Sponsored Post | Lauren Kinghorn

77 Inspirational Quotes for Healthcare Workers (with Slideshow)

Posted on August 29, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

These 77 inspirational quotes are dedicated to all healthcare workers, those brave souls who lay their own lives on the line every day for their patients. (Scroll to the end for a slideshow presentation of all the quotes.)

I’m thinking of those who tend to our physical wellbeing as well as those who help us cope mentally and emotionally with the confusion, fear, anxiety, overwhelm, sadness and grief we are facing due to a pandemic of this magnitude.

These inspiring quotes are also a tribute to all those who work behind the scenes in the healthcare industry, ensuring that our systems work and our services are delivered on time and all those working for the greater good.

These motivational quotes are also for the thought leaders, spiritual leaders, politicians, authors, poets, actors, musicians, comedians, inspirational speakers and healers who help ease our fears and keep us positive during this crazy, awful, emotional period in history.

We salute you. We honour you. We thank you for your service to humanity.

Inspirational Quotes by Healthcare Workers

Hippocrates

Greek Physician Famous for the Hippocratic Oath

Make a habit of two things: to help, or at least to do no harm.

Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.

Marie Curie

Nobel Prize‑winning Chemist

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.

I am one of those who think like Nobel, that humanity will draw more good than evil from new discoveries.

Donald Berwick

Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

I think health care is more about love than most other things.

If there isn’t at the core of these two human beings who have agreed to be in a relationship where one is trying to help relieve the suffering of another, which is love, you can’t get to the right answer here.

William J. Mayo

Physician and one of the founders of the Mayo Clinic

The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life; the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician.

Ewa Kopacz

Polish Prime Minister and Minister of Health

I am a doctor— it’s a profession that may be considered a special mission, a devotion. It calls for involvement, respect, and willingness to help all other people.

Maxim Gorin

Founder of MGME Consulting and Co-Founder of LifeLine Ambulance

A great team isn’t defined only by its leader… a great team must have the ability to meet any challenge that comes it’s way. By collaborating, we can bounce ideas off one another and see what is most likely to make sense in the real world.

Abraham Verghese

Medical Doctor

In an emergency, what treatment is given by ear? Words of Comfort.

William Osler

Physician

It is much more important to know what sort of patient has a disease than what sort of disease a patient has.

Giorgio Baglivi

Armenio‑Italian Physician and Scientist

Let the young know they will never find a more interesting, more instructive book than the patient himself.

Danielle Ofri

Physician

The awe of discovering the human body. The honour of being trusted to give advice. The gratitude for helping someone through a difficult illness. These things never grow old.

Rawsi Williams

Nurse and Attorney at Law

To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through – that is what it is to be a nurse.

Inspirational Quotes for Healthcare Workers

Vivek Murthy

American Physician and Surgeon General

Our health care workers are the heroes of the Covid-19 response.

Stephen Ambrose

American historian

It would not be possible to praise nurses too highly.

George Michael

Singer-Songwriter

Nurses, doctors, teachers: these are the people who deserve the credit these days.

Sara Moss-Wolfe

Author

Nurses: one of the few blessings of being ill.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Bodybuilder, Actor and Politician

Teachers and nurses get the best seats in heaven.

Joseph Campbell

Author

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

Inspirational Quotes by Thought Leaders

Albert Einstein

Physicist

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

Marcel Proust

Illness is the most heeded of doctors: to goodness and wisdom we only make promises; pain we obey.

Margaret Mead

Anthropologist

Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.

Jeff Bezos

CEO Amazon

We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.

Helen Keller

Author and Disability Rights Activist

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

Maya Angelou

Author and Poet

They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Poet

The first wealth is health.

Lewis Carol

Author

One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.

Anne Frank

Author

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world.

Inspirational Quotes by Spiritual Leaders

Mother Teresa

Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.

I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.

Dalai Lama

In this beautiful interview, the 14th Dalai Lama expresses his gratitude to healthcare workers:

So, regarding this illness, noble doctors, nurses, are even willing to sacrifice their own life. I really appreciate. Wonderful.

Selfish, think just (about) yourself is narrow. Shortsighted. …So altruism is (the) ultimate source of happiness…Altruism, that really brings inner peace, inner strength.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Real compassion comes from seeing the suffering of others. You feel a sense of responsibility, and you want to do something for them.

