Recliner chairs are one of the comfiest chairs out there and have been specifically designed to provide you with ultra-body support and comfort. If you care for them properly, they can last you years.

What actually is a recliner chair?

As the name suggests, a recliner chair is a chair that quite simply reclines back when you sit in it. They often come fitted with a footrest that, as you recline, rises so you can comfortably rest your feet.

Electronic recliner chairs are also available that are operated with the simple push of a button. They of course need to be near a power source so that they work, but they are button operated as opposed to a normal recliner chair that is operated by a leaver. With electronic recliners you are often able to choose your position far easier than with a normal one.

Last but not least you have a range of British riser recliner chairs, which as well as having the usual operative features of a recliner chair, also rise to allow you to exit the chair far easier than a normal seat. These are particularly useful for those with issues around their joints and gives you that little bit of extra confidence.

Why should you consider a recliner chair?

Research has shown that recliner chairs are ideal for those who suffer from mobility issues, and also the elderly. They have bene designed to help you and make your life easier, more comfortable and provide you with that little bit extra safety.

They can provide you with extra back and neck support. When they are in the reclined position provide you with temporary relief from any of those niggling aches and pains that you may suffer from. When risen they can also provide relief from hip and neck problems. So they are an all-round help for those who usually have to suffer.

How can you make the most out of your recliner chair?

If you make the most out of your recliner chair you can guarantee that you’ll get many good years out of them. If you take care of them, they are going to last you far longer than if they are damaged in any way or unclean.

If you can ensure they are kept clean, then they can last for a long time. You may need to be willing to invest in the best quality, as it’s more likely you are going to get return on your investment with a comfortable and relieving experience.

Although your chair isn’t something you usually associate with needing love and care you would be surprised! They do, and they need looking after if you want them to live a long life. Take care of them, and you can see the true benefit that recliner chairs can offer you.

A conservatory is a room attached at one side of a house with a glass roof and walls. People usually use it to grow delicate foliage or as a sun lounge but that’s not all it can be used for. Carrying out simple adjustments and changes to a conservatory can make them attractive and advantageous.

Most conservatories are too hot to be used in summers or too cold to be used during winter. Condensation, extreme brightness, cheaply executed construction, and non-compliance with building regulations can be a typical problem when you have one in your house.

Here are some things that you can do to make use of your conservatory all year around:

• Replace your glass roof with a polycarbonate roof to keep the cold and dampness out.
• If your conservatory is too cold for the winters, install under floor heaters and radiators.
• If it is too hot for the summers, place blinds to cover your glass roof and walls to block the sunlight.
• You can opt for double glazing i.e. installing double layered glass windows that have a space between the two layers to help secure the heat, and reduce external noise.
• Note: Before you alter the exterior of your conservatory, make sure you check whether you need planning permission or not.

Along with being beneficial during seasonal changes, a conservatory can be used as an additional space for entertainment and relaxation. Here are 7 great ideas to convert your conservatory into something more meaningful:

Vibrant Dining Room

As busy as our lives have become nowadays, we tend to pack up our meals and rush along. Why not convert your conservatory into a beautiful dining room to enjoy a relaxing meal with your loved ones? It doesn’t have to be a conservative setting. Create a white background and compliment it with bold colors and gorgeous accessories. You can enjoy the view of your lush garden while you wine and dine with your family. Start your day by having breakfast in a cheery atmosphere while light pours inside and gives your dining room a fresh, vibrant look. Enjoy a starry dinner with bright moonlight and the view of an enchanting sky.

Relaxing Area

Add comfortable sofas, fluffed pillows, and warm blankets in your conservatory to make it a place to gather with your friends and family. You can use pastel colors to create a relaxing ambience and unwind there. You can also utilize some of the space by creating a small corner to have fun while relaxing. Spread a soft blanket, throw some cushions around and keep a small sized cupboard filled with board games beside it. You can also add a mini fridge to enjoy chilled beverages while you relax. Install some candle holders and light aromatic candles to enhance the experience.

Greenhouse

What better way to make use of a room made of glass than converting it into a greenhouse? Make your space lovelier than ever by adding tall, exotic plants. Plants improve your air quality while giving a tropical look to your home. You can fill your conservatory with refreshing plants without many limitations as you’ll have a non-restricted light source.

