Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Say goodbye to coughs with these natural cough remedies

You know the drill.

You come down with a cough, and you rush to the pharmacy for your go-to medicine. But what if there were other—possibly more natural—options available to you?

In this article, we will share some of the best natural cough remedies. From honey to essential oils, we’ve got you covered. So before you reach for that bottle of cough syrup, take a look at our list and see if one of these remedies might work.

Benefits of using honey

One natural cough remedy that’s been shown to be quite effective is honey.

Honey has long been used as a folk remedy for coughs, and there’s some evidence to suggest that it can help.

For starters, honey can help reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep. And as a bonus, honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties which may help speed up healing.

Using humidifiers and steam for cough relief

If you are struggling with a cough, you might want to try using a humidifier or taking a steam bath.

A humidifier can help loosen chest and nasal congestion, and adding moisture to the air can help with cold symptoms. You can either use a cool-mist humidifier or a vaporizer. A warm bath can also be a great way to relax and get some relief from a persistent cough.

Essential oils to help reduce coughing

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Essential oils are natural compounds that have many benefits for the body.

One oil that is especially beneficial for reducing coughing is eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil contains cineole, which has antimicrobial effects. This means that it can help kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the cough.

Another excellent option is thyme oil. Thyme oil has carvacrol and thymol, which are both antimicrobial compounds. They can help kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the cough, as well as reduce inflammation.

Peeps looking for a more floral essential oil can try rosemary. Rosemary oil contains rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the throat and protect the cells from further damage.

Lavender oil is also a good choice for reducing coughing. It contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are both calming compounds that can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.

And finally, we have cinnamon oil. Cinnamon oil has cinnamaldehyde, which is an antimicrobial compound. It can help kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the cough, as well as reduce inflammation.

When to seek medical advice for your persistent cough

If your cough has lasted for more than a week and is accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, or fever, it’s time to seek medical advice. These could be signs of something more serious, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So make an appointment with your family doctor to get it checked.

As we close, try out some of these natural remedies and see if they work. If they don’t, be sure to talk to your doctor about other possible remedies. Remember, it’s always wise to consult with your doctor before trying out anything new, especially if you have a back history of allergies.

Keeping track of productivity without eroding employee’s trust

You’re looking for a way to keep an eye on employee productivity without making your employees feel like you don’t trust them.

You’ve heard of a few options, but you’re not sure which one will work best for your team. Allow us to delve deeper, so you can decide what’s best for your business.

Why tracking productivity is important

Productivity is a key factor in the success of any business.

When employees are productive, it means that tasks are getting completed efficiently and on time. This increases the chances of meeting deadlines and achieving goals.

But as a boss, you can’t just assume that your employees are being productive without some form of tracking. It’s important to monitor productivity so that you can identify any areas where improvement is needed. You also need to be aware of any potential problems that could occur if work productivity levels drop.

It’s also crucial to track employee productivity so that you can give them the appropriate amount of work. If employees have extensive periods of downtime, it can lead to them becoming bored or distracted. On the other hand, if they’re overworked, it can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation.

Establishing clear expectations and communication

From the very beginning, establish clear expectations with your employees. Let them know what you’re looking for, and be transparent about it.

That way, they won’t feel like you’re watching their every move—or worse, that you don’t trust them. And make sure that you communicate those expectations effectively. Get everyone on the same page, so there are no misunderstandings.

Identifying effective ways to monitor productivity

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There are a few effective ways to monitor productivity that won’t erode employee trust.

The first is task or project management software. This type of software, like Asana, allows you to see what tasks or projects are being worked on and how much progress has been made.

Another way to monitor productivity is with time-tracking, such as Time Doctor, or file-tracking software. They allow you to see how much time is being spent on each task or project and what files are being accessed.

Recognizing when to take a step back

You might be thinking to yourself, “If I’m not monitoring my employee’s every move, how will I know if they’re being productive?” And that’s a valid concern.

But there are ways to track productivity that don’t involve being overly intrusive. If you do need to check in on them from time to time, try to do it in a way that doesn’t make them feel like you don’t trust them.

Or to calm the micromanager traits in you, you could ask them to keep a log of their daily tasks and send you a brief rundown in bullet points of what they have accomplished each day before knocking off.

Trust is vital in any relationship, and that includes the relationship between boss and employee. By taking these steps, you can keep track of productivity without eroding employee trust. We know it’s a tricky balance, but bosses can keep an eye on their employees’ productivity without making them feel like they’re being constantly monitored. By taking a more subtle approach, bosses can foster a sense of trust and collaboration, while still being able to keep track of what’s going on.

Cut the excuses and unlock success: Tips for moving ahead in 2023

The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

But when it comes to success, it’s easy to forget that saying and get overwhelmed by the size of the goal. Suddenly, the elephant doesn’t seem so manageable after all. Before we know it, we’re making excuses to put off progress.

Well, no more. In this article, we’re going to give you some tips on how to cut through the excuses and start moving ahead in 2023. Let’s get started!

