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The First 5 Things to Do After Rehab

Drug addiction is one of the most destructive forces known to man. It remorselessly rips apart individuals, families, and communities—leaving pain and despair in its wake. To overcome addiction, you have to recognize that you have a problem that is beyond your control, acknowledge that you need help, and then get that help. But that’s just the beginning.

If you’ve struggled with addiction, then getting clean is one thing, but staying clean is the real fight. Going to rehab was the right thing to do, but what happens when your detox is over, and it’s time for the rubber to meet the road? Continue reading to learn what steps you need to take when you come home from rehab.

Continue Receiving Treatment

Are you familiar with the phrase, “Proper preparation prevents poor performance?” It’s an adage that applies as much to you staying clean as it does anything else in life. If you leave rehab without coming up with a plan to succeed, then you plan to fail. Many of your old friends have been waiting for you to get out of rehab so that they can get you right back to the behavior that sent you to rehab. The people who you used to buy your drugs form might be willing to give you a free sample as a welcome home present. Are you ready for the pressure that’s sure to come from all directions?

You may have gotten clean while you were in drug rehabilitation, but the world is the same way you left it when you went in for treatment. Just like an athlete getting ready to take the field of play against a worthy opponent, you need to have a gameplan if you’re going to get the victory.

One of the best things you can do when you leave the recovery facility is to continue to get treatment after your stay. Outpatient rehab will give you the positive reinforcement you need to maintain your momentum from getting clean. Make sure that you keep up with your appointments and let your counselor know about changes in your emotions or cravings.

Find Sober Friends

One way to make sure that you don’t fall back into the wrong crowd is to surround yourself with the right people. You may be able to find events or special interest groups in your area that cater to people who are working to live sober. Also, some apps help people meet other former addicts in recovery who want to enjoy an active lifestyle and maintain their sobriety. The most sure-fire way to put yourself among the right people is to join a support group. Support groups are a great way to build lifelong bonds with people who have the same goals and interests.

Find New Things to Enjoy

For many people, when they overcome an addiction, they’re left with a void that needs filling before they refill it with addiction. To prevent this from happening to you, you should start exploring new hobbies. Get with other friends who are in recovery and go on a path of discovery together. If you like stage plays, then you should get some Dear Evan Hansen tickets and see it with your support group.

Exercise Your Mind and Body

Exercise is an excellent weapon against addiction. If you’re physically active and engaging in a self-mastery practice like meditation, then you’re less likely to relapse. Exercise and meditation are also excellent ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Working out the muscles in your mind and body will help you build your strength and ability to resist temptation.

Find a Mentor and Become a Mentor

Have you ever been training someone on a job and just weren’t able to take the kind of shortcuts you would if you were working alone? When you’ve got someone else relying on you to show them the ropes, you’re less likely to do something you know you shouldn’t do. That same principle applies to your rehab. When you’re on a path of improvement of any kind, it always helps to find someone to mentor you and someone that you can mentor as well.

How You and Your Dog Can Stay Healthy Together

There are already countless great reasons to get a dog, but here is yet another one: Dogs can make you healthier!

It’s true. Study after study has linked dogs to health benefits as diverse as improved mood and reduced risk of heart disease. How can a dog be so healthy? Well, it’s all about how you get along with them and what you two do together. Here’s how to make the most of your health by making the most of your time with your furry friend.

Gear Up For A Walk (Or A Run)

Dogs are healthy even if you discount the effects of the exercise they give their owners, but let’s be clear. Frequent walks are a huge part of the reason that dog owners are known to live longer than their dog-less counterparts. Regularly getting out of the house and walking around with your pal is healthy, and having a dog will keep you on track and exercising regularly. You can even go for a jog with your dog, provided you have a big enough breed to keep up.

Your walks should be as healthy for your dog as they are for you, so keep your pet’s comfort and safety in mind. Dog collars and harnesses can hurt your pet if they aren’t well designed, well made, and properly put on. Do your research, suggest the experts who designed the popular (and veterinarian-approved) Joyride Harness. A good harness will be comfortable for your pet while still allowing you to control them with a reliable leash. Bad harnesses and collars can put too much pressure on your pet’s neck or cause uncomfortable pulling on their limbs and fur. Choose wisely.

Let’s Play!

Walks can be leisurely and fun, but there’s still some “business” to attend to out there. You shouldn’t just be getting exercise with your dog when he or she needs to go to “the little dog’s room.” When it’s not bathroom time, it could still be playtime.

Throwing a ball or simply running around with your dog is a great way to get exercise for both you and your pet. It will make your pet healthier and may help it live longer, and it will do the same for you.

Your Mind On Pets

Did you know that pets reduce stress levels? Did you know that petting a dog can calm you down? How about the fact that dogs make their owners less susceptible to depression?

It’s all true. To reap these benefits, all you have to do is spend time with your pet. Pet your dog, hang around in the same room as your dog, or play with your dog—all of these things will improve your mental health if you make them a habit.

Social Animal

Another reason that dogs are so healthy is that they encourage us to socialize in healthy ways. Dog owners can get together at dog parts or run into neighbors while walking their pets. And dogs can have play dates just like kids can—you may even want to bring along a few alcoholic beverages or a nice snack to share. Meanwhile, the less healthy parts of your social life—like partying late into the night—are made more difficult thanks to the responsibilities of dog ownership. That means that owning a dog will get you out of the house and socializing in healthy ways more often while cutting down on the negative habits that we too often equate with “socializing.”

The Many Benefits Of Having A Dog

Having a dog can do so much for your health, and you can maximize these benefits by making smart choices about how you care for and spend time with your dog. Enjoy your dog and your longer, healthier life!

Three Ways to Make a Living without A full-time Job

Many employees today are in jobs they don’t love. Some just tolerate their 9-5 jobs for the salary. There’s no fulfillment in whatever they do which in turn affects their wellbeing. If you are in such a situation, it is time to assess your life goals. In today’s world, it is possible to make a living without a full-time job and there are many opportunities you should consider. From working for a research paper writing service to turning your hobby into an income earner, you can escape the traditional career system and live a happier life.

Whether you want to become your own boss or you have just lost your job, there’s no need to panic. You shouldn’t let the conventional employment system bog you down. It only takes a little creativity to start making a living without a full-time job.

Below are a few ways to make a living without a full-time job:

  • Think of Freelancing

Freelancing is a big trend today across all industries. If you have some skills, you don’t have to depend on your 9-5 job to make a living. In 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 16.5 million people in the country work in the gig economy.

These are professionals ranging from bloggers, website designers, tutors, writers, e-book authors to mention a few. They work from home or have offices near their homes to avoid commutes and other problems associated with traditional jobs.

Smiling Woman Using Laptop

You can also sell your skills as a freelancer by joining the booming gig economy. With the advent of internet technology, you can work for clients from across the globe.

  • Turn Your Hobby Into an Income Earner

Many workers abandoned their dreams to join the job market. There’s a misconception that everyone has to start in the traditional job market before pursuing other interests.

However, you can walk against the tide and turn your hobby into a money-making venture. For instance, if you are good at drawing, you can start selling your work online and create a blog for the same.

Many people now make a good income from their hobbies. From photography, craft, traditional rug, and mat making, to home-baked snacks, there are many things you can do to make money without a full-time job. The most important thing is exposure for your work and the customers will start coming.

  • Save Money

If you don’t have a full-time job, one of the most important skills you need in life is money saving. You require financial discipline to make it as a freelancer or in any other self-employed venture. Some of the things you should consider include:

  • Working from home to save on overheads
  • Tracking how you spend every coin using apps and other tools
  • Budgeting
  • Looking for discounts online to save on the cost of living
  • Using public transport whenever you travel
  • Cut back on entertainment costs

Wrapping Up

Making a living without a full-time job might sound impossible but many people now live this way. You only need to identify a more independent way of earning income and work hard to make it a reality. You should also cut on living costs as you implement this lifestyle.

