Sustainable Living In A Fluctuating Economy

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Sustainable Living Tips in a Fluctuating Economy

This article is centred on sustainable living tips in a fluctuating economy In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a slogan; it’s a necessity. With the growing awareness of climate change and the unpredictable nature of the global economy, many people are looking for ways to live more sustainably without breaking the bank. The good news is that sustainable living doesn’t have to be expensive. It can save you money while also helping the planet. Here are some practical tips for maintaining a sustainable lifestyle in a fluctuating economy. The act of Reducing, Reusing, Recycling The age-old sustainability maxim—reduce, reuse, recycle—is still applicable today. Cut back on your consumption first. This is about being conscious of what you buy, not about depriving yourself. Consider whether you need that new appliance or item of apparel. When you do make purchases, make an effort to select robust and long-lasting goods. Reusing is yet another effective strategy for reducing waste. Consider finding new uses for things before discarding them. Furniture can frequently be reconditioned rather than replaced, glass jars can be repurposed for storage, and discarded clothing can be recycled into cleaning rags. Recycling ought to be the very last option. Make sure you understand the recycling regulations in your area to prevent contamination and optimize the efficiency of your recycling efforts. Practise Energy Efficiency A large portion of family expenses go toward energy, particularly in uncertain economic times. Energy-efficient home improvements are among the easiest methods to save money. electricity-saving LED bulbs are a good place to start because they consume up to 80% less electricity than conventional bulbs. Over time, energy-efficient appliance purchases can also result in significant cost savings. These gadgets increase energy efficiency by modifying heating and cooling systems under your requirements and schedule. You may further cut down on your energy usage by adopting easy habits like disconnecting electronics, washing clothing in cold water, and turning off lights when not in use. Consider a Plant-Based Diet Food production is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions. Even a small percentage of a plant-based diet can make a big difference for the environment. Increase the number of plant-based meals you eat to start. Plant-based diets can be more cost-effective in addition to being better for the environment. Further cutting expenses is usually possible with less expensive vegetables, grains, and beans. Additionally, you may get fresh, organic produce for much less money by growing your fruits, or herbs in a tiny garden or even in containers. Practice Intentional Consumption Intentionalconsumption involves being mindful about what and how you consume. It means thinking about the lifecycle of a product—from its creation to its disposal—and choosing options that are less harmful to the environment. This could involve buying second-hand items, choosing products with minimal packaging, or simply buying less. In a fluctuating economy, mindful consumption can also help you avoid unnecessary expenses. By focusing on quality over quantity and prioritizing needs over wants, you can save money while reducing your environmental impact. DIY and Upcycling Upcycle old products rather than purchasing new ones to embrace the do-it-yourself attitude. This not only lowers waste but is also a great method to save money. A new coat of paint may breathe new life into worn-out furniture, and glass bottles can be turned into beautiful vases. There are countless options, and you’ll be shocked at how inventive and imaginative you can get. Conclusion Sustainable living in a fluctuating economy is all about making smart, mindful choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet. By reducing consumption, embracing energy efficiency, adopting a plant-based diet, practising mindful consumption, and getting creative with DIY projects, you can live sustainably without sacrificing financial stability. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. Also read: Sustainable Agricultural Practices; Navigating The Future Of Food Production

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 Prevent Workplace Theft

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Workplace theft what your organization should know and do (1)

Workplace theft is a nightmare to every business owner. This threat refers to a property crime which occur within a work setting with intent to run down the business. It may involve company or personal property. For instance, if a customer’s car was stolen from a company’s car park regardless a cautionary disclaimer; it is a workplace theft. Similarly, if a business keeps experiencing inventory shrinkage at its warehouse, organized stealing is active there. As a business open its doors to different individuals who are perceived to have values that would assist to drive goals of such business, chances are some persons with ulterior motive will likely mix up, if the process is not watertight to detect the attempt. It is said, a thief at workplace will steal as much as the business permits. Workplace theft oftentimes is an organized crime. It requires well thought-out organized strategy. Business owners, insurance managers, corporate security risk managers’/asset protection practitioners, law enforcement agents, statutory courts, etc. have continue to device controls and mechanisms against this threat however, its trend has remained unabated. In most cases, criminal actors who are involved in stealing at workplaces are successful because of many factors which prominently include opportunity, motivation and rationality. Here are some hard beliefs about workplace theft: Thieves steal as much as the business permits. Workplace theft can be curtailed to barest minimum. Workplace theft is a craft, mastered by some persons. Employees and others steal from business for various reasons. 10% of workers may never steal from your company, no matter the condition. 80% of worker might steal from your company, if given the opportunity, or under motivation and rationality. 10% of worker will actively look for ways to steal from your company. There are about 90% chances that stealing would happen at your organization.  What may contribute to workplace theft include: Opportunity to steal Pressure from various sources Perceived chance of detection Workplace security culture Job satisfaction Personal greed Vengeance Rationalization Socialization/subculture Tone from the top -TFT Available markets for stolen items what can be stolen? Physical assets Sensitive information Money Time Peace Potential victims of workplace theft: Business owner Risk manager Employees Management team Your organization can approach this threat through prevention, detection & response. See brief highlight. PREVENTION: Carry out background checks on workers and other stakeholders Make the workplace ethical & friendly Show genuine care for workers Promote job satisfaction and job security Activate functional security controls through people, process & technology DETECTION: Maintain functional security controls Carry out periodic audit RESPONSE: Have a strong policy and standard Workplace theft must never be romanced Be consistent and firm in implementing the policy and standard In concluding this piece: note that thieves will always be amongst the workforce who prowl the labour market to seek hire. If your business grants them the opportunity, they would come in and settle.  These thieves, having settled at the organization can steal only as much as the organization permit through available or created opportunity. The recommended strategies to manage this threat should be built around prevention, detection and response. Opportunity for stealing at business place must be consciously blocked. ALSO READ: Benefits Of Employee Background Check

 5 Ways to Improve Communication Skills

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5 Ways to Improve Communication Skills

It is known that having effective communication skills is the basic foundation of a successful relationship between people. On personal or professional levels, communication involves more than exchanging information. Having communication skills refers to someone’s ability to convey ideas, thoughts and messages in a clear way to other people receiving them. It also involves viewing and understanding perspectives, and engaging others. Nowadays, having communication skills is very important as it is needed for building trust between people to foster strong relationships, to achieve professional as well as personal success, and to understand individual perspectives. Not everyone is born naturally with effective communication skills. For some it takes time, practice, dedication and patience to be able to achieve this skill. However, to be able to achieve this, there are important strategies that you need to learn to be a more effective communicator. In this article, we will explore 5 major things to do that will help you improve your communication skill. Pay rapt attention to the speaker Paying full attention to the speaker while communicating is very important. This also means you have to listen actively and this involves engaging fully with the speaker, listening and understanding their perspective, asking questions to clarify and understand their message and even maintaining eye contact to stay focused. Communicate in an easy-to-understand manner Communication between two parties flows well when the message delivered is very clear and concise. Avoid the use of ambiguous and unimportant words when communicating. Make use of simple terms that will make the information or message well understood by the listening party. This is important to prevent miscommunication. Be aware of nonverbal communication There is a need to understand that there are some unspoken messages that are conveyed in various ways such as facial expressions, body languages, silence, and even voice tones. They differ from each person and this needs to be recognized and understood. Also, ensure that these nonverbal communication styles convey the intended message you want to share to avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation. Encourage open ended questions Engaging in meaningful discussions that will prompt responses, encourage thinking and provide reasonable insights will help improve communication. This will help communication go both ways (both parties- the speaker and listener) and not make it one sided. It helps to keep the flow of communication going between people. Also, questions that requires just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer should mostly be avoided if an effective communication is to be achieved. Ensure and confirm understanding of the information/message It is important to ensure that the information or message shared is well understood by the listening party. Most importantly, a confirmation that it’s been well understood is needed to avoid miscommunication and to ensure effective communication. In conclusion, effective communication is very necessary for two or more people to be able to relate and understand each other. It is therefore important for individuals to have this skill. By developing great communication skills, it helps people to build strong relationships, trust, achieve success personally and professionally to help live in a more harmonious and connected world.   ALSO READ: Mastering the Art of Effective Communication    

