HOW SLEEP DEPRIVATION AFFECTS WORK PERFORMANCE

Some of the most widely dreaded risks of sleep deprivation are diabetes, memory loss, skin aging, etc., which are bad for your physical and mental health. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of a poor sleep health is that it can severely impact your performance at work. Hindrances like decreased productivity and lack of concentration at work can often lead to low self-esteem and even job loss in some cases. Therefore, we have compiled a list of some of the worst ways that will help you understand how sleep deprivation affects work performance.

#01 Alertness

People experiencing a bad sleep quality are also prone to face a lack of attention and reduced daytime alertness, especially those working night shifts or the ones with extended work hours. A night sleep that lasts less than 7 to 8 hours can hinder the mind’s ability to process information and induce a state similar to that of being drunk. According to a past study published in the journal Sleep, participants who slept less than 7 hours went through a poor performance at work due to issues like lack of focus, reduced creativity and inability to think clearly.  Such employees also had a hard time maintaining their focus and often find themselves distracted during work.

#02 Daytime Drowsiness

Cases of motor vehicle and workplace accidents several times involve people who are deprived of sleep or have sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea. Accidents at workplace can often cause a great deal of damage to not only yourself but also other at your work place. Feeling sleepy at work can often lead to lack of motivation and acts like yawning and dozing off at workplace can also send a bad message. Though caffeinated drinks are good for increasing alertness, a rich amount of caffeine, especially taken close to bedtime can further disrupt the sleep schedule by making it harder to fall asleep.

#03 Memory Loss

Less amount of both rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (nREM) sleep can make it harder for someone to consolidate or recall memories. This makes the process of learning new things and processing new memories at work harder. A study by Harvard researchers suggests that sleeping less or more than the right amount can make it harder to store memory. Accumulation of protein fragments known as beta-amyloid in the brain is also considered responsible for Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disease.

#04 Productivity

An insufficient amount of sleep on a regular basis is related to decreased efficiency at work and difficulty in solving problems. Such sleep deprived people may often find themselves unable to meet deadlines and may get burdened by the workload. This can often impact the relationship between coworkers and heighten job dissatisfaction. As a result, people end up spending more time on their work than it warrants and end up bringing their work home and disrupting their sleep schedule. A recent study found that participants who received an insufficient amount of sleep were more likely to commit errors at work

#05 Stress

Reduced amount of sleep at night can cause the cortisol levels of the body to increase rapidly. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone that is responsible for regulating the level of stress in the bloodstream. Although the right amount of cortisol in the body is key for maintaining alertness but an increased quantity of the hormone can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and reduce your performance at work. While lack of sleep can lead to stress at workplace, workplace stress in itself can cause further disruption of sleep. It’s therefore always a good idea to turn to friends and coworkers to discuss their workplace or seek professional help.

#06 Tiredness

Failing to achieve a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep in the night can lead to individuals waking up with a headache and a feeling of tiredness that persists throughout the day. This weariness severely affects the work performance and causes grogginess in which the sensory activity of the brain is highly diminished. Due to this decreased work efficiency, employers may have to let go such groggy employees, especially in this age of high job demands and increased work pressure. Never let things like an old mattress ruin the perfect night sleep you deserve. Follow these handy tips to sell off your old mattress and get yourself a new one according to your liking.

#07 Decision Making

It is one of the many functions regulated by the brain’s pre-frontal cortex which gets affected due to a lack of sleep. Your decision-making abilities at workplace may often impede your progress and a send a bad message about your training and work experience. Split-second decision-making and logical decision-making abilities are highly affected due to the impaired brain activity caused by lack of sleep. Your decision making can often cause the company and its workers a great deal of damage.

#08 Workplace Injury

Another major risk of sleep deprivation is the increased chances of injury at workplace. Studies show that people with sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness are more likely to experience such injuries. People who experience such injuries also end up taking more leave which can in turn affect the productivity. The Chernobyl Nuclear disaster in 1986 and the Exxon Valdez Oil spill in 1989 are just two of the several accidents that can be called as the perfect examples of sleep deprivation causing accidents at workplace.

Bottom line:

Failure to carry out your job can prove detrimental to you not just on a personal level but can also impact the performance of your subordinates and the company itself. Increased workload and other responsibilities may often cave in your sleep routine but people must understand that a person with sleep deprivation will never be great at carrying out the work he’s supposed to do.

3 EXERCISE EQUIPMENT YOU CAN USE FOR A LIFETIME

3 Exercise Equipment You Can Use For A Lifetime

Whether you're interested in building up your body or just exercising for fun, exercise equipment will help you get the results you want. The accessibility of working out at home these days has made it easier than ever for people of all ages to stay healthy by exercising. Thus, if you want to establish a home gym for yourself, you need to make sure you're getting what you pay for if you feel like investing in exercise equipment. It's easy to pick out the newest, highest-quality piece and start working out with it. But will it be sturdy enough for your needs?  

Don’t know where to start? Here are three tried-and-tested workout equipment you could use for a lifetime.

1. Dumbbells And Barbelll

With the number of choices available on the market, it could be difficult to choose the best barbell or dumbbells out there. But with enough research, you will make a sound decision. Assess your body type first, what you want to achieve, then research what goes best with which kind of workout you choose.

Whatever workout regimen you may have, you can’t go wrong with investing in dumbbells or barbells with varying weight plates as these have been a tried and true form of exercise for home-based bodybuilders. These items can be used across a variety of different workouts, so they could really help tone different areas of your body.

Consult a fitness trainer or bodybuilder who could guide you with the purchase as there are different types of weight plates, weightlifting bars, and different-sized dumbbells you could use for specific workouts. If you have a bigger space for a barbell and a weight training bench, make sure you get a sturdy one, hopefully those that won’t rust easily; the same goes for the dumbbells. With this equipment at home, you could try deadlifting, bench press workouts, or CrossFit workouts. The possibilities are endless.

2. Treadmill

Have you tried to go for a run during the fall or winter? Or do you live in an extremely busy city where there doesn’t seem to be enough space anywhere to run? Maybe it’s always rainy where you are, or it’s quite unsafe to go out at night if you prefer after-sunset runs. Regardless of your situation, a treadmill is an easy way to go for a quick jog or run without leaving your home.

When you decide to shop around for fitness equipment, you can include a well-built treadmill that will last for a lifetime, provided you regularly maintain the machine, of course. There are now options to purchase different sizes and types of treadmill machines. The more complicated and expensive ones are digital, which could offer various readings and measurements such as distance traveled, time covered, calorie counter, even heartbeat rates per minute.

There are mid-range priced ones that also offer similar readings but on a simpler scale. But for both types, the track could usually be adjusted to imitate different ground environments and inclines for a more wholesome or challenging workout, depending on your fitness needs.

3. Stationary Bike Machines

If you would rather stay indoors than go biking around the city or your community, dodging and weaving around pedestrians in the process, stopping once in a while whenever there’s not enough room for you to proceed, or there are too much traffic lights in your block, purchasing a stationary bike machine might be a good idea for you.

There are various types of stationary bikes available in the market, but the purchase will have to consider your home space. Some of these machines are bulky, while there are more slender models that could be kept at any corner of your home gym. Much like the treadmill, the bike will also require maintenance, especially on the chains, to ensure they last years to come. But it's definitely another great investment to add to your home workout equipment as you can bike for as long as you want, only stopping at your own discretion.

Conclusion

Considering there are so many options available for home exercise equipment in stores or online shops, it might be a trial and error circumstance until you find what works best for you. One thing that might benefit you is to go to a local fitness shop or a gym and consult with a professional workout trainer who has knowledge of the topic at hand. With enough time and research, you will no doubt find the best exercise equipment for you, and you’ll be able to enjoy that workout routine at home—for a lifetime.

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHELATION THERAPY

Chelation therapy is an alternative treatment that’s used to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body by using chemicals. It has been used for a long to treat lead and mercury poisoning, but, now, many believe that it can be beneficial for preventing heart diseases and other health problems. 

In this article, we discuss the top 10 things you need to know about EDTA Chelation.

1.      Chelation Therapy Is Conducted Through An Intravenous (IV) drip 

In chelation therapy, the chemical substance enters the bloodstream through an intravenous drip. The chemical in the bloodstream then binds itself to toxic metals or minerals in the body and removes them.

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) is a form of amino acid that’s commonly used to remove substances, such as lead, copper, and calcium deposits from the body. 

2.      Help With Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. These plaques are caused by deposits of lipids, like cholesterol and calcium. These plaques can cause several problems, like blocking the blow flow, blood clotting, and weakening of the artery wall.

Chelation therapy may help remove these calcium deposits and supposedly restore the blood flow in the arteries. 

3.      Slows The Progression of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. Patients of this disease have an abnormal build-up of proteins and metals that damage the brain. Metals, like zinc, iron, and copper may also build up in the brain, causing plaques.

Chelation therapy may help remove the excessive build-up of proteins and metal from the brain, which may help slow the progression of the disease.   

4.      Helps With Heavy Metal Poisoning 

Chelation treatment is may treat heavy metal poisoning. Some of the common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, autoimmune disease, and neurological disorders.

To help with metal poisoning, EDTA is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. The EDTA then binds itself to the harmful metals and coverts the harmful toxins into inert substances that can be removed from the body through urine. 

5.      Reduce The Risk For Heart Diseases

Heart diseases occur when the fatty deposits in the arteries cause the blood vessels to narrow. This further affects the blood flow in the heart. ETDA chelation will bind to the deposits that caused the blockage, then remove it from the blood.

Though chelation therapy can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases, this treatment hasn’t been approved by the FDA. Therefore, if you’re thinking of chelation therapy to improve your heart’s health, it’s important to consult your doctor. 

6.      Helps With Oxidative Stress 

Iron is one of the most important minerals required by the body to function. The lack of it can lead to anemia. However, abnormal amounts of iron in the body can lead to free radical toxicity. Imbalance in iron regulation can also lead to other diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. 

A study highlights the key role of iron in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Thereby, increasing free radicals in the body. This leads to increased oxidative stress, which directly impacts the aging process, leading to several health issues. 

In chelation therapy, iron-designed chelators may block the iron’s ability to create free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress.

7.      Anti-Aging

Some of the key factors that contribute to the aging process are increased amounts of toxic metals in the body, increased oxidative stress, and abnormal calcium deposits that often lead to various health problems and accelerates the aging process, making you look tired and old. 

Chelation therapy may remove the toxic metals from your body, reduces oxidative stress, and improves blood circulation. All these factors considerably contribute to slow down the aging process. 

8.      Reduces High Blood Pressure 

Metal toxicity is one of the key factors linked to high blood pressure that has often been overlooked. Abnormal amounts of metal in the bloodstream can affect the function of certain enzymes in your body, leading to blood vessel damage and inflammation. 

Furthermore, large amounts of metal in the body also increased the production of epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline. This puts the body on the fight or flight survival mode, making the heart beat faster. All of these factors contribute to increased blood pressure. 

When chelation therapy is administered, it binds to the toxic heavy metals, like lead, which contributes largely to high blood pressure. When this happens, it may reduce your blood pressure. Chelation therapy may also reduce the risk of angina attacks. 

9.      Manages Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune arthritis that occurs when the body’s immune system isn’t working properly, causing inflammation and pain in your joints. This condition can slowly damage several parts of the body, like eyes, lungs, skin, heart, and blood vessels. 

Since toxic metals play an integral role in impairing the proper functioning of the immune system, removing them from the bloodstream may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

A study was conducted on an old Italian woman with rheumatoid arthritis and heavy metal intoxication. She was given an EDTA chelation treatment for metal intoxication and the final results didn’t show any signs of mental intoxication and her rheumatoid symptoms had improved.

10.  Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis 

As thousands of patients use it in the US, chelation therapy has been used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. One of the key triggers for MS patients is toxic metal poisoning.

Chelation therapy is used to clear the heavy metals from the body that may further help reduce MS triggers caused by inadequate metal detoxication from the body. 

Symptoms Of Chelation Therapy

Though chelation therapy is FDA approved for the treatment of lead poisoning, there’s not enough evidence to prove that the treatment is effective for various other diseases. Sometimes, chelation therapy can cause symptoms like a burning sensation near the injection site, vomiting, headache, and nausea. 

Furthermore, chelation therapy can cause serious symptoms, like low blood pressure, brain damage, anemia, and mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor before you start with the treatment. 

Chelation therapy shouldn’t be undertaken by children, pregnant women, and patients suffering from kidney failure. 

Dosage and Cost

The number of treatments required to treat a disorder depends largely on the disease and its condition. However, in most cases, chelation therapy is conducted several times a week to a few months to get optimal benefits. 

A single session may cost between USD$75 to USD$125. Though the treatment is covered by insurance companies, the coverage is limited to the treatments approved by the FDA. 

Natural Chelating Agents 

Heavy metal toxicity is known to be an integral factor for several health conditions. From serious health issues, like lead poisoning and autoimmune diseases, milder levels of metal toxicity can lead to symptoms, like headaches, nausea, and vomiting. That’s why it's important to rid the body of heavy metal toxins. 

Chelation has been popularly adapted for clearing these toxins through the use of chelating agents in the form of oral medicine or IV drips. However, you can also use foods with natural chelation properties for mild metal toxicity to restore your health. 

To avoid heavy metal toxicity, here are a few natural chelating agents you can add to your daily diet:

·       Cilantro: Cilantro is known as an immunity booster as it helps remove heavy metal toxins, like aluminum, mercury, and lead. Regular consumption of cilantro for two weeks can considerably remove heavy metals from your body. You can simply add cilantro to your diet by adding it to your meals and snacks, such as tacos. 

·       Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is known for its ability to bind with heavy metals in the body, then flush them out. Taking food-grade activated charcoal as a daily supplement leads to metal and general detoxification, which is important to keep the body healthy.

·       Onion And Garlic: The Sulphur content found in onion and garlic can help remove the toxic heavy metals from your body. Other than onion and garlic, foods like Brussel sprouts, eggs, and cabbage also have high amounts of Sulphur that can help remove toxic metals from the body. 

Conclusion

Chelation Therapy is an effective treatment for removing heavy metal toxicity from the body. Also, it has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of metal poisoning. Due to its ability to remove heavy metal toxins, it has been effective for treating conditions where heavy metal toxicity is one of the factors that cause the disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, oxidative stress, and multiple sclerosis. 

Chelation therapy is also being widely used for treating heart diseases as it's an effective way to remove the plaques on the artery walls, leading to improved blood circulation. The most common way to administer chelation treatment is through IV dips. However, you can also take them orally. 

Though chelation therapy can be an effective alternative treatment to treat several diseases, it’s important to discuss the treatment and dosage with your doctor. This way, you can get optimal health benefits from it without having to face any major risks.   

7 HEALTHY BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

A lot of students eat cheap food that is fast to cook. They do it due to a lack of time and money. Unfortunately, such food can harm students’ health. If you decide to change your nutrition plan, start with breakfast, as it’s the most important meal of a day.

Below, you will find seven tasty and healthy breakfast ideas for college students. They will help you consume the proper amount of proteins, carbs, and fat to keep your body fit and healthy.

Fruits, Yogurt, and Nuts

It is probably the easiest to cook and the healthiest breakfast idea. To prepare this meal, you will need some fruits like banana, apples, peaches, etc. Also, you should get some nuts like almonds or cashew.

The last ingredient is yogurt. You need to choose only low-fat yogurt without sugar if you want to keep your nutrition healthy. Greek yogurt will be the best choice.

After this, slice the fruits and put them into a bowl with nuts. You can start eating fruits, nuts, and yogurt separately or mix them all to create a fresh, tasty, and healthy fruit salad with nuts.

Granola or Energy Bars

This idea will be highly appreciated by those students who always experience a lack of time. The recipe is simple. To provide yourself with a healthy breakfast every morning, you need to go to a grocery store and purchase some granola and protein bars. Also, don’t forget to grab some milk for the granola.

In case you even don’t have time to pass your assignments until the past due, order them at an online writing platform like UnemployedProfessors. If you know nothing about this site, the question, “Is Unemployed Professors legit?” may appear. In such a case, examine users’ reviews on the Internet first.

Whole Wheat Bread with Peanut Butter

This idea follows the traditional breakfast with toasted bread and peanut butter. Since toasted bread isn’t the best choice for healthy nutrition, you have to replace it with whole wheat bread.

Feel free to make sandwiches by using whole wheat bread and peanut butter. Also, you can enhance your sandwiches with fruits or berries.

If you decide to write a research paper exploring the difference between toasted and whole wheat bread, you may experience some difficulties. If so, do not hesitate to order some help at CustomWriting, a paper-writing platform. The trustworthy CustomWritings.com review will help you learn more about this service.

Omelet with Vegetables

This dish is easy to cook. Also, it brings a lot of proteins and some carbs for a healthy and active student’s morning. For starters, you need to grab some vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, carrot, etc. Chop them and put on a heated pan with virgin oil, fry the vegetables for 10-15 minutes.

After this, break three or four eggs into a bowl, add some salt, seasoning, and ¼ cup of milk. Stir all the ingredients and put them on a heated pan.

Oatmeal with Berries

Students who burn a lot of calories, especially athletes, should have a healthy breakfast full of carbs. It’s hard to find something better than oatmeal for this purpose.

To prepare this dish, you should put oatmeal in a bowl with boiled water and heat it for five minutes. After this, you need to drain it. Feel free to add some butter and berries to make it tasty.

This easy-to-make and healthy meal will bring you enough energy to maintain an active lifestyle.

In case you’re an athlete who spends all your free time working out, you might be short in time to do your homework. Do not hesitate to use an academic writing service to not compromise on education.

Breakfast Burritos

In case you’re used to having a full-value breakfast, feel free to eat a burrito. It is a great combination of proteins, carbs, and fat.

In order not to spend the entire morning cooking a breakfast burrito, prepare it in the evening. You can freeze it and microwave when you’re hungry. For sure, you can purchase a prepared frozen burrito in a store, but self-prepared in much tastier.

Roasted Chicken Breast and Sweet Potato

If you care about your nutrition and consume only 100% healthy and natural products, cook a chicken breast with sweet potato.

To prepare this dish, you need to preheat an oven. After this, cut chicken breasts with sweet potatoes lengthwise, add some olive oil, salt, and season them. Put all the ingredients on a pan and bake them for 35-40 minutes.

In case you’re a student, don’t be shy to order college papers online to allocate some time for cooking a healthy breakfast. Do not hesitate to examine the PaperHelp.org reviews if you don’t know a good essay writing platform.

Concluding Thoughts

A lot of people think it’s crucial to train to death to have a strong and fit body. However, if you don’t have a healthy and well-thought-out nutrition plan, it will be hard to achieve this goal. Feel free to grab some healthy breakfast above and start your day with a well-balanced meal.

BACK TO SCHOOL IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

COVID-19 has made the way that we go about our business very different than what we have ever experienced. As we navigate going to work, working from home and for those with children, how they will be able to send their kids to in-person school - the challenges have never been higher! With teachers balancing between in-person, remote and blended learning, resources to make this happen to optimize teaching has come into focus as well.

DonorsChoose conducted a survey of 1,000 public school teachers across the country about their feelings, experiences, and expectations for the upcoming school year and found out that: 

·       67% of teachers said they feel somewhat or very unsafe returning to the classroom this school year 

·       42% of teachers surveyed are expecting to start the year teaching in some sort of blended online/in-person style, 35% of teachers will start the year completely online, 8% are expecting to be in the classroom full time, and 14% are still waiting to find out their school’s plans. 

