5 Best Countries for Startups in Asia

Over the past few years, the Asia-Pacific region has been getting more attention from venture capitalists around the world and there is no doubt that the startup ecosystem in Asia will continue to flourish. Low cost of living in Asia is the main reason why there are so many entrepreneurs moving their startups here. A Business infrastructures are improving in other Asian countries. National governments are also showing their support. The continuous improvements in Asia will surely offer a solid ecosystem for startups in the future.

Here are the 5 best startups countries in Asia:

1. Singapore

As the jewel in the Asian startup crown, Singapore, bills itself as the complete package. This startup city has everything from fintech accelerators to coworking spaces on every corner. But, is there too much money and not enough hustle in Singapore to generate real cutting edge startups that can thrive outside of its borders in less forgiving markets abroad? Singapore provides startups with endless options for networking and startup ideas.

Singapore was named the best startup ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. It has about 3,600 active startups, with strong growth in e-commerce, gaming, and social media. Singapore has been a thriving business center, and is home to the Asian headquarters of major U.S. companies such as Google, Uber and Facebook.

Situated on the major sea route between India and China, the city has a huge potential for market reach, with nearly half of startup customers living abroad. It’s also worth noting that Singapore has the highest mobile penetration of any nation globally. Almost nine out of 10 people have access to a smartphone. That provides new, exciting opportunities in e-commerce.

2. Indonesia

The beauty of the country and its friendly locals capture the interest of startups. The environment is also more open and collaborative compared to other countries.

The largest city of Indonesia, Jakarta is also known as one of the biggest megacities in the world. One skyscraper after the other keeps rising into the sky of Jakarta, showing the massive demand for space.

The country’s growing middle class keeps flocking into the city, bringing with them a strong purchasing power, high penetration of mobile phones and an enormous demand for online service – presenting plenty of opportunities for new business ideas. The outcome is a strong market for tech startups to explore.

Although there is no government funded support, more and more Indonesian investors are entering the market. Solving the upcoming challenges caused by the city’s fast growth means startups have to be practical, because they need to pay off since day one. For this reason, Jakarta is home to a number of startups focusing on travel, e-commerce and lifestyle.

3. Malaysia

The Malaysian city of Kuala Lumpur, with a population of just under 2 million, is also known as one of the best startups cities in Asia. The economy may be smaller compared to, say, that of Delhi, but its proximity to the large Southeast Asian markets makes it an attractive place to start a business.

Malaysian government is supportive to startups. In 2013, the prime minister of Malaysia created MaGIC to help entrepreneurs. Startups can join their programs to equip themselves with skills, knowledge, and network. MaGIC is now the largest startup accelerators in Asia.

GrabTaxi is one notable startup success story. The ride hailing service launched officially in Malaysia in 2011 (it has since moved its headquarters to Singapore). Today, it operates in six countries worldwide, counts more than 3.8 million app users, and is valued at more than $1.5 billion.

Malaysia is a good place to grow regional businesses. From a rules and regulations perspective, it is relatively easy to employ foreign talent in Malaysia, especially with the recent introduction of the MSC Status that permits startups to hire up to 20 foreign employees without restriction.

4. China

China is an economic powerhouse, there is no doubt in it. Although the country’s traditions hasn’t been supportive in entrepreneurial endeavours, today’s startup culture is catching up with China. Beijing is already known as one of the best startup cities in Asia, and the access to over a billion people living in China can’t be neglected.

The Chinese startup ecosystem scored high in performance and funding. China also got a fair score in investor experience and access to investment. Foreign start-ups in China are mostly concentrated in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, although there is a small number of start-ups for gaming in Chengdu and for hardware in Shenzhen.

However, Hong Kong has been seeing growth in startups from around the world across various industries, particularly in e-commerce, financial technology and hardware. Located in southeastern China, Hong Kong becomes the best city for startups in this country. With roughly 2,000 early and late-stage startups, the city’s proximity to Mainland China gives  companies a competitive edge.

Hong Kong is a city where East meets West. Local people get along well with expatriates. Low taxes, minimal government interference and simple incorporation processes are also an advantage. Setting up a business takes an hour to complete and the director doesn’t have to reside in Hong Kong.  Historically, Hong Kong has always been very successful in capturing business opportunities by integrating and harnessing the talents and resources in the region and around the world.

