by Hope Zvara | Oct 27, 2022 | Lifestyle
Chemotherapy is a challenging experience for many people. The treatments can be exhausting, and the side effects – such as nausea, hair loss, and fatigue – can be challenging to cope with. However, it is possible to find strength, clarity, and balance during chemotherapy. This blog post will discuss tips to help you through this difficult time.
1) Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
It is essential to understand each treatment option’s risks and benefits before making a decision. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the best course of treatment for you.
2) Educate yourself about chemotherapy.
The more you know about the process, the better equipped you will be to cope with it. Read books or articles, talk to others who have been through chemotherapy, or attend a support group.
3) Be sure to get enough rest.
Chemotherapy can be physically and emotionally draining, so it is important to take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest. Take breaks during the day, and go to bed early if you are tired.
4) Eat a healthy diet.
Eating healthy foods will help you to feel your best during chemotherapy. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
5) Exercise regularly.
Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Even moderate exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes each day, can be beneficial.
6) Take time for yourself.
It is essential to take breaks from cancer-related thoughts and activities. Make time to do something you enjoy each day, such as reading, spending time with friends or family, or listening to music.
7) Thcp gummies
It is known that medical marijuana can help with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and pain. If you want medical marijuana, talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you. Thcp gummies can be a good option for people who do not want to smoke marijuana.
9) Seek professional help if you need it.
If you are struggling to cope with the challenges of chemotherapy, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A counselor or therapist can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.
by Hope Zvara | Oct 27, 2022 | Lifestyle
When most of us think about self-care, we think about taking ourselves off to the spa to be pampered or reading a good cup with a hot chocolate to relax at the end of a busy day, but self-care isn’t always fun. Sometimes, taking better care of ourselves is about doing things we may not enjoy so that the rest of our lives can run more smoothly.
With that in mind, below are some aspects of self-care that might not immediately inspire you or have the fun factor but are equally as crucial as doing yoga or learning to meditate.
Here are a few things to consider when looking at the less fun side of self-care
Attending medical appointments
Most of us don’t particularly enjoy going to the doctor’s office, but if you want to take good care of yourself, you need to ensure you book your flu vaccine in time for the winter season or have a regular check-up to ensure you are doing okay. As they say, prevention is always better than cure.
Setting boundaries
It is not always easy to set boundaries, but doing so is one of the best ways to protect your mental health. For example, you may need to give up friendships that drag you down more often than they lift you, or you may need to learn how to say no to various commitments that suck your tie but give you a little reward. Boundaries protect your health and well-being, so they are a big part of self-care.
Pexels – CCO Licence
Fixing your diet
You are, as they say, what you eat, so one thing that will help you to improve your self-care is fixing your diet. Eliminating junk food and any dishes that cause you to feel sluggish and bloated after eating is an excellent place to start, but eating clean most of the time is even better. It’s not always easy to eliminate the bad stuff from your diet because that is often the stuff you love the most, but nourishing yourself with healthy food is one of the greatest acts of self-care there is.
Taking time out
Suppose you are the kind of person who loves to keep busy, whether pushing yourself at work or always being busy around the house. In that case, it can be hard to let go and do nothing for a whole, but taking time out is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind, which is why it is sometimes considered a less fun form of self-care. Of course, there are those of us who love nothing more than to relax too!
Fixing your finances
Drawing up a budget and working on fixing your finances so you don’t have to worry about money, can be time-consuming and complex, but it removes at least one stress point from your life.
As you can see, self-care is about taking care of your whole life, making things as easy as possible for yourself, and often this means tackling tedious or complex tasks, so be sure to factor in the less fun side of self-care too.
by Hope Zvara | Oct 27, 2022 | Lifestyle
Sleep is often viewed as a necessary evil. We know we need it, but sometimes it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day to get enough shut-eye. This can be due to work, social obligations, or our general busyness.
But what if we told you that sleep is one of the best things you can do for your overall health? That’s right; there are many benefits to getting a good night’s sleep beyond just feeling rested. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-9 hours per night, but a recent survey shows nearly one-third of Americans are not getting the recommended amount.
In this article, we’ll explore ten reasons sleep is excellent for overall health. By the end, you’ll see that the benefits of sleep go way beyond just feeling rested.
https://unsplash.com/@entersge
10 Reasons Why Sleep Is Great For Your Overall Health
1. Sleep boosts your immune system
When you catch a cold or the flu, one of the first things your doctor will tell you to do is get plenty of rest. That’s because sleep plays a crucial role in immunity. A lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to illness and prolong the duration of an illness if you do happen to get sick.
2. Sleep improves your mental health
Sleep is essential for a healthy mind. A good night’s sleep can help you feel more alert and productive during the day and improve your mood. A lack of sleep, on the other hand, can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression.
3. Sleep helps you maintain a healthy weight
If you’re trying to lose weight, getting enough sleep is key. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased hunger and cravings. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can help keep these hormones balanced and minimize late-night snacking.
