Although global travel is off the cards right now, we need something to tentatively put in the calendar right? Because having things to look forward to is what’s going to get us through these uncertain times, we think.
Perhaps leave the actual booking of flights and hotel rooms for the time being, but if you’re considering which potential time of year to plan your trip around, might we suggest a period when things are quieter?
Though peak season generally means great weather and more cultural events, it comes with its drawbacks too. Instead, consider these; our 4 IDEAL reasons to travel during the off peak season.
FLEXIBILITY
When you travel off-peak, you have so much more choice as to where to go and what to see. During the busy season, accommodation and sightseeing tours can be fully booked months in advance, and the main tourist sites heaving.
Whereas when you travel during a quieter time, the demand is less so you can have more freedom with deciding where you want to stay and what you want to do. Indeed, if you’re looking for some destination inspiration, check out the good guys over at Audley Travel for some unique ideas.
By Helen Bell via Canva
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When you visit a place during the height of tourist season, sometimes being in a queue can take longer than the sightseeing itself. And that’s not what you’re travelling for, right? We all know that herds of crowds can really detract from the beauty of a place.
However, when you go off-peak, it will allow you to see so much more. Whether this is physically seeing the place, rather than having it blocked by fellow visitors, or because it allows you more freedom of movement, you can visit more sights with ease. This is your chance to make the most of the moment and enjoy a more authentic travel experience.
SAVE MONEY
One of the main perks of travelling off-peak is how much cheaper it is in almost every aspect. From booking your flights to picking a place to stay, you’ll be amazed at the difference with how much accommodation can cost one month in comparison to the next.
Plus, when you get there, activities and restaurants will be cheaper than they are in the busy season. Of course, it’s worth noting that different countries have different peak seasons – particularly if they’re in a different hemisphere. Make sure you research this in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
HELP LOCAL BUSINESS
Some places exist solely as tourist towns – during the ‘on’ season they’re heaving, but they swiftly empty out when it’s done. If you visit a place when it’s off-peak, you’re playing a part in helping a local business survive. Indeed, many have realised that having such places that solely serve tourists just isn’t sustainable, and some are trying to switch to make themselves operational no matter the season. Be part of change.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Don’t rule out travelling during off-peak season just because you think the weather might not be ideal. You can still have an amazing holiday, and be richer in so many ways for the experience. Where’s next on your travel bucket list?
Though it’s not feasible right now with the whole world seemingly on lockdown, there’s certainly no harm in a little escapism in times like this. And with an adventurous trip like one to New Zealand, proper planning is essential. Give yourself the luxury of time, and get well ahead with penning the itinerary of that trip of a lifetime, even if it is next year, with these; our 5 IDEAL things to know before visiting New Zealand.
KIWIS DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD
If you’re coming from the UK, you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to train your mind and body to get used to driving the opposite side of the road while exploring this amazing country. They drive on the left here.
It’s also important to know that renting a car in New Zealand will more than likely see you presented with an automatic model; certainly worth knowing if you’re only used to a manual.
THE FLIGHT IS LONG
Painfully long. Indeed, the average flight time from the UK to New Zealand is around 24 hours, and that doesn’t even take into account your early initial arrival at the airport, your painful stop-offs, transfers, or a desperate search for caffeine in between.
So be prepared for discomfort, tiredness, and brutal jet lag. Try to plan ahead to make your flight as comfortable as possible, and plan your flight times in the best way you possibly can for the time difference.
THEY’RE PRETTY BIG ON LORD OF THE RINGS
Unless you’ve been living in a hole in the ground – not unlike a Hobbit, now we come to think of it – you should already know that a visit to New Zealand means a visit to Middle Earth itself.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tolkien fan, a middle-ground Tolkien fan, or perhaps not much of a Tolkien fan at all, it’s essential to know that New Zealand presents an opportunity to explore many of the film sets, destinations and stunning scenery which helped make Peter Jackson’s movies what they are.
Jackson chose some of the most stunning spots in the country to make his movies, which means even if you don’t know much about them, professional Lord of the Rings tours with a guide or exploration of these places still means an opportunity to view some of the best sights New Zealand has to offer – and a trip to Hobbiton is an absolute must!
THE SUN WILL CATCH YOU
You can’t escape sunlight, but in New Zealand, even on a cloudy day, you’re at risk of sunburn. This means stocking up on sun lotion and prioritising skin protection while you’re out and about is an absolute must. Don’t be fooled by a grey sky and rain!
In fact, the weather in New Zealand is unpredictable, to say the least. Summer occurs during our winter, and vice versa, and temperatures are generally mild, though the North is warmer and as you travel south things get cooler.
In the winter, temperatures can dip below freezing. Average rainfall is high all year round and the sun is surprisingly intense and unrelenting even when temperatures suggest otherwise. In short, pack for all eventualities, as you would approach a holiday in Britain.
PESKY SAND FLIES WILL BE THE BANE OF YOUR SUMMER TRIP
This certainly isn’t a reason not to visit, but it’s something you should be aware of so you can plan ahead. Insect repellent is an absolute must if you don’t want to fall victim to a swarm of these ever present, pesky sandflies, so try to cover up exposed skin as much as possible, wearing thick protective socks and a long-sleeved jacket.
This is particularly pertinent if you’re planning a trip to Milford or Doubtful Sound, as these spots are a sand fly’s idea of paradise. You don’t want to spend your entire boat trip fleeing from flies rather than taking in your actual surroundings – and your travel snaps will only end up being blurry selfies of you flapping your arms.
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Top Gear, read a car review in the lifestyle section of the Sunday newspaper, or engaged in a bit of banter with a petrolhead, then you’ll know that certain cars come with certain stereotypes about the driver.
In fact, this applies to the driver and the car whether it’s been bought new, used or via car lease from somewhere like ZenAuto. Yep, breaking these stereotypes can be hard, but there are certain sets of wheels which are definitely more well suited to certain lifestyles than others. If you’re looking to find a car which is the right fit for you, then read on; here’s how to choose the IDEAL car to suit your lifestyle.
BANISH THE STEREOTYPES
We all have generalisations and make sweeping assumptions about drivers and their car choice. BMWs, for instance, seem to speak of a certain type of success achieved by the driver; usually one defined both by go-getting and selfishness. Indeed, in 2018 a survey carried out by Dave declared BMW drivers to be the ‘most selfish on the road’. Interesting. If you hoard wealth and inherently disagree with a basic universal income, this one’s for you.
But what did your mother tell you about assuming? That it makes an ‘ass’ out of you and mi? Hmm, doesn’t quite work that way round. Anyway. What we’re saying is; it’s ridiculous to base your car choice on the fear of being pigeon holed. Grow up.
BUDGET RIGHT
It’s essential to have a fixed budget for the car you want to purchase. Otherwise, costs may run away with you faster than a car parked on a hill with the handbreak left off should you fall in love with a vehicle out of your price range and therefore, somewhat unsuitable to your lifestyle. So, set aside a certain amount of money and trust your judgement accordingly.
If you happen to be on a tight budget and it will be financially painful to pay outright, you can negotiate with the dealer about other financing options. That said, it’s important not to overextend yourself here; shop pragmatically rather than with those ‘#new car’ Instagram driving your decisions.
