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Forest Bathing Hits Canada



In a world quickly being devoured by technology, it is hard for one to escape all the gadgets and computers... whether the big screen or your handheld device. However, a simple thing called "forest bathing" is becoming more and more popular in Canada. Forest bathing, which started in Japan, is a way to cleanse yourself from all the world's distractions. What it is really about is meditation, being connected to nature, and (most importantly) keeping your sanity.

Shinrin-yoku

The Japanese name for forest bathing is “shinrin-yoku” meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere.” The concept derives from both Shinto and Buddhist practices -- both the most common religions in Japan. There recently have been a lot of health studies into this practice to determine if the health benefits are substantial. In Japan, it has already been considered a proper health care measure to focus on your mental health as well as your physical health.

Sceptics

Many people believe this forest bathing practice is simply walking through the forest, and many probably wonder if taking a stroll through the woods would suffice. As calming as walking in nature is, forest bathing is much more specific. When you forest bathe, you can go on your own or with a guide. The point is to become one with nature. The guide usually gives you some instructions. As you do it, you use all five senses to feel and immerse yourself in the forest. Your ability to hear the sounds of nature and feel the surrounding areas calms your mind. One of the guides had this to say: "I've had people that are used to being in the forest and at the end of (our forest bathing walk) they say, 'Wow… I've never walked in a forest like this ... It just changes what they think about being in nature."

So, what do you think? Is forest bathing just a new trend that hipsters will latch onto? Or is it a legitimate way to stay healthy that people in Canada should seriously consider? Comment below!

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Tips for Moving Abroad



Everyone wants to see the world, right? Traveling is one thing, but how often do you get an opportunity to live in another country on your own learning what it takes to be a patron of the world? Become multilingual! Having a good worldview can help you become not only a good citizen of your previous country but of the world! Help yourself become a well-rounded human being with these tips from expats on moving abroad. 

Make sure to pack light, and give yourself time to get acquainted with your area.

One thing people tend to forget when moving abroad is there are places to purchase clothing! So really, you only need to bring the necessities and enough clothes to last you until you buy a whole new wardrobe. I mean, most people change clothes every couple of months anyway, right? Another important thing to remember is that you aren’t supposed to be an expert on the place you are moving to. Let yourself become acquainted with your city, and try to learn as much as possible! Say yes to most things, and keep an open mind. You may not settle in right away, but that is okay, too!

Make new friends

If you find out that its hard to navigate, or you just feel really left out, the best thing to do is befriend the people that live there already. They can help you learn the language if you don’t already know it, and they’ll give you tips of the best places to eat and to go through your daily routines. It may sound hard, but that's what these adventures abroad are about right?

Do research

Before you leave, make sure you know what you can buy or not do in the city or town you are moving to. For example, if you are having a serious case of culture shock you should bring some things that are familiar with you that you may not be able to get abroad. If you need to fill a prescription, and the pharmacies where you now live cannot fill them for you, ALWAYS be prepared.

 Follow some of these tips, and you will be on your way to becoming a functioning adult in the country and city of your choice.

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Summer Moving Tips



Moving during the summer may seem like a good decision. Maybe you have family members that have off during the summer... or maybe just because there's less of a chance of a blizzard. 
 

While it may seem like a smart decision to plan your move for the summer months, it can actually be a nightmare as a consumer. 

 

The moving industry considers summer to be from May 1 to Labor Day, and this is the busiest time for moving companies. During these few months, moving companies tend to get the majority of their business from families with school-aged children or the military, because this is when kids are off from school and the military does their personnel moves. The prices skyrocket, and there is almost no availability. And if there is, it is at the most inconvenient times. In the off-season, you may be able to schedule a move at a 10% price reduction.
 
If you are one of these people, and you absolutely have to move in the summer months, try planning your move at least six weeks in advanced. According to Erik Christensen from Moveline,  “When I was booking moves for a long distance moving company last summer, people would call me five weeks ahead to book a summer move, and my hands were tied – there was no way I could fit them in.” 
 
When contacting movers to schedule a move, find out what their least busy day is (usually during the week in the middle of the month), and book it immediately! 
 
If you are prepping for a summer move and decide last minute you need help packing, good luck trying to find the help you need! No matter how much you are willing to pay, the company just might not have the manpower to help you pack your belongings. 
 
Always, always, always be prepared! No matter where you’re moving or how organized you are, life will get in the way. When something unexpected happens, like getting sick or a truck breaking down, you have to allow time for delay.
 
Keep track of what you are putting in the moving truck. During the summer months, some items should not be put transported. For instance, if you're transporting a leather sofa, and it is wrapped in plastic, the leather will "sweat." If you are moving during the summer, try wrapping valuables in padding instead. Smaller items like candles and CDs should be transported with you in your vehicle. 
 
It may seem silly to you, but you should be considerate to the moving crew. If you are moving on a hot day, provide water for them, and be respectful of the fact that they need to take breaks. If you are able to, feeding them is always appreciated.
 
Moving is rough for everyone involved, especially children and pets. Make sure they have a safe cool place to play, nap, eat, and stay out of the way of the crew. If your only option is to find a sitter or drop them off at a family member’s, then do that. Your kids are your number one priority, so make sure you have a file for their transcripts, vaccinations, and any other records you might need. Keep them on you all times, so they don't get lost. You’ll need these to register your kids in their new school. 

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