Why Ballet Lessons Might Be the Best Extracurricular for Kids (Even If They Never Dance on Stage)9/26/2025 Contributed post. Extra-curricular activities are important to have as a child, and the more that are available, the better. These activities shouldn’t just be the go-to, traditional ones that most kids may end up trying out in their childhood. It’s worth exploring what other activities might be interesting for your children. The only way you’ll be able to find out what works is through trial and error. It’s also worth asking your kids what they’re interested in and finding something that matches it. With that being said, have you considered ballet lessons? Well, they might just be the best extracurricular activity for your kids to take - even if they never end up dancing on a stage.  The surprising developmental benefits of ballet There are a number of surprising developmental benefits that come with ballet that not many people would think would be the case. Here are some of the developmental benefits of ballet that are worth knowing about. Brain health Your brain health can benefit greatly from ballet as it engages multiple brain regions all at the same time. That helps to improve cognitive function and may provide some benefit in delaying age-related cognitive decline, which is common amongst many of us as we age. Anything you can do to slow down the cognitive decline in your later years, you’d do in a heartbeat, so make sure you’re doing it for your kids, too. Problem-solving and creativity Dancers can often interpret music and choreography very easily the more experience they gain through dancing. With ballet, it’s one of those dancing skills that can help to encourage creative thinking, as well as problem-solving skills. Memory and focus With ballet, like many other dance forms, the dancers have to learn and remember complex choreography. As such, learning these moves off by heart helps to strengthen memory and requires an intensity in regards to concentration to help maintain success in the classroom, as well as anything you might be doing eventually on a professional level. If it doesn’t end up transpiring beyond the classroom, then these skills are something you can varry into further academic and daily life. Motor skills Ballet is useful in developing fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and improving overall motor development. These motor skills are important to have, especially as you get older and you need to keep your stability maintained. How ballet builds confidence beyond the studioBallet is a great way to build confidence beyond the studio. Whether you choose to pursue ballet further or not, there are a number of advantages for your children in taking up ballet in their spare time. Self-confidence Boosting your little one’s self-confidence is certainly something that can do wonders for their development. It’s not just beneficial in extracurricular activities such as this one but for situations where they might need that confidence in the future. Whether it’s personal growth or work effort that needs to be made, having self-confidence can be a great quality to have for the future. Self-confidence is something that many youngsters can struggle with when they’re young, so it’s worthwhile having an activity like ballet to boost their confidence. Self-expression and emotional awareness When it comes to dance, it’s a form of self-expression, as well as providing emotional awareness. Individuals who do dance like ballet can often better communicate their feelings through movement. That emotional awareness and intelligence are really important to have, not just in their childhood but to carry with them further along in life. Resilience and grit Ballet requires a focus and dedication that often also pushes the boundaries of what’s comfortable. The persistence in effort and to master new techniques are essential for building success.  Strong work ethic A strong work ethic helps to teach youngsters about the importance of consistency and hard work. That sense of accomplishment that boosts self-belief can also be used in all aspects of their life as they grow. Teamwork and social skills Group and partnered work in ballet, much like in other forms of movement and sport, helps develop teamwork and collaboration skills. It also encourages students to connect with others, build confidence, and communicate more effectively. To experience these benefits, you can search for “dance classes near me” and join a program that fosters both social and artistic development. A positive self-image There’s a lot of progress that can be made within a nurturing environment. Along with positive reinforcement, it helps to build a positive self-image and a self-assurance in one’s body, both emotionally and physically. Choosing the right program for your child’s personalityWhen it comes to finding the right extracurricular class in dance, it’s important to make a few considerations. Is your child introverted or extroverted? If your child is shy or more introspective, then ballet or contemporary dance might be the preferred choice, as it can help to build confidence and technique within ballet. Energy levels are also something to think about when it comes to your little ones. You might find that your child naturally gravitates towards styles like jazz or hip-hop. If they prefer calming, more flowing movements, then a class like ballet might be perfect for them. All kids have different preferences when it comes to their music tastes, and so it’s good to be mindful of what musical preferences your little one has. It’s worth paying attention to their musical preference in relation to what reactions they have when listening to certain music. They might like more upbeat melodies or something calmer and more classical in nature. Many aspects of ballet can prove beneficial, but it’s important to know what your kid needs and wants from their extracurricular activity. They’re the ones doing it after all, so it needs to be enjoyable for them too. Ballet is a fun activity to do and a part of dance that many find their love for dancing to begin with. With that being said, use these tips to get the most out of your ballet lessons and to ensure your child boosts some of their skills that they’ll need to nurture and grow later on in life.
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Contributed post. Booking your next trip is an exciting time. That pre-trip anticipation of all your plans coming to fruition, experiencing new cultures, destinations, and foods, and basking in some of the best the world has to offer. It really is food for the soul. However, sometimes, that action-packed trip can leave you more frazzled than when you left and needing another trip just to relax and get over the one you meticulously planned. Sound familiar? The whole point of getting away is to give yourself a chance to relax in new surroundings - even adrenaline junkies need downtime. And this is where slow travel can be the perfect compromise. Fewer stops, longer stays, and more coffee breaks over rushing to preplanned activities. Let's take a look at why slow travel has become more and more popular in recent years.  Less Rushing, More Living Sure, you want to cram everything in, but the problem with cramming in every single landmark is somewhere between the third bag drop off and the fourth “quick photo stop”; everything stops becoming fun. It turns into a checklist, not an experience you’re actually enjoying. Slow travel ditches this; it prioritizes lazy breakfasts over pre-sunrise dashes to hotspots. It's taking the longer route because you can not, because you need to say you drove a certain route. And honestly, everyone prefers it. No one remembers the tenth museum visit in two days, but they do remember the lazy day you took in the hotel, looking out the window at the rain, enjoying room service. Or the cute cafe you stumbled into because you weren't rushing to be somewhere. Fast Travel Seems Like Work The biggest irony of a jam-packed trip is that it can end up feeling like a second job. And suddenly, that time off you were excited for is much more work than actual work. From managing time slots to negotiating with travel companions, sticking to deadlines, and stressing when transport is late, there's a lot that can make your blood pressure shoot through the roof. And this is as far from relaxation as you're likely to get. Slow travel cuts through the noise. You're not on a stopwatch, you're not standing in line at 7 am, so you can beat the crowds. You can stay longer in one place, and you can actually get a sense for its rhythm, the morning market, the afternoon lull in the heat, the nightlife, and the locals actually enjoy. It's less about packing it all in and more about just stopping to smell the roses. Slow Travel = Real Connection There's something that happens when you stay in one palace for a little while. As you start to connect with your surroundings, the people around you, the other visitors, and locals, you become acquainted with the routine of your location and become a temporary local. You discover that small bakery that the locals keep hidden from tourists, and you greet the same people each morning, giving you a sense of community, as does the noise and hustle of the everyday sounds. This is something people traveling in an RV experience frequently. By pitching up at an RV Park, they can connect with other and local communities and get more from their visit other than just the usual tourist traps. Contributed post.  Explore Freely At Your Own Pace While it’s always a good idea to travel with some kind of plan, trying to fit your family into a rigid schedule can be a lot more trouble than it's worth. With an RV on the road, you can set your own schedule and go wherever your curiosity leads. Using road trip planning tools can help you plot out your stops, but also helps you find places to get food and gas for when you want to go rambling off the beaten path a little. Enjoy The Comforts Of Home On The Road While road tripping is one of the best ways to see more of your destination and the way there up close and personal, it can also be demanding on younger family members. Being trapped in a car without the comforts of home can be tough, but with an RV, you have space for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing on the ride, as well. It’s a lot easier to set up the snacks and games needed to keep the kids happy, not to mention the convenience of a bathroom and kitchen on demand. RV Parks Help You Truly Appreciate Nature One of the single best parts about RV travel is the campgrounds that you get access to. By finding the RV parks along the way, you can way up surrounded by nature, often with access to trails, lakes, or beaches right on your doorstep. Many offer kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, pools, and organized activities. For parents, you might get the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and to swap some stories along the way, as well, giving your road trip a sense of community that it might not otherwise have. It’s Budget-Friendly As a parent, it’s very likely that you’re looking to spend wisely on your travels. While RVs come with their own costs, especially if you’re staying at RV parks, you can more than make up for it with the money saved on hotels, airfare, and dining out. Cooking meals in your RV’s kitchen keeps food expenses low while still allowing families to enjoy fresh, healthy options. RV parks and campgrounds are often far more affordable than hotels, and many offer discounts for longer stays. This means that you can save more of your budget for enjoying the attractions that you find along the way. A successful RV road trip is all about planning as well as making