Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: 100 Ways to Be Better

  • Ways to Improve Your Sleep

    Getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important for your health and wellbeing. It’s essential that you prioritize your sleep to recharge your mind and body, which results in you functioning properly. Obtaining good Z’s also helps improve your concentration, productivity, and performance, plus it enables the body to stave off illness and heart disease. Use these tips to get a good night’s sleep.

    1. Try to stick to a sleep schedule. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. The key is consistency.
    2. Did you know the stimulating effects of caffeine can take hours to wear off? If you want to have a quality night’s rest, avoid caffeine and alcohol a few hours before you climb into bed. You might even need to stop drinking caffeine after noon if you’re very sensitive.
    3. Avoid light-emitting screens and blue light exposure before bed. Watching tv might impact your body’s circadian rhythm and trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime. You want your body to produce melatonin at night naturally. You can also look into apps and products such as f.lux or blue-blocking glasses to reduce nighttime blue light exposure.
    4. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid daytime naps since they can confuse your internal clock. If you do nap during the day, make it a short power nap.
    5. Do relaxing things before bed. Don’t watch a thriller movie or read the news before hitting the mattress. Instead, listen to soothing music, take a bath, meditate, or practice deep breathing. Taking a hot bath about two hours before bed can significantly improve overall sleep efficiency. According to Quartz, our body temperature is at its lowest during nighttime, meaning the body temperature needs to lower in order to get good sleep. After a hot bath or shower, your blood flow brings the heat from the core to the surface, which causes a drop in body temperature.
    6. Make sure your room is extremely dark. This sends a signal to your brain that it’s time for sleep.
    7. Keep your room cold, usually around 69° or 70°. If your body temperature is too hot, it can decrease sleep quality.
    8. Train your brain. Negative thoughts about sleep can often worsen insomnia and cause more difficulty sleeping. To avoid triggering your stress response try recognizing the negative thoughts and altering them. Instead of “I must get eight hours of sleep,” try replacing it with “sleep requirements vary from person to person, and I will be okay, and most people don’t need eight hours to function the next day.”
    9. Start your mornings greeting the sun. Within an hour of waking up, try to get 30 minutes of direct sunlight. Considering we are biologically wired to sync up with the sun, being exposed to natural sunlight or bright light during the day helps us get more solid sleep.
    10. People discovered their sleep improved when using weighted blankets. After testing different weights and dimensions, Jennifer Adams, Interior Design Pro, found just the right fit to calm your nervous system and help you sleep better. Experience a sense of peace and cocoon-like sleep at the end of a long day with this Premium Weighted Blanket.

  • Why You Should Keep Learning and Enhance Your Skills

    Learning is an indispensable tool. There are countless advantages to enhancing your skills or learning new things altogether. You can expand your mind, meet people interested in similar topics, and discover something that can drastically improve your day-to-day. You might even alter your view of certain aspects of your life. Uncover several reasons you should keep learning and a few ideas to help get you inspired.   

    1. The most successful people understand they must continue to learn and keep improving to thrive. If you want to grow and flourish, you need to invest in yourself. The more skills you have also make you a more valuable worker. Depending on what classes you take or skills you acquire, you might become more efficient, effective, and productive. Investing in development and adding more skills to a resume never hurt anyone. That newly gained knowledge might even keep you ahead of the curve and keep you from being replaced in the future.
    2. It’s an opportunity to meet new people and form connections. Taking classes in your community or online allows you to join a new community and meet people with similar interests. Take a photography class and make new friends or join a book club and exchange ideas together.
    3. The world is constantly evolving, and it’s beneficial for you to evolve with it.
    4. Studying new things makes you happier. Growth marketer A.J. Agrawal stated “that the more ambitious goals we set, the happier we are, especially when we achieve them. Personal development is a way to guarantee us serenity from within.”
    5. Comprehending new things also leads to uncovering new problems and discovering new ways to solve those problems. You can make a difference. It allows you to see the world through different glasses and perhaps tackle a few existing issues. Watching an informative video could result in you figuring out how to solve a problem at work or in your neighborhood.
    6. Expose yourself to new ideas and views. Don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons.
    7. It can boost your self-esteem! As you enhance your skills, you will also value yourself more. Learning keeps the brain active. You must work and nourish your brain just as people train their bodies. As you learn, new connections between your neurons are formed and strengthened. That process is what leads to improvement and becoming more efficient in something.
    8. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

    a. Learn a new language
    b. Take an art class such as ceramics, photography, or sewing
    c. Read a book on a topic you’re interested in such as history or art
    d. Watch a documentary on how something is made
    e. Learn a new computer program
    f. Watch videos on how to be a better listener
    g. Pick up a magazine that discusses new technology
    h. Watch a video and learn how to improve your home or build something
    i. Listen to a podcast that teaches you how to be more organized 

  • Inspirational Podcasts Worth Listening To

    Podcasts are the perfect on-the-go entertainment. You can listen to inspirational conversations or stories no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Want to learn how something is made? There’s a podcast for that. Want to get inspired and start your own business? There’s one for that too. Don’t be shocked if you even start looking forward to your morning commute.

    They are also phenomenal educational tools. Hear from experts of various industries while they share tips and secrets to their success. Next time you’re exercising or doing tedious chores, use that time to prepare for the next phase of your career or learn about finances. No matter how specific the topic you’re interested in is, there are tons of options. Get listening and immerse yourself in enlightening conversations that will keep you amused and inspired. Below are several podcasts to check out.

    1. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Tune in for conversations that unlock the deeply human part of who we are, so that we can live, love, parent, and lead with more courage and heart.
    2. TED Radio Hour – Life’s biggest questions, explored. TED Radio Hour investigates the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world’s greatest thinkers. In each episode, host Manoush Zomorodi explores a big idea through a series of TED Talks and original interviews, inspiring us to learn more about the world, our communities, and most importantly, ourselves.
    3. Good Life Project – Every week, listen to inspirational, intimate and disarmingly-unfiltered conversations about living a fully-engaged, fiercely-connected and purpose-drenched life.
    4. How I Built This with Guy Raz – Hear Guy Raz dive into the stories behind some of the world’s best-known companies. How I Built Thisweaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.
    5. Armchair Expert – You won’t want to miss the podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman that celebrates the messiness of being human.
    6. Inspirational Talks with LaDonna Marie – The empowerment podcast will focus on planting positive seeds in the lives of others and discusses triumphant moments in overcoming obstacles.
    7. A Slob Comes Clean – Listen to Nony (Dana K White) share reality-based cleaning and organizing tips based on her own deslobification process.
    8. The Tim Ferris Show – The Tim Ferriss Show is rated one of the top business podcasts. In each episode, he deconstructs world-class performers from eclectic areas (investing, sports, business, art, etc.) to extract the tactics, tools, and routines you can use.
    9. Happier with Gretchen Rubin – Tune in to hear one of the most thoughtful and influential voices on the subject of happiness, habits, and being human. Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast.
    10. The Art of Charm – The Art of Charmis where self-motivated people learn from the company’s coaches about to how to master human dynamics. It’s a premier networking and success podcast.
    11. Allrecipes Homemade Podcast – Tune in for nostalgia, witty banter, and stirring questions as Allrecipes helps you get to the heart of what cooking means.
    12. Parents – We Are Family – Hosted by Shaun T. Firness and Julia Dennison of Parents.com, We Are Family celebrates the new normal with honest conversations about today’s modern family, in all its diversity.
    13. Let’s Go Together from Travel + Leisure – Host Kellee Edwards, an award-winning travel expert, discusses inclusivity in the travel space by sharing compelling stories from diverse voices, inspiring everyone to explore the world. Hear how travel can help create a new perspective on cultures and communities both near and far.
    14. Be Better – The Be Better podcast, hosted by Kim Haynie, aims to provide the knowledge and advice to help you own your future (and yes, to be better.) This podcast, created by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, will give you the tools and knowledge to be the best version of yourself. Through in-depth discussions with successful people from all walks of life, we will uncover insights and inspiration to help you build your own story, achieve your goals and live your best life. Join us each week as we dive into a new topic, everything from healthy habits to entrepreneurship and wealth management; we’ve got you covered. Subscribe now to make sure you never miss an episode!

  • 100 Ways to Be Better

    Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is excited to introduce 100 Ways to Be Better, which is all about improving your life as well as the lives of those around you. Below you will discover a variety of tips and ideas to help you fill the year with growth, happiness, and giving. Whether you are interested in ways to enhance your home or want to learn how to improve your sleep, there are tons of tips for you to check out. We also believe that one small act of kindness can significantly impact others and improve your community. Consider trying a few of the charity ideas in your spare time.

    1. Write down your goals and learn how to achieve them. 

    2. Shovel your neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm.  

    3. Alleviate stress and get organized.  

    4. Start a gratitude journal.   

    5. Set up a fitness room.   

    6. Meditate more, especially before bed. 

    7. Donate unused items to those in need.    

    8. Invest in apps that improve your state of mind.   

    9. Listen to inspirational podcasts.  

    10. Leave a positive comment on a social post.  

    11. Buy from companies that treat their employees fairly. 

    12. Pay for the person in line behind you.   

    13. Surprise your server with a generous tip.  

    14. Start the DIY project you’ve been putting off.   

    15. Read literature about black history month. 

    16. Organize your junk drawer.  

    17. Learn how to improve your sleep.  

    18. Declutter and organize your phone.  

    19. Help BHGRE® and New Story build homes for families in need. 

    20. Organize your kitchen pantry and cabinets. 

    21. Call your loved ones more often. 

    22. Support women-owned businesses. (#Women’s History Month) 

    23. Create a calm workspace at home. 

    24. Increase the value of your home.  

    25. Reduce clutter and clean your home in a sustainable way. 

    26. Ditch plastic and invest in reusable items.  

    27. Help a neighbor plan or plant a garden. 

    28. Recycle through upcycling.  

    29. Give flowers to a stranger.  

    30. Switch to rechargeable batteries. 

    31. Make your home eco-friendly. 

    32. Grow vegetables and donate what you don’t use.  

    33. Follow social accounts that share positive news and tips.  

    34. Spruce up your community. 

    35. Organize a community garage sale and donate the proceeds to charity.  

    36. Plant trees in your community or start a community garden. 

    37. Gather a few friends and clean a local park or beach. 

    38. Shop for groceries for an elderly neighbor.   

    39. Give away items you no longer need via NextDoor.  

    40. Take a walk as a family and pick up trash along the way. 

    41. Support local businesses. 

    42. Host a yard sale and donate the proceeds to charity.   

    43. Smile at strangers or say hello.  

    44. Consume less meat.  

    45. Text or call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.    

    46. Put inspirational signs in your car window.  

    47. Take a day off to unplug and do your favorite things. 

    48. Become pen pals with a homebound senior.  

    49. Send a friend delivery with their favorite foods for no reason.  

    50. Make your own compost. 

    51. Help a friend or neighbor move. 

    52. Cook your favorite recipe for a neighbor or coworker.  

    53. Boost your mood with more plants around your home. 

    54. Help save the bees.  

    55. Eat better to feel better.  

    56. Spend more time outside with family and friends. 

    57. Create an outdoor space you will love. 

    58. Give up your seat on a crowded bus, train, or subway.  

    59. Make your home safe for pets. 

    60. Donate old blankets, towels, and toys to animal shelters. 

    61. Foster a pet for adoption. 

    62. Introduce yourself to new neighbors and bring fresh flowers. 

    63. After a positive experience with a worker, let their boss know.  

    64. Create a calming and meditative space at home. 

    65. Volunteer at an animal shelter. 

    66. Adopt or sponsor an endangered species.  

    67. Learn something new and enhance your skills.   

    68. Tell your boss how much you appreciate a colleague.  

    69. Take an art class whether it be photography or ceramics.  

    70. Compliment a stranger. 

    71. Transform your home into a stress-free space.  

    72. Go for a nature walk. 

    73. Buy secondhand products.  

    74. Support Latin owned businesses. #HispanicHeritageMonth 

    75. Organize photo albums – printed or digital.  

    76. Donate leftover Halloween candy. 

    77. Write a letter of recommendation for someone deserving.  

    78. Donate stuffed animals to help children in distress. 

    79. Have your kids write to residents at an assisted living facility. 

    80. Unplug appliances when you aren’t home to conserve energy. 

    81. Donate gently used costumes and décor.  

    82. Leave inspirational or uplifting notes for people to find.  

    83. Give a friend a meaningful gift just for fun. 

    84. Reduce your environmental impact. 

    85. Make your favorite BH&G recipe for someone else. 

    86. Deliver warm meals to homebound seniors. 

    87. Assist a veteran by driving them to appointments or assisting them with errands. 

    88. Only run appliances when they are full (such as the dishwasher and laundry machine) 

    89. Organize a neighborhood food drive. 

    90. Invest in eco-friendly appliances and products. 

    91. Opt-out of paper bills and pay online. 

    92. Donate unused gift cards to charity. 

    93. Adopt a letter from Santa and make a kid’s wish come true. 

    94. Donate a backpack filled with supplies to a foster child. 

    95. Bring the mail in for an elderly neighbor. 

    96. Write handwritten thank you notes for people. 

    97. Host a weekly family or friends’ dinner. 

    98. Spend time outside in the winter wonderland. 

    99. Collect and donate coats, gloves, and hats to help people stay warm. 

    100. Be kind to yourself!  

     

  • Make A Difference

    Open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference and give back. Remember, something that feels small to one person might significantly impact another. Consider donating unused gift cards to charity or buying a child a set of building blocks they can play with for years to come.

    Here are five ways you can give back this season:

    1. Many of us have a stack of unused gift cards in our wallets or a few collecting dust in our junk drawers. According to Bankrate, 51% of U.S. adults have unused gift cards, and the average person is leaving $116 on the table. Instead of leaving the cards or money behind, donate them. There are several websites and companies that can take the remaining balance and provide money to those in need. It’s easy, fast, and can help others that are not as fortunate. charitygiftcertificates.org
    2. Get out there and give back! Whether you are interested in donating your time, money, or skills, check out volunteermatch.org for a variety of ways you can help others. If you prefer volunteering virtually, there are plenty of options for that as well. See how you can make a difference in someone else’s life.
    3. Put a smile on a child’s face and donate gifts and toys to those less fortunate. There are many children whose parents or caregivers cannot afford to buy them gifts during the holiday season so let’s make sure every kid has something to enjoy. When purchasing a toy, consider buying items that can be used many times. Here are a few recommendations:
      a. Boardgames
      b. Arts Supply Kits – with markers, crayons, or pencils they can continue using
      c. LEGOS
      d. Building Sets and Blocks
      e. Playdoh
      f. Animal Toy Sets
      g. Lite Brite
    4. Write holiday cards to people in nursing homes who might not have family or friends that reach out. A letter or card can go a long way and make people feel heard and valued.
    5. Do you enjoy baking? Whip up desserts and tasty treats for a neighbor, coworker, or friend. Unwrap a few yummy recipes below:

    a. Chocolate Caramel Monkey Bread
    b. 26 Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes
    c. Brownie Pops
    d. Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
    e. 25 of the Best Cupcake Recipes

  • Ways to Give Back on Halloween

    Help others have a Spooktacular time this Halloween. There’s a variety of ways you can give back to your community, from helping a neighbor decorate to donating your leftover candy.

    1. As we all know – kids grow fast. Instead of putting your kid’s previous Halloween costumes in a box to collect dust, donate them to those who might not be able to afford their own. There are children out there who would love a second-hand costume.
    2. If you enjoy crafting and have time to spare, perhaps you can create costumes for those who can’t afford their own. If you’re not an expert with the sewing machine, consider crafting a few simple pieces such as superhero capes or costumes you can make simply by gluing items together. Here are fifteen no sew Halloween costumes that you can make. There’s an assortment of delightful disguises that don’t require you to pick up a needle or thread.

    3. Donate fun Halloween décor or help a neighbor decorate their home. Some families might not be able to afford holiday decorations for their yard, while others might not be physically able to put them up. Lend a helping hand and assist your neighbors in making a killer yard. Make sure you’re following the proper safety guidelines while decorating. Discover several hauntingly good décor ideas below:

    Use colorful construction paper to cut out pumpkins and ghosts. Attach them to a string so you can hang them up outside. You can also repurpose old sheets or towels to make spooky ghosts that hang from trees.

    Upcycle toilet paper rolls to make a bunch of monsters. Paint a few rolls in a variety of colors and once they’re dry, draw on polka dots or scales. Create a mummy by wrapping thin strips of toilet paper around it. Paint one green to make a Frankenstein friend. Then use a black marker to draw on hair, a mouth, and stitches. Create as many as you want using items such as googley eyes, glitter, tinfoil, and anything that can add some flair.

    Recycle old tissue boxes to create a merry band of mischievous monsters. Flip the empty tissue boxes upside down and paint the outside so they resemble spooky little creatures.

    Use balloons to create fun floating ghosts and spooky creatures. Gently draw ghost faces on white balloons and Jack-O’-Lanterns on orange balloons.

    4. Host an outdoor Halloween party for the kids in the neighborhood. Uncover fun activities and recipes that everyone will love.

    5. Give back to those who serve our nation and donate your left-over candy. Operation Gratitude is a Halloween Candy Give-Back program that collects and donates candy to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders. Show someone some appreciation and send them a candy care package.