Lifestyle – Page 9

4 Sleep Myths Debunked

A good night’s sleep is essential to continued good health, both physically and mentally.

While most people realize that not getting enough sleep is terrible for you and taking steps to ensure they get enough sleep, there are many misconceptions about sleep that most people don’t know about. Many of these myths can be dangerous to your health. Below you’ll find a few of the worst sleep myths, why they’re false, and how they are dangerous to your public health.

Myth 1: It’s Okay to Sleep Five or Fewer Hours a Night

The myth that it’s okay to sleep five or fewer hours a night is indeed false. While it won’t affect your health right away, sleeping for so little of a time consistently can have long-term effects on your health, both physically and mentally. Full-grown adults are supposed to get between 7 to 10 hours a night to stay healthy, depending on their age. However, the CDC has found that almost one-third of Americans sleep less than seven hours every night.

If you find that you’re not sleeping but five or fewer hours a night, you should try a sleep remedy such as melatonin gummies to help you get the rest you need in a natural way.

Myth 2: Being Able to Fall Asleep Anywhere is Healthy

Some people can sit down in a hard chair and fall asleep instantly or sleep whenever they decide. Many people feel that if they can do this, it’s healthy. The fact is that being able to fall asleep no matter where you are or at any time isn’t healthy for you. This is usually a sign of sleep deprivation. It can lead to many issues, such as having trouble concentrating, being irritable, causing an accident when you’re driving because you’re drowsy, and increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

If you feel that you’re always tired yet can sleep anytime, anywhere, it’s time to make an appointment with your primary care provider to find out what is causing your sleep issues. Hopefully, that will put you on the road to a restful night.

Myth 3: Snoring is harmless

Everyone snores now and then, after a long hard week or one too many drinks. But it’s not normal if it’s happening all the time.

While snoring itself can’t harm you, but it is annoying for your spouse, the snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea, which can hurt you. That is a severe sleep disorder that your doctor should check out right away. At the moment, there are over 22 million Americans that suffer from this condition.

When you have sleep apnea, you wake up constantly due to your snoring and being unable to breathe, so no matter what time you went to bed, you’re not sleeping and will continuously wake up exhausted. If you find that your snoring is waking you up every night and annoying your family, then you need to contact your primary care provider for an appointment to see if you have sleep apnea.

Myth 4: A Drink Before Bed Helps You to Sleep Better

It’s a well-known fact that though drinking will knock you out, the alcohol disrupts your sleep patterns. Often you will wake up feeling groggy and hung over the next morning. Also, if you already have sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia, drinking can heighten those problems, making them worse. You’re better off taking melatonin or drinking a glass of warm milk before bed and leaving the alcohol alone.

These are just a few of the myths out there about sleep that need to be dispelled. If you have problems sleeping, it’s best to contact your doctor to see if there is an underlying cause for your issue that needs to be treated.

Eliminate Stress and Improve the Quality of Your Life

If you’re looking to improve your life quality, there are a few actions you can take that come to mind.

Understand that life quality isn’t just the things we have control over. Some of what impacts us can also be an external force or motivator, and they each have different impacts on us.

For example, stress from a job, especially when you have to take on some leadership roles and tackle tricky situations and make difficult decisions, can lead to external pressures.

Perhaps you have to downsize or fire a team member and are afraid to take that action, or maybe you fret over the decisions you make, knowing that an error in judgment can impact the lives of all the members of your organization.

Look, we’re all human. It’s impossible to be in a position of having to make a difficult decision and not have some level of stress.

The key is to understand its damage and what we can do about it.

Whatever it is that you stress about, the reality is that stress can have significant impacts on our wellbeing.

So what can be done to minimize the stress in our lives and make us more effective in our roles and responsibilities?

Three words. Diet, exercise, and sleep.

The Benefits Of Diet, Exercise, And Sleep

Understand first that there are different types of stress, and they each do other things to our bodies and minds.

The first type of stress is the most obvious, which is harmful and is called distress. Over time, negative stress can weaken the immune system, impair brain function, and contribute to significant health issues making this form of stress a primary need for us to focus on changing.

