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You are here: Home / Archives for Self Help Daily / Articles by Various Authors

Articles by Various Authors

The – Almost – Lost Art of Greeting Cards: A History of Sentimentality 

December 24, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Stay in Contact with Loved Ones with Greeting Cards

 

At one time, greeting cards were commonplace; they were a great way to communicate with acquaintances, friends and family and let them know that you are thinking of them for whatever reason. Nowadays, the use of greeting cards seems to be on the decline, which is a shame. In order to understand this custom and the importance that it holds, you need to go back to the start. Read on to learn more about the history of greeting cards. 

The Origins

In truth, the origin of greeting cards as they appear today is difficult to pinpoint. This is because passing written sentiments to one another can be traced back to the invention of writing. Archaeologists have discovered clay tablets dating back to the Sumerian culture sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC, with what is thought to be words of greeting inscribed upon them. 

There is also similar evidence of well-wishing in ancient Egypt and bronze-age China. The personalized messages were sent with the intention of imparting good luck upon the recipient for the new year and warding off evil spirits. This tradition is still an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. 

In Egypt, on the other hand, there further evidence of personalization’s in these greetings. There are named individuals sending their well wishes to other named individuals. However, in contrast to the Chinese tradition, these well wishes do not appear to be designed to ward off evil but simply celebrate the new year. 

The Invention of Paper

Paper was invented around 100 AD in China, and it became the medium of choice for personalized messages as its use travelled along the Silk Road to other cultures. Its use around the New Year continued. This is because, in western cultures, it was used to offer well wishes and good luck for the upcoming harvest year. 

Presents sometimes accompanied the paper in the form of wood carvings or other small handmade trinkets. It was only really around the 14th century in Germany when the first iterations of what society today would recognize as greeting cards were found; they were still solely for the new year. However, at this time, they were reserved almost exclusively for upper classes thanks to their price. 

Greeting Cards & National Holidays

It was then during the 15th century that greeting cards began to diversify. Instead of being limited to well wishes for the new year, they began to be exchanged for other reasons and during other periods. One of the first being the celebration of the feast of St. Valentine. In fact, one of the cards given during this period is considered the oldest Valentine’s love letter written; it was from a woman named Margery Brews to her fiancé in the year 1477.

Despite the fact that greeting cards were diversifying in their purpose and occasion, they were still rather inaccessible to the layperson because of their expense. They were created in low numbers to accommodate this, not like the mass production of greeting cards seen today. They only began to see a rise in their numbers during the mid-19th century. This is simply because the process was mechanized, which made it easier to produce large numbers of greeting cards. 

The mass production of greeting cards came at just the right time. During the same period, postal routes were improved, and postal rates became more affordable, which helped to make the whole sending greeting cards thing more accessible to all members of society. They also continued to vary their use, with cards being produced for a number of occasions. 

The cards themselves also seemed to become more and more elaborately decorated too. Designers were hired to create artwork specifically for the greeting cards. The cards mostly focused on Christmas and the New Year, although Valentine’s cards were still popular too. A lot of greeting card companies began to invest more in the design of their cards. By the 1870s, however, greeting cards encompassed all of the classic holidays that they do today. 

Greetings Cards Today

Between then and now, there has been very little evolution in the industry. There are now more cards than ever that can be sent for any number of reasons, but the buying and sending process remains largely unchanged. One of the biggest greeting card companies in the world was formed in 1910 in Kansas City, America. 

Hallmark today is synonymous with holidays like Christmas. The business prides itself on being wholesome and family-orientated, and thanks to its success, they have diversified beyond greetings cards, having their own television channel and creating movies and generating other content and products. 

However, in recent years, the purchase of greetings cards from traditional retailers has seen a steady decline. The younger generations today seem to be far less interested in sending greeting cards in the traditional manner; the question is, why? Do the younger generations not have the same soft spot for sentimentality?

Truthfully, the rise of the digital era has a lot to answer for in terms of the traditional approach to greeting cards declining. Firstly, social media and mobile phones have meant that you can get in contact with a person directly to deliver your well wishes as opposed to the past when letter writing was the primary form of communication. Today you can reach out directly, which somewhat negates the need for greetings cards. 

There are obviously still young people today who enjoy the sentimentality of sending cards and respect the tradition. However, they don’t tend to approach it in the same way. There are a number of companies today that allow you to choose a card design and fully customize it to your specifications. The company then also sends out the card on your behalf. 