the best of the moment. Hopefully, the tips above help you do just that. Contributed post. Many moms have the question of how to use nursing bra when they enter the world of breastfeeding. On the surface, it might appear to be yet another bra, but a nursing bra is uniquely created to facilitate the process of nursing and make it more comfortable and less stressful. It is not just about convenience, but helping your body to undergo one of the biggest changes. This guide takes you through all you need to know, including what a nursing bra is, how to wear it, how to use it during feeds, and even how to care for it. At the end, you will be sure and prepared to make this easy tool a part of your everyday life. What Is a Nursing Bra and Why It’s Useful  A nursing bra or nursing bra is a special bra designed to fit moms who are breastfeeding. It has special features that make it easier and more comfortable to nurse, unlike an ordinary bra. These are drop-down cups or panels to access easily, soft and stretchable fabric that can be adjusted to the changes in the size of the breast, and wide straps with supportive bands to alleviate the strain on the back and shoulders. Nursing pads can also be used in many styles, and they can be used to deal with any leakage and keep you dry. Nursing bras come in particularly handy during the initial postpartum weeks when the breasts are fuller, heavier and in most cases more sensitive and this provides the moms with comfort and confidence during this period. Key Features to Know: Drop-Down Cups, Clasps, and Panels When figuring out how to use nursing bra, it helps to know the main parts that make it different:
How to Wear a Nursing Bra Properly Wearing a nursing bra the right way is just as important as choosing the right one. The right fit supports your breasts and makes feeding easier. Keep these points in mind:
How to Open and Close the Nursing Clips with One Hand One of the most common questions is how to use nursing bra clips. It’s simpler than it looks once you practice.
Using the Bra During Breastfeeding Sessions The real test of a nursing bra is during nursing. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Tips for Discreet Feeding in Public with a Nursing Bra Public nursing is not an easy task, but a nursing bra makes it much easier.
How to Care for and Wash Nursing Bras Your bra works hard, so taking care of it keeps it supportive for longer.
Bras that are well maintained do not only last longer, but are also comfortable. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them  Even with the best bra, mistakes can make nursing harder. Watch out for these:
Conclusion So, how to use nursing bra effectively? It is all about knowing its characteristics, putting it on properly, and rehearsing until it becomes a habit. The right nursing bra will save you time, stress and make you feel comfortable at home during night when you are feeding or when you are out. Although the experience of each mom is different, the majority of them discover that owning at least one good nursing bra can simplify their lives. Once you have the correct fit, good care and a bit of practice, you will soon find how this tiny garment can be one of your most useful in the breast feeding process. Contributed post.  As a parent, watching your child venture out into the world on their first big trip abroad can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You want them to have an incredible experience, but you also can't help but worry about their safety and well-being. In this guide, we'll explore some key considerations and tips to help you feel more at ease when sending your kid on their first international adventure. Choosing a Reputable Travel Company One of the best ways to ensure your child's safety is by selecting a reputable travel company that specializes in travel tours for young adults. Look for companies with a proven track record of successful trips and positive reviews from past participants and their families. A well-established company will have experienced staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and a network of trusted partners in the destinations they visit. Preparing Your Child for the Trip Before your child embarks on their journey, it's crucial to prepare them for the experience. Encourage them to research the countries they'll be visiting, including local customs, laws, and cultural norms. Help them create a packing list that includes essential items like a valid passport, necessary medications, and appropriate clothing for the climate and activities planned. Staying Connected During the Trip In today's digital age, staying connected with your child while they're abroad is easier than ever. Make sure your child has a reliable means of communication, such as an international phone plan or access to Wi-Fi for messaging apps. Establish a communication plan that includes regular check-ins and emergency contact information for both you and the travel company. Ensuring Adequate Travel Insurance Comprehensive travel insurance is a must for any international trip. Look for a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency evacuation. Make sure your child understands the coverage and has access to the policy information and emergency contact numbers. Encouraging Independence and Personal Growth While it's natural to worry about your child's safety, it's also important to remember that this trip is an opportunity for them to grow, learn, and gain