Beautiful Home, Happy Mind: How To Rig Your Accommodation For Wellness

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Collectively, we spend a considerable amount of time in our homes. In fact, since the advent of remote work, most of us are surrounded by the same four walls, twenty-four-seven. 

For this reason, it’s critical that we find ways to rig our accommodation for happiness. We need surroundings that make us feel content, relaxed, and rested. Our spaces can significantly impact how our days unfold and what we feel like most of the time. 

So what can we do to make our homes better places to live? And how can we modify them to support our happiness and wellbeing?

Switch Up Your Bedroom To Promote Sleep

The vast majority of people in this country aren’t getting enough sleep. Given the pressures of work and family, most people are lucky to get six hours, which simply isn’t enough. According to research, seven is the bare minimum. Less than that, and you’re asking for trouble.

On the flipside, getting enough sleep brings all sorts of benefits. These include better heart function, reduced stress, lower inflammation, and improved memory. You’re also far less likely to develop depression. 

Here’s how to improve your bedroom for sleep:

• Ensure that it is dark at night. If you live in an area with street light pollution, install blackout curtains

• Allow natural light to wake you in the morning. Either allow it to stream through the window, or use a synthetic natural light beside your bed and set it to a timer

• Add the scent of lavender to the room. This will help you relax

• Make sure that your bed is firm enough to provide support

• Don’t allow any electronic devices in the bedroom and don’t use the time before you sleep to check emails

Allow Natural Light To Enter Your Home During The Day

Not getting enough light during the day is linked to a host of problems, including poor sleep quality, seasonal-affective disorder, and depression. Therefore, it’s essential to open up your rooms and let sunlight in, particularly during the morning and noon time. 

So what can you do? Firstly, you can begin by opening your curtains, allowing as much light in as possible. This is an instant solution that will immediately make you feel better. 

Next, you install new windows and doors here and there that will increase the space light has to enter. Large bi-folding doors at the back of your home can illuminate the entire ground floor of your property in the morning, particularly if they are south-facing. 

Put Up Photos That Mean Something To You

You can also try putting up photos that have special meaning for you. This way, you can feel like your property is your own. Photos elicit positive memories in your mind which can unconsciously boost happiness in your home. 

Sort your photos one at a time and go through each of them. Look at photos on your phone or computer and ask which of them you would like to print out and frame. Choose photos that depict good times. 

Set Up A Place Where You Can Meditate

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The benefits of meditation are extraordinary, and yet relatively few people actually practice it. It’s only a daily practice for around one percent of the population, with only 15 percent dabbling in it from time to time. 

One way to encourage meditation is to set up a space in your home for it. Having a beautiful environment in which to relax is essential for anyone looking to achieve lasting peace of mind in their home. 

When you meditate, you bring all sorts of benefits to your life. You can: 

• Release things that are outside of your control

• Feel fiercer and bolder in daily life

• Take steps towards your goals or life ambitions

• Embrace change and realize that all things are impermanent

• Accept negative thinking patterns and allow them to pass by

• Realize that there will always be more money in life

• Make peace with your personal imperfections

• Accept that life is about progress, not perfection

• Practice acts of self-compassion

• Allow yourself to feel a deep sense of bliss, independent of your circumstances

Make Your Bed

Many internet gurus swear by making your bed. But what’s the reason for this? 

According to research, only 27 percent of people make their beds. However, those that do report being happy an astonishing 70 percent of the time (which is pretty good in our society). However, among those who didn’t make their bed, only 38 percent were happy.

Making your bed only takes a few seconds, but it can have a remarkable impact on your day. Try it for yourself and see what happens. 

How to Feel Your Best Every Day

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Feeling your best mentally is essential for a happy, healthy life. Unfortunately, many people don't know how to do this. This blog post will discuss some tips on how to feel your best mentally. First, it's important to understand what mental health is. Mental health is "a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community." Everyone has different mental health needs, so it's important to figure out what works best for you.

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1) Get enough sleep

Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. Consider going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to help regulate your body's natural sleep rhythm. Creating a bedtime routine can also be helpful. This could include reading for 30 minutes before turning off the lights. Also, avoid using screens right before bed, as the blue light can make it harder to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can try:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

• Create a calm environment in your bedroom by making sure it's dark, quiet, and cool.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.

• Exercise during the day to help promote better sleep at night.

