Adam

Some states have been facing the lockdown for what it seems like forever now. And while some rules seem to loosen up slightly, with the promise of more relaxation and safety on the horizon, it makes sense to feel a little bit of cabin fever.

The COVID19 pandemic has slammed into the routines and lives of everyone we know. Even those with a less active and ordinary lifestyle are moving about a little less, out of necessity. But what about the extroverts among us? Fortunately for those who typically spend all their weekends outside, isolation and social distancing is more than a simple nightmare.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your body and mind occupied and healthy during this period. Some routines, small habits, and activities that, when you choose to stick with them, will make your inside life more bearable.

 Video games 

For gamers around the state, lockdown might seem like an excellent opportunity to sharpen those skills in pretty much every waking moment. However, given the latest pandemic advancements, it seems like increasingly more people are turning to video gaming to cope with the lockdown.

Also, it has been suggested that in order to combat isolation and procrastination, playing video games online can be a way for people to socialize with family friends while having fun at the same time.

Since March, some of the world’s biggest online games have seen a considerable rise– games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive sees an increase of nearly 360.000 players during March, while battle arena games like Dota got 120.000 new players. Digital games exist for a reason, and they can be used to replace equivalent activities that aren’t possible during the pandemic.

Watching sports 

Contrary to what you might have heard, sport watching isn’t an activity that only beer-drinking couch-potatoes can enjoy. In fact, numerous new researches show that being a sports fan may actually promote your social-emotional and physical health. For instance, studies have found that sports fans are less likely to be lonely and have greater self-esteem than non-sports fans.

And as European football returns in empty stadiums without its boisterous supporters, it does not mean sports betting and watching cannot be done safely from the comfort of your couch.

At-home yoga is the best yoga 

Lockdown isn’t a good reason to forego your old stretch routine. In fact, now you are going to need it more than ever.

Working out from home has turned out to be more enjoyable and easier than we thought it would. Why? That’s thanks to all the equipment free inspiration we’ve had delved through- and there is one type of working out that is not so easy to replicate at home. Unlike other strength training, in which you can rely on exercises to develop a workout that suits you, yoga is an ancient practice with well-determined postures, breathwork, and flows. You can choose from millions of classes online or YouTube subscriptions to find your perfect yoga time, teacher, and intensity.

Learn to Cook 

Nothing compares with a home-cooked meal that’s more satisfying, flavourful, and cheaper than your late dinner out. Yet dining at home comes up with even more vital advantages. For instance, cooking at home gives you more control over the ingredients you use. You’ve got control over the fat, salt intake, portion size, and other elements that contribute to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Additionally, to its benefits, home cooking provides enough enjoyment, especially when the experience is shared.

Cooking with a friend, family member, or partner is a great way to relieve stress as you can create something new, laugh, and make enjoyable memories, all of which can promote wellbeing during the lockdown.

Join a virtual book group 

Time to read is another advantage of the lockdown. Not only that, but virtual book groups are booming as they adapt to our increasingly rich online lives.

Because they take full advantage of technology, virtual book clubs host online meetings, interactive author talks, ongoing discussions over social media, and multiple chat groups.

Virtual book clubs have to offer something for everyone, regardless of their social strata, age, and nationality. They deeply plunge into a single genre and others that aim to be as varied in their reading material as possible. While some groups have members reading as they wish, others send weekly reminders with page goals. What’s more, is that most of them are entirely free, and there’s no limit on how many members can join.

Why should I join a virtual book club? Given the numerous benefits of reading and the data we have on the growing pandemic of loneliness, it makes a lot of sense as to why joining a book club might help you.

Adding the accountability to help you achieve your reading goal, there are also cultural privileges that clearly indicate book clubs tend to draw great value on growth, intellectual challenge, good conversation, and exposure to new ideas and literary experiences. The next time you finish your book, you can either keep those ideas for you or just type out your takeaways and provoke your friends with discussions.

Connect with far-away friends 

Just because you’re not in the same coffee shop or living room doesn’t mean you can’t have a deep friendship. The lockdown provides an opportunity to connect with those we love but live far away. With that in mind, if you’re distancing yourself physically from others, it doesn’t matter whether they are in France, Milan, or Greece. The more we try to reach across the world and show we care for one another, the more likely we are to defeat a terrible virus called nationalism.

Keeping yourself busy during lockdown should not feel like a responsibility. What’s more, many of these ideas won’t involve spilling large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Practicing mindfulness health, yoga, and entertaining yourself with games, reading, and sports to virtually escape from all the pressure is a healthy response to today’s uncertainty.

If you are struggling with sleepless nights, chances are that your bedroom is keeping you awake. Unwinding before bed and consuming the right foods can positively impact sleep quality, but it’s not enough. If you want to wake up every morning feeling refreshed, take the time and effort to create a sleep-friendly bedroom. You’ll want it to be a sanctuary for restful sleep. The bedroom shouldn’t be noisy, cluttered, or too bright. It should help you reach the peak of slumber and stay there for as long as possible. If you optimize your bedroom, your dreams will become much easier. Given the fact that you spend about a third of your life sleeping, do not waste any more time and do something.

Give yourself an advantage with a bedroom design that relaxes your mind and body. Keep on reading to find out what it takes to prepare your bedroom for the perfect night’s sleep. The good news, it’s not that complicated.

Choose mattresses, pillows, and sheets that are comfortable 

Replacing the old mattress is a good place to start. A comfy mattress will offer a restful sleep that decreases stress levels. If it’s comfortable and supportive, you won’t wake up achy or stiff. An adjustable air bed is the answer to your sleeping problems. You can adjust the firmness when you sleep on your back and make it softer when you sleep on your side. Sleep Number beds tend to be popular among consumers. If you’re just starting your research, a Sleep Number bed comparison can come in handy. You do not want to make a decision on the fly. Everyone who shops on the Internet compares products before making a decision on buying.

Get a body pillow for when your partner is away. It’s great at combating restless slumbers. Also, get a roll for behind your neck and a wedge for behind your back. After a couple of days, you’ll find it impossible to sleep without them. As for the sheets, you shouldn’t be wrapped in a scratchy material/fabric that makes you feel uncomfortable. Even if you’re not what is called a sheet snob, be picky when shopping for new bedding. Don’t purchase anything that doesn’t feel soft to the touch. Soft mattresses are best for those who have a tendency to sleep on the side because they better align the spine. Nevertheless, if the mattress is too soft, the body will sink and this will lead to back pain.

Ditch all electronics 

You shouldn’t have a TV in your bedroom and you should certainly not use your cellphone before going to bed. Electronic devices delay the body’s internal clock and suppress the sleep-inducing hormone – melatonin, in other words. This is due to the blue light emitted by these gadgets. Your smart devices will rob you of your sleep. Studies have demonstrated that exposing a person to blue light suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, that is, the hormone that regulates sleep. TVs, tablets, laptops, and smartphones interfere with sleep.

Resist the temptation of checking your email or signing into your social media accounts before going to sleep. These apparently harmless habits affect your sleep and your brain’s health. Design your bedroom so that the TV is no longer the central point, even if this requires a little bit of rearranging. When you are all tucked into bed, you should be ready to catch some Z’s. Consider putting a curfew on electronics. More exactly, set a time past which using electronics is unacceptable. The outcome is that you will not be grumpy the next day.

Brighten up the interior and reinvigorate the space 

The color of the bedroom can take a toll on your mood and disposition. But what does it matter since the lights are out? If you don’t have a calming and relaxing environment during the day, you’ll not be able to fall asleep in the morning. If the bedroom walls are starting to look a little drab, it’s time to make a change. Budget-friendly wall art can help spruce up the walls and reinvigorate the space. If you’re not into that sort of thing, repaint the room in yellow or soft blue. Bring in the colors of the sun or the sky.

Use mirrors to get more natural light into the bedroom. A mirror will help spread the small amount of light coming in through the window. It can even bounce energy through the room. According to feng shui experts, it’s best to hang the mirror on the wall opposite your bedroom. If it bothers you that the mirror reflects your bed, simply change the spot.

Lower the temperature, will you?

If you have tried all the solutions mentioned earlier, the bedroom temperature is the reason why you are not getting quality sleep. How hot or how cold you feel directly impacts interferes with your ability to get a good night’s rest. The temperature of the bedroom for adults should be between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, attention needs to be paid to the fact that everyone has different optimal temperatures for sleeping, which translates into the fact that you have to experiment until you find a temperature you are okay with. It will be almost impossible to find out the exact measure without a thermometer.

There are all sorts of apps you can use to measure ambient temperature. You can optimize your health in real-time. Speaking of which, invest in a smartphone-controlled thermometer. Smart technology is already here and it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. You can control the bedroom temperature from work and view energy usage through your smartphone. The bedroom will not become uncomfortably hot or cold, so it is highly unlikely that you will wake up in the middle of the night. If you are still having trouble falling asleep, maybe you have been drinking too much coffee. While caffeine is not as bad as other go-to substances, it does lead to poor sleep.

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Nothing can compare to sleeping on a bad mattress. You wake up feeling achy, which can zap the energy and positivity out of your day. The mattress forces you to sleep in an unnatural position that twists and strains your back. Is your mattress keeping you awake? The time has come to buy a new one. A new mattress is a significant purchase in terms of comfortable and peaceful sleep, meaning that you shouldn’t take it lightly. After doing a little bit of research, you will see that there are a handful of mattresses for sale. As a shopper, it’s easy to get lost in the buzzwords used by manufacturers and retailers. Some sell identical big-name mattresses under different names, which makes things even more complicated.

