March 31, 2022

 Achieving personal goals may be easier if you approach the challenge in a new way. Consistently working toward a goal in a specific way every day helps your brain turn it into a habit. And setting and achieving small goals triggers your brain to release “feel good” chemicals that will encourage you to stay the course. Source Link 

If you’re going to clean the refrigerator you might as well do the job right. Empty it out and throw away expired items, then wash the shelves and drawers and clean the walls. Clean the door gasket to ensure a tight seal, wipe down the exterior and then unplug the fridge and clean the condenser coils at the bottom or back for proper air flow and efficient operation. Source Link

You don’t want to resist this kind of exercise that might help if you have trouble sleeping. A study found that lifting weights or using resistance bands was the best for helping people sleep better. The body’s process that builds muscle after a resistance workout may also trigger the brain to keep you asleep longer to get the job done. Source Link

March 30, 2022

 Can a popular technique to cut clutter in your home also work for your finances? Look at the things you spend money on and ask yourself if it brings you joy. If not, it needs to go. Plenty of us have subscriptions or memberships we don’t use, new clothes that never make it out of the closet or too many tech toys that lose their thrill quickly. Source Link 

You can make the most of your food budget no matter how much money you make. If you’ve got more time than money, use coupons, shop multiple stores and eat the sales items. If time and budget are crunched, pick a store and check the sales before making a meal plan. Online meal kits can be the best value for two-person households with dual incomes. Source Link

How can you get all the value from all those dollars you’re paying for gas? Use apps that let you price-shop before you head out to fill up and maintain correct tire pressure for the best fuel economy. Remove roof racks when you don’t need them, avoid jackrabbit starts or fast braking and skip the premium gas unless your owner’s manual says it’s a must. Source Link

March 29, 2022

 Frozen vegetables can be as tasty as fresh and easy to use when you remember these tips. Be careful not to overcook and try defrosting frozen vegetables in a colander under cold running water instead of using a microwave. You can add vegetables directly from the freezer in soups, stews and chilis and in that breakfast smoothie. Source Link 

Is better fitness a way to beat Alzheimer’s? A study found that being more physically fit might reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to one-third. And it’s not an “all or nothing” approach because even small improvements in physical fitness now may translate into a lower risk for Alzheimer’s later in life. Source Link

When you want a message to get through loud and clear you may want your audience to be wearing headphones. A study found that using headphones or earbuds makes someone sound like they’re in your head. Listeners were more attentive and connected better with the message using headphones than when it was heard over an external speaker. Source Link 

March 28, 2022

 Visiting an urgent care center instead of the emergency room can save you time and money. You should go to the ER only if you have any sign of a stroke; persistent chest pain, trouble breathing or loss of consciousness; high fever with a rash; a serious fall or injury involving the head or eyes; bleeding that won’t stop; a serious burn or a sudden, severe headache or loss of vision. Source Link 

What are the signs to look for in a good car salesman and how do you spot a bad one? A bad salesman tries to size you up with questions about what kind of vehicle or payment you had in mind, ignores your concerns about price and may not even offer a test drive. A good salesman listens to you, knows their product inside and out and never lies. Source Link 

The sandwich is a lunchtime classic, but what if you want to skip those two slices of bread? Try wrapping ingredients in a whole-grain pita, tortilla or lettuce leaves. Scoop the seeds out of a cucumber, zucchini, tomato or bell pepper and stuff it with a salad mix or pack hard-boiled egg whites with cubes of meat. Source Link 

March 25, 2022

 Keeping years worth of emails with attachments that could have your personal information is a security risk. To trash all of these from your Gmail account, enter, “has:attachment” in the search bar and then click on “Select all conversations that match this search.” With just one more click you’ll send all of these old emails to Gmail Trash. Source Link 

Take some steps before you dive into that new phone or tablet to avoid becoming the victim of a hacker. Backup and transfer old data and consider using a cloud service to safeguard it from loss or theft. Create strong, secure logins and use new passwords for those vital services. And register your device with the manufacturer to help with recovery if you are hacked. Source Link 

