Month: December 2018

2018-12-20T12:19:00

(BPT) – Stress. No one wants it but we all experience it from time to time. Higher levels of stress can cause problems at work and at home. But stress is not just hard on your mental well-being, it is hard on your body and can lead to many negative health outcomes.

Stress levels can also increase significantly when economic times are tough. In England, the British Health and Social Care Information Centre found that stress had increased by 47 percent during that country’s recession and that stress was the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK, affecting 20 percent of the population. In the United States, a survey by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that seven out of 10 people reported feeling some stress daily. To help you stay calm and focused, consider these four ways to reduce stress.

Smells

Certain smells can bring back very specific and detailed memories. These could be of a person, event or place. Most often the memory also has a deeply emotional feeling that is recalled. This is because smells are processed by a specific part of the brain that stores emotional memories. Taking the time to seek out the smells that bring back those happy memories can help reduce stress levels.

Salt

Stress is characterized in the human body by high levels of the hormone cortisol, referred to as the “stress hormone.” Scientific research has shown, in animals and in humans, that increased levels of salt consumption are very effective in reducing levels of cortisol. Research from the University of Haifa, published in the science journal Appetite, confirmed the relationship between salt and stress in humans. Researchers found an inverse correlation between salt and depression/stress, especially in women. Craving salty foods may very well be a biological defense mechanism we evolved to cope with daily stress.

Pets

Animal therapy has long been used to relieve stress, improve mood and treat anxiety. Some studies have also indicated that just being around an animal can reduce blood pressure. This pet therapy has been used in hospitals and nursing homes and even with military veterans suffering from depression. And it is not limited to dogs and cats. Rabbits, Guinea pigs and even horses are used. An added benefit is that having a pet encourages exercise.

Exercise

Regular exercise, even if mild, may be the best stress reducer there is. When you are active the body releases endorphins, which produce a feeling of well-being. Regular activity can improve your concentration as well as your sleep, which can often be negatively affected by stress.

Just going for a daily walk can help improve how you feel. And the results of exercise can also improve your self-image and confidence.

Wintertime can be stressful for many people. The cold and shorter days mean less sunlight and fewer opportunities for outdoor activities. That is why it is important to take the time to take good care of yourself and your family by looking for ways to relax.

2018-12-20T15:15:00

(BPT) – Wintertime offers many special opportunities to come together with friends and family. However, between busy work schedules, festive holiday parties and non-stop travel, finding ways to stay connected with loved ones while on-the-go can be difficult. But, a busy calendar doesn’t mean you need to fall out of touch with those you care about most. Take advantage of these simple tips to stay connected with loved ones this holiday season and beyond.

1. Stay organized: With the busy holiday season comes a laundry list of “to-dos” before family and friends come to town. As overwhelming as that may be, finding ways to stay organized can make all the difference. Use your smartphone as a digital planner to keep all of your events and responsibilities in one place. As you cross items off your to-do list, you’ll be surprised by how much time you clear to connect with loved ones!

2. Communication is key: Thanks to technology, there are a variety of easy ways to stay in touch with loved ones — even when on-the-run. Consider giving the gift of communication this year and make staying connected a priority. Get the SIMPLE Mobile Truly Unlimited 30-Day plan with unlimited talk, text and truly unlimited high-speed data (video typically streams at 480p) for $50. With no contract, no mystery fees, or overage charges, it’s the perfect way to keep in touch, while enjoying savings that last beyond the season.

3. Video chat loved ones: While a phone call is a powerful gesture in the age of texting, there’s nothing quite like getting to see those most important in your life face-to-face. However, seasonal obligations can make juggling calendars with family and friends difficult. So, when meeting in person isn’t possible, video chatting from a smartphone is a great alternative and allows you to experience all of life’s simple pleasures “together” from the palm of your hand.

4. Stream a movie together: With the colder weather keeping many indoors, that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had. Getting cozy and watching your favorite movies with friends and family by the fire is a beloved seasonal pastime. While distance may physically keep you from loved ones, that doesn’t mean you can’t virtually enjoy a classic movie and a cup of cocoa with a buddy (or two). Start a text thread to decide on a movie to watch and send messages with your favorite quotes and scenes as you watch. Though you may not be in the same room, you can still stay connected via your smartphone!

5. Create a digital photo album: The holidays and new year are a time to make new memories while reviving old traditions and relishing in past experiences. Your smartphone is the perfect tool to capture and share those memories. Take photos on your smartphone at get-togethers, and use your favorite app to develop a digital photo album to share with family and friends to revisit any time of year. Sharing your photos on social media is another way to share your favorite memories with loved ones near and far!

