Self-Help & Self-Care

20 Safety and Security Tips For Hotel Guests

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20 Safety and Security Tips For Hotel Guests

Hotel is known for leisure and pleasure. It is a place where people run to when there is need for home away from home, exciting experience, relaxation, fun, corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.  Everything about it revolves around exciting and exclusive experience. The industry has been enjoying very wide patronage across globe due to increasing need for people to move around, take time out, and experience a place away from regular work or home environment; sometimes it offers a combination of business and pleasure. Hotels sell excitement and experience open to anyone who can afford it; this presents peculiar challenges to ensure safety and security of guests. Challenge of maintaining improved guests experience and ensuring adequate protection for guests and assets at same time. Operators have demand to ensure integration of safety into hotel ambience. Guests and others visit hotels with various motives. Travelers, fun seekers, business people, criminals, hawkers, barons, gangs and organized underworld groups, etc. patronize hotels for one purpose or the other. The hotel must meet their expectations, else next call may not be possible. Good hotel security system will promote the vision and the mission of the business and still guarantee less security incident. The sure way to go about this is through deterrence-oriented policy and standard rooted on robust security infrastructure, personnel training and guest awareness. This article is guest-centric. It is written for hotel guests. It places the responsibility on the guest to ensure practice of recommended tips to minimize risk of safety and security incident while lodging. As a security or safety manager who has responsibility to proffer risk advisory to employees that seek accommodation in hotel this piece is a ready assistance. Every hotel guest should see themselves as personal chief security officer to self. Reason for this; in some part of the world some people operate a death row under the guise of hotel. As such, instead of selling leisure and experience, they sell pain and calamity to innocent visitors who would never think that such lodge is license to death. Some types of safety and security threats guests may be exposed to in hotel include: Food & drink poisoning Drug & substance abuse Property damage Property theft Pilfering Ritual killing Kidnapping Fire or arson Cyber attack Sexual assault Assassination Pool drowning Armed robbery Physical Assault Excessive indulgence See below 20 Safety and Security Tips To Practice When Lodging in Hotel Research the hotel ahead scheduled lodge, and check online reviews. Do quick mental assessment of the premise and the Front Office Look out for outdoor and indoor CCTV cameras. Ensure the name in public view is the same with name on receipt or transactional document. Nameless hotel has higher risk, variation in name is a clue to safety risk. Share hotel name and location with a trusted person. Note, google map or other digital tool can be used to gather this information. Check strength of the door and the lock. Check door peephole and have it covered from inside. Check all covered or hidden areas in the room; such as under bed, behind curtain, covered roof or floor, bathroom, closet, mini bar, locker/save, adjacent door (if any) etc. Locate nearest emergency exit and check to be sure it is functional. Put off all lights in the room, use your phone camera to scan for hidden cameras (note, this does not work in all phones). Ensure panic alarm device is provided in the room. Ensure Front Office and Security intercom contacts are provided. – if possible, get contact of nearby local Police. Know your room number. Never open door to strange or unexpected knocks. Keep room door partially opened during scheduled or emergency housekeeping. Avoid room on clumsy floor or area. Secure your valuables in locked pack e.g., room locker, your luggage, etc. Do not always trust free public network. Avoid sharing confidential information when using it. Maintain situational awareness at all times. Contact external source for assistance when unfolding incident seems out of hand. Hotels promise experience in form of leisure, glamor, excitement and taste. However; lurking within this cosmetics may be security threats lethal enough to cost life. Always exercise some self-help practices some of which have been highlighted on this piece. Wishing you safe and exciting experience in advance of any hotel lodge. ALSO READ: Traveling with kids: Family Travel Tips for Parents

Effects of Climate Change on Human Health

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Climate Change Significant Effects on Human Health

