Tag Archives: advice

Dec14

The Guests Are Coming: Last Minute Christmas Preparations

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The Guests Are Coming: Last Minute Christmas Preparations

There’s a point in December when you suddenly realize that you’re running out of time. Only a week ago you were telling your friends, rather smugly, that you’ve finished your Christmas shopping and are well ahead of the game. But you still have the food shopping to do, the Christmas Day meal to prepare, and your guests are due to arrive. It’s all a bit stressful. Take a deep breath and follow these last minute preparations:

Make A List: Make a list of everything you have to do between now and Christmas. Work out what can be delegated and get other family members involved. You can’t do everything yourself, and you shouldn’t have to. Are there any tasks that could, at a pinch, be completed after your guests arrive? For example, last minute wrapping, etc.? If so, move these items to the bottom of the list and start with the more pressing issues.

Comfort: Is everything in place to ensure everyone’s comfort during the holiday? Is the house warm enough? Do you need to bleed the radiators? Do you have adequate seating? If not, consider investing in some giant bean bags. Check the dimensions of the room and find the perfect sized bean bag for you. Find it at Fombag or other retailers. Also, ensure that you have adequate dining room chairs.

Food: You should also get the big food shop out of the way before your guests arrive. You don’t want to leave them to their own devices and then head off to the shops. Try to find a quiet time to do this and avoid the crowds. Late at night or early morning often works well.

Have you catered to all tastes and dietary requirements? If you’re entertaining new guests such as new girlfriends, husbands, etc., check whether they have any specific dietary requirements. You don’t want to find out that your mother’s new partner is vegetarian just as you’re serving the turkey.

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 So cute!

Guest Bedroom: Is your spare room ready to receive your guests? Temporarily relocate any large storage items such as furniture, boxes, and exercise equipment. Dust and vacuum thoroughly. Strip the bed and make it with fresh linen. Clear a space in the closet for hanging clothes and storing shoes, etc. A carefully placed string of fairy lights will provide some festive cheer. Leave some spare towels for your guests and ensure that the bathroom is adequately stocked (and clean!).

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 Love the lights!

A Warm Welcome: Provide a warm welcome to your visitors by paying attention to the front of the house and entrance. Clear any leaves and debris from the yard and wash the front door and windows. A Christmas wreath and string lights will add a little Christmas cheer. Ensure the hallway is also welcoming. Remove any clutter and make it as easy as possible for guests to enter with suitcases and boxes of gifts. Add garlands to banisters and decorate the walls.

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Love these little guys!

All’s that’s left is to put the kettle on or mull some wine. Then you can sit back and enjoy the Christmas tree lights and wait for the doorbell to ring. AND THEN OPEN PRESENTS!!!!!!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec13

Things You Need To Ask Yourself Before Taking Out A Short-Term Loan

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Taking out a short-term loan can be an appropriate solution for some people, but it doesn’t suit every situation out there. If you’re trying to decide whether this is a good idea for you, ask yourself these questions before taking out a short-term loan:

Is This Really An Emergency? Short-term loans are usually most suitable for those who have an emergency on their hands. If this isn’t exactly an emergency, you should probably think twice before taking out one of these loans. It could end up more trouble than it’s worth. If you have a broken appliance that you need to replace ASAP, for instance, then this could constitute as an emergency. However, needing an outfit for a party is not an emergency. Be honest with yourself about whether you truly need this loan.

There are some repairs that should not be put on the back burner regardless of if you need to take out a short-term loan or not. These include plumbing, structural, and electrical to name a few. Letting these problems get worse will only make the repair more expensive. If this is an option you need to look into, simply enter a search for “Short term loans UK” (or your local area). Every lending business you research is going to be a little bit different so be sure to read carefully, pay attention to reviews, and call with any question you might have.

How Much Interest Will I Pay? Make sure you’re well aware of how much interest you’re going to be paying before agreeing on the loan. This will depend on how long you want the loan for, how much you’ve taken out, and other factors. The amount of interest you pay can also be dependent on your credit score. The lower it is, the more interest you’ll pay in general. You can try using a calculator online to get a good idea of what you’ll be paying back.

