Some days are crazy than others, but by folding in some self-care daily, every day can be more positive.
Not everyday can be easy, fun and productive, but with a little effort, it doesn’t have to be a full on miserable 24 hours. Some days are more stressful and difficult, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate it helping both your physical and mental health. Routine is key as it is tough to remind ourselves to think of ourselves. Especially since most find it easier to default and spend time scrolling screens.
As kids, we are taught behavior through repetition. Many educators find children respond well to a routine because research tells us consistent, positive practices can reduce anxiety. Most people fall into some form of pattern, which may not be helpful or healthy. Adding points throughout the day to jar our body into something positive. Here is how to add daily self-care.
Find one thing positive
Every day find at least one thing positive to appreciate. Be it a good cup of coffee, music while in the shower, smiling at people, you will see it will have an almost immediate impact. Mix it up to help your brain register positive feedback throughout the day. It could even be allowing yourself to laugh at one dad joke a day.
Go outside
Fresh air and movement are two things which help the body adjust. Despite the weather, it is lift for the brain. It not only cleans your lungs, it can also boost your mood, lower your heart rate, increase energy levels and even improve digestion. Take a few minutes everyday to talk a short walk, it doesn’t have to be long, around the block, from the back of the parking lot, or from one building to the next. The brace of the air will is good and the exercise will help your body recalibrate.
Photo by Lua Valentia via Unsplash
Find a mental happy spot
While meditation is one way to help be calm, it isn’t the only way. Meditation can be practiced whenever you have some quiet and the ability to close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes.
You can also find your happy place in thoughts, reflecting or planning a favorite trip, a certain hobby or spot, making a favorite dish or planning your dream meal. Shower time is the perfect space to do this, setting aside a couple of minutes where you can contemplate life alone with no sound except for the water (or singing if it is your happy place).
Despite the many ways a mobile can help your life, it can also be the giver of the bearer of bad news. Emails, calls, etc all causing disruption. Set limits – only look at it for set amount of time in the morning. Instead of scrolling screens with news, play solataire/patience. Find a time of day when you don’t need it, like when you’re focused on something, such as reading, stretching or watching a show. Put your phone down near you or keep it out of sight completely.
Most of all, make sure you and your phone don’t sleep together. Give it a gentle good night at least 20 minutes before you head to sleep.
Sometimes you want something light that tickles the taste buds but doesn’t weigh down your stomach….here are some refreshing cocktails.
Sometimes you just need to shake things up and get a fresh perspective. Whether a change of seasons, hard day, or just want need some cheer, you need a little fun boost. Well here are the best refreshing cocktails to lighten your spirits!
Spa water usually has cucumbers in it because it is so refreshing. They are healthy with a mild but distinctly crisp and exhilarating flavor. Why not treat yourself to a cucumber martini?
Ingredients
3 thick slicescucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
2 1/2ouncesvodka or gin
1/2ouncedry vermouth
1cupice
Create
Put thick cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to muddle to bring out flavor
Add vodka and vermouth
Add ice
Put the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds
Strain the mixture into a martini glass
Garnish with a few thin slices cucumber
Brown Derby
Leaning into the great vintage cocktails, this 1930s drink will be a treat to your taste buds. The pairing of bourbon and grapefruit adds complexity and mellow undertones to the flavor.
Ingredients
2ounces bourbon
1 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Splash of honey
Create
Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and simply syrup to a cocktail shaker
Fill it with ice and then shake until very cold
Strain the drink into a cocktail glass
Garnish with grapefruit slice
Whiskey Sour
This historic drink has saved lives. While the recipe first popped up in 1862, believed to have been consumed much earlier. Sea travel was difficult and like of fresh good and clean water lead to scurvy, a potentially fatal disease that was caused, in part, by a lack of vitamin C. It was safe to drink whisky, rum and other spirits on trips and sailors would take vast amounts of citrus food. Cominbing them was natural and a healthy option to avoid disease, now it is just a happy drink!
2 oz whiskey
1 oz lemon juice, fresh squeezed is best
1 oz simple syrup
1 cocktail cherry for garnish
Create
Combine whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
Smash drinks have been around for over a century and include the famed Mint Julep. First noted in Jerry Thomas’s bar guide in the mid-19th century, these drinks are known to be perfect to provide good spirits and cooling atmospheres.
Ingredients
5fl ozSauza Gold Tequila
2fl ozfreshly squeezed lemon juice
.5fl ozfreshly squeezed lime juice
3fl ozhoney simple syrupequal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat- about 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water
8-10mint leavestorn into small pieces
2cupscrushed ice
Create
Make simple syrup by mixing 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water in a small pan. Melt over medium heat until honey dissolves into water (about 1 minute), cool before adding to cocktail shaker
In a cocktail shaker add mint leaves, lime and lemon juice, tequila, and honey simple syrup
Shake for 30 seconds
Fill cocktail glasses with about 1 cup crushed ice and pour in the cocktail mixture
Fall is the time county fairs, carnivals, and more come to time…while engaging in the fun, there are few tip to know if you are going to consuming marijuana
September is a highlight for country fairs followed by October for the Halloween carnivals. Elephant ears, Ferris wheels and midways all appeal to our childlike delight for fun, excitement, different foods and more. But what if you want to chill out while attending? Well here are key tips for consuming marijuana at the local fair?
With over 50% of the country having access to legal marijuana, some are taking it for granted like it a beer and is accepted everywhere. But it is wise to think ahead, especially since you are with large groups of people – including families and kids. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest daily attended fair and the Texas State Fair, which is the largest in the country by total attendance, drew a peak daily attendance in 2023 of 141,410 but a total attendance of 2,341,449. Some parts of the fair are geared for kids, others for a mixed crowd, like the pirate ship and roller coasters.
Fairs are a sensation extravaganza. The lights, noises, movements, smells and food appeal to all the senses. The midway is the main path or street fairgoers walk along to find sideshows, concession stands, and other amusements.
The first thing is be discreet, fairs are family events. Consider a vape or gummies over smoking. They provide less smell, so are less noticeable. With a vape you can also manage your high.
If you are new to consuming marijuana, consider a low level high so you aren’t overwhelmed by the mass amount of sensations. It will also let you experience both things without freaking out. Part of a gummy might put you in the right spot to absorb everything going on and appreciate it at the next level.
The fair is about food, so know if you are prone to the munchies, this will be a fiesta of flavors. Consider eating beforehand or know this will be a cheat day. From fried butter to hot dogs, it is all going to look good.
Start slow on the rides. Let the high settle into your mind and body before boarding the scrambler. This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises.
Some fun fact, cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss” and was invented in 1897 by candy makers William Morris and John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee. It was introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.
A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.
While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.
Lose yourself in a film
Photo by JESHOOTS-com via Pixabay
Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.
Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.
Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.