Benefits of a Vacation

There has been a lot of publicity recently about ChatGTP the programme that will do research and write a report for you.

I decided to test it and asked it for a list of the Benefits of a Vacation. I also asked it to create a suitable image.

Here are the unedited results:

As an AI language model, I am not capable of experiencing benefits, but here are some researched benefits of vacations:

1. Reduced Stress: Taking a break from work and routine stress is one of the significant benefits of vacations. Research shows that vacationing reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), lowers blood pressure and lowers heart rate, resulting in a calmer and more composed mind and body.

2. Improved Physical Health: Extended periods of work without breaks lead to burnout, fatigue and exhaustion, which ultimately affect physical health. Vacationing, on the other hand, improves physical health by promoting physical activity, a better sleep schedule, and adopting a healthier diet.

3. Enhanced Productivity and Creativity: Working on complex tasks for extended periods lowers productivity, motivation and creativity levels. Time off from work rejuvenates the brain and provides it with fresh ideas that can help in better problem-solving and decision-making skills.

4. Strengthened Relationships: Vacations strengthen relationships with loved ones by providing ample time for bonding, shared experiences, and quality time together. For families, vacations can create lifetime memories and develop stronger family bonds.

5. Improved Mental Health: Vacations provide a break from routine and stressful environments and allow an individual to relax and unwind, leading to improved mental health. Research suggests that people who take vacations report a decrease in anxiety, depression, and an overall improvement in their mood.

6. Increased Job Satisfaction: Taking vacations regularly leads to increased job satisfaction, motivation and employee retention rates. It also improves teamwork and collaboration by allowing the employees to return to the workplace with renewed energy and greater enthusiasm.

In conclusion, taking vacations is essential for overall health and well-being. It allows an individual to recharge, refresh, and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul, ultimately leading to increased productivity, improved relationships, and better mental health.

Well done to ChatGTP. I agree and if you are interested in a rent free vacation or in having someone to look after your house and pets free of charge while you are away please visit our website http://www.Christian-housesitters.com

God bless you,

Ray

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How to keep your home safe while you are away

Photo of masked intruder during robbery in villa

This is a revision of a post I put up 6 years ago.

I am repeating it as it has some very good advice that could save you a lot of problems and save you money.

The original post was prompted by an article I read published by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Below is an extract.

It contains some fairly good advice but as I point out it is not really the answer. Don’t worry I do share a better solution (and one that will not cost you anything) so keep reading.

Here is the extract

5 ways to burglar-proof your home
https://goo.gl/oEaowg

Over 70% of thieves search social media to find empty homes.
Beat the burglars by following these top tips to a more secure home:

1. Don’t share the fact your house is empty
It may be tempting to share your ‘hurrah, I’m going on holiday’ feeling with your friends but, according to mediabistro.com, 78% of thieves use social media to find empty houses. It’s best to avoid posting about your break on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And make sure selfie-obsessed teenagers do the same!

2. Make your house look lived in
If you get milk or newspapers delivered, make sure you cancel them during your holiday so there isn’t a build up. If you have a window by your letterbox, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s covered so any prying eyes can’t see the build-up of letters by your front door. Things like this make it obvious to criminals that no one is home. If you have timers for your lights, use these to make it look as if someone is coming and going.

3. Recruit a neighbour or family member
If you have family or neighbours who can come over every day, they can make it look as if someone is in. If they can move your post, or park a car in the driveway, it will help put off a burglar who may be monitoring your home.

4. Lock all your windows and doors
A quarter of break-ins are through windows, so make sure they’re firmly locked, even those on upper floors. If no one is around, consider installing movement-activated floodlights or sensor lights at the front or back of your home.

5. Keep valuables in a safe place
Over half of people don’t leave their valuables in a secure place, according to a study by confused.com. In fact, 13% leave items in a sock drawer – a popular target for burglars. It’s worth investing in a safe or finding a clever spot to stash precious jewellery and gadgets. For insurance purposes, doors should have a five-lever mortise deadlock to comply with BS3621 and window locks BS7950.

All excellent advice…. BUT sadly it is not that easy.

I wish it was that easy

Burglars also read those tips. They know the tricks we are advised to use and so are often not fooled.

