1) You don’t need to go to the gym to get fit

It may seem like you need to go to the gym to get fit, but that’s not true. You can get a great workout in your own home with just some dumbbells and an exercise ball. All you need is 20 minutes of time and a little willpower. This is called lifestyle fitness because it doesn’t require much time or money, but still gives you all of the benefits of going to a gym.

2) You can get fit on a budget

The truth is, you don’t need to spend hours on end at the gym or fork out a ton of cash to get into shape. The key to getting fit on a budget is making healthy choices and finding time for workouts during your day.

3) Getting fit takes time

Getting fit takes time and effort. This is a myth that needs to be debunked because it can deter people from being active. If you’re not seeing results, don’t give up! Keep trying until you find something that works for you.

4) You can get fit at any age

You can get fit at any age! It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 80, it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself.
Losing weight is one of the most common reasons people go on a diet, but you don’t have to be overweight in order to lose weight and get healthier.
While there are many different ways you can exercise and eat right, there are some things that will work better for certain groups or individuals.

5) You need to be fit to start a fitness program

If you want to start a fitness program, make sure that you are fit enough to do so. You should be able to complete at least one workout without needing a break. It’s also important that you can maintain your level of fitness for an extended period of time, or else it will just be a temporary change. Having the right amount of sleep is essential to your physical and mental well-being. Your body needs at least 7 hours per night in order to function properly.

6) Only skinny people can be fit

One of the most common myths about fitness is that only skinny people can be fit. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just because you’re not physically strong doesn’t mean you can’t work on your fitness. In fact, it might even be more important for smaller people to stay active to maintain their bone and muscle density. One way to do this is by incorporating strength-training into a daily routine, which will build up muscle mass and help maintain bone density.

7) You can’t be fit and have curves

People often claim that you can’t be both fit and curvy. If a woman is slim, then she’s not curvy. And if she has curves, then she’s not as physically fit as someone who is more slender. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! When it comes to health, fitness does not have to be at odds with having curves or being slim.

8) Fit people don’t eat junk food

There are a lot of myths about what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. One myth is that fit people don’t eat junk food and other types of bad foods. That may be true if you’re talking about fast food or really processed foods, but many fit people do eat these types of food. There are exceptions to every rule. The general idea is that there is no one type of food that will make or break your health goals.

9) Fit people don’t have cheat days

It’s not a matter of whether or not you should have cheat days, it’s how often you should have them.
We all need to indulge every now and then. It doesn’t make us any less fit, and it doesn’t mean we don’t work hard to be in shape.
Cheat days are a great way to keep yourself from getting burned out on healthy eating, too.

10) Being fit is hard work

Being fit is hard work. It takes a lot of time and effort to change your habits and get into shape, but it’s so worth it in the end. Think about how you feel when you’re at your fittest and compare that to how you feel when you’ve fallen off track. There’s no doubt that being fit is worth the time investment. It just takes some dedication on your part to make it happen!

The post Don’t Believe the Hype: 10 Myths About Lifestyle Fitness appeared first on AxomLive.

1) Waking up late

It’s important to wake up on time, even if you don’t have much to do or need to be up early. Waking up late makes it hard for your brain to switch gears and can make you feel sluggish all day long. You may end up feeling more tired because of the lack of sleep as well. If you’re not careful, this habit can lead to a vicious cycle where each morning gets worse and worse.

2) Hitting the snooze button

Hitting the snooze button may seem like a harmless habit in the morning, but it can actually have a significant impact on your day. When you hit the snooze button, you force yourself to go through REM sleep again, which means you’ll be getting less total sleep than if you had just woken up and started your day. Plus, it takes an average of 20 minutes to fall back asleep after being awoken by the alarm clock for a second time.

3) Not drinking enough water

You need to drink water, even if you’re not thirsty. When we don’t drink enough water, our mouths get dry, which can lead to cracking lips and sore throats. Our brains also don’t work as well when we’re dehydrated.

