Work Happy, Live Happier: Finding Joy Through Your Job

 Joy in life is often elusive, so joy in your job can be almost non-existent. However, you can make your career more than something that just pays the bills and something that adds real value to your life. From being social with colleagues to promotion plans, here are some ideas:

Balance Your Brain With Supplements

Mental performance is just as important as physical energy for most jobs. Mental acuity will help you get through specific jobs that require concentration and focus. Additionally, low energy levels will deplete your brain power, too! Fortunately, there are tons of products, such as supplements, you can use for cognitive enhancement. Pure aniracetam powder – 50g jars are an effective addition to a nootropic stack, while simple vitamin B compounds improve focus.

Stay Social And Get to Know Colleagues

No one wants to be the weirdest person at work! If you spot someone that nobody speaks to, you can make their day by asking how they are. Getting to know your co-workers is a special trait that many of us don’t learn to use. Of course, we have immediate colleagues, but getting to know everyone widens your social circle and opens you up to advancement within your job through networking. There are also the additional mental health benefits of social activity.

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Find Joy In Your Job With Time Management

Time management is a valued gift that most employers look for. It can make your boss’s day easier when you are organized, but of course, it makes your workload much easier. A study by Zippia found that 82% of workers don’t manage their time well. However, all it takes is a weekly organizer to make plans with a journal or a digital planner. Your mind is free of brain fog and stress when you know what to expect and can fit in specific work tasks throughout your day.

Have A Plan For Promotion And Advancement

What are you working for without an aspiration for advancement? It always helps to have a career plan, and if your job won’t help you get there then it can be beneficial to switch jobs! Ask your boss about advancement such as training and education that can help with future promotions. Most employers love workers who show an interest in project management, team leadership and skills development. It helps them just as much in the long term as it helps you.

Know Your Limits And Stick To Them

Working hard is commendable, but it never helps to work too hard. Working too hard might seem beneficial at first, but it almost always ends with disaster. Burnout at work is becoming more common as we strive for a better life. But what’s better? A little less money with health and happiness, or wealth and chronic health conditions? We all have limits when it comes to work, so stick to yours, and don’t be afraid to discuss issues with your boss if you are suffering.

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Health management with focus and physical supplements will help you find joy in your job. Managing time also helps you get through your daily tasks without too much stress. You can avoid burnout by knowing what your limits are and ensuring you don’t overwork yourself.

Restoring Balance To Your Life After A Stressful Time

 Life can be a rollercoaster, especially during our late teens and early twenties. Whether it’s the pressure of school, work, relationships, or simply navigating the complexities of growing up, stress can sneak up and throw us off balance. After a particularly stressful period, it’s essential to take intentional steps to restore equilibrium in your life. Here’s how you can reclaim your sense of calm and well-being:

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in restoring balance is recognizing that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Ignoring your emotions or pushing them aside might seem like the easiest route, but it only delays the healing process. Take a moment to reflect on what caused the stress and how it has affected you. Journaling can be a helpful way to process these emotions. Sometimes just writing down your thoughts allows you to see things more clearly and can be the first step towards resolving them.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment. When stress dominates your life, it's easy to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even mindful walking can help ground you in the present. These practices don’t require much time and can be done anywhere, making them an accessible way to start restoring balance. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions that are particularly useful for beginners.

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Engage With Coping Skills Worksheets

One practical tool for managing stress and regaining balance is using coping skills worksheets. These worksheets are designed to help you identify stressors, understand your reactions, and develop strategies to cope effectively. They often include exercises like listing your triggers, rating your stress levels, and identifying positive coping mechanisms. For instance, you might be asked to write down situations that make you anxious and then brainstorm ways to handle them in a healthier way. These worksheets can be a valuable resource, giving you structured guidance as you work through your stress. You can find them online, through counseling services, or even apps focused on mental health.

Reconnect With Yourself

During stressful times, it's common to lose sight of who you are and what makes you happy. Reconnecting with yourself means rediscovering the things you love—whether it’s a hobby you’ve neglected, music that lifts your spirits, or simply spending time in nature. This reconnection can help restore your inner balance. Take some time each day to do something that brings you joy, no matter how small it seems. It could be as simple as cooking a favorite meal, drawing, or going for a walk. 

