Creative Christian Mama

God bless all Mothers

Miriam Dunning

Keeping Your Family Home in Tip-Top Condition

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Source: Unsplash | Paige Cody

Are you tired of your home being a madhouse? Wish you could find things the second you need them and not two days later? If so, then it sounds like you need to get your home in tip-top condition.

Read on to find out how you can run a tighter ship in your family home.

Draw up a weekly to-do list

You need to get on with various tasks throughout the duration of each week to ensure that your home remains in ship-shape condition. Life does tend to throw the odd curveball from time to time, though, and most of the time, these curveballs are distracting enough to make you forget all about your chores.

With a to-do list to fall back on and check regularly, you wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting about your important tasks and chores. This plan will act as a constant reminder of your responsibilities, and, even if your chores aren’t set in stone, it will be sure to keep you on the straight and narrow with regards to what needs to be done by Friday each week.

Your weekly to-do list can be used as a way of ensuring that everybody in your household is pulling their weight. Once everybody is aware of their responsibilities, they can set about completing their individual tasks.

Do a bit of de-cluttering

Your home cannot be in ship-shape condition if it looks like a hoarder’s paradise. Quite simply, especially if you haven’t done so for a while, you need to partake in a spot of de-cluttering!

To be quick and effective when it comes to de-cluttering your home, you should:

  • Devote a whole weekend to your de-cluttering operation
  • Visualize your desired result before you start
  • Designate a spot for both incoming and outgoing papers (if you’re not careful, paper will account for most of your clutter)
  • Teach your children about where things belong
  • Don’t be afraid to get rid of things you no longer have any use for

Fix problems as soon as they occur

The longer you leave problems to fester, the worse they get, and subsequently, the harder it gets for you to keep your home in ship-shape condition. You should seek to fix problems whenever they occur within your home, regardless of the effort, time, or cost it requires for you to do so.

The task of fixing every little problem that occurs in your home doesn’t necessarily have to be your responsibility. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be your partner’s responsibility, either. No matter where you live in the world, there will always be people out there who can keep your home in tip-top condition for you. When it comes to finding a trained professional, or any other trained tradesperson for that matter, be sure to use Porch — this extensive tradesperson database will allow you to find and hire a handyman quickly and easily.

Embrace KonMari when it comes to organizing

When you have kids, keeping your home organized is an all but impossible task. Toys, clothes, games; you name it, and your little ones have probably left it lying around on the floor in the last hour alone.

Fear not, however, as all hope is not lost just yet. There’s still one organization method that will be sure to help you keep your home in ship-shape condition, and that’s the KonMari method. This advocates a category approach to organizing rather than a room-by-room one. It entails cleaning up items based on their function, not based on where they belong. Should you embrace this method, you would be tasked with, say, cleaning up all the toys in your home, then all the clothes, and then all the games. It would see you clean the entirety of your home without losing the motivation to do so, rather than cleaning one room from top to bottom before realizing that you can’t be bothered to do any more.

If you really want to stay on top of your keeping your home organized, you should resolve to clean as you go. That way, there won’t ever be any mess for you to tidy up.

Once you put the above advice into practice and your home is finally in ship-shape condition, your standard of living will be sure to improve. Things won’t go missing half as much, everybody in your household will have started pulling their weight, and you will no longer find yourself stepping on pieces of Lego every five steps that you take!

7 Alarming Facts About Millennials and Depression

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Nowadays, Millennials and depression are two terms that are loosely thrown around online. But more than being staple terms in memes and just about any posts, they have far-reaching effects in our society when put together. We’ve rounded up eight alarming facts about Millennials and depressions that need serious attention.

  1. Perfectionism among Millennials can trigger depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of these mental health problems, but a recent study finds that Millennials (individuals aged 18 to 33 years old) have increased levels of “perfectionism” and that these high expectations may have a role to play. The study defines perfectionism as “a combination of excessively high personal standards and critical self-evaluations.” Striving to measure up to an ever-growing list of impossible standards can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. If you’re experiencing any of these, you can arrange a session and contact a therapist for depression in Toronto.

  1. Over half of Canadian Millennials are at a high risk of developing mental health issues.

An exclusive poll released to Global News reveals that about 53 percent of young adults in Canada are at risk of experiencing depression and other mental health concerns. This population had the highest number of people at risk compared to “Gen Xers” (aged between 40-54) and “Baby Boomers” (between 55 to 75 years old).

  1. Societal pressures heavily weigh on Millennials, leading to depression and anxiety.

Low employment rate and costly living expenses are among the societal pressures stressing out today’s Millennials, experts say. Some Millennials are juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. About 15 percent of Canadians say that they’ve felt depressed to the point of hopelessness several times, while 17 percent of Millennials reveal that they felt depressed at least once. Another 30 percent of young adults expressed that stress has affected their daily lives in recent years.

  1. Social media also plays a role in the development of mental health issues.

Social networking sites can influence the way Millennials perceive their own realities and the world around them. Unrealistic portrayal of body image, goals, and romantic relationships can increase feelings of insecurity. Seeing the lives of others and their accomplishments lead people to compare themselves with others.  As a result, people can spiral into body issues, mental health problems, as well as social isolation.

  1. Stigma attached to mental health stops young men from reaching out for help.

Based on the research conducted by the charity Kids Help Phone, about 73 percent of kids who call them for counselling are girls. The study found that by age 13, calls from boys decreased and they don’t return for counselling until they are 17 or 18 years old. Experts suggest that young men may not be reaching out for help because of the notion that men should be strong enough to handle their internal battles, and speaking up about depression shows a lack of courage. Another possible reason is the fear of being judged.

  1. Precarious work conditions threaten the mental health of millennials.

A study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that in 1,000 professionals, 22 percent of them are working in precarious arrangements, specifically contractual work, part-time hours, with lack of paid sick days and unpredictable incomes. Moreover, the study found out that some professional jobs don’t provide enough benefits for Canadians that ensure their optimal health, whether or not they are trained and have employable skills. Remaining in precarious work conditions could have a considerable impact on health. Millennials are at a great risk for mental health problems, and those who are making the bare minimum may have it worse.

  1. Depression among Millennials has been costing workplaces billions in productivity loss.

Since today’s labor force is hugely comprised of young adults, the economic and social impact of depression in the workplace is staggering. According to the Conference Board of Canada, $50 billion goes down the drain every year due to depression and anxiety. This is caused by absenteeism, instances where employees are away from their jobs, and presenteeism (a phenomenon where a worker is present in the office but is not mentally and/or physically well enough to perform his or her job efficiently).

Millennials are among the most stressed out individuals today. Given the overwhelming amount of pressure they succumb to on a daily basis, they need more comfort and understanding now more than ever. If you or someone you know is a young adult who puts their best foot forward everyday just to survive, here’s a virtual hug for you. Know that things will get better in time. If you’re going through depression or anxiety, be more compassionate with yourself. Seek professional help and do more things that improve your well-being, whether it be a good long sleep or a relaxing massage therapy in Scarborough. You deserve it after all.

Feel the Love in Phoenix this August

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Are you headed to Phoenix, Arizona this year for the “Love Never Fails” Jehovah’s Witness convention? Let us help you plan a smooth trip.

The three-day event held Aug. 9-11 brings people of the same faith together to learn about love, the Bible, and how to overcome challenges in a physically and emotionally trying world.

The free event is packed with learning opportunities and includes speakers, symposia, prayers, and films to watch that covers the subject of love in greater detail.

It’s important to start planning for your arrival in the Grand Canyon State. If you live out-of-state, you may find flying is the easiest option for you. If you reside in a neighboring community or have a reasonable drive to Phoenix, a road trip works, too.

It doesn’t really matter how you choose to travel. As long as you’ve taken the time to reserve your free ticket to the event and reserve a hotel room, you’re on the right track.