4) Unhealthy eating habits

Unhealthy eating habits can wreak havoc on your body and have a negative impact on your life. Overeating or overeating one food group can lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

5) Not exercising

You don’t need to exercise for hours every day to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Even a few minutes here and there can make a difference. The key is consistency, so try setting some goals for yourself and sticking with it.
Exercising is also an important part of managing stress levels. It’s been proven that people who exercise regularly have lower levels of cortisol, which means less anxiety and stress in general. Exercise can also alleviate symptoms of depression and help you sleep better at night.

6) Smoking

Smoking has a significant effect on both the smoker and those around them. The smoke from cigarettes contains numerous carcinogens, which can lead to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory diseases. Smoking also affects family members by exposing them to secondhand smoke (or passive smoking), which can cause heart disease, lung cancer, and asthma.

7) Drinking too much alcohol

Drinking alcohol excessively is a bad habit that negatively impacts your life. Drinking too much can lead to liver problems, weight gain, and an increased risk of cancer. Consuming more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men is considered excessive drinking. Alcohol has been linked to over 100 diseases including breast cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Cutting down on the number of alcoholic drinks you have each week is the best way to start living a healthier lifestyle.

8) Not getting enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep is a terrible habit for many reasons. In addition to reducing the quality of your work, and increasing the chance of you getting sick, not getting enough sleep can have an impact on your emotional health as well. Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings and irritability, which can cause serious problems in personal relationships. The best way to avoid these consequences is by setting a bedtime routine that includes going to bed at the same time every night, and waking up at the same time every morning.

9) Stressing out

Stressing out can have a negative impact on your life. Stress has been shown to affect the immune system, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of heart disease. The best way to deal with stress is to find ways to minimize or eliminate it from your day-to-day life.

10) Multitasking

Multitasking has been proven to have a negative impact on the brain, due to the fact that it causes you to switch back and forth between tasks. This can lead you to forget what you were doing in the first place, which causes stress and increased anxiety levels.

The post 10 negative habits that are impacting your life appeared first on AxomLive.

1) Follow a routine before bed and avoid electronics

As you wind down for the day, try these steps:

• Follow your normal bedtime routine.
• Avoid electronics (TV, computer, phone) for an hour before bedtime.
• Use the bed only for sleep or sex.
• Don’t eat heavy meals before bedtime.
• Have something light to drink before bed if you’re thirsty.
• Don’t drink alcohol too close to your bedtime.

2) Keep a cool, comfortable environment in your bedroom

Keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable is the first step in getting a good night’s rest. You want to be able to sleep soundly without being too hot or cold, so make sure that your bedroom is the right temperature year round. The ideal room temperature in your bedroom is between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, which will help you stay comfortable throughout the night.
Keep your curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure so that it can help lower your body temperature at night when it starts cooling down.

3) Establish a regular sleep schedule

Establishing a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do if you have trouble sleeping. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. This will help your body get into a natural sleep-wake cycle, which can make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. If you have trouble falling asleep, try practicing relaxing activities before bed such as taking deep breaths or reading something soothing for five minutes.

4) Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed

Avoid caffeine before bedtime because it can keep you up at night. It takes about six hours for the caffeine in coffee to wear off, so if you drink coffee right before bed, it will make you more tired the next day. The same goes for alcohol. A nightcap might help you fall asleep faster, but it could disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling groggy the next day.

5) Use comfortable sheets and limit noise and light exposure in your bedroom

Sleep is one of the most important things for your health, but it can be difficult. Here are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep:

• Make sure you have comfortable sheets that you don’t mind sleeping in. You should also wash them regularly.
• Limit noise and light exposure in your bedroom as much as possible by using earplugs or an eye mask.

6) Practice some relaxation techniques

• Take a warm bath before bed. A hot bath will relax your muscles, soothe your skin, and help you get ready for sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, try adding some Epsom salts for extra relaxation benefits.
• Practice deep breathing exercises before bed. Deep breathing promotes relaxation and can help you fall asleep more quickly.

7) Avoid working or using electronic devices in bed

If you’re struggling with getting a good night’s sleep, there are a few things you can do to change that. One of the best things you can do is avoid working or using electronic devices in bed. All those light sources can mess up your circadian rhythm, which will lead to difficulty falling asleep.

