 With a record number of individuals experiencing mental health problems like depression, there is a greater need than ever for effective medical care. More than half of individuals in the United States who suffer from a mental health condition do not get help for it. The CDC reports a sharp increase in the adolescent suicide rate, which is more proof of a severe shortage of care among this population. Unfortunately, adolescents may be the most vulnerable because they often don't have the means to afford therapy. Trying to deal with mental health if you can't afford therapy is really tough. However, always remember that everyone has the power to overcome this on their own as well. 6 Ways to Deal with Mental Health if You Can't Afford TherapyBut why individuals aren't receiving the assistance they need? Well, it's not a simple answer. Campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Month strive to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Still, the truth remains that mental health has not been given the same level of attention as physical health by our healthcare system. For example, there is no such thing as an annual mental health checkup covered by insurance, and therapists who take insurance sometimes have to put in twice as much effort simply to be compensated. Unfortunately, not everyone has a low-stress job, so many people are struggling with anxiety and depression. However, there are other ways to deal with mental health if you can't afford therapy.  Mental health often doesn't get the attention it needs. 1. Check with your insurance companyIn the event that you receive coverage via your job, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or Medicaid, you will have access to the following basic mental health services:
However, not every therapist will work with your insurance. If the therapist accepts your insurance, you may go ahead and schedule an appointment with them. Copayments and coinsurance should be covered by your Health Savings Account (HSA) if you have a high-deductible health insurance plan. 2. Talk to a psychologist in trainingThink about visiting a clinic where aspiring psychologists get hands-on experience. Most of these clinics may be found on school campuses that provide programs leading to certification as therapists. Your therapist may still be a student, but they will be working under the supervision of a licensed professional at all times  Talking to students in training can be very beneficial. It's one of the best ways to deal with mental health if you can't afford therapy. Clients shouldn't be reluctant to work with an intern or trainee. Interns have a lot of supervision, are highly industrious, and are enthusiastic about assisting customers. Interns have fresh and up-to-date educational training and can sometimes be seen for a very cheap fee. You can finally stop worrying about money. Student therapists are oftentimes more eager to help out than the already established ones. 3. Look into community mental health centersCommunity centers for mental health care are another excellent option. They have a deeper understanding of the neighborhood challenges and cultural perspectives on mental health that they serve. They help those struggling with mental health issues and may help lessen the social stigma associated with such conditions. You can learn some healthy practices from these community centers and get the benefits of mental health counseling. Additionally, they have been demonstrated to aid in lowering suicide rates. You can find these across the country. 4. Become a member of a local or online support groupsThere are a lot of free support groups, trauma support groups, and addiction recovery support groups available via nonprofits, volunteers, and local organizations. For instance, a wide variety of support groups are available to those dealing with substance use disorder, mental disorders, and domestic violence. In addition to local support groups, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also provides free peer-led support groups for people with mental illness in every major city. 5. Self-help literature, meditation apps, and podcastsYou may do various things under your own steam that will contribute to your emotional and physical well-being. Look for books on self-improvement at your local library or budget bookstore. For anyone struggling with mental health concerns like sadness, anxiety, or loss, there are plenty of books that may help. If you like reading, this is a great way to learn more about your condition and try to implement some advice.  You can learn a lot from self-help books. Free smartphone applications may help with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Similarly, there are podcasts, online blogs, and forums that focus on mental health and healing. These aids are not a replacement for conventional treatment, but they may be useful when combined. 6. If you are religious, try speaking with a member of your churchPeople seeking mental health treatment may greatly benefit from assistance based on faith and religion. You may expect to be treated with kindness and compassion, and the assistance you get will be consistent with your morals and beliefs. Get in touch with other members of your church or search online for local support groups. Having friends and family there for you is a huge help, and having ties to your neighborhood really helps a lot. Even if their primary purpose is not to improve mental health, consistent social interactions, such as those seen in religious organizations or social clubs, may have a profound effect. Having your people around to support you is one of the best ways to deal with mental health if you can't afford therapy.   Fiona Jenkins is an aspiring journalist who likes to focus on important causes that can make an impact on our community.
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD (and autism, but we’ll talk about that on another day) and have been doing lots of research in the past few months to try to understand myself a bit better and also make my life easier. It has been wonderful to finally understand why I do some of the things that I have tried to stop myself from doing for YEARS. I hated the fact that I was always late, always forgetting things, couldn’t remember where I’d put anything or even what an address was for more than what felt like seconds… and so many other things. Finding a community of adults like me has been eye opening and absolutely lovely. Being able to understand why I do the things that I do and how to help myself stay on track in this world a bit better has been so helpful, especially with my new job. When I moved into this new position earlier in the year I was having such a hard time finding a rhythm and keeping myself on track. Without many set deadlines and a much more open schedule to do the projects that would benefit the company the most, I would either go down a rabbit hole into a project for days at a time or find it difficult to get started at all, there was little in between. I was floundering for the first time, career-wise, in my life. I spoke with a colleague about it and she suggested speaking to my supervisor and asking for more structure… but I wanted to make it work. I had run my own business for years, I could do this! I could, just give me a couple of months to figure out how to make my brain work the way I needed it to! Well, yes, I did figure out how to make my days more effective and how to feel productive in general, but it took more than a little bit of time. It took realizing that I may have ADHD, learning about it, getting diagnosed, and then diving head first into learning about the diagnosis and what it meant for me. I’ll talk about the process and what made me realize this may be something I needed to look into in another post but for today I wanted to just pop in a little bit of backstory before getting into today’s topic as I haven’t mentioned having ADHD before. This week I was listening to another content creator on YouTube, How to ADHD, as she discussed what she referred to as the “ADHD tax” and it made me wonder how much ADHD had cost me financially over the years. There is no way to know for sure, as much of the financial costs that I came up with were due to simply losing or forgetting about things and I never thought to track those instances. If I forget the coupons or grocery list on the counter when I went to the store… how much did that cost? $20? $30? Nothing? I have no way to know for sure. What about when I traveled to Canada and forgot my charger or the time I left my headphones at, well, who even knows where? Or the cost that all the different organization methods I’ve tried over the years has cost me? Its rather ridiculous when I think about how much money I wouldn’t have spent if I had known what I know now about myself and could have set up better systems sooner. I was able to come up with a list of items that were purchased this year that I know were due to my ADHD as well as a list of some other estimated costs to give myself a hopefully accurate guess-timate if you will on 2022’s cost so far. Looking through my expenses, the following costs are directly attributable, and totaled $313.09:
The Flare Calmer, Headphones and Silent Clock could probably go halfsies with the autism but for now, we’ll leave them here. Organizational costs included items such as a planner, key holder, extra sets of markers so that they were always at point of use, labels, a whiteboard calendar, clear boxes for storage, and etc. This category ended up costing me a minimum of $336.15. There were a few purchases that I didn’t include as well as some organization costs that I didn’t count towards this year’s costs as I was already doing them in 2021 but would definitely go there. This also doesn’t count costs when my employer paid for things like the copious amount of sticky notes that I have gone through this year. The final costs ended up being purely estimates as there was no way to really track them, as mentioned before:
If we add it all up, the total was $3,219.74 and I didn’t even account for everything. For instance, I didn’t really have any medical costs this year that hit my budget directly as I tend to spend all of my out of pocket max on medications and appointments for my other medical issues very early in the year, but if ADHD was the only thing I was spending on I can see how medications and appointments would easily eat into my budget there as well. There are so many things that I didn’t realize about my spending habits, even being as deep into budgeting and analyzing my spending as I am, until I started looking at it with this lens. I will definitely start looking into other areas of my life from new angles going forward as this was enlightening. Until next time,   Vacations are great, but they can also be expensive. Luckily, there are many ways to get away without breaking the bank. Here we've put together a list of five low-budget vacation ideas you should consider. These are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Go CampingIf you're looking for a low-cost vacation idea, consider camping. This is a great way to spend time with family and friends and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also, it’s a good way to enjoy the outdoors. If you work in an office or handling a stressful job, camping can help you leave your work at work and clear your thoughts. Although it’s not the most luxurious way to travel, it’s usually a wholesome experience for people who enjoy it together. The best part is that you camp anywhere – you can choose a campsite or in your own backyard. Visit a National ParkIf you love the great outdoors, taking a vacation to a national park is an affordable option that doesn't require much planning.  