Grow Your Own Wellness Garden

If you’re looking for a way to ease your stress and calm your mind, getting closer to nature can help you. And instead of going out to get in touch with nature, why not grow your very own Wellness Garden? Whether it’s in your back yard, in a greenhouse or in a well lit corner of your home, you can create your own mindfulness garden to serve as the perfect zen space to relax in. Here are a few ways that you can accomplish this.

Green Plants in Hanging Pots

Create a Serene, Secluded Space

One of the most important characteristics of a wellness garden is that it's a space that feels private and calming. Choose a corner of your yard, balcony or a large indoor area that can make you feel secluded and separated from daily distractions. You want to make sure that it’s closed off. Natural barriers like hedges or strategically placed screens are perfect for this. Using things like soft lighting fixtures, textured stones or peaceful statues can help you to feel more at ease and can create a better sense of zen. A scenic environment makes sure that your garden feels like your own sanctuary.

Give Yourself Somewhere Comfortable To Sit

Gardening takes a lot of work, and can often feel like more of a chore than a hobby due to how physically demanding it can be. Just remember that you are growing this garden to help you relax. It’s important to space your pots and planting areas in a way that keeps them easily accessible. it helps to set up a comfortable seating area, such as a cushioned bench or an armchair, where you can easily enjoy looking at or reaching your plants. You might also want to make sure that your plants are positioned so that they’re easy to reach when you're standing up. 

Choose Your Plants Wisely

The plants that you grow can contribute to your sense of relaxation just as much as the practice itself. Choose plants that are easy to care for, such as native plants. You can also select plants based on their relaxing properties, such as the aromatherapeutic chamomile or lavender. If it’s permitted in your area, plants grown from cannabis seeds can offer a yield that proves a valuable part of your relaxation and stress busting ritual, as well. You can also choose plants based on their sensory contribution. How they look, feel and the overall kind of atmosphere that they lend to the space is also important. Choosing plants with intentional wellness benefits turns your garden into more than decoration. It makes it a true tool for generating mindfulness and relaxation.

Consider Incorporating A Water Feature

There are very few things that can increase the relaxation factor more than a good water feature. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Even a simple fountain or a bubbling birdbath can provide the sound of water, which naturally has a calming effect that reduces your stress and promotes relaxation. Water can also attract birds or pollinators, which can be fun to watch. Your garden can be a sanctuary not just for you, but also for important players in the biodiversity of your area. You'll love knowing that your benefits nature as well as your own feelings of well being.

Treat Every Step As A Mindful Practice

While the garden itself can be an important place for relaxing and letting the stresses of your mind drift away, actively participating in hobbies can be just as important for treating your stress. Treat the necessary upkeep of your garden not just as a chore that has to be done, but the opportunity to mindfully take part in the growth and cultivation of life. Watering, weeding, pruning and harvesting can all be a lot more relaxing and fulfilling if you simply take your time. Focus on the feels, the smells and the sights of growing your perfect relaxation space.

A mindfulness garden is a great mixture of a stress busting hobby and a space where you can relax and unwind after a long day. It requires time and investment. But it can also teach you the importance of making the time to spend on self care too.

This is a contributed post.

Low Cost Family Getaways

When you have a young family, money is often tight. But that doesn't mean that you can't take your family on a vacation. You can still spend some quality time together and have fun with a low budget. Of course, going abroad might not be an option for you, but you don't have to travel very far at all to have an enjoyable getaway.  Read on for some ideas for budget friendly and super fun staycation ideas for your family.

Photo Courtesy of Timur Weber on Pexels

Pretend To Be Tourists In Your Home Town Or City

You don’t even have to travel outside of your home town or city to have a staycation, so why not explore it as if it’s your first time there? Think of the local attractions that people love to visit. Do a quick Google search for activities in your area and spend a few days (or weeks, depending on your timeframe) exploring your home city. You’ll be surprised at how much of your town you haven’t seen! By visiting local attractions, you can keep an eye on how much you’re spending and only visit the ones that are within your budget. If your children are a little older and more adventurous, research and book local adventure packages, which often include kayak, canoe, tandem bike and boat rentals.

