BusinessVoice News Network

Looking for a natural energy boost that’s not caffeinated? Hazelnuts, cashews or almonds are rich in magnesium, and whole eggs are packed with protein and B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. Fresh fruit can also provide natural sugar along with beneficial fiber and vitamin C from oranges, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple or strawberries. Source Link

Don’t believe everything you’ve heard about getting good sleep. Exercising within four hours of bedtime can release endorphins to ease stress that can interfere with sleep. You can get good sleep any time of the day as long as you do it in a dark room and it takes at least 15 to 20 minutes to fall asleep, so don’t expect to be out as soon as your head hits the pillow. Source Link

Here are some warning signs that your vacation rental may be a scam. Do a reverse image search on photos that seem too good to be true and see if they’re stock images and pause if a rental price is a lot lower than nearby listings. Don’t be rushed by a host who needs an immediate decision and never pay with gift cards, a cash app, crypto or a certified check. Source Link

You’ve decided to spend less time online and here’s how to begin the log off. Treat your internet use like intermittent fasting by going online only during set hours and not every day. If you’re doom scrolling, ask yourself if it makes you feel good or more angry or anxious. And use a free service like Pocket to save articles for later reading to free you up from having to see it right now. Source Link

There’s a lot you hear that’s not true, so let’s debunk some common myths about organ donation. You will not pay a fee to donate an organ and a doctor won’t fail to resuscitate a donor just to have an organ to harvest. And your lifespan won’t automatically be shorter because you’ve donated a kidney or part of your liver. Source Link

A simple shift in the way you look at your money might help you stop living from paycheck to paycheck. Make a savings account the first thing you fund instead of the last after all your bills are paid. Any use zero-based budgeting that allocates every dollar to savings, paying bills or for spending money. Source Link

There’s a way to read a book that has more benefits for your brain. Instead of reading for a goal of learning or finishing in a certain time, “mindful reading” focuses on the pleasure so you remain fully present and understand what you’re reading. It’s best done with a paper book because reading on a phone or tablet has distractions like notifications and the urge to multitask. Source Link

You can combat procrastination by committing to a schedule rather than a deadline. The idea of being “in the zone” is a myth because the best way to get work done is to commit to a schedule and stick to it, even if you don’t feel like it. Maybe you can only spend a few minutes on a task, but that’s better than skipping it altogether. Source Link

Cracking your knuckles is a common habit that’s often discouraged because people believe it can cause arthritis. But studies have shown that knuckle cracking is not associated with an increased risk of injury. It may be annoying for others, but cracking your knuckles isn’t likely to cause any long-term damage. Source Link

Mindless eating often goes hand-in-hand with watching TV, but does what you watch affect how much you eat? Researchers found that action shows prompted people to eat twice as much as talk shows. Sad programs are also more likely to make you pile on the calories compared to upbeat programs and comedies. Source Link

You face them during every clothes closet cleanout – that pair of jeans or swimsuit that’s too small but you keep as a motivator to lose weight. But if that piece of clothing makes you feel ashamed about your body shape or size, it’s time for it to go. Should you reach a new milestone in weight or size, you can always reward yourself with a shopping trip. Source Link

These myths about healthy eating need to be crossed off your menu plan. Frozen or canned vegetables are as nutritious as fresh, white rice is just slightly lower in fiber than brown rice and microwaving doesn’t zap all of the nutrients in food. And processed convenience foods like frozen dinners can be a nutritious alternative to meal prep kits. Source Link

Money may buy you happiness, but it depends on whether you enjoy an instant high or long-lasting comfort. Experts say purchasing something like a car with lasting value can give you long-term happiness, while spending money on experiences like a concert or a vacation can provide more-intense but short-term joy. Source Link

A warehouse store lets you buy in bulk at a great price but what products can stand the test of time on your shelves? Canned or dried beans, frozen fish, pasta and butter that’s been frozen are among the best long-term buys. Paper products like toilet paper and paper towels are also less expensive when bought in bulk and they’re easy to store. Source Link

You don’t need an expensive bag of ice melt to keep driveways, steps and porches slip-free. Dissolve rock salt or table salt in a bucket of warm water and use a garden sprayer to hit those slick spots, or use a 60-40 mix of vinegar and water. And you can melt ice on a windshield by spraying it with a 50-50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water. Source Link

Tin foil isn’t just for cooking or leftovers. Fold a 12-inch long sheet of heavy-duty tin foil into six layers and cut with a pair of scissors to sharpen them or line an ironing board cover with tin foil to press both sides of an item at the same time. And a ball of crumpled tin foil can be used with soap and water to scrub burnt-on food from pots and pans. Source Link

Timing may be important to keep your bedtime routine from interfering with sleep. Instead of turning on a bright bathroom light to brush your teeth or wash your face just before bed, do those things before you begin your wind-down. That way, you’ll be ready to get into bed and fall asleep as soon as you get drowsy. Source Link

Try these simple steps to make wearing earbuds or headphones safer for your ears. Turn down the background noise to avoid turning up the volume and take a five-minute listening break every 30 minutes to reduce the risk of hearing damage. And use over-the-ear headphones for more protection from outside noise. Source Link