Life Tips

Studies show that growing plants at home and having exposure to gardening improves one’s quality of life and enhances mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re a starting green thumb or have already grown a garden sprawling with gorgeous greens and beautiful flowers, here are some easy-to-grow plants that you can add to your home:

Crocus

This flowering plant is loved by many as it signifies that spring is indeed coming – with its buds peeking through the snow after a seemingly long winter.

This early bloomer is a low-lying perennial plant that can be grown practically anywhere, from the woodlands, coastal areas, and to your garden. Many known varieties of the crocus plant are usually described as blooms that range from white, yellow, lilac-blue, and violet.

Its flowers, aside from being perfect to gather in bouquets for its aesthetic blooms, one variety is known as the source of saffron, which is used primarily for seasoning but can also be used for dyes and medicine.

Plant care: Crocuses are advised to be planted in early fall and stay dormant in the soil until the last days of winter and finally sprout in the early days of spring. They also love soaking in full sunlight and thrive best in well-draining soil. For watering, they are generally low-maintenance. To know more about taking care of your crocus, find instructions here.

Hosta

Unlike your typical flowering plants, the hosta attracts green thumbs and plant collectors alike as it is known for its striking green foliage with distinct leaf shapes and patterns. It is also referred to as “plantain lily,” with its fleshy roots and short rhizomes.

A favorite among perennials, hostas often sport luscious leaves in bright green, gold, or even blue colors. Some kinds of bloom flowers of their own and blooms may serve as part of a beautiful ornamental display. Some flowers have been known to be fragrant and attract bees, thus making them easier to pollinate.

Plant care: Hostas can thrive even under partially shaded areas but would love to benefit from being exposed to direct sun 2-3 hours a day. They can also survive in different and wide ranges of soil, but it is best to plant them in highly organic and well-drained soil.

Geranium

A name that might be familiar even to plant newbies, geranium is a sun-loving plant that would bring a splash of color to your flower beds from the late stages of spring up to early fall. Geranium still makes it to the list of most popular plants up to this date, thanks to its classical roots being chosen for decades to adorn planter boxes and indoor pots of homes.

Its flowers vary from purple, pink, red, white, mauve, orange, and in rare times – orange-black. Geraniums are also known to be trailers, meaning if left to their device and allowed to grow anywhere it wants; it can just take over a whole wall or any other surface.

Plant care: Geraniums may be grown as indoor houseplants or planted outside on a flower bed. They may also be planted in pots with a drainage hole and contain well-drained soil. To get its bloom to its maximum potential, it would be best to expose them to an area wherein it can soak up to 4-6 hours of sunlight.

Sweet pea

Known for its stunningly colorful blooms and luscious sweet scent, the sweet pea is an addition that you can’t miss in your home plant collection. With flowers ranging from maroon, violet, indigo blue, white, pink, and red, it is an excellent choice to adorn your patio or even indoor pots as they grow typically as a bush or climbing types.

Plant Care: Sweet peas thrive well in warm, sunny, and slightly-shaded areas, making it a great indoor plant, as long as it is kept somewhere with a window or on the balcony or patio area. They grow well in well-drained organic soil and would need regular watering, especially during the dry season. Fertilizer and compost also can significantly help in its growth.

Mint

Although it might seem a little bit out-of-place in this list, mint is highly recommended for aspiring or already practicing green thumbs as it is reasonably easy to grow and serves many uses and benefits.

Mint plants are usually grown for their leaves, with known varieties such as spearmint and peppermint. Being a perennial plant, its leaves are very fragrant and can even bloom tiny flowers with colors white, purple or pink. Aside from its functionality of being useful in cooking, mint plants can also add accent to your garden, among other many purposes.

Plant care: Mint is relatively easy to grow as it can survive with just the right amount of moisture and the right kind of soil. Maintenance for a mint plant would only require an adequate amount of light, either under full sun or shade. Watch out for overgrowth, however, as it can quickly spread over your garden.

Takeaway

With just the right amount of tender, loving care, you can quickly grow these plants that are easy to take care of while also adding more beauty and life to your home garden.

