Lifestyle

Finding moments of serenity can feel completely unattainable – especially in the chaos of modern-day lifestyles. However, within this chaos, there’s a time-tested means known as meditation that has the capacity to alter how we experience each day.  Although meditation is a time-tested means to alter how we experience each day, most people find it difficult to include and stick to it in their daily routine. One of the reasons is the hype around its rules and difficulties. Before we begin with the tips on building a daily meditation practice, let us be clear. Anyone and everyone can meditate! All you need is a will to include it in your routine. But what does meditation mean? At its core, meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to attain a state of focused attention, heightened awareness, and inner tranquility. Regular meditation helps reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, enhance concentration, and promote physical health. Now, let’s get to the tips to build a daily meditation practice! 1) Find the Right Spot Meditating is taking the mind to a focused and thoughtless state. Therefore, you need to find a quiet place where you won’t get disturbed. This place could be a corner of your living room, a cozy nook by the window, or even a spot in your backyard. The key is to create a serene space that is conducive to introspection. 2) Fix a Time Now that you’ve found a place, the next thing you need to do is fix a time. Mornings are popularly considered a time to meditate as they give a great kickstart to the day. There’s no rule to meditate at a given time. Choose a time that suits you well and can be clubbed with your daily essential tasks. For instance, you can meditate right after you brush your teeth. Set a routine, fix a time during the day, and stick to it to build consistency. 3) Create a Calm Environment In the first point, we talked about finding the right spot. Now, it’s time to create a serene environment. A calm environment will help you slide into the stage of concentration effortlessly. First, find the right relaxing music. Find soothing music or tunes without lyrics, and second, find a scent that gives you a warm and calm feeling. Your choice of music and aroma can be different from others. These things further help eliminate distractions and can vary from person to person. 4) Create Rituals Around Your Practice To solidify your meditation habit, consider creating rituals around it. It could be lighting a candle, playing soft music, or using a specific cushion. Rituals signal to your brain that it’s time to transition into a state of mindfulness, enhancing the effectiveness of your practice. Note: Adding these steps to your meditation ritual is not essential but may help you add calming effects to the surroundings, creating a meditative environment. 5) Be Comfortable Wear comfortable clothes. Ensure that accessories such as wristwatches, belts, earrings, rings, etc., don’t tighten your skin. Keeping yourself free of the accessories and wearing loose, comfortable clothes helps you concentrate on the task and doesn’t become distracting. It is an essential meditating step. 6) Embrace Mindfulness in Daily Activities Meditation isn’t confined to the cushion; it can extend to everyday activities. Practice mindfulness while walking, eating, or even washing dishes. Bringing awareness to mundane tasks helps integrate meditation into your entire day, fostering a continuous state of presence. 7) Focus on Breathing A fundamental aspect of many meditation techniques is focused attention on the breath. Concentrate on the sensation of each inhale and exhale. Whenever your mind wanders, gently bring back your focus to the breath. This simple yet powerful practice cultivates mindfulness and anchors you in the present moment. 8) Keep it Simple There’s a lot of right and wrong information on the internet about meditation and its techniques. Watching all the videos and consuming so much information might make meditation feel overwhelming. You need to keep it simple. Just remember, meditation is spending alone time with yourself and giving your brain a break from the realities of life. Avoid making it a grunt task that adds stress instead of relieving you. Start with 5 minutes a day and increase the time as you build a habit and grow comfortable with it.  9) Choose the Method that Suits you Best There are various meditation techniques out there. Not each one will work for you or make you feel fulfilled. Choose the one that suits you the best. Give them a try until you find the one meant for you, and then stick to it. 10) Allow it to Come Naturally to You Some “popular” meditation techniques might seem alluring, but performing those might feel difficult. Our advice would be to not force meditation techniques upon yourself. Meditating is about you and your mental health. Allow yourself time and space so that it can come naturally to ...