Getting enough sleep is important for overall mental health and well-being. If you're not getting enough rest, you may be more prone to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Also, if you feel like you need professional help getting your mental health to where it should be, you could consider getting in touch with some Rehab Centers for expert advice.

2) Eat a healthy diet

What you eat can affect your mood and overall mental health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help you feel your best mentally. Also, avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. These can all lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Eating a healthy diet is key to feeling your best mentally. Make sure you're getting enough nutrients by eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods every day.

3) Get regular exercise

Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to feeling your best mentally. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. This could include walking, running, biking, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, exercise can also improve sleep quality and increase energy levels. So if you're looking for ways to feel better mentally, adding some exercise to your routine is a great place to start.

4) Spend time with loved ones

Having strong social support is essential for good mental health. Spend time with family and friends, or join a club or group to meet new people. Doing things you enjoy with the people you care about can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

In addition to spending time with loved ones, it's also important to find ways to connect with your community. For example, volunteer for a local organization or attend community events. These activities can help you feel more connected and engaged, which are both important for good mental health.

In conclusion, there are many things you can do to feel your best mentally. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and spend time with loved ones. These activities will help improve your mental health and well-being.

How To Recovery Emotionally After A Serious Accident

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If you’ve recently had a serious accident, it can be a long road to recovery. At first, you are probably concentrating on recovering from your immediate physical injuries and the practicalities around this, but once these urgent things are taken care of, there is a lot more to recovering than you might think. Learning how to deal with these is the key to a full recovery. 

Think about the following when planning your recovery. 

Cosmetic healing

Depending on the type of accident you had and the severity of it, it can take you a while to heal physically. Your immediate health needs are the most important, but when they are under control, there may be some other, more superficial injuries that you want to take care of. If you had to have treatment from an emergency dentist after your accident, you may still need a cosmetic dentist to restore your smile and your confidence. 

It’s important to make time for yourself and indulge in a little physical self-care in order to move the emphasis from your body as something that was injured to an amazing thing that is healing, both inside and out. 

Mental healing

After an accident or injury, it’s common to experience lingering trauma or even PTSD. The psychological effects can last long after the physical ones have gone. If you find that your mental health is suffering, then you aren’t alone and should reach out for help. Your doctor should be your first port of call if you don’t already have a therapist you can talk to, they will be able to signpost you to the right service. 

It can also help to read about the subject of PTSD and blogs from others who have experienced it and how they coped. Talk with family and friends too if you feel comfortable enough to do so. If you don’t, there are a number of support groups you can join both in-person and virtually. 

Accepting a new normal

It’s very rare that you’ll be able to go completely back to normal after a serious accident. You may be left with ongoing physical injuries, which you need to take into account or have a different view on life. Some people can find the experience transformative and put other aspects of their lives into perspective which can encourage them to make real positive changes. 

Whatever life looks like for you, it can help to understand what has happened to you and how it can affect you moving forward, either positively or negatively. 

Conclusion

Surviving a serious accident is a life-changing event. Healing from it both physically and psychologically is very important to allow you to get on with the rest of your life. Dedicating the time to really work on your own recovery and allowing yourself that time and space is vital. 

Everyone copes differently and there is no right or wrong way to do this. Do what is right for you and don’t feel that you can’t reach out for help. 

10 Home Appliance Hazards To Look Out For

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Today’s home appliances are much safer than appliances that existed 20 or 30 years ago. However, you still need to be careful as to how you use them. There are all kinds of unwanted accidents that can occur if you fail to maintain or operate appliances properly - this includes everything from food contamination to house fires. Below are just some of the biggest home appliance hazards to look out for.

Fridge filth

Failing to keep your fridge clean could lead to you getting very ill. Spillages, leakages and crumbs that aren’t cleaned away can often end up containing bacteria, which can breed over time. This bacteria can then end up contaminating other foods in your fridge. 

To avoid this, make sure to clean any spillages up straight away. On top of this, try to take the time to occasionally deep-clean the shelves of your fridge with a wet cloth. You can also prevent contamination by always sealing opened or unpackaged foods. It could also be worth keeping meats on the bottom shelf to prevent any juices dripping onto foods below. 

Dirty dryer ducts

Does your dryer have a duct vent? If so, when was the last time you cleaned it out? Over time, dryer ducts can collect build-ups of lint. This needs to be cleaned out, otherwise it will eventually cause a blockage. Heat then won’t be able to escape the dryer and this lint will likely catch fire. In fact, there are thousands of house fires every year caused by dirty dryer duct vents. 

You can clean this vent yourself or you can hire a professional company like DUCTZ to clean it out for you. Dirty dryer vents aren’t the only cause of dryer-related fires - make sure to also keep your dryer well-ventilated and don’t place any flammable items too close to it. 

Toaster crumbs

Another appliance that is responsible for many house fires is the toaster. Toasters can accumulate crumbs at the bottom over time. If you don’t clean out these crumbs, they end up being recooked every time you use your toaster. Eventually, they could catch fire, at which point your toaster is likely to go up in flames.

If you use your toaster regularly, make sure to also regularly clean it out. Wait until it's cool, unplug it and then tip out any crumbs before cleaning out the inside with a cloth or a spare toothbrush. 

Stovetop clutter

Unsurprisingly, ovens are a major cause of home fires. One of the biggest dangers is kitchen clutter on or around the stove - items like letters, takeaway menus, recipe books or cereal packets could be at risk of catching alight. Even other countertop appliances can overheat and catch fire if you’re not careful. 

To be safe, keep the area around your oven clear of any items that could potentially be flammable. 

Unsupervised space heaters

Electric space heaters used to be a major source of house fires. This isn’t the case nowadays as fewer people own these appliances, plus many modern space heaters are a lot safer. However, they can still be dangerous if placed too close to a flammable item like a curtain or allowed to fall face-down onto a carpet or wooden floor.

The best way to avoid a space heater fire is to never leave these appliances unattended. You can then pick them up if they fall over and prevent a fire. As mentioned already, many modern space heaters are much safer and some even have automatic off switches that trigger if they fall over. 

Washer leaks

When it comes to washing machines, there are a few dangers to look out for. One of the biggest dangers is a leak. Water from a leaking washing machine can cause electrical fires, electric shocks and slip injuries. Damp caused by a water leak can also encourage mould growth, which could lead to unhealthy air quality. 

Leaks are more common with older washing machines. Once you notice a leak, get it repaired immediately. If leaks keep occurring, it could be time to get a new washing machine. 

Microwaved metals

There are a few things you should never put in your microwave. One material that you should definitely keep out of your microwave is metal. This includes tinfoil, metal bowls or a metal fork left on a plate. 

Metal reflects microwaves, which means that any food placed in a metal bowl will most likely not cook. However, the biggest danger is the risk of ‘arcing’ - jagged and uneven metal surfaces may cause sparks, which could lead to your microwave setting on fire. Try to stick glass or ceramic containers that are labelled as microwave-safe. 

Frayed cables

Over time, cables on appliances may get damaged. This can lead to wires being exposed, which could lead to a risk of electric shock or a fire. 

If appliances have frayed cables, consider getting them repaired or buy a new appliance. Cables are most likely to get damaged on older appliances, however a cable on a newer appliance can still get damaged if pests get hold of it or if it is yanked or bent too hard. 

Odd odours

Are your appliances creating an odd smell? There are a few smells that you should be wary of. Musty smells could be due to the presence of mould, while rotten smells could be due to spoiled food - this could be a sign that your appliances need to be thoroughly cleaned out. Burning smells are meanwhile never good - you should turn off any appliance if it is producing a burning smell, as it could mean it is overheating and a fire may already be imminent. A sweet chemical smell from a refrigerator could meanwhile be a freon leak,  which is toxic and should be repaired immediately. Gas smells from a gas oven meanwhile could be a sign of a gas leak - open the windows, get out of the house as soon as you can and call an emergency plumber to deal with the problem. 

This post at Domex lists a few of the smells to watch out for and how to get rid of them. In most cases, odd odours can be eliminated by simply cleaning your appliances. 

Wet hands

Handling electrical appliances when you have wet hands is an obvious but common mistake that many people make. You could get a nasty electrical shock, which in some cases could even be fatal. 

If you’ve just been doing the washing up or you’ve just cleaned your hands, make sure to dry them off before you start handling plugs and switches. 

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4 Tips For The Perfect Paint Job 

Are you getting ready to repaint the inside of your home? Painting your walls every few years gives your house a new appearance and makes it more inviting. Perhaps you want to paint your house to commemorate a significant family event, or perhaps you want to offer your children the room of their dreams with a fresh paint job. Maybe you want to sell your home. Whatever the case, the paintwork must at least look professional, even if it won't be (technically) professional. With that in mind, here is a list of clever recommendations to help you give your house the perfect paint job.

 Photo by Malte Luk

 Clean The Wall 

When you're ready to paint the walls, make sure they're free of grime, oil, and other material that has accumulated over time. If necessary, use a strong cleanser. Always clean in a circular motion using a lint-free cloth. Begin from the bottom and work your way to the top. After the surface of the wall has been thoroughly cleaned, begin filling any holes and nicks in the wall to get the smoothest possible finish.

It might be at this point that you need some outside help. If you find that the walls are damp or there is mold on them, it's best to call on the professionals in mold and water damage restoration before you consider painting or even doing much cleaning. Once the walls are mold-free, you can continue with your painting project. 

Protect Your Floors

Spills are an unavoidable aspect of the painting process. You will undoubtedly spill paint on your floor or carpet, no matter how careful you are. You can use drop cloths to protect yourself from spills, and it's best to use cotton ones and place them all over the floor for the best result. Avoid using plastic since paint droplets will remain wet for a long time and might even stick to your shoes or clothing.

Mix Several Cans Of Paint In A Large Bucket

Did you know that the color of paint can vary somewhat from can to can? This is particularly true if you are working with a single shade and open the can in the midst of the task. This could result in a tiny color variance on your walls that seems inconsistent. Any wall with a skewed color scheme is unpleasant to look at, and you'll be hypersensitive to the fact that it's there. 

To prevent this, combine several paint cans in a single bucket. Fill the bucket to the brim, or at least as much as you need to paint the whole room. In that way, you'll have one consistent color for the entire job. 

Paint The Trim First

Professional painters follow a plan, which may explain why their paintwork is so good and constant across the whole house. The trick to having consistent color on your walls is to paint the wall trim first, then continue on to the wall and ceiling.

You don't need to spend a lot of time and effort painting the trim since it doesn't really require a flawless finish. If you're painting the trim first, you won't have to worry about painting the wall at the same time.

12 Ways To Supplement Your Income

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If you're looking for ways to supplement your income, plenty of options are available. You can start a side hustle, invest in real estate, or even get a part-time job. This will help you bring in some extra money each month to help cover your bills or save for a rainy day.

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Here are a dozen ways to supplement your income:

1. Start a side hustle

A side hustle is a great way to make some extra money. There are many different types of side hustles you can start, such as Forex Trading, freelance writing, graphic design, or web development.

2. Invest in real estate

Another option for generating additional income is to invest in real estate. This can be done by purchasing rental properties or flipping houses.

3. Get a part-time job

If you need to bring in some extra cash, consider getting a part-time job. There are many different types of part-time jobs available, such as working in a retail store or as a server at a restaurant.

4. Sell items online

Another option for making money is to sell items online. This can be done through platforms such as eBay or Amazon.

5. Participate in focus groups

You can also make extra money by participating in focus groups. These groups provide companies with feedback on various products and services. In return, you'll receive compensation for your time and opinions.

6. Do odd jobs

If you're willing to do some odd jobs, there are many opportunities available. You can find these types of jobs on websites such as Craigslist or TaskRabbit.

7. Offer pet-sitting services

If you love animals, consider offering pet-sitting services. This is a great way to make some extra money while also spending time with furry friends.

8. Teach a class

If you have a skill or talents that others would like to learn, consider teaching a class. This can be done through community centers, online platforms, or even in your own home.

9. Rent out a room

If you have an extra room in your house, consider renting it out. This is a great way to bring in some extra income, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination.

10. Provide home-cooked meals

Another option for generating income is to provide home-cooked meals. This can be done by advertising your services online or through word-of-mouth.

11. Offer laundry services

If you're looking for a way to make some extra money, consider offering laundry services. This is a great option for those who live in apartment complexes or dormitories.

12. Participate in surveys

You can also make money by participating in online surveys. These surveys are typically used by businesses to gather data about consumer preferences. In return for your participation, you'll receive compensation in the form of cash or gift cards.

There You Have It

These are just a few of the many ways you can supplement your income. By exploring different options and finding what works best for you, you can easily boost your earnings and reach your financial goals.