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Study Examines the Effects That Video Games Have on Our Brains

Source: npr.org

Video games are a massive part of American culture, but along with that contribution has come a fair amount of stigma about how they impact people’s cognitive abilities. The generally accepted understanding from those who aren’t active gamers is that they “rot your brain,” especially when you play for prolonged stretches of time.

In reality, research has started to show that video games can have positive effects on the brain outside of reliance or serious attachment to them from a psychological perspective. In fact, many people have also seen an improvement in anxiety, stress, and relaxation as a result of playing video games. In a new study, OnlineRoulette.org surveyed 1,000 gamers to see how video games, and different genres of games, impacted their mental health.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Overall, 42% of respondents said they used video games as a sort of escape from everyday life, but they also felt that games had a positive impact on their stress level and relaxation. In particular, 65.8% said that gaming relaxes them, while 21.3% said it has no effect on how relaxed they are, and just 12.9% said it makes them less relaxed. Results were similar with stress levels—50.2% said gaming decreases their level of stress, 25.1% said it has no effect, and 24.7% said it increases how stressed they are.

Breaking it down by genre and content, things get pretty interesting. Of course, the topic of violent video games and the influence they have (or don’t have) on people is one that has been discussed for as long as video games have been popular. How do nonviolent/peaceful games impact brain activity and things like anxiety? According to the study, 75% of gamers said that nonviolent video games are helpful for relaxation, and 49% said nonviolent games decrease their anxiety. 89% of respondents said that Animal Crossing was their preferred nonviolent/peaceful game.

Sports games are also immensely popular among gamers at large, and there are of course plenty of cognitive benefits that come along with engaging in these often complicated games. Some of the biggest benefits of sports games, according to respondents, include competitiveness (81.2%), strategic thinking (74.1%), and happiness (74.1%). 67.9% said that sports games increased confidence, and 61.2% said it helped to improve their relaxation.

Source: quora.com

Overall, while these benefits are important and noteworthy, interestingly enough 22% said that sports games actually increased their stress levels. That’s a pretty decent percentage for sports games, which take so much focus that you might assume stress wouldn’t be as impacted.

The same certainly can’t be said for survival games, though. The study noted that one in four respondents felt survival games such as Call of Duty increased their stress levels. However, 50% said games like CoD actually relax them—though that relaxation is felt after they’ve finished playing. Generally, with survival games that use fear as a component, many enjoy that feeling. A study from Indiana University actually noted that 44.1% of the 269 gamers surveyed enjoyed the feeling of being scared while playing video games.

With violent video games, the study showed that respondents also find some benefits in playing these often maligned and hotly-debated games. 80.4% said they help with strategic thinking, 75.7% said they make them happier, 70.2% said they increase their competitiveness, 63.9% said violent games relax them, and 57.3% said they increase their confidence.

Ultimately, video games can be a great source of enjoyment and relaxation for many people regardless of genre or intensity. The benefits, generally, seem to vary greatly depending on the type of game it is, and it’s safe to say that it also varies depending on the person playing them. The survey certainly shed some light on the debate over whether gaming is a healthy practice, and hopefully, research will continue to show that it’s a valid medium that when played in reasonable moderation can really bring people some much-needed relaxation and fun.

Source: momjunction.com

Reasons Why Videos Games Have a Positive Impact on Your Brain

People have been debating on this topic for years. Most of them believe that video games are responsible for various mental issues but there it has not been proven scientifically. But here we come with several reasons that can help you understand that it actually does have a positive impact on your brain. Let us check these out one by one. 

  • Improves memory

One of the biggest advantages of playing video games is that it helps in improving concentration and memory. If you have been fighting for your life in fortnite, then you must be aware of all necessary spots from where you get the right resources to save your life. Such an environment helps in building focus and remembering things for a longer duration. 

Source: tntribune.com
  • Enhances your learning abilities

Many parents believe that video games make their children’s minds dull, which is why they do not get good marks in their academics. But this is not true. Researchers from the UK conducted a study which shows that it can actually help boost their brain flexibility. They said that the games require children to think critically, which automatically helps in increasing their ability to learn things well. 

  • Improves decision-making ability:

Whether it comes to personal life or professional life, decision-making plays an important role. Sometimes, various situations arrive in which we have to make some quick and best decisions. While you play a game and suddenly some rival comes in front of you, you quickly have to process your brain and make necessary steps to save yourself from danger. It indeed helps you in real-time decision making as well. 

  • Great way to relax your mind:

It is believed that many people play video games just to relax their mind after a hectic work routine. Various studies have been conducted that has shown that even simple games such as angry birds can help in lightening up a person’s mood and cheering him up. Whenever a person plays video games, he completely gets lost in it and forgets about all the worries or stress he has got in his life. Therefore, if you are also dealing with a lot of stress lately, then try this fun method. 

  • Problem solving skills:

Playing video games involves facing and putting a lot of effort in winning the challenges. To win those challenges, complicated problem solving skills are needed. That is why it is said that the virtual problem solving skills also help in dealing with the real life hurdles. The more you will make the use of building gaming strategies to win, the more it will help you in enhancing your problem solving abilities. 

Source: parenting.firstcry.com
  • Helps in treating depression:

Some years back, a study conducted in New Zealand found that video games can be even helpful in treating mental health issues like depression. This research was conducted keeping SPARX games in mind. It is a game which is known to provide therapy to the teenages who are dealing with mental disorders. This game helped them in becoming active and enjoy their counselling session as much as they can.

What Happens When Your Home Floods?

A flood can be caused by a natural disaster, pipe breaking, sewer backlog, or a defective pipeline. However, whatever the source, the surge does tremendous damage, and one must simultaneously safeguard themselves and their property.

Flood water is filthy and can spread disease if not properly cleaned. Make no decisions without first considering the consequences.

This blog discusses how to address the issue once the flood has occurred.

Source: Realtor.com

1) Restricting the source

It is essential to identify the source of water so you can rectify the place. Sometimes you may not remember the location. Thus, it would help if you carried advanced tests to determine them.
Professional restoration services such as EvansLeakDetection.com have such equipment which can detect such places. Fault identification will reduce the damage to several folds.