10 Ways To Prevent Workplace Violence

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10 ways to prevent workplace violence in your organization (1)

Workplace violence is a potential safety and security risk that must command committed attention from every organization. Any credible act of bully, harassment, aggression, intimidation, assault, and attack carried out within the confines of a business place can pass this test. Workplace varies in nature and culture; so, does the threats of violence. Some business places may be prone to this threat than some others. For instance, the threat of workplace violence will be high in health and medical facility, hospitality and night club, production or manufacturing organizations. Same phenomenon may score low in corporate settings like financial offices, ports, county/government offices and other corporate arena. However, regardless of environment, threat of  violence against persons holds water across board. Occupational safety which resonates closely with workplace violence was recently prioritized by the state of California in US through passing into law of SB 553 which now makes it mandatory for employers to have in place “an effective workplace violence prevention plan”. Hence, it becomes unlawful and illegal for an organization in California not to have in place a comprehensive and effective prevention plan for potential attacks in business settings. This move underscores the significance of putting the safety of world’s first assets (human resources) first and other resources next. Organizations have obligation to ensure safety of all persons at their work premises, regardless of the purpose of visit. To activate processes and communication towards fulfilling this obligation is the way to go for any business who truly prioritize occupational safety. Workplace violence is a very complex security threat, because it targets human resources which are key drivers to business success. David Burke’s act of extreme aggression on flight 1771 of Pacific Southwest Airlines in December 7, 1987 which led to the plane crash and the death of forty-three persons onboard is a classic example of a determined attacker in act of workplace violence.  Here are five common types of workplace violence: Crime based: this occurs in active crime scene where the victim is not a primary target, however, got caught up in the web. Customer based: this is where a customer transfers aggression of frustration against a worker, a fellow customer or some others. Worker based: this occurs when a disgruntled or unstable worker goes berserk. The act may be against an employer, a fellow workers, or others. David Burke’s flight 1771 case was a good example of worker-based workplace violence. Owner-based: this obtains when the employer is the one attacking persons in the business premise. Such attack could be against a worker, a customer, a vendor, etc. Authority based: this type is done by persons who use their statutory authority to unleash violence on others in a workplace. Example is when on-duty law enforcement personnel carry out aggression against defenseless citizens. Redflags for workplace violence that must be taken seriously. Substance abuse Workplace toxicity Subtle act of bullying Uncontrollable emotion Fascination for violence Direct or indirect threats Obsessive acts of stalking Uncontrollable temperament Subtle violation of simple rules Subtle lack of respect for authority Sense of entitlement to “authority shield”. 10-Ways to prevent and mitigate workplace violence: Carry out risk assessment: this will enable the organization determine its exposure to this threat. Establish workplace violence prevention policy and plan: the policy as a statement of intent will set the tone and the plan will roll out follow-up reactions. Engage the workforce and communicate the policy to them: workers and other stakeholders must be informed of the position of the business about it. Activate security measures and controls: such controls should be embedded in physical and procedural security operation; e.g., surveillance, alarm, and visibility. Create incident reporting and response channel: there must be open channels for victims and observers to speak up about signs or occurrence of attack. Respond promptly: every perceived suspicion or real act of workplace violence must be visited with full wrath of the policy and plan. Provide support system: those who might suffer direct or indirect impact of attacks should receive necessary supports that are legally available as a duty of care. Ensure smart hire through background check: organization must know who they want to hire and the implications or otherwise of such hire. Maintain continuous training: beside onboarding inductions, organizations must continue to keep workers aware of its stance on the subject. Carry out random drug and alcohol test in the premise: such exercise will expose persons who may likely be a threat to the workplace. Threats of attack at business place is a security risk that must receive deserved attention and prioritization. Prevention is the best approach. When its early warning beams, it should not be taken for granted. As complex as it appears, this piece has highlighted some strategic approach to apply. ALSO READ: How Your Organization Should Prepare For Civil Disturbance

