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5 Reasons To Invest In Solar Panels

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When it comes to sustainable energy, people have strong opinions for and against it.

Some say solar panels never actually pay for themselves. Others love solar panels for self-sufficiency and environmental reasons.

But like all technology, the solar panels today are not the ones people bought decades ago. And there are many reasons you’ll want to consider investing in them sooner rather than later.

1. Become More Self-Sufficient

Becoming energy self-sufficient means you have electricity when others lose theirs. That can be a life-saver during a natural or people-made disaster.

You know that you and your family are taken care of, no matter what. And you’re in a better position to help others in the community during a major event.

It feels good to know you’re producing your own energy and living a more self-sufficient life.

2. Lower Your Energy Bills

As long as you live somewhere that gets good sunshine, a solar panel system can much more than pay for itself in the 25+ years it can last.

If you live in a less sunny climate, you can still save money. But you’ll want to perform an energy analysis to see how much electricity you can reasonably generate per panel.

Fun fact: A south-facing roof gets the most sun in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa south of the Equator. If you have a north-south oriented roof, you may need fewer panels than the rest of us.

3. Prices Are Going Down

While the prices of many things continue to rise, producing solar is getting cheaper. This is partly due to increased efficiency and more streamlined manufacturing processes.

In 2010, you’d pay USD $7.53 per watt produced (probably higher than your electric company charges you). Back then, getting solar panels was more of an ethical choice than a money-saving one. This is why solar once had many naysayers.

But now, you’ll pay around $2.65 per watt. That’s almost half of what you’d pay the electric company for that watt. It’s hard to argue with that.

4. Support Clean Energy

Solar is a renewable resource. Going solar can reduce your dependence on coal and fossil fuels, which still provide at least some power to electrical grids around the world. So you’re reducing your carbon footprint and supporting sustainable solutions.

When you invest in solar panels, you’re investing in the future of the planet and that of the generations that come after us.

5. You Could Make Money

If you’re in the United States, you could earn federal and state tax credits that pay as much as 26% of the cost for panels and installation.

That’s not money in your pocket just yet. But solar panels pay for themselves within 5-10 years in a moderately sunny climate.

After that, you still don’t have an electricity bill. So that is money in your pocket.

On top of that, many communities will also buy back excess electricity you produce. That could mean the electric company pays you, not the other way around.

Going solar is an investment. Like all investments, there are risks. But for most people, getting solar panels will be an investment that pays you back several times over.

The Magic of Mexico City – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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Mexico City is one of the earliest metropolises in North America. It is vibrant and bustling with beautiful attractions celebrating its intricate history and rich culture, drawing enthusiastic tourists from all over the world. 

You might wonder where to start your adventures in this stunning city, so we would like to recommend five unique attractions that reveal the deep and enduring magic of Mexico City that will leave you wanting more.

1. Palacio Nacional 

The Palacio Nacional, or the National Palace, serves as Mexico’s federal branch of government, housing the president’s office and the Federal Treasury. One of the main attractions at this site is the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, which is one of the most well-known libraries in Mexico. The walls in the library are filled with stunning, colorful murals and include many works by Mexico’s beloved Diego Rivera. 

2. Fuente de Tláloc in Chapultepec Park 

To refer to the Fuente de Tláloc as a mere sculpture is an understatement. The massive tiled fountain is another work by Mexico’s Diego Rivera that encapsulates the essence of the Mexican people’s spirit. Located deep in the Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Forest, Rivera was inspired to craft this piece because of his work to improve Mexico City’s infrastructure, starting with the municipal water system. The tiled sculpture is named for the god of rain, Tláloc, and spans a pool that spreads 100 feet wide. 

3. Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor, or Main Temple in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, is a must-see attraction. While the original temple was razed and replaced by a cathedral in the 16th century during the Spanish conquest, the haunting and awe-inspiring ruins remain. You can find the Templo Mayor in the Centro Histórico, surrounded by the modern streets and buildings of Mexico City. Fortunately, the site features a well-organized museum to help fill out the details, using the existing ruins as a powerful launch point for your imagination to take over and visualize the ancient Aztec civilization in its full glory.

4. Xochimilco – The Floating Gardens of Mexico City

While it’s wonderful to see the ruins and museums of Mexico City, sometimes you need to indulge in some serious nature, and Xochimilco will hit the spot. In Aztec, Xochimilco translates to “place of the flowers,” but it has become more commonly and lovingly known as the Floating Gardens. Here in this tranquil setting, you can sit back and relax while gently gliding along the water on a trajinera, also called a chalupa, a flower-colored boat similar to a Venetian gondola. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Aztec-created canals, small islands, and surrounding forest land. During your trip, you can enjoy island stops, you can buy food, drinks, and hand-crafted trinkets at organic farms and local shops.