If you don’t want your mattress buying to transform into a nightmare, consider these tips. It helps to be armed with knowledge when you’re in the market for a new mattress.

Read consumer mattress reviews, especially when buying online 

You need to get a good idea of the options that are currently available. Thanks to the Internet, you have access to everything and making a decision has never been more difficult. If you’re afraid that you’ll make the wrong choice, start reading mattress reviews. More than 90% of shoppers use online reviews as part of their search. The Internet is full of places where consumers can evaluate products based on their impressions and feedback from others. Since you can’t test the mattress, you might as well find out what others have to say about it. You’ll know if the bedding is legit or not. Don’t assume that you’ll be happy with the mattress.

Get a good idea about the product you are about to buy. Buying a new mattress can be expensive enough, so it is essential to get things right from the beginning. The question now is: How many reviews are enough? Well, shoppers generally read between 1 and 6 reviews before committing to a decision. If you are going to read online reviews, go beyond the seller’s website. Search the entire Web. If there are enough positive reviews or star ratings for a particular mattress, you’ll feel better knowing the mattress is a good fit for you. If you don’t do your research, you’ll be dealing with sleepless nights and early morning awakenings.

Measure the dimensions of the mattress 

Before heading out to the mattress store, it’s recommended to measure the dimensions of your mattress. It’s easier if you use a tape to measure the size of the bedding, as well as box spring in inches. Measure the height, length, and width. You’ll get the most precise measurements if there isn’t anything on the mattress. Remove any blankets, sheets, pillows, and so on. Write down the dimensions of your mattress so you don’t forget them. Keep in mind that a comfortable bedroom needs to have at least 3 feet of space on the two sides of the mattress. If you change the size, you’ll need a brand-new frame and a new headboard.

Buying a new mattress can turn out to be a nightmare if you are confused when it comes down to the size of the bed. Every mattress size has a singular measurement that manufacturers have agreed upon as the standard. However, attention needs to be paid to the fact that, sometimes, the products do not measure exactly what they should. Your new mattress could be one inch shorter or longer than the standard size. Maybe so, but this does not affect the performance of the mattress. Most importantly, you will be able to fit the mattress in the bed frame.

Ask about returns and trial periods 

If the mattress you’ve just bought is faulty or damaged, you should return it right away. You have the right to return it for a refund. If you haven’t removed the law tag, you’re all right. You shouldn’t end up with a mattress that’s unsupportive, uncomfortable, or unfit for the purpose. As a rule, you have a 30-day trial period, in which you can return the product without saying why. If you’re buying the mattress online, you might be lucky to get a 100-day trial period or more. Ask, to be on the safe side. You don’t want to have any surprises. Needless to say, convenience comes at a price. If you want a good mattress, you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets.

Some stores will offer an exchange or credit. So, if you are not happy with your purchase, you can get something acceptable. Make sure the mattress is in perfect condition and has its original packaging. It is important to read the terms and conditions before heading off to the mattress shop. Check out the rules and guidelines that shoppers agree to follow. If you bought the mattress online, simply send the goods back within 14 days. You should get a refund right away. With bespoke items, things get complicated in the sense that you will struggle to get your money back. And you may be required to pay for the delivery.

Take your time and don’t act on impulse, even if it’s just a mattress. If you do not already have a budget, make one and stick to it. It will not take more than 10 minutes of your time. You can give yourself permission to spend a lot of cash, but do not exaggerate. Do not spend money just for the sake of it. If you are not sure whether or not to buy a product, wait a day or two before finalizing the purchase. You will think more clearly when your head is cold. The wrong mattress won’t offer you adequate support, not to say that it can ruin your sleep. Do your due diligence and avoid sleepless nights.

Generally speaking, brands have value. Look for a good quality product that gives you peace of mind. If the mattress is good, it will provide support and comfort. You will not even dream about asking for your money back.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Health category

You go to sleep exhausted with the hope that by morning you’ll feel a little better and, most importantly, well-rested. Then the alarm goes off, you try to get up, and you feel it – the dreaded back pain. Waking up with back pain is something no one dreams about. But what causes it?

Although it’s a fairly common problem, some people experience it more than others. It could be a medical condition that requires a visit to the doctor, or it can be due to environmental factors such as sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress or in an awkward position. Let’s look at five of the most common causes of morning back pain.

You Need New Pillows

Let’s talk about your pillows. Do you wake up regularly with aches and pains, especially in your shoulders and neck? Are your pillows lumpy and you have to bend them in half to get some decent support? Do they have permanent and noticeable stains from sweat? Maybe it’s time to change your pillows. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you change them every one or two years.

