WHAT IS ANXIETY?

You hear the term anxiety used a lot, but you may not know what it means. It is the body's natural response to stress, and it may manifest itself as anxiety or fear of the future. When it happens, people think of events that may happen and cause harm. Some of this occurs as a natural result of living, such as a job interview, your first day of college or giving a speech. Things like this naturally cause people some level of apprehension. What isn't normal is when this lasts for over six months, or it starts to interfere with your daily life.

Intense and Sometimes Debilitating

Feelings of fear and anxiety may stick with you constantly. If that remains a constant state it can dramatically impact your quality of life. You may stop leaving your home, crossing the street or entering public spaces. Left untreated many people experience worsening symptoms. An anxiety disorder can strike a person at any age, but most begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety and women can tend to have a higher risk of a diagnosis than men.

How Do You Treat Disorders?

After you receive a diagnosis, you should explore your treatment options. For some, simple lifestyle changes will prove effective enough, but moderate and severe cases may require more extensive treatment. Treatment will fall under two categories. You can treat it with psychotherapy and medication. In some cases, people use a combination of the two. Taking advantage of prescription propranolol for anxiety has often been prescribed to help those suffering from a rapid heartbeat, shaking hands and other symptoms of nerves. This prevents the more severe symptoms of this disorder, and it can help people to function normally.

What are the Causes?

Whenever the amygdala in the brain notices danger, it sends a signal to the hypothalamus. That triggers a fight or flight response common to those who have anxiety. The amygdala can become hypersensitive, which causes extreme feelings of anxiety. Many times, it comes from false alarms. What might seem small to others causes a high amount in the other person. Anxiety often occurs alongside other mental health problems like obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, panic disorder and generalized stress disorder. Important to note, there are many causes of anxiety and research remains ongoing in this field of mental health.

What are Attacks?

An attack happens when you feel an intense and unreasonable amount of fear or anxiety. Usually, this happens without warning, but triggers can also cause the anxiety to worsen. Most attacks will last for 10 minutes, but they can stretch on for more than 30 minutes. In that time, people may experience an intense feeling like they may die or they feel like they could lose total control of themselves. An attack may appear like a short time, but someone going through one will feel like it goes on forever. The symptoms will typically peak and go away, but upcoming events can contribute to them happening more often.

3 WAYS TO REGAIN STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE AFTER A SPORTS INJURY

Exercise plays an important part in maintaining overall health. Still, there’s a risk of injury during exercise, especially when participating in a sport. You could be at risk if you haven’t been physically active or if you sometimes forget to warm up properly before exercise. 

Sports injuries are commonly caused by poor training methods, accidents during training, or weakness in muscles, tendons, ligaments. These injuries may include sprains, strains, swollen muscles, fractures, and others. However, depending on the severity of the injury, it may take a few weeks or months to fully recover. 

Prevention is always the best route when dealing with sports injuries. But if you find yourself dealing with an injury, this article may guide you with the process of recovery. Here are the best ways to regain strength and endurance after a sports injury:

1. Seek Professional Treatment

After the first month, there should be no obvious swelling or bruising surrounding the wounded area. Also, if you are experiencing severe pain or discoloration, even after taking prescriptions and following the PRICE method (more of this below), then it’s time to seek treatment from a professional. 

Other symptoms that may indicate a serious injury that needs medical attention include: acute pain and swelling, visible deformities, and dizziness. Furthermore, severe sports injuries may require physical therapy and surgery. If you’re looking for a sports medicine doctor, please visit this site.

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, may be beneficial for certain athletes who are healing from a long-term injury. It's a specialized treatment that use techniques such as massages, compression, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility, strengthen muscles, and restore normal function to the injured area. A physiotherapist can also create an exercise routine to help strengthen the injured body part and limit the risk of the injury recurring.

• Surgery: Most sports injuries don't need surgery, but major injuries, such as broken bones, may need it. This may involve surgery to secure the bones using wires, plates, screws, or rods. A torn knee ligament, for example, may require surgery. However, most of the time, damaged bones may be realigned without the need for surgery.

2. Price Method

You might experience pain during the first few hours of a sports injury since it’s the body’s natural reaction to an injury. Also, you may feel swelling and bruising in addition to the immediate pain. The injured area may also be sensitive to movement and touch. 

Minor injuries, like sprains and muscle strains, can be treated at home using the PRICE method for two or three days. PRICE is an acronym coined by trainers and athletes to easily remember how to treat a minor sports injury. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. 

• Protection: Protecting the affected area from further injury is the first step. Crutches or a cane, for example, can help protect an injured leg or foot by reducing or eliminating weight-bearing. Protecting the damaged area by partially immobilizing it with a sling, splint, or brace is another option.

• Rest: The body requires time to recover from any injury, and one of the most effective way to heal is rest. Although it may be tempting to push through the pain and keep going, this can delay the healing process. The affected area is weak and vulnerable to further injury, especially during the first few hours. For this reason, an injured person should avoid rigorous activities that may hinder healing. 

• Ice: Ice, a basic form of cryotherapy, can treat minor sports injuries. Cryotherapy can be done in several ways. However, the most basic way to apply cryotherapy is to put ice in an ice bag or a plastic bag and place it over the affected area. Applying ice to an injury is most beneficial within the first two days as it helps minimize and reduce swelling and reduce pain.

• Compression: Use a stretchable bandage to wrap around the injured part. This will minimize swelling by preventing fluid from forming. It can also help relieve pain by immobilizing the affected area. The bandage should be applied with a medium amount of tension to give enough, but not too tight, compression. Also, the bandage should not induce numbness and color change on the skin. If this occurs, loosening the bandage should soon ease them. 

• Elevation: Elevating is recommended to control swelling, allowing fluid to flow away from the affected area. Controlling swelling can reduce pain and possibly speeding recovery. Elevation is done by elevating the injured area above the heart's level. However, if you can’t lift the injured area above your heart, try to keep it at the same level as your heart or near it. 

As you can see, the PRICE method is helpful for minor sports injuries. For best results, follow this method immediately within the first 24 to 36 hours following an injury.

3. Pain Relief

Pain relievers are commonly used to manage muscle pain and reduce inflammation surrounding an injury. Most athletes take pain relievers to cope with minor aches, pains, and injuries. These two basic non-prescription medications are good for many types of pain:

• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophens (Tylenol) can help with pain and fever, but not inflammation. It acts on the brain's serotonergic, endocannabinoid, and vanilloid systems, and it's considered a safe pain reliever for both children and adults. However, large doses of these can harm the liver.

• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with aches, pains, fevers, and inflammation. NSAIDs includes aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These help ease inflammation brought on by an injury, arthritis, or a fever. However, NSAIDs aren't recommended for use before or during endurance training because they can cause stomach distress or gastrointestinal bleeding in some people.

Tips To Mentally Recover From A Sports Injury

Sometimes, being strong physically is mistaken for being strong mentally. Just because athletes are strong physically doesn’t mean they aren’t prone to depression and mental stress. Athletes are also humans, and humans have a tendency to stress out when things don't go as planned. Although sports injury recovery normally focuses on physical rehabilitation, it is also important to add sports psychology approaches to aid with mental healing. 

4. Understand the Injury

Consult your doctor, do research online, talk to other athletes, and read books to understand everything you can about the injury. Know what kind of injury you have, how it was diagnosed, how long it will take you to heal, what treatment options you have, what to do and what not to do during recovery, and the warning signs to look for if the injury gets worse. 

Having this knowledge will help you in setting realistic recovery goals so you don't panic or become nervous if the process takes longer than you expected. Ask these questions to your therapist to know what you can do to recover quickly and effectively:

• What is my diagnosis?

• How can I treat my injury?

• How long will the recovery process take?

• What should I expect during the recovery process?

• What other activities can I do safely?

5. Accept Your Injury

Accept that you have been injured, and that your status is as good as it can be given the circumstances. Take control of your self-care, and treat your body right. Forget about the things you can't control and focus all on the things you can. Control what you can, and do so for your body's wellbeing. Rather than focusing on your reduced performance, it may be more helpful to simply accept that you have an injury. 

Furthermore, acknowledge your body's desire to recover strength and endurance by resting. It's alright to be emotional about your injury, but try not to let your frustrations overcome your mind.

6. Honor Your Feelings

If your sport is a major part of your life, it's natural to be disappointed by your inability to participate in it. You may be missing your teammates, friends, or the sense of achievement that comes with scoring a goal or winning a game. 

As a result, you might go through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). For that reason, recognizing and acknowledging these feelings is an important step to controlling them, owning them, and moving past them, hence, speeding mental recovery. By owning your feelings, you ensure that your injury has no power over you. 

7. Set Realistic Goals

Athletes are usually goal-setters. They're used to keeping track of data and monitoring performance to reach goals. If you're dealing with an injury, however, you may need to temper your natural drive to push yourself. Start slow. Allowing yourself to heal at your own pace will help you avoid the difficulties that come with unmet expectations.

8. Focus On The Present

When one is ill or injured, they want to get better right away. Athletes, often want to return to the field as soon as possible. Truth is, injuries take time and patience to heal, and focusing on the present—rather than the future—is beneficial to your health. 

Setting small weekly goals and hitting milestones can help you stay balanced and focused on your recovery process. Focus on what you need to do rather than what you're missing out on. No matter how positive you are in healing, it won’t happen overnight. It will take place in the right moment, one step at a time. 

9. Accept Help And Support

No world-class athlete reaches their goals without support, especially after an injury. Having a guide, coach, or therapist acting as a support can be a motivation, regardless of how much you've trained or dieted on your own. 

Some athletes hide in shame because they believe their injury has left them weak and defenseless. No, that is not true. Don't cut yourself off from the team. Also don't be afraid to seek moral support from your coach, family, teammates, and even your therapist.

Injury Prevention

Warming up and stretching properly are the best ways to avoid a sports injury. Keep in mind that cold muscles are more susceptible to tearing, while warm muscles are more flexible. They can absorb fast motions, bends, and jerks, thus, reducing injury. Other than that, here are a few steps you can take to avoid sports injury:

1. Use The Proper Form And Wear The Right Equipment

Learn how to move properly during your sport or activity. Different sorts of exercise need various stances and postures. In some sports, for example, bending your knees at the right time can prevent an injury to your spine or hips. Also, put on the appropriate gear or equipment. Make sure you're wearing the right type of shoes, for example. Poorly fitted shoes or equipment can increase your risk of injury.

2. Don’t Go Overboard

If you are hurt during the activity, wait until you've recovered before returning to the activity. Don't try to 'push through' the pain. When you return to the activity or sport, you may need to gradually ease back into it rather than diving back in with the same intensity.

3. Cool Down

After your activities, remember to cool down. This typically involves performing the same stretches and movements as a warmup. Cooling down allows your heart rate and blood pressure to gradually return to their normal levels. Cooling down is vital, especially for competitive endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, because it aids in blood flow regulation.

Final Thoughts

It's not unusual for amateur or professional athletes to get injured from time to time. The PRICE approach can be used to treat a small muscle injury at home. Rest, ice, compress, and elevate the damaged area during the first two days after your injury. Remember that to ease pain, alternate cold and heat treatments once the swelling has lessened. Start stretching and move the affected area gently. 

In addition, most athletes may overcome minor injuries quickly and significant injuries over time by taking it day by day, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a positive attitude. For any further injury, remember to consult your doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

HEALTHY DIET AND GLOWING SKIN: 6 HABITS AND PRACTICES TO START TODAY

More and more people are investing their fortune in the health and beauty industries with the hope of achieving healthy and glowing skin. You may also see many skincare product endorsements on social media and other platforms that claim to help you achieve a good skin complexion. But in reality, healthy and glowing skin isn’t always about the right and most expensive skincare products. Instead, it’s about your daily habits and lifestyle practices that mainly affect your skin health, and those products are only a part of it.  

Each person has a unique skin type. It means that whatever product you see on television (TV) may not always work on your skin. So, before you make drastic decisions and spends more money on these products, take a look at your habits first and see if they work in favor of your skin’s health.

If you don’t know how and where to start, here are six habits that you can start practicing today that may help you achieve healthy, bright, and glowing skin:

1.       Eat Healthily

Some skin care products are made to help nourish your skin. But before investing in skincare products, it’s better to start to nourish your body and skin, inside and out. You can do this through a healthy diet. You see, the quality of your skin health is a reflection of what you’re feeding inside your body, which means you need to eat healthily to achieve a radiant and glowing complexion.  

That said, go for skin-friendly foods that are excellent sources of vitamins, zinc, and omega-3 acids: as well as those foods high in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps treat acne and other skin-related issues, while vitamins like C, A, and E can improve skin texture and promote skin healing. So, the next time you plan your meals for the day or week, make sure your meals have these nutrients. 

2.       Take Beauty Supplements

Eating your way to radiant and glowing skin is recommended. However, it can be challenging to try and get all the nutrients your body needs from the food alone. Keep in mind; that your skin is the largest body organ which means it requires more nutrients to stay healthy. 

More so, your skin might be exposed to harmful environmental factors like dirty air, harsh sunlight, and other skin pollutants. So, aside from eating healthily, it’s also recommended that you take beauty supplements for your skin. You may visit Goodness Me! and other online food markets for various choices of healthy food and nutritious body supplements. It’s also best to consult a doctor and see if beauty supplements are good for you.

3.       Drink Plenty Of Water

Water can do marvelous effects on your skin and your overall health. Remember that your body consists of 60-70% water, which plays a critical role in maintaining your health and body functions. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from experiencing dryness. 

You can tell that your skin is well-hydrated with water when you barely have any visible pores, almost no breakouts, and of course, more glowing. So, instead of consuming those sugary drinks, coffee, and other unhealthy beverages, make it a habit to drink water all the time. Water will not only help you achieve glowing skin, but it’ll also help you maintain a healthy weight. It’s a win-win situation.     

4.       Apply Sunscreen Everyday

Aside from keeping up with your skincare routine every day and night, one product you must never miss is your sunscreen. Your sunscreen will shield your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. While the sunshine can do wonders for your health, too much exposure can damage your skin and result in skin issues. Some harmful effects of too much ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure may include skin discoloration, premature skin again, freckles, wrinkles, worst, skin cancer.  

Thus, regardless of the weather outside, always remember to apply sunscreen. If you’re planning to stay outdoors for a period, remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. To keep your skin protected. 

5.       Get Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is another critical element towards a healthy body and glowing skin. A long and peaceful sleep allows your body to rejuvenate, recharge, and repair your body’s damaged cells so that you wake up the following day feeling fresh, glowing, and energetic. Meanwhile, depriving yourself of sleep will make it difficult for your body to do the necessary repairs to your skin, leading to visible wrinkles, dark eye bags, and aging skin the next day. Let your skin get an opportunity to stay young and healthy by giving yourself enough rest. 

6.       Manage Your Stress Levels

Psychological stress will not only affect your mental health but as well as your skin health. You’ve probably noticed that every time you’re stressed, from work or school, your face suddenly has breakouts. Then, after seeing that breakout on your face, you become even more stressed. It happens because every time you’re stressed, your body releases more cortisol, responsible for skin inflammation.  

This stress-breakout cycle will continue if you don’t take steps to reduce and avoid stress. Manage your stress by considering; practicing self-care habits such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises at work.  

Treat Your Skin Right

Aside from following your skincare routine religiously, incorporating these habits and lifestyle practices in your day-to-day life can do wonders for your skin’s health. What’s more, all these tips don’t require you to invest in expensive products and painful dermatological procedures to achieve glowing and healthy skin. Remember, consistency is the key when it comes to your skin’s health.

HOW TO LIVE THE TRAVEL LIFESTYLE

We all have that one friend on social media who seems to be popping up all over the world, making everyone jealous of their lifestyle with another picture of them sitting feet up by the sea. Like us all, you’ve probably wondered how they do it, and how you can do it yourself. It’s not as difficult as it seems. It does take some courage to give everything up and leave home, but once that’s done, the world really is your oyster. Do you dream of leaving home on a one-way ticket with a thirst for adventure? Here are some ways you can live that travel lifestyle. 

Sell Your Life Insurance

If you want to go traveling without having any money worries at all, this option is probably the best one for you. If you are still planning on working while away, you should still have an emergency fund to fall back on. You are going to have the obvious outlay of flights and, even if you’ve secured a job, you might need to pay for your first few months of accommodation upfront. Never forget that emergencies can and do happen, so ensure you have an emergency stash. If you hold a life insurance policy, you can sell it for a lump sum giving you immediate access to cash. If you would like to know more, you can check out a quick guide online that will tell you everything you need to know about selling your policy for cash.

Write

If you have a passion for writing, travel could be the kickstart you need to fuel your passion. For most people, taking off for faraway places is just a pipe dream but they still want to have a peek into the lives of those who do, and there’s no better way than to read about other people’s experiences. This is where you come in. Start a blog documenting your travels and aim to give a unique perspective. The more popular it becomes the more opportunities will become available to you in terms of advertising or having your work published.

Teach

You’d be surprised at the wide variety of languages people want to learn. Finding work teaching languages is relatively easy, especially if you have teaching qualifications and experience. You will have the opportunity to earn a high salary while also immersing yourself in local culture as you are actually living and interacting with local people. If you don’t have qualifications, they are not difficult to obtain and there are now online teaching courses available for prospective language teachers.

Work in Hostels

This is an option for the truly adventurous and more extrovert personalities, but it can also be considered an option for people who want to start living outside of their comfort zones. Hostels are usually the accommodation of choice for travelers as they are relatively cheap, and you are also able to meet people as you move around. When your budget determines your destination, a hostel is often the lodging of choice. Many hostels will be looking for people to work for them, especially if you are multilingual. You may not always be paid in cash. It might just be food and accommodation; however, they will be able to point you towards work in the local area. Perhaps slightly risky, but that’s the life you want, right?