Deleting online accounts you no longer use can safeguard you from the next website hack. Look in your password manager, search email for old “welcome” messages or check Facebook or Google to find connected accounts. You can search the name of the service and the words “delete account” or visit the support page to find out how to close an unused account. Source Link 

March 24, 2022

 What form of exercise can help you beat depression without breaking a sweat? Yoga has been shown to ease the symptoms of depression for those who are on medication and those who aren’t. The deep breathing and precise movements of yoga can release “feel good” brain chemicals and block others that can worsen depression. Source Link 

Here are some simple steps toward better financial fitness. Make concrete goals like setting up automatic savings from each paycheck or putting more money toward high-interest debt to save on finance charges. And just say “no” to adult children when they ask for money because that habit damages your budget and keeps them from becoming financially independent. Source Link 

The arrival of Spring means allergy season is coming and you can get ahead of the coughing, sneezing and watery eyes right now. Start on medication a few weeks before symptoms appear to prime your body to fight back. It’s also a good idea to see your allergist to find out if treatments like immunotherapy can target your specific allergy and provide more relief. Source Link

March 23, 2022

 A good place to start your spring cleaning is in the medicine cabinet. Properly dispose of old prescription drugs that could be dangerous for children or abused by teenagers. Surveys show that one-quarter of Americans hang on to their old drugs and one in five don’t keep prescription drugs locked up. Source Link 

There’s a five-minute daily mental exercise that may help you bring more success to your life. Studies show that people who reflect on what they want to be before starting their day are more likely to believe in themselves. Ask yourself questions like, “What are my best qualities?” “What are my proudest moments?” and “How do I want to inspire others?” Source Link

No one wants to sleep through a morning alarm and be late for work but there are some fixes for this. Create a morning routine with something you enjoy doing or wake up to natural light. Try an alarm app that makes you complete a task before it shuts off or put your phone or clock out of reach so you have to get out of bed to shut off the alarm. Source Link

March 22, 2022

 Need a plan to manage credit card debt and boost your credit score? Pay those bills early and often. Don’t go over 30 percent of your total credit limit at any time even if you pay the full balance each month. Instead, make several smaller payments throughout the month and don’t close unused cards because that can hurt your credit score. Source Link 

When you’re considering home remodeling, think small and ask yourself if it'll improve your lifestyle. Easy jobs like a new front door can increase resale value more than the cost and pick projects to improve your quality of life now whether or not that increases resale value. The most affordable way to improve a home’s sale price is a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. Source Link
https://tesh.com/articles/remodel-secrets-to-increase-resale-value/

If there’s a long-term caregiver in your life, you can support them in several ways. Financial aid can be a GoFundMe page, help with paying rent or a car loan, or a gift card. You can handle day-to-day tasks for them like cooking and cleaning, or give the gift of listening to hear their concerns without judgment or interruption. Source Link

March 21, 2022

 What’s the best day to apply for a job to increase your chances of getting hired? It’s the day when the job is posted and research showed that more jobs are posted on Tuesdays than any other day of the week. Those who applied on the first day that a job was posted were 30% more likely to get an interview. Source Link 

There’s a kitchen gadget that’s a time and money saver and is good for your health. A vacuum sealer inhibits bacteria growth and can keep foods fresh for longer. You can also use a vacuum sealer to prepare your own meal kits by combining seasonings with individual portions of an entree that can go from the freezer to the oven or grill. Source Link 

Skin cancer is the most common type and you can stay on-guard by remembering your A-B-Cs and D-E-Fs. Look for a mole that’s asymmetrical, has a border with ragged edges, a color that's uneven, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser or is elevated or raised. If you see any of these in a monthly self-check then it’s time to visit a dermatologist. Source Link 

March 18, 2022

 That next cross-country flight may be jet-lag free with these tips. Switch to local time for meals and bedtime as soon as you land and go outdoors in the afternoon heading west and in the morning heading east to reset your body’s time clock. And once you get to your destination, plan some time to relax, whether that’s meditation, yoga or a massage at the hotel spa. Source Link 

