Category: Uncategorized

  • How to Stay Positive When Staying Home

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on our lives, and many of us have had to change our ways and adapt our routines almost overnight. Staying at home may feel good for the first week or two, but as time passes by and we continue to stay in our homes as much as possible, it can be hard to find the motivation to look after yourself and remain positive. Maintaining your mental wellbeing when staying at home is very important and it is something you should prioritize. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to stay positive when staying at home, and today we will be taking a closer look into them. 

    Find an Indoor Hobby

    Finding an indoor hobby is a great way to keep yourself occupied and positive when you are stuck at home. You can even use this time to work on and improve a skill that you would like to use on the outside. For example, if you love golf, Rain or Shine Golf may be able to offer you an affordable solution to develop your golfing skills at home. If this interests you, then see their golfing simulators here. 

    Keep Yourself Active 

    Keeping yourself active is important when you are stuck in the home all day, especially when the reason for doing so is a virus. This is because exercising on a regular basis will help you to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your immune system, release endorphins (happy chemicals) in your brain, reduce the risk of certain health complications developing, and improve your sleep. 

    Stay Connected to Others

    During these worrying and uncertain times, staying indoors may make you feel disconnected from the people you love and care about. However, this should not be the case, as there are no laws against using technology to keep in touch with the people you care about or professionals that offer support. Staying connected with others will keep your mind busy and will make you more positive at home. 

    Manage a Routine 

    A healthy routine is important for your mental and physical health, and it is very likely that the pandemic has knocked your routine off-balance. Being stuck at home may make you feel like you don’t have to accomplish things that you usually feel obliged to do, but you should not use this as an excuse. Managing a healthy routine will make you feel and look good in return and will lessen negativity. 

    Take Time to Relax

    If you are working from home, you have taken up a new skill or hobby, you are managing to exercise more, stay connected with others and manage a fairly active routine, then you should remember to take some time to relax during your time at home. If you are lucky enough to be stuck at home with family and friends, then you should do what you can to make the most out of this rare time together. 

    Limit the News

    Many people find themselves constantly checking the news channels during this strange time. Although it is good to keep yourself educated, aware and up to date on the latest news surrounding the pandemic, you should do your best to not stay glued to the news. This includes following updates in the papers, on the radio and social media, as well as on TV. You should only use trustworthy resources though. 

    As you can see, there are plenty of things that you can do to stay positive when staying at home. You just need to make sure you find something that works for you. Don’t forget that you are not alone during this time and loved ones are just a phone call away.

  • Understanding the Different Types of Contact Lenses on the Market

    Contact lenses come in many options nowadays, so it’s hard for newbies to find their way around. Are you thinking about getting new contacts? Then understanding the different types, whether daily, weekly or monthly contact lenses, will help you make an even better decision. For the most part, they are categorized under factors like the type of material used for manufacturing, duration of use, visual correction needs, etc. Knowing the different types available will ensure you get the comfort and flexibility you’re paying for. Without further ado, let’s learn the various options on the market.

    Image via Unsplash

    • Soft contact lens

    Soft contact lenses are made from plastic, which often comes in the form of a hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. It is generally comfortable to wear based on its high absorbency level. Unlike other contact lenses, soft contact lenses allow up to five times more oxygen. So, if you suffer from dry eyes, this will offer the most comfort.

    This type of contact lens is usually recommended for newbies since it’s easy to adjust to wearing them. Soft contact lenses can be worn with a monthly, weekly, or daily schedule. The only downside is that they don’t correct all the visual problems.

    • Hard contact lens

    Hard contact lenses are also referred to as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. They tend to hold their shape in comparison to soft contact lenses, making them more durable. Hard contact lenses also tend to be less expensive than soft ones when considering extended run usage.

    It corrects a broader range of visual problems, such as severe astigmatism, keratoconus, and farsightedness. Though many advantages come with using hard contact lenses, the major disadvantage comes in its adjustment. It can easily dislodge from the center due to its small size, and might also take longer to apply.

    • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses

    Orthokeratology lenses, also known as Ortho-K lenses, are a particular type of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens, designed to be worn only at night. It tackles significant eye conditions such as myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. Ortho-K lenses work during nighttime to correct these vision problems and should be taken out in the morning for optimal vision.

