Make Them Stronger

I have never really had a problem with the growth and strength of my fingernails, but I have had plenty of friends who have. This post is dedicated to them. From what I understand, weak nails can be just annoying, or extremely painful when ripped or torn. So what can you do to strengthen them?

Be sure to wear gloves when working with chemicals, because this will weaken you nails. If you happen to have misplaced your gloves, be sure to moisturize your hands afterwards (including your nails).

Better dieting. You need quite a few vitamins to keep your nails strong. These include A, B, C, D, and E. You also need plenty of calcium and fatty acids. If you feel like there is noting wrong with your diet, start to take a daily supplement, which will help your overall health as well.

Finally, use oil. Generally any oil will work (use some olive oil, you probably have some in the kitchen). Massage just a little bit into your cuticles and your nails. You should probably do this before you go to sleep, so that way you give it time to set into your nails (versus doing it any other time and then having to work wash your hands after the bathroom or washing the dishes).

I know that this is not a pressing issue, but it is one more minor inconvenience that you don't have to think about.

My source for this post:

http://www.carefair.com/Beauty/Nails/Growing_Nails_Faster_Stronger_Longer_5706.html

Focus!

Stress, anxiety, and frustration are all completely normal reactions to the high demands of life. It is normal and healthy to have some stress, however, it seems that stress never takes a day off, and this can take a heavy toll on your health. So what are you to do about your stress? I have done the research, and found that every relaxation and stress relief technique has one thing in common. They all require your focus. This is because when you have enormous stress in your life, your body releases the hormones that bring you back to your animal like fight or flight instinct (where you don't necessarily think all your actions through), hence poor stress management. Here is what you always need to do.

Take a step back. Analyze your emotions, and figure out if they are appropriate for the situation.

Isolate yourself from the situation.

Here are some options for relieving your stress.

Focus your mind purely on one image that relaxes you or makes you happy (both work just as well). If you need to, repeat calming words or a calming phrase as you focus your thoughts. Refuse to let your mind stray from that until you are sure that you can think clearly and respond appropriately.

Take steady breaths. They do not necessarily need to be deep (this can make you dizzy after a while) but they need to be evenly spaced and steady. Once again, focus. This time, focus solely on your breathing. Do this until you are sure that you ACTUALLY are fine.

Finally, lay down and progressively relax yourself. Most of you believe that when you do this, you have to relax your toes first, then your calves and thigh, and so on and so forth. However, it really is a better idea to go from your head to your toes. Why? You want to relax your mind first, then concentrate on everything else. As you are slowly relaxing yourself, be sure to take those steady breaths. You need to be sure to consciously make the choice to relax your muscles (you need to focus on the muscle to be relaxed for this). Don't forget to also concentrate on your breathing.

Overall, these techniques are among the most commonly advised, but tailor these to fit you. Or do something else completely (I play minesweeper because you have to concentrate on the numbers). As long as you are taking the focus off your stress.

Baking Soda

It's great to keep in your fridge for those nasty odors, but it is way more useful than you think it it.

In addition to getting rid of the odors in your fridge, it can also remove odors from your carpet, furniture, and you! Just apply it around the house where it is needed, leave for at least an hour, and vacuum up. Rub it on your feet, or under your arms for your B.O.

If you add baking soda to water, you can remove most stains from clothing.

If you make a paste with baking soda and water, it will clean most hard surfaces.

Add some to your bath and it will soften your skin.

Soak your hands and feet in warm water with baking soda, and you can smooth away your rough skin.

Brush your teeth and gargle with the stuff.

And finally, you can put out almost any fire by tossing some baking soda on it (probably something to keep in your car and kitchen).

You can find many more uses for it by searching on the web.

Yesterday

The power went out in my neighborhood yesterday. So went it got dark outside, it got dark inside. I wanted to study, but couldn't due to the lack of light. The day had turned to night to fast, and my family that depends so much on electricity, had all just gone to the backyard to relax. They couldn't do anything but relax. It was nice. And then, everyone went to sleep. I was asleep by 10:30.

I think that it was really funny the way it happened. My family is usually up until 1:00 in the morning, and everyone had a full night of sleep.