Contrary to popular belief, the investment options for those who reside in their home country of the United Kingdom differ from expatriates living abroad. One good example is the ISA or the Individual Savings Account. While it may be commonplace for many UK residents, it is an option that generally isn’t available for emigrants. Due to its convenience, tax-efficiency, and safety, many ex-pats miss out on the advantages that ISA yields. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have any worthwhile investments that they can pursue. And in this piece, we’ll discuss some of the opportunities available for expatriates.

1. Offshore investments

One of the most common investment options for expatriates comes in the form of offshore investment bonds, and it isn’t hard to see why. After all, it isn’t subject to capital gains and income tax. What this essentially means is that the investment will grow free of tax, which in turn, could potentially lead to more substantial returns on your investment in a shorter time frame compared to bonds that are onshore. To invest, a single payment is a lump sum. However, the amount that you’ll need to pay will be determined by the chosen provider.

It is well worth noting that once the money from the selected offshore bond is brought into the United Kingdom, it will be subject to tax. As such, it is imperative to ensure that you’ll be abroad for a long period. To ensure that the encashment goes smoothly and that your profit is maximized, it makes sense to hire the services of a professional financial advisor.

2. Overseas pensions

An overseas pension, in many ways, is an investment and source of stable income for expatriates to retire. It is growing to become a preferred scheme for many because it presents people with the opportunity to either withdraw or hold on to one’s pension in the selected currency. Why does this matter? The answer is simple: it protects people from any exchange rates that could be potentially volatile. Additionally, pensions in the United Kingdom will only transfer funds to their partner when they pass away. However, with an overseas pension, you have a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing who inherits the funds.

3. Property acquisition

Another effective way to diversify your portfolio for your investments is through property acquisition. The process starts with purchasing a piece of property in the country that you are currently based in. Once its value has risen, you can benefit from passive income through renting. Keep in mind that the task is much more challenging for expatriates than locals, especially if you normally move from country to country. Because of this, you may need to hire an agency that can manage your property and make collections when needed.

As an expatriate, understanding all of your options when it comes to prospective investment opportunities can improve your portfolio. Whether you choose to opt for offshore investments, an overseas pension, property acquisition, or all three, you’ll surely maximize your returns.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/calculator-calculation-insurance-1680905/

 

Having a bar in your garden is a brilliant opportunity to enjoy spending time at home. Bring the beer gardens to you, and lap up the sun during summer heatwaves. When it comes to creating a bar in your garden, where do you start? Here are our top DIY garden bar ideas to help you with your own project. Cheers to that!

Put Artificial Grass Around the Bar

If you’re looking for the perfect material for in and around your garden bar, cheap artificial grass is the way to go. You can lay it down in an interior or exterior space, as it’s suitable anywhere.

Artificial grass can easily be washed down, so any drink spillages can be sprayed away with no issues. High heels, slipper socks and bare feet are all suitable for walking over artificial grass too, as its synthetic surface is cushioned for comfort. This is ideal for having bar stools or other furniture stacked on top of it, as it will take the weight with confidence.

Another reason why you should install artificial grass in your garden bar is that it can’t become uneven or patchy. It takes care of itself, and won’t fade during your summer garden parties or winter chills.

Fire up a Pizza Oven

Get the fire burning and dough rolling, adding a pizza oven to your bar will be the life and soul of the party. Everyone loves a bite to eat with a drink and a pizza oven would be an incredibly fun way to bring people together.

You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on building a pizza oven. Get your gloves on and use cement to pile house bricks, breeze blocks or concrete together. This will give you a sturdy foundation for cooking some tasty Italian style pizzas.

Go to Another Destination

Nothing says DIY quite like decorating a room to look like an exotic location. Your garden bar can be transformed into whatever theme you want. From a tropical Hawaiian beach, to a bustling German brewery, make your bar match your drinks!

To transform your area into a specific theme, start with the bar itself. Add photographs or ornaments that would be found in your dream location, such as postcards and beer mats. When doing this, consider your overall colour scheme and what works well together. If you want beach vibes, choose sandy colours and light blues. If you want a fireplace and mulled wine, go for a chic, winter look.