This type of effect can manifest itself in insecurity, anxiety, fear of the unknown, job loss or performance, the tragic loss of a loved one, and many other ways.

Eustress, or positive stress, is the lesser-known and felt stress type. Positive stress can be an action that inspires, motivates, challenges, and strengthens us. Examples of positive stress are marriages, pregnancy, job promotions, recognition of achievements, and many others.

The most damaging of these two stressors is the negative form, and that is what we need to focus on eliminating as much as possible from our lives.

Diet

The saying, “we are what we eat” is as true today as it was when it was first coined.

Our bodies need high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins to survive.

Protein is the building block of all life, and high-quality proteins strengthen bones and muscles and provide large sources of energy.

Carbohydrates provide fuel in both short bursts and sustained energy and offer a large amount of fiber in the diet, which aids with digestion and weight control.

Fats, especially good fats that are found in fish, lean proteins, olive oils, and avocados, are the way your body sustains energy over a long period, aids in brain function, as well as nerve conduction.

The best time of the day to eat and eat well is breakfast. Studies show that people who have a balanced breakfast show improved mental function, have improved energy, and are typically healthier than those that skip this meal.

A good strategy is to start your day with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fruit. Eggs with bacon and avocado, a cereal made from whole grains like oatmeal, and fruit are great suggestions.

Exercise

Not everyone is a workout wonk. I get it.

But exercise does have some significant benefits for the body.

In fact, daily exercise for 30-minutes a day is thought to increase life expectancy and longevity. Additional benefits are improved cardiovascular health, muscle development and bone density, weight control, improved immune system, increased stamina, better energy levels, more profound and more prolonged sleep, and elevated moods.

Sleep

Of the three areas we need to focus on for a better quality of life, sleep is often the one we sacrifice first and the easiest. Why is it that we can be exhausted and skip an hour of sleep and think we’ll be better off for it?

Sleep serves as the way for the body and mind to heal and recuperate, aids in digestion, and reduces stress.

That’s right. We need rest to reduce our stress. If you’re in any leadership position, you probably are already under a lot of stress, so finding mechanisms to sleep better longer is critical for your well-being.

The Best Strategy To Make A Positive Change In Your Life Right Now

You shouldn’t need a significant life event to occur for you to want to change certain behaviors.

For many people, turning a specific age or dealing with a severe illness is the wake-up call they need to focus on their health, but you shouldn’t wait until then before you think about taking care of yourself and your health.

I know, I know, there are so many things we have to do that we can feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it.

From work, childcare, remote learning and work, cleaning, shopping, and making meals, today’s life has many challenges that we don’t even feel the stress building up until it’s too late.

This is why taking care of your health is so important. Stress can have short-term impacts but may also contribute to significant health issues if left alone.

Stress left unchecked can impact you in ways you may not even be aware of.

Stress can:

Lower the immune system making you more susceptible to illness.
Wreak havoc on your emotional wellbeing, even leading to depression.
Increase sense of fatigue.
Contribute to cardiovascular disease, be a cause for heart attacks and strokes.
Hamper brain function and cognition.
Impact sleep patterns making it difficult to feel rested after sleeping.

If you feel the need to make a change for the better, you need to develop a strategy to get you on the right path and one that you can maintain over time.

The biggest problem that people make as they try to change their behaviors is that they try to take on too much change without a reward system in place and lack accountability to their goals.

In fact, studies show that most resolutions fail by up to 80%.

So how do you make a positive change stick?

Make Your Changes Permanent

To make lasting behavioral changes, you first need to understand a few reasons you want to make that change and how it will benefit you. Ask yourself these questions. What is it that you want to change, why is it important, and how do you plan to tackle the issue?

Start With A Plan

When you figure out the what and the why of your goal, next start to plan the how. How do you intend to make this change, and what are the steps you can do to accomplish them.

If getting in better shape is something you’re considering, then looking to join a gym or exercise program at the local community center is a good starting point.

I know what you’re thinking. With childcare being so tricky right now, how can I take time to exercise? The answer is to find a gym with daycare, or a workout when the kids are in class or some other activity that you don’t need to be present for.