    Regardless of its powerful features, some countries do not endorse this type of contact lens. The reason is that the user is prone to getting an infection and that the results might only be temporary.

    • Colored contact lens

    Colored contact lenses come in both RGP and soft contact lenses. Since soft contact lenses are more flexible and comfortable, they are commonly used and worn as colored contact lenses. It comes in three different tints: visibility, enhancement, and opaque. Visibility tint contact lenses don’t change your eye color, but detects it and gives the exact color.

    Enhancement tint offers a more expressive and bolder view of your eye color. While dull tones completely change the eye color, even if you originally have a dark eye color. These types of contact lenses are also available as prescriptions.

    • Decorative contact lenses

    Decorative contact lenses are also referred to as cosmetic, special effects lenses, and still go by other names. These lenses completely change the eye colour without offering vision correction functions. They are mostly sold during Halloween and are likely to cause complications like infections, discomfort, redness, and even permanent eye injury. This is as a result of their ill-fitting nature and shady manufacturers. It is always advisable to get a prescription from an eye doctor before purchasing one.

  • Support for SMEs During the Pandemic

    The coronavirus pandemic has sent the UK into a deep recession. During lockdown, businesses were forced to close, leading to millions of pounds of lost revenue. For SME’s it’s been particularly challenging, with many struggling to get the help they need.

    Banks have been turning down SME’s for funding, leaving them with no choice but to look for alternatives. So, what alternative support is available for small businesses during the pandemic?


    Image via Unsplash

    The cash advance

    One type of finance that’s been helping small businesses get back on their feet is a cash advance. A cash advance from Nucleus can help tide the business over until they get paid. It is based on future revenue and you can typically borrow a set percentage of your credit card sales.

    There are a lot of different cash advance options out there, so it is vital businesses choose a reliable provider or you may have to get out of it.

    Fintech

    Something else that’s been helping MSE’s during this time is Fintech. Businesses have been forced to adapt to a new way of working, developing more flexible business models.

    While Fintech doesn’t provide financial support, it does bring in new ways of earning. It also helps to develop better customer engagement, increasing sales. Retail businesses have particularly made use of Fintech technology to help them get back on their feet.

    Investments

    Unfortunately, a lot of businesses have been forced to sell during the pandemic. However, many have found that bringing in investors has helped to save them from going under.

    Even in today’s climate, there are still investors looking to grab a bargain. Small businesses have therefore been able to attract investment, helping to keep them afloat while the economy recovers.

    Other options out there

    Although many businesses have been left frustrated by the lack of support available, there are a lot of alternative options. Crowdfunding is a popular choice for businesses looking for attractive interest rates. Capital finance and grants have also been available throughout the pandemic.

    Having these alternative options is a lifeline for many businesses. As banks turn down hundreds of business owners, alternative finance can provide the support needed.

    As you can see, there is a lot of help out there for businesses throughout the Covid-19 crisis. While it is certainly a challenging time, it is also providing opportunities for SME’s, particularly in terms of growth. Being forced to adapt to different ways of working is helping businesses to identify new opportunities.

  • Create a dining space perfect for entertaining

    Meals are always better when shared with loved ones. Long gone are the days when you needed a huge dining room, bone china or silverware to have guests round – now, it’s about creating a comfortable, practical environment with style. So whatever space you’re working with, be sure to get our tips on how to maximise what you have and start hosting wonderful dinner parties that everyone will be talking about for years to come!

    Some might say the home is where the heart is, we think it’s where the stomach is! From your first meal as a couple that went horribly wrong but you ate it laughing anyway, to your little one’s first vegetable, to wines with long-lost friends, your dining table is the hub of the household – where all the important moments take place. If you are a real foodie and want your table to act as an altar to the lavish feasts you’ll be cooking, you can’t do without a long solid wood table that can comfortably seat several people. Investing in one of good quality is definitely worth it, as something like solid oak or pine will keep you happy for decades with the right care. Smaller spaces, on the other hand, require something more adaptable. Folding tables are a good shout, however when choosing, bear in mind that a round table takes up more space but offers less seating. Therefore, classic rectangular tables could be a safer bet.

