Year: 2022

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For the Home Home

4 Tips to Help You Design the Perfect Bathroom on a Budget

Designing a perfect bathroom on a budget requires utilizing some tips to get the most out of your space. Whether you want to remodel your entire bathroom or just add a few new touches, we have you covered.

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Design the Perfect Bathroom on a Budget

Think About Your Needs

One of the most important things to consider when designing a bathroom on a budget is what you need. Thinking about your needs first will help you determine what items you need to spend money on and which ones you can save on.

For example, if you have a small bathroom, you may want to focus on storage solutions that can help maximize space. On the other hand, if you have a large bathroom, you may want to splurge on a luxurious bathtub or shower.

Start Shopping

Another tip to keep in mind is to shop around for the best deals. Shopping for deals includes both online and offline shopping. You may be surprised at how much you can save by doing a little research. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for bathroom remodel discounts! Many stores offer coupons or special deals if you purchase multiple items.

Start shopping around for fixtures and finishes that fit your budget. When it comes to fixtures, you can usually find good deals on second-hand stores or online marketplace websites. For finishes, try to stick with neutral colors that will complement any future changes you make to the space.

Set a Realistic Budget

When it comes to setting a budget for your bathroom design, it is important to be realistic. Think of the costs of materials, labor, and any other associated fees. Once you have an accurate estimate of what everything will cost, you can make adjustments to ensure that your project stays within your budget.

DIY projects for a Perfect Bathroom on a Budget

Another tip to keep in mind is that DIY projects can go a long way in a bathroom remodel. If you are handy, there are many things you can do yourself to save money. For example, painting the walls or refinishing the cabinets is a relatively easy and inexpensive project that can make an impact.

Choose Colors Wisely

Another tip to keep in mind when designing a bathroom on a budget is to choose neutral colors and classic styles. Neutral colors will help you create a timeless look that won’t date quickly. Plus, it’s much easier to change up your accessories and decor if you stick with neutral colors.

Perfect Bathroom on a Budget
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Perfect Bathroom on a Budget

These are just a few tips to help you design the perfect bathroom on a budget. By following these tips, you can save money and create the bathroom of your dreams. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

We hope these tips have been helpful as you design your dream bathroom on a budget! Remember to take your time and shop around for the best deals. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to create a beautiful space that you can enjoy for years to come. Thanks for reading!

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For the Home Home Work From Home

3 Easy Lighting Tips For Your Home Office

When it comes to creating the perfect home office, there’s a lot to consider. You want it to look great, but you also want it to be comfortable, inspiring, and a space to be productive. Alongside the decor and furniture, how much thought are you putting into the lighting in your office? Utilizing lighting tips for your home office can make all the difference.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Lighting Tips
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Why is lighting so important?

Other than it is necessary to see, lighting in an office is essential for your overall health too. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and dizziness. Dim lighting and glare are both issues you have to try and reduce. 

Lighting Tips For Your Home Office

Utilize Natural Lighting

You must make the best use of any natural lighting your home office has. Place your desk in the best position to take advantage of the natural light. You’ll be getting both the health and productivity benefits of this. If you’re worried that it might be too bright during the summer months, then invest in some blinds or other window shades to regulate the light coming through the window. 

Not only will making the most of natural light lower your bills but there are many other benefits of having it in your workspace, including:

  • Better sleep – more exposure to daylight, even through windows, is associated with better quality sleep. 
  • Stronger immune system – lower instances of illness. Vitamin D is also important for mood regulation. 
  • Fewer headaches – less eye strain leads to fewer headaches and neck pain. 
  • Increased productivity – it has been shown that those who work in places with more natural light are more productive in their roles. 

If you want to make the most of the natural light in your home office, you might even want to think about getting more light in. Installing more windows or bigger windows will allow you to benefit from even more natural light streaming into your home. 

If you’re thinking of new windows, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about the direction the windows will face and what time of day they will receive the sunlight. When you’re choosing the design of your windows, you’ll also want to think about the overall style of your home. You want windows that fit the current style and maybe help to enhance it. As a bonus, new windows could improve insulation too.

Overhead lighting 

Other than natural daylight, the main lighting in your room should include ceiling lights and task lighting. Overhead lights need to be bright enough to light the place properly, but not so bright that they cause headaches or unnecessary glare. Try using bulbs that are close to natural light for the best results.

