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Printers and privacy have a complicated relationship- Here’s why

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

When you print, scan, or copy a document at home or in the office, it might look like any other document to your eyes. But, unbelievably, data on the page make it possible to track almost every document you’ve ever scanned, printed, or photocopied back to you.

Your printer logs everything

All modern printers keep some form of log. Depending on the make and model, the logs can be highly intrusive and even go as far as indefinitely retaining full copies of all material.

Printer logs can be a substantial and unexpected privacy risk, especially if they contain sensitive and personal information. This is a significant risk when disposing of or selling old printers, as people are rarely aware of how to wipe or destroy the hard drive safely.

Wellness Matters 101: Simple Solutions And Suggestions That Promote Health

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

People who have decided that they’re no longer comfortable with signs of poor health like mood instability and weight gain should know that they don’t have to tolerate a substandard physical or mental state of being any longer. If you’re ready to begin cultivating a lifestyle that is conducive to health, now is the perfect time to get started. Below you’ll find just three of many simple solutions and suggestions that you can implement to begin promoting health right now:

1. Eat Mindfully.

One of the most effective and important mindfulness strategies under the sun is mindful eating. This technique is powerful because it enables the individual to take conscious control over their eating habits so that they are continually consuming foods that promote clear thinking and physical vitality. Although defined broadly, eating mindfully basically involves thinking critically about the food you consume rather than simply consuming a product because it is available or to quell the rise of a negative emotion like anger or sadness. There are many ways that you can make mindful eating your new normal, and one is by recording what you eat in a food journal.

2. Meditate.

In addition to eating mindfully, make sure that you tap into the efficacy of other mindfulness strategies such as regular meditation. Meditating regularly is a wonderful way to promote health because it helps individuals think clearly, decrease their stress levels, and sleep more soundly. Because there are literally hundreds of meditation modalities under the sun, it shouldn’t be difficult for individuals to locate at least one that they will enjoy and attain excellent results from. Whether you recite words of affirmation within silently or concentrate on inhaling and exhaling rhythmically, you’ll likely start to feel that your mind and body begin operating at a higher level of efficacy so that you can maintain your mental and physical equilibrium!

3. Start Engaging In More Physical Activity.

One final technique that can take your level of wellness to an all-time high is working physical activity into your life. Doing so will empower you to gain strength, build muscle, enhance your metabolism, lose weight or maintain your ideal weight, and attain more mental clarity. There are many ways that you can get started with the process of exercising regularly, and one is by purchasing home gym equipment from a company such as Smart Squat.

Conclusion

Once a person realizes that they’re no longer willing to settle for less than the best in terms of health, it’s time to put the strategic planning process in full swing. You can use some or all of the wellness strategies outlined above to keep yourself on track to attaining the high level of health you deserve to have!

 

4 Good Habits for Fostering Creativity

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

If you’re one of those people who make a living or get their enjoyment from being creative, then you’ll know that it’s an attribute that can feel all too fleeting. One day, our output seems extraordinary; at others, it seems like inspiration is a million miles away. But what if you could control your creative levels, wouldn’t that be something special? While you’ll never be able to have a tight grip on this elusive attribute, there are things you can do to make sure you have more of it. We take a look at a few methods below.

Source: Pexels.com

Spend Some Time Alone

There are some advantages to working with others, but if that’s all you’re doing, then you’ll be doing your creative side a disservice. Contrary to popular belief, collaboration doesn’t always result in a more creative output. If you spend time alone, then you’ll be narrowing in on your own thoughts and feelings, and that’s what you should be channelling into your artistic projects. It’s easy to get caught up in whatever’s popular, but this will only show that you have a sense of what’s trendy – and that’s a very different thing to creativity.

Kick the Vices

Another myth about creativity is that it is given a boost by alcohol and other illicit substances. This is not the case; there is a long list of artists who have had their promising career destroyed by drug and alcohol abuse. If you’re currently relying on mind-altering substances to open up your creative pathways and can’t seem to stop, then click here. Once you’re in a healthier position, you’ll find that your creative mind is much more productive.

Escape Your Echo Chamber

We’re all guilty of falling into a routine, walking the same way to and from work, listening to the same type of music and so on. While there are benefits to this way of living for normal types, if you’re creative, then you might be cutting off a good source of inspiration: diversity. If you can momentarily escape your echo chamber, then you might discover a new way of thinking or doing that propels your artistic side to the next level. It can be as simple as selecting a new way to get from A to B, visiting a city you’ve never been to before (and would ordinarily not visit), trying yoga, or tuning into a different radio station every now and again. Also, don’t underestimate the value of striking up a conversation with a person who you would not normally talk with!

Perseverance

Some creatives think that waiting for inspiration to strike is the worst sin of all. Because this feeling is so elusive, you could be waiting for a long time, and then when it does arrive, find that it only lasts for a few moments. Instead, foster your perseverance side. It’ll be the tool that allows you to sit down and get to work even when you don’t want to. Sometimes, just doing it is what it takes to get your project up and running.

Is A Care Home Right For Your Parents?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Watching your parents get older is one of the hardest things in the world. After all, you’ve probably spent your entire life looking up to them and having to come to terms with the fact that they’re not able to do things that they used to do or that they are struggling to take care of themselves can be incredibly painful. However, it’s not something that you, or they, can afford to ignore and it often involves a lot of tough choices. One of the toughest choices of all is whether or not it’s best for your parents to live full time in a care home. It’s something that a lot of people are hesitant to think about but it can often be the best thing for everyone involved. Here are some things that you need to do if you’re considering suggesting a care home for your parents.

 

Discuss it with them

 

The first thing that you need to do is to discussthe prospect of moving into a care home with your parents. After all, they’re not going to respond particularly well to the idea that you’re trying to push them into it. Sure, if they’re suffering from any kind of memory loss or other age-related conditions then you may have to make the tough choice but most of the time it’s best to make sure that it’s their own decision.

 

Be honest about what you’re capable of

 

You might not want to end up putting your parents in a home and you assume that you’ll be able to take care of themyourself. However, there’s a good chance that that’s not going to be the case. The truth is that if you have things that you need to take care of in your own life, you simply might not be able to look after them. If you already have a family and a career then you might not be able to provide the full-time care that your parent’s need.

 

Find the right place

Of course, not all care homes are created equal. There are plenty of wonderful places where your parents would be extremely happy but there is also the possibility that they’re not being treated well. There’s plenty of advice online for what to do if you suspect nursing home abuse. But the best thing is to do your research in advance. Make sure that you visit any prospective homes and that you do thorough background checks on all of them. After all, if it’s the kind of place where your parents are going to be living then you want them to get the very best care possible.

 

More than anything else, you have to remember that moving into a care home must be your parent’s decision. You might think that it’s for the best but you can’t be the one to make that choice for them. In the end, all that you can do is to support them in whatever choice they make or that

Your Creative Life After An Accident

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

If you are naturally a creative spirit, the idea of being forced to stay at home to recover from an injury can be terrifying. For a lot of people, an accident can be traumatising and depressing. Many find themselves reliving the moment of the accident continuously in their minds, which can create a fertile ground for anxiety disorders and stress. Additionally, the fear of not being able to get back to full health can also affect your professional career and even your social future. An accident remains you of your vulnerability. It brings only negative emotions as you recover. But, if you exercise your creative mindset, you can find a way to turn the negative into positive.

Use creativity against pain

Take the stress out of your recovery at home

If you’ve left the hospital and have chosen to recover at home instead, it can be stressful to find yourself struggling with mobility issues in your own home. A lot of people hope to get back to normal as soon as they leave the hospital. So, brace yourself for a long recovery time and invest in creative mobility-friendly kits – you can read about them here. Using the right items and changing your furniture to match your needs can take a lot of stress of your mind. Don’t make it extra difficult for yourself to stay at home!

 Be creative about developing healthy habits

Recovering is about helping your body to heal. It doesn’t happen overnight, unfortunately. But you can use the time to develop healthy habits by learning how to cook, for instance. Healthy and delicious recipes can help you to fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to heal. Additionally, you’ll find that you’re less likely to indulge in junk food if you can be creative with your cooking. It’s fair to say that getting your 5 a day can seem dull if you are not an enthusiastic cook. But when you can whip a yummy meal in an instant, no vegetable will ever be boring again! 

Use art to relieve your anxiety

You can use drawing or painting as a way to alleviate your anxiety. Emotionally, it is a rewarding journey. As Picasso once said ‘Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.’ Creatively expressing your worries and pains about healing can help you deal with the recovery time positively. You can put all your joy, sadness, tears and smiles into each piece. It doesn’t matter if nobody else sees it. What matters is that it’s a piece of darkness that doesn’t get to live inside your mind any longer.

When life gives you lemons, find a creative solution!

