What Your Literature Genre Choice Says About You

Angela Manning Education
What Your Literature Genre Choice Says About You

Books are a great way to gain new perspectives, escape into fantasy worlds, and gain valuable knowledge. Typically, people tend to prefer one genre of literature over another, and you may wonder if this has anything to do with their personality. We say that it does, and we’re going to give some insight into what your literature genre choice says about you.

Take a break from looking into pain relief for peripheral neuropathy, and let’s get right into it.

Science Fiction

Readers who opt for science fiction novels are often people who like a little bit of reality mixed in with their entertainment. Typically, they’re interested in learning how things work and pushing the boundaries of what humans are capable of.

Narrative

If you like narratives as your reading genre of choice, you like to live in your comfort zone. This doesn’t mean that you don’t enjoy having fun, but you like to engage in activities that are familiar to you, and you have no problem with being exactly who you are and are incredibly accepting of others.   

Non-fiction

Non-fiction readers are all about self-growth. They’re constantly on the path to learning more about themselves and the world around them. You’ll often find non-fiction readers working in academic, research studies, and medical settings.

Fantasy

There are a group of people in this world who love to escape reality as often as they can. People who read fantasy novels often have vivid inner worlds and are incredibly creative. This also means that if fantasy is your genre of choice, you’re most likely an introvert who values time for introspection and exploring the inner workings of your mind.

Romance

Readers of romance novels are always on the search for love. Even if they’re in a happy relationship, they want to explore as many romantic scenarios as they can. They’re often hopeless romantics with a heart of gold. There’s an incredibly sweet and sensitive side to people who read romance novels.

Short Stories

Short stories are a genre that people lean to if they appreciate literature but don’t get lost in the stories they read. Oftentimes, these people are productive with busy schedules, but they still enjoy reading as a way to relax and unwind after a busy day at the office.

Poetry

Similar to fantasy, people who have poetry as their first choice in reading material, are often highly creative. They see the world differently, and nothing gets past these imaginative readers. This also makes them highly intuitive and empathetic, as they can see all the connections between people, nature, and their inner worlds.

Final Thoughts 

There’s a good reason you’ll find people with similar personality types at book clubs. Oftentimes, people who enjoy a particular genre of literature have a few things in common. Whether you love to escape into an intricate world of elves and warlocks or can’t wait to pick up the latest biography on Lincoln, reading is something that connects us all.

4 Reasons to Start Practicing Mindfulness Meditation

Angela Manning Health
4 Reasons to Start Practicing Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation isn’t a new practice, but it’s recently made its way into the Western world. Particularly after the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, more and more people turned to mindfulness to help them cope with the negative effects the pervasive experience had on them – and it worked!

Although Coronavirus is no longer as much of a threat and life has started to resume to normal, mindfulness meditation is still a great practice to help improve your quality of life. Take a break from looking into purchasing a new microblade, and let’s learn about 4 reasons to start practicing mindfulness meditation.

Enhances Your Self-Awareness

One of the most rewarding benefits of mindfulness meditation is that it enhances your self-awareness. The practice of mindfulness meditation asks that you become aware of the moment in front of you. This involves your thoughts, feelings, and what your senses are picking up. It’s no surprise that this dedicated practice of bringing the present into your awareness will undoubtedly help build a stronger foundation for self-awareness.

Facilitates Inner Growth

Spend a few minutes thinking about what inner growth means for you. Oftentimes, when people think about growth, they look to what they can and want to accomplish. Typically, these are tangible and measurable goals. Yet, we should know that it takes what’s within us to accomplish whatever it is that we have our sights on. Mindfulness meditation opens the door to the classroom of learning the ins and outs of who we are. This beautiful practice is the closest we can get to truly looking in the mirror at what makes us who we are. This insight is necessary for us to grow in any capacity as humans.

Builds Stronger Relationships

We should know by now that mindfulness meditation helps us to develop self-awareness and grow as positive and healthy individuals. It should come as no surprise then that it also helps to foster and build stronger relationships with others. Healthy relationships require you to be compassionate, understanding, and present with others – 3 qualities that mindfulness meditation enhances. The more aware you are of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you, the more equipped you are to be a supportive, loving, and kind friend or partner.