MEET REISHI: THE MUSHROOM TAKING THE WELLNESS WORLD BY STORM

It goes by many names. In Chinese herbalism, it’s known as Lingzhi. To scientists who prefer a hard-headed taxonomic name, it’s Ganoderma Lingzhi. But perhaps its most compelling title is the nickname bestowed upon it by traditional medicinal practitioners: “the mushroom of immortality.”

Those are all great names (and mysterious too). But for this article, let's use its Japanese name, the one most often used in contemporary parlance – Reishi.

A few years ago, the Reishi mushroom attached itself to the wellness world – much like a mushroom to a tree – and has since experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. But most people still know precious little about the product.

In this article, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions surrounding the fashionable fungus. What is it, what are its potential benefits, how do you get Reishi powder and how do you dose it?

What Is It?

Reishi mushrooms are the fruiting body of a polypore fungus that grows on the bases and stumps of deciduous trees. Their use stretches back at least 2,000 years, when Han dynasty healers used the Reishi mushroom as a panacea for a plethora of ailments.

If you were anxious, they gave you Reishi. If you had brain fog, they gave you Reishi. And if you arrived at the doorstep of a traditional herbalist begging for longer life, they probably gave you Reishi.

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Miguel Á. Padriñán

What Are the Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms?

Fast forward a couple of millennia, and Reishi is more or less used similarly. Maybe it isn't seen as a panacea anymore, but scientists are earnestly studying the mushroom for its wide-ranging wellness benefits. In particular, they are interested in how it can reduce stress.

In one study, researchers noted the “antidepressant-like effects of a water-soluble extract” of Reishi in mice. Another study evaluating the antianxiety properties of several Ganoderma species suggested that the mushrooms' phenols and flavonoids play a critical role in their de-stressing potential.

It doesn’t end with stress. You will find scores of studies evaluating everything from Reishi’s liver-improving mechanisms to its immune system benefits. The scientific study of Reishi is still in its infancy (the West only recently embraced the mushroom), but the benefits look promising.

Where Do You Find It?

Sure, you could find a deciduous tree and hope for the best. But more often, people nowadays buy reishi powder online. Because there are so many Ganoderma species masquerading as Reishi, and because quality can vary even in a single species, it’s highly recommended to seek out reputable sellers. If in doubt, the “USDA Organic” seal is a fine stamp of approval.

How Do You Dose It?

This question isn’t quite so easy to answer. Everyone’s physiology is different – down to weight, digestive function and metabolism. Moreover, someone taking Reishi as a treatment might dose more than someone taking it as a preventative measure. Still, consensus hovers between 1500mg – 4500mg per day. If you’re unsure, you can consult your doctor.

To recap: Reishi is a multi-named fungus with several potential benefits that you can find online from a reputable seller. It took the wellness world by storm with its focus on stress relief, but studies show it might be more than a one-trick pony. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A BOTTOM PAINT

Your boat is susceptible to some marine life that attaches to its sides and bottoms. The most suitable solution is to paint the bottom of your watercraft with a specific boat bottom paint, which is better known as antifouling paint. 

If you find that the bottom of your boat is full of marine growth, it is time to learn how to paint a boat bottom and choose the appropriate type of paint to use on it. 

Knowing boat bottom paints

Paint for boat bottoms is a particular type of paint applied to the part of the boat that goes below the waterline. The paint prevents different marine denizens from attaching to the boat's hulls. More popularly known as an antifouling agent, paint for boat bottoms contains biocide and algaecide that prevent marine growth such as barnacles, algae, weeds, slime, and mussels from attaching to the boat bottom. 

Things to consider when choosing a boat bottom paint

Choosing the right type of paint for the boat bottom can be a challenge because several products have different properties and applications. You should know what materials your marine vessel is made from and several other things. 

Types of antifouling paint

Several types of bottom paints exist, so it is vital to have expert advice on which type to use on your boat. For example, ablative bottom paint slowly wears away through the movement of water current and tides. In addition, the water movement exposes a fresh layer of paint that contains the biocide, preventing marine organisms from attaching and growing on the boat's bottom.

There is copolymer ablative bottom paint that is self-polishing. When you use this type, biocide release continues even if your boat is out of the water. In addition, there is a hybrid copolymer ablative bottom paint. The hybrid paint combines the properties of the ablative and the self-polishing copolymer ablative paint but has an additional property. The paint gives the boat bottom a smoother finish.

On the other hand, hard bottom paint does not peel away layer by layer. Instead, the hard bottom paint continues to leach or release the biocide over time. However, the paint does not wear out. Thus you need to remove it before you can paint the bottom once again. 

Type of material

Boats are made from different materials, such as fiberglass, aluminum, wood, or steel. Thus, it is vital to find the appropriate paint suitable for the boat. 

The area where you keep the boat

You also have to consider where you keep your marine vessel when not in use. Marine growth is more prolific in areas where the water is still and warm. 

Fresh or saltwater

Aside from the material used to build the boat, you should choose the right type of paint according to where you use the boat, either in freshwater or saltwater. 

Aside from knowing what type of boat bottom paint to use, you should also learn how to prepare the bottom of the boat before receiving a fresh coat of bottom paint.

WHAT ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS SPORTS TO PLAY?

There are many risky sports out there. From sky-diving to cheerleading, the potential consequences of playing any sport are not always clear. But what are the most dangerous sports to play?

When playing an extremely competitive sport there are risks that are worth taking. For example, many football players are willing to put themselves on the line for their team. However, some sports have too high of a risk, even for those who want to take the chance. Here are some of the more dangerous sports out there and why they're so risky.

American Football and Rugby

Both American Football and Rugby have a higher risk for brain injury than most other sports. American football has up to 14 impacts per player over the course of a football game, at an average of 25 gs of force per tackle. Rugby players on the other hand only experience around 10 gs of force per tackle, but wear far less padding.

The effects of concussions in football and rugby players can also be delayed, sometimes not appearing for days or weeks after the injury. This can be extremely dangerous as a player returning to the field too soon could cause them to suffer a traumatic brain injury. This type of injury can cause death if not treated immediately, but rehabilitation from a concussion usually takes around seven to fourteen days when properly diagnosed and treated.

Base Jumping

In addition to all the other risks associated with base jumping, there is also the additional risk of falling. Base jumping is a sport that involves jumping from a cliff or a building and then free-falling until reaching the ground.

If you plan on doing this, be sure you're aware of how good a parachute system you have. This is especially true for experienced skydivers who are landing with very little margin for error. This makes base jumping one of the most dangerous sports to dive into.

Parkour

Free running and trail running are great ways to stay athletically fit, but the parkour community takes it up a few notches and loves to show off death-defying stunts like jumping between rooftops, or quickly dropping from one ground floor to another, hanging off balconies.

While parkour has many benefits, the deadly nature of some of these stunts makes extreme parkour incredibly dangerous.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing can be an exhilarating, but extremely dangerous sport, no matter how experienced a rock climber is. Rock climbers are limited to climbing on relatively safe rock formations, but if they fall they can be seriously injured. On average, there are around 150 rock climbing deaths globally.

The most insanely dangerous sport is free solo rock climbing, which means climbing alone without any harness, rope or other climbing aids. This requires a person to rely completely on their own strength and stamina. One slip and you're plummeting thousands of feet to your death.

Bull Riding

Riding atop a 1,800-pound animal as it bucks you around is dangerous in so many ways. Just imagine being trampled under the massive weight of the creature. The overall risk of injury when bull riding is extremely high, but if you have a lot of training you can minimize the risk of injury. So while theoretically, bull riding is an extremely dangerous sport, only 21 professional bull riders have been killed since 1989.

Heli Skiing

Jumping out of a helicopter to ski down a mountain is a fairly popular extreme sport - but the emphasis really is on 'extreme'. Crashing is always a major concern, but so is being swept by an avalanche, falling into a crevasse, or even freezing to death. Skiers need to be prepared for many possible scenarios.

So while extreme skiers are brave and adventurous, they are also very susceptible to injury and death.

Underwater Cave Diving

Cave diving is a hobby that requires high levels of fitness, a good level of risk assessment, and the ability to swim in cramped spaces. There's no reliable database listing the number of global cave diving deaths, but between 1969 - 2007, a total of 368 divers died doing this dangerous sport.

WHY WEARING A GOOD BRA IS IMPORTANT WHEN WORKING FROM HOME

Should you wear a bra when working from home or go braless? This, indeed, is a serious concern among women working from home. In this kind of work setup, people tend to dress as they please. Thus, for women, wearing a bra tends to be a bother when they're working within the comfort of their home.

Women will surely select comfort above anything else, which has led to many ditching their bras when at home. No matter how attractive the bra they're wearing, nothing is comfier than going braless.

However, issues have recently been raised that refusing to wear bras may be detrimental to women's health. Ditching your bra for days at home may potentially impact both your breasts and your posture. Read more to learn why it's essential to wear a good bra when working from home:

Wearing A Good Bra Can Help Maintain Better Posture 

Studies reveal that the typical office worker spends eight to twelve hours each day sitting. Although sitting is an activity anyone spends longer hours doing, people don't usually bother doing this correctly. In other words, you rarely worry about maintaining a correct posture while working from home.

