Health Checks to Keep Yourself In Top Condition

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Photo Source

Most of us have busy schedules that largely revolve around our work life, social lives and home lives. It’s not all too surprising that many of us don’t pay sufficient attention to our overall health and wellbeing. But we really do need to keep our health at the forefront of our minds at all times. Good health can lead to a better quality of life and a happier you! Attending a variety of health checks regularly can help to ensure that you’re in good condition. If any problems are identified, you can tackle them sooner rather than later! Here are just a few you should add to your schedule!

Eye Tests

You only need to have an eye test every two years. No matter how busy you are, you should be able to fit this short appointment into your schedule within that time frame. When you have your eye test, an optometrist will check the health of your eye from the front to the back. This could identify warning signs of serious eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts and displaced retina. Your eye test can also help to identify illnesses like diabetes by evaluating the health of blood vessels inside of your eye. On top of this general health checks, you will be able to receive a prescription for glasses or contact lenses if your vision seems to have deteriorated and is anything but perfect!

Hearing Tests

We don’t tend to think of hearing tests as much as eye tests. For one, we don’t have them as regularly. Generally speaking, you will only book in to see an audiologist for a hearing test if you notice a change in your hearing. But it’s absolutely essential that you do get checked if you have any concerns. A hearing test can help to identify a deterioration in your ability to hear clearly and will be able to recommend any hearing devices you might need to rectify any issues.

Dental Check Ups

You should see your dentist for a check up at least once every year. If possible, go once every six months. A regular dental checkup will allow the dentist to have a check of your mouth and its overall health, including the health of your teeth and your gums. If you have any issues with decay, they can be resolved early on with simple procedures, such as fillings. This will prevent you from having to face a more complex procedure, such as root canals or tooth extraction, which become more likely when problems are left unchecked. Your dentist can also conduct a scale and polish, which will see you leave their surgery with a gleaming, clean smile!

These are just three health checks you need to add to your diary. Sure, they may seem routine - and they should be! But so many people neglect them that it’s always worth reminding you to book in and be seen by the professionals!

How To Improve Your Next Business Trip

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Pexels

You may have a job that requires you to travel often for business purposes. In this case, it’s worth you taking the time to learn how you can improve your next experience away so that it’s smooth and productive.

Remember that you’re representing your company while you’re away so you must act professionally in all circumstances to uphold your reputation. You not only want to survive these periods away from the office but truly thrive so you can return home feeling satisfied with your travels. Follow these suggestions, and you’re likely to start looking forward to your future business trips instead of dreading them.

Research Hotels in Advance

Improve your next business trip by researching places to stay in advance. Read up on hotels in the area and reviews by other travels before booking a room. You want to make sure that you’re not only in a safe location but that the hotel will be comfortable and cozy for sleeping. You may also want to confirm there are amenities available such as a restaurant and exercise room. Verify that your hotel isn’t too far from your daily meeting location so that you aren’t wasting a lot of time commuting. Monitor prices and watch for deals to pop up so that you can get the best rate possible and save some money.

Be Prepared to Work Remotely

You’re going to want to stay in touch with your coworkers about projects that are unfolding back at the office when traveling for work. Your business trip will be a lot less stressful if you’re able to work remotely when you have breaks in your schedule without running into any obstacles. It’s a wise idea to ensure you can access important files and email messages while you’re away. Turn on your out of office so that people aren’t expecting an immediate response from you. Furthermore, do your homework about which screen-sharing app you might want to have available to you by reviewing this information https://setapp.com/how-to/top-screen-sharing-mac-apps. Having this capability will be useful if you happen to have technical problems with your computer and need an expert to access your machine while you’re in another location quickly.

Pack & Travel Light

Your next business trip will be a lot more enjoyable when you pack and travel light. There’s no sense in bringing extra clothes and gear with you that’s only going to weigh you down. Check the weather forecast and plan out what you’ll wear each day, so you have the right amount of clothes packed. You can always buy what you don’t have or forget if need be. It’s good practice to try to fit anything you’re taking along in a carry-on so that you don’t have to check it or risk your luggage getting lost. Wear your largest and bulkiest shoes on the airplane, so there’s more room for your belongings in your carry-on.

