5 Safety Tips For Online Shopping

 

 1. Common Sense

Never give out your credit card number, social security number, or any other sensitive personal details via email

Don't use public unsecured wi-fi internet access to make online purchases



2. Use Strong Passwords

Use different or unique passwords for each site




3. Stay Updated

Make sure your operating system and your internet browser are updated with the lates securitv fixes and patches.

Use solid anti-virus or anti-malware software

4. Look For The Lock

Make sure the website has the SSL encrypted. Never ever buy anything from a website that doesn't have the 'https' in the website address.

Use a payment service like paypal since they often provide additional security and liability coverage

5. Use Credit , Not Debit

Use a credit card online instead of a debit card.

If you use a credit card, your liability on fraudulent charges is capped at only $50 as long as you report the fraud within 30 or 60 days (depending on the company)

The Best Apps For Kids

The Best Apps For Kids

"The Best Apps For Kids nowadays are very many, especially on Google Playstore and Apple IOS, But what is the best app for your child that provides benefits.

"Let's take a look at the shortlist of Best Apps for Kids that can be downloaded through Google Playstore. This shortlist is based on Rating / Downloads / Reviews made by parents around the world to ensure that children's learning is at its best especially for your child.


1. YouTube Kids

 
The YouTube Kids app is an app specially made for kids so that your child can explore the world, the YouTube Kids Platform provides programs such as; Music, Show, Learning and many other interesting shows.
Advantage :
YouTube Kids contains no Ads.
Parental Controls- You can track what your child is watching.
Video Block - You can block videos that are not suitable for your child.
Flag - You can also Flag Video that your child does not like to watch.
Family Friendly Content - Family Friendly Content.


2. Lingokids The PlayLearning Apps


"LingoKids is the best English Learning Application for your child. English Education Application with Oxford content where this application is very suitable for children aged between 2 to 8 years, they will learn English in a fun way. Best way for your child to master English is to learn through games and this is why LingoKids is reviewed and developed by Oxford University-certified early childhood learning experts.LingoKids is also designed to provide your child with a safe and Ad-free learning environment.


3. Piano Kids / Music Song


"The Piano Kids app is a very fun music app; specially made for your child to learn. This app has 4 different Modes such as; Instruments, Songs, Sounds and Play. The benefits of this Piano Kids app include improving their skills not only in the field of Music in fact, it helps to develop memory, focus, imagination, sensory creativity and speech.Among the benefits I mean include;
Improve listening, memorizing, and concentrating skills
Stimulates children's imagination and creativity.
Stimulates intellectual, motor, auditory and speech development.
Improve your child's social relationships when he or she is able to interact with peers better.


4. Toddler Learning Games


"This application is a game application for your child with a collection of games such as puzzles suitable for children 2-8 years. Learning Education based on learning is very suitable for children who are curious.
Todler Learning Games are specially designed for;
Colorful activities stimulate your child's brain.
Helps develop skills for early learning.
Develop cognitive skills.
Eye and hand coordination.
Development of memory in infants
Visual Perception.
Digital Baby Toys


5.  Baby Games


"Baby-Games is a Games application for children aged 2-3-4-5 years. Try to let your child play with this game, This game helps them learn and improve skills while having fun. This app has been designed and tested by "Specialists in Early Childhood Education especially in children aged 2-3-4 years. With timely designed instructions will ensure your child is not confused and lost in this game.


Conclusion
 

These 5 Best Apps for Kids are among the best and there are definitely some better than this app available in Google Playstore. I recommend this app because I have personally tried the effects of this game in terms of; Graphics, Sounds and User Friendship. Download now Free 5 Best Apps for your child's learning.

Facebook to launch new shopping feature across apps

 Introducing Facebook Shops: Helping Small Businesses Sell Online.

 

 

Facebook Inc (FB.O) is launching Shops, a service that will allow businesses to display and sell products on the world’s largest social network’s platforms, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday.

The move to build up e-commerce offerings follows Facebook's launch last year of limited shopping options on photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp. Company leaders wager making the platforms more business-friendly will generate fresh ad revenue, even as user growth slows.

Facebook Shops will tie at least some of those efforts together, enabling businesses to set up a single online store accessible via both Facebook and Instagram. A checkout feature will enable in-app purchases, while a more deeply integrated messaging feature will allow customers to chat with businesses through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct.

Zuckerberg also said the world's largest social network would be working more closely on product integrations with Shopify and seven other online commerce platforms going forward. He had Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke join him in a livestreamed video announcing the partnerships.

Shopify's shares sank after the initial Facebook Shops launch, then rebounded following Lütke's appearance. Shares of both companies were up over 2% in afternoon US trade.

As with Facebook's other e-commerce features, Shops will be free for businesses to access with the expectation it will boost consumer engagement and ad sales.

"Our business model here is ads," Zuckerberg said. "Rather than charge businesses for Shops, we know that Shops are valuable for businesses. They're going to in general bid more for ads and we'll eventually make money that way."

Facebook is also rolling out a tool to connect loyalty programmes and a shopping feature showing product tags underneath live videos, allowing viewers to make purchases while watching. Zuckerberg said more than 800 million people engage with live videos daily across Facebook and Instagram.

 

6 Websites Earn Money With Video

How to make money with video? There are websites that will pay you for the things you do every day. However, if you have talent, such as video making, then you should know about the right platform from which you can earn money.

However, it is difficult to determine the right platform to earn a decent income in exchange for your video efforts. Most websites offer a small percentage of profits, so you may not earn enough if you are a serious video maker. Also, some websites do not have the right marketing to your videos, which may result in poor viewing views.

This time we've listed some of the best video series for video creators. You need to learn more about them and decide what works best for you and you can make money with your videos.