There is one aspect to our experience of suffering that is of vital importance. When you are aware of your pain and suffering, it helps you to develop your capacity for empathy, the capacity that allows you to relate to other people’s feelings and suffering. This enhances your capacity for compassion towards others.

As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all beings.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

Reverend Edward Everett Hale

Author, Historian and Clergyman

I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

Never bear more than one trouble at a time. Some people bear three kinds – all they have had, all they have now, and all they expect to have.

Marianne Williamson

Author – Excerpt from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Vietnamese Buddhist Monk

Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos – the trees, the clouds, everything.

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom.

There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way.

Inspirational Quotes by World Leaders

Theodore Roosevelt

American President

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.

Mahatma Gandhi

Indian Lawyer and Politician

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.

Where there is love there is life.

In a gentle way, you can shake the world.

A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.

Nelson Mandela

South African President

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.

There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.

Inspirational Quotes by Comedians

I’ll close this post off with some humour because I’ve found that when I’m not feeling my best laughter truly heals.

Enjoy these wise words by Hunter Doherty Adams, better known as Patch Adams. You may remember the wonderful movie in his name, where Patch Adams was played by the late great Robin Williams.

Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams

Physician, Comedian, Social Activist and Author

You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.

Remember laughing? Laughter enhances the blood flow to the body’s extremities and improves cardiovascular function.

Laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off disease, cancer cells as well as viral, bacterial and other infections.

Laughter releases endorphins and other natural mood-elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs.

Please live a healthy life – medicine is an imperfect science.

Oh, and as a parting shot, here’s a final quote by Patch Adams that seems fitting right now – this one goes out to anyone waiting in a long queue to have their vaccination.

Waiting in line is a great opportunity to meet people, daydream, or play.

Inspirational Quotes – Healthcare Workers from Lauren Kinghorn

Why Small Business Logo Design is Essential For Your Brand

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

Small business logo design plays an integral part in brand recognition. In this post, we explore why it is so important to design a logo that is memorable and effective brand recognition.

Why Small Business Logo Design is Essential For Your Brand

But before we delve deeper into this topic, if you need some ideas on logo design, check out this comprehensive guide to modern logos now.

Why Must Your Business Have a Logo?

A thoughtfully designed logo helps to build trust and get visitors to your site to stick around.

In addition, it tells them who you are, what your line of business is, and in what way it can benefit them. It is an excellent way of communicating with clients who have no prior experience or knowledge about your business, that you do splendid work.

A logo that does not look professional will only pose the question in people’s minds of how well you will be able to deliver your services or products. It is so easy for a potential client to hit the back button or choose another company merely because they look more legit. Visitors make instant judgements, and a poorly designed logo will only make them leave.

That is why it is worth spending some time on cultivating a strong logo that stands out, is memorable, and that creates a positive association with your brand. Logos have a strong symbolic association that connects to people’s emotions and memories.

How Can You Create a Strong Logo?

A small business logo design must encompass a clear and easily interpreted message. It must immediately connect with your target audience.

As far as a logo is concerned, the rule is to keep it simple, so that it works well across various media platforms, and is efficient at any given size.

Small brands, unlike larger corporations, do not have the advantage of years of brand recognition which people associate with their business, nor an extensive marketing budget to help consumers understand what their business is about and what it does.

That is why you must think outside the box and create a logo that clearly communicates who your brand is and what you do, instantaneously.

From concept to completion, there is a lot to think about when you design a business logo.

However, the three most essential components of an excellent small business logo are:

simple colours
excellent typography, and a
compelling visual element.

Select Colours Cleverly

The colour of your business logo will control how it is perceived and ultimately has the power to drive buying decisions. Colour gives meaning and triggers emotions. And when you use it persistently across all marketing campaigns, it can boost brand recognition by up to 80 %.

Picking your logo colours will depend on your target market and industry. You will notice that some industries usually stick with specific colours. For instance, financial institutions typically utilize blue since it communicates dependability and security. Brands use blue to instil feelings of trust in their services and products.

Select Typography That Signifies Your Business Values

The choice of typefaces and how you arrange them is equally important as the use of imagery, colour, or graphics when you create a small business logo.

Why? This is because people generally interpret the way that a word looks usually with what the word actually states to regulate how they feel.

Choose An Iconic Visual Element

Even though 72% of the top brand names are made up of acronyms or words, those names generate a picture in a person’s mind, using typography.