This is a bit of an addition to my last post. It is very easy for you to not feel sleepy when you are on your computer, or the bedroom light is on, or you're watching the television in the living room. I never gave too much thought to how much your environment can stimulate you, but yesterday showed me just how much influence your environment can have on whether or not you are tired. This may or may not work for you, but just try turning everything off when it gets dark outside for a full night of sleep. It definitely worked for my family.

You toss and turn

We all go through this every once in awhile. However, if it is something that you consider normal, there is something wrong. Before you talk to your doctor, ask yourself, "Is it something that I'm doing?"

Caffeine. I stay away from the stuff. You should try to limit your caffeine intake to morning hours only (anytime before noon). After that, you should not be consuming ANYTHING with caffeine. Why? The effects can last up to 7 hours, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Exercise. This is one of the few times that you will be told that exercise is bad. If you exercise strenuously before sleep, your sore achy muscles are going to keep you up. Instead, lower the intensity level and make it a morning routine (which can be a great way to wake you up).

Napping. If you are having a tough time sleeping, stop taking afternoon naps. This way, when you do go to bed, you will be more tired, and it should be easier to fall asleep.If you must nap, be sure that it is for no more than 20 minutes (after 20 minutes you go into a deep sleep).

Alcohol. It is tempting because it does make you sleepy and helps you to fall asleep, however, it disrupts your dream and deep-sleep stage, leaving very fatigued in the morning. If you are going to drink in the evening, be sure that your last drink is 2 to 3 hours before sleep.

If these changes are made, you should see a dramatic difference in your sleeping patterns.

Limited bathroom space

When so many people share one bathroom, trying to work with the space given can be a chore. so you can't actually make the bathroom bigger, so what can you do?

Tossing most of the product in your bathroom is a start. You should clean out what is under the sink and in the cabinet. Anything older than 2 years really should go. Then go through what you will actually use, don't waste space on something that you can't remember ever having used. As you are going through your bathroom, remove anything that doesn't belong in there, this means dirty clothes and shoes.

Don't have anywhere to hang the towels? Buy a coatrack. It will use vertical space, giving you more horizontal room.

Too little cabinet space? Places like Walmart and Bed Bath and Beyond sell stands with shelves that can go right over your toilet. Use that space.

Too many bottles in the shower? You can also buy racks that hand right off of your shower head or ones with suction cups that will stick to the wall.

I know working with a small space is not easy, but it is possible and you can make it manageable.

Night time grinding

If you wake up in the morning with a headache and sore jaw muscles, you could be grinding your teeth at night. This is called Bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching of your teeth during the day and/or grinding of your teeth at night. This is an interesting article to write because I grind my teeth at night. So what do you need to know about this condition?

Bruxism is fairly common with children and most of them will eventually grow out of it.

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night? Most people find out when their sleeping partner tells them that they are doing so. I found out when my dad woke me up to tell me I was grinding my teeth so hard, that he could hear it from across the house. If you wake up and have a dull headache and a tired jaw, you were probably grinding your teeth. Also, if your cheeks are constantly chewed up in the morning ,your tongue has indentations, and you have an earache, it is very likely that you are grinding your teeth.

What can be causing it? Anxiety, stress, suppressed anger, and frustration could all be causing this. It may be due to an abnormal alignment of your teeth, in which case, you should see your dentist. In children, it is mainly due to teething and the development of their teeth and jaw.

Is it harmful? Most of the time, Bruxism doesn't cause serious damage. But in severe cases, it will lead to damaged teeth, constant headaches and earaches, facial pain, and Temporomandibular disorders (problems with the joints located right in front of your ears).

What can I do about it? The cheap and easy way to go about it is to buy a mouth guard (it doesn't have to be anything special, just one that is used in sports) and to wear it at night. Typically, they won't stay in the first few nights. Fear not, not all hope is lost. It does take some time to adjust to sleeping with it, and eventually, you will wake up still wearing it. DO NOT buy a mouth guard for this if you suffer from sleep apnea, as it will only make that worse. As I said previously, you may need to see your dentist about this. He can make you a custom fit mouth guard that will not dislodge in your sleep. Also, you may just need to relieve whatever stress you may have.

Bruxism may not be a very pressing matter, but it need to be monitored for the sake of your smile.

