Cynthia Madison 's Entries

• 23 Nov 2020
  Want to buy a family car? Here are 7 tips to help you get the b

  Does your family need a new car? We have a few tips on how to make sure you get the best deal.  Looking for the perfect car for your family can be a daunting experience. You’re about to make a huge and long-term investment, meaning that you want to make sure you make the right decision.  When you are buying a family car, there’s so much to consider besides its design: is there enough room for children to fit comfortably? Enough space for bulky baggage? What about safety features?  If you need some help to make sure you choose a car that is perfectly suited to your family needs, read our seven tips for purchasing a family vehicle.  Understand your budget As it is with making any other investment, the starting point is your budget because it will help determine your options.  Now, it may sound obvious that you need to know how much you can afford to pay for your new car. Yet, what most car buyers forget about when purchasing a new vehicle is that the car’s price doesn’t just represent its sticker price. You also need to take costs like licensing, registration fees, taxes, fuel, and regular maintenance into consideration when calculating your budget.  So, double-check your budget to see how much you can afford to pay for the car so that you can have enough money to pay for all these additional costs as well.  Consider your future journeys When purchasing a new family car, you also need to consider what you will be using it for so that you better understand your family’s needs.  Will you be using your new car for long commutes, rides around town, or city center driving? Depending on how much you’ll be using the car, you need to choose something more economical.  Also, if you and your family are planning to use the car for long trips around the country, you need to consider aspects like comfort, space, and easiness to drive the vehicle.  What’s more, when looking for a new car for your family, make sure you understand that your family can have different needs than other families. Sure, maybe your friends who are also parents find a certain car suitable for their family. Yet, their families’ needs are likely different than yours.  For example, maybe your friend drives a Volkswagen Golf, a car that is often marketed as an excellent family car. Yet, maybe this car isn’t quite suitable if you have a large family because this car is not that spacious. On the flip side, your friend may think that Ford Focus isn’t a good family car because it may not be suitable for their family’s needs. In that case, we recommend you knowing exactly what your family’s needs are and visiting both a Ford dealership and a Volkswagen dealership to decide on your own which car is best for you.              Choose a four-door car If you are buying a car for your family, we highly recommend you to choose a four-door body vehicle.  Think about it: a three-door car may be a suitable option at the beginning when it just you and your spouse. Yet, a baby comes on board, and after a few months of leaning in the back to install an infant seat from the driver’s door, will soon start to feel on your back. If your family is going to expand, it is time to consider a more family-friendly four-door car.  Safety features Keeping your family safe on the road is by far the most important thing to consider.  If there’s one thing you want for your family is to know that it is always safe, no matter where they are. So, when looking for a family car, make sure you consider whether or not it has high-tech safety features that will keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.  What kind of safety features should you be looking for in a car? You should look for advanced safety systems such as seat belts and child safety, autonomous emergency braking, stability control, and anti-lock brakes, reversing cameras, adaptive cruise control, auto parking, and blind-spot assist.  Look for child-friendly features Child-friendly features are not necessarily a must-have, but if you have some extra money in your budget for your family car, we recommend investing in them. What exactly are these child-friendly features? Integrated sunblinds, dark interiors which can hide stains your kids will probably make, or extra storage spaces, plus entertainment features such as built-in DVD players, Bluetooth connectivity, and speakers that provide actual surround sound.  Consider space and storage Having kids can reshape what storage means to you. When you leave on the road alone, you likely have a bag or two that perfectly fit in the trunk. But then, when kids come on board, there are a million other things you need to take with you wherever you go, from strollers to lots of essentials like baby wipes, clothes, and baby bottles.  When you leave for a trip, or even for a ride to the supermarket, with your kids in the car, there are going to be a lot more things you need to store in your car. So, when looking for a family car, make sure you consider the space and storage it offers.  Can your kids fit comfortably in the rear seats? Will the car provide enough room for all the things you need to carry around all the time? If the answer is “no,” you should look for a more spacious vehicle.  Consider running costs As mentioned above, a car costs a lot more than just its sticker price. So, when purchasing a new car, you also need to make sure that you can afford to maintain it.  Besides regular maintenance, you must also consider surprise maintenance. If the car would suddenly break and you couldn’t afford to fix it, this means that you probably can’t actually afford the car you are thinking about buying. 

  60 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  Want to buy a family car? Here are 7 tips to help you get the b

  Does your family need a new car? We have a few tips on how to make sure you get the best deal.  Looking for the perfect car for your family can be a daunting experience. You’re about to make a huge and long-term investment, meaning that you want to make sure you make the right decision.  When you are buying a family car, there’s so much to consider besides its design: is there enough room for children to fit comfortably? Enough space for bulky baggage? What about safety features?  If you need some help to make sure you choose a car that is perfectly suited to your family needs, read our seven tips for purchasing a family vehicle.  Understand your budget As it is with making any other investment, the starting point is your budget because it will help determine your options.  Now, it may sound obvious that you need to know how much you can afford to pay for your new car. Yet, what most car buyers forget about when purchasing a new vehicle is that the car’s price doesn’t just represent its sticker price. You also need to take costs like licensing, registration fees, taxes, fuel, and regular maintenance into consideration when calculating your budget.  So, double-check your budget to see how much you can afford to pay for the car so that you can have enough money to pay for all these additional costs as well.  Consider your future journeys When purchasing a new family car, you also need to consider what you will be using it for so that you better understand your family’s needs.  Will you be using your new car for long commutes, rides around town, or city center driving? Depending on how much you’ll be using the car, you need to choose something more economical.  Also, if you and your family are planning to use the car for long trips around the country, you need to consider aspects like comfort, space, and easiness to drive the vehicle.  What’s more, when looking for a new car for your family, make sure you understand that your family can have different needs than other families. Sure, maybe your friends who are also parents find a certain car suitable for their family. Yet, their families’ needs are likely different than yours.  For example, maybe your friend drives a Volkswagen Golf, a car that is often marketed as an excellent family car. Yet, maybe this car isn’t quite suitable if you have a large family because this car is not that spacious. On the flip side, your friend may think that Ford Focus isn’t a good family car because it may not be suitable for their family’s needs. In that case, we recommend you knowing exactly what your family’s needs are and visiting both a Ford dealership and a Volkswagen dealership to decide on your own which car is best for you.              Choose a four-door car If you are buying a car for your family, we highly recommend you to choose a four-door body vehicle.  Think about it: a three-door car may be a suitable option at the beginning when it just you and your spouse. Yet, a baby comes on board, and after a few months of leaning in the back to install an infant seat from the driver’s door, will soon start to feel on your back. If your family is going to expand, it is time to consider a more family-friendly four-door car.  Safety features Keeping your family safe on the road is by far the most important thing to consider.  If there’s one thing you want for your family is to know that it is always safe, no matter where they are. So, when looking for a family car, make sure you consider whether or not it has high-tech safety features that will keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.  What kind of safety features should you be looking for in a car? You should look for advanced safety systems such as seat belts and child safety, autonomous emergency braking, stability control, and anti-lock brakes, reversing cameras, adaptive cruise control, auto parking, and blind-spot assist.  Look for child-friendly features Child-friendly features are not necessarily a must-have, but if you have some extra money in your budget for your family car, we recommend investing in them. What exactly are these child-friendly features? Integrated sunblinds, dark interiors which can hide stains your kids will probably make, or extra storage spaces, plus entertainment features such as built-in DVD players, Bluetooth connectivity, and speakers that provide actual surround sound.  Consider space and storage Having kids can reshape what storage means to you. When you leave on the road alone, you likely have a bag or two that perfectly fit in the trunk. But then, when kids come on board, there are a million other things you need to take with you wherever you go, from strollers to lots of essentials like baby wipes, clothes, and baby bottles.  When you leave for a trip, or even for a ride to the supermarket, with your kids in the car, there are going to be a lot more things you need to store in your car. So, when looking for a family car, make sure you consider the space and storage it offers.  Can your kids fit comfortably in the rear seats? Will the car provide enough room for all the things you need to carry around all the time? If the answer is “no,” you should look for a more spacious vehicle.  Consider running costs As mentioned above, a car costs a lot more than just its sticker price. So, when purchasing a new car, you also need to make sure that you can afford to maintain it.  Besides regular maintenance, you must also consider surprise maintenance. If the car would suddenly break and you couldn’t afford to fix it, this means that you probably can’t actually afford the car you are thinking about buying. 

  Nov 23, 2020 60
• 28 Oct 2020
  How to Avoid Being Distracted While Driving

  Annually, thousands of people lose their lives because of distractions while they drive. Almost everyone is guilty in some way – in fact, distracted drivers are everywhere if you look around you. Whether they’re on the phone, changing the music, doing their makeup, or eating and drinking, drivers literally forget that those activities should be avoided entirely while they’re on the road. You can start by putting your phone on silent and park your car before you start eating. These are such important things to consider, although you might feel like you control everything. Driving with other passengers might make you prevent distractions, but they mustn’t become a distraction to you! Distracted driving and impaired driving are some of the biggest threats when it comes to everyone’s safety. It really doesn’t matter if you are a new or an expert driver; when you get behind the wheel, you shouldn’t be drunk, eating, or doing any other activity that doesn’t imply paying attention to the road. Innocent people’s lives are taken away daily because of distracted driving. Don’t take risks! Learn how to be a better and more focused driver. Don’t use your cellphone This probably looks familiar to you already, as using the cellphone while driving doesn’t represent a problem for any driver. But it should be used only for emergency purposes, so it’s best to pull over if your phone rings and you really need to take the call. Don’t believe that wireless earphones will save you from crashing in the traffic! Even those can still make you distracted from necessary visual or audio signals while driving. Again, social convos on the phone should not be carried while driving. Moreover, it’s against the law to do such activities while driving; you could be ticked. So, avoid handheld devices while you’re behind the wheel; it could cost your life. If you are sleepy, pull off the road If you ever feel drowsy while you drive, make sure you pull over and take a moment to refresh yourself a bit. Although this cannot compare with a nap or a few hours of good sleep, it could definitely help you avoid a crash on the side road. Sleepiness increases the risk of car accidents significantly. A study showed that 37% of drivers in the U.S. are falling asleep during their driving. If you feel tired, get off the road – trying to get home faster can make you experience horrible things. In fact, you should pull off the road whenever you want to do something that isn’t meant to be done while you’re driving. This can include taking phone calls, eating, drinking, attending your children, etc. And don’t forget to always choose a less busy street to avoid other drivers smash into you. Limit the level of your activities while driving Limiting the level of activities while driving is extremely important, as well as limiting the number of passengers you bring with you. Many countries don’t allow teen drivers to drive with other teen passengers during their first months of driving. Inexperienced teen drivers must be aware of the dangerous environment that could focus more on their friends and less on the road. This is also applicable for other drivers; The interaction with other passengers might put everyone at risk, so it’s best to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Avoid complicated tasks by using technology instead. Supply your car with proper equipment to complete your tasks, such as voice-activated systems, handheld devices, cameras and sensors, and other safety technology that can help you keep your attention to the road. Avoid eating and drinking while driving Being busy shouldn’t be an excuse to get distracted while driving. It may seem like you’re saving time if you finish your breakfast while driving, but it’s much more important to save your life. You could spill drinks and drop food, because let’s face it, no matter how multitasking we think we are, we must also be aware of this major cause of distraction. Even though you might not have enough time to finish your breakfast or lunch at home, you could pull off the road in a safe place to eat. Drivers must do only one thing while on the road: Drive! Multitasking while driving, including chatting, texting, or social media interaction, should be avoided altogether.  Get organized This is another important step for keeping you out of distractions. Remove clutter from your car, organize your documents, and properly store them before hitting the road. Finish your personal grooming at home! Give yourself enough time in the morning to finish breakfast, get dressed, apply makeup, shave, etc. It’s best to wake up earlier and get things done before you walk out of the house. This will help you avoid distractions while driving. If you don’t have enough time in the morning, bring your stuff with you and stop somewhere to finish your morning routine. Get more organized with yourself, especially while driving. Also, avoid angry drivers – if they cut you off, or make inappropriate face gestures, try to simply ignore them and continue driving. Save everything for later or before you start driving Before you start your car:   Ensure you secure all your movable objects so they don’t fall or distract you from your driving.   Place everything in a secure bag and avoid reaching those objects unless you stop the car somewhere safe.   Adjust the climate, radio, mirrors, seat, and other car’s controls beforehand.   Everyone spends most of their time in their cars, so they’ve created a habit to do all those little things done while driving, such as searching for good music, trying to reach certain objects, having phone conversations, text messaging, etc. It’s simple: don’t do it! Your priority is to focus on the road and complete any activity before you start driving. Take the necessary time to drive correctly. Your goal is to keep yourself and other passengers safe on the road. 