As you make the physical effort needed to change, another thing to consider is your nutrition. What you put into your body will either enhance the benefits of exercise or hinder your efforts. Think about changing your eating habits, the types of foods you eat, and considering supplements specific to your age requirements and needs.

Find An Accountability Buddy

As you act on your plan, the going can be easy at first. As you begin to get into a routine, there will undoubtedly be obstacles that will try to derail your motivation.

That’s why finding a person you can rely on, whether it’s a friend, family member, or coach, you need a person that can hold you accountable and motivate you to stay on track even when you don’t feel up to it.

Plan For Small Gains To Make Major Changes

When you’re planning your transformation, the best way to make progress is the one-day-at-a-time approach. When starting on a goal, the process may seem overwhelming, so finding a way to make small, easily achievable gains is the best way to create building blocks for success.

Think of it this way.

A marathon runner doesn’t focus on the distance, rather the step-by-step strategy. Focusing on putting one foot in front of the other allows the runner to dedicate to one thing at a time and not worry about the totality of the distance.

Understand Data Security in Database System Environment

A database system is not a standalone thing. Still, it consists of all components that control and regulate the data sources, data collection, storage devices, data management, and data usage in the database management environment. Data security is collecting preventive measures to protect data from any unauthorized access, corruption, leakage, or theft, etc. From the operational point of view, database systems are composed of five parts as below.

Hardware: It is the computer, network components, and allied devices.

Software: Including the operating system, files, utilities, file management systems, applications, and programs to generate reports from databases.

People: Data specialists, administrators, programmers, and database users.

Procedures: The policies and rules which govern the design and usage of the hardware and software components.

Data: The collection of all enterprise information.

An ideal database system will combine all this relevant information and provide ways to collect, store, and maintain all this information at a central location.

Parts of a database system

Database Management System (DBMS) is a program that organizes all the lists of information and maintains it.

Database Application, which is the program that lets you interact with the database and add, view, retrieve, and update information stored in the database management systems.

A DBMS is the platform on which the database system is based, which can be classified based on the number of users on it and based on the site locations and extent of use. The number of users of a database system determines whether DBMS is a single-user or multi-user system. Single-user DBMS’ support only a single user at a time. If the database runs on a personal computer, it is ideally called a desktop database, a single-user DB.

On the other hand, a multi-user DB supports more than one user by enabling simultaneous access and action to the database. If such a multiuser database supports only a limited number of users within a specific department inside an organization, it is known as a workgroup database. The larger databases, which are accessed by the users enterprise-wide, across many departments and locations, are known as an enterprise database.

Database site location is also used to classify the DBMS. For example, a database system that supports a database located at a single site is called a centralized database management system. A DBMS that supports databases distributed across various locations are known as distributed DBMS. The types of computer systems that a database can run are broken down into four broader categories: centralized, PC-centered, client-server DBs, and distributed databases. For identifying the appropriate database model for your organization, consult expert providers like RemoteDBA.com.

Database systems explained

Centralized database processing system

In centralized database processing systems, all the programs run on a major hosting computer, which includes DBMS, database application used to access and manipulate the database, and the network and communication facilities that send and receive data to and from the user terminals. Users can access the database through various connected locally or dial-up terminals.

Personal Computer

As we have seen above, when the DBMS is located on the local PC, it acts as both the host and user system. The database management functions and the database application are all combined into a single application. The PC’s database applications can handle all the user input and screen output and can access data on the disk. Combining all these functions into a single unit will give the database processing systems great control and flexibility, and speed. This further helps to reduce cost and also can decrease data integrity and security.

However, all recent enterprises are connected over Local Area Networks (LANs), and all individual computers function as a part of LAN. In a LAN, the user applications may reside on a File Server, a PC that runs a special Network Operating System (NOS) like Microsoft’s LAN Manager, Novell’s NetWare, or Windows NT, etc.

Client/Server DBMS

In the generalized approach to database management, the client PC is the computer from which the users request data and information. In contrast, the server offers the requested information delivered to the client’s PC. Database applications on the client PC are known as the front-end, which handles the screen operations and the user input-output processes.