A light snooze may not make up for short sleep. Researchers found that people didn’t see much benefit when they tried to use a 30 to 60-minute nap to compensate for lost sleep the night before. That’s because a nap isn’t enough time for the body to reach the stage of sleep that’s most refreshing for you. Source Link 

Setting a 30-minute timer may help you combat the effects of too much sitting on the job. A study found that people who stood up and moved every half-hour had a small improvement in their blood sugar levels. That’s important because every hour spent sitting or lying down increases the risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Source Link 

March 17, 2022

 The 2022 St. Patrick’s Day parade is the first in three years and the annual celebration is happening coast-to-coast from Honolulu, Hawaii to Portland, Maine and Seattle, Washington to Tampa, Florida. Alaska and New Mexico are the only states in the U.S. without a St. Patrick’s Day parade and New York state has the most with parades in 48 cities. Source Link 

For better self-esteem, look for ways to build on your strengths instead of just fixing the weaknesses. Discover what skills make you feel best about yourself and find activities to stimulate that. If it’s critical thinking, go to lectures or take a class. Creatives can start a new project and or you can strengthen perseverance by taking on a new responsibility on a short timetable. Source Link 

If you offer your kids cash for good grades, you may want to re-think that arrangement. Linking grades with money can dampen the motivation to grow their knowledge and sense of achievement and they’ll stop working hard when they stop getting paid. And for high-achieving students it can change the joy of learning into a job for pay. Source Link

March 16, 2022

 Many household plastics that go into the trash could have a second life in your home. Gardeners can use yogurt cups to grow seedlings and those clear plastic containers used to package salad mix or berries can store loose items in your fridge. And an old peanut butter jar is perfect for making salad dressing or overnight oats. Source Link 

It’s shocking when a simple touch can zap you with static electricity and here’s how to prevent it. Use a home humidifier with the level set at 60 percent or more and stay hydrated yourself by using skin moisturizer and drinking six to eight glasses of water a day. And if a rug gives you problems try misting it with a solution of one teaspoon of fabric softener in one quart of water. Source Link

How can you tell if that home you’re looking to buy is in a good neighborhood? Check out the cars in the driveways to see if they’re well taken care of and look for signs of remodeling. And see if there’s a big-box home store nearby because those companies do research to find up-and-coming areas for their locations. Source Link

March 15, 2022

 Now hear this – use of over-the-counter pain relievers could increase your risk of tinnitus. In a study, women under 60 who were long-term users of aspirin, NSAID’s and acetaminophen had a higher risk of ringing in the ears. Experts say you should take these medications mindfully and limit use as much as possible. Source Link

Budgeting your personal finances can be easier if you stick to the 50/20/30 rule. Half of your income goes to essentials like food, housing, utilities and transportation and 20 percent is for savings. The other 30 percent covers expenses that are personal choices like your cell phone plan, gym membership, or dining out with friends. Source Link 

To start a good conversation with someone new, avoid questions like, “What do you do?” or “Where are you from?” Instead, get them talking with an opener like, “What’s your story?” or “What makes you smile when you get up in the morning?” or “What’s the most important thing I should know about you?” The goal is to make the conversation about the other person. Source Link 

March 14, 2022

 Building a better breakfast sandwich starts with what it’s made of. Skip the croissants or biscuits and try a whole-wheat English muffin, tortilla or pita wrap. Include four ounces of protein from eggs, turkey sausage or lean meat leftovers like chicken along with plenty of veggies and add some kick with salsa or hot sauce. Source Link 

You might lower blood pressure, ease depression, improve digestion and sleep better without medicines or treatments by practicing meditation. Start by sitting or laying down for about 5 minutes and let your mind wander without trying to control it. Another technique is to focus on your breathing or stare at an object. Source Link 