independence. Encourage them to embrace new experiences, step outside their comfort zone, and develop valuable life skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Trusting in Your Child's Resilience As a parent, it's easy to underestimate your child's resilience and ability to handle challenges. Remember that you've raised them to be capable, resourceful, and responsible. Trust in the values and skills you've instilled in them, and have faith in their ability to navigate new situations and make sound decisions. Focusing on the Positive Finally, try to focus on the incredible opportunity your child has to explore the world, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. While it's normal to have some apprehension, don't let your worries overshadow the excitement and anticipation of this transformative experience. Sending your kid on their first big trip abroad can be a daunting prospect, but by choosing a reputable travel company, preparing your child for the experience, and trusting in their abilities, you can feel more confident in their safety and well-being. Embrace this opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and discover the world beyond their horizons. Contributed post.  Feeling tense? Muscles knotted, mind racing, unable to relax? You’re definitely not alone. Stress is the epidemic of our age, and it can have a bigger impact than you might think, hitting both your physical and mental health hard. But, you know what? It doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t have to end up snapping at the barista when they get your drink order wrong or laying in bed when you should be getting ready for the day because you just can’t face it. You can use active stress relief to soothe your mind, remove your tension and unknot those muscles. Sound good? Read on. 1. Walk It Out Okay, so this might sound ridiculously simple. So simple that it can’t possibly work, right? But you know what? Walking really is a powerful stress reliever, especially if you do it out in nature (which itself is also a powerful stress reliever. Just the simple act of moving your body as you walk is enough to help regulate your cortisol levels and make you feel calm in no time. Give it a go and you’ll be surprised at just how grounded you feel. 2. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (Because Hopefully They Aren’t) Crank up a playlist and go full Beyoncé in your living room. Dance isn’t just cardio; it’s catharsis. Your brain releases dopamine, your body loosens up, and your mood lifts almost instantly. Plus, it’s free therapy that doubles as a workout. 3. Try HOTWORX If you’re looking for something structured, HOTWORX offers infrared sauna workouts that combine exercise with heat therapy. You sweat, stretch, and burn off stress all at once. It’s like multitasking for your mental health. 4. Punch (or Kick) It Out Boxing and kickboxing aren’t just for people training for the ring. Hitting pads or bags is wildly satisfying when you’re stressed. Every jab is like telling your problems to take a seat. Many gyms even offer beginner-friendly classes where you’ll feel supported while still getting to unleash some pent-up tension. 5. Do a “Clean Sprint” Cleaning counts as active stress relief if you do it with intent. Blast some music, set a 15-minute timer, and tackle that closet, kitchen counter, or laundry pile with speed and purpose. You’ll get a mini workout, burn off nervous energy, and end up with a cleaner space. Two wins for the price of one. 6. Yoga, but Make It Active We’re not talking about lying in savasana while your brain runs wild. Active yoga flows - think power yoga or vinyasa - help burn off stress energy before guiding you back to calm. It’s a moving meditation that forces your body and mind to cooperate instead of spiraling separately. 7. Play Like a Kid Again Shoot hoops, ride a bike, jump rope, or hula hoop - whatever used to light you up when you were 10 probably still works. Reconnecting with play not only distracts you from stress but also brings a sense of joy your adult self doesn’t get nearly enough of. The Takeaway Stress happens, and when it does, you don’t necessarily have to sit in silence meditating to banish it again (but if that’s your thing, go for it); you can relieve tension and clear your mind just as well by getting active, moving your body and doing something you love. You got this! Contributed post. An empath is someone who doesn’t just understand how others feel; they absorb it into their being. It's a deep emotional sponge effect, one that goes far beyond typical empathy. And while it can be a beautiful trait, a gift, even, without boundaries, it becomes overwhelming. Imagine trying to swim while carrying everyone else’s baggage on your back. That's life for an unmanaged empath. As an empath, there is no need to resist your nature or silence your sensitivity, but you do need to own your gift and learn to live with it without burning it out and breaking yourself. Let’s talk about how.  The Empath’s Reality: When Energy Isn’t Yours For empaths, the invisible becomes tangible. You feel the tension when a couple argues quietly at a restaurant. You sense the sadness behind someone’s smile. You absorb a coworker’s stress, only to wonder why you're suddenly anxious for no reason. Some common empath struggles include:
