BusinessVoice News Network

Want an effective exercise that won’t make you break a sweat? Studies have shown that Tai Chi may improve fitness of the heart and lungs and could be as effective as jogging to help lower the risk of death. Experts say the slow, mindful movements of Tai Chi work on the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress hormones that can take a physical toll on our bodies. Source Link

Here’s a two-step solution to manage that drawer full of old power cords and random cables. Sort them into types based on the plug style, such as micro USB, USB-C or Apple Lightning. Anything that’s odd or not being used with a current device can be tossed out. The rest can be stored in plastic leftover containers that are labeled for each type. Source Link

Cutting down on phone spam and robocalls can come down to two words – “yes” and “no.” Say “no” by adding your number to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call registry that prevents many businesses from contacting you. And never say “Yes” if a robocall asks, “Are you there?” because that one word can be recorded and used for fraudulent activity. Source Link

When grandma is your child care provider, make sure she’s up-to-date on safety for kids. Researchers found that some older adults who watched their grandchildren weren’t aware of new guidelines like babies should be put to sleep on their backs. Parents can mistakenly think that grandparents know everything about child care because they raised children before. Source Link

There are a number of foods that give you more protein than an egg. Cottage cheese, peanut butter, dairy milk and greek yogurt can pack more protein into a serving. Kefir is filled with protein and probiotics and tastes great in a smoothie and you can get plant-based protein from lentils, buckwheat, or hemp seeds. Source Link

Silencing squeaks is just one of the many uses for WD-40 spray. It can attract fish when applied to bait or lures and repels pigeons when sprayed on balcony railings. A quick shot can take the sting out of fire ant bites and shine the leaves of artificial plants. And you can untangle a horse’s mane or remove chewing gum from a kid’s hair with WD-40. Source Link

The fantasy world of social media can take a toll on body image, and here are some ways to stop the cycle. Identify the posts that make you feel bad and stop following them. Pick one day a week to take a break from devices and social media in order to reset yourself, and turn off notifications and set daily limits on the time you’ll spend on social media. Source Link

Full-time caregivers need to take care of themselves to give the best to their loved one. Besides getting enough rest, exercise and healthy eating, refresh your mind with yoga, meditation or deep breathing. Be adaptable and positive, deal with what you can control and set realistic goals. And share your feelings by talking about your stress to help relieve it. Source Link

The journey to a clutter-free home can start with one spot at a time. Pick a place, like a bathroom vanity, kitchen counter or dining room table and commit to keeping it tidy and clear. This can calm your brain and train you to put things where they belong right away rather than dropping it in your clutter-free zone. Source Link

The office binder clip is a multi-purpose tool in the kitchen. Use one to seal a potato chip bag or hold parchment paper to a sheet pan when you bake. A binder clip can tame a tangle of power cords on a kitchen counter, hang bags of veggies from a freezer wire shelf or serve as guard rails to keep horizontal bottles from rolling around in the fridge. Source Link

They may not top the list of your favorite foods but some of these are tops for heart health. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus and cabbage contain potassium, onions and garlic have antioxidants and beets are a natural source of nitrous oxide, and all can decrease blood pressure. Beans, nuts and seeds and fatty fish are also superfoods for your heart. Source Link

It’s like Airbnb but for a stay at a National Park and more. Recreation.gov lets you make reservations for campsites and lodges that are managed by over a dozen federal agencies. The website and smartphone app lets you search across the country and nearby. You can also reserve tickets for events and programs. Source Link

If you’re like most people and indulge that sweet tooth every now and then, there’s a right way to eat sugary foods. Minimize the time sugar is in your mouth by eating sweet treats with meals and not as a stand-alone snack. Rinse with water after eating sugary foods but don’t brush for 30 minutes because brushing right away could damage your teeth. Source Link

There’s an easy-to-use tool that lets you remove items with personal information from Google searches. Start with your name and then right-click on the three dots next to each item for an option to report the listing. Google will often remove the result from a public search if it includes your name, home address or phone number. Source Link

A few basic steps can help you become a better listener. Try listening to learn rather than just being polite and ask more questions. Aim to listen twice as much as you talk and use active listening to repeat back what you heard. And always wait until someone is done talking before you respond. Source Link 

You don’t have to become an online seller to turn your old tech into new money. Trade-ins are a popular option, from store kiosks that take used smartphones to retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot that will swap your old gear for a gift card. And Amazon’s trade-in plan lets you ship used items to them free for evaluation. Source Link

You might enjoy a weekend free of housework by spending just 20 minutes each weekday on chores. Identify a dozen tasks and create a schedule to do a few each day, like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning the bathroom and doing small loads of laundry. And spend a few minutes daily doing a quick wipe down of counters and tables, washing dishes and putting things away. Source Link

That date stamped on a food package could mean a number of things. “Sell By” is when a store stops selling it, but you can keep using it for a few days or up to a week later. “Best By” refers to quality of taste, and long-term storage with a “Use or Freeze By” date might give you several months to keep it frozen until use. Source Link