Here are a few advantages of turning your conservatory into a greenhouse:

• Grow variety of plants with longer growing season
• Protection from pests and predators
• Grow plants without dangerous pesticides
• Easily customize the greenhouse to your needs
• Enjoy raising your own food
• Relax, save energy, and relieve yourself from stress

Party Place

Turning your conservatory into a party room gives you a separate area to enjoy with your friends and family without disturbing other non-interested members of your home. Depending upon its size, you can host intimate parties in it as well as huge ones. Give it a classy touch by adding neutral colored tiles and a few plants. You can also add a flamboyant masterpiece for the final touch. Adding a kitchen extension to your conservatory for this purpose would be a great idea. It can add up to the convenience factor as you won’t have to go back and forth inside your house to serve your guests the best cuisines.

Tea Room

Make your conservatory a perfect place to enjoy your morning and evening teas, and conduct your intimate gatherings by turning it into a classic tea room. Give it a ‘garden room feel’ by adding stone tile flooring and beautiful, lush foliage. You can leave the windows undressed to enjoy the outside view while you sip on that steaming cup of tea. Select the furniture that suits you the best and fits your needs. Use pastel colored table cloths to cover your tea tables to make it pleasing to the eyes and use bold colored crockery that contrasts with it.

Game Room

You can use the extra space as a game room for your kids to play in! You won’t have to worry about your kids playing outside and facing the harsh weathers or getting infected by pesky insects. In addition, you won’t have to clean after them all the time as they’ll have a dedicated area where they can make all the mess they want for the time being. You can train them to clean up after themselves after they’re done with the fun. Add a huge cupboard to this room to store their board games, roller skates, cards, and anything and everything they enjoy playing with.

Study

What’s more convenient than having a quiet place to study in? If you want to study or just read a book by yourself you can use your conservatory to do so. Add plants to make the space more relaxing for you. You can add comfortable sofas and lights that fit your needs. Make use of the natural sunlight in the day time and use those lights at night to read and study comfortably without disturbing anyone else. You can also add a bookshelf to organize your books and stationery for regular usage.

Don’t let your extra space go to waste and make the most of it with all the wonderful ideas above!

The family home will be the most important location in your entire life because it is the place you get to spend time with and raise your family. As a parent, you have the responsibility to instill certain values in your little ones, and a key thing to teach is an awareness of the environment.

One way that you can begin to do this with your kids is by making some changes around the home that will make them more aware of what they should be doing naturally as they get older, such as not wasting water. This will not only mean that you are leading by an excellent example, but that you are also always actively doing your part for the environment.

Below are four simple ideas of the kind of changes you can make around the family home and in the garden to show your children how it’s done when it comes to the battle against climate change.

Long-lasting products

One of the most important lessons in being able to combat the change in global climate is reducing waste product. The easiest way of doing this is by always choosing things to buy based on how long they are going to last and if they can be reused or recycled once their lifespan has come to an end.

When it comes to your home, gabion stone fences have a twenty-year guarantee and will make your garden secure, look amazing, and last for years. By getting these put in, you will be showing your children the importance of not buying fast products but rather investing in something that is environmentally responsible.

Get creative with energy

Trying to reduce the electricity you use is a good starting point, but changing the source of the electric in your home is an even better idea. Of the top reasons to install solar panels, the most compelling is that you are then able to power your home without causing harmful toxins and gases to be released into the environment from power plants.

Save on water

Water is something which is already in short supply in many places in the world, so getting some of the top products to reduce water usage now is a good step in the right direction. Something as simple as investing in a water barrel to collect rainwater for when you need to water the plants over summer can make all the difference. Another good idea is to get you bathroom kitted out with the latest tech for reducing water during showers and when flushing the toilet, as this will take your overall usage right down.

Think about how you travel

Sometimes, you will need to use your car to get out and about, but one of the best examples you can set for your children is not being overly reliant on your vehicle. Instead, teach them how to ride and bike and try to walk where you can. If you need to go farther out, invest in bus passes and use green public transport to get from A to B.

