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8 Things You Need To Fully Enjoy The Winter of 2020

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It’s true that the winter season may seem endless. After the stress and excitement of the Christmas holidays and all the happenings around the New Year, we face the cold wind of January, February icicles and March sleet. One more reason to make the warm atmosphere of your home contrast with winter’s routines on the streets. Wearing coats, runny noses, and ice-frozen ears, just like crossing our fingers every time we want to start the car, shouldn’t be the only things we remember about this season.

Whether you appreciate the winter, or you would like to sleep through the entire period as a bear, there are many ways to make this season more pleasant and relax in the comfort of your house. That’s why we’ve compiled some ways to teach you how to spend this winter season actually enjoying it.

1. A perfect cup of tea

Source:rd.com

As many of us already know, the tea is an excellent companion of our small winter home routines, but also a lovely addition to all friend gatherings. The beauty of it is that it is so easy to prepare and it can be done in seconds. Furthermore, tea comes in all different tastes which means that you can explore and pick your favorites. Isn’t there anything more beautiful than making yourself this warm beverage while it is snowing outside?

2. Typical winter food

Winter invites us to make changes in our routines. We shelter ourselves to withstand the low temperatures and we make radical changes in our food habits. The urge to eat salads or fruits stops here – and cravings for rich foods full of calories such as pasta, stews, meats, legumes, soups make their own way back to our everyday needs.

When we think of winter meals, we always think of succulent, steaming and refreshing dishes. These meals not only give us body heat, but the exact cooking process can bring a lot of heat and fun to the home. And yeah, it’s so relaxing on both levels – preparing the food for your friends and family or simply enjoying it yourself. In your cozy kitchen or in front of the TV. Alone or in a good company.

Source:youtube

Inventing a new recipe, in addition to giving wings to your creativity, will make you have a good time in the kitchen, as well. It’s not even necessary to be a super cook – not if there are dozens of Buzzfeed Tasty videos for dummies out there.

3. Great books

Apart from signing up for all the winter-themed outings, you can also take advantage and rest at home with some old, good. In this way, we manage to take refuge from the low temperatures for a while as we enter a completely new fictional world. For many, the perfect solution is to take that book that they left half-read a long time ago and finish it once and for all. Get all the novels, impressive thrillers or tear-jerking dramas you’ve always wanted to read, make yourself comfy in front of the fireplace – and the time that’s only yours can begin.

Source:heartspoken.com

4. A cozy blanket

There’s absolutely nothing like staying home during a cold snowy day with an irresistibly fluffy blanket that wraps us whole and leaves our body and our heart warm. Add some great movie, a big mug of smokin’ hot chocolate or mulled wine – and we have the perfect plan. The major point is: the blanket can’t be missing at home in winter. No way. Moreover, get yourself several, for each room in the house.

A plaid-designed one for the sofa, another lovely weighted blanket from YNM Home for the bed… One more here and there… Undoubtedly, there are many more reasons to enjoy the winter, but to make it warm and comfortable with this kind of addition is always number one. So, just roll inside your and the cold is over.

5. Lovely candles and sticks

Candles can be the final touch for a romantic dinner, but they also contribute to the temperature of the home releasing small amounts of heat after being lit for a while. Don’t be lazy – just put them around and enjoy the sparkling energy. One plus tip – don’t leave any lights on: that will let you sink completely into the atmosphere. In some Indian shops or other thematic ones, you can also find some magically fragrant incense sticks for your living room.

The best thing about all this? You can choose any scent that comes to your mind. Think about your favorite fragrances and aromas and make this idea come true. Your nose and your mind will be extremely thankful.

6. Meditation and yoga

Source:yogajournal.com

When this season comes, a sense of lethargy simply invades us. For many people, it’s the season where you least want to exercise – you just want to curl up somewhere warm and hibernate. But what if I tell you that yoga is one of the best practices to stay active, fight the cold and get warm?

A gentle physical exercise, which combines breathing, stretching and light movements, is the best solution to reactivate you. It sounds good, right? A morning yoga session helps us recover body temperature, prevents muscle stiffness and possible related pains, which are more common in winter. As yoga strengthens our body at a general level, including the immune system, its practice even helps keep viruses and bacteria at bay.