5. Chapultepec Castle

If you want to visit a royal castle in North America, this is your only option, and you’ll love Chapultepec Castle. Besides the castle’s beauty, you’ll get to see sweeping views of Mexico City and the surrounding countryside from this hilltop site. Once you focus on the castle, you’ll see the exquisite 18th-century architecture, luxurious castle rooms, black and white tiled floors, and stained-glass windows. 

Hopefully, these unique attractions will help launch your adventures in Mexico City, inspiring many more. 

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Germany

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Germany is magical. The Germans are very nice people who speak English, keep their cities impeccably clean, and work and play very hard. Between northern Germany, southern Germany, and the eastern part of the country, you’ll see some pretty stark cultural differences, but the people will always be welcoming.

Really getting to know Germany is a fantastic experience, and checking out the different cities and areas of the country will be a trip you’ll never forget. There are so many ways to get to know the real Germany, but here are five that will make your experience unforgettable, all from a Germany pro.

Get on the Autobahn

It is famous for a reason, there is no other experience in a car like it. The Autobahn is the smoothest, most technologically advanced roadway in the world. Of course, it also has those famous sections with no speed limit.

It can be a genuinely harrowing experience for many tourists the first time they do 120mph with Porsche’s lights flashing for them to move over. Riding with a German accustomed to it is encouraged. If you do go for it, know that the rules are stringent and the tickets can be very large, so know proper Autobahn etiquette.

Eat German Food Everywhere

German food isn’t common in the U.S., but it is delicious. Just as the culture can be very different by geography, so is the food. Northern German food is tremendously different from Bavarian food, and more of the Polish/Slavic impact can be tasted in the east. It is fresh and tremendous, and there are over 360 types of incredible bread.

Shop on the Fussgangerzone

German cities have walking areas with no cars allowed. They are called Fussgangerzones and are surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll see plenty of street performers and small boutiques. These are just fun areas to take a walk on cobblestone streets and take in the sites and sounds of the city.

Go midday for the most action as Germany has strict laws about how late shops can be open. Those laws are in place to protect small merchants from large chains that can afford to run all hours. Also, Germans like their evenings and Sundays reserved for family and entertainment.

Beer!

Germans are famous for beer and drink more than other people. Beer is so important that it is classified as a life staple and therefore not taxable.

German beer doesn’t come in the insane varieties one will find in the U.S. due to ancient purity laws that strictly limit brewing to a few ingredients to ensure this sacred drink is made right. Regardless of the much-limited selection of types, it’s delicious.

These tips aren’t about where to go and the landmarks to visit so much as providing the little things that help you experience the real Germany. A visit to the great German cities and beautiful countryside will be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life.

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting India

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India is like nowhere else on earth. You have the chance to step into a swirling, exciting mixture of ancient and new. You can explore majestic ancient ruins and wonders of the world, enjoy delicious cuisine, and meet incredible people on your voyage.

When you step into a foreign country like India, however, you want to know how to act so that you can enjoy every aspect of your stay. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top 5 behaviors you want to avoid when traveling to India. Let’s dive in.

DON’T leave your shoes on when entering holy places, houses, or even some stores

Traditionally, Indians do not wear shoes in their homes or holy places. You might even see people take off their shoes to enter some stores. Therefore, if you visit temples or private homes, plan on leaving your shoes outside. You will likely see a pile by the door.

If you see people taking off their shoes to enter other establishments as well, follow their lead.

You do not want to inadvertently step on anyone’s toes, literally or figuratively.

DON’T expect everyone to speak English

You will find that a number of locals speak English. This is particularly true in major cities or near common tourist sites. However, that does not mean that everyone in India will speak English.

India has a rich and beautiful tapestry of languages and cultures. While many associate languages in India with Hindi, it is far from the only one. 

Learn about the languages spoken in the areas you will visit. Even if you can communicate in English with them or if you have a translator with you, being able to say ‘hello’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ in their language will go a long way in showing your respect for their culture.

DON’T point at things with your finger or use your left hand for certain tasks

Pointing at something with your finger can make you seem very rude. Instead, to gesture at something in particular, you want to point with your thumb or with your head. While some Indians might be somewhat accustomed to seeing foreign tourists make this faux pas, it will not help you ingratiate yourself with the locals and can earn you stares or glares. Best to just avoid it.

Similarly, don’t reach for things or offer something to someone else with your left hand, such as giving alms in a temple or paying your taxi driver. The left hand is generally only used for tasks like personal hygiene and is considered unclean.

DON’T expect everything to start right on time

Many people in India function on their own understanding of time. Do not expect things to start on time. If you get invited to someone’s home, they will not really expect you until 20-30 minutes after the start time. Meetings and public transportation will also operate behind schedule.

Knowing what to expect can help you limit your frustration. Just build the extra time into your itinerary. Embrace Indian culture as you immerse yourself.

DON’T be afraid to step off the beaten path 

There is no doubt that stepping off the beaten path in India can be immensely rewarding. You can venture to Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh to see early cave dwellings and incredible prehistoric art. You can also explore the trails of the Western Ghats and see unique plants and animals. Don’t limit yourself in India to what everyone else does. Explore this beautiful country for yourself.

Exploring India is an opportunity to experience a rich and astounding place. Keep these guidelines in mind and go have the time of your life.

 

5 Low-budget Movies That Made Major Box Office Waves

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Every once in a while, a low-budget film makes a break-out financial success.

Here are five astonishing stories that are amazing about successful independent films.

The Film that Bewitched Star Wars

In the summer of 1999, movie theaters were packed with sell-out crowds to see the Star Wars movie, The Phantom Menace. The Star Wars film got so much attention that few other films dared to be released during the same time.

However, one film, made with a budget of US$60,000, was released on Wednesday, July 14, 1999. It was shown in one theater and then expanded to 27 theaters for the opening weekend.

The film was the Blair Witch Project.

The movie is about “found” video footage of people in the woods being murdered. There was intentional confusion about whether the video footage was “real.” The film was marketed by using posters of missing persons and a website. Attention about the film went viral on the Internet. Soon, there were lines around the block at the few theatres showing the movie to sold-out crowds. The release expanded to 2,600 theaters.

The producers sold all film rights to get the film distributed but held back a revenue-sharing position if the film grossed over $100 million. Nobody thought the film could earn that much.

It made $140 million domestic gross and $248 million worldwide. The producers are said to have earned $25 to $30 million to settle a lawsuit with the distributor.

Rocky

Sylvester Stallone was broke. His wife was pregnant, and he just turned down an offer of $100,000 for his screenplay Rocky because he refused to sell it unless the studio agreed to let him play the lead.

Due to Stallone’s stubbornness, the first Rocky was made with him as the star for a tiny budget of $1 million. Released in 1976, it earned $117 million domestic box office gross and a total of $225 million worldwide.

The franchise for Rocky films (nine so far) earned a total of over $1.5 billion.

Friday the 13th

The first film in this franchise was made for $550,000. It was released in 1980 with a brilliant marketing campaign created by legendary Michael Harpster, who would go on to be President of New Line Marketing for more than 20 years. Who can forget the hockey-mask-wearing murderer, Jason Voorhees, in this slasher film? The villain was truly terrifying. The worldwide box office was $60 million.

In total, the 12 films in this franchise made $466 million at the box office, and the merchandise sales were phenomenal.

Napoleon Dynamite

This film had a modest production budget of $400,000. Released in 2004, it brought a worldwide box office of $46 Million. The film is a quirky, strange, funny, and charming coming-of-age movie. Of the box office, $44.5 million was earned in the USA and only $1.5 million overseas. It might be to a non-US person; this film is just stupid. Still, Americans thought it was hilarious.

Paranormal Activity

This film was released in 2009. It was made for $15,000. It is a voyeuristic look at the security cam footage of a supposedly haunted house. The film scared the bejesus out of movie-goers. And they liked the feeling so much that the film earned $108 million at the domestic box office and $194 million worldwide. Based on its return on investment, these earnings made it the most profitable horror film on record.

Traveling With Kids? 5 Rules to Keep Everything Fun and Stress Free

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Holidays mean time to travel, and that shouldn’t stop just because you have a couple of young kids. Although bringing children along may put an end to the spontaneity you previously enjoyed, there are several things to make the experience better for everyone. 

Top Five Rules to Make Traveling With Young Children Easier and More Fun

Number 5: Let Kids Pack a Fun Bag

Most children have a favorite toy or stuffed animal that makes them feel safe and secure. Leaving these items at home is a surefire way for the vacation to become an instant disaster. Help prevent temper tantrums later by allowing your children to pack a small bag of whatever they want. Once the bag is full, write out a list of what’s in it and bring it with you, so you can be sure you pack everything up when it is time to go home. 

