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Stress Over Debt?: How to Get Rid of Student Loan Debt

Stress Over Debt?: How to Get Rid of Student Loan


Stress Over Debt?: How to Get Rid of Student Loan Debt

Over half of young adults that went to college in 2018 took on debt. If you are one of the many people that have student debt, it can be very stressful to be under the weight of paying off thousands of dollars in debt from going to school.

We are here to help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Continue reading this article to learn how to get rid of student loan debt.

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

One of the things that will become more popular is student loan repayment assistance programs. Many employers that are competing for top talent will offer these programs as a benefit to get people to come to work for their company. If you can find an employer that offers this as a benefit, you might be able to get a chunk of your loans repaid.

Enroll In Income-Driven Repayment

Do you feel like you’re drowning under the weight of the debt you owe for student loans? If you don’t feel like you can afford what you have to pay for your student loans, you can apply to lower your payments according to your income.

There are different types of repayment plans available depending on your situation, so make sure to check into every option.

Qualify for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

If your student loans are through the federal government, you might be able to qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs. There are different programs, but one of the most popular programs is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Under this program, if you work in public service for 10 years, your loans can be forgiven.

Consolidate Your Student Loan Debt

While consolidating your student loan debt isn’t going to make it go away, it can make it easier to manage. Instead of trying to figure out what you owe and when you owe it, you’ll be able to have one loan and can easily see the balance.

If you find that you miss payments a lot because you can’t keep track of your loans, this might be a good option for you.

Refinance Your Student Loans

If you have private student loans, instead of continuing to pay high-interest rates, you might be able to refinance your loan to get a better interest rate. If you can get a lower interest rate, your payment could be a lot lower, or you could continue to pay the bigger payment and pay off your loan a lot faster.

Make sure the new interest rate is low enough that it is worth the trouble of refinancing your student loans.

Now You Know How to Get Rid of Student Loan Debt 

Now you know how to get rid of student loan debt. With the information you have, you can start working toward your financial freedom from student loans.

Do you want to learn more about personal finance, education, and other important topics? Keep reading our blog to get the information you need.

Health

5 Stress Relief Products That Actually Work

5 Stress Relief Products That Actually Work


5 Stress Relief Products That Actually Work

In our modern society, it’s not exactly difficult to become stressed. Stresses lurk around every corner, just waiting to send our minds into meltdown mode. 

Fortunately, there are products available to help with these matters. Looking for some stress relief products? Then read on because we’re going to cover 5 of them below. 

1. CBD

At this moment in time, one of the most popular stress relief products on the market is CBD or cannabidiol. An extract of cannabis, it provides many of the benefits of THC but without the extreme high. 

CBD can be consumed in many forms. It can be swallowed as a capsule, absorbed as a tincture, smoked as CBD shatter, or vaped through a vaporizer pen. Every form of consumption offers different benefits and drawbacks, so read up on each before making a choice. 

2. Essential Oil Diffuser

Another product that you might consider is an essential oil diffuser. These devices vaporize essential oils and output them in mist form. In doing so, they help to create a relaxing and therapeutic environment. 

When using an essential oil diffuser, you’re advised to use 100% natural essential oils. There are plenty of artificial products out there, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Only 100% natural products are guaranteed to be effective (and safe!). 

3. Weighted Blanket

If your stress keeps you up at night, you might consider making use of a weighted blanket. These blankets weigh between 5 and 30 pounds and can go a long way in improving the quality of sleep in stressed and anxious individuals. 

While weighted blankets haven’t proven successful for everyone, studies show that they offer results for many. They’re available online for between $30 and $100. 

4. Shiatsu Massager

Shiatsu massage is a form of Japanese massage designed to reduce anxiety and depression. By making use of Shiatsu massage on a regular basis, you’re bound to experience stress relief over time. 

Of course, paying for massages on a regular basis isn’t exactly financially feasible.

But do you know what is? Buying a Shiatsu massaging device. These devices can be taken anywhere and are available for between $40 and $100. 

5. Adult Coloring Book

Coloring isn’t just for kids. Adults can get in on the act as well. 

But why waste your time coloring? Because it’s not only fun but relaxing as well. As such, it can go a long way in relieving stress. 

There are all sorts of adult coloring books on the market today. Regardless of your preferences, there’s sure to be a coloring book that accommodates you. 

These Stress Relief Products are Worth a Try

While these stress relief products might not necessarily do the trick for you, they’re, at very the least, worth a try. Many individuals have found success in using them, and you could very well be the next. 

Looking for other such info? Our website has you covered. Take a look at our other articles now! 

Business

Getting the Word Out: How to Make a Brochure Without the Stress

Getting the Word Out: How to Make a Brochure Without


Getting the Word Out: How to Make a Brochure Without the Stress

Are you launching a new business? Or perhaps looking to introduce a new product or service? Though there are modern ways to get the word out, some traditional methods remain timeless.

Despite the presence of social media and other digital options, the brochure continues to do wonders for businesses. Brochures help create engagement between companies and their respective target markets. They also attract potential customers by piquing their interest.

For businesses to survive in a cutthroat world, every advantage counts. When crafting brochures, you need to cover all bases.

You need to learn how to make a brochure the right way. 

Continue reading below as we teach you how to make one without the hassle.

Why Your Business Needs Brochures

Before we proceed, you must first realize the need to use brochures. We mentioned earlier that brochures help catch the attention of people. It also connects you with prospective clients.

But beyond those things, brochures also increase your brand’s credibility. They help you earn and build the trust of your target market. Printed materials send the signal that you are willing to invest in your customers.

They show that you are serious about what you are doing.

Furthermore, brochures allow you to personalize your business. Whenever a person reads your brochure, you are conversing with them through the brochure’s text.

Social media presence is great, but adding brochures in your marketing strategies will further strengthen your control of the market.

How to Make a Brochure Via Microsoft Publisher

With a little help from Microsoft Publisher, you can create a brochure that you can be proud of. Begin by choosing a brochure design that you want. Microsoft Publisher carries designs and templates based on the goal you are looking to achieve.

1. Choosing the Design

If you are using Publisher 2010, head on to Available Templates. Select “Brochures” then pick a design from the brochure templates. If you wish to zoom closer into the designs, simply click on the images and a larger version will pop on the right portion of the screen.

2. Pick a Panel

Next, decide on how many panels you want to use for your brochure. Head on to the Page size section. Choose between “3-panel” or “4-panel.”

The key to determining the number of panels you need is to try it out first on a physical paper. Fold a sheet of paper according to the size that you want.

3. To Mail or Hand Over?

Decide if you want to mail the brochure or hand them directly to your customers. If you wish to mail them, make room for a panel space to write the mailing and return address.

If you prefer to distribute them in person, then you can do away with the panel space. But you want to save a small area for your company name and address. To do this, tick the “include customer box” in Publisher.

4. Forms for Information

One way of securing customer information is to insert forms in your brochures. Hit the Forms dropdown menu to check your options. You can choose Order form, Sign-up form, Response form, or None.

5. Pick a Font and Color

Regardless of the template you choose, it will come with a default font and color scheme. But you can change them by choosing from the Font Scheme and Color Scheme dropdowns. 

If you wish to create a new color theme, simply choose “Create new.” The same thing goes for the font.

6. Put in Your Company Information, Then “Create”

Head on to the Business Information dropdown to input your company information. You may also click “Create New.” 

Complete the process by clicking the “Create” button. You can find this at the bottom portion of the task pane. Make sure to print out a copy to get an idea of what the brochure looks like when you’re holding it.

How to Make a Brochure Via Microsoft Word

You also have the option to create a brochure via Microsoft Word. You can do so by using a template or create one from scratch.

