• home
  • about me
  • PR Info

mapsgirl.ca

mapping our life's journey

  • Life
    • body mind spirit
    • faith hope love
    • parenting
  • Recipes
  • Travel
    • RVing
    • Camping
    • Vacation
  • Features
    • monday mumbers
    • 10tuesday
    • wordless wednesday
    • Thank You Thursdays
    • Thursday 13
    • Other Great Blogs
  • Reviews
    • Auto Reviews
You are here: Home / Archives for Uncategorized

3 Effects Of Childhood Stress On Health

December 21, 2022 by Wendy S

stress

Image Credit

Childhood stress is common but not easily noticed until signs, and symptoms get out of hand. It often occurs when young children feel compelled to adapt to sudden changes different from the routine such as divorce, bereavement, bullying at school, teen problems, learning difficulties, and so on. It is necessary to pay attention to the phenomenon, considering that 5% of kids aged 5 to 17 years have anxiety issues while 17% live with unmanaged mental health disorders. It all starts with parents knowing the effects of childhood stress. 

Persistent complaints of upset stomach or other localized pain

When children persistently complain about pains that cannot be explained through medical means, you might be dealing with a stressed child. These vague pains may be in the stomach, lower abdominal region, head, limbs, or other body parts. As a parent or guardian, it is important to use every means to ascertain the authenticity of these pain complaints. Your stressed child may want more attention from you and feels the only way to get it is to talk about pain. This is a reality that some parents face with young kids.

Other times, however, the pain is real and not made up. It happens because cortisol (stress hormone) is released rapidly into their blood. As a result of the increased anxiety, this hormone triggers pain in the stomach or other body parts. Therefore, when your young children complain persistently of such pains, it is recommended to see the pediatrician. It is better to first rule out any medical problems before tackling the psychological and emotional side.

Nightmares and recurring fears can trigger mental health issues

The fears, doubts, and disturbing thoughts stressed kids feel in their everyday lives can be transferred into their dreams. Unfortunately, these are not sunshine and flower dreams; far from that. Nightmares become persistent and can trigger a fear of sleeping at night. A lack of quality sleep can consequently trigger headaches and eye pain. Remember that a stressed child has so much going on in their head. Therefore, if the cause of their anxiety is from recently divorced parents, their nightmares would likely be centred on being left alone with monsters chasing them.

The loneliness element is from the uncertainty they feel because of the divorce. Meanwhile, the monster in these nightmares represents the negative emotions clawing at their brains and hearts. As a parent, this can be a disturbing and difficult moment. The frequency of these nightmares may manifest in your child’s active hours. For instance, they may refuse to be left alone in their rooms. Some children may also show a disturbing, manic fear of the dark. Although most young children show nervousness in the dark, those dealing with childhood stress exhibit heightened trepidation. Fortunately, there is help as mental health institutes like The Insight Clinic have experience in dealing with child and adolescent issues. Your actions can help save your child’s mind in adulthood.

Drastic changes in what used to be a healthy eating habit

Eating habits can swing either way. A stressed child may show extreme hunger and eat everything in sight, while others lose their appetite. Naturally, children experiencing growth spurts have increased appetites and often eat more during those milestones. The concern, however, is when they eat more than necessary and do not feel satiated. Excessive hunger can be an emotional manifestation of heightened stress.

An adult living with it eats more than necessary to fill a void they perceive within. The same thing happens to young children, and it is your responsibility as a parent to make these timely observations. It would help to engage your kids in healthy conversations to get to the root cause of an over-dependence on food. Sometimes, also, the opposite happens. A persistent appetite loss means your child lacks vital nutrients to aid healthy development.

Sudden bedwetting

According to pediatric data, most children have full bladder control by age five. In others, this may be delayed until age seven. This, however, is during non-sleeping hours. It is believed that by age six, most children have matured central nervous systems that take over bladder control when asleep. There are variations, though. The problem is when your child has already gained full bladder control for at least six months and starts bedwetting. When it is not a medical problem with their bladder, it might be the effects of childhood stress.

