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Are you a physical fitness buff? No need to go to the gym and pay membership fees. There are now lots of websites that offer videos and instructional exercises for free. Personally, I'd rather spend the time and energy cleaning the house or gardening, haha. But hey, if you prefer to workout, here are a couple of sites worth trying out.
HufftingtonPost have a comprehensive list of free workout resources. Yoga, short exercises, no equipment, name it, this list has it.
The list, however, didn't include DareBee. According to their website, they are a global health and fitness resource especially "designed to make regular exercise fun, easy to start and maintain and make part of your lifestyle—on a budget." They have numerous workouts designed for every need: for abs, for cardio, etc. The exercises are presented in a visually easy-to-understand format. The workouts don't need equipment.
Before sleeping and after waking, give thanks for all the blessings received for the day and being given another day. When you wake up, don't stand up immediately. Stay in bed for a while, think or talk and feel your body, then sit at the bedside for a moment more, before standing up. Then drink at least a glass of water.
To fix some common sleep problems, read this.
When taking a bath, gradually wet the lower body first: feet, legs, and thighs. Then the arms, stomach, back, neck, ears, and lastly the face and hair. This will help the body adjust to the water temperature. Then shampoo your head, wash your face, and then your body.
Some reasons why regular blood donation is good for the health.
This free ovulation calendar maker can help women. Here's an inspiring story about couples realize their dream of parenthood using in vitro fertilization(IVF).
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Just like your body, you need to keep your brain fit and active by exercising. How? By playing games, that's how. There are now lots of websites offering this kind of service, considered "gym for the brain". Memorado has more than 20 brain games designed to improve your working memory and cognitive control. They claim that it increases the "brain quotient" by 76% on average. Now that's an improvement worth trying. You can start for free.
Lumosity offers games said to be effective regardless of age or background. The free membership includes 3 games as part of the daily training session. The games rotate daily.
I'm a chess buff and I love to play online against fellow humans, of course. Haha. Playing chess is excellent mental exercise and keeps your brain fit and alert. You also develop a patient and long-term strategy-oriented mindset. There are lots of online chess sites, but I found some that are special and worth joining in with.
Lichess.org is highly commendable. You can play chess with other people from all over the globe or on the computer. Play in real-time or via correspondence. The games are rated, so each is serious. There are lots of very good players to test your wood-pushing skills with. In fact, there are grandmasters playing there.
The boards are highly customizable, and they have eye-friendly color combinations. You can set the game any way you want. There are several types, but I only play the classical game. If you are a beginner, the site allows you to train or watch others play, and they have a training feature where you get to solve problems and practice moving the pieces efficiently. Unlike other chess sites, Lichess is completely free and has no ads to distract you. Another option is Internet Chess Club.
Aside from wood pushing, you can also read the latest news about chess events at Chess. If you're busy and every minute is precious, go to InstantChess. The moment the page finishes loading, you immediately play against the computer. No registration is required. For the visually impaired, BetterThanChess is for you. The board is extra large and in 3D, haha.
Start them young! ChessKid and KidChess are specially built for kids. Here they can learn, play and have fun with other kids from around the world.
Aside from chess, another interesting board game is the Game of the Generals. It originated in the Philippines, where it is locally known as "Salpakan". It is a 1 on 1 game and involves a neutral arbiter. The game simulates armies at war trying to overpower, misinform, outflank, outmaneuver, and destroy each other. The identities of the opposing pieces are hidden from each player and can only be guessed by their location, movements, or results of challenges. The challenges are determined by the arbiter.
The player's set of pieces represents 21 soldiers(combatants) with a hierarchy of ranks and functions. A higher-ranking piece(usually the officer) will eliminate any lower-ranking piece, with the exception of the 2 Spies, which eliminate all pieces except the 6 Privates.
Apart from the Flag (the Philippine Flag) and the Spy (a pair of prying eyes), the rank insignia of the pieces used in the game are those used in the Philippine Army.
You can play it here and here.
Another game that I love is Quordle. Its addicting. To beat it, I use these first two words: HUMAN and GEOID. Both contains all the vowels. Then I use WordFind 5 letter words, works like a charm, haha.
On top of these, keep your brains busy by learning new things, and reading articles from these websites.
Using these services can help improve your memory, visual attention, and intelligence. What are you waiting for? Let those brain juices flow.
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Everybody wants to be happy. And you can't be happy without understanding what happiness is. It is defined as "the state of being happy". But what is being happy? Well, that depends on the person. What makes one happy doesn't apply to the other. Anyway, there are sites that specifically cater to studying and spreading it. Explore and find your happiness below.
