Need a New Year’s Resolution? Get Comfy!

The New Year is just a few days away, which means it’s time to start nailing down your resolution. Not only in terms of what goal (or goals for the ambitious) you’re looking to acquire for the following 12 months, but looking toward a plan of action so it can actually be achieved. Aside from the norms, such as working out more often, eating healthy meals, or being nicer to others, there’s plenty to reach toward for 2015. Such as personalized life decisions, or sleeping better at night. After all, being more comfortable while resting will allow you to sleep more soundly. A goal that makes your days more energetic and productive. 

Just by switching out your old pillow, better supporting your back, or creating an entirely foam-covered sleeping area, you can work to sleep better each and every night. Best of all, there are a number of products to choose from, so you’re sure to get a personalized experience no matter which path you take. Go for a better sitting surface at work. Upgrade your mattress pad. Get a sleeping wedge for reduced acid reflux. Support your legs while resting and eliminate back pain. Whatever your comfort goals, Contour has you covered.

The resolution of comfort is also a budget-friendly way to reach your yearly goal. Whether you order a single product or jump in with multiples at a time, Contour’s product line offers plenty to be gained. And without breaking your wallet in the process. You can even test them out without obligation! 

This New Year’s, don’t fret about finding a resolution, get comfy instead! It’s one of the best yearly goals you can make … and keep making on a daily basis. Head to Contour Living to get started before the New Year! 

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Get Better Sleep By De-Stressing Your Life

Did you know that stress level has an incredible effect on our sleeping habits? Even in the smallest amounts, it can work to keep us awake at night or lessen the amounts of rest we’re able to achieve. Even when we’re at our most tired. Not sleeping, however, then leads to even more stress, only perpetuating the process. 

But de-stressing is a process in and of itself, and almost never as easy as it sounds. 

Once they achieve it, folks can get more and deeper sleep while saving their waking hours for clearly planned out tasks. Not worrying about what and when something is slated to take place (whether or not that ever happens), or whatever other type of stress weighs heavily on one’s mind. With such incredible perks, however, folks aren’t likely to give up on de-stressing so easily. 

They look to tactics such as exercise, massages, eating healthier (or eating a comfort food), scented candles, and more. De-stressing might just be as easy as finishing off your to-do list for the day. Some have been shown to work in various degrees –sometimes in tandem with one another, and sometimes, not at all. 

The tricky part is that no two people deal with stress the same way. Meaning they aren’t able to eliminate it the same way, either. Over time, you’ll learn better as to how to remove stress from your life. And how to keep it from not letting you sleep. Only by truly relaxing – not only the body, but the mind, will you be able to better handle the day’s tasks without letting them spill into your nighttime routine. 

To work on improving your rest levels, especially when the body is most stressed, work on a tactic that lets your mind relax. It’s a proven way to drift into deeper and more restful bouts of sleep. 

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Tips for Sleeping Away This Holiday Season

With all the traveling and visiting that’s to be done this time of year, many of us find ourselves sleeping away from home. Whether that’s in a guest bed, on the couch, on an air mattress, or worst of all – on the floor. Maybe even a combination, depending on how much hopping around is to be done and how many houses visited. 

No matter where you rest your head this holiday season, however, there are a few simple and proven steps that can help you get a better night’s rest. Even if you are sleeping on the hard ground or on a too-worn mattress. 

To eliminate back pain, bring along an add-on item such as a leg pillow or wedge to create a better-aligned surface. Many come in portable sizes, and range in all types of specialties, depending on what type of issue ails you most. For instance, a Contour Leg Pillow to better set the spine while laying on one’s side. Or a Wedge Cushion to reduce acid reflux when only a flat pillow is within reach. 

Traveling in Better Health

There are also plenty of sitting travel options to make life easier (and less painful). Opt for a rear or back cushion that can be placed on top of your seat – whether in a car, bus, or plane. Or pack along a backrest that will keep you sitting comfy and alert through the entire traveling process. 

Best of all, each of these products can be found in foldable, or travel sizes. So as to not take up much space while still offering real-time results.

And, of course, if you’re hosting this holiday season, it doesn’t hurt to have plenty of comfort items for your guests. Mattress pads, pillows, and more can all make for a more enjoyable stay and better sleep to be had by all. 

