Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 62

Doing It All: How To Manage Your Productivity And Focus As A Work At Home Mom

by LouAnn Moss

Between diapers, dinner, and laundry, life is busy for any mom.

Add in a business or job that you do from home and things can get downright crazy.

Being a work at home mom can be overwhelming at times, especially when you have little ones to care for. Check out these ten fantastic productivity hacks that you have to try.

1. Time Blocking

Time blocking can be a game changer for everyone, but especially for work from home moms. Block off time for such tasks as:

checking and replying to emails
content creation
phone calls
social media posting

Not sure where to start? Spend a few days to take note of how you spend your time. Include everything from sleep, meals, and Facebook scrolling. This will give you an idea of how you spend your time and how much time most tasks take.

2. Mix Things Up

If you have the opportunity to get out of the house, do it. Go to your local library and let the kids play. Sneak away to Starbucks when your partner is with the kiddos. Go to a park or simply work from your back porch.

Mixing things up and getting a change of scenery can boost productivity and creativity. This is definitely one of those necessary things to do as a stay at home mom.

3. Just Say No!

Between the PTA, family events, and neighboorhood functions, your dance card is probably pretty full. Learning to say no to certain things is one of the most important stay at home mom tips.

4. Unplug

Sometimes you just have to unplug. Turn off your phone. Stop scrolling through social media. Stop answering every email as it comes through.

When you unplug from certain things, you’ll find yourself less distracted. Fewer distractions equal more productivity.

5. Make Self Care a Priority

Want to know how to be a successful stay at home mom and run your business? Make self care a priority. And no, we’re not talking manicures and pedicures, although that’s not off the table.

Self-care is about taking care of yourself so that you can be happy and productive in all aspects of your life. A few examples of self-care include:

meditation
quiet time to yourself
reading your favorite books
taking a walk

It doesn’t have to cost money to make yourself a priority. Remember: when mommy is happy, everyone’s happy.

6. Get Ready

One of the benefits of staying home is being able to be in your pajamas or yoga pants all day. However, sometimes, you may want to get ready for the day as if you were going to a physical office outside the home. Fixing your hair and makeup can make you feel so much better and more productive.

7. Take Breaks

A challenge of working from home is not having scheduled breaks. When you’re in an office, you typically have set breaks that you take every day. At home, the whole day can run together very easily.

It’s important to take random breaks throughout the day. Take a break to have lunch instead of eating over your computer. Take breaks to go out and play with the kiddos or workout. These timeouts can make a huge difference in your productivity and have you coming back with a fresh outlook.

8. Have a Plan

Creating a stay at home mom schedule can boost your productivity. Each night, sit down and make a plan for the next day. What things do you need to get done? “Eat the frog” first thing each morning so that you at least know you have the most important tasks completed.

Keep in mind that things will come up. Kids will get sick. The dishwasher may mess up. Things will happen to put a kink in your plans. Having an actual schedule will let you know where you can pick back up later rather than leaving you wondering.

9. Feed Your Brain

You may be thinking, “how in the heck do I feed my brain?” This can be different things, but the main idea is to take care of your mind.

This can be having a positive mindset. When you can tackle your tasks with a positive mindset, you’re more likely to be successful and get things done in a timely manner.

Sometimes, this may mean using supplements to improve your brain function. Look for things like this best nootropic supplement can help you focus better on everyday tasks.

10. Ask for Help

Asking for help is a difficult task for all moms whether you’re a work from home mom or not. However, it’s vital that you learn to ask for help when you need it.

This could be asking your spouse to help with different chores in the house so you can get work done. Maybe you can ask a family member to sit with the little ones so you can meet a deadline. Perhaps you should consider joining a moms morning out at a nearby church.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. You can get more things done when you reach out to loved ones for assistance.

What Are Your Favorite Work at Home Mom Hacks?

Being a work at home mom comes with its own unique set of challenges. Your tiny coworkers can be demanding and sick days are usually nonexistent. However, if you have a dream or a goal that you want to meet, you will find a way to make it happen.

If you’re a work from home mom, what are your favorite productivity hacks?

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The article Doing It All: How To Manage Your Productivity And Focus As A Work At Home Mom by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Secret Mom Hacks for Flying with Kids and Avoiding the Stress

by LouAnn Moss

We get it, you’re a seasoned traveler. You know exactly what time you need to leave your house to make it to the airport in time in order to check your bag, grab your coffee, and get settled at the gate. There’s nothing that could throw you off your game.

Then next thing you know, you’re flying with kids and everything changes. You no longer make it to the airport with time to spare. Instead, you’re running to your gate in hopes you make it before final boarding call.

So how do you ensure you have all the boxes checked with it comes to a smooth travel day with your kids?

