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Daily Interactions That You Didn’t Know Are Disgusting

The majority of us try to maintain a clean lifestyle and avoid interactions that are, well, disgusting. No one likes to wake up Monday morning with a fever and flu because their neighbor on the metro was sneezing up a storm. However, there are several common daily interactions that we have that you would be shocked to know are bacteria cesspools.

man, grossed out, providing a tissue to a sneezing woman.

Your Rideshare Is Dirtier Than A Taxi

Many people prefer to use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft over Taxis due to the convenience, price, and comfort. When we enter, the car typically LOOKS clean, however a study estimated that the backseat of your rideshare has 219 times more bacteria than a taxi. This is due to the fact Taxis are required to regularly clean their car, whereas Uber rideshare cars only need to pass an initial inspection.

man touching a disgusting seatbelt in a rideshare.

The biggest hot spots for the bacteria are the window buttons and seatbelt. In order to stay safe and not break seatbelt laws, it is recommend to bring some antibacterial wipes to clean off any disgusting germs that were left behind by a previous passenger.

A Disgusting Beach Vacation Dilemma

When planning a beach vacation, most of us look forward to the refreshing feeling of a nice dip in the ocean. This study might make you think otherwise, which found that just ten minutes in the ocean can make bacteria stick to your skin for hours afterwards. As a result, your chances of infection increase, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. This is exacerbated by the fact that many beaches have poor water quality thanks to trash left behind by visitors.

two girls entering the ocean, full of disgusting bacteria.

Rather than sob as you write off the beach from all your future vacations, this simply means it is crucial you rinse off after swimming. It is also advisable to not enter the ocean if you have any open wounds, as these sites are more susceptible to infection.

Airport Security Bins Are Anything But Safe

Airport Security is designed to keep us safe, however the bacteria laden bins are a disgusting required interaction that could leave you very ill. One study found many bins contain the same bacteria that cause various respiratory infections. In fact, researchers detected more bacteria on airport security bins than on the toilets at the airports! This can be attributed to the fact that most airports do have measures to keep the bathrooms clean and sanitary, but the bins? Nothing.

Next time you pass through security, just remember to wash your hands ASAP afterwards.

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay

Products That Can Make You Productive

Working a typical 9-to-5 job can make it hard to maintain the motivation needed to stay focused throughout your shift. Hours on end sitting at a desk and are not recommended for your best quality work, however we often have little say on our work hours. That said, these amazing products are designed to help you be more productive in your day and produce your best results.

people at work celebrating their productive success.

Adjustable Standing Desk

Sitting on your behind for endless hours negatively impacts your blood circulation, making it harder to think clearly. An adjustable standing desk helps you easily get to your feet whenever you want and potentially help spur new ideas. This is especially ideal for active people who feel restless sitting at a desk all day.

Blue Light Glasses

Do you find you get reoccurring headaches from looking at the computer all day? The blue light from screens can have a major effect in causing digital eye strain, leaving you foggy and pained. A stylish solution (that doesn’t involve quitting your day job) is wearing blue light glasses, which block out the glare that causes you headaches. Now your great ideas can flow the whole work day sans problems!

woman wearing blue light glasses while working on a computer to be productive.

Portable Blender

Hunger pangs in the early afternoon are enough to distract anyone from the task at hand. Get out of your slump with a delicious smoothie made whenever and wherever thanks to this portable blender. No need to think serving sizes either, this blender is sized for a personal smoothie to fuel your most productive self!

Productivity Timer

No one can properly live by the mantra of “all work, no play.” That’s why this productivity timer is the perfect solution for keeping you motivated to work. It functions by setting up 30 minutes for your work and 5 minutes of “play,” in which you can use to free your mind and get up from the desk. You’ll be shocked by how productive you truly are with this method!

Productivity timer.

Photos: Freepik, Amazon Play/Work

Stressed Out? Relax With These Simple Solutions

If you have been feeling uptight and stressed the last month, you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association reported that 75% of Americans have symptoms of stress monthly, and we can only imagine what the global average must be. That said, there are ways of controlling and reducing stress that are both simple and affordable to fit into your daily life. 

