has 40 km of stunning beaches and plenty of apartments and hotel stays to choose from. But after climbing the tallest building in the area and seeing the green behind the gold, our old backpacking spirits couldn’t resist going off the beaten path. We decided to discover the soul of the Gold Coast region through nature and, of course, food.

After doing a little research, we made a list of places to visit and planned our days with nothing but food and fun. Here’s how our Gold Coast adventure unfolded.

 We Tried Fishing for the First Time

We began our adventure at sea, on a deep-sea fishing charter trip that showed us the beautiful Gold Coast waters. The boat travelled 30 miles off the coast, which is the best zone to catch a variety of fish. We’ve never tried fishing before, so we were admittedly clueless about it. Thankfully, the charter crew was happy to give us plenty of tips and show us a couple of tricks that would help us catch a big one. 

There were other people on the boat with us and some of them were hobbyists. They were kind enough to help us with putting the bait on the hook and showed us how to throw the line into the water. 

We sat there for what seemed like the most relaxing time we’ve had in a while. When our bait finally moved, it was all hands on deck as we reeled in our catch as carefully but quickly as we could. We didn’t anything record-breaking, but what we caught was pretty decent!

We ended the first half of our day tour with a buffet lunch on board. While we didn’t make a meal out of our fresh catch, we enjoyed a wide selection of food made with fresh ingredients and of course, fresh seafood. After a couple of trips to the buffet table, we decided that we were ready to spend the rest of the afternoon perfecting the basic fishing skills we learned in the morning. It’s the perfect way to spend time in the water, get some sun, and enjoy nature. Who knew fishing was such an exciting and rewarding activity?

We Went to the Hinterland

The following day, we went to the greener side of the coast and spent a day in the Gold Coast Hinterland. It was a well-curated tour that showcased the beauty of the suburban side of the metro: local food, great-tasting coffee, and local craft beer all in one place! Nature trips had never been this fun!

We started the day with a cup of coffee that was made at the local coffee roaster on site. The roasters shared a bit about the country’s coffee culture with us. They were also kind enough to give a quick intro to the roasting process that they use. It was the perfect start of the tour. 

We headed further up the Hinterland and stopped by a farm that grows seasonal and annual produce. We were able to taste a variety of freshly grown vegetables and edible flowers. The farm supplies fresh produce to high-end restaurants in the area; the experience can’t get any more local than this. 

The tour ended at a brewery that served food made with locally sourced ingredients. But the best part was enjoying the meals that were paired with beers that were made using different brew styles. Each beer had a distinct flavor of its own. Craft beer is a big thing at Gold Coast, so a trip to a boutique brewery is the best part of our afternoon.

 We Decided to Go On the Fly

We decided to cap off our second day in the Hinterland and the final leg of our 3-day adventure with a self-guided tour in Mt. Tamborine, and we checked out some wineries along the granite belt. Just like the old days, we wanted to explore the area at our own pace and take as much time as we wanted sampling the best wines in the region. We also enjoyed a lovely 2-course gourmet meal in one of the finest restaurants on the mountain. 

The most exciting part of going on a self-guided tour was finding our way around by solving puzzles and riddles that we saw along the way. It was a beautiful way to complete our adventure circuit and was a great way to unwind and just take in the natural scenery.  

After seeing all these places, we can say that the best way to enjoy Gold Coast is away from the crowd, exploring the outdoors. While we enjoyed the bustling life of the city and how it came alive at night, the best moments of this trip were spent in nature, sampling scrumptious local fare and craft beer, and wandering in a vineyard where we had the best wines in the country. Our 3-day nature trip, despite being on the mild side, showed us a side of the holiday capital that’s calm, peaceful, and extremely relaxing.

Maintaining a Healthy and Beautiful Glow at the Age of 40 Beyond

Life begins at 40, as they say. By the time you reach this glorious age, you will have gone through a lot of experiences and learned enough skills to get you through life. Studies have shown that at this age, most adults have already accomplished so much in life.

People at this age tend to be happier and more satisfied than when they were younger.

However, with wisdom and knowledge come signs of aging. As we grow older, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles become more evident. Our skin slowly begins to lose the elasticity it had when we were younger.

But with proper skin care, a healthy diet, and exercise, you can restore and bring back that youthful glow you always had. Check out these true elixirs of youth for vibrant, glowing skin.

