Can a Gorgeous Garden Really Boost Your Mood?

Ever wondered if those hours spent fussing over your flowerbeds are actually doing you any good? Well, it turns out, they might be doing wonders not just for your yard, but for your mind too! Let’s unpack how a slice of green paradise can seriously perk up your mental wellness.

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The Mental Magic of Gardening

Gardening isn’t just about sprucing up your space; it’s a full-on workout for the brain. Pulling weeds, choosing plants, and planning garden beds require creativity and strategy, which keep your mind engaged and sharp. Tending to a garden gives you a sense of control and accomplishment, and these feelings are a real pick-me-up for your mood.

Plus, there’s science backing up the bliss of gardening. Research published in the “Journal of Health Psychology '' reveals that gardening slashes stress levels more effectively than other hobbies. The focus required to plant and prune keeps you anchored in the present, pushing pesky anxieties away. This mindfulness is a form of meditation, which has been shown time and again to improve mental health.

The Eye Candy Effect: Visual Wonders of a Well-Kept Garden

Imagine stepping outside to a splash of greens, reds, yellows, and blues. It’s not just pretty; it’s a proven mood booster. The lushness of green has a calming effect and is proven to lower stress and refresh tired eyes. And those bright blooms? They do more than just beautify the space—they can actually light up your brain, sparking joy and energy.

Researchers agree that visual exposure to natural settings increases serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. This Means that chilling in your garden can genuinely make you happier, a handy tip for anyone feeling the urban blues.

Green Thumbs Unite: How Gardens Forge Community Bonds

Community gardens take this green goodness to the next level. They’re not only great for growing veggies but also for cultivating friendships. Gardening alongside others builds a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for mental health. These social ties can buffer against loneliness and depression, especially in big cities where neighbors might otherwise not meet.

And for the introverts? The garden still offers a deep, personal connection to nature. Observing the ebb and flow of life in the garden—from seedlings sprouting to leaves falling—can offer profound peace and a unique perspective on the world.

Unearthing Joy: The Emotional Lift of Lush Landscapes

There’s a certain magic in watching a garden change with the seasons, each shift bringing its own charm and set of surprises. As the first green shoots of spring push through the soil or the fiery colors of fall paint your garden with a new palette, you’re witnessing a live show curated by nature itself. This constant renewal not only beautifies your outdoor space but also rejuvenates the soul. The cyclical nature of gardening teaches resilience and hope, as every end leads to a new beginning. Each season’s change is a reminder that growth and beauty are always possible, turning your garden into a living metaphor for optimism and renewal. 

How to Grow Your Own Wellness Sanctuary

Ready to transform your garden into a stress-relieving oasis? Here’s how to get started, even if you’re a total newbie:

1. Keep It Simple: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Start small with a few pots or a tiny corner and expand as you gain confidence and comfort.
2. Mix It Up: Plant a variety of things that bloom at different times, so there’s always something exciting and new to look at, no matter the season.
3. Water Works: Add a water feature, like a small fountain or a birdbath. The sound of water is soothing and can make your garden feel like a tranquil retreat.
4. Sit Back and Enjoy: Make sure there’s a comfy spot to sit and soak in the beauty of your garden. A nice bench, a swing, or a cozy hammock can make all the difference.
5. Regular Tune-ups: Keep on top of garden maintenance to prevent your paradise from turning into a jungle. If it’s getting too much, don’t hesitate to call in some lawn care services to help manage the load.

Final Thoughts: Is a Garden Really a Game Changer for Mental Health?

Absolutely! The evidence is clear—gardening and spending time in green spaces can significantly boost your mental health. It’s not just about making your yard look good. It’s about feeling good, too. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or you’re just starting out, consider the garden your new therapist. So, why not grab a spade, plant some happiness, and watch your well-being blossom right along with your flowers? Remember, a healthier, happier life could be just a garden gate away.

Five Things To Know About Getting A Dog

Thinking about getting a dog? A dog is not a simple decision that you should make without careful thought and consideration. A dog is a big change to your lifestyle and addition to your home that might take some adapting to.

If you’re looking at getting a dog for you and your household, then here are five things you should know ahead of time.

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Know that dogs are for life

Remember that dogs are for life and not just for a brief period of time. Some dog breeds will live up to 20 years, which is a significant part of your own life. Granted, not all dogs will live this long and may only be in your life for around a decade. However, despite how long they live, they will be a part of your life and that’s a big commitment.

