First dates can be fun and nerve-racking at the same time. Between the shy smiles and the excitement of getting to know someone new, sometimes you aren’t quite sure what to talk about. Luckily, this list of first date conversation starters can get you off on the right foot.  Have You Been Here Before?  To begin with, keep things light and gather some basic information. This question is a good segue to talking about the venue, your date’s hobbies and perhaps their friends and family.  For example, if you’re at a bowling alley, maybe your date will tell you they’ve never been bowling and have no idea what they’re doing. Then, you can engage in some playful banter and teach them how to bowl.  Where Are You From?  Another neutral question, this gives you some background info and serves as a basis for talking about shared lifestyles, childhood memories and what brought you to your current location.  For example, maybe you’ll find out you both grew up in Milwaukee but never ran into each other. That would be an interesting tidbit that could lead to further conversation. Do You Like Living Here? Does your date love the city? Are they only here while they attend school, but can’t wait to get out? You should find this out on the first date.  After all, you want to date someone who likes living in the same area as you so you’ll get along if you end up dating. Even if they don’t like the particular location you’re currently in, maybe they love cities in general, for example.  What is a Day at Work Like for You? This is a great way to ask about your date’s career. Maybe they dislike their job but work hard to pay the bills, or they barely make ends meet but have a fulfilling career that’s closely tied to their identity. Is their lifestyle compatible with yours? What about their work schedule? It’s also a good way to see if someone will complain if given the chance to do so, or whether they’ll gloss over the less-than-stellar parts of their job as a nurse. Nobody needs all the details. What’s Your Favorite Food?  A lighthearted question that works best when you’re ordering food, a straightforward answer to this question doesn’t tell you much about your date’s personality. But, it can be a lead-in to things like whether they enjoy cooking, if they have any food allergies or they always loved the casseroles their grandma baked when they were a child.  Do You Have Any Siblings? You can find out if they’re the youngest, oldest, a twin or an only child. What was it like growing up with four brothers? Did your date enjoy being alone, or did they always wish they had someone to play with? You can also find common ground by talking about your own siblings.  What Did You Want to Be Growing Up? Everyone loves to talk about what they wanted to be as a child. The answer might come out of left field — maybe your date wanted to be a mime or a horse wrangler — or it could reveal a yet-unmet goal that they’re still working toward.  Or, maybe they knew all their life that they wanted to be a gardener, and they finally started their own homestead. This first date conversation starter can reveal a lot about how someone’s personality changed or stayed the same over time. What Are Your Hobbies? Does your date watch movie marathons on the weekends or would they prefer to be hiking? Maybe they’d love to spend a day at the farmers market with you. A person’s hobbies can give you a clue about how active they are and what they value. Of course, it’s great if you have some of the same hobbies, but variety keeps things interesting. Do You Have Any Nicknames?  Here’s a silly, playful query that doesn’t have a wrong answer. This can lead to an interesting story about why their friends call them Birdman, Pokey or Shades. What did they do to earn such a funny moniker? What’s Something I Wouldn’t Guess About You?  The ball is in their court. The answers to this open-ended question could run the gamut from funny to sad, from interesting to a potential red flag. Oh, your date still lives with their ex? Yep, you definitely wouldn’t have guessed that. Or maybe they have a huge coin collection, and it turns out that you do, too.  Where Would You Love to Travel?  Do they love warm, sandy shores or rugged mountains? Or is their dream vacation spending a weekend in Las Vegas, doing all the touristy things? You’ll never know until you ask.  Do You Have Any Pets? This is a good one to get out of the way on the first date. Maybe you’re a cat person and they’re allergic. Maybe you’re both crazy about animals and each have four dogs already. Find out how compatible you are in the pet department with this first date conversation starter.  What’s a Crazy Adventure You’ve Had? Maybe they got chased by a moose while hiking, or accidentally went into someone’s house thinking it was a store. This question is probably fun for your date to answer, and you can get an idea of what they consider to be an adventure.  Perhaps your definitions are different — you were thinking of the day you went skydiving, while they talk about the one time they left their hometown. Can you see yourself going on adventures together? Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?  Your date might reveal that they see themselves living somewhere else, staying in the same line of work, having children or going back to school. This is another fairly open-ended question that your date could interpret in many different ways.  