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Nicole

What’s the Best Way to Save Money When Hiring a Plumber?

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There’s one thing that absolutely everyone hates to deal with, and that would be plumbing issues in their home. How did they start? Why did they even happen? Honestly, what can you even do to fix this? It’s a lot. Well, that’s not necessarily all, either. Can you DIY this fix? Sure, a clogged drain can usually be fixed with a quick DIY, but leaking fixtures? 

Probably not. Usually, homeowners are reluctant to hire plumbers because, well, they’re expensive. There’s no denying that. But is that all? Well, it’s not like you can just sit and deal with these plumbing issues or attempt to fix these issues in hopes of not making them worse. You might be able to save a bit of money. You read that right! 

So, with that all said, here’s what you need to know when it comes to saving money on hiring a plumber. 

Do Your Homework

Alright, so for starters, you will have to do your research! This isn’t just about Googling “plumber near me” and picking the first name that pops up. You need to dig a little deeper. This is actually where people get it wrong! Now, you will want to check out reviews on Yelp, Google, or Angie’s List. Look for plumbers who have solid reputations and lots of positive feedback. It’s also a good idea to ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. Word of mouth can be incredibly valuable.

Get Multiple Quotes

Ideally, you don’t just want to settle for the first estimate you get. Instead, you’ll need to contact several plumbers and ask for quotes. This not only gives you a ballpark figure of what you should be expecting to pay but also gives you some leverage to negotiate. When plumbers know they are competing for your business, they might be more inclined to offer you a better rate. Plus, you might discover that prices can vary significantly from one plumber to another.

Ask About Flat Rates vs. Hourly Rates

This is one that a lot of customers didn’t know they could ask about, but by all means, you should! So, one way to keep costs down is by understanding how your plumber charges. Some plumbers charge by the hour, while others offer flat rates for specific jobs. 

For the most part, flat rates can sometimes save you money because you won’t be charged for unexpected delays or complications. However, hourly rates can be advantageous if the job is straightforward and quick. Make sure you discuss this upfront and get a clear understanding of how you’ll be billed.

DIY Prep Work

If you’re a bit handy, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the plumber’s visit that might save you some cash (sometimes, not always). For example, if the issue is a clogged drain, you could try using a plunger or a drain snake to see if you can clear the blockage yourself. 

If the problem persists, then it’s time to call the pros, but at least you’ve tried the simpler (and cheaper) solutions first. Also, clear the workspace where the plumber will be working. If they have to move things around, that’s time they’re billing you for!

Look into Combining Jobs

Got more than one plumbing issue? Instead of calling the plumber out multiple times, combine the jobs into one visit. If you’ve got a leaky faucet and a running toilet, get them both fixed at the same time. This way, you’re only paying for one service call and possibly getting a better overall deal. So, this should most likely save you money, but it’s not 100% guaranteed though.

Start Investing in Quality

It might seem counterintuitive to spend more money to save money, but investing in quality materials and a reputable plumber can save you big bucks in the long run. As you might have guessed, cheap materials and shoddy work might solve the problem temporarily but could lead to more significant issues down the line. 

Plus, a well-done job with quality parts might cost more upfront but can prevent future breakdowns and costly repairs. But it can be hard to figure out what’s high quality and what’s not, so you can have a talk with your plumber about it. 

Ask About Discounts and Promotions

Is it actually this easy? Yes, it truly can be! Seriously, don’t be shy about asking for discounts or if they have any promotions running. Some plumbers offer discounts for first-time customers, seniors, or military personnel. Others might have seasonal promotions or referral discounts. It never hurts to ask, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the savings you can snag.

Friends, what are your best tips for plumbing projects at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Lawn Care Is More Affordable Than You Think–Here’s Why

Ever thought about having a perfect lawn but worried about the costs? Well, we’ve got some great news for you: lawn care is actually more affordable than you might think! With a few smart tips and tricks, you can have that lush, green lawn without breaking the bank.

So in this post, we’ll be covering some of the best ways to take care of your lawn while keeping the costs low.

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Shopping for lawn supplies

Let’s start by talking about lawn supplies and buying them. It’s super important to be smart about where and how you buy your lawn care products. You don’t need the fanciest and most expensive tools to get the job done. For example, many local gardening stores offer great deals, especially during off-peak seasons. And don’t forget about online shopping either! Websites often have discounts and sales that you won’t find in physical stores.

