Assuming that working from home is a change destined to fade away in a matter of months can genuinely harm your business and career. While there is a possibility of everything going back to normal and everybody resuming their office lives soon, this might not be the scenario we will be presented with once the lockdown is over. In the meanwhile, with time and WiFi at your disposal, what is better than starting that blog you had in mind to create for a while? There are a few reasons to do so, and you should check them out!


CRAFTING A DIFFERENT FUTURE
What if working from home is the new normality? What if an increasing number of businesses decide that you are better off staying at home? These uncertainties can be terrifying, especially if you are caring and providing for your whole family. However, tough times call for tough life-changing decisions that can ultimately help you define how your life will be once the pandemic is over.

Starting a blog or a website can be a scary step and represent a steep learning curve for most individuals. However, this is the first step to begin understanding whether you can create an online business and if this lifestyle suits your needs and preferences. And don’t forget that becoming a blogger or influencer can be highly beneficial for your financial situation!

TELL YOUR STORY
Starting a blog allows you to put your story out in the world and pass on your experiences and expertise to those who need it the most. Naturally, finding a niche can help you increase popularity and reach out to a unique audience. However, just by writing about what inspires you the most can be extremely educational for others.

Whether this involves sharing your recipes, telling about your fitness journey, or offering tips about traveling, a new blogger should never underestimate the importance of sharing personal experiences.


CREATING A NETWORK
Especially if you are struggling to work from home and staying productive with your kids around, you might be looking for others to connect to during these times of uncertainty. Each of us is facing different personal battles at the moment, and finding support through online communities should not be overlooked. Today, we are in an era in which many aspects of our lives are virtual or based on technology. Ignoring the power of creating a supportive community of individuals through your blog might make you feel cut out.

INVESTING IN YOUR IDEAS
Due to the amount of time some of us have at their disposal, there has never been a more appropriate time to develop the idea you had in mind. Of course, investing in external resources and systems can represent an expenditure. However, you can see results by opting for the cheapest VPS on the market or by helping a novice web developer build their portfolio. These are more affordable ways of filling in the gaps between your skills, yet they can truly take your project, blog, or website to the next level and allow you to take your ideas even further.

When people talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, what often comes to mind would be exercise and our diet. However, these two aren’t the only things that make up a healthy lifestyle.

One vital part of remaining healthy is the state of your sleep. If you don’t sleep well or often enough, it’s going to make your physical and mental health deteriorate.

Now that you know how your sleep affects your physical and mental health, you need to take more proactive ways to address your sleep environment. To help get you a good night’s sleep regularly, here are seven simple ideas that will help you maintain a healthier sleeping environment:


GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS
A lot of people are working from home, which means that they need to dedicate a space in their house for work.

However, plenty of people make the rookie mistake of doing their work while lying on their bed. What people don't know is that it can make your brain associate your bed with doing your job, which interferes with your ability to sleep.

Hence, it would be helpful to not do your work on your bed, as well as get rid of anything that will distract you from your sleep.

You should make sure that you only dedicate your bedroom as a space for relaxing and settling down for the night. That way, your brain won't associate the bedroom with another activity that distracts you from falling asleep.

AVOID CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL 
The things that you put in your body also affect your sleep. Even the food that you consume hours before you go to sleep will have a significant effect on whether you're able to fall asleep. Ideally, it would be best if you didn’t consume anything caffeinated four to six hours before you go to sleep.

A lot of people even tend to rely on drinking alcohol before or during dinner to fall asleep faster. However, alcohol won't help you get the quality sleep that can energize you the following morning.

If you are a smoker, then you should also stop using any tobacco products when you are about to go to sleep.


MAKE YOUR BED COMFORTABLE
It should be evident that the bed's quality will affect how comfortable you are with your sleep. Knowing what type of mattress is best for you is going to improve your sleep quality.

What you should look for in a bed is comfortability and the ability to support your back while you sleep and move around.

If your mattress has been with you for more than ten years, then it's time to let it go. Don't look for a bed that is too soft that you’re sinking into it. However, it would help if you didn't get a mattress that is rock solid either.

