Archives for June 2022

Although some people have a passion that burns like an Olympic torch, most young adults do not enter college with a defined career plan. With thousands of careers to choose from, expecting someone to know what they want straight out of high school is unrealistic. That said, there is no better time to find your passion than during your college years. Here are some tips on how you can do that.

What Are Your Gifts?

Everyone has unique talents. Some people may be mathematic geniuses while others excel at abstract philosophy. Take time to evaluate yourself from an objective point of view and reflect on what your innate gifts may be. Look at your achievements, however small, and consider if there could be a career in doing what you are good at. This could be anything from being a fantastic cupcake baker to being an excellent communicator.

If you are feeling decidedly average and are unsure about where your talents lie, turn to your classmates, friends, and family for advice. Often, the people around you see you more clearly than you see yourself. This applies especially when it comes to soft skills such as empathy and creativity. Contrary to common belief, soft skills are just as important in fashioning a career. A strength in soft skills can lead you towards a career in the fields of management, social work, and psychology.

What Moves You?

As the quote goes, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” While this is not entirely true—especially in this economy—the general idea is that pursuing your passion will give you more fulfillment than simply working to collect paychecks. You may not have a passion that moves mountains (yet), but everyone has interests, no matter how trivial they may seem. Use them to unearth your passion.

For instance, your primary interest may be your pet cat. Due to your interest in cats, you may learn more about cat biology, volunteer at an animal rescue, watch cat videos all day, or knit tiny little cat jumpers. With time, these activities may set you on a path of passion toward animal medicine, non-profit work, social media content creation, or even pet fashion design.

By ramping up your interests, you give yourself the chance to be one of the few who end up with a job that they love. The important thing here is to know what truly moves you. There is a difference between a casual pastime and an active interest that fills your cup. Think about what gets you out of bed in the morning and the activities that make you feel alive.

Who Do You Want to Serve?

Very often, it is the people whose lives you improve and not monetary awards that are most rewarding. Aside from thinking about a career that just makes you happy, think about how your profession will fit into society. Is there a specific community that you want to serve? Perhaps you want to help new migrants, the elderly, or young people like yourself. Determining your target clientele is a clever way to reverse engineer a relevant career.

Examining the concept of service will also help you to separate your hobbies from what could become a vocation. It may feel nobler to choose marginalized groups or people who are worse off but they do not need to be your only choices. Your target clientele could be multinational corporations or multimillionaires. The main point here is to know who you hope to benefit with your skills and talent.

Explore and Evolve

College is a terrific time for you to expand your horizons. There are a vast variety of courses to help you discover new interests and uncover hidden passions. Even if you already know what you want from your career, take a few random courses that are a little out of your usual sphere. The knowledge that you gain from these classes will give you fresh insight into your capabilities and how they could be applied to the world.

Do not be afraid to evolve. Many college students are hesitant to change their major but four years is a long time to spend on something that does not feed your ambition. It is more common to switch majors than you think, and some students even change colleges. If your current college does not offer the education that the new you demands, seek out the best colleges that provide a better shot at the career of your dreams.

We all hope to have a career that we love. College is the time to define who you are as an adult and put a plan in place for pursuing your passion. There is no single vocation that will please everyone. Therefore, you must consider your talents, what brings you joy and motivation, and who you want to work with. Learn more about yourself and what you can achieve while you are in college and be prepared to grow.

Texas-based company Ancient Bliss shares how its focus on quality is differentiating their brand from others in the natural supplement industry. Ancient Bliss understands that not everybody has the time or inclination to spend hours learning about natural remedies. Therefore, their founder, Macy Schuchart, has dedicated years to extensive research in order to craft superior supplements that allow her clients to improve their health with ease.

It is difficult for people to find the right supplements to cope with the hustle and bustle of their busy lifestyles. Therefore, Ancient Bliss aims to educate and empower its clients by providing safe and natural supplements that fit seamlessly into any schedule. Ancient Bliss products honor indigenous wisdom. Through the use of age-old remedies, Ancient Bliss hopes to inspire clients to reconnect with the innate healing abilities of their bodies.

The health industry is rife with misleading information and corporate advertising. Ancient Bliss seeks to turn the focus away from profits and towards real concern for the well-being of their community. Thus, their products are always crafted from natural herbs instead of synthetic chemicals and unnecessary fillers. Crafted with intention, their products blend ancient wisdom with modern science.

In the supplement industry, there can be poor regulation and quality control. The United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is not obligated to review supplements before their launch. Furthermore, hundreds of new supplements are released each month. This means that low-quality and potentially dangerous supplements can be marketed and sold for a long time before being evaluated by official bodies like the FDA for safety.