Things To Be Happy About has a unique approach to listing everyday things to be happy about. It presents it in a series of illustrations that are clickable. When clicked, it shows a list of to-dos that I suppose you have to be thankful for. When done, you can refresh it to get new ones. In effect, you stay happy for quite a long time.
The list is not complete without Happify. The site offers scientific games and activities to help you attain happiness. They too have "feel good" news.
Family is a source of happiness, build your family tree using FamBerry and Family Echo.
After waking up and taking breakfast, I excitedly powered on my PC and guess what's on my browser? Websites that are brimming with inspiring, funny, and informative content. Why read horrific news when you can jumpstart your day with positive and feel-good stories? Below are excellent sites to bring out the optimism in you.
I stumbled on UpWorthy one day and ever since, not a day passes without me checking the latest content. Its a good source of interesting information, videos and info graphics. Their mission is to "elevate and draw attention to the issues that really matter" through social media. I think they are doing a pretty good job so far.
OnlyGood TV's tag line is "Only Good News" and it is. The site content is full of inspiring videos and touching stories that will surely lift your spirits. Huffington Post also has a collection good news topics.
Tumblr has a stream of inspiring and uplifting quotes and images when you search for the "positivity" tag. Wisdom Quotes and BrainyQuote are other good sources of quotes.
TheOatMeal is unique as the contents are published in the form of comics, personally and beautifully made by the site owner. Some of the contents are satirical, some outright funny it can put a smile on your face or give you a hearty laugh. Here's a comic about Nikola Tesla to indulge on.
Are you a reason, season or a lifetime?
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a good source of out-of-the-box ideas. They invite people who started something revolutionary or have thought provoking ideas or unique talents as speakers so they can share it to the world. The site covers a wide range of topics, from science to Best Free Inspirational Websites, business to global issues. Here's their YouTube account, with a sample below.
If you think your job sucks, checkout the first and worst jobs of top CEOs and be convinced its not that bad, haha.
I'll be expanding this collection as I discover more of these types of information, so stay tuned and keep your everyday life on the positive side.
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I've always thought of volunteering in a faraway and exotic place, doing my share of helping the world. However, I never had the opportunity. If given the chance, I would have applied as a UN Volunteer(UNV). If interested, here are the minimum requirements:
- 25 years old or older.
- University degree or higher technical diploma.
- At least two years of relevant work experience in a professional background.
- Good working knowledge of at least one of these languages: English, French or Spanish.
- Commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Willingness to work with people and local organizations to draw upon the synergies between expert solutions and local knowledge.
- Ability to adjust to difficult living conditions and sometimes remote locations.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Prior volunteering and/or working experience in a developing country is an asset.
Processing of applications is fast, and you can be deployed in just 4-6 weeks. Most assignments last from 6 to 12 months, and the contract is renewable, but the maximum length of service is four years only.
While on duty, UNV supports you with a monthly volunteer living allowance, annual leave, and medical insurance. The allowance depends on the place of assignment. Learn more about UNV.
If interested, apply here.
Another service is VSO International.
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Since I was a teenager, I grappled with combination skin. I've been jumping from one soap to another, but I couldn't find one that I could use for long periods of time. That was the case until I came across Spar Soap. After using it, I noticed the good effects immediately. As such, I've listed here some of the best personal products and practical life hacks.
Personal Hygiene:
Shampoo: Dermtropics Gentle Nourishing Shampoo and Intensive Repair Conditioner, its a Philippine brand, using wet milled virgin coconut oil. Save on plastics and get the Shampoo Refill Pouch. Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Gentle Cleansing Shampoo.
Shaving Cream: Human Nature Shaving Cream for Men
Hand Sanitizer: Arokuro Ethyl Alcohol from Daiso or Human Nature Natural Spray Sanitizer
Hand Wash: Human Nature Hand Soap
Soap: Tea Tree Therapy Eucalyptus Soap is a natural antifungal soap, made in USA. The Grandpa Soap Co. Pine Tar.
Antiperspirant Deodorant: Dove Men+Care Stain Defense Clean, Degree ULTRACLEAR BLACK + WHITE FOR MEN, The Body Shop Blue Musk Zest,
Toothpaste: Human Nature Sensitive Gel Toothpaste or Sensodyne Complete Protection Toothpaste
Toothbrush: Curaprox Ultra Soft CS 5460 and Velvet CS 12460 Toothbrush.
