Health

6 Incredible Free Apps for a Good Night’s Sleep

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A woman who uses sleep apps

These days, it’s easy to get stressed out, and it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep as a result. You may be tempted to pay for sleep apps that will help you wind down, but you don’t have to: You can get some excellent ones for free.

1. HEADSPACE 

This app is absolutely incredible. It offers “sleep casts” that help you visualize a relaxing experience as you’re about to doze off. You’ll have plenty of resources if you simply use the free version, but you could pay $95 per year to have access to over forty themed meditation courses.

2. CALM

Calm is an excellent app with wonderful sleep stories. You can choose the free version, which provides you with plenty of guided meditations, or you can purchase the premium version for $70 per year and have access to more meditations and sleep stories. Honestly, the free version is just as good, although there is a bit less variety.

3. PZIZZ

The free version of this app allows you to set a timer for yourself before you go to bed. It will play beautiful “dreamscapes” for you as you’re dozing off.  You can choose from a wide variety of soothing sounds to listen to as you’re sleeping if you pay $60 per year.

4. SLUMBER

This is an excellent app because it provides you with plenty of bedtime stories, and sleep meditations, and, if you’re in the mood, it even gives you the option to listen to the sound of a Jacuzzi as you rest your head on your pillow and escape into dreamland. The caveat is that you can only listen to around ten episodes. This is more than enough for a good night’s rest, but you can hear more if you pay $40 per year.

5. THE SLEEP CYCLE

Thankfully, this app is completely free. You can use it to track your sleep patterns and get tips for improving the quality of your rest.

6. SLEEPIEST

This is a great app for parents. It offers plenty of soothing bedtime stories for your little ones. If you’re having some trouble winding down yourself, it also provides guided meditations and relaxing white noise to help you drift off to sleep. There is a free version available, which offers more than enough. However, you can purchase the premium version for $100 per year.

Sometimes, it can be tempting to dish out your hard-earned cash on sleep apps, but the truth is, you don’t have to. You can simply use the free versions, go to bed at the same time every night, and maybe even take a bath, pour yourself a bit of lavender tea, or do some relaxing yoga poses if you’re having trouble winding down.

It can be extremely difficult to get the rest you need but doing everything you can to ensure a good night’s sleep can improve so many areas of your life. Sleeping for a minimum of seven hours per night has so many benefits. These include boosting your immune system and improving your productivity.

Guide to Using Sustainable Dental Products

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Bamboo toothbrushes

Most mouth and teeth products use a lot of inorganic ingredients that are not the best for you or the planet. A lot of people complain about organic dental products. They say these products don’t do their job and that they aren’t as effective as the chemical-based products. This doesn’t have to be true. There are so many sustainable teeth products that are very effective and good for the world. You can take advantage of the many options that are good for your dental care and the environment.

Bamboo Toothbrushes

A bamboo toothbrush is a good place to start when it comes to sustainable products for your teeth, gums, and mouth. Not only are these toothbrushes more sturdy than plastic ones, they are much more eco-friendly. Bamboo is a product that is not wasteful. It is good for the soil and can be harvested very quickly without chemicals. It is one of the best cash crops for the environment and it also happens to a very strong and durable natural resource.

You don’t need to compromise when it comes to your bathroom routine. Choosing a bamboo toothbrush is the right thing to do for your wallet and the world around you. Not only does it make only a positive difference, you will be helping reduce the spread of plastic that doesn’t break down.

Organic Toothpaste

When people bring up organic toothpaste, they scoff and say the same things. “It doesn’t work,” or “my breath still stinks.” You should know by now that flossing is even more important than brushing. If you are flossing and brushing daily, organic toothpaste will not obstruct your dental hygiene. You can actually do better for your teeth, gums, and mouth with organic toothpaste. Chemicals aren’t good for the inside of your body, and cheap toothpaste isn’t exactly good for your dental care anyways. When you invest in the right organic toothpaste, your mouth can be healthier and you can avoid putting harmful chemicals into your mouth.

Toothpaste Tablets

You may or may not have heard of toothpaste tablets. These tablets are the perfect addition to your teeth brushing routine. Toothpaste tablets are made with vegan, all-natural ingredients that include mint. Fluoride is also added for deep cleaning. With toothpaste tablets, you don’t have to worry about not getting the proper dental care. They ensure that soft spots and tooth decay are kept in check. All you do is put the tablet in your mouth, it becomes foam for you to brush with your toothbrush. These tablets are perfect for travel and provide an effective way to use vegan and all-natural toothpaste.

