Kids Are Stressed Too: 5 Huge Sources Of Stress For Your Little Ones

Posted on by lauranau17

From Pixabay

Although it can be difficult to believe, just like us grownups, kids get stressed. We tend to view our children as relatively carefree little people. After all, they don’t have to pay the bills, clean the house, or go to work every day.

However, that doesn’t mean that they have no worries at all. It just shows that theirs are a bit different. Unfortunately, if you ignore those problems, they can be just as damaging as yours. With that in mind, here are five huge sources of stress for your kids.

High Academic Pressures

Your children may not have jobs, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t work. School can cause your little ones just as much stress as your nine to five does you. Although some kids, of course, worry a lot less than others, yours might spend hours on homework and revision each night.

As important as it is for your children to keep their grades up, you must teach them the importance of taking care of themselves. Eating healthy, sleeping plenty, and having fun are all vital too.

Lack Of Sleep

There are many reasons why your kids might not be getting enough sleep each night. Perhaps they stay up late on their consoles or eat lots of sugar in the afternoon. Some might even be kept awake by their new sibling or the uncomfortable bed that they sleep on.

Whatever the reason, you must identify it and combat it. After all, your little one is going to struggle to function properly if they’re not getting adequate rest. You should also set a bedtime and try to stick to it each night.

Conflict Between Parents

Most parents believe that the best thing for their children is for them to stay together. If you and your partner are always fighting, however, this may not be the case. Although divorce is certainly difficult for kids, it’s much easier to deal with than constant conflict. This means that, if you and your partner can’t settle your differences, you should consider contacting a divorce attorney. Try to remain civil throughout and after the divorce, or you’ll just make it harder on the children.

Moving Somewhere New

Children, especially younger ones, thrive with routine and structure. Although they adapt well to change, eventually, they may struggle with it at first. Therefore, a big change, like moving house, for example, can be quite tough on them. To make this transition easier, you should let your kids know that you’re moving as soon as you can. This gives them plenty of time to get used to the idea. You should also help them to say goodbye to the loved ones that you’re leaving behind.

Loved One’s Passing

No one wants to lose somebody that they love, least of all children. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a friend, relative, or a beloved pet, the passing of a loved one can be a confusing experience for your kids. They are sure to have questions, and you aren’t going to have all of the answers. All that you can do is be honest and be there for them when they need you. They may be worried that they’ll lose you too, so comforting them should assure them that they won’t.

Kids Get Stressed Too

As difficult as it is to admit, your kids get stressed too. When we know how to cope with stressors, we can help them do the same.

Stuck on the Sidelines: Avoiding Depression When You Can’t Train

Posted on by lauranau17

Whether you’re training for an event, trying to tone up for summer, or just sticking to a fitness regime to support a healthy lifestyle, getting injured is a big kick in the teeth. But, unfortunately, it’s something that happens to most of us at some point. We get injured playing team sports, we strain something at the gym after not warming up correctly, or perhaps most annoyingly we pull a muscle or overstretch our back playing with the kids, or even getting out of bed in the morning. No matter how fit you are, or how much you try to avoid them, injuries happen.

When they do, it’s important that you give your body the rest and treatment that it needs to recover, without rushing yourself and making things worse. But, it’s also essential that you take time to think about your mental health. If exercise plays a big part in your typical routine, you’ve probably been reaping the metal health rewards that come with it. Regular exercise gets you out of the house, meeting people and avoiding isolation. It boosts your confidence and serotonin levels, helping you to prevent depression and combat other mental health issues. It makes you feel good about yourself, and a strong mind often accompanies a healthy body. The loss of these benefits, being stuck at home resting more, and feeling down about a halt in your progress, can all contribute to feelings of depression and a loss of confidence. So, let’s take a look at some ways to take care of your mental health while you recover.

https://pixabay.com/photos/wheelchair-disability-paraplegic-1595802/

Look After Your Body

There’s often a temptation to rush back to the gym as soon as this feels better. But, pushing too hard will only make you feel worse. To look after your mind, you also need to look after your body. See orthopedic physician associates for help building a new training plan or advice on your recovery, and at least you’ll know that you are doing the right thing.

Get Out

The worst thing that you can do when you are sore and upset is sitting at home on your own all of the time — of course, a day here and there chilling in your PJs, watching Netflix won’t hurt if that’s what you want. But, if you start to feel down, or lonely, get out. Go for a walk if you can, head to your local library or community center, meet up with friends and even go to the gym to see your friends there.