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Photo by CafeCredit

Is There A Cheaper Option? Short term loans aren’t always your only option if you do actually have an emergency. You may want to compare the features of your various options. For example, you could use a credit card, try payday loans with installment, or even use your overdraft. There may be other options for you, too, so it’s crucial that you explore them as best as you can and work out what the best choice for you is.

Is There Any Chance I Won’t Be Able To Repay The Loan? Now, you absolutely need to be sure you can pay back the loan in the agreed time before you take it out. If you don’t, your interest rates might be sky high. You might even get a fine along with people calling you up chasing you for the money. This isn’t ideal and can actually be really stressful. This is why it’s so important that you’re honest with yourself about what you can afford to take out and pay back. Take a look at you calendar to make sure you don’t have anything else you need to pay for that could affect how you pay back the loan.

Even if you’re sure you’ll be able to pay back the loan, it’s worth looking into what happens if you don’t. Will they make a guarantor pay your loan? Will they give you a fine? Make sure you know the terms and conditions well before you agree to anything. You don’t want to end up with a nasty surprise down the line if something unexpected happens. Some loan companies can be really understanding if you can’t pay them back and will even be willing to come up with a new repayment plan for you. This is why researching them first is crucial. You don’t want bailiffs knocking on your door the second you miss a payment!

Have You Found A Reputable Lender? If you’ve decided that a short term loan is for you, then finding a reputable lender is crucial. A cashfloat short term loan is a popular choice for those looking into reputable lenders. Make sure you research different lenders that you could potentially work with and read reviews from real people so you get an idea of the experience that they had, too. You can see if you can find a forum to help you figure out who the best lender for you is. People who have actually worked with the lender will be the best people for you to speak with. Make sure you read the terms and conditions and know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you go ahead and take out a loan.

Make sure you ask yourself these questions and be honest with yourself before you even think about taking out a short term loan. If you know that you don’t have a genuine emergency on your hands, it’s better if you avoid the loan. If you do have a real emergency and you need money fast, make sure you find the best short term loan deal for you. This isn’t a decision that you should make lightly, so take your time and evaluate all of your possible options before coming up with your solution.

Dec9

If You’ve Just Moved House, These Essential Things Should Be Your Priorities

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If You’ve Just Moved House, These Essential Things Should Be Your Priorities

Moving house can be an exceptionally stressful time, especially with a family in tow. With so much to remember, if you’re anything like me you’ve got such a reliance on lists that you’ve got lists for your lists. Whether you’re already in, or the big day is just around the corner, here are a few things you really don’t want to forget

Find Everything: One of the very first things you want to do is find the stopcock for the water. If the house has been standing empty for any length of time, then there is a chance that you’ll spring a leak once you turn on a faucet. Even if you don’t, it’s just a useful thing to know. It’s beneficial to find the thermostat and your meters pretty quickly too; you can always ask the vendor as one of your last questions to them.

Health: You’ll need to register with a family dentist and doctor almost straight away. If anything goes wrong, you won’t want to be rushing around trying to sort out registration at a later date. Do your research before you choose any medical practitioners, though. To get started on reading reviews, simply enter a search for “La Mesa family dentist” (or the area you have moved to). Ask new neighbors for their recommendations, and ensure that the doctor you choose accepts your healthcare plan.

Insurance: You’ll need to have your buildings and contents insurance finalized before you move into your new home. Many vendors and mortgage lenders require this before they will allow the sale to complete. Use price comparison websites to ensure that you get the best deal for your new property and aren’t paying for additional features that you’ll never use. Be sure to change your address with existing insurance companies, such as your vehicle and health insurance – this is a legal requirement. Finally, as you are exploring your insurance options, consider companies that offer a range of different coverage like Mesa Insurance (or something similar in your local area). One stop shop insurance companies tend to offer discounted rates if you are getting a few different policies like home and life, for example.

