How to recharge on your day off.

Hey readers,  

Everybody anticipates their days off. We look forward to having a day off, whether a weekend, personal day, or vacation, and we count down the minutes.

 Unfortunately, vacation days sometimes fall short of our expectations. Have you ever left work feeling drained and harried, more eager to take a break than ready to take on the day's new challenges? To learn some advice and activities to recharge on your day off, continue reading.

1. Make your bed.

 

After moving into my apartment this past fall, I had fresh bed linens, an early wake-up time, and a headboard for the first time in years. Given that I left my bed in the same tattered heap it was in when I got up, why was I treating my space like a college dorm room?

I've made a conscious effort over the past few months to make my bed as soon as I wake up. I've never developed a habit for which I am more grateful at the end of the day.

Making my bed is one of the quickest tasks as it doesn't take long. All I have to do is make sure the quilt and pillows are puffed up and straight on my bed. 

 Although it initially appeared absurd, who will check my room when I'm gone all day? Making your bed when you get home helps you feel better after work. 

Now, instead of being distracted and excessively irritated by an untidy atmosphere when I return home from a long day at work, I can enter my room and feel put together.

 Making your bed in the morning might help you start the day off feeling focused and orderly.

2. Get ahead. 

Use your additional day to catch up on work, housekeeping, errands, paperwork, doctor's appointments, haircuts, manicures, and other obligations before taking a break. 

Long-term stress reduction will result from it, and you'll feel more productive and self-assured in the near term. Using your day to get ahead is always a good idea in the long run—you'll thank yourself later, provided you are not exhausted.

3. Go for a walk.  

Take a stroll through your neighbourhood, the park, a garden, or any other tranquil area nearby. Walking is terrific exercise and a great way to unwind and reflect.

4. Take some time offline. 

Consider this: when was the last time you went a whole day without using the internet? That entails avoiding work-related emails, social media, messaging, and applications.

 For many of us, the internet permeates every aspect of our lives. And even if it is beneficial to feel connected and current, it also means that you can only partially unplug.

So why not disconnect from the internet? You should entirely cut yourself off from the internet on your next day off. 

Turn off your Wi-Fi, put your phone in aeroplane mode, and block all temptations from the internet from your line of sight.

 Instead, focus on offline hobbies like reading or creative pursuits like drawing.

5. Watch your stimulant and alcohol use. 

We frequently turn to caffeine or alcohol when worn out, stressed out, at ease, or celebrating.

 While most individuals will agree that enjoying things in moderation is acceptable, 

overindulging can eventually result in health problems. If you're feeling lethargic and reaching for your fourth coffee of the day, a glass of water, a quick walk, or some sleep will better treat the underlying issue.

What do you find helpful to recharge on a day off? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X 

Things to never forget as a mum!

Hey readers,

Since becoming a parent, there are specific guidelines I have learnt along the way to make my life that little smoother and calmer in my household. Here are some lessons that I have learnt along the way.

1. When you see a low dosage of squash which is one of your child's favourites, and they won't drink anything else, but then you find out one day you have to have some in, so you have to rush out to find a shop close to you that may cost a lot more than a supermarket. 

Always ensure you have the right squash in because I can guarantee they will refuse to drink it if you get the wrong flavoured squash. 

2. You always need to ensure you have baked beans in the house as a safety backup if dinner goes wrong. Coincidently one of the situations that have happened to me numerous times, so I learnt the hard way!

3. Make sure your little darlings have been to the toilet before leaving anywhere. I bet that 5 minutes after you have left anywhere, they will need the same bathroom. 

4. Going away, forget backup clothing. Make sure you have something like a toy to occupy your child in the awful hours of the evening.

5. Make sure you have charged the tablet, phone, or Nintendo Switch because I can not stomach another meltdown because one of the electrical devices has died in the middle of a game or something equivalent.

6. Make sure you do not allow their nanny to give your kids sugar immediately. 

Always make sure you hide the sugar and distribute it sensibly, so the kids don't crawl up the wall in about ten minutes to have them deal with the comedown.