·       79% of teachers told us that the resources they need most for in-person instruction are cleaning supplies and PPE and the resources they need most for online learning are instructional technology to help them teach remotely.

The survey also uncovered worrying signs that COVID-19 will only widen the inequity gap, hurting our nation’s most vulnerable students worst. And, while online learning is a challenge for everyone, 52% of teachers said that fewer than half of their students participated regularly in online learning last spring. But teachers in low-income communities saw lower rates of student engagement than teachers from wealthier communities. 

Access to technology and the internet is also a greater challenge for students in low-income communities, despite the fact that 92% of teachers reported their districts providing some technology to students to help facilitate online learning. Teachers in low-income communities were more likely than teachers in wealthier communities to report that most or all of their students were struggling with lack of reliable internet access and difficulty using online tools.

This year marks the 20th back-to-school season for DonorsChoose, the nonprofit education crowdfunding site designed exclusively for teachers, which was started in 2000 from a Bronx classroom, before “crowdfunding” was even a word. Since then, DonorsChoose has raised $1 billion to support classroom teachers, funding 1.7 million requests from 600,000 teachers at 84,000 schools. Teachers at 85% of America’s public schools have created a project request on DonorsChoose and 78% of projects funded support schools with students from low-income communities. On September 16, for one day only, DonorsChoose is marking its 20th anniversary by giving a 50% match to all donations to teachers’ project requests.  For example, when a donor gives $20, their donation becomes $30 to help a teacher in need. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHAT TO PLAY FOR THE BEST CHANCE TO WIN BIG

Someone in Arizona won the biggest lottery jackpot of this year: $410 million ($316.8 million in cash) on September 15. He spent $2 on a Mega Millions ticket, matched all numbers (including the “Megaball”). This is the second massive lottery win of the year, with a lucky player from Florida winning $396.9 million ($274.6 million in cash) this January. Against all odds, we might say: the chance of any player to win the Mega Millions jackpot is one in 302.5 million, and the chance of winning the Powerball jackpot is one in 292.2 million.

Winning big is a dream for many of us. Despite their attractive jackpots, lotteries don’t seem to be giving us the best chance to do so - so what should we play for better odds of becoming millionaires?

Slot machines

Slot machines were invented more than a century ago, and they spent their “career” constantly evolving and growing their fan base. They have become a staple of the gambling industry - there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of them in each major casino resort across the world, and further thousands can be played online. And at times, they can be pretty generous.

Slot machines are pretty tight when it comes to payouts - after all, it’s their goal to make profits for their operators. But they come with some very attractive jackpots.

In real life

In land-based casinos in the US, the most “generous” slot machine is Megabucks, built by the multinational casino equipment provider IGT. The slot machine has broken its own records several times, currently standing at $39.7 million paid out to a 25-year-old software engineer playing at the Excalibur Hotel-Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

What are the odds to hit the jackpot at the Megabucks slot machine? According to slot machine expert John Robison (who holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology), the odds of hitting the Megabucks jackpot are about 1 in 50 million. A much better chance than winning a lottery.

Online

Most online casino players are of the casual kind: they play with small amounts and for shorter times than their real-life counterparts. That shouldn’t be a surprise, though - instead of buffets and free drinks served by attractive servers, they get whatever they can find at home.

This doesn’t mean people don’t win big at online casinos. “Smaller” payouts, like the recent €7.78 million win at the River Belle Casino are relatively frequent - they happen several times a year. But the amounts paid out by online slots also reach eight digits quite often.

The record for the biggest jackpot paid out by an online slot machine currently stands at €18.9 million (a bit over $22 million), won by an online casino player in September 2018. And the most recent massive win happened this August: a Swedish player who preferred to remain anonymous pocketed a win worth €14.6 million (a bit over $17 million). Both of them were paid out by the most generous online jackpot network, Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. Since its inception, the jackpot has paid out more than €1 billion, earning the title of the most generous progressive jackpot network on the internet. And the odds of winning millions while playing one of the participating slot machines is about the same as winning big at a Vegas casino: around 1 in 50 million.

While these wins are far from being as big and spectacular than those offered by lotteries, the odds of them turning you into a (multi)millionaire are way better. And they are much more fun to play!

HOW TO STYLE YOUR STERLING SILVER RING

Silver rings have been popular for centuries. Silver was the go-to metal for wedding rings before the gold rush in the 1800s. It has retained its popularity over hundreds of years because it is a versatile, timeless, incredibly beautiful metal. 

Moreover, silver is easy to customize to meet your exacting standards. It is always trendy and will never make you feel like you are out of touch fashion-wise. You can wear your silver rings big or thin and match it with a variety of metals. 

Silver rings for women come in a variety of styles and you will be spoiled for choice. Also, since silver goes with everything, a silver ring is a worthwhile investment. It will last for all time and even your great-granddaughter will find it stylish. 

Here are a few fun ways to style your silver ring. 

1.     Wear Your Silver with Block Colors

These include black, grey, and silver. They are the perfect colors to make your silver accessories pop. A huge silver ring goes especially well when worn with block colors. This is the best way to make a statement with your ring and get a conversation going. 

Other colors that will bring out your personality effectively are dark and royal blues. Burgundy also sets your silver glinting and draws people’s eyes to your hand. The trick here is to opt for outfits that will make your silver pop.

2.     Stack Your Rings

If you are headed for an event that calls for some chic flair, stacking your rings is the way to go. They help to make an outfit less severe giving you a fun edge that draws others in. A silver ring is versatile and can be worn with other metals or stones.

Also, you can buy a pre-stacked set and not have to worry about getting the stacking right. If you have single stone rings, you can twist those to fit on top of each other for a trendy ‘with it’ look. 

However, do not overburden one finger. Spread the rings out but ensure the main stands out. You will not be able to do much with an ‘over-ringed’ finger. Besides, it will keep you feeling rather uncomfortable. 

3.     Match Your Silver Ring with Other Silver Jewelry

Do not overdo the matching by piling on myriads of pieces. It might look odd if you have on your rings, bracelets, earrings, nose stud, ankle and toe rings…you get the picture? Silver looks great when matched tastefully with other silver pieces. It helps to complement your outfit beautifully. 

4.     Mix and Match with Some Gold Pieces

Silver and gold go well together. A few years ago, fashion experts may have frowned upon this match up but gold prices are out of the court. Pair your silver ring with a gold one on your middle finger and watch a few brows go up. 

5.     Don’t Forget Your Nails!

People will look at your hands because your ring draws their eyes to them. They will notice your nails. Therefore, you want to make sure your nails are done well. Chipped polish and uneven nails are a sore sight. 

Also, ensure the shade of your polish goes well with your silver ring. Most dark shades will help to set your ring off. A plethora of shades may take all attention away from your ring. Consider laying some emphasis on your ring finger to create more interest but again, don’t overdo it. 

6.     What About Your Clutch?

An evening out is not complete without a stylish clutch. This is a bag that will be in your hands most of the night. Hence, you want to be sure that your accessories go with the bag. The color and style of your clutch should meld well with your silver ring. 

Conclusion

Sterling silver rings can be worn with a variety of outfits for just about any occasion. They fit well in the office and you can accessorize them for a wedding or office party. They are enduring and you will always have them unless you lose them. 

LEARN ABOUT TESTOSTERONE BOOSTING FOODS THAT YOU SHOULD EAT

When you find out that your testosterone levels are not up to par, you might immediately start thinking about introducing certain supplements to your diet or even starting to take testosterone injections in order to boost those levels. This is a pretty important hormone, so it’s no wonder that you are interested in increasing its levels as soon as possible. Are injections really the right way, though?

How about trying something more natural first? Believe it or not, there are some natural ways to increase these levels, so there’s no need to resort to injections before trying certain other methods first. As you can see here, there are a lot of natural methods to take into consideration. Don’t immediately jump to the most extreme way of doing things, i.e. taking injections.

Before we go any further, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. While testosterone is known as the male hormone, it doesn’t mean that women don’t have it and that they don’t need to maintain it at an optimum level. Both genders should make sure that all their hormones are perfectly balanced, including this one. So, don’t assume that I’m addressing this article only to the male population. Everybody needs to take care of their health and hormones play a huge part in it.

Why Testosterone Is Important

I’ve mentioned briefly that women also have this hormone, but I need to emphasize that they have it in much smaller amounts. Testosterone is primarily responsible for the development, as well as the maintenance of male attributes and characteristics. If you think about it closely, it’s actually what makes men, well, men.

This hormone affects all the important functions and processes in your body, from the sexual and reproductive function, to bone and muscle density. Even some behaviors are conditioned by the levels of testosterone. Let us quickly check out some of the most important roles of this hormone in our bodies, so that you can clearly and completely understand its importance.

For starters, it affects the reproductive system, leading to men with lower testosterone developing erectile dysfunction, as well as sperm production issues. Plus, men with lower amounts of this hormone inside their bodies can lose their sexual desire. All of that has a negative impact on the complete reproductive system, which is a rather important system in everyone’s life.

This hormone also affects our central nervous system, which is, among other things, responsible for our behavior. That’s why I have mentioned briefly that even some behaviors are conditioned by the level of testosterone people have. First of all, less testosterone means less motivation and self-confidence. Then, there’s the fact that low levels of this hormone can cause lack of energy, sleep issues, as well as certain inexplicable episodes of sadness among men.

Our skin, hair, bones and muscles are also affected by this hormone. Its low levels can cause hair loss and skin irritations, but also make you more susceptible to bone fractures. This is also the hormone that helps you burn body fat much faster, meaning that the lack of testosterone can lead to body fat accumulation. This is especially unfavorable for all the athletes and bodybuilders, which is why they frequently resort to supplements.

Before getting back to the natural methods of increasing the levels of this hormone, I have one last thing to say. It’s perfectly normal for men after 30 to start experiencing this drop. It can get more and more severe year after year, which is why you need to be aware of all the things that you can do to prevent the decrease and maintain the perfect levels that your body needs in order for all of its parts to function properly. You’ll find out what it is that you can do below.

Testosterone Boosting Foods

Now, let us get back to our main topic. I was talking about the natural ways of boosting testosterone. Some of those include exercising, keeping stress levels in check, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Among the most important methods for increasing the levels of this hormone in your body, though, is keeping track of the food you are consuming. If you think this has anything to do with going on diets, then you are definitely wrong.

Dieting is not what I have in mind. I’m talking about something completely different and, although it’s not dieting, it does involve you keeping track of your actual diet. I don’t know if you were aware of this, but there are foods you can eat in order to make sure that your testosterone levels are up to par. It’s amazing what we can do with our bodies if we only make sure to eat the right ingredients.

Here are some of those foods to consider: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323759#top-8-testosterone-boosting-foods

Eating certain type of food can definitely be your way of increasing the low testosterone, thus boosting the health of your bones, the growth of your muscles and hair, as well as improving sperm production and sexual health among the male population. Those are only some of the functions of testosterone and you can rest assured that there are a lot more important ones that can all be significantly improved with the help of nothing else but the right foods.

So, before you resort to certain extreme measures such as injections, you might want to make sure that you are doing the best you can to naturally increase the level of testosterone in your body. As explained, this can be done in several different ways, and it’s probably best if you combined them all together. Still, the food I am talking about definitely plays a major role here and introducing changes to your diet is the first thing you should try if he levels of this hormone drop.

Since I know that we aren’t all that well acquainted with all the nutrients that the ingredients we are consuming are carrying, I’ll share a list of foods you should definitely add to your diet in order to boost the production of this hormone. If you are expecting to see certain “fancy” ingredients that nobody can ever find anywhere, your expectations are definitely wrong. Although, I can understand why you would think that.

Believe it or not, the food that can help you maintain the perfect level of testosterone can be found all around us. It’s just that you probably haven’t paid attention to it all, since you probably didn’t have this problem any time before. Now that you do need a way to resolve the issue, it’s time you got familiar with what you should eat. Let’s get started with our list.

Egg Yolks

I know there are a lot of pieces of advice circling around telling you to get rid of the yolks and only eat the whites, but if you take the time to see foods that boost testosterone, you will definitely find egg yolks on almost every list. This doesn’t mean that the advice I have mentioned about ditching yolks and eating the whites isn’t good advice. It’s just a matter of perspective. Let me explain.

Egg yolks are definitely not healthy for people who have cholesterol issues. So, if you are one of those, you should do your best to avoid yolks. Still, there’s a different side to this story. I suppose we have all learned a while ago that things are not always so black and white or, in this case “yolk and white”. Here’s the good side of the yolk.

It’s full of vitamin D and it contains a lot of nutrients that are vital for our overall health. Among other things, egg yolks will definitely help you boost your testosterone levels, specifically thanks to the vitamin D I have mentioned. So, if you don’t have any issues with cholesterol, don’t ditch the yolks and eat the whites, because the yolks play a huge part in the production of the male hormone.

Beef

Welcome to another controversial opinion. Okay, it’s probably not that controversial. Plus, it’s not even merely an opinion. It’s actually a fact based on scientific evidence, meaning that I’m not here simply sharing what I believe is true. I’m sharing what the whole world believes is true and, most importantly, I’m sharing beliefs based on scientific facts.

We all know that the very mention of red meat can cause some people to cringe while explaining how it is full of fat and how it can be extremely harmful for our health. I’m not going to argue with that. It is definitely a true fact, but it is actually connected to overconsumption and not normal consumption of red meat. Overconsuming anything is definitely not a good idea.

Normal consumption of beef, however, can have an immensely positive impact on the male sex hormone. Beef liver, for example, is a rich source of vitamin D and we have already made it clear how vitamin D is important for testosterone (more info). Ground beef, on the other hand, contains zinc, which is another significant factor. If you are worried about the health issues that are usually associated with beef, all you need to do is make sure you don’t eat it too often and try to choose only lean cuts.

Tuna

Now, here’s one thing that isn’t connected to any controversies whatsoever. Everyone is definitely going to agree with the fact that tuna is extremely healthy for us. Sure, there’s the question of mercury and minimizing its intake, but you don’t need to worry about that unless you eat tuna or other seafood more than three times a week. I think it’s safe to assume that almost nobody is that crazy about tuna, right?

While you are sure that tuna is healthy for you, you might not always know why. Well, apart from the fact that it is really low in calories, it’s also known as an extremely protein-rich and heart-healthy type of food. Although those are definitely some rather important benefits, they are definitely not what we are here to talk about today.

Believe it or not, one serving of tuna can actually help you achieve the desired daily levels of vitamin D. Whether fresh or canned, this food will always be an extremely important source of vitamin D, which will in turn be able to extremely boost your testosterone levels. If you don’t like tuna at all, there are other fish foods that could substitute it. Just remember, no more than three times a week.

Milk

Everybody already knows that milk is the perfect source of calcium, which is particularly necessary for the strength of our bones. It’s also a huge source of protein. If we take both calcium and protein aside right now, we will still be left with an important vitamin that has a huge impact on the production of testosterone. If you guessed that I’m talking about vitamin D, then you have guessed it right.

A lot of people tend to avoid milk because it is full of saturated milk. While they do succeed in avoiding the saturated fat, they also deprive themselves of other nutrients this way, including the vitamin D that is crucial for the increase of the male sex hormone you are trying to achieve. There is a simple solution for this, though. Make sure to choose low fat milk and you’ll be able to get the vitamin D you need without worrying about saturated fat.

Pomegranates

Who could resist the refreshing fruit known as pomegranates? I don’t know about you, but I would never say no to this fruit. Not only is it tasty and refreshing, but it is also a rich source of antioxidants which has a huge positive impact on your overall health. The most important thing that I need to mention, though, is that pomegranates have actually proved to be a super food when it comes to testosterone. Studies have shown that eating this fruit for two weeks can actually boost your testosterone levels by an amazing 25%.

HOW TO DRY BRUSH

Dry skin brushing is a healthy treatment for exfoliating skin, stimulating capillary and lymphatic circulation and promoting skin beauty. Dry brushing is one of the 4-steps featured in the new clean, vegan, cruelty-free body care line –  Ida Body Care.

You have to think of dry skin brushing as another major tool in your beauty toolbox, according to Ida Body Care Founder & Creator Vicki Weaver Payne. “Dry brushing is one of the best ways to cleanse the skin without removing the protective mantel of acids and oils,” she describes. “It gently and effectively removes the top layer of dead skin cells and deeply cleanses the pores. Dry brushing has been practiced for centuries as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the body, thus stimulating skin renewal.”

Dry skin brushing, meaning not in the bath or shower, can change the health of the whole body.  Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Tightens skin

• Aids indigestion

• Reduces cellulite

• Stimulates circulation

• Increases cell renewal

• Clean lymphatic system

• Removes dead skin

• Strengthens immune system

• Improves exchange between cells

• Soothes and tones skin

• Stimulates hormones and oil-producing glands

• Increases relaxation

How to Dry Brush:

Always body brush on dry skin, followed by a shower or bath. As a general guide, start at the feet and ankles working up the body using brushstrokes in one upward motion toward the heart.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU RETURN TO YOUR FAVORITE SPA/SALON

As we begin to reopen and your favorite spa/salon is able to take appointments, you should be armed with a number of procedures and facts to ensure that your visit is safe and healthy as we get back into our routines. Many businesses have created new ways to interact with their customers through self-distancing lines at checkout, no return policies, mask enforcement and interacting with staff behind shielded plexiglass as well as other measures.

“The hands-on services and treatments provided by hairdressers, aestheticians, manicurists and massage therapists are going to be especially challenged to adopt similar restrictions in an effort to protect their staff and clients,” states Jeff Alford, president of The CBON Group, Canada’s largest supplier of professional infection control products.

“One thing consumers do know is that they will likely be encountering a very different world when salons and spas start once again to take appointments,” continues Alford. The professional beauty industry is in turn going to be welcoming back a very different kind of client, one that is more aware, more educated and more scrutinizing of workplace environments and sanitizing practices in place to keep them protected. “The new norm in the age of coronavirus is going to be accompanied by social awareness where consumers assume greater responsibility for their own physical safety and personal welfare”.

The general public has witnessed protective measures imposed on them by retail stores, restaurants, banks, transit, etc. However, they have also exercised their own personal safety responses by wearing masks and gloves, shopping online, avoiding busy store hours or simply just staying at home. When salons and spas do re-open, consumers can continue taking measures to reduce the risk of infection when getting a haircut, manicure, facial or a massage.

Here are tips from Alford that he suggests the public can look for as they return to their favorite salon or spa.

Advanced Awareness of Salon/Spa Policy Changes 

Even before you book an appointment, you should be aware of what measures your salon or spa are taking to keep you safe while in their care. Their website, social media channels or email notifications should be announcing changes in policy that might include, required use of face masks, restrictions in services (like no hair drying), reduced (or extended) hours, no walk-ins, no waiting areas, no outside food or drinks, etc. Become familiar with those policies and make sure you’re comfortable with them before making a booking. You do not want to become a social media sensation by causing a scene when you show up and are potentially taken by surprise.