DOORS & BOOT
Your definition of ‘lifestyle’ is likely dictated by the size of your family. Will you be driving around little ones? Going on road trips with the children? Or is your car simply for you, your Bruce Springsteen playlist and the open road?
Should you be in the former camp, then four doors is absolutely essential, along with ample boot space to allow for convenient and comfortable travel. If you’re intent on marathon road trips on the continent and beyond, then something truly spacious like a camper van might be an even better choice.
FRIVOLOUS OR THRIFTY?
Regardless of your lifestyle, earnings and attitude to money, before buying a car you should make a decision on how much of an ‘investment’ you want it to be.
Sure, you’re not going to make money off it, but some cars depreciate in value far quicker than others. Indeed, experts say that your car loses quite a bit of its value simply by driving it out of the lot. Once you’ve driven the car to any degree, it’s simply not worth as much as when it had zero miles on it.
There are, however, some cars that tend to hold their value better than others, so look into a variety of models so you can find one which promises a good resale value when you do find that you’re ready to move on and invest in a new vehicle. Now is the time to determine whether you’re going to be frivolous or thrifty.
If you’ve landed on this page, no doubt you’re wondering what to do if your airline goes bankrupt. We are living in topsy turvy times. Though planes are not yet physicallydropping from the sky, their profits certainly are. According to Flightright, a leading provider of airline-related compensation help due to delays or cancellations, because of the coronavirus pandemic there is a really good possibility that some airlines will go bankrupt.
This is especially the case with budget lines, like the UK’s Flybe. With further worldwide travel restrictions and bans looking inevitable, you might be worried about any flights you’ve already booked or protecting any purchases you’re planning to make for future trips. Don’t worry, we’re here to help; here’s how to get your money back from cancelled flights due to your airline going bankrupt.
PAY FOR TICKETS WITH A CREDIT CARD
Airline tickets should always be bought with a credit card, which is actually better than your debit card in cases where protection on your purchase may be needed. In the event that the airline does not fly anymore, goes bankrupt or suffers suspended routes, the CC holder will be offered a refund.
There is no obligation to make a payment when the flight does not take off. When you get your ticket from a tour operator or from a third-party travel agent, you end up dealing with them. This means getting compensation is far less likely.
CONSIDER THE LOW-COST SUBSIDIARY
When a flight is offered by a budget offshoot that does not operate anymore due to the fact that the airline is absorbed or is shut down, your money is safe. This is because the larger ‘sibling’ airline will need to honour the ticket you bought. Such upstarts that fall into this category include IAG’s Level, Iberia and Eurowings offshoots.
BUY A GOOD FLIGHT INSURANCE POLICY
Flight insurance should be mandatory in these troubled times. Whatever happens, and even if the airline goes bankrupt, insurance providers will remain in business, and we’d bet our house on that. Actually, we wouldn’t – right now nothing is certain – but you get the picture.
When the airline trip ends up disrupted because of bankruptcy or financial hardship, a flight insurance policy that covers airline-related travel delays will cover all the lost funds. However, this does not mean you can buy any policy.
Instead, you need to be 100% sure that the policy you buy covers the airline carrier you choose. Every single travel insurance agency supports flight delays and cancellations for specific airlines, so do your due diligence at the purchasing stage. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to retrospectively modify these terms because, well, when did companies ever make anything like that easy?
Another thing to be aware of is that every single policy is different in regards to terms and conditions. There are some that will cover supplier default while others do not.
HIDDEN COST CALCULATIONS
Also, it’s probably that the policy will just cover the airfare cost. An insurance payout won’t usually cover all those hidden costs which you accrued in the run up to your tip. Yep, life’s unfair; you could still end up losing money because you would need to pay for accommodation, transport to the airport and other things when a flight is cancelled. Even so, the investment in insurance is definitely worth it.
KEEP ABREAST OF THE NEWS
With the rolling corona coverage right now, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to shut off, log out and hibernate until the world looks a little rosier. But if there are problems with your upcoming travel plans, then it’s better to know about them as soon as possible.
Airline shutdowns often seem to be sudden but this is not actually the case. Several warning signs appear before this happens. For instance, statistics show there is an increase of 13% in the number of airline seats available on transatlantic flights when compared to the past year. This is important because it can signal that fewer people are flying, meaning the likelihood of cancelled flights is higher.
HAVE A PLAN
Being in another country with a cancelled flight and no clear route home is a nightmare scenario right now. Having a plan B is sensible. For instance, if you have trip protection, you need to contact your insurer as soon as possible to see what they can cover in terms of new flights.
If you do have to travel during this time, it’s wise to make a list of alternate carriers supporting your destination before leaving home. But be warned; never assume that a competing airline will help you or show sympathy; a corporate conscious, after all, only exists in the PR company playbook.
It’s better to have money set aside to get back home in the event that something bad happens. In a system which values profit over people, and wealth over health, we wouldn’t recommend believing a business will bail you out.
Ideal for those looking for something unique from their trip.
Ever get the feeling you’re getting a raw deal from your hotel room? So often soulless and identikit, you slip into those scratchy sheets and you could be bedding down anywhere in the world.
With our passion for travel growing ever more adventurous and our forays into the unknown ever more far flung, expert travellers all across the world are asking more from their accomodation. We want personality, individuality and a sense of place. Find all three, with these; our 5 alternative accommodation options for your next holiday, IDEAL for those looking for something unique from their trip.
CARAVAN
If you want the freedom nature can offer, then why not consider a caravan holiday for something a little different? Banish those preconceptions about rained off barbeques in Bognor Regis; over the years, caravans have become a much slicker and more updated operation than ever before.
To truly feel that sense of place, there are few better options than this. What’s more, there’s even the option to purchase, so you can have a permanent home away from home in beautiful surroundings to enjoy anytime you fancy a change of scene.
AIRBNB
Though you may not have heard of it, we predict that ambitious, disruptive company Airbnb might be making big waves soon in the holiday accomodation world.
We joke, of course, they’re already ubiquitous. But if you are intent on seeing a city close up and personal, then Airbnb represents one of the most succinct ways to do so. And the more personality the owner has imbued into their space the better, we think.
Make the most of having your host on speed dial; plunder their insider knowledge of interesting things to see and do, as well as tips on where the locals eat and drink. If there’s a personally penned housebook with the hosts’ advice, use it keenly.
TREEHOUSE
So many of us longed for a treehouse as a kid, and still as an adult, it feels like the ultimate escape. And we did promise unique accomodation back there in the second paragraph, right? Fortunately, the UK has a surprising number of luxury treehouses fit for those with a thirst for one of the more quirky night’s sleep you’re going to be getting this year.
LUXURY CAMPING
In the words of Blindboy Boatclub, yurt. Perhaps you’re looking to escape the city life and take a break in nature for a while, frolicking through wheat fields and climbing trees. If so, you’ll definitely want to try luxury camping.
Once you start looking at some of the amazing Glamping spaces on offer out there, any prejudices about camping that you might have will soon dissipate. You can experience all the wonders the great outdoors has to offer, be surrounded by nature and do so in style and comfort. Whether you nestle near mountains, relax by the beach, or you’re surrounded by lush forest, your own corner of camping paradise will have you turned into a convert in no time.
TIMESHARE
Have you ever been somewhere that has immediately felt like home? And the thought of not going back breaks your heart a little bit? We’ve all stayed in holiday accomodation that has felt ‘just right’ from the moment you wrestle with an unfamiliar key and fly through the door. If this sounds like you, you could consider investing in a timeshare.