Know the Purpose of Your Trip

You should avoid going on business trips for show or because you think it’ll make you look good. Instead, there should always be a valid reason and purpose for your travels. Improve your next business trip by thinking ahead about what sorts of takeaways you’re hoping to get out of your visit. The ultimate goal should be for you to be able to do your job better when you return home. Get the most out of your trip by meeting with as many clients in the area as possible, so you’re not continuing to travel back and forth repeatedly and having to spend money on flights and hotels. Take the time to plan out your schedule and agenda before you depart so that you can make the most out of each day.

Get Plenty of Sleep & Rest

Your business trip will be a lot more pleasant of an experience when you’re well-rested and don’t have to drag yourself around from one place to the next. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and rest in advance of your departure. Also, make it a point to when you’re on the plane and in your hotel room at the end of the day. Although you may have the opportunity to stay out late some nights, it’s in your best interest to go back to the hotel at a decent hour and get plenty of shuteye. Sleep will help you to think more clearly on your business trip, boost your mental health, and you’ll have more energy in the morning. Set boundaries for how long you want to work each day so that you can give yourself a break away from your responsibilities and the computer screen.

Eat Healthy & Exercise

Take good care of yourself while you’re away so you can have a better business trip. Improve your travel experience by making your health a priority, even though you’re away from home. Eat healthy meals as often as possible and try to stay away from or limit your intake of sugar and caffeine. You may also want to consider sticking with your workout routine and getting some exercise even though you’re out of your regular routine. Take advantage of your hotel’s gym or go for an early morning walk or jog outside and take in the new sights. You can avoid getting sick or feeling run down when you continue to care for your mind and body properly.

Work Ahead at the Office

The last situation you want is to feel stressed out and distracted while you’re attending a business or client meeting away from home. Therefore, commit to working ahead at the office once you know that you’ll be traveling for your job. Take care of any loose ends or important matters in advance so that you don’t have to think about them once you’re on your way to your meeting location. Ask someone from the office to pitch in and help cover for you so that you don’t have to feel pressured to check in with your team all the time. Your goal should be to allow yourself to remain as focused as possible while you’re on your next business trip so that you get the most out of it.  

Be Open to Meeting New People

Traveling for work is an excellent opportunity to network with and meet new people. Put yourself out there and be friendly and approachable so that you can interact with a variety of individuals. If you’re at a conference or seminar, sit with different people throughout the event and at lunch and hand out your business card so you can stay in touch with those you meet at a later date. It’ll be helpful to have people who you can feel comfortable contacting after the meeting if you have questions or need advice on a particular topic that was covered. You never know when someone you cross paths with will turn into a future client, boss, or friend.

Explore Locally

Improve your next business trip by taking the time to explore locally and check out the area where you’re staying. While work is what brought you to your destination, you’re also going to have some downtime that you should be sure to utilize wisely. Traveling is a chance to expand your horizons and learn new facts and information about places you’ve never been or seen before. You may even meet some new business contacts in the process of getting out and about in your location. Try new restaurants, go to a museum, and walk around sightseeing on your breaks so that you get the most out of being away from home.

Why Our World Would Basically End If Books Disappeared

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

 

Image Credit

For so long, books have been an integral part of most people’s lives - but what if they didn’t exist? A common pastime for many, books help enrich our world and are a powerful source of relaxation as well as escapism. Nothing beats curling up with a brilliant book and a warm drink on a cold and blustery day or picking up something thought-provoking to satisfy our curiosity and expand our knowledge. In short, books are amazing for our mind, body, and our soul, but can often go unnoticed in a world that is dominated by technology. What makes them so universally loved and why are they still so relevant in the digital world?

Books Encompass Knowledge

Books are a learning gateway and a foundation of endless knowledge that provides us with an understanding of the world around us. From a young age, books provide us with essential building blocks in life including literacy, social and communication skills. They preserve all knowledge of the past and are a reminder of how far humanity has come. Books bring awareness to pressing issues in society and enlighten us about other cultures. Without books, our intelligence would certainly not be so advanced, and we would be living in a very bleak world.