8) Get up and move around every few hours

One way to improve your sleep schedule is by getting up and moving around every few hours. When you lay in bed for an extended period of time, your body will start to associate the bed with being awake. So, when you finally do decide it’s time for sleep, your body won’t know what to do. This can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can also cause problems with insomnia because the brain wants you awake rather than asleep.

9) Take some time to wind down before bed

• Keep your room dark. Make sure there are no lights on in the room, or keep them low.
• Try not to eat too late at night. The food you eat can affect your sleep schedule, so try not to eat any time after 9 p.m., and make sure it’s nothing heavy that will upset your stomach or make you feel bloated.

10) Seek professional help if you’re still having trouble sleeping

If you’re still having trouble sleeping after trying these tips, it may be time to seek professional help. For some people, the solution is as simple as taking medication or adjusting their sleep schedule. Other times, more drastic measures are necessary such as behavioral therapy for insomnia.

The post 10 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep and Improve Your Sleep Schedule appeared first on AxomLive.

1) Define your goals

In order to have a new healthy habit that lasts, it is important that you define your goals. For example, if you want to lose weight and be healthier, then you need an end goal in mind. You can’t just say I want to be healthier because there are so many different ways of being healthier. Defining your goal will help you figure out what habits are actually achievable and will ensure that your new habit sticks.

2) Set realistic expectations

Setting realistic expectations is key in developing a new habit that will last. After all, if you’re expecting your healthy habits to be sustainable for the rest of your life, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, think about what you can realistically commit to doing on a day-to-day basis and gradually increase from there.

3) Find a support group

The best way to develop and maintain a new healthy habit is by joining or starting an accountability group. This could be in the form of an online forum, weekly meeting, or even a community group with like-minded people. These types of groups provide support and motivation for those who are trying their best to change their lives.

4) Create a plan

• Write down your new habit
• Set a specific time of day that you will do the new habit
• Take it one day at a time and try not to think about how many days or weeks are left until you reach your goal
• Focus on what you’re doing right now and make that the most important thing in the world, so that there is no room for any doubts or worries

5) Remove the temptation

• Remove temptation. If you’re trying to eat better, remove the unhealthy options from your house and workplace. If you’re trying to drink less, take the bottles of alcohol out of your fridge.
• Plan for temptations. For example, if you want to watch less TV, make sure that your DVR is set up so that shows automatically record when it’s on (and then delete them after they air).
• Create habits that don’t need an external motivator.

6) Set reminders

Setting reminders for healthy habits is one of the best ways to ensure you stick with them. You can set notifications on your phone or computer and make it as simple as possible. If you don’t want to be constantly reminded, try setting time intervals for when your habit should happen: every hour, every day, etc.

7) Get an accountability partner

Getting an accountability partner is the easiest way to stay on track with your new healthy habit. Set up weekly or biweekly meetings where you can check in and support each other in your goals. Having someone else there will help keep you accountable and make it more likely that you’ll stick with your new habit.

8) Celebrate your success

Developing a new healthy habit is hard, but it’s also very rewarding. You might be wondering what the best way to develop a new healthy habit is. There are so many articles and blog posts on this topic.

• When you feel like quitting your new habit, remember all the benefits of sticking with it: feeling better about yourself; looking better in your clothes; sleeping better at night; having more energy during the day; being healthier for your family members, friends and pets.

9) Persevere

• Look for inspiration from social media, blogs, and magazines.
• Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound).
• Ask for help and support from friends/family/professional advisers.
• Understand your triggers that lead to bad habits (when you feel stressed or tired).

10) Seek professional help

Seek professional help if you are struggling with developing a new healthy habit. Sometimes it can be easier to have someone else help you, in order to make the process more manageable and effective.
If you are having trouble with developing a new healthy habit, then seek professional help. Sometimes it can be easier to have someone else help you in order to make the process more manageable and effective.

The post 10 Ways to Develop a New Healthy Habit That Will Actually Stick appeared first on AxomLive.

And it is not limited to film. Whether it’s a television commercial, a YouTube product review, or a TikTok, each video should be concerned with its speed. The issue is this: How do you establish and manage pace in your projects? While the answer is rather convoluted, it becomes clear once all the parts of filmmaking are considered, from the screenplay through the filming to the cut. Therefore, let’s examine the five secrets of pace and how to avoid your projects becoming stale.

