Relationships are like plants; they need constant care and attention to flourish and stay healthy. However, relationships are far more complicated than one might anticipate, as you might not always be able to identify problems in order to fix them. Happily ever after may seem like a fairy tale for many people, but those who work on their marriage constantly and fix arising problems tirelessly will be able to live happily as they can be. The first step to tackle these marriage problems and evade divorce is to identify them early on before they escalate. Below are the most common problems that married couples can face.

LACK OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is an essential tool for everyone and it plays a vital role in a healthy marriage. Usually, partners fight without even communicating how they feel or how the other one makes them feel. Talking to the other partner isn't necessarily a form of communication because it requires more than talking. Communicating also requires active listening. For instance, a spouse needs to listen carefully to their partner and process what they want to say, so they can clear a misunderstanding or fix the problem of an argument. In extreme cases, spouses can always go to a marriage counselor if they fail to communicate properly.

MONEY SPENDING ISSUES

Usually, after getting married, both partners join their finances to spend money on their shared household. However, some couples may begin to fight with each other because of their spending habits, and it may start an argument that can lead to dissecting those personal habits and traits that they don’t like in each other. Financial problems are the most common signs that your marriage is over, and you need to start fixing them before it’s too late. These issues usually start when one partner earns less than the other, as it can make them feel that they are not as productive or successful as their partner. On the other hand, the other partner might feel that they have the right to spend more money since they are the one earning more money. Sometimes, married couples face financial problems that make one spouse more stressed. It puts huge pressure on them and, in return, they end up arguing with their partner over minor issues without realizing the real reason behind the argument.

LOSING THE SPARK

If you bought a new phone, you'll certainly feel very excited and use it all the time in the first few days. After a while, you'll care less about it as it already became too familiar. The same thing can happen in marriage as spouses can sometimes get bored of their partner’s habits. It may even affect their intimate life and lose their sexual interest in each other. The day-to-day routine isn't suitable for everyone as some may find it comforting, while others may find it to be very boring. Some spouses stop making efforts or appreciating their partners which can eventually lead to huge fights. It's up to each individual to resolve this problem by either accepting and appreciating one another or breaking the routine from time to time to spice their lives up.

UNHEALTHY JEALOUSY

Often the word "jealousy" is linked to a negative trait, but sometimes it can be a beneficial emotion. When you show your partner that you're jealous, this makes them feel that they're still wanted and loved. However, sometimes a jealous partner can turn into a stalker watching every move of their spouse and making them feel like they're being watched all the time. On the other hand, a total lack of jealousy may show no care or wanting to the other partner. That's why there should always be a little ounce of healthy jealousy between couples to keep the relationship in balance.

INFIDELITY

Many people think of infidelity as only being intimate with someone else, but the truth is, infidelity comes in various forms. Emotional infidelity may be more catastrophic than the physical one as it shows that their spouse is interested in someone else for who they are and it leaves the other partner thinking that their significant other has found a better match than them. Also, having internet relationships outside marriage are becoming more popular and frequent nowadays as technology advances, making it a new form of infidelity in the 20th century. In the end, infidelity leads to a lack or even a total loss of trust between couples, and we all know that trust is one of the strongest foundations of a healthy marriage.

We all make mistakes and sometimes, we don't see what we're doing wrong. However, with enough care and effort, we can always work on ourselves and become better individuals and partners. Marriage is all about working out our differences and accepting the imperfections of one another. Helping each other to become better individuals by loving and caring for each other is the true essence of a healthy marriage. Remember that there is no shame in consulting a therapist or a marriage counselor to seek help and save your marriage. Sometimes, we need a third person to show us what we are missing out on to have a healthy marriage.

 Covid-19 has changed the world we live in, and taking precautions against airborne health risks has become more important than ever. It is essential that we learn how to protect ourselves from deadly viruses such as Covid-19.