By doing this, you still have a second home, but without the commitment of property ownership. And that commitment – or rather, lack of it – extends to when you may need to sell or cancel your timeshare, which is actually surprisingly straightforward to do.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Whether you want to keep on exploring new places or continue returning to an old favourite, you’re going to have the best time and a very well-deserved good night’s sleep. Now, care to invite us along for the ride?
Hey, we’re all in the same boat, right? We all want to cook a little more. We’re all doing our best to eat more healthily, sustainability, locally and seasonally. We’re also trying to eat way less meat and fish, because the environmental impacts of mass consumption just can’t be ignored, and our waistline is grateful for it, too.
That pesky time, though. The clock and convenience just seem to get in the way of our goals. But with a fridge full of, well, whatever you’ve got knocking about, and a little nous, we can reduce food waste, save time, and most importantly, whip up some seriously delicious dinners in just minutes.
Now many of us are facing fewer supermarket trips, self-isolation, and even lockdown, it’s vital and responsible that we use what we’ve got in the house. Here’s how; our 5 quick and easy midweek dinner ideas, IDEAL for using up leftover vegetables and avoiding waste.
PENNE WITH ROASTED TOMATO ARRABBIATA
Tomatoes turning ropey certainly don’t look all that appetising raw. But they can still be made into a delicious pasta sauce. Simply roast them in the oven with olive oil and salt over a high heat until the skins begin to blacken slightly. About five minutes before you anticipate the tomatoes reaching their peak, chuck a few cloves of skin-on garlic into the roasting tray, to soften and sweeten them.
Then, blitz everything in a food processor with a sliced long chilli or two (‘arrabiata’ does mean angry, after all, and as such calls for enthusiastic heat levels), adding a little more olive oil to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. Season with a little more salt as desired, and check for the ideal sweet/sour balance, which is always unpredictable with tomatoes. Adjust accordingly with sugar and vinegar.
This is delicious with penne, a few torn basil leaves and some freshly grated parmesan. Buon Appetito!
GRIDDLED COURGETTE, PEARL BARLEY & A PESTO OF LEFTOVER LEAVES
It’s such a shame to see that bag of rocket, watercress, spinach – anything green and leafy basically – go to waste just because it’s started to turn. Yet, it feels so wrong in a salad once the leaf has lost a little of its vitality.
The solution? A quick pesto of any salad leaves which are seemingly going south. Just blitz them up with olive oil, toasted pine nuts if you’ve some lying around, and grated parmesan. We like to season ours with lime zest and juice, but that’s up to you.
To make a meal of it, this pesto can be spun through some spaghetti, but we particularly love it with pearl barley. Just simmer in a simple vegetable stock for around 45 minutes, drain it (reserving a little of liquid if it needs moistening) then mix your pesto and some chopped capers through that. At some stage during the simmering, slice some courgettes thinly and lengthways and griddle them until charred, and when everything’s done, drape them over the pearl barley and pesto mix. Delicious.
We’ve all got half a cabbage lurking at the back of the fridge’s vegetable drawer, right? And it’s probably sharing its bed with two-thirds of a cucumber and a carrot or two. We know it’s not just us. Anyway, use them all up in a fresh and zingy Vietnamese style rice noodle salad.
Your local Chinese supermarket will likely sell a decent brand of dried rice noodles; look for ‘banh pho’ in medium thickness – we like the Three Ladies brand. Or use glass noodles for something lighter; that’s the beauty of individual autonomy. Follow the instructions on the packet to cook them, but make sure you rinse and cool thoroughly afterwards. Shred your crunchy vegetables into matchsticks with a knife if you’ve got the dexterity, or using a box cheese grater otherwise.
Then, make a dressing using sliced bird’s eye chillis (red, green or both…we like both), and equal parts lime juice, fish sauce – soy sauce for a vegan alternative, if that’s your jam – and golden caster sugar. Taste and adjust accordingly. Mix everything together and add some torn mint and coriander, as well as some toasted peanuts or black sesame seeds. So fresh, so clean, so good.
If you want to bulk this out, add a poached, shredded chicken thigh to the mix.
EGG FRIED RICE WITH ALL YOUR LEFTOVER RICE & VEGETABLES
The good news is this; the finest fried rice benefits from the leftover rice being a day old (and a day cold), since the time spent in your fridge dries it out agreeably, allowing for less clumping in the pan or wok. This one really is a no brainer, then. What’s more, you can use a selection of what’s kicking about in your fridge, diced fairly finely. We particularly like courgette, carrot, cabbage, peas, sliced onion and sweetcorn to provide the body, with sliced spring onions and chillies added at the end.
Simply crush a skin-on clove or two of garlic under your palm, and add to a couple of tablespoons of cold oil in your wok. Bring up to a strong heat then remove the garlic before it browns. There you have it; perfumed oil perfect for coating all those grains. Make sure that oil’s super hot and crack an egg or two into the wok. Allow it to set slightly then mix it around with a spatula so it resembles scrambled eggs.
Add your cooked rice and vegetables of your choosing to the wok and stir fry gently (you don’t want the grains to break down, rather to each be coated individually with oil) until the rice is heated through thoroughly. This could take up to ten minutes.
Prepare a seasoning mix of soy and oyster sauce, white pepper and sugar (just a little, oyster sauce is already pretty sweet), taste to check the balance is right. Then, make a well or space where the wok’s surface is exposed, and add your seasoning to the pan; allow it to caramelise slightly. Mix through the rice mix, add those spring onions and chillies, and serve.
If you’re wanting to add meat, some diced Chinese ‘Lap Cheong’ sausage is IDEAL.
ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE THAI CURRY
No one’s capable of eating a whole butternut squash in one sitting, right? Not even a hungry family, we’d wager. There just always seems to be half a one sitting around in the fridge, awaiting instruction. We just love it as part of a Thai curry, which we’ve detailed over in this article, our 5 IDEAL ways to cook with butternut squash, so head over there to check it out, saving us some bother in the process. You could use other root vegetables in the same way of course.
It’s in times of strife and challenge that businesses show their true colours. In recent weeks, as the coronavirus crisis has worsened, there have been a raft of stories concerning companies who have sold their employees out, continuing to value profit and self preservation over public health.
On the flipside, some brands, independents and people in the public eye have revealed themselves to be hugely charitable, compassionate people. And we all need some feel good stories right about now, hey? With that in mind, let’s celebrate the good guys; here are 5 things we’re into this week, 23.03.20.
FULLERS
When this thing’s all over and pub doors are flung back open, it’s to a Fullers we’re heading. Whilst some famous boozers continue to act deplorably, Chiswick based brewery Fullers have informed tenants that they are cancelling (not postponing) all commercial rent for all tenanted pubs until things improve. Now, that’s leadership.
Let’s make sure that the good guys are remembered when we step out for that first celebratory pint later down the line. Until then, Fullers’ flagship beer, London Pride, is available in supermarkets. We’ll drink to that!
GG HOSPITALITY
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has been the voice of reason for quite some time now; from his seat in the Sky Sports studio he held the Prime Minister to account on his effect on racism in football far more eloquently than most of the UK’s journalists. During the coronavirus crisis, he’s kept his two Manchester hotels, Hotel Football and The Stock Exchange, open for NHS staff to stay in free of charge.