You can do the same by using graphic elements, icons, and symbols. Visual elements add interest, and they make a logo notable. It must grab the awareness of the customer for ten seconds in order for them to memorize it and generate an opinion about it.

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this post about why small business design is essential for your brand and that you will take some of them on board when you design a memorable logo for your small business. Design is important for brand recognition and creating a good one can reap immense benefits for your business.

Strategic Upgrades to Enhance Commercial Property Value

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

As a property owner, you are probably always looking for ways to get the most value out of your building.

While commercial property management often involves some challenges, there are certain strategic upgrades that can enhance commercial property value.

Paying attention to this could have a substantial impact, plus it can provide you with a rewarding and lucrative investment plan.

6 Strategic Upgrades to Enhance Commercial Property Value

1. First Impressions Last

There is plenty you can do to make a large impact at the front of the building, especially if you are planning on selling the property. Make sure the garden beds are clean and neat, the lawns are mown, the windows are clean, and the overall exterior of the property is spotless.

Check that the paint is not peeling, the driveways and paths are pressure cleaned and swept before each inspection. If the building’s façade is looking a little outdated and tired and if your budget permits, think about having the outside repainted.

2. Present a Blank Canvas

It is imperative to present a blank canvas to new possible buyers if you are contemplating placing your commercial building on the market. Just like the essential aspects of home staging, the first thing to do is getting rid of pre-existing business items like equipment, photographs, and furniture. A clean slate will permit prospective buyers to envision themselves occupying the space.

The second thing to do is making the blank canvas as appealing as possible for the new buyers. You can do this by having every inch of the building deep cleaned. This includes things like flooring, carpets, windows, walls, etc.

This blank canvas approach will provide the illusion of more rentable square footage to the purchaser for possible rental purposes, or for the needs of their present business.

3. Update Old Flooring

You can also consider updating old flooring to make the space more attractive. Consider which resilient flooring options will work best for your space and increase the property value.

What is Resilient Flooring? The best options usually include vinyl, cork, LVT, linoleum or rubber. It’s flooring that offers more give or bounce-back than carpet, wood or stone tiles.

4. Give The Space a Renewed, Neutral Palette

Any feature walls or bright paint colours can polarise your prospective buyers whereas white walls permit them to imagine living in the space or renting it to prospective renters. A Neutral palette helps generate a sense of space. The same applies to carpets. If the carpets are a little outdated and on the old side, consider replacing them with neutral carpeting or flooring. Think of the rental property as a display home while it is on the market. You want it to appeal to as many different people and avoid alienating anyone.

5. Upgrade Structural Integrity

This suggestion is particularly useful for sellers that own the entire commercial building. Inspect the building and property for any signs of wear and tear or degradation.

Have an architect or building contractor come do an assessment on the building to investigate possible structural repairs that need tending. Make sure the structural frame of the building is secure, the waterproof membrane or roof does not leak, and the building’s foundation does not have any cracks.

6. Update Lighting

Installing better lighting in many areas is an affordable, yet impactful way to enhance the appearance of the space. Apart from adding new light fixtures, you can also think about adding energy-efficient light globes.

LED lights, for instance, use 25 to 30 percent less energy as opposed to incandescent lighting, plus they last 25 times longer. This is a considerable saving that boosts your cash flow and the overall long-term value of the property.

Also, keep in mind that natural light is an immense advantage for any space, therefore ensure blinds, windows, and curtains are clean and open during inspections, and the outside bushes and trees are trimmed.

Conclusion

We hope you have found this post of 6 strategic upgrades to enhance commercial property value useful and that you will implement some of them if you are looking to sell your commercial building or simply upgrading it to boost the long-term value.

Enjoyed this post? You may also enjoy Why Invest in Commercial Real Estate?

7 Good Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property

Why Invest in Commercial Real Estate

Posted on July 17, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

Why Invest in Commercial Real Estate

There are plenty of ways to invest in property. You can rent out properties, consider dabbling in real estate investment trusts, flip houses, or be part of crowdfunded deals.

Whether you have a long history of investing in residential or commercial property or you have never invested before, here are seven reasons why you should think about investing in commercial real estate.

7 Good Reasons to Invest in Commercial Real Estate

1. Profitable Income Potential

The most significant reason why people invest in real estate is due to the income potential. You can rent out an entire house or apartment or simply add on an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) or granny flat to your existing home and rent that out.

Larger commercial buildings like office buildings or apartment buildings can yield even higher returns on investment.