It's your time

Many of us never have enough time to do the tasks we have obligated ourselves to efficiently AND time to rest. We all are only granted 24 hours per day, and yet, there are people out there who make it work. How is it that they make that possible?

The power of "No". It is a great way to deny drugs from strangers, but it is also a great way to keep yourself from adding more to your to do list. When someone asks if you could help them with some extra work, or your boss asks if you can take an extra shift, it is ok to say no.

Schedule your time. Figure out how much time you spend on the tasks you do every day, and do some time budgeting. Target you time wasters and unnecessary tasks and cut them out. Then give some of that time to the more important tasks. When making your day to day schedule, give yourself some in between time so that way there is extra time for unexpected obstacles.

Make sure others know your schedule. This will let them know when it is appropriate to contact you, and when not to bother you, eliminating time wasted on little distractions.

Most importantly, give yourself some "me time". Without this, you will quickly lose motivation to keep up with your schedule.

After the accident...

With so many cars on the roads, there are going to be car accidents, guaranteed. On top of that, many drivers are very lazy and very reckless, so accidents will happen often. So do you know what you are supposed to do when you are involved in an accident?

First of all, Stay calm. Panicking will make the situation much worse. Make sure no one is hurt. If there are any serious injuries, you can only help the person if they are in danger and only if you have their permission. Otherwise, wait until the proper authorities arrive.

Once the police get there, you need to file a full report with them. Discuss the accident ONLY with the police.

Be sure to get the important information. This includes names, address', phone numbers, description of car(s), license plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and their insurance companies.

And finally call your insurance company as soon as possible. Preferably at the scene so an officer may assist in providing accurate information.

Following these steps will definitely make the whole process easier to handle. Commute safely and be smart.

Portion size, It's a big deal

We are a nation of overweight and obese people. A lot of this can be blamed on our need to go out to eat rather than stay in, or wanting to microwave dinner rather than cook it. I was never overweight, but I was a big eater. I was afraid that one day it would catch up to me and put my health in jeopardy. But what was I supposed to do. I wasn't satisfied until I had two or three servings of dinner. I had to do something.

I chose to limit my servings. It sounds simple enough, but it was so extraordinarily difficult. I went from 2 plates at dinner to just 1. I went to sleep hungry. But I kept to it. Eventually, the hunger went away, AND I no longer had to wiggle my way into my pants. I kept at it and took it a step further. I decreased my portion sizes, and I lost more weight. Over 3 months, I lost 16 pounds.

My rule now is to serve my dinner on the smallest plate in the house (that way I don't obligate myself to a big plate of food and eat more than I should), and if I am still hungry after that, it is ok to go back for seconds. Now don't take my advice and limit yourself to a hardboiled egg for dinner. That's unhealthy. But consider the amount you are eating now and ask yourself if how much you are eating is healthy.

Your bad breath

If you have to go out to buy gum, Altoids, or Tic Tacs every week, you need to find a better way to treat your bad breath. Here are a few simple ways to improve your breath.

When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. Bacteria will breed on the tongue if it is not brushed. Be sure to get the back of the tongue as this area of the tongue is often neglected.

Drink more water. You need to be properly hydrated to produce saliva (or at least the right amount of saliva) which is your how your body combats the odor causing bacteria in your mouth. Drink more water after meals especially. This will help to wash down some of the leftover food particles in your mouth that can cause bacteria growth. Assuming you brush your teeth 2 times a day, another way to get those particles out is to floss.

Quit smoking. Ok, this isn't so simple, but smoking drys out your mouth (no saliva) and has a terrible odor of its own.

Food can be causing your bad breath. Your mouth is the first place where your food breaks down, so if you have bad breath from this, relax, it should only be temporary.

With your fear of bad breath dwindling, you can now conjure up the confidence to talk to the cutie next to you at the office (or school).

Sunscreen and you

When summer comes around, News Anchors, newspapers, and magazines start advising you to use sunscreen. It isn't bad information, but it leads people to think that sunscreen is only needed during summer. You need the know how on sunscreen.

Who should use sunscreen? Everyone. It does not matter your race and skin color.