As you approach retirement, there will be many things that you are probably considering, such as whether or not to move home. The next question would be, where should you move to? If you are looking for Midwestern hospitality, as well as a rich culture, Missouri has it all and more. Here are five fantastic reasons why you may want to retire in Missouri.

Low Cost of Living

Finding somewhere to live for your retirement that is affordable is one of the key factors that you need to consider. With the U.S News and World Report listing St. Louis as one of the top places to retire for those with $400,000 and under, you are sure to get more for your money in Missouri. The cost of living in Missouri is 16.3% below the country’s national average, with Springfield in particular being classed as one of the top 10 places to purchase a retirement property for those with $100,000 and below.

World Class Health Care

As you get older, it’s important to be close by to medical services. If you are looking to retire in Missouri, you will be happy to know that the Barnes-Jewish Hospital located in St. Louis is currently ranked as the 14th in the United States for geriatric health care, meaning you will receive some of the best care available in the country.

Veteran Friendly

If you are a military veteran, there are several unique benefits that you can receive if you choose Missouri for your retirement. With state and federal assistance available for veterans across the state, as well as an office that’s dedicated to assisting retirees who need help claiming earned benefits, you can be sure you’re well taken care of. What’s more, military persons are not taxed in Missouri.

Explore the Shoreline

For those who like the outdoors, you can take advantage of over 1,100 miles of shoreline that Missouri has to offer. Missouri has more shoreline than states like California due to its huge abundance of lakes, meaning there is always something new to see and explore when in Missouri. If you like the idea of a home by the lake, be sure to check out these Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate listings from Lake Front Living, where you can find more information on one of the most premier lake destinations which is filled with over 70,000 homes dotted along the water’s edge.

Close to Big City Amenities

There are two major cities that are located on either side of Missouri, these being Kansas City and St. Louis. So, as a resident in the state, you will have easy access to travel to the big cities. There are also various small towns and rural spots that you may be interested in considering.

If you are looking for a senior living experience that’s not only enjoyable, but affordable, Missouri may be the perfect state for you to retire in. With a low cost of living, world-class health care, not to forget over 1,000 miles of shoreline to see and explore, you are sure to enjoy your senior years in Missouri.

You just moved to a new town and are looking for the right church to join. Or perhaps you didn’t move, but have other reasons to seek out a new place of worship that’s right for you and your family.

Either way, the question of how to find a church is on your mind.

It’s a big decision to make, and one that can keep people up at night. You want a church that matches what you’re looking for in a variety of attributes.

That’s why I put together this post, focusing on things to look for when seeking out a new church in your area. 

So you’ll have a better sense of the kind of questions to ask, and the kind of answers to look for.

Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out more!

Location of the Church

This might seem like an obvious part of your search, but if you plan to attend church regularly, location can be a big factor. 

You’ll likely want to make sure that the church is close enough to your house that you don’t mind making the drive.

This is especially true if you might end up going there multiple times a week, as you get more involved with the church. And if you’ve just moved into a new house, you don’t want too much travel to keep you from enjoying your new setting. 

So make sure the distance from home isn’t far enough that it will be a factor in your decision of whether or not to go.

Times for Worship

Everyone’s schedule is different. For a lot of churchgoers, Sunday morning worship works great. 

But that’s not always the case. If you or a family member has previous commitments on Sunday morning that are impossible to move, you’ll want to find a church that has alternative times for worship.

Some churches have Sunday evening services or services on other days of the week. So if your job takes you away on weekends, or are otherwise busy Sunday morning, make sure you find a church with services when you can attend.

Volunteering Opportunities

Different people have different desires as far as volunteering at their church.

But if volunteering is a part of the way you enjoy interacting with your church you’ll want to ask about how it works there.

This is especially true if you are looking for it to be a church you attend for a long time. If you like volunteering regularly, look for a church that offers ministries that appeal to you. Ones that you’ll be likely to want to serve at for years to come.

And ask about the number of opportunities that the church offers. Depending on things like your changing schedule or traveling, you want to make sure there are ample opportunities for volunteering if you so choose.

Family Members

If you have a family, you’ll want to make sure you find a church that works equally well for them.

