How-To
July 2019 - Special Supplement to
Stillwater Valley Advertiser & Penny Saver Getting Back to the Great Outdoors How to enjoy more time outdoors
R&R
How to create more time for leisure time View this section online at www.arenspub.com
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2 How-To
July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
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Did you know? Though many people lament their lack of leisure time, the 2016 American Time Use Survey from the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics found that nearly everyone age 15 and over engaged in some form of leisure activity every day. Men spent an overage of 5.5 hours each day engaging in leisure activities, while women spent 4.8 hours, Watching television dominated most people’s leisure time, as an average person age 15 and over spent 2.7 hours per day watching television. The survey found that the amount of time people spent watching television varied by age. ‘ Some may be surprised to learn that those ages 65 and over, who averaged more than four hours of television viewing, watched more television on average than any other demographic. At two hours per day, people between the ages of 15 and 44 spent the least amount of time watching television. The second most common leisure activity was socializing and communicating with friends. However, the average person spent just 39 minutes per day socializing and communicating with their friends.
How-To How to create more time for leisure time
3 8 Five reasons to try apple cider vinegar
Enjoy more time outdoors with easy tricks
12
3 How to create more time for leisure time 4 Saving bees one hive at a time - The basics of backyard beehives 6 How to banish pet odors from your home 7 How to travel on a budget and still have fun 8 Enjoy more time outdoors with these easy tricks 10 Six things to know about pitching a tent 11 How to create an eye-catching gallery wall 12 Five reasons to try versatile apple cider vinegar 13 Knowing what it takes to fuel an indoor or outdoor wood-burning fire 14 How to downsize before making a move 15 How to maximize your vacation time
ARENS PUBLICATIONS - July 2019
How to
Make an effort to split chores down the middle - The survey showed that household chores aren’t alway divided equitably between men and women. Work with your spouse or significant other to ensure both partners are doing an equal amount of work around the house.
create more time for leisure time Few working professionals would say they couldn’t use more leisure time. People spend their spare time in various ways, and many would prefer more time to pursue their passions away from their workplace. While it may not be possible to create more time in a day, both men and women can take steps to create more time to enjoy their leisure hours. Spend free time wisely - According to the 2015 American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people age 15 and over averaged four hours and 59 minutes of leisure time per day. That figure is no doubt a surprise to working professionals who feel they never have enough time to pursue their passions. For instance, the aforementioned survey found that over half of the nearly five hours of leisure time persons 18 and over enjoyed each day was spent watching TV. People of both sexes who want to make the most of their free time should take note of the amount of time they spend sitting in front TV, ultimately skipping their binge watching ses-
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sions in favor of pursuing their passions. Consider downsizing - Empty nesters, working professionals with no children, or even parents whose kids still live at home, may benefit by downsizing. The survey revealed that men spend an average of only 22 minutes a day doing housework, while women devote 50 minutes a day to household chores. Downsizing to a smaller home that doesn’t require as much daily maintenance is a smart way to make more leisure time. Get out of the kitchen - Cooking is a favorite activity for many people, but for those who would rather be out and about than preparing meals, cooking can be more of a time-consuming chore than a rewarding passion. The survey also showed than men spend 43 minutes a day on food preparation and clean-up, while women spend 70 minutes a day on those chores. Meal delivery services can cut down on the time it takes to prepare meals, leaving more leisure time for folks who prefer to spend less time in their kitchen every day.
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Leisure time that’s well spent can result in a more rewarding quality of life. You might be surprised to learn just how much leisure time you can create every day by making just a few simple tweaks in your daily routine.
Family members can create a plan together to ensure that household chores are split more equally.