Spotting excuses: What are you telling yourself?

The first step is recognizing when you’re making excuses.

Excuses are just stories we tell ourselves to justify not doing something. So what’s going on? Why are you telling yourself that you can’t do something?

Sometimes, our excuses are fears in disguise. We’re scared to take action because we’re afraid of failing. We’re scared of the unknown. We don’t want to put in the hard work required to achieve our goals.

But once you become aware of your excuses, you can start to ask yourself whether they’re true. Are you too busy or tired? Or are you just making excuses so you can avoid taking action?

Reframing the problem: How can you adjust your mindset?

Changing your mindset is easier said than done.

It’s hard to break old habits and patterns of thinking, especially if you’ve been making excuses for years. But it’s not impossible.

One way to do this is by practicing cognitive reframing. This means becoming more aware of the thoughts that go through your head, and then adjusting them so that they’re more supportive.

For example, if you find yourself saying “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this”, try reframing those statements into something more positive, like “I’m trying my best” or “I can do this”.

Another way to adjust your mindset is to change your fixed mindset into a growth mindset. This means taking on a more flexible attitude, and realizing that you’re not born with all the answers—you have to learn and grow to achieve success. With a growth mindset, you’re more likely to take on new challenges and persist even when things get tough.

Find motivation: What’s driving you to succeed?

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Now that you’re ready to get moving, it’s time to find your motivation.

For some people, this is easy—they’re driven by a passion for the work they do, or they want to achieve a certain goal. But for others, it can be more difficult to find that motivating force.

If you’re having trouble getting started, try to identify what’s driving you to succeed. What are your reasons for wanting to achieve this goal? Is it the recognition? The money? The feeling of satisfaction you will get when you finish?

Once you know what motivates you, it’s easier to get past the excuses and stay focused on your goal. You can use this information to create a plan and set smaller goals that will help you reach your ultimate destination. And if you ever feel like giving up, remind yourself of what’s waiting for you on the other side.

Break down goals: What small steps can you take to tackle the problem?

If you want to move forward and be successful, you need to learn how to cut the excuses and get down to business.

One way to do this is to break down your goal into small, manageable steps. When you have a huge task ahead of you, it can be overwhelming, and easy to make excuses. But if you break it down into smaller steps, you can focus on one thing at a time and make progress without getting bogged down.

For instance, let’s say you want to start your own business. That’s a big goal that can seem insurmountable. But if you break it down into smaller steps, it becomes much more manageable. You can start by doing some research, then creating a business plan, and then start scaling. By taking small steps, you will be able to achieve your big goal without getting overpowered.

Keep track of success: Celebrate small wins and use them as fuel

You may not always feel like you’re making progress, but trust us, you are.

And it’s important to keep track of your successes—no matter how small they may seem—so that you can use them as fuel to keep going.

One way to do this is to express gratitude for your wins, however small. When you take the time to celebrate your accomplishments, it stimulates your brain’s reward center and gives you a sense of satisfaction that can help motivate you to keep going.

So take a few minutes each day to write down what you’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as finishing a task or making 1% progress. Whatever it is, acknowledging your successes—however small they may be—is a crucial step in moving ahead.

Talk it out: Connect with an accountability partner

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If you’re serious about making progress, find someone who can help you stay on track. Here’s why an accountability partner is so important:

They keep you accountable.

It’s easy to make excuses when we’re the only ones holding ourselves accountable. But when someone else is watching over us, we’re more likely to follow through.

They offer a different perspective.

When we’re stuck in our heads, it’s hard to see things clearly. But when we talk to someone else, they can offer a different perspective that we might not have considered.

They help you see your blind spots.

We all have them—the things we can’t see about ourselves because we’re too close to the situation. An accountability partner can help you identify these blind spots so you can work on them.

Every day we are confronted with tasks that require effort. Whether it’s getting out of bed early to start your day, going to the gym, or sitting down to work on a project, there will always be moments when it’s easier to make excuses. And that’s okay. What’s crucial is that you don’t let the excuses win. Aim to move forward at least 1% each day. You got this!

Responsible pet ownership: How to keep your pet and your community happy

Being a responsible pet owner is not only about taking care of your pet.

It’s also about making sure your pet doesn’t bother your neighbors and the community. You need to be familiar with the laws and regulations that concern pets because ignorance is not an excuse.

Taking care of your pet’s needs

When you take on the responsibility of owning a pet, you’re agreeing to take care of all of their needs.

This includes making sure they’re fed, groomed, and have a clean place to relieve themselves. It’s also important to give them plenty of exercise and playtime.

In addition, be a responsible owner by cleaning up after them. There’s nothing more frustrating for the public than having to dodge piles of poop daily. So always carry a baggie with you when you take your dog for a walk, and be sure to dispose of their waste properly.

The importance of proper training

One of the most essential things you can do as a pet owner is to properly train your pet.

This means taking the time to understand your pet’s language and teaching them the basic commands that will make both your lives easier.