Helps Combat Symptoms of Mental Illness

One of the biggest benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation is that it can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, mindfulness practices are now widely used in clinical settings to help people who struggle with mental illness. The reason mindfulness meditation is so beneficial for treating mental illness is that it shines a light on what’s going on inside of you which is necessary to your healing process. You can see your uncomfortable emotions and thoughts with clarity and without judgment, and this leads to more self-love, less anxiety, and increased feelings of positive emotions.

How to Prevent Overtraining Syndrome

Angela Manning Health
How to Prevent Overtraining Syndrome

Have you noticed a lack of energy or unusual muscle soreness after your workouts? If so, you might be experiencing something known as overtraining syndrome. You thought your tailor’s bunion was your biggest concern when it comes to your training, but now you’re starting to notice there’s something bigger going on.  

While it’s important that you seek the help of a professional if you think you may be experiencing overtraining syndrome, we’re going to offer some advice on how to prevent overtraining syndrome to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

What is Overtraining Syndrome?

Overtraining syndrome is a common occurrence among athletes and people who work out regularly. This happens when people who are frequently pushing their bodies to the extreme don’t allow their bodies and minds an adequate amount of time to recover leading to negative consequences that drastically hinder progress and overall health.

What Are Its Consequences?

The consequences of overtraining syndrome vary from person to person, but they all have one major thing in common which is that it severely impacts one’s ability to train. Overtraining syndrome can manifest in the inability to practice or train, unbearable or new onset of unusual soreness in the muscles, slow recovery, general fatigue, irritability, negative mood, and a decrease in mental clarity or focus.

3 Tips to Prevent Overtraining Syndrome

If you are currently experiencing overtraining syndrome, it’s important that you seek the help of a medical professional and stop all training until you recover properly. However, the good news is that overtraining syndrome is completely preventable. We’re going to offer some tips to prevent overtraining syndrome, so you can train effectively and avoid any of overtraining syndrome’s negative consequences.

1. Take Rest Days

Rest days are crucial when it comes to preventing overtraining syndrome. You should consider rest days as part of your training regimen, instead of viewing it as “time off” or a “lazy day.” Rest days are just as important as the days you spend training. Without proper rest, you don’t give your muscles and mind the time they need to recover which could lead to injury, exhaustion, and potentially experiencing overtraining syndrome.

2. Adequate Sleep

It’s not just important that you take rest days, but you also need to make quality sleep each night a priority. When you sleep, your body is hard at work repairing the muscles torn throughout your training practice. Not only does quality rest help with ensuring your physical health, but it’s also necessary to keep your energy levels and cognitive functions in check. You should aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.

3. Proper Nutrition

 Are you fueling your body the way that you should be? Oftentimes, overtraining syndrome occurs because athletes aren’t eating enough or neglecting to get in an adequate amount of water each day. Athletes need to make a meal plan that fits with their training to make sure their bodies are getting in the nutrients it needs to perform the vigorous and intense training it endures.

4 Effective Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Angela Manning Health
4 Effective Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

May is here, which means that it’s officially Mental Health Awareness Month! Data suggests that over a quarter of US adults suffer from mental illness every year, and that’s why it’s incredibly important to know how to protect, understand, and take care of our mental health.  

The process of taking care of our mental health isn’t quite as simple as, let’s say, the car restoration process. However, it’s completely doable. We’re here to help by offering a list of 4 effective ways to take care of your mental health.

Let’s get right into it.

Get Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for our mental health. In fact, research shows that people who don’t receive quality sleep each night are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, and they’re also at a higher risk of suicide when compared to people who get adequate sleep each night. That’s why the first line of defense in taking care of your mental health is to ensure you’re getting at least 7 to 8 hours of quality shut eye each night.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is when your focus and attention are on the present moment. This could include being aware of what your senses are picking up, the thoughts in your mind, and the emotions you’re feeling. Practicing mindfulness is an effective way to take care of your mental health, as it helps to develop a greater sense of self, regulate and manage emotions, and foster self-love and self-compassion. If you’re not sure where to start with practicing mindfulness, there are plenty of resources available online to help you get started like this mindfulness overview from Mind.org.

