Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

7 Mind Games To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an essential skill for all productive individuals. It refers to one’s ability to think creatively outside the box and dissect issues before passing judgment or settling on a decision that is crucial for progress. It matters very little if one is a scientist or a creative worker. Having an open mindset is the key as it allows you to think through issues and establish your conclusions logically and reasonably. But how does one develop such a perspective or improve their critical thinking skills without straining? Several games exist to help you build on these vital skills. Establish the type of game that works perfectly for you and be a better critical thinker by applying the lessons from such games.

1. Sudoku

This is a critical thinking game that challenges players to think critically. Being a logical game of numbers, players need to identify different patterns to complete them. While the game is not necessarily easy or straightforward, it involves a lot of thinking. Regular players get to exercise their minds and develop important pattern recognition and analysis skills.

Sudoku is a game that urges players to think mathematically, which is one of the most crucial things to do. It is not surprising that it features among the best games when critical thinking games come up.

2. Crossword Puzzles

Depending on the type of crossword puzzle you go for, these are games that help players develop a unique way of thinking. It encourages critical thinking because it encourages people to use the clue to make deductions. It is not surprising that it features among the top nt times answers when questions regarding the best mind games come up. Most crossword puzzles will use words to hint about something hidden. It is up to the players to join the dots and accurately deduce the meaning of the puzzle. People who play such games continuously tend to have a better vocabulary and grammar. It is an excellent game for developing kids, especially if the aim is to make them great orators. Adults who enjoy playing crossword puzzles are also gifted and imaginative since they always pause to think through a situation instead of reacting to it.

3. Chess

Anyone who is into board games knows how powerful chess is. Only intelligent people can play chess successfully because it is a game of tactics and strategy. This means that players develop critical thinking skills in the process of facing their opponents. To win a chess game, one needs to think outside the box and outsmart one’s competitors. It is one of the most practical games that encourage players to focus on a single strategy of solving issues.

Anyone who wants to succeed in this game must be a creative thinker since it is constantly changing. Chess players are different people who can adjust and adapt to changing environmental situations. If you intend to become a great thinker who is not intimidated by changing environments, you need to start playing chess. It teaches you to be smart, resilient, and a creative thinker, all in one.

4. Board Games

Board games are as old as they come. These are games that will stimulate your brain to think clearly and critically. They come in a variety, depending on the age and stage of the player’s growth. Most people love board games because of their versatility and that they are accommodating to people of all ages. You can quickly learn to play a specific board game and enjoy it with friends and family.

What’s more, these games are an excellent way to improve your communication skills and develop logical problem-solving skills. Incorporate board games at every gathering of family and friends to promote productive thinking.

5. Jigsaw Puzzles

Puzzles are generally excellent for people who want to develop their mind-thinking capacity. One of the most effective puzzle games is the jigsaw. This one pushes players to create a pattern, shape, or image using pieces of clues. Sometimes, there is no map to guide the puzzle, making it even more challenging and exciting.

Besides thinking, these puzzles also force players to develop concentration and focus abilities because a slight distraction could mean starting again. As much as the games can be frustrating, they are thrilling and rewarding when one finally gets the puzzle right.

6. List Games

These are more like challenges than they are games. The idea is to build it from a foundational concept. Players need to remember everything on the list to win. This game encourages people to be creative as the rules are unique and diverse. Depending on the theme you choose to go with, lists can be as exciting as they come. It is a perfect game for all events and age groups and can help determine people’s creativity.

7. Computer Games

Computer games may be the obvious choice of games today. Advancements in technology make it easier for people to access computer games than they did some years back. Software developers are also working overtime considering the news games that keep emerging. Fortunately, these games also accommodate people of different ages and stages. Some of the games are competitions that foster critical thinking because the rewards at the end are lucrative and worth it.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the choice of games one goes for; the important thing is to ensure that they are fun and exciting. Most games that encourage critical thinking are fun to play. Choose what works for you and your circle of friends or family.

Stress Management | 4 Ways to Cope Smartly With Stress

Stress is not always a bad thing. There are two kinds of stress that fall upon a person, eustress and distress. Eustress is the good kind that pushes us and motivates us to achieve our goals and finish our tasks on time, it creates a sense of urgency that helps us thrive. Distress, on the other hand, is when we are overwhelmed by stressors all around us. If this continues for a long period of time, it can have adverse effects on both our bodies and our minds. It affects our ability to function effectively, think rationally, and enjoy life. Here are a few ways to help you manage your daily stressors.

Practice 4 A’s of stress management

Stress is usually an automatic response that arises out of our nervous system. There are quite a few stressors that have a tendency to arise at predictable times such as during a meeting, on your way to work, or even family gatherings. It is important to understand that there are two things you can do in such a situation. Either change the situation or change your reaction to it. You can use the 4 A’s to help you; alter, avoid, adapt or accept. Understand that you should accept the things you cannot change, avoid the things that are unnecessary, adapt to certain circumstances, or alter your fraction to such situations.

Smoke weed

Weed has been great as a supplementary therapy for dealing with chronic stress and anxiety. A study published in the International Journal of Stress in 2020 showed a significant amount of improvement in the stress levels of more than 65% of the participants enrolled in the study after using weed for one month. Most users report gods green crack as the best strain to help you calm down and relax after a long and hard day at work. It is best to smoke weed once a week and refrain from smoking regularly if you want to use it for stress management.

Identify your triggers

It might sound quite straightforward, but it is not so easy to identify your triggers. There are certain stressors that you can identify, which bring about a major change in your life, such as a job change, divorce, or even moving. Sources of chronic stress are much more complicated, such as your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Look at your daily routine and habits. Until you realize the part you play in inducing stress for yourself, it is not easy to deal with and change your stressors.

Start a stress journal

A journal can help you identify triggers in your everyday life and help you understand how you deal with them. Maintaining a daily journal will help you realize where you need to change, and what you need to avoid. It will help you understand your patterns and themes that invoke a stressful response.

Dealing with stress is not an easy job. It is important to lower these levels down so that you do not suffer physical and mental symptoms that will cause burnout later.

Spring Cleaning Time – Follow These Ways To Clean Your Home Appliances

You will totally agree with us that we need a strong motivation to clean the appliances we use. Isn’t it? So with full excitement and interest, take this point into consideration that spring is coming, and it’s time to do spring cleaning. This way, you will feel good, excited and motivated for sure.

Now, the most important thing to remember is every appliance has a safety tip to consider and a trick to clean. Make sure you take into consideration this, otherwise you can ruin the functionality of any appliance. Let’s pick up some most common appliances that we use in our house and see how to clean them safely.

Vacuum cleaner

The vacuum cleaner is the appliance that gets dirty the most and people normally find it hard to clean it. But it’s not that hard, as it contains a filter that needs to be cleaned first. Now find the filter in your vacuum cleaner and remove it then tap against a hard surface to remove any clumps of dust. Make sure you do not do it with full force but gently, so it doesn’t get damaged. In case you have a washable one, then dip it in the lukewarm water and let it air dry for 24 hours and then insert it back into the machine. This way gently you need to clean the filter as it is the main part of the cleaner.

Fireplace

The wooden fireplace needs too much cleaning, so make sure you soot and dust. Make sure, you use local wood in your fireplace so that it doesn’t spread any disease or pests. Now, the dust and ashes can be cleaned easily, but what about the cleaning process of the chimney. When you will start cleaning the chimney you will find a thick soot layer and it’s hard to clean it. The fireplace safety tip that you need to consider is to wear gloves when cleaning the fireplace and don’t use sharp objects to clean the soot layer, as it can damage the area. Instead of it use some potato peelings and rock salt in the cleaning process. The starch that is present in the potato peel will soften the soot and decompose it. Isn’t that easy? Make sure you follow this tip as it will not damage your chimney. Yes, we know that cleaning chimney and fireplace brick is a long process, hence it’s better to switch from a wooden to an electric fireplace. As it doesn’t need much maintenance.

Coffee maker

Coffee makes the first appliance that you use when you wake up, thus it needs regular cleaning. For cleaning the coffee maker appropriately, you need to remove all parts of the coffee maker after every use to clean the coffee grounds and oils present after we use it. Now wash the parts with lukewarm water, soapy water, or you can even use the dishwasher to clean them. Just place them on the top rack. Then, empty the drip tray and reservoirs and wipe down the outside of the machine. The safety tip here is that don’t forget how to put back all the parts of the coffee maker and ensure that you have not used too much force to clean it but gentle pressure and check that it is unplugged when you start the cleaning process.