One example would be if you have a teen, but join a church that doesn’t have many teenagers (or any at all). In that case, obviously, there won’t be a youth group they can join.

But at the same time, your particular teen might be more interested in working with children or volunteering with the church’s ministry. So the lack of a youth group might not be a deal breaker for them.

That’s an example of why it’s also important to speak honestly with members of your family before joining a church. You want to make sure it’s one that they see themselves becoming involved with.

The last thing you want is for your particular church choice to create a wedge between family members.

Church Size

There are positives and negatives to churches of different sizes, so this is more of a personal choice that might vary from person to person.

A small church has the benefits of feeling more like a family, and you will likely get to know a larger percentage of your fellow worshipers. For some people, that’s a huge draw. 

Plus you’ll have more of an opportunity to create a relationship with the pastor if the church is relatively small.

But at the same time, some people prefer the relative anonymity of a large church. If you like to simply go to church and not interact with as many people that you know, a large church size might work well.

Plus, the larger a church is the more ministries and activities that you and your family can enjoy. Those programs would be a lot more limited with a small church.

Type of Music

This might seem like an odd thing to have on your initial list of considerations, but for some people, it’s an important part of going to church.

Since there is usually a fair amount of music in an average church service, you want to join a church that uses the style and type of music that you enjoy. 

There’s no sense in getting frustrated that the worship music you hear every week doesn’t match with your tastes!

Some churches will have more traditional church music, with piano or organ and featuring classic hymns and songs. While others will be more contemporary. They might have a more modern band playing the worship music.

And other churches blend the two, with an attempt to have more modern worship music and some classic one as well. 

Financial Details

We all know that churches need money to stay open. And most people who give money to their church do so with a sense of pride and community.

But at the same time, it’s always good to know if there are certain expectations that a church has in terms of giving.

Be honest and upfront when you speak to the pastor, and ask what kind of financial responsibility is generally expected of the members of the congregation.

How to Find a Church

Hopefully, this guide for how to find a church will be helpful. There are certainly other things that you can take into consideration, but if you start with the elements I listed, you’ll be well on your way.

And if you’re looking for even more ways to make a transition to a new setting easier, check out this blog on ways to bring your family closer together!

Jewelry is something most men hardly wear. Most men will tell you that they were completely clueless and started from ground zero when it was their time to look for an engagement band. Men get uncomfortable with jewelry and this includes men’s engagement band. They believe that jewelry hinders their day to day work in some way or the other.

Shopping for men’s engagement band may seem easy but believe me when I say it’s not. In fact, getting the right band for your man is a really tough job. Deciding upon a budget, picking a style that fits your future husband’s personality, and choosing the kind of metal that holds up well with his lifestyle are things you need to do before buying an engagement band for him.

Finding the right engagement band for your future husband becomes easy with these three things. One thing you can be sure of is that you won’t be having a problem finding the perfect one for him. This is because there are many different engagement band styles available for men.

As most men aren’t the jewelry type, choosing an appropriate ring may be more difficult than you initially thought. However, as this is probably the only band he’ll ever wear, making sure that you choose an appropriate one is important. Here are some narrowed down men’s engagement bands options that you may want to explore.

The Men’s Engagement Band Options

Gold, titanium, tungsten, and platinum are the four most common choices for men’s engagement bands. Following is some useful information about each.

Gold

Gold is a more comfortable metal than the others. Its weight is substantial and makes for a more traditional choice when it comes to men’s engagement bands. A yellow or white gold band is a standard and classic engagement band. As it does not scratch much, gold is ideal for men’s that are out and about.

White gold and platinum are amongst the most sought-after engagement rings. If you’re looking for an affordable option, then white gold would be the better choice of the two.  The scarcity of platinum as compared to gold is what makes it more expensive. The gold mined each year is almost 15 times more than the amount of platinum mined during a year.

This makes it easy to understand why white gold is less expensive than platinum. Many websites sell gold bands for men and, if you prefer online shopping, then you should definitely shop this site. Check the options available to find a gold band for your future husband. Yellow gold looks perfect on some skin tones. Thus, keeping the skin tone in mind is important while choosing a band even if you’re a fan of silver and white gold varieties. To find the perfect gold engagement band for your husband-to-be, ensure the following things.

The Gold Band Is Solid Gold

When choosing men’s gold band, one of the most important things to find out is whether the gold band is solid gold or just gold-plated. Compared to solid gold bands, plated gold ones are cheaper. However, over time, the plated gold bands will wear to expose the metal underneath. Ultimately, in order to restore the color of the band, you’ll require replacing it. Therefore, you must ensure that the gold band you choose is solid gold if your future husband intends to wear the band often.

Choose the Carat for Your Gold Band

The purer the gold, the less durable and softer it will be—this is something you must keep in mind when choosing a gold band for your future husband. You may want to avoid the 20-carat and 22-carat bands if he is going to wear the band regularly. Compared to 14-carat bands, 20 and 22-carat bands will scratch more easily. Also, since it encompasses a significant amount of non-gold alloys, a 14-carat gold band is harder than the aforementioned bands. Low carat gold bands such as a 10-carat gold band are highly durable. However, if you’re allergic to nickel, avoid low-carat gold such as 10-carat gold. Instead, choose a 14 or 18-carat gold band.

There you have it—a guide on choosing the perfect gold band for men. Consider the aforementioned things when looking for appropriate gold bands. By considering these two things, you will be able to find the perfect gold band.

Platinum

Platinum won’t lose its shine or color, is durable, strong, and has many other advantages. However, due to its rarity, platinum costs more than other metals. This is one major disadvantage associated with this metal. Also, compared to gold, it scratches easier.

Tungsten and Titanium

Finally, the battle of the T’s—titanium and Tungsten—is what we need to look into. An extremely heavy and hard metal, tungsten is scratch-resistant. Keeping its shine requires very little maintenance. However, its heavy nature is its one downside. When your man puts on that tungsten engagement band, it is likely that he will be fond of it.

The major difference between titanium and tungsten is that titanium is extremely lightweight. However, when it comes to durability, both are equally good. Titanium engagement bands are best suited for men who don’t want to be weighed down.

Black Diamonds

We’ll throw in another option for men’s engagement bands if you’re interested: black diamonds. They say diamonds are a ‘girl’s best friend’. However, they look good on me too. Black diamonds may be something you’d want if your husband-to-be is a bit flashy or if you’re looking for a unique men’s engagement band.

While the above steps can help you to choose a men’s engagement band, you should really take the opinion of your husband-to-be on a suitable engagement band. After all, it is he who will be wearing the engagement band, not you and I. The point is that when looking for a men’s engagement band, you may want to look at things from a man’s perspective in order to choose the perfect engagement band.

Having to watch someone you love struggling with addiction is one of the hardest things anyone can go through in their lives. What’s worse is that while you don’t want to enable them and fuel their addiction, you don’t want to alienate them from you either. Knowing how to approach the situation without making matters worse is another concern many may have.

Before you talk to someone about their addiction, you have to first understand the psychology of an addict so you can identify pathological behavior and what kind of approach you should take. In this article, we’re going to show you what you should do if a close one is dealing with addiction.

Understand That Lying is Just a Way of Life to Them

One of the first signs of addiction is compulsive or pathological lying. Severe addicts learn how to navigate through a complex web of lies to fuel their addiction. You shouldn’t judge them or hate them for it; in most cases, they can’t help it.

They would be ready to do anything to get their next fix and their sense of morality is trumped by their urge to use or engage in their habit. Others will lie in order to hide that they’re even using. Knowing how to deal with someone who’s a compulsive or pathological liar can be difficult without making them angrier. That’s why you should talk with people who understand addict behavior in depth before you do so. If you want to know how and why addicts lie and what to do about it, you can learn more here.

Don’t Expect a Simple Conversation to Work

Simply confronting someone about their addiction isn’t going to work, even if they seem totally sincere about wanting to change. Chance are they will start thinking about getting their next fix the minute you walk out the door. So just sitting down and having a talk is no reason to pat yourself on the back. And you can’t start using sentiments and telling them that if they loved you, they’d quit. This isn’t going to work. Addiction is not a rational thing and addicts get completely overwhelmed by their addiction. Once you understand that fact, you’ll be able to work towards a real solution.

