Archives for 2023

5 Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety negatively impacts a victim’s mental and physical health. Someone with anxiety can feel restless and nervous. The condition’s long-term effects include insomnia and depression. You may also experience suicidal thoughts and difficulties with socialization/ work/ school. Discussed below are five ways to reduce anxiety.

1.    Leverage CBD

Studies suggest that CBD can effectively relieve anxiety. The appropriate dosage for a victim to reduce stress varies depending on the CBD product they’re using, how they’re administering it, and individual health factors. The administration method you choose determines how fast cannabinoids start taking effect. Orally administered CBD, including edibles and oils, takes longer to show effects than vaping/smoking CBD oil.

The right CBD dosage for anxiety differs from one individual to another. So, start small and increase your dosage based on how your body reacts. Since CBD consumption may have side effects like drowsiness and weight changes, consulting a medical professional is necessary. Since not all CBD products are top quality, consider consuming a reputable product, such as Secret Nature CBD, for effective anxiety relief.

2.    Embrace physical activity

When undergoing anxiety, exercising could be the last thing on your mind. Working out regularly can help ease anxiety by:

  • Taking the mind off whatever is worrying you, which gets you away from the negative thoughts cycle that feeds anxiety
  • Releasing endorphins responsible for enhancing happiness and well-being

Starting and adhering to a workout routine isn’t easy. However, these steps can help:

  • Identifying the activities you love
  • Consulting your doctor or mental health specialist for support
  • Setting reasonable goals
  • Assess your barriers to solutions
  • Preparing for setbacks

3.    Consider anxiety journaling

Anxiety journaling aims at getting negative thoughts out of your mind and into a record. It lays bare your fears by writing them on paper, which is an initial step to accepting your anxiety issues and finding ways to move past them. Journaling enables you to monitor your symptoms. It records your experiences to assist you in learning how to work on your mental health for anxiety relief.

Writing your thoughts down helps you fight your vulnerabilities, reducing anxiety. If you’re new to journaling, start by keeping it simple and making it a habit. There are no rules for journaling. You don’t need to follow a specific format or template. Finding journaling prompts can help you cope with anxiety effectively.

4.    Leverage cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats anxiety disorders. Its primary focus is looking for practical solutions to an individual’s anxiety symptoms and triggers. It equips you with the skills necessary for interrupting and altering problematic or  negative behavior and thoughts that feed your mental health issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based practice that can effectively treat multiple anxiety disorders, including:

  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Specific phobias
  • Noise sensitivity anxiety
  • Panic disorder

CBT can also aid with other disorders sharing the anxiety symptom like PTSD.

5.    Join an anxiety support group

Anxiety support groups usually assist victims to develop skills to minimize anxiety effects. Most of these groups provide online and in-person meetings. Joining a support group enables you to feel less lonely/ judged/ isolated while allowing you to openly and honestly express your emotions, which helps reduce anxiety.

Endnote

Anxiety’s effects on your mental and physical health can be severe. Consider using these tips to reduce anxiety.

Rubio’s Announces Battle for the Next Fish Taco Winner

Coconut Shrimp Mango Salsa Taco On Menu Starting Today 

Rubio’s Coastal Grill announces the winner of the first-ever battle for the next fish taco. Cynthia Phillips, from Phoenix, Ariz., took home the winning title for her Coconut Shrimp Mango Salsa Taco, beating out hundreds of taco fans across California, Arizona and Nevada.

Rubio’s is featuring Cynthia’s Coconut Shrimp Mango Salsa Taco on the menu in nearly 150 locations, starting today, September 20–October 10. The Coconut Shrimp Mango Salsa Taco will also be featured for National Taco Day, October 4.

In celebration of Rubio’s 40th anniversary this year, and for the first time ever, Rubio’s encouraged fans to submit their original crave-worthy taco recipes. Three finalists were invited to Rubio’s San Diego Test Kitchen to cook their fish taco recipes live for a panel of judges, including Ralph Rubio.

Rubio’s has locations across California, Arizona and Nevada. Guests are encouraged to order through the Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Credit: Rubio’s. Self Disclosure: Some form of compensation was received to post.

Join OC Parks for Coastal Cleanup Day on Upper Newport Bay on September 23

Volunteers at Coastal Cleanup Day, 2021

Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and volunteers around the world for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 23. Lend a helping hand and make a positive impact on our coastlines as we work together to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches.

Every September, families, friends, co-workers, schools and scouts from across Orange County come together to volunteer their time cleaning up Upper Newport Bay. This year’s goal is to remove more than 10,000 pounds of trash, as waste items can harm wildlife, pollute waterways and impact public health.

“I look forward to participating in Coastal Cleanup Day at the Upper Newport Bay every year,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Last year, we cleaned up thousands of tiny Styrofoam particles that washed into the Bay. We must protect our beautiful Newport Bay for current and future generations to enjoy. I invite volunteers of all ages to participate in this great opportunity to clean our coast and get involved in your community.”

At least 800 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to clean up trash from the uplands and marsh areas of the Bay and remove invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at various mini-cleanup sites around the 11-mile stretch of the Bay. Exact meeting locations will be announced prior to Sept. 23.

Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes, closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best) and bring a refillable water bottle, reusable mask, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to everyone volunteering. 

September 23 – Coastal Cleanup Day

Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cost and Parking: Free

Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coastal-cleanup-day  

Additional Event Partners: Newport Bay Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, Orange County Coastkeeper and Newport Aquatic Center.

