Neck and back pain isn't a joke. It can be incredibly painful and debilitating and prevent you from doing several things. With so many sick days every year due to musculoskeletal disorders, it really helps to look after your neck and back.  As what we do at work can also contribute to any musculoskeletal problems it helps to look at how we work and our posture at work. Just a few adjustments can reduce the amount of neck and back pain you get.  It may be useful to get advice from a specialist too like a rheumatology specialist.

Let's have a look at some tips to reduce neck and back pain at work. This is an advertorial. 

Posture

Poor posture can make your back and neck hurt. When you are sitting at a desk, on a  computer or on the phone you often get lazy and don't think of your posture. Slumping in a chair to do our work puts a toll on our neck and back. So the first thing we need to do is look at our posture. Let's have a look at how we do that. 

Sit upright

Sit upright to help prevent any neck and back pain. Sitting upright with your shoulders back can really work.  Your feet should be on the floor and your lower back should be flush with your chair. Look for a good chair with lumbar support as this can help prevent back pain. You can buy a portable lumbar support cushion if a new chair isn't an option. Lumbar supports help keep your spine in a natural position and help prevent strain on your back.

Positioning

Try exercises 

Gently rotate your shoulders back hold and release. Every so often gently stretch up and then down. If you are working in an environment with other people then you may want to do this on your break, but it's important you do some simple exercises to prevent neck and back pain. It may be a good idea to set an alarm on your phone to remind you. Some simple flexibility exercises can help prevent neck pain. Even a simple gentle rotation of your neck, to the left for 5 seconds and to the right for five seconds can help improve your neck mobility and flexibility. 

Take a break

It's important to take a break on a regular basis to change your position. Get up. walk around, and make a cup of tea. Sitting in the same position for hours really puts a strain on your body posture and is no good for your neck and back. On your lunch break, it can help to go for a short walk, which can also help clear your mind.  If you have a green space near you, go for a walk there as walking in nature can really help stress. If you have a long lunch session, you could consider going to a yoga or pilates session. Pilates especially involves strengthening the body's core through stretching exercises and looking at body posture. 

Stand more

If you find it hard to take a break from work try a standing desk. A standing desk like the Yo Yo Desk PRO 2 is great as it has adjustable height. When your computer, monitor, or desk is at the right height, this prevents neck and back pain as I have already mentioned as it puts less strain on your neck and back.  It is also thought that standing at work can make you more productive, become more creative and burn more calories too.   Sit-Stand desks are recommended by the London Spine Clinic. Check out more information on the benefits of Sit-Stand desks by the Posture Group here. 

Conclusion

As you can see there are a number of things you do to help reduce and prevent neck and back pain at work. With some simple exercises, taking a regular break and looking at your positioning I hope this will reduce neck and back pain for my readers. If you are still having pain, always consult a medical specialist. Let me know, have you ever had neck and back pain? If so what helped you?

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Have you ever thought of renting a boat,  but not any old boat...a beautiful yacht to sail the Mediterranean? It's the sort of luxury experience that is perfect for a special occasion such as a big birthday, wedding anniversary or huge celebration. There are some serious advantages to hiring a luxury yacht to sail the Mediterranean sea. Let's have a look at why you should charter a yacht in the Mediterranean.

You can visit several destinations in one trip

If you charter a yacht in the Mediterranean you can visit several destinations in one trip. If you want to go to Italy,  sail to the beautiful Almafi coast with its picture-perfect harbours and pastel-coloured houses. You could also visit Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean with its secluded coves and white sand beaches. Then you have the richly historic Croatia where Game Of Thrones was filmed and stunning Greece, the birthplace of democracy, known for its ancient temples, beautiful azure coastline and year-long sunny weather.  There are so many destinations to see in the Mediterranean and on a yacht charter you can see so many.

It's the perfect luxury trip

It offers you freedom

There is nothing like being able to sail a yacht around the Mediterranean and plan your own course or go wherever you want and not be tied to itineraries. The flexibility and freedom to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip cannot be beaten. Of course, it's a good idea to have a rough plan then discuss it with the captain. Yes, you heard that correctly, you often hire a captain (and a crew) when you charter a yacht, so you don't need sailing skills yourself. This means anyone who has the budget can hire a luxury yacht for the sense of freedom and sail anywhere they want.