It’s not all in your head. It’s in your energy field. Not a Curse, But a Compass It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being an empath is a curse, especially when the world feels like too much. But the truth? Your sensitivity is a compass. It’s a tool for connection, creativity, and deep understanding. The problem arises when we treat this compass like a sponge. Instead of using your sensitivity to navigate, you’ve been soaking up everything, good, bad, and ugly. That’s why you feel overwhelmed. But with the right tools, you can shift from “Why do I feel everything?” to “How can I use this to thrive?” Introducing: The Empath’s Survival Kit This is a lifestyle shift. Think of it as a customized toolkit, built with emotional and energetic strategies to help you ground, protect, and recharge. Here’s what goes in your kit: 1. Energetic Boundaries: The Invisible Shield Just as your home has walls, your energy needs boundaries. Start by visualizing a protective field around your body each morning. Picture it like soft light or a bubble, learn to filter what comes in without shutting out the world. Set verbal boundaries, too. Empaths are natural listeners, but you’re not a dumping ground. Learn to say things like, “I want to support you, but I’m not in the space to take this on right now.” Tool: Daily grounding and protection meditations. These are your armor. 2. Detox Rituals for Emotional Residue After a long day, others might be tired. You, on the other hand, are carrying the emotional residue of every person you encounter. Clear it out. Salt baths, smudging with sage or palo santo, walking barefoot on grass. You might think this is just for followers and likes on Instagram and wellness clichés. But they do actually recalibrate your nervous system. Tool: An evening cleansing ritual. Just 10 minutes can reset your energy field. 3. Discernment: What’s Mine vs. Theirs? One of the most liberating practices for an empath is simply asking: Is this mine? That anxiety that suddenly appeared? That grief you felt after a phone call? Ask the question. Your body knows. And if the answer is no, return it. You don’t need to analyze or fix it. You just need to release it. Tool: Journaling or speaking aloud: “I release anything that is not mine to carry.”  4. Energetic Hygiene: More Than Clean Hands We wash our hands. We brush our teeth. But when do we cleanse our emotional energy? Practicing energetic hygiene means protecting yourself before you're drained. This can be as subtle as not checking your phone first thing or avoiding media that leaves you feeling low. On a deeper level, it might include daily breathwork or shielding techniques. This is also where ancient practices like black magic protection can play a role, not in a superstitious way, but as a reminder that protecting your energy field is serious, intentional work. Using charms, herbs, or protective rituals is about energetic sovereignty, claiming space in a world that constantly pulls at you. Tool: Make energy protection as routine as brushing your teeth. 5. Create Spaces That Hold You For empaths, your home is your sanctuary. Create areas that nourish your nervous system: soft lighting, natural materials, calming colors. Incorporate grounding objects like stones, water features, scent. Design your space to exhale. Tool: A quiet corner that is 100 percent yours. No notifications, no emotional noise. 6. Conscious Consumption: Not All Input Is Nourishment Empaths don’t just absorb emotions, they absorb information like sponges too. Violent news stories, chaotic social media feeds, or even tense music can leave you rattled. Curate your inputs. Choose what, and who, you let into your field. Make it a practice to check in with how something made you feel after engaging with it. Tool: A digital detox day once a week. Let your nervous system breathe. 7. Choose Your People Wisely Energy is contagious. You already know this. So be ruthless about your circle. Surround yourself with people who ground you, not drain you. People who honor your boundaries, respect your stillness, and don’t require you to be constantly “on.” This doesn’t mean cutting people off cold. It means choosing where you place your deepest energy. Tool: The “3-minute test”, how do you feel three minutes after seeing someone? 8. Make Room for Stillness Being an empath in the modern world is like having all your senses dialed to 11. Stillness isn’t a luxury. It’s your daily reset. You don’t need hours of silence. Just moments of breath, in between tasks, in nature, or even while doing dishes. Let stillness become your power source. Tool: 2-minute breath resets. Simple, potent, and always available. Coming Home to Yourself Being an empath means you need to be intentional with protecting yourself while moving through the world with discernment and intention. You can be a mirror, a healer, a reflector of truth without absorbing all negativity into your being. Your sensitivity is not a weakness. It’s refinement. But even the most finely tuned instruments need tuning. Build your survival kit. Use it daily. And know that your ability to feel deeply is not something to shrink or apologize for. It’s your gift, but only when it’s yours to carry. Let this be the moment you stop absorbing and start owning. Your energy. Your boundaries. Your life. Contributed post.  