  655 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  How to Avoid Being Distracted While Driving

  Annually, thousands of people lose their lives because of distractions while they drive. Almost everyone is guilty in some way – in fact, distracted drivers are everywhere if you look around you. Whether they’re on the phone, changing the music, doing their makeup, or eating and drinking, drivers literally forget that those activities should be avoided entirely while they’re on the road. You can start by putting your phone on silent and park your car before you start eating. These are such important things to consider, although you might feel like you control everything. Driving with other passengers might make you prevent distractions, but they mustn’t become a distraction to you! Distracted driving and impaired driving are some of the biggest threats when it comes to everyone’s safety. It really doesn’t matter if you are a new or an expert driver; when you get behind the wheel, you shouldn’t be drunk, eating, or doing any other activity that doesn’t imply paying attention to the road. Innocent people’s lives are taken away daily because of distracted driving. Don’t take risks! Learn how to be a better and more focused driver. Don’t use your cellphone This probably looks familiar to you already, as using the cellphone while driving doesn’t represent a problem for any driver. But it should be used only for emergency purposes, so it’s best to pull over if your phone rings and you really need to take the call. Don’t believe that wireless earphones will save you from crashing in the traffic! Even those can still make you distracted from necessary visual or audio signals while driving. Again, social convos on the phone should not be carried while driving. Moreover, it’s against the law to do such activities while driving; you could be ticked. So, avoid handheld devices while you’re behind the wheel; it could cost your life. If you are sleepy, pull off the road If you ever feel drowsy while you drive, make sure you pull over and take a moment to refresh yourself a bit. Although this cannot compare with a nap or a few hours of good sleep, it could definitely help you avoid a crash on the side road. Sleepiness increases the risk of car accidents significantly. A study showed that 37% of drivers in the U.S. are falling asleep during their driving. If you feel tired, get off the road – trying to get home faster can make you experience horrible things. In fact, you should pull off the road whenever you want to do something that isn’t meant to be done while you’re driving. This can include taking phone calls, eating, drinking, attending your children, etc. And don’t forget to always choose a less busy street to avoid other drivers smash into you. Limit the level of your activities while driving Limiting the level of activities while driving is extremely important, as well as limiting the number of passengers you bring with you. Many countries don’t allow teen drivers to drive with other teen passengers during their first months of driving. Inexperienced teen drivers must be aware of the dangerous environment that could focus more on their friends and less on the road. This is also applicable for other drivers; The interaction with other passengers might put everyone at risk, so it’s best to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Avoid complicated tasks by using technology instead. Supply your car with proper equipment to complete your tasks, such as voice-activated systems, handheld devices, cameras and sensors, and other safety technology that can help you keep your attention to the road. Avoid eating and drinking while driving Being busy shouldn’t be an excuse to get distracted while driving. It may seem like you’re saving time if you finish your breakfast while driving, but it’s much more important to save your life. You could spill drinks and drop food, because let’s face it, no matter how multitasking we think we are, we must also be aware of this major cause of distraction. Even though you might not have enough time to finish your breakfast or lunch at home, you could pull off the road in a safe place to eat. Drivers must do only one thing while on the road: Drive! Multitasking while driving, including chatting, texting, or social media interaction, should be avoided altogether.  Get organized This is another important step for keeping you out of distractions. Remove clutter from your car, organize your documents, and properly store them before hitting the road. Finish your personal grooming at home! Give yourself enough time in the morning to finish breakfast, get dressed, apply makeup, shave, etc. It’s best to wake up earlier and get things done before you walk out of the house. This will help you avoid distractions while driving. If you don’t have enough time in the morning, bring your stuff with you and stop somewhere to finish your morning routine. Get more organized with yourself, especially while driving. Also, avoid angry drivers – if they cut you off, or make inappropriate face gestures, try to simply ignore them and continue driving. Save everything for later or before you start driving Before you start your car:   Ensure you secure all your movable objects so they don’t fall or distract you from your driving.   Place everything in a secure bag and avoid reaching those objects unless you stop the car somewhere safe.   Adjust the climate, radio, mirrors, seat, and other car’s controls beforehand.   Everyone spends most of their time in their cars, so they’ve created a habit to do all those little things done while driving, such as searching for good music, trying to reach certain objects, having phone conversations, text messaging, etc. It’s simple: don’t do it! Your priority is to focus on the road and complete any activity before you start driving. Take the necessary time to drive correctly. Your goal is to keep yourself and other passengers safe on the road. 

  Oct 28, 2020 655
• 27 Oct 2020
  Office Upgrade: Small Changes That Can Boost Your Productivity

  For home-workers, the central part of their work-life is the home office. For some, that would mean the kitchen table; for most of us, a specific room to be the headquarters of operations and try to work from there each day. Now that we have to consider strategy before tactics, it makes sense that we should make it the room we enjoy being in, and also a space that gets us in a productive flow state, and by considering these things provide a strategic framework to hacks, we can implement in the office. At home, you have control over least most of the features of your environment, while in a corporate environment, you’ve pretty much just got your desk to upgrade. With that said, we decided to take a look at the best work habits, design, and office improvement ideas that are not only suitable for remote working but create an ideal, concentration-boosting environment. What puts you in a productive mood?  That's a central question to defining your work environment. Maybe being reminded of your goals, your purpose – the reason you do this each day- is enough to get your creative juices flowing—a great way to start upgrading your working space by reminding yourself of these goals every day. Perhaps there is a minimalist approach that puts you in the right mindset, so pop all the pads and pens on your desk in a cupboard and get rid of those browser shortcuts on your desktop.  If you can't find your "why" – you can't bear your "how." So as long as you can't identify the things that trigger your productive flow, you'll have a rough time improving your office on anything more than an aesthetic level.  Lighting and color.  Lighting, believe it or not, can considerably impact the way you concentrate and do your work. Today, according to recent studies, it seems that the lighting system in the working environment has a deeper impact on our lives than we had ever known.  What's more, according to a study, Philips claims that there is a valuable connection between light and circadian rhythms, also known as "build-in-clocks," which is what determines our relaxation, sleep cycle, and stimulation. Not only that, but the light has also been proved to decrease depression as well as improve our mood, energy, productivity, and alertness.  As for colors, it's been said that the color of walls in a working environment can influence not only your mood but it can also cause more arguments and stress in a relationship (yellow being that color). In case your home office happens to be painted with an aggravating shade, then repaint it. If the current color does nothing for you either way – find a color that influences you, which puts you in a productive and relaxed mood.  A good chair.  It's quite simple to overlook the effects of your working space on your ability to be productive. If you're currently using a dining or deck chair, which supposedly isn't made at the proper high, they don't necessarily encourage the needed working posture.  Consider an adjustable professional chair such as those from Aeron, where you can set the right fit for your workspace and body. However, these chairs typically reach $600 or more- but there are also more affordable alternatives around $150 and $250 that will do the thing.  Be sure you test them personally, if possible, and reach for one with adjustable height that can roll and offer enough lumbar support for your needs. An armrest is also ideal, but only if you know to use it properly.  Proper monitor height.  Invest in a large monitor (maybe two) for your small productive corner- just as you would at the corporate office. Not only a larger monitor would go surprisingly well with your new setup, but it will encourage you to be more proactive during your most demanding tasks. Remember to keep a phone only for working purposes as you don't want to mix your professional pressure with at-home pressure- if your budget is limited, you can find one on those buy now pay later phones no credit check websites.  As for your monitors, those from Asus and Acer came up with ideal 24-to 27-inch monitors, but any major brand will offer high-quality monitors. What to avoid? Don't skimp on buying the cheapest product as they can easily lead to eye strain over time due to their lower resolution and thus amplified fuzziness. Although display resolutions are only available in a whole alphabet soup of terms, you should look for one that offers you desired higher sharpness, such as QHD, QWXGA, WQHD, or 4K. Broadly speaking, the display connector may reduce the screen resolution, which can make screens larger than 25-inch appear quite fuzzy. But if you're aiming at the best video quality, then look for monitors and computers that support HDMI 2.x, USB-C connectors, or DisplayPort.  Good internet connection.  Most suburban and urban areas come up with at least one high-speed internet provider; 50Mbps is the minimum speed available, and the more internet users this provider has in one place, the more you want to get a higher-speed.  What's to note is that your bandwidth within your house matter, as well as some of the best connections, are wired Ethernet, so if that's possible, try to connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable – WI-FI works great too, but that's only for basic office work, therefore you can't connect your PC to the router, try WI-FI.  When it comes to the perfect home-office setup, there are no hard-and-fast rules. There are only hacks for productivity and small upgrades that work for each of us. If these upgrades don't work for you, that's fine – you got the liberty to experiment until you find what works best for you. What matters the most is being happy and motivated in your home office and that you never stop trying to improve it.    

  931 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  Office Upgrade: Small Changes That Can Boost Your Productivity

  For home-workers, the central part of their work-life is the home office. For some, that would mean the kitchen table; for most of us, a specific room to be the headquarters of operations and try to work from there each day. Now that we have to consider strategy before tactics, it makes sense that we should make it the room we enjoy being in, and also a space that gets us in a productive flow state, and by considering these things provide a strategic framework to hacks, we can implement in the office. At home, you have control over least most of the features of your environment, while in a corporate environment, you’ve pretty much just got your desk to upgrade. With that said, we decided to take a look at the best work habits, design, and office improvement ideas that are not only suitable for remote working but create an ideal, concentration-boosting environment. What puts you in a productive mood?  That's a central question to defining your work environment. Maybe being reminded of your goals, your purpose – the reason you do this each day- is enough to get your creative juices flowing—a great way to start upgrading your working space by reminding yourself of these goals every day. Perhaps there is a minimalist approach that puts you in the right mindset, so pop all the pads and pens on your desk in a cupboard and get rid of those browser shortcuts on your desktop.  If you can't find your "why" – you can't bear your "how." So as long as you can't identify the things that trigger your productive flow, you'll have a rough time improving your office on anything more than an aesthetic level.  Lighting and color.  Lighting, believe it or not, can considerably impact the way you concentrate and do your work. Today, according to recent studies, it seems that the lighting system in the working environment has a deeper impact on our lives than we had ever known.  What's more, according to a study, Philips claims that there is a valuable connection between light and circadian rhythms, also known as "build-in-clocks," which is what determines our relaxation, sleep cycle, and stimulation. Not only that, but the light has also been proved to decrease depression as well as improve our mood, energy, productivity, and alertness.  As for colors, it's been said that the color of walls in a working environment can influence not only your mood but it can also cause more arguments and stress in a relationship (yellow being that color). In case your home office happens to be painted with an aggravating shade, then repaint it. If the current color does nothing for you either way – find a color that influences you, which puts you in a productive and relaxed mood.  A good chair.  It's quite simple to overlook the effects of your working space on your ability to be productive. If you're currently using a dining or deck chair, which supposedly isn't made at the proper high, they don't necessarily encourage the needed working posture.  Consider an adjustable professional chair such as those from Aeron, where you can set the right fit for your workspace and body. However, these chairs typically reach $600 or more- but there are also more affordable alternatives around $150 and $250 that will do the thing.  Be sure you test them personally, if possible, and reach for one with adjustable height that can roll and offer enough lumbar support for your needs. An armrest is also ideal, but only if you know to use it properly.  Proper monitor height.  Invest in a large monitor (maybe two) for your small productive corner- just as you would at the corporate office. Not only a larger monitor would go surprisingly well with your new setup, but it will encourage you to be more proactive during your most demanding tasks. Remember to keep a phone only for working purposes as you don't want to mix your professional pressure with at-home pressure- if your budget is limited, you can find one on those buy now pay later phones no credit check websites.  As for your monitors, those from Asus and Acer came up with ideal 24-to 27-inch monitors, but any major brand will offer high-quality monitors. What to avoid? Don't skimp on buying the cheapest product as they can easily lead to eye strain over time due to their lower resolution and thus amplified fuzziness. Although display resolutions are only available in a whole alphabet soup of terms, you should look for one that offers you desired higher sharpness, such as QHD, QWXGA, WQHD, or 4K. Broadly speaking, the display connector may reduce the screen resolution, which can make screens larger than 25-inch appear quite fuzzy. But if you're aiming at the best video quality, then look for monitors and computers that support HDMI 2.x, USB-C connectors, or DisplayPort.  Good internet connection.  Most suburban and urban areas come up with at least one high-speed internet provider; 50Mbps is the minimum speed available, and the more internet users this provider has in one place, the more you want to get a higher-speed.  What's to note is that your bandwidth within your house matter, as well as some of the best connections, are wired Ethernet, so if that's possible, try to connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable – WI-FI works great too, but that's only for basic office work, therefore you can't connect your PC to the router, try WI-FI.  When it comes to the perfect home-office setup, there are no hard-and-fast rules. There are only hacks for productivity and small upgrades that work for each of us. If these upgrades don't work for you, that's fine – you got the liberty to experiment until you find what works best for you. What matters the most is being happy and motivated in your home office and that you never stop trying to improve it.    

  Oct 27, 2020 931
• 29 Sep 2020
  5 Tips on Planning Your First Vacation as a Couple

  For the past few months, you’ve been scrolling through your social media, looking at photos of your friends with their significant others frolicking on beaches in exotic destinations. You felt a little bit of envy, but you decided that it’s way too soon to go on a vacation as a couple. You hadn’t been together for that long, and you needed more time to get to know each other. But now you feel ready. You’ve waited long enough! You’re excited and nervous at the same time. You know that this is an important milestone, and you’ll always remember your first trip together. When you look back, you want your memories to revolve around romantic walks and deep conversation against a backdrop of breath-taking scenery. You certainly don’t want them to include huge fights caused by the many things that can go awry when traveling. Although traveling as a couple for the first time has its challenges, with our list of tips, you can avoid unnecessary tension and spend your time enjoying each other’s company. Where Should We Go? Most likely, you have a list of countries you’d like to visit, and so does your partner. If you compare two lists of at least ten possible options, chances are you’re going to find some matches. Once you agree on a country, you can start discussing what region and what activities you’re most interested in.  This is also a great opportunity to find out more about each other. As in any aspect of a relationship, it’s important to keep an open mind and compromise. Even the most compatible couple won’t be 100% interested in the same activities. As long as you allocate an equal amount of time so you both can enjoy your vacation, you’ll be off to a great start.  Set a Budget  Money is one of the most common things couples fight about, so you’ll want to set a budget before you leave. If you don’t have similar income levels, the partner with a higher income might expect to stay at a five-star hotel and splurge on luxury adventures. If you make less money than your partner, tell them that although you also want them to have a good time, you simply can’t afford X, Y, or Z activities.  On the other hand, if you’re the one that makes more money and you insist on some things that your partner can’t afford, you should be prepared to pay for them without making them feel bad. You’re certainly not required to split everything equally, but you’ll need to agree on a fair ratio.  Make a Rough Itinerary Your itinerary will depend on your destination and budget. As we mentioned before, your definitions of a good time won’t match perfectly, so it’s essential to discuss it before you leave so you don’t risk having fights while you’re there. Ask your partner what the top five things that they would like to do on this vacation are. Make your own list and then compare notes.  Don’t plan your day to the last minute because you may be able to power through the first three or four days, but eventually, you’ll get tired and cranky. And aren’t vacations supposed to be about relaxing? Regarding activities, on some things, if they don’t take a lot of time, you can go solo. For example, you like visiting history museums, and your partner doesn’t. They like walking around the city, taking photos. You could spend a couple of hours at the museum while they walk around. Still, most of your activities you’ll be doing together, and you may not even be used to spending that much time together.   Once again, you’ll have to compromise. Maybe you think an activity is stupid or boring, but it’s important to your partner, and it’s their vacation too. This is one of the great things about relationships. You get to try new things, and you may even discover that you enjoy them. Think of it as an opportunity to dive into their world and form a stronger bond.  You Don’t Have to Spend Every Waking Minute Together No matter how much two people love each other, they probably don’t want to spend every waking minute together. Since this is your first trip, it might be the first time you’re together 24/7 for so long. For this reason, if you’re planning a longer trip, let’s say a week, you may want to forego the hotel and look for alternative accommodation. You’ll find lots of options. You can rent an apartment, a villa, or you can find a home exchange platform.  It’s usually cheaper, but the main advantage is that you’ll have more space and more privacy, instead of having to share just one room in a hotel. This way, you can have a bit of space and time for yourself when you feel like you need it.  Set Realistic Expectations  When you go on your first trip as a couple, it’s quite easy to get carried away and form these elaborate fantasies of everything being so romantic and magical all the time. If you leave with such high expectations, you’ll feel disappointed and frustrated when you realize that it’s more like a normal vacation and less like a Disney movie.  Even if this is the first time you travel with your partner, you’ve traveled before. You know that things can get awry. Your flight can get delayed. Your luggage can get lost. Maybe you’ll get a sunburn, food poisoning, or catch a cold. We don’t need to go over all the bad things that could happen because then we’d be going to the other extreme. The point is that it’ not going to be perfect, but that doesn’t matter.  Remember why you’re there. You want to have a good time with your SO and form a deeper connection. When you keep this in mind, any mishap can turn into an opportunity to show how much you care about each other and learn to work as a team. With the right attitude, you can find romance and joy in imperfect moments.  

  1146 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  5 Tips on Planning Your First Vacation as a Couple

  For the past few months, you’ve been scrolling through your social media, looking at photos of your friends with their significant others frolicking on beaches in exotic destinations. You felt a little bit of envy, but you decided that it’s way too soon to go on a vacation as a couple. You hadn’t been together for that long, and you needed more time to get to know each other. But now you feel ready. You’ve waited long enough! You’re excited and nervous at the same time. You know that this is an important milestone, and you’ll always remember your first trip together. When you look back, you want your memories to revolve around romantic walks and deep conversation against a backdrop of breath-taking scenery. You certainly don’t want them to include huge fights caused by the many things that can go awry when traveling. Although traveling as a couple for the first time has its challenges, with our list of tips, you can avoid unnecessary tension and spend your time enjoying each other’s company. Where Should We Go? Most likely, you have a list of countries you’d like to visit, and so does your partner. If you compare two lists of at least ten possible options, chances are you’re going to find some matches. Once you agree on a country, you can start discussing what region and what activities you’re most interested in.  This is also a great opportunity to find out more about each other. As in any aspect of a relationship, it’s important to keep an open mind and compromise. Even the most compatible couple won’t be 100% interested in the same activities. As long as you allocate an equal amount of time so you both can enjoy your vacation, you’ll be off to a great start.  Set a Budget  Money is one of the most common things couples fight about, so you’ll want to set a budget before you leave. If you don’t have similar income levels, the partner with a higher income might expect to stay at a five-star hotel and splurge on luxury adventures. If you make less money than your partner, tell them that although you also want them to have a good time, you simply can’t afford X, Y, or Z activities.  On the other hand, if you’re the one that makes more money and you insist on some things that your partner can’t afford, you should be prepared to pay for them without making them feel bad. You’re certainly not required to split everything equally, but you’ll need to agree on a fair ratio.  Make a Rough Itinerary Your itinerary will depend on your destination and budget. As we mentioned before, your definitions of a good time won’t match perfectly, so it’s essential to discuss it before you leave so you don’t risk having fights while you’re there. Ask your partner what the top five things that they would like to do on this vacation are. Make your own list and then compare notes.  Don’t plan your day to the last minute because you may be able to power through the first three or four days, but eventually, you’ll get tired and cranky. And aren’t vacations supposed to be about relaxing? Regarding activities, on some things, if they don’t take a lot of time, you can go solo. For example, you like visiting history museums, and your partner doesn’t. They like walking around the city, taking photos. You could spend a couple of hours at the museum while they walk around. Still, most of your activities you’ll be doing together, and you may not even be used to spending that much time together.   Once again, you’ll have to compromise. Maybe you think an activity is stupid or boring, but it’s important to your partner, and it’s their vacation too. This is one of the great things about relationships. You get to try new things, and you may even discover that you enjoy them. Think of it as an opportunity to dive into their world and form a stronger bond.  You Don’t Have to Spend Every Waking Minute Together No matter how much two people love each other, they probably don’t want to spend every waking minute together. Since this is your first trip, it might be the first time you’re together 24/7 for so long. For this reason, if you’re planning a longer trip, let’s say a week, you may want to forego the hotel and look for alternative accommodation. You’ll find lots of options. You can rent an apartment, a villa, or you can find a home exchange platform.  It’s usually cheaper, but the main advantage is that you’ll have more space and more privacy, instead of having to share just one room in a hotel. This way, you can have a bit of space and time for yourself when you feel like you need it.  Set Realistic Expectations  When you go on your first trip as a couple, it’s quite easy to get carried away and form these elaborate fantasies of everything being so romantic and magical all the time. If you leave with such high expectations, you’ll feel disappointed and frustrated when you realize that it’s more like a normal vacation and less like a Disney movie.  Even if this is the first time you travel with your partner, you’ve traveled before. You know that things can get awry. Your flight can get delayed. Your luggage can get lost. Maybe you’ll get a sunburn, food poisoning, or catch a cold. We don’t need to go over all the bad things that could happen because then we’d be going to the other extreme. The point is that it’ not going to be perfect, but that doesn’t matter.  Remember why you’re there. You want to have a good time with your SO and form a deeper connection. When you keep this in mind, any mishap can turn into an opportunity to show how much you care about each other and learn to work as a team. With the right attitude, you can find romance and joy in imperfect moments.  