5. India

Ask any aspiring entrepreneur where they will like to launch their dream startup, and more often than not you will hear the word Bangalore rolling off their tongues in a second. With 4,900 active startups, and $2.3 billion worth of VC investments, the Indian city of Bangalore is known as one of the best place to do business in Asia. Bangalore has the concentration of people, engineers, investors and a more easy-going culture. The city is also hailed as the grandfather of tech startup hubs and often called “The World’s Back Office”.

Indian startup ecosystem has really taken off and come into its own—driven by factors such as massive funding, consolidation activities, evolving technology and a burgeoning domestic market. The numbers are telling—from 3,100 startups in 2014 to a projection of more than 11,500 by 2020, this is certainly not a passing trend. It’s a revolution. And it’s going to change the way the markets are working today in India.

It is not just for being the hot-bed for tech innovations, Bangalore is a great fusion of hi-quality talent, cheaper real estate, better access to capital with a high density of investors and mentorship support, a conducive government that announced initiatives like building one of the Asia’s biggest startup warehouse, an Internet of Things Lab, etc., that attract companies from cities like Delhi and Mumbai and certainly across India.

Cairdeas is a trustworthy one stop office for your accounts bookkeeping, financial reporting, social media marketing and all administration services. Cairdeas will ensure that all aspects of your business are being done properly, so you can focus on the bigger picture and ensure yourself a balanced life.Save

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The Importance of Time Management

Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter – not harder – so that you get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress.

It seems that there is never enough time in the day. But, since we all get the same 24 hours, why is it that some people achieve so much more with their time than others? The answer lies in good time management.

It may seem counter-intuitive to dedicate precious time to learning about time management, instead of using it to get on with your work, but the benefits are enormous, such as:

• Greater productivity and efficiency
• A better professional reputation
• Less stress
• Increased opportunities for advancement
• Greater opportunities to achieve important life and career goals

Failing to manage your time effectively can have some very undesirable consequences below:

• Missed deadlines
• Inefficient work flow
• Poor work quality
• A poor professional reputation and a stalled career
• Higher stress levels

If you want to get the best results possible from your life; time management skills are essential. As you improve your time management skills, you will find that you get more valuable work completed in less time. It is not about increasing the quantity of work that you complete. It is all about ensuring that you complete your most important tasks which will enable you to achieve your goals quicker and with less stress.

For example, you may be frequently interrupted or pulled in different directions at work. While you cannot eliminate interruptions, you do get a say on how much time you will spend on them and how much time you will spend on the thoughts, conversations and actions that will lead you to success.

Here are some techniques to become the master of your own time:

1. Carry a schedule and record all your thoughts, conversations and activities for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the course of a day and where your precious moments are going. You’ll see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive thoughts, conversations and actions.
2. Plan to spend at least 50 percent of your time engaged in the thoughts, activities and conversations that produce most of your results.
3. Schedule time for interruptions. Plan time to be pulled away from what you’re doing. Take, for instance, the concept of having “office hours.” Isn’t “office hours” another way of saying “planned interruptions?”
4. Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don’t start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time.
5. Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain. This will help you know what success looks like before you start. And it will also slow time down. Take five minutes after each call and activity to determine whether your desired result was achieved. If not, what was missing? How do you put what’s missing in your next call or activity?
6. Put up a “Do not disturb” sign when you absolutely have to get work done.
7. Practice not answering the phone just because it’s ringing and e-mails just because they show up. Disconnect instant messaging. Don’t instantly give people your attention unless it’s absolutely crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.
8. Block out other distractions like Facebook and other forms of social media unless you use these tools to generate business.
9. Remember that it’s impossible to get everything done. Also remember that odds are good that 20 percent of your thoughts, conversations and activities produce 80 percent of your results.

Cairdeas is a trustworthy one stop office for your accounts bookkeeping, financial reporting, social media marketing and all administration services. Cairdeas will ensure that all aspects of your business are being done properly, so you can focus on the bigger picture and ensure yourself a balanced life.

