Assessing Financial Health – Ensuring Stability in Strata

With regards to real estate, purchasing a strata property with a body corporate or owners corporation  can be an attractive prospect. Whether it’s an apartment, condominium, or townhouse, strata title ownership offers a blend of individual ownership and shared responsibility for common areas and amenities. However, before diving into such an investment, it’s crucial to assess the financial health of the strata corporation. Doing so ensures stability and guards against potential financial risks down the line.

Understanding Financial Health

The financial health of a strata corporation serves as a cornerstone for its stability and long-term viability. It not only reflects the current financial standing of the corporation but also speaks volumes about its ability to manage resources efficiently. This financial health is paramount as it directly impacts the quality of services provided to residents and the overall satisfaction of owners.

Assessing the financial health of a strata corporation involves a comprehensive analysis of various financial aspects. It encompasses the corporation’s ability to cover ongoing expenses, maintain adequate reserves for future needs, and address unforeseen contingencies effectively. Moreover, it sheds light on the management’s foresight in planning for major repairs and renovations, ensuring that the property retains its value over time.

Potential buyers should review the strata corporation’s financial records, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to understand its fiscal health. Examining the operating budget helps gauge spending priorities. Additionally, assessing strata insurance coverage is crucial. It protects against risks like common area damage and liability claims. Understanding coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles is essential for evaluating financial risk exposure. By ensuring adequate insurance coverage, buyers can safeguard their investment.

Tips for Assessing Financial Health

  1. Review Financial Statements: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the strata corporation’s financial statements. These documents provide insights into the corporation’s income, expenses, reserves, and any outstanding debts. Pay close attention to the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
  1. Examine Reserve Fund Status: The reserve fund is essential for funding major repairs and replacements of common property elements. Assess the adequacy of the reserve fund by comparing its balance to the projected future expenses outlined in a depreciation report. A well-funded reserve fund indicates proactive financial planning.
  1. Evaluate Operating Budget: Scrutinize the operating budget of the strata corporation to understand its ongoing expenses and revenue sources. Ensure that the budget accounts for maintenance, utilities, insurance, management fees, and other operational costs. A balanced budget demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
  1. Assess Fee Structure: Examine the strata fees and any special levies levied by the corporation. Evaluate the fairness and sustainability of the fee structure in relation to the services provided and the maintenance needs of the property. Unexpectedly high fees or frequent special levies may indicate financial strain.
  1. Request Meeting Minutes: Request access to recent meeting minutes of the strata council or owners’ corporation. Meeting minutes can provide valuable insights into past financial discussions, decisions, and any concerns raised by owners. Look for transparency and proactive financial management.
  1. Consider Insurance Coverage: Verify that the strata corporation maintains adequate insurance coverage for the property, including common areas and individual units. Understand the extent of coverage, deductibles, and any exclusions. Inadequate insurance can expose owners to significant financial risks in the event of damage or liability.
  1. Consult Depreciation Report: If available, review the depreciation report commissioned by the strata corporation. This report outlines the anticipated maintenance and repair costs over time, helping to inform long-term financial planning and reserve fund contributions.
  1. Assess Legal and Financial Obligations: Understand the legal and financial obligations imposed on owners within the strata corporation. Familiarize yourself with the bylaws, rules, and regulations governing financial matters, such as fee payments, special assessments, and dispute resolution processes.
  1. Seek Professional Advice: When in doubt, seek guidance from professionals with expertise in strata title properties, such as real estate agents, lawyers, or financial advisors. They can provide valuable insights, review documents, and offer informed recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances.
  1. Review Maintenance and Repair History: In addition to examining financial statements, it’s beneficial for potential buyers to review the maintenance and repair history of the strata property. Understanding past expenditures on repairs and upgrades provides insights into the property’s condition and the effectiveness of previous financial management. 
  1. Assess Debt Levels and Legal Obligations: Evaluate the strata corporation’s debt levels and any outstanding legal obligations. Excessive debt or legal liabilities can strain financial resources and limit the corporation’s ability to address maintenance needs or unexpected expenses. 