But let’s stick to using templates since it is the easiest route to take. Here’s how you do it:

1. Menu, Then Brochure

Open Microsoft Word and type the word “Brochure” in the search bar. You will find the search bar at the top-right portion of the screen. Once you hit enter, Word will load the different brochure templates available.

2. Pick a Template

Next, pick a template that best suits your company. Keep in mind the colors of your brand. Don’t go for a template that clashes with your branding.

Double-click your selection to open the template.

3. Customize

After opening the template, you can customize it by adding your content. The good thing about Microsoft Word is it allows you to tweak the colors, sizes, and fonts of the brochure.

You may find the orientation of the templates confusing especially if it is your first time. Keep in mind that the first page features the back and front portion of the brochure. It also includes the inside flap.

Meanwhile, the second page comes with the inside left, the inside middle, and the inside right portions.

4. Save and Print

After finalizing your template, go to File and hit Save As to save your work. When it comes to printing, never skimp. Look for top-notch print finishing machines for that elegant finish.

Create the Best Marketing Materials Possible

Learning how to make a brochure goes a long way. It will create more exposure for your brand. It also helps you connect with more people.

But you shouldn’t stop with brochures.

Check out our other articles on marketing and advertising strategies. We offer tips and tricks that will keep you two steps ahead of the competition.

Health

Learn How to Chill Out! 10 Tips for Creating a Stress Management Plan

Learn How to Chill Out! 10 Tips for Creating a


Learn How to Chill Out! 10 Tips for Creating a Stress Management Plan

Is stress starting to take a toll on your life? Whether you’re dealing with stress at work or stress at home, it can have a profound impact on you.

Surveys have shown that about 77% of people admit to living with physical symptoms associated with stress. They’ve also revealed that almost 50% of people lay in bed awake at night as a result of their stress.

Coming up with a stress management plan is one great way to get a grip on stress and stop it from ruining your life. Here are ten tips that will help you do it.

1. Figure out What’s Causing Your Stress Levels to Skyrocket

Before you can start ironing out the details of a stress management plan, it’s important for you to identify what’s causing you to suffer from so much stress. Is your stress caused by:

  • Your job?
  • Your finances?
  • Your house?
  • Your relationship with your spouse?
  • Your political beliefs?

If you don’t know why you’re always feeling so stressed out, it’s going to be almost impossible to manage your stress levels.

2. Eliminate Things from Your Life That Lead to Stress

Once you know why you’re so stressed out, you can start to get rid of some of the things in your life that are causing stress. You can do it by:

  • Looking for a new job
  • Making a stronger effort to pay down debt and get your finances in order
  • Moving to a house that doesn’t require so much maintenance
  • Going to marriage counseling with your significant other
  • Avoiding political arguments with family members and friends

You’ll be amazed by how much less stressed out you feel when you cut out some of these things from your life.

3. Find Ways to Manage Your Time More Effectively

Everyone gets 24 hours each day to do everything that they need to do. But not everyone uses those 24 hours in the same way.

Are you using your time to the best of your ability? If you’re not managing your time well, that could lead to you dealing with more stress than you should have to.

Invest in a daily, weekly, and monthly planner and start taking back control of your schedule. By managing your time better, you’ll start to feel some of your stress melt away.

4. Work More Exercise into Your Daily Schedule

About 80% of Americans don’t get enough exercise each week. This has led to a dramatic increase in the country’s obesity rate.

There is also a direct correlation between America’s lack of exercise and the increase in the country’s collective stress levels. So many people could benefit from exercising more as far as beating stress is concerned.

Start jogging, lifting weights, or playing recreational sports more often. You’ll feel less stressed out when you make exercise a bigger priority in your life.

5. Make Sure You’re Eating Healthy Meals Every Day

In addition to getting more exercise, you should also eat healthier meals to combat weight gain and defeat stress. If you’re constantly stuffing yourself with unhealthy fast foods, it’s going to impact your physical and mental health before long.

You may also want to start taking supplements and even consider using the best CBD oil as part of your diet. When used properly, CBD oil has been shown to help those battling stress.

6. Get More Than Enough Sleep Each Night

A lack of sleep can impact you in so many different ways. It can cause you to gain weight, make you very forgetful, and even put you at an increased risk for cancer.

You’re also going to notice that you have a hard time working your way through stressful situations when you’re sleep-deprived. It’s why any good stress management plan should include lots of sleep.

7. Take Time to Take Part in Hobbies

Do you spend your days dealing with one stressful situation after another? It’s no wonder why you’re so stressed out all the time!

Rather than trying to keep up with this routine, take time out of your busy days to take part in hobbies and any activities that make you happy.

Some people enjoy putting together puzzles or doing crosswords. Others enjoy skydiving or flying planes.

Whatever you like to do, do more of it! It’ll be very beneficial to you if you suffer from stress.

8. Avoid Using Alcohol and Drugs to Battle Stress

Far too often, people turn to alcohol and/or drugs as a means of coping with stress. These things help them escape their stress for a few hours and make them feel good about their lives.

The problem, of course, is that alcohol and drugs eventually wear off and send stress running right back in your direction. This will force you to decide what to do next:

  • Deal with the sources of your stress head-on
  • Use more alcohol and/or drugs to get rid of stress for a little while longer

Sadly, many people go with the second option since it’s the easiest way to handle stress. That sometimes leads to substance abuse issues and addiction.

9. Spend More Time with Family Members and Friends

The simple act of socializing more with other people is enough to bring your stress levels back to earth. After spending a few minutes on the phone with your mom or hanging out with friends for an afternoon, you’ll almost always feel better.

Find time to pal around with your family members and friends more often. You’ll be blown away by how much better it makes you feel.

10. Adopt a More Positive Approach to Living Your Life

Many people who have dealt with stress for a long time don’t know how to live without it. They are so used to being stressed out that they’ve pretty much tricked their brains into thinking that there’s no other way for things to be.

Breaking this cycle is difficult to do. But you can do it by taking a more positive approach to life.

By smiling more and thinking positive thoughts, you can put up a heck of a fight against stress. It might take a while to see your stress disappear completely, but it’ll happen over time.

Use Your Stress Management Plan to Stop Feeling so Stressed out

It’s going to be almost impossible to live a long, fulfilling life when you always have stress hanging over your head. Stress will literally kill you before it’s your time to go if you don’t do something about it.

Use the tips found here to create a stress management plan for yourself. Stick with it and see first-hand how beneficial it can be to live a stress-free existence.

Check out our blog for more helpful articles relating to stress.

Health

How to Stay Positive and Reduce Divorce Stress

How to Stay Positive and Reduce Divorce Stress


How to Stay Positive and Reduce Divorce Stress

While divorce rates are falling, they’re still quite common, with about 40 percent of all marriages ending in divorce.

Splitting up with a spouse can bring tons of heartache and turmoil, as well as financial, familial, and personal stress.

During these times, it’s pertinent that you stay positive and do everything you can to reduce divorce stress.

While that’s often easier said than done, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can minimize divorce stress and stay positive during this dark period.

Spend Time With Family And Friends

When you marry, you expect your partner to be the one person you can always count on. So it makes sense that your faith in others may be a bit shaken following your decision to get a divorce.

Don’t let your past experiences dictate your future. Now, more than ever is the time to reach out.

Start spending time with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to confide in them and let them know you’re hurting.

By nature, humans are empathetic and seek companionship from others who understand us. Leaning on your loved ones can bring you closer and lift you up during your time of need.

Keep Track of Finances

Aside from the emotional pain, divorces can be financially draining when you factor in the cost of lawyers and court fees. On average, the price of divorce falls somewhere between $500 and $9,000.

Therefore, you’ll need to be smart with your money. If you haven’t already, start keeping track of your finances.

Free sites like Mint can help you determine a monthly budget that fits your needs when going through a divorce.