    Tip: Little details are important. Decorate your dining table with a vase of fresh flowers, candles, a fruit bowl filled with oranges – you name it, it can go on the table! Good, matching table linens are also worth the investment – no paper napkins here, please!

    Get yourself a dresser!

    PDo dressers and sideboards remind you of your nan? Well – no longer relegated to the 70s – they are fantastic options for modern dining rooms too, and are especially helpful for people pushed for kitchen cupboard space. Extra storage is always a win, right? You can keep your best crockery on display, find a spot for those huge salad bowls you love but never seem to fit on the kitchen shelf, and even make space for a cocktail bar! Get yours in a mid-century style, or a sleek, modern finish for maximum style impact.

    Shine a light

    If any part of the home deserves thoughtful lighting, it’s the dining room. Just follow a few rules: the light over the table should be soft and diffused, its shape should follow the shape of the table, and it shouldn’t be the only source of light in the room. A round table is best suited to a round pendant light, while longer rectangular tables work perfectly with lights hung in a row, to cover the whole space. And how high should you hang the light? Ideally, you should leave about 60 to 80 cm of space between the light and the table, so you get a more intimate atmosphere when dining, but at the same time everything will be lit effectively. Remember to add floor or wall lamps around the room too, otherwise you’ll be eating your dinner under a spotlight – which doesn’t add a great atmosphere!

    The warmth of the light also has a big influence on how a room feels. Choose a central light source above the dining table in a golden shade, that isn’t too harsh. Leave the strip lights in the kitchen! Don’t forget mood lighting, which adds to the atmosphere when dining with friends. A few candles placed around the room, as well as on the table, are great for this.

     

  • Smart Ways to Grow your Customer Base

    To reach a successful business level, you will need to grow and maintain your customer base. In simple terms, more customers mean more sales. The more sales you have, the greater your profits will be. Thus, to grow your brand, you need to grow your customer base. If you are wondering how that is possible, here are some tips.

    Image by Mediamodifier from Pixabay

    Leverage social media so that followers of followers see your brand

    It is simple to get followers of your followers to see your brand. For instance, sharing a video and encouraging your followers to share it will mean that their followers have a chance of seeing it.

    Using corporate video production services to help create your videos on a professional level will ensure that you can build long-term connections with your customers. You can keep them engaged and entertained while unconsciously interacting and helping your brand grow its awareness. When customers watch and engage with your videos, you will have a greater chance of being seen by more customers.

    The more your video content, especially those created by video production company Manchester, is viewed and shared on social media platforms, the more customers will see it as their followers will be able to see what they like and what businesses they are engaging with.

    Get to know what your customers want

    Giving your customers what they want will ensure to attain them and gauge the interest of new customers that want the same thing.

    But, how do you know what customers want?

    The simple answer is to ask. There’s no harm in reaching out to understand their expectations and preferences. When you do, you not only get to know your audience better but also position yourself to meet their needs more effectively. One impactful way to communicate your offerings and values is through visual storytelling, this is where working with a corporate video production agency can make a big difference. By creating engaging, customer-focused content, you can demonstrate your commitment to their needs while building trust and brand loyalty. Offering great service and taking the time to understand your customers pays off in the long run.

    Make the most of your networks

    As a business, it is important to have networks and more importantly, use those networks. It can open so many doors for new opportunities.

    When you network well and become friends with other brands, they might use word of mouth marketing to tell their customers about you. When doing so, your brand’s awareness will increase and you might be able to gain customers from them.

    Likewise, you could use networking events to introduce yourself to your ideal customer. You could set up a business event and invite your target audience. You can get to know them on a personal level, which will attain their interest and likely maintain their loyalty to you.

    Offer great customer service

    Speaking of giving your customer what they want, it is useful to offer great customer service. When you make customers happy and answer their questions in good time, you will be able to maintain their interest.

    Great customer service will be spoken about. If you always reply to your customers or offer incentives when something goes wrong, your customer will likely tell their friends and family, which will help your name be known by more people.