Category: Self Care

The Effects of Stress: How to Battle Against the Inevitable

Stress is one of the most disruptive and grueling things that can happen to a person. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress is the leading cause of disability in the United States. The effects of stress can wreak havoc on a person’s physical and emotional health and even lead to death.

*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Several factors can contribute to stress, such as work, family responsibilities, money problems, and health concerns. The National Institute of Mental Health states that stress can affect people differently, depending on their personality and coping skills. Some people may become irritable or angry, while others may become withdrawn or depressed.

The physical effects of stress can be just as devastating as the emotional effects. Stress can lead to headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, and insomnia. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, and immune system problems in extreme cases.

Stress can be a very destructive force in a person’s life. Learning how to deal with it effectively before it causes too much damage is essential. Here are a few signs to watch out for to check if your stress is already visibly damaging you.

Signs of Aging

One of the most common signs of stress is premature aging. When a person is under a lot of pressure, their body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This causes the body to release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol has several adverse effects on the body, including breaking down collagen. Collagen is what keeps skin looking young and elastic. When it breaks down, the skin starts to wrinkle and sag.

Another sign of premature aging caused by stress is graying hair. Just like with skin, stress can cause the breakdown of collagen in hair follicles. This can lead to hair that is dull, dry, and brittle. It can also cause hair to lose its color and turn gray prematurely. Hair loss might also be a problem, especially when stress is combined with other factors like poor diet or illness. Fortunately, you can get the best hair loss treatment for men when you consult with a qualified hair loss specialist.

Weight Gain or Loss

Another common sign of stress is weight gain or loss. When a person is stressed, their body goes into survival mode and starts to store fat. This is because the body thinks it might need extra energy to deal with a stressful situation. For some people, this can lead to weight gain. Others may lose weight because they do not eat as much when stressed.

Changes in appetite, either overeating or undereating, can also be a sign of stress. People under a lot of stress may find themselves snacking more often, or they may not feel like eating at all. Depending on the person, this can lead to weight gain or weight loss.

If you notice that stress is already causing your weight to fluctuate, you should try to find ways to relieve your stress. This might include exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling.

Bedtime Yoga: 7 Moves for Better Sleep

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Stress can also cause changes in sleeping patterns. People who are stressed may find it hard to fall asleep, or they may wake up frequently during the night. They may also wake up early in the morning and not be able to get back to sleep. This can lead to fatigue and exhaustion, making it even harder to deal with stress.

If you notice that your sleeping patterns have changed, you should try to find ways to relax before bedtime. This might include reading, taking a hot bath, or listening to soothing music. It would help if you also avoided caffeine and alcohol before bed, as these can make it harder to fall asleep.

Changes in Mood

Another common sign of stress includes mood changes. People who are stressed may become more irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. If you notice that your mood has changed significantly, you should try to find ways to relieve your stress. This might include exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling.

If you notice that you are always in a foul mood, you can try to find ways to change your mindset. This might involve looking at the positive side of things, practicing gratitude, or setting realistic goals. It will be challenging to determine if your mood swings will change, but you can ensure stress won’t be a factor of it too much.

Conclusion

Stress can have several adverse effects on your body, both physically and mentally. Learning how to deal with it effectively before it causes too much damage is essential. If you notice any of the signs listed above, you should try to find ways to relieve your stress. Do not let it control your life. You can overcome it.

 

How to Keep Your Skin Super Hydrated in Summer

Treat your skin like your best friend if you want to look young and beautiful for a long time. Good skincare needs lots of hydration.  A good way to keep your skin hydrated is by using IV drips is a great way to boost it quickly without much effort. Without proper hydration, your skin will dry out and become tight, leading to wrinkles and flaking after some time.

How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Summer
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

IV drips for skin

Failing to hydrate your skin properly will lead to clogged pores and cause infections leading to acne, redness, and other issues. Hydrating the skin properly will keep it smooth and rejuvenate the cells giving a youthful glow to the entire face. IV drips are a great way to hydrate skin and the whole body as some formulations explicitly fight body dehydration. They detoxify the body, work on dehydration cure and keep the entire body filled with extra energy. 

IV drips are filled with antioxidants that reach your bloodstream directly, making your skin glow from the inside by providing nourishment and hydration. Drip Hydration, Remede Hydration, and House Call Hydration are some of the best Wyoming IV therapy providers offering services in Jackson’s Hole. Their IV drips for skin hydration are loaded with the electrolytes needed to make skin beautiful and fill it with collagen.

