Substance abuse is one of the dangerous habits that have recently become common among young people. For varying reasons, ranging from pleasure, strength etc. youths are caught up in the net of illicit drugs and excessive intake of alcohol and tobacco. Drugs commonly abused includes stimulants (methamphetamine, Ritalin, Aderal etc.), hallucinogen drugs (LSD, PCP, mescaline, MDMA etc.), Narcotics (heroin), sedatives/hypnotics like benzodiazepines and tranquilizers) tramadol, codeine etc. Drug abuse includes taking certain hard drugs without prescription or beyond the prescribed dosage for ends other than the medical intention. When emotionally troubled, some people take drugs to ease themselves of the realities before them. Some others go for drugs to increase physical and sexual performance. Drugs are also taken to momentarily give one pleasure and ecstasy. Most of the drugs abused by young people are actually meant to be curative when medically prescribed in due dosages. People who indulge in this may not have intended to but were either pressured into it by peers or circumstances or learnt it from relatives or parents. Because of its damaging effect to mental, physical and psychological well-being of the abusers, it is necessary that we share with you some tips that will help you stay clear of substance, and its consequent abuse.

Check Your Access To Drugs or Alcohol

As a young person you should be mindful of how close you are to such substances that can be abused. Having access to drugs and other substances does not translate to using or even abusing them. Neither does difficulty of access to drugs guarantee freedom from substance abuse. However, the temptation to abuse and get addicted is higher when you have easy access to drugs especially because you are close to abusers or dealers. Please, to help you avoid getting addicted, ensure that you have little or no direct access to drugs and hard substance. Avoid parties or social gatherings where drugs or alcohol will be present. Focus on activities you enjoy that do not involve alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, simply vowing to avoid drugs or alcohol may not be enough to circumvent developing an addiction. While you may have the best intentions of never trying drugs or alcohol, things may not go according to plan. It is therefore more assuring to check your access to them.

Take Drugs Only On Prescription

Self-medication is a very dangerous thing to do. It can lead to abuse. Before you take any drug, make sure you have a prescription by medical personnel to do that. Mind you, even Paracetamol can be abused. Whenever you take any drug without prescription or confirmation of the drugs as the diagnosed cure for the ill health, you have abused the drug. Hence, abuse of drugs leads to addiction. Do not take drugs for any other purpose other than why it was produced.

Build Positive Self-esteem

If you have a low self-esteem, you may see yourself inadequate and may resort to substance abuse t either perform better or lose control of your mental alertness. Practice self-talk, i.e. speaking encouragingly to oneself in a positive way. When you feel your self-esteem is low because of certain circumstances around you such as your body look, mental capacity, health etc. talk to a confidant or counselor or psychologist. Do not on your own turn to sedatives and hypnotics. They do not solve the problem, they only give you momentary mental inertness that dangers your health and also gets you addicted.

Mind Your Friends

Friends have very strong and lasting influence on people. That is why a saying goes, ‘tell me your friend and I will tell you who you are.’ Birds of a feather flock together not just because they are born of a feather but because by flying together they overtime, make their feathers same. If you move with people who abuse substance of any kind or others who routinely drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription drugs or use illegal drugs, you are more likely to pick the habit. So, in other to save you the danger in becoming one as well as the stress of resisting the pressure, stay away from abuser-friends. Choose your friends wisely. Let them be people that impact your life positively. Make new friends who don’t drink or use drugs.

Learn To Say ‘No’

Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our friends, mates, boss, false teachers or others we don’t even know, makes us do what we would ordinarily not consider doing. Even when it seems that everyone is doing it, say no. everybody is actually not doing it. Don’t let someone else make your decisions for you. If someone is pressuring you to do something that’s not right for you, you have the right to say no, the right not to give a reason why, and the right to just walk away. If you take the trouble of explaining, you may lose the argument and be talked into doing it. Once you say no, stick to it and walk away. It is your life. No matter how the person may feel or react to you negative response, do not give in.

Be Close To Parents/Adults

It is very important to have people you can easily share your life’s challenges and your decisions about alcohol and drugs. You need people you can rely on and seek their suggestions in critical situations to help you make better choices. Parents and other adults of reputable character are better options in moments like this. Don’t be detached from them. Connect with them and remain closely related to them so that you can easily speak to them without fear or shame. They ma have been in the same pitch you are in presently and would be in a better position to advise you. The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life experiences can help put things in perspective and can be invaluable.

Enjoy Life And Do What You Love

Learn how to enjoy life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs can change who you are, limit your potential and complicate your life. Don’t allow yourself to be bored and then get excuse to resort to substance in take. Get out and get active in school and community activities such as music, sports, arts or a part-time job. Giving back as a volunteer is a great way to gain perspective on life. Be active and participatory. Don’t remove yourself from people. Do not allow solitary moments that leads to depression. Feast of your life.

Respect Family Standard

Your family may have certain standard especially in terms of relationship, partying and alcohol intake. Don’t break those codes. Be faithful to them. When you act according to the standard of your family, you may likely going to be free from substance abuse. This is of course in the case where the parents are not abusers and have good moral standard set for the children. Do not be in a hurry to assume more control over your life, having the trust and respect of your parents is very important.  Don’t let alcohol and drugs come between you and your parents. Talking with mom and dad about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful. Let them know when your obedience to this standard is at risk.

Get Sensitized To Alcohol And Drugs

You cannot rely on the myths and misconceptions that are out there among your friends and on the internet. Your ability to make the right decisions includes getting educated.  Some people may think that taking drugs (such as steroids) will improve their appearance or their athletic performance or that abusing substances such as alcohol or MDMA (ecstasy or “Molly”) will ease their anxiety in social situations. Some wrongly think that abusing prescription ADHD stimulants such as Adderall helps them study or lose weight. But these are misconceptions that you need to unlearn. Abusing substance does more harm than good. Do not take what peers say about drugs; get better sensitization on its hazard. You will better dispose to take decisions on substance in take when you are well- knowledge on the consequences.

Plan Ahead Of Parties

Don’t go to parties without prior considerations and decisions. Don’t come in blank. As you make plans for the party or going out with friends you need to make some plans ahead of the party on how you will conduct yourself and what will help you to stick to those conducts. You need to protect yourself and be smart. Don’t become a victim of someone else’s alcohol or drug use. Make sure that there is someone you can call, day or night, no matter what, if you need them. And, do the same for your friends. Decide on where to be at the party and when to leave as well. This may help you to avoid being bullied into taking drugs/alcohol. Remember that anyone who climbs a tree should not strive to pluck all the ripe fruits. If they do, they won’t come down from the tree through the path they climbed.

Get Medical Help For Mental Illness

Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Those with a mental illness may turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should seek the help of a trained professional for treatment before it leads to substance abuse. Instead of resorting to drugs as palliative, get right medical attention for your illness. There is no point going for palliatives when the cure is feasible.

Keep A Well-balanced Life

People take up drugs when something in their life is not working, or when they’re unhappy about their lives or where their lives are going. Look at life’s big picture, and have priorities in order.

Maintain A Single Relationship

Some people abuse drugs in order to enhance their sexual performance. The need for continued concern for sexual performance is evidently attributive to having different sexual partners who demand varying sexual satisfaction. When you have multiple partners you may find it difficult to satisfy them with your natural strength hence the stage for abusing such drug as tramadol set. Maintain a single relationship/sexual partner. This person will accept you the way you are and will with time get used to your capacity and enjoy you as such. He/she would help check unusual strength and dissuade you from that if it comes from drug abuse. Whereas drug gives temporary strength it causes permanent damages to our systems.

Live Within Your Capacities

Don’t do things you can’t ordinarily do. Do not try to live up to the world’s expectation. Be you. Live within your abilities. Do not seek extra strength or enablement especially from drugs to accomplish certain tasks. Be faithful to your capacity and do not stretch your body beyond what it is designed to do within a particular space of time.

Tackle Life Challenges; Don’t Be Escapist

Face challenges that come your way square head. Some people take drugs and alcohol as escape route form realities of life. When they cannot bear with the vicissitudes of life, they abuse certain drugs to lose their sense of judgment and consciousness. This habit is however condemnable as it shows cowardice while being destructive to the body. It is also a pathway to addiction. Than looking for ways to run away from life, find solutions to your problems. Get yourself to work and bring an end to your challenges. If you run away from t, it remains there waiting for you. But when you solve it by facing it, it goes.

Excessive intake of chemical especially those contained in alcohol and drugs is dangerous to the body. Addiction is imminent in drug abuse. Desist from substance abuse of any form. Because you have not become an abuser, we encourage you to keep at it. The temptations may be there from different angles but remain resolute. As a young person or adult, never give in to the pressure to abuse drugs or become a drunk. The above suggestions will help you to be on your guard against becoming an abuser. Regard them religiously.

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The post How To Avoid Substance Abuse first appeared on Bignedu.

Watch it here.

Bob Marley – Time Will Tell

Do you know the wordings of the lyrics (see below)? All sources do not seem to get the middle part of the lyrics right. Listen to the track in the video clip below and compare the singing with the lyrics presented right below. I have tried to figure out what Bob says in the middle part of the track.

Watch it here.

Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm-hm! Ooh-oo-oo-oo-er. Mm-mm-mm.
Jah would never give the power to a baldhead
Run come crucify the Dread.

Time alone – oh, time will tell:
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell;
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell;
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell.
Time alone – oh, time will tell:
Ya think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell.

Back them out; oh, not the brothers,
But the ones who set them up.

Time alone – oh, time will tell:
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell;
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell;
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell.
Time alone – oh, time will tell:
Ya think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell.

Mm-mm. Mm-mm.
Old man quit the matter at role
Old man to the ground
Old man think a ma cryin’.
Oh, children, weep no more!
Old man sycamore tree, saw the free country.
Saw the oh sacred dull scroll
Oh, children, weep no more;
Weep no more: children, weep no more!

Jah would never give the power to a baldhead
Run come crucify the Dread.

Time alone – oh, time will tell:
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell;
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell;
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell.
Time alone – oh, time will tell:
Think you’re in heaven, but ya living in hell.

Request: What do you think about the lyrics? The wordings of the track are very difficult for most people to understand. If you think the lyrics presented above is not correct, let us hear from you in the comment section below.

The post Some Music first appeared on Bignedu.

To search for job, we present to you, herein, top 10 high-ranking global job boards. They are listed below according to their social, traffic and bookmark rankings. By job board, we mean websites where job opportunities are posted. As you search for job, though, spend more time on researching companies, organic networking, meeting people and looking for possibilities of making a career change. You should try out a couple of the job boards and determine which ones work best for you as regards your job category and preferences. You success in using these will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, filter implementation, your job category and frequency of search. Remember that most times, getting a new job is not easy. Again, recruiters of some companies tend to be very ignorant and do not get it. They will not consider your application because you are not on social media or are not highly connected. Inasmuch as the social media are busy raking in money with the traffic they generate on their platforms, those recruiters have been made to believe that their recruits must be highly connected. Ignore them and work your way through. You will definitely get a job from one of the companies that know what they are doing. Click on each item on the list below to access the job board.

Good luck with your job search!

• Facebook
• Linkedin
• Dice
• Indeed
• Monster
• Idealist
• Glassdoor
• Linkup
• CareerBuilders
• Internship

How To Prepare To Land Your Dream Job

It is common knowledge in most countries of the world that labour supply greatly outweighs its demand. Competition is rife as professionals and non professionals compete for limited jobs in the market as they pursue their career progression. This situation has made most people to believe that getting a choice job is only a game of luck and chance. Others see it that the only sure way to land a dream job is through the “connection” one has. The truth is that luck, chance or connection might help a few people but not everybody. So the questions is – what can the average job seeker do to secure his or her dream job?

In order to increase your chances of securing your dream job, you need a strategic and structured approach while job hunting. A study of the career progression of some successful professionals revealed a trend resulting from implemented techniques and practices that led to their success. The techniques are listed below. If you apply them , you will greatly increase your chances of securing your dream job.

• Self Assessment– Do an assessment of your skills, potentials and capabilities. Understand what your core values are, your ideal work environment and career progression. Based on the education and training you received, you should determine which direction you are headed in your career. If you did not have a formal education or training, determine what you enjoy doing even if you are not going to be paid. Then list out the industries and sectors that need what you like doing and direct your job search toward it.

• Devote To Job Hunting– The importance of committing time to the job hunting process cannot be over emphasized. That dream job will only come with time and effort. You need to set out time from your present work or from other responsibilities and commit to job hunting. Extend your search across a number of platforms to further increase your chances.

• Apply ASAP– To increase your chances of securing an interview, you will have to apply for jobs as soon as they are advertised. This is because recruiters often receive hundreds of applications within a few hours of advertising and tend to process the applications on a first-come-first-served basis. A sure way of staying informed when your desired job is advertised is to set up job agents which will send you email alerts. This ensures you are duly informed once a job is posted and that you will be one of the early applicants to apply.

• Identify Jobs That Match Your Skill Set– Your success begins from being able to identify the job that requires your skill set. Be smart to identify the job that matches your skill level. This way, you will be appealing to the recruiter. We also recommend that you focus on those jobs that suit your education, qualification and skill set. Do this and you will increase your chances of securing an interview.

• Understand The Job Market– It is important that you understand the job market. What is the demand for the skill set you have? There is a proof that the more certain roles are advertised, the greater the demand for the roles companies and organizations. This knowledge will help you to have a workable strategy for job hunting and to make adjustments (in terms of career path) if necessary.

• Right Network– Networking with industry professionals will give you insight into existing opportunities before they are advertised or even if they are not advertised. Interaction with such high-profile individuals will greatly increase your chances of getting an attractive offer. These industry professionals could be family members, friends, mentors or former co-workers. Talk to them and keep in touch because these people interact with recruiting agencies and are often the first to be informed about job opportunities.

• Update Your Resume (CV)– Remember that your first contact with your future employer is your resume (CV). So make sure that it has all the necessary information with regard to your skills and experience. Usually, recruiters have hundreds of resumes to go through and therefore you must ensure that your resume is well prepared to have a competitive advantage. Ask somebody to review your resume. A standard resume should be two pages and should be tailored to suit the job you are applying for.

• Be Flexible To Options– Getting a job without experience can be quite challenging. As a fresher in the job market, you have to be flexible with your choices. This will give you the opportunity to develop the required skill and experience to launch you into getting your dream job.

• Do Not Be Motivated By Money– It is wrong to have money as the motivation for applying for a job whether you state it explicitly or implicitly. Focus on what you love doing and have skills for because it will enable you to build the character and discipline required to excel in your work. When you excel in doing the work, money will find you.

• Be Realistic In Your Expectations– Know that there is never a perfect job. Your “dream job” will come with challenges and unexpected twists that might bore you down. So train yourself to focus on the job at hand. Build good relationships and always be ready to give your best and get better.

See you at the top! Cheers!

How To Apply For Job

Getting Your Dream Job Is Possible!

Here we are going to give you a brief and effective guide as to how to apply for job. It is assumed that at this stage, you have searched out a job that interests you. If you have not, please read the posting above on ‘Search For Job’. Finding a job that interests you can be difficult sometimes especially when the job market is competitive. The economic law of demand and supply are usually effective. You will see some employers that seem not to understand what to look for. They will be looking for a carpenter, for example, that knows how to do everything – structural work, masonry, carpentry, sidewall, tiling, HVAC, decoration, cleaning, security, sales, jumping, singing, etc. And yet they say they are equal opportunity employers. Unbelievable! Keep searching and you will surely get a job that is of interest to you. After you find a job, applying means presenting yourself to the employer for consideration and possible hire. Ask yourself, ‘How do I market myself?’ The following steps will help you in the application process:

• Read the job description carefully to know the tasks, responsibilities, requirements and any other details.

• Keep a record of the job description for future use. This is very important when you will be following up on the application. The best way to keep record is to create a folder for every position you apply for. The folder will contain every information about the application – job description, resume, cover letter, login to online application, etc.