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 Public Domain Pictures Image

Utilities: When you arrive, take an initial meter reading to send to your supplier. This is so that they know only to charge you for usage after this point. It will save you time and money, and reduce the likelihood of confusion and lengthy discussions with utility companies over who owes them what money.

Unpack: Try to quickly unpack once you’re in your new home, even if you plan on rearranging everything after a while. You won’t start to settle in until everything is out of boxes, and you can’t see where you want everything until it’s all in the room in front of you. It’s tempting to leave things in boxes that you don’t really need to return to later, but you’ll struggle to work out how much new storage you require if you don’t unpack everything.

Meet the neighbors: Perhaps most importantly, make new friends and join the community! These people will be unparalleled in their local knowledge, and most people will be happy to help you out with anything you need. You’ll feel much more settled when you know your new neighbors. (Don’t be like me who has lived in the same neighborhood for thirteen years and still barely knows the names of a handful of people!)

It may be exhausting and stressful, but you can do this! Just make sure you’re organized and proactive, and it’ll all go swimmingly. Good luck! 🙂

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec8

Feeling Good This Winter! How To Stay In Shape

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Over the winter, it’s tough to find the motivation to stay in shape. Not only is it dark and miserable outside, but it’s easy to swathe yourself in big cozy sweaters and forget about the body underneath. Here are some tips to help you stay in shape this winter:

Do a Cleanse: Cleanses are sometimes criticized by the media but the truth is that they can often really help you by helping you cut rubbish food out of your diet for a while. A lot of the time at the end of a cleanse you’ll feel great, with glossy hair, clear skin, and strong nails – and a few pounds down, of course! There are many cleanse programs out there, like Isagenix – and how does Isagenix work for weight loss, I hear you ask? It can reverse months of bad habits and make you feel far more healthy. Make sure that you don’t do a cleanse too often, because that lifestyle isn’t sustainable. Rather, start exercising more frequently and eat cleaner. Make your own recipes from scratch, along with your own dressings and sauces. Make sure that you eat a good breakfast like oatmeal with berries or an egg white omelette every morning and drink plenty of water throughout the day. (The water part is easier said than done – especially if, like me, you have to go to the bathroom CONSTANTLY to begin with!)

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 Yum!!

Go Hiking: You might think that hiking doesn’t sound like much fun in the winter – but on the contrary, you might just have a fantastic time if you wrap up warm and encourage your partner or some friends to come along. Put on a hat with ear flaps, mittens, and a warm thick scarf to keep yourself cozy along with some stout boots and your warmest coat, and go out to appreciate the frosty winter scenery. Go out for some lunch afterwards like a hearty soup along with crusty bread to celebrate your achievement. (Cafes with a fireplace are also a plus!)

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 DOG!!!!

Join a Fitness Class: There are a lot of fitness classes that you could join over the winter time. Even if you visit your local gym regularly, it’s hard to force yourself out of the door in the evenings to just go and work out on the machines by yourself. Going to a fitness class means that you have to go out at a certain time and it’s also more motivating to be encouraged by an instructor. Chances are, you might just make friends with some classmates and that will also encourage you to keep going! There is such a wide range of fitness classes that are available now. If you want something more active, try a cardio class. If you love dancing and you have some rhythm, go for Zumba. If you want to strengthen your core, try out pilates.

As you begin working out, it is so important to listen to your body. Pushing too hard and improper technique can cause injury and the last thing you want is to be laid down when you have the motivation to get moving. HIIT, for example, can be particularly hard on the body which is why the Lagree Method is becoming increasingly popular. This type of workout has a lower impact making it easier on your joints while avoiding excessive heart rate spikes. If this is something that you are interested in trying, simply enter a search for “lagree megaformer perth” (or your local area). Pay close attention to your trainer and give it your best shot!

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 Pixabay Image

Get a Fitness Buddy: It’s so much easier to motivate yourself when you have someone to be motivated with. Whether you have a gym buddy who can spot you and encourage you or whether you’ve met some new pals through the above-mentioned exercise classes, it’s great to have someone to get fit with. Encourage your partner to do Couch To 5K with you. You could also do some fitness videos like Yoga With Adriene! Even if you aren’t very good, you’ll laugh a lot together and make some fun new memories.

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 Pexels Image

Dec6

Knowing What To Do When Things Go Wrong Is Key To Getting Through Disaster

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Knowing What To Do When Things Go Wrong Is Key To Getting Through Disaster

It can sometimes feel as though disaster is waiting around the corner – there are so many things that can go wrong. Don’t let that stop you living life to the fullest, though! The trick to dealing with disaster is knowing what to do when it strikes. Considering what could go wrong and what to do if it happens will allow you to breathe easy. Planning will enable you to know that you can cope, no matter what happens. We’re going to look at a few things that could go wrong and how to deal with them!

Home Disasters: When things go wrong in the home, it can seem like a huge setback. We spend so much time getting our homes perfect, and when things go wrong, it comes as a massive blow. Get to grips with the kinds of problems you could face and how to deal with them. The faster you can get your home back to normal, the quicker you’ll be able to move on.

Plumbing problems are one of the more pressing household issues. Knowing your local plumbers and what their numbers are will save you hassle should anything happen. Plumbers, such as http://www.plumberannandale.com.au, will normally come out on the same day. There’s no need to panic if you know the problem can be fixed straight away. You’ll also have to deal with electrical problems and external damage disasters. Find a number for every eventuality and keep the emergency list in a safe place, just in case you need it one day.

Health Disasters: Our health can go wrong, as well as our homes. Health emergencies are never nice, but finding yourself unprepared will make matters worse. You don’t need a list of emergency numbers here, though it might be worth writing down the number for your doctor’s office. Some medical emergencies aren’t so pressing as to need an ambulance. If there are no appointments at your doctor’s, sites like www.findadoctor.com can help you find an alternative. If the emergency does warrant an ambulance, don’t hesitate to dial 911. Placing your health insurance details somewhere close at hand can save time in an emergency. You don’t want to have to rummage around for them if there’s a health problem taking place!

Financial Loss: Financial loss is yet another emergency many of us have to face through our lives. This can come about for a variety of reasons, but it’s never pleasant. Theft or sudden loss of a job can leave you feeling as though there’s no hope for the future. But the trick when it comes to financial loss is looking to the future. This is the only way to move forward. You can protect yourself from theft by taking security measures and taking out insurance. Getting an insurance payout doesn’t undo the damage, but it will help ease any financial burden caused. If you’ve lost your job, focus on finding another one. It’s also always worth setting money aside so you have a rainy day fund of sorts.

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Flickr Image

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov30

Sometimes, It’s The Soft Skills That Land You The Job

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Sometimes, we all make the mistake of focusing a little too much on how hard skills can add to your employ-ability. There’s no denying that some technical skills are a must-have in certain fields of employment. But that’s not to say that spending time on your soft skills is negligible. It’s anything but. Here, we’re going to look at why soft skills are important in all roles and how they can actually be the one defining skill of a career.

Communication: Good written and verbal communication is vital in just about any job. If you can’t get an idea across to your audience effectively, it’s your failing, not theirs. For the crowd pleasers and those who actually enjoy public speaking, there are plenty of careers that you can make of it. For instance, there’s a big market for motivational speakers nowadays and there are always businesses in need of salespeople.

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Self-Motivation and Management: Sure, employers like someone who works from orders and can keep up to the standards set to them. But you need a bit of self-determination, too. You have to show that you’re able to operate independently and without having to constantly be checked on. Working on your time management, in particular, is essential. The better you can prioritize tasks and fit them in your own time scale, the more of a catch you’ll be.

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Teamwork: Even in jobs where you’re typically doing work alone, you are likely to be asked to collaborate with someone else at some point. Improving your own teamwork skills isn’t all that hard, either. Sometimes, you just have to spend more time around people. Volunteer, for instance. While you’re there, give yourself a talking to every time you catch yourself blatantly opposing others ideas or making them feel unimportant.