THE USE OF MASKS

The Government and The World Health Organisation have strongly advised the use of masks when going outside and going to the shops. With the continued spread of Covid-19, even outdoor activities and exercise have become compromised. You need to ensure that the mask you have will keep you safe, however, that does not mean you should have to compromise on comfort. 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASKS

• Surgical Masks: surgical masks are used by medical staff to prevent their patients from getting infected if they are unwell without knowing. The mask will catch any bacteria droplets that come from the mouth and nose.

• Cloth Masks: cloth masks are easily accessible and available in a wide array of colors and patterns. These are reusable, so you can buy one and use it again and again. While it is an affordable option, some cloth masks have come under scrutiny for not being as protective as surgical masks. 

• Masks with innovative technology: athletes, joggers, and walkers alike have begun to find innovative ways to ensure that their mask does the job as well as being comfortable and practical. The experts at MASKFONE have developed a mask that makes taking calls and listening to music safer. As with a Maskfone you don’t have to keep taking off your mask, reducing your likelihood of catching any airborne viruses. 

Whatever mask you end up using, test out its effectiveness with the ‘candle test’. To do this, you have to put your chosen mask on and see if you can blow out a candle. If you can blow it out, then your mask is not safe. You can learn more about the candle test here. 

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

The best thing you can do is to avoid people as much as reasonably possible. When you are out and about,  firstly, you should always wear a mask, secondly, if you want to increase your protection further then you have to keep a distance away from others. Try to do as much of your shopping online and avoid places that are likely to be crowded. If you want to know more on the specifics of how you should be distancing, check out the information on Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. 

WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY

This one is fairly self-explanatory, however, despite it being simple, its importance should not be underestimated. We touch our faces all the time without even knowing. If you have something on your hand without knowing and go to touch your face, then you can very easily contract a contagious disease. 

The most effective way to stay safe during these troubling times is to put all three protective measures into use at the same time. Don’t think of it as an either-or situation, as these measures are most effective when combined. 

 Saying the word “holiday” aloud may conjure up a variety of images depending on who you ask. Regardless of the slight differences, the general consensus is that true holidays are relaxing, fun, and a little (or a lot) luxurious. It’s common to feel like most camping trips and outdoor excursions don’t really fit into the holiday classification, due to the more rugged and less luxurious nature of the lodgings. However, outdoor trips can actually make wonderfully relaxing and indulgent vacations if approached the right way. There are a couple of easily achievable ways to create an incomparable environment for yourself or other travel companions. Attending to the little details and leaving ample room for creature comforts is sure to make your next outdoor trip an unforgettable holiday.

ELEVATE YOUR MENU

Typically, the food on a camping trip is nothing to write home about. When people pack for the great outdoors, the menu is the last thing on their minds. Using lots of dried meals to fill the nutrition requirements can save on space, but makes dining a rather dull affair. Food is one of the most effective ways to the heart, and to really make your heart happy on your next holiday it should be a top priority. This means delving into your creative side and your pantry to come up with recipes that are colorful and flavourful, yet still feasible to make outdoors. Luckily, there are tons of awesome high-quality camping recipes that will transform the culinary level of your campsite. Some foods might even trick you into thinking you’ve stumbled into a Zagat rated establishment, and you’ll definitely want to make them when your trip ends. Your stomach will thank you, and since smell is a strong component of memory, your memories will be filled with amazing meals in addition to fun times.

COMFORTABLE LODGINGS

One of the main differences between traditional outdoor trips and true holidays is the look and feel of where you’re hunkering down for the night. Seeing the stars is beautiful, but so is getting a good night’s sleep. This can be easier said than done when you’re laying on the ground or sleeping with nothing but a thin sleeping bag between you and the elements. This area is one in which convenient and comfortable additions like camping air mattresses really shine. After a long and fun vacation day, having somewhere plush and inviting to lay down will make a DIY trip feel like a five star one. Setting up the inside of your tent as a comfortable home away from home is the key to turning your campsite into the perfect holiday destination. Choose between cheaper, more durable, or premium furnishing options to customize your relaxation. Toss in a few chairs and neatly organized luggage storage and you’ve created the perfect outdoor lodge.

CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE

Whether you’re in a tent or in the mud, being outside is tranquil, refreshing- and very unglamorous. If you want to take your next vacation from zero to one hundred, the devil is definitely in the details. Bringing decoration and lighting for your environment will make everything outdoorsy seem polished, homey, and inviting. Fairy strings and floodlights will add to the natural beauty surrounding you and immerse you further into a dreamy, zen-like state. Books, games, and knick knacks will create warmth about your camping space while providing additional activities. Uncharacteristic camping additions such as throw pillows and soft blankets will erase the utilitarian travel mindset, and replace it with a luscious home base for you to enjoy. 

Holidays don’t have to mean expensive flights and upscale hotels. With a little extra effort and creativity, you can upgrade your next outdoor getaway into the vacation you’ve been yearning for. Flights are expensive and hotels can be cramped and impersonal- investing in equipment that can be used over and over again is fun and cost-effective. Plus, it’s harder and harder to carve time in busy schedules to enjoy everything nature has to offer. Planning a holiday outdoors means you’ll get the relaxation you want in addition to the outdoor time you keep putting off. When you’re creating your own dream environment, you can change and customize it as much or as little as you like. The result is a fantastic space for you to unwind and recharge, on the cheap, and with the material comforts that you’ve come to expect from a vacation. What more could you ask for?

 Your home is where you should feel the most comfortable and relaxed. Mess, dirt, and clutter can affect our mental and physical health, which is why it is important to keep your place clean and tidy. For some people, the process of cleaning up their entire homes all by themselves can be a struggle. Hence,  many homeowners consider hiring a cleaning service to do all the hard work for them. 

However, when calculating the costs, many people find themselves struggling to decide whether hiring a cleaner is worth the money or if they should clean up the place themselves. In order to come to a decision, you will have to ask yourself the following questions to figure out whether hiring a house cleaner is right for you. 

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

Before you decide on whether or not you should hire a cleaning service, you need to analyze your financial status and take a look at your budget. If you are struggling financially and can barely make ends meet as it is, then adding the cost of a cleanup service to your list of regular bills may not be a good idea. However, if you are financially stable and can manage to set aside a cleaning budget to pay for a cleaning service regularly, then that can be a hassle-free choice that will make life easier for you. Find cleaning services that match your budget so that you do not end up paying too much money for small chores that you could have easily taken care of yourself, regardless of your financial stability. 

DO YOU HAVE TIME TO CLEAN?

For many people, finding the time to clean regularly can be almost impossible. If you are a working professional or a busy bee with a lot on your plate, it is always a good idea to hire a house cleaner to maintain your home’s cleanliness. The UK-based professionals at Well Polished explain that you can find an affordable cleaning service tailored to your needs in your local area. The right cleaning service will meet your requirements and make your home look bright and shiny in no time while you take care of your daily chores or business endeavors. By hiring cleaning professionals, you will not have to worry about going back home to a messy place after a long day at work, as experienced cleaners will leave the home spick and span.  

ARE YOU PHYSICALLY CAPABLE OF CLEANING?

Cleaning the house can be quite physically demanding, especially if you live in a large house. If you do not feel like you are physically capable of cleaning your entire house on a regular basis as a result of the house being too big or because you have any health issues, then it is better to hire a house cleaner to do the job for you. However, if you are young and in good health, then you can consider doing the cleaning yourself and, in turn, save some money. It all comes down to your own personal assessment of your physical capabilities and what you can or cannot handle. Make sure you do not push yourself to clean your home if you are unable to just to save money, as it can end up being more cost-effective to hire a house cleaner rather than spending your money on medical bills if you harm yourself doing chores. 

HOW MUCH WORK DOES YOUR HOME NEED?