• From the job description, note how you are to apply. Some jobs will want you to apply online while others will state that you send your documents by email. Pay attention to what you are required to do.
• Tailor your resume/CV and cover letter (if they are required) to suit the job description.
• Make sure there are no grammatical and spelling errors

• If you are using old template for cover letter, please make sure to update accordingly. It is not a good thing if you send a recent application that is dated two months ago neither is it good if any information on the cover letter is intended for a different employer. There are so many grievous mistakes that can result from using old templates. Avoid such mistakes.

• As you prepare your documents, look at them from the perspective of the employer and see how impressive they appear to you. If you were an employer and somebody approached you with the documents, would you consider and or hire the person? This kind of subjectivity will help you put in your best to the application documents.

When everything is okay, apply for the job and attach/include all requested documents.

Congratulations! You have submitted your application. From experience, if you work full time, you will be able to send between one and five applications in a day. All depends on the details required of the application from the employer. Remember that quality matters a lot rather than quantity. Do not forget that record keeping in extremely important in everything you do during job application. For the above guidelines, we assume you know how to prepare application documents like resume and cover letter. If you do not know, we will be treating them in subsequent posts. Good luck!

What To Do After You Apply For Job

In order to get a job, you will most probably apply for positions with several employers depending on the condition of the job market. This means you could be looking at sending tens of applications before you are hired. Whatever happens, do not be discouraged until the deal is done. You will definitely get a job! Now, for what to do after you apply:

• Make sure to keep track of all the applications you have sent and their deadlines.

• Around the third week after the deadline for application submission, contact the employer to follow up unless it is stated that follow-up is not entertained. You will usually contact the employer through the HR (Human Resources). This is where the folders you created when you were applying for jobs become very useful.

• As you follow up, have a documentation of the dates of the follow-up and the responses you are getting from the employers. Add comments for next actions if necessary.

• At this time, you may start to receive the ‘Unfortunately …’ emails. Do not be discouraged by those and do not take them personal, either. Keep pushing ahead. When you go shopping, the thing you do not buy is highly needed by somebody else. This same principle applies in the job market. You will definitely meet the employer that needs you.

• Keep your eyes and ears on any good source of job. We want you to succeed and that is why we are telling you all this. Take the follow up exercise as serious as searching and applying for jobs. Organize everything well so that you know which positions have been filled and which ones are still open. As you do all this, you will be acquiring more experience on how best to package yourself and apply for subsequent job positions. Again, good luck with your job search!

How To Prepare For An Interview

Congratulations! You have crossed a big huddle to have got an interview. Rejoice for achieving this feat but keep the happiness within yourself since there is yet another bigger huddle. The main purpose of sending out applications is to get a job. Now you are much closer to realizing the purpose. Do everything possible; I mean everything possible to land yourself the job. It is yet another great opportunity to market yourself and stand out from other interviewees. Here we present you with 10 tips on how to prepare yourself and land the job. I am a staff of Bignedu and from my experience, the tips presented are have been tested and very effective. I have happened to attend interviews of various types where there were hundreds of interviewees and I came out successful. You do not need to know who I am in person to believe. What I said is true. If you apply the tips that we present here, you will come back to that us and we would be glad we are able to help you. Follow the tips below that have been tested and proven to yield great result:

• Contact your interviewer– See if you can get a little more information about what to expect from the interview session in terms of areas that interview questions will cover. You never know. You could get a great hint that will make you shine!
• List requirements– From the invitation for an interview, list all the things you are required to do and make sure you fulfill them.
• Prepare to attend– Get your clothes for the interview ready. Plan how to get to the venue in time no matter what. If possible, visit the venue secretly and be sure your plan will work out correctly.
• Review thoroughly your application documents– This review will include the job description. This is one of the reasons we told you earlier to keep a record of all applications you send. You remember?

• Research the employer’s website– Inform yourself about the business and operation of the company as much as you can. This will show that you are really interested in working in the company. Nobody expects you to know everything about the employer but you are expected to know something.

• Prepare for common questions– There are common questions during interviews that you should prepare for. Such question include ‘Tell me about yourself’, ‘What are your strengths?’, ‘What are your weaknesses?’ and ‘Where do you see yourself in five or ten years time?’. From other clues you got about the nature of the interview, prepare as much and as possible as you can. You target is to make an ‘A’ grade from the assessment.

• Prepare questions for the interviewer– During interviews, never say you have no questions if asked if you have any questions. Make sure to ask at least one question – any question. Asking right questions will be a credit to you. Therefore take time at home to prepare questions that you will ask and recite the questions so that on the interview day, you can easily remember the questions without referencing anywhere. One question is okay, two questions are perfect and three questions are maximum.

• Get ready documents– Prepare copies of resume and cover letter (if this was also submitted). You will also get ready your list of references (two or three) even if it is not stated in interview invitation. You will go with these stated documents just in case. Make sure to choose correct and trusted references. Inform them that you will be submitting their names and make sure that their contact information is correct.

• Be optimistic– Tell yourself, I should not miss this job. I have to go and get it. This will help you to motivate yourself and do everything possible to market yourself.

• Have good rest– On the eve of the interview, make sure to sleep very well and have enough rest. Be composed and focused. Do not put yourself in a tight situation where you will be in a rush to meet up with time. Give room (time) for any eventuality. This is a good time management principle.

How To Answer Interview Questions

Today is the D-day! You are now prepared for the interview. Make sure to be at the venue at least 15 minutes before the time for the interview. This is very important. It will not be good for the interviewer to call you on phone and ask if you are still coming for the interview. Be sure to dress appropriately. If you are in doubt as to how to dress, visit career section of the employer’s website or contact the interviewer and inquire. Here we present you with 5 tips on how to comport yourself and answer interview questions:

• Free your mind– It is true you are looking for a job but remember that you are not going to die if you are not offered the job. When one door is closed, many more is open! This mindset will grant you psychological freedom and you will be able to bring out your best. When you are engulfed by fear and uncertainty, you will be unable to perform.

• Be bold, cheerful and professional– Do not let anything intimidate you.
• Make exploits– Such interview questions like ‘Tell me about yourself’ and ‘What are your strengths’ are opportunities for you to shine. Make maximum use of them to market yourself.
• Be optimistic– Believe in your abilities and speak with assertion. You are you. The interview is not going to make you lose your name. Why then will you be afraid or panicky?
• Loop in– Show a smiling face and try always, after answering some questions (not every question), to bring the interviewer into your loop by asking, ‘I do not know if I answered your question?’ or ‘Did that answer your question?’

With these tips, as short and as simple as they are, you will receive a follow-up letter offering you the job. Please remember Bignedu!

Please find time to browse through the other pages on our website. The information in them might interest and help you. Feel free to share with family members and friends anything you find interesting on the website by using the social media icons at the footer area. Thank you for visiting.

The post Search For Job first appeared on Bignedu.

The Strategies That Actually Stick

Wellness and self-care goals – like exercising regularly, sleeping better, eating more intentionally, or reducing stress – often fail for one boring reason: inconsistency. Most people don’t struggle because they “don’t care.” They struggle because life is messy, motivation is flaky, and routines break the moment a schedule gets tight. If you’ve ever had a strong Monday and a chaotic Thursday, you already understand the problem.

Image via Pexels

In one pass, here’s what works

Consistency comes from designing for real life: smaller commitments, fewer decisions, clearer triggers, and a plan for bad days. You don’t need a perfect routine – you need a routine that survives interruptions. Think “minimum viable self-care,” and build up from there.

Why consistency is hard (and why it’s not a character flaw)

Consistency isn’t willpower; it’s friction management. If the “good choice” requires more steps than the default choice, you’ll drift toward the default when you’re tired, stressed, hungry, or distracted.

Common friction points:

• You set goals that require a high-energy version of you.
• You rely on motivation instead of cues (time, place, and existing habits).
• You try to change five things at once.
• You treat a slip-up as a “reset,” not a “detour.”

The solution is less dramatic than you might hope: build a system that makes the next right action easy – even when you’re not in the mood.

The consistency lever

When you’re stuck, don’t ask “What’s wrong with me?” Ask “Which lever is missing?”

Use the table like a diagnostic: pick one lever and adjust it. Tiny fix, big result.

Movement without “workout mode”

A lot of people assume exercise requires a perfect block of time, a change of clothes, and a gym-level mindset. In reality, consistency often comes from sneaking movement into your day in small, repeatable ways: take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away, or go for a walk during your lunch break – even 10 minutes matters. If you want more ideas for finding ways to exercise while your schedule is packed, it helps to focus on choices that require minimal planning and still raise your daily activity level.

The “minimum viable” approach

Here’s a mindset shift that changes everything: define the smallest version of the habit that still counts. Not because you’re lowering standards – because you’re building continuity.

Examples:

• Exercise: 5 minutes of brisk walking
• Strength: 1 set of squats + push-ups (wall push-ups count)
• Nutrition: add one fruit/veg serving, no other changes
• Sleep: start wind-down 10 minutes earlier
• Stress: 60 seconds of slow breathing

When life is calm, you naturally do more. When life is chaotic, you protect the streak.

Micro-habits that punch above their weight

A few small actions create disproportionate results because they “cascade” into other good decisions:

• Drink a glass of water right after waking
• Step outside for 2 minutes of daylight in the morning
• Put a vegetable on your plate at least once per day
• Do a 30-second posture reset (shoulders down, jaw unclench)
• Prep a simple “default meal” you can repeat
• Set a daily “shutdown time” for work notifications
• Do a 3-minute tidy of your space before bed

None of these are glamorous. That’s the point. Consistency likes boring.

Make self-care visible (because memory lies)

When you’re stressed, you often feel like you’re doing nothing for yourself—even if you are. Make the evidence visible. Ideas that don’t require a spreadsheet:

• Put your walking shoes where you’ll see them
• Leave a sticky note with your “bad day version” on the mirror
• Use a simple habit tracker with 3 columns (Move/Sleep wind-down/One nourishing meal)
• Keep a “done list” for self-care (breathing, stretching, called a friend, cooked)

You’re not trying to be perfect. You’re trying to stay oriented.

A resource worth bookmarking

If you want a straightforward, credible set of tools and guidance for mental well-being, the National Institute of Mental Health has a practical page on caring for your mental health. It’s a useful reference when you’re not sure what “self-care” should include beyond buzzwords. It also helps normalize the idea that mental health maintenance can be proactive, not only reactive. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a grounded reminder that small steps – sleep, connection, movement, and support – are part of real healthcare.

FAQ

What if I start strong, then fall off after two weeks?

That’s common. Two weeks is usually where novelty fades and your routine meets real scheduling friction. Shrink the habit, attach it to a reliable cue, and use a “bad day” version to keep continuity.

Is it better to focus on diet, exercise, sleep, or stress first?

If you’re unsure, start with the one that improves your next day the most. For many people, that’s sleep or daily movement. Better sleep often improves hunger cues and emotional regulation; movement often improves mood and energy.

How do I stay consistent when travel, work, or family demands spike?

Switch to maintenance mode: minimum viable habits, fewer goals, and more structure. Your aim is to preserve the routine skeleton until life calms down.

Should I track everything?

No. Track the smallest set of behaviors that give you clarity. If tracking stresses you out, simplify it to check-marks or track only whether you did the “bad day version.”

Conclusion

Consistency with wellness and self-care goals isn’t about becoming a new person overnight; it’s about making the next right action easier to repeat. Start with one habit, build a small version, and protect it on bad days. When you miss, return fast – no drama, no shame spiral. Over time, the system becomes the motivation, and your routine starts to feel like home.

By Marty

The post Staying Consistent With Wellness first appeared on Bignedu.

Achieving overall well-being isn’t just about one aspect of your life; it’s about creating balance in everything from your mental clarity to your physical vitality. True wellness means caring for yourself holistically, ensuring that both your mind and body function at their best. It’s about nourishing yourself in ways that go beyond diet and exercise—expanding into areas like mindfulness, emotional resilience, and daily habits that bring sustainable health. Here are some key strategies that will help you feel your best from head to toe.

Cultivate A Mindset Of Gratitude

Your mental state sets the tone for your overall well-being, and adopting a mindset of gratitude can work wonders for both your mind and body. When you regularly focus on what’s going well in your life, your brain rewires itself to notice more positives rather than dwelling on negatives. This shift can lower stress levels, improve emotional resilience, and even strengthen immune function. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on a few things you appreciate each day can significantly elevate your mood and perspective.

Fuel Your Body With Nutrient-Dense Foods

What you eat directly impacts how you feel, both physically and mentally, making it crucial to prioritize whole, nutrient-rich foods. A balanced diet filled with lean proteins, healthy fats, and vibrant fruits and vegetables fuels your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to function optimally. Proper nutrition not only boosts energy and metabolism but also supports brain function, reducing the likelihood of mental fog and fatigue. Hydration is equally essential, as drinking enough water helps with digestion, circulation, and overall cellular health.

Develop A Consistent Movement Routine

Exercise isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a cornerstone of physical and mental health. Moving your body regularly increases blood flow, strengthens your muscles and joints, and releases endorphins that improve your mood. Whether it’s strength training, yoga, or simply taking a brisk walk, staying active reduces stress, boosts energy, and enhances longevity. The key is consistency; finding a form of exercise that you enjoy makes it easier to integrate movement into your daily life.

Prioritize Quality Sleep Every Night

Restorative sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of well-being, yet it’s essential for mental clarity, immune function, and overall vitality. Poor sleep disrupts hormone balance, increases stress, and weakens the body’s ability to heal and recover. Establishing a relaxing nighttime routine—such as avoiding screens before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a calming environment—can improve sleep quality. Giving your body the rest it needs ensures you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Boost Mental Well-Being With Lifelong Learning

Expanding your knowledge by going back to school can be a powerful way to enhance your mental well-being, providing a sense of purpose, and renewed confidence. Learning new concepts stimulates the brain, improves cognitive function, and helps combat stress. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in nursing or business, choosing the right program from an accredited institution ensures that your education aligns with your career goals and provides real-world value. For those seeking flexibility while advancing their education, this is a good alternative, allowing students to balance school with work and personal responsibilities through online learning.

Nurture Your Social Connections

Strong relationships are a vital component of well-being, as human connection deeply influences mental and emotional health. Surrounding yourself with supportive, uplifting people helps reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging. Prioritizing time with loved ones, whether through deep conversations, shared activities, or simple check-ins, strengthens these bonds. Social connections also serve as a buffer during challenging times, providing encouragement and perspective when you need it most.

Create Daily Rituals For Mental Clarity

The way you start and end your day greatly impacts your mindset and overall health. Incorporating mindful rituals – such as morning meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises – can enhance focus and emotional stability. These small, intentional habits train your brain to handle stress more effectively while fostering a sense of control over your daily routine. Taking even a few minutes for self-care rituals can set the tone for a more productive, peaceful, and fulfilling day.

Listen To Your Body’s Signals

Your body constantly communicates with you, signaling when it needs rest, nourishment, or movement. Ignoring these cues can lead to burnout, illness, or chronic fatigue, making it crucial to develop body awareness. Whether it’s recognizing when you need a break, adjusting your diet based on how certain foods make you feel, or understanding when stress is manifesting physically, tuning in to your body fosters long-term wellness. Honoring these signals allows you to make informed choices that align with your overall well-being.

Conclusions

Enhancing your well-being from head to toe requires a multi-faceted approach that blends mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience. Small, consistent changes add up over time, leading to a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself. Prioritize your well-being, and you’ll find yourself thriving in every aspect of life.

Article by Laura Carlson. For further information on this topic and others from the writer, please visit here.

The post Holistic Strategies To Elevate Your Health And Happiness first appeared on Bignedu.

Exploring new methods to improve mental well-being is essential in managing the complexities of today’s fast-paced world. By adjusting everyday habits and integrating fulfilling activities, you can achieve a more balanced and enriched life without creating more stress for yourself. In this article, we will go over several fresh approaches you can adopt in order to enhance your mental health.

