Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *One by U2 & Mary J Blige *My Fav

 

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

We have one life, we have to do what we should. One life…….we get to carry each other.

 

 



Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Happy New Year

2021 has been a challenging year, to say the least, but we’ve come out the other side and we’re stronger for it. I don’t know what 2022 holds, no of us do but I know that we all have the ability to control our destiny. 

Happy New Year, 2022 is upon us and we can make it a great year. 

 



Sending Good Karma to you for all of 2022!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How to Lighten Your Work Load into 2022

2021 has been a strange year. Uncertain for business and disastrous for local economies, the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over. A new variant has shut down international travel, and many sectors suffer. Yet, the world expects numerous other services, and you may be lucky enough for business continuity. But as we head into more uncertainty, you could lighten your workload for optimal conditions into the new year.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Delegate Critical Infrastructure

Bill Gates famously stated he didn’t learn how to do business until he trusted others. Whether your business is small, medium, or large, you cannot do everything. Additionally, you aren’t qualified to do it all. Fortunately, there’s a large pool of talented individuals available to which you can delegate critical infrastructure. For instance, you can assign eCommerce processes to a remote software development team or leave cybersecurity to a managed IT service. Depending on your budget, you can hire talent in-house or outsource most work for a cost-effective solution.

Manage Your Projects

It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. And even less when you aren’t as organized as you could be. Appointments, milestones, and critical meetings are just a few examples of things you can miss when bogged down. However, the advent of the smartphone makes project management more accessible than ever. Quickbooks are excellent for financial tracking, and inventory managers like Delivrd are perfect for keeping stock. You can also manage the projects and schedules of your employees more effectively with Teamdeck.

Prioritize Tasks

It can be challenging to know what to do and when with so much work to do. Task prioritization isn’t an easy skill to learn, yet it’s vital for your work and home life. Additionally, your physical and mental health could suffer if you try to do too much at once. It isn’t ideal for putting one task off over another, but it is necessary. For instance, suppose you operate a plumbing company. Customer number one’s dripping tap isn’t as crucial as customer number two’s flooded kitchen. Stay organized and stress-free by exercising professional judgment on urgent tasks. 

Take a Break

It’s easy to feel that you cannot step away from work when you think it’s important, but you must take breaks. Burnout is a genuine concern and causes severe health issues. Depression, stress, and anxiety brought on by burnout will cause your work and home life to suffer. A good rule of thumb is to not bring your home with you. Understandably, this is challenging for some professions, and your job might affect you on an emotional level. Nursing or law enforcement are prime examples. But breaks from work are necessary for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Learn to Switch Off

Like taking breaks, learning to switch off your work mode is essential for easing your professional burden. Of course, you could find it easy to switch off by de-stressing with a relaxing bath, your favorite hobby, or spending time with your family. But modern technology has a way of creeping into our lives. So unless you absolutely need to leave it on, switch off your work phone, or blockwork numbers when at home. Additionally, stop yourself from checking work-related sources like company Facebook groups, colleague profiles, and company emails.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Solstice Holiday Sangria

Kombucha gives a nice fizz to this holiday sangria. Bonus: It’s full of probiotic bacteria that may help maintain a healthy gut. 

Amber Turpin

EatingWell Magazine

Solstice Holiday Sangria

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

  • 1 (750 milliliter) bottle Spanish dry red wine, such as tempranillo 
  • 1 cup blood orange juice 
  • ½ cup brandy 
  • 3 tablespoons coconut sugar 
  • 2 oranges, preferably blood oranges, sliced  
  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle ginger kombucha 
  • Ice

Directions

  • Step 1Combine wine, orange juice, brandy and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir well, then add orange slices. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
  • Step 2Add kombucha to the sangria and serve over ice.

Tips 

To make ahead: Refrigerate sangria base (Step 1) for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts 

Serving Size: 1 cupPer Serving: 202 calories; protein 0.4g; carbohydrates 16.8g; dietary fiber 0.1g; sugars 12.2g; fat 0.1g; vitamin a iu 85.2IU; vitamin c 22.5mg; folate 13.6mcg; calcium 14.5mg; iron 0.9mg; magnesium 19.5mg; potassium 240.9mg; sodium 11.1mg; added sugar 8g. Exchanges: 

1 1/2 alcohol equivalent, 1/2 other carbohydrate

Enjoy!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Wordless Wednesday*Griffy

Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.