What’s Your Favorite TV Show?  Keeping it lighthearted, ask your date if they have a favorite show. Maybe you’re both up-to-date on the same episode of the Simpsons, and you can plan to watch the next one together. Do You Have a Favorite Childhood Memory?  Maybe they’ll talk about going fishing with their dad, and indicate that they’ve been closer ever since that trip. Or, it could be something you also enjoyed doing as a child, like playing hide-and-seek.  You can almost always find common ground with this inquiry. It also helps you fill in your date’s background a little more. What Would You Like to Accomplish in Life? Do they have any big goals they want to achieve? Maybe their idea of accomplishment is to climb every fourteener or simply bake a really nice cake. Or maybe neither of you knows what you’re doing yet and you can set a goal that you’d like to achieve together, like going on another date. What Are Your Hidden Talents?  Here’s another one that can be lighthearted or revealing. Can your date lick their own nose? Are they actually a famous pop star that you didn’t recognize because of the wig? It’s a great opportunity for your date to make you laugh or impress you with their skills.  How Do You Spend Your Days?  Try to find out the answer to this one early on. You might both enjoy doing watercolors or going to the same park in your free time. Maybe one of you is more active than the other. This question gives you a lot of info about your date’s personality.  Do You Have Any Fun Weekend Plans?  If the sparks are flying, set up your next date with this inquisitive query. Who knows? Maybe they enjoyed bowling with you so much, they’re willing to be bad at it again next weekend.  Good to Go Hopefully these first date conversation starters gave you some ideas to prepare for your get-together. If there’s a moment of awkward silence, you can ask a question to get things moving again.  Or, you can always pause and enjoy that moment of stillness, communicating without words for the first time. Years from now, you and your partner might remember it fondly. 

You love your dog, and that means you often want to feed them the tasty treats you enjoy. After all, it might not feel fair for them to miss out. Many desserts feature cinnamon, a spice that can pack flavor in every bite. But is cinnamon bad for dogs? You'll want to make sure you feed your dog only the best so they can stay in excellent health. In short, no, cinnamon is not bad for dogs. Still, that doesn't mean you can be feeding your dog handfuls of cinnamon at a time. While your dog may not face fatal side effects by ingesting some cinnamon, eating it can still be a cause for concern.  What to Watch Out for With Cinnamon Mainly, you should watch out for cinnamon essential oil, as it can poison your pet. Essential oils are bad to have around pets in general, as they can be toxic once in contact with your dog's skin. Try to keep essential oils locked away in another room, where your dog can't get to them. If you like the aroma of essential oils, opt for a non-toxic candle instead if you want the scent in the same room as your dog. You also need to be aware of your dog's size. Smaller dogs can tolerate smaller quantities of cinnamon. Larger dogs will likely be all right if they ingest a little more than a teaspoon, but that doesn't mean that you should try it out. It's better to err on the side of caution, which means not intentionally feeding your dog a lot of cinnamon — if you feed them any at all. How Much Cinnamon Can Dogs Have? Is cinnamon bad for dogs? No, but it isn't always a good dietary option, either. Really, no amount of cinnamon is entirely safe for a dog to ingest. Humans enjoy a host of benefits from consuming cinnamon, such as aiding in digestion or even reducing the risk of cancer in some people. Unfortunately, dogs don't have the same proven results. It's still to be determined whether a dietary supplement of cinnamon could actually help your dog, so talk to your veterinarian before feeding your pup any. You may consider substituting another natural supplement to achieve the results you want for your dog. One of the side effects of dogs eating too much cinnamon is that it could lead to skin and digestive issues in your pup. In fact, allowing your dog to ingest cinnamon on a regular basis can lead to irritation — so you shouldn't use it as a topping for their daily meals. Similar to how humans may have difficulty breathing after inhaling too much cinnamon, dogs also can have irritated airways from breathing the spice in. Be sure to watch out if your dog is in the kitchen while you're cooking. So, Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs? No, cinnamon is not bad for dogs inherently. It can cause irritation, though the severity depends on how much they ingest, but it will not kill them. However, don't use this as an excuse to give your pup some of your tasty desserts! While people may rely on cinnamon to add flavor as they cut back on something like salt, dogs don't particularly need a lot of flavor in their food. If you want to give your dog some delicious people food, try creating homemade apple or peanut butter treats instead. Your dog will thank you for the tasty snack!