Cleanse, tone, and moisturize

You must never miss the cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine (CTM routine) if you need healthy skin. Taking proper steps to hydrate the skin is vital to maintain skin elasticity and look good. Take your skincare seriously and do CTM every day religiously to maintain hydration and elasticity in your skin. Teenage CTM requires only moisturizer, and young adults above twenty can add a serum to their CTM routine. 

Middle-age people must add an anti-aging or anti-wrinkle cream after their moisturizer to lock the hydration in their skin. Select age-based products and experiment with brands using natural ingredients like chia seeds. Use collagen masks regularly to hydrate the skin better, and always choose an aqua-based toner to get the best results. 

Self Skincare Routine

Drink plenty of water

Consuming water as much as possible is the easiest way to keep your skin hydrated and young for a long time. Beauty gurus agree drinking water benefits skin and encourages consuming water throughout the day for extra hydration. Use water in your skincare routine, as a toner, and as a spray throughout the day on your skin.

Use a good micellar water brand for cleaning your face regularly, as it is better than many chemical-filled makeup removers. Spray rose water on your face whenever you feel dull at midday or before a meeting to get that refreshing look for your face. Make it a point to drink plain coconut water, which is delicious and loaded with skin-friendly properties. It is an excellent alternative to sugar-filled drinks and serves as a natural skin hydration product.

Eat skin-friendly food

Eat lots of skin hydrating food like cucumbers and fruits to create super hydration for your skin. Replacing less healthy snacks with fruits and cucumbers regularly for two months will show drastic improvement in skin hydration. Meat lovers should try beef liver which has plenty of skin hydration properties, and vegetarians can use Kiwi fruit regularly.

It is wise to consume almond milk, soy milk, and oats milk every day by adding them to your smoothies or health drinks. Taking the right skin supplements like cod liver oil tablets also helps in nourishing the skin and providing extra hydration. Make it a habit to regularly add sunflower seeds to your cereals and sweet red peppers to your salad as they have high skin hydrating ingredients.

Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin During Self Isolation

Prioritize skincare

Investing in skincare rather than makeup will help keep the skin hydrated and smooth during the summer. Dry skin people must select cleansers that don’t dry their skin further, while oily skin people must choose deep cleansers which will act on their pores. Select your moisturizer with care, use a serum to get extra benefits, and never miss out on sunscreen.

Select high-quality moisturizers using natural ingredients that hydrate the skin like Aloe vera, milk, and coconut oil. Always select a good sunscreen and ensure it has all the necessary items suitable for your skin type. Dry and oily skin people must use an entirely different range of skincare products to get the proper hydration for their skin. It is essential to improvise on your skincare routine, stop using certain products as you age, and replace them with better skincare to give additional hydration to your skin.

Author Bio

Lianna produces in-depth science and health-based content resources – copy, illustrations, & photos – and brings clear and credible information to her client’s readership.

    • B.A. English – Georgia State University
    • MSc English – The University of Edinburgh
    • Certificate in Medical Writing & Editing – University of Chicago

How to Stay Healthy and Fit as You Age

As you age, it’s more essential than ever to stay fit and healthy. Staying active and eating a healthy diet can help you stay strong and independent well into your golden years.

One of the biggest benefits of staying fit as you age is that it can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Exercise can also help reduce the risk of falls and fractures and keep your bones and joints healthy.

Staying fit and healthy also allows you to look good. But you can also go through a non-invasive tummy fat removal procedure to make you look slimmer without exercising too much. The company performing the procedure should have the equipment and experience to ensure its success.

So, it’s essential to stay healthy and fit. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

How to Stay Healthy and Fit as You Age
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Exercise regularly.

Exercising regularly has many benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help to control weight, reduce stress levels, and improve mental well-being.

If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly and build up gradually. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on most days of the week. This can be broken down into shorter periods of 10 minutes or more.

Some simple exercises that can help to get you started include walking, swimming, and cycling. If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables.

A healthy diet is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial as you get older. Eating a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your body strong and functioning properly. A healthy diet can also help reduce your risk of developing chronic health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So make sure to fill your plate with plenty of healthy foods every day.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. It helps regulate our body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen to our cells, and flushes toxins. We need to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay healthy and fit as we age. Dehydration can lead to several health problems, including fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. So, make sure to drink plenty of water every day. Aim for eight glasses a day.

Sleep Deprivation: How it Affects Your Daily Life

Make sure to get enough sleep.

Our bodies need more sleep to recover from the day’s activities as we age. Sleep helps to repair and rejuvenate our cells, muscles, and tissues. It also helps regulate our hormones and mood. Without enough sleep, we can start to feel run-down and irritable. Our mental and physical performance can suffer.

Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.

Stay active and don’t spend too much time sitting down.