Assessing the financial health of a strata corporation is a critical step in ensuring stability and security for property buyers. By carefully reviewing financial documents, evaluating reserve fund status, and considering other key factors, buyers can make informed decisions and mitigate financial risks associated with strata title ownership. Remember, thorough due diligence is essential for safeguarding your investment and enjoying peace of mind in your strata property ownership journey.

Understanding the Disparity in UX Designer Salaries Across Different Sectors

User Experience (UX) design has become an indispensable aspect of product development in the digital age. As businesses strive to create intuitive and engaging customer experiences, the demand for skilled UX designers has surged. However, one notable aspect of UX design is the salary variation across different sectors. This article aims to explore the factors contributing to the differences in UX designer salaries across sectors and understand how professionals can navigate this landscape.

The Role of UX Designers:

Before delving into the salary disparities, it’s essential to understand the role of UX designers. UX designers are responsible for crafting user-centric experiences that enhance the usability, accessibility, and overall satisfaction of digital products. Their tasks often include conducting user research, creating wireframes and prototypes, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve designs iteratively.

Factors Influencing Salary Disparity:

  1. Industry Demand:

The demand for UX designers varies significantly across different industries. Sectors such as technology, finance, and e-commerce typically have high demand due to their reliance on digital platforms and services. Consequently, UX designers in these sectors often command higher salaries than those in less digitally mature industries like manufacturing or healthcare.

  1. Company Size and Stage:

The size and stage of a company also play a crucial role in determining UX designer salaries. Established tech giants or high-growth startups may offer more competitive compensation packages to attract top talent. In contrast, smaller companies or traditional enterprises might have tighter budgets, leading to comparatively lower salaries for UX designers.

  1. Geographic Location:

Location is a significant factor influencing salary discrepancies among UX designers. Cities with thriving tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle tend to offer higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living. On the other hand, UX designers working in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living may receive relatively lower compensation.

  1. Specialization and Skillset:

The specialization and skillset of UX designers also impact their earning potential. Professionals with expertise in emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or conversational interfaces may command higher salaries due to the scarcity of specialized talent. Additionally, proficiency in design tools, programming languages, and UX methodologies can contribute to salary differentials.

  1. Remote Work Opportunities:

With the rise of remote work arrangements, geographic location is becoming less of a barrier for employment. UX designers who are willing to work remotely may have access to job opportunities in regions with lower living costs, potentially leading to salary disparities compared to those working in traditional office settings or high-cost urban centers. Exploring remote work options can provide UX designers greater flexibility and the opportunity to negotiate competitive compensation packages tailored to their circumstances and preferences.

Navigating the Landscape:

  1. Research and Benchmarking:

Before entering negotiations or accepting a job offer, it’s essential for UX designers to conduct thorough research on industry standards and salary benchmarks. Online platforms, industry reports, and networking with peers can provide valuable insights into prevailing salary ranges for UX roles in specific sectors and locations.

  1. Upskilling and Specialization:

Investing in continuous learning and acquiring specialized skills can significantly enhance a UX designer’s earning potential. Pursuing certifications, attending workshops, or enrolling in advanced courses related to emerging technologies or design disciplines can set professionals apart and command higher salaries in competitive markets.

  1. Negotiation and Advocacy:

When negotiating salary packages, UX designers should leverage their skills, experience, and market demand to advocate for fair compensation. Articulating value to the organization and demonstrating a track record of successful projects can strengthen their negotiating position. Additionally, considering non-monetary benefits such as flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and company culture is essential for overall job satisfaction.

  1. Networking and Professional Associations:

Building a strong professional network and actively engaging with industry-specific associations can provide valuable insights into salary trends and job opportunities. Attending networking events, participating in online forums, and joining professional organizations dedicated to UX design fosters knowledge sharing and opens doors to potential career advancements and salary negotiations.