4 How-To
July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
Saving bees one hive at a time
Scientists and environmentalists have issued warnings for many years that honeybees are disappearing at an alarming rate. Scientists were initially unsure as to what was decimating bee populations. Even though no single cause is to blame, data points to pesticide use and the mysterious colony collapse disorder, the name given to dwindling bee colonies the world over. National Geographic News reports bees are essential because of their roles as pollinators. Agriculture industries rely on honeybees, especially managed honeybees, to keep commercial crops pollinated and productive. It’s estimated that approximately one-third of our nation’s crops rely on honeybees, accounting for more than $15 billion in crop production. Without the help of bees, the cost of everything from blueberries to apples to broccoli would rise, due to farmers being forced to use a different, more expensive pollination method. Even though beehives in backyards or bee farms may not be crucial to consumer agriculture, bringing healthy colonies back to various areas is beneficial to the environment overall. The art of beekeeping is an important endeavor, and anyone with the time . and resources could start their own apiary
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The basics of backyard beehives
Start by studying bees - Novice beekeepers can get off to a good start by reading all they can on the subject. The American Bee Journal or backyard beekeeping books and articles are great ways to learn about beekeeping. Also, local beekeeping associations are invaluable resources for information on bee species and traits in your locale. Know the laws - It’s important to get approval from your local authorities before introducing bees into your community. Be sure to check city or town ordinances to learn how many hives are allowed and property sizes that are appropriate for beekeeping. Get the right supplies - Research can help prospective beekeepers understand the equipment they’ll require. Equipment can be purchased, of course, but some beekeeping organizations may be willing to lend or rent equipment to you. Hive boxes, bottom boards, a veil and jacket, a smoker, and a top feeder are just some of the supplies you’ll need. Order bees - Bees can be acquired from other beekeeping enthusiasts or can be ordered online. Your hive will require a queen, drones, and worker bees. A starter set of bees is called a “nuc.” Bee suppliers begin
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selling in the winter months for spring swarms. Place the hive - It’s impotant to set up hives away from foot traffic. You’ll also want to face hives away from strong winds. Ideally, hives should face east and south. Hives need sunshine and a bit of shade on summer afternoons. With time, homeowners can become successful beekeepers and do their part in replenishing much-needed bee colonies.
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How-To 5
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How to
banish pet odors from your home
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Dogs, cats, birds, and lizards have evolved from wild animals and outdoor companions to become beloved, largely domesticated members of the family. The number of pets in homes across the U.S.A. continues to grow. Over 94.2 million cats and 89.7 million dogs are estimated to share homes with their owners. Pet owners become accustomed to their pets’ antics, messes, and even their odors. Dealing with smells is par for the course for pet owners, and many become desensitized to certain animal odors. But when you’re expecting company, or thinking about putting your home on the market, pet odors must be addressed. It takes effort, but homeowners can freshen up their homes and do away with unpleasant pet-related smells. Find ways to ventilate - Odors can build up inside closed places and can become overpowering. By opening windows when you can, using exhaust fans, and taking advantage of cross-breezes, you can rid certain odors from your home. Clean frequently - Cats and dogs can leave behind fur, dander, food messes, and more. Eliminating the debris that pets create can reduce odors. Keeping up with your sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping can really help. Don’t forget to vacuum your curtains and furniture, and you might want to consider purchasing cleaning appliances specifically designed for homes for pets. Stay on top of accidents and litter boxes - Adult dogs, and most certainly puppies, can have accidents. Cats may avoid litter boxes if they’re not cleaned frequently and then soil around the house. Pet messes should be cleaned up immediately. Baking soda and vinegar solutions are all-natural ways to clean up and can help rid your home of urine odors. Also, look for safe deodorizing cleaning products that you can use on carpeting, flooring, and upholstery. Purchase an air purifier - Air purifiers can help remove odors and allergens from the air. They’re not very expensive and can be placed in rooms that your pets frequent. Wash pet blankets and beds - Launder pet beds, cloth toys, blankets, and other items that pets lay on. Sweat, saliva, and dander can cause fabrics to become stinky and, in turn, make your home smell even worse. Keep pets clean - Most pets are good at grooming themselves, but can benefit from an occasional spa treatment. Dogs that spend a good deal of time outdoors getting wet and dirty may need routine baths. A professional groomer can tell you what they recommend to address especially potent pet odors. Neutralizing pet odors takes some effort, but it sure makes for a more pleasant-smelling home environment.
