It's difficult for our friends, family members and partners to understand how much we need to have alone time every day. Time to have fun. Did you just smile? Me too. How interesting it is when we, kindred souls and introverts, recognize this small joke: to have fun.

Because what is fun? Well, that depends. For extroverts, fun means socializing: going to a party or taking part in team sports. For introverts, on the other hand, that's a definition of stress and boredom. What we understand as fun is devoting time to alone activities. Because only when we're alone can we rest and recharge our batteries.

I'd like to share with you ideas on how you can relax and regain your energy after a busy day. Here are 10 activities I adore:

1. Playing mentally stimulating games

Playing games on your laptop or cell phone is a solitary activity that every introvert will enjoy. However, the choice of games matter. Introverts like to be creative and learn new things.

Thus, you'll enjoy and rest if you play those games that allow you to create something and boost your brain power. For example, try Fishdom or Magic Jigsaw Puzzles on your phone or Civilization V/VI on PC. Just play and forget about the world outside.

2. Journaling and blogging

Writing in a journal or a diary helps you to calm down and focus on yourself. Try writing down your impressions, ideas or what you achieved and make plans for the future. This way you'll get organized and learn more about yourself: your dreams, emotions and feelings.

Writing blog posts is a good way to relax too. If you're an expert in some area or if you learned a new skill, share your knowledge with others. You will not only enjoy the process of writing about it, but also gain self-satisfaction when your article goes live and people share positive comments.

3. Coloring

Within a few years, bookstores' shelves have been filled with adult coloring books and YouTube got thousands of new videos of people sharing coloring tips and their finished pages. If you still don't have a coloring book, buy yourself one. Coloring is one of the best hobbies and fun activities for you because it allows you to relax and be creative. What I like the most is to color while listening to music or watching a movie ... and think about nothing else but which colors to choose.

4. Getting organized

That's right! Cleaning up and organizing your possessions and collections in boxes and containers, arranging books, checking all products in the kitchen and making notes of what to buy and rearranging your room is always a fun and satisfactory activity that gives you inner peace, a sense of accomplishment and a clutter-free space. I do it every week and it's always a pleasure. Add some good music and enjoy your cleaning adventure!

5. Reading books

I don't have to say more about it. Every introvert knows there isn't a better evening than that with a great book on your lap and a delicious treat on the table. Just you and an intriguing story. You relax and for a moment and travel to a different place and different times. You forget about all your troubles. What a joy!

6. Cooking

Should you learn cooking if you don't like it? No, you shouldn't. It's more about learning and polishing a new useful skill. It might be cooking, it might be driving a car or making videos like a pro. What's important is that it should interest you and make you an expert in a field of knowledge.

I chose cooking. I like to search for new recipes and improve those I have. This way I get satisfaction and my partner, a full stomach. Thus, everyone's happy. And remember, turn on some music! It will liven up the atmosphere.

7. Playing sports

Doing sports is not only important to your physical health but also your mental health. A good workout brings you satisfaction and clears your mind. But what sport should you choose?

Well, introverts need alone activities to recharge, so team sports are out of the question. Try running in a nearby park or by a lake during warmer months. In winter, don't sign up for gym but do some aerobics at home. There are many videos on YouTube with professional instructors. I like doing Yoga and Hula-Hoop. Try it as well!

8. Taking care of your body

This is advice for all introverted women: Take out your calendar and find one or two days in your busy week when you can take a long, hot bath. Turn on inspirational, romantic or calming music, take your favorite showering gels and light some candles. Then relax and enjoy the bubbles!

Clean your nails, shave your legs, put some moisturizing oils on your skin and hair. And don't hurry. Take your time. You deserve it!

Afterwards, snuggle up for intimate time with your partner. The hot bath will calm your nerves, making your time together even more special.

9. Crafting

Just be creative. I enjoy taking all my colorful pieces of paper, old pieces of material and other art accessories to create original frames for pictures, funny pots for flowers and scrapbooks. I also like watching a movie and making 3D origami swans to embellish my writing studio. Look around, check what you have at home and create something. Heads of introverts are full of creative ideas, so implement them!

10. Shopping ... online

This is a rescue boat for all introverts who love shopping but hate going out too often. What have you wanted for a while? A new coloring book? Tablet? Sport accessories? Google the prices, compare them and make an order. There isn't a better end of a day than the promise of a reward: a new toy to play with.

There are many ways in which introverts can recharge their batteries. Whatever you choose to do, remember that it should be a solitary activity that allows you to be creative and sparks your interest.

If there are other ways introverts can have fun, share them with us in the comments below!

The post How I de-stress after a hard day’s work: 10 fun hobbies for introverts appeared first on FamilyToday.

Aside from choosing the right person to marry, having children is the greatest decision you will make in your life. It's an important decision with more factors and variables involved than can be put into an article. This is by no means a definitive guide, but here are three reasons you shouldn't have children balanced with three reasons why you should.

Three reasons why you shouldn't...

Because you feel pressure from others

In every birth, there are only three decision makers: you, your spouse and God. No one else should be involved. No one else's opinions matter. Deciding to have children is an extremely personal matter to keep within the sacred relationship of a marriage. As someone once told me, "No one can tell you how, when, where or why to have a baby." This includes your friends, your parents, etc.

You shouldn't use this reason as an excuse to get offended by those who toss light-hearted baby jokes your way. They're going to come no matter what. Laugh them off, and remember the three important people here.

You. Your spouse. God. That's it.

Because it's part of your culture

Traditions are a wonderful part of life. They're what create a sense of belonging and connecting with everyone around us.

But there are times when cultural traditions shouldn't rule personal decisions; e.g. having children. This decision is too important to be ruled by cultural traditions that shift from decade to decade or from year to year.

Because you're bored

You're at home. You're unemployed. You have nothing going on at the moment. Whatever's happening - or not happening - you may be tempted to think, "Hey, why not make a baby?"

This kind of boredom-induced thinking works with getting a puppy; not with making a human. Having nothing going on in life is not a good enough reason to bring a child into the world. Creating life is so much more serious than picking up a hobby. It's beautiful; it's sacred; it's serious. And it should be treated as such.

Three reasons why you should...

Because you're prepared

First, a disclaimer: When I first married my husband, my father gave me this advice: "You will never be fully prepared to have children. Keep that in mind." He wasn't discouraging me. If anything, he was encouraging me to start a family. He was saying that preparation is essential, but perfection in preparation is not.

While it's true that you'll never be fully prepared, you can come close. Preparation comes in many forms: financial stability, emotional maturity, spiritual solidity, etc. Having a child requires a tremendous amount of responsibility, much of which you can prepare for.

Because it feels right

Ultimately, the decision of when to have children hinges on how you and your spouse feel. How you come to that feeling is, like everything else, personal and between you, your spouse and God. It may come through late-night conversations, innumerable sincere prayers, or a shared simple and knowing look. The feeling may be calm, exciting or inspirational. Whatever it is, you'll know it when you feel it.

Because you have love

Parenthood without love is like cookies without chocolate chips. It's possible, but it isn't nearly as pleasant. The best parents have love. It's a special kind of love; an unlimited, unconditional love full of bedtime stories, boo-boo kisses, dating advice, empathy tears and infinite hugs. Children need this love.

They need preparation. They need surety. Above all, they need love.

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I'm just gonna say it; in the United States, we're spoiled. You know it. I know it. We all know it.

We're spoiled in many obvious ways-Disneyland, Netflix, and free refills to name a few-and we're also spoiled in a less obvious and often overlooked way: free carry-on luggage with unlimitedweight.

The unlimited part is what we take for granted. Sure, many airlines outside of the United States offer free carry-on bags, but they typically add on a fee for every kilogram over their strict luggage weight restrictions. Others don't even offer free carry-ons.

As I mentioned in 7 tips to save you big bucks on your European adventure, super cheap flights usually come with extra fees for luggage, so, cheapskates like you and me, we've got to cut down on what we bring.

Why pack less and pack light? It saves you money. It saves you time. It saves your arms. Seriously, those bags get heavy after a while.

Here are tips to help you pack a week's worth of must-haves into a small carry-on:

"Am I going to use this daily?"

Ask yourself with each and every item you pack: "Am I going to use this daily?" If not, simply don't bring it.

However, if you'll be staying for a month or longer on your trip, you have permission to fudge a little and instead ask, "Am I going to use this weekly?"

Lighter is better

With everything you pack, try to come up with a lighter and space-conserving alternative. For example, swap umbrellas for lightweight rain jackets, or switch wedges for sandals.

Buy disposable toiletries while you're there

Nearly every city you visit will have drug and convenience stores where you can get necessary toiletries. There's no need to pack five palettes of eye shadow, sixteen ounces of gel, and three bottles of perfume.

Trust me.

You don't want to carry around all that extra weight anyway.

"Can I wear this with more than one outfit?"

Come on. Who is going to notice that you've worn the same shirt twice in one week when you're in a foreign country surrounded by complete strangers?

You can still be trendy without packing your whole wardrobe. Simply pack only clothing, shoes, and accessories that are versatile and can be worn with many outfits.

Here's a tip: Neutral colors are your best friend when travelling.