By renting out rental properties, you can make thousands of dollars each month if you have selected the right properties. Increased profit margins can even help you to build your portfolio faster when you choose to invest them in new properties as income rolls in.

2. Tax Benefits

You can benefit from tax deductions on things like cash flow from investment properties, operating costs and expenses, mortgage interest, depreciation (despite a property gaining value), insurance, and other benefits.

3. Appreciation

Individuals who invest in real estate make tons of cash through rental income, appreciation, and profits created from property-dependent business activities.

The value of real estate tends to increase over time, and with a solid investment, you can easily turn a profit once it is time to sell. Rents also increase over time, which means an even higher cash flow.

4. Building Wealth and Equity

When a property mortgage is paid down, equity is built which is an asset that is part of your net worth. As you build equity, you obtain leverage to purchase more properties and subsequently boost your cash flow as well as wealth even more.

5. Leverage

Leverage means using various economic instruments or borrowed capital (for example, debt) to boost the potential return of an investment. A twenty percent down payment on a mortgage, for instance, can get you one hundred percent of the home you wish to purchase – which is referred to as leverage. Since real estate is considered a tangible asset as well as something that can be used as collateral, financing is not a problem to come by.

6. The Value of Real Estate Keeps Increasing Over Time

It has been proven over and over from history that the longer you hold onto the property, the more profit you will make. The housing industry has always recovered from past hiccups that resulted in home appreciation falling. And for those who managed to hold on to their properties during perilous times, prices have returned to their former state, and appreciation is back where it was.

7. Inflation Hedging

The inflation hedging aptitude of property comes from the encouraging relationship between GDP expansion and the ongoing demand for real estate. As economies grow, the demand for property drives rental prices higher.

This translates into more significant capital values. This means property tends to maintain the purchasing power of capital by passing some of the inflationary weight on to tenants and by implementing some of the inflationary weight in the shape of capital appreciation.

Conclusion

We hope that these 7 good reasons why to invest in commercial real estate have convinced you that property is an excellent investment. You can enjoy excellent tax benefits, an amazing rate of returns, and leverage real estate to expand your wealth.

4 Useful Tips on How to Sell on Azure

Posted on July 10, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

How to Sell on Azure

Microsoft commercial marketplace offers two online stores namely Microsoft AppSource and Azure Marketplace which are both channels that help businesses to market and sell their cloud-based solutions.

Today, we are sharing 4 tips on how to sell on Azure. First, let us tell you a little more about Azure Marketplace.

Azure Marketplace

Azure Marketplace has all the IT resources to solve any issues you might encounter in your online store or business. It is basically like a cloud store or a helpful channel that allows you to effectively market and sell your cloud solutions.

However, only cloud solutions that are certified for running on the Azure Marketplace can be sold here.

Features of Azure Marketplace

When you are using Azure Marketplace, you have access to the following features:

Displaying simulated machine images
Access to the Azure customer base worldwide
Solution templates

There are two ways to start selling on Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

Publishing your Azure certified cloud solutions to run on the marketplace. All the information for publishing solutions on the marketplace and what the process involves can be found under the publisher guide on the website.
Starting your own company or online store for selling products through the platform. You have access to a business guide with information on how to set up your business as well as helpful tips on how to grow your business.

4 Tips on How to Sell on Azure

Before creating your free account on the Azure Marketplace, you have access to free services for twelve months. During this period there are about twenty-five other services that you also benefit from which are also at no cost to you.

You also have the option of upgrading your account to a paid one which will give you access to upgraded features and services.

1. Applying For a Listing

The first step that will be required from you is submitting your offer of the products you will be selling or the services you will be providing. Once your company gets listed on the Azure Marketplace, you can begin selling through the platform.

2. Driving More Leads

Once your company is listed on the Azure marketplace, you need to start generating some leads for your prospective customers. Such leads will give customers access to live instances of your business or applications that are currently available on Azure. This can be incredibly useful as it gives customers insight into how your company will be meeting their needs.

3. Promoting Your Services, Products, or Solutions

The next step will be gaining access to Microsoft’s enterprise sellers. Once you have access, you have the benefit of having access to all Microsoft’s customers worldwide (about 100 regions and countries). You can now start promoting your company or cloud solution via Microsoft’s enterprise sellers.