Use your experience to find new creative paths

An accident is ultimately a negative life experience. If you look back in the story of most successful entrepreneurs, their past was inhabited by failures. Nevertheless, the lesson successful business people learned from it was to keep looking for the light at the other end of the tunnel, the solution that will fix it all. Failure is part of the journey, but it doesn’t hold you back. It helps you to grow. Embrace your accident in the same way to make the most of it.

Creativity can help you recover faster after an accident. From using creative solutions to being creative yourself, healing is the final step of your inventive path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pros And Cons Of Getting Married

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Lots of people talk about getting married like it’s the ultimate goal; the be all and end all. This is usually because of the way society has conditioned us to think about married. Some cultures take it very seriously indeed, and if you’re not getting married then it is frowned upon or seems strange in some cultures.

 

Without bringing different cultures and religions into it, there are some pros and cons of getting married that you should be aware of if you’re already unsure about tying the knot. You can stay with your partner forever without a marriage certificate, right? Read on to learn more.

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There Are Many Legalities To Getting Married

When you get married, there are many legalities that you’re expected to stick to. You and your partner are pretty much considered as one when it comes to things like saving, buying a house, and doing other big things/making big decisions.

Planning A Wedding Is Fun

Planning a wedding can be a lot of fun. Reading through wedding ebooksand other resources can make everything seem so exciting and give you lots of great ideas for your big day.  

Marriage Is Old Fashioned

Some people love the idea of the tradition of marriage, others don’t. Many of the reasons people used to get married do not apply anymore, such as proving the legitimacy of children. Of course people still get married because it can be a way to celebrate your love with your partner and all of your loved ones.

Weddings Are Expensive

Not only are weddings stressful to plan, they pretty much drain all of your finances. You have outfits to buy, flowers, the venue, vendors, favors, entertainment, and so much more. The money you spend on a wedding could have easily gone on a car, a new house, or a luxury holiday. That being said, if all goes to plan, you only get married once and it could well be the best day of your life.

People View Your Relationship as More Legitimate

It doesn’t matter how legitimate you think your relationship is. Marriage will always make people look at it differently.

Marriage Could Change Your Relationship

Marriage can change a relationship, sometimes for the positive, sometimes for the negative. A successful relationship takes time, communication, and a whole host of other aspects. Marriage can change the dynamics depending on each partner’s view of the union.

Insurance And Tax Breaks

Probably one of the biggest reasons to get married in the modern day is the insurance and tax breaksyou can benefit from.

There are lots of reasons to get married and a few reasons that maybe you shouldn’t. It’s all down to you and your partner as individuals and what you feel works for you both. Don’t feel pressured to do it just because you think you should or because people are going on at you. It’s 2018 and this is totally your choice.

 

Leave your thoughts on marriage below!

Top Amazing Benefits of Learning How to Cook

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

If you have never learnt how to cook before or if it is something that you are interested in but you just don’t quite know how to take things to that next level then you are not alone. People across the world try and cook every single day, but if you are able to turn that necessity into a passion then you can really help yourself to be healthier and more confident. On top of all that, it is a skill that can come in very useful in your later life.

Social Status

It doesn’t matter whether you are making yourself way more marketable in terms of dating or whether you want to try and better your position at work because having skills is always important and learning how to cook or evenbakeis a great way for you to get started. You can make yourself look way more unique and appealing, not to mention that people will respect you more for it as well. If you are concerned because you know that you have never learnt how to make even the most basic of dishes before then don’t worry because everyone has to start somewhere and it really is all about taking the time to really develop as a person.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-frying-pan-with-spaghetti-sauce-near-brown-wooden-ladle-and-ripe-tomatoes-691114/

Cooking is great for Two

Cooking doesn’t have to be hard work. Sure, some people slave over the stove but this doesn’t have to be the case. It is very easy for you to cook with your other half and cooking is now an activity that can be shared. A lot of couples love to learn new skills together and it is great if you want to try and strengthen that bond that you have. You may find that your relationship grows as a result and it is also a great way for you to learn from each other. If you are not good at one aspect of cooking then there is a high chance that your partner will be able to fill in the gaps, so do keep that in mind. Any speaker for nutritionwill tell you how great it is to know how to cook.

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Improving your Health

A lot of people choose to eatfoodthat is bad for them, purely because they don’t know how to cook a very healthy meal. They believe that they have to have some magical skill in order to whip together a great meal but this is not the case at all. If you are willing to take some classes then this is a great way for you to take things to that next level and it can also help you to develop your skills much faster as well. If you believe that you are not cut out for classes then don’t worry, you can still learn everything that you need to know at home and this is a great way for you to really fill up those long and boring weekends.

 

So learning how to cook is a great way for you to expand your skillset, and by taking the time to really work on your skills, you can be sure to get a positive result.

 

 

 

 

 

Stress-Free Parenting Isn’t a Myth–You’re Just Doing It Wrong

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

We’ve heard it all before. Parenting is stressful and it takes the life out of you. It makes you feel tired at the end of a long day and it makes you struggle to manage your own personal goals. You think about your kids all day and it becomes difficult when they start causing trouble for you. It’s understandable and completely believable that you sometimes just want to dump your children with a babysitterand have a fun night out.

Although it’s completely acceptable to do that once in a while, there are actually other ways to help lower your stress when dealing with children. In this article, we’ll be talking about stress-free parenting and why it’s not a myth, but a completely achievable reality.

Source: Pexels

1. Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is underrated. Quality sleepis essential for helping you boost your confidence, keep your energy levels high and also help you recharge after a long day. Sleep can help regulate your mood, it can improve your focus, it can bolster your memory and it can help you fight back against illnesses. Taking afternoon naps is fine, but you’ll want to make sure that you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. If you’re being woken up by a noisy child then learn to accept it. You can make up for lost sleep in the afternoon. If your job is affecting your ability to get quality sleep, then it may be time to take a day or two off just to give yourself a break. 

2. Get rid of stress triggers

Stress can cause a number of different problems such as mental health issues, physical health issues, developing addictions and even becoming easily irritable. The last thing you want is to start shouting at your kids or even your partner, so it’s important to get rid of stress triggers. This article titled “Tips To Reduce Daily Life Stress Triggers In Addiction Recovery” will be a great guide to help you reduce your stress if you’re personally recovering from an addiction and find that having children has caused you to slump back into old depressive habits. 

3. Simplify things

Keep things simple when you’re with your kids. Don’t take on more than you can handle and always streamline things. Using food preparation to help you cut down on long cooking times, stick to a schedule so that you know where you are in your day and always try to reduce the number of responsibilities you have. It’s completely normal to split your obligations with your partner and you might even find it helpful to ask your kids to learn to do simple house chores such as making the bed.

Source: Pexels 

4. Stop focusing on perfection 

The “perfect” parenting voice in your head is only making things harder for you. You might feel like you’re not good enough for your children, you might get frustrated that other parents are doing better than you and it can easily spiral out of control. Don’t aim to become the perfect parent that does everything in the best way possible–someone like that doesn’t exist. What’s actually important is that you love your children and that you’re doing everything in your power to make their life comfortable as well as taking care of your own health.

5. Keep yourself active

Exercise is actually one of the best ways to keep yourself fit, focused and motivated. It’s also one of the best ways to fight against stress. Not everyone loves to go to the gym every morning, so it’s important to just add bits of physical activityhere and there to help you cope with your responsibilities. This can include walking to work instead of taking public transport, it could involve cycling with your kids or even going out to a park to play with your children.

6. Remember to have fun 

You should also remember to have more fun. Far too many parents think of their daily tasks as some must-do list and they forget that they can have fun with their tasks. If you’re cleaning the kitchen, then put the radio on or some music and enjoy yourself. You can also learn to have more fun on a regular basis with your kids. If they’re playing video games, try and get interested in the same games and play with them. This can help you connect with your children and even create some friendly competition that will tighten your bond. 

7. Ask for help

Remember that you’re not alone in parenting. Whether it’s calling for a local babysitter to help you look after the kids or visiting a support group for single parents, there’s plenty of help out there if you’re willing to accept it. Trying to do everything yourself will only lead to disaster, so be more mindful of how you approach parenting and realize that you’re not alone. 

8. Stop multitasking

Far too many people focus on multitasking to helpthem complete more tasks in a single day. This is sadly counterproductive and it’s much better to focus on completing single tasks. Think of it this way; trying to do five things at once will only increase the time it takes to finish each task. If you just do each thing individually, then you’ll complete them faster and with less stress on your mind because you’re only focusing on a single thing. 

If you live a fast-paced life and find it difficult to keep up with parenting, then it’s a good idea to take a step back and look at these eight points that we’ve just described. If you find yourself failing to do one or the other, then it’s worth taking a good look at your life and realizing where you’ve gone wrong and what you can do to improve yourself. As frustrating as parenting can be at times, it’s important to deal with all of the problems one by one so that you can live a stress-free life and raising wonderful children.

 

Why Isn’t My Child Meeting Important Milestones?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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If you’re worried about your child because they always seem to be the last of their peers to reach certain milestones like saying their first words or developing motor skills, chances are there is nothing to worry about and they’re just doing things in their own time.

 

Although there are guidelines as to when kids should reach their important milestones, they are far from art in stone, and many kids will take a lot longer than predicted. That does not mean that there is anything to worry about. However, sometimes, there will be an underlying issue that could be keeping them back and you will need to address those.

 

Here are some of the most common reasons why milestones are not met to put your mind at ease and/or ensure that you get the necessary help for your child:

 

Hearing Loss

 

Depending on which stats you look at, between 2-3 of every 1000 children experiences hearing lossto some degree and this can lead to them not hitting important milestones such as developing speech. On average, children can speak between 30 and 50 words by the time they are 21 months old, with most speaking for the first time at least by the time they are 18 months old. If your child has not reached that target, but they understand speech well, it may just be that they are a late bloomer. However, if they don’t appear to understand what you’re saying, let alone being able to speak themselves, it could be that they can’t hear you well enough to do so and they may need a hearing aid or other treatments for which you will need to see a good ENT.

 

Asthma

 

If your child is able to speak, but they do not speak “correctly” and have trouble sounding out words, it could be that they are suffering from asthmawhich can make controlling the air they breath out difficult, thus making it harder to produce the right sounds. If you suspect this could be the case, seeing a doctor should be a priority.

 

Poor Muscle Tone

 

If you’re a worried parentbecause your child isn’t crawling at 8 months and hasn’t taken their first steps between 11-12 months, don’t panic yet. Is your child a little less chubby than the other babies? Does he or she have more weight on the upper body than the lower? It could be that weaker muscle tone and a top-heavy body are making it harder for them to do what they will eventually do given time – nothing to worry about.

Temperament

 

If your baby isn’t walking as soon as you think they should be, or they aren’t developing other motor skillsas quickly as their peers, it could also be that their temperament is the problem. You see, babies and toddlers who are more easily frustrated will push themselves to do things faster and more efficiently than babies who aren’t easily frustrated, simply so they can do what they want to do more easily. This, again, is nothing much to worry about.

 

Most of the time, when kids don’t hit their milestones as fast as you think they should, there’s no problem, but if they miss lots of milestones and they simply don’t appear to be making progress, you absolutely need to see a doctor because it could be the sign of a more serious illness or disorder. Your doctor should always be your first port of call!

Date Night Ideas That Will Blow Everything Else Out Of The Park

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

When you’re busy with work, children and other commitments, it can be easy to neglect your spouse in the sense of not spending enough quality time together. Queue the idea of date nights. They’re a great way of spending some quality time together, a great reason to put your best frock on, and also gives you the chance to have time away from the kids to be yourself again. However, the same date night over and over can become monotonous quickly, so it’s important to try and switch up the plan for your date nights as often as possible. Here are some date night ideas that will blow everything else out of the park.

Photo by Annie Spratton Unsplash

 

While you might not get the chance to spend the night away from the children very often, you should make the most of the chances that you do get. Next time you’ve got the opportunity to be child free overnight, consider booking yourself a romantic hotel near the beach. This gives you the chance to take some long romantic walks on the beach, dine in seaside restaurants, and also get away from the full on routine that you have at home for a night. Sometimes simply spending the night away can do you both the world of good!

 

If you and your partner enjoy a good challenge, then why not book a date night in an escape roomso that you can challenge your minds and also work together to solve the puzzles that come with escape rooms? It encourages you to work together as a team, so if you’ve been finding yourself at loggerheads with your partner, it can really help you solve any issues you have and simply have fun together!

 

It’s understandable that sometimes you might not have the funds to take yourselves off for a plush date, but you don’t need money to have an awesome time together! Why not have a games night with your partner? Games like Wii sports encourage you to work together (or even challenge each other) and make for a fantastic night in. Have a few drinks and gather some nibbles and you can create a brilliant night without having to spend a penny!

 

If there’s one thing that’s needed in every relationship, it’s a good laugh as often as possible. With stresses of life it can be easy to forget about the lighthearted things in life, and that’s why you should take yourselves off to an open mic nightwhere you can volunteer yourselves to do five minutes or so of your favourite jokes (or even your own sketch). If you don’t fancy that, simply being around comedy for an evening will have you both laughing in no time. You never know, you might be better at stand up comedy than you think!

 

Try these amazing ideas so that you can shake up your next date night and fall in love with each other all over again! Remember that it’s not always where you are, it’s who you’re with!

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