The fact is that your house is still being left empty and while these ‘tricks & tips’ may help to hide that they are no substitute for having the house actually occupied with someone living there.

This is where we can help. And it is FREE.

We can help you find a suitable person or family to live in your home while you are away. they will even look after your pets. No pretending the house is occupied. It will be occupied by someone trustworthy with good references and it will not cost you anything.

The other side of the coin is that if you would like a rent-free vacation we have houses owners all over the world who let us know when they are going to be away and we can put you in contact with them.

Have a look at our website for more information. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

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The more things change the more they stay the same

In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose “ – the more things change, the more they stay the same.

In 2010 Bon Jovi sang:

The more things change the more they stay the same
Ah, is it just me or does anybody see
The new improved tomorrow isn’t what it used to be
Yesterday keeps comin’ ’round, it’s just reality

Things are changing!

As an example, today the UK welcomed in our 3rd Prime Minister this year. Politically we have seen constant change all over the world

But even in these changing and often difficult times some things remain the same. As humans we still get tired, stressed and ill.

As most of you will know our charity www.TLC-Childrenstrust.org  runs a Kenyan Government Registered Children’s Home and food costs alone have increased by well over £1,000 per month during this year so we do understand financial pressure

We still long for some time away from the treadmill of daily life.

But for most of us, we feel it is asking too much, as money simply does not go as far as it did

We would like to remind you that WE CAN HELP YOU

If you are planning a getaway and don’t want to leave your home unoccupied and vulnerable to being broken into or damaged.

If you don’t want to leave your pets in kennels or a cattery because it is expensive and also hard on the pets.

We can help you! Our ministry is worldwide so take advantage wherever you live and because it is free there is nothing to lose!

Register as a Home Owner with Christian House Sitters (Yes, it is free) and we  will try to find you the ideal Christian to look after your home and your pets while you are away. Their service will not cost you anything.

Hopefully this means you can get a break from the pressures of life, spend time relaxing and rebuilding relationships and come home refreshed.

How do you arrange to benefit from this FREE service.

Easy. CLICK HERE and Register as a home owner.

Remember do not leave it to the last minute. Register asap so potential sitters have time to make the necessary arrangements.

Do not delay. At the moment we are a little short of houses so you can expect a good response and you will be able to choose the sitters you like best.

God bless you,

Ray

How long do you need?

When you’re planning a holiday, one of the main points to consider is how long you’ll be going away for.

Reading the news this morning I came upon an article from Country Living asking the question.

How long do you need to go on holiday for to feel really relaxed?pexels-photo-279707

I can’t reproduce the whole article but below are some of the key points and findings. If you want to read the original there is a link below.

NOTE: American readers the word holiday in this article is used with the UK meaning. In the USA you would replace it with vacation.

When you’re planning a holiday, one of the main points to consider is how long you’ll be going away for.

Do you go for a long weekend, a whole week, or perhaps even longer?

According to scientific research, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, there is a perfect length of holiday time which has the maximum beneficial effect on your health and wellbeing.

Researchers at Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands, set out to explore the effects of holiday length on health and wellbeing, and its relationship to positive aftereffects.

So what’s the perfect length? Longer than eight days. But there’s an interesting point to be made about the frequency of our holidays, too. Here’s why…

The results
The experiment found that health and wellbeing increased rapidly during holiday time, peaking on the eighth day.

How long should you holiday for?

So, if you want to get the most from your holiday and feel truly rested and rejuvenated, try to have a break for longer than eight days, and fill your time with pleasurable and relaxing experiences to boost your health and wellbeing.

And, as the authors suggest, it may be more beneficial to take more frequent shorter breaks, rather than one long respite from work.

We can help you achieve this goal.

Through Christian House Sitters you can enjoy rent-free holidays all over the world.
We can also arrange for people to look after your home and if necessary your pets while you are away. Again free of charge.

If you are thinking of a holiday and want someone to look after your home please visit our website and register as an owner. It is FREE.

Register as soon as you know your holiday dates, don’t leave it to the last-minute, as that way you will have a much better range of sitters to choose from.

If you want to be a sitter and to enjoy a rent-free vacation then we can also help.

