Benefits of Respite Care: A Physical and Emotional Oasis for Caregivers

Being a caregiver is one of the most challenging things in the world, but, at the same time, it’s one of the noblest and most beautiful things you could do. Taking care of someone you know and love is something completely special, but caregivers don’t do just that. Caregivers look after different people, regardless of their sex, age, condition, and other factors – because that’s just what they do. This is why some caregivers start looking for help, wanting to be better at their job, and trying to give their loved ones the best care they can provide. Respite care is one of the ideas they take into consideration from time to time, and if this is something you’d like to check out as well, here are a few things you need to know first. 

 

What is respite care?

This amazing concept is great for all parties involved, simply because it provides everyone precisely what they need – the patients get amazing care, and their caregivers get some time off. This is why respite care is so popular and demanding all over the world right now, and if you’ve got a respite care facility in your area as well, don’t be afraid to look into it as soon as possible.

So, instead of taking care of your loved ones for a couple of days or a week or two, you can let respite care professionals do that in your stead. This will give you a chance to catch your breath and relax for a while, which is crucial if you wish to be a good caregiver. Lots of these people feel the burden of their position and are therefore under a ton of stress every single day, and that’s no way to feel if you want to be a good caregiver and protect your health.

 

Why is respite care good for you?

Because of that, respite care is a concept that provides you with several different benefits. You can take your mind off caregiving and dedicate some time to yourself and your hobbies. You can also spend some time in the open and do something good for your mental and physical health, or just hang out at home and spend some quality time with your friends.

All of these things are important if you wish to make the most of the time you’re spending taking care of other people. As mentioned before, the stress of this job is massive, and you’re going to start feeling it sooner or later, so as soon as you notice that you’re not as focused and determined as before, just take a break and let respite care take care of you and your care receivers.

 

Why is respite care good for care receivers?

Speaking of which, there’s another thing you have to keep in mind – respite care is a great option for the people you’re taking care of as well. Your care receivers will get all the best care and attention there, especially if you find the right place. What’s great is that there are so many different options when it comes to respite care, so all you need to do is pick a place that works for you and your loved one the most.

Still, you need to insist on quality when finding the right place. With so many places offering the same deals, finding the best won’t be easy, but keep in mind that only the absolute best respite care services will be good enough for your loved one, so stick to those that are professional, experienced, and versatile.

 

How long can you rely on respite care?

In most situations, respite care facilities are used for just a couple of days or up to a week or two. The reason for this is quite simple – most caregivers love their job, and they’re not looking for a way out. 

Instead, they just need some time off every once in a while, and that’s it. In other words, while you can leave your care receiver at respite care for a couple of months, most people go in another direction and leave them there for just a day or two. Still, this is enough to do everything you need to do, and that’s the point of hospice care.

Again, being a caregiver is a responsible and challenging thing to do, but if you know that respite care is there for you, it doesn’t have to be that hard!

DIY Ways to Make Your House More Eco-Friendly

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children” — goes the ancient proverb.

With active initiatives being taken to make planet Earth more habitable for the future, the trend of “green living” is in full swing.  

Wondering how to get on with the eco-friendly lifestyle changes and make your home “greener”? Taking baby steps can be a good thing because often the small changes have bigger impact than we realise.

To get you started, here is a list of some amazingly simple DIY initiatives for an eco-friendly home. 

1. Get window treatments for better insulation

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A well-insulated home can mean reduced energy bills. Heavy curtains and glazed windows can not only help you hold on to your privacy but also keep your home insulated against harsh outdoor temperatures. 

 2. Exercise your green thumb

Pots of lush greenery around the house can not only elevate your mood or home ambiance but also add freshness to your indoor air. So raise your green thumb to adorn your home sustainably.

 3. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Got food scraps to throw away? Put them in the compost bin to generate organic fertiliser for your kitchen garden. Dump the glass bottles, pet jars, paper, etc. into the recycle bin for another chance at life. 

