Author: Igor

  • Staying connected through care packages

    Staying connected with our friends and family has become even more important now during this difficult time. But how do we stay connected when we’re forced to live apart from one another during this enforced lockdown? 

    COVID-19 has changed social norms completely in just a few short months. Shaking hands used to be seen as common courtesy and it’s now an almost taboo interaction and the concept of remaining 2 metres apart from one another at all times (social distancing) has become almost second-nature to many of us already.

    Whilst we might be quite literally apart for the foreseeable future, there are ways we can reach out and keep those friendship and familial connections strong. Many people have taken to sending care packages and we think that’s a remarkable idea. But what to include in your care package?

    Image via Unsplash

    A heartfelt message – Whether it’s through a simple note or a personalised card, the first thing you should consider when putting together your care package is what you actually want it to say. The best care packages are those that begin with a message and then build the items around that message, so try to put a little more thought into it than just “thinking of you.”

    Something personal – Everybody loves a fancy gift but is there anything you could send that only you could send? Perhaps a memento of a wonderful memory you share or a funny little trinket that points to an in-joke that only the two of you would understand? It’s these kinds of personal flourishes that really elevate a care package from good to great.

    Yum yum – Yes, we’re all eating and drinking a lot more during the lockdown, but just because we’re indulging a little more than usual, we shouldn’t have to settle for junk. There are thousands of online outlets offering everything from craft beer and coffee to homemade cakes. And by adding some of this artisanal wonder to your COVID care package, you’ll be helping local business too, so that’s always a plus.

    Hobby fuel – Most of us have more time on our hands right now than we know what to do with and for those of us with hobbies, that means we’ve been spending a lot more time on them. If your recipient has a hobby, consider adding something to the care package that could help fuel that hobby. Whether they are into knitting, painting plastic models or brewing their own beer, there is always some small thing to consider.

    Keeping it light – We all need to allow ourselves to laugh a little right now. Because what’s the alternative? Consider the sense of humour of your care package recipient and add something that you know they would find funny. Maybe something a little risqué or perhaps something oddly specific that only they would find amusing? And what coronavirus care package would be complete without a roll of toilet paper?

  • Top 12 Fun Things To Do During Lockdown

    With the world coming to a standstill, life is not what it used to be. Staying indoors is the new norm, and at a glance, it seems like there’s nothing to do. However, being indoors can be an opportunity to try things you have never tried before, even from the comfort of your home. Most of them are free and do not require any special skills to test. Here are some of the ways that you can have a good time even when you’re on lockdown.

    1. Try a new recipe

    Image credit

    If you are home, then the chances are you have been cooking your meals more often than ordering fast food. The lockdown allows you to try something new for your taste buds. There are a lot of recipes to try online, which do not require too many exotic ingredients. You can also travel the world with your taste buds by choosing an international recipe to try daily, weekly, or month depending on how fast you can learn. You can unleash your culinary genius during the stay at home period and come out with some novel skills to impress your friends and family with. You don’t have to restrict the learning to just solid food. Try some cocktail recipes that you can use when you have friends over.

    2. Organize your space

    The hustle and bustle of life sometimes make you neglect your area even though you know what you have to do. Once you’re at home, you come to terms with how much stuff you actually have and how you don’t need them. Your shoe rack and closet are the right places to start. Now is the best time to get rid of the extra items and create some more room. You can choose to donate whatever you find to those who need them or throw them away if they’re too damaged. If you work from home, then this is an excellent way to become more productive. You can also organize files, whether on the computer or in a cupboard, so that they are easier to reach.

    3. Redecorate your space

    Image credit

    It is very exciting to transform spaces, and you can do that with your room or area, so create a new environment. Bring in some plants if there are none or change the positions of the ones you have. If you can, change the wallpaper or paint the walls a new color. Change the carpet and rugs and move the furniture around the house to also give the rooms a new look. You can use the internet for inspiration and get the work started.

    4. Try online betting

    The online betting industry is one of the most versatile sectors, offering a wide variety of games that consumers can participate in. You can get into it from the comfort of your home because of technology and the internet. You can get out of your comfort zone and still get a feel of Las Vegas even while in lockdown. 