Chewing Gum

girl blowing a bubble gum to reduce stress.

Beyond giving your mouth a fresh flavor, chewing gum can actually help to improve your mood and reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone,” so when this is lowered you will feel all around less stress in your life. 

Filling Your Room With Plants

an office room with plants.

Spending time in the outdoors can make you feel instantly refreshed and calmer. To achieve these same benefits while inside of your home or office space, you can fill your room with plants, which has been proven to lower blood pressure associated with high stress environments. It also has been shown to help with your productivity and breathing. Plus, your room will be a sight for sore eyes with beautiful plants as decorations!

Biting Down On Some Chocolate

several bars of chocolate surrounded by cocoa powder.

Chocolate doesn’t just taste amazing– it actually makes us FEEL better too! Dark chocolate in particular has been proven to reduce stress levels when eaten daily, even in small amounts. Time to give yourself the sweet treat you deserve!

Mowing The Lawn

a man the mowing lawn, which is a unique way to feel less stressed.

This is probably the most shocking on the list… But a chemical that is released from the grass after it is freshly cut has the ability to make people feel happier and calmer. Some research found it even helps to reduce mental deterioration! You will also feel less stressed thanks to completing another chore. Another check off the to-do list!

Sipping On Some Tea

a glass of tea for when you are feeling stressed.

The British may be on to something with their love of tea. Scientists found that drinking just one cup of tea can help to lower one’s stress by up to 25 percent! The best tea for the job is green tea, which has the stress-reducing ingredient L-theanine. Wind down right before bed with a cup and you are sure to sleep soundly.

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay

Auroville: the utopian city that has no currency or police

Auroville utopian city

Auroville is a city located in India. Though at first you may not think so, it’s completely different to other cities you might have seen. It’s considered a universal city where all men and women can live in peace and harmony, no matter what their beliefs, nationalities or ideologies are. “Human unity” is the objective of this magical place.

It has existed for 50 years

Auroville is an experimental city, and although this might make you think it’s a utopia and would never work, it has already been around for half a century! It was created in 1968, with the idea of creating a society free of police, with no money or religion.

Contributing with whatever you have to offer

In it, every citizen would contribute in their own way, with their own particular virtues and skills. There are 12 virtues that lead this city: equality, generosity, perseverance, humility, receptivity, honesty, gratitude, courage, peace, aspiration and progression.

Adapting is difficult

The original idea was building a city of 50,000 people. However, there are currently only around 6,000 citizens actually living there. Although the concept of the utopian city might seem like the ideal project, in reality it is not all rainbows and butterflies.

A lot of people leave right after moving in, because of how difficult adapting is. Plus, if you don’t fulfill the basic requirements, you are rejected by the population.

A society filled with peace and harmony

However, once you do adapt to this way of living, you’ll see how amazing life can be. Education adapts to the wants and needs of the children. Only organic food is sold, and no alcohol is provided. They don’t have any type of currency, and it’s the citizens who govern, through consensus. Auroville only accepts 120 citizens per year, but everyone is allowed to enter the city. No one is excluded, no matter where you come from.

Not everyone agrees with this utopian concept

The problem is that there is a huge contrast between this city and the ones around it. This leads to attacks from people who don’t believe in this type of society, as well frauds coming from organizations that use the city’s name to attract tourists.

Would you move there?

Also, you will likely face some difficulties once you decide to leave Auroville again. You’ll be so used to this way of living, you’ll probably find it hard to adapt to other places. And how will you buy a plane ticket with no money? There’s a lot to think about. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

Images: Instagram and Unsplash

Area 51 Facts To Fuel Your Extraterrestrial Fantasies

Recently Area 51 came to the spotlight once again as people on Facebook decided to create events to “storm” the Nevada-based flight testing facility (with over 2 million people accepting the event, too). This area has been linked to alien sightings and other-world conspiracy theories, yet there seems to be very little truthfully known about this location. Here to share some facts that will fuel your extraterrestrial fantasies.