Final Words

The appliances that we use daily are expensive and need special care in the cleaning process. Following certain ways will only expand the life of your appliances, and you will be able to use them wisely as well. So follow the ways mentioned above and enjoy the use of your valuable appliances.

Interior Design And Decor Ideas For 2021!

With 2021 just around the corner, it’s time to think about how to keep your home up on the latest trends! For interior and exterior alike, there are many home trends to check out for the upcoming year. Whether you’re planning a big renovation or a small redecoration, be sure to keep up with which trends are over, which ones are on their way, and which are here to stay! Here are a few to keep your eye on, if you’re looking to mix things up.

Nepal And Tibet Hand-Knotted Rugs – Rugman

What do you do when you want the comfort and quality of a hand-knotted rug (which, unfortunately, does not exist in machine-made rugs) and the fashionable style of a modern rug? In this case, Nepal and Tibet hand-knotted rugs would be an appropriate choice for you, since they have modern design and high-quality material, usually a combination of silk and wool.

Rugs from Nepal, Tibet and the Tibetan diaspora in India are collectively called Tibetan rugs. Tibetan rugs have existed since antiquity and some of the earlier ones have floral and tribal designs. They had a different knotting style than rugs of other regions and also lacked the intricacy of Persian rugs. Traditional Tibetan rugs, however, were never very popular on the world market, and so Tibet and Nepal rugs were little-known until their weavers accommodated themselves to the change in Western preferences toward modern home decor. When this happened, Tibetan rugs became very popular worldwide, particularly in the West, such that almost all Tibet and Nepal rugs on the market today have a modern design.

Today, thanks to Nepal’s and Tibet’s strong export industry and the popularity of modern rugs in the West, the rug industry in these regions are booming.

Build Your Own Shoe Cubby – Art And Home

When you are short on space, storage can be at a premium. This clever and creative DIY storage idea will help you maximize your space and minimize the clutter in your home by giving you a place to store things until they are needed.

From some of the brightest minds in DIY storage solutions, we have pulled together some truly unique and clever ways that you can create storage areas in almost any room in your home.

Here’s antique mail sorter turned stylish shoe storage was seen last year in my mudroom reveal and in my DIY chalkboard Calendar post.

The Best Curtain Colors for a Cool Winter Vibe – Lushes Curtains

Color psychology is so important when you are decorating for a cool winter vibe. Some colors can actually make you feel calmer, more relaxed and more laid back and create the sense of cold and chilliness. Here are a few examples of the best luxury velvet curtain colors to choose when you want to create a chilly winter vibe;

Light blue – Yes, light blue is of course on the top of our list. The color blue is great for relaxing your mind but it also creates a sense of cold. When you step into a room with light blue velvet curtains you will immediately feel a lot chillier even though the room might be warmer.

Mint green – Mint green gives a fresh and minty vibe and is also great for creating a cool winter vibe in a room. You can definitely choose a minty or light green luxury curtain to simulate a wintery look.

Light purple – Light purple is also a chilled and cool color that will make your home feel a lot chillier on a hot summer day. It is a great color for a modern home look and light purple curtains will certainly look beautiful.

Light denim – A light or washed out denim color also simulates a chilled and cool feeling and the fact that denim is so laid back also makes this a good color for a chilled room.

Turquoise – Turquoise is a mix of green and blue which means it will also work perfectly for a winter vibe. Just stick to a light turquoise and you can instantly create the sense of winter in a room.

Cool colors are great for controlling your home’s temperature much better and with the right set of light velvet curtains, you can enjoy a fresher and cooler home with a sense of luxury.

Looking for remodeling inspiration? Start with your floors – MK Remodeling and Design

Some people struggle to commit to remodeling because they can’t settle on the reason to do it. Should you remodel for yourself? Should you remodel for resale? The answer depends on your timeline!

If you see yourself moving in five or so years, think about remodeling for resale. That means going over a list of things buyers like with an expert, such as a designer or real estate agent, and coming up with a cost-efficient plan.