Rest Up So You Can Be Prepared to Learn How to Love People More

To be in the right state of mind to be fully receptive to the teachings at Love Never Fails, you’ll want to be well-rested. There are plenty of great hotels in the Phoenix area. One of the most popular hotels for tourists and travelers is the Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert. Its large rooms, comfortable bedding, and premium amenity extras make for an incredibly luxurious stay.

The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is popular with travelers looking for pampering. This luxurious resort-style hotel offers visitors a chance at total relaxation, with luxury spa treatments, lavish rooms, gorgeous architecture, and fine on-site dining.

Phoenix Must-See Sights for Your Viewing Pleasure

The best places to see before you leave the city include Discovery Park, Freestone Park, and the Riparian Reserve. If you enjoy playing golf, nearby Greenfield Lakes Golf Course provides many hours of entertainment.

For some retail therapy, the Chandler Fashion Center is one of many shopping centers to check out before packing your bags to leave Phoenix. It has dozens of stores to choose from and lots of bargains awaiting you.

The Best Places to Grab a Bite to Eat

After all that sightseeing, you’re going to be famished. Enjoying a nice sit-down meal at a restaurant becomes the perfect way to end the perfect day. If you’ve met some new friends at “Love Never Fails,” breaking bread and exploring new restaurants together is a great bonding exercise.

Some of the restaurants in Phoenix that you’ll want to try are Arriba Mexican Grill, Blue Wasabi, and BRIO Tuscan Grille. There is also Rancho de Tia Rosa, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Egg N’ Joe, and Costa Vida, to name a few.

Having something delicious to look forward is one way you can further nourish the love you feel after attending “Love Never Fails.”

Feel Confident in Your Ability to Love Following the Sensational Event

You cannot go wrong taking a trip to the “Love Never Fails” Jehovah’s Witness event in Phoenix. You’ll meet other people who share similar beliefs and interests. While you’re at it, it’s an excellent opportunity to check out all of the exciting things the city has to offer. You’ll find it fascinating to explore Arizona and learn more about the area’s history, landscape, and offerings while you do.

10 Ideas to Plan a Retirement Party

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Whether you are an employee, student, family member or friend, planning a retirement party for your loved one can be a tough job to do. Retirement is an emotional passage of rite and may trigger emotions of sadness and nostalgia. You need to throw a party in a way that does not trigger these emotions but rather makes your loved one happy and excited. The people you invite to the party truly depend on whose party are you planning. For instance, if you are planning a retirement party for your teacher and you know he is an introvert and is only comfortable around some students, then you should avoid inviting students he dislikes. Similarly, if your boss was very friendly and knew everyone from your department, then it would be very rude to not invite everyone. The guest list needs to be very appropriate.

The venue you throw the party in should be chosen after keeping the likes and dislikes of the retiree in your mind. You can give him or her gifts, design a theme for the party, give speeches, and many other things to make your party a memorable one. Here are some ideas that can help you plan the best retirement party for someone who is retiring:

1) Make a Compliment Box

Preparing a compliment box can be a nice way to express gratitude and love for the retiree. You can circulate cards at the workplace of the person who is retiring. Coworkers can sign the cards and write thoughtful notes. You can do this on either one card or you can circulate many cards, each for one coworker or student. Make sure that the messages you have written are not generic but genuinely apply to him or her.

2) Award Plaques

These are often given to employees and students as a reward for high achievements. As a boss, you can give awards plaques to your retiring employee as a symbol of recognition.

3) Gifts

You can also give gifts, but it is better to give something that actually would have a meaning to him or her. Rather than focusing on spending too much money on generic gifts, you can actually gift something that would be of greater importance. If you know your coworker loves gardening, then you can gift gardening tools instead of an expensive watch. Read How to Prepare a Meaningful Gift to see get more ideas.

4) Visual Display

You can also make use of technology and prepare a short video with pictures of the retiree and his coworkers taken along the journey. Other than the slideshow you can also hang pictures all around the venue. You can also make a customized cake with a meaningful picture on top.

