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5 Tips for Better Mental Health this Holiday Sea
Many will struggle over the holidays. Many of us come from far from fairy tale families. Many are isolated and lonely, without people they really care for and are cared about by. Not to mention the multitude struggling with mental health problems like depression, which can make the expectations of the season extraordinarily hard to bear.Whichever of these groups you fall within, I offer a few suggestions below to help make this holiday season a hopefully happier, or at a minimum easier, one to manage one.
1. Take time to connect. Social connections are good for your mental health. Share the important moments and stories of your year. Ask questions and create space to really listen and understand the people you are with. You might be surprised what you hear.
2. Take a break from social media, and perhaps from technology in general. The last 20 years has seen a fundamental decline in the quality of interpersonal relationships as we have moved too much of our lives onto online platforms. Put away your phone, stay off technology when you are with friends and family and spend time in the physical world. If you feel bored, don’t reach for your phone and distraction: talk to someone, go for a walk or just sit with the feeling.
3. Think about who you are connecting with this holiday season. Not all social connections are good for your mental health. You know what the people around you are really like, who is going to be supportive and those who are just going to drag you down further. Don’t be afraid to let this guide whom you spend meaningful time with, and as importantly, with whom you don’t.
4. Discover what it is truly you want to do for the holidays. Holidays don’t mean the same thing to everyone. If you are uncertain, spend some time to reflect on what is important to you at this time of year. How can you express your values, what will be meaningful, what is your way of acknowledging the end of the year, and of nurturing your relationships? If your thing is to cherish others through food, embrace this, be the family cook and throw yourself into it with all your passion. If it is to be the entertainer, be so, tell stories and do so with enthusiasm. Whatever it is, ensure it is what is true of you.
5. Make sure you find a way to reset and recharge. For some this will come through social reconnection but certainly not everyone. Others may need to be in nature or at least outside somewhere pleasant: if this is you make the effort to do so, even if you need to rug up. Bring along someone who you really want to be with, or not, choose what you need to do.
About the Author
Paul Fitzgerald, PhD, MBBS is Director of the School of Medicine and Psychology and a Professor of Psychiatry at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. He completed his Medical Degree at Monash University followed by a Masters of Psychological Medicine and professional training in Psychiatry leading to membership of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. After a fellowship at the University of Toronto, he completed a research PhD in Psychiatry. In his new book, Curing Stubborn Depression, Dr. Fitzgerald dispels the myths surrounding depression and its care as well as delves into the emerging range of new treatments currently transforming how this condition is managed, especially in its most serious form. -
Unlock the secret to anti-aging! Collagen protein improves hair thickness and length, strengthens nails, and reverses wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Breathe new life into dull skin, dry thinning hair, and brittle nails. ForestLeaf unflavored collagen powder revitalizes your body from the inside out, rejuvenating skin, strengthening hair, and renewing nails and tissue throughout.
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Benefits
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New Cookbook Creates a Lively and Fun Way to Think About Plant-based Cooking
This Plantastic Cookbook is a flavorful collection of plant-based recipes developed by Hollywood caterer and Edible Schoolyard Chef/Director Gwen Kenneally.Renowned chef and food enthusiast, Gwen Kenneally, has released her highly anticipated second cookbook. The Plantastic Cookbook offers home cooks a delightful array of delectable recipes that will tantalize the taste buds of both vegans and omnivores alike. Kenneally, a celebrated chef with over two decades of culinary experience, has crafted a cookbook that reflects her passion for sustainable and delicious plant-based dishes.The Plantastic Cookbook is a culinary journey that showcases the incredible versatility of plant-based ingredients, bringing a burst of vibrant flavors to your table. Sections include toasts and jams, soups and stews, greens and sides, jackfruit, quinoa, grilled entrees, party fare and sweets. Over 90 recipes to expand the vegan palate and introduce new flavors and cooking techniques to those not yet familiar with the joys and benefits of plant-based eating.Gwen’s commitment to sustainability shines through in her recipes, with an emphasis on using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to reduce the environmental footprint of every meal. The Plantastic Cookbook doesn’t just offer delicious recipes; it also provides valuable nutritional insights and tips on maintaining a balanced plant-based diet, making it a valuable resource for those interested in health-conscious cooking.
Some of the recipes in the book include:-
Fava Bean Mint Toast
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Beet Soup with Cashew Crème Fraiche
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Crabby Jack Cakes with Red Pepper Sauce
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Breakfast Quinoa
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Cedar-Planked Pecan, Bourbon and Brown Sugar Glazed Vegan Brie
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Vegetarian Moon in the 7th House Rolls
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Jambalaya
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Cajun Grilled Eggplant
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Rice Pudding with Whipped Cashew Cream
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Lotus Kitchen Cookie
Whether a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to experiment with plant-based food, Gwen’s recipes provide easy-to-follow instructions and ingredient lists to ensure that every recipe is a success.
About the author:Gwen Kenneally is a highly acclaimed chef and food enthusiast with over 20 years of culinary experience. She is known for her innovative and sustainable approach to plant-based cuisine. Gwen is passionate about creating delicious meals that are good for both people and the planet. Her work has been featured in top culinary publications, and she continues to inspire food lovers around the world with her creative recipes. Gwen has been featured in numerous publications and TV shows, and she brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise to her latest cookbook. She believes that plant-based cooking is not just a trend but a lifestyle that promotes health, ethical consciousness, and a greener planet.Connect with Gwen at www.BacktotheKitchenCatering.com, Facebook: Gwen KenneallyInstagram: @gwenkenneallyX: gwen@theinclusivetable -
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Elevate Your Gifting Game with Dirt Food: A Nutraceutical Delight from a Women-Owned Business
This holiday season, make your gifts stand out by choosing Dirt Food – a nutraceutical masterpiece that goes beyond the ordinary. What sets Dirt Food apart? Not only is it a culinary delight, but it also holds the distinction of being a Vegan Certified and Women-Owned Business Certified product.
Tired of coffee causing tummy trouble? Alkalizing dirt is your coffee genie, turning your cup o’ joe into a soothing, non-acidic delight. Dirt Food Dirt Spice Is A Blend Of Therapeutic Superfoods, Spices And Minerals To Support A Healthy Nutrition Regimen. Dirt Spice Provides 135mg Of Magnesium Per Serving And Is Packed With Integral Living Foods. Just 1/2 Teaspoon Will Turn Your Coffee Into An Alkaline-Rich Super Beverage.
Alkalizing Dirt Spice is a nutraceutical additive for coffee, designed to convert it from acidic to alkaline, while also boosting gut health and eliminating acid reflux, heart burn and indigestion. Containing 135mg Magnesium Citrate as well as the most bioavailable superfood and mineral compounds, it was created to keep coffee in the life of our founder who was battling cancer and needed to eliminate the intake of acid from her diet. Absolutely delicious in coffee/tea, baked goods, overnight oats, yogurt and spaghetti sauce to eliminate the acidity of tomatoes.
Superfood Granola Rolled Into Dirty Balls Of Delicious, Nutty, Chewy, Chunky, Smart Snacking. ZERO FILLERS! Dirt Food Handmade Dirty Balls Are A Complete Blend Of Gluten-Free Oats And Nutrient Dense Superfoods Sweetened With Pure Maple Peanut Buttery Syrup, Rolled Into Bite-Size Chunks And Baked To Perfection. Just Like Our Granola, Protein Rich, High In Fiber, And pH-Balancing Properties. All The Benefits Of The Dirt Spice PLUS More To Curb Your Hunger, Hit Your Goals And Eat From The Earth.
It’s Freaking Delicious… Maybe The Second Best Thing You’ve Ever Had In Your Mouth. Dirt Food Handmade Superfood Granola Is A Custom Fusion Of Super Nutritious Living Food To Fuel And Energize. It’s Like An ‘Everything Cookie’ That’s Good For You. Gluten-Free Oats And Nutrient-Dense Superfoods Sweetened With Pure Maple Peanut Buttery Syrup. Super Chunky And Deliciously High In All The Good Stuff. All The Benefits Of The Dirt Spice PLUS More To Curb Your Hunger, Hit Your Goals And Eat From The Earth.
Dirt Food’s availability extends far beyond its online storefront. You can find this nutraceutical gem throughout the western US in wellness centers, cafes, coffee shops, 5-star resorts, and even on the virtual shelves of Amazon.com and local grocery stores. This widespread availability ensures that you can easily share the joy of Dirt Food with friends and family, no matter where they are.So, whether you’re seeking a thoughtful gift for the wellness enthusiast, a vegan friend, or anyone with a palate for innovation, Dirt Food is the answer. Elevate your gifting game this holiday season by embracing the nutraceutical goodness of Dirt Food – a vegan certified, women-owned business certified culinary experience that transcends the ordinary.
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Popdarts – a game that brings friends and family of all ages together, fuels creativity and challenges abilities!
Popdarts is the next legendary dart game like you’ve never seen before. In a world that isolates us with devices, this is a game that brings friends and family of all ages together, fuels creativity and challenges abilities!
There are 3 Blue Popdarts | 3 Green Popdarts | 1 Orange Target Marker | 1 Mesh Carrying Bag with rules printed right on the bag include in this original set.
This compact sets can be played wherever you go, indoors or outdoors. Popdarts stick best to smooth surfaces like a countertop, refrigerator, window, car windshield, glass door, surfboard – be creative!
HOW DO YOU SCORE? The closest Popdart to the Target Marker = 3 points. Every other Popdart that sticks = 1 point. Use “Cancellation Scoring” (just like cornhole). For example: 5 blue – 2 green = 3 blue. Each game consists of multiple rounds! First team to reach 21 points wins!
Meet the Carman brothers and their families. Josh and Jason Carman grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated college and went on to establish their careers in finance and business. They are Christ-followers who enjoy the outdoors, sports, travel, food and spending time with family and friends. From a young age they have been active in sports and seemed to turn everything into a fun and competitive game. Flash forward a few years to 2020 and nothing has really changed! When many of us adjusted to the life of quarantine, Josh did what he has always done and created fun games out of nothing which is how Popdarts originated. After coming up with an initial prototype & establishing the game play, Josh & Jason set off on this journey with help from friends and family to make Popdarts what it is today.
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Paw-some Holidays: Treating Your Pet to Superfood Surprise from PawTree
This Christmas, go above and beyond in pampering your beloved pet with a gift that combines flavor and nutrition. Treat them to a delightful assortment of gourmet goodies and superfood seasonings from Paw Tree, ensuring their holiday is filled with tasty and wholesome surprises. Whether it’s savory treats that cater to their palate or superfood seasonings designed to enhance their meals, Paw Tree offers a delectable range that adds an extra layer of joy to your pet’s festive experience. Witness the sheer delight in their eyes as they savor the mouthwatering flavors and nutritious benefits, making this holiday season truly memorable for your four-legged family member. Gifting your pet treats and superfood seasonings from Paw Tree is not just an indulgence but a thoughtful way to prioritize their well-being during this special time of the year.
Don’t know what to choose? Let Paw Tree choose for you with our Surprise Paw Tree’s Variety 3 Pack! Your pet gets a special surprise with a different box consisting of a variety of the most pawPular treats and seasonings, whenever YOU want it delivered. You’ll be able to create truly yappetizing recipes that are paw-lickin’ good! You’ll enjoy it as much as they do! What a great way to give your BFF (Best Furry Friend) a nutritious and delicious surprise. Most pet parents choose to get this monthly. Get a different selection of delicious goodies for your BFF (Best Furry Friend).
Unlike most pet treats on the market that are made up of empty calories and fillers, and are high in carbohydrates, pawTreats are made with real meat and complementary fruits and vegetables. No fillers whatsoever! They’re all natural and completely grain free. Available in freeze-dried or dry-roasted varieties to preserve the goodness of the ingredients.
Key Benefits:
- Natural, wholesome and holistic
- Grain free
- No corn, no wheat, no soy
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- No fillers
- Developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists
- Made in the U.S.A.
Freeze-Dried Process
Freeze-dried is the closest to real food that you can get in a shelf stable form. Paw Tree’s freeze-dried treats are minimally processed so all the goodness stays in. Freeze drying is the process where the product is put into a frozen state and then into a freeze dryer – a large chamber that is pressurized and takes the meat directly from the frozen state to a dry state skipping the “wet” state. The result is delicious meaty treats that are high in protein and completely yappetizing!
Dry-Roasted Process
Dry-roasted treats are similar to jerky treats. The process takes about 15 hours to fully dehydrate the meat to the proper consistency to meet pawTree’s standards. The dry-roasted treats are all meat with some fruits and vegetables – 100% goodness!
Give the gift of peace to your anxious pet this holiday season with our All is Calm Small Gift Set. Whether it’s the stress of boarding, travel, parties, separation anxiety, storms, or fireworks, this set is designed to keep them calm during challenging times so that they can enjoy the moment. Watch their worries melt away as you make this holiday season their most peaceful one yet!
Anxiety is a very real thing for some dogs and cats. In fact, 1 in 3 dogs and cats show signs of anxiousness. Certain situations may cause a pet to be uneasy for a moment, like a loud crack of thunder – that’s an appropriate response. However for many pets, this causes over-the-top, uncontrollable anxiousness. Whether this is something that’s genetic, or happens as they get older, these pets need help to calm down. Chillax™ is a veterinarian-developed formula that helps relieve stress and tension; ease travel, grooming and separation anxiety; and soothe fear from storms and fireworks. This most comprehensive formula contains the highest level of active ingredients, including herbs, to help pets calm down during stressful times.
Keep Them Calm During Stressful Times
The most comprehensive calming aid supplement for dogs and cats that helps alleviate over-the-top, uncontrollable anxiousness due to stressful events. This formula contains the highest levels of active ingredients, including herbs, that work synergistically to help your pets stay calm during stressful situations. Your dogs and cats will love the taste of these delicious soft chews, and you’ll be helping your pets stay calm at all times. The perfect size chew for your small dog or cat.
Key Benefits:
- Natural
- Helps to relieve stress and tension
- Helps to relieve anxiety from thunderstorms (noise as well as barometric pressure)
- Helps to relieve fear from fireworks
- Helps to relieve separation anxiety
- Helps to prevent frantic digging or scratching at walls and tearing up furniture when left alone
- Helps to ease motion sickness from travel
- Helps to relieve stress when boarding
- Helps to relieve nervousness during trips to the vet or groomer
- Helps with anxiousness around strangers (parties, visitors, workers)
- Affordable solution
- Safe to use daily
- Unlike chalky tablets and pills, these chews are so tasty your dogs and cats will LOVE them!
- Developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Dog and Cat Supplement
Chewster Bone – Small
Chewsters are a combination of durable treat-dispensing toys and extra durable toys made from hard rubber for the favorite chewers! Great for occupying your pets for hours. Stick their favorite treat or their customized kibble in the nooks and crannies or just let them enjoy chewing the different textures.
Measures 4.6”W x 2.4”H x 1.25”D
Ideal for:
✓ Small dogs
✓ Medium dogs
✓ Moderate chewers
✓ Hard rubber, extra durable
You don’t like to eat the same thing every day, and neither do your pets. They crave variety, but changing their food daily leads to upset tummies. Paw Tree‘s Superfood Seasonings allow you to give your pet a different taste sensation at every meal WITHOUT stomach upset. Used as a delicious topper you sprinkle on their food that adds a boost of delicious nutrition and variety to every meal. Varieties include delectable freeze-dried proteins – many single-source (either meat, poultry or fish) and a concentrated source of 8 fruits and vegetables!
Unlike most pet treats on the market that are made up of empty calories and fillers, and are high in carbohydrates, pawTreats are made with real meat and complementary fruits and vegetables. No fillers whatsoever! They’re all natural and completely grain free.