  1. Continuous Performance Evaluation and Career Growth:

UX designers should regularly evaluate their performance, seek feedback from peers and supervisors, and identify areas for improvement. Demonstrating consistent growth and professional development can position individuals for promotions or higher-paying roles within their current organization or when exploring new career opportunities. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends and evolving technologies ensures relevance and competitiveness in the job market, ultimately contributing to long-term salary progression and career success.

Securing Rewarding Career Opportunities

The landscape of UX designer salaries is multifaceted, influenced by factors such as industry demand, company size, geographic location, and specialization. While salary disparities exist across different sectors, UX designers can navigate this landscape effectively by conducting research, upskilling, and advocating for fair compensation. By understanding the dynamics at play and leveraging their expertise, UX designers can secure rewarding career opportunities in diverse industries while contributing to the creation of exceptional user experiences.

Exploring Melbourne: A Safety Travel Guide for Families

Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne? Consider this your ultimate travel guide to Victoria’s cultural capital!

The city of Melbourne offers a plethora of activities and attractions that promise an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether it’s a unique dining experience, visiting a local exhibition, or catching one of Australia’s favorite pastimes (the footy!) you will find a host of local haunts and hidden treasures in this vibrant and charming city.

Here are the top things to do in Melbourne 2023: 

1. Discover Melbourne’s Iconic Landmarks

Melbourne is home to some incredible landmarks, from heritage-listed buildings to modern attractions. To kick off your Melbourne getaway, visit the Eureka Skydeck. The Skydeck is the second-tallest skyscraper in the southern hemisphere where you can get panoramic views of the city and beyond.  From there, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Yarra River, and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Royal Exhibition Building – a true landmark of Melbourne. 

2. Go Gallery-Hopping

Melbourne is home to many museums, art galleries, and exhibitions that cater to all interests. Head to the world’s largest digital art gallery and step inside your favorite art at LUME. Next, visit Melbourne Museum to discover Australia’s natural and cultural history. Got kids? Let their imagination run wild in the interactive exhibits at Scienceworks.

3. Spend Time in Nature

Venture into Melbourne’s beautiful outdoor spaces for some peace away from the bustle. Pack a picnic and spend a day at the Royal Botanic Gardens, where children can run around and play. For animal lovers, a trip to Melbourne Zoo or Healesville Sanctuary offers the chance to see unique Australian wildlife up close. For something unique, hire a boat and cruise the Yarra River for the best view of the city’s surroundings. 

4. Delight in Fun-Filled Theme Parks

Melbourne is home to exciting theme parks that guarantee a day of fun and excitement for the whole family. Step inside the giant laughing clown face with a visit to the historic Luna Park for classic carnival games and amusement rides, including the heritage-listed Great Scenic Railway (the oldest operating rollercoaster in the southern hemisphere and the second-oldest in the world!). 

5. Explore Local Markets and Festivals

Stroll through Melbourne’s family-friendly markets and immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. Queen Victoria Market offers a diverse range of food, shopping, and entertainment options from fresh seafood and locally-produced coffee. In 2023, Melbourne is host to some exciting festivals including Rainbow Serpent (a multi-day music, arts, lifestyle and cultural festival), electronic music festival Strawberry Fields, and The Melbourne Royal Show. Make sure to check What’s On for all upcoming events in Melbourne.

6. Have a Beach Day

Melbourne’s stunning beaches offer a perfect setting for family relaxation. St Kilda Beach, in particular, is a favorite spot for families with its sandy shores and adjacent playgrounds. When spending a day outdoors in Melbourne, follow some basic family health and safety practices such as keeping properly hydrated and wearing sunscreen – Melbourne can get very hot in summer!

