Posted in Lifestyle
10 Must-Have Items For Winter
Don’t feel blue just because colder weather and shorter days are coming because these 10 must have items for winter will get you through. Preparing for the change of season now ensures a smooth and happy transition into December, when winter’s telltale signs of cold temperatures and early sunsets appear in full force.This top ten list of what you need for winter will make those three months more comfortable, and in no time you will “think spring.”
Full Spectrum Lights – With winter comes much shorter daylight hours. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, where the lack of light can lead to common winter blues or depression. Having full spectrum lighting in your living room or bedroom helps your mood improve because these lights mimic sunlight. A must have in any home.
Immune System Boosting Supplements – When cold weather comes, so does cold and flu season. Fight back with a strong immune system by getting plenty of rest and taking immune enhancers such as garlic, zinc, Vitamin C and Echinacea to help avoid illness. In the event you do catch a bug, have a cold and flu care kit already at home so you don’t have to shop when you are under the weather.
Flannel Sheets – Even warmer parts of the country still have very cold evenings. Nothing feels better on a cold winter’s night than slipping into a cozy bed, complete with flannel sheets. A down comforter or electric blanket can also help provide a warm night’s sleep and sweet dreams.
Humidifier - With colder weather, people turn on their heaters more often. Having a heater running throughout the day can cause uncomfortable side effects from the increased dryness in the air. Scratchy throat, irritated eyes and even a bloody nose can occur from lack of humidity. A humidifier will help restore moisture in the air, leaving you more comfortable.
Hot Chocolate – What better time of year to enjoy a high quality cup of hot cocoa than during a cold winter evening? Treat yourself to one of the many gourmet brands available. Top with whip cream or miniature marshmallows, relax and indulge your senses.
A Good Auto Winterization – Don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. For those living in frigid climates, getting stranded in your automobile is more than just an inconvenience, it can be life threatening. So one of the most important 10 must have items for winter is to get you car serviced. Have antifreeze checked, oil changed, battery tested and an overall inspection to be sure your car won’t leave you stranded in the cold.
A Good Winter Coat And Warm Gear – Maybe we’ve proven mom wrong because going out without a coat won’t make you sick, but if your body isn’t kept warm, it uses precious energy reserves trying to keep out the cold instead of tending to you. Mom was right that our immune systems can weaken without keeping our body temperatures constant. So be sure to purchase a good winter coat, complete with hat, earmuffs and gloves, designed to be appropriate for the weather in your area of the country.
Emergency Food Kit And Water – Prepare for the fury of a winter storm and/or power outage by making sure your household has at least 3 days of extra food and water stored for the unexpected.
Candles – Not only do candles provide ambiance to a long, dark winter evening, scented candles can provide uplifting aromatherapy to help beat winter blues. In addition, a candle is great to have if power should go out.
A Good Book – People tend to be more sedentary during winter month’s, when the cold keeps them from many of their favorite outdoor activities and the early sunsets tend to make them more drowsy. Winter is the perfect time to read that long novel you’ve never seemed to have time for. Reading helps you escape and drift away from winter blahs.
Pet Clothing – If you are a pet owner, remember your cat or dog needs to be prepared, too! If your pets are always outside, they will need warm shelter and a water bowl that won’t freeze. If you have indoor pets, make sure they stay warm with booties and sweaters when you take them outside.
Read MorePosted in Mind
10 Interesting Facts About The Human Brain
The human brain is the most complex organ in the human body and probably the most complex creation present on this universe. It is evident that, the world’s greatest man made wonders are a result of the human brain making it the most amazing feature in a human being. The human brain with its complexity acts like a storage device which holds safely a person’s most cherished memories. A person’s personality is by far influenced by the brain as well as generation of human consciousness which gives a person passion, motion and emotion. A command center for the central nervous system, the brain serves human beings with ample physical and cognitive abilities. This are just a few vital roles that the human brain performs but the most amazing thing about the human brain are the many facts that are less known by many people with a fully functional brain.
- The human brain is the only organ in the human body that lacks nerves despite the fact that it acts as the central command for the central nervous system. This simply implies that, the human brain feels no pain.
- The human brain consumes the largest portion of the total energy that is generated in the human body. To be precise, the brain consumes 20% of that energy despite the fact that it only represents only 2% of the total body weight. The energy is vital for maintaining healthy brain cells and fueling nerve impulses.
- The number of neurons present in the brain is approximately 100 billion which is about 15 times of the total human population on earth. This high number of neurons increases the processing ability of the brain.
- The human brain is regarded as the fattest organ in the human body. About 60% of the human brain is comprised of fat which is the highest concentration of fat that is present in a single organ in a healthy human being. Furthermore, 75% of the total brain mass is comprised of water which regulates various functions in the brain.
- The neocortex is the portion of the human brain that is responsible for language and consciousness. It makes up approximately 76% of the human brain and making it the largest when compared to that in other animals.
- It is believed by many that, human beings use less than 10% of their brain. This is a misconception because each and every part of the brain has a known function.
- During early pregnancy, neurons have shown to multiply at a rate of 250,000 neurons per minute
- About 15-20% (750ml) of the total cardiac output is directed to the brain every minute.