4. Expanding Revenue

You will also need to keep tabs on your transactions which are basically the income and expenses of your company. Any successful company must leverage some productive commerce capabilities. You also need to obtain insights into the performance of your business and whether you are gaining revenue. You must evaluate whether your business is expanding or not.

Conclusion

We hope this information about azure and 4 tips on how to sell on Azure have been of use to you. The Azure Marketplace is a useful resource for starting and building your own business. It gives you access to IT solutions and a platform with customers worldwide where you can promote and sell your services or products and grow revenue.

This was post was sponsored by Tackle.

Daily Health Tips from Dr Ryan Shelton (Zenith Labs)

Posted on June 26, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

On a scale of 1 to 10, how healthy would you say you are right now?

If you rated yourself above an 8, what daily health habits do you have in place to get you to that number?

If you rated yourself below an 8, it might be time to put some daily health habits in place.

It’s often our daily lifestyle habits that determine our health. This is why we’ve put together a quick list of daily health tips from Dr Ryan Shelton Zenith Labs.

Daily Health Tips from Dr Ryan Shelton Zenith Labs

1. Be Mindful About Your Food Choices

Watch this video below on Dr. Shelton’s personal experience of being on a vegan diet for a year.

Dr. Shelton said that at that stage of his life, it was difficult to maintain a vegan diet because he found it difficult in a social setting. All his friends would go out and eat burgers and he felt like an outsider.

Dr. Shelton cautions you to be mindful about your food choices if you follow any kind of restrictive diet, like veganism, because you might find yourself deficient in certain nutrients.

For example, if you go vegan, make sure you eat:

fruit, nuts and seeds
veggies especially green leafy vegetables
beans
legumes
sprouts
whole grains

Even if you go wholefood plant-based vegan, you may still need to supplement with certain nutrients such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.

If you follow my blog regularly, it may not surprise you that I agree with Dr. Shelton’s advice in this video. Because I’ve been through a similar learning curve. I’ve been following a plant-based diet for a while (since October 2020).

At first, I focused on eliminating the foods I shouldn’t eat:

Processed and Refined Foods
Meat, Chicken and Fish
Dairy Products

However, I didn’t pay enough attention to introducing new foods that I wasn’t used to eating, like beans, whole grains, legumes, and seeds. I added the basics (fruit and veggies), but that wasn’t enough to get the full benefit of going plant-based.

Dr. Neal Barnard’s 21-Day Vegan Kickstart has been a great resource for trying out some new recipes and incorporating more beans and whole grains into my diet.

Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or following a different diet, it’s important to be mindful of your food choices.

Notice which foods make you feel sluggish or uncomfortable and avoid them.
Notice which foods make you feel energised and vibrant and eat more of them.
Notice when you eat and when you tend to overeat.
Notice when you’re thirsty and which drinks actually quench your thirst.

2. Focus on Your Happiness

Dr. Shelton believes it’s as important to take care of your mental and emotional health as it is to take care of your physical health.

To be truly happy and fulfilled, it’s important to focus on these 4 aspects of life.

ONE: Your Relationships

How often do you laugh and goof around with your family and friends?

TWO: Exercise

How often do you move? Do you have a physical activity you enjoy doing daily?

THREE: Spirituality

Do you spend time in prayer or thanks?

Are you a giver?

Do you forgive easily?

FOUR: Meditation

Do you take time to breathe deeply or meditate each day?

Watch this video on Keys to Happiness – Doctor’s Advice

3. Be Well Rested

Most of us know that we need to do our best to get 6 to 8 hours a night of sleep to feel well-rested in the morning.

It’s not always easy to get to sleep though. Many people can’t switch off their minds when they go to bed and lie awake at night tossing and turning. This can lead to much distress at night and can make you feel groggy in the morning.

Here are Dr. Shelton’s top tips for getting quality sleep and, if you’re up for it and are feeling brave, you can try his bonus master tip at the end.

Get in some vigorous exercise during the day
Switch off all technology (TV, tablet, laptop, mobile) a little while before going to bed
Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible (get blackout curtains or blinds)
Silence is golden, especially for a good night’s sleep
Make sure your room is a comfortable temperature (use a fan if too hot, heating if it’s too cold)

Bonus Master Tip: Watch the video below (if you dare).

Try This Tonight And Sleep Like A Baby (MASTER TIP!)

Over to You

What are you doing daily to improve your health and wellbeing?

Which of these daily lifestyle habits had you already nailed before reading this post?

And do you have some of your own daily health tips to share?

This post was sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions are my own.

What is Electronic Waste Recycling and Why Do it?

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

A question on many people’s minds these days is what is electronic waste recycling and why do it?

What is Electronic Waste Recycling?

Electronics Recycling is the process of transforming e-waste and turning it into reusable materials. It is an essential activity that is beneficial to the environment and businesses.

We live in a world where users keep upgrading or changing their electronic devices and invest in faster and more effective products. This means more waste is produced that is not biodegradable.

Massive amounts of electronic appliances, phones and other electronic waste (e-waste) are ending up at landfills every day, despite most of them being recyclable.

E-waste involves anything that you can plug into an electrical outlet that you no longer have a use for. This includes refrigerators, cell phones, old televisions, lights, and even hearing devices.

Every electronics recycling effort at home or at the workplace makes a difference, and this is why.

5 Benefits of Electronic Recycling

1. Protecting The Environment

Electronics Recycling keeps an array of toxic materials out of the environment. Lighting such as lamps and fluorescent tubes contain harmful mercury that can seep into waterways when it is discarded at landfills.

However, when lighting equipment is recycled, the mercury is salvaged and safely utilized to produce products such as dental amalgam. The same applies to batteries, where cadmium, lead, and mercury is retrieved.

For instance, when you recycle a lead-acid battery, both the toxic lead-acid and the plastic casing is recycled, while the sulphuric acid inside is neutralised and transformed into sodium sulphate for making detergent and fertilizer.

2. Lowering Business Expenses

E-waste recycling is not just beneficial for the environment, but it could have a positive impact on your business finances too. Most governments are banning dumping or charging exorbitant prices for dumping. Your business can also benefit from non-tangible dividends by reducing future costs of non-renewable materials and uplifting staff morale and retention.

3. Supporting Non-Renewable Recycling

The ever-growing demand for electronics means an increased demand for metals and nonrenewable resources that must be mined and processed. But, electronic devices like appliances, cell phones and other e-waste can be salvaged and reused.

These resources include aluminium, gold, steel, and copper, not to mention the substantial amounts of plastic that can be used for making new products.

E-waste recycling means these materials can be re-used, providing more resources to manufacture your next TV or laptop.

4. Showing the World Your Business is Environmentally Friendly

Staff members increasingly prefer to work for companies that support the community and care about what happens to the environment.

Recycling is an easy and tangible way to show your business’s commitment to environmental and social values, and reinforcing these principles to your staff members.

More and more companies nowadays are playing their part by promoting green and sustainable practices.

5. It has Never Been This Easy to Recycle E-Waste

Recycling electronic waste doesn’t take a lot of effort but it reaps tremendous rewards. There are many places and waste companies that are more than willing to accept your old printers, TV’s, laptops, phones, or unwanted gadgets that you no longer have a use for.

Conclusion

I hope that this post has been useful and that it has convinced you to consider electronic waste recycling as a way to create a better world and doing your bit to save the planet.

6 Affordable Bathroom Remodel Ideas When You are on a Budget

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

Affordable Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Any home improvement project can be a pricey affair, but it is a worthy expense to increase the value of your home. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the most expensive home improvement endeavours. Yet it’s often bathrooms and kitchens that sell a home, so if you’re looking at adding value, this is usually the first place to start.

Here are 6 affordable bathroom remodel ideas that could bring down some of the costs significantly when you are on a budget.

6 Affordable Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

1. Limiting Your Tiles

Tiles are expensive, particularly when you are hiring a contractor to install them for you. To save on costs, you can limit the number of tiles used and only emphasize high-impact areas such as the floor.

You can also consider adding one horizontal strip on the wall and painting the remaining areas. If you want to add pricey artistic tiles, you can use them as accent pieces alongside cheaper tiles.

2. Redoing, Instead of Purchasing New

Replacing an old shower or tub can be quite expensive. Why not consider having it professionally inclined which is a cheaper option.

Avoid using this option for shower fixtures and the sink since it will be more expensive to refinish them rather than simply replacing them. Refinishing such fixtures is pricey because few individuals consider this unless they have vintage or old pieces. Contractors that offer this service often ask exorbitant prices.

Replacing your tub surround is an excellent way of enhancing the look of your whole bathroom, and it is much more affordable than completing a complete bathroom upgrade. Nowadays, you get durable and attractive virgin acrylic tub surrounds which are mildew and mould resistant. They are also available in various styles and colour choices.