Prepare Ahead of Time

With kids comes unpredictability. And while you can’t control everything when it comes to traveling with your kids, you can control some things.

Many parents find that booking morning flights make travel easier on them and their kids. This is because the likelihood of children sleeping on an earlier flight is higher than if you wait until later in the day. The earlier flights also tend to be less crowded, which takes a little pressure off you as a parent.

You’ll also want to confirm that the seats for you and your family are together on the plane. Even though it may seem like common sense to have two family members sit together, the airlines won’t know you’re traveling with a child unless you tell them.

Dress for Comfort, Not Style

Sure, your kid probably looks extra cute in that dinosaur onesie or those lace-up Converse shoes, but imagine how difficult it makes the flight if you have to change their diaper or if you have to redress them. Opt for quick and easy outfits that make transitions a breeze.

Not only will you want to dress your children comfortably, with ease in mind, you’ll also want to do the same for yourself. You might have considered wearing heels or skinny jeans while traveling at one point in your life, but that was before you had kids.

Dressing practically will also help make the security line a breeze. Find out more about how to prepare both you and your children’s clothes ahead of time to make it through the line with time to spare.

Board Early

Most airlines offer to let families with small children board early.

You should absolutely take advantage of this. Odds are, even if you’ve checked a bag, you have a lot of extra bags and maybe even a stroller that you need to find a spot for. The last thing you want is to be in the last boarding group, stressing about where to put all your bags.

Let’s be honest, most airlines don’t offer many benefits in the way of traveling with kids. Boarding early is one of the greatest gifts that you’ll want to utilize. In airline terms, it’s their way of saying “we get you’re about to endure the longest flight of your life, so we might as well ensure you’re able to put your carry on wherever you want”.

Pack Lots of Snacks

Speaking of the small list of things airlines offer their passengers, snacks won’t be one of them. Especially not anything your kids will enjoy eating. Be sure to put together just the essentials that will keep your children happy and full throughout the flight.

Instead of picking chips or greasy snacks, choose food with lots of protein that have loads of flavor while also filling up their stomachs. You can also use this as an opportunity to offer your kids special snacks that they might not be treated to often. This will act as an incentive for good behavior.

Have a Bag of Tricks

No matter how panicked you are, don’t pull out all your tricks as soon as your board the plane. Give you and your kids enough time to settle in and adjust before you start whipping out the toys and coloring books.

Traveling is a great opportunity to incorporate some fun, new games and toys for your kids. Having a couple of go-to items to keep your kids occupied allows them to settle into a rhythm without expecting you to entertain them throughout the entire flight. You might even have a few “gifts” wrapped up to surprise your kids with.

Since your kids are already out of their element and routine, consider throwing their regular screen time out the window and allowing them to enjoy a few more minutes with their favorite show. If it brings you a sense of calm and allows them to relax, it will be well worth it.

Keep Your Composure

We’ve all encountered a parent with a screaming child. Whether it’s been on a plane or in a grocery store, it’s not a fun experience for anyone, especially the parent.

No matter how frustrated you might feel throughout your trip, be sure to keep your cool. Traveling with kids is frustrating no matter how much you prepare. As long as you put your best foot forward, the people around you will do the same.

You’re always going to come across those people in travel who seem to get upset as soon as they realize there are kids on a plane. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do about them other than control the way you face the situation.

Your children can sense if you’re frustrated, which will cause them to act out as well. Do your best to maintain your composure, if the people around you aren’t.

Setting Expectations When Flying with Kids

There is no one solution on how to best travel with your children. When flying with kids, you’ll want to give yourself and your kids some grace.

Even the most seasoned and experienced traveler will have difficulty when they add 1 or 2 little people who depend on them for life into the mix. As long as you prepare ahead of time and do your best to account for the small things that might hinder your travel, your trip will be a success.

If you’re still hesitant about your upcoming trip, reach out to the airline you’re traveling with for more tips and tricks for traveling with your kids.

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The article Secret Mom Hacks for Flying with Kids and Avoiding the Stress by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Needs

by LouAnn Moss

Each new season comes with an array of fashion trends. This means you will have big fashion decisions to make throughout the year to stay fashionable.

Should you invest in the new trending fashion design? Is the trending fashion worth buying? How much should you spend? Well, these questions can be overwhelming.

When looking to buy an item for your wardrobe, first consider if it is what you like. This way, you will equip your wardrobe with things you like and can last the test of time.

Here are wardrobe essentials every woman should have in their closet.

1. Quality Denim as One of the Wardrobe Essentials for Every Woman

It comes as no surprise that jeans come on top of the list. As you may know, jeans are not only comfortable but can be worn at almost any event. Whether it’s a casual or official event, you can always look good rocking jeans.