Theming your garden bar is a great DIY project, as you can really have some fun with it. Root around in holiday brochures or raid magazines for inspiration.

Hang up a Dart Board

Is a garden bar even complete without a dartboard? An iconic and unforgettable part of any British pub, having a dartboard is a competitive way to pass time and make memories with your family or friends. You can even play alone and get aiming for that bullseye.

Even though it’s extremely British, dartboards are known around the world. So, if you have a themed bar, it will still hang proudly next to the beer cooler!

Add a Cooler to a Table

Every bar needs a table of some sort to hold drinks and snacks. Well, why not have a table that keeps your drinks cold too? If you build a table around a cooler, or buy one with a fridge installed inside it, you can chat away and simply reach for a fresh beverage at your greatest convenience. A popular version of a bar table is when you can put ice at the bottom of a table, pop your bottles in and place the table lid on top. This will impress any guest, and make the bar look classy.

 

Gardening might be a job for some people but a passion for others. Some people develop love for gardening over time and suddenly start to look after their gardens, which sometimes causes problems as these beginners are not well-aware of some basic tips and tricks for gardening. The primary things a garden requires are sunlight, water and soil, but to keep a check and balance of these basic things is important. Following is some tips for those who have a passion for gardening but no proper understanding of how to take care of their garden in an effective manner:

1- Use the right equipment:

Using the right equipment for the right purpose is the most important thing to do to work efficiently while gardening. For example, watering the plant is essential so you will need to find a garden hosepipe for that. For finding a garden hose in Canada, you can contact landscaping and tell them your requirements. If you are working in a home garden, you do not need a heavy-duty pipe but a light-weight, easy to store and expandable hose, but if you want a more durable and solid one, you should get yourself a commercial-use hose. You can get a perfect hose in perfect rates, including a connection with water from land scaping. They have many options for you to choose from since they have hosepipes for all, according to their needs. Once you get the right equipment, your work will be more effective and efficient.

2- Site it right:

Gardening is more about doing some basic things right and you can even learn with experience. One basic rule of gardening is setting it up in the right place which means to keep it in sight, to keep it in the right sunlight and to keep it in the right zone. Keeping it in sight is important so you can give them the required attention and keep a check on them. Providing the right sunlight is important so they do not burn with too much sunlight or not grow without sunlight either. Providing them with the right zone is important so you know which plants grow in which climate and you plant accordingly.

3- Check for pests:

Checking plants for pests and diseases once a week is important so that you can provide them with appropriate pesticides on time. For fungal diseases, if you keep a check-up on your plants, you will be able to destroy the plants that are badly affected which may help in prevention of plant disease in other plants.

4- Take precautionary measures:

Try to keep plant foliage and flowers dry when irrigating because wet foliage is more vulnerable to diseases and fungal problems. Try watering the base only on these days. Put fertilizer only if required, that is, 6 inches away from the base, so it does not cause burning.

5- Be consistent:

Plants are living beings, and they not only grow with essentials but also need to love and care to grow in a healthy manner. You need to be patient and consistent with your plants so they can grow healthier. Your consistency towards your plants will help you grow as well since spending time in gardening burns calories, improves immunity, helps with stress relief and builds a communication between you and nature.

 

Commercial refrigerators are used in a variety of business settings, they can also be used in your home if a domestic appliance is not good enough. If you run a business from your home or you need a commercial refrigerator for a shop, restaurant, café, or supermarket, it is important to find one that meets all your requirements. Here are some useful tips to consider buying a commercial refrigerator.

Storage Capacity

Whether you run a business from home or you rent a commercial space, your food business needs to have good quality storage space to meet the demands of the industry. Commercial refrigerators from Electrolux are specially designed to store high volumes of food for businesses operating in the hospitality industry.

If your business sells food, you will need to have the right size fridge to store produce. Consider your most demanding period and see if the fridge is large enough to successfully store produce with a little bit of space left over.

If the unit is going to be used in a commercial setting, you need something that is accessible and easy to use during busy periods. Sometimes it is best to check the fridge out in person before you make a purchase.

Additional Features

Once you have decided on a size, the next thing to consider is functionality. If you have limited space in the kitchen, you may go for an all-in-one unit that contains built-in freezers. If space is not an issue, you can select bigger individual refrigerators and freezers.