7. Since my boys have developed into their person, NEVER EVER get two different toys for treats.

 Very important if you have two children of similar ages to get the same items. It saves tears and arguments and is generally less hair-pulling for you as an adult.

8. If you can not commit to something for your child, don't say anything to them.

9. Never get anxious about anything parent related or trying to get your child to do anything because let's face it, bribing will always be your friend.

10. To get the other partner to do anything when you can not bother, paint your nails and let them know it is their turn to make tea or get a child drink etc. I can confirm that it works a treat every time.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 15/01/2023

 

And just like that the tree is gone until December! 

Ways to respond when someone says they have depression.

Hey readers, 

You will likely come into contact with someone who battles depression at some point.

. 

If a friend or member of your family has opened up to you about their depression, you probably want to know how you can support them. 

When someone opens up to you about their mental health, responding constructively is crucial because depression is a severe illness.

We're here to assist by demonstrating how to react when someone discloses they have depression. Do you wish to discuss it? When you're ready.

1. I'll be here.

Although you can't make someone talk, letting them know you're there for them can make them feel supported.

You should remark you've noticed they're having a hard time, and you're available if they want to talk if they haven't been open with you about their melancholy. 

If you merely ask them, "Are you OK?" they may already be accustomed to acting fine and say, "I'm fine."

Tell them you'll be there for them when they're ready to chat if they're not ready right away.

 They might consider your offer and come to you when they are struggling and need someone to discuss their issues.

2. Offer a silent embrace or hug.

Silence is a vital tool that may acknowledge the gravity of a situation without adding to it. 

Hugging or holding their hand might be a soothing act if you have a close relationship with someone.

 Sometimes, nothing more than your presence not your words is required.

3. Take as much time as necessary. 

Even seemingly simple things can feel daunting to someone experiencing severe depression or simply in a terrible mood. 

Even simple tasks like cooking or taking a shower may seem overwhelming, especially in the morning. 

Giving them more time to do these duties is a good idea because many people with depression experience mood improvements as the day draw to a close.

4. Try to have these discussions face-to-face.

Although it's acceptable to have these chats over the phone or via text, speaking in person is much more helpful.

So much is lost through texting in terms of tone and harshness. You could suggest they pick up the phone if someone texts you and admits they're depressed. As previously mentioned, you could also call them right away. 

Feeling burdensome is a sign of depression, so even if someone wants to talk on the phone, they might hold off because they don't want to feel like an imposition.

Alternatively, reply to their SMS with a statement that you care about them and are open to a face-to-face conversation.

What suggestions would you give to speak to someone with depression?

 Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

 

Cheers for reading x

Why can dancing relief stress

Hey readers, 

You may be wanting to start trying something new in the year so here's the reasons why you should consider dancing.

1. The mind feels good. 

The scientific reason why dance can act as a stress reliever stems from the idea that when the body feels good, the mind does, too.

 Any type of physical activity releases neurotransmitters and endorphins which serve to alleviate stress.

 Neurotransmitters are chemicals within the brain that help communicate messages throughout the body. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller to reduce stress and improve the mind’s perception of the world.

 Thus, after a good workout, the endorphins cause the body to feel calm and optimistic. The endorphins also aid in improving the quality of sleep, so that a few sleepless nights due to stress can be avoided after dancing! 

2. Improve your fine motor skills, coordination and balance.

 Good coordination and balance are what stop you from walking into things or falling over. 

Dancing is a very intricate art form, and as you can see from the routines on Strictly, it requires a lot of coordination and balance.

 With a lot of practice, you will even find you become less dizzy when doing a dance that involves lots of spinning around, such as the waltz.

 Dancing is also an excellent way of improving your fine motor skills - these are movements involving your hands, fingers, feet and toes, which aren't necessarily the focus of other types of exercise. 

Dance classes can even teach you how to fall more safely, so you'll learn how to reduce the impact if you do take a tumble.

3. Dance can help with weight loss. 

Dancing is also a form of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, which is a great calorie burner, Dr Gardner says, “Jumping and twirling movements are great aerobic training while holding positions of squatting and balance positions can turn on the anaerobic energy system,” she explains. In general, the more up-tempo the dance style, the more calories and energy will be burned. 