7. Attend the Football 

Immerse yourself in the local culture by getting involved in a Melbournian’s favorite pastime – the AFL! Australian Rules football is the nation’s #1 sport, and Melbourne is the home of it. Catch a game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and enjoy a hot meat pie while barracking for your chosen team! 

8. Visit Cafes and Restaurants

Melbourne is famous for its incredible coffee! So no visit to Melbourne would be complete without a visit to a local cafe. The city has several Instagram-worthy cafes and restaurants, but to get a full sense of the city’s eclectic vibe, try The Little Social on Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane – this landmark laneway boasts colorful street art and installations that are always changing. You may even spot a Banksy piece!

9.  Ride the City Circle Tram

Melbourne’s free tourist tram is one of the best ways to take in the city and all of its landmark sites. The city’s tram network dates back to 1884 and remains one of the favorite modes of transport for locals. They are fast, efficient and prove to be a memorable experience for all ages! Just hop on and jump off as you please.

10. Attend a comedy show

Melbourne is home to the Melbourne Comedy Festival and is renowned for its live entertainment scene. There are several bars, clubs and theatres that host comedy nights and performances from up and coming artists. For a fun night out (and a lot of belly laughs!) head to The Comic’s Lounge for great food & drinks alongside a great comedy variety.

Melbourne offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that cater to various interests and ages. There are endless things to do, see and eat in this incredible city. No matter what direction you head, you will find something to keep yourself entertained in Melbourne 2023. All the above activities can be done at your own pace, but if you prefer, you could organize a local private tour guide to provide you with a fun, jam-packed Melbourne itinerary for the duration of your stay. 

7 Ways to Support Safe Active Play with Your Dog in Summer

Summer is a fantastic time to spend some quality time with your pup, but remember, just like humans, it’s important that your dog stays safe. Hot weather can be hazardous for dogs and it’s crucial that they don’t overheat. 

Heat stress can happen at any time of year, but during summer, it’s particularly important to monitor and protect your pet. Dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way that humans can. Dogs have a higher body temperature, and less ability to cool down. They release excess heat by panting, but they have fewer sweat glands that are confined only to the nose and foot pads. With this in mind, pet owners must take care of their dog during exercise and times of excitement.

Maintaining safe active play in summer

Keeping your dog cool and safe in summer doesn’t mean that your furry friend can’t have excitement. Active play keeps your dog’s heart healthy, keeps the joints lubricated, and improves overall balance and coordination. Active play is also super important for your dog’s mental health, keeping the mind sharp, focused, stimulated and happy. 

Playing with your dog in summer ensures that your dog feels that they are a valuable part of your life. It’s the playfulness traits we humans share with dogs that makes the relationship between owner and dog so special, so play is important all year-round. Coordinated play also increases the trust and understanding your dog has for you.  

How to keep your dog cool yet stimulated in summer

There are many ways that you can exercise your dog safely in summer. An early morning or late evening walk is one of the best ways, allowing your dog the opportunity to relieve themselves first thing or before going to bed. Keep walks short and stick to familiar routes, aiming for a 30-minute walk both in the morning and in the evening. Check any asphalt or sand that you’re walking on that it’s not too hot for your doggie’s paws.

Other ways to safely stimulate and exercise your dog include:

  1. Provide plenty of fresh water

Keeping your dog well-hydrated reduces your dog’s risk of heatstroke. When heading out with your pooch, take with you a water bottle and a collapsible water bowl so you can easily provide water on the go. To ensure your dog drinks from it, practice providing water this way a few times from home. 

As a general rule, your dog should drink between ½ to 1 oz of water for every pound of bodyweight. Factors such as size, medications and age can change this, however, so talk to your vet about how much water your dog should be drinking.

  1. Play with frozen dog treats

Frozen treats are a fantastic way to keep up with training while keeping your dog cool in summer. Your dog will feel extra special and rewarded, while beating the heat during active play. Dogs love to chew on ice cubes, so try freezing some flavoured ones using chicken or beef broth. You can also freeze xylitol-free peanut butter, strawberries, banana, pumpkin and blueberries. 