 

How Does Clothing Affect Confidence?

There is a phenomenon called enclothed cognition. This term describes the influence that clothes have on our general mood, behaviour, and self-image. Indeed, you in colourful yoga pants and you wearing a suit are two different people.

This effect was also described in detail in the book written by Professor Karen J. Pine Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion.

The same theory was confirmed by the body empowerment coach Lisa Stariha. She encourages her clients to wear clothes that make them feel powerful. Lisa usually works at home, yet she still has a business attire on every single day.

If you want to feel confident, consider decluttering your closet. You may want to get rid of clothes that make you feel uncomfortable. No matter what size and shape you are, you can still find clothes that fit you perfectly.

To get the right plus size bridesmaid dresses or casual clothes, make sure to measure your body. You can do so with a seamstress or tailor. Keep in mind that size standards usually vary between the stores, so it’s better to try on clothes before you buy them. Consider asking your trusted friend for help with shopping.

To look stylish and feel confident, you don’t need to have a lot of clothes in your closet. Consider building a minimalist wardrobe that will save you a lot of time each morning.

That’s how many pieces of clothes you should have every season to look great:

Who Is Responsible If a Tree Falls on My Car?

If a tree falls on your car, it can be difficult to determine whether or not it constitutes an act of God or if someone else should be at fault. Many times, if the weather was involved in causing the damage, such as a tree falling because of high winds or a thunderstorm, a comprehensive insurance policy will cover the cost of the damages. That said, there are some corner cases where who is responsible for the damage isn’t so cut and dry. Read on to learn more about what factors affect who takes responsibility for a fallen tree that damages your vehicle.

While a comprehensive insurance policy will often cover damages to your car sustained by something like a fallen tree, there are some situations in which it’s not your insurance policy that covers the costs. For example, if it was your tree in your yard that damages your car, your insurance policy will cover the damage. However, if it’s a neighbor’s tree, some of the blame may rest on them. This becomes increasingly true if there were reasons to remove a tree such as dry rot or age that weren’t heeded. For example, it might be homeowner negligence if a property was appraised and it was suggested that a tree be cut down because of its perilous nature. Especially in urgent situations, if a homeowner was negligent the blame will likely be on them if a storm or their negligence is the cause of damages to your car from a tree.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may want to fix the problem yourself immediately and then wait for the insurance payout to come in. For example, if the car isn’t totaled, you may only need to fix damage to the hood or windshield to be able to get back out on the road. Auto glass from an Orlando windshield repair business like Orange Blossom Auto Glass is generally fairly inexpensive, so there’s no reason not to dip into your emergency fund if you know that an insurance settlement is on the way. That being said, more severe damage might require you to get a rental vehicle while you work out the insurance claim and get your car replaced.

If you’re worried about a neighbor’s tree and think that it might be diseased, it might be a good idea to talk to them before anything goes wrong. Sometimes you might notice something that they’ve missed, and so it’s a neighborly thing to do if you have any concerns about the tree or your vehicle or home’s safety. It’s also not a bad idea to call up your insurance provider to learn whether or not you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle currently. In some situations, even if your neighbor’s tree falls on your car you may be required to file a claim on your vehicle, so knowing the ins and outs of your policy can save you some added stress. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you can add it to your policy to give you peace of mind, too.

As you can see, there are several different routes to take when your car has been damaged by a fallen tree. It’s important to work your way through each scenario and rule out anything that doesn’t apply to your situation so that you can best address the root cause of the problem. While it can be frustrating to need to go to court to get the settlement you deserve, there are certain situations in which the payout warrants such a tactic. The most important thing to remember is to keep a cool head, even though you’re dealing with a surprising and expensive accident.

Stock Trading In Nigeria

Aside from selling goods and services, giant corporations like Apple can actually bring profit to consumers. Through purchasing openly traded stocks, you become the owner of a part of the company. Thanks to Alpari International, one may benefit from stock trading in Nigeria, as the service is now available in South Africa.

