Working from home is not a new concept, but it is experiencing an upswing due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Not only the pandemic, but also business digitization has changed the world of work in such a way that many employees shifted to working from home in recent years.

The perfect work model: home office

For many employees, home office sounds like an interesting idea. Working from home no longer means long commutes, annoying search for a free parking space, setting the alarm clock to go off later and simply sleeping longer. As a result, you can start your working day much more relaxed.
Working whenever and wherever you want sounds tempting. Homeworkers can adapt their working hours to their personal biorhythm. Some of us are most productive late in the evening, while others prefer to work early in the morning. Flexibility is a big advantage of home office jobs.
Home office offers a perfect basis for a good work-life balance. This work model makes it possible to spend more time with your family. In the comfort of your home you can work less stressed and undisturbed. It’s usually a quiet work environment, with no chatty colleagues or constant phone ringing.
Working from home is very beneficial for some employees, but this model does not suit everyone.

Challenges of working from home

Working from home has certain disadvantages. Although it sounds like a dream come true for most people, the reality is usually different. It must be pointed out that working from home is not possible for everyone to the same extent. People who have small children have to make an effort to fully focus  on their work. A quiet work environment is important for everyone.
Organizing daily work at home can be quite challenging. This work model requires focus, discipline, and clear boundaries. Since the boundaries between work and everyday life are often blurred, it is important to switch off and unwind after work. If you organize your day well and develop a routine, everything works easier. In these circumstances, good time management is a must.
What is missing most in the home office is social interaction. Employees have no contact with their colleagues and are socially isolated. Such work circumstances can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Everyday chit-chat among colleagues and the common breaks cannot be replaced by constant email interaction .

Tips to help you create a productive and healthy home office

Ergonomic workplace

Many people who work from home spend most of their working hours sitting either on the sofa or at a desk. Don’t you often find yourself sending a few more work emails late at night while in bed? No wonder why many home workers complain about back and neck pain.
A comfortable chair is one of the most important prerequisites that can give a proper support to your back during the day. If our home office desk chair is not comfy enough you should attach a lumbar back support to it in order to create optimal working conditions. A healthy sitting posture is extremely important and depends almost entirely on the ergonomics of your chair. You should consciously pay attention to your posture when sitting. This means that the back should rest against the backrest of the chair. You should sit as upright as possible and use the entire seat. If we sit upright for 8 hours a day, we can increase our productivity and promote our overall well-being.

Active breaks

Anyone who spends hours sitting should take a break now and then because our bodies are programmed to move. Luckily, this can be done at home. There are many exercises you can do in your home office. It doesn’t matter whether these involve stretching or back exercises, it’s important that you move. Furthermore, when working from home, we have more freedom. We can go for a walk in the park or go to the gym during working hours because we can choose where and when we want to work. Exercise stimulates circulation and activates blood flow, which improves the brain’s oxygen saturation. This has proven to increase employees’ motivation and productivity.

Massage

Almost everyone has experienced back pain. Most of us have heard about pain in the lower back, or in the shoulder and neck area. The improvised workplace at home has contributed to this even more.The most common mistake homeworkers make is sitting on a dining chair. This can cause serious health problems in the neck and shoulder area.
A regular massage might improve mental and physical well-being. It is a well-known fact that employees who feel good are more motivated and perform better. That’s why it makes sense to treat yourself to a self-massage during the working day. It can relax your entire body and help relieve stress and strain almost instantly. To ease the pain and reduce muscle tension, an electric neck massager is a perfect solution. No matter what type of work you do, a daily massage can increase productivity and enhance your overall home office experience.

The future of home office

Globalization, digitization and changing living conditions require more flexible work models.
The corona virus pandemic has fundamentally changed the attitude of employers and employees towards working from home. A growing number of companies are switching to remore work. Before the pandemic, this was hardly conceivable. Large corporations even want to offer their employees home office as a standard work scheme. In the future we can expect a hybrid model, which involves a combination in-house and remote work.

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/simple-tips-to-tackle-working-from-home/

https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/advantages-and-disadvantages-employees-working-home

The importance of ecology and proper e-waste management is an issue that each and every one of us has to be aware of. We are witnessing large-scale production of goods around the world, and recycling, in most cases, does not follow this trend.

In recent years, a large number of electronic devices with significantly reduced lifespan have been in the focus of attention. Devices that have been repaired once and which are now mostly replaced are a part of everyday life in most households.

This current situation raises the question of where and how electronic waste can be disposed of. Proper waste management  important issue that is the responsibility not only of the competent authorities, but also of the citizens themselves.

 

Who is responsible for the return and storage of old devices?

In Germany, around two tons of high-tech waste is accumulated every year. About 40 percent is properly treated, and the law itself indicates that 65 percent of high tech must be properly treated. In order to foster proper disposal of electronic waste, there are other waste disposal streams in addition to the designated municipal collection points. From 24^th April 2016 larger manufacturing companies are obliged to return used devices. In this way, the end user is motivated to manage waste properly by speeding up the recycling processes.

The return obligation also applies to shops with high-tech products with sales area greater than 400 m2 and supermarkets of at least 800 m2. Supermarkets have to meet this obligation if they stock some of these products several times a year or in continuity.

If the sellers have a storage and distribution area greater than 800 m2 for electronic devices, they are obliged, at the request of each consumer, to pick up and transport a specific device within a reasonable distance free of charge.

In any case, the municipalities also offer the possibility of waste disposal directly in recycling depots. The return of old devices is free of charge in this case, but collection from the residential address may be subject to a charge.

Relationship between end users and electronic waste collection points

Every consumer is given the opportunity to return the old device if he/she buys a new one. An electrical device with over 25 cm outer edge length can be handed in at the collection point after the consumer purchases a new device. A prerequisite is that the manufacturer and distributor of electronic devices has established cooperation with collection points. Devices with an edge width of more than 25 cm can be returned after purchasing similar devices from the manufacturers. In this case, a proof of purchase has to be provided.

If you decide to hand in your old electrical or electronic equipment, you can find out more about this topic at https://www.take-e-back.de/Verwachsener-Ruecknahmestellen-machen. Before accessing the link, it is important to know that your devices will be accepted at those collection points in your area.

 

Legislation and e-waste management

All devices that rely on electric energy can be classified as waste and fall under the “Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG)”. Some of the new products included in this law are night storage heaters. It’s important to note that they contain asbestos, a potentially toxic silicon mineral that requires professional handling and storage. Such heaters can be handed in at public collection points or employees can be notified prior to collection.

An interesting fact is that from 15^th August 2018 onwards electronic products are considered to be all products that contain an integrated electrical or electronic component. A real example of these are sneakers with luminous soles and backpacks with integrated lights.

Using the above mentioned items as an example, it can be determined whether the entire product or only a part of it  is considered to be e-waste. If the electronic component is firmly connected and there is no possibility of separating it without high resistance, the product should end up in the collection centre. Even if the object can be used after the electronic component malfunctions, as is the case with luminous sneakers, it is perfectly acceptable to remove it.

On the other hand, it is possible to remove the electrical part or replace defective parts in certain products. A good example is a dressing table mirror which contains an easily replaceable battery, or dynamos on the bicycle. In these cases, the electricity shares comply with the legal requirements and should be disposed of.

 

E-waste mismanagement means facing an environmental problem

As already mentioned, more than half of the devices in Germany are not recycled. From an economic and ecological point of view, which means an irreversible loss of valuable and consumable metals. What’s more, poor waste management is posing a serious threat to the environment.

Many high-tech devices contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. It is well-known that such elements can be disastrous for the entire ecosystem if not managed properly. In contrast, electronic devices contain the most valuable metals on the market, platinum and gold, as well as copper. Additionally, countless plastic compounds are available. In order to comply with the law, it is necessary to recycle four-fifths of electronic waste.

In addition to having negative effects on the environment, irresponsible disposal of old devices can endanger the health of the population, In addition, electronic waste is illegally exported to developing countries in Asia and Africa. As a consequence, children in these countries are often exposed to hazardous effects of contraband. In order to extract raw materials from old devices, such as extracting copper from plastic cables, people and their children resort to primitive methods that in many cases lead to contamination of water, soil and air.

Get your devices repaired instead of buying new ones

Soaring e-waste is an issue that we will have to address seriously in the future. Literally every month we witness the release of new cell phones, upgraded hand blenders, new graphics cards for gaming, etc.

In conclusion, only a defective device means waste. Even a minor defect does not mean that a repair is no longer an option.

Give your old childhood cassette player new life. Visit local workshops, you’ll be surprised to see there are always plenty more of them.

 

• E-waste management in the UK owners of old devices from private households can dispose these at the public waste disposal authorities or bring them to producer or seller related disposal locations. You can find these disposal locations online: http://www.recycle-more.co.uk

 

References:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulations-waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/publications/2016-2021/2017/aera/1117.pdf

Festive season – the time dedicated to family, fun, lazing around. And of course food. Nobody can resist all the delicious dishes and crunchy Christmas biscuits. And why should you? It’s only once a year…

The holidays are over, but you probably could not avoid gaining some extra pounds which is usually associated with low mood, energy loss, indigestion problems and the general feeling of discomfort and lack of well-being. So what’s next? Spring and summer are fast approaching.

We’ve made a selection of a few popular detox diets and tips that might help you on your journey to the perfect summer body.

 

Mediterranean detox diet

The Mediterranean detox diet involves forming healthy eating habits and is less aimed at weight loss. This diet is considered to be one of the healthiest diets because, in addition to well-balanced meals, the focus is on eating mindfully and slowly.

Those of you who opt for this diet should take time to eat because eating slowly promotes weight loss. When eating too quickly, the natural feeling of satiety often fails, which means that too many calories are consumed.

The menu of this detox diet consists of high-fiber, fresh foods, fruit, vegetables, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, poultry and whole grain products. If you want to lose weight successfully with the help of the Mediterranean diet, you should avoid processed meat and sausages.

Good news is that even one glass of red wine a day is allowed. Since by following the Mediterranean diet meal plan does not mean giving up certain types of food, this diet is particularly attractive for gourmets.

16/8 Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is not a typical detox diet where you should avoid certain foods. The procedure is quite simple: fasting for 16 hours per day and eating within an eight-hour window.

This diet is quite flexible when it comes to the alteration of eating and fasting periods. You can choose the cycle that best suits you to get the best possible results. However, the 10am to 6pm meal interval is the most common one.

Although there are no food-specific restrictions on intermittent fasting, it is recommended that you eat wholefood and avoid processed meals as much as possible. As far as drinks are concerned, unsweetened tea and coffee are allowed in addition to water.

Since this type of detox diet is forbidden for certain medical conditions, you should consult your doctor first. Each person responds differently to intermittent fasting due to genetics, current health status, medical history, and lifestyle.

 

Detox Banana Diet

This diet plan first gained tremendous popularity in Japan which then quickly spread to the rest of the world. The idea behind this diet is that breakfast and all snacks are replaced with bananas. It’s important to choose green, unripe bananas because their resistant starches help keep blood sugar levels down, which promotes weight loss.

The meal plan is very simple:

You can eat as many bananas as you want for breakfast. Bananas are making a comeback as a small snack between meals.

For lunch you can eat whatever you want. Of course, as with any diet, it is recommended that you consume low-fat, high-fiber, fresh food and avoid processed food and ready-made meals.

For dinner, you have freedom of choice, as long as you stick to your lunch plan. You should avoid alcohol and water is recommended as a perfect drink for staying hydrated. Unsweetened tea and coffee are also not forbidden, but they should be avoided if it is possible.

The principles of this diet are very simple and this detox diet is easy to follow. But for how long you are ready to eat bananas is another question.

 

Exercise: an irreplaceable part of every weight loss program

 

In order to get fit again after the holidays, it is not enough just to stick to your chosen diet and change your eating habits. Regular exercise is a must.

It is well-known that sport and exercise make us healthy and more energetic. However, it is often difficult to set aside 1-2 hours for the gym several times a week. That’s why we often give up before we even start.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is also enough if you only get 15-20 minutes of exercise a day. A short walk in the park or at-home workout are easy to integrate into your everyday routine. Moreover, do not forget about at-home equipment that can ensure optimal workout.

One of them, for example, is a vibration plate. It delivers rapid vibrations throughout the body. As a result, muscle tissue can be better supplied with blood, energy can be burned and fat can be broken down more effectively. In combination with regular training, the stimulation of the deep muscles can be particularly effective. In addition, the vibrations can strengthen the bones and give the skeleton more stability, which can reduce joint problems. Vibrations make muscles contract and relax continuously, which can also strengthen the muscles. A 15-minute workout on a vibration plate can be more effective than spending an hour at the gym. So, there are no more excuses for not exercising.

 

A change in eating habits in combination with physical exercise can quickly bring about results you were hoping for. Don’t let your holiday weight gain discourage you and start with your transformation right now. With just a little effort by following these tips you can achieve a lot.

 

References:

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48478529

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/diets/896648/post-Christmas-detox-how-to-diet-weight-loss

New year is just the right time for a change, new experiences, exciting adventures and challenges.  If finding or changing a job is the right adventure for you, we have a few tips that might help you on your way to finding the dream job.

Clearly define your goals

No matter whether you are starting your first job hunt or just want to change your career path after years of experience, it is crucial that you have a clear picture of what kind of a job you are looking for.

Take time to find answers to a few key questions: What are your interests? What do you want to accomplish or learn? How much free time would you like to have? Would commuting be an option for you or are you willing to relocate? The answers to these questions will help you find the dream job more easily and focus on the career you aspire to.

How to do job hunting online?

 

In the old days people used to find jobs by browsing job advert sections in the newspapers. Those days are long gone and job hunting has drastically changed since then. Nowadays, job hunting is almost entirely done online. This makes the process even more complicated because you might feel overwhelmed by too many job offers. So, where should you start?

There are numerous options for finding a job: specialized job posting sites, social media, private networks.

You will definitely find a large selection of vacancies on https://de.jooble.org/.  The more you narrow down your job search criteria, the easier the search for the right job would be.

You can look for a job on Jooble by entering the name of a job and filter the results using the city you are interested in, date, salary, employer name. Since https://de.jooble.org/ helps people find employment in 71 countries and is available in 24 languages, those of you who are adventure seekers will have their hands full searching for the right job.

How to prepare for a job interview?

 

Have you found your dream job and now you should prepare for a job interview? Perfect! You are already halfway to getting the job you were looking for.

The first step would be to make a perfect CV. It should be well-structured and informative. Also, bear in mind that recruiters usually have no time to read long CVs. Include only the relevant information related to your professional development and qualifications. Moreover, put your skills in the focus of attention.

Including a photo on your resume is not necessary, but it is always a good idea to have at least one photo professionaly taken so that your future employer can get the right impression of you.

A compelling cover letter is essential. While you are looking for a job, do thorough research on the company and the job requirements. Do not forget to mention why you would be a good fit to the company and what your potential contribution would be.

 

Night before the interview

 

You are fully prepared for the upcoming job interview and now you can relax a bit. Not really, experts recommend that you should indulge in complete relaxation, so that you can do your best.

Although you are still feeling nervous and you head is full of thoughts and worries, try to switch off and take some time for relaxation. Read a few pages of a book, watch  a comedy or pamper yourself with a massage. With a neck masager treat yourself to a rejuvenating powers of massage therapy and  bring your body and mind into harmony.

Go to bed as early as possible in order to get proper rest and  show yourself in the best possible light. We hope that your job hunt will be successful and that you will end up getting that dream job.

We wish you the best of luck!

 

References:

https://uk.jooble.org/

https://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/top-tips-for-writing-a-perfect-cv-8682884.html

https://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/careers/a36763283/find-a-job/

During the last year there has been a harsh debate on the topic of ‘’penalty taxes‘‘ for online trading. It has been suggested that additional taxes should be introduced for e-commerce.

What goes in favour of the proposed additional taxes?

Those in favour of this approach claim that online trade is the reason why city centres are becoming deserted. Shops are getting closed, so there is no reason for people to move into the city centres. Internet shopping is destroying the urban culture and the spirit of the community. This is particularly apparent in inner cities. Moreover, local shops cannot be competitive on the market since they also have to pay the city tax while online retailers have no such obligation and use local infrastructure for parcel deliveries. As a result, it has been suggested that online retailers pay additional taxes – 25% of the gross value of the product. The collected VAT would be redirected to local communities and invested into the development of town centres and attract more visitors.

Digitization as an alternative solution

The trade union is against this suggestion. They believe the reasons for such a disadvantaged position of the towns in the interior are high commercial rents, a lack of parking spaces in business centres and rigid bureaucracy. They think the appropriate solution would be digitization in order to stimulate local shops to build their own online network. This strategy has proven to be useful during the corona crisis when many shops would not have survived if they had not reoriented their business towards online sales. The development of online trade is inevitable and should not be financially burdened. Higher prices and more expensive orders would place an additional burden on those buyers who are dependent on online shopping due to physical, health or age-related restrictions.

The reasons why proponents of additional taxes strategy want to place an additional burden on online trade is the fact that non-EU based sellers tend to evade taxes, disrespect consumer rights and do not demonstrate responsibility for environmental issues. However, the trade union explains that most small and medium sized businesses in Germany pay taxes regularly and respect legal procedures related to consumer rights, recycling and packaging regulations.

VAT changes for e-commerce from 1 July 2021

Moreover, from 1 July new VAT changes for e-commerce in the EU will be introduced. One-Stop-Shop (OSS) is the platform that EU businesses can will be able to use to comply with VAT obligations. The existing distance selling selling thresholds will be abolished for separate EU countries and there will be a uniform distance selling threshold of 10,000 euros that will apply to all EU countries. Still the VAT will have to be paid in each EU country based on the principle of destination. Furthermore, if a company is based outside EU or does not have stock in one of the EU member states from 1 July 2021 Amazon/eBay/other online marketplaces are obliged to collect and remit VAT to the relevant authorities and and pay the net price to the sales partner. In this way a fair share of VAT between EU countries will be regulated, and protect the interest of EU sellers.

What do you think about additional taxes? Post in the comment section below.

 

https://www.onlinehaendler-news.de/e-commerce-trends/digitale-wirtschaft/134857-haendlerbund-keine-steuern-online-handel?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wee

https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/deutschland/wirtschaft/online-handel-besteuerung-rettung-innenstaedte-100.html

 

 

Back pain represents a common problem of modern lifestyle, caused by many factors – long periods of sitting, incorrect posture, lack of physical activity, stress or injuries. As a result, acute and tedious backache can impede normal everyday activities and generally, lead to a poor quality of life. Therefore, it is, by all means, always better to be safe than sorry – Donnerberg back support gives your spine the right level of support in the office, at home, when travelling.

BUCKLE SYSTEM PROTECTED BY THE GERMAN PATENT OFFICE

Practical and ergonomic backrest is an effective solution for relieving backache. Thanks to its innovative buckle system, our Donnerberg back support can be attached to different types of chairs and car seats. In a simple way attach adjustable and robust straps so that the mesh back support perfectly suits you back – it remains fixed to the chair. Most importantly, our innovative anti-slip system is protected by the German Patent Office.

GERMAN QUALITY COMES FIRST

We paid special attention to the customers’ needs and designed a modern lumbar support according to the highest German quality standards – a steel wire frame contributes to its durability and  also prevents it from losing shape and firmness. The Donnerberg lumbar backrest, with its optimal dimensions, covers the entire spine, thus, relieving tension, stiffness and pain.

 

PERFECT SOLUTION FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER

Everyday fast pace of life does not leave enough time for sufficient physical activity and exercise. Bearing this in mind, we can choose to offer our spine the correct sitting posture.

From the start, the ergonomic back support solves problems that affect people of all ages and professions. No matter whether you work at the office, learn from home, commute, it is hard to keep your back upright. For that reason, Donnerberg back support offers an ideal solution – it might improve the posture, reduce tension and fatigue. Moreover, ergonomic massage beads gently lean onto your back and consequently stimulate  blood flow and alleviate back muscle pain.

THE CORRECT POSTURE AND GOOD HEALTH

The spine is one of the strongest anatomic structures which performs numerous important tasks: keeps the body stable and flexible, supports the corpse, ensures mobility of the head and body and protects the spinal cord. In other words, a healthy spine and strong back muscles represent the core of a healthy body. The upright posture brings numerous benefits for both the body and mind. First and foremost, it helps in preventing pain: backache, neck pain and shoulder pain, etc.

Choose a healthy option and do the right thing for your back. Our back support offers an efficient and practical solution!

 

 

 

Sources:

 

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/back-care/back-pain

https://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/blog/the-anatomy-and-function-of-the-spine

Brexit is claimed to have a significant impact on the retailer and consumer sector. There are challenges ahead for those who sell and purchase online, as the UK is awaiting to exit the EU. However, it isn’t all negative. On the 24th December the UK agreed on the terms of its future partnership with the European Union after intense negotiations.

In this article find out what online retailers can expect to face in the forthcoming months, as well as some guidelines for consumers and online shopping.

What will Brexit bring to retailers?

 

The UK will not leave the EU single market and customs union under the guidelines of the World Trade Organization. This means that from 1 January, there will be no additional charges for products (tariffs) or restrictions on the amount that can be exchanged (quotas) between the UK and the EU. However, border control will carry additional checks, so companies which depend on the transport of goods to and from the EU will need to get ready. They will have to be fill out customs documents as Great Britain wants to follow its own trade policy rather than enter into a customs union with the EU.

 

What will Brexit bring to consumers?

 

On 31 December, Brexit is coming and it will have an influence on your rights as a consumer when shopping from an EU based website. Here are some tips when buying products in online shops:

• You should buy from reliable and trustworthy sellers. This means doing some research beforehand by checking the retailer’s social media and reviews pages.
• Moreover, check that the website is secure. It is advisable to check the website’s terms and conditions to make sure that you can replace or return the product if necessary.
• Additionally, if you are purchasing items from an EU based store check details regarding any additional VAT or customs charges.

 

 

Customer satisfaction in times of uncertainty

Looking on the bright side, e-commerce has been thriving in the recent years as consumers  increasingly prefer online shopping and make fewer trips to shops. More than ever our company is aware that this trend requires an even more customer-centric approach. We are doing our best to face new challenges and continue to deliver high quality customer service. If you have any questions related to product placement, parcel deliveries or refund, our customer service will be happy to assist you.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-55180293

https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/1a6d5c9a-e678-11ea-ad25-01aa75ed71a1

https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/2020/12/02/brexit-checklist-for-online-shopping/

https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/brexit-handelsabkommen-eu-grossbritannien-1.5157806

What is your first thought when you hear the words Black Friday? – Shop till you drop. It’s raining discounts everywhere. We are literally enticed with Black Friday ads. So, what do we do? – Go shopping – of course. This tradition originates from the USA and has spread to Europe in recent years. It is the first Friday following Thanksgiving, the fourth Friday in November. This year it falls on 27^th November. On this day, the Christmas shopping season unofficially starts. It’s swarming with special deals. Everyone wants a piece of the pie.

Black Friday in Germany

It is no different in Germany. The term was firstly used in Germany in 2013. By 2017, more than 80% of all Germans had heard about this day and nowadays almost everyone knows what this term means. In contrast to the USA, most discounts in Germany are offered online instead of in local shops. While in the USA the night before Black Friday people would wait in lines in front of the shops, Germans would sit in the comfort of their own homes in front of their computers. Those who prefer to shop in person are likely to find the right offers in the shops without worrying of being trampled over.

We associate the term exclusively with special offers, discounts and shopping. But where does the term actually come from?

Why is it called Black Friday?

Even though it is not completely clear where the term comes from, there are several theories about its origin. Here are the most common ones:

 

·        Stock market crash in 1929

The term was coined in the financial sector and refers to the biggest stock market crash in history. It took place on October 24, 1929 in New York. October 24th was Thursday, but due to the time difference, the stock market crash in Europe fell on the next day and thus became “Black Friday”. This day doesn’t have much to do with the well-known Black Friday packed with special deals and heavy discounts.

·        Retailers are getting out of the red

Another theory is based on the belief that on the day after Thanksgiving, retailers were making sales so large that they went from red to black and actually made profit. This theory is also just an idea of how the term was derived, and it is probably just that – an idea.

·        Philadelphia 1966

The most common and probable theory behind the name takes us back to the American city of Philadelphia in 1966. On the Friday following Thanksgiving the term was for the first time used to refer to shopping. The police used the words “Black Friday” to describe the chaos that prevailed on the streets of the city that day. As so many people had a day off, they used it to do their Christmas shopping. The traditional football match on the following Saturday only contributed to the chaos. Both events caused heavy traffic congestion on the streets and afterwards the police officers, who had to work overtime, called this day “Black Friday”. Over the years this term has spread, firstly to the USA and then all over the world. Nowadays it is a synonym for bargains.