Not to even mention that, if you perform conscious breathing exercises correctly, you’ll also boost your immunity and feel much relaxed during the day.

7. A pamper session

Take out your favorite bath salts, fill your tub with water, light scented candles, turn on the music you love, pour yourself a glass of good wine and simply – indulge in the benefits of bubbles and soap.

At least half an hour of total relaxation will please both body and mind, and a warm bath is the most perfect way to let your brain graze and forget about any problems at work. Simply pretend your bathroom is a spa and after a good bath, treat yourself to a thorough beauty treatment. The result? Instantly ready for new challenges – or restarted, as computer geeks would say.

8. Sleeping well

Source:brooklynbedding.com

Winter days are all short, but the nights, oh, nights… It’s the season when you can enjoy sleeping even more. And there’s no better feeling than jumping inside fresh and clean sheets after a long day. For better dreams, make sure the ambient temperature doesn’t exceed 18.5º, as the opposite can lead to discomfort situations. It’s also recommendable that you change the sheets every week so that the quality of sleep is better and that the atmosphere in your bedroom stays comfortable. It should be perfect for spending more time in bed on your days off or on weekends, reading or just reflecting – as much as you want.

You know what you’re going to do tonight yet? We have one more suggestion: choose all those small, lovely things that’ll make you enjoy the season (even if it had always brought out the worst version of you!) and enjoy its rich range of possibilities.

 

How to Enhance Your Lifestyle in 2020?

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Many people consider a New Year as a fresh start and a chance to change and do things differently as opposed to the previous one. This is why many people have at least one New Year’s resolution of what they would like to change or improve in their lives, although many also fail to fulfill them as time goes by.

You might be one of those people who always write down their plans for the new year but struggle to attain them for various reasons. However, setting, carrying out, and achieving your goals and wishes does not have to be hard, especially when it comes to improving your lifestyle. No matter the scale of the changes you want to make, every one of them starts with small steps.

Firstly, you should be aware of what needs to be different, then have the inspiration and motivation to change, and lastly, be willing to commit to it. Keeping these steps in mind will help you make life-changing decisions, so let’s take a look at several ideas on what you can do differently this year to improve yourself and your lifestyle.

  1. Practice Self-Love and Self-Care

Source:mindful.org

If we want to be our best, we need to know how to appreciate and love ourselves. Set aside time every day and remind yourself about all the good qualities you possess. Get to know yourself truly and learn to accept your flaws as well. This way, you will be more aware and can even work on changing things you can or want.

Take time to pamper yourself at least once a month if not more and indulge yourself in your favorite activity whenever you can. Do things that make you happy and help you get rid off stress to energize yourself and face any challenges that lay ahead easier.

  1. Create a Different Morning Routine

Source:creativemarket.com

Routines might be difficult to change, but doing so might bring some great improvements in your life. For example, instead of grabbing your phone first thing in the morning, why not get out of bed immediately and start getting ready.

Play your favorite feelgood song and dance around for a few minutes not only to wake up but also to make yourself happier and more energized. Take time to prepare your breakfast and eat it at home, instead of skipping the meal and rushing out the door. Simply, fill your morning with activities that make you feel amazing, inspired, and motivated to do your best every day.

  1. Get Quality Sleep

Source:fullerlife.com

Sleep is not only important for our physical health but our mental and future health as well. Going to bed earlier might be a good idea and you do not necessarily have to go to sleep immediately but can enjoy reading or listen to music instead.

Getting at least 8 hours of sleep will ensure you have enough energy and concentration during the day and that you will be able to do everything efficiently and effectively.

The quality of our sleeping surface affects the quality of our sleep as well, so consider investing in items that will provide extra comfort and support. For example, changing the type of mattress you are using might do wonders for your body and mind, especially ones that offer extra-soft comfort like pillow-top ones.

These sleeping surfaces come with extra padding and they are particularly great for people who suffer from back or neck problems. If this has piqued your interest and made you consider getting one for yourself, you can find the best pillow top mattresses in this review.