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How To Stop Bringing Work Stress Home With You

The traditional 9-to-5 work lifestyle is long gone. For many of us, it’s not unusual to stay at the office until 7 or 8, or to work on a freelance job, startup idea, or extra project. Even if your company promotes a healthy work-life balance, your workload may get out-of-control busy at some point and you’ll simply need to bring work home in the evenings or over the weekend.

This new reality of never truly being off the clock can send your stress levels off the charts if you let it. Stress is dangerous as it can wreak havoc in your life. It can negatively affect your body. It can cause muscle pain, headache, low libido, fatigue, sleep problems, and digestive problems. It also causes restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Stress can adversely alter your behavior — it can lead to angry outbursts, overeating, alcohol and drug abuse, social withdrawal, and weight changes. So, if you don’t stop bringing work stress home, you are at huge risk of damaging or even destroying your relationships.

However, there are ways to make it less painful. It’s all about sticking to boundaries so that when you do need to bring the work home, you can at least leave the stress back at the office.

Here are some ways to stop bringing work stress home and keep your home life happy and stress-free:

• Create some space

Designate a workspace at home for those late nights. This can be anywhere you have access to a flat surface and adequate lighting that allows you to concentrate—a desk, your kitchen table, a reading chair, just not your bed! This helps your mind and body understand when you’re in working mode and allows you to more effectively transition to “home” mode when you’re done.

• Know when to call it a day

Pick a non-negotiable time to put away all your work—and stick to it. For many people, 9 or 10 PM is a great cut off time to stow away all devices before bed. Whichever hour you settle on, it should allow you to transition into relaxation and get enough sleep so that you’re rested enough to be productive the next day. Before you go to sleep, carve out a short amount of time for yourself and read or watch a TV show to unwind and get your mind off the work and transition into relaxation.

• Communicate
  

Just as you and the people you live with have discussed logistics like who’s in charge of sending the rent check each month, it’s crucial to sort out your need for working from home as well. How quiet do you need your living space to be? Can you handle, “Hey, did you do the laundry?” or “Can you believe what my boyfriend said!?” interruptions? Having good, open communication with your roommates, significant other, or family around your work needs is key. After all, not only do you want to get your work done, you also want to be sure you’re keeping your home a happy place.

• Release the negative work-related thoughts

Once you step out of your office, you must make a conscious decision to release your nagging work-related thoughts and focus on your family. Practicing a visualization technique is a great way to stop bringing work stress home. It strengthens your power over your mind. It helps you relax and refuel after a long and tiring day at work. It also deepens your awareness of your feelings and thoughts.

After you go out of the office, stay in your car or somewhere you can be alone for a while. Make yourself comfortable. Take a deep breath and then close your eyes. Imagine that you are on a beach and that you’re burying your toes in the sand. Imagine that you’re holding a freshly squeezed juice in your hand. Imagine that you are calm, relaxed, smiling, and happy. Then envision a bright white light beaming through your head, taking away all your work-related thoughts.

• Take time to appreciate the little things
  

While you are driving or commuting on your way home, take your time to appreciate everything. Make your daily trips from work to home an opportunity to enjoy all the beauty around you. Take time to appreciate the trees, the people, and all the other beautiful things that you see on your way home. This strategy is a great way to stop bringing work stress home.

• Have a mantra

Each time you feel like you’re bringing your work stress home again, say a mantra that will help ground you. You can make up your own mantra. For example, you can say something like: “Work is already consuming me and I will not allow my work stress to destroy my relationships.” or “My family is more important than my work. I can always find another job, but my family is irreplaceable.”

• Learn to say no

You have a limit so if you want to keep stress at bay, you must respect your limits and learn to say no. You must remember that it is okay to say no. Saying no does not mean that you are not committed to your job. It just means that you prioritize more important things like your happiness, sanity, health, and family. Learn to prioritize your tasks and incorporate personal time into your daily schedule. Find time to do the things you love and focus on activities that you are truly passionate about. The thing is, the more you say yes to tasks at work, the fuller your plate will be. And that will only cause you more stress and pressure in the office, which can cause you to bring work-related stress home.

• Work hard, play hard

All work and no play can be harmful for you and the people around you. So, in order to stop bringing work stress home, you must maintain a healthy work-life balance. Exercise and hone your time management skills by making sure that you spend enough time for your family, your friends, and yourself. Do not let work consume you.