Books Make a Huge Impact on Our Lives

The power of words can be often underestimated. Whether it’s a psychological thriller, a crime novel, or trending biography, unforgettable, profound books present us with an array of emotions that can move us and broaden our minds and perspectives. The works of others, whether fictional or non-fictional, can often inspire us to make changes in our lives and can ultimately stay with us forever. Aiming to finish a book gives us a focus and goal to complete, and they also have the incredible physical ability to lower stress levels, and can even deflect unwanted feelings of negativity.

Books Sharpen Our Minds

Books are capable of more than just entertainment – they’re vital tools to living a healthier lifestyle. Since books require concentration, reading can essentially count as a workout for your brain. Studies have revealed that reading stimulates our brains and can improve our cognitive functioning, especially the part within the brain that is responsible for focusing, critical analysis, as well as our memory. In fact, studies have suggested that engaging in reading regularly encourages a delayed decline in key mental capacities, which can potentially result in a longer life.

Books Enhance Our Imagination

When you open a book, you open up a completely new universe - reading is an immersive and fulfilling experience that pulls us out of our usual day to day thoughts. When you’re nose deep into a book, magic happens and everything else around you seems to fade. Endless amounts of worlds and characters that you meet in books help to spark your imagination through the visualization of what you read. Reading can additionally strengthen your writing ability and creative skills – who knows, reading more books could help you become the next top bestselling author or prolific academic writer!

Easy and Convenient Ways to Build Self-Confidence

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

So many people put their success down to the fact that they are confident and believe in themselves. If you feel as though your confidence is holding you back, then you’ll be glad to know that there are a few things that you can do to try and turn things around for yourself.

Future Planning: An Introduction To The FIRE Movement

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Pixabay / CC0 Licence

For most people, their career path is very simple. They go to college, find a job after graduating, and slowly but consistently work their way up the career ladder over the course of the next 30 or so years. Then, usually by the time they are in their 60s, they are able to retire. This is the conventional career route that has been a staple of society for decades; but it’s a route that a group of people are now challenging. 

Introducing FIRE 

FIRE stands for “financial independence, retire early”. The driving force behind the idea is that retirement is not something that people should have to wait until their 60s to achieve; instead, people focusing on FIRE look to retire as soon as possible, with some achieving this goal in their 30s (though between 40 and 50 is more standard). 

Frugality is a big part of the FIRE lifestyle; in many ways, the movement is strongly related to anti-consumerism, and people choosing to spend more time enjoying the simpler things in life rather than working in order to spend. 

How is FIRE possible?

There are a few additional considerations anyone contemplating FIRE will need to keep in mind - which we will discuss in more depth soon - but the core essentials are aggressive saving and investment. People looking to achieve FIRE will spend as little of their income as possible - saving 75% of income is far from uncommon - and will instead choose to invest. Over time, the combination of savings and compounded interest from investments results in people having a large enough sum of money to retire and be able to live on the income from investments alone, rather than relying on a salary. 

How much is considered sufficient to retire on?

Pixabay / CC0 Licence

Most people aiming for FIRE aim to save 25 times their anticipated annual living expenses. So, if you were to estimate that you would need to spend $60,000 per year, then you would need to save $1,500,000. The x25 rule is thought to be sufficient to allow people to withdraw 4% from their savings to meet their living costs during their retirement.

Is it really possible to save that much money?

While the idea of setting so much money aside may initially seem outlandish, it is a goal that many people are able to reach. Admittedly it’s not a short-term goal - without a lottery win or two, no one is going to achieve FIRE in just a few years  - but if you’d like to retire earlier than expected, then it can be done. 

How can you get started on the path to FIRE?

The path to FIRE will always be slightly different for every person who chooses to walk it, as everyone starts from different financial positions and with slightly different goals in terms of how much they want to be able to save. However, the general steps needed to reach FIRE are as follows: 

#1 - Cost cutting 

Cost cutting is crucially important to those looking to pursue FIRE for two reasons. Firstly, FIRE requires a much higher savings rate than the 5-10% of income that most people aim for, so outgoings will have to reduce to allow this to be possible. Secondly, when actually retired, living a low-cost, frugal lifestyle is incredibly important to ensuring funds are sustainable, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit as soon as possible.

You will therefore need to go through all of your expenses and see where you can cut back. Be stringent here: anything but essentials should at least be considered for cutting if you’re dedicated to reaching FIRE. For areas of your budget that cannot be cut entirely - such as groceries, insurance payments, and so on - look for ways to reduce the amount you spend instead.

