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.
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.
The holidays and then back to work to a busy 2025 – relax and sleep late this 3 day weekend with a little help from cannabis
First came the holidays and then boom, back to work. After 5 weeks of making merry, all the meetings, work things and more have accumulated and it is back to work in wintery weather. Add the news and short days – it can be a little disheartening. Taking time for a relaxing, indulgence sleeping in sounds great – but sometimes the body is too wound up. Well, marijuana can help you sleep late this weekend – and maybe help your body unwind.
The relationship between cannabis and sleep is complex and multifaceted. Cannabis primarily affects sleep through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the brain. The active compounds, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), bind to cannabinoid receptors, promoting sleep by increasing levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that encourages sleepiness, and suppressing arousal signals in the brain. THC is known to reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep while increasing deep, slow-wave sleep, which is considered restorative.
For many users, marijuana can provide short-term benefits such as faster sleep onset and improved sleep quality during the first half of the night. A significant portion of users report that cannabis helps them relax both mentally and physically, leading to deeper and more uninterrupted sleep. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, or restless legs syndrome, where cannabis may alleviate symptoms that interfere with sleep.
Despite the short-term benefits, experts caution against long-term reliance on marijuana for sleep. Research indicates habitual use can lead lack of sleep, increased awakenings during the night and fragmented sleep patterns. Over time, users may find that the initial benefits diminish, leading to a cycle where insomnia returns more severely upon cessation of use. Like most sleep aids, this is for occasional use and not a nightly routine.
Interestingly, surveys reveal that nearly 25% of Americans occasionally use marijuana to help with sleep. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations. Over 50% of Gen Z express high stress and the need to relax.
The first 3-day weekend of the year is a reason to kick back or have an adventure – and here are cocktails to accompany the ride!
The year has started with a bang and now we are rolling into the first 3 Day weekend – ending in the presidential inauguration. Skiing, hiking, travel, chilling or politics…what better way to compliment the activity than with something tasty. Here are the best cocktails for this winter 3 day weekend.
What better way to start a 3 Day weekend and Inauguration weekend then with a little indulgence in with the original sin. The drink has multiple recipes – including one iwth absinthe, but this one should be easy, tasty and a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Ingredients
2ounces chilled champagne
1ounce brandy
Splash of triple sec
Splash of grenadine
Orange twist for garnish
Create
Combine ingredients in a brand snifter
Stir and add ice cube to chill to taste
Garnish with orange twist
The Americana Cocktail
Wha better way to celebrate Martin Luther King Day with an all American drink and a vision of a better tomorrow. This drink is tasty and potent.
Ingredients
1 sugar cube (we prefer a demerara sugar cube)
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 ounce bourbon
2 ounces Brut Champagne
Orange slice for garnish
Create
Coat the sugar cube well with the Angostura bitters – approximately 4 dashes
Drop the sugar cube into a chilled flute
Pour the bourbon over the sugar
Top up with the Champagne.
Garnish with an orange slice
Whiskey Smash
Why not try something different. You might not want to get smashed this weekend, but this cocktail can trace its origin back to the late 1800s. Tasty, refreshing and easy to make. Great way to delight your taste buds.
Weather skiing, hiking, road tripping or hanging out in DC – chances are the weather is going to be nippy. Why not lean into it and have this spicy frostbite to feel cozy and warm on the inside?
It seems the new administration will put a bigger focus on space – here are the perfect strains to celebration the exploration.
The new admisntration is poised to encourage expanded space travel. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight conducted in 1969, and now Blue Origin, Boeing SpaceX and more are working on leaving the earth’s orbit normal. Civilians can now pay to be taking up and experience.
Not everyone can write the check, but here are our awesome 11 marijuana strains to celebrate space travel and take you out of this world.
A hybrid strain that combines relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. It’s gaining popularity for its unique branding and powerful effects, making it a standout in the cannabis market.
An indica-dominant strain (85% Indica/15% Sativa) known for its euphoric and focused effects. It features a fruity flavor profile derived from its parent strains, Gorilla Glue and Wookie #15.
Apollo 11
Celebrating the historic moon landing, this strain delivers strong cerebral effects that help alleviate stress and moderate pain.
Apollo 13
This hybrid strain features energizing effects with an earthy scent, inspired by the famous space mission. Users report a euphoric experience that feels like a journey through space.
Cosmic Collision
A fusion of Cosmic Charlie and Piña Collision, this sativa strain offers pineapple-kiwi flavors and uplifting effects that enhance creativity.
Carl Sagan
Named after the famous astronomer, this strain provides balanced effects and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day of cosmic exploration.
Outer Space
A sativa known for its creative and energetic effects, Outer Space is said to make users feel uplifted and focused—ideal for those looking to explore their thoughts.
This balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) is known for its euphoric high and ability to alleviate various ailments such as pain and anxiety.
Northern Lights
A classic indica strain that promotes relaxation and introspection, perfect for those looking to ponder the mysteries of space while enjoying a calming experience.
White Widow
This enduring strain provides cerebral stimulation without anxiety, suitable for contemplative moments or social gatherings under the stars.
Supernova
Known for its powerful effects and vibrant flavors, Supernova is ideal for those seeking an explosive experience that mirrors the wonders of the cosmos.