Tag Archives: changes

Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference

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Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference

When people think about home renovation projects, they often think big with HGTV worthy remodeling. While this will definitely make a huge impact on your property it is not feasible for everyone as it is a huge expense. Today, we are going to discuss some renovation projects that you might not have ever considered. These ideas might not be as big as a full fledged room makeover but they still pack a punch, all the same. Let’s get to it:

Exterior Projects:

Boosting your property’s curb appeal begins from the outside in because the exterior of your home offers the first impression to friends, neighbors, and strangers. Make their first impression a great one with these projects:

Driveway Repairs:

You might not think much about your driveway but it is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Cracks and potholes are inconvenient as well as unsightly. Repairing these issues is a definite must for boosting your curb appeal. You might also want to get driveway sealing before winter to better protect the road to your castle.

Porch Perfect:

Your porch, patio, deck, or any other outdoor seating area can be a huge selling point for your house. The front porch is one of the first things people notice about your house so you want to make sure it is putting its best face forward. Replace rotting or splintered wood and don’t forget that a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.

While you are working on your front porch, consider your front door too. A brightly colored door is sure to catch attention. Shades of blue, red, and yellow all look especially charming.

Outdoor Accessories:

Every great outfit is not complete without the right accessories and the same goes for your house! Outdoor accessories are not so much of a renovation as it is placing objects but it sure is a fun way to showcase your personality. Bird baths, fountains, swings, solar lights, and even garden gnomes can offer a playful touch to any home’s exterior.

Interior:

Tile Backsplash:

Creating a tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom is an amazing way to add color and patterns into the room. It is relatively cheap and can also be done on your own. It will feel great to see something so pretty in your place and knowing that you did it all by yourself.

Something Extra:

Do you ever feel like a room is missing just that little extra something to make it pop? We’ve got you covered. Although this is a somewhat tedious and minor project, have you ever considered changing out your door knobs and cupboard handles? There are countless different options for you to look into. For a touch of glam, how about diamond handles for your dresser? Or even colorful square knobs for something different? A little change, yes, but swapping out hardware accessories can be a fun way to add something new.

Floating Shelves:

If an area is feeling cramped with a bulky shelving unit or dresser, you could consider having floating shelves installed. These are an awesome way to display all of your favorite treasures while taking up a fraction of the space. Floating shelves will turn your wall into an instant work of art – no painting required!

Mini renovations can still make a huge impact and will help keep the exterior and interior of your home fresh as well as visually appealing!

Level Up: Improve Your Lifestyle & Mindset In 2021

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Level Up: Improve Your Lifestyle & Mindset In 2021

Do you ever feel like you are stagnating in life? Do you want more out of your daily routine but don’t know where to start? It is time for a change. This blog post will help guide you through the process of improving your lifestyle and mindset as we draw closer to another new year:

Eliminate Instant Gratification:

The phrase ‘instant gratification’ is so prevalent in society that you don’t even recognize it, so you’re quick to want the short term payoff. But, what would happen if you slowed down, took your time with life, and savored every moment? Start living your life intentionally this year by being mindful of what matters to you the most in all areas- health, relationships, work, money. Don’t let instant gratification get the better of you. Instead, take time to think about all of the wonderful things in your life.

Reduce Codependency:

Codependency is a natural part of life and healthy relationships are full of it. But too much dependency can be damaging, especially if you get used to relying on others for everything in your life. The best way to avoid codependency is by taking care of you first, before thinking about others (or even worse, always putting them first). This shift will not only benefit you but your loved ones, as well.

Even if it’s just for a few minutes every day or week, spend some time alone. The time spent alone does not need to be boring; it can be fun and fulfilling. For example, you can care for your pet and give him his veterinarian prescriptions treatment. Afterwards, a trip to the park is definitely in order!

Exercise:

What is your exercise routine? What do you think it takes to be fit and healthy? Exercise has a significant impact on your quality of life. Exercise benefits include increased muscle tone, improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, and decreased stress levels. Exercising can also help improve your mood by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream.

Don’t Take Things Personally:

The first step to change your mindset is not taking things personally. It also helps to have a positive outlook on life, no matter what you face. To get there, start by not taking anything too seriously and avoid over-thinking everything that happens to you. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to take loved ones’ actions personally and get frustrated or even angry with them. However, learn how to let things go when this happens by detaching from your feelings and knowing that it isn’t about you.

Eliminate Distractions:

The first step to a better life is eliminating distractions. Frequently, you get so caught up in the day-to-day that you don’t notice how much time and effort your routine is costing you. To eliminate distractions, try minimizing your time on social media accounts. When you delete or limit these distractions from your life, you have more time to do other things like tending to your own self care.

Successful people don’t just reach their goals, they exceed them. So can you! Set higher standards for yourself and use the tips in this article to achieve those increased expectations. The last essential direction of succeeding is never to forget to have fun! You should enjoy life so go out there and take on the world!

Featured Image By: Los Muertos Crew from Pexels

Old School Rulez

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Old School Rulez

Hi! A charming quirk that you might not know about your girl is that I absolutely refuse to get a smartphone. Rather, I opt for my tough as nails slide up keyboard phone which I can make calls and text on:

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This shocks so many people, especially since I work in social media. However, I just have always failed to see the point in a smartphone because of my equally old school iPod Touch that I can access the internet on if there’s WiFi and take pictures. This system has worked for me since I was a teenager and as the saying goes: If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it. But, unfortunately, my old school wayz might need to be altered sooner than later. -_-

When I first moved into my apartment two years ago, I had excellent reception and can recall being able to text or make phone calls from any location inside. Fast forward to the past several months and, slowly but surely, it has been getting harder and harder to send a text and I can no longer make phone calls from my apartment whatsoever. In fact, for the first time last evening, I couldn’t send a text message despite trying to over half a dozen times.

I always knew that this day might come – I just didn’t expect this change to happen so abruptly. It seems like just yesterday I could be a Chatty Kathy from anywhere in my apartment! My lack of reception is, admittedly, insanely inconvenient and I finally have thrown up my hands and agreed to my first smartphone.

While this will certainly be a different change of pace for me, I am just a tiny bit excited to be able to have a phone that takes better quality pictures. This will be awesome for lifewithlilred and for snapping precious memories with my family, friends, and husband. 🙂

Old school has ruled for so long for me but it is going to be out with the old and in with the new before summer is over, I’m sure. Keep it posted here for more updates on this shocking development! 😀

What is something that you are old school about? Which smartphone has the best camera? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Hang Ten

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Hang Ten

Hello! I have been in amazing spirits as of late thanks to a welcome change at work and have been all smiles every day when I return home. This past month has been such a game changer because not being in a bad mood once I get home has reignited my love for cooking and I have been having a lot of fun making dinner every night.

I feel like I have so much more energy now after my shift is over and I have been making plans with friends and family during the work week and weekend like crazy. This is also an awesome change of pace because, normally, I would be so drained that I would prefer spending time with my couch and television during the week. Then, the weekend would roll around and plans would seem exhausting rather than enjoyable. Needless to say, I was in a huge funk.

My new job has helped turn hanging out with people back into something that I look forward to and I am so thankful for that. I have been loving my weekly hang outs with my sister and niece most of all. This was a new addition to my work week since July and it is the definition of super happy fun times. My sister and I will alternate between who buys dinner and we’ll do a fun activity with her daughter. Last week, for example, we went swimming at the pool in my apartment community and had Taco Bell. It was perfect!

I have been taking so much more pleasure in going out and about and it feels so nice for it to not feel like a chore. I have been saying yes to every invitation I get which is a huge one eighty from maybe. This past weekend was an especially fun one as I went to a member’s night event at the Akron Zoo with my parents and niece. Johnny and I also had a fabulous date day on Saturday. We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Meson. Then, we played video games and listened to music until one thirty in the morning. It was such a blast and we spent all of Sunday talking about how much of a blast it was lol.

As I look back on this past month of wonderful hang sessions and dinners, I can definitely see how depressed I was prior to making a change at work. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I was given because it, truly, has allowed my mental health to improve tenfold. I can’t wait for all of the good times that are ahead of me and my husband because I am now capable of enjoying them all to the highest capacity. ❤

Do you have any fun plans this summer? What is your favorite thing to do with your friends? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Daily Actions That Improve Your General Well-Being

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Daily Actions That Improve Your General Well-Being

When you are constantly searching for money, happiness, and freedom, you barely remember to stop and take care of your most valued asset – your body. Only after a battle with an illness or a near-death experience do most people begin to appreciate the actual value of general body wellness, such as peace of mind and contentment.

If you want to live a successful life, including being on top of your health, it is down to the simple actions you take daily. Here are some steps you can take to improve your physical and mental well-being:

Improve on Body Hygiene:

Baths are essential to your general well-being because they help relax overstretched muscles in your body, which can cause fatigue and tension and hampers your concentration and ability to do things effectively. If you want to invest in your well-being long term, you should start by taking simple healthy steps such as cleaning your body and washing your hands and clothes. You should also be more aware of your oral hygiene and schedule checkups at http://springmilldental.com/ regularly to avoid issues such as bleeding gums.

Watch out for poor personal grooming habits, which will only deter you from living a healthy and happy life.

Get Adequate Sleep:

Sleep is great for physical and mental recharge as the body uses the opportunity for a pause to perform critical functions that re-energize your strength, such as tissue and cell repair. When you lack a regular sleeping pattern, preferably within the seven hour threshold, it can affect your thought pattern and sense of judgment, leading you to make costly choices in life.

If you want to meet your health goals consistently, you should make sleeping your number one objective provided it is at the right time. You should also do the following to reduce the struggle of getting sleep at night:

Reduce Screen Time:

The blue light coming from your devices is harmful to your health and well-being as it impairs the body’s ability to generate sleep by blocking the relaxing hormone serotonin. Keep off your machines at least an hour before bed to minimize the effects of blue light exposure.

Avoid Naps:

Short power naps can be effective when you want to recharge your energy for the events that follow. However, naps are also disastrous, especially when you take them a few hours before bedtime, as you may struggle to get sleep. Avoid daytime naps as they deprive you of much needed rest at night.

Spend Time with Loved Ones:

Life’s challenges can cause stress and anxiety, especially when you lack enough time to unwind or de-stress. Your body thrives in positive environments, such as when you’re in the company of friends and family, as these are people that make you smile more. You are also free to be your vulnerable self around this group instead of the act you portray at work around colleagues, for example. Embrace personal time with people close to you and make sure you forget about any work responsibilities during this time.

General well-being is not about the significant steps you make to improve your health. Instead, it relies on the small actions that you take daily, such as the ones above.

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Is It Worth It? Let Me Work Out Pt. 2

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Is It Worth It? Let Me Work Out Pt. 2

Hi! Last month, I posted about how I began doing a small daily work out to strengthen my upper body and thought I would do a follow up on my gains. When it comes to upper body strength, let’s just say that it would qualify under “needs improvement” my entire life because I have little to none, lol. This was further exasperated by the nerve damage in my arms from a car accident that Johnny and I were in in September of 2019 which left me hospitalized with an injury to my cervical spine.

I have never been overly concerned with working out as I mentioned in my original post and I’m not sure what inspired me to start but I am glad that I did. In April, I began doing twenty-five push ups and arm circles every day. At first, the push ups were a bit much but I am proud to say that I can now do fifty in a row! I doubled where I started from and I feel awesome about that.

While I can’t say that I notice any physical differences in my upper body, my arms feel stronger. On a normal work day, my arms are completely aching by the time I go to bed because of the nerve damage. It can be incredibly painful and on a day when I am typing a lot, my arms are sometimes out of commission by the afternoon. Since starting my daily work out, I have noticed that the nerve pain in my arms has gone down considerably and I am really thankful for that. I also feel like I have so much more energy in the evening now because I am not struggling through intense pain to complete any tasks.

After Johnny and I got our second COVID vaccine, we were both hit hard by the side effects and I took a break from my work outs as I recovered. However, trust and believe that as soon as I felt better, I began my routine again. I am looking forward to seeing and feeling more gains in my upper body strength and I am proud of what I have accomplished already! 😀

What are some good upper body work outs? What is your favorite form of exercise? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Updating Your Skin Care Routine For Summer

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Updating Your Skin Care Routine For Summer

Hello! Just like your wardrobe needs updated come the warm weather, your skin care routine will need a few changes too to keep you looking your best. Heavy products for dry skin in the winter can cause oiliness and breakouts when it’s really hot out so light but effective products are the name of the game when it comes to summer skin care. Today, we are going to look at a few simple changes you can make to your routine for radiant skin all summer long:

Products With SPF:

Skin care products with SPF in it should be used all year round but it is especially important in the summer time – of course! There are plenty of moisturizers, serums, lotions, and chapsticks with SPF that will help protect your skin in the sunshine. Incorporating SPF into your skin care routine is also a great hack if, like me, you hate putting on sunscreen. While we all are excited to soak up the sun after a long winter, we must do so safely and using SPF products will better protect you from harmful UV rays that can cause burns and cancer.

Lighter Moisturizer:

As mentioned above, you will want to switch to a lighter skin care formula like this Palo Duro Moisturizer during the warm weather to prevent oiliness and clogged pores. We all know how uncomfortable it is when a product just feels greasy in the summer so you might want to opt for a gel moisturizer, instead. A gel moisturizer absorbs quickly while still being super hydrating which will keep your skin from feeling weighed down by heavy products.

Don’t forget to switch out any cream based cleansers too! Rather, go for a gel base again. I, personally, love the Clean & Clear Hydrating Facial Cleanser. It’s invigorating, smells amazing, oil free, and leaves my skin feeling so clean without the dried out sensation.

Facial Scrub:

I am sure we all plan on being outside as often as we can to enjoy the warm weather and while it will be wonderful, there is so much that can clog up your pores in the summer. Dirt, grime, and sweat can all lead to clogged pores which, in turn, can cause breakouts. During the summer, I highly recommend incorporating a facial scrub into your skin care routine to use a few times throughout the week. Not only will it help rid yourself of any remaining dry winter skin but it will also clear up the gunk that gathers in your pores. 

Another great benefit of facial scrubs is that the removal of dead and dry skin has a brightening effect. There is nothing better than sun kissed radiant skin! Another way to achieve enhanced radiance is to treat yourself to a brightening facial. You will be amazed by the results after just one trip to the spa and it will become your favorite form of self care. 

Making the above changes in your skin care routine will keep your skin clear and healthy all summer long. You can’t go wrong with lighter products that offer SPF!

How does your skin care routine change with the seasons? What is your favorite skin care brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Changes To Make In A New Home

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Changes To Make In A New Home

The house you’re moving into might not be completely perfect from the start so it’s important to take some time and a bit of a budget to make sure that it’s able to meet all of your needs. Here are some of the changes you should consider making as soon as you move in to help prevent any problems down the line. It’s better to get it all out of the way now, rather than having to pay a much steeper bill later! Let’s get started:

Keeping it safe:

You don’t have to mistrust anyone to be wary of how safe your home is going to be when you first move in. Even if the seller is entirely truthful about having given you all of the keys that they know of, you can’t trust that they know of all the keys that are out there. For that reason, you should get in touch with a local locksmith such as All Hour Locksmith as soon as possible to change your locks. Don’t forget to change any smoke and carbon dioxide alarms, either.

The locks on your home are a protective barrier and should provide you with peace of mind. That peace also extends to the locksmith you choose because it is such an important job to ensure your safety. You will want to work with someone who is well reviewed and has an abundance of satisfied customers. To begin researching, simply enter a search for “Locksmith Bristol” (or your local area) to find the best fit for you.

Give it some curb appeal:

When you buy a home, you should always anticipate that you’re going to want to give it a bit of a style makeover. The best place to start with is the exterior, which is going to welcome friends and family and set the vibe for the rest of the home. For one, you should consider working with garden services simply to get it tidied up if it looks like it could use some maintenance. You don’t necessarily need to go as far as hiring a landscaper to help make your home pop from the outside. Sometimes, adding a little lighting and a coat of paint is all you need.