  Sep 29, 2020 1146
• 16 Sep 2020
  Overcoming Learned Helplessness

  Have you ever gone through periods where you got the sense that nothing you do has much impact on what's going on in your life? Did you feel ready to give up? When bad things happen to us, we all would like to believe that we'd do anything in our power to change things for the better, but it's not easy to stay strong when you're relentlessly subjected to challenging circumstances. We try to hold on, but at some point, we get tired of struggling. If all of this sounds familiar, you may have experienced what psychologists call "learned helplessness", a concept that's been observed in both humans as well as other animals and which we will explore in this article. We will discuss what learned helplessness is, its causes and what you can do to overcome it.  What Is Learned Helplessness? The concept of "learned helplessness" emerged in 1967 after a series of experiments on animals carried out by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven F. Maier. They conditioned dogs by administering a mild shock whenever they heard a bell ring. Right now, you're probably thinking of ethical concerns regarding the use of animals in this type of research, but you need to keep in mind that these were different times.  After the dogs were conditioned, they were put in a large crate divided in two by a low fence. One side of the crate was wired to give mild shocks while the other side wasn't. To escape the shocks, the dogs would only have to hop the low fence and get to the safe side, but they didn't. They stayed put and simply took the chocks. The psychologists attributed this behaviour to the dogs having been conditioned that there was nothing they could do to stop the shocks because when they did the test on dogs that had not been conditioned, they easily jumped over the fence.  Since then, the concept of learned helplessness has been demonstrated on different animal species, including humans.  Learned Helplessness in Children and Adults When it comes to people, learned helplessness often stems from childhood experiences. For example, children raised in institutionalized settings or by unreliable and unresponsive caregivers often exhibit symptoms of this behavioural pattern.  In this sort of environment, children go through repeated experiences that reinforce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. They may grow up with the belief that there is nothing they can do to change their problems, and they have to accept them as if these problems were their fate.  Common signed of learned helplessness in children include: Passivity Low self-esteem Poor motivation Frustration Procrastination Lack of effort Giving up Not asking for help Learned helplessness in children is also strongly linked to academic struggles. If a child makes efforts to do well in school and get good grades, but despite his or her efforts, they still do poorly, they might reach the conclusion that their performance is out of their control which will affect their self-worth.  They'll start to believe that they simply don't have what it takes to succeed, lose motivation, stop trying, and their grades will suffer even more. This learned helplessness regarding academic performance can, in turn, negatively impact their career prospects and affect their confidence and sense of self-worth as adults. In adults, we see signs of learned helplessness when a person doesn't learn or use adaptive responses when faced with difficult situations. They fail to resolve an issue despite there being a potential solution because they believe that bad things will happen no matter what they do, and since they have such little control, they should just accept it.  To give an example of learned helplessness in adults, victims of domestic abuse often hesitate to leave their abuser even if help and support are available because they develop a belief that they cannot escape this type of situation.  However, not everyone that goes through this type of experiences develops patterns of learned helplessness, and it appears that an individual's explanatory style plays a key role. The explanatory style, as the name suggests, is the way someone explains events to themselves. Individuals with a pessimistic explanatory style are more likely to experience learned helplessness because it causes them to view negative events as an unavoidable result of their shortcomings.  Learned Helplessness and Mental Health Learned helplessness may lead to higher levels of anxiety and can influence the persistence and severity of mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression. Moreover, learned helplessness might cause people experiencing anxiety and depression to see their symptoms as unavoidable and untreatable, so they refuse treatment. They enter a vicious circle where their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness intensify symptoms of anxiety or depression which in turn intensify their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, convincing them that there's nothing they can do to improve their quality of life.  In reality, people can overcome learned helplessness and the most common and effective form of treatment is therapy, in particular, CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  Throughout their therapy sessions, a person with patterns of learned helplessness can: Explore the origins of their learned helplessness Identify the thought patterns that contribute to their learned helplessness Identify behavioural patterns that reinforce learned helplessness Replace these thoughts and behaviours with more beneficial ones Learn techniques that can decrease the distress caused by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness Learn to work through difficult emotions Talk about abuse, neglect or trauma they may have experienced Receive support and encouragement Learn how to set goals for themselves and how to follow through Ultimately, learned helplessness is a conditioned response – a response learned via associations between past experiences and current ones. If a behaviour is rewarded or reinforced, we are likely to repeat it, and if we are punished for the same behaviour, we will avoid it in the future. This means that the key to breaking out of this pattern of learned helplessness is to unlearn the associations that made us believe that our efforts are futile and we should just accept whatever negative factors are decreasing our quality of life.

  1339 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  Overcoming Learned Helplessness

  Have you ever gone through periods where you got the sense that nothing you do has much impact on what's going on in your life? Did you feel ready to give up? When bad things happen to us, we all would like to believe that we'd do anything in our power to change things for the better, but it's not easy to stay strong when you're relentlessly subjected to challenging circumstances. We try to hold on, but at some point, we get tired of struggling. If all of this sounds familiar, you may have experienced what psychologists call "learned helplessness", a concept that's been observed in both humans as well as other animals and which we will explore in this article. We will discuss what learned helplessness is, its causes and what you can do to overcome it.  What Is Learned Helplessness? The concept of "learned helplessness" emerged in 1967 after a series of experiments on animals carried out by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven F. Maier. They conditioned dogs by administering a mild shock whenever they heard a bell ring. Right now, you're probably thinking of ethical concerns regarding the use of animals in this type of research, but you need to keep in mind that these were different times.  After the dogs were conditioned, they were put in a large crate divided in two by a low fence. One side of the crate was wired to give mild shocks while the other side wasn't. To escape the shocks, the dogs would only have to hop the low fence and get to the safe side, but they didn't. They stayed put and simply took the chocks. The psychologists attributed this behaviour to the dogs having been conditioned that there was nothing they could do to stop the shocks because when they did the test on dogs that had not been conditioned, they easily jumped over the fence.  Since then, the concept of learned helplessness has been demonstrated on different animal species, including humans.  Learned Helplessness in Children and Adults When it comes to people, learned helplessness often stems from childhood experiences. For example, children raised in institutionalized settings or by unreliable and unresponsive caregivers often exhibit symptoms of this behavioural pattern.  In this sort of environment, children go through repeated experiences that reinforce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. They may grow up with the belief that there is nothing they can do to change their problems, and they have to accept them as if these problems were their fate.  Common signed of learned helplessness in children include: Passivity Low self-esteem Poor motivation Frustration Procrastination Lack of effort Giving up Not asking for help Learned helplessness in children is also strongly linked to academic struggles. If a child makes efforts to do well in school and get good grades, but despite his or her efforts, they still do poorly, they might reach the conclusion that their performance is out of their control which will affect their self-worth.  They'll start to believe that they simply don't have what it takes to succeed, lose motivation, stop trying, and their grades will suffer even more. This learned helplessness regarding academic performance can, in turn, negatively impact their career prospects and affect their confidence and sense of self-worth as adults. In adults, we see signs of learned helplessness when a person doesn't learn or use adaptive responses when faced with difficult situations. They fail to resolve an issue despite there being a potential solution because they believe that bad things will happen no matter what they do, and since they have such little control, they should just accept it.  To give an example of learned helplessness in adults, victims of domestic abuse often hesitate to leave their abuser even if help and support are available because they develop a belief that they cannot escape this type of situation.  However, not everyone that goes through this type of experiences develops patterns of learned helplessness, and it appears that an individual's explanatory style plays a key role. The explanatory style, as the name suggests, is the way someone explains events to themselves. Individuals with a pessimistic explanatory style are more likely to experience learned helplessness because it causes them to view negative events as an unavoidable result of their shortcomings.  Learned Helplessness and Mental Health Learned helplessness may lead to higher levels of anxiety and can influence the persistence and severity of mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression. Moreover, learned helplessness might cause people experiencing anxiety and depression to see their symptoms as unavoidable and untreatable, so they refuse treatment. They enter a vicious circle where their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness intensify symptoms of anxiety or depression which in turn intensify their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, convincing them that there's nothing they can do to improve their quality of life.  In reality, people can overcome learned helplessness and the most common and effective form of treatment is therapy, in particular, CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  Throughout their therapy sessions, a person with patterns of learned helplessness can: Explore the origins of their learned helplessness Identify the thought patterns that contribute to their learned helplessness Identify behavioural patterns that reinforce learned helplessness Replace these thoughts and behaviours with more beneficial ones Learn techniques that can decrease the distress caused by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness Learn to work through difficult emotions Talk about abuse, neglect or trauma they may have experienced Receive support and encouragement Learn how to set goals for themselves and how to follow through Ultimately, learned helplessness is a conditioned response – a response learned via associations between past experiences and current ones. If a behaviour is rewarded or reinforced, we are likely to repeat it, and if we are punished for the same behaviour, we will avoid it in the future. This means that the key to breaking out of this pattern of learned helplessness is to unlearn the associations that made us believe that our efforts are futile and we should just accept whatever negative factors are decreasing our quality of life.