Stay Active

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and restore balance in your life. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, which can help you feel more positive and energized. Staying active doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym for hours on end. It could be anything from dancing in your room to your favorite tunes, going for a run, or joining a local sports team. The important thing is to find a form of exercise you enjoy, so it becomes a regular and enjoyable part of your routine. 

Set Realistic Goals and Prioritize

After a stressful time, it’s crucial to set realistic goals and prioritize what’s truly important. You may feel the need to catch up on everything at once, but this can lead to further overwhelm. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focus on one thing at a time. Prioritization also involves learning to say no when necessary. It’s okay to decline invitations or requests that add unnecessary stress to your life. 

Strengthen Your Support System

Never underestimate the power of a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement and advice. This might be friends, family, or even a counselor. Sometimes just talking about your stress with someone you trust can make a huge difference. They can offer a different perspective or simply provide a listening ear. If you feel isolated, consider joining a support group, either in person or online.

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Restoring balance after a stressful time is a journey, not a quick fix. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to take small, consistent steps toward well-being. By acknowledging your feelings, using tools like coping skills worksheets, staying active, and building a strong support system, you can regain your sense of balance and move forward with resilience. Remember, it’s okay to take your time—what matters most is that you’re making progress, one day at a time.

Staying Warm and Fashionable: Winter Wardrobe Essentials for Women

 As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it's time to prepare for the winter season. For many, this means pulling out their favorite cozy sweaters, warm scarves, and snug boots. However, staying warm doesn't mean sacrificing style. Winter fashion offers a unique opportunity to blend comfort with chic, creating outfits that are both practical and visually appealing. In this article, we’ll explore some essential winter wardrobe items that every woman should have, ensuring you stay warm and fashionable all season long.

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Layering: The Key to Winter Fashion

Layering is the foundation of winter fashion. It allows you to adjust your clothing to the varying temperatures throughout the day and stay comfortable both indoors and out. Start with a good base layer, like a thermal shirt or leggings, which will keep you warm without adding bulk. On top of this, you can add a cozy sweater or cardigan. A fashionable coat or jacket completes the look, providing both warmth and style.

The Essential Winter Coat

A winter coat is a must-have for braving the cold. When choosing a coat, consider both functionality and style. A good winter coat should provide insulation, be water-resistant, and have features like a hood or high collar to protect you from the elements. There are various styles to choose from, including parkas, pea coats, and down jackets, so you can find one that matches your personal taste. Opting for a classic color like black, navy, or grey ensures that your coat will pair well with any outfit.  

Cozy and Stylish Sweaters

Sweaters are the quintessential winter garment. They come in countless styles, from chunky knits to sleek turtlenecks, making them versatile for any occasion. When selecting sweaters, look for high-quality materials like wool or cashmere, which provide excellent warmth and durability. Pair your sweaters with jeans for a casual look or dress them up with a skirt and tights for a more polished appearance.

The Perfect Winter Accessories

Accessories play a crucial role in winter fashion, not only adding style to your outfit but also providing extra warmth. Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential for keeping the cold at bay. Thermal hats for women, in particular, are a fantastic choice. They offer superior insulation, keeping your head warm even on the chilliest days. Additionally, they come in various styles and colors, allowing you to find one that complements your wardrobe.

Scarves are another versatile accessory that can elevate your winter outfits. Opt for scarves made from materials like wool or cashmere, which provide both warmth and softness. Infinity scarves are a popular choice for their ease of wear, while traditional long scarves offer more styling options. When it comes to gloves, consider touchscreen-compatible options, so you can use your devices without exposing your hands to the cold.

Footwear: Stylish and Functional

Winter footwear needs to be both stylish and practical. Look for boots that provide insulation and have a good grip to prevent slipping on icy surfaces. Ankle boots are a versatile choice that can be worn with both jeans and dresses, while knee-high boots offer extra warmth and a sleek silhouette. Waterproof boots are also a smart investment, keeping your feet dry in snowy or wet conditions.

Embracing Winter Colors and Patterns

Winter fashion doesn't have to be dull. Embrace seasonal colors and patterns to add interest to your outfits. Rich hues like burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow can brighten up a winter wardrobe. Patterns like plaids and fair isle knits are classic choices that never go out of style. Mixing and matching different textures and patterns can create a visually appealing and dynamic look.