Before haircut (yawning)

She’s sad after getting a haircut and only getting one snack.

Melinda

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Dreaming of Moving Away From the City? Here’s Why You Should Do It in 2022

In 2020 and 2021, a record number of people moved out of big cities. This happened for many reasons. 

Firstly, the advent of remote work has enabled more people to keep pursuing their career goals away from the city center. And, of course, the pandemic and associated risk of contagion has encouraged people to find less densely populated areas to live in. 

So, if you have always dreamed of living close to nature and always from the hectic lifestyle of the city, 2022 might be the perfect year for this lifestyle change. Find out what to expect below.  

Photo by Mauricio Artieda on Pexels.com

The Healing Power of Nature

Have you ever felt calmer and more relaxed when in nature? No, it’s not just you – the healing power of nature has been documented and studied. Some of the beneficial effects of being in a natural environment include:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone
  • It promotes the production of cancer-fighting cells
  • It helps us become more mindful and aware
  • It can help relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and disorders such as ADHD

If you are looking to work on your health in 2022, moving to the countryside can help.

Reduces Risks of Contagion

Countryside areas and forests are not as densely populated as big cities are. In turn, the risk of being affected by Covid-19 is reduced. If you or someone in your family is struggling to cope with everything that is going on in this period, living away from the city can help.

Opportunity To Work From Home

Many people are looking for a positive fresh start in 2022. If you have always dreamed of working from home and working towards a better work-life balance for your needs, this year might be perfect. 

Indeed, thanks to the advent of remote working fuelled by the pandemic and the many hybrid work schemes offered by employers, you no longer have to compromise between finding the perfect location to live and your career. Consider transitioning to working from home and making the most of a remote lifestyle!

A Choice That Leads to a Healthy Lifestyle

Living closer to nature has endless benefits, including the availability of fresh air, sunlight, vegetation, and wildlife. However, in your new home, you might not find all the comforts you were used to, including malls, big shopping centers, or cafes and restaurants around the corner. 

Naturally, you will start to dedicate your life to looking after the garden, hiking, and exploring the surrounding areas – all activities that can improve your health and mental wellbeing!

Reduced Stress

Living in a rural area immersed in nature can be an excellent option for you to achieve your life goals, improve your wellbeing, and reduce the levels of stress deriving from a frenetic lifestyle. 

However, if you have always lived in the city center, it is important to find a house that can help you live comfortably. Indeed, if you are moving into a house that is not comfortable or not suitable for your lifestyle, you might feel a whole different kind of stress! That is why speaking to an expert real estate agent specialized in rural properties such as williampitt.com can help. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

My 2021 Book Reviews

I’ve read so many interesting books this year and thought it would be nice to compile a list for you to look for resources and or motivation in the new year.

The Smart Girls Handbook by Scarlett V Clark

Adaptable by Alexa Carlin

Manic Man by Jason Wegner

Time To Talk by Alex Holmes

Finding My Right Mind by Vanessa Potter

Hope and Learning by Dr. Linda Snow-Griffin

The Better Boundaries Workbook by Sharon Martin

Down But Not Out by Mat Desforges

Hope Amid the Pain by Leslie L. McKee

One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi

Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman

How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder by Dr. Pam Macdonald

A Mindfulness Guide For Survival By Ruby Wax

Heal Yourself with Colour by Walaa AIMuhaiteeb

Navigating Panic Attacks By Dr. Rita Santos

How to Help Someone with Anxiety by Dr. Rachel Allan

Where Do We Go From Here? By Bethany Hacker

Finding Frank by Rachel Townsend

My Journey Home by Hannah Green

The Joy Of Being Selfish By Michelle Elman

Stand Tall Little Girl by Hope Virgo

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin

A is for Alex by Lesley Roberts

Happy Reading!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History December 26, 2021

Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

1946

Bugsy Siegel opens Flamingo Hotel

Mobster Bugsy Siegel opens the glitzy Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 26, 1946. 