What do you look for when buying sunscreen? The sun protecting factor (SPF) should be at least 15 (which protects you against 93% UVB rays). SPF 30 blocks 97%. I have fair skin, so I normally buy a higher SPF because it makes me feel better. Make sure your sunscreen provides protection against UVA AND UVB rays. This is usually indicated with the words broad spectrum. Both types of rays are dangerous, so make sure you're covered. I recommend that you always get the waterproof sunscreen.

How do you use sunscreen? Apply your sunscreen to all areas that will be exposed to the sun. So don't forget about your ears, hands, feet, and the back of your neck. When you apply sunscreen, apply a generous amount and completely rub it into your skin (it needs to be absorbed to work). Also, be sure to apply it about 20 minutes before you go outside (it needs time to be absorbed). Girls, apply sunscreen BEFORE you apply make-up. You also have the option of buying make-up with SPF, but it won't be as effective. Guys, your scalp can burn, and I know you won't be applying sunscreen there, so be sure to wear a cap. And always reapply sunscreen about every 2 hours.

When do you use sunscreen? This was last because it is the most important bit of information. You should use sunscreen EVERYDAY. Even when it is cloudy outside. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it is absolutely necessary to be wearing your sunscreen.

Remember, you can prevent skin cancer simply by using sunscreen.

The cost of communication.

It seems like everyone has a cell phone nowadays. It is a convenient thing to have. But the price to be paid can be hideous. I have had plans with at&t and verizon. Both provided me above average service. But I was limited to how and when I could use it. Free minutes are only after nine. Unlimited domestic texts, but only 500 outside the network texts. Pic messages cost double the amount text messages are. It was absolutely ridiculous. I switched and saved a bunch of money. I just think more people should know about it.

MetroPCS has plenty of locations all over the U.S. and quality service. There are no contracts and the plans are extraordinarily flexible. I found a plan that works for me, and I never have to worry about anything. MetroPCS provides you with great service, a variety of features, and an amazingly low price. The only downside to them is the price of their phones, but i think it is totally worth it.

Low on time

How often do you find yourself rushing around the house in the morning looking for papers, bags, and that missing shoe five minutes after you were supposed to leave for work, school, or that appointment??? Most of us are not morning people, and having to think about being ready does not make the morning any better. It doesn't have to be this way.

Pack your lunch the night before and doggy bag it. Put it in the fridge and it will be ready to go in the morning.

Check the weather report every night and pick out your next days outfit.

Make sure that all appropriate papers, pencils, books, and other materials are packed away in your bag, purse, or briefcase.

And most importantly, as you are laying down to sleep, if you remember that you have something else you need ready for the next day, do not put it off until then! You will probably forget it. Get out of bed and get it ready. I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me. But I have yet to regret it.

In need of energy...

It seems that it is a normal thing to be lacking the energy to take the dog for a walk, or to do that list of chores, or even to stay awake during class. A big cause of this lack is bad dieting. However, most people loathe the word diet and hate having to do it even more. So what is to be done then? Small changes are to be made. Honestly, you will probably like these changes.

Nuts...

Nuts are a great source of healthy fat and protein, which to my understanding provides you with hours of energy.

Whole grains...

They have complex carbohydrates which are amazing energy boosters.

Fruit...

Natural sugars take longer to metabolize than processed sugar.

I know. This is the stuff everyone tells you. So how do you add it in AND enjoy it?

Have toast with peanut butter in the morning. It will wake you up and keep you up. And it is sooo delicious. If you don't have time for your toaster, grab an apple or banana on your way out the door. And carry a small bag of walnuts with you throughout your day. They are great for snacking and will get you through the afternoon without the crash of energy drinks and caffeine.

So wake up!

new at this

This is new to me. So I spent awhile trying to figure out how to start this. I want this to be about overall improvement of ones day to day life. I finally decided that the best thing for me to put out there first is a few safety tips.

My dad had a friend who sent these to him, and he printed it out for me.

Always take the elevator. Stairwells are a crimespot and you do not want to find yourself alone in one.

If you ever feel like someone is threatening your safety, use your elbow. It is one of the strongest points of your body. Take advantage of that.

And lastly, do not ever just sit in your car. Predators look out for people doing this. Don't be a victim.

I guess that's it for now.