Decluttering the home is challenging and can take a lot of time. Even though many people attempt the task, they often fail to achieve a clean and tidy house. One reason is that they make many mistakes in the process without realizing it. Keeping this in mind, we have put together the critical decluttering mistakes. Avoiding these errors will give you a clutter-free home that is both functional and beautiful. Tackling too many things at once Rushing the cleaning process is undoubtedly the biggest mistake that will leave you with regrets. Most people try to declutter the entire house in a single day, which is impossible. You must give yourself time to do it properly. For instance, start with your closet and clean a few drawers before working your way up. If you make a mess trying to resolve everything at once, you will never have the interest or energy to finish the task. Not assigning a spot for each item If you do not assign fixed places for your belongings, you will not know where to look for them. For instance, your bookshelf will have knick-knacks hidden between books, while your junk drawer will accumulate keys, pencils, papers, and other random things.

Sleep is an essential component of a healthy life and overall well-being, but many overlook its importance. Getting adequate sleep ensures that the mind and body are relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle all the challenges of the day. However, getting the recommended hours of sleep at a stretch can require more than just sticking to a strict sleep schedule. Common reasons for inadequate sleep could be poor lifestyle choices. Choosing heavy meals Digestion can be an energy-consuming activity. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime can lead to acid reflux and indigestion and potentially wreck your sleep quality. It is best to have dinner at least three hours before bed and ensure that it is a light meal. Additionally, avoid caffeine and other stimulating drinks for a minimum of 5 hours before bedtime to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Engaging in stimulating activities Playing video games, watching television, and scrolling through endless social media feeds can disrupt sleep quality. These activities make it difficult for the brain to wind down and relax. So, you end up with an overactive mind when you would rather be sound asleep. So, consider avoiding screen time and extremely stimulating activities at bedtime if you are trying to improve your sleep quality and the amount of rest you get.

Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. These disturbances can cause unusual sensations and behavior and loss of consciousness. The condition can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure the person is experiencing. While some seizures are harmless, others might end up being fatal. So, individuals must be aware of the disorder’s warning signs and visit a health expert if they occur. Convulsions Convulsions or uncontrolled, jerky movements are the most common symptom. These movements are usually seen in the arms and legs but can also affect the face, neck, and other body parts. The movements can be irregular or in rhythm and may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Loss of consciousness During a seizure, the patient might become unresponsive to visual stimuli, appear dazed or confused, and stare blankly. In some cases, one might also fall to the ground unresponsive. Muscle stiffness Seizures can, at times, lead to muscle stiffness or soreness. This symptom is more common in people experiencing grand mal seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures. Muscle stiffness might cause the person to fall to the ground. Sensory disturbances Seizures may also lead to sensory disturbances, such as numbness and tingling in the upper and lower limbs and the face.

Actively asking your doctor questions is one way through which you can know more about your health. It gives patients a safe space to discuss potential problems or special care needs they may have, so that a more comfortable healthcare experience can be curated. If one is too stressed to visit the physician on their own, they can take a trusted person along, and prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor. Am I at risk for any health issues? Discussing one’s lifestyle habits with the doctor (along with factors such as age and gender) can help set realistic expectations for health in the future. Doing so can also help recognize any risks or complications. Are there any additional screenings I need to undergo? Depending on one’s age and other factors, doctors may recommend additional tests or screenings such as lipid testing for cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1c screening for diabetes, a colonoscopy, a PAP smear for cervical cancer, etc. When should I schedule my next appointment? Depending on one’s general health and lab test results, a person may be asked to return on a date sooner than their scheduled annual or bi-annual checkups. Are my physical tests (BMI, Blood pressure, heart rate/breathing signs) normal?

Being thirsty is one of the most common indicators of dehydration. It happens when the body does not have enough fluid and electrolytes (such as salt and potassium) to function correctly. Dehydration, when untreated, can cause an increase in heart rate, which can strain the organ. Extreme dehydration can also lead to severe complications such as seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypovolemic shock. To avoid these, understanding the warning signs of dehydration is important. Unusual signs of dehydration The most common signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, passing dark yellow and strong-smelling urine, peeing less often than usual, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, tired, and suffering from a dry mouth. However, many unusual warning signs could also indicate the condition, some of which are listed below. Bad breath Saliva has important antibacterial properties that keep bad breath at bay. Dehydration decreases the saliva in the mouth, making it an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath. Drinking water can help avoid the sensation of dry mouth and prevent bad breath. Dry/flushed skin The skin may undergo various changes due to dehydration, including dry or flushed skin and sweaty skin. It may also remain “tented” when pinched and take longer to return to its usual appearance.