Eco-Friendly Dental Floss

Another product that you can add to your repertoire of sustainable dental care items is non-toxic, eco-friendly dental floss. Most dental floss brands have toxic chemicals in them that you shouldn’t be putting in your body. Most don’t have a list of ingredients, which is problematic for a lot of reasons. Odds are if they don’t include a list, they are likely hiding something. Usually what they are hiding is PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals), which have strong chemical bonds. This makes it useful when it comes to repelling water and oil at high temperatures, but the thing is that they don’t break down in the human body. These chemicals are also associated with cancer. Luckily you can find non-toxic dental floss that doesn’t have these chemicals. Simply look into the brands that say they don’t include PFAs.

Whatever you think about dental hygiene, there is no reason you have to keep using unsustainable dental products. Not only are they body for you, even being a cause of cancer, they are also bad for the world. Plastic and harmful chemicals are never good for the environment and they aren’t good for your body either.

Choose the sustainable, natural products and you won’t just be doing well for yourself, you will be doing better for the world around you. Not only is it possible to keep your dental hygiene up with organic products, you can have the peace of mind that what you are purchasing and putting into your body is sustainable and non-toxic. Make the transition to sustainable products today. 

6 Things to do During the COVID-19 Lockdown to Keep You Sane

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Girl during COVID-19 lockdown looking out of her apartment window

Being bored at home due to COVID-19 lockdowns has become a pretty common thing. Many people work with counselors online, do online therapy for depression, and have even found the answer to the question “what is TMS for depression?” and taken steps to treat theirs with this method. 

However, any therapist will tell you that staying busy is key to fighting the COVID-19 depression that has affected millions of lives since lockdowns began. If you’re struggling to find something to keep you sane, less depressed, and a whole lot less bored during this time, read on below for a few things to do during the pandemic lockdown. 

Start Working Out/Exercise

One productive way to stay busy during lockdown is by exercising or starting a new workout routine. Remember, you don’t have to be outdoors to exercise, though if you can get out on your back porch or into the yard to get some air, that is a good idea. Start small with working out because you don’t want to overdo it, pull a muscle, and end up at the doctor during a time when no one wants to be out and about if they don’t have to be. 

Finish Your Christmas Shopping

Christmas is right around the corner, so if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, during a lockdown is the perfect time to plant yourself in a chair, grab the computer and get it done. The best thing about online Christmas shopping is you never have to leave your house, you can do it all from the comfort of your armchair, no masks or social distancing needed. 

Learn a New Language 

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, now is the time to do it. From a wide selection of YouTube videos to being able to sign up for classes online, if you want to learn a new language, then this is the time to do it–when you’re locked in and have nothing else to do. 

Set Some Goals

Most people set out to set goals at the end of the current year, so they’ll be ready to hit the ground running when January 1st rolls around. Whether you’re setting business or personal goals, why not get a jump on goal setting while you’re in lockdown? 2020 has been rough on everyone, so why not make goals to help 2021 be a year of recovery and even better for yourself and your family? 

Take an Online Course

Whether you’re looking to further yourself at work once the lockdown is lifted, or if you’ve had a hobby that you want to learn more about, taking an online course is a productive use of your time during the lockdown. It can also be fun to learn something that you’ve been wanting to learn but never had the time for before the arrival of the COVID-19 virus. Whether it’s signing up for business courses or signing up for courses to improve your writing, you won’t be bored and you’ll get something out of it in the long run. 

Write a Novel

Speaking of writing classes, if you’ve always loved to write, and have had the idea in your head for a book for many years now, this is the perfect time to get those words down on paper. It’s much easier to get published in today’s modern world, so what have you got to lose? 

These are just a few of the best activities you can participate in when you’re bored during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Remember, this too will pass, so why not make the best of being home while you can? 

Best Ways to Exercise During The Pandemic

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Lifting weights, a form of indoor exercise

Exercise should be an important element in everyone’s life. From young children to old adults, exercise is extremely beneficial. Young children need exercise to get their energy out. They may not necessarily be able to participate in a structured form of physical activity but they are able to get it in other ways. Simply running around and playing games can use up some of their pent up energy. Children can also participate in sports as they reach the required age. Sports and exercise have been proven to have so many benefits for kids like mental health, focus/drive and camaraderie. These benefits carry on through adulthood. Adults typically use exercise to remain healthy. It allows them to take care of their physical health as well as their mental health. Some can use products from Hempire direct for physical and mental wellness but some need physical activity to be their best self.

The problem that many of us face now is that the pandemic may have affected our normal exercise routines. Many gyms and training boutiques are being forced to close out of precautions to avoid the spread of the virus. If your gym or training facility is closed, how can you go about exercising? Here are some ways we explored to allow you to get your physical activity in during quarantine.

At Home

Just like everything else, it can be done at home!! Obviously there are typical ways available like videos or home gyms. You can find exercise routines on youtube and various streaming services. Some you may find are free or you may be required to purchase a program. Many gyms and trainers who are now forced to be out of work are now offering virtual classes via zoom or possibly facebook live. You may find this new form of structured classes helpful because you can fit it in your schedule in the comfort of your own home. The best part of many of these virtual options is that no equipment is needed. Exercises like sit ups, planks, pushups, lunges, dips and squats are highly effective and require no equipment. Things like yoga, dance, pilates, barre, boxing and aerobics are available online. You can find what suits you best!

Home gym equipment sales have also gone up during the pandemic. At home spin bikes, treadmills, weight systems, etc. sales are through the roof with long weight times for delivery. Even if gyms around you are open, you can get your exercise in with your favorite equipment safely at home. 

Jogging, a form of outdoor exercise

Outdoors

These times have also forced many to get creative. Beyond the gym and at home programs and equipment, the outdoors has so many possibilities for someone looking to exercise. Many gyms are offering outdoor classes when the weather permits. This allows people to still get their structured classes in a safe and covid compliant manner. Beyond that, there are many activities that are available outdoors that offer great physical benefits. Things such as walking, hiking, running, biking, skating can be done easily and safely. There are apps that you can download that help you find local parks and hiking trails to explore to walk, run or bike. Exploring new areas near your home could be a benefit and allow you to see places you didn’t know existed. You can put on your headphones and enjoy new music, a book or even your favorite podcast.

There are also many outdoor sports that can be done outside and safely during these times. Basketball, soccer, baseball, field hockey and lacrosse are all sports that can be done in your own yard or at a park to get your energy out. 

As you can tell, these activities are all family friendly. When you can encounter activities that get the whole family involved it is more likely that they can be done. It is always a positive thing when you can do something that promotes family time and also mental and physical wellness. This allows you to pass the time during this difficult time of quarantine in a healthy and economical way as well. Because we are now given this gift of time it allows you to pick up a new hobby, to learn a new sport or activity. As mentioned previously, if you are out walking, running or biking you can listen to new books and podcasts to learn!

Quarantine is a time to try and make lemonade out of lemons. Hopefully with these ideas you can get out there and exercise during this difficult time.

5 Ways to Exercise During Quarantine

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When you are stuck at home during the pandemic, one of your main concerns may be exercise. Not only is exercise important for your physical health it is also important for your mental health. All individuals are encouraged to work out during this tough time for self care. Given that you are not allowed to go to public places and are essentially stuck in your home than you may need to think outside of the box. Below we will explore some ideas to help you get your exercise fix during quarantine!  

Bike

Having to be 6 feet away from others does not allow you to go to a gym, but you are able to go outside to do your exercise. The fresh air environment is safe for all, and outdoor sports and activities can be practiced responsibly. One activity that is popular with my family is bike riding. Riding bikes allows you to venture out and about while still being active. There are many hybrid bikes for sale that can fit the need for any type of person. Hybrids are good for both trail riding and road biking so you get the best of both worlds to be able to choose which method you prefer each time. Biking is great for all ages as well, bikes for older adults can make things fun and get the heart pumping. Now is a great time to teach your child to bike too!

Walking and Hiking

Besides biking there is walking and hiking. You can walk on your street through the neighborhood or find a local trail that is still open to enjoy the wilderness. Some trails are closed to deter people from being around others but the majority of trails and parks can still be used for exercise use.

Outdoor Sports

Kids really enjoy at home sports like backyard baseball, soccer, running and golf. Take the time to do it with your kids or even teach them a new sport! This will allow you to exercise as well as the kids, benefits everyone involved!

Zoom

Many gyms and fitness studios have gone virtual out of necessity. This means that they are offering online classes that are either streaming or posting videos on youtube. Classes that don’t require equipment like yoga, zumba, dance or pilates are more popular than ever. Some do require fitness equipment however, and may require you to purchase new toys. Stationary bikes are an example of this. With zoom calls you can do live conferencing for any of your needs. A fitness instructor can send out a link to their call and have others join them for their workout. 