  1. Stop for a soft serve break

Blending frozen fruit with an unsweetened yoghurt makes for a great soft serve treat your dog will love. Watermelon is safe for dogs and most enjoy it, so it makes a perfect choice for this recipe. Just be sure to remove the rind before blending and to count the soft serve as part of your dog’s daily calorie intake. 

  1. Provide shade

When it’s warm outside, avoid any time in direct sun. Instead, seek out shady trees to play under or find a covered area with plenty of breeze. If your dog lacks shade in your own backyard, consider installing a shade sail. A pop up gazebo could also be used, as could a planter umbrella stand. Fill the planter with soil and a few dog-friendly flowers and you’ve got yourself a pleasing to look at sun protector. 

  1. Encourage water play

Splashing around in water is a fun way for your dog to cool down. You could set up a paddling pool in a shaded part of the garden (if you don’t have shade then place it under a pop up gazebo) or take your dog to a nearby creek or river for  a dip. 

  1. Use an elevated or cooling bed

Give your dog somewhere cooler to retire after play and get their bed elevated. Just like laying in a hammock is cooler for humans, an elevated bed is cooler for dogs than a bed sat on the floor. This is because it takes advantage of air all around, allowing air to circulate underneath. If you want to take it further, invest in an elevated cooling bed or cool mat made from a special cooling material or gel. 

  1. Play inside in the air conditioning

Inside play can be just as fun as outdoor play and staying inside allows you to control the temperature. Teach your dogs new tricks such as crawling under a chair, hide treats throughout the house for a treasure hunt, rotate your dog’s toys, create an indoor obstacle course and practice scent work. There are tons of ways to entertain your dog safely indoors! 

Watching out for heatstroke

Heatstroke is a sign of hyperthermia that can result in heat injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when the heat your dog generates exceeds the ability to lose heat. Signs of heatstroke include:

  • Panting that increases over time
  • Increased heart rate
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Drooling/excess saliva
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Very red or pale gums
  • Bright red tongue
  • Vomiting or diarrhea 
  • Delirium or signs of confusion
  • Dizziness or staggering
  • Muscle tremors
  • Seizures
  • Little to no urine production
  • Unconsciousness 

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, remove your pet from the hot environment immediately and spray tepid water on the fur and skin. Apply a fan to maximise heat loss and wet down the area surrounding your pet. You can then take your dog to the nearest veterinarian. 

Summer is a fun time, but it’s also a time to watch your pet carefully. Learn heatstroke first aid, get creative with your play, and protect your pet from overheating as the weather warms. 

Strains & Sprains In Dogs: What Owners Need To Know

All owners want to keep their pets feeling and looking happy and healthy. However, there are situations where accidents can occur and your pet may stand up a little slowly or walk with a limp. 

While this can be emotional and stressful for owners, it’s important to be aware of the different injuries dogs can acquire. This way, you are well equipped to help get them the best care possible. 

Common injuries in dogs are that of strains and sprains. Often mistaken for the same thing, these two different injuries need to be treated with specific techniques in order to get the best results. 

Strains in dogs 

Describing an injury to the tendons that link muscles and bones, strains are commonly seen in a dog’s hips and thighs. This type of injury can be sustained during an innocuous activity like stretching or a more strenuous past time such as jumping for a ball during a game of catch. 

The first sign of a strain is general lameness. For some dogs, they may have trouble sitting up or laying down. As a result, activity levels might decrease and playtime will generally be off the cards. When walking, your dog may also limp or favour a certain paw. 

When it comes to dealing with strains, symptoms will typically subside within a few days or a week. For minor strains, vets will look to provide treatment through supportive bandages. For major strains, owners will need to keep dogs calm and quiet for around two weeks. 

