Jarred

Thousands of truck accidents occur on America’s roads every year, around 4,000 of which are fatal.

If you saw one, would you know what to do? Would you carry on driving and regret it later, stop and try to help, or simply panic in the moment?

In this post, we’ll give you a rundown, so you know exactly how to handle the situation if it happens to you. 

Read on for our guide on how to conduct yourself as a witness to a semi truck accident. 

Steps to Take if You See a Truck Accident

A road accident can be a scary, even traumatizing experience. Here’s what you should do if you come across one. 

1. Find a Safe Place to Stop

Your first instinct might be to immediately stop and get out of your car. Don’t rush to make that mistake. 

If you do this, you can end up causing another accident. 

Instead, pull over to the side of the road in a safe place. When you do, make sure your car is at least 100 feet from the accident. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself in the way of flames, broken glass, and other traffic. 

Before exiting your vehicle, you should also be sure to put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 

2. Stay at the Scene

It’s understandable that you might not be able to stop and help, but stick around if you can. 

Your presence and assistance can be far more valuable than you realize. If you’re the first person at the scene, wait around until more help arrives. The victims are likely to be in shock, and knowing that you’re there will provide comfort and reassurance.

2. Call 911

It’s easy to think that someone else has already called emergency services.

You should never assume this. In all likelihood, others are assuming the same thing and you’re all unknowingly waiting for people who haven’t even been notified of the accident. 

Take the initiative and call 911 as soon as possible. When people have been injured, every second counts.

Although you’re likely to be shaken up, try to remain as calm as possible during the call. The operator will need you to clearly relay the location and details of the accident to them. That way, they can get the right professionals to the scene as quickly as possible.

3. Approach with Caution

You should never just run directly towards a truck accident to see what’s going on. If you do, you could end up being part of it yourself, or even causing further damage.

Stop, assess the situation and make sure it’s safe to proceed before you attempt anything else. Other drivers may not see you, and leaking fuel may pose a fire hazard. While you may want to rush in like a hero, it’s not always smart to do so. 

No matter how concerned you are for the victims, treat carefully and remember to take care of your own safety, too.

4. Talk to the Victims

Once you know it’s safe to move in closer, you can check on the people who are involved in the accident. 

Check for both drivers and passengers, finding out how many people there are and what kind of condition they’re in. 

If the driver is still conscious and able to move, ask them to stabilize the vehicle by putting it in ‘park’, pulling the handbrake and switching off the ignition. If not, you may be able to reach into the truck and do this yourself. This will help eliminate the risk of a fire breaking out and keep the vehicle safely in place. 

Never attempt to move any of the victims. Although you’re trying to help, you could end up making their injuries worse if you do so. This could land you with a civil liability lawsuit, in which case you’ll have to find a lawyer. 

The only instance in which it’s recommended to move the victims of a semi accident is if there is a risk of fire. Otherwise, leave them where they are and comfort them by letting them know that they’re ok, you’re there to help, and that emergency services are on the way. 

5. Provide a Statement

As a witness, your perspective is extremely valuable to police and first responders. They’ll ask you to tell them everything you can about what you saw and how you helped. You might have to provide your contact information, too.

This isn’t the only time you may have to give a statement. Later down the line, you may also be contacted by police detectives or insurance agents who are investigating the victim’s claims for compensation. 

If this happens, it’s important that you give a clear and honest account of what happened. As time goes on, this can be more difficult to do because the details won’t be as fresh in your mind. For this purpose, it’s a good idea to take notes or make a recording that you can refer to at a later date. 

6. Take Care of Yourself

You don’t have to be directly involved in a road accident to be affected by it. Simply witnessing one can be a difficult experience.

In particularly serious cases, witnesses may experience some level of trauma. The events of the day can stay with you long after they’ve occurred, causing you stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s important you take time out to wind down afterward and practice self-care. 

Risks on the Road

No matter how safely you drive or how clean your record is, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong.

In the blink of an eye, you could find yourself involved in a truck accident or a car crash. 

There are some factors which increase your risks, though. One of them is age. In fact, statistics show that older drivers are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents. To find out why read our post on senior citizens and car accidents. 

Did you know that all but 17 states have legalized medical marijuana?

Research has determined cannabis has a plethora of benefits for people dealing with various medical issues.