KEEP YOUR ROOM DARK AND COZY 
Your mind associates light with the morning, which means that it thinks you should be awake if there’s too much light in your room.

If you're easily distracted when you are trying to sleep, you need to make sure you keep your bedroom dark and cozy. You can either invest in heavy curtains that effectively block out light from your windows or get a sleeping mask.

An hour or so before you fall asleep, you should try and avoid using your phone because it generates light that might affect your sleep. The darkness makes it a lot easier to focus on sleeping and to let your mind slowly dissipate into unconsciousness.

HAVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AT DAYTIME 
If you can, try and dedicate your physical activities in the day time instead of during the night.

Instead of doing your daily exercise before you sleep, it's much better to do it in the morning. That way, you can use that energy for everything you're supposed to be doing in the day.

If you do any physical activity during the evenings, your mind and body might be feeling too active to settle down.

Delegating your physical activity during the daytime and going outside sometimes also helps your body wind down as the day continues.



CLEAN YOUR BEDROOM DAILY
No matter what environment you surround yourself in, it can affect you negatively in one way or another if you don’t properly maintain it.

According to Cleaning Exec Home Cleaning Services NYC, not developing the habit of cleaning your bedroom daily can have an adverse effect on your sleep quality.

There’s a reason why people say that how your house looks can reflect your mental state. If you have a cluttered bedroom, then it can lead to more cluttered thoughts. And if your mind is too cluttered, it’s going to make it difficult for you to fall asleep.

All you need to do is to clean your sheets often, keep clutter out of your bedroom, and tidy up the bed every time you wake up.

HAVE CONSISTENT SLEEP TIMES 
Having consistent sleep times will make it easier for your body to fall into the rhythm of falling asleep when you need it.

You first need to figure out how much sleep is best for you. Once you figure that out, you can shape your schedule around that and create a sleep schedule.

The key here is to be consistent with when you fall asleep. That way, once the clock hits the time you want to sleep, your body is already sleepy.


A healthy sleep environment is something that people either neglect or take for granted. We’ve heard friends and colleagues too often talk about how little sleep they get. If you want to improve your health, then you should start with your rest. With these seven tips above, you’re going to have a better quality sleep for a more consistent period.

As we start to see signs that the global pandemic is easing, and the stay at home orders are relaxing a little, maybe it is time to consider how much attention we pay to our overall health. Our bodies and our minds are so relevant, and if this recent COVID-19 crisis hasn’t made you stop and think, then maybe now it’s time to ask yourself if you are doing enough to protect your body from the threats that nature throw at us?


YOUR HEART IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSCLES IN YOUR BODY
It carries on doing its job, and the only time we think about it is if something feels a little strange, or if we are experiencing a broken heart. The rest of the time, we take it for granted as it pumps blood around our bodies. We know the basics when it comes to heart health. Get plenty of exercise, eat lots of healthy fats like omega 3 and go for whole foods instead of processed. Drink lots of water, this is vital for your immune system as well as your heart. Don’t smoke and keep your drinking to a minimum. Do we apply that, though? If you don’t, then make this the time you start looking after your heart. You’re going to need it to be strong as you begin aging!

OUR JOINTS AND BONES ARE VITAL TO DAILY LIFE 
If you have ever broken a bone or pulled a muscle, then you will know how debilitating it can be. As we age, our joints start to deteriorate, and this can lead to chronic pain and, eventually, surgery. How we look after them now will have a considerable impact on our older years.

A diet that is rich in omega-three and lots of green vegetables such as curly kale and spinach will help you maintain supple joints. You also need to take up low impact sports such as yoga or mountain biking. Swimming will help support your joints while you exercise, but running could put stress on them, which can bite us later in life. To help improve your bone strength, calcium-rich foods such as whole milk (Avoid semi or skimmed) will benefit you. This is especially important in young children who are growing, by giving them enough calcium at the start of their lives, you are setting them up before they age. Chicken is an excellent source of calcium and can help you reach your daily recommended intake. Extra virgin olive oil and cherries are also perfect for your bones and your joints.