With these simple tips for staying in touch, you can share the holidays and welcome the new year with loved ones — and enjoy savings well beyond the season. For more on ways to stay connected through affordable, no-contract plans visit SIMPLEMobile.com.

Disclaimer: Video streams at up to 48Op. See Terms and Conditions of Service at SimpleMobile.com.

2018-12-20T06:01:21

(BPT) – The holiday season is the ideal opportunity to think about where — and how much — you can give to your favorite causes before the year’s end. The 2018 giving season is off to a strong start, with nonprofits receiving a record $380 million on this year’s Giving Tuesday. Keep in mind, there’s still plenty of time to support important initiatives, charities and individuals making a difference, whether it’s for yourself or a unique gift in the name of a loved one.

Create a plan for giving that matters

Get started by creating a plan for your year-end charitable contributions today. With a little research, you can give a meaningful gift that will have a lasting impact on the causes you care about.

If your passion is wildlife and wild places, a unique resource is available to connect you to people in the field protecting your favorite species. The heroes of the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading award for animal conservation, have made it easier than ever to give to conservation projects around the world that have a proven track record of success.

By giving to the organizations in Champions for Our Planet: The Indianapolis Prize Guide to Animal Conservation Giving, you can feel confident knowing that your dollars are directly supporting projects that are doing the most good for endangered species. The beautiful online booklet highlights a variety of animals, as well as the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting them. Support your favorite animal or an effort that is meaningful to you.

Vetting causes for holiday giving

Is your favorite animal species not on the list? The guide offers ideas on how to vet conservation organizations that you’re considering supporting financially. Ask these questions to discover worthwhile causes that are a smart investment in a sustainable future:

1. Does the organization’s mission align with my personal values?

2. How recently has the organization updated its mission statement and long-range plan?

3. Is the organization supported by a credible anchoring institution, such as a college or university, or an accredited zoo or aquarium?

4. Does the organization involve local communities in conservation activities? Does it provide additional support (such as education, health care or other basic needs) to the communities where endangered species live?

5. Does the organization have a budget that reflects its mission and programs?

6. Does the organization provide regular updates on its impact and financials in the form of an Annual Report or formal update?

7. Can the organization clearly identify specific measurable success?

8. Is the organization recognized by other evaluating organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator or GuideStar?

This holiday season, remember what’s most important. As you look to maximize your charitable giving, the online guide and these tips will help you make the most of your financial generosity.

2018-12-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Gatherings with loved ones, the smell of fresh pine, crackling sounds from the fireplace and glowing lights wrapped around the tree — the holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. And yet for many veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury and other disabilities, the holidays can be a living nightmare. Feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, guilt and loneliness might take the place of the merriment they used to feel this time of year. They may struggle to find something to be cheerful for.

If a veteran in your life is suffering, be aware of the pain they might be feeling around the holidays. Here are three ways you can offer your support.

Accept and acknowledge their feelings

When watching a loved one suffer, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to make them feel better. Attempting to cheer up someone suffering from PTSD or a traumatic brain injury will often just make them feel worse, though. The pressure to feel happy can lead to feelings of guilt and worsening depression.

So rather than try to “fix” the problem, instead, accept the feelings some veterans have this time of year. Practice compassionate listening and be present and attentive to help the veteran in your life feel heard and understood.

Talk about their needs

It’s important that you not only listen, but you should also try talking with your loved one ahead of the festivities. Talk about their needs during this time of year and ask if they want to set boundaries. Veterans suffering from PTSD or traumatic brain injury might not be up for all of the celebrations you have planned. Accept their limitations, and know they are taking care of their mental health.

Even if your loved one decides not to join in on all the festivities, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Continue checking in to let them know you are thinking of them and that you are available to offer your support.

Encourage loved ones to seek outside help

Your understanding and sympathy mean the world to your veteran, but your support can only go so far. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, whether that’s talking to a mental health physician or working with a national service officer to make a claim for their VA medical benefits. Nonprofit organizations like the Purple Heart Foundation provide a wide range of support specifically for veterans with disabilities. To ensure services like these continue to be available, go a step further and make a contribution. Donations to the Purple Heart Foundation this December can do double the good because for every online donation, the Purple Heart Foundation will give a copy of “Tears of a Warrior” (the best-selling book for coping with PTSD and other disabilities) to a local VA hospital.