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, and its impact on human health is increasingly evident. The shifting patterns of weather, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme events all pose direct and indirect threats to human well-being. This blog post explores some of the most significant ways in which climate change is affecting human health.   Heat Stress One of the most direct effects of climate change is the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves. Rising global temperatures mean that we are more exposed to heat stress, which can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.   The body struggles to maintain its normal temperature, and vital organs like the heart and kidneys may be severely affected. Urban areas, in particular, face the risk of “heat islands,” where temperatures can soar due to concrete structures trapping heat.   Hardship Climate change increases socio-economic hardships, particularly in vulnerable populations. As extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts become more frequent, the economic impact on communities becomes more severe.   Homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods are often destroyed, leading to increased poverty, displacement, and migration.  In turn, these hardships contribute to increased rates of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.   Loss of Crops Agriculture is one of the sectors most severely affected by climate change, and this has dire consequences for human health. The loss of crops due to changing rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and natural disasters. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, agriculture is the primary source of income and food.   As crops fail, farmers lose their livelihoods, and the food supply chain is disrupted. This can result in malnutrition, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups. Moreover, the rising cost of food due to scarcity makes it harder for people to access nutritious food, leading to long-term health problems and increased susceptibility to diseases.   Increased Spread of Diseases Climate change also affects human health by facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns expand the habitat range of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. This has led to the spread of diseases like malaria, and fever disease into regions that previously had cooler climates and were less affected.   Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods can contaminate water sources, increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The combination of climate change and weakened health infrastructure in many regions makes controlling the spread of diseases more challenging.   Mental Health Impacts The mental health consequences of climate change are often overlooked, but they are becoming increasingly apparent. As people face the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones due to extreme weather events, the psychological toll is immense. Mental health issues are on the rise in communities affected by climate-related disasters. The constant stress of dealing with climate uncertainty, displacement, and loss creates a long-lasting impact on mental health, particularly in children and adolescents. Additionally, the fear of future climate events can cause chronic stress and worry, even in those not directly affected by disasters. Water and Sanitation Issues As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, access to clean water becomes increasingly difficult. Droughts reduce water availability, while floods can contaminate water supplies with pollutants and pathogens. Lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation leads to a range of health problems.   In many parts of the world, climate-induced water scarcity forces people to rely on unsafe water sources, exacerbating the spread of illness. The problem is serious in developing countries, where water infrastructure may already be inadequate, and the impact of climate change only worsens the situation. Also read:  Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

Eight Benefits of Planting Trees in Residential Areas

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Eight Benefits of Planting Trees in Residential Areas