Skincare for the Winter Months

Winter weather can be harsh on your skin, making a good skincare routine essential. Cold temperatures and dry air can lead to dryness and irritation, so it's important to keep your skin hydrated. Use a gentle cleanser and follow up with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, as UV rays can still harm your skin in the winter. A good lip balm is also crucial to prevent chapped lips.

Staying Active and Healthy

Maintaining your health and fitness is important during the winter months. While it may be tempting to stay indoors and cozy up on the couch, staying active can help you feel better both physically and mentally. Consider winter activities like ice skating, skiing, or simply taking a brisk walk in the fresh air. Indoor exercises like yoga or home workouts are also great options. Keeping a balanced diet and staying hydrated are equally important for maintaining your health during the colder months.

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Winter is a wonderful season that offers many opportunities to showcase your style while staying warm and comfortable. By investing in key wardrobe pieces like a quality coat, cozy sweaters, and essential accessories, you can create versatile and fashionable outfits that withstand the chill. Remember to embrace winter colors and patterns, take care of your skin, and stay active to make the most of the season. With these tips, you'll be ready to face the winter months with both confidence and style.

How To Make Your Business Cards Unforgettable

 When you need to make a plan for your future, specifically your career (especially when you’re running a business), marketing yourself is usually the best way to go. So let's face it: business cards can be a dime a dozen. We've all been there, getting a stack of them at a networking event, only to forget about most of them by the next day. Sure, you’re going to remember a nice conversation, but those business cards basically look identical. If you’re waiting to boost the marketing of your business, then not being so boring is a good start. 

But what if your card could be the one that people remember? What if it stood out? What if it was not boring either? Well, here’s how you can turn your business card from a simple piece of paper into a memorable and effective marketing tool:

Start With A Stunning Design

First impressions matter. Your business card design should reflect your brand’s personality. So, you’re going to have to think about colors, fonts, and layout. Are you in the creative industry? Go bold with vibrant colors and unique fonts. Doing something luxurious like a luxury boutique? 

Well, in that case, why not look into gold foil business cards? In a more traditional field? A clean, professional design might be more appropriate. Whatever you choose, make sure it's cohesive with your brand identity. A well-designed card makes people pause and take notice.

Add A Personal Touch

This may or may not work; it’s really hard to say. But sometimes, including a personal touch can make your card stand out. This could be as simple as adding your photo. People are more likely to remember a face than a name. 

If you feel that’s too much, consider using a distinctive element that relates to you or your business—a custom illustration, a quirky logo, or even a meaningful quote. These elements can spark conversations and make you more memorable. Again, it’s hard to say how well this will work.

Use Quality Materials

Now, you really need to keep in mind that the feel of your business card can leave a lasting impression. By all means, you’re really going to want to opt for high-quality materials like thick card stock or textured paper. You might even consider unconventional materials like metal, wood, or plastic. 

These choices not only make your card more durable but also create a tactile experience that sets you apart from the usual paper cards. When your card feels substantial, it tells the recipient that you value quality.

Utilize Unique Shapes and Sizes

Who says a business card has to be a boring rectangle? How about you experiment with different shapes and sizes instead? A square card, a mini card, or even a card with rounded corners can catch someone's eye. As long as it fits into a wallet or card holder, it should be fine.

Tell Your Story

Your business card is a miniature billboard. Use it to tell a bit of your story. If you wanted, you could look into adding a tagline or a brief mission statement can give recipients insight into what you and your business stand for. Overall, this narrative element can make your card more relatable and memorable.

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Do you have any tips to share? Please add them in the comments below!

How To Make A Plan For Your Future

 While living in the present moment is really important for your happiness, it is equally as important to make a plan for your future. Making a plan for your future will enable you to take steps and reach goals and dreams that you have for yourself. Many people will make the mistake of thinking about their dreams and how they wish their life to unfold, but not take any action towards reaching them. This means that many people get older and live with regrets. It also results in not having the career you wished for, and reaching retirement without any plans or finances in place for yourself. 

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To prevent this from happening, you can take steps to prepare yourself. When you make a plan, you will live with more clarity and happiness, and you can rest knowing that your life will unfold the way you want it to. Of course, you can update your goals and plans at any point in your life, but it is a great way to get thinking about what you want so you don’t miss out on any opportunities, it will keep you motivated and moving forward, help you to have more control over your life, and you can live and retire with peace. A plan is also extremely helpful in helping you to think ahead with your finances so you are able to do the things that you want to do. Here are some steps to help you get started.

Think about your goals

The first and most important thing that you need to do, is to think about your goals. This might take some time. There might be some goals that you know you want to achieve in life, but there may also be some that you need to think about and discover. Make sure you think about all kinds of goals. There are going to be serious ones you must think about, like your finances, your investments, your career, whether you want to get married and have children, etc. Some of these serious goals may also include your retirement, your wills, and what happens after your passing. You can find helpful information online to help you craft goals and plans at www.Memorials.com and other sites online.  You also want to include some fun goals in there, like adventures that you want to go on. 

Think about what steps you need to take to get there

The next part of the plan making process is to think about what steps you need to get there. Be realistic and consider the small actions, as well as the big ones you need to achieve your goals. SMART goal setting is a good framework to follow, as it will ensure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound. 

Think about how you can finance it 

Make sure you consider your finances when planning your goals. There is nothing worse than wanting to achieve your goals but not having the means to do it. A plan will help you pull all this together. Think about the costs related to your goals, and how you can save towards being in a position to make it happen. 

Write it out 

The last step you should take when it comes to making a plan, is writing it out. This makes it more permanent and holds you accountable. When you write it down, you will also be able to remind yourself what you need to do to get to your goals. Make a tracker, schedule reviews and reminders, and make sure you go after those goals. 

Making a plan for your future is a great way to ensure you can look back at your life and accomplish everything you wanted to. 

One Down, Eight To Go

 A little over a year ago, I experienced a devastating loss in my life and really did not think I would be able to overcome it. I thought about it day and night, night and day, and it sometimes overwhelmed me so much I didn't think I would be able to breathe. I worked very hard on not completely losing it, although I don't think I did as well as I could but I tried. 

One night as I was wailing to The Void as per usual, it sent me a creature of the night right to my window. He was scruffy, had a goopy eye, and was sneezing long snot ropes all over the place but he was starving for love more than I was at the moment and I completely and totally melted.

Hello, Laaadieeesss...

I had a little bit of eye ointment left over from my other cat, Pete, so I was able to get the goopiness out of his eye a bit but by morning he was doing so poorly that we had to rush him to the emergency vet. He had crawled underneath a bed in the guest room and it looked like he had picked his final place to sleep forever. He was drooling and feverish and I was terrified that this cat I hadn't even given a name to yet was absolutely going to pass away in my house. 

We got him to the vet and they stabilized him. He needed a lot of fluids and had infection in his entire head and lungs. We were given a lot of medicines to give him and made an appointment with our regular vet to find out just what exactly was wrong with him because it was definitely more than just a cat cold with infection. 

It is hard enough to try to get medicine in a cat that knows you, ask me how hard it is to get medicine into a cat that doesn't know you. THAT was fun (no, it was not). 

This is the face of rage.

We eventually found out that the cause of the infection was he had an oronasal fistula that needed to be repaired and had to have almost all of his teeth removed. It was going to be (and was) a very expensive surgery but I will thank Banfield at Petsmart until the end of my days because with their Wellness Program, we were able to cut the cost of his surgery down from $2,800 to $1,300! No, this is not a sponsored post for Banfield, like I said, I am just thankful that they were able to work with us and get the cost down so I could actually give him all the help he desperately needed.  He had to take some pretty heavy duty antibiotics for a month and gain quite a bit of weight to prepare for that surgery, but after about a week he got used to the routine (and I discovered Pill Pockets!) and took the medicine and gained all of the weight and then some and had his surgery. He actually does have all of 4 teeth left after the surgery and has not had any trouble in the health area since.

That first week was probably the scariest for me because I just wasn't sure if he would pull through. I kept him in my bedroom away from my other cat (who was weirdly overjoyed to have another cat in the house which I did not expect at all) and dog and just spent all of the time I could with him. He was grumpy and hissy and bitey but thankfully realized that I was trying to help him. Once he got to the point that he was up and alert, I slowly introduced him to the rest of the house and everyone in it. He settled in and to my surprise, did not even try to go back outside at all. I did not realize at the time that it was only the beginning of an entire year and then some of saving both of our lives. I was so focused on trying to save this cat that I didn't have time to wallow in that dark depression hole I like to crawl into and hide when terrible things happen. I had a goal, a mission if you will, and I was determined to save a life after losing another.

