Most people believe that the key to communicating effectively is improving their speaking skills, yet listening is just as crucial to communication as speaking. Listening is often referred to as an art. But in what ways is listening so unique that we call it "art"?

Listening is not simply hearing like just sitting there and lending your ear to the person speaking. Instead of merely "hearing," which is significantly more passive, good listening is active. Making sure the person speaking to us understands we are actually present with them is the goal of listening.

Oftentimes, people enter conversations with predetermined goals, such as being heard or avoiding being heard, or even ending the conversation. True listening requires empathy as a fundamental component. The speaker will feel heard and understood besides being listened to.

How To Be A Good Listener

Although listening may seem intuitive to some, some people are better than others at it. Learning about the art of listening is a valuable tactic if we wish to improve our interpersonal connections. How does one become a good listener?

• Establish eye contact.
• Make appropriate facial expressions.
• Do not get distracted.
• Avoid interrupting.
• Listen without prejudice.
• Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
• Don't focus on your response, but on understanding.
• Clarify that you are paying attention.

It takes skill to listen. Like any other art form, listening takes both dedication and practice. You'll get better at listening with each empathic discussion you have.

Mother's Day is observed annually on the second Sunday of May in the United States; thus, the date changes every year. This year’s celebration falls on May 14. While you may already mark your calendars, do you have plans to make this special day memorable for your mothers?

Mother's Day Celebration Ideas

Every year, Mother's Day arrives as the days become longer and the weather gets warmer. This day could bring up memories of cooking fresh pastries with your family and gifting them to your mother. Many families celebrate Mom by giving her the day off from all the work she usually performs for their family. Others celebrate this day with family activities, such as fun projects or brunch outings.

If you are still looking for some special ways to celebrate Mother’s Day, we got you covered with this list.

• Make a handmade card.
• Create a scrapbook with your favorite memories with her.
• Cook some of Mom’s favorite dishes.
• Serve her breakfast in bed.
• Give the gift of her favorite flowers.
• Plant seedlings in your garden.
• Watch a show or movie as a family.
• Gather everyone for a family reunion.
• Book a family photo shoot.
• Go on a stroll or picnic in the park.
• Go on a spa day.
• Treat her with a well-deserved party.
• Book a weekend getaway.
• Visit an amusement park.

Mother's Day is a day to appreciate the mother figure in your life. Take some time to express your gratitude for everything she does for you, whether that entails treating her to a day of pampering, allowing her some alone time, or getting the whole family together.

Would you like to take some time out of your busy schedule to spend time with your family? Having genuine family bonding is a struggle for many nowadays. Kids are growing up faster and people are busier than ever. Time is a finite resource. So where do you find time to spend with your family?

A game night can be a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your family. It's entertaining, informative, and creates space for wonderful childhood memories.

How To Plan A Fun And Interactive Game Night

How can one plan a fun family game night? One where nobody has to be bribed into signing up, and where nobody gets upset when they lose?

Start by setting a fixed day and hour. If it's challenging to do it every week, begin with once or twice a month. Put it on your calendar and give it priority status. Provide the children with a 30-minute heads-up before the game. This gives them the opportunity to complete their work. Make sure that everyone arrives at the table feeling upbeat and unhurried.

To get started, purchase a few games if you don't already have them. Choose games that will appeal to all participants. If there is a significant age gap between the children, parents or older children can play together with the younger ones.

Remember, a good family game should be:

• Simple to learn
• Inclusive
• Educational

Besides fostering academic outcomes, games can be effective ways to engage and develop children with different strengths and levels of intelligence. It is through play that children learn some of the most important life skills. So, plan those game nights!

Have you heard of a gluten-free diet? It is the talk of the town these days. Many, from celebrities to pro athletes, are switching to this diet and recommending it for its great benefits. You are probably wondering what the hype is all about and whether this type of diet is for you.

All foods that contain gluten, a protein present in wheat and numerous other grains, are prohibited while on a gluten-free diet. It entails consuming only naturally gluten-free foods including fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and non-processed grains like gluten-free bread or pasta.

Gluten-free eating is not really a diet as most people understand it since it is not designed to lose weight. For people with celiac disease, it is a necessity to avoid adverse health effects. To others, it is a method of eating that enables you to heal your gut and commence better absorption of all the nutrients in your diet.

What To Eat And What To Avoid

It is important to read ingredient labels because many foods are prepared with gluten-containing substances. For example, some goods that claim to be gluten-free may actually have trace levels of gluten since they were manufactured in the same facility.

Here is a list of some gluten-free food you can eat:

• wild rice
• millet
• quinoa
• brown rice
• tapioca
• buckwheat
• bananas
• apples
• berries
• peaches
• pears
• mushrooms
• carrots
• radishes
• onions
• green beans
• nuts and seeds
• seafood

Make sure to avoid the following:

• rye
• barley
• breaded meat, poultry, or fish
• malted milk drinks
• non-distilled liquors
• wheat-based soy sauce and teriyaki sauce

While you are halfway ready to start your gluten-free eating journey with this information, it is still vital to speak to a doctor or a qualified nutritionist first before beginning the diet.

Spring is the perfect season to explore the outdoors. Flowers are blooming and the air is warm and cozy. It is the perfect atmosphere to do fun activities outside, such as exercising!

Some might argue that exercising is not that much fun, but with the great view of spring, you might get the motivation you need to get started or continue your fitness journey. Besides, exercising under the spring sun offers tons of benefits like getting fresh air, increasing your Vitamin D intake, improving mental health, strengthening your immune system, and more.

Are you convinced enough? Then let’s get started on your outdoor spring exercise!

The Best Way To Start Your Outdoor Exercise In Spring

Safety is of utmost importance when exercising, especially during spring when there are muddy and wet grounds where you could slip or fall. As a precaution, it is necessary to make a smart transition and remember to plan ahead before you go outside. Here are other helpful tips for a safe exercise experience outdoors this spring.

• Pace yourself. Start with short distances and increase them as each day passes.
• Adapt to your surroundings. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• Plan your route. Avoid newly uncovered ground. Be mindful of where you are walking or running.
• Do stretches. This is a must and is non-negotiable.
• Pack your protein-rich meals. Bring your water and stay hydrated.

Running is not the only option you have when exercising outdoors. You can also try push-ups, pull-ups, tricep dips, body rows, jumping jacks, and your gym routine that does not require any equipment. Mix it up and try some varieties. And don’t forget to take deep breaths and admire the view as you go.

Did you know that April 18, 2023, is Tax Day in the United States? Are you still poring over a stack of invoices from the previous year? Or are you ready to face tax day head-on? Many American citizens and permanent residents of the United States find it complicated and struggle to file their taxes. It is often always a stressful moment leading up to April.

Tax returns are documents submitted to a taxing authority that list earnings, expenditures, and other pertinent financial data. Taxpayers assess their tax obligations, plan their payments, and ask for refunds when they have paid too much in taxes.

Filing tax returns is necessary if someone makes more than a specific amount annually. But even those who do not reach the minimum amount required can file a tax return and may get some money back if they have federal income tax withheld from the pay, are qualified to claim tax credits, or made estimated tax payments.

What Can I Get From Filing A Tax Return?

As for the benefits, there are several:

• Avoid being encumbered by liens and protect your credit.
• Avoid interests and penalties.
• It is easier to apply for financial aid.
• Calculate your income accurately.
• Get the most out of your Social Security benefits.
• Get your money back.
• Peace of mind from following the law.

Nowadays, there are several ways to help you file your tax returns. You can use technology like tax preparation programs, ask your spouse to do it for you, or hire an accountant. Whatever you choose, prepare your tax return ahead of time. This will save you from last-minute anxiety and any added stress.