Try a New Hobby

Some injuries will still allow you to exercise other areas of your body. It might be a great time to try swimming or yoga, that won’t put as much pressure on your joints. If you can’t exercise at all, try something completely different like photography or writing. Anything that occupies your mind is excellent, and being able to track your progress, hit goals and see improvement will help to boost your confidence and self-esteem, just like exercise does.

Give Yourself Grace

Realize that injuries happen. You need to give yourself high time and grace to heal.

Have you ever suffered an injury? How did you recover?

What It Means To Have The Right Sleep

Posted on by lauranau17

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

Science suggests that people should sleep on average of 7 – 9 hours a night – morning. Sleeping this amount of time amounts to one-third of your life; asleep. As part of having a balanced active lifestyle and diet, sleep is another important thing to keeping well and maintained. There are five main stages to sleep that will range from mild light sleep all the way to the deep sleep state. Sleep is important to every biological lifeform on earth but what does it mean to get the right sleep?

Understanding the cycles of great sleep helps identify where you might be losing vital parts of your natural bodily function.

The Cycle Of Sleep

Usually, the stages of sleep are broken into two sections, stage 1 and 2 are when light sleep occurs, then transitioning into a deeper sleep which is stages 4 and 5.

Stage 1

During this first stage, you drift from being awake to being asleep. The brain will start transitioning into the frequency of Theta which allows a person to calm themselves. This is a light, NREM sleep that doesn’t last very long. You may start to relax and lightly dream. Occasionally people may also twitch or jump as you transition into the second stage.

Stage 2

Stage 2 of the cycle is still a form of light sleep, but you will be still drifting in and out, and physically, with the body, aligning into more of a routine. Your breathing and heartbeat slow down and your muscles relax. Many people are unsuccessful in getting into this stage early on in the night because they aren’t able to stay comfortable. Having problems getting past light sleep can be down to many things surrounding sleep apnea.

Breathing problems are another recurring factor for why some people fail to fall into a deep sleep and require assistance from a breathing machine. CPAP nasal masks fit over the mouth of the person suffering from broken sleep from breathing problems and it allows them to breath clear and then falls into a peaceful deep sleep.

Sometimes we go about our days not realizing the tension certain parts of our body endures and stores. This could be down to numerous factors. If you notice your jaw or stomach tensed, take a few deep breaths and quick stretch and then retry. Your body temperature will slightly decrease and your brain waves become less active to respond to the environment.

Stages 3 and 4

In stage 3, you will enter deep sleep, and stage 4 is the deepest sleep stage. During deep sleep, your respiration, blood pressure, body temperature and brain waves reach their optimal levels for deep sleep to occur.

Stage 4 is typically known as the ‘healing stage’. This is when tissue growth and repair take place within the body. Depending on nutrition intake, important hormones and substances are released to do their jobs, and cellular energy is restored.

REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement)

Your first REM cycle of the night begins about 90 minutes after you fall asleep and recurs every 90 minutes. The eyes will move around quickly behind your eyelids and your brainwaves look similar to those of someone who is awake and in an alert state. Your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure rise to near-waking levels because of the level of thought the brain is in while processing the information incredibly fast. This is usually down to REM sleep often being referred to as stage 5; when you are most likely to dream.

Get the Right Sleep

These are what it means to have a successful nights sleep. Some people are natural born sleepers, others are overthinkers and need more time to unwind. However you sleep, getting the right sleep is so important. What helps you to get the best nights sleep? Let us know in the comments below. Can you tell when you’ve gotten the right sleep for you?

How To Have Fun Sensibly

Posted on by lauranau17

The term ‘sensible fun’ may seem like an oxymoron, but as you get a little older and gain more responsibilities it’s important that you enjoy yourself in a way that doesn’t negatively impact on your family or life as a whole. Hangovers get harder to deal with as every birthday flies by, and your body (and bank account) simply won’t be able to handle some of the things you used to do before the kids came along. There are still ways of having a good time without taking part in potentially damaging behavior, so read on to find out how you can start having fun sensibly.

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Go Cheap Or Go Home

One of the best ways of ensuring that you have fun responsibly is by setting yourself a budget. If you’re going out to drink with friends, take a small amount of money with you and cut down your amount of drinks massively. If you don’t actually have the money with you to spend, you physically won’t be able to buy anything else. Make sure your friends know what you’re trying to accomplish so they don’t offer to pay themselves.

If you’re missing a different kind of vice, indulge in some guilt-free gambling with freebets and have fun without even spending a penny. There are many ways of partaking in your usual activities but without the bad side effects, you just have to be considerate and plan every step with caution.

Find A New Passion

It may be easier to just throw out your old lifestyle completely and find a new passion. There are many things that can bring about the same feelings of happiness and excitement that actually provide you with even more benefits. Perhaps joining a new club or society to learn a skill or achieve something, as you will still get the social aspect and the chance to meet new interesting people. It will take a few different ideas before you find the right thing for you, but once you do there will be no turning back. As a parent you will be setting the right example for your children, as you will be able to show them that having fun can also mean improving yourself. Working out may seem at the other end of the ‘fun’ spectrum when compared to your usual vices, but the rush of endorphins you will feel when you start to work up a sweat is often called a ‘runners high’.  This feeling is regularly compared to euphoria. Coupled with a fun activity such as a team sport or dance class, you’ll finish feeling on top of the world having had a blast too.

Have Fun Sensibly

Hopefully, these tips can help you have fun a little more sensibly, and show you that enjoyment can have benefits rather than after effects. Finding a new way to enjoy yourself isn’t as hard as you may think; the most important thing is to be creative and approach every new opportunity with an open mind.

What is your favorite way to have fun without breaking the bank?

5 Incredible Health Benefits of CBD for Women

5 Incredible Health Benefits of CBD for Women

Posted on by lauranau17

With her intricate body composition, a woman is always prone to complicated health issues. And while most of them are reluctant to take cannabidiol (CBD) because of this plant’s lasting stigma, little did they know the health benefits that this hemp-based product brings. Here are five incredible benefits of cannabis to a woman’s health:

1. Anti-aging Regimen

Collagen is an essential protein that promotes vitality and integrity to most parts of the body, such as the skin, bones, and ligaments. As collagen production in a woman’s body drops, here comes wrinkles, sagging skin, and weak bones. The deterioration of collagen causes aging in women.

However, the search for the fountain of youth has long been over with CBD. According to New York dermatologist, Dr. Francesca Fusco, CBD helps improve the production of collagen and protects the body from free radicals, improving the overall health of the skin. Fusco also found out that cannabis produces not only fatty acids but also other nutrients that are essential to youthful, healthy skin.

2. Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause in women is inevitable, and its side effects can be difficult to manage. Modern medical experts have found a close link between the endocannabinoid system and estrogen. With cannabis, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings are alleviated.

For women who have insomnia on their menopausal stage, cannabis is known to improve the quality of sleep. CBD is also beneficial for those who are experiencing anxiety and depression.

3. Pre-Menstrual Symptoms

Most women experience abdominal pain, spasms, diarrhea, and nausea before or during their menstruation. Surprisingly, a number of women who use cannabis have been relieved from these pre-menstrual symptoms. With the anti-inflammatory effects of marijuana, pains relating to inflammation of the uterus will most like subside.

4. Relieves Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A hormonal imbalance would lead to a spike of androgen level in women, which will cause irregularities in the ovaries. Such disorder is called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

While the cure for PCOS is still unknown, there were reported information and research that cannabis supports a woman’s endocannabinoid system, aiding in the prevention and even treatment of this disorder. Moreover, the use of marijuana helps women manage abdominal pain caused by the development of cysts.

5. Promotes Sexual Health

A high concentration of cannabinoids in a woman’s system would result in a boosted sexual arousal. The Journal of Sexual Medicine stated that seven out of 10 women who use marijuana before sex had a better and more pleasurable experience. Another study revealed that more than 60 percent of women had increased their sex drive by using marijuana before sex.

Final Thoughts

With several benefits that it provides to women from physical to emotional and mental health, CBD isn’t just a trend anymore. Furthermore, as marijuana brings about more good than harm, taking off the harmful effects of chemicals and synthetics, it has opened the doors not only to the beauty arena but also to the medical world.

Author Bio:
Sarah Brooks, a frequent traveler, and dietitian loves to write about little-known facts and fun stuff about travel, health, and food. She is currently working with TheGreenAce, one of the best online weed dispensary in Canada, which aims to provide legal, safe access to high-quality Medicinal Marijuana.

Get Yourself to the Greek (#GreekGodsAtGiant)

Posted on by lauranau17

When I started learning about healthier foods and incorporating them into my family’s bellies, one of the first foods that I fell in love with was Greek yogurt.

If Greek yogurt isn’t a staple in your fridge yet, let me share some of the reasons why you need to get yourself to the Greek (or at least your local Giant food store).

Read on for an awesome coupon!

Why Is Greek Yogurt Great for You?

There are a ton of health benefits in Greek Yogurt. For starters, it’s an incredible source of protein. With all the protein you get from this type of yogurt, you will stay full longer and may decrease your appetite. Protein is also necessary if you’re looking to build more muscle.

Greek yogurt is also a great source of calcium and probiotics. We know that calcium is necessary for bone health. And probiotics are the good bacteria that aid in a healthy gut.

Is All Greek Yogurt Created Equal?

In short, no. For starters, many companies will label their containers as “Greek-style” which basically says “it looks like it”. These can be super misleading especially to people who are new to the game. (This actually infuriates me because so many people want to fuel their bodies with healthier options and they trust companies who are essentially lying to them just to get their business. Don’t get me started on “low-fat” labels that are full of hidden sugars!). But that’s an entirely different post!

Real Greek yogurt is low in sugar. When it becomes flavor filled containers, the sugar content increases exponentially. That’s why it’s best to buy plain Greek yogurt and add in fruits or pure vanilla extract at home for extra flavor.

Now, for the Deal!

If you want a great deal on a great Greek yogurt, you’re in luck! I have a printable coupon available to all my readers for $1 off a 24 or 32 oz. container of Greek Gods yogurt. (You’re welcome)

Print the above coupon and redeem it at your local Giant Food store.

Want extra savings? If you receive a Valpak envelope, you’ll find an additional coupon for $1 off Greek Gods yogurt, redeemable at Giant food stores!

Do You Eat Greek Yogurt?

I’d love to know how you enjoy Greek yogurt. It’s so versatile. Replace sour cream on tacos, add to your smoothies, or add your favorite chocolate superfoods and top with strawberries!

What’s your favorite way to eat Greek yogurt?

Open Letter to the Moms in the Trenches!

Posted on by lauranau17

To my fellow Mommas in the trenches:

Some days are full of giggles and glitter and fun.

Other days, you have to hold a sick babe and have them throw up down your back while you pee.

The days can be so long, but the years go by too fast.

I want you to know that you’re not alone. Even on those days when you feel like it’s been months since you’ve had an adult conversation.

Even on those days when you’ve worn the same shirt covered in spit up and can’t remember the last time you washed your hair.

Even on the days when you eat leftover muffins off the floor because you forgot to make breakfast.

Even on the days where you feel so lonely even though your house is full.

You are not alone. You’re loved.

And YOU ARE ENOUGH ❤️

XOXO,

Laura

How Do People Win At Life?

Posted on by lauranau17
how do people win at life?

Winning at life isn’t guaranteed. Some people get unlucky from the outset. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t carve a niche for yourself and win at the things that are under your control. Not everyone can be a champion athlete. But there are ways that you can max out your chances of success in the areas that matter to you. Check out these insightful ways to win at life and get what you want from the adventure.

Develop Winning Habits

Researchers think that they can now predict who will be successful in life, and who won’t, based on habit formation. Those with good habits who do them consistently tend to wind up in better places than those who don’t – no surprises there.

But winning habits are different from regular habits. For instance, a good pattern could be the way that you think about yourself. Most people unconsciously develop thinking habits that undermine their success. A person, for instance, might falsely believe that they can never have money or a successful relationship. But, more often than not, these thoughts have nothing to do with reality and everything to do with unconscious programming.

Good thinking habits include things like believing that you have the same capacity as anyone else to achieve success.

Keep Your Health On Track

Another winning habit is to keep your diet and health on track. Being healthy gives you so much more energy and enables you to do all the hard stuff involved in success, like working hard, coming up with great ideas, and pouring emotional energy into relationships. Pursuing objectives is a lot harder when you don’t feel well.

Be Confident About Who You Are

If you’re wondering how to improve self-confidence, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to build confidence, thanks to a mixture of early experiences and doubt in their own abilities. But what’s essential when it comes to success isn’t so much the skills you have, but whether other people get value from what you’re doing.

You don’t have to be the most eloquent, technically sophisticated, or intelligent to win at life. You just have to carve yourself a community that respects what you do and derives something positive from the experience. Often, the most successful people are happy with who they are and just put stuff out there, hoping that others will like it and latch on.

You Have To Work Harder Than Others

Being successful is about working hard every day. You need to be able to work harder than other people consistently to give yourself an edge. The good thing, though, it is that being just 10 percent better than your rivals is enough to win the game. You don’t have to be many times better.

Usain Bolt, for instance, is widely regarded as one of the most successful sprinters of all time. But even he is just one or two percent better than his rivals, leading him to dominate the sport.

How to Win at Life

If there are things you want to accomplish, do it! If you seeing others who “win at life” and you don’t belief you can do that too, you need to change your beliefs. You can accomplish big things, you just need to first believe in yourself.

Want to learn how to squash those limiting beliefs that are holding you back? Check out what coaching can do for you!

The Ultimate New Mom Guide: How To Take Care Of You & Your Baby After Pregnancy

Posted on by lauranau17
The ultimate new mom guide How To Take Care Of You & Your Baby After Pregnancy
White and Brown Bear Plush Toy

[image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-bear-plush-toy-1799399/]

Do you have a baby on the way? If so, odds are good you’re taking steps now to address their needs later.

Make sure you’re also preparing to address your own needs! Being a new mother may be a joyful experience, but it can also be draining. You’ll take much better care of your child if you’re also prepared to take care of yourself.

This new mom guide will help. Keep them in mind to ensure both you and your baby enjoy a healthy and happy postpartum experience.

Stock up on Essential Items

You know how important it is to buy certain items before having a child. That’s what a baby shower is for, after all. However, it’s easy to overlook items that are designed to address your postpartum needs. Don’t forget to include them on your shopping list!

A breast pump is one item all new moms should have. With a breast pump, you have the option to set a feeding schedule that fits your lifestyle, and you can store milk for later.

This helps you avoid the kind of sleep-deprivation many new mothers often experience. When you have a supply of milk stored in your home, you won’t be the only one who can handle feedings when your baby is hungry in the middle of the night.

You should also make sure you have a durable, large water bottle you can bring with you throughout your day. Staying hydrated is essential when you’re breastfeeding.

Worried about health and comfort issues, such as vaginal discharge and breastfeeding-related discomfort? Stock up on sanitary pads and natural nipple cream.

Update Your Wardrobe

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that your wardrobe will change after you give birth. Staying comfortable after having a baby is easier with flattering and comfortable clothing, like shaping leggings.

These are different than supporting tanks and other shapewear you may already own, but postpartum compression garments are must-haves for new moms. They help reduce lower body swelling, and they can stabilize your core. This results in an easier recovery period.

Prepare for Emotional Changes

You may experience a range of intense emotions after having a child. This is natural. That said, if you’re not ready for them, you could end up feeling guilty about your own emotional needs.

Don’t let this happen. Take the time to research what you can expect AFTER you’re expecting. Discuss the topic with other women you know who’ve already had children. Let important people in your life know there will be times during the postpartum experience when you’ll need to be able to express your feelings without being judged.

By learning what to expect and forming a support system ahead of time, you’ll be less bothered by your own natural emotions as you tend to your new baby’s needs.

Plan a Routine

Again, when you take care of yourself, you’re more equipped to take care of your baby. That’s why self-care needs to be a priority.

You’re more likely to prioritize self-care if you create a routine. That involves planning your diet, identifying self-care activities you can participate in as a new mother, and setting aside a quiet area within your home where you can spend some time relaxing.

Use this space to reprogram any negative self-talk that may prevent you from addressing your own needs. As a new mother, you may feel as though you’re under a lot of pressure to be superhuman. Taking a few moments every day to remind yourself nobody is superhuman is important. It’s also easier when you have a relaxing environment in which to do it.

Welcome to Mommyhood with this New Mom Guide

The joys of motherhood are real. However, so are the stresses. They’ll be much less likely to take a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health if you plan accordingly. Use this new mom guide to help you along your new journey!

Save Money and Look Fabulous!

Posted on by lauranau17

I remember being a little girl and getting into my mom’s makeup. It was so fun to pretend and dress up. As a girl mom, I also love (well, usually lol) seeing my sweet girls play in my makeup. The excitement on their faces when they do their makeovers is priceless.

As an adult, I still love playing in makeup. I also love saving money, so when I can do both of those things, I’m one happy Momma!

One of my favorite places to buy cosmetics (and everything else) is Walgreens. It has a similar magnetic field that Target has. I walk in and end up wandering around looking at everything.

Favorite Milani Products

It’s hard to pick only a couple products, but I wanted to showcase a few that you can find at your local Walgreens store.

I love oils. I was hesitant to try them in the past because I just assumed they would make my face, well, oily. Boy, was I wrong. I started finding great oils and have never looked back.

Milani has a fantastic prep + brighten rose facial oil. Fast absorbing and weightless, this oil is a great addition to your skin routine. Bonus: it can also be used on your hair and skin. I love multi-functional products!

Another awesome product is mascara! As a woman with lighter eyelashes, I love a great black mascara that makes my eyes pop! Check out this Milani mascara.

save money and look fabolous at Walgreens

Save Money Today!

You can save money today on your next Milani cosmetics purchase. Print off this coupon and Save $1 when you buy any one (1) Milani product at Walgreens! (coupon expires 5/30/19)

I want to know! What are your must have beauty products?