Sitting down for too long can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. To stay healthy and fit as you age, it is important to stay active and not spend too much time sitting down. Try to stand up and move around for at least a few minutes every hour, and get regular exercise. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.

There are a few things you can do to make sure you stay active and don’t spend too much time sitting down:
      • Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move around every hour.
      • Get regular exercise, such as walking, biking, or swimming.
      • Do strength training exercises a few times per week.
      • Stretch or do yoga every day.
      • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
      • Walk or ride your bike instead of driving whenever possible.

25 Easy Outdoor Self Care Ideas

Talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy as you age.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about how you can stay healthy as you age. They can help you develop a plan to stay fit and healthy and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to stay in good health.

Your doctor can also help you keep an eye on any health problems that might arise as you age, and can help you catch them early. This is especially important for heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about staying healthy as you age. They can offer valuable guidance and advice to help you stay in good health for years to come.

As we age, it’s important to stay healthy and fit. Following the tips in the article can help us stay active and avoid developing chronic health conditions. You can stay healthy and fit well into your later years with a little effort.

How Pregnancy Forces One to Make Many Lifestyle Changes

Pregnancy is a time in a couple’s life that brings uncontrollable joy. No one expects problems with pregnancy, but it is possible. Taking preventive measures before pregnancy will ensure a healthy start for the mom-to-be.  This often comes with having to make some lifestyle changes before, during and following pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Forces One to Make Many Lifestyle Changes
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

As stated earlier, expecting mothers do not what to hear the news that their pregnancy is taking a turn for the worse. With little to no fault of the mom, some medical conditions can cause a problematic pregnancy. This article will discuss lifestyle changes to help minimize any problems that can occur. But first, let us explore the type of complications that pregnancy can present for couples.

Complications in Pregnancy

    • Miscarriages. The reason for a miscarriage is unknown and usually occurs in the first trimester, 13 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Ectopic Pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
    • Gestational Diabetes. Gestational diabetes increases blood sugar during pregnancy, putting the mom at a higher risk for diabetes after pregnancy.
    • Incompetent Cervix. The fetus’ growth can cause problems for the cervix, causing the cervix to open and deliver the baby before the due date.
    • Placental Abruption. It occurs when the placenta is partially or completely detaches from the uterus before the baby is born.
    • Low-Lying Placenta. This rare occurrence usually happens in the second or third trimester, causing the placenta to attach to the bottom wall of the uterus.
    • Increase or Decrease in Amniotic Fluid. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus during pregnancy. Too much, although rare, amniotic fluid can cause premature rupture of the amniotic membrane. Whereas not enough fluid can prevent the fetus from developing properly.
    • Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is presented as high blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine.
    • Premature Labor. Premature labor occurs between 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Most premature deliveries are spontaneous.
    • Venous Thrombosis. This is when a blood clot develops in the pregnant mom’s leg, usually occurring with women over 30, overweight, and a family history of thrombosis.
    • Molar Pregnancy. Occurs from an abnormality of the placenta. Instead of the embryo forming in the uterus, an abnormal mass takes formation instead.
    • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS). FAS is the excessive use of alcohol during pregnancy, causing physical and mental defects for the fetus.
    • Eclampsia. It is the progression of preeclampsia, attacking the central nervous system causing seizures.

Ways to Get Ready for Third Trimester

As mentioned earlier, pregnancy can present with problems that can be life-threatening. But a healthy pregnancy can have its rewards for mom and dad-to-be. It is crucial to make some lifestyle changes when considering pregnancy.

Meeting with your gynecologist to discuss the dos and don’ts for a healthy pregnancy is an excellent way to initiate healthy lifestyle changes. If your gynecologist does not monitor pregnancy, this is also an opportunity to discuss recommendations for an obstetrician.

Pregnancy Lifestyle Changes

    • Healthy Weight. Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy helps to eliminate any complications that may occur. Consider losing weight if you are obese or overweight. The added weight can cause problems during pregnancy.
    • Diet Change. There is nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite foods. The key is to eat more fruits, vegetables, foods high in iron, calcium, and fiber, dark leafy greens, asparagus, seafood such as salmon, shrimp, and catfish. Eat smaller portions at least 5 – 6 times a day and never skip breakfast.
    • Use Prenatal Vitamins. Prenatal vitamins have nutrients critical for the baby’s neural tube growth. They also help to create new blood cells.
    • Exercise. There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant. One is aiding in preparation for your pelvic floor for delivery and recovery. Exercising also helps to boost your mental health during pregnancy while staying in shape.
    • Remove Alcohol, Cigarette, and Caffeine Intake. Sorry coffee lovers, but limiting caffeine during pregnancy to 200 mg per day should be considered. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes is recommended during pregnancy.
    • Stress Management. Cortisol is released when you are experiencing a stressful moment. To help minimize stress, try using essential oils, candles, meditation, yoga, or simply talking to someone.
    • Understand Chronic Medical Conditions. Understanding chronic conditions can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Some chronic diseases are inherited, but with the proper management from your obstetrician and primary care provider, you can still have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