    5. Engage in some self-care

    The spas are most likely to be closed, but that does not mean you cannot pamper yourself. The internet is filled with information on products and techniques that you can use to give yourself a spa day from your home. Deep condition your hair, give yourself a manicure or pedicure, or learn to shave by yourself. You’ll get some useful skills that’ll help you save costs even after the lockdown is over. You’ll also become more self-sufficient, and it will not be so boring being stuck at home. 

    6. Start a blog or journal

    Image credit

    Blogging is a great way to pass the time, and it can also teach you some valuable life skills. You will become better with time management and communication, and it’ll serve as an outlet for what you’re thinking. You’ll meet people who relate to your content and make new friends to go through the lockdown with. You can join a free platform and start some of your exciting hobbies. One fun thing to do in addition is to learn a new word each day and use it in your blog or journal.

    7. Learn to be ambidextrous

    Aren’t you tired of doing things the same old way? You can give yourself the fun challenge of learning to use both hands for your routine activities. Try with safe activities like brushing your teeth before moving on to shaving or trimming your nails. It will be frustrating but also very fun, and you’ll feel fulfilled once you master the skill.

    8. Learn some calming exercises

    If you have never tried yoga, then this will be an excellent time to try it. That stiffness in your body will not be so much anymore, and you’ll genuinely enjoy the exercise. Once your body is calm, your mind automatically follows, and you’ll realize you are less stressed about anything. While you’re at it, also learn some breathing exercises to help you relax whenever you feel anxious. Being indoors for a long time can take its toll on you so that you forget to fill your lungs with oxygen. Meditating is also another way by which you can calm yourself, and it doesn’t require much expertise. There are so many mobile applications that take you through the steps of meditating, and you can do it from anywhere. 

    9. Build a garden

    Gardening takes a lot of work and skills like patience and dedication, which you will need during the lockdown. Making a DIY garden does not cost much, and you will reap tremendous benefits. It is incredibly relaxing and heart-warming to watch things blossom from a tiny seed into a beautiful garden, and it will make your space look even better. You can make it more meaningful by growing spices and other plants that you can use around the house. You can even create a green lounge area for when you can have people over.

    10. Learn a language

    Within your home, travel into another culture and study their way of communicating with each other. You’ll become well-spoken and interesting when you know more than what you’ve been taught or are used to. A new language will give you more leverage anytime you decide to travel to that part of the world as well. 

    11. Learn a new dance move


    The internet is buzzing with so many contemporary dance routines that are entertaining to watch. Instead of just observing other people have some fun, why not join in. The steps are online for you to learn. Most of these dance moves are easy and do not require any special skills. It also adds to your skillset and makes you more fun to be around. After the lockdown, you’ll have something to show for all the videos you watched.

    12. Learn first aid

    With the way the health sector is overwhelmed, it will be helpful if you can take care of minor health issues. Learning first aid will save you the time and money to go to the hospital. Being able to handle your little health problems is an advantage for yourself and those around you as well. There are free online courses on first aid that can get you started. 

    Staying at home during a lockdown does not mean your life should come to a halt while you wait for the hurdle to pass. There is so much you can do, but at the same time, it is also an opportunity to take a break from usual.

  • Taking Great Photos When Visiting New Cities

    If you love traveling and exploring new cities, you will probably also enjoy documenting these trips with photographs. There is so much to document, from the architecture to the shops and parks, that cities can offer you the chance to take a range of amazing photographs. It can sometimes be overwhelming to decide what to focus on with your photography. Whether you want to take cityscape and skyline photographs or spend time focusing more on the details, there will be many opportunities for you to take brilliant pictures.

    Below are some tips that will help you to decide what to take photos of and how to improve the quality of your photographs:

    (Pexels)

    Set out early

    If you are in a tourist area, the odds are that it will get very busy quickly. If you want to take pictures without people in the shot, the earlier you can get there, the better. It will ensure that you can get some great photographs before big crowds start to gather. 

    If there are a lot of people around, there are ways that they can be incorporated into your images. If you slow down the shutter speed on your camera, it will make the people passing by into a blur which will make your photos artsier, and ensure that the thing that you want to take a picture of is the main focus. 

    Stay alert

    When you are in a new city, it is likely that you won’t know which areas you should avoid. Even if the area seems nice, it could be a hub of criminal activity. It can be better not to go out on your own, and if you don’t need to bring lots of equipment with you, stick to minimal equipment. Using a smaller camera doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality of your photos will be worse, but it makes you less of a target, so you will be safer.