Lamps and Task Lighting

Lamps need to be more than decorative. Use lamps that give enough light but have a shade or a dimmer. Additionally, a task lamp for your desk allows you to focus on detailed tasks that need lighting. Articulated lamps are popular choices as they are easy to bring light to where it’s most needed.

Light placement is also essential. Consider where you place furniture and yourself. For example, if you put lights behind you, you will cast shadows over your work, which may make it difficult to see things easily. The same goes for lighting on your desk, as it makes sense to place it where your arm or phone won’t cast a shadow. 

Lighting Tips for a Basement Office

My office is in our basement, so there isn’t much natural light. We have small windows, but nothing great. Since natural light isn’t an option in a basement office, the next best options are LED lighting or incandescent lights. You can incorporate recessed lighting and use table lamps, sconces, and pendant lights.

Lighting Tips

Don’t let the lighting in your home office be an afterthought. It can and does affect your productivity and health. You may have to move things around and experiment to get it right, but it will be worth it. 

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Adulting Business Finances

4 Profitable Investments That Young Professionals Should Consider

Profitable Investments

There are many different investment options available to young professionals. It can be challenging to decide which ones are the best for you. This blog post will discuss six of the most profitable investments you should consider. So, whether you are just beginning your career or looking for new opportunities, these six investments should be at the top of your list!

Profitable Investments
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Profitable Investments For Young Professionals

1. Stocks

One of the most popular investment options is stocks. When you buy stocks, you are purchasing a piece of a company. This purchase can be a great way to grow your money over time, as stocks tend to increase in value. However, there is always the risk of losing money if the stock price drops.

You will need to open up an account with a brokerage firm to get started with stocks. There are many different firms to choose from, so be sure to research before deciding which one is right for you. Once you have opened an account, you will need to deposit some money. Then, you can start buying stocks!

2. Bonds

Bonds are an excellent investment for young professionals because they offer stability and consistent returns. Unlike stocks, which can be volatile, bonds tend to be more stable and provide predictable income streams. This stability makes them a good option for those who want to minimize their risk while still earning a solid return on their investment.

There are a variety of bond investments to choose from, so it is essential to do your research before investing. Municipal bonds, for example, are issued by states and local governments and offer tax-free income. Corporate bonds are issued by companies and typically offer higher yields than municipal bonds. Treasury bonds are issued by the U.S. government and are considered one of the safest investments available.

3. Real Estate

Real estate is an excellent investment for young professionals for a few reasons. First, it tends to be a more stable investment than other options. You can also use it to generate income and build equity over time. And lastly, real estate is often easier to access than different types of investments. If you’re interested in getting into real estate, here are a few tips:

  • Start small: Don’t try to invest in a vast property right away. Start with something that’s more manageable and that you can afford.
  • Do your research: Make sure you know what you’re getting into before making any decisions. Research the market and start finding the best houses for sale.
  • Prepare to invest time and money: Owning real estate isn’t always easy. You’ll likely need to put in some work (and money) to keep things running smoothly. But it can be worth it in the end.

If you think about investing in real estate, you must consider a few things. Do your research so that you’re comfortable with the potential risks before moving forward. Real estate can be a great way to grow your wealth over time!

4. Business Start-Ups

Starting your own business is another excellent option for young professionals. It can be a bit riskier than some of the other investments on this list, but it also has the potential to be very lucrative. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, here are a few tips:

  • Do your research: Make sure you have a solid plan and know what you’re getting into before making any decisions.
  • Get help: You don’t have to do it all on your own! There are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
  • Owning a business is not easy, so prepare for hard work. You’ll likely need to put in a lot of time and effort to make it successful. But it can be worth it in the end.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, keep a few things in mind. Make sure you have a solid plan and know what you’re getting into before making any decisions. Getting help from others is critical – don’t try to do it all on your own! Owning your own business is not easy, but it can be worth it.

Profitable Investments

There are several great investments young professionals can consider. These are just a few of the most popular options – do your research to find the right option. You must be comfortable with the risks before making any decisions. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not give one of these options a try?

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Business Work From Home

The 4 Realistic Reasons For Low Visitors To Your Website

You may have begun your creative business with a boom, but things have slowed down. Slowing down is common for most small businesses, but if no one is visiting your website or purchasing your stuff, it’s a clue that something is wrong. Figuring out the reason for low visitors to your website is essential for making a beneficial change.

Low Visitors To Your Website
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Why You Have Low Visitors To Your Website

Fortunately, this is a simple problem to tackle, but only if you understand the causes and how to solve them. Consider these problems and how to solve them if your website isn’t getting enough traffic.