Storyboard and Script

Pacing begins far before you begin assembling your edit. A project’s tempo is established early in the outline and scripting phases. You can choose your speed during pre-production to arrange your shoot and edit process. Particular initiatives are intended to progress at a different pace.

A project or scene intended to communicate tension or perplexity will be designed and built using a high number of shots, cuts, and movement. A project or scene intended to be more contemplative and emotive may benefit from lengthy shots, slow motion, and minimal cuts. It’s critical to assess your speed early and often as you describe your initiatives.

Once you’ve entered your screenplay, you may add pace via your writing style and scene comments (i.e., “the action accelerates,” “the tempo quickens”). Additionally, you may begin to establish a sense of tempo in your storyboards, which are crucial for establishing how each scene will enter and depart. This will also assist you in determining which camera motions and movements are necessary to establish pace and speed.

Shoot with Intent

Along with storyboarding your screenplay with pace in mind, it’s critical to approach production with pacing in mind. Aesthetically good filmmaking is about more than technical ability or composition. It is a matter of intention. How much consideration and care can you devote to each situation and shot? The pacing of a film is determined by a delicate balance of all the aspects of filmmaking.

A single photo contributes to the overall speed of your project. How does it fit with the shot immediately before it and the one immediately after it? Are the performers or subjects moving at the same pace and intentions? Is your camera in sync with them, or does it stay stationary? How does this photo relate to the characters’ emotions and the larger narrative? If you can request these questions yourself and have strong responses, you can intentionally regulate the pace.

Utilize Movement to Create Momentum

Once you are certain that you have a firm grasp on how pacing will function in your production shot by shot, you can truly delve into building this pacing by using all of the tools available to you as a filmmaker. A movement is an excellent tool for characterizing the overall tempo. From shot to shot, a movement created by your actors, subjects, or the camera itself may generate momentum.

It isn’t easy to realize that the basic act of panning a camera left to right was once deemed groundbreaking. However, cinematographers and filmmakers have experimented with new and inventive techniques to generate momentum by moving the camera since The Great Train Robbery. Along with the YouTube video above, continue reading to learn more about the value of camera movement.

Rather than Editing Sequence by Sequence

One common issue with pace in most film productions is inconsistencies across scenes and sequences. Simply having one well-paced action sequence that is aesthetically gorgeous and presented well does not guarantee that it will always work with the emotional connection sequence in the next scene.

Pacing is crucial for maintaining consistency and striking the appropriate balance between various styles and speeds. A fantastic example of proper pace is given above by going through Christopher Nolan’s flicks. Nolan, best known for his mega-blockbuster films and franchises, is a master of pace and striking the right mix of fast and slow.

Additionally, you can see some excellent instances of how Nolan develops speed with various camera approaches, compositional framing, and music. What’s critical is that, although he utilizes a variety of techniques and speeds, he always finds a way to connect each sequence and scene so that you don’t feel as if you’re seeing a series of little vignettes. Rather than that, everything is integrated into a completely formed whole.

Enhance your video with graphics, effects, and motion

Finally, as a final phase, one excellent opportunity to tweak and adapt the speed of your movie is during the final stages of editing, when you add graphics, effects, and digital motion. You may see some excellent components, such as camera tremors in several of Christopher Nolan’s previous films.

While many of them are captured on camera and in real life, adding some dynamic shaking post-production may be beneficial. Shakes add suspense and discomfort to sequences that may drag somewhat if filmed with a static camera. We’ve discussed ways to increase your speed via movement.

You may even initiate this movement after the fact, if necessary. Using various transitions, visuals, and effects may give your scenes a more lively and colorful feel, particularly if the added information is critical to the project, such as titles or bottom thirds. You can learn more about creating titles, text, and animation in this collection of lessons.

The post 5 Secrets To Keeping Your Projects From Getting Stale In Film Pacing appeared first on AxomLive.

What Is a DJ, Exactly?

A DJ is someone who plays pre-recorded music for people to listen to. There were radio station hosts who would spin vinyl records on turntables. The term “DJ” comes from “disc jockey,” which refers to them. Many modern DJs still use turntables to play music, but some use digital DJ software that helps them playback music, match the beat, and crossfade tracks.

Radio DJs are still around, but DJing has spread to house parties, dance music nightclubs, big festivals, and corporate events over the years. Some of the best DJs of today are mostly found on the internet, making playlists for DJ-focused streaming services.

DJ vs. Producer: This is who is better. What’s the difference between them?

In music, “DJ” and “producer” can mean many different things. In the world of DJing, the terms have a clear difference.

DJ:

A DJ is someone who plays music that has already been made. Radio-style DJs play songs that other artists have already finished. They use a crossfader to switch between two vinyl records. Other DJs make their music from recordings made by other people. People who do this are sometimes called both DJs and producers.

Producer:

A music producer is in charge of making a musical recording. This meant watching live musicians play on the record for a long time. Today, a producer can make new music by sampling other songs, especially in hip-hop and dance music production. A DJ/producer is a type of DJ who makes their music.

6 kinds of DJs

Many different DJs work in today’s music business, each with a unique skill set.

The radio DJ:

Radio DJs have been around for as long as radio has been around. They used vinyl records, CDs, tapes, and digital files to play songs already done. The format of a radio DJ can also be used for podcasts and streaming playlists.

The DJ at the wedding:

A wedding DJ plays music at a live wedding reception, making people want to move their bodies. They may also serve as the MC (master of ceremonies) for the event simultaneously.

The club DJ:

People who work as club DJs play music at nightclubs where people dance to dance music. Some people are also event promoters, which means they help people find things to do. Many DJs who work in clubs start at small bars or parties at home.

Mobile DJ:

A “mobile DJ” is a professional DJ who brings DJ gear to the event. This also includes speakers, an amplifier, lighting, and their DJ controller.

Musician:

A DJ/producer makes their music from recordings that already exist. They may play this music at live DJ gigs or stream their music on the internet. EDM and house DJs who make their music can build big fan bases.

Technical DJ:

Many people like technical DJs who are good turntablists. They can spin records and move faders with great skill. There were a lot of DJs like this in New York City in the late 1970s and early 1980s when hip-hop was still very new. The idea of technical DJing has since spread around the world.

How to be a DJ

As a DJ, you need a lot of hard work, persistence, the right equipment, and a lot of music.

Get the right physical tools

Beginner DJs need the right tools to get better at their job, but they also need to learn how to use them. The Pioneer CDJ is one of the most common turntable decks in the music industry. A DJ mixer or controller (like the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4), speakers, and an XLR speaker cable can also be found here. Some DJs also use microphones for MC-ing, but not all do this.

The best way to learn how to use the right software is to study

A modern DJ setup has a lot of software applications. Some of the most popular programs are Ableton Live, Virtual DJ, Rekordbox, Native Instruments Traktor, Serato DJ Pro, and Rekordbox. Getting used to these programs will help you be a better DJ.

I Have a lot of music

To build a music library, you can use physical media like records and CDs or digital media on your computer. If you want, you can also use a digital vinyl system that lets you switch between real vinyl and digital files. Libraries like Beatport, SoundCloud, and Traxsource might be good places to look if you want to download music.

Become more skilled at what you already do

DJ skills include operating turntables, equalization (EQ), mastering mixing software, and learning how to match the beat of a song with another song (where you line up the BPM, or beats per minute, of different tracks). The skills you learn as a new DJ are very important to improve.

Expand your contacts in your field

Successful DJs have the right people to work with. Get to know people who run clubs or plan weddings that need good DJs when you can. If you have friends who work in the field and can give you an introduction, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Knowing the right people is important to have a good job when you work in any field.

Brand yourself

As a DJ, you need to be unique to stand out from the crowd and get ahead of the rest. You may need to make business cards, build a social media following, and connect with other DJs online to build your brand. Make free mixtapes to show people how good you are at what you do, and then give them away. It would help if you pounded the pavement now to enjoy the benefits later.

The post 6 Types Of DJs: How To Become A DJ appeared first on AxomLive.

Exploring how your sun, moon, Venus, and Mars signs work together with a partner can provide invaluable insight into how you will mesh or conflict. While the sun signs, squares, and elements are an interesting starting point, to get the full compatibility reading, you need to take a look at the whole of your charts, as well as the charts of your potential matches. Before you start picking engagement rings and considering names for the kids, it turns out compatibility by zodiac sign is not as easy as comparing your sun signs (a.k.a.

Taurus is a sign that shares very few qualities with you, yet it could fit perfectly. Aries is not compatible with the earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, nor with the water signs of Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer. Taurus doesn’t get along with air signs like Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, or fire signs like Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Gemini is an air sign, so it is compatible with the other air signs, Libra and Aquarius.

The air signs of Gemini and Aquarius may be an interesting pairing with Aries, too, since they may help to accentuate their own sign’s creativity. As an Aquarius, you value your freedom and independence over everything, so the other air signs of Gemini and Libra make for compatible Zodiac signs for you. Capricorn is the sign that can balance a lot of signs, like Gemini, Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo, but Capricorn can also bring out the worst in other signs, like Libra, who is slightly inclined toward materialism.

There is not much in common between Aries and Gemini and Capricorn, and two Pisces are not exactly people to slow down the mill for anyone else. These signs make excellent friends, since they can enjoy the pleasures and luxuries of each other, but do not usually make a very good pair. Scorpio is an emotional, stationary Water sign, and that does not seem to mesh well at first with the cheerful, optimistic, Air sign vibe you have.

Cancer — Aquarius has plenty of love to give, Pisces, so your strongest relationships will be with people who are in tune with your compassion, insight, and emotional intelligence. Ruled by Neptune, you are looking for a partner with whom you can share all of your deepest dreams, so fellow Pisces, Rihanna, makes for a perfect celeb pairing. After all, two people can have perfectly aligned sun signs and be amazing lovers, but maybe unready to commit, the same way two people of different signs may like each other enough to make things work, come what may.

The post The Ideal Love Match Based On Your Zodiac Sign appeared first on AxomLive.

How to Write Book Reviews and Get Paid to Do It

Who wants you to review books?

There are many places online where you can write book reviews. But we all know that most of these online sites use many different names and need plenty of new reviewers, so how do you find them? Don’t worry; there are places out there that pay for book reviews. You just have to search through their sites first and look for ways to contact them directly, such as using an email address or phone number.

The Pros of writing reviews

You can write reviews for local businesses, start-ups, and even individuals. While these might not pay you, it’s a great opportunity for networking and getting your name out there. There are also opportunities to get paid for writing reviews on travel sites, restaurants, or movie theaters—which again, won’t make you rich but will help pad your wallet.

The Cons of writing reviews

As is with most things in life, there are some downsides to being an online book reviewer. They include: -Lack of money. If you’re only doing it as a hobby, then sure; but if you’re hoping that writing book reviews will make you rich, then think again. The truth is that (unfortunately) there just isn’t much money in online book reviewing.

What kind of books should I choose?

Deciding which books to review is an important part of getting paid for your book reviews. While you can still make money writing reviews on any book, certain books will appeal more to certain people than others. Research your audience—the people who are most likely to buy and read books like those you want to review—and focus on reviewing those types of books.

Free vs. Paid Reviews

The first thing you should know about making money writing reviews is that there are two types of review services that are out there, free and paid. Some people may not be willing to pay for a book review or pay their hard-earned dollars for someone else’s opinions about their work. If so, that is completely understandable and I respect that, but at some point in your writing career, you will want to be able to charge for your services.

Reading outside my genre

When I started reading in order to get paid for it, I had no idea what I was doing. In my first few assignments, I simply chose books within my genre and then wrote about them. Then someone asked me if I’d be willing to write about something that wasn’t speculative fiction, and it took me all of 10 seconds flat before saying yes.

When do I post my review?

Now that you’ve chosen a book, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to read it. It’s tough to write an accurate review if you rush through it at lightning speed. Generally speaking, reviewers aim for about 20 pages (or about 400 words) per day. If your book is longer or shorter than average, adjust your reading schedule accordingly.

