How Laundrettes Are Making Life Easier!

Doing your laundry can be an absolute mission these days. Not only do you have to push bundles and bundles of dirty clothes through the washing machine, you then have to wait for them to dry (unless you are lucky enough to have a tumble dryer), and once dried the majority of items will need to be ironed. This process can take up so much time leaving you feeling unproductive and slightly exhausted, and that’s just assuming you even have a fully functional washing machine.

Washing machines and tumble dryers maybe one of the quickest solutions to sorting your laundry at home, but how many times have people had to get them fixed from them constantly breaking down? Granted this maybe down to the how certain individuals are using them, for example overloading a wash cycle just to cut down the time, putting items through with loose fastenings, and many other factors.

Once the washing machine is broken you then have to call someone out to have a look at it, which of course will involve a charge for their services. Then once they have figured out the problem, a decision will be made to whether they can fix it there and then. They might just need to purchase a new part, or they might have to take it away to dismantle it if the problem is quite severe.

Overall the maintenance side of things can work out really costly, so much so that sometimes its better if you just hand wash your items. However choosing to hand wash your dirty laundry can take up a lot of your time, and you can’t guarantee it will be it will be as effective as a machine wash when you need to get rid of stains and other marks.

Tumble dryers similarly to washing machines can be a great way to cut hours off your laundry time, and if your laundry is treated with care after the cycle there might not actually be a need to iron it at all. Again the problem here is that should your tumble dryer break down then it will cost a fortune to get it serviced. However a common problem people face when tumble drying laundry is that some clothes can shrink. To avoid this, the care label should always be checked beforehand, and the same goes for the washing process.

So what’s the best way to get laundry processed by the mass in the most time effective manner?

Well one of the best ways to do laundry is by doing it at a laundrette. The machines there are heavy duty industrialised machines that can cope with large laundry piles by the dozen on a daily basis. The laundry process can become pretty speedy, and in the meantime you can always pop down the local shop, or read a book whilst you’re waiting. Some people even consider the laundrette like a community where you can chat with the locals, make some friends and catch up over a brew and some biscuits. The only downside to a laundrette is the idea of transporting your dirty laundry from point A to point B. If you have a large load it’s impractical to carry it all by hand, but at the same time it’s a waste of money and a trip to wash a load that’s not quite big enough.

Having a car can be pretty useful in situations like this but not everyone is lucky enough to own one. Taking your laundry on public transport can be another option however it is strongly advised that you avoid rush hour like the plague, especially with a big bag of laundry as that could be chaotic.

There is one more option that can be extremely beneficial and that is to use a laundrette who will provide a collection and delivery service. Most modern laundrettes will offer this service and may even give you the option to have your laundry dry cleaned as well.

I currently live in the capital’s favourite seaside town Brighton, in which these services are trending as the population’s lifestyles are becoming busier. As London is only an hour away, most of the people who live in Brighton are commuters to the capital, meaning they have limited chances to get their laundry done. Some laundrettes in Brighton offer this flexible service which allows the collection and delivery of their laundry to fit around their lifestyles. This service alongside many others are helping life become that much easier on a daily basis moving forwards. No wonder it’s currently trending.

The post How Laundrettes Are Making Life Easier! appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fydeUr

4 Things To Do When in A Long Distance Relationship.

A relationship in general is a challenging adventure. Being in love, accepting and adapting is a complicated puzzle even if you live near your partner. It gets even more stressful when you’re in a long-distance relationship. You lack physical contact and the only way you’re able to show your love is through social media.

Unlike the times of Romeo and Juliet, we are now blessed with technology. We are now brought closer through Facebook, Skype, and other forms of communication. In the digital world, how can you create trust and how can you be genuine? This is the typical question asked by many.

Here are four tips to make your long-distance relationship work.

1. Create Routine Of Communication

Communication is key in any relationship. It’s the one element that keeps the relationship progressing and unique. In many ways, most couples fail at this point in a long-distance relationship. Different lifestyles, routines, and even time zones allow one to forget their priorities, especially in a relationship.

Sometimes we expect that if we are far apart we have to constantly keep in touch, texting and talking 24/7. If that doesn’t happen, we tend to lose hope and confidence. This then results in unprecedented conflicts and stress. which could put a strain on your relationship. How do you find a balance in communication ?

You create a routine. A routine of communication, a plan where you know when you both will be available to talk to each other without distractions. A time frame will allow you guys to savor the moment and grow the trust within your relationship . A schedule may seem like you’re drifting apart, but this is the one way you can keep your partner calm and your relationship healthy whilst having your own life.

2. Share Your World

I realize it’s hard to actually share your world when you’re not right next to each other. It’s hard to make each other feel and enjoy the thrills of another world. However, you can share tips, pictures, videos and voice messages despite the fact your partner may not reply to you. Keeping your loved one in the loop is one way to ensure you’re part of each other’s world.

For example, when my partner and I are miles apart, I’m constantly sending him pictures, videos and voice messages. He gets to see what I’m wearing and eating for the day and he does the same in return. We make each other feel at ease while moving on with our lives.

Distance doesn’t mean you can’t be part of each other’s world. You just need to find out ways to stay in communication.

3. Travel Together

Couples that I’ve crossed in the past often tell me that their relationships came to an end due to the distance between them. They claim to still be in love, but aren’t willing to make the sacrifices it takes to make a relationship work. Instead, they settle for what would be the “next best choice.” I personally find this unfair to both yourself and the other individual.

Therefore, we came up with a strategy: we travel together. We start off by planning our next visit or meet up and a month or two before, we decide on the destination. Oftentimes, I get the evil eye of how flawed our relationship is , however, that doesn’t bother either of us because we are creating memories all over the world together.

For example, one of the places I would recommend for a romantic getaway is Lanzarote Island which is located in the cluster of the Canary Islands. It’s an island made for couples. Not only do you enjoy the fine peaceful walks, nature, and beautiful blue water, but you’ll also enjoy amazing wine and the best dining experience with a magnificent view.

4. Ignore the Rumors

Being in a distant relationship can be taxing for the mind and the soul. When you watch couples holding hands and cuddling together, your heart aches due to your partner being so far. Sometimes your friends and family may find it ridiculous to have a relationship constantly depending on technology.

All the rumors and judgments might just seep into your soul, causing you to not only be bitter but also to show resentment towards your relationship. What you don’t realize is that you’re constantly pumping negative energy into your relationship which eventually could make those who are involved in this constant drama tired .

So what do you do? Complain less and embrace the uniqueness of your relationship. Accept the fact that all relationships are different and by accepting it you’re acknowledging the sincerity of your relationship. Always have faith towards one another because in a long run that’s what’s going to help your relationship prosper.

Relationships whether near or far are generally hard. Embrace the uniqueness and keep the negativity away and you’ll be fine.

The post 4 Things To Do When in A Long Distance Relationship. appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fjflsa

5 Tips To Prevent Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health issues. In fact, 4 out of 5 people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. It is one of the leading reasons behind people missing work. Back pain may be due to accident or injury but in most cases, it occurs due to people’s failure to do everyday activities correctly.

If you are concerned by the statistics about back pain in adults, here are five simple tips to help you prevent it.

1. Maintain proper posture.

Most people these days spend a large portion of their day sitting in front of a desk. Unfortunately, most have poor posture and tend to slouch. Slouching is unhealthy as it puts unnecessary strain on your lower back. This leads to fatigue, back, neck and shoulder pain and even abnormal alignment of spine.

Sitting up straight while working is therefore very important. To do this, make sure that your chair and workstation are at appropriate distance and height. Ensure that you are sitting in a comfortable chair with proper support for your back, arms and neck. Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips and keep your knees even or slightly higher than your hips with the help of foot rest if necessary. Also, do not sit for prolonged periods; stand up and go for a walk from time to time.

2. Exercise.

Lack of time and sheer laziness may have reduced people into mere sedentary creatures, but the human body was naturally built to be active. To keep your body in top shape you’ll have to exercise regularly.

Exercise strengthens muscles and help keep you flexible. Strong muscles are necessary to support spinal discs. Weak muscles cause spinal discs to absorb a lot of load, which can cause back pain.

In addition, exercises keep your body in shape and at a healthy weight. Back problems are more common in people who are out of shape and obese because the back has to constantly support the extra pounds.

While exercising is important, what’s more important is doing it properly. Rather than working out heavily on just the weekdays, it will be better to spread out exercising over the course of a week. Furthermore, avoid lifting very heavy items as they put a strain on your back. Instead, stick with exercises that improve core body strength and muscles like strength training, swimming, abdominal crunches and Pilates.

3. Eat the right food.

The saying “You are what you eat” is very true. Your body needs a healthy, nutritious supply of food to keep functioning at its best. Eating a balanced diet with variety of vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrition will nourish your bones, discs and muscles and make your back stronger.

Besides, healthy food, with sufficient fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meat, dairy product and food rich in fiber, keeps your digestive system clean and well-functioning. It is well established that irritated bowels and constipation can put pressure on your lower back and cause significant pain. Furthermore, balanced diet keeps your weight in check and thus can help to avoid weight related back pains.

On the other hand, inflammatory foods like processed cheese, enriched white flour and alcoholic drinks can increase back pain. Also avoid spicy food, junk food and sugary foods, which are bad for your back.

4. Get a regular massage.

Just like your body needs activity, it also needs refreshment. People live a very stressful life – the physical and mental demands of today’s workplace is more than enough to make anyone exhausted. In the absence of proper rest and relaxation, your back might suffer heavily as stress-induced muscle tension can lead to back problems.

A proper massage is probably the best way to release all the stress in your mind and relax your muscles. Whether you go to a professional masseuse or opt for the massage chair, incorporating massages in your fitness regimen will work wonders for your health and fitness. You can have a full body massage to rejuvenate your body, or opt for targeted massages that concentrate on removing pain from sore muscles.

Massage also helps you to improve your spine alignment by reducing pressure on the nerves and improving your posture, both which are essential to prevent back problems.

5. Quit smoking.

Here is one more reason to quit smoking: it causes back pain. The numerous health hazards of smoking cigarettes are well-publicized. Smoking considerably raises your chances of getting cancer such as lung, gum and colon cancer. It increases risks of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases like angina and serious pulmonary diseases like bronchitis. Even psychological problems like depression and anxiety can be attributed to smoking.

To add to all these, smoking also causes back problems. Consumption of nicotine results in the hardening of arteries. As a result blood flow is reduced in the spinal region accelerating disc degeneration. Furthermore, smoking reduces the absorption of calcium, a vital element necessary to keep bones healthy and strong.

Of course, giving up smoking is easier said than done, but it you are dedicated enough you can do it. Nicotine gums and patches may be able to help you quit smoking for good.

Featured photo credit: Vimeo via i.vimeocdn.com

The post 5 Tips To Prevent Back Pain appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fye0Pi

7 Foods That Will Make Your Hair Grow Faster

One of the easiest ways to get your hair to grow faster is to make sure that you’re getting the right nutrients and vitamins from your food. Hair growth is a sign of hair health, and our hair can’t be healthy if we aren’t feeding it properly.

Protein is essential for hair growth since it is a building block of hair. If you aren’t getting enough protein, your hair may stay in its “resting phase” without moving on to the “growing phase.”  Protein rich foods include chicken, salmon, chicken, beans and eggs. You can also take a protein supplement if you’re finding it difficult to meet your dietary requirements via food.

Another nutrient that is vital to hair growth and health is iron. Studies have shown that a diet high in iron can maximize hair growth in a hair loss patient. According to a study by Measure Evaluation, 8-10 % of women are anemic or iron deficient. A simple blood test can determine your iron levels. Foods that are rich in iron include beef, pork, seafood and dark leafy greens like spinach.

You will also want to eat foods that are naturally high in biotin such as eggs, avocados and sunflower seeds. Check out the list of seven foods that will make your hair grow faster.

This infographic is brought to you courtesy of Shop Hair Dryers.

The post 7 Foods That Will Make Your Hair Grow Faster appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fy9nox

5 Style Tips To Look Simple And Low-Key

Nobody wants to be bright and bold all the time. There are days when we want to be just plain and simple, and go about our regular activities. Sometimes we do not want to see people staring at us. Not that we do not like attention, but there are just days when we want space and just to be with ourselves. If we could wear a hat over our whole face, we would do it just so nobody recognizes us. These are the days when we do not want to be bothered, and all that we want is space and privacy.

The need for privacy is not reserved for Hollywood stars and famous people. Needing space and quiet is a natural need of every human being. Think of how some people avoid going to public places where they know they would bump into people that they know. If you are planning to be low-key, follow these simple tips:

1.) Don’t use bold, dark makeup.

Stick with nude colors if you want to look simple. No dark browns or bold reds. Also, use only light lipstick if you will play up with your eye makeup, or use light eye make up if you will wear a lipstick. Better yet, stick with a lip gloss or nothing at all. A bare face is better for staying low-key.

And do stay away from thick foundations. They tend to make people stare at you to make out if they recognize you or not (subconsciously), despite your thick makeup.

2.) Keep clothes comfortable. Don’t wear anything complicated or too revealing.

Don’t sacrifice comfort for trendy. Choose clothing based on how comfortable and easy they are to wear, instead of how glamorous they make you feel.

If you are wearing an article of clothing that catches attention, your need for privacy goes out of the window. So avoid crazy patterns, shining colors, elaborate details, or complicated ensembles. Stick with simple, plain and basic clothes like tees and jeans if you do not want the extra attention.

Revealing clothes are a magnet for attention, too, so cover up if you are avoiding unsolicited attention.

3.) Avoid big and flashy jewelry.

Flashy jewelry tends to be stare-magnets. When people see flashy jewelry, they tend to stare at the jewelry to admire it, or they tend to look at the face of the person that is wearing them to see who is wearing them.

If you are not wanting any public attention, avoid wearing too much jewelry, since the sounds it will make while you are moving can draw attention.

4.) Ditch the high heels and wear only comfortable shoes.

High-heeled stilettos draw attention in three ways. They are nice, they make people wonder how the person wearing them is able to walk 10 feet, and they are often worn in inappropriate places. So don’t wear them if you know you will be walking a mile away, or if you know you will be watching a grade school baseball game and will staying on the side of the field.

5.) Wear outerwear that protects, not ones that are just for show.

When it is time to choose outerwear, choose one that protects, and not one that is just a fashion statement. An example is choosing a thick and baggy jacket that can keep you warm, instead of a thin, form-fitting material that does not really do what it is supposed to do. For example, if choosing between a high-heeled pair of boots that does not really do much for protection against slips on ice, or a pair of thick and heavy winter boots that might not be as elegant-looking but protects from slips, choose the latter.

By nature, humans are curious species. If you give them something interesting to look at, they will want more information about it. So if you want a low-key appearance, don’t give them anything too flaunting, daring, or attractive. Keep yourself natural-looking.

Featured photo credit: Pexels.com via static.pexels.com

The post 5 Style Tips To Look Simple And Low-Key appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fycKhl

Which Is More Important to Build Strength, High Weight or High Reps?

It’s a gym argument that’s as old as gyms themselves. Which is the superior fitness training routine: high weight or high reps? Should you perform sets that consist of a relative few reps of high weight, or a greater amount of reps with a smaller amount of weight?

There’s been surprisingly little scientific study of this nature, which is part of the reason why the argument has raged on for so long! Many people end up picking a side in this debate based solely on the gym that they happen to go to, or the fitness guru that they happen to trust.

This article will examine the scientific studies that are available and try to get a better sense of which resistance training method is best for building muscle strength.

The Anecdotal Evidence

There is some non-scientific (yet reliably repeatable) anecdotal evidence to be found in the results of another great gym debate: bodybuilding versus powerlifting or Olympic lifting.

In general, people undergo bodybuilding programs to focus on aesthetics rather than raw strength. They’re looking to plump up the volume of the muscle cells as much as possible to create the most admirable physique possible. Though Olympic lifters also tend to have fairly impressive physiques, they are generally more wiry and have less overall muscle bulk than top-class bodybuilders. However, they’re also usually stronger and able to lift more raw weight.

Powerlifters also similarly focus on strength but tend to have larger physiques with more body fat. Both powerlift and Olympic lift training tend to focus on more repetitions at lower weight, while competitive bodybuilding stresses fewer reps that are generally done at the highest weight the muscles can handle.

So at first glance, it would appear that Olympic lifting or powerlifting would clearly be better if you’re concerned only with building strength. In general, Olympic lift training is more limited in scope and involves much more complicated motions, however. And while powerlifting training engages all the major muscle groups, the squat and deadlift may also not be possible with many types of injuries. It’s very difficult to adapt these motions if you can’t perform them due to an injury, and they also require a lot of practice to perform correctly even if you’re fully healthy. So these circumstances may take that off the table as an option.

But can the general concept of lower weight at more reps be carried over to other, more basic types of resistance exercises?

The Schoenfeld Studies

The best direct studies of this idea to date come to us from research teams led by Dr. Brad Schoenfeld and were published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2014 and 2015.

The first study assigned a group of 17 young men to one of two groups performing a biceps curl: three sets of 10 reps, or seven sets of three reps. After eight weeks of training, there was no significant difference in the muscle size gains of the two groups. The group that performed seven sets saw significant gains in the amount of weight that they could bench press and squat, however.

The second study helped to confirm these results. This time out, 18 young men who were already regular weightlifters performed either 25 to 35 reps of low-load exercise or 8 to 12 reps of high-load exercise. The seven exercises included in the study employed all of the major muscle groups. After eight weeks, there was once again no significant difference in size, but this time, the high load group saw the greater increases in ability to squat and bench press for one rep. The low load group saw by far the greatest increases in muscular endurance when performing squats and bench presses to failure, however.

The Fink Study

An even more recent study muddies the waters further. In this one, 21 non-weight-trained participants were similarly broken up between high load, low load and mixed load groups. They performed preacher curls with the left arm only, keeping the right arm dormant as a control. After eight weeks, there was little difference in muscle size, but the high load group saw significant improvements in strength over the other groups.

Training To Failure

The body of work thus far seems to indicate that high load work is actually superior for building muscular strength, but low load work may be superior for muscular endurance. With only a handful of studies of consequence at present, the scientific waters are definitely still muddied on this issue.

But one thing is consistent within all of these studies: training to failure is absolutely key for both size and strength gains. Whatever exercise program you choose to build (or rebuild) your muscles, it’s important that your reps leave you unable to perform any further work without rest.

The post Which Is More Important to Build Strength, High Weight or High Reps? appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fjbjQU

9 Signs of Dissatisfaction and How to Overcome Them

Feeling dissatisfied or super unmotivated? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. No matter whether it involves a job, spouse or even your own life, we’ve all experienced dissatisfaction at some point. And those of us that have been there lately know how easy it is to get dragged down by the sluggish mood or attitude.

Before you start worrying, first understand that feeling dissatisfied is not the end of the world. In fact, with a little help and action, you can move past these negative feelings and turn the situation into a positive. Wondering How? Well, you know the old adage, “It’s not necessarily the problem, but how you respond to the problem”? It’s especially true with dissatisfaction, so in order to overcome, you’ll need to work on developing the insight, maturity and skills needed to identify and appropriately respond to signs of dissatisfaction. To help with this process, here are 8 common signs of dissatisfaction—and what to do about them.

1. Dwindling Attention Span

If you’re having trouble focusing on a task, it’s a clear sign of dissatisfaction. The dissatisfaction may be the result of working on a task that you can’t stand, or you may be unsatisfied with your current strategy. Whatever the reason, it’s time to take a step back. Pause. Breathe. Stop working for a moment, and remove yourself from the situation. Take a moment to calm yourself, then assess the situation and figure out why it deserves your attention in the first place. If it does, this is your opportunity to determine what’s keeping you from focusing. If it doesn’t, there is a broader issue you may need to consider to solve the problem.

2. Isolation

Spending a lot of time at home? Having trouble getting out and meeting up with friends? Isolation is often a sign of dissatisfaction, and allowing the dissatisfied to continue will only make the situation worse. The bottom line is that getting out and communicating is the only way to push through isolation. Forcing yourself to interact with others may be uncomfortable at first, but it will get easier as you start to break through the pattern of isolation.

3. Lacking Motivation

Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part of completing a task. If you’re dissatisfied or disengaged, it can be even harder to find motivation. Gamification can be a great way to find motivation. Give yourself milestones to achieve, and set up a system of rewards that will motivate you to finish your tasks. Delaying tasks only makes motivation more difficult to gain, so get started as soon as you can.

4. Tired

If you’re sleepwalking through the day like a zombie, there’s a pretty high chance that you’re unmotivated. Lots of people who are bored and dissatisfied with spending their day at a desk battle fatigue on a regular basis. Coffee isn’t a long-term fix, and a caffeine addiction can make it even harder to find the energy you need as you’ll have to drink more and more to get the same effects. Instead, turn to exercise, which is a great tool for improving energy, focus and productivity. It might seem counterintuitive, but working out can be one of the best methods for developing and maintaining long-term sources of energy. Prioritize your workouts, and watch your energy increase.

5. Irritable

Snapping at colleagues and loved ones, or complaining about your job and life are sure signs of dissatisfaction. Don’t let irritation take over–instead, take deep breaths before you speak or act. Meditation is a great way to become more mindful of your words and actions, and can help you identify the underlying cause of your irritation.

6. Focusing On the Past

No matter whether if it relates to relationships, jobs or simply fun events, thinking too much about the past can be a major signal of dissatisfaction. This form of dissatisfaction can be potentially harmful to growth (be it personal or relationship) as those stuck in the past often have difficulty seeing and interpreting current events and opportunities. To work out of this funk, remind yourself of what is important in your life in the present, and develop ideas for working toward your goals rather than focusing on past accomplishments or failures.

7. Poor Communication

Another clear sign of dissatisfaction is poor communication. Whether aware of it or not, a dissatisfied individual will have difficulty in honestly and effectively communicating with peers, friends and/or spouse. There are a number of causes for this dissatisfaction, which range from personal doubts to trust issues to feeling neglected. Sadly, as a result of poor communication, dissatisfaction and its causes often become worse, so it’s extremely important to proactively express your feelings and work out your concerns. Remember, healthy relationships, be they at home or at work, thrive on honesty, empathy, and tact.

8. Unhealthy Eating Habits

Stressed? Dissatisfied? Unsure of whether you’re stressed or dissatisfied? A key sign of this is unhealthy or over-eating, especially if it has developed into a habit. Now I know habits tend to be thought of as a daily occurrence, but situational habits should also be considered. Situational habits occur when particular cravings arise with emotions or situations, such as stress at work. Although it may temporarily feel good, these unhealthy food choices not only make you feel worse, they can also be a sign of underlying issues. Take a look at what might be influencing your poor diet, then work to eliminate those stresses from your life.

9. Procrastination

Not only have we all procrastinated, but we’ve all procrastinated and eventually regretted it. Yet, rather than learning, some of us just repeat the process over again! Even though it may not be fun, there’s really only one way to solve this problem: get it done! You’ll only feel more dissatisfied and overwhelmed the more you procrastinate. Eliminate the tasks you dislike first—then reward yourself with a more enjoyable project.

Featured photo credit: drpowellhealth.com via drpowellhealth.com

The post 9 Signs of Dissatisfaction and How to Overcome Them appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/2fycK0P