When running a restaurant or café, you think about all kinds of features when setting up your business. You have to consider the décor, dinnerware, and furniture. A commercial refrigerator is just as important as all these things and when buying one you must carefully consider your options.

If the fridge is going to be on display to the public, it is always better to invest in a stainless-steel unit as it looks more professional.

Energy Efficient

A good quality commercial fridge will bring in savings and help to lower energy consumption. All of these features reduce overheads and help to bring down your monthly utility bills. This applies to home businesses and commercial settings.

Energy costs can take a large part of your budget, that is why it makes sense to invest in energy-efficient kitchen appliances for your restaurant or café. If the refrigerator is going to be used for a long period, it makes more sense to invest in an energy-efficient unit.

Self-Closing Doors

Most people invest in commercial refrigerators for business purposes, they are used in supermarkets, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. All of these places are fast-paced environments, and it comes in handy when you have self-closing doors on the fridge.

There are many factors to consider when buying a commercial refrigerator for your home or business. You must think about your needs and purchase a unit that will make life easier in the kitchen. All of the points raised above are there to help buyers make the right choices when investing in a commercial refrigerator.

 

Delta 8 is tetrahydrocannabinol that is a constituent of the Cannabis sativa. Considered as the Delta 9’s analog, it has slight chemical differences from its more extensively used cousin. While Delta-8 needs Delta 9 for expression, it can be expressed in the cannabis flowers only, that too in minimal quantities.

Although the product is available in various administration forms, including tinctures, gummies, and topical applications, vape mods are probably the most common ones. In this comprehensive guide, you will come to know everything about Delta-8 vapes.

What Does a Delta-8 Vape Cartridge Contain?

Vape cartridges are the most commonly used types of THC products available in the market. Like cartridges containing THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, these vapes contain distillate vape oil consisting of Delta-8 compounds present in cannabis flower oils.

Since the compound is mostly found in many particular cannabis Sativa strains, vape cartridges have isolated Delta-8 THC combined with flavonoids, cannabis terpenes, and other constituents naturally found in the hemp plant. High-quality cartridges contain only natural substances and are free from any fillers and flavors.

Most of the cartridges are compatible with all types of vape batteries. You may also buy vape batteries separately to use your cartridge for a long time conveniently.

How to Use Delta-8 Vape Mod?

Usage instructions for vape mods are relatively easy and straightforward. Insert your vape cartridge into the vaporizer and ignite the atomizer by pressing a button. However, you need to ensure that the vape oil and your atomizer are compatible with each other and you are heating at the right temperature.

A good quality vape mod will allow you to adjust the voltage level to select your temperature setting without any fuss. After all, you want to enjoy the right amount of vape without burning the oil. The buttons should be laid out conveniently, and its body should be sharp and sleek for easy handling.

Some mods have a level window, through which you can see how much oil is left in the cartridge. Some also have an OLED display that shows the temperature and other details precisely. The battery capacity should be decent enough to last long, and it should support micro-USB charging as well so that you can charge your vape mod anywhere while on the go.

Things to Consider While Buying a Vape Cartridge

If you are looking for a Delta 8 vape cartridge for sale, then here are a few things you must give attention to while making your selection:

Quality: 

The cannabis oil in the cartridge should be extracted from natural hemp flowers using live resin extraction. This method captures the goodness of flavonoids and terpenes present in female cannabis Sativa plants.

Purity: 

The oil should be obtained from organically grown hemp only so that the extract remains pure and devoid of contaminants. Even organic hemp may get contaminated by soil transfer from neighboring fields. That is why people prefer oil made from plants grown in climate-controlled indoor environments. Indoor growth also keeps light under control so that robust terpene and cannabinoid expression can be gained.

Extraction Method:

Once the plants are mature and harvested, one way of avoiding contamination is to derive extracts using the CO2 extraction method. This process does not leave behind any solvents. CO2 extraction ensures no traces of heavy metals, butane, ethanol, pesticides, and other contaminants in the oil.

Contaminants and Additives: 

To ensure the purity of oil in the cartridge, ensure that it does not contain any fillers, diluents, cutting agents, or thickeners.

Lab Testing: 

The cartridge should be tested in a third-party lab to confirm the product’s quality and purity. Only a third-party lab test report can guarantee the potency, safety, and purity of the oil.

Battery Life: 

The worst thing would be to take out your vape mod and find that it is out of battery. You would not want to wait for several minutes before you can recharge and use it.The vape mod that you buy should have a decent battery life to allow you to vape for several hours before recharge.

Ease of Use: 

The vape mod that you buy should be easy to use and should have advanced features to keep an eye on your vaping sessions and habits. The size and weight should be convenient to handle, the color should be attractive, and it should be laden with up-to-date features.

The real benefit of Delta 8 is its pain relief and other health benefits such as stimulating appetite, reducing nausea, and inducing a natural calming effect on your body and mind. Vaping is a convenient way of availing of its benefits. However, you need to ensure its purity and quality before taking it to your lungs.

 

Medical sciences haven’t always been as advanced as they are today. Before the invention of antibiotics and over the counter medications like cough syrups and anti-flu tablets, herbs were the saving grace for human illnesses.

In the past, there were no medicines, yet people managed to live healthily and found ways to cure their ailments. Herbal medicines, especially in places like India, China, and Africa, were regularly used to stay healthy and combat health problems. The medicinal knowledge of using herbs for treating and promoting different body functions was too advanced.

Herbal capsules today are considered to be an alternative form of medication that is safe and uses natural ingredients to strengthen your body. Allopathic medicines are known for getting a body’s immune system hooked and constantly needing support. Instead of using allopathic drugs for every little sniffle, using herbal capsules to strengthen your body for the long term is considered a great option by many.

Benefits of Using Herbal Medication

There are much known uses of herbs, and their medicinal properties are something that no one can deny. Different combinations of herbs and other natural substances are made in the form of capsules, teas, and other ingestible substances that enhance the body’s health. Here are some of the most common benefits of herbal medication:

• Improves the immune system: The body’s immune system helps to get rid of the germs and empowers it to stand up against every disease that can afflict a body. The addition of herbal supplements strengthens the immune system and helps in the long term fight against cold and cases of flu, stomach related issues, and many more conditions.

Herbs and plant extracts contain vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that improve the overall functioning of the immune system. Specific herbs and extracts are even used to treat targeted areas of the body like the gut, lungs, and even the blood to improve the immunity of these areas.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: If you find yourself suffering from different inflammations like that of the joints, gums, throat, and so on, herbal medicines are a great cure that also doesn’t have too many side-effects on the body. There are herbal medicines to ease the pain of inflammation as well, which can be used in cases like arthritis, periodontitis, and so on.
• Eases Depression: Depression and anxiety are rapidly becoming one of the most common afflictions of man in today’s world. Many people suffer from depression, insomnia, and many other mental illnesses. Herbal medicines are known to be great regulators of hormones and are known to bring balance to the body and mind.

Herbal treatments like aromatherapy, herbal baths, and cooking with herbs have been around for a very long time in relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Symptoms like stress, fatigue, restlessness, and sleeplessness can be prevented and treated with herbal capsules.

• Skin Care: Everybody these days enjoys spending a lot of money on skin treatments, makeup, and wigs in hopes of being beautiful and having flawless skin. What these people are missing out on is the fact that herbal medicines have been used for skin care since ancient times. Women in South Asia have used herbs and plant extracts to take care of their skin and are known to have perfect skin.

Herbs have antibacterial properties that help fight skin infections and acne; they have antioxidants that help remove dark spots, and they also have anti-aging properties that help you to get rid of wrinkles and aging spots. Some herbs make for excellent moisturizers, sun-screens and provide natural hydration to the skin, helping you achieve smooth and glowing skin naturally. Herbal medicines are also known to be good for the hair and aid in promoting hair growth and preventing early hair fall.

• Nervous system Balance: Herbs have been used for regulating the nervous system and the brain religiously in ancient times. Different herbs have different effects, where some are used to balance and regulate the nerves, some are used to relax the nerves and brain, and some are even used to control and relieve the effects of conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Herbal medicines are also used to improve memory, enhance learning, and ensure a peaceful sleep for those who suffer from restlessness and insomnia.