    Experiment

    The great thing about being in a new place is that you don’t know exactly what it has to offer. This means that you can encourage yourself to experiment more with the types of photos that you take. Don’t just stick to what you can find at eye level; look up and down, and try to find interesting architecture or situations that you can take advantage of. You may also experiment with angles and find symmetry and details that others may not notice. You might be able to make something that is seemingly normal, into something much more special.

    (Pexels)

    Landmarks

    When you are visiting new cities, you will likely visit landmarks that the city is famous for. These landmarks could include churches, monuments or natural phenomena like Iceland’s Northern Lights. Often to capture the landmark fully, you need to use a wide-angle lens so you can see the whole thing. When you take a picture of a landmark, try to get a good distance between it and you, so that you can take the best image possible, without cutting any of it off, blocking it, or distorting it.

    Look for reflections

    A great way to get a different image or perspective of a city is to look for reflections and photograph them. You might be able to find reflections in windows, water, the bonnet of a car, mirrors, or any other shiny surface. It can give a new look to something that is photographed regularly for a unique perspective.

    Not only is it a unique way to take pictures of famous landmarks, but it is also a great way to take photos of interesting patterns and images, especially if multiple reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing effect. 

    Cityscapes

    A popular image to take when you are visiting a city is a cityscape. This shows the vastness of the city against the skyline to create a breathtaking image. To take a good cityscape image, you need to find a great location such as high up on a viewing platform or at a rooftop bar or restaurant. Places like these will offer you a great view of the city and give you the chance to take some great pictures. 

    Wide-angle shots can look breathtaking, but it is also worth zooming in to get some close-ups of the city. With this method, you will be able to focus on some of the more interesting buildings.

    (Pexels)

    Pick something to focus on

    If you are trying to develop your photography skills, it could be a good idea to pick something to focus on shooting during your trip. Having a specific focus can help you to think more outside the box and get creative. You could choose a color to focus on, decide to find interesting patterns, or even try to focus more on night photography. Whatever you choose will help you create a unique perspective with your images while also allowing you to develop your photography skills.

    Silhouettes

    Instead of focusing on the details of a building, you can focus more on its shape. By photographing a building or a landmark against a bright sky, you can focus on the shape of the building itself and create a silhouette. It can make a particularly interesting photo because of the contrast between the dark and the light.

    People

    When photographing, you don’t have to focus entirely on objects and buildings; people are also a great subject. It can feel awkward taking candid photographs of people, but you may be able to capture images that tell a great story. If you feel nervous about photographing people, you could begin with people on public transport or people in more touristy areas. It can help to use a smaller camera because it is more likely to go unnoticed, and you can have a go at shooting from the hip to see what kind of results you get. 

    (Pexels)

    Signs and shop windows

    By shooting shop windows and signs, you can get some fascinating images. It can give you a different perspective into the city, and help you focus on details. It is also a great thing to do during both the day and night time because the image they produce can look completely different.

    Backup your photos

    If you are visiting somewhere for a number of days, it can be a good idea to back up your photographs onto your laptop when you get back to where you are staying. If you are transferring photos from a memory card to your computer, it is pretty simple. However, if you are taking pictures on your phone, you might have to look up how to transfer photos from iphone to mac. Not only will it make sure that you don’t lose any photos, but it will also ensure that you don’t run out of memory when you are exploring.

    Editing

    When you are editing your photos, you may be able to experiment and change the feel of the image. You could make the focus of your image stand out more, or make the colors pop a lot more. You could even try different filters such as black and white, which can give your photo more of an impact.

    There is no right or wrong way to photograph. It is all about experimenting, finding your own style, and feeling confident enough to get creative. Just because you are in a new city, doesn’t mean that you have to focus on getting classic shots of landmarks and the surrounding area. Shoot things that you like the look of, and that have made your experience unique to you.

  • Portugal is getting ready to welcome tourists again

    The COVID-19 outbreak saw shutters come down as lives went into lockdown around the world to combat the virus. With us all staying close to home and not being allowed to travel, holidays have now been crossed out on millions of calendars. It’s a huge blow to the people who rely on visitors for their livelihoods – and countries where tourism is the lifeblood of their economies.

    Now, however, the first tentative steps are being taken to restart international tourism. One of the countries who are preparing to welcome its first visitors in months is Portugal. And you can understand why. The tourism sector supports 30 million jobs here and creates 15% of national GDP. But, at the same time, authorities are taking careful steps to make sure it’s safe to do so.

