Are you looking for a safer alternative to latex and vinyl gloves? Nitrile gloves is your answer.
But first, why Nitrile Gloves.
Disposable protective gloves made of latex have been widely used throughout the years. However, this type of glove poses a big issue that can’t be ignored – users with allergies are at risk while utilizing them. For this reason, companies and organizations of various industries, as well as individuals, have been seeking out the best gloves for people with latex allergies.
If you or any of your employees suffer allergic reactions from this material, we know you’re eager to find a solution. With that said, here’s a quick summary that details our recommendation for a great alternative:
Which gloves are best for people with latex allergies?
Those who suffer from latex sensitivities should use gloves made of nitrile to avoid being exposed to the allergy-producing natural rubber proteins found in latex. Nitrile is 100 percent Powder Free Latex Gloves and extremely durable, which makes it a safe alternative for hand protection.
Why is it Important to Wear Latex-Free Gloves?
If you have ever experienced latex allergy symptoms, you know how uncomfortable it can be, as well as distracting while in the workplace. Finding an alternative is the best thing you could do for yourself and your team members. To understand the importance of avoiding this material, we will start with an overview of what this type of allergy can consist of:
What is a Latex Allergy?
An individual is labeled as having a latex allergy when they experience certain negative physical reactions to the natural rubber proteins that it’s made of. When exposed to latex, their body’s defense system is triggered because it identifies the material as a harmful substance. When this occurs, chemicals such as histamine are released, and in turn, produce unwanted symptoms. This can happen when the latex comes into contact with the skin, accidentally inhaled or ingested.
As you can see, exposing yourself or your staff to latex can produce mild to severe symptoms depending on the person’s sensitivity. Your best line of defense is to not take the risk and switch to latex-free nitrile gloves. An additional reason that latex-free gloves should be worn is that those who do not have allergies to this material can easily develop one. When home users or professionals expose themselves to latex, over a period of time, they can develop an allergy to it. Because of this, it’s best to use an alternative form of hand protection.
What industries requiring hand protection are most impacted by latex allergies?
In reality, all industries that require glove use are impacted – medical, food industry, law enforcement, cleaning services, auto shops, factory workers, dentists, and more. This is because a large part of the population is allergic to latex. However, there are a few industries that can be hit especially hard with these types of allergy issues. This would be the healthcare, dental, and food industry.
Healthcare professionals and dental workers not only have to worry if they are allergic, but the patients that they frequently touch are a concern as well. Imagine doctors and nurses that work in an emergency room having to handle patients that are rushed in, with no knowledge of the patient is allergic to latex or not. If you happen to be a nurse, you will be interested in reading our article that describes which type of glove is better for your line of work – nitrile or latex.
Food preparation professionals touch the food items that will be eaten by others. If traces of latex attach to the food, and it’s consumed by an intolerant person, there could be severe side effects. Since Nitrile Gloves are better for people with this type of allergy, it would be an especially wise alternative to latex in cases such as these. Additionally, it’s not enough to just wash your hands after handling certain foods.
Disclaimer: This is a Sponsored Post to share information about Nitrile Gloves.
If you want to read about my Sleep Hygiene Checklist, then you’ll find it here.
There’s nothing better than a road trip: scenic views, beautiful stops, and endless adventure. Explore the ultimate road trips in UK to enjoy English Summers from full-on adventure to a peaceful scenic drive.
When someone says road trip – the first thing that comes to my mind is Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway. However, there is one road trip that rarely comes on top of the list – the epic United Kingdom road trip that offers plenty of character, history, countryside, and nature. One of the best road trips in UK is the North Coast 500, Scotland, which you cannot afford to miss.
One of the best ways to explore the United Kingdom is by car. I do agree that Public Transport in the UK is marvelous, but you will miss the beautiful countryside. We wanted to explore the U.K more than just the tourist destinations. But how will you make the most of your road trip? The answer lies in research, planning, and, of course, flexibility.
We started our road trip from London and spent 25 days discovering some of the best places in the U.K by car. You can enjoy the glorious English summer in the countryside with the breathtaking scenery.
If you’re into English Literature, this would be the best road trip as you’ll be able to visit Shakespeare’s hometown and museums dedicated to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The Best Road Trips in UK to enjoy English Summers
1. Bath
Bath is around 100 miles from west of London and it’s a perfect base to explore Stonehenge and Cotswold. Bath has been a well-being destination since Roman times, and it offers a dive into the history of the country. It is famous for being the only natural hot spring in Britain you can bathe in. Don’t miss Bath’s Museum – it’s a journey in itself.
2. Cotswold
Cotswold is one of the most charming and romantic villages in Britain. With quiet coffee shops, idyllic stone cottages, and serene country walks – Cotswold is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate in a rural background.
3. Stonehenge
The World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is one of the most iconic man-made monuments in Europe. The best thing about driving from Bath to Stonehenge is that you can immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and spend as much time as you want at each destination.
4. Stratford- upon Avon
Set in the picturesque countryside, on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford upon Avon is famous not only for its ties with William Shakespeare but also for its beautiful riverside houses, street markets, and restaurants.
5. Cardiff
If you ever believed in fairies, dragons, and enchanted castles, then Cardiff is a place where you want to go and explore your childhood fantasy. There are so many places to explore in Cardiff and it’s brimming with Welsh culture, language, and food – that makes this place authentic and different from other cities in the United Kingdom. We chose Cardiff as our base to explore the country of Wales.