Ancient Bliss believes that quality control is of utmost importance. Thus, its products are crafted in compliance with the latest safety standards. Their supplements are produced under strict manufacturing guidelines in an NSF GMP-registered dietary supplement manufacturing facility. Their manufacturing process adheres to all the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations set forth by the FDA.

To further guarantee quality and safety, Ancient Bliss supplements go through mandatory in-house and third-party testing. Raw materials, intermediate production samples, and final products are routinely tested to ensure consistency and purity. Some in-house tests that are performed include FTIR spectrometry, FT-NIR spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and microbial testing.

Many products purport to be made of powerful herbs. However, flawed manufacturing processes can diminish or even destroy the potency of delicate natural compounds. Ancient Bliss takes meticulous care in the manufacturing process to ensure the integrity of all its plant ingredients. This allows the herbs to retain their potency in supplement form and deliver the transformative results as promised.

Every Ancient Bliss product undergoes rigorous purity tests to guarantee that there are no toxic or illegal substances that may harm their clients. Each product is clearly labeled with the identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity of its components. This transparency is essential for clients to know that they will receive the most effective and potent natural supplements that surpass the average quality standards.

While most pharmaceutical companies are removed from their clients and products, Ancient Bliss invests in building a strong community. Their team comprises passionate people who love to share their knowledge and care for the well-being of their clients. Trust is central to its brand, and Ancient Bliss is proud of its transparent approach that allows every client to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies.

Instead of merely producing supplements, Ancient Bliss and Macy Schuchart wish to guide their community along the path of restoration and help them to heal and grow in mind, body, and spirit. Through sharing their wisdom, Ancient Bliss invites its clients to go on a spiritual health journey. They hope that their clients can live authentically, remember the importance of self-care, and enjoy a mindful existence in tune with nature.

About Ancient Bliss

Ancient Bliss was founded in 2021 by Macy Schuchart. The mission of the company is to craft herbal supplements that are certified to improve the health and happiness of their clients.

The Ancient Bliss journey started when Schuchart realized that the conventional education system did not paint a full picture of how to achieve holistic whole-body wellness. Following her enthusiasm for healing, Schuchart immersed herself in studying the art of herbal healthcare. She was surprised to learn that there was a wealth of information that was not taught in traditional schools.

Schuchart decided to intensify her learning and spent time in Hawaii to fully embrace the culture and learn from native Hawaiians. During her time there, she gained deep insight into the preventative healthcare and herbalism practices of the indigenous people. The native Hawaiians taught Schuchart that the body was capable of healing itself with the aid of natural supplements, driving her to further her research.

Inspired by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanos, Ancient Bliss embodies the transformative power of our bodies. Through their line of quality natural supplements, Ancient Bliss and Schuchart hope to spread awareness of our unique healing abilities and remind everyone that they deserve to receive pure and wholesome nourishment to be their best and happiest selves.

To learn more about Ancient Bliss and Macy Schuchart, visit their store on Amazon or their official website ancientbliss.com

Aside from cyclists and motorcyclists, it is rare to see civilians donning helmets. Protective headgear is commonly considered to be only relevant to professionals such as firefighters, law enforcement, or military personnel. However, there are many reasons why a civilian may find it useful to have a quality helmet within reach. Here are some of them.

Extreme Sports

If you partake in sports such as base jumping, motocross, mountain biking, skateboarding, or skiing, you likely anticipate falling on occasion. While you may only take a tumble once in a blue moon, you want to ensure that you are well protected when it happens. Wearing protective headgear is critical for young adults and teens, who suffer the majority of extreme sports injuries.

According to studies, 83 percent of injuries sustained during extreme sports are to the head, with concussions being the most frequent form of head or neck injury. Skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing are the three sports with the highest incidents of head and neck injuries with skateboarders having the highest risk of skull fractures. Medical professionals firmly recommend the use of helmets when participating in these popular sports.

Attach Accessories

Helmets can be useful as bases on which you can attach accessories. For instance, instead of strapping a headlamp onto your head, you can attach reflective patches and headlamps to your helmet to increase visibility when you ride a bicycle at night. Similarly, many helmets can be fitted with eyewear attachments to ensure that your eye protection accessories such as anti-glare goggles remain firmly attached regardless of your movement.

Another accessory that is frequently attached to helmets is the action camera. Helmet cameras can be used to record recreation or tourism footage, freeing up your hands and allowing for more complete documentation of the experience. For sports such as airsoft or motocross, it is essential to have full use of your hands. Likewise, helmet cameras are excellent for recording training exercises for firefighters or military personnel.

Home Defense

The possibility of having to defend your property from a breach is a valid concern for many people who live in remote areas or homesteads. Law enforcement is typically stationed far away and can take a long time to arrive. Before they arrive, you are the only line of defense between the intruders and your family. Hence, it is useful to have a full set of protective gear—or a Kevlar helmet and vest at the very least—to shield you from serious injury.