#2 - Debt repayment

FIRE requires people to save and invest as much of their income as they possibly can, while spending as little as possible - a situation that is difficult if you are carrying credit card or student loan debt. These debts will continue to accrue interest for as long as they are outstanding, which means that there’s more money being spent servicing debt than there is being saved into a potential retirement pot - which is obviously less than ideal. 

As a result, the extra funds found after cost cutting should be put towards clearing debt rather than saving for retirement; by doing this, potentially hundreds (or even thousands, depending on the size of the debt) of dollars in interest can be saved and diverted to an early retirement fund instead. 

#3 - Mortgage repayment 

Owning a property is outright is an important part of FIRE, as having to pay a mortgage (or, worse still, rent to a landlord) will inevitably deplete savings significantly and reduce the amount available to live on when retired. As a result, ensuring that your mortgage is paid off should be your next focus when you have cleared all debts; there are various methods available when it comes to paying off a mortgage, so explore these and decide which will work best for you.  

#4 - Investing 

With your mortgage paid off, you can now consider your investment options. Within the FIRE community, low-cost index funds are perhaps the most popular, but experiences and preferences do vary, so it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a financial advisor who can help decide which investments are the right choice for your specific goals. 

A quick note: Above, we have suggested that mortgage repayment and then investment is the best choice for those looking to achieve FIRE - but this is a hotly-debated topic within the FIRE community. 

Some people believe that investments and mortgage payments should be done at the same time (so interest can be earned on investments during the mortgage repayment), while others say, as we have, it’s best to focus all funds in paying off your mortgage first so that this important step can be achieved as soon as possible. 

The decision, however, is entirely yours: if you would like to split your focus, choosing to invest and pay off your mortgage at the same time, then you can do so - the route to FIRE is different for everyone, so go with what you believe to best the best course of action for you. No two routes to FIRE are the same!

Common questions people ask about FIRE 

Pixabay / CC0 Licence

FIRE is such an unusual idea that it is natural people may have further questions about how it works, so below we’ve sought to answer the most commonly-asked questions...

#1 - Is it possible to retire early and still pay college tuition for my children? 

Yes, but it’s complicated; there’s a helpful guide here that parents should find useful when deciding how to factor college tuition into their FIRE plans. 

#2 - Is FIRE for me if I love my job and don’t want to stop working?

Absolutely! Many people who reach FIRE continue to work even when, mathematically speaking, they do not absolutely need to. The goal of FIRE is to simply have the financial independence to choose to work, rather than having to work out of financial necessity. 

#3 - Is property ownership an essential for FIRE? 

Realistically, yes - even if you would like to live a nomadic lifestyle (such as travelling the country in an RV) post-retirement. Property is an excellent investment, so even if you’re not intending to live in your current home when you’re retired, it will still be a valuable asset and can contribute to your income if you choose to, for example, rent the property out while you explore the world. 

#4 - Should I try to increase my income in order to reach my goal faster? 

Yes, doing so can be beneficial and is a common choice for many people focused on FIRE. It is usually preferable to try and increase your hours/wage in your day job rather than embarking on a potentially-unreliable side hustle, though you can give this a try if you would prefer to do so and have the time available. 

#5 - What happens to early retirees if the market crashes? 

As we have discussed, FIRE is highly dependent on investments - but, of course, the market can go up as well as down, which could spell trouble for those who are solely reliant on investments for income. This concern is one of the reasons why working with a financial advisor is so important; they will help to diversify risk and ensure that funds are stable even in the event of a market crash. In addition, keeping some savings in cash (as in a high-interest standard savings account; not storing literal cash) can be a good way of protecting against market downswings. 

In conclusion

The FIRE movement definitely goes against convention, but can be an incredibly positive step for those who choose to commit to it. We hope the above has provided food for thought and, if you decide FIRE is the right choice for you and your family, we hope the journey is as smooth as it can possibly be.