Few Attractions you can’t afford to miss in and around Cardiff:
Snowdonia National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park
Castell Coch
6. Tenby
We accidentally found this stunning and historic town in Wales. Tenby is considered one of the most beautiful towns in West Wales and it has got everything for everyone – castles, sandy beaches, cafes, and local stores. This is the beauty of road trips; you find treasures like this beautiful seaside town in the region of Pembrokeshire. I am not sure if the photos, I have shared, do justice to the real beauty of this place.
7. The Lake District
At this point, we took a break in Penrith before starting the mesmerizing road trip of the Lake District. The Lake District is the most loved and scenic national park in the United Kingdom. This place isn’t only about lakes (as you’d expect from its name), it’s about wilderness, walking trails, villages, and quintessential country pubs. We took a break and enjoyed our stay in Penrith before embarking on our journey to the Lake District. Drive from Penrith to Windermere can be nerve-wracking – narrow roads with little room for two vehicles to pass. If you enjoy driving, this is one drive that you will truly love. This is one of the best road trips in UK. And don’t forget to enjoy hot chocolate in Langdale Chase Hotel in Windermere. You can thank me later!
8. Edinburgh
The drive from Penrith to Edinburgh takes around 2 hrs 30 minutes but we covered the distance in 4 hours. You literally can’t afford to miss the scenic drive between these two cities. Therefore, I would advise you to book your Airbnb in advance and avoid the hassle of finding a hotel at the last moment. Edinburgh was our last base to explore the Scottish Highlands.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, and it is one of my favorite cities in the world. The charm of the medieval old town, Georgian New Town, and cobblestone streets makes you yearn for more. Apart from the touristy places of Edinburgh, do immerse yourself with delicious food and scary ghost tours. We were lucky to witness the magic of the Fringe festival in 2019. Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the explosion of art and creative energy from around the globe. Although this year (due to pandemic) the magnitude of the celebration is curbed and most of the shows will be virtual, it will still remain the greatest celebration of art.
Few Attractions you can’t afford to miss in and around Edinburgh:
The Sterling Castle
The Kelpies
The Falkirk Wheel
Rosslyn Chapel
9. Glasgow
Glasgow is the UK’s fourth-largest city after London, Birmingham, and Leeds. This Scottish city is famous for its Victorian architecture, street art, and super friendly people. If there’s no paucity of time, I would highly recommend going on City Center Mural trail and spot some beautiful murals from local artists.
Book your spot-on Scottish Whiskey distilleries tour (If you love Scotch and want to know more about the whiskey-making process and the effect of water on the taste.)
10. Ballachulish and Glencoe
Edinburgh to Ballachulish is the most dramatic and scenic drive in Scotland. It is a perfect base for Glencoe adventure. You can book a hotel or a camp to enjoy your idyllic road trip and indulge in endless activities like mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and trekking. Ballachulish is also considered a part of the Glencoe. The village of Glencoe is very small with a limited facility. Do not miss the eco-friendly Glencoe visitor center that is a starting point of your Glencoe adventure. Take a break – sip a coffee and enjoy the view.
11. Inverness
The city of Inverness is also called the capital of the highlands. It is the perfect base to explore Northern Scotland and enjoy the North Coast 500 route. The highlands around Inverness is not only picturesque but also full of history, mystery, and culture. Inverness is home to iconic Loch Ness where you might spot the mythical creature, Nessie.
Few attractions to see before you continue your journey on North Coast 500 route:
Visit Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle
So what are you waiting for – explore the best road trips in UK this summer.
Are you tired of tossing and turning at night? Are you struggling to control your thoughts when you try to sleep? Do you have good sleep hygiene?
No need to worry! Sleep hygiene is the answer to all your problems. This sleep hygiene checklist will help you sleep better and be more dynamic and efficient during the day.
You must have probably read and heard this phrase a million times – “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise”. And you must have also read about daily morning rituals that can make your life successful. But what about night time routine? Isn’t it the most crucial factor in having a great morning routine?
The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
Sometimes I would sleep like a baby, other times, I would find it hard to sleep the whole night, and even if I manage to get some sleep, I’d get up in the middle of the night. The condition worsens when I am dealing with stress and anxiety. I don’t think that I am the only person who struggles to get a sound sleep. When I started having trouble sleeping, I was tempted to have some sleep medication and sleep-aids. But somehow I am scared of these drugs – firstly, I don’t want to get addicted to sleeping pills, and secondly, the side-effects that can make sleeping worse in the long run.
“Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to rest our brain and body health each day.”-Dr. Matthew Walker, Why We sleep
For the last few months, I have been following a specific nighttime routine that helps me fall asleep faster with no nighttime awakenings. I found this routine helpful especially when I am extremely stressed and anxious. 2020 was all about physical and mental hygiene. However, it also highlighted the importance of sleep hygiene that has a significant impact on overall well-being. So, I came up with a sleep hygiene checklist that prepared me to fall asleep comfortably with no nighttime breaks.
So, what is sleep hygiene?
Sleep hygiene is essentially the sleep habits you follow. It is a combination of your environment and your behavior before sleeping and during the day. Your diet, schedule, environment, lifestyle, and many other activities play a crucial part in determining the quality of your sleep.