Cairdeas is a trustworthy one stop office for your accounts bookkeeping, financial reporting, social media marketing and all administration services. Cairdeas will ensure that all aspects of your business are being done properly, so you can focus on the bigger picture and ensure yourself a balanced life.Save

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How Procrastinating Can Actually Help You Achieve Your Goals

Productivity and success are tightly tied to each others. However, we find ourselves gravitating not towards a high-functioning tendency, but more towards procrastination and laziness. Because it just seems to be the easier thing to do. Many people delay starting on work because they are not “in the zone.” Waiting for inspiration is just another way to procrastinate, and it is a sure-fire way of running out of time to do a great job.

Although procrastination is considered a bad word, there are times when procrastinating can make you more productive. Here is why:

• You get more ideas. Creativity is the process of generating new ideas out of combinations of old ideas. The probability of creating combinations of old ideas grows as you gather more of those. When you procrastinate–you have more time to collect ideas.
• Ideas incubate. In the creative process, once old ideas occupy your head, they need time to incubate. Procrastination gives you that time. The probability of two old ideas meeting increases the longer they incubate in your head.
• Better alternatives come up. Before making decisions, you need to consider the alternatives. The more alternatives you have, the higher the probability of a better decision is. You may stumble upon an alternative simply because you didn’t rush to take an earlier alternative.
• You have time to discuss your ideas with more people and get their feedback, that will result in better ideas and decisions. You won’t benefit from their feedback if you pull the trigger on your decisions too early.

However, procrastination is not always good. There are times when it can hurt. There is a popular but very misleading line that reads, “The Deadline is the Best Inspiration”. Some people do believe they work better when they are under pressure, but what really happens is that they work faster. While they get a sense of euphoria when they “beat the deadline,” it also usually means they cut corners and turn in work that is less than stellar.

‘Productivity’ and organized work schedules don’t have to be the same for everybody. The type of organization you need depends on what works for you. If your creative juices happen to work late at night, simply shift your schedule a day earlier than the others, so that you connect in a mutually beneficial place and time.

These are some simple tips that you can do next time you find yourself procrastinating:

• Instead of browsing YouTube, watch your favorite really funny video. Laughter really is great medicine. A belly laugh certainly relaxes you, and may also increase productivity. Planning to watch that single funny video means you can quickly return to the task at hand.

• Instead of perusing your social networks, call a friend. You’ll get the same calming benefits of fostering a connection, and a break from the screen at the same time. Changing your environment helps you to truly leave your work behind. The cleaner the break, the more likely you are to return to your task reinvigorated.

• Instead of watching TV, take a nap. If you’re looking to really zone out, you might be tempted to settle down in front of the television. But before you know it, a few minutes turn into an hour-long episode, and then one episode becomes two. Get the same mental check-out with a quick nap. As long as you don’t snooze for more than 30 minutes, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the job.

• Instead of eating at your desk, take a real lunch. Face it — you’re not very productive when you’re typing with one hand and you’ve got a sandwich in the other. In fact, eating at your desk has been found to drain you of energy and decrease productivity, according to U.S. News. Instead of pretending to power through that project, take a few minutes to recharge midday away from your desk.

• Instead of having a snack, take a walk. Eating to avoid finishing a to-do item is different from eating because you’re hungry. Getting a little exercise instead can distract you from mindless snacking and help you refocus on getting stuff done. If you have the time and flexibility, plan your full workout for the middle of the day. Studies suggest that exercise during the work day increases productivity.

• Instead of daydreaming, run an errand. While it can be relaxing to picture your upcoming tropical vacation, daydreaming doesn’t have that finite ending that you’re looking for in an ideal break. The change of scenery will help you clear your mind to come back with renewed intensity.

* So which is it? Procrastinate or not? Here is the wisdom you need to tell the difference:

Are you a person that gets stressed if you are too close to the deadline? If you are–don’t procrastinate. It could have negative physiological effects on you, and the quality of your work. Do it early so you can sleep better and keep your sanity. Don’t have issues with stress? Enjoy the benefits of procrastination.