His hospitality company GG Hospitality also own the restaurant The Bull & Bear alongside chef and national treasure Tom Kerridge. For a celebratory meal when lockdown life is lifted, we’ll be heading north, to eat the restaurant’s signature mushroom risotto. We know where we’ll be staying to sleep off our food coma afterwards.
BREW DOG
*hmm, this didn’t age well*
Another brewery? Surely not! We’re already a little squiffy from the London Pride. But Brewdog deserve some celebration, too. Whilst they used to be known for slightly irritating marketing stunts – like producing the word’s strongest beer, at 55% ABV, and selling it for £700 – they’re currently in the spotlight for more altruistic reasons.
Last week, they began producing their own alcohol based hand sanitiser which will be available, free of charge, to those in need shortly. PR stunt or otherwise, this switching of production to giveaways is generous. We’ll pay them back by getting in a few Punk IPAs when we’re allowed to go to the off licence.
D JONES QUALITY BUTCHER
Though we’re yet to try butcher David Jones’ rib of beef or lamb neck fillets (his shop is in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire), we’ve heard plenty about his charitable compassion for his community. The kind hearted butcher regularly donates meat parcels to families in need, and the great man recently announced that during the coronavirus crisis, he was going to donate all profits from his butchers back to helping the community get through this. Not all heros wear capes. Some, in fact, wear butcher’s aprons.
TIMPSON’S
Locksmith, watch repair and general highstreet fixers Timpson’s have played a blinder thus far during the crisis. Though they’ve had to close all 2150 of their shops, all colleagues (their words, though we think it’s a lovely linguistic touch) of the company will remain on full pay. They’d already donated their office car park to staff at Wythenshawe Hospital, simply saying ‘they need it more than us’. Lovely stuff.
Such positive vibes shouldn’t come as a surprise. Director James Timpson is known as an all round good guy and the company Timpsons is well regarded within communities for helping unemployed people with free dry cleaning for job interviews, and giving opportunities to ex-prisoners to get back into work.
It’s behaviour like this which is hugely reassuring during times of crisis. We hope this spirit of generosity continues long after normal service resumes in the UK.
Alice Cooper, you prophetic bastard. Though school may not be out forever, it certainly feels that way right now, with months of domestic b…(editor, what’s the opposite of ‘bliss’?) stretching ahead of us. For those with teenagers, the magnitude of this may not have set in yet.
Parents will need to find a way to juggle their workload, keep a happy household running, as well as provide home schooling, entertainment and childcare for their kids. Is this David Cameron’s vision for a big society being realised? Idiot. Fortunately, there are things you can do to lighten the load just a little during this tough time. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Nicola Anderson, Head of Customer Support at leading online tutoring service MyTutor, to bring you these; our 6 IDEAL tips on homeschooling, entertaining and staying sane with teenagers during a lockdown.
MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR CHILD HAVE A DESIGNATED SPACE TO WORK
Set up a desk in a quiet corner of the house where your child can keep their laptop, textbooks and notes – they’ll find it much easier to focus and the rest of the family can continue life as normal around them. As schools would normally provide things like flashcards, exercise books and planners, it may be worth preparing some creative stimuli in order to keep them interested and occupied. Such a designated space with the usual equipment will proceedings with a sense of normality; much needed for effective work during this tough time. The same goes for you and setting up your IDEAL home office space!
SET GOOD HABITS AROUND PHONE USE AND HAVE HONEST CONVERSATIONS
Teens spend a lot of time on apps speaking with their friends anyway – and isolation will only increase their desire to communicate socially when in lockdown. That’s fine and to an extent should be encouraged. While some communication will be positive for their mental health, the opposite is true when social media is overused, fueling feelings of isolation, anxiety and FOMO. You’ll need to set some ground rules for how – and how often – phones are used during the day and make sure to have honest conversations with them about their mood and outlook. Encourage that openness and a safe space to talk.
ORGANISE YOUR DAY
Without the structure of a work or school day, and without the engagement of peers, motivation and energy can take a nosedive. Create a timetable that’ll work for both you and your child, covering their subjects and your own workload, too. Everyone needs a little routine here to stop days sliding into Netflix binges and endless app scrolling, so divide up periods of work and study with active breaks. Make sure that you and your child keep active, go outside, eat meals together at the appropriate times and have offline conversations with your actual voices.
HAVE SOME GO-TO RESOURCES LINED UP
You’re likely to run into situations where your child doesn’t understand some of their course content and you’re unable to help. When this occurs, having some resources ready is wise. Look up the specifications for the subjects your child is studying from the relevant exam boards and bookmark any online resources that can help you out. Save My Exams and S-cool are two handy sites for this. Though it might be tempting, don’t try to blag your way through homeschooling if you don’t have all the answers. ‘Fess up, and endeavour to find solutions together.
LOOK FOR ONLINE SUPPORT
Self-study is an incredibly hard skill to master and secondary school pupils may struggle without someone actively explaining concepts to them. If you feel unable to help your child study while also dealing with your own workload, it’s worth considering an online tutor (who may well be in need to work during this tough time, too) who can help your child fill in any gaps in their knowledge.
Online lessons are like having a face-to-face skype call with a tutor but with an interactive whiteboard on the screen too, so students can upload documents and make notes. A tutor can keep students on track with the syllabus and give them a much-needed boost of confidence in what is a confusing and challenging time.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
If you have to homeschool your child, don’t panic. We’re more set-up than ever before to manage a situation like this. Remember, lots of parents (about 50,000!) choose to homeschool their kids regardless of Coronavirus. What is important is to look out for signs that your child isn’t coping mentally with a home set-up or the drastic change in their everyday routine. Despondency and withdrawal or anger and higher-than-usual levels of irritability can all point to stress. There are lots of great services you can call on for support such as Kooth and YoungMinds. Don’t do this thing alone!
Ideal for those looking to bring the outside in during self isolation.
While we wait for something – anything – from the government, in the form of guidance or protection, the majority of us are going to be working from home for the foreseeable future. With more of us sitting indoors, unable to frolic through fields of wheat, now is the time to bring the outdoors in. Not only have plants been an extremely popular interior décor trend of late, perfect for lifting the spirits, but they’ve also been shown to lift the atmosphere, too. Blessed with the ability to improve the quality of indoor air, scientists at Nasa have said:
“Plant roots and their associated microorganisms then destroy the pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and the organic chemicals, eventually converting all of these air pollutants into new plant tissue.”
With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with online plant purveyors OnBuy.com to bring you these 5 of the best air purifying plants for your home office, IDEAL for those looking to bring the outside in during self isolation.
ALOE VERA
The popularity of Aloe Vera has never been higher, with 608,610 green fingered Googlers looking to get their hands on the plant every month in the UK. This succulent is a known air purifier, as well as having antioxidant and antibacterial properties. So, if you’re looking to purify the air within your home, this is the perfect plant, as Aloe Vera removes toxins and provides you with a clear, fresh space to live in.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS
NASA’s study revealed that chrysanthemums are able to absorb 53% of chemicals like Benzene – a carcinogenic substance found in products like paint, detergents and varnish removers – from the air. Aside from cracking a window, then, the ‘pot mum’ is your cleanest, clearest route to a fresher indoor atmosphere. Not only an air purifier, according to the ancient art of Feng Shui, Chrysanthemums also bring happiness and laughter to the house. And we could all use a smile in these tough times, right?