Write About Your Divorce Stress

Even with work and social obligations, it’s easy to isolate yourself and get stuck in your own head.

Be careful of critical thinking. Once you get started, it’s hard to stop.

You can curb negative thinking by writing your feelings down in a journal, or detail your journey online.

Whenever you’re feeling upset, write out your feelings. Studies show that there are benefits to seeing your thoughts on paper.

Volunteer Your Time

Giving your time to others in need is a great way to take you out of your own mind (and home) for a little while. By volunteering, you’ll stay busy while making a difference in your community.

There are tons of service options for people of every type.

Take cute shelter puppies out for a walk if you love animals. Hand out meals at your local soup kitchen if you’re concerned about the homeless. Mentor kids and take a vested interest in their future.

After an afternoon of service, your divorce stress will lower and you’ll feel great about yourself to boot.

Final Thoughts on Coping With Divorce Stress

Divorce is never a happy situation. But you can view it as the end of your life or the beginning of a brand new chapter.

Keep these tips in mind and remember to breathe. You can handle anything that comes your way.

And don’t forget to keep coming back to ArticleCity for tips on how to live your best life.

Health

Keep Your Mind at Ease with a Stress Journal

Keep Your Mind at Ease with a Stress Journal


Keep Your Mind at Ease with a Stress Journal

At first, feeling stressed may seem pretty normal.

After all, who isn’t stressed in the UK these days? However, it can be harmful if left untreated.

According to stats from the Labor Force Survey, stress was a factor in 37% of all work-related health cases from 2015-2016. It also accounted for 45% of all working days lost.

Some people use aromatherapy, copper, and other tools to handle stress. However, many still struggle with it. You need a proactive way of combating stress.

Use A Stress Journal

A stress journal is a simple way for you to manage your feelings of stress in a healthy, proactive way. Think of it as a one-person therapy session you can have at any time.

Using a stress journal is simple. All you have to do is write down a record your feelings of stress. Eventually, you’ll identify patterns in your stress. This way, you can find ways to reduce stressful behaviors.

You may not have ever kept a diary, but keeping a journal could be the key to getting your stress under control. It’s not about the quality of your writing, it’s about putting your feelings on paper.

Articulate Feelings

Do you ever have trouble explaining to people why you’re stressed?

Verbal communication may not work best for you, but journaling gives you an outlet for complicated feelings.

If you have trouble verbalizing and vocalizing how you feel, writing those feelings down can help you to better identify how you feel. Imagine finally being able to pinpoint your feelings of stress.

It will do wonders to boost your mood!

Process Emotions

Do you ever feel like you have trouble dealing with your feelings? Everyone has different ways of dealing with stress.

Some smoke or buy cigarettes online UK, while others get massages. Once you’ve found a stress relief method that works for you, why not try to expand your arsenal? Having a variety of ways to handle your stress ensures you’ll always stay in touch with your emotions — and that your methods remain effective.

If you’re stressed out and upset, finding a way to process difficult feelings can be hard. A stress journal will give you time to reflect on your feelings.

Having a bad client call or a fight with your spouse may feel awful, but it isn’t the end of the world.

Taking time to write down your feelings and being able to reflect on them is crucial for managing stress. It may also help you to put your problems into perspective.

Identify Stressors

When you’re stressed out, it can be easy to attribute certain frustrations and feelings to the wrong cause. Keeping a journal may help you make a breakthrough to discover exactly why you’re feeling so stressed out.

You may think that meetings with your boss stress you out. But after looking through a few weeks of entries, you find that talking to a certain coworker before meetings make you more stressed than simply talking to our boss.

Dealing with stress is important. However, finding the cause for that stress is just as crucial. Once you sort through your journal, you may find that your stress is being caused by something you’d never even thought of.

Stress Journals: Wrapping Up

How do you deal with stress?

Do you have ways to handle stress that have helped you in the past? Tell our readers about it in the comments section!