Hiking offers a glimpse into a world of snuffling creatures in the brush, crawlers underneath logs and towering trees soaring above our heads. These natural places are a respite for people worldwide, including parents and families.  While leading a hike with kids is different from the typical trek, you can easily learn how to make them engaging and safe for the whole family.  1. Choose an Engaging Trail Before you make your plans, you should purposefully pick a path that will engage your kids. Long hikes are great for adult exercise goals, but kids do not have the same level of energy. Their attention span is also shorter. Select a path shorter than a mile so kids do not feel exhausted after their trip.  The ideal path may also feature exciting natural landscapes like lakes, waterfalls, rivers or flower fields. You can stop and allow your children to explore and play in these environments on your journey. These delightful memories will last a lifetime! 2. Pack Essentials and Extras After selecting your trail, start packing the essentials. It’s always a good idea to bring safety and cleaning supplies, but hiking with kids means including these key items: Wet wipes Tissues Lip balm Safety whistles Binoculars Magnifying glasses Snacks Water bottles Extra clothes Field guides for plants, animals and birds 3. Bring High-Energy Snacks Additionally, make sure you bring lots of food and water. Kids aren’t as in tune with their bodies as adults, so they may not know when they are dehydrated. Set timers for drink breaks to ensure everyone in your group is well-fed and nourished.  You can buy high-energy snacks packed with protein which energize kids for the path ahead. Try these snacks for a burst of energy: Protein bars Trail mix Popcorn and crackers Nuts like almonds Cheese bites 4. Dress For Success Being in nature means encountering mud, rain and other materials that stain clothes. Always pack an extra outfit, including undergarments, a shirt, pants, socks and shoes. These clothing items or jackets should be in bright colors so that you can spot the kids easily. Try not to dress them in greens or camouflage!  Outside the sweltering summer months, pack hats and gloves. Your tot’s shoes must be comfortable and sturdy enough to handle everything from pebbles to large rocks that they clamber over.  5. Safety Always Comes First Throughout your journey, always practice safety rules. Equip your kid with a small pack that holds snacks, a water bottle, a small safety kit and a safety whistle. If they do get separated from their family, they can stay nourished and call for help.  Teach your children the responsibility and power of the whistle and how to stay in one spot if lost. This gives both you and your child the confidence to navigate extenuating circumstances.  6. Be Flexible and Patient Though you may be used to forging ahead through the forest, a hike with kids is not always a straight path. Kids will want to stop and examine rocks or trees and may need more extended breaks.  While walking, enjoy the journey instead of the destination. Remember that your kids are exploring the world for the first time and every stick or bug they find is truly exciting.  7. Play Games and Sing Songs Hikes are a great opportunity to welcome your child into the natural world, but you can increase their understanding with games and songs. Make a chart of local birds and give your kid a marker so they can cross off which birds they spot on the way.  They can also practice identifying their senses by creating mini poems. What does this log feel like? How does it compare to the grass? How does the river sound?  Campfire songs have also united people for hundreds of years. Strike up a traditional tune you may remember from scouts or camping trips and blaze through the forests together!  8. Teach a Lesson Take a more scientific approach and come into your hike with a lesson in mind. If you’re exploring a water feature, teach your child about buoyancy and how objects sink or float.  With a magnifying glass, examine the lines on leaves and branches. Can you find any insects crawling along? Roll rocks over to see what is living in that ecosystem. The joy of finding a striking salamander is unlike no other.  9. Leave No Trace When you hike with kids, you're teaching the future adults who walk these trails, so teach them how to conserve nature now. Make sure you gather all trash on hikes and practice the mindset of “leave no trace” or trash. This could also be a fun game if kids encounter others’ trash. Make it a challenge to find a certain number of wrappers and pack them away. However, be sure to avoid potentially hazardous materials like cigarettes. Time to Explore When you hike with kids, the experience is a little different but rewarding in its own way. With preparation and engaging activities, your kids will strengthen their bond with you and the breathtaking natural world around them. 