TV binge-watching may seem fun but your body and brain might beg to differ. Sitting for long periods and eating junk food isn’t good for your body and watching show after show can have the same effect on your brain as compulsive gambling. Make sure a TV binge doesn’t interrupt your sleep, try standing up for five minutes during each episode and pick healthy snacks. Source Link 

March 11, 2022

 Why not buy name brand items on Amazon? Because it’s often a bad deal. Costco’s Kirkland brand, along with Ikea and Trader Joe’s products are often marked up in price by Amazon resellers, and some may even be counterfeits. You can buy many name brand products from retailers directly online and skip the Amazon up-charge. Source Link 

Letting your toothbrush air dry is how you keep it clean at home, but that’s not always possible while on vacation. The solution can be using a resealable plastic bag that keeps your toothbrush separate from everything else in the luggage. When you get to your next destination, open the bag and let your brush air dry. Source Link 

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American suffers a fall. To reduce your risk, talk to your doctor and review medications that can make a fall more likely. Have your vision and hearing checked once a year because these can affect balance; remove home hazards like loose rugs and add grab bars in the bathroom, and find an exercise program that helps build your stability. Source Link 

March 10, 2022

 Standing up quickly can sometimes lead to dizziness but there are two ways you can prevent it. Before you stand up, repeatedly raise your knees or cross your ankles and tense the thigh and buttocks muscles after you stand up. Both techniques can help prevent the brief decrease in blood pressure and increase in heart rate that can cause lightheadedness. Source Link

Tackling a sink full of dirty dishes may be just the thing to boost your creativity. That’s because doing mundane tasks and simple chores can provide time for more deep thinking. The technique has some big proponents including billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos who have both said that they do the dishes at home. Source Link 

Not everything in a thrift store is a smart buy. Do pick up cheap sweaters because you’ll save big on retail prices for something you might wear a few months of the year. Don’t buy shoes that may have stretched out to the former owner’s foot shape and could be uncomfortable. Bargain hunt for baby clothes but avoid used toys that may not conform to safety standards. Source Link

March 9, 2022

 When you need time away from your phone, use these built-in settings to help you disconnect. On an iPhone, turn on the Screen Time setting, select apps and add Downtime periods for every day or a custom schedule. On an Android phone, you can do the same with Digital Wellbeing to set how much time you can spend in an app. Source Link

How can you speed up your metabolism to burn more calories? Evenly-spaced meals let your body avoid the starvation mode that stockpiles calories and staying hydrated helps you burn more calories. Watch alcohol intake because it diverts the liver from burning fat and get enough sleep to regulate the hormones that affect hunger. Source Link 

A favorite household cleaner can also stop hard water stains in your dishwasher. Put a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack for each load to prevent stains. You can also use vinegar the same way with a cup in the top rack to clean an empty dishwasher while running a hot water cycle. Source Link

March 8, 2022

 Some simple things when done in bed can make it harder for you to sleep. Reading, writing or doing puzzles teaches your mind to associate the bed with activity and lying in bed trying to force yourself to sleep makes your brain think that’s normal. And plan afternoon activities to avoid taking a nap that could leave you awake at night. Source Link 

Finding the perfect roommate takes some extra steps to ensure it’s someone you can really live with. Compare your styles - do you like quiet time at home or having lots of friends visiting? Get details in writing about sharing household costs and chores and consider a test run by sharing a vacation rental. Source Link 

A summertime favorite could be a healthy food choice all year long. Watermelons are full of nutrients and compounds that can help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels and promote better heart health. Eating watermelon may also improve brain health and make it easier to control your weight. Source Link 

March 7, 2022

 A special kind of short break can help you clear your head and work better. People who used a 10-minute meditation recording were able to complete mental tasks faster than others who had the same break without meditation. Everyone who used the recording benefitted, including those who had no prior training in meditation. Source Link 

Being a long-distance caregiver for a loved one takes planning and teamwork. Set up access to their financial accounts, get a durable power of attorney, make an extra set of house and car keys and know any home alarm codes. And build a network of local neighbors or other family members who can help with specific chores or serve as an emergency backup. Source Link 

Don’t let travel restrictions prevent you from seeing faraway places that are on your bucket list. You can find online virtual tours for everything from Grand Central Terminal in New York to the Great Wall of China and Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion in Memphis. Tours of Buckingham Palace, the Great Barrier Reef and the Pyramids of Giza are also a mouse click away. Source Link 

March 4, 2022

 If it seems like you’re always hungry before bed, take a look back at what you ate earlier in the day. Skipping any meal may have your body coming up short by bedtime and meals without a mix of carbs, protein and fat won’t fuel you enough. If it’s just a craving, you can indulge yourself as long as you don’t eat too much and if it’s more than an hour before bedtime. Source Link 

Your garbage disposal isn’t made for all kinds of food scraps. Egg shells, onion skins, coffee grounds, potato peels, nuts and corn husks are some of the things that can make it past those blades and block a drain pipe. And run cold water while you grind because hot water can melt foods that might harden into a clog while in the disposal. Source Link 

Some small steps can stop the build-up of big clutter in your home. Wash dishes as soon as you use them . Sort mail as soon as you receive it and stand over the trash can to throw away the junk. Clean off countertops every night and pick one day a week when you’ll declutter a single drawer, kitchen cabinet, or closet shelf. Source Link 

March 3, 2022

 Before you quit your job, consider some key questions beyond the basics about wages and benefits. Is the workload manageable and sustainable? Do you have a trusted community at work? How have you tried to make the job better and how does all of this fit into your life? And keep in mind that a job change isn’t always the way to happiness Source Link 

Cutting the salt in your diet is easier said than done, but what if a single kind of spice could help? Researchers working with older adults found that adding a small amount of chipotle seasoning made it hard to tell the difference between high-sodium and low-sodium meals. Adding other spices such as basil, garlic powder and black pepper didn’t work as well. Source Link 

There are some surefire signs that your identity has been stolen. If a credit card is opened in your name and you didn’t do it, when the IRS notifies you that someone else filed your tax return, or you receive a notice about unemployment benefits you didn’t get, these are all signs of identity theft. For tips on how to handle this, visit IdentityTheft.gov. Source Link 

March 2, 2022

 Here are two tips to beat the habit of forgetting where you leave things. Help your mind make a mental note by saying the location out loud when you put it down, like “my phone is on the dresser” or “my keys are in the kitchen.” Another trick is to use a personal color to visually identify your items, like putting a purple string on a key ring or using a purple case for your phone. Source Link 

A certain type of “Take 10” could add years to your life and many others. A study found that taking time to walk an extra 10 minutes a day could collectively prevent more than 111,000 deaths every year. And it doesn’t have to be walking because you can get the same benefit from doing any type of moderate exercise for an extra 10 minutes a day. Source Link 

There’s a simple way to remember when to add recipients to an email with a “CC” or a “BCC.” If everyone knows each other it’s okay to use a “CC” that shows all of the email addresses. If you’d rather keep those addresses private and not shared with other recipients you should use a “BCC.” Source Link 

March 1, 2022

 Is “mind over matter” the answer to eating healthy? People who lose weight and keep it off are mindful of limiting calories and avoiding distractions like watching TV during meals but they also avoid severe limits on food that can lead to over-indulging. Mindfulness training can help emotional eaters avoid the urge to grab food when they’re stressed out. Source Link 

We know the light from a screen and bedtime are a bad mix for everyone but it’s even worse for preschoolers. Young children’s eyes have larger pupils and more transparent lenses than adults and more light can get in to disrupt sleep patterns. The advice for everyone is no exposure to any screen less than one hour before bedtime. Source Link

The garbage can is not the place to put coffee grounds because they can be used in many ways. Coffee grounds in an open jar can deodorize a fridge or a gym bag when tied up in a sock. Coffee grounds can scrub off caked-on food in pots and pans, and you can use them in the garden as fertilizer or to attract worms to make healthier soil. Source Link