That said, not all jeans wear come in handy. Some trends have come and disappeared without leaving a mark. This isn’t the case with denim. Denim has existed for decades without losing its magnificence, no matter the fashion trend it takes.

With such a footing in the market, you can always expect to wear denim and make a good impression.

Whether it’s a light wash, dark wash, black jean or a medium wash, ensure to stock your wardrobe with a few denim outfits. You can never go wrong with denim.

2. Basic White T-Shirt

Unlike men, ladies take into consideration the color of outfits to buy. While T-shirts are a must-have item for your wardrobe, ensure to always have a white t-shirt.

A white t-shirt can pair well with many other clothing items. You can decide to wear your white t-shirt with a pair of jeans trousers and a denim jacket. You will look fabulous.

There are many other options you can choose to pair your t-shirt with. One thing is for sure, you can rest assured that you will attract the attention of many admirers.

Who wouldn’t want to dress to impress?

3. A Tote Bag

One of the few aspects that define a woman’s sense of fashion is her tote. It can tell whether you are classy, royal or merely in it for the formality.

It doesn’t matter the class you are in. You should always have a tote in your wardrobe. Whether it costs, $10,000 or $500, it goes a long way in making you look gorgeous as a woman.

While the quality and the brand of the tote don’t matter, the type does. Totes, just like dresses, are made to specifically meet a certain standard. For example, you can’t don a social tote to your office. This will be utterly inappropriate.

Be sure to have a number of totes in your collection. This will vary in terms of design, capacity, and intended purpose.

Read this article to find out how to shop at Zara.com tax-free with your U.S. address.

4. A T-shirt Bra

Bras, unlike trousers or blazers, are an essential element of every woman’s wardrobe. In fact, you should have not less than five bras in your wardrobe as a woman. This, of course, will depend on the type of bras your body is well suited for.

A bra is an essential undergarment. A t-shirt bra, on the other hand, is a must-have for any fashion-sensitive woman. It forms your inner base layer that keeps your body intact.

In addition, a t-shirt bra offers a smooth, soothing and comfortable feeling at all times. This means that you won’t have to deal with your bra cups popping up every now and then.

5. Classic Sunglasses

There’s nothing that shouts opulence like trendy classic sunglasses. Chances are that you have accumulated a number of sunglasses over the years in your wardrobe.

However, you always put on that one classic sunglass that never seems to age. Sounds familiar?

Old is gold. And the older your sunglasses are, the trendier they are. Never miss out on the chance of owning one in your closet. If you are an enthusiast of trendy sunglasses, only buy trendy sunglasses that are trendy. This way, you won’t feel guilty about purchasing them once they go out of fashion.

Also, you can never ignore the health benefits of wearing the right sunglasses.

6. Black Leather Jacket

Just like jeans, leather jackets don’t seem to get out of fashion any sooner. Even so, ensure you have a quality leather jacket in your wardrobe. Not any other common leather jacket.

When it comes to leather jackets, color plays an integral role. Black seems to dominate all fashion senses. This is basically because you can wear blue jeans, a white t-shirt and crown your look with a black leather jacket.

No matter how much the black leather jacket is, you can always rest assured that you will stand out from your peers.

While a black leather jacket is a must-have attire for any woman, you should know how to maintain it.

Good care of a black leather jacket can assure you glamor for many more years. Whether you prefer a vegan or real leather jacket, be sure to have one in your closet.

7. Seamless Underwear

Unlike in the previous decades, a modern woman will consider all aspects of her dressing. This includes underwear. After all, elegance is measured in the tiny details.

Underwear can either make or break your day. No matter how classy and trendy your clothes are, underwear’s can determine whether you will impress your date or not.

A simple rule is to avoid underwear that shows lines beneath your clothes. Go for underwear such as bikini wears or thongs that are designed to show less or no underlines.

Step Out In Style

Women are defined by their beauty and style. While a new fashion trend pops up every day, the fashion styles they emulate highly depend on the basics of fashion.

A denim jacket, a white t-shirt, and a tote can cost a mere $100. But they may end up match up with a $5000 dress worn by a woman in an event. You will both get the same attention.

This isn’t to say that expensive clothes aren’t trendy. However, the above wardrobe essentials go a long way in ensuring that you are both only fashionable, but comfortable as well.

Want to join our community of bloggers? Get a free listing in our mom blog directory today!

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The article Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Needs by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

5 Ways Yoga Can Help You De-Stress and Clear Your Mind

by Guest Author

Stress response is a normal part of life, and it can even benefit us in quite a number of ways, especially when it comes to managing our daily routines as well as responding to emergency situations. However, if we allow stress to accumulate too much in our bodies, then we run the risk of developing a number of physical and mental conditions that could drastically affect our quality of life in the long run. Some could end up being serious enough to cut our lifespan short. Heart problems, strokes, and other such conditions come to mind.

That being said, there are many ways to minimize stress, with one of the most popular being the practice of yoga. The Western idea of yoga, which is derived from the body of Hindu theistic and philosophical practices developed in ancient India, is a form of exercise that involves putting your body through stances and poses that help improve your flexibility, balance, muscle utility, and even peace of mind. Some look simple enough to do, while others look like they require a bit more skill and flexibility to pull off. You can see some of these yoga poses here for your reference: www.yogabaron.com/yoga-poses.

While we can easily infer that yoga does indeed help you become more flexible and have a better sense of balance, is it actually effective when it comes to helping us de-stress and clearing our minds? The answer to this is yes. Here are some of the major ways that yoga can do both of those things, while also improving your overall fitness and health in a low-impact and meditative way.

It helps your body relax and release tension

When you practice yoga with the correct forms and techniques, while also taking care to only do poses at your actual skill level, it can be one of the most soothing experiences that you can put your body through. While some poses such as forward bends and inversions may seem strenuous, the fact remains that they allow your body’s muscles to move and stretch in ways that they usually don’t, such as when you’re on your feet at work or sitting behind a desk. This gives those muscles an opportunity to relax and release the tension that’s been built up inside of them, which then in turn results in a calming and soothing sensation you can feel all over.

It helps your mind slow down and focus on the moment

Our day-to-day activities often force our minds to go into overdrive just to keep up. From managing coworkers and family members to juggling deadlines and personal goals, we get so preoccupied with so many things during the day that we are left with a lot of anxiety and mental stress by the time we’re supposed to retire for the night. It can come to the point that we can’t even focus on relaxing or falling asleep—our brains are continuously going at a hundred miles per hour even when we close our eyes.

Just like how yoga gives your body’s muscles a chance to relax and loosen after a long and tiring day, so too does it help your mind slow down and center on the here and now. It does this by making you focus on your posture and balance, and letting you become keenly aware about your breathing and what your body is feeling at the moment. All this, while you’re in the peaceful confines of a yoga studio or in your own home, puts you in a meditative state that quiets your anxiety and helps you calm down. Do this enough times and you can train your mind to let go of the day’s stresses and troubles before you hit the hay, allowing you to get that restful sleep you need.

It helps you improve your breathing

You may not notice it, but being constantly stressed and having no outlet for that stress makes you breathe shallowly and rapidly. While this is usually enough to give the human body the oxygen it needs to function, it also has the side effect of making the body think that it is in danger, and as such, it can lead to a buildup of anxiety. Obviously, this can affect your ability to relax.

Practicing yoga regularly helps you perform deep and slow breathing, the type that allows you to utilize the full capacity of your lungs and diaphragm. In doing so, you get a lot more oxygen into your bloodstream, which allows you to focus better and generally feel a whole lot better as well. Deep and slow breathing also helps you relax by forcing you to slow down and focus on the here and now, like a light version of meditation.

It helps you understand yourself better

Another way that yoga can help you de-stress and clear your mind is to make you keenly aware of how your mind works through introspection. As mentioned earlier, our daily lives are often so busy that our perception is always focused outwards, on what is happening to us. It doesn’t really give us a chance to focus on ourselves for a bit, on how we respond to stress and the world in general.

One example scenario is when your current Yoga session asks you to do a particularly challenging pose. Being a beginner at this pose, you will no doubt face difficulty in easing into it. From there, you can examine yourself and how you respond to such a challenge. Do you curse and swear at yourself for not being able to get it right the first time? Or perhaps you direct your frustration towards the pose itself, on how you feel that it’s unreasonably difficult? Or maybe you address the challenge in a healthy manner, recognizing your limitations while also keeping in mind that with enough practice and dedication, you too can pull that posture off effortlessly.

Whatever the answer, the key here is that we are made aware of it. In doing so, we can figure out if how we respond to stress actually makes things worse rather than improve our condition. This allows us to understand ourselves better, and in turn, develop ways and strategies that can help us cope with stress easier.

It helps release stress through physical activity

Just like with other forms of exercise, doing yoga regularly and correctly floods your body with mood-enhancing endorphins. Moreover, the fact that this particular exercise system emphasizes working with muscles and joints means that certain body parts where stress-related pains are often felt—such as the neck, shoulders, and hips—are allowed to relax and unclench, which can help provide a palpable sensation of relaxation and catharsis. All this is a potent combination that massively helps in de-stressing.

Yoga: an exercise system devoted to removing stress from your life

It can be easy to pass off yoga as some sort of new-age fad. However, the unassailable fact of it is that it gives us the tools and methods necessary to temporarily remove ourselves from our hectic and toxic lives. Done correctly and regularly, yoga can help anyone, even the most stressed and high-strung of us all, find an inner peace and calm that will undoubtedly improve our health and well-being for days to come.

Best of all, it doesn’t take or cost much to get started on yoga to get the relaxation and de-stressing benefits listed above—all we need is an empty and quiet room, a mat, and information about yoga that we can freely access online, such as from websites like Yogabaron. Just remember to take it easy and warm up beforehand, though!

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The article 5 Ways Yoga Can Help You De-Stress and Clear Your Mind by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

How to Choose a Backsplash that Matches Your Kitchen

by LouAnn Moss

Considering a kitchen remodel? Get ready to tackle some serious logistical considerations. There are a lot of things to think about when remodeling your kitchen, not the least of which is how to choose a backsplash.

Not only does a backsplash serve a practical purpose, it can also be the aesthetic anchor that ties your entire kitchen together. Because of this, it’s important that you pick a backsplash that perfectly complements your space.

If you’re feeling lost, we’re here to help. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose a backsplash that will take your kitchen to the next level.

1. Color

The first thing you need to decide on is the color of your backsplash. Do you want to go with something bright and full of character, or would you prefer a neutral tone that lends itself to an understated space?

While this decision mostly comes down to personal preference, you need to be sure that your choice accents and adds to the rest of the kitchen. Sometimes, a nice pop of color in an otherwise neutral kitchen can inject some much-needed life into it. But if you’re going for something calming, you might want to stick to earth tones.

Whatever you decide, be sure to consider how it works as one piece of the whole.

2. Sizing

Like color, this is mostly a matter of personal preference. There are a lot of options. You could go with something that spans the length of your counter area or you could go for a hint of tile behind the sink.

You also need to consider height. If you have an open shelving design, do you want it to extend up through the entirety of the shelf space, or do you want it to stop at the bottom?

At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with it, so go with your gut. Just make sure you’re taking accurate measurements before actually beginning the process.

3. Material

Is your kitchen modern or rustic? Sleek or organic? Ask yourself these questions before deciding on what material to use in your backsplash.

Traditional ceramic tile is still the most popular option, but it’s not the only one. For the traditionalists, brick is a great option. On the other hand, someone looking for something cutting edge might try glass.

Don’t just think about how this material complements the other elements of your kitchen. Think about its lifespan, cleanability, and other more practical considerations, too.

4. Pattern and Size

Last but not least, you’ll need to pick a pattern that works. If you’re looking to get creative, you can test the limits of contemporary design by picking unique and non-traditional tile shapes and layouts.

That said, a classic tile dimension and layout is the best option. Why? Simply put, it will outlast every design trend and stand the test of time. You don’t want to find yourself remodeling your kitchen again in ten years time.

Trust your instincts. Every kitchen is unique. Check out these kitchen ideas for a few examples of different types of spaces that might be suited to unconventional patterns or tile shapes.

How to Choose a Backsplash—That’s All There Is to It!

Five minutes ago you were wondering how to choose a backsplash for your kitchen remodel and now you know everything you need to. That’s the power of the Internet for you! Just remember, you’re the one who will be looking at this every day, so when in doubt, go with your gut.

Interested in some more kitchen remodeling ideas? Keep reading for some inspiration.

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The article How to Choose a Backsplash that Matches Your Kitchen by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Trying to Conceive: 9 Fertility Tips for Women

by LouAnn Moss

For couples that are trying to conceive, it is essential that every possible chance is taken advantage of to make this wish a reality.

This process, however, can be hectic for some couples and the agony that comes with that can be hard to live with. The following are tips on how a woman can increase her chances of getting pregnant.

1. Visiting a Doctor

If you have been having challenges trying to get pregnant, the first step that is recommended is that you visit a doctor.

The doctor will do a full exam to establish what the problem is and how best they can help you. When you visit the doctor, it is necessary that you carry with you any medical documents that may be required.

This is especially important if you have had any problems with past pregnancies or have had a miscarriage before. In case of any illness related to your reproductive system such as ovarian cancer, it is necessary that your doctor is furnished with this information as well.

2. Keep Track of Your Ovulation

Ovulation is the prime ingredient of all possible pregnancies. This simply means that it is important that you focus on your menstrual cycle and when you start ovulating.

Many women fail to understand their menstrual cycle, especially in instances where they have been using emergency contraceptive pills. It is necessary to find out whether you have a typical 28-day cycle, a shorter 25-day cycle or a longer 35-day cycle.

Knowing this helps you plan for sex well with your partner to coincide with that period that you will be ovulating. This highly increases your chances of getting pregnant.

3. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins If You Are Trying to Conceive

Prenatal vitamins are highly recommended for anyone who is making an effort to become pregnant.

These vitamins will help your body to naturally adjust to the efforts that you are making to have a baby. Prenatal vitamins, however, need to be taken with the careful guidance of a credible physician.

Additionally, if one has been taking any other vitamins and steroids, it is advisable to seek medical advice on how safe that is. The use of multiple vitamins has been known to curtail the efforts one may be making at having a baby.

For prenatal vitamins that continue to be taken even after conceiving, they need to be followed through without any fail.

4. Cut down on Hormonal Birth Control

For many women, hormonal birth controls are a convenient method of preventing any unwanted pregnancies, and therefore, they will take this up until they are ready to have one.

One of the most recommended tips for getting pregnant, however, is to get off the pill, implant or injection.

When one gets off these birth control methods, the period between that time and when one can get pregnant is varied. Some of us women will do that a month or two after and for some, it may take up to a year. Either way, the body needs to be given to adjust to its normal cycle.

5. Quit Smoking

Immediately you decide that it is time to get a baby, it is necessary to give up on your smoking habit. Smoking is known to decrease your chances of conceiving and at the same time, it lowers your partner’s sperm count.

Moreover, smoking is known to contribute to miscarriages and other congenital disabilities and pregnancy complications.

The process of quitting smoking might be a long one, but if planned properly, you can leave the habit in time and be able to have a baby.

6. Try Some Yoga Practices

Having peace of mind is known to positively increase your chances of conceiving. Although we leave in a stressful world, you need to learn more about how to relax your mind once you decide it is time to have a baby. If you have been looking for advice on how to get pregnant, relaxing is one of them. Yoga is a very relaxing exercise that will help you in case you have a hormonal imbalance that is affecting your menstrual cycle. Doing yoga for a quarter an hour daily will help you to become more relaxed and hence have more control on your hormonal balance.

7. Give up the Bottle

Are you fond of drinking? Then you should know that this is not a habit convenient if you are looking to have a baby anytime soon.

Whether you think it is or it isn’t necessary, you will eventually need to give up the bottle once you conceive. However, by then, that might be a hard thing to do.

It is therefore recommended that you cut down on any drinking habit that you might have earlier on. This, again, will help with your body hormones and give you a better chance of becoming pregnant.

8. Eat Healthily

For many people who are having difficulties trying to get pregnant, their eating habits have a significant role to play.

This is because of the high cholesterol levels found in most of the foods that we consume.

The continued consumption of such foods, however, is not convenient for anyone that is looking to get pregnant.

Eating healthy should be a priority and the sooner one can do a major overhaul of their diet and have more nutritious food, the better.

9. Cut down on Caffeine Intake

Caffeine, whether it is present in coffee or a cup of tea, needs to be cut down on. Caffeine is known to be one of the leading causes of reduced fertility levels in women.

With your mind set on having a baby, it is necessary that you keep this stimulant off the list of things you consume regularly.

More Than Just Health

Having a baby is the dream for many people and all through life, a lot of people will be trying to conceive.

The disappointment comes when the wrong effort is directed into this endeavor.

Check out our blog to learn more tips on how you make simple lifestyle changes to take care of your whole self, mind, body, and spirit.

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The article Trying to Conceive: 9 Fertility Tips for Women by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Healthy Hydration Hacks

by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition

In the case of most adults, water makes up 60-70% of our body weight. Drinking water is vital for the proper function of virtually every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies is needed for proper digestion and delivery of nutrients to our cells and it also helps regulate body temperature. In addition, water acts as a “shock absorber” for the brain and spinal cord, and it lubricates joints, organs, and tissues.

With the temperatures rising, summertime is an important time to keep track of how much water you put in your body. According to the Institutes of Medicine, the recommended daily intake of water is about 11 cups for adult women and 15 cups for men. That sounds like a lot, but not all of it needs to come from beverages alone. About 70-80% should be provided by beverages (and at least half of that from water, with lesser contributions from tea, coffee, milk, and other beverages); the remaining 20-30% should come from watery foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Here are some tips to keep yourself hydrated this summer:

Create the habit of starting your day with a glass of water before your coffee or tea.
Add some flavor to your water–  a slice of fresh lemon or lime, some cucumber, a few berries, some fresh mint or a slice of fresh ginger can make your water taste amazing.
When you feel like eating something, have a glass of water first – because you might be thirsty rather than hungry. And even if you are hungry, having a glass of water before you start is an easy way to help encourage the water-drinking habit.
Finally, it might help you to track your progress.  That’s why starting the day with a full pitcher works – you know how much you’ve had and how much you need to drink before the day is over.  If you want to go high tech, there are apps for your phone that can send you reminders, keep track of your intake and even give you a virtual pat on the back for meeting your goals.

For more tips from Susan, visit www.IAMHerbalifeNutrition.com

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The article Healthy Hydration Hacks by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Education Matters: How to Select the Right School for Your Child

by LouAnn Moss

In today’s age, getting a suitable school for your child takes great effort. Everyone wants their children to receive the best education. It’s overwhelming, however, when searching the best school for your child.

Does the current school meet your child’s needs? If the response is no, you need to know how to search for the right alternative!

Picking the Best School for Your Child

There’s a need for careful planning whether choosing a private school, a public school or homeschooling. You want an educational experience that rewards you and your child. When the time comes to start education, you want to take your child to the best available school. Here’s how to select the right school for your child.

1. Does Your Child’s School Meet His / Her Needs?

Consider the future by evaluating your child’s current school and the potential alternative school. Think of the long haul results where your kid will grow and develop. Get conscious of the changes in the school in the long run.

Does it develop from a nurturing lower school to a competitive middle & upper school? Gauge the temperature of every division.

2.Will A New School Be Better?

Shifting schools is a major decision. To achieve success, you should change the school if your child fits in. Ask relevant questions when searching for a new potential school.

Despite searching admission in that competitive school, ensure your child enjoys studying in the institution. Take your child to a school that nurtures your talents and interests. Confirm that the classes that the school provides meet the needs of your child.

3. Can You Afford To Change Schools?

Is it obvious you will change school? In that case, consider the financial investment and time. Homeschooling is a significant time investment despite its low cost.

Private schools might ask for more funds, yet they require less time. Before you make your last decision, consider this:

How much time can you spend in your kid’s schooling?
Does your home offer the right place to learn?
What expenses do you associate with the alternative schooling option?
Is there a tuition fee for the potential new school?
Do you need to obtain any vouchers?
Does switching schools need additional commuting arrangements?
How will changing schools influence your daily family life?
Will you apply for financial aid?
4. What’s Best for Your Family

The right solution it’s a win for everyone. So, weight your alternatives carefully. While everything is pinpointing in one direction, choose what’s fit for your kid.

It can be overpowering to start but doing your research well assists in getting the right choice. There’re hundreds of schools in the U.S., but you want a school that fits your needs. Consider whether your child needs the following:

More or less structured environment
More challenging work
More individual attention
Extra help or more time to finish assignments
Have any special learning needs
An environment that promotes creativity
English language acquisition program
5. Consider Hiring an Educational Consultant

Hire a consultant if you’ve decided it’s time to change your school. You can research, but most parents get overwhelmed and get lost on the way. A professional educational consultant provides the help you need.

The expert offers the experience and the sage counsel that a professional brings.

6. Make a List of Schools

It’s perhaps the fun part of searching for your school. Most schools have websites with stunning video tours and galleries. The sites may offer ample information regarding various programs.

Consider surfing the internet with your child to make the best list of schools. You can save the schools in your favorites as you search for them. Later on, you will make a detailed discussion of the listed schools.

The parent and the child should comprehend their needs during the process.

7. Visit Schools

Visit and inspect every school on your list. Perhaps the school wants to meet and interview your kid. You also need to meet the admission staff and ask questions. Look at the walls and get a notion of the values of that school.

Visit classes and make an effort to speak with students and teachers. What do you think of the following?

Does the school offer the type of place your child will thrive?
Do the teachers look capable of bringing out the talents of your child?
Do they seem dedicated to assisting children in learning?
8. Admissions Testing  

Did you know admission tests can aid in choosing the best school for your kid? It’s a step you shouldn’t skip! Schools normally share average testing scores. Comparing testing scores assists you to make a sound judgment between different shortlisted schools.

What are the scores of your child? Are they higher or lower than the average scores? Converse with the school to ensure the academic workload is sufficient for your child. It’s crucial for your child to prepare for admission tests.

Test preparation gives your child the edge he / she needs.

9. Be Realistic

It’s tempting to fill your list with the top schools. While that’s not bad, you want the most suitable school for your kid. Most elite schools don’t necessarily give the best learning environment for your kid.

What does your child need to succeed? Local private schools may not offer enough challenge to your child. Spend enough time to know what different schools give. Find out more on what your child needs.

10. Apply For Admission & Financial Aid

While picking the right school is the first step, you still need admission and financial support. Submit your entire documents in time and consider application deadlines. Submit materials early whenever possible.

Currently, many schools have online portals making it easy to track the application process.

End Result

Congratulations on your whole planning to reach this point. You expect your child to benefit significantly from your involvement and active concern. Your efforts include collecting information, visiting schools, and talking to other parents.

Picking a suitable school for your child is only the beginning! You have to encourage and comprehend the needs of your child to make his /her education successful. We provide educational tips to bring enough welfare to parents and their children.

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The article Education Matters: How to Select the Right School for Your Child by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Guidelines in Becoming a Support Group for an HIV Positive Teen

by Guest Author

According to a 2017 survey, approximately 36.9 million of the population around the world were HIV positive. Take note that this survey has been taken over two years ago already. The aforementioned number has most likely grown to more than we could ever imagine.

Possessing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inside your body is indeed terrifying. But it is even more horrible if you find out you have them at a tender age of teens. Something you don’t know is inside you and can most probably contribute to your suffering and death, later on. That is why having a support group that can definitely understand and even get out of the way to provide aid is  a huge help.

Besides the usual uttering of encouraging words and providing attention and understanding, a support group for a teen with HIV can do a lot more.

1. Never Prescribe

One of the biggest mistakes of people who try to support an HIV-diagnosed teen is to give unsolicited medical prescriptions. The intention is good. However, this condition is sensitive enough to only listen to a professional physician. You may end up giving the wrong medication that may worsen his condition with sensitive, or worse, fatal side effects – just like what happened with the infamous and grueling Truvada Lawsuits. Truvada was said to be an HIV medication. However, intake of such drug developed aftereffects to people who were able to use it.

2. Learn the Basics and the Language

If you want to further assist a teen with HIV, knowing even just the basic terms with regards this condition is necessary. The language is important to aid on the avoidance of stigma on the patients. Example would be “HIV infected” – proper term for that would be “diagnosed with HIV”. Another would be “AIDS virus” – where the word AIDS is actually a diagnosis and not the name of the virus itself.

3. Act Normal

What would give ease to patients with HIV is basically for your to act normal. Let them to do the same routines and household chores. It will absolutely help to keep them mentally and emotionally well. You just need to help them remember the medicines and assist them on developing new habits significant for their welfare.

4. Be Mindful of the Meds

Write down the schedules for taking the meds on calendars, refrigerator doors, boards, and other easy access parts of the house. This way, you will not forget, neither will your teen patient. It is so much better to make lots and lots of reminders, than to totally forget about.

5. Keep Up with the Healthy Lifestyle

A teen with HIV, although still healthy, desperately needs to keep it that way. So in order to encourage the teen to eat balanced diet, engage in outdoor sports and exercise, avoid unhealthy food intake and a whole lot more, you personally need to do everything as well. It’s always so much easier to journey with good support. Acting as part of a support group for teens with HIV is not an easy task. But try to go the extra mile in order to better encourage and protect them.

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The article Guidelines in Becoming a Support Group for an HIV Positive Teen by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

by Guest Author

Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

When women are trying to conceive, many reach for herbal supplements to increase their chances of conception. While some herbs may be effective to this end, there are several herbs that can lower the chances of conception. Here is some more information on why it is best to stay away from certain herbs when trying to conceive.

 Herbs to Avoid

Experts have found that certain herbs contain estrogenic substances which have on impact on sex hormone concentration and fertility in males and females. Birth control pills also contain estrogen, and they work to stop ovulation and prevent conception.

Herbs that have been called out as being detrimental to fertility include bitter melon, St. John’s wort, echinacea, and ginkgo biloba. Echinacea and ginkgo biloba, in particular, have been shown to hurt sperm production and fertilizing capability. Although these herbs can provide certain health benefits, both men and women should stay away from them when they are trying to conceive.

In some cases, herbs can contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contraction, or injury to the baby.

In general, herbal supplements do not undergo the same kind of scrutiny as compared to other medications. They are not FDA approved. Therefore, it is difficult to tell what kind of effects they will have, especially when taken by a pregnant woman or one that is trying to conceive.

 Some herbal companies use their own rigorous standards of testing and many of them will indicate whether they are approved for pregnant women on their label. However, it is always best to talk to a medical professional before using them while trying to conceive.

 Herbs Considered Safe

 That being the case, there are still quite a few herbs that are recommended as being beneficial to women that are trying to conceive. These include red raspberry leaf, peppermint leaf, ginger root, and more.

 To further increase fertility, women should do their best to keep their weight low and refrain from cigarette smoking. Advanced age can also lower fertility rates, as can using lubricants. In addition, men should avoid wearing underwear that can be restrictive of sperm flow.

 If you are trying to have a baby, it may be tempting to use herbs as they are inexpensive and seem like a safe option. However, many contain substances that can lower your fertility and even cause a difficult pregnancy. Check with a medical professional before using herbs to ensure optimal chances of a healthy pregnancy. 

 

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The article Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Conceive by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.