For a relaxing low-budget trip, all you need is good company! National parks are often overlooked when people think of a low-budget vacation because they're free and accessible. However, they provide a lot of value for the money, especially if you're looking to spend time in nature instead of paying for hotels and restaurants. Many national parks offer campgrounds with sites that cost less than $20 per night. You can expect to get access to hiking trails, waterfalls, museums, and more without breaking your budget. If your dream vacation includes hiking through mountains or swimming in lakes surrounded by trees, visiting one of these natural wonders should be at the top of your list! Check Out Your State Park SystemYou don’t have to head out of the country or even out of state. Your backyard is full of incredible natural beauty, and all you need to do is explore it. You should consider checking out your state park system for recreational opportunities, historic sites, and more. Many states have parks that are just as spectacular as national parks but without the crowds and high price tags. You can find state parks in every corner of the country, from Hawaii's Haleakala National Park on Maui to Tennessee's Natural Bridge State Park near Nashville. And if you’re lucky enough to live near a national park, it can be a good way to travel and not worry about money. You won’t be disappointed. State parks are often less crowded than their national counterparts, which means you’ll have more time to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re lucky enough to live near a national park, make sure you visit. You won’t be disappointed. Explore Your Hometown or a Nearby City as if You Were a TouristIf you're looking for an inexpensive vacation that doubles as a learning experience, try exploring your hometown or a nearby city as if you were a tourist. You'll have a better appreciation for the things you take for granted, and who knows? You may even make some new friends with locals.  Visiting a national park can be a great way to save money! This is especially fun if you live in an area with rich history, architecture, or cultural traditions. For example, if you're visiting New York City with family members, they'll love learning about Ellis Island. You can take a walk around Battery Park or visit the Statue of Liberty. In case you're looking for a more exotic vacation, consider a trip to another country. You can save money by staying in hostels or renting an apartment instead of staying at expensive hotels. Traveling is usually a costly affair. If you are looking for a cheap vacation, you will have to be creative. There are many ways that one can go on a low-budget vacation. You don't need to spend a lot of money to plan a relaxing vacation! If you know how to plan your travel budget properly, then even the most budget-conscious travelers can enjoy themselves without breaking their bank accounts. Tips for Planning a Low-Budget VacationIf you want to save money while traveling and still have a great experience, consider the following:
Consider Taking a Road TripMost people in the US would agree that road trips are the best! You can see a lot of places in a short amount of time, and you don't have to worry about finding hotels or staying with friends. Plus, they're great for families!  If you'd like to travel with friends, consider camping. I recommend taking road trips across California because it's beautiful and has so many instagrammable places and beautiful spots in the state you should check out. Here are some of the best ones:
If you're looking for affordable hotels near these places, consider staying in a hotel near Yosemite National Park. There are so many hotels there, and they all have great views! You can also stay in San Francisco if you want to spend less money on your trip. If you're looking for hotels in San Francisco, staying at the Palace Hotel could be a great option. It's one of the oldest hotels in San Francisco and has amazing views of downtown. You can also stay at The Ritz Carlton if you want something more luxurious! ConclusionWe hope these ideas gave you some inspiration for your next low-budget vacation. And if you're still not sure where to go, take your time. Think about the places you want to see, and try booking your trip a few months in advance. This will most likely save you money and allow you to plan your trip to the detail. Choose your destination, and have a nice trip!   Are you in need of some self-care? Taking a wellness vacation is a great way to leave your cares behind and reset your mind and body. This trip is all about you and your needs! When you take time to care for yourself, you’ll be better able to handle the responsibilities of daily life, like caring for family or navigating work challenges. Put life on hold for a little while and treat yourself to an enjoyable getaway. Courtesy of Real Life with Heather, here are five fantastic cities to visit if you’re seeking self-care! New York City, NYWhile many people seek relaxation on sunny beaches and shaded forests, others are calmed and comforted by the hustle and bustle of city life. If this describes you, consider booking a self-care trip to New York City! NYC is always an exciting vacation destination. You’ll never run out of things to do in the Big Apple, from visiting historic monuments to exploring famous museums. If you’re a sports fan, NYC is the place to be. Treat yourself to a game at the world-renowned Yankee Stadium! Look for discounted tickets on ticket seller websites that offer advanced search features to help you find tickets based on date, price range, and seat ratings. Some websites even offer sports fans a chance to peek at the in-seat views before purchasing tickets. Orlando, FL Naturally, the first thing everyone thinks about when it comes to Orlando is Disney World. However, there’s plenty of other things to see and do – if and when you get tired of Disney World, that is. But be warned: there’s so much there that it’s impossible to cover everything in a day (or even two), so it’s a good idea to check sites like Mouse Life Today so that you can plan your budget and itinerary well in advance. And don’t worry – you can always go again! Salt Lake City, UTServing as a gateway to five of America’s national parks, Salt Lake City is a fantastic travel destination for hikers. The city itself boasts amazing dining options, interesting historic sites, beautiful architecture, and eye-catching street art. Downtown Salt Lake City is very pedestrian-friendly. You can even rent bikes or electric scooters to get around, so save some money and skip the rental car. Check out VisitSaltLake.org to find more information about this wonderful city! Aspen, COAspen features world-class skiing in the winter and beautiful hiking opportunities in summer. If you’d rather spend your self-care vacation taking in the great outdoors than walking around a city, Aspen could be your perfect trip! Travel + Leisure describes Aspen as one of the world’s most accessible mountain getaways. The small town has everything you could ever want, from a vibrant outdoor dining district to trendy neighborhood shops. Take in the art scene, enjoy a high-class meal, and hike to a gorgeous alpine lake. You’re bound