But training isn’t just about teaching your pet to obey you. It’s also about building a relationship of trust and understanding. When your pet knows that they can trust you to lead them in the right direction, they will be more confident and secure in their surroundings. This is especially important for puppies, who are still learning about the world around them.

It’s also necessary to provide your pet with plenty of exercises, both physical and mental. A bored dog is a destructive dog, and a frustrated cat can become a real pain. Giving your pet plenty of exercise will help them burn off energy in a healthy way, and it will give you both something to bond over. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

Being an informed and considerate pet owner

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Before you even adopt a pet, be sure to evaluate your lifestyle and see if you can commit to taking care of one.

Pets need exercise, plenty of attention, and regular vet check-ups—something not everyone can provide. If you can’t deliver these essentials, it’s best to wait until you can before bringing a furry friend into your home.

Creating a safe home environment for your pet

Have you taken steps to pet-proof your home?

Start by creating a safe space for your new family member in your home. This might be a designated room or area with all of their things, like their bed, toys, food, and water bowls. Once they have a safe space, you can start to introduce them slowly to other areas of the house.

When you’re pet-proofing your home, think about what might be dangerous for your pet and take steps to remove or secure those items. For instance, if you have toxic household plants, keep them out of reach or get rid of them altogether. You should also store away any cleaning supplies, medications, and small objects that your pet could choke on.

In short, being a responsible pet owner means taking care of your pet’s needs, and the needs of your community. This means feeding your pet the right food, keeping them healthy and groomed, and using proper training methods so they don’t become a nuisance. Owning a pet is not a walk in the park so think twice before you welcome a furry friend home.

Into the unknown: How to better embrace changes in life

Change is the only constant in life.

We all go through changes, big and small, throughout our lives. But how we react to those changes can make all the difference.

Some people find change unsettling and tough to cope with. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. There are ways to better embrace life changes and we will explore some of them.

Acknowledge fear of change

It’s normal to feel uneasy when faced with big changes.

We may feel scared about the unknown, or uncertain about what the future holds. But change is a natural part of life, and it’s something unavoidable.

The key is to learn to embrace change, rather than fight it. This means recognizing and coping with our negative thoughts and letting go of our perfectionism. With practice, we can learn to be more open to change and see the possibilities that it brings.

Be mindful of the present moment

When you’re feeling apprehensive about life changes, it’s helpful to focus on the present moment.

Start by taking a few deep breaths and bringing your awareness to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice the texture of the fabric beneath your fingers, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

When you take the time to focus on the present moment, it helps to balance out your thoughts. And that can be incredibly liberating—it can help you let go of some of the tension that comes with change.

Learn to be decisive and take action

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Learning to be decisive and take action can help make the transition a lot smoother.

Start by making specific goals for yourself. Having something to work towards will help you focus on the positive aspects of change, rather than dwelling on the uncertainties.

And if you find yourself overthinking things, remember that it’s okay to be uncertain—but it’s not okay to stay in that state forever. After all, change is something that we all have to deal with at some point or another.

Find joy in small things, even amidst change

One way to make change more bearable is to focus on the joy that can be found in small things.

For example, if you’re moving to a new city, take the time to explore your new neighborhood. Check out the local cafes, parks, and restaurants.

Find a route that you enjoy walking or running. Or, if you’re starting a new job, look for ways to connect with your co-workers. Maybe there’s a weekly happy hour gathering that you can join.

It can be helpful to think of change as an opportunity to expand your horizons and develop new and better habits. Maybe you’ve been wanting to learn a new language or practice meditation but haven’t had the time.

A change in circumstances can give you the perfect opportunity to do those things. So instead of seeing change as a negative, try to view it as a chance to grow and learn.

Make time for yourself and your mental health

It’s okay to feel scared or alone when faced with change.

Acknowledge those feelings, and give yourself space to experience them. But don’t dwell on them. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and your mental health.

That might mean making time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy. It could be taking a walk in nature, reading a good book, or working on a new hobby. Or maybe it’s just taking time to clear your head with deep breathing exercises or meditation.

Making time for yourself is important, especially when you’re feeling stressed. It can help you refocus and recharge so you can better deal with whatever changes come your way.

Reflect on the past, and set intentions for the future

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As we close, take some time to reflect on the past.

What has brought you to this point in life? What lessons have you learned? What are you grateful for?

Answering these questions can help you get clear on your values and what’s meaningful to you. From there, you can set some intentions for the future. What do you want to achieve? What kind of person do you want to be?

Thinking about the future and reflecting on the past can help lead to a more meaningful life. It can give you a sense of direction and purpose, and help you make choices that are in line with your values.

You may find yourself feeling scared or uncomfortable when changes come your way, but that’s perfectly normal. Instead of resisting the change, try to embrace it. Embracing change means accepting that the situation is new and unknown, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean that you have to like the change or that everything will be perfect, but it does mean that you’re willing to give it a try. Also, remember that change is a natural part of life. Things are constantly changing, whether we like them or not, and the only way to deal with them is to accept it and move on.