Good sleep hygiene is essential for mental and physical well-being. It can improve your productivity, immune system, and it keeps you energetic throughout the day. On the other hand, poor sleep hygiene can lead to stress, anxiety, weight gain, work performance, etc.
Therefore, it is critical to have good quality and restful sleep routine that can boost your energy and performance.
“If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.”~ Dale Carnegie
13 healthy sleeping hygiene checklist that will ensure that you sleep faster and longer.
1. Set an alarm to go to bed and wake up
The first rule to have a great sleep routine is to be consistent. It is important to sleep and wake up at the same time. This is easier said than done but once it becomes a habit, you’ll not need an alarm. Nightime alarm is a reminder to wind up and hit the bed. You can also track your sleep pattern on a sleep tracker.
2.Lay off electronics
Smartphones, tablets, and laptops stimulate our brain and that makes it hard to keep it down. It also emits blue light that decreases melatonin production, the body’s natural sleep-inducing hormone. Leave your electronic gadgets and devices in a different room at least 30-60 minutes before sleeping. If you have to keep your phone or tablet in your bedroom then put it on airplane mode and switch it on the night-mode.Prep yourself for a good night’s sleep.
3.Consistency is the key
Like for everything else in the world, a consistent routine is key to improve your sleep hygiene. Following the same steps each night – washing your face, brushing your teeth, reading a book, or skincare routine can tell your brain that it’s time to sleep.
4.Bedroom Temperature
Your bedroom should be like a Goldilock zone: neither too hot nor too cold – just perfect. Set the temperature that makes you comfortable at night. It’s hard to sleep if your bedroom is warm enough to make you sweaty and dehydrated. Your bedroom temperature not only affects the quality of sleep but also breaks your sleep at regular intervals.
5.Mindfulness or sleep meditation
“A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow”– Charlotte Bronte.
Isn’t it true! Sleeping is natural for our body and it shouldn’t be your goal. It will come naturally if you tame your ruffled mind and focus on relaxation. Sleep meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness exercises give a signal to your brain to relax and unwind. You can write a journal, try guided meditation and mindfulness app to prepare you to sleep.
6.Block out light – blackout curtains or a sleep mask
Our bodies have an inbuilt clock that makes us rise with the sun and sleep when it is dark. Blackout curtains create a dark environment in the room that not only blocks light from outside but also eliminates distraction. A sleeping eye mask can also help you drift into natural slumber wherever you are.
I am a big proponent of natural remedies, and essential oils are the natural sleep aid. Use a few drops of either lavender, vanilla, jasmine, or sandalwood oil in the diffuser, or you can also make a unique blend for yourself. Essential oils promote the feeling of relaxation and allow you to fall asleep quickly. Fun Fact: Do you know that Only smell goes directly to the brain’s emotion and memory chamber. That’s the reason why you feel happy smelling roses or get nostalgic.
8. 2 Hours gap between last meal and sleep
While you can have healthy snacks at night, it’s best to avoid large meals before sleeping. The food you consume before sleeping can disrupt your sleeping pattern and may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. A healthy snack is a good option before bed as it will make you feel satiated and will keep indigestion at bay.
9.Keep your bed for bed related activity only
It’s vital to improve your sleep environment. Fresh bedding, pillows, and mattress play a crucial role in giving you a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. Your bed must be reserved only for bed-related activities – sleep and sex.
10.Sleep on your left side
Sleep position is a matter of preference but it’s recommended to sleep on your left side. It is not only good for digestion, our backs but also the heart.
11. Drink hot tea or milk
It’s an old fashioned way to make you fall asleep instantly. From herbal teas to turmeric milk, these sleep-inducing hot drinks before bed have a calming effect on our minds. Chamomile, peppermint, and valerian teas are natural sleep-inducing tea flavors that can help you catch some good nights’ rest.
12. Declutter your brain and space
If it’s nothing else, it’s worry and anxiety that’s bothering your sleep hygiene. Declutter your mind and dump all your worries, fears, and anxieties in your journal. Trust me- it only takes 15 minutes, and it can tame your mind. Also, declutter your space so that it can bring in some positive energy to calm your senses.
13. Weighted Blanket
This is one ubiquitous blanket that you might find everywhere on the internet these days. Right from Pinterest to gift guides, a weighted blanket is everywhere. But does it work? The answer is complicated as it might work for some people while others might find weighted blanket suffocating. According to a study, a weighted blanket can reduce your stress levels and anxiety. It creates deep pressure stimulation that has a calming effect on our body. Therefore, it makes it easy for you to fall asleep faster.
While these are some lifestyle adjustments that can help you sleep faster, it might not work for everyone. You must have good sleep hygiene to encompass a sound sleep routine. I hope this healthy sleep hygiene checklist make sleep your superpower and you have a wonderful morning the next day.
Yes, fin-spirational podcasts and skinimalism are on the New Year’s Resolution List – and my Resolutions for 2021 look different, too.
Hello everyone! Welcome back from the holidays. Hope you had a wonderful, safe, and relaxing time. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s how to continuously reinvent and restructure your goals. It also taught us the importance of taking care of our mental as well as physical hygiene. In 2021, that’s the lesson I am going to practice for the whole year. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I couldn’t strike off anything from my last year’s resolution, partly because I was diligently following COVID restrictions and protocols. And, partly because, in 2020, I mastered the Art of Procrastination.
And, as always, I found this incredible quote in my journal that’s perhaps the biggest takeaway from 2020.
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”- Tony Robbins.
Here are my New Year Resolutions for 2021:
1.Drink Enough Water
Need a friend? Water is my new best friend.
2.Take more walks – walk a mile a day
As Hippocrates said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.”
3. Read for 45 mins every day
“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving y our feet.”- Jhumpa Lahiri. The perfect way to travel in the pandemic.
4. Explore new hobbies
I will try to be productive in my “Me” time by exploring a new hobby.
5. Become a plant mom
It’s time to adopt and raise a houseplant. There is a blissful feeling when you see your child growing.
6. Invest in the skincare routine
Skinimalism! I am going to invest in a healthy skincare routine and get that glow back. Be Flawsome in every possible way.
7. Explore more eco-friendly options
Switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle and save the planet.
8. Go to bed on time
Because sleep hygiene is imperative for mental and physical health.
9. Declutter mental and physical space
“Get rid of clutter and you may just find it was blocking the door you’ve been looking for.” – Katrina Mayer.
I am looking for that secret door.
10. Support small businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the small businesses hard, it’s time to support and promote them. A little act of kindness goes a long way.
11. Take Safe trips
Travel is on my mind. But safety comes first.
12. Stay in touch
Stop taking friends and family for granted. One positive thing about 2020 is that it brought families together virtually. Staying in touch with loved ones and continuing virtual parties/get together.
13. Learn something new
Nothing excites me more than learning something new. Time to renew my Skillshare subscription!
14. 25 minutes on the clock with no distractions ( Pomodoro technique) I learned this technique in December 2020, and I am going to exercise it in 2021.
15. Avoid people who complain a lot
Avoiding people is not easy, but sometimes for your mental peace, it is the best thing to do. No hard feeling!
There’s a universe of journal prompts and activities. I am planning to try some new trackers like habit tracker. Continue with a 3-minutes-a-day journal routine.
18. Try meal planning
It’s not easy to come up with meal ideas every day. This year I am going to try meal planning.
19. Listen to Fin-spiration podcasts
Moving money in the right direction is important. And financial podcasts are not only informational but also interesting. This year I am going to listen and learn from some financial experts.
20. Learn Basic French
Learning a new language is a challenge that I have subscribed for this year. French – the language of love!
21. Ditch one bad habit
Oh! I hate to procrastinate and this is one bad habit that I need to ditch this year.
Now, it’s time for you to tell me your resolutions for 2021.
Embrace the changes and make 2021 a successful year with these short inspirational quotes. You can download these free phone wallpapers to keep your motivation levels high.
Be happy with whatever you’ve accomplished this year (even though slower than usual) and reflect on these short inspirational quotes.
Are you thirsty for holiday celebrations, new faces and places? You’re well aware that you have to control your desires as you have to settle in for an evening in your cosy home with same faces this holiday season.It isn’t easy but it will surely be an amazing celebration as we have learnt the art of virtual celebrations and finding joy everywhere. You’re more likely to think about the new possibilities, goals and resolutions for the New Year.
It’s time to celebrate endings and embrace the New Year, 2021, with some words of wisdom, positivity and motivational quotes. You can print these quotes and put it on your workplace, write them in your journal or simply share it with your friends. These short quotes and sayings will remind you about your goals and help you reflect on your achievements.
Plus there are 10 short inspirational quotes phone wallpapers to inspire you – every time you look at your phone. (Raise your hand, if you mindlessly look at your phone when you’re lost in your thoughts. I do that almost all the time!)
26 Short Inspirational Quotes and 10 free phone wallpapers that will help you achieve 2021 goals and intentions.
1. “The only joy in the world is to begin.” — Cesare Pavese
2. “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.”- Nido Qubein
3. “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”— Aristotle
4. “Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results.”— Dennis Waitley
5. “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” – Tony Robbins
6. “The more one judges, the less one loves.”— Honore de Balzac
7. “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”– Florence Nightingale
8. “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”– Oprah Winfrey
9. “Action is the foundational key to all success.”– Pablo Picasso
10. “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”– John R. Wooden
11.“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”– Samuel Beckett
12. “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”– Bruce Lee
13. “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”– Napoleon Hill
14. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”– Arthur Ashe
15. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”-Maya Angelou
16. “You do not find the happy life. You make it.- Camilla Eyring Kimball
17. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”– Robert Collier
18. “If you have the ability to love, love yourself first.”– Charles Bukowski
19. “To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.”– Robert Morley
20. “The road to success is always under construction.”– Lily Tomlin
21. “Growth begins when we start to accept our own weakness.”– Jean Vanier
22. “Ignorance is the parent of fear.”— Herman Melville
23. “I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”— William Allen White
24. “Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.”— Japanese Proverb
25. “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”— Jack Canfield
26. “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”–Abraham Lincoln
If you want to read a motivational Zen story that gives you a different perspective on ending and new beginnings, then read here.
I wish 2021 heal everyone physically, mentally and emotionally. I might sound a bit materialistic but I wish that 2021 heals us financially too.
I hope you liked these short inspirational quotes and wallpapers. To Download these wallpapers for your background take a screenshot or save the image.