3. Saving on Counter Tops

A well-liked trend for bathroom upgrades is splurging on granite countertops. Since a bathroom counter is small, the costs are very low as opposed to adding kitchen counters, for instance. You can save on countertops by first looking at the colour. Neutral colours such as brown, light beige, and tan are the most popular which means they will be pricier.

To save some money, you need to look at a broader swath of colours. Another viable way of saving on granite countertops is by purchasing slabs that contain imperfections. The more noticeable the imperfection, the lower the price will be. Bear in mind that the sink basin will take up surface area, therefore if the imperfection is situated where the faucets or sink will be, then you will not even notice the imperfection anyway.

4. Painting

If you have a limited budget, then repainting is the most cost-effective, and perhaps most efficient way of sprucing up the appearance of your bathroom. Be careful though, it might be a more time-consuming project. Even though the bathroom is the smallest room in the home, it needs to be painted slowly around the shower, window, mirror, tub, sink, switch plates, wall corners, toilet, and the floor. This involves patience and time, so consider this when you’re planning your bathroom remodel.

You also need to think about moisture. Since mildew and mould develop quite easily in bathrooms due to frequent temperature and humidity changes, it is worth spending more cash on high-quality paint that has a satin finish. You might also need to paint the ceiling with special paint that is mould resilient.

5. Upgrading Fixtures

The smaller details make all the difference. You can upgrade sink faucets, light fixtures, drawer pulls, and towel racks at a relatively small price. These items might seem trivial, but upgrading them can make a huge impact on your bathroom’s appearance.

6. Freshening Grout and Caulk

Another frequently overlooked, yet essential detail is caulk and grout. When it gets grimy it looks unsightly. By merely cleaning the grout and adding clean, straight lines of caulk around the sink and tub, you can add sparkle by spending a few more dollars.

Conclusion

I hope this post about 6 affordable bathroom remodel ideas can assist you with giving your bathroom a makeover but at a lower cost. Happy renovating.

Top Ways to Empower Women in Business

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

Ways to Empower Women in Business

When you think of ways to empower women in business, it’s pretty hard not to think of the opposite, the people or circumstances that disempower women.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking of women as victims, sidelined or overlooked by men in power, marginalised, underpaid and more prone to hitting that glass ceiling.

Yet, if you’re a woman, empowering women starts with empowering yourself.

How to Empower Yourself

Empowering yourself starts with breaking out of that victim mentality and believing in yourself.

It’s not about the system, we know it’s broken, but we also know there are many, many women who rise to the top.

It’s not about them. It was never about them. It’s about you, who you are, what you want and what you’re prepared to do to achieve success.

When you believe in yourself, you will have the faith that opportunities will come your way and be ready for them when they do.

When you believe in yourself, you will get educated. You will find a business mentor and accept their mentorship.

You will create a vision for your future, figure out your goals and put an action plan in place to achieve them.

You will commit to the hours and the weeks and the months it will take to see your vision become a reality.

And once you’re empowered and take on a leadership role in your business, you’re in the best place to empower other women. Because empowered women empower women.

Now, YOU can become a business mentor. Now YOU can make a difference.

Why Focus on Women Empowerment in the Workplace?

The primary motivation to prioritize women empowerment in your business is, in many cases, varied organizations are often more successful. This is because women leverage many different perspectives, are innovative and offer deeper insights into their customers.

In our article below, we share 4 top ways to empower women in your business.

4 Top Ways to Empower Women in Your Business

1. Connect Female Employees with Female Mentors

An efficient way of changing the way women think and provoking action is by introducing them to strong female role models within the industry and your company.

For instance, if a female employee is just starting her career, introducing her to more experienced female employees like entrepreneurs or women in leadership roles can be advantageous in assisting her with defining her career path.

A strong mentor-employee connection could also help with building trust among female workers in the company and their own ability to thrive in their profession.

This is especially true in a workplace that is predominantly male-dominated. Introducing them to women in senior roles can give them the confidence boost they need to work hard towards landing influential positions going forward.

Women leaders like Nancy Etz are all about giving women the tools to empower themselves by mentoring young women as well as by offering various scholarships.

2. Remind Female Employees They are Valuable

Women in workplaces that are mainly male-dominated often feel intimidated to voice their viewpoints, for fear of being dismissed or viewed as being too outspoken.