5) Give a speech

The host must begin the party with an emotional speech that highlights the most important details of the retiree’s career. His struggles and achievements should be touched in detail. You must include humor in your speech to avoid getting too emotional.

6) Costumes

You can base your party around a theme. For example, if the retiree is a boring workaholic then everyone can dress in dull colors such as beige. Another idea to give a good tribute could be to dress like the retiree. This would be both fun and emotional at the same time.

7) Play Games

You can also play retirement party games. You can play games such as the memory bank, pocket scramble, talent contest, etc. You can also invite the guests one by one on stage to share a funny memory of the retiree. Read how you can make anyone’s retirement fun and apply these ideas to your party.

8) Fireworks

Fireworks denote celebration and should, therefore, be incorporated into your plan. These can also help cheer the retiree.

9) Budget

Make sure you set your budget according to the retiree. Spending too much for someone who doesn’t like wasting money will not be a good idea.

10) Record the party and create a photo booth

You should also record the party as you would be making a lot of memories for the retiree to take back home. You can take pictures of all the guests posing with the retiree. To make it more fun, you can also place a photo booth with different funny props.

Best tools for cutting through plywood

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There is no need to settle for rough and splintered edges when cutting through thin plywood. Neither is there a need to wrestle with thicker, larger, more awkward to manoeuvre plywood work pieces.

There are a number of tools that you can use to make the job of cutting through plywood a quick and easy process. In this case it is all about finding the right tool for the job – if you seek some advice in doing this then head over to https://besttoolreview.net. 

When it comes to cutting tools (for any materials) there are generally two level of options – either powered or unpowered. For ease and speed we suggest going down the powered route for this type of cutting.

With that in mind, there are three types of saws that we recommend. These are circular saws, miter saws and table saws.

Circular Saw

These are generally considered the king of power tools and can be used for just about any type of job, including cutting through plywood.

In particular, we like the SKIL 5280-01 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Laser Guide.

Pros

·  Very smooth cuts

·  Lots of power

·  Easy to get straight angled cuts

Cons

·  Laser is difficult to see and is inaccurate

·  Poor quality fence

Specifications

·      A 14 amp motor

·      Up to 5,300 RPM

·      A carbide tipped cutting blade that is over 7 inch long

·      A total weight of just under 7 pounds

Miter Saw

The core to any good cutting tool set up is the miter saw. It can be well relied on for a number of jobs, including cutting through plywood.

In particular, we like the DEWALT DW713 10 “ Portable Compound Miter Saw.

Pros

·  Highly powerful

·  Good build quality

·  Clean cuts

Cons

·  Blade prone to being off when it comes out of the box

·  Laser guide not included

Specifications

  •     A 15 amp motor
  •     Up to 5,000 RPM
  •     A carbide cutting blade
  •     A total weight of 35 pounds
  •     A 3 year warranty

Table Saw

These types of saw are generally best for ripping through boards, whereby they cut right down the length of any wooden work piece, including plywood.

In particular, we like the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw with Steel Rip Fence, Miter Gauge, and 7 Accessories – RK7323.

It is a must have cutting tool for any and all projects, and has great versatility and portability.

Pros

·  Versatile

·  Portable

Cons

·  Not very precise

Specifications

  • A rip fence
  • A carry handle built in
  • A total weight of just under 15 pounds
  • A vacuum port
  • A 3 year warranty

Conclusion

Although we have looked at three different types of saw here, which all are capable of cutting through plywood, our recommendation is (and the one that will give the best finish) the table saw.

Its ability to rip through lengths of wood is what really sets it apart from the other saws. We particularly think the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw with Steel Rip Fence, Miter Gauge, and 7 Accessories – RK7323 is a quality power tool that will easily do the job.

A Week Long Itinerary For Morocco

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Source: TheUjulala on Pixabay

Travelling, even if it’s only for a week or two on holiday somewhere, is always an exciting time. Whether it’s your first or fifth time to a place doesn’t matter – you usually have a great time nonetheless, but what if you want something a bit more challenging with some deep culture and interesting traditions to experience as well? No worries – that’s why we’ve put together this easy to follow, handy guide to a week in Morocco – one of northern Africa’s true gems. 

