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Written by Jenny Caton
Asking for a pay rise is never easy and in tough economic times when companies are cutting costs it can be even more difficult. But if you are feeling undervalued and know that you deserve more money than you currently receive, then it can lead to feelings of resentment.
So what is the best way to ask for a pay rise in order to give you the best chance of getting what you want?
The post How to Ask for a Pay Rise appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Caton
Asking for a pay rise is never easy and in tough economic times when companies are cutting costs it can be even more difficult. But if you are feeling undervalued and know that you deserve more money than you currently receive, then it can lead to feelings of resentment.
So what is the best way to ask for a pay rise in order to give you the best chance of getting what you want?
The post How to Ask for a Pay Rise appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Caton
Some experts have suggested that children under the age of 12 should watch no more than one hour of television each day. But for many parents, trying to tear children away from the TV can be an on-going battle. But is watching television really bad for children?
Yes – Elizabeth
I’m shocked at the amount of violence, sex and bad language that is shown on television every day. Once upon a time it was restricted to after the watershed so you could protect children from it but now it seems to have permeated through the entire television schedule. Soap operas routinely show violent behaviour and supposedly ‘family entertainment’ shows often feature overtly sexual dance routines. It isn’t healthy for children to be exposed to this from a young age as it teaches them that this is what real life is like, when it’s not.
As well as teaching children poor moral values, too much time spent in front of the television means children have no time for other activities such as exercising, studying or playing outdoors with their friends.
Studies have also shown that children who watch too much television can develop attention-deficit disorders. After the fast, energetic pace of TV shows, children often find it difficult to concentrate on more mundane activities, like schoolwork, for any length of time.
In our household, we only switch the television on when there is a programme that we particularly want to watch. This avoids the temptation to sit in front of it hour after hour and means that we socialise as a family instead. When my children do watch TV, I make sure it’s only for short periods of time and always check that the programme is suitable for their age.
No – Patrick
Television is a great educational resource for children. There are so many programmes that teach children about everything from history and geography to art and religion. They can learn about countries they have never visited and see how people live in different societies and cultures.
Television is also a great way to introduce children to different hobbies and can inspire them to have ambition in other areas of their lives. For example, at a young age I decided I wanted to be a chemist after watching science programmes on TV and my youngest daughter has started singing lessons after watching television talent shows. There may be programmes that promote violence but there are just as many that set a good example to children, encouraging them to work hard and succeed in life.
I’ve always believed that television prepares children for the real world too. It’s much better that they learn about things like bullying or drugs by watching television than by experiencing it in the real world without any knowledge of how to deal with difficult situations. If a character in a soap opera does something like stealing, parents can use it as a way to explain to children why this behaviour is wrong.
Like many things that get a bad rap in life, television in itself isn’t harmful, particularly if parents watch television with their kids. Restricting or banning television completely isn’t the answer.
Written by Jenny Catton
As parents prepare for their children to leave the family home for the first time, it can cause a range of different emotions. Some parents look forward to gaining back their time, money and space. Others dread the day their children will fly the nest and wish that their kids could stay at home forever. The truth is that it’s natural for children to leave the parental home when the time is right and the change needn’t be too painful for parents.
But for some parents the experience can cause extreme sadness and shock which impacts their emotional and physical health. This psychological condition is what’s commonly called ‘empty nest syndrome’.
In some cases, empty nest syndrome can lead to more serious depression, low self-esteem or feelings that life no longer has a purpose. If this happens, it can be a real strain on health and relationships.
But just being aware of empty nest syndrome in advance can help lessen the blow when your children finally do leave home. By planning for your new life, you can look forward to a bright and happy future rather than dreading it.
Here are some tips to help you deal with empty nest syndrome:
For help and advice about family life, visit: http://familylives.org.uk/
Written by Jenny Catton
Dogs make great pets and can be a wonderful addition to a family. But pets come with a lot of responsibility so it’s important to be sure that you are making the right decision before bringing a dog into your home. So is getting a dog for your family a good idea?
Yes – Fiona
Getting a dog was one of the best decisions we every made as a family. It has brought us so much love and enjoyment. Since getting the dog, we are more active – we go for long walks together and spend a lot more time outside. Before we had a pet, the kids just wanted to watch TV or play computer games but now they are always asking if we can take the dog to the beach – it’ provided an easy way to ensure they get fresh air and exercise.
Having a dog brings emotional benefits too – it has allowed us to teach our children about responsibility. They know that the dog needs walking even if it is raining and they know that they have to get up in time to feed the dog before going to school each day. Getting a dog was a big decision but we gave it a lot of thought. We made sure we would have the time to look after a dog and the space for it to grow.
A dog is great for relaxing too – if I’m feeling stressed, I just have to stroke our dog and I feel much better. It’s wonderful to be able to give a loving home to an animal. I’m really pleased we got a dog – it’s brought so many benefits to our family.
No – Toni
A dog is a lot more work than most people think – they need walking every day and when families have busy lives it can be hard to find the time that a dog needs. Families often get a dog because the children have asked for one but children quickly lose interest in new things and it’s left to the parents to look after the dog and when they don’t, it’s the dog that suffers. It’s also important to remember that dogs can live for a long time – often up to 15 years or more. This means that if you buy a dog because your child wants one, the responsibility for looking after the dog will probably fall to you one day.
It’s important to remember that children can suffer from allergies that can be triggered by pet hair which can also cause asthma. Not all dogs get on with children and can become aggressive – it’s another thing to consider before getting a dog.
A dog can be a big expense too – food, vets bills, the cost of kennels, it all mounts up and often families forget about the costs when they are excited at the thought of getting a dog.
Few families have the space and time to look after a dog properly and so for most families I would say that getting a dog is not a good idea.
The post Should we get a dog for our family? appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Catton
Dogs make great pets and can be a wonderful addition to a family. But pets come with a lot of responsibility so it’s important to be sure that you are making the right decision before bringing a dog into your home. So is getting a dog for your family a good idea?
Yes – Fiona
Getting a dog was one of the best decisions we every made as a family. It has brought us so much love and enjoyment. Since getting the dog, we are more active – we go for long walks together and spend a lot more time outside. Before we had a pet, the kids just wanted to watch TV or play computer games but now they are always asking if we can take the dog to the beach – it’ provided an easy way to ensure they get fresh air and exercise.
Having a dog brings emotional benefits too – it has allowed us to teach our children about responsibility. They know that the dog needs walking even if it is raining and they know that they have to get up in time to feed the dog before going to school each day. Getting a dog was a big decision but we gave it a lot of thought. We made sure we would have the time to look after a dog and the space for it to grow.
A dog is great for relaxing too – if I’m feeling stressed, I just have to stroke our dog and I feel much better. It’s wonderful to be able to give a loving home to an animal. I’m really pleased we got a dog – it’s brought so many benefits to our family.
No – Toni
A dog is a lot more work than most people think – they need walking every day and when families have busy lives it can be hard to find the time that a dog needs. Families often get a dog because the children have asked for one but children quickly lose interest in new things and it’s left to the parents to look after the dog and when they don’t, it’s the dog that suffers. It’s also important to remember that dogs can live for a long time – often up to 15 years or more. This means that if you buy a dog because your child wants one, the responsibility for looking after the dog will probably fall to you one day.
It’s important to remember that children can suffer from allergies that can be triggered by pet hair which can also cause asthma. Not all dogs get on with children and can become aggressive – it’s another thing to consider before getting a dog.
A dog can be a big expense too – food, vets bills, the cost of kennels, it all mounts up and often families forget about the costs when they are excited at the thought of getting a dog.
Few families have the space and time to look after a dog properly and so for most families I would say that getting a dog is not a good idea.
The post Should we get a dog for our family? appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Catton
Dogs make great pets and can be a wonderful addition to a family. But pets come with a lot of responsibility so it’s important to be sure that you are making the right decision before bringing a dog into your home. So is getting a dog for your family a good idea?
Yes – Fiona
Getting a dog was one of the best decisions we every made as a family. It has brought us so much love and enjoyment. Since getting the dog, we are more active – we go for long walks together and spend a lot more time outside. Before we had a pet, the kids just wanted to watch TV or play computer games but now they are always asking if we can take the dog to the beach – it’ provided an easy way to ensure they get fresh air and exercise.
Having a dog brings emotional benefits too – it has allowed us to teach our children about responsibility. They know that the dog needs walking even if it is raining and they know that they have to get up in time to feed the dog before going to school each day. Getting a dog was a big decision but we gave it a lot of thought. We made sure we would have the time to look after a dog and the space for it to grow.
A dog is great for relaxing too – if I’m feeling stressed, I just have to stroke our dog and I feel much better. It’s wonderful to be able to give a loving home to an animal. I’m really pleased we got a dog – it’s brought so many benefits to our family.
No – Toni
A dog is a lot more work than most people think – they need walking every day and when families have busy lives it can be hard to find the time that a dog needs. Families often get a dog because the children have asked for one but children quickly lose interest in new things and it’s left to the parents to look after the dog and when they don’t, it’s the dog that suffers. It’s also important to remember that dogs can live for a long time – often up to 15 years or more. This means that if you buy a dog because your child wants one, the responsibility for looking after the dog will probably fall to you one day.
It’s important to remember that children can suffer from allergies that can be triggered by pet hair which can also cause asthma. Not all dogs get on with children and can become aggressive – it’s another thing to consider before getting a dog.
A dog can be a big expense too – food, vets bills, the cost of kennels, it all mounts up and often families forget about the costs when they are excited at the thought of getting a dog.
Few families have the space and time to look after a dog properly and so for most families I would say that getting a dog is not a good idea.
The post Should we get a dog for our family? appeared first on .
Bad habits are things that people form to make their lives a little bit easier or to deter them from actually getting things done. They’re easy to form over time, but they’re also difficult to break. These are just some of the worst bad habits you can form and why it’s imperative that you try to break them.
1. Stop Multi-Tasking
It would seem multi-tasking would help you get things done in a more timely fashion, but in actuality, multi-tasking merely helps you start several tasks simultaneously making it nearly impossible to finish them from being so busy. At times, multi-tasking can lead to a person feeling overwhelmed and stressed. In order to avoid these feelings and to become more productive, try getting in the habit of completing one full task at a time.
2. Stop biting your Nails
Biting your nails can lead to a variety of health problems. Think about it – do you wash your hands before and after biting your nails? Probably not. Biting your nails can lead to you getting sick from germs or can lead to you getting other people sick. Nail biting can also lead to problems with your teeth. You could chip your teeth or cause damage to your gums. In addition to potential health risks, nail-biting leads to nubby, ragged nails. When you stop biting your nails, you will reduce the risk of sickness and will help improve your hands’ overall appearance.
3. Stop Eating Quick, Unhealthy Lunches
Whenever it’s time to take your break for lunch, it can seem effortless to swing through a fast food drive through, say a number for a combo meal, and have it handed to you within minutes. However, doing this over time is very harsh on your body, and you will reap the effects sooner or later. Instead, prepare your lunches at home with fresh greens and whole grains. Most likely, you will feel more healthy. You will also notice a difference in your bank account. Eating out daily gets expensive incredibly fast. Think of it this way: If you go the inexpensive route, lunch will cost you $5 per day. That’s $25 a week and $100 each month.
4. Don’t Answer Your Phone’s Every Call
Do you find yourself grabbing at your phone every time you hear it ring or feel it vibrate? Responding to your phone’s every alert can dramatically cut down on productivity. Not only are you taking the time to look at the phone to possibly answer the phone, but taking your concentration from your work to your phone also takes time. You will need to refocus on the task at home. In addition, chances are high that the notification can wait. The other problem with answering your phone all the time is it can come across as slightly rude, like you don’t care about the people you are with.
5. Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth is an extremely bad habit you will want to break as soon as possible. Grinding your teeth can destroy your teeth and gums over time, and it can also entail expensive dental care. It can be difficult to stop this bad habit by yourself. If you suspect you might grind your teeth, check with your dentist, who should be able to see signs of teeth grinding if you do have this bad habit. You may want to find teeth grinding treatment in San Francisco or buy a mouth guard from the store to help break your teeth grinding habit.
6. Don’t Skip Out on Exercise
Lastly, don’t skip out on exercise. It might be easy to make the excuse that you don’t have time for exercise during your typical day, but you can probably find an extra 20-30 minutes to get a brisk walk or run in. Exercise is sure to help you feel better about your appearance. In addition, exercise is good for your heart and muscles. You can walk, swim, go for a bike ride, or find any other activity you enjoy. Exercise over time can help you build muscle, decrease fat and lose weight. Those who exercise every day are found overall to have healthier bodies than those who choose not to exercise.
The post Six Bad Habits to Break Today and Why You Should Break Them appeared first on .
Encouraging children to help out in the kitchen is a great idea. More productive than watching TV; an afternoon cooking or baking teaches valuable life skills, encourages healthy eating and provides opportunities for parents and kids to have fun together.
Of course, there are dangers in the kitchen such as sharp knives, hot stoves and electrical equipment but with a little care and common sense; there is no reason why children cannot enjoy time in the kitchen safely.
For very young children and toddlers,extra care should be taken. It’s estimated that over 40,000 children under the age of five require hospital treatment each year following a kitchen incident. Young children should therefore never be left in the kitchen unaccompanied. It only takes a split second to pull over a hot pan or pick up a sharp implement. However, if you take the time to explain the risks to children as they are growing up, by the time they are teenagers they should be confident in the kitchen and able to prepare a meal by themselves.
Here are a few simple precautions you can take to ensure they stay safe:
As children get older, you can allow them to help out more with food preparation. Start by giving them easy tasks that are safe such as stirring cake mixes or weighing out ingredients. As they gain confidence, show them other techniques. Let them watch you completing more complex tasks such as using knives or heating ingredients, and show how you ensure the steps are carried out safely. You can also take the opportunity to explain things like the importance of washing hands, keeping cooked and raw foods separate, and how to follow a recipe.
Make sure older children know what to do in the event of an accident. Show them where the first aid kit is and make sure they know what to do if a fire breaks out.
To find easy recipes that you can make with your children, visit: www.greatgrubclub.com
Recovering from an accident, a severe illness, or surgery requires careful effort and patience. The path to recovery is often riddled with obstacles you could only imagine. Simply sitting around and waiting to feel better may delay the recovery process and a more proactive mindset can often speed up this process. Consider these options if recovery is your main concern as it can be more quickly achieved by following these four tips.
A nutritious diet is essential for helping the body to heal quickly and completely. If the doctor did not recommend a specific diet, plan meals around the five basic food groups of protein, dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Aim for the age-specific calorie intake that is appropriate for someone recovering from a physical condition, and include one or two healthy snacks between meals.
Most doctors want their patients out of bed and fairly active during the recovery phase. Ask the doctor for specific guidelines about how much activity, and type, you should be involved in. People who are very weak may only be able to get into a Knee Walker Shop wheelchair or roller for a short time at first. Others might be able to take a few steps, increasing their walking time each day. Work with the doctor or a physical therapist associated with your condition to optimize mobility and facilitate recovery. Mobility strengthens a person’s muscles and bones while helping him or her to become steadier on their feet and reduce the risk of falling.
It is important to understand the physician’s specific orders for a successful recovery. If physical or occupational rehab is ordered, for example, the patient should follow the orders as directed, unless symptoms suggest otherwise. Taking the right medication on time is also important. Failure to follow through on the doctor’s guidelines may disrupt the healing process.
Getting involved in social activities during recovery plays a key role in restoring the person’s health. Talking and laughing with friends and relatives or participating in activities that are suited to the recovering person’s abilities helps to make the time pass more pleasantly and promotes vital social interaction. Without connecting to others, a person who is trying to heal may feel isolated and unloved, which can actually deter recovery.
Getting well takes time. However, a patient who is working through recovery following a significant injury, illness, or surgery can take a proactive approach to encourage more rapid and complete healing. Taking good care of both body and mind will promote a sense of well-being that goes hand-in-hand with a speedy recovery.
The post 4 Tips for a Speedy and Healthy Recovery appeared first on .
Recovering from an accident, a severe illness, or surgery requires careful effort and patience. The path to recovery is often riddled with obstacles you could only imagine. Simply sitting around and waiting to feel better may delay the recovery process and a more proactive mindset can often speed up this process. Consider these options if recovery is your main concern as it can be more quickly achieved by following these four tips.
A nutritious diet is essential for helping the body to heal quickly and completely. If the doctor did not recommend a specific diet, plan meals around the five basic food groups of protein, dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Aim for the age-specific calorie intake that is appropriate for someone recovering from a physical condition, and include one or two healthy snacks between meals.
Most doctors want their patients out of bed and fairly active during the recovery phase. Ask the doctor for specific guidelines about how much activity, and type, you should be involved in. People who are very weak may only be able to get into a Knee Walker Shop wheelchair or roller for a short time at first. Others might be able to take a few steps, increasing their walking time each day. Work with the doctor or a physical therapist associated with your condition to optimize mobility and facilitate recovery. Mobility strengthens a person’s muscles and bones while helping him or her to become steadier on their feet and reduce the risk of falling.
It is important to understand the physician’s specific orders for a successful recovery. If physical or occupational rehab is ordered, for example, the patient should follow the orders as directed, unless symptoms suggest otherwise. Taking the right medication on time is also important. Failure to follow through on the doctor’s guidelines may disrupt the healing process.
Getting involved in social activities during recovery plays a key role in restoring the person’s health. Talking and laughing with friends and relatives or participating in activities that are suited to the recovering person’s abilities helps to make the time pass more pleasantly and promotes vital social interaction. Without connecting to others, a person who is trying to heal may feel isolated and unloved, which can actually deter recovery.
Getting well takes time. However, a patient who is working through recovery following a significant injury, illness, or surgery can take a proactive approach to encourage more rapid and complete healing. Taking good care of both body and mind will promote a sense of well-being that goes hand-in-hand with a speedy recovery.
The post 4 Tips for a Speedy and Healthy Recovery appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Catton
Recent studies have shown that people in marriages or long-term relationships are happier and healthier than their single counterparts. But not everyone finds their life-long partner at a young age. And whether you’re recently divorced and looking to meet new people or are a single parent who’s ready for romance; looking for love later in life can be a daunting prospect. Luckily the Internet has made it easier than ever to meet likeminded people who are looking for a new relationship. And Internet dating no longer has the stigma it once had. In fact, in the USA, the leading dating website eHarmony claims to be responsible for nearly 5% of all marriages.
Getting to grips with Internet dating is pretty easy. There are hundreds of sites to choose from, so you can find one that is tailored to your age group, religion or interests. Once you’ve found a site you like the look of, you join and create a profile. You can then search for people you might like to make contact with and others can contact you.
When you start getting interest from people who have viewed your profile, it’s easy to feel excited but don’t rush in. Take the time to find people who you genuinely might get on with and then spend plenty time getting to know them online before you agree to meet them in the real world.
Once you’ve met a potential partner online and have spent time chatting, the next step is to arrange to meet. If you’re heading out on your first date for many years, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Here are some of the things you might want to think about in advance:
Where to go
When it comes to a first date, location is very important. A drink in a busy town-centre bar or coffee shop is a good idea. This way if things don’t turn out well, you can make your excuses and leave much more quickly than if you’ve booked a meal in a restaurant.
What to talk about
If you’re worried about uncomfortable silences on the first date, think of some topics of conversation in advance that you can fall back on. Reliable topics include favourite films or holiday destinations.
Don’t expect to find love straightaway
It can take quite a few dates before you find the perfect match. So don’t embark on every date as though you are about to meet the love of your life. But keep an open mind, even if you don’t find love, you might make a good friend.
Be yourself
Of course, you want to present yourself in the best light possible on your date but it’s important to be yourself too. Don’t try too hard to be smart or funny, just relax and enjoy yourself. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, rather than trying to impress with a new outfit.
Be honest
If the first date goes well, it could lead to a second and a third so it’s best to be honest from the outset. Let the other person know whether you are looking for marriage or just a bit of fun. Equally, make sure you ask them any important questions that matter to you.
Stay safe
Even if you’ve been chatting online with a potential date for several weeks, remember that they are still a stranger. Choose a busy location and plan how you will get home in advance – particularly if you are meeting in an area that you’re not familiar with.Tell a friend where you are going and agree to ring them at a set time to let them know you are safe. Try not to drink too much on a first date – it may steady the nerves but it can also lead to lapses in judgement.
Have an escape route
Hopefully, your date will be a big success but if not, it’s good to have a plan so that you can leave quickly if you’re not enjoying yourself. You could arrange to ‘accidentally’ bump into a friend at a set time so that you can leave with them. Alternatively, set an alarm on your phone to ring at a certain time. Then if necessary you can pretend that it’s an urgent call from work or family, make your excuses and leave.
If your first date is a disaster – don’t feel disheartened. Treat it as an experience and take what you’ve learnt to improve your future dates. And if you’ve enjoyed the date, let them know and arrange to meet again soon.
The post Get Back Into Dating appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Catton
Recent studies have shown that people in marriages or long-term relationships are happier and healthier than their single counterparts. But not everyone finds their life-long partner at a young age. And whether you’re recently divorced and looking to meet new people or are a single parent who’s ready for romance; looking for love later in life can be a daunting prospect. Luckily the Internet has made it easier than ever to meet likeminded people who are looking for a new relationship. And Internet dating no longer has the stigma it once had. In fact, in the USA, the leading dating website eHarmony claims to be responsible for nearly 5% of all marriages.
Getting to grips with Internet dating is pretty easy. There are hundreds of sites to choose from, so you can find one that is tailored to your age group, religion or interests. Once you’ve found a site you like the look of, you join and create a profile. You can then search for people you might like to make contact with and others can contact you.
When you start getting interest from people who have viewed your profile, it’s easy to feel excited but don’t rush in. Take the time to find people who you genuinely might get on with and then spend plenty time getting to know them online before you agree to meet them in the real world.
Once you’ve met a potential partner online and have spent time chatting, the next step is to arrange to meet. If you’re heading out on your first date for many years, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Here are some of the things you might want to think about in advance:
Where to go
When it comes to a first date, location is very important. A drink in a busy town-centre bar or coffee shop is a good idea. This way if things don’t turn out well, you can make your excuses and leave much more quickly than if you’ve booked a meal in a restaurant.
What to talk about
If you’re worried about uncomfortable silences on the first date, think of some topics of conversation in advance that you can fall back on. Reliable topics include favourite films or holiday destinations.
Don’t expect to find love straightaway
It can take quite a few dates before you find the perfect match. So don’t embark on every date as though you are about to meet the love of your life. But keep an open mind, even if you don’t find love, you might make a good friend.
Be yourself
Of course, you want to present yourself in the best light possible on your date but it’s important to be yourself too. Don’t try too hard to be smart or funny, just relax and enjoy yourself. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, rather than trying to impress with a new outfit.
Be honest
If the first date goes well, it could lead to a second and a third so it’s best to be honest from the outset. Let the other person know whether you are looking for marriage or just a bit of fun. Equally, make sure you ask them any important questions that matter to you.
Stay safe
Even if you’ve been chatting online with a potential date for several weeks, remember that they are still a stranger. Choose a busy location and plan how you will get home in advance – particularly if you are meeting in an area that you’re not familiar with.Tell a friend where you are going and agree to ring them at a set time to let them know you are safe. Try not to drink too much on a first date – it may steady the nerves but it can also lead to lapses in judgement.
Have an escape route
Hopefully, your date will be a big success but if not, it’s good to have a plan so that you can leave quickly if you’re not enjoying yourself. You could arrange to ‘accidentally’ bump into a friend at a set time so that you can leave with them. Alternatively, set an alarm on your phone to ring at a certain time. Then if necessary you can pretend that it’s an urgent call from work or family, make your excuses and leave.
If your first date is a disaster – don’t feel disheartened. Treat it as an experience and take what you’ve learnt to improve your future dates. And if you’ve enjoyed the date, let them know and arrange to meet again soon.
The post Get Back Into Dating appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Catton
Do you feel like you’re constantly striving to be perfect? Are you setting exceptionally high standards in every area of your life? Do you long for the perfect body, house or relationship? If so, you could find that trying to be perfect is harming your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Whilst it’s healthy to have goals and aim high, it seems that in recent years society’s lust for perfection has got out of hand. Every day, we see images of celebrities who look flawless and seem to live ‘perfect’ lives. We know it’s just an illusion and yet we still strive for perfection in our own lives, even though we don’t have a millionaire budget. We aim to be the best at work, try to be a perfect husband or wife, want to raise perfect children and try to create a perfect, spotless home.
But obtaining perfection in every area of life is impossible. And people who try to achievethese unrealistic goals can end up anxious and depressed when they fail to meet the high expectations they’ve set themselves. They may find that their relationships suffer as they try control the people around them and they can feel like a failure or out of control when things don’t turn out as they hoped.
If you find yourself constantly striving for perfection, it might be time to give yourself a break. Remember that things don’t have to be perfect all the time. For instance, it’s better to ignore the housework if it means you have more time to spend with your family. Don’t beat yourself up when you don’t achieve perfection; instead congratulate yourself on what you have achieved. Don’t be afraid to ask for help around the house or at work if you feel you’ve got too much on your plate. And remember that even those people that seem perfect on the outside, have the same insecurities as everybody else on the inside.
In some extreme cases, a desire to be perfect can lead to more serious health issues such as panic attacks, depression, eating disorders or obsessive compulsive disorders. For more information about these kinds of mental health issues, visit: www.mind.org.uk
Bad habits are things that people form to make their lives a little bit easier or to deter them from actually getting things done. They’re easy to form over time, but they’re also difficult to break. These are just some of the worst bad habits you can form and why it’s imperative that you try to break them.
1. Stop Multi-Tasking
It would seem multi-tasking would help you get things done in a more timely fashion, but in actuality, multi-tasking merely helps you start several tasks simultaneously making it nearly impossible to finish them from being so busy. At times, multi-tasking can lead to a person feeling overwhelmed and stressed. In order to avoid these feelings and to become more productive, try getting in the habit of completing one full task at a time.
2. Stop biting your Nails
Biting your nails can lead to a variety of health problems. Think about it – do you wash your hands before and after biting your nails? Probably not. Biting your nails can lead to you getting sick from germs or can lead to you getting other people sick. Nail biting can also lead to problems with your teeth. You could chip your teeth or cause damage to your gums. In addition to potential health risks, nail-biting leads to nubby, ragged nails. When you stop biting your nails, you will reduce the risk of sickness and will help improve your hands’ overall appearance.
3. Stop Eating Quick, Unhealthy Lunches
Whenever it’s time to take your break for lunch, it can seem effortless to swing through a fast food drive through, say a number for a combo meal, and have it handed to you within minutes. However, doing this over time is very harsh on your body, and you will reap the effects sooner or later. Instead, prepare your lunches at home with fresh greens and whole grains. Most likely, you will feel more healthy. You will also notice a difference in your bank account. Eating out daily gets expensive incredibly fast. Think of it this way: If you go the inexpensive route, lunch will cost you $5 per day. That’s $25 a week and $100 each month.
4. Don’t Answer Your Phone’s Every Call
Do you find yourself grabbing at your phone every time you hear it ring or feel it vibrate? Responding to your phone’s every alert can dramatically cut down on productivity. Not only are you taking the time to look at the phone to possibly answer the phone, but taking your concentration from your work to your phone also takes time. You will need to refocus on the task at home. In addition, chances are high that the notification can wait. The other problem with answering your phone all the time is it can come across as slightly rude, like you don’t care about the people you are with.
5. Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth is an extremely bad habit you will want to break as soon as possible. Grinding your teeth can destroy your teeth and gums over time, and it can also entail expensive dental care. It can be difficult to stop this bad habit by yourself. If you suspect you might grind your teeth, check with your dentist, who should be able to see signs of teeth grinding if you do have this bad habit. You may want to find teeth grinding treatment in San Francisco or buy a mouth guard from the store to help break your teeth grinding habit.
6. Don’t Skip Out on Exercise
Lastly, don’t skip out on exercise. It might be easy to make the excuse that you don’t have time for exercise during your typical day, but you can probably find an extra 20-30 minutes to get a brisk walk or run in. Exercise is sure to help you feel better about your appearance. In addition, exercise is good for your heart and muscles. You can walk, swim, go for a bike ride, or find any other activity you enjoy. Exercise over time can help you build muscle, decrease fat and lose weight. Those who exercise every day are found overall to have healthier bodies than those who choose not to exercise.
The post Six Bad Habits to Break Today and Why You Should Break Them appeared first on .
Bad habits are things that people form to make their lives a little bit easier or to deter them from actually getting things done. They’re easy to form over time, but they’re also difficult to break. These are just some of the worst bad habits you can form and why it’s imperative that you try to break them.
1. Stop Multi-Tasking
It would seem multi-tasking would help you get things done in a more timely fashion, but in actuality, multi-tasking merely helps you start several tasks simultaneously making it nearly impossible to finish them from being so busy. At times, multi-tasking can lead to a person feeling overwhelmed and stressed. In order to avoid these feelings and to become more productive, try getting in the habit of completing one full task at a time.
2. Stop biting your Nails
Biting your nails can lead to a variety of health problems. Think about it – do you wash your hands before and after biting your nails? Probably not. Biting your nails can lead to you getting sick from germs or can lead to you getting other people sick. Nail biting can also lead to problems with your teeth. You could chip your teeth or cause damage to your gums. In addition to potential health risks, nail-biting leads to nubby, ragged nails. When you stop biting your nails, you will reduce the risk of sickness and will help improve your hands’ overall appearance.
3. Stop Eating Quick, Unhealthy Lunches
Whenever it’s time to take your break for lunch, it can seem effortless to swing through a fast food drive through, say a number for a combo meal, and have it handed to you within minutes. However, doing this over time is very harsh on your body, and you will reap the effects sooner or later. Instead, prepare your lunches at home with fresh greens and whole grains. Most likely, you will feel more healthy. You will also notice a difference in your bank account. Eating out daily gets expensive incredibly fast. Think of it this way: If you go the inexpensive route, lunch will cost you $5 per day. That’s $25 a week and $100 each month.
4. Don’t Answer Your Phone’s Every Call
Do you find yourself grabbing at your phone every time you hear it ring or feel it vibrate? Responding to your phone’s every alert can dramatically cut down on productivity. Not only are you taking the time to look at the phone to possibly answer the phone, but taking your concentration from your work to your phone also takes time. You will need to refocus on the task at home. In addition, chances are high that the notification can wait. The other problem with answering your phone all the time is it can come across as slightly rude, like you don’t care about the people you are with.
5. Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth is an extremely bad habit you will want to break as soon as possible. Grinding your teeth can destroy your teeth and gums over time, and it can also entail expensive dental care. It can be difficult to stop this bad habit by yourself. If you suspect you might grind your teeth, check with your dentist, who should be able to see signs of teeth grinding if you do have this bad habit. You may want to find teeth grinding treatment in San Francisco or buy a mouth guard from the store to help break your teeth grinding habit.
6. Don’t Skip Out on Exercise
Lastly, don’t skip out on exercise. It might be easy to make the excuse that you don’t have time for exercise during your typical day, but you can probably find an extra 20-30 minutes to get a brisk walk or run in. Exercise is sure to help you feel better about your appearance. In addition, exercise is good for your heart and muscles. You can walk, swim, go for a bike ride, or find any other activity you enjoy. Exercise over time can help you build muscle, decrease fat and lose weight. Those who exercise every day are found overall to have healthier bodies than those who choose not to exercise.
The post Six Bad Habits to Break Today and Why You Should Break Them appeared first on .
Written by Jenny Catton
Ever feel like meetings are taking over your entire day? Well, you’re not alone. In his book How to Manage Meetings, Alan Barker says that most people, working in organisations, spend 60 per cent of their time in meetings. And love them or loathe them, meetings are an essential part of most businesses. They are crucial for getting things done, provide structure within a company and offer an environment in which to discuss problems or ideas. But when meetings aren’t managed properly, they take up valuable time without achieving any worthwhile results. So how can you make sure the meetings in your organisation are effective?
Before you hold your next meeting, think about the following:
Who needs to be there?
Having too many people at a meeting can cause discussions to ramble on for too long and it becomes difficult to make decisions. Limit the number of people at the meeting to only those that really need to be there.
Who’s in charge?
Even if there is no formal hierarchy between the people attending the meeting, it’s important that one person is in charge of running the meeting to keep it progressing efficiently.
What’s on the agenda?
Make sure you have an agenda of points to cover so that the meeting achieves its objectives and doesn’t wander off course.
Action points
It’s what happens after the meeting that’s often the important thing. Make sure someone keeps a note of all the action points that are agreed in the meeting so that they can be followed up afterwards.
Limit the time
Let everyone know what time the meeting will end and stick to it.
Written by Jenny Catton
There are not many people that enjoy the daily commute to work. Whether it’s sitting on a noisy bus, sweating on a crowded train, or battling the motorway traffic, travelling to work is full of stresses and strains. And if you’re already running late for work, the pressure can be even worse.
Arriving at work feeling harassed and stressed isn’t a good way to start the day. In fact, if you find yourself getting wound up during your morning commute, chances are you’ll stay in a bad mood for the rest of the day. So wouldn’t it be great if your journey to work could be relaxed and stress free? Well here are some ways to make your morning commute easier.
Set off earlier
It might not sound like a pleasant prospect but setting off to work an hour or so earlier in the morning could make your journey much more relaxing. And if you arrive at the office before your colleagues, it will give you the opportunity to get jobs done in peace and quiet before everyone else arrives. Perhaps you could negotiate an earlier finish time with your boss to compensate for your early start.
Hide the clock
If sitting in traffic watching is causing you stress – try covering up the face of the clock. After all, you can’t change the time you will arrive so why stress about it whilst sitting in the car?
Enjoy the Walk
Walking is the least stressful and healthiest way to get to work. Not only will you benefit from fresh air and exercise but you’ll also be in complete control of your journey rather than having to battle with traffic or public transport. Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to live close enough to walk to work but perhaps you could walk the final stretch of your journey so that you have chance to refresh and calm down before arriving at work.
Use the time
One of the frustrations of commuting is that it can feel like wasted time. If your journey takes an hour each way, it’s easy to dwell on how much you could achieve if only you could get that time back. So why not think of things you do whilst commuting. If you take public transport, perhaps you could use the time to plan your day or catch up with emails using your laptop. Alternatively, use the time for reading or studying, for example you could learn a new language during your daily journey. And if you drive you don’t have to miss out – you could play a language learning CD or inspirational podcasts whilst you drive.
Relax
If you find yourself getting wound up during the morning commute, try listening to relaxing music or inspirational recordings on your way to work. They will help you keep calm and set you up for a relaxed and productive day at work.
For more tips on stress management, visit: www.mindtools.com