No owner wants to see their dog limping and generally unhappy. As such, there are things owners can do to prevent strains from occurring. For instance, changing the intensity of exercise or opting for activities that aren’t so hard on the body. 

Owners can also prevent incidents of strain by implementing weight management tools. This could mean changing foods to something more nutritional. It could also mean cutting down on treats. 

It is also worth noting that physio can be used as both a prevention and treatment technique. Physio can help to support soft tissues such as tendons. It can also be used to re-establish normal movement. 

Sprains in dogs

Commonly occurring in the wrist and knee, sprains in dogs can be quite serious. This is because a sprain actually harms the ligaments that connect bones. As such, a sprain can result in joint damage. 

A dog may suffer a sprain by stepping in a hole, falling down the stairs or off the couch or by jumping. Sprains can be chronic or acute and the first sign is your dog suddenly limping or appearing lame. 

When it comes to sprains, there are three grades that a sprain can fall into. A Grade I sprain denotes that the ligament has a mild tear. As such, your dog will still be able to walk, albeit with some pain. With treatment such as a splint to restrict movement or a course of anti-inflammatory medication, your pooch will return to normal in a matter of weeks. 

A Grade II sprain means that your dog has a significant tear. Swelling will typically be visible and your dog will either limp or limit movement altogether. Depending on the severity, surgery may be recommended, or a splint and medication will suffice. However, healing will take some time. 

A Grade III sprain is extremely serious as there is often damage or a torn ligament. Dogs suffering this type of strain won’t be able to put any weight on their paw. They will also typically be vocal and cry out or whine in pain. In this instance cranial or anterior cruciate ligament surgery will be the only course of action. Recovery will be months.

Highly trained professionals, vets will be able to undertake physical exams and order imaging to determine the exact grading of your dog’s sprains. With 82% of dogs requiring one or more vet visits every year, veterinary professionals are well versed in all types of injuries. 

Whether your dog’s sprain requires a splint, medication or surgery, physio can prove beneficial. Not only will it help with pain management and establishing normal movement patterns, it will also treat areas that are under strain from compensating movements such as limping. 

Much like with strains, sprains can be prevented by managing your dog’s weight through their food quality and intake. Limiting strenuous exercise and instead opting for low-impact activities is also beneficial. 

Strains and sprains in dogs 

Dogs are incredibly active creatures. They love to run along the beach, bound down the stairs to greet their owners and jump up on the couch for a bit of snuggle time. However, each of these activities can result in injuries like strains and sprains.

No owner wants to see their dog limp around or hear them cry, so, to help them remain healthy, it’s important to learn about the different injuries dogs can sustain. When armed with the right advice, you can take quick action. 

How to Improve Your Quality of Life, No Matter How Busy You Are

We live in a world that seems to be getting busier, nosier, and more tiring. We’re working harder and longer hours, and we’re retiring much later in life. In that context, doing what you can to improve your quality of life is more important than ever.

The good news is that improving your quality of life doesn’t need to involve making big changes. There are plenty of small things that you can do that will show benefits almost immediately.

What is quality of life?

To know how to improve quality of life, it’s useful to know what counts as quality of life first. It can vary, depending on where a person is in life. For example, people living in retirement tend to define quality of life be being in good physical, mental, and financial health, and that meaning that they can live independently for as long as possible. Younger people from gen Z entering the workforce for the first time, meanwhile, are far more heavily weighted towards the pragmatist goal of financial security. Millennials often have more idealistic goals than either group.

However, all groups can benefit from a series of quality of life “best practices” that will help get them in the mindset that they need to achieve these goals and feel better about themselves in the process.

1)     Declutter

This is what Marie Kondo has been famous for over a number of years now.  There is research that shows that keeping environments that are minimalist and decluttered actually improves the mental health. You don’t need to go hardcore with this, but moving through your home and remoting items that you no longer need will give you room to fill it again with things that do spark joy. Furthermore, the fewer things you own, the less time you need to spend maintaining, cleaning, and organising them.

