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Take Your Power Back!

Society and the media play a significant role in developing eating disorders and body dysmorphia. It’s more common now than ever to judge their worth by weight. Your happiness is also given away by giving your power to a number on the scale. Suddenly your entire life revolves around maintaining a certain weight or losing a certain amount. It can interfere with friendships, hobbies, and work and drain vitality. If you weigh yourself every day and are influenced by the number on the scale, you are setting yourself up for an unproductive day.

Avoid Stepping on the Scale

Start by choosing not to weigh yourself every morning or any time during the day. Simply retire your scale. Think about how it makes you feel bad or how it encourages disordered thinking or behaviors throughout the rest of your day. By retiring your scale, you are taking your power back. This is an act of self-love instead of self-hate.

Practice Self-Love

The scale becomes inconvenient when you fill yourself up with love and confidence. If you tell yourself you look good while looking in the mirror, you will feel good. If you continue to do what makes you feel your best, you won’t want to take out your scale. Your weight is simply a number. It does not define your accomplishments or how genuine and caring you are. It does not define your goals or what you enjoy doing. Instead, revolving your days around your scale makes you miserable by taking away the goodness in your life.

Make A Daily Self-Care Routine

Ask yourself what you need more of. Self-care should be part of your everyday routine. Make sure you are thinking positive thoughts about others and yourself. Do you need more time to relax? Do you need more hours of sleep? Or do you need more hours to do what you love, like visiting a museum, journaling, reading, walking in the park, or hanging out with your friends? Be good to yourself. It’s the best course of action to start living your healthiest and happiest life.

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How to Achieve Work/Life Balance

A balance between work and personal life is essential for a healthy life. It’s good to be productive, but it’s also good to set time aside to enjoy moments with friends, family, and with yourself.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING 

High blood pressure, fatigue, heart disease, and irritability are side effects of working too much. Overdoing it can steal your happiness and your health from you. Working is important. It’s necessary to pay the bills, but stressing yourself out or overworking will harm you more than the benefit you.

 

BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY AND CREATIVITY 

When you are constantly working, it can become overwhelming. Your brain may become clouded which will have a negative impact on your performance. When you spend some time engaging in fun conversation or spending time with friends, you will relieve some of that clouded judgment. Endorphins will be released, and when you go back to work you will feel lighter and work better. Giving your brain a rest from work-life will have ideas flowing to you naturally.

 

HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE 

DO WHAT YOU LOVE

Schedule at least two days a week where you do what you enjoy. Fit in your hobbies as much as possible.

TAKE BREAKS

Set time away from work to take a break whether it’s 15 minutes or longer. Allowing yourself some free time to clear your head and stray away from work will lessen the burden. Working without breaks will not enhance your performance.

VACATION

A longer break such as a vacation will give you consecutive days of rest. Turn off your work phone and put your feet up. Take the time to yourself. Enjoy life fully every moment you can because life isn’t supposed to be all about work. Positive experiences and living stress-free are important parts of this journey.

EXERCISE

Going for a long walk, short walk, working out at home, or going to a gym can boost your mood and energize your body. Any form of exercise can fill your body with health benefits. Whether you set aside time for exercise in the morning, afternoon, or after work, y

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A Healthy Lifestyle Can Be Fun and Delicious

A healthy lifestyle consists of eating healthy foods and staying active. Sometimes it can be difficult for children to pick a food they enjoy besides the processed kind and with the advance in technology and video games, it can be hard to know if your children are getting enough physical activity. Here are a few ideas to take into consideration when it comes to achieving that healthy lifestyle.

A Healthy Diet Doesn’t Have to be Boring

There is a common myth that vegetables, grains, and fruits are bland and do not taste good. This is usually due to the fact that the meals are not seasoned enough or the excessive amount of processed foods that your taste buds are accustomed to. Try seasoning food with garlic, herbs, vinegar, soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, and roasting vegetables to achieve a delicious caramelized flavor. Sweeten vegetables with a slice of fresh apple or add raisins into a salad. The natural sugar that is in fruit will adequately fuel your child’s body while decreasing their urge for processed sugar.

Vital Nutrients for Kids

Protein, carbohydrates, calcium, fats, iron, folate, fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C are essential nutrients for kids. Nuts, beans, dairy products, and meat are sources of protein that give the body energy, and carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes are another way that the body gains fuel. Tofu, broccoli, spinach, eggs, and ice cream are sources of calcium which is essential for healthy bones and strong teeth. Iron allows the blood to carry oxygen to the cells and red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains are iron-rich. Folate is essential for healthy development and lentils, asparagus, chickpeas, kidney beans, and Brussels sprouts provide this nutrient. Fiber is essential for healthy bowel movements and nuts, seeds, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in fiber. Vitamin A prevents infections, keeps skin healthy, and cabbage, sweet potatoes, apricots, carrots, and squash are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin C holds the body’s cells together and papaya, cauliflower, oranges, tomatoes, melons, and mangoes are rich in vitamin C.

Exercise is Fun With Swimming

Swimming improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the lungs, and it is known to prevent diabetes and obesity as it burns a large number of calories. Since swimming is fun, kids don’t even know they are getting exercise and improving their overall health.  Exercising also makes you release endorphins which make you happy and when a child is swimming and playing in the water, it will release this chemical in their brain that will decrease the risk of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Other Ideas for Exercising

Playing tag, hopscotch, hula hooping, gardening, racing, playing sports and twister are other fun ways to get your children’s body moving while encouraging them to socialize. Schedule a time when everyone’s in a good mood and their responsibilities are taken care of to partake in any of these exercising ideas. You can even take it to the next level and reward your child every month for their activity progress.

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How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

Many dogs become anxiety-ridden when the sound of fireworks reaches their eardrums. There are a few tips you can use if your dog happens to be scared of fireworks. First, look up where fireworks will be in your area in order to plan ahead. The best option would be to take your dog to a friend’s house or anywhere they won’t be able to hear the noise. If that’s not an option, here are a few other tips:

Keep Your Dog Inside

It’s best to keep your dog inside when there are fireworks. They sound loudest outside, and your pet will not feel safe. It may also cause them to shake or attempt to run away in order to escape the fireworks. Your pet will be safest inside your home.

Play Music

You can put on the TV or play music so your dog can’t hear the fireworks. Sometimes this will drown out the sound of the fireworks, and your pet will not hear them. Playing any sound louder than fireworks is a good idea.

Keep Your Dog Far Away From the Noise

If there’s a certain room where the fireworks don’t sound as loud, take your dog there. You want to get them as far away from the noise as possible.

Entertain Your Dog

You can try to distract your dog using treats or toys. Since the dog will be scared, you can brighten up its time by giving it a treat. Sometimes playing with your dog can distract it from the outside noise as well. This will bring your pet relief and happiness. 

Use Your Clothing

During a time where dogs feel scared and not safe, they might be drawn to an article of clothing of yours. This will decrease their anxiety. You can wrap them in your sweatshirt or a shirt. They may even be drawn to your presence. Pet them and comfort them the best you can.

Seek Out A Vet’s Diagnosis

If there seems to be no cure, you can contact your vet. There may be an underlying issue and they will be able to help your pet.

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The Benefits of A Saltwater Pool

Saltwater pools have been around since the 1970s. They contain chlorine, but it’s a much smaller amount that is naturally produced. Instead of harsh chemicals, saltwater pools convert salt into chlorine. They are easier to maintain, do not have the same scent as chlorine pools, and offer more benefits than chlorine pools. 

How A Saltwater Pool Works

The pool uses a saltwater chlorine generator and it maintains its cleanliness without the need for chlorine or shock. The salt system will split apart the salt and the water causing it to sanitize the pool in a pure way. The purifier kills germs and other unwanted bacteria as it travels through the jets and plumbing. The salt is recycled throughout this process helping the pool will remain clean and clear. There is also much less salt in a saltwater pool than there is in the ocean so you will not notice the salt when you are swimming as there are around 3000 parts per million.

Benefits of A Saltwater Pool

    • They are a better option for those with allergies or asthma. 
    • They are good for exercise.
    • They do not irritate eyes or skin.
    • The water feels softer and silkier, unlike abrasive chlorine pool water.
    • This type of pool will not fade the color of swimsuits.
    • It decreases inflammation in the body.
    • It relaxes the body and aids it in detoxification.
    • It is known to sterilize the skin.
    • It calms the nervous and lymphatic systems.
    • It prevents algae growth.

Cons of Chlorine

    • Chlorine can be harmful to the skin as it requires harsh chemicals that cause itchy or dry skin.
    • It can cause an itchy throat and a runny rose.
    • It requires continuous testing which can be inconvenient yet necessary.

 

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Feeling Sad is Powerful

It’s true that feeling sad is not an ideal emotion. It’s normal to prefer happiness, though sometimes we have no choice but to feel sad, and that is okay. Every emotion is valid and worth expressing.
Since emotions are energy in motion, it is necessary to feel through them. When we suppress these emotions, it can lead to depression or further unhappiness. Simply feel the emotions and all of the thoughts that are going through your mind. It takes a strong individual to sit with their sadness and approach it head-on. Crying is a sign of strength, not weakness.
To help you feel safe when faced with feelings of sadness, here are some tips that may help you.

Journal

Sometimes it’s easier and more comfortable to write in a journal than to speak to others. Write down the feelings or thoughts that you are going through. Acknowledge the state that you are in. When you write down what is held inside of your body, you are releasing these feelings further. It will feel like a relief when you are done.

Positive Affirmations

When you are sad or crying, remind yourself that you are going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay. You are safe. You are releasing all of these heavy emotions as you feel them. This will make you feel better because you are not feeding into negative thoughts by calling yourself weak or focusing on how you don’t like feeling the way you do.

This Too Shall Pass

Though you might have a sad day that lasts longer than you’d like it to, remember that there’s going to be happy moments in your future again. Heavy emotions seem like they’re going to last forever, but they are not. They are temporary. 

Accept All Emotions

When we deem emotions good or bad or label them positive or negative, it can drag us further down. We feel sad and immediately correlate that to being “bad.” Sadness is an emotion just like the rest of them and it will not last forever. Accept all emotions as they come to you and provide yourself with the support and confidence to know that you can handle all that comes your way because you can.

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How to Unsubscribe from Toxic Relationships

Toxic relationships can be with friends, lovers, or family members. They are draining, unfulfilling, and can be emotionally, physically, spiritually, and psychologically damaging. When you view posts from a specific account you follow on social media and you realize that you don’t want to follow them anymore, you will unfollow them. The same tactic can be used in real life with real relationships.

The Importance of Boundaries

Boundaries teach others how to respect and treat you. They are necessary to have in order to maintain a happy and healthy life. Without them, it can lead to burnout. When you have boundaries, you will fill yourself with self-respect, self-care, and self-love.

How to Set Boundaries

Whether in the workplace or in your personal life, boundaries must be set. You can set them by communicating. Start by saying no without feeling guilty, making sure you are treated as an equal, saying yes because you want to, not feeling responsible for someone else’s happiness, asking for what you want, defining your own life, and fulfilling your own needs. Telling people how you want to be treated is key to any healthy and successful relationship.

Eliminate Contact

Some people will get angry when you set boundaries. Continue to set them anyway. If you voice your feelings and the person does not listen to you and continues to mistreat you, it is okay to cut contact. This is especially true with toxic relationships in your life. Just as you would remove a specific account from your social media because you don’t want to view their posts or unsubscribe from certain e-mails that you do not want to receive anymore, you can apply that to your relationships. You can block a person’s number if you don’t want to be contacted by them anymore. You can stop spending time with people who decrease your self-worth and who do not view you as an equal. 

By taking your power back and “unsubscribing” from toxic relationships, the quality of your life will drastically improve.

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The Best Brunch Spots in Midland

Surrounding Midland, TX are various restaurants that serve a delicious brunch. 

Bean & Grape

Located at the end of the strip of a mall, this relaxing and casual restaurant offers brunch every day until 3 PM. They offer an assortment of wine, craft beer, and fresh coffee as well. The interior is rather rustic and is an ideal place to catch up with friends.

Higher Grounds Coffee Shop

This spot is perfect for music and art lovers. Inside, you will find large art hung up on the walls. The large windows allow abundant natural light to fill the atmosphere. Aside from omelets and oatmeal, they serve fresh juices and smoothie bowls.