We all have goals in life but don’t know where to start. They can seem to big or overwhelming to the point you push them off. It is time to face your goals directly and be successful once and for all. Here is how to achieve goals in life and five strategies to use to get there.  1. Write Your Goal on Paper Sometimes a goal will come to mind and be forgotten in the next few days. Write your goal on paper to bring it to life. Writing it down will force your subconscious to have this in the back of your head and keep your commitment going.  Write your goal down every morning before you start your day. This keeps it fresh and gives you purpose throughout the day. Each decision you make can be made with your goal in mind.  2. Take the First Step Simply starting can be one of the biggest reasons you haven’t reached your goal. You might be waiting for the right moment, but there is no time like the present. Get started and make the necessary adjustments as you go.  Procrastination is the thief of goal achievement. The longer you wait to start, the more you risk never reaching your goal. Each day is an opportunity to begin taking the steps you need to. Once you take the first step, the next ones will follow naturally.  3. Try SMART Goals  Sometimes the goals you make for yourself are too broad to the point you don’t have a starting point. If you use the SMART goal strategy, you can tackle every aspect involved with your goal. Here is a breakdown of what a SMART goal is: Specific: First, you will want to clarify what you want to accomplish and the actions that will lead you there. Measurable. Find a way to track your progress.  Achievable. Make sure you have the skills and resources to complete this goal. Relevant. Does this goal align with other plans and is it important to you?  Time-Bound. What is the time frame for achieving this goal?  After you evaluate each part of your goal, you should have an in-depth plan and a clear view of what you want to achieve. SMART goals help you break down aspects of your goal deeper than the big picture.  4. Improve Your Mindset Ensure your mindset is in the right place before starting your goal. Going in negative will affect the outcome you want. For example, if you want to reach a fitness goal don’t doubt yourself or complain about the actions you need to take every day. It will only get in the way and lead to giving up.   5. Reward Yourself  After you accomplish your goal, give yourself the recognition you deserve. It can be easy to achieve goal after goal and keep pushing yourself to accomplish the next thing in mind. You put in the work to achieve the goal you just did, so take a moment to soak in the moment.  Treat yourself to something you love or reminisce on your steps to get there. Remembering where you started is a great way to feel proud of yourself for where you are now.  Tackle Your Goals In Life Next time you set a new goal, consider these strategies on how to achieve your goals in life. You will surely become a new and improved you after implementing these ways to achieve your goals. 

Are you considering marriage counseling but aren’t sure if it’s worth the investment? If so, you’ve probably got plenty of questions, including: How much does marriage counseling cost per session? How many sessions will you need to pay for? Will your health insurance cover marriage counseling?  This article will teach you the average cost of marriage counseling and whether your health insurance plan will cover it. We’ll also provide alternative ways to find affordable couples therapy. What Is the Average Cost for a Marriage Counseling Session? An average counseling session lasts about 60 minutes, and most therapists charge by the hour. While session rates will vary depending on the provider, the average cost of a 60-minute couples therapy session is around $100 per hour.  Most counselors will advise couples to visit for more than one session. Typically, they might recommend a couple of visits. Some might suggest longer-term counseling, including weekly sessions for three months or more. Ultimately, how long a couple decides to pursue therapy is up to them.  Let’s say your therapist recommends three months of weekly counseling sessions. The total cost of couples therapy would then be $1,200. Don’t be shy about asking your counselor upfront what they charge per session and how long they recommend you visit with them.  And remember, you are not obligated to complete all the sessions. You can cancel therapy at any time and for any reason. Call at least a day in advance to avoid being charged a no-show fee if you intend to cancel a session.  Does My Insurance Cover Marriage Counseling? Unfortunately, your health insurance plan likely does not cover marriage counseling. If a marriage therapist says otherwise, you might want to press them for more information, as marriage counseling is not recognized as a critical or essential health care service. Therefore, most insurance plans do not cover marriage counseling. Some therapists might code a session as mental health care treatment for a mental health disorder for one or both spouses and bill their insurance company accordingly, all while actually conducting couples therapy. However, this practice is considered fraud by the U.S. government if you or your spouse does not have a mental health disorder.  Where Can I Find Affordable Marriage Counseling Services?  If you’re worried about the cost of couples counseling, you’re not alone. To put you at ease, we’ve compiled some alternative ways to find affordable couples therapy:  Collateral Coverage Unlike therapists billing a session for mental health care and illegally conducting couples therapy instead, collateral coverage is a legitimate way to address issues that might affect your marriage without billing for couples therapy. For example, if your partner has a mental health disorder or battles substance use that impacts your marriage, you can sit in during their sessions to learn more about the condition. During their sessions, you’ll learn healthy ways of coping and communicating with one another.   