The Essence of the Method

When a company goes public through IPO, its stock becomes available for purchase. The better the performance, the higher the value of the shares. Individuals purchasing equity may benefit in a variety of ways.

First, there are dividends that are regularly paid out to shareholders. Secondly, since the values of stocks are in flux, it is possible to gain profit by selling stock the price of which has shot up. Finally, a service known as index funds or mutual funds allows you to delegate the task to professionals who pick the most promising group of stocks for you and monitor its performance.

All these benefits become accessible through a local broker in Nigeria. This company acts as a finance middleman, providing access to the enormous global marketplace, arming you with the right digital tools, and handling monetary transactions.

The required software the Metatrader 5 platform may be downloaded from Alpari’s official website. In addition, the broker offers very tempting conditions (good spreads, quick market execution, convenient sizes of lots, and much more). Stock trading is available to holders of ECN-type accounts.

Choosing a Broker

Since the intermediary will be trusted with your actual money, it is vital to check that the company conducts legal business. For example, consider the factors making Alpari International a top choice.

This brand has been around for two decades. It has served over two million clients worldwide, giving them access to Forex trading, as well as commodities, CFDs, and stocks. Alpari International is registered with the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius, where it is officially registered and headquartered.

Clients from South Africa can receive professional guidance and support from the customer care center, which is based in Lagos and Abuja. The assistance, which is crucial for traders, is provided in the 24/5 mode.

Arguments In Favor

Here are the main aspects that account for the popularity of the financial tool.

Give Your Profits a Boost

First, the market is known for its impressive returns. The potential profit is higher than that for commodities. If you purchase the stock of tech giants, such as Facebook or Apple, you are unlikely to make a loss. These companies are only expanding, with their services being in permanent demand.

There Is No Rush

Secondly, you are free from any time restrictions. It is possible to hold on to the owned stock as long as you like. Investors who are patient enough can reap sizeable returns from long-term shifts on the market.

On the other hand, short-term trading is also possible. In this scenario, a quick but well-timed deal may bring you a lot. Meanwhile, the risks are also very real.

Keep an Open Mind

A wise trader seeks to diversify his/her portfolio. If you have previously registered a currency exchange account, consider adding stocks to protect yourself from excessive losses. When one part of your portfolio begins to underperform, these losses may be compensated with profits from stock trading.

Finally, the broker provides a number of tools that cater to the most risk-averse. With index funds, you let finance experts manage your investment, picking the most favorable combinations of stocks.

 

How installing solar panels can save you money in the long term

It’s not just the financially challenged who need or want to save money. Even people who are comfortably-off aspire to save. Once you have money put aside, it comes in handy for emergencies like settling unexpected bills, or for the odd luxury like paying for a holiday now and again.

People who are relatively well-off tend to be so because they’re savvy with their money, and with conservation becoming more and more of an issue these days, installing solar power in the home is becoming increasingly popular; even in countries like the UK that only gets an average of 1493 hours of sunshine per year.

Become an eco-advocate

Captain Green Solar Panels Newcastle state that for their clients the exciting part about converting to solar energy in their home is that there are several benefits, beyond the financial. First, there is the knowledge that you will be doing your bit towards conserving energy and reducing the use of the world’s limited supply of resources. You will become an eco-warrior.

Making significant savings long term

Secondly, once the solar panels have been installed, you will be reducing (or stopping altogether) the amount of electricity you draw from energy suppliers. That will give you significant savings long term. Of course, you have to pay for the panels and the installation first. However, once paid for, and the UK national average for recouping the initial outlay in 9.5 years, that’s when the real fun starts.

Okay, it’s a fairly steep long-term investment. But it’s getting cheaper all the time, and as soon as your installation is up and running, you will start saving on the cost of your electricity. Once the installation cost is fully recovered, your electricity will, to all intents and purposes, be free.

Create an extra income stream

The third advantage of going solar is that you can sell any excess electricity you store, back to the electricity companies. In other words, not only will you be saving money, you will create an extra income stream too.

Countries that bask in sunshine the year-round

The UK is not a sunshine-rich country. But even so, it is still cost-effective to install solar panels there. But what about countries that bask in the sunshine all year round?