Maintaining Proper Hydration Levels

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IMG 20240823 WA0019

 Water is very crucial to maintaining proper hydration levels and good health in every living thing. Therefore, staying hydrated is important for good body functioning. Water definitely helps to keep the body hydrated. This article will give insight on what it means to be hydrated, it’s importance, and how to maintain hydration level in the body. What does it mean to be hydrated? Hydration means, replacing lost fluids especially water in the body. Fluid can be lost by excretion through sweat, breathing, urination, feces. Simply put, it is adding water to the body that has been lost in one way or another. This is done by drinking water, or eating food that contain lot of water. Therefore, being hydrated means, that your body has adequate fluids(water) to function properly. It means the fluid level in your body are well balanced such that everything that makes up your body (cells, tissue, organs) are getting water at the right levels for them to function well. Benefits of staying hydrated As it has been stated earlier that staying hydrated is important for good body system function, here are some benefits of being hydrated; Gives You Energy: Drinking enough water can help you feel more alert and focused. It can help reduce fatigue when taken as well. 2. Improves physical performance: sufficient hydration is important for exercise and physical activity, it makes your muscles to move easily and thus, perform daily tasks. 3. Promotes healthy hair and skin: Drinking water keeps your skin and hair healthy and shiny. It prevents dry skin and hair, providing adequate moisture needed and also prevents your hair and skin looking tough. Water definitely makes you look and feel better. 4. Helps Your Body Work Properly: hydration helps your kidneys and digestive system work correctly, preventing constipation in your intestine and the formation of kidney stones that alters good health. 5. Supports Weight Loss: for those trying to lose weight, drinking water is an easy way to do that. Drinking water at intervals in a day can help you feel full and also, control your appetite, thus, making it easier to lose weight and maintain weight loss. Consequences of Improper Hydration When the fluid levels in the body is low, that is, below the adequate level, it is termed dehydration. Dehydration has many effects on the body such as; Fatigue and Weakness Headaches and Dizziness Kidney Damage Heat-Related Illnesses Brain Problems   How to Maintain Proper Hydration Levels According to research, our bodies are roughly 60 percent water. Therefore, the slightest bit of dehydration can have a negative impact on our body system. Here are some tips that will help maintain proper hydration levels for normal body function. Drink plenty Water daily:  this is the best and easiest option to keep one’s self hydrated all the time. Water, a natural fluid, contains no calories or sugar, making it very ideal for hydration throughout a day. Thus, try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your hydration levels balanced 2.  Eat Water-Rich Foods: food rich in water such as fruits and vegetables can be taken to hydrate the body. This include foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and tomatoes in your diet. They help replenish lost water and also add importance nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to your diet, keeping you healthy! 3. Urine monitoring: checking your urine color whenever you want to urinate can help you monitor your hydration level. Therefore, if your urine is pale yellow or clear, it means you’re hydrated. If it’s dark yellow, it means you’re dehydrated and that tells you that you have to drink more water! 4. Limit Coffee and Soda: coffee and soda are the most common drinks taken by a large population of humans worldwide. Research according to International coffee organization has shown that 42% of the global population takes coffee and another research shows that 26% takes soda.  Although these drinks are considered diuretics, they can make you lose water, so try to limit their intake to prevent dehydration. 5. Keep Water Nearby at all times: everyone is encouraged to keep water close because of dehydration. Keep water bottles, glasses in very accessible places near you, like your car, bag, or desk. This will help remind you to always drink water often. In conclusion, it is safe to say that if you want good health and proper body system function, you need to keep yourself hydrated. ALSO READ; Stay Young And Healthy The Right Way

How a Teacher’s Faith Helped a Disabled Student Walk

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How a Teacher's Faith Helped a Disabled Student Walk

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” The Bible verse echoed in Hannah’s subconscious as she watched Freda from the corner of her eye. The feeling came again, yet Hannah could not put a name to it. It was just like her first day at the school. Freda’s bright smile caught her attention when she was introduced to her students. She had asked them to share their names, and one by one, they stood up to introduce themselves. When it was Freda’s turn, she stated her name and made a subtle gesture, as if handing over an invisible baton to the next student, signalling them to proceed with their introduction. Hannah was taken aback when Freda didn’t stand up to introduce herself. That’s when she noticed the special needs chair Freda was sitting in. Suddenly, an uneasy feeling rose from her stomach and exploded in her heart. Really, Lord? Hannah had gone home that day to pray feeling so full. “I don’t think I want any disabled person in my class; my heart is too fragile to accept it. I don’t want to treat her differently; I don’t even know how to teach a disabled person,” she continued in prayers. She prayed, then burst into tears, and eventually, laughter followed. What was happening to her? How different would it be to teach one who has a physical disability? Hannah’s laughter was short-lived, as tears began to flow once more, “I still don’t know what to do; I feel like I owe her a responsibility, and I’m not going to fail her; please help me, Lord.” And so now, she watched as Freda worked her numbers, counting some off with her fingers and eyes furrowed in concentration. Hannah wondered if the class work she had given was too challenging, but then she reminded herself that it was straight from their Grade 4 mathematics textbook. She opened the textbook again to review the assessment and reassured herself that the work was suitable, plus she had just shown them how to do it. Freda was the first to finish and, in her usual way, started to wheel herself to the front to submit. Hannah struggled with standing up and going to meet her halfway to collect it or allow her to come all day. She decided the latter and watched as Freda came forward and placed her note dutifully on her desk, then wheeled back to her position just in between the rows of seats. Hannah exhaled deeply, only then realizing she had been holding her breath the entire time she was watching Freda “Dear Lord, please save me from this feeling. Please help me,” she muttered quietly. She took Freda’s note, scanned through her work quickly and the smile started stretching her lips. The girl was just too brilliant! Hannah took her pen and started marking. Other students soon started submitting one after the other. Hannah knew then that she had nothing to worry about. She would be a great teacher for Freda. Those high thoughts clouded Hannah’s mind till the end of the term, she saw Freda differently and even started including her in every extracurricular activity. She ensured Freda joined the other kids for P.E. She made her join the music class and encouraged her to sing loud just like the others. Next, she encouraged her to join the choreography class as well. She might not be able to stand and move her body like the others, but at least she could move it in her wheelchair and work it with her hands. “I’ve never done this before,” Freda would always say whenever Hannah introduced a new activity for her to do. “Well, today is your lucky day,” Hannah would respond and wheel her out to the table tennis court, to the art and painting class, to the music class and the dance class. So it happened, the day that changed everything. It was a few minutes to their break time for the curricular activity. Hannah erased the whiteboard the second time to continue writing and completing the notes on social studies for the week. She was done in no time and waited for her students to finish writing, too, before erasing the board again. She walked around the class, observing as the students looked up at the board, took in the information, and transferred it to their notes. “Please hurry up, it’s almost time for a break,” Hannah urged them. She walked back to the board to erase a section at the top, making space to write again. Then a glorious thought came to her mind and in no time, it flooded her entire system. Her pulse quickened as she gripped the eraser in her hands and turned to face the class. “Who would like to help me wipe the board?” She asked. All hands went up, as always. Hannah wondered why this task was a class favourite. Everyone except Freda, who never joined in. Hannah knew she wouldn’t raise her hand. “Freda,” Hannah called. The class gasped, all eyes darted at Hannah and then at Freda. What was she trying to do? Freda’s hand would not even get to the top of the board. Freda was shocked as well and sat frozen in her chair. Hannah had never called her before. “Have it,” Hannah stretched the eraser to her, “Come and wipe the top of the board.” Hannah’s eyes got teary immediately as she held out her hand waiting for Freda to come take the eraser. “The top of the board?” Freda asked puzzled “Yes.” “Ma——” “No excuses, please wipe the top of the board,” Hannah said gently. Freda wheeled herself to the front of the class and dutifully collected the eraser from Hannah. “Ma, she can’t do it. Can I come and help?” The class prefect offered. It felt like a punishment. Everyone knew it was impossible so why would Hannah choose to humiliate Freda like that? Hannah … Read more