Mission Accomplished

However, it seemed that getting him physically healthy was just the beginning. The vet was able to determine his age as only 8 months old at the time and in just those short eight months, he had been through incredible trauma. I had seen him around the neighborhood around August and had assumed it was someone's outside cat. I did not realize until he showed up at my window in February that he actually was either abandoned or feral. I live in a college town and people come and go in my neighborhood constantly so while I don't like to guess, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out where he came from. He was fixed already so clearly he had been someone's cat at one point so what happened? If I tried to tell you all of the theories that I ran through in my brain about his origin, we would be here all year. Shortly after he was physically well, though, I started to realize that my work was only halfway done. He got overstimulated very easily and would lash out. One minute he would be loving and want your attention and the next he would be growling and trying to bite me or my husband with his whole 4 teeth. When I say bite, I mean, viciously bite and scratch us and leave scars. We made a little place on a cat tower that we called the "spicy spot" that we would put him when we had trouble calming him down and got him some toys to bite on and would let him expend that energy in a better way than trying to murder us. 

This fish has been murdered one million times

I was at a loss as I knew very little about helping a cat like Huxley, but again, I was determined to help him, anyway. I read every book, scoured the internet, and talked with the vet on what I could do. I was able to find a lot of helpful information and start putting it to work. I found that so far I had been dealing with it pretty well by removing him from the overstimulation and being patient. I also learned all about what trauma can do to a cat and it opened my mind to new ways of dealing with my own trauma that I had encountered in my past. Slowly but surely, I think we both got better. He still has his moments, so do I when it comes to trauma, but learning all of the different ways to help really put into perspective how important it is to recognize trauma so you can heal trauma. Also, patience...so much patience.

I thought I had worked through a lot of things in my life, but helping him made me realize that while you can get better after trauma, it never really goes away. You will carry those wounds and they show up in surprising ways, sometimes when you least expect it. What it made me realize the most, though, is that if you can stay committed to healing, you will be rewarded with the calm life you always wanted and needed...with quite a few treats here and there!

Huxley The Void 

I like to tell people that he won the cat lottery by showing up at our retired, empty nester house window but most days, I think we all won in our own way. 

Bonus photo of my other cat Sweet Pete just because

Life Update: It Got Worse

I don't know about you but I am done with the year 2023. 

Thank you to all of you who have stuck around during this monster of a year! There has been a lot of unexpected tragedy in my personal life that has affected my posting here but I took a bit of a break and hope to go back to posting regularly in the new year. I had to take a breather and reprioritize a lot of different things and it was a good reminder that it is ok to slow down and appreciate the truly good things in life. 

Available Here

Speaking of good things, I couldn't let the ten year anniversary of my first book go by without saying anything! I still can't believe I actually did it, but I am so glad I did. I hope to have another collection of poems available in the new year as well and will keep you updated on that! If you have someone in your life who likes poetry, you can purchase it right here.

As terrible as this year has been, I am still looking forward to the next and what it will bring. I hope you are surrounded by love this holiday season!

The First Roles You Should Fill In Your Company

 When you are starting out with a new business, there are a few absolutely essential steps that you first need to take in order to ensure that you can get going in as strong a way as possible. One is to ensure you are hiring the right people. And an important concern there is figuring out which roles you should actually fill first, if you are to get the right people on board and start your team off strong. Let’s take a look at which specific roles you should fill first in any new company.

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Manager

You can’t expect your teams to be successful if you don’t have the appropriate managerial roles in place, so this is one of the first things that you should make sure you are looking into here. Filling managerial roles is really important, and you will need to choose carefully if you want to make it work as well as possible. It could be someone that you know or are even partnered with in other ventures, or you might just like to headhunt. In any case, finding a good manager is a really worthwhile thing to do as early on as possible.

Marketer

Having a good means of marketing your business is likewise always going to be important, and it’s something that you will need to make sure that you are doing as well as you can. In order to ensure that, you need to have an individual within your team who knows all there is to know about effective marketing. Hiring a good marketer early on is definitely one of the best things you can ever do for your business, so it is something that you might want to think about for sure as soon as possible.

Developer

There are very few businesses these days which will not have a use for a developer. Even if you just have a website or a platform, you will need a developer - or a team of them - to do it for you. And of course, if you want to have an app or anything like that, again you are going to need developers in place to do the legwork. When you hire developers for startup enterprises, you need to make sure you are hiring experience and passion above all. That is going to serve your business very well.

Project Leader

Slightly different to a manager, but just as essential, is the project leader. This is the person who is actually going to be in charge of the specific projects, and they need to have their head screwed on and be a really trustworthy individual. If you can make sure of that, it’s going to mean that you have a much stronger team and a stronger start to your business. All in all, that is really going to make a difference. And it’s something that you are going to be glad you thought about later on in the business’ life.

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Get Up And Dance!: Encourage Your Children to Love Music With These Tips

 One of the hardest things to do as a parent is to encourage your child to get involved in a hobby, especially if you know your child isn’t particularly interested. However, as parents it is our job to ensure that the kids have a well-rounded education and that means doing what you can to foster a love of music and potentially turn it into a hobby.

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Music is something we are all familiar with. It’s like a language that we can all speak, even through dance and movement. Getting the kids interested in music is easier if you are a lover of music yourself, and you can learn how to get Spotify cheaper so that you can play it through your home and access music at any time. Children who love to move will often love to dance, and music is going to help to encourage that. With that in mind, here are some of the ways you can ensure that your kids fall in love with music:

• Encourage them to listen. If you think about it, children respond to everything around them and that includes music. Getting children to fall in love with types of music is much easier when you are the one in control of the speakers. Having Spotify attached to an Alexa in your home allows you to play music and get it piped around the house, so children are always exposed to different music types. Pick a piece to play and create conversation around it.
• Play along. Not every parent is happy with the idea of buying loud instruments into their home but it’s a good way to get children recognizing rhythm and beat. If you are able to get some instruments, you can encourage the kids to play along to music in the home and create their own music.
• Explore different music styles. Not all styles are suited to everyone, and children need to learn to explore different music types so that they can figure out what they like the most. Try different activities and games and if they enjoy a specific instrument, you could even set up lessons.
• Take them to see it live. Concerts, shows, opera and more are all music and movement centered. Taking your children to see shows can help them to find a love in the music they’re listening to, and they can expand their creative and artistic horizons at the same time.
• Get up and dance! Lastly, make it fun and move to the music - you won’t regret the fun you’ll have with the kids when you have a dance party in the middle of the afternoon! Tempo, rhythm, beats and more are all more exciting when you’re dancing and moving in different ways, and inviting your children to move while they listen to the music is a good way to see how they respond to it. 

Music is a language we can all speak, we just need to be taught how to do it.

How To Harness Your Child's Musical Interests

 Music is beautiful, simply put. Music has a way of getting people to express their emotions in a beautiful way; it’s ideal for conveying and getting others to feel that exact feeling. Without any words whatsoever, you can still convey the exact feeling you want. Whether it’s love, sorrow, melancholy, or beyond, music has a way of bringing out this feeling. 

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But music goes further than this; it’s a beautiful form of art. It gets the body moving, it sets the atmosphere in the space, and it’s a great hobby that brings so much fulfillment. As you can see, the influence of music plays a massive role in everyone. So how can you get your little one to fall in love with this interest? 

Start With Exposing Them To Music

One of the best ways to foster a love for music in your child is to expose them to music of all kinds. This can be as simple as playing the radio in your car or playing music from other cultures at home. When kids are exposed to different rhythms, meters, and tonalities from around the world, it expands their musical vocabulary. Even infants recognize the melody of songs long before they understand the words. Singing to them or playing quiet background music at nap and bedtime can connect your little ones to their musical heritage.

As children get older, they will learn from the music they listen to and their parents' tastes. Exposing them to a variety of music can help them shape their opinions on what music should sound like and where their interests will lie. Then, they can find a way to incorporate music into their lives throughout adulthood. This can include anything from watching a concert to dancing to singing along to their favorite song.