Reduce Screen Time

One fundamental step toward better mental health is reducing your screen time. Excessive use of screens can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and a detachment from real-world interactions. Start by setting specific limits on the use of devices, especially during the evening hours to ensure better sleep quality. Instead of scrolling through social media before bed, consider reading a book or engaging in light stretches. This not only helps in reducing the strain on your eyes but also calms your mind, preparing you for a restful night.

Embrace Mindfulness

Mindfulness encourages you to become fully present and engaged in the now, fostering introspection and a serene mind. Integrating mindfulness into your routine can be as simple as starting a meditation practice or maintaining a journal. Both methods allow you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, leading to a greater sense of gratitude. Experiment with different mindfulness techniques to find what resonates best with you.

Discover Yourself Through Reflection

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding. Regularly set aside time for guided self-discovery sessions where you can reflect on your goals, challenges, and achievements. This practice not only aids in self-awareness but also enhances decision-making skills and emotional intelligence.

Try Natural Supplements For Balance

Incorporating natural supplements can also play a role in maintaining mental balance. Options such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, CBD products, and herbal teas can be beneficial. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to ensure it’s appropriate for your needs and doesn’t interfere with other medications.

Breathe Your Way To Calmness

Breathing exercises can be a quick and effective method to manage stress and maintain mental clarity. Practice techniques such as deep breathing or guided breathwork to calm the mind and reduce anxiety instantly. These exercises can be integrated into daily routines, providing a practical tool for emotional regulation and stress management, ultimately leading to a more balanced and focused state of mind.

Create Goals To Keep You Motivated

Creating a monthly goal list is an excellent way to track your progress and stay motivated. Seeing your achievements in writing can boost your morale and encourage you to set new, challenging goals. This ongoing process is not just about achieving but also about recognizing and celebrating the small victories along the way.

Stimulate Your Mind With A Book Club

Participation in a book club can greatly enhance mental stimulation and social interaction. Engaging in discussions about different books introduces new perspectives and ideas, enhancing cognitive flexibility. This interaction fosters a sense of community and belonging, which are crucial for mental health. The intellectual stimulation from regular reading and discussion can also help in maintaining cognitive functions and emotional health over time.

Conclusions

In pursuit of better mental health, it’s essential to be open to changing your usual routines and trying out new strategies. Each small step you take can lead to significant benefits, helping you to lead a happier, more balanced life. Remember, the goal isn’t just to “fix” yourself but also to continuously evolve and improve, making each day more fulfilling than the previous.

Article by Jill Palmer. For further information on this topic and others by the writer, visit here.

The post Enhance Your Mental Health first appeared on Bignedu.

4 Basic Keys To Financial Freedom

Hard work pays; anything else may help!

Before we dive into the basic keys, let us clear some ground. Please, follow us along. You are probably here because you are searching for information on how to gain financial freedom. The freedom can only be achieved when you know how to make more money. One way to make more money is to get information. It is our desire to support you as you work toward financial freedom by providing you with helpful information. When you make more money, you walk towards financial freedom. Now, let us try and answer a question. What is financial freedom? Of the truth, the question is relative. From economics point of view, human being has many wants but has limited resources. If we go by this assertion from economics, nobody is financially free. So, by our own definition, financial freedom means having enough money to enjoy the necessities of life which include – house, food, clothing, giving aid, mobility and entertainment. Going to the moon, or anything like that, is not a necessity of life. You need to establish a boundary before you can be financially free. Having all the money on earth is not financial freedom. If you have all the money on earth but do not have a boundary, you will never be financially free – when money increases, commitment increases. Haven said these, you have to have money to be financially free. Do not be confused. Try to understand the explanation.

As we present to you the basic keys to financial freedom, we will expose you to many ways to make more money. If you want to make more money, ask yourself – what do I know how to do? Do not say you do not know how to do anything. Okay? Everybody is made to know how to do something. It is possible you know how to do many things. I guess you know that you can make great wealth from virtually anything, I said anything, you know how to do. The global market accessible through the internet guarantees this. If you know how to do many things, concentrate on those that you know how to do best. Then make up your mind to give the time it takes. Every dream requires a time period to materialize. The time period could be one day, one week or even a couple of years. If you are on the right track, it should not be more than a couple of years. This is where patience comes in. There is this saying that Rome was not built in a day. Making more money is not different! The problem is that most times, we spend a lot of time on things that will not bring us close to making more money. If we begin to use our time well and pay attention to the things we know how to do, for sure, more money will come. We must stress that it is not enough to know how to do something and give the time it takes. It is even more important that you make good name in the thing you know how to do. Good name, they say, is better than money! If you go about cursing and hurting people as you do the things you know how to do, in a short while, everybody will back out and you will be on your own. You should train yourself to have good manners and right conduct.

Laying a financial foundation is the hardest part of managing money. You have to start from somewhere! You have to be doing something in order to make an income. Otherwise, you will never achieve financial freedom. It is like counting 1, 2, 3. As long as you are no longer a toddler, you must count 1 before you count 2. If you are a student or an apprentice, you are already doing something and that is a good starting point. Now somewhere, it is easier to be on course and make right decisions. When you are on course and in the right direction, if you keep doing the right thing, you will be working toward financial stability and freedom. Prepare to land your dream job if you are looking for job. When you start to make income, set goals and create savings to realize those goals. There are many ways to make more money. For the most part, what makes someone rich is how much they are able to save and or invest but not generally how much income they make. You might have heard that some people who won jackpot later became poor. Did that surprise you? It should not! It happened and happens. If you can assimilate what has been said so far, you are more than 60% closer to achieving financial freedom.

Achieving financial freedom is based on the following 4 basic keys:

Monitor Expenses

How much do you worth? Let your expenses depend on your income. There is this old saying that one should cut ones coat according to ones size. The saying has not expired; it is valid forever. Take a critical look at your expenses and cut off those that are not really required. You can cut off the expenses one after the other. You are a different person and should not have the same spending style as your friends or as another person, by the way.

Make Savings

When you succeed in cutting off some expenses, the end result will be savings. Map out a bulk amount of money and save in a certain type of account. It does not matter how much it is; it can be 500, 1000 or more bucks. You want to embark on a disciplinary journey of making savings. Set a time period for yourself, say weekly or monthly, and make sure you keep putting a certain amount of money in the account. If you have a spouse, you must have had a discussion together and agreed on your financial goals. What is of utmost importance is steadiness in making the savings and not the amount you put in each time period.

Clear Any Debts

If there is an outstanding debt, your priority will be to clear it. No one is free until they pay off their debt. Map out a plan to clear your debt as quickly as possible. Otherwise, your wallet will be swelled up like the proverbial big balloon that goes up into the air at the slightest wind. Why defer or delay? If you owe, you owe. You cannot run away from it. If you could have run away, you should have started from avoiding the debt. But once you owe, it helps greatly to clear it as quickly as possible. To clear the debt, start from the smallest amount and proceed to the biggest. Do not over burden yourself trying to pay all debts at the same time. But if you can pay all at the same time without risking begging for food or other basic necessities, go ahead and pay all.

Maintain The Dignity Of Human Existence

The target is to achieve financial freedom so that you can live sustainably and with fulfillment. The question will be at what expense is it reasonable to achieve that? You should not look for financial freedom at the expense of your freedom of existence. It would not be good to trample on everybody around you either, just because you want to achieve financial freedom. There is no dignity in that! There are uncountable number of genuine ways to make money and still maintain your dignity. You only have to put your knowledge and brain to task. Many people have done it. You can do it. Yes, you can!

Bignedu

How To Prepare To Land Your Dream Job: 10 Tips That Really Work!

It is common knowledge in most countries of the world that labour supply greatly outweighs its demand. Competition is rife as professionals and non professionals compete for limited jobs in the market as they pursue their career progression. This situation has made most people to believe that getting a choice job is only a game of luck and chance. Others see it that the only sure way to land a dream job is through the “connection” one has. The truth is that luck, chance or connection might help a few people but not everybody. So the questions is – what can the average job seeker do to secure his or her dream job?

In order to increase your chances of securing your dream job, you need a strategic and structured approach while job hunting. A study of the career progression of some successful professionals revealed a trend resulting from implemented techniques and practices that led to their success. The techniques are listed below. If you apply them , you will greatly increase your chances of securing your dream job.

