Coronavirus Lockdown Doesn’t Make You Powerless. It’s Your Opportunity To Take Control

Two of the focuses of my blog are Current Events and Health/Wellness. The Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic/Crisis has created unprecedented and complex circumstances for everyone. While the situation sorts itself out, you don’t have to let it be the end of your world as there are potential opportunities to better your life in the meantime. The following contributed post is entitled, Coronavirus Lockdown Doesn’t Make You Powerless. It’s Your Opportunity To Take Control.

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How are you, dear reader? It’s okay if you need a moment to answer that question. Like the rest of us, you’re likely dealing with a completely different paradigm in every aspect of your life and work. Your day to day is likely far removed from what it was even at the start of this year. You may be grappling with unforeseen expenses potentially combined with a loss of income. You may have either or a lot less free time on your hands. You may have assumed the role of teacher as you homeschool your kids using resources provided by their school. You may be sleeping a lot less easily, even if you’re lucky enough not to have been directly impacted by the virus itself or lost anyone to it.

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You may feel as though life has spiralled out of your control right now. But fear not, dear reader. This may feel like the end. But it’s actually just the beginning…

Lockdown liberation

While in lockdown you may feel isolated. You may be cut off from the people, places and and activities that bring you meaning. But look at this not as an incarceration but a liberation! No longer do you need to define yourself by the places where you shop or the products you own. You’re no longer the clothes you wear or the car you drive. This can be a very liberating opportunity for you to redefine and reinvent yourself. Whether it’s by giving your business a new marketing push or re-engaging with new hobbies or interests. Now’s the time to pare down the distractions and focus on what really matters.

Cut unnecessary costs and take control of your budget

Now’s the time to start thinking about all those wasted costs that quickly added up in your pre-lockdown life. From the monday morning latte to the beers with the team after work on Friday. Necessity is the mother of invention. Now’s the time to make budgeting your new best friend. See how much you could save on auto insurance with a pay-per-mile company like Metromile. Invest in preparing, cooking, freezing and reheating more homemade meals. See if you can save money by switching your energy, phone or broadband providers. You might just learn that you have more control of your household budget than you thought.

Rethink your diet

Speaking of home cooked meals, the long lines and bare shelves at the grocery store might just be the shot in the arm that you needed. Now that access tro sugary, salty and fatty processed foods is restricted, it’s time to take control of your diet and start making good on those health and fitness promises you made yourself at the start of the year.

Rediscover your creativity

To paraphrase a fictional character… You’re not the car you drive, the clothes you wear or how much money you have in the bank. You are the sum total of all the things that bring your life joy and meaning. If you’re able to get that in your work, fantastic! But if you’re not, it’s time to re-engage with your old interests and rediscover your creativity. Pick up a paintbrush, dust off that manuscript you were working on or get together with some friends over video chat to make a podcast.

Whatever brings you happiness or meaning, the COVID-19 lockdown isn’t going to remove your control over your life… it might just be what hands it back.

4 Signs That Alcohol Is Taking Over Your Life

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Though it’s not normally thought of as one, alcohol can be a drug of abuse which can ravage the life of the abuser and their family. Some people don’t know once alcohol has taken hold of their lives. The following contributed post is entitled, 4 Signs That Alcohol Is Taking Over Your Life.

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Alcohol dependency, addiction – call it what you want, it’s a serious health issue to worry about. People with an alcohol problem are usually one step away from falling down a deep and dark path that leads to a host of health and social issues. The biggest problem with alcoholism is that it gradually bleeds its way into your life. Many people are living with alcohol problems and they don’t even realize it.

Consequently, here are some telltale signs to be wary of that show alcohol is taking over your life:

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You’re spending way too much money on booze

Take a look at your bank statements or have a look in your fridge at home. Do you see loads of transactions in bars or loads of money spent on alcohol in grocery stores? Is your fridge full of alcohol, and your bins packed full of empty bottles? This shows you’re buying way too much alcohol all the time. It’s an early warning sign that you’re becoming dependent on the substance. You need it in your life, and you feel compelled to have some around you to drink every single day.