These are only some of the broad benefits of herbal capsules. Specific herbs and extracts are used widely in the treatment of various diseases, while others are used for overall health benefits.

However, it is always wise to research the brands you buy and also check with your doctor to see if any supplement might react negatively with medications that you’re already on. Knowing your allergic reactions and checking for any allergens in the medicine will ensure that you will have no side effects while taking the herbal medication.

Within just a few short years, glasses have evolved from simply correcting our vision and improving conditions such as myopia and astigmatism, to changing the way people perceive us, as a way to express our personalities and as a way to boost our confidence.

And with so many different roles and capabilities, it means that choosing your next pair of glasses isn’t as straightforward as it used to be! We’re influenced by celebrities and TV personalities, confused by conflicting advice provided by sales advisors, and we struggle to choose between practicality and fashion.

If choosing your next pair of glasses has left you feeling overwhelmed, then don’t worry. Read on for some simple tips that will make choosing your eyewear, much easier.

What’s important to you

With so many amazing choices available online, it can be difficult to know where to start. So, instead of diving straight in, ask yourself what is important to you and what features you think you’ll need and benefit from. Are you someone who prefers designer labels? If so, check out EyeBuyDirect for the latest prescription Ray Ban designs. Or are you someone who’s looking for practicality? If you hit the gym every morning, you could benefit from nose grips to prevent your frames from slipping.

If you’re someone who works in front of a screen all day, then blue light blocking technology could be beneficial for you. Would you prefer something lightweight if your working days are long? Write down what features you need and choosing your next pair of frames will be much easier.

Consider your face shape

As well as keeping specific elements in mind, you should also consider your face shape. If you choose a pair of frames that complements your face shape, then you’ll always look good no matter what! Consider what shape your face is – oval, pear, round or square and then check out frames that flatter your shape.

• Oval: Consider rectangular frames or browline styles to inject a little of your personality into your choice. If you’re looking for sunglasses, then aviators will also look great.
• Square: If you have a square face then you may have more flexibility with your choice.
• Round: Again, narrow styles can help center your eyes and highlight your features. Rectangular frames are popular.
• Pear: It’s all about proportion, so if you have a pear-shaped face you can emphasize the upper part of your face with some stunning aviator or cat-eye styles.

Remember your skin tone

Skin tone plays a huge role in selecting the right glasses. Finding out your skin tone should be your first step. If you’re somebody who has cooler tones, then darker colors such as black and silver will highlight your features. If you have warm tones, then stick to lighter colors such as tortoiseshell, bronze, yellows and golds.

Don’t feel pressured

One of the biggest pros of choosing your new glasses online is that you can take your time and not feel pressured by sales staff or other waiting customers. Ultimately, you should enjoy the experience!

 

As most of us are working from home now or staying at home to practice social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic, our cars are left idling at home.  While we are keeping safe, our vehicles are need to be checked regularly.  Letting car sit for long periods of time may cause high repair bills.  Below is a list of things that can happen to your car if left unused:

Dead battery

If your car battery is fairly new, then the chances of the battery draining fast is lower.  Having said that, car batteries drain faster if you have an older car or you live in a colder climate regardless of the car being indoor or outdoor.  The best way to keep the car battery charged drive your car at least twice a week eventhough it is just a short trip.  Another way is to start the car engine for a few minutes each time.

Flat tires

When a car sits for too long, its weight will cause the tire to flatten and crack, especially the area where the rubber meets the surface of the road.  When this happens, the tires cannot be used anymore and new ones are needed to replace them.  As such, car owners should take immediate steps to avoid the tires from getting deflated or cracked.

Car parts drying out

If a car is idled for too long, the engine oil begins to settle and seals will dry out.  This will cause damage to the vehicle.  In order to prevent this from happening, driving the car can help to keep fluids circulating.  This will also ensure that the transmission, brake fluids and etc can stay lubricated.  As such, it is still better to take the car for spin than leaving it idling.

Parking brakes

It is important to not leave the parking brake on for long periods because this can cause the rotor and brake pads to stick together. Rust may also develop on the disc brake.  Use a tire-stopper or something heavy to keep your car from rolling.

Wipers

It is important to keep your car wipers off the windshield.  You can either pull them up or put something in between your windshield and the blades to avoid contact.

Keeping your car clean

Storing your car in the garage is most ideal but for car owners who have to park their car outdoors, remember to avoid parking under trees because tree sap can damage the exterior of the car. Bird poo may also cause irreparable damage to your car paint.   Leaves may also fall into the car crevices and lead to rust problem.  If you can, use a car cover to protect your car.

The above is just some of the tips to keep your immobile car well maintained during this period.  Since most of us have a lot of time on our hands, you may want to learn how to repair and maintain your car in roadworthy condition.  Purchasing used auto parts for repairs can save you loads of money.  Using second hand parts is one of the ways to reduce the carbon footprint too.  Many sites such as Craigslist or eBay offer great deals for used auto parts.  Once you have found the parts that you want, you can then arrange the delivery of your used auto parts. It can be time-consuming to look for auto parts delivery companies and this is where Shiply comes in.  This online shipping platform can help to get parts delivered for less.  Just fill up the online form and the auto delivery services on its platform will send you personalized quotes to your mailbox. You can start to compare quotes immediately and finalize the shipping details.

 

 

Gaming is a way to connect with friends that is a bit of a niche activity. It has stores of knowledge and techniques that only its close followers know about. Many gamers enjoy trying less popular and unique titles that don’t show up in mainstream media.

Part of what makes this community unique is that it accepts people from all walks of life. Gamers don’t discriminate based on age, race, or sex.

Veterans In The Gaming Community

Free video games for veterans provide a pleasant experience to those looking to have a bit of fun and escape the mundane activities of daily life. Others find that online casinos help them take their mind off of negative memories. Jacek Michałski is an expert when it comes to online entertainment like the one you can find at Cookie Casino.

Some even find that these activities provide an alternative to drinking and criminal behaviours. If you enjoy video games, there’s a chance that you can turn your interest into a hobby and positive networking opportunity. After all, what’s a better source than gamers when it comes to exploring the vast world of online interaction.

Not all veterans have a positive experience when joining online communities. It varies by individual. It’s important to consider your current level of stress and sensitivity when participating in online activities.

Also, be sure to consider the intent of the specific forum or chat group that you’re planning to join. These interactive environments can sometimes get competitive and high-stress, so it’s important to take a break when you need one.

FPS Games

First-person shooter is the first category that comes to mind when considering video games for soldiers. The CDC funded several projects to prevent suicide.

One study explored the idea that VR (virtual reality) may function as a form of therapy for PTSD. In the study, participants answered questionnaires about their gaming experiences and playing a FPS. The subjects highlighted the importance of FPS clans and online communities in their recovery. They also reported a sense of brotherhood.

Of course, these kinds of environments can also trigger PTSD-related symptoms. It’s exactly this cross-section that researchers and therapists seek to explore in these studies.

FPS games provide veterans with an outlet and community to encourage them when other support systems aren’t available. There are even clans on Discord, a popular gaming communication platform.

VRET: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Therapists traditionally employ exposure therapy to treat phobias and other anxiety-related disorders. The use of virtual reality in this form of therapy is a relatively recent development that broadened the scope of exposure therapy.

VRET and AR have been useful tools in many therapeutic areas since their inception. They can certainly be powerful agents of change if used properly.

The positive effects that AR and VR can have, especially in FPS games, are not extremely intuitive. For example, it might seem that triggering traumatic events during a therapy session is counterproductive.

However, it’s this fictional simulation of real events that some find liberating. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funds research projects that explore the therapeutic potential of video games. Former military members found the opportunity to cognitively reframe traumatic events to be vital to their therapeutic experience.

Conclusion

Augmented reality and virtual reality provide realistic frameworks for veterans to rescript their experiences, and they act as therapeutic tools. These communities also give access to unique networking opportunities. The immersive experience that these environments offer sets them apart from other forms of technology. With the guidance of a skilled therapist, people who struggle with PTSD can find solace in everyday life.