Megan Santiago's Blog, page 24

5 Essential Oils for Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is that feeling of not being able to catch your breath, feeling like you are frustrated and don’t know why. This feeling of anxiousness can occur from an event or it could come from an imbalance in your body. Either way, it can be very hard to deal with and it can not only affect you but also those around you. This is why using essential oils for anxiety can be an effective, natural ailment.

Some of the symptoms include:

shortness of breath
feeling sweaty or clammy
insomnia (trouble sleeping)
lack of energy
constant fear and worry
digestive issues
skin disorders
blood sugar imbalance

What are Essential Oils?

They are “a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.”(dictionary.com)

Firstly, the oils are very potent and only require a few drops, in order to provide healing. In combination with carrier oils, they can be applied topically.

The use of essential oils for healing properties is called “aromatherapy.” 

In other words, these oils have calming, energizing, and even immune-boosting effects (depending on which plant). Above all, they are very concentrated oils used to provide numerous health benefits.

These oils are applied topically, taken orally (if the product says it is for human consumption) or they can be used for natural home remedies.

What makes these oils essential?

They give off the aroma of the plant they come from to provide healing properties. 

Essential Oils for Anxiety

Lavender is a well-known essential oil known for its calming effects and the ability to even put you to sleep. “It has a long history of use to boost appetite and mood, as well as relieve gastrointestinal problems and anxiety.” (pubmed.gov)

Likewise, it is used as a “dietary supplement for anxiety, depression, intestinal problems, and pain. People also apply it to the skin for hair loss, pain, and for improving emotional health. You may also inhale a lavender vapor to help sleep, to reduce pain, and for agitation related to dementia.” (pubmed.gov) Lavender has a very earthy smell and is a beautiful purple flower. 

 

Lemon’s Positive Mood-Boosting Effects

Lemon essential oil has been shown to boost mood and provide an energizing effect when inhaled. “Tests showed that lemon scent had a positive effect on mood regardless of expectancies or previous use of aromatherapy.” (nccih.nih.gov) 

Lemon is obviously a tart, yet sweet scent and can be combined with lavender to get the mood-boosting and relaxing effects. 

Orange You Glad You Read This Blog Post?

Maybe not after that lame question. In addition, another citrus fruit has been studied in the effect it has on women in labor. Which is absolutely incredible for us momma’s to be! “Aromatherapy is a noninvasive and effective method to help women overcome their anxiety during labor. Orange scent can be useful in childbirth units to help women who are experiencing stress in labor.” (pubmed.gov)

Orange obviously has a tart citrusy smell also but is a little sweeter and lighter than lemon and works wonders combined with vanilla essential oil!

Yummy Vanilla

Next, the sweet aroma of vanilla can help to boost mood and even fight infections. Vanilla’s scent is so light, it often requires a few drops in order to be able to smell it as easily.

Peppermint For Headaches

Peppermint inhaled in addition to applied topically to the temples (as far from the eyes as possible), can help relieve headaches. Put 1-2 drops on each temple and you will begin to feel a very cooling feeling and it will help ease tension. Since it contains menthol it is great to use on muscles for aches and pains also.

Cinnamon is not only great in sangria!

It helps to relieve muscle pain and provides a very sweet and spicy aroma. It can get you going in bed by stimulating libido, boost circulation which can provide a great detox and more energy. Most importantly, cinnamon is warm and grounding. It helps aid in the improvement of depression.

 

Aromatherapy TipsEssential oils are put in a diffuser which creates a steady mist from oil and water. You can plug one in by your bed and put a few drops of lavender and vanilla in and sleep with it plugged in. The diffuser I have just shuts off after it runs out of water and can last around 2 hours typically.

Use a diffuser to mist the aroma around the room.

Go with brands you know or do a patch test on your skin or sniff a few brands before committing to a brand.Purchase some carrier oils if you plan to use them topically like with a lotion for sore muscles.

Carrier oils include oils like:

JojobaAlmondAvocadoCastorCoconut

To sum up, these oils are more of a fatty consistency than the essential oils are and these are better for moisturizing. In addition, keeping the essential oils from being too potent on the skin.

Aromatherapy Recipes

 

Add a few more drops if you are adding to a diffuser as the ratio to water may impact the overall scent. After that, start the diffuser and let it run for at least a minute before adding in more oils. In order to see if the scent is strong enough for your needs. 

Lavender Relaxation5 drops of vanilla 2 drops of lavender 

Add to a diffuser or underneath your pillow at night to help you relax easier and fall asleep.

Orange Dreamsicle5 drops of vanilla3 drops of orange 

Add to a bath in the morning to boost your mood and energy and start your day feeling refreshed. Add in some lemon to help with more energy and stimulate your body to get ready for the day. 

Sweet Sangria3 drops of cinnamon essential oil2 drops of orange essential oil5 drops of vanilla essential oil 

Undoubtedly, this one is my personal favorite. With the sweet vanilla, sweet and tangy orange, and the slightly spicy, yet stimulating cinnamon. This would be great in a diffuser next to you. Moreover, use it while you are working at your desk, to keep you from falling asleep. 

For example, you apply it on your wrist in a lower dosage with a carrier oil. You would take deep breaths in your nose when using essential oils for anxiety and put your wrist up to your nose to inhale the aroma. Close your eyes and breath this scent in deeply 5 times every few minutes.

Repeat these steps to get the most out of your non-alcoholic sangria you can take to work with you!

Where to Buy Essential Oils for Anxiety

For example, Amazon, of course, has many options. But, some brands I recommend are Aura Cacia, or my favorite, art naturals. I personally have never tried Young Living or Doterra, the two most common MLM Brands of essential oils.

If you read this far and enjoyed this article feel free to share it on social media!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra Resources/Credits

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil

https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-cinnamon-oil.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700683/

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700683/

Originally posted 2019-12-30 14:32:26.

How to Budget Money 101 (You Know You Need To)

 Budgeting. The nine-letter word in personal finance either excites you or conjures up images of torture. Regardless of whether you’re excited, terrified, or lost somewhere in between, there’s something we can all agree on here. It’s that budgeting exists for one simple reason—because it works. But exactly How to Budget Money so you can reach your financial goals and enjoy life? This is the Way. 

How to Budget Money: Common Roadblocks

So, we know and agree that budgeting works. We also know that we should be budgeting ourselves, even just a basic amount. Yet, a good amount of us doesn’t practice what we preach ourselves. This is usually either the result of one of two things:

1) A lack of commitment to being consistent with budgeting; or

2) Not fully understanding how to budget money or where to start. 

If you’re here for either of those, you’re in good hands. But if you’re here, mainly because you’re not sure how to budget money and you’re looking to understand budgeting in more detail, then pat yourself on the back because you’re absolutely in the right place. 

After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to budget money easily so that you can spend less, save more for your goals with sinking funds, and continue improving your money habits along the way! Here’s what you learn:

What a budget is and why you should have oneHow to budget money and how you can easily create onePopular budgeting techniques used by some of our favorite personal finance experts 

Ready? Let’s get to it! 

How to Budget Money Part I: What is a Budget and Why Should You Have a Budget?

What type of ‘101’ article would we be if we didn’t at least include a basic definition of what we’re actually talking about, right? 

What is a budget, seriously? 

Cheques and bills.

Inflow and outflow. 

Incoming and outgoing.

Income and expenses. 

You get the point…

All of the above provides an extremely simplified view of how to budget money. It gives a snapshot of your income and expenses against one another over a period of time. But the above is still way too basic for our own good. So let’s try this. 

Budgeting is a financial exercise highlighting your earning, spending, and saving habits. It provides you with an overview of exactly how much money you’re making, how much money you’re spending, and how much money you’re saving over a specific period of time. 

While budgeting is commonly done monthly, it can be weekly, bi-weekly, quarterly, annually, you name it. You’re in the driver’s seat there, depending on how disciplined and committed you to want to be. 

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Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Do I seriously need a budget, and why? 

In short… Yes, you do for several reasons. 

Above all, here’s, at least in our view, the best part of any and every good budget; you gain an incredible amount of insight into your finances almost immediately by knowing right away if you’re bringing in enough income to cover your expenses and save money, or if you’re out of control and spending too much money.

You get value out of budgeting almost right away, which is why it’s always regarded as a ‘must-do in personal finances. 

Your budget can and should help you identify where you’re spending too much of your hard-earned money. But, at the same time, it can also help you identify how you can better put your money to work for you. So what exactly does this mean?

Essentially, having a ‘budget’ makes it easy to create a spending plan so that you can make sure you’re staying within your limit, so to speak. It also allows you to understand better and have a clear view of how you can save more money, pay down debts such as credit cards or student loans, or even look at tucking away additional money for an upcoming family vacation. After all, you work hard for the money, and your money should work hard for you too. 

It’s important to keep this in mind; A good budget provides as much detailed and accurate information as possible regarding your spending habits and income. 

As is the case with pretty much everything else in our lives, budgeting requires commitment and practice. That’s the winning recipe. 

How to Budget Money Part II: How Do I Make a Budget? What are the Steps Involved?

The good news is that creating a budget isn’t the hard part; sticking to it is where most people fall short. We’ll quickly spend the next few minutes going over the main parts of how to budget money so that you feel like you can finally do this. 

Step 1: Totalling your income 

While there’s no particular order for how to budget money, per se, this really comes down to personal preference. For me, personally, the first step has always been calculating my total income before even worrying about my expenses. 

For these next sections on how to budget money, let’s assume we’re looking at things monthly. 

The reason why I like to start with totaling my income is that it’s usually relatively easy. For the most part, there should be zero, or hardly any, surprises (both good and bad!), and you might even be able to accurately nail down your monthly income off the top of your head.

As you start adding up your income, keep in mind that any amount of money coming in from any source is considered your income. Most people add up their full-time employment earnings and then end there. But if you’re taking on side gigs or working part-time anywhere else, those are all important considerations that absolutely need to be included when calculating your income. Full-time income, part-time income, and anything related to contract-type work can all be considered active income.

Don’t hesitate to or forget to include passive income sources as well. These typically include money regularly coming in from real estate (investment properties) or even investments that have you regularly earning dividends every month, as an example. 

Once you have all of your income added up and categorized based on the type of income, it’s time to move on to step 2 of how to budget money. 

Step 2: Totalling your expenses

Now we get to the meaty part that most find stressful. In all honesty, this part can actually be enjoyable, even if you’re noticing that you’re spending way too much on meaningful things. The silver lining is that it’s often the start of knowing exactly how powerful and useful a budget can be. It’s eye-opening in ways you wish it weren’t at times! 

One of the most overlooked outcomes here is not that totaling your expenses indicates just how much you’re spending, but that it provides actionable insight to help you understand how and where you should be allocating your hard-earned money. 

Not sure where to start? No worries. When you begin examining your expenses, start by dividing them into two types of spending/expense categories: fixed costs and variable costs. You might commonly see others split this up into wants vs. needs. Again, however, this comes down to personal preference. 

So what exactly are your fixed costs? Think of these as expenses that are just always there every month and are usually always the same amount or similar each and every month—your rent or mortgage, your car payments, phone and utility bills, and even student loans. 

As the name suggests, your variable costs, on the other hand, are expenses that are variable or change from month to month. You’ll soon realize that it’s often your variable types of expenses that are usually (not always) the easiest ones to trim down or even eliminate altogether. For example, expenses like entertainment, travel, clothing, and dining are all considered variable expenses. 

Now that we’ve got that covered, here’s how you can start calculating those expenses above. First, pull every bank statement, receipt, and bill from the last three months and start recording down any and every type of expense, breaking them out into those two categories above; fixed and variable expenses. From there, you can drill down into additional spending categories such as housing, travel, business, personal, etc., all of which give yourself even more insight into how you’re spending. 

I’m suggesting three months to start with because it helps define a good baseline where you can take the average total spending from your most recent three months. By no means do you have to follow this; it just helps you get started. 

Step 3: Let’s calculate! 

And now… it’s time we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time for you to actually “calculate” your budget. Again, the calculation is quite simple. By minus your total expenses (calculated above in step 2) from your total income (calculated above in step 2), you’ll arrive at a number that’s either in the green or red, so to speak. 

You’re in the green if… your income is more than your expenses.

You’re in the red if… your expenses are more than your income. 

Step 4: Create your spending plan  

Based on the numbers above and whether you’re in the green or red, you’ll be able to create a spending plan according to your priorities. 

The insight you’ll gain by knowing whether or not you’re in the green or red , along with exactly how or where you’re spending your money, can and will help you understand how and where you should be allocating your money. 

For example, if you’re earning more than you’re spending, you’re in a good position to prioritize more money towards retirement or short-term savings. Whereas if you’re spending more than you’re earning, you need to assess how and where you can trim or eliminate spending in certain areas.

How to Budget Money: Make It Happen

Now that you’ve got the know-how when it comes to budgeting your money, it’s time to put the above to good use to reign in on your spending habits. Above all, you must remain consistent and stick things through so that you can continue to improve the relationship you have with your money now and well into your financial future. 

This post originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

Originally posted 2019-12-16 21:10:00.

How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally From Home

1 in 3 adults or 75 million adults have high blood pressure, according to the cdc.

That’s crazy! So out of both sets of grandparents at least 1 of them is likely to be struggling with high blood pressure.

Now why do we care if our blood pressure is higher than the normal level (approximately 120/80)?

According to the cdc “High blood pressure can harden your arteries, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and lead to heart disease. In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause:

Chest pain, also called angina.
Heart failure, a condition when your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to your other organs.
A Heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to your heart is blocked. Then the heart muscle begins to die without enough oxygen. Furthermore, the longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart.”

Effects of High Blood Pressure:

“Sexual dysfunction

The inability to have and maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction) becomes increasingly common in men as they reach age 50. But men with high blood pressure are even more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. That’s because limited blood flow caused by high blood pressure can block blood from flowing to your penis.

Women can also experience sexual dysfunction as a result of high blood pressure. Reduced blood flow to the vagina can lead to a decrease in sexual desire or arousal, vaginal dryness, or difficulty achieving orgasm.” (mayoclinic.org)

Not to mention damage to the following:

eyes
kidneys
brain
heart and arteries

 

What is high blood pressure?

Here is a chart from the American Heart Association & American Stroke Association. Stating that High Blood Pressure is 130 or higher for Systolic which is (the upper number) or above 80 for Diastolic (the bottom number).

What about for optimal health?

“In year 2013, a published analysis of 18 prior studies showed that people whose systolic blood pressure was in the range of 120–139 mmHgwere at a 50% increased risk of coronary heart disease and 71% increased risk of stroke.7“……. “suggesting most people target their blood pressure around Life Extension’s optimal range of 115/75 mmHg.” (Lifeextension.com)

 

How can I improve my heart health with food?

People always say “I healed myself by eating cleaner”. Now what the heck does that even mean? “Eating cleaner.” Well to me, a balanced diet and eating REAL food that comes from the ground or has a mother is what eating cleaner looks like. Not googling what the next diet is to help me lose 20lbs in a week, but actually aiming to fuel my body.

 

Firstly, there is a nutrient, an amino acid, called L-Arginine. You probably have taken or heard of if you’ve ever stepped into a GNC or or worked with a personal trainer. Meanwhile, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Some are called essential meaning we are supposed to consume them in our diet. Others are nonessential, meaning the body can produce them.

“

We included 11 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 387 participants with oral L-arginine intervention ranging from 4 to 24 g/d. Sensitivity analyses restricted to trials with a duration of 4 weeks or longer….

Study CONCLUSIONS: 

This meta-analysis provides further evidence that oral L-arginine supplementation significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic BP.” (pubmed.gov)

 

 

However, this one amino acid in particular is the pre-cursor for something called N.O or Nitric Oxide.

“Following its benchmark discovery, nitric oxide (NO) is now known to play important functional roles in a variety of physiological systems. Within the vasculature, NO induces vasodilation, inhibits platelet aggregation, prevents neutrophil/platelet adhesion to endothelial cells, inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, regulates programmed cell death (apoptosis) and maintains endothelial cell barrier function.

NO generated by neurons acts as a neurotransmitter, whereas NO generated by macrophages in response to invading microbes acts as an antimicrobial agent. Because neurons, blood vessels and cells of the immune system are integral parts of the reproductive organs, and in view of the important functional role that NO plays in those systems, it is likely that NO is an important regulator of the biology and physiology of the reproductive system.” (pubmed.gov)

 

How to Lower Blood Pressure from Home:



Magnesium:

“Oral magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, increases nitric oxide, improves endothelial dysfunction, and induces direct and indirect vasodilation.” (pubmed.gov) Magnesium is a mineral and an electrolyte, often found in leafy greens, nuts and fruits and vegetables.

 

Exercise

 

You are taught to exercise for improved heart health and aren’t told that exercise.On the other hand, even though healthy, exercise is still a form of stress on the body.

Therefore, if you are already a very stressed-out, get sick every other week person, then don’t go run a marathon. I would be dropping to the floor like this lady in the pic and doing some yoga.

 

Deep stretching and meditation can help improve circulation and minimize stress.

 

Reading

 

Is a great way to help you relax before bed, wind down and reading peaceful literature can help your mind feel at ease. In a quiet room, curled up on the couch with a good book or downloading a stress-relieving e-book like the one I have written Living Fearlessly: Getting Rid of Anxiety and Fear. On how to feel more confident, stress-free and relieve that debilitating anxiety. Anxiety can be very tough on your heart and can raise your blood pressure.

Epsom Salt Baths

 

Epsom salt contains minerals including magnesium and soaking for 15-20 mins can help hydrate your body, help you sleep well and minimize stress. Which again in return can improve overall blood pressure.

Next, add in a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus. Therefore, in order to help you relax and relieve muscle soreness.

 

 

 

 

 

Credits:

 

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/sig...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...

https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazin...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9...

https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...

 

Originally posted 2019-12-14 21:25:00.

Why Learning Authoritative Parenting Can Actually Improve Your Stress

There are three main types of parenting authoritative, authoritarian and permissive. I have another article on permissive parenting and this article will cover the pros and cons of authoritative parenting as well as research that supports its effectiveness. Dealing with the same vicious cycles of getting frustrated at your child for not listening and not responding to your demands can be very frustrating for both you as the parent and the child. Gaining a balance of respect, love and discipline can be a tight rope to walk on, that is why this article helps you navigate authoritative parenting tips that will make your life easier!

What is authoritative parenting?

Authoritative parenting meets in the middle of authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. Authoritative is still firmer than permissive, but not so demanding like authoritarian parenting. The goal is to educate children on the potential consequences their actions can have.

Research shows that authoritative parenting is linked to a healthier weight and dietary choices in children with parents who chose to parent this way.

Another study showed that there was a decreased chance of substance use in adolescents and actually protected them from engaging in this behavior.

Examples of Authoritative Parenting

Giving your child opportunities to correct their behavior such as ” put the toy away or we are going to have to leave”. Saying it again and then saying if I have to say it again then we are leaving.

Explaining to your child what is going to happen when you go somewhere so they know what is expected of them.

Motivating them rather than threatening to take things away from them helps encourage them and keep it more positive for as long as you can. Incentivize them to do the few things you asked of them (with proper instructions and that is appropriate for their age level) and they can read a book before bed or get a sticker, etc.

Children will test you to see if you mean what you say and if you do not hold your word they will see what they can get away with. This is why it is important to stay true to the expectations you set for them.

If you feel like your child is not listening then you may need to be a little more stern and remind them of what they agreed to do previously.

Another example of authoritative parenting is explaining to a child why something may be hurtful or harmful towards themselves or someone else.

This is the difference between authoritarian parenting style which would cause someone to say things like “do it because I said so.”

An example would be

How do I become an Authoritative Parent?

I think it is important that we deal with our own issues so we don’t take them out on others, that includes our children. By going to counseling and working through things we can allow ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves.

Taking responsibility for our actions and separating them from what our children do can be very crucial in authoritative parenting. This means that the punishment intensity aligns with the severity of the child’s behavior or it is lesser then and they are shown grace but explained why their behavior is undesirable.

By taking responsibility of our own actions and reactions we can question things like “am I having anxiety and I’m overreacting because it’s causing me distress” or do “I have a physical pain that bothers me and it makes me moody, causing me to be harsh on my child.”

This is one of the most important aspects of authoritative parenting is understanding where your level of needs are so that you can be a great teacher and a gentle leader.

Establish clear boundaries so children know what is expected of them.

By learning how to help both parties be heard and validated, this allows us to reduce our stress and anxiety and help us feel a sense of control in our lives.

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The 5 Best Cheap Phone Plans of 2021

Phone plans are complicated and often expensive. It’s enough to make the most avid phone lover’s head spin. Not to worry, though, as you’re about to learn about some of the best cheap phone plans of 2021!

You need to worry about whether a phone plan is prepaid or not, whether you want 4g LTE or 3g, whether 8Gb in your data plan is enough or if you should get unlimited data, and on top of it all, you need to think critically about whether you’re getting a good deal or not.

Regardless of whether you just got a new phone and are looking for a suitable plan or are sick and tired of your old phone plan and are looking to make a switch, this post is for you. From invaluable phone service to cheap unlimited talk and text to extremely reasonable pay-as-you-go pricing, the following cell phone plans are some of the best on the market today.

The following section will run through an overview covering some of the pros and cons of each plan. Ready to learn about some of the best cheap phone plans of 2021? Let’s dive right in.

Best Cheap Phone Plans

With each one offering something a little different, you’re sure to find the best cell phone plan that fits your needs!

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile’s 4Gb plan is currently one of the cheapest on the market! For just $15 per month, you get unlimited text and unlimited calls nationwide PLUS 4Gb of data. What if you’re not from the United States?

Not to worry, as this plan also comes with a free international calling to Canada and Mexico! Finally, you can bring your phone with Mint’s BYOP program (meaning you can keep that trusty phone of yours if you want).

Pros:

$15 for 4Gb is exceptionally cheap. You’re unlikely to find another plan on the market for less than $4/gb (the unit price for this plan).Setup and activation are pretty straightforward. If you qualify, you’ll get a free 3-in-1 sim card (or e sim) to go along with your phone plan.A solid app goes along with the phone plan, and users have reported good experiences with it.

Cons:

The $15/month pricing is guaranteed for the first three months and might change afterward (this provides a degree of uncertainty that might not be appealing to some).4Gb isn’t a lot of data if you’re constantly on your phone, and after you use up 4Gb, the data speed drops significantly.For better or worse, Mint Mobile is a wireless network with no physical locations, which prevents people from complaining in person. However, this inconvenience affords them to maintain a good contribution margin while giving customers a cheap phone plan.T-Mobile

For the best network coverage from one of the big names in the telecommunications space for a low price, look no further than T-Mobile’s $15/month unlimited plan. So whether you need to make a call in the city or across an acre of land, this plan is worth considering. With this plan, you’ll get unlimited talk and text plus 2.5Gb of high-speed data.

The elegant thing about this plan is that even though it isn’t an unlimited data plan, for every passing year that you’re committed to it (as long as you sign up for T-Mobile Connect), you’ll get 500Mb of additional data every month. So after five years (if the plan is still running), you’ll have 5Gb of data in your plan!

Pros:

The annual 500Mb data boost is a huge bonus (especially at no additional cost to you).The coverage area with T-Mobile is often better than with other phone providers.$15 a month for 2.5Gb is still relatively cheap compared to a lot of other wireless providers.

Cons:

Unlike some prepaid plans (and wireless plans) that give flexible overage data usage, with T-Mobile, there is a hard cap once you hit your data limit.Even though they have fantastic coverage, you may prefer Verizon’s or AT&T’s wireless plan.Despite advertising themselves as “uncarrier”-like, T-Mobile still very much has the traits of a phone carrier.Verizon

You might be thinking at this point: “How in the world is Verizon one of the phone carriers on this list? Verizon isn’t cheap!” But that’s because you haven’t taken time to look at the Verizon prepaid $40/month 5Gb plan.

Indeed, most of Verizon’s plans aren’t exactly cheap, and at first glance, this one might not seem like it either. But, like flipping real estate properties, you can flip Verizon’s discounts to your advantage.

Let’s dive a bit deeper.

First, if you enroll in autopay, Verizon will take $5 off. Then, don’t switch to any other unlimited plans for three months, and Verizon will take another $5 off.

Finally, if you stick with this mobile plan for nine months, you’ll get yet another $5 discount, which brings the total price to around $25/month for 5Gb of data making it an extremely cheap cell phone plan! Plus, you’ll get the full speed of Verizon’s network and fantastic coverage.

Pros:

The monthly rate decreases the longer you stick with Verizon, eventually making the plan one of the cheapest on the market.Verizon has an incredible mobile network and has one of the most extensive coverage networks in the country.Even basic phones will have great speed on Verizon’s phone plan.This plan comes with a mobile hotspot, and Verizon is known for having good high-speed hotspot data.

Cons:

The starting price for this prepaid cell phone plan is not cheap (to say the least).If there are many people on the wireless service, you might experience slower than usual speeds.The data plans offered by Verizon do not include taxes and extra fees.AT&T

Generally, if you were to go with AT&T, the price you would pay for 5Gb a month in data is $30/month. So this plan isn’t cheap by any means and wouldn’t make this list; HOWEVER, if you choose AT&T’s prepaid phone plan (contract plan for at least 12 months), you can get 8Gb of data per month for only $25/month!

This food pyramid of phone features include unlimited texting/messaging, unlimited calling, roaming in Canada and Mexico, and lets you do HD video streaming. To top it all off, AT&T is a major phone company that typically doesn’t do cheap phone plans, so this one is truly a diamond in the rough.

Pros:

A rollover data feature lets your unused data “rollover” into the next month.$25 for 8Gb is cheaper than most other cell phone providers.AT&T is not some new cell phone provider and has been around for a long time (making it a trustworthy and reliable brand).The international roaming and international calls are extremely useful if you’re a permanent resident in Canada or Mexico.

Cons:

If you prefer to go month-to-month, you’re out of options as you need to pay yearly to take advantage of the heavily discounted price (monthly payments are not allowed).You’ll probably miss out on a lot of the perks you would have gotten had you chosen a different wireless provider. When you’re on the prepaid wireless plan, you don’t get to partake in AT&T Thanks, the AT&T Next Up phone upgrade program (which basically lets you upgrade your phone faster via small installment payments), and you also don’t get a free HBO Max subscription.Tello

If you’re not a big data user and don’t want to get locked in for the long-term, Tello‘s 1Gb plan is for you. You’ll pay $10 per month in exchange for 1Gb of data. Still, you’ll also receive unlimited calls and text, free mobile tethering, and (most important of all) you’ll get a no-contract arrangement meaning you can cancel whenever you want with no strings attached.

When it comes to frugality, you’re not going to get much cheaper than $10 a month. The best part is that sometimes there are promotional offers which bump the price down even further. (You might find yourself only paying $7.50 a month for the first six months!)

Pros:

This plan is highly affordable for anybody on a budget who doesn’t need much data.Along with the data, you also get all of the basic features of a cell phone plan.

Cons:

1Gb of data is not much at all. 1Gb is essentially good for emergencies only (use any more than that, and you’ll run out very fast).Recap: Best Cheap Phone Plans

Whether you’re a parent or fresh out of high school, tech-savvy, or a complete technological novice, chances are you have a phone. It’s likely then that you appreciate cheap phone plans. (Nowadays, truly affordable phone plans are rarer and rarer.)

This post has covered 5 of the best cheap phone plans on the market today. As a quick recap, they are:

Mint Mobile‘s 4Gb plan ($15/month)T-Mobile‘s 2.5Gb plan ($15/month)Verizon‘s 5Gb plan ($40/month, but it scales down with time)AT&T‘s 8Gb prepaid plan ($25/month if you prepay for the whole year)Tello‘s 1Gb plan ($10/month)

From pay-as-you-go to prepaid plans, international roaming to local coverage, unlimited data to 1Gb in data, you’re sure to find something on this list that fits your needs.

This post originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

Originally posted 2019-11-30 18:58:00.

How Some Healthy Foods Could Be Stressing You Out

Do you ever find yourself struggling with anxiety, and you can’t understand what could have triggered it? Sometimes, our anxiety has a clear trigger. Other times, it can seem to come out of nowhere. The evidence is growing—food sensitivities are linked to our mental health. Who knew that certain foods could trigger anxiety. Furthermore, who knew that a holistic diet could help alleviate it?

Do I Have Anxiety?

If you suffer from anxiety, or high stress levels, here are some symptoms to watch out for:

Frequent headaches
Hot flushes
Occasional dizziness or lightheadedness
A lingering feeling of doom
You’re grinding your teeth, even at night
Your heart races
You’re not interested in the things you used to care about
Low libido

These are all symptoms of anxiety, and if you have many of them or if they’re particularly profound, they could also be part of the deeper depressive disorder.

How Can Food Be Related to My Mood?

We all know some simple ways that food can affect our mood. We have all heard of a “sugar rush,” the boost of energy, and an uplift in mood after consuming foods high in sugar.  But the connection between mental health and diet is more profound than this.

Food and Hormones

What we eat has a strong effect on our hormone production, and our hormones control our mood. The body needs healthy fats, in particular, in order to produce the right hormones and accomplish proper signaling between nerves. This is one reason that low-fat diets and depression often go hand in hand.

The Gut

We’re just starting to learn how important our gut is to our overall health and well-being, and how the best principles of natural health can help. For example, 90% of our body’s serotonin is produced in our guts. Serotonin is the main chemical our body produces to help us feel happy. If our gut is out of order, it’s hard not to feel anxious and depressed.

Inflammation and Anxiety

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to anything it sees as an invader. This invader could be a bacteria or virus; it could even just be a food that our body can’t tolerate. There is a strong link between high levels of inflammation and anxiety.

A Holistic Approach

While mental health can be complicated, an easy place to start if you’re struggling with anxiety (or even depression) is to take a more holistic approach toward the food you eat.
The holistic approach focuses on minimizing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut, and eliminating/avoiding toxins. Our bodies are sensitive to the things we ingest—some more than others. 
Here are just a few of the common foods or substances that can wreak havoc within our bodies, and in turn, cause anxiety:

Dairy
Refined sugars and grains
High fructose corn syrup
Gluten
Caffeine
Processed/preserved foods 
Food and drinks with sulfites
Foods or wine with high tannin levels




What Should I Try?

While this list only contains a fraction of the potential culprits, there are a number of things that could be affecting your state of well-being. Everyone’s body is different, and sometimes the best approach is trial and error.
Start by focusing on a wholesome and balanced diet, while eliminating questionable food groups. Eliminate processed foods. Try eliminating the occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages. Replace your morning cup of coffee with a full glass of water.
Consider keeping a journal. Keep track of what you eat and how you feel each day. Over time, this can give you a better idea of what your triggers are and what you should avoid.

 

Want to Learn More?

Visit Holistic-Momma.com for more information about natural health solutions as well as recipes and other ideas for improving your health!

Originally posted 2019-11-30 08:00:00.

Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a kind of anxiety disorder in which an individual cannot communicate verbally in some social situations; for example, with relatives and classmates, they don’t see much. It typically starts in childhood, and if it gets untreated, the diagnosis leads into adulthood. An individual with the condition will not choose to stay silent in events; rather, they cannot speak. 

The expectation of communicating with some people may trigger a freeze response through stage fright or panic, in which talking becomes impossible. 

With time, the individual may learn to anticipate the condition which may provoke such distressing reactions, and they may try to do things to avoid such conditions. However, individuals with selective mutism can speak with no hesitation to people like friends or family when there is no big trigger. 

Selective mutism may impact around 1 in 140 pediatric patients. It is a condition more common in children trying to learn a second language and girls. 

What Are the Signs of Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism typically initiates in early childhood in ages 2 to 4. It is typically observed when the child interacts with people other than family, such as in school. One warning indication is the child’s inability to engage with people with frozen facial expressions and sudden stillness when the children are expected to communicate with other people outside of their comfort zone. 

They might try avoiding eye contact and may appear to be:

Uneasy and socially awkwardSulky or rudeClingy Withdrawn and shy Tense or poor coordination Aggressive and stubborn with temper tantrums as they arrive from school Easy communication with other children having selective mutismHowever, children who are more severely affected may try avoiding other communication forms like written texts as wellSome children might appear to respond using some words or speak in a whispering voice. What Are the Causes of Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism comes as a phobia related to talking to other individuals. The right cause is not clear as always; however, it is linked with anxiety. Children may tend to anxiety and may have difficulty participating in everyday events. 

Many children may get distressed to speak up as they separate from their home and then project this anxiety to other adults who try settling them. Given a speech disorder, speaking maybe even more stressful. 

Some children might see a challenge processing information like jostling and loud noises, called sensory integration dysfunction. It may make them shut and become unable to communicate as they get overwhelmed in a rush surrounding them. What’s more, the anxiety may get transferred to other individuals in the environment. There is found to be no evidence suggesting children having this condition have a higher chance of having experienced neglect, trauma, and abuse. 

When selective mutism occurs because of post-traumatic stress disorder, it comes with a unique pattern in which the child stops communicating verbally in the environment in which they didn’t communicate in those environments in which they did not have any difficulty. However, this speech withdrawal might lead to this condition if the triggers are not addressed, and then the child gets some communication anxiety. 

There is another misunderstanding that a child with such a condition is manipulative or autistic. However, it is found there is no relationship between autism and mutism. 

How to Diagnose Selective Mutism?

If left untreated, it is a condition that may lead to problems such as low self-respect, isolation, and even social anxiety disorder. It may progress to adulthood if the condition is not managed. A child may overcome the condition if it gets diagnosed earlier and is managed appropriately. 

The condition needs to get diagnosed so that the family and the schools may work together to reduce the anxiety of the child. School staff and families may get training for the child to get the appropriate expertise for tackling the condition of the child. 

If the child is suspected of getting selective mutism and there is no help around, or there are some other problems like your child cannot comprehend routines or instructions, then get an appointment with a language and speech therapist. 

How is Selective Mutism Diagnosed in Adults?

The adults can overcome the condition of selective mutism. However, they might continue experiencing the practical and psychological effects of spending years with no social interaction or not being capable of getting the most out of their occupational or academic potential. A mental health therapist may see adults with the accessibility of support from a professional such as a language and speech therapist. 

How is Selective Mutism Treated?

With the right treatment and care, most children can overcome selective mutism. However, when they age and are diagnosed later in life, their healing time will also get affected. The overall effectiveness of the option of treatment depends on the following things:

How long the individual has had selective mutismWhether or not the individual has some additional learning or communication difficulties The overall cooperation of people involved with their family life and educationTreatment doesn’t focus on speaking but alleviating the anxiety linked with speaking 

It starts by, first of all, removing all the pressure on the individual to speak. They then need to gradually progress through different relaxing techniques and then move to say single sentences and words before communicating with multiple people in all kinds of settings. 

The overall requirement for treatment may be avoided if the staff and the family in the early years work in combination to alleviate the child’s anxiety by creating a positive environment for the people. It eventually means:

Not enabling the child to acknowledge the anxietyReassuring the children, they will be able to communicate freely when they get readyFocus on having funPraising all kinds of struggles the child makes to interact with other individuals, like taking and passing toys, pointing and noddingNot showing any kind of surprise when the children may speak, however, responding warmly as you would respond to any normal child.

Older children might require some individual support as well to battle their anxiety. Some of the most effective treatment types include behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

How Does CBT Help in Selective Mutism?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT aids a person in focusing on how they think regarding themselves, the area around them and all other people, and how their overall perspective of such things influence their overall feelings and thoughts. CBT, in addition, also challenges the preconceptions and the fears with the graded exposure technique. Mental health professionals are trained to give CBT to patients, especially older children and adults with mutism and anxiety disorder. 

Some young children might also get an advantage from CBT approaches to support their overall wellness. For instance, it might involve getting to know about anxiety and acknowledging how it impacts their behavior and body, and learning various coping schematics and anxiety management techniques. 

How Is Behavioral Therapy Helpful for Mutism?

Behavioral therapy is created to reinforce helpful behaviors by replacing bad habits with good habits. Instead of examining the thoughts and past of the person, the therapy helps combat the present difficulties and challenges with a slow step-wise approach to overcome fears. 

What Are the Techniques for Selective Mutism?

There are different behavioral therapy and CBT techniques, which may be useful to treat selective mutism. These techniques might be used simultaneously by people, staff, or family members under the guidance of a professional such as a language and speech therapist. 

What is Graded Exposure for Selective Mutism?

Graded exposure is a technique in which the triggering factors for anxiety are addressed. The anxiety linked with such factors is decreased with repeated exposure and setting realistic targets. Adults and older children are appreciated to work on the different causes and situations triggering anxiety. 

What Is Stimulus Fading for Selective Mutism?

Stimulus fading is a condition in which an individual with selective mutism can communicate with a person, such as a parent, when nobody is around. Then, there is an entry of a third person in that meeting – as they are talking, the parent goes away. 

What is Shaping for Selective Mutism?

Shaping is a technique in which the individual can produce a response for showing positive behavior. For instance, reading aloud with interactive reading sessions and games helps in healthy two-way communication. 

Final Word

These are some important points and details about selective mutism. With timely management and care, a patient with selective mutism can get positive results. 

20 Christmas Gift Ideas: Save Yourself Some Time & Stress!

(checkout the free bonuses and stocking stuffers at the end)

Here is a list of some healthy and fun Christmas Gifts for your whole list! Saving stress and hassle, and you don’t even leave your couch.

So, checkout out the list below to save yourself hours of research and you can even have the gifts delivered to your door wrapped and ready to go! Look at you super-star!

Christmas Gifts For Her:

If she likes to wear a long-lasting, user-friendly Cat Eye, then this is the product for her. A cat eye or winged liner for those who may not be familiar is a wing at the outside corner of your eyes with typically a liquid eyeliner.

Here is THE TOOL you will need.. that’s it just this one! I’ve tried many different liquid liners and this is honestly my favorite because the tip is so flexible, so gentle, and easy to use.

You don’t have to end up thickening the line and going over it many times because you messed it up multiple times now. It also has over 5,000+ Great Reviews on the Product, so if you don’t take my word for it take the other 5,000+ people!

1.Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner

This next item is for the lady who likes hydrated skin, minimal ingredients and the ability to give herself the best facial right from her home.

The principles of the brand are Oil, Water and Clay. My favorite part is the Blue Chamomile Daily Moisturizer it is not only hydrating like you’ve never felt before.

It is silk silky smooth and not like those silicone serums, moisturizers, etc. This is like a truly hydrated feeling that will leave you feeling happy you did something to really benefit your skin.

2. Blue Face Care Kit by evanhealy Formally known as our Blue Face Care Kit Trial/travel sizes of our core Blue line.For all skin – especially sensitive, irritated, reactiveFeatures calming and pacifying essential oils of Lavender, Immortelle and German Chamomile

Here is what it comes with:

Cleanser 30 mL / 1 fl ozHydroSoul 30 mL / 1 fl ozSerum 4 mL / 0.13 fl ozMoisturizer 5 mL / 0.17 fl ozClay Mask 5 g / 0.17 ozChristmas Gifts For Him:

Maybe he’s your man or he’s someone you know who wants to smell good, have products with cleaner ingredients (to avoid hormone disruption) and likes to stay well groomed. Certainly, this is the perfect Christmas gift for him!

It is a gift set made for beard grooming, that smells phenomenal! I have gifted this same scent gift kit before and all the scents from Every Man Jack are a hit really!

3. Every Man Jack Beard Kit – SandalwoodMADE FOR THEM: The Every Man Jack Beard Kit makes a perfect gift for any holidayMADE FOR YOU: Every Man Jack’s beard products cleanse, hydrate, reduce irritation, and help transform your beard into the groomed beast you want it to be.RESPONSIBLY Made: Every Man Jack shampoo and body wash bottles are made with at least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. We incorporate recycled materials in our packaging whenever possible.MADE NATURALLY: Every Man Jack strives to use as many naturally derived and plant-based ingredients as possible, while still delivering exceptional performance. No Parabens, phthalates, dyes or GMOs.MADE ETHICALLY IN THE USA: Every Man Jack products are certified Cruelty Free by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Organization (PETA) and are never tested on animals. Every Man Jack proudly manufactures our products in the USA.

4. Bulldog Face Kit

It contains a moisturizer, face wash, face scrub and aftershave, giving him the whole set to keep his face looking, smelling and feeling fresh. They have clean products and stand behind it, “Our products never contain artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or ingredients from animal sources.” This kit includes the face wash which has over 160+ great reviews on Amazon including reviews like:

5.0 out of 5 stars –Another solid product from Bulldog!

Style Name: Original Face Scrub-Verified Purchase

“For the price this stuff is as good as you can expect. It’s a very good exfoliating scrub and is the perfect scrub to pair with their age defense moisturizer (although that has since been discontinued). It doesn’t foam up too much which is what you want in a scrub and it’s made from all natural ingredients (their claim) and animal cruelty free. Any bad reviewers need to understand the difference between a SCRUB and a WASH. This is a scrub and has a grainy texture which is meant to exfoliate.”

Bulldog has a TON of great men’s hygiene products and this is one of them.

Christmas Gifts For The Little Ones:

5. The Melissa and Doug Water-Reveal Coloring Books

I have purchased these for my two-year olds and honestly every parent should be thanking Melissa and Doug for these affordable, mess-free fun ideas. These coloring books only color on the page, all you need is water put inside the little stylus.

Then the color shows up inside the books and disappears once dry to be used over and over again. They are small enough to fit on little ones laps in the car and they won’t break the bank!

6. Melissa and Doug Mess-Free Glitter Ornaments

Likewise this is another one we parents can thank Melissa and Doug for! I made these ornaments with my almost 3 year old daughter. However, the age on the package says 5+ but with assistance the little ones will appreciate this one for sure! These are as the title says, mess-free glitter, which is done through glitter stickers or sheets initially.

It’s a little tough to explain but the results are cute and it’s entertainment for a few hours or a good project to do over at the grandparents and it’s minimal clean up!

7.Melissa and Doug Scratch Art Rainbow Notes

This is another super affordable and fun gift for kids of all ages, heck I think I would enjoy this one! It’s a box of the old scratch art sheets, that you scratch off the black layer in the design you want and there is a pretty rainbow color underneath. This is a great stocking-stuffer or a fun gift that helps you stay on budget this year.

8. Dyson Kids Vacuum with REAL Suction

Yes you read that correctly, this vacuum is said to have real suction power! Kids will be helping you clean without even knowing it.

Christmas Gifts For the Older Kids:

9. Lite-Brite Ultimate Classic Toy

This is kind of a classic, it’s a board that lights up and you put pins in and the pins are all different colors that allow you to make cool designs. In addition, I recommend it for the older kids. As there are some smaller pieces that may not be suitable for the little munchkins. It is a cheap one too! Currently priced under $20 and is a unisex option to get for all the kids.

10. 3-pack of Large Coloring/ Drawing Pads

Gifts like these help improve creativity, stimulate the mind and allow kids to express themselves while developing their brains further. Rather than an electronic that takes all of the thinking out of what we are doing, this helps with keeping them occupied and improves overall memory.

Christmas Gifts For the Pre-Teens/Teenagers:11.Amazon Fire Tablet Reader

This is a great option that allows users to download free kindle books, watch free prime movies and download apps or games, all from the App Store. This Tablet runs off wifi and is great for all users, it’s light-weight and can be used on a plane to watch downloaded movies, read books on the go and even play audible books from. You could have all of your online books right in the same library on this affordable tablet.

12. Audible Audio Book Subscription

Take never-ending learning on the go! There are holiday deals going for an Audible subscription, which is a subscription to Amazon’s library of Audiobooks. Keep those, kids, and teens growing and learning about their favorite subjects while walking home from school or hanging out around the house. This is a great option for someone who likes to read books or be constantly learning, drives a lot and could use something to listen to other than the same songs on repeat for hours per day.

13. Bose Sound Link Waterproof Outdoor Speaker

This speaker has almost 3 Thousand Positive reviews, making it a hit with the teens this Christmas Guaranteed. With it being waterproof also, it is more accident proof for those kids who aren’t the easiest on things.

CRISP, BALANCED SOUND and unmatched bass for a Bluetooth speaker its size, plays loud & clear outdoors for beach days or camping tripsWATERPROOF speaker from the Inside out (Ipx7 rating), with soft, rugged exterior, resists dents, cracks and scratchesEASILY PORTABLE with a Tear resistant strap to bring it wherever you go, strap to your backpack, cooler or handlebarsUP TO 6 HOURS of play time from a rechargeable battery and wireless Bluetooth pairing. Wireless range up to 30 feetBUILT IN SPEAKERPHONE for taking calls out loud and voice access to your phone’s Siri or your Google assistant. Speaker Dimensions : 3.87 Height X 3.87 Width X 1.37 Depth inches.Silicone rubber for SoundLink Micro’s exterior

If you have the amazon credit card, they offer payment plan options on higher priced items plus you get discounts like 5% off of EVERYTHING you buy on Amazon or at Whole Foods Market: https://amzn.to/2OM8IBc

14. Beats by Dre Solo 3 Headphones

These are wireless headphones that are noise-cancelling, normally $299.99 but on sale for WAY less! They come in many different color schemes

With up to 40 hours of battery life, Beats Solo3 wireless is your perfect everyday headphonePremium playback and fine-tuned acoustics maximize clarity, breadth, and balanceAdjustable fit with comfort-cushioned ear cups made for everyday use. 5 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of playback when battery is lowTake calls, control your music and activate Siri with the multifunction on-ear controlsChristmas Gifts For The Younger & Older Adults:

If they are home owners, live in a college-dorm or just want to feel independent and have some tasks simplified for them, then this is the list for them!

15. Amazon Firestick 4k Built-In Alexa Smart-Tv (Less than $50)The most powerful 4K streaming media stick.Watch favorites from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO, and more. Stream for free with Pluto, IMDB TV, and more.Launch and control content with the Alexa Voice Remote.Enjoy brilliant picture with access to 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+.Choose from 500,000 movies and TV episodes.More storage for apps and games than any other streaming media stick.Experience tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.Enjoy stunning 4K Ultra HD streaming at up to 60fps. Experience the vivid, lifelike colors and exceptional clarity of Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG, and HDR10+. Feel scenes come to life with immersive Dolby Atmos audio on select Prime Video titles when connected to compatible home audio systems.16. Amazon Giftcards

Here is an easy Christmas Gift. Send it in an e-mail or text and have your gift shopping done in a few minutes. Giving them the ability to spend it on any gift they want on Amazon!

Send a personalized card or have it delivered in the mail right before Christmas! Now that sounds like some stress-saving for sure!

17. Fire TV Cube + Ring Video Doorbell 2: (Save $100)

The Ring Doorbell, I’m sure you’re familiar with video records any motion at your door. You can talk to whomever is at the door and you have the option to have any motion recorded.

Fire TV Cube is the fastest, most powerful Fire TV ever, delivering a fast, fluid experience for your favorite movies and TV shows. With an ultra-powerful hexa-core processor, enjoy instant access to 4K ultra HD content, plus support for Dolby Vision and HDR, HDR10+. Support for Dolby Atmos is available on select Prime Video and Netflix titles.From across the room, just ask Alexa to turn on the TV, dim the lights, and play what you want to watch. Control your compatible soundbar and A/V receiver, and change live cable or satellite channels with your voice. Control for your over-the-air antenna is coming soon on compatible TVs.18. Amazon Home Services (including Cleaning Before the Holidays)

Amazon Home Services offers customers over a thousand different services from quality, hand-picked pros and backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee. Top services available for Customers to purchase include: *House Cleaning *TV Wall Mounting *Smart Home Device Installation *Equipment and Furniture Assembly *Plumbing and Electrical *Handyman *House Painting.

This is something I know my husband and I would definitely take advantage of, one less thing to have to worry about is having the house clean when family comes over or a plumbing issues.

19. Fitbit Versa with Built in Alexa for Him or Her Fitness WatchUse Amazon Alexa Built-in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third-party app may be required; Amazon Alexa not available in all countries)Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, Sleep Score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insightsControl your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists—plus store and play 300+ songs on your wrist (subscription required; Pandora is US only)With a larger display and an always-on option, your information’s always a quick glance away (always-on display requires more frequent charging)Track heart rate 24/ 7, steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes and floors climbedWorks around the clock with 6+ day battery life (varies with use and other factors)Get call, text, calendar and smartphone app notifications when your phone is nearby. Plus send quick replies and voice replies on Android only20. Brita Water Filter Water BottleGreat-tasting water: This double wall insulated Glacier stainless steel bottle filters as you drink, reducing chlorine (taste & odor) found in tap water Filtered water anywhere: with car cup holder-friendly design, the bottle stays cold for a full 24 hours so you can enjoy filtered water at home, the office, a sporting event, or on a trip abroad Convenient hydration: featuring durable stainless steel, built-in carrying loop, one-handed push button lid, and enclosed straw, This filtering bottle provides effortless hydration anywhereReduce & save: one water bottle filter can replace up to 300 standard 16. 9 ounce single-use plastic bottles. Stay hydrated, save money, and reduce plastic wasteStay fresh: for best results, filter should be replaced every two months or 40 gallons

Extra Stocking Stuffers:

We give supplements for Christmas in my Family, because why not give the gift of better health?!

Neocell Collagen Powder for Joints, Skin, Hair Nails and even DigestionBurt’s Bee’s Lip Balm Gift SetRenew Life Adult 50 Billion Probiotic for Digestive Health:

Read More about Gut Health effects on the body here: https://holistic-momma.com/2019/11/25/how-your-gut-health-can-provide-a-natural-antidepressant/

Bonuses:

Join Amazon Family Prime and save up to 20% off Diapers and Toiletries, try it free for 30-days click here .

Amazon Romance Audible Trial for a month of free Romance

Originally posted 2019-11-25 16:00:00.

How Your Gut Microbiome Makes You Happier

The Connection Between Your Gut, Brain, Skin and Other Parts of the Body

A healthier gut means a healthier you. This is because the gut, aka digestive system, plays a vital role in maintaining your overall health.

In your digestive system, you’ll find the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the home of good bacteria in your body.

The good bacteria in your gut do more than just help you absorb nutrients and digest food. They also fight bad bacteria to achieve a healthy balance of bacteria in your body.

When you have a healthy balance of bacteria, it helps other parts of the body to work properly. Here’s how the gut acts to aid in the functions of your other body parts.

Join the Holistic Momma Tribe to receive weekly updates, recipes and home remedies! Get a free book for signing up!The Brain

The gut acts as the communication center to and from the brain. The nerve cells in your digestive track send and receive information to the brain, including stressors. These stressors may affect your mood, stress level, and state of mind.

Most importantly, the gut is also responsible for producing 90% of the serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is an antidepressant that maintains your emotions. This can improve symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.

Also, researchers believe that an imbalance of bacteria in your gut may affect how your brain processes information. This can disrupt your senses, including smell, sound, sight, taste, and touch. That’s why it’s crucial that the good bacteria fight off the bad ones to maintain balance in your body.

Boost Your Immune System

The food you take may contain bad bacteria and pathogenic substances that can cause certain diseases and infections to the body. And it is through the gut that the food gains entry inside you.

So, how does the gut protect you from these harmful substances? 

One way is to maintain the balance of bacteria in your gut. Excessive bad bacteria can cause problems in the body. This is why you must keep the balance between good and bad bacteria in your gut microbiome.

Also, the Peyer’s patches in the small intestine help create an immune response to counter the harmful substances that enter your body. These large oval clusters of lymphoid tissue create antibodies to fight rogue substances in your body.

Save Your Heart

One study shows that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in promoting good HDL cholesterol. It also helps maintain a good level of triglycerides in the body. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease.

Some bacteria like the Lactobacilli may also help reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

However, it is worth noting that some unhealthy bacteria in the gut microbiome may also produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This chemical can contribute to heart disease by blocking arteries.

https://holistic-momma.com/2019/12/14...Clear Up Rosacea

Your digestive tract also plays a role in maintaining radiant skin. Some gut disorders have been linked to skin problems.

For instance, one study found out that a higher number of patients with rosacea were diagnosed with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Rosacea is a skin condition that causes visible blood vessels and redness to the forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.

Another study found that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) puts patients at a higher risk of rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Both the gut and the skin play key roles in fighting pathogens that enter your body. And some diseases like the IBD may begin in the gut microbiome. Then, inflammatory skin conditions follow.

On that note, researchers found that altering the gut microbiome rather than the skin itself helps treat some skin conditions.

Improving gut microbiome naturally

Taking care of your gut means taking care of your health. To improve your gut microbiome, experts advise you to eat a diverse range of foods.

Healthy foods include fermented ones and those rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics help restore your gut to its healthy state while prebiotics help stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. You should also include whole grains in your menu.

Then, limit your intake of processed foods, as well as artificial sweeteners. Also, cut off your intake of alcohol and minimize caffeine.

Eat Prebiotic Fiber

Prebiotics help feed the probiotics and allow them to survive in your gut longer. They are a type of fiber found in many different foods.

“Although all prebiotics are fiber, not all fiber is prebiotic.” -pubmed.gov

“Classification of a food ingredient as a prebiotic requires scientific demonstration that the ingredient [2]:

Resists gastric acidity, hydrolysis by mammalian enzymes, and absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract;Is fermented by the intestinal microflora;Selectively stimulates the growth and/or activity of intestinal bacteria potentially associated with health and well-being.” (pubmed.gov)Pre-biotic Fiber Foods

Beta-Glucans are found in cereal grains and marine algae.

Inulin is a more commonly used pre-biotic added to probiotic or fiber supplements. It is found in chickory root, asparagus, bananas and onions and garlic.

FOS (fructooligiosaccharide) is surprisingly found in many fruits, hence the name. It is also in chicory root, bananas, garlic and blue agave. (get your tequila on, just kidding.)

In addition there are other pre-biotics such as

Weight Loss with a Healthy Gut

“Prospective cohort studies report that people who consume higher amounts of fiber weigh less than people who consume lesser amounts [17]. One study reported that in a 20-month period, every 1 g increase in total fiber consumed per day, decreased body weight by 0.25 kg” (pubmed.gov)

Therefore eating the right fibers can not only increase weight loss but also gut health. Also, healthy bacteria in your gut has been shown to improve overall body weight.

This one product does it ALL!

This is my favorite probiotic as it has Inulin Fiber in it to feed the probiotics. It also has a seaweed protective capsule that helps the probiotics survive past the stomach acid. It also has African Mango in it to help suppress appetite. In addition, to Ashwagandha, an Adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb to help your body cope with stress.

So you are getting 3 products in one with this one! You get a probiotic to improve gut health (with fiber to feed the probiotics). In addition, a stress supplement and a weight loss supplement. Making this affordable, as each one of those supplements could easily cost $30 each per month. Then you would be spending $90 for all 3 and this one supplement covers it all! Plus it has strains specifically for healthy weight. Just check out the reviews, to see why it has so many great reviews!

Another favorite is the colon support also by proublin. It has more bifido bacteria in it which is specifically helpful for colon health and getting things moving. This probiotic is great if you have any digestive issues like bloating, gas or diarrhea. Or even if you just feel like you don’t go often enough.

If you are on a lower budget and still want to improve your gut health here is a 3rd option that is SO affordable. Giving you 25 strains to all work on improving your gut, vaginal health, candida balance, skin, etc.

If you enjoyed learning how to better your health naturally, here are some more articles you might like!Selective Mutism How Your Gut Microbiome Makes You HappierMost Effective Ways To Overcome Fears About Your Airbnb5 Remedies to Get Rid of the Cold or Flu NaturallySeven Ways To Use Permissive Parenting To Your Advantagehttps://holistic-momma.com/2019/11/30...

Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

Originally posted 2019-11-25 15:00:09.

Most Effective Ways To Overcome Fears About Your Airbnb

There are plenty of reasons to think about investing in a short-term rental property out of state.

You may have just gone on a vacation and decided the people who own the place you are renting were making a killing.

You may have been considering buying rental properties and then started seeing the comparison of long-term vs. short-term rentals.

Maybe you were thinking about buying a home you would like to retire into and can’t imagine how expensive they will be by then.

Local Vs. Out of State

When thinking about short-term rentals and Airbnb, people usually jump to thinking about great vacation destinations. While this is true, there is a huge demand for vacation destinations and excellent properties in those locations. Do not discount the fact that people are traveling to places within 50 miles of you. Anywhere there are hotels proves there is a demand for short-term stays.

Now that we have the idea that there is not a workable business model for Airbnb near you out of the way, why would you look out of state? There could be plenty of reasons.

You may want to diversify your investments. For example, suppose you already have a house and a job tied to your local economy. In that case, having an asset in another local could provide a level of diversification that can help you rest easy.

A much better reason is for the economics of it. If you are in an area where housing is in high demand and prices are in high demand, but the short-term rental outlook is average, it will be hard to make money there. When investing out of state, you get to cherry-pick markets that fit your criteria.

This ability to cherry-pick a market for your specific needs is what makes investing out of state so desirable. Are you more interested in appreciation than cash flow? Then maybe a tier-one beach destination would perform well for you. If you are looking for a place you can later use as a family vacation destination, you can find that too.

How to Select a Market

From a purely financial perspective, you will want to choose a market with strong rental demand, low demand for property, and good prospects for property price and rental demand growth. Unfortunately, these factors are usually at odds with each other, so it will be a balancing act to figure out which factors have the most weight for you personally.

The thing is, you are likely not investing in an out-of-state Airbnb 100% for financial reasons. There is probably some alternative motivation as well. For instance, you are looking for a place you can use as your vacation destination. That has your stuff there.

So it will come down to making a list of markets you would like to own property in and running the numbers to determine if the market is a good financial fit as well.

Airbnb Expenses

It is crucial to accurately estimate what your expenses will be to make a sound investment decision. However, what expenses and what proportion they will take on can vary wildly from market to market and by property style. For instance, the cost structure of a 600sqft condo will be different than that of a 4,000 sqft house.

Here are the main expense categories:

MortgageProperty TaxesUtilitiesInsuranceCleaningMaintenanceFurnitureLinensOrder Products Online

You can increase your revenue by ordering supplies you need online such as decor, furniture, etc. so you can save time getting them all delivered to your Airbnb.

You can order large items like furniture and get free shipping, Amazon is a great place to order many of these items with free shipping.

Amazon Brand – Rivet Revolve Modern Leather Sofa Couch, 80"W $1,284.38 This modern sofa features simple lines and square armrests atop tall tapered legs, giving it a minimalist feel that looks great with most decor styles. 79.9"W x 34.6"D x 35.4"H Hardwood frame, solid beech wood legs, and durable leather upholstery stand up to wear and tear Assemble in 15 minutes or less, just attach the legs that come zippered inside the product

Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 02/16/2022 12:04 am GMT Airbnb Revenue

Unlike expenses, it will be harder to project the revenue for a short-term rental. While you can get insurance quotes or calculate the property taxes after they reflect the new purchase price, you will not see a published number on what the revenue will be.

This is because the revenue for each vacation rental is different, even if it is a condo in a community with many other short-term condos.

What you can do is get close. An estimation. A projection based on other factors.

There is a rule of thumb that a good Airbnb should make 3x the long-term rental rate. You can find an estimate for the monthly rent on Zillow or Rentometer. If you find your estimates to be too far off of this metric, you better have a reasonable justification for it. Otherwise, you might need to re-do your calculations.

The Revenue Calculation

Short term revenue boils down to this equation:

Revenue = ADR (Average Daily Rate) X Occupancy

The challenge comes to determining what both of these are. First, you can scope out some competition by watching how their calendars fill up and how much they charge. Next, you can use Airbnb to see what other competitive units are getting. Finally, you can get an estimate from Airdna, Airbnb, and/or Mashvisor for the specific property you are looking at.

In the end, you will have to research each of these and make an educated decision about what the target revenue is. Hopefully, there is enough room to be conservative about the revenue and still pay all the expenses.

Main Tasks For Managing an Airbnb ListingResponding to inquiriesCleaningMaintainance

Let’s look into each of these further to see what can be done to automate these tasks and achieve them from out of state.

Responding to inquiries is a no-brainer; all you need is a smartphone to achieve that from out of state.

Cleaning is a bit more challenging. You can try to find local Facebook groups online and ask for recommendations, and you can try Angie’s list. You will need to talk to a few cleaners to have a preferred option and a backup if they are not available. So being able to interview them and go over expectations remotely will be key.

You will also want to communicate the schedule with the cleaners and confirm they will be there. You can do this as a simple text message. You could do it with calendar invites, or you could go as streamlined as using scheduling software to allow them to confirm, decline, and comment about any specific date that cleaning is required.

You can do Maintainance similarly to finding cleaners. You will want to have someone or a companies number you can call for several maintenance tasks that can arise at your property. Most important are having a plumber, HVAC technician, and electrician’s number on hand. You will also want to know who the 24/7 services are in your area in an emergency.

Self Manage or Hire Property Management?

The decision to self-manage or hire a professional can depend on how much time you want to invest in your investment systems. Not only are there day-to-day tasks, but there is a big learning curve to become a knowledgeable host. If you want to eliminate the amount of anxiety that can come with managing your Airbnb property you may want to hire a property manager.

The downside of hiring a property management company is the fee that they charge. If you are trying to achieve a good ROI on a vacation home, you may find it hard to do with the 20-30% fees that full-service property management companies will charge.

The downside of managing the property yourself is the work that comes with it and the uncertainty of not knowing if you are managing it properly. The main task will be communicating with your guests and managing subcontractors. Keeping your property clean from afar is easier said than done and will require a good relationship with a cleaner.

Nationwide Property Managers

There are several nationwide vacation property management companies. While these national companies might not provide the same level of a personal touch as some of the smaller property managers, they can typically make up for it with the efficiency of their processes.

Vacasa is a popular nationwide property manager, but a few others to look into if you want to have a big property manager take care of your Airbnb.

Consider The Regulations

A hostile legal environment could be the reason why you are looking to invest in an Airbnb outside of your backyard. Therefore, checking into the regulations in a potential market for investing is super essential before getting into Airbnb.

When investing out of state, you may not know the city’s current legal and political climate. Sure, it may currently be legal, but there may be a coalition developing to put a stop to it.

The only real way to find out what is going on is to do your research. Of course, you can do some online, but the most valuable information will likely be from local real estate professionals.

Getting Your Unit Ready

When doing the numbers on a vacation rental purchase, keep in mind that it will take more than an excellent location to get your short-term rental business going. Before you can start making reservations, you will need to:

Set up utilitiesSet up internetSetup procedures and equipment for self-check-inSetup doorbell cameras and/or other security devicesFurnish the propertyMake any repairs or changes to be rent readyConclusion

A lot can go into the decision of buying a home to use as a short-term rental property. This is a significant investment and should not be rushed into. However, if you are adequately prepared and have realistic goals, you are well set up for success.

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.

Originally posted 2019-11-01 20:45:00.