You’ve been given charges for drink driving

In terms of clear warning signs, they don’t get much clearer than this. Driving while intoxicated is a terrible thing to do. If you get caught doing this, then it impacts everything from your car insurance to your livelihood. Some companies may fire you if you’re caught with a charge for a DUI, particularly if you’re caught while you’re working or if you’re still wearing your work uniform. To get to a state where you think it’s okay to drink and drive, you must have some sort of dependency on alcohol.

You wake up with a hangover every day

Do you wake up with a pounding head, dry feeling in your throat, and a feeling of slight nausea? If so, then you’re exhibiting the signs of a hangover. This happens when you drink a lot of alcohol, and it’s normal to experience this after a night out with friends once a week. But, if you have a hangover every day, then it shows you’re drinking far too much alcohol every night. Also, the signs of a hangover can also be something entirely different. It may be withdrawal symptoms from not drinking. If you start drinking and feel better, then that’s another bad sign.

You’re becoming a recluse

Are you spending less time with friends and family? Have you got into arguments with the people you care about? If so, then you may have an alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse can be damaging to your mental health, as it changes your mood. In turn, you shut yourself off from others and decide to stay inside or be by yourself. You can get annoyed easily, pushing away those you care about. If this sounds too familiar to you, then you have a problem on your hands.

Be mindful of these signs as they show that you have a genuine drinking issue. It’s important to seek out solutions right away as this can have a negative effect on your mind, body, and personal life.

5 Ways to Enrich Your Life While Working 9 to 5

Three focuses of my blog are Career Discussions, Health/Wellness and Professional Development/Skills. Many people stagnate once setting into a 9 to 5 career/job while others continue to grow and thrive. There are ways to continue thriving both personally and professionally while working your 9 to 5. The following guest post is entitled, 5 Ways to Enrich Your Life While Working 9 to 5.

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Time is a precious resource not everyone has. This becomes especially relevant when you reach your adulthood. The typical set-up for most working adults is a 9-5 job. Some work for as long as 10 hours, or work during nighttime. You might be cursed with daily 3-hour commutes. Much of your adulthood will be spent on earning a living and a lot of times you won’t have a weekend well spent aside from lounging around.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t live your life to the fullest while working hard. There are many ways you can enrich your life and get the most out of every situation-if you make time for them. Here are some ways you can step out of your 9-5 box and enrich the moments in your life:

Learn New Skills

The advent of new technologies like the Internet and smartphones paved the way for easier access to things you might not know yet. More often than not, if you don’t know something, you Google it. You can go to online schools and open universities to learn something new. Better yet, you can even learn new skills from YouTube, like learning how to cook or fix the sink.

Also, if you can manage your time, you can try to go to take vocational courses from accredited institutions or continue your education and take a graduate degree. All these can add something new or further hone your skillset, which can help you in the long run.

Declutter Your Life

Take a page from Marie Kondo’s minimalistic way of living and declutter your life. Fill your life with things that spark you joy; get rid of things that don’t make you happy or you have no use of anymore. You can donate old clothes, recycle your stack of papers, or even cut contact with someone toxic from your life. When it comes to work, categorize and sort everything. Make everything in your life valuable and it’ll help you in the long run.

Practice Mindfulness

Become more self-aware. Mindfulness brings you to the forefront of your very situation instead of being stuck in the past. You can do this kind of meditation whenever you’re feeling pressured with your work, or with making a very important decision. You can do things with a clear mind. It lets you become objective; you attune to what’s happening right now, regulating your emotions.

Apart from being a good stress reliever, you gain control that otherwise would’ve been lost when you panic or freeze.

Don’t Forget to Relax

When you have no plans for the weekend, sometimes you might be thinking to yourself: “How do I make the most of my weekend?” Well, there’s more to life than doing a Netflix binge, so do whatever relaxes you. If it’s reading by a warm fireplace, then do that. If you’re more of an extrovert, try doing volunteer work. Be creative, express yourself.

Take Control of Your Narrative

“Live your life so it’s a story to tell,” says one lifehack. Sometimes, there are things that hold you back from achieving great heights. Although, other times, it’s you who’s holding you back. You need to gain the courage and confidence to step up and take a leap of faith. You know yourself well; you know well what you can do.

You don’t have to leave your 9 to 5 to do anything rewarding for your life. Go in headfirst with no regrets. If you stumble along the way or get to the finish line in the end, it’ll be a rewarding, learning experience for you.

How To Choose Where You Live

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and a key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. A major aspect of your personal wellness and that of your family is where you choose to live. The place where you live has multiple effects on your life. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Choose Where You Live.

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It doesn’t matter whether you are planning to retire or you are just looking for a new place to live, deciding where to go is not a natural choice to make. There are so many cities and towns, suburbs, and municipalities to choose from. It’s always smart to look at your options and move to what you feel is the best location for you.

But where do you begin? Choosing where to live takes research. You’ll need to know where the jobs are and how the real estate market is looking (and Peter Barlin makes this easy for Austin!). You need to see if you will have the right amenities in your new place, and you need to find out whether you are in the right place for everything that you will need. So, what do you need to consider when choosing where you should live the rest of your life?

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  1. Town Size. Whether you covet the city or you swoon after the suburbs, you need to choose the size of the town that works for you. You want to find somewhere to live based on your needs, and it starts with the size. The internet is invaluable for this, as you can find out what the populations are for all the areas you are interested in.
  2. The Weather. If you hate rain, Seattle is not a good idea. If you love the sunshine, then Miami could be for you. The weather affects your mood, and it affects everything that you want to do – especially if you love the outdoor life. Choose the right climate for you, and you’ll be able to enjoy the new area in which you are basing your life.
  3. Entertainment. Are you looking for a quiet life, or do you hope for jazz clubs and buzz? Living within the right area can make a big difference in the way you look at life. It would help if you considered what you enjoy and what’s close by to you. There’s no use in feeling isolated and living so far away. Be aware, though, that the more built-up the area, the more expensive it can become.
  4. Employment. Are you moving for your job? Do you hope to find a new job when you do eventually move? These are essential questions that you need to answer because without doing so, you’re going to find it hard to settle without means to pay your way.
  5. Amenities. Are you moving with children? Well, you’ll need to consider schools you may also want to know about public transport and local hospitals just in case you need this. You will need to live somewhere that ticks all the boxes, whether that’s a town or city to start with!
  6. The Great Outdoors. Nature is a big deal for a lot of people, especially if you love hiking and walking to new areas. Beaches are also a big deal if you love water sports. Choose your area based on your interests, and you can’t go wrong.

(Big and Small) Lifestyle Changes for Better Mental Health

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Arguably our most important aspect of health is our mental health. There things we can do to maintain and foster good mental health. The following contributed post is entitled, (Big and Small) Lifestyle Changes for Better Mental Health.

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So many of us struggle with our mental health that is is becoming a very serious epidemic. Obviously, if you are feeling very unwell, it is useful to visit a doctor or therapist and see what they have to offer, but there are lots of lifestyle changes, with big and small, that if you are able, could help you to live a happier, healthier less stressful life too.

Combining doctor’s advice with the following ideas may prove to be useful to you on your wellness journey…

Eat an Enhanced Diet

Although it’s unlikely to be the whole story, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that the way we eat can impact upon our mental wellbeing, as we all know it does with our physical health. Whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains have been found to boost mood, as have omega-3 rich foods, while trans fats and junk food have been found to be unhelpful, perhaps due to the fact that they change the bacteria in our guts for the worse. So, by adding more good foods and reducing the number of unhealthy foods we eat, we can easily increase our sense of wellbeing.

Change Your Job

If you do a job that you hate, which is hard work for you and which sees you get few rewards, it’s easy to start feeling stressed out, anxious and depressed. It’s a big step, but if you feel able to take the leap, retraining for a job you know you’ll love could be just what you need to get you out of your funk. Whether you find farming land for sale and ditch the office for a life living on the land or you quit the call center and start work in the office, shaking up your work so that it’s more in line with who you are could be the start of things looking up. Be brave.

Meditating

Meditating is something you can do in 5-15 minutes each day, but it can be completely transformational for your mental health. Learning how to be more mindful; how to go with the flow more; and how to stop identifying with every negative thought you have, can bring you a peace of mind you never thought possible. Meditation has been shown to improve symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, so make it a part of your everyday life.

Travel the World

Taking off and traveling the world might not be practical, and if you’re feeling very mentally well, it might not feel remotely possible, but seeing more of the world when you are able to do so, can really help boost your mental health. Seeing new things and having new experiences can shock you back into the present and put life into perspective for you. It can teach you new things about yourself and show you what you’re really made of. Even if you can only travel to the next state, getting out of your current environment could do you the world of good.

Make as many positive changes, as big or small as you can manage, and your wellness levels will soon start to soar!

4 Life Principles That Will Help You Professionally and Personally

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and two focuses are Career Discussions and Health/Wellness. Whether its your personal life or your professional life, there are principles that lead to success in both arenas. The following contributed post is entitled, 4 Life Principles That Will Help You Professionally and Personally.

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Life is a deeply complicated thing, to say the least, and there are all sorts of different ideologies, viewpoints, and approaches on how to live the best life, and how to get the most done with the time that you have on this mortal coil.

The self-help section of any bookstore will contain a vast number of tomes dedicated specifically to such topics, and there are of course all sorts of proprietary systems that have been suggested by various entrepreneurs and celebrities, for the express purpose of making money, and helping you to achieve your dreams – whatever those might be.

As it is often difficult to figure out exactly how to move forward in a specific situation, or how to sift through and select between the different strategies, approaches, and personal and professional achievement techniques that you have encountered, one of the most consistently useful things to do is to have a set of general principles that can be applied in the broadest possible range of situations, with good effect.

So, here are a few life principles that will help you professionally and personally, in almost all situations.

Use the right tool for the right job

There’s a very old idea, that has been spoken about by learned people, for a very long time. That advice is to always use the right tool for the job, and there are various related sayings and bits of folk wisdom that imply some of the hazards of not doing this.

Take for example the saying; “when the only tool you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail.” Though this doesn’t precisely make the same point, outright, it implies it by painting a picture of a person who crudely and inappropriately misdiagnosis the various situations he is confronted with, as a result of his bias and narrow framework of understanding.

The idea of using the right tool for the job applies both very literally, and also more abstractly. In a literal sense, the need for specialised equipment, specialised tools, and specialised materials, is precisely why companies such as Clinton Aluminum and Stainless Steel exist and thrive.

In a more abstract sense, you can use this concept as an injunction to stay dynamic, develop a broad range of skills and outlooks, and try to exercise a bit of nuance in your understanding of the world, and your approach to resolving different issues.

This could have implications for everything from your interpersonal interactions, to the way in which you attempt to make a success of your business.

There’s a lot of power in old proverbs and aphorisms – the older and more widely spread there are, the more likely they are to be meaningful

These days, we all generally tend to subscribe to the idea that the ultimate truth and wisdom in how to act, moment by moment, is to be found within the broad world of “science.”

In practice, though, there are many problems with trying to use science as a catch-all insight-generator for how to handle personal and professional issues. For one thing, science generally addresses the “how” of material and rationalistic phenomena, but doesn’t address the “why” of the subjective world, including questions such as which course of action might promote the greatest degree of human flourishing and meaning.

Another issue, is that scientific consensus is often not clearly established in different areas – and even when it is, paradigm shifts may always occur and throw out a previously unshakeable understanding of the world.

Then, there’s the fact that virtually no one who isn’t an academic scientist themselves, has the time, training, or contextual understanding, to really weigh up the body of literature on any given area and make sense of it in something approaching an objective and balanced manner.

For all of these reasons, among others, the author Nassim Nicholas Taleb – writer of such works as “Fooled By Randomness,” and “The Black Swan” – argues that, instead, the best way of orienting yourself in the world is often to turn to ancient proverbs, aphorisms, and traditions.