It is essential to remind women that their opinions matter and that they are valuable team members. There are various ways that your company can incorporate values.

The first step is bias awareness and training since you will not know what you are doing wrong until your actions are addressed head-on.

You can also promote a safer work environment where everyone feels confident to voice their concerns or challenges. Promote an open-door policy where female employees can turn for assistance.

3. Accommodate the Personal Needs of All Employees

Everyone has lives outside of the business. It is essential to encourage them to pursue their interest and needs, irrespective of their gender.

For instance, permit parents to knock off early when necessary, support an overall work-life balance of fellow employees, provide competitive parental leave, and be flexible wherever it is possible.

When employees flourish in their personal lives, they are more grateful to work for a company which in turn boosts productivity and loyalty. Don’t just encourage it, but be proactive about it. Organize family days and team-building exercises.

4. Vote for Female-Related Initiatives

It is essential to empower the women in your company by striving towards gender equality and enhancing the future of the work culture in your business.

Women are significantly under-represented in various sectors of the working environment. Hiring an equal gender workforce is a sure way to make a positive difference in your business, showing that both women and men employees are equal and valued team members.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed these 4 top ways to empower women in your business. I encourage you to start implementing them to create a better workplace for everyone. Just remember to start with yourself.

This post was sponsored by Nancy Etz. All opinions are my own.

How to Help Someone with Mental Health Issues Facing Criminal Charges

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Lauren Kinghorn

How to Help Someone with Mental Health Issues

If you know one of your loved ones has severe mental health issues involving substance abuse, you’d ideally want to step in to help them before they are facing criminal charges.

The best way you can help a friend or family who is addicted to drugs or alcohol is to encourage them to get expert, professional help. You can recommend they do one of the following:

Call a Hotline
Go to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist for 1-on-1 Counselling
Attend Group Counselling Sessions
Follow a 12-Step Program
Check into a Treatment Centre or Rehab

Unfortunately, sometimes, people with mental health issues land up facing criminal charges and need to go to court.

How to Help Someone Facing Criminal Charges

The best way to help a loved one who is facing criminal charges due to their mental health issues is to hire a reputable, experienced criminal defense attorney.

You and your loved one are not alone in this.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can assist in representing your case and help get the best possible outcome.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

A criminal defense law firm can assist your loved one in determining whether the case in question is eligible for a drug court diversion program, or if the person is fit to stand trial.

In the case of a drug diversion program, the requirements can be demanding, however, the benefits for those completing them are substantial.

What Happens Next?

The attorney will enter a plea if the person is charged with a crime and needs to go to court. This means pleading guilty or not guilty.

If the person’s mental issues mean he or she doesn’t understand the charges brought in against him or her, the court might decide that the person is unfit to plead.

Before the trial, it will be decided by the court whether the person is permitted to stay. Contingent on the situation, he or she might be able to go home on bail, kept in jail on remand, or sent to a hospital for a report on his or her mental state.

What Happens in Court?

If the person has a trial, the prosecution will need to prove that the person is guilty, whereas the criminal defense attorney will try to prove the person’s innocence.

However, there might be certain exceptions to this. The court has several options of what the outcome may be if the person is found guilty. His or her mental state must be taken into account when the decision is made.

The defense attorney can also appeal the decision if he does not agree with it.

Be Aware of Some The Essential Sections of Mental Health Act

Section 37 – An order that sends the person to a hospital rather than prison.
Section 37/41 – An order that sends the person to hospital as opposed to prison, but with restrictions attached. Some restrictions might be added if the person poses a serious risk to members of the public.
Section 47 – If the person is in prison, he or she can be transferred from prison to hospital to get treatment under section 47.
Section 47/49 – Transferring a person from jail to hospital with restrictions. Section 49 restrictions might be added if appropriate.
Section 48/49 – The person can be sent to prison under section 48 when they are in prison on remand or in an immigration removal centre. Special restrictions will usually be added to the transfer under section 49. That’s why it’s called section 48/49.

A Positive Outcome

Upon successful completion, the charges against the person can be dismissed and they might qualify for having their record expunged or sealed.

A criminal defense attorney can represent the accused and help them understand what is happening and how they can achieve the best possible outcome.

Most importantly, the person can receive much-needed assessment and treatment and if they suffer from addiction, they can develop the skills needed to cope with addiction.

This post was sponsored by Mike G Law. All opinions are my own.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.