Life Lessons I Choose To Be Happy And 7 Beautiful Choosing Happiness Quotes 5:32 PM I Choose To Be Happy Disappointments are inevitable. Misery is optional. -Joel Osteen I choose to be happy. As Alice Morse Earle said, "Every day may not be good... but there's something good in every day." I choose to be happy. That comes from someone who has been chummy with Loneliness for quite a long time. This is a choice made by a girl who grew up thinking she'll never be enough. I chose to be happy even when my heart was broken to a million pieces again and again. I chose to be happy even when I failed in investments more than I could count. I choose to be happy even when some days are gloomy and some nights are long.I choose to be happy even when I feel empty. It's so easy to fall into misery. You try to be loyal, but there will be a person---a family member, a friend, or the one you're in a relationship with---who will betray your trust and destroy you. It's painful. It's okay to be angry for a time. That's part of healing. What you can feel, you can heal. Grieve. Be furious. Cry. And then learn to let go. We heal at our own pace. What's important is that you choose happiness over bitterness.If you want to keep happy memories forever, custom stickers are the best gifts for yourself. You can stick them anywhere and be in good spirits. Custom stickers with any words, shapes, materials, and colors are available for you! Why should you choose to be happy?It's not right to punish yourself for someone's mistakes. It's not fair to suffer the consequences of their choices. It's not wise to drag yourself down to their level of misery. Sometimes you work hard for your goals, but you see that it's given to someone undeserving. When this happens, choose to be happy still. Maybe the door for that opportunity closed because there's another one waiting. Something better. Can you choose to be happy?Yes. Always choose to be happy because the world is full of wondrous things, endless opportunities, and boundless possibilities.You can't miss them just because you're too busy looking down. Too defeated to look up and see the beauty around you. I chose to be happy because it's the most selfless, generous, liberating, and kindest gift I could give myself. I chose to be happy because it's a wise decision to make I chose to be happy because I know I deserve no less. Happiness is a choice. I am happy because I choose to be. How about you? What are you choosing today? 7 Beautiful Quotes About Choosing Happiness1. Life is going by. Don't waste a minute being negative, offended, or bitter. Choose to be happy. - Joel Osteen2. When you get up in the morning, you have two choices - either to be happy or to be unhappy. - Norman Vincent Peale3. Very little is needed to make a happy life. - Marcus Aurelius4. Happiness already exists in your life. All you need to do is tune into it. And you can start doing that right now. - Anthon St. Maarten5. The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. -Russell M. Nelson6. It’s so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy. Losing your cool makes you tired. Getting angry a lot messes with your health. - Joyce Meyer7. I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure. It’s all a question of how I view my life. - Paulo Coelho
Lux Thinking Aloud How To Be Truly Rich And Why You Should Be 9:13 PM We lived comfortably. My father was a good provider, but I've never heard my parents talk about money. So, it never occurred to me that I could, and it's okay to want to be truly rich. How to be truly rich, and why should you be? I have always been content with how my life is going. My basic needs are met. I've traveled to beautiful places. I can afford to watch a movie. I'm not deprived of good food and gadgets. What more can I ask for? Why would I aspire to be more prosperous when I have what I need and even have extra to enjoy a little luxury here and there? "I." How small were my dreams, and how selfish was I? All I thought about was myself. The older I got, the stronger my compassion for others grew.The more I see how the world really is, the more I want to help change it. When I started listening to Bro Bo Sanchez's preaching years ago, I realized that being rich is not evil, selfish, or greedy IF your ultimate goal is to help others. I want to save as many stray animals as possible and give them a better life. Gifer I want to help build communities that provide a livelihood for the poorest of the poor. I want not only to continue helping charities but to increase the assistance I provide. I want organizations to continue their marvelous works of saving the planet by sponsoring them. Yes, it starts with "I," but now it's about others. How can I do all these things if I only have "just enough" for myself? The change I wish to see in the world will not come to pass unless I change myself, step out of my comfort zone and do something about it. Instead of turning a blind eye to the problems I see that bother me (like animal cruelty and extreme poverty), I decided to find a way to help. And here's a way I've found: growing and changing not only to be rich but be truly rich.Be wise enough to choose the best-performing stocks and shares. Because just because you're investing your money doesn't give you the guarantee that it will grow. So be wise in picking the ones that will increase through time. What does it mean to be truly rich? It means I'm not only growing my money, but I'm also nourishing my soul and taking care of my health. To be truly rich is not just about superficial worldly success. It is becoming a whole person, enriching all areas of your life, not just your wallet. Money is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is. So it is essential to increase my finances and become a more godly person in the process. I wish I had started early. How I wish I knew better when I was younger. When I started working, my colleagues were excited to apply for a loan and convinced me that I should too. Because of the reports, someone else will if you don't use your money. A sad truth about our government. Little did I know that I would be paying for the consequences of that "small" loan big time in the future. I wish schools taught us about handling finances wisely as early as they taught us how to count. But they don't. Maybe it's a conspiracy theory among the richest of the rich. We'll never know. 🤷 But here's what I know: It's never too late to start investing. I started in my late 20's. But, of course, some people began way later. If you ask me when to start, I'll say today is the best day to begin investing. I have a love and hate relationship with Math. Okay, maybe more hate. But I know numbers will always be a part of life wherever I go. Since numbers bore me and analyzing the stock market will surely give me headaches, I turn to people who know me better for help. So I signed up for the Truly Rich Club. I never regretted it. 13 Amazing Benefits of the Truly Rich Club 1. Soul Food You'll receive a monthly Power Talk in mp3 form. These uplifting, positive, and encouraging monthly messages will build you up and enrich your soul. 2. Success Mentors Collection This is Bo's interview with successful people and experts. You'll learn from the best of the best. 3. No-Fuss Wealth Strategies The wealth strategies are brief, to the point, and applicable to your life. Bro Bo says, "We'll cover everything—from the universal principles of abundance to the nitty-gritty stuff, like where to invest and grow your money, how to protect your wealth, etc." 4. Daily God Whispers We receive bad news left and right every day. It can get really toxic. When you sign up with TRC, you get short godly messages reminding you of the excellent daily. This serves as a compass that leads you to the right path. 5. How To Be Truly Rich Audio Seminar Another ready-to-download audio will help enlarge your "psychological wallet" and prepare you to receive abundance in your life. 6-7. Powerful eBooks Bro Bo's bestselling books HOW TO CONQUER YOUR GOLIATH, 7 Keys To Overcome Every Problem That Prevent You From Reaching Your Dreams, and How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Things will be yours for FREE if you sign up. 8. Handsome Commissions For every person that joins TrulyRichClub because of your invitation, you get 20% of his or her monthly subscription fee every month. PLUS a 5% commission for all the subscribers this person gets. So you get 20% on your first line and 5% on your second line. 9. Earn from Bro Bo's other internet works If your friend does not like to join TRC, maybe they'll be interested in joining GodWhispersClub instead? Or perhaps they'd want to buy eBooks from Bro Bo? You can earn 20% commissions for every sale, too PLUS 5% commission for every sale referred by your first downline. 10. The book that inspired me to invest My Maid Invests In The Stock Market... And Why You Should Too is Bro Bo's book about how he taught his house helps and drivers to invest in the stock market. The eBook version is one of the freebies you will receive when you sign up. 11. Monthly stock update As I've said, I don't like numbers. So I know I'll lose more than gain if I handle my stocks myself. That's why it helps a LOT to receive monthly stock updates from the experts in TRC. And it's absolutely FREE. 12. Php 100,000 Life Insurance Nothing is sure in this world. Accidents could happen. When I leave this world, the last thing I want to do is be a burden to my loved ones.TRC just knows how to take care of its members. They provide Term Life Insurance of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000) for members who have been with TRC for one year or have paid a 1-year membership. 13. TRC affiliate page with email swipes and banners It won't be too hard to promote or invite your friends to join TRC. They provide email swipes and banners that you can simply copy and paste. "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world." Those are words from the genius Albert Einstein. He said, "He who understands it earns it; he who doesn't pay it." Entrepreneur Jim Rohn said, "You must get good at one of two things. Planting in the spring or begging in the fall." One of my fears is that I would end up begging in the fall simply because I didn't try harder. In the Internet era, we have no excuse not to learn or not to try. Everything we need to know is on the internet. Gurus and mentors have videos and blogs with powerful content for us to gobble. I got sick of giving myself excuses: I have no time. I don't know how to do it. It's not for me. I don't have enough to start. To be truly rich is for all of us. We can learn and have the time if only we say yes to this opportunity. I am not a millionaire yet, but that is the goal. And I'm not ashamed to declare that because my goal is not to buy the most expensive car or live in a mansion (although if that's your dream, go for it). My goal is to enjoy this life by doing what I love, which is traveling, and most importantly, to help make this world better. Tenor I wish to leave this world better than I found it. I hope to give to those who are in need. But I can't give what I don't have. That's why I aspire to be truly rich. How about you? What is your biggest dream, and how do you work on it? Is Truly Rich Club for you? Find out here. This post contains affiliate links. This means I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost. This helps me maintain my site.
Marriage How To Change Name After Marriage In The Philippines 9:58 PM Updated as of January 2025After the stress and bliss of wedding preps and the wedding day, the new missus often faces a practical question: how to change her name after marriage? In the Philippines (and many other countries), changing one's maiden name is not required. If you plan to, I want to share my experience because I know it could feel confusing and overwhelming without guidance. It's really not. Yes, it could be frustrating since we're talking about government offices here (iykyk). But hang in there.With this Change Name guide and tips, you'll accomplish this task with ease.Want to skip reading the blog and get your copy of the requirements and steps in one place? Download the FREE checklist and guide below (Passport name change is not in the blog but included in the checklist). How to Change Name after Marriage in the Philippines 1st Step: Obtain a Marriage Certificate from PSAEnsure you have a copy of your marriage certificate from the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), formerly NSO (National Statistics Office).Schedule your online appointment as they no longer accept walk-ins as of this writing. 💡 Pro tip: Get at least 5-6 copies of your marriage certificate to avoid argument with the spouse. 😅 Because some agencies will need to keep the original. I'm currently based in Bacolod. Though the requirements listed here may be the same nationwide, the processes (like which window, building, etc.) may differ. For Philhealth, we went to their main office. They're also in Robinson's Mandalagan. For PRC, SSS and PAG-IBIG, we went to Robinson's Bacolod 3/F. If you have the time, go to their main offices. The lines there may be shorter.DOWNLOAD the complete list of requirements and straightforward steps for changing your maiden to married name in the Philippines - including passport change with DFA (The checklist is rant-free, promise. Lol!) PHILHEALTHRequirements:PSA-certified marriage certificate: Bring the original and photocopy (In my case, she didn't bother checking the original and gave it back to me but kept the photocopy).Valid government ID: A photocopy of a valid government ID (I brought mine with my maiden name, and they accepted it).PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): You can download the printed and filled-out PMRF from their website. Their site is often down, so just check the link to see if it works. You can also fill out the form in their office if you prefer not to download it. 1x1 ID picture with white background: This one was not listed on the website, but you need it for your new ID. Steps:Fill out the necessary information that applies. For Purpose, tick off ✔ For Updating. Wait for your number to be called and submit all requirements for checking.Wait for your updated record and ID.That's it!Personal Experience:The PhilHealth office is my favorite so far. We arrived a little past 7 a.m. I asked the guard for a number, and I was #27. They let us in around 7:40 a.m. (their office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and started transactions right away.My number was called around 8:15 a.m., and in less than a minute, I was done! However, I had to quickly grab a 1x1 ID photo nearby after submitting the papers and go back to the same window. 😒 After handing over my picture, she printed my name and pasted my picture. It took less than a minute, maybe 20 seconds.I didn't know I could get an updated ID right then and there, but I was glad I did. 💡 To protect your ID from damage, you need to laminate it yourself. There's a lamination service just outside their office. Philhealth office location: Click the photo to view it on Google Maps PRCRequirements:Filled out Petition Form from their websitePhotocopy AND original Marriage CertificatePhotocopy of current PRC IDStatutory fee of Php 225Metered documentary stamp2 pcs passport size picture with white background and name tag (your married name)PRC postal envelope - this is not listed on the website but required in Bacolod which I think is because they will mail your requirements to Manila office.Steps with comments1. Proceed to Window 1 with requirements 1-3 above. It kind of pissed me off that I made an effort to look for a lawyer to notarize the petition form because that's what it says on their website, only to be told I didn't have to. 😠I told Miss Not-So-Pleasant at Window 1 that it's what the website says. I even showed the list I downloaded, but Miss Window #1 just said, "No, we don't require that. We don't ask you to do that." Cute. 🙄 2. Proceed to the back of the room, where you will have your passport-size picture taken (they have blazers if you're not wearing a top with a collar). They only needed one photo, but you'll get six copies. This is also where you will pay for the stamps. I paid Php 110 for 2 pieces documentary stamps (which the woman wrote on a piece of paper, not an official receipt), Php 120 for the pictures, and Php 25 for the postal envelope. The pictures and envelopes were not written on the paper, nor was I given an official receipt for these requirements, but I didn't ask why anymore because welcome to the Philippines. 😅 3. Back to Window 1. She pasted the stamps and my picture on the form, wrote some things, and gave me back my documents. 4. Pay the statutory fee in Window 5 (Cashier). No sarcasm; she was nice and helpful. You need a number for this, though. You can get one from the Cashier after you're done with the requirements, but my husband got me a number while I was processing. The cashier already called my number, but this good guy in front of the line allowed me to go before him because I said I had to wait for my photo (I did for about 5 minutes because it was quite busy). Bless his heart. They'll give you an official receipt for the Statutory Fee. 5. Proceed to Window 6. Brace yourselves. Major rant incoming. Again, it was a little annoying because Mr. Window 6 (Brian) pointed at the notary on my paper to his colleague and sniggered. He did this not only once but three times because his colleague (Miss Nice and Helpful Cashier) didn't find it amusing that he was acting like a total jerk, pointing at my "mistake" in front of me for having my paper notarized. So I told him, "Your website says notarized Petition Form." 😈 To which he replied that it was only for something else. It's time to update your website and specify which transactions need a notarized petition form and which don't, PRC. We're professionals; we're not mind readers. And train your employees (or at least Sir Brian at Window 6) to act professionally next time. The P on your agency's name means Professional, after all. 🙄 I returned to the woman who had sold me the postal envelope for a refund because I had said it was not required. But then she said they should've taken it and called the trooper, Sir Brian. He forgot he needed to fill it with my papers. He's such a delight! 🙄 Giphy Note: I was instructed to check online (within 2-8 months) if my record has been amended. After that, I have the option to apply for an online transaction like a license renewal or just wait for when my present ID expires. They will then give me an ID with "Duplicate" on it (if I apply for renewal right away), reflecting the same expiration date as I have on my current ID. Transactions may be quick or slow depending on the number of people applying on the day. I think we were there for only about 40 minutes.PRC Location:I went to PRC Robinson's Bacolod. The mall wasn't open yet, but if you tell the guard your purpose, they'll let you in. SSSRequirements:Two (2) copies of Member Data Change RequestMarriage Certificate (must show the original but only leave photocopy)Old SSS IDPhotocopy of valid ID with married name Steps:Line up to have your forms checked and get a number. Therefore, it's better to download the form online so you can get started right away. Wait (for eternity 😅) for your number to be called and submit your requirements.Note: I was also told to put my husband under Dependent because, apparently, that's automatic when you're married. I didn't know that. They will mail your new SSS ID within 30 to 60 days.Personal ExperienceThis one's a pain. Although I'm thankful that Robinson's has Lingkod Pinoy Centers, where you can find government offices in one place, the lines could be daunting. I spent more than two hours waiting. 🚩 Update: I never got my SSS ID. It was lost in the mail, the post office told me. They advised me to just get a new one. That was more than 2 hours wasted, including my going back. 🤬 As of January 2025, you can no longer change your status or name online on the SSS website. You’ll have to visit their site to do it instead. PAGIBIGRequirements: Marriage Certificate (they didn't look for the original, just a photocopy)MCIF (Member's Change of Information Form)Valid government ID (it's on the list, but they didn't ask for mine) Steps:Get a number.Wait for another eternity. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜… Wait for your number to be called and submit all your documents. They'll update your information immediately, but you'll need to return to complete the form with your updated married name. They'll tell you when. For me, it's three days after. Pro Tip: Get numbers for both SSS and PAGIBIG simultaneously. They're just next to each other. PAGIBIG is faster than SSS, but both transactions took almost four (4) hours to finish. Giphy Changing your name after marriage is no fun, but it's a necessary step to make things legal, should you decide to take your husband's name. Personal Advice Remember to bring with you: black pen some snacks or candy to avoid getting hangry water a fan (it was hot even with the mall's AC)extra cash in case the rates have changed a whole lot of patience and understanding for uncultured people like Brian at the PRC Bacolod office 🙊 Hope this helps! If you have further questions, please leave a comment below. What's your experience in changing your name after marriage? Let me know!👇 Get your FREE downloadable list of requirements and easy-to-follow steps (Passport name change included) 👇
Faith 7 Lessons I Learned From Ruth While Waiting For My Boaz 8:18 PM So here's the thing about Ruth and why she's a big deal---at least for single women. She's the perfect inspiration for those who are: feeling inadequate feeling flawed scrutinized and marginalized by the cruel society feeling that they've ran out of luck when it comes to finding "The One" tired of doing good and not seeing any good happen to them In short, Ruth is not your ideal woman. People looked down on her because: She was a Moabite. Moabites were descendants of Lot from an incestuous relationship with his oldest daughter. She's a woman, and women during her time were considered property whose value is only a little higher than cows in their society. She's a widow. Some people during her time thinks widows are cursed. Giphy Despite her personal obstacles and the labels people give her, she remained faithful to her mother-in-law Naomi and did what she could to help her. Brushing aside the whispers about her, she went out to glean the barley fields of her late husband's kin, Boaz. That's a quick summary so you may want to read her story to know more. But here's what I got from Ruth. 7 Lessons I Learned From Ruth While Waiting For My Boaz 1. Ruth’s priority was a life of service. Ruth didn’t wait for someone to redeem her after her husband died. She went out there and worked---for her and for her mother-in-law. The only family she has. She could have left her but she didn't. She served her. She knew her priorities. Don’t wait for other people—especially for men to validate your existence or rescue you from where you are. In the end, you're the only one who can save you. Don't be a damsel in distress. Be your own hero. 2. Loyalty and selflessness are always rewarded. She cared for Naomi and never left her side which eventually led her to her future husband Boaz. Even when you don't expect it, your goodness will be rewarded. That's how the universe works. 3. Be confident with who you are. Ruth never let rumors and gossip stop her from going out there and getting what she needed. She ignored the naysayers. She knew she was being judged because she didn’t fit in the society’s standards. She had more important things to think about; she had no time for petty things and petty people. If you know who you truly are, no amount of rumor will make you question your identity. Your reputation is in the hands of others. That's what the reputation is. You can't control that. The only thing you can control is your character. -Dr. Wayne Dyer 4. Be diligent, persevering, and determined. Ruth worked harder than others, which Boaz noticed. Your work ethics, virtues and hard work will speak for itself. Though some people don't appreciate your effort and your goodness, someone will---someone who matters. 5. Be a woman of character. Boaz told Ruth: “All my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.” What can be more flattering than that? You can’t control your reputation, because everyone's entitled to their own opinion. But remember: not everybody matters. You can’t control other people’s impression of you. Don’t even waste your time trying. However, you do have full and total control of your own character. Be someone your Boaz can be proud of. Be someone you yourself, your children and your children's children can be proud of. Carry yourself with dignity. 6. Stop chasing people. Don’t be desperate. Boaz praised Ruth’s loyalty saying, “You have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.” Never run after a bus, train or man. When one leaves, another arrives. 7. Follow the advice of the wise. Ruth knew she could trust Naomi so she followed her advice. Which turned out to be an effective one because Boaz married her after that. Ruth may not be every guy's fantasy girl, but she’s every man’s ideal wife, judging by her character. People might have treated her like trash, but her character shined so brightly that a man of integrity like Boaz saw what a gem she was. Don’t just sit and wait around for your Boaz. Ruth never did. She lived a life of service and the Lord rewarded her. For God is faithful, and His timing is perfect. Be like Ruth while waiting for your Boaz. Work while you wait and wait in faith. ---- Lessons from The Feast's teachings on Women. Edited from the article I submitted on The Praying Woman.
Food How Food Affects Your Mood 10:53 PM How Food Affects Your Mood Can food change your mood? There's a connection between what you eat and how you feel more powerful than you think. So it's more than just psychological. Take mushrooms, for example. Some mushrooms have no effect on your mood whatsoever, and others (such as the ones sold on mmj) can completely change the way you think. What we put into our bodies is essential, and we must learn about how different things affect us! This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.How Food Affects Your Mood Food and nostalgiaA freshly baked chocolate chip cookie can bring back good childhood memories.A simple apple pie can take you back to that best Thanksgiving dinner at your grandma's.That scrumptious pasta dish reminds you of that wonderful trip to Italy. Psychologically, food can trigger familiar, happy, homey feelings. They can bring you comfort and take you down memory lane.How can food affect your mental health?Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, the feeling of happiness, and well-being. It's also responsible for your social behavior and sexual desire.The food we eat can either reduce or increase the serotonin level in our bodies.90% of this happy hormone is produced in your gut.So when you consume healthy food, you have a healthier gut which means a good supply of serotonin.When you're healthy, you feel good about yourself. As a result, you have a happier disposition. A sickly person is usually irritable and depressed.They worry about hospital bills, medication, and their loved ones.How does bad food or fast food affect your mood?Food high in carbohydrates can cause fluctuation in your blood sugar. This can make you irritable.Junk foods like potato chips and fast food are high in transfat that can lower your serotonin level.For coffee lovers, take your dose of caffeine moderately. Too much caffeine can trigger anxiety and fatigue.Fast food is inexpensive and great for people on the go. As the name suggests, you'll get your food quickly.But there's a reason why it's low-priced...It's made from cheap, unhealthy ingredients. Eating fast food is not only harmful to your physiology but also affects your psychology.Saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids found in fast food cause mental distress.What food can make you happy?Demotivated? Feeling sluggish? Eat more fruits and vegetables.Fruits and vegetables are rich in the amino acid tryptophan. This helps maintain a healthy level of serotonin in our brains.Mood-boosting foodsHere are some foods that can lift your mood.1. Vitamin B12 and folate can help ease depression. These are found in:green leafy vegetables (cabbage, kale, string beans, spinach)citrus fruitslentilsnutritional yeasttempehnori seaweed2. Vitamin D helps relieve mood disorders. Get them from:mushrooms fortified plant-based milk such as soy, almond, cashew, and rice milkfortified orange juicesunshine3. Omega 3. A study shows that those with a low omega 3 have a greater suicide risk. Here are some excellent vegan sources of omega 3:chia seedsground flaxseedflaxseed oilcanola oilseaweedalgaehemp oiledamamekidney beanswalnutssoybean oilHow do meat and poultry affect your mental health?Eating animal products can trigger Arachidonic acid resulting in inflammation.When this inflammation reaches the brain, it can cause anxiety, hopelessness, and depression.Sweets, Happiness, and AddictionAre you a sweet tooth?Chocolates stimulate and increase the production of endorphin, creating feelings of pleasure. The cocoa in the chocolate contains theobromine and phenylethylamine.These compounds stimulate the production of the serotonin level.Doughnuts and cakes can trigger the pleasure center in the brain.They're addictive. Foods rich in fiber can slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and increase serotonin production.Fiber is found in oats, peas, and beans.Change your food, change your mood.Good food is a good mood.An unhealthy diet makes you sick. Healthy food can help your body function at its best. Choose food that can help boost your mood. Be mindful about choosing what you put in your mouth because how food affects your mood will also significantly affect your life.