As a general rule, it makes sense to think that the longer a particular proverb or aphorism has been around – and the more cultures it is dispersed among – the more “true” it is likely to be on some fundamental level that pertains to the human experience. This is true, largely as a matter of a sort of Darwinian process. When an idea has endured for centuries and millennia in popular consciousness, it is heavily implied that this idea provided some adaptive benefit for the people who subscribed to it, whereas ideas that were fundamentally destructive and “out of sync” with reality, would have died off as their adherents died off.

Therefore, when you’re looking for insight into how you should act at any given moment, consider turning to old sayings and bits of folk wisdom.

Always be prepared

Life will often catch you by surprise and throw many strange and unwelcome circumstances your way, and your most effective bulwark against these kinds of woes and unwelcome scenarios, is to always be prepared, to the greatest of your ability, and to directly face whatever eventualities may present themselves.

Whenever you have an intimation of there being some kind of challenge or problem on the horizon, do what you can to plan for it and pre-empt it, today.

This might mean something quite large-scale and dramatic, but it could just as easily be something relatively small-scale that would nonetheless have outsized consequences.

For example, if you have no lunch cooked for tomorrow, and you know that you will likely be tempted to spend money you shouldn’t spend on junk food you shouldn’t eat, you could rather short-circuit the whole process by spending some time tonight cooking for tomorrow.

Preparation, generally speaking, gives you a degree of control over the future that is often extremely valuable.

There is no easy way

As has often been observed over the broad sweep of human history, there is no “easy way.”

Many people preach many systems and doctrines for achieving your dreams and overcoming obstacles with minimal effort, from the Law of Attraction to all sorts of other systems.

Always and everywhere, though, the most reliable standard to keep in mind is that hard work solidifies real results.

It’s Time To Take Charge Of Your Life

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and a key focus is Health/Wellness. There are several aspects to a successful life. Unfortunately, many individuals are only taught to focus on a few pieces and not the entire picture such that our lives become incomplete and even disjointed. The following contributed post is entitled, It’s Time To Take Charge Of Your Life.

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When you’re a kid, it’s easy to feel as though everyone else is in charge of you. You’re told when to eat, when to sleep, who you can see, and where you can go. But when you’re a teenager, you’re right on the cusp of being a real adult, and it starts to feel like you have a lot more freedom over what you do. Now, this can be an amazing thing and something that a lot of teens spend their lives waiting for, but it can also be pretty intimidating. After all, for the first time in your life, you’re faced with the idea of actually having to make your own choices and be responsible for the consequences. It’s enough to make some people want to retreat to their rooms and go back to being a kid. Of course, you can’t go back, so here are some ways in which you can start taking charge of your own life.

Working

Once you’re old enough, there are few things more exciting than the idea of being able to start earning your own money! After all, do you really want to spend your life asking your parents for money every time you want to go to the movies? Of course not! However, finding work when you’re still young can be really tough. There are plenty of places that will hire you; they just might not be your dream job right now. That’s okay. The job that you have now won’t be the one you have forever, and it’s more about being able to enjoy the freedom that earning your own money provides than finding your lifetime career. Don’t put it off either! Get started on applications for things like Barr-Nunn corporate jobs, as well as any other applications! Sure, fast food places, retail stores, or restaurants might not be the most glamorous places in the world, but they help you gain that independence that is so important as you get older.

Studying

When you’re younger, you’ve often got teachers and parents staring down your neck all of the time in order to make sure that you’re pushing yourself as hard as possible and that you’re studying as much as you can. However, you’ll find that once you’re in college, that’s all going to change. When you’re in college, the only person who’s around to hold you accountable is, well, you! This is something that a lot of people struggle with at first because it’s something that they’re really not used to. Because of that, it’s important that you start being more independently motivated by your studies. Sure, you might still have your parents and teachers around right now, but if you can avoid leaning on them and push yourself forward independently then not only are your studies going to improve a lot, but you’re also going to be in a much better position to move onto a more independent stage in your life.

Your relationships

Relationships are hard. That’s something that just about everyone would be able to agree on. When you’re younger it’s all terribly simple but as people mature and become more complicated, so do the relationships between them. One of the hardest things to do when trying to take charge of your life is to avoid falling into toxic or unhealthy friendships whenever you can. This can often be tricky because no one sets out to end up in that kind of relationship but being able to recognise the warning signs is always a good idea. Are the people in your life taking more from you than they’re giving back? Do you feel worse about yourself when you’re around them? All of these things are serious red flags that you should keep an eye on. If you find yourself in this kind of situation then the best thing that you can do is to just walk away altogether.

The reality is that, if you want to do something with your life, you have to be willing to put the work in. Life isn’t going to throw anything into your lap. People who spend their time waiting for the world to hand them the things that they want are almost always sorely disappointed. Fortune favors the bold and you’re never going to get anywhere if you don’t take risks and push yourself to take control wherever you can. You have to get out there and make it happen for yourself.

Ways To Add Value To Your Life

A key focus of my blog is Health and Wellness. There are numerous ways to add value and quality to your life. We typically think value as strictly physical health, but there are other aspects too. The following contributed post is entitled, Ways To Add Value To Your Life.

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A life lived with regrets and what if’s, isn’t one that you want for yourself or those around you. Life is simply too short for these feelings, and so you should have an attitude of living life to the fullest. Here are some ways that you can add more value to your life.

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Learn From Others For Inspiration

We learn and grow from others around us. The people we choose to spend our time with matters and can have an influence over what we do in our lifetime. One of the ways you can add value is by finding those who can inspire and provide you with that positivity in life that you need to excel. Motivational speaking agencies for athletes is one way of being able to gather knowledge and to be inspired by those who may possess that advice you need in life to do more of something or to live your life differently. Focus on those who will help bring you up rather than put you down. There are so many available resources out there that can do just that, motivational speaking being one of them.

Do What You Enjoy Doing

Doing what you enjoy in life seems like the most obvious thing, right? However, you’d be surprised at just how many people will do things because others have recommended it or that they don’t actually like but feel like they need to because of who they hang around with or their lifestyle choices. Start to look for things that provide you with more enjoyment or maybe you are lacking that enjoyment in parts of your life. There is so much to take advantage of, and so you are the only person that’s standing in the way of doing something more.

Travel More

Traveling the world is a great way to add value to your life. You can learn so much about the world we live in by making the effort to explore more of it in your lifetime. Most of us will have a bucket list, a selection of places that are a must-see in our lifetime, and that might differ in length. Look at your own and think about those places you want to travel to. Make it a priority to see and do more within a year, rather than doing it every few years. Making that time to travel and to save the money is all worthwhile.

Have A Career You Are Passionate About

A career that you’re passionate about is certainly one that many people try to achieve. After all, you will work the majority of your lifetime, so it’s good to enjoy it most of the time. If you find something that you truly love doing, it’ll never feel like work. If you find yourself feeling less than passionate about your job, then it’s worth considering what else is out there and whether a change is needed.

Everyone’s life deserves to have value, and to improve your experience of life, it’s important to live it to the fullest. So do more where you can!

Hobbies to Try in the New Year

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and three key focuses are Athletics and Sports, General Education, Health and Wellness. Hobbies are critical to everyone’s health wellness both physically and mentally. They keep both our bodies and minds, youthful, stimulated and engaged. If you don’t currently have any hobbies, you should consider some for the new year. The following contributed post is entitled, Hobbies to Try in the New Year.

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Do you have time for hobbies? Most adults struggle to find the time to enjoy their hobbies around work, family life and other commitments. We go through life trying to fit everything in, struggling to make time for things that we love or even the people that we love. This is a shame. Having hobbies that you enjoy can improve your skills, boost your health and confidence, help you to find balance and peace and reduce stress. Hobbies can help you to make friends or improve existing relationships.

Unfortunately, however, when we fall out of practice, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. Sometimes, it’s easier to try new hobbies, instead of attempting to get back into old ones. Here are some new hobbies that you might enjoy in 2020.

Golf

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Golf can be a great hobby. It’s an excellent way to get your steps in and enjoy a workout without hitting the gym. It can be a fantastic way to meet new people or spend quality time with your existing friends, and a good way to see some beautiful landscapes. Oh, and it can be good fun. If you’ve never played golf, look at Golf Drivers Reviews for help with what you need.