Start Thinking about Rehab

At this point, you should try to identify what their addiction is and start looking at treatment options. You should look at both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Try to take their personality and severity of their addiction into consideration.

For instance, if they struggle with discipline, then outpatient rehab might not be the best option for them. Make sure that you ask as many questions as possible and find out how the program works. You should also ask if you can talk with people who went through the program. You’ll then be able to present your family member with a variety of options, but make sure that they’re varied to increase the chances that they’ll find at least one interesting.

Also, be wary of 30-day programs, since they are not always the most efficient. Long time addicts often lose a lot of life skills and it will take more than 30 days to build them up. Addiction also transforms a person mentally, and they often lose their sense of connection with others. They will often need to relearn how to communicate with others completely before they can get their life back on track.

Stand by Them as Much as You Can

It’s also very important to let them know that you will not be giving up on them and give them as much support as you can. If there are children involved, however, it’s important to remove them from the situation temporarily. But it’s your responsibility to show them that you truly care and that you’re there. People dealing with addiction often lose all sense of self-worth, and knowing that they have someone who’s there for them might increase the chances they’ll turn things around.

Do Not Accept Abuse of Any Kind

However, you also have to understand when you can’t help someone for your own safety. You should never allow yourself to be abused either mentally or physically, even if you want the best for them. In this case, you’ll have to seek support yourself, either from counselors, a minister, family, or even law enforcement. You have to put your safety first, and you won’t be able to help if you’re beaten down yourself.

Insist on Them Going to Rehab

You should never accept an addict’s promises of cutting down on their consumption. Unless you see real improvement, you have to keep insisting that rehab is the only solution. Nobody wants to hear that their loved one is either dead or in prison. Find a good rehab program and accept no excuses.

And don’t expect this to be easy either; chances are they will fight back. This is why you should consider getting close friends and family together for an intervention or work with a professional interventionist to make sure it doesn’t backfire. If you’ve been helping the addict in any way, whether monetarily or by sheltering them, you have to get them to agree to rehab. Do not give them any other way out.

You also have to make sure that you come from a place of love during the intervention. You can’t start blaming them for unpaid debts or shame them for neglecting their kids. This will only push them back into their uncomfortable guilt, a guilt they’ll usually try to alleviate by using, so be aware of that.

Also, you shouldn’t assume that everything will be fine and dandy once they get out of rehab. They will need your help once they get back into the real world and will likely go through hard times. It is up to you to give them all the support and love that you can to make sure that they stay on the right track. Also, make sure that you keep them involved in family activities and don’t let them get isolated – this is where they’re at the most vulnerable.

The circle of addiction can be broken only if you know how to take the right approach and consider treatment. Either way, always make sure to let them know that they have your support and insist on them finding a solution.

When it comes to getting intimate with your partner, you may find it a daunting experience. With the pressures of today’s society to look perfect, it can be all too easy to lose confidence and self-esteem. However, there are various ways that you can improve your confidence, helping you to feel more relaxed and in control when in the bedroom.

Experiment

Switching things up and going down the experimental route can be a great way to improve your confidence in the bedroom. Finding things that excite and stimulate you can make a huge difference and help you feel more in control. Turn-ons may include the feel of your sheets, the scent that your partner wears, or simply a loving hug. Once you have identified what turns you on, you can incorporate them into your sex life, giving you something to look forward to.

Bond with Each Other

Intimacy is a big part of a relationship. Being able to connect with your loved one is incredibly special, so knowing how to bond with your partner is a must. Whether it be reading erotica stories together, sharing your fetishes and fantasies, or by touching and hugging, all of these may help you feel more relaxed and leave you feeling more positive about your body.

Take Things Slow

Instead of rushing into sex, why not take things slow? While all you may want to do is rip your partner’s clothes off and get down to it, gradually working your way up to sex can add to arousal. For example, if your partner wants to have the bedroom lights switched on during sex and you aren’t so keen, you can compromise by lighting some candles. If you don’t feel comfortable undressing in front of your partner, consider purchasing a sexy cover-up that you can remove when you feel more comfortable. Being able to communicate effectively with your lover is important. If you feel under pressure to perform well, this can leave you feeling anxious and nervous.