SPIDER PLANT
Arachnophobics, fear not; you won’t find any creeping and crawling here. Spider plants have massively increased in popularity over the last 5 years as a house plant and are free of fangs, eight legs, and all the terrifying connotations of their namesakes. Not only are spider plants trendy, but they’re also known to purify the air too, being great carbon monoxide absorbers. City dwellers in self imposed lock down for the coming months, take note.
FICUS
The Ficus tree, also known as fig trees, can bring the outdoors in if you’re looking to breathe life, productivity, and nature into your home office. The most popular type is the Weeping Fig which, despite its name, is an elegant looking plant. What’s more, this group of ‘trees’ is great at purifying certain chemicals in the indoor atmosphere and is able to remove around 47.4% of chemicals like formaldehyde. Drink in that clean air!
PEACE LILY
The beautiful peace lily is the 4th most searched indoor plant for those wanting to purify the air, with 74,410 searches carried out a month. Studies have shown this plant to be one of the most effective at purifying air, even more so than the hallowed Aloe Vera.
Whilst Aloe Vera is able to remove chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, it’s actually not as effective as the Peace Lily in cleaning the air of trichloroethylene and ammonia. These plants are great for keeping in the bathroom too, as they help curb mildew. Is there anything they can’t do?
Now you’ve turned your home office into a botanical garden, you’ll need to take care of all that new foliage. Check out our beginner’s tips on looking after your houseplants and keep things verdant, vibrant and full of verve.
Stay safe and inside guys. We’ll see you on the other side for a cracking knees up.
A whole new vocabulary has emerged. Suddenly, we’re talking about flattening the curve, self isolating, and 21 seconds hasn’t seen such pertinence since So Solid Crew did their thing. Anyway, perhaps the most important term to take to heart currently is ‘social distancing’. If we’re to beat this thing, we need to stay home, away from friends and family members.
Suddenly, you find yourself on your sofa with some serious time on your hands. On one of those hands, it’s a dream scenario; you can binge Netflix, write that novel and practice self love into oblivion. But on the other, it’s a long stretch of anxiety, press ups and boredom.
It’s best to keep busy and active, then, to stave off the cabin fever. We’ve teamed up with Holidu, the search engine for holiday rentals, to bring you this quarantine survival guide; our 7 IDEAL tips on fighting off boredom during Coronavirus lockdown.
ESCAPE INTO TRAVEL TV
Escapism will have to take ever more imaginative forms during this tough time. Travelling is very much off the agenda, and it’s hard to plan ahead with any precision either. For now, the joy of discovering new cultures is going to be confined to our screens. On Netflix there are quite a few travel-related movies and documentaries to be found; Expedition Happiness, Tales by Night, Our Planet, Wild, Elsewhere, Alone in Africa, to name but a few. We particularly love both Parts Unknown and No Reservations by the late, great Anthony Bourdain, who shows a compassionate touch exploring the world through its food.
If you’re really missing the social aspect of ‘movie night’, Netflix have a ‘party’ feature hosting virtual hangouts, enabling a group of friends or family to watch a show simultaneously and interact via its chat feature. And during this time, it’s as close to the real thing as we’re going to get.
SET UP AN INDOOR PICNIC
Alfresco dining is already a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your meals in the loose and leisurely style of an outdoor picnic. Replicate those hazy summer days by spreading out a rug on the living room floor (or in your garden, if you’re lucky enough to have one) and preparing a delicious picnic. This creates a different atmosphere than at the dinner table and is guaranteed to have the kids entertained.
If you want to go the extra mile for the little ones, why not set up a tent in the living room? A few cans and your Glastonbury playlist are optional extras, of course.
UPDATE YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
We all need something to look forward to when this thing’s over, right? Just because we can’t travel right now doesn’t mean we can’t keep the wanderlust alive. You could start penning your dream trip’s itinerary in anticipation of freedom, and even make an effort at learning the language of your destination, researching the cultural hotspots or maybe reading through online travel blogs to determine your perfect itinerary. Some light at the end of the tunnel, for sure.
LEARN A LITTLE
Whilst this is going to be a really difficult time, and both self and community care is the priority, if you do feel the urge to engage in a spot of self improvement, too, then that’s great. There are loads of free online courses out there, primed and ready to get you educated on a new subject or adept at a new skill.
The Open University are offering thousands of free courses and interactive videos in everything from Sports Psychology to Politics, from Law to Languages and more. If that wasn’t enough to satisfy your insatiable appetite for academia, Harvard University also have a catalogue of great, coin-free courses on offer, too. Some of them are properly, thrillingly esoteric; three week immersive course on Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots, anyone?
DECLUTTER AND REDECORATE YOUR HOUSE
We’re all guilty of hoarding items over the years (no, not toilet roll) and never getting around to really sorting them all out. Now that you’re sitting at home more than usual, you might find yourself getting tired of your room arrangement quickly and wanting to breathe fresh life into domestic proceedings. Perhaps the coming weeks or months represent the ideal time to declutter and decorate. It’s good to keep busy, hey?
MASTER YOUR OWN COCKTAILS
Now that bars and restaurants are closing, if you’re after your beloved Caipirinha or a pick me up from an Espresso Martini, you’re going to have to take matters into your own hands. Find the recipes online and create your own cocktail bar from the comfort of your own home. Just don’t let that drinking get out of hand with no one around to judge you.
KEEP FIT AT HOME
As if motivating ourselves to actually use our gym memberships wasn’t enough, now we’re solitarily confined, staying in shape might seem like the last thing on our minds. But it’s important to keep fit and healthy in this trying time, both for your physical and mental wellbeing.
If you are struggling to motivate yourself, fear not; there are plenty of apps, online resources and YouTube channels providing you with all you need to do your favourite exercises at home. Take part in the 30 day yoga challenge online or subscribe to an affordable fitness app like Shreddy, which has a home workout option, and comes complete with video tutorials and meal plans to guide you through your fitness journey.
Hey you! You look fed up. Down. A little worn out by life’s daily grind. Are you not feeling fulfilled by your current lifestyle? Do you find yourself feeling dissatisfied with your lot in life? Well, if it puts things in perspective, you’re not alone. A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics found that Brits are feeling ‘far less satisfied with life’ in 2020. Don’t be a number; break free, think big, take back control and start over, with these 5 simple ways to live life to the fullest.
FIND PLEASURE IN THE SIMPLE THINGS
One of the easiest ways to live a happier life is to live a more simple one. So many of us are guilty of over-analysing every facet of our lives, comparing and contrasting with those around us and on our social media feeds, and complicating our approach to life accordingly.
However, for the most part, life is best lived in a straightforward, refined way. Seek solace in the little things; it could be as simple as finding things to do this weekend which make you happy, or endeavouring to make your morning coffee to the best of your ability…by focusing on the little details of life, the bigger picture becomes clearer, too.
SMOKING BIG, ROLLIN’ SOLO
Many people feel like if they’re not in a relationship, they’re not living their life to its fullest potential. FOMO never burned brighter than in the single person’s head, imagining the greener grass of being coupled up.