If you haven’t yet discovered the source of their stress, it is better to seek help from a pediatric behavioural specialist. Notably, some kids can hide signs of stress from their parents or guardians. This occurs more often when they are bullied in school. As parents, it is critical to keep a keen eye on any changes in your children. The more you detect, the better the chances of offering timely help.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Turn Your Hobby into Your Job

September 7, 2022 by Wendy S

So many of us spend our time in a job that leaves us feeling trapped. Going to work and doing something for the money and not the passion is not the easiest thing to do. If you are going to work every day but hate it, then maybe you need a change and that could mean changing your current pastime into your newest career. 

If you’re spending your spare time fitness training then certifying with www.americansportandfitness.com and creating a whole new career is a smart plan. If you love to write, then being a part of the content could make a big difference to your future. The point is that sometimes you need to turn a hobby you love into something that makes you some money and we’ve got some of the best suggestions for turning your hobby into a viable career.

job

Photo by Michael Zittel

  1. You can work on your current hobby. You could choose to do what you do in your spare time but full time. You can calibrate your present career into a hobby and vice versa and there are so many ways that you can do it. If you love music but you’re a business manager, you could become a music manager. That transition is easier due to the fact your transferable skills are right there!
  2. Teach it. You could always teach what you love to do. If you love the gym, why not train as a personal trainer and then offer your services to others? You could make good money imparting your wisdom and training other people to do that. It could be a fruitful way for you to go and you could make a big difference to your own future. 
  3. Directly mix the two! You can turn your existing hobby into a money maker by incorporating it all into your current job. If you love to write, why not segue over to another area of the business, and if you love to sing, why not take on some freelance wedding singing? You can do anything if you put your mind to it!
  4. Sell your products. Do you create knitted blankets or crocheted scarves? It’s time for an Etsy store where you can sell what you make. It doesn’t take much to do that and most of Etsy is self-managed and it can make a difference to what you do!
  5. Start a website. You can do so well when you start a website or a blog and sell your actual skills. If you have a skill at writing, why not start a website where people can find you and independently contract your services out? You need to be really smart here because you could create something that’s more commercial and really reach out to new people no matter what you do!

You can turn your hobby into a job no matter what the hobby is and all you have to do is be smart about your newest start. Take your time to choose how you do this!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: hobby

How To Ensure Your Family’s Safety When Camping

September 7, 2022 by Wendy S

Camping is a great way for you and your family to escape urban life for a period. You can also learn new skills, connect with nature, reduce stress, increase physical fitness, and strengthen the family bond. While considering the excitement and education ahead, it’s advisable to take measures to ensure your family’s safety. The following tips will help keep the family and yourself safe while camping. 

1. Consider any risks around your tent

Image credit – Photo by Xue Guangjian

Irrespective of your excitement, it’s important to consider the risk around where you hammer your first tent peg. If you’re with your children, consider hammering your tent in an area not close to a river. This ensures that your children do not play around the river and end up drowning if they are not so familiar with swimming. You also want to avoid pitching your tent under a huge tree with many branches. This helps to prevent accidents such as some branches falling from the tree, especially when the area you find yourself in is windy.

2. Be informed of the weather

It’s also prudent to consider the season because the weather can be unpredictable. This will also help you to know the kind of clothes to pack, whether you need some sunglasses, thick socks, or hats, among others. That said, you can shield yourself from any unexpected situation.

3. Have first Aid equipment available

Your first aid equipment is essential when camping, as activities happen in remote locations where access to medical aid may be far away. You need fully packed first aid equipment to assist family members in case there are any emergencies successfully. Several websites help with first-aid medications, so feel free to consider them. For instance, your family member may have a cut and bleed profusely. When this happens, you need to prepare beforehand.  It is essential to have basic items such as bandages, some antiseptic cream, safety pins, disposable sterile gloves and a thermometer; preferably, a digital one is needed in your first aid box. Make sure to look through your kit and replace anything that’s missing. Consequently, you can visit site to learn how to administer CPR when needed.