Make Music With Them

From fond memories to having fun, why not make some noise with them? These can even include playing some ukulele songs for them or getting them to learn together. Playing simple songs, like "Wheels on the Bus" or "Twinkle, Twinkle," with your child is a great way to introduce children to music. The repetition of lyrics and melody helps children learn and memorize words, and simple tunes have a happy feeling that can easily complement any theme. When they get older, just play some music for them, or let them just explore. Overall, exposure and these positive nudges will help a lot.

Take Them To Music Events

Whether they play the drums, guitar, piano, or violin, kids who are exposed to live music have an easier time sustaining their interest. It's a big part of what makes them feel like they're not alone in their passion and that someone else believes in them, too. Taking them to see their favorite musicians in concert is a powerful way of showing that you support their musical pursuits. Often, they'll be even more motivated to play at home after having experienced the live performance firsthand. There are plenty of music events from orchestras, rock music, or even small-scale music festivals for the community. 

The Influence Of Music On Mood And Mental Health

 Have you ever wondered why music is so universal among human cultures? You can go to uncontacted tribes in the Amazon, Africa, and the Arctic, and they will still have music traditions of their own. 

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The answer is how it affects our mood. The moment someone discovered that tapping a stick and bobbing their head felt good, everyone started doing it, perhaps fifty thousand years ago. 

In this post, we explore the unique role of music on mood and mental health. We talk about how it can energize, help you cope with stress, and improve your mood over time. 

Music Can Improve Cognitive Performance

Children have to sit in exams in silence. But there is evidence that music can enhance cognitive performance substantially. The reasons for this are complex, but researchers believe it might have something to do with how musical sounds silence some parts of the brain and activate others. 

For instance, science reveals that listening to background music while doing another task can improve your processing speed and memory, especially if you are an older adult. That might be one of the reasons so many office workers use headphones. It helps them concentrate on documents and spreadsheets. 

It could also be why some people listen to music while meditating. Again, it may assist with concentration and focus. 

With that said, not all music is equally beneficial. If it’s too loud or fast, it can actually hamper concentration. 

Music Can Reduce Stress

Another way music influences health is in its ability to reduce stress. Stress is a common problem that many people face in their daily lives and it can wind up becoming quite negative, leading to anxiety and depression. 

Things like playing the piano help to combat this by providing an outlet to let the mind relax. Research shows that playing or listening to soothing music can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, a powerful stress-related hormone that can age you faster if you have too much of it. 

The best music to listen to calm down is certain types of classical music, meditative music, and ambient sounds. While they might not have an immediate effect, you should notice a change in your psychology after 30 minutes or so. 

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Music Can Lift Your Mood

Related to this last point is music’s ability to elevate your mood. If you’re feeling down, putting on the Stone Roses or Tiana Green music can help you feel better. 

But why is this? It comes down to music’s ability to help people deal with negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. Music appears to switch off these parts of the brain while also offering support, catharsis, and validation for your feelings.

Music Can Improve Sleep Quality

Lastly, there’s some evidence that music may enhance sleep quality, improving your immune system and ability to function during the day. Some people listen to ambient sounds before they sleep to block out other noises in their environment, helping them drift off peacefully instead of cars or other people waking them up.

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What kind of influence does music have on your mood and mental health? 

Rest In Peace, Skye Huskey

 My niece has unexpectedly passed away in a car accident. My entire family is devastated and we are doing everything we can to love through this. Please send all of your love and strength to my sister in law. 

We love you and will miss you forever, Skye 💔

Sometimes

 It sits in your gut

sometimes

rumbling

and rolling as rough 

as the sea

It sits in your chest

sometimes

throbbing

beating your blood 

right through your veins

It sits in your throat

sometimes

scratching your itchy

vocal chords

until you scream 

its song

It sits in your tongue

sometimes

strong

yet 

always trapped  

It sits in your head

all the time

dancing  

an apocalypse party

that never

ever

ends.

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How To Select A New Hobby

  Starting a new hobby can be very rewarding and can help you relax. Have you been thinking about starting a new hobby?

If you're having trouble deciding which hobby is right for you, you may need some help in making the right choice. The good news is that there are several ways you can go about selecting a great hobby that will bring you a lot of joy and excitement. 

Here's a look at some of the best ways to choose a hobby that is right for you.

Photo by David Bartus

What Do You Enjoy?

One of the easiest ways to find out what will make a good hobby for you is to take a look at what you enjoy. The things that you currently enjoy may be just what you need to provide you with some insight into what you should be doing in your free time. 

For example, if you enjoy eating you could take a cooking class and learn how to cook new dishes in your spare time. If you enjoy writing poetry that could easily be turned into a new songwriting hobby by putting music to your words. If you are serious about it you can get a Singular sound studio to help you mix and loop songs.

The bottom line is that the things you love will provide you with clues as to what your hobby should be.

Go Back In Time

If you want to figure out which hobby would be best for you, go back in time and think about your childhood. Think about the things that you enjoyed as a child until you had to abandon them as an adult. They may be just what you need to start up again to have a hobby you enjoy. 

For example, if you enjoyed playing with dolls you might want to start collecting Barbies as a hobby. Whatever it is that you found interesting and still find yourself fascinated with as an adult,  may be what you need to focus on and start as a new hobby.

Find Your Personality Type

There are several tests you can take to find out your personality type. When you are aware of the type of personality that you have. You will be better able to access what type of hobbies will be right for you. 

Many personality tests will often suggestions hobbies you may enjoy based on your score. You can use these suggestions as a starting point for selecting your next hobby.

Start Your New Hobby

Finding a new hobby that you like is something that can bring you years of enjoyment. However, finding the right hobby can sometimes be challenging. 

You want to make sure that you have a hobby that will bring you joy and relaxation. This is why you need to take all the things discussed here into consideration when selecting your next hobby.

Remember to take a look at your childhood activities and even ask your parents about something that you enjoyed if you can't remember everything. It may trigger a memory that will lead to your next hobby.

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5 Alternative Easter Gift Ideas

 Another holiday is here and I am not afraid to admit that it has been a different holiday experience during this pandemic!

It has forced me to be creative, however, and that is always a positive in my opinion. I have thought of 5 alternative gift ideas for Easter 2022 and I am excited to now share them with you:

An Open Air Picnic And Easter Egg Hunt

The great thing about a spring holiday is that everyone is ready to get out into the fresh air and sunshine so a picnic in a park (or even your own backyard) is definitely a gift for everyone! Pack a light lunch or snacks and get out there! You can hide your easter eggs around and watch as the kids try to find all of them. A lovely day together is a gift everyone will remember.

A Child's Gardening And Bug Catching Guide

Since you will already be outside, keep that energy going and gift your child with the knowledge of everything around them. A guide to the different bugs you will see outside can take away the fear or misunderstanding of insects and teach your child about what they see in their environment. Have a little competition to see who can name the most insects correctly and maybe you can learn a little something, too. If your child prefers to learn about the different plants and flowers they see, a gardening and/or botany guide would be another great pick. There is also bird watching and animal guides in case they prefer that. There is lots to learn about out here and having a guide makes it fun!

A Memorable Piece Of Jewelry 

I know jewelry seems like a simple go-to gift for any holiday, but hear me out. Every memorable piece of jewelry I have received on a holiday has always been on a holiday that I was not expecting jewelry. 

    "Oh, you thought you were getting chocolate bunnies or a stuffed duck this Easter? WRONG. Here's a gorgeous gold rabbit brooch by AC Silver!"

Is this more of a gift idea for mom for Easter? Yes, yes it is.

A Disposable Camera And Trip Scrapbook

While I am sure that most older kids today already have a cellphone with a camera attached, a fun thing for little ones who do not is a disposable camera. They can take their own pictures, print them out, and then add them to their very own trip scrapbook. It helps kids open up their creative mind while giving them the satisfaction of seeing their creative work turn into a fun memory they get to keep. They could even start with your fun Easter Egg Hunt picnic I mentioned above!

Tickets To An Open Air Community Theater Event

With tours and shows being opened and then shut back down again, entertainment has been in a sort of limbo. Luckily, there are always community theaters in your town that perform in open air parks! Ask your gift recipient what type of show they would be interested in seeing and then grab some tickets if you can to surprise them with! It's a gift for Easter and it's a gift for in the future. A win all around if you ask me!

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Holidays have been different lately but we can always find a way to give gifts to the people we love. I hope these tips help you find the perfect gift this Easter holiday!