  Sep 16, 2020 1339
• 18 Aug 2020
  Don't Feel Like It? Top 3 Workout Motivation Tips

  It's easy to start making plans to exercise. Either it's your New Year's resolution for the fifth year in a row, or maybe you watched a motivational video and told yourself you're going to start going to the gym. Several weeks later you either never started, or you're on an indefinite break. You're not alone. We've all been there. Motivation is very finicky and usually deserts us when we need it the most. Part of the problem is the way we view motivation. We keep thinking it will just come to us. One day we wake up, and suddenly we'll feel like it. From that moment everything will change. Reality, as you probably already know, doesn't work that way. In fact, more often than not, if we feel even a tiny bit of enthusiasm, what immediately pops into our minds is some excuse why we should postpone it. When it comes to exercising, the truth is that, at least in the beginning, you're never going to feel like it. Motivation will be something you need to create for yourself. Breaking Down Barriers The first step to creating motivation is to break down your mental barriers. What's stopping you from exercising? We're all too familiar with our excuses: we're too tired right now, it's such a busy time at work, it's raining today and tomorrow it will be sunny, it's better to start on a sunny day, it's sunny today, but it's too hot, etc.  But what are the real reasons you don't exercise? Let's look at some of the common ones. It's Unfamiliar If you're not used to exercising regularly, it can be quite intimidating. Unfortunately, any workout routine is hardest in the beginning when you're out of shape. Perhaps you've started and quit several times because you felt exhausted. Then, whenever you're going through a stressful period, you ask yourself: How am I going to fit this into my already busy schedule? And the answer is you don't. What's the solution? Start with manageable goals until you form a habit. Once you find a routine that you can manage both in terms of time and energy, you won't be as tempted to quit. As your fitness level increases, you will find it easier to increase the intensity of your workout without losing motivation. Life Is Sedentary Our modern lives don't give us many opportunities to exercise. You can't get a lot of things done without much physical activity. You work in an office, so you sit all day. You're not moving that much, but it's intellectually demanding and leaves you feeling drained. Then you drive home. You're too tired to cook, so you order takeout. Actually, you can even order your groceries. If you were raised in an active family and you're used to an active lifestyle, you won't have as much difficulty sticking to your fitness goals. But if you don't have that foundation, you have to start from scratch. We View Exercise as a Luxury   Although we know that getting enough exercise is essential to maintaining our health, we still view it as a luxury. As an adult with more responsibilities than you could ever dream of and endless to-do lists, you almost feel guilty when you take the time to go jogging or to a Zumba class. It feels selfish. So you tell yourself you get enough exercise running after the kids and cleaning the house. Then you start thinking about shortcuts. Pills, diets, gadgets, plastic surgery – anything that promises to deliver the same results but without actually exercising. We have to start thinking about regular exercise as a necessity rather than a hobby. The same way you need to brush your teeth, you need to exercise. Give it Meaning Once you've broken down your barriers, you'll want to set some goals. Most people have some sort of goal in mind when they decide to start exercising. Maybe it's losing weight, building muscle mass or simply staying healthy. It's good to have future goals, but if you want to stay motivated, you need more than that. You need to give it meaning. What does losing weight, building muscle mass or staying healthy mean to you? What value does it have? Since it may take many months to achieve these goals, you need to find something that can keep you going every step of the way. You'll also want to focus on the more immediate benefits of exercising like how it reduces stress, gives you more energy, helps you focus and sleep better. Then you'll want to write down daily and weekly goals. For example, you can start by walking 20 minutes per day for a week, and the next week you'll increase it to 25. You need to always know what you're working for – small goals, big goals and why it means so much to you. Our last tip is to experiment and find what works for you. Most people just try to imitate the mainstream idea of exercise. If that doesn't suit you, it doesn't mean you have to give up altogether. Let's say you don't like going to the gym. You don't have any good gyms close by, and you don't have the time to commute. Moreover, having to exercise in front of other people makes you uncomfortable. Then don't go to the gym. That's not the only option. The same technology that keeps us sedentary can help us find new ways to become more active. You can try virtual fitness classes, maybe play fitness video games, find video tutorials you like. If you get bored while exercising, you could get a treadmill or stationary bike and watch your favourite TV show while exercising. This works even better if you allow yourself to watch the show only when you exercise. You want something more social but still not the gym? How about taking dancing classes? Forget the rules. You need to start with something you like. Something that doesn't feel like a chore. As we said before, gradually your fitness level will increase, you'll have more energy, and you can build more intense workout routines.  

  1969 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  Don't Feel Like It? Top 3 Workout Motivation Tips

  It's easy to start making plans to exercise. Either it's your New Year's resolution for the fifth year in a row, or maybe you watched a motivational video and told yourself you're going to start going to the gym. Several weeks later you either never started, or you're on an indefinite break. You're not alone. We've all been there. Motivation is very finicky and usually deserts us when we need it the most. Part of the problem is the way we view motivation. We keep thinking it will just come to us. One day we wake up, and suddenly we'll feel like it. From that moment everything will change. Reality, as you probably already know, doesn't work that way. In fact, more often than not, if we feel even a tiny bit of enthusiasm, what immediately pops into our minds is some excuse why we should postpone it. When it comes to exercising, the truth is that, at least in the beginning, you're never going to feel like it. Motivation will be something you need to create for yourself. Breaking Down Barriers The first step to creating motivation is to break down your mental barriers. What's stopping you from exercising? We're all too familiar with our excuses: we're too tired right now, it's such a busy time at work, it's raining today and tomorrow it will be sunny, it's better to start on a sunny day, it's sunny today, but it's too hot, etc.  But what are the real reasons you don't exercise? Let's look at some of the common ones. It's Unfamiliar If you're not used to exercising regularly, it can be quite intimidating. Unfortunately, any workout routine is hardest in the beginning when you're out of shape. Perhaps you've started and quit several times because you felt exhausted. Then, whenever you're going through a stressful period, you ask yourself: How am I going to fit this into my already busy schedule? And the answer is you don't. What's the solution? Start with manageable goals until you form a habit. Once you find a routine that you can manage both in terms of time and energy, you won't be as tempted to quit. As your fitness level increases, you will find it easier to increase the intensity of your workout without losing motivation. Life Is Sedentary Our modern lives don't give us many opportunities to exercise. You can't get a lot of things done without much physical activity. You work in an office, so you sit all day. You're not moving that much, but it's intellectually demanding and leaves you feeling drained. Then you drive home. You're too tired to cook, so you order takeout. Actually, you can even order your groceries. If you were raised in an active family and you're used to an active lifestyle, you won't have as much difficulty sticking to your fitness goals. But if you don't have that foundation, you have to start from scratch. We View Exercise as a Luxury   Although we know that getting enough exercise is essential to maintaining our health, we still view it as a luxury. As an adult with more responsibilities than you could ever dream of and endless to-do lists, you almost feel guilty when you take the time to go jogging or to a Zumba class. It feels selfish. So you tell yourself you get enough exercise running after the kids and cleaning the house. Then you start thinking about shortcuts. Pills, diets, gadgets, plastic surgery – anything that promises to deliver the same results but without actually exercising. We have to start thinking about regular exercise as a necessity rather than a hobby. The same way you need to brush your teeth, you need to exercise. Give it Meaning Once you've broken down your barriers, you'll want to set some goals. Most people have some sort of goal in mind when they decide to start exercising. Maybe it's losing weight, building muscle mass or simply staying healthy. It's good to have future goals, but if you want to stay motivated, you need more than that. You need to give it meaning. What does losing weight, building muscle mass or staying healthy mean to you? What value does it have? Since it may take many months to achieve these goals, you need to find something that can keep you going every step of the way. You'll also want to focus on the more immediate benefits of exercising like how it reduces stress, gives you more energy, helps you focus and sleep better. Then you'll want to write down daily and weekly goals. For example, you can start by walking 20 minutes per day for a week, and the next week you'll increase it to 25. You need to always know what you're working for – small goals, big goals and why it means so much to you. Our last tip is to experiment and find what works for you. Most people just try to imitate the mainstream idea of exercise. If that doesn't suit you, it doesn't mean you have to give up altogether. Let's say you don't like going to the gym. You don't have any good gyms close by, and you don't have the time to commute. Moreover, having to exercise in front of other people makes you uncomfortable. Then don't go to the gym. That's not the only option. The same technology that keeps us sedentary can help us find new ways to become more active. You can try virtual fitness classes, maybe play fitness video games, find video tutorials you like. If you get bored while exercising, you could get a treadmill or stationary bike and watch your favourite TV show while exercising. This works even better if you allow yourself to watch the show only when you exercise. You want something more social but still not the gym? How about taking dancing classes? Forget the rules. You need to start with something you like. Something that doesn't feel like a chore. As we said before, gradually your fitness level will increase, you'll have more energy, and you can build more intense workout routines.  

  Aug 18, 2020 1969
• 07 Aug 2020
  6 Successfully Tips to Work from Home

  Working from home can be great until your pet throws up on your computer, and your neighbor starts renovating their apartment, using all kinds of noisy machinery. Some of us think that working from home is a luxury. Indeed, nothing compares with working from the comfort of our home. However, in the office, your coworkers may often distract you by inviting you to lunch, engaging in conversations, etc. It can be a considerable drawback to get your work done.  Of course, it is helpful to be socially active in the workplace, but you can become easily distracted. At home, it’s easier for you to create a workplace and not be surrounded by coworkers. However, working from home can make you become your worst enemy. Coworkers might not surround you, but you are free to do whatever you want. Not feeling the same pressure to get stuff done may transform you into a lazy and unproductive person. But these issues can be avoided if you follow this great work from home tips. Wake up early! If you want to be productive and finish all your work in time, make sure you get up early in the morning. Set up a few alarms, and make sure you don't fall asleep! Morning sleep is the most confusing, so get started early. When working in an office, you know you have to get up early and get ready. It can help you be prepared in time, as late people are considered unorganized. At home, however, the distance from the bed and desk might seem incredibly long. You may not believe it, but working from home and remain productive is possible. Diving into your tasks as soon as you wake up can be the key to making progress throughout the day. So, wake up, put on a cup of coffee, and start working.  Act like you’re going to the office Pretending you're going to the office can help you be a lot more productive. There's no reason you shouldn't do it if it enables you to be mentally prepared for your daily working tasks. Do all the things you would typically do if you would go to the office. Set up your alarm, get some coffee, and even change to nice clothes. If it sounds weird to you, well, you should know it is helpful for many people. When working from home, it's essential to create a routine and stick to it. It will help you to be more productive and feel a lot more organized. Get ready for the day and act like you're going to the office, or else, you'll find yourself back in the bed. Use the same schedule as if you are in the office. You'll finish your work a lot faster, and remain focused and productive. If you lack certain electronics to make your work complete, such as laptops, iPad & tablets, desktop computers, or computer monitors, you can rent to own computers by merely searching on Google.  Choose a dedicated workspace Just because you're not working at the office, doesn't mean you shouldn't create a working space at home. Working from home brings you comfort and peace, but it can also be why most people engage in other activities while working, and become unproductive. Rather than take your laptop on the couch or bed, create a specific room in your home. Or, you can go from time to time to coffee shops, specifically to work. All you'll need is an internet connection, and you get into the right vibe of focusing on your work. If you can't dedicate your work at home entirely, getting out of the house will help you stimulate your energy and be productive for the rest of the day. Public places can also be helpful for you to work. However, if you feel like you get distracted by those around you, return home and get your stuff done.  Log out from social media Social media is the most well-known reason why people get distracted most times at work. It makes it harder for yourself actually to concentrate and be productive. So, to make it easier for you to focus, log out of every account, and put your phone aside. It might guarantee that you won't be tempting to take too many social breaks. Removing all the browser windows will help you stay focused on your work, and eliminate the chances to engage in too much online activity. Social platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, can give you an uncontrollable impulse to click on them and get sucked without knowing. Eliminating these social networks while working from home can increase your productivity. Take Breaks It can be so easy to engage in your work, that you avoid taking your well-deserved breaks. You shouldn't feel guilty about the fact that you are working from home. Don't let the guilt take over you; use your breaks to relax, watch funny videos, listen to your favorite music, or get away from the desk. Go outside and take a walk, spend some time with a friend, or any other activity that refreshes you and prepares you to continue your work. Breaks, generally, make life easier and recharge you to do a better job. Eat your lunch, take a five-minute break whenever you feel the need, but stick to your schedule!  Determine a schedule and stick to it Specific projects can take longer than you expect. So, for this reason, you'll often do less than you propose. To encourage yourself to do more, estimate how much time you'll spend on each project. Also, it's essential to determine how many tasks to handle in that day. Establish some goals and try to achieve them. Even if you don't succeed in finishing everything you expect, you'll still come out with a solid list of completed tasks. A morning list with what responsibilities you have for that day will help you progress every day. It will help you be honest about yourself, and even though you might feel like doing something else, you'll already know that you've established some rules you need to keep up with. Remember, working from home shouldn't be a reason to be unproductive.