 4. Opt for native grass for a lush green lawn

Indigenous grass-like Nullarbor Couch Turf are perfect for the Aussie climate and need very less water to thrive. Yet, these are much more luscious than artificial lawns. Opt for native grass and reduce soil erosion, improve air quality and above all, establish your connection with nature.

 5. Switch to energy-efficient lights

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CFL and LED lights consume less power. They also produce less heat than incandescent bulbs which means your home remains comparatively cooler. This means your energy bill is minimised in two ways.

You can also plan for using solar energy in your home just like 23.5% of Australian homes already do. A simple installation of solar panels on rooftops can not only ease your energy bills but is also an excellent step towards sustainable living.

 6. Smart moves in the kitchen

Use your kitchen appliances smartly to reduce power consumption. While using the oven, make sure the door is properly closed. Use appropriate appliances. Moreover, take an effort in planning, prepping, and storing your meals to reduce food wastage. 

 7. Make your own cleaning liquids

Why throw away the lemon peels? Use them instead to make your cleaning liquid that can do a wonderful job of cleaning almost every surface that you can reach without the hazardous chemicals of the store-bought ones. 

 8. Save water with water-efficient showerhead

Did you know that the regular showerhead drains 25 litres of water per minute while a water-efficient variant will do the job in less than the third volume of water? Make the smart move today and save water.

Come to think of it, plastic pollution started with the use of the first single-use plastic product. C02 emissions reached dangerous levels with unbridled power consumption. And now, it’s our turn to negate this effect with one small step, taken en-masse. With these small changes, you’re more likely to set yourself for success in shifting to a more eco-friendly way of living. 

 

How to be an Eco-Friendly Parent

Being eco-friendly can seem impossible when you have kids. There are enough things to worry about without having to parent the planet, too.

But it doesn’t have to be too tricky to try and live a little more sustainably. In fact, if parents instill a more eco-conscious mantra into themselves, the world will hopefully be a better place for our little ones in the future. Just look at the auto industry, right now every brand in the auto industry has a 100% electric car in the offer that offers best auto insurance for green living. But there’s a lot to do in other business areas and industries!

With more and more brands becoming more eco-conscious and the conversation about our impact on the planet being brought to the forefront, people are finding ways of making parenting a little more sustainable and planet-friendly.

Here are three ways in which you can be an eco-friendlier parent.

Cheeky Panda Biodegradable Nappies

Nappies have long been an unsustainable necessity for new-borns. Unfortunately, there aren’t many out there that are very eco-friendly. Nappies normally end up on a landfill, piling up endlessly.

Luckily, Cheeky Panda’s Biodegradable Nappies, made from bamboo, have very little impact on the planet. They’re two-thirds biodegradable and plastic-free, plus they boast ‘Aqua-lock’ technology save from unfortunate spills.

Because they’re made from bamboo, they’re also naturally hypoallergenic and soft on baby’s skin. Cheeky Panda also make super soft bamboo baby wipes, which are also biodegradable and good for the planet!

 

Plastic-Free toys

Plastic is baaaad. Everyone knows it (now anyway, back in the day nobody paid much attention).

One way around facing the war on plastic is to avoid buying toys and games with BPA in them. BPA is the bad one which is toxic and lives on the Earth for years and years.

Brands like Green Toys are great eco-alternatives to toys made from plastic. You can even subscribe to monthly toy box clubs, which will send your child a box of toys to play with each month, which you then send back. Toys are then cleaned and sent on to another lucky child! It’s the ultimate circular economy.

Green cleaning

When struck down by a stain or your surfaces need a sweep, take a look in your food cupboard before reaching for the spray bottle.

Cut down your use of harsh chemicals in your cleaning kit. These are potentially harmful and toxic, something you don’t want your baby breathing in.

Alternatively, use natural cleaning products such as lemon or vinegar, around your home. These are just as effective at killing germs, wiping down surfaces and making sure your home is sparkling clean. Plus, they’re loads cheaper in the long-run.