The database server handles the “back-end system” of the client/server databases, where the server handles data processing based on the client queries and access the data storage disk. A user at the front end typically raises a query for the data from the DB server, and the front-end application then sends that request to the server through the network. The database server runs the DB search based on the query and sends back only the needed data against it back to the user.

Distributed processing systems

It is a simple form of distributed processing that has been there for many years. In the basic form of distributed systems, the data is shared among various host systems through updates and sent through a direct connection on the same network or through remote connections over the internet.

Data security

In the case of any database processing systems, data security is the major challenge for the database administrators. Secured data needs to be transferred from one server to another over the network at greater distances. For taking care of data piracy on data mining, appropriate security measures are necessary to be implemented. A very common method of data security is using user and password verification for data access. Data security needs to be implemented as a preventative measure in any database administration plan to protect your valuable enterprise data from theft, unauthorized access, or corruption.

All enterprises which deal with data and database management systems need to take appropriate measures to ensure data security as a priority. There are various vendors also offering data security support and plenty of tools to ensure the same. However, when it comes to data security, an organization needs to have its policies and procedures to ensure that the integrity and confidentiality of its data are protected well.

Live Better Through Natural Living

Natural living is more than a saying. It’s prioritizing what’s necessary for a healthy life and focusing on those things that are beneficial to a higher quality of life.

For some, a higher quality of life may be the ability to travel to far-off destinations and explore the wonders of the world. For others, the definition of a better life includes time to spend with loved ones, showering them in our love, and appreciating the memories being made.

Whatever your definition of a higher quality of life, the foundation is by adopting positive behaviors and beliefs. One of the keys to that is to focus on a more natural way of living.

What do I mean by natural living?

Natural Living Defined

Natural living means to be in harmony with the earth and choosing only to use sustainable, non-toxic, organic products rather than synthesized products. It focuses on the type of refuse we leave behind and the impacts on the environment that occur when making the product and foods we use.

For example, too often, cleaning products are made from harsh, toxic chemicals that may harm you and your family’s health over time. Choosing non-toxic ways and cleaning products that reduce your carbon footprint as well as eliminate any potential poisons from your home is a good tactic.

In fact, I made a video that walks you through how to clean your bathroom with non-toxins that illustrate the benefits of using sustainable products without compromising cleanliness.

Natural living is gaining traction throughout society, and the more people subscribe to that philosophy, the larger the impact on prices will be. Natural Living isn’t just for the rich, though processed foods are cheaper, they come with a hidden cost, impacting your health over time.

Positive Changes That Impact Our Lives And Our World

The health-cost of malnutrition and treatment options will far outweigh the grocery bill, so pivoting to healthier food alternatives is crucial for your health and wallet.

Most foods can be substituted for healthier alternatives, and some don’t even cost that much to replace. Switching to a plant-based diet can be more affordable than the processed foods we are constantly bombarded with at the grocer, on TV, and everywhere we go.

Another way to make a positive change in your life with the concept of natural living is to change your consumption of non-sustainable products. There is a whole slew of alternatives to many products, and a list of organic health products that cover a wide array of products from beauty, to cleaning, to mental health can be easily found online.

Taking an approach that prioritizes self-care is another way to shift toward a more natural living philosophy. We know that stress can build up and have subtle but severe effects on our health, and finding strategies to minimize that in our lives is crucial to a better life.

Establishing positive habits in our lives builds momentum to continue along that path. Whether it’s beginning to use more sustainable products in our homes, establishing an exercise routine, or taking time for mindfulness, these small actions start to take root. They are the foundation of the tree of natural living philosophy.

In other words, one small action creates energy that becomes another action. The series of chain-reactions creates a positive energy that we can build upon as we choose a better way to live.

Small Actions Create Major Change

Small actions and positive thoughts build upon themselves and become self-sustaining over time. As we adopt one new positive habit, we can add another one, then another, until we’ve established positive practices in our lives. The concept of natural living is a philosophy we can choose to live better and healthier.

Natural living is a philosophy, and we can take small actions daily toward living better.

It’s good for the environment, and it’s good for our health. To make the change to natural living is a process that starts with one small change than another. That chain of positive changes will create a momentum all its own, and one that will better our lives and our planet at the same time.

How To Improve The Quality Of Your Sleep

Even as things have slowed down in the past year, some studies show people at home are getting less quality sleep than before the pandemic. Studies show that people get more sleep, just less quality sleep, which is problematic.

Issues that may arise from poor sleep are increased risk of heart attack or stroke, lowered immune system, obesity, onset diabetes, and decreased mental function and wellbeing.

On average, researchers note that people are sleeping 15-minutes more per night during the pandemic than prior but that sleep lacks a deep sleep necessary for the benefits of that increased time to take hold.

One of the main issues is that people are having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep due to different stress levels.

Stress can be a subtle issue that can affect our moods, heart health, increase the risk of illness, decrease mental function, and increase the chance of depression.

3 Changes To Make And Get Better Sleep

To tackle getting better sleep, we need to consider focusing on improving our health, and there are three things to consider.

Improve Your Diet

First, change your diet and eat healthier. Salty or sugary foods impact the digestion of more natural sources of nutrition. Your body will break down the sugary sources first, leaving carbohydrates and starches to accumulate in the body as fats. Over time these fats build-up and can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular and digestive health and make you feel tired and sluggish but unable to sleep.

Eating well can lead to a whole host of improvements in your health and sleep habits. Sometimes sleep issues are derived from what we eat, causing allergies to digestive problems or even causing imbalances in our neurochemistry that impact our health.

Exercise Daily

Next, create an exercise regiment. Exercise will help you burn off any excess energy, tax your muscles and cardiovascular system, strengthen bones, and increase stamina. As a result, you’ll be able to eliminate additional stress from the body, making it possible to relax faster and get better quality sleep.

Exercise should be something that you enjoy and an activity you can maintain for a longer duration. Too often, people start an aggressive workout routine, become too sore, or injured to continue with it. The best strategy is to start slow and consult a professional to develop the right plan for your specific needs and health condition.

Get More, uh, Sleep

Third, get more sleep. I know this is a no-brainer, but increasing your overall sleep by 30 minutes a day will give your body more time to reach a deep REM sleep that works to regenerate and recuperate the body.

The reality is that we need to work on our rest by sleeping smarter.

Creating a sleep program is a good start.

Begin by having a period of time before sleeping designed to help you relax, whether that is doing some meditation, taking a bath, or other activity that soothes you and calms your thought process. Stay away from screens, tv, and alcohol right before bedtime as these all affect different parts of the brain and may impact our quality of sleep.

Another thing to do is make sure that the bedroom is for sleeping. Your brain will recognize patterns in your behavior, and how it establishes its concept of your bedroom, whether it’s seen as relaxing or stimulating, goes a long way toward the quality of sleep you may have.

Finally, taking natural sleep remedies can offer short, and long-term solutions to your sleep issues. Various natural sleep remedies range from valerian root, melatonin, passionflower, and more.

One of the best sleep aids to consider is using CBD byproducts and oils and using a CBN product.

Why does cannabis aid in sleeping? Many different benefits range from ease of pain and insomnia and create a sense of relaxed and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD refers to cannabidiol, the active ingredient in cannabis derived from the hemp plant. Meanwhile, CBN refers to the byproduct of THC as it ages. It is the abbreviated form of cannabinol, a non-intoxicating compound. A good option for someone who wants the benefits associated with cannabinoids but doesn’t want to experience the intoxicating effects would be to explore taking a CBN isolate. There are many products available on the market specifically geared towards relaxation and sleep.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

One of the best ways to show your love for your significant other on Valentine’s Day is to help the environment. You’ll probably create a stronger bond between the both of you because you’ll make it more meaningful. If you want to help save the planet this Valentine’s Day, there are many ways to have an eco-friendly holiday.

Buy Flowers and Chocolates from Sustainable Sources

You can buy plenty of different types of sweets from sustainable sources, like caramel chocolate candies and truffles. Besides this, beautiful flowers can be purchased sustainably. For example, choose locally grown flowers, inquire about sustainable growing methods and avoid plastic. When you buy eco-friendly items, you have the chance to support the ethical treatment of laborers, offset carbon emissions, save rainforests, and protect wildlife and the ecosystem, among other things. You can give your valentine chocolates and flowers together or choose only one.