ARENS PUBLICATIONS - July 2019
How to
travel on a budget and still have fun
Many people are passionate about traveling. Whether it’s domestic or international, travel can be an amazing way to experience other cultures, meet interesting people, and get a better understanding of history. As rewarding and educational as travel can be, many people feel they can’t afford to venture far from home. There are ways, though, that you can travel on a budget and still have a fantastic experience. Stay close to home - Those traveling on limited budgets can save money by simply staying close to home. Obviously, the closer your destination to your home, the less costly your trip will be. By visiting destinations that are within driving distances, travelers can save money on the cost of flying, which is typically one of the most expensive aspects of traveling. Road trips can also offer travelers the flexibility that probably would not be available to those traveling abroad. Flexibility can actually make road trips more fun than vacations that are more structured. Choose affordable destinations - Overseas travel is not necessarily more costly than domestic travel. Certain destinations are ideal for bargain hunters year-round. Research affordable destinations by
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How-To 7
doing a Google search, or check out the “deals” sections on various travel websites. Cook some of your meals - Food is among the most costly expenses for travelers. You can save money by cooking some of your own meals while on vacation. Doing so saves money you’d spend in restaurants, and offers the opportunity to experiment by preparing dishes native to the places you’re visiting, turning the chore of cooking into a fun vacation memory. Travel during the offseason - Avoiding certain destinations during the height of their tourism seasons is another smart way to save. Lodging and airfare costs peak during tourist seasons, but if you’re willing to travel during the offseason it’s possible to save a substantial amount of money. In addition to saving on lodging and airfare, travelers who plan their vacations during the offseason may also save when visiting local attractions. Do your homework - Thanks to websites such as TripAdvisor,® vacationers can learn as much as they want about a destination before they make arrangements to travel there. Such websites can be invaluable resources to travelers who want a memorable vacation, but must stick to a budget. Research affordable tourist attractions and restaurants, keeping an eye out for free activities. Such research can be fun and make for more enjoyable vacations. Vacationers who must travel on budgets can still have fun and make lasting memories.
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July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
Enjoy more time outdoors
rant. Office workers are encouraged to visit a park or green space to give their brains a rest from urban stimuli. Your lunch break is an ideal time to do just that. Invest in a screened room - A screened in porch, lanai, or other space can bridge the indoors to outdoors and serve as a restful place to enjoy fresh air while being protected from insects and inclement weather. Set strict “no device” times - Schedule a time when devices are disconnected and the entire family enjoys some recreation outdoors. Let your kids get back to the basics of bike riding, skating, playing sports with their friends, and all those activities parents enjoyed in their youth.
with these easy tricks
In the past, people spent much of their time in nature, hunting, foraging, and living life without the comforts of extensive shelters. If we fast-forward several centuries, we see the tables have turned dramatically.
tration, and reduce stress. All that is in addition to the physical benefits of being outdoors. Spending time outdoors can also help you sleep better. That’s because natural sunlight can set the body’s internal clock.
The average person spends 93 percent of his life indoors, with 87 percent of that time inside a building and the remaining six percent in a mode of transportation. These shocking results indicate that the equivalent of just one half of one day per week is spent outdoors. We may be paying a price for spending so much time inside.
Despite all the benefits of being outside, many people find it challenging to do so – thanks to their busy lifestyles. A few ways to increase time in the great outdoors that don’t require major commitments include:
Being outdoors can be good for your health for a variety of reasons. Simply spending time in nature in any form can improve your mental outlook, boost creativity, elevate mood due to natural light, improve concen-
Bike or walk to work - Those who live close to their workplace can opt to walk or cycle. People who take public transportation can get off the train or bus a few stops
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Dine al fresco - Opt for outdoor seating at your favorite restaurant. This will give you an opportunity to take in the sights and breathe fresh air for an hour or so while enjoying your meal.
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early to get some exercise and breathe in fresh air. Eat lunch outside - Enjoy your lunch outside rather than in a cafeteria or restau-
- When engaging in recreational activities, plan them at outdoor venues like parks, beaches, boardwalks, and other areas where everyone can have fun and still be outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine, and time spent in nature are good for the mind and body. People concerned they’re spending too much time indoors should seek ways to spend more time outside whenever possible.