Don’t believe the hype. While being in a healthy relationship can help you feel happier, you don’t need to be in one to feel fulfilled. Many single people have found fulfillment in their life, and by changing your attitude and appreciating your non-romantic, platonic relationships, you could change your life too.
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Evolution has wired our brains to place more emphasis on the negative experiences of our life. And that’s understandable; there’s a lot to learn from past mistakes made, and in more primitive times this focus on the adverse stuff helped us avoid threats. However, our world is relatively safe today, so we need to rewire our brain to keep it from anticipating problems that aren’t there.
There are several ways you can do this, with some of the most effective tools at your disposal rooted in Buddhism. Mindfulness and meditation can give us a fresh perspective on life’s problems – crucial in these current tough times – and has been proven to lead to a more positive outlook on life. Expressing daily gratitude, in the form of a diary or just making the time to articulate it verbally, is also an effective way to rewire your brain to be more optimistic and appreciative of your lot.
GET MORE INTO EXERCISE
We’re putting the emphasis on the ‘more’ here for good reason. Many of us have a semblance of a commitment to pulse raising, but we could all do with a little more. That’s because regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Staying active will keep you physically healthy, help you achieve your fitness, and minimise your chances of developing serious health conditions. According to the NHS, “regular exercise can lower your chance of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes by up to 50%.” And you can’t argue with the facts.
Along with the physical benefits, exercise can also greatly improve your mental wellbeing. This is because physical activity releases endorphins in the brain which make you feel happy. Being in good physical shape should also help you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
Perhaps the most clear path to living life to the fullest is to also live it in the moment. When you focus on the present instead of the regrets of the past or the uncertainty of the future, you’ll feel more centered, peaceful, and happy. And we all need a bit of that right now, right?
THE BOTTOM LINE
You don’t have to go through this life dissatisfied, lonely and lost. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine and everyday outlook, you can turn this thing around. Good luck and we’re right there with you!
Ideal for those working from home, self isolating or in quarantine right now.
So, you’ve found yourself at home, with weeks or even months stretching ahead. Though the government’s current impotence and inaction in supporting workers is infuriating, there are ways to earn a few extra pounds online during this period of downtime. Even if you’re #wfh, a side hustle during this tough time certainly shouldn’t be sniffed at. With that in mind, here are 5 ways to earn extra income online from home, IDEAL for those working from home, self isolating or in quarantine right now.
ANSWERING SURVEYS
You can go about finding legit side gigs by answering online surveys in exchange for cash. For many companies, your feedback on their products and services is invaluable, which is why some well-known brands pay money to simply hear your thoughts. Though this kind of work won’t generate you a dependable income, or enough money to live on, it’s a welcome top-up during a difficult time. It’s also important to note that often, the companies involved will pay you with vouchers, gift cards and discounts for high street shops. Now, which website’s paying in toilet roll and pasta?
If you consider yourself a bit of a wordsmith and can express your thoughts succinctly then, firstly, would you like a job on IDEAL? If not, you could consider applying for a freelance writing job online to fill the hours and coffers in the months ahead.
Writing is a nice side gig because you can pick and choose topic niches that would be your Mastermind specialist subject and simply let the words flow. Of course, it’s not as simple as that; you’ll have to meet the deadlines and a word limit set by your client, but as a convenient, accessible job to do from home, content writing is a smart move.
To be an online content writer, you need to have the following: internet access for your desktop or laptop computer, word-processing software, a decent grasp of grammar, and clients. As a tip, be sure you have a clear idea of how much you should charge clients for content writing. Be prepared to negotiate, depending on how marketable your services are.
TECHNICAL ONLINE COACH
In today’s digital age, numerous opportunities exist to supplement your income from the comfort of your home. One effective way is leveraging your expertise and skills through freelancing platforms, where you can offer graphic design, content writing, or virtual assistance. Another avenue is to explore online tutoring or coaching in areas where you excel, catering to a global audience eager to learn new skills.
Investing in your professional development, such as obtaining an Advanced Technical Leadership Certification, can open doors to higher-paying remote job opportunities or consultancy roles. By embracing these online income-generating avenues, you can diversify your revenue streams and achieve financial stability while enjoying the flexibility of working from home.
ONLINE TUTOR FOR STUDENTS
Schools out forever. With Alice Cooper’s prophetic words ringing in our ears, some teachers will be turning their skills to online tutoring to earn some extra cash during self isolation. There are many Online Tutoring Platforms out there which you can sign up to, with Tutorhub, e4s and Tutorful three of the most popular in the UK. You’ll need the requisite qualifications and a detailed knowledge of the subject in questions, be it Maths, English or something more esoteric, but once you’re signed up, it’s as easy as firing up your webcam and educating. Since children will now be at home for the foreseeable future, expect demand to soar.
Alternatively, you could seek a job teaching English online, remotely, and to students based all around the world. Generally, you’ll need a Bachelor’s Degree and a teaching English qualification such as a CELTA or TESOL to earn a higher salary (£20 or more an hour). It’s worth shopping around as there are a plethora of platforms, but Teach Away and VIPKID are recognised as reputable.
TECHNICAL WRITING
This is a different field of writing, and as such, it deserves its own subheading. As its name suggests, technical writing relies on writers with a good grasp of technical topics, such as Information Technology and SEO, to write informed, instructional articles about those topics. As more and more companies are adopting technological approaches to their business, technical writing is a growing field.
Many companies out there are in increasing need of technical writers who will decipher technological terms and concepts to translate that into information that the layperson can understand. Because many people in business may have a hard time understanding impenetrable technology-related jargon, the job helps facilitate the conduct of business in various fields of industry. Best of all, much of it can be done from home, behind your computer screen.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It has never been so easy to get part-time gigs for earning some side income if you really need to. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into before stepping into that role. Whether it’s answering surveys, teaching online, or writing articles, there’s always something you can do to earn extra cash.
When we think of certain habits being quintessentially ‘British’, there are a few topics that show up by default — cricket, tea-drinking, and moaning about the weather to name but a few. But there have been some troublesome murmurs through media outlets in recent years that something terrible could be afoot for Britishness as a concept. Nope, not Brexit. It seems that in this world gone mad, British people are allegedly drinking less tea than we used to.
Fortunately, despite being in a perpetual state of crisis, it turns out that Britain is not currently in the throes of a tea-based national emergency. While research shows traditional tea consumption was down by 870 million cups in 2017, the value of tea rose 0.6%. The market is far from floundering; especially with products such as fair trade tea becoming more readily available. Indeed, it’s the self-care side of things that seems to be keeping your teabag afloat. With that in mind, here’s our guide to the IDEAL health and wellness benefits of tea.
WHAT TEA-DRINKER ARE YOU?
Tea drinkers are everywhere, enjoying every sip of tea because of its health and wellness benefits. But, what type of tea-drinker are you?
According to a Modern Tea Trends 2019 study, 50 per cent of tea brands identified the 24–35 year old group as their biggest growing demographic. Perhaps because of this, the view (and marketing) of tea has changed. It’s no longer a milky, warm beverage that sits on a table while people discuss problems, though it is still the go-to makeshift remedy for everything from a bad day at work to a broken leg.
National Tea Day recognises two main groups of tea-drinkers. Ready for a quick quiz to find out which type you are?
Is it more important to you for your tea to be comforting or healthy?
Comforting. If a good strong brew can’t fix it, it’s probably not worth fixing.
