stress free Archives - Other CMS

Tips to Increase Your Comfort as You Fly this Holiday Season

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:56:30 +0000

The holidays have long been considered the most fraught travel season of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. The reality is that the final six weeks of the year find tens of millions of Americans with a desire to be home for the holidays hitting the road en masse. Throw in the prospect of inclement winter weather ranging from downpours of rain to blizzard whiteouts, and you have conditions sure to foster long lines and short tempers.

And holiday travelers find little relief in the friendly skies, particularly not this year, with inflation driving airfares to new levels and major carriers still groping with post-pandemic staffing shortages. Given that, it is more important than ever to find ways to keep your cool if you’re flying this holiday season. Fortunately, there are some basic steps you can take to keep the madness at bay and make your flight home (or away) as enjoyable as possible.

Wardrobe Department: While there’s nothing wrong (and quite a bit right) about heading to the airport in your Business Casual best, your flight time will more quickly fly by if you’re dressed comfortably. Make sure to avoid heavy or restrictive clothing, opting instead for soft fabrics and stretchy garments for peak comfort and coziness. It’s also always wise to layer, given shifting cabin temperatures, and it’s worth investing in compression socks for health and comfort during long flights.

Take Your Seat: Most domestic airlines these days give you the opportunity to choose your seat, albeit for a substantial additional cost. Spend the extra money if you can fit it in your budget, as doing so can make a big difference in the quality of your flight experience. Not only might you be able to score added legroom, but you can opt for one of the cabin’s low-traffic areas.

Time, the Avenger: Just as the proverbial watched pot never boils, your flight just seems to crawl if you’re looking at your watch every five minutes. How best to beat time? First, the moment you get to your seat set your watch to the time at your destination. Second, break out all the attention-holding material you were smart enough to stow in your carry-on bag. Focusing on video entertainment, projects from the office or simply a good book helps pass the time.

Get Some Sleep: Heading home for the holidays in a timely manner often involves taking early morning flights or, worse, dreaded red eyes. Knowing how difficult it is to sleep on a plane, it’s best to come prepared if you do hope to catch 40 winks. Essential items include good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask and a high-quality neck pillow, preferably one that attaches to your seat’s headrest.

Get on Your Feet: If you are going to be in the air for an extended period, it is important you take care of yourself up there. Get out of your seat, stretch, stand or walk around when you can and don’t forget to stay hydrated and take and vitamins or medications that are part of your usual routine. You’ll feel better when you land and ready to meet the holiday joys and challenges at your destination.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful

The post Tips to Increase Your Comfort as You Fly this Holiday Season appeared first on Other CMS.

The Holiday Blues Are Everywhere: Here’s How Best to Avoid Them This Season

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:30:16 +0000

The holidays are once again upon us and, while they’re billed in a seasonal chestnut as “the most wonderful time of year,” most adults realize that sentiment needs to be taken with a hefty grain of salt. The crush of the crowds, the budget-busting cost of gifts, the extra labor involved in hosting holiday events – there’s nothing wonderful about all that.

Indeed, the holidays trigger just the opposite of joy for many people, as seasonal stress and the expectations of others foster feelings of inadequacy and depression. With more emphasis than ever post-pandemic on supporting social-emotional health, there can be no better time to pass on some basic steps people can take in the coming weeks to alleviate holiday-rooted anxiety and depression.

No Ghosts of Christmas Past: American society is notorious for placing all sorts of unrealistic expectations on us and these are often magnified by loved one’s during the holiday season. Don’t fall into that trip; instead, acknowledge that the holidays do not have to be perfect or even just like that last year, that as families change and grow their traditions and rituals must adapt.

Don’t Break the Bank: The most significant change in the American economy from last holiday season to this is skyrocketing prices, as the nation deals with inflation rates it hasn’t seen in four decades. Consumers must recognize the fact the dollar is simply not going to go as far this year and plan accordingly. Decide how much money you can spend this holiday season and stick to that budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.

Plan Ahead: Knowing when you’re doing what you’re doing is valuable year-round but never more so than during the holidays. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Plan your menus and make your shopping lists in order to avoid last-minute scrambling for forgotten ingredients. And make sure to enlist some help when it’s time for meal preparation and cleanup.

Stay Healthy: For many, overindulgence is as much a part of the holidays as opening presents. There are, however, plenty of reasons not to give in to that myriad of temptations, not the least being they can foster a sense of stress and guilt that only deepens your holiday depression. Strengthen your ability to shun overindulging by eating a healthy snack before holiday meals to avoid going overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks; get plenty of sleep and regular physical activity; and try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga to enhance your sense of mindfulness.

Acknowledge Your Feelings: If you do find yourself at a low emotional point, the first step is to recognize and accept those feelings, to understand it’s OK to take time to cry or express yourself. Perhaps these are the first holidays since the death of a loved one or economic conditions are preventing you from visiting family. You can’t force yourself to feel happy just because it’s December.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post The Holiday Blues Are Everywhere: Here’s How Best to Avoid Them This Season appeared first on Other CMS.

Higher Prices, Increased Anxiety: How to Cope with Inflation-Related Stress

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:49:28 +0000

The biggest economic story this year has been rising cost of living, with U.S. government data showing inflation growing at its fastest rate in four decades. Even with gas prices dropping from their unprecedented highs of this past spring, there is no denying that the price of everything from bread and butter to back-to-school supplies has increased sharply from their pre-pandemic levels.

Economists know well the way inflation impacts the economy – how rising prices force consumers to alter their spending habits as changing economic realities lead them to cut corners, eschew luxuries and seek out bargains. Likewise, research reveals the many ways that process increases consumers’ sense of anxiety and concern for their future and their loved ones, a phenomenon compounded this year by the effect of the still-lingering COVID-19 pandemic. With the solution lying in focusing on things you can control, here are a few tips to help you weather this season of growing economic uncertainty.

Examine Your Budget: Most people give little thought to their spending habits when times are good, the assumption being there will always be money enough to cover costs. The current rate of inflation, however, should lead you to rethink that assumption while also presenting an ideal opportunity to re-examine your spending habits to determine where you can best save money. From there, simply establish a monthly household budget and stick to it.

Get Your Side Hustle On: Depending on your prime source of income, you may or may not have the ability to pick up a second job, something part-time that will generate enough money to close the budget gap. If you are so fortunate, look for something that fits your schedule, skills set and other needs to ensure you’re caring for your mental and physical well-being even as you bring in those additional bucks.

Lobby For Your Hobbies: Dinner and a movie now out of your range? It’s time to look for less expensive ways to entertain yourself. Consider devoting more time to your hobbies, which are not only enjoyable but promote your social-emotional growth and physical well-being. This can be a challenge, particularly if you are taking on an additional job, but one that is worth undertaking given the benefits involved. The first step is to determine how much time you spend on hobbies or similar activities and identify ways you can put more energy into them.

Seek Social Support: Suffice it to say, you are not in it alone when the global economy struggles. Fortunately, there are several different ways to find social support or increase your current level of support. For example, you can join support groups, which may exist in person or online. One of the best things about support groups is that they are often free, and they’re also proven beneficial for those facing a wide range of concerns. You can also meet people in other ways, such as through volunteer opportunities or events, classes and activities. Spend time with the people you value and make you feel good about yourself.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Higher Prices, Increased Anxiety: How to Cope with Inflation-Related Stress appeared first on Other CMS.