Communicate with Your Professional Beauty Facility

Perhaps your local salon or spa isn’t all that tech savvy with making updates through digital media. You can also give them a call when booking your appointment and inquire about changes in policy. You can ask if staff will be wearing masks, what additional cleaning and disinfection practices are in place and whether they are undertaking any screening measures (e.g. checking for flu-like symptoms, temperature taking or filling out forms). This knowledge will give you the confidence to continue with your booking or contemplate an alternative destination. Safety is not only about you, but the practices enforced upon the people around you as well.

Before You Enter…

Before entering your salon or spa, you should see notification of any changes communicated through signage or posted letters at the door or window. This will let you know that policies are being universally applied to everyone. Remember, the risk of infection does not just come from within the facility but also from other patrons.

Reception, the First Line of Defence

A salon or spa’s primary objective during this outbreak is to prevent the introduction of viruses that can lead to infection. Larger establishments may have a designated greeter at the door who can screen clients before they enter the premises. Smaller salons or spas should have a physical barrier or reception desk that prevents clients from freely entering before being processed. Hand sanitizing gel, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves, disposal of outside coffee cups, form-filling, etc. may all be part of the new norm. If these measures are not in place, you may need to ask yourself why and what other precautionary steps are not being taken to keep you safe?

Social Distancing is Possible

While maintaining distance may not be possible when obtaining professional beauty services, your salon or spa should still be taking measures to respect the 2-meter separation rule whenever possible. This may include removal of waiting areas, limiting capacity and by-appointment-only service to avoid over congestion. It may also involve removal or decommissioning of every other workstation, shampooing sink, blow drying area, etc. to ensure distancing. If your salon or spa do not have these precautions in place, you may be exposing yourself to a higher risk of infection through exposure to other customers in close quarters.

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

Your professional beauty provider should clean and disinfect their workstations and treatment areas between every appointment. All disposable items used with a client should be discarded. Any manicure/pedicure tools should be high level disinfected in a soaking tray. All points of client contact including work surfaces, chairs, treatment beds, face cradles, magnifying lamps, etc. should be disinfected with a Health Canada approved hospital grade disinfectant for the requisite contact time. Some products may take as long as 10 minutes to do their job, so you should be prepared to wait in between appointments. If your salon or spa has fast client turnover that does not allow for proper sanitizing protocols to take place, you should be aware of the heightened exposure to infection you may be facing.

Ask Your Professional Beauty Practitioner

The coronavirus outbreak has required beauty professionals to brush up on their germ and infection prevention knowledge. Some may have already had sanitizing best practices in place prior to COVID-19, but additional training and education may now be required. There are numerous online courses available to the cosmetology trade with opportunities to receive certification. So, you should be able to engage with your professional and have them address any health-related questions. Better still, he or she should start your appointment by letting you know what measures they have in place to keep you safe prior to the commencement of any treatment or service and conclude with “do you have any questions or concerns before we get started?.  If your facility is not doing this or is unable to respond to your infection prevention questions, how safe should you feel?

In the new norm, social awareness will play an increasingly larger role to ensure you’re using the services of a salon or spa that is well positioned to protect you from the risk of infection. This is true during a pandemic like coronavirus but also during seasonal flu outbreaks or to prevent everyday infections associated with the spread of viruses, bacteria and fungi in personal care establishments. Social awareness will not only be practiced at a facility but also through word of mouth, online reviews, social media engagement, etc. to ensure your friends and family also have the same level infection prevention knowledge and monitoring. Only then, can we all know and be confident that we’ve done everything possible to contain the risk of an outbreak resurgence and keep everyone safe and protected.

9LIST

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see 9LIST in mag.

9LIST STORI3S | KIM KIMBLE

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see 9LIST STORI3S | KIM KIMBLE in mag.

IN OUR BAG

Read the Aug Issue #56 of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | Commuting In Your Home in mag.

7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WORKOUT TOGETHER WITH YOUR DOG

It’s not easy to champion an active lifestyle, especially in these current times of restricted movement. Simply switching off the TV, putting on your pair of running shoes, and going out for a brisk walk or jog gets a lot more difficult every day. This leads to the emerging cases of weight-related diseases, which have not only affected humans but their pets as well. 

In 2018, 56% of the nation’s dogs were considered overweight or obese. With this, going out with your dogs to shred a few pounds has never been important. Working out is a tough challenge, but you and your dog can face it together.

There are a lot of good effects on people when they workout with their dogs and vice versa, including better cardiovascular health and improved physical shape. You may not notice it, but exercising with your dogs is also a heartwarming experience that they appreciate a lot from you. To make things even better, you can reward them with healthy treats from Pet Honesty to complete a fun and tiring workout session.

Now’s the time to get off your couches and let your furry friends help you fight the flab. Check out these top reasons to start working out with your dog.

1.      Dogs Boost Your Mood

Aside from a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress is also another factor that causes a number of different problems in your cardiovascular, physical, and mental health. Luckily, dogs make an excellent workout partner. Their emotions are contagious, and their tail-wagging enthusiasm is just one evidence of that.

Simply having them around keeps stress at bay as they can help reduce the stress hormones in your body. This, in turn, can steady your blood pressure and heart rate, calming your feelings of fear and anxiety. 

2.      They Motivate You

Using your dog as motivation to exercise is a great way to get the calories burning. Dogs have a sharp memory. Try taking them out for a jog on a Monday morning, and repeat this at the same time on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they’ll surely wag their tails and anticipate to do this activity with you.

This being said, let that furry smile and enthusiastic panting push you to put your workout gear! Your dog’s restlessness and inbuilt energy will help you stay motivated to sweat out the calories, especially if you have contemplations of skipping your workout activities on a certain day.

3.      Dogs Are Great Social Companions

Our dogs bring us a lot of opportunities for social interaction, especially in these difficult days. Let your four-legged furry friend start the walk for you. A weekly jog around the neighborhood or frequent play-fetch in the park with your dog encourages a healthy conversation and interaction with like-minded people outside.

You can also get more accomplished steps and some much-needed fresh air every day. If dogs naturally need to stay connected to the outside world to remain physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy, then so do you.

4.      Furry Friends Don’t Flake Out

Getting a workout buddy that never flakes out is a good motivator to keep that energy running. Your dog will never weasel out of your workout sessions because their schedule of activities depends on you, too. The good thing is that since your dog lives with you, they won’t complain nor tell you that they won’t make it.

Unlike your human buddies that’ll undoubtedly fail you when their commitments get in the way, dogs are always ready to go out with you. They’ll never get bored or find something more interesting to do. When exercising with your dog, you’ll be able to push harder and stay consistent with your daily workout routine.

5.      They Keep A Steady Speed

To maximize its health benefits, going out for a daily walk requires an active pace. Walking for about 15-17 minutes per mile is the best pace for you, and is considered a natural speed for dogs. This also encourages you to have a natural speedometer, which is far more amusing especially if you find that your dog is sniffing around on every corner.

However, if you see your dog pausing frequently, you’re probably going too slowly so try speeding up to keep them out of boredom.

6.      It’s Free Of Charge

When your furry friend is running with you, there’s no need to spend a lot. Thus, working out with your dog saves money on gym memberships, weekly spin classes, and even on spending money on the latest fashionable exercise equipment.

Also, having a good run with your dog helps you escape the confines of crowded and sweaty gyms. Going out is also a great way to get some natural glow on your skin.

The bonus part? Instead of spending money, you’ll get paw-filled hugs and slobbery kisses!

7.      Working Out Is Good For Them, Too!

Working out works for your dog, too! Just like you, dogs thrive on exercise because it makes them happy, healthy, and strong.

A few sweats with your dog will help keep their heart, lungs, joints, as well as their digestive and circulatory systems healthy. Exercising can also control their weight and expend energy. If you’ve ever noticed your dog zooming or racing extra fast around your house, then try to burn their excess energy by working out.

Since most dogs get easily bored, you can keep their not-so-fun behaviors under control when you bring them to your regular workout session. Exercise may distract them from destructive chewing, biting, and digging, helping calm their anxieties.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Treat

Overall, dogs make wonderful companions because they give you the motivation to get out and exercise. In addition, spending time with them feels more like playtime because it distracts you from constantly checking the calories you burned for the day.

But remember, it’s also important to go for a vet visit for your dog before bringing them to your exercise routine. Also, make sure that you’re both well-nourished, well-hydrated, and well-rested to get the most out of your daily health routine.

Working out is a win-win for both you and your dog because you’ll both come home exhausted and ready to cuddle up for a post-exercise nap. These tidbits of fun, sweaty moments with them are simply incomparable, and the activities you do together are physically and emotionally rewarding.

BING3WATCH | SUCCESSION

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see BING3WATCH | SUCCESSION in mag.

HOW ESSENTIAL IS NATURAL LIGHT TO YOU?

Natural sunlight is an essential part of maintaining health, not just in the body, but in the home too. Natural sunlight in the home isn’t just about energy and lighting bill reduction. A dark and dismal room has an oppressive atmosphere. It is often damp too, although some humidity is needed to prevent dry skin, a room that is too damp leads to mould, which can cause breathing difficulties and allergic reactions. Roof windows might be the only way to add natural sunlight to a room.

Improved Mood

The amount of sunlight we receive impacts our moods. Sunlight increases production of happy hormone serotonin. Apart from the physical impact of walking into a room that is light and airy compared to a space that is dark and dismal, you feel lighter and brighter in the space flooded with sunlight before serotonin is even released. This improved mood can even increase productivity, which has a circular effect, leading to a better mood.

Relaxation

It is hard to relax in a space that is dark and dismal. Even painting the walls in light and airy colours with light furnishings doesn’t make the space any less oppressive. Sunlight is needed to help put the body at ease. With a room flooded with natural sunlight, you’ll stop wondering about what is lurking in the shadows and find yourself relaxing.

Body Clock

Sunlight is required for sleep. Natural sunlight exposure in the mornings helps the body wake up in a way coffee and a sunlamp or artificial light don’t. Sunlight coming into a room prior to waking not only helps warm a room but it slowly and pleasantly lifts a person from deep sleep before the alarm goes off. Exposure to sunlight throughout the day even helps a person fall asleep at night. Being pleasantly woken instead of a jarring alarm and being able to fall asleep at night reduces stress. Reduced stress improves moods and cognitive abilities as does higher quality sleep.

The Room Itself

A dark and dismal room impacts mood, but it also leads to damp. When a room is damp, mould starts to grow. Apart from looking unsightly and smelling pretty terrible, it can lead to breathing difficulties. It also ruins softs furnishings and rare LPs. A dark and dismal room isn’t particularly inviting and can make people feel on edge.

Exposure to natural sunlight is vital to health. Sunlight helps you feel better in more ways than one. It even boosts your immune system and helps balance hormones. Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, is essential for healthy bones.

Natural sunlight in a room does more than improve moods, but improved moods are a good place to start experiencing the benefits of sunlight. Each room in a house needs adequate daylight for the health and mental health of a home’s residents. So much time is spent inside that it is vital to have windows. Light and airy spaces are inviting and warm.

BINGELY STREAMING

MILLION DOLLAR BEACH HOUSE

Netflix Originals

Netflix

We can't get enough of reality shows in general and when it comes to those that are focused on real estate, sign us up! When you're finished bingeing watching Selling Sunset, make sure that you check out Netflix's newest show that focuses on Nest Seeker International's agents as they sell homes in the Hamptons. As is the case with this formula, we'll be introduced to an array of personalities of realtors and brokers that are taking on a hot destination, watching how they do their business, how they stay ahead of the competition and how they work together as an agency as well as individually! In addition, we can transfer our wanderlust through them and be transported to new locales. Of course, we're definitely waiting to see what kinds of drama they will get into as well!

I MAY DESTROY YOU

HBO

HBO + HBO MAX

We meet Arabella Essiedu (Michaela Cole) and her friends in London living their best lives. Arabella is a Twitter star turned author working on writing her 2nd anticipated book while in the throws of procastination and serious writer's block, with her best friend Terry Pratchard (Weruche Opia) who is a struggling actor and her other best gay male friend Kwame (Paapa Essiedu). We follow Arabella as we focus on her finishing her book. She takes a trip to Italy and meets a man who calls her out on her vices, when she is back home, she opts to take another break to go out and is sexually assaulted; however, she spends the remainder of the season putting together the details, dealing with her stages of grief, what it means to be a victim and getting her power back.

In the midst of her focus on herself, she also learns how her interactions as well as being present with her friends shift as well. Ultimately, she realizes that after a year since the incident, she has to get her life together and she can't do it alone. This powerful and emotional series just completed so it's worth doing a proper binge.

EVEN THE RICH: THE HOUSE OF VERSACE

Wondery

Spotify + Wondery+

Even the Rich delves into some of the richest families, couples and systems and shows that although they have wealth, access and lives that are on another level, they also deal with the same issues of loss, betrayal and ambition. This season has included a number of stories that are covered within a few episodes from the Royal family, The Murdochs, Gettys, Beyoncé & Jay-Z and they are currently delving into The House of Versace. Within each story, there is a primary focus such as how Gianni's siblings Donatella and Santo's initial involvement within the the family business shifted over time - especially after his death.

This conversational pop culture podcast is hosted by Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore- Williams and is filled with anecdotes, stories from and behind the headlines as well as their own insight into what took place.

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see Bingely Streaming in mag,

LIVING WITH PURPOSE WITH BORIS KODJOE

As we begin to transition from summer to the fall, we've all been navigating this crazy year that continues to challenge us as we go about our days. For many, it has encouraged us to go beyond ourselves to live our best lives, bond with our families and to put a lot of good back into our world.

This month's cover is Boris Kodjoe, who we have enjoyed in Showtime's TV series Soul Food, CBS' Code Black, NETFLIX's House of Cards and on ABC's Station 19. We talked about how he came to acting, preparing to shoot the 4th season of this show. We also talk about how he has utilized his platform in order to provide masks for First Responders through his #HopeForHeroes initiative, focusing on social justice as well as inspiring everyone to get their physical and mental health aligned in order to be their most optimized selves.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve been a fan of yours since Showtime’s Soul Food and seeing the interaction with the Josephs family and how they remind us of a number of our own family members and then other shows that are our favorites from CBS’ Code Black, Netflix’s House of Cards and now ABC’s Station 19, what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be an actor?

BORIS KODJOE: You know, it was a process because I started going to acting class in my mid 20’s because I wanted to learn to be able to speak better English. Growing up in Germany and coming over here for college, I still wasn’t a very good English speaker. I could communicate but I had a very strong German accent. So in order to be able to speak better, a friend of mine suggested that I should go to acting class to show me how to enunciate and breathing techniques and stuff. That’s when I started going to class. Throughout auditing some classes and going through that and then being able to put up some scenes and stuff. I fell in love with it. It wasn’t a very traditional way to get into the business, but that’s my story.

AM: That’s a great story! At what point did you feel that you had made it as an actor? Was it a specific role, a show, an accolade or just the body of work that you had created?

BK: You know, I’m not sure what that is in terms of making it as an actor, right? I think that we have different objectives at different points in our careers and our lives really. It’s a journey and once you understand that, you can let go of some of the pressure that you put on yourself. Instead of focusing on the destination, you focus on enjoying the journey and I guess the moment that I realized that this was my way of making a living, was halfway through Soul Food. It’s when I realized, “ok, I am starting my career and this is what I am going to be doing." It’s a great feeling when you have an idea on which direction your journey is going to go. Even if it is just for a short moment in time. I’ve been lucky that I have been on this journey for 20 years now.

AM: Do you have a specific process when you’re deciding whether you’re going to take a role or a specific show? You take on so many characters that have such a depth to them. How do you decide what makes sense for you?

BK: You want to be able to relate to what the character is going through, We’re in a business where we get to work with so many talented people. I’ve learned so much with different actors, directors and producers so it’s a combination of the scripts, the production, who’s involved and also where I am in my life. I have 2 kids, I’m married, we live in Los Angeles and sometimes, I don’t want to spend 5 months in Bulgaria to shoot a movie in the winter, right? Because the kids need me around and I need to be around. In a case like that, I would say, “ok I am going to do a show here.” So it all depends on what the situation is at the time and what the script looks like.

AM: We enjoy seeing you as Captain Robert Sullivan on Station 19. What is it about the character that made you want to play him and what was it about the show that made you want to join that cast?

BK: It started with Shonda Rhimes. I have been a fan of hers for a very long time and I have always wanted to work with her and this was a great opportunity for me to be a part of Shondaland. Her and Krista Vernoff are changing the way that we watch TV. So that was the first reason and then the cast is family. They’re just beautiful, beautiful people that I have grown to love and just become close with. And then it’s fun to play a fire fighter. That’s something that I had wanted to do as a child. You know – that or being a cowboy or a train conductor haha. It was a childhood dream come true to be able to ride in these big trucks, put on the gear and be able to run around to be able to represent these real live heroes on the front lines. They’re risking their lives every single day for us – it’s an honor.

AM: This past season, we got to know a lot more about Robert as a person. We specifically remember when we watched the episode about ICE coming to raid the restaurant and looking at how impactful that scene was and your character was telling Pruitt Herrera (Miguel Sandoval) about why he felt compelled to intervene. Were there elements of your family history that were utilized in that scene and was that hard to play?

BK: Yes and no. Obviously, it’s a creative process so there were some fundamental building blocks that were taken from my real life. My maternal grandfather fought in the war in Germany and so he had a whole lot of stories that he told me when I was a really young kid that I remember. They obviously took creative license in order to make it applicable to the story and to create an analogy to what’s going on today. Which I thought that they did a great job with.

AM: Are there any nuggets that you can tell us about the upcoming season and when are you guys going back into production?

BK: We actually go into production this week!

AM: What!

BK: Yeah, they put a lot of safety measures in place in order to keep us safe and to keep everyone – the whole crew safe that is involved in the production. ABC and Disney, they have done a really good job in making sure that we are all safe and that we can do our jobs.

I have to speculate myself because I’m not sure what’s going to happen. All I can tell you is that clearly my character has been through a lot – getting married to Andi (Jaina Lee Ortiz), having the surgery to alleviate some of the chronic pain that he has been suffering through for years, the substance abuse that got him in trouble – so there are a lot of things that are at stake right now for Robert. In this new season, clearly we’re going to address all of that on top of this new world that we’re all living in – this COVID world. There’s also social justice and equality with the struggle that we’re in. Krista Vernoff, Shonda and everyone at Shondaland take pride in creating dialogue by way of storylines that are introduced that challenge people to confront some of the issues that we are dealing with. So I am certain that we will deal with some of them – the real life issues whether it’s the pandemic or the racial justice issues that we’re dealing with still and again. I’m sure that we will see some of these pop up in our scripts.

AM: We’re sure about that too. One of the things that we love about this show is the fact that there are these great crossover episodes with Grey’s Anatomy. How is it for you to be able to engage with that whole cast as well as to go into that portion of their audience as well? That must be such a fun thing that you are able to do a bit of a dual play there.

BK: You know, the Grey’s Anatomy family is a part of our family. We’re part of their family, they’re also tremendous human beings over there and they are super talented and super nice. Anytime we get to play with the other team, it’s always a lot of fun. Again, it’s an extended family so everybody is real close, we love each other and it’s a really great situation for us to be in.

AM: With COVID-19, it’s changing a lot of things that we would normally do. We’ve been preaching to our readers the importance of washing their hands, wearing face masks and social distancing. We first learned about GymWrap last year via our cover, WWE + E! Total Divas' Trinity Fatu/ Naomi who has been an ambassador for the brand. You have this amazing initiative with #HopeForHeroes. Can you tell us more about that and how GymWrap is involved as I know your wife, Nicole Ari Parker is the founder. How did it come together and what are you doing?

BK: Watching the news everyday in the beginning of March and realizing the devastating impact that this pandemic has had on this entire country and the entire world. Seeing how many people are struggling to put food on the table, losing their jobs and the essential workers and the first responders and all these people are putting their lives at risk and risking their safety every single day to keep us safe. They’re struggling without PPE and without appropriate gear to keep them safe, Nicole one day said, “hey, why don’t we manufacture masks? We have a great operation with great people that have been supporting us and have been working with us.” So we called the team together and said, “how quickly can we manufacture these masks?” Credit to our team, they did an amazing job to turn this around really fast and we were able to create the #HelpOurHeroes initiative. With this initiative, we have now shipped over half a million dollars worth of free masks for our heroes on the frontlines, essential w orkers and first responders. I’m so thankful for the support that we have gotten from our fans and from everybody that’s out there who has gotten together to support these initiatives and those who have bought these masks from us.

It’s the least that we can do. We’re in a fortunate position where we can support others or can lend a hand, I think that it is our responsibility to lead collectively and individually. We jumped right in. Again it was Nicole’s idea and the GymWrap team got together really quickly and hopefully we will be able to keep on doing this for a long time.

AM: It’s important while this is going on for everyone to come together and coalesce around this. While we have this pandemic going on, we also have the focus of social justice and the #BlackLivesMatter movement taking place as well. We enjoyed seeing on your Instagram that you have actually utilized your platform to have these videos to talk about deconstructing buzzwords and hot button issues. Why was that so important for you so that people can be aware and understand all of the different things that are surrounding this issue?

BK: Being Black and living in this country, I think it requires you to have a sense of awareness and it requires you to use whatever tools you have – voice or platform to support the movement. In order to support our struggle for equity, our struggle for equality, our struggle for social justice or equal housing, education, healthcare. Those should all be basic human rights granted to every single person who lives here and it hasn’t been that way in 400 years.

To me, it’s an inherent responsibility that POC, Black people carry that has to be expressed and voiced. That’s how we raise our children, we have these dialogues with these children every single day to equip them with knowledge to teach them about history – to make them understand how important it is for them to speak up and to be a part of the solution. I think we’re in a pivotal moment in history where the #BlackLivesMatter movement has touched every corner of the planet. We see more people than ever get on the streets and protest and voice their outrage about what has happened and not just with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others. The systemic racism that has been prevalent here for hundreds of years and has been put in place systematically and really mechanically to create this huge gigantic, generational wealth gap and inequality. I always try to see the silver lining and I think that the pandemic has helped us focus on these social justice and equality issues because in the past 6 months, when everything came to a standstill we were finally able to focus on this movement and not be distracted by other things.

That’s how I look at it. I think it’s important that we continue to mobilize and galvanize everybody out there to co-ordinate and make sure that we don’t just stand here and watch. I think it’s important that we formulate a real plan for action and that we appeal to our allies. Whether it’s corporations, organizations, communities and individuals, to state very clearly that it’s not enough not to be racist anymore. You have to be anti-racist. Because racism is not just the overt violence and the hatred that we see on TV. Racism is also ignorance. Racism is apathy. Racism is privilege. That’s all part of the system that has been put in place to systematically and continuously oppress Black people. It’s time for white people to join in and speak up and not look away because they’re not affected or they think that they’re not affected. People need to realize that with equality, with economic equity comes a stronger economy. So, this shouldn’t be a divisive issue movement. This movement should band us together in order to create a better country, a stronger country, an economically stronger country and a more equitable and equal country.

AM: We have the election coming up, do you plan on using that as well to make sure that people are registered to vote, the methods by which that they can do so and additional points that you will be speaking to?

BK: Absolutely! That’s where it starts. We have to mobilize and go out and vote. We have to fight for our right to be able to access polling stations and not fall into the trap of being discouraged to get out and vote. Every single vote counts. My wife and I have definitely supported the voting efforts. It’s so important and this election is the most important election that we have ever had. It’s crucial that we get this guy out of the White House as soon as possible.

AM: With all of these things that are going on as a parent, how difficult is it during these times to educate, protect and deal with all of these issues that have converged together at one time. We watch children who are involved from mask wearing, socialization, social justice etc. It must be a lot as a parent to have to navigate all of these things.

BK: It is a lot. The masks – the psychological effects of the pandemic, the social justice issues that are raging, not being able to see your friends, sitting in the house, being constricted, not having an outlet, not being able to go out and play basketball with your boys. Those are things that are going to affect children even as we’re going back to school now. There’s millions and millions of children now that don’t have the opportunity to engage online the way that they should because they don’t have the access to work wireless, they don’t have the devices, they don’t have parents present in the home because they have to work. It’s terrible – it’s really terrible and we are going to see children struggle for a long time because of these past 6 or 7 months. It’s sad. A so called super power, one of the top developed Western industrialized countries who are leading the world in technology and in science – arguably in the top 3 – isn’t able to appropriately support children in their schooling. It’s embarrassing. It’s embarrassing that the government hasn't done the necessary things to prevent almost 200K+ people from dying, to prevent over 5M people from being infected, to put testing in place for everybody as well as contact tracing. It’s absolutely embarrassing and disgusting. The effects are going to be felt for years and years to come and our children will have the burden and shoulder the weight of this year for the next 10 years. I’m really upset about it because it’s really so unnecessary.

AM: Wow it is.

One of the things that we looked up in preparing to talk with you today is the inaugural ESSENCE Full Circle Festival in Accra Ghana. We know a number of people that attended this event last year. What was the purpose of this event and why was it so important for you to be involved in it?

BK: It was important because first of all the president from Ghana, his excellency Nana Akufo-Addo he asked Bozoma Saint John and myself if we would host an event celebrating the Year of Return (Editors Note: The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” was a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad, to mark 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia which affected the kith and kin that were forcefully taken from Africa. This event celebrated the cumulative resilience of all the victims of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade who were scattered and displaced through the world in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.) which was obviously in 2019. Of course we agreed, Bozoma was born in Ghana and my father is from Ghana. I have a very close relationship with the country and with my family there. We started working on Full Circle Festival as a celebration of our ancestry and our collective accomplishments looking back 400 years since the beginning of the slave trade. Traditionally, Western media has changed the picture of Africa that is disgraceful. That it’s a place and continent of war, corruption, poverty, hunger and starvation and this is just not true. We wanted to change that narrative and show people that Africa first of all is not a country, that Africa has the youngest population in the world of any other continent and that Africa also has 3 of the fastest growing economies in the world. Their technology and manufacturing is thriving in Africa. There’s amazing economic development opportunity on the continent. We come with a great culture and diversity with languages, food, music and beautiful locations. Not just for tourism, but like I said, for engaging in business.

The world’s reaction to what we did was tremendous. I had no idea that we would start this title wave and we ended up being able to contribute to adding $1.9B to the Ghanian economy in 1 year just by way of Year of Return. The increased interest and excitement of not just Ghana but Africa as a whole. It’s important for African Americans or any other members of the diaspora to understand that a lot of the issues or most of the issues that we’re dealing with here are directly related to the fact that we don’t know our history.

We don’t know where we came from. To reconnect with our ancestry and our heritage – our culture also means that we are reconnecting with our source. We’re reconnecting with our strength. We’re reconnecting with our power. We’re reconnecting with our beauty and our diversity. That redefines how we see ourselves and it redefines how we see our future and where we’re going with our future. It’s a tremendously important movement to create a bridge to our diaspora and the continent for more and more people to visit and to experience and to engage with the continent.

AM: I know that you have done 2 events there already, do you foresee doing other types of this nature obviously as things settle themselves down in terms of travel etc.

BK: Absolutely – we’re not going to stop. After Full Circle Festival started 2 years ago, other African countries started inquiring about having similar events and bringing more people. It’s a proud and humbling thing to be able to contribute to more and more people experiencing the continent.

AM: You’re known for being in really great shape and we enjoy finding out about workouts that you do that we should include in our own routines. Do you have workouts that you can share?

BK: I think that rather than focusing on specific exercises, it’s important to understand that you can be healthier, stronger and happier if you start including some healthy habits into your life. It doesn’t mean that you have to go into the gym for an hour and a half every day. All that means is that you commit to doing something each day to start adding some healthy habits to your day. That could be sitting for 5 minutes in total stillness and observing your breathing when you get up, meditate, doing easy and simple exercises for 5 or 10 minutes a day. Whether it’s squats or sit-ups or pushups – whatever you can do. You’ve got to start where you are. Oftentimes, we’re discouraged when we look at exercise videos and all of this advice that’s out there because we’re not there yet. Or it may not be the level that we’re able to obtain with the 6-packs and the gladiator physiques and it’s just not real for us because we have a job, responsibilities, bills to pay and kids to raise. We don’t have time to spend on ourselves for an hour and a half a day.

So with KoFit, we’re trying to show people that all it takes is 5 or 10 minutes a day to start moving and changing your life in a different direction. That’s what it’s all about. We do it as a family because it is more fun and it’s more sustainable.

AM: It’s fun to see that whole dynamic in there with KoFit. Why is health and wellness so important to you individually as well as to your family as a whole? AthleisureMag.

BK: Health and wellness is important because it goes hand in hand with your mental and your spiritual right? If you want to optimize your potential as a person, you can’t leave out your body. The body is where your emotions live and your physical dictates how you feel. If you are morbidly obese and struggling with conditions like heart disease and onset diabetes, you can’t fully enjoy your life and it’s just a fact. A lot of these issues we’re dealing with on a health level are avoidable. It’s important to claim your power by way of taking care of your body because your body is taking care of you. You have been blessed with your physical being, why not take care of it? The physical, the mental and the spiritual goes together. If one is lacking, you can never hope to maximize your potential.