Professional restoration services have such equipment which can detect such places. Fault identification will reduce the damage to several folds.

If the flooding is because of heaving rainfall or storm, contact the Disaster Relief body in the area to inform them about the scenarios and ask them to clear the drains and remove all the waste from them to ensure the smooth passage of water.

Nowadays, automatic shutoff valves reduce water damage that ensures that the water does not spread all around the premises and is contained. You can also install them.

2) Check for Structural Damages

Floods can hit with tremendous force, destroying the structure of the building. As a result, it is critical to get your home examined once before moving back in.

To guarantee the building’s safety, look for damaged walls, floors, and ceilings. Do not enter the premises if there is any damage or if the structure is in danger of collapsing. People who have had water damage in West Palm Beach should notify the appropriate agency as soon as possible so that they can respond at the scene.

Call your utility provider to get them repaired if you discover any gas leaks, water leaks, or exposed electrical wires. If you notice any threat, always remain away and wait for authorities to fix it.

Source: floodlist.com

3) Document Everything

Before cleaning the area, make movies and photographs of your home to document it. These will aid you in the process of filing an insurance claim. They will also assist you in the repair procedure.

Record everything that happens during clean-up to provide your insurance company with a better picture of the damage that occurred. More images and videos can help you make your case during the claim procedure.

4) Removing the water and cleaning the place

After the water has dried and stabilized the situation, it is time to clean the area. Begin by eliminating any standing water. Depending on the amount of water on the site, you may need to use a wet vacuum or a pump to remove it. Lifting too many buckets of water can be harmful to your back and body.

Mold may begin to grow if the water remains for an extended period. Water will deteriorate your home’s carpets and furnishings over time. It has the potential to destroy valuable documents and possessions that may otherwise be saved.

It is best to rent a sump pump for this reason or contact a professional firm that deals with water damage to remove the water as soon as possible.

Remove all items that are no longer appropriate for use, and then dry and disinfect the remaining items before reusing them.

Source: familyhandyman.com

5) Notify your insurance carrier

It is essential to have a policy in place to protect yourself against such losses. Contact your insurance provider as soon as the situation improves and explain every detail of the issue. Further, they will interrogate you about the area, the type of damage that occurred, and so on. Pay great attention to what they say and do as they say.

List down all the required paperwork and keep them ready for the next stage in the procedure. Before cleaning and restoring the area, please take pictures of it to document the damage and assist you in filing a claim.

The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the situation and decide what damages are covered. Submit the paper as soon as possible so that you may proceed with the procedure.

6) Removing the waste

After drying, clean the area and remove any damaged materials. Things that have been submerged in water for more than 48 hours are no longer fit for use. Among other things, you must remove the drywall, baseboards, floors, carpets, furnishings, cabinets, and appliances.

Clothes, shoes, and utensils that have not been destroyed or worn out can be completely dried in the sun. Would you please discard the food products since they have the potential to cause illness? Save any material you feel can be saved. Allow them to air dry outside. Any items that cannot be reused owing to water damage should be discarded.

Source: nyt.com

7) Start restoration and move back

Water damage impacts several areas of your home. It includes your furniture, flooring, carpeting, drywall, and other personal belongings. It would be advantageous if you obtained an appraisal of the property before relocating. There is a chance that certain flaws will not be visible from the outside but will exist inside.

Following the examination, you may begin the repair procedure by the suggestions.

When all the repairs have been done and documentation and permission granted, you may return to your house.

The Bottom Line

We hope this helps you in the restoration of your property. You will be able to return to your house after it has been repaired and restored. Hire a restoration company like ColumbusWaterDamage will help you regain your place so that you can live your life happy once again.

A flood can be a challenging experience for you as it damages the places and things with which one may also have an emotional and sentimental value. Never imagine you are alone in this process. You have the support of the authorities, the insurance company, and your loved ones. It will be okay soon!

Where to Buy CBD Oil

If you’re finally ready to get started with CBD oil, you’re far from alone. Thanks to the growing list of research-backed benefits, many Americans are adding this powerful natural remedy to their daily health regimens.

But because demand for CBD is growing so fast, it can be hard to know who to trust with your hard-earned cash—especially if you’re new to this kind of purchase. With so many options available, how can you choose a reputable retailer and find the right product for your needs?

No matter what health benefits you’re looking for, here’s what you should know if you’re deciding where to buy CBD oil.

Source: Healthline.com

Where to Buy CBD Oil Locally

If you live in an area where you can find CBD oil in stores, you may be in luck. As CBD grows in popularity, more and more buying opportunities are popping up in many regions throughout the U.S.

However, it’s important to note that local sellers may not always have your best interests in mind.

In some cases, you may only be able to find CBD hemp oil in stores like tobacco shops, drug stores, and even massage parlors. These sellers don’t always specialize in CBD, meaning that they may simply be selling flashy products in the hopes of making a quick sale. This is why it’s often better to turn your search online, where you can make sure you’re working with a knowledgeable seller.

If you must buy from a local shop, however, you’ll have to find a reputable, CBD-specific retailer in your area. If you’re new to buying CBD, it’s always a good idea to talk to friends and family, and even to ask your doctor for recommendations if you’re seeking CBD for medical or therapeutic purposes.

Source: sfexaminer.com

Where to Buy CBD Oil Online

When you buy CBD online, you have a broader spectrum of CBD retailers to choose from—which can make the decision seem difficult! However, there are a few things you can do to narrow down your options.

First, look into retailers who sell CBD exclusively, as these sellers are more likely to provide high-quality products with excellent service. You’ll also want to find a website that makes it easy to sift through your options, understand the CBD amounts you’re getting, and select the right premium product according to the health benefits you’re seeking.

Since you’ll need your products delivered to you, don’t forget to also look for sellers with quick delivery times, great customer service, and satisfaction guarantees!