By using natural ingredients, you’re reducing your plastic use as well as your waste. Plus, you’re reducing the chances of your baby coming into contact with toxic substances.

 

It’s no secret that kids can be an environmental nightmare – the amount of ‘new’ things they require as they grow up is enormous – much of which is disposable and single-use.

However, with just a few small changes like the ones above, you can reduce your impact and effect on the Earth for not only yourself but your little one, too.

List of Evergreen Presents That Every Woman Desires

Since ancient times, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts has been in existence and has transcended to the modern age. Today’s gifts are more chic and streamlined, but the joy of gift-giving has remained constant throughout the ages.

When it comes to getting gifts for women, you can always celebrate them with fun gifts like a coffee table book and personalized photo calendar or take the functional route with cookware and tech gadgets. There are a variety of evergreen gifts that every woman would want to receive, but if you are having trouble picking out a gift, checking out gift guides by Amanda Seghetti could be considerably helpful. 

If you need more inspiration, there are plenty of great ideas at Presently – a group gift-giving platform that makes it easy to collaborate on a gift or card.

When choosing an evergreen present, you have to explore more options. Although you can never go wrong with a thoughtful card and flowers, there are still various unique gifts you might want to consider.

What Evergreen Gifts Would Be Perfect for Any Woman

Home Decors

Home Decors

Decorating a home is important to everyone. Choosing a gift that helps the recipient enhance the appearance of their home will make them happy and extremely appreciative.

Books

Books

One of the things that will never go out of trend is books. Nothing else could teach the knowledge, characterization, and habits that books do. Choosing to gift your loved one with books that they can learn more from is without a doubt one of the best presents you can give.

Self-Care Products

Self-Care Products

Giving a gift that can help pamper, soothe and relax your loved one makes them feel extra special. Everybody wants to experience relaxation and comfort after having a long and hectic day; therefore, you might want to get presents such as fairness creams, skincare products, cushions, sofas, and more.

It’s great that more and more brands are becoming eco-conscious so there is a lot of zero waste products to choose from! If you’re looking for ethical and sustainable gifts, check out Friendly Turtle. They offer a great selection of wonderful vegan and eco-friendly self-care products, and we’re sure that you’ll find a perfect gift in their store!

Photo Art

Photo Art

Photographs have more sensitive and emotional values. When you see a photo that you had posed for a while back, you recall and enjoy the memories of that moment. Gifting your loved one with photo art is one of the best evergreen gift ideas for any occasion.

Tickets

Tickets

Giving surprise tickets to a destination where your recipient loves to experience or for a music event is also a great gift idea. After giving such a gift, your recipient would be more than pleased.

Cakes

Cakes

Cakes are presents that suit every season and occasion. Luckily, there are several varieties of cakes to choose from. Like most evergreen gifts, cakes do not last long, but the memory of the moment you handed the cakes over to your loved one will never fade away.

Jewelry

Jewelry

Every woman desires beautiful jewelry that will add a special touch to their outfit. This doesn’t have to be anything costly – it can be a fun pair of earrings or a colorful necklace made of recycled materials. Jewelry is without a doubt a special gift item, and you can make them more special by engraving the name of your recipient or dates that might be significant to them.

Gift or Cash Vouchers

Vouchers

Due to the increased reliability of technology, online shopping has become more essential. In the event that you are unable to visit your loved one on a special occasion, you should get them an online gift or shopping voucher that allows them to shop for what they need. Gift vouchers are also great evergreen present ideas.

Chocolates

Chocolates

Almost every woman has a craving for chocolate and chocolate treats. Just like cakes, the memory of presenting this gift is what makes it special. Chocolate is an ideal present for any occasion is bound to put a smile on the recipient’s face.

Food Hampers

Food Hampers

If you wish to gift your loved one with something useful, then you should consider giving them food hampers. No woman can deny the allure of receiving a basket full of food and cooking items that they use on a daily basis or occasionally.

Watches

Watches

Smartwatches make the best evergreen gift since they last for a very long time. With a variety of watches for women, you can easily find a branded, up-to-date, stylish watch for your recipient.

Clothes

Clothes

Everybody needs clothes and wouldn’t mind adding to the ones they already have, which makes clothes the perfect evergreen present. Choosing clothes for your loved one wouldn’t be a daunting task since they come in different colors, sizes, and designs for people of all ages and at affordable prices.

Electronic Products

Electronic Products

A lot of people today would like to enjoy the benefits of having a digital camera, tablet, smartphone, iPod, amongst other electronic products. Receiving such gifts will definitely make a world of difference to your loved one. 

Roses

Roses

You just can’t go wrong with roses. They are the ultimate gift for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, weddings, and all different kinds of celebrations. There’s a variety of colors to choose from, depending on the message you’d like to send or the recipient’s favorite color. You can get her a single rose, a bouquet, or even a teddy bear made of roses. If you want to go a step further, make sure to check out the Made of Rose shop. You will find a large selection of gifts made of roses – hearts, bears, puppies, and even unicorns!

Choose the Best Gifts

Many people think that it is easy to choose and buy gifts, but that is not true. With over a thousand gifts to choose from, picking the right one would be a little more problematic than you would think, especially because you can not buy the same gifts over and over again.

When choosing a gift, you need to consider something unique that aligns with your recipient’s preferences and needs. Exploring a few varieties would help you choose an evergreen present that would be best suited for your loved one.

 

3 Steps to Find Your Zodiac Sign Love Match

It’s an exciting time to be single. We meet people we would never meet in real life thanks to dating apps. There are more opportunities than ever to find the right person (or people) for you as our perception of love, gender, orientation, and relationship evolves. The pick-up line “what’s your sign?” is as helpful as ever, whether you’re a girl or a boy.

However, if you struggle on your first date and find ways to break the ice, we would suggest that knowing your future match’s and your sign would be better. It would help you know whether you are compatible or not.

Is it possible to find a love match with any of the zodiac signs? Yes, we agree! It’s all about recognizing the distinct energies that exist between your signs, which are dictated by their separation. If you are worried about finding your zodiac love match, you should continue reading as we will suggest some easy steps that you can follow and find the perfect partner for yourself.

Know about the elemental classification of easy zodiac sign

Each sign has a fundamental meaning, bearing one or more characteristics of the earth’s natural powers, in addition to its constellation type. The following are the classifications:

The element of fire

Enthusiastic, confident, and charismatic are the characteristics of fire signs. They’re also resourceful, charming, and self-assured. Sagittarius, Leo, and Aries are all signs that can achieve fame and fortune if their signature strength is well-channeled. Fire signs can sometimes be needy, selfish, and vain. They can also behave rashly and can be hot-tempered.

The element of earth

Earth signs are loyal, grounded, and skilled at acquiring money. They like more refined things in life, such as fine dining and a glass of good wine. They’re sensual beings. Earth symptoms are thoughtful and practical. Earth signs may be inflexible and stubborn, just as they can be faithful. Usually, it’s their way or the highway for them. Their desire for material possessions can lead to overindulgence and laziness.

The element of air

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the air signs, and they are as sharp as a tack and very rational. They are excellent communicators and have excellent social skills. Instead of thinking emotionally, air signs think objectively and rationally. However, sometimes Air signs may be erratic, distant, and cold. They are unquestionably the signs that are most likely to abandon you or easily forget about you.

The element of water

Water signs are receptive, intuitive, and have a strong sense of self. They have an emotional component and are highly creative, and they feel everything. They can make great artists. They are devoted and caring individuals. However, they can also be irritable and suspicious at times.

Get to know about the compatible Zodiac signs

While looking at two people’s entire natal charts can give you the most in-depth look at astrological compatibility, you will usually find natural compatibility between two people whose birth charts have trines between their planets. The trine is the most positive and harmonious angle between two signs, indicating four signs apart.

There is a general zodiac rule, according to which the element of air is most compatible with fire, while earth and water signs are also said to make the best pair. Other compatibilities exist outside of the traditional elemental matches, and they often revolve around the complementary characteristics, tastes, and emotional actions of the various signals.

Sagittarius and Aquarius, Pisces and Capricorn and Virgo and Virgo are examples of good zodiac compatibility—people born under the same sign are also very compatible.

If you want to learn more about horoscopes and know which sign is more compatible for you, then we suggest you visit astrostyle.com and get to know about everything you want!

Check which signs have low compatibility

There are no genuinely incompatible signs in the zodiac; instead, there are varying degrees of compatibility, the strongest of which are given in the standard elemental pairings. Any two signs from different basic classes, on the other hand, are less likely to have the qualities needed to form a solid, long-lasting bond.

What causes incompatibility?

The most common cause of incompatibility is opposing personality characteristics, leading to conflict, and making communication difficult. Even if they are theoretically compatible, a specific feature of a sign can be too much for the sensibilities.

Finding your zodiac sign love match is just three steps away. All you have to do is follow these easy steps, get as much information as possible, and begin your hunt to find the perfect match!

Greenify Your Commute: 5 Tips for a More Eco-Conscious Drive

When you think about your workday and the things that you enjoy about it, does your daily commute immediately come to mind? If you’re not a fan of the to-and-fro ritual of getting to work, don’t worry: you’re not alone. Research has indicated that an employee’s daily commute is one of the least favorite parts of their workday, and for good reason.

Not only does your commute have a severe negative impact on the environment, but it also is terrible for your overall well-being, too. Sitting in gridlocked traffic has been shown to raise your blood pressure and cortisol levels, and that doesn’t even begin to touch on the damage it does to our already fragile ecosystem.

Fortunately, greenifying your daily commute doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By implementing these five simple tips, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and finally start to enjoy your workday a little bit more.

 

Work Remotely

These days, many employees are choosing to work remotely. Furthermore, these work-from-home numbers are expected to remain consistent in the coming years. The COVID-19 pandemic required many employees to take their work home with them, and once the quarantine has lifted, this change should still remain the norm.

If you’re looking to minimize your carbon footprint, why not just work from home? Not only will you be able to avoid the tedious commute and its toll on our already limited fossil fuels, but you can also enjoy the pleasure of working from the comfort of your own house. Even working from home one or two days a week can benefit the planet greatly.

 

Take Alternative Transit

One of the best ways you can reduce your fuel consumption in your commute is to consider alternative modes of transportation. Taking your city’s public transit system, whether it’s through the bus or a light rail, can help offset the wastefulness of your commute.

Of course, public transit isn’t the only way to get to work, either. More and more people are embracing e-bikes, as they are fast, efficient, and don’t leave them reeking of sweat when they get to work. Or, if you live close to your workplace, why not consider walking it in? You’ll get a nice, gentle cardio workout, and it’s arguably the greenest method of commuting possible!

 

Carpool with Coworkers

If you and your coworkers happen to live in the same neighborhood, it wouldn’t hurt to reach out to them and discuss the possibility of sharing a ride to work. Not only is this a more environmentally friendly way to commute, but it’s also a fantastic way to reduce the cost of your daily drive, as well.

Other benefits of carpooling include less wear and tear on your own vehicle, and you can share the cost of fuel between one another. Even if you can only get one or two coworkers together, you’ll still be doing a huge part in helping to protect the environment.

 

Invest In an EV

Today’s electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way from previous generations. They get more miles to the charge, and they’re one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation available. The newer generations of EVs are also much more attractive and more sporty than older models, too.

Keeping your EV charged is fairly simple, too. Many of them can be charged overnight in your garage, but there are also many public car charging stations scattered around most mid-sized metropolitan areas. That way, you don’t have to be worried about running out of “fuel” when you’re only halfway home!

 

Work Longer Hours

This tip may seem counterintuitive, but don’t dismiss it before you give a moment or two of consideration. While nobody actually likes to work longer hours without an immediate, evident reward for their efforts, this one may be worth it for you. Sneaking an extra two hours on your workday, a mere four days per week, can pay off multifold. 

Not only will you have less of a commute to contend with, but you can also enjoy one extra day off per week, since you finished your workweek duties early. However, this suggestion isn’t for everyone. If the thought of 10-hour workdays is too much for you to bear, then it’s understandable if you decide to skip it.

 

A Greener Commute and Happier You

If you’re getting burned out on the 9-to-5 grind, and you’re ready to reduce the amount of time you spend in traffic, then now is your chance to introduce a positive change to your commute. By simply introducing one or more of these easy, eco-conscious transportation tips today, you can both help improve your health and benefit the planet for a better tomorrow.

Ultimate List of Things to do to Support Aboriginal Culture

Here in Australia there is a large amount of people who want to learn and understand more about the native aborigines. A recent study found that 54% of the general community in Australia would like to do more to close the gap between these two communities. A further 71% of people who were surveyed said that they are unsure as to how they can go about doing this. The most obvious option here is to ensure that we are doing all that we can to support the aborigine community, and here are some steps on doing just that.

 

Buying Products

The colors and patterns which the native people use in their artwork is truly spectacular and if you buy some of these items for your home, you will be directly supporting aborigines. At stores like Welcome to Country you’ll find a range of products online which you can buy, and you will be doing a great deal to support the community in the process.

 

Meet Aborigines and Ask Questions

 Aborigines love their cultural heritage and they are more than happy to discuss it. There are only so many books which you can read, but the real stories come from the mouth of the descendants of this fascinating culture. If you know aborigine people or meet them, don’t be afraid of asking more about their culture and way of life.

 

Buy and Listen to Aboriginal Music

 This country has a rich variety of aborigine musicians stretching across a board array of different styles. From rock to hip hop and everything in-between a lot of native musicians like to use their songs to teach more about the aborigine culture. Not only will you be learning through this route, but you can also ensure that you are supporting the culture financially.

 

Visit Ancient Sites and Contribute

 If you check the website for the Aboriginal Land Council you will find a huge array of sites where you can visit that will teach you more about this culture. There are sacred sites all over the country and many of them will have stores and learning centers. Here you will be able to get a better grasp of why these sites are important and also donate some money to the community to keep operations going.

 

Read Aboriginal Newspapers

 There are daily newspapers such as the Koori Mail which is a 100% aboriginal owned and run newspaper. This will give you news and insights on what is happening with the culture and will keep you up to date with what is going in that world. The newspaper can be found both in print and online, and you the proceeds of which go towards keeping the newspaper going and helping them to reach a broader market.

 

This is after all our heritage and it is essential that we all work hard on closing the gap and bringing aborigines back to the forefront of who we are as a nation.

4 Ways to Take a Technology Break

Living through a pandemic such as the one plaguing the world for the majority of 2020 into 2021, people relied on technology more than ever before. It was not only a safe window into the outside world; it was, in many cases, the only connection to family and friends. And for many people, technology was the only way to make a living while remaining safely inside their own homes.

And while tech is necessary in modern times, it’s important to take technology breaks and get out into nature. It’s essential to get fresh air and sunshine, and you need to give your eyes a break from the constant barrage of screens. So, here are four easy ways to step away from your electronics, even if it’s just for a little while.

Go For a Walk

One simple way for some technology-free time is to take a walk without your phone. That might seem crazy to those born after the invention of the cell phone, but if you have it with you on your walk, it can be too tempting to pay attention to it instead of your surroundings. 

Be sure to let someone know your route before you head out and approximately how long you’ll be gone. To keep track of time, instead of using your phone, strap on one of those antique watches sitting in your jewelry box and put it on your wrist so it can get some wear time.

Then, take some water with you, lace up your shoes, and enjoy a walk in the sun. It might be just the thing you need to rejuvenate your soul and reduce your stress level.