An accessory that can be helpful in nighttime emergencies is a night vision system that can be mounted onto your helmet. Most opportunistic intruders are poorly prepared. They may not have the tools to help them to navigate well in the dark. If you have night vision set up on your helmet, you may gain a valuable advantage. Unlike flashlights that give away your position, night vision will allow you to hide or slip away without harm.

In Case of Disaster

If you live in an earthquake or hurricane zone, it may pay to have a helmet ready. Helmets provide vital protection for your head and skull from falling objects and can increase the chances of a safe evacuation. The aftermath of a disaster is also important to consider as there may be incidents that threaten your safety such as battling for supplies or looting. It is prudent to have protective gear for such contingencies.

On the Job

Certain positions such as security or law enforcement come with an increased risk of attack or physical harm. However, not all companies or public departments have the budget to provide their employees with high-quality protective equipment. A ballistic helmet or vest could be the difference between life and death. So, if your employer does not provide you with the best equipment, you should think about purchasing it yourself.

What is Kevlar?

Kevlar is a material that is made from exceptionally strong yet lightweight synthetic polymer threads. The material belongs to a class of aramid (aromatic polyamide) fibers that are made up of repeated molecular polymer chains. Kevlar was invented in 1965 by Stephanie L. Kwolek, a Polish-American chemist working at DuPont. Due to its unique properties, its strength-to-weight ratio is five times higher than steel and it can be made even tougher through combination with other composite materials.

Since it was trademarked and launched for mass production in 1971, Kevlar has been used in hundreds of products from tennis rackets to bridge reinforcements. The public is most aware, however, of the use of Kevlar in body armor. Kevlar is extremely rigid and holds its shape well even under significant impact or force. Therefore, it has been used in armored cars, bulletproof vests, and ballistics helmets to prevent bullet penetration.

Conclusion

Although we often see helmets as equipment that is exclusive to the military, there are many practical uses of protective headgear for civilians. While you may not need to get ops-grade Kevlar helmets for everyday purposes, high-end helmets provide extra protection and a tailored experience for users who prefer tactical gear. Consider your priorities for protection when choosing a helmet for yourself.

It can be tough to make your dissertation stand out in a sea of other papers. With so much competition, it’s important to find ways to make your work shine. Here are some tips that will help you make your dissertation stand out from the rest!

A dissertation is a long essay or thesis written in support of a student’s candidacy for a degree or professional qualification. It is usually submitted as part of a doctorate or master’s degree; in the UK it is submitted at the end of bachelor’s degrees too. Dissertations are typically required of students pursuing research-based degrees such as the PhD. They may also be required of students pursuing certain professional qualifications, such as the JD or MD. The dissertation is a chance for students to showcase their research skills and knowledge. It is also an opportunity for them to demonstrate their ability to communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner.

So if you are embarking on a dissertation, how should you ensure you do a good job and make your dissertation stand out?

Use Good English

It might sound obvious, but you will lose points on your dissertation if you use poor grammar, spelling and turns of phrase. This is not the time to let your standards slip – use proper English throughout. If you are not a native speaker of English or get confused with grammar, get someone to proofread your work before you submit it. Consider using a dissertation writing service to ensure your use of language is up to scratch too.

Don’t Assume Prior Knowledge

When writing a dissertation, it is important to keep in mind that it may be read by people who are not experts in your field. Of course, it will be reviewed and marked by academics who are within the field. But it’s an important lesson to learn to never assume the reader has prior knowledge about your subject matter. You will lose the interest of some readers if you do this in any writing, and if it’s your dissertation, you’ll lose some points too. This means that you need to make sure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Do Individual Research

Once you have settled on a topic, it’s time to start your research. This is one of the most important aspects of writing a dissertation, so it’s important to get it right. There are a few different ways to go about this – you can use books, journals, and other sources of information, or you can conduct your own primary research. If you choose to do your own research, make sure you collect data that is reliable and valid, using proper research techniques.

Use Appropriate Methods

The methods you use in your dissertation should be appropriate for the topic you are researching. If you are looking at a historical topic, for example, you will need to use different methods than if you are researching a contemporary issue. Make sure you choose methods that will allow you to answer your research question effectively. While it’s a good idea be original in your methodology and thinking, your professors will be looking for this to meet rigorous qualitative or quantitative standards.

Support Your Argument Adequately

You also need to ensure that your argument is well-supported by evidence. This means that you can’t just make claims without backing them up with data or references. Any time you make a statement, ask yourself if there is evidence to support it. If not, find some! This is an important part of making your dissertation stand out – ensuring that your argument is well-reasoned and supported. If you challenge yourself to dig deeper into any evidence you do use in your dissertation, you’ll be ensuring that you have covered all your bases with any points and arguments you make.