8 Pregnancy Diet Tips for Growing a Healthy Baby

Who says you cannot be stylish before, during, or after pregnancy? During pregnancy, you are engulfed with many emotions, some good, some not so good. Everyone can use a pick-me-up moment with a little bit of shopping. With various styles offered, Fawn Design provides stylish diaper bag collections, motherhood bundles, satchels, original and mini diaper bags to choose from that will have heads turning.

Since no one can foresee the future, planning a healthy pregnancy will help ease any concerns. Including your healthcare providers in your decision can provide you with the necessary advice needed to ensure both mom and baby will be off to a healthy start because this will be the beginning of a beautiful and unbreakable relationship for years to come.

Author’s Bio

Gemma Hamilton is a marketing enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her family and friends by visiting various natural landscapes and hanging out on beautiful beaches. Besides nature-tripping, she’s also very passionate about writing quality content for Fawn Design, which helps build professional relationships with people and share informative insights to various audiences interested in different types of topics. 

 

At-Home Activities To Improve Mental Health

Taking care of yourself and your mental health when you’ve just brought a baby into the world can be tough. Babies need a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give any attention to yourself. You can do these at-home activities to improve mental health in quick bursts or long stretches, and they’ll help you relax while having fun.

At-Home Activities to Improve Mental Health
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Read a Book

Reading can help decrease depression symptoms, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in a relaxing escape that benefits both the mind and body. You can read whatever interests you, but fictional books have additional benefits compared to nonfiction. Through fiction, readers of all ages develop social skills, empathy, and interpersonal understanding. No matter what you choose, reading can help improve focus, and finishing a book provides a great sense of accomplishment.

Get Active

With sleep deprivation and an active feeding schedule, most new moms dread hearing advice to “get active.” Despite this, physical exercise remains one of the best ways to improve mental health as it elevates your heart rate, which increases blood circulation and boosts endorphins. Aerobic exercises such as walking and dancing can reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, relieve stress, increase energy and stamina, uplift mood, enhance mental alertness, and encourage heart health.

If aerobic exercise doesn’t sound right for you, try yoga. This activity is ideal for people at any fitness level and can improve emotional balance and stress levels with concentrated breathing. It’s also good for your body, releasing endorphins and developing muscle tone and flexibility.

Self-Care Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms

Do a Puzzle

You may not think that you have the right type of personality for puzzles, but anyone who is imaginative, goal-oriented, meditative, or cooperative will enjoy a puzzle. Puzzles come in a variety of sizes and cuts, so you can pick something that will be both challenging and fun. No matter their size or cut, puzzles can improve cognition, visual-spatial reasoning, concentration, short-term memory, and problem-solving. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do a puzzle all at once either. You can piece together sections as you have time, enjoying both the process and the end result.

Take a Bath

While most new moms take quick showers to stay clean and move on to the rest of their routine, taking time for a bath has mental health benefits. A 30-minute hot bath can lessen depression and allow for meditation and deep breathing, which help improve mental health. Including calming scents, such as lavender and sandalwood, can also improve mood and reduce stress.

Make a self care sanctuary

Reading, exercising, doing puzzles, and taking baths are all at-home activities to improve mental health that you’ll find both relaxing and fun. Taking time for these activities will allow you to better care for yourself, which is essential as a new mom. 

Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
 

Practical Tips to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health. It’s been called a “silent killer.” But what many people don’t realize is that there are simple things we can do to help reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.  In this article, we’ll share some practical tips on practicing mindfulness and self-care.

Practical Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Make time for yourself every day

Making time for yourself should be a priority, not an afterthought. To lead a happy and fulfilling life, it’s important to nurture your mind, body, and soul daily. Luckily, there are many small things you can do to show yourself some love. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to do something that makes you happy. This might be reading a book, taking a brisk walk outdoors, or listening to your favorite album.

Make sure to schedule this “me time” into your calendar so that you don’t let other obligations get in the way. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself! If you make a mistake, cut yourself some slack and know that you’re only human.

Connect with nature

One of the best ways to practice mindfulness and self-care is to connect with nature. There are several ways to do this, but one of the simplest is to take a walk in the park or the woods. As you walk, take time to notice the sights and sounds around you. Leave your phone and any other electronic devices at home to focus on your surroundings.