Take South Africa as an example. South Africa enjoys 2500 hours of sunshine per annum. That is considerably more than a country like the UK. So, imagine the savings and the extra earnings to be made there. Not only would going solar mean saving lots of money in the long term, but it could also make you some serious cash too.

Money-saving tips that everyone can take advantage of

Of course, if you haven’t got enough cash lying around to be able to afford to buy and install the panels in the first place, you will have to seek out other ideas on how to save money. Luckily there are lots of money saving tips to be found to get you on your way. Unfortunately, these options won’t earn money for you in the same way that a fully paid-up solar panel installation will, they’re more guidance for lifestyle changes to help you manage your existing savings and revenue better.

But any form of saving can be a little like earning extra too. It means that whatever you save, you will have extra cash leftover that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. This positive saving mindset will help you stay disciplined. Good luck!

 

Lost your libido? Discover 5 common reasons why it happens

Believe it or not, it’s perfectly normal and very common for men to lose their sexual drive from time to time. We may not like to talk about it, but this taboo is part of everyday life for some people. Sometimes we just don’t feel like it, our minds are on other things or our sexual desires aren’t currently matching our partners.

However, when your loss of sex drive and libido is seemingly missing in action for a longer period, it might be an indication that something isn’t quite right. Read on for 5 common reasons why you may have lost your libido.

Low testosterone levels

Testosterone is an all-important hormone that is vital in the production of sperm, building muscle and, of course, regulating your sex drive. So, when your testosterone levels are low, it can directly affect your libido. There are several treatments that can help boost your testosterone levels, for more information on testosterone therapy click the link. It’s natural for your testosterone levels to decrease once you hit 30, however, if they drop dramatically and as a result, your sex drive is suffering, then you should speak with your doctor.

Stress

The impact of stress on your sex drive is probably very obvious. When we’re stressed our body releases the hormone cortisol, which is essentially your body’s fight or flight system kicking into action. When cortisol is released, testosterone levels are lowered, which of course goes hand in hand with a lack of libido. We all know that in the modern world, stress is hard to ignore or get away from which is why it’s important to partake in stress-relieving activities, consider meditation and try to cut these stressors from your life.

Alcohol

We all like a drink now and then, especially at the end of a very long week, or difficult day. But too much alcohol is directly linked to a lower sex drive and a decrease in your testosterone levels. Consider reducing your alcohol intake or speak with your doctor if you’re concerned you’re drinking too much.

Not getting enough exercise

Getting up and moving our bodies isn’t always easy, especially when you’re at work all day and simply want to relax in front of the TV at night. When you exercise regularly, you’re lowering your chances of suffering from obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and, of course, stress. All of which are renowned for reducing your sex drive. If you’re going to exercise, opt for resistance-based exercises such as lifting weights to help increase your production of testosterone.

A lack of confidence

If you struggle with low self-esteem, then your lack of confidence in the bedroom may be negatively influencing your libido. If you suffer from a poor body image or struggle with a negative sexual experience you once had then your desire to have sex is likely to be dampened. If this is the case, then you should seek counseling, stop comparing yourself to others and practice self-acceptance. If your lack of self-esteem is affecting your mental health, then reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.

 

Should I Repair Or Replace My Garage Door In 2020?

 

Homeowners are aware of the importance of home values. Whether you plan to live in your property for another decade or sell in the near future, when making repairs or improvements, it is critical that you consider the resale value of your home.

The garage door is no different.

In the end, every renovation is ultimately about improving the value of your home. Whether you’re adding a deck, repainting, or upgrading your garage door, you don’t want to do anything that could reduce your ROI.

Whether it’s weather, accident or wear, the effects of time will be obvious on your garage door, one of the most critical and vulnerable entrance points to your apartment.

It can put you and your family at risk if your garage door appears a bit worse by wear and tear, which can, unfortunately, make your home a target of burglars and vandals.