By wearing a supportive bra, larger muscles of the body will allow you to maintain good posture and improved blood circulation. While posture bras come in a variety of designs, they all provide the same advantages. 

These modest undergarments support the back, promote proper posture, and relieve stress in the neck, back, and shoulders by transferring weight over the shoulders. They usually consist of soft, breathable fabric like ones from EBY and other underwear shops. They include larger straps and a broader band, which provides more coverage and support.

Wearing A Good Bra Reduces Breast Sagging

Sagging breasts may be reduced by supporting the mid-back muscles, which bear the weight of the breasts. Although bra experts claim that wearing a bra doesn’t affect sagging breasts, refusing to wear one also has no direct impact on this condition. 

Breast sagging may occur for several causes. Sagging occurs as a consequence of changes in the ligaments that support the chest. These ligaments may stretch and weaken over time—and for several causes.

However, going braless isn't one of the reasons. While there's no medical need to be concerned about a sagging bosom, it may result in back discomfort and problems with self-esteem or body image.

Nevertheless, according to some experts, prolonged periods without support could strain the ligaments in the breasts. Therefore, wearing a bra may help prevent early drooping of the breasts by reducing the amount of time the connective tissue inside the breast is stretched during the day.

Wearing A Good Bra Prevents Back And Neck Pain

Wearing the right bra has plenty of benefits. For one, you won't experience digging or red marks, nor will it leave red scars on your skin. Certain physical symptoms may be avoided by wearing a suitable bra since it supports your breasts and shoulders. Moreover, wearing a good bra provides excellent results for women with larger breasts, who tend to experience neck and back issues.

In a research, they investigated the connection between breast size, bra cup size, and shoulder and neck discomfort among participants. The researchers found that those with a large-cup breast size are more prone to shoulder and neck discomfort.

On the other hand, in a study published in 2013, Thoracic (upper back) discomfort was linked to postmenopausal women with larger breasts. However, the majority of these women were overweight or obese. Additionally, they wore bras that don't fit them correctly. This supports the assertion that wearing the wrong bra size is one of the leading causes of upper back discomfort, along with other factors like increased body weight or a pinched nerve.

Look for a high, X-shaped-back bra that improves posture by drawing the shoulders up. Additionally, it has a convenient front closure and wire-free cups that are unpadded yet surprisingly supportive to avoid back and neck pain.

Lastly, women with lower back discomfort should see an osteopath to discuss their working and home environments. The practitioner will also provide a list of exercises to improve mobility.

Conclusion 

There are advantages to wearing a good bra. However, it's not the only solution for certain conditions. Wearing a good bra can make a significant difference in terms of comfort when working from home. You move a lot during the day, so picture the additional weight that pulls on your body when your breasts move about freely (especially if you have bigger boobs).

Additionally, wearing a bra may feel more comfortable since it holds your breasts together. Don't hesitate to invest in a good bra to feel cozy and stay productive while working from home.

KNOWING YOUR GENETIC HEALTH THROUGH YOUR DNA

The concept of detecting the state of health of a person’s body system through understanding genetic examination seems easy enough. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) contains chemical information about one’s body functions. They reveal information about gene mutations or changes that affect potential health status and future wellbeing or exposure risk to certain diseases. Here is all you need to know about finding your genetic health through DNA.

How DNA Can Reveal Your Genetic Health

A DNA test diagnosis sometimes indicates only risk exposure to certain diseases as most are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, they can reveal mutations that may be the primary cause of certain conditions, such as Huntington’s disease or sickle cell anemia. 

Besides, Genetic conditions such as Fragile X, cystic fibrosis, and risk level to cancer can be revealed by genetic testing by analyzing the condition’s related markers in the DNA. Life-threatening conditions that can be determined through DNA testing give patients a possible range of options for better treatment and management. The information from conducted DNA tests can also identify the risk of developing hereditary diseases.

A typical general medical DNA test can be conducted on blood samples, tissue samples (skin or hair), amniotic fluid, or even cell samples collected from the inside of the cheek using a cotton swab or a small brush. Testing mechanisms have become cheaper, quicker, and more precise over the years as awareness of genetic mutations seems to grow. Direct-to-consumer DNA tests are becoming more common and adopted due to personal and private reasons and are easily gotten from testing companies. 

For instance, my DNA test kit offers a wide range of genetic tests that can be run by private individuals at their disposal, especially when privacy is sought. Regardless, recommendations from primary care physicians should be sought for but not necessarily needed to take the test privately.

As easy as home testing may seem, professionals advise that a guide from health professionals explaining the process and considerations that may come with getting detailed information on genetic health is needed. The emotional aspect of testing is often not as easy as the science behind it. Before taking a test, it is important to speak to a genetic counselor to understand the procedure, benefits, and limitations of the test and possible consequences of the results of the tests. Follow-up with a genetic counselor is also advised in some instances.

Understanding The Impact Of Genetics On Health

Health status can most times be dependent on genetic traits to a certain extent. Some diseases are dependent on genetic factors and are called 100 percent penetrant. Purely genetic-related conditions such as; Tay-Sachs disease, Huntington’s disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, Down syndrome, and Spinal Muscle Atrophy can be detected in simple carrier tests.  

Sometimes being a carrier of some genetic disorder may not affect a person or their health. It may be an indication of the chance of passing a copy of the mutation to future children. A clear example would be cystic fibrosis. Being a carrier of the mutation linked with cystic fibrosis only indicates a 50% chance of developing the condition or passing it down to future children.  

However, conditions linked to single-gene disorder or mutations are more likely to be developed in carrier individuals. For instance, Huntington’s disease, a mutation associated with dementia, is usually a clear indication that carriers would develop the condition late into their 50s or 60s.  

Other conditions which have multiple markers and environmental or behavioral are a little more complex. It essentially means that the genetic predisposition to the disease is not a sign that one has or could develop the disease. There are many ways that the person can do behaviorally to prevent or exacerbate or cause the disease. Diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 2 Diabetes are examples of such conditions.  

The goal of DNA testing is to understand the predisposition of one’s health towards particular diseases. Actions are taken from insights of such information to improve one’s wellbeing. Awareness of symptoms and having a healthy lifestyle can be adopted to manage the risk of health conditions.  

Persons with DNA mutations associated with Type 2 Diabetes can exercise regularly, routinely measure blood glucose and watch their weight to prevent the risk of developing the disease. Results from DNA testing can also help map out treatment plans. The genetic information provided through tests reveals details for formulating the best treatment plans.

Conclusion

Achieving a better state of health is the ultimate goal of medicine. Medical technology is in transition from the use of vaccines for treatment to the use of genetic information for a better understanding of diseases and possible prevention. DNA tests are very effective for understanding health status and conditions. Inherited diseases and genetically-induced conditions are best diagnosed and treated with genetic tests. The effect is a far less expensive and much better method for diagnosing diseases. Prevention, after all, is better and cheaper than cure.   

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR THEIR FIRST EVER BALL GAME

Children have a wide range of interests; music, art, sports—name it!  Kids love to try new things, while also figuring out what they're good at. If your child has expressed an interest in sports, particularly in ball games, like basketball, soccer, or baseball, their first ball game could be just around the corner. 

As a parent of a young athlete, you may need to provide practical assistance to your child in a number of ways. You may be their personal assistant, coach, schedule manager, driver, financier, and, of course, their biggest fan. But, aside from those, you can support them through more specific approaches before their big day comes.

With that in mind, here are a few recommended tips and steps in preparing your kid for their first ball game:

1. Ready Their Essentials

A sports game's success can start even before the moment your child enters the court or quad. In fact, success is already achieved when your child is confident and motivated to attend their training, as well as the actual ball game. And, one way for them to feel so is by helping them prepare.

Athletes have a lot of things or equipment to prepare, which is why you must be there to assist them, especially since it's their first ever ball game. When it comes to packing their sports bags, ascertain that they've packed everything they need. 

Moreover, your child's confidence could depend on how comfortable they are in what they're using and wearing. Therefore, look for clothes that they like to wear and pieces of equipment that are comfortable for them. For instance, basketball players are often particular with their shoes. Hence, choose comfortable and stylish ones similar to the basketball shoes Australia stores are selling or any shop in any part of the world. 

2. Don't Pressure Them Too Much

If you constantly find your child staying silent and reserved days or hours before their ball game, they might be feeling nervous and pressured. Instead of asking them if they're scared or telling them to keep it together, it might be beneficial not to pressure them too much. 

As their parent, all you can do is encourage them positively and say something like, “Have fun, I love you.”  The last thing they may want to hear are words that question their skills and efforts.

3. Keep Things Fun

Your young athlete might find it hard to overcome losses. Hence, help them keep things light, especially when their training gets serious. If needed, crack a few jokes. However, if you think they're slowly losing their interest in the game, figure out why.