  1. Take Care of Your Body

Source:alignthoughts.com

Going to the gym or taking some type of fitness class is a great way to stay physically healthy. However, if you do not have time to exercise regularly, there are other ways you can keep your body in great physical condition. For example, walk as much as you can and whenever have the chance.

If possible, go to work on foot or by bicycle instead of driving or using public transportation. This is not only great for your health but you can also enjoy your surroundings, spend some time outside, and feel the atmosphere around you.

Eating out or ordering takeout is not always bad, but doing it often is not healthy. Instead, try planning, preparing, and cooking your meals. Cooking does not have to be a chore, but it can be a hobby or fun activity for you to do. Not to mention that the food you prepare yourself will taste that much better.

  1. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Only doing things that make you comfortable might be holding you back. Take a chance a start doing something you are not used to. If you are more comfortable with being alone, try putting yourself out there and socializing more. You might be surprised by the opportunities this can create.

For someone who depends on another’s company, learning how to spend some time alone can be quite valuable. You can also try new activities or hobbies, something you have always wanted to do but thought you couldn’t.

Source:hobbyhelp.com

  1. Simplify and Declutter

Don’t waste too much energy on making small decisions or worrying about things that cannot be changed. Instead, focus on bigger goals or making a difference where you can. As hard as it might be, try to get rid of at least one bad habit of your choice.

Decluttering and throwing out stuff you no longer use or need can make you feel lighter and will actually improve the energy of your living space. You can even take it a step further and donate your things to charity.

  1. Live Joyfully

Living happily entails having a positive mindset and point of view, as well as knowing that there is nothing wrong with doing things that give you joy.

This year, learn to not feel guilty about allowing yourself to enjoy the things you want. If there is a class you wish to take, an activity you want to participate in, if there are places you want to visit and it is all something you can afford, do not hesitate in the slightest but go right ahead and do it.

  1. Take Care of Your Relationships

Source:madamenoire.com

People are social beings and we all need human connection to live happily. Make it your goal to reach out more to the people you care about, try reconnecting with old friends, or push yourself to make new ones. Be vulnerable, honest, and expressive with all of your thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

Real and positive change will only happen if you are willing to commit to achieving your goals, so do not procrastinate but take action instead. This way, you will not only make your life much better but by the end of the year, you will also feel fulfilled and extremely proud of everything you have achieved.

Sleeping after Botox: What You Need to Know

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Nobody wants to look old and fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent yourself from succumbing to the common signs of ageing, Botox being one of the most popular.

Botox sounds simple enough. Wherever it’s injected is where the muscles will relax, getting rid of the lines and wrinkles that make you appear older than you really are. It takes less than an hour to receive the treatment but if you fall asleep directly after your session, you’re not going to be happy with the results once you wake up. 

Botox Can Shift

Source:amybrunermd.com

According to MiraClinic.com, along with touching or massaging the treated area, falling asleep after your session is one of the worst things you can do. It’s not uncommon to feel sleepy after a Botox treatment but you will need to stay away for several more hours if you want to achieve your desired outcome. 

It won’t be pleasant to force yourself to stay awake but you will thank yourself for it later. If you lay down too soon after your session, there’s a good chance your Botox will shift. It’s important to stay awake for at least four hours after your treatment to ensure this doesn’t happen. 

Sleeping on Your Face: Should You Do It?

Source:abcnews.go.com

Once you do get to sleep, it’s best not to lie in a position that will apply unnecessary pressure on your face. If you generally sleep on your stomach or side, you’re going to want to train yourself to sleep on your back if you’re serious about favorable results. 

Again, by applying pressure to your face, it could cause the Botox to move. Once the substance settles, you can touch your face and sleep as you usually would but the first 24 hours are generally the riskiest. When you eventually get to bed, keep your head elevated and sleep on your back – it’s only one night after all.

Botox and Sleeplessness

Source:healthandaesthetics.co.uk

Another way that Botox can affect your sleep habits is it can prevent you from sleeping at all. It is known to cause anxiety, which can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. If anxiety is generally a problem for you, speak to your doctor about what you can take should you experience it after your session. It’s not quite clear why Botox has this effect but it’s best to be aware of it. 