Pillows play an important role in keeping your body in alignment during sleep. For example, if you like to sleep on your side like most people, you can place a firm pillow between your knees. This will support your upper leg and prevent additional stress on your hips and lower back.

The perfect pillow should fit your individual shape and sleeping position to relieve pressure on the intricate structures of your spine. Memory foam pillows like best bamboo pillow can adapt to your shape, and they’re also more durable.

You Need a New Mattress

If your mattress is saggy or lumpy, we may have identified the cause of your morning back pain. Try to remember the last time you changed your mattress. Has it more than ten years? Then you need to go shopping. The level of support and comfort a mattress provides depends on the materials used to manufacture it, thickness, and firmness. In turn, the firmness will depend on your weight and personal preference.

You don’t want a mattress that will sink under your weight, but you also don’t want one that feels like you’re sleeping on the floor. If your mattress does not offer the appropriate support, you will not only wake up with back pain, but you’ll be moving in your sleep a lot because you’re trying to find a comfortable position. That’s the perfect recipe for waking up grumpy.

Sleeping Position

One of the reasons why most people sleep on their side is because it’s the most comfortable position. If you often wake up with aches and pains, the cause might be your sleeping posture. If you sleep flat on your back, it not only makes snoring worse, but it can result in lower back pain. Sleeping on your stomach isn’t great either because it flattens the natural curvature of your spine.

Doctors usually recommend that you sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, as mentioned earlier. Of course, if that makes it harder to fall asleep, you can always relieve the pressure with pillows. If you sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to reduce lower back pain, and if you sleep on your stomach, place a pillow under your pelvis.

Pregnancy

Back pain is very common during pregnancy, and some women start to experience it even after only eight weeks. However, it’s most likely to become an issue between months five and seven. This is due to several reasons:

• Weight gain – The average woman gains 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, and her spine has to support that extra weight, which can lead to pain in the lower back. Moreover, the growing baby and uterus put pressure on the nerves of the pelvis.
• Posture changes – Since pregnancy shifts your center of gravity, you will adjust your posture, and the way you walk even without realizing it. This can also result in strain and back pain.
• Ligaments – The ligaments in your body will become softer and stretch to make giving birth easier. However, this can cause back pain because it places more stress on the joints of your pelvis and lower back.

After sleeping for a long time in the same position, lower back pain can worsen in the morning. This is why women use maternity pillows. Much like we talked about how to use regular pillows to maintain the body’s natural alignment, maternity pillows are designed to support the changing contours of a pregnant woman’s body and make it easier for her to sleep in a comfortable position.

Disc Degeneration

Degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis can occur without a triggering event. As we age, the natural wear and tear of the discs between the vertebrae in the spinal cord can narrow the lumbar spinal canal. In some cases, there are no symptoms of discomfort for several years, but since it compresses the spinal nerves, it will start to affect mobility most frequently in the lower back.

Since the pressure inside the disc is higher in the morning, it can lead to pain that ranges from moderate to intense. Other common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:

• Weakness in the muscles of the legs
• A sensation of tingling or numbness in the legs and arms
• Pain can worsen when bending, lifting, or sitting for prolonged periods, but it improves when changes positions or walking.

If you’ve experienced the symptoms mentioned above, you should make an appointment with your doctor. After taking your medical history and conducting a physical exam to assess your reflexes, range of motion, curvature, and alignment of your spine and see which motions cause pain or discomfort, they will most likely order imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) to get a better look at your spinal discs and see if there’s any bone or nerve damage.

Treatment usually involves taking pain medications such as OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers or steroid injections. Steroid injections contain strong medications to relieve pain, and the effects can last from six weeks to six months. They’re usually administered in the epidural area, a fluid-filled space around the spinal cord.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Health category

With the world moving more and more toward online and at-home businesses, it is not unlikely that you’ve thought about starting a home-based business of your own. The health and wellness industry is booming and lucrative, so a home-based health and wellness business may be just the ticket to motivate you during this period, as well as provide you with major profits. If you want to succeed at your home-based health and wellness business so you can get a cut of that industry capital, here are five great tips.

After the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which rescheduled hemp products that do not contain significant amounts of THC and created a regulatory framework for their sale, the CBD market has exploded in popularity. If you’re not familiar, CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, though it doesn’t produce the intoxicating high that has become the signature of THC. Users have long reported beneficial side effects, but it’s only recently that science has begun to catch up. The FDA even recently approved its first CBD-based prescription medication, Epidiolex, to treat certain rare seizure disorders. If you were thinking about getting into the business, there’s no better time, so let’s discuss six basic tips for breaking into the CBD industry.