BusinessVoice News Network

What’s in your ears can help you get better sleep. Meditation using a mobile app can help ease you into slumber and get you back to sleep if you wake up overnight. And research has shown that listening to sounds of nature can trigger a relaxation response in the brain to help you get to sleep. Source Link 

You can save time on laundry by knowing how often to wash parts of your wardrobe. Items that touch your skin like underwear, t-shirts and socks should go into the wash after every use. Sleepwear can go three to four nights between washings, and pants can be worn two or three times as long as there’s no dirt or stains. But wash those jeans as few times as possible because every washing damages the fabric. Source Link

Many people hold their phones the wrong way and that can put more strain on the hand. Keep the wrist straight or slightly bent and don’t use a tight grip that adds more stress. If you have a phone that’s big for your hand try using voice dictation instead of typing, or don’t hold the phone at all. Instead, prop it on a stand and place it near eye level. Source Link

Sometimes it’s what you don’t do that can make your workday more productive. For example, don’t load up that daily must-do list — keep it to five items. Don’t skip breaks that can help you stay on track mentally. And don’t be afraid to schedule downtime every day when you can think big without a deadline. Source Link

Your car budget can benefit from buying small and renting big. If you only need to haul items a few times a year, purchase a smaller car and rent a truck or minivan for those times when you need the extra cargo space. You’ll spend less on gas, insurance and car costs by driving a smaller vehicle day in and day out versus a big truck. Source Link

Here’s a time-saving tip that might just save a life. Have your basic personal health information available to paramedics as quickly as possible, including your name, blood type, allergies and any medications you take. This information can be on a piece of paper in your wallet and posted on the fridge in your home. Some smartphones also allow you to store health information for quick access by emergency crews. Source Link

Decluttering your home is as much about attitude as it is action. Do you keep something for fear of needing it later? You’ll have to find storage space, organize it and then remember where you put it, and organize that space again when it gets messy, and so on. Giving yourself permission to buy something again will help you get many unneeded things out of your home. Source Link

The cold hard fact is that hardly any of your laundry needs a warm or hot water wash. Use cold water because every cycle wears out clothing a little bit and warm temperatures accelerate the damage. And you can avoid a big load of laundry by using your eyes and nose. If there aren’t visible stains or a noticeable odor, most clothing can be worn again. Source Link

Using a store’s shopping app on your phone may be convenient but it ‘s often a back door for advertisers to get information about you. Many of the most popular apps share your personal data with third-party advertisers. The solution is to turn off permissions in those apps or make your purchase through the retailer’s website with a browser instead of using the app. Source Link

With the cost of airfare these days, who wouldn’t want a free ticket? Scammers are using email to entice you to give up personal information. The bogus offers include a so-called “refund” on a previous ticket or free round-trip tickets. They claim to be from an airline, but don’t click on any links. Instead, check your account from the airline’s website or app. Source Link

How you set up an air purifier in your home can determine how well it works. Get the right size for the area of the room and pick a firm, level and flat spot with 18 to 24 inches of space around it. Close doors and windows in the room for the best results and follow manufacturers recommendations for regular maintenance and cleaning. Source Link

Making a car last 200,000 miles or more isn’t hard if you stick to these care tips. Heed the owner’s manual and perform routine maintenance, including recommended oil changes. Keep the gas tank fuller to avoid sediment build-up and avoid jackrabbit starts and stops that are hard on the drive train. And find a good mechanic and stick with them to get the best service for the long haul. Source Link

Drinking too many calories is a problem for some people who try to watch their weight. Start by making water, black coffee or tea your default drink. Beware of any beverage that gets most of its calories from sweeteners, whether real or artificial and keep smoothies to the smallest size with only non-fat yogurt or milk and real fruit but no added sugar. Source Link

You can spend less on your cell phone with a few simple steps. Skip the top names and choose a lower-priced flagship phone from brands like Motorola, Google or OnePlus and consider a refurbished or pre-owned phone model from a few years ago. You can also save by keeping your phone in a sturdy case to prevent damage that might force you to buy a new one. Source Link

That next family vacation can go smoother if you do one thing prior to heading out. Hold a family meeting before you go to discuss the vacation plan and set clear expectations. When kids feel included in decision-making and their needs are considered, they’re more likely to behave and that will help you relax. Source Link

If you load that toothbrush with a long stripe of toothpaste, you’re using too much. A pea-sized dollop is all you need to get the job done. Using lots of toothpaste can give you too much fluoride and that’s especially bad for youngsters whose developing teeth can become streaked or spotted. Source Link

Timing can be the key to getting the best ticket price for a sporting event, concert or movie. The best price for a concert ticket comes when sales start but you can save by waiting closer to game time to purchase tickets to sporting events. And mid-week showings of movies often come with a discounted price. Source Link

Where should fresh food be stored for best quality? Most fruits and vegetables should go in the refrigerator, except for bananas that can stay on the counter and potatoes and onions that are best stored in a cool, dark place. Bring refrigerated items back to room temperature before cooking or eating for the best flavor. Source Link