However, this method is not necessarily a substitute for marriage counseling, nor will couples therapy take place. Employee-Assistance Programs If you or your spouse are a part of an employee-assistance program (EAP), you might want to look into the benefits, as some EAPs provide short-term counseling services. Some EAPs also contract with outside mental health care practices, so short-term couples therapy through your EAP might be an option. Best of all, if your EAP does cover marriage counseling, the services are free and confidential and eliminate the need to find a certified licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) on your own. EAP clinicians can also point you toward other resources that might be beneficial, like local couples groups or informational sessions you might find helpful. Grant-Funded Public Health Clinics Lastly, many public health clinics offer free or low-cost mental health care services, including couples counseling. Contact your local public health clinic to enquire about low-cost marriage counseling services. Plus, some universities have received grants to conduct mental health research. To partake in a study, contact a nearby university to see if there are currently any ongoing mental health research studies or projects. Additionally, you can enquire whether any MFT training students can provide free or low-cost couples counseling services.  Is Couples Counseling Worth the Investment? Though your health insurance might not cover couples counseling, don’t feel discouraged. It may seem like a costly or even risky investment initially, but partaking in quality couples counseling is priceless if you and your spouse can find common ground to rekindle that old spark.

Most people experience occasional doubts in relationships but sometimes it can go so far that the anxiety ends the relationship. If you feel consumed by a waving level of attraction or uncertainty and anxiety, there may be something deeper going on. If the feelings are frequent and persistent, you may have relationship OCD.  Relationship OCD is a real diagnosis. Here is an overview of what it is and how to cope.  Relationship OCD Relationship OCD (ROCD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that involves intrusive thoughts and behaviors related to your romantic relationship. You may experience repetitive thoughts of uncertainty or fears in the relationship. It can look like questioning if your partner loves you or if it will last forever.  The thoughts can eventually lead to behaviors that are done for constant reassurance or even end the relationship. It can cause a great deal of stress on both partners in the relationship and the relationship as a whole. Individuals with OCD are typically single, can find romantic relationships hard and report significant stress.   Signs of ROCD People with ROCD tend to respond to their doubts with compulsive behavior to relieve the anxiety of the intrusive thoughts. You may have rituals you go to when the intrusive thoughts start flowing. There are some typical compulsive behaviors in ROCD.  Constant comparison. You may constantly compare your relationship to other relationships, whether it is friends, fictional TV shows or past relationships.  Searching for evidence. To affirm the relationship, you might be an emotional detective. You will try to seek proof that your partner is a good match and truly loves you.  Reassurance. Sometimes seeking reassurance from a partner or others about the relationship is a sign of ROCD. Mental Monitoring. Spending hours breaking down thoughts or feelings about the relationship.  The behaviors won’t ease the doubts or make the relationship better in the long run. It provides temporary relief and makes the anxiety worse over time.   Causes The reason for ROCD is unclear, but some factors can contribute. Some reasons people risk developing relationship OCD are: Trauma History of abuse Sudden life changes Anxious attachment style  Loss of a loved one It is not uncommon to have ups and down with relationship anxiety from time to time. People with relationship OCD may experience it more frequently.   Types of ROCD There are two forms of relationship OCD. You may experience one or the other or have a mixture of both.  Relationship-focused: Your symptoms are centered around the relationship as a whole. You may question if you are really in love with them or if the relationship is what you want.  Partner-focused: In form is centered around questioning the characteristics of your partner. You may love your partner but have questions about their personality or other characteristics.  Treatment The first step to tackling this condition is to talk to your doctor about managing symptoms. Since OCD symptoms are already linked to difficulty maintaining and establishing romantic relationships, you will want to find ways to control them. Getting treatment for your symptoms will help you and your relationship thrive.  Treatment for ROCD can either be psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two. Psychotherapy helps work on challenging areas like poor social skills, low self-esteem or anything that could get in the way of developing a healthy relationship. Medications can be prescribed to reduce symptoms of OCD. They are similar to antidepressants and help with serotonin reuptake.  The Bottom Line Relationships are complex on their own. When ROCD is added into the mix, it can make things even more challenging to deal with. To have a happy and long-lasting relationship, it is best to identify if you are suffering from this and find a way to manage the symptoms. 