Source: OpenAccessGovernment.com

Products Must Be Third-Party Lab Tested

If you’re browsing CBD products, you may have noticed that some brands advertise independent, third-party CBD lab testing.

At CBDReThink, we use an independent third-party lab to test our CBD products. So, we ensure the quality, potency, and purity of the ingredients.

Our third-party lab runs a series of tests to discern what is in our products, but the most important, what isn’t in our products: heavy metals, pesticides, or any harmful microbes. Once the testing is complete, we receive a Certificate of Analysis, which can be accessed by the QR code on the label of all our products.

Source: genengnews.com

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Trust an online store that sells CBD products with the money-back guarantee stamp. Keep in mind that if you see CBD products with a “100% money-back guarantee,” this indicates that your purchases are protected and you are able to receive back the full price of the product that you’re returning.

Source: nutraingredients-usa.com

Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum CBD

If you want to know where and how to buy CBD Oil, then you must know the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD:

  • Full Spectrum CBD contains small amounts of all components of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), so yes! It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but the hemp plant contains less than 0.3 percent THC, which makes it federally legal. One of the biggest benefits of full-spectrum CBD is that you will get potential therapeutic benefits of the entourage effect. The “entourage effect”, is the suggested positive contribution derived from the addition of terpenes to the effect of cannabinoids.
  • Broad Spectrum CBD is a type of Hemp-derived CBD that does not contain THC, you will still get some benefits of the entourage effect but with no THC. One potential plus of broad-spectrum CBD is that you keep a clear mind, no THC means no “high” feeling. Broad-spectrum CBD still contains some other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may offer benefits beyond the CBD alone.

Non-Transparent Bottles

When it comes to CBD oil containers you should focus on UV light. It is because of direct exposure of skin and eyes to UVC radiation from the sun and some UVC lamps may cause painful eye injury and burn-like skin reactions or worse, skin cancer. The UV rays can destroy skin cells, and it can ruin your oils in pretty much the same way as it can break down essential oils. In summary, light can break down the compounds of the oil you store in clear bottles, making them less effective.

Knowing this, clear bottles may not protect essential oils. The CBD oils inside clear containers may oxidize and could be less effective. You would need more CBD oil to get the same benefits when you store it in transparent bottles. You can also choose a CBD manufacturer brand that has a wraparound label that will completely cover the clear bottle, effectively shutting out all light.

Choose Us for Your CBD Needs

As a trusted online CBD retailer, we offer a huge range of products sourced from high-quality hemp and shipped fast at your convenience—in addition to a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Shop our CBD oils to find the perfect solution for your needs, or get in touch with us with questions.

Commonly Used Terms In Stock Market?

There are certain phrases that are intermittently connected with a specific industry. For instance, if you are not too aware of the dog industry, you will have no idea what Fido, mongrel, pooch, whelp, flag, ruff, crabbing, hackney, etc., means. The list can go on and on, and you wouldn’t understand a thing. Similarly, you will find different industry-specific jargon related to the stock market. Now, if you want to become an invested investor, knowing about these terminologies will aid you in the long run.

Why is understanding the stock market terms important?

You will often observe experts and novices talk about the stock market in terms of market breadth, yield, bear market, crash, correction, etc. Now, if you have no idea about it, you will find yourself confused. It is vital that you know about these terminologies if you want to deal in stock market tradings.

Expanding your knowledge base will aid you to excel in the learning curve of the stock market. Knowing about them doesn’t guarantee a profit. But, it will definitely assist you in making better decisions. It is the best way to gauge the market without taking assistance from others.

Take a look at some of the essential stock market lingos.

Source: michelin.com
  • Dividend

When you buy the shares of a plumbic-held company, then you may get the dividend. It is a reward that the business oilprofit.io organization gives to the shareholders from their profits. Now, this is not compulsory, and not every company offers dividends. You can also get dividends in the form of stocks, cash, or any other type of securities. It is why you must be careful while buying stocks. This can generate a substantial amount of passive income.

  • Bear market

The bear market is the term given into the market when there is an overall decline in the value of the stocks. However, the market cannot be considered bearish if the prices do not decline by 20%. During this time, the economy falters, and unemployment spreads across the country. There are various factors that can lead to the development of the bear market. It can be due to political upheavals, economic depression, rumors, natural disasters, etc. Furthermore, the investors seem to pull out, and fewer trades occur. The opposite of the bear market is the bull market.

Source: Medium.com
  • Trend

Trend is basically the indication in which the stock market is moving. For instance, if the market has been witnessing a decline in the rate of stock values, then you can say that there is a downward trend. Similarly, if the market exhibits an increase in the price of the stocks, there is an upward trend. However, there are no particular time limitations when it comes to trends. It can stay for a few days or months.

  • Bull market

The bull market is actually the market condition in which the price of the stocks increases substantially. During this period, the economy thrives, and there is a high employment rate. Moreover, investors seem optimistic and conduct more tradings than before. The opposite of the bull market is the bear market.

Source: Medium.com
  • Sell/buy/hold

The “buy”, “sell”, “hold” terms are the simplest to understand. In the world of the stock market, buy refers to the purchasing of stocks in return for a considerable amount of money. It also insinuates the recommendation of analysts to purchase specific stocks.

Now, sell indicates the selling of the stocks you already have in exchange for money. It also refers to the recommendation of the analysts to sell a particular stock.

Hold means that you do not have to buy or sell stocks. It just implies that you need to let the specific phase pass before you make any tradings.

  • Portfolio

A portfolio is a term used to define the investments that you have made as an investor. It can include as low as only one stock, and it can also point to various types of stocks and other financial securities. In order to attain a minimal risk, diversification of the investment portfolio is a must.

Source: tradebrains.in
  • Underweight

It is vital that you understand that an investment portfolio is often based on the standard ones. In this case, the term “underweight” means that you are lacking in the amount for a particular security in your overall investments. For instance, the benchmark portfolio for the banking sector is 15%, but you have 10% of banking stocks. It means that your portfolio is now 5% underweight with regards to the banking stocks. It is the opposite of overweight.