Increase the value of your home

It is important that you know how important professional help is, no matter which decision you take, before you begin to consider repairing or replacing your garage door.

There are many considerations that determine whether a garage door needs to be replaced or repaired, and some types of damage can be repaired better than others. For example, cosmetic damage, such as broken panels and paint, can reduce the attractiveness of your door, but they are not major structural problems that affect the daily practical operation of the door.

Cosmetic damage can result from small minor accidents, weather and age, and can usually be fixed by a garage door repair service provider. It is not financially smart to replace a door with cosmetic damage except there are other issues to consider.

On the other hand, if your garage door is structurally damaged, it is advisable to replace it. If you actually need to replace your garage door, it may make sense to consider your options and the implications for the future price of your home.

Sometimes there are problems with the functionality of your garage door that make it difficult to determine whether the door needs to be replaced or repaired. For example, if your garage door gets stuck, opens at unusual speed, or doesn’t open every time, it is advisable to contact a garage door repair service and have a professional garage door technician look into the problem and see what is done

Most of the time, you’ll find that getting your garage door repaired is cheaper and easier than replacing it completely, especially if you’re trying to save money when the economy isn’t looking too good for homeowners.

Sometimes your garage door just needs to be washed a little to keep it clean from time to time. This keeps the curb attractive while at the same time preventing rusting and other things that we definitely don’t want.

Garage doors can particularly appear dirty, grimy and rough in bad weather such as in winter. It is, therefore, a good idea to repair, maintain and clean your garage door on a regular basis. As the more you look after your garage door, the longer it lasts.

So, should you repair or replace your garage door?

As the economy has slowed recently, many homeowners are getting nervous about their home and greatest asset. If you are one of the affected homeowners and have problems with your garage door, we strongly recommend that you repair your garage door and maintain it regularly. If possible, avoid the capital-intensive process of buying a brand new garage door.

 

3 Things To Consider When Picking Materials For Your Kitchen Renovation

When renovating, one of the most exciting things to do is to pick out all the finishes for the space that you’re redoing. This is where you can really let your personality shine through in the design and decor of your home. But along with picking materials and finishes that you love or speak to you, you also need to consider how those materials will fit within your home and your lifestyle, especially when you’re renovating your kitchen.

To help you find the right balance here, here are three things to consider when picking materials for your kitchen renovation.

How Do You Use Your Kitchen?

While you want something that’s going to look amazing, you also need to consider how function is going to play a role in the materials and finishes you pick. Especially when it comes to things like your countertops, you’ll want to go with a material that will fit in with the type of cooking you do and what you use your kitchen for.

For example, HGTV shares that while many people want to get granite countertops when they remodel their kitchen, quartz is often more user-friendly as far as being stain-resistant and more durable. So if you have children, are especially hard on your belongings, or do a lot of cooking and cleaning in your kitchen, granite may not be the best option for you. But if you can handle the upkeep, granite could be a great choice.

Stock Or Custom

Another big expense when you’re renovating your kitchen is the cabinets. While you don’t have to get all new cabinets, sometimes a new coat of paint can’t really take your current cabinets to the place that you want in your new kitchen.

When getting new cabinets, Mary Wynn Ryan, a contributor to HowStuffWorks.com, you’ll have to choose between getting stock cabinets or custom cabinets. While stock cabinets will be less expensive than custom ones, you can try to split the difference by looking for a “stock custom” option that allows you to make some adjustments to stock cabinets that will make them custom to your exact kitchen and specifications.

Pick The Right Paint

Colour Life Residential Painters Sydney says the paint you choose to use in your kitchen also needs to be well thought through. It should match the design of the kitchen and house, but it also needs to be functional for the space.

According to Stacey Freed, a contributor to HouseLogic.com, you should never use flat paint when painting the walls of your kitchen. While you can use flat paint on the ceiling of your kitchen, you should always use high-gloss or semi-gloss when painting the walls of your kitchen, as you can scrub and wipe this type of paint without sacrificing the quality of your paint job.

If you’re going to be renovating your kitchen soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to ensure you get the right materials and finishes for the job.