Health & Wellness 6 Ways You Can Do To Feel Closer To Nature 8:54 AM 6 Ways You Can Feel Closer To Nature Everything we truly need, nature provides. Sadly, we often take it for granted. We're stuck at our desks all day, so we don't spend as much time outdoors and appreciate nature's beauty and benefits. It's time we change that by doing these six ways so you can feel closer to nature. 1. Be conscious of water wastage. While millions around the world struggle for clean water, some people and industries use wastewater. With every drop of water wasted, you're throwing away our future. Be more conscious of using water.Fix leaks: Leaks in pipes and taps can waste a lot of water over time. Check all your faucets, toilets, and pipes regularly for leaks. If you spot any leaks, get them fixed as soon as possible.Shorten shower time: Taking long showers can waste a lot of water. Consider shortening your shower time by a few minutes, and turn off the water while you lather up. By doing so, you can save gallons of water every day.Use water-efficient appliances: Water-efficient appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can help you save a lot of water. Look for devices with the Energy Star label, which indicates that they meet water efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. 2. Read about nature. Another great way to become more involved with nature is to read about it. Reading about nature, its immediate threats, and what people can do to combat these threats can play a crucial role in opening an individual's eyes in his bid to come close to nature. The more you read about nature, the more you will understand nature's blessings, gradually nurturing a healthy relationship between Mother Nature and you.Books to read to help you live sustainably:The Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson - This book provides practical advice and tips for reducing waste daily, from food and clothing to cleaning and travel.The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability—Designing for Abundance by William McDonough and Michael Braungart - This book challenges traditional notions of sustainability and advocates for a more regenerative approach to design and production. It provides practical examples and case studies of companies implementing these ideas.Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart presents a vision for a future where materials are constantly cycled and reused rather than discarded. It provides a framework for creating environmentally safe and socially responsible products.The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Make Small Changes That Make a Big Difference by Jen Gale - This book provides practical advice for making sustainable changes in all areas of life, from food and clothing to transportation and home energy use.Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming edited by Paul Hawken - This book presents a plan for reversing global warming by drawing down carbon from the atmosphere through various solutions, from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture to reforestation and urban greening. It provides a hopeful and practical roadmap for creating a sustainable future. 3. Observe nature and journal your observations. This is precisely how most naturalists and botanists gain an intricate understanding of plants, animals, and scientific cycles that guide us all. Observing nature and journaling is not only for the experts. Anyone can do it to feel well acquainted with nature.Write your notes down on this Elephant Dung Notebook. It's handmade, sustainable, fair-trade, and eco-friendly. 4. Spend more time with nature. Whether hiking, biking, or camping– everyone must have a routine where they can go out in the wild, exploring local woods, forests, or mountains. This 'nature and me' time is vital for people as it helps them lay off their over-dependence on technology and enjoy the wonders of nature. You can also enjoy a significant closeness with nature through gardening activities. It would be good to check out websites like Preparednessmama.Com, which offer valuable guidelines regarding gardening activities.Negative ions are molecules that have gained an electron, abundant in natural environments such as forests, mountains, and beaches. Here are five health benefits of negative ions in nature:Improved Respiratory Function: Negative ions in nature can help to improve respiratory function by reducing the number of pollutants and allergens in the air. They can also help increase oxygen uptake, improving lung function and overall respiratory health.Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Negative ions have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. They can also help to improve mood and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being.Increased Immunity: Exposure to negative ions in nature has been shown to stimulate the immune system, which can help to protect against illness and disease. Negative ions can help increase the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections.Improved Sleep: Negative ions can help enhance sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. They can also help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep patterns and overall health.Enhanced Cognitive Function: Negative ions have been shown to have a positive effect on cognitive function, including memory, attention, and learning. Negative ions can help increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, improving cognitive function and mental clarity. 5. Bathe in the forest. This is actually an exciting activity. An ancient Japanese practice, 'shinrin-yoku' or forest bathing, is a natural way to decrease stress levels and improve mental wellness using spending time with nature. 6. Practice composting. The perfect way to contribute to the cycle of life, engaging in composting is almost a miraculous way of converting waste into worth. All it takes is patience and the willingness to dispose of waste materials appropriately. This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.These are some of the best ways to start the journey to be closer to nature – a journey that all humans must embark upon. What sustainable activity can you recommend?
People Evan Golden: Dawn of Golden TV 5:00 AM Do you believe in serendipity? For Evan Golden of Eye of South Florida and Golden TV's successful career as a print and television model, entertainment, and sports reporter, you can say it has played a significant role. That fateful day MTV producers saw him was the dawn of golden TV, so to speak. Why Golden TV? Most shows are just taking so much air time but not delivering quality. In short, you sit there, and in the end, you gain nothing. You just wasted hours of your life you won’t be getting back. You sit there and wonder, “What did I just watch?” Sad to say, young people---especially children--- are sometimes left alone or allowed by their parents or guardians to watch on their own. Curiosity or poor judgment may lead them to watch TV shows unsuitable for their young minds.Media is a vast and powerful influence in children’s formative years, developing behavior and educating the public. TV is one accessible tool that can do all that.Evan Golden offers edutainment. Evan said in his own wise words, “Edutainment is a form of entertainment designed to educate as well as amuse.” Getting educated does not have to be boring, and that’s how Evan delivers his shows.When you turn on your cable TV (or streaming platforms), there are thousands of shows to choose from. When watching interviews and shows on TV, look for Evan Golden. This guy knows how to add value to what he does, which in the same way, adds value to his viewers. About Evan Golden I’ve mentioned serendipity playing a significant role in Evan Golden’s life.That is because although he has loved the camera since college and did some co-hosting programs in his school, it was only by chance that he got discovered and started his career as a TV personality. He was accompanying his sister for an audition for MTV. The expert eyes of MTV producers saw a star in Evan and asked him to audition for a special with actress, singer, and dancer Carmen Electra. He auditioned and, not surprisingly, got the part. The rest is golden TV history. Evan Golden’s page Shows Evan Golden appeared in:Trigger HappyThe Mandy Moore ShowWanna Come In (MTV) He was most recognized when he appeared on the reality show Ivana Young Man hosted by Ivana Trump. Aside from being a print model, he also appeared in advertisements like Ovaltine (More Ovaltine, please?!), Walt Disney Wilderness Lodge, Bowman’s Online Sports, Orange, E!, and Rockstar Energy Drink. You can see Evan interviewing big shots in the entertainment and sports industry. Now he’s a successful TV producer and host of Eye on South Florida. Golden Heart Aside from his career in edutainment, Evan is also a philanthropist. He is giving back and supporting charities like Meadow’s Movement in honor of the memory of Meadow Pollack, a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who was shot with 17 other students and staff members. Golden TV Nowadays, everyone can host and run their own shows. The competition to be the best is challenging. The good thing is viewers are now more intelligent. They don’t just watch to be entertained. They tend to learn too. They know that every second spent is a learning opportunity. And that’s where edutainment becomes a standard when looking for something to pass your time. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find gold on TV with Evan Golden’s Golden TV.
How-To Traveling Tips and Tricks for the Smart Traveler 4:24 AM Traveling Tips and Tricks for the Smart Traveler With the internet’s help in making travel plans and vacations easy, everybody’s becoming a wanderlust. Questions about the luxurious place you want to visit? Google travel blogs or ask a luxury travel expert. Need the cheapest deals on fares and accommodation? Travel agencies are just a click away. But how do you make your vacation memorable and as stress-free as possible? How do you upgrade your next trip to a luxury vacation without breaking the bank? Here are some traveling tips and tricks for the smart traveler.Traveling Tips and Tricks for the Smart Traveler 1. Make a plan. So you have your bucket list of places you want to visit. Now what? Where to start? Plan. It may be exciting to book a flight on a whim, and oh, how wonderful it would be if you had no budget restrictions. But a sudden splurge for luxury travel may not be practical if you have a limited travel fund. So what should you do? Plan your itinerary. List the places you want to visit, how to get there, etc.Research the culture, traditions, and laws you must observe and follow to avoid any problem with the locals or authority.See to it that your passport is not expiring soon. Paying for rush processing costs more, so make sure you do this ahead of time.Check for any upcoming events. The dates you choose can affect the price of the place and fares. For example, if a concert, conference, or important event happens, the prices might increase due to high demand. So you might want to stay away from those dates. 2. Consider all options. Promo fares or seat sales are tempting. But before you book, check competing airlines for fares. For accommodation, compare prices on Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Orbitz, and the like. Sometimes, travel agencies offer cheaper packages for flights and accommodation too so you should also check them. Will the travel tour help you save, or will it be better to rent a car, join a group or explore by walking and commuting? Weigh the pros and cons and see where you can save more. 3. Ask around. Be careful of hidden charges. Ask before you book or pay. What is the coverage of the promo? For example, does the room rate include complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, linens, towels, and the like? Do they allow pets if in case you're traveling with your fur baby? Are they changing the flight schedule or the hotel’s price anytime near your travel date (if you are booking months ahead)? Before booking anything or checking a place, read reviews and blogs from legit guests. First-hand feedback is the best so ask your friends or travel experts you know.Also, ask if you can get an upgrade. For hotels, you are most likely to get it if you check in before 4pm or 6pm. 4. Check the timezone How many hours difference are there from where you are coming from to where you’re going?Some tips for traveling smarter: consider the time difference (if there is one) in booking your flight and schedule your itinerary accordingly to avoid inconvenience. There is no fun in traveling if you’re dizzy, fagged out, or suffering from jet lag. Allot a day to rest before you start exploring the place. You don’t want to pass out in the middle of an unfamiliar place. 5. Pack light and smart Travels are more manageable when you don’t over-pack. Not only will you avoid going over baggage (you might see something you want to bring home as a souvenir or buy keepsakes for friends), but it will also be less hassle. Bring travel-sized toiletries. Pack the basics (intimates, comfortable and versatile clothes and shoes), pocket money, charger, and power bank. It is wiser to bring a photocopy of your passport and ID and send a coit to your email too. Try to pack lunch or some snacks that are convenient but also nutritious, like food bars. This will help you avoid hypoglycemia and save on your travel money. 6. Be early If you're traveling from a city that gets crazy traffic no matter what time of the day, like Manila, give at least an hour's allowance for your trip.To avoid long lines and being late, check in online. Now it is possible to do so days before your flight. Don’t waste your time and energy on lines so you can focus on the fun instead. Conserve your energy for what matters most. 7. Look luxurious Keeping your clothes presentable so you can look posh is not as hard as you think. Plan your outfit. Keep your clothes crease-free by spraying water on your clothes and letting them dry in the open. Choose basic, comfortable, and versatile garments, and dress smart. 8. Find promos Take advantage of promo fares and discounts in hotels. Find vouchers you can use or use your credit points in booking accommodation. You can enjoy a night or two in a luxury hotel if you know where to look. The best way to find deals is by signing up for the newsletters of different airlines or following them on social media. Find a reputable travel agency or check out your favorite travel vlogger, as they sometimes promote a brand with their promo code. Just because you’re traveling luxuriously doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay the price.The smart traveler doesn’t just hop on a plane but carefully plans and checks everything. A wise, luxurious wanderer doesn’t necessarily splurge on everything but looks into how he can make the journey comfortable and pleasant. Most of all, be flexible enough to make the most of the trip and enjoy it even when things don't always go as planned.Do you have some tips and tricks for smart traveling?