Why Vetting Household Staff is Essential to Avoid Betrayal

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Why Vetting Household Staff is Crucial

He was our driver. An elderly man, according to our Dad, applied for the household driver position even though he was too old for it. We never got around to learning his real name, affectionately referring to him as ‘Uncle’ instead. Every morning, he would meticulously wash our cars, then wait patiently by the garage for us to emerge and choose which vehicle to use. Our Dad would leave first, and Uncle would drive him to work with a truly endearing dedication After dropping off my dad, Uncle would swing back to pick us up whenever we were ready to head out. He’d then return to my dad’s workplace at 3:50 pm to drive him home. Uncle had a fun way of addressing us – I was ‘mini-madam’, my sister Machi was ‘small-madam’, and my brother Ekene was ‘boss’. We loved these nicknames and the playful vibe they brought to our time with Uncle Uncle was like a second parent to us, making it perfectly natural for us to chat with him freely and at ease. He would often ask us questions, even personal ones about our family, and we would respond without hesitation or reservation. To us, he was simply ‘Uncle’ – a trusted and beloved figure in our lives, deserving of our openness and affection. We made sure to include Uncle in our family trips and vacations, and Mum would even give him a bonus on top of his monthly pay from Dad. My siblings and I would often confide in him, sharing secrets like when we’d sneak off to places we shouldn’t be. He’d drive us there, but not before warning us, “If I get fired when your parents find out, you’ll all have to pay me a monthly allowance until I find a new job.” We all loved him and he knew. One afternoon, I came home to find my parents searching for something. Dad was in a state of panic, tearing through their room and his study, exclaiming, “It’s a massive business deal, and I can’t afford to lose it! I’ve put everything I own on the line as collateral!” My mum’s eyes were brimming with tears as she meticulously scoured through every document, wiping her eyes and peering closely at each page. I was bewildered, struggling to make sense of the chaos. My Dad’s pleas to God grew more fervent as he rummaged through books we were certain wouldn’t hold the documents he sought: “Please, God, help me! I’m ruined if I don’t find it!” Dad started searching for the business charter when he got to his office in the morning and realized it was nowhere to be found in the stack of files he came with. He’d definitely had it when he left home, so he called Uncle back to his workplace and they thoroughly searched the car. When that didn’t work, they sped back home to continue the search, I trooped to the room I shared with my siblings. “This is just jazz, how can those documents just disappear into thin air? Something he put in his portfolio just this morning,” Ekene said. “Tell me about village people right now and I would believe it,” Machi said in agreement. I was too dazed to contribute as I could still not comprehend what was going on. We went back to our parents room and saw dad crying, mum was hugging him and telling him to calm down. She was crying too. That sight broke me and I started crying, Ekene and Machi soon followed. The police were stunned when we reported the missing document. “You mean to tell me a crucial paper just vanished into thin air?” they seemed to say. My dad had it when he got into the car, and now it was gone. Uncle was beating himself up over it, thinking he should’ve kept a closer eye on the portfolio. Maybe someone swiped it during the ride to the office, but how? Uncle was just as perplexed as the rest of us. We were all stunned, but the reality of our situation hit us like a ton of bricks. The weight of impending homelessness and poverty was crushing. Dad was consumed by despair, openly weeping every day, lamenting his decision to put all our eggs in one basket. Mum, once full of life, was now a shadow of her former self, and our home was shrouded in a depressing gloom. ****** The day Uncle was arrested, we made a shocking discovery. He wasn’t as old as he seemed! All along, he’d been wearing a clever disguise – an organic casted, fake aged body and a manipulated voice and accent. He had us all fooled! He was a skilled con artist, hiding behind a false name, identity, and disguise. Despite being with us for two years, we never suspected that the elderly man we knew was actually a fake. His ability to deceive was uncanny. On that particular day, he had taken my Dad’s portfolio and skillfully removed the business charter when Dad was not watching, and hid it in a carved-out space beneath the front seat. He had worked on creating that space before that day and no one would ever think of searching for anything there. After dropping off my Dad that day, he surreptitiously handed off the stolen documents to his gang, who quickly got to work exploiting my Dad’s identity to process the business deal. His insider was my Dad’s own secretary who had been feeding him intel on my Dad’s every move. Just as they thought they’d pulled off the perfect heist, they were busted at the airport, trying to make a break for it to lay low before striking again. “Let him rot in jail, I will make sure he does not come out of that jail!” Dad was shouting when we received the news. Even though Dad didn’t get all of his money back, we were glad that we could still pay back … Read more