Keep your head up:

You might not immediately think about your roof first and foremost when you move in. Sometimes, the home inspector will take a look in the attic to make sure there are no clear signs of leaks through the roof, but they won’t go quite as far as looking at the exterior. However, this is where damage such as chips, cracks, and missing tiles can lead to further problems for you later. As such, it’s a good idea to work with teams like Unified Roofing as soon as you can. You might not need them for any more than an inspection, but if there is damage there, then you want to get it repaired, replaced, or otherwise dealt with ASAP.

The roof is the umbrella of your home and is at the forefront of keeping your family safe. This is especially important if you live in an area where inclement weather is prevalent. Once you are settled after your move, take the time to enter a search for “roofing company san antonio tx” (or your local area). It is a great idea to schedule an inspection and you will have a reputable company on standby should you need repairs.

Checking the utilities:

You should always check the utilities in a safe and controlled manner to make sure everything in the home is working before you get fully unpacked. This means running the taps and turning on the lights as well as testing the sockets throughout the home. If there are any problems, then working with plumbing teams such as Beehive Plumbing as well as an electrician should help you sort it out before too long. If you’re moving in during or shortly after the winter, you should be careful of your pipes as, if they are not insulated, you can end up bursting them if you run water through them too long and too quickly.

Control your climate:

Just like the utilities, the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation can start to malfunction if they have been disused or if the owner wasn’t particularly diligent in taking care of them. Not only can this make your HVAC less efficient, more costly to operate, and more prone to breaking down on you, but older AC models can bring the very real health risks of things like legionnaire’s disease due to a build-up of mold. You will want to arrange for a check up with the help of an HVAC contractor in Rockwall, TX (or your local area) and, if the systems in the home are all super old, you might want to organize for a replacement in any case.

With the tips above, you should be able to give your new home the attention that it needs, make the changes that matter, and ensure that you can live in it with some peace of mind. Happy moving!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Turning Back The Clock On Those Creaky Joints

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Turning Back The Clock On Those Creaky Joints

It happens to all of us, but when you feel it for the first time, it’s only natural that you might be a little worried. Your joints might be starting to complain at you a little more regularly and you might be worried that this is an irreversible sign of aging. However, while joint paint does tend to naturally come with age, it doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable or unstoppable. In fact, here are a few ways you might be able to stop it:

Consider your weight:

It’s not a topic you might like to think about that often but the simple truth of the matter is that the more overweight you are, the more pressure is going to be put on areas like your back and your knees. Not only are they going to be uncomfortable more often, but you’re more likely to develop musculoskeletal injuries from simply moving around. Weight is not the end-all and be-all of your health, but if you are overweight, it can be damaging to your health in the long term. There are plenty of healthy weight management strategies, try choosing those that are easy to incorporate in the long term rather than fad diets or short-term tactics like cleanses.

Get yourself a little relief:

A lot of the pain that you feel around your lower back and joints is likely to be caused by pressure as a result of inflammation. There are ways to help combat this inflammation, such as by managing your weight, but a little physical assistance can also do a lot of good. For instance, after exercising, it’s important to stretch and use foam rollers to make sure you ease the tension out of your body after tensing it for so long. If you’re having joint aches, then direct approaches such as visiting a chiropractor for knee pain can help, as well. There are plenty of proven techniques for applying a little pressure to get the pain out of your body.

It’s understandable why people would want to try the most noninvasive options first to relieve their joint pain. It is very possible to find a treatment that is beneficial without going under the knife. This could include Softwave Therapy which uses unfocused shockwaves to trigger your body’s natural healing process and reduce inflammation. Always discuss with your doctor before starting any treatment. If this is something they are recommending, simply enter a search for “Softwave Therapy Wheat Ridge” (or your local area). With your research and the help of your doctor, you will be able to find a practitioner to help ease some of that pain.