Well-known singer and comedian Jimmy Durante headlined the night’s entertainment, with music by Cuban band leader Xavier Cugat. Some of infamous gangster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel’s Hollywood friends, including actors George Raft, George Sanders, Sonny Tufts and George Jessel were in attendance.

1985

World-renowned primatologist Dian Fossey is found murdered in Rwanda

On December 26, 1985, primatologist and conservationist Dr. Dian Fossey is found murdered in her cabin at Karisoke, a research site in the mountains of Rwanda. It is widely believed that she was killed in connection with her lifelong crusade against poaching. An animal lover from …read more

1941

FDR establishes modern Thanksgiving holiday

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. The tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back to the early history of the Plymouth and Mass

1973

“The Exorcist” opens in theaters

On December 26, 1973, The Exorcist, a horror film starring the actress Linda Blair as a girl possessed by an evil spirit, makes its debut in theaters; it will go on to earn a reputation as one of the scariest movies in history.  The Exorcist was based on William Peter Blatty’s …read more

2004

Tsunami devastates Indian Ocean coast

A powerful earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 26, 2004 sets off a tsunami that wreaks death and devastation across the Indian Ocean coastline. The quake was the second strongest ever recorded and the estimated 230,000 dead made this disaster one of the 10 …read more

 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

It Was A Masked Christmas feat. Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion**Funny!

Happy Holidays!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

José Feliciano – Feliz Navidad with Daryl Hall (Live From Daryl’s House)

Happy Holidays!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets


Being a pet owner carries a lot of responsibility, but you can’t underestimate the benefits that come from pet ownership too. Whether you’re a dog owner, a cat lover, or a parent to a furry rodent or scaly reptile, you’ll find that there are endless unexpected advantages that arise from adding a pet to your family and the impact on your mood is just one of them. 

To find out how a pet can change your outlook, take a look at these four mood-boosting benefits of pets now:


Photo by sergio souza on Pexels.com

Stress Reduction

Stress or anxiety can have a major impact on your mental health but spending time with your pets is known to reduce your stress response. In fact, some studies have even shown that petting a dog can reduce your blood pressure, which highlights just how effective pet ownership can be when it comes to alleviating stress. When you feel less stress, your mood naturally lightens, and your outlook is enhanced. In turn, this makes you feel more proactive and in control, which further helps to reduce anxiety and stress. 

Ease Loneliness

Feeling lonely or isolated is often a precursor to low moods or depressive symptoms. After all, humans are social creatures and crave interaction. When the opportunity to meaningfully engage with others is reduced, it doesn’t take long for your mood to decline too. Fortunately, pets are a great source of companionship. Not only will they become a beloved family member, but your pet may also give you a reason to engage with other people too. Walking a dog, visiting stables, or even joining online groups to talk about pet care can be a great way to connect with people and reduce feelings of loneliness. 

Promote Relaxation

An unrelenting schedule can leave you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, which naturally impacts your mood. When you have a pet, however, you need to meet their needs and provide them with the environment they need to thrive. As well as giving your pet an appropriate amount of exercise, you’ll need to ensure that they have time to relax too. From snuggling up with your puppy on big dog beds or making time to chill out with your cat, encouraging your pet to relax gives you the opportunity to unwind too. Of course, relaxation is an instant mood-booster, so you can look forward to feeling happier and more content as well. 

Create a Routine

Nearly all pets thrive when they have a routine in place. This might mean feeding your pet at the same time each day, providing them with exercise regularly, or simply devoting a certain portion of the day or evening to them. When you’re experiencing low moods, it’s easy to let the structure go out of your day, which is why pet ownership can be such an effective way of boosting your mood. When you have a reason to create a routine, you’ll feel the emotional benefits of this added structure too. 

Are You Ready to Become a Pet Owner?