Pick an Interesting Topic

Your dissertation will be more likely to stand out if you pick a topic that is unusual or unexpected. Think about what interests you and try to find a way to make your dissertation unique. It could be something you are passionate about, or something that you have a lot of experience with. You may be able to find an interesting angle on a topic that has been covered many times before. By thinking outside the box, you can come up with a dissertation topic that is both original and interesting.

Follow Standard Formats and Specific Instructions

Dissertations follow a standard structure, which includes an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Make sure you follow this structure when writing your dissertation. You should also follow any specific instructions that have been given to you by your institution. If you are unsure about anything, ask for clarification. It is better to ask and get the answer you need than to make a mistake that could cost you marks. And even if you think you could structure your dissertation in a better way from the norm, don’t be tempted to do this! Remember that professors have a lot of dissertations to read through and score, and you don’t want to confuse them with an unusual structure.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your dissertation will be the very best it can be. Good luck!

With the rising costs of produce and instability in the food supply chain, starting a backyard vegetable garden is a good way to ensure that you always have something nutritious to eat. Gardening is a popular hobby that has been shown to help relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. However, it takes planning and hard work to develop a successful garden. Here are some pointers on how you can enjoy a fruitful garden with minimal effort.

1. Design Before You Plant

Once you know what you want to plant, set aside some time to design your garden. Several features can make planting and maintenance more convenient for you. One of these is the width of your planting rows. If they are too wide, you may have to stretch and reach to access all the plants. If they are too narrow, you risk wasting space. Plan a path around your garden that is width enough for a wheelbarrow or gardening cart.

If you have limited space in your garden, the planning stage is essential to ensure that you make the most of what you have. Depending on sunshine conditions, you can place planting frames against the sides of your house and grow vertical plants such as cucumber. Herbs and microgreens can be grown in window boxes, freeing up ground space for larger crops. On the ground, use succession planting to maximize your yield

2. Raise Your Beds

Raised garden beds and planting stands can make cultivation easier by reducing the need to bend and squat. The typical raised garden is about six to twelve inches tall, which allows for most vegetable roots. If you plan to plant crops with deeper roots, ensure that you place your raised beds on soil instead of concrete and the roots will find their way. You can also raise your beds higher, as long as you make sure the soil stays moist.

Raised beds can be edged with rocks, bricks, or wood. Beware of painted wood or pallets treated with methyl bromide as the chemicals will leach into your produce and be consumed by your family. Prepare your raised bed by lining it with organic material and cardboard to smother any grass, then filling it with quality soil. Fill your beds to the top, plant your seeds or seedlings, and cover the soil around them with mulch.

3. Water Wisely

Water is a precious resource and inefficient watering techniques can hurt your plants and your pocket. Choosing the right time to water such as early morning and late afternoon in the summer allows your plants to soak up as much moisture as possible. Use a smart garden watering system to ensure that water is distributed evenly to all your plants. This will also save you from having to individually water every plot or bed.

To save on water bills, collect rainwater or gray water for your garden. An easy way to collect rainwater is to connect your gutters to a tank. This tank can be connected to your watering system so you never need water from the mains for your garden again. If you are planning to use greywater on your plants, be sure that you switch to eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning and care products to prevent toxic chemicals from getting into the soil.

4. Choose the Right Plants

Few things are as rewarding as harvesting fruit and vegetables from your very own garden. At the same time, it can be very disappointing to receive a poor harvest after months of hard work. Therefore, you should always choose the right kind of crops for your region and maintenance ability. Ask your local garden store for edible plant varieties that are suitable for your area. They may have hybrid plants that are easier to grow.

You should aim to plant a mix of hardy perennials like rhubarb and quick-growing crops like lettuce. Perennials come back every year, saving you time and effort on planting and maintenance. Greens and herbs such as basil that self-sow save you the trouble of raising seedlings. Consider companion planting as well. The Native American formula of corn, beans, and squash is an example of a highly-productive interplanting strategy.

5. Feed Your Soil

Turning your soil disrupts the delicate biome that feeds your plants. No-dig gardening is not only healthier for your garden but easier for you as well. Instead of tilling fertilizer pallets into your soil, simply place organic matter such as compost and mulch on top of your soil. These materials keep the soil moist as they break down into nutrients. You can purchase compost from local farmers or garden stores.

Most gardeners prefer to make their own compost. Composting your garden and vegetable scraps helps to minimize the waste that you generate. You can purchase indoor compost bins or start an outdoor compost pile. Non-squeamish gardeners can consider vermicomposting, an effective and natural way to compost with worms. Vermicomposting worms can be bought online or from local breeders.

Gardening is more than planting seeds and watering them. With proper planning and conscientious care of your soil, you can enjoy the benefits of a rewarding and productive garden.

Since the pandemic, remote working arrangements have been more common than ever. While many individuals have lauded the flexibility and convenience of remote work, it can be difficult for a team manager to engage team members and maintain oversight of their productivity. Here are some tips on how managers can evolve their approach to suit the hybrid workplace.

Provide the Right Tools

Before you can expect your team members to perform well in a remote work setting, you need to set them up with the required technology and tools. While most people have smartphones, not everyone has a dedicated computer that they can use at home or the necessary equipment such as webcams and microphones or headsets. Consider offering rebates for employees who need assistance purchasing the required equipment.

Similarly, if you need your team members to perform specific tasks like keeping a record of their hours, be sure to provide them with the relevant tools—in this case, a time tracker app. Most apps and software designed for remote workers now have enterprise editions for businesses, so you can purchase multiple user licenses and distribute them to your employees. A standardized platform allows for better comparison and collaboration.

Some team members may need additional training to function effectively in the hybrid work environment. Remember that certain communities and demographics may not have had easy access to computers. So, be mindful that remote work may be less comfortable and productive for some people. Instead of penalizing employees for being slow, consider a co-pay or sponsorship arrangement to help them get additional skills training.

Promote Communication

Instead of waiting for struggling team members to make mistakes, be proactive in soliciting feedback from your employees about their challenges and concerns. Aside from asking them directly, there are other ways to find out if your team members need support. One way is to observe the standard of their work. Are they consistently meeting deadlines and is their work to the quality that is expected? If not, they may need additional assistance.

Each time you communicate with your team, make it clear that you are there to facilitate their productivity. Try to schedule regular team meetings at least once a week to check in with your team. During the meetings, ask your team members what they are happy and unhappy about. Let each participant talk about their tasks for the week and the steps that you or fellow team members can take to help them accomplish these tasks.

Two-way dialogue allows your team members to be able to voice their thoughts and feel invested in the process. To encourage them to speak freely, you need to demonstrate empathy and understanding. Other than group meetings, also schedule periodic one-on-one meetings so that you can have more personal, confidential conversations. Always be considerate when you schedule meetings with people from different time zones.

Focus on the Outcome

As a manager, it can be hard to hand over the reins to your remote employees and trust that they will do the right thing. However, micromanaging is impractical in a hybrid work environment and can hinder more than help. The best way to evaluate if your team members are performing well in their jobs is to turn your attention to the outcomes. Focus on daily or weekly goals. If these goals are being met, why concern yourself with the process?

You must understand that remote work comes with its pros and cons. While you may have to accept your employees doing their work at unorthodox hours, you also gain access to a deep pool of talent that do not want conventional 9-to-5 jobs. As long as your day-to-day requirements are adequately met, allowing your team members the independence to complete tasks in their own time can actually be more productive.

That said, you need to set some ground rules to provide a clear structure to keep your team focused. For instance, you can lay out a framework marking the key steps for each project. You can also indicate check-in points where assignments must be submitted for approval before moving forward. Try to achieve a fine balance between rules and flexibility. Emphasize the who, what, and when, and let your team members take care of the how.

See Each Person

Remote work arrangements can leave team members feeling isolated and disconnected from the team. Aside from communicating with your employees regularly, it can help to spend a little time getting to know them better as individuals. Take a few minutes each meeting to make non-work-related small talk and ask after their personal lives. You can even invite them to introduce their spouses, children, or pets on camera.

The hybrid work landscape comes with its challenges but it also enables teams to achieve new levels of flexibility and efficiency. As a team leader, your job is to provide the necessary structure and support to allow your team members to perform and grow. By offering the right tools, a listening ear, trust, and connection, you can create a hybrid work environment that is conducive to employee happiness, productivity, and success.

A 2022 survey revealed that 84% of Americans feel stressed at least once a week. As stress levels continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to be proactive in preventing and managing anxiety and unease. In this guide, we’ll explore some effective natural remedies for stress management and share tips to help you feel calm and relaxed.

Regular exercise

Most people are aware of the physical benefits of regular exercise, but being active can also be hugely beneficial for mental well-being. Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some types of cancer, but it also makes you feel amazing. When you work out and move your body, this triggers the release of endorphins, and the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain increase. Going to an exercise class, playing sports or hitting the gym can help you to clear your mind and it also provides a distraction from stressors, such as work and financial pressures.

Working out regularly aids sleep, and it can also be an effective way to channel and control your emotions. If you feel stressed, or you’ve had a long, trying day, for example, you may find that going for a hike, doing a boxing session or working up a sweat at a dance class helps you to express yourself. Intensive activities like running, kickboxing and spinning can be cathartic for pent-up aggression, frustration and stress. Gentler exercises like yoga, Pilates and swimming are ideal for helping you to wind down and relax.

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, aim to increase your activity levels. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Start by making time for walks, attending an exercise class once or twice a week or doing short workouts at home. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of sessions as you get fitter and stronger. It’s a great idea to use an activity tracker to motivate you. If you usually do 3,000 steps per day, set yourself a target of 5,000, work your way up to 8,000 and try to get to 10,000.

Natural oils

Natural oils have been used to induce calm and promote well-being for decades. As a consumer, it’s now possible to buy a vast array of products that contain oils that aid relaxation. From products you can apply directly to the skin or put in the bath to those you use on your pillows or scatter around the house, you can purchase all kinds of oils to make you feel better. CBD products from companies like Naturesarc can help to lower stress and anxiety levels while essential oils like lavender, chamomile and sandalwood improve sleep quality. Orange is a popular choice for meditation and lemon is famed for its ability to lift the spirits and enhance well-being. Choose oils that suit your mood and experiment with different products. If you want to add aromas to your home and create a soothing, tranquil environment, look for scented candles, diffusers, and electric pods, which release oils into the air.

Spending time in nature

Spending time in nature can be incredibly relaxing, especially if you have a busy schedule and you find it difficult to get away from your desk. Being outside is uplifting and energizing and it gives you a sense of perspective. Even if you live in the heart of the city, you can reap the rewards of spending time in green spaces. Take a walk in the park once a day and try to find time in the evenings and on the weekends to venture further afield. Embrace activities like kayaking, climbing, cycling, fishing, hiking and open water swimming. Explore, breathe in the fresh air and take in the surroundings.

Being creative

Creative activities enable you to express yourself and have fun. They can be cathartic and they provide a release. You don’t have to be a talented author, a master chef or an artistic maestro to benefit from exercising creativity. If you enjoy being creative, that’s all that matters. Whether you want to write, play music, bake, sew, paint, draw or take photographs, devoting more time to creative pursuits will boost your mental health and lower stress levels. You can choose to take time out alone, engage in activities with friends or your partner, or meet new people at classes or clubs.

Breathing exercises

When you feel anxious, stressed or uptight, you may notice that your chest feels tight and your heart rate increases. Breathing exercises bring the heart rate down gently, encouraging you to feel more relaxed. Take deep breaths and follow guided sessions via podcasts or video tutorials. Once you know how to do targeted exercises to help you feel calmer, you can employ them whenever you feel yourself starting to get stressed.

Having fun

Many of us lead busy lives, and we’re guilty of trying to cram so much in that we don’t leave ourselves time to have fun. If you work long hours, you have children, or you’re always rushing around doing errands when you finish work, take time out to enjoy yourself. Make time for hobbies and hang out with friends and family members. Go and watch a movie, play sports together, visit a museum or gallery, hit the beach, take a picnic to the park, arrange dinner or drinks, go to a concert, travel or indulge in some retail therapy. Socializing and doing things you love can make a huge difference to your mental health, especially during stressful periods.

Stress affects all of us. Often, it’s mild and we can cope and even use stress to our advantage, but in some cases, it can be overwhelming. It’s beneficial to be proactive in managing and preventing stress. There are several natural ways to induce calm and relaxation. Exercise regularly, spend as much time as possible in nature, and get creative. Try natural oils, use breathing exercises to lower stress levels and make time for fun. We all need a release and a break from work and other stressors. Spend time with friends and family members, make plans together and try to find a healthy work-life balance.

Researched by cybersecurity expert Norbert Webb

Every installation of Windows contains DirectX as a system program. DirectX is a suite of APIs (application programming interfaces) by Microsoft that is designed to provide software with low-level access to multimedia hardware components such as video cards and memory. While DirectX is a useful tool for every PC, inappropriate or incorrect installation can result in numerous errors. Here are some ways to diagnose and fix a DirectX error.

Why is DirectX Important?

Because Windows computers can vary widely in hardware configurations, PC developers cannot optimize the settings of their software to suit any single system. This means that some computers do not perform as well as they should when running certain programs. For casual users, this may not make a difference. But for gamers and multimedia-heavy users, it fine-tuned hardware performance is essential.

Back in the old days of DOS (disk operating system), programs had direct access to hardware, allowing programs to make configuration changes to the way hardware performed. With the launch of Windows 95, Microsoft increased security and restricted access to low-level hardware. To facilitate the hardware configuration process, the company introduced DirectX as a communication channel between software and hardware. Therefore, DirectX issues can affect the entire functionality of your PC.

How to Diagnose DirectX Status

At times, you may receive an error message such as “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b).” If you suspect your system has a DirectX issue, the first thing to do is to run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. This is an internal Windows utility that helps users to monitor and troubleshoot DirectX-related issues.

To run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, open Run by typing “run” in the Search bar or pressing the Win and R keys simultaneously. In the Run dialog box, enter “dxdiag” and press the Enter key. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool will be launched. If the program does not launch, there may be damage to your Windows installation and you may need to perform a system recovery.