Breathing is a vital function that supplies oxygen to the human body and gets rid of carbon dioxide. Breathing correctly promotes relaxation, reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, lowers heart rate, improves mental clarity, and provides several other benefits. Unfortunately, most people do not pay attention to how they breathe, which leads to respiratory problems and lung diseases. This post discusses the common breathing mistakes one should avoid for optimal lung health. Shallow breathing Shallow breathing, also known as chest breathing, is a common mistake. In this type of breathing, the air only reaches the upper part of the lungs, which means the lower part does not receive sufficient oxygen. This can lead to shortness of breath and other lung problems. To avoid complications, one can practice deep breathing exercises that involve filling the lungs with air from the bottom to the top. Mouth breathing Mouth breathing is another common mistake, especially during physical activities like running or exercising. When one breathes through their mouth, the air does not get filtered or humidified, which can cause lung irritation and inflammation. Experts recommended breathing through the nose as much as possible, as it helps filter and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.

Home renovation is a significant task and investment for homeowners. Typically, homeowners have several innovative ideas for ensuring a new look and feel to their homes. However, the end-to-end renovation process requires them to understand their home needs, research current interior design trends, and know their budget limits before proceeding with the activity. Moreover, being aware of some common renovation mistakes can help homeowners make the best decisions and facilitate an esthetic home: Not opting for good-quality materials Choosing materials of substandard quality may be an affordable option, but it can cause homeowners to incur huge repair expenses in the long run. Superior-quality renovation materials are durable and do not have to be replaced for long periods. Therefore, it is advisable to check out brands offering home-renovation materials and their prices and opt for the ones that perfectly integrate quality with affordability. Not knowing one’s budget range and limit Home renovation typically entails expenses for various activities, including flooring, plumbing, whitewashing or painting, purchasing new furniture, and decorating the home with showpieces and artifacts. Setting a budget range is essential to ensure that one can be prepared with the required amount and does not end up overspending. Homeowners must curate a list of home-renovation activities to be carried out so that a definite cumulative budget can be set accordingly.

Many general-use items and household products can have side effects, especially for those with sensitive skin. These side effects may show up in the form of red, swollen, itchy rashes, also known as contact dermatitis. Patches of leathery skin, which may appear purple, brown, or gray are some signs of contact dermatitis. Knowing the common irritants around the house and ways to avoid them can help one avoid skin rashes. Soap Soap is one of the most common skin irritants. While washing hands helps keep germs away, washing them obsessively can strip the skin of natural oils and moisture. Those who are keen on washing their hands repeatedly may consider replacing household soaps with mild hydrating cleansers that can help them clean their hands effectively while being delicate on their skin. Household cleansers Household cleansers are also made up of harsh chemicals, which can irritate the skin. While these are extremely effective in cleaning up messes around the house, they may cause severe rashes. To prevent these, wear cleaning gloves, especially when using products like dish detergents, laundry detergents, furniture polish, drain cleaners, and toilet disinfectants. Products made of latex Latex is a natural rubber that is found in daily household items such as gloves, elastic waistbands, and even bra straps.

Eczema is a chronic skin disease that causes the skin to develop lesions. Here, skin irritation and itching are usually the first two symptoms. The skin condition is fairly common, with about 31.6 million people in the country affected by one of the forms of eczema. There are several known triggers of the condition, such as allergic reactions, cold and dry weather, and pollen. Here are some lesser-known eczema triggers: Perfumes The skin can absorb and react to different skincare products. However, unlike many cosmetics, the ingredients in perfumes can trigger flare-ups in those living with one or the other form of eczema. Most perfumes contain synthetic preservatives, chemicals, specific oils, and artificial fragrances, all of which are well-known skin irritants, making perfumes one of the most surprising triggers of eczema flare-ups. Creams Certain cosmetic or skincare creams contain chemicals such as salicylic acid, retinol, and glycolic acid. Each of these three ingredients can trigger itchiness and irritation when one uses such creams for a long time. People with eczema tend to have a relatively weaker skin barrier, which causes such chemicals to seep into the topmost layer of the epidermis, leading to moisture evaporation, dryness, and itching. Clothes Harsh fabrics like wool or synthetic materials such as nylon, rayon, or polyester cause overheating, making one sweat excessively if clothes with such materials are worn for longer periods.

Many people fail to identify the number of hidden and apparent toxins found in daily objects and surroundings. These hidden toxins can potentially contribute to numerous health concerns, including something as serious as skin cancer. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in the country today. Avoiding exposure to these hidden household toxins can help lower the risk of health issues and keep the immune system thriving. Radon Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found in homes without most people even realizing it. It especially makes its way into homes from the surrounding soil. Not only does long-term exposure to this gas increase the risk of lung cancer, but it can also contribute to the onset of skin cancer. Excessive exposure to radon gas can cause damage to DNA present in skin cells leading to mutations, eventually resulting in skin cancer. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a commonly used element in the manufacturing of multiple household products. These household goods include adhesives, pressed wood products, and fabrics. Additionally, personal care products and makeup products can also contain this colorless gas. Exposure to this chemical can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as a carcinogen.