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1. Beauty Sleep

The importance of sleep can never be overemphasized. It is no secret either that sleep is essential in restoring that youthful glow.

When you sleep, your body heals its organs and tissues. Your skin, in particular, benefits a lot from sleep. With an increase in blood flow, your skin is able to rebuild its collagen and fix the damage caused by UV exposure from the sun.

Lack of sleep makes one feel incessantly tired. It's no wonder that people who do not get enough hours of sleep feel and look out of shape. Getting a regular good night's sleep also helps in weight loss management, cancer prevention, and stress reduction.

Make it a habit to sleep before 10 pm. Practice lessening screen usage at least an hour before bedtime so that your body will be conditioned to become sleepy.

2. Healthy Diet

It is said that the food we eat affects our body not only on a cellular level but as a whole. What we ingest will be reflected in our physical appearance.

When we hit the 40-year-old mark, the need for a healthier diet becomes more significant. Since our skin no longer has the same elasticity it had when we were younger, eating the right kinds of food helps restore this elasticity.

This is not saying we completely do away with eating any sweets or oil-rich food. We just have to do it in moderation unless the doctor recommends eliminating them. As we get older though, we have to include in our diet items rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidant-rich foods help fight signs of skin aging. Nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, blueberries, and green teas are some examples of food items that are the right antioxidants.

Taking a regular detox is also a good way to cleanse our bodies and make our skin glow. You can find plenty of detox diet recipes on the internet. Cutting back on smoking and alcohol drinking is also significantly helpful in restoring that youthful look.

3. Regular Exercise

Both young and old need to exercise regularly to stay healthy. Aging does not only mean the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. It also means the appearance of pressing health issues we thought we would never have.

As we age, we become more prone to experiencing musculoskeletal pains, cardiovascular problems, and dementia. One way of preventing any of these problems is through regular exercise.

A moderate, regular exercise helps boost our immune system, improve blood circulation, and even give us that youthful glow. Look at personalities and celebrities who maintain an active lifestyle. They pretty much look younger for their age.

If you do not have a regular exercise routine yet, now is the time to make one. Start slow and small and work your way up to routines that your body can endure.

4. Beauty Regimen

Of course, a good skincare routine is part and parcel of having a youthful glow in your 40s. While we all have our favorite beauty regimen, it is best to keep in mind that what may have worked 10 or 20 years ago may no longer work now with your skin condition.

Though we can sometimes ditch moisturizers and sunscreens when we were younger, being in your 40s means using them more religiously. When we are older, our skin tends to dry up more quickly, and prolonged sun exposure could lead to sunspots. However, this can be safely and effectively remedied by regularly using a skin whitening toner or a Vitamin C serum.

Daily skin cleansing is also a must. Wash your face at least twice a day and use a cleanser. It is also important to stay hydrated, especially when the weather is hot.

Talking of skincare, if you’ve got a few tattoos that you got when you were in your early twenties and that you’re now regretting, you could always consider laser removal tattoo treatments. Cameron Pohl shares some helpful guidance on ways to avoid tattoo scarring which may be useful when it comes to keeping your skin in good condition. This is particularly important as you get older and your collagen production is less efficient.

5. Healthy Lifestyle

Lastly, embracing a healthier lifestyle is the ultimate key to looking your best at 40. Beyond exercising, eating clean, following a beauty routine, and sleeping enough, you also need to clean other aspects of your life.

This means letting go of relationships that are dragging you down, practicing self-care, and discovering and learning new skills. People who smile often, practice positive inner dialogues, and have a bright outlook in life have that inner youthful glow in them.

After all, being young is a state of mind, and age is just a number.

Can't Seem To Lose Weight After 30? Here's What to Do

For many people, age is directly proportional to how difficult it is to lose weight. This means that as you get older, it may be harder to lose weight, especially around the areas of your body that tend to store the most fat. 

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If this is the plight that you've been dealing with for years; don't worry, a lot of men and women are in the same boat. Although it may be more challenging to lose weight in your 30s, weight loss is possible at any age.

Here are some weight loss tips that you may have yet to try:

Stop dieting

The word 'diet' is supposed to pertain to your usual intake of food, but today, most people use it to refer to patterns of eating that are outside of your normal routine. These 'diets' often involve disproportionate percentages of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) or the complete avoidance of one or the other. An example of this is the keto diet or low-carb diet, wherein there is a high percentage of fat compared to carbohydrates to encourage weight loss through ketosis.