1. Self Assessment – Do an assessment of your skills, potentials and capabilities. Understand what your core values are, your ideal work environment and career progression. Based on the education and training you received, you should determine which direction you are headed in your career. If you did not have a formal education or training, determine what you enjoy doing even if you are not going to be paid. Then list out the industries and sectors that need what you like doing and direct your job search toward it.
2. Devote To Job Hunting – The importance of committing time to the job hunting process cannot be over emphasized. That dream job will only come with time and effort. You need to set out time from your present work or from other responsibilities and commit to job hunting. Extend your search across a number of platforms to further increase your chances.
3. Apply ASAP – To increase your chances of securing an interview, you will have to apply for jobs as soon as they are advertised. This is because recruiters often receive hundreds of applications within a few hours of advertising and tend to process the applications on a first-come-first-served basis. A sure way of staying informed when your desired job is advertised is to set up job agents which will send you email alerts. This ensures you are duly informed once a job is posted and that you will be one of the early applicants to apply.
4. Identify Jobs That Match Your Skill Set – Your success begins from being able to identify the job that requires your skill set. Be smart to identify the job that matches your skill level. This way, you will be appealing to the recruiter. We also recommend that you focus on those jobs that suit your education, qualification and skill set. Do this and you will increase your chances of securing an interview.
5. Understand The Job Market – It is important that you understand the job market. What is the demand for the skill set you have? There is a proof that the more certain roles are advertised, the greater the demand for the roles companies and organizations. This knowledge will help you to have a workable strategy for job hunting and to make adjustments (in terms of career path) if necessary.
6. Right Network – Networking with industry professionals will give you insight into existing opportunities before they are advertised or even if they are not advertised. Interaction with such high-profile individuals will greatly increase your chances of getting an attractive offer. These industry professionals could be family members, friends, mentors or former co-workers. Talk to them and keep in touch because these people interact with recruiting agencies and are often the first to be informed about job opportunities.
7. Update Your Resume (CV) – Remember that your first contact with your future employer is your resume (CV). So make sure that it has all the necessary information with regard to your skills and experience. Usually, recruiters have hundreds of resumes to go through and therefore you must ensure that your resume is well prepared to have a competitive advantage. Ask somebody to review your resume. A standard resume should be two pages and should be tailored to suit the job you are applying for.
8. Be Flexible To Options – Getting a job without experience can be quite challenging. As a fresher in the job market, you have to be flexible with your choices. This will give you the opportunity to develop the required skill and experience to launch you into getting your dream job.
9. Do Not Be Motivated By Money – It is wrong to have money as the motivation for applying for a job whether you state it explicitly or implicitly. Focus on what you love doing and have skills for because it will enable you to build the character and discipline required to excel in your work. When you excel in doing the work, money will find you.
10. Be Realistic In Your Expectations – Know that there is never a perfect job. Your “dream job” will come with challenges and unexpected twists that might bore you down. So train yourself to focus on the job at hand. Build good relationships and always be ready to give your best and get better.

Cheers! See you at the top!

The post 4 Basic Keys To Financial Freedom first appeared on Bignedu.

• Orangutan And Magic

A Display Of Some Of The Products Of Idea, Thinking, Innovation, Creativity, Ingenuity, Innovation And Sustainability

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Please read our mission if you have not read it. We are determined to get there. In the meantime, take a little moment to entertain yourself with the math or magic that are presented on this web page. They are very interactive. To remove any data you entered, double-click the box and apply delete or back button. You can scroll left, right, up or down to see the whole content in the view window. Note that if your browser is internet explorer version 9 or older, loading of the applications may take longer or may not be possible. In that case, the problem will be solved if you upgrade to a newer version. If you are accessing this on a mobile device, scroll with your finger to see the yellow box to the right where you have to enter data. To enter data, tap the yellow box two times with your finger to place the cursor. If you have any problem accessing the programs, make sure you have a good internet connection and then refresh the page.

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Do find time to browse through other pages of our website. The information in them might interest and help you. Feel free to share with family members and friends anything you find interesting on the website by using the social media icons in the footer area. Thank you for visiting. If there is any information you feel like sharing with us, please contact us.

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The post Activities first appeared on Bignedu.

In the reviews presented hereunder, we talk about users’ honest experience of the reviewed products based on usage. The reviews do not by any means represent endorsement or rejection of the products.

Review Of Apple’s iPhone 6

iPhone 6 has continued to enjoy prominence despite recent models with supposedly improved efficiency. Like iPhone 7, it measures 4.70 inches in screen. The touch screen display is bright and clear with the same resolution as iPhone 7 – 1334 x 750 pixels – which encourages use for photographic and video purposes.

The rear camera makes pictures of 8 mega pixels while the selfie (front camera) can make pictures of up to 1.2 mega pixels. It is convenient to take multiple shots with this model given the presence of the Burst (Continuous Shooting) Mode option. This allows one to take as many pictures as possible automatically, each shot coming about every half a second. This is enabled by holding down the shutter icon or one of the volume keys. It produces stellar motion pictures with its 60FPS (frames per second) and SLO-MO option for slow motion videos. Pictures and videos can also be duplicated before editing so that you can have the original after editing. Isn’t this a great feature? By the way, some of the special features of the phone cannot be experienced by merely taking calls and pinging. You got to surf the phone’s potentials and unravel the numerous features configured therein.

With its 8.0 iOS, performance is sure to be fast and enjoyable. The Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition feature, is noticeably quicker when unlocking the phone. Zipping through menus and opening apps are as slick an experience as breathing, when you are hale and hearty anyway. If you’re a bit of a mobile gamer then you’ll really enjoy playing the latest 3D games with all the extra graphical effects on the larger screen. The only issue noticeable in the performance has to do with certain apps. The Facebook app, for example, jerks and judders sometimes when in use.

In addition, the storage capacity is equally large. Although it has no MicroSD card slots, like all iPhones, it has relatively enough memory. The RAM is 1GB and the storage is 16GB. To assist in the use of this storage space, various connectivity options are provided. Some of them are WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, 3G, 4G, AirDrop, etc. But for contacts, you have only one SIM card to accommodate them. You can push extra contact numbers to the phone memory however.

The battery, built-in rechargeable lithium-ion, lasts longer in relation to the operations it performs. It has a capacity of 1810mAh and measures 138.10mm × 67.00mm × 6.90mm. It weighs 129.00 grams. It will interest you to know that, unlike in iPhone 6s and 7, the battery is easily removable, as in Nokia 3310. Remember this phone? We have really walked a long way, talking about phones.

The Reachability option on the phone makes usage convenient. This option allows you to use one hand consistently on the phone. This means that you could make options far at the top of the screen come down closer to allow you to select/click on them. Know this too: you can even customize the vibrations, not just the ringing tune. I mean vibration, such that you could know who is calling by the special sound of the vibration. Awesome! Right?

As for privacy, iPhone 6 scores high. Everything can be passworded including Notes. Your instagram messages, Facebook and Whatsapp chats, pictures and videos can all be securely passworded. This is not to say that the phone is for criminals or unhelpful at emergency.

On the contrary, the smartphone is emergency-conscious. Its Medical ID feature is the best emergency consideration in phones, as far as I know. This feature allows a user to input certain medical records about themselves in the phone such as blood group, allergies, emergency contacts, etc. This is programmed in such a way that all choice information can be accessible through the lock-screen on the Emergency function. Isn’t it assuring?

Newer versions of Apple iPhones abound and also presuppose improved performance but iPhone 6 has not ceased to be a great innovation. Whereas it may be outperformed by the succeeding models, it has not been shed of its great features and uniqueness.

Review Of Apple’s iPhone 6s

iPhone 6s, like iPhone 6, comes in four different colours, namely, rose gold, silver, space gray and gold. But I would always go for space gray. Don’t ask me why.

The device has prominent antenna bands, soft rounded covers and a curved glass screen that melts into its thin body. Part of what wows in the design is its fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. Although its water resistant capability is low, it does not easily yield to water. It comes strong and durable, haven been made of 7000 series aluminum alloy.