Health & Wellness 3 Ways To Create A More Natural Lifestyle 7:00 PM 3 Ways To CreateMore Natural Lifestyle The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann Wigmore, Holistic Health Practitioner, and NaturopathWe are exposed to toxins every day. Harmful substances are everywhere, from the food we eat, synthetic medicines we take, and the air we breathe.But we can protect ourselves if we create a more natural lifestyle.And it's easier than you think. 1. Eat more plants.One of the easiest and fastest ways to create a natural lifestyle is to choose a plant-based diet.The health benefits are incredible. Studies show that a plant-based diet tremendously affects glucose levels. This results in reduced or reversed Diabetes in patients. Plants are rich in antioxidants that protect us against certain cancers. A vegan or plant-based diet does not clog the arteries, thus allowing a healthy flow of blood and oxygen.Because plants are fiber-rich, those who follow a vegan diet have better digestion and experience weight loss.Find local organic groceries to avoid consuming GMO foods. 2. Opt for green living. Electric cars and natural gas gen-sets (if you are providing power to many people) are great ways to be fuel and cost-efficient. Install solar panels to power your home. If you live by a lake or river, you can make a mill to produce hydroelectric power.Reuse and recycle old items around the house.Support ethical, sustainable, and cruelty-free brands. 3. Use essential oils. While prescription medication may be easy to get, it shouldn't always be your first answer. It's amazing how everything we need is already provided by nature. For our health needs, there are different essential oils that we can use.Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. They contain potent chemicals that can be used for different health issues.Here are some examples.Best essential oils for headaches and migraines:Peppermint oilChamomile oilEucalyptus oilGinger oilLavender oilNeroli oilOrange oilBest essential oils for colds and sinus congestion:Lemon oilPeppermint oilThyme oilChamomile oilClove oilEucalyptus oilOregano oilClary Sage oilRosemary oilBest essential oils for cough:Frankincense oilPeppermint oilNutmeg oilCinnamon oilBest essential oils for anxiety:Jasmine oilLavender oilChamomile oilBasil oilRose oilVetiver oilGeranium oilMarjoram oilFennel oilLemon oilNeroli oilYlang-ylang oilBest essential oils for boosting energy:Lemon oilGrapefruit oilCedarwood oilOrange oilCinnamon oilPeppermint oilRosemary oilCopaiba oilBergamot oilBest essential oils for bloating and a gassy stomach:Cardamom oilPeppermint oilLemongrass oilGinger oilBlack pepper oilCypress oilJuniper oilOrange oilThis post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.Your common questions about essential oils answered by WebMD in this video:The little everyday things you do can significantly impact your life and the environment. Create a more natural lifestyle for better health and for a greener planet.Now you:Do you think it's necessary to live sustainably?How will you create a natural lifestyle?
Health & Wellness 5 Non-Extreme Sports With Significant Health Benefits 7:00 PM 5 Non-Extreme Sports With Significant Health Benefits You don't have to climb Mount Everest or do extreme sports to be fit.Intense workouts may speed up the process of body sculpting, but laid-back activities are just as valuable health-wise.Enjoy the health benefits of these five non-extreme sports while steering clear of injuries.1. CyclingRemember when you were a kid and biked because it was fun? You weren't too interested in the health benefits of cycling back then, but you enjoyed it.It was your mode of transportation when you were too young to drive a car.You see places alone or with your friends.Cycling has become popular among people who want to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors.You can join a race if you're feeling competitive.But if you only like to do these non-extreme sports at your own pace, you'd still enjoy these excellent health benefits of cycling:Tones and builds your muscles, especially the quadriceps, biceps, upper legs, and the calfIncreases stamina and enduranceImproves cardiovascular healthImproves lung capacityImproves postureImproves flexibilityBurns fatsReduces anxiety and stress levels2. SwimmingIf you have access to a pool, you should use it more often. For a good swimming workout, Swim Competitive recommends 60 to 80 laps for beginners, 80 to 100 laps for intermediate swimmers, and roughly 120 laps or more for advanced swimmers.Do these, and you'll enjoy these health benefits of swimming:Builds and tones your musclesBurns fat, so it helps in weight loss and managementStrengthens the heart and lungsImproves posture and coordinationReduces stress and anxiety3. BasketballBasketball is fun when played with others, but it's an activity you can also do on your own. And all you need is a ball and a hoop - which are easy to find. Whether on the court or in your driveway, this non-extreme activity has a lot of benefits, including the following:Builds enduranceBuilds musclesImproves coordinationMakes you agileBurns caloriesDevelops discipline and sportsmanship4. TennisWhile you must have a partner to play a match, you can still practice your serve alone while enjoying the health benefits of tennis. Whichever way you play, here's why tennis is good for you:Reduces fats and burns caloriesImproves your coordination and balanceTones musclesBoosts your endurance and staminaMakes you active5. GolfGolf might look leisurely and slow, but spending hours on a course can improve your health (so long as you don't fill up on too many beers and hot dogs in the clubhouse). Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced player, Hampton Golf has a selection of beautiful courses you can play. They even offer golf lessons for teens. Here are the health benefits of golf:Helps improve concentrationImproves cardiovascular healthRelieves stressHelps burn caloriesImproves your posture and coordinationRegardless of which sport you decide to play, remember that the key is to start—move your body.Choose which sports suit your personality, preference, and lifestyle. Also, your budget.Playing non-extreme sports is the safest way to enjoy your free time while staying fit and healthy. Which of these would you like to try?
How-To How To Start A Lifestyle Blog: 7 Simple Steps To Follow 10:49 PM Online influencers and bloggers don't only have the trendiest and coolest job today. They also are financially and emotionally rewarded. How many lifestyle bloggers do you know are living your dream life? They travel, experience, and do what they love. How to start a lifestyle blog? That is the million-dollar question. Where do you begin? As a lifestyle blogger, I've gathered some simple and practical tips for building your own little kingdom on the internet. But first...What is a lifestyle blog? A lifestyle blog is where you, the Blogger, share your life with your readers, interests, activities, and thoughts. It's that simple. How to Start a Lifestyle Blog: 7 Simple Steps to Follow 1. Find Your Niche Before you even create an account, think about what your niche will be. Your niche is that one topic your blog will be centered on. Most people have numerous interests, so their blog niche is wide and varied. This is okay as long as you know how to categorize and can talk about each regularly. For beginners, the advice would be to stick to a specific topic first. To find your niche, ask yourself these questions: What is your primary interest? What do you love to do? What are you most knowledgeable about? Knowing and having your own niche is essential in blogging because: Your place will attract your target audience. You will be considered an expert on this topic. If you haven't established a following yet, stick to one topic to avoid confusing your readers. A confused reader will unlikely return. 2. Choose a platform The experts would advise choosing WordPress to make your blog look more professional. I have started with Blogger (while it was still Blogspot), and so far, no regrets. For me, it is easier to navigate. Numerous layouts now are either free or paid for that suit your taste and style. I've seen a lot of successful lifestyle bloggers that use Blogger and WordPress. Do your research and find out which one works for you. 3. Get a domain name In deciding what to name your blog, remember to... Choose a catchy name, so it's easy to remember. Keep it simple. Make your domain name reflect your blog's niche so people would know what to expect. This also helps in keyword searching. For example, people who want to read about traveling to Southeast Asia will unlikely use the keyword "constellation" in the search bar.You can buy a domain name to make your blog look more legit and professional. It is a small but essential investment.It is tempting to use your name as a domain name, but experts suggest against it. Especially if you're not a celebrity. Some use their names, and it works just fine. Just put in the work of increasing the traffic to your blog. 4. Get your own URL Nothing says professional, official, and authentic than having your own .com. There are many hosting services to choose from now. Do your own research (yes, research is a big part of blogging). Which one is best for you as most of these services offer promos and discounts. They can also offer other services like customized email addresses and plugins. 5. Design your page Your page is your online home or presence, so to speak. It is like welcoming visitors into your sanctuary and offering them what you know and have. Design your page to reflect your personality and niche. Then, make it show your signature. You'll be spending most of your time on your blog, so you might as well create one you'll always be happy to visit. Important:Make sure your website is not only pleasing to you but that it also appeals to readers. Some font colors are too painful and strenuous to the eyes. Some background music or designs are too distracting. Your reader's experience is essential. When they find it hard to focus on the content, they leave, and most of the time, they never return. 6. Research It's never-ending research. Be diligent in finding answers and tips online to help you with your content. Research also helps you find solutions when you encounter technical issues. The world is bursting with fake news nowadays. Do your own research before publishing something to double-check the authenticity or credibility of the topic.Be someone your readers can trust. 7. Write great content Content is still king.No matter how appealing your domain name is...Even if you have the most impressive web design...No one will want to follow your blog if you write like a robot. Write engaging, informative, inspiring, funny, or stirring content. Proofread. Double chekc speling. (See what I did there?)Give people a reason to hit that Share button, leave a comment and recommend your blog to their friends.Most importantly (and I strongly suggest), write honestly and from the heart.Write for people and not for SEO ranking.When you do what you love and love what you do, you hit the sweet spot between profit and passion. That is your purpose.Keep these tips in mind, and don't forget to always bring your patience, perseverance, and positive attitude. Because successful blogging is not just about posting a photo or a frivolous hobby. It involves a lot of hard work.If you believe blogging is your purpose, today's the best time to start a lifestyle blog.