You might also want to try sitting outside for a few minutes each day or even just taking a break from work to go for a walk during your lunch hour. By taking the time to appreciate the natural world around you, you can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

25 Easy Outdoor Self Care Ideas

Invest in things that make you happy

A lot of people believe that self-care is a selfish act. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Practicing self-care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and it does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. One simple way to practice self-care is to invest in things that make you happy. This could be anything from a new book to a piece of jewelry or even a coffee machine with a built-in milk frother.

The key is to choose something that brings you joy and makes you feel good about yourself. Another way to practice self-care is to take some time for yourself each day. This could be anything from taking a bath to going for a walk. The important thing is to do something that you enjoy, which helps you relax.

Practice yoga or meditation

A regular yoga or meditation practice can be extremely helpful in promoting mindfulness and self-care. Yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the body while also promoting relaxation. On the other hand, meditation provides a chance to focus on the breath and quiet the mind. Both yoga and meditation can be practiced virtually anywhere, making them accessible to everyone. In addition, there are many different types of yoga and meditation practices available, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

However, it’s important to remember that even a short yoga or meditation practice can benefit. If you don’t have time for a full class, simply taking a few minutes to sit quietly or do some gentle stretches can help you feel more centered and present. By making time for a regular yoga or meditation practice, you’ll be well on your way to incorporating more mindfulness and self-care into your life.

Bedtime Yoga: 7 Moves for Better Sleep

Listen to calming music

When it comes to mindfulness and self-care, there are a variety of things that you can do to help yourself relax and de-stress. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is listen to calming music. Whether it’s classical music, jazz, or even just gentle background music, listening to calming music can help to slow down your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and ease anxiety and stress.

In addition, listening to music can also help to boost your mood, increase feelings of well-being, and promote relaxation. So next time you’re feeling stressed, try putting on some calm music and see how it affects you. You may be surprised at how quickly it helps you to feel better.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness and self-care are two of the most important things you can do for yourself. By practicing mindfulness and self-care, you can reduce stress, improve overall well-being, and feel more centered and at peace. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness and self-care, so find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine. And remember, even a little bit of mindfulness and self-care can go a long way.

4 Practical Ways to Limit Screen Time

Do you currently limit your screen time? These days, everywhere you look someone is interacting with their phones. Whether you’re playing Candy Crush while waiting in line at Starbucks or scrolling through TikTok, screen time builds up. 

In fact, the average American spends an average of 4 hours and 23 minutes on their phone every day. This is time that could be better spent on creating a self-care routine or with your family.

To improve your mental health and reduce your phone usage, below we’ve outlined 4 tips to help you limit screen time.

Practical Ways to Limit Screen Time
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Turn Off App Notifications

When you feel that familiar vibration in your pocket, it can be hard to resist checking your phone. You might think to yourself, “What if it’s a text from so-and-so? What if it’s an emergency?” But when you go to check your phone, you find it’s just a notification from Instagram. 

If this only happens a couple of times a day, it’s probably not something to worry about. But if you’re like most people, this situation happens regularly and you don’t just look at your phone for a second and then put it away. A notification could send you down a rabbit-hole of flipping from app-to-app on your phone for overwhelming amounts of time.

To stop this cycle before it starts, turn off any unnecessary notifications in the settings app on your phone. You may even want to turn off all app notifications for a week and see what you can live without. 

Keep Your Phone Out of The Bedroom

The blue light emitted from phones inhibits your ability to produce melatonin, reducing your quality of sleep. This can leave you feeling groggy and irritable the following day.

To achieve a better quality of sleep and limit your screen time, leave your phone in another room when it’s bedtime. Invest in a digital alarm clock so you can wake up at a decent time without being tempted to browse TikTok first thing in the morning.

5 Effective, Natural Sleep Aids and Remedies

Embrace New Activities

It’s tempting to reach for your phone when you don’t have anything better to do. When your life is rich with calming activities, however, it’s easier to keep your phone at bay.

Pick up new hobbies with friends and family. Maybe you start going on walks with your kids or go to yoga with your friends. This gives you an opportunity to strengthen your relationships while you limit your screen time.

Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to live life on autopilot. When you’re not connected to the present moment, you can mindlessly scroll on your phone without even thinking about it. Practicing mindfulness can help you regain control of your time and cope with anxiety.

Establish a meditation routine in the morning or before bed. Simply sit down and follow your breath. If you find your thoughts wandering, take note of the thoughts and redirect your focus back to your breath. 

With consistent practice a couple of minutes a day, you’ll start to recognize the thought patterns that govern your life. Becoming more mindful of what triggers you to reach for your phone and how it affects your mood can empower you to limit your screen time.