The display is clear and sizeable with a resolution of 1334 × 750 pixels. The phone weighs 143 grams, is 7.1mm thick, 5.44 inches in height and 2.64 inches wide. The polarizer in this model makes outdoor viewing better.

The memory is large enough despite the fact that it does not allow external storage card. There are two options of the model as a result of difference in RAM capacity. One is iPhone 6s with 32GB storage and the other is iPhone 6s with 128GB storage.

iPhone 6s promises great visual and audio experience. The main camera can produce pictures of 12 megapixels while the selfie makes pictures of 5 megapixels. The True Tone Retina Flash lights up the display of the phone before capture so as to ensure clearer image quality. In iPhone 6s, Apple fulfills the expected improvement in camera performance without degradation to the image quality. Even without the Optical Image Stabilization, one is assured of great image output. The Live Photo option adds a sense of vitality and life to still photos. As for the video, one cannot expect anything less than the best. It records 4k videos at 30FPS. 240FPS goes for SLO-MO and Time-Lapse videos. The sound effect is also impressive. It allows both personalized vibration and ringtones in addition to the proprietary packages on them. The loud speaker is responsive and has 3.5mm jack. The phone allows multiple connectivity such as WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE, dual-band, hotpot, GBS, NFC, etc. The LTE runs with a speed of about 300mb/s while WiFi runs at 866mb/s.

iPhone 6s has poor battery history. It was known for its unexpected shutdown but it has been recently resolved. Hence, most of the earlier ones may show this failure. Otherwise, the battery life is satisfactory. The 1715mAh battery lasts for 14 hours on calls and 10 days when not in use. When it is on internet use, it lasts depending on the connectivity: for 3G and LTE, you will expect 10 hours; for WiFi, it is 11 hours. If the phone is used for video, it can last for 11 hours while if it is used to play music, it stays for 50 hours. This statistics is certainly not an assurance that yours will have the battery life; it is an observation based on single use. You cannot have an iPhone and play only music with it. Usage that combines other things may lessen the life span. The battery is built-in and therefore non-removable.

Some other features that endear the phone to users include the 3D Touch which measures pressure levels; the Quick Action which allows urgent manipulation of apps (which unfortunately can also be taken advantage of by non-owners). There is also the fast Touch ID for finger print recognition in place of password.

Like every other product in the market, iPhone 6s has its own shortfalls, but it serves right when used right. You can go for it.

Review Of Apple’s iPhone 7

The first attractive feature of the improved iPhone 7 is that jet black colour that gives off impressiveness. I learnt there is another colour, grey or so, but jet black is surely bam. There was the hype and wow that welcomed it but it’s worth all of it. It surely would be scam-like to go for anything less than the price it came out with, about $549. With its outstanding features, you still wonder why another version would come after it. Producers won’t stop making money, anyway. And that is why Apple has other products.

The shape and size are even sexier than, no, i wouldn’t say curvy babes, some macho dudes. Don’t rush me! You would love the portability of the 4.7 inches piece. The screen which could be made bigger by double tapping the home button is brighter than the preceding models even though it is said to have the same resolution of 1334 × 750 pixels. The home button is quite solid although it requires skin contact. The intensity of its vibration when pressed can be reset to taste in the Settings menu. Have I told you that the phone is water resistant? You don’t fear any rain or deep dive during swimming whatsoever. So you have no reason to keep it unsafe away from yourself.

The operating system is so designed that it comes online once the phone is picked up, without any finger touch. With the 32GB internal storage and 3GB RAM, you are encouraged to continue taking those beautiful pictures. The sensor for main camera is about 12mp and the selfie has 7mp; that means bigger pixels. The optical image stabilization (OIS) makes it possible for the phone to produce sharp and clear pictures even when taken in dull or poorly lit scenes. It has f/1.8 aperture: that’s capable of making great focus and capture. There is that beautifully designed camera bump beside the Quad-LED adjustable flash light. The iPhone 7 is definitely designed with taking snap shots in mind. What else could be the reason behind the possibility of taking pics even when the phone is locked with password? Only a swipe right on the portrait-laid screen or up/down swipe if on landscape gets the camera ready. This however does not allow access to the gallery. You would still unlock the passworded phone to see the pictures in the gallery. So, it is privacy-guaranteed while being emergency friendly.

The absence of headphone ports on the phone does not mean bad sound result. The speaker produces sharp and distilled sounds. The lightning port however allows normal headphones to be connected using a certain adapter that comes in the pack. The Airpods also provide wonderful accompaniment for great audio effect.

The Force Touch is one feature that is kinda bitter sweet. It means a continued press on the phone to make some option pop up. If for instance a message enters the phone while it is locked, a long press on the message notification opens it for view. This means that anyone could read a new message on your phone even when it is locked. The good thing about it is that it saves time. A long press on the email icon, for instance, pops up options like ‘send message,’ ‘inbox’, etc.

Unlike with previous iPhones, users are now at liberty to uninstall any app they don’t fancy. The iPhone 7 allows user to delete instead of storing compulsorily in the Crappie folder to free up space. Talking of space, contacts can be shifted to the phone memory because it allows only one SIM card – nano size.

I am not surprised that the battery which is in-built (although replaceable with lots of technical requirements) can only do for about six hours of constant use. What else would you expect of such optimally performing phone with a lot of things going on in the operating system at once? The good thing nevertheless is that it charges up fast; it takes about 90 minutes to hit 100% from 0%. What is more, the battery hardly drops charge when not in use.

There are impressive improvements in the phone from what we had in previous iPhones. Like every human product, it has both sides of plus and minus. Of course, the former outweighs the latter. You can go for it, if you have the wherewithal. Get this? It’s not for all. Your pocket has to permit you!

Review Of Itel iNote Prime it1701

Three years into my ownership of this Itel 1701 with android version 4.4.2, it has continued to serve me right. I needed something bigger for my studies and researches, and its 7 inches by 4 inches screen was just what I needed for both video and scripted materials. I gladly parted with the #18,000 which I learnt from a friend who got the same phone at #29,000 was too cheap.

The packaging is welcoming as it has with it a dark leather shockproof cover. This not only promises longer life to the phone but gives it a gorgeous outlook. The size which competes with iPad leaves the phone appropriately for hand carriage instead of purses or pockets. It has a generally brilliant display.

The design is mature and forces any user to act accordingly. For instance, the risk of using earpiece while charging the phone is already averted by the designer as both ports are too close at the head of the phone to be used at the same time. What is more, it has that dull but elegant colour of black and lambent metallic white.

The screen size is not just good enough for reading and viewing videos but is also convenient for typing. I typed this piece with it with a speed I can hardly maintain while using my laptop. Of course, I can’t forget to tell you that I typed the chapters one and two of my undergraduate long essay with it. That reminds me to tell you that the storage capacity is wow. It is about 8GB. Did I tell you about the sound? Oh! The speaker is just perfect even when I listen to radio with the earpiece as just the antenna. My bae would rather share a song I don’t have to me just to listen to it with my phone. And the Itel phone is good on this.

I however have some reservations with the phone. Yea, I do. I must confess that the major problem is peculiar. The battery life. I recently confirmed that the battery doesn’t last long because I have not been using the specified charger for it. I lost the charger the phone came with very early and I never tried to get another with the same specification. I use any charger I see around. This seems to have affected the battery badly; it now takes longer time to get completely charged up and runs down with the speed of lightning. That’s actually a bit of an exaggeration. But the truth is that it takes less than two days to strike zero percent especially when the data connection is on. Three of my friends got the same phone about the same time I got mine. I tried to find out from them if they have the same poor battery satisfaction. But I couldn’t. One lost his phone too early to find out and the other rough handled his, so it broke down. Trust civil engineers. He made calls with it while having his hands full of cement. Sometimes, the phone was handled like one of the bricks he laid. LOL! Engr. Peter can be very funny anyway. Sr. Jane, like me, rarely uses hers for anything other than reading and surfing the internet. Since 2015, I only used it for calls when I lost my small phone – that lasted for about four months, anyway. Jane, until we parted last year, never complained about the battery.

