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Giving back this holiday season!
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Written by Kaiya Mercurio
12/12/25 ‘Tis the season and with that it's important to remember not everyone has the same holiday experience. For many, December and January are very exciting months because of all the holidays and especially getting presents and amazing meals, however many people don't get to experience the joy of opening presents from under the Christmas tree and have very lonely holidays instead. There are many ways that we can do our part and help the less fortunate this holiday season and I will share 3 ways we can all give. Donating items: A very simple way you can do your part is by donating clothes and food to local thrift stores, shelters or food banks. With winter coming it's always nice to do some closet cleaning and clearing out of old clothes you don't wear or fit into anymore and with these clothes you can always take them to the local shelter for someone who is in need of something new. Also, similarly to donating food items you can volunteer at food shelters to hand out food to others. A very nice thing to donate around this time however is toys. Lots of children go without ever receiving new toys and during Christmas that's a great way to brighten a child's month. Handing out food: This somewhat goes hand in hand with donating items but a very simple thing that requires minimal effort is assembly plates of food and driving around and giving them to the homeless. My family has done this a few times in the past but we make so much food on holidays and there are so many people who are in need of a nice home cooked meal. This is a nice, heartwarming, family experience and just a very kind act. Adopt a family: Adopt a family is a cool program the salvation army runs where you can choose to “adopt a family” which really means you can pick between a small, medium or large family and they will assign them to you and you help them with particular things they may need. Let's say you adopt a small family that is in need of new clothes, you would donate new clothes for the whole family and brighten up their holidays. You can always do your part and make a stranger's holiday season a little merrier. I hope these ideas inspire you to go out and do nice things for your community. Happy holidays! |
Here is an interesting article from Userve Utah on additional ways you can help others.
https://userve.utah.gov/how-to-serve-during-the-holidays/ 
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Seasonal depression: everything you need to know
Written by Kaiya Mercurio
11/21/25
As we know the temperatures are changing and for some people so may your state of being. Seasonal depression, what is it? Is it real? Well today I will be giving a rundown on what seasonal depression is and how to know if you experience signs of it.
Just to get straight to the point, yes, seasonal depression is a real disorder called Seasonal affective disorder or SAD for short. SAD is a type of depression that starts and ends usually around the same time every year this being fall- winter. SAD takes away your energy and makes you quite moody all throughout the cold months. Now there is a form of SAD where people experience it during the spring-summer but this is not as commonly diagnosed.
11/21/25
As we know the temperatures are changing and for some people so may your state of being. Seasonal depression, what is it? Is it real? Well today I will be giving a rundown on what seasonal depression is and how to know if you experience signs of it.
Just to get straight to the point, yes, seasonal depression is a real disorder called Seasonal affective disorder or SAD for short. SAD is a type of depression that starts and ends usually around the same time every year this being fall- winter. SAD takes away your energy and makes you quite moody all throughout the cold months. Now there is a form of SAD where people experience it during the spring-summer but this is not as commonly diagnosed.
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Some symptoms of SAD are:
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People with Bipolar disorder are at more of a risk for SAD and during summer may go through manic episodes and deep depressive episodes through the winter. Some causes of SAD include the reduced level of sunlight which may disrupt your body's internal clock, a drop in serotonin levels, and a change in melatonin. SAD is more commonly diagnosed in women than men and also more common in younger groups than older. Some factors the may increase your risk could be family history, having major depression or bipolar, living far from the equator, and a low level of vitamin D. If you experience symptoms of SAD you should not ignore them and talk to a professional before it has major effects on your life. The earlier you take steps to manage symptoms you may be able to prevent them from worsening over time. Some common treatments for SAD are similar to other types of depression like talking therapies or antidepressants. Light therapy also is a common treatment but many clinics are unaware of how helpful it really is. SAD is a serious mental disorder and if you or anyone you know may be experiencing symptoms then don't be afraid to reach out for help.
From the ADAA
How to know if your body has its proper nutrients:
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Written by Shantale Simon
11/17/25 Most people think their bodies are actually fine and healthy when in fact they come nowhere close. I thought the same thing, but I in fact have an iron deficiency. Today I am going to help people like me who didn't know and tell you what signs to look for in your body. So first, what is a nutrient deficiency? A nutrient deficiency is when the intake of a certain nutrient in the body is below the minimum recommended amount. They are quite common and sometimes not noticeable and hard to find. But over time the body can run out completely of that nutrient and you can start to have more physical effects. How you could tell is if you start feeling some physical discomfort, like fatigue or mood changes, go to a doctor to get a blood test. Not all can work but it is a very easy and healthy way. It is also hard because it is studied but there are so many variables from person to person that some things might work on others and some might not work with others. It is also quite expensive to do all of these tests, the facilities have to prepare certain modifications to food for the participants to eat and the participants that agree to this, their lives can be heavily changed from these circumstances. But even though it is tough, you can still figure it out. Some common and tell-tale signs are frequent illness, slow healing wounds, mood swings and fatigue. Also just looking up what nutrition your age and weight group should have is great. If you go to your doctor's office yearly, asking them exactly what you need is a great thing to do as well. About 1-3 people suffer from malnutrition which includes undernutrition and overnutrition, it is quite common, especially nowadays with apps like doordash and all the fast food that is being consumed. Taking supplements that have the nutrition you need is a great way to get it back while still keeping your diet the same. But you can also switch your diet to eat more healthier foods that have that certain nutritional value. |
Osmosis.com
Medium.com
Times now
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unique relaxation!Written by Kaiya Mercurio
11/7/25 When you think of getting pampered, I'm sure you think of getting a Mani pedi, but what about float therapy or a head spa? There are many alternatives to finding good ways to relax and, with the holidays coming up, these could be great gift ideas for people in your life that just need time to relax. Float therapy There are many benefits to float therapy. According to True Rest Float Spa, “The spine naturally elongates and straightens, and the body undergoes the same regeneration process that transpires during sleep. Lactic acid is drained from the muscles, reducing soreness and recovery time.” Also, when you lay up and float, you are on a mix of Epsom salts, which are very good for your hair, skin and nails. Also, it's great for naturally relaxing the body as well as: “Magnesium (commonly missing from our diets) is absorbed through the skin, while Sulfate eliminates toxins and heavy metals, naturally detoxing the body.” This is a great gift for someone who is stressed and just wants a nice relaxing break. Head spa A head spa is a targeted scalp treatment that includes massage, washing and sometimes specific treatments. We all know getting your head massaged is the most amazing feeling and every time I get a haircut I always look forward to just the hair wash and head massage, so going to a spa that is designated for that stuff and getting a treatment like that for 30–90 minutes would be amazing. Another bonus to this is your getting a similar treatment as a massage, but it will be significantly cheaper. With all of these holidays coming up and even with grades, it will be very stressful for you and others around you. These treatments can be fairly affordable and, overall, I think, gift wise, you should really look into gifting these to people. There are just so many benefits to getting a nice treatment like these two, and I would say it is totally worth it. Here is an amazing article about techniques to pamper yourself |
True REST
Solitude spa and wellness
cocoon paris
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How your brain functions in certain situations
MGH MAPP
Written by: Shantale Simon
11/4/25
Everyone's brains are different, from how they are shaped physically and how they make cognitive decisions mentally. No two people are alike, yes there are relative opinions that people may agree on but no two people can think and make decisions exactly the same way as another person. From pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, they state that many factors are in play like your environment, genetic contributions and even to the way those genes were made. Because people never have the same living situations it can cause them to act differently, if someone poor met up with someone rich, they wouldn't agree on certain outlooks in life. Your brain uses your prefrontal cortex and limbic system to work together, your prefrontal cortex uses logic based on what you've experienced in the past while your limbic system provides the emotional part. The reason why humans make decisions is because they want to avoid getting hurt, they don't want to have any negative emotions happen so they turn to the option that would give them the most dopamine. Like sometimes when a bully is having a rough time at home, they choose to bully someone else cause it makes them feel better, even though the decision is wrong. Decision making is a survival tactic that is used to help you be safe, humans use this so they can identify a threat and make sure they can protect themselves in the best ways possible. No one ever thinks the same because every situation can be seen in a different light, different people can see things a different way like some people can empathize with someone and defend them while others use the logical side and prosecute against them. The two major parts that people tend to use are their emotional side and their logical side, everyone uses both at least a couple times in their lives but some use one side more than others. Without this crucial skill people would not be able to spread knowledge around the world, there would be one certain system for everything and the population would be lower because they can't pick the right option that could help them survive the best.
11/4/25
Everyone's brains are different, from how they are shaped physically and how they make cognitive decisions mentally. No two people are alike, yes there are relative opinions that people may agree on but no two people can think and make decisions exactly the same way as another person. From pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, they state that many factors are in play like your environment, genetic contributions and even to the way those genes were made. Because people never have the same living situations it can cause them to act differently, if someone poor met up with someone rich, they wouldn't agree on certain outlooks in life. Your brain uses your prefrontal cortex and limbic system to work together, your prefrontal cortex uses logic based on what you've experienced in the past while your limbic system provides the emotional part. The reason why humans make decisions is because they want to avoid getting hurt, they don't want to have any negative emotions happen so they turn to the option that would give them the most dopamine. Like sometimes when a bully is having a rough time at home, they choose to bully someone else cause it makes them feel better, even though the decision is wrong. Decision making is a survival tactic that is used to help you be safe, humans use this so they can identify a threat and make sure they can protect themselves in the best ways possible. No one ever thinks the same because every situation can be seen in a different light, