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Many people pride themselves on their ability to multitask. Whether it’s during the workday or doing tasks around the house, there are some benefits to being able to do more than one thing at a time. But for certain people, and in some situations, multitasking is not the best approach to completing everything on your to-do list.

It can lead to distractions

When you’re trying to concentrate on more than one task at a time, it’s easy to get distracted. This is especially true if you’re doing something that requires a lot of thought. When you’re thinking about many different things at once, you may be more likely to make errors. While this might not be a huge deal when you’re cleaning up your house, it can be a major problem if you’re making errors while completing a work project.

Not everyone is a multitasker

We often feel pressure to be able to do many things at once. But multitasking simply doesn’t work for some people. And that is perfectly fine. For some, it’s easier and more efficient to finish one task before starting another. The most important thing is to do what works best for you. Multitasking helps some people work efficiently, while it may slow others down. Consider how easily you switch from one task to another. Some people can do this easily while others work better by completing a task before moving on to the next.

There is no right or wrong way to work, whether you’re doing everyday home things or completing tasks on the job. Everyone’s brain functions differently, which is why it’s so important to understand how you work best. Don’t worry about the perceived right way to do things. Multitasking can be beneficial for some, but it’s not the only way to work efficiently. Sometimes, it’s best to stick with one task to completion before starting on something else.

As tax time approaches, many people start to feel a sense of stress and urgency. You may see constant ads about filing your taxes, which can increase anxiety as deadlines approach. Some people choose to use a tax filing service, which can work well for those who have a lot of tax documents involved in the process. However, the average person can usually save money, and time, by filing taxes themselves.

Prepare ahead

When filing your taxes, it’s best to have all your documents ready before you start. If you’re using an online filing service, they are usually very helpful with information to let you know what you need. If you’ve never filed your own taxes before, it can be intimidating. The tax service may use terms that you’re unfamiliar with, but once you get started, the process is usually quite simple. Plus, most online tax preparation programs have a live chat option so you can ask questions as you go, and they offer useful tips along the way to help you complete the process.

Choose the right service

There are several options you have when it comes to choosing how to prepare your taxes. Online tax preparation services often offer discounts to repeat customers, plus they usually keep your basic information on file from year to year so you can save time. Some community organizations will help you file your tax returns for free. Just be aware that if you have certain types of additional forms beyond the basic tax returns, there may be added fees. If you have a lot of different forms for your business, you itemize deductions or you have several income sources, it may be best to use an experienced tax preparation service.

It’s understandable to be anxious when it comes to dealing with government-related paperwork. After all, no one wants to deal with an audit or have an error on their tax return that may take a long time to correct. But if you prepare ahead with the forms you need and you take your time to understand the online system, you can file your tax returns on your own. If you prefer to let someone else do the work, you can choose one of the many free services or use a professional tax preparation service. Whichever option you choose, it’s always a good idea to get your taxes filed sooner rather than later, so you’re not rushing to beat the deadline.

Most people realize that getting a good night’s sleep is important; however, many adults struggle with falling asleep and getting restful sleep. It’s not always the amount of time you sleep each night that helps you feel refreshed when you wake up. The quality of sleep you get is often what makes the biggest difference.

What is good sleep?

The sleep cycle is important if you want to understand the meaning of a good night’s sleep. The body goes through stages during sleep, and if you wake during certain stages, you can feel groggy and tired. Sleep studies show that your body needs to reach deep sleep, known as REM, to help you wake up feeling rested. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep, but some people function better with more or with less. Not reaching REM, even if you sleep 10-11 hours each night, can leave you feeling tired when you wake up.

How to get better sleep

The environment you sleep in is important. Consider the temperature, lighting and sound in your bedroom. If you live in a city or noisy area, you can use a white noise machine or a fan to diminish outside noises if they bother you. Room darkening shades can also be helpful to reduce disruptive lighting. Create a constant bedtime routine and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to get your body in a sleep rhythm.

Gauging your sleep quality

Sleep experts have a few basic criteria that determine sleep quality. Falling asleep within 30 minutes of going to bed and not waking more than once per night are two signs of a good night’s sleep. Another thing to consider is how much you’re awake while in bed throughout the night. Studies show that you should be asleep for at least 85% of the time you’re in bed and shouldn’t be awake for more than 20 minutes after you fall asleep initially to indicate that you slept well throughout the night.

Sleep can impact your mental and physical health. Not being well-rested can cause you to lack motivation during the day for getting things done and can lead to brain fog. If you want to sleep better, keep track of your sleep habits, so you can find ways in which to improve your routine.

Winter isn’t over yet. In many areas, February and March can still bring a lot of snow and ice. If you live in an area where winter weather can wreak havoc on the roads, it’s helpful to keep some emergency supplies in your vehicle in case you get stranded or have some type of emergency while you’re away from home. Many of these items can be kept in your car year-round to help you out in case the unexpected happens due to weather or other causes.

Stay warm, safe and fed

If you’re stranded in your vehicle in freezing temperatures, you’ll need blankets and warm clothes. Keep gloves, socks, hand warmers, a warm coat and a hat. Emergency mylar blankets are cheap and they take up very little space. If you must travel during a storm, you may want to add a sleeping bag to your car. Non-perishable food items like protein bars, jerky, nuts and peanut butter, along with plenty of water, can sustain you until you can get help. Also, keep a first aid kit with basic supplies and over-the-counter medications.

Take care of your car

Keep your vehicle in good working order and try to keep your gas tank full and ensure that your tires are at the right pressure. It’s important to always have a small tire gauge, a compact air pump, and jumper cables in your vehicle. Other essentials include a basic tool kit, a flashlight with extra batteries and an emergency tire repair kit. Be sure you’re familiar with these items and know how to use them if needed.

Being stranded for any reason can be very stressful, but when you add in bad weather, the situation can be quite scary. If you’re stuck somewhere in your vehicle due to ice or snow, you may have to wait for hours for the roads to be clear enough for safe travel. It’s important to keep your car ready for any situation with the essentials you might need to stay warm and safe.

Working from home has its advantages, which is why many people are searching for legitimate opportunities to work at home. A quick online search yields many results with job opportunities, claiming you can make lots of money while staying home. But some of these are simply not legitimate. If you’re looking for a job that allows you to work from home, do your research and use the following information to help you find a legitimate job opportunity.

Research thoroughly

When you search for work-from-home jobs on any job-hunting site, you may find a lot of options. Some of those are legitimate while others are not. Before even applying for a work-from-home position, it’s a good idea to do an online search for reviews from past employers or clients that have worked with the company. You may also want to contact the company for information on the exact details of the job. The information, or lack thereof, you find through your online search and the feedback you get from the company will help you decide if you want to proceed forward.

Employee or independent contractor?

Be sure to understand the difference between being an employee or an independent contractor. There are positives and negatives for both, but it’s important to know what the employer is offering you before you accept the position. Independent contractors generally decide their own hours and often may work with more than one employer or company. They don’t usually qualify for benefits or workers’ compensation.
Work-from-home employees may have to work during specific hours, they will likely have much more contact and guidance with their employer, and they usually quality for unemployment. Employees have taxes withheld from their pay while independent contractors pay a self-employment tax based on their earnings.

Traditional employees and independent contractors can find legitimate work-from-home opportunities. Be sure to research the company before submitting any personal information, as some online listings are scams. Understand what the employer is offering you and be very detailed in knowing their expectations of you as well as how and when you will be compensated for your work.