There are numerous benefits to having pets but it’s important to consider the practical implications of pet ownership too. However, if you have the time and space to provide a loving and nurturing home to a pet, you’ll find that they make a wonderful addition to any family. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Supporting Your Loved One After An Accident

An automobile collision is a traumatic experience for everyone involved, including the ones closest to them. You might be unsure how to show your support for a friend or loved one who has gone through this. We have a few suggestions for how you may support your friend as they make their way back to good health and happiness.

Photo by Skylar Kang on Pexels.com

Take Them To Appointments

When someone is involved in a car accident, they may be required to attend a number of appointments. It’s extremely beneficial to have a friend by your side when seeing an auto injury doctor who specializes in automobile accidents, going to the insurance agency, seeing their Car Accident Lawyers or any other case where your friend needs to leave the house. For one thing, folks who have been in a car accident may find it difficult to drive confidently (or may be unable to do so owing to injuries), and for another, your emotional support will be invaluable in this situation.

Keep Important Documents Up-to-Date

Along with accompanying your friend to their appointments, assist them in keeping track of vital paperwork. After an auto accident, insurance must be handled, and documentation from doctor’s visits may become misplaced – the last thing they want is crucial information to go missing when it’s most needed. Offer to assist your friend in keeping track of these documents by establishing a folder for the key sections and using sticky notes to keep track of what’s what.

Provide Step-by-Step Instructions

It can be tough to remember the logical next actions after being in a car accident. Remind your friend that they need to see a doctor within a set length of time if they need to see one (the Personal Injury Protection part of their auto insurance mandates they see a doctor within two weeks of the accident). Encourage them to visit a doctor that accepts PIP insurance (not all do) and to note their calendars for any additional appointments they have.

Provide A Meal

After a vehicle accident, the last thing anyone wants to do is prepare dinner, so take care of it for them. Purchase a pizza (or several, if they have a family) and prepare a salad before calling it a night. Providing a meal not only keeps them nourished but also demonstrates your genuine concern.

Continue To Be Compassionate

Last but not least, remember to be empathetic. Don’t tell them how they should feel; instead, be a listening ear. Instead of interspersing your own stories about accidents you’ve been in, tell them you’re there if they need you, and let them vent, whine, or utterly break down. Don’t pass any judgment.

It’s not easy after having an accident or knowing how you can support someone who is experiencing it. These tips should help you to help them. 

When a friend or family member is involved in an automobile accident, your assistance is crucial. You can assist them in sorting through their to-do list, transporting them to their appointments, and providing consolation when things become difficult. After a car accident, your friend will appreciate your unwavering support, so be there for them.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

5 Reasons to Start Your Day With Lemon Water — Guest Blogger Stimulife Health Blog

The simple habit that can yield big results. Even the smallest changes in your routine can have a big impact on your health. Take starting your day with lemon water, for instance. Internal medicine specialist Roxanne B. Sukol, MD, MS, discusses seven reasons why you should consider adopting this super simple habit. Aids in digestionAcid helps break […]

5 Reasons to Start Your Day With Lemon Water — Stimulife Health Blog
Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

10 At Home Winter Activities

If this winter looks a bit different than seasons past, here are a few at-home ideas to keep your spirits bright. Try them by yourself or with family-it doesn’t take much to bring a little cheer indoors when the weather outside is dreary.

Photo by Lina Kivaka on Pexels.com

Willow and Sage

Drink something hot

Build a blanket fort

Plan a movie night

Eat waffles for dinner

Soak in a detox bath

Put a puzzle together

Collect pinecones to make firestarters

Wear festive sweater

Make a wintery wreath

Listen to a cozy playlist

 

Enjoy!  

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Merry Christmas

It may be hard to get in the spirit with all the wild weather, the media, and COVID going on but it’s a blessed time of year. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, it’s a great time to get into the giving spirit and enjoy time with family and friends.

Yes, it will look different again this year but here’s the thing, it’s going to look different every year. COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. It forces us to decide what is quality and worth the time. We’ve had to get creative in taking care of our mental health and helping others with theirs.

It’s all about perspective, we have a choice.  

Have a blessed week.

Melinda