If you can’t bring yourself to throw them out, then consider renting some storage space. With the right temperature and climate-controlled storage space (to protect the items), you can keep items that you don’t need in the immediate term somewhere safe and out-of-mind, while still decluttering the place where you live.

2)     Drink more water

This might sound like really silly advice, but in actual fact, almost no one drinks enough water. A full 80 per cent of us could be consuming more, and the lifestyle impacts of this are significant. A lack of water is connected to headaches, fatigue, and even weight gain (research shows that people often feel hungry when it’s actually just that their body wants water). So a really simple way of improving your quality of life is to drink more water.

3)     Learn things

For far too many people, the last day of school or their university course is the last day they formally learn something. Once they’re in the workforce, that’s it as far as adding to their knowledge bank goes. Sure, they might read the news or watch the occasional documentary, but they don’t gain demonstratable expertise in anything else.

This is an unfortunate, because learning new things can have a wide range of lifestyle benefits. It could potentially lead to promotions or new career paths, but even if it doesn’t, learning improves your mental faculties and provides a powerful sense of satisfaction that comes from getting measurably better at something.

Take a barista or cocktail making course for fun. Sign up to a book club at a community college or group. Take up a sport and hire a coach. Download an app like Duolingo and start learning a second language. Or go and do that MBA to supercharge your career. There are endless opportunities to learn out there. Rather than waste your time watching poor-quality TV or over-indulging in video games, give yourself some time to learn, for fun or profit.

4)     Take a break from the screens

Most of us use screens for work… and then use screens to catch up on social media during the commute home… and then use screens for entertainment in the evening. Our use of screens is exploding, and now, 90 per cent of people aged 18-29 actually sleep with their phone next to them in bed. It’s the last thing they do before sleep, and the first thing they do on waking up.

However, this is disrupting sleep and with so much of our well-being associated with getting a good night’s sleep, this disruption is affecting our quality of life.

The best solution is to give yourself an hour at the end of the day to read a book in bed – going to bed an hour earlier to do so, and making the bedroom a strict “no devices” environment. The phone and computer will be just outside the room when you need it the next day.

5)     Find time for a hobby

This is easier said than done, when you’ve got a busy career to deal with, kids that need motoring around, and whatever other obligations crop up through life, but finding time for yourself is so critically important, both to help centre yourself and to give you joy in your own life.

Hobbies can range from time in the gym or a sport, through to a collection, a creative pursuit (write that book!), or simply finding time for friends. You don’t necessarily need a lot of time for the hobby to do its thing in helping your state of mind and well-being, but it is something that you should protect, by actually scheduling it in if necessary.

These are just five techniques that can help deliver to you a better sense of wellness and quality of life. It really does come down to the basics – are you sleeping enough, eating well, drinking enough water, and creating an environment that is enjoyable to live in? If so, then you’re well on the path to having a great quality of life.

What Internet Speeds Are Right For You?

Whether you’re looking to game or video conference, work and study from home, or simply kick back with some Netflix in the evenings, the speed of your Internet connection is critical to the experience.

There are many different types of Internet connection available, and the first thing to understand is that depending on where you live, you might not have much of a choice in terms of what speeds are available. If you live in a major city, then generally choice will be available to you – especially if you are willing to pay. You’ll be able to access everything from 5G mobile Internet, to a range of fibre services to the home, and more – you’ll be able to tailor your Internet plan to your specific needs.

However, if you live in a regional area, you might only have one option for Internet, and it might not be as fast as you’re hoping for. There are technologies and solutions on the horizon that might cast a wider net and include more regional areas, but for now, you may need to make the most of what you can access.

Now, with that said, what is a good Internet speed?

Video is the benchmark

The most data-intensive application will always be one that uses video. Netflix, for example, recommends that people have at least 5 Mbps in order to stream video content at HD (which, for most modern TVs, is the minimum quality that you’ll want), and 25 Mbps for content in 4K (which, depending on your TV, is what you’ll really want to be doing).