4. Sleep reduces stress
Feeling stressed? Getting some extra shut-eye may help. Sleep allows your body to recover from the day’s events and can help reduce stress levels.
5. Sleep enhances brain function
Sleep is essential for brain health. During sleep, your brain consolidates memories and processes information you’ve learned during the day. A lack of sleep can interfere with these processes and lead to problems with memory, focus, and concentration.
6. Sleep lowers your risk of accidents
Whether driving a car or operating machinery, getting enough sleep is crucial. Fatigue can impair your judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
7. Sleep improves athletic performance
Getting enough sleep is essential for peak performance if you’re an athlete. Sleep helps your body recover from the physical demands of exercise and can improve your energy levels, coordination, and stamina.
8. Sleep boosts your energy levels
Feeling tired all the time? You might need more sleep. A good night’s sleep can help you feel more energetic during the day. And if you’re struggling to get through the day with just a few hours of sleep, napping can also be beneficial. Make sure you don’t nap for too long, as this can interfere with nighttime sleep.
9. Sleep improves your skin health
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Lack of sleep can lead to wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, and a dull complexion. So if you want to keep your skin looking its best, ensure you’re getting enough zzz’s.
10. Sleep strengthens your heart
In addition to all of the other benefits, sleep is also good for your heart. A lack of sleep can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. So make sure you’re getting enough sleep to keep your heart healthy.
Image Credit
Natural Remedies To Induce Sleep
Herbal properties have been used for centuries to help with several ailments, including helping people fall asleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can try a few natural remedies.
Herbal tea: Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm tea are all helpful for sleep.
Essential oils: Lavender oil is a popular choice for inducing sleep. You can add a few drops of lavender oil to your diffuser or your bathtub before bedtime.
Relaxation techniques: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help relax the body and mind and prepare you for sleep. You can also try vaping Delta 8 THC Vape Carts to help you relax.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Sleep?
If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be putting your health at risk. A lack of sleep can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Increased stress levels:
- Anxiety and depression
- Weight gain
- Memory problems
- Poor concentration and focus
- Increased risk of accidents
- Heart disease and stroke
So make sure you get enough sleep every night to protect your health and well-being.
by hope | Oct 11, 2022 | Lifestyle
As an athlete’s parent, you know they need a lot of gear to compete. From water bottles to extra clothes, a lot goes into preparing for game day. That’s why it’s essential to have everything your athletic kid needs in their athletic bag. In this blog post, we will discuss the seven essential items that every athlete should have with them at all times!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
7 Things Your Athletic Kid Needs In Their Bag:
Water Bottle
This is a no-brainer, but ensuring your athletic kid stays hydrated during practices and games is essential. A water bottle with a straw is ideal, so they can easily take sips while on the go. If you live in a hot climate, consider getting a water bottle with a built-in filter. This will help remove any impurities from the water and make it even more refreshing for your child to drink. Insulated water bottles are a great option in cooler climates to keep the water from freezing. No matter your climate, encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day!
Extra Clothes
Whether it’s an extra pair of socks or a change of clothes, it’s always a good idea to have some extra items in an emergency. For example, if your child gets sweaty during a game or practice, they can quickly change into something dry and be back on the field in no time.
First Aid Kit
You never know when an injury will occur, so it’s always best to be prepared. A small first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and tape. This way, you can quickly treat any cuts or scrapes your child may get during a practice or game. If your child has allergies, include the appropriate medication in the first aid kit. EpiPens are a must-have for athletes with severe allergies! Pack some pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which is also a good idea. This will be handy if your child gets injured and needs some relief. My older kids have one, and it has been a vast save several times for various reasons, from cuts to scrapes, slivers, and bee stings. You just never know!
Kinesiology Tape Rolls
With so much running and jumping, athletes are susceptible to injuries. Kinesiology tape can help provide support to muscles and joints, which can prevent injuries from occurring. If your child does get injured, kinesiology tape can also help speed up the healing process. By wearing the tape during practices and games, your child can stay active while their injury heals. You can buy kinesiology tape rolls at kttape.com, and if you’re unsure how to apply the tape, plenty of instructional videos are available online. Kinesiology tape is a must-have for any athlete! Pack a few rolls in your child’s bag, so they’re always prepared. I just started using this with my oldest son, and when it comes to football, a little tape has helped for a few minor injuries, when you have an athletic kid I encourage you to explore all options when it comes to supporting them, especially with sports injuries.
Snacks
Your child will need to refuel after a long practice or game, so it’s essential to pack some healthy snacks. Granola bars, fruits, and nuts are all great options to give your child the energy they need. Encourage your child to eat a nutritious snack within 30 minutes of finishing their practice or game. This will help them refuel and recover quickly to prepare for their next activity. And when that athletic kid gets home, offer them a smoothie, eggs, or something packed with protein to keep them whole, help them recover, and leave them feeling their best!
Sunscreen
No matter what time of year it is, sunscreen is always a good idea. If your child is going to be outside for an extended period, be sure to apply sunscreen to their skin. This will help protect them from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent sunburns. Make sure you check the labels for what your sunscreen is made with; there are a lot of options out there, my personal favorite is zinc-based sunscreen.