As medical marijuana becomes the new norm across the country, access to it is still somewhat challenging. Some patients don’t have dispensaries near them, and others are restricted by their health conditions. So, they’ve been unable to get the medical marijuana they need.

Now, you can have medical marijuana delivered to your door.

Before Ordering Medicinal Cannabis

Unfortunately, one cannot order medical marijuana just for kicks. Although voters legalized medical marijuana in 2010, they opted out of recreational marijuana in6 2016.

So, for now, you need a medical marijuana card to order medicinal cannabis. 

If you don’t have a one, you’ll need to contact a doctor that specializes in medical marijuana evaluations. The doctor will assess your condition and determine if medicinal cannabis is the right solution for you.

Also, if you’re in the Phoenix area, you’ll want to make sure marijuana deliveries are allowed in your area. 

The following areas don’t allow delivery:

• Avondale
• Chandler
• Fountain Hills
• Gilbert
• Glendale
• Mesa

So, if you’re located in one of these areas, you might have to drop in to pick up your products.

How Weed Delivery Works

Arizona dispensary delivery services are either licensed dispensaries or partnered with a licensed dispensary. Drivers must be licensed employees of said dispensary or service, as operating without a license is illegal.

When a customer orders from the dispensary, employees pull the specified product in the requested amount and package it for delivery. It’s then handed off to the delivery driver.

Deliveries are usually next-day. Some dispensaries don’t have weekend delivery, so you should check into delivery options before ordering or you could be waiting up to three days to get your order.

Why Have Medical Marijuana Delivered

Some people like to maintain their privacy, so they don’t want others knowing they use medical marijuana. Maybe they don’t want to be caught shopping for weed by their coworkers. Or perhaps they don’t want nosy neighbors asking questions.

Others may have limited mobility or are to sick to leave the house so they have to have most things delivered. 

For people who have to use public transportation, it can take longer than an hour to get from to and from the dispensary. These people have their products delivered to cut down their travel time.

Now, you can have medical marijuana delivered to your door. Arizona dispensary delivery takes the hassle of out getting your medical marijuana

How to Get Your Medical Marijuana 

Getting medical marijuana delivered is a simple process.

To begin, you’ll need your Arizona medical marijuana program ID card. If you don’t have one, you should contact a doctor that specializes in writing medical marijuana recommendations.

Next, you should contact your dispensary to place your order. If you don’t know what dispensary delivers, you can try an online search. “Weed delivery near me” is a good place to start.

Some dispensaries have websites that allow you to browse products and choose the best option for needs. Other dispensaries service their customers by phone only.

When placing orders over the phone, you might have to know what you want beforehand. Depending on the place, the person on the other end might not be able to give you details about each product.

Who Can Receive My Delivery

When you place an order for mail order weed, not just anyone can accept the delivery. If you think your mother or brother can answer the door and take the package, think again.

Arizona has strict rules about medical marijuana dispensation and delivery. 

In anticipation of medical marijuana delivery fraud, the state has instituted measures to ensure deliveries get to the right person.

When your delivery arrives you must show valid ID and your medical marijuana registry card. If you have a caregiver, that person can also receive your delivery, as long as they’re also licensed with the state.

What The Dispensary Does During Delivery

If you thought the dispensary simply stocked and sold marijuana you were mistaken.

Dispensaries are required to record the moves their products make. After your order is placed, either the dispensary or the driver must log the following:

• the quantity received
• the time and date they delivered it
• who received it (you or your registered caregiver)
• driver’s and dispensary’s identification numbers

Arizona has legal limits on how much marijuana a person can possess. The dispensary or the deliverer is responsible for reporting the amount it provides you to the state.

The delivery person also has to record who receives the delivery. Caregivers are allowed to have 5 medical marijuana patients for whom they provide care.

How You Can Get a Medical Marijuana Card

Getting a medical marijuana card in Arizona is a time-consuming process. But, with a little preparation, it can be done.

You must have a specific condition to qualify. The list includes:

• Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 
• Other chronic debilitating diseases

You’ll have to see a doctor to get a recommendation for a medical marijuana card. Your family physician or a medical marijuana affiliated physician will do. And you’ll also have to obtain your medical records from within the last year that lists your qualifying diagnosis.

After you’ve gathered the appropriate documents, you and your provider must fill out the application form provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). They also provide a checklist of things you need which will save you time and energy during the application process. 

Once it’s submitted, the ADHS will make a determination of your eligibility. This can take up to 2 weeks but can be as short as 3-5 days. The department will e-mail you of your approval and you’ll receive your cards within 10 days.

Summary

Having medical marijuana delivered is simple, but the patient, dispensary, and delivery service must follow certain procedures to ensure the transaction is in line with Arizona laws.

Looking for more info on medical marijuana or health in general? Visit our online magazine for interesting articles on various topics related to lifestyle and health.

Research estimates that between five to fourteen million people in America struggle with compulsive hoarding. 

Do you struggle with out-of-control clutter? Do you find yourself making excuses as to why people can’t come into your home? Or do you suspect that a loved one may be struggling with this debilitating disorder? 

Let’s get into the five stages of hoarding you need to know.

Level One 

This is considered the mildest stage of hoarding. All the doors and stairways of the home are accessible.

If animals are in the home, the activity is normal. There may be a few incidents of pet accidents, but it’s otherwise sanitary.

While there may be the presence of clutter (trash, old lottery tickets, dishes), it’s not excessive. In general, the home has good housekeeping. While there might be a sense of messiness, it is safe and sanitary to live in the house. 

Level Two

To classify for the level two stage, at least one exit is blocked. Or, at least one major appliance (such as a dishwasher or stove) has been out of service for at least six months.

Concerning animals, there is typically the presence of some pet odor, waste, and dander around the home.

The clutter inhabits at least two rooms. However, other places in the home are still accessible. Pathways may be cluttered, but people can walk through them.

Housekeeping becomes strained at this level. The house may have an unpleasant odor. There may be the presence of mildew in the bathrooms and kitchens.

Level Three

Level three has visible clutter outdoors. Strewn items, such as couches, televisions, or other furniture, may be on the lawn or sidewalk.

At this stage, there are at least two broken appliances in the home. There is also evidence of structural damage.

If pets are present, they exceed the local limits (i.e., an entire litter of kittens or puppies). Pet wastings are evident throughout the home. Additionally, there are obvious pest issues (spiderwebs, fleas, cockroaches).

At least one bedroom and bathroom are not fully functioning due to clutter. The indoor clutter creates very narrow halls and hindered staircases. 

The house has limited to no housekeeping. There is a presence of dust, dirt, and grime throughout the home. Dirty laundry is usually left on the floor in multiple rooms.

Level Four

At level four, the structural damage starts impacting the majority of the house. At this point, the damage has existed for over six months. 

This stage also presents with higher levels of mold and mildew. Homeowners start using appliances for various, unrelated purposes (i.e., storing books in the oven).

Pets exceed limits by four or more animals, and there is animal waste pervasive throughout the home. Unwanted critters like raccoons, snakes, and bats may be present in the basement or attic.

At this stage, the bedroom and bathroom are nearly unusable. Due to the clutter, the home starts becoming a severe liability for fire and other damage.

The owner usually has multiple cans and boxes of expired or rotten food. There are no clean dishes or utensils available for eating in the home.

Level Five 

This is considered the most severe form of hoarding. At this point, most basic home maintenance needs have been completely neglected for several months.

This includes disconnected electrical service, broken walls and windows, lack of a working sewer system, and increasing structural damage.

Intentional (and unintentional) pets live in the home, and they are considered dangerous to the homeowners. The home usually has the presence of both animal and human feces in several locations. 

The home does not have any edible or healthy food. All rooms are rendered unusable, and the tenant must sleep outside of the home.

When To Get Help For Hoarding

Hoarding can be a shameful and difficult disorder to live with. That said, treatment is available. Seeking help can profoundly improve your emotional well-being.

Psychotherapy

When the individual is willing, psychotherapy can help with compulsive hoarding. Therapy helps address hoarding by:

• teaching alternative coping skills 
• managing stress management
• identifying distortions about what objects and their sentimentality mean
• addressing past traumas connected to hoarding
• developing a realistic self-care plan to replace hoarding tendencies

Therapy sessions can occur both inside the home and in the therapist’s office. Contact your insurance or speak to your primary care physician for an appropriate referral.

Support Groups

As society increases awareness about hoarding, more and more people are disclosing their struggles. A support group can help you share your story- and receive help and feedback from others.

Look online to see if there is a support group near you.

Helping A Loved One

If someone you love struggles with hoarding, it can be devastating and frustrating to witness them suffer. Maybe you’ve tried confronting in the past, but you haven’t seen any signs of progress. 

Keep in mind that you need to patient and safe during this situation. Hoarding is a mental illness; it is not a choice or matter of willpower. Hire a professional service if you need a neutral, third-party who can help you both out. 

Most of all, avoid probing questions. It’s not your job to determine why he or she hoards. It’s also not your job to tell them that they need to change. 

Your job is to provide support and let him or her know that you are there for them- unconditionally. 

Learning how to help a hoarder without judgment can be one of the greatest gifts you can provide. 

Final Thoughts On The Five Stages of Hoarding

Learning about the five stages of hoarding can help you assess and understand hoarding in a more objective framework. Remember that help is available, and recovery is always possible!

Did you know that the coffee industry is worth $100 billion worldwide?

Considering drinking black coffee but not sure if its good for you? Not to worry! In this article, we’ll cover nine benefits of drinking your coffee black. It lowers the risk of depression and aids weight loss. Black coffee has its advantages.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee

There are many positive factors of black coffee. Yet, it’s important to take into consideration that this drink is high in caffeine. You want to make sure you’re not drinking too much coffee. 

It’s rich in antioxidants and minerals. Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, and it speeds up the central nervous system. Caffeine occurs in more than 60 plants including tea leaves and coffee beans. 

Caffeine stimulates the brain, changing how people act and feel. Most people drink coffee to help wake up in the morning. To get the greatest health benefits, aim for 2-4 cups a day.

Let’s look at the advantages.

1. Lowers the Risk of Depression

Drinking coffee leads to a lower chance of depression. The risk of depression decreases by 8 percent according to researchers. It’s important to note that too much caffeine can cause people to suffer from anxiety.

Coffee helps boost moods as well. Those who drink black coffee have mental clarity and more energy. There isn’t any sugar or milk to slow down the absorption of coffee.

2. Lower Risk of Diabetes

Diabetes affects millions across the globe. This disease also increases the risk of other severe health conditions. Did you know that black coffee can help?

If you drink black coffee every day, you can fight diabetes in an efficient way. Drinking this beverage helps lower the risk of diabetes, according to research.

Yet, people who drink less than two cups of black coffee are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Nutrients in coffee allow your body to use insulin. This hormone is necessary to store sugar you receive from food.

Both decaf and regular black coffee help keep diabetes away.

3. Enhances Memory

Cognitive skills and memory declines as you grow older. This exposes you to a risk of Parkinson’s and Dementia. A cup of black coffee every day will boost your memory power. It also improves brain function.

Coffee helps your nerves and brain stay active during the day.

4. Improves Your Performance at the Gym

Gym trainers ask if you’ve had a cup of black coffee before coming to the gym. Its known to enhance your performance during workouts.

It helps you give your full attention during a session. Coffee helps your body release adrenaline in the bloodstream. In turn, preparing your body for physical exertion. This breaks down body fat, releasing it in the blood as fatty acids. 

Check out this coffee shop before you go to the gym. Treat yourself to a fresh black coffee.

5. Your Liver Benefits

Your liver manages hundreds of vital functions of your body. Did you know black coffee helps prevent liver problems?

Try and drink at least 4 cups of black coffee every day. Black coffee also lowers harmful liver enzymes in the body.

6. Helps with Weight Loss

Coffee’s known to suppress your appetite. This means if you have a cup of black coffee mid-morning, you can steer clear of snacks until lunch. Or in the afternoon, if you’re hankering for a bag of chips, drink a black coffee instead.

People who overeat food should try and switch to drinking black coffee daily. The black coffee increases energy and stimulates metabolic activity. This helps you stay active and burn more calories.

One cup of coffee is around 5 calories. This is why its known as a calorie-free drink. 

7. Diminishes Stress

Everyone deals with stress during the week. Too much pressure can lead to depression if not treated. Drinking black coffee is a unique way to uplift your mood.

After you drink coffee, caffeine affects various hormones in your body. Caffeine injects adrenaline into your system. This gives you a temporary boost for the day. Make sure you don’t drink too much; otherwise you’ll feel fatigued later.

Caffeine also increases dopamine levels in your system. This boosts your mood when you drink it.

This is how coffee helps diminish stress. Coffee stimulates your nervous system to produce the happy hormones in your body. This helps keep depression and stress levels down. 

8. Cleanses Your Stomach

Unhealthy food’s filled with toxins. If you eat this type of food once a week or every day, you might need a cleanse.

Drinking black coffee helps you detox by increasing the number of times you use the washroom. All the unwanted substances and toxins will flush through your system. This, in turn, helps you feel lighter and less bloated. 

9. Nutrients and Antioxidants

Coffee contains the essential nutrients of potassium, niacin, vitamin E, chromium, and magnesium. Coffee consumption alone can help supply your chromium needs. Chromium plays a vital role in controlling your blood sugar.

Like tea, coffee contains plant chemical compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids have links to reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Interested in reading about ways to eat well? Check out these five healthy dinner recipes.

Want to Learn More?

We hope this article was insightful about the benefits of drinking black coffee. You can keep depression at bay and enhance your workouts by drinking black coffee every day. Make sure you don’t drink too much!

Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to get fit for summer.

Are you the person who’s always playing catch up with new technology? Do you find yourself buying new devices and downloading apps long after your friends have already been using them?

This year, it’s time to upgrade your understanding of technology!

There’s no limit to everything you can accomplish and learn with the right tools. Innovative apps are waiting to teach you everything from new languages to healthier habits.

But, you can’t fully enjoy these things until you grasp the big picture. First, you need to learn about mobile technology trends, so that you can keep up with the latest innovations. 

Here are 8 mobile trends you can expect to see a lot of in 2019.

1. Mobile Banking  

There’s a good chance you already have your bank’s app on your phone. But, do you have a personal finance app to make investments with while on the go? Have you downloaded a personal budget tool or an expense tracker? 

These are the tools you need to better make use of the funds you have in your bank. They make budgeting, saving, and investing extremely simple to understand. Such innovations turn complex, intimidating financial topics into accessible money moves for you to make. 

2. Voice Search and Integrated AI 

It’s one thing to turn a complex matter into a simple task, but it’s also worth making everyday habits even easier if you can. This is why more and more app developers are putting an emphasis on voice search. 

You need to start taking advantage of this amazing function. Voice search allows you to do things on the go without having to stop everything else just to type something into your phone. It makes it easy to search for information while you’re driving, walking around, or just hanging out on the couch. 

Wherever you are, you can enjoy a better mobile experience when you use voice search. Don’t be surprised if you start to see more chatbots and other forms of AI pop up, either!

3. Virtual Reality Meets Smartphones  

Most people think virtual reality is something only wealthy individuals can enjoy. But, that’s not true!

Those who are tech savvy understand how accessible VR really is. They know which apps are compatible with VR and what tools they need to create a virtual reality experience in their own home. 

Keep this in mind as you learn more and more about upcoming mobile tools. A mobile-friendly VR set would make a great present for a loved one, and it can be a nice addition to your home as well. 

4. 3D Printing

As if bringing VR into your home isn’t cool enough, imagine all the things you could create with 3D printing. This is another technological innovation that has many misconceptions associated with it. It’s not something only a select few enjoy; it’s a tool that’s just as available to you and yours as it is to the rich and famous. 

All you have to do is know where to look. 

Explore the various 3D mobile printing options available to you before you make a decision. Some will be more cost-effective than others, and their capabilities will widely range, too. Still, it’s a technology niche worth exploring if you’re interested.

5. On Demand App Services 

By now, you probably know about on-demand services like Uber and Instacart. But, you can expect to see a plethora of on-demand apps pop up in 2019!

Ride-sharing and food delivery services are just the beginning. There are already on-demand services out there that allow you to trade things you don’t need for items your home is missing. There are apps that can offer on-demand solutions for the errands you need to run and the last-minute hotel room you need to book, too. 

6. 5G Devices 

4G has become a common term that’s thrown around these days. It’s the type of network most mobile devices have been running on since 2010.

But, it’s already on the verge of replacement! As fast as 4G is, many mobile devices still experience a lag when trying to connect to popular websites and applications.

5G aims to offset some of that by creating a faster, more reliable connection. It’s the fastest cell phone network we’ve seen so far. Be sure to keep an eye out for it as cell phone providers start introducing it in 2019.