Although a diet may provide noticeable improvements, it is rarely sustainable and is oftentimes harmful. For example, a keto diet may help you lose a significant amount of weight at first, but you are essentially increasing your risk of heart disease due to your increased fat intake. Moreover, there is a reason why science says that we must eat more carbohydrates than protein and fat-and that is because our bodies function the best with that kind of macronutrient proportions. So, over time, you may no longer be able to sustain your keto diet and will have to go back to regular eating, which will likely make you gain the weight back.

Consider contouring

Body contouring can help you achieve the body shape you want without having to go under the knife. It is also a great option for people who are having trouble obtaining their target figure with diet and exercise alone. There is no shame in getting extra help, especially at this age where our bodies tend to hold onto fat more stubbornly.

Seek help from a dietitian

A dietitian or nutritionist can help you determine the right amount of calories and macronutrients that you need to eat in order to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Consulting with one can help you finally get to the bottom of your diet problems, which are likely the reason why you're not losing weight as effectively as you want.

Pay more attention to what you eat

As you get older, you need fewer and fewer nutrients to sustain your bodily functions. This means that at 30, you shouldn't be eating as much as you did when you were younger unless you have a lighting fast metabolism.

That said, it's high time to start paying more attention to what you eat. Keep your portions at the right amount and follow your dietitian's advice as closely as possible. While it's okay to indulge once in a while, it's not a great idea to give in to every craving that you have, especially if it's food that is high in calories, salt, fat, and sugar.

Reduce your alcohol intake

Every gram of alcohol contains approximately nine calories, which is almost as much as every gram of fat. If you still drink as you did in college, then you may find it more difficult to keep the excess weight off. And more importantly, you are increasing your risk for all sorts of diseases if you drink too much and too regularly, especially at this age.

Just like with food, moderating your alcohol intake is especially important. For women, the recommended maximum limit is at one drink a day. For men, it's up to two drinks a day. But, of course, the best number of drinks per day is zero, especially if you have a predisposition to alcohol-related diseases.

Hire a personal trainer

Similar to planning your diet, you may need extra help when it comes to exercise. When you were younger, you may have been able to lose weight just by doing any exercise you can think of, but it's a different story when you hit your late 20s or early 30s. In that case, hire a personal trainer that can help you find the right routine to get rid of stubborn body fat.

It may be challenging to lose weight when you're older, but it's definitely not impossible. If you're having trouble shedding off the extra pounds, these tips may do just the trick.

Avoid Summertime Auto Accidents with These 5 Safety Tips

Summer is fast approaching. This new season is a time when many families get in their cars for beach trips and family vacations.

School is also out during summer. This means that will be more teenage motorists on the road going to work at summer jobs, spending quality time with friends and taking summer break road trips.

The added traffic of summer motorists and vacationers, unfortunately, increases the likelihood of road accidents. A report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that summer and autumn are dangerous seasons for drivers, with July and August (two summer months) being the deadliest.

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When you're traveling on the road this summer, remember that safety comes first.

Here are five tips that all motorists should observe to stay safe and arrive alive during this season:

Prepare Your Car for Summer Driving

The last thing you want to happen on the road is for your car to break down in the middle of a hot, sunny day. You can prevent breakdowns by conducting periodic maintenance on your car, including:

• Air conditioning maintenance
• Wiper blade replacement
• Fluid refills
• Tune-ups
• Oil changes

You should also make sure to check your tires, as there's an increased risk of tire blowouts due to increased mileage and higher temperatures. Check if your vehicle has properly inflated tires.

Also, find out if the tires in your car are properly balanced. If you're unsure how to fix this, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic who can use an automotive wheel balancer in their garage. While you're at the service shop, ask the mechanic if there's anything else in need of repair. This is important, especially if you're planning to take a long road trip.

Avoid Distracted Driving

When you're driving, you should always focus your attention on the road. This is the best way to avoid vehicular accidents on busy highways and streets.

When you're at the wheel, make sure you avoid the following distractions:

• GPS Device - You need to program your car's GPS before you start driving. If you forgot to do this and you're already on the road, have a passenger do this for you. If you're driving alone, pull over at a safe spot and configure your destination. Never attempt to program this device while you're driving.
• Conversations and Arguments with Passengers - This includes arguments with kids in the vehicle. If you need to have a serious discussion with anyone in the car, pull over. Also, if you don't want your kids to bother you, bring games and toys to keep your little ones entertained.
• Food and Beverage - Never attempt to quench your thirst or fill your belly while driving. If you need to eat something or rehydrate because of the heat, pull over or make your way to the nearest stop, gas station or diner.
• Mobile Phones - While you're behind the wheel, never pull out your phone to check your social media, make calls or answer the text. These activities can significantly raise the likelihood of a vehicular crash. If you have to make a call or send a text, ask a passenger to do that or pull over.

Take Care of Your Eyes

Driving can be difficult on the eyes, especially during summer. You can expect the sun to be out in full force. The glare coming off-road objects and other vehicles may impede your vision.

So make sure that you buy and wear a good pair of polarized sunglasses. These aren't just cool-looking summer accessories. They can cut down painful glare and protect your eyes from fatigue and damage.

Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts

Depending on your location, the summer weather patterns could include raging thunderstorms, torrential downpours and tornadoes. Some of these weather events can happen with little to no warning. So, make sure you check the forecast on your local weather channel or by going to reliable weather forecast sites.

Avoid Driving When You're Fatigued

When you're taking a road trip late at night or early in the morning, you should have enough energy to get to your destination safely.

Schedule your trip wisely. Refrain from driving during hours when you're typically exhausted or drowsy. If you failed to get a good night's rest the night before your road trip, have someone else drive your vehicle.

If you're beginning to close your eyes while you're behind the wheel, do not power through the fatigue. This raises the risk of getting into an accident or colliding with another vehicle. Instead, let someone else drive. If you're alone, pull over and find a safe place to take a nap. If you come across a hotel or a rest stop, stay the night there and continue your journey in the morning. 

Don't let preventable accidents ruin your summer road trips. Avoid the consequences of a breakdown - or worse - a potentially deadly highway crash.

Essential Strategies in Improving Logistics for Small Businesses

Another challenge that many small businesses will also need to keep in mind is that there are bound to be many competitors in the market. Since many competitors are constantly looking for an advantage over other businesses, you must keep your business on your feet by being alert to what the market wants. 

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For businesses to be successful, being responsive and agile to changes is key. Logistics will play an important part in your business's efficiency. After all, being able to move resources on the fly can create a well-balanced organization.

Whether you're a small business that's just entering the market, or a large business with branches and hundreds of employees, having a constant flow of supply and responsive logistics will always be an integral part of every business model. Just like a well-oiled machine, your business's logistic plan should help your business run more efficiently and reduce resources that are being wasted on more trivial matters. That said, many businesses that don't emphasize their business plan will start experiencing rising costs for much of their resources.

The good news here is that it's never too late to start adopting a comprehensive logistics plan for your business. Here's what you'll need to know when it comes to improving the logistics of your small business.

Laying Out the Objective

Right before you start making any final decisions regarding your logistics plan, it's important to know the nature of your industry and what the strategy might be when it comes to moving resources around. For instance, if your organization's strategy is to ensure that all deliveries are done in a timely manner, you'll need to emphasize logistics and equipment that can help ship these parcels.

Is your company's strategy more along the lines of making these deliveries as cheap and cost-effective as possible? You'll need to invest in equipment and tools that can cut down on costs. Having a clear objective in mind can give you and your company a long-term goal that you can strive for.

Focusing on Customer Service

A huge part of logistics is that your organization should be responsive to the concerns of customers. Although the company might be focused on controlling the cost of services, you'll need to ensure that the customers are happy with the services that they receive. Although cutting down on costs might mean that the "experience" of customers is affected, that doesn't mean that you're entirely abandoning a customer-centric goal.

Although your company might be responding to customers' queries and updating the status of their deliveries, it's still important to keep in mind that many customers want to have a personal experience when talking to representatives. That said, communication is an important part of keeping customers happy.

Another important part of increasing customer service is investing in the proper equipment to ensure that customer experience is maximized. Studies have shown that customers and clients are willing to pay more than what's expected to ensure that they are satisfied with the results of the services and the product. This is one reason why many companies and businesses will invest in a department that caters solely to customer's queries and concerns.

Fortunately  many logistics companies specialize in giving customers and clients the best service experience in the market. You won't have to look for when it comes to reliable commercial truck dealers that can provide heavy-duty transportation that can maximize your logistics infrastructure.