Love the giver more than the gift.- Brigham Young. And when you get thoughtful Homemade Christmas gifts, it makes it even more special.
The holiday season is finally here, and before the fun holiday festivities arrive, it’s time to get ready with Homemade Christmas gifts.
You can reduce the post-holiday stress by saving and spending wisely without sacrificing any of the holiday excitement. Before you indulge in the marathon of gifts-buying, look at these tips to make smart choices and save money this holiday season – ring in the New Year with celebration rather than panic.
Get ready with special Christmas gifts- Homemade Christmas Gifts. These DIY projects are not only easy to make but also, stylish.
Ready, set, get the supplies, and start making your Homemade Christmas Gifts.
Raise your hand if you have never tried making your own candles. You might be surprised how easy it is to make and gift it to your loved one. Stock up some candle wax, favorite scent, and a mason jar. It is a perfect gift for friends, neighbors, co-workers, and teachers this holiday season.
Don’t throw your money on a $300- $600 blanket for a Christmas gift to your loved one. DIY chunky knit blanket with a $20-$25 yarn. Honestly, it is not about the money, it is about the feeling of accomplishment when you knit your very own blanket.
Give these beautiful Pine Gel Candles and light up their world this Christmas. All you need is some glitter, floating candles, a mason jar, dried evergreen, and gel wax.
It is a perfect gift for teachers, co-workers, family, and friends. A cookie mix is a better gift as in the holiday season we are inundated with sweets, cakes, and cookies. So, it’s nice to bake your own cookies later.
How can you forget your plant-loving friend? A box filled with budding succulents and all the essentials you would need to plant them in a pot or terrarium.
Give this homemade version of the classic Christmas snow globe. You can finish this project in just 10 minutes – quick and easy. Perfect DIY to do with your kids and cherish it forever.
Add some holographic pillows to your Christmas gift list – let her relive her childhood. It’s a super simple DIY and I am planning to gift this to my daughter this holiday season.
Give these ring cones to your girlfriends and they will never forget this Christmas gift. The best part of this DIY is that you can customize it depending on their style and you can showcase your creativity with colors and accents.
I hope you liked these easy-peasy Homemade Christmas Gifts. It’s time to get creative and thoughtful this holiday season. You can find all these projects on my Pinterest Board – Homemade Christmas Gifts.
Do let me know your favorite Homemade Christmas Gifts project.
Start your gratitude journal today with these gratitude journal prompts and become more thankful and happier by the next Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude” – Nigel Hamilton
5 minutes of written positive affirmations and gratitude can help you unveil the power of positive emotions. It can not only reduce your stress but also increase your productivity.
If you’re stuck and looking for some gratitude journal prompts so that you can write them down in your journal, Gratitude App, or a diary.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey
What is a Gratitude Journal?
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Spontaneously generated from within, it is an affirmation of goodness and warmth. – Psychology Today.
It starts with noticing the goodness in your life and around you. We live in an ever-changing environment, especially during the pandemic, stress has become a part of our life and it takes a toll on our health. When we write down our thoughts in a journal, it decreases the intensity of the negative emotions and gives us a different perspective of things around us. Gratitude journal highlights things that we have in our lives but we overlook.
Benefits of gratitude journal prompt
“Gratitude works its magic by serving as an antidote to negative emotions. It’s like white blood cells for the soul, protecting us from cynicism, entitlement, anger, and resignation.”- Arianna Huffington, Thrive
When we write down the list of positive events, things that make us happy and calm -at the end of a day- not only lowers stress levels but also results in better sleep at night. Your gratitude journal becomes an anchor on a day when things aren’t going right- just flip the pages and read your blessings in life. Here are some of the mental and physical health benefits of a Gratitude journal.
Lower stress and anxiety levels
Better sleep
Enhances empathy and reduces aggression
Encourage positive emotions and reduces toxic emotions
Helps you focus on things that are important in your life
What are the three things that made you grateful today?
Family. Food to eat. Home.
Sounds easy-peasy, right?
But what will you write the next day in your gratitude journal? You already wrote three things you are grateful for and you can’t repeat the same, every day.
Lack of journal prompts makes journaling a bit difficult as you can’t sail without wind. And then, these gratitude journal prompts come to your rescue. Use these gratitude journals prompts daily to see the magic of gratitude in your life.
Tip: Don’t answer in one word. Try to elaborate on your answers and explain.
39 Gratitude journal prompts for wellness, happiness, and thankfulness
I am happiest when…
Things in the room that you’re grateful for…
Recall a favorite memory that you’re grateful for
Name a friend you’re grateful for and why
What is the proudest moment of your life?
What’s a possession that makes your life easier?
What painful experience has helped you to grow?
What is your best skill?
What knowledge are you grateful for?
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
What’s something positive in your life that you didn’t have a year ago?
What/who made you smile today?
What book are you most grateful for?
What person in your past are you most grateful for?
What small things are you grateful for today?
What risk are you most grateful for having taken?
Name something or someone that makes you feel safe
What do you like about your job/school?
Name a place that makes you feel happy
Name a challenge that you’ve overcome
List all the people that have a positive effect on your life
What is your favorite way to relax?
What was your best holiday you ever went on?
What are 5 things you have that most of the world does not?
What is your favorite thing about your personality?
Write about a time you helped someone.
Write about the happiest time of your life.
What was your favorite present you ever received?
What was the proudest moment of your life?
What positive impact do you bring to the world?
Do you have a set time of day you remember to be mindful and grateful?
Do you think you spend enough time being grateful?
What routines do you have that you take for granted?
What was your favorite childhood hobby?
Name 5 people who have had the greatest positive impact on your life. Why?
What is the last thing you bought which brought you joy?
What do you do when you want to treat yourself?
What is something you do that you would like to do more often?
What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward
Wishing all my friends who celebrate Thanksgiving – Happy Thanksgiving!
From free Apps for kids to educational videos on YouTube and websites – with this crazy list expect fun and learning.
Whether your kids are having distance-learning, school-learning, or homeschooling, these educational free Apps for kids, Youtube Channels, and websites are the resources that can reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way.
“You cannot get educated by this self- propagating system in which people study to pass exam, and teach others to pass exam, but nobody knows anything. You learn something by doing it yourself, by asking questions, by thinking and by experimenting.”- Sir Richard Feynman.
Sesame Street is considered to be the watershed moment in children’s learning with television shows. It became the blueprint for all the educational content that came after that. However, in Sesame Street’s early days, the critics of the show argued that the show’s fast-paced content would interfere with a child’s ability to focus and a whole generation of children would develop ADHD. There is still no evidence-backed scientific research to support this.
“ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. It’s the most remarkable word I’ve ever seen. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. I wish I knew exactly what I mean. It starts out like an A word, as anyone can see. But somewhere in the middle, it gets awful “QR” to me. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. If I ever find out just what this word can mean, I’ll be the smartest bird the world has ever seen.” — Big Bird, Sesame Street.
It was a research-backed benefit of Sesame Street that led to educational content that is engaging and offers a learning experience. “The results indicated significant positive effects of exposure to the program, aggregated across learning outcomes, and within each of the three outcome categories: cognitive outcomes, including literacy and numeracy; learning about the world, including health and safety knowledge; social reasoning and attitudes toward out-groups.”- Effects of Sesame Street: A meta-analysis of children’s learning in 15 countries
From Smart TV at home to tablets for school, kids are exposed to educational content on electronic and digital media almost all the time. It’s not the technology or the screen time that bother parents – it’s the content and how the child engages with it. For instance, you’d want your child to pick up and read as many books as he wants – unless he/she picks up Fifty Shades of Grey or a hot romance from the library.
The rule of thumb for great educational content are:
1- How engaging the content is?
2- Is it without any distractions? ( Pop up advertisements).
3- Does it have clear learning objectives that build on existing knowledge, and
4- Does it take care of Child’s privacy?
The educational content on digital platforms can enhance the learning experience for kids constructively and interactively. However, it is important to follow certain rules to make it enriching.
1- Make your own media use plan. Get one for yourself,here.
2- Set time limit and encourage outdoor activities
3- No Technology Zones ( e.g bedroom, dining table, etc.)
4- Teach the importance of Digital privacy and the dangers of online predators.
And remember, moderation and discipline is the key.
19 Best free Apps for kids, Youtube channels, and Websites (5-10 years)
Educational Free Apps for kids on ios and android:
Khan Academy Kids: Khan Academy Kids was developed in collaboration with learning experts at Stanford and aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core Standards. It’s 100% free with no ads or distractions. Recommended age: 2 to 8 years
Quick Math Jr.: Learn boring maths in an extremely fun and engaging way. Build Number Sense: Practice counting, skip counting, subitizing, ordering numbers, mental arithmetic, formal addition and subtraction, and more. Recommended age: 4 to 8 years
Scratch Jr.: This app introduces young kids coding through simple tasks and involves reasoning and problem-solving skills. There are simple coding tasks that make a character do certain actions like running or jumping. Recommended age: 6 to 8 years
Cyberchase Shape Quest: This app is for kids to learn about shapes, geometry, reasoning, and problem-solving. There are three different fun games with an augmented reality game interface. It only works with tablet devices. Recommended Age: 6 to 8 years.
Duolingo: Kids can learn a foreign language and earn hearts as they go. Recommended age: 8+
Star Walk Kids: This app will teach your kids the basics of astronomy in a simple yet engaging way. Learn about the solar system while playing and having fun. Recommended age: 5-8 years
Princess Fairy Tale Maker:Kids can create their own fairy tales and learn the art of storytelling. Recommended age: 5+ years
Superhero Comic Book Maker: This app is similar to Princess Fairy Tale Maker but it’s for superheroes. Enjoy the art of storytelling. Recommended age: 5+
Leela Kids- Best Audio Content for 3-15 years old: This is a perfect app to introduce kids to the world of podcasts. There are age-appropriate engaging content and get their feedback on the topics they like. Recommended age: 3-15 years
YouTube Channels
YouTube channels can offer immense learning on topics kids want to learn. Unfortunately, Youtube also offers content that is not suitable for kids even though they fall into the category of Kids Channels. With supervision, your kids can learn what they want to learn and engage with the content that’s suitable to their age group. YouTube channels like Super Learning Songs, Little Baby Bum, and Chu Chu TV offers unique learning to younger kids. Here are 5 YouTube Channels that I highly recommend for 5-8 years, old kids.
Kids Learning Tube: Kids Learning Tube publishes weekly sing-a-long videos and covers a wide range of topics from geography, solar system, food and nutrition, fractions, etc.
Preschool Prep Company: The videos in this channel are designed for kids to watch and learn letters, numbers, phonics, digraph, etc.
It’s Aumsum Time: It’s a fun learning channel for anyone who wants to learn new things and find answers to different questions. Topics related to Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics are explained in a fun and engaging way.
The Story Time Family: This channel shares their favorite books and the narrator reads some classic, fun, educational stories that make it interesting for adults too. And there’s always time for some great stories.
Cosmic Kids Yoga: This channel teaches yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation for kids in a simple and engaging way to make the exercise interesting. It’s a perfect way to introduce yoga and mindfulness in a fun and easy way.
Websites for kids
Children can learn something new today and every day. These websites not only offer learning games but also content that can force them to think and reason. Bookmark them for easy access.
National Geographic Kids:It doesn’t matter whether you’re a young explorer or an adult, this website is a fun place to explore animals, habitat, environment, countries, culture and, also, try some cool experiments. There is something for everyone!
Starfall: This is an ad-free website that offers learning games and activities, covering various topics like maths, reading, writing, etc. This is a platform where children can learn through exploration.
Funbrain: Funbrain is created for kids in grades Pre-Kg through 8. It offers games, books, and comics that can develop skills in mathematics and literacy.
Almanac: This is a reference website that contains topics like weather forecasts, gardening, moon phases, recipes, and articles. It can sharpen the reading skills of our young readers.
The Kidz Page: Explore free games, printables, puzzles, coloring pages, etc. They also have holiday-themed educational games and activities that everyone can enjoy.
These are some educational resources that can make learning fun and interesting.
Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights,with some glitzy Diwali decorations, mouth-watering Diwali recipes and gifts that can lit your mood.
And it signifies the beginning of Hindu New Year…my 2020 will end next month thanks to Diwali! You all enjoy the rest though (wink).
Diwali is one of the most beautiful festivals in the world. It is a Hindu festival of light and it usually lasts for five days. Diwali symbolizes- the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival is usually between October and November, with the date changing every year. This year celebrations will be on 14th November.
The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali – deep means lighted lamp and vali means row. Rows of lighted lamps…
How is Diwali celebrated?
It is believed that on Diwali Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) visits each house to bless her devotees. So, cleanliness is the essence of this festival. People start cleaning all the corners of the house, and decorate it with beautiful lights, flowers and rangoli.
It’s also a time to celebrate it with family and friends. People enjoy Diwali with sumptuous meals, they exchange gifts, have fun and make everlasting memories.
I may not be the best person to highlight the prayer rituals of Diwali as it is different for different communities in India. But the essence of celebration remains the same – love, purity and devotion.
How to plan perfect Diwali party?
Diwali is a perfect time to throw a party. Due to CoVID and the rising number of case, Diwali partymight look a little different but the essence of the celebration remains the same. Diwali decors, recipes and other ideas will lift your environment with positivity and celebration, even though you are celebrating virtually. Here is the list of essentials to plan a perfect Diwali party to enjoy with your loved ones.
Diwali Decors
As I said before, cleanliness is the main essence of this festival. It is important to clean every corner of your house to attract positivity and happiness. Decorate it with beautiful lights, flowers and rangoli. Here are some perfect decor ideas to uplift your celebration mood.
1. Lights – Illuminate your world:
Diwali is the Festival of Lights so this is the most important part of the Diwali decor. You can use candles, diyas (clay lamps) and floating diyas to add a touch of tranquility. You can also use LED lights in different colors, shape or style to decorate the interior or exterior of your house. Why not DIY a paper lantern!
2. Floral fusion:
Marigold is the traditional flower of this festival. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to marigolds, you can decorate your house with other beautiful flowers like carnations, roses, lilies etc. There’s nothing more stunning than crafting a DIY arrangementfor the festival.
3. Rangoli- Floor Folk Art:
Rangoli is a colorful art in which designs are made on the floor using powdered and colored rice, colored sand or flower petals. It is made at the entrance of the house to bring good luck and prosperity. You can also use rangoli patterns that can be placed around the house. Find rangoli wall and floor stickers with stunning designs.
Diwali Food Menu
Diwali celebration is incomplete without a mouth-watering Indian delicacies. Even if you’re celebrating virtual Diwali this year, try these recipes to make the festival special. Forget calories for a day!
Recipes for Diwali
1. Dal Makhani- Slow cooked creamy dal makhani is a perfect dish for any occasion.
2. Butter Chicken- Aromatic chicken in a scintillating thick gravy can make you land in food paradise. Check out the recipe, here.
3. Veg Kebabs
Kebabs is a smoky and spicy appetizer/snack that is served with mint chutney (sauce). The main ingredient usually is a chicken but it can also be given a vegetarian twist too. Here is Dahi Kabab where the main ingredient is hung yogurt/Greek yogurt. Find the recipe here.
4. Jeera Rice: Jeera or cumin rice can accompany any gravy. This recipe can never fail!
5. Naan: No Indian dinner menu is without a flatbread like naan, tandoori rotis or different varieties of rotis. I am biased towards garlic naan so I am including it in the list. You can find the Garlic Naan Recipe without yeast… here.
