Content related to Home Repairs, Projects, and Crafts
The first step in sustainable footwear decisions is reducing how much we consume. In order to do that, taking good care of our shoes is a necessity so they stay in good working order for a long time. There are also modifications we can make to ensure they are as comfortable as possible, fitting and supporting our unique feet, keeping us happy and healthy.
If you know me, you know that I hate shoe shopping. Generally that approach saves me money because I buy fewer shoes in the long run. However, when I do buy them, I want to get something that will last a long time. I also want something that supports my values as well as my feet. As with any investment, I didn’t make this decision lightly.
The days are getting shorter and, it’s getting darker earlier. For me and other members of my family, that means seasonal depression is hitting harder and stronger. The cheapest and most effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is regular use of Bright Light Therapy (BLT). I’ve noticed a consistent benefit each winter for about a decade. Here’s what you need to know about BLT.
Over the past few years, several people I know have been washing their hair less often, usually about once a week (as was done in the 1950s). I have taken this trend to the extreme, mostly to see what would happen. Is it possible to retain a professional (or at least socially acceptable) look without washing your hair for two years? I like to think so.
Getting back from a restorative two-week vacation, I talked a big game about making time for myself on a regular basis. Recognizing that I’m in a job with higher stakes than I’ve ever had before and that my physical and mental health could be at stake if I don’t make myself a priority, it’s time to make good on that claim.
We have a wealth of options when it comes to beauty supplies, and a growing number of conscientious consumers are pushing for more ethical and environmentally friendly products. As usual, it does seem that the less we use, the better. In the conclusion of this series, I explore do it yourself options that result in a lighter footprint on the environment and human rights.
When I started researching this topic, I expected the result to be a quick, one-part summary of the health effects of common chemicals in nail polish. I did not expect the wealth of information I found on public health concerns related to nail salons, especially the racial equity issues faced by workers who commonly experience a range of health problems related to occupational hazards.
As someone who uses very few beauty products, I never expected to focus on them in a blog post. However, access to nail salons and habits at home have changed during the pandemic, raising questions about long-term trends. And the examination of those things also brought to light questions of health – both for people who wear nail polish and people who work in salons.
Runners know that injuries aren’t a matter of “if,” but “when.” With proper care and caution, you can often prevent repetitive use injuries; by ignoring what your body is trying to tell you, you can create them. The fibrous knot I’ve had in my foot for eight years may not have been caused by running, but my running habits have certainly made it worse.
With age, I have come to appreciate well-made products that keep ergonomics in mind. One such product, a “kneeling chair,” showed up in an online ad. I was skeptical but did some research about its benefits and decided to try it out. My parents got me one for Christmas, and it has been a welcome part of my home office ever since.