Have a look at the website for the details. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org  

The full article I read can be found at https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/travel/this-is-how-long-you-need-to-go-on-holiday-for-to-feel-completely-relaxed/ar-BBLiAth?ocid=spartandhp

 

 

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Hello America

Hello America!   Please, can you help us out here?

America has the largest English speaking population in the world.

America has some of the largest Christian churches in the English speaking world.

Christian House Sitters has been prominently featured in articles in numerous American Christian magazines.

But

We still have fewer members in America than in Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Spain, South Africa and many other countries.

Please, can you help spread the word in the USA?


Remember this is not a business but a ministry.

Becoming a registered house owner is free.

Having someone look after your home and pets is free.

Registering as a house sitter so you can enjoy rent-free vacations all over the world costs just £25 for a year (all of which goes to help vulnerable children at Home of Peace Children’s Home.

We need a few Christians to catch the vision, tell their churches, friends and family and the result will be that we are able to serve everyone so much better.

To find out more about how this ministry works look at our website Click Here
Or read some of our past blog posts such as

USA The No vacation Nation

The Science Behind Vacations

8 Important Questions

God bless you,

Ray

Christian House Sitters
is part of the registered charity
TLC Children’s Trust
UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

 

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Good advice from a friend

Click on the video to watch the story unfold

If you are thinking of a vacation and want someone to look after your home please visit our website and register as an owner. It is FREE.

Register as soon as you know your vacation dates, don’t leave it to the last-minute, as that way you will have a much better range of sitters to choose from.

If you want to be a sitter and to enjoy a rent-free vacation then we can also help.

Have a look at the website for the details. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org  

 

 

WordPress is adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

Reasons To Take A Vacation ASAP, According To Science

The following is an extract from an article published by Huffpost on the 6th of December 2017

To read the full original click here

Reasons To Take A Vacation ASAP, According To Science

By Renee Jacques (Updated Dec 06, 2017)

The most common reason why people weren’t taking a vacation was that they possess what researchers call a “martyr” complex, in which they believe that no one else can do their job as well as they can. Yet more than 20 percent of people who don’t take vacations say they skip out because they are afraid they feel they are easily replaceable.

Whichever is the case, we’re here to tell you to please, please take a vacation. We know you’re afraid. But after you read these reasons why taking a vacation will do amazing things for your wellbeing and your mind, you may reconsider. And more importantly: Taking a vacation could make you even better at your job. Yes, it’s true. Read on, and start booking your next flight or planning a staycation.

1. Your body is literally telling you to take a break. But you keep ignoring it.

Giving employees significant time to take a break will help them be renewed and come back to work even stronger, says Tony Schwartz, the chief executive officer of The Energy Project, in an op-ed in The New York Times. His company offers employees four weeks of vacation starting in their first year. He does this because he believes that “the importance of restoration is rooted in our physiology.” He credits a study done by researchers at Florida State University …..

2. Because when your brain is completely relaxed, it’s still working on improving the skills you have learned.

This all goes back to the science of sleep. Many studies have shown that when the brain is relaxed, it focuses itself on boring but essential tasks, like etching in and memorizing the new skills you may have learned at the office during the week before. So, if you’re struggling to keep up with the new software your company just introduced, right now might be the best time to take a vacation. Let your brain take some time to process the new information, and you might return in tip-top shape!

3. It’s been proven that allowing your brain to day-dream allows you to better solve problems and be more creative.

Your brain operates on two levels: One side is task-focused and the other side is focused on letting your mind wander and daydream. As you can imagine, a hard worker like you is pretty much always in the task-focused mode, overworking your brian to stay engaged on something you must finish for work, all the while taking in an overload of information…

As we mentioned above, taking a break is good for your brain. Because you have got to let your brain daydream. Daniel J. Levitin, the director of the Laboratory for Music, Cognition and Expertise at McGill University and the author of “The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload,” told the New York Times that giving our brains time to wind down and think about nothing at all can provide “our moments of greatest creativity and insight.”

4. Fact: The more vacations you take, the happier you’ll be.

As far as vacations go, the more the merrier. A study done at Erasmus University in Rotterdam found that among about 1,500 Dutch adults in which 974 of them took a vacation, those who took time off were happier than those who did not, mostly because they were excited in anticipation for their vacation. They also showed signs of slightly increased happiness for two weeks after they returned from vacation. So, the trick for success, says the study’s leader, Jeroen Nawijn, seems to be taking two or more short breaks spread out in the year rather than one massive vacation. Spread out that happiness!

5. Your performance review this year could be higher if you just go take your vacation.

All that happiness could pay off for you in major ways. An internal study was done by the Ernst & Young accounting firm found that for each additional 10 hours that an employee took for vacation, his or her performance review was 8 percent higher the next year. Who knew that some rest and relaxation could get you your next raise?

7. Bosses who take vacations return to work as more focused business leaders.

A survey by job recruiters at Korn/Ferry International discovered that 84 percent of over 250 executives have canceled a vacation due to pressures at work. That’s shocking. If you’re the head honcho, don’t think it’s impossible for you take a vacation. We know it’s hard to break yourself away from your work, but you make the rules, after all, and it’s proven that you’ll be better and enforcing those rules if you give yourself a little break.

Jennifer Deal, a researcher at the Center for Creative Leadership who has examined the way executives deal with taking vacations, told The Wall Street Journal that when bosses take time off they come back more creative and able to think about the long run future of the company better. If they don’t take a break, she says it’s extremely difficult for them to “see outside of the immediate whirlwind.”

8. Immersing yourself in new cultures and cuisines will give you a whole new array of ideas you can bring back to work.

Think of your vacation as a very relaxing and stress-free way to get some more work done. A study published in the US National Library of Medicine concludes that multicultural experiences help foster creativity and help generate ideas. However, this shouldn’t be working abroad. The study emphasizes that the experience will only promote creativity when the situation doesn’t call for “firm answers or existential concerns.”

BUT I CAN’T AFFORD A VACATION

 

 

 

 

 

Do not be caught out!
Instead of paying a company loads of money to pack you like sardines onto one of their charter flights to an overpopulated resort, then being ‘organised’ by their rep throughout your stay in a small hotel room take the DIY approach.

Stay rent-free in a private house with all the home comforts.

Plan your own itinerary.

Go home having rested, enjoyed your time away and having saved a lot of money.

How?

Use the worldwide services of Christian House Sitters.

You could be enjoying a rent-free vacation in one of the many houses that we get all over the world.

Also if you need someone honest, reliable and with references to look after your home and if necessary your pets while you are away. Even if you are not in one of our houses. We will help you find someone free-of-charge.

Will this work for you?

You will never know if you do not try

Have a look at our website www.Christian-housesitters.com

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

WordPress are adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

How to Burglar Proof Your Home

Photo of masked intruder during robbery in villaI was reading an article published by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Below is an extract.

It contains some fairly good advice but as I point out it is not really the answer. Don’t worry I do share a better solution (and one that will not cost you anything) so keep reading.

Here is the extract

5 ways to burglar-proof your home
https://goo.gl/oEaowg

Over 70% of thieves search social media to find empty homes.
Beat the burglars by following these top tips to a more secure home:

1. Don’t share the fact your house is empty
It may be tempting to share your ‘hurrah, I’m going on holiday’ feeling with your friends but, according to mediabistro.com, 78% of thieves use social media to find empty houses. It’s best to avoid posting about your break on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And make sure selfie-obsessed teenagers do the same!

2. Make your house look lived in
If you get milk or newspapers delivered, make sure you cancel them during your holiday so there isn’t a build up. If you have a window by your letterbox, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s covered so any prying eyes can’t see the build-up of letters by your front door. Things like this make it obvious to criminals that no one is home. If you have timers for your lights, use these to make it look as if someone is coming and going.

3. Recruit a neighbour or family member
If you have family or neighbours who can come over every day, they can make it look as if someone is in. If they can move your post, or park a car in the driveway, it will help put off a burglar who may be monitoring your home.

4. Lock all your windows and doors
A quarter of break-ins are through windows, so make sure they’re firmly locked, even those on upper floors. If no one is around, consider installing movement-activated floodlights or sensor lights at the front or back of your home.

5. Keep valuables in a safe place
Over half of people don’t leave their valuables in a secure place, according to a study by confused.com. In fact, 13% leave items in a sock drawer – a popular target for burglars. It’s worth investing in a safe or finding a clever spot to stash precious jewellery and gadgets. For insurance purposes, doors should have a five-lever mortise deadlock to comply with BS3621 and window locks BS7950.

All excellent advice…. BUT sadly it is not that easy.

I wish it was that easyBurglars also read those tips. They know the tricks we are advised to use and so are often not fooled.

The fact is that your house is still being left empty and while these ‘tricks & tips’ may help to hide that they are no substitute for having the house actually occupied with someone living there.

This is where we can help. And it is FREE.

We can help you find a suitable person or family to live in your home while you are away. they will even look after your pets. No pretending the house is occupied. It will be occupied by someone trustworthy with good references and it will not cost you anything.

The other side of the coin is that if you would like a rent-free vacation we have houses owners all over the world who let us know when they are going to be away and we can put you in contact with them.

Have a look at our website for more information. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

 

 

WordPressise adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

Research that could save your health, your job and your family.

Off on holiday

A few days ago I was reading news about research into the habits of  UK workers and their annual holidays. (For readers in the USA read holiday as vacation).

I saw 2 different news reports that looked at the same problem from slightly different points of view. below are extracts from them and links to the original articles.

The first article showed that not taking leave is causing serious problems.

British workers left ‘stressed, rundown and depressed’
because they are not taking enough holiday time.

Overworked Brits are being left stressed, depressed and rundown
because they are not getting enough holiday time.

That’s based on research which claims a third of employees are left failing to take their annual holiday allowance ………….  Mark Cropley, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Surrey, added: “The research found that more than two thirds (68%) don’t get away for short breaks, however, mini breaks can be a great way to recharge the batteries, whether abroad or in the UK.
“Not only do they force us to distance ourselves physically from work, they can also give our brains a mental holiday and allow us to spend quality time with family and friends without the distraction of work.   http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-workers-left-stressed-rundown-7238571

The next article (dated 1st Nov 2017) tries to explain why leave time is not being taken.

Why UK Workers Are Not Taking All Their Annual Leave

The average worker in Britain still has six days to use up before the end of the year, which, if left unused, would mean a staggering 134 million wasted days as a nation. A third of employees have as many as 10 days still to use up, found the survey of 1000 workers by Jurys Inn.

The most common reason for having annual leave left? That’s also pretty surprising, given that being “like, ugh, so busy right now” has become a status symbol in our culture. The top explanation was not knowing what to do with the remaining days, the Mirror reported.

Other more optimistic employees (11%) purposely save up their holiday days until the end of the year with the aim of booking an exciting trip – only to find that by November there are no holidays available that tickle their fancy. A further 11% said they simply didn’t have enough money to spend on holidays.
If you’re among those with holiday still to use, with just two months of the year left, you may want to think about taking action or risk losing them altogether.   http://www.refinery29.uk/2017/11/179232/wasted-holiday-days-annual-leave-uk

Family on holiday

DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE.

You need your annual leave.
Failing to take it will make your more likely to develop health problems, be less efficient at work and damage your family relationships

LET US HELP YOU.
That is what we are here for.

Join Christian House Sitters

As a registered house sitter you and your family will be offered a wide range of vacations all over the world. Totally rent-free.

But what about your home and pets? What will happen to them?

Again we can help. Register as a Home Owner (it is free) and we will help you find a suitable person to look after your home and pets free of charge.

Don’t delay. Be bold and take a major step towards a happier, healthier and more productive life.

If you would like to benefit from our service please have a look at the website CLICK HERE.

God bless you,
Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

 

 

WordPress is adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

I just had to share this picture

I just had to share this picture. It came by email with a message saying:

Dog with luggage

“This is what I feel like.

Thanks to Christian House Sitters I am able to take my wife and children on a vacation.

Because I work for a Christian missionary society we could not have afforded it without your help.

Thank you for making such a difference.”

If you are thinking of a vacation and would like to stay somewhere rent- want someone to look after your home please visit our website and register as an owner. It is FREE.

Register as soon as you know your vacation dates, don’t leave it to the last-minute, as that way you will have a much better range of sitters to choose from.

If you want to be a sitter and to enjoy a rent-free vacation then we can also help.

Have a look at the website for the details. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

 

 

WordPress is adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

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