Marrakesh

Marrakesh is one of the more inviting cities in Morocco, with Rabat and Casablanca being your typical big, industry based and overcrowded cities. Marrakesh on the other hand, is a smaller area with a lot of things to see and do. Whether you like history or culture or a bit of both, Marrakesh is the place to be. With a maze of souks, a huge open market by night in Jema el-Fna Square, and numerous attractions such as the Saadian Tombs, Marrakesh is a great place to start your Moroccan journey. Book a cheap flight to Marrakesh and make sure to stay in a riad – a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, providing a real taste of life in this beautiful country. 

We’d recommend around two days in Marrakesh to get a good feel for it. This allows you ample time to explore the souks and back streets, tombs, mosques and generally get around the city to other points that may interest you. Don’t miss out on a luxurious hammam (steam bath and scrub) by booking into the likes of Les Bains de Marrakesh, a beautiful spa with swimming pool not far from Jema el-Fna.

Fez

Fez (sometimes spelled Fes) is a unique city, similar to Marrakesh but with one huge, important difference: Fes is home to a huge network of impressive leather dyeing vats. These vats have been in use for hundreds of years and much of the leather product you can find in the city has been tanned, dyed and produced right in the city with the help of these vats. While a bit of a smelly endeavour, it does give visitors a great look into the leather industry of the city, as well as some really cool photo opportunities from a bit higher vantage points.

Spend at least a day or two in Fez to explore it in detail with its walled Medina, leather vats and colourful, old-world charm. As some of the experience can be similar to Marrakesh, we’d recommend staying only two nights in one and one night in the other. 

The North

The north coast of Morocco is home to a number of interesting towns and villages set along waterfronts with great opportunities to kick back and relax on sandy beaches while sipping mint tea and coffee. Throughout the northern region, mountainous villages beckon the traveller who wants to escape the hot plains of the rest of the country, with places like Chefchaouen being enormously popular places for backpackers and luxury travellers alike due to its unique buildings, almost all of which are painted in different blue hues.

Stay at least two nights in Chefchaouen to take a load off and get away from the heat and hectic vibe of Fez or Marrakesh. This gives you lots of time to explore the town and get some of the most impressive photos of your life!

West Coast

The west coast of Morocco is home to numerous different towns and villages, some with resorts and impressive yoga/meditation or surfing retreats. The city of Essouira is a great stop to make, especially for Game of Thrones fans who want to explore some of this famous series’ filming locations. Aside from that though, Essouira is a great place to just explore, get lost and sample delicious street food. Oh, and did we mention it’s where the annual Gnoua World Music Festival is held in June? Book hotels well in advance though – they fill up fast!

We’d recommend one to two days in Essouira, however you can spend a whole week on this coast (or more!) if you’re learning yoga, surfing or the like. You won’t regret the wide open spaces and feeling of time standing still as you watch the sunset reflect of harbour walls or clock towers with gulls cawing and fishermen bringing in unique catches like conger eel or blue shark.

The Sahara

An absolute must for anyone who is coming to Morocco. Tours to the desert can be booked in advance or through different agencies once you’re in the country. The Sahara is a wonderful experience where you stop off for a night in a gorge along the way from Marrakesh, before heading out to the dunes with Berber tribespeople on camelback to a camp nestled in the sand. Something has to be said for the night sky in the Sahara – what with an unobscured view of the Milky Way and millions upon billions of stars. The usual time for the tour is 2 full days, with breakfasts and dinners included as well as accommodation.

So if you’re looking for a great getaway this year, why not consider heading out to Morocco for a bit of sun and sand (maybe not sea!). With such a rich culture and heritage and ample opportunity to explore beautiful walled cities and medinas, you will find yourself dreaming of Morocco time and again. So book yourself a cheap flight to Morocco and enjoy this beautiful country this year.