It's perfect for foodies

Foodies will be in their element on a yacht charter in the Mediterranean. You will have your own private chef who can cook whatever you want. Of course, it makes sense to have the freshest in-season Mediterranean vegetables, freshly caught fish and plump locally caught lobster and prawns, but you can have what your heart desires just let your personal chef know. Those with special dietary needs can also be taken care of, ensure your dietary requirements are known before you travel,  what food needs to be avoided and what food you desire. 

As you can see there are many reasons why you should charter a yacht in the Mediterranean. From the food to the luxury to the destinations you will see and so much more, a charter of a luxury yacht is the ultimate bucket list idea. So check out the Mediterranean yachts for rent and begin planning your luxury sailing holiday in the Mediterranean soon.

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Have you ever thought of cruising the Caribbean? It's been something my husband and I have been looking into recently. As there are so many places to see and reasons to go on a Caribbean cruise, we have decided to take the plunge and book. Caribbean cruises have a lot to offer everyone, so this post is about why you should cruise the Caribbean and the advantages of going on a Caribbean cruise. 

You get to visit some great destinations 

Going on a Caribbean cruise is a great way of seeing several destinations on one trip. Sure it's not an in-depth introduction to the many different islands you can visit but it is a great taster.  You can find out which Caribbean islands you may want to explore more without committing to a specific island trip. Although there may be similarities with some of the islands, there are also lots of differences in culture,  food and landscape too as each country is beautiful and unique. For example, Grenada is a very green Caribbean island whilst Aruba is arid and dry. 

It's a relaxing way to travel

It has some amazing landscapes

You have some exciting shore excursions

It's surprisingly cost-effective 

Going on a Caribbean cruise is surprisingly cost-effective. When you compare how much it would be to visit each destination then a Caribbean cruise can be a real bargain. This is often because of the inclusive nature of most cruises. You usually get all your food included, some, if not all drinks including cocktails, entertainment and tips. You don't need to pay for a hotel every night as your ship is your hotel, you don't need to pay for transportation to different airports or a rental car.  When you add up how much it would cost you to stay on each island and the associated costs you realise a Caribbean cruise can be surprisingly cost-effective.

As you can see Caribbean cruises are amazing fun. Let me know, have you been on a Caribbean cruise? Which are your favourite Caribbean islands? 

Your wedding is a day that you want to remember for the rest of your life, but what happens when you have trouble bringing your dream wedding to life? Well, thanks to Supernova Wedding Design you won’t have to worry about that. With their wedding designer services, they will help you bring your dream wedding to life.

To help you decide why you should hire a wedding designer, read on, and find out exactly what they do and how they can help experience your dream wedding.

What is a Wedding Designer?

A wedding designer is an artist who brings your wedding dreams to life. Wedding designers are responsible for creating the wedding design concept by considering what the couple has asked for. The wedding designer will focus on all the aesthetics of your special day from your colour palette, table settings, flowers even to the hiring of wedding decor.

When hiring a wedding designer it is important to keep in mind that they are different from wedding planners. A wedding designer’s main focus is to help make your dream wedding a reality while a wedding planner helps you manage planning your wedding by scheduling meetings with wedding vendors, overseeing the wedding day, and even helping you with sticking to your budget.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Wedding Designer

A wedding designer will bring your vision to life

Wedding designers are masters at bringing peoples wedding visions to life. All you need to do is give your wedding designer an idea of the type of colour, flour, and decor aesthetics that you have in mind. Then your wedding designer can help create a few different wedding design ideas that you can choose from to help you create your perfect day.

A wedding designer will offer professional advice and expertise

Wedding designers have created many different weddings which means that they can offer sage advice on different aspects of the wedding. With their expertise in creating different weddings, they can help you make all the right choices to make sure that you have a wonderful and memorable day.

A wedding designer will save you time

Once you hire a wedding designer you no longer have to spend time worrying about figuring out which flowers you will choose for your wedding, how the tables will look, or even the colour palette. A wedding designer can help figure this out for you and present you with the best options that you can choose from. This will not only save you time but also make planning your wedding a less stressful and more enjoyable experience.