1. Dailymotion

Profit share: 70% | Minimum payment: $ 100 | More information

You can make money with video through Dailymotion. The program in Dailymotion video earns revenue every time an ad is placed in your video. It supports in-stream video ads to generate maximum revenue and helps you attract more visitors / viewers by displaying relevant ad content. All you have to do is upload quality videos and share them to get more views and maximum profit.

Once you enable its monetization program, you will automatically start earning (just like the YouTube Partner Program). Dailymotion displays ads in a number of formats that seem appropriate for your channel and videos. In addition to showing ads, Dailymotion also lets you rent your videos on request or by subscription.

To start generating income, you need to create a price list for your video or channel, and then you can offer your content in this scheme. Unlike YouTube, you can name your video with your logo. In addition, you can review detailed viewer and earnings analysis in your account. And you can withdraw your income generated through Payoneer or PayPal.

Eligibility requirements
You must upload your own original video



2. Youtube

Profit share: 68% | Minimum payment: $ 100 | More information

YouTube accepts any channel for monetization after it has crossed 10,000 views. It's easy to get started with YouTube - you can only apply for the Partner Program if your channel qualifies. Interestingly, YouTube also provides tips from top creators to help you build your audience and develop enough monetization insights.

Once your channel has reached 10k views, you will need to request a review, which usually takes about a week. After applying for the Partner Program, sign up for AdSense and provide your monetization options. Then afterwards, your video will show ads and earn your money, which you can check directly in your AdSense account.

When I talk about potential revenue, your revenue depends on a number of factors such as the types of ads that appear next to your videos and their prices. Another amazing thing is that you can see your channel analysis, subscribers, and more from your account. Please note and remember to upload videos only if you have their commercial use rights.

Eligibility requirements
Your channel should have a 10k + view.
You have commercial use rights of uploaded videos.



3. Twitter Amplify

Profit sharing: Not available | Minimum payment: $ 100 | More information


Twitter helps you earn revenue from your videos with pre-roll ads and the ability to make money from video content in a variety of ways. The wonderful Amplify Publisher Program lets you earn money from your tweets including videos and earn some of your revenue.

Twitter provides flexibility in the program so you can opt-out at any time. You can also set monitize for all tweets / videos or tweets with tweets. Upon receipt of the program, you will receive a confirmation email from the team.

Once you become a part of Twitter Amplify, you will see a monitize tab in Media Studio. Your earnings will be reflected in the analysis tab, and payments will be made after 2 months via direct deposit / ACH or PayPal.

Eligibility requirements
You must be 18+ years old.
Your Twitter account should be in good standing.



4. Facebook Ad Breaks

Profit sharing: Not available | Minimum payment: $ 100 | List: Not available | More information


Facebook offers ads to help you earn money from live events. This feature allows you to rest between your live videos and run short ads. And to take a break, you'll get a share of advertising revenue. The Ad Breakdown Program is currently in beta, and to qualify for this, you'll need at least 2000 followers.

Once you qualify for the program, you can place Ads at break / break during the live event. The live event should run for at least 4 minutes and it should have at least 300 viewers for you to make money from it. If your broadcast is eligible, you will receive an Ad Breakdown notification with a dollar icon.

For the greater benefit, you can take a live break every 5 minutes after your first break. During breaks, viewers will see in-stream ads for up to 15 seconds. When the ad is complete, viewers can continue watching the video.

You can check earnings from the page under Settings. And the payment will be transferred to your PayPal or bank account.

Eligibility requirements
You must have 2k + Facebook followers.
The live event must run for 4 minutes.
Live events must have 300+ viewers.



5. Vimeo On Demand (Vimeo)

Profit share: 90% | Minimum payment: Not available | More information

You can make money with video with Vimeo. With the Vimeo On Demand platform, you can sell your videos directly to your fans, offering them the option to rent, buy, or subscribe to your video at an affordable cost. Your video can be sold to a worldwide audience or regional audience - across desktop and mobile platforms. You can also promote them using social media, email, and newsletters.

The video page is customizable, and you can add captions and subtitles to the video. And the best part is, you can also show off your work by using attractive posters. In addition to this, you can see sales statistics, number of videos viewed, and more.

The revenue generated through your video is transferred to you using PayPal. The price of a video depends entirely on you, and also, you can consider a special price (discount) for buyers. In addition, this site supports many currency options to facilitate payments.

Eligibility requirements
You must join Vimeo PRO (costs $ 17 / month redeemable annually).
You must have video copyright.



6. Amazon Video Direct

Profit sharing: Depending on the royalty program | Minimum payment: $ 100  | More information

It offers you the flexibility to get royalties based on hours posted by members of Amazon Prime. The program supports video resolution up to 1080p Full HD and makes your titles available on Amazon Video. From this service, users can stream and watch your videos online, or rent or purchase videos, and you will earn a profit.

To set up your Amazon Video Direct account, you need to link your Amazon account with the program, and then create your company profile. You can post videos they own, and check your streaming statistics, subscription metrics, and revenue from your dashboard. Also, you can see revenue and payment history from your account.

Amazon Live Video lets you promote your video title in the US and several other locations. You can choose one or a combination of royalty programs for revenue share - from rentals and purchases to monthly subscriptions and ad impressions. Payments are made directly to your bank account by wire transfer or electronic funds transfer.

Eligibility requirements
You must upload a video that you own.
You must live in a country where Amazon supports electronic payments.


Ready to make money with video?

If you're really looking for an effective place to make money with your video, then try the webpage above. I would recommend trying out a few sites based on the content, authority and traffic of your website, and the benefits section, and finding the best ones for you.

And don't forget to focus on the quality of your video and its content - "content is king" This is also because of the more unique and quality videos you upload, the more viewers and subscribers you will receive.

For The Sake of Sex, Men Should Never Eat More of These 5 Kinds of Food!

It’s commonly perceived that foods that look like body parts can boost your sex drive. Dr Vijay Singhal, Sexologist with Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute lists out the truth behind foods and fruit that can improve your libido.

Men Should Never Eat More of These 5 Kinds of Food!

Fat Meat

Consequences : Let men not lift
Reason : Red meat (beef, bacon, sausage, luncheon meat) keeps you from being strong. Saturated fat and cholesterol make blood vessels narrow, including blood vessels that transport blood to the sex site, and there is insufficient blood supply during sex, making it difficult to climax!
Measures: Eat more oysters (oysters)! Oysters have long been hailed as "famous love products", and science has indeed proved this traditional statement. 2-3 oysters can meet the needs of the human body for zinc throughout the day, and zinc is just an important source of minerals to maintain the normal function of the male reproductive system. Zinc will make men "sex" full of energy!


High-Fat Milk

Consequences : Prone to prostate cancer
Reason: Men who consume more than 600 mg of calcium per day through dairy products are at a higherrisk of prostate cancerthan men who consume less than 150 mg of calcium per day To be 32% higher! Daily intake of calcium through dairy products will inhibit the level of vitamin D in the blood. In addition to being an important nutrient, vitamin D is also a hormone that can prevent the proliferation of prostate cancer tumor cells, thereby preventing prostate cancer.
Measures: Pay more attention to dietary health, such as eating less meat, exercising regularly, and eating more low-fat foods and vegetables and fruits.


Refined Flour 

Consequences of refined flour : let men not mention the refined flour
Reason : in the process of processing whole wheat into refined bread, zinc will lose three-quarters, and for the cultivation of sexual desire and reproductive health, zinc is precisely essential of. The highest zinc reserves in the human body are also in the prostate. A diet with high zinc content helps prevent prostate hyperplasia.
Measures: Eat less concentrated grains and more coarse grains!


Soybean

Consequences : affect male sexual characteristics, reduce the number of sperm
Reason : Soybean is a food containing estrogen characteristics, excessive intake will increase the body's estrogen levels, thus affecting male sexual characteristics. The researchers believe that the chemical components contained in soybeans can "simulate" the function of the female hormone estradiol, resulting in a reduction in sperm count.
Measures: Just pay attention to the amount of food, and pay attention to "excess", as long as it is not a large amount of daily intake, it will not be excessive.


Fried Food

Consequences : Reduce male hormone secretion
Reason: Hydrogenation in vegetable oil can transform the oil into a solid state, and the fat contained in it is trans fat. In terms of damage, trans fats are better than saturated fats. French fries and other fried foods, biscuits, and cookies all contain trans fat. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), trans fatty acids can increase the body's "bad cholesterol" and increase the risk of heart disease. At the same time, trans fatty acids can also reduce the secretion of male hormones, negatively affect sperm, and interrupt the sperm's response in the body.


Sexologist, Dr Vijay Singhal explains the concept of foods for sex and how they can improve the libido. “Any healthy food is good for sex. However, there are certain items that are particularly beneficial- Coffee, Walnuts, Saffron, strawberry, avocados, watermelons, Dark chocolate and almonds. One must note that alcohol is bad for a healthy sex life - it increases the desire but decreases the performance.”

Coronavirus computer game teaches children social distancing.

LONDON: A university professor has launched a computer game called "Can You Save the World?" to help children understand how social distancing can save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

Richard Wiseman said he came up with the idea for what is thought to be the world's first Covid-19 computer game after going for a walk during lockdown in Britain and finding it "felt like a computer game" as he dodged pedestrians and cyclists.

Wiseman, a professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, said research showed that games which encourage positive social behaviour can influence people's actions in the real world.

"It's a fun way of getting quite a scary message across," said Wiseman, who created the game, which has already gone viral, with designer Martin Jacob.

"There's quite a lot of research showing that if you get people - kids in particular - to behave in certain ways in video games it really does transfer to real life."

The creators, who are now looking at developing an app, say governments, schools and health authorities could use the game to encourage social distancing - a key measure to keep the virus in check as countries emerge from lockdown.

"It seems to me probably more effective than some of the scary announcements we're getting because it gets in under the radar, particularly with kids," said Wiseman.

Players control an avatar through an increasingly busy street and "save lives" by avoiding pedestrians, cyclists and people sneezing - all of whom are surrounded by exclusion zones.

They can also collect masks and drop them off for health workers to save extra lives.

The aim is to save as many lives as possible. As the game progresses, the score starts accelerating to demonstrate that by protecting yourself you are protecting many others.

Toilet rolls

Wiseman, who is also a member of Britain's Inner Magic Circle of top magicians, said about 15,000 people had played the game since its launch on Friday.

Although conceived for children, adults are also playing and posting pictures on Twitter.

"It has gone viral. It feels like it has chimed with people," said Wiseman. "It's a way of talking about these things with kids without it being all doom and gloom."

The game has humourous touches with players also able to scoop up groceries including toilet rolls, which were in short supply at the start of lockdown as shoppers stripped supermarket shelves.

"If you're lucky enough to come across a toilet roll then you whiz through the game for a while at super speed," Wiseman said. "Toilet rolls are very rare – just like real life."

If a player bumps into someone, they lose points. Too many collisions get them "confined" and the game ends.

The highest possible score is 7 billion lives saved - about the size of the world population.

The top score so far is 2 billion, but Wiseman confesses he is a long way off.

"For me it's about 1,000 - I'm ridiculously bad at my own game." - May 14, 2020, Thomson Reuters Foundation

Funny Photos Of Cats ‘Working From Home’

Quarantine at home

Counting the days for sightseeing

 

 Write a diary

Think of interesting topics throughout the day at home

Ginger cat think again

 

 There was absolutely nothing fun during the quarantine season.

 Blending flour for a brew

recipe? cakes or biscuits?