Dental Floss: Watson's Med Guard Dental Flossers
Shave: Schick Exacta 2 System Razor
Napkin/Pantyliner: Jeunesse
Cotton Buds: From Daiso Antibacterial Cotton Swab are good. The shaft is made of wood and bagasse pulp(sugarcane).
Health and Medicines:
Cough: ASCOF Lagundi for Adults Syrup and/or Banaba tea. Fluimucil 500/600mg.
Cold/Runny Nose: At first sign of cold, use Betadine Cold Defense Nasal Spray. Take Nature Made Super C with Vitamin D3 and Zinc or California Gold Nutrition Immune 4 with every meal, drink lots of water, eat "laswa" or veggie soup, take plenty of rest and sleep early. For stuffed nose, Salinase Nasal Drops.
Headache/Migraine: Advil or any generic Ibuprofen.
Dizziness/Nausea: Human Nature Comfort Balm or any generic Meclizine.
Mouth Wash: Human Nature Natural Mouthwash or Betadine Gargle.
Mouth Sores: Apicuria Oral Spray or Human Nature Natural Mouthwash or Orofar L.
Sore Throat: Apicuria Oral Spray or Kamillosan Throat Spray or Bactidol Extra Soothing Lozenge. Apicuria tastes better, but Kamillosan is more effective. Drink hot calamansi juice.
Skin wound: Any generic Povidone Iodine, fresh crushed Oregano and Aloe Vera leaves.
Athlete's Foot: Spar Soap, fresh crushed Oregano leaves.
Foot Deodorizer: Human Nature Deodorizing Foot Spray for Men.
Arthritis/Pain Reliever: Al Di Ginger Brew, any generic Mefenamic Acid.
Food Supplement: Intra made in Canada. Super Nutrition SimplyOne.
Sleeping Aid: Add a dab of Human Nature Lavender Oil on the pillow. Drink red wine.
De-worming: Combantrin Suspension or Mebendazole.
Constipation: Eat veggies daily, fresh Banana, Quaker Quick Cooking Oatmeal, Dan-D Pak Very Berry Oatmeal from Canada or Carman's Superberry Cranberry Blueberry and Goji Muesli Granola made in Australia, McVities. In emergency cases, I take C-Lium Fibre or Bisacodyl/Dulcolax.
Dry skin: Human Nature Virgin Coconut Oil or Sunflower Oil.
Insect bites/skin irritation: Human Nature Rescue Balm.
Mosquito repellant: If outdoors, use plants. Human Nature Skin Shield Oil with Citronella or Lotion.
Facemask: IndoPlas KF94 Face Mask. It is a Philippine brand and cheaper. For cloth type I use Hanes Face Mask.
Clothing:
T-shirts: Hanes Easy Fit or ComfortLight(XL), MacBeth Classic or Gold Slim Fit(XL), Brute Classic Regular Fit(XL), V-neck versions and tag less. But I also buy any brand as long as it's made of 100% cotton, plain, with no design, and colors that are light shades of gray, blue, yellow, pink, and brown.
Polos & pajamas: H&M 100% cotton, colors that are light shades of gray, blue, yellow, pink, and brown.
Pants, joggers & shorts: Uniqlo(M) thin, loose type, with pockets, mostly cotton, garterized hip with tie, garterized/regular ankle.
Boxer shorts: Carter, Burlington & BioFresh, loose type. Hanford(M) can also double as a loose boxer brief.
Undies: Brute(XL), Carter, Burlington & BioFresh(M), trunk type, 100% cotton.
Bed & Cover Sheets, Pillows & Covers: Dakki brand are 100% cotton material, light, thin and durable. I would love to try the bamboo-based products in Linen and Homes. Use waterproof covers for bed sheets and pillows to prevent sweat, dirt, and stains from accumulating. Another option is WonderSlumber.
Towel: 100% bamboo fiber. I'll try the Misu Towel.
Cooking Ingredients: Turmeric, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Oregano, Garlic, Iodized Salt. For cooking oil, I use Dona Elena Olive Oil or Minola with Lauric Acid pouch and transfer the contents to an empty Dona Elena Olive Oil bottle which is spill-proof.
Snacks: Bananas and other fruits and veggies, Dan-D Pak Very Berry Oatmeal, Carman's Muesli, McVities.
Drinks: Al Di Ginger Brew or Turmeric Tea + Calamansi, Ginger + Turmeric, can be served hot or cold. Yakult for probiotics. Non-fat Milk in a tetra pack. Swiss Miss or any cocoa based drink. Red wine helps calm the brain and makes you sleep.