  2548 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  6 Successfully Tips to Work from Home

  Working from home can be great until your pet throws up on your computer, and your neighbor starts renovating their apartment, using all kinds of noisy machinery. Some of us think that working from home is a luxury. Indeed, nothing compares with working from the comfort of our home. However, in the office, your coworkers may often distract you by inviting you to lunch, engaging in conversations, etc. It can be a considerable drawback to get your work done.  Of course, it is helpful to be socially active in the workplace, but you can become easily distracted. At home, it’s easier for you to create a workplace and not be surrounded by coworkers. However, working from home can make you become your worst enemy. Coworkers might not surround you, but you are free to do whatever you want. Not feeling the same pressure to get stuff done may transform you into a lazy and unproductive person. But these issues can be avoided if you follow this great work from home tips. Wake up early! If you want to be productive and finish all your work in time, make sure you get up early in the morning. Set up a few alarms, and make sure you don't fall asleep! Morning sleep is the most confusing, so get started early. When working in an office, you know you have to get up early and get ready. It can help you be prepared in time, as late people are considered unorganized. At home, however, the distance from the bed and desk might seem incredibly long. You may not believe it, but working from home and remain productive is possible. Diving into your tasks as soon as you wake up can be the key to making progress throughout the day. So, wake up, put on a cup of coffee, and start working.  Act like you’re going to the office Pretending you're going to the office can help you be a lot more productive. There's no reason you shouldn't do it if it enables you to be mentally prepared for your daily working tasks. Do all the things you would typically do if you would go to the office. Set up your alarm, get some coffee, and even change to nice clothes. If it sounds weird to you, well, you should know it is helpful for many people. When working from home, it's essential to create a routine and stick to it. It will help you to be more productive and feel a lot more organized. Get ready for the day and act like you're going to the office, or else, you'll find yourself back in the bed. Use the same schedule as if you are in the office. You'll finish your work a lot faster, and remain focused and productive. If you lack certain electronics to make your work complete, such as laptops, iPad & tablets, desktop computers, or computer monitors, you can rent to own computers by merely searching on Google.  Choose a dedicated workspace Just because you're not working at the office, doesn't mean you shouldn't create a working space at home. Working from home brings you comfort and peace, but it can also be why most people engage in other activities while working, and become unproductive. Rather than take your laptop on the couch or bed, create a specific room in your home. Or, you can go from time to time to coffee shops, specifically to work. All you'll need is an internet connection, and you get into the right vibe of focusing on your work. If you can't dedicate your work at home entirely, getting out of the house will help you stimulate your energy and be productive for the rest of the day. Public places can also be helpful for you to work. However, if you feel like you get distracted by those around you, return home and get your stuff done.  Log out from social media Social media is the most well-known reason why people get distracted most times at work. It makes it harder for yourself actually to concentrate and be productive. So, to make it easier for you to focus, log out of every account, and put your phone aside. It might guarantee that you won't be tempting to take too many social breaks. Removing all the browser windows will help you stay focused on your work, and eliminate the chances to engage in too much online activity. Social platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, can give you an uncontrollable impulse to click on them and get sucked without knowing. Eliminating these social networks while working from home can increase your productivity. Take Breaks It can be so easy to engage in your work, that you avoid taking your well-deserved breaks. You shouldn't feel guilty about the fact that you are working from home. Don't let the guilt take over you; use your breaks to relax, watch funny videos, listen to your favorite music, or get away from the desk. Go outside and take a walk, spend some time with a friend, or any other activity that refreshes you and prepares you to continue your work. Breaks, generally, make life easier and recharge you to do a better job. Eat your lunch, take a five-minute break whenever you feel the need, but stick to your schedule!  Determine a schedule and stick to it Specific projects can take longer than you expect. So, for this reason, you'll often do less than you propose. To encourage yourself to do more, estimate how much time you'll spend on each project. Also, it's essential to determine how many tasks to handle in that day. Establish some goals and try to achieve them. Even if you don't succeed in finishing everything you expect, you'll still come out with a solid list of completed tasks. A morning list with what responsibilities you have for that day will help you progress every day. It will help you be honest about yourself, and even though you might feel like doing something else, you'll already know that you've established some rules you need to keep up with. Remember, working from home shouldn't be a reason to be unproductive.

  Aug 07, 2020 2548
• 22 Apr 2020
  4 excellent pieces of advice for the newbie dirt bike owner

  What could be better than having your own dirt bike? You can learn new riding techniques that can be transferred onto the road, not to mention that you enjoy total freedom. Buy a motorcycle already. It doesn’t have to be as powerful as a KTM. Get yourself any kind of ride. If you have been toying with the idea of picking up a dirt bike for some time now, don’t waste any more time and look for a good price.  There are some things you should know when becoming the proud new owner of a dirt bike. Check to see what is there to know. Maybe you knew some of these things, maybe you didn’t. Either way, it’s worth reading.   From the helmet to the boots, you have to be protected     Sometimes when riding your dirt bike, accidents can happen Therefore, selecting the right protective gear is paramount. It will keep you safe on the road and, in case you happen to crash, you won’t end up severely injured.  The helmet will protect you from head injuries during a fall or collision. Unfortunately, it can’t prevent concussions. If you get hit hard enough, you risk being hospitalised.  It’s hard, if not impossible to find an affordable helmet. Actually, protective gear can be pretty expensive. Maybe so, but that’s not a good reason to skimp out on something that can save your life. Don’t buy the most expensive helmet that money can buy, yet get a good piece of protective gear. Helmets such as Bell and Fly are available anywhere. There are some of the best products on the market, meaning that they’re worth the price.  Boots are another thing to place on your shopping list. They protect your feet and ankles, which can get caught between the ground and the foot peg. Additionally, if you wear boots on your dirt bike, it will be easier for you to maintain your overall position. A good pair of boots will protect you against hazards and ensure good stability. Boots may all look the same on the outside, but they’re not the same inside, so choose carefully.      Find a local riding club   At times, you may feel lonely. Nobody in your entourage shares your passion for riding dirt bikes. Why don’t you join a riding club? You can make new friends with open-minded people and, most importantly, get a better idea of what it’s like to own a dirt bike. The best part of all is that you have land and places to go ride when you feel like it. You don’t have a specific schedule to follow. Find out if there are any motorcycle riding clubs in your area.  Get an idea of what the club has to offer before becoming a member. Go to a meeting or talk to one of the club members. Some of the benefits offered by dirt bike riding clubs are access to local events at affordable entry fees and guidance and training and education courses. The conditions for joining the dirt bike riding club are clearly set out in the association’s constitution. If you want you could set up your own club. It’s not a bad idea you know.     Maintain your dirt bike to prolong its life    The dirt bike needs a little tender loving care. Routine maintenance is of the essence because it helps prevent mechanical failure, accidents, not to mention costly repairs. You’re not much of a mechanic, but there are little things you can do to keep the ride running smoothly for as long as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind:  Change the oil regularly – It’s just like changing the oil on your car, the only difference is that you don’t have to get under the hood. Fresh oil safeguards the parts and keeps them lubricated. Generally, dirt bikes require an oil change every 8 hours of riding.  Inspect and clean the chain – If the chain is over tightened, the mechanical linkages will stretch and eventually break. Check the chain tension and ensure everything is alright. If the chain is muddy, let the mud dry and remove it with a nylon brush. Invest in a high-quality lube.  Charge the dirt bike battery – During the winter, you’ll want to put the battery on a trickle charger. Charge the battery up full before storing the ride in the garage. After the long winter months, it’s necessary to charge the battery once again.    Insurance is part of being a responsible dirt bike owner    If you want to be a responsible dirt bike owner, buy insurance. An insurance plan offers protection that is specially designed for your riding situation. If your bike gets damaged, you’re financially responsible, so it’s worth looking into dirt bike insurance options. A comprehensive coverage plan covers legal liability, accidental damage, theft, fire, and so on. Many types of coverage plans exist, so figure out what you need.  No matter your riding plans, there is an insurance policy to meet your needs and expectations. Generally speaking, premiums are affordable and some insurers even offer discounts on existing policies. Dirt bike coverage is available for both registered and non-registered motorcycles. In some countries, dirt bike insurance is mandatory. If you drive an off-road vehicle in Australia, you’ll need insurance.  The cost of the premiums depends on the type of motorcycle, your age, and how much you ride. All in all, coverage doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Even if it did, there’s nothing more important than security. When you’re not using the dirt bike, keep it in the garage. Let your insurer know you keep the ride in a safe place at all times.  If you’re a first-time dirt-bike owner, then you’ve got a lot to learn. You’ll soon discover that being a motorcycle owner is the best thing ever. Your journeys don’t depend on anyone but yourself. Plus, it makes you feel better. You’ll notice a massive improvement in your mood and health. Go out there and start riding.