AM: How do you take time for yourself as well as to focus on your coupleship with Nicole? It’s great to see you guys do projects and philanthropy together. How do you make sure that you guys are staying connected and that you take the time that you need to take care of yourself?

BK: You have to make it a priority and you have commit to each other and make sure that you are present, attentive and that you take care of each other and family comes first. There are struggles and you have to put in that effort and work. Sometimes there’s miscommunication and we go through our own things and go through patterns of things that we have had since we were kids that rear their ugly heads when we’re adults. We have to then confront those things and then talk, and talk some more and then some more. It’s a process – a journey. I think that you have to be able to give each other the space to make mistakes and not run for the hills. That’s the key.

AM: That’s true.

BK: Yeah, a lot of people when they see a little bit of a challenge, they run. So I think that’s one of the things that we really believe in that – I’m going to mess up, you’re going to mess up let’s give each other the space to grow, evolve and make mistakes. We all have flaws and great qualities like everyone else.

AM: Are there projects coming up that we should keep an eye out for that you’re working on?

BK: We’re going to really dive into KoFit the next couple of months because there’s no gyms open and even if, people are hesitant to go out and pay all of this money for gym memberships. We want to give people tools to stay healthy and happy at home. That’s not just working out, it’s mindfulness, breath work, meditation, yoga – things that as a culture we haven’t traditionally believed in but it is an important part of us being healthy and strong. We’re going to dive into that – my brother, his wife, Nicole and the kids to show people how easy it is to start creating some of these habits.

Then I’ll start working on Station 19 which will take me from all the way to May. We’re going to shoot from this week to May. It’s going to keep me busy for the next 9 months. I’m also working with the 2% Initiative that Robert Smith has introduced recently. It allows us to create pathways for big organizations and corporations of Fortune 100 companies to support Black communities across various sectors whether it’s banking, education, social justice, media, entertainment to start making some headway in reducing the generational wealth gap.

AM: What do you want your legacy to be?

BK: The most important part of my legacy is my kids. Those are 2 human beings that I raised and will be here long after I am gone. Hopefully, I have raised them in a way that has allowed them to find their purpose to be kind, empathetic, considerate and treat people with respect and love. Then I want to be known as some body who tried his best, learned from his mistakes and has hopefully touched a few people.

AM: We like talking to our changemakers as they inspire people and they are doing amazing things inside and outside of their verticals and communities. Who are 3 people that you have been inspired by that have assisted you where you are today?

BK: There are so many people – wow. I’ve always been inspired by great writers. Ta Nehisi Coates he’s a trailblazer, an activist that I really admire and respect. Right now, these are some of the people that I think are really important to the movement. Nikole Hannah Jones who started the 1619 Project with the New York Times. She’s somebody I admire and look up to. I admire some of the NBA players that are outspoken like LeBron and Chris Paul and people who are actively using their huge gigantic platform for change with police reform, social justice – I really admire these guys who are really outspoken right now.

IG @BorisKodjoe

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT + BACK COVER, PG 16, 38, 42 + 44 Brandon Bobbins | FRONT + BACK COVER, PG 16, 38 + 42 Editorial Design by Athleisure Mag | PG 18 - 37 + 40 ABC Network Stills, Promo and BTS |

Hear activist, philanthropist and Station 19's, Boris Kodjoe on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see Living with Purpose with Boris Kodjoe in mag.

HAIR COLOR TRENDS SWEEPING THE NATION

85% of women color their hair at least once every couple of months. Trends are always changing as hair dyes and treatments advance. Hair dyes are no longer made with the levels of harsh chemicals and peroxides that they were 40 years ago. This means that you can always have your hair dyed without it becoming frazzled or feeling like straw. This year, like Pixie Lott and Khloe Kardashian, many women are choosing to embrace their natural hair color. Vivid colors are on trend too, to add some fun and pizzazz. 

Going back to the natural color

Between 75 and 85% of the world have black and very dark black hair, and around 11% are naturally brunette. Yet many dark-haired women dye their hair lighter, or add highlights. If you do this, your hair will need regular maintenance, as it grows around 1.5cm every month. You can rock and embrace the roots, or keep dying your hair monthly. Many women are finding that it is difficult to keep up, or it's too expensive, so they are going back to their natural hair-color. Rather than waiting months (or years) for the dyed color to grow out, the easiest way to go natural is to use a hair color removal treatment. It is the gentlest way to remove hair dye, rather than dying your hair darker and damaging it. 

Vivid hair color

Vivid, bright colors from magentas to violets are all the rage at the moment. These shades are now available to buy in mainstream stores, and not just specialist salons. If you are planning on dying your hair yourself, however, you need to read the instructions carefully. Many of the colors only work on pre-lightened hair that is a very light blonde. If you are lightening your hair first, you should make sure that you choose a product that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair further. Vivid hair colors are generally semi-permanent - this means that they sit on top of your hair rather than penetrating it completely. If you are planning on having unicorn hair for a long period of time, you will need to maintain it. 

Shades of fall

If you like to regularly change your hair color, take your inspiration from the seasons. As we move into fall, shades of copper, chestnut, russet and golden orange are on trend. These colors are incredibly flattering for most skin tones and won’t give you a washed-out look if you have pale skin. If you want to give your dyed hair an extra blast of shimmer and shine, use a gloss treatment that will add natural highlights, making your fall color hair glow in the sunshine. If you want your hair to stay silky and shiny long after you have dyed it, make sure that you also use a strengthening and nourishing treatment such as Olaplex, and you should also choose shampoos that are sulphate free.

This year, platinum blonde is on the back burner, and shades of dark brown and walnut are on trend. These natural colors are easier to maintain, and keep on looking beautiful. 

CBD PRE ROLLS - A BREAK FROM THE TRADITIONAL WAY OF SMOKING

Living healthy can get expensive but it’s worth the investment. That is if you’re purchasing the right goods. It’s only considered a waste when you’re buying ineffective things. If that were the case, you might as well have bought the ordinary version of it that’s way cheaper. Finding a product that delivers satisfactory results can be difficult being that the market is concentrated with different brands.

It’s difficult but it’s not entirely impossible. All you need to do is do your extra research before you start adding things in your cart. This doesn’t apply to everything, but giving in to the current trends can also lead you to promising items. You see, there can only be two reasons why something is suddenly blowing up. The first is because of the bandwagon effect and second, is that it’s producing good results.

An example of the latter is CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been changing the game for natural remedies ever since it was introduced in the market. While some people assume that the existence of this substance was discovered in place of marijuana is illegal, this article says otherwise. Now, due to its rising popularity, it’s being produced by multiple brands, in different forms. One of which is the new best friend of tobacco and cannabis smokers, CBD Pre-rolls.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a substance derived from the sister plant of the famous marijuana, known as hemp. Cannabidiol can be extracted from both sources, the only difference is that marijuana contains THC at a higher level in comparison to hemp. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a component naturally found in Cannabis. It’s considered to be toxic for the reason that it’s producing the psychoactive effects or the so-called “high” among users. On the other hand, hemp can only carry a maximum of 0.3% THC, making it a safer origin.

Hemp-derived Cannabidiol has little to no trace of THC and still provides the same health benefits as the other Cannabis plant. These benefits include the following:

1.       It Helps Combat Cancer

2.       Manage Seizure Attacks

3.       Alleviates Chronic Pain

4.       Has Neuroprotective Properties

5.       May Reduce Skin Inflammation

6.       Reduces Anxiety

The plethora of benefits you’d be reaping has urged people to find creative ways to get the substance in their system (https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/cbd-oil-beginners-guide). CBD can now be taken orally through oils, tinctures, capsules, pills, and edibles. There are also topical variations such as lotions and creams, lastly is through vaping or smoking it. Inhaling Cannabidiol is studied to be the fastest way to activate it because it travels directly through the lungs. With the high rate of CBD smokers, multiple companies are now selling pre-rolled Cannabidiol.

CBD Pre Rolls

Pre-rolled CBD is created by grinding high concentrated CBD hemp, placed on a paper, and then rolled. In short, it’s a joint made out of hemp flower that’s pre-rolled for the customer’s convenience. Manufacturers have cultivated a special breed of cannabis to create these products. The big difference between Cannabidiol joints and the typical marijuana stick is that the former doesn’t get you euphoric. This might come as odd since what’s the purpose of joints when you can’t experience the psychoactive effects.

However, these products are for individuals who aren’t a big fan of how their bodies reacted to cannabis. It’s also considered to be a great transitioning product for both marijuana and tobacco smokers. Unlike oils that come in heavy glass bottles, CBD pre-rolls are more convenient to carry around. Pre-rolls can come in different variations so that users aren’t limited to one type. They can be in the form of cones, joints, or cigars. 

Depending on your preference you can choose which of these you find yourself more comfortable in.

Tobacco

There are 1.3 tobacco users worldwide, and up to 8 million die each year. The alarming number of deaths has made tobacco one of the biggest health threat that humanity has ever faced. However, despite these claims, people are still keen on using it. Peer pressure, curiosity, relief from stress, and plain pleasure are among the common reasons why people indulge in this activity. What you thought was just a one-time thing became an addiction for life.

Tobacco is composed of an addictive drug known as nicotine. This substance can reach your brain seconds after a single puff. That’s why users found it impossible to stop once they’ve started. Not only is it difficult, but stopping would also mean experiencing withdrawal symptoms which is never pretty. It’s a good thing Cannabidiol was discovered or otherwise it would be a different situation for tobacco smokers.

When you find that you just can’t give up smoking, you can slowly transition over CBD pre-rolls instead of completely quitting. Not only can it satisfy your need to smoke but it also gives you the benefits of Cannabidiol.