Sample formats for posts

e-Books, non-fiction books, etc. Look at your market. What kinds of books would they want reviews of? Find niche reviewing sites (see list below) that might accept your reviews and pitch them with an offer to write a review for their site. Some people get very creative in how they pitch these sites–think about what kind of information you have that would be unique and valuable for people who love reading in your genre.

The post Get Paid to Write Book Reviews: How to Make Money as a Book Reviewer appeared first on AxomLive.

Working at Your Computer: 5 Shoulder Stretches

If you work at a computer all day, you know how easy it is to get stiff shoulders. Here are 5 stretches you can do right at your desk to help keep your shoulders loose and pain-free:

1. Seated shoulder roll: Sit up straight in your chair with your shoulders relaxed. Slowly roll your shoulders back and down, then up and forward. Repeat 10 times.

2. Neck release: Sit up straight and place your right hand on your left shoulder. Gently pull your left ear toward your right shoulder until you feel a stretch. Continue on the other side after holding for 20 seconds.

3. Chest opener: Sit up straight in your chair and interlace your fingers behind your back. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times.

4. Shoulder blade squeeze: Sit up straight in your chair with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times.

5. Upper back stretch: Sit up straight in your chair and clasp your hands together in front of you at chest level. Round y our back and hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

The problem with working at a computer all-day

If you work at a computer all day, you may be familiar with the discomfort that can come from sitting in the same position for too long. Maybe your shoulders feel tight, or you get a crick in your neck. This is because when we sit at a computer, we tend to hunch forward and round our shoulders, which can lead to muscle tension and pain.

Fortunately, there are some simple stretches you can do to help relieve the tension in your shoulders and neck. Try these stretches a few times throughout the day to help keep your muscles loose and reduce pain.

5 easy shoulder stretches to do at your desk

One of the most common places people experiences pain is in their shoulders. This is especially true if you have a desk job and are hunched over your computer all day. The good news is that there are some easy shoulder stretches you can do right at your desk to help relieve pain and tension.

1. Seated shoulder rolls: Start by sitting up straight in your chair with your shoulders relaxed. Slowly roll your shoulders forward, then backward, and then down. Repeat 10 times.

2. Ear to shoulder: Sit up straight and bring your right ear down toward your right shoulder. Use your left hand to lightly apply pressure to help stretch your neck muscles. 30 seconds should be held before switching to the other side.

3. Doorway stretch: Stand in a doorway with your arms at 90-degree angles and your forearms parallel to the ground. When your chest and shoulders start to feel stretched, lean forward. Repeat on the other side after holding for 30 seconds.

4. Arm circles: Sit or stand with your arms extended out to the sides at shoulder level. Make small circles with both arms going forward, then reverse direction and circle backward. Repeat 10 times in each direction.

5. Shrugs: Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed and down. Slowly shrug your shoulders up towards your ears, then release and let them fall back down. Repeat 10 times.

How to make time for stretching throughout the day

If you spend most of your day hunched over a computer, you’re not doing your shoulders any favors. Fortunately, there are a few easy stretches you can do throughout the day to help alleviate some of the tension.

First, take a break from sitting or standing every 20 minutes or so to move around and stretch your body. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous – simply walking around the office or doing some simple shoulder shrugs will do the trick.

Second, try to avoid hunching over your keyboard by sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders back. If you need a reminder, set an alarm on your phone or computer to go off every hour or so.

Finally, at the end of the day, take a few minutes to do some specific shoulder stretches. A few good ones include rolling your shoulders forward and backward, holding your arms out in front of you and gently pulling them back, and putting your hands on your head and gently pushing down with your palms.

The benefits of stretching

Stretching can help improve your flexibility, range of motion, and circulation. Additionally, it can help relieve pain and tension in the muscles and joints. Regular stretching can also help prevent injury.

Conclusion

We hope you found this shoulder stretches helpful in alleviating some of the tension that can come from working at a computer all day. Remember to stretch both sides evenly and to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. If you have any questions or would like to share your own favorite stretches, please leave a comment below.

The post Working at Your Computer: 5 Shoulder Stretches To Help You Out appeared first on AxomLive.