Facebook event to Storm Area 51

No One Knows Why It’s Called Area 51

While there are plenty of theories about the name, there are no true origins to trace. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, it is not known how Area 51 got its name nor what it stands for! Some have theorized that the name comes from the fact the location is very close to nuclear testing sites, which typically each have their own number.

photo of the desert with an alien sign.

The Fake Moon Landing Conspiracies Were Believed To Be Filmed Here

One of the biggest cultural events during the Cold War and ingrained into US history is the 1969 moon landing. However, despite the video footage and moon rocks as evidence, many people don’t believe that the moon landing actually happened. This lunar conspiracy theory began by Bill Kaysing, who thinks that NASA officials faked the landing by filming it at Area 51, and took rocks from Antarctica as moon rocks.

American moon landing.

Area 51 Workers Commute By Flight

Although most aspects of working at Area 51 are kept top secret, there is news that employees commute to work via an unmarked government aircraft. The airline for these secret aircrafts is called “Janet,” which some believe stands for Just Another Non-Existent Terminal. However, no one truly knows where they land. Nor is it verified where these flights specifically take off from.

"self parking" sign for aliens at Area 51.

The Best UFO Spotting Is By A Mailbox

Although workers are sworn to secrecy, some former employees have opened up about their prior work at the location. One man named Bob Lazar became famous for claiming to work at Area 51 and spotting UFOs. He said the best place to see aliens there was by the Black Mailbox. In reality it is two mailboxes, one for owner Steve Medlin and the second one for aliens. Medlin added the second mailbox to prevent all visitors from tampering with his own mail. Whether it’s your dream (or nightmare) to get in contact with aliens, this spot 12 miles away from the extraterrestrial hub is where to go!

The Black Mailbox near Area 51 for alien sightings.

Photos: Facebook Event: Storm Area 51 , Pixabay

The Brain Boosting Reasons You Should Play Sports

Movies and TV series love to play upon the classic trope of the “dumb jock.” Nevertheless, playing sports actually provides more benefits for your body than physical improvements. It also helps to make you mentally fitter and happier. The following are the brain boosting benefits (and reasons) you should be playing a sport!

woman and man biking and smiling enjoying sports.

Playing Sports Improves Your Concentration

Playing sports helps to keep you mentally fit as we grow older. In particular, including a mix of aerobic and strength training into your weekly routine has been proven to increase one’s critical thinking and learning skills. Just thirty minutes of physical activity several times a week is enough to improve your concentration!

man playing baseball, batting and focused.

Boosts Your Mood

The most widely known mental benefit of physical activity is that it can boost your mood. When we are active, the chemical endorphin is released from the brain, which helps to make us feel happier and more positive. Team sports additionally provide a social advantage, so you can make new friends and connect with others.

woman and man smiling holding a soccer ball.

Playing Sports Fights Off Stress

Just as physical activity helps the brain to release mood-boosting chemicals, it also helps to decrease the stress hormones in our body. Additionally, playing sports can help to take our minds off of the daily stressors and problems in our lives, so we don’t feel so clouded by negative energy and thoughts. This in turn helps people to be more relaxed, and possibly reduce the chances of depression.

man and women playing tennis, clearly happy.

Increase Your Self-Esteem

Trying out a new sport or activity can be nerve-wracking. We often lack confidence if we are unsure how to do new skills. However, with regular practice, you are bound to improve your skills, strength, and self-esteem. Playing on a team also helps to create group dynamics that encourage support and reliance, meaning your confidence shoots up. This esteem-boost has been shown have an impact outside the gym as well, by improving how we view ourselves in our everyday lives. Who knew that hitting the basketball court a few days a week could end up helping you with that new promotion!

Man going up to shoot a basketball, one of the sports requiring lots of skills to help increase your esteem.

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik