Author Archives: alanhs961

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Helping Others As A Foundation Of Your Business Dream: Where Do You Begin?

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Everybody is trying their hand at starting a business. And for the vast majority of people, their goal is very simple: to make money. But when you are looking to do something a bit more with your business skills have you thought about starting a business that can bring about a certain type of change? It doesn’t necessarily have to be social change; it could be for medical purposes or a charitable organization. But when you decide that you want to start helping others as a basic foundation of your business dream, where do you go to next?

Understanding The Concept And The Industry

You may have some sort of idea where you would like to go but this means you have got to dig deep into that industry. Even when you are doing something straightforward, whether it’s a dental business or something in the medical industry, you’ve got to think about the knock-on effects; which can include issues in terms of productivity or the well-being of staff and patients. And when it comes to something like productivity, it’s crucial to have the technical components in place. In the modern-day, every business relies on its technology to make the business run but also improve its productivity. You can read more here about the positive impacts of an IT infrastructure for the dental industry. But needless to say, when you understand the concept of the business you’ve got an informed opinion of where you can progress with it. As good as it is to have an idea you’ve got to work hard to corner a specific part of the market but also realize that the infrastructure is essential.

Focus On Feedback

Whatever the business idea, the focus is very simple: the customers. You’ve got to work on building a relationship with customers and this is where the right marketing practices are crucial but you’ve also got to make sure that you receive proper feedback. When you’re trying to help people and they are the customers, you can have your work cut out for you. And we all know the difficulty of getting good customer service! So when you are dealing with people in terms of helping them, they could be more vulnerable, which calls for a deft approach to customer service. But you’ve also got to remember that feedback is vital because it can help to nurture the company. Positive and negative feedback is as important as each other. It’s crucial to turn negative feedback into constructive criticism. This will benefit the customer and your processes. And you’ve got to remember that it’s an ongoing task. It’s not a good idea to ignore negative feedback. And even if you receive more positive reviews than anything if you can turn a customer round from a negative review to a positive one this will make a big difference to your business in a financial sense but also in a moral sense too.

Starting your own business to help others is admirable but you’ve also got to remember that in order to make a success of it, it is still a business. This means that there are numerous components that need to remain. Learn the basics before you progress.

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Dodging The Dangers Of Standardized 'Out Of Office' Replies

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Out of office replies have long been a staple and necessary aspect of business operations. After all, letting clients know that it’ll be awhile before they hear back is better than radio silence! 

As we move deeper into the inter-connected age, though, many people are calling out the evils that can be inherent in out of office replies. As can be seen from articles like this one on https://askleo.com, there’s a host of problems with this now-outdated system. Risks of security breaches and annoyance alone can wreak havoc if you aren’t careful. 

That’s why many companies are doing what they can to reduce the need for notifications like these. And, we’re going to look at a few of the ways you can do the same. 

Incorporate improved remote processes

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Often, employees set up out of office notifications as soon as they step out, even if they’re attending business meetings, or traveling for other company purposes. This is because, once upon a time, being out of the office meant being largely uncontactable. But that needn’t be the case any longer. If you consider remote-working capabilities like the VoIP phone systems outlined on https://www.lingo.com/business/voip/, then being physically out of the office needn’t prevent team members from being within easy reach. Even better, the ability to contact the employee in question on your office number ensures that out of office approaches never need to inconvenience your clients again. 

Delegate to someone else where you can

In some cases, of course, team members will be off on annual leave or trapped in meetings that altogether make them non-contactable. In this instance, delegating their incoming contacts to another member of the same team could be best. Admittedly, some clients will want to deal with just one colleague, but given the collaborative processes of most modern workforces, there’s no reason to operate in silos. By instead offering an alternative and informed point of contact, you should find the majority of clients are far more satisfied than they would be if they simply had to wait until their usual communicator returned. 

Be clear on timings

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Given that out of office replies are most often relevant outside of work hours, it’s also worth being clear on your business timings at all costs. After all, the less ‘out of work’ messages your company has to send, the less risk of damage as a result. Instead, be sure to list timings on every ‘contact us’ listing you incorporate. As well as ensuring clients know the best times to contact you for a reply, this ensures even those who do send messages in the dead of night aren’t left expecting a reply that doesn’t come. This, alone, should reduce annoyance a great deal, thus removing much of the harm out of office messages could cause otherwise. 

Do you need to do away with OOOs altogether? Perhaps not. But, eliminating them from your processes as much as possible could certainly lead to smoother business operations, and clients that are more satisfied on the whole.

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Why Should You Start Cycling to Work?

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Considering biking to work? There are so many great reasons why you should- here’s why you need to dust off your bicycle from the shed. 

Health benefits

There’s no denying the health benefits of cycling. It works out your heart and lungs giving you a great cardiovascular workout which improves endurance, and the pedal action also sculpts and tones the glutes, calves and thighs- also the arms and back to a lesser extent. It’s low impact meaning unlike jogging you won’t irritate muscles, joints or ligaments and it’s something that most people can do providing they own a bike. If you’re looking to lose weight, tone up or just improve your fitness levels then hopping on your bike and cycling to and from work is a great option to consider.

Gets your morning off to a good start

The way we start our morning can really impact the way the rest of the day seems to go. Spend your day standing waiting for late buses or on a crowded commuter train then your stress levels will probably be through the roof by the time you get into the office. Hop on your bike and take a relaxed ride to work and you’ll boost endorphins and energise yourself, providing your route isn’t overly challenging. Lots of workplaces encourage cycling to work and will let you shower once you arrive if you’re worried about turning up sweaty, speak to your manager about this. 

Eco benefits

Driving to work of course has negative impacts on the environment, you only need to take a look at any busy area at rush hour to realise just how many cars are on the road and to think of all of the pollution they’re pumping out. By cycling to work you’re doing your small bit to reduce pollution from these journeys, it might not seem much in the grand scheme of things but all any of us can do is be responsible for our own carbon footprint. As more and more people start getting on board with these kinds of things, the joint effort all adds up in a huge way to help the planet. 

A word of warningCycling has so many benefits, but it’s important to weigh up the risks too. If your route involves lots of busy roads at rush hour for example then it might not be the best option for you. It doesn’t take a trucking crash expert to realise that any collision between a bicycle and heavy vehicle is going to have disasterous consequences for the cyclist so do be careful. If it’s still dark when you leave for work your bike will need a light, wear a hi vis jacket and always wear a helmet. If your route seems especially dangerous then maybe consider other options for getting to work instead

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5 Health and Wellness Apps You Need In Your Life

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Originally posted on https://iveeapp.com/ by Amber Theuer | Feb 4, 2020

There’s no denying that our phones have become a vital part of our everyday routine, so we might as well start using them to support and develop our wellbeing. From meditation to sleep to hydration, there’s an app for whatever area of your health you’re trying to improve. 

Check out these 5 health and wellness apps that help you achieve your health objectives and have you feeling better in no time. 

Waking Up: A Meditation Course

Created and narrated by, neuroscientist, philosopher, and New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris, Waking Up is a meditation and wellness app that takes users along the journey of mindfulness. Described as “a guide to understanding the mind, for the purpose of living a more balanced and fulfilling life,” Waking Up truly helps you find the inner peace and stability needed to excel. Plus, it offers exclusive theory courses, similar to podcasts, that reinforce the meditation practice! 

Sleep Cycle 

Having trouble sleeping? Looking to improve the quality and length of your night’s rest? Sleep Cycle is the wellness app for you! With Sleep Cycle, you can record your sleep and receive an audit that offers tips on how to get better rest and improve your overall health. This app also includes an intuitive alarm clock that gently wakes you during your time of lightest sleep — so you feel refreshed every morning. 

MealPrepPro 

So you want to clean up your diet…But you get tired of eating the same thing. Or maybe you can’t find the time to cook at every meal. MealPrepPro makes eating simple. This wellness app curates meal plans according to your diet, taste preferences, and health goals. With MealPrepPro, you no longer have to spend hours searching for new recipes. It also keeps things exciting with nutritious meal suggestions each week so you can keep your fridge stocked with healthy options. 

ivee 

There are many apps that help track hydration, but none that directly offers it. ivee is the on-demand wellness app that delivers IV therapy to your door. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, had a long night out, or simply need a boost, ivee’s got your back! Simply select your treatment and enter your location, and a nurse will be at your door. In no time, you’ll be living your best (hydrated!) life. 

Streaks 

Streaks is the ultimate wellness app to keep you on track with your health goals. It allows you to create personal to-do lists that renew each day. Everytime you check these off, you add on to the consecutive days you achieved your goal. Streaks delivers a report of your habits, allowing you to see in real time how well you are doing while remaining on target! Accountability is difficult, but Streaks makes it easier! 

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Be Safe On The Road And Travel Well

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When travelling, we can be easily exposed to a variety of new situations, experiences, illnesses and toxins that don’t appear in our everyday lives at home to such an extent, because our bodies become used to our atmospheres. Taking precautions is key, not just with your health of course but with everything, from checking your cars, tyes, or it’s oil level, or if you’re driving a big truck, to make sure that the engine is ok and there doesn’t need to be any changes to pumps or anything similar, click here to see more.

Start with Vaccinations

Before you travel anywhere, find out about what kind of diseases are prevalent there and if you may need a vaccination before you travel.  You must be prepared for the diseases in other countries, and taking this precaution will ensure that you are safer on the road.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

Drinking local tap water in any country that’s not considered first world can be very hazardous to your health and even some hotels will advise you to not drink the tap water from the bathroom. Always buy a bottle because unfiltered water can be damaging to your health and you would not want to put yourself at risk.  

Eat Sensibly Always!

You have to be just as careful of the food you are eating, especially if it is not packaged or is sold by street vendors because you do not know where the food has been sourced and it may be dangerous to your health. If there are no ratings or information on it then it could be difficult to know exactly how good the hygiene really is. It’s good to find out what you are eating before you eat it, just to be on the safe side and research thoroughly, especially if you are in a country that is quite foregin to you, particularly Asia, you must be sure what you’re eating as it may not always specify the meat.

Protect against Malaria – Mosquitos

One of the most common illnesses travelers deal with is malaria, and it is often spread via a mosquito bite. You can find mosquitos in lots of countries, warm or tropical and you must always use a repellent as well as keeping windows closed and using mosquito netting where possible, but you definitely want to check ahead and see if malaria is a problem in the country you are visiting so that you can be prepared and ready to spring into action should the need arise. It is important to look for any current health issues also, such as any viruses or flus that are prevalent at the time of travel. Keep your health on the road too, eat well, take vitamins still and keep hydrated to avoid any difficulties whilst traveling. 

These tips should help you avoid some of the more ailments and issues that travellers may encounter on the road and help you avoid them as soon as you can! Be safe and enjoy your travel.

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How to Succeed in the World of eCommerce

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You have a brilliant idea for a new product, so entering the world of eCommerce seems like a natural step. You may have little business experience right now, but you can succeed as long as you’re willing to learn. Whether you’re concerned about the quality of your products or you don’t know how to manage a website, there is a lot to get your head around. If you don’t know how to start selling products, here are a few pointers that will help you get started.

Make Quality a Priority

Even if you know exactly what you want to sell, you need to carry out high quality research. You can’t just hop online, buy a tonne of wholesale products and then sell them on for a higher price. You need to have integrity as a business owner and take pride in the products you’re selling. If you’re looking to import from China to USA, you need to try and minimize your risks too. Getting high quality goods at an affordable price is very doable, but you need to understand what is feasible for you. Once you have done some research on how to import goods, you will be able to decide how the entire process will work for you.

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Always Deliver What Is Being Advertised

If you’re promising a product that is able to do x, y and z, you need to honor this in everything you deliver. You want to build a well trusted brand that your target audience is proud to talk about. Word of mouth means absolutely everything to small businesses so you need to make sure you’re always delivering above and beyond your customers’ expectations.

Make Your Website Easy to Navigate

When you’re running an eCommerce business, your website will make your break your company. If your potential customer doesn’t know exactly what they need to do as soon as they click onto your website, you are going to lose their attention pretty rapidly. Display your products beautifully with high quality images and make sure your item descriptions are grammatically correct and accurate. If you have no idea how to create a website, you can enlist the help of a web designer, who will be able to portray your brand beautifully to the online world.

Analyze Your Competitors Closely

Although you don’t want to focus too much on your competitors it is important to carry out regular research to make sure you’re on the right track with your own business. Having a couple of businesses who do the same thing as you isn’t’ a bad thing; if anything it can help you with inspiration for your own business.

These are the most important things to consider when you are first starting out in the world of business and eCommerce. You should never rush into any quick decisions when you are trying to build a business. Thorough research, proper implementation and well thought through products will bring you long term success rather than quick wins.

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Ford Is Developing A Crazy New Cyclist Safety Technology

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Cyclists are at high risk on the road and need to have their wits about them. Just like motorcyclists, they’re particularly prone to collisions, with little or no mitigation. 

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Now American car manufacturer Ford is developing a solution. It proposes to add an early warning system to cars that will tell drivers when a cyclist is approaching in their blind spot. Using some twenty or so cameras around the vehicle, the vehicle will be able to see where cyclists are at all times and then issue an alert. Ford’s idea at the moment is to make the wing mirrors and edges of their vehicles with strips of LEDs that will flash red when they detect an oncoming cyclist. Under the current plans, both the driver and the cyclist will be able to see the lights and hear an alarm sound. 

Ford’s new concept also deals with another common problem – opening car doors in the path of oncoming cyclists. Sensors on the vehicle will detect a cyclist approaching and prevent the person inside the car from opening the door until they pass. The hope is that the system will prevent people from inadvertently opening their doors in the path of a cyclist. 

More Respect On The Road

Ford’s plans, however, are about more than just reducing the number of accidents. They are also geared towards generating more respect on the road. The automaker hopes that the technology will help drivers and cyclists understand each other’s needs better. 

Currently, the company says, there’s a lack of understanding between the two groups. Drivers don’t want cyclists on the road and vice versa. Ford hopes that the new technology will help people to share the streets so that everyone can benefit. 

Ford Is Not The First To Have This Idea

Ford isn’t the first company in the world to trial this kind of technology. People have fitted some vehicles in the US with this technology already, especially on public transport where blind spots can be quite large. 

As technology changes, so too will the role of the car accident lawyer. As batteries become more versatile, we’re likely to see an explosion of transport options. Ebikes, for instance, will become much more common on the roads because of their low running costs and high performance. Legal professionals will need to take these new types of cases into account. 

Automakers such as Ford also need to respond by designing cars for this new environment. As the above example makes clear, driver error isn’t the only issue. Passenger oversight could also play a significant role too. Insurance companies need to factor this into their calculations in the future. 

When Is The New Tech Coming?

Ford hasn’t set a date for the release of the new technology yet. We’re still very much in the testing phase. The company, however, says that it will continue to develop the concept over the coming months and hopes to create a viable product. 

How exactly the vehicle will light up remains a matter for debate. Some designers imagine an emoji-style system where faces light upon the wing mirrors and doors to warn both drivers, passengers and cyclists of the danger. 

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4 Ideas To Improve The Quality Of Your Products & Services

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You might have a great product or service, yet that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement. Consumer demands and product best practices are changeable, so it’s vital to keep on top of your quality control. During the initial stages, market research key, and it can also be helpful later down the line if you are seeking to redesign your products. To help your company make improvements, try working these four pointers into your quality strategy.

1 . Obtain regular feedback

Improving quality is all about gaining feedback from existing customers, clients, and stakeholders. Feedback allows you to celebrate your successes and brainstorm strategies to fix your weak points. To obtain customer feedback, it can be a good idea to use an NPS, meaning a ‘Net Promoter Score Survey.’ This is a type of survey that contains only one question, usually something like ‘how likely are you to recommend us to a friend?’ The question is answered using a 0-10 scale, and it’s a highly effective way of obtaining an overall customer satisfaction score. With your B2B customers, you might prefer to ask for a more detailed feedback session if they are willing to provide this.

2. Improve customer experience

Customer experience encompasses your consumer’s journey as a whole. From interactions with you on social media; to receiving birthday discounts; or accessing new features on your app. Beyond the basics of the product or service, customers appreciate an experience that’s personalized, unique, and relevant to their values. To improve your customer experience, you could try offering engaging webinars, or a fun podcast to discuss industry-related topics? You could try incorporating QR codes into your stores to offer exciting video content or quick-check out options? Another option is to use virtual reality to deliver an unforgettable marketing campaign.

3. Consider your shipping methods

To keep your products and services high quality, it’s also important to consider your shipping methods. First off, Shipping Services need to ensure that the products always retain their quality in transit. Secondly, customers often want to be able to track their products throughout the journey. Another thing to consider is offering fast services such as next-day or same-day delivery. The modern consumer doesn’t want to wait around to receive their goods, and you won’t want them to choose a different brand!

4. Quality management system

A quality management system involves a set of guidelines which determine how a company will design and deliver their services or products. With a robust QMS, you can audit your processes or be part of a certification body. A Quality Management system is generally based on seven principles, to provide the best results for your products. Businesses who seek to comply with such standards will increase both satisfaction and credibility.

It can also be useful to ask your team for feedback concerning quality. Different departments will have different perspectives, and it can be revealing to gauge various viewpoints. When you consistently prioritize quality, you’ll ensure that your business continues to thrive.

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Steampunk Books To Add To Your Reading List

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If you are looking for a new set of books to add to your reading list this year, we want to share a genre with you that you may not have thought about before. Today, we are going to share with you some of the top steampunk books you should read this year to take you away to another world and show you some incredible adventures. 

But, what is steampunk? Well, steampunk is a literary genre that is similar to sci-fi in tone. It is a genre that brings together science fiction alongside 19th century industrial themes. If you have ever seen any steampunk artwork you will notice an emphasis on cogs and machinery, and this is where the industrial inspiration can really be seen. But today we are sharing with you some of the steampunk books you should definitely read. 

Boneshaker –  Cherie Priest 

If you love the zombie genre and you are looking for a new take on it, this is the right book for you. It combines what we know about zombies and pulls it into an alternate version of Seattle. During the Civil War, there are rumours of gold in the frozen Klondike that attracts many towards it. Russians endevour to create a large drill to drill through the ice and find this treasure, anf the titular Boneshaker drill is born. However when using this drill for the first time, gold is not discovered, and instead a torrent of gas is released that turns the population into zombies. 

Against the Day – Thomas Pynchon 

For an introduction to the steampunk genre there is nothing better than Against the Day. This is a book filled with complex themes and beautiful literature that gives you a wonderful entry into this world. It is set at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and follows a team of balloonists who go on all manner of adventures. It is a unique read and one you should consider this year. 

Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

What? You may be wondering. Although the steampunk genre didn’t exist back in the early 1800s, this is a great example of an early work in this world. As we all know, Dr Frankenstein tried to build life from deceased body parts and machinery, and what comes of this is the iconic character we know today. 

Agatha H and the Airship City –  Phil & Kaja Foglio

This couple have created a story that is filled with wonder and awe, and it has a very cyberpunk inspiration throughout. During the industrial revolution there is a lot of conflict, and this story follows 18 years after a group of adventurers called the Heterodyne Boys went missing. We follow a young student called Agatha as she struggles to build anything that works. Over time she adapts and we follow her adventures through a world overrun with mad scientists. 

Lady of Devices – Shelley Adina

Our main character Claire finds herself out on the streets of London after her father gambles his entire estate and loses. Claire however is a nifty woman and soon she uses her knowledge of machbinery and devices to succeed in this underworld life. A new leader emerges known as the Lady of Devices, and soon she realises her talents could be put to amazing use for the greater good… if only she lives that long.

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6 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

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We read a lot of articles about how to take care of our bodies. We listen when the hairdresser begs us to stop bleaching our hair, and we go to the dentist with relative regularity to keep our teeth in good shape. The one area of our health that we all seem to struggle with listening about is our mental health. People don’t tend to listen when they’re told to slow down and take their time with life, and that’s because there is a lot of pressure. We have work pressures, family pressure, social pressure – it’s a lot.

You should be able to feel healthy on the inside, mind, and body, and that starts with taking care of your mental health and realizing when things get too much for you to handle. You have to consider how you take care of your physical health to know how to take care of your mental health, too. So, if you go to the doctors with pain or aches, you should do the same when your brain needs help. If you choose to spend money on Invisalign to improve your teeth and make your confidence soar, then you should also go to a therapist and talk it out when life is getting a little too hard. When you feel low, you need to start taking care of your mind and unpack the things that are impacting your mental health. So, let’s check out six things that you can do for yourself to improve your mental health.

Woman Holding a Smiley Balloon

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Calorie Deficit & Get Your Steps In

Sometimes, eating well and moving as much as you can is enough. When you eat well, your energy levels shoot up, and you start to feel fantastic on the inside. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is a diet that will have a long-lasting effect on your mental health. Getting your steps up? Well, we all know the benefits of a pleasant walk. Being in the fresh air and in nature can make a massive difference to your mental health. Not only will you be able to feel healthier and more energetic, but you’ll also be pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and out of your house at the same time.

Maintain Relationships

Connections matter and there are plenty of studies to show how isolated people can feel when their mental health is working against them. The best thing that you can do to improve your mental health is to connect with others. The people in your life that want to see you happy and strong are going to be around you to try to enrich your life. Let them do it. On the days you don’t want to see people, try to push yourself to see them and avoid the isolation that mental health issues promise you.

Laughter: The Language Of The Soul

It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, find something to laugh at. You can set aside time every single day to feel good, and it starts with the hobbies and activities that you set for yourself. Let yourself embrace the joy in the small things and smile. Sometimes, it takes smiling and laughing to be able to feel that same joy you’re trying to find.

Don’t Hide Your Feelings

We mentioned a therapist earlier on for a reason. Whether you choose to talk to a therapist or to your family, you need to keep your feelings on the table. People need to know that you are struggling, and the only way to show them that you are in pain is to stop hiding the way that you feel and be open. It isn’t easy to talk, but it’s good to do it. If your friends and family know you are struggling, they’ll be able to support you better and make you feel safe.

Meet A Goal

The sense of achievement that you can get from hitting a goal can be everything that you didn’t know you needed. It doesn’t matter what the goal is or how big it is; it’s going to be a momentous occasion if you stick to it.

Sleep

A good night of proper sleep is going to do you and your mind a world of good. Sometimes, just the act of getting to bed on time each night (we mean 10pm, not 3am) is a big deal. Take baby steps and start by setting up your sleep environment. Once you’ve got those layers of bedsheets and pillows ready, set yourself an alarm a little earlier each night to get to bed on time. Eventually, you’ll be getting the sleep that you need.

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