Thursday, October 22, 2020

Why Women Sacrifice Self Care for Chores

 
Self-care might be a popular buzzword, but that doesn't mean that it's always embraced. Women, in particular, tend to let self-care fall to the wayside, prioritizing household chores and other commitments. But, by spending their time cooking or picking up pet waste instead of putting themselves first, these women are facing a much greater sacrifice.

Sacrifice & Care-Taking

Why Women Sacrifice Self Care for Chores

One of the most significant societal constructs that keep women from embracing self-care is their expected roles of wife and mother. In the perceived ideal of both of these roles, there is a strong emphasis on self-sacrifice or "mommy martyrdom." From the first trimester through the rest of her life, a mother is expected to put her child's comfort and safety above her own. It's practically a societal obligation that she forgoes her own well-being, much less a self-care regimen, in the name of caring for her child or children.

But it isn't just the responsibilities of motherhood or family life that present this constrain. Women are met with conventional standards and expectations to care for others throughout their lives and in their various roles. The perfect woman cares for her family, stays one step ahead at work, plays therapist to her friends, and maintains a spotless home, ready for guests to drop by at a moment's notice. In every aspect of her life, it's assumed that she'll err on the side of self-sacrifice. With or without children, women are expected to care for those around them before they even consider taking care of themselves.

At its simplest, women are expected to meet a stereotype: there's just no time for self-care. After all, going shopping isn't just an hour at her favorite department store. If she doesn't already shop, she might not even have a favorite store—by the time she searches for "women's clothes near me" and finds a store that meets her budget and needs, she's used up her kids' naptime. And, when dishes need to be done, dinner needs to go in the oven, and dusting's been put off a whole month too long, that time is precious.

The Importance of Self-Care


Chances are, you already know that self-care is important. You might laugh and think, "Gee, I'd love to sit in the bathtub with a glass of wine and a good book every night. But who has the time?" If you care about your well-being—and that of your loved ones—you'll make that time.

As the popular adage explains, you can't pour from an empty cup. If you aren't taking care of yourself—opting for quick foods (or skipping meals) or cutting back on sleep in favor of chores—your health will eventually suffer. Multi-tasking can only get you so far—you might be super mom, but you're still human.

Stopping the Sacrifice Cycle



You want to be around for your children, family, or the other people in your life for as long as possible, right? By making the effort to prioritize self-care, you can help ensure that you're around for many years to come. Research some simple self-care ideas and choose one or two to try when you have even just a few minutes to spare. Communicate with your partner, roommates, or others in your life to make sure tasks are being split fairly, regardless of gender roles or societal norms— if you're cooking dinner, couldn't you let your spouse load the dishwasher? If you live alone or otherwise need an extra hand, ask a friend if they'd be willing to lend a hand with some of the chores you're struggling with.

Hate cleaning up after fluffy? A quick search for "dog poop removal Algonquin IL" will lead you to Scoop Troop, a company that'll keep your lawn feces-free while you take a few extra minutes to take care of yourself. Research that new clothing store while you're at it and enjoy some shopping-centric "me time!"

Realizing that you're sacrificing self-care in favor of chores and other responsibilities is the first step towards breaking that cycle. Whether you talk to your spouse about managing expectations, hire a professional to help with certain chores (and give you more free time), or consciously take advantage of free moments in your day, you can stop sacrificing your own well-being and stick around for a long, happy life.

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3 Benefits of Satellite Television

3 Benefits of Satellite Television
photo source

There are many ways people can find entertaining programs to watch nowadays. One of the options is satellite television, which provides clear images, a large variety of channels and works well even in remote areas.

1. Clear Images

While satellite television used to be known for being unreliable in inclement weather, technological advancements have improved the quality of the signal. The picture is often better than what is offered by cable television, as the signal is not diluted by traveling through wires for long distances. The satellite dishes have also gotten much smaller and less expensive over the past few decades. People who get satellite dish installation Florence KY in modern times will not have to worry about large, bulky equipment taking up space in the yard or on the roof.

2. Variety of Channels

The signal can provide a large number of channels to viewers, and in some cases, the selection offered exceeds that of cable companies. Satellites can transmit signals from anywhere on the planet, so it is possible to get shows from many different sources. This can be great for people who would like to access programming from different countries or in other languages.

3. Works in Remote Areas

In areas that are not serviced by cable television, the best option may be using a satellite service. As long as the signal is able to reach the satellite dish without interference, there should not be any problems. This makes it ideal for people who work or live in the country, mountains or other unpopulated areas.

Using a satellite television service can be a great choice for people no matter where they live. It can be used effectively by individual homeowners as well as businesses. Anyone who is considering the service should contact a local professional for advice and pricing options.

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Three Things to Look Out for When Purchasing an Older Home

 

When purchasing a new home, most buyers look at important features like price, the size of the bedrooms, the proximity to necessary amenities, and square footage. But new homeowners often overlook important details that can put you at risk. Here are a few red flags to look out for when buying an older home.

Lead Paint

Lead paint was banned in the US in 1978, but many homes built before then may still have traces of it. Lead paint is not as dangerous to adults as it is to children - but it’s still a dangerous substance that can cause health complications if ingested. Babies and young children have been known to eat lead paint chips and get sick. So, It’s especially important to keep an eye out for lead paint in your home if you have children. Most states have laws that require the disclosure of lead paint in the home. But in some instances, this detail may slip through the cracks. If you’re unsure of whether the home your buying lead pain may have, consult your realtor or have the paint in the home inspected before closing.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist places like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Not all mold is toxic but some strains cause disease and it's always unsightly. Black mold can be very dangerous, especially if ingested. If you live in an area that has a lot of rainfall or it’s near a body of water, be on the lookout for mold. Most homes in America have a mold issue at some point. But conscientious homeowners take care of the problem before it gets out of hand. If you’re purchasing an older home, especially one that may need some improvement, look out for mold. You can either have an inspector come out and check for it or just use your sense of smell. Homes with a mold problem often smell musty and damp – like an old pair of gym socks or a wet dog.

Asbestos

Asbestos is another problem found in older homes. It’s a material that was used heavily in construction in the 18th and 19th centuries until it was discovered that exposure causes debilitating lung diseases. The material is still not officially banned in the US, but its usage is more stringently regulated and has decreased dramatically over the years. Many homes contain asbestos unbeknownst to the owner because it was used in common products like insulation, roofing, and floor tiles. Asbestos is extremely damaging to your health and if you discover the presence of the material in your home you should go through the proper channels to have it removed. Check out Asbestos.Net for resources on what to do if you discover any asbestos and the rights you have to hold negligent companies responsible for putting you at risk.  

Those are the major items to look out for when purchasing an older home. They can be tough to detect with the untrained eye and can put your family at risk. Consult your realtor or home inspector to check for any of these potential dangers.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Tips for Creating the Perfect Guest Bedroom


Tips for Creating the Perfect Guest Bedroom
photo source: Eric Piasecki

For many homeowners that love entertaining, the design focus tends to be on the living room, dining room and other spaces where guests usually gather to hang out. In your efforts to be a good host, you should also prioritize providing an overnight visitor a comfortable space to lay their head. The guest bedroom is an important element to being a good host. Here are some things to think about.

Providing a Good Night’s Rest

Perhaps the most important part of a guest bedroom is the bed. Although the size of the room will limit the size of the bed, try to provide a queen size bed if you can swing it. A queen bed can fit most couples comfortably. Look for a medium firm mattress to suit most people for a few nights of rest. One can be found at nearly any price point. Think of this bedroom as a hotel room. There should be ample pillows for the bed and choose linens that are of the proper thickness for the time of year.

Offering Entertainment

Many people like watching TV or listening to music before bedtime. A wall-mounted flat screen television provides entertainment without taking up much space. With an internet connection, your guest can enjoy entertainment via popular streaming video and music services. You might also consider exploring Dish Network packages Yuma AZ to offer cable and local media for a visitor to enjoy during their stay.

Pampering Guests

One sign of a well-appointed space is a bathroom that encourages visitors to pamper themselves. Offer several plush bath linens for your guests to use. White towels will be reminiscent of a luxurious spa facility. Add a robe or two and splurge a bit on toiletries to complete your bathroom.

When you have a nice guest bedroom, you’re ready to entertain an overnight stay, especially at short notice. A great host addresses all the details for a superior experience.. Although you don’t need to recreate your master bedroom, some basic luxuries and amenities can make the difference.


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3 Things To Consider Before You Move


3 Things To Consider Before You Move
photo source:  fizkes / Getty Images

Moving is an intense process that can be both physically and emotionally taxing. You are constantly wondering whether you have thought of everything or if you have forgotten something important. Here are three things you may not have thought about that you need to address before you move.

1. Food

Aside from the hiring of long distance moving services Nashville TN, another thing to consider is the food currently in your refrigerator. You do not want to waste food, but you also cannot bring much of that food with you over long distances. So, in the days and weeks leading up to your move, buy and eat your food strategically to leave as few leftovers as possible.

2. Storage

Even though you likely have a new home waiting at your destination, it can sometimes be helpful to temporarily rent a storage unit near where you plan on moving. After a long day of driving to your new location, you likely will not have the energy to begin decorating your home, so you can have the movers drop all your furniture off in a storage unit until you are ready to decorate.

3. Mail

Nowadays, many services request your address so that they can send you promotional items or other important information. So, make sure that the services you care about are aware of your new address. You will need to ask your post office to forward all of your mail to your new address for several months to come until everyone is aware of your new location.

Moving is stressful. There is no way around that. However, if you can keep all your ducks in a row and manage all your resources properly, everything has the potential to go off without a hitch. Stay positive and confident and your whole family will be grateful.

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