Problem: Article: Once you've run out of friends to choose from, look for other players from a wider pool of potential band members. For example, there are some socializing websites that are devoted mainly for to find people just like you. You can advertise on schools, community centers, libraries, anywhere you want. But remember to ask the owners of the establishment first. Mention on the advertisement that you need a guitar player, a base player, a drummer, a manager, and an electronics person. You don't want Danny from down the block trying to "Judas" by Lady Gaga with the palms of his hands. No, you need someone experienced with talent. Have you ever seen those cartoons where kids try to start rock bands but they all suck? Yeah, you don't want that. So have try outs in your basement or local community centers to make sure people actually can play.
Summary: Find some friends that are looking for a band. Advertise in your community that you're starting a band. Have try outs.

Problem: Article: Green tea does have some caffeine, but not as much as things like coffee, soda, and energy drinks. If you're feeling the need for an afternoon pick-me-up, opt for a green tea over a coffee or soda. This will keep you going while still reducing your overall intake of caffeine. You can also try switching out coffee for green tea throughout the day. For example, have four cups of green tea instead of four cups of coffee. Once you feel comfortable drinking tea, reduce the amount of tea you consume. Some natural herbs and medicinal mushrooms may help you stay awake. These can usually be bought as supplements at health food stores. You might try: Ginseng Ashwagandha Wild oats seed Rhodiola Holy basil leaf Lion's mane mushroom Caffeine is often a major component in socialization. You may, for example, meet a friend at a coffee house in the afternoon. Look for ways to socialize with others without consuming caffeine. If you meet your friends at a coffee house, opt for herbal teas, which do not contain caffeine. You can also find places that specialize in herbal tea. Going to a coffee place for tea can be disappointing, as tea-based drinks may not be as flavorful. If a friend wants to meet up at a coffee house, try to find a place that specializes in tea as well. For many people, milky lattes and cappuccinos are a nice indulgence. You may, for example, treat yourself to a pricey latte on the weekends. You can still have these treats on occasion. However, work on altering them to consume less caffeine. The most obvious way to do this is to order a decaf variety of your go-to coffee shop treat. For the most part, workers should be able to accommodate this request. Many coffee houses can also make "half-caf" beverages, where they use half decaf coffee or espresso with half regular coffee or espresso; this is a great option if you're still cutting back on caffeine. If you can't get a decaf version for whatever reason, see if there are any drinks without added caffeine on the menu. A cup of hot cocoa, for example, can be as satisfying as a latte. Cocoa does contain small amounts of caffeine, but much less than coffee. You can also order a "steamer," which is hot milk mixed with a syrup or sweetener of your choice, like vanilla or honey. If you're a soda drinker, substitute sparkling water for soda. You may find yourself reaching for caffeine in the afternoon. There are other healthier ways to wake your body up, however. Instead of going for a cup of coffee, have something small to eat or take a brief nap. If you're able, take a nap for about 20 minutes. This will leave you feeling rested and refreshed. However, be sure to set an alarm. Many people end up accidentally napping for over an hour. Try a small energizing snack. Healthy proteins can boost your energy as much as, or even more than, caffeine. Have a small slice of turkey or a cup of nuts instead of reaching for the coffee. Also, avoiding processed carbs at lunch can help reduce afternoon fatigue.
Summary: Drink green tea. Try herbal supplements for extra energy. Socialize without caffeine. Find substitutes for your favorite caffeinated beverages. Rely on protein or naps to address afternoon fatigue.

Problem: Article: Gaining weight when you're pregnant is natural. For the first six weeks following childbirth, take it easy. Don't attempt to lose weight right away. If you lose weight too soon, it can take longer for your body to recover from childbirth. If you're breastfeeding, give yourself at least 8 weeks, or 2 months, to recover. Your body may naturally shed the extra pounds when it's ready. Breastfeeding helps with this natural weight-loss process. When you're ready to start losing weight, take it slowly. You can easily reduce your daily food intake by 500 calories through eating smaller portions, swapping high-calorie foods for lower-calorie options, or skipping high-calorie food choices altogether. Switching from high-fat sweet coffee drinks, such as caramel lattes, to plain coffee or espresso, or substituting water for sugary sodas, will help make the weight loss easier. If you're breastfeeding, losing weight too quickly can interfere with milk production. Talk to your medical care provider to find out her recommendations before starting any weight loss or exercise program. Lay on the floor or a firm mattress, either on your side or your back. Bend your knees, so that your thighs are perpendicular to your torso. Take a deep breath in, then as you breathe out tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Then, gently pull your belly button in and up. Hold this pose for 10 seconds, then slowly relax. Wait for 5 seconds, then repeat the exercise. Make sure you continue to breathe throughout. If you've had a caesarian section, you may feel some gentle pulling in your muscles. You shouldn't feel any pain while doing this exercise. If you feel any twinges, sharp stabbing pains, or other discomfort, release any tension in your muscles and relax your body. Postnatal yoga classes can be a great way to learn new poses that will strengthen your pelvic floor and your abdominal muscles. In addition, yoga classes will help you expand your breathing which will help with the fatigue often experienced by new mothers. Make sure you strengthen your pelvic floor before working on your abdominal muscles. The company of other women experiencing postpartum weight gain may also be a helpful support to you during this time. Pushing a stroller is a great exercise, and your baby will enjoy it too. Remember to keep your back straight as you walk, which will firm your belly muscles. Remember that your joints and ligaments are looser than they were prior to your childbirth, so be careful of straining them. Women who combine exercise with lower-calorie diets had the most success of losing belly fat during research studies. After your lochia (postnatal bleeding) has stopped, you can return to the pool. If you've not been including swimming or water aerobics classes in your exercise routine, this might be a good time to try it. Swimming and water classes are good for your whole body, and don't stress your joints the way weight-bearing exercise does. Many water classes have options for including your young child. Check with your local gym or pool for more information. If the gym doesn't have a class that includes your child, it might offer child care. Some health care providers recommend waiting as long as 5 months before engaging in high-intensity aerobics or running. This will allow your pelvic muscles to heal from childbirth. Check with your medical care provider about what your own health situation is like before starting to do more strenuous exercise. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all examples of exercise that may be better options for your body during this time. Some women are able to return to pre-baby weight and shape, but many women find their bodies different after childbirth. You may find that you have wider hips, a softer belly, and a larger waistline. Get to know your new, post-childbirth, body, and allow yourself time to adjust. Having a new shape doesn't mean you're unhealthy. Make the choices that fit into a new, healthy lifestyle for yourself and your new child.
Summary:
Wait 6 weeks before trying to lose weight. Eliminate 500 calories a day from your current diet. Do postnatal exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Try postnatal yoga classes. Walk with your baby. Try swimming. Wait at least 6 weeks before doing high-impact exercise. Be realistic.