Healthy. A good tea should give me energy, pep, and cleanse my inner being.
Your perfect cup of tea would be…
Creamy or milky. Best described as a ‘hug in a mug’.
Colourful. Whether it’s red, blue, green, or purple, it needs to be bright and beautiful.
Sensory-wise, you expect your tea experience to be…
Sweet, or sweet-ish. If you wanted to assault your tongue with bitter tones, you’d have ordered a coffee…
Sensual, or aromatic. The experience of my tea is not just in taste but in smell. It should pamper my nose as much as my tongue.
If you answered mainly a… you are a Traditionalist. You care about your tea being a healing drink, but not necessarily in the sense of it carrying antioxidants or being hydrating. It’s just about comfort for you, a means to relax and calm down with a soothing cup of milky tea.
If you answered mainly b… you are a Modernist. Times are changing, and so is your go-to tea. Your tea isn’t always designed to make you fall into a milk-and-sugar-wrapped blanket of cosy warmth. Sure, camomile tea will relax you when you need it, but you have tea for every occasion. For energy, for a cold, for digestion, for preserving health, for anxiety, you name it, you’ve got a type of tea to wind around all the senses and sort it right out.
To make the most of your tea experiences, you may want to try a wide range of cold infusion tea. Many tea manufacturers and suppliers can provide you with the teas you need to transform your water beverage into something more refreshing with an authentic flavour of fresh leaf tea.
TEA IS EVOLVING
Tea has certainly become much more of an experience than just a go-to beverage. This ties in with the rise of herbal teas over standard black leaf tea — herbal teas come in so many varieties, from all over the world, and often have intricate ceremonies or stories attached to them. These aspects are as much of the ‘sensual’ experience as the tea itself.
Cafés and tea rooms have been using this to their benefit too, offering tea experiences for their customers, such as offering food created to complement the flavour of different herbal teas, or brewing the leaves in a beautiful antique silver teapot in order to achieve a higher brewing temperature than a normal teapot, and making use of silver’s neutrality, protecting the pure taste of the tea. The whole experience is catered for the customer’s enjoyment.
TWO MAJOR TYPES OF TEAS
Tea can be conventional or organic. Conventional teas were grown using fertiliser, fungicides, herbicides, or pesticides to protect crops from unwanted pests. On the other hand, organic teas are free from these agents. So, many people prefer organic teas, like Creta tea from Tofillo and other trusted tea companies.
Majority of the world’s supply of teas comes from poor communities with poor regulatory standards. Hence, farmers lack education about the ill effects of pesticides on health. So, if you want to attain ideal health and wellness, choosing organic tea over conventional tea is highly recommended.
Organic teas are produced using sustainable farming practices. Farmers don’t use chemicals, so end users like you won’t face any health issues arising from chemical fertilisers. Organic tea tastes a lot better, too, than conventional tea, allowing you to enjoy an ultimately great tea experience.
THE RAINBOW OF TEA VARIETIES
Not only are our drinking habits shape shifting. Now, the popularity of a full rainbow spectrum of tea colours and flavours is rising, too. Here’s just a few of them…
Red is for…hibiscus tea
Calorie and caffeine-free on its own, this bright red beverage is certainly pleasing to the eye. It has a sweet and tart taste and is popular in North Africa and Southeast Asia. Particularly in Africa, hibiscus tea is touted as having many benefits, including helping with a sore throat and high blood pressure. Indeed, one study has noted that hibiscus tea contributed to the reduction of the systolic blood pressure of its participants.
Orange is for…barley tea
Barley tea is a popular brew over in China, and Japan, and it is also tied to many claims of health benefits. Served hot or cold depending on the season, this go-to Korean drink is made from whole grain roasted barley and has a mild nutty taste. Like hibiscus tea, it’s caffeine-free.
There are a lot of health claims tied to barley tea, but only a few have been proven by scientific study. These range from claims to help with cold symptoms, aiding a sore stomach, clearing complexion, and even weight loss. But, if nothing else, it’s a great caffeine-free alternative to coffee and traditional tea!
With the vitamin C boost from the lemon, and the cough-supressing nature of the honey, this is a drink that’s not to be sniffed at. Indeed, you won’t be sniffing; it does actually have some scientific backing in terms of helping with a cough and general sniffles. But sadly the claims of clearing acne and weight loss are as yet unconfirmed by scientific study. Still, it is definitely one to reach for next time cold season comes around.
Green is for…green tea
It would probably make for a shorter list to say what health benefit green tea hasn’t been attributed to. You’d be forgiven for thinking green tea was brewed from the Fountain of Youth, for all the attention it has gained in the wellness industry. But are any of the stories true?
Luckily, the answer is yes. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and catechins, the latter of which could slow down bacterial growth. The green brew has also been claimed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and boost metabolic rate.
Now, here’s one for Instagram. This blue brew changes colour depending on the pH level of ingredients added to it — for example, a little lemon will turn it purple! Butterfly pea flower tea sounds fancy, looks fancy, but does it bring anything fancy to the table in terms of health benefits?
The sapphire-hued drink has been used for centuries in Asia, but it’s only started fluttering into the western world of tea in recent years. The tea, like green tea, carries a lot of antioxidants and has been tied to claims of protecting the skin. There are studies that support butterfly pea flower tea’s ability to help reduce internal inflammation.
Indigo is for…blackcurrant tea
No, this doesn’t mean making Ribena with hot water, though that is a tasty drink in its own right. Herbal blackcurrant tea doesn’t always brew with a purple hue, strictly speaking. But the purple berries that make this tea bring some great potential benefits to your tea cup, such as a high vitamin C level, antibacterial properties, and reducing inflammation.
Violet is for…purple tea
This violet-shaded drink has a very humble name in ‘purple tea’. But its alternative name, ‘ox-blood’, sounds much more ferocious. It is claimed that purple tea could compete with green tea for the crown of most purported health benefits, such as claims to help protect against cardiovascular diseases and there are even stories of it improving vision.
OTHER TYPES OF TEA
Apart from the full rainbow spectrum of tea colours and flavours mentioned above, other tea types have excellent health and wellness benefits. These include the following:
White is for…white tea
White tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, native to India and China. Although it’s the least processed variety of tea, white tea is said to have a benefit in fighting several forms of cancer. Since it also contains high levels of fluoride, tannins, and catechins, it may help protect your teeth from potential damage and other dental problems.
Moreover, white tea contains the least amount of caffeine, which is suitable for tea drinkers trying to minimise caffeine consumption.
Black is for…black tea
Black tea is made from fermented tea leaves. It contains the highest content of caffeine. Nevertheless, some studies claim that black tea may help protect the lungs from the damage caused by excessive cigarette smoke. It also helps reduce the potential risk of stroke and other related diseases.
You may have noticed from the above that many herbal teas come with a whole host of claims to help health-wise. But if nothing else, tea does count towards your daily water needs, with the dehydrating claims of tea having been debunked. So, top up that tea cup — it’s trendy and healthy!
‘Are we there yet?’. Well, no, we’ll never get there, because life is an existential journey whose only true destination is something we’re not going to go into right now, darling. But anyway, no. We’re not there yet.