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Staying Awake Through Daylight Savings Time

For many Americans, it can be hard to stay awake this time of year. With daylight sinking early on and colder weather keeping us indoors, folks simply don’t stay up as late as they do during the summer. Oftentimes there are even fewer activities from which you can stay busy, even furthering the need for an early bedtime. 

But is that such a bad thing? Everyone loves an extra hour of sleep here and there, why not strive to get to sleep earlier each and every night? It might not sound like a good plan in theory, but adjusting the body too often can actually mess up your sleep cycle(s). As well as training the body to become tired as soon as the sun sets. Which isn’t exactly pleasant when it sets at 5, nor in the summer months when it’s not dark until nearly 10 p.m.

In either scenario, it’s a good idea to “train” your body for bed. That way you’re in control of your own sleep schedule. And eventually, when you become tired. Though we’re all likely to have a day or too when our bodies just can’t feel awake, for the most part, setting one’s own sleep/wake routine will help you feel more alert. Even throughout Daylight Savings Time, when it’s darker than we want, earlier than we want. 

To set your sleep schedule, find a certain time at which you’d like to fall asleep each night. As well as a time you want to wake up. Then stick to it. The more you practice, the better your body will be at following orders. Next, avoid naps or “letting” yourself act sleepy throughout the day. These habits will only work to reverse your hard sleep-trained work. 

Following through, however, can help create a set routine. One that offers you more rest, and less hassle when falling asleep. 

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How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?

When stopping to consider how much time you spend sleeping each night, the lifespan of your pillow might surprise you. Or just really gross you out. A pillow that’s only a few years old has been exposed too all types of germs and sleeping surfaces – especially for those who travel with their own items in tow. (Even couches or lounge chairs can expose your pillow to new substances.) It’s a process that, if repeated for too many years, can expose your sleeping (and deep breathing) self to outside germs and other airborne substances.  

Pillows that are “too old” can also break down, not offering enough support for the neck, back, and head. (Even those who prefer a short or flat pillow still need support.) Simply from age and use, their inner sections of foam or cotton (or whatever pillow filling you prefer) can lose its integrity. Without its shape, however, the head loses its ability to support, which can create headaches, or a number of other bone and muscle issues. 

So … how often should you change your pillow? Depends on the make and model. Pillows that are made of higher quality foams are made to hold up for years on end. While bargain options will need to be replaced every year, if not sooner. Pillows can also be kept clean with specialty liners, lengthening their lifespan even further.

Those with these higher quality pillows are less likely to replace them. (At least as often.) Though a good rule of thumb lies with purchase date – if you can’t remember the last time you bought a pillow, it’s likely time for a new one. You can also check comfort levels – if your pillow isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, replace it. They’re affordable, and offer hours of support and comfortable sleep. 

A small price to pay for a consistent night’s rest. 

To learn more about specialty pillows – especially those that come with years of cushioned support – head to Contour Living’s pillow page today. 

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Sudden Pains and What Their Warning Signs Might Mean

Obviously it’s a concern when the body suddenly starts showing signs of pain. In any capacity. The more severe the pain, the more concerned you should be, and so on. They become even more evident with recurring bouts, or when aches get sharper or last for longer periods of time.

When these take place, however, what do you do? Take medication(s) to make them go away? Ignore them? Or do you look to the root of the cause in order to see why they’re taking place to begin with? By looking at the cause, rather than the symptom, you might be made aware of an even deeper issue. Such as a hurt muscle or injury that’s finally making its way to the surface. 

The Underlying Cause of Pains

The pain might be nothing – warning of an upcoming weather change. Maybe a communication that the day’s nutrition count hasn’t been met. Or it might be your body letting you know a muscle had just been worked harder than normal. 

It also might mean you’re sick – whether slightly or seriously. It might mean the body is telling you something is wrong, a muscle has been tweaked to the point of injury, or any number of outside injuries. 

Considering the implications that could be taking place, it’s best to check with an expert instead.

One being your doctor, who will have a working knowledge of the muscle system and each of its triggers. Another, though, is you. No one knows your body better than you. Which means, when it “acts up,” you know what’s new and what’s a daily norm. Allowing you to better explain pain to your doctor as it’s happening, or even before it happens, once you’re aware of pre-ache signs. 

Check back for more muscle-pain articles, as well as tips on what your next steps should be. 