Planting trees in residential areas offers numerous benefits that go beyond just improving the aesthetic appeal. Trees contribute to healthier environments, reduced energy costs, and overall well-being. Here are eight significant benefits of planting trees in your residential neighbourhoods. 1. Releases Stress-Relieving Hormone – Phytoncides Trees release a chemical called phytoncides, which have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Phytoncides are organic compounds emitted by trees, particularly coniferous species, that have a calming effect on us, humans. Studies show that being in the presence of trees and green spaces significantly reduces cortisol levels in the body, helping us feel more relaxed. This is why spending time in parks or tree-filled environments leads to better mental health and a more peaceful state of mind. Ecological Restoration Trees play a critical role in ecological restoration, particularly in urban and residential areas where human activities have led to environmental degradation. By planting trees, we help restore natural ecosystems. They also contribute to maintaining the balance in local ecosystems, which in turn supports cleaner air, and water, and improved soil health. Temperature Reduction One of the more noticeable benefits of trees is their ability to reduce ambient temperatures in residential areas. Through the process of transpiration, trees release moisture into the air, helping to cool their surroundings. In addition, their leaves provide shade, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and roads. This cooling effect can lower the temperature in residential areas by several degrees. The presence of trees can help reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment. Encourages Biodiversity Residential areas with trees are essential havens for biodiversity. Trees provide habitat and food sources for various species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. As a result, they promote greater biodiversity in urban environments, which are typically less hospitable to wildlife. The presence of diverse species enriches local ecosystems and contributes to a more balanced environment. By planting native tree species, you can further enhance biodiversity, supporting the survival of local wildlife and plants. Reduction of Accidents Trees can play a surprising role in reducing accidents in residential areas. By strategically planting trees along roadsides, visibility is enhanced, and natural barriers can be created, preventing pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Additionally, studies show that tree-lined streets tend to encourage drivers to slow down, making your neighbourhoods safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The calming effect of trees can also contribute to reducing road rage, resulting in more careful and attentive driving. 6  Controls Soil Erosion One of the major environmental benefits of planting trees is their ability to control soil erosion. Trees anchor the soil with their roots, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rainfall. This is particularly important in residential areas with sloping landscapes or in regions prone to flooding. By stabilizing the soil, trees help protect residential infrastructure from erosion-related damage, reducing the risk of property loss and preserving the natural landscape. Reduction of Noise Pollution Trees act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution in residential areas. Their leaves and branches absorb, deflect, and block sound waves, making homes in tree-filled neighbourhoods much quieter than those in treeless areas. This benefit is especially valuable for residents living near busy streets or highways. A tree-lined street can reduce noise by up to 50%, creating a more serene and peaceful living environment. This improvement in sound quality can significantly enhance your quality of life, contributing to your overall well-being. Sucks in Carbon Dioxide and Releases Oxygen One of the most well-known benefits of trees is their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen. This process is essential for maintaining air quality, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels tend to be higher. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 that would otherwise contribute to global warming. In exchange, they release oxygen, which is crucial for human and animal life. By planting trees in residential areas, communities can help mitigate the effects of climate change while improving air quality for all residents. ALSO READ: 7 Health Benefits Of Aforestation

5 Ways to Manage a Healthy Gut for Optimal Well-Being

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5 Ways to Manage a Healthy Gut for Optimal Well Being

5 Ways to Manage a Healthy Gut for Optimal Well-Being As humans, having a healthy gut plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It boosts not only digestion, but also the immune system, mental health, and energy levels. Your gut naturally contains trillions of bacteria that influence these functions, which makes them important to nurture this environment. A gut environment with more harmful bacteria than beneficial ones, can lead to various problems such as bloating, constipation, or even more serious health problems. Fortunately, there some effective dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you achieve and manage healthy gut.   Eat a Balanced diet, rich in fiber One of the important factors in gut health is a balanced diet but most importantly, a fiber-rich diet. Fiber helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly, by bulking up stool and moving it smoothly through the intestines. It also acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Eating this type of diet also enhances digestion, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into your daily diet helps nourish your gut microbiome and supports digestion. Foods like apples, bananas, carrots, lentils, and brown rice are excellent choices for gut-friendly fiber. Incorporate Probiotics and Prebiotics Probiotics and prebiotics are essential for maintaining a proper balance of good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are live bacteria when administered in adequate amounts function like the beneficial bacteria found in the gut. Popular probiotic-rich foods include yogurt and kimchi. These foods help to introduce and increase the population of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are types of fiber that feed the good bacteria already present in your gut, helping them grow and thrive. They also improve gut motility. Common sources of prebiotics include garlic, onions, and bananas. The combination of probiotics and prebiotics in your diet, will aid a thriving gut for digestion and immunity. Stay Hydrated Hydration plays a critical role in keeping your gut healthy.  Drinking water and staying hydrated aids digestion, motility, eliminate waste and lubricate gut lining. Dehydration can affect your digestive system and lead to constipation and other digestive discomforts. It is medically recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, although individual hydration needs can vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and climate. Water-rich fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers and watermelon, are also great ways to boost hydration. By ensuring that your body stays hydrated, it is beneficial for your gut to get the moisture it needs to function effectively.   Limit Processed Foods and Sugars A diet high in processed foods and sugars can cause a negative impact gut health. They enhance the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, which can lead to an imbalance known as dysbiosis. Processed foods are often low in fiber and nutrients, thereby contributing to digestive disorders. To maintain a healthy gut, it’s important to reduce your daily intake of highly processed foods. Instead, consume whole, nutrient-rich foods that promote gut health, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Manage Stress Stress and lack of sleep can have a significant impact on your overall health and that includes your gut health as well. The gut and brain are closely connected through what’s known as the gut-brain axis, meaning whatever stress is exerted on your brain will negatively impact your gut. High levels of stress can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To manage stress, relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, sleeping or deep breathing exercises can be carried out or incorporated into your regular routine. Regular physical activity can also help reduce stress levels and improve digestion. Aim to sleep for an average of 8hours per night to allow your body to repair and maintain a healthy digestive system.   Conclusion Maintaining a healthy gut requires a combination of both change in dietary plan and lifestyle. Therefore, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, incorporating probiotics and prebiotics, staying hydrated, limiting processed and sugary foods, managing stress and getting adequate sleep, you can support your gut’s health and, in turn, your overall well-being. These will help keep your digestive system in balance, promoting better digestion, immunity, and energy levels required for proper body function. Also Read : Stay Young And Healthy The Right Way