Take a Dive

If you have access to a pool, lake, ocean, or another body of water that allows swimming, take some time to dip in and have a swim. This is a good choice if you have trouble leaving technology behind because being in the water forces you to do so. 

Swimming is a good way to take your eyes off the screen and into the world, it’s good exercise and a powerful stress reliever. Bringing the family along is also a fun way to make memories and splashing around is usually popular with the kids.

Drive a New Way

Before GPS became available to the masses, it was pretty common to get lost on a drive, which wasn’t always bad. Taking a new route can lead to new discoveries and the possibility of seeing sights you wouldn’t otherwise see on your normal drive to wherever you’re going. You don’t have to go to the extreme of getting lost but take an effort to drive a different way to a familiar place and see what you might be missing.

Kitchen Science

Whether you know your way around the kitchen or not, it’s always fun to try a new recipe. But instead of looking one up on your phone or tablet, grab a cookbook, choose a recipe, and get cooking. The recipe’s newness will keep your mind occupied and away from your tech toys for the duration. Plus, you get to enjoy some new food with your family when the cooking is complete, so it’s a win-win.

Look Up and Take Notice

There’s so much technology all around us that it’s easy to get sucked in, stay there, and still never see all there is to see online. But it’s important to step away and get a much-needed break from the constant stream of information in front of your eyes. Making an effort to drink in your surroundings without technology will go a long way toward a balanced life.

How to Raise Eco-Conscious Children

In today’s hustle and bustle world, it’s easy to get caught up in the “single-use” mindset, especially when convenience threatens to prevail over eco-friendliness. From disposable flatware to fast fashion and even planned obsolescence in technology, it almost feels as though the cards are stacked against the planet. As a parent, how can you show your children how to maintain the same values that you have, when it already seems so hard in the first place?

Fortunately, teaching your child how to be eco-conscious does not have to be an impossible task. While there may be a little bit of pushback from them, especially in older children, you can still help shape and mold their behaviors to be more green. By starting at a younger age, though, you can help ensure that your children are both eco-friendly and proud to be so!

Introduce Them to the Great Outdoors

One of the best ways to teach your children how to love the environment is to help them become more acquainted with it. If they’re cooped up indoors all the time, how can they grow to fall in love with the beauty of Mother Nature? Instead, invite them to explore the outdoors with you. Whether you take them hiking with you or just on a stroll around the block, these are great ways to teach them how to love the planet they live on.

Take Them Shopping With You

Many children don’t realize where food comes from. As far as they’re concerned, a magical fairy refills the fridge with their favorite things to eat, and then you cook it for them. Not only should you be showing your kids how to prepare easy, eco-friendly, and healthy recipes, but you should also educate them about where their food comes from. While taking them to your local farmer’s market is ideal, even a trip to your grocery store is a step in the right direction.

Show Them How to Recycle

Kids learn by watching their parents, and your role as a sustainably-minded parent is extremely important. If they see you using paper plates and plastic silverware, then chucking it when you’re done, they’re going to emulate that. Instead, teach them the importance of recycling. Not only should you try to minimize your carbon footprint, though, but you also need to take the time to educate them about waste and recycling.

Help Them Live a Clean Life

Unfortunately, adolescence is generally the time that most people start experimenting with illicit drugs. Not only can substance abuse start your child down a dangerous path, not only possibly affecting their future but also your household, but it’s also not environmentally sound, either. Illicit drug manufacturing is terrible for the environment and can leach into our groundwater, poison innocent animals, and cause toxic byproducts in our waste. If you’re struggling with substance issues with teens, then it’s essential to get them the help they need right away. You can learn how to raise a child and what are the solutions to common problems of children by visiting RealDiaperAssociation.