If you don’t see yourself moving for 10 years or so, if ever, then personalize away! Make that home the living space of your dreams. Remember, the best return on investment is happiness.

We would like to suggest hardwood floors!

First, they offer great value. Most hardwood floors recoup 70%-80% of their value! Getting their money’s worth is often the most important factor to consumers.

Second, they have universal appeal. If you plan on selling in the future, hardwood floors are in demand, according to the real estate pros.

Finally, they last a long time. With proper care, hardwood floors offer the longest life span versus other flooring materials, the article says. And that threshold for proper care is pretty minimal.

Top Trends In Bathroom Tile Design – Superior Renovations

Nowadays, picking out the best tile for bathroom renovation is an overwhelming task because of a variety of factors you need to consider, such as texture, color, shape, and design. In the past, it was easy to choose the best tile for remodeling purposes since functional benefits such as low maintenance, durability, and water resistance were the only things considered. However, this is the opposite of this era. Today, the tile’s aesthetic impact has the same weight as its functions. As a result, manufacturers have made several changes on their selections to provide unique tiles to the homeowners. From the current research, we have come out with the top trends in bathroom tiles in 2019 that every homeowner should consider when deciding to renovate their home. These trends essentially covers the tiles’ patterns, finishes, shapes, and colors.

Subway Tiles
Hexagonal Tiles
Geometric Tiles
Dark And Stormy Tiles
Spanish And Moroccan Tiles
Mosaics Tiles

The Interior Design Trends of Spring/Summer 2021- CB Homes

Although we’re not interior designers, we always like to see the choices our clients make when it comes to kitting out their home. It probably comes as no surprise, then, that we’re back with another interior design trends post – we’ll be predicting all the styles you’re going to see in stores and magazines this spring/summer. If you’re looking to spruce up your home in 2021 and want to be on-trend, look no further.

Textures are back in a big way
The safari fashion theme spills over
Yellow shades will be everywhere
70’s colors mix with Scandi lines
Brave it with black
Delicate neutrals are in this year

How Anxiety Can Affect Immunity

Stress is a normal part of life. Some people cope with it well, handling the ups and downs of life with healthy means, such as meditating, eating well and exercising. Other people deal with their stress in ways that aren’t so great, like smoking, drinking alcohol or criticizing themselves. Handling your stress in unhealthy ways or not dealing with it at all has a negative effect on your quality of life. Learn how chronic anxiety and stress can affect your immune system and find healthy ways to boost immune system working from home.

What Anxiety Does to the Body

Anxiety and stress trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, sending hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, into your bloodstream. This gives you a boost to respond to an intense situation. Your heart beats faster. Your breathing rate increases. Your brain and body need more oxygen to react to the crisis. Once the stress is over, your body returns to its normal state.

However, when you are constantly in a state of stress or anxiety, your systems never return to normal. Your body becomes accustomed to extra cortisol, which causes inflammation, weakening your immune system. Stress also decreases the white blood cells that help you fight off infection. This leaves you vulnerable to bacteria, germs and viruses. The longer you have stress and anxiety, the more it affects your body.

7 Things That Can Boost Your Immune System

Stress is a part of life. You can’t avoid it, but you can find healthy ways to cope with it to give your body a rest from the effects.

1. Eat healthily – Instead of bingeing on foods that are high in fats and calories, opt for a healthy diet of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Get enough sleep – Adults still need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Sleep renews the cells in your body, helping you function better every day.

3. Meditate – Find something that helps your body relax, whether that’s meditation, yoga, mindfulness or prayer.

4. Exercise – Getting your body moving lowers the stress hormones and helps improve your mood. It can also help you sleep better.

5. Consider supplements – Many supplements help you reduce your anxiety symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking other medications to make sure there aren’t any interactions. Read the Brillia reviews for anxiety to learn more about Brillia.

6. Spend time with friends and family – Supportive relationships help you deal with stress. There is even research that interacting with your pet is a way to relieve stress. Being with those you love gives you self-worth.

7. Talk it out – There’s no shame in getting help from a professional therapist or counselor to learn better ways to manage your stress.

When you do get stressed, have a plan to reduce it to avoid the negative impact to your immune system and body. Brillia’s nonprescription formulation is one option to reduce symptoms of stress and ADHD. Read the Brillia ADHA reviews to learn more about how the active ingredient in Brillia also helps reduce feelings of hyperactivity to improve focus and attention.

7 Garden Design Ideas to Turn Your Home Into a Peaceful Refuge

The pace of modern life can be exhausting. Once in a while, you would want to stop the world from turning and go to a place where you can relax and unwind. For some, it would be a reading nook, a coffee shop or to go fishing. Meanwhile, others would love to spend time in their gardens, gazing and experiencing nature to reduce stress. If you’re like those who would retreat to a garden for serenity, you probably would want to transform your outdoor area into a place where you can feel safe and relaxed when life gets overwhelming.

To help you achieve your garden zen, here’s a collection of garden ideas to turn your home into a peaceful refuge. If you’re not sure if you can do these in your garden, try quality landscaping services.

1. Include a water feature.

If a chill factor is what you want, a water feature is a wonderful option for any garden. The gentle murmur of water is so soothing that it can calm you down.

A private swimming pool that can cool you off is perfect for a yard, but a small stream or bubbling water will do in your garden. To do this, you can use natural materials like wood or stone for a harmonious feel of your laidback water feature. Other water features that you can consider are a garden pond, a koi pond, small waterfalls or a birdbath.

2. Clear out the clutter.

A cluttered space will appear chaotic. And what happens when you go to a place that looks chaotic? You will feel anxious and overwhelmed.

If you want to make your garden a peaceful refuge, make sure to pull out the trash. Get rid of furniture and accessories that don’t belong in the yard. Or try small storage options to make the space neat and clean.

Also, do your hedges need trimming? Are the slides and swings too small for your kids already? Are there broken pots lying around or pots with dead plants? Let them go. Sort out your greenery and relocate those that need an arrangement. All of these for a clutter-free garden of peace.

3. Put a comfortable seating set.

Don’t just create a seating area in your garden. Make one that’s for deep seating.

When your garden seating is comfortable, you would choose to stretch out and relax in the midst of the greens and flowers rather than sitting inside the house.

Why shouldn’t you be afraid of putting these loungers in the garden? Because a functional seating set doesn’t mean it’s boring. Although it’s meant for convenience and a place to be at peace, it can also add colour and character to the garden. It can be the focal point. So the next time you plan about your garden, don’t forget the seats. The comfortable ones.

4. Opt for a hammock.

What about a hammock in your garden? The idea alone is so appealing! This timeless addition to any garden is a serious piece of relaxation.

Whether it’s strung between two trees or that with a stand, a hammock will cause you to bring out your favourite book and spend the afternoon just lounging around the garden. For extra comfort and an inviting finish, fill your hammocks with cushions and blankets. Add a stool beside it for snacks and drinks, and no one can resist this place of tranquillity.

5. Ensure a shaded retreat.

Umbrella, table, and chairs? A shady area to retreat when you get too hot or when you simply want to rest will make you think of a vacation on a resort or on a sandy shore. Not only that it offers protection from the sun, but it’s also a perfect place to be with yourself, enjoying the sound and the sight of your garden.

Aside from umbrellas, other ways to create shade in the garden include gazebos, pergolas, awnings, trees and even vines growing on overhead roofs or arbours.

6. Add an oriental feel.

Japanese gardens are originally created as places of meditation and reflection. It’s no wonder why having their elements in your own garden can bring serenity to your crammed life. They can even remind you of a natural landscape.

To recreate this oriental feel, think about a rock garden that has the sand element or some volcanic rocks to symbolize rivers and mountains, respectively. Or a moss garden that has a soft feel which can provide comfort to your mind and body. Other very common features of an Asian-inspired garden are bamboo fences and small stone pathways.

If you really want to ace that zen feel in your oriental garden, pull the glamour and bright colours aside. Make it simple with monochromatic green as your main palette.

7. Make the patio more inviting.

Leaving the patio with chunks of concrete and a few plastic chairs won’t give you that peaceful feeling. Why not design a more inviting patio? A place that will tempt you to leave your chair and spend time outside, reading or practising yoga.

A layer of comfort is surely enticing. Adding outdoor rugs, fun pillows and string lights can give your outside space a cozy feel. A touch of greenery or flowers can also enliven your space, making you feel like you’re away from the hustle. Paint a pattern, stain the concrete and add curves with pavers. How about sand and pebbles? Create a patio that’s more than just for sitting purposes. Make it your getaway place.

If you need help, there are professionals to help you transform your outdoor area like garden and tree maintenance provider in Leander, TX.

How You Can Get Your Child to Take Their Medicines Easily

Most parents go through hell to get their child to take their medicines. Getting your child to take their medicines especially when they have a chronic illness can be quite a hassle. You must find a way around this hurdle in one way or the other because it’s not something you can neglect.

Have a look at some of the ways you can tackle this issue.

Develop the right attitude

The role of a parent is the most important in the recovery of the child from an illness. Parents need to have a positive attitude towards the child if they want full recovery. Younger kids will take a hint from their parent’s emotions when they are going through treatment. The more frustrated parents become around medication time, the more the child resists.

Give some control to the child

If your child is mature enough provide him/her with an explanation as to how the medicine will help them in recovery. If there is a choice between flavours of medicines, let the child choose his favourite. Sites such as https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/ offer different flavours of medicines available for kids. Introduce role-play before giving the medicine. Make the child give the medicine to a doll or stuffed toy so he may learn the importance of medicine.

Get help from the Doctor

The medication schedules vary according to the condition of the child. Some medicines are given multiple times and may taste better than others or worse. Consult your doctor on the choice of medicines. Prepare your child well before the visit to the doctor. Ask him to prescribe medicines with different flavours if available. Ask for help from the doctor in every aspect of the child’s recovery, after all, both the parties have the same goal which is the recovery of the patient.

Add medicine to food.

If the child is not able to swallow a pill, you can crush it into powder form or open a capsule and put the ingredients in his favourite food. However, ask your doctor first before putting the medicine in food as some time-released medicine may get altered if you open or crush them.

Change the taste

You can also make the child take medicine by changing the taste buds on his tongue. Try giving a spoon of maple syrup or anything sweet before giving the medicine or give something sweet immediately after giving the medicine to wash away the aftertaste of pills and tablets.

Give a reward

Kids will respond to a reward system. Praise them verbally when they take medicine and give them a shiny sticker of their favourite cartoon or put it in the calendar to make them see that they will get a big reward at the end of their treatment. The child will get encouragement from seeing their progress visually on the calendar.

Follow these tips and keep in contact with your doctor in case you need more help.

Useful Tools to Help You Achieve an Organized Move

Finding a new family home and organizing a move is a very big deal for any American. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make the process a lot smoother overall. Whether it’s creating a moving to-do list, using an app to compare moving companies, or simplifying the packing process, these next few tools will help you achieve a perfectly organized move.

Create a Moving to-Do List

Since there are plenty of things to keep in mind during a relocation, you should start by creating a moving to-do list. Whether you make it by hand or use one of the organizer apps such as Sortly, you’ll have a much easier time planning out and managing the whole process. The list should include everything from the smallest of details to crucial tasks such as getting supplies, decluttering, packing, and hiring movers.

Use an App to Find Reputable and Affordable Professionals

While hiring professionals to assist you is never a bad idea, getting a mover is especially important when moving for the first time. If you’re a newbie, you likely wouldn’t know where to find one, nor what to look for in a professional. While there may be plenty of movers out there, using an app to compare moving companies enables you to find the best service provides in your area. A platform like this will allow you to sort through the listing based on several filters such as prices and reviews, making finding a company that’s just right for you not nearly as difficult.

Reduce Your Overall Moving Costs

Remember that relocations can sometimes be costly, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on your expenses. For starters, a packing calculator can assess how many boxes and other materials you’ll have to get. If you want to save some money, websites like Freecycle and Craigslist often have some free supplies to offer. Furthermore, you can use towels, clothes, and linens to pack some of your fragile items, further reducing the number of supplies you need to buy.

Get Rid of the Things You Don’t Need by Decluttering

Getting rid of everything you don’t need will significantly reduce the time it takes you to pack, so start decluttering by separating your belongings into several categories. Things to keep is the one group you’re planning to move to your new home and includes everything you use throughout the year or during a particular season. Items you haven’t used in a while or the ones you forgot you even own should be donated, gifted, or sold online. This will not only save you some money on packing supplies, but you may even earn a few bucks on the side. Finally, the last category consists of items that are too damaged to be used or given away, so you should just throw them out.

Choose a Packing Strategy

There are two main ways you can pack all your belongings. The first one includes packing everything by category, which has its pros and cons. While this strategy helps you keep all your valuables in one place, you’ll continuously have to go back and forth to find all the individual items. Packing room by room is more efficient, and you’ll minimize the chances of missing anything. You don’t have to choose a single strategy, though, so combine them to find a solution that suits you the best.

Label Everything and Keep a Detailed Inventory List

Proper labeling makes unpacking significantly more manageable since you’ll be able to find anything you need without having to look through each container. While writing down the room and content with a sharpie will do, you can also use colored sticky notes or even create your custom system. A detailed list of your inventory enables you to keep track of every item you own, allowing you to spot if anything is missing easily. This is especially useful if your boxes get mixed up during transport. You can write it down manually or create one through one of the apps.

Pack a Separate Overnight Bag for the Move-in Day

Unless you’re planning to unpacked everything immediately, it’s best to put aside a few essentials you’ll need in the first few days of moving in. You should pack some basic toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, your daily medication, necessary documents, a phone charger, and a few snacks in case you get hungry.

Don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t do everything by the book right out of the gate. This is your first moving experience, and you’ll likely move several more times in your life, with each relocation being simpler than the one before. Remember that you can always hire a mover to assist you, as they can also help you learn a thing or two about moving.

5 Healthy Habits For Busy Parents

If you’re new to parenting or are a master at managing time, you know that having healthy habits is the key to staying sane, staying strong, and oh yeah—staying healthy.

Plus, you’re not just thinking about yourself. You’re looking at all the ways that your actions positively affect your partner and children.

Most parents realize that they are setting the standard by what they think, say, and do. And, it’s not that we have to be a perfect specimen without flaws. Heck no. We are human beings. We will mess up and muck around sometimes.

But in the big picture, we all want to live well and live quality lives to a ripe old age. We want to be there to see our babies grow up, go to college, get married, and have kids of their own.

So, what can you do today to create the healthiest habits for yourself and your family?

Here are 5 tips to steer in a smart and healthy direction.

Drink More Water

As human beings, we are made up of a large part of water. The only thing is, we tend to forget this until we’re thirsty. One of the most important things you can do is drink water. Drink it early in the day. Drink it often. Drink it instead of sugary stuff. Drink it and get your family in the habit of choosing water.

It’s a single thing you can do. You might want to have a sip right now.

Use Stainless Steel Cookware

We’ve all heard about the nasty stuff in aluminum pans. It’s not what you want to share with your precious loved ones. Choosing stainless steel saucepans is a smart way to feel good about what you’re cooking. You will keep your family healthy and safe.

Plus, you’ll make the most delicious sauces for healthy meals. Pasta with tomato sauce, anyone?

Eat Your Greens

If there’s one thing that you can do to help yourself and your family, it’s eating more produce. Eat greens that you’re getting locally—at a farmer’s market, or self-pick farm. Choose seasonal produce to keep things interesting and in tune with the changes in the seasons.

We often tend to model the habits of people around us. No doubt you notice this with your children. If you are picking away greens, guess what your kids will do? If you are pushing produce off the plate in favor of starchy foods, your kids will follow suit.

By eating more greens, you will naturally eat less meat. You’re building a healthy habit and nurturing yourself and those around you.

In addition to eating healthy, it’s advisable to take some dietary supplements as well, to ensure that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. There are a lot of different brands available in the stores, but not all of them are equally good. Make sure to check the label with ingredients before making the purchase. Supplements with natural ingredients, such as Nature’s Happiness, are a great choice.

Get Active

Staying healthy goes well beyond the kitchen. One of the most powerful habits you can build is getting active and staying active.

You can do this alone, with your partner or spouse, and with your children. Many families find that by exercising together, they have quality time to connect, play, and stay healthy.

If you’re short on ideas, talk to other parents. Take a look around your neighborhood. Make a point of talking to people who are exercising and staying active. Find out what they did to get started. How did they get and stay motivated? Explore different activities in your community. Is there a park, walkway, or hiking trail to go on?

Additionally, look for opportunities to make exercise a group activity. Perhaps there is a community center or local group that already has activities planned. You may meet other parents and children, expand your network, and boost your activity levels.

Link To Other Habits

The interesting thing about healthy habits is that they support each other. If you do one, you’re more inclined to do another. In other words, if you’re drinking more water, you may be choosing fewer sweet sugary drinks. If you’re eating more greens, you’re likely eating fewer nasty fats. If you’re getting and staying active, you’re not modeling being a couch potato for your kids.

In addition to healthy habits supporting more healthy habits, there’s another secret to staying healthy. Start small. Start to link on new habits to ones you’re already doing. For instance, drink a sip of water while you brush your teeth. Drink a bottle of water while you exercise. By linking up new efforts with existing ones, you’re boosting your overall health—and healthy habits.

Five Struggles That Most Women Can Relate To

Today’s woman is faced with just as many struggles as she had fifty years ago, but many things have changed as to what exactly those struggles are. Everywhere you look there is gender bias, fights over reproductive rights, differences in equality in the workplace, and the list goes on.

It seems there is so much that women fight through on a daily basis that it’s a wonder how they can still show up every day and be the amazing career women, moms, and just overall people that they can be. Let’s look at some of the struggles today’s women may deal with, so they all know they’re not alone.

Questioning If She Still Has “It”

With the ridiculous beauty standards set by society, many women are faced with self-esteem issues on a regular basis. Especially as women get older and go through body changes, having children, menopause, or other issues, they may constantly question if they are still attractive and appealing to their partners, or even just want to feel better for themselves.

The best ways to combat this? First, ignore what society sets as beauty standards, as they are completely unrealistic. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and your body. And tune in — your body will tell you what it needs and when it is feeling good. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends, partner, or family for a reality check.

Managing a Good Work/Life Balance

A great career is high on everyone’s list. But so is having a great family life, and spending as much time as possible with your kids, partner, friends, and family. Many women struggle with finding a great balance in between.

What’s important to meet this goal is to learn when to say no. You may want to be all things to all people, but first, you need to work on being all things for yourself. Also, if at all possible, don’t take work home. Or if you work from home, don’t let it leave the office that you work in.

Wanting to Be the Best Mom Ever

When mamahood takes over, sometimes it’s all we can think about. It’s easy to get lost in the spiral of questioning if what you’re doing is best for your child, how to set a good example, how to raise them right, and many other checkmarks you want to make sure you have. One of the best things you can do to teach your children right, though? Take care of yourself.

Children, especially young children, learn best by copying. If they see you stressed out, they’re likely to be in more grumpy moods themselves. The next best thing you can do to be a great mom is to spend time with your children. Play with them, interact with them, get on their level and they will know how much you care.

Refusing to Let Emotions Be Emotions

Everyone feels a little down sometimes, or not quite themselves. More and more people in the nation are suffering from undiagnosed depression. Emotions are a natural part of life, and even these types of emotions should be addressed and acknowledged. It’s when these down emotions hang on for a long time that it’s important to talk to someone.

Going to a counselor, talking it out with a friend, or even seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed of and is a part of taking care of yourself. You may even want to explore alternative therapies, as well. For those who may be wondering what is TMS for depression, this novel solution has been shown to be very promising in treating it. People who have tried this type of therapy have reported up to a 58% success rate in relieving depressive symptoms.

Being Taken Seriously

It’s happened to all of us and we all hate it: the dreaded mansplaining. Whether at work or in your daily life, it’s likely that you’ve encountered someone who wasn’t willing to listen to you or take you seriously. Sometimes it may even be the people closest to you who seem to be the worst culprits.

If this happens, don’t be afraid to express your dislike calmly and clearly. The person speaking to you this way may not even realize they’re doing it. And if they continue, you can always walk away. You know your agenda; you don’t have to prove it to anyone else.

It’s no secret that being a woman comes with its own struggles, but please remember to show a little bit of compassion to yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together, and knowing you’re not alone? It can make all the difference in both your mental well-being and your happiness.