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool comprises several tabs. Look for a Notes window at the bottom of the Display, Render, or Sound tabs. In a computer that is running normally, the text in this window should say “No problems found.” If the tool finds a problem, it will display an error message such as “No sound card was found.” Using this tool, you can pinpoint and troubleshoot the problem.

Install the Latest DirectX

If your PC is a few years old and you have not updated your OS in some time, you may find that your DirectX version is incompatible with newer software. The most convenient way to upgrade to the latest version of DirectX is to use Windows Update. Windows Update ensures that all your OS files are up to date, including DirectX files. You can also update just the DirectX files by visiting the Microsoft End-User Runtime Web Installer page and downloading the latest DirectX installation file.

Install a Previous DirectX Version

Some applications may run on older versions of DirectX than the one you have installed on your PC. Since much of the older drivers and hardware are still in use today, even the newest versions of Windows are designed to support and use older versions of DirectX. Therefore, if you receive a DirectX error and have the newest version of DirectX installed, you can try to install an older version instead. After installation, restart your computer and check if the error still exists.

Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Drivers are software files that enable your operating system and its programs to properly utilize hardware. You should update your drivers regularly to ensure compatibility. To do this, go to Device Manager, right-click on the device you want to update, choose Properties, then select Update Driver. If this does not work, you may need to visit the device manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver.

If you already have the latest version of a driver, it can help to reinstall them. To do so, uninstall the driver first by choosing Uninstall instead of Update Driver. Check the “Delete the driver software for this device” option. Now restart your computer and install the driver again, either automatically through the Windows search or manually by downloading and installing the files from the device manufacturer’s website.

Repair or Reinstall Visual C++ Package

Many applications require Visual C++ Redistributable Packages to function properly and repairing these packages can sometimes help to fix DirectX errors. Go to Add or Remove Programs under Control Panel and search for “Microsoft Visual C++”. Right-click on the most recent file, click Change or Modify, and choose Repair. If you restart your computer and this does not solve your problem, try to Uninstall instead of Repair and manually reinstall the latest Visual C++ package from the Microsoft website.

DirectX issues can be caused by a wide variety of software conflicts and problems. If the above methods were not able to fix your problem, consider a system restore to roll back the settings of your computer. Contact a computer repair professional if you need further assistance.

Your home is possibly the biggest investment that you will make in your lifetime. Unfortunately, not all houses are built as soundly as they look. Based on data from over 10,000 structural claims, eighty percent of structural claims are caused by foundation movement, and most structural claims occur between four and seven years after the home was purchased.

Foundation problems can impact the safety and quality of life of home occupants. Therefore, it is critical to identify and address any foundation issues before they exacerbate. Here are some reasons you may want to think about foundation repair.

Building a Second Story

Adding another story to your home is a fantastic way to increase living space. If your house is limited by property margins, sometimes the only way to go is up. A second story will also add magnificence and character to your home, which translates to a much higher resale value. That said, second-story additions are a challenging undertaking.

A second story will weigh heavily on your foundation. Therefore, you will need to verify the foundation’s capacity and condition before planning any construction. To do this, you must consult a foundation company or structural engineer. These experts will inspect the foundation and conduct tests to evaluate how much extra load it can bear.

The foundation may need to be reinforced or upgraded to accommodate a second story. Engineers may find faults or damage in the foundation that require repair. Although the capacity of a foundation may allow for a second story, raising your building atop a damaged foundation is unsafe. Address any problems with your foundation before moving ahead.

Issues With Your Home

Even if you are not planning any major construction, foundation issues can cause problems and inconvenience throughout the property. When your house is first constructed, it is expected to settle and move a little. However, when the foundation of the house is not solid enough, the house can move more than expected, resulting in worrying issues.

Cracks in the Walls

One of the most obvious signs of a looming foundation problem is cracks in the floors, walls, or ceilings. While there are many other possible causes of minor cracks, cracks caused by foundation issues can be larger and growing continuously. Serious foundation problems can lead to walls separating from the floor or ceiling and moving away from the rest of the structure.

Problems with Doors and Windows

Another sign that your foundation may be in trouble is when you find it difficult to open and shut your doors or windows. You may find that your doors or windows have a larger than usual gap to the wall. Sometimes, this can be due to wood swelling with heat and moisture, but it can also commonly be caused by the foundation of the house gradually sinking.

Moisture Issues

If you notice saggy, soft, or uneven floorboards in your home, there is a large chance that they have been damaged by water. Poor foundation drainage can lead to water soaking into the base of the house and warping the floor. The problem can worsen as water accumulates in the foundation, causing the soil around it to expand and push against the house. Another sign of moisture issues is mold growth or musty odors.

Unusual Amount of Bugs

While bugs are a fairly common occurrence, having an unusually high number of bugs in your home can be a sign of a foundation problem as well. Flaws in your foundation create a moist environment that attracts insects such as cockroaches, centipedes, earwigs, and ants. These bugs then enter your home through the cracks in the floor.

Looking to Sell

Homeowners who are looking to sell should check the soundness of the property’s foundation and ensure that it is in prime condition. A home with obvious signs of foundation damage will receive a much lower asking price. On the other hand, the cost of fixing your foundation can be more than recouped when the property sells for a premium price.

It is best to contact a company that specializes in foundation repair for homes at least a month before you plan to list. Foundation repair professionals are in demand, so you should allow plenty of time for them to handle your case. If you list too early, the tight timeline could result in your property losing valuable days on the market.

For homes that are already on the market, the best thing to do is to have the foundation inspected and a precise estimate made. Share this information with potential buyers. Some buyers may be happy to make an offer if you can take care of the problem before the move-in date. Others may like to seek a second opinion from other repair specialists. Whatever the case, transparency can help to build buyer confidence.

Poor foundations can lead to a range of issues from sticky cabinet doors to unsightly sunken floors. Call in the experts before they get worse. Reputable foundation repair companies can inspect your home, verify the state of your foundation, and repair any problems with high-quality materials—so you can get back to enjoying your home with peace of mind.

Going to college is an exciting stage of your life. You will most likely live out of home and get to manage your finances for the first time. With new friends, a fresh environment, and classes and career paths to occupy your mind, financial planning can fall by the wayside. However, it is hard to perform well in your studies when you are constantly stressed and worried about money. Here are some pointers to help you plan your finances as you head off to college.

Create a Budget

A budget lets you have a realistic overview of your financial situation. It allows you to plan how much you can spend and save each month, and track your spending behavior. More importantly, a budget will help you to avoid overspending and missing bill payments or racking up debt. A solid budget makes it easier to make sensible lifestyle and purchase decisions.

The first thing step to creating a budget is to figure out your monthly income. This can include money from your parents, wages from your job, and student loan refund checks. Then, create a list of mandatory expenses such as rent, utilities, loan repayments, transportation costs, and groceries. Some expenses are fixed while others may vary in amount each month.

If possible, include a saving goals as a fixed expense so you can start to build your reserves. Once you know your income and your expected expenses, you can calculate your safe spending budget for the month. There are a variety of budgeting apps that you can install on your smartphone to track your expenses so you can better manage your money on the go.

Choose the Right Loan

Although student loans may seem the norm for most college students, you should explore other options to finance your studies first. The best source of funds for your college education are scholarships, grants, and work-study programs that do not require repayment. There are many opportunities available online from colleges, the government, and independent organizations.

If you are unable to secure a scholarship, try to apply for federal student aid. Federal student loans do not accrue interest while you study and may offer generous forgiveness provisions if you have issues with repayment. Your parent may also be eligible to apply for a federal parent loan—a loan issued to a parent or guardian instead of the student—to finance your studies.

Should you have to take up a private student loan, there are numerous loan providers to choose from. The best private student loans feature a low interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Look for benefits such as low fees, grace periods, and discounts for auto-pay arrangements. Remember to borrow only what you need instead of borrowing extra to fund your lifestyle.

Live Within Your Means

With all the parties and socializing in college, it can be tempting to splurge on a fun weekend or make impulse purchases. One of the biggest lessons you will learn when you have to manage your financial obligations is to live within your means. Be sure to stick to your budget instead of spending money on frivolous activities and items.

Of course, it is fine to enjoy yourself once in a while. Make concessions for it in your budget. For instance, if you want the latest game console, create a savings goal for it in your budget. Or you could designate a reasonable sum each month to give yourself a small reward. By being conscious of your limited income, you can pay off your loans and avoid creating more debt.

You can look for a paid internship or a part-time job to make use of your free time and fund your expenses. However, be sure to do so only if you have enough time for your studies. Before you sign on to a job, ensure that you will get treated fairly. You should be paid at least the federal minimum wage and are entitled to overtime pay under certain conditions.

Beware of Credit Cards

With so many transactions occurring online, credit cards are becoming a payment standard. They are also essential for building a credit score to help you secure more financial services in the future. That said, credit cards can be extremely dangerous for college students who do not manage them properly.

If you do not pay off your monthly credit card balance, you will end up accumulating credit card debt, losing money to interest repayments, and damaging your credit score. When choosing a credit card, look for one with low interest rates, no annual fees, and cashback rewards. Be sure to clear your balance at the end of every month and never spend more than you can afford in your budget.

The financial decisions you make in college can have lasting effects. When you leave college with heavy debt, it can take years to put your life goals back on track. By sticking to your budget, choosing a loan wisely, living within your means, and being careful with your credit card, you can manage your finances and leave college with a secure financial foundation.