4. Have People To Cheer Them Up Besides Yourself

Try to make sure that your child feels supported before, during, and after the game. Whether it's their aunts, grandparents, cousins, or friends, invite people that'll be willing to support your child. Through this way, even when they can't see you clearly on the bleachers, they'll still know they have people who support them, allowing them to stay calm during the game.

5. Organize Everything With Them 

When the big day comes, try to keep the day as ordinary as possible. To do this, you may need to be well-organized to minimize pre-game jitters. Have enough time for all the required preparations. Consider the duration of the ride to the venue as well to avoid rushing when you arrive.

6. Skip The Critiques

As their first ever ball game approaches, remind yourself that you're their parent and not their trainer. Your place is to provide words of encouragement so they'll make every effort to be their best. After all, as their parent, you're their safe place when they feel exhausted, frustrated, or dispirited.

7. Be Their Role Model

Most kids follow in their parents’ footsteps. Therefore, show positive behaviors. Instead of encouraging rivalry against the opposing team, show that you appreciate others' gameplay by offering your cheers. Likewise, be grateful to their trainers and the personnel helping them out. By pointing out the good in others, your child might be able to distinguish excellence in themselves as well.

8. Say You're Proud Of Them No Matter What

Show how impressed you are even before the game. Help your child understand that victories, defeats, and even mundane daily tasks are all part of being an athlete, and that the journey is more imperative than the outcome.

Final Thoughts

As you count down the days until your child's first ball game, be sure they learn to stay positive, remain dedicated, handle disappointments, and be organized and prepared. As their parent, remain involved in their athletic endeavors by showing your support throughout their journey. You can consider the few steps mentioned above as your guide to prepare them for the big day. Certainly, they'd feel lucky when they realize they have such a supportive parent.

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICTS: 5 COMMON MISTAKES WE MAKE AND HOW TO FIX THEM

Many couples face relationship conflicts with anxiety and fear, finding them unhealthy and therefore trying to avoid any confrontation. In reality, arguments take place in every family and can actually be healthy.  

Conflicts in relationships can be a normal and natural part of a marriage and any form of human connection. Individuals cannot ignore each other's values, boundaries, perspective, and needs. On the contrary, the complete absence of conflict in relationships is unnatural and may signal a mutual indifference of the parties, or the suppression of one partner by the other.

Let's take a closer look at what a conflict actually is, which mistakes lead to it, how to peacefully resolve any that may occur, and how therapy can help.

What is a conflict in a relationship, and why is it actually positive for a couple? 

A conflict in a relationship is a clash of different views, interests, perspectives, forms of behavior, and ways to achieve certain goals. A relationship conflict takes place when there is a mismatch around personal boundaries, needs, values, beliefs, behavior, established rules and fixed family roles.

It is an inevitable and even a positive phenomenon in any couple, and here is why.

Partners can become closer to each other. 

A conflict in a relationship reveals "weak points" of marriage. Arguments make it possible to open to each other common disagreements and discontent, thus getting to know each other better.

A conflict in a relationship can become a source of new communication patterns. 

A confrontation indicates that the partners have different values in particular situations due to different needs. The need to resolve the conflict determines the development of a relationship between family members. This also gives them a chance to get to deeper communication levels.

Avoidance of relationship conflicts has much more serious consequences.  

If irritation and passive aggression in a couple accumulates over a long time, an avoidance to communicate at all may result. This can combine with a dissatisfaction which will break out into the form of criticism of a partner, grumbling, shouting, and silence.

Avoiding problems only makes confrontation and communication in a couple worse.

Conflicts in Relationship: 5 Popular Mistakes

Dealing with arguments, confrontation and complications of everyday life requires patience, understanding, and a sincere desire for compromise. To this end, it is important to learn to identify what mistakes we make in order to find a solution and avoid unhappy relationships.

Facing it, always facing it,

that's the way to get through. Face it. 

Joseph Conrad

1. Losing individuality

In relationship conflicts, it is necessary to try to find a common ground. However, to achieve this goal, couples sometimes choose the wrong path. One way that leads to an unhappy marriage is sacrificing your individual identity to please the other’s needs.

This may happen because of the fear of losing a partner. In any case, this is unhealthy behavior as each partner actually betrays themselves.

2. Hiding weaknesses 

There is no way that a couple will be happy if their relationship is not based on sincerity. Genuine love is born when someone shows themselves to their partner as they are. As a result, hiding under another identity will bring long-term complications, conflict, and frustrations.

Moreover, this attitude hides a deep lack of self-esteem. Someone who tries to falsify themselves shows that they feel unworthy of being loved.

3. Getting caught up in the routine 

Another common mistake that produces conflicts in relationships is allowing routine to take hold where there were strong emotions and passion between partners. To avoid routine, it is important to look for ways to introduce novelty, to leave the comfort zone. It’s not that difficult.

4. A desire to change the partner

This is one of the attitudes that occurs in the more “advanced” stages of relationship conflicts. But actually this is the problem that has more to do with nonconformity with oneself than with real rejection of the other.

Someone who is satisfied with their life, who is emotionally responsible for what happens in it, does not seek to change others.

5. Hiding important secrets 

Each partner has private matters, regardless of the trust and intimacy that exists between the two. This is healthy. This shows that individuality has been preserved.

However, there are matters that concern both members of the relationship at the same time, hence the importance of not hiding them.

How to Fix Common Mistakes in Relationship Conflicts

During a conflict in a family, partners can behave in completely different ways. Someone breaks the dishes and slams the door. Someone shouts. Someone takes offense and plays silent. All this is because of the fact that throughout relationship conflicts, the most vulnerable sides are exposed.

An individual chooses the most familiar strategies of self-defense. Of course, not all of these methods are constructive.

A conflict in a relationship will become productive only if both partners see what to work on, what to change, and what to pay attention to in the future. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn how to clearly formulate needs and to correctly express dissatisfaction when it comes to confrontation.

These tips will help you navigate the relationship conflict wisely so that it ends with solutions on how to make a marriage stronger.

Make a pause

It is important to make a rule to pause when emotions go wild. Agreeing with the partner on "breaks" in order not to bring the arguing to a higher escalation of fighting.

For example, one can go to the bathroom to wash his or her face or go to the kitchen to drink water, while counting sips or holding their breath for a few seconds.

As a result, it will help activate the brain area responsible for self-control and logical behavior.

Is it better to always be right?  

One of the main principles of guidance through a relationship conflict is the understanding that if it takes place, both partners are involved in it. Not all situations can be easily determined with a “who is right and who is wrong” scenario.

In any case, couples should remember that winning a conflict is not about personal gain over the partner, but rather achieving a victory in marriage.

Looking at a situation through the eyes of the partner 

In any relationship confrontation, it is necessary to clarify the interests of the partner, to find out what is important to him or her, and how they see the solution to this situation. The ability to look at a situation through the eyes of the other side is very valuable. It is the skill that underlies empathy.

Expressing feelings in the right way 

The next step is to identify the feelings and emotions that accompany the relationship conflict, from both sides. It is important to express them in “I” statements, not accusations (“I am very angry when …” instead of “You brought me to …”).

In this case, the partners should give feedback to each other, and then proceed to resolve the conflict.

Come to a certain conclusion 

It is important after a relationship conflict to come to certain conclusions: to discuss the reasoning, feelings, and what needs to change in order to resolve it. One must also ask their partner for forgiveness, admit mistakes, and give feedback on the relationship conflicts (“I understand that you were upset that I …”; “I didn't think that you could take it that way, I meant something completely different ... “; “I'm sorry that my words hurt you. I said that because I was very annoyed ... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that”)

Ask for help 

One may find themselves in a critical situation with their partner, with no solution being found. At this point, it may be worth asking for help.

Online therapy on Calmerry is one of the most convenient ways to get professional help. Today, in order to contact a therapist or counselor, it is not necessary to leave home (which is actually a great way to get timely help and support at the very moment when needed most).

Of course, not all relationship conflicts end with reconciliation. Some of them lead to a final breakup. In various instances, this may also be a good result because the conflict reveals different values ​​and life principles of partners. Then, getting out of such an unhappy, ineffective, and sometimes frankly destructive relationship becomes the best solution.

DEALING WITH SPORTS INJURIES AND AILMENTS

There are a lot of ways you can hurt yourself exercising, ranging from a small blister to a surgery appointment. Read on to find out where the line is on each of them and how to handle your sports injury.

1. Concussion

The most common sports injury, to the point that there are movies about it, is a concussion. Concussions are caused by a blow to the head, either by a helmet, ball, rogue elbow, environment, etc. It is considered a traumatic brain injury and affects cognitive function. Repeated concussions can cause long-term problems such as memory loss and executive function.

You might not always experience a loss of consciousness if you have a concussion. Other symptoms include confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, double or blurred vision, headache, nausea, noise or light sensitivity and a slowed reaction to stimuli. Someone having a concussion may be irritable, have balance issues, unequal pupil size and even seizures.

A one-off concussion can be treated with painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and plenty of rest, but if you have bleeding or swelling in the brain, surgery may be required.