    Image via Unsplash

    How Portugal’s tourism sector is preparing

    From 6 June, Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa is letting the country’s beaches reopen. There will be strict new rules, including 1.5m social distancing between groups – but it’ll be up to people themselves to police it. A second phase of a plan to relaunch the economy is due too. This will allow for museums, restaurants and coffee shops to welcome customers again.

    For hotels, reopening dates are little less clear. But efforts are continuing to make this happen. The Portuguese Hotel Association are working with Turismo de Portugal on the new “Clean and Safe” seal. This seal aims to show tourists that hotels and other tourist business are taking the necessary steps to stop the Covid-19 outbreak in its tracks – now and in any future wave.

    Time to explore some new tourist treasures 

    It’s natural that some tourists might still be anxious about travelling to popular locations, such as Porto or the Algarve. But there’s so much more to Portugal than the familiar tourism names, with a warm welcome assured if you choose to travel to the country and its outlying islands.  In the short term, the regional governments of the Azores and Madeira have their own specific measures. So, you might find that rules for visitors are slightly different to the mainland. Even so, they could help you escape the throngs as Portugal continues to ramp up its reopening.

    Green light… for some to start with?

    It’s not just the authorities in Portugal that are doing their best to assure potential tourists that it’ll be safe to return for a post-lockdown escape. An idea from Iberian neighbour Spain may be one that gives the tourism industry a clearer path forward in the weeks and months ahead. The proposal from Madrid’s Esade Business School is a simple one based on green and red zones.

    It means that countries – including Portugal – could start by opening up to guests from parts of Europe ‘least’ affected by the pandemic. The policy, according to those behind it, is designed to “save the summer tourist season in southern Europe, thus mitigating the enormous economic costs that the closure to international tourism could cause for these countries”. 

    For Portugal, the summer tourist season makes such an essential contribution to the economy that it simply can’t afford the closure to continue. As the UN World Tourism Organisation says, trust is going to be a big factor for potential tourists. But it’s obvious to see that Portugal (and others) are taking careful steps to welcome guests once again. And, perhaps, not before time.

  • 3 Creative New Health Businesses

    The health and wellness sector is widely known for legacy incumbent businesses with abysmal Net Promoter Scores across the board. It’s a niche that is ripe for disruption, and these 3 newcomers are shaking things up.

    Image via Unsplash

    Forward: Preventative Healthcare

    Forward is a highly anticipated health care start-up that launched in 2017. They started out slowly, ironing out the kinks in their two east coast locations before going on an expansion bing in 2020.

    When a customer signs up for Forward ($149/month), they’re sent a biometric sensor kit. They then use an app in combination with this kit to get baseline health measurements. An at-home blood draw is scheduled with a lab specialist, and in combination with the sensor kit’s results a doctor helps create a personalized plan for better health.

    Adrian Aoun, Forward’s Founder, is a former Google executive that is on a mission to disrupt America’s healthcare system. Early reviews of Forward’s offering are excellent. As of today, they hold a 4.7 star rating on Yelp (while the average doctor’s office is rated at 3.6 stars).

    Thorne: Supplements and At-Home Tests

    Thorne is a high-end supplement and testing company that is breaking up the stale branding and product line of legacy players. Their products are highly reviewed by experts, and range from Gut Health to Cognition & Focus.

    What really stands out about Thorne is their innovation and expertise. This isn’t another white label supplement company that is excellent at marketing and thin on product. Thorne’s team consists of experts in health, and they run an Innovation Labs project that is focused on pushing the limits of human potential.

    Healx: Using AI to Treat Rare Diseases

    Healx is using groundbreaking AI technology to rapidly speed up the process of “drug discovery.” Instead of starting with hunches and jumping right into long, expensive clinical trials, Healx has developed an AI platform that can process huge amounts of data to narrow in on promising treatments for rare diseases.

    Healx has 4 projects entering phase 2 clinical trials that are showing serious promise. Their platform leverages a combination of scientific literature and public medical databases to help expedite the process of finding new drugs and treatments.

    Disrupting the Field of Health Care

    All 3 of these companies are poised to make big moves in a massive industry. Keep an eye on their progress as they continue to make progress toward breaking down health care barriers.