The urban chaos and a sedentary lifestyle spent in front of a desk, often staring at a computer screen can lead to a number of health problems for us. The lack of fitness and stamina is one such issue that we all experience from time to time. Starting from weight gain in an indiscriminate manner, to a slowdown of the metabolism; or starting from shortness of breath if we have to take a single flight of stairs to general fatigue at the end of each – there are a number of challenges that show us how unfit we are.
Mechanization of most activities which happens at a touch of a button and the lack of time to actually get some exercise have given rise to many problems starting from lack of fitness to lifestyle diseases that hit us as early as our 20s and 30s. In order to stay fit, one must keep moving, among various other measures. Whether you walk with your Michael Jordan shoes or take them to the gym, there are a number of things you can do in order to keep moving and to stay fit as a bargain. Check out this list to know more!
• Take the stairs: This is an often-heard fact that many of us ignore. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and watch your stamina grow. Wear your Michael Jordan shoes and pack the work shoes to slip on later, before you enter the office so that you get some much-needed exercise right in the morning as you leave for work.
• Walk to work: If your office is at a reasonable distance, you can actually take a walk to the workplace rather than getting a cab for those few blocks. So instead of the subway or a cab, take a walk. You can also walk in your workout clothes and change in the washroom at the office. For this, you may have to start early, which makes for a good start instead of rushing around.
• Walk through meetings: Another great idea is to have walking meetings. If you are wondering what these are, then the answer is very simple. All you have to do is schedule a meeting in the park by the office or even in the corridor if you do not have any such space nearby. Walk and talk even as you take notes. This will prompt your co-workers to also join your fitness routine which will make for participative fitness.
• Household chores: As per many studies and medical reports, we can burn a number of calories just by doing various chores around the house. Starting from chopping and stirring in the kitchen, to doing laundry and even changing bed sheets or cleaning the floors, there are a number of activities that can burn calories. For this, you can also wear your sports shoes like Michael Jordan shoes indoors for a more toned look by the end of it all!
While being selected for the college that you’ve always dreamed of is an achievement worth all the happiness, it usually drains away thinking of the hectic procedure to be followed to receive financial aid. However, it is not as difficult as one thinks it would be when handled one step at a time.
To start off the process, the first and the most basic thing to do would be to fill the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) irrespective of your thoughts on qualification for the aid. FAFSA is taken into consideration to qualify you for grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans. It is more important to fill it, and that too early as some schools distribute their funds on a first come, first serve basis.
From the information you provide in your FAFSA, a summarized report called the student aid report (SAR) would be sent to you by the department of education. This report will calculate an estimate of the amount that can be contributed by you and your family (EFC) towards the college fee, which when found to be less than the college’s cost of attendance will likely make you eligible for receiving the aid.
A copy of SAR will be sent to each school listed on your FAFSA, which will prepare a package of financial aid to suit your needs. This information of financial aid and loans allocated to you and eligible for you will be presented to you by each of the school as your award letter which can be compared to make further decisions on which school would help you better financially.
Always keep the grants and scholarships available from various sources in mind as they are capable of making a significant difference. You are usually automatically considered for grants by your schools at the time of admission.
After putting together all the information of the amount you’d be receiving from various sources, if you still fall short, it would be a good idea to make a comparison of the available federal and private loans.
Wooden toys are not just meant for any particular generation, rather they have been a part of all generations. No matter how many high-tech toys are available these days, there is something special about wooden toys. They are so simple, sturdy, and traditional that they remind you of those simple days back in your childhood. Here are some of the most popular wooden kids’ toys that your child will surely love-
Wooden Toys Stacking Train Blocks
This pull toy is bound to ensure that the child enjoys and learns at the same time. This toy is an example of when learning meets fun. This toy inspires plenty of adventure and fun. This toy usually comes with a train head, two carriages and around twenty blocks that are in different colors and sizes. This keeps the baby interested as his curiosity ignites seeing so many colors and shapes. These toys are bright in colors with non-toxic paint, so it does not harm the kid if in case he puts it in his mouth. Usually, this toy is recommended for kids who are 18 months and above.
Charlie All-In-1 Kitchen
This is one of the most popular kids’ toys of all time. Instead of buying different kitchen pieces, this set had all the appliances your child needs to cook whatever their creative minds think about. This wooden set is not only sturdy but stylish as well. It is made from solid oak and fancy nickel hardware. It is recommended for all the little chefs who are three years and above.
Hape Rock and Ride Kids’ Wooden Rocking Horse
This is one of the most classic and old-school wooden kids’ toys that never go out of trend. This toy has one of the simplest designs and won’t be eye catchy to the guests if left anywhere in any room. With the back and forth rock and roll, the kid eventually learns coordination skills. This toy is recommended for kids only above 10 months old. Also, the finish of this toy is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about your child being around toys that would harm them.
Had a leg day at the gym and got your leg attacked by muscle cramps? Well, we do understand the excruciating pain you may be going true. These cramps are no less than a nightmare and lead you to have sleepless nights and helpless days.
Legs cramps most commonly hit the calves and can obstruct your movement for long. This occurs due to contraction of a muscle that you may have applied too much pressure on or is overused. An underlying reason for this can be that your body does not receive enough hydration, thus, obstructing the smooth functioning of your muscles. This may not be the only reason and there can be underlying factors such as weakness in the body, diabetes, irregular blood pressure, etc. The older generation is likely to fall prey to cramps in the legs.
Muscle cramps in the leg do not indicate a serious or major issue and here are some remedies that you can practice at home for relief –
Gentle stretching exercises – It is advisable to immediately bring to halt the activity that may have triggered the cramp. Hold your leg and perform gentle exercises while moving your leg back and forth. Continue to do this for a while, at least until you feel like your leg muscle has been relieved. You can also stretch your toes upwards so as to bring rest to the muscle of your calf.
Heat massage – A heated massage is a great way of bringing relief to a muscle cramp. The heat causes the blood to circulate well. All you have to do is place a hot water towel or hot-water bag on the affected area and gently press it against the spot. This massage will bring an instant relief to your leg.
Magnesium-filled diet – Magnesium is a mineral that is a requisite for your body to function well. It has a key role to play in easing away muscle cramps. And although this may not lead to quick relief, it does aid in the long run. Foods such as spinach, almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.
Hydrate – Hydrating your body with water is extremely important. Like your skin needs moisturizers, so does it need hydration. This keeps your leg muscles smooth and keeps that cramps away.
If muscle cramps in your legs do not seem to rest and occur frequently, you should be alarmed and visit your doctor before a more complex condition occurs.