to return from your visit feeling relaxed and refreshed! Boston, MAAnother exciting city adventure, Boston is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast. The city is brimming with historic sites, incredible architecture, and fresh seafood. You can spend your trip exploring museums, discovering beautiful parks, or setting sail on a whale-watching cruise. Boston truly has something for everyone! Preparing for Your TripBefore embarking on your self-care adventure, make some work preparations so you don’t have to worry about what’s going on back at home. If you run your own business, inform your clients and customers that you’ll be away for a few days and consider hiring a virtual assistant to handle your daily responsibilities while you’re away. If possible, try to get some extra work done before you leave. This way, you won’t have to face the stress of playing catchup right after your relaxing vacation. While self-care can and should be a daily practice, sometimes you just need to get out of town for a dedicated self-care trip. Start looking for places you could go and things you could do, like visiting Disney World or exploring the national parks surrounding Salt Lake City. As long as you make a few work preparations before leaving, you’ll be able to enjoy a carefree getaway! Real Life with Heather is here to help you live life, set goals, and be amazing. Feel free to check out our blog archive!   Having to work a 9-5 job is not an easy task if you suffer from anxiety. The modern work environment is generally stressful, and many factors could cause people to become overwhelmed. From chaotic environments and strict deadlines to all social encounters (with managers, colleagues, customers, clients, etc.), many things can trigger a person with anxiety. Yes, most of the known jobs fit this description. But, don't worry - there are some exceptions. Namely, there exist some low-stress jobs for people with anxiety that you can do either in the comfort of your home or in a private office space. These jobs do not take their toll on your mental health and don't leave you drained after working hours. Thus, do not panic because there is something for you out there! And, we will help you find the perfect job for your needs. So, if you want to know what are some best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety, keep on reading. TranscriptionistHave you heard of transcriptionists? They are people who change spoken words into written ones. If you opt for this profession, you will probably work outside your home. Most transcriptionists work in different settings, such as in courtrooms, surgery rooms, etc. However, don't let that scare you - as a transcriptionist, your only job would be to write down what is happening around you. Or, you may need to write down someone's thoughts. You will never be in the center of attention and never have to deal with toxic people - that is why this is one of the best jobs for people with anxiety. However, if you feel that being in an environment where you have to work in real-time, other transcription jobs are also available. You can look for work as a transcriptionist who types out the audio from pre-recorded footage. You can also do this job remotely, so you won't have to leave your home. You will also be able to pause or rewind the recording if you missed something, which will further reduce the level of stress and pressure you are dealing with  Transcription is great for people who don't like to socialize. Freelance We live in the age of technology. So, why not take advantage of it? Become a freelancer, and decide how much work you will take on! Even though you will be your boss and work from the comfort of your home, you will still have no limits. Of course, you must possess good skills, some experience, and a lot of creativity and patience, but hey, that is a small price to pay for one of the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety. There are many different types of freelance jobs you can choose from. For instance:
Housekeeping or Cleaning Many people find housekeeping or cleaning jobs to be degrading. But, there is no degrading in this honest work. You will earn your salary just like everybody else, and you will not have to worry about things that may trigger your anxiety. Most housekeepers and cleaners do jobs requiring little to no encounter with people and stressful situations. You will have no supervision, a steady routine, and peace, and you will always be able to leave work at work. Moreover, remember that some cleaning positions are better for people with anxiety than others. For example, if you don't want to have any contact with other people and don't want to be somewhere where you will have to handle other people's personal items, you should opt for cleaning offices and commercial buildings. There, you will work only night or early morning shifts when no one is around. Additionally, the act of cleaning something is said to reduce stress and positively affect depression.  Cleaning is a great way for people with anxiety to manage their symptoms naturally. Artist When we think about art, we envision a free time activity, not a job that pays our bills. But why is that? Art is an essential part of the corporate world. For instance, some sort of the artists that are always needed are:
 Art helps us get rid of stress! LibrarianWe simply cannot talk about the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety and not mention librarians. Librarians work in the quiet parts of schools and libraries, of course. Their job is to give people the book they want and to provide them with some piece of information if necessary. However, even the job of a librarian has been slightly modernized. Yes, gone are the days when you will have to look for a specific book for hours. Nowadays, you just type what you need on your computer, and the program tells you exactly where the book is. So, yes, as a librarian, you will have to stay on top of technology, but you will still be working in the quiet company of books. As you have seen, there are many great low-stress jobs for people with anxiety. We mentioned just a couple of the most anxiety-friendly ones, but trust us, there are many more out there. For instance, check out professions such as landscaping, medical coding, etc. Or focus on freelance jobs such as blogging, proofreading, data entry, programming, etc.   