THE HEALTH OF YOUR TEETH IS ALSO ESSENTIAL
Teeth issues can lead to body confidence issues and have an impact on your mental wellbeing, especially if you are too concerned about them to smile. It’s surprising how little people know about oral hygiene, one of the most frequently asked questions at a dentist is “how often should I do a dental cleaning?” and the answer is every day! It’s simple to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brush twice a day, use floss and mouthwash, and visit your dentist up to 4 times per year for maintenance and check-ups.

MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH 
Depression contributes to many physical ailments. In a study that was conducted after the 9/11 attacks, it was found that if symptoms of PTSD weren’t treated within five years, then these symptoms would become physical conditions. Mental health issues can indeed impact your physical health, so it’s imperative to take time for ourselves every day. You don’t have to meditate or take up yoga, merely talking to people about your feelings or focussing on a hobby you really enjoy, could be enough to keep anxieties at bay.

If you know you are out of control of your thoughts and feeling depressed, then find a good counselor and get some help. Often just talking through our problems can help find solutions, but in some cases, you may have deep-rooted issues from the past, which are holding you back from being truly happy. Try to remove as much negativity as you can from your life, and this includes people that are toxic or bring you down. Try to find ways of being confident in who you are, we are all unique, and that is what makes us so special. If you are unhappy with some of your core values, reevaluate, and make some changes. We all have the power to improve ourselves. It just takes one small change.


Look after yourself. Always. 

We are well into the flow with lockdown now, and many of us might have used this opportunity to think about the future and what you want out of life. Who would have guessed that the one thing many of us all ask for, time, is the one thing a lot of us have had in 2020. Of course, no one wished for the world to go through the pandemic it is facing, and the invisible army is not going away. But everyone does need to make the best out of a bad situation and using the time well can be one of the ways you do it.

Making life-changing decisions anyway is not an easy thing to do, but when you have time you can research what it is you want, you can start to take steps in the right direction and consider every aspect of it before taking that leap. This is a golden chance to think about what you want your future to look like, and to jump right in. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you some of the life-changing decisions that you could be thinking about for a brighter future.


MOVING HOME OR BUYING YOUR FIRST PLACE 
It can often feel like you are overly reaching for the stars when you start to think about moving home or buying your first place. It is one of the biggest purchases you make in your lifetime, and even if you have bought before, the process can still be overwhelming and stressful. Not only do you have to think about saving enough money, finding the right property, but the actual moving side of things can be equally just as daunting. Especially when it comes to transporting items and heavy lifting. However, everyone will agree that once you get the keys to your new place, it is pretty amazing. Moving house may have been highlighted because you have stayed indoors much more, or you may have finally had the chance to complete some of those DIY jobs that have been on the list for a while. Knowing what you want now will help you to figure out your next move.

A PROMOTION OR A CAREER CHANGE 
You could consider a promotion or career change as being a life-changing event once lockdown is over.  When you have time, it can always spark inspiration and motivation to make changes such as these, as you start to plan out the next twelve months ahead. You may be feeling unfulfilled in your role, perhaps want more earning potential, or feel that some of your attributes and skills may be more useful in other career options. The best advice is to figure out what you want to do, and then make a plan to make it your reality. You could even use the time to enhance your skills such as copywriting courses, degrees that you can do home, or qualifications in areas like accounting to help you enhance your career accordingly. You have the gift of time.


STARTING A FAMILY 
Another big decision that you may decide upon having had time to think about it could be starting a family. Deciding you want a baby or to add to your family is definitely not a decision to take lightly. So there should be no surprise that it is deemed as life-changing. You need to figure out whether the dynamics of your life will work or be easily changed to accommodate. You need to decide on the financial impact a baby will have, and if you can make it happen in regards to having enough space in your home. However, it can also be a long process, so deciding sooner rather than later can help you get your body on track and feeling at your most healthiest.