Ultimate Eclectic Dining Room: Create a Modern, Organic, and Industrial Interior For All Tastes

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Eclecticism in interior means combining contrasting styles to create uniquely warm and versatile settings. If you’re furnishing your dining room, eclectic is the way to go; Here’s how to create a perfectly universal dining room with mid century modern furniture:

Le Corbusier Dining Table

This 1929 mid-century modern furniture example is a masterpiece that blends the mathematical structure of the aeronautical base with a simplistic, fresh appeal of the glass tabletop. Why you must have it? First of all, the Le Corbusier dining table will never go out of style, and its quality manufacturing will outlast all of its predecessors. In terms of design, the Le Corbusier dining table appeals to the eye thanks to both intricate and robust design. The artistic layout of the steel rods ensures it’ll easily conform with your overall interior, be it rustic, classic, or industrial. The endurant glass tabletop will handle all of your dining, spills, and daily stress gracefully, requiring nothing more than a daily wipe-down to restore its glaze.

Herman Miller’s 1950 DAW Chair

Herman Miller’s 1950 DAW Chair will perfectly complement your Le Corbusier dining table. With this design, Miller didn’t only create a rounded, comfortable chair made to make every meal feel like a royal dinner. He also created an eclectic blend of three contrasting designs to ensure ultimate versatility when combined with other furnishings. This chair features an organic-styled soft-contoured, rounded seat, rustic, wooden legs, and intersecting metal rods that add industrial charm to the design. The result is a soft, comfortable appeal of the chair with an upscale vibe of the polished metal elements. With three styles blended in a single design, rest assured that there’s no single furniture piece that won’t get along with the DAW chair.

Now, which upholstery style to choose? This mid-century modern furniture piece goes so well with the Le Corbusier dining table that virtually any color or upholstery choice creates a balanced look. If you want a more formal appearance, definitely go for a deep black. A choice of white color will introduce lightness and freshness into your ambiance if you’re going for a more relaxed, casual vibe.

The Eames Walnut stool

Versatile in shape or form, and sturdy in structure, the Eames Walnut stool is the perfect mid-century modern furniture piece to complete the design. It will balance out the prominent industrial vibe of the dining room set with a natural wooden shade, and it also coordinates with the rustic legs of the DAW chair. Furthermore, the Eames Walnut Stool has a rare amount of functionality, since you can use both as a stool and as a surrogate side-table. When you don’t need extra sitting, allocate your Eames Walnut Stools to corners of the dining room and underneath your windows. They’ll serve amazingly as side tables, allowing you to store anything from books and magazines to plants and decorations.

Prominent mid century modern furniture designs persist throughout the passing decades, and not without a good reason. Ingenius artists of the mid-20th century had a rare talent to create the most beautiful, comfortable, and functional designs that were highly adaptable to all interior styles. Their creations are now found in palaces, castles, and prominent hotel salons. Needless to say, your home deserves such a value.

Take Online Yoga Classes Through Glo

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How are online yoga classes different from studio classes?

Online yoga classes tend to be much cheaper than traditional studio classes. Most online yoga classes are usually no more than $30 for a monthly subscription. Members also may receive additional perks from online yoga classes that cannot be found in a studio class.

Most subscriptions include classes that specialize in a variety of topics. Some of these classes aim to improve physical physique. Others may focus on mental well-being.

Online classes generally tend to have faster service. There is no set time in the year for classes to begin. Users can start whenever they feel ready. Classes can be stopped at any time as well. This helps to save time on commutes to a gym.

There are many fitness instructors that teach through online platforms. Many of the yoga teacher training instructors come from different backgrounds. Some may have a background outside of yoga. This allows users to pick up different skills to enhance their performance.

Online classes can be less intimidating. There are no other participants to compete against. Classes can be performed alone or a partner can be included. There is no formal dress code and users feel less pressured throughout the workout. This can help to keep up motivation.

Courses are generally more flexible. Many online platforms update their courses regularly to accommodate different lifestyles. There are also some instructors that work at late hours. Classes can be as short as a few minutes or as long as two hours.

What is Glo?

Glo is an online fitness company that aims to transform the approach towards fitness and health. The online platform offers a comprehensive experience to subscribers through specialized trainers, academic courses, and a growing community.

Courses can range from beginner to advanced. Categories of all the courses include restorative, prenatal, Hatha, and yoga conditioning. Each of these categories serves a different purpose. Some of the courses focus on healing methods. Other courses focus on the connection between the mind and body.

The online platform offers a free 15-day trial. Subscribers have access to the thousands of yoga classes that Glo offers.

Unlike another online fitness platform, Glo offers instructor-led courses that teach about the theory of yoga. This knowledge can help users to become more aware of their body and use the knowledge to master their workouts.

To get the most out of their experience, subscribers are asked what their motivations are. This can help to set up the framework for future workouts.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga places a strong emphasis on the core muscles. An improvement of the core muscles can improve posture and other supporting muscle groups. The core muscles include all muscle groups that wrap around the waist.

A variety of yoga exercise can improve strength, endurance, and flexibility. Studies demonstrate that yoga can decrease feelings of lethargy. This can make it easier to complete daily activities.

Yoga can help to burn fat beyond the exercises. This is sometimes called a post-metabolic burn. Vigorous yoga exercises can force the body into a catabolic state. This means that the body burns more calories than usual after the workout.

Mood increases noticeably with yoga. This is because yoga places a strong emphasis on breathing. This improvement in breathing can send more oxygen to the brain and allow it to release more hormones like serotonin. These hormones elicit positive emotions and can fight depression.

There are many other benefits of yoga that can improve the quality of life. Yoga is most beneficial when it is practiced continuously. Anyone can benefit from a short yoga session.

Overcoming the Obstacles Getting in Your Way of Being Healthier

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Most people want to be healthy and live a long fulfilling life. However, few people actually manage to do this. Why does this happen? There are certain obstacles that are common to those that fail. Below, we are going to talk about these obstacles and how they can be handled.

Overcoming Bad Habits

  1. Lack of Sufficient Sleep

We live in a world of technological distractions. We have become so addicted to our gadgets that we take them to bed with us. The blue light that comes from most smartphones, tablets, and computer screens interfere with your sleep patterns. As a result, you sleep less, denying your body the chance to sufficiently ‘reboot’ itself. Others lack sleep from extending work hours.

If you want to overcome this obstacle, you have to discipline yourself and avoid going to bed with your gadgets. The bedroom should be used for sleeping and nothing else. So that you can avoid overworking yourself, you have to plan your day and schedule well. Make sure that you begin your tasks early so that you can finish them on time and avoid working late hours.

  1. Addiction

Another obstacle that gets in your way of getting healthy is substance addiction. Some people love a bit of alcohol every now and then. Although there’s nothing wrong with taking a glass of wine every once in a while, it shouldn’t control your life. When you take excessive alcohol, you tend to forget what transpired after you drunk. You also expose yourself to other long term complications.

In order to overcome this obstacle, you have to make lifestyle changes. Avoid night clubs or places that sell alcohol on weekends. You can also find yourself a new hobby to stop you from thinking about the substance you’re addicted to. If the condition is severe enough that you find yourself unable to function without alcohol, you should consider substance abuse treatment. Sites such as windwardway.com can connect you with someone right away who can advise you on what to do next. Whether it’s inpatient care, outpatient therapy, or a little bit of both, it will prove essential for health.

  1. Social Circle

The friends or people that we spend time with can also stop us from living healthy lifestyles. If your friends take you to the club every weekend, they are impeding your lifestyle. If they encourage you to do certain immoral behaviors, they put you at risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.

Even though most people hate acknowledging that they have bad friends, denial only makes the situation worse. You have to accept that your friends are bad. Then, talk to them about your plans for healthier living. If they are willing to support you, they are good friends. However, if they don’t seem interested, it may be time for you to find new friends.