It’s strange to think that staying happy seems like a task nowadays. The hustle to get things done and achieve your goals and the pressing need to keep running not to fall behind can be frustrating sometimes. It can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Another significant reason for feeling overwhelmed sometimes is increasing detachment from fellow humans and spending more screen time. All being said, being happy should not be challenging. Feeling and staying happy shouldn’t feel like a task. So, a small, easy-to-follow list of a few habits can help you take small but effective steps to start living a more fulfilled and happier life. So, give yourself five minutes and get your favorite drink before exploring easy ways to stay happy. Ready? So, let’s get started! 1) The High-Five Rule Well, it’s not a “rule,” but it’s effective and takes only 5 seconds of your day. Start every morning with a high five. Confused? Choose a spot in your house you cross every morning without a miss, with a mirror (it could be the sink in your washroom). Now, this is what you have to do in the morning. Look at yourself in the mirror, smile, and give a high five to yourself. Yes, it’s that simple. It will give your morning a good and energetic start, and it only takes about 5 seconds. 2) Smile It seems easy, but considering our lifestyles, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes, you’ll need to put in conscious efforts to smile. For instance, smile at yourself when you see your reflection on a screen, in a window, while walking in the street, or on your mobile phone. Smiles are contagious. The more you smile, the more it will spread for and around you. 3) Sound Sleep Good sleep is vital for a happy day. Sound sleep means you went to bed not too late and had enough hours of sleep. At the same time, you didn’t wake in the night. Having nutritious food and staying hydrated is essential for a good night’s sleep. 4) Good, Nutrition-Rich Food Eating right does wonders for your mind and helps you stay happy and satiated. People often overeat junk food in stress to make themselves feel good, but does it make you feel good or leave you feeling guilty? On the other hand, nutritious food that is high in protein gives your body and organs everything they need to function properly and keep you active, giving you a sense of happiness. It also supports sound sleep and makes your day more productive. 5) Stay Hydrated Drink enough water. I am sure you aren’t hearing this for the first time. But do you know the water you must drink daily to stay hydrated and why it’s important? You need to drink 1 liter of water per 20 kg of your body weight. For instance, if you weigh 60 kg, drink 3 liters of water daily. If you weigh 80 kg, drink 4 liters, and 3.5 liters if you weigh 70 kg. Staying hydrated keeps you alert and active, helps avoid cramps and body pains, and gives you a much-needed boost to go about your daily routine. 6) Give Compliments A small compliment goes a long way. “You are looking pretty today,” “Nice shirt,” “Nice shade of lipstick,” “Amazing food,” “Nice perfume,” “Good work,” etc. are small compliments that take 5 seconds of your time but can make someone’s day. The ‘thank you’ and the smile you earn will make yours, too. The instant smile you earn is infectious and provides a pretty easy way to be happy. Not to mention the compliments you will start receiving yourself. 7) Plan Your Day Being productive gives you a feeling of accomplishment that makes you feel fulfilled and happy. The best way to achieve this is to plan your day. Make a to-do list and keep checking it off as you complete the tasks. When you tick off the last task of the day, tear the sheet and make space for a new one. It will satisfy you and give you a feeling of achievement, eventually becoming a path to happiness. 8) Connect With Nature This is one of the most neglected yet simple and relaxing ways to happiness. Spare some time in a day. Water your plants, walk in a nearby park, do gardening, breathe in fresh air, or play with a neighborhood dog. It will give you a refreshing and warm feeling, making you feel fulfilled and happy. 9) Take Time to Reflect One reason we feel unhappy is not meeting targets or goals. So, take some time every week, if not daily, to reflect. List down what all you do towards your goals, what more you could have done, and the areas of improvement. Using a diary and pen instead of a screen is best. Give yourself a few months and observe the changes in your. You’ll start getting more done, and happiness will follow. 10) Have a “Me Time” Socializing is good and necessary, but taking out some “me time” is equally important. Set a time during the day when you’ll spend time with yourself. You can utilize this time to work on your hobbies, listening to music, relaxing, self-pampering, or just sitting idle and introspecting. It does w ...

“Immunity” has almost become a buzzword. We have all learned the importance of a strong immune system and perhaps tried every single thing we came across on social media. However, “developing” immunity is not as simplistic as popping a pill. It requires working on lifestyle habits, maintaining regular exercise, and fulfilling the body’s nutritional requirements with real, whole foods. We can view this utilizing the 80-20 rule. Nutrition (what, when, how, and how much we eat) perhaps plays a ~20% role, and lifestyle habits (sufficient sleep, water intake, abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes, exercise, and non-sedentary lifestyle) play a ~80% role. Here in this blog, we’ll talk about some ways you can naturally help boost your immune system through natural supplements. We’ll learn about common nutritional deficiencies, and how they can impact the body’s immune system—we’ll also look at some common online myths surrounding supplements. Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies Let’s get to the root of mineral & vitamin deficiencies and understand why there are such prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the diet. In previous generations, crop cultivation was limited to twice a year, and the farmland was left unattended in between.  It gave the land and soil time to regain minerals and nutrients organically and be ready for the next round of cultivation. There was also a higher emphasis placed on biodiversity and soil diversity, rather than mass cultivation on a scale previously never seen.  However, as the world’s population rapidly increased, the need for land to build infrastructure and the demand for food increased—people started using farmland to build infrastructure, and farmers had to use fewer acres of land to produce more food and meet growing demand. This deprives the soil of essential nutrients, while farmers increase the use of fertilizers and pesticides to ensure a more lucrative yield, leading to a decline in bioavailable nutrients. Further to this, people have grown accustomed to busier lifestyles, which often reduces the ability to put more effort into composing healthy, nutritionally dense meals. Instead, people opt for fast food, take-out through delivery services, or snack and junk food. Lack of nutrition leads to various deficiencies that, combined with lifestyle factors, can give rise to diseases—cancer, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. While supplements can’t replace healthy eating and never will—supplements can help to compensate for nutritional deficiencies in the human body. There are many myths about supplements and their association with pharmaceutical medicine. It is important to note that supplements are not pharmaceutical medicines. When sourced from natural minerals or plant sources, they are extracts or concentrated minerals meant to bridge the divide where diet falls short.  Supplements and how they can boost Immunity Let’s look at a few supplements that help naturally boost immunity and promote a healthy lifestyle. 1) Protein  Protein is a basic building block of the body. Before birth till death, human beings need protein each and every day for survival and to carry on essential life functions. Humans need a minimum of 1 g and a maximum of 2g protein per kg body weight, depending on your lifestyle and physical activity. 2) Omega-3 fatty acids An essential polyunsaturated fat is critical for our immune health. Omega-3 supports the integrity of cell membranes, allowing immune cells to communicate effectively and respond to threats. It helps regulate immune cell function, reduce inflammation, and improve immune cell production. It also strengthens the body’s ability to defend against infections and maintain immune system harmony. As per the recommendation of the National Institutes of Health, daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids should be around 1.1-1.6 grams a day for a healthy and active lifestyle. 3) Calcium Calcium is a mineral essential for bone health. Bones start getting weak after 30 years. It is an ideal time to supplement calcium to fulfill the body’s requirements and avoid leg pains. However, It is recommended that one should start taking calcium supplements after 25 years of age to keep their bones strong and healthy for a long time. 4) Vitamin D Vitamin D, popularly known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a critical vitamin for calcium absorption and bone health. It helps immune cells function better and helps regulate the immune response. The recommended daily vitamin D consumption for adults between 19 to 70 years should be 15 micrograms (mcg) and 20 mcg for people above 70 years. 5) Vitamin C Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps protect cells from damage and supports immunity cell production. Immunity cells help in healing wounds faster. The recommended daily consumption of vitamin C should be 75 milligrams (mg) ...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of squeezing a lengthy workout session into your already jam-packed day? If so, you're not alone.  We live in a fast-paced world where finding the time for exercise can be challenging. But what if we told you that you could achieve remarkable results just by embracing the power of small actions? It's true!  The concept of “mini-workouts” has taken the fitness world by storm, and studies and statistics prove their effectiveness. Mini workouts are short bursts of exercise that you can complete in as little as 10 minutes.  They offer a convenient and time-efficient way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, even when running short on time. Research shows that mini workouts can deliver significant health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and endurance, and enhanced metabolic function. If you're looking for a transformative approach to fitness that fits seamlessly into your busy life, incorporating mini workouts is the way to go.  Not only do they save you time, but they also provide a host of benefits that can revolutionize your fitness journey. In this blog post, we'll delve into the studies and statistics that support the effectiveness of mini workouts, and we'll explore the incredible impact they can have on your overall fitness and well-being. What are mini-workouts? Finding time for exercise seems like an impossible feat. Mini workouts are short bursts of activity like little power-packed punches that can transform your routine. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is about maximizing your efforts in a short amount of time. Instead of spending hours on the treadmill or lifting weights, you perform quick, intense exercises followed by short rest periods. This form of exercise gets your heart pumping and revs up your metabolism, leading to calorie burn long after you've finished your workout. Benefits of mini workouts Even as little as 10 minutes of high-intensity exercise can have significant health benefits.  For example, a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that just one minute of intense exercise can produce similar results when compared to 45 minutes of moderate exercise.  Another Journal of Applied Physiology study demonstrated that short, intense workouts can improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. Mini workouts: stimulate your cardiovascular system boost your energy levels strengthen your muscles improve your aerobic capacity build lean muscle enhance your metabolism How can you incorporate mini-workouts into your routine? Life can get busy, but that doesn't mean you can't find moments to squeeze in a mini workout.  Whether during lunch break, waiting for the coffee to brew, or even during commercial breaks, there are hidden pockets of time just waiting to be utilized.  By being mindful of these moments, you can turn idle time into opportunity for exercise.  Keep these tips in mind for getting started: Setting realistic goals and expectations: Set realistic goals that align with your schedule and fitness level. Refrain from matching the intensity or duration of traditional workouts. Instead, focus on consistency and progress. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your fitness improves. Achievable goals can help you stay motivated and prevent burnout. Choosing the right exercises for mini workouts: Not all exercises are equal. The key is to choose exercises that target multiple muscle groups and provide maximal results in a short amount of time. High-intensity exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, jump squats, and plank variations are excellent choices. Incorporating bodyweight exercises and using resistance bands can also add an extra challenge to your mini-workout routine. Creating a varied and balanced workout routine: While mini workouts may be shorter, it's crucial to maintain a well-rounded fitness routine. Include cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility in your mini workouts. This will help you improve your fitness, build strength, and prevent muscle imbalance. Remember to include rest days to allow your body to recover and avoid overexertion. Utilizing fitness apps and online resources for guidance: In our digital age, many fitness apps and online resources can provide advice and structure to your mini workouts. From workout timers and interval training apps to online workout videos or fitness communities, these tools can be invaluable in keeping you motivated and ensuring you're performing your exercises correctly.  Inspiring mini-workout ideas Incorporating these inspiring mini-workout ideas into your routine allows you to add variety, challenge different muscle groups, and achieve a well-rounded workout.  Remember to listen to your body, start with exercises that suit your fitne ...

In today's digital age, social media has woven its way into the very fabric of our lives. Imagine waking up, grabbing your phone, and diving headfirst into a never-ending stream of tweets, Instagram photos, and news updates. Social media has become integral to our lives, shaping how we connect and perceive the world. You’re immediately inundated with information from the moment you wake up, until the moment you go to sleep at night. But there's a growing trend – the social media “detox.” It's a deliberate choice to step back, disconnect, and create space for reflection. It's hitting the reset button, regaining control. We free ourselves from comparison, social pressure, and mindless scrolling by taking a break. It's a chance to reclaim time, build real connections, and prioritize mental health. This blog post explores why a social media detox is vital – regardless of age. Get ready to break free, and discover the surprising benefits of putting a pause on screen time. Let's reclaim our mental energy and focus in a world that constantly demands our attention. The dark side of social media we often overlook The constant exposure to carefully curated images and posts can create an unhealthy comparison cycle, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression.  We find ourselves chasing validation through artificial likes and comments, fearing judgment, and seeking approval from virtual strangers.  The pressure to present an image of the perfect life can affect our mental health, leaving us feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. But here's the good news: taking a break from social media can be a powerful antidote to these adverse effects. Why must you plan for Social Media Detox? Imagine a world where the number of followers or likes on your posts won't affect your self-worth.  Sound refreshing? It's an opportunity to reevaluate your priorities, reclaim your time and energy, and focus on what truly matters. By disconnecting from the constant narration and images, you create space to reconnect with yourself and those around you. Rediscover the simple joys of life. Be present in the moment. Nurture genuine relationships that go beyond the surface-level interactions of superficial social media.  Taking a break from social media could be one of the best decisions you make for your well-being.  So, if you're feeling weighed down by the pressures and expectations of the online world, it may be time to hit that "pause" button and embark on a social media detox. Your mental and emotional well-being will thank you. Improved self-esteem: Let's face it, we all fall into the trap of comparing our lives to the highlight reels of others on social media. Stepping away from that constant stream of curated perfection can help you appreciate your journey and boost your self-esteem. Better concentration and productivity: Ever found yourself scrolling mindlessly through your feed when you should be working or studying? Without the distraction of social media, you'll be amazed at how much more focused and productive you can be. Say goodbye to those hours lost in the infinite scroll. It’s a void.  Live for the moment: We've all experienced FOMO when we see others having seemingly fun experiences. Stepping away from social media allows you to live in the present moment and be content with your life without constantly comparing it to that of others. Finding your inner peace: Remember those activities you used to love but have neglected due to the time spent on social media? A detox allows you to reignite those passions and explore new hobbies that genuinely bring you joy. It's time to embrace your creativity and pursue what makes you happy. Growing deeper connections with others offline: Social media may connect us digitally, but nothing beats the warmth and depth of real-world connections. By detaching yourself from the virtual world, you can invest more time and energy into building meaningful relationships with family, friends, and the people around you.  It's about cultivating authentic connections and creating memories that last. Even in situations where your friends or family are at a distance, FaceTime and phone calls are more meaningful ways to connect.  Practical Tips for a Successful Social Media Detox Now that you're ready to sacrifice your online social world to rediscover yourself, here are some practical tips to help you navigate your social media detox journey: Know why you're stopping (or restarting) Define what you hope to achieve through your detox. It could be regaining focus, finding more time for yourself, or simply finding a healthier balance with social media.  Let your community know about your absence Let your friends and followers know you'll take a break from social media. This may be especially important for influencers or those who run their own business. It sets the expectation and helps minimize any feelings of guilt or oblig ...

Have you ever felt a sudden rush of intense fear or worry, accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart or shortness of breath? If so, you may have experienced either a panic attack or an anxiety attack. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help individuals better manage their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.  Undoubtedly, there are similarities between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, but it is important to differentiate between the two, as the treatment and management of these conditions may vary.  A qualified mental health professional can help individuals understand and manage their symptoms and can provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment approach. In this blog, we'll explore the unique characteristics of panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and offer tips on how to distinguish between the two. So whether you're struggling with anxiety, panic, or just curious to learn more, read on to discover the nuances of these common but often misunderstood conditions. What is a Panic Attack? A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that is accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heart.  Panic attacks can be very frightening and can feel like a heart attack or other medical emergency.  They typically occur without warning and can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as stress, caffeine, or specific phobias.  Panic attacks can last for several minutes to an hour, and can be severe enough to interfere with a person's daily life. While panic attacks can occur in anyone, they are most commonly associated with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Treatment for panic attacks may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both, and can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. What is an Anxiety Attack? An anxiety attack is a sudden onset of intense fear, worry, or nervousness that is accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.  Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are often triggered by a specific situation or event, such as public speaking, social situations, or work stress.  The symptoms of an anxiety attack can vary in intensity and duration, but typically peak within a few minutes and can last for hours. While anxiety attacks are a normal part of the body's response to stress, they can be debilitating for some people, interfering with daily activities and negatively impacting the quality of life.  With proper treatment and management, individuals with anxiety attacks can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. How Similar Are The Symptoms? Panic attacks and anxiety attacks share many similar symptoms, but there are also some differences between the two. Both types of attacks can involve intense feelings of fear or worry, accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, or trembling.  However, panic attacks tend to come on suddenly and without warning, whereas anxiety attacks are often triggered by a specific situation or event. Panic attacks can also be more intense and debilitating, with symptoms that can mimic a heart attack or other medical emergency. Another difference between the two is the duration of symptoms. Panic attacks typically last for several minutes and may subside on their own, while anxiety attacks can last for hours or even days.  Additionally, panic attacks may be associated with panic disorder, whereas anxiety attacks can be a symptom of a variety of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Another way to differentiate between the two is to consider the presence of avoidance behaviors. Panic attacks may lead to avoidance of situations that trigger the attacks, while anxiety attacks may lead to avoidance of the trigger itself. While there are some differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks, it's important to note that both conditions can be very distressing and may require professional treatment to manage symptoms effectively.  How Can We Differentiate Between Panic Attacks And Anxiety Attacks? Distinguishing between anxiety and panic attacks can be challenging. Consider the following factors: Cause: Anxiety is usually associated with stressors or perceived threats, while panic attacks can occur spontaneously without an apparent trigger. Level of distress: Anxiety can range from mild to severe, but panic attacks often cause severe and disruptive symptoms. Fight-or-flight response: During a panic attack, the body's fight-or-flight response takes over, resulting in more intense physical symptoms than those of anxiety. ...

The eco-friendly trend is catching on around the globe. People are becoming more and more conscious of what they eat, drink, and use in their homes—and for good reason.  Plastic pollution is a major concern; of the 8.3 billion metric tonnes that have been produced, 6.3 billion metric tonnes have ended up as waste.  Around 91% of plastic is not recycled but added to landfills.  Canada generates 3.2 million tonnes of plastic annually.  Trillions of pieces of plastic in the ocean endanger and kill marine life.  The consumption of plastic particles is linked to birth defects, disruption of the endocrine system, cancer, and other serious health risks.  The chemicals in commonly used household products like detergents and cleaners clog the oceans and harm human and animal life.  In light of this, it’s no wonder that people are willing to exercise responsibility by switching to a green lifestyle. While it can be overwhelming, shifting to sustainable practices doesn’t have to be complicated.  Start small by replacing the household items you use every day with natural alternatives. We’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly products to help you get started.  Natural Home Products to Make Your Home Sustainable Reusable Bags and Pouches Single-use plastic is one of the biggest contributors to the world’s increasing waste problem. While some supermarkets have stopped giving out plastic bags, or begun charging for them, there’s still a long way to go.  When people don’t have their own, they end up buying a plastic bag. In addition, plastic pouches are commonly used to store essentials like stationery and makeup.   Avoid plastic bags, instead carry a reusable cloth bag whenever you go grocery shopping. Replace plastic pouches with cloth ones. Most of them come with lead-free zippers, and they are biodegradable. This is one of the easiest ways to protect the environment.  Eco-friendly Water Bottles Using fancy plastic bottles or buying single-use water bottles increases your environmental footprint. While some of them end up in rivers and oceans, others stay around for years on land.   Switch to eco-conscious materials like glass or stainless steel. Glass bottles are fragile, but they keep beverages cold for a long time and are recyclable. Stainless steel flasks and bottles are BPA- and toxin-free, sturdy, reusable, and maintain the temperature of beverages.  You don’t have to compromise on aesthetics, as they are available in various colors and designs. Sustainable Food and Beverage Containers Airtight plastic containers are common in the kitchen; however, plastic releases a number of chemicals when heated. These toxins enter the food, and eventually your body.  Making a shift to more sustainable natural home products is the simplest way to make your home environment-friendly. Opt for glass containers when storing cooked food, beverages, grains, and snacks at home.  Silicone bags and bowls are microwave-friendly and recyclable. These natural home products can be used to store veggies and fruits or to carry food while traveling.  Eco-friendly Snack Boxes and Bags Packing a lunch for school or the office seems innocent. After all, you’re eating healthy by bringing home-cooked food; however, the plastic boxes and bags used to carry the food add to the waste problem. In addition, don’t forget the chemicals that enter your food when you warm the plastic container.  Switch to eco-friendly lunch boxes that are made of glass, ceramic or stainless steel. They’re durable and can be used for years. You can heat food without worrying about toxins. Unbleached natural snack bags are a great alternative to plastic and other toxic wraps.  Biodegradable Garbage Bags Trash cans are usually lined with plastic bags that go into landfills and end up in oceans, where they last for years. They harm Mother Earth and endanger undersea life.  These days, you can get garbage or food waste bags made of plant-based materials like organic potato starch. You won’t have to worry about leaks because they’re as strong as plastic trash bags.  They’re also compostable and biodegradable, so they reduce the burden on the environment. Replace your plastic garbage bags with this eco-friendly alternative.  Natural Dishwashing Liquid If you haven’t read the list of ingredients in your dishwashing liquid or soap, do it. You’ll find several toxins, such as SLS, formaldehyde, and foaming agents, that are linked to serious issues, including respiratory problems and cancer. These toxins have a negative effect on our oceans and pollute the air.  Replace toxic detergents with natural, safe dishwashing liquids. They’re made of natural ingredients and are toxin-free, gluten-fre ...

Amid this COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have asked their employees to begin working from home. Although this scenario might sound quite exciting at first, you should know that you’ll have to deal with several unexpected challenges, particularly if you’re new to working remotely. Even if you are used to this setup, the unique circumstances during this period of isolation make it a completely new experience. But with the help of our handy tips, you can easily improve your productivity. These tips are useful not just for employees, but for team leaders and managers, as well. Let’s get started! 1. Stick to a Schedule The best part about working remotely is that you don’t have to wake up early, rush through your morning rituals, or travel to work. However, this does not mean it’s OK to completely scrap your daily routine. Since it’s likely that you will be cooped up in your house for a longer period of time, make sure that you remain active in order to stay healthy! Follow your normal schedule as much as possible, just like you used to when commuting to your office. 2. Set Up a Workspace When working from home, it’s crucial to set up a dedicated workspace so that you can get things done on time. You might be able to convert a spare bedroom into your home office. Even if you have space constraints, try to set up a desk for office work. Regardless of the location or type of space, dedicate a specific area in your house to work and use it only during your working hours. Just make sure the workspace is free from distractions so that you can concentrate on your tasks. 3. Create a Routine Even if you don’t have to wake up early to commute to work, it’s still important to create and follow a routine. You might get up a little later than usual, but make sure you get up at the same time every day. This way, you can avoid sleeping too much and also maintain a regular sleep cycle. If you like, you can also set alarms to signal lunch breaks, snack breaks, and the time to wrap up your workday. Doing so will improve your concentration, along with your productivity. 4. Set Boundaries Now that you have created a daily schedule and set up a dedicated workspace, it’s time for you to set some work boundaries. This is important because when you work remotely, you can easily end up working beyond your business hours. Figure out a time during the day when you feel your productivity is high, and ensure that you’re finishing the tasks at hand during those hours. Allocate your time properly and choose a specific time to wrap things up. That way you won’t work longer than you are supposed to. Share your schedule with other teammates, managers, and coworkers. 5. Stretch and Exercise Frequently When you’re working from home, it’s likely that you’ll become lazier. In order to prevent that from happening, make sure you stretch and exercise frequently.  This will help you boost your endorphins and will ultimately increase your interest level and happiness - two crucial factors in maintaining your productivity! Regular stretching and exercise will also help improve your posture. Be sure that you stretch two or three times throughout your day; doing so will prevent you from getting sore from sitting.  You can even write out some motivational quotes and leave them by your bedside. Those notes will be the first thing you read after waking up.  We recommend that you work out early in the morning because that’s when there are the fewest distractions. Also, you will feel energized for the rest of the day. 6. Take Breaks Sometimes when you work too many hours and over-commit yourself to office tasks, you end up sabotaging your productivity. That’s why it’s equally important to take breaks throughout the day. Although this seems a little counterintuitive, research suggests that taking occasional breaks helps you boost your creativity and productivity levels. If you fail to strike the right balance between your professional and personal lives, it will only cause you problems. To keep this from happening, work for a certain amount of time, take a 10-minute break, and then get back to work again. 7. Eat Healthy Foods Having complete access to your kitchen is another challenge of working remotely. Since you are at home all the time, you can easily be drawn to junk food the moment you take a snack or lunch break. These foods normally include: Leftover pizza Salted potato chips Cookies However, research suggests that eating more vegetables and fruits, along with vitamin and mineral supplements, has a positive impact on your productivity. With some additional planning, you can not only avoid eating unhealthy food but also vary your nutritious snacks. On the weekends, you could reward yourself with something sweet for not eating junk food throughout the week. If you’re in the habit of eating snacks frequently, then it’s time to take t ...