Credit: OC Parks.

Brownie, Sept. 22nd Pet of the Week

sooo adorable!

Adorable, adoptable Brownie is a 2-year-old sweetie-pie! She was brought to the shelter by her human, an unhoused person who loved her very much but could no longer care for her. She’s been in the shelter since February, and because of overcrowding, euthanasia may be performed, which none of us wants. Brownie is spayed and ready to go to your house, gallop around and play with toys, which she loves to do with our volunteers. She has a smile that will brighten your day. Please brighten hers. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Brownie and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A693980 to meet Brownie.

 Disney/Pixar’s “Elemental” Characters Recreated in Cotton Candy

Photo Credit:  Polar Playground

Fans can celebrate the release of Disney/Pixar’s Elemental on Digital (available now) and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD September 26 with four gorgeously-made exclusive cotton candy replica characters: Ember, Wade, Gale, & Clod, sold exclusively at Polar Playground Sept. 14-17 and Sept. 21-22.

Where:

Polar Playground

16891 Beach Boulevard

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

(714) 369-2847

Polar Playground, home of the cotton candy characters is a dessert shop that serves ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, floats and craft sodas.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polarplayground/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarplayground/?hl=en

Polar Playground Elemental Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw-9r7DvyC-/?hl=en

When:

Sept. 14-17 and Sept. 21-22.  Elemental cotton candy characters are available only for a limited time.

Polar Playground hours:

Thursdays and Fridays: 1:00 – 8:00 pm

Saturday: 1:00 – 7:00 pm

Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Price:

Polar Playground cotton candy characters retail for $20 each + tax per character.

About Disney/Pixar Animation Studios “Elemental” Home Entertainment Release:

Disney/Pixar Animation Studios’ dazzling and imaginative Elemental, debuted on all major digital platforms (Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, etc.) August 15 and will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD September 26.

Credit: Disney/Pixar Animation Studios. Images were provided by Polar Playground.

Alonzo, Sept. 15th Pet of the Week

Awwwww

Shelters everywhere have more dogs than they have room or the ability to care for, and Long Beach Animal Care Services is one of them. Alonzo has lived there for nearly a year. He came in as a stray last year in December, and at a year and a half, he’s spent about half his life in a shelter. No fair! Alonzo is a happy, playful boy with high energy and an athletic bent. His dream day would be an adventure walk with his person followed by a nap and then a toy session. He has this great tippy-toe dance when he knows a treat or a toy is coming! Please save his life—literally. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Alonzo and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A690707to meet Alonzo.

Back-to-School Must-Have for College Students!

Safety is important!

With kids being away from home, for perhaps the first time, it is important for them to know how to protect themselves on campus and off and what to do if they are in certain situations. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, it is it is not enough to just tell them to not drink and drive. With recent attacks on students and more being reported every year, it is important to provide tips and products to keep college students safe.

David Nance, second generation CEO of SABRE safety products and personal safety expert, has tips to protect students in every situation.

As a college student, safety should always be a top priority. That’s why SABRE offers the best pepper spray and other personal safety devices to help you feel more secure on campus. They also provide access to hundreds of videos and educational material. In addition, the SABRE College Safety Program provides personal defense training to help students stay safe both on & off campus. Watch this video to learn how our course educates and empowers.

SABRE offers a variety of personal safety products, from pepper sprays and gels, dog and bear sprays, and home security devices, all of which include innovative features to perform at the highest level at a moment’s notice, helping provide safety and peace of mind no matter where the day takes you.

The SABRE Back to School Bundle is PERFECT for any college student.

SABRE products are the most trusted by public safety officers worldwide. Our industry-leading certification and testing maximize safety and product effectiveness and our safety training and empowerment videos and classes help consumers and officers go confidently. And SABRE is proudly dedicated to supporting 501(c)3 charities that align with our mission to help Make It Safe.

“SABRE’s personal safety tools are designed to work immaculately in a worst-case scenario, but equipping one’s self with the right spray, whistle, home or travel device is knowing that your safety is in your hands. For commuting, traveling, nighttime outings, on-campus strolls, hiking in the woods, walking in the city, and much more, SABRE creates peace of mind,” said David Nance, CEO and son of SABRE’s founder Larry Nance.

As a leader in its industry for nearly 50 years, taking control of personal safety is SABRE’s specialty. Its tools are crafted for convenience and security for the user from all angles, including practice sprays to help individuals feel completely ready.

SABRE security tools are available on Amazon and at retail locations such as pharmacies and outdoor/sports products are sold. To find a location nearby, visit SABRE online.

I had the opportunity to try the products out and their products really make me feel safer when I am out in the early evening walking my dog.

For more information visit SABRE online and follow them on social media.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images and information were also provided.

Pharaoh, Sept. 8th Pet of the Week

tooo cute!

Pharaoh has just finished up a tasty snack. That’s no mean feat—or is it paws?—for him, because he’s completely toothless! Pharaoh had all his teeth pulled because of stomatitis and dental disease, but it hasn’t stopped him from eating, purring, and begging for head scritches. He wouldn’t bite even if he had teeth! He’s just a 3-year-old couch potato. Pharaoh needs to go home because he’s been at Long Beach Animal Care Services since May. He has some medical conditions that will need to be addressed by his human. To give Pharaoh the reign he deserves, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process for adopting or fostering, or call (562) 570-7387. Ask for ID#A699241).

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)