Rough It Up

If you’re looking for a vacation for the family that’s super budgeted, then why not consider roughing it? It’s a fantastic way of getting away from home for a couple of days and being at one with nature. Camping equipment doesn’t cost a lot. And once you have it, you’ll have the chance to jump in the car and spend a weekend away whenever you feel like it!

If you’re not crazy about the idea of camping, or perhaps your children are too small for it at the moment, then why not consider an RV park? You can rent one that’s already set up, or if you plan on towing your caravan there, you'll be able to take advantage of the amenities around you as well as what the resort offers. Many RV parks have facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, table tennis, clubhouses, children’s parks, lakes with pedal boats and much more. Signing yourself up to services such as Groupon will help you save even more money on your family holiday.

Go To A Concert

A fantastic way of turning something cool into a mini staycation is by going to a concert that is slightly out of town. Look online for band tickets at your chosen venue and turn it into a weekend away by booking a hotel and exploring this new location. Now all you need to decide is who you’re seeing and when! The great thing about this idea is that it can be done at any time of the year, as many times as you can afford, and you get the chance to see your favourite musicians playing!

Conclusion

I hope these ideas will help you find ways to build memories with your family that will last a lifetime. It's not about the money spent, it's about the time your family spends together.

This is a contributed post.

How to Save Money on Car Costs

Running a car is expensive. It’s one of the biggest expenses you have each month. Gas and diesel are expensive, car repairs and maintenance, upkeep, insurance - the list feels never ending. If you’re a bit strapped for cash you might be thinking about how to get some of these costs down on a permanent or a shorter term basis. Either way, we have some ideas for getting those costs down a bit. 

Image by Malte Luk on Pexels

Go Electric 

Buying an electric car probably will cost you more upfront, but you can definitely save money on the running costs. If you have the money to spend and want to bring down costs overall in the longer term then it’s a good thing to consider. Electricity providers have tariffs for electric car owners that give you cheap rates when you charge your car at certain times, and if you only do shorter journeys then you might find it costs almost nothing to run. 

Consider Different Vehicles and Types of Transport

If you live alone or mostly travel alone (for example, just a work commute), could you consider switching to another type of vehicle? A moped or motorbike is an obvious choice. You don’t need to find the newest, shiniest Harley-Davidson for sale, it could be something simple and inexpensive. In most cases, motorbike is less expensive to buy than a car. And it’s cheaper to maintain and run as well. So it could definitely be an option for transportation if you don’t usually travel with kids or multiple passengers. Something like an electric scooter or an e-bike could alsp be a good middle ground, if you do longer journeys or don’t have the fitness needed to use a regular bike. 

Get Rid of Your Car Completely

If it’s an option to get rid of your car completely, then this could definitely be a way to save you money. Even if it’s just a short term solution while you work towards a pay raise or get a business up and running. Or until you pay off some debt. Ask yourself if this could work for you. Could you walk or bike to the places you usually go to? You could use online shopping and home deliveries for your groceries instead of going to the actual store and shopping yourself. This will also prevent you from impulse buying, which will be extra savings for you! You could get into walking or biking, which would give you the added bonus of improving your fitness. Or you could use public transportation if that is an option in your area. Check the cost of things like bus, tram and train tickets to see if it’s much cheaper than giving up your car.

Owning and maintaining a car is expensive. But there are ways to decrease those expenses if you take the time to research and weigh your options.

This is a contributed post.

7 Common Health Problems You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask Your Doctor About

Got a health issue you’re concerned about, but too embarrassed to bring it up with a doctor? You’re not alone. Many of us silently struggle with uncomfortable ailments because we’re too mortified by the idea of discussing them with someone we barely know (even if that person is a medical professional sworn to confidentiality who has seen it all before!). 

These embarrassing health problems may seem rare because nobody talks about them, but many of them are actually quite common. Your friends, your neighbors and your colleagues may all be quietly suffering from the same symptoms. Let's discuss 7 prime examples of health issues you may be hiding, as well as how and when you should seek treatment.