7 Ways to Boost Your Brain’s Mental Strength

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7 Healthy Ways to Boost Your Brain’s Mental Strength

This article centers on natural ways to boost the brain’s mental strength. Have you tried reading a piece, recently and realized you could not? Or you tried to gather information on some facts about concepts and your eye scans through but you realize it is not sticking to the brain. This is the point, every one of us gets to, a point where our mental health needs reinvigoration.  A point where you easily lose concentration, and seem to lack the mental strength to think through a problem. The brain’s mental strength could be reduced due to stress, lack of adequate nutrition, lack of sleep, and many more. However, the following are seven proven healthy ways to naturally boost your brain’s mental strength.   EXERCISE – Exercising regularly helps to keep the mind sharp and focused. Simple exercises like a stroll, cycling, and jogging help relax the mind and brain. It helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and lifts the mood, thus, boosting self-esteem and cognitive ability. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have profound effects on your mental strength, enhancing everything from memory and learning to emotional well-being and stress management.   MEDITATE – One sure way to boost your brain power is to practice meditation to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. While meditating, you grow your focused attention which increases focus, deep concentration and clarity and thus, enhances your ability to concentrate, critically think, to solve problems. While meditating, the brain nerves are relaxed and this also reduces stress, enhances your inner strength and emotional well-being.     LISTEN TO MUSIC – Several research has shown music to be therapeutic and serve as an effective stimulant to different areas of the brain. When you listen to music, it decreases your anxiety level and strengthens your mental resilience. Listening to inspirational music triggers the release of a hormone called, dopamine, the feel-good hormone. This helps to ease the emotions and enhance happiness. Today, decide to enjoy the power of music to uplift your mood and improve your concentration.   PLAY GAMES – Games are powerful brain stimulants that stretch the muscles of the brain. Playing games like Sudoku, scrabbles, and puzzles activates the unused mental muscles. You can stimulate your brain by playing strategic and problem-solving games. This will improve your memory, reasoning skills, analytics, and brain efficiency. When you incorporate games into your routine, they not only serve as a form of entertainment but also have significant cognitive and emotional benefits, contributing to overall mental strength and well-being.   LEARN NEW WORDS – Learning new vocabulary enhances mental strength by engaging multiple cognitive processes that benefit brain health and function. It stimulates the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, promoting cognitive flexibility, and strengthening the brain’s ability to focus and maintain attention on tasks. You could Expand your vocabulary and cognitive abilities by learning new words.   GET ENOUGH SLEEP – Good sleep helps improve the power of your brain. Studies have shown that quality sleep relaxes the brain and helps improve cognition, learning, and problem-solving skills. When you prioritize quality sleep, it helps to recharge your brain and enhance the thinking ability. While you sleep, your body and brain stay awake, and toxins are removed from the brain to improve brain power.   ADEQUATE DIET: Fuelling your body with a balanced diet rich in nutrients, helps to support mental well-being. By providing the brain with the necessary nutrients, an adequate diet supports cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall mental strength. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods ensures that the brain has the resources it needs to function at its best and retain the brain power.   Also read: From Stigma to Support: Youth Mental Health Transformation

Top 5 Accessories Women Should Own

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top 5 accessories every women should have

In adorning oneself, there are many accessories that can bring a woman’s style of fashion. Women adorn themselves and look good daily simply because it shows how sophisticated you are.  Although, all women can dress but not all women know how they can actually style themselves. There are times that outfits are put together and when you put them on, somehow, there seems to be something missing. Clothing is just the base for your grand style, but accessories are essential because there is no clothes you will wear without carrying a bag, wearing a shoe or even using a single piece of jewelry. Clothes/outfits we wear everyday just cover and protect our body, but accessories modify these outfits. It brings out a particular feature of your outfit. Your outfit can be worn alone, but your accessories can’t be worn alone, and that is why they complement your outfits! Accessories are essentials in any woman’s wardrobe as they complement and put finishing touches to your outfit. They also show your confidence in your sense of style. Women can’t resist accessories! Fashion trends are constantly changing, therefore, there’s the need to catch up with this trend that is why women spend on accessories. There are varieties of accessories nowadays and selection from these varieties are so wide. Therefore, the styling options for that outfit of yours is limitless. Here are 5 important accessories that you, as a woman, should have that will make you look more attractive instantly and also transform any outfit you are putting on. No matter what your style is, these accessories will boost your look and also make your style top notch!   BAG/PURSE What would women do without their bag or purse? It is an essential accessory and most important because it has a very high use. It is used to keep different belongings such as phones, keys, money, makeup etc. Bag is an important fashion symbol for a woman. A lot can be told about  a woman just by the bag she’s carrying. It enhances and completes your look and does not only add to the outfit you are wearing, but also draws attention on its own. It improves your appearance and conveys the look you want others to perceive about you. Types of bags varying from handbags to sling bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and purses can be used for different occasions/events and with various outfits!   JEWELRY Jewelries make women beautiful and confident. There is hardly any woman that can deny the attraction of glittering jewelry. Different pieces of jewelry serve different purposes to create different looks. When you have a nice outfit and a nice bag to pair with it, you need something to light up your face, neck or hands. A dull face definitely can’t stand out even if you have nice outfits and bags, that’s why you need jewelry. Jewelries like earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets etc. are details that add your look and make you slay like the queen you are!   SUNGLASSES         A great pair of sunglasses can change both your face and style. They are trendy nowadays and are also useful. They can be used to protect your eyes when it’s too sunny outside and they can also help you keep a low profile when you don’t want people to recognize you. Sunglasses come in different shapes and sizes, colors and designs. Whatever the shape of your face is, you’ll always find the glasses that will suit you well.   4)  SHOE Shoes are not only worn to protect the feet. Shoes give a confident statement about your style and also adds a particular function to fashion. It adds the final touch to your style. Shoes are never constant as designers of fashion around the world have come up with various shoe styles for every occasion. There are wide varieties you can select from depending on outfit to wear, season and event/occasion. These varieties range from high heels, flats, boots, snickers, etc. There are particular shows that fit each outfit, season, and occasion. This gives a great touch of finesse to your outfit as you slay.   5) SCARF        Scarf is one of the simple forms of adornment. Therefore, it is one of the most versatile accessories used for different purposes. It has a multipurpose function in fashion and can also show one’s status. It is an accessory that’s barely noticeable but choosing the right one can complete and enhance your look. It can be worn in different ways according to your look or according to seasons. It can be tied around the neck, around the waist to serve as a belt. It can also be used as a headband or even tied to your hand bag. In conclusion, as fashion style trends are ever evolving, women all around the world don’t want to fall behind these trends. Therefore, these are basic accessories you need to have even to keep up your style in fashion. ALSO READ; Power of Accessorizing