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Save Your Back With a Proper Shovel

Winter weather can bring us all types of conditions. Freezing temps and bitter winds that cut through even the thickest of clothing options. It can also bring on inches of snow and ice that work to make everyday life difficult. Especially when you’re in charge of clearing it out of your driveway. A task that can cause the back to cringe just thinking about the ample shoveling ahead. 

However, with the help of a proper shovel – which is to say one that’s made for gripping and better weight placement – homeowners can work to eliminate shoveling-induced pains. These types of shovels should be readily available at your local hardware or outdoor supply store. Though attachments can sometimes be found at pharmacies or the doctor’s office.

When setting out to find the perfect shovel, talk to a salesman (or your doctor beforehand) and which styles offer what types of support. You can even give them a test run right there in the store. There won’t be snow, of course, but you’ll have a better idea as to how the shovel feels in use. Foot stance, grip, type of boots (or inserts for the arch) and more can also work to even out weight displacement

Other Back-Saving Shoveling Tips

When shoveling snow – especially the wet kind – it’s a good idea to take smaller scoops. Though this might take longer overall, it will work your arm and back muscles to a lesser degree. 

Then, once you’re done shoveling, be sure to stretch out the back. Especially if these are muscles you rarely use. Even a few minutes will help reduce ongoing pains that are inevitable for the infrequent shovel-er. Drinking plenty of water and a protein-rich meal can also eliminate soreness. 

Be sure to pick up a back-friendly shovel before the next snow hits your area.

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What Causes Muscle Spasms?

The sudden onset of a sore muscle is no welcome event. It almost always comes as a surprise (those who have dealt with a recurring injury or regularly have spasms are more likely to recognize the initial symptoms), and comes with pain and reduced amount of functions. Especially when performing a necessary task, or the aches last a significant amount of time. 

But what causes these issues? By better understanding what steps cause these muscle spasms, we can work to completely avoid them in the first place.

Muscle spasms can be triggered by a number of different factors. Not drinking enough water or eating enough protein (or another type of substance) might be to blame – forcing the body to warn you of its increasing needs. Other causes might be lifting too much weight or overworking a certain part of the body. Injuries might flare up with minimal events; moving just slightly “wrong” might evoke pains with only the tiniest adjustment. Other triggers still include calcium deficiencies, poor circulation, working out in the heat (and then not allotting enough time to cool down or rest), or failing to properly stretch before or after a workout. 

Any one or more of these might be to blame for your muscle spasms – whether they take place few and far between, or act as an almost weekly occurrence. In order to avoid these painful surprise altogether, look to simple at-home cures, such as stretching or drinking more water. Each offers an effective, cost-friendly cure. You can also talk to your doctor to find a specific cause to your spasms, as well as what methods (even natural ones) will best help you nix them once and for all. 

With only a little research and at-home remedies, you can be on your way to a successful, pain-free spasm treatment. 

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Cyber Monday Shopping Sales!

Great news everyone! Contour Living is hosting a massive Cyber Monday sale. Help us celebrate one of the biggest online shopping holidays of the year and gain some great savings in the process. The sale is not only great for stocking up on gifts (or yourself), but being able to take advantage of the best sales of the season.

What’s on our Extended Shopping Sale List

Every order over $50 comes with free shipping. (Or, if your order falls under the limit, we’ll get it to your door for only $4.99.) 

Free gifts come with select products – get a free Mesh Leg Cover when you buy any leg pillow. That means you can pick the right pillow to meet you and your comfort needs, and keep it protected and clean with the addition of your Mesh Cover! 

Shoppers who spend more than $100 will also get a free Grey Lumbuddy Back Cushion, a great addition for any back pain regimen. Or, for anyone who needs a little extra support when sitting. Whether at a desk or in a car. 

And of course, everything comes with the Comfort Guarantee, that means 90-day extended returns (even on products we can’t reshelf!), a 1-year warranty, and 100% product refunds. We’re so confident you’ll love your Contour products we want to provide as much incentive as possible!

The Shopping Season

Contour Living will also host additional sales throughout the holiday season. Be sure to check back in to see what items are being offered at a discount, and how you can get the best deal possible on all your favorite comfort items. Whatever your support shopping needs, we’ve got you covered, and at a great deal. 

But don’t miss out on today’s prices! The lowest sales of the year won’t last long. Head to ContourLiving.com and get started. 

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