Go online to learn more about the services provided by the Purple Heart Foundation and to make your gift for the holidays today.

2018-12-20T09:31:01

(BPT) – So, you’ve been running your business from your home for some time now, and with the busy holiday season upon us, you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed and your office is a mess. When running a business, there are so many things you need to think about to maximize efficiency, from having a clean setup to ensuring that you are well equipped with the supplies you need to get things done.

First things first. To help increase productivity and get things started, it’s time to tidy up your space. Start by going through any old files you may have and determining whether you really need them, then get rid of things that no longer are relevant. Next, start organizing and getting your layout set. Arrange your space in a way that is functional and will ensure that you are able to access the things you need easily, like your phone and computer.

Once your office is cleaned up, it’s time to take a step back and ensure that your office is equipped with the latest equipment and stocked up on supplies. Your technology and hardware are key components to running things efficiently, so making sure your computer and peripherals are up to date will be crucial. A printer is a critical component in your home office setup and it’s important that it is compatible with the latest technology and that there is enough ink to fulfill your business needs.

When it comes to smoothly running your business, there are many things you need to help maximize productivity, and replenishing office supplies should not be a worry. As it is, the holidays are a stressful time, and buying office supplies is an added stress you don’t need on your list. Say you need to print an important document for a meeting and you’re alerted that you are low on ink, but you are completely out, and you don’t have time to get to the store to replace it. According to a new independent study from YouGov, 57 percent of Americans find that it’s a pain to buy new cartridges for a printer. That is where a replenishment service comes in.

Having your items delivered right to your doorstep will help alleviate the time it would take to do this on your own and eliminate the guesswork in knowing when you need to stock up on supplies. In fact, over one-third of Americans think that ink and toner replenishment is a good idea. All you need to do is enroll in the service and you are guaranteed to get your items right when you need them. You don’t even have to know what model your printer is and what kind of cartridge it takes. Services like Amazon Dash, Brother Refresh and Best Buy Easy Replenish allow customers to quickly and easily replace their ink and toner without having to think about it.

“Running out of ink is always frustrating but it’s especially infuriating when it happens at an inconvenient time, like when you are in a rush to get a print out,” said Rafi Haqqani, Marketing Director, Brother Genuine Supplies and Auto-Fulfillment at Brother. “Through our Refresh service, we are helping office users run their business more efficiently by removing the bottlenecks and stress that comes with running out of ink and toner.”

Don’t let the busy holiday season bog you down. Get your office set up right and your supplies and equipment in order so you can get your work done efficiently and enjoy your time with the family.

2018-12-20T09:33:53

(BPT) – According to Podcast Insights, 73 million Americans listen to podcasts regularly, seven per week on average. You can find a podcast about virtually any subject that strikes your fancy, so if you’re looking for a new show to engage and delight you, there is no shortage of fun, information, news, controversy and commentary out there to choose from. But where do you start?

Here are five wildly entertaining, addictive podcasts that are worth a listen. They all highlight and celebrate relatable, real-life moments that will capture your heart and tickle your funny bone. All you need is a pair of earbuds, and you’re good to go.

How Did This Get Made?

As the story goes, comedians Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael were in a bar talking about how bad the movie “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” was, and the idea for “How Did This Get Made?” was born. Highbrow Siskel-and-Ebert-style commentary about cinema, it’s not. This laugh-out-loud podcast features the hosts and other guests talking about current movies. If you’ve seen the movie, you will love hearing their thoughts about it, but even if you haven’t caught the film yet, this hilarious show will have you laughing. If you’ve ever thought about sneaking off to a matinee in the middle of a workday (and we know you have) these are the people you want to take along. Find it at www.earwolf.com/show/how-did-this-get-made/.

Pet Parents, Oversharing

Do you have a pet you call your fur baby? Do you secretly watch cat or dog videos on company time? There’s a new podcast aimed squarely at you. Hosted by two comedians and now available for streaming, “Pet Parents, Oversharing” explores all of life’s moments shared with our best furry friends, from the endearing to the embarrassing and hilariously awkward, reminding us of the bond that pet parents share. No topic is off limits and you’ll be sure to roll over with your pup in laughter or feel inspired to strike up a friendly chat next time you head to the dog park. Developed by the folks at Freshpet, “Pet Parents, Oversharing” helps pet parents get through the day knowing they’re not going it alone. Tune in to Pet Parents, Oversharing for stories about all things paw, fur and tail. Find it at www.freshpet.com/pet-podcast.