If you are unsure about whether or not you should hire a professional cleaner to tidy up your home, you should take a look around and assess just how unclean your house really is. If the house just needs a bit of dusting and decluttering, then you should probably be able to do that by yourself without any professional help. However, if the state of the house becomes unsanitary quite quickly;  for instance, if you have pets or are just moving to a new house that has not been habitable in a while, then hiring an experienced house cleaner may be the best option. 

A clean home is key to a happy and healthy life. For some people, cleaning is not a simple chore that they can handle themselves on a regular basis. It can be tiring and time-consuming, and many people simply don’t have the time or energy to do it on their own. Therefore, hiring house cleaners can make life much easier. In any case, before you hire a professional cleaner, make sure you do some research to find a reputable service and get a good deal. 

 When the world suddenly feels suffocating, Kayaking is a great way to go incognito and getting your much-needed peace and quiet. It is a great way to enjoy a sunny day while connecting with nature. However, that’s not all there is to this affair. Do you know that you can burn up to 300 calories per hour while Kayaking?

If that convinced you to try out this outdoor activity, you now may be wondering what you should wear and, most importantly, what are the most appropriate shoes to put on? To make sure that you enjoy the most of your time in the water, here are some tips on picking out the best kayaking shoes!

THE BASICS OF KAYAKING 

A Kayak is a small and narrow water vessel that is propelled by a double-bladed paddle that enables you to maneuver the boat faster with ease. It is believed that Kayaking originated from Greenland. The word "Kayak" means "man-boat" in Eskimo, where it was also used primarily for fishing and hunting in northern places such as North America, Siberia.

Kayaking is often mistaken for canoeing because they look the same and use a paddle. However, the difference lies in the paddle and boat itself. Canoeing uses a single-bladed paddle, and the boat is uncovered, whereas, with Kayaking, it is quite the opposite. Kayaks are usually close-decked and can contain only one rider. 

GUIDELINES WHEN SELECTING THE BEST FOOTWEAR FOR KAYAKING

There are risks and dangers to Kayaking. That’s why you should stay clear of injuries or wounds as much as possible, especially in your feet area. If you want a neat and joyful experience, choosing the best shoes for Kayaking can be a challenge. However, it’s not impossible! The following are the things to keep in mind when buying the best footgear for Kayaking:

1. COMFORTABILITY 

Do you notice that when your foot is in pain, everything hurts as well? Well, that is because your feet are the foundation of your body. It is important to consider whether the shoes you’re going for are comfortable enough for long hours in the water. Kayaking shoes are typically tight but make sure your foot can still breathe to avoid cramps and suppressed blood flow because they may lead to foot-related dangers. 

Ensuring that you can easily move your feet around will keep you away from distractions and accidents. 

2. CONSIDER THE TEMPERATURE 

There are different Kayaking shoes in the market for specific seasons. If you plan to go paddling in winter, you’ll need footwear made from 5 millimeter-thick neoprene and a lot of socks. Every kayaker needs to extensively check the weather and temperature of winter waters, especially because as cold as 15 degrees Celsius can start freezing your boat and belongings. 

However, if you will go to warmer waters, you will not necessarily need those thick neoprene shoes and layers of socks. 

3. ASSESS THE TERRAIN

The next thing that you have to consider is the features of the waters and the surrounding land that you plan to Kayak into. Sandy and pebbly areas could be annoying as they could make you pull off your shoe every single time to empty out those little stones. For this one, you’ll need enclosed shoes that can go as far up as your knees. As for places with uneven and harsh surfaces, go for something with thicker soles. 

4. CHECK THE MATERIALS USED

It is crucial to always check the materials used to make your Kayaking shoes. These materials should stick like a second skin, be thick yet lightweight, and dries off fast. The most popular material used for Kayaking shoes is neoprene. This fabric is completely waterproof, which is just the perfect companion for your next water adventure. It also helps to keep your feet warm as long hours in the water make your feet cold. 