This is perhaps the biggest difference; people today are sending cards without ever having had them in their physical possession first. Cards today are often sent via these companies that act like a proxy. Some people could be under the impression that this adds extra unnecessary steps. But this isn’t the case. 

Ordering, writing out and sending a card online can be done in just a few steps. The convenience is unparalleled. These sites also offer help and advice too. For example, Greenvelope can be used to send the cards themselves, but they also have a number of resources, including tips on what you should write whether you are sending a speedy recovery card, a condolence card or whatever the occasion may be.

Lastly, in addition to being able to send physical cards via the internet, there has also been a rise in the use of e-cards. These cards exist solely in the digital landscape. They can be sent via email or other digital platforms. They were preferred for a while, but they can feel a little more impersonal, and they don’t allow for keepsakes, either.

In Conclusion

Expressing well wishes and giving greetings to friends and family has always been done in one form or another; originally, it was passed along verbally. Then with the invention of writing, it was done this way, regardless of whether you believe that expressing well wishes can help to ward off evil spirits or you simply want to express a sentiment. A greeting card can be an excellent way to do it. The tradition continues to endure; it is simply done in a different way.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, General, Positive Thought, Relationships Tagged With: Relationships

Top Tips to Avoid Catching Winter Bugs

December 7, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Nobody wants to be ill over the festive season. Thankfully, there are lots of things you can do to reduce your chances of catching common winter viruses, such as colds and flus. Here are our top tips to help you avoid catching winter bugs. 

Get the right nutrients

One way of reducing your likelihood of catching a winter bug is making sure you eat all the right nutrients. Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is vital for good health and will help to boost your immune system. Fruit and vegetables contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and therefore help your boy to fight off infections more efficiently. 

Garlic and onions are particularly effective against warding off colds as they are both known for their antiviral properties. Luckily, garlic comes in supplement form, so you can get your daily dose without worrying about bad breath. 

Probiotics are also good for you and are thought to help boost your immune system, so will help you fight winter bugs. Nestle BOOST Optimum is a tasty supplement that contains probiotics and prebiotics such as Lactobacillus paracasei and Prebio, as well as vitamins and minerals to give you that added immunity boost this winter.

Sleep

You need sleep to recharge your body’s batteries and help you recover for the previous day’s stresses and activities. It should therefore come as no surprise that a lack of sleep will leave you feeling rundown and more prone to catching bugs. 

When you’re feeling tired and rundown, your body is less effective at fighting off infections. It’s therefore essential that you get enough good quality sleep if you want to stay as healthy as possible in the winter months. 

Wash your hands properly

If there’s one thing that we all learned from the covid pandemic, it’s the importance of regularly washing your hands to help reduce the spread of illness. Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly is vital if you want to avoid getting sick. 

Surfaces in public areas, such as door knobs and hand rails, can harbour all kinds of germs and bacteria, so always wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water after touching them. Also don’t forget to wash your hands after using the toilet, as well as after coughing and sneezing. Always carry antibacterial gel on your person just in case you don’t have access to a wash hand basin. 

Protect yourself and others

Try to avoid touching your face when you’re out and about because germs, such as the cold virus, can enter your body through your mouth, nose, and eyes. You might also consider wearing a face mask if attending public spaces with poor ventilation. Not only will this help protect you from catching bugs, it’ll prevent you from spreading germs to others, especially if you’re carrying something and are asymptomatic. 

One of the best ways to avoid getting ill with common winter viruses like the flu is to get vaccinated against it. You should also make sure you receive your covid booster to avoid catching, and spreading, coronavirus. 

Conclusion

By eating the right nutrients, ensuring you get enough sleep, washing your hands, and taking measures to protect yourself, you’ll be less likely to catch winter bugs. 

 

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, Health

Managing Bladder Inconsistency in the Elderly

November 19, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Most elderly experience some form of bladder inconsistency at one point or another. Many deal with it frequently. Bladder inconsistency is a subject that is not discussed despite being a common problem among adults. Whether the cause is arthritis, other age-related developments, or a degenerative disease, managing bladder inconsistency is possible. 

There are different methods for the severity of bladder incontinence, and finding one that works for you is key! Let’s talk about what we can do. 

Four Common Causes of Bladder Inconsistency

Understanding what is happening is a crucial part of treating bladder inconsistency. Here are four quick common reasons it could be happening. 