7. The Internet of Things 

The ‘Internet of Things’ has been around for quite some time, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. On the contrary, you can expect to notice it even more in your own life this year. 

The term refers to the interconnected age in which we live. When you get an email on your laptop, start writing out your response, then finish it from your phone, you’re using the internet of things. When you’re changing the temperature of your HVAC from your phone or using your watch to check your texts you’re using the internet of things. 

Wearables and smart home devices are only the beginning. You can expect to see more and more of a connection between devices as new innovations roll out this year.

8. Smart Spaces

The best way to think of a smart space is when you can see how connected the internet of things really is. It’s a physical representation of the impact technology has on our lives. 

When you go to a coffee shop in which many people are connected to the wifi and there are mobile payment tools and automated systems in place, you’re in a smart space. When you visit someone’s home and they have an open layout with many gadgets and devices, you’re in a smart space. 

The definition of smart spaces is so open-ended that it can be hard to tell what counts as one and what doesn’t. But, there’s no question that 2019 will bring a rise in how common these spaces are.

Staying Ahead of Mobile Technology Trends

Here’s an interesting thing to think about: many of the mobile technology trends listed above can be utilized together.

It’s quite possible for a new cell phone that runs on 5G to create an amazing 3D printing or VR experience. It’s easy to see the connection between the internet of things and the rise of on-demand apps, too.

But, this is also part of the reason why it can be hard to stay ahead of mobile tech trends. We live in an ever-changing world, and new technology often makes the changes we experience happen very quickly. As such, the best thing to do is focus on one or two aspects of tech rather than trying to become a tech-savvy individual overnight. 

To learn more about innovative apps and game-changing devices, click here. 

You’re in some kind of bind or emergency situation and you just don’t have the money to handle it.

You never think it’s going to happen to you. When it does, where do you turn? 

What do you do? 

Where can you borrow money fast? Are there fast cash loans out there? 

Whether you have a broken down car or a medical situation and need to find a way to borrow money fast, there are 5 emergency fund options that you should know. 

5 Options to Borrow Money in Emergency Situations

Quick Loans?

Title Loans?

Credit Card Loans?

Which type of loan will give you what you need in the shortest amount of time in an emergency? 

1. Credit Card Advance 

It’s easy to get a credit card cash advance right at the ATM. Another option is to use the checks that come with your credit card that work like a short-term loan.

You are likely to incur a transaction fee and the interest rate will definitely be higher than most other options. 

The upside is that you’ll get your cash quickly. 

Be aware that your credit card limit is your cash advance limit. If it’s not enough, you’ll have to explore other options.

2. Peer to Peer Lending

There are various websites that match up borrowers to investors who are willing to loan money to strangers through an online marketplace. 

The interest rate on this type of loan is connected to your credit score. You will be required to provide pay stubs to show your income. 

Applying online is easy. Monthly payment and interest rate options will be provided. 

Once you make your choice, money is deposited into your bank account. 

3. Borrow From Your Retirement Account

This option can be a little bit risky. Do not consider borrowing from your future if there’s a chance of losing your job any time soon.

Essentially, you would be taking a loan from the money you’ve invested in your 401K or IRA. 

Though the interest rate is lower, you must pay the loan back in a certain time period or be charged a penalty.

4. Title Loan 

A car title loan allows you to take a loan on your vehicle. 

You’ll hand over the title of your car, truck, van, etc. to a lender as collateral. 

Title loans are for smaller amounts of money and need to be repaid in a short amount of time, usually 30 days. 

High interest rates and added fees make this a less popular option. 

5. Personal Loan

You can apply for a personal loan at your bank, credit union, or other lending institutions. 

A personal loan can be secured (backed by collateral) or unsecured. The later has a higher interest rate. 

A personal loan will have a fixed interest rate and a fixed time period for repayment. 

What’s the Best Way to Borrow Money?

Consider your situation and match it to the option that fits best. For advice on money matters, lifestyle, or just about anything, visit our site. 

Did you know that only 35% of adults report getting 7 or more hours of sleep per night?

That’s sad, because the number of health benefits available to adults who manage to get their shuteye each night is staggering. Conversely, negatives that can come from neglecting sleep are equally scary.

But what are the keys to getting a good night’s sleep? What should you be doing in your busy life to ensure that you’re falling asleep on time and staying asleep? And if you have other things to consider, like a busy work schedule or a family at home, how on earth can you expect to sleep as much as is ‘suggested’?

In this article, we’ll look at how to sleep peacefully, offering 7 simple tips you can use to stop tossing and turning and get more rest so you can rock the next day – no matter what your commitments are.

Why Does Sleep Matter?

We aren’t trying to preach, but sleep is crucial. When you’re creating an ideal lifestyle for yourself, you should always factor it in.

Among the many benefits of good sleep, you can expect your brain to function better, less body fat to accumulate, maximize your physical performance in the gym or life, and decrease your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Alternatively, poor sleepers tend to gain weight, get stressed out, or even depressed. This increases the possibility that they suffer from one of the chronic diseases that plague Americans. Hopefully, that’s enough evidence for you to keep reading.

Now, let’s take a look at 7 simple tips to help you improve your sleep quality and maximize those benefits.

1. More Bright Light 

It may not seem linked, but the more sunlight you see throughout the day, the more likely you are to be ready for bed when it comes time at night. This is due to a naturally occurring process we all have called our ‘circadian rhythm‘, which is more or less an internal clock that’s keeping track of our days and when we should be ready for sleep.

People with diagnosed insomnia were able to improve sleep quality by 83% when they simply were exposed to more bright light throughout the day.

And if you suffer from insomnia, there’s even some research that shows CBD oil may help to alleviate that problem; visit the site to learn more.

2. ..But Reduce Blue Light

In contrast to tip #1, another key to falling asleep and staying asleep is to reduce the amount of blue light (think about the scrunch your eyes make any time you check your phone in the middle of the night) you are exposing yourself to.

In the opposite way, blue light tricks our circadian rhythm and body into thinking it’s not time to go to bed yet. The lights from your cell phone or laptop trick your body into thinking it’s still time to be outside and moving. Our bodies release hormones that help us stay awake for that reason.

Read a book or have a conversation with a loved one instead of soaking in tech right before bed.

3. No Alcohol Before Bed

It’s said that a nightcap can make for a great night’s sleep, but research actually finds that that isn’t true. Booze can actually limit your ability to sleep deeply and mess with sleeping patterns.

And besides alcohol not being the healthiest thing in the world to consume on a nightly basis, you won’t sleep well once you fall asleep, either. Alcohol alters our ability to produce melatonin, which will prevent us from being able to sleep well.

4. Drink Less Coffee

Hey, we love coffee too. But if you’re having trouble sleeping, it might be time to look at your caffeine consumption. 

Coffee can stay in your blood for up to 8 hours. If you really aren’t in the mood to kick the habit, at least consider cutting it out in the afternoons so that your body can wean itself off. You might find that you enjoy it more if you only have it in the morning, anyway.

5. A Colder Room

If your bedroom is too hot, it can actually prevent you from sleeping deeply. In terms of how to optimize sleep, simply set the thermostat at somewhere between 68-70 degrees Farenheight. 

The temperature in your room may be more of a factor in deep sleep than external noise or other disturbances.

6. Eat Earlier in the Day

When you go to sleep, you’re asking your body to still do a lot.

While we sleep, all sorts of natural recovery processes take place, from growing hair and fingernails to the regeneration of cells. Even though you’re sleeping, there is still a lot of work to be done, and not a lot of time to do it.

If you go to sleep with a full stomach, your body is actually not able to work as efficiently on these things and help you recover. After all, some of your energy must be allocated to helping digest whatever you ate. This may be why you wake up feeling groggy.

7. Relax!

When it comes to how to sleep peacefully, the key is to have some type of routine before bed that can help you relax and get ready for sleep. If you carry the day or work into your bedroom, stress or anxiety can prevent you from being restful enough to get some shuteye.

Whether you meditate, shut your phone off, read a book or simply take a few deep breaths, try to transition into your bedroom in a state of relaxation so you can quickly get to sleep.

Ready for Your Good Night’s Sleep?

A good night’s sleep is proven to make you a healthier, happier, less-likely-to-be-diseased kind of person. We’d say that’s a worthwhile tradeoff for a few hours of less time throughout the day.

Use these tips to get some extra sleep so you can start to maximize your health and life. And of course, feel free to contact us with questions. Happy sleeping!