Seven Signs You're Ready for a New House

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If you’ve decorated, and bought new home accessories, or even just returned from a vacation and look around your home and feel a bit, well, meh, then it could be that you’re ready for a change. Even if you hate the packing and organizing process which comes hand-in-hand with moving, where you live can really impact how you feel. Especially if you homeschool your kids, or have a new arrival on the way and are desperately seeking alternate storage solutions, it’s worth looking at the signs below to see if you need a change in your living environment.

Before we dive in, check out these 27 Ultimate Packing Tips for Moving Items into Storage.

Easy Ways to Improve Your Health

As the end of the year approaches, many of us are reflecting on the year that has passed. We're wondering what we'd like to change in the New Year, and congratulating ourselves on the things that have gone well, or that we are happy about. You might also be thinking about things that you'd like to change. For many of us, our health is something that we'd like to improve. 

Whether you've been struggling with your weight, aches and pains, your immune system or recurring illness, or you'd just like to feel less fatigued, stronger, and healthier, there are some easy changes that you could make to improve your health in the New Year. 

Give Up Some Bad Habits

Ok, giving up bad habits isn't necessarily easy. It's probably by far the hardest thing on this list and something that many of us spend a lifetime struggling with. But, while some bad habits are relatively harmless, others could quite literally be killing you. Frankly, even the harmless ones can have a negative effect on your well being, or they wouldn't be bad. 

Think about your own bad habits, the things that you know are bad for you, or that you spend too much time or money on, and think about ways that you could cut down or quit. There's always help available from places like a men's drug rehab center, and you never have to do it on your own. 

Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle

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Water is so good for you. Sipping water from a reusable bottle all day can rehydrate you, making up for any water that you naturally lose, keeping your organs functioning well, your skin bright and your digestive system in check. Drinking water like this also means that you are less likely to drink high calorie or sugary drinks, or reach for an unhealthy snack. It's such an easy thing to do which can have a tremendously positive effect on your health and wellbeing. 

Get Your Steps in

Doing more exercise isn't always easy. If you are short on time, or struggling with your fitness, exercise can be tough. But walking more usually isn't. Even parking further away from the office, or getting off the bus a stop earlier can improve your fitness and health. 

Add Yoga to Your Daily Routine

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There are so many benefits to yoga, not least that it improves your posture, coordination and core strength. Practice a simple yoga routine every morning to start your days more positively. 

Talk More

What about your mental health? It's something that many of us neglect. You might bottle things up and avoid talking about your worries. Improve your mental health by talking about your worries and concerns. Talk to loved ones or even a therapist. 

Stand Up Straight

Standing up straight isn't always easy. If you aren't used to it and have poor posture, standing tall can be a challenge. But it's worth it. Standing tall will improve your posture and core strength, as well as helping you to feel more confident. 

5 Reasons To Consider Going Back To School In 2020 As An Adult

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It’s never too late to continue your education, and although going back to school can be intimidating it can also be immensely rewarding. So whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career, are a parent who has just sent your own children off to college or simply want to learn something new, then here are 5 reasons to consider going back to school in 2020 as an adult.

1. To increase your earning potential
   There’s no better way to break the glass ceiling holding you back from taking the next step in your career than boosting your qualifications. Whether you already have expertise in your field and just need the qualification to back you up, or you want to branch out into something new check out some online MBA’s such as an accounting MBA which can be undertaken from the comfort of your own home and will fit around your current commitments.
   
2. To invest in yourself
   There’s a reason why we are told to fit our own oxygen masks before helping others, and that’s because we must take care of ourselves first in order to be able to provide help for other people. Whether you are going back to school to be able to provide more for your family or are furthering your education to achieve a personal goal, by doing so you are investing in yourself. At the end of the day, you need to remember that you are worth it and you deserve to take this time to do something for you.
   
3. To get out of a rut
   It can be all too easy to get into a rut when working full time or being a full-time parent. The days blur into one and you may not really feel like you’re going anywhere or achieving anything which can lead to feelings of depression. Education is a great way to broaden your horizons and get yourself out of a rut, introducing you to new people, new concepts and new ideas which will help to make life seem new again. 
   
4. To set a good example
   We should never stop learning and the ultimate way to demonstrate this to your children is to set a good example by doing so yourself. So whether you want to prove to your family that you’re never too old to learn something new or you want to motivate your children to pursue their own dreams and to go to college then put your money where your mouth is and prove it to them by doing it yourself.
   
5. To take on a challenge
   There’s no denying that learning can at times be challenging but challenges can also be fun and rewarding. Our brains thrive on overcoming problems and making progress so give them some brain food and enjoy the feeling of tackling a challenge head-on and working through it. Working through problems and learning new things can release endorphins in your brain, making you feel happy, reducing your stress levels and improving your mental health.
   
   

Alternative Education Paths for Your Children

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Deciding how to educate your children isn't always easy to do. You can take the standard route and put them in the public school system, but what if you think that it's not the right choice? There are alternative education systems and philosophies out there, and perhaps one of them could be a better choice for your child. To find the best option, you will first need to explore what's out there and understand the benefits that they might be able to offer your child. Here are some of the options that might be available to you if you're considering alternative education.

Montessori

Montessori schools follow the philosophy of Dr Maria Montessori. They allow students to freely explore their interests and the lessons that they find most enjoyable. If you choose a primary Montessori day school for your child, you could help them benefit from a balanced education. Montessori schools help children to develop a passion for learning and knowledge, engaging their senses and encouraging them to think and question. Montessori schools are available at different levels, although most options are for students up to middle school. Some Montessori high schools are also available, although there are fewer options.

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Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an option that many parents consider as an alternative to the standard school system. It allows you to educate your children in the way that you want to, while having control over their schedule. Homeschooling offers many different approaches, so it's not exactly one type of alternative schooling. You can decide how you educate your children, which might include giving classroom lessons, using online materials and various other resources. There are many different ways to teach your children and decide what you want them to learn and why. It allows you to be more involved in your child's education.

Unschooling

Unschooling is related to homeschooling, and some people might say it's the same thing. Unschooling is defined by a lack of curriculum or standards, allowing students to do what they want. It's driven by the child's interests and often doesn't have any routine, structure or schedule of any kind. There is no testing or exams, or other measuring of progress. This might be something that you consider if you are able to devote a lot of time to being involved in your child's education. It could also be a good choice for your child's early development rather than their later years.

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Forest Kindergarten

If you're looking for an alternative option for your child's kindergarten, a forest kindergarten is a great option. This type of kindergarten involves almost entirely outdoor activities, allowing children to explore the outdoors and learn through playing. The American Forest Kindergarten Association is a good place to learn more about where these types of kindergarten can be found and the benefits they offer. They often have smaller class sizes, child-led learning and will run in almost all weathers.

If you think standard education might not be right for your child, especially while they're young, there are other possibilities to help you find the right path.

Financially Surviving When Too Sick To Work

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Getting sick can take a toll on your finances as well as your health. This is particularly the case with long-term sickness in which you may miss out on an income for weeks – and sometimes even months. Some employers may be able to offer sick pay for a limited time, but this may still not be enough to survive on. Other forms of financial helps are often needed in these circumstances. Fortunately, there are lots of different forms of financial help to consider.

Look into federal/state benefits

In the case of chronic sickness in which you may be expected to be ill for several months, it’s possible that there may be benefits that you’re entitled to. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SSI (Supplementary Security Income) are two federal benefits that are both worth looking into. Eligibility for such benefits can depend on the requirements of your state. There may also be other benefits offered by your state – by doing your research, you can find out more about these.

Take up odd jobs online

If you’re well enough to use a computer, you may be able to make some money online by taking up odd jobs. There are lots of ways of making money online including completing surveys, writing blog posts and even doing people’s online shopping for them. Sites like Fiverr are great place to find these odd jobs.

Sell your clutter

Got any unwanted possessions in your home that you could sell for cash? This could be another way of making some money while you’re ill. You can put these items up for sale online and get buyers to pick them up from your home using the likes of Gumtree. This could be a useful way of selling these items if you don’t have the energy to take them to second-hand stores.

Know your legal rights

There may be cases in which you can make a legal claim and earn some compensation. For instance, if you were injured in a road accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s possible that you may be able to make a personal injury claim. There are companies such as J. Alexander Law Firm that can help you to make these legal claims. If you win your claim, the compensation could be enough to live off while you recover.

Talk to your family and friends

Don’t be too proud to ask for financial help from family or friends if you desperately need it. Even if you borrow money from them, it’s better than having to resort to a loan. On top of offering financial help, these people could be needed for running errands while you’re ill.

Get help from local charities

In the case of certain illnesses, there may local charities that can step in to offer some financial support. Do some research to find out about charities in your area and try applying for charity funding.