  1.  Arthritis and Developed Disorders

Age-developed disorders such as arthritis can cause functional incontinence, where someone may have trouble getting to the bathroom quickly enough. This is actually not a bladder problem but causes incontinence. 

  1.  Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles 

In women, weak pelvic floor muscles commonly cause leakage when sneezing, exercising, and doing daily activities. This is commonly due to giving birth and losing strength in those muscles. 

  1.  Alzheimer’s of Other Diseases

Alzheimer’s and other diseases are commonly classified as urge incontinence. Nerve damage results in an overactive bladder that makes you feel like you have to go a lot. Diabetes, Parkinson’s, a stroke, and a few more are common with this type of incontinence. 

  1.  Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladders result in the elderly having issues trying to empty them. This results in overflow and leakage. Diabetes can also be a factor in this type of incontinence. Doctors usually suggest insertable devices in this case. 

What Are The Options?

Here are the most common options that address all levels of incontinence. 

  • Women particularly struggle with this as their pelvic floor muscles weaken after birth. Premium absorbent underwear for women is a great way to tackle the problem. Protective underwear isn’t just for women, either. Men can find several boxer briefs and other solutions that are great for light to heavy incontinence. 

 

  • Approaching your lifestyle with health in mind is another chance to combat bladder inconsistency. Interestingly enough, diet and exercise can have a majorly positive impact even for the elderly. There are direct and indirect correlations, such as strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. This helps with bladder control. Indirectly, changing your diet can help improve mild cases. 

 

  • Medications and technology have developed over the years to help individuals with bladder incontinence. There are many common medications available now, such as tolterodine (Detrol), darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), fesoterodine (Toviaz), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium chloride. Since elderly folks may be taking medication already, it is critical to consult a doctor for ultimate safety. 

 

  • Medication isn’t the only solution. Technology has developed a number of creams and devices that are useful for older adults. Some may make less sense than others. A catheter is a device that is inserted to help empty the bladder naturally and stop leakage. Options similar to tampons are another popular way to have absorbency. 

One Size Does Not Fit All

Regardless of the reason why incontinence has developed, not everyone will like or feel comfortable with each option listed above. It can take both some trial and error and an adjustment period. Some of the recommendations are less invasive than others. But sometimes, heavy incontinence flows require some extra assistance. 

The important thing here is to talk with a doctor and your loved ones to find a solution that doesn’t impair your daily life. The idea is to feel comfortable and confident that bladder incontinence will not stop you no matter where you go. 

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, Health Tagged With: health issues of the elderly

Benefits of Acupuncture in Treating Stress & Chronic Pain

November 15, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Look at Things Differently

Acupuncture continues to gain popularity as more studies find it effective in treating different illnesses. From chronic pain to stress, acupuncture has shown that it can provide relief and successfully deliver desired results.

It features fine needles inserted in the skin at specific points along the energy lines also known as meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been successfully used for years.

The best part is that it not only addresses physical health issues but also impacts the mental body. It can improve your anxiety and stress levels to help control them and relieve the constant pressure. 

How Acupuncture Works to Treat Anxiety and Stress

You may be wondering how acupuncture relates to treating anxiety and how it actually works. Let’s explore a bit deeper to understand how and why acupuncture for anxiety is effective.

In Chinese medicine, the energy that flows through the body is called Qi (Chi). It moves through the energy lines known as meridians through the whole body. When your body is uneasy due to stress and anxiety, the flow of energy is disrupted.

Acupuncture helps to restore balance and facilitate an easier flow of energy through the meridians. Professional acupuncturists insert fine needles in specific energy points to help bring your energy back to its normal flow. 

Modern science explains that the fine needles are inserted away from your nerves to a certain depth stimulating feel-good hormones like endorphins. These hormones help reduce stress-inducing hormones like cortisol to help treat anxiety and stress. 

Benefits of Acupuncture in Treating Stress and Anxiety

Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders with fewer side effects compared to taking medication. If you are looking for alternative treatment options, acupuncture is worth consideration.

Working with licensed NYC acupuncturists gives you the confidence you need to explore a different approach to relieve anxiety and stress. Acupuncture remains one of the best alternative treatments with incredible benefits. These benefits include;

 

Improves Mood

Acupuncture helps improve overall mood and emotional regulation to help you process and react to different situations better. Improved moods help reduce anxiety and stress ensuring that you are calmer to deal with things that come up. 

Going for your acupuncture appointments will leave you feeling happier which will help reduce feelings of anxiety and help you manage your stress responses. 