Ginger cat use laptops in the village.

Talk about a workplace with a tropical holiday feel.

This black-and-white kitten who's serious but adorable

He’s focused on his work and his work only.

This tired little hard-worker

He has his coffee right there, but it isn’t doing him any good.

This beautiful white cat

They say you’re not supposed to work lying down, but we’ll give her a pass.

 

This helpful little kitten

She might not know what she’s doing, but she still wants to help.

This chubby ginger cat

You can just tell he’s all about his work right now.

This green-eyed beauty

He’ll be with you in a second, he just needs to finish this email first.

This ginger cutie who has serious responsibilities

He’s all buried in his notebooks and data.

The well-dressed British short hair

Just look at his adorable tie!

This cute but distracted little guy

He’s probably too young to work anyways.

This sleepy hard-worker

Taking a nap while working from home is risky business, but he looks too peaceful to wake up

This tired orange cat

Looks like he needs a day off.

This serious grey cat

He doesn’t want any distractions while he’s working.

This dedicated little guy

He’s all immersed in his project.

This comfy-looking fella

He’s all settled in for a day of work.

This adorable little kitten

It’s okay little guy, you don’t have to work just yet.

This beautiful striped cat

He doesn’t look so happy about the interruption!

This comfortable ginger cat

Is he trying to get some work done or is he just trying to get warm? You be the judge

This adorable Scottish fold kitten

She’s mesmerised by whatever’s on the screen.

This sleepy little guy

It’s important to take breaks when working, or your laptop will start looking just like a pillow!

This hardworking British short hair

It might be getting late but he’s not stopping until the job is done.

 

STAY AT HOME

Gentle But Powerful

Sunscreen formulated with 80% moisturizing serum.

Sekkisei sunscreens contain the kind of specialised skincare effects that only Sekkisei can provide: Reliable UV protection as well as skincare benefits such as hydration, softness, clarity and smoothness. And now, these sunscreens have evolved to provide even greater protection against skin damage such as dryness, roughness and dark spots. It’s next-level protection from Sekkisei, keeping your skin clear all while feeling like you’re not wearing sunscreen at all with an extraordinary lightweight texture you’ll love.

A waterproof and sweatproof serum-based UV milk.


The Sekkisei UV Milk prevents pigmentation damage caused by dryness, roughness and sun exposure. Its Powder UV protection ingredient turns to a rich milk lotion that spreads easily to adhere to skin. Plant-based and water-based ingredients deliver additional moisture to further protect skin as they absorb quickly without any stickiness while sebum absorption ingredients absorb excess sebum, making it ideal as a makeup base for makeup to last longer.

A light water-resistant serum-based UV gel.

With the same plant-based and water-based ingredients, this UV Gel is to prevent pigmentation damage caused by dryness, roughness and sun exposure. Its UV protection ingredient is encased in ultra-small capsules that form with a smooth gel to break upon contact and penetrate quickly into skin without any stickiness, forming a moisturising veil that feels light and non-sticky on skin. Sebum absorption ingredients absorb excess sebum, making it ideal as a makeup base for makeup to last longer.

Brighten and correct your skin tone.

In a smooth gel texture, the UV Tone Up protector spreads easily and feels so light you’ll forget you’re wearing sunscreen. Its sebum absorption ingredients absorb excess sebum, making it ideal as a makeup base for makeup to last longer while its lavender hue universally corrects all skin  tones for a natural glow. Formulated with 100% minerals to prevent acne. Suitable for sensitive skin.

Need UV protection on the go?

Get it with UV Stick, a smooth stick-type sun protector great for easy application and quick touch-ups on light makeup thanks to its light, smooth-spreading oil ingredient. Protecting skin from dryness, roughness and dark spots caused by sun exposure, it helps keep skin clear and moisturised while UV protection ingredients prevent damages caused by UV rays, dryness, dust and dirt. Quickly and effectively absorbs excess sebum, making it ideal as a makeup base for makeup to last longer.

1 in 3 Americans found losing work, income due to coronavirus

Almost one-third of Americans have lost work or income due to the coronavirus, especially low-income earners, by getting fired, laid off or having their hours cut, research showed on Monday.

Gallup, a US-based polling company, found 30% of adults in America – a nation with nearly 256 million people over age 18 – reported seeing their jobs or finances affected by the epidemic.

Ten percent said they had been temporarily laid off – but 85% of those believed they would get their jobs back – a quarter suffered a loss of income, and one in six had hours reduced.

Among less affluent people, 4% lost their job permanently, compared with 2% of adults overall, according to Gallup, as the number of known infections in the United States topped 970,000 with more than 55,000 deaths.

Among people earning less than US$36,000 a year, 14% were laid off and 32% had a loss of income.

“These impacts have been more pronounced among those in lower income brackets,” the researchers said.

The poll was the latest study to show low income workers being hit hardest by the coronavirus, with a Pew Research Centre report last week finding people of colour and those without a college degree were more likely to report a job loss or pay cut.

Business shutdowns have led to a record 26.5 million Americans filing for unemployment benefits since mid-March with forecasts by the Trump administration that the jobless rate would likely hit 16% or more in April.

The Gallup poll was conducted online between April 13-19 among a random sample of 5,725 US

10 Good Herbal Remedies For Stress

Stress presses in from all sides, but you can help manage it by exploring the world of natural herbal remedies.

Herbs That Can Help Ease Stress

In today’s world, there’s no shortage of daily stressors, big and small, that can make you feel overwhelmed. There are many ways to manage daily stress, including meditation, a healthy diet, good sleep, and spending time with loved ones. You also may want to consider adding some herbal supplements to your diet, suggests chronic disease specialist Dr Susan Blum.