Depending on the style of dance and your body weight, 30 minutes of dancing can burn between 90 and 252 calories. This type of high-intensity calorie burning can help support weight loss if you’re trying to shed pounds.

 If you want to maximize calorie burn, Granger suggests taking a dance cardio class, designed to blast calories and improve physical fitness.

 

4. Social touch.

Many types of dance require you to be physically closer to people than you would usually be in everyday interaction. 

Your dance partner or group enter your bubble, known academically as your ‘peri-personal’ space.

 This form of close contact (when it is consensual and with partners, you are comfortable with) releases a chemical called oxytocin. 

This hormone makes us feel sociable and helps us bond with the people around us. 

We are innately social animals, with much in common with our primate ancestors. Our need for physical social contact is not dissimilar to how monkeys use grooming to connect with and comfort each other. 

In today’s reserved society, we are considerably lacking in intimate, platonic interactions. Christensen says we need at least 8 hugs a day to feel human. Alternatively, 4 hugs and a dance class.

5. Dancing is fun. 

Dancing is an enjoyable exercise. Although dance is an art form and a discipline that requires concentration and practice, it is also a very enjoyable form of exercise. 

Whether your favourite type of dance is Classical Waltz, Jazz, Tap, Zumba, Hip Hop or Free-Form Modern Improvisation, you will enjoy the social aspects of classes that include partnering with other dancers, group dancing and creative, free-form expression as you learn, practice and perform different modes and styles of dance. 

You will feel youthful, free limber and stronger from dancing regularly. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 08/01/2023

 

What to do with unwanted Christmas presents.

Hey readers, 

Do you have a gift you don't want? Whether it's a book you've already read, a scarf that's not your style, or a hand cream you've never had before, my handy guide will make gift-giving better than accumulating stuff in your attack collecting dust.

Give it to someone. 

If you don't like the gift, you can keep it and give it to someone you think will appreciate it more than you do.

Keep the label and packaging intact and save for next Christmas or birthday.

Remember not to give it back to the person who gave it to you in the first place. Give it back only to people you think will really appreciate it.

Sell it.

If you think selling a gift is disrespectful, it's better than returning it or throwing it in the trash.

These days, there are many options besides eBay when it comes to selling unwanted gifts online. 

For example, there are sites and apps that can be used to sell various items such as Depop, Vinted, Shpock, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

If you decide to sell unwanted Christmas gifts on these platforms, it is important to be as detailed as possible in your product descriptions. 

The more information and photos you add about your product, the more likely it is that it will sell quickly.

Return or exchange it. 

If you have a valid receipt, you can return or exchange the wrong Christmas gift in store. First, make sure the giver has included a receipt with the gift.

 If not, you'll need to have a polite conversation with them to explain why you want the receipt.

Christmas gifts purchased online must be returned or exchanged by the purchaser on your behalf.

Even if you don't have a receipt, some stores will allow you to receive a replacement or credit if you clearly indicate that the item was purchased there.

 However, please note that this is at the discretion of the retailer and is not required to be adhered to by the retailer.

Generally, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return an item. However, many stores are extending this period during the holiday season to give shoppers more time. 

It is important to review our return policy to ensure timely refunds or item exchanges.

But whatever you do, don't let that unwanted gift go to waste. Instead, turn it into something you or someone else can enjoy.

Donate it. 

Giving away presents is becoming more and more popular. If you don't have time to sell your own, donate your unwanted Christmas presents to a local charity shop to sell them for you.

Some items can be donated directly to charity. for example:

You can donate your child's toys to the hospital's pediatric ward (remember to check what you can donate). 

Books can be donated to libraries, schools, or other literacy-based charities. 

Sports equipment can be donated to local sports clubs. 

Clothing can be donated to homeless shelters. 

Some charities accept gifts such as furniture, bicycles, and computers, but always check with the charity to see if you need the item.

 What do you do with your unwanted Christmas presents?  Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 01/01/2023

 

Happy New Year 2023 🎉🎊