Taking a break from technology not only saves time but also improves one's mental health. Find out how to accomplish it in the best manner possible.
A digital detox may be the answer, as it can relieve the stress of being constantly connected to electronic devices. According to studies, a digital detox can help you sleep better, have better relationships, and feel better. Are you ready to give it a shot? Kia-Rai Prewitt, PhD, a psychologist, explains the benefits and how to go about doing a digital detox.
What is the definition of a digital detox?
A digital detox is defined as a period of time in which you refrain from utilizing electronic devices or specific media for a length of time ranging from a few days to many months. However, the specifics vary from person to person. The following are examples of things to avoid during a digital detox:
- I'm checking my email.
- Playing computer games.
- I'm scrolling through social media.
- Text messaging
- Using mobile devices such as cellphones or tablets.
- Watching the news or other television shows.
- Detoxing from social media
- Being enraged or offended by the stuff that has been posted.
- Bullying on the internet (online verbal bullying).
- Fear of being left out (FOMO).
- Isolation feelings.
- Comparisons between people.
- The advantages of taking a technology break
Enhanced focus
According to Prewitt, it's simple to become distracted from what's happening around you due to frequent beeps and pop-up messages on technology. You may realize that you notice more in your immediate surroundings while on a digital detox. Your brain will be able to focus on your duties much better.
Stress is reduced
Too much knowledge might be distressing for some people. Prewitt says, "I've worked with several patients who were pretty disturbed from watching hours of news." "They felt calmer once they cut back on their news consumption and started doing something different."
Improvements in social interactions
By removing digital distractions, you'll have more time to focus on those around you. For example, when there is no electronics present during dinner, you are more likely to communicate and connect with your family. In the checkout line, if your nose isn't buried in your smartphone, you may have the opportunity to meet someone new. If you can't text, you're more likely to pick up the phone and talk to a friend.
You have more control over your time
Have you ever felt compelled to check your phone or go on social media? You're not the only one who feels this way. Americans check their smartphones 96 times every day on average and spend almost two hours on social media. Checking their phone or social media anytime they have a few spare minutes is a reflex response for many people. Breaking up with digital devices or media might help you overcome compulsive use.
"When I was studying for my licensure exam, I took a break from Facebook for a while. Because I wasn't responding to alarms, it was incredibly liberating," Prewitt says. "Even though I've returned to Facebook, I don't use it as frequently as I used to." I still log out every day so that alerts don't bother me. I check it whenever I feel like it. It's a comfort since I'm not as preoccupied with the situation."
Signs that you should put your devices down
Do you think you may benefit from a digital detox? If you're having any of the following problems as a result of consuming electronic media, it's time to disconnect:
- A depressed state of mind.
- Irritability, frustration, or rage have increased.
- Feeling uneasy.
- Sleep deprivation or sleep disruption.
- Feeling compelled to eat, respond, react, or check-in.
8 creative ideas to incorporate green into your home décor
Green is a vivid color that can boost a room without making it appear overly bright and colorful. With the ideal interior design, you can make your home feel more like home. The colour is fresh, energetic, and always in style, whether you choose seafoam-green or deep-shade fern. It goes nicely with a wide range of colors, from neutrals like brown and gray to colorful shades of yellow, blue, pink, and other hues.
The color green is associated with life, rejuvenation, wealth, and peace. When it comes to decorating, though, it can be a wild card. We're taking inspiration from 8 designer spaces that include green décor through paint, accent items, furniture, and more to learn how to apply it strategically and stylishly. There's a green palette for everyone. If you need more proof, just have a look at the spaces below.
Green sofa
Green dining chairs
Bedroom with green beddings
It's easy to be concerned that you've caught COVID-19 if you have a tickle in your throat or a twinge of a cough. You can receive piece of mind by taking an at-home COVID-19 test, in addition to remaining away from friends and family just in case.
However, there are other options accessible, which might be perplexing. Read on to learn how to choose and take an at-home COVID-19 test from microbiologist and pathologist Daniel Rhoads, MD.
What to Look for When Choosing a COVID-19 Test
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of at-home tests under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) program (FDA).
An antigen test reveals whether you have certain proteins (or antigens) associated with the SARS-COV-2 virus, and is the most prevalent. There are additional molecular tests that can identify genetic material.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) lab test, which is a frequent COVID-19 test you'd get from your doctor, is also a molecular test. The PCR test will also tell you if you contain genetic material linked to the SARS-COV-2 virus.
Because there are so many options, Dr. Rhoads recommends taking a test to figure out what you want to get out of it. He says, "I always encourage everyone to start with a goal." "Is it your intention to screen?" Is it for the purpose of diagnosing? "How are you going to interpret it if there are symptoms and you're trying to confirm that you have an infection, no matter what test you use?"
Although PCR tests are more sensitive to the virus's presence in your body, the results of at-home antigen tests are regarded accurate. However, there are a few factors that influence the accuracy of at-home examinations. These include whether or not you accurately acquired your sample and when you tested. If you test soon after becoming infected, for example, you may not get a positive result right away.
"The take-home message," Dr. Rhoads explains, "is that if you receive a good result, it's probably a true positive." "However, these antigen assays are not as sensitive as PCR tests." So just because you don't feel unwell and the test comes back negative doesn't imply you don't have COVID." If you're not sure what to do, Dr. Rhoads suggests following the CDC's guidelines for interpreting antigen test results.
Steps to take when taking the COVID-19 test at home
It's natural to feel nervous or terrified when taking an at-home COVID-19 test for the first time. Plus, putting a swab in your nose to obtain a mucus sample isn't always pleasant.
According to Dr. Rhoads, the best advice for all of these tests is to "follow the package insert" for the specific test you're taking. Every at-home exam includes a slightly distinct set of instructions and operates in a little different manner.
Some at-home tests, for example, propose serial testing, which entails taking multiple tests over a period of time. "Some of them say to take one test now and the second test a certain number of hours or days later," Dr. Rhoads explains. "It's likely that the FDA included that because they realize that these tests aren't as sensitive as PCR tests."
Although at-home tests come with step-by-step instructions, you may be concerned about following them correctly. There are, fortunately, resources available to you. If you purchased the test from a pharmacy, you could seek assistance from the pharmacist. Your healthcare professional may also be able to assist you with advice.
Videos provided by the test manufacturer are also useful tools. The Ellume COVID-19 home test, for example, features an app that can guide you through the testing process. Just make sure you're not watching a video for one test and assuming it'll work for all of them. "If the company provides a video, watch it," Dr. Rhoads advises. "You don't want to use one manufacturer's test while watching a different video." That will only add to the uncertainty."
Is it necessary to swab your throat for COVID-19?
Many COVID-19 tests require you to swab your nose to acquire a sample of bodily fluid for testing. However, you may have seen news headlines advising that while performing an at-home test, you swab your throat before your nose.
A non-peer-reviewed study indicated that the omicron strain of COVID-19 may cause more virus to emerge in the bronchus, which helps get air into your lungs. As a result, several people assumed that a throat swab would disclose whether or not you had COVID-19 sooner. That report, however, is still being reviewed and should not be used as actual advice.
Furthermore, some at-home quick tests in the UK tell you to swab your throat and nose as part of the process. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the COVID-19 fast tests that are now approved under the EUA of the US Food and Drug Administration.
"You won't be able to do a throat swab," Dr. Rhoads explains, "since the FDA hasn't authorized any of the tests for that approach." "The FDA did not evaluate their performance in this manner. And that's not how they're supposed to be used."
More research is needed, according to Dr. Rhoads, before a throat swab might be utilized with at-home COVID-19 tests. "Someone has to conduct the research," he says. "Without that, you're not sure what the performance is right now." It's possible that you'll get false positives. It's possible that the test isn't as sensitive as it appears."
"We don't have any data yet suggesting throat swabs are an accurate or appropriate procedure for at-home tests," the US FDA agrees, and has said specifically, "We don't have any data suggesting throat swabs are an accurate or appropriate method for at-home tests."
A throat swab can, however, be used to determine whether you have COVID-19 in one place: your doctor's office.
Dr. Rhoads explains that "some of the tests we run in the lab are permitted for throat swabs." "It was confirmed by us." It was confirmed by businesses. For throat swabs, there are methods that have been verified. However, I'm not aware of any over-the-counter tests that may be done at home using that specimen type."
What to do with the Test results for COVID-19 at home
It can also be difficult to know what to do if you test positive for COVID-19. Isolating yourself from other members of your home to avoid infecting them is a good first step. You should also notify everyone you've been around recently so they can be tested (or quarantined) if necessary.
However, your initial instinct may be to repeat the test, either with another at-home test or by arranging a PCR test, just to make sure the results are accurate. There's nothing wrong with that, according to Dr. Rhoads, but it's not essential. "You can obtain a confirmatory test if you get a positive test," he explains. "However, I don't believe you need to retest." That isn't required."
Here's all you need to know about taking the COVID-19 test at home.
At the absolute least, Dr. Rhoads advises that you document the fact that you tested positive. You can self-report a positive diagnosis to public health departments in some cities or states. Some at-home testing come with an app that connects to your medical records. You can also use your cell phone to record the results.
"If the test result is positive, take a snapshot of it so it can be shared electronically if you require healthcare in the future," Dr. Rhoads suggests. "Outpatient prescriptions are sometimes depending on whether you've tested positive or not. It's beneficial for the person who wants to prescribe you medicine to view and confirm it with their own eyes. And I feel that an antigen test will suffice in demonstrating that you have COVID."
Above all, notify and maintain contact with your healthcare practitioner. For example, MyChart at Cleveland Clinic allows you to submit documents, such as a photo of your positive at-home test. Your doctor can be a fantastic resource and help you take the best next measures to get back on track to health, especially if you start to feel worse or are unsure if your test result was correct.