It Is Not Found By Search Engines

If your website does not rank high in search engines, no one can find it and visit it. Not ranking is frequent for newer websites, but now even more established websites struggle to maintain their position on the first page of search engines.

To overcome this issue, optimize SEO criteria such as keywords, alt tags, and layout to enhance ranking potential. It won’t happen quickly, but the more you concentrate on cleaning up your website and making it rankable, the faster you’ll be where you belong. You may also want to consider custom app development as a way to have your customer find your site. 

It Is Unreliable 

Nobody likes to visit a website that takes too long to load or is full of broken links and pages. Because these problems might arise without warning, it can be tough to keep up with them.

This problem can be solved by increasing website reliability using services. These services minimize downtime and maintain your website fully optimized to manage rising traffic, ensuring a pleasant consumer experience.

It Holds No Value 

Customers may dismiss your website as unworthy of their time. If they do not believe it provides sufficient value, they will turn elsewhere to purchase products and acquire insights. Poor value examples include a lack of a mobile site and material that rehashes information said better elsewhere. For this, focus more on creating valuable content, such as posting more of SEO & link building blog regularly. It will allow your visitors to read something new and helpful, which automatically boosts your brand value. 

One of your top priorities should be to create a mobile site so that clients can use your platform from anywhere. A content calendar can significantly increase the value of your blog,tailoring it to public holidays or even lesser-known anniversaries. If something is directly linked to your areas, such as the birthdays of famous artists or jewelry designers, make sure to mention it.

You’re Not Promoting Enough

You can’t expect people to visit your site if they don’t know about it, so advertise as much as possible. Include the URL in your social media page’s description and your LinkedIn profile. Marketing campaigns can also target clients that match the algorithm. Conventional promotions such as business cards or fliers are also effective.

Low Visitors To Your Website

There are numerous reasons why your website may not generate the traffic you expect. Instead of believing that this is unsolvable, consider how you may resolve these issues. With the appropriate technique, you’ll can turn around your website’s fortunes, attract new clients, and welcome back existing ones.

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Decor For the Home Home How To

Personalize Your Home With One Of A Kind Wallpaper

Wallpapers are a beautiful concept. Although they have been around for years, they recently made a re-entry in the form of peel and stick wallpaper. They add color to your otherwise monotonous walls, but they also fill your home with patterns that personalize your home and make it feel cozier and brighter.

If you are a fan of this concept but don’t know how you can accentuate the look of your home, this guide will help. You can transform your kitchen, bathrooms, hallways, and bedrooms into a more cheerful look that everyone will fall in love with.

How to Personalize Your Home With Wallpaper

Use the Art of Pattern and Transform Your Kitchen

There are many options online as kitchen wallpaper ideas. The best part is that the technological advancements have given us vinyl wallpaper peel and stick options that can even cope with damp conditions. You can also redecorate your kitchen cabinets and repeat the pattern to provide them with a luxe look.

Use Wallpaper in Your Smaller Spaces to Trick the Eye

Smaller spaces are ideal for bold wallpaper ideas. Use strong prints or colors and make it just the way you want so that you don’t get tired of the place quickly. By utilizing wallpaper with a terrarium design, you can make your room look bigger. You can also opt for wallpaper vertical with stripes to give it an elongated look. You must be aware of what you want to do with your space and choose the pattern accordingly.

Turn Your Cabinets and Create a Statement and Personalize Your Home

You don’t have to limit yourself when it comes to cabinets. Instead, add interest by using different patterns and designs to your cabinets. Opt for floral prints or geometric designs to give it a distinguished look. You can also opt for a small strip and add similar tones to other areas so that the matching works well. Have a theme and add colors and patterns.

Personalize Your Home
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Exaggerate Ceilings Using Vertical Stripes

Think outside the box when considering wallpaper. Enhance your ceiling heights if you use vertical stripes. You can use it to create a border or break the space to apply great effect on the ceiling line. Another idea is to mirror the line using inner curtain ties and create a symmetry finish.

Go Dramatic With Wall Mural Ideas

Maximize your walls by opting for mural ideas. One idea is to add vibrant, natural-filled designs and dress your walls to look like artwork. You can also create a contrasting backdrop using similar designs and patterns. The idea is to bring life to your walls and home.

Personalize Your Home

You can add more personalization or character to your home using one-of-a-kind wallpaper. Don’t be afraid to go bold, either. Allow your home to reflect who you are and let your personality shine through. 

Categories
Adulting Business Finances Mental Health

3 Easy and Effective Ways To Be Happy At Work

be happy at work

As we spend a significant amount of our life at work, we must make the most of our time there. Learning to be happy at work will roll over into the rest of our lives. Even if we can’t all find the ideal job, being happy will help us tremendously in whatever we choose to do in the end. Even if we have to work to pay the bills, we can still be happy. Happiness at work has the potential to transform a profession we don’t enjoy into one we like. A healthier work environment and a happier life are possible.

be happy at work

How To Be Happy At Work

Choose Positivity 

In many cases (although we understand not all), you can choose to be positive. Looking at the bright side of any situation is something we should all aim to do. Focusing on negative things will only make us feel worse, impacting how we look at our work and how productive we are.

When trying to be positive, you need to avoid negativity as much as you can. That means staying away from negative people and choosing to spend time with those who are also positive. It will help you see the good in everything. The more positive you can be, the better and happier you will feel, even if you are doing a task that isn’t to your taste.

Work On Career Development 

If you want to be happy at work, you might need to look for a new job where your skills are better used. If that’s the case, make sure you spend enough time working on your career development. Take charge of your future and ensure that you get the training you need to move forward. Getting the training might mean going to a course in the evenings or learning more online. If it is going to help you be happier at work, it is certainly worth doing.

Although this might seem like a lot of hard work – and sometimes is – having a goal in mind will help. Perhaps you want to look at apartments near me and finally be able to afford your own home, or maybe you want to get a promotion so you can go on a great vacation. Keep these goals in mind, and the hard work will be worth it. 

Switching jobs is sometimes a good option, too. You can find a higher-paying job in your industry or try something entirely new. Using job boards like Jooble can help you determine your options and consider your next move.

Have A Hobby 

Even if you don’t enjoy your job, having something to look forward to at the end of the day will bring happiness. A hobby is something to think about, as it’ll help you think about something else, too. It could be a sport, something you collect, an artistic endeavor, or anything else that makes you feel good.

If you don’t have a hobby and nothing to take your mind off work, it might be time to start one. Think about your skills and interests, and search around for a way to incorporate them into your life. There are groups for many exciting and interesting things, from archaeology to pottery to cycling and everything in between. There is sure to be at least one other person you can find to help you get started. 

Be Happy At Work

We should all strive to be happy at work. Things aren’t always perfect, but it’s detrimental to dread and ruminate about what we must do daily. Use these tips to help you find happiness.

Categories
Adulting How To Life

5 Important Things To Consider When Buying a New Car

new car

When you’re ready to purchase a new car, the idea gives you an adrenaline rush almost immediately. However, with hundreds of different new car models available, it can be easy to get confused.

Choosing the right car can be pretty challenging, and unless you already know much about cars, you may get blown away by the most visually appealing one. If you’re unlucky with your choice of vehicle, you might just be setting yourself up for a tedious and regret-filled experience.

Before heading to a car dealer, you might already have a few preferred car brands and models in mind. However, regardless of your preferred car brand, it’s essential to consider a few things about any new car before handing over your cash. Keeping these factors at heart will help you select only the best new cars for yourself, even if you’re within budget. 

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What To Consider When Buying a New Car

1. Quality

Owning and maintaining a car comes at a cost different from the one-time payment for securing the vehicle. The long-term cost of owning a car will usually be higher than the actual cost of purchasing the vehicle.

One way to determine this is to read various reviews online about the car brand and model you are considering. Highly rated cars are less likely to be problematic as they’re already tested and used by others.

So issues common with the newest model, such as navigation challenges, reverse-parking assist problems, rubber seal wearing, paint peeling, rattling noises, etc., are unlikely to be a challenge for you.

If you want a redesigned or newly introduced vehicle, there’s a higher chance of experiencing problems within its first year of production than in subsequent years. The problems occur because not as many other people have bought the cars, and the kinks haven’t quite been figured out. Since only very few people have tested the machine.

To help you get the best, you might want to go for at least one-year-old cars as they have undergone more tests.

2. Cost of Ownership

Owning and maintaining a car comes at a cost, which is different from the one-time payment for securing the vehicle. In fact, the long-term cost of owning a car will usually be higher than the actual cost of purchasing the vehicle.