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Top 12 New Year’s Resolution That Will Change Your Life

The New Year is right around the corner and every year people start making a New Year’s Resolution that only last for a few months. Whether you’re resolving to lose weight, speak up more in public or anything else, there’s one indisputable truth that’s impossible to ignore: change is hard.

New year, new you

But it doesn’t mean you should give up because New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity for all those who have failed to start making the changes in their life. These are the Top 12 New Year’s Resolution that you can try soon:

1. Start writing a book/journal

You’d be surprised to know just how many people out there have an interesting story to tell, but lack the confidence and skill to write everything down. Even if it is just a few random thoughts scribbled daily in a journal, you shouldn’t be afraid to give writing a go with a few tips and tricks.

2. Travel more and see the world

You’ll need to have your finances in order, get the right equipment and invest some time and effort before you consider traveling across the globe, but there are ways of experiencing different cultures and visiting faraway places even on a tighter budget.

3. Earn more money

Even billionaires are always looking for ways to earn more money, and we common folk can definitely use an additional source of income to make life a bit more comfortable. Fortunately there are plenty of options available, like having sidejobs, working as a freelancer or using the internet to your advantage.

4. Start a healthier lifestyle

Switching to a healthier diet can be incredibly tricky when we are surrounded by cheap junk food. However, with a good amount of determination and some basic tips you can slowly develop healthier eating habits. Some people don’t really have a big weight problem, and they even get some exercise a few times a week, but they just sit around the most of the time at home and at work, which can have a negative effect on their posture and health. In that case, all you need is to find ways of moving around more throughout the day instead of staying hunched over the computer. You also need to get more quality sleep for at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

5. Stop buying material goods

Food is fine but cheap disposal fashion is not. Clothes are one of the biggest waste on earth at the moment so you should resist the temptation of buying clothes every now and then. You can try to ditch the sweatshop addiction and do six months surviving on what you own already, it might be liberating.

6. Start saving money

The road to financial freedom is a rocky one, but it is definitely manageable with a bit of planning and self-restraint. Take a look at these strategies and methods and pay off your debt. You won’t believe how good it will feel. Earn some extra money by simply cutting out your expensive frothy coffee can make all the difference this time next year. It helps if you have a target – perhaps a holiday or a nice meal out.

7. Read more

Whether it be through supporting your local library or via that Kindle you were given by Santa, why not hit the classics? Try Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island or one by J.R.R. Tolkien, for some rewarding escapism. Books are an excellent way to gain a lot of knowledge on a huge variety of topics, and are also a great exercise for your brain.

8. Volunteer and give more to charity

To devote your time and energy to helping those in need is a noble gesture and a reward in itself, but it is also an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and boost your resume. Find some time, at least once a month, to do volunteer work in your busy life.

9. Learn a new language

Not only will learning a new language help improve your communication skills, it will also look great on your resume and possibly open up some doors for you. These days there are plenty of resources that allow you to learn a language for free and in your spare time.

10. Adopt a cute pet

There are tons of animal lovers out there that would be great at caring for a pet, but they often overthink things, while some people just rush out and get a pet without understanding the responsibility involved. Be sure you know what you are in for and find a pet that fits your living conditions and lifestyle.

11. Learn to be happier with your life

Even those that are in decent shape, make a good living and have stress under control can still be unhappy. It takes time and patience to learn how to find joy in the little things and not to let problems bring you down. Stress is one of the biggest killers out there, and it can have a very destructive effect on your relationships as well as your health.

12. Spend more time with the people that matter

There is just too little time in this life for us to waste it on insincere, duplicitous and toxic people. We should focus on the people who we care about deeply and who care about us, as this is the best way to stay happy.

 

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How To Settle In A New Country Easily

Change is inevitable and you can’t escape it. You may have to move to another country for a new job, study or to change your current way of life. While living in a new country can be full of excitement and positive experiences, there will be some difficulties along the way.

Here are some tips to make your settling in a new country easier:

1. Plan Ahead

Before you move, make sure you know what you need when you arrive and try to prepare as much as you can before you leave. It’s best to do a research about some important places in your new place to make sure that you have a pleasant stay. Once you arrived in your new country, you can start doing some of the most important tasks such as opening a bank account, registering for a school or renting a car.

