Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

Overcoming The Online Phobia

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. Significant amounts of business is done online today. Some business owners however have concerns with doing business online. The following contributed post is entitled, Overcoming The Online Phobia.

* * *

Customers and businesses have spoken: the future is online. Yet, not everyone is ready to tackle the challenges of building an online presence. In fact, running an online business can be nerve-racking, daunting, and also plain dangerous. There are significant risks involved that could break your business if you don’t understand how to handle them appropriately. From hackers trying to gain access to your data to competitors leaving intentional negative reviews, online is not always a safe place. However, your fear of building your digital presence could hinder business growth. Here’s how you can learn to manage digital risks effectively and successfully.

Unsplash – CC0 License

Rely on a proven strategy
Innovative, unexpected, novel, these are some of the buzzwords that people wrongly associate with a successful strategy. Does a strategy need to be completely new to drive growth? According to these experts here, no strategy is the result of one person’s imagination. Growing digital sales is all about understanding your data, building your digital brand, and attracting customers using proven techniques. In other words, you don’t need to invent something new when you can rely on established methods that work. While it doesn’t mean that creative marketing is a waste of time — it isn’t —, your strategy follows an established map of actions determined by your goals, situation, and budget.

Take your first step with a partner
The first mistake businesses make is to assume that they need to go through the digital challenges alone. Finding a business partner online could transform your attitude to digital growth. An online business partner can help you update your presence to be noticed by online customers. Additionally, partners share responsibilities, which means that you can work together to protect and defend the brand. Negative reviews are less frequent when you and your partner can respond rapidly. While remaining an issue, cyber security can be enhanced when you combine your IT strategies and budgets.

Build trust rather than convincing
Many businesses worry that an online presence can not replace the sincere connections you build in face-to-face interaction. While a digital presence requires delivering your content without physical interactions, it doesn’t mean there’s no room to create an authentic brand. On the contrary, authentic content builds a connection with your users fueled at an emotional level by your choice of word, the device presence, the culture, and the level of trust customers have. Authenticity transcends the communication medium when the content offers your audience a real experience of the brand.

Accept that sometimes sh*t happens
Of course, nobody wants to think of the worst=case scenario. However, sometimes things simply refuse to work. Whether your server connection is down or customers are not satisfied with your services, your fears could turn true. Yet, mishaps don’t last. Your reaction to problems will linger if you panic. Similarly, a positive and managed response will also have a long-term impact on the brand. Learning to plan for the things you fear the most can help you handle issues and grow.

Online is a fast-changing world. Yet, most people share the same fears about building a digital presence. They are worried about tech safety, reputation, and growth. Should worries affect your digital approach? Yes. But they should not stop you. They give you the nudge you need to find the appropriate support for your business.

How Technology Is Changing The Home

Buffer

“Technology grows up around us and integrates with our lives in such a seamless way that we hardly know it’s there.”

Buffer

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Technology. As our world becomes more and more digital, life as we know it is adjusting as well, our homes included. The following contributed post is entitled, How Technology Is Changing The Home.

* * *

Image Credit

Technology can be defined as “the practical application of knowledge”, and in this respect, technology has been around since our ancestors learned to make tools and light fires. However, today’s technology is a little different – we might call it digital technology -, and it’s advancing all the time. We’ve already seen the way that technology has elevated our gaming experience and with websites like retrogamepriceguide helping to recreate those games of times go by, we’re simultaneously clinging to the past while trying to move into the future. Technology is truly changing the game, and why not? It’s helping to propel every other area of life so why not gaming, too?

Technology grows up around us and integrates with our lives in such a seamless way that we hardly know it’s there. This is no more the case than in the home where we couldn’t imagine living without washing machines, kettles, and televisions. But technology in the home is once again making huge strides.

Integrated entertainment systems

Cells phones began life as one-dimensional devices; later, they included text messaging and simple games. Nowadays, these functions are secondary, and the smartphone has become an essential mobile computer with the versatility of a Swiss army knife.

It seems this convenient technology has made its way into the home as well. It is no longer just smartphones that serve multiple functions; televisions do as well. A modern television device is also a computer and streaming service. Using apps, you can also make video calls through your Television.

Uncomplicated household chores

It’s no surprise that household chores have also adapted to the modern era. Washing machines and dryers have been commonplace for decades, but nowadays, you can buy units where the function are combined, offering excellent space-saving potential and lower energy costs.

That’s not all; you no longer need a cord for your vacuum cleaner. New designs mean you can go cordless and forget about the stress of reaching far away rooms or entangling the cord. You can also find AI vacuum cleaners that clean the floors for you while you enjoy other things.

Modern furniture sets

A sofa set is a must-have for every home; we all need a place to relax with the family on the weekend and watch a movie or get comfy with a coffee and a good book. But the style of sofas are changing; you only need to take a look at some of the modern brand names.

These days you will find a growing trend toward corner sofas with pared-down cushions. Perhaps it’s the influence of the Scandanavians, or maybe it’s the minimalist movement that seems to be sweeping the globe. In any case, this sofa type offers plenty of comfort and style.

All-in-one devices

The internet of things continues to grow and advance. The internet of things is the concept of connecting one device to many others in an environment – in most cases, the home. All of the connected devices share information and contribute to improving efficiency and lifestyle comfort.

If you ever wished you could have a personal assistant in the home to remind you of events and switch devices on and off, the IoT is the answer. So it’s worth getting on board with the IoT sooner rather than later because the progressive AI technology will only improve your home life and progress with the passing years.

Massive storage potential

Have you always dreamed of a library containing all your favorite books and magazines? Well, now you can have one, and the upside is that you don’t have to sacrifice any of the space in your home. Instead, you can use that spare room as a study, playroom, or sitting room.

Using an electronic book or e-book reader, you can store two or three times as many books as you could hold in a physical library. You also have the books at your fingertips without the weight, and you can read them anywhere. As a result, electronic storage is a growing trend in the home.

New gaming experiences

Gaming has a relatively recent history in the grand scheme of things, but even still, it has come a long way in recent decades. Advances in graphics and playability have encouraged the latest game developers to reach for the stars, while players are becoming just as obsessed with retro titles.

The modern home has not forgotten about this entertainment hub, making room for multiple consoles in the TV stand and connections to suit a variety of systems. Not only that, you can play with friends online or strangers around the world – there’s no longer any need to organize special gaming evenings.

Conclusion

As technology advances, the homes we live in also transform; they become more convenient and more energy efficient with every passing decade. But recent years have seen huge leaps in smart technology and new apparatus such as smart devices and wireless services. Often, new technologies come into the home gradually, but perhaps it’s time to make more progressive choices.

What Business Lessons Can You Learn From The Pandemic?

Three focuses of my blog are Current Events, Money/Financial Literacy and Business/Entrepreneurship. The pandemic was life changing for everyone, and not everyone survived in the business arena. Whether or not you fared well or did not, there were lessons for everyone. The following contributed post is entitled, What Business Lessons Can You Learn From The Pandemic?

* * *

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

It has been a tough 18 months or so for businesses everywhere, and the people who keep them running. Many people in business have struggled to keep their livelihoods alive, which in turn has affected their employees. Nobody wants to have to deal with such a difficult set of circumstances, but we’ve learned that sometimes you need to be prepared for something unexpected to come your way. Many businesses haven’t survived the pandemic, but those that have took steps to adapt and try to survive. Whether you have an established business or you’re setting up a business right now, there are some great lessons you can take from the pandemic.

Here are some of the things you can keep in mind, not just for the current situation but also for the future.

Be Prepared for Anything

While it’s not entirely true that we couldn’t have predicted a pandemic (they have occurred before), most people weren’t expecting to have to deal with one anytime soon. If there’s one lesson that every business owner has taken from the pandemic, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything. It’s not exactly an easy feat to achieve, especially for a small business, but there are multiple things that any business can do to help them prepare for anything that might come their way. Having good savings and good insurance, as well as being ready to adapt your business to new circumstances when necessary can help to prepare your business for the future.

It’s Important to Support Other Businesses

Something that many businesses have learned recently is that you can’t necessarily rely on the government or anyone else for help when you’re in trouble. For many people, the help that was given came too late or wasn’t enough. With this in mind, a lot of business people have realized how important it is to support other businesses and to stick together as a community. The #OpenForBusiness Campaign aims to recognize the resilience of American entrepreneurship and how important it is for small businesses to support each other. The campaign’s helicopter tour of each of the lower-48 states will involve visiting small businesses and speaking to owners about adapting to the post-pandemic economy.

Work-Life Balance Is Important

Working from home has become the norm for many during the pandemic. Business owners have continued to run their companies from home where possible or have found alternative ways to use their business premises if they can. Something that this has highlighted is the need for work-life balance, both for business owners and their employees. Working from home has made it even more important to maintain a line between work and home, ensuring there’s a separation between the two. People who have been working long hours know that it’s crucial to have the time to rest and dedicate to your family and other parts of your personal life.

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

Treat Your Employees Well

One of the effects of the pandemic that we’re seeing is an unwillingness from employees to work for poor pay and in poor conditions. Previously, many people might have felt like they had to take what they could get. But after more than a year has shown why some of these employees are so essential, people are changing their mindsets. They want to be appreciated and adequately compensated for their work. For businesses that are struggling to find employees, offering something more for anyone who works for them could be the key to turning things around.

Keep Your Customers Loyal

As well as treating your employees well, it’s also important to keep your customers loyal. In times of trouble, knowing that you have customers who are likely to stick with you through thick and thin is reassuring. So be sure to treat your customers well, both when things are going well and when circumstances aren’t so rosy.

Know How to Adapt But Stay True

Adapting your business during tough times is often an essential way to survive. Many businesses took this step during the pandemic, especially those that were unable to operate as normal, such as restaurants. Knowing how to adapt is important, but it’s also necessary to know how to stay true to your business and its values. Whether you’re making a temporary change or pivoting on a more permanent basis, you should think about how to maintain your values and what your business stands for, especially if you want to keep some existing customers around.

If there are some positives to take away from the pandemic, some valuable business lessons can definitely be useful.

Job Hunting Hacks: Steps To Help You Find Your Next Job

A key focus of my blog is Career Discussions. I the course of pursuing one’s career, there will likely be job changes for one reason or another. Find the next job isn’t always easy or straight forward. The following contributed post is entitled, Job Hunting Hacks: Steps To Help You Find Your Next Job.

* * *

Job hunting is never easy, but in the aftermath of a pandemic, it can be particularly challenging. If you’re currently looking for a job, or you’re thinking about changing careers in the future, here are some steps to take to find your next role.

Update your resume

The first step to take when applying for any kind of job is to update and review your resume. If you haven’t applied for a job for years, or you tend to hit the ‘submit’ button without checking your resume first, it’s essential to take the time to read the information and make sure that it’s up to date. If your resume is out of date, you could be selling yourself short. Include recent developments in your employment history, training and qualifications, and tailor each application to the specific role.

Image by https://pixabay.com/photos/application-keyboard-apply-now-3695107/

Improve your interview skills

Job interviews are daunting, and many of us feel anxious and nervous beforehand. If you tend to experience severe anxiety, or you don’t perform well under pressure, it’s wise to consider doing workshops or classes to help you build confidence, control nerves and navigate the process smoothly. Practice presenting, public speaking and answering questions and go through role-play scenarios. If you get an interview for a job, take your time to respond to questions, arrive on time, make sure you look the part and showcase your personality and passion.

Protect your online reputation

Today, employers can find out about candidates before they even meet them at an interview. If you are hunting for a new job, it’s wise to think about how you come across online. Set your social media profiles and accounts to private, delete posts you have shared in the past that could possibly cause offense or damage your reputation, and investigate services that remove mugshots if you’ve been cleared of charges. If an employer searches for information about you online, you want them to be able to find content or data that create positive impressions. It’s worth checking privacy settings and removing posts or photographs you might not want in the ether before you start submitting applications.

It is possible to find jobs without working with recruiters, but registering with a reputable recruitment agency that has an impressive track record can boost your chances of landing a great job. Look for companies that specialize in the industry or sector in which you want to work, update your resume and talk openly about what you’re looking for. Recruiters have relationships with employers and employees and they will notify you if an opening comes up that matches your skill set, experience and preferences.

Picture from

https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-woman-in-black-sits-on-chair-near-table-1181605/

Job hunting is challenging at the best of times, but many people are struggling to find the perfect position in the wake of the pandemic. If you are currently looking for a job, or you are considering a change of career, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of success. Update your resume, tailor each application, hone your interview skills and protect your online reputation. It’s also an excellent idea to register with reliable recruitment agencies and to sign up for online job alerts.

The Dangers Of Running An Online Business

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. While doing business online is a must for the most part today, there are dangers to it as well. The following contributed post is entitled, The Dangers Of Running An Online Business.

* * *

Loads of budding entrepreneurs have taken to the internet in a bid to start successful businesses. With such a diversity of digital technology at our disposal, it is easy to set up an online business that can thrive. There are numerous advantages of running an online business, but there are dangers lurking as well. Many small businesses have failed as the owners thought that it was easy starting an online company. In theory, it is, but you have so much to worry about to be sure that everything goes according to plan.

Here are the biggest dangers of running an online business:

Source – CC0 License

Hackers

Having all of your operations online will open your business up to cybersecurity concerns. Primarily, people can hack your website and do all sorts of damaging things to it. A common tactic is to hack a server, causing the network to go down. As a result, you can’t load up your website and nobody can visit it. In essence, you won’t be able to make any sales until the server is back up and running. Hackers know this, and they basically hold you to ransom and demand payment if you want the server to be put back up. This sort of thing happens to small businesses a lot, usually because your cybersecurity isn’t up to a high standard.

A bad online reputation

It’s not uncommon to see small businesses targeted by rival companies – or just random people trying to be annoying. What tends to happen is a lot of negative press is generated surrounding your business, damaging your reputation. Companies like Guaranteed Removals exist to counter this, helping you find all the negative things about your company and removing them from the internet. Still, it’s a concern that all online businesses will have as people can do sneaky things to eat away at your reputation. It’s hard to run a business on a damaged reputation, which is why having your reputation hijacked is such a danger.

Connectivity issues

We mentioned the idea of your server going down in the point about hackers, and sometimes this can happen with no foul play involved at all. The nature of an online business means you will always have to worry about connectivity issues. There will always be a chance that your connection can go down, putting your server offline. Particularly if you depend on a hosted server, meaning you rely on the host’s connection to stay up at all times. Any issues with your internet connection can mean you spend hours without doing any business. In the fast-based world of online businesses, this can be a huge deal.

Be aware of the dangers of running an online company if you want your business to succeed. You must learn what to expect, then develop solutions to counteract the chief concerns. For example, to counter hackers, you need a solid cybersecurity policy to prevent it from happening. Connectivity issues can be handled by choosing the most reliable options available, and reputation concerns can be handled by a reputation management agency.

Buying To Let: Essential Factors To Consider Before Investing

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Another term for renting property is ‘Letting’. Before considering purchasing a property as an investment, there is lots to consider. The following contributed post is entitled, Buying To Let: Essential Factors To Consider Before Investing.

* * *

Buying to let is one of the most popular forms of real estate investment. When you buy a property and rent it out, you not only put money into an asset that is likely to appreciate over time, but you also generate a regular income. Although there are several advantages of buying to let, it is important to understand what is involved in renting a property out. In this guide, we’ll explore some essential factors to consider before investing.

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-house-table-luxury-5071145/

Rules and regulations
Buying a house to live in or sell on is different from purchasing a property to let. Before you set your heart on finding an investment property to rent, it’s crucial that you understand the rules and regulations. There are guidelines and stipulations in place for different types of properties, including houses in multiple occupation and bedsits and serviced apartments and blocks of flats. Research buying to let in detail, write down a list of questions and queries, and seek expert advice. It’s critical to make sure that you are aware of legislation or guidelines that will impact you if you decide to buy a certain type of property.

Finances
Figuring out your finances is essential if you plan to invest in real estate. You’ll need to set a budget for your investment property, but you’ll also need to analyze market trends and think about rental yields when exploring locations and different property types. Ideally, when you buy to let, you want to focus on areas where the demand for houses and flats is high and rental yields are substantial. When you start looking at properties, ask questions about the rental value and use calculations and market research to select the best options once you have a shortlist.

Market conditions and demand
Investing in real estate can be incredibly lucrative, but success is not guaranteed. To increase your chances of generating profits and making money, it’s critical to make the right moves at the right time. Keep a close eye on the market and gauge the level of demand for rental homes. As it becomes increasingly difficult for young people to get onto the ladder, for example, demand for rental properties is rising among young families and students and recent graduates. If you plan to buy to let, it’s wise to concentrate your search on neighborhoods where the demand for rental homes is surging and to try and purchase houses or flats when prices are low.

Your ideal tenant
Before you start a property search for an investment home to let, it’s wise to think about who you want to attract. Define an ideal tenant and tailor your search to find properties that will appeal to them. From families and young professionals to retirees, tenants have different preferences, and they will be drawn to certain types or styles of homes. Key factors for families, for example, include proximity to good schools, transport links, amenities such as stores and access to green spaces. Once you have an ideal tenant in mind, you can narrow down the options.

Picture via https://pixabay.com/photos/house-garage-driveway-architecture-1867187/

Management
Buying a house or an apartment to let isn’t as simple as purchasing a property and finding a tenant. As a landlord or landlady, you’ll be responsible for managing and maintaining your rental home. You can choose to take charge of general maintenance and to be the main point of contact for your tenant or you could hire a lettings agency to take care of these tasks for you. Working with an agency will also enable you to take advantage of services like advertising the property and finding new tenants at the end of a contract and carrying out inspections, but it will cost money. Weigh up the pros and cons before you decide what to do.

Upkeep
When you buy a property to let, it’s important to understand that you will be responsible for the upkeep of the house or flat. This may mean that you have to dedicate time and energy to finding contractors or local businesses to carry out work and that you have to pay for maintenance or repairs. It’s essential to be aware of the potential costs of letting out a property. Some issues can be very costly, for example, new heating systems or extensive roof repairs. It’s wise to have a contingency fund set up for your rental home. The contract you have with your tenant should outline who is responsible for which maintenance tasks.

Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/interior-design-of-a-house-1571460/

Buying to let is an excellent opportunity to invest in property and generate an income in the period between purchasing and selling a house or apartment. If you are hoping to invest in a rental property, it’s essential to be aware of the ins and outs and to ensure that you understand what is involved in the process.

Sorting Out Your Business Finances One Step At A Time

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. While it is a separate entity all in itself, your business has its own finances which have to be monitored and managed just like your personal finances. Properly managing them will increase the likelihood of profitability. The following contributed post is entitled, Sorting Out Your Business Finances One Step At A Time.

* * *

What’s been going on with your business finances lately? If you didn’t need to sort out your finances, then you wouldn’t be reading this article, which means something has gone wrong somewhere. Don’t panic, it happens to every business at some point and is nothing to worry about unless it gets really bad. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the steps that you are going to need to take in order to sort out your business finances. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Credit Link – CC0 Licence

Rebudget

First, you’re probably going to want to rebudget. This means that you go through all of your finances all over again. Start from the beginning, and then work out all of your money. Go through all of your incoming and outgoing costs, sorting out your budget so that you know where you are financially. While in theory this isn’t a difficult thing to do, and it’s not when it comes to personal finances, budgeting for a business is significantly more complicated. As such, you might want to hire a professional to come and oversee this, simply so that you know it has been done properly. A professional such as an accountant might also be able to make suggestions that are going to help you save money.

Work Out Ways To Save

Speaking of saving money, you are going to need to work out how much money you can save in certain areas. For example, one of the easiest ways to save money in the long-term is to aim for a more energy-efficient business. You can do this in a number of ways such as switching to solar power, or finding a commercial propane supplier to power your business this way. Sometimes you are going to need to go further than this, which might mean scaling back your business while you recover financially. Worst case scenario is that you are going to have to start letting people go, which we know is not something that you want to do. However, if it’s the only way to save the money you need, it’s going to be necessary.

Find More Money

Or, the other solution is to find more money. You’re probably sitting there thinking that this is an obvious answer with a less obvious solution. Well, if you are currently being funded by an investor, you can always talk to them and ask them for more money. You can always look at bank loans seeing as these are a popular choice, or you can use your own money to give yourself the boost you need. It’s entirely up to you which option you want to try.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you are going to need to do when it comes to sorting out your business finances. If you do this one step at a time, everything is going to be okay because you won’t have rushed to get things sorted. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that this helps to improve your business sooner rather than later.

The Importance Of Digital Marketing

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. If you’re in business of any sort today, you will likely need a plan to market yourself digitally. If not, you’ll be falling way behind your competition. The following contributed post is entitled, The Importance Of Digital Marketing.

* * *

One of the best ways that you can take advantage of digital tools available to your business is to invest in a great digital marketing strategy. The tools that you get with digital marketing allow you to reach out to new audiences, gain better conversions and reach out to bigger audiences. Without these tools, you will end up left behind and it’s very hard to come back from that in your business.

If your business is only just starting out, you will be looking at as many ways as possible to market your new venture. You might consider white label online services and Facebook ads. You might consider Google and SEO. There are so many ways that you can get your business brand out there for other people to learn about you. You need to be exposed, and digital marketing is the way to do it. If you’re still on the fence about needing digital marketing for your business, here are some of the things that you need to know that will hopefully convince you to step into the new century!

Image Source: Pexels

You can keep a flexible budget. Your digital needs aren’t going to be the same as other businesses in your sphere. It makes sense, then, that the budget is totally flexible with digital marketing. Some of the traditional marketing methods can begin in the thousands, but digital marketing can cost as little as you like. The more you spend, the further your reach.
Tracking data is possible. When you have digital marketing strategies in place, you can actually track the way that customers click your adverts: where the clicks came from, how many people clicked per hour, the location, the method (mobile or desktop?). You can track the sites your adverts sit on and know whether you are spending your money in the right places. This level of data analysis isn’t available with most traditional marketing methods, so investing in digital marketing is smart.
Digital marketing allows you to connect better with your audience. You can expand beyond Google and right into the social media apps available to you, creating some of the best and most relevant content. You can use everything in your marketing arsenal: audio, video and more to ensure that your business is recognized.
Cultivating trust is easier with digital marketing. You can bet that you are going to be in front of a lot of people and they will be looking to ensure that your business is going to appeal to them. If you write a blog, you can add a personal angle to your website and give your readers something real to read about.
Increasing your conversions. The whole goal of your business is to build, right? You can improve your conversion rates and make them soar when you have the right people reading all about your business. If you use digital marketing, you can ensure that you are going to drive those conversion rates through the roof. All you have to do is invest your time and money.

The Recovery Lessons We Can Learn From Professional Athletes

Two focuses of my blog are Athletics/Sports and Health/Wellness. While most of us watch sports for entertainment, to unplug and in many instances to live vicariously through our favorite athletes and teams, there are many lessons we can gain from watching them as well. The following contributed post is entitled, The Recovery Lessons We Can Learn From Professional Athletes.

* * *

Source (CC0 License)

What sets professional athletes apart from the average person?

Well, aside from the fact they are blessed with a wealth of ability, a key difference lies in how they prepare for their sports. We tend to focus on what they do during their performances, but what about the stuff that happens in between?

Primarily, professional athletes are far better at recovering from bouts of exercise than a normal human. This is why someone can play professional basketball on the weekend and be ready to go again within a couple of days. So, how do they manage this when it can take a regular person a few days to be ready to work out again following a gym session?

Part of it is down to repetition – the more an athlete trains and plays, the more their body adapts, making recovery easier. However, pro athletes also have a host of techniques and tricks up their sleeves that help them recover better and faster. By learning from the pros, you can also improve your recovery after workouts or bouts of exercise.

Ice baths

Ice baths have always been popular in the world of professional sports. These days, some athletes will use cryo chambers instead of the traditional ice bath, but the premise is the same. In essence, subjecting the muscles to extremely cold temperatures right after exercise will aid the recovery process. It can help with muscle recovery and tightness, causing better circulation in the area and easing soreness.

While pro athletes have special baths and chambers for this, you can replicate it at home in your bath. Just fill it with cold water and ice cubes – it might be better to use bags of ice and keep them closed, so you can re-freeze and re-use them. Alternatively, some people will fill a clean wheelie bin with water and ice, standing in it that way.

CBD products

A growing trend in professional sports is to use various CBD products to aid recovery. CBD is a cannabinoid from the hemp plant that has recently been cleared for use in the professional realm. Many athletes will use drops of pure CBD oil and either ingest it or rub it into their muscles. It’s believed that the properties of CBD allow for greater muscle relaxation and aid the recovery process by reducing inflammation and preventing soreness.

Plenty of pro athletes are using these products as they’re a great way to speed the recovery process without making many drastic changes. The soothing nature of CBD could help people feel more relaxed after exercise as well, and has been shown to aid in sleeping too, which will further improve recovery.

Professional athletes will also follow strict routines after performances that will make them better at recovering. This includes the normal stuff like stretching and foam rolling the muscles, often with massages from physical therapists. If you take all of this into account, you can start recovering like the pros. This will mean shorter recovery times between bouts of exercise, letting to work out more frequently and with less soreness.

Six Reasons You Should Exercise As Part Of Your Routine

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. While we know that exercise is important, the benefits other than the physical are not talked about often. There are many. The following contributed post is entitled, Six Reasons You Should Exercise As Part Of Your Routine.

* * *

How good is an exercise to you? Are you aware of how good it is to you? Find out how exercise can improve your life, from improving your mood to enhancing your sex life. Looking for more energy, better health, and even an extra year? Exercise is all you need.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

It’s hard to ignore the health benefits of physical activity and regular exercise. Exercising benefits every person, no matter their age, gender, fitness level, or physical ability.

Are you still not convinced? Get healthier and happier with these six steps.

Weight Loss Is Controlled By Exercise

Exercising can prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. You burn calories when you engage in physical activity. Calories are burned at a higher intensity.

It’s great to go to the gym regularly, but don’t worry if you can’t find time to exercise every day. It’s better to do something than nothing at all. Simply avoid using the elevator and take the stairs instead – or increase your household chores to reap the benefits of exercise. It is important to maintain consistency. If you want to know which machine to use between a rower and treadmill for weight loss have a look at a guide to both workout machines.

A Healthy Lifestyle Includes Exercise

Are you worried about heart disease? Looking for a natural way to prevent hypertension? Whatever your weight, being active will boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol, as well as lower unhealthy triglycerides. As a result of this two-pronged approach, you will be less at risk of cardiovascular disorders.

Getting Exercise Improves Your Mood

Are you feeling down? After a stressful day, would you like to blow off some steam? Try going to the gym or taking a brisk walk. Physical activity stimulates different brain chemicals that may make you feel happier, relaxes you, and reduces your anxiety. When you exercise regularly, you may also feel better about your appearance and yourself, which can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Exercise Boosts Energy

Shop for groceries or do household chores and find yourself overwhelmed? A regular exercise program can strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance. As a result of exercising, your tissues receive oxygen and nutrients, and your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient. Having a healthy heart and lungs means having more energy to perform daily tasks.

Exercise Improves Sleep

Having trouble sleeping? Sleeping better and deeper is facilitated by regular physical activity. Exercise at least 30 minutes before bedtime, or you might not be able to sleep well afterwards.

Exercising Can Be Fun And Social!

The benefits of exercise and physical activity are numerous. These activities allow you to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, or simply do something you enjoy. In addition to helping you stay fit, physical activity helps you to bond with family and friends. You can also join a soccer team, take a dance class, or hike on the trails. Find something you enjoy doing physically, and just do it. Are you bored? Consider trying something new or doing something with family or friends.

These are six great reasons why you should be exercising as part of your routine. Do you have any other benefits that you could share in the comments below?