Travelling with the little ones, we wouldn’t have it any other way, right? The soundtrack of endless enquiries and nursery rhymes, the feet kicking the back of your seat again, the in-car, old-school games whose rules are resolutely ignored…we wouldn’t have it any other way. Actually, we would. We’d follow this astute advice and hack our holiday with the kids for the better. Here are the IDEAL travel tips on how to holiday with children stress free.
PACK WISELY
Prior to parenthood, no one warned us about the amount of stuff you’d need to get through just one day with kids. Let alone, a whole damn holiday. Yet, counterintuitively, your holiday will be vastly improved, and the stress load lightened, by packing light and only bringing with you what you absolutely need. Of course, medical necessities, snacks, and entertainment are essential, but does the little one really need their lightsaber, superman cape and doll’s house?
Indeed, with too many suitcases packed, you might lose sight of what’s important. Only the essentials, and you’ll make it easier for you to keep an eye on your children’s safety throughout the trip. Using carry-on luggage for your essentials can help smooth out the rough edges of your travel. Such a case makes for easy packing, easy access and a generally easier time.
If you consider using a piece of carry-on luggage for your quick grab items, make sure it has compartments as well as zip pockets, functioning wheels and a sturdy handle.
KEEP A ROUTINE IN PLACE…
It’s tough to placate the little ones on the longer stretches of road. Impromptu and carefree? Forget about it. It’s essential to have a plan of attack in place. As any parent will know, a significant disruption to a child’s routine can lead to grumpiness. Try to stick to their normal eating hours and bed time, and tailor your trip around it. Consider your kids’ daily routines and comfort zones when creating a travel itinerary that’s ideal for the family.
…BUT LEAVE A LITTLE ROOM FOR SPONTANEITY
Yep, we realise we’ve just encouraged a militant, meticulous approach to penning your holiday’s itinerary, but it’s important that you leave some room for flexibility on your trip, too. Precision planning works, up to a point, but it can mess with the positive vibes of the trip if things are taken too literally. You know what it’s like with kids; a sudden urge to swim in a lake or have a picnic in the forest is certain to happen. It’d be a shame to deny that spontaneous spirit just because your hostel check-in specifies 6pm on the dot and you’re committed to following your itinerary rigid. Loosen up! This is meant to be fun, right?
SNACK SAVIOURS
Most children typically get hungry on long trips. And when this happens, if you’re not equipped with sustaining snacks, you might have to deal with unnecessary tantrums and meltdowns from your kids, which, in turn, is stressful for you. By bringing snacks along with you, you won’t be a slave to service station stops or expensive airport food. A little preparation goes a long way here, we think.
That’s why whether you’re taking a car ride or flying with your children, it’s essential to bring some healthy snacks designed to last the entire trip. These food choices might include whole-wheat crackers, cubes of cheese, grapes, raisins, and anything that makes them happy and full, of course.
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
Sure, we’ve spoken of micro managing several elements of your trip, to plan but not plan, to feed, to carry the load but not have it too heavy…but let’s face it here; the main pacifier on a trip is entertainment. This could take the form of old school I Spy if you’re on the move, or iPhone if you’re feeling lazy. Alternatively, if you’re stationary, a good old fashioned board game can be great fun on holiday. Keep things varied, above all else, and we’re sure you’ll keep the kids entertained.
For those who suffer from back pain, the feeling of discomfort each time you stand up or bend over will be all too familiar. Unfortunately, when this pain starts getting in the way of daily activities, particularly keeping fit and healthy, it can be a real drag. According to a report from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, an estimated 80 per cent of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and with its detrimental effect on work, working out, and leisure time too, it’s important to seek sustainable solutions.
Healthcare providers encourage people with lower back pain to get active since moving your back and keeping related muscles active can provide support and pain relief. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL exercises for managing back pain.
BEFORE WORKOUT: USE COPPER BACK BRACE
When performing any type of exercise, most especially those that include weights, using a copper fit back brace with compression can provide effective back support and avoid risk of injury. Indeed, such a brace can help reduce back pain when doing aerobic exercises, including cycling and running.
Some benefits of using a copper back include:
Providing enough back support during exercise
Wicking away moisture and sweat to avoid getting sweat-soaked
Because of its anti-odour technology, it reduces the bad smell caused by germs
Protection against ultraviolet rays
Promoting better skin health
EXERCISES FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF
Now you’re wearing your copper back brace, and you’re sitting comfortably, here are 5 exercises which will help relieve that back pain of yours.
AEROBIC EXERCISES
Aerobic or cardio exercises help strengthen the cardiovascular system, from your lungs to your blood vessels. What’s more, such a workout elevates heart rate and helps you stay flexible and fluid. When carried out with proper posture, aerobic and cardio exercise can contribute to a holistic approach to back pain relief, by improving that blood flow to spinal structures. Here are some examples of some exercise in this field that can help reduce back pain:
Walking and jogging: Keep a good pace and duration to avoid straining yourself too much. A 5 to 10-minute brisk walking or jogging is a good start, with incremental increases as your stamina and strength improves.
Biking: Biking on both flat and smooth terrains is recommended for those who suffer from low back pain. Avoid frequent uphill cycling and rough roads as you don’t want to place undue strain on your back.
Swimming: Because it’s a low impact aerobic exercise which relieves pressure on your joints, swimming is a great workout for back pain sufferers. That said, you should stick to strokes which require a twisted form. Backstroke is particularly good, since it keeps the back and shoulders in an ideal alignment.
PILATES
Pilates refers to a training routine that emphasises endurance, flexibility and strength. Many Pilates exercises are performed without using any special equipment, but you can still use an apparatus if you prefer.
Implementing some Pilates movements helps stretch and strengthen your abdominal core, which has a positive impact on your back. Don’t undertake a DIY approach here. An experienced instructor can help you choose the best Pilates movements as well as avoid those which may do damage to your back.
Here are some important considerations when doing Pilates:
Start by learning the fundamental Pilates exercises
Don’t skip deep breathing; this activates the supportive trunk core muscles
Make sure that your back and abdominal muscles are mutually supportive. Support your back and engage your abs during these exercises
Mimic a giraffe-like pose by keeping your shoulders down and the neck long, away from your ears
Pay close attention to your balance and symmetry by making sure that your hips and shoulders are even
Go slow and be gentle on yourself. Avoid doing anything that hurts
PARTIAL CRUNCHES
Crunches are a classic core-strengthening exercise that help fortify your lower back and related stomach muscles. It’s an ideal exercise for those with back pain and spondylosis.
Here’s how you can get the most out of doing partial crunches:
Keep your feet flat and bend your knees while lying on your back
Your hands should be behind your head and your arms crossed over your chest, raising your shoulders from the floor with tight stomach muscles
While raising your shoulders, breathe out and avoid yanking your neck with your arms off the floor. Instead, lead with your elbows
Hold it in position for one second, then lower yourself back to the floor in a fully controlled manner
Make sure to repeat for eight to 12 repetitions
Always follow the proper form to prevent excessive stress on your spine. Keep your tailbone, lower back and feet against the floor while exercising
HAMSTRING STRETCHES
While this exercise relieves the pain at the back of the leg, the pain in your lower back will also be relieved because this exercise also involves moving the leg muscles that support your back, most especially in your lower spine. You can use a fitness band or a towel to perform hamstring stretches at home, rather than devoting time at the gym to these stretches.
We hope these tips help you find peace with your back pain, and you can enjoy a healthy and happy life for many, many years to come!