Choose a More Ethical Restaurant to Dine At

Instead of dining at an ordinary restaurant, go somewhere that has higher ethical standards. For starters, you can dine at a restaurant with locally-sourced ingredients on the menu. Another idea is to eat out at a vegetarian or vegan place. Going vegan can help fight climate change and is often recommended by health professionals for better health.

Rescue an Animal from a Shelter

One of the most selfless things you can do for Valentine’s Day is to rescue a shelter animal. You can adopt a dog or cat and give it to your significant other. Additionally, you’ll be saving an animal’s life and giving it to someone who could give it the unconditional love it deserves. Beforehand, be sure your valentine would like to have a pet, so you don’t end up having to give it back.

Make a Charitable Difference Together

Giving love to those less fortunate is one of the best ways to show you care about your valentine. Make your connection more meaningful than ever by sharing experiences you’ll always remember. For example, give to the homeless, an animal shelter, or an environmental nonprofit. Furthermore, consider making donations to worthwhile charities in each other’s names, and wait until Valentine’s Day to reveal the details.

Express Your Emotions by Creating Art

Getting creative with the person you adore can help you express your love for one another. You can paint a picture of him/her, draw a rose and color it red or make a bouquet of pretty paper flowers. Another idea is to make a Valentine’s Day card to express your personal feelings. You can develop your own ideas for creating lovely art that shows just how much you care.

Create a Romantic Playlist

Music can be one of the best ways to communicate your love. You can make a romantic playlist of love songs you both enjoy listening to. Alternatively, if you’re musically inclined, try creating your original music to share with your valentine; this could be playing a musical instrument or even singing a love song.

Other eco-friendly ideas include eating a romantic dinner you cooked yourself at home, purchasing a handmade gift that supports charity, planting a tree together, among others. Contributing to help the earth for Valentine’s Day can improve your relationship. You have the chance to grow your love by doing meaningful activities. After all, real love comes from selfless acts of charity towards the person you love and for those in need.

Living Naturally As A Way To Being Happier

Learning different ways to handle stress and other challenges in our lives can be tricky but is crucial.

There are times in our lives that things seem to be overwhelming and it feels like no matter what we do we’re behind the eight-ball and life is stacked against us.

The reality is that this is just a perception of what is happening around us and not absolutely true at all. Not to discredit your concerns, but the truth is that a lot of the obstacles that we face are strengthened by how we perceive them.

Studies show that perceptions affect us in a variety of ways and that these expectations influence what information we select to adhere to.

Why does this matter?

Well, if the challenges we are confronted with are strengthened or weakened by how we perceive them, then how we think becomes how we act.

Saying that there are real challenges that we sometimes can’t understand why they’re occurring. For example, a chronic illness doesn’t become any less serious because we think about it differently, but how we adapt and handle those situations is important.

Or consider a sleep disorder. The underlying cause could be from the feeling of anxiety or stress, which may also be an underlying cause of something more severe, but there are things you can do to minimize how much sleep is impacted.

Strategies to Make a Happier, Healthier Life

So what can you do to minimize the feeling of overwhelm that we all have to deal with at times?

Making the decision to transition from standard ways of doing things to a more alternative way can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure of what you can do.

We have some great strategies that can help you regardless of the circumstance, so read on to find the one that is right for you.

Learn Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of having a calm about you and focus on the present moment. The act of mindfulness is thinking only about the moment and ignoring fears, concerns, and excitement about any time other than the present. To achieve mindfulness it takes a routine that allows for a relaxed body and mind, and a focus on the moment. Yoga and meditation are good routines to relax the body and brain.

Set An Exercise Routine

Exercise does a variety of positive things for the body. First, it elevates the heart rate, improves the cardiovascular system, strengthens bones and muscles, enhances the immune system, aids in digestion, and releases stress from the body.

The main thing to keep in mind about exercise is that in order to get any real benefits from the workout is that you have to create a routine that you can continue. Too often people make the mistake of trying to do too much all at once, get injured or burned out, and lose the motivation to continue, ruining any positive progress they’ve already made.

Choose Natural Living

Natural living is the philosophy of having harmony with nature meaning prioritizing sustainable foods, non-toxic, and organic products. A person living by this philosophy can have a sense of calm, freedom, and connection with themselves and others.

Alternative Therapies

Choosing to live a natural living philosophy also informs the majority of our thoughts and actions. Exploring alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, use of pure cbd oil, massage, and meditation are great ways to minimize any pain or other issues and help change the way you think about the obstacles you face. Additionally, alternative therapies can help alleviate sleep disorders, mental focus, and cognitive functions.

Eat Better

As the saying goes, “you are what you eat” should be in front of mind any time you think about what types of foods to eat. Moving away from a diet of processed foods to a more plant-based diet isn’t just healthy, it’s also a responsible way to eat sustainably.

Too many people think of better eating as being only something the rich can afford, the reality is that eating healthier provides the body with more energy, strengthens the immune system, and is more affordable than other diets that may lack any real nutritional value. The lack of any nutrition in standard diets also leads to possible costly long-term health issues.

Making a change from the typical lifestyle that we’re surrounded by can be difficult, but choosing a natural living philosophy is one that benefits your health, makes you more responsible toward your impact on the environment, and provides you with tools and mechanisms to live a long, healthy life.

Healthy Wedding Food Options Your Guests Will Love

You’ve reached the point in the wedding planning process where you must select food and drinks for your reception. Unfortunately, you have mixed emotions. You want to incorporate healthy foods, but you’re not sure your guests will respond well. When most people hear the word “healthy,” they automatically assume bland foods. Naturally, you want your friends and family to enjoy their meal, but you’re passionate about healthy living.

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to create a healthier reception menu without compromising flavor or taste. Here are some delicious ideas your guests are sure to love.

Go Organic

One of the simplest ways to create a healthier reception menu is to select organic foods. These are fruits, vegetables, meat, and other items made from all-natural, unprocessed ingredients. Eliminating or reducing the chemicals and additives present in the food improves your overall well-being. When making selections for your reception, talk with the caterer about the types of ingredients used to prepare the dishes. Ensure that they’re aware you prefer organic.

Farm To Table

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate healthy foods into your wedding reception while supporting a great cause, farm-to-table options are ideal. The idea is that all your foods are sourced from local farms. It helps to support the local economy while saving the environment. There are plenty of restaurants that advertise farm-to-table food choices that you can work with to create the perfect reception menu.

Vegan With a Flare

Vegan cuisine has come a long way from blocks of soy and raw vegetables. These days, chefs can make just about anything using vegan ingredients. There isn’t any type of food that can’t be recreated for your guests, from soups and salads to burgers and fries. Grilled veggies on a skewer over a bed of quinoa and sauteed onions, eggplant parmigiana, or chickpea tacos wrapped in romaine lettuce with peppers and onions tastes just as amazing as the meat options. All it takes is the right seasonings and proper cooking techniques to wow your guests.

If you don’t want to go entirely vegan, there’s also the option to incorporate a combination of vegan and regular menu options for your guests.

Fruit And Veggie Appetizers

Another option for couples that want a healthy reception menu (but don’t want to go overboard) is fruit and vegetable appetizers. Ditch the pigs in a blanket, meatballs, and other traditional appetizer ideas for something with more nutritional value. A simple fruit salad drizzled with honey or chocolate or fresh vegetables with fancy dipping sauces is both simple yet delicious options. If you want to stay big on flavor, you can always opt for portobello mushroom sliders, zucchini fries, or baked macaroni and cheese balls. Your guests’ mouths are sure to start watering the moment they read this on the wedding invitations.

Smoothie Bar

Why not incorporate a healthy food station into your wedding reception? A smoothie bar is a perfect treat for your guests. The station would have various types of fruits, vegetables, juices, milk, yogurts, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients for everyone to make their own smoothie. Of course, it’s always good to have a few recipe ideas for first-timers who may not know what they want.

Salad Bar

Most people enjoy a decent salad before the main course. Instead of deciding on the typical garden and caesar or selecting something no one’s interested in eating, allow them to create their own salads. A salad bar complete with different fruits, vegetables, toppings, and dressings will surely encourage your guests to eat a little nutrition.

Part of what makes weddings unique is the personalization couples put in the details. If you and your fiance are passionate about healthy living and want to incorporate nutritional foods on your reception menu, go for it. As you can see from above, there are plenty of ways to add healthy choices without compromising taste or flavor. Your health-conscious guests will appreciate it while first-timers will get exposed to the good life – and love it.

5 Ways A Spa Day Can Rejuvenate Your Mental And Physical Health

Introduction

Spa Days aren’t just a luxury way to improve your appearance and pamper yourself. They can have a profound effect on both your physical and mental health, in many unexpected ways. Each of the wide variety of activities involved in a spa day; massage treatments, facials and spa facilities, can boost your wellness in a unique way!

Improving Your Circulation

Having good circulation is essential to your health. Not only does good circulation keep your organs healthy and running, but it is also responsible for preventing organ problems by removing the built up waste they produce. Good circulation also allows your immune system to run efficiently, helping your fight off illness. If your circulation slows down you’ll most likely start feeling tired and unable to concentrate, as well as having trouble remembering things. Poor circulation can even be the cause of early hair loss!

Thankfully a spa day can be a powerful way to boost your circulation and keep everything running smoothly. Massages and facial treatments are one of the best ways to relieve this problem, in fact, since the smooth movements on your skin naturally get blood flowing again. A session in the sauna will also improve your circulation thanks to their dry heat. In fact, for the same reason, a massage while in the heated Turkish Hammam can be a good idea if improving your circulation is a health goal.

Releasing Stress and Tension

Daily life can naturally be very stressful on you, and continued stress with no relief can leave you feeling exhausted, unhappy and unmotivated. A Spa Day is effective at releasing this pent up tension and stress in many ways. Firstly, changing your scenery and going to a spa that is designed to relax you and put you into a positive state will help your mind push worry away. Having a spa treatment will ease both physical and mental tension, and there are even specific anti stress treatments designed for the express purpose of relaxing you mentally.

Enjoying a relaxing swim in a pool, resting in a jacuzzi or pampering yourself in a sauna are also proven stress relievers, which can even help you sleep better at night! You might even opt to take a friend or loved one along with you on your spa day, since sharing such experiences with others has been proven to improve your mental health and self esteem.

Healing and Preventing Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries can be easily sustained, and may keep affecting your performance for quite some time. Specialised deep tissue sports massages are designed to heal muscle scar tissue, and help prevent injury from easily happening again. They will also ease muscle tension that would increase chances of injury if not relieved.

Saunas and jacuzzis are also excellent at relieving the pain from sports injuries, and a swim in a pool can be a safe way to exercise without making your injury worse. As mentioned above, spa facilities and treatments also boost circulation, which aids your body in the healing process.

Meeting Your Body and Your Skin’s Unique Needs

When you get a treatment during your spa day, you will be taken care of by expert therapists who will take your body and skin’s unique needs into consideration when helping you pick a treatment and performing it. Whether it’s facials that specifically target your problematic skin or your busy city lifestyle, massages addressing your current aches and pains, or recommending the perfect products to take home with you, you can be sure that you are in expert hands.

Improving Physical and Mental Health Through Exercise

Spa Days can be an amazing way to exercise for many reasons. Firstly, since you can exercise in a pool during a spa day, the exercise is gentler on your joints and places less strain on your body. You will gain muscle strength in a gentler way, making a spa day a good option for you if you are older, or if you have an injury. Best of all, swimming is one of the few exercises that works out almost all the muscles in your body. It’s also comfortable and luxurious; you won’t even feel like you’re exercising since you’ll be relaxing at the same time!

Concluding

As you now know, the health benefits of a spa day with Carisma Spa extend far from amazing spa therapy experiences, and you can benefit from many free facilities that also boost your physical and mental wellness. For 30 years Carisma Spa has been offering spa and wellness services. Carisma believes the world would be a better place if people nurture their body, mind, and soul to be the best version of themselves. As such their purpose is to help you become the best version of yourself. By providing a tranquil escape from the stresses of everyday life, they support your connection between body, mind, and soul.