Minimalist hacks to declutter your life
There's a reason that changing seasons always seem to be accompanied by donation bags—we have too much stuff! Shows like 'Tidying Up with Marie Kondo' gained attention worldwide because this is a common problem that both unites and buries us. Whether it's one too many stops for retail therapy, the inability to give anything up due to sentimentality, or simply not enough time to go through it all, many of us struggle with household clutter in our day-to-day lives. However, did you know that owning less can actually improve your quality of life? In 1978, researcher Phillip Brickman from Northwestern University conducted a study to see if wealth truly brought happiness. He found that the happiness of those who had won the lottery was no higher than the control group who only met their basic physical needs. Yet another psychological study was done by LN Chaplin and DR John, which found a strong link between materialism and low self-esteem among young people. Not only has it been shown that clutter detracts from our mental health, it's also been suggested that our mental well-being actually benefits when our houses aren't cluttered with things. According to Psychology Today, clearing our closets of possessions that we don't absolutely love can reduce stress and foster peace of mind. In an added benefit, spending less on material things also cuts back on financial stress, as well as taking away the pressure of always having to earn and buy more. While buying your favorite pair of pants in three colors may feel right in the moment, this doesn't ultimately lead to long-term happiness. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, you can make your life less complicated and stressful—all while saving money. Perhaps less really is more! While this is all great to talk about, it's another thing entirely to actually get down to business and clear the clutter to make way for minimalism. But never fear! These minimalist hacks will make your life a whole lot easier. In honor of Use Less Stuff Day, click through this gallery and start maximizing your life today!
2024-03-05T11:40:51Z
How to protect your children from sexual abuse
Parents don’t hesitate when it comes to teaching children to look both ways before they cross the street or to stay away from a hot stove, but body safety is often put aside until they’re much older, and sometimes after it’s too late. It’s a horrifying and sad reality, but a reality nonetheless, and taking measures to protect your child from sexual abuse—which does not discriminate in terms of race, class, religion, or culture—can be a lifesaving matter. Of course, there is no exact way to protect children from sexual abuse, but there are simple, communicative steps recommended by the Child Mind Institute and other child health resources that can reduce the risk. Knowledge is a powerful tool, so click through and arm yourself and your dear ones.
2024-01-15T20:06:14Z
Furniture that has disappeared in the modern era
You might not have given this fact much thought, but as technology and our lifestyles evolve, so does the need for certain furniture. For example, telephone tables were built with a specific, practical function in mind, which is no longer necessary with our smartphones of today. In addition to its functionality, furniture can also contribute to the style or decor of a space. Secretary bookcases, for example, provided the benefit of both storage space and a convenient work surface. And while many of these items were highly fashionable in the first half of the 20th century, they have now disappeared from contemporary homes. Click on to discover pieces of furniture that were once popular, but you'll probably never see in most modern homes today.
2023-11-28T10:07:41Z
These Insanely Helpful Garden Plants Keep the Mosquitoes Away
Say goodbye to the outdoor pests. Bugs come with the territory when you’re outdoors, but some are more tolerable than others. If it feels like mosquitoes are invading your yard, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to get rid of them. Enter mosquito repellent plants. Here’s the thing: Experts say that the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use personal repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But if you want to go a more natural route, you may be interested in selecting certain plants—they’re just not necessarily guaranteed to work as well as a spray. “The idea that planting certain plants around your home will successfully repel mosquitoes is only supported by anecdotal evidence and not empirical evidence,” says Eva Buckner, Ph.D., assistant professor and state extension specialist at the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. It’s important to note, though, that there is some evidence that certain plants may help discourage certain mosquitoes from setting up camp in your yard—they just don’t work as well as a chemical or spray. If it feels like your outdoor space is a haven to mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to “eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around your property by draining standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, baby pools, and other sources,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Using a small fan outside may also help keep mosquitoes away since “they are not strong flyers,” Fredericks says. But if you like the look and smell of certain plants and want to see if they keep the mosquitoes away, too, there’s no reason not to try them. These are the plants fans swear are most likely to help get rid of mosquitoes. Snap up one or a few to enhance your outdoor space.
2023-06-26T20:04:01Z