4. Don’t neglect your food and water 

Image credit Photo by Clem Onojeghuo:

Knowing that you will not have access to your gas or electric cooker while camping with your family, you must take as many non-perishable foods as possible if necessary. This will save you the trouble of having less food to eat while camping. Avoid taking along raw chicken, meat, or seafood, as they require temperatures at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also advisable to cook your fish on the day you catch it to avoid spoiling. Consequently,  avoid drinking water directly from the lake or stream. You must do well to purify any water by boiling it for at least one minute or get water purification tablets to control viruses or bacteria.

Practicing camping safety can help you enjoy your experiences. Hopefully, you’ll leverage these helpful tips for the best results. 

Filed Under: Camping, family, Life, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: camping

How to Feel Clean and Fresh when You’re on a Long-Haul Flight

July 13, 2022 by Wendy S

If you are an avid traveller, then you will know that long-haul flights are the worst. That being said, there are things that you can do to try and make your life easier.

Pack a Change of Clothes

The first thing that you need to do is try and pack a change of clothes if possible. This will usually include a change of socks, a pair of jeans, and some underwear. Ideally, you’ll need a new shirt as well. Try and dress as comfortably as possible when on your long flight because if you don’t, then you may find that you end up struggling overall. Loose shirts and nice baggy pants are always a welcome addition. Prior to landing, you can easily go to the bathroom to change into some nicer clothes. By being comfortable, you can also make it easier to fall asleep, so be mindful of this if you can.

long-haul

Source: Pexels — Julia Volk

Bring some Wipes with You

The aeroplane you travel on will usually be very cold and dry. This is usually because of the air conditioning. If you can, you need to try and bring some little bottles of moisturising cream for your face and body. This will help you to feel more refreshed, and you may find that it gives a nice smell to your face and arms. One of the things that you may try and avoid before you get on a plane is using make-up. You want to be able to wipe down your face if it gets dry and doing this with make-up on will simply make it run. If you want to avoid this, then try and avoid putting too much stress on the situation and apply your makeup when you arrive. Want some good cleansers? You can find some here.

Deodorant and Perfume

This may sound a little strange but the best way for you to keep yourself feeling fresh is to smell good. The best thing that you can do is try and put some perfume on before you depart. You also need to try and use deodorant regularly as you travel on long-haul flights. This will keep you feeling great, and it will also help you to make the most out of your journey.

Bring some Brushes

If you can attempt to brush your teeth when you are at the airport, then this will have you feeling fresher if you nap on the plane. If you can, you also need to try and take some floss with you. Taking a hairbrush is always a good idea too as if you can do your bit to keep your hair untangled and looking great then this will help you overall to feel better.

Bring an Empty Bottle

When you travel, it is always good for you to have an empty bottle that you can just refill whenever you want. Don’t take a full one with you as you will not be able to take it through security. Staying hydrated on the flight will help you to feel refreshed and it will also make you feel much healthier overall. Don’t worry about going to the bathroom a lot, because it gives you the chance to stretch your legs. If you want to keep your water cold, then buying an insulated bottle is always a good idea.

Sleep Well

If you want to try and avoid any kind of jetlag, then you need to try and prepare your body as much as you can so you can ready yourself for the change in zones. Sleep on the flight so you don’t get bored, and then when you arrive, you have more time to do whatever it is you want to do.