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 Teamwork makes the dream work!

Conflict Resolution: Working peaceably in a team is one thing. Being able to properly deal with a team that has become hostile is a whole other kettle of fish. It’s also a skill that some consider immensely more important. Conflict resolution is the main skill in demand for people that work in environments like an HR consultancy. Given how many businesses use HR specialists to deal with their employees, it’s easy to see the demand for such a skill.

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Pexels Image

Problem Solving: Objective critical thinking and problem solving are traits that employers find too rare. A lot of people are too close to the work and too invested to be able to think critically in their job. If you’ve always been the objective problem-solving type, then you should look into a job in analysis. Whether it’s looking at money, business processes, or data, the critical thinking model has become particularly popular in business as of late.

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Still can’t solve this problem. ^

Regardless of whether it’s hard or soft, a skill is a skill. Don’t be afraid to spend time practicing on weak points even if they don’t feel technically important. Above all, don’t be afraid to hype it up a bit on your resume. Be your own cheerleader and it will help raise your confidence in your already wonderful abilities!

Nov30

Personal Debt: Answers You Need To Put Yourself Back In Control

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Personal Debt: Answers You Need To Put Yourself Back In Control

There comes a certain point in human lives when we think that we are in sole possession of the “right” outlook on life. People younger than us haven’t lived as long, haven’t seen what we’ve seen. Those older than us don’t understand how the world has changed and haven’t changed with it. An older person’s attitude to mental health may seem unenlightened to us because we expect them to be more conservative.

What we sometimes don’t grasp is that they do understand mental health issues and know a bit more about avoiding them. Consumer debt totals keep rising pretty much worldwide; certainly in the West, anyway. We’ve become almost comfortable with a “manageable” amount of personal debt. The older you get, the less likely you are to be okay with it, though, and there are signs that the seniors have it right.

Debt Is Linked To Mental Health Issues: If you looked through your accounts and found that you owed more than you thought, but weren’t at risk of default, would you be okay with that? And when I say “okay” I don’t mean “could you push it to the back of your mind for the moment?”. We know it’s there, but it’s inconvenient. So we end up resolving to get it sorted out later. There’s always a later. And though you may think it’s locked up safely in the back of your mind, the door is wide open. Though you may not perceive it, the stress is there.

Why The Seniors May Have It Right: Young adults and those in their thirties and forties have an attitude to debt that has arisen with the greater availability of it. On one hand you always know someone worse off than yourself. On the other hand there is the fact that if you’re managing it now, it’s easy to think a little more won’t hurt.

Here it is useful to think of the boiling frog theory. If you put a frog into boiling water, it will instantly leap out. Of course it will, it’s too hot. But if you put a frog in cold or lukewarm water, and gradually increase the heat, it will stay in there until it is boiled to death*. Debt can be like that – you don’t perceive it as a problem until it quite clearly and damagingly is. Because older people are less conditioned to be okay with debt, they’re less likely to borrow. They’re also more likely to refuse to take on any more debt.

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Wikipedia Image

What Should You Do About It? If you look at your accounts and your debt is above what you earn in a year, consider homeowner loans. These may allow you to consolidate all your debt into a single payment which will be more manageable than all the smaller ones. Having it all in the one place also makes you less likely to overlook a payment and get landed with fees and charges.

Secondly, if you feel swamped by debt payments, speak to someone about it. In the first instance, a parent is the right person to speak to. They can bring a steadier perspective to the issue which will help you see it less as a tidal wave and more as an issue to be overcome. Debt need never be a terminal problem. It can be highly inconvenient. However, if you’ve made the mistake of over-extending your borrowing, don’t compound it by panicking. All this will do is increase the stress you are trying to banish.