Keep It

Daily Beast culture critic Ira Madison III and co-hosts Kara Brown and Louis Virtel are joined each Wednesday by comedians, journalists and others for a discussion of pop culture, politics, terrible celebrity tweets, events like the Oscars and more. Nothing is out of bounds, from Meghan Markle’s annoying father, to how much John McCain loved ABBA. These three hosts are talking about what everyone is thinking. It’s the ultimate virtual water cooler discussion. Find it at art19.com/shows/keep-it.

This Is Love

This intriguing podcast investigates life’s most persistent mystery: love. You’ll hear individual, real-life stories of true love, sacrifice and even obsession. You’ll meet Nino and Drew, who kept their relationship a secret for more than 40 years, and then they decided to do something that forced them into the national spotlight. There’s also the story of David, who went for a run in Central Park and started talking to a stranger, who turned out to be the love of his life. And Brenda Jackson, who became a bestselling novelist by writing 120 books about her first romance. Listening to the love stories of real people will make you feel that anything is possible when we bet everything on the one we love. Find it at www.thisislovepodcast.com.

My Brother, My Brother and Me

Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy are brothers who are not experts in anything, but they have a popular podcast in which they dispense advice about various subjects, answer questions submitted by listeners or on Yahoo Answers, and provide addicting and hilarious commentary about nothing in particular. Known as MBMBaM by faithful listeners, the podcast features regular segments including The Munch Squad, in which they recite and ridicule news about new food products, and Haunted Doll Watch, which highlights online classifieds of haunted or possessed dolls. This is like the table conversation at the best family dinner of your life. Find it at www.stitcher.com/podcast/my-brother-my-brother-and-me.

2018-12-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – As health-conscious people worldwide are understanding more about how their digestive processes make them feel, they’re turning to prebiotic foods to improve their well-being.

Prebiotics, not to be confused with probiotics, are food compounds that boost the productivity of the 300 to 400 varieties of healthy bacteria and fungi located in your gut. While probiotics are live bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt, prebiotics are non-living substances found only in plant-based fiber — specifically, unrefined whole grains — that act as food for the probiotics.

The bottom line? Maintaining quality prebiotic fiber in your diet can improve everything from your physical health to your weight management to your daily mood. And these days, getting your daily dose can now be something to look forward to at breakfast time, thanks to health-conscious companies like Barley+ and its deliciously crafted line of enriched bars and muesli.

Right now, fewer than 3 percent of Americans get the minimum fiber intake (31.5 grams) recommended for their health, partly due to the popularity of low-carb diets that exclude important nutrients. If you’re ready to get started with a healthier intake of prebiotics in the new year, consider these key facts about how such a change may improve your life.

* Prebiotic foods help fight chronic diseases. Research shows eating more whole grains reduces our risk of chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and heart disease. Getting enough dietary fiber can also help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, reports Nutritionfacts.org.

* Benefits can be mental or emotional. Thanks to the link between our guts and central nervous systems, scientists believe maintaining a diverse mix of good gut bacteria can positively impact our brain functions, cognition and behaviors, effectively reducing stress, anxiety and/or depression.

* Not all fiber is created equal. Unrefined whole grains such as white bread, white rice, pasta or corn flakes may have other nutritional benefits, but gut-powering prebiotics are only found in high-quality unrefined whole grains. Those same kinds of foods are also high in the resistant starch that initially resists digestion for the purpose of feeding valuable bacteria, rejuvenating cells and promoting large bowel function.

* Breakfast is an ideal time to get your prebiotics. Forward-thinking food companies such as Barley+ offer great-tasting, filling, convenient-to-eat breakfast foods such as Maple & Nut Toasted Muesli and Almond & Cranberry Bars that let you grab your daily prebiotics on the go — and get started powering good gut germs first thing in the morning.

* Fiber can be a great weight-loss tool. Because our bodies can’t effectively digest and break down fiber, fiber-rich foods contain relatively few calories even as they create a sense of fullness. Further, their chewy or crunchy textures encourage us to eat slower so our brains can process a better sense of fullness. Insoluble and soluble fiber both matter. Contrary to popular belief, the insoluble kind of fiber that keeps you regular is not the only kind important to your health. Foods containing soluble fiber (oats, peas, beans, apples, barley, etc.) go beyond that function to also fuel helpful gut bacteria.

To learn more about the health benefits of Barley+ breakfast products, check out Barleyplus.com or simply browse the selection on Amazon.com.