Wedding designers usually have connections with wedding vendors

When it comes to finding wedding vendors and even wedding decors this can be extremely frustrating for someone who has no experience in the wedding planning industry. Luckily, a wedding designer can help you connect with their recommended wedding vendors who you will be able to rely on to provide everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life.

Wedding designers will create a unique wedding experience suited to you

One of the main reasons why couples choose to hire a wedding designer is because of the unique wedding experience they create. Wedding designers truly value the couple's input and thoughts, after all, it is their special day. A good wedding designer will make sure that your wedding suits you.

Where Should You Look for a Wedding Designer?

Supernova Wedding Design can help you create your special day, with years of experience in the wedding design and planning industry. The Scottish, award-winning wedding design company knows how to turn a couples dream wedding into a reality that they will remember for the rest of their lives together.

Final Thoughts

Wedding designers help turn a couple's dream wedding into a reality. From the tiniest of details like the colour palette to the flower arrangements, a wedding designer has the eye to create an unforgettable day. So whether you are having trouble figuring out what you want your wedding to look like or just need some help bringing your vision to life, get in touch with Supernova Wedding Design.

With travel coming back to normal many of us may be thinking of where to go on our next holiday. If you are travelling abroad then you are probably travelling by plane. Now, I don't know about you but I find the whole process of flying stressful. There is a lot that we need to do to be prepared to fly and then there is a lot we shouldn't do. More so now than ever. 

Get seriously drunk

It's not a good idea to get seriously drunk on a plane. Firstly if you are inebriated then you won't be able to react quickly if there is an emergency. Secondly, no one wants someone seriously drunk on a plane as there is a chance they could become aggressive, vomit or pass out. Due to changes in the pressure in the cabin, alcohol can affect you more when you are on a plane too. So be careful how much you drink. If you are drunk getting onto a plane then the staff have the right to refuse your boarding. If you bought alcohol in duty-free you aren't allowed to consume it on the plane either but you can buy it on board. Staff have a right to refuse to sell you alcohol though if they think you have had too much.

Smoke

Besides the smell of smoking which is not pleasant to non-smokers and is potentially cancer forming, smoking on a plane is a fire hazard. Also, you cannot take electronic cigarettes/vapes on a plane either. Many of these emit a smoke-like substance and the batteries can be a fire hazard. If the thought of a long flight without smoking is difficult for you, you could possibly take a nicotine patch or a nicotine substance like nicotine pouches sold by snusdirect. Nicotine punches contain a substance that you put under your top lip where it releases the flavour and nicotine. Check with the legalities of the country first. 

Take forbidden food

You can take food on a plane but there are certain restrictions if you are going internationally and these can vary according to the country. Certain foods like fresh fruit may have to be eaten on the plane and not brought into the country. If it's liquid-based it would need to go in a checked bag unless it is under 100 MLS and can go in a clear plastic bag of a certain size in your hand luggage. Check with your airline first. Prohibited agricultural items including certain fruits and seeds can harbour plant pests and foreign animal diseases that could seriously damage the crops of the country and the environment. Also, don't take smelly food on a plane as it's not good etiquette so leave the egg and tuna sandwiches at home. 

Ignore hygiene

Carry something hazardous

When you check in you will be shown a list of hazardous substances. Don't have any of these or lie that you don't have them as this can get you into serious trouble and could be dangerous.  These are things like explosive substances, including party poppers and fireworks, poisons including weedkillers, and flammable substances like lighter fuel and paints. Also, hand luggage restrictions are different to hold restrictions so be sure to check these out too. These substances can vary slightly from country to country but generally are the same, however always read the list carefully to avoid being caught out. 

So these are 5 things you shouldn't do, when you travel on a plane, from the mild to the serious. Have you ever seen someone drunk on a plane? Do you wipe down the seat tray?

The O2 Arena in London is one of the most iconic venues for live music in the world. The dome was originally built to house The Millennium Experience – an incredibly popular exhibit created to mark the beginning of the third millennium.

While the gig alone that you’re attending will no doubt be phenomenal (if it’s an artist or band big enough to front the mighty O2!) why not go one step further and make a night or a weekend of it by booking accommodation? There’s nothing worse than experiencing an electrifying night of live music only to be hit full force with the anti-climatic train or taxi journey home afterwards. Make it memorable by booking accommodation to extend the experience further. There are stunning serviced apartments available in nearby Canary Wharf, only a short tube ride to the O2.

Plan ahead

If you’ve ever been to a much-anticipated gig, you’ll know how hectic the crowds can be. This doubles in London, with roads and tube stations alike, becoming absolutely gridlocked. Always plan ahead, ensuring you set off with plenty of time to spare so that any delays won’t prevent you from getting to the venue on time.

Pack wisely

Be sure to review The O2’s prohibited items list before setting off, so that you know exactly what you can and can’t bring along. The last thing you want is to be stopped at the security barriers for carrying an item you shouldn’t be. This can include items such as sharp objects, food, and drinks. Even sealed bottles of water can be confiscated so don’t waste any time packing supplies that may be discarded. Review the list so you know exactly what not to pack.

Prepare your COVID pass

In this post-pandemic age, NHS COVID passes are now required at selected large-scale events, such as concerts and festivals. Prepare your documentation in advance so that you have everything to hand ahead of the gig. You can access this by downloading the NHS app onto your mobile phone, where you can apply for a digital copy – alternatively, you can bring along a printed copy if you’d like to be on the safe side. Your COVID pass will contain a page dedicated to each vaccination that you’ve received.

So here are some handy tips for attending an event at the O2 Arena. Have you visited?

By 2023, 1 billion people will be listening to them at least once a month. What you may wonder they are listening to?  Podcasts. Podcasts, a loose combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcasting”,  are carving out an increasingly important space in our daily routine.

As the infographic explains, in 2021, Brits listened to almost 60 million hours of podcasts every week. This was up by over 50% compared to 2019. In 2022, even more growth is expected with just under 3 million listeners from the UK. That's a lot of people!  From Stephen Fry 'Inside your Mind' to 'Today in Focus', a podcast by The Guardian that covers a crucial fact in 20 minutes, to 'Eat Sleep Work Repeat' by Bruce Daisley, the Vice President of Twitter, there are many podcasts loved by the British.

Podcasts are great at teaching you about subjects too, from science to marketing, from history to writing, podcasts are a great way of teaching and educating. 

Do any of us have the perfect home? Unless you have a millionaire's budget there is likely to be things that you want to change. Maybe your house is too small, your rooms too dark or you need some extra space to relax in.  Here are some interesting design features to add to your home to make it lighter, brighter, bigger and more interesting. 

If you haven't got the budget for major changes then a feature wall makes a good compromise. Adding bespoke bedroom wall murals can make a bedroom more interesting, especially if the rest of it is in a neutral colour. Providing maximum impact you can buy wallpaper UK online or from a home store and there is a range of budgets to suit all prices. 

Skylights

Adding skylights to a dark room can really brighten it up and make it feel lighter whilst giving us the added benefit of vitamin D from the sun. Modern UPVC skylights are self-cleaning and thermally efficient too so keep the heat in whilst saving your money on your energy bills.

Conservatory

A conservatory is an excellent way to add extra space to your home and is not just for hotels and cafes. A conservatory made of glass panels is very light and airy and can be a lovely place to sit in the Summer or Winter especially. It is also one of the ways to add extra value to your home according to property expert Phil Spencer and we all want that don't we?

Loft Conversion

If you need more space in your home but can't afford to move consider a loft conversion. A loft conversion is another way of increasing the value in your home whilst creating extra space. A loft conversion can be used for another bedroom, a cinema room or a music room for example and is a great design feature that all the family can enjoy.

Garage

Adding a garage to your home can be really worthwhile to help protect your car and lower your car insurance but if you don't have a car or need the space consider converting the garage into another room. Adding extra rooms to your home can really add value as well giving you that chill-out space. You could even rent the space out.

Wine Cellar

If you are a connoisseur of wine, why not make a wine cellar in your basement?  There are many websites out there that can help you with the conversion and can suggest the materials you need such as an air conditioning unit to keep the wine at the correct temperature, moisture-resistant flooring and paint. When it's done you can sit and relax with a glass of wine enjoying your new cellar.

Tell me would do you have any of these design features in your home or would any of these appeal to you?

