Karen – Page 25 – Eco Karen

The Benefits of Practising Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a remarkable tool that will allow you to understand, tolerate, and deal with your emotions in healthy ways. It helps to alter your habitual responses by pausing and choosing how you act. Here are 5 reasons why you should try mindfulness practice:

1. Mindfulness improves mental focus and concentration. Our minds are consistently all over the place and burdened with lots of information. This can often affect our concentration and productivity, which may consequently limit performance in tasks. Previous research has revealed that mindfulness meditation, such as pace-breathing exercises, offers a great way to become more present at the moment. Indeed, a recent study published by Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience reported that there is a strong link between breathing patterns and the brains ‘focus’ network. At a physiological level, breathing rhythms affect the level of circulating noradrenaline, a naturally occurring chemical which is involved in regulating attention and focus.
2. Mindfulness can help battle stress. Humans have a habit of overthinking, stressing out, and obsessing, which can have a negative influence on the way we feel. Practising mindfulness offers you the space to think differently about the stress and become more aware of your thoughts. Not only this, but it provides you with the opportunity to identify the root cause of your stress and identify ways to overcome this.
3. Improves sleep quality. Given that mindfulness meditation provides useful stress relief, it is not surprising that it can also alleviate insomnia and improve the overall quality of life. A recent study published in JAMA internal medicine, involving 49 individuals with insomnia, found that mindfulness meditation over a 6-week period significantly improved their insomnia, fatigue, and depression. The ability for mindfulness practice to remediate sleep issues consequently improves the quality of life long-term.
4. Practising mindfulness improves mental health. In the last decade, psychotherapists have turned to mindfulness meditation as an important component in the treatment of numerous mental health problems, including depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples’ conflicts, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Indeed, a recent large-scale systematic review of mindfulness-based interventions in healthcare, revealed that practising mindfulness significantly improved mental and physical symptoms of numerous conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety disorders in both adults and children.
5. Improves overall physical health. Not only does mindfulness improve mental health, but experts have also suggested that practising mindfulness can also improve physical health in a number of ways. Recent evidence has revealed that mindfulness can help treat heart disease, low blood pressure, and also alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties. Importantly, mindfulness meditation has been found to relieve chronic pain symptoms. Mindfulness meditation can be used to manage pain, which allows you to become aware and also acknowledge the sensations of pain. At any point, you can shift your attention to more pleasant sensations in your body or your surroundings.

Ways to practice mindfulness

By focusing on the present and allowing yourself to be grounded in what’s going on around you, mindfulness practice creates a harmony between the physical brain and consciousness. Here are 6 ways of practising mindfulness:

1. Mindful breathing

Breathing is an important technique which forms the foundation of mindfulness practice. Enhancing your awareness of this innate life-giving force can improve your life through a variety of ways, particularly by bringing your focus back to the present moment. This focus helps to deepen each breath, which therefore engages the relaxation response and reduces the production of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is widely recognised as a ‘stress hormone’, therefore by reducing it, this consequently helps to attenuate your experience of stress. Not only this, but mindful breathing helps to control neurotransmitters in the brain, which initiates the growth of neural connections, resulting in a steadier state of mind.

2. Practising yoga

Modern yoga is a physical activity which involves practising a large array of postures called asanas, connected by flowing sequences called vinyasas. A relatively recent form of yoga, Mindful Yoga, applies traditional Buddhist mindfulness teachings to the practice of yoga, as a way to cultivate greater awareness, consciousness, and remarkably improved quality of life. Mindful yoga is often accompanied by breathing exercises, which further help to achieve focus and control in the present moment.

3. Mindful listening

Listening is a socio-cognitive activity which is affected by our experience as well as our future expectations. Naturally, we have a tendency to listen more closely to information which is deemed ‘important’ and filter out irrelevant information. As a result, mindful listening allows you to be present and aware of the environment around you. Listening to colleagues, responding with questions and attempting to view situations from different perspectives, will consequently make you more mindful.

4. Mindful eating

According to The Centre for Mindful Eating, “Eating mindfully allows yourself to become aware of the nurturing opportunities that are available through selection and preparation of food, by respecting your own inner wisdom”. In simpler terms, mindful eating involves using all of your senses to choose to eat food that is both satisfying and nourishing to your body and acknowledging these responses without judgement. As a result, you will become increasingly aware of the physical hunger and satiety cues that guide your decisions to begin and end eating.

5. Mindful walking

Whether you’re moving between floors of a building, on a city street, or walking from one lecture to another, mindful walking is an opportunity to guide yourself out of the distracted autopilot mode. Walking meditation can be a formal practice, or it can be an informal act, for instance whenever you need to travel from point A to B. This technique allows you to completely immerse yourself in the surroundings, providing you with an opportunity to acknowledge aspects of the environment that you would normally miss.

6. Start your morning with the right mindset

First, when you wake up, take a few deep breaths before getting out of your bed. This will give your brain an oxygen boost, which will help to get you out of bed and start afresh. Refrain from grabbing your phone immediately, and instead take a few minutes to visualize the day ahead. Rather than thinking about what happened the day before, focus your attention on what you want to achieve throughout the day, making sure you plan breaks to ensure you retain focus. You could even incorporate CBD-based products into your morning routine, whether this is CBD capsules or even CBD-infused coffee to provide you with an instant caffeine-kick! By repeating this morning routine daily, you set yourself up for a positive mindfulness experience throughout the day.

Reason to use CBD for mindfulness

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis-based hemp plant. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in CBD products, thanks to its diverse and effective therapeutic and medicinal applications. Indeed, a recent large-scale nationwide CBD survey reported that a remarkable 7.8 million UK adults (approximately 15% of the UK population) have bought CBD products in the past year alone. With this in mind, more practitioners of meditation and yoga have found that the calming and anti-anxiety effects CBD offers are beneficial for cultivating mindfulness.

According to S.N Goenka, a renowned Indian Vipassana meditation teacher, there are two primary obstacles to successful mindfulness meditation. The first is an inability to retain full focus, and the second is worry or doubt. These issues can be easily circumnavigated with CBD. Indeed, a recent study demonstrated that low doses of CBD resulted in increased alertness and focus. Not only does CBD increase alertness, but it also prevents hyperactivity in the brain. Given that CBD is capable of controlling the stream of intrusive thoughts that goes through our mind, it is not surprising that CBD can also help to reduce the occurrence of worry and doubt – providing important anxiolytic effects. Whilst CBD benefits provide you with greater control of your thoughts and worries, it is important to note that CBD is not a magical mindfulness supplement and therefore will not ‘cure’ pre-existing conditions.

Another key obstacle to mindfulness practice is pain. Individuals who perform yoga as part of their mindful practice, often report leg cramps, joint pain and sore muscles – which can act as a deterrent to further practice. CBD-infused topical muscle creams provide an effective treatment for pain management following yoga practice, acting somewhat similarly to a painkiller.

What are the types of products infused with CBD available on the market?

CBD-infused products market ranges from oils to different types of CBD cream, vape juices and edibles. The most popular and versatile products that contain CBD include oils that are designed for sublingual use. The reason for their popularity is the fact that they have a very short activation time. Capsules, on the other hand, have a shorter onset time because they need to be digested first. However, due to the slow activation and the digestion process, they also stay activated in one’s body for a more prolonged period of time. Same goes for any edibles such as CBD gummies or CBD chocolates. The choice of a type of product depends entirely on your personal preferences, so do your research and choose for yourself what option to opt for.

CBD and its side effects

Like any substance, cannabidiol has side effects. The most common is dry mouth, which is due to the CBD inhibiting endocannabinoid receptors in the salivary glands, which therefore attenuates gland secretion. Other reported side effects include:

Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Diarrhoea
Tremors

However, it must be noted that these side effects are relatively rare. No evidence has suggested that CBD affects heart rate, blood pressure or body temperature, making it even more favourable to scientific researchers and health professionals.

So far there has been little conclusive data on CBD and pregnancy. Given that CBD readily crosses the placenta and comes into contact with the fetus, many scientists have recommended that pregnant women should not take CBD. Until scientists better understand how CBD affects the growing baby, experts have suggested that it’s best to be cautious and avoid CBD during pregnancy.

Key takeaways on CBD and mindfulness

Mindfulness is the state of awareness when the body, its senses and the mind are working in harmony with one another in order to feel present in the moment. Many techniques such as breathing exercises, mindful walking and yoga provide a great way to practice mindfulness. Sizeable evidence has also revealed that CBD combined with mindfulness practice provides a greater awareness during and after practice – producing long-lasting positive effects on mental state. This is because CBD can help to achieve a more relaxed condition and a clear mind, which consequently helps to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and many other conditions. With this in mind, why not try CBD for mindfulness, and experience these effects for yourself.

8 Timeless Accessories that Elevate your Style

Picking out the same outfit every day is not an issue until you are playing around with different accessories to go with it. An earring here and a classy hat there, these accessories can take your style several notches up.

Taking a different handbag and choosing different necklaces to wear every time you go outchanges your entire look – even if you wear the same pair of jeans or t-shirt.

If all this hits you at the right spot and now you are freaking out because you have only got a few ideas about accessorizing, then behold!

We have got an 8-point list of accessories that can elevate your style. So, read on for the best fashion advice of your life.

8 Accessories to Elevate Your Style

1. Bejeweled Bags or Clutches

While handbags are the handiest accessories for any day and any occasion, sometimes you need a little shimmer in your hand.

While there have been a lot of handbag-days, it is time for some clutches and small bags. Bejeweled bags look classy and elegant with embellishments that add style to your outfit.

The amount of shimmer or jewels you prefer depends on your choice and the occasion – whether it is a friends’ get together or a casual office meet-up.

These bejeweled bags pair up perfectly with minimalistic outfits such as a long block-colored skirt or a black front-open shirt with straight-cut formal pants.

2. Berets

Berets instantly boost the outlook of any outfit and make it look classy. If you want to leave behind the simple look and opt for a chic French touch, then add a beret to your accessory collection.

It gives out a feminine yet vogue and confident vibe. More stylish than a beanie, the berets elevate your simple pant and shirt outlook to a modern-day royal look.

Wear the beret with a long coat in the winters, and you have got yourself a flattering European look. Or wear it with a cropped tee and high-waist pants and instantly sharpen your street style.

3. Hoop Earrings

Every fashion enthusiast knows that hoop earrings were a huge thing in the 90s. Guess what? They are back in style these days.

They have been trending as one of the popular jewelry items this year. Due to their simplicity and elegance, the hoop earrings go well with almost all the outfits.

If you give these earrings a try, they can transform your look into a sporty one or even a punk one. Their big size helps steal attention and makes it possible for you to pair them up with almost everything – from a simple boot cut jeans to flowy skirts or even evening dresses.

4. Pumps

Not all days are meant to be high-heeled days. You can always bid farewell to your stilettos and welcome the in-style low and pointy pumps. These shoes are very comfortable, along with being exceptionally stylish.

If you are a person who goes from stilettos to sneakers by the evening and does not prefer anything in between, then the pointy toe pumps with a little kitten heel are definitely for you.

You can wear them with skinny jeans, and they will enhance your whole outfit. The pumps are perfect for any occasion any day at any time.

5. A Pair of Mismatched Earrings

Wearing a mismatching pair of earrings is probably one of the boldest things this year’s fashion has brought.

This style includes wearing a single earring and letting the other ear free or having a stud in one ear, and a long threaded earring in the other.

If you have been in search of a statement accessory that amps up your look to a whole different level, then this accessory is for you. You can always try making your pair by combining two different pairs of your earrings.

6. Leather Jacket

We don’t know if anyone ever told you this or not, but one should always have at least one leather jacket in their wardrobe.

Irrespective of the season, investing in a good quality leather jacket is worth every penny. Take the example of a classic black leather jacket . It has the power to uplift every outfit of yours – be it a floral dress you wear in summer or the woolen shirts of winter.

It adds the high-end look to your simple everyday pant and shirt outfit. It also adds class to your vogue tight skirt and a stylish top.

This accessory in your wardrobe is a must-have. A good quality leather lasts for a long time. Whether it is the evening outfit that you want to accessorize or a casual day dress, the leather jacket is there to save your day.

7. Ring Bearer Bags

Along with the jeweled bags and clutches, another must-have accessory that every fashion fanatic should search for is a ring bearer bags.

Worn like a clutch in hand, these bags with big metal rings add style to every outfit. They look cool and incredibly chic.

They might be a bit of a hassle to carry around for a long time as compared to bags with straps, but then what is fashion when there is not a tad bit effort required, right?

8. Vintage Frames

The big geeky frames are back in fashion, and they make an incredibly stylish fashion statement.

Whether it is a contact glasses frame or sunglasses one, the big geeky frames can instantly transform your look. Pair them up with berets, and you have got a vintage and classy European look. Try it, and you would not regret it!

Final Words

Fashion is all about choosing what you prefer and pairing it up with some trendy style. However, it does not mean that you should only prefer what you like and not pay attention to what can boost your stylish look.

From a small pair of earrings to a stylish headband and from a handbag to a classy pair of sunglasses, every accessory is essential in defining your style. So, accessories need your attention as much as your choice of daily outfit does.

How To Use CBD To Reduce Pandemic Anxiety?

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, 2020 brought a lot of change, and the everyday lives of many people around the globe began looking different. While stay-at-home orders are still in place, most individuals slowly but surely are trying to adapt to life with restricted conditions where self-isolation is part of our daily routine. No matter how well you handle these unprecedented times, the current state of the world, being stuck at home, and receiving constant reminders of the dangers toward your health, can lead to increased stress levels and overall anxiety.

Luckily, you don’t have to accept this pressure and hard mental state, as your new normal. It’s a good time to consider using the help of natural supplements and pick up a CBD habit. Today, an increasing number of people are turning to use of CBD oil to provide relief in case of muscle pain and chronic aches, regulation of sleep quality, some good skincare, or peace of mind. With CBD products in your pocket, you will have something to reduce the stress associated with coronavirus, and lockdown can start to feel more manageable than ever before. So, let’s find out the best five ways to use CBD oil and alleviate stress & anxiety while staying at home.

Start Your Day On The Right Foot

If every morning becomes the most dreaded part throughout the day and seems like it controls you instead of the opposite, then creating a consistent routine can help to organise your time and cope with the stress. No matter what time you prefer to wake up, having a healthy morning can work wonders for your wellness and general well-being. A proper morning routine helps to centre your body and mind and change the full forecast of the upcoming day.

Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a natural and generally safe remedy that is known as an effective stress-reducer and mood-booster. It’s known to interact with the endocannabinoid system to stimulate special receptors in the brain and regulate most body functions. Since the endocannabinoid system is involved in basic processes occurring in an organism such as sleep, stress, appetite, mood, immune system, pain, memory, temperature, and others, CBD oil can help to provide relief and support all elements in balance.

One of the best and tasty ways to create a grounding morning ritual is to use CBD as a complement to your well-balanced breakfast or add a few drops of oil to your beverages. It can be coffee, tea, smoothie, juice, or any drink of your choice to help you relax, decrease stress, and boost energy levels to take on the day. Just remember to research a few different CBD oils first to ensure that you are making the right choice for your needs. For example, if you live in the UK, researching the top rated CBD oil UK customers can buy can help you to narrow down your options.

Improve Your Focus

Whether it’s work or home-related activities, many people are struggling to concentrate while staying indoors. Feeling concerned, anxious, stressed out as well as being subjected to any type of pain can make it hard to think straight, be productive, motivated, and concentrated on work and what you are doing at this very moment.

That is where CBD can come in handy. Diminishing pain, stress, and anxiety are one of the many potential benefits of CBD oil. By lowering stress levels, you are keeping your body out of all-consuming ‘fight-or-flight’ mode, which in turn helps to add more room for productivity and concentration. Also, CBD may help with hyperactivity and can act as a natural mood booster to maintain a more positive work environment and keep you in the zone while you are working.

If you are into vaping, inhaling CBD vape oil is a potent and tasty way to get CBD before work or during work and receive beneficial effects faster due to the high bioavailability. Vaping CBD oil might help to perceive each moment and distract from negative thoughts to be less reactive and more proactive in case of challenging situations. You can use CBD vape cartridges, disposable/reusable vape pens, or add CBD vape oil, e-liquid, and vape additives in a tank which heats the CBD oil into a vapour to experience positive effects.

Be Active & Meditate

Since the lines between work and home blur, it’s essential not to forget about self-care and save your focus toward your mental health by doing various activities intended to lower stress and promote wellness and happiness. Physical activity at any time of your day is a beneficial practice for good health and mental well-being. Despite the fact that gyms are closed, you can still do regular workout sessions and get good-body vibes indoors by using your room or any suitable place in your home.

You can do a 30-minute yoga session, complete a free online workout video, take a jog and power-walk around the block, or even take part in a mini-dance party with your family members. A good idea to refer to daily meditation to create an overall sense of well-being, alleviate stress, and boost concentration. This technique is especially effective for rebooting your brain in the mornings to start your day in a calm state of mind and in the evenings to experience restful sleep.

No matter what activity you choose, you can improve your exercise regime, regulate mood swings, stimulate energy, stamina, and concentration by taking CBD. It can also help to decrease pain and inflammation, heal injuries, and speed up post-workout recovery to continue on your goals toward physical and mental health.

Relax With Warm Bath

After a long and busy day full of various activities, incorporating time for relaxation can help to restore energy, relieve tension, and keep a person at his best. During this uncertain period, long soak in a bath tube is one of the pleasant and most satisfying methods to unwind. It can also contribute to more restful sleep, relief of muscle soreness, increased blood flow, and circulation.

The benefits of a warm bath before bed can be doubled with the use of CBD oil. You can pour a couple of drops into your bath or just use read-made CBD bath bombs to pamper yourself. Such bath time softens the skin and provides relaxation and fatigue relief while diminishing the appearance of age lines and scars. The topical application of CBD allows beneficial components to penetrate through the skin layers and work together with cannabinoid receptors. Bath bombs are also typically loaded with aromatic essential oils to enhance benefits to your skin by soothing and moisturising it.

As an addition, you can create a mini-spa setting and integrate CBD into your skincare routine by using CBD creams, lotions, and face masks or simply by adding your CBD oil in your skincare products. Regardless of the chosen way to spend your relaxing time, CBD enriched products can offer a well-rounded experience while supplying CBD advantages that you seek.

Create Perfect Sleep Regimen

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for having the right start of your day. Lack of sleep might have a negative impact on your physical and mental health and flow-on effect on the rest of life. Furthermore, sleep deficiency can cause mood changes, weaken the immune system and lead to many chronic health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, strokes, and even cancer.

As many people are subjected to different sleep disturbances such as insomnia, hypersomnia, and restless sleep, try to build a calming routine before going to bed. Try to refrain from the use of a phone at least two hours prior to bedtime, read a book or listen to a relaxing playlist, and consider using CBD oil canada to calm mindset and fall asleep faster and easier.

Consuming CBD oil before bed is a beneficial habit to improve sleep quality and enjoy better quality sleep. CBD is able to lower overactive thoughts and diminish anxiety, stress, and pain, which are the common triggers of troubles falling asleep. What’s more, the sublingual intake of CBD increases bioavailability and provides benefits quicker. Therefore, be sure to use oil or tincture before going to bed or keeping CBD products on your nightstand in case you can’t fall asleep faster. As a result, getting to bed early and sleeping from 7 to 9 hours per night can help to maintain optimum health, wake up earlier, enjoy sunlight, and also ensure you organism obtains needed vitamin D.

How to Fuel Yourself for a HIIT Workout

Leading a fast-paced urban life has inspired many people to turn to time-saving, explosive workouts that ensure health and fitness without spending hours at the gym. One category of those workouts is aptly named HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, which encompasses a wide range of exercises, it’s extremely flexible, and allows individuals to work out regularly, at home, and outside.

Then the lockdown came, and even more fitness enthusiasts turned to HIIT as the perfect way to boost energy levels, grow strength, and stay healthy during these trying times. Now, if you’re new to this training method, it’s time to adapt your menu to have enough energy to perform these workouts safely, and stay energized afterward for all your daily chores. Here are a few ideas to implement!

Keep your water bottle close

You already know that your body largely consists of water, so it’s natural that medical professionals keep insisting that we should improve our hydration habits for the sake of our health. For HIIT specifically, water is vital to make sure that your muscles can withstand the effort you’re about to exert, and to recuperate properly afterward.

The simplest way to hydrate more is to get a reusable water bottle and keep it nearby all day long. This doesn’t refer only to how much water you drink while you train. It’s key to keep hydrating properly during the day, so that you help your body recover and make the most of all the great nutrients you get through food.

Refine your pre workout routine

If professional athletes trust supplements to improve their performance, why shouldn’t the rest of us, mere mortals, take advantage? With a little bit of research, you can find the most optimal pre workout supplements drink to add to your training routine, and thus boost your energy levels with all the right ingredients.

You’ll notice that not only will you have ample energy for every rep in each session, but that you have better focus throughout the entire training, and that you can gradually improve your performance. Additionally, these drinks are designed to help your body recover more easily afterward, so pre workout additions can actually improve your post workout, too.

Don’t be stingy with those carbs

Now that we’re on the subject on post workout foods, many people who are looking to shed a few pounds with this powerful training system will steer clear of carbs. While this is a healthy approach when managed properly, there are also clear benefits to consuming healthy carbs in moderate amounts.

They help replenish your muscles’ glycogen stores, they help your body produce sustained energy for hours after your training, and they are found in fiber-rich foods, which is ideal for digestion. So, it’s good to turn to carbs but opt for healthy carbs such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Make sure you eat plenty of protein

Depending on your lifestyle, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or you eat dairy and meat, you can diversify your menu in such a way to introduce ample protein. This is a pivotal step in enhancing your HIIT workouts because protein keeps you feeling satiated for longer, it builds muscle, and it’s an essential macronutrient vital for all of your bodily functions, including your immune system.

You can tailor your menu by determining when you train. If you exercise first thing in the morning, the sheer intensity of your HIIT workout will make you feel nauseated if you eat heavy meals. Instead, save those proteins for after training to rebuild your muscles and to give you a sustained source of healthy energy for hours on end.

Steer clear of sugar

Sometimes, it’s not about what you do consume, but more about what you leave out. While sugar cravings are very common, and you might find that a candy bar is a perfect way to get an immediate energy boost, it’s an unhealthy mechanism that doesn’t really solve the problem.

Instead, aim to reduce your processed sugar intake by kicking sodas, candy bars, and other store-bought treats. You can replace them with fiber-packed fresh fruit, which is also loaded with vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. Plus, when you make sure that you eat enough protein, you’ll reduce the cravings and feel full for longer.

There you have it! Hopefully, these guidelines will help you revamp your nutrition and hydration in such a way that your workouts will be all the more effective. Plus, keeping an eye on what you eat and how much you eat will allow you to build a lean, strong physique, and to make the most of each HIIT session in your routine.

Will Our Social Habits Be Changed Forever After Coronavirus Pandemic?

Our lives have been turned upside down. Simple, everyday activities such as going to the store or attending a party at a friend’s house have become something dangerous. A lot of us can’t visit our families for fear of infecting them with a nasty virus. We can’t sip coffee at our favorite coffee shop without worrying about face masks and hand sanitizers. We can’t freely hug our friends.

Coronavirus is a nasty piece of work. It trapped us in a scary situation and made us change habits we used to take for granted. But while the situation may seem dire, there is yet hope on the horizon.

The pandemic will change how we function as a society even after it’s over, but not all of those changes will be bad. We will feel safe again. We will get to be close to our loved ones. And we will be okay.

When coronavirus finally becomes less of a problem, here’s how our society will look like.

We’ll learn to prioritize what matters

When we don’t even know whether our family will survive the pandemic unscathed, all of the other problems we have become insignificant in comparison. We no longer worry about things like office gossip and that stupid fight we had with our best friend. We just want everyone to be okay.

Even when the quarantine ends completely and we’re all able to feel safe again, the corona situation will serve as a reminder to focus on what’s really important in life – our loved ones, our happiness, and our peace of mind.

We’ll invest in eco-friendly transportation

Using public transportation is not the safest option right, as the virus has the ability to stay on surfaces anywhere between a few hours to a whole week. This has led a lot of people to invest in bicycles and e-scooters – they’re safe and easy to rely on.

Since we’re getting the opportunity to ride our bikes again, there’s no reason not to continue this trend even after the pandemic is over. Just think about it – you don’t have to worry about schedules, overcrowded buses, and traffic jams, not to mention the positive impact this will have on the environment.

We’ll take our health more seriously

We’re starting to realize how frail we become if we don’t take good care of ourselves. Coronavirus wreaked havoc on our population, but this has taught us how to nurture our immune system. Even when the quarantine ends, we’ll keep wearing face masks during peak flu season to protect ourselves and others. After all, a disposable surgical face mask is an inexpensive way to reduce the chance of getting infected from airborne particles, and it’s easy to keep carrying one in our bag. It’s a good habit to introduce to our lives.

We’ll work remote more often

Coronavirus pandemic has made it necessary for our employers to let us work from home. Now that a lot of business owners have realized remote work can be a great way to cut costs on electricity, heating, and rental space, we should expect more remote work in our future. For some, this kind of flexibility is a dream come true. For others, it might mean having to learn how to organize their time and avoid procrastination while working from home.

We’ll shop online more often

Brick-and-mortar stores are closing down faster than ever. While large malls are still likely to be present, small businesses and mom-and-pop stores will close down and shift their business online. In general, retail giants such as Amazon will establish an even firmer monopoly on the market. This isn’t such great news for small business owners, but there is a way to prevent this – shop from local small businesses and avoid giving your money to giant, greedy corporations.

We’ll pay more attention to hygiene

It’s actually a little strange that some people needed to be told they have to wash their hands regularly, but at least now they know. Coronavirus has taught us to be a lot more careful with our hygiene, and the habits we’ve created are likely to stick with us in the future.

We’ll take better care of each other

If there’s one thing we’re learning right now, is that the idea that every man needs to be out for themselves is simply not true. We need to strengthen our community and take care of each other regardless of the situation. It’s not just because this is the right thing to do, it’s simply smart – a system in which every person can feel safe and comfortable, is a system that will protect us instead of leaving us high and dry when the trouble hits.

After a worldwide disaster that we’re going through right now, we can expect to see more kindness. The struggle will be long and hard, but hopefully we’ll learn enough valuable lessons from it to make our lives and our society better once it’s all over.

As Young as You Feel: Botox and 7 Other Alternatives Used for Treating Wrinkles

Women are obsessed with looking younger, especially as they age. Unfortunately, you cannot reverse the signs of aging, but you can treat them. Many women frequently visit medical spas and plastic surgeons to learn about the different options they have when it comes to wrinkles and other facial signs associated with aging. Below is a closer look at botox and seven other treatment plans that will help eliminate or reduce the look of wrinkles.

Botox

Botox is one of the most popular treatment plans when it comes to getting rid of or reducing wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Learn more at carolinafacialplasticsurgery.com regarding the treatment plan and others they perform there. Botox is a non-invasive procedure that is done in as little as ten minutes. The effects are not permanent, but they usually last up to three months before it needs to be repeated.

A small needle is used to inject various signs on the face. The botox chemical paralyzes the muscles so that they do not move. Popular injection sites include the forehead, around the eyes, and the mouth area.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that sands the skin, exposing a fresh and new layer of skin. This treatment plan does not require any downtime and is done in less than an hour. Side effects include scarring and changes in skin color.

Laser Therapy

Laser resurfacing is used to stimulate the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is essential for the skin’s ability to look plump and healthy. There are a variety of lasers doctors use, and it is best to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine which laser treatment is beneficial for you, as well as how many treatments you require.

Plastic Surgery

Many women opt for a more permanent solution and choose plastic surgery. Face lifts, brow lifts, and other cosmetic procedures are more invasive and do require a downtime where you do not return to work and must relax and take prescription medication. Talk to your doctor about possible cosmetic procedures you would be interested in to see if you are a good candidate.

Fillers

As we age, a loss of fullness in the face occurs, especially around the mouth, eyes, cheeks, and jawline. Injecting dermal fillers can remedy the problem areas for a couple of years before they have to be treated again. Fillers can be plump up thin lips, soften facial creases, improve shallow contours, and reduce the look of wrinkles and scars.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a collagen therapy used to improve the skin’s texture, reduce acne scarring, and improve the look of sun damage. Tiny needles are put in different depths of the top layer of skin. This is to allow skincare products to treat the skin.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel exfoliates the outer layer of the skin. It treats fine lines around the mouth, under the eyes, wrinkles, age spots, and the texture and tone of the skin. There are different degrees of chemical peels. Consult your doctor to learn which one is best for you.

Skin Tightening

Ultrasound technology is non-invasive and requires no downtime. It is used to treat a sagging face and neck. The procedure uses heat to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Once these are rejuvenated, they act to tighten the skin naturally.

When considering cosmetic procedures, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. He or she can advise you on various procedures to determine which ones are best to achieve your desired outcome.

Eco-Travel: 8 Ways to Have a Green Family Vacation

It’s always fun to travel with your family, despite all the logistical issues that you have to overcome.

You have a lot more people to share the joy that you encounter during your trip, and you bond over your memories together. However, since many people are traveling with you, you are more likely to create waste in your journey.

If you’re the type of person who likes to prioritize sustainability when traveling, you might want to look for ways to go with your family without compromising your principles.

Luckily, it’s quite easy to have a green family vacation. Here are eight ways you can have that sustainable family vacation that you want:

Select a green destination

One of the best ways you can have a sustainable family vacation is by being particular about your destination.

When choosing your destination, look for places that are active in terms of their environmental sustainability. That way, you are supporting a site that cares for the environment.

Portugal is one destination that is active in terms of their approach to sustainable tourism in the country. Ecuador is another lovely destination that is also proactive in the protection of their natural habitats.

If you’re planning on going on a family vacation, consider going to these countries and support their causes.

Try to pack light

Whenever you’re packing for a trip, you should try and pack a few items to bring with you.

Packing light will help you have an easier time while in transit. Plus, you can also avoid incurring additional fees at the airport because your bag is not within their weight limit.

Aside from that, packing light affects how much carbon emissions your aircraft is going to emit, whether you are flying commercial or making use of one of the private jet cards programs out there and flying in the utmost comfort and style. The heavier the plane, the more carbon emissions it creates. Therefore, when you’re buying luggage, you should be conscious of how big it is to learn to limit yourself to the number of items that you can bring.

When you’re buying your luggage, it will be best if you purchase luggage sets so that you save money while you’re at it. These sets come with the carry-on baggage anyway, so you should get an entire collection, especially if you travel often.

Bring reusable items

Another way you can remain sustainable when traveling with your family is by using or bringing more usable items with you.

Bringing reusable items ensures that you don’t consume products that will end up becoming waste. You reduce the amount of plastic that you and your family leave behind when you are on vacation.

Each person should have their reusable water bottle as well as cutleries so that they don’t have to use plastic ones when they’re traveling. These reusable items can even come in biodegradable containers depending on which ones you buy.

Once you use these items, you can wash them, and they’ll be good as new.

Stay in eco-friendly accommodation

Looking for eco-friendly accommodations is also a way you can travel sustainably with your family.

If you’re booking a hotel, you can ask if they have or implement a green program where guests can learn how to be more environmentally-friendly while traveling. Or you can opt for Airbnb accommodation.

If you don’t manage to find any eco-friendly accommodations, you can apply green practices yourself.

For example, you should turn off everything in your room if you’re not using them. Asking your hotel room to reduce the times they replace your towels is also one way to be more environmentally conscious while staying at a hotel.

Use public transportation

As much as possible, try and use public transportation when you are in a new destination.

Using a private vehicle to travel creates a lot of gas emissions for only a few passengers. On the other hand, mass transit has a better ratio of fuel usage and gas emissions created per passenger.

Support local businesses

Supporting local businesses will help you be more eco-friendly during your vacation. For example, you can buy souvenirs from a small shop or eat at local restaurants.

Local businesses don’t use massive amounts of natural resources to maintain their business, so it’s more eco-friendly to support locals.

Research green and eco-activities

Make sure that the vacation activities you’ll do are sustainable. For example, you should avoid places that let you ride on elephants.

You can do your research online and see which ones in your destination are the least damaging to the environment and local wildlife.

Leave No Trace

No matter what you do, keep your trash in your body if there is no available trash bin anywhere. It would be even better if you find a way to recycle the garbage that you produce.

Also, keeping reusable items helps you to reduce the amount of waste that you create.

Final Thoughts

You can still sustainably travel even if you bring your family with you during a vacation. All you need is to prepare well before your trip.

Educating your family members will also help you travel sustainably.

In the meantime, you can try out the ways listed above so you can get started on having a green family vacation soon enough.

No More Dry Skin: 10 Benefits of Regularly Applying Face Oil

Years ago, if you had oily or acne-prone skin, you were probably told to stay away from any face products containing oil. Unfortunately, this was a myth because oil is very beneficial to the skin, regardless of your skin type. Below is a closer look at face oils and the ten benefits of applying oil daily to your skin.

Reverse the Signs of Aging

As women age, they get conscious of the wrinkles that start to appear around their faces. A Renee Rouleau Blog discusses the benefits of face oils and how they can prevent wrinkles. Facial oils help to plump, nourish, and firm the skin. The results are a youthful and fresh appearance.

Glowing Complexion

Many people equate using face oil with shiny skin, and that is not the case. Using two to four drops will give you enough antioxidants and benefits to give you a little glow. Many advise using a couple of drops on top of your foundation for an extra glow.

Combine Oils With Other Skin Care Products

You can apply face oils during any step of your routine, by itself, or mixed with other products. For example, you can mix the oil with your moisturizer, blending it with foundation, or combining it with masks you put on. Not only that, but you can mix apply it right before bed so that the oil can soak in and do its job without getting interrupted.

Reduction in Blemishes

Some oils are considered dry oils and are easily absorbed into the skin to prevent the excess of oil production. This is done by regulating the skin’s moisture content so that blemishes start to decrease.

Oils Hydrate the Skin

Regardless of your skin type, everyone needs to hydrate their body. Using face oil is a wonderful way to add hydration, without adding something heavy and rich to your face, especially in hot summer months. Dry oils can also hydrate your skin deeply. It is up to you to decide which oils you would like to use.

Improves Your Complexion

There are many anti-aging products on the market that lead to irritation, redness, and breakouts. Face oils are simple enough and are recommended for people with sensitive skin. It will give your complexion a fresh and calming look, without leaving your skin irritated or red. If you are skeptical, try some behind your ear to see if your skin has a negative reaction.

Environmentally Conscious

The ingredients found in facial oils are sustainable when sourced. This way, you can rest assured that your purchase has a minimal impact on the environment. Lab testing on animals is not done as well.

Face Oils Promote Other Products to Work Better

Face oils mixed with moisturizers or masks improve the benefits of each product. You can lessen your beauty routine by mixing the oils with any product you use each morning or night.

Face Oil is Affordable

Face oils are very affordable based on the skin benefits it provides. Everyone needs to spend more time on themselves and take better care of their face, body, and mind. Take some time out for yourself and do what you need to do to feel better about yourself.

Radiance

Face oils improve the skin’s radiance by eliminating or minimizing free radicals. Your skin can look and feel its best by incorporating a couple of drops of oil daily into your skin care routine.

You do not need expensive products or plastic surgeons to have healthy skin. Sometimes, it is the little things that have the most impact.

Can You Vape CBD?

The benefits of CBD have been widely accepted, with both anecdotal evidence and many emerging studies pointing to its benefit for things like chronic pain, nausea, headaches, and stress. The FDA has not yet issued solid guidance as to dosage levels or guidance on the different formats, so the question remains, what is the best way to take CBD, and how much do you take?

CBD is available in many different formats, from flavored gummies and candy, CBD oils, tinctures and salves, and even in things like CBD-infused beverages (including beer!). Each format has a different absorption rate, however, and the best way to get CBD into your system quickly and to get the full benefit of it is through either taking drops under the tongue or vaping.

CBD vape oils and vape juices have gained popularity, not just because you can feel the therapeutic effects of CBD more quickly, but also simply because of the popularity of vaping. Besides the rapid effect, another major benefit of vaping CBD is that many CBD vape oils are available in a variety of flavors, which masks the taste of CBD, which some may find disagreeable or overly strong.

There have been some concerns over vaping due to news reports of EVALI, a lung disease that was initially attributed to vaping. Researchers have since discovered that the incidence of this lung disease was not caused by commercially available vaping products, but rather, from vaping bootleg THC liquids that used vitamin E acetate as a carrier oil. This was a concern for many to begin with, as vaping delta 8 THC is the new trend, but this research has shown that commercially available vaping products are safe for use. This is because commercial products do not use vitamin E, and CBD oils are safe to vape.

There is a difference however, between CBD oil and CBD vape juice, and consumers should be sure to get the right one. Vaping CBD oil, which is normally taken under the tongue, usually doesn’t work very well. Some CBD oils, which are meant to be taken orally, do use a food-grade oil such as canola oil or olive oil, and these are perfectly safe to ingest. It’s the same as the oils used in an Italian salad dressing. CBD vape juice, which is formulated specifically for vaping, on the other hand, does not use these food-grade oils because it would be too thick. Instead, CBD vape juice will often use vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol (NOT vitamin E oil, which is dangerous to vape). Propylene glycol is a safe ingredient that is commonly used as a food additive.

CBD vape juice is also available in flavors, and have not been affected by the FDA’s flavor ban. CBD vape pens and cartridges are also available, although if you’re looking for a flavored experience, the vape juices will be the better option. The cartridges do offer convenience and are disposable, in the form of an enclosed tank filled with a predetermined dosage of CBD e-juice and connected to a standard battery. Cartridges (pods) are also available and area compatible with most popular cartridge devices.

As with all CBD products, look for reputable retailers and manufacturers which offer CBD products that offer an independent lab test to verify CBD content and purity and the presence of other ingredients.

Best Ways to Quit Smoking and Change Your Bad Habits

Were you one of those people who said they’ll try out cigarettes just to experience the feeling of smoking without fearing you’ll get addicted? You probably said you could quit whenever and you won’t even start smoking actively, but before you knew it, what used to be casual smoke or two, had soon become smoking 2 packs a day. The benefit you got from smoking, where it made you feel less stressed or anxious, isn’t doing you good after all. You’ve found one of the worst ways to cope with challenging situations, so it’s high time you chose the other way. Even though bad habits offer certain types of pleasure, it’s essential that you start breaking the habit and turn to the healthy side of life. It will be very challenging to eliminate the habit in the beginning, but with the following steps, it won’t be too much of a hassle.

Start by cutting back

Whether you’re trying to give up junk food, smoking or any other bad habit, you must start gradually. No habit was developed overnight which means you can’t expect to quit that quickly either. For start, try smoking 2/3 of what you ordinarily smoke every day. So, if you need a pack a day to keep you satisfied, let that one pack last for at least a day and a half. Keep it up for a day or two and then try to slowly smoke less and less. Eventually, you’ll notice that your need for cigarettes is declining. Moreover, you can find some more helpful ways to kick the awful habit of smoking for good by taking a look at the resources on the CFAH website.

Avoid the triggers

Dodging triggers that make you want to smoke is crucial when you decide to quit. If you think about it, you get the urge to smoke only on specific occasions, such as after a meal, when you’re taking a break from work and need to chat with colleagues, or when you’re stressed out. When you commit to quitting, do your best to avoid the situations in which you want to smoke. According to reports, smoking kills more people in New Zealand each year than road crashes, so be sure to stick to your plan. Instead of chatting with co-workers in a room full of smoke, go for a walk. When you need to blow off steam and destress, work out instead of lighting the cigarette.

Switch to e-cigarettes

One of the good alternatives to smoking tobacco is to switch to electronic cigarettes. They can help you smoke less frequently and won’t have as bad an influence on people around you, as regular cigarettes will. You can find numerous vape shops in NZ and pick out the best e-cigarette for you. E-cigarettes are not as addictive as cigarettes and are likely to eventually help you quit for good.

Set yourself a specific date to quit

Another good strategy to help you quit smoking would be for you to set yourself a goal, and decide on what day you need to stop smoking for good. Whether it’s a three-month period or half a year, it doesn’t matter. All it matters is that you need to have a goal in front of you and strive towards achieving it. This will be especially beneficial if you’re competitive and you love to always win. What’s more, you should think about teaming up with a friend or family member who’s also on the road to breaking a bad habit and make a fun little competition out of it. Tell everyone that you’re going to quit smoking, throw away all the ashtrays and stashed cigarette packs from home, to get the feeling that you’re serious about your decision.

Replace smoking with new, better habits

One of the best ways to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. If you’ve spent hours smoking every day outside the house so you don’t pollute your home, you can spend that time with your family now. Play with your children, bake with them or simply talk about the day you’ve had. When you feel the need to smoke, go for a run or a swim instead. Keep yourself busy and start a new hobby that will have your hands wrapped up in any kind of activity so you don’t reach out for cigarettes.

Try alternative therapy

Behavioral therapy is one of the great ways to quit smoking because nicotine addiction has been shown to be related to the typical behaviors involved in smoking. Behavioral therapy will help you learn the causes of your smoking, showing you the right coping skills and leading you in the right direction of quitting smoking. Hypnosis has also been shown to have positive effects on smokers, making them break the bad habit quickly.

Learn craving management

Cravings will be your worst obstacles on the way to cigarette-free life, but luckily, you can control them with several strategies. One of them is among the most effective tricks and it involves you finding an oral substitute for cigarettes. When cravings hit, pop a mint, nibble on a carrot or celery sticks, or have a chewing gum nearby. If your mind is wandering, it’ll easily find its way to a pack of cigarettes, so make sure you keep it going all the time. Have a book within arm’s reach, flip through the magazine, or start doing a crossword puzzle. Becoming more physically active will banish the need for cigarettes too. Start walking more, create your workout plan to fill in the time you used to spend smoking, and think about having your 5-minute breaks to do a series of lunges, squats, push-ups, or pull-ups. Every time you feel a craving coming along do a series of exercises.

Final thoughts

Breaking a bad habit such as smoking will be anything but easy. However, if you’re determined to start leading a healthier life, you’ll have no other choice but to succeed in your mission. Start slowly and work your way towards the ultimate goal. Look for support in family and friends and you’ll soon find yourself free of the nasty vice.