  • Overweight

Most of the investment portfolio are made keeping in mind the benchmark portfolios. Here, the jargon “overweight” means that a solo investor has particular security in an extra amount. For instance, the benchmark portfolio for banking stocks is 15%, and you have 20% of it. This means that your portfolio is now 5% overweight when it comes to the banking sector. It is the opposite of underweight.

Source: BitRebels.com
  • Assets

Assets include anything that a business organization owns on paper. It is not only limited to currency but can also refer to technology, patents, land, etc. It is a reflection of the status of a company. The more assets a firm has, the more value will its shares have in the market.

  • Benchmark

Are you wondering what a bentradingchmark is? It is the standard, which is used to determine the performance of a stock. Several market indexes are used as benchmarks. For example – the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NSE Nifty, etc., are some popular benchmarks. With this, you can gain an idea about the performance of a specific stock.

Source: investinblockchain.com
  • Price-to-Earnings Ratio

The price-to-earnings or the P/E ratio is the ratio of the latest price of the shares of the firm to the amount it earns per share.

These are some of the terms that are extensively used in the stock market. A comprehensive understanding of these jargons will help you to make crucial decisions regarding investments. It will help you to come to terms with the inner mechanizations of this industry. Next time, you won’t feel out of place when other investors start discussing the market.

7 Best Snorkeling Spots in Cancun

Source: pexels.com

With a vibrant culture and a tropical climate, it’s no surprise that Americans flock to spend their vacations in Cancun. Since it’s located in the Gulf of Mexico, the waters here are more sheltered and have gentler currents. Cancun’s beaches are well-known for their beauty, but there’s a whole other world beneath the surface that’s just as spectacular.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, runs parallel to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The reef begins in Isla Contoy on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and runs nearly 700 miles south along the coast to the Bay Islands in Honduras.

It goes without saying that Cancun has many fantastic snorkeling spots where you can see a variety of marine life, including colorful coral and sea turtles. You’ll also not want to miss out on the mangroves and freshwater cenotes.

Snorkeling doesn’t require prior training or exceptional swimming skills, making it a great way to explore and learn more about marine life while enjoying your vacation.
Here are our picks for the seven best snorkeling spots in Cancun.

1. MUSA – Cancun’s Underwater Museum

Source: scubadiverlife.com

As far as snorkeling goes, this is one of the best places to visit in the world. MUSA is a multi-year project that began in 2009. The underwater museum was made by submerging 500 full-size sculptures, and more are added every year.

The brainchild of Jaime Gonzalez Canto, who created it with the help of British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, MUSA is an incredible sight and the largest museum of its kind in the world. Its goal is to protect the local reefs but providing a dedicated diving area for tourists.

The sculptures were made from pH-neutral marine concrete and were then anchored into the ocean floor, making it an environmentally friendly museum. With time, the sculptures become home to various plant and animal species, integrating into the aquatic environment.

If you only have time to snorkel at one location, this should be it. You can book a CancunSnorkeling.com tour that will take you to see not only the sculptures but anything from turtles to rays.

2. Punta Nizuc

Source: spacetraveller.com

Punta Nizuc is another great snorkeling spot located on the southern end of the Cancun hotel zone. It has a floating platform you can use to launch yourself into your snorkeling adventure, so you don’t have to swim there.

The waters here, like those in the rest of Cancun, are calm, warm, clear, and full of marine life – perfect for snorkeling. This area is home to 37 different varieties of coral, 230 types of flora, 100 fish species, and four turtle species.

You’ll also see 16 sculptures such as The Last Supper, The Gardener of Hope, and Time Bomb from British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and Icebreaker, Understanding, and Threshold from Cuban sculptor Elier Amado Gil. There are also tours available in this area, and most travelers reach by speedboat shuttle.

3. Cozumel

Source: cancunadventuretours.com

Cozumel is a small island off the coast of Cancun. It has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen and a lot of tourist stands, making it an excellent shopping destination. But you’re here to read about snorkeling, so rest assured that you’ll also find a variety of beautiful tropical fish in this region.

In Cozumel there is no need to use a boat. You can snorkel right from the beach. The spectacular coral structures can be seen even in shallow waters, making this an excellent snorkeling spot for novices and expert snorkelers alike. The natural gardens that can be seen in these colorful and vibrant reefs can be found all around the coastline of this small island, and they are breathtaking.

4. Isla Mujeres

Source: izlahotel.com

Isla Mujeres is best known for its turtles and sharks. It’s located across the bay from Cancun, so you need to take a boat to get there. However, this only means that you will spend the entire day discovering this wonderland.

The beaches are perfect, with white sand and plenty of space for the whole family. It’s only 5 miles long and a half-mile wide, so you can spend an entire day exploring it. This place has more to offer than just snorkeling. For example, you could visit the ruins of Pirate Mundaca’s hacienda.

Pirate Mundaca lived in the 19th century. The story goes that he fell in love with a local woman called La Trigueña, which translates to The Brunette. He built this hacienda with gardens and beautiful archways in the hopes that this would help him win her over.

Unfortunately, she married another man from the island before the hacienda was finished.
There are also snorkeling tours to Isla Mujeres. You’ll get to see whale sharks, giant rays, turtles, and colorful fish.

5. Akumal

Source: padi.com

Akumal has everything you need for a great day trip: restaurants, snack bars, even supermarkets. Plus, it’s a good spot for beginner snorkelers and kids. There are two areas for snorkeling, and both have calm, clear waters. One is between 3 and 7 feet deep and stretches for about 10 yards. Here you’ll see turtles and rays. The second one has more coral than turtles, a larger area, and it’s between 3 and 20 feet deep.

6. Tulum

Source: viator.com

Tulum is the place to go if you want to get the most out of your snorkeling experience. Stunning Mayan ruins perched on cliffs? Check. Gorgeous reefs? Check. The thrill of swimming through a beautiful cenote? You bet!

This is the kind of snorkeling spot where you’ll really get the most out of your underwater camera. There are just so many colors! Bright purple sea fans, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Plus, there are barracuda, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, and turtles. Who would want to miss out on that?