2. Sprains

A lot of the injuries in this guide can be caused by not properly stretching before a workout, as is the case with most sprains. Overstretching or tearing the ligaments of you calves, ankles, knees, can cause a lot of pain, but also swelling, bruising, tenderness, and the inability to put weight on the affected limb.

You can treat a sprained ankle at home by keeping it supported and rested. Consider wrapping it in elastic bandages, wearing a brace, or using crutches if needed. Elevating your ankle will reduce the swelling, as will applying ice. Apply ice three to four times a day for 20-30 minutes and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to deal with the pain.

Severe ankle sprains might have to be surgically worked on in either an arthroscopy to look for loose fragments of bone or cartilage or a reconstruction surgery to stitch your ligaments back together.

Knee sprains are a little more complicated and require a doctor to look at it as soon as possible. If you heard a pop, that’s obviously not good. It can indicate your knee is forced out of its natural position. A doctor may recommend pain killers like acetaminophen or prescribe something stronger. Rest, ice, and compression as with the ankle will all help at home, but there are also exercises you can do to strengthen your knee. Try some leg lifts, thigh strengthening exercises, raising up on your toes and thigh and calf stretches as well as weight training with hamstring curl and leg press equipment.

3. Shin splints

Also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, shin splints are a pain in the front of your lower leg caused by excessive force on the shin bone and tissue around it. You will feel inflammation from the muscles around the bone swelling and possibly dull ache in your shin or the sides of it, pain that increases during exercise, swelling in the leg, or numbness in the feet.

Shin splints can be dealt with at home with two weeks rest, compression, ice, and painkillers, but see a doctor if you shin feels hot or is visibly swollen or painful even while resting. You can use foam rollers to massage the shins and avoid further injuries by wearing more supportive shoes and warming up well before a workout.

4. Dehydration

If you feel headaches or muscle cramps while you work out, you could be suffering from dehydration. You body may not be receiving enough water to replace what you’re sweating out, leading to dizziness, and in severe cases heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Dehydration can also leave you feeling tired, which is just counterproductive while exercising. Keep a bottle on you and stay hydrated by drinking every 15 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty to avoid things like cramps and lightheadedness.

Have a look at this article on dehydration for more information on how to keep hydrated while you’re working out.

5. Rotator cuff injury

One of the four muscles and tendons keeping your shoulder in good shape, rotator cuffs are injured by strains, tendinitis, and bursitis. It is most common in tennis and basketball players.

Overuse of the rotator cuff causes it to become inflamed, leading to tendinitis. Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between the rotator cuff and the underlying bone: the bursa. Strains and tears overstretch and partially or completely tear the tendons around your rotator cuff.

Common symptoms include difficulty moving the shoulder, difficulty sleeping on the shoulder, weakness in the shoulder or pain when reaching.

You can treat a rotator cuff injury with hot or cold packs to reduce the swelling, resting the arm in a sling, taking an Epsom salt bath, massage, and painkillers. Your doctor may also recommend an injection of cortisone to reduce inflammation and you can exercise the shoulder at home with stretches.

6. Muscle stiffness

If you feel tight and stiff after a workout, it will go away with rest, but there are things you can do to move that timeline along.

You can take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to lessen pain and discomfort and massage or stretch the affected limbs to help loosen them. You can also apply a hot or cold compress. Use hot packs for muscle tightness and cold for inflammation or swelling. There are also options like taking an Epsom salt bath or drinking or applying apple cider vinegar to the affected area. Massage chamomile essential oil onto your muscles to relieve spasms or by eating blueberries filled with antioxidants or add some cayenne pepper to your food.

Prevent post-run pain with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-filled cherry juice and make sure to get plenty of Vitamin D.

Call a doctor if your muscle stiffness doesn’t go away or you have symptoms like fever (especially if your neck is stiff), extreme muscle weakness, redness, pain and swelling and pain that develops after taking a new medication.

TIPS FOR LIVING A MORE CAREFREE LIFE

Do your friends often accuse you of overthinking things? Do you wish you could just let go and enjoy yourself more? Do you see other people who don't seem bothered by the things that nag at you? You can lead a more carefree life even if you can't imagine how you'll get there from where you are now, and the tips below can get you started.

Do Frivolous Things

If the above description fits you, chances are, you have a hard time doing things just because. You tend to want things to have more than one purpose. You're probably always thinking about how you can multitask or if a particular activity can be enriching. To combat this, force yourself to do some things just because they are fun or they feel good. Give yourself an hour or two to read a book or binge your favorite TV show. Go for a walk, or take a warm bath.

If you're still struggling to truly indulge, try an intermediate step. Get yourself something that is mostly indulgent. You can add castor oil to your beauty routine. Pick some up to enhance the hair on your head as well as your lashes and eyebrows. It can even be good for skin and lips mixed with essential oils. This allows you to do something to improve your appearance while also nourishing your body naturally. Now go for the full indulgence, whether it's buying an impractical article of clothing that you love, spending the afternoon reading in your hammock just because or engaging in some other activity for the sheer enjoyment of it.

Let Other People Go

If you're not very carefree, there's a chance that you're not very good at letting others be carefree either. In fact, you might have a hard time letting your loved ones be exactly who they are, up to and including allowing them to making mistakes. Even though you have the best of intentions, you need to step back. When you feel an urge to give your opinion or tell someone they are making a mistake, rather than blurting it out, just sit with that feeling for a little while. This person isn't doing what you think they should, and the sky isn't falling. A pleasant side effect of this is that as you train yourself to realize that you don't have to take care of other people all the time, you relax a lot more.

Be Spontaneous

Most likely, this goes against your nature. You're a planner, perhaps even a worrier. You'll probably never be an impulsive person, but it won't hurt to inject a little spontaneity into your life. Where you do that is up to you. Don't make yourself miserable, but try pushing a little past your comfort zone. Avoid making a detailed to-do list for the day. Resolve to say yes to any invitations you get. Make a purchase without endlessly researching to make sure that you're optimizing for the very best product. Strike up a conversation with a stranger. When you're deciding whether to do something, give yourself a time limit of just a minute or two before landing on a decision so that you don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.

THE BEST VENUES AROUND THE COUNTRY TO CELEBRATE THE MELBOURNE CUP

There’s no doubt that the best seats to watch the Melbourne Cup from are at Flemington, but if you’re not one of the lucky 100,000 or so who gets to attend this year, there are plenty of other high-quality places to enjoy the race around the country. These are some of the best of them.

1. The Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne

The Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood has everything you need for a great Melbourne Cup Day. First and foremost, they have a huge screen on which the big race itself is shown, as well as the rest of the racing throughout the course of the first Tuesday in November. They also run a Melbourne Cup sweep for those wishing to get involved in the action, as well as a barbecue to fulfil all of your culinary needs. Add to that the fact they have a DJ throughout the day and that you can stay there long after the horses have gone home, and this is a great place to spend the entirety of Melbourne Cup Day (and night).

2. Redfern Turf Club, Sydney

The Redfern Turf Club in Sydney might not have all the glamorous bells and whistles that many associate with Melbourne Cup Day, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to spend the afternoon. They offer an array of quality, relatively inexpensive food, and great deals on booze also attract plenty of punters. The races are shown all day long on a big screen, and with customers making the most of all the quality food and drinks on offer, the atmosphere here is electric on Cup Day.

3. Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide

There are venues which show the Melbourne Cup, and there are others which truly celebrate it. The Mayfair Hotel falls into the latter of those two categories. Attendees can pay for a package on their rooftop bar and get to enjoy a host of premium beverages, hours’ worth of canapes being shared around the room, and have in the past even had a seafood station. They get people more involved in the racing festivities by organising a Melbourne Cup sweep, and once the food and drinks included in the package have been eaten and drunk, the public is welcomed to the rooftop to add even further to the atmosphere.

4. Doomben Racecourse, Brisbane

It might not quite be as good as the real thing, but if you desperately want to feel like you’re part of the action then Doomben Racecourse might be just the place for you. They pull out all the stops in an attempt to make a trip to Doomben every bit as good as a trip to Flemington, with pop-up bars and restaurants a major attraction, and plenty of screens on which to watch the big race. They also host their own Fashions on the Field, so punters can get as dressed up as they would at Flemington for the big day.

Heading to Flemington to watch the action live is one of the best ways to celebrate Australia’s biggest horse race, but there are plenty of other Melbourne Cup venues around the country that do their best to match it. Whether you’re celebrating the public holiday in Melbourne or find yourself elsewhere around the country, you’re sure to find plenty of places screening the race, and the above four are some of the best of them.

HOW ATHLEISURE ADVANCES 'YOU SHOP, BRANDS DONATE' CAMPAIGN

The athleisure trend is now more popular than ever as more men and women are learning that there’s no need to compromise between style and comfort. These functional and fashionable clothes provide ease of movement as people tackle various responsibilities at home. Athleisure companies have continued to see a steady rise in the demand for their products, and it’s impressive that they’re also participating in confronting important social causes today.   

Athleisure Amid COVID-19 

The stay-at-home measures initially implemented to keep people safe from the COVID-19 virus have contributed to the rise in popularity of athleisure clothes. When people started working from their homes, office workers made a complete 180-degree turn and switched their office attires to activewear-inspired clothing.