  1. Poor Diet

Some people have very busy schedules. They get up very early in the morning and leave for work without even taking breakfast. It’s only after they reach the office that they realize that they are hungry. They order coffee and donuts from the nearby eatery. These people also take their lunch late. In frequent cases, they will go for fast food because they don’t want to waste any time. Such diets expose you to lifestyle diseases like obesity and organ failures.

In order to overcome this obstacle, you have to develop better eating habits. You can prepare a healthy home-cooked meal when you get home from work. Then, save some for lunch for the next day. Alternatively, you can prepare a healthy sandwich for lunch. You have to make healthy eating a priority and make time for it. Given the high rates of childhood obesity, the same goes for your children.

  1. Lack of Exercise

Most people either drive to work or take public transportation. When they arrive at work, they take the elevator to the office. From there, they spend most of the time seated staring at the computer. They don’t bother going out for lunch since they can have the food delivered. Such people rarely have time to exercise because they see it as too much work. This exposes them to lifestyle diseases.

If you want to be healthy, you have to exercise. This doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym. If the workplace is closer to where you live, you can walk there. Furthermore, instead of taking the elevator, challenge yourself to use the stairs at least twice every week.

The mentioned obstacles are what prevent most people from living healthy. If you are experiencing either of them, you can use the mentioned techniques to overcome them.

3 Good Reasons to Travel

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Travel is good for us because it transforms us fundamentally. By taking a desperately needed break from the daily grind, unplugging from the pushes and pulls of technology, and immersing yourself in new places and activities, you’ll have an easier time releasing your unwanted habits. Additionally, it’s empowering when you surround yourself with those who don’t know your life story. It serves to reinforce the willingness to broaden those horizons, to get yourself unstuck, and to begin to move in directions that might be new and exciting.

There are quite a few more reasons for traveling. Here’s a quick look at a few.

It Can be Good for Your Health

When you’re traveling you have the chance to skip the alarm clock and catch up on your much-needed sleep. Additionally, the quality of your sleep is better. Vacations that are active, such as hiking or golf trips, can help overcome the stress of your job. Getting a bit of sun during the colder months, like in Mexico, can help to fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder if you happen to live in climes that are deprived of the sun in those months. After hiking Machu Pichu or cruising the Caribbean, you’ll likely return home feeling more refreshed and able to tackle whatever might come your way.

Another health-related reason to travel may be to get treatment for an illness or condition. In some cases, seeing a specialist in another city is a necessary step. If the treatment is for a drug or alcohol addiction, a change of scenery is not just an aesthetic consideration. By leaving your comfortable neighborhood where all your friends are, the ones supporting your habit, you remove one stumbling block to your recovery. If you find yourself in need of help with an addiction, contact one of the drug treatment programs in Cincinnati or Tampa for example. Pick somewhere that offers you the best chance of getting and staying clean.

It Creates Jobs

Many jobs worldwide are supported by the travel industry. Think about it, those comfortable outfits you need for your vacation were created by someone who might not even be in the same country you’re in. The servers at the restaurants you’ll dine at on your trip are paid by your travel dollars (or pesos). All those people who work on cruise ships wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for people like you who crave the open water. So just remember when you’re laying on a sunny beach in Destin that you’re helping to support jobs there.

It Can Bridge Cultures

Travel can open your eyes to any new culture you might visit and assist you when it comes to gaining a better understanding of the world. It fosters things like empathy and tolerance. Additionally, it assists those in other countries when it comes to gaining an understanding of where you’re from. Remember that when you’re in another country, you’re an ambassador for your own, so go out of your way to be nice to people. Be polite to shopkeepers, tip your chambermaid, and be patient with the servers at the places where you’ll dine.

Don’t forget the fun! Travel can bring a bit of joy into an otherwise dull life while you also have the opportunity to reconnect with your family. Think about it. Aren’t at least a few of your best memories things like building sand castles on a beach somewhere with your kids, or maybe even exploring a brand-new city hand in hand with your significant other? That happiness is a contagious thing too.