While Botox has side effects, so does most other cosmetic treatments. It is not something to be feared – countless people receive treatment every day and when injected correctly, the results are exceptional. 

If you are worried about sleeplessness or any of the other side effects associated with Botox, rather speak to your clinician before receiving treatment so that all of your questions and concerns can be addressed. You have every right to have all of the necessary information about any treatment or clinician before you go ahead and schedule a treatment, so ask away for your own peace of mind. 

A Taste of the Most Luxurious Bed Sheets

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There are many reasons we wake every morning and go to work all day. One of those reasons is to improve our way of life. We spend months and years saving money to buy nice things and more luxurious things. It’s safe to say, we want to pamper ourselves and live life in the lap of luxury!

One of the most common luxury items people upgrade is their bedsheets. Luxurious bed sheets can be found in local stores and online sites for almost the same price as high-end cotton sheets.

Different Types of Luxurious Bed Sheets

If you try and picture the sheets a king or queen sleep with on their bed, you will conjure up a picture of silky sheets for sure. However, those sheets you just imagined, might not be silk anymore. In fact, they may be bamboo sheets or simply Egyptian cotton.

Luxurious bed sheets can be found with the following types of fabrics:

Img source: sferra.com
  • Silk bed sheets
  • Cashmere bed sheets
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Bamboo sheets

Qualities of Luxurious Bed Sheets

Not all the types of luxurious bed sheets have the same features or benefits. So depending on what feature is more important to you, one will definitely be better than the rest.

Silk Bed Sheets: To start, silk bed sheets have been around for centuries and are dated as far back as the Egyptians. They are known for being “silky” and smooth. Their most common feature is the way they slide off of the bed easily and have a shiny look to them. Their look can be described as being “creamy” and sings Luxury!

Cashmere Bed Sheets: Next, I want to mention sheets made with pure cashmere fabrics. Cashmere is more of a warming type of bed sheet and commonly used in colder climates. Cashmere sheets don’t have the same “silky” feel as silk bed sheets but are the opposite. The softness of cashmere sheets feels very smooth on your skin and keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Img source: notonthehighstreet.com

Egyptian Cotton Sheets: One of the most common types of luxury bed sheets is Egyptian cotton. Many hotels have used Egyptian cotton sheets to cover their beds in. So if you have stayed in a high-class hotel lately, you most likely have slept in Egyptian cotton sheets. The quality of Egyptian cotton sheets is usually measured by their thread count. The higher the thread count, usually means a better quality bed sheet.

Bamboo Sheets: The final type of luxurious bed sheets I want to mention is bamboo sheets. Bamboo sheets are fairly new to the market so many people have doubts about trying them. They enjoy the same “silky” feel as silk sheets, the extreme softness of Egyptian cotton sheets and the temperature regulating feature of cashmere.

To find reviews and compare the Best Bamboo Sheets, check out this article by Bamboo-Comfort.com.

To sum it all up, you can get a taste of luxury by simply upgrading your bedsheets to one of the types mentioned above. No matter what feature you prefer in bedsheets, I’m sure you’ll find the right one to help you sleep like royalty!

How Sleeping Can Improve Your Mental health 

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Sleep is something that, while we jokingly say is “for the weak” is actually super important for your body and mind. If you don’t sleep for up to 10 days, you can actually die.  Sleep is so important for your body, but did you know that it can help with your mental health as well. Here, we’ll tap into how sleeping can improve your mental health, and the different aspects to consider.

A more Logical Mindset

Being well-rested allows you to have a more logical mindset. This can help in the office, your own personal interactions, and how you go about your day.  If you aren’t well-rested, this can cause you to lash out at people, and that’s no fun. Sometimes, you may struggle with sleep due to stress, but if you feel like there is something bigger there, you should check out Regain. They have trained therapists that can help you get to the bottom of why you feel the way that you do, creating a better, more sound idea on what you’re dealing with, improving your overall life.

