Water Tubing? Thanks, But No, Thanks.

Image Credit:
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/73/e4/a8/delaware-river-tubing.jpg

Have you ever thought of trying water tubing? Perhaps, you should try it to find out you won't like it much. Having enjoyed it on the lazy river at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, I thought that water tubing on Delaware River would be even more fun. However, it turned out to be a long, exhausting journey and quite a bore as well. 

What I expected when I booked this "adventure" at Kittatinny Campground's Adventure Center was a relaxing trip down the river. I even though 3 miles was too short of a journey, though the description did say it would take 2-3 hours. Well, it took me much longer than that. Overall, the current was pretty slow, and I often felt that the tube was not moving at all. In addition, since the river was quite shallow, my tube got stuck on the pile of stones every once in a while. 

But, perhaps, the most frustrating part of this "activity" was that I had little control over the tube. I could easily make a 360 degree turn, but I struggled with directing the tube wherever I needed to go. Using my hands and arms as paddles, I battled with the current, which brought me to one bank and then the other, while I wanted to stay in the middle and relax. In the meantime, people were passing me by in kayaks, and I felt like I chose the wrong transportation mode.

Clearly, part of my misery was that I didn't know what to do with the tube. In my defense, the adventure staff did not help, either. We were dropped off on the river bank and given our tubes without any instructions, except for, "In case of emergency, the best way to get help is to walk towards the road and find someone there." By emergency, they probably meant that, if we got bored and decided to quit, the road was over there. 

As I was leisurely brought forward by the slow current, I kept wondering if I got unlucky. Maybe on other days the current was faster, and the trip really took 2 hours only. Maybe I needed more practice, and I would learn to control my tube eventually (though even Google does not have any good tips on how to maneuver a water tube). Maybe the trip should have been shorter, in terms of distance. There were, indeed, a lot of pleasant moments on the way. At some point, the current sped up, and I was moving faster towards my destination. I also got to sunbathe on the water and enjoy some beautiful views.

Hence, if you do decide on going water tubing (which I probably never will), make sure the distance you go is no longer than a mile and a half, especially if it's your first time. An hour on the water is enjoyable no matter what. You get to see if you like this kind of activity and if you'd like to go for a longer trip. Additionally, ask if the company that provides the tubes can give you a paddle. That will make your trip faster and give you more control over the tube. Also, do not forget to wear sunscreen. They say you get tanned faster when you're in the water, and you won't be able to reapply your sun protection until you arrive at the finish point. And finally, if you like to be active and are not used to lying down for hours, you should go kayaking or canoeing instead. 

9 Most Common Sleep Enemies

Image credit: http://m.huffpost.com/uk/entry/3827606.html?edition=uk

If tossing and turning becomes your everyday routine, don't run to a doctor thinking there is something wrong with you. There are a few "sleep enemies," eliminating which can help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep:

1. Caffeine. While drinking coffee or soda in the morning helps you get a shot of energy for the day, it may keep you awake late at night.

2. Alcohol. A common belief that a beer or a shot puts you to sleep is a myth. Like caffeine, alcohol is a strong stimulant, and it is more likely to keep you awake than make you sleep.

3. Heavy dinner. Despite feeling sleepy right after a meal, you will not sleep well if you eat a lot right before bedtime. You need to give your body at least 2-3 hours to digest food before going to bed. Otherwise, it won't be fully relaxed and ready for wholesome sleep. Same applies to the consumption of liquids. If you drink a lot of water before bed, you will have to take bathroom breaks in the middle of the night.   

4. Hunger. This is another extremity. I don't like eating a lot late at night. At the same time, it is annoying to wake up hungry. Therefore, I try to eat something light, like yogurt or fruit if my stomach growls before bedtime. That usually ensures that I sleep better.

5. Irregular schedule. When you wake up and go to bed around the same time, your body gets used to this routine. You feel sleepy during the same hours. For this reason, having an irregular schedule is bad for your sleep because your body will not be able to quickly adjust to your ever-changing hours. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, and you will sleep better and deeper overall.

6. Uncomfortable temperatures. If your room is too cold or too hot, or your blanket is too thin or too thick, you have to make adjustments. There are even special blankets for couples that allow them to set temperatures on each side to help people who have different heat/cold tolerance from their partners sleep better. 

7. Worries. These are the hardest to get rid of. They often keep us tossing and turning. Try meditation or any other relaxation technique to put your worries aside. Tell yourself that you will take care of your problems when you get up. 

8. A snoring partner, or any other type of noise. If you're sensitive to noise and cannot stand hearing your neighbors' pillow talk, use earplugs. I prefer silicon ones, those that swimmers use. They cover your ears completely and isolate most noises. 

9. Lights. This might be a problem if you sleep during the day, or have a street light right by your window. If that's the case, try getting blackout blinds or an eye mask to keep the light out.   Keep in mind that you might not be sensitive to all of these sleep-disrupting variables. Therefore, you should listen to your body, take a note of what bothers you the most and work on eliminating it. Only you know what is the most comfortable environment for you, and it is up to you to set it up for better sleep. 

The Wondrous Power of Thank You

Image Credit:
http://www.awards4u.com/blog/difference-between-appreciation-and-recognition

Why is it that while we are growing up, we are consistently reminded to say "please" and "thank you," and when we become adults, we are so quick to forget these important words? A thank-you letter in response to one of my reviews (the first one I've ever got) made my day. It expressed gratitude for the time I invested into seeing the play and writing about it and touched upon a few things that worked well in my review. Consequently, it reminded me that I'm good at what I do and that what I do matters. Why are those pleasant moments of appreciation so rare?

If you ask me, I think it is because we tend to perceive criticism as a guide for improvement. Hence, we criticize freely. In many instances, we mean nothing bad. We just want the other person to look better, to achieve more, to polish his or her skills, and so on. When someone does something well, there is no need for improvement, and we feel that we have nothing to say. Except "thank you." Sometimes. Have you ever wondered why there are many more negative Yelp reviews than positive ones? Liking a restaurant encourages the customer to come back, while disliking it leaves no other option but complaining.

It is a shame, however, that we do not take advantage of the wondrous power of "thank you" and other words of appreciation. They do magic. They inspire people and bring them closer. They bring meaning into people's actions and put smiles on their faces. An employee who feels appreciated at his or her job will put in more effort and be more productive. Neglect and fear of failure often disable a person's talent, for he or she will be afraid or reluctant to go the extra mile, to make suggestions or put their soul into work. It damages both the employee and the employer.

Therefore, do not hold back the words of appreciation. Say "thank you" for good deeds and words that come your way. Elaborate on what it is that you find especially useful, well-done, or efficient. It is so easy and so harmful for everyone involved to make someone feel taken for granted. Do not hold back the power that will unleash the magic - and wait to see how much good comes out of it.