BusinessVoice News Network

More people say they’re lonely, but what can you do about it if that’s you? First, acknowledge that what you’re feeling is loneliness, and take steps like writing down happy memories, walking in nature, phoning a friend you haven’t seen for a while, or listening to happy music or watching something funny. You can also focus outside of yourself by volunteering to help others. Source Link 

The way you charge your smartphone could limit the life of the battery. Don’t use cheap power cables, wall plugs or wireless chargers that may damage your phone. Don’t let the battery charge drop to zero and avoid keeping a phone on and charging overnight because both can be bad. Your battery works best when it’s charged between 20 and 80 percent. Source Link

Scammers who impersonate someone else are the number-one source of fraud but you can fight back. Remember that government agencies will never contact you to ask for your Medicare or Social Security number or a password, and don’t click links in emails or texts that look official. Visit the agency’s website separately. And use free spam blocking apps offered by wireless carriers to limit junk calls. Source Link

Ultra processed foods may be linked to a number of health problems but finding swaps can be easy. Try making overnight oats instead of eating boxed cereal for breakfast or consider a fresh meal service to replace a few takeout stops each week. The goal is to get up to 80 percent of your diet from whole foods. Source Link

What are some alternatives to staring at a screen for kids cooped up inside because of winter? Play an exciting board game or organize an indoor treasure hunt. Try real-life high-energy activities such as dancing, exercise or an indoor obstacle course or challenge them to learn a new skill. Source Link

Deep breathing may ease anxiety and it’s easier to do when you remember two shapes. Box breathing has you breathe in, hold, breathe out and hold again for four seconds in each step.. Triangle breathing does the same in three steps and visualizing a box or a triangle as you breathe can help set a good rhythm. Source Link

Getting enough vitamin D every day can be a challenge when winter weather blocks the most natural source of it. Instead of depending on exposure to sunshine, try eating more foods high in Vitamin D, like fatty fish, egg yolks and foods that add vitamin D. If you use a supplement, choose Vitamin D3 that’s absorbed more easily by your body. Source Link

When you ask, “How was your day?” your child may only say, “Fine” or “Okay”, so try these other questions. For young children, ask about stories they read in class or something they learned today. Tweens and teens might respond to, “What’s the most unexpected thing that happened?” and most kids can probably tell you what was their favorite part of the day. Source Link

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables all make meal preparations easy. And fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide you with nutrients and dietary fiber that can help lower your risk of developing cancer. To eat more of these, start by filling at least half of your dinner plate with fruits or vegetables. Source Link

What can and can’t improve your credit score? Carrying a credit card balance won’t help but having more available credit will. Closing an unused credit account may hurt if it’s one that’s been part of your credit history for years. And paying a utility bill on time probably won’t help your credit score because those accounts aren’t reported to credit agencies. Source Link

A nap can be good for anyone when you remember these rules. Time your nap for about six to eight hours after you wake up but not too late in the day or much longer than 20 minutes. Wake up with some sunshine or bright light in your eyes or by moving around. And don’t worry if your napping is very light because it can still give you the benefits of sleep. Source Link

Cleaning the oven is a task that needs to be done every so often to avoid problems with cooking. You can use the self-cleaning feature that heats the oven walls to burn off grease and grime but that may not do a complete job. You can clean an oven thoroughly and easily by applying a paste of baking soda and water to the oven walls and leaving it to sit overnight. Source Link

If you want to make the most of your workday make sure your phone is out of sight. Research has shown that simply being able to see your phone – even if it’s silenced or shut off – can reduce your ability to concentrate. This happens because you’re using brain power to actively fight the urge to check that phone. Source Link 

Using a space heater can warm up a cold spot in your home but there are some precautions you need to take. Be sure that the heater is sized correctly for the room and is kept at least three feet away from drapes, furniture or bedding to avoid the risk of fire. And remember that a space heater may dry and dehumidify a room too much, which can be bad for people with allergies or asthma. Source Link

You’re feeling an unusual sensation in your heart, along with dizziness and shortness of breath. Is it a heart attack? It might be a panic attack if you have a history of anxiety and are under heavy stress. It’s probably a heart attack if you smoke, you’re overweight or have diabetes or high blood pressure, but either way go to the ER immediately. Source Link

Online shoppers should be wary of scams that use fake store websites. These links are usually found in social media or emails and will offer huge discounts on everything. Watch out for low-resolution product photos and web addresses with store names that are multiple words. When in doubt, do a search for the store name in the web address to see if it exists. Source Link

Aluminum foil can do lots more than cover a dish or line a pan. Place a piece of aluminum foil between the ironing board and your clothes for a faster job, or wrap some foil around the bottom of an ice cream cone to catch those drips. And you can soften a hard clump of brown sugar by wrapping it in foil and baking in a 350-degree oven for five minutes. Source Link

Answer these questions first when you want to welcome a new four-legged member to the family. Are you looking for personal companionship or a playmate with a pet? How long will you be away from your pet during the day and who will care for it when you’re gone? And what life changes might affect your ability to keep your pet in years to come? Source Link