Change Position

If you have body confidence issues, you may find it daunting to look your partner in the eye during sex, therefore, consider changing position in the bedroom. For example, you may benefit from a spooning position which will make it easier for you. Once you start to gain confidence, you can look into other positions.

Be Positive

Retaining a positive mindset can make the world of difference and help to boost your confidence in the bedroom. There are various things that you can do to help you feel more positive, such as standing in front of your mirror each day and affirming something about your body. If you have tried all you can with no success, you may want to consider going down the surgery route to help boost your confidence such as girth enlargement surgery. Be sure to check out Surgery Life Enhancement review for more information and honest accounts from people in the same boat as you.

For your sex life to flourish, it’s important that you take on all the tips listed onboard. What works for one may not work for you, so take some time to experiment and try new things until you find something you like. Whether it be changing position, having a positive outlook or even considering surgery, you will soon see a boost in your confidence and self-esteem.

Undergoing a treatment program for addiction or any other form of substance abuse can be overwhelming and isolating. Some people prefer to go through treatment passively without any form of active engagement with a particular program.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that people are more likely to overcome their addiction when they are active participants in a particular program. Simply enrolling in a program won’t produce any results.

This is why residential programs or inpatient treatment have better success rates compared to outpatient care. The commitment from being involved in a 24/7 treatment program increases the chances of that person maintaining their sobriety for a long time.

These programs consist of several aspects that work well with participants who are willing to be actively involved in their treatment. These include:

1. Individualized treatment. Having 24/7 observation of a person’s habits health makes it easier for therapists to form customized treatment plans.
2. Treatment’s timeline. In passive treatments, addicts are more likely to quit the treatment earlier on. Residential programs allow therapists to ensure that they stay in treatment for an adequate amount of time.
3. Continual Assessment. As mentioned in the first point, residential programs allow continual assessments. They can observe the participant’s progress and make necessary changes wherever needed.

The Benefits of Residential Treatment Program

Being active in a treatment program 24 hours a day and 7 days a week can be understandably quite daunting. However, residential treatments that focused on family involvement, community-based therapy, and teaching aids for post-treatment life, have many benefits.

It brings much-needed structure

Drug addicts and alcoholics tend to lack structure and a productive routine in their daily lives. Hence, introducing that routine can be extremely beneficial. It might seem restricting at the beginning, but it helps them direct their focus on trying to get healthier.

The main idea is to close any gaps where cravings take hold and grow. It also helps build boundaries that allow them to show willpower and overcome moments of weakness.

Supervision and Control

Continuous supervision in residential programs proves most beneficial during withdrawals. Whether if mental or physical withdrawal, it can be critical and even life-threatening. Having supervision ensures that participants have emotional support and counseling in those moments.

Many recovering addicts tend to relapse early in their recovery because they have access to the substance/alcohol. Residential treatment programs have a controlled environment. This means that access to drugs and alcohol won’t be a problem.

Community support

Recovery can be an isolating process. People are known to complain about feeling guilty, misunderstood, and alone during this time. The stigma of being in rehab doesn’t help too.

Being in residential treatment can help with this as everyone in the program will have their own struggles. Even though no two people will be in the same situation, they will understand each other’s pain and suffering.

Other than that, the therapists and professionals will maintain that feeling of community by being involved in each patient’s journey.

Focus

It might seem selfish, but the stress of obligations, family, friends, and work can all make recovery harder. The treatment is their opportunity to let go of some of these stresses and focus on their own health.

This doesn’t mean that friends and family aren’t important during the treatment. In fact, family involvement can help improve the chances of recovery for a patient. Attending family therapy sessions, learning about the patient’s struggle, and offering support with regular visits can be beneficial for the patient.

Bob Ross (1942 – 1995) was an American television host, art instructor, internet celebrity and of course, a celebrated painter. He has been in the highlight for years because there hasn’t been any artist in the history of art who has inspired more people to join this colorful world than him.