Teach Energy Efficiency at Home

Most of us probably have memories of our fathers chiding us for leaving the lights on in rooms we weren’t in, asking if we were trying to light up the whole neighborhood. While it may have seemed like a joke at the time, the fact is, there’s a lot of merit to your dad’s complaints. To help shape your child into an eco-conscious adult, you need to show them the importance of energy efficiency while they’re still young. They should be taught to not waste water or electricity, and if possible, you may want to upgrade to more greener appliances in your home, as well.

Instill the Love of Walking and Biking

What child doesn’t love riding their bike around the block? Not only can teaching your child to ride their bike give them hours of enjoyment, but it can also help teach them about reducing their carbon footprint when traveling, too. If you’re just going to the shop around the corner, why pile into the car and needlessly waste fuel? Instead, lace up your walking shoes and have your kids tag along with you, either on bike or foot. This is also a great way to get gentle exercise as a family, too!

As you can see, showing your child how to be more environmentally friendly doesn’t have to be overly stressful or lead to needless tears.

By employing actionable, simple ways to make your family more green, you can help teach your child to be smart, eco-conscious adults and instill good habits that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Taking Charge of Your Life

Do you find yourself constantly trying to appease others? That can you leave you in a situation where you are worn out and no longer living for yourself. If you continue to go down that path, you’ll have a lot of regrets later on. Thankfully, you have the ability to make positive changes that benefit your quality of life. 

 

The Homefront

A typical day for parents begins with getting children ready for daycare or school. It involves dressing, feeding, and driving all under stress. During the same timeframe, the parents are also getting dressed for work and collecting their thoughts for the job. 

That day-to-day chaos can make a sane person crazy. One way to reduce the madness and restore calm is to create a schedule. The organization is necessary to achieve order and a smooth flow of events. Picking out clothing the night before and having the bookbags, coats, and shoes ready will make the mornings uneventful. 

 

Aging Parents

Many adults with young children come face-to-face with where to put their aging parents. They currently live alone and are not able to care for themselves as they once did. Out of respect and gratitude, you may opt to have them move in. 

However, this is a huge undertaking and with children who have needs of their own and full-time jobs, this may not prove the best option. A better choice may be to sign on for private nursing care. A qualified person who works for a company can come a few days to bathe, cook and help with administering medications, taking a heavy burden from you. 

 

Your Health

Whether in your early 30s or approaching 60, maintaining your health will provide a good quality of life. Schedule an annual health checkup and if you feel off, contact your doctor and have them do a thorough physical. It’s also important to take ‘me’ time. Enjoy a day of self-pampering, and schedule a time to do the things you love. 

 

Faith in Your Abilities

Unfortunately, people stay in jobs that offer no incentive for advancement simply because they don’t have faith in their abilities. They figure they have a good-paying job and accept the terms. Taking charge of your life means that you no longer accept the status quo. If you’re not getting promoted within a certain time frame and there’s no room for advancement, you need to seek other employment. By remaining in place, you’re setting yourself back both emotionally and financially. 

 

Positive Energy

There’s something powerful about remaining positive. That is not to say that events in your life can cause you to be temporarily negative. However, when you focus on achieving goals instead of creating an endless wish list, things start to happen. Happy thoughts work the same as exercising. 

When you become energized about doing something your body releases endorphins and you instantly feel good. Being optimistic about a possible outcome enables risk. You try something instead of avoiding it because of the possible negative outcome. Reinforce your efforts by keeping a circle of friends with the same positive attitude towards life. 

 

Intuition

Your intuition comes from a lifetime of experiences. When something happens your brain recalls similar situations and causes a gut reaction. You meet someone for the first time and either instantly like or dislike them. Or, you encounter a problem and instead of reacting in a negative manner, you work your way through it calmly. Listening to your mind and body can benefit you. 

 

Prosperity

A mounting pile of bills can cause enormous amounts of stress. In order to take control of your life, you need to get your finances in order. Create a household budget and stick to it. A budget will allow you to realize your dreams of financial prosperity. You will learn how to avoid wasteful spending and establish savings for things like a home, a car, vacations, and retirement.  

You have one life to live. By taking charge of your life you’re promoting health, happiness, and financial success.