Whether you've just returned to the workplace or haven't gone yet, our idea of modern workday dressing is versatile, flexible clothes that a woman on the run can wear seamlessly, whether she's going from the office to supper or from a gym to lunch.
Dressing for the winter is an art form. Sure, you could put on your favourite leggings and an oversized puffy jacket and call it a day—but where's the fun in that? Instead, I discovered the finest winter outfits for women that combine elegance and function, and they're all so simple to recreate at home.
The trick to putting together a winter ensemble for 2022 is to mix and match your favourite pieces with a few new additions for the new year. For example, a new oversized blazer looks wonderfully layered over your favourite colourful turtleneck. Alternatively, grab your classic bulky cardigan and combine it with your denim jacket and a pair of similar jeans for a denim-on-denim style that works without any effort. It is not necessary to get a totally new outfit. Rather, you can go through your closet and find the items that need to be updated and replace them with something that seems more in tune with your current style.
Continue reading to see cute winter outfits that rely on items of clothes that you most likely already own. Feel free to use these outfits as inspiration on those mornings when you have no idea what to wear or when you're tired of wearing the same exact thick knit cardigan over (and over) again.
Style Inspiration by im_lisamarie
Immune system booster for your child
As another school year begins under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents are wondering what they can do to keep their children healthy. Is there a method to strengthen the immune system and protect against COVID-19 and other illnesses?
Yes, but there are no magic wands or pills. The greatest method to maintain a healthy immune system is to simply take the appropriate precautions. As tedious as that may sound, it is a tried and true method.
Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your children healthy this school year.
When couples start planning their wedding, one of the first things that come to mind is the wedding cake. While wedding cakes are a delicious finish to a party, coming up with spectacular wedding cake ideas is a fun chore to take on once you've selected a date and a creative goal. People like to look at pictures of cakes that have been decorated with sugar flowers. We're here to help you with that.
The beautiful thing about wedding cakes, or cupcakes if you prefer, is how adaptable they are. There is a magnificent wedding cake idea out there for every couple, regardless of their style. Wedding cakes are often the most important part of the design of a wedding because they bring together all of the colours and patterns from a wedding into one sweet and opulent finale.
The beautiful thing about wedding cakes, or cupcakes if you prefer, is how adaptable they are. There is a magnificent wedding cake idea out there for every couple, regardless of their style. Wedding cakes are often the most important part of the design of a wedding because they bring together all of the colours and patterns from a wedding into one sweet and opulent finale.
Contact Cakepop_dmv to order your bespoke wedding cakes in Woodbridge VA.
We're here to talk about one of the most timeless pieces in one's wardrobe. Blue jeans? You guessed it. The magic of the perfect pair of jeans is undeniable. Not only is that ideal staple extremely adaptable and can be dressed up or down, but it also has an A+ cut that adds ease and effortlessness to any offer.
Nothing better embodies American fashion than denim. Indeed, we're prepared to wager that no other source material can conjure up ideas of Americana and its fabled subcultures quite like this one: Greasers, cowboys, hippies, rappers, and rockers—they've all placed their own unique mark on the same staple, and we're just as attached, if not more so, to our own interpretations of denim (and what to wear with jeans).
Sure, you may have a favourite pair of blue jeans, but if you're wanting to add a new pair to your collection or want to try something new, we've compiled a list of the best blue jeans for you below. The silhouettes in question are popular among fashion editors and shoppers alike. Basically, many of the brands in question are covered by members of our crew, and the designs are also front-runners, as they're frequently rated four stars or higher by reviewers.
The Ultimate Guide to Winter Office Wear That Is Both Warm and Stylish
Temperatures are expected to plummet, with high gusts and practically daily rain or snow. All I want to do is curl up in bed and hibernate until March when temperatures begin to rise and spring approaches. Regrettably, employers do not regard this as a valid reason to miss work. Therefore, while choosing your winter office wear ensemble on a cold morning, style is usually the last thing on your mind—avoiding hypothermia is definitely more essential!
However, you do not have to sacrifice either comfort or style! Check out winter office dress ideas that are both trendy and professional for an office look.
Looks by Prissysavy
The tormentor is aided by silence, but the tormented is never aided by silence. Silence is a loyal friend that never abandons you. The prophets' prophecies are scrawled on subway walls and tenement hallways and murmured in the hush. Silence is a powerful source of energy.
It's better to stay quiet and be thought of as an idiot than to speak and clear up all the doubt.
Here's a collection of powerful Silent quotes.
Summer is the best time of year to experiment with different nail colors. Summer nails should be bright, attractive, and simple so you can enjoy your vacation or weekend at the beach rather than worry about your manicure. There are numerous stylish forms, unusual textures, cool varnishes, and charming nail art to try, whether you prefer delicate pastels or vibrant neon hues. Check out the top summer nail designs for trends and ideas for your next salon session if you're looking for some motivation. Try this season's hottest trends to make your summer manicure explode with color!
Contact Polished_yogi for bookings.
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