*Collaborative post

Buying a present for a child can be really difficult these days. I mean most kids have a lot compared to when I was young.  If you are buying for a girl it can be even more awkward to know whether or not to buy them a gift that is typically girlie or not. Of course, you don't want to presume they love unicorns and cuddly toy kittens these days, even though many girls do! So here is a gift guide from Wicked Uncle for the perfect gifts for girls, whether they are studious, whether they are sporty or whether they are creative. This is an advertorial. 

For the adventurous gardener

If you are buying for a child who loves to write then this secret diary set is a super choice. This A5 lockable diary is the perfect size to pop in a bag or keep in a desk at home. It has 200 pages and a variety of activity pages too with puzzles, stickers and more so you can personalise the diary.   It also has a magic pen so she can write invisible messages, I mean how cool is that? It comes with a butterfly padlock to ensure it's secure. 

For the promising engineer

Now, this would make a fantastic present for those promising engineers out there. Build 8 motorised animals, from chameleons to a hopping bunny, and put them all together with the help of the 32 page step-by-step book. The models are specially made for little hands. What I love about the Robot pet shop is that it is fun and educational. 

For the sporty girl

For the budding doctor

As you can see, Wicked Uncle have some of the most perfect gifts for girls that are that bit different and the most amazing gifts for girls with enquiring minds. They also have brilliant gifts for boys too. Let me know, do you have a favourite of these gifts featured? Have you heard of Wicked Uncle? 

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If you are looking for some beautiful jewellery for a special occasion or to treat yourself you may think of diamond inset jewellery or sparkling gemstones like sapphire or emerald. The problem with most precious stones is the fact that the majority of them are mined causing damage to the environment. However, did you know there are alternatives to minded gemstones?  Let's have a look at some of these alternatives and some of the jewellery Carat* London sell. This is an advertorial. Carat* London has sent me a necklace in exchange for an honest review. 

Who are Carat * London?

The Cosmo necklace is a very beautiful two layered chain necklace. On the shorter chain (25cm) is a star shaped Stella pendant. On the longer chain (46cm) is a small Marquis shaped drop pendant. The longer chain has small stones dotted along the chain. 

The chain is sterling silver with a white gold finish. What I love about this necklace is that it sparkles in the light.

The stunning Cosmo necklace retails at £249 and has earrings to match. I think for the quality of the necklace this is a reasonable price. This necklace is perfect to wear with a black dress for a glamorous occasion.

Have you ever thrown a party, and just felt like something was missing? Or maybe you attended a wedding or birthday party that just felt boring. When planning a party like an anniversary party or holiday party, you may spend a lot of time and energy picking out the perfect food and drinks, buying or making decorations, or even creating invitations.

Entertainment like a playlist is something that can easily blend into the background and go ignored at almost any party. But live entertainment like a band, comedian or other performers (juggler for a kid’s birthday party, anyone?) will definitely ensure that your chosen entertainment is anything but background noise.

Guests will not be able to ignore live musicians or live performers. Your guests can’t help but enjoy themselves with live entertainment, and the compliments will roll in. Not to mention, any booked talent at an event will be professionals who have experience at the type of party you are throwing, and that experience comes with professional equipment as well as enhanced entertainment for you and your guests.

Interactive and Personalised

Live entertainment like a band, DJ, or performer also has the bonus of being able to get to know you, the person you are throwing the party for, or the guests at the party and respond to what you or they specifically want. Professional DJs or live bands take requests at weddings, making the experience enjoyable and interactive for you and your guests and making the music very personal for you.

Comedians performing at a birthday party may take the time to get to know you and your friends and tailor their set for maximum laughs. Professional performers for kids’ parties will be able to learn the name and interests of the birthday boy or girl and incorporate that into their act. These small enhancements will really bring your party to the next level, and make it all the more fun for your guests.

Memorable

The combination of the previous two elements, upgrading your entertainment and making it more personal, will also make your party memorable. It will be hard for your guests to forget the great cover band you had at your anniversary party or the balloon artist you had at your child’s party who made a giraffe balloon animal per their child’s request and to their child’s utter delight for the rest of the week.

A memorable party is a boon for everyone from the host to the guests and will provide memories that you can revisit for years to come.

Live entertainment really takes the next step and brings your party to a higher level. If you want your party to be memorable and personal for both you and your guests, consider booking a professional for live entertainment.