5. SAFETY AND PROTECTION

Just because it’s cool looking and perfect for an Instagram-worthy picture doesn’t mean it’s the right one.  Many bodies of water can contain hidden dangers such as pointy rocks, tree branches, and other sharp objects. If you’re not wearing the appropriate shoes, you can be at risk for foot and ankle injuries. Kayaking footwear should be tough and durable for your water-related escapades. 

Kayaking can be a dangerous activity. That's why it’s highly recommended to be fully prepared, especially if you’re a beginner. However, when you’re well-informed enough, this can be one of the best activities that will leave you wanting more. Outdoor activities can bring benefits not only physically but also to your mental health.

 Horse riding is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. In fact, an estimated 30 million people in the United States ride horses as a hobby. Not only is it a wonderful way of getting into the great outdoors and spending time in nature, but it also brings plenty of other metals, physical, and personal benefits. Whether you are considering taking up riding or have already begun your journey into riding, have a read through this article to see some of the excellent benefits you could get - or are already getting - from horseback riding. 

A HOBBY FOR FRIENDS, OR NOT

One of the great things about horse riding is that you can choose whether to go solo or ride out with a group of friends. Jane, a horse riding expert from Ayr Equestrian agrees, saying, “Horse riding is, of course, a wonderful group activity. But, it can be just as rewarding and fulfilling going for a solo ride on your own terms.” This means that it’s clearly a great hobby for anyone. Whether you’re a people person or just a horse person, you can enjoy all the benefits of horse riding. If you do want to start riding with a group, there are plenty of equestrian clubs in all corners of the country, so you can find some new like-minded friends to ride with.

GREAT FOR MENTAL HEALTH

There have been plenty of studies relating to the benefits of horse riding for your mental health. Firstly, it has been shown that simply spending time with horses - and other animals - has a hugely soothing and calming effect on the mind, reducing the effects of stress and anxiety in many people. This is caused by the release of serotonin which is released due to both the animals and the physical activity. As well as this, spending time riding horses uses a fair amount of brainpower. Many mental skills are required to focus, balance, and concentrate when riding. These things activate the brain and heighten mental agility. Having an idle mind is detrimental to mental health and can lead to all kinds of conditions later in life, so activating the brain with equestrian skills can only be a good thing.

TEACHES RESPONSIBILITY 

If you’re riding horses, you’ll likely be helping keep or look after horses as well. This means there are plenty of responsibilities and duties for you to undertake. This is especially beneficial for helping teach your kids about daily responsibilities. Daily chores include feeding and brushing your horses, as well as letting them out of their pens for a short while every morning. There is also the fun business of cleaning up their mess daily! Weekly responsibilities include full grooming of the horse, changing of bedding, cleaning of hooves, and cleaning water and food troughs. Now, we’re not saying you have to make your children do all of these tasks alone! But, they will certainly help teach your children about caring for not just animals but learning about a bit of hard work and responsibility in life. Of course, it will also teach them about loving their beautiful equestrian friend.

PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Of course, horse riding is a physical activity, meaning it’s a great activity for any of us to help keep our bodies strong and agile. It takes quite a lot of physical strength to control a horse, especially if you are a confident rider who likes to travel at a canter. The muscles throughout your core including your abdominals and lower back muscles will strengthen the more you ride, as will your quads and hamstrings in your legs. When you combine extra core and back strength with the straight-backed position you need to hold whilst riding, you will find that your posture improves. Yet another nice physical benefit from horseback riding.

Another physical benefit of horse riding is improved balance and coordination. As we have said, you are training both your brain and body whilst riding. The balance will improve as you spend more time on horseback, using both your arms, legs, and core to help keep you upright. The fact you are using multiple parts of your body at once to both balance and control the horse also improves your coordination. Basically - horse riding is great for your body!

All in all, as you can see, horse riding is simply a great all-around hobby. Your mind will improve, your body will feel stronger, and you will learn so much. Alongside this, you may end up with a whole new group of friends who enjoy riding their horses with you. We truly hope you take up and enjoy caring for and riding horses.