*Don’t worry – this has been tested by scientists and it has been established that a frog will jump out if the water gets too hot. People in a certain amount of debt may not be so proactive, though. 🙂

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Nov24

Looking After Your Wedding Dress After Your Big Day

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Looking After Your Wedding Dress After Your Big Day

Your wedding gown is a big purchase, and while you might only ever wear it for one day, you’ll still want to keep it in good condition. St George wedding dresses at VA Bridal are a stunning reminder of the day itself and who knows- in the future your own daughter might want to wear it for her wedding! After the celebrations are over, you’ve been on your honeymoon and are back home settling into married life, here’s what you need to do to look after your wedding dress.

Have It Cleaned: Having your wedding dress cleaned doesn’t have to be expensive, you can find cheap dry cleaning services just about anywhere. Inquire about wedding gowns, ensuring they have experience in cleaning and preserving them. It will be carefully inspected and cleaned using special chemicals that won’t damage the delicate fabric. It’s important to have this done, as sometimes stains can be invisible at first, but contain sugar which will brown over time. If there are any particularly bad stains such as red wine or mud, have these professionally cleaned as soon as possible. This is because the longer they sit, the harder they will be to remove. If there have been any spills like this on your gown, you could ask a friend or family member to take it to the dry cleaners for you. Especially if you’re jetting off on your honeymoon right after the wedding and won’t get the chance to do it until you’re back.

Package Carefully: It’s so important to use the right materials when you’re storing your wedding dress. Any kind of plastic wrapping or bags will eventually break down and cause yellowing of the dress so these should always be avoided. An acid-free paper or muslin will protect it, while still allowing it to ‘breathe.’ And finally putting it into a box will protect it from yellowing in sunlight. If you’re putting your gown up into the attic or a cupboard, a sealed box can be a good idea to prevent pests from being able to enter and destroy the fabric.

Handle Gently: The whole point of keeping Bridal Gowns beautiful is so you can look back on them in years to come. So if you want to get it out to have a look, go for it! Just be sure to handle it with care. Wash your hands before touching it and open the box in a clean area- keep any open drinks or food away. Alternatively, you could have your dress packaged in a box with a clear lid so you can see it without taking it out. Just be sure that the clear lid is acetate rather than plastic, which as mentioned earlier can cause yellowing. *Side Note: A girl on my Facebook newsfeed did this and it looks SO gorgeous!*

Looked after properly your wedding dress will keep in good condition for years to come and is a beautiful reminder of one of the most special days of your life. If you’re married, how did you have your wedding dress stored? If you’re getting married soon, have you put much thought into how you will preserve your dress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov24

Keep Yourself Fit & Healthy On Vacation By Following These Top Tips

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If you are someone who loves to travel, you’ll know that it’s all in the preparation. Many of us spend days or even weeks planning even the most finite details of our trips – everything from landmarks we’re going to visit to places we plan to eat at. This can really benefit our trip, as if we go away with a plan of sorts, we are more likely to get the absolute most out of our holiday.

But there is one aspect of traveling that is arguably the most important but one that most of us tend to bypass in the planning stages. This is our personal health and the prospect of injury or illness overseas. Of course, plenty of us still get health insurance that covers us abroad. But more often than not, we are on a limited plan – and some of us don’t even bother at all. If you are leaving your home country to travel overseas, here are some ways in which you can ensure that your health is still a top priority.

Learn Important Phrases: If the country you are going to speaks a language that is different than your own, you’ve probably already learned the basics: hello, please and thank you, among other things. However, it can also be really worth your while to learn other phrases that have to do with healthcare. Being able to ask where the nearest emergency room is is something that’s invaluable should you get into any kind of trouble.

Or, if you have a pre-existing condition that could potentially flare up, it is best to know how to explain this to locals. If you don’t feel confident enough to speak the language out loud, why not get a medical identification card made up? This card should be written in the local language, so speak to a professional translator. It should detail your blood type, plus any illnesses you have and any medication you are taking.

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 Pixabay Image

Have a Doctor on Speed Dial: If you become concerned that you are getting unwell on vacation but don’t think it is serious enough to go to the local hospital yet, it can be worth contacting a doctor native to you. You can now download an Online Doctor App where you will be able to chat with a medical professional from wherever you are in the world. Often, it will only be a minor issue that you needn’t worry about. But it can always be helpful to get a second opinion, even if it’s just to put your mind at rest.