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE
Finally, deciding that you want to change your lifestyle may sound like a simple thing to do, but the benefits and impact on your life can be dramatic. Things like changing your diet to plant-based or going vegetarian or gluten-free can really make a difference to your weight and how you feel. Exercising more can actually have a real good impact on your health, and give you more energy and help you sleep at night. The benefits far outweigh the negatives, and it could certainly be a life-changing year ahead.


Let’s hope that this has inspired you to consider some of the things you could do to your life this year. 

How can you travel on a budget without compromising luxury and comfort? Whenever I'm seen in a new location, I'm usually asked, how do you afford it? How can you travel as much as you do? We all want the best when it comes to vacations, but vacations, as you know, aren't always cheap. And for many, budget-friendly vacations are all they can afford.

Personally, I never travel basic economy; it's something I would never recommend anyone doing. I also try to stay at a 4-star and above hotel because I value my safety, especially when traveling solo, but mostly because I travel a lot with my 8-year old daughter. So how can you travel like a baller on a budget? How can you get that luxurious vacation without spending luxury prices? Here are a few ways you can do so.




TRAVEL WITH POINTS OR AIRLINE REWARDS
It pays to fly consistently with a specific airline. Our airline of choice is generally American Airlines. Build your points with each flight and save them for a discounted fare towards your next trip saving you money. If you're also an elite member, you may be able to upgrade your flight for little to nothing. Here's a tip for you: Never pay full-price for a first-class seat, always upgrade at the airport where you'll get it discounted. You'll still get all the benefits, including lounge access, without paying full fare.

SKIP POPULAR LOCATIONS
Established cities are already considered popular tourist destinations, such as London, Paris, and Rome. That usually means that those cities have higher hotel rates, pricier eateries, and attractions. Skip these popular destinations and consider going to lesser-known locations. These destinations will have lower hotel rates, as they're trying to attract visitors. In most cases, you'll be able to enjoy a stay in a five-star hotel while only paying a two-star price.

CONSIDER THE OFF-PEAK SEASON
There are many benefits to traveling during the off-season. Not only will you face smaller crowds, but you'll save a significant amount of money as well. Hotels are generally less expensive as there is less demand for rooms, and airfares drop as well. That means that you'll more than likely end up with a luxury vacation for relatively cheap. However, there are many ways you can get a great deal on a hotel room.


GET AN APARTMENT
If you're not able to travel during the off-season or a popular destination is your destination of choice, we recommend getting an apartment instead of a hotel. You can rent an apartment through HomeAway or Airbnb, which will enable you to have that luxury feel without that luxury price. A rule of thumb is to make sure it's in a good location and relatively close to the city center. Here's a quick tip: pull up the hotels that you're interested in staying on a map and book a nearby rental or in that general neighborhood.

EAT LOCAL
Skip the Michelin star restaurants and eateries in major tourist attraction areas. Prices are generally inflated in those areas. If you do insist on eating a restaurant, consider small family-owned restaurants. They are usually reasonably priced, and the food is just as good, if not better. Street food is also another option. You'll be amazed at how delicious street food can be.


AVOID HOLIDAYS & BIG EVENTS
Traveling during major holidays and big events is just as bad as traveling during the on-season. Hotel prices are generally higher and so is airfare, unless you've booked months in advance. However, even then, prices aren't as low as they can be. There's a reason why hotel prices skyrocket during Oktoberfest in Munich, so book a few weeks before or after, or head somewhere different. If you must travel during a holiday, visit a country that doesn't celebrate that holiday as prices will be what you're looking for. So for Thanksgiving, head to Canada as they celebrate their Thanksgiving in October.

PICK UP YOUR CAR RENTAL EARLY
Did you know that you'll usually get a free upgrade if you're early for your rental? Since most customers don't generally return their rental cars until well late into the day, rental agencies are obligated to give you what they have available at that time. And there are usually less compact cars available first thing in the morning. Last Christmas, we rented a small car as Madison and I were making a trip from Ontario to Quebec. Since we wanted to get a headstart on our journey, we were there at opening and ended up with an SUV, which worked out great for us.


Traveling the world doesn't have to be as expensive as you think, and with these tips and tricks, you too can travel like a baller on a budget. So get out there because life is an adventure, explore places you've never been.


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