The Essential Guide To Getting Your Kids Into Reading

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Image credit Pixabay - CC0 Licence

How many times do you venture into your kids’ bedrooms with your fingers crossed hoping to find them with their head in a good book, only to find them with headphones on playing some online RPG with pals? If you have read my blog previously, you know I LOVE reading. You can check my many book suggestions by clicking here for all of my posts reviewing various and sundry books.

What Is Enough? How Do You Know When You Have "It"?

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Over a month ago was my birthday and I wrote a post On the Verge of 40. In it, I describe my feelings of insecurity, doubt, worry, and generally being unsure.  My vow was to focus on feeling that I am enough as I am.  I have actually, to my surprise, thought of this every day and tried to squash out those feelings of inadequacy whenever they pop up.  Or I've tried to figure what the root cause of what that feeling is and attempted to rectify it.  

Journey to Finding Life's Purpose - Part 4

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

MEDITATION CAN UNLOCK THE SUBCONSCIOUS

Meditation isn’t just for the Yogis and Buddhist monks of the world anymore. Meditation has been around for thousands of years. Meditation and mindfulness have never been more popular than they are today. It’s now a tool used by medical professionals in a variety of fields and in the business world. Prisons are even teaching meditation to inmates.

Making Sure Your Kids are Getting Sufficient Exercise

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

When we think of exercise, many of us automatically think of our own exercise regimes. We think of heading to the gym, meeting up with a personal trainer, and attending different classes, but adults aren’t the only ones who need to exercise - kids need to exercise too!

Self-Sabotaging Thoughts That Hinder Happiness

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Most people go through times when they have trouble getting their thoughts to align with their intentions. When that happens, it will hinder your happiness. Your thoughts can get in the way of your happiness because these types of thoughts are focusing on what’s wrong, what’s missing, or the negativity of the situation instead of the positives. 

Prioritize Your Life: Make More Time for Achieving Your Goals and Enjoying Life

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

For many people, it seems like life has two options: achieving goals and enjoying life. Neither one of them seems as if they are one hundred percent fulfilled. There seems to be a broad spectrum on the scale of go-getters and over-achievers versus those who slack in all departments.

New Parent? Here Is Some Advice For You

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

So you finally home, and it’s just you, and your little one. Maybe you have a partner, perhaps you don’t. Either way, it’s a wild ride. The first few days, you’re being asked if the baby is 'good,' are they sleeping through the night, where do they sleep? You look tired. It’s an endless stream of well-meaning questions and advice. But in reality, a newborn baby sleeps, eats, and poops. They cry when they aren’t on you, and you’ve never been needed as much as this. You aren’t even 100% sure when to call your pediatric doctor!

It is hard but so, so wonderful too. The pressure we put on parents to have everything together from the moment the baby arrives is incredible. It’s hard to feel like you are failing, even when really you’re flying.

Here are some little pieces of advice, you can take it or leave it - just like everything, you know what is best for you and your baby.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Silence

Your baby has gone from living in your loud womb out into the world. And suddenly, we all start shushing. Tiptoeing around. And, actually, eventually, you might need to. But right now, they can take the noise of the hoover, you laughing with a friend, the washing machine and so on. Of course, if you want the peace too then indulge in it.

The Other Parent

Families come in many different forms now. But typically the person who gave birth will be the one that is parents A, but the bonding with parent B needs to be nurtured as early on as possible. If you happen to be breastfeeding, there are still many opportunities for the other parent to bond. Parent B will smell, sound, and feel differently than you do. So it is wise to start giving them time to get used to each other too.

Prep

Preparation will help you no end. Before the little one arrives, everything seems under control. However, when they appear, it can be whirlwind of diapers and babygrows. Help yourself out a little and have an ‘action’ bag. Pop it in the car - with two diapers, a thin pack of wipes, and a change of outfit. When you can predict the feeding times, get your partner to help make sure everything is ready for the next feed, or diaper change. If you don’t have a partner, then you will be your own best friend here and take care of the next feed prep as soon as you’ve finished the one you are currently on.

It will be busy, it will be emotional, and no one can prepare you for what is to come. You can devour book after book of fantastic information, but when it comes down to it, 3am can be exhausting and beautiful all at the same time. Try to take it a day at a time and remember you are recovering from bringing a human into this world. Be kind to you too.

“A new baby marks the beginnings of all things – wonder, hope, and a beautiful dream of possibilities.”