Using the right herbs, particularly adaptogens, can make a significant difference in your daily life, she says. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help support the body as it responds to stressors, particularly by bolstering the adrenal glands. “There’s no avoiding stress but herbs can help your body deal with it more effectively,” she explains.

The right herbal remedies can be effective. But it’s important to remember that just because something is considered ‘herbal’ or ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s safe, Dr Blum cautions. The key is to exercise caution and talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. That’s especially important if you are on any prescription medications or have a pre-existing health condition like diabetes or heart disease, she says. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, get immediate medical help.


Panax Ginseng

Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng, is an adaptogen, says dietitian Lindsey Toth. “I like to say this herb is ‘namaste all day’ for its power to help you de-stress,” she says. “It also helps the body fight stress by helping to improve your mood and increase your immune function. Plus it supports sexual health which can help reduce stress in a different way.” Ginseng may help regulate the immune response and hormonal changes due to stress, reduce inflammation, and alleviate the anxiety and depression caused by stress, according to research published in the Journal of Ginseng Research.

Warnings: ginseng has been shown to interact with other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, particularly those for heart disease or high blood pressure, she says.


Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is another adaptogen, one that’s been used in India for thousands of years to reduce several types of stress, says Dr Lily Kiswani. “It helps reduce stress on the body by lowering stress hormones and increasing the immune system. But it works on the mental side as well, by reducing depression and anxiety,” she explains. People given 600mg a day of high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract for two months showed a significant reduction in scores on stress-assessment scales and had lower levels of cortisol (the “stress” hormone) in their blood, in a small study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.

A larger study, published in PLoS One found that people given ashwagandha for eight weeks, as part of a naturopathic intervention, improved in scores of concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality, and overall quality of life compared to the control group that received only traditional psychotherapy.

Warnings: avoid this if you take medication to suppress your immune system or benzodiazepines, she says.


Chamomile

Chamomile is a plant known for its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. It may also help settle a nervous tummy. “It’s particularly helpful for people who suffer GI side effects from stress, like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, and irregular bowel movements,” says Dr Yalda Shokoohinia. “It can also help improve sleep which in turn reduces stress.” People who took 1500 mg of chamomile a day showed significantly lower levels of anxiety and stress, according to a study published in Phytomedicine.

Warnings: because of some sedative and sleepiness effects, chamomile isn’t recommended if you’re working with hazardous machines or driving. Use chamomile with caution if you’re taking anticoagulants, and avoid if you are going to have surgery, she says.


Passionflower

Passionflower is a herb shown to boost the levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which works in the brain to promote relaxation, says nutritionist Mary Ellen Valverde. “It has been shown to ease anxiety and stress as well as enhance calmness.”

People suffering from anxiety who were given passionflower extract for one month reported lower feelings of anxiety and stress and improved sleep, in a small study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy Therapeutics. She adds that dried passionflower can be added to water to make tea or taken as liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets.

Warnings: because it is a mild sedative you should avoid taking it with other sedatives, she says.


Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is another herb used to reduce stress and boost cognition. “It helps the body adapt to stress and has been shown to reduce stress, lower anxiety, fight fatigue, and boost mood,” Valverde says.  It is the main adaptogen approved by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products for stress and influences the release of stress hormones while boosting energy, according to a review published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice. It helps treat stress symptoms and can prevent chronic stress and stress-related complications, the researchers added.

Warnings: rhodiola may interact with blood pressure and blood-thinning medications.



Banaba Leaf

Banaba is a species of myrtle tree that grows in the tropics of Southeast Asia. Leaves from the tree have been found to slow the body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone that causes the ‘fight or flight’ feeling, according to a study published in Life Sciences. “The active ingredient in banaba leaf is corosolic acid, which slows the body from turning inactive cortisol to active cortisol,” says dietitian Mikka Knapp. “Dampening cortisol plays a key role in combating feelings of stress and anxiety.”

Warnings: banaba may decrease blood pressure and blood sugar and should not be taken with those classes of medications.



Lemon Balm

“Lemon balm has been used for over 2000 years as a natural stress reducer,” Knapp says. “It increases brain levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter known for producing a feel of calm. This provides a gentle soothing effect and makes managing stress easier.” Young adults given lemon balm showed measurable improvements in mood, stress levels, and cognitive performance, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Warnings: because lemon balm has sedative effects, use caution before combining it with other sedative drugs or alcohol.


Valerian

Valerian comes from the root of a flowering plant and has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid. This is due to its ability to reduce anxiety and insomnia associated with stress, says Dr Dimitar Marinov. “It appears to work by inhibiting the break down of GABA, producing an effect similar to anxiolytic drugs like Xanax,” he explains. One study, published in Phytomedicine, found that mice given valerian root showed less anxiety while completing a maze.

Warnings: most people experience very few side effects – the primary one being drowsiness – he says.


5-HTP

Despite the medical-sounding name, 5-HTP comes from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. It works as a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, increasing levels of the ‘feel good’ chemical in your brain, says naturopathic doctor Gabrielle Francis. “It also reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, and actively calms anxiety,” she says. Taking 5-HTP helped prevent panic attacks in people who had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, according to a study published in Psychiatry Research.

Warnings: 5-HTP can interfere with other medications that work on neurotransmitters, including antidepressants, and should be taken under a doctor’s care.


Melatonin

Many people consider melatonin to be herbal but it’s not a plant; it’s a hormone. Your body produces it naturally to help control your sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms. Levels of melatonin increase as bedtime nears which makes you feel sleepy. Much of the research on melatonin supplements is devoted to examining the effects on sleep. But sleep is the body’s way of de-stressing physically and mentally every day. So it makes sense that if your sleep is suffering, your stress will skyrocket and finding a way to get back into a good sleep schedule can help combat stress, Knapp says. Getting sunshine during the day is one way to boost melatonin but you can also take synthetically produced melatonin in the form of supplements, she says.

Warnings: high doses are known to interfere with a wide variety of prescription and over the counter medications, including those for diabetes, heart conditions, insomnia, depression, allergies, and others. While interactions are typically mild, it’s wise to talk to your doctor before using.

12 Easiest Plants For Home Gardening During Quarantine

Coronavirus (COVID-19). Don't let those picked-over supermarket shelves stress you. It's easier than you might think to grow fresh veggies and herbs for yourself and your family.

First, don't panic. Stay at home. There's no shortage of food

As alarming as it has been to see bare shelves in the supermarket, food producers and reports confirm there’s plenty of food to go around. Unfortunately, news of the coronavirus has scared us into panic-buying and hoarding. Sometimes we can’t find the basic foods we want, such as pantry staples like flour and rice. Then again, some of us are avoiding going into the stores at all, unsure how to protect ourselves from this invisible enemy.

All this has led to a bump in buying seeds and plants and searching for gardening tips online, so we can grow our own foods at home. The good news is that many fruits and veggies are easy to grow, even for beginners, and they’ll thrive whether you’re gardening in a backyard plot or in containers on your patio, porch or apartment balcony.


1. Grow beans in a snap

You might be surprised to know you don’t need a big garden to grow green beans. Bush beans are space-savers, but you can also grow beans vertically, by choosing pole varieties and training their vines onto a trellis, fence, or other support. Full sun, regular waterings and moderately rich soil will pay off in a plentiful harvest, and beans don’t need much fertiliser, although they’ll benefit from a side-dressing of compost in mid-season if you didn’t work a lot of compost into the soil before you planted. Check your seed packet to know approximately when your variety will be ready to harvest, and keep the plants picked so they’ll keep producing. Freeze your green beans to enjoy them all year long.


2. Plant prolific zucchinis

Zucchinis have a reputation for being so easy to grow, and so prolific, gardeners joke about having to leave their extras on a neighbour’s doorstep, ring the bell, and run away. Just one plant can yield 2.5-4.5kg of zucchinis in a single growing season. Plant their seeds directly in your garden or a large container. They need full sun and moist, easily-draining soil amended with compost. Give them a couple of centimetres of water each week, if there’s no rain, and harvest when the fruits are small (botanically speaking, zucchinis are fruits) and the skins are tender. You can freeze zucchinis or bake them into breads, slice them into strips for pasta, grate them for fritters or chop them into vegetable chillis. They’re also delicious when you know how to roast vegetables until they’re crispy and caramelised.


3. Raise crunchy radishes

Many gardeners love fresh radishes for that crunch that you get when you bite into them – but these simple root veggies are good for more than eating. Because the seeds sprout quickly – often within a week – you can use them in the garden to mark the rows of other crops that don’t come up as fast. Simply sow the seeds outdoors about 1-2cm deep as the temperature cools. Wait ten days and plant again for a continuous crop. They’ll thrive in a sunny spot that has loose soil amended with organic matter. Thin the seedlings to 5cm apart, so their roots won’t be crowded, and keep the plants evenly moist. Some varieties are ready to harvest just three weeks after planting.


4. Cultivate cucumbers

Like zucchini, cucumbers are prolific and easy to grow. Just give them a spot with moist, fertile soil and lots of sunshine. Start the seeds a couple of centimetres deep into the ground. They’ll sprout in a few days. Keep them happy with regular waterings and, if you didn’t work a lot of organic matter into the soil before you planted, side-dress them with a balanced, soluble fertiliser when the fruits set. The cucumbers are ready to harvest when they’re still small and the skins are tender. To keep a steady supply for the table, make successive plantings. If you’re short on space, train vining cucumber varieties onto a support like a fence or trellis, or plant a bush variety in a container or raised bed. Use your cukes in salsas, salads, gazpacho and smoothies or turn them into pickles.


5. Crack out some capsicum

Capsicums thrive in sunny climes, so make sure they have a warm, sunny spot not prone to wind or frost. They can also be grown in pots. Capsicums like a deep, warm, well draining soil, mulch and room to breathe, so leave about 50–60cm between your capsicums when planting out. Prepare the soil a month before planting by throwing in some fertiliser, then mulch.


6. Plant tasty tomatoes

The hardest thing about growing tomatoes might be choosing your favourite kind. There are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, heirlooms with rich flavours, Romas for stews, pasta and sauces, and hearty beefsteaks. Gardeners in cool regions may want to start with transplants to save time over growing tomatoes from seeds. The plants need full sun and soil that drains easily. For best results, your soil should contain lots of compost and be slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. As the plants grow, apply a fertiliser recommended for tomatoes as directed on the label. This raised garden bed with an automatic watering system makes it easy to grow compact or patio-type tomatoes, even in a small space.


7. Sow lettuce for salads

Lettuces are great for beginning gardeners. They grow fast, take full sun but tolerate some shade, and can be tucked between other fruits and veggies or into containers. They’re also available in lots of tasty, colourful varieties. If you don’t have an ideal garden spot – for example, your soil contains a lot of clay or rocks – use a raised bed instead. Add good quality planting soil, you won’t have to dig. The loose soil will also make it easy to pluck any weeds that pop up. Sow your lettuce seeds in early autumn or spring and keep the plants watered regularly. Lettuce started in spring will last until the summer heat arrives and autumn-sown lettuce will grow until a killing frost. Harvest the outermost leaves first but don’t pull up the plants, so they can keep producing.


8. Set out onions

Make a little hole in the ground, tuck in a bare-root onion seedling, and stand back. In two or three weeks, the small plants will be ready to pull and use as green onions, or you can wait until the bulbs are bigger and then harvest them. Mature onions will let you know they’re ready when their tops turn yellow and bend over. Just brush off the soil and put the onions, with the tops still attached, in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place to cure for a week to 10 days. Then remove the top foliage and roots and store the onions in a cool, airy place until you’re ready to use them. Slice and fry them for onion rings, chop them for salsas and salads, or grill, roast or pickle them. Chopped or sliced onions can be refrigerated in sealed containers for seven to 10 days.


9. Fill a windowsill with herbs

During a quarantine, a herb garden makes a thoughtful gift for a housebound friend or a fun and easy growing project you can enjoy without leaving home. Although the types of herbs you’ll want to include may vary, good choices include basil to make into pesto, mint to steep for tea or dill to add flavour to homemade pickles. So many herbs are easy to grow, you may not want to stop.


10. Grow a bagful of potatoes

Humble, nutritious potatoes are a great choice for beginning gardeners, especially when you use good potting soil and compost. Start with seed potatoes that haven’t been treated to resist sprouting. Cut them into chunks with two eyes per chunk and let them dry overnight before planting them. Then give them full sun and regular water. Add more soil to the bag when the plants are about 8 inches tall, leaving the top set of leaves uncovered. Add more soil when the plants grow another 8 inches tall and repeat this process until the bag is full. When the foliage turns yellow, stop watering and wait about a week before you dig up the potatoes with your gloved hands. Many grow bags are reusable and available in different sizes.


11. Plant a bushel of peas

There are lots of delightful types of peas. Choose disease-resistant varieties, and you won’t need to do much more than plant them, water regularly and harvest them. Sow the peas in wide rows, covering them with an inch of soil and planting 5cm deep. Peas grow well during the cooler months but the flowers can be damaged by frost so, in very cold areas, wait until spring to sow. They don’t usually need fertiliser, but they do need a deep, weekly watering if rain is scarce. For best results, grow your peas, including dwarf varieties, on a trellis or other support. Read your seed packet to know when to harvest, and pick often, so the plants will keep producing. Fresh peas have the best taste, but you can freeze or dry them to use later.


12. Grow chillies for fiery flavour

You’ve heard that variety is the spice of life – well, so are jalapenos, habaneros and other spicy chillies. The seeds can be sown from August to December in temperate areas and from September to mid-November only in cold climates. They are also available as seedlings. Sow seeds 6mm deep in punnets, gently pricking out the seedlings and transferring them to 100mm pots, giving them a sunny position. Plant them in the garden in a sheltered spot in full sun when they are 150mm high. The soil should be free-draining and enriched with either compost, aged cow manure or Yates Dynamic Lifter before planting.

Use scissors to snip off your chillies when they’re the size you want. Chillies don’t just add heat and flavour to your foods. They also contain capsaicin, which is thought to act as an antioxidant to help fight infection and prevent some types of heart disease.

STAY AT HOME

31 Things To Do During Self-Quarantine

With coronavirus (COVID-19) dominating the news cycle, you’re starting to throw around words like “quarantine” with an uneasy casualness. But what do these words really mean for your life? Instead of focusing on the (very long) list of what you can’t do, here are some things you’ll love doing.


1. Clear out your wardrobe

Dedicate your new-found time and attention to sorting out your clothes, declutter your home, ditching items you haven't worn for six months and co-ordinating clothes into sections so it's easier to browse in the mornings. This is a great opportunity to get inspired by new outfits or rediscover an old favourite.


2. Unexpected downtime

You hear the word ‘quarantine’ and automatically hear the long list of things we’re not allowed to do these days. But perhaps you should think of all the opportunities this slower lifestyle offers. Instead of sitting around worrying about coronavirus or feeling lonely, use your downtime to learn new skills, pamper yourself and reconnect with what makes you happy. Just remember: it’s called downtime for a reason. So, don’t see this list as pressure or guilt to be productive every single moment but simply some ideas of things to do to get you through this tough time with your sanity intact.


3. Do a jigsaw puzzle

Take your eyes off a screen for an afternoon while you tackle a tricky 1000-piece jigsaw. Amazon has plenty to choose from, and stocks puzzles for all ages.


4. Connect with your quarantined ancestors

This is certainly not the first pandemic the world has had to deal with and chances are you have a great-great-grandparent who lived through the 1918 flu pandemic. Find out more about their story and how they survived it through pictures, journal entries and historical records. You can also find out more about your personal ancestry, which dead celebrities you’re related to, which relative you look the most like, how closely you’re related to your spouse or friend, and much more.


5. Actually meditate

Meditation is one of the best things you can do right now to relieve stress and improve your wellbeing. If you’re like the rest of us, you sit down, try to ‘quiet’ your mind… and then say “Well, now what?” Download Aura app, an app that walks you through meditation and mindfulness.


6. Set up a home movie theatre

Movie theatres around the country are closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your cinematic fix. At-home movie projectors have gotten a lot smaller and less expensive in recent years, allowing you to project a new release or family-friendly classic on any blank wall. Pop up some popcorn, set up the pillows, and enjoy the show!


7. Write in a journal

Sitting at home binge watching Tiger King on Netflix may not feel like you’re doing much, but you’re actually living through a major historical event that people will learn and talk about for generations after this is all over. Writing a journal will help you not just preserve your memories but will also help you process your feelings about this time that manages to feel simultaneously terrifying and immensely boring. You could also consider making it a gratitude journal.


8. Knit a bad hair day beanie

Needle arts used to be a staple for passing the time while making something useful and pretty. You can learn to knit, cross-stitch, embroider, crochet, or tatt with a beginner kit!


9. Plant a container garden

Just because you have to stay indoors doesn’t mean you can’t get started on your gardening. Bring the outdoors in by sprouting seeds or planting a container garden. Bonus: you can use your fresh herbs in your amazing healthy dishes you’re learning to cook.


10. Learn a new language

Want to know how to say, ‘quarantine stinks’ in five other languages? Now is a great time to learn or practice a new language. Duolingo is an easy-to-use, totally free app that gives daily lessons in 35 different languages. You can pick a standard like English, Spanish, or Cantonese, or you can branch out with Navajo, Esperanto and Klingon or High Valyrian (we’re not kidding).


11. Perfect your cat eye with liquid eyeliner

Drawing a smooth even cat eye with liquid eyeliner is some advanced makeup skills. Then, once you figure it out, you have to replicate it exactly on the other eye! Nobody has time for that on a busy morning rushing out the door for work – but now that you’re only commuting to your bedroom you have plenty of time to experiment.


12. Take the best bath ever

Bath lovers rejoice: self-quarantining is the perfect opportunity to take the long, luxurious bath of your dreams. You can even soak all day if you like! All you need is a good book, a favourite beverage, and some yummy-smelling bath products!


13. Fortify your immune system with green juice

Whipping up a produce-packed smoothie or a green juice may be too much work on a normal morning but what is normal anymore? These days it’s more important than ever to support your immune system and your waistline with plenty of fresh or frozen fruits and veggies.


14. Take a (virtual) world tour

Ever wanted to see the Alps up close? Hike Machu Picchu? Stroll through Barcelona? You can do all that without worrying about spreading disease through virtual tours.


15. Upgrade an old shirt with tie-dyeing

Tie-dyeing isn’t just for kids or people who never outgrew the ’70s – it’s a versatile art form that is fun and easy to do. Upgrade a T-shirt, pair of leggings, baby onesie, hat or any other cotton item.


16. Stretch and strengthen with yoga

Do Yoga with Me is offering its high-definition yoga videos for free during the pandemic. They have classes ranging from stress-relieving breathing exercises to popular yoga poses to regular flows – no prior experience (or flexibility!) required.


17. Create some quarantine art

Channel your feelings by doing something creative. Painting is a great way to express yourself, learn a new skill, and help you see ordinary things (like everything in your house you’ve been staring at for weeks) in a whole new way.


18. Talk to a therapist

Feeling stressed and anxious? Try teletherapy. You can arrange online sessions that allow you to video chat, call, or text with a therapist without ever leaving your house.


19. Get your feet sandal-ready

Eventually, you’re going to be able to leave your house so keep your feet from looking like they were quarantined with a werewolf by doing a little prep work now. Use a foot soak to soften everything, push back your cuticles and trim your nails, paint your nails, pluck any rogue toe-hairs, and – this is the best part – buff the dead skin off your heels.


20. Do a hair mask (don’t cut bangs)

With salons being closed, people are being forced to learn to do their own manicures, hair trims, and even dye jobs. You might want to avoid the urge to cut a new fringe (it never ends well), but one thing you can do risk-free is a hair mask.


21. Take a history class

So many interesting things to learn but so little time? No problem now. Edx offers free university courses –from Harvard University, Australian National University, University of Queensland and Victoria University of Wellington, just to name a few – in hundreds of subjects. Brush up on skills for your job or take a course in something purely for fun, like astronomy or history. You don’t get official credit for them but you get to keep all the knowledge you learn.


22. Try something new in the bedroom

Nothing relieves stress and adds some fun like some good sex and thanks to the quarantine you don’t have to resort to quickies to get your fix. Not to mention that sex can be great exercise! Use this time to try out new positions, role play, or toys. Although parents with children home may find this a little more challenging!


23. Read a happy book

The antidote for all the doom and gloom news you’ve been reading lately? An e-book about happiness, success, self-help, or another positive subject. Sure, romance or sci-fi novels count too! E-books come in a wide variety of subjects, are instantly readable on a device, and are delivered 100 per cent germ-free making them the perfect activity for those staying in to avoid illness.


24. Learn to bake homemade bread

There is no smell better than fresh bread baking but it can feel daunting for beginner bakers who don’t know what ‘proofing yeast’ even means, much less how to do it. Plus, who has the time to sit around rising, kneading, and then baking dough? You do, now! If you’re already a pro, take this opportunity to learn how to bake a new type of bread, like sourdough, and teach this skill to your child while you’re at it.


25. Play some brain games

Keep your mind active and agile can be a challenge when you’re stuck in a quarantine. Thankfully there are plenty of fun and educational brain games to help you stay sharp. Luminosity is an app developed by neuroscientists with over 60 games designed specifically to boost cognition and memory. It’s available on Apple, Android or computer.


26. Find a new favourite podcast

Podcasts – audio programs that you listen to through your phone – are one of the best ways to become smarter in your spare time. With subjects ranging from comedy to history to fictionalised drama, there’s something for everyone. You’ll be amazed at how fast time flies when you’re listening to a riveting story.



27. Plant some flowers

Introduce some welcome colour to your house or garden and plant some flowers. Now that the sun is shining, it's the ideal time to get out in the garden and watch your flowers bloom.


28. Organise your home office

With so many people now suddenly working from home, it’s no surprise that home office arrangements for small spaces are in high demand. And you deserve better than your laptop on a sticky table with cords snaking around your feet! Start by setting apart a dedicated space to work (even if that’s on your couch).


29. Clean your windows

Because you’re constantly looking through them, not at them, you never realise how dirty your windows really are until you clean them. The world will suddenly start to look a lot less dreary and more hopeful if you scrub the dirt and grime off your glass.


30. Go for a walk or run

In most places, unless you are under a strict stay-indoors mandate, you are still allowed to go outside for exercise while still following self-quarantining rules. (Not in groups and while staying at least six feet away from others, of course.) This is something you should take advantage of daily as exercise and sunshine are two of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.


31. Press the big red button

Exhausted all your options and can’t think of a single thing to do to pass the time? Go to Bored Button and, well, press the button. It will take you to one of thousands of decidedly not-boring sites, keeping you entertained for hours.