To sum up

Regardless of where the term comes from, this day is a great opportunity to shop for bargains in the comfort of your home. Especially these days when we are thinking about our health and have to be responsible and respect social distancing. Special offers are now not only valid for 24 hours, but for up to a week. This is also the case with most retailer shops this year – there is a Black offer week! So what could be better than buying your Christmas presents online and avoiding all the stress shopping? Christmas shopping without the hustle and bustle, which is not that bad. Add a glass of wine and a massage to the atmosphere and you get pure perfection!

 

 

 

What do you think about Black Friday deals ? Leave your comment.

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-it-called-black-friday

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/black-friday/0/black-friday-name-why-called-what-history-sales-2020-event/

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/black-friday-2020-sales-start-19255613

 

You are entering into a conference room and at first glance you scan the body posture of all the participants. You have already made the first impression of every single person. They didn’t even have to say a word.

First impression is subconsciously mapped into our brain and it’s hard to change. We have to ask ourselves how we can use our body language to influence others and why. What’s more, how can we improve our first impression?

Good posture is not only important for creating first impressions, but for our health as well.

The impact of posture on health

As soon as people started walking upright three to four million years ago, our spine started adjusting to this new position. Over the years our spine, when seen from the side, developed gentler curves in the shape of the letter S, which was retained until today. Even though this spine position provided greater flexibility, it has significant drawbacks: our spine is prone to injuries and tension. Bad posture is a frequent cause of these health problems.

 

How is bad posture developed?

Nowadays we spend a lot of time in front of our computer screen, which greatly affects our posture. For those who aren’t familiar with this posture: leaned forward, your shoulders pulled towards your chest, the dorsal side of your hand turned upwards… for 8 hours. Consequences: headache, neck pain, back pain and bad mood. Exercises and regular physical activity can encourage correct posture. What’s more, while sitting we could support our spine. Lumbar support is the right choice for this.

 

What is lumbar support?

As it was mentioned before, a healthy spine has an S-shaped curve. In medicine lumbar spine is considered to be the lower part of the spine. Lumbar support is an ergonomic support for your back. It supports your spine and relieves tension in the lower back. Lumbar support can be used in various everyday situations: in the office, car, at home. It is particularly efficient during prolonged sitting periods or long drive. Lumbar support may encourage good posture and reduce neck and back pain.

 

The impact of our body language on others

Body posture greatly affects your body language. Nonverbal communication is the first thing people notice, and we all tend to give a good first impression. We can change that.

What kind of an impression do we give?

In order to give a good first impression correct sitting and standing posture is important. It means a straight back, shoulders pulled back, stomach pulled in. This posture implies self-confidence, competence and is perfect for everyday activities, as well as for those situations when you are in focus, such as in job interviews, conferences or video calls. On these occasions we find ourselves in the sitting position so our posture is equally important whether we sit or stand. Unfortunately, we often forget about our posture, especially while we are are sitting. We loosen up, our back and stomach muscles relax and we end up slouching.

How can we encourage ourselves to sit up straight?

In this case sport can be really helpful. Strengthening your stomach and back muscles might help us to sit up straight. We could also use the lumbar support. Lumbar support does not only ease back and neck pain, but it also reminds us to sit in the upright position so we could give a good and confident first impression.

Conclusion

We  can conclude that posture has a big impact on our body language. Since nonverbal communication makes up more than a half of our entire communication it is crucial for giving a good first impression, especially in important situations. As we already know, regular exercises and physical activity help us improve our posture. However, a bit of cheating is always allowed, particularly if it’s good for us. Lumbar support is definitely good for our back.

How important is good posture in a job interview? Post a comment!

 

Other useful links:

https://www.rtl.de/cms/gesundheitslexikon-lordose-4258779.html

https://www.betten.de/lexikon/lordosenstuetze.html

https://blog.hubspot.de/sales/nonverbale-kommunikation

https://www.berufsstrategie.de/bewerbung-karriere-soft-skills/koerperhaltung.php