Enhance Mental Clarity

Brain fog may affect your mental clarity and tamper with your decision-making skills. This may leave you feeling stuck or stagnant. These feelings can lead to stress and feelings of anxiety.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can help improve cognitive function which can in turn help clear out brain fog. This will help enhance your mental clarity, allowing you to make better decisions while relieving stress and anxiety. 

Promotes Better Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a major cause of stress and anxiety. It throws off your circadian rhythm and leaves you feeling exhausted. This later affects your work and health leading to a more stressful situation. 

Acupuncture is effective in treating insomnia and will help promote better sleep to ensure that you get enough rest. Doing this will help reduce stress and anxiety. 

Boosts Your Energy

After your acupuncture sessions, you’ll often find that you are more energetic and excited to get things done. This boost in your energy helps you get things done and relieve stress and anxiety about incomplete tasks. 

Relieves Body Pains

Pain can cause stress to the body leaving you feeling worse. However, acupuncture has been shown to be effective for chronic pain to help give you relief and reduce the stress on your body.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, Health, Problem Solving, Self Help Tagged With: acupuncture, beat stress

Why Choosing Natural Ingredients For Your Hair Will Help You Long Term

November 11, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Hair Care Article Graphic

Society has become more aware of the importance of using more organic and natural products throughout our lives. The beauty industry is a popular place where you can make more informed choices, and there are plenty of options since companies are rebranding and making the switch to offer more natural products. 

Your hair is an essential part of the body that needs nourishment, and if you haven’t already, making the switch to natural and organic haircare will help ensure that your hair stays vitalized for a long life. Hair products are usually applied directly to the scalp and then down the length of the hair. 

Your hair is organic, so why not treat it as such? It’s important for your hair health and there are numerous benefits that natural ingredients can offer your hair.

Natural and Organic Ingredients

Before you examine all of the benefits, it’s crucial that you understand what ingredients to look for in your hair care. Many shampoos, conditioners and other products will claim to be “natural” or “organic”, but it’s not accurate and more of a marketing ploy. 

Look for the following ingredients when searching for natural, organic hair care products:

  • Organic shea butter – enhances the natural color and shine of your hair.
  • Honey – honey is a fantastic  natural ingredient that adds tons of moisture to restore shine and reduce frizz and dryness, as found in Gisou’s honey shampoo.
  • Coconut oil and aloe vera – other natural moisturizers that help keep your scalp from drying out and becoming flaky.
  • Tea tree oil – essential oils have so many benefits, and this oil has antiseptic properties to help keep your skin and hair healthy and free from irritation.

Benefits of Natural Ingredients in Hair Care

Choosing more organic hair products protects your hair from future damage, or even daily damage in places where pollution is high or you’re around a lot of airborne chemicals that can get into the hair. Here are some of the benefits that organic products offer your hair and health.

Mildness For Your Hair

Hair products that have more artificial ingredients tend to be harsher on your hair. They give the impression that they will work faster to improve your hair, but they usually are stripping your hair of natural oils that are needed that keep your hair healthy. These artificial products do damage to the hair follicles and to your scalp. Natural products are meant to be mild for as long as you use them.

Better For Your Skin

Your scalp is an important part of the hair, and artificial products can cause irritation to the skin. Other areas of your body can absorb these harsh chemicals as you bathe or shower, and you may even experience an allergic reaction. Organic and natural shampoos and conditioners prevent skin irritation and allergic reaction, since they are all natural. They are the best option for sensitive skin.

They Benefit the Environment and Provide More Value

Artificial and chemically made ingredients and products have a higher negative impact on our environment. They contaminate the soil and water when you use them, which can cause problems for the ground, wildlife, and more. With natural and organic products you can feel better around using them since they have harmless ingredients that break down easily.

Hair products can be expensive, but the difference in price with using more natural hair care products is a tiny margin. Plus, you’ll get more more value for the money you spent, and probably won’t even have to use as much of the product to see the difference it makes.

Natural Hair Care Products are Good For Your Body

What you put in your hair also affects your body, just like how eating healthier can be good for your hair. Natural ingredients found in hair care usually contain antioxidants. They assist the body in the removal of free radicals. Your hair holds a lot of chemicals, which have negative side effects. Do yourself and your hair a favor to ensure it stays healthy and shiny forever by using more organic products with natural ingredients.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, Problem Solving

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Self Help Blog Updates

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