BusinessVoice News Network

These wardrobe swaps can help you avoid turning up the thermostat and those energy bills. Microscopic air pockets in fleece, wool and flannel make them better at insulating your body and wear warm slippers that cover the entire foot. And a hooded sweatshirt or sleeved or hooded blanket can cut down on heat loss from your head and make your whole body feel warmer. Source Link

Exercising to help control high blood pressure doesn’t have to mean becoming a jogger or joining a gym. You can get the recommended 30 minutes a day, five days a week of exercise using your own body weight and never need to leave home. You can even break up that daily goal into several smaller periods of exercise and taking a few short walks is a great way to start. Source Link

It’s like acupuncture but employs your fingers instead of needles to help with emotional issues. Emotional Freedom Technique is a mind-body program that uses your fingertips to tap on key acupressure points to relieve anxiety or depression. To get started, look for a therapist that specializes in E.F.T. Source Link

Training that helps you advance in the work world doesn’t have to be learning for a new job. Upskilling aims to expand and develop your current skills, and it’s important for many employers who see a skills gap in their workforce. Best of all, you can often get your employer to pay for upskilling classes. Source Link

It’s called a “baker’s week” and it might be the best choice for planning that next vacation. A seven-day getaway with an extra day at the end for traveling home can give you the feeling of a real break from a Monday thru Friday job. Booking a three-or-four-day trip may not be enough time to get into that relaxation groove. Source Link

Let’s see if your bedtime routines among America’s favorites. In a survey, 39 percent of people took a bath or shower before bed, 29 percent read, and one in five used meditation or deep breathing. About half ran a fan to help them nod off, 29 percent had blackout curtains, and one in five used weighted blankets, sleep masks, noise machines, apps or ear plugs. Source Link

What kitchen tool comes in handy at Christmas or anytime you’re opening a gift? A can opener can make quick work on the edges of those rigid plastic cases. Line up the can opener along the edge, ensure a tight grip, and turn the opener as you would with a can to safely open that packaging. Source Link

Spending more can actually save you money if it’s on the right things. Analyze your buying and look for items you use consistently and stock-up. Then focus on finding the best prices, whether that’s watching for sales, taking advantage of coupons or buying in bulk at a membership store. Source Link 

Some driving habits may be a silent sign of a sleep disorder. Always needing a window open for a blast of cold air, sipping coffee behind the wheel, or cranking up the tunes during morning drive could be efforts to make up for poor sleep or even sleep apnea. It’s estimated that one in five collisions on the road may be caused by fatigue or sleepiness. Source Link

When you’re getting ready to visit the doctor, be sure to bring everything you need besides an insurance card. That includes a written list of any questions and copies of any online health research that you can discuss with your doctor. And consider bringing a friend or family member who can offer support, take notes and advocate for you. Source Link

Watching your carbs doesn’t mean you have to avoid these foods. Animal protein in meat and eggs has close to zero carbs, and seafood is low in carbs and can be high in beneficial fatty acids. The carbs in leafy green vegetables are mostly fiber, and nuts and seeds are a popular choice in a low-carb diet. Source Link

Finding free WiFi away from home can be easier when you know where to look. Most coffee shops, malls and public libraries offer free WiFi, and you can find it near you by using an app like Instabridge or WiFi Map. To be safe, avoid doing anything involving financial accounts while on free WiFi, and use a VPN to improve privacy. Source Link

As the days get shorter, it can trigger “Seasonal Affective Disorder,” but how do you know the winter blues you’re feeling really is SAD? A diagnosis of seasonal depression can only be made after two consecutive years with depression that begins and ends at the same time each year and with no symptoms during other times of the year. Source Link

You can prepare your car for winter driving with these simple steps. Make sure tires are properly inflated, clean and check your battery and check coolant levels. And you can prevent an icy lockout by lubricating window tracks with spray silicone or dry Teflon spray. You should also lubricate door locks and latches, including the one that opens your car’s hood. Source Link

There are some telltale signs that you may be the target of a scam artist. If someone claiming to be a retailer calls to question about a large order you didn’t make, or says they can connect you directly with your bank, or wants to stay on the line while you go to the bank, you’re probably dealing with a scammer. They may also ask you to buy gift cards to send to them or pretend they are police investigators. Source Link

There are several ways that you can save for your child’s college education. A traditional savings account can be opened by you for your child, and a high-yield savings account will compound your interest earnings faster. Or consider a state-sponsored 529 savings program that gives you tax-free withdrawals for college education expenses. Source Link

You’re drawing a blank while trying to remember something, so it’s time to do some real drawing. Studies have shown that making a drawing of an important thing can help you remember better. It doesn’t have to be a work of art because the process of drawing is what helps your brain lock in on the memory. Source Link

When you need an emotional pick-me-up, try these simple things to help boost your mood. Take a walk with a friend, spend time in nature, turn on your favorite tunes or do deep breathing exercises. Drinking a glass of water can also help, or take a warm bath to soak away the stress. Source Link