Photo Found On Pexels

Hyperhidrosis

This is the technical term for excessive sweating. It affects millions of people worldwide and can often be quite awkward. It leads to soaked clothes, slippery handshakes and sometimes unpleasant body odor. Fortunately, there are several treatments for this condition for those willing to seek help. This includes clinical strength antiperspirants, medications and even Botox injections. It’s worth seeing a doctor to rule out underlying conditions like thyroid conditions, however in most cases it’s not anything serious and is easily treatable. So don’t sweat it!

Halitosis

Do you always seem to have bad breath, no matter how much you brush your teeth? This could be a condition known as halitosis, which is very common. Chronic bad breath can have many causes ranging from dry mouth to gut issues. Don’t hold your breath waiting for it to cure itself. You should visit your doctor to determine any underlying cause, especially if the bad breath is becoming more noticeable. 

PPP

Health concerns involving your private parts can often be some of the most embarrassing issues to open up about, because your doctor will most likely need to take a look. An alarming but often harmless problem that roughly 30% of men experience is small lumps around the head of the penis. This is not necessarily an STI. It could be pearly penile papules (PPP), which are essentially just genital skin tags. It’s possible to get them lasered off, but if you’re too shy for that, there are also PPP kits you can use to remove them at home. You may still want to see a doctor just to confirm that they’re not anything more serious. 

Hemorrhoids

Also known as ‘piles’, hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus. They’re pretty much varicose veins, but located where the sun doesn’t shine. Many people develop hemorroids. Particularly as they get older or during pregnancy. And they can be very itchy and painful. There are over-the-counter creams you can buy to provide relief. If they’re causing serious pain, unfortunately you will need to consult a doctor to explore other treatment options and to make sure they’re just hemorroids and not anything more serious. It's a literal and figurative pain in the butt, but necessary if you don’t want them to get worse. 

ED

Erectile dysfunction is a lot more common than men assume. It affects most men as they get older, but a lot of young men experience it too. ED can vary in severity and can have many different causes. You shouldn't just ignore it. Especially if you have a partner and it’s straining your relationship. Drugs like Viagra are effective for most ED cases and you can get them prescribed discreetly through online pharmacies and telehealth services. Or you can just talk to your doctor, who has most likely had the same discussion with many of his patients.

Vaginal Odor

Body odor is always embarrassing, especially when it's coming from the groin. Vaginal odor can have many causes from infections like bacterial vaginosis to hormonal shifts. It’s important to see a gynecologist if you’re experiencing other symptoms like discharge or itching. If it’s just an odor issue, consider switching to breathable underwear or making sure that you’re not washing down there with soap, which can disrupt the PH balance and cause infections. If this isn’t helping, don’t be afraid to see a doctor. 

Excessive Flatulence

We all pass gas daily, whether we like to admit to it or not. But if you can’t stop farting or you’re getting stomach cramps from the gas, then it’s no longer a normal issue. You should consider visiting your doctor if you have excessive flatulence. It could be caused by something in your diet. Conditions like IBS cause excess gas and are often caused by certain trigger foods that you’ve become intolerant to. Other digestive issues can also make people gassy. You should look into if you’re experiencing other worrying digestive symptoms like pain or unexplained diarrhea or constipation.  

Conclusion

These conditions may feel embarrassing, but they shouldn't be ignored. There are often simple treatments for them and your doctor is there to help you find them and to make sure that there is nothing more serious going on.

This is a contributed post.

Consistency In Parenting A Toddler

When your baby starts transitioning from being an infant and becomes a full grown toddler, it can really turn your home life upside down for a while. The energy, the independence and the mood swings can make everything about life with your child feel like it's changing. But that doesn’t mean you should give in to the chaos. Making room for change is important, but consistency is just as important for toddlers as it is for younger children. Let's examine what that looks like, and why it’s so important.