  3658 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  4 excellent pieces of advice for the newbie dirt bike owner

  What could be better than having your own dirt bike? You can learn new riding techniques that can be transferred onto the road, not to mention that you enjoy total freedom. Buy a motorcycle already. It doesn’t have to be as powerful as a KTM. Get yourself any kind of ride. If you have been toying with the idea of picking up a dirt bike for some time now, don’t waste any more time and look for a good price.  There are some things you should know when becoming the proud new owner of a dirt bike. Check to see what is there to know. Maybe you knew some of these things, maybe you didn’t. Either way, it’s worth reading.   From the helmet to the boots, you have to be protected     Sometimes when riding your dirt bike, accidents can happen Therefore, selecting the right protective gear is paramount. It will keep you safe on the road and, in case you happen to crash, you won’t end up severely injured.  The helmet will protect you from head injuries during a fall or collision. Unfortunately, it can’t prevent concussions. If you get hit hard enough, you risk being hospitalised.  It’s hard, if not impossible to find an affordable helmet. Actually, protective gear can be pretty expensive. Maybe so, but that’s not a good reason to skimp out on something that can save your life. Don’t buy the most expensive helmet that money can buy, yet get a good piece of protective gear. Helmets such as Bell and Fly are available anywhere. There are some of the best products on the market, meaning that they’re worth the price.  Boots are another thing to place on your shopping list. They protect your feet and ankles, which can get caught between the ground and the foot peg. Additionally, if you wear boots on your dirt bike, it will be easier for you to maintain your overall position. A good pair of boots will protect you against hazards and ensure good stability. Boots may all look the same on the outside, but they’re not the same inside, so choose carefully.      Find a local riding club   At times, you may feel lonely. Nobody in your entourage shares your passion for riding dirt bikes. Why don’t you join a riding club? You can make new friends with open-minded people and, most importantly, get a better idea of what it’s like to own a dirt bike. The best part of all is that you have land and places to go ride when you feel like it. You don’t have a specific schedule to follow. Find out if there are any motorcycle riding clubs in your area.  Get an idea of what the club has to offer before becoming a member. Go to a meeting or talk to one of the club members. Some of the benefits offered by dirt bike riding clubs are access to local events at affordable entry fees and guidance and training and education courses. The conditions for joining the dirt bike riding club are clearly set out in the association’s constitution. If you want you could set up your own club. It’s not a bad idea you know.     Maintain your dirt bike to prolong its life    The dirt bike needs a little tender loving care. Routine maintenance is of the essence because it helps prevent mechanical failure, accidents, not to mention costly repairs. You’re not much of a mechanic, but there are little things you can do to keep the ride running smoothly for as long as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind:  Change the oil regularly – It’s just like changing the oil on your car, the only difference is that you don’t have to get under the hood. Fresh oil safeguards the parts and keeps them lubricated. Generally, dirt bikes require an oil change every 8 hours of riding.  Inspect and clean the chain – If the chain is over tightened, the mechanical linkages will stretch and eventually break. Check the chain tension and ensure everything is alright. If the chain is muddy, let the mud dry and remove it with a nylon brush. Invest in a high-quality lube.  Charge the dirt bike battery – During the winter, you’ll want to put the battery on a trickle charger. Charge the battery up full before storing the ride in the garage. After the long winter months, it’s necessary to charge the battery once again.    Insurance is part of being a responsible dirt bike owner    If you want to be a responsible dirt bike owner, buy insurance. An insurance plan offers protection that is specially designed for your riding situation. If your bike gets damaged, you’re financially responsible, so it’s worth looking into dirt bike insurance options. A comprehensive coverage plan covers legal liability, accidental damage, theft, fire, and so on. Many types of coverage plans exist, so figure out what you need.  No matter your riding plans, there is an insurance policy to meet your needs and expectations. Generally speaking, premiums are affordable and some insurers even offer discounts on existing policies. Dirt bike coverage is available for both registered and non-registered motorcycles. In some countries, dirt bike insurance is mandatory. If you drive an off-road vehicle in Australia, you’ll need insurance.  The cost of the premiums depends on the type of motorcycle, your age, and how much you ride. All in all, coverage doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Even if it did, there’s nothing more important than security. When you’re not using the dirt bike, keep it in the garage. Let your insurer know you keep the ride in a safe place at all times.  If you’re a first-time dirt-bike owner, then you’ve got a lot to learn. You’ll soon discover that being a motorcycle owner is the best thing ever. Your journeys don’t depend on anyone but yourself. Plus, it makes you feel better. You’ll notice a massive improvement in your mood and health. Go out there and start riding.

  Apr 22, 2020 3658
• 17 Apr 2020
  Top picks – types of corporate videos every brand should use

  Let us ask you this, would you rather watch a video or read a 3000 words blog?  Except for reading lovers, people prefer videos and stats prove it. Cisco, a global technology organisation revealed that in 2020, over 80% of all the web traffic is video.  Do you still have doubts video is a big thing? Have you ever wondered how many users does YouTube have? It gets one-third of the total internet users, over a billion individuals. People upload in 30 days more video content than a major TV network creates in 30 years. Let us put it this way, every 60 seconds, Internet users upload to YouTube 72 hours of video.  Organisations worldwide (90% of online marketers more exactly) use corporate videos to connect with clients, engage buyers, boost sales, and attract possible employees.  It’s a bold (but not smart) choice to neglect corporate video creation these days because data shows it’s one of the best tools you can use to stand out on the market.  Here are our top picks of corporate videos all brands should use not to lose ground to their competitors.  Brand videos Brand videos offer the public an overview of your business because they tell your brand’s story. Over 60% of purchasers buy a product after they watch branded social videos. Brand videos engage customers because they share your mission, goals, vision, milestones, and creation of products.  However, every organisation can make brand videos, so how can you stand out from your competitors? Create authentic content that engages audiences and works as a bridge between the brand and the public. Establish what branding elements make your business unique and transform them into selling propositions. Stay away from technical terms and don’t share too many details about products. Brand videos rely on emotion to create a corporate reputation and engage the public.  Lately, companies are using comedic themes to explain the benefits their services provide because the public reacts better to humorous content.  Training videos For growing companies, training videos are always great because they educate new employees and facilitate the training process. Onboarding training content serves as an introduction to the organisation because it provides information in an interactive manner. Viewers retain over 95% of a message when you deliver it using a video compared to 10% when they read a text.  Training videos save time and money because you don’t pay a specialist for a live demonstration, and your staff can watch the content every time they need it. When the job implies instructions and steps to follow, an onboarding video provides useful information and clarifies complicated details. Uber uses onboarding videos to train its drivers and provides even a step-by-step guide on how they can use the Uber app.   Product videos These videos demonstrate how the product works and lists its features. Most organisations opt for one of two ways of producing a product video. They either focus on the product’s features or on the problem it can solve. The first example is harder to sell because people don’t always understand how a product would benefit them, by discovering its features. The second one offers a hint on how their life gets better because it shows how it solves their problems. A creative product video can include both approaches and increase conversion rates. Videos up to 2 minutes long, engage the most viewers because they present all information the public needs without boring them.  Depending on the goal of the video, you can choose from different ways to present your product. Google promotes a video to showcase its functions, that includes branding elements and engages the audience by sharing experiences they can relate to in their daily lives.  Testimonial videos Prospective customers need to hear what former clients have to say about your organisation to trust it. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to attract clients because it offers real information about a product. Testimonial videos work similarly to reviews, only that they deliver data in a video format. It can feature former employees or clients who worked with your brand and can offer original reviews about their experiences. Because testimonials are from people who worked with you, they have greater credibility than commercials and they are more likely to persuade individuals to choose your products.  Ask people to review and share testimonial videos on social media to help prospective purchasers understand how your products work. Native videos on social media are 10 times more likely to convince the public than YouTube links. 80% of Twitter users watch video content, so alongside the product and brand videos, you share on this channel to connect with your clients, consider also sharing testimonials.  Corporate event videos If you want to create buzz around an event, use corporate videos to reach viewers. You can use past events to promote an upcoming one. A corporate event video captures the most important parts of past events and turns them into a cinematic video. Pair the video with background music to provide the viewer with an immersive and engaging experience.  You can also hire a company to record the entire event and create a presentation material you upload on your website to highlight the most important moments. It serves as a reminder for your public. Including a video on a landing page makes it 50% more likely to show up on page 1 SERP.  Live streaming is another way to draw attention to an event. You can make live videos on social media to show to your followers how to prepare for the event, what happens during a launching party, and how you evaluate feedback.  Include corporate videos on your blog page to attract more visitors because video content attracts 3 times more people than inbound links.  Now that you’ve gone through our favourite corporate video picks you’ve burning ideas for future content. But before taking action understand what your public wants and which of the above examples better fits them. 

  4047 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  Top picks – types of corporate videos every brand should use

  Let us ask you this, would you rather watch a video or read a 3000 words blog?  Except for reading lovers, people prefer videos and stats prove it. Cisco, a global technology organisation revealed that in 2020, over 80% of all the web traffic is video.  Do you still have doubts video is a big thing? Have you ever wondered how many users does YouTube have? It gets one-third of the total internet users, over a billion individuals. People upload in 30 days more video content than a major TV network creates in 30 years. Let us put it this way, every 60 seconds, Internet users upload to YouTube 72 hours of video.  Organisations worldwide (90% of online marketers more exactly) use corporate videos to connect with clients, engage buyers, boost sales, and attract possible employees.  It’s a bold (but not smart) choice to neglect corporate video creation these days because data shows it’s one of the best tools you can use to stand out on the market.  Here are our top picks of corporate videos all brands should use not to lose ground to their competitors.  Brand videos Brand videos offer the public an overview of your business because they tell your brand’s story. Over 60% of purchasers buy a product after they watch branded social videos. Brand videos engage customers because they share your mission, goals, vision, milestones, and creation of products.  However, every organisation can make brand videos, so how can you stand out from your competitors? Create authentic content that engages audiences and works as a bridge between the brand and the public. Establish what branding elements make your business unique and transform them into selling propositions. Stay away from technical terms and don’t share too many details about products. Brand videos rely on emotion to create a corporate reputation and engage the public.  Lately, companies are using comedic themes to explain the benefits their services provide because the public reacts better to humorous content.  Training videos For growing companies, training videos are always great because they educate new employees and facilitate the training process. Onboarding training content serves as an introduction to the organisation because it provides information in an interactive manner. Viewers retain over 95% of a message when you deliver it using a video compared to 10% when they read a text.  Training videos save time and money because you don’t pay a specialist for a live demonstration, and your staff can watch the content every time they need it. When the job implies instructions and steps to follow, an onboarding video provides useful information and clarifies complicated details. Uber uses onboarding videos to train its drivers and provides even a step-by-step guide on how they can use the Uber app.   Product videos These videos demonstrate how the product works and lists its features. Most organisations opt for one of two ways of producing a product video. They either focus on the product’s features or on the problem it can solve. The first example is harder to sell because people don’t always understand how a product would benefit them, by discovering its features. The second one offers a hint on how their life gets better because it shows how it solves their problems. A creative product video can include both approaches and increase conversion rates. Videos up to 2 minutes long, engage the most viewers because they present all information the public needs without boring them.  Depending on the goal of the video, you can choose from different ways to present your product. Google promotes a video to showcase its functions, that includes branding elements and engages the audience by sharing experiences they can relate to in their daily lives.  Testimonial videos Prospective customers need to hear what former clients have to say about your organisation to trust it. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to attract clients because it offers real information about a product. Testimonial videos work similarly to reviews, only that they deliver data in a video format. It can feature former employees or clients who worked with your brand and can offer original reviews about their experiences. Because testimonials are from people who worked with you, they have greater credibility than commercials and they are more likely to persuade individuals to choose your products.  Ask people to review and share testimonial videos on social media to help prospective purchasers understand how your products work. Native videos on social media are 10 times more likely to convince the public than YouTube links. 80% of Twitter users watch video content, so alongside the product and brand videos, you share on this channel to connect with your clients, consider also sharing testimonials.  Corporate event videos If you want to create buzz around an event, use corporate videos to reach viewers. You can use past events to promote an upcoming one. A corporate event video captures the most important parts of past events and turns them into a cinematic video. Pair the video with background music to provide the viewer with an immersive and engaging experience.  You can also hire a company to record the entire event and create a presentation material you upload on your website to highlight the most important moments. It serves as a reminder for your public. Including a video on a landing page makes it 50% more likely to show up on page 1 SERP.  Live streaming is another way to draw attention to an event. You can make live videos on social media to show to your followers how to prepare for the event, what happens during a launching party, and how you evaluate feedback.  Include corporate videos on your blog page to attract more visitors because video content attracts 3 times more people than inbound links.  Now that you’ve gone through our favourite corporate video picks you’ve burning ideas for future content. But before taking action understand what your public wants and which of the above examples better fits them. 

  Apr 17, 2020 4047
• 13 Apr 2020
  Coronavirus Anxiety: Dealing with Stress, Fear & Worry

  Stress and fear of COVID-19 affect millions of people, especially the ones who already suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you are one of those who are emotionally affected by the pandemic, remember that you’re not alone and you’re not powerless. One thing we know about coronavirus is that it’s very contagious, and a big part of the population is vulnerable.  Still, there is good news for you out there. These tips will help you understand better the situation and get through this challenging and stressful time. Understand Your Fear and Anxiety Unfortunately, we’re living in difficult times, where a worldwide pandemic closed cities and even entire countries. You may have family members on other parts of the country, or you may live in an area that has already been affected by the virus; while others are still hoping. Everyone is wondering “What’s next?”. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, there’s no way of guessing what happens next. Billions of people isolated themselves in their houses because of the number of cases of coronavirus. And it keeps growing, with Europe being by far the most affected region, reaching high mortality peaks. To prevent the spread of the infectious disease, restrictions have been put in place, and people have been asked to stay at home and practice social distancing.  For most people, the surrounding insecurity coronavirus is hard to handle because no one knows how bad things might get. And this is the moment when most people get emotional and too easy to fall into devastating panic and stress. Understanding what is going on and what you’re going through is the first step into getting better. Fear and anxiety are pretty much normal feelings through these tough times. But there are a lot of things that you can do, even in this crisis, to manage coping with stress, fear, and worry.  Don’t Obsessively Check the News Of course, it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s happening in your area and follow advised safety defences and take part to avoid spreading the coronavirus. But there’s a lot of half-truth going around, as well as too much emotional information that can only feed into fear and stress. It’s essential to be realistic, so make sure you’re able to tell the difference. Not everything you read and watch is true.  Limit your time spent in front of the TV watching the news. The more often you check for updates, the bigger the panic. Continually monitoring the news and social media feeds can quickly install the anxiety and fear rather than easing it. We all have different feelings, so pay attention to what makes you feel worried and stressed. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed and anxiety is a constant issue, make sure you limit your media consumption each day.  Also, make sure you are asking the right people about recent updates and be careful not to spread wrong information to others. Do your best to verify the information before creating unnecessary panic. If it makes you feel any better, avoid media entirely, and ask someone close to you to pass only major updates you need to know.  Stop Worrying Too Much Everyone is experiencing a massive change in their lives. There are so many things outside of control, including how everything is going to change, how people are going to react after the pandemic, how long the pandemic lasts, and what’s going to happen in our zones. For sure, that’s hard to accept, and most people are searching through the internet to find answers and create different scenarios in their heads. Focusing on what you can’t control can only get you nowhere. Aside from feeling worried, anxious, and stressed. If you find yourself completely caught up in a situation where you always ask yourself “What might happen?”, try instead to focus on the things you can control. For example, you can’t control how bad the coronavirus will affect your city, but you can manage and reduce your risk. Here is some essential advice you need to follow to keep yourself and others safe: Wash your hands as much as possible by using hand soap or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.   Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with dirty hands. Practice social distance for as much as you can and go out only in emergencies. Avoid crowded areas. During grocery shopping, avoid contact with others. Keep 6 feet of distance between you and other people. Help support your immune system by getting plenty of sleep, eat healthily, and exercise every day. Follow all the recommendations received from health authorities.   If you still feel helpless and anxious, try to find a better alternative to maintain your mental and physical health. Online psychological services is a great way to get help and get through this difficult time. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who calls for help during stressful times like this. The purpose is to make sure you do your best to stop worrying and focus on things that matter. Remember that there are people out there that care about you and they want to see you happy and healthy, as much as you would like to see them happy and fulfilled.  Stay Connected with People You Care About Even when you’re physically isolated, make sure you stay connected with friends and family members. It’s vital to practice social distancing even with the ones you most care about. Apparently healthy people don’t have symptoms but can still be virus carriers. That’s why the most important thing to do right now is to maintain social distancing.  But social isolation can come with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and can impact your physical health. That’s why it’s essential to stay connected with close friends and ask for support when needed. Take Care of Your Body and Inner self This is the essential step in keeping yourself positive and healthy. Taking care of your body and spirit can help you face this unique situation caused by the coronavirus. Don’t go rough on yourself because you’ll generate more anxiety and stress than usual. Remember that you’re not alone in your struggle. Keep a healthy routine by getting regular sleep, have daily meals, or work schedule. Also, make sure you take time and do activities you enjoy. Reading books, cooking, exercising, playing video games. All of these will help you avoid stress and fear. With the right care and intentions, you can remain positive, and don’t forget to protect yourself and others, by changing the way you think. Don’t panic and follow the advice regarding public health and safety. 

  3705 Posted by Cynthia Madison
• By Cynthia Madison

  Coronavirus Anxiety: Dealing with Stress, Fear & Worry

  Stress and fear of COVID-19 affect millions of people, especially the ones who already suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you are one of those who are emotionally affected by the pandemic, remember that you’re not alone and you’re not powerless. One thing we know about coronavirus is that it’s very contagious, and a big part of the population is vulnerable.  Still, there is good news for you out there. These tips will help you understand better the situation and get through this challenging and stressful time. Understand Your Fear and Anxiety Unfortunately, we’re living in difficult times, where a worldwide pandemic closed cities and even entire countries. You may have family members on other parts of the country, or you may live in an area that has already been affected by the virus; while others are still hoping. Everyone is wondering “What’s next?”. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, there’s no way of guessing what happens next. Billions of people isolated themselves in their houses because of the number of cases of coronavirus. And it keeps growing, with Europe being by far the most affected region, reaching high mortality peaks. To prevent the spread of the infectious disease, restrictions have been put in place, and people have been asked to stay at home and practice social distancing.  For most people, the surrounding insecurity coronavirus is hard to handle because no one knows how bad things might get. And this is the moment when most people get emotional and too easy to fall into devastating panic and stress. Understanding what is going on and what you’re going through is the first step into getting better. Fear and anxiety are pretty much normal feelings through these tough times. But there are a lot of things that you can do, even in this crisis, to manage coping with stress, fear, and worry.  Don’t Obsessively Check the News Of course, it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s happening in your area and follow advised safety defences and take part to avoid spreading the coronavirus. But there’s a lot of half-truth going around, as well as too much emotional information that can only feed into fear and stress. It’s essential to be realistic, so make sure you’re able to tell the difference. Not everything you read and watch is true.  Limit your time spent in front of the TV watching the news. The more often you check for updates, the bigger the panic. Continually monitoring the news and social media feeds can quickly install the anxiety and fear rather than easing it. We all have different feelings, so pay attention to what makes you feel worried and stressed. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed and anxiety is a constant issue, make sure you limit your media consumption each day.  Also, make sure you are asking the right people about recent updates and be careful not to spread wrong information to others. Do your best to verify the information before creating unnecessary panic. If it makes you feel any better, avoid media entirely, and ask someone close to you to pass only major updates you need to know.  Stop Worrying Too Much Everyone is experiencing a massive change in their lives. There are so many things outside of control, including how everything is going to change, how people are going to react after the pandemic, how long the pandemic lasts, and what’s going to happen in our zones. For sure, that’s hard to accept, and most people are searching through the internet to find answers and create different scenarios in their heads. Focusing on what you can’t control can only get you nowhere. Aside from feeling worried, anxious, and stressed. If you find yourself completely caught up in a situation where you always ask yourself “What might happen?”, try instead to focus on the things you can control. For example, you can’t control how bad the coronavirus will affect your city, but you can manage and reduce your risk. Here is some essential advice you need to follow to keep yourself and others safe: Wash your hands as much as possible by using hand soap or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.   Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with dirty hands. Practice social distance for as much as you can and go out only in emergencies. Avoid crowded areas. During grocery shopping, avoid contact with others. Keep 6 feet of distance between you and other people. Help support your immune system by getting plenty of sleep, eat healthily, and exercise every day. Follow all the recommendations received from health authorities.   If you still feel helpless and anxious, try to find a better alternative to maintain your mental and physical health. Online psychological services is a great way to get help and get through this difficult time. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who calls for help during stressful times like this. The purpose is to make sure you do your best to stop worrying and focus on things that matter. Remember that there are people out there that care about you and they want to see you happy and healthy, as much as you would like to see them happy and fulfilled.  Stay Connected with People You Care About Even when you’re physically isolated, make sure you stay connected with friends and family members. It’s vital to practice social distancing even with the ones you most care about. Apparently healthy people don’t have symptoms but can still be virus carriers. That’s why the most important thing to do right now is to maintain social distancing.  But social isolation can come with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and can impact your physical health. That’s why it’s essential to stay connected with close friends and ask for support when needed. Take Care of Your Body and Inner self This is the essential step in keeping yourself positive and healthy. Taking care of your body and spirit can help you face this unique situation caused by the coronavirus. Don’t go rough on yourself because you’ll generate more anxiety and stress than usual. Remember that you’re not alone in your struggle. Keep a healthy routine by getting regular sleep, have daily meals, or work schedule. Also, make sure you take time and do activities you enjoy. Reading books, cooking, exercising, playing video games. All of these will help you avoid stress and fear. With the right care and intentions, you can remain positive, and don’t forget to protect yourself and others, by changing the way you think. Don’t panic and follow the advice regarding public health and safety. 

  Apr 13, 2020 3705