Another minus about the phone is its photo quality. Nah! That’s really poor I must admit. Sr. Jane complained about photo quality too. So, I think the camera is just poor. Even when one tries their hand with other refined camera apps, the story doesn’t change. I don’t know what the 8.0MP written by the camera’s eyes means. Whatever claims it makes, I don’t like the picture quality. It can only produce a fair image under heavy light especially the sun. The live focus is not better either. When it displays a good image you would wonder why it can’t produce one. I take it for granted that the phone (I prefer to call it tablet anyway) is designed for scholars and writers like us.

You can go for it if you need something portably large for screen related purposes. But you may not want to go for it if you are a photo freak. There is no snapchat, and you can’t lock your chats and messages for privacy reasons. Improved versions of the phone will be appreciated with good image quality, advanced privacy options especially on messenger app.

Guest Writer

The post Reviews first appeared on Bignedu.

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is usually a symptom of bowel infection also called gastroenteritis. It is a natural reaction to dehydration, infection or toxins that need to be expelled from the digestive system. Examples include certain types of bacteria, parasites, food allergies or other microbes. It makes the body lose too much water and minerals, including electrolytes like sodium, quickly.

Causes Of Diarrhea

It is caused by viral or bacterial infection which will usually manifest as food poisoning. An example of such virus is rotavirus. Examples of such bacteria are E. coli (Escherichia coli) and salmonella.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diarrhea include frequent bowel movements, watery feces or “loose” stools, abdominal pains, cramping and sometimes stomach bloating, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss. Other symptoms are dependent on what’s causing the diarrhea (infection or illness). For an illness like dehydration, the symptoms may include weakness, brain fog, upset stomach, dizziness and blood pressure fluctuation.

Home Remedies

1. Light Food

The more food you consume, the harder your digestive organs have to work. You likely won’t have too much of an appetite while you have diarrhea, so try to eat small amounts spread throughout the day. Eat simple foods that are easy to digest. Stick with a diet of bland foods like simple whole grains, apples, bananas and rice the first few days. These foods are easy on the digestive system and can provide some fiber to help add bulk to stools.

2. Fruits and Vegetables

These provide water, fiber and electrolytes. Try making a smoothie or sorbet with fruit, and steaming veggies to make them easier to digest. Many people however react badly to natural sugar which is contained in these fruits and vegetables. So, monitor your symptoms to make sure they don’t get worse.

3. Raw Honey and Ginger

A mixture of raw honey and crushed ginger can help reduce the trouble of diarrhea when drunk. Prepare a herbal tea and add the mixture in it. This will help soothe your stomach and reduce the irritation especially around the anus.

Raw Honey And Ginger

4. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds contain a high amount of naturally present mucilage which acts similar to fiber by helping to add some bulk to the stool. They are always handy in the treatment of diarrhea. When you eat the seeds, you’ll have an easier time going to the washroom/toilet, and your stool won’t be as liquid. Moreover, fenugreek seeds can help to reduce other symptoms such as pain and dehydration. The best way to use fenugreek seeds for diarrhea is by mixing a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds with plain yogurt. Honey may be used as a sweetener. Fenugreek seeds is not recommended for children especially those who have severe diarrhea.

Fenugreek Seeds

5. Orange Peel

This sounds really unbelievable. But guess what? It works! Orange peel is surprisingly useful in treating diarrhea. It aids the digestive process, making it easier to pass a stool on a more consistent basis. The best thing about orange peel is that it can be used at home in a cheap and relatively fast manner. To use it for diarrhea, wash the orange peel to eliminate any impurities. Gently chop the peel and allow it to steep in two cups of boiling water for around 15 minutes. You may add honey and ginger for a more potent effect. Drink this. Don’t mind the taste. The honey can help to lessen the awful taste.

Orange Peel

6. Blueberries

Blueberries are a special fruit that is useful in treating diarrhea.  They are known for their sweet taste and antioxidant-rich properties. And what’s more, blueberries contain an abundance of pectin that is known for its soothing effect on the digestive issues. Blueberries can be consumed by themselves, but they can also be added to a variety of dishes and smoothies. If you wish, you may also chew dried blueberries a few times throughout the day.

Blueberries

7. Review Diet

To handle diarrhea, you can reconsider some of the food choices you make. Try to avoid the following foods:

• Conventional Dairy: Processed dairy can be hard to digest and can make diarrhea worse. However, raw cultured dairy, such as kefir, is high in probiotics which can support bowel function.

• Potential Allergens: As mentioned above, diarrhea can result from food allergies through gluten, nuts, shellfish and dairy.
• Processed Fats and Oils: Too much fat can upset your sensitive stomach and make the diarrhea worse. This can include fats from packaged products with refined vegetable oils, fast foods, cheesy foods, processed meats or fried foods.
• Added Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners: Bacteria love to eat sugar, and sugar reduces immune system and digestive functioning in many cases. Avoid chewing gum that contains sorbitol. Avoid milk for 3 days after symptoms disappear.
• Caffeine: Caffeine can stimulate muscles in the digestive tract, increasing bowel movements and cramping. Other problematic foods might include: pears, oats, beans/legumes, wheat, corn, soy, potatoes and any type of bran.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is critical when you’re losing so much in your stool. To keep dehydration symptoms from getting worse when you have diarrhea, try to drink 16 ounces of fluids about every hour. You can judge if you’re losing too much water by paying attention to the color of your urine, as well as how thirsty you are. If you do not urinate often, but when you do, your urine is very dark yellow, drink more water. Drink so that your thirst seems about normal and your urine is light yellow. Herbal teas including ginger, peppermint, oat bark, licorice/ fennel or pomegranate tea (non-caffeinated) may also help soothe your stomach. Although it’s not a good solution for everyone, drinking coconut water (a natural source of electrolytes), fresh vegetable juice or sucking on homemade fruit ice pops can also be a good way to get more water and nutrients into your system. However, don’t consume too much juice, or too much liquid too quickly. They may worsen the illness.

9. Get Enough Rest

Rest relieves us of a lot of illnesses. Avoid too much exercise or strenuous physical activity when you’re dealing with diarrhea.  You may feel weak and unable to sleep when diarrhea creeps in. so, give your body a chance to recover by getting enough sleep (8 hours per night or more), taking it easy, and trying to keep your stress levels down.

10. Psyllium

Psyllium comes from a plant that contains Metamucil as well as other naturally occurring fibers. The seeds of pysllium, when ground, are a great remedy for diarrhea. It is not just a natural remedy but an effective one given its capacity to absorb water and fluids in the intestine. The result is solid stools that are easy to pass. If you like to make smoothies first thing in the morning, you can add a tablespoon of psyllium to make the drink thicker. Drink it religiously every morning, and save your toilet papers!

Psyllium

11. Yogurt

Another time-tested remedy for diarrhea is yogurt. Time after time, this substance has proven to be extremely effective in treating diarrhea in a fast and cost-efficient way. Yogurt is also considered an important element of a healthy and balanced diet. Yogurt contains live cultures, which are a type of bacteria that create a natural barrier inside the intestines, which protect against toxins and remove bacteria from the gut. Because yogurt is so versatile, there are countless ways to incorporate it into your diet. Consider using it in your smoothies, for example. It can also be eaten plain.

12. Chamomile

Chamomile do not just induce sleep which is needed when battling with diarrhea, it can be useful in treating the illness itself. It helps in reducing pain and bloating, among other symptoms. The antispasmodic properties of this herbal remedy will ease intestinal complications and improve wellbeing. Chamomile is also versatile and easily found, making it convenient for anyone. To use chamomile, it is recommended that you mix a teaspoon of chamomile tea in a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes and drink it three times per day.

Chamomile

13. Red Oil (Palm)

This oil is very good as a home remedy for diarrhea. Drink one tea spoon of the oil before meal. The chemical composition of the oil will help to stop the watery bowel movement and make you recover quick from the illness. Continue to drink the oil if the need arises. If after two days there is no improvement, go see the doctor.

Palm Oil

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Note: Though the above is verifiable, it is only a general information and is neither a professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment/care nor is it a substitute thereof. The piece does not cover all conditions or remedies associated with the illness. Make effort to consult with your physician or other qualified health personnel as necessary. Please see our “Terms of Use”.

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