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Working from home isn't anything new anymore. People all over the world have overnight become digital nomads for most of this year. While working from home comes with numerous advantages, it has its downsides, too, just like anything else. 

Here are a few ways: 

1. Create a Work Area 

Yes, it's nice to send emails while you are sitting comfortably on your couch or even if you are still lying on your bed. However, it is still highly recommended that you designate a work area. Choose a corner and set it up like a real office where you have a desk and a comfy chair. Make sure that you have all your work-related stuff around so you can easily access them if you need to. If you do this, trust me, you will be able to accomplish many things. This will positively affect your productivity even if you are working at home. 

Having a work area will benefit you mentally. You can even design your own corner in whichever way you want. But most importantly, keep it clean at all times. It would be good to have a hand sanitizer gel lying around so you can keep your hands clean as well before and after touching your computer. 

2. Manage Your Time 

One of the challenges of working from home is time management. In fact, even if you are in a conventional workplace, there are times when it is still quite difficult to manage your time. Well, if you are at home, you can easily get distracted, and this would make you less productive. 

Before you start your day, it is advisable that you create a schedule. Make a list of the things that you need to finish for the day and estimate the time that you'll get to accomplish each task. This way, you will be able to make adjustments if necessary. But the bottom line is, you have to stick to your schedule.  Otherwise, it will defeat the whole purpose. 

4. Prepare Your Meals and Snacks 

According to experts, nutrition is paramount when it comes to being productive, focused, and energized. Obviously, it would be hard for you to focus if you are starving. So now that you are working from home, you need to prepare your meals and snacks rather than calling food delivery. As you start the week, be sure to stock your fridge with healthy food items like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meat, olive oil, honey, and other kitchen essentials. You can even prepare your food ahead of time. 

4. Include Exercise in Your Daily Schedule 

Some people who work from home tend to start living a sedentary lifestyle. Eat, work, and sleep, which is not good. No matter how busy you are, you should still try to find time to exercise. There are endless workouts that you can perform at home. If you are into sports, particularly golf, you can also consider investing in OptiShot 2, which is a golf simulator. Such equipment can help you stay active. 

Also, it would be nice for you to get some fresh air as well, especially early in the morning. You can simply walk or jog around your neighborhood. But when you go out, be sure to follow health and safety protocols. Wear your face mask and keep a little bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket. 

5. Celebrate the Day 

After a long day, you should give yourself a break. You need to relax so your body can recuperate as well. And there's no better way of celebrating a productive day than taking a sip of your favorite wine. You can even order the cocktail of your choice and have it delivered to your doorstep. Check out Buzzballz Choc Tease, Cran Blaster, Lotta Colada, Peachballz, Pineapple Passion, Stiff Lemonade, Strawberry Rum Job, Tea-Licious, and Tequila Rita. As you can see, you have so many options. You can even purchase gin and make your own cocktail at home. Or, simply buy a bottle of red wine, white wine,  or sparkling wine, whichever you prefer. 

Working from home is great. You may not be able to go out as much as you did before, but with simple things, you can still be happy and healthy. 

It has been more than seven months since the first case of COVID-19 was reported. Health experts are still uncertain of what the best cure is. Although some vaccines are being tested right now, nothing has been established yet as to which among those can really put an end to the spread of the coronavirus. 

Over the past few months, lots of businesses have shut down. Although some were lucky enough to reopen, many of them have also closed their doors for good, which has caused millions of people all over the world to lose their jobs. As we begin to rebuild our economies amidst the continuous spread of the virus, we now have to learn how to live in the 'new normal'. 

Indeed, COVID-19 has forced everybody to make dramatic lifestyle changes. And as many of us can now return to work in offices, here are practical tips for staying safe, living in the new normal: 

Wear a Mask 

Every time you leave your home, wearing a mask is mandatory. This protective equipment serves as a barrier so you won't have to breathe other people's air. The truth is, it is a two-way protection. If you are infected and you don't know about it, your mask will keep other people safe from the virus that you have. Likewise, it keeps you safe from individuals who are sick, especially those who are coughing or sneezing. 

While it is true that a face mask is not a full-proof barrier, it can still provide you with some kind of protection, especially if you invest in an N95 or a KN95 respirator since they are known to be very efficient in filtering about 95 percent of small particles. Disposable face masks would work just fine, too, as long as you know how to properly wear them. 

Wearing face masks is now a must in most places, if not all, so it would be an excellent idea to have this protective equipment available in your home. 

Sanitize Your Hands 

When you walk out and touch surfaces, you won't know if those have the virus. So to be on the safe side, it is always good to sanitize your hands, especially when you get in contact with surfaces in public places. It could be door handles, ATM machines, tables, and bathroom sinks. It could be anything! 

Be sure to always have a small bottle of alcohol or hand sanitizer in your bag. Now, when you get home, wash your hands with soap and water. 

Avoid Touching Your Face 

The virus enters your system through your nose, mouth, and even your eyes. This is one reason why wearing a mask is so important. However, this does not protect your eyes. Therefore, it is crucial that you avoid touching your facial region. Even if you touch a surface that has the virus, it won't be able to get into your system unless you touch your face. 

This habit may be difficult to break, but it is doable. Just be mindful. 

Strengthen Your Immune System 

People who have a weak immune system are at high risk of contracting the coronavirus. So since your immune system is your body's first line of defense against infection-causing microorganisms, it is only right to strengthen it by eating nutritious food, taking vitamins and supplements, as well as exercising. This will also help you ensure that you'll live longer. 

Keep Your Distance 

Gone are the days when jampacked bars, theaters, or trains are alright. Living in the new normal means you have to keep your distance from other people as much as you can. Ideally, you need to be at least 6 feet away from the people in front of you or behind you. This way, you can avoid getting their respiratory secretions. 

Maintain a Clean Environment 

In the past, we may have neglected our environment. But now is the time to make a change. We should be more mindful of our surroundings, and you can easily do this by simply keeping your home clean, disinfected, and free from germs. 

Think Positively 

With all the things happening around us these days, it is truly depressing. But no matter what, you have to think positively. This may not be a direct way of stopping the spread of the virus, but it definitely helps you mentally healthy. 

Listening or watching the news is not bad, but you should avoid overdoing it. Try to limit your use of your devices as well as social media. Instead, focus on your work and other things that would have positive effects on you in general. 

There's no denying that olive oil is regarded as one of the world's healthiest oils. It is far better than the regular oil that you might have been using. If you noticed, most cookbooks and online recipes highly recommend the use of olive oil. 

If you love Mediterranean food, you should be aware that this type of oil is an integral part of that particular diet. 

Did you know that aside from cooking and dipping, some people even drink it? That's how good it is for you, especially when you use Extra Virgin Olive Oil like Zeitouna. 

Here are good reasons you should utilize olive oil starting today: 

Contains Lots of Antioxidants 

One of the best things about olive oil is that it is loaded with antioxidants, which as we all know, protect your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. As powerful as antioxidants are, they can significantly help you avoid the development of chronic diseases. With that said, it is important that you stick with kitchen essentials, such as Zeitouna Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, that can provide you with antioxidants. Yes, there are so many brands and types of olive oil out there, but to reap the benefits, you might as well choose one with the highest quality. 

Has Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

Another amazing health benefit that you can enjoy by incorporating olive oil into your daily diet is its anti-inflammatory properties. It is good for people who have diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other ailments. Again, thanks to the antioxidants that it contains, this special type of oil can aid in reducing inflammation as well as infections. 

Considered as a superfood, olive oil has also been used for centuries to treat cold and flu. You can make your very own cough syrup. All you have to do is to mix about 1/4 cup of Zeitouna Extra Virgin Olive Oil with 1/4 cup of honey (Australian Manuka, Forest Harvest, Jarrah, or Marri), and 1/4 cup of lemon. 2 to 3 tablespoons of this home remedy can be taken by adults. If you are giving it to a child, 1 teaspoon of the mixture should be good enough. 

Supports Weight Loss 

Olive oil is among the very few oils that are NOT associated with obesity or weight gain. This is exactly the reason why this oil is an integral component of the best diets like the Mediterranean diet. Unlike regular oils, olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which have numerous favorable effects on the body. 

Has Antibacterial Properties 

Did you know that olive also has antibacterial properties? The nutrients that it contains are very useful in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. According to studies, this special oil can fight eight known strains of bacterium. One of which is the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers as well as cancer. 

Improves Skin Health 

Olive oil, indeed, is an amazing ingredient. Aside from the health benefits that we have mentioned above, it also has the ability to improve skin health. You can use it to cook your food with, add it to your salad, or you also have the option to utilize it to make a facial wash. How? Mix it with yogurt and honey. You can apply the solution to your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. 

Additionally, olive oil can be an incredible agent for removing makeup. In fact, it is way cheaper than the makeup remover products available out there. Since it is all-natural, you can be sure that it won't do any damages to your sensitive skin. To use olive oil to remove makeup, you just have to dip cotton balls into a mixture of this oil, yogurt, and honey. Doing this should also help make your skin softer and smoother. 

Helps Fight the Effects of Aging 

The aging process is something that all of us will have to go through. But the good news is, there are several things that you can do to slow down its effects. Over time, your skin will start to sag and you will see fine lines and wrinkles. All of these can be delayed with the use of olive oil. Again, you can incorporate it into your daily diet. You can also use it as an exfoliant by simply combining it with sea salt and lemon juice. 

The health benefits of utilizing olive oil can go on and on. Mixing it with other useful substances like honey will allow you to reap more benefits than you could imagine. As a friendly reminder, though, be sure to choose only high-quality olive oil.

The spread of the coronavirus is still on the rise. And what's more alarming is that, until now, there is still no cure for the disease. Millions of people have been infected, and a lot of them have died as well. This is why governments are still implementing precautionary measures. One of which is wearing face masks. 

But the question is, how effective is wearing face masks when it comes to slowing down the spread of the coronavirus? Does it really work? 

The short answer is YES. Along with other preventive measures like social distancing, using alcohol or sanitizer to keep the hands clean, putting on isolation gowns, caps, and shoe covers, utilizing face masks is, indeed, an excellent way to protect yourself against COVID-19. But take note that face masks are not created equal. The level of protection that each provides vary. 

N95 Masks

Of all the types of face masks, the N95 and KN95 respirators are the best. As the names imply, they can filter out 95 percent of both large and very small particles when the user breathes. Some of them even come with valves so the wearer can easily breathe through. This type is highly recommended, especially for those people that work at the medical facilities. 

In order for this type of face mask to serve its purpose, the wearer should see to it that the protective equipment fits right. In other words, it should seal properly. Otherwise, it will defeat the whole purpose. 

Surgical Masks 

In the absence of N95 respirators, surgical masks can help protect your mouth and nose as well from splashes or droplets that may contain the virus. It can filter out large particles. Plus, it can also reduce the exposure of other people to your respiratory secretions or saliva as the wearer. In short, it may help prevent the spread of the coronavirus too. 

However, you have to keep in mind that medical masks are loose-fitting. There is still room for germs to get in contact with the mouse or nose. 

Cloth Masks 

Ever since the use of face masks have been implemented, there has been a shortage in the supply of the above-mentioned types. This is why cloth face masks have come into the picture as well. They are the cheapest option. You can even make your own if you wish to. All you have to do is to watch some videos and follow the instructions. 

In a way, cloth masks can serve as a shield too as long as you wear it correctly. But obviously, they aren't the best, unlike the N95 and KN95. You can improve the efficacy, though, by not touching your face mask while you have it on. And since it's made with cloth, make sure to wash it often. 

So there you go with the different types of face masks. Like what we have said, the level of protection that they provide is not the same. It is essential that you observe other precautionary measures so you can stay away from contracting the coronavirus disease. 

The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused intense fear in the different parts of the world. As of this
writing, there is no cure yet for COVID-19, and so, everybody is encouraged to observe precautionary
measures to stop the spread of the disease. Aside from observing social distancing and keeping your
hands clean at all times, wearing a face mask is a must, especially when going out of your home.
There are various types of face masks, and each offers different levels of protection. Take a look at the
following:

1. N95

Out of all the face masks available these days, the N95 respirator is regarded as the best. It comes in a circular or oval shape, which creates a tight seal to your face. This prevents viruses or bacteria from getting into your nose or mouth. 

Furthermore, this protective equipment can filter out sprays, splashes, droplets, and 95 percent of small particles, making it top-notch when it comes to the level of protection offered. Some even come with added features or attachments like an exhalation valve, which helps the user breathe more comfortably. 

The N95 is usually worn by workers in hospitals and other medical facilities, but even the average people can wear this type of mask. Just make sure that you look for a legitimate supplier.

2. KN95

Many people are wondering about the difference between N95 and KN95 and which one works the best. The truth is, both types offer the same level of protection. The only difference is the countries where they originated from. N95 is a US product, while the KN95 came from China. But both of them can filter out 95 percent of small particles. In short, they are equally effective in protecting you from contracting coronavirus or any virus for that matter that enters the body through the nose and mouth. 

There was a shortage of N95, and that is what has pushed China to create its own version. But the bottom line is, the KN95 works as good as the N95. So either way, you should be good. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember that these respirators are not one-size-fits-all. So to ensure that yours will work well, you must carefully look into the sizing. 

3. Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are the most common type of face mask being worn these days. The material that they are made up of is a lot thinner than the respirators mentioned above. Plus, you can expect air leakage on the sides as you inhale. But still, this type can aid in stopping the spread of COVID-19. People who have contracted the disease can utilize them too since surgical masks can trap infectious respiratory secretions. 

To make sure that you are safe using a surgical mask, it is highly recommended that you inspect it for any tears or holes prior to putting it on. You should never utilize a torn surgical mask as that only defeats the whole purpose of using it. 

Before you touch the mask, your hands must be sanitized too. Remember that surgical masks are disposable, so it is crucial to change yours from time to time.

For the last few months, the coronavirus has caused panic, distress, fear, and uncertainties in the world. Up to these days, there is still no known cure for this disease. But life has to move on. 

The best thing that we can do to fight the virus is to boost our immune system. And since it can be contracted through direct contact with an infected person, as well as touching contaminated surfaces, it is but right to keep our home clean and observe proper hygiene. 

Here are essential cleaning and hygiene tips to keep COVID away: 

Keep Your Hands Clean 

I'm sure that you are seeing and hearing this everywhere - on advertisements, social media, and even in magazines or newspapers. But, yes, keeping your hands clean at all times is an excellent defense against the virus. You should wash your hands as much as needed using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It will also be great if you have a 70% alcohol and hand sanitizer at home that you and your family members can use. 

Whatever you do - use the restroom, prepare your food, eat, blow your nose, etc., you must always sanitize your hands. 

Avoid Touching Your Face

The nose and mouth are the main entry points of the coronavirus. Therefore, you should avoid touching these parts, and your facial region in general, as much as possible. With this, it is advisable that you invest in disposable face masks. You may opt for the regular ones, or you can also get the so-called KN95 or N95. 

Observe Social Distancing 

You must observe social distancing when going out to get your basic needs from the grocery stores or pharmacies. This means that you need to keep at least a meter distance from other people around you, especially those who are coughing or sneezing. Wearing a face mask is also advisable. 

Furthermore, you should keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse so you can conveniently utilize it when needed. 

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces 

Even if your home looks clean, it is still recommended that you disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, computers or laptops, keyboards, and remote controls. You can do the same with the door handles as well as the steering wheel of your vehicle. 

There are various products that you can utilize to disinfect the above-mentioned spots. First, you can make use of soap and water, then spray using disinfectant products, particularly those that contain 70 percent alcohol. Diluted bleach solutions would help too. 

Clean Your Clothes and Shoes Properly 

It is still unclear how the virus can survive in fabric and materials of footwear. But to be on the safe side, you should clean these stuff properly. When you go out, make sure that you take your shoes off before entering your house. Change your clothes right away too once you get back from outdoors. 

If you are a medical professional and you are on duty, wearing protective garments like isolation cap, gown, and shoe cover is mandatory.