Sweetener: Coco Sugar or Dr. Gerry's Coco Nectar, can be purchased from any Human Nature outlet.
Here's some healthy recipes: Healthy casserole recipes, Ketogenic diet food list, Recipes 1A, Chicken Thighs, 3 ingredient creamy yoghurt cheesecake.
To prevent ants coming to your food, place it on top of a pet food bowl with a moat and add cooking oil on the moat. Its very effective.
Cockroach killer: Homemade roach killer, How to get rid of cockroaches in 7 steps.
Cookware: Use wooden rice and soup spoon, frying shovel and spatula. Or metal, don't use plastic.
Dinnerware: Made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, or opal. Corelle and Luminarc are very good brands. Don't use plastic for hot foods.
Food storage: Made of glass or ceramic with an airtight cover of either plastic or bamboo. Omega and Home Gallery are cheap but good brands.
Do not order online any glass or fragile items, as they can break easily.
Dishwashing: Human Nature Dishwashing Liquid.
As an off-the-shelf rinse aid to prevent calcium carbonate deposits on dinner wares and utensils, I use a half cup of distilled white vinegar. It is effective as a water softener.
Laundry: Human Nature Detergent. I recently encountered Terra Wash + Mg Eco Laundry Sachet. The active ingredient is magnesium, which can act like soap when it comes in contact with water, effectively removing dirt and sebum. You can save water and electricity as there's no need to rinse repeatedly.
Water Purifier: Lexpure products, made in India.
For useful info and tips about appliances checkout 101 Appliance.
For a natural weed control use boiling water, doesn't much and soil friendly unlike chemicals.
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Working long hours in front of the laptop has a lot of side effects. But most concerning is eye strain. Computer screens are bright and staring at them without blinking results in dryness and redness of the eyes, blurred vision, and migraines. Desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile phone screens emit blue light, which disrupts sleeping patterns.
According to a study, eye strain affects some 90% of people who spend at least 3 hours a day in front of a computer.
One way to ease eye strain is to follow the 20-20 rule. This means that every 20 minutes, you should look at an object around 20 feet away and stare at it for 20 seconds. This way, you're giving your eyes a break. But this is difficult to apply in real life. Like me, for example, when I'm focused on work I tend to forget a lot of things. There was even a time I wasn't aware my neighbor's house next door was on fire, haha. More info here.
To remedy this, use software and web apps. F.lux is desktop software that adjusts the color of the screen to negate the side effects of blue light. It activates in the evening and gradually turns the screen color to a tinge of orange by nighttime. RedShift is another option.
EyeLeo reminds you to rest your eyes by taking a short or long break. One of the excellent features is the eye exercises. It also has a strict mode that prevents you from skipping breaks. A must-have feature for workaholics like me, haha. You can get more Windows 10 options here.
You can also take eye supplements. I personally use Now Foods Ocu Support with 100 mg of bilberry extract, which I find effective against blue light. It is taken 3 times a day with food. EyeMo have a Moisturizing Formula product.
If ever you decide to go for glasses, choose a frame that is lightweight and durable. Small lens may look cute but I prefer larger lens. A full frame protects the lens from breaking in case of falling.
Photochromic bifocals combine distance and reading correction with light-sensitive technology, allowing lenses to darken outdoors activated by UV light and clear indoors automatically, eliminating the need to switch between sunglasses and readers. Provides 100% UVA/UVB protection and, reduces glare and eye strain, featuring anti-blue light filters for screen use. High-quality options like Transitions or Photofusion have faster activation and better clarity. Lenses are available in various styles, including rimless or lightweight TR90 frames. Here's some photochromic bifocals at NineLife.
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Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid readily available in grocery stores and pharmacies. It has powerful oxidizing properties, which makes it an effective disinfectant. It is also an ideal bleaching agent. But that's not all, it has more household uses than you can imagine.
I mainly use it to wipe clean molds that grow on cabinets during the rainy season. See video below and be amazed.
To prevent mold growth and odor in clothes, bedding, etc., store items inside vacuum plastic. Buy a vacuum to use as a suction tool. Placing dehumidifiers near closets also works. Some natural dehumidifiers are silica gel, rock salt, charcoal, and baking soda. Plants are also good, here's an article of moisture absorbing plants. Here's a list of essential oils to help disinfect the air.
How Tos and DIY Videos: How To Make It: DIY Inventions & Useful Life Hacks, 5-Minute Crafts, and The Q.
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