Closing Thoughts

Smartphones are convenient tools when used in moderation but can negatively impact your life when overused. To limit your screen time, turn off notifications, keep your phone away from the bedroom, embrace new hobbies and practice mindfulness. 

The more you distance yourself from phone overuse, the more time you can spend on self-care and your relationships. To find out more about smartphone dependency, take a look at Clario’s infographic below. 

phone-usage-statistics
Clario.co
Author’s Bio:

Rhett Rivera was born and raised in the small, farm-town of Waterford, California. His extroverted personality led him to pursuing a degree in Public Relations at California State University, Fullerton, where he discovered a passion for digital communications.  After interning at Social Wise Communications creating content for social media and pitching stories to newsrooms, Rhett found his way to Siege Media, where he creates top-notch content that drives traffic for clients.

Common Signs of Aging and How to Fight Them

As we age, our bodies change in many ways and the signs of aging become more evident.  We may start to see wrinkles form on our skin or gray hairs appear. Our metabolism may slow down, and we may lose muscle mass. These changes are natural, but they can be frustrating.

When these changes occur, some people suffer emotionally as well as physically. It’s important to remember that aging is a natural process, and there are steps you can take to help yourself feel better about the way you look and feel.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to fight the signs of aging. This article will discuss some common signs of aging and what you can do to help reduce their effects.

Common Signs of Aging and How to Fight Them
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are one of the most visible signs of aging, and they can be very frustrating. However, there are several things you can do to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen and elastin. This causes the skin to become thinner and less elastic. The result is wrinkled skin.

There are several things you can do to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. One is to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will help protect your skin from damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, contributing to wrinkles.

Another thing you can do is to use a retinoid cream or natural alternative. Retinoids are compounds that are derived from vitamin A. They help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Some cosmetic procedures can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These include laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Age Spots

Age spots are another common sign of aging. They are dark patches on the skin caused by sun damage, exposure to chemicals, or other factors. The spots occur when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

How can you fight age spots? Here are some tips:

      • Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to help protect your skin from UV rays. 
      • Use a retinoid cream to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. You can also use an overnight serum for the face to help brighten your complexion. 
      • Try a chemical peel to help improve the appearance of age spots. 
      • Use microdermabrasion to help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. 
      • Some cosmetic procedures can help reduce the appearance of age spots. These include laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and chemicals.

      6 Helpful Tips to Improve Your Skincare Routine

      Skin Dullness

      As we age, our skin can become dull and dry. This is because collagen and elastin production slows down, and the skin doesn’t retain moisture as well. Dull skin can make you look tired and can age you.

      You can do several things to help brighten your skin and give it a more youthful appearance. One is to use a retinoid cream. Retinoids are designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving the appearance of the skin.

      Another thing you can do is to use a brightening serum for the face. This will help to exfoliate the skin and make it look brighter.

      Dry Skin

      Dry skin is another common problem as we age. The skin doesn’t retain moisture and can become irritated quickly. When your skin is dry, it can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and dullness.

      There are several things you can do to help moisturize your skin and reduce the appearance of dryness. One is to use a humidifier in your home, which will add moisture to the air and help to keep your skin hydrated.

      Another thing you can do is to use a hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid is a compound that helps the skin to retain moisture. It’s found naturally in the body, but it decreases as we age.

      You can also use a moisturizer containing shea butter, cocoa butter, or jojoba oil. These ingredients will help to nourish and moisturize your skin.

      Sagging Skin

      As we age, our skin loses elasticity and can start to sag. This can be especially noticeable in the face, neck, and hands. Sagging skin can make you look older and can be very frustrating.

      There are several things you can do to help tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of sagging. You can use retinoid cream. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of your skin.

      Another thing you can do is to use a firming serum for the face. This will help tighten your skin and give it a more youthful appearance.

      Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin During Self Isolation

      The Bottom Line

      There are several common signs of aging, but there are also ways to help fight them. Use sunscreen, moisturize your skin, and use a retinoid cream to help improve the appearance of wrinkles. You can also try a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help reduce the appearance of age spots. For sagging skin, use a firming serum to help tighten your skin. By following these tips, you can help keep your skin looking young and healthy.

A Mom’s Guide to a Sunday Reset Routine

As a new week comes creeping in, it’s normal for both moms and their kids to be consumed by Sunday dread. Let’s face it—your kids probably don’t want to go back to school, and you might not be mentally prepared to juggle pickups, drop offs, practices, recitals, and play dates. It’s overwhelming just typing about it. 

However, with a thoroughly planned schedule, you can turn the Sunday scaries into a time for self-reflection and knocking out the tasks that have been weighing you down. Keep reading to learn more about a Sunday reset routine, how to organize them, and how to set your family up for a successful week ahead.

A Mom's Guide to a Sunday Reset Routine
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

What is a Sunday Reset?

A Sunday reset routine is essential for all busy moms and can help you center yourself for the week ahead. By listing out all of the things you need to do for the week and the order in which you’d like to complete them, you can become a taskmaster and supermom. 

Or maybe you have some chores you’d like to accomplish before the chaotic week rolls around. You can schedule large, medium, and small tasks to yourself so you can move forward through the week with a clear mind and clean home. 

How To Create a Sunday Reset for Your Family

Since a Sunday reset routine is all about tuning in to your personal and familial needs, it’s important to balance out the tasks you will choose to complete. You can do these in four simple steps:

1. Evaluate

First things first, take a deep breath and a look around at what you’d like to accomplish for the day and week ahead. It’s important that you reflect on your previous week and the various roadblocks that stood in your way, or the achievements that made you proud of your hard work. 

Were there any moments where you ran late for a practice or for dropping the kids off at school? Adjust your schedule and how you can herd your kids to get them somewhere on time. Did you not get enough alone time? Find a gap in the schedule where you can take a bath, get some fresh air, or read a chapter of a book.

Create a Powerful Morning Routine to Lower Anxiety

2. Plan

Planning is when you can take your evaluation stage to the next level. This is where you journal, write a to-do list, or comprehensively plan everything you’ll accomplish in the upcoming week. 

A tried and true method is the 1-3-5 rule: Pick a single major task (like scheduling a family doctor appointment or grocery shopping), three intermediate tasks (taking the family dog on a walk or cleaning the kitchen), and five small tasks (calling a loved one or doing your nails) to focus on during your Sunday reset routine. This can help you create a rigorous schedule that will give you a feeling of fulfillment before the work week starts.

3. Reset

The most important part of your Sunday reset routine is, well, the reset. Approach it with intentionality and purpose. Whatever is on your checklist should get done so it doesn’t keep you up at night.

Whether your checklist is full of busy work and chores or more focused on being a guided meditation for mental wellness, be present throughout the process. Putting your plans into action can be a fulfilling experience, and making it a routine can be a great way to inject this fulfillment into every week.

4. Rest

When it’s all said and done, you should end your weekly wellness reset on a relaxing note. Whether this means spending some quality time with your kids or getting some time away from them, make sure you find fulfillment in your resting time. 

Use this time to complete a relaxing small task that you assigned for yourself. Do some yoga, read a book under a fluffy blanket, or even take a small nap. This rest is an important detail when completing your routine and getting ready to tackle the next week. 

5 Self-Care Tips for a More Productive Week

Sunday Reset Routines for Busy Moms

If you’ve had an insanely busy week and feel like your hair is sticking up from all ends, then maybe organize your Sunday reset around relaxing. If you’ve ever had the “feminine urge to just not,” you might benefit from sleeping in or moving mindfully with a low-energy workout. 

Keeping a low profile and staying off of social media or technology may also benefit you. Why not nourish your body and mind with an empowering smoothie or other fresh food? Take time to reset your body and mind.

The “That Mom” Sunday Reset

Let’s be real—as much as you’d like to relax, there’s always something that needs to be done. If this sounds familiar to you, try the “that mom” Sunday routine.

Take advantage of the day by cleaning the house while your kids play outside. If your spouse is around, completing acts of service may be fulfilling for the both of you. Don’t make yourself anxious, though. Regulate your nerves by listening to an audiobook or guided meditation while you plan your next move.

Sunday reset routines are an essential part of creating a mindset of accomplishment to get you and your family ready for the work and school week. If you’d like, you can loop your kids into the activity, too. 

A family that resets together, can tackle anything together. 

 

Sunday Reset

Author Bio
Mona Freund | Author Bio
.

Mona Freund is a San Diego based content marketing specialist. Her background in psychology and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to design to wellness. When she’s not creating new content, you can find her teaching kids how to swim, baking delicious desserts, or snuggling with her puppy Pesto.

 

How To Dress For Your Body Type

Every human being has its unique identity and style. In this world of fast fashion, beauty, and social media everyone wants to look like their best version.  In order to achieve the best of your style, you must be aware of your body shape, size and geometry. To help you dress for your body type, we have classified different body types based on measurements and appearance. Get the deeper knowledge of your body to style it better.

How to Dress for your Body Type
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

The Inverted Triangle Shaped Body

An inverted triangle body shape is determined by the broad shoulder in comparison to the lower half of the body. The waist probably doesn’t have any space with the hips. Women with inverted triangle body types must avoid tops that highlight their shoulders. Big straps, Halter neck tops should be avoided. Try to balance your upper half with v-necks, crewnecks, scoop necks and peplum tops. For the lower half, you can opt for flared pants, boyfriend jeans, wide-legged jeans or large prints to volumize your lower body. These sorts of bottoms help to create a balance between the upper and lower part of the body. 

The Apple(Round) Shaped Body

Also called a round or circular body shape, this body type seems heavier on the upper half of the body. Here, the bust, waist, hips seem to be uniform and shoulders are narrower than the rest. You have a large bust and your waist is almost undefined. Women with apple shaped bodies find it difficult to style according to their body type. Finding the correct fit is a lot of struggle. Loose fit is a strict no as it will make you look big. 
Wrap tops, peplum tops are the right choices to get a defined waist and draw attention. Wear dolman sleeves, V-neck T-shirts to balance out the lower half. Straight skinny jeans, mid waist jeans, flared pants add up the required volume to your appearance.

The Athletic(Rectangle) Shaped Body

The athletic or rectangle body type is determined by its measurements. Here, the shoulders, bust and hips are fairly uniform. The waistline is more straight than curvy. The athletic body people must focus on accentuating their bust to make the waistline defined and curvy. Opt for scoop neck tops within puffy sleeves, or you can go for a sweetheart neckline or a collared neckline too. Ditch the skinny jeans and choose flared, slim-straight, wide-legged jeans for creating a fair balance. You can add up belts around the waist or pick belted jackets to make your waist look curvy.

Athleisure featuring Grit & Zest

The Hourglass Shaped Body

The hourglass shape is often referred to as a curvy body shape. Women with hourglass bodies have uniform shoulders and hip measurements. The waist is defined and the bust is large. You can opt for anything with that almost perfect body type. You must choose wraps, peplum tops, A-line dresses, scoop neck tops, deep v neck tops. For the lower half, you can go for mid-rise jeans, flared jeans, skin fit jeans. Fit and flare dresses and jumpsuits are you’re a-listers for date nights. Never forget accessories with jewellery and handbags.

The Pear (Triangle) Shaped Body

A triangular frame or a pear-shaped body can be determined by its narrow shoulder and bust with wide hips and thick thighs. This body type people need to draw attention to their upper half. Always choose bright colours, prints, boat necklines, sweetheart necklines, cowl necks or square necks. Rather than choosing skin fit jeans, you should opt for straight fit mid-rise jeans. Flared pants, boot cuts and flat fronts are good options for your bottoms. A-line dresses or off-shoulder dresses are essential for casual parties and date nights. 

The Petite Shaped Body

Petite body type is not a specifically defined body shape. It covers all women under 5’3. Women however can have any kind of body type but we are giving you universal tips based on your short height.  Women with a petite figure have to get their tops tailored from sleeves most of the time. You must always go for 3\4 sleeve length with light coloured shirts. For casual days you can choose off shoulders, scoop necks to flaunt your collar bones. While looking for the bottom, you must choose mid-rise jeans for a taller illusion. Choosing a fit is not a problem, you can pick a straight skinny, wide-leg pair of pants according to your body type. Keep knee-length skirts, midi, and high-low dresses handy for special events. 

6 Clothes You Need for Your Postpartum Body

The Tall Body Type

Tall body types talk about your height to be more specific. The main characteristics are your height being 5’9’’ or taller, inseams are 32’’ or longer and sleeves and pants are mostly short. Your body type may vary in size and proportions, so we are just recommending tips based on your height. Blouses, V-neck t-shirts, tunics, belted jackets are the right choice for your long torso. Straight fits, flared and high waisted jeans look super chic on a tall girl. Skinny fit is a choice but avoid it if you are on a leaner side. As for dresses you can go for midis, Wrap dresses and one with the prints. 

The Plus Size Body Type

Plus-size people used to struggle a lot finding the correct fit for them a few years back but now the fashion houses have created a section for plus-sized people specifically. Women with this body type should pick tops and dresses with v-necklines, choose smaller prints with dark shades, use belts and wraps around the waist to get it defined. Always go for fit and flare dresses or you have an option wrap and sheath dresses for formal occasions. While choosing bottoms, avoid flared jeans and rather pick up straight fit, skin fit or boot cut bottoms. Accessorize with necklaces, handbags and eyeglasses. 
 

Author Bio:

Amanda is a hard working Professional with a degree in Business Management. Apart from her daily job, She loves working in the Fashion Industry. She has been working with TshirtIdeal.ca for some time now. Amanda Keeps up with the fashion trends and loves fashion blogging and makes sure that her lifestyle reflects the same.