Check with your doctor:

Joint pain can be a natural part of aging or it can be a result of working too hard, being stressed, or not getting enough time to rest. However, it can also be a symptom of a chronic condition that you’re not dealing with. The most common of these is arthritis. Arthritis pain almost always presents primarily as joint pain, as it is a condition that is related to long-term inflammation. Getting a diagnosis can help you get access to additional treatments you need, such as medication and even surgery if the pain is that bad. The symptoms of such conditions tend to worsen over time, so it’s important to find it and start combating it early.

You can’t prevent all of the signs of aging from coming at one point or another. You can, however, make sure you’re doing your best to keep your body young, healthy, and free from pain as possible. Hopefully, the tips above can help with that!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feeling Stressed? Let’s Change That!

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Feeling Stressed? Let’s Change That!

We all experience stress every once in a while. That’s a given. At the end of the day, stress is a natural response to dangerous or potentially harmful situations that we have evolved to benefit ourselves. But when you experience stress on a regular basis, it can become a problem. Stress can result in detrimental effects on your overall health and well being, from physical harm to emotional harm, mental harm, and even resultant behavioral changes.

Unfortunately, right now, many of us are stressed and have been stressed for a long time. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in all sorts of unwanted changes in our day to day lives, from health concerns to worries for loved ones, job loss, financial troubles, social isolation, loneliness, and more. Stress is a logical response. However, you should, where possible, be doing everything you can to minimize your experience and symptoms of stress. Here’s some more information and a few suggestions to help you along the way:

Identifying Stress:

Stress is pretty simple to identify. Here are some of the warning signs:

Physical Impact:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle tension
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems

Emotional Impact:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Sadness
  • Procrastination or lack of Motivation

Behavioral Impact:

  • Emotional Outbursts
  • Undereating
  • Overeating
  • Withdrawal from Social Situations

Reducing Stress:

There are many healthy stress reduction methods out there. Here are some you may want to discuss with your doctor and try out:

  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness are calming practices that can help. Try following tutorials and apps.
  • Getting Enough Rest: Sleep is an important process for your body to rest, resolve trauma or injury and illness. Make sure to get your recommended eight hours a night.
  • Getting Organized: Sometimes stress can stem from a lack of organization. Try organizing your life, tackling issues and concerns, and giving everything more structure.
  • Massage: While spas may be closed, you could try out some massage at home using foam rollers, massage balls, and more. This can release tension.
  • CBD: Some studies have found that CBD can reduce stress symptoms. So, why not try out some CBD candies and see how they work for you? Gummies are definitely the most common form of CBD candy but have you ever heard of CBD honey sticks? Gold Bee offers this and so much more on their site for a sweet treat that tastes good and reduces stress. What will they think of next?! …

The answer? Hero Brand CBD. These CBD oils can be bought either to rub directly on the skin or to be dissolved into beverages. Either way, you will receive the benefits of pain and stress relief. The soluble solution is also taste free so it can mix easily into your favorite food or drink. How cool is that?!

Stress Reducing Hobbies:

If you are a more hands on person, you might want to try hobbies that can relieve stress too. This can include a long nature walk, cooking or baking, reading a good book, or taking a dance break to your favorite tunes. One of the most popular stress relieving hobbies, however, has to be gardening. Getting out in the sun, feeling the grass beneath your feet, and helping something grow is incredibly soothing. If cannabis is something that helps you relax, you could even grow your own with seeds from Multiverse Beans (or a similar company in your local area). The effects will be twofold – you can relax while you garden and relax while you enjoy your harvest afterwards.

Know When to Ask for Help:

Of course,  stress can also be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions. So, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, that you can’t cope, or that you are experiencing excessive or unnecessary stress, make sure to reach out to your doctor. They’ll be able to identify and diagnose any conditions and recommend the best course of treatment for you. There are also support groups, helplines, and mental health charities who can help too!

Most of us are bound to feel stressed right now. What’s important is that you don’t simply accept stress as a given part of day to day life. This is something that can be managed, handled, and even overcame. Hopefully, some of the above information will help you get started out on the right foot when it comes to managing your stress properly and effectively.

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