Streamlining Your Operations

Lastly, an important part of logistics and cutting down on your costs is effective sales and operations. Being able to plan out your pipeline of services can lead to new prospects. This can lead to more accurate forecasts when it comes to your business's inventory. This is especially important for many busy businesses that need to ensure that products are there to meet the demands of customers and clients.

Not only does the proper streamlining of operations lead to better logistics in the long run, but this can lead to promotions, better product impressions, and adaptability to changes in the market.

There is a myriad of benefits to improving your business's logistics. Although many companies jump straight to making a good amount of revenue even if they've just started their business, your business's growth and traction should be your priority. Being quick on your feet and moving resources around is known for being one of the best ways of growing your company towards its full potential.

Responsible Car Ownership: How to Take Better Care of Your Car

Your car is an extension of your family. It takes you everywhere (that is possible by wheels), reduces the need for commutes and simplifies your transportation. Because of how useful cars are, there's a tendency to overuse them and forget to care for them, which results in breakdowns in the future.

Instead of overusing your car, it's time to step up your maintenance plan. Remember: your car won't take care of itself. Invest in important maintenance tasks like adding all-weather car floor mats, checking the gas regularly and having your brakes checked.

The car maintenance to-do list can be a long one. Instead of spending more time watching mind bending movies, it's time to care for your car.

If you want to care for your car but don't know where to start, here are some tasks to add to your list.

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Clean the Windshield

This is the easiest first step in any car maintenance routine. A dirty windshield is a safety hazard since it obscures your view of the road. Reduce your risk for accidents by regularly cleaning your windshield.

Use the spongy part of your squeegee and soak the windshield with the cleaning fluid. Pull the squeegee tightly from the middle of the window to the sides and wipe off the remaining streaks. Cleaning your windshield is especially important after long drives on the highway, especially if your windshield is littered with dirt, dust and insect carcasses.

Be Patient During Your Break-In Period

This piece of advice is for the new car owner. So you've bought your dream car and want to make it last as long as possible.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you pull your vehicle out of the dealer's lot:

• On your first 1,000 miles, refrain from going over 55 mph or to your car manufacturer's recommended speed.
• Your new car shouldn't be idle for long periods. Drive whenever you can to keep the oil pressure from breaking down.
• Use only light to medium acceleration.

Drive Your Car With Care Daily

Being considerate with your car shouldn't stop after the break-in. Every day, drive with care so your car will reward you with longer services without repair.

• Refrain from racing your car's engine, especially during the start-up. This is the quickest way to prolong your car's life, especially if it's cold outside.
• When you start to drive, accelerate slowly. The most wear to the drive train and engine occurs within the first 10 to 20 minutes of operation.
• Refrain from warming the engine by letting it stay idle in your driveway. The car's engine doesn't operate when it's warm, resulting in soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, incomplete fuel combustion and damaged car components.
• Avoid accelerating quickly and driving at high speeds, especially when it's cold or hot outside. This driving behavior will result in more repairs.
• Extend your tires' lives by driving carefully. Avoid fast turns, stops and starts. Also, be more mindful of the objects and potholes on the road. Refrain from running over curbs or hitting your tires against the curb when parking.
• Consolidate short driving trips. Most of the wear your car experiences, as well as the pollution it can generate, happens during the first few minutes of driving.

Change the Oil

Routinely checking and changing your car's oil keeps the engine in a good condition. Make it a habit to check your oil monthly and change it as instructed in your owner's manual.

You can always have a pro to do the oil change for you but you can also change it yourself. If you want to do the oil change on your own, learn to set the correct oil level, drain the fluid and dispose of old oil.

Also, know which type of motor oil is the best for your vehicle, regardless of whether you take it to a service center or change the oil yourself. This requires consideration of three important things: your car's mileage, the oil viscosity and whether you want to use non-synthetic or synthetic oil.

Check the Fluids

Apart from the oil, other fluids should be maintained at appropriate levels to keep your car running properly. You or your mechanic should check the following:

• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Coolant

If there is a leak with any of these fluids, it will impact the way you drive. If you spot a leak, you can identify the leaking fluid by its color. This can help you determine where the leak comes from, as well as speed up the repair process.

Keeping your car clean and in good shape keeps you and your passengers safe, ensuring a smooth drive. If you're still unsure how to go about your maintenance, get in touch with your local mechanic for help.