5 Food Security Measures to Ensure In Your Homes

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5 Food Security Measures to Ensure In Your Homes

                                          5 Food Security Measures to Ensure In Your Homes   Food security is a critical global issue that needs to be addressed, with 1 out of 9 people suffering from hunger. Food security according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is defined as ‘when all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life’. We live in a time of economic instability and uncertain climate. Accessing nutritious food, is important now than ever. The foundation of food security starts at home but it is now a major challenge for households worldwide. Ensuring your family’s access to nutritious food is crucial for stability and sustainability. This will protect your household from food shortages and increase your resilience. This article will discuss 5 ways to can protect your home, each offering a practical guide on how to empower your household against food insecurity.   Proper Meal Planning Meal planning is a very essential tool that helps protect your home from food insecurity. It ensures food availability, reduce unnecessary food wastage and promotes healthy living. A proper guide to carry out this plan is; Assessment of each family member’s dietary needs- it is important to put this into consideration while planning. Creation of a weekly food plan- meals for an entire week should be planned Making a food item or grocery list- this itemizes everything you need for meal preparation. Shopping for food items- purchase of listed items should been done, also, remember to check the expiry date of good products you purchase if you’re going to be buying in bulk or storing for a long time.   2. Proper Food storage This is another important means to ensuring food security in your home. Food storage will help prevent spoilage and contamination of food items, prevent wastage and increase the shelf life of food. Some tips to ensure proper food storage are; Dry storage for grains- clean and air tight containers should be used to store grain products such as beans and rice to help prevent contamination and spoilage. Refrigeration of perishable products at 40°F(4°C) Proper labelling of containers or bags used for storage for proper identification. Non-perishable goods such as canned foods should be stored well too.   3. Growing your own food Cultivating your own food in your backyard or that unused land can help boost food security. It helps to increase food availability, reduce cost of external food supply, as a food source during emergencies. If you want to start cultivating your own food; Prepare an organic fertilizer rich soil Start will small crops to grow Plant the seeds, water them regularly to ensure efficient growth When it’s harvest time, harvest carefully to avoid wastage and properly store the excess product harvested.   4. Pest Control Pests are organisms that destroy plant and crops. This can cause food insecurity in a home. Effective pest control helps protect your crops or food items against damage, reduce food wastage and contamination. Reduce pest infestation by; Proper food storage Ensuring the kitchen and storage area is clean always. Use of pest repellants plants.   5. Emergency food supply During financial or economic crises, emergency food supply will protect your household against food insecurity.  Stock non-perishable food items such as canned goods in bulk. Examples of food items that should be classified as emergency food supply are canned meat, vegetables, grains, water.   In conclusion, each home has to be protected against food insecurity by all means. Therefore, proper meal planning, food storage, encouraging gardening, pest control and emergency food supply will help empower a household against food insecurity. All these should be known and implemented to promote food security in a home! Also Read : How To Promote Food Security Through Security In Nigeria

Oral Health: A Guide to Oral Hygiene

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Oral Health: A Guide to Oral Hygiene  Maintaining good oral health is very important for an overall wellbeing of a person. A lot of times, people tend to overlook the importance of oral hygiene, ignorant of the fact that poor oral hygiene can lead to various oral conditions and even systemic disease. The oral cavity(mouth) is a portal of entry into the body and therefore, proper care is crucial. This article will provide practical guide to ensure optimal oral hygiene and maintain oral health. What is Oral health and hygiene? A state by which the oral cavity is completely free from disorders or diseases that can impact its function is referred to as Oral health. Oral health includes the health of the teeth, gums, cavities and surrounding tissues in the oral cavity. Oral health can be achieved by proper Oral hygiene. Oral hygiene refers to practices that are ensured to maintain oral health. These practices have to be carried out daily, and it’s in fact a long term commitment. Oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing, use of mouthwash etc. can help achieve a healthy oral cavity. Here are some healthy hygiene tips to improve your oral health;   Regular Teeth Brushing Brushing your teeth regularly is very important for achieving oral health. Brushing twice a day is advised- in the morning before eating and at night before going to bed. This practice will help remove dirt, bacteria and food particles from your teeth to help prevent tooth decay and diseases. The use of soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended. And hard toothbrush can affect or injure your gums. To ensure proper brushing, the entire surface of our teeth should be brushed, and this should be for at least 2 minutes.   2. Dental Flossing Proper oral hygiene also involves dental flossing as it is also required to achieve oral health. Flossing helps to remove dirt, bacteria or food particles that are stuck in between your teeth or underneath your gums. For proper flossing to be done, you have to gently guide the floss in between your teeth and underneath your gums to prevent injury to your teeth and avoid bleeding. Flossing your teeth daily helps prevent bad breath, tooth loss and gum diseases.   3. Rinsing with Mouthwash Mouthwash is used for oral hygiene as it helps to kill bacteria in the mouth, prevents bad breath and also, remove plaques. Mouthwash was not made to replace tooth brushing but it is like a supplement for oral hygiene maintenance. Mouthwash with fluoride are highly recommended for use. To use a mouthwash, pour into the mouth, and let it stay for 60 seconds before spitting it out, and do not swallow it!   4. Proper tongue cleaning Tongue cleaning is an important part of oral hygiene. The tongue is a muscular part of the oral cavity and therefore can accumulate dirt/debris. A tongue scraper or toothbrush can be used to clean the tongue regularly, and this should be done twice daily to prevent bath breath, infections or decay of the tooth.   5. Regular Dental check-up Visiting your dentist is strongly advised. A regular Dental check-up is important for thorough examination of your teeth, gums and entire oral cavity. Oral advice and treatments can also be carried out. This check-up can be done twice a year.   6. Healthy eating habits Eating healthy can also promote good oral health. A well balanced diet supports healthy teeth, gums and an overall oral health. Food such as fruits, vegetables, milk, protein and even water to stay hydrated, should be incorporated. Sugary and acidic food should be limited to prevent tooth decay. The key to having a healthy oral cavity lies in good oral hygiene practices. Brushing, flossing, use of mouthwash, tongue washing, dental check-ups and eating healthy can help you achieve an overall oral health. A daily practice of the tips mentioned above will ensure you a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy gums. Also Read: Wearable Devices: The Impact On Personal Health

5 Nutrient-Rich Foods for a Powerful Skin Glow. 

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Healthy Skin;5 Nutrient Rich Foods for a Powerful Skin Glow. 