Athleisure is suddenly becoming the unofficial work-from-home uniform. With this style of clothing, workers who spend their days in video conferences can easily transition to nights of movie binging. So, in many ways, this particular style and trend can help people take good care of themselves and look after both their physical and mental health this year.  

More Than Just Brands 

As mentioned, certain athleisurewear brands also support different charitable organizations as a way of giving back. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the global challenges in the economy, athleisure brands actively took part in the you shop, brands donate campaign that aims to extend compassion, kindness, and generosity with the help of customers. For every item sold, these companies will donate a fraction of their profits to the charities they partnered with or the ones you directly choose to help. 

Moreover, athleisure companies aren’t just doing this because of the rise in their profitability. Many of them already chose to give back even before the pandemic began. However, there has been an undeniable rise in companies supporting charitable organizations.  

As these brands continue to experience steady business, the industry’s value is expected to reach USD$257 billion in 2026, according to the data from Allied Market Research. This isn’t surprising since athleisurewear purchases in the states alone reached an estimated value of USD$81 billion in 2021.  

Deserving Charities 

Here are a few of the charities receiving aid from the athleisure companies:  

1. Children With Cancer 

A brand made it a mission to donate to American children who have cancer by selling beanies. The sales of over 130,000 beanies benefited pediatric cancer patients. Non-profit organizations have also received half of the profits to support pediatric oncology research and other related works. Part of the proceeds also went to fund the immediate needs of the families of the children battling the disease.   

2. Strays and Wildlife 

Humans aren’t the only recipients of the kindness of athleisure brands. For instance, the owners of a certain brand, who also happen to be dog lovers, launched a mini collection featuring their two dogs. Ten percent of the proceeds from the matching top and legging set will go to charities that rehome strays. Some companies are also funding the wildlife rescue in Guatemala. A fraction of their revenue aids in the rehabilitation and release of animals to the wild.  

3. Mothers 

A few athleisure brands launched a maternity collection that allows expectant mothers to be active during their pregnancy. One of these companies is partnering with an organization to provide aid to impoverished expectant mothers. For every product purchase, funds are set aside for local and international recipients such as the Downtown Women’s Center, California Wildfire victims, Midwives for Haiti, and prenatal care.  

4. Clean Water For Poor Families 

Access to clean drinkable water may be a fundamental human right, but some of the world’s most impoverished neighborhoods see it as a luxury. Many people continue to suffer from the effects of water scarcity. Fortunately, some of your favorite activewear brands donate at least 5% of their net profits to multiple charitable causes.

5. Factory Workers

Factory workers in many developing countries often have to make the most of unfavorable working conditions. For this reason, certain athleisure brands made it their goal to work with a non-profit organization, ShareHope, to provide monetary aid for social programs in these developing countries. At the same time, factory workers are offered the opportunity to finish high school education and receive training in health, waste management, and proper sanitation practices.  

In Conclusion 

Contrary to what many believe, not all companies only care about profits. Some, including many athleisure brands, still acknowledge their social responsibility and donate to worthy causes as a way of add meaning to their businesses. They also offer an opportunity for customers to help out way simply by purchasing their products.  

5 WAYS TO MANAGE ANXIETY THROUGH EXERCISE AND HEALTHY EATING

Many people assume that they will never be able to fully manage their anxiety. They feel lost in the shadows, worried that they will have a panic attack and have to worry about that for years to come. The good news is that through exercise and healthy eating, you will be able to take control over your life and stop dealing with the panic attacks for good. Some of the ways that exercise and healthy eating can help you out include:

Helps Stabilize the Mood

Exercising is going to do some wonders when it comes to stabilizing your mood. When you get the heart pumping, you are able to let out some feel-good hormones that can turn an anxious or bad mood into something good. The workout does not need to be complicated. Something simple liking walking around the block can make a big difference. 

Helps You Sleep Better

When you are low on sleep, it is easy to feel anxious and stressed out more than before. And with unhealthy food and lots of caffeine each day, you are setting yourself up for failure when it comes to the amount of sleep that you will get. With a healthy diet, you can help yourself get into a good rhythm, knowing when it is time to sleep and when it is time to be awake. This will ensure that you are able to get the good nights’ sleep that you need so you can chase anxiety away. 

Stabilizes Your Energy Levels

Eating healthy meals that are spaced evenly throughout the day can help us maintain the consistent energy that we really need. With an unhealthy diet, our energy levels will often go through peaks and valleys and that can aid in the anxiety that we are feeling. With the help of healthy foods with lots of nutrients, we are able to keep the energy stabilized throughout the day. Add in a bit of exercise as well and you will be able to feel more energy than ever until it is time to go to bed. 

Reduces Stress

Our modern lives have bombarded us with a lot of things that we need to get done each day. This can lead us to feeling stressed out, which is a main component of why we feel so anxious and worried all the time. When we exercise and eat healthy, we provide our body with more of the nutrients that are needed to stay healthy and to fight off anxiety and stress. Plus, when we take care of our bodies in this way, we are able to manage other parts of our health, which can reduce anxiety even more. 

Prevents Panic Attacks

A panic attack can be a lonely experience. You may not know when it is going to happen and it may seem impossible to know when it is going to come on. The good news is that with some exercise and healthy eating, you can gain the skills you need to fight off the panic attacks, giving yourself a better chance for success overall. You can learn what your triggers are, stabilize your energy and mood, and fight off those panic attacks better than before. 

Eating Healthy and Exercising Your Body

The best thing you can do for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is to eat a healthy diet and get that body up to move as much as possible. Even small steps in the beginning will make a world of difference and can help you get ahead along the way. And when you do utilize it properly, you will be able to see some of the amazing benefits above. 

2021 US OPEN: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPCOMING TOURNAMENT

The final tennis Grand Slam is set to take place at the end of the month, with the US Open scheduled to take place, commencing on Monday 30th August and finishing on Sunday 12th September 2021.

Check out this FAQ about the huge tennis competition to learn everything you need to know about what to expect when some of the biggest tennis stars take to the court and aim for glory in one of the top events the sport has to offer.

Where is the US Open taking place?

The 2021 edition of the competition will be the 141st edition of the prestigious event, making it one of the oldest tournaments to still be in existence.

The competition has regularly been hosted in New York City, with the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center being the main home for the event. Many may not know it by that particular name, though, as it has been known throughout the world as Flushing Meadows.

When is it taking place?

As mentioned, the competition is scheduled to take place at the very end of August, with the Grand Slam being the final one for the season and calendar year.

The very first round will take place on Monday 30th August, whilst the Men’s final will be contested two weeks later as it will be played on Sunday 12th September.

Who is taking part in the competition?

As to be expected, there are a host of top names within professional tennis set to compete in New York City at the end of the month across both the Men’s and the Women’s Singles games, although there are also a number of impressive players to compete in the various Doubles events that are being held, as well.

In the Men’s discipline, players such as Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Rafael Nadal and a host of others will take to the court, whilst female stars such as Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu and many others will all compete for the championship.

According to the odds provided by Unibet IN, Djokovic is a clear favorite with odds of -143 in the Men’s Singles, whilst Osaka is considered the favorite at +400 to defend her crown from last year whilst Barty is also close at odds of +700 after having won the Wimbledon title in the last Grand Slam to have been played.

Who is not taking part in the US Open?

Unfortunately for tennis fans, whilst the field is packed out with a number of superstars, there will be many who will be disappointed that there are some huge names who will not be at Flushing Meadows this month.

Perhaps the biggest absence for the Grand Slam will be by Roger Federer, as the icon of the sport had to withdraw because of surgery to his right knee. A five-time winner of the competition - although his last victory on the hard court was back in 2008 - his absence will be sorely missed.

His compatriot, Stan Wawrinka, is also unavailable to participate as he will be nursing an injury to his left foot, whilst defending US Open champion, Dominic Thiem will be unavailable to try and retain his title through a wrist injury.

There is currently only one female player set to miss the tournament, though, with Kiki Bertens having decided to retire following the conclusion of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

Who is the most successful player at the Grand Slam?

There are a number of different storylines that can be followed throughout the competition, with both Djokovic and Nadal seeking to catch their 21st major singles title, thus taking them to a record amount.

In regards, to the Serbian ace, Djokovic will also be seeking to become just the second man to complete the Calendar Year Grand Slam in the Open Era, aiming to follow in the footsteps of legendary Australian Rod Laver who managed to accomplish it back in 1969.

Rafael Nadal is the most successful Men’s player in this year’s edition as he has won the competition four times, whilst Djokovic has won three times. They do, though, remain some way off of the record, which is seven and held by three men; Richard Sears, William Larned and Bill Tilden.

The Women’s Singles event will see Serena Williams go for her seventh title, which will take her into the history books as the most successful female player in the Open Era at the Grand Slam.

CAN I WEAR MY GLASSES WHILE PLAYING SPORTS?

Staying active can be great for your health, both physically and mentally. Some people might question whether they can still keep their glasses on when playing. While these can help to improve your vision, and potentially your success from being able to see better, there are concerns about the safety elements of wearing glasses, as well as hesitation if there is a likelihood of damage. Some sports can be played with glasses, so you might want to opt for these as opposed to spectacle-free alternatives.

Tennis

Tennis can be played either recreationally or as a competitive sport, and is a great way of socializing as well as getting fit. When moving around the court, you may have concerns that your glasses might become loose, especially when you perspire, but this can be overcome prior to commencing play. Learning how to adjust your glasses - see tips on EyeBuyDirect.com - will allow you to make sure they are tight enough to fit your face without hurting, and therefore less likely to fall off throughout play.

Swimming

Swimming is another activity that is great for getting your body moving, but without a lot of pressure on your joints. Whether you choose to do relaxed lengths at the pool, swim at the beach, or even join a local team is up to you. If you do still require aid with your eyesight, you should always opt for glasses over contact lenses. This is due to the chemicals and germs that can be found in the water that, if wearing contacts, could cause irritation or infection to occur within your eyes. While it may not necessarily be comfortable wearing glasses, this will still allow you to see what is in front of you, without putting your overall eye health at risk.

Cycling

Wearing glasses can actually be incredibly beneficial when cycling. The majority of cycling-related activity will take place outside, meaning your eyes could be subjected to damage from the sun’s rays. By wearing UV filtered glasses, or even prescription sunglasses, you will be reducing the level of Ultraviolet light that penetrates through to the eyes. Over time, frequent UV light can increase the likelihood, and severity, of a number of eye conditions, including cataracts. Choosing a frame that wraps around your head, or that has special grips to prevent movement, can help you to keep them in place even as you peddle.

Playing sport is definitely encouraged as a means of improving one’s mood and keeping the body fit and healthy. Partaking in these activities doesn’t mean that you need to let your eyes down. By looking into sports and exercises that you will enjoy, and that you can continue wearing glasses for, you can work out your body and muscles without compromising on your vision. As well, it is worth considering that there is also specially designed eyewear available for certain sports if you do them regularly, so this is something worth checking out.

YACHT CHARTER IN ST TROPEZ

The past 18 months kept us closer to home than we could have ever imagined. As the world begins to open up and vaccines become available, we’re all starting to think about traveling and feeding into our wanderlust. We kept sane by watching a number of our favorite traveling shows that featured yachts, culinary journeys with Stanley Tucci and even looking back at our own pictures when we could pick and go without a thought! With that in mind, we think that our next trip needs to be luxurious and that we must bring a few friends along with us! With a number of destinations on our list, St Tropez has been on our mind for a bit as we’ve tagged quite a few images on our Instagram during quarantine!

Why not travel there in the most luxurious of ways by booking a yacht charter in St Tropez? After all the shows that we’ve watched, we wanted to find the perfect vessel and think that the Moskito is perfect as it’s 180’5”! We can have a party of 12 guests total, there are 6 cabins to rest comfortably and there is a 13 person crew to ensure that your trip is everything that you could imagine! We want to be able to lounge outside while also enjoying a number of amenities from a lower deck relaxation area with a sauna and steam room. Some of us want to relax and will hang out at the exterior deck space. There’s 100sqm sun deck which has panoramic views so that you can get all the natural Vitamin C that you can soak up or you can enjoy a bit of midday sun under the shaded hardtop. After a day of safe sun, you can transition into the jacuzzi!

For our friends who want to play, they can enjoy the beach club aft which has a water-side seclusion to enjoy watersports while also being able to enjoy being onboard! There’s no way that they’ll be bored with access to 2 Jet Skis, 2 Seabobs, 2 GO Bikes, Smart Kat Inflatable Catamaran Sailboat, 2 Red Paddle Boards, 5 PAX Banana, 2 PAX Inflatable Kayak, 11 Superchannel Fins, 4 Subea Full Face Easy Breath Snorkels and so much more!

After all of the activities that you’ll find yourself doing throughout the day, you and your guests can dine al fresco as your chef creates gourmet delicacies. When we’re not lounging or enjoying watersports, you’ll find us in the full-beam sky lounge to catch the views. We also like the lower deck spa which is the perfect spot to get in yoga and to take a moment for yourself or to connect with an intimate group of your fellow guests.

When it comes to planning your next trip, you want a series of memories that will last a lifetime and allow you to enjoy it with those that you invite with you! This trip to St. Tropez aboard the Moskito will be one that you’ll remember whether you stay active, lounge to your hearts content or simply wish to enjoy cocktails and gourmet meals.

4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WOMEN'S EARNINGS IN GOLF

In a list of LPGA’s highest-earning pros for this year, four of them have earned a total of more than USD$1 million. In descending order, these are:

• Nelly Korda – USD$1,856,649

• Yuka Saso – USD$1,160,376

• Lydia Ko – USD$1,073,133

• Patty Tavatanakit – USD$1,009,172 

Coincidentally, Korda and Ko won gold and bronze respectively at the women’s individual stroke play at the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics. Korda is expected to cash in around USD$37,500 from the U.S. for the gold medal finish. On the other hand, Ko won’t get any, as New Zealand doesn’t have such a program for its medalists. (2)

A million dollars may sound like a lot of money (because it really is). But you’ll be surprised at how much money LPGA pros can really earn if they’re serious about golf. 

1. A Drop in the Bucket

Korda’s earnings may be at the top of the LPGA list, but it’s only a drop in the bucket compared to the top earners career-wise. With career earnings just shy of USD$6 million from playing in less than a hundred events, she’s only in 65th place. Her older sister Jessica, who finished 15th in the Olympics, is 20 ranks up with over USD$6.4 million from playing in over 200 events. (3)

If the sisters combine their earnings, it would be comparable to Se Ri Pak, one of the top ten earners with a total of almost USD$12.6 million. Pak played in 365 events before retiring in 2016, a third of which resulting in her ranking in the top ten. (3)

2. Record To Be Broken Soon

As of this writing, Annika Sorenstam holds the title of the highest-earning female golfer career-wise at USD$22,577,025. Don’t let those eight-digit figures be the only thing convincing you. She’s a big name in women’s golf for reasons to be tackled later (3).

However, it won’t be long before that record’s broken. Karrie Webb is just shy of over USD$2 million, but she’s still playing on the greens. Given that the LPGA purse has increased drastically by over 90% since 2013, gaining the title of top career earner is easier than ever. (3)

Another pro bound to break the record soon is Cristie Kerr, whose earnings are around USD$170,000 fewer than Webb’s. Her ambidextrous playstyle (naturally a leftie but plays with her right hand) will help in giving her the edge in future tours. (3)

3. Four of the Top Ten are U.S. Pros

The ten highest-earning career earners collectively earn USD$162.8 million. Of them, four pros are based in the U.S., such as:

• Cristie Kerr – 3rd at USD$20,107,437 from 572 events

• Juli Inkster – 7th at USD$14,038,081 from 715 events

• Stacy Lewis – 8th at USD$13,699,317 from 297 events

• Paula Creamer – 10th at USD$12,134,840 from 339 events

Two represent South Korea: Inbee Park at 4th with USD$17,672,084 from 286 events and Se Ri Pak at 9th with USD$12,583,713 from 365 events. The rest of the list include Annika Sorenstam (Sweden), Karrie Webb (Australia), Lorena Ochoa (Mexico), and Suzann Pettersen (Norway). Four of the top ten have long retired from golf. (3)

4. The Only Female in An All-Male Net Worth List

It’s no surprise that male golfers earn a lot more than female ones, as men’s tours tend to attract more sponsors and a larger audience. Of course, things are slowly getting better with the recent increase in women’s tours’ purses, but it’ll take time before the prize is equal to men’s tours.

That never stopped Sorenstam from becoming the wealthiest female golfer so far. With an estimated net worth of USD$40 million, she’s the only woman on the list of the 50 richest golfers. Even after her official retirement in 2008, she remains a big name in golf for securing more victories, including ten major wins, than any female pro so far. (4)(5)

In fact, she came out of retirement last year to participate in the U.S. Senior Women’s Open and win the event. That’s 12 years of playing little to no golf.

Conclusion

The younger generation of female pros is poised to make a fortune thanks to a growing purse. If you plan on going pro yourself, keep in mind that it won’t be easy. You’ll have to train hard, whether on the greens or at home, to join the ranks of the world’s best.

Nevertheless, the millions in earnings show the stakes that come with a single round of the sport. Only the next several years can tell who the world’s top earner will be.

Sources:

1. “LPGA Tour Money Leaders – 2021,” https://www.espn.com/golf/moneylist/_/tour/lpga

2. “It’s Not Just the Medal. It’s the Payout.” https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/06/sports/olympics/olympics-medals-bonuses.html

3. “CAREER MONEY,” https://www.lpga.com/statistics/money/career-money

4. “Top 50 Richest Golfers,” https://www.celebritynetworth.com/list/top-50-richest-golfers/

5. “Annika Sorenstam Reflects on Her Career,” https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/21/sports/golf/annika-sorenstam-career.html