Due to this, you want to make sure you know the cost of maintaining your new vehicle, which includes depreciation, fuel, oil replacement, repairs, and insurance. By and large, depreciation is the largest of these costs, and it’s the loss in value your vehicle records over time.

Once you understand the maintenance costs, you know which car is best for your financial strength.

3. Reliability

A reliable vehicle means fewer repairs and longer-lasting quality performance. Imagine what it’s like buying a car that becomes grossly less efficient within a year or two. It would be painful, for sure.

Your new vehicle should be a highly reliable one as that will save you thousands of dollars on repairs and maintenance. Plus, high reliability gives you peace of mind and guarantees more safety behind the wheel.

Car warranties in recent years can be anywhere between 3 to 10 years or 36,000 to 100,000 miles. And as expected, you may have to pay more for new cars with more extended warranties.

4. Appearance

You don’t want to buy a vehicle that you don’t feel connected to because of its unappealing looks. Even though quality and reliability are highly essential, the appearance of your machine isn’t any less important.

Your car’s body and style say a lot about your personality and taste, so get a befitting vehicle. Plus, surveys show that your vehicle can make you look more attractive. Looking more attractive means greater chances of impressing potential clients and closing good business deals.

5. Car Maintenance

Finally, once you have chosen the perfect car, you want to maintain it properly to help your machine last longer. Poor vehicle maintenance can make your automobile develop various problems earlier than it typically should.

Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is exciting, but it can be stressful if you don’t know what to look for. Use these tips and find a vehicle that you love.

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Adulting For the Home Home

The Best 5 Steps To Encapsulate Your Crawl Space

When it comes to taking care of a home, most homeowners often neglect the importance of crawl spaces. They don’t go into the crawl spaces frequently, making it easy to overlook. However, overlooking your crawl spaces can affect your overall home, making it essential that you encapsulate your crawl space.

Crawl spaces are dark and wet and harbor biological contaminants, such as molds and pests. Left untreated, it can affect the indoor air quality of your home, potentially causing health issues.

What Is Encapsulation?

The encapsulation process isn’t as complicated as it may sound. The process of crawl space encapsulation refers to keeping your crawl spaces clean and dry. It involves sealing, insulation, and conditioning. In some cases, water encapsulation is necessary to keep water out of the area.

Here are some of the benefits of keeping your crawl space clean and dry:

  • Minimize the risk of mold
  • Promotes energy efficiency
  • Clean storage space
  • Minimize repairs
  • Eliminate pests

Encapsulation can be a DIY project, but unfortunately, most people often do it in the wrong way. For that reason, seeking professional help can be a wise move.

Encapsulate Your Crawl Space
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Steps To Encapsulate Your Crawl Space

If you want to encapsulate your crawl space, follow the below steps:

Examine Your Property

First, you need to examine your property and your home’s layout. However, if you find poor indoor air quality, drainage, or any grading issues, it is wise to consult professionals to address the issue immediately.

Repair The Crawl Space

After examining the property, the next step is to repair your crawl space. Repairing includes removing or replacing any rotten wood. Also, make sure you get the band joists, floor joists, and girders.

Make sure to seek professional help from experts when you remove portions of the crawl space. Also, clear all the debris to start the actual work.

Seal The Vents

Once all the issues resolve, seal the vents and ensure there aren’t any gaps in the floors. You can use sealed doors, vent covers, or cement to seal the vent. By sealing the vents effectively, you can stop the moisture damage on your property. However, if they aren’t properly sealed, it can encourage mold and mildew growth, affecting your overall health.

Remove Current Moisture Barrier

The next step is to remove your current moisture barrier and replace it with a new one. Installing a thermal barrier to remove moisture can be your best bet. It can prevent any outdoor air from entering your crawlspace.

Dry Your Crawl Space

At this point, you are almost done with the encapsulation process. But this is not the end. You have to make your space dry to prevent further mold or pests. The best way to do it is to install a dehumidifier.

Once your crawl space is dry, you are done with the process. However, regular inspection is necessary to keep the area in optimal shape.

Encapsulate Your Crawl Space

The encapsulation process isn’t too complicated as it may sound. You just need to follow all the steps mentioned above to streamline the process.

To sum it up, make sure to seek professional help as experts have the right tools to get the job done effectively.

Categories
Adulting Buying a Home

3 Important Things You Must Consider When Buying A Home

Buying A Home

When you’re buying a home, there are many things to think about. You don’t want to end up with buyer’s remorse or lose out on the perfect home because you made some mistake. So here are three essential things to get right when buying a home.