Another thing to consider is buying in bulk. When you purchase items like lawn fertilizer in larger quantities you can save quite a bit of money in the long run. Plus, bulk buying means fewer trips to the store which saves you time and gas money.

Lawn care at home

Believe it or not, you can do a lot of your lawn care yourself with just a bit of knowledge and effort. Instead of hiring a professional service, why not try mowing your lawn yourself? It might seem like a lot of work, but with the right equipment, it can actually be quite manageable and even enjoyable to some people. Plus, it gives you a chance to get outside and enjoy some fresh air instead of being stuck indoors.

Weeding is another task you can easily handle on your own. Instead of spending money on expensive weed-killing chemicals, consider pulling weeds by hand or using natural remedies like vinegar. Not only is this cheaper, but it’s also better for the environment. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes a lot easier and you’ll be done in no time.

Gardening on a budget

Gardening on a budget is all about being resourceful. You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your lawn looking great. For instance, composting kitchen scraps can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your lawn, saving you money on commercial fertilizers. It’s amazing how something as simple as food waste can turn into a valuable resource for your garden.

Another budget-friendly tip is to grow your own grass from seed rather than buying sod. Grass seed is much cheaper, and while it takes a bit longer to establish, the savings are definitely worth it. Plus, watching your lawn grow from scratch can be incredibly satisfying!

Learning to water efficiently

Lastly, watering your lawn efficiently can also save you a lot of money. Instead of watering every day, aim to water deeply but less frequently. This encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant and less dependent on constant watering. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, as less water will evaporate in the cooler temperatures.

With a bit of planning and effort, you can maintain a beautiful lawn without spending a ton of money. Remember, smart shopping, DIY techniques, and efficient watering can all make lawn care more affordable. Happy gardening!

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The Christian Capitalist Book Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

With the collapse of various fixed international systems of commerce, including both the Soviet model and Asiatic forms of Communism, some may find it hard to envision an alternative to a free global system of trade. This, and other economic discussions, are featured in the new title, “The Christian Capitalist,” by Rich Sanders.

Sanders, the founding pastor of the Online Home Church, in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, earned his Master’s in Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2015, whose bi-vocational calling in ministry and business, and as the retired President of Southern Health Lawyers, and the founder of St. Michael’s Mission, Inc., a ministry organized to assist and serve active
duty and veterans of the armed services bring readers down a spiritual journal into the economic thoughts of John Paul II, the late pointing of the Episcopal Church.

Sanders’s encyclical views, extrapolated from the sermons of Father Richard John Neuhaus, whose views on funding centered on, “Doing Good & Doing Well.” Principles that helped Sanders’s traditional sense of economy. Centering on the Catholic social gospel, and incorporating Neuhaus’ teaching of fiscal propriety, to keep users’ “Feet planted on the ecumenical earth while pointing toward the loftiest ideals of Christian virtue.”

The author shares practical knowledge of leading a Christian, debt-free lifestyle. Sharing thoughts on the personal impact of frugality in, “The challenge before us now is how to make what John Paul calls ‘the new capitalism’ . . . work better, especially for the poor and marginalized,” writes Neuhaus, a Catholic neoconservative commentator, to. “The challenge of making democratic capitalism more genuinely democratic.” Giving readers a perspective of a society, that, in his opinion, should be valued, “Free work, of enterprise, and participation.”

Focusing on the social gospel that Neuhaus embraced that does not condemn the accumulation of wealth, regardless of origin or intent. Likening Christian capitalism to a young priest, who expressed his devotion to the Blessed Virgin by juggling. Stating, “The only thing some people know how to do well makes money,” Neuhaus shares that the pursuit of money is, “Not an unworthy thing to offer up.”

Suggesting, again, that good intentions, like good works, Neuhaus states that those who worship, as he does, can, and should, go about the business of making money activities. Stating that “God loveth adverbs,” and that “We are to take care of business conscientiously, fairly, honestly, lovingly, and, yes, even prayerfully.”

Combining his beliefs in monetization and the free market through the guise of spiritual development. That living a righteous life, and the mechanics of public policy, are less important than their fundamental moral design. Its pages leave readers to ponder what role they play in a free marketplace and enterprise, while simultaneously admonishing and deeply questioning corporate tithing, volunteerism, and social safety nets including secular domestic welfare programs

Some readers may conclude that this work holds a deep-seated mixed message. Stating the Catholic Pontive’s hope for “a nicer world” or reporting that capitalism can feel comfortable, when even his current Pontive’s views ask God’s village to be responsible our world’s growing for poverty, despite the world’s amassed wealth, enterprise, and commercialized property.

Despite its nonsectarian temperament, “Doing Well & Doing Good” is specifically Christian in design and tone. Yet, the essential message hosts a narrative to spend time daily in the role of an “acting, thinking, creating person,” who feels a tug of conscience at the sight of a homeless family. Provoking readers to “envision” the moral compass within our own day-to-day lives. An ambitious message in a world ever prone to dissonance, disease, and discord.

For readers seeking a secular view of finance and smaller formats of macro financing, The Christian Capitalist explores various scriptural references that support twin pillars of Christian belief:

1) Working hard to make a productive benefit from talents and materials that God has provided all people; and

2) Giving generously to share those benefits with our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a discussion of Holy Scripture, it analyzes various passages that relate to these concepts of productivity and generosity, along with two thousand years of history discussing the good works of Christians as examples. Ultimately, this book develops a philosophy that is uniquely Christian and capitalist: the Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving. If those methods perpetuate your budgetary concerns, then this script is picture-perfect for you.

You can order your copy of The Christian Capitalist today, here! Then, enter for your chance at winning your copy of “The Christian Capitalist,” along with a chance of winning a $500.00 donation to your Christian-based charity or ministry of choice.

To enter into the drawing for your copy of “Christian Capitalist,” please leave a comment on this post letting me know why you most want to read this title, as well as your charity of choice for a possible $500.00 Christian charity or ministry donation. To enter the drawing for the shared $500.00 giveaway, please click here. Please note, that both giveaways are limited to United States winners only. Entries will be accepted until July 1, 2024. Good luck!

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Something To Stand For Movie Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

“Something to Stand For,” the new documentary, hosted by Mike Rowe, television host, actor, historic narrator, and former opera singer best known for his work hosting, Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, is a movie worth investing time into this summer. Featuring American patriots, extraordinary citizens, the collective desire to advance America’s positive strides forward, civics, and humanitarianism, while overcoming their unique circumstances to become legendary figures.

Rowe gives audiences key insight into America’s humanitarian-centered past by visiting local eateries, connecting with everyday Americans, and examining our nation’s current trajectory of change, all while driving in a quintessentially American vehicle, a vintage pick-up truck. Embarking on a road trip, including a pit stop to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and narrating stories detailing little-known facts of American history. Narratives adapted from his popular podcast, The Way I Heard It, With Mike Rowe, include historical anecdotes and about vital moments in our collective American history. 

Often appearing in historic theaters, Rowe shares a mind’s view of our nation’s past. Giving viewers a unique American perspective of historic scenes and re-enactments, while discussing events, before and after, that the audience is truly seeing on screen. Giving director Jonathan Coussens visions, and Rowe’s insight, new and dynamic vantage points. Framing people’s perspectives in such a way as to force the viewer to reexamine their take on the microcosms of everyday American life in a modernistic way.

During our current season of intense political scrutiny, Rowe reminds audiences to examine our collective misgivings and shared communal fabric, through shared American experiences, and eventualities we’re likely to face, again. Focusing on well-known historical tales retold and woven into personalized ways. More than well-known narratives and anecdotes, Rowe’s storytelling is a rich, vibrant tale of betterment and historical sojourning.

With its 96-minute run time, there’s much to be seen in this film for history buffs and casual movie viewers alike, with a focus on common tales and new takes on lesser-known tales, it’s hard to not feel patriotic in viewing this historic piece on the big screen.

Join America’s favorite storyteller, Mike Rowe, on an epic journey to the heart of America, our nation’s capital this summer season. From the frontlines of the American Revolution to the epic battles of World War II, into the internal struggles of the Civil Rights Era, and more in theatres starting June 27, 2024.

Be sure to watch the Momentum Influencer Network’s Jean Thomason’s interview with the film’s director, Jonathan Coussens, here, as well as catch the film’s theatrical trailer, here. Then, be sure to enter for your chance to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Momentum Publishing. To enter, please leave a reply in the comments as to why you’d most want to see this film in theatres nationwide starting June 27, 2024, through July 4, 2024. Please note, this giveaway is limited to United States winners. Only entries are counted and entrants winning on multiple platforms will be disqualified. Good luck!

Friends, will you be viewing Something to Stand For, with Mike Rowe, in theatres starting June 27, 2024? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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10 Signs Your Family Aren’t the Only Ones Living in Your Home

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Have you ever felt like you’re not alone in your home—and not in a cute, Casper the Friendly Ghost kind of way? Maybe you’ve heard the odd scuttle in the night or noticed things aren’t quite where you left them. Before you call the Ghostbusters, let’s consider a more earthly explanation: your house might be hosting some uninvited guests. From sneaky spiders to cheeky rodents, here are the tell-tale signs that you might be sharing your pad with some pesky roommates.

Hello, Spiderwebs!

Nope, not talking about the Halloween decorations you forgot to take down. Real spiderwebs, especially in the corners of ceilings or in less-frequented areas of your home, are classic signs you’ve got spiders. While they do a great job at catching even less-welcome bugs (looking at you, mosquitoes), their webs can be quite the eyesore and a tad spooky to walk into unexpectedly. Regular web-clearing and keeping areas clutter-free can dissuade these eight-legged tenants from settling in, and if you have a real infestation, you might want to invest in some spider dust.

Mysterious Midnight Munchies

Ever find peculiar nibbles on your pantry items or suspicious holes in food packaging? That’s textbook rodent behavior. Mice and rats are not picky eaters and will gnaw through just about anything they can get their tiny paws on. If you notice these signs, it’s probably time to audit your home for entry points and consider some rodent-proof containers for your snacks. Remember, it’s your midnight cheese, not theirs!

The Sounds of Silence? More Like Scritching

If the walls are ‘talking’—scratch that, scratching—at night, you might have critters in the attic or between the walls. The usual suspects can be anything from squirrels to raccoons, especially in cooler months when they’re seeking warm shelters. Quieting these noisy nuisances might require sealing off entry points and a chat with pest control.

Ant Armies on the March

Spotting a lone ant is one thing, but a full-blown ant parade in your kitchen is a sure sign you’ve got company. Ants are social insects, so seeing one means there is more hiding out of sight. Keeping surfaces clean and free of sticky residues can help keep these tiny invaders at bay.

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Odd Smells and Stains

Unexplained stains on walls or ceilings can be a sign of pests with poor manners. Certain critters, like mice or larger vermin, can leave greasy marks along walls and strong odors from there… let’s just say, less-than-sanitary living habits. If your home starts smelling more like a zoo than a potpourri shop, it’s time to investigate.

Bug Out With Bug Tech

For every pest problem, there’s a tech solution that doesn’t involve turning your home into a scene from a sci-fi extermination flick. Ultrasonic pest repellers, for example, can drive pests away using high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible and harmless to humans and pets but unbearable to smaller critters. It’s like having an invisible shield around your home, keeping the creepy-crawlies at bay.

Check for Tracks

A little detective work can go a long way. Look for tracks or droppings in dusty areas of your home, like the basement or in attic corners. Tracks can tell you the size of your intruder and help pest control experts determine the best course of action. Plus, it’s a bit like playing detective, minus the noir trench coat.

Moisture Matters

Many pests are attracted to moisture, so a damp basement or a leaking pipe can quickly become party central for critters. Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can cut off their water supply and encourage them to move out. Consider a dehumidifier for particularly damp areas—it’s like telling uninvited guests the bar’s closed.

Listen to The Pets

Your pets often notice houseguests before you do. If your cat is obsessively staring at a spot on the wall, or your dog suddenly starts sniffing around the baseboards, they might be onto something. Pets can hear and smell things we can’t, so take their hints seriously.

Sudden Allergy Flare-Ups

If you or your family members suddenly start experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms, it could be a sign that you’re sharing your home with hidden pests. Many critters, such as dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents, can leave behind droppings or shed skins that become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or asthma. Pay attention to when and where symptoms occur, as these clues can help you pinpoint the source of the problem. Keeping your home clean, reducing clutter, and using air purifiers can help reduce these allergens and make your living space more comfortable and truly yours.

Spotting these signs early can be the key to keeping your home a family-only zone and not a biodiversity hotspot. So keep your eyes peeled, stay on top of maintenance, and maybe invest in some pest-deterring tech!

Friends, how do you keep creepy crawlers at bay in your own homes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Deaf Missions for providing a sample of this film for review. My opinions are 100% my own.

From the day of Pentecost, Christian apostles have proclaimed the Gospel’s good news to all who would receive the message. Filled with what is said to be both the Holy Spirit and humanity’s saving graces, a heretical message spoken in all languages, is that whoever walks away from their humanistic experiences, believing in Jesus Christ, shall be saved. Some, however, weren’t convinced.

Despite their spiritual teachings in Acts 2:13, “They’re signing like they’re drunk,” some followers would not, and could not, hear the intended message-especially those within the Deaf community. Conveying the good news to not only the masses but the Deaf community in American Sign Language.

In JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film, staring Gideon Firl as Jesus Christ, of Nazareth, Miles Barbee as Simon Peter, Ryan Schlecht as Caiaphas, Joseph Pfaff as Pontius Pilate, Yamila Davis as Mary Magdalene, Heba Toulan as Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Hector R.J. Reynoso as Joseph of Arimathea, directed by Joseph Josselyn, with Deaf Missions, a Christian ministry seeking to evangelize to the “Roughly 98% of the worldwide population of Deaf citizens that have “never encountered the real Jesus,” according to the ministry’s website mission statement.

Along with a score and other standard sound effects, this theatrical release is portrayed in American Sign Language, standardizing the life of Jesus, practically and understandably. Featuring a deaf ensemble, direction, and production sharing both ASL and subtitles, shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in new and intelligible ways. Offering audiences a new take on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in a way that is faithful to the faith’s central text. Depicting Jesus Christ, both the living God, in the flesh, and as a compassionate, centrist humanist.

Likewise, the Christian disciples, including Mary Magdeline, and Jesus Christ’s mother, Mary, are portrayed in equal measure. Their various male counterparts share their respective personalities including Peter, who despite his humanistic failings, finds his faith, and Thomas’ famous foibles, who view the centrist story of Jesus, whose spiritual community grows in faith through His work.

Despite many of Christ’s teachings not being portrayed, his central message remains the same poignant and moving portrayal of His four gospel accounts, including the first two chapters of the book of Acts, and Jesus performing many known miracles-healing the sick, walking on water, calming the sea, forgiving sin, rising from the dead, and bringing justification to those believing- in Him.

Audiences will share an inside perspective on the leadership of the high priest, Caiaphas, the inner workings of the Pharisees, the common people recognizing the Messiah, including Nicodemus, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s atonement.

Despite, time constraints and translational issues between American Sign Language and English, Jesus delivers a stellar performance and close theatrical translation of Christian text. With only a few instances differing from stricture when Jesus is confronted by a wealthy young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), the film skips the reference to Christ as a “good teacher,” a misdirect from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:6), regarding the spirit being born to be in the flesh. With special attention being added to the following scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 1:26-38, 8:1-3, John 1:41-51, and Acts 1:8-9.

Keeping in mind the film’s depiction of Christ’s crucifixion, including the flogging and beating by the Romans, tearing hooks into Jesus’ skin, open wounds covered in blood, the hammered application of nails, a crown of thorns upon His head, and being spat upon by the Jewish Pharisees. As well as the depiction of Christ’s risen’s ascension, the remnants of the crucifixion, with the wounds on Christ’s wrists, used to convince the doubting apostle, Thomas. As well as the regrets of a fallen apostle, Judas, Peter cutting off a man’s ear, and Mary Magdalene, possessed by numerous demons, chews on shards of pottery, until Jesus rebukes, said demons.

JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film provides audiences with a unique and uplifting take on the teaching and resurrection by way of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will uplift audiences, within the Deaf community and otherwise this season in theatres. Impacting the movie’s central theme of hope through the film’s spirited direction and talented ensemble cast, in theaters June 20 and 23rd, 2024.

This long-awaited feature film about Jesus, in American Sign Language is a must-see this season in theatres. Be among the first to experience the first full-length feature film about the life and good works of Jesus, entirely in ASL. Be sure to buy tickets today to see JESUS: a Deaf Missions film in theaters starting June 20, 2024.

Plus, the good people at Momentum Publishing are giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader a chance to win their own $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, please leave a comment on this post, or Facebook, Instagram, or X, sharing why you’d most want to see JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film, showing in theatres this June 20th. Please note: Winners with entries across various bloggers will not be accepted. All entries must be received before June 26, 2024, at 11:59 P.M.. All entries will be verified. Gift cards will be provided electronically directly from Momentum Publishers via your provided email addresses. Good luck!

Friends, are you planning to see JESUS: a Deaf Missions film in theaters starting June 20, 2024? Leave your thoughts below.

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How Doomscrolling Can Destroy Your Productivity

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Nowadays, the world is just so hyper-connected; while sure, even a decade ago, the world was super connected thanks to the internet being wider within the world, and even with smartphones being more common now than ever before, it’s really easy to see why. Sure, there are plenty of benefits, but the thing is, there are more than enough disadvantages, too. Actually, it’s easy to get sucked into the digital vortex of endless information. 

Of course, while staying informed is important, there’s a darker side to our online habits that can sneak up on us—doomscrolling. This term might sound ominous (and it is), but it’s all for a good reason. It’s coming up on the news and in articles more on how this is bad for your overall mental health (something that’ll be covered here). But it still goes beyond that, too. So, with that said, here’s the impact on productivity and what you can do to kick the habit.

What Is Doomscrolling?

So again, this has come up in the media a lot, but what exactly is this? It’s just scrolling on your phone, right? Well, doomscrolling refers to the act of continuously scrolling through negative news stories and social media feeds, often without realizing how much time has passed.

This habit can be especially prevalent during times of crisis (like what was happening during the pandemic) or uncertainty, like during a global pandemic (COVID or beyond), political unrest (like elections), or natural disasters. The constant flood of bad news can be overwhelming, yet we cannot look away. 

Sometimes, it just might be hard, too, because algorithms keep feeding you content —things you might not even want to engage with in the first place. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion—horrifying, yet we can’t seem to turn our eyes away.

But it’s not just doom-scrolling, either. Constantly having the news on, like CNN (something that a lot of elderly people do), tends to have a bad impact as well. 

How Doom Scrolling Affects Mental Health

Before brushing up on how it affects productivity, it’s best to first go over how it affects mental health because they’re so intertwined. 

Anxiety Will Increase

Now, you have to understand that reading about negative events continuously can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. Our brains are wired to respond to threats, and consuming alarming news can trigger a stress response, leaving us in a constant state of unease.

You’ll Feel Hopeless

When you’re bombarded with negative news, it’s easy to feel like the world is spiraling out of control. Honestly, it’s all really scary too! This can lead to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s really a shame because it makes you feel like there’s nothing we can do to make a difference.

How Can This Directly Impact Productivity? 

So, like what was said just right about, if something affects your mental health, it’s going to immediately affect your productivity as well. 

It Diverts Attention

A lot of people are guilty of being addicted to their phones; after all, you get a small release of dopamine from those notifications. But is that all? Well, you have to keep in mind that constantly checking news and social media can be incredibly distracting. Every time you pick up your phone to check the latest headlines, you’re diverting your focus away from tasks that need your attention. This constant switching can make it hard to concentrate on your work.

It Reduces Motivation

Do you know how it was mentioned that you’d feel hopeless because the world is crumbling, or do you feel like you’re not enough? Well, this is going to kill motivation, which in turn kills productivity. When you’re feeling down about the state of the world, it’s challenging to muster the energy and enthusiasm needed to tackle your tasks. 

It Might Be Harder to Make Decisions

So this is one that surprises a lot of people, but high levels of stress and anxiety can impair our cognitive functions, including decision-making. When our minds are clouded with worry, it’s harder to think clearly and make sound decisions, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of life. Honestly, it’s the furthest thing from ideal since your whole judgment gets clouded. 

What Can You Do to Stop Doomscrolling

Again, this is really bad, and the last thing you want to do is destroy your productivity. It doesn’t matter if this productivity involves your career, academic career, or even unpaid labor around the house. It needs to be taken seriously. 

You Need to Set Boundaries for Screen Time

It’s going to be a really good idea to just go ahead and establish specific times for checking news and social media and stick to them. Now, this might be a mental challenge at first, but it’s going to be a really good idea to go ahead and start avoiding looking at your phone first thing in the morning or right before bed. But if the temptation is just way too strong, then it’s best just to use apps or built-in features on your phone to limit screen time and set reminders to take breaks.

You Need to Engage in Positive Activities

It’s totally fine to use your phone during your free time, like your breaks. But the problem is scrolling. So, you’re better off looking into other apps and websites to use on your phone instead. For example, why not start doing crossword puzzles on your phone? 

How about playing video games on your phone? You’d be surprised about some of the long RPG games that phones can now play. You can even read books or chit-chat with people. But just trying to avoid news, social media, and even websites like Reddit should be ideally avoided, too.

Focus On What You Can Control

This goes back to that helplessness feeling. While yes, we can’t control the world, none of us can, but you don’t have to think all hope is loss. So, instead of dwelling on negative news, focus on actions you can take to improve your situation. Whether it’s volunteering, advocating for a cause, or simply being kind to others, taking positive actions can help you feel more empowered and less helpless. You might not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of one person, and that alone is incredible. 

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