7. Isla Contoy

Source: cancunalltours.com

The water in Isla Contoy doesn’t go deeper than 9 feet, but you’ll still have a lot to see, like coral, queen conch, and sea turtles. Isla Contoy is an untouched natural wonder that is especially popular with bird lovers since it’s home to more than 150 tropical bird species.

If you’re also interested, you’ll want to get here early. The island was declared a National Park in 1998, and it’s protected by the Mexican government, which means that they limit the number of visitors in order to protect the wildlife.

How to Start Painting As a Hobby – 2024 Guide

Source: pexels.com

Painting is considered to be one of the most creative ways of expressing your art and creativity. It is an excellent outlet for putting out the passion you have inside of you and showing it to the world. Apart from the art expression, painting also serves as an excellent side hobby for people that are looking for a creative way to spend their time.

According to PaintablePictures, one of the leading websites for creating your own custom paintings and personalized pictures, painting can serve as an excellent way to spend your time. Websites like them offer beginners a chance to get started on their own painting journey, regardless of their age and skill.

If you too are looking to start painting as a hobby but are confused about how to do so, then don’t worry, because we have you covered. In this guide, we will explain exactly what you need to get started with your creative coloring journey, what decisions you need to make, and what steps you should follow. Read the article till the end so that you don’t miss out on crucial details.

Choose the type of paint you want to color with

Source: pexels.com

There are several different types of paint for you to choose from when you first start out as a beginner painter. The most beginner-friendly options are acrylic, watercolor, and gouache. Each of these paint types offers different features and gives a different aesthetic to your paintings.

Watercolors make your paintings look extremely light and watery because of their runny composition. Watercolors are difficult to deal with when you first start working with them but once you get used to them, they can prove to be an excellent coloring option for all your painting needs. Their lighter tones allow you to layer your paintings with multiple layers and strokes which provides it with more depth and visual clarity.

Gauche colors are the opposite of watercolors and are much thicker and more solid in composition. Gauche colors provide your paintings dark tones and shades that make each color stand out and become more pronounced. Acrylic is considered to be the best option when it comes to beginner-friendly colors.

Depending on your application, you can achieve lighter tones just like watercolors and darker shades just like gouache colors. They are extremely durable and dry quickly – allowing you to complete your paintings at a faster rate. All you need is a bit of water and student-grade acrylic colors and you are all set to create your own paintings from scratch.

Get materials compatible with your paint type

Source: pexels.com

Painting is not a clean task and during your painting process, you are bound to make a mess and get colors strewn all over your clothes and body – especially on your first time. And that’s completely okay! But just to make sure that you don’t ruin your favorite everyday use clothes, get a set of an old shirt and pants and make them your “painting clothes”.

Get a few rags, sponges, and a pallet to hold your paint. You can choose to paint your paintings on normal-sized paper or an actual canvas, though most people prefer the latter to be a more viable choice. The next major thing you will need is paint brushes. You will need separate brushes for extracting and adding colors for your pallet, called pallet knives.

For the actual painting, you should get a set of soft-bristled brushes and a set of hard-bristled brushes. Softer brushes are great for liquidy paints while their alternatives are great for thicker paints such as gauche, acrylic, or oil. Get a variety of sizes for your brushes so you are able to paint the exact colors you need without getting them mixed.

Having thinner brushes on hand also helps in painting small and slight color strokes while you are working on your painting. Keep your brushes wet from time to time while you are painting and ensure that you take meticulous care of them. Brushes are exceptionally delicate and can break apart after messy and rough use.

Start simple

Source: pexels.com

You don’t need to paint a Picasso in your first attempt to prove to the world you like painting. Start simple. See what you like, what colors you’d wish to work with, and what object, individual, or scene you’d like to paint. Since the pandemic restrictions don’t allow us to go outside as much as possible to get creative inspiration for our painting, you can try painting from virtual pictures at first.

The first time you paint should purely be your own – without any outside help or assistance. This will tell you what areas you need to work on, what style of painting you prefer the most, and what type of paint is most comfortable for you while painting. These are important questions that every painter needs to answer when they first start out.

Get familiar with your colors and how to mix them using color wheels. There are countless tutorials out there that can explain how color mixing works and how color wheels are created. Watch any of these tutorials and you’ll get a pretty fair idea. Also, learn different types of paint brush techniques that can help you achieve a specific color texture for your painting.

Try different ideas

Source: pexels.com

With painting, the sky’s the limit. There are several different things for you to try out and explore. Paintings themselves come in various different forms such as portraits, scenes, still life, architecture, and abstract. Find out which type of painting suits you by trying them all out one by one.

Don’t be afraid to try out other mediums even if you get comfortable with a particular one. Acrylic is amazing, but so are oil and watercolors. Try each one of them out and understand the various benefits and disadvantages of using them.

There are also various painting tutorials online, like those from Bob Ross, which guide you into creating wonderful paintings for yourself. These tutorials help you understand new techniques and painting methods that can enhance your own painting style when you get back to freestyle painting.

Conclusion

Painting is an amazing hobby to have and we hope this article helped you get started with it. In case it did, please follow our website for regular updates as it will help us out immensely.

7 Pros and Cons of Being Your Own Real Estate Agent

Source: mashvisor.com

The real Estate agent is amongst the few work profiles where you can be your own boss. You can even buy, sell or rent your property all by yourself. You can be your own real estate agent and enjoy the financial benefits of selling your property.

Nowadays, buying and selling properties have been easier from online websites. All real estate agencies have their websites where you can see any property available to buy or sell, and you can directly contact the agent for a house tour.

Are you looking to buy or sell a house in Venlo? Visit eugeneschreinemachers.nl for buying and selling your house at the best possible prices.

Pros and cons of being your own Real Estate Agent

Source: mmp.maryland.gov

Pros

1. Flexibility in searching properties

Being your own real estate agent gives you the flexibility to choose your working schedule to look for properties that suit you the best. Due to flexibility in setting up your working schedule, you can look forward to buying, selling or renting properties for yourself anytime.

