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Divorced and Thriving: How to Break the Stigma Around Second Chances

  Let’s be honest; nobody walks down the aisle thinking they’ll one day be divorced. You plan the wedding, dream of forever, and hope love will always be enough. Unfortunately, it isn’t always so. And when it all falls apart, society often makes it worse. Especially here in Nigeria, where aunties at every family gathering suddenly become relationship counsellors, whispering things like, “What happened?” or “You’ll find someone soon, by God’s grace.” As if your worth expired with your marriage . Now, here’s the truth: divorce isn’t the end of your story. It’s a chapter; a painful one, yes, but also powerful. It can be the beginning of rediscovery, healing, and even thriving. So, let’s talk about breaking the stigma and embracing second chances in love, in life, and in yourself. 1. The Stigma Is Real, But It’s Also Outdated: In our culture, divorce is still whispered about like a scandal. People say “she’s divorced” in hushed tones, as if it’s a crime. Men face judgment too, t...
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12 Healthy Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Self-Care Routine

 

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is more than just a kitchen staple. It is a versatile elixir that can be incorporated into your self-care routine in countless ways.

From promoting glowing skin to aiding digestion, here are 12 healthy uses of apple cider vinegar that can enhance your overall well-being.


1. Facial Toner for Clear Skin: Apple cider vinegar’s natural astringent properties make it an excellent toner for oily or acne-prone skin. Mix one part ACV with two parts water and apply it to your face with a cotton pad after cleansing. This helps balance your skin’s pH levels, tightens pores, and reduces breakouts.

2. Hair Rinse for Shine and Volume: Say goodbye to dull hair by using an ACV rinse. After shampooing, dilute a tablespoon of ACV in a cup of water and pour it over your hair. This helps remove product build-up, balances the scalp’s pH, and leaves your hair shiny and voluminous.

African woman washing natural hair

3. Soothing Foot Soak: After a long day, treat your feet to a relaxing ACV soak. Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. This not only softens calluses but also helps eliminate foot odour.

4. Natural Deodorant: ACV’s antibacterial properties make it a natural alternative to traditional deodorants. Dab a little diluted ACV under your arms to neutralize odour-causing bacteria. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell, it disappears once it dries.

Shirtless African man

5. Detoxifying Bath: Transform your bath into a detoxifying ritual by adding a cup of apple cider vinegar. The acidity helps draw out toxins from your body, relieves muscle aches, and softens your skin. You can also add a few drops of essential oils for an extra relaxing experience.

6. Sunburn Relief: If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, ACV can help soothe and heal sunburned skin. Mix equal parts water and ACV, then gently apply the solution to the affected areas with a soft cloth. The vinegar helps cool the skin and restore its pH balance, reducing redness and pain.

Happy African woman

7. Digestive Aid: Incorporating ACV into your diet can support digestive health. Mix a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of warm water and drink it before meals to stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating. This simple habit can also help with acid reflux and heartburn.

8. Boosted Immune System: Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. A daily dose of ACV in water, perhaps with a dash of honey, can help ward off colds and other infections by boosting your immune system.

Apple cider vinegar

9. All-Natural Mouthwash: Freshen your breath and kill bacteria with an all-natural ACV mouthwash. Mix one tablespoon of ACV in a cup of water and swish it around your mouth for a minute. This can help reduce bad breath and improve oral hygiene.

10. Weight Management: Adding ACV to your diet may support weight loss efforts. Studies suggest that ACV can help control blood sugar levels and curb appetite. Start by adding a tablespoon of ACV to a glass of water and drinking it before meals.

African man in front of a mirror

11. Healthy Skin Scrub: Create a DIY exfoliating scrub by mixing ACV with sugar or salt. The vinegar helps break down dead skin cells while the sugar or salt gently exfoliates, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.

12. Wart and Blemish Treatment: ACV’s antiviral properties make it effective for treating warts and blemishes. Soak a cotton ball in ACV, apply it to the affected area, and secure it with a bandage overnight. With consistent use, warts and blemishes can diminish over time.

African woman in front of a mirror

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile and affordable addition to your self-care routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin, boost your immune system, or simply relax, ACV offers a natural and effective solution.

Just remember, as with any new regimen, it’s important to start slowly and listen to your body to find what works best for you. Incorporate these tips into your routine, and enjoy the numerous benefits of this powerful elixir.

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