Plan on doing laundry

Since you won't be bringing a separate outfit for each day, dirty laundry is inevitable. Some hotels, bed 'n' breakfasts, and hostels offer laundry facilities. Paying $2 for a load of laundry is cheaper than paying extra baggage fees brought on by bringing more clothes than necessary.

...or don't

If you're not perspiring like a pig, don't do laundry and consider wearing clothes multiple times while on vacation.

Re-wear shirts, pants, dresses, and for those articles you can't stand to wear again (I'm that way with undies and socks.), do what the traveling guru, Rick Steves, suggests: wash them in a sink with shampoo and let them hang dry while you're out and about sight-seeing.

Roll, roll, roll

Once you've got your minimalist outfits planned, roll them to save room in your suitcase. It's like magic how much rolling clothing can save room.

Plan on souvenirs

If you're able to get under the weight restrictions on the way to your destinations, great! But do realize that you'll probably grab a few souvenirs along the way. Plan in advance, and save room and weight, so you won't have to leave anything behind.

Weigh before you go

Be okay with what you've packed and weigh your carry-on before you go. You don't want to be surprised at the airport with extra fees.

I've invested in a small and lightweight hand scale, specifically designed to weigh luggage, which I keep with me on vacation.

Again, fitting all of your necessities into one small carry-on will make traveling so much easier!

It will also save you a pretty penny along the way.

The post 9 simple tricks on packing everything you need for an international trip in a carry-on appeared first on FamilyToday.

After 20-some-odd years of taming the beast (i.e. my curly hair), I've come to understand that my hair is a metaphor for life. With the millionth stray hair, I realized I could learn more than just how to distribute gel evenly. Here are five life lessons I've learned from having naturally curly hair.

1. Life is unpredictable, so it helps to be adaptable

Some days, it's neatly coiled. Some days, it's a mixture of springs and waves. Every day, there's a halo of frizz surrounding it. I cannot control it. Only the Fates can, and they laugh every morning when I wake up looking like Medusa stuck in a cyclone.

My hair is as predictable as a teenage girl's mood. I never know if it's going to cooperate or not, much like life. Will life give me Shirley Temple or Raggedy Ann hair, no kids or 16, a promotion or a pink slip? I control what I can, but for what I can't, I must adapt. I must be able to make the most of what I have. I must see moments of disappointment as opportunities to open different doors, just as too much body and volume gives me an excuse to rock my inner 80's self.

2. Some blessings are disguised as curses

I really have no excuse to complain. There are days when I look like Alice from Dilbert, but my curls come naturally. It takes me literally - and I don't use that term loosely - five minutes to get my hair ready every day. Yes, it's almost always frizzy. Yes, I can't control what odd shape (typically trapezoid) it decides to take. But it's unique, it's beautiful, and it's easy.

3. I shouldn't settle for having my appearance be my claim to fame

When casual acquaintances try to remember me, it usually goes, "Yeah, you know. The girl with curly hair." It doesn't bother me - that much. It's just the way our prejudicially visual minds work. We can recall the people we've met with how they look better than with how great their personalities are.

There was a point when I got really tired of being only that girl with curly hair. I wanted to be associated with attributes more special than looks, so I decided to open up and set myself apart in other ways. I became the girl who is genuinely nice, the coworker who is hard working, and the weirdo who can impersonate Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove"¦ Maybe not the last one. This is borderline cliché, but it's true: While my hair is a part of my identity, my true self is more than curls.

4. Just because something is right for others doesn't mean it is right for me

Sulfates and parabens may work with others, but not for me. I'm restricted to a life of satin pillows and hair dye abstinence to not weaken my already brittle hair. Hair is not a cookie cutter part of life. It may be safe to say that nothing in life is like a cookie cutter. Each person deals with his or her own needs, wants, goals and dreams. The family, religion and career paths of one person may not fit the life paths of another, and that's OK.

5. Perfection is an ideal, not a reality

It's a hard truth, but having curly hair has made it easier to understand because - believe me - it's never perfect. Perfection is never possible with curls or with life. Realizing this doesn't mean I've quit trying. I can never be perfect, but I can get pretty darn close. Perfection is the best goal to strive for, and while I'm working toward it, I try to find the beauty in my imperfections, whether it be the frizz here and there or the mistakes I make that remind me how human I am. The metaphorical and literal frizziness of my life shows me that I have a great opportunity to grow and learn while I aim to tame it.

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Europe! Admit it: It's been on your bucket list for as long as you can remember. But if you've ever actually sat down and cranked out the numbers, you know paradise comes with a LARGE price tag. Reality bites.

Let me tell you a little secret, though: That ominous price tag can be cut down significantly.

A year ago, my husband and I - young, newly married and practically penniless — were still able to afford the grandeur of Europe for three months because we followed these seven tips we learned from our own experiences:

1. Use cheaper airlines

Transportation will eat up most of your budget. Ryanair, easyJet and a few other airlines offer cheaper plane tickets at the expense of stricter luggage requirements and less comfort; but in Europe you rarely spend longer than a few hours going from one city to another. A tad bit of discomfort and fewer pairs of shoes are worth the hundreds you save.

An easy way to find the cheapest flights available is to use Skyscanner, the Expedia of Europe (and elsewhere). Another tool that pulls from multiple flight searches is Google Flights. Both of these are great for finding international flights with no added transaction fees.

2. Avoid hotels

Believe me, you do not need to stay in a hotel! You're looking for ways to cut costs. Here is one of the easiest ways.

Hotels are expensive. They're also a cop-out to a true European adventure. While luxury is nice, you can get that at home. What you can't get at home is European culture. Alternatives to hotels give you a chance to live the culture around you. Some alternatives include bed and breakfasts, hostels, AirBnb, Couchsurfing, and Home Exchange.

AirBnb is my go-to choice. With it, you have the option of renting an entire home, a private room or a shared room from locals around the world. Obviously your choice affects the price. What's nice about AirBnb is that you always have a friend, your host, to turn to for help or advice. For example, while staying in a private room in a flat overlooking the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, my husband was able to brush up on his Spanish with our hosts while I dined on a homemade Spanish cheese tart.

Couchsurfing and Home Exchange are, in my opinion, the more risky options, but they come with the best price tag: Free. Couchsurfing is exactly what you think it is; staying on a local's couch. Of all the alternatives to a hotel, this is the most daring, but it is free. Home Exchange provides a neat system where hosts swap homes while on vacation. This, however, binds you to a specific place. But again, free.

3. Turn off your data

Using your phone abroad can rack up some major bills. Most phone companies offer plans that allow for international minutes or texts for an additional monthly fee, but with the way technology is now, you can easily survive without. So many restaurants, coffee shops and popular tourism sites offer free WiFi. Send a message using the internet rather than text, and use that extra money to buy that bobble head of Queen Elizabeth you saw near Big Ben.

Fun fact: you can use your Google Maps app without data or WiFi. If you need to find your way between A and B but can't speak the local language, this is a life-saver. Follow this tutorial from Know Your Mobile to learn how to save maps to your phone and see where you are using free GPS.

4. Find free tours

Some attractions, once you pay admission, offer free tours. But for those that only offer tours for an additional fee - or don't offer tours at all - check out Rick Steves' FREE Audio Europe Travel App. Renowned travel host Rick Steves leads you through the Vatican, the British Museum and other popular sites with audio tours that allow you to go at your own pace.

You can also go on free walking tours with companies such as Sandemans New Europe. They have an interesting business model. The tour is free, but you tip the guide depending on how well you think he or she performed. They offer walking tours in 15 European cities, from Lisbon to Prague to Brussels. Other local tour companies working in specific cities or areas offer similar deals.

5. Take advantage of free and reduced admissions

Here's a lesser-known tidbit: Some museums and sites are free on certain days. For example, in Paris, many major museums - the Louvre, Orsay, and l'Orangerie to name a few - are free every first Sunday. Check your destination's visitor bureau pages for more information on free entry days.

Many popular sites offer discounts to children, students, young adults (typically under 25 years old) and seniors. If you or anyone in your party falls under one of these categories, your entry may be reduced by as much as half the admission price.

Major European cities - such as Paris and Rome - offer city passes through their visitor bureaus. You pay one fee for a pass that allows you to enter popular sites for free or a reduced price, often skipping long lines through special entries.

6. Be smart with pickpockets

It's a sad fact, but they're out there. According to TripAdvisor, eight of the top 10 places for pickpockets are European cities. You can look up the different tactics they use - fake bird poop, fake babies, distracting street performances. It helps to read up on these tricks so you know what to watch for.

Some sub-tips for this: Don't flash money. Wear cheap jewelry. Use bags you can keep close to and in front of you, like a shoulder bag. Hold money, credit cards, and important documents in hidden or harder-to-get-to pockets. A whole slew of products are available specifically for pickpocketing, like money belts and scarves with concealed compartments.

7. Prepare, plan and pack

Prepare by planning jam-packed days. Get in as many sites and activities as you can each day. If you can reduce your trip by a day or two, you'll lower the cost by hundreds of dollars. Time is your most precious commodity. Prepare, plan, pack, and then enjoy your European adventure.

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