Don’t Invalidate Your Feelings 

It’s incredibly common for people who struggle with mental illness to judge or wish their feelings away. While the goal is to help alleviate negative and unwanted feelings and emotions, it’s crucial that you validate them first. Without validating your emotions, you’re not able to ever work through them. Every emotion has a purpose, and it’s important that you view your emotions in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. Once you learn to sit with your feelings, you’re more likely to be able to regulate, understand, and care for them.  

Avoid Toxic People

There are many people who struggle with mental illness as a result of turbulent or toxic relationships. What others say and how they treat us have the power to disrupt how we view and think of ourselves. This is why it’s paramount that you avoid toxic people and cut off relationships that you know are damaging to your mental health. If you struggle to end toxic relationships, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of professionals who can help you to navigate and leave a toxic relationship, and it’s best that you consult with them – then try and go at it alone.

3 Surprising Ways to Save on The Cost of Your Summer Vacation

Angela Manning Finance, Travel
3 Surprising Ways to Save on The Cost of Your Summer Vacation

Are you dreaming of a summer vacation, but finding yourself feeling worried about the cost? No matter where you’re dreaming of vacationing, there’s no denying that a vacation without proper planning can sometimes cost as much as relocating without the help of Black Tie Moving Cincinnati. Luckily, with just a little bit of extra planning and the use of your creativity, you can plan the perfect summer getaway without breaking the bank! Wondering how to make this happen? Just keep reading! In this blog post, we’ll share 3 surprising ways that you can save money on the cost of your upcoming summer vacation, so that you can make unforgettable memories with your loved ones while sticking within your tight budget. 

1. Find a Vacation Package Deal

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on the total cost of your summer vacation is by finding a package deal that bundles the cost of both flights and hotels into one affordable, discounted price. These types of deals are often advertised in the weeks leading up to summer, so keep your eyes peeled for discounts as soon as you can, and you will be surprised by how much you’re able to save!

2. Take Advantage of Discounts

This might sound like a no-brainer for many travelers, but the truth is, taking advantage of tourism discounts often requires a bit of work in advance. No matter where you’re headed, there are a number of ways to get discounts on your summer vacation, so it pays to do a bit of research. Look for discounts at your destination, such as theme park or museum tickets. You can also check out online coupon sites for deals on attractions and activities!

3. Travel During the Offseason

No matter where you’re headed on an upcoming trip, airfare and hotel prices can be a lot cheaper during the offseason, so if you’re flexible with your vacation dates then consider traveling during the spring or fall. This can save you money, and you may even get to enjoy your destination without the crowds and other hassles of traveling during a popular holiday season.

With these 3 simple tips in mind, you can create an amazing summer vacation without going over your budget, whatever your budget may be. We hope this blog post has given you some ideas on how to save money on your upcoming summer getaway. Happy travels!

Is Homeschooling Right For Your Child?

Angela Manning Education
Is Homeschooling Right For Your Child?

Are you considering homeschooling for your child? With today’s vastly changing educational landscape, more and more parents are looking at various alternatives to traditional schooling for children of all ages. One option that has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the development of remote learning software and technology is homeschooling – otherwise known as an educational approach in which students receive instruction from a parent, guardian, or other instructor at home rather than in a traditional school setting. But, what exactly does homeschooling involve? Is it right for the unique needs of your child? This blog post will answer those questions and explore whether or not homeschooling could be the optimal choice for young learners today.

Homeschooling involves the use of various methods to provide education to children, usually with a parent or guardian as the primary instructor. Such methods typically include a combination of educational materials such as textbooks, worksheets, and online resources; educational activities like field trips, experiments, and projects; and the use of technology to access learning materials, similar to the way that real estate investors would use REI Blackbook software to learn about relevant properties. The advantage of homeschooling is that it allows parents to customize their child’s education to fit their individual needs and interests, as well as build a stronger bond through the learning process.

When considering whether homeschooling is right for your family, there are a few factors to take into account. First, consider the different learning styles of your child. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the learning environment and materials to their child’s specific needs, allowing them to find out what works best for them. Additionally, consider the resources you have available for homeschooling. Depending on your budget and the materials you have access to, homeschooling may or may not be the right option. Finally, assess how much time and energy you can devote to homeschooling – it takes dedication and commitment to fully engage in the homeschool process.