Good food is the gateway to a healthy skin. It can’t be overemphasized that good nutrition is needed to achieve good health. An unhealthy diet can cause a lot of damage to the body system such as nutrient deficiencies, organ damage and weight related issues. Do you know that what you eat also affects your skin? Well yes, it does, that is why it is important to eat your way to healthy skin. To achieve a healthy and glowing skin, incorporating some food and its nutrients into your daily nutrition plan will be very helpful. Tell me who isn’t happy when their skin is glowing and reflecting a healthy life? This article takes a look at 5 nutrient rich foods that will help your skin get the glow it needs. Vegetables Vegetables are very essential to achieving healthy and glowing skin vegetables contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and hydrating contents that help to boost skin health. They also help to reduce inflammation and improve elasticity. Examples of vegetables that can be incorporated into diet are spinach, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, onions, broccoli, cucumbers and so many others. Adding vegetables to your diet will protect your skin from damages, reduce ageing, improve hydration and promote healthy digestion. 2. Fatty Fish Fatty fish are an essential source of food for healthy skin. They mostly contain Omega-3 fatty acid that are important to maintain a glowing and healthy skin. Fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon, are very rich in omega-3 fatty acid. It helps to reduce inflammation, improve skin elasticity and hydration. Deficiency of the fatty acid causes dry skin, dehydration and premature ageing. Fatty fish contains high level of vitamin E, zinc needed for skin health and a very good source of protein. 3. Sweet potatoes Sweet potato contains beta carotene, that can be converted to vitamin A in the body. It also contains vitamin C. All of these important nutrients help to protect against skin damage, promote collagen production and supports skin elasticity. Sweet potatoes can be eaten mashed, boiled, baked or roasted according to individual taste to unlock the benefits of healthy skin. 4. Avocados Avocados are fruits with natural abundance of healthy fat. This is very beneficial to the body and especially the skin. It protects the skin from ultraviolet damage, contains vitamin E, an important antioxidant needed by the skin, and also, vitamin C, which is needed to create collagen that helps the skin to be strong and healthy. 5. Almonds Almonds are naturally embedded with unsaturated fatty acids. They are a very rich source of antioxidants and vitamin E, both of which are important to protect the skin from damages, improve elasticity of the skin and soothes dry skin. Eating almonds daily will help unlock its rich skin benefits leaving your skin glowing and smooth. In conclusion, get the glow with these 5 nutrient-rich foods for healthy skin! Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins from fatty fish, sweet potatoes, almonds, fresh vegetables, and avocados into your diet to boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote skin elasticity. Say, no to dull skin henceforth and embrace a glowing skin complexion! Also Read: What is a Plant Based Diet and its Benefit?    

Productivity And Work-Life Balance

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Remote Work 7 Best Practices for Maintaining Productivity and Work life balance

With the rise of e-learning platforms, online courses, video conferencing tools, and remote work, there has been a significant transformation in work styles. Now, anyone can work from home or any location as long as they have the necessary tools. Remote work has become a defining aspect of the contemporary workplace, offering flexibility and freedom. Nevertheless, it also brings unique challenges in terms of maintaining productivity and striking a work-life balance. Here are some best practices to effectively navigate the remote work environment: Establish a Dedicated Workspace One of the first steps to being productive in a remote work environment is to establish a dedicated workspace. This doesn’t have to be a full home office; even a small, well-defined area can suffice. A dedicated workspace helps to establish physical and mental boundaries, signalling to your brain that it’s time to work. Ensure that this space is comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with all the necessary tools. By minimizing distractions and creating a clear separation between work and personal life, you can improve focus and efficiency. Stick to a Routine A structured routine is crucial in maintaining productivity while working remotely. Start your day at the same time you would if you were commuting to an office. Set regular working hours and stick to them as closely as possible. This not only helps to create a sense of normalcy but also signals to others when you’re available. Having a routine also prevents work from spilling into personal time, which is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize Tasks and Set Clear Goals Without the usual office structure, it’s easy to get side-tracked. To combat this, prioritize your tasks at the beginning of each day. Tools like to-do lists, project management apps, or even a simple calendar can help keep you on track. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set clear, achievable goals. This approach not only boosts productivity but also provides a sense of accomplishment, which can be motivating. Take Regular Breaks In a traditional office, breaks happen naturally, whether it’s chatting with colleagues or grabbing a coffee. At home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of working non-stop. However, taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, to maintain a balanced workflow. These short breaks can rejuvenate your mind and keep you productive throughout the day. Set Boundaries and Communicate Clearly One of the biggest challenges of remote work is setting boundaries, especially if you live with others. Communicate your work hours to those around you and establish guidelines for when you can be interrupted. Similarly, with your team, ensure that communication is clear and concise. Use tools like Slack or Zoom to stay connected, and set expectations for response times and availability. This helps in maintaining a professional atmosphere, even while working from home. Practice Self-Care Maintaining work-life balance goes beyond managing your time effectively; it also involves taking care of your physical and mental health. Make time for regular exercise, healthy meals, and sufficient sleep. Incorporate activities that relax and recharge you, such as reading, meditation, or hobbies. Remote work can sometimes blur the lines between work and personal life, so it’s important to be mindful of your well-being. Reflect and Adjust Finally, regularly reflect on what’s working and what isn’t in your remote work setup. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is your workspace conducive to productivity? Adjust as necessary to ensure that you’re not just working hard, but working smart. Flexibility is one of the key benefits of remote work, so don’t hesitate to make changes that improve your work-life balance and overall productivity. In conclusion, remote work offers a wealth of opportunities but also requires deliberate effort to maintain productivity and work-life balance. By establishing routines, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, you can make the most of this work style while staying both productive and healthy. Also read: Remote work and the future of the workplace   

 How to Achieve Good Health Goals

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how to achieve good health goals

Each person has goals they want to achieve in various aspects of their lives; financial goals, relationship goals, life goals, even health goals. We all know that good health these days is underrated and as the saying goes, “Health is Wealth”! So, whether you are trying to stay fit, lose some weight, reduce stress, you’d have to set out some health goals to achieve this. A health goal is a plan that is made and carried out to help you improve or maintain your health. Be it your physical health, emotional wellbeing, or mental health, all these aspects of your health needs to be well taken care of for you to achieve good health. However, a lot of people get disappointed when they set a goal and can’t attain it, because, after a little while, they give up, and this is all due to the fact that they can’t keep up to achieve the set goals they already have in mind. It’s a long journey when you plan to achieve set goals. It might not be an easy one but, here are some things you can do to achieve your goals as regards achieving good health;   Be intentional When people try to make changes as regards their lifestyle, they attempt to make changes that seem unrealistic, as they often appear to be wishes rather than goals. You have to be intentional about the goals you set, make attainable goals that will give you the ultimate push and motivate you right from start.   2. Have a step wise plan To pursue your overall goal, you need to achieve this in steps. Don’t just push yourself to achieve this in just a moment, it takes time, so try to achieve this in steps. Make plans as regards your nutrition, exercise that will give you a healthy lifestyle.   3. Do not relent! It is good to have good health goals, and they can be challenging to achieve but one thing is this, do not give up! If you fall off the wagon, get on it again, just go easy on yourself, consider that drawback a learning experience, figure out what happens and how you can avoid it in the future so as to prevent it from happening again. Nobody is perfect, just keep going in the journey till you overcome the difficulties you encounter, and achieve the good health you have been longing for!   4. Seek Support To keep up with a healthy lifestyle and achieving an overall good health goal is difficult, you should not do it alone. You will need to have like-minded individuals with the same goals around you. These people will encourage you, cheer you on and help you to be focused on achieving your set goals. You can involve yourself in support groups, exercise groups, fitness groups. Finding the right people to support you in your Health journey is very important.   5. Record your progress Writing down a progress report about achieving your goals will help you to see how you’re doing in the journey. You can get a journal to record this or you can record them on your phone’s notepad. It helps you to monitor how far you’ve come and what still needs to be done.   6. Reward yourself When you reach a particular goal, or milestone in the journey, reward yourself! Remember, in a healthy way, to help you maintain a positive mindset to achieving your goals. In conclusion , everyone wants to live a healthy live but it’s up to each person to be determined and work towards achieving this goal! ALSO READ: What is a Plant Based Diet and its Benefit ?

Security Guides for Hiring Domestic Workers

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Security guides for hiring domestic workers

Security guides for hiring domestic staff is worth all efforts in this era of collapsing extended family system and increasing acceptance of nuclear family. Domestic workers have come to close the gap created by absence of assistance from extended family members. Domestic workers refer to persons employed by a home owner to provide home support services. Domestic workers may include nanny, maid, driver, security, cook, fitness instructor, home teacher or coach. The rich and affluence needs domestic workers to keep their homes running to the satisfaction of their desired glamor. The middle-class group, women empowerment and the increasing presence of working-class mothers have also made it almost inevitable for modern urban families to function normal without hired domestic workers to fulfill home services. Domestic workers in all ramification are creating real time value in our contemporary society. Regardless, there are associated potential security risks when domestic workers are hire without proper due diligence. Employing strangers into your private home automatically exposes yourself and your family to some risks. As such, it is essential to conduct some kind of security checks. Note, not every domestic worker is a criminal; however, the rising cases of both simple, heinous and organized crimes committed by some domestic workers has casted some sort of apprehension in the mind of people who inevitably require their services. Hence, this security guide for public enlightenment. See below basic security guides to apply when hiring and after hiring domestic workers. Hire from trusted source: contract employment of domestic workers to a registered and reputable Human Resources organization. A reputable HR company would carry out expected due diligence and maintain duty of care for its clients during the partnership. As much as possible, avoid artisanal or self-hire. Background check report: this should be mandatory. It would provide insight to past and possibly the present background of the applicant you intend to employ. Police character certificate: a mandatory report to have. This is issued by the Police to show criminal records about an applicant. Social media check: in this age of physical or virtual life it is also key to profile an applicant online using acceptable social media platforms such as Instagram, facebook, Twitter or X, etc. before a job is offered. Have a personnel file: maintain a periodically updated personnel file for domestic workers. Such file should contain relevant data which must include curriculum vitae, updated copy of guarantor forms, copy of recent full-glare photograph, updated copy of utility bill for non-residence workers, updated medical fitness report, a copy of standard identity card, Police clearance report and any other documents considered to have safety and security relevance. Having this updated records about a worker would create some security deterrence effect. Ensure to keep all personal information and records strictly confidential, and restricted access should apply. If the applicant is successful and employment is offered, next phase of guide should include: Periodic medical fitness: to ascertain that applicant is fit to continue work. Monitor life their style: to know their associate, character, behavior, and manner. Do not take for granted any cue or clue which suggest that your domestic worker may possess a dangerous personality or may have motive associated with criminality. Install smart home CCTV: this would show surveillance of activities within the home and provide intelligent insight. Install smart panic alarm: this would be activated for assistance during emergency or dangerous situation. Keep valuables out of sight: this would prevent temptation to steal or to connive with others to organize home theft. Practice emotional intelligence: be humble, treat your workers nice, relate with them as a fellow human, not as slaves. Show empathy and care, give extra assistance when it is necessary. In conclusion: it is believed that a reputable worker will be known, only after employment is given. Having domestic workers indeed exposes your home, yourself and family members to real time potential security and safety risks. It is advised to consciously take precautionary steps to know who you want to employ; during the contract, to know who you have employed. In this era of raw criminality, no efforts are too much to invest to have peace. ALSO READ: Cybersecurity Threat Of Social Engineering