Bring a Pillow

Taking your own pillow with you is always a good idea. A good pillow will keep you comfortable on long flights, and it will also give you the chance to relax. Sure, you may feel a little odd taking a pillow with you, but in reality, it is one of the best things that you can do. You would be surprised at how many benefits a good pillow can offer you, from somewhere to rest your head when you nap to being able to rest your arm when the rest gets a little uncomfortable. You can take an inflatable pillow, but they are not as good for you, and you may even find that they end up being far more uncomfortable in the long run. If you’re worried about space, then vacuum-pack your pillow to make it smaller.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: airplane, flight, fresh, long-haul, travel

The Benefits of a Cardio Workout

April 20, 2022 by Wendy S

When it comes to staying healthy and fit, most people think of lifting weights and doing strength training. While strength training is definitely important, another key element of a well-rounded workout routine is cardio. This blog post will discuss the many benefits of a cardio workout.


Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

1) Cardio strengthens the heart and lungs

When you do cardio exercise, your heart rate and breathing rate increase, this helps to strengthen the muscles in your heart and lungs, making them more efficient at pumping blood and oxygenating our cells. A strong cardiovascular system reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Additionally, regular cardio workouts can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels in the blood. This further reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

2) Cardio helps to burn calories and lose weight

Cardio workouts are great for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. When you do cardio, you burn calories both during and after the workout. Of course, the number of calories burned depends on the intensity of the workout, but even moderate-intensity cardio can help to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.

HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is a type of cardio that alternates between periods of intense activity and periods of rest. HIIT workouts are very effective at burning calories and have been shown to be more effective than traditional aerobic exercise at promoting fat loss.

3) Cardio improves mental health

Regular cardio exercise can help to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Cardio also helps to increase energy levels and enhance the quality of sleep. All of these factors can lead to improved mental well-being.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and fitness, consider going to a premium online bike store and adding some cardio to your workout routine. There are many different types of cardio exercises that you can do, so there’s sure to be something that fits your preferences and needs. And, best of all, you’ll reap the many benefits that come with a regular cardio workout!

4) Cardio increases energy levels

In addition to improving mental health, regular cardio exercise can also lead to increased energy levels. This is due to the improved cardiovascular function and increased endorphin production that comes with exercise. So if you’re feeling sluggish and low on energy, a quick workout may be just what you need to get your energy levels up.

There are many different ways to incorporate cardio into your workout routine. Some people prefer to do steady-state cardio, such as walking or jogging, while others prefer HIIT workouts or other types of interval training. No matter what type of cardio you choose, you’ll be sure to reap the many benefits that come with it!

So next time you’re planning your workout routine, don’t forget to include some cardio. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it!

 

Filed Under: body mind spirit, Life, Uncategorized Tagged With: cardio, fitness, health

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 10
  • Next Page »

Follow MapsGirl On…

mapsgirl@gmail.com

Why “mapsgirl” ?

Wendy is a cartographer! She draws maps!

When not mapping, Wendy is also a mom to two daughters. They are the inspiration of this blog. Passionate about child passenger safety, Wendy was a certified Car Seat Technician in Ontario, Canada from 2008 to 2020. [Read More …]

Subscribe

Top Posts

  • Registering for baby? Not all Safety Items are actually safe
  • Eight is not Enough: The 5 Step Test in Action #carseat #ncssw
  • Club House Flavourful Recipe Mixes are everything they claim to be! #ClubHouseRecipeMix
  • Healthy recipes + PC Guiding Stars = Success! #GuidingStarsCA #PCStars
  • playhouse disney canada blog tour [winner]

RSS What’s new @ Big Daddy Kreativ

  • 3 Ways To Prioritize Safety on a Family Road Trip
  • How To Ensure Your Phone Is Always Working Efficiently
  • Five of the Most Immersive Gaming Genres
  • Tips for Making a Small Bathroom Look Elegant
  • 9 Skincare Tips for Flawless Skin
  • 5 Tips For Teaching Your Teen How to Drive
  • The Ideal, Must-Have Accessories for Hiking
  • 4 Ways You Can Decorate Your Home Sustainably
  • Awesome Gifts for Fast Food Lovers
  • 10 Travel Essentials for Your Next Day Trip

Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in