The Surprising Tool to Landscaping Success: Eley Hose Reels

It is a common phrase that many of us have heard over the years. If you have the right tools for the job that makes the work easier and faster, the more likely you'll produce the correct result time and time again. Whether you are in the business of landscaping or simply looking to elevate the landscaping of your back and front yard, this is exceptionally true. 

Getting the correct result when landscaping, especially if it is your business and job, is essential for reputation, positive customer relationships, and crucial for growing your business. When it comes to landscaping your yard, getting the correct result means less hassle for you, less work, and less cost of having to redo less than excellent results too. 

For these reasons, it is vital to own quality landscaping tools, regardless of whether you are a professional landscaper or a hobbyist. And one surprising tool to landscaping success is in the form of Eley Hose Reels. How is it that Eley hose reels are tools for success? 

• The temptation to go for budget tools, unfortunately, can result in subpar hose reels. The saying, "you get what you pay for," can become all too true. For successful watering and use of hoses, whether for professional service or at home, it depends on whether or not your tools can stand the test of usage and time. And as a landscaping business owner, your business's success may rest partly on the reliability of your equipment. Eley ensures that their hose reels, carts, and every product they make are created from the top of the line, premium, heavy-duty aluminum alloy along with stainless steel hardware. 
• Eley hose reels are incredibly well-built and ultra-reliable. These hose reels practically pay you back for your investment as they outlast, out-perform, and resist corrosion longer than almost any other hose reel on the market today. Plus, Eley products come backed by an industry-leading 10-year, no leak, no break, no rust guarantee. 

Eley's exceptional quality design, premium high-grade materials, and hard-grade powder coat paint combined to create a commercial-grade landscaping tool that rarely fails make it a tool made for success. By fully identifying the needs of their customers and offering only the highest-quality, fit-for-purpose tools on the market today, Eley will help your landscaping succeed.

Is Following Interior Design Trends a Bad Idea?

Trends are almost impossible to ignore. When you're active on social media, you feel tempted to jump on the latest design trend and satisfy your craving for beauty. This is especially true for homeowners who want to keep up with the latest home trend to increase their property value and make their homes aesthetically pleasing than ever. From textures to wall colors, there's always something declared as necessary or popular to stay ahead among everyone else. 

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Home experts such as interior designers and building maintenance companies made it possible for homeowners to enjoy their living spaces by delivering professional quality work. This also gave them a fresher perspective on how they view their homes as their sanctuary. Meanwhile, some try to keep up with the latest design trend without thinking about its practicality.

While trends are fun to play with, they can sometimes be overwhelming. They're also very expensive and time-consuming since trends often involve reworking the interior and exterior spaces to highlight the style. So before shopping for new furniture or decorative item, you better understand what it means to follow the trend cycle and how it will affect your home and finances. With this in mind, we'll discuss why homeowners should avoid following trends in interior design.

Trends come and go

When researching the latest home trend, we tend to forget that it will not stay around for too long. This often happens when exploring your Instagram or Pinterest feed and a particular design keeps appearing. Even home decor stores are lining up their inventory with the newest trend to encourage people to buy something. The next thing you know, you're stocking the house with new decors to complement your purchase.

When it comes to trends, remember that the quicker they appear, the quicker they will fade. People have a habit of looking for something new once they're over with a design. While trends come and go, timeless classics never go out of style. In fact, there's no need to keep up with the latest home trends since architectural designs don't fade away easily.

Adopting classic designs doesn't mean you have to settle with a traditional home. If you want a contemporary style without looking over the top, look for modern designs that complement your personal taste. For instance, a neutral theme can look more contemporary by adding minimalist furniture and neutral colors, such as gray, white, and black. These elements certainly blend well together and look more coordinated.

Trends are not good for the environment

Online retailers and high street vendors always push for new trends as it encourages customers to buy more, which helps them increase their sales. But this approach is actually promoting the 'throwaway mentality' by excessively using items and draining the environment of its resources.

Although iconic furniture and decors can be expensive, you can guarantee they will last for a long time and easily blend with your home regardless of the season. They are also more cost-efficient and durable if you add the cost of buying several cheap items in a few years. Sticking to timeless finishes and neutral colors will also encourage reusing items and reduce waste.

Trends keep you from following your own style

If you are redecorating the entire house, you'll likely develop a core theme that mimics your personal style. Finding a design you love is tough work and takes trial and error. While a trend seems appealing to you at first, keep in mind that it will eventually wear off.

