Health and Well Being

Image Credit Family bonding is beneficial in many ways and is even more vital as the world gets more fast-paced. However, it’s quite easy to overlook this activity, especially when juggling school, work, and personal issues. It is, therefore, essential to be intentional about making time for your family, as family bonding can improve various aspects of daily life. This is backed by recent research, which shows that doing so can boost resilience, impact well-being, and influence how people respond to challenges. With some effort and commitment, the four tips below can help you grow and strengthen your family relationships.  Simple Ways To Strengthen Family Relationships 1. Prioritise Personal Time No matter how close-knit your family is, everyone needs to have a bit of space for themselves. That’s because it’s easy to get overwhelmed by combining family, work, and personal life. Therefore, it’s best to make time for individual self-care to help ensure everyone’s mental well-being. This way, you can all give your best when you spend time with one another. So, whether it’s sneaking off for a solo surf session, booking a date night with your partner, or allowing the kids some time to spend with their toys, it’s all about finding what works for your family.  2. Plan Quality Time Strengthening family relationships involves more than simply spending time together; it’s about engaging in meaningful activities during that time. Rather than simply lounging around together, planning hobbies and activities that involve the entire family can be more rewarding. There are numerous enjoyable bonding opportunities tailored to your family’s interests. Whether it’s a beach outing, a hiking adventure, or an indoor game night, there are plenty of options to explore. If you’re seeking more ideas, consider exciting options like Hidden Door Experiences, which offer thrilling activities the whole family will love. 3. Disconnect From Technology Smart devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops have taken over many people’s lives faster than expected, with a recent survey showing that the average Australian spends over 5 hours daily on their phone. When left unchecked, these gadgets can dictate the pace for the whole family. That’s why it’s essential to hit the pause button occasionally and encourage everyone to disconnect from their devices. By taking a break together, you can enjoy good old-fashioned quality time—chatting, laughing, and strengthening your bonds without any distractions. Consider implementing a house rule to unplug and tune into each other instead. 4. Create A Supportive Environment Family isn’t just about the good times; it’s also about supporting each other through the tough times. One excellent way to strengthen your family bonds is by being there to offer support when things get difficult. Knowing that you have someone to lean on can make a huge difference on a bad day. You may find it remarkable how many individuals depend on you during difficult moments, highlighting how valuable your presence is. Whether it’s offering a comforting word to a sibling in distress or being a supportive listener for a parent going through a rough patch, your role within the family becomes indispensable during challenging times. By lending a helping hand, you’re building a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime. So, stick together through thick and thin, and you’ll see your family ties grow stronger than ever. In Conclusion Prioritizing family time is essential in today’s bustling world. Research highlights its incredible benefits: boosting resilience, enhancing well-being, and strengthening family bonds. By prioritizing personal time, planning quality activities, disconnecting from technology, and fostering a supportive environment, you’re laying the foundation for a thriving family dynamic. Embrace these practices with enthusiasm, and watch your family relationships flourish amidst life’s adventures!  

Is the concern about your family drifting apart on your mind? Fear not! It’s time to weave some magic into your family dynamics and bring everyone closer together. Here are some exciting and meaningful ideas to get you started on the journey to a more united and vibrant family life. It’s all about keeping your family connected and thriving! How To Keep Your Family Connected 1. Embrace Technology for Togetherness Let’s turn the tables on technology. Invest in Amazon Echos to create a technological symphony in your home. Connect different areas, ensuring that everyone can easily stay in touch. This is especially handy for those with bustling households, providing a seamless means of communication. 2. Unplug for Quality Time Imagine cozy Friday nights where devices take a break, and your family dives into the fun of ‘No Tech Evenings.’ Let the kids rule the remote, choosing their favourite movies – They may want to dive into the epic Star Wars Skywalker saga. If you’re wondering where to watch Star Wars online, the good news is that there are plenty of online options to stream the Galaxy adventures. If you’re feeling old-school, swap screens for board games. Roll the dice, move those pieces, and watch as laughter fills the room. It’s a night of friendly competition and silly moments, creating memories that stick around long after the game ends. 3. Bond Over Family Meals Elevate your family bonding by turning mealtime into a cherished tradition. Imagine everyone gathered around the table or a cozy breakfast island, indulging in a delicious meal together. While this might sound like a throwback to simpler times, the benefits are anything but outdated. This shared dining experience provides a golden opportunity to connect. Picture lively discussions about each other’s days, sharing laughter, and staying updated on the latest in everyone’s lives. To make it even more special, consider transforming this into a no-tech zone. This way, you can fully engage in the conversations without distractions, truly hearing and connecting with one another. Finding time to make dinner and eat as a family can be a challenge. However, don’t worry because the kitchen is your ally. Equip yourself with the right tools; think slow cookers that effortlessly transform fresh ingredients into a delightful meal throughout the day. Say goodbye to the rush and savour these moments without the stress of meal preparation. So, let the aroma of a delicious home-cooked meal fill your space as you gather around, creating not just a treat for your taste buds but also nourishment for the soul. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a shared experience that strengthens the bonds uniting your family. 4. Plan Regular Days Out Inject some fun into your routine by planning regular outings. Perhaps a simple trip to the park or a weekend adventure can work wonders. You may consider booking a trip to a theme park, a zoo, or even just a few hours playing sports together. These experiences big or small become cherished memories, strengthening your family bonds. Sprinkle these strategies into your family routine, and watch the magic happen! You’re not just creating moments; you’re building a treasure chest of shared experiences and strong connections. Keep in mind, that the time and effort invested will turn your family life into a joyful journey, earning the love and appreciation of your loved ones. So stay connected as a family and let the adventure unfold!    

What do you think about your teeth? Maybe you don’t really pay them much attention at all, or perhaps you’re not entirely happy with how straight (or not!) they are. The thought of losing them may have crossed your mind – it’s a common concern and, let’s face it, we’ve all had nightmares like that! The good news is that whatever you think about your teeth, maintaining healthy teeth and gums doesn’t have to be a cause for concern. By adopting a few simple habits, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy for many years to come. Read on to find out more. How To Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy Visit Your Dentist Dentists can have something of a bad reputation for being a place of pain and discomfort, but the fact is, most of the time, your trip to the dentist isn’t going to hurt at all – it will be quick and painless and over before you know it.  That’s usually the case if you visit your dentist on a regular basis because your teeth will remain in good condition. Regular check-ups help catch any issues early, allowing you to address them and get things fixed before they become painful problems. Plus, visiting your dentist means you’ll get all the right information about taking care of your teeth between visits, helping you stay healthy and happy.  Brush Twice A Day Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is as simple as brushing twice a day a day. Make it a routine – brush before bed and first thing in the morning (or after you’ve had your coffee or orange juice if you prefer – toothpaste can make these drinks taste bad!) and you’re done. Of course, you do need to invest in a good toothbrush, and ideally, you should floss at the same time. But even if you only brush your teeth, that’s a fantastic way to keep them strong and healthy. If you do want to brush your teeth more than twice a day (after lunch or after eating or drinking something sugary, for example), that’s not a problem, but make sure you do it gently to prevent damage.  Replace Your Toothbrush Speaking of brushing your teeth, here’s a question that you might find difficult to answer: how long have you had your toothbrush? If you can’t even remember when you bought it, you’ve probably had it for too long, and it’s time to replace it with a new one, (a soft-bristled one is best). Toothbrushes don’t last forever, and it’s best to replace yours every three to four months. Not only is that more hygienic, but it ensures that your teeth cleaning is more effective because the bristles will be in good condition. If you have an electric toothbrush, you should be able to replace the head alone rather than having to buy an entirely new toothbrush that will cost a decent amount, but it’s best to check that before you make the initial investment, otherwise you might find you have to spend more than you budgeted for. In conclusion, your teeth deserve a bit more love and attention than you might have realised. Whether you’ve been neglecting them or dreaming of a perfect smile, the good news is that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is simpler than you imagine. Regular visits to your friendly dentist, brushing twice a day, and replacing your toothbrush regularly can effortlessly become habits. These habits keep your teeth strong and vibrant. So, let’s make a pledge to give those pearly whites the care they deserve, ensuring many years of bright and happy smiles ahead!  

What Health Resolutions Can You Make? It might not be New Year’s anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some great resolutions. In fact, now that the hustle and bustle of the start of the year are out of the way and you’ve settled into things again after the holidays, now could actually be the best time to think about making some changes; these resolutions are more likely to stick now you’re in a routine once more.  Some of the best resolutions to make are about your health because, as they say, if you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything. So, with that in mind, here are some ideas for health resolutions you can make at any time that will help you enjoy a healthy, happy life. Read on to find out more.  Photo by Andrea Piacquadio See Your Healthcare Providers There are lots of people in your life who are there to ensure your health is as good as it can be. From your doctor to your dentist to your therapist to your optometrist, these professionals are there to ensure you get what you need in terms of advice and, if needed, in terms of treatment too. So that’s why one of your resolutions should be to make regular appointments with these professionals and stick to them.  You might not think that’s really necessary if you feel fairly healthy and don’t think there’s anything really wrong, but that’s the point – waiting to see these healthcare providers when something is definitely wrong means you miss out on the preventative care they can offer. If you see a general dental expert every six months, for example, you might prevent gum disease. If you see an optician once a year, you can get glasses to prevent worsening eyesight. And if you see a doctor regularly, they’ll spot any issues before they become more difficult to treat.  Exercise More Regular exercise is another crucial element in keeping your health in the best condition, and if you don’t currently do much exercise, increasing the amount you do is a great resolution to make. Even walking somewhere instead of driving is a good start – anything that gets you moving more than you do now is a positive thing to do.  Although it can be hard to get motivated when it comes to doing more exercise, especially if you’re not really into playing sports or going to the gym, it’s one of the core processes that will help you stay healthy and maybe even live longer too. The good news is there are many ways to get exercise so you should be able to find something that suits you, from running to swimming to dancing and much, much more.  De-Stress  When you think about your health, it’s probably your physical health that comes to mind first, and that makes sense – if you have pain or something isn’t working in the way it should, you’re going to notice it. However, what about your mental health? It’s just as important, even if it’s more difficult to spot when there’s an issue – at first, anyway.  That’s why another great resolution is to try to de-stress and relax as much as possible. Take some time for yourself every day – even if it’s just 10 minutes – for deep breathing exercises, meditation, and so on. You can take a soak in a bath, read a book, go for a walk, and so much more – make a conscious effort to de-stress, and you’ll be amazed at how great you feel. 

Hey there friends! Even though we are more than two weeks into the new year, that fresh start feeling is still very much in the air. So there is still plenty of time to hit the ‘reset for the new year’ button. Let’s take a moment for a mid-January check-in and bid ‘Adios’ to the past and look forward to the future. Right now feels like the perfect time to think about the journey ahead for 2024 and set some intentions for how we want our new year to look. Here are a few tips to reset for the new year – Let’s go! RESET FOR THE NEW YEAR REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR A good place to begin a new year reset is to take stock of the past year. What were the successes, challenges and lessons we learned? Reflecting on the past is a great way to high five our achievements and identify areas where we might need to improve. Think about keeping a journal to record your thoughts and emotions, as it can be a fantastic tool throughout the reset process. I like to keep it simple when it comes to journaling. So I use my Twigseeds diary as a planner and to briefly record what goes on for me throughout the year. I don’t write a whole lot. Instead, I keep a summary of some key events and jot down some emotions and thoughts. It’s great to go back and read what I wrote at the beginning of the previous year. SET CLEAR GOALS I used to embrace a ‘Que sera, sera’ mindset – “Whatever will be, will be”. However, since I started blogging, I’ve been gradually stepping into a more intentional mode, putting on my big girl pants and setting some goals! So a good way to begin is by thinking about what success means for you this year. Whether it’s about your personal life, professional or even a mix of both, be clear about what your goals are. Then make it even easier by breaking them down into small tasks. Set a timeline for each goal to guide your progress and keep you motivated and on track. CREATE A VISION BOARD Imagine your goals with a vision board! It’s one of the most enjoyable parts of resetting for the new year and my personal favourite. Collect images, quotes, and symbols that represent your aspirations and arrange them on a board. It’s like creating a visual roadmap for your dreams and aspirations. You can then go ahead and look at it every day for an instant boost of motivation! You don’t even have to physically cut out pictures and paste them onto a board. Instead, you