Can Boost your Creativity

Img source: corporatehealthsummit.com

Did you know that sleep can boost your creativity? You can thank dreams for that.  Dreams actually help with your creativity, and some of them do have meaning.  Even if you don’t dream though, when you’re working with a well-rested body and mind, you’ll realize that the answers come to you a whole lot easier.  It is like magic what it can do for you. For many people, they don’t get enough sleep, and that, in turn, will ruin their creativity. While yes, you can have some really lucid creations when you have a couple of hours of sleep, if you’re someone in a creative field, it’s better to be well-rested.

Improves the Quality of your Life

When you are well-rested, you’ll realize your life has better quality and meaning.  Quality sleep is something that a lot of people struggle with, but if you do sleep enough, you’ll realize that the quality of your life is much better. You notice things that are wrong, and you’ll be much happier as a result. For many people, they don’t realize they allow a lot of bad things to slip on by, and that is due to usually not being aware of it. But, with the right kind of sleep, and the quality of sleep, you’ll be mentally better off, and much happier.

Can offset Health Issues

Img source: bettersleep.org

Finally, it can offset health issues that come about when you’re not well-rested.  These are both mental and physical conditions. High blood pressure for one, comes about when you don’t sleep, and it can also increase the risk of obesity, heart issues, and other problems.

It also can be a troublesome issue for your family. For example, if you’re supposed to go on a family vacation, but you’re not well-rested, it can often make things ten times worse. If you’re struggling with finding activities that you can do with your kids while you try to get your sleep schedule back on track, you can look here and here too in order to get some help. This can also help you too if you’re a new parent struggling with sleep issues due to the new child.

Sleep is super important for both mental and physical health that it is important to make sure that you take the time to better understand this. Sleep is something most of us take for granted, but it’s super important, and you should make sure that you’re getting the recommended rest as best as you can.

5 Bedroom Upgrades for Quality Sleep

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You need good sleep in order to endure high levels of stress during the day. Not getting enough sleep will drastically affect your energy levels, mood, and overall performance. It even increases the risk of vehicle accidents which is funny since we spend more time sleeping than driving.

However, there are a few hacks you can try out in your bedroom to improve the quality of your sleep. These include temperature, external lights, noise, and furniture arrangement.

1. Have a King-Worthy Bed

Before we go into cosmetics, the first and foremost thing is the bed. Buying a high-quality bed is the first thing you should do, including the bedding, mattress, pillows, and frame. Out of all the factors, this is the one that can cause direct physical damage.

Img source: warmthingsonline.com

A poor mattress can increase back pain, shoulder pain, and cause stiffness. Correlated studies in this matter showed the link between sleep deprivation, back pain, and mattress quality. A new mattress has shown to improve sleep quality by 60%.

When choosing the right bed, go for the anatomical pillow. Also, according to Reverie, adjustable bed bases can help you wake up feeling more rested. Consider memory foam or other lasting materials that won’t lose their shape after some time. A weighted blanket can be of extra help as it reduces anxiety and restlessness by putting light pressure on you when you sleep.

2. Ward off Noise

Many of us who live in cities have already become habituated to noise and don’t have problems falling asleep in a noisy environment. But cities are unpredictable, and there is usually noise we are not accustomed to.

Img source: ouraring.com

When you’re asleep, you may not be conscious of the noise but it will nevertheless arouse you from the deeper stages of sleep. Studies conducted in this regard have shown that interrupted sleep is far worse than lack of sleep.

Neutralizing various noises with a white noise machine or a fan, having a radio or television on has proven to be beneficial in all cases. White noise machines have soothing frequencies which mask other startling sounds. Pink noise machines provide a good solution as well, as these devices emit high and low frequencies which regulate brainwaves and help preserve deep sleep.

3. Eliminate Light

Our bodies are programmed to wake up to sunlight. However, nights are not as dark as they were, and many of the electronic devices produce the same blue light as the sun. This suppresses melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep, which naturally wakes up your system.

Having good blackout curtains would be the first step to fending off the light and helping your body regulate its circadian rhythms.

Img source: healthline.com

But there is another hack for artificial indoor lights. Usually, light bulbs produce blue light which keeps you awake. Changing them for amber, or Edison light bulbs should counteract this effect as they produce a warm color which creates sleep-inducing ambient.