It could be said that it’s downhill from 60! But why does it have to be? People are living longer and healthier than ever before, and 60 isn’t even really considered old anymore. However, medical issues and the stress of life can feel like it is. So, from mobility and assistive devices to being more creative as you age, here are some ideas to help you enjoy the golden years. Hearing and Vision Aids It’s almost a cliché that you need a hearing device as you get older. Experiencing hearing loss can be minimal or profound, but annoying and inconvenient either way. Devices like Siemens hearing aids are among the best in the market and can transform daily enjoyment. Of course, there’s also nothing quite like an updated pair of glasses. After a visit to the local optometrist, you can begin seeing life in ultra high definition again, even if it is just to watch your new TV! Mobility and Assistive Devices One of the most powerful ways of keeping independence as you age is by doing things for yourself. Getting around becomes harder when you get older, through injury, aging joints, and medical conditions. However, there are many excellent mobility devices that you can look into for everyday tasks. Something as simple as a walking stick can transform your life. However, scooters will help you get across longer distances for grocery shopping and visiting friends. Enjoy the Golden Years with Smartphones If there’s one device that just makes things easier, it’s the smartphone. Even if you are a technophobe, modern devices are easy to use and have tons of accessibility options. You can use your smartphone while traveling, or even to find dates with people in your age range:
Enjoy Your Creativity Everyone needs an outlet for beating stress and anxiety, and even filling the time after retirement. Hobbies are excellent for living a fulfilling life and staying happy, and there’s pretty much no limit to what you can do if you are up to it. However, many older people find their creative side as they take up popular activities such as painting, sculpting, and gardening. These kinds of hobbies not only pass the time but also provide a sense of purpose. Keep Up Mental and Physical Well-Being No matter your age, your physical and mental well-being is crucial. There are many practices that you don’t even think about that help improve wellness, such as hygiene, light exercise, and staying sociable. However, you can skyrocket how you think, feel, and act with other popular wellness methods. Activities such as tai chi, yoga for seniors, and meditation aren’t only for the young. In fact, these all offer benefits for older people, such as lower blood pressure. Summary Hearing and vision aids will help you enjoy your golden years by getting your sight and sound back. Smartphones are also a great tool for providing assistance and independence. Of course, there are activities such as yoga that can help you stay in good mental and physical shape. Contributed post. If you don’t feel as though your appliances are lasting as long as they should be, or if you feel as though you are constantly putting money into them and not getting the result you need, then it may be that you need to spend more time maintaining them. This is easy to do when you know the steps you need to take as well. Read the Instructions for your Appliance The first thing you need to do is take the time to read the instruction manual. If you’re one of those people who ignore the instructions on everything, then this is something that has to change. Even though most people don’t read the instructions, you need to change that if you want your appliances to last longer. Spend the time needed to familiarise yourself with the contents of the user manual, and also make sure that you take the time to maintain your appliance effectively. You also need to find out what you need to do to keep your appliance in good working order. This could include descaling it or running a cleaning solution through it from time to time. Some appliances may need lubricant applied over time as well. Most of the time, you can find things online, so make sure that you don’t overlook things like this if you can. If you need a good starting point, you can find washing machine cleaner tablets online. You can also find descaling tablets for your coffee machine if you have one, so make sure that you give some thought to that, as it could make a major difference overall. If you have lost your instruction manual, then you will know how frustrating this can be, but most of the time, you can find replacement manuals online, so make sure that you keep that in mind.  Empty your Filters The filter of your home’s washing machine should be cleaned every six months or so. This is a good way for you to remove gunk or even spare change. The filter is usually tucked behind the panel of your washing machine, right at the base. If you can also check the filter of your dryer, if you have one. This is a great way for you to make sure that your dryer is not working harder than it should be and using more power as a result. This can add up and really impact your bills, so it’s important to consider things like this if you can. Ventilation You also need to make sure that you are allowing enough space for things like ventilation. If you have a freestanding fridge, then you need to leave 2cm or so at the top, as well as leave room behind the appliance. If you can do this, then you will be able to allow for better ventilation, which means it is much easier for your appliance to do its job properly. Ensuring that dust, lint, and any other obstructions are cleaned up is also important. If you don’t, then you may find that you end up putting your appliance at risk of an electrical fire. You will also find that it doesn’t work as well as it could, which is the last thing you need. Clean your Appliances Another thing you need to do is try and clean your appliances. Keep them clean and make sure that you clear away any food or debris as soon as you see it. Fridges and dishwashers work better when they are not clogged with limescale and food residue. If you can run your dishwasher on a hot cycle from time to time without any pots, and if you can run your washing machine on a hot cycle without anything in it, then this will again help. It will clear any bacteria, and it will also make sure that it’s not getting clogged over time. If you are struggling with things like limescale, then one thing you can do is try running your dishwasher on a normal cycle, but instead add some white vinegar. This will descale your dishwasher, and it will also help it to run more efficiently. White vinegar also works wonders if you have a kettle that is coated in limescale, so be sure to keep that in mind. Simply leave a solution of vinegar on your kettle and then rinse it off after. Register your Warranty If you have a warranty with your appliances, you should probably get it registered. A lot of people get a free warranty with their appliance, but they simply forget to get it registered. This is the last thing you want to do, as you may find that you end up struggling to get your appliance repaired if something goes wrong, but also to secure the right parts for it. If you want to do something here then get a folder and put all of your warranty information in it. You also need to try and make sure that you don’t overlook the importance of getting everything registered with the right information. Put down an email and phone number that you use a lot, rather than putting down a spam email because you don’t want constant updates from the company. This will help you to ensure that you are always mindful of the warranties you have and when they expire. If you want to help yourself, then you may also want to make sure that you are taking out the extended warranty if you can. A lot of companies will offer you the chance to pay for a warranty, and if you take this out after your free one has ended, you can avoid paying for a warranty that you might not need at the time. With that said, there’s usually a period that you can’t take it out after, so make sure that you keep this in mind if you can, as it will make a big difference to you and the result you get out of your appliances. Contributed post.  Being unable to conceive can take its toll on your mental health. You’d love to have a family but you just can’t. If you’re in this position, then this post is here to help. We look at some of the reasons you might not be able to conceive so you know what to talk to your doctor about. Do I Have An Ovulation Disorder? One thing you might want to discuss is ovulation disorders. For example, can ovarian cyst cause infertility? You’ll usually discover that these disorders are actually surprisingly common and occur in a lot of women. Culprits include things like hormone imbalances and PCOS, but you’ll want to get these diagnosed officially. Do I Have Any Medical Conditions? You’ll also want to consider whether any other medical conditions or treatments might be getting in the way of your fertility. A lot of diseases can actually disrupt standard fertility and leave you without the ability to conceive as you did in the past. Diabetes, for instance, is a significant culprit these days. Experts predict that more than 10% of young people will develop diabetes at some point in their lives, meaning that the ability to conceive is likely to diminish going forward. Am I Exposing Myself To Lifestyle Factors That Reduce The Likelihood Of Pregnancy? Another issue is lifestyle factors. Excessive alcohol and smoking can also have an impact on whether you’re able to conceive or not. These are well known. However, don’t forget that stress can play a role, too. Being frazzled all the time can disrupt your rhythm and make it more likely that you will go months without getting pregnant, despite your best attempts. How Does Age Affect My Chances Of Getting Pregnant? You’ll also want to take a look at whether age is a factor in whether you’re getting pregnant. It will usually play a significant role after 40, but isn’t the only factor that you’ll want to consider. If you can’t get pregnant and you haven’t been through menopause, don’t just put it down to the aging process. Go to your doctor and check if other factors are playing a role. What Are The Costs Of Fertility Treatment? If necessary, you might also want to look into various fertility treatments. These can help you push past quite a few fertility issues and ensure that you can really move forward with your family plans. Usually, your doctor will provide you with a menu of plans you can use. These will list various prices for different treatments and options. You may also be able to get treatment via your insurance in some instances. What Can We Do To Conceive Naturally? Finally, you can ask your medical provider if there is anything you can do to conceive naturally. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of lifestyle changes, and perhaps even special foods or herbs you can consume to increase your odds. So there you have it: some of the questions you can ask if you’re having a hard time conceiving. |
 
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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