Pollution is all around us. Rivers, soil, air... there's toxic waste everywhere. However, the most dangerous toxins often come in human forms. It can be the most charming person in your environment or someone very close to you. People you're closest to have the most power to poison you. If they have that kind of venom in their heart, you can be exposed to the most difficult toxicity of all. In those situations, it's essential to recognize the problem and follow the basic dos and don'ts of dealing with toxic people. Do: Put a finger on their effect on your emotions The most dangerous toxin that toxic people produce is the one that wraps up all the other toxins in a shiny paper of false good intention. Manipulative people often come off as the most charming and sincere human beings. Months may pass before you even begin to comprehend that something is not quite right. But, once you hear that tiny voice in your ear that starts whispering around them, it's time to take a good look at your inner being. They're saying the sweetest things, but somehow your gut turns to knot every time they open their mouth. Listen to your emotions. Emotions that you feel are effective subconscious defense mechanisms that you should never ignore. The only way you'll be able to deal with toxic people and defend yourself from malice is - to identify and acknowledge your inner defense mechanisms.  Don’t ignore your emotions; they’re there to warn you before your conscious self can comprehend what’s going on. Don't: Let them under your skin One of the few worst talents toxic people possess is making you doubt yourself. They master the art of destroying confidence and making people insecure. Keep in mind - no one is always right, and no one is always wrong. So, if someone makes you feel like you're a walking mistake, it's probably because they're subtly tearing your confidence and draining your energy for a long time. Once you recognize that behavior, make sure not to let that person influence your self-esteem; build a wall by using your logic. Separate what they say from what they do. That will help you put everything in perspective and put your thoughts first. Do: Make a distance Your surroundings have a significant impact on your outer and inner well-being. That's why, when you recognize the toxic person in your immediate environment, you must take proper measures to distance yourself as soon as possible. Unfortunately, one of the drastic measures that are vital sometimes is moving far away. According to experts at familyaffairmoving.com, in cases when your psychological well-being depends on the move, it's best to find a new home at a place that motivates you and helps you feel at peace. Or find the alternative However, sometimes, it's not possible to do that. In those cases, a good alternative is to:
Don't: Let them suck you in their universe Being around poisonous conduct can wear you out. This individual probably continually grumbles about other people, always has a new tale about the injustice they endure, or they try to convince you that you hurt them in some way. What is happening is that they are drawing your subconsciousness into the miserable world of dull suffering. The best thing you can do is to avoid any further interaction. Resist the temptation to join them in grumbling or defend yourself against their charges. A good old "that's tough, buddy" and walking away will do the job perfectly. It will be better for your health to read a good book or do something creative instead of wasting time listening to someone's whining.  Reading about the lead character’s struggles will be way more productive for you than dealing with toxic people and letting a toxic person drain your energy. Do: Work on yourself Toxic individuals will make every effort to highlight your shortcomings and minimize your accomplishments. This is how they maintain their position of control. The best thing you can do is to work on yourself and accept every single bit of your being. Focus on self-care. If you are able to take ownership of both your strengths and shortcomings, then what other people think of you won't matter. You will know that your strengths are more than sufficient to make your deficiencies irrelevant, and no one can use them against you (no matter how hard they try). Don't: Try to fix them It's a tale as old as time that manipulative and toxic persons take their malign, broken personalities and mask them into something naive that 'just' needs help. Many women stay in abusive relationships with manipulative partners because they think they can help and fix them. However, the truth is - you can't fix anyone, especially not a toxic person. They are the only ones that can improve themselves if they choose to do so. Unfortunately, that is unlikely to happen. Remember that toxic persons love to feed off your empathy and suck the life out of people around them. Invest your time and energy in personal growth and achieving life goals.  Not even Bob the Builder can fix a person that doesn’t want to be fixed. Don’t waste your time. Dealing with toxic people is not easyIt's easy to give advice about dealing with toxic people from a distance. Doing it is something else. You might feel trapped and suffocated internally. You might feel like you're not strong enough to do it on your own. And that's completely alright. There's no shame in needing help. When you recognize the problem, make sure to seek it from the people you fully trust or experienced mental health professionals. Don't forget - even if everything seems dark and miserable, hope waits at the bottom of Pandora's box. There's no obstacle you can't overcome, and you'll come out as a winner from this too. Believe in yourself. I believe in you.   If concerns about climate change are keeping you up at night, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get discouraged by all the bad news about burning forests, rising sea levels, air pollution, struggling wildlife, and the general destruction of our natural environment for political and financial gain. The media constantly reminds us about all the ways in which we’re killing our beloved planet, and it’s normal to feel a sense of guilt and despair around this news. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to relieve your climate anxiety and stand up for our planet. Every one of us has the power to heal the environment through actions big and small. Whether good or bad, the choices made by homeowners, business owners, and everyday consumers can snowball into significant environmental impacts. In this article from Real Life With Heather, we share some tips to help you cope with climate-related stress as well as a few impactful steps you can take to join the fight against climate change. Relieving Climate Anxiety Managing climate anxiety is not about minimizing your reaction to this serious global issue. Far from it! We should be worried about where the world is headed. Psycom.net explains that the first step to coping with climate anxiety is allowing yourself to feel your feelings—whether anxiety, grief, worry, or anger—without judging them or trying to push them away. Acknowledge that your emotions are valid. You’ll find that once you accept your anxiety instead of trying to fight it, the intensity of your anxiety will fade immensely. Next, recognize that it’s not your job to save the planet. You alone are not responsible for climate change. If you believe that the weight of the world is yours to bear, you will feel like a failure whenever you hear news about ecological losses. Instead, try to feel good about all the actions you’re taking to reduce your personal impact on the planet! Recognize that people and organizations all over the world are stepping up to engage in climate activism, and by getting involved, you too can make a difference. Taking action against climate change is a great way to move forward from feelings of anxiety and grief. In the next section, we’ll explore a few ways you can use your strengths, capacities, and resources to get involved!  Become an Ecopreneur For some people, getting involved in the fight against climate change means starting a business that seeks to solve an existing sustainability problem. If you’re business-minded and have a passion for the environment, consider becoming an ecopreneur yourself! Ecopreneurs are business owners who prioritize the planet and people over profits. Whether it’s rescuing items from the landfill for upcycling or offering eco-friendly landscaping services to local homeowners, your sustainable business is bound to make a difference. Before launching your business, you’ll have to learn how to set up a new company. Take the time to create a business plan for your new eco-friendly company. Choose a suitable business structure. Many small businesses start out as sole proprietorships, but LLCs enjoy more perks including personal liability protection and tax benefits. Also research your target market and form strategies on how you’ll market your products or services. It’s also crucial that you set up an invoicing process that gets you paid quickly. Keep terms simple and offer customers multiple payment options. You can create eye-catching branded invoices with an online invoice generator. Choose an invoice template and then personalize it with your own logo, slogan, and design elements. Make Eco-Friendly Shopping Choices Feeling guilty about your individual impact on the planet is not the answer. Research shows that just 90 companies are responsible for nearly two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions! As consumers, we have a lot of power to sway the behaviors of these major corporations. Let’s hold these companies accountable! Shop from companies that are doing good for the planet, and stop purchasing products from those that are causing harm. You can find a lot of great information about corporate responsibility and sustainability online.  Reduce Consumption and Waste Beyond shopping from sustainable companies, an even better way to reduce your impact is to curb your consumption altogether. Break up with packaged foods, fast fashion, and poor-quality products that are designed to deteriorate quickly. When you need to buy something, whether it’s clothing, appliances, hobby supplies, or furniture, look for second-hand options before buying new. When you head to the grocery store, stick to the produce aisles and pick up whole foods that don’t require processing and packaging. Be mindful of your shopping habits and aim to reduce, reuse, and recycle—in that order! Food waste is a significant problem contributing to climate change. According to Innovate Eco, food waste that ends up in the landfill produces methane and carbon dioxide due to the lack of oxygen during decomposition. Not only that, but wasted food means wasting the vast resources that went into producing, transporting, and storing the food. Try to waste less—and compost your scraps!  Support Biodiversity In Your Backyard If you have a backyard, there’s a lot you can do to support the local biodiversity of plants and animals in your area. Backyard habitats are home to many native species. Unfortunately, many properties feature large expanses of pesticide-ridden lawn that provide few benefits to the plants and animals that support our delicate ecosystem. Consider doing some eco-friendly landscaping in your backyard to provide a home for bees, birds, insects, and other beneficial fauna. As the world’s environmental issues continue to worsen, increasing levels of climate anxiety are sure to follow. Unfortunately, worrying about the state of the environment is the reality of being human at the time in history. Use your feelings as fuel! Take action against climate change however you can. When we all act together, we can make a difference!   We are all familiar with the fact that working long hours leads to burnout, stress, anxiety, and even severe health diseases such as heart attacks. But, despite all of that, we continue to push ourselves to work even harder and longer. An average person works 45 hours a week. And, some people work even 50 or more hours a week. If that weren't enough, they all fail to leave work at work and bring it home instead. They spend 'after hours' answering emails, returning phone calls, making presentations, etc. Most people believe that working more will contribute to higher productivity (which will, in return, contribute to more accomplishments). However, overworking can only make you less productive! When you burn out your mind and body, they stop functioning properly. Thus, it is necessary to leave work at work and use your free time to relax and recharge. We know how difficult that may be for some of you, but you must try! So, here are our seven ways to leave work at work. 1. Plan the End of Your Work DayThis sounds relatively straightforward, but many people fail to do so. Namely, when we arrive at work, we tend to go with the flow, finish tasks, procrastinate if there is time, or even complete some daily habits that drain our energy instead of helping us. But then, at the end of the work day, we realize we haven't done any prioritizing. So, we are forced to stay longer or bring our work home. This is all because we didn't plan the end of our workday! To prevent this from happening, in other words, to leave work at work, plan when you want to leave. Then, prioritize everything that you must do until that time. Don't waste your time on anything irrelevant. Plan your day and stick to that plan.  