Women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are all too familiar with the struggles of having a hormonal imbalance. Suddenly, juggling a healthy lifestyle and maintaining your reproductive well-being is as challenging as it is dire. Although finding an ideal regimen for managing PCOS is personal, health tips and tricks deliver hope in easing symptoms.  What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? PCOS affects nearly 5% to 10% of women during childbearing age—although its onset can occur at puberty. Most women learn of their PCOS when they try to conceive, while others wait even longer for a diagnosis.  Women with PCOS usually show signs of insulin resistance. Their bodies also produce excess androgens—male hormones — which prevent ovulation and could cause irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, hirsutism, weight gain, thinning hair and acne. Doctors usually diagnose PCOS if you present two of the following symptoms: Irregular menstruation or anovulation—prolonged periods without a menstrual cycle More androgens that induce unwanted hair growth, hair thinning or acne Small ovarian cysts, determined by transvaginal ultrasound While no cure or single medication exists for PCOS, your doctors can work with you on developing a treatment plan and lifestyle changes for relief. 6 Health Tips and Tricks to Deal With PCOS If you have PCOS, there’s never been a better time to get proactive about your health. PCOS can be lifelong, posing a higher risk of developing diabetes, gestational diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gynecological cancers, depression and anxiety. However, these six health tips and tricks can help. 1. Seek Help from Experienced Doctors Establishing the right team of providers is crucial for receiving the medical care you deserve. According to EndocrineWeb.com, a 2017 survey found that 50% of women saw three or more doctors for a PCOS diagnosis—30% reported it taking over two years. Your medical care team should include an experienced endocrinologist, gynecologist and primary care provider. If you’re trying to conceive, consider a reproductive endocrine specialist, too.  Others prefer a more holistic approach with functional medicine specialists, therapists, nutritionists, dermatologists and estheticians to aid specific symptoms. 2. Eat a PCOS-Friendly Diet and Exercise Diet and exercise are integral in preventing several conditions caused by PCOS. Although made more challenging by hormonal imbalances, a low-calorie eating plan and healthy weight management can reduce insulin resistance, regulate menstrual cycles and avert diabetes and heart disease.  Some women eliminate gluten and dairy to reduce inflammation, while most find avoiding sugary, processed and caffeinated foods is also beneficial.  It’s also essential to get moving through aerobic exercise, resistance training or walking. One study suggests that 120 minutes of high-intensity weekly workouts significantly affect women with PCOS. Other studies have indicated that yoga can also reduce androgen levels and stress.  3. Take Supplements Certain supplements may help manage PCOS. For example, Myo-inositol can lower androgen levels and insulin resistance and improve fertility. Cinnamon supplements also transport sugar from the bloodstream to the cells to bolster the body’s insulin sensitivity.  Additional supplements could include omega-3, turmeric and vitamins D and B. Regular bloodwork can help you determine vitamin deficiencies and the best supplements you should take for PCOS. 4. Consider Hair Removal Treatment About 65% to 75% of women with PCOS present hirsutism—unwanted hair growth on the face and body. For many, it’s a source of discomfort, embarrassment and reduced confidence. The only FDA-approved hair removal treatment is electrolysis, which permanently destroys hair growth cells at the follicle regardless of skin tone.  Some women find laser hair removal more effective and affordable than electrolysis. However, laser merely slows the appearance of hair and, in some cases, may stimulate growth elsewhere.  5. Know Your Treatment Options Although there aren’t any medications to treat PCOS specifically, women often take birth control to regulate their cycles if they’re not trying to get pregnant.  Combination birth control pills with estrogen and progesterone reduce androgens and balance proper female hormone production. Meanwhile, progestin-only medication protects those at higher risk of endometrial cancer due to PCOS. Women who wish to increase their fertility may be prescribed clomiphene, metformin and others. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) may also be necessary for conception.  6. Find Support and Stay Educated Finding support and staying educated is the most useful of all the healthy tips and tricks for living with PCOS. Visit PCOS organizations and forums to connect with fellow “cysters” for camaraderie on your journey. Likewise, stay abreast of the latest medications and tests underway to better diagnose, treat and manage life with PCOS—and talk to your doctors about your findings.  As research advances and PCOS challenges become addressed more often, diagnostic criteria and medical care will improve. Live Easier With PCOS PCOS doesn’t have to rule your life. Although the condition can make coping more difficult, applying these health tips and tricks can enhance PCOS management.

Being a stay-at-home mom is far from easy — it’s a full-time job. From the time you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, someone always seems to need something from you. You make meals, clean the house, help with homework, put little ones down for a nap and so much more. Repeating these patterns of service day after day will drain you like no other unless you do something to fill your own cup. That’s why hobbies for stay-at-home moms are so important.  Money-Making Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms Having kids is expensive. Why not combine your desire to take up a hobby with the ability to make some money? You can find a market for just about any skill or good, so sit with yourself and brainstorm a list of things you’re good at or would love to learn. Perhaps you love to write, crochet or code.  Then all you need to do is find a path where you can turn those talents and ideas into money-makers. Pay off your debt and have fun at the same time. We call that a win-win.  Making printables Starting a YouTube channel Blogging Proofreading Copywriting Becoming a notary Photography Creating an Etsy shop Mindful Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms  Turn to this list of mindful hobbies for stay-at-home moms when you need something to ground yourself in the present and remind you of who you are and why you do what you do.  Motherhood is rewarding yet challenging. Occasionally, we need reminders of what we have to be grateful for. We need to connect with ourselves and others. You can end any of these hobbies for the day feeling significantly better than when you started.  Journaling Yoga Meditation Gardening Baking Reading Creative Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms Creative hobbies give you an outlet to express yourself. Artistic endeavors often overlap between this category and others. You can make money from most of your creations, and working on them typically encourages mindfulness. For the sake of this list, we’ve only included new ideas rather than repeating them from previous sections. Each of these would make excellent creative hobbies for stay-at-home moms.  Jewelry making Knitting  Crocheting Cross Stitching Woodworking Watercolors  Flower pressing Interior design Sewing Singing  Lego building Pottery Active Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms  Staying active is essential for moms at any age or stage — it can boost your mood and lower your stress levels. You can bring all your emotions to the surface and let them go. Nothing else matters when you’re working up a sweat and having fun. Choose one or more of these amazing activities to keep your body healthy and your outlook bright.   Hiking Biking Canoeing or kayaking Rollerblading  Dancing Weight Lifting Running Swimming Self-defense Boxing  Joining a community sports team Educational Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms Who says an “old” dog can’t learn new tricks? Improve your memory and expand your mind by learning new skills or gaining knowledge. There must be something you’ve always wanted to find out more about. Does anything on this list speak to you? Even working at it for a few minutes daily can increase your feelings of fulfillment.  Learn a language Coding Pick up an instrument Work on puzzles Studying a favorite topic Word or board games Learning any new skill Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms Are Therapeutic No matter what stage of mommyhood you’re in, hobbies for stay-at-home moms are a necessary bit of “me time.” They allow you to carve out a piece of your day for something more fulfilling than scrolling through social media.  Whichever type of activity appeals most to you, practice it whenever you can. Take a few moments each day or an hour once a week, whatever you need to reset from your mommy duties and feel like a unique person again.