- The energy consumed by the brain which is approximately 25 watts is sufficient enough to illuminate a light bulb.
- The human brain is not as perfect as it is thought of since in many instances it has been found to fool human beings making them to perceive things differently from the reality.
For sure, the human brain is truly an incredible body organ that requires maximum care to keep vital body processes running.
Read MorePosted in Lifestyle
How To Be More Productive
In this capitalistic society everyone wants be more productive, but the truth is not all of us manage it. Most people struggle with procrastination throughout their day and their motivation and productivity is low all the time. Fortunately there are several good techniques that can be used to become more productive, motivated and successful. Here are some:
1. Set Aside Time To Organize Your Schedule and Priorities Every Day
One of the most important aspects of learning how to be more productive is to set aside time everyday to organize your schedule and your priorities. Rather than taking everything that comes at you head on, it is important to consider the time that you have free on your hands, and the urgency of each task that is presented. Prioritize and write everything down in order to get a better understanding and grasp of time. Not only will it be more beneficial to you in the long run, but you will also be able to keep track of what needs to be completed and what hasn’t been completed.
2. Make a List of Your Tasks and Reward Yourself When You Finish Them
Making list is one of the best ways of organizing your time and your priorities. By making a list and setting aside specific time, you will feel as if you are able to accomplish a lot more. Reward yourself for crossing out each of the tasks that have been completed with a small snack or a small break. By rewarding yourself, you build a positive feedback in your mind about accomplishing work. This in turn will motivate you to do more.
3. Turn Off All Distractions
Turn off all distractions. This is a great way to motivate yourself to be more productive. For example, if you are constantly getting text messages on your phone, turn it off when completing different tasks. This will cause less distraction in your day, and you will be able to gear more of your attention towards the task at hand. Not only will this allow you to learn how to be more productive, but you will also be able to accomplish tasks more successfully and do a better job at doing it as well. The quality of the work will be higher.
4. Find The Time Of Day When You Are Most Productive
Last but not least, the time of day delegated to accomplishing tasks can also be a significant aspect in learning how to be more productive. The 80-20 rule dictates that you attempt to accomplish around 80% of your priorities in the first 20% of your day. Generally speaking, most people are most energized from the morning to noon, which is why it is one of the most recommended time for people to attempt to accomplish their priorities. Night-owls will find that they may enjoy working from noon to night more. Everyone has different preferences. The key is to find the time of day that works best for you in terms of productivity.
Learning how to be productive is not difficult. The most important key of all is to have the motivation to make some changes in your lifestyle. You’ll thank yourself in the long run!
Read MorePosted in Nutrition
10 Healthy Snack Ideas
Eating healthy is an important part of maintaining a balanced and productive life, but with all of the different snacks that are on the shelves of the supermarket, it may be better to make your own snacks. There are many alternatives to chips, candy bars and cookies that are just as delicious, but a lot healthier. Below are 10 healthy snack ideas that are easy to find. They are great alternatives, and easy to pack as well.
1. Hummus and Raw Vegetables
You will easily be able to find a hummus dip that contains lots of important nutrients and vitamins. The raw vegetables match perfectly with the hummus, and will add onto the fiber and vitamin intake.
2. Celery with Peanut Butter
Simple snacks like celery with peanut butter on them are extremely delicious. They contain a lot of fiber, and nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day. They are easy to make and even easier to pack.
3. Rice Crackers
Rather than indulging in cookies, rice crackers have a lot more nutrients, but can taste just as delicious. Those who have a craving for cookies should try out rice crackers instead. They pack less calories, and are known to have more fiber and nutrients in them.
4. Fresh Fruit
Although the most mundane of all of the ideas, fresh fruit is always delicious, especially when the fruit is in season and ripe. Look for fruit in a supermarket, and grab one before you leave the door. It’s healthy, and definitely a great alternative.
5. Dried Fruit
Those who don’t want to deal with fresh fruit will find dried fruit to be a great alternative although it packs a bit more sugar. They have a lot of fiber, taste and nutrients within them. Depending on the fruit, some pack a lot of vitamins as well. Trail mix is generally easily attainable at stores, and has a lot of different selections within the mix.
6. Granola Bars
You can buy them everywhere. Not only they taste good, they do not contain much fat and usually don’t have more than 200 calories.
7. Banana Bread, and Other Loafs
Depending on where you purchase these baked goods, there are many bakeries that use organic ingredients and less oil during the baking process. It’s a great alternative that is also filling.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt has a lot of different bacteria in it designed to help with digestion. It’s a great alternative to many other snacks, and comes in a selection of different flavors and sizes. Some yogurts have added calcium and nutrients within them.
9. Smoothies
There are many different types of smoothies that are able to provide consumers with the nutrients that they need while still being scrumptious. Generally speaking, when looking for smoothies, find a store that uses natural ingredients and lots of fruits. The more fruits that are inside the cup the better.
10. Crackers with Dips
Rather than hummus with vegetables, there are many different types of crackers that are made with whole wheat and grains. Not only are they delicious, but they are taste even better when matched with dips like ranch or honey.
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