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Be Careful When Drinking the Local Water: There are some countries where it is advised that tourists do not drink the local tap water. More often than not, it doesn’t mean that the water is dirty. It just means that it is so different from what the tourists may drink at home that it could cause their bodies to react adversely. The local people’s bodies, on the other hand, have got used to it and are therefore able to cope. If you are in any doubt over whether the water at your destination is safe to drink, always buy bottled water instead.

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Drink up!

What are some of your tips for traveling abroad? What do you recommend for people who have health concerns? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov24

6 Ways To Soothe Your Anxious Mind

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6 Ways To Soothe Your Anxious Mind

It is estimated that almost one-fifth of adults in the USA suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is the most common mental illness. Fortunately, it is highly treatable, and there are practical steps you can take to ease the symptoms.

What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is an umbrella phrase that we use to describe feelings of unease, fear, and worry. It is part of our flight or flight response and is a perfectly natural reaction. Without it, our life could be in danger as we would not be able to perceive danger. However, it can become a problem if it begins to limit your life in some way. Common symptoms include:

  • Feelings of intense fear and panic
  • A general sense of unease
  • A feeling of foreboding
  • Problems sleeping
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling on edge or not being able to sit still
  • Nausea
  • Headaches and other aches and pains
  • Tense muscles
  • Feeling light-headed or dizzy
  • Sweating
  • Panic attacks

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How To Tackle Anxiety:

  1. Seek Help: If you feel that you’re suffering from anxiety, the first step is to seek professional help. Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or therapist. Alternatively, you can approach a therapist directly. Psychologists help to identify the underlying problems and take steps to fix them. Always seek professional help if you’re unsure or if you feel like you can’t deal with an issue yourself. If you have feelings of suicide or self-harm then emergency help should be sought immediately. Anxiety by its nature can feel insurmountable. However, it is highly treatable, and you will feel better again. If you are ready to see a professional, simply enter a search for “anxiety therapy near me” and keep in mind that you might need to try a few different therapists until you find the right fit for you.
  1. Identify The Triggers: If you’re feeling anxious a lot of the time, try to identify the triggers. When the feelings arise, notice what is happening in your life. Are you at work? Are you with a particular person? Is it the situation that is stressful? Try to identify the feeling and work out what your fear is. It might not be practical to remove yourself completely from that situation. But you can change the way that you react and think about it. This is something that a therapist can help with.
  1. Take A Break: It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re overwhelmed by anxiety. Your mind becomes cluttered with thoughts and feelings. Try to take a break from the situation. Step outside for fifteen minutes and try to clear your head. Take some deep breaths and than try to better assess the situation.
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Wind in the hairrrr!

  1. Imagine The Worst: It sounds counterproductive but sometimes imagining the worst-case scenario helps. If you can imagine the worst and figure out how to deal with it, it can take away some of the fear of all of the “what ifs?” in your life.
  1. Don’t Mask It: When we’re feeling constant fear and worry, it’s natural to turn to a quick fix. This may be smoking, drinking, taking drugs, etc. Though you may feel a short release from the problem, you’re only masking it. Your anxiety won’t go away. It will only come back again later and you’ll have additional problems to deal with. Masking is a common coping skill when it comes to any type of issue but it won’t be beneficial. When you enter a center for depression and anxiety treatment, you will be able to learn new coping skills to ease triggers and remove the ones like masking that were hindering you.
  1. Take Care Of Yourself: Find ways to take care of yourself. This could be doing something you really love or getting a massage. It could be as simple as taking time out to read a magazine. Whatever works for you, practice it often. Though it won’t necessarily resolve the problem, it will help you feel more at ease. Research has shown that meditation and yoga can also help anxiety.

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Identifying that you suffer from anxiety is the first step. Noticing and being aware of this is part of the process of feeling better. Though we can’t remove our fight or flight response, we can develop strategies to deal with the unwanted effects.

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