Youtube

Besides virtual calls or streaming, you may be able to find youtube videos to help you exercise. Instructors may post instructional videos or recordings of their live classes. With youtube you can typically find free videos so this method can be done on any budget.

Even though the pandemic can be daunting and the quarantine life may have you stressed, there are still options available for you to exercise and have a little self care.

Going Through A Health Struggle

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It may not be pleasant to think about, but there may come a time when a loved one is faced with a health struggle. Depending on the severity of the health struggle your life may be turned upside down. To avoid this sort of thing happening, it may be in your best interest to think some things through and take care of some business proactively to make such a situation more manageable.

Insurance

Make sure all adults in the household know how your insurance works. Be sure to know how to contact them and discuss things with the insurance company. During these times you will most likely be in talks with them and need to go over things for your patient loved one. Often times you will need to be an advocate for them. Sometimes they just are a back office that may check off something on paper that could cost you thousands of dollars. Pay attention and be aware of how things work.

Finances

Are your finances properly set up to handle a health crisis. As most people are aware, hospital stays, doctors, ambulances and the like cost a pretty penny. Make sure everyone is aware of how to access funds and where they are. Share passwords with one another or keep in a safe spot that the other person can access. Often times this can be a problem if the individual who knows all of this information is non responsive or not completely with it to be able to communicate with the family where the information can be found. Not only financial information, but utilities, like Gas South bills and cable bills. If they aren’t paid than you may be putting your family more into a bind.

Legalities

It is nice for your spouse to be aware of your medical records and past issues. If you are extremely organized you may even keep a binder or folder for each person so that it can be accessed quickly in the event of a health crisis. The more the doctors know these situation, the better. Often times they don’t know your past so the more they are aware of will allow them to treat you to the best of their abilities. It is also important that all legal documents are completed prior to a health scare. Do you have a living will done? Do you have your beneficiaries in line? All of this can be a potential problem.

No one likes to think about a loved one being ill or going through a tough time. However, it is extremely important that everyone is up to speed and knows how to handle the situation if it should arrive.

Health During Pregnancy

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When you find out you are pregnant, there are so many things to worry about and consider. The main one being your health and the baby’s health. It is important to do your best to fuel you body with the best so that the baby gets exactly what it needs. Everything from what you eat to what products you use, and even what is in your home can affect you and the baby.

FOOD

Everything that is put in your mouth is shared with your unborn child. It is important to think twice when eating because you are sharing with them and building a human being. You may not be a believer in organic food purchases but now is the time to change your stance. When pregnant it is imperative to give your baby the most quality food and avoid chemicals at all cost and make the best choices. The food you consume and purchase should come from a reliable source and give the vitamins and nutrients your child needs. There are products that are proven to be helpful during pregnancy.

There are many foods that pregnant women are asked to avoid. Things such as lunch meat, unpasteurized cheeses, raw seafood, shellfish.

Another element that is important during pregnancy is vitamins. It is important to take the proper prenatal vitamins to ensure that your baby is getting the right nutrition regardless of your eating habits.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Every human being uses toiletry products and think nothing of it. What everyone should know is that there are a lot of chemicals in our products. It is so bad that the US allows the use of certain chemicals that are banned in other countries. Do you want to use that on your body, and most importantly do you want your baby to be exposed to that as well? Everything from lotions, face wash, toothpaste, body wash, makeup can be found in safe/non-toxic formulas to allow everyone to be safe.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Just like your food and toiletry products, cleaning products around your home often contain harmful chemicals. It is best to choose the products at the store that say they are chemical free or free from dyes and fragrances. All of those things can seep into your system and affect the baby.

EXERCISE

Exercise and keeping your body at a healthy weight is extremely important during pregnancy. At the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor will tell you what a healthy weight gain for you is and it is important that you follow it. A lot of people think pregnancy is the time to eat what they want but that just isn’t true, consuming dead end calories can be harmful. Too much weight can put stress on the mom and in turn stress on the baby. Later in pregnancy it is hard to stay active so a lot of people turn to yoga or walking that is less high pace. There are certain circumstances that may cause a mom to gain more weight, such as gestational diabetes or a twin pregnancy. Even then there are still ways to be healthy and exercise.

Overall, your health as a pregnant woman is very important to you and our baby. It is best to read up and research all of the ways you can do your part.