can make a vision board using apps like Canva or Pic Collage. Then print this off and there you have it-your very own vision board created by you. DECLUTTER YOUR PHYSICAL SPACE A cluttered environment can be a real no-no for personal growth. So take the time to declutter your living space. Clean out closets, organise your drawers and simplify your surroundings. A tidy space is essential for a clear mind and it makes it a whole lot easier to focus on your goals. CULTIVATE HEALTHY HABITS Part of the process of resetting your life is to adopt healthier habits. Whether it’s committing to doing some regular exercise, practising mindfulness, or improving our diets. Small changes can mean mighty big transformations. Create a daily routine that boosts your overall physical and mental well-being. LEARN SOMETHING NEW A great way to keep those brain cells active and motivated is to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge in some area. Consider taking up a hobby, enrolling in a course or attending a workshop. Learning something new and stretching ourselves outside of our comfort zone will increase confidence and flexibility. REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION Get back to what makes you happy! Whether it’s an old hobby,  creative activity or a social activity, rediscovering your passions can reignite a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for life. NURTURE GOOD FRIENDSHIPS Check your social circle and invest time with those who uplift and inspire you. Surround yourself with friends who will support and share your values. Positive relationships are gold and they make life so much more fulfilling. Everyone needs their own personal cheer squad! PRACTICE GRATITUDE One of the best ways to cultivate a positive mindset is gratitude, nothing beats this powerful tool! Take time to regularly acknowledge and appreciate all the positive aspects of your life, no matter how teeny tiny. EMBRACE CHANGE AND ADAPTABILITY Finally, be open to change (no matter how scary it may initially feel). Life is ever-changing and therefore flexibility is the key to navigating those twists and turns. Embrace the inevitable shifts, learn from them and adjust as needed. You can do it! So go ahead and reset your life for the new year. It’s the perfect opportunity to design the life you truly want. Reflect, set clear goals and adopt positive habits for personal growth. Step into the new year with purpose. You’ve got this!

Hey, there friends welcome to the last edition of ‘Let’s Look’ for 2023! Today we are sharing our top comforts in life. When I think of comforts I think of cozy things that will instantly lift my mood and make an ordinary day feel so much better. Comforts inject that much-needed element of happiness into everyday life. Comforts are very personal, based on what each of us loves. Thanks so much for being here! I’ve got eight things to share that bring that burst of joy and comfort to my everyday routine. This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! Top Comforts In Life Rest Silvercool Sheets Have you heard of the amazing Silvercool Sheets from Rest Duvet? They are made using Silvercool yarn and they are so soft and cool. I honestly could not live without them. It’s summer over here and the nights have been so muggy and incredibly hot and uncomfortable. These sheets have helped to keep me cool all night long. They have also been a lifesaver now that I am going through the old menopause routine. One minute I’m okay then the next I’m about to self-combust. I find that the Rest Duvet Silvercool sheets help to keep my body temp regulated. Amen!! Comfort Food I love comfort food. Give me all the carbs any day! During the week I try and make sure that I eat lots of veggies and some fresh fruit. But I always look forward to Friday nights because that’s when I like to treat myself to some incredibly satisfying comfort food and treats! Showers After working at preschool all day long I feel kind of gross by the time I get home. So I just love stepping into the shower because it relaxes me and having a shower makes me feel as if I’m washing the stresses of the day away. Bliss! Ugg Slippers I love these super comfortable and cozy Ugg slippers. I wear them during winter and they keep my feet so warm. They have a non-slip rubber sole and they are the ideal house shoes! My Favourite Work Mug This is my favourite work mug for a couple of reasons. Firstly it was a thoughtful gift from some of my favourite people and secondly, every time I drink out of it it just makes me happy because I think of them! Family and Friends I have an amazing family and we are very close. I never take this for granted because I know that this is not always the case in many families. We catch up every month and we always have such a fantastic time! I also have wonderful friends and this year I have been lucky enough to work with two of them! My circle of friends isn’t huge but I can wholeheartedly say that they are my people and I know I can rely on them and they can rely on me. When life has thrown ‘stuff’ at us we have stuck together and this has cemented our friendship. My Home I am such a homebody! I love to go out and I enjoy socialising but I think I’m more of an introvert. This means that I am completely happy to spend my days at home whenever I can. Warmth I find so much comfort in feeling warm. There’s nothing better than sitting in the sunshine and soaking up the happy rays. Or being warm and cozy under a soft blanket in the cooler months. There we have it friends! Eight things that give me comfort and keep me going through the everyday grind. What are your top comforts? Linking up with Erika and Shay