Megan Santiago's Blog, page 25

5 Remedies to Get Rid of the Cold or Flu Naturally

 

Many people turn to OTC medicines when they get the flu. This practice, though viewed as normal, is actually unhealthy. Not all cold/flu symptoms should be treated with cold medicine. Sometimes, you just need to do something properly so you can recover faster.

Here are some cold/flu natural home remedies that only require action and all can be done from your home!

1. Rest plenty and properly.

No amount of cold medicine can substitute the healing effects of proper rest. Your body regenerates cells and rebuilds the immune system only when you’re asleep or at rest. So you better lie down and rest for the day (or days) if you want to heal quickly.

2. Keep yourself warm.

Feeling cold can worsen flu symptoms because the body uses more energy for making more heat instead of rebuilding your immune system. By keeping yourself warm, you help your body achieve temperature balance and focus on healing your body.

3. Blow your nose properly.

Snot and mucus are meant to be sneezed or blown out of your body, not sniffed back inside. So whenever you feel something about to drip from your nose, blow it out gently using tissue paper. Don’t try to sniff it back in just because it looks yucky. Remember, if it’s yucky on the outside, it’s even yuckier back in.

You May Be Interested In:

Flu Fighting Hormone: It Won’t Require Any Down Time




4. Gargle with saltwater.

It’s common to experience a sore throat when you have a cold or flu. You can relieve the soreness by gargling warm salt water.

5. Drink more water.

Your body is made up mostly of water, and you lose plenty of it whenever you’re sick. So don’t forget to drink more water when you have a cold. This will not only replenish fluid loss but also help loosen and clear away snot and mucus from the body. Alkaline or mineral water is great, or adding your own electrolytes is helpful in hydrating your body while flushing out your system.

Originally posted 2019-10-29 21:40:00.

Seven Ways To Use Permissive Parenting To Your Advantage

What is Permissive Parenting?

Permissive parenting or indulgent parenting is referred to the parenting style with the following traits:

Being a warm and nurturing parent Being reluctant when imposing limits 

Permissive parenting comes with some expectations and rules. In usual cases, permissive parents are caring and loving for their children. However, they don’t think their children are capable enough to deal with their tasks and responsibilities, which makes them do everything for their kids, spoiling them. 

How Does Permissive Parenting Affect Children?

There is a lot of research on permissive parenting, indicating it is problematic for children. Typical problems in permissive parenting include behavioral health issues and poor academic performance. For instance, a study found that children aged four years old are more prone to internalizing their problems when exposed to the style of permissive parenting. On the contrary, children with a more authoritative parenting style displayed lesser signs of internalizing behaviors. 

Permissive parenting is also associated with risky behaviors in children as they get older, such as drugs and alcohol abuse when they become adults. What’s more, children exposed to permissive parenting show lesser intimacy with their parents. 

What Are the Characteristics of Permissive Parenting?

Although permissive parenting is responsive to the child’s needs, it is not fruitful for their behavioral growth. Permissive parents tend to be loving and warm towards their children. However, they are indulgent with no setting up of boundaries and limitations. They are more of a friend than a parent as they fail to structure their children. 

Some of the characteristics of typical permissive parenting include the following:

Expression of warmth, love, and care towards childrenProvision of support and responsiveness to the needs of children Lack of routine and structure Lack of rules and their enforcement Little provision of guidance for the children as it comes to decision-making Failing to limitations and giving in to the requests of children Inability to say NoNo response for bad attitude and behavior Prioritize getting liked by children and not considering setting boundariesWhat Are The Pros And Cons of Permissive Parenting?

While permissive parenting is a style of parenting, it does come with some pros and cons; in this article, we will see the different pros and cons of permissive parenting. 

What Does Permissive Parenting Lead to?

A study of college students in America showed that young adults exposed to permissive parenting were likely to dwell in alcohol abuse and related problems to alcohol drinking compared to the people exposed to other types of parenting. Furthermore, scientists have shown how parenting style influences technology in children. Permissive parenting is associated with some problems in the area. Studies indicate that permissive parenting might play a role in gaming addition in young children. 

As permissive parents don’t control and monitor their children’s behavior, kids don’t get the skills to have self-control on their impulses and might end up falling into addictive patterns. It might be harmful as the children might be neglecting their other needs such as friends and family. 

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Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Why is Permissive Parenting the Best?

Some people also argue that permissive parenting might be the best style for parenting. They think that children with a permissive parenting exposure often have more self-esteem than those brought up with an authoritarian parenting style or, in contrast, a neglectful parenting style. There may be some advantages coming to the permissive parenting style, but the negative consequences are also there. 

What is An Example of Permissive Parenting?

Permissive parents struggle to maintain any rules and orders for their children. They might unconsciously reinforce negative behaviors, including temper tantrums. For instance, if a child wants to have dessert before dinner, the parent would give in as the child pushes back. This kind of response reinforces the child to misbehave to gain something. What’s more, there is a struggle from the permissive parent to communicate expectations for their child as they grow up. 

What is An Example of Permissive Parenting for Teens?

Permissive parents of teens might not set any limitations regarding addictive behaviors for their children. They may turn a blind eye as their growing children tend to experiment with such things and might even encourage them to do those things by participating in those activities themselves. 

For example, a teen might be allowed to have an alcoholic drink with their friend at home. It might justify the decision as the growing teen might see it as normal and do it repeatedly until they get an alcohol addiction. However, the permissiveness by a parent might lead the teen to get unhealthy habits due to the lack of supervision. 

How Do You Avoid Having a Permissive Parenting Style?

It is encouraged that parents develop practices for positive behavior change, which starts with working on self-awareness and mindfulness about the present moment.

It may be challenging to feel like you want to love on your children and be affectionate without upsetting them. However it is normal to upset them if you are being assertive and sticking to your boundaries.

Always check and see if your reaction matches what they did. Are you giving them a fair consequence or are you maybe extra angry or frustrated because of something outside of parenting.

In such moments as the parent chooses between an old and new response, it is better to take a pause and notice the flowing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without any judgment passing.

As you learn from sensing your experience, it would give you a clue regarding the obstacles that come in your parenting style. 

As you are already prioritizing your children with the support and connection you give them as a permissive parent, it is equally important to know that too much prioritizing is harmful. You will need to create boundaries that keep you strong and practice self-care so you are not on the verge of a breakdown.

Set the boundaries for yourself and make sure your child respects them. 

What parenting style is best?

Experts refer to Authoritative Parenting as being the best form of parenting compared to authoritarian and permissive parenting. This is because it is authoritarian parenting is assertive but is not demanding with phrases such as “because I said so”.

Authoritative parenting is shown to cause children to have a more positive behavior. (Howenstein, 2015)

How Can Therapy Help with Permissive Parenting?

Permissive parents who would want to change their parenting style might see an advantage from getting therapy.

Therapy will help them develop the essential skills needed to become an authoritative parent who is still loving and warm towards their children. They will also learn how to set rules, limits, and expectations.

A therapist specializing in parenting will help the parent resolve issues related to the permissive parenting style such as setting boundaries without being angry or authoritarian. 

A parent might want to go with individual therapy style, family therapy, or group therapy. Individual therapy might give you the chance to check how your childhood directs your recent parenting way and the different ways through which you can parent your children more effectively. 

Group therapy might give you a way to receive and give advice on such problems and develop essential parenting skills. What’s more, family therapy enables the parent to shift the unhealthy patterns and dynamics of the family.

In family therapy, the professional expert will help the family witness the interactions and address the different negative behavior and communication lying in the current moment. 

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

Also known as PCIT, this therapy is a special parenting therapy that improves the parenting skills of the parent and the overall relationship they are going to have with their child.

Parent-child interaction therapy helps you effectively manage your child’s behavior, setting appropriate disciplining, maintaining healthy boundaries, and supporting the overall confidence of their child. It was initially created for families having children aged two to seven years. 

The therapist would first observe the child and the parent’s interaction with the help of a one-way mirror.

Simultaneously, the therapist will coach the parent on the better way to form interaction with their child using an ear device. It will encourage the parents to learn how to respond in a more appropriate way to their child’s behavior. It is a well-studied therapy, and it is rather considered an effective technique. 

Bottom Line 

There are different consequences of the permissive parenting style. It is a style that is warm. However, it doesn’t have a structure in it. While the children of such parents might feel they are supported and loved, the lack of structure, expectations, and rules may lead to different problems in their behaviors, such as substance abuse and acting out. You may need to seek a therapist to change your parenting style. A specialist in this area will help you grow more as a parent and help you learn the essential skills and techniques to address your child’s behavior more effectively than otherwise. 

References:

Howenstein, J., Kumar, A., Casamassimo, P. S., McTigue, D., Coury, D., & Yin, H. (2015). Correlating parenting styles with child behavior and caries. Pediatric dentistry, 37(1), 59–64.

10 Home Remedies for Cold and Flu for a Speedy Recovery

Getting the cold or flu can get in the way of life. So when you’re down with the sniffles, try these 10 home remedies for cold and flu to help you recover faster.

Cold/Flu Natural Home Remedies

1. Water and Fluids

“Drink more water” may sound so trivial, but nothing beats water therapy in clearing away snot and mucus from your respiratory tract. But to add some fun to this monotonous remedy, you can alternate (but not substitute) water with other fluids like a sports drink, coconut water, and fresh juice.

Drinking water and consuming electrolytes are how you truly hydrate your cells and your whole body.

2. Salt Water

Another type of fluid, saltwater can help clear out snot and mucus, but not by drinking it. You use salt water to rinse out your nose and nasal passages using a bulb syringe or nasal spray. You can either make saltwater or buy a nasal saline spray from a pharmacy.

To make the right mix of saltwater at home, just follow this recipe:

In 4 ounces of warm water, mix in 1/8 teaspoon of table salt and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. If you don’t have baking soda, you can just mix ¼ teaspoon of table salt with the water instead. Mix the solution thoroughly until it looks clear and uniform. Then inject the solution into your nose with the bulb syringe.

3. Warm Broth

Good old chicken soup is still one of the best cold remedies that naturally help your body recover from cold and flu. It’s a good source of immune-building nutrients and readily absorbable protein, which is essential in immune cell regeneration.

If you don’t like chicken soup, you can try the beef bone soup, which is also rich in protein and other nutrients that support the immune system.

Bone broth is a great way to consume minerals to help hydrate you and help your body have the strength to fight off the cold or flu naturally.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps strengthen the immune system. You can increase your intake of zinc by eating mineral-rich foods like red meat, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and eggs.

5. Steam

Another way where water can help you get rid of cold and flu is by inhaling it in the form of steam. Just heat up a pot of clean water until it boils and produces enough steam. But you should remember to remove the water from heat and wait until it stops boiling before you inhale the steam.

6. Vitamin D3

Vitamin d3 is actually a hormone produced in our bodies by sun exposure or eating vitamin d rich foods.

Vitamin d works to fight off the cold and flu-like COVID-19 by improving intracellular barriers to stimulate innate immunity as well as modulating adaptive immunity. It is anti-inflammatory so it helps reduce built-up inflammation in the body that can suppress immunity.

7. Essential oil chest rub

This home remedy for cold and flu is not a remedy to get rid of the illness but it does help improve symptoms.

Using an essential oil chest rub on children or adults can help improve breathing which is typically an issue with illness.

You can purchase a chest rub with menthol from a natural online grocery store like Thrive Market or use some essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial so it can kill off bacterial infections.

Take a shot in the morning with some Manuka or raw local honey and some lemon juice.

This combination will minimize the strong ACV taste and add additional immune-boosting benefits by alkalizing, soothing a sore throat, minimizing cough, and fighting off viruses and bacteria.

9. Manuka Honey

As mentioned previously, Manuka honey and local honey both have immune-boosting properties.

Manuka honey comes from the Manuka plant however bees get honey from multiple plants, so it is best to compare Manuka honey by the quality of the process.

Look for raw, unprocessed honey in order to give you the most nutrient-dense Manuka honey.

Manuka honey is known for its antimicrobial benefits and different Manuka honeys have different strengths based on the Unique Manuka Factor rating scale.

10. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains anti-microbial agents called Monolaurin and Lauric Acid. These anti-microbial agents activate the anti-inflammatory immune response as well.

You can cook with coconut oil, add it to baths, add a little to a tea with your Manuka honey and use it to oil pull.

To oil pull put a scoop of oil in your mouth and swish it around for 5-10 mins, whatever feels comfortable. This kills off bad bacteria that occur in your oral microbiome.

Originally posted 2019-10-29 02:05:37.

Flu Fighting Hormone: It Won’t Require Any Down Time

We all hear it every year to get our annual flu vaccine, but sometimes the risk of a side effect might not be something we have time for. I have an alternative suggestion, keep reading to find out what could save you some sick days and side effects! Learn how vitamin d can help you fight off infection, even in children.

Do flu vaccines cause any side effects?

Like any medical product, vaccines can cause side effects. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days.

Common side effects from the flu shot include:

Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
Headache
Fever
Nausea
Muscle aches

The flu shot, like other injections, can occasionally cause fainting.

Some studies have found a possible small association of injectable flu vaccine with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Overall, these studies estimated the risk for GBS after vaccination as fewer than 1 or 2 cases of GBS per one million people vaccinated. Other studies have not found any association. GBS also, rarely, occurs after flu illness. Even though GBS following flu illness is rare, GBS is more common following flu illness than following flu vaccination. GBS has not been associated with the nasal spray vaccine.

 



Are there signs or symptoms of a flu vaccine?

With any vaccine, look for any unusual conditions, such as high fever, behavior changes, or signs of a severe allergic reaction after vaccination.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:

Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness or wheezing
Swelling around the eyes or lips
Hives
Paleness
Weakness
A fast heartbeat or dizziness

All information above is stated by the cdc.gov

Vitamin D: Flu Fighting Power

The sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is also a hormone. It has antiviral properties and was shown to rapidly decrease flu symptoms.

“The studies clearly show that vitamin D is, undoubtedly, part of the complex factors which affect the immune response. So, assessing vitamin D status and maintaining optimal serum levels should be considered in all ageing adults and children, and micronutrients should be regarded as one of the essential factors which improve our health condition overall and also support our fight against diseases.” (Pubmed.gov)

 

Vitamin D Studies were even done on infants and the influenza virus.

“Of 121 cases in total, 78 and 43 cases of influenza A infection occurred in the low-dose and high-dose vitamin D groups, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups (? = 14.6324, P = 0.0001). Among the cases of influenza infection, the median durations for fever, cough, and wheezing were shorter in the high-dose vitamin D group than in the low-dose vitamin D group.” (Pubmed.gov)

Infants were given 1,200 IUs of Vitamin D which is now measured as 30mcg of Vitamin D.

I’m in the sun a lot so I must have enough vitamin d…

The only way to truly know is if you do blood work that shows your vitamin D levels. Which even being outside you may not be absorbing it well enough. I have met multiple people who worked outside 40 hours a week and their vitamin D levels were very low. This is not always the case but getting a blood test done can let you know where you are starting at!

What should my Vitamin D levels be at for Optimal Health? (Not just mediocre)

The Vitamin D blood test is the 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test and it is measured in ng/ml.

Optimal levels would be in the upper part of the range between 80-100 ng/ml.

You might want to read:

Vitamin D Benefits & Signs of Deficiency




Why so much?

Vitamin D not only fights off the influenza viruses but is also necessary for hormone balance. If we want to have adequate hormones and keep our bodies functioning properly we need our nutrient levels to be in the ranges for Optimal Health!

How much vitamin D should I take?

A lot of people start on 5,000 IU’s (125mcg) and you could adjust your doses based on your energy levels, a sickness, or eventually your blood test. (Highly recommended)

However, if you want to at least start feeling better now, get yourself a bottle of vitamin d3 from a VERY reputable brand, not just the cheapest brand with no research.

Life Extension makes a very affordable vitamin D3.

Why I love Life Extension’s 5,000ius vitamin D3:

It’s affordable
It’s backed by TONS of science/ research
They are teeny tiny softgels

I personally take 50,000 IU’s (1,250mcg)of Vitamin D3 when I feel a sickness coming on and for 10,000-20,000IU’s for maintenance. I don’t get a ton of our wonderful outdoor sunshine because our heat in Florida can be quite killer! However, I also like the energy consistently taking vitamin D3 gives me.

Mega Doses (after blood test)

Here is my 50,000 IU’s Vitamin D3 that I take when I am sick or take every other day. The reason I take such a high dose is to fight off that tickle in my throat or help make up for some of the lack of sunshine I did not get during the week.

This is a GREAT option for kids and even adults, however, it is 400Iu’s per drop, so infants would need 3 drops per day to fight the influenza virus. This supplement is safe from birth as labeled on the product and would be great to start as soon as possible!

 

Credits:

Gruber-Bzura, Beata M. “Vitamin D and Influenza-Prevention or Therapy?” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 16 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC....

Zhou, Jian, et al. “Preventive Effects of Vitamin D on Seasonal Influenza A in Infants: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open, Controlled Clinical Trial.” The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29315160/....

 

Originally posted 2019-10-27 19:49:54.

Elderberry Syrup Uses: Here’s How You Can Cut Your Sick Time Down!

Do you get tired of nasty cough medicines, tons of medications that give you way too many side effects? Well, there is a berry that is effective against cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. The berry is called elderberry, also known as Sambucus nigra. This article will talk about the uses of elderberry syrup, the forms it comes in and even what it tastes like!

“CDC – Seasonal Flu in the Workplace – Activities: Transmission Research – Workplace Safety and Health Topic.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Mar. 2018, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flu/transmis....

Putri, Wayan C W S, et al. “Economic Burden of Seasonal Influenza in the United States.” Vaccine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 June 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29801998.

What is the Flu?
It is the Influenza Virus, “A virus is a small parasite that cannot reproduce by itself. Once it infects a susceptible cell, however, a virus can direct the cell machinery to produce more viruses.”(pubmed.com)

What are the symptoms?

fever* or feeling feverish/chillscoughsore throatrunny or stuffy nosemuscle or body achesheadachesfatigue (tiredness)some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

(cdc.gov)

What are the uses of Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry, also know as Sambucus Nigra is a berry that is not only Antibacterial and Antiviral but also helps with:

ConstipationJoint and muscle painInfections that affect how you breatheHeadachesFeverKidney problemsEpilepsyMinor skin conditionsStressHIV and AIDS

(webmd.com)

“its reported antioxidant [ 18 ], antidiabetic [ 19 ], anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating [ 20 ], as well as antidepressant [ 21 ] properties (pubmed.com)

“This indicates that a participant suffering from a cold episode while taking elderberry would on average experience a 2-day shorter duration of the cold (4.75 days vs. 6.88 days), and would experience a lower symptom severity (21 vs. 34) in comparison to participants suffering from a cold and taking placebo” (pubmed.com)

Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra)

How much elderberry syrup should I take?

The study was done with 2 capsules per day, however, Elderberry is often found in lozenges, syrups or tinctures. The Syrup will be a little faster absorbing as it is already broken down.

For Gummies, I recommend the Nature’s Way Gummies which are great for children that don’t want to take a syrup that are 4 years and older. It contains Vitamin C, Zinc and 50mg of Elderberry per serving of 2 dummies.

Nature's Way Sambucus Black Elderberry Gummies with Vitamin C and Zinc, 60 Gummies $13.97 Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 02/16/2022 01:41 pm GMT

For a much higher dose get elderberry syrup, the Gaia Elderberry Syrup is not only potent but also tastes like candy, so you won’t have a hard time getting your little ones to drink it.

Due to the many uses of elderberry syrup, it is a no-brainer to have it on hand for you and your little ones!

(My toddler drinks it and asks for more.) It contains 1,903mg per serving for adults and children over 4 and 476mg for ages 1-3. It is a little pricier but if used for children it can last up to 128 servings which if taken once per day, that’s just over 4 months worth per child!

Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup - Daily Immune Support with Antioxidants, Organic Sambucus Elderberry Supplement, 5.4 Fl Oz $21.11

Immune boosting, fights upper respiratory infection, cold, and flu symptoms.

Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 02/16/2022 02:11 pm GMT

If you are looking for more resources for your child’s health, here is a post I recommend checking out about helping your child cope with their anxiety.

What does elderberry taste like?

Elderberry is a fairly sweet berry, I give it to my toddler and 4 year old and they drink it with no problem!

Furthermore, It is closer to a blackberry taste if I had to compare it. However, when you purchase it as a supplement they could end up sweetening it if it’s a gummy or syrup. Therefore obviously the taste may be altered slightly, however, it tastes good on it’s own.

Some people like to make their own elderberry recipes and avoid the store-bought option. This way you can get a more fresh option and control what goes in your elderberry syrup.

If you enjoyed reading this, here are some recent posts you will love:

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 Advantage

References:

“Key Facts About Influenza (Flu).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Sept. 2019, www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm.

Ratini, Melinda. “Elderberry: Health Benefits, Risks, Uses, Effectiveness.” WebMD, WebMD, 17 Jan. 2019, www.webmd.com/diet/elderberry-health-....

Tiralongo, Evelin, et al. “Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Nutrients, MDPI, 24 Mar. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC....

Hawkins, J., Baker, C., Cherry, L., & Dunne, E. (2019). Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complementary therapies in medicine, 42, 361–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.1...

Originally posted 2019-10-26 18:22:21.

What’s all the craze about Celery Juice?!

“Celery juice contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, electrolytes, water and smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals.” (healtlline.com)

1. Natural Source of Many Vitamins and Minerals

“Celery juice contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, electrolytes, water and smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals.” (healtlline.com)

2. Celery Helps Lower Cholesterol

Celery contains Phytosterols which are a component found in plants that help lower cholesterol levels. (Reminder, not all Cholesterol is bad!) However, in just 1 cup of raw celery there are 6.6mg of phytosterols!

3. Detox

Celery contains high amounts of water and contains fiber so it can help you poop and flush out your natural detox systems in your body.

4.Hydration

Celery contains Magnesium, Sodium and other electrolytes which help not only hydrate you but also give you cellular energy! We can consume lots of water but electrolytes, which are certain minerals, help push the water into our cells. This helps prevent leg cramps, headaches, fatigue and other hydration related concerns.

5. Weight Loss

Celery is a very low calorie food containing only 16 calories per cup of raw celery. (nutrition data.com) Containing a low caloric value, in combination with detoxing the body and fighting inflammation it can help rid the body of unwanted fat.

6. Alkalize the Body

Fruits and vegetables are foods that tend to be more alkaline and higher protein foods tend to be more acidic. We want a balance, however too much stress, inflammatory foods and even exercise can increase the body’s acidity to higher levels. Leaving us with sore muscles and slowed digestion.

7. Bruise Fighting

Vitamin K is high in Celery and can help with natural blood clotting. Which in return helps minimize bruising, and excessive bleeding when cut.

8. Lower High Blood Pressure

Magnesium and Potassium both work together to relax the heart, open blood vessels and increase the body’s ability to deal with stress.

9. Improved Bone Density

Calcium and Magnesium help balance out the heart. Calcium helps it contract and Magnesium helps it relax, now what about bone health? We all know calcium helps with bone density, but magnesium is a crucial mineral that supports calcium absorption along with vitamin d and k that keep calcium from building up in the blood stream.

10. Minimizing Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

According to Pubmed “Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium (Mg) deficits….Mg also is deeply involved in the regulation of insulin signaling, in the phosphorylation of insulin receptor kinase, in the post receptorial action of insulin, and in insulin-mediated cellular glucose uptake. Another possible link between Mg deficiency and reduced insulin sensitivity is the presence of oxidative stress and/or inflammation. Thus, free radicals are often increased in DM2, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and aging, conditions also associated with Mg deficits[24,25]”.

Over 29.1 million people have Diabetes, so implementing a few dietary changes such as adding a cup of celery with your meal could make a difference over time. Over 1 million people each year are diagnosed with Diabetes per year. So is drinking a glass of celery juice or eating a cup of it raw really that hard to do?

Citations

Barbagallo, Mario, and Ligia J Dominguez. “Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes.” World Journal of Diabetes, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 25 Aug. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC....

“Celery, Raw Nutrition Facts & Calories.” Nutrition Data Know What You Eat., nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetabl....

Originally posted 2019-10-24 21:53:57.

Reasons Why Get Paid To Travel Is Getting More Popular

Traveling the world is a dream for many of us. The problem is that it’s so expensive, it seems out of reach. But what if you could get paid to travel? Instead of spending thousands of dollars on an international vacation, you can find ways for companies and brands to pay you to travel the world. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?

It sounds like a dream, but there are actually quite a few ways to make money traveling. Some of these methods require a lot of up-front work, while others require commitment and personal sacrifice.

You can get paid to travel by choosing a certain career or pursuing side hustles to help pay for your travel.  Here are all the options to earn money traveling.

How Do I Get Paid to Travel?

There are a few career fields that will pay you to travel. The travel costs will all be on the company’s dime, so it’s free to you. However, remember that if you choose a job that pays you to travel, your main priority will be work, not exploring exotic locales.

Many folks choose a career that pays for travel only to learn that the only foreign lands they’ve experienced are airports and hotel rooms. Some of these jobs aren’t as glamorous as they seem, but if you are brave and adventurous, you can make it work.

The other option for getting paid to travel is starting a side hustle. A professional travel blogger can make a lot of money, but there are many different ways to make your travel dream come true with side hustles.

Careers that Pay you to TravelMilitary

Many people will balk at joining the military, especially as a means to travel. However, it’s one of the best career fields for getting paid to travel.

Not only are there training opportunities all over the United States, but there are also trainings abroad as well. Many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines get stationed overseas in Europe and Asia, so it’s like you are getting paid to live in a foreign country.

The great thing about the military is that you get to travel almost as soon as you sign up. There are Army bases that conduct basic training in most parts of the country. Still, if you join the Navy, you will most likely get sent to Great Lakes Naval Station and explore Chicago, or you will go to the Naval Station in San Diego and have the opportunity to explore California on the weekends.

Clearly, there are downsides. The United States has been at war for over twenty years, and you may end up traveling to war-torn countries. However, if you are adventurous and feel a calling to serve your county, this might be one of the only ways to see ancient sites in Mesopotamia, like the Ziggurat at Ur.

Remember, though, that with the military, there are no guarantees about where you will go. You go where you get sent. Sometimes it’s an epic experience, and sometimes it’s horrendous. You have to take the good with the bad if you go this route.

Diplomat

Another government career that pays you to live in foreign lands is with the State Department. As a diplomat, you will be stationed at a US embassy somewhere abroad. Newer diplomats tend to get less desirable locations, so if you’ve always wanted to live in underdeveloped countries, this might be a great fit for you. As you work your way up, you can get assignments in developed countries.

It’s not easy to become a diplomat. A rigorous selection process includes a written essay, a role-playing exam, and a written test. However, there are also support positions available in IT, medicine, and general administration. The selection process for these positions is rigorous, but it’s not quite as difficult as that for the actual diplomat.

Although it’s hard to get into it, it’s a great career choice if you want to serve your country without joining the military and see interesting parts of the world.

Flight Attendant or Pilot

If you want to literally get paid to travel, consider getting involved in the aviation industry. Pilots and flight attendants get paid to be in the air, ensuring that everything on a flight runs smoothly.

However, these jobs aren’t as glamorous as they seem. Pilots are highly respected, but it takes years of training to get behind the wheel of an airplane. You need a minimum of 1500 hours of flight experience to earn an airline transport pilot certificate, the minimum requirement for becoming a commercial pilot. Gaining this experience is not cheap. It can cost upwards of a hundred thousand dollars.

Becoming a flight attendant is much easier (and cheaper), but these workers are often underpaid. Some are only paid for the actual flight time, not any prep work, which is ridiculous!

Both of these careers often have quick turnaround times, so it’s unlikely that you will be able to see much of whichever city you landed in before you have to fly back. However, if you plan your work hours with your vacation days and off days correctly, you should be able to find time to explore!

Ship Crew Member

Another way to literally get paid to travel is to work on a cruise ship. The cruise industry always needs workers to help clean rooms, run the many restaurants and stores on board, and assist guests. The downside of working a cruise ship is that you will most likely be working when a ship is docked in cool places.

Another option is to become a deckhand on a cargo ship. It’s a bit harder to find work in this industry, especially since most ships don’t hire US workers, but it’s still possible. Many different jobs are available on cargo ships, from cooks and janitors to engineers to ship officers. Many crew members can take shore leave when the ship is docked in various locales.

Being a crew member on a ship is not easy. It’s dangerous work, and the majority of the world that you will see is covered in the ocean. However, for someone who loves the idea of being on the water and traveling by sea, this is a great option.

Journalism

Journalists can be sent on assignment all over the world. One of the best things about this field is that it covers a variety of niches. Fashion journalists can be sent to Paris to cover Fashion Week. Food journalists can be sent to cover the scoop on new restaurants or emerging food trends.

Writers can be sent to uncover stories of people living in desperation, the environmental impacts of developing new technologies, and political disruptions in war-ravaged countries. The work runs the gambit from fun entertainment pieces to dangerous journeys to uncover the truth.

Some journalists venture deep into rain forests to learn about the people or animals who call it home, while others stay safe in Hollywood interviewing up and coming stars. This industry is filled with people in thousands of different niches, all reporting on the things that they truly care about.

If you truly have a passion for traveling, you can become a travel writer. This niche of journalism is highly competitive, but those who make it can travel to exotic locations and write about their experiences.  Travel magazines such as Conde Nast often publish epic tales of amazing adventures. Unfortunately, it is harder to get a full-time job at these publications. Many of their content is written by freelancers, but becoming a regular contributor might be enough to make a living.

Teaching Abroad

A final way to get paid to travel is to get a job teaching English overseas. Native English speakers are in high demand in many different countries. You need a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate to teach English abroad. You can obtain a TEFL certification at a variety of online schools, generally for about $500.

Many people use teaching English to backpack through Europe or Asia while having a home base at the teaching location.  There are opportunities available all over the world. However, it will probably be difficult to find assignments in Western Europe or developed Asian countries as a newer teacher. If you dream of living in Europe, try an Eastern city like Prague or Budapest. If you are in love with Asia, look into teaching in Cambodia or Thailand. The competition isn’t as fierce in these countries, and there might be more opportunities available.

Find Companies that Pay You to Travel

Although the jobs listed above are the ones that traditionally have travel opportunities, they aren’t the only ones. With globalism, more and more companies are becoming multi-national. You may find work at a software company in Seattle that sends you to conferences in Germany or at a supply chain company in California that sends you to China to meet your shipping counterparts. You may be an engineer sent to South America to quality control the production of a certain product.

There are too many possibilities to list. If you want to find a career traveling the world, find skills that are in demand globally. Use job search boards like Indeed to determine which career fields require employees to travel and become essential in one of those fields.

Side Hustles that Pay You to Travel

Not everyone wants a career that forces them to travel. Sometimes, we want to get paid to travel on our own! It’s much better to work for yourself and choose your own assignments than to be tied to what a company wants you to do.

Here are a few side hustles you can start that might lead to paid travel opportunities. Remember that you need to put a lot of work in upfront to score these epic opportunities with side hustles.

Start a Travel Blog

Travel blogging is the first thing that pops into most people’s minds when they want to get paid to travel on their own terms. Those with successful travel blogs often get sponsored trips to interesting places, which they then review and write about for their audience.

Travel bloggers earn money by writing about their adventures. This side hustle is always at the top of any list on traveling the world and making money, and for a good reason. It works. It’s the dream.

But what many writers forget to mention is that it also takes a lot of time and effort. Making a travel blog is hard work, and it will take time to get established enough to earn those sponsored trips. It usually takes at least a year or two for bloggers to see any return on their investments. However, those who stick with it through the hard first few years will be able to monetize with ads and affiliates, and as they grow their blogs, they will start earning sponsorship deals and get paid to travel.

Be an Influencer

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of creating a blog, you can try becoming a social media influencer or content creator to get paid to travel.

Influencers are the new rockstars, and becoming one is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of content creation, curation, and understanding of the variety of social media platforms available to make it big on any of them.

However, if you are successful at it, you can earn a living by posting to social media. Companies will start paying you to post if you build a following on your travel Instagram of over 100K. You can get sponsorship deals with tour companies, hotels, and more. In addition, you could become a brand ambassador and get paid to promote a certain brand’s products. Some influencers work with travel gear companies, getting paid to show off the latest trends in luggage or travel jackets. There are plenty of ways that influencers can make money and get paid to travel.

Become a Photographer

Being a photographer ranks up there with journalism as a great way to get paid to travel, but with the advent of smartphones and easy access to editing tools, anyone can become a great photographer.

The difficult part is selling your photos and making a living off of your photography. There are a few ways you could go about this. You could become a freelance photographer for a travel magazine and get paid to take great shots for them. You could set up your own photography website and sell prints of your epic travel photos, and you can even post your photos to apps like Instagram and try to become an influencer.

Another way to make money with photography is by selling stock photos. Amazing photos of interesting places are in demand. Upload your best shots to sites like Shutterstock and make money whenever someone uses your photo. A final option is to upload your photos to a print-on-demand website, so people can use them to create t-shirts, mugs, or wall prints. ArtPal is designed specifically for printing works of art, but you may be able to sell your photos on sites like Tee Public as well.

House Sitting

House-sitting can be a great way to cut your travel costs, if not get paid fully for your trip. Rather than paying for lodging on your next trip, use an app like Home Exchange or Love Home Swap to find opportunities for house sitting and house swapping. You can also exchange services, such as pet sitting, for free lodging on apps like Trusted House Sitter. This app matches house sitters who love pets with people who need trusted pet sitters while they are away. They get the pet sitter while you get free lodging.

Many of these apps do have service fees or membership fees, but if you use them often, the cost will be much lower than the cost of lodging. That’s like getting free money to travel!

Become a Digital Nomad

Getting paid to travel is the dream, but they don’t always have to go hand in hand. Instead of getting paid to travel literally, you could find remote work. By working remotely, you can travel wherever you want and get paid for your normal work while doing it.

There are tons of ways to be a digital nomad. You could become a freelancer and write articles for a variety of outlets. You could land a few virtual assistant jobs and help others manage their social media accounts or blog schedules. These digital positions would allow you to work on your own schedule and travel whenever you want. You could also create your own businesses, like a blog or a YouTube channel. The difference between being a digital nomad blogger and a travel blogger is only in the niche. You can write about whatever you want while traveling.

Other digital nomads prefer to work full-time with a normal company, but their jobs are completely remote. Sit in on Zoom meetings from a beach in Belize. Finish that JavaScript program from a bar in Berlin. Work wherever you want, whenever you want with remote work opportunities. It’s not exactly getting paid to travel, but it’s pretty close.

Volunteer Work that Pays for Your Travel

Volunteer work is traditionally unpaid, of course. Still, many volunteer organizations will pay for your airfare, and some even provide a stipend while you are in a foreign country working for them. However, don’t expect to go to fancy cities like Paris and Rome if you go this route.

If you are doing volunteer work, you will likely be heading to countries that need the help. Expect harsh weather conditions and poverty conditions. Volunteer with organizations like the Peace Corps or Volunteer Service Overseas to do good in the world and get your travel paid for.

Getting Paid to Travel

Getting paid to travel is the ultimate dream. Start with the ideas on this list to turn that dream into a reality!

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.

Originally posted 2019-08-17 19:55:00.

14 Simple & Easy Curb Appeal Ideas to Seriously Consider

With the surge in home prices and the low supply of homes across the country, it is safe to say that you can ask top dollar for your home if you’re considering a sale.

However, just because the demand is high, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to increase the value of your home by adding curb appeal for cheap. While some projects are more affordable than others, adding curb appeal to your home can be beneficial in many ways.

Today, we will share with you the best curb appeal ideas to keep in mind when looking to add value to your home or make it the best looking on the street! But first, what is curb appeal anyway?

First, what is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal is what is referred to as the first impression by others when they see your home! Put another way, what type of appeal does your home offer from someone standing on the curb?

Curb appeal generally refers to things like your lawn, landscaping, and the exterior of your home! Aesthetics matter when you are selling, looking to maintain your home’s value, and updating it.

The street view of your home will often indicate what to expect when you look on the inside!

14 Curb Appeal Ideas to Seriously Consider

Below you will find a quick list of everyday items used to spruce up the exterior of your home while adding that coveted curb appeal!

1. Fix that lawn!

Perhaps the first and most crucial step in adding curb appeal is making sure your home’s lawn is looking great. While this is sometimes easier said than done, a lush green lawn is one way to make your home stand out. However, this might mean you need to use a few of your weekends to get it in tip-top shape!

According to James Moeller of Moeller’s Lawn Service, you can follow these simple steps to make your lawn look great:

Step 1: Be sure to keep grass 3.5-4 inches long to keep it greener in the summerStep 2: Water one time a week for about an hour to encourage stronger root growthStep 3: Use a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control in the springStep 4: Be sure to aerate and overseed in the fall2. Make your door pop!

Simply adjusting the color of your front door or even replacing an old door is an effective way to increase your home’s curb appeal. You can paint your door yourself for under $45 or even have someone else do it for under $100.

If you think it is time to update your door and replace it, be sure to always check with your HOA for painting and door replacement guidelines! Also, be sure to check out #4 below for adding door appeal!

3. Consider updating siding & gutters

Depending on the age of your home, you might want to consider addressing the siding and gutters seriously.

With so many new technologies, such as fiber-cement siding and alternative siding, you can add more color and durability to your home with ease. While replacing your siding is a little pricey, if your home is approaching that 25 year plus mark, it might be time to consider remodeling to update the exterior seriously.

The cool thing about gutters is that they now come in countless colors, and you can estimate gutters online. Out of all the possible exterior remodeling updates – gutters, siding, windows, doors, and roofing – gutters are by far the least expensive. You can re-gutter your home for under $1,200 on average.

The trend right now is a blue or white siding with black gutters!

4. Add some door & window decor

Adding a few garden boxes to your windows if you live in a condo or townhome is a cheap way to add color to the outside of your home, thus creating some more aesthetics. Additionally, you can make or find cheap wreaths for each season or door decorations to hang on your front door.

With so many holidays and seasons, decorating your doors and windows is a simple way to spruce up the front of your home.

5. Remove overgrown trees & bushes

Overgrown trees and bushes don’t add to your home’s appeal. They take from it. Whether you trim down your trees and bushes or remove them, opening up the front of your home will give your home more appeal. Just like the trends inside of your home that change, landscaping styles do too. Be sure to stay with the trends and to keep your plants trimmed, or take them out!

6. Don’t be afraid to paint!

Anything you can paint on the outside of your home is a simple way to add some street appeal to your home. Whether you repent the fascia boards, trim around your windows/doors, or, as we stated, the doors themselves – you can add some immediate appeal with a few paint strokes.

A fresh coat of paint on the trim is a good idea on any home over ten years old as a general rule of thumb. If your home is under ten years old, be sure to check out numbers eight and nine below!

7. Replace your windows.

On the list of curb appeal ideas, perhaps the most expensive option would be replacing your windows. The reason being is often, window replacement isn’t covered by insurance (unlike a roof) and is more of a cosmetic upgrade. However, just because it is expensive doesn’t mean upgrading your windows isn’t smart.

Pros to replacing your windows include increasing your home’s energy efficiency, updating the window styles, and adding tons of flare as far as curb appeal goes! New window colors, frames, and styles are expensive but worth considering!

8. Spray paint your shutters!

You can spray-paint your shutters, and it is a quick way not only to add curb appeal, but it is one of the cheapest options too! Buying spray paint isn’t that expensive, and you can add some flare to the outside of your home by simply spicing up your shutter colors!

Be sure to take down your shutters and add 1-2 coats of spray paint to each shutter. Once they are fully dry, put them back on your house! If you ever watch the hit HGTV show, Good Bones, they often use spray paint to make the shutters look updated!

9. Pressure wash the outside of your home

You keep the inside of your home clean by vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and even going as far as shampooing your carpets. So why don’t we always keep the outside of our home clean?

Pressure washing the exterior of your home is something you can do yourself or hire a contractor, but it is vital to complete every few years. Mold, algae, grime, and organic buildup can appear on your walkways, driveway, siding, roof, and windows. Depending on the size of your home, you can pressure wash your home in just a few hours. Be sure to always know the following things first:

Never pressure wash your shingle roofKnow the proper PSI per surface type to prevent any damageDo your research before ever renting a pressure washer10. Update your outdoor light fixtures

If you don’t have the money to get new siding, replace all your landscaping, or the time to paint your door – you can consider updating your outdated outdoor light fixtures. Outdoor light fixtures are easy to replace, and simply updating them can quickly add some curb appeal.

11. Ask insurance about your roof!

One of the most common homeowners insurance claims happens to be roof claims when storms impact shingles. Knowing this, simply having your roof inspected might mean you can get it replaced for filing a claim.

Now, you might be wondering why this is advantageous. A new roof typically has one of the highest returns on investments for starters, but new shingle styles look great. There are more color options and styles to choose from than ever before.

12. Complete the minor to-do list

Right now, I have a goal of touching up the trim around my front door, pulling the weeds in my yard, painting my shutters, and fixing one screen on a window.

This simple to-do list is nagging, but it is necessary when enhancing the outside of your home. Whether it is replacing lights, making those minor tweaks, or just moving some things elsewhere – go ahead and set out to complete your to-do list one weekend!

13. Add some color to your landscaping

Adding color to your landscaping with the help of some perennials is a cheap way to make your yard pop. The flowers you decide to use will mostly depend on a few factors:

Where you liveThe seasonClimate and weather conditions14. Declutter the outside of your home

A simple and effective way to add curb appeal that costs $0 is to make sure your home and yard are decluttered. Consider these easy and quick ideas:

Keep trashcans on the side of your home or in a garageKids toys and bikes should be in your garage or the backyardOld cars, boats, and other vehicles can be stored elsewhereGarden and landscaping tools shouldn’t be in the front of your houseTake everything that is clutter off your porchBe sure your windows are clear for viewing and not blocked by boxes on the inside of your home

Not only will these ideas save you money, but they will also add value to your home simply because of a cleaner, less cluttered appearance!

The Verdict –

The process is simple when it comes to adding curb appeal – do it! First, consider selecting one or two from this list, implementing the strategy, then picking another. For example, perhaps you can start by:

Fixing landscapingPainting your front doorGetting a quote on your siding or roof

Tackle all the free curb appeal ideas first, followed by pricing out the others. Set a goal to do one or two curb appeal projects per year (one in the spring, one in the fall), and you will create a habit of continually adding curb appeal to your home.

That is a lot easier than waiting to sell and trying to do everything all at once. Trust me on this one!

Curb Appeal FAQ:

Does adding curb appeal have to cost money?

No! You don’t have to spend a fortune adding curb appeal to your home. There are ways to add curb appeal that are free, including mowing your grass, trimming your bushes, cleaning out your mulch bed, spray paint your shutters, wash your home, and trim back your trees! Anything else you can paint/clean will help too!

Can you charge people for curb appeal?

If you happen to own a landscaping company, exterior remodeling company, or even want to do curb appeal for others as a side hustle. In that case, you can charge money for your services. One of the best side hustles is landscaping. Adding curb appeal through landscaping is often the cheapest service homeowners will elect to go with too!

This post originally appeared on Your Money Geek.

Originally posted 2019-07-17 20:11:00.

Marriage Counseling: A Few Simple (But Important) Things To Remember

Marriage is a constitutional bond between two romantic/sexual partners. With time, marriage has seen a lot of changes and diversities. However, the root stays the same. A partner is expected to stay loyal and honest with their marriage partner, and for that, some ups and downs may take a toll. For that reason, marriage counseling is one answer. Marriage counseling therapies help couples understand each other better and solve any issues or complexities they may have in their bond. 

Why is Marriage Counseling Important?

There are various aspects of marriage counseling among couples. Many people think it is only needed by couples who have relationship issues. However, there is more to it. A perfectly healthy relationship may also need a marriage counseling therapy session to understand each other better before marriage. 

What’s more, if someone has a childhood issue, they may want to work on themselves before getting married through an expert in marriage counseling. It will help them create a healthy bond with their partner and not let them project the negative consequences of their mental health issues on their partner. 

Often, marriage counseling is given to couples undergoing different relationship issues such as an extramarital affair, lack of interest, imbalance in career and relationship, abuse, and more. 

As one can see, there are different perspectives of marriage counseling among couples for whom the therapy can help in many ways. 

Also if you have children, they can easily pick up on their parents’ marriage being unstable and this can be very challenging for them. If they see their parents fighting, they may start yelling and fighting like they see their parents doing.

So if you don’t want to fight for your marriage for your spouse, try doing it for your child’s health to see if that gives you the motivation to give it a try.

How Can Marriage Counseling Help?

Marriage counseling can help couples if they are committed to improving their bond with each other. The ideology of this therapy is to help the clients have a more strengthened bond and give them the ability to resolve conflicts with each other more effectively. In that essence, marriage counseling tends to be a helpful way to solve different problems in a relationship.

How Long Should Marriage Counseling Last? 

There are different standards of a typical marriage counseling session depending on the clients, the therapist, and the extent of their conflict or concern with themselves or each other. However, on average, a marriage counseling session lasts for about 75 to 90 minutes.

It is observed that a typical couple would see benefits as they reach the 10th or 12th session. However, consistency and discipline are needed to see long results.

Both partners should be committed to solving their problems and improving their bond with each other as they take these sessions. Otherwise, they would only see the therapist’s effort going down the drain. 

You have to go home and apply these problem-solving techniques that you are taught and really believe will make a difference, in order for it to make a difference.

When Should You Seek Marriage Counseling?

There are different ways to tell whether you and your partner need marriage counseling or not. However, there are certain questions you may want to ask yourself and/or your partner in a marriage to help you both decide if you need some marriage counseling sessions or not. 

Some of the important milestones that may help you to decide when should you seek marriage counseling include but are not limited to the following:

There is difficulty in communicating with your partner, or your partner may find difficulty in communicating with youYou feel as if the relationship with your partner has reached a jammed lock, and you both feel like it isn’t feeling the way it used to be beforeThere is a vicious cycle of resentment, disagreements, unpleasantness, and even fights in the relationship.You may experience difficulty dealing with parenting, career, money, and in-laws with your partner, which creates some resentment in you against your partner.You plan a marriage and want some counseling before starting a marriage with your partner.There are certain difficulties regarding monogamy, sexuality, and different aspects of the relationship, and you may feel uncomfortable about the set rules or expectations in the marriage.You are both discovering each other again since your children have grown up or your partner is retired – there is a huge shift in life and priorities. You notice a changed behavior in your partner or yourself that makes the relationship resentful and uncomfortable. 

All of these things and many more indicate that you may need counseling in your relationship, and an expert with good background expertise on this subject may help you and your partner in that order. 

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Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. What Happens in A Marriage Counseling Session?

The marriage counselor usually starts an assessment session lasting for one hour.

The actual focus is to get an overall understanding of the background of every partner, the overall history of the relationship, and the individual concerns about every partner in the relationship specifically.

As there is clarity about what needs to be addressed and the overall rapport among the clients and the counselor, the expert then works on formulating a goal plan for the couple in which both partners work. Again, the different modalities are thought upon. 

Sessions are usually scheduled weekly, and the clients and the therapist talk through the number of sessions that may be required, when there is a follow-up time, etc. In some cases, the therapist might meet each client in a separate condition to get any specific aspect of the whole relationship in large detail.

However, the concentration is on the bond. The therapist may refer the individual for individual support and personal growth. 

While it may be a usual talking therapy, there might be a more usual use of some tools and techniques involving technical homework exercises for the customers to think about by working together. The goal is to aid the clients to ruminate over their desires, expectations, needs, etc., reflect how they influence the relationship, and carry out the new interactions and behaviors. 

On average, relation counseling relationships may last about 5 to 20 sessions. 

What Are the Results of Relationship Counseling?

People may experience some relief from relationship counseling and get more positive results in working on different life stage issues and issues related to self.

Relationship counseling has been shown to improve the overall relation to bear the overall stress of altering demands in the life-stage commitment.

Counseling can reduce any pain associated with separation between the partners and also aid the people to cope better with their single life.

Some of the usual benefits for the individuals and the relationship in it involve getting a better awareness about oneself and the other individual and improving the clients’ ability to understand their desires, needs, and bring better skills for communication and find out how those are influencing the relationship or getting impacted by it. 

Like most therapies, marriage counseling is not always sound comfortable emotionally.

Marriage counseling sessions provide a safe space for you and your partner to share some feelings that are otherwise hard to share in the open, which may be difficult for both yourself and your partner.

It is usual for marriage counseling to involve some intense emotions, a little bit of crying, argumentative tones, and other uncomfortable emotions.

However, it would be best if you acknowledged that it is perfectly normal, and these are the factors that play a huge role in the healing of both your partner and your views. 

Does Marriage Counseling Work?

Statistics related to marriage counseling are quite hopeful. Research from the AAMFT – American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy – showed that 98% of couples trying marriage counseling therapy report that their marriage therapists are brilliant in providing therapy.

In addition, for couples who undergo marriage counseling, 90% feel they have improved emotional health. About two-thirds of the individuals also report an improvement in their overall physical health. 

Also, perhaps one of the most significant results is that up to 75% of the couples show massive improvement in their relationship with marriage therapy. Marriage demands maintenance and work. For many couples, marriage counseling therapy is regarded as one that may aid them in moving through their different struggles in life. Marriage counseling might not show up as something easy in the initial phase. However, your marriage is going to be worth the effort. 

These statistics show that marriage counseling helps individuals and partners get better results. Emotional health, mental health, and physical health are all highly connected; it is imperative to seek out the best for yourself. In that essence, a marriage counselor may help you and your partner. 

Final Words

It is recommended to take marriage counseling sessions to improve your relationship with your partner. For example, you may want to understand your partner and your bond in a better way, or you may want to improve conflict resolution and bond strengthening. On the contrary, marriage counseling may even be helpful if you want to end your relationship with your partner with peace. It will help you get more awareness about yourself and enable you to move forward with a significantly improved result. 

How Much House Can I Afford? 5 Factors To Consider

How much house can I afford? That is a question many home-buyers ask themselves when they are in the process of buying a new home. Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime. You must take the time to define a budget and carefully evaluate your financial situation before you start looking for your new home. This post will explain the most important factors to consider to make the search for your home more accessible.

How much house you can afford to buy depends on various factors, including your income, the size of your down payment, any existing outstanding debts, and your mortgage interest rate. Here are the five key factors you should consider when determining how much house you can afford. We will go into details for each further below.

Down Payment – How much down payment do I need to buy a house?Mortgages – What are the various types of mortgage options?Lender Criteria – What numbers and ratios are critical to mortgage lenders?Closing Costs – What are closing costs, and how much money do I need for it?Property Taxes and Insurance – What is the impact of taxes and insurance on how much house I can afford?1. How Much Down Payment Do I Need To Buy a House?

The first step in calculating how much house you can afford is determining the size of your down payment on the house. The required down payment amount will depend on various factors, including the terms your mortgage lender mandates, the type of mortgage loan you get, and how much money you have saved up.

While many first-time home-buyers would like to think they can buy a home with no money down, this is rarely the case. To avoid paying for mortgage insurance, you will need to save up at least 20% of the house’s purchase price.

For example, let’s say you have $40,000 saved up for a down payment. Assuming a conventional mortgage at 20% down, you can aim for a home purchase price of $200,000 if your income and credit score support the mortgage of $160,000. There are, of course, other factors that may bring that number down, such as closing costs and interest rates. We will get into those details further below.

2. What are the Various Types of Mortgage Options? 

There are several types of mortgages, including 30-year fixed-rate loans, 15-year fixed-rate loans, and adjustable-rate mortgages, where the interest rate changes after every 3 to 5 years. Talk to your lender about all your options.

The most popular type of mortgage is the conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage because it allows borrowers to have low monthly payments while still paying off their homes in a reasonable amount of time.

What If I Do Not Have a 20% Down Payment Saved?

If you don’t have enough saved up yet, options are still available.

You can ask family or friends to help you or take out a loan against your existing assets. That will help you qualify for a conventional mortgage, a better long-term choice than the ones below.Alternately, ask your lender about FHA loans, which are federally insured mortgages with down payment requirements as low as 3.5%. FHA loans usually come with higher interest rates and mandatory mortgage insurance. These costs can add up over time. Therefore, we only recommend this option if your credit score is low or you cannot save up enough for a conventional mortgage.If you are a veteran or on active duty, you can also qualify for a VA (Veteran Affairs) loan. This loan is similar to the FHA loan because it is federally insured, but VA loans usually require no down payment. At the same time, there is a funding fee of 2% to 4% of the loan amount. The mortgage interest rate is usually higher for a 15 year VA loan versus a 15-year conventional loan.

As you can see, various mortgage options allow you to put down little or no money upfront. Before you jump into it, ask your lender to calculate and provide a comparison of the total costs of choosing one option over the other. Most often, conventional mortgages with a 20% down payment will end up costing you less over the long term.

3. What Numbers and Ratios are Important to Mortgage Lenders?

Now that you have decided on your down payment and mortgage, the next step in calculating how much house you can afford is to figure out your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This number is significant because it shows lenders the percentage of your income allocated to debt repayment every month, including your mortgage payment. Some home buyers get discouraged by their net worth, but it is essential to know that average net worth varies based on age and various factors. So while it is critical to understand how to calculate and compare your net worth against others for financial planning purposes, it is not critical for lenders.

Rule of 36%

A debt-to-income ratio greater than 36% is considered high-risk for lenders and may make it difficult for you to get the best interest rate.

Lenders want to make sure they’re not lending more money than you can afford to pay back, so they’ll look at your DTI along with other factors such as your credit score. So before you head to your bank, do a little math to calculate your DTI and ensure you will qualify for a loan.

Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratios

There are two ways to calculate your debt-to-income ratio: the front-end ratio and the back-end ratio.

The front-end ratio is your monthly housing-related expenses divided by your gross monthly income. Do not include non-housing-related expenses in this one.The back-end ratio is the total of all your monthly debt obligations (including housing) divided by your gross monthly income.

Lenders typically prefer that you keep housing costs (front-end ratio) lower than 28% of your monthly income and your total expenses below 36%. So if you make $3,000 a month, they want your housing-related costs to be no higher than $840 and overall expenses no higher than $1,080 a month.

Credit Score

Another critical part of determining how much house you can afford is calculating how much monthly payment you can afford, which is based on the interest rate on your mortgage. Lenders will usually provide a mortgage at lower interest rates for those with a high credit score.

Your credit score is determined by your ability to repay a loan on time, using information compiled from various sources, including public records and your history of paying back loans and credit card balances.

You can raise your credit score by paying all your bills on time and avoiding maxing out any payment cards. If you have a high balance relative to available credit, this will negatively impact your credit score. There are many other ways to raise or maintain your credit score. Click here to see a list of factors that may affect your score.

4. What Are Closing Costs and How Much Money Do I Need for Them?

In addition to your down payment, you will also need to pay closing costs. Closing costs are taxes and fees charged by the lender and other parties involved in the home purchase transaction, such as title companies, lawyers, and escrow agents. You may also have to pay appraisal fees and additional fees required by state law. A rule of thumb is to budget at least 1.5% to 2% of the purchase price for closing costs.

It’s also crucial that you understand what portion of these costs are included in your loan or paid upfront because this affects how much money you will have available at closing time. For example, if your lender charges $3000 in closing costs and you’re required to pay $1000 upfront, you will only have $2000 available at closing.

5. What Is the Impact of Taxes and Insurance on How Much House I Can Afford?

The last step in calculating how much house you can afford is considering other factors such as property taxes and homeowners insurance rates in your area. These two costs can vary drastically from one city to another, so it’s essential to do your research before settling on a final number.

How To Get Ready: Budget and Get Your Credit in Order

After you have done the calculations above, it’s time to get ready by plugging any gaps in your savings, credit score, ratios, etc.

Start by creating a budget and getting your credit in order. Next, decide on an amount you can afford to spend each month and then create a budget that allows for this while also paying down your debts. If you don’t already have one, open a savings account or use an automated savings app so you can start saving money toward a down payment or emergency fund in case of unexpected expenses when buying a house.

Final Words

Considering all these factors together will give you a reasonable estimate of how much house you can afford. If the number is too low for comfort, consider spending less on other expenses to help pay down your debts faster or take up some side hustles to increase your income so that you can finance more of your home purchase with cash instead of debt.

If you are still unsure about how much house you can afford, plenty of online calculators will do the math for you. Just enter all of your information accurately to get the most accurate number possible.

Buying a house is a considerable investment, so it’s essential to do your research and get the best deal possible. Follow the steps above, and you will be on your way to finding the perfect home for you and your family.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks .

Originally posted 2019-04-08 17:08:00.