ARENS PUBLICATIONS - July 2019
How-To 9
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July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
A Beautiful Setting For Your Wedding or Special Event
Six Things
to know about pitching a tent
We Have the Perfect Gathering Place To Create Your Own Canvas
The Little Mader Farm Camping provides the perfect opportunity get in touch with nature and disconnect from the daily grind. Cooking over portable stoves, foregoing indoor plumbing, and sleeping under the stars is a timeless tradition enjoyed by many. Camping attracts people looking for a chance to explore the wonders of the environment. The great outdoors affords folks the chance to recharge in the peace and quiet of natural surroundings. An increasing number of people say they plan to camp more often. Camping helps to add more balance to a person’s life. Currently, 75 million households in the U.S.A. include active campers. Although there are many ways to camp, tents are often key components of the experience. Learning to pitch a tent correctly is key to successful camping. Here’s how to become a tent-pitching pro! 1) Buy a freestanding tent - While there are many variations to tent designs, and ultralight backpackers may prefer a tarp or other freestanding device, tents that are able to stand on their own are easier to set up. Many tent designs have two poles and fabric
that creates a dome shape. These are relatively easy and straightforward to set up in just a few minutes. 2) Practice at home - Before arriving at your campsite, examine your tent’s various parts and read the instructions. Make sure all equipment is present and in working order. 3) Buy a footprint - Many tent floors are sturdy, but campers can always use a little extra protection against the ground. Footprints are essentially a tarp that fits underneath the floor of a tent as an extra layer of protection. They should be slightly smaller than the area of the tent. 4) Scope out your location - Avoid sites littered with sticks, stones, roots, and branches. Stay away from low-lying areas that may get soggy during rainstorms. Look for natural windbreaks, and place the tent so the side that has the strongest pole structure is facing the wind. 5) Make it a team effort - Enlist a helper or two to set up the tent. Make sure all zippers are closed when erecting the tent. Try to push poles through openings instead of pulling on them. Allow for some wiggle room when extending the poles. Guylines should follow the seams of the tent where possible, and lines should be pegged down back to front. Guylines help keep tents sturdy and also keep a rainfly away from the tent body to minimize leakage. 6) Use daylight to your advantage - Set up the tent while you still have some light and outfit it with anything that will be needed in the middle of the night, such as a lantern. Camping is easier when people can erect a tent swiftly and accurately!
ARENS PUBLICATIONS - July 2019
How to
How-To 11
create an eye-catching gallery wall Gallery walls – also called moment walls – are one of today’s hottest home decor trends. Gallery walls enable you to create visually appealing groupings of photos, frames, wall art, and more to dress up any room. Gallery walls can make a statement in your living room, add finesse to an entryway, or showcase special items along a staircase. You can do a quick Internet search or browse through lifestyle magazines to see examples of gallery walls for inspiration. Anyone with a little determination can design a gallery wall. Find your muse - The first step in creating a gallery wall is choosing your theme. If you prefer floral prints or have a penchant for abstract art, build your gallery around those elements. Using a color theme or frame style as the coordinating factor can be one way to go. Take your time - People who rush into creating gallery walls may later regret their choices. Spend time picking out pieces and work with different combinations before you take out the hammer and hardware. The mix should be captivating and look like it was a curated collection.
Some pieces can be high-end, while others may be picked up at flea markets. You may even want to showcase your own artwork or photography. Experience with dimensions and levels - Gallery walls need not be restricted to flat photos on a wall – texture and depth can also be used. Intersperse shelving, sconces, wooden letters, clocks, and more to make the gallery even more eclectic. Be creative by building your gallery around items in your home, such as windows and televisions. This is a clever way to blend electronics into your design. Establish your focal point - Keep the center of your display at eye level, about 66 inches from the floor. You can then build the gallery out from that focal point. There are many patterns that can be built into your gallery, from “spiral” to “centered” to “reflection” designs. Create a template - Lay your gallery design on the floor and cut newspapers or other paper to the size of each piece. Use masking tape to position these guides on
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Anyone with a little determination can design a gallery wall the wall. Experiment with a few arrangements until you’re happy with the results. You can then replace the paper with your chosen artwork. Hang items with precision - You don’t want to skimp on technique. Make sure you use a ruler, level, and the right tools.