Bug Spray
Bugs can be a nuisance, especially when you’re trying to focus on your game. Be sure to pack bug spray in your child’s bag so they can quickly get rid of any pesky insects. Bug spray is also a good idea if your child plays in an outdoor tournament. By having bug spray on hand, they can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects.
As you can see, there are many different things that your child will need in their bag when they’re playing sports. By having all of these items on hand, you can be sure that they’ll be prepared for anything.
by hope | Sep 13, 2022 | Lifestyle
Image Credit.
More and more people are experiencing chronic fatigue. Part of this is due to the still little-understood long covid, where people who have contracted Covid-19 continue to suffer from symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and pain for months or even years after the initial infection.
Many other illnesses cause either chronic fatigue or chronic pain, and the two often go hand in hand. The problem with a chronic condition is that it doesn’t go away. However, you can manage your symptoms, and some people can live full lives with proper coping mechanisms and managing strategies to work with their body, rather than fighting against it.
The Effects of Fatigue on Your Body
One misconception about chronic fatigue is that sufferers simply feel tired all the time. Pain is one of the chronic fatigue’s most common side effects, and chronic pain only compounds your exhaustion. The pain may also be difficult to ignore and, in some cases, disabling.
As well as these symptoms, chronic fatigue is linked to depression and other mood disorders, and it can be a result of or a cause of stress. Many people experience a phenomenon called “brain fog”, where it’s difficult to think clearly through the tiredness. It’s hard to concentrate and easy to get frustrated when seemingly simple thoughts just don’t break through the fog.
Many people with chronic fatigue struggle to sleep, which again only compounds the problem. Some people struggle to eat properly, which can lead to malnutrition, which can again lead to more fatigue. Exercise and physical activity can be increasingly difficult, leading to a loss of general fitness.
Managing Chronic Fatigue and Pain
The first step to managing your fatigue is to figure out your limitations and learn how to adjust to them. One pitfall that many people fall into is the fatigue “crash”. This is when, after successfully managing your symptoms for a while, you feel better and push yourself. Unfortunately, this leads to a crash, where you rapidly become far worse and must take time to recover.
Another pitfall is to shut down completely. Different people have different limitations, but most people can still do some of what they were capable of beforehand. Shutting yourself away and not doing anything can worsen your mental health and won’t help you physically.
Even though your health isn’t what it was, it’s still important to keep your general health going. Eat well and, if possible, engage in physical activity to keep moving. Some people have low exercise tolerance, so figure out your limitations. Do what works for you.
When it comes to managing your pain, pain relief like CBD patches can help you to still enjoy your life without being distracted or further exhausted by your pain. Always take medications with a health professional’s advice and ensure that you aren’t at risk of developing a drug dependency.
by hope | Sep 8, 2022 | Lifestyle
Are you considering that now is the time to change your career? You wouldn’t be alone in it; life and attitude changes often prompt a complete career change. It doesn’t matter what age you are, either, because there is no wrong time to change your life, and that often means either retraining or studying something and then taking on a new job.
What the market is saying about changing careers
Right now, it’s a candidate-led market which means that you can have the things you want from your career. You can get your CPT Certification online if you’re going to embark on something new, or you can simply move to a new company and industry and restart, bringing your transferable skills. It’s totally up to you which way you do it, and you can get started as soon as you’re ready. With this in mind, it might be the best time to make a change and ensure that your career jumps up as fast as possible. Let’s take a look at the reasons why you should change jobs.
Image source: Pexels
5 Signs You Might Be Ready For A Career Change:
- You know it’s time for a new challenge. There comes a time when staring at the same office’s walls is just not enough anymore. If you are the kind of person who needs to push yourself as hard as possible, then a career change may be exactly what you need. You’re ready for that new challenge, and you’re going to grab it with both hands.
- You can feel that your values are changing. As we get older, the things that we want to change in life, we stop looking at our jobs a certain way and start looking at things differently. When this happens, it can mean that you are ready to find a business that aligns with your values in a new way.
- You’re ready to focus on something else. Sometimes, our jobs do not allow us to spread our wings in a way that makes sense entirely. You want to get out there and see the world and experience new companies, and if you are ready to shift your focus and do other things, then the time is now to go and do that. Research shows that more people look for flexibility now, and if you’re ready for that, you have to think about that!
- You are currently in a job you’re not feeling the best about, so why stay in it? We getYou aren’t doing something you’re passionate about. one shot at life, and you should spend your time enjoying yourself and not feeling wrong about anything, which often means ensuring that you make a change that matches what you’re passionate about.
- You’re just not happy. It’s always time for a change if you’re not satisfied with the job you’re in. Whether you need a new job or a total transformation, you must to do what you want.
No matter what, in life, you want to be happy and you want to feel fulfilled. When you don’t life begins to feel pointless and frustrating. If you are wanting more from life, it’s probably because life is wanting more from you.