2. Learn The Language

If you have moved to a country where the first language is not English then learning the local tongue really will help a lot. It is a good idea to try and pick up the basics before you move, and then at least you won’t be completely overwhelmed by the change. Improving your language skill will not only help you appreciate local cultures and people, but will make life much easier.

3. Join Expat Forums & Make New Friends

It’s not always easy to meet new people, regardless of where you are, but having a social life that you are used to and people you can call on in a time of need are vital to feeling at home in your new country. Joining an expat group, volunteering your time, or becoming a member of clubs that appeal to your interests can all help you develop a network of friends. Local expat groups, internet forums, friends, or colleagues can all be an excellent source of information and advice, but if you’re still not sure consider seeking professional help.

4. Expect The Unexpected

Be realistic about life in a new country but expect the unexpected. You may experience emotional extremes, from loving your new environment and enjoying everything new, or have bouts of homesickness and frustration with some aspects of life. While the initial phases can be the hardest, you’re realistically going to experience some mixed feelings over the years, at times, as you face different challenges in a new environment. The enduring benefit is that during the transitional process you will likely grow as you discover how to adapt and thrive.

5. Keep In Touch With Friends & Family

Keeping in touch with your friends and family is especially important if you are moving alone. Even amidst the excitement of the move, a new home in a foreign country can all too soon become a lonely place. To help ensure that you avoid any loneliness, don’t be too proud to call your family or friends to have a chat. Modern technology and social media make it so easy for you to communicate with the people you love in your hometown.

6. Understand The Local Customs

Nothing can cause embarrassment quite as much as not understanding local customs. For example, difficult cultures have different ways to introduce and behave in social situations from greetings, to meal times and saying goodbye. While most people will be forgiving if you’re not aware of the cultures, you can ensure that you’re not left feeling embarrassed for not following typical customs by researching in advance.

Cairdeas is a trustworthy one stop office for your accounts bookkeeping, financial reporting, social media marketing and all administration services. Cairdeas will ensure that all aspects of your business are being done properly, so you can focus on the bigger picture and ensure yourself a balanced life.Save

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The Easiest Ways to Relieve Stress

Either its coming from your job, daily routine, family problem or anything else, stress may occur often. However, there are some simple ways to overcome the stress.

Below are five easy ways to relieve stress can easily be done, no matter how much spare time that you have:

1. Self Massage
Don’t have time, or budget to spend a day at a spa? Relax, there are some simple techniques that you can do at home.
• Head massage: Start by placing your thumbs on your cheekbones, then gently apply pressure with your fingertips and rub the spot between the corner of your eye and your ear. Afterwards, massage your scalp with your fingertips, from the tip of your hairline to the back of your head. Repeat this step a few times. Head massage not only melts away the tension but also help release natural conditioning oils in your hair.
• Foot reflexology: This alternative therapy can help reduce stress and migraines. Give yourself foot massage by pressing any parts of your feet that make you feels good. Then, lightly running your fingertips from down to the tops, bottoms and sides of each foot in a feathery motion, barely touching the skin. Repeat it several times. Reflexology can help you relax and sleep more easily.

2. Take A Bath
It may sound so simple but taking a bath can make you calm. Just fill your bathtub with warm water and light some aromatherapy candles and you will feel much better in no time. For the candles, you can use To Be Calm, as they have a wide variant of aromatherapy candles, such as: A Warm Embrace, Beautiful Day, Feel Good and Enchantment. If you don’t have bathtub, you can take a shower using aromatherapy soap. Luckily, To Be Calm also have some wonderful fragrant soaps like Luxurious Lavender and Vanilla & Spice that can make your skin smooth and also calm your mind.

3. Exercise
You know exercise is good for your health, and turns out that it’s also good for your mind. Exercise will release feel-good endorphin, boosts your energy, and helps you remain calm and more focused. Pick an activity you like and only do the exercise you love, no matter how simple it is. For example, you can just go for a walk, take the stairs up and down or do some simple yoga poses. All forms of exercise can ease anxiety by giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress.