Consider what type of dog you’d like and how that would play out when it comes to taking up a certain period of your time in your life. Are you ready to make that commitment now?

Identify a budget

It’s important to look at the budget you have when getting a dog. There are lots of dog breeds out there and whether you are buying a dog from a breeder or shelter, there will be a cost involved.

Not only will buying the dog cost money, but everything that comes with it, will also need to be factored in. From the food to the accessories that keep your dog active and happy within the home. Consider all the costs and whether you can afford it while still living comfortably.

Understand the differences between dog breeds

There are plenty of differences when it comes to the different dog breeds out there. Getting a dog is not simply a decision you should make on a whim. It’s good to look at all the dog breeds you’re interested in getting and then work out which dog breed is the ideal pick for you and your lifestyle.

Whether it’s a small dog, a big one, an active one, or a lazy one, every dog breed comes with their own unique set of traits and personality quirks.

Get dog training in place

Dog training is essential, especially if the dog is a puppy or it’s your first experience of owning a dog. Puppy training Denver is a great investment to help get to grips with your dog when they first arrive in your home.

The dog trainer can provide you with expert advice, whether it’s handling bad behaviors to getting them used to a certain routine within the household.

Pet-proof the home

Finally, be sure to pet-proof your home. This is an important part of making sure your home is ready for the little one - or big one’s arrival. It sounds funny, but you’ll want to get down on all fours and go room by room to find any places or objects that might be within reach of the dog. 

Getting a dog is a big commitment, so make sure you follow these tips to make it easier.

Downsizing: Can You Really Make It Work?

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Downsizing is a major life change that can cause anxiety to most people. Some couples who have reached the "empty nest" stage of life are most likely the ones who would consider moving to a smaller home. But how about a family who is used to having a good sized house with a backyard? Would they be able to cope with the changes of living in a smaller home?

The answer I guess is yes.

There will be a lot of things to give up but if every member of the family puts in their best effort, a smaller house would suffice. Check out these pros and cons of downsizing:

No backyard garden, no problem.

Think of it as less work. No more weeds to pull, lesser water consumption (less plants to water), no more trees to trim and dried leaves to rake. It would be still be nice to keep some plants but you will have to shift to indoor plants that are not fussy to care for.

Smaller kitchen, less to clean

For the person that does not like to spend hours cooking, a smaller kitchen would serve its purpose well. Less appliances to clean with quick and easy meal preparation. No need for fancy stuff. Just a stove, an oven, a microwave, blender, and a coffee maker. The essentials!

Overnight guests accommodation - fold-away furniture is the answer!

There are many space saving furniture available in the market today. Fold-away furniture like sofa beds, inflatable mattresses, even shelves that can double up as a table. Small apartments in Japan have fold-away furniture to save on space. It is pretty cool actually. 

Storage

Smaller homes may not have enough storage space, however, there is always a work-around for this. Before moving into a smaller place, try decluttering first. Get rid of big bulky items that would not look good or fit in your new home. Check your closets for unused clothes and other stuff. Sell them or donate them to charity. Learn a thing or two about decluttering and organizing using the Marie Kondo method. If there are items you still want to keep but can't take with you, then renting a storage unit near you would be the best option.

Organizing in your new home

Due to the limited space of a smaller home, you have to learn to make good use of the kitchen cabinets, the bedroom closets, and the under the sink cabinets. Have some overhead kitchen cabinets and shelves installed for additional pantry space. Consider getting some wood shelves for books, small indoor plants and figurines. 

In conclusion

Do not be anxious about not having enough space when moving into a smaller home. It all starts with decluttering, followed by effective organizing and voila! Soon enough, you will be settled into a lovely, cozier home. Remember... less space, less to clean. Less work, more of life. 

Exasperated By A Damaged Home? Consider These Tips

 

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Have you ever suffered a household issue that was damaged enough to require a fix, but not dysfunctional enough to make that fix an emergency? If so, you might have suffered from “I’ll get around to it later” syndrome. Before you know it, it’s been two years and the micro-annoyances of that gate squeaking daily could be added up into one very large, frustrating and exasperating issue.

If you notice an issue like this, sometimes it’s best to just rip off that plaster and fix the issue. If you’re exasperated by the damage left in your home, or perhaps if many issues have culminated into a worse problem than you realized, then you might find yourself feeling a little worried about what to do.

But don’t worry. In this post, we believe even those that are exasperated by a damaged home could find some helpful advice below:

Gain A Full Home Inspection

Sometimes, it’s the scope of the issue that feels frustrating, because you might know there’s a problem but not have the insight required to fix it. That’s where having a full and professional inspection with a quote can help. You can also have a second opinion where needed. Sometimes, that trade opinion can help you identify if it’s a fix you can do yourself. If it’s plumbing or electricity related, always go for the expert. For example, you might find that a damp problem has turned into a rot problem which could potentially leave your structural capability in jeopardy. A full home inspection could help gauge what level of immediacy is required, and the projected cost.

Resolve The Underlying Issue

Fixing a symptom is only delaying the inevitable, and so it’s important we resolve the main problem as comprehensively as we can. If you continue to have pests in your home, then fixing up the opening into your crawlspaces might be ideal, better than only spraying or leaving traps. A leak in the roof might not be noticeable if you live in an area with very little rain, but with a service like Mac’s Roofing you can fix that up and not even be worried about any moisture you do encounter. Resolving an underlying issues means those little micro-annoyances are nowhere near as affecting as before.

Involve Little Fixes Into Your House Chores

One of the reasons we look at those little household fixes as “other” efforts than our main chores is because they require a little more attention. But if you schedule them in for when you have time free, such as when doing laundry for example, you can fix an issue with time to spare. So for example, doing a slightly smaller amount of ironing this weekend and then putting up that shelf or fixing that uneven door on the hinge is just baked into your usual approach. Over time, this can be freeing, and saves you so much time you would have to struggle with otherwise.

With this advice, we hope you can avoid being exasperated by a damaged home for good.

How To Find Success In Growing Your Own Grub In Your Backyard

Being able to grow your own grub in your backyard is always an impressive offering that you and your household can benefit from. Whether it’s a few common vegetables that you often buy at the grocery store, to an abundance of fruits, veggies, and herbs, the garden can be a great place to grow food.

With that being said, if you want to find success in growing your own food in your backyard this year and beyond, here are some helpful tips worth knowing.

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Do your research

First and foremost, do your research. When it comes to growing food, it’s not going to be easy. Therefore, it’s definitely worth looking at what foods are easy to grow and what will grow well in the environment you’re in.

Certain areas and parts of the world will be more beneficial to grow certain plants and seeds. There will be weather conditions that you have to be wary of as this can influence how successful your harvest will be.

Be sure to do your research to understand all of the equipment and preparation you’ll need to have and do before venturing into growing food in your backyard.

Set up a separate vegetable and herb patch

To help keep things separate and more manageable, it’s certainly worth setting up a separate vegetable and herb patch.

You can easily buy wooden planters to place in your garden, or you might wish to build them yourself. Each to their own, so consider which option would be best for you and your needs.

Setting up separate vegetable and herb patches will help to keep everything organized and will also avoid certain plants clashing with one another.

Enrich your soil and plant feed

Make sure to enrich your soil and plant feed. Again, this is something you can do through research online but when you’re planting seeds, you want to have the foundations - which is your soil - to be the very best it can be.

That way, by enriching your soil and plant feed, you’re going to help give your plants the best chance of growing and growing well at that.

Prevent common outdoor pests

Being aware of common outdoor pests is a must, especially when it comes to growing food. Naturally, there will be common lawn pests that are attracted to your garden because there’s food readily available and growing.

Therefore, it’s good to find ways to prevent these common outdoor pests from ruining your harvest before you have the chance to pick them.

Don’t go too complex too early on

While it might be tempting to just plant anything and everything - be smart. Some of the plants and crops you grow will be a lot harder to maintain and manage as a newcomer to gardening in general. Be wary of what you can do within your knowledge of growing food in your backyard and start off easy.

Finding success in growing your own grub is quite the achievement, so even if your first harvest is minimal, it’s a big tick in the right direction.

5 Steps To Buy A Business That'll Succeed

 

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If you’ve thought about running a business before, you likely would’ve thought about starting one. What if that wasn’t your only option?

While it’ll take a bit of money, you could buy a business. This offers more than a few benefits, like giving you a preexisting base to grow from. It’ll already be bringing in revenue and operating, saving you a lot of time and stress. As appealing as this is, however, you’ll have to be prepared for it.

Taking the right steps is vital to this. Some can be much more important than others, making them worth focusing on. Five of these stand out more than a few others.

1. Know Where To Look - You’ll need to know where you can buy a business before you can actually do it. Brokers are an option for this, but you can always try different platforms. These specialize in various industries, like buying a dental practice. Focus on the industry you’re interested in, and find a great platform to buy through.

2. Actually Figure Out Its Value - Just because a business is listed for a certain price doesn’t mean it’s actually worth that price. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the time to figure out what they’re actually worth. This helps you make sure you don’t overpay for the company, and hiring a professional can help you with this.

3. Start Negotiating - Now you have a business you’re interested in and want to buy, it’s time to start the buying process. When you’re doing this, make sure to negotiate with them. Don’t just focus on price when you’re doing this. Assets and similar factors will also play a role in this.

4. Submit A Letter Of Intent - Once you’ve come to terms with the seller, it’s time to put everything in writing. Submitting a letter of intent is a key part of this. While this isn’t a final sale, it’s one step closer to getting there. This shouldn’t bind you to the sale, but it normally gives you exclusivity for a certain period so you can do extra research on the business.

5. Do Your Due Diligence - Now you’ve submitted a letter of intent, it’s time to go about your due diligence. This is where you find out everything you need about the company before making your final decision. You’ll need to look into finances and more than a few other areas to help with this. Take your time and make sure you find out everything you need to know, like whether it can grow.

If you want to become an entrepreneur, you could think starting a business is your only option. It’s not. You could buy a business, too.

This offers more than a few benefits, like getting rid of a lot of the stress involved in starting and growing a company. There’ll also be revenue coming in, and more than a few other benefits. It could be worth considering because of that.

While it could be more expensive to buy instead of starting a business, it could be more than worth it.

Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A DIYer

So, you’re thinking about jumping into the DIY world, huh? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Whether it’s the drive to create something unique, the thrill of learning, or just the kick you get from making things with your own two hands, stepping into DIY is nothing short of an adventure. Let’s get into the ins and outs of starting this hands-on journey.

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Getting Started: The DIY Mindset

First things first: being a DIYer starts in your head. It’s all about embracing the thrill of learning and not being afraid of a few mishaps along the way. Each project is a step up on your skill ladder, whether it nails your goals or teaches you what not to do next time. Kick off with easy projects to build up your confidence—trust me, it helps big time. And remember, rushing is the number one enemy of a job well done.

Understanding Tools And Materials

Before you jump into the deep end, let’s talk about tools and materials. For starters, you’ll need the basics: hammers, screwdrivers, a saw, a drill, measuring tape, and don’t forget safety stuff like goggles and gloves. As you get the hang of things, you might find yourself eyeing more advanced tools, like power saws or sanders.

Materials depend on what you’re into. If woodworking’s your game, understanding woodworking fasteners is key—they’re the golden piece of the puzzle holding your masterpiece together. Picking the right ones can mean the difference between a wobbly table and one that holds through the ages.

Learning Through Resources

Lucky for us, we’ve got the whole internet at our fingertips. You can find tons of tutorials, blogs, and videos that walk you through just about anything. Prefer the feel of paper? Grab some DIY books or magazines for a mix of inspiration and how-to guides. Community workshops are also gold mines—nothing beats getting hands-on and having experts right there to guide you.

Planning Your Projects

Now, planning isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. Figure out what you want to make, jot down a sketch or detailed plan, list out your materials and tools, and think about how long it might take. This isn’t just busywork; it keeps you from running out to the store mid-project or scratching your head wondering where you went wrong.

Safety First

This can’t be said enough: safety is crucial. Always read up on how to use your tools safely, suit up in your safety gear, and keep your workspace neat to avoid any accidents. Working with something fumy or flammable? Make sure your space is well-ventilated.

Embracing The DIY Community

Getting involved in the DIY community can seriously enrich your experience. Local groups or online forums are perfect for swapping tips, asking questions, and finding inspiration. Plus, community workshops often give you access to tools and materials that might be too pricey or impractical to own yourself. And hey, it’s always more fun with fellow enthusiasts around!

Conclusion

Jumping into DIY is about more than just making stuff—it’s about shaping your surroundings and bringing your visions to life. So, why wait? Grab those tools, plan your projects, and start creating. Each step forward is a step toward mastering the art of DIY. Enjoy the journey and revel in the joy of crafting with your own hands. You’ve got this!

Drive in Style: Creative Ways to Add a Playful Touch to Your Vehicle

When it comes to car colors in the United States, white is the reigning champion. It's clean, classic, and easy to maintain. However, this ubiquitous hue can often lead to a sea of sameness, where individuality gets lost in a vast expanse of white vehicles. For those looking to inject some personality and fun into their ride, there are several creative alternatives to painting. Let’s explore a few exciting ways to add a playful touch to your vehicle without the commitment of a new paint job.

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Car wrap

One of the most popular methods for personalizing your vehicle is through car wraps. These vinyl films can be applied over your car’s existing paint, offering a plethora of colors, patterns, and finishes. From matte black to vibrant neon, and from carbon fiber to chrome, car wraps provide endless opportunities for customization.

The pros of car wraps are numerous. They are significantly cheaper than a full paint job and can be removed or changed relatively easily, allowing you to update your vehicle’s look as often as you like. Moreover, wraps can protect your car’s original paint from scratches and UV damage, preserving its resale value.

However, it’s worth noting that a highly noticeable car wrap can make your vehicle stand out in a crowd, which might increase the risk of theft. While the unique look can deter some would-be thieves, it can also attract attention. Balancing visibility and security is crucial when choosing a wrap design.

Stickers

Car stickers are another fantastic way to personalize your vehicle. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, from humorous quotes and artistic graphics to representational decals like sports team logos or favorite characters.

The main advantage of car stickers is their affordability and ease of application. You can change them as often as you wish, experimenting with different styles until you find the perfect look. Stickers also allow you to make subtle changes that reflect your personality without drastically altering your car’s appearance.

Stickers are also less likely to attract unwanted attention compared to a full car wrap. You can express your individuality in a more understated way, which can be a safer option for those concerned about theft.

Car covers

For those who want to add a playful touch while their car is parked, fun or patterned car covers are an excellent choice. Car covers can range from simple, solid colors to elaborate designs featuring animals, landscapes, or even abstract art.

The benefits of car covers extend beyond aesthetics. They protect your vehicle from the elements, including sun, rain, and snow, which can prevent paint damage and rust. Additionally, car covers can deter theft by hiding your vehicle from prying eyes, making it less of a target.

Choosing a car cover with a unique pattern or design not only makes a statement but also adds a layer of personal flair to your vehicle. Whether it’s a bold zebra print or a serene beach scene, a decorative car cover can turn heads and bring a smile to your face every time you see your car.

Personalizing your vehicle is not just about making it look different; it’s about expressing who you are and making your car an extension of your personality. Whether through a striking car wrap, fun stickers, or a playful car cover, there are many ways to make your vehicle stand out and bring joy to your daily commute.

Ways To Improve Your Home & Fall Back In Love With It

 

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Your home is a big investment of your time and money. As a homeowner, it’s important that you keep your property in good shape throughout the years.

This will entail investing in completing various home improvement projects. A good starting place is to gather some ideas as to what you can do to make it better. Then you can work on creating a priority list and a budget for each to-do. Learn about some ways to improve your home and fall back in love with it. 

Update the Kitchen

You likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen space preparing meals and visiting with family members. You want your kitchen to look nice and also be functional. You don’t necessarily have to move forward with a full remodel to make a difference. Instead, there are smaller changes and updates you can do that will have a big impact. For example, you can install a large island in the center of the room and hang pendant lighting above it. Now might also be a good time to purchase new energy-efficient appliances and put up a colorful backsplash behind the sink area. Also, make sure you keep the room well-organized by having plenty of storage solutions. 

Dress Up Your Windows

Another way to improve your home and fall back in love with it is to dress up the windows. Now is also a good opportunity to evaluate the condition of your windows. It’s possible you may need to replace them if they are old and leaking or cracking. In this case, you’ll want to contact a professional window replacement service to help you complete this project. Once your new windows are in place, you can put up some blinds or shades on them. You may also want to hang some curtains for a pop of color and added texture. 

Focus on the Lighting

The lighting in your home can impact your mood and the ambiance of each room. Therefore, you can improve your home and fall back in love with it by focusing on the lighting. It’s a good idea to layer your lighting and put some lights on dimmer switches. You should try to draw in as much natural light as possible during the daytime hours. Also, be sure to include plenty of lamps and candles throughout your rooms. Go around and replace old light fixtures and covers with something more modern as well. 

Boost the Curb Appeal

You want to make sure your property is making a good first impression in the neighborhood and with passersby. Therefore, you should focus your efforts on boosting the curb appeal. There are both large and small projects you may want to consider tackling. For example, it may be time to replace a cracked driveway or install new garage doors. These are the types of projects that can add value to your home as well. Decorate your front porch with flowers and small pieces of furniture and consider painting your front door a color that pops. Make sure that you keep up with the landscaping and trim back trees and bushes. 

How To Gain Positive Power In Life

We all want to be powerful - being powerful means we get things (and get things done) and we’re respected, and we can build a successful life too. However, being powerful can also be a problem because it can lead to problems when that power isn’t used wisely, or when it’s used against other people in some way (perhaps by making them feel bad or less accomplished, and so on). 

That’s why you need to look at how to gain positive power in life. Gaining positive power means you take steps that improve your personal wellbeing, enhance your skills, and make a good impact on the world around you and the people in it, and you don’t hurt anyone or step on anyone’s toes to make it happen. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at how to gain positive power in life rather than the opposite - read on to find out more. 

Photo by Kaushal Moradiya

Learn CPR And Other First Aid Skills

What’s really interesting about learning how to gain positive power in life and what you need to do to get it is that your research will lead you to all kinds of interesting things just because there are so many fantastic options open to you. One of those options is to learn CPR and other first aid skills - by equipping yourself with life-saving knowledge (literally!), you’ll have power in any kind of difficult or dangerous situation. Now of course, we’re not saying that you’ll be powerful because you can choose whether or not to help someone - that’s not positive power at all, and it’s actually an excellent example of negative power and how power can damage people - what we’re saying is that when you’ve got this kind of knowledge, you’ll feel powerful in yourself because you’ll know you can help in any medical emergency situation.  

The best thing to do is learn these life-saving skills with a professional organization such as CPR Near Me where you’ll learn how to do things the right way and be given expert instruction from knowledgeable tutors. It’s far better to learn the right way than to risk a mistake when it comes to CPR and other first aid. 

Be Financially Literate

Understanding and managing your finances in the right way is another absolutely vital step towards becoming more positively powerful in your life because being financially literate means you’ll be able to make good choices, avoid debt, and even become financially independent, depending on a variety of other factors. 

It all begins with learning how to budget (and how to stick to your budget, which is just as important as making it in the first place) and knowing how to manage your expenses compared to your income. Then you’ll need to know about savings and investments because if you can do these things right, you’ll be able to make your money grow (and it is a case of doing both, and knowing about the pros and cons of each, so don’t just try to guess or hope for the best or you’ll miss out on some great ways to build a good fund or make some unfortunate mistakes along the way). Finally, knowing when debt is a good thing and necessary compared to when you just want to buy something for the sake of it, and knowing how to deal with any debt you might have quickly and painlessly is the final link in the chain when it comes to financial literacy - get all that right, and you’ll find life is much easier and you’ll feel a lot more powerful too. 

Have Good Relationships

If there’s one thing in life that’s going to help you in many different ways - including becoming more positively powerful - it’s having good, strong, long-lasting relationships. When you’ve got friends and family you can trust and rely on to be there for you through thick and thin, you’ll feel ready for anything and you’ll know that no matter what you go through in life, there’s always going to be someone you can talk to and who can help guide you if necessary - not to mention the fact that you can do the same for them. That’s automatically got to make you feel much more powerful in a positive way. 

One tip you’ll need to remember when it comes to forming these good relationships is that you’ll have to be able to master good - great - communication. You’ll need to be open and honest at all times and you’ll need to learn how to listen actively (which is a skill of its own, but one that, once you know how to do it, you’ll find is really useful not just in relationships, but in your career too). Plus, although it’s hard, letting people know how you feel about things, good and bad, is another vital part of making and keeping good relationships; that’s how you get people to understand you and be there for you. If they don’t know what you’re going through, how can they help? How will they know you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to congratulate you? They won’t unless you tell them, so practice doing exactly that. 

Get New Skills And Knowledge

We started this blog post talking about how it’s wise to learn how to do CPR and learn other life-saving skills, and that’s true - however, it’s also a good idea to just learn in general. After all, they do say that knowledge is power, and if that’s the case, the more knowledge you have, the more powerful you can be. 

Of course, if you’re going to be positively powerful then you’ll not just need to acquire more knowledge and learn more skills, but you’ll also need to learn how to use those skills and knowledge is a good way, ideally to help others, or at least not to hurt them. 

You might feel you’re too busy to do any learning, especially if you’re working in a full-time job, but is that really the case? Thanks to online learning, you can gain new knowledge whenever you have a moment - even a few minutes can be enough - and if you don’t want to earn a qualification, just reading informative websites and books can be a great way to get new knowledge and more positive power at the same time.