Fishing

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Fishing is another great way to see more beautiful scenery. If you fish, you’ll travel to different locations and really get out there in nature. One of the most significant advantages of fishing is that it’s stress-relieving. You’ll spend time away from work and family commitments. It’s a great chance to take a bit of a digital detox and enjoy time by yourself. Even if you fish with friends or other people, you’ll spend long periods sat quietly with your own thoughts. Think of it as meditation, with fish. Or not fish, as the case may sometimes be.

Reading

Even those of us that were once keen readers often get out of the habit as busy adult life gets in the way. You might have started going to bed and scrolling through social media for an hour before going to sleep instead of reading.

But reading is better. Social media and screens keep you awake. Reading can help you to relax and unwind. It’s excellent escapism, a great way to keep your mind active and alert and a wonderful way to get away from the stresses of life. Try to read for at least a few minutes every day, taking back some time for yourself in the process.

Drawing or Painting

Having a creative hobby is great. It can help you to think more creatively in other areas of life, boosting your problem-solving skills. It can give you a new way to express yourself, and help you to unwind. It’s also good fun.

If you don’t feel particularly skilled when it comes to art, try adult coloring or scrapbooking instead of freehand painting or drawing. There’s a creative hobby out there for everyone, regardless of your skillset.

Swimming

If you are looking for a hobby that boosts your fitness without pushing you to your limits or getting sweaty, swimming might be a good choice. Swimming is easy on your joints but works your whole body. You can go with friends or alone, and there’s no pressure to be fast. Swimming is an active, yet restful hobby, that lets you go at your own pace.

Life After The Army: Now What?

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success, and two key focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and Health/Wellness. Our Military Servicemen and Servicewomen have made the ultimate sacrifice for your country. While some decide to make a lifetime career our of military service, some come out early, and some even come out earlier than expected. For many the transition to civilian life is difficult. The following contributed post is entitled, Life After The Army: Now What?

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When people leave the army, they do so for various reasons. It might be down to a wish to return to civilian life. Or, it could be because of unforeseen circumstances, such as health problems. Whatever the reason in your case, you will no doubt be wondering what to do next.

For many veterans, it can feel alien going back to a civilian lifestyle; this rings true if they have devoted many years of their lives to the army. Still, one thing is for sure: there is a life after military service. If you’ve recently left the army, you may be wondering what’s in store for you as a civilian.

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Today’s handy article is by no means a “do this all right now” list. It’s a guide to give you some ideas of where you can go from here.

Register with Veterans Affairs (VA)

You might not realize it, but you could get practical support and financial help from the VA. There is help available with things like education, health care, and disability benefits.

All you need to do is contact your local VA office and ask for their requirements. You can check out their website at va.gov for more details.

Spend quality time with your family and friends

One of the downsides to being in the army is that you spent a long time away from your old civilian life. Now that you have come back to it, you should start reconnecting with everyone.

Make a conscious effort to spend time with those closest to you. Remember: you’ve got a lot of catching up to do!

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Look for employment

There is a vast choice of career options for you out there. You may not realize it, but you will have a lot of skills transferable into the civilian world!

Take a look at the Military Skills Translator over at military.com. You can use that as a guide to see what kinds of civilian jobs you could do.

Find somewhere to live

For the first time in a long while, you can now decide where you are going to live! As you can imagine, you have an almost limitless choice. You might even choose to move to another state or even another country!

If you’re thinking of buying a home, it’s worth speaking to a VA loan lender first. That way, you will know for sure what you can afford.

Update your wardrobe

There is no denying that you may be lacking somewhat in the clothing department. After all; you’ve only had to wear a uniform while you served in the army!

Now is the time to update your wardrobe. Remember: when you’re out looking for a new job, you need to dress for success. Invest in some suits and smart shoes. It will result in you looking AND feeling good too.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Last, but not least, if you need help adjusting to civilian life, or for anything else, don’t be shy. You are not an island – ask for help if you need it.

Good luck!