4. Enjoy Some Fresh Air
Research shows that walking through a park or your own backyard can help you feel calmer and happier. The amount of oxygen you inhale elevating your levels of feel-good serotonin, and serotonin can lighten your mood and increase a sense of happiness. Therefore, fresh air will leave you feeling more refreshed and relaxed. So, next time you feel stress out, just walk to the nearest park and spend some time there. Surrounded by nature and smell the fresh air can lower anxiety and up your mood.

5. Eat Comfort Food
Comfort food that your body need when you are under stress is not those sinful delicacies like fried chicken or ice cream, but the healthy ones like avocado or cashews. When you’re stressed, you may be tempted to carbs or sweet treat in sight. But foods high in added sugar can increase your blood sugar levels and the more you eat that, the worse your mood gets. Instead, try some healthier comfort food that will truly soothe and calm you, such as:
• Avocados
Avocados contain healthy fats that boost your mood and improve our sense of wellbeing.
• Bananas
Banana can cure stress and anxiety because this super fruit provides a mild blood sugar boost, and has vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin.
• Berries
All berries are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to be helpful in tackling the stress.
• Chocolate
Besides the healthy antioxidants, which may improve your mood, chocolate also can lower blood pressure, adding to a feeling of calm.
• Nuts
Stress runs you down, which leaves you open to sickness. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts are high in the antioxidant vitamin E and zinc — both good for boosting your immune system. Those nuts also good sources of B-vitamins, which help the body manages stress.
• Oatmeal
A complex carbohydrate, oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical. Not only does serotonin have antioxidant, it also creates a soothing feeling that helps overcome stress.

How to Choose the Right Bookkeeper for Your Business

Bookkeeping is one of the most important aspects of your business. As a business owner, you surely don’t want to lose track of the amount you’ve invested in the company. However, finding the right bookkeeper to do your books is not an easy task. Professional bookkeepers can develop your business by taking over time-consuming tasks and let you concentrate on the bigger picture of your company.

The following are tips on how to choose the right bookkeeper for you:

• Trust
Trust is the most important thing in the business. Both parties need to feel comfortable with one another in order to build a relationship based on trust. It is important to provide all the correct information to your bookkeeper so they can keep accurate up to date records for you. But while it’s important to trust your bookkeeper, you should make sure that your business is protected too. It would make good business sense to protect yourself by having a confidentiality agreement between you and your bookkeeper.

• Knowledge
Up-to-date knowledge about bookkeeping is also important. Bookkeepers who are familiar in using online accounting software can automate many processes and reduce the amount of time spent on data entry. Cloud based systems help bookkeepers to keep accounts up to date and enable business owners to identify issues more quickly to make decisions to improve performance and promote business growth.

• Communication
Communication is essential to keep the lines of communication. Your bookkeeper must be aware of the business operations, goals and issues to do their job correctly. Your bookkeeper is your closest business ally. A good bookkeeper can help your business grow by offering financial advice whenever need arises. Therefore, you need to look for an individual with excellent personality. The bookkeeper should also be free with you, can ask you hard questions and tell you issues whenever they happen.

• Organised
A good bookkeeper must understand your industry, your business processes and your requirements so they can hit the road running. They make sure processes are streamlined and adhered to in order to provide you with timely reporting and meet the timelines you require in your business. Your bookkeeper should have an excellent eye for detail, and care about keeping your accounts up to date and error free.

• Fees and Services
Although most business owners especially those with new business tend to hire a bookkeeper based on the price; how affordable is the bookkeeper, this should be avoided. You might get a bookkeeper offering his or her services at a cheaper price yet the services are poor and this will cost you more. Do not be afraid to ask questions, or even negotiate the fee. Ensure that you understand the services being offered and find the best fees and services that suit your needs.

Cairdeas is a trustworthy one stop office for your accounts bookkeeping, financial reporting, social media marketing and all administration services. Cairdeas will ensure that all aspects of your business are being done properly, so you can focus on the bigger picture and ensure yourself a balanced life.

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Just relax and let Cairdeas helps you…

Instead of spending time-consuming tasks, you can now have more energy and time to focus and drive the business towards productivity…

Cairdeas is a trustworthy one stop office for your accounts bookkeeping, financial reporting, social media marketing and all administration services. Cairdeas will ensure that all aspects of your business are being done properly, so you can focus on the bigger picture and ensure yourself a balanced life.