Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Tips from fixing the room to finding health remedies in the kitchen.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

What Sleep Deprivation Can Do to Your Body

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

What Sleep Deprivation Can Do to Your Body

 

Pixabay.com
Pixabay.com

We all know how difficult it is to go through a day when we’re sleepy, but can you imagine going without a good night’s sleep for days, weeks, or even months? Having a rough night and waking up groggy and dizzy is bad enough, but going through that day after day is worrying. Bleary eyes and gaping yawns aside, your body suffers immensely if you don’t get enough sleep. Here are just some of the things which sleep deprivation can result in.

You’ll put on weight

Sleep is important for your body and mind alike: your muscles relax and your brain gets some much-needed rest and energy. If you’re not sleeping enough, your brains starts craving more energy, and if it can’t get it from sleep it’ll start craving more food. This means that you will be eating much more than you used to because your body will start producing more ghrelin – so called ‘the hunger hormone’ which makes you crave sugary and fatty foods. If you notice you started craving more such foods than you usually do, you could try swapping some of those unhealthy treats for healthy ones: fresh fruit dipped in melted dark chocolate or raw honey. Not only is this healthier, but you’ll feel energized.

Your immune system weakens

As your body’s resting overnight it allows your immune system to produce antibodies and cells which help you fight off all sorts of bacteria and viruses. In addition, these protective substances also help you sleep better, so a weaker immune system can be both the cause and the result of bad sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation increases your chances of developing a serious chronic disease like diabetes. If you feel like your immune system is weaker than it used to be, you should try boosting it up with some natural remedies. Drink plenty of green tea with lemon, use less sugar in your coffee, and drink freshly squeezed juices instead of sodas.

You have trouble with your memory

Pixabay.com
Pixabay.com

Do you have trouble remembering where you’ve put your car keys and the keys to your place? Do you keep forgetting your phone in your car or bathroom? Can you remember the name of the movie you saw last week? If you notice that you’re having trouble remembering things, you don’t have to panic just yet – sleep deprivation can sometimes mess with your memory and make you more forgetful. When you’re tired, you stop paying attention to details and little things, while when you sleep your brains ‘clears’ your central nervous system. Perhaps it’s your surrounding that troubles you: try changing the position of your bed in your bedroom or buy a new bed altogether. You can easily shop online for a mattress that is perfect for you, so you’ll finally be able to relax.

You’re snappy and impulsive

When you’re exhausted, you don’t have time to stop and think too long about your actions, which leads to making impulsive moves and sometimes being snappy towards other people. You feel like that extra doughnut isn’t such a bad idea after all, and when a coworker asks for an advice or needs help, you are less likely to be patient with them. It’s not just coworkers who will get a taste of your new bad temper – you can act like that at home, with family, spouse, and friends. Try to meditate every day at least for ten minutes, it will calm you down and help you relax.

If you notice that you’re not sleeping well for a long time, you should visit your doctor. Pills can be helpful in putting you to sleep, but there may be some other reason why you’re exhausted all the time. Talk to your doctor and try to understand what is going on with your body, and do your best to find a way to relax every night before going to bed. This way, you will be able to get back into your routine soon enough.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

 

 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Moving Mayhem: Making Pre-Move Deep Cleaning Easier 

Moving Mayhem: Making Pre-Move Deep Cleaning Easier

Often when you move house, whether it’s a rental home or a property that you own, the agreement is that before moving out you will deep clean it from top to bottom. This is a good system to have in place as it means that whenever someone new moves into a property, whether it’s a rental property or they own it, it’s nice and clean. However, when you have packing up your old home, moving your belongings to a new place, and unpacking them to focus on, the fact that your old home also needs deep cleaning can be somewhat overwhelming.

That being said, the good news is that deep cleaning a property that you are moving out of doesn’t have to cause you too much stress, it’s just a case of being organized about it, that’s all. To help make the process of deep cleaning your old home easier, below are some tips and suggestions to take note of and implement.

Invest in a steam cleaner

cleaning-268126_960_720Image from Pixabay

If there is one piece of kit that makes any cleaning task easier, it’s a steam cleaner. Or, to be more precise an all in one steam cleaner – aka a steam cleaner that can be used for multiple tasks, from cleaning the floors to the shower door. The fantastic thing about a steam cleaner is that it makes cleaning so much quicker and easier and doesn’t use any chemicals. It might be a little pricey to buy, but when you think of the money you will save on not buying cleaning products, it makes sense. To make deep cleaning your home easier, it’s a good idea to invest in a steam cleaner as it will make the cleaning process much quicker and easier.

Have a tick list to refer to

To prevent yourself from getting stressed out, it’s a good idea to make a tick list of tasks to refer to. It’s easy to get stressed out about all of the tasks that need doing, which is why writing a tick list is a good idea. That way you don’t need to obsess over everything that needs doing as you have it written down on paper and can tick things off as you go.

Book a professional carpet cleaner

vacuum-cleaner-1605068_960_720Picture link

The one area of your old home that it’s best to get professional help with is the carpets. The fact is that carpets and other surfaces can be hard to clean yourself, so it might be a better option to use a cleaning service. Make sure carpet cleaning is quick and easy and doesn’t cause you any extra stress. If you can’t afford to use a professional company, perhaps you could hire a carpet cleaning machine to use yourself? However, if possible a professional service is your best bet as it means that your carpets are guaranteed to come up well.

Get the whole household involved

Last but not least, don’t feel like deep cleaning your old home is all on you, get the whole family involved. Even the kids can join in; it’s just a case of finding tasks that are suitable for them, such as vacuuming or cleaning the windows.

Moving can be incredibly stressful as there’s so much that needs doing, and having to deep clean your old home only adds to the stress. However, if you take note of the tips and advice above, you can make deep cleaning your old home a little easier and less stressful for yourself.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Little Hacks For A Home That’s More Warm Weather Friendly

Little Hacks For A Home That’s More Warm Weather Friendly

The sun is shining more and more; the weather is getting warmer, the trees are turning green again, it’s safe to say that summer is on the way. For a lot of us, summer is our favorite season, because we love how nice the weather is and how much more we can do with our time. The longer days and shorter nights mean that we have more time to be outside and soak up the sun, which is another reason that summer is one of the most popular seasons – being able to spend lots of time outside.

Summer is a great season but only if you are able to enjoy it while at home. The fact is that if your home isn’t ready for summer, you will struggle to enjoy the season. For instance, say your home gets too hot in the warmer weather, this will mean that you can’t get away when the heat gets too much. Or, say your garden isn’t a nice space, then you won’t be able to enjoy the season as much as you should do. So with that in mind, below are some little hacks that can help you to make your home more warm weather friendly.

garden-831995_960_720Photo from Pixabay

Prevent your home from getting too hot

To make sure that your home doesn’t get too hot in the warmer weather, it’s important to ensure that you have all the adequate features in place for keeping it cool. This includes a working air conditioning system. If your system isn’t working properly, it’s best to get an engineer out sooner rather than later, to ensure that when the weather heats up, you’re not stuck with a home that’s baking hot. It’s also worth looking at your window treatments and considering whether they will be able to keep the sun out. If not, then perhaps it could be worth contacting a company like Total Blinds and Window Tinting to see what options they offer for keeping the sun out in the warmer summer months. There is nothing worse than a home that is too hot, which is why it’s so important to make sure you have everything in place to keep your home cool this summer.

Make the most of your outdoor space

Is your garden everything that you want it to be? If the answer is no and your garden isn’t a place that you love, it’s time to change that. To be able to make the most out of your outdoor space in the summer months, it needs to be well designed. If your garden is in a mess, your best bet is to call in a landscape gardener to get the grass, plants, and weeds back in order. If you don’t already have a deck or patio, you could consider having one installed, so that you have somewhere to sit outside and relax. You could also invest in some new garden furniture and a BBQ pit if you don’t have one already.

Have solar panels installed

Having solar panels installed may not make summer more enjoyable for you, but it will make your home more warm weather friendly, as it will allow you to make your own energy from the sunlight. Solar panels might be pricey to install, but when you think about the savings you will make as well as the value it will add to your home, it’s more than worthwhile investing in solar panels for your roof, especially if you like in an area with guaranteed sun.

There you have it, the little hacks for making your home more warm weather friendly.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Worthy Upgrades Every Homeowner Should Consider

Worthy Upgrades Every Homeowner Should Consider

One of the best things about owning your own property is that any money you invest into it, you’re likely to get back plus more if you ever sell. That means not only do you get to enjoy any upgrades you make, but you make your home more valuable too. There are some projects in the home which are always worth doing- here are a few of them you could consider.

New Windows and Doors

The windows and door are such an important feature on any home. Not only for practical and security purposes but from an aesthetic point of view as well. They’re one of the main features you’ll see when you look at your home from the street. If your current windows are draughty, leaky or the double glazing has failed, consider window replacement throughout the property. Regarding your door, if it’s still in good condition it may be able to be salvaged. Wooden doors can be sanded and repainted, along with some new house numbers and a knocker you can bring it up to scratch. PVC models or those which are generally just worse for wear will need replacing once they no longer look their best.

windows-headerPhoto linked from here

Solar Panels

Solar panels help the environment because they provide energy without burning fossil fuels. And another plus side they help you to save money on your fuel bills too. Since buyers love eco- friendly features, solar panels also make your house more valuable. While there’s an upfront cost, many government schemes and grants can help with the cost so see what is available to you. Even at full price they generally pay for themselves within a few years anyway due to giving you cheaper bills.

Decking

You spend the time and money making your home interiors beautiful, don’t let your property down with neglected gardens. A tidy garden with established plants looks great and appeals to everyone. Decking is one upgrade in the garden that’s highly advisable. It can add a dramatic amount of value to the property and isn’t too expensive to have installed. A decked area gives you a place to put your patio furniture, looks smart and allows you to get the most out of your garden whether it’s large or small.

15061398582_49a2dc7c44_bPhoto linked from here

Home Security

One of the most practical and worthwhile upgrades you can make is by adding home security. A good quality CCTV system and a professionally fitted burglar alarm will help to deter thieves and is something homebuyers love, thus increasing your home’s value. The doors and windows mentioned earlier also contribute to better security too, newer models are far harder to kick in or pry open.

So put your money where it really matters, upgrade different areas of your home and reap the benefits both now and in the future too.

What do you think are some of the most beneficial upgrades you can make as a homeowner? Have you made any of these changes in your property?

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

4 Tips for Dealing with a Dust Allergy

By Guest Blogger James H.

4 Tips for Dealing with a Dust Allergy

 

man-with-allergy

Do you often suffer from chest tightness, wheezing or a runny nose? If so, you could have a dust allergy. This frustrating problem can have a big impact on your life, but often remains undiagnosed. In this article, I’ll go through some of the most common symptoms, before providing four tips for reducing the effects of a dust allergy.

 

Before we go any further though, it’s important to understand what causes a dust allergy. Somewhat confusingly, it’s not the dust itself that triggers a reaction, but dust mites. These tiny creatures love furniture, mattresses and carpets, and thrive in homes with high humidity. The key to relieving a dust allergy is reducing the quantity of mites in a home.

 

Symptoms of a Dust Allergy

 

The symptoms of a dust allergy are similar to any airborne allergy. The most common include itching, sneezing, a runny nose, puffy eyes and chest tightness. The symptoms are usually worse inside the home and may be most severe in the morning. Unlike a pollen allergy, dust allergy symptoms are usually a problem year-round.

 

How to Relieve a Dust Allergy

 

The good news is that killing dust mites is relatively simple. You can’t get rid of them all, but you can reduce their numbers enough to relieve allergy symptoms. Here are four of the most effective methods.

 

  1. Buy Allergy-Proof Bedding

 

As I mentioned, dust mites love to live in duvets and pillows – especially if they’re made from feathers or wool. If possible, replace bedding with an allergy-proof alternative. This can stop mites breeding and provide relief when you’re sleeping.

 

It’s also important to wash your bedding at a high temperature. This kills dust mites and prevents them from building a colony in your bed (which isn’t a pleasant thought!)

 

  1. Reduce Humidity and Get Rid of any Mould

 

In some cases, a dust allergy is actually a reaction to mould spores. Both mould and dust mites thrive in humid homes, which can make allergies worse. For this reason, if you have mould in the home – or high humidity – this is a priority to fix.

 

The easiest way to reduce humidity is to buy a dehumidifier. These can be expensive, but can reduce humidity to manageable levels in just a few days. Keep the relative humidity below 50% as this is the minimum dust mites can live in.

A dehumidifier won’t get rid of mould though – it just stops it growing. If there’s noticeable mould in your home, you may need to have it treated by a professional to ensure it doesn’t return. If the mould is being caused by a leak in a roof, wall or window, this should also be fixed.

 

  1. Buy a Vacuum with a HEPA Filter

Have you noticed your symptoms often get worse after vacuuming? This is because a vacuum with a poor quality filter can stir up dust mites and other allergens into the air.

 

A vacuum with a HEPA filter, however, is much more effective at trapping and removing allergens from exhaust air. If you have an allergy, a HEPA filter should be your first priority, as it can make the biggest difference to your symptoms.

 

You may also want to consider buying a handheld vacuum, such as the ones recommended at Spotless Vacuum. Handheld models are great for quickly cleaning your mattress and bed base, which commonly harbour dust mites.

 

  1. Replace Bedroom Carpets with Hard Floors

 

Dust mites love carpets, as they provide a warm environment to live in. If your allergies are particularly bad at night, replacing carpets in your bedroom with tile or wood floors may be your best option. This is the most expensive and time-consuming tip, but can provide almost instant relief.

 

Summary

 

Dust mites are microscopic creatures – but they can cause big problems if you’re allergic to them. Fortunately, there are ways to quickly reduce their number, which can have a positive effect on any allergic reactions.

 

If you have any questions about dust mites, allergies or home cleaning, please let me know in the comments. I’d be glad to help!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram