| How to Stay Happy Posted: 15 Oct 2020 05:00 PM PDT Happiness can seem really hard to find, especially given the uncertainty in our world right now. It takes a lot of courage to take the first step forward to find this seemingly elusive feeling, but there's nothing to fear! The key to staying happy often lies in your thoughts, decisions, and daily habits. While it may take a leap of faith, you can trust in the fact that happiness is much easier to find and maintain than you think. [Edit]Finding Active Ways to Be Happy - Spend time pursuing your passions. Think about what really makes you happy, whether it's woodworking, playing a musical instrument, or some other hobby. Do your best to measure out some time in your schedule for these interests, even if it's only for an hour. If you spend your free time doing things you enjoy, then you'll experience a lot more happiness in the long run.[1]
- For instance, you can ask a neighbor to watch your kids for an evening while you go to a special class or workshop.
- If you can't figure out what your passions are, that's okay! Spending time learning new skills and improving yourself are still great ways to find and maintain happiness.
- Choosing a fulfilling career that really makes you happy. Think about the type of you'd really love to have—not just a career that makes you money. Don't tie yourself down to a job that makes you feel unhappy. Instead, keep your eye out for new opportunities![2]
- For instance, if you're working a desk job solely to pay the bills, start looking into career options that better suit your interests, whether it's graphic design, public relations, or anything else under the sun.
- It can be hard to face your fears, whether they're related to money or the uncertainty of the future. The more time you spend facing these fears, the happier you'll be in the long run!
- Ask your friends and family for advice if you need it.
- Surround yourself with caring, loving people. Think about all of the people in your life, whether they're friends or family. Ask yourself if these people really make you happy, or if they tend to bring down your mood. If you spend your free time with loving, positive people, you'll likely feel and stay a lot happier.[3]
- There's nothing wrong with cutting toxic people out of your life! Life's too short to surround yourself with miserable, unhappy people.
- Spend your free time helping others. Search online for volunteer opportunities in your area. Look for charities and organizations that support causes that you really believe in, and see if you can donate your time and money to them. If you spend time helping others, you can feel really happy and fulfilled knowing that you've made a difference.[4]
- For instance, if you love animals, you can spend your weekends volunteering at an animal shelter.
- If you want to help impoverished communities, you can sponsor a child via a third-party organization.
[Edit]Adjusting Your Routine - Clean up your living space. Set aside some time to tidy up a cluttered area of your home, whether it's your bathroom, bedroom, or some other area where you spend a lot of time. You may feel productive and happier if you're spending time in a clean living space. It'll also feel good to make progress on a big project![5]
- If your room is messy, you may not be able to sleep as well.
- Take a trip to change up your scenery. Plan a day trip or weekend getaway so you can escape from the usual pace of your daily routine. A trip can give you something to look forward to, and may help improve your mood, too![6]
- Plan a trip to a place where you can see a lot of open water and blue skies, which can really help improve your mood.
- Stay distracted if you're feeling stressed out. Make a list of small activities that you can do if you find yourself feeling stressed or down in the dumps. Spend a few minutes doing this activity so you can take your mind off whatever is making you unhappy. As you go through your daily routine, don't be afraid to lean on these activities for extra support![7]
- For instance, if you're thinking about stressful activities, you can help redirect your thoughts to a more positive activity, like doing a puzzle, listening to music, playing a video game, or going for a walk.
- Exercise on a regular, frequent basis. Take a few minutes each day to get in a workout, whether it's running, jump roping, swimming, playing a sport, or some other activity you enjoy. When you exercise, your brain releases several chemicals that leave you feeling happy. If you exercise on a regular basis, you may find yourself feeling happier as you finish your workout..[8]
- You can choose any physical activity for this. What matters most is that you choose something that you enjoy!
[Edit]Changing Your Mindset - Think positively to help yourself stay happy. Take a moment to ask yourself if you spend a lot of time thinking positively—if not, try making a few adjustments to your thought processes. Condition yourself to connect a positive feeling with simple tasks, like understanding how something works, or doing a task correctly. Once you make positive thinking a habit, you'll be able to feel much happier on a regular basis.[9]
- For instance, if you troubleshoot an issue with your computer, you can reward yourself by feeling positive and happy.
- Similarly, if you do something productive, like accomplishing a task at work, you can reward yourself by feeling happy.
- Practice mindfulness on a regular basis. Mindfulness helps you slow down your thinking and view things as a third-party observer. If you practice mindfulness regularly, you'll have more time to appreciate small things that you wouldn't normally notice. You can also use this skill to monitor how you react to negative thoughts and encounters in your daily life. [10]
- For instance, if you practice mindfulness on a sunny day, you may have greater appreciation for how warm the sun feels, or how nice the air smells.
- Choose laughter whenever you can. Laughter doesn't just feel good, but it's physically good for you, as well! Whenever you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that help you feel happy. You'll also feel a lot more relaxed, and less tempted to hold onto negative feelings, like anger.[11]
- Laughter has major benefits for your health, too! It helps improve your blood flow, strengthens your immune system, and burns a very small handful of calories, to boot!
- Look on the bright side of every situation. Try to view the glass as half full, even if your mind is more hard-wired to view it as more half-empty. In fact, studies show that people who make an effort to view life more positively tend to live longer. With this in mind, try to nip your bad thoughts in the bud as soon as they pop up in your mind—instead, reframe the situation so you can look at it in a more positive light![12]
- For instance, if a package you were expecting doesn't arrive, remind yourself that you'll have something to look forward to the next day.
- If you drop a glass on the floor, you can remind yourself that it's just 1 glass, and not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
- Write down positive thoughts in a gratitude journal. Keeping a journal may seem silly, but it can be a really effective way to feel happier and more content. Once a day, jot down something good that happened in a notebook, even if it seems insignificant. Try to get in the habit of writing down positive things in your journal each day, which can help you feel and stay happy. You may be surprised how many small blessings are in your life![13]
- For instance, you can write something like: "Today, my coworker told me that she liked my outfit. It was a quick comment, but it made me feel confident and proud of myself. I'm grateful to be surrounded by kind people who notice and appreciate me."
- Look for the positives in past negativity. Try not to spend too much time dwelling on the past, even if it's tempting. If you find yourself stuck mulling over past events, spin your thoughts in a positive light by focusing on the positives from the situation. While it can be really hard, make an effort to choose gratitude over any negative, residual feelings.[14]
- For instance, if you recently cut ties with a toxic friend, don't think about all the things that went wrong in the relationship. Instead, think about how you're now surrounded by loving and caring friends.
[Edit]Putting Yourself First - Allow yourself to feel emotional. It's perfectly normal and okay if you don't want to cry or show other obvious displays of emotion. As painful as it is, suppressing your sad feelings will make it harder for you to recognize and truly appreciate when you're feeling happy. Additionally, hiding your feelings usually doesn't fix the root of the issue that's actually making you upset. Even if it's hard, take a few minutes of alone time so you can process what you're going through.[15]
- The feeling of happiness is acknowledging that things are positive and good. To really appreciate this, you also need to understand what your negative emotions feel like.
- Keep yourself accountable for your own happiness. You may not be able to summon happiness overnight, but you can get in the habit of feeling happy, even if the circumstances around you aren't that great. Keep tabs on how you respond to negative events—similar to lifting weights, maintaining a positive attitude requires a lot of mental training and dedication. Be patient with yourself, and make the adjustments you need to put yourself on a happier, more fulfilling path.[16]
- For instance, if you're dealing with a rude employee at a grocery store, you can remind yourself that you'll have plenty of tasty snacks that you can enjoy at home.
- If it's raining outside, use the afternoon to get caught up on your favorite TV show instead of dwelling on how icky the weather is.
- Go easy on yourself—it takes a lot of focus and practice to really turn your mood around.
- Avoid comparing yourself to other people. Resist the temptation to compare your physical qualities and talents to the people around you. Instead, remind yourself that you are a talented and capable individual, regardless of what other people can do. You can also find happiness in the fact that you are your own person with your own gifts and talents that no one can take away from you.[17]
- It may help to avoid websites or other places where you tend to compare yourself a lot, like social media.
- For instance, if someone looks more in shape than you, tell yourself something like this: "I may not be as athletic as this person, but I'm still beautiful."
- Log out of social media for a little while. Social media, for better or for worse, can be a big source of unwanted stress. Take a few hours, days, or however much time you need to log out from Facebook, Twitter, and any other social network. Spend this free time recharging and relaxing without worrying about social media.[18]
- Get a good night's sleep each night.[19]
[Edit]References |
| How to Identify a German Shepherd Posted: 15 Oct 2020 09:00 AM PDT German Shepherds are often used as working dogs because they are highly intelligent, alert, obedient, keen, and fearless. They also make excellent family companions for experienced dog owners, and they're very loyal. In order to identify a German Shepherd, you should examine the dog's coat and other physical characteristics. You can also inquire about the breed or get a DNA test completed to determine the dog's breed. [Edit]Looking at the Dog's Coat - Examine the coat. German Shepherds can have three different varieties of coat: double coat, plush coat, and long haired coat. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight, short hair that lies close to the body. The long haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds that are family pets.[1]
- German Shepherds shed consistently throughout the year, and require regular brushing.
- Look for tan and black colouring. The most common colouring for a German Shepherd is black and tan; however, the breed can also appear in all black. Typically the coat is predominantly tan with black facial and saddle markings.[2]
- Recognize variations in colouring. In rare instances, German Shepherds can have white, blue, or reddish brown coats. These colours are not recognized by the breed standard, but do occur periodically. In fact, the white German Shepherd is actually considered a separate breed in some areas and is called the American White Shepherd.[3]
[Edit]Noticing Other Physical Characteristics - Examine the dog's strong build. The German Shepherd is part of the working dog classification and has a strong proportioned build. Typically, the German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches (50-65 cm) tall and weighs between 77 and 85 pounds (35-40 kg). It has a narrow and deep chest, and the front legs and shoulders are muscular and sloping.[4] Its body is slightly longer than it is deep, measuring from the shoulders to the rump.[5]
- German Shepherd puppies typically weigh 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) after the first month and will continue to grow steadily throughout their first year. By six months they will weigh approximately 50-57 pounds (22-26 kg).
- Look for pointed ears. German Shepherds have very distinct pointed ears that are erect. They are long at the base and face forwards, making the shape of a triangle. As puppies, the tips of the ear may flop over slightly, but they will straighten as the dog ages.[6]
- Notice the bushy tail. German Shepherds have a long and bushy tail that hangs down when the dog is resting. When a German Shepherd is alert or in motion, the curve of the tail is accentuated and the tail will be slightly raised.[7]
[Edit]Recognizing Behavioural Characteristics - Notice the dog's loyalty. German Shepherds can be fairly aloof and reserved when first meeting new people. However, once the dog has formed a connection with their owner, they are extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but can be protective if they feel threatened.[8]
- Recognize the dog's energy level. German Shepherds are high energy dogs and they need lots of daily exercise. If a German Shepherd is left a lone for long periods of time it will likely become bored and destructive. For example, the dog may start barking, chewing things, or digging. Make sure that your German Shepherd receives at least 1 hour of exercise each day.[9]
- See if the dog is trainable. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable. They like to have a job or task to do, and you can train a German Shepherd to do a variety of different jobs. For example, German Shepherd's are often used as "working" dogs, helping with search and rescue, drug sniffing and security, as well as providing aide and assistance to the visibly impaired.[10]
- Take your German Shepherd to obedience classes to train the dog to follow commands and complete a variety of tasks. This is fun and stimulating for the dog.
- See if the dog have sense of possession. This breed is known to herd the sheep count them and keep them safe. This sense of possession make them apt for guarding a family. A pet can guard when he knows what all belongs to him and what does not. This ability helps a German Shepherd to differentiate between an enemy and the family. Protection to this breed comes naturally and that's why they are known as police dogs, too.
- German Shepherds are fantastic with your own kids and can act strange with the strangers and other kids.
[Edit]Asking About the Breed - Ask the owner. If you see a dog that you think might be a German Shepherd and are curious about the breed, approach the owner and ask. For example, you could say something like "Is that a German Shepherd? It is such a cute dog." Alternatively, you could say "What kind of dog do you have? I am considering getting one."
- Most dog owners will be happy to tell you about their dog and the breed.
- Talk with your veterinarian. If you are unsure of your dog's breed or lineage, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Veterinarians will be familiar with the breed standard of most dog breeds. They will be able to easily examine the physical characteristics of the dog to help with identifying the breed.
- Ask the breeder. If you are purchasing a German Shepherd from a breeder, you should talk with the breeder about the puppy's parentage and lineage to make sure that you are getting a purebred dog. A licensed breeder will be able to provide you with paperwork that proves both parents are recognized as German Shepherds by the American Kennel Club.
- Make sure that you always use a breeder that is licensed by the American Kennel Club. This will also help to ensure that you are purchasing a purebred dog.
- Download a dog breed identification app. There are a number of applications available that can help to identify different dog breeds. In order to use the app, simply upload a photo of a dog and the app will identify the breed.[11]
- For example, try using the Microsoft app called Fetch!
- These apps are not always 100% accurate, but a German Shepherd has fairly unique characteristics.
[Edit]Testing the DNA of the Dog - Purchase a DNA test kit online. Search Google for a "dog DNA test kit." These kits cost approximately $80 to $100 and can be ordered online.[12]
- Read and follow the instructions. Once you receive the DNA test kit in the mail, open the package and carefully read all of the instructions. The instructions will provide you with steps on how to take a DNA swab and then how to return the results to the lab for testing.[13]
- Each kit is only designed to test the DNA of one dog.
- Swab the dog's cheek. The kit will likely come with two swabs. They are both to be used on the same dog. Open your dog's mouth and rub the swab across the inside of the dog's cheek. Do the same thing with each of the swabs.[14]
- Mail the kit. Place the swabs into the plastic baggies provided. Then place them in the pre-paid return envelope or box. Once sealed, mail the results to the lab for testing.[15]
- Read the results. Approximately three weeks after you complete the test, you will receive detailed DNA results. Your dog's DNA will be compared to approximately 200 different breeds. If you have a German Shepherd, a DNA test will easily be able to identify this breed.[16]
- The results can even test to see if your dog is a mixed-breed that is part German Shepherd.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Apply Powder Foundation Posted: 15 Oct 2020 01:00 AM PDT Powder foundation is great for giving your face a bit of a lighter coverage while still evening out your skin tone and minimizing your pores. Powder foundation sometimes gets a bad rep in the makeup community—it can look cakey, make your skin dry, or settle into lines on your face. However, it works well for people with all skin types as long as you prepare a little bit beforehand. By really patting the foundation into your skin so that it adheres to your face, you can make your skin look smooth and flawless every time. [Edit]Preparing Your Skin - Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Head to the sink and get your skin wet, then rub a mild face cleanser all over your face. Rinse it off with cool water, then pat your face dry with a towel before you start applying your makeup.[1]
- Having clean skin is really important when you're working with powder foundation. If there is any dirt or oil on your face, the powder will sit on top of it and draw attention to it.
- If you have any flaky skin, use an exfoliating wash to scrub the dead skin off before you start applying your foundation.
- Apply a facial moisturizer to your skin. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of moisturizer and rub it into your skin, focusing on any areas that look dry or flaky. Let the moisturizer soak in for a few minutes before you start putting on foundation.[2]
- Try to look for a moisturizer formulated for your skin type (dry, oily, or combination). You should also make sure you're using a face lotion, not a body lotion, to avoid clogging your pores.
- Moisturizer is super important when working with powder foundation. If your skin is dry at all, there's a chance that your foundation could clump up and look cakey.
- Add a primer to make your makeup last longer. Put a dime-sized amount of primer on your fingertips and rub it around. Gently rub the primer into your skin, focusing on the places that get the most oily throughout the day (like your nose, chin, and forehead). Let the primer soak in for 1 to 2 minutes before you move on.[3]
- Primer is also an essential step before using powder foundation since it helps to smooth out your pores and create a flat, even surface for the makeup to sit on.
- Dab concealer under your eyes and on blemishes for extra coverage. Grab your bottle of liquid concealer or a stick concealer and pat it underneath your eyes. Do the same thing for any blemishes you might have on your skin, then buff the concealer into your skin with a flat makeup brush.[4]
- You can't put liquid or stick concealer on top of powder foundation, which is why you have to do this step first.
- Concealer is totally optional, so you don't have to use it if you don't want to.
[Edit]Using a Brush - Press a large, dense brush into the powder foundation. Choose a brush that is fairly wide to get the most amount of coverage, and pick one that has dense bristles that are hard to the touch. Gently dip the brush into the powder foundation to pick up the product, and swirl it around slightly if you need to.[5]
- You can use either a synthetic or a natural brush for your foundation.
- If the foundation is loose, pour some into the lid before dipping your brush in. If it's more compact, leave it in the bottom of the container.
- A Kabuki brush works well for powder foundation. You can also use a blending sponge or a dense foundation brush if you need to.
- Pat the brush onto your T-zone and under eyes. To start applying the makeup, focus on the spots that collect the most oil throughout the day—your nose, chin, and underneath your eyes. Really press the brush into your face to pat the powder into your skin.[6]
- Using this motion will help to set the concealer on your face while also giving you more coverage with the foundation.
- Patting the foundation into your skin is super important! If it's not patted into your skin enough, it won't settle into the crevices of your face and it has a higher chance of melting off throughout the day.
- Swirl the brush onto your cheeks and forehead. For the rest of your face, you don't have to use a tapping motion as much as a wiping motion. Use the brush to apply the foundation on your cheeks and forehead in a small circular motion to cover up the rest of your skin.[7]
- This will help to blend the foundation into the lines and crevices of your skin, leaving it less cakey and more natural looking.
- Pick up more foundation as you need it. As you apply the foundation, you'll probably have to pick up more on your brush every minute or so. You can tell you need more when your skin isn't getting covered by foundation anymore or you notice streaking as you use your brush. Gently dip your brush into the foundation every time you need it, making sure the entire surface is covered with foundation.[8]
- The more foundation you use overall, the more coverage you'll have.
- Blend the foundation down your neck. To finish off your foundation, bring the brush down and swipe it from your jawline down to the middle of your neck. Buff the foundation out on your neck in a circular motion to blend it out and make your face look natural with the rest of your skin.[9]
- Not blending down your neck can leave a stark contrast between your face and the rest of your body, so it's good practice whenever you're applying foundation.
- Set the foundation with finishing powder for a longer-lasting stay. Even though you just used a powder for your foundation, you can still use a finishing powder on top of it if you're planning to wear it for a long time. Finish the rest of your makeup routine (eyes, lips, brows, cheeks) then dip a fluffy brush into some loose finishing powder. Dust it lightly all over your face, focusing on oily areas like your nose, chin, and forehead.[10]
- Since the powder foundation is pressed into your skin, you can add powder on top of it without worrying about a cakey look.
[Edit]Avoiding Common Pitfalls - Find the right color for your skin tone. To see if a foundation is a good color match for your skin, dip a q-tip into the foundation and draw a line along your jawline. If the line is invisible, this makeup is a good match. If you can see this line, you'll want to try a different shade.[11]
- You may have to experiment with several different colors before you find a shade that works. Try asking someone working at a department store makeup counter to help you find a match. This way, you can try out makeup on your skin before making a purchase.[12]
- Avoid using a foundation that's too warm or too cool for your undertone. Otherwise, you'll be able to see an obvious foundation line along your jawline.[13]
- Choose your powder foundation based on the coverage you want. Mineral or light foundation is for light to medium coverage. If you want more coverage, go for pressed powder, which tends to go on darker. You may also choose to apply a layer of mineral foundation and tackle problem areas with pressed powder for a more targeted approach.[14]
- Try keeping both a mineral foundation and a pressed powder foundation around so you can pick the one that you need based on what you're doing and how long you're wearing your makeup.
- Pat on concentrated foundation to cover any spots or blemishes. If you've finished applying your powder foundation and you notice that there's some patchy areas or blemishes still visible, grab a small concealer brush and dip it into the powder. Press the brush against your skin on the problem areas, then gently pat the foundation into your skin. This will help to add more coverage to cover up any spots that you might have missed.[15]
- Avoid putting liquid concealer on top of powder foundation, as that can make it smear and remove coverage.
- Avoid using your fingers for powder foundation. While liquid foundation is sometimes okay to put on with your hands, powder foundation needs a brush or a sponge to spread out and really dig into your skin. Always put on powder foundation with a dense makeup brush or a sponge for the best coverage.[16]
- Putting on makeup with your fingers can also introduce germs and bacteria to your skin, so it's best to use a clean makeup brush.
- Try a powder foundation for a lighter coverage when you're out running errands or hanging out with friends.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Preparing Your Skin - Face cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Primer
- Liquid concealer
[Edit]Using a Brush - Dense makeup brush or sponge
- Powder foundation
- Finishing powder (optional)
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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