Pic - CC0 License

Expectations And Boundaries

As your child physically develops, they're going to mentally develop as well. Their communication is going to improve, and they’re going to become a lot more self aware. While it’s natural for your child to feel out, explore and even push the limits of their world at this stage, it’s important for you to set boundaries for them. Clearly communicate household rules in simple language, like “Toys stay in the play area” or “We wash our hands before meals.” Repeat these expectations consistently so your toddler connects the rule with the behavior. You also need to be aware that inconsistency in these boundaries is one of the most effective ways to undermine them. Avoid changing things based on your mood or situation.

Establishing Your Mealtime Norms

Your toddler’s eating habits are going to change as they begin eating new foods. They're a lot more likely to want to handle spoons and forks themselves. They’re also going to be more willing to express exactly when they want to eat and what they want. It’s important to serve meals and snacks at roughly the same time each day, preferably in a familiar setting, and with rules on sitting at the table and using utensils. Fussiness is expected, but if you give in to it, then they’re going to rely on it a lot more to eat at a whim. Even if it doesn’t always make for the best schedule.

Maintain A Predictable Bedtime Routine

Your toddler is going to experience changes in their sleeping habits, such as moving from a cot to a bed. Amongst the 9 reasons your toddler won't sleep that are most common, an inconsistent bedtime routine is one of the easiest to approach. Have a set time to start going to bed at, including a time to be under the covers by. Beginning with calming activities in the same order, such as taking a bath, then getting into pajamas and reading a short book can help their brain start entering that restful state. Keep overstimulation to a minimum during the hour before they start getting ready for bed. Call an end to active play and make sure there are no bright screens on around them. This predictability helps regulate your toddler’s internal clock, improving both the speed at which they fall asleep and the quality of their rest.

What About Discipline?

As your child becomes a lot more communicative and better able to understand you, you’re going to have to come up with your own approach to discipline. As with boundaries, consistency is vital in discipline to avoid any kind of confusion on the rules or the cause and effect that follows misbehavior. Bad behavior shouldn’t have a set consequence one day, only to be ignored later. Age appropriateness is important, of course, such as a brief time out from play is they’re too rough or not sharing well. If you have any caregivers, then you should make sure that they have the same approach to discipline as you do. You don’t want your child to play up more around other adults because they don’t think they can expect the same consequences for misbehavior.

Baby Pic

The Question Of Screen Time

The role of digital technology and the glow of the screen is something that modern parents have to consider in a way that past generations never did. While putting on the occasional cartoon or kids' show can prove a vital distraction when you’re not able to give your child 100% of your energy, overreliance on screens can set a dangerous precedent. Finding ways to spend screen-free time with your kids is vital. Try to set a clear daily or weekly limit on screen time use, such as 20 minutes a day, and stick to it. Regardless of whether it’s the weekend or not. And make sure to check all content that your child accesses, especially on the internet, to ensure that it’s appropriate.

Coordination Is Key

If there is anyone else looking after your child, whether it’s a partner, grandparents, babysitters or daycare providers, you should be upfront about sharing your standards with them. Most will be willing to adapt to your routines, rules and expectations. For things like meal times and nap schedules, it might be best to write them down to make sure there’s no forgetting or confusion. When toddlers experience consistency across environments, they adjust more easily and behave more predictably. Mixed messages from different caregivers can cause frustration and testing of boundaries.

Adapt Gradually, Not Abruptly

Things are going to change as your toddler grows, and it’s important to anticipate that while maintaining consistency as much as possible. Any changes should happen gradually. For instance, if they need to start going to bed an hour earlier, then start shifting their bedtime routine by ten minutes every couple of nights, rather than trying to simply get them ready for bed an hour earlier. You want to avoid changing too many routines at once, and explain any changes that they’re likely to notice in simple terms that they can understand. Make sure that no change feels like a punishment.

Consistency remains vital for a toddler, it’s just going to look a lot different from the consistency you had when they were an infant. Hopefully, these points have shown you have to find that new normal and explore this exciting (and stressful) new stage of development together.

This is a contributed post.