Homeschooling can be an effective learning option for many families and, but it is important to do your research and make an informed decision. Before making a choice, take the time to consider the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling for your child’s individual needs. Doing so will help ensure that your child receives the best education possible.  Good luck!

3 Simple Ways to Ease Anxiety

Angela Manning Health
3 Simple Ways to Ease Anxiety

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by anxiety? You are not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses that people around the world suffer from, and can be one of the most debilitating emotional states, robbing us of our sense of control and peace. If left unmanaged, it can lead to effects such as feelings of helplessness and despair or even physical symptoms like insomnia, headaches or digestive troubles. If you are suffering from anxiety, you might find that you are lacking the ability to engage in everyday tasks and even hobbies that you enjoy, such as baking, writing, or riding your favorite bike from get lowered cycles. While anxiety might feel untreatable in the moment, the truth is that there are many things that can be done to ease feelings of anxiety. Finding the right treatment for anxiety can be tough, but luckily, there are a few simple steps we can take to help ease this overwhelming emotion – so read on if you’re ready to reclaim your freedom from anxious thoughts once and for all! 

1. Practice mindfulness: Being more mindful in your day to day life is one of the best things you can do for your mental and emotional health. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and nonjudgmentally observing your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It is the opposite of getting caught up in anxious thoughts, which can spiral out of control if left unchecked. Practicing mindfulness can help you to become aware of the present moment and be more aware and accepting of your emotions, helping to reduce anxious feelings.

2. Make time for self-care: Taking time for yourself is essential to managing anxiety, especially when you are trying to balance a busy schedule in which you are limiting time for yourself.  Make sure to schedule in time each week to do activities that help you relax. This could be anything from a hot bath to getting out in nature – whatever helps you switch off and be mindful of the present moment.

3. Reach out: Don’t forget, you don’t have to go through anxiety alone. Reach out to family and friends for support, or speak to a counselor or therapist who can help you manage anxious thoughts. Knowing that you are not alone in your struggles can do wonders for your emotional wellbeing.

These 3 simple steps can help you to take back control from overwhelming anxiety and give yourself the peace of mind and freedom you deserve. So why not give them a try today? You won’t regret it, and will likely be feeling better in no time!

5 Signs Your Child is Ready for Preschool

Angela Manning Education
5 Signs Your Child is Ready for Preschool

Are you a parent feeling unsure about when your child should start preschool? Are you worried they might not be ready to take on this new challenge, both mentally and socially? Well worry no more! We’ll help you determine if it’s time for your little one to explore the world of education. In this blog post, we outline 3 signs that will show if your child is truly ready for the next step in their development, so that sending your little one off to school can be as easy as relocating with the help of Black Tie Moving. 

1. Your Child is Socially Prepared – Does your kid enjoy being around other kids and adults? Can they communicate their feelings and needs easily? It’s important that they can interact with teachers and peers in the classroom if they are to benefit from preschool.

2. Your Child is Independent – Does your child show signs of independence? Can they put their own coat and shoes on, use the bathroom independently, or follow instructions? These are key skills for preschool and a sign that your child is ready.

3. Your Child Has Basic Learning Skills – Does your child have basic academic skills? Can they recognize colors, shapes, and numbers? These are all important skills that will help to make their preschool experience more enjoyable. If your child can do these things, then they are likely ready to tackle the classroom environment.

4. Your Child is Eager to Learn – Does your child have a thirst for knowledge? Do they listen intently during story time and ask questions? All of these are signs that your little one is inquisitive and ready to learn more. 

5. Your Child Can Follow Rules and Routines – Does your child understand basic rules and routines? Can they clean up after themselves and stay in line with the teacher’s expectations? These are critical skills for preschool and an important sign that your child is ready to start tackling the classroom environment.

We hope this guide has helped you to determine if your child is ready for preschool! Remember, every child develops at their own pace and these signs are just a general guide. If you still have doubts, don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s doctors or teachers for more guidance. Good luck! 

5 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Summer Style

Angela Manning Fashion
5 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Summer Style

Winter is officially on its way out, and it’s time to start thinking about your summer wardrobe. After you finish researching Detroit chimney repair, it’s time to put away thoughts of cozy fires and focus on the warmer days ahead.

We’re here to help! Here are 5 simple ways to enhance your summer style.

Choose Light Fabrics

Once summer is in full swing, breathability is key. That’s why light and airy fabrics are a must for your summer wardrobe. Not only are light fabrics more comfortable by keeping you cool on those warm summer days, they’re also stylish and give you a chic aesthetic. You can go for breezy chiffon dresses, lightweight linen tops, and crops that are all sure to keep you feeling cool while also giving you an effortless, stunning look this summer.

Stand Out with Floral and Color

Summer season is the perfect time to embrace the floral, colorful side of your closet. By wearing pieces that are full of color and floral patterns, you instantly add life to any outfit you wear. The options are endless when it comes to this look. You can opt for floral blouses, multi-colored maxi dresses, or a combination of both a vibrant, block-colored bottom with a floral top. You’re sure to stand out in the best of ways by rocking this look.

Accessorize Away!

If you’re wanting to enhance your summer style, you can make any outfit stand out by carefully accessorizing. Summer is the perfect season to take advantage of all the accessories available to you. From brimmed straw hats to colorful clutches and sleek sunglasses, you’re sure to elevate any summer outfit. When choosing your accessories, make sure it goes with the style of your outfit. If you’re looking for accessory inspiration, head to Pinterest for some tips on accessorizing your summer looks.

Quality Basics are a Must

Quality basics are a must no matter the season, so you want to ensure you have some in your summer wardrobe. Summer is a time for fun in the sun, so plain t-shirts and quality denim shorts are a must-have. When it comes to picking out your quality basics, don’t be afraid to spend a little more money while shopping for them. While the style might not be as intricate as other clothing options, basics are staples you want to last the season and even more.

Athleisure Vibes

We should all be grateful to live in an age where comfy clothes are in. Athleisure is the perfect summer style for those days you want to hit the beach or spend some time in the park. Don’t think that just because you’re wearing joggers and a top you can’t make this outfit look trendy. There are plenty of clothing retailers that have your athleisure looks and style in mind. If you’re wanting to dress up your comfy casual look, an easy way to do this is to style your hair and makeup – and even consider throwing on some heels!

3 Simple Self-Care Tips for New Moms

Angela Manning Health
3 Simple Self-Care Tips for New Moms

Being a new mom is difficult. From caring for your little one to managing household responsibilities such as tidying or even preparing for a big move with Black Tie Moving, finding time to take for yourself can be difficult. If you are a new mom and are finding yourself feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it might be time to prioritize a bit of self-care. Keep reading to learn a few simple ways to take extra care of yourself, even amidst a busy schedule.

Get Moving

Working out and creating a strong fitness routine as a new mom is one of the best ways to tend to your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you don’t have time to hit the gym amidst all of your parental duties and responsibilities, don’t panic! In order to reap the benefits of exercising, you don’t necessarily need to head to the gym; you can go for a short walk around the neighborhood, bike with your family, or dance along to your favorite music. While finding the motivation to exercise after having a new baby might be difficult, working out is one of the best ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday routine. 

Have an At-Home Spa Day 

Don’t have the time or money to head to a spa for some much-needed relaxation? That’s ok! Simulate the experience of visiting a spa at home by drawing a hot bath, doing a cleansing mud mask, and applying nourishing serums and lotions to your body. Create extra ambiance by dimming the lights, lighting scented candles, and playing your favorite calming music. 

Call a Friend

One of the most difficult parts of being a new mom is battling feelings of isolation as you don’t to have much spare time to spend with friends following the birth of your baby. One of the best things you can do to care for yourself and alleviate stress is to take the time to call a friend each day. Whether you’re venting about challenges you might be facing or just chatting and catching up, taking the time to converse with friends each day is a great way to alleviate stress and add some fun to your daily schedule.

Taking time for yourself can be hard, especially when you’re a new parent. Follow these 3 tips to make self-care as simple as possible, even with a new baby at home.