This ensures pieces are straight and in line with others. The days when large pieces of artwork filled empty walls are long gone. Today, gallery designs add statements and can balance rooms in creative ways.
12 How-To
July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
Five Reasons to try
Use of apple cider vinegar has grown more popular because of its purported health benefits
versatile apple cider vinegar Vinegar is a fermented liquid made from a wide array of ingredients that is used primarily to preserve and flavor food. But the uses for vinegar are almost as extensive as the variety of flavors you can find on your grocery shelves. The word “vinegar” comes from the French “vin aigre,” or “sour wine.” Vinegar is a diluted solution of acetic acid that forms with the fermentation of grapes, apples, rice, corn, and many other ingredients. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has recently skyrocketed in popularity due to its purported health benefits. ACV is formed from cider or apple “must” and has a long history as a home remedy. This makes it the most popular type of vinegar in the natural health community. Following are just a handful of the purported benefits credited to ACV. 1) ACV improves healthy gut flora - Like other fermented foods and beverages (like yogurt and kombucha), ACV is rich in enzymes and probiotics, which can aid in digestion and make sure that the digestive system is working as it should. Unpasteurized ACV can deliver probiotics and energize digestion. Some say that ACV can assist with easing an upset stomach by addressing unhealthy bacteria. Some remedies suggest the pectin in ACV can help soothe intestinal spasms. 2) ACV can be used as a disinfectant - ACV and other vinegars can kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. ACV has historically been used as a disinfectant and natural preservative and may help reduce instances of E. coli. Those same antibacterial properties also may help head off throat infections. Gargling with ACV can soothe a sore throat and create an acidic environment in the esophagus in which most germs can’t survive. 3) ACV contributes to feelings of fullness - Many people hoping to lose weight insist ACV helps them shed pounds. ACV has been shown to lower blood sugar by reducing the absorption of carbohydrates while also contributing to feelings of fullness that can help people avoid overeating.
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ACV naturally lowers cholesterol - Consumption of the acetic acid found in ACV reduces serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats. Research is being conducted to determine if humans can reap similar rewards.
5) ACV can treat dandruff and other skin ailments The acidity of ACV changes the pH of the skin and scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Applying ACV to the scalp can inhibit dandruff. Used as a toner, it exfoliates the skin and makes it less oily.
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How-To 13
Did you know? Fueling an indoor or outdoor wood-burning fire requires plenty of wood. That means having ample firewood at the ready and – maybe even more important – keeping it dry. Storing wood so it stays dry and ready to use can involve different strategies. For starters, it’s important to keep firewood off the ground. Wood that comes in contact with soil creates a natural habitat for organisms that consume wood, including insects, bacteria, and fungi. A basic wood-storing structure can keep wood off the floor. It’s important to know whether your wood is green or currently wet. To burn efficiently, firewood must be dry. Wet wood needs ample circulation to dry out, and green wood (wood that has been recently cut) needs time to dry out and become seasoned. For that reason, people should resist the urge to completely cover wood piles; otherwise, air can’t reach the wood. Circulation is key for dry, seasoned wood. A tarp that covers the top of the wood and allows rain water to cascade down but still enables breezes to blow through the firewood is ideal. Moisture will be able to escape, and the tarp will keep the majority of the wood dry in the process. Likewise, stack the wood away from a wall or other surface, even if that is another stack of wood. This will also facilitate air circulation. While most people store dried wood outdoors, if there is room in a shed, move the wood inside. Just be sure the building has good air circulation, and be aware that firewood creates a good habitat for rodents and other pests.
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14 How-To
July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
How to
downsize before making a move As they get older, men and women often take inventory of their lives in an effort to focus on activities or lifestyle changes that can ensure happy retirements. There are approximately 76 million baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – across the nation. With the youngest of the boomers now in their mid-50’s and the majority having already reached retirement age, many boomers are trying to decide if it’s time to move out of their family homes and into smaller, more manageable homes. Many older adults find they don’t need the same amount of space as they required when they had children living at home. Retirees and those on the cusp of retirement may find that downsizing is a smart financial move that frees up more time for recreational activities. However, it can be challenging to cut down on living space and then deal with figuring out how to make furniture, belongings, and stored items fit in a more condensed area. Moving can be stressful even without having to cut down on prized items. Taking inventory of your belongings can help the process go smoothly. Before moving, go room by room, making piles of items that will be kept, donated, sold, or discarded. This can be a daunting task, but it’s necessary to avoid clutter in a new, smaller home. People downsizing can sell items they no longer need through newspaper classified sections or online classified sites. If your appliances and furniture are in excellent condition, they may fetch good prices. Any extra cash can be put toward buying new items that are more size-appropriate for
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Downsize your belongings before you move. Not only does it save you time and money during the moving process, it also makes for more leisure time in retirement.
a smaller place. Another way to clear out clutter is to avoid having duplicate items. You may no longer have a need for multiple sets of dishes or silverware. If the move necessitates switching from a king-sized bed to a queen, donate or trash bed linens that will no longer fit. Pay close attention to kitchen and bathroom items, which tend to accumulate over the years, but might not be discarded when clearing a home of clutter. Those moving from a detached home to a condo or a townhouse may find that their homeowners’s association fees cover things like snow removal, lawn maintenance, and pool upkeep. If that’s the case, it’s not necessary to bring lawn and garden supplies to your new home. Homeowners are advised to study the floor plan of their new dwelling and pay close attention to available storage space. This will make it easier to plan ahead for what may fit, what will need to be purchased new, and which storage solutions may be needed. Consider how cabinets and closets will be used before you make your move. Having a plan in place can make unpacking and settling in go smoothly. Downsizing can free up time and money. When done right, downsizing can make retirement easier and create more leisure time for retirees.
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How to
How-To 15
maximize your vacation time Vacation is a time to kick back and enjoy life away from the stress and routine of home and work. Too often, though, people don’t take enough time to rest and recharge. The government doesn’t mandate any paid vacation from businesses, and most employers that offer vacation time give an average of 10 days. Even people who earn substantial time off each year may still not use those days. Many claim they simply can’t take time off and still get all their work accomplished. This doesn’t have to be the case. Creative travelers can make the most of vacations, even when they only have a few days to do so. Plan your trips with holidays in mind Planning paid time off around holidays can be a smart move when vacation time is limited. Book trips around three-day weekends and other statutory holiday time to increase days away without digging too much into your personal vacation time. Take advantage of both weekends - Include both weekends in your vacation. For those with five workdays of vacation time to take, don’t forget to flank that Monday thru Friday with the Saturday and Sunday preceding and following them. This gives you nine uninterrupted days of vacation, which is
enough time to travel to an international destination or to enjoy a multi-night cruise. Embrace the weekend get-away - Getting away from home can reduce stress and help workers face the upcoming week and feel rejuvenated. Take advantage of those free Saturdays and Sundays by booking trips that are a short car or plane ride away. When possible, leave Friday evening and return home Sunday night to further stretch out time. Plan flight times smartly - Increase the time you can enjoy at your destination by booking early-morning or late-evening flights. By doing so, precious daylight time isn’t spent at the airport or in transit. Transfer other work perks into vacation time - Talk with your employer to see if you can bargain for more vacation time. A married employee who gets health benefits through their spouse may not need insurance. See if that money saved can be put toward more vacation days instead. Some employers allow flex schedules as well. This means that employees can work longer hours per day in exchange for an extra day off each week or month.
Build vacation days into business trips Find out if you can build onto business trips with an extra day or two for leisure. This way you can go sightseeing after putting in your hours for the company. Some families book vacations during business trips. They upgrade to a larger hotel room and accompany
the employee to the destination, utilizing whatever time he or she has off for pleasure. Vacation days are at a premium. But with creativity, time off can be utilized in ways that ensure workers get the rest and relaxation they need.
Al Hitchcock & Linc Branson
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July 2019 - ARENS PUBLICATIONS
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