If you want to sell your property, you can look for buyers who are willing to buy properties whenever you want to. There is no rush or deadline in searching for an ideal property if you’re a real estate agent.

Similarly, if you are looking to buy or rent any property, you can take as much time as you want to look for potential sellers and ideal property for yourself. Real estate has a flexible working schedule built into it, and you can work anytime and how as long as you want.

2. The real estate commission is all yours

A real estate agent gets the commission as a part of their income after a successful sale or purchase of a property. Being your own real estate agent, you can save a huge part of the commission if you are looking to buy or sell a property of your own.

This commission is based on a percentage that varies between 3-6% of the sale price of the property. If you are buying a house for yourself you can look for a house without incurring additional expenses on commission.

Similarly, if you are selling your property, instead of paying commission to some other broker you can keep the commission for yourself. You can even attract more buyers by reducing the commission to some extent.

Source: fortisrealestate.com.au

3. The joy of finding yourself their dream house is seamless

A real estate agent is well aware of the properties available to sell in the whole city, and you can buy a dream house for yourself and your family.

Alongside, you get your house at the lowest prices available. Being your own real estate agent, you know what you want which makes it very easy to find a dream house for yourself.

You don’t have to pay commission and other expenses that you would have to pay if you hire a real estate agent. If you hire a real estate agent, he will show you properties from where he can earn maximum commission.

4. Quick selling your old house and moving into a new house

The advantage of acting as your own real estate agent is that the process of buying and selling a house gets faster. If you are buying a house you don’t have to spend much time taking a house tour because being a real estate broker you already know about the house.

Also, you are aware of the documentation process in buying a house. So, you can prepare the documents beforehand and move into your new house as early as possible.

Similarly, when selling a house you know everything about your house, so you know the potential buyers for the house, and you don’t have to waste time on buyers who can’t afford it or who are looking for a different house.

Source: unitedtolove.org

Cons

1. Difficulty to find buyers to sell the property

Several frauds are happening in the real estate business. To verify yourself as a genuine agent, you must have a license which is proof of authenticity. Nowadays, every buyer wants to see an agent’s license before buying a house.

If you don’t have any prior experience in real estate but to get all the real estate commission by selling your property, if you want to be your own real estate agent, then you need to obtain a license first, or you might have difficulty in finding potential buyers to sell your property.

2. Heavy time commitment is required

Being your own real estate agent is not easy as it sounds. It can be overwhelming at the beginning. You might have to work for long hours to make everything go smoothly. It can be really difficult to find clients to buy, sell or rent properties.

No doubt you will get financial benefits, but you have to dedicate long hours in marketing, searching for potential buyers and sellers, house tours, documentation process, etc. It might be difficult to handle all of it at the beginning, but with experience, you will get used to the process.

Source: investopedia.com

3. Finding buyers and sellers can be challenging

There are countless real estate agents working for various real estate agencies. These agencies have a huge collection of databases for their clients and buyers, and sellers even trust agents who represent an agency.

With such competition of real estate agents, being your own real estate agent can be challenging. Finding potential buyers and sellers will take a lot of time, and the process after that is even more hectic.

Final Thoughts

There are several pros and cons to becoming your own real estate agent. Mostly it depends on how much you know your market and the experience you have in the real estate business.

Source: verraterra.com

If you’re a real estate agent for a long time, then there are more pros and benefits than cons, and with less experience or in the beginning, you have to face a lot of problems while dealing with clients. Once you understand the process thoroughly, you can save a lot of money by becoming your own agent.

What Causes Climate Change And What We Can Do About It

Source: earth911.com

The world is going through variable temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns as of late. Many consider this a coincidence that just happened to occur. Yet, there are several that believe these are the effects of climate change happening. Climate change refers to the significant difference in the weather of certain regions over time. This change naturally takes many years to occur. Though because of human interaction, many fear this change is going to happen sooner than later.

The effects of climate change range from rapid flooding to extremely humid temperatures. Many places in the world are seeing this happening in real-time. Experts predict it is only a matter of time before the entire world sees it. There is no surefire way to stop climate change from happening as of late. But, there are ways to gain more time and allow it to subside. Below are several actions of humans that have accelerated climate change. Possible solutions are also highlighted upon.

Deforestation

Source: globaltimes.cn

A very visible cause of climate change in the world is deforestation. This occurs in every country as wood and leaves are necessary components of many products. To obtain these raw materials entire acres of forest have been cut down. There are entire companies dedicated to deforestation and providing wood as a raw material. The effects of this as well as a possible solution are below.

The Effects

Cutting down vast forest land is not without its drawbacks. To obtain wood, many trees have to be cut down. These trees act as habitats for various animal and insect species. Cutting them down results in the loss of their home. Similarly, cleaning up the forest space makes it harder for animals to move around safely. There is no more free space for them to chart up as a habitat or feeding place. Cutting trees down is effectively increasing the risk for many animals and insects

Trees also act as a way to provide oxygen to the atmosphere. Cutting more and more of them down can reduce the oxygen level of the air. Another side effect is the CO2 absorbed by them will also be released back into the atmosphere. This has serious drawbacks to the protective layer around the earth. Further damage to it can cause harmful UV Rays from the sun to enter the earth. This is what helps accelerate climate change.

What We Can Do About It

The key to stopping deforestation is a lifestyle change. Some changes might be minor to you however are much needed. Avoiding products that use Palm Oil can reduce the demand for cutting down trees. The suppliers will have less incentive and in return avoid deforestation. It is important to conduct research and avoid any product that involves tree cutting. This will be an example for many and can effectively reduce deforestation.

Factory Pollution

Source: europeanwesternbalkans.com

There are thousands of factories around the world. They are usually located far away from societies. This is because of the harmful tendencies they can release around the factory area. Below are the causes of this and a solution.

The Effects

Factories hard at work can release a significant amount of CO2 into the air. This is harmful to the air as it can damage the Ozone layer. Fossil fuels are burnt to add to the energy levels of the factory. This further pollutes the environment. Factory pollution also tends to create acid rain in the air. This can damage the soil and any wildlife around it.