Buying A Home
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Things to Consider When Buying A Home

Location, Location, Location

The old adage is true – location is everything when buying a home. You need to think about what kind of neighborhood you want to live in and what’s important to you. You’ll want to find a neighborhood with good schools if you have kids. If you commute into the city, you’ll need to find a home close to public transportation.

Think about your lifestyle and what’s important to you, and then find a neighborhood that fits those needs. Don’t just buy a home because it’s in a good neighborhood – make sure the community is right for you.

If you can, take some time to visit the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Drive around, see what the streets are like, and talk to people who live there. You’ll get a much better idea of whether or not the neighborhood is right for you.

Size And Space

Think about how much space you need, and find a home that fits your needs. You don’t want to buy a too small or too big home – you’ll just be uncomfortable.

When you’re buying a home, think about how much space you need for your current situation and how much space you’ll need in the future. You’ll need more space if you have kids or if you plan on having a lot of guests over.

Don’t just look at the size of the home – also look at the size of the lot. If you have kids, you’ll want a big enough lot for them to play on.

Also, think about the layout of the home. Is there enough room for all of your furniture? Will you be able to put your furniture in the right places?

Budget

Your budget is probably the most important thing to get right when buying a home. You don’t want to overspend and end up in debt or underspend and not be able to afford your mortgage.

When you’re setting your budget, make sure you include all of the costs of owning a home. For example, your mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and repairs must be considered.

Don’t forget about the upfront costs of buying a home, either. You’ll need to pay for your down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses.

Make sure you have enough money saved up for a down payment and don’t forget to budget for monthly expenses. Talk to a lender if you’re unsure how much you can afford. They’ll be able to help you figure out what your mortgage payment should be.

Buying A Home

There are many things to consider when buying a home. First, make sure you think about your needs and budget. Then visit the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Finally, talk to lenders and other experts to ensure you make the best decision for yourself.

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Health Healthy Living

5 Signs You Are Struggling with Addiction (And How to Get Help)

When people think about addiction, stereotypes about non-functioning, irrational, and potentially abusive addicts often come to mind. However, the line between addiction and healthy, recreational alcohol use is thin and easy to cross. If you worry your substance use is bordering on problematic but aren’t sure if it’s serious enough to warrant help, these five signs may help add clarity to your situation.

Addiction
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What is Addiction?

Addiction is an extreme substance use disorder (SUD), wherein substance use continues despite evidence that it negatively impacts a person’s quality of life.

Whether you think you might have an addiction or are interested in supporting a loved one with addiction, you should pay attention to the following five signs of addiction: 

Hiding Substance Use

Do you consume alcohol in the privacy of your garage where no one is watching? This behavior, and any other that you strive to keep a secret, indicates that you may have a problem.

You are likely hiding your behavior because you know that friends and family may express concern if you were to do it in front of them. 

Feeling Out of Control Is a Sign of Addiction

People who have addictions do not feel like they have firm control over their substance use. 

Additionally, if you feel like you can quit using the substance cold-turkey, although that’s far from honest, it could be a sign. On the other hand, if you think you can consume large quantities without a problem, it could be an issue.

Increase in Substance Use

Have you noticed that your substance use has increased recently? If you’ve been feeling stressed at work and drinking more to cope, it is indicative of a problem. Likewise, if you drink daily as a way to unwind, it might be time to get help.

Increased use generally indicates an increased need, which is indicative of addiction. 

Change in Relationships

People with addictions generally notice that their relationships have become strained. If friends and family members notice addictive behavior, they may confront their loved ones and receive negativity. The person struggling with addiction may also have less time and interest in their relationships.

Change in Activities

Like relationships, people with SUD often have less interest in and energy to engage in the activities they once enjoyed.

Like drugs and alcohol, participating in pleasurable activities increases feel-good hormones in the body. However, substance use has a more immediate effect on the brain than hobbies. As drug and alcohol abuse increases, participation in hobbies decreases. 

How to Get Help for Addiction

There are several avenues to getting help if you think you may have an addiction. The most surefire way to get clean is to visit a detoxification and treatment center. These facilities employ highly trained healthcare professionals and can target the underlying causes. 

Alternatively, you may try to tackle your addiction on your own. Confide with close friends and family, and contact a therapist. These specialists can help you develop the tools to overcome addiction and get back to living the life you’ve always dreamed of having.