People may joke around about him because of his hippy swagger and cozy talk, but he managed to bring a lot to his easel. Granted, there will be miles and miles of difference in the work he does in comparison to artists like Clyde Aspevig. Truthfully, however, Bob Ross is closer to them than you think.

Additionally, it wasn’t just his art that inspired people. There were also people out there who simply loved to hear him talk! His team even got letters from blind people who said the reason why they tuned in was to hear him talk – simply because he gave them hope.

Anybody who can do this deserves a little more attention from the art community. We certainly dug into this person and here are some things we found out about Bob Ross that most people don’t know.

• 1. As A Kid His Bath-Time Toy Was  A Live Alligator

Bob Ross was a lifelong lover of animals- which is why he also had a knack for saving and nursing wounded animals. When he was growing up in Florida, he had brought a rather strange addition to his family – a live alligator! He did so because he was attempting to nurse the alligator back to health and kept him in the family bathtub!

Even when Ross grew up, he could always be seen playing host to a number of injured and orphaned animals. This also included an epileptic squirrel – which of course, lived in Ross’s empty Jacuzzi.

• 2. Believe It Or Not, He Was A Military Man

Before he became a painter, Bob Ross had spent almost 20 years in the United States Air Force – where he retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. Ross even said that he was the guy in the army who would make someone scrub off the latrine and the make the beds. He even admitted to screaming at people when they were late. When Ross had retired though, he had allegedly made a promise to himself not to scream at another soul again. This was, therefore, the beginning of his soft demeanor.

‘The Joy of Painting’ Managed to Become a Worldwide Hit

Not only did Bob Ross’s show manage to be carried by 95% of all the TV stations across America, but it had an avid viewership of 93.5 million homes. The show had also managed to break its national followership and was broadcasted in Turkey, South Korea, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom!

• 3. He Worked for Free

Bob Ross’s ‘The Joy of Painting’ had run on from 1983 to 1994 on PBS. So did this mean that Bob Ross was able to benefit with fat stacks of cash? Well as it turns out, not quite. Bob Ross had, in reality, agreed to do this show for free! So where did his income come from? Well, he made his living from Bob Ross Inc. which sold teaching classes, how-to video tapes and art supplies while also going over trade show circuits.

This brings about the question as to how he managed to find the time to tape The Joy of Painting? Well, apparently Bob Ross recorded these seasons as fast as he could paint. Ross had banged out one entire season with 13 episodes in as fast as 2 days. By doing so, Bob Ross was able to free himself to get back into teaching.

• 4. Bob Ross Didn’t Sell Any of His Paintings

In an interview with New York Times in 1991, Bob Ross had claimed that he had made over 30,000 paintings since he was just 18 and was stationed in Alaska by the Air Force. When Ross had died of Lymphoma in 1995, most of his works had either ended up with the PBS, or were donated in charity. This is probably why most of his works are simply floating around all over the world.

While most of his works weren’t sold, Ross did manage to sell some of his souvenir gold pans while he was stationed in Alaska. At the time, however, he only managed to get $25 a pop for his gold pans which featured the Alaskan scenes painted over the bottom.

• 5. He Didn’t Really Love His Fro

It is very hard to imagine Bob Ross and not immediately image his giant and bushy mushroom cloud of hair which seemed to explode off his head. Well, supposedly Bob Ross hated this haircut but his uncanny knack for marketing would keep from trimming it off. He knew that without his fro, his conservative look would really undermine his business. This is why Ross stuck to his permed visage – which was also emblazoned onto all the tubes of paint that he sold.

• 6. Bob Ross Was A Student of William Alexander

In the second season of The Joy of Painting, which was featured in 1984, Bob Ross had decided to dedicate the show to his teacher. William Alexander was the person who got Bob Ross started and had even filmed a promo with his student. Here he said that he handed his mighty brush to well-deservingly mighty man – Bob Ross.

And with that, this new era of art had begun. There had even come a time in his art career, where a man named Alexander Art told him that the demand created by The Joy of Painting was too difficult to keep up. This is where Art had suggested that Bob Ross begin his self-branded line of art supplies.

Wasn’t that a lot more than the afro-supporting punch line of artist jokes? If you wish to dig some more about Bob Ross and his life, you can find more information here.