Number 4: Pack Familiar Food 

If your children are picky about what they eat, make sure to bring along their favorite food and snacks just in case they can’t find anything they want to eat. Taking this extra step is particularly important while traveling to your destination since you will most likely find something your kids will enjoy once you arrive. However, if you have an infant, you can make things a lot easier by bringing enough formula and baby food to last the entire time you are away. 

Number 3: Plan Kid-Friendly Activities

Before leaving on vacation, check out what kid-friendly activities your destination offers. If you are visiting a resort or cruise ship that has a kid’s club, you may want to book at least a day or two for your young children to allow you to have some free time. But always save a couple of days to do things as a family to create the memories you will treasure for years to come!

Number 2: Be Early and Flexible

Things always seem to take longer when there is a kid with you. From extra trips to the bathroom to dealing with the inevitable tantrums, you need to schedule extra time for even the most basic tasks. If your travels include a connection, make sure to give yourself a time cushion since it is better to spend an extra hour or two in the airport than to miss your flight for an unexpected delay. 

Number 1: Don’t Disrupt the Schedule

Most people, especially kids, do better when they stick to a daily schedule. Try to ensure that your kids are eating and sleeping at around the same time as they do when they are at home. This can be a big challenge when visiting a new time zone, so you may want to put off international travel until they are a bit older. Arranging a babysitter once you reach your destination is an excellent way for your children to stick to their schedule without you needing to sacrifice your fun. 

Traveling with kids can be a nightmare for even the most close-knit families, but following these tips will improve the likelihood of having a great vacation. 

 

 

 

5 People in History Who Truly Mastered Their Emotions

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Study after study has shown that the most emotionally intelligent people tend to be the greatest leaders and are the best at their jobs in general. 

So, what is emotional intelligence? To put it simply, being “master of your emotions” is being able to stand as a great and sturdy oak in the face of constant battering. No matter the extent of the wind, rain, or storms (setbacks, criticisms, or failures), you are able to hold your ground and press on. 

Great leaders are able to do this. It isn’t — as some may think — that these great individuals were “lucky” or fortunate in their upbringing. It isn’t even that they were especially talented (though many were). The true defining factor seems to be that these individuals were particularly emotionally intelligent. They kept their cool even when things went wrong. 

Let’s take a look at five great figures from history who truly mastered their emotions.

1. Julius Caesar 

“Crossing the Rubicon” is a colloquial phrase used today to define an action that one cannot turn back from after it has been completed. The phrase comes from Julius Caesar, a great Roman general who, upon bringing his army across the river Rubicon in Italy and marching them into the City of Rome took an action that was, at that time, against all Roman laws. He later became the de facto first emperor of Rome (or the first Caesar at least).

Roman historians tell us that he was able to take this action with a cool, calm, and reserved presence that denoted his entire duty as general and all of his reign.

2. Napoleon

Napoleon was hugely instrumental in changing the face of France and the entire continent of Europe throughout the 19th century. Europe as it is today is largely the way it is because of Napoleon. 

One of the ways in which he mastered his emotional intelligence was by actually coming back after ultimately losing his campaign and being exiled to the Island of Corsica. Not only was he cool and collected enough to master nearly the entire continent of Europe during his initial campaign, but he was not even put off enough by his exile and was actually able to return to Europe to attempt another turn as a great European leader.

3. George Washington

It was George Washington’s calm and steady resilience against the seemingly never-ending onslaught of the Redcoats during the American Revolutionary War that ultimately helped him persist at Valley Forge and win the war for the colonists. 

In fact, George Washington was so calm and resigned in his abilities that he was prepared to simply move to his country home and resume his agricultural endeavors after the war. That didn’t happen, however, as his troops rallied him to become the first president.

4. Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great was actually a German princess who was married off to a Russian nobleman and ultimately became the Empress of Russia. 

She was steady-headed and even-keeled in the face of even the most frightening political situations. In fact, she had the calm presence of mind to actually usurp her husband’s place as the Emperor of Russia by intervening at exactly the right time when the last monarch perished. She ultimately seized the throne and put her would-be emperor husband in prison.

5. Abraham Lincoln

The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was known for his stoic, calm demeanor. As a lawyer, he was highly successful at arguing his side of any case without becoming overly emotional or hysterical. This surely had some hand in helping him win the presidency and, ultimately, the American Civil War.

Are You Master of Your Emotions?

There’s much we can learn from the great leaders of history. Surely, one of the most important is emotional intelligence. 

If you would like to cultivate more emotional intelligence in your own life, consider the following.

In your life, you are actually in control of very little. At any given moment, a long list of terrible things could happen to you, to your home, to your country, and to the people you love. Likewise, even small, annoying things happen to you every day that you don’t control. You drop a glass and break it. You trip and fall. You hit a deer in your car. You notice mold in your bathroom.

But there is one thing that you can control, and this is true across the board — no matter what. You can always control your emotions. You — and only you — control the way you feel, think … and ultimately, act. But before actions and thoughts, you have to control the way you feel. These are your emotions.

Work at becoming emotionally intelligent. Notice when you get riled up. Learn to take cues from yourself, never from others. Ride your difficult emotions like waves and let them settle on their own. Doing these things and mastering your emotions can bring you a vast treasure of success and happiness in life.

Would Cockroaches Really Survive A Nuclear War? And 4 Other Weird Cockroach Facts

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If you’ve ever had cockroaches in your home, you know that the critters are pretty darn tough to shake. It’s as though they can survive anything–which is a little surprising, if you think about their position on the food chain. But… could they survive a nuclear war? We’ve got the answer, along with a few other weird facts you never knew you wanted to know about these quick-footed pests. 

1. Yes, Roaches Could Probably Survive a Nuclear War

…at least for a little bit longer than humans. Roaches are several times more resistant to radiation than human beings–6-15 times more resistant, depending on the type of roach. In case of a major nuclear disaster or event, like a “nuclear apocalypse,” though, roaches would either die from the blast or eventually succumb to the effects of radiation, just like other living creatures. Also, because roaches tend to live off the detritus that other creatures leave behind, they likely wouldn’t fare for long without the rest of the world to supply their needs. 

2. Roaches Can Live Without their Heads

Cockroaches have an open circulatory system, meaning they take in oxygen through micro-holes in their bodies–so they don’t need their head to allow them to breathe. They can live for about one week after they’ve lost their head, at which point they will succumb to dehydration. 

3. Roaches Can Go One Month Without Eating 

Most varieties of roaches can live for a month or longer without eating a morsel–but they do need water every week or so to stay alive. This is one reason pest control companies strongly recommend packing away every last crumb of food in the kitchen and throughout the home. Like beer? Make sure not to leave open bottles around the house or yard; like many humans, roaches are particularly fond of the hops/sugar combo. 

4.  The Biggest Cockroaches on Earth Have a Wingspan of 7 Inches

These roaches occupy tropical regions, and generally try to stay away from humans–they’re not the roaches you’ll find hiding under the furniture of the unwary homeowner (thankfully). The Australian rhinoceros cockroach, which is as strange-looking as it sounds, measures about 3 inches from head to behind and weighs as much as one ounce. Not a critter you’d want to encounter unawares. 

5. Cockroaches Can Be Trained

Unlike most insects, roaches have exhibited the ability to learn–and they learn quickly, after just one or two corrections. Of course, their capacity for learning is limited (scientists practiced training them to salivate when presented with certain smells). It’s also worth noting a roach’s quick ability to evolve resistance to pesticides (no wonder they’re so hard to evict once they’ve taken up residence in your domicile). 

Despite our general creeped-out reaction to roaches, they don’t generally pose a threat of any kind (though some do carry harmful germs and bacteria around human abodes). 

 

 

5 Cleaning Tricks To Make Life Simpler

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Love a clean house, but hate doing the work to get there? While there is no magic chant to get cleaning fairies to come to your home while you sleep, there are some cleaning hacks that make the job faster, easier, and a little less like a chore. Are you preparing for company? Need to clean up after a party? Or are you just sick of looking at the dirt around your home? Below are five cleaning tricks to help you get started. 

1. Put Your Dryer Sheets to Work

Whether you are looking to save money on cleaning supplies or want to get as much use out of your household items as possible, repurposing your dryer sheets is the perfect option. Dryer sheets have a refreshing smell and can attract and hold dust and dirt. If you want to freshen up your fabric, run your dryer sheet along the surface. 

Dryer sheets also make a great replacement for paper towels. They can be used to buff spots off mirrors, grab the dust off of baseboards, and even remove the ring around the inside of your toilet. 

2. Have Your Dishwasher Pull Extra Duty

Are you tired of cleaning glass and ceramic knickknacks around your home? You can save some time and elbow grease by popping them into the dishwasher to get clean. While you may want to avoid putting your china or delicate crystal glassware in the dishwasher, many ceramics, plastics, and glass are safe to run through a cycle. You can check your dishwasher manufacturer’s website to find what materials are safe to pop in for a quick clean. Your dishwasher is also a great option to sanitize some plastic toys, light fixtures, and even your toothbrush. 

3. Soak the Grime Off Your Faucets in a Plastic Bag

Work smarter, not harder. That’s the goal of efficient cleaning. You can remove that deep-down grime and buildup on your faucet and showerhead with a sandwich bag and a few minutes of work. Fill your sandwich bag with vinegar and baking soda and place it around the faucet or showerhead, securing it with a rubber band. Make sure the head is fully submerged and go on to your next chore while the bag does its magic. Wait for two hours and remove the bag. Run the faucet or shower for a little bit to remove any residue. 

4. Tackle Hard-to-Reach Appliances With Denture Tablets

Denture tablets quickly and effectively remove bacteria and debris from dentures so they are clean and look new. These tablets can have the same effect on some household products and appliances that may be more difficult to clean. They are great for cleaning tea and coffee pots as the effervescent properties work the same as a scrubbing motion, removing stains, and sanitizing the area. Drop a couple of tabs in your tea or coffee pot and fill with water. Once they have stopped fizzing, dump the water and rinse. 

5. Make Cleaning Screens a Breeze With Coffee Filters

Keeping your electronics clean is vital to protect the surface and give you the best visibility. Unfortunately, these delicate screens have to be handled with care, and using safe traditional paper products often leaves behind debris. Coffee filters are designed to reduce static and catch dust, leaving no lint or unwanted fibers in your coffee. This is exactly what you want for your television and computer screens. Use a clean coffee filter to wipe down your screens, and you will enjoy a streak and lint-free picture. 

While cleaning will always be a chore, these a few hacks will help simplify the process, freeing up your time to focus on the things you want to do. 

 

5 Ways to Raise Your Relaxation Game – Go Deeper, Quicker

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These days, everyone seems to be stressed. What’s more, stress has been continually linked to severe mental and physical illnesses and other plights. Heart disease, migraines, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer have all been linked to chronic stress.

Reducing stress, however, isn’t so easy. We cannot control everything. Things will happen that are stressful, and this is simply a part of life.

The only thing we can do is control our emotions and our reactions to life’s stressors. Therefore, it behooves us to learn how to relax on command — and to do it well.

If you would like your relaxation game to go deeper and if you would like to be able to relax more readily — basically, whenever you want — these tips are for you.

Make Relaxation Even Better with These 5 Tips

1. Keep all your devices out of the room.

There’s really no way to relax completely when you’re waiting to hear if your phone will ring or buzz, and the only way to get rid of this aural temptation is to simply not have any devices nearby.

2. Learn to visualize.

Visualization is a highly underrated form of relaxation. The main benefit of visualization is the fact that it allows you to focus on something instead of the dreaded “clear your mind” strategy, which doesn’t work for many people. 

You can start visualizing by trying to picture a scene or setting that makes you feel relaxed — perhaps the beach, your childhood bedroom, or a beautiful forest. Try to think of everything possible that would be in this space. Pretend you are there, and try to describe it to yourself. This diversion of focus can be immensely helpful at getting to a relaxed state.

3. Be consistent.

Like anything from playing basketball to learning the violin, relaxation is a skill that takes practice. For this reason, you’ll get better at it when you start to do it every day. The key to this is setting aside a particular time for relaxation. Don’t assume you’ll just get to it when you can because that won’t ever happen. Instead, put it into your daily agenda as you would a meeting or a doctor’s appointment.

4. Try a body scan.

A body scan is a physical and mental relaxation practice. To do a body scan, lay down on your back with your legs straight and your arms at your side. Start by clenching your toes and feet tightly. Hold this for several seconds, then release. Move to your calves. Clench them tightly, hold, and release. Finally, do this all the way up your body until you reach your face.

5. Consider guided meditation.

If you’re still having trouble relaxing, try a guided meditation. Get a CD or MP3 player to play a recording of someone performing a guided relaxation session (many are available online). It’s better not to use your computer or smartphone, if possible (see #1). Guided meditations can be helpful because they give you second-to-second “tasks” and topics to focus on, and that way, your mind doesn’t wander as much.

Learning to master relaxation is a life skill that will always be useful, for as long as you live. In this way, it’s worth working on. Use the tips above to improve your relaxation game and give yourself this wonderful, lifelong gift.