Factories can also cause harmful chemicals to seep into nearby rivers or streams. This not only diminishes any marine life present there but can also be fatal to us. Any human who uses those streams as a water source will be poisoned.

What We Can Do About It

While the factories cant completely stop working, there are solutions. Working efficiently to gather as much output on low energy levels is possible. Factories can achieve this by implementing robotics. High-quality ones such as a pick and place robot effectively increase output at lower energy. Furthermore. Changing the energy source is preferred.

Fossil Fuels

Source: static.ffx.io

For a long time, our households and factories have been powered by fossil fuels. These are natural resources such as coal. They are burned to create energy and this causes problems.

The Effects

Burning fossil fuels naturally create smoke and CO2. These then pollute the air and harm any wildlife around. Fossil fuels burnt also tend to create fires or warm up the temperature significantly.

The biggest drawback however is that these are widely used. These resources are limited and will run out eventually. That is why using fossil fuels as energy means we are living on borrowed time.

What We Can Do About It

There are many new forms of energy being developed. Some are even available now such as wind energy through windmills. The most efficient one so far has been solar energy. Transforming traditional energy to solar can be a lifesaver. Factories and households can make the change necessary.

Solar power only requires an initial investment. This is to install the panels and necessary equipment such as an ACDB Box. Click here for more information. They can save costs in the long run. Most importantly these panels are not harmful to the climate and can help save it.

Conclusion

Source: euronews.com

Climate change is a real threat that is still not widely recognized. While companies are making the change towards electric vehicles and digital currency to mitigate it. We hope world governments also take a stand against it. This is not only our future at stake but our children’s future too.

Avitaminosis: Causes, Course, Elimination

Let’s find out its symptoms and signs to know how to treat and prevent it.

What is vitamin deficiency?

Vitamin deficiency is a disease caused by a deficiency of the vitamins. Particularly frequent the vitamin deficiency is diagnosed in the early spring.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin deficiency depend on nutrients that the body lacks. The common symptoms of vitamin deficiency include

  • malaise,
  • constant fatigue,
  • drowsiness,
  • low efficiency,
  • poor condition of the skin,
  • frequent and severe colds
  • infectious diseases.
Source: askjan.org

There are some signs of the body that indicate the lack of following vitamins:

  • vitamin_A: blurred vision, dry skin, weakened immune system, headaches, insomnia, etc.
  • vitamin_B1: serious changes in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and nervous system
  • vitamin_B2: inflammation in the mucous membranes, peeling of the skin, visual impairment, etc.
  • vitamin_B3: disgust to food, dryness in the mouth, disorders in the intestinal habits, vomiting, irritability, etc.
  • vitamin_B5: frequent stress, poor state of the nails, brittle hair, slow wound healing, etc.
  • vitamin_B6: anemia, dermatitis, spasms, dyspeptic symptoms, overweight, early appearance of gray hair, etc.
  • vitamin_B7 (Biotine): seborrhea, dermatitis, etc.
  • vitamin_B9: insufficient synthesis of protein, anemia, high chances of having cardiovascular diseases, etc.
  • vitamin_B12: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, etc.
  • vitamin_C: sickliness, swelling, bleeding gums, tooth loss, bruising on the body, etc.
  • vitamin_E: rapid aging of the body, muscle cramps, neurological disorders, infertility, etc.
  • vitamin_D: pain and fatigue in muscles, joints and bones, bone fractures, memory impairment, weight loss, depression, decreased fertility, etc.
Source: directorsblog.nih.gov

Sequelae

Vitamin deficiency can lead to severe disorders that can even cause death. But you shouldn’t be alarmed because, fortunately, deaths caused by vitamin deficiency nowadays occur rarely. Meanwhile, in addition to specific signs of vitamin deficiency, patients face mental disorders — neuroses, depression, suffer from deterioration of the quality of life and decrease in physical and intellectual activity.

For women vitamin deficiency in women can end up with violation of the menstrual cycle, decrease in fertility and, as a result, with the development of infertility. During pregnancy, the lack of biologically active elements can lead to various complications. If the mother’s body does not receive enough vitamins during the gestation period. It increases the risk of having a child with congenital diseases and developmental abnormalities.

There are 10 main reasons that lead to vitamin deficiency:

  1. Insufficient vitamins in the food
  2. Sugar abuse
  3. Deletion of the animal food from daily diet
  4. Pregnancy
  5. Dysbiosis
  6. Intestinal parasites
  7. Smoking, alcohol abuse
  8. Destruction of vitamins during storage or cooking of the foodstuff
  9. Polluted environment
  10. Low body temperature
Source: healthyeatinghub.com.au

Treatment of vitamin deficiency

In most cases treatment is prescribed by the doctor after a thorough examination of the patient. The doctor interviews the person in detail, identifies all the causes and symptoms of this state of health. According to the indications, the doctor may prescribe a number of diagnostic tests (electrocardiogram, general clinical tests, CAT scan of the bones, etc.).

When the doctor receives and analyses all the results he or she decides how to treat vitamin deficiency in this specific case. The doctor always takes into account the severity of the deficiency, the age of the patient, possible pathology (cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, malignant neoplasms, etc.).

In the treatment of vitamin deficiency it is necessarily included the elimination of the causes that led to this heath state. For example, there are situations when vitamins arrive in sufficient quantities, but they cannot realize their function for many reasons (low sensitivity of receptors, lack of transport proteins, etc.). Then the doctor is looking for ways to cure this disease. In most cases, therapeutic measures include taking special medicines, a daily regime and a balanced diet.

Source: runtastic.com

How to prevent vitamin deficiency

A deficiency of vitamins and minerals always has a negative impact on human health. In some cases, it leads to serious consequences and aggravates chronic diseases. Therefore, the prevention of vitamin deficiency is one of the most important issues, which consists in:

1 Healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, absence of bad habits, sufficient physical activity, walks in parks, alleys, spending a lot of time outdoors etc.)