Love and Relationship Building Intimacy Through Nurturing Fondness and Admiration 1:59 AM Have you ever looked at an elderly couple who seem deeply in love with each other and wondered what the secret to their success is? John Gottman and colleagues have spent years exploring the question of what accounts for success in long-term relationships. According to Gottman, couples such as these are not happy because they never fought or have entirely compatible needs and interests, but because they took the time out to create a positive, enduring, intimate friendship. Gottman’s work has spanned understanding communication and conflict resolution and has focused increasingly on the central importance of generating positivity in intimate relationships. Based on his research, he generated 7 principles that are key to healthy relationships. I have also previously focused on three of these fundamental features of successful relationships. These principles are elements of the seven principles that Gottmann identifies as the key to healthy relationships. Let’s explore another one of these principles: nurturing fondness and admiration. Building Intimacy Through Nurturing Fondness and Admiration We are all familiar with the first stage of a relationship where you are “totally head over heels in love” with your partner. You can’t get enough of him or her, you want to spend every waking (and sleeping) minute together, everything he/she does is adorable, and you have so much admiration for him/her. This initial stage of infatuation is characterized by intense fondness and admiration for your partner, but as any of us know who have been in a relationship for a little longer, that first phase starts to fade after about two years. Tumblr What we used to find endearing can quickly become a habit that really irritates us. In fact, this phase alone is likely a primary reason as to why so many people have sought out relationship/marriage counseling. This initial phase is sustained and bolstered by romantic attraction and as it begins to fade the couple starts to view their relationship in a more realistic light. It is from this more realistic perspective that a foundational basis for the relationship going into the future can be built. That is not to say that romantic attraction is not a significant element of an intimate relationship nor that it is incompatible with building genuine admiration and fondness for your partner. However, the romantic attraction that sustains infatuation is just a phase in a relationship that waxes and wanes (more often wanes) over the course of the life of the relationship. So how do you nurture genuine fondness and admiration? How do you develop, sustain and express genuine fondness and deep appreciation of your partner? Let’s start with exploring how you can develop fondness and appreciation for your partner. Adopting a conscious process of developing fondness and appreciation is essential to this principle. Fondness, a pure affection for your partner, needs to be rooted in an actual awareness of the qualities that generate this feeling towards your partner. Buzzfeed Similarly, admiration that is simply loose and ungrounded in specific qualities lacks substance and may not weather the storm of challenges to the relationship. So, spend the time working out exactly what it is about your partner that nurtures your feelings of fondness and admiration for him/her. Complete statements such as “I love how you “, “I enjoy spending time with you because “, “I admire you because “and “I am proud of you when “. Take the time out to consider these questions in relation to your partner and make this active appreciation of his/her qualities a regular feature of your life. Developing and sustaining fondness and admiration is only step one of this principle. In order to nurture a loving connection with your partner, it’s essential that you express the love and appreciation you have developed. Through sharing your affection with your partner, you express and actualise the feelings you have for him or her. Make this expression a discipline and regularly communicate the positive feelings you have for your partner. You may think that your partner is aware of the fondness and admiration you feel for him/her but openly expressing these feelings in as specific a way as possible (e.g. “I love the way you always kiss me goodbye in the mornings”) will only serve to nurture positivity and strengthen the relationship. Communicating your feelings gives a certain reality and maturity to the admiration, appreciation and affection that you feel, and has a positive cyclical impact on the relationship. A partner who is the recipient of fondness and appreciation is much more likely to be open in his/her expression of fondness and appreciation for the other. Nurturing fondness and admiration is a core tool for generating positivity in a relationship. Giphy The focus on positive interactions is the underpinning feature of Gottman’s understanding of relationship success. So, take the time to develop and express the positive feelings you have for your partner. Make developing and expressing fondness and admiration a part of how you interact with your partner on a day to day basis, and notice how it enhances the loving friendship you are building with your partner. Author Bio: Dr. Stacey Leibowitz-Levy is a highly-experienced psychologist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in the area of stress and its relation to goals and emotion. In addition to her private therapy practice, she currently runs a mental health guide with self-help guides on stress, anxiety, depression, and many other areas. During her spare time, Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband and children, being outdoors and doing yoga. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Guest Blogger Perfection 5:00 AM A guest blog by Christine Fisher: This past Sunday, I had the honor and blessing to snuggle and love on just one particular baby boy at the NICU of one of local hospitals. I am so honored and blessed to be a small part of this special ministry. I was able to hold this little guy two different times for about a total of two hours. Whenever I am sitting there rocking one of the wee ones, I get lost in thought and prayer just gazing upon their precious face, lost in the tranquility of the moment, especially as they are sleeping so peacefully. As I did that to this baby this week, a word, along with a few thoughts, came to mind that I want to share with you this week. The word is… Perfection My youngest son shortly after birth…..PERFECTION! Let me explain……. This particular little one has a reputation with the nurses of being a “screamer.” Sadly, it is because he is in the unfortunate circumstance of being an opiate baby. These babies usually get off to a rougher start in life and tend to have tremors, are more irritable and may have sleep problems as symptoms of withdrawal. I did observe him crying earlier and giving the nurse a hard time as she changed his diaper and tended to his needs. When I first picked him up he fussed some, struggling at first to take the pacifier, eventually taking the pacifier, as I softly sang to him and rocked him. I thought about all the problems and issues he was dealing with but as he lay sleeping peacefully in my arms, he looked so angelic and that is when I was overwhelmed with the thought and word PERFECTION which popped in my head. Yes, such PERFECTION God looks at this little guy as PERFECTION! All the issues this baby is dealing with does not change God’s perception of him! And, you know who else God looks at and sees only PERFECTION? Yes, YOU……YOU the one reading these words….. YOU are PERFECTION to God! I bet you are thinking, “What? That can’t be right!” Yes, we are far from perfect and don’t always make the right choices…. Yes, we may have physical imperfections… Yes, we may even sin daily despite trying so hard not to…. Yes, we may have emotional scars from types of abuse we have experienced…. Yes, we may even get mad and scream at God for the “bad” things we are experiencing…. Yes, we may even have an addiction of some sort….. But, you know what? Despite any or all of those things, when God looks at YOU, He sees only PERFECTION! Photo courtesy of fabQuote.co under Creative Commons License (CC BY NC-2.0) You ask, “How can that be?” Because…. YOU ARE MADE IN HIS IMAGE! This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. –Genesis 5:1 (ESV) YOU ARE GOD’S SON OR DAUGHTER! For in Christ Jesus you are all sons (daughters) of God, through faith. –Galatians 3:26 (ESV) YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN BY GOD! Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. –Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) YOU ARE LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY BY GOD! But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. –Romans 5:8 (NLT) YOU ARE MADE PURE, HOLY, AND FREE FROM SIN BECAUSE OF GOD SENDING JESUS TO DIE FOR YOU! God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. –1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT) Think about this….If I can look at that little baby, who I don’t even know and have such LOVE for him, imagine how God, our Father, looks at you and has so much LOVE for YOU, His own son or daughter who He created!! Keep in mind as you are sleeping soundly tonight, I guarantee God is looking down on you, His son or daughter, with such love and peace seeing PERFECTION…just as I was doing with that baby boy! (And, even if you aren’t sleeping I’ll add!) This week, I’m thinking some “homework” is in order! After reading the ending of these thoughts, go to a mirror…Pause for a moment and see your reflection and say “PERFECTION!” Yes, that is what God sees too! God sees PERFECTION! “The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” –Deuteronomy 32:4 (NASB) Images provided by Christine. About the Author I’m Christine, a Christian, hoping to inspire you by sharing what is in my heart about our faith and our great God. Take some time, read some of my thoughts, and feel free to comment and share your thoughts…It would be a blessing to hear from you. My prayer is that you may be inspired and blessed in some small way by reading! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