When designing your living space, incorporate design elements you feel happy and comfortable with. You don't have to feel compelled to replace a certain element because you know it already reflects your unique style.

If you're joining a trend wagon, there's a chance you'll be riding along with it for some time. But as the trend expires, you'll be looking for something else to satisfy your design craving. This can be costly, time-consuming, and frustrating.

The best part of developing your own signature style is you can easily apply a few changes if you want to add something new. Since you're following your own design pattern, there's no need to remove everything else. 

As you begin your journey towards redecorating your home, it's fine to check the current trends of the season, but don't forget to add your personal touches as well. You need a living space that will inspire you to live comfortably and not something out of an Instagram feed. Invest in decors you appreciate and designs that reflect your personal style. In the end, interior design is all about embracing your choices and creating a home that suits you.

Top Three Community Amenities to Increase the Resale Value of a Property

Aside from home upgrades, there are plenty of ways to increase property value and desirability. One of them is the accessibility to various amenities within a community. Amenities have two types: tangible, which includes gyms, parks, and pools, or intangible, such as low crime rate, leisure activities, pleasant views, public transport.

A community with complete amenities is considered a huge "plus" in the real estate market. If you have a child, you likely prefer living in a child-friendly community where they can freely roam and play. It also reduces the travel time to access public facilities, such as going to school and supermarkets.

Companies that offer professional open space structure services help homeowner associations (HOA) create a cleaner and stronger HOA community. For example, Landmark Products Pty Ltd offers park shelter construction services and landscape solutions for urban design projects. They help in building public infrastructure in communities, schools, councils, and private enterprises.

Since amenities are among the determining factors to increase property value, it's important to consider which neighborhood amenities are the most important to improve the value of your home. Here are some of the must-have amenities that can be great assets for your property:

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Parks

Parks are very important in enhancing the economy and spirit of a community. They also serve as playscapes for children to bond with community members. Most communities have green spaces and open amenities featuring grass areas and playgrounds where people of all ages can run, play sports, or just simply hang out. Other parks have community gardens, exercise equipment, and dog park.

Playground parks are great amenities for families with small children. Children get easily bored around the house, and parks make an ideal place to become active and develop children's social skills. During the summer, HOAs organize mini parties and concerts to gather community members together while families can stay at thebarbeque and picnic areas to enjoy the warm weather.

Dog parks also make a great amenity. Since more people want to have pets, pet-friendly amenities such as dog parks, green spaces, and walking trails make a community more desirable and friendlier. In fact, dog parks are a huge factor in urban neighborhoods with small yards. This helps their pets exercise and run safely, which gives them a chance to stay active as well.

Gym and fitness centers

Due to the increasing cases of weight gain, obesity, and other chronic diseases, people are becoming more health-conscious. The renewed focus on healthy living drives homeowners to buy home fitness equipment to encourage themselves to exercise at home. But sometimes the comfort provided by their homes makes them more sluggish and live a sedentary lifestyle.

Having a gym and fitness facility in a community helps in increasing a property's value. It allows community members to meet their fitness goals without leaving the community premises or paying costly fees for gym memberships. All they have to do is to drop by at the community fitness center and use the gym equipment.

Other communities organize fitness classes, such as Zumba, yoga, weight training, aerobics, and other exercises to keep residents motivated and active. It also brings the community together since most classes are done by groups.

Athletic amenities may vary depending on the HOA. These include basketball and tennis courts, locker rooms, weights, and cardio equipment, yoga room, bike racks, and storage rooms. Even swimming pools are a must-have community amenity. Communities offer open club membership to enjoy a whole year-round of swimming sessions.

Connectivity

Most homebuyers today are making technological conveniences a priority in finding a property. Online capabilities are now a huge trend as more people have become tech-savvy and eco-conscious. They prefer to do everything online, from making financial transactions and shopping for basic needs.

People like it when they can easily connect to the Internet even outside their homes. Communities that offer a good cellphone reception, high-speed Internet, free Wi-Fi, and other connectivity solutions can easily increase property values. This offers convenience and a wider opportunity for the community to connect outside their social circle. Some communities even offer co-working spaces to help remote employees find a comfortable office space near their homes.

All these amenities play an essential role in improving the quality of life and the value of a property within a community. Besides the examples above, consider your home's proximity to your workplace and the overall safety and vibe of the community. Every neighborhood has its own unique charms, so it's important to pick which one works for your lifestyle.