It seems as if screens have become a perpetual part of our existence. Computers, phones, tablets, television are all vital to our everyday life. In this digital age, everything from shopping to jobs to studying to even currency has shifted on to this virtual world, an important part of which are screens.

While the convenience and the ease these digital gadgets have brought into our lives cannot be discounted.  However, it is vital to pay heed to the effect of these digital utilities, holistically.

What is digital eye strain?

One of the most profound impacts of the use of screens on human health is the eye strain they cause. Digital eye strain is not one particular disease but the hoard of problems that accompany the excessive use of screens. The symptoms associated with digital eye strain include headaches, blurring of the vision, strain or pressure of sorts on the eyes, sensitivity towards light.

Posture also suffers as many people are not mindful of the hunched shoulders. This then also leads to muscular pain and fatigue in the shoulder and neck. If you have these symptoms, do use screens excessively, then it best to consult an eye specialist in Islamabad to avoid further issues.

Why do these symptoms appear?

Looking at the screen is different from reading from the paper or gazing elsewhere for that matter. Continuously looking at the screen puts strain on the eye muscles. The fonts, the color and contrast vary all the time, which puts more pressure on the eyes and may lead to viewing difficulties.

Moreover, as screens emit light, if it’s less or brighter than our surrounding light, that too, strains the eyes. The glare from the screen, the flickering motion and the small text sizes, all lead to digital eye strain.

Many of us do multiple tasks when using screens, like making notes when reading on the tablet, and so the eyes have to continuously shift focus. This fatigues the muscles that then get overworked as a result.

When we look at the screens, we are less likely to blink our eyes. The action of blinking is important to bring on the tears that moisten the eyes. Hence, with screens, dry eyes are a common phenomenon and are not at all healthy.

Not everyone works with screens with ramrod straight back and ideal distance. Screens get used in bed, on desk, on the laps and hence there are times when we unconsciously use screens at a bad angle or distance, endangering the health of our eyes in this process. Also, the use of devices at odd angles can result in the muscles of the back and the neck to spasm.

The danger of digital eye strain runs more severe in people who have vision issues. Being far sighted or near sighted, both can lead to problems and aggravate DES. Some people who already wear correction glasses might not be able to use screens from at a particular distance and may compromise their muscles in the endeavor for better viewing.

What is the impact of digital eye strain on health?

The symptoms of digital eye strain are not very pleasant to live with. Fatigued muscles of the neck and back make it very difficult to be comfortable. Headaches are also very painful and are a big nuisance.

It also may lead to photosensitivity and might also cause vision issues. While the impact is not life threatening or very dangerous per se, however, the quality of life surely gets compromised. It makes it difficult to stay productive and carry out routine tasks, as the pain and discomfort resulting from its various symptoms are rather disruptive.

How can digital eye strain be treated?

Anyone who uses more than two hours of screen continuously is at risk of suffering from DES. Therefore, if possible, try decreasing the screen time. Moreover, when viewing the screens, make sure that the brightness is perfectly aligned with the surrounding light intensity.

Also, position your screens in such a way that it does not catch glare from lights around you. There are anti-glare filters available as well that can be utilized for this task. Furthermore, increase the font size on the devices so there is absolutely no strain on the eyes. If the screen is flickering or acting up, have it fixed before using it; your muscles are more important than your task.

Placement of the screen is also very important. Try placing it slightly below the eye level so that you have to look down a little to view it. Maintain a distance of at least 20 inches from the screen. Sit on a comfortable chair to ensure that the muscles in your back do not suffer.

It is also important to not continuously use the screen, but rather take breaks in between; take out 10-15 minutes after every couple of hours of screen use. Also, whilst using the screen, gaze at a distance after every 20 minutes to exercise your eyes.

For the prevention of dry eyes, it is rather important to be mindful of blinking your eyes. Put up a post-it note as a reminder to blink if you are likely to forget, but you have to break out of the habit of not blinking. Those wearing contact lenses should also take a break here and there from them, and instead wear glasses for screen use.

In this day and age, using screens is incorrigible. However, in the light of the strain that these cause to the eyes, conscious effort has to be made for keeping the eyes healthy. These steps can help you reduce the damage from the digital eye strain.

However, if things are getting bad, it is best to schedule an appointment with the top eye specialist in Lahore to avoid any serious damage to the eyes.

Most people have their own definition of wealth and their own reasons for pursuing it. You may want to become wealthy so that you can let go of the stress that comes from living paycheck to paycheck and experience the freedom of financial independence. You may focus on using wealth to provide for your family and serve others in your community. Whatever your reasons, it is important to know that wealth is possible for everyone, including you. Here are three popular paths to attain the wealth you desire.

Real Estate

All investments carry a degree of risk, and real estate is no different. However, the potential rewards can make real estate worth the risk. Investment property can add value to your portfolio instantly if you purchase undervalued property at a bargain price. You can then resell it at a profit and make an immediate healthy return. If you prefer, you can rent it out and gain a source of reliable passive income.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a popular path to wealth. A 2018 study showed that many people pursue entrepreneurship because it allows them to work in a field of interest while increasing personal income. However, self-employment can lead to working 80 hours a week or more and feeling like a slave to your clients’ demands. Therefore, your entrepreneurship journey should not end at self-employment. Your goal should be owning a business in which other people do a large share of the labor while you make the major decisions.

Retirement Fund

“Get rich quick” schemes are often scams. Do not fall for them. Be realistic in your expectations and remember that getting rich slowly is still getting rich. A retirement plan is often the best, and safest, way to build wealth slowly over decades. If your employer offers a retirement plan, especially one with funds matching, participate in it. If your employer has no retirement benefits, create your own plan. Check with your tax advisor to decide whether you should have funds taken from your paycheck before taxes or after. The important part is that you start now.

More and more Americans are enjoying the benefits of working from home, including enhanced flexibility and a better work/life balance. That being said, if you have a pet at home with you all day, especially a dog or cat, you may find that you become distracted and struggle to concentrate on the task at hand.

Why? The answer is simple.

Your pet wants your undivided attention – all the time. They love you and are beyond excited that you are suddenly at home all day, and, of course, they do not understand that you might have other things to do.

Fortunately, there are benefits to having a pet while you work from home.

A recent survey by Rover.com revealed that 54% of people who are currently working from home felt less anxious because they have their pet with them. Furthermore, two-thirds said they feel happier working from home with the company of their pets, and 86% said their pets helped to alleviate stress.

Interested to know how you can work in harmony with your pet? Keep reading to find out more!

1.   Start the day with a walk

If you have a dog, it is a good idea to take them for their morning walk before you even attempt to start work. Not only will this keep your dog happy and help to get rid of some of their boundless energy, but it will also set you up with a positive mindset for the working day ahead.

If you have a cat, give them some undivided attention before you start work as well. Play with their favorite toy, stroke them, or even just sit on the couch with them on your lap.

2.   Eliminate stress

An atmosphere of stress is not good for you or your pet, so you should take measures to ensure that you both spend the day feeling as calm and worry-free as possible. Of course, work can be stressful, but try and minimize your reaction to any pressure as your pet will quickly pick up on signs that you are tense.

If you find your dog is becoming stressed throughout the day with you working from home but being unable to lavish attention on them, CeeBeeDoo, a leading provider of organic hemp dog treats, can help you. Their 100% natural and particularly tasty treats are known for their ability to combat anxiety in dogs and keep them feeling happy and calm throughout the day.

3.   Create a clear working space

If you tend to work here, there and everywhere around your home, you may find that this makes your dog more disruptive. However, if you create a clearly defined working space, as well as a designated area for your dog to play in, you will find that your working day goes a lot more smoothly.

The same goes if you have a cat. You need to establish clear boundaries, or you will find your furry friend taking up residence on your laptop, your files, or on your lap for the duration of the day.

4.   Take a break for playtime

It is important that you take regular breaks when you work from home in the same way that you would if you worked in an office. Take the opportunity to get some fresh air with your pet, whether that be in the local park or even just in your backyard. Not only will this help recharge your batteries for the afternoon, but it will also ensure your dog or cat does not feel ignored.

However, do not let playtime take over your day. Designated playtimes are beneficial; spontaneous ones are not.

5.   Ignore your pet

This may sound harsh, but as long as you are taking designated breaks with your pet and they are fed and watered, there is no harm in ignoring them for the rest of the time when you are trying to work. In fact, giving into your pet’s constant demands for attention will confuse them and make your day much less productive and more stressful.

You do not need to tell them off, as any attention, positive or negative, will send the wrong signals to your pet. Instead, simply ignore them and get on with your work.

Many these days may be spending more time on their phone than reading a book. While there can be many ways to stay entertained with technology, the reality is that reading a book can have lots of benefits for your brain, besides just being entertaining. If it’s been a while since you’ve picked up a book or read something by Bill Copeland poet here are a few things to think about.

Mental Stimulation

One benefit of reading a book is that it can be a great form of mental stimulation. Like with the muscles in your body, if you don’t engage your brain regularly, neural pathways tend to go away over time. By challenging your brain regularly with different activities and regular reading, you can help to keep it working and building new neural pathways, rather than losing ones that you’ve already built.

Increased Creativity and Vocabulary

Not only can reading stimulate your brain, but it can also help increase your creativity, as well. Part of the reason that reading can increase creativity is that it helps build new neural pathways. Additionally, reading stories helps you to engage your imagination, which can lead to increased creativity in other areas. Beyond that reading can be a great way to learn new words and expand your vocabulary, as well as spelling skills.

Stress Reduction

Another benefit of reading is that it can be a great stress reducer. What helps make reading so relaxing is that it offers you an opportunity to escape reality and forget your daily stresses and concerns as you let your mind slip into a new world. Some studies suggest that reading can slow your heart rate after less than ten minutes. Not only can reading help reduce stress, but it may also help with overall sleep quality as well. Reading can be a good way to calm your nervous system and signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, which may lead to a more restful night of sleep.

The Bottom Line

Because it can be so easy to keep yourself entertained, between watching all the shows on your streaming service to playing addictive games on your phone, many are spending less and less time reading books. However, reading can have a wide range of benefits.

Not only can reading help stimulate your mind and your creativity, but it may also reduce stress and help you sleep better as well. So, next time you’re looking for some entertainment, consider picking up a book.

It’s not a secret that there is a lot of money to earn when investing in a real estate business. But that involves a lot of hard work of course. Here are some tips how to invest successfully in real estate:

1. Know your market.

The success of your purchase largely depends on the specific real estate market of your choice and its activities. The first thing you need to remember is to avoid overly hot markets because the risk is just too high and you may end up losing money.

Real estate markets have different phases and cycles. Invest in a market that is in the phase of expansion—where there is balance in the rising of sales and prices versus affordability, construction is low and capital investment is high.

You should also focus on the location of the property and invest more in areas with dense population, accessibility to basic amenities, family and child friendly community, and development is apparent.

2. Spend wisely.

The return on investment is what matters most especially when you invest in affordable real estate properties. Low income neighborhoods tend to not get affected much by economic downturns compared to others which somehow provides you a guarantee to some sort of stability when you invest in low-cost properties. Moreover, tenants in these types of rentals are unlikely to move frequently because of high fees. So once they find something that they can afford, they tend to stay for longer contributing to the stability of low rental properties.

But you also need to consider the safety of the neighborhood like the crime rate, types of tenants, and other factors that will affect your return on investments.

3. Foresee the costs.

When investing in a real estate property, it is important that you foresee the costs upfront, not just the costs of the property and commissions but also the costs of repairs. Unless you are capable of doing DIY repairs, do not try fixing things, messing it up, and result in losing money instead. Also do not make unnecessary renovations that do not appeal to the type of community your property is located.

4. Manage the risks.

It is not wise to go deeply into debt. Before buying a house or any investment property, make sure to have a large cash reserve. You should be able to at least pay a down payment of 10% or much better make it 20%, because it will lead to lower interest rates on the loan and it cancels the private mortgage insurance. In the long run, if you have a huge cash reserve, you reduce the risk of selling your property fast to an unfavorable deal because of cash loss.

While relying on a hard money lender for a fast cash loan to fix last property repairs is helpful, they tend to have high interest rates and end up eating your supposed profit margin.

5. Don’t fall in love with the property.

Wanting your investment property in a working-class location to be the best and end up turning it into a luxury property won’t guarantee it to be sold in the same pricing with those in the upscale area. Do not fall in love with it too much, because you are not going to live there. You will only end up losing money in overbuilding.

Fix what is broken and decorate practically—not expensively.

6. Go extra!

Maximize your investment property and make income generating additions. For example, letting a bank rent and install an ATM in a corner or an extra space in the lobby for a small convenient store which rent fees add to the business cash flow.

You can also hire a caretaker, or a security guard, which adds value to your property and makes it more attractive. With that, you can ask for higher rent and the tenants will be fine with it.

The other thing you can do is fill the property with a tenant instead of house flipping. Once the tenant has moved in, you can then start looking for buyers—that’s called turnkey rental property which usually sells easily to new investors.

7. Familiarize with the local rules.

Before you start doing anything in your investment property, make sure it is within local rules and regulations. You have to be aware which works require getting a permit or not.

8. Explore!

Real estate investment is not limited to single-family homes or apartment rental buildings. You can explore and invest in other types of properties like office spaces, storage units, industrial, and warehouse buildings.

Take it from the CEO of Candid Property Solutions, Cristina Ortega. She runs a successful “cash for houses Los Angeles” investing company. She believes that the key to become a successful investor in real estate business is finding a good investment opportunity and taking advantage of it. Call them for a fast cash offer for your house, if you need help with it.

87% of employees want their employer to offer healthier workspace options, including ergonomic workstations and sit-stand desks.

If your business is full of uncomfortable, old office chairs and rickety desks, your employees might start looking for a new job. An outdated office can also deter prospective employees from accepting a job. Investing in your office furniture is a way to invest in your business and show your employees that you care.

Keep reading to find out what you should do with old office furniture from your business.

Sell the Furniture to a Start-Up

If you’re wondering what to do with old office furniture, you should first try to recoup some money by selling it.

Just because the furniture is outdated and not working well for your office anymore, that doesn’t mean the furniture is unusable. There are many start-ups out there that are trying to save money and start a successful business. Offer these businesses your old office furniture at a discounted price.

Not only will you give the new business an affordable furniture solution, but you’ll now have extra money to spend on your office’s new furniture.

Donate It to a Non-Profit 

Another option to get rid of your used office furniture is to donate it to a local non-profit.

Many non-profits would gladly accept your furniture for their own offices. These non-profits use their money to help others and often don’t have an ideal office set-up. Or, you can find a non-profit that accepts furniture donations as a part of their mission.

A few non-profits to consider include:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Goodwill
• Domestic violence shelter
• Homeless Shetler

While you won’t make any money off your furniture going this route, you will give back to your community.

Hire a Trash Removal Company

If you’ve avoided upgrading your office furniture for too many years, it may no longer be in a good enough condition to sell or donate. At this point, it’s best just to put these items in the trash.

The proper way how to dispose of an office chair doesn’t mean you just set it outside with the weekly trash pick-up. Odds are, you have multiple large pieces of furniture that a normal trash pick-up won’t collect.

You’ll need to hire a trash removal service to properly get rid of your office furniture. This service involves a company hauling away and disposing of your trash. Browse this site to get a better idea of how the process works.

Upgrade Your Business from Old Office Furniture

Using these three methods, you can easily get rid of your old office furniture and update your business.

Start by trying to recoup your furniture costs by selling to a start-up. From there, you can consider donating your furniture to a local non-profit to give back to your community. And if all else fails, hire a trash removal company to get rid of the furniture.

Looking for other ways to improve your business? Browse the rest of this site for more great business advice.