Sweets Recipes for Diwali
Any Indian festival is incomplete without sweets. You must have a variety of sweets in your menu that can tantalize your taste buds. Sweets like Kalakand, Besan Laddoos, Gajar halwa, Kaju Katli are extremely popular in Diwali. You can find 11 Quick and easy Diwali sweets recipes here.
Diwali party ideas, themes, and games
Party Theme
You can opt for a Bollywood themed party with guests enjoying Hindi songs and dance. Also, you can keep a dress code for your party – Indian traditional attires with a bling of gold! Show your Bollywood moves…
In my part of the world, Diwali is incomplete without card games till midnight. Teen Patti (Indian Poker), rummy, poker and blackjack are the card games widely played in Diwali. Set up a table or two with playing chips and a present for the winner. You can also have a casino themed party.
Dumb Charades, Tambola, Rangoli contests or Antakshari (Indian singing game where players start singing with last letter of any word) are some popular options for entertainment. You can also do some Diwali art and craft activities with kids to keep them engaged and entertained.
Exchanging gifts with friends and family is an unmissable feature of Diwali celebration. These gifts can be as simple as exchanging sweet boxes, gift cards or a hamper of dry fruits. The idea is to let your friends and family know how much you love and care for them. This year it’s so important to support small businesses in your community.
Diwali is all about spreading positivity, light and happiness. This year it will be a little different but no one can stop you from celebrating. Virtual party will make you feel closer to your family and friends.
And, probably, this is the perfect time to flaunt my sacred avatar. This is from the last year’s Diwali party but, nevertheless, I want you to appreciate my saree drape…you can feel my pain. I love sarees!
Do share your Diwali experience? I hope you liked the post.
Affirmations are powerful. And positive affirmations are for everyone.
Negative and positive affirmations have an impact on our mental wellbeing and life in general. So before you start negative affirmations or negative self-talk, consider reading this .
“ I can’t write; I am not good at it.”
“ I can’t help it, I’ve always been that way.”
“ I can’t do that it’s not my cup of tea.”
“It’s all my fault.”
Most of us waste our time dwelling in the negative and self-demeaning thoughts. When we think that we cannot achieve something, it becomes very difficult to get out of the self-created obstacles.
Remember the law of attraction!
We all experience negative thoughts now and again- it’s all about what you choose to do with these thoughts – it will decide your mental wellbeing.
Our brain is a powerful instrument. You have a negative thought and it’s up to you whether you want to keep it to yourself or let it go. You can very well replace your negative thoughts with positive affirmations. These affirmations can easily drive a positive change in your outlook and help you cope with anxiety, stress, and in your life in general.
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely,”- Roald Dahl
What are positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are the words, quotes and statements that can replace the self-demeaning and challenging thoughts in your mind. When you keep repeating or reading them, you start attracting positive thoughts and environment. You can put these affirmations in your workspace, phone wallpaper or even on your mood boards.
You can make your very own positive affirmations but remember these points while creating it:
1- It should be in present tense.
2- It should highlight the areas of your life that you wish to change.
3- Your affirmations should be achievable.
4- You should repeat them with passion.
Here are 24 positive affirmations that will change your life:
I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.
My life is just the beginning.
I am resilient, strong and brave.
I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.
I forgive and detach from toxicity.
I choose to be happy and content.
There is a light in the end of the tunnel.
My work is growing, expanding and thriving.
My life is filled with positivity and love.
I accept and love myself the way I am.
I possess the qualities needed to be successful.
I am blessed with an incredible family and friends
Everything is happening for a reason and it is for my good.
I believe in today.
I am releasing myself from real, judgement and doubt.
My fears does not control my life. I do.
These are just thoughts. Only I determine the way I choose to feel.
I feel glorious, dynamic energy. I am active and alive;
I can overcome this.
In the end, everything will be okay.
Nothing is impossible.
I am always growing.
I am a magnet for miracles.
I will always take care of myself.
Positive Affirmation Apps
In order to harness the power of positive affirmations in your life, you need to be consistent and it shouldn’t feel like a burden. You can use these apps to get some positive affirmations ( no need to google it), record and track it. Here are 5 Positive Affirmation Apps for more positive affirmations in your life
1.Think Up – Download and start recording your affirmations in your own voice. You can use your recordings whenever and wherever you want. Try to record everyday.
2. Smiling mind– In this app, you’ll find selection of guided meditation and mindfulness practices that can help you eliminate negative feelings. There are different programs for different age groups. You can also track your progress.
3. Instar Affirmation Writer– Write and schedule your own positive affirmations. You can also record your affirmations and can monitor your writing pattern.
4. Grateful Journal– Gratitude is the best way to practice mindfulness. Record your positive experiences and revisit them go get some inspiration. It gives you daily prompts and allows you to write and upload your photos.As of now, Grateful Journal is only available on App Store.
5. Happify: “ Happify is the single destination for effective, evidence based solutions for better emotional health and wellbeing in the 20th century.” It helps you track your moods, feelings and emotions. Measure your emotional well-being for better mental health.
5 Positive Affirmations App to supercharge your life.
One challenge that I face is that ai find it a little weird to say it aloud. I prefer reading it in my mind or listen a podcast that helps me get rid of the negative feelings or thoughts. I can’t say enough but writing bullet journal and practicing mindfulness has been a life savior especially in the times of COVID-19.
What are your thoughts about positive affirmations?
Are you looking for Journal Writing Prompts? Try this prompt.