4. Level Out Temperature

Balancing room temperature is another step closer to an ideal sleep environment. This is of help because your body won’t have to do anything to cool down or create heat. Otherwise, too much heat and your body become restless, if it’s too cold, it becomes harder to fall asleep.

The optimal room temperature should be around 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, so try investing in a smart thermostat to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

5. Clear the Air

Both literally and figuratively, cleaning and decluttering your bedroom and simply purifying the air will help filter the air and any bad smells. This is least thought about when improving your sleep, but polluted air can affect the quality of your sleep just as well.

Img source: iran-daily.com

Consider buying air purifiers or changing your ventilation filters with HEPA filters, which have the highest MERV rating and have proven to be the best solution for fighting off pollutants, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens.

Some air fresheners can do you good as well by blocking out any bad smells which can bring further subconscious discomfort.

Indulge yourself in these commodities and see how quickly your sleep will improve and with it, your overall life quality.

5 Easy Ways to Treat Lower Back Pain at Home

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A lot of people suffer from lower back pains due to various reasons. The most common is sitting for a prolonged period of time, lifting items incorrectly and old age. Bad posture for instance when sitting on office chairs and in our cars exerts a lot of pressure on the lower back. The studies show that about 80% of all adults will at once or another experience lower back pain. On that occasion, the website FreeYourSpine.info refers you to various ways you can use to treat lower back pain at home. Here are some of those ways.

Walking

source: springbrookanimalcarecenter.com

This is the simplest exercise that anyone can take. Instead of sitting all day, take some time to walk around to keep your posture in its natural position. You can walk to the shops, if you are a dog lover, you take your dog for a walk every day. Walking not only strengthens your core and back, but also allows you to meditate and reflect since it is a rather passive activity.

Use Ice Packs and Heat

Whenever you have a feeling of a tinge on your lower back, ask someone to apply some ice wrapped in a towel on your back. Ice is effective at reducing inflammation by stimulating your nerves and allowing blood to flow properly. It can also relieve sharp and sudden pains by numbing your nerves. Always ensure that the ice is wrapped with a towel or cloth before applying it on your skin to avoid frostbites. You should also limit the time you apply the ice to less than 20 minutes. If you want to use a heating pad, ensure that you check the temperature carefully to avoid burning yourself. You can also improvise and use a hot water bottle if you do not have a heating pad. Just make sure the temperature is right to apply on your skin. Heat is good for relieving stiff muscles.

Stretch

source: rd.com

Take time to exercise and stretch at home. You really do not need a trainer to do some simple exercises and stretching at the comfort of your house. Try to bend with your back straight and touch your toes to relieve the back muscles and your hamstrings, then stand straight and pull your arms up while you stand on toes. Another good pose is lying flat on your stomach, then have someone pull your shoulders gently such that your chin points directly in front. Last but not least, stand with your legs apart, then swing your arms over your head leaning on the side of your waist on either side. You can also swing while bent slightly with either of your hands touching the opposite leg and back. When you stretch, ensure that you hold your stretches for 20 to 30 seconds and do not bounce. Listen to your body to avoid straining it beyond its ability. Such stretches should take about 30 to 40 minutes. This is a time you can set aside.

Get Enough and Comfortable Sleep

People don’t know this but sleeping is one of the ways you can cure back pain. Sleeping rejuvenates your cells giving your body energy and stimulating blood flow. It is important that you sleep on a comfortable surface that supports your back properly. Lack of good and deep restorative sleep may make your pains worse, so you should try and solve any sleeping problems if you have them. You can ask your spouse to massage your back to relieve pain if you are unable to sleep because of the pain.

Drink Lots of Water

source: medicalnewstoday.com

Water is the most important substance required by your body. It is the fuel that runs all of the processes in your body. Your body can go for days without food, but very few days without water. Water is necessary for curing back pain. It lubricates the spaces between the discs that make up the spine avoiding friction that causes the pain. Nutrients to the back muscles and bones are also brought in liquid form. This means that without water, your back muscles become weak due to lack of nutrients. Try and drink at least eight glasses of water or about two liters every day to keep your body hydrated.