Don't be afraid to look at your watch while at work – let it remind you when it's time to leave. 2. Notify Everybody That You Have to Leave at a Certain Time If you constantly volunteer to work overtime, your colleagues and managers will get used to that. They expect you to finish everybody's work, fix all the problems, and simply handle everything they don't want to do. But, no matter how much you like working and being in charge of everything, doing all this work overtime will, sooner or later, drive you crazy. It will stress you out. Then, you will either get into a fight with somebody or with yourself. Neither of these 'stress managements' is good. You need to find healthy ways to deal with it and reduce overall stress. For instance, you can tell everybody that you won't be able to stay after working hours. Or, you can ask them to call you only during working hours. Do this once, then twice, every day of the week, and everybody around you will stop giving you last-minute tasks or expect your help after 5 PM. 3. Give Yourself Time to Leave Even if you decide to leave work at work, it will be hard at first. Right before you decide to leave, you will be distracted by emails, phone calls, questions from your colleagues, messy files, etc. You mustn't allow these things to prolong your working hours. So, every day, schedule some time to handle everything stopping you from going home. That can be just 20 minutes or half an hour before your departure. Treat those minutes like you would treat an important meeting. Focus on the tasks that must be done and don't allow anything or anybody to interfere. 4. Prioritize To get your paycheck and not worry about money, you need to do your work. And just as previously mentioned, you probably fill your days with random tasks that are not necessarily part of your work, and because of that, you don't finish everything on time. So, you are forced to stay late and do the work that you are paid for. You have to learn how to prioritize! Train yourself (that is, train your mind) to focus on the most important things as soon as you arrive in the office. Finish all the important things ahead of time, and then, if you have some time left, do the less important ones. Or, leave the less important ones for tomorrow.  Make a list of priorities as soon as you arrive at work. 5. Schedule Time for Hobbies after Work Maybe you work overtime because you get bored at home. But, who says that you have to go home after work. There are many other places you can go to and have fun. For instance, you can do your favorite hobby after work (go to a pottery class, language class, etc.) or do some physical activity (yoga, pilates, boxing, etc.). Or, go home to focus on cooking your favorite meals and maybe even share your recipes online. Find something that makes you relaxed and happy. Once you do, schedule time for it right after your work. This will undoubtedly motivate you to not overwork and spend your free time doing something you love. 6. Pick up the Phone We love our emails. They are an excellent means of communication. But, sometimes, waiting for a replay can take ages. That drains one's energy and time! So, instead of waiting for an answer to the important email, just pick up the phone. Calling your client, customer, manager, etc., over the phone will save you a lot of time you would otherwise spend typing, responding, checking, sorting, and who knows what else. Don't allow your cluttered and disorganized inbox to drain your energy and stop you from leaving work at work. To leave work at work, you need to change your strategy. But, of course, check with your manager first! You don't want to infringe on the company's policy.  Sometimes, all you have to do to leave work at work is pick up the phone 7. Take Advantage of Technology Phones can save you a lot of time, just like mentioned above. But so can the rest of technology! Technology is there to make our lives (and our work) easier! So, use it to your advantage. Find tools and apps that can help you do your job faster. Get a better phone, laptop, or even a better tablet if necessary. You would be surprised at how much time and energy you can save by using the right technology. However, don't let that same technology overpower you. When you have so many things in front of you – things that are blinking, clicking, ringing, etc., it is easy to get distracted. So, once again, use technology to your favor and turn it off when you need to stay focused. You can use an app for that too. For instance, an app called Freedom can, upon your command, turn off your Wi-Fi and disconnect you from everything in just one click. As you have seen, there are many ways you can leave work at work. We mentioned just a few of them, but you already know there are many more ways. You just have to research on your own, try a couple of your ways, and find what works best for you.   In a world run by corporations - money is the ultimate goal. The thin piece of paper is no longer a tool to make your life more comfortable—life has become a tool to make money. So, it’s not a surprise that having and gaining money gives you a headache. What if you can’t provide a good home for your family? Will you be able to find the right place to live and work within your budget? However, being tense about your savings won’t help you achieve your goals. So, we provided you with 6 secure steps to help you stop worrying about money. 1. Reset your mindsetBegin by expressing some empathy for your own situation. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take a deep breath instead of obsessing about what went wrong. Get yourself in the correct mindset and convince yourself that you can solve this problem. You’ll be able to make better judgments if you stop criticizing your every move. Unless you can get yourself in the appropriate frame of mind, you will never be able to solve anything. As a result, before tackling your financial problems, you should practice self-compassion and being happy even if you’re not content with your finances at the moment. Seek helpThere’s no shame in being overwhelmed by everyday worries—money included. Sometimes, it’s best to take a deep breath and admit that you are in too deep and you need help. That’s a huge step! It’s not a bad idea to seek assistance from a professional. They will offer the best advice for improving your mental health, and good mental health is a base for every improvement.  Mental health is the most important thing to preserve to go forward. 2. Get factualDo you know that saying, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a present, a gift we should cherish?” You probably overstress about the “what ifs” and “would-be-nices.” Stop doing that. Evaluate your present situation realistically and appreciate all that you have at this moment, no matter how small you think that is. Put all the things on paper and get ready to make a plan. 3. Make a strategy to stop worrying about moneyA good strategy is half of the success. Having a strategy in place can allow you to better manage your finances. Begin by being open and honest with yourself about your current debt situation. Every good strategist knows that starting small and making a slow build-up is the wise thing to do. So, regardless of the interest rate, make a list of all your obligations in ascending order of size. Pay off the lowest debt first and then work your way up, paying the next smallest obligation first and so on. Once a debt is paid in full, the freed-up money rises exponentially and is hurled at the next one. 4. Use the gift of technologyThe good news is that technology works in your favor. Digital budgeting tools and applications may make money management simpler and provide strategies that are proven to work. You may tap into them by following these tips:
 Smart technology today makes saving and budget planning a lot easier. 5. Respect your limitsEven with the technology working in your favor and doing all the calculations for you, it’s quite easy to get carried away. You know that you should be saving, but that low-cost flight to Bali sure seems tempting, right? However, it’s crucial not to give in to these thoughts. Even making a small stretch to your budget can psychologically induce the downfall of your whole saving plan. So, this is the part where you need to be a little strict and respect the boundaries you set. This is especially important if you’re planning on a major and expensive change in life, like relocation or buying a new home. Professional movers often say that it’s crucial to stay within your limits when making a relocation budget in order to make your move as painless as possible. 6. Secure your retirementIf you worry about your future, you probably worry about your retirement too. So, It’s important to start saving early and automate your savings approach as much as possible. Your long-term financial picture will improve just by having a solid retirement plan. You can take advantage of 401(k) if provided by your employer, or you can start an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). You can open a myRA account even if you’re dealing with a financial setback after the pandemic and have just a few dollars to spare. Little by little, it will add up by the time the retirement comes.  Saving for your retirement doesn’t have to be extensive if you’re not in the situation at the moment. ConclusionStressing about money is stressing about existence. That is the world that we live in at the moment, so it’s perfectly normal. However, giving in to the pressures of capitalist society will not help you as an individual in any way. So, be sure to follow these six steps we provided you with, stop worrying about money, and step into the journey of mental health, pure happiness, and joy of living. Remember - money doesn’t create your happiness. You do. Meta description: Are you constantly on the edge of your seat thinking about your finances? It’s time to follow these steps and stop worrying about money!   Many seniors have opened their hearts to enjoying another chance at love in their golden years. For some, they've found their second soulmate, while others are enjoying love for the first time. One thing's for certain: It's never too late to fall in love and tie the knot. Although used to a life of independence, seniors can find creative ways to navigate marriage and merge lives. The key is deciding how much to merge while building a life together. Ways to Merge in Married LifeThere are many ways to combine your previously well-established lifestyles while still maintaining your independence. Buy a HomeAs a married couple, you may wish to gain an asset together by investing in property. If you already have your own home, consider renting it out. Rental income could cover the costs of your new home and give you an added sense of security. Seniors should also consider their estate plan, inheritance rights, and other legal issues before purchasing. Owning multiple properties does mean you can — as a couple — decide which house you'd like to make your home. Start a Business TogetherWhen you enter the second phase of your business life, you're armed with wisdom, experience, and clarity. Whether you need to generate income or not, starting a small business together is a fantastic way to keep busy and deepen the connection with your loved one. Business ideas can include anything from a tax consultation or dog walking business to concierge and gift-wrapping services. Accounting software is an essential tool for managing your finances. Choose accounting software that automates your invoicing and tracks your expenses so you can save time and effort that would otherwise be spent on manual record-keeping. In addition, accounting software can help you to stay organized and keep track of your income and expenses. This can be particularly helpful during tax season, when you need to provide accurate information to the IRS. Find a Shared PassionYou may have heard the old adage, "Couples who play together stay together." You have a lifetime of hobbies and well-established interests. Find something new that you're both interested in doing — it'll inject a sense of fun into your marriage. Whether it's joining a hiking club, book club, or cooking club, there's no shortage of options available. Finding a fun common ground is key to the longevity of a marriage. Combine FinancesThe older you get, the more complex your financial history may become. When entering your marriage, be transparent about your debt, assets, and financial situation. If you support family members, let your partner know. You may want to merge household and travel accounts but keep your own separate savings accounts. Alternatively, some senior couples merge all accounts and debt, which is another option. It's important to keep the lines of communication open and discuss how you'll manage your daily money. Making a Life TogetherCreating a new life of coupledom can take some adjusting, but sharing the load is worth the effort. It's quite possible to maintain independence while simultaneously sharing everything.  |
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