The main way to treat vitamin deficiency is to eat more healthily and watch the diet, which will be rich in basic vitamins. Daily ration should definitely include fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits. The patient should consume a sufficient amount of high-quality meat and dairy products.

2 Regular and balanced intake of multivitamin-mineral complexes. Vitamins and supplements help to prevent and treat disorders associated with a lack of certain nutrients.

Nowadays, multivitamin medicine can be prescribed in different forms, amongst them are drops, tablets, lozenges, etc. Multivitamin complexes should be selected carefully, and prescribed by a doctor.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Conclusion

There are a lot of stores that offer natural made products and multivitamins that help keep you healthy and off of prescription drugs. Stores such as shopwellabs.com (a site that has great reviews) offers liquids, tablets or you can get capsules. You can get things non vegan, for vegetarians and even for the rest of your family because getting healthy is something we need to do together. There are natural supplements for depression, for anxiety, pregnancy, for eyes and more. There are tons of vitamin and herbal supplements out there and getting them all on one click of a button is important to save time.

Vitamin deficiency is rightfully considered one of the” horseman” of the winter health-apocalypse, along with depression, decreased immunity and exacerbation of chronic diseases. It is caused by a deficiency of vitamins in the body and brings with it problems with the skin, hair, digestive system, general malaise and other illnesses. Of course, there are some ways to cure and prevent this disease: healthy lifestyle, proper diet and natural supplements.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Powdered Milk

Source: newanutrition.com

Milk is a traditional drink that humans have been drinking for hundreds of years. This is because of its immense nutritional value and the benefits it brings. Milk has been known to provide both physical and psychological benefits to the human body. This makes it ideal for many practicing a good diet or wanting to be healthy. Over the years, there have been additions to different types of milk. One of these new additions is known as powdered milk. Powdered milk has been in the spotlight for quite some time and rightfully so.

Powdered milk is known for having a unique production process and different composition of ingredients. It has similar effects to normal milk yet achieves them in different ways. That being said, powdered milk has areas where it exceeds normal milk too. These can be better benefits and also worse off drawbacks. Luckily we’ve compiled a set of advantages and disadvantages of powdered milk beforehand. This helps consumers make an informed decision on what type of milk is better for them. But first, we must know how powdered milk is made.

What Is Powdered Milk

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Powdered milk is essentially created after raw milk is pasteurized. After this, the product is to be evaporated to dryness. The pasteurized milk mostly consists of water which is to be evaporated via spray drying. Once all of this is done, milk in the form of fine particles is created and known as powdered milk. The powder is then into powder filling machines to be distributed into glass containers or packets. High-quality machines much like Levapack Powder Filling machines help distribute the powder more evenly and accurately. Click here for more info.

Benefits

Source: anthonysgoods.com

The powdered form leads to several impressive benefits of milk that sometimes exceed those of fresh milk. Some of these are detailed below.

Increased Shelf Life

Powdered Milk is usually stored in packets or sealed glass jars. This helps increase the shelf life it has significantly. The powder takes longer to spoil and can be stored in homes easily. A teaspoon or two is to be added and the rest is safe in its container. The longer shelf life is credited to the glass jars being airtight. This means the powder comes into less contact with air and diminishes slowly.

Easily Stored And Accessible

Source: freefoodtips.com

Powdered milk is readily available in almost every supermarket. This makes it accessible to those who find fresh milk is harder to find. The longer shelf life in this case also helps make it more attractive to consumers.

In addition to this, powdered milk can be stored in many mediums at home. The packets can be placed in glass jars and placed anywhere. Refrigeration is also not a necessity for powdered milk. It would help to know how to sterilize glass bottles to increase longevity. This makes powdered milk convenient for buying and storing in large amounts.

Low Cost

One of the biggest benefits of powdered milk is its cost. The powdered form ensures that the cost decreases up to 50% of normal milk cost. This makes powdered milk better suited to those on a budget due to the decreased price.

This is also the reason why many fast-food restaurants utilize powdered milk for their milkshakes and such. The low cost helps generate more profit for them while incurring less cost. The long shelf life coupled with the cost makes powdered milk an attractive option for sure.

Lower Lactose

Source: foodwatch.com.au

Powdered milk increased its market size due to the formula it is made from decreasing the lactose count. This substantially generated hype and interest in the market for lactose intolerant individuals. The lower risk and price meant they could afford to have milk with fewer risks attached.

Drawbacks

With many benefits already scored, powdered milk was bound to sacrifice some aspects. There are both minuscule and serious disadvantages of powdered milk. Some of these are detailed below.

Bland Taste

Those who consume powdered milk daily may get used to the taste it brings. But, the difference in taste between powdered and regular milk is significant. Many dislike the taste of powdered milk and would rather have alternates. The popular opinion is that those who prefer better flavors should opt for alternate options of milk.

Physical Risks

When pasteurized milk is evaporated, the cholesterol in it is oxidized. This means the final product contains some level of oxidized cholesterol. This can prove to be detrimental to our bodies in several ways. Higher consumption of powdered milk may mean dental problems could arise. Oxidized cholesterol is also known to disturb our blood vessels which can further put our heart at risk too.

Less Nutritional Value

Source: quickanddirtytips.com

The most common reason against powdered milk is that it offers less nutrition than fresh milk. Powdered milk is a mixture of natural and concentrated ingredients to help achieve the same effects as normal milk. This sounds great in theory yet it is not uncommon for powdered milk to be inadequately mixed. This can result in more drawbacks to our health and put us at risk.

Conclusion

In the end, we recommend going with powdered milk only if it helps you substantially. Powdered milk has its fair share of benefits and drawbacks. It is an attractive option for lactose intolerant individuals and those on a budget. Though the less nutritional value and bland taste may put several consumers off.

Dealing with Feelings of Guilt as a Parent or Foster Carer

Dealing with Feelings of Guilt as a Parent or Foster Carer

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Being a parent or guardian of a child is one of life’s greatest joys. But it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. The demands...