What surprises most people is that almost any other application doesn’t require much bandwidth at all. People often assume that for playing games online, for example, the faster the connection, the better. However, most gaming applications wouldn’t need more than 3 Mbps – half that of lower quality video – to run perfectly well. There are other factors that might affect the quality of the gaming experience, such as latency, but that’s unrelated to the Internet speeds you need.

The most bandwidth-intensive application of gaming is cloud gaming – where you “stream” the game off a server like you would watch a Netflix film. For a service like this (such as Microsoft Cloud Gaming), you’ll need a download speed of at least 20 Mbps (and 5GHz Wi-Fi), which is still less than high-end video.

Now, if you’re going to be downloading a lot of games, there’s a case to be made for a faster connection. Video games can be as much as 100GB in size now, and obviously, the faster the Internet connection, the quicker you’ll be playing, but if you’re willing to wait a few hours from the point of purchase (or download the game overnight while sleeping), then a 20 Mbps connection will be more than sufficient there too.

So, in short, when figuring out which Internet speed you need, prioritise video. If your Internet connection can handle video, it can also do the rest.

More people = greater speeds needed

The second key factor to consider is the number of people that are going to be using the Internet at the same time. In a household, one person might be watching Netflix, while another is using the Internet to research a project, and a third might be trying to conduct a video conference. Each additional application using the Internet at the same time adds to the overall bandwidth required. If two people are using Netflix at the same time you need to double the bandwidth, and so on.

The best way to make this calculation is to look at the peak times that people are using the Internet – when everyone’s at home and connected at the same time – and assume that each of these people want to use video at some point. That’s an indication of when your Internet connection will have the most strain put on it, and from there you can figure out the maximum “peak” bandwidth that you’ll need.

For most families of 3-4 people, it’ll be around 100 Mbps, to ensure that there won’t ever be disruption to anyone’s Internet experience.

Also consider uploads

Often when we look at Internet speeds, we focus on downloads – the speeds that you need to have information sent to you from the Internet. This is because applications like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, gaming and so on are exclusively one-way traffic – you don’t need to send any information to use these services.

However, increasingly we do use the Internet to interact online. Video conferencing, for example, involves both receiving and sending video footage. Cloud gaming and applications involve a feedback loop – you make inputs and get outputs in return.

For this reason, it’s important to also look at the upload speed. In many cases, Internet plans are sold with what is called asynchronous speeds – you’ll get a bigger download speed than upload (for example, a common Internet plan is to offer 100 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload). Internet companies do this because traditionally the need for upload bandwidth is lower, so providing synchronous speeds would have been a waste of resources.

The good news is that video conferencing applications don’t require the same bandwidth as, say, Netflix. Microsoft Teams recommends around 1.5 Mbps both download and upload for a good experience. A more intensive application is Twitch – if you’re a game streamer than you’ll need around 6 Mbps to ensure that your audience have a good experience. But that’s about the cap, so run the same calculations for uploads as you do downloads, and make sure that your plan will be able to account for “peak” times when everyone in the house might be using the Internet to interact at the same time.

Find the right ISP

Once you know what kind of Internet speed you need to match your consumption needs, the next step is to find the right ISP to meet those needs. Not all ISPs are equal. As a rule of thumb (though there are always exceptions to the rule), be careful about the cheapest ISPs. They might provide the speeds that you’re looking for, but with strict data caps that limit how much you can use. Or they might cut corners in other areas (for example, a cheaper ISP might not buy enough bandwidth wholesale, and therefore struggle to provide enough bandwidth to its customers during peak times, resulting in a slower connection for everyone.

The best way to ensure a completely interruption-free Internet experience is, therefore, quite simple. It’s a matter of calculating the amount of bandwidth and speeds that you need, and finding the right ISP that you can trust to provide that.