The Fuel Bar

A good place for a healthy meal located in downtown Midland. There are a plethora of toppings for acai bowls and coffee options. There are tacos and grab-n-go lunch options as well. You can use the bean bag chairs and help yourself to their book options.

Don Tomás Café

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine with homemade tortillas, this is the place to go. A small and casual restaurant to catch a meal.

Café At The Gardens

Founded in 2005, this unique restaurant uses plenty of flavorings to create their dishes. It offers a tropical atmosphere with landscape designs including gazebos, plants, trees, and a mini pond. All of the outdoor seating is surrounded by the beautiful greenery and an airy atmosphere. There’s also a gift center where you can purchase unique items.

Wall Street Bar & Grill

Serving for over 30 years, this restaurant has an older speakeasy and classic atmosphere. They serve steak, soup, and a variety of other options. Whether celebrating an occasion such as a holiday or birthday or simply wanting to dine at a top-quality restaurant, this is a good option.

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How to Prepare Your Chickens for Autumn

Though autumn is a rather stress-free month for chicken care, there are quite a few steps to take to prepare chickens for it. Here a few factors and tips to keep in mind.

MOLTING

The natural, 1-3 month process of shedding feathers and growing new ones. It usually starts at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn. During this process, chickens will need more protein and free range to roam. They can benefit from protein-rich black oil sunflower seeds during this time.

CHECK FOR PARASITES AND MITES

Parasites, fleas, and mites cause much discomfort to chickens. The best way to rid of these predators is to thoroughly clean the coop and birds. Parasites would be under the wings and in between feathers. By cleaning out the coop and providing them a new one, the birds will live mite free. It would be beneficial to give the birds as well as the coop a dust bath. 

FALL PRODUCE

With autumn comes high protein food to feed chickens. Sweetcorn, pumpkin, apples, and berries are great options to feed the birds.

PREPARE THE COOP

Clean out cobwebs and check for spiders, mites, and leaks. It’s important to use a disinfectant to rid of any bacteria or lingering pests before making new bedding. Make sure there aren’t any drafts, as it could lead to moisture which will make your chickens sick. To prepare for unwanted pests, secure windows and put up a secure fence.

THE FROZEN WATER SOLUTION

Chickens need water every day. To avoid it from freezing, use a large plastic tub. Don’t put it directly on the ground as it will freeze quicker that way. The larger the tub, the less time it has to freeze.

LED LIGHTS

Less sunlight equates to a decrease in egg production. You can boost production by installing an LED light in the coop.

PLAY WITH THE BIRDS

By spending time with your chickens outside before it gets too cold, you will be able to catch any health problems before they worsen. Listen to the way they breathe and watch for any changes in behavior.

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Why Your Dog is Digging Up the Backyard and How to Stop it

Many dogs will dig up the backyard and ruin grass, plants, or fences. Specific dog breeds are more prone to digging than others such as Dachshund, Bedlington Terrier, Beagle, and Siberian Husky. They may do this for a number of reasons whether it’s their high energy, to cool off, the smell of buried food or rodents, or their instincts telling them to work. 

OTHER CAUSES

 

LACK OF SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS

Sometimes if a dog is lacking certain nutrients, they will eat the soil in hopes to find the vitamins they are lacking. A less serious cause of eating soil is because their sense of smell is extremely sharp and they may smell leftover food in the soil. 

ANXIETY

If there is a thunderstorm or loud sounds that your dog is afraid of, it may be digging as a way to escape due to their anxiety.
 

WHAT TO DO

 

EXERCISE

Your pup may be bored. Take your dog for a long walk or to the dog park to help it release any pent-up energy. You can play with your dog in the backyard with a toy as well. Keeping your pet active will not allow it to have idle time to start digging.

PROVIDE A COOL TEMPERATURE

Some breeds dig into the earth because the temperature is too hot. To make sure your pup is not overheating, place an accessible water bowl in the yard so it can hydrate with cool water. Other options can be to buy a small pool for your dog to swim in or to bring your dog inside to cool off for a while.

CREATE A DIGGING ZONE

If you don’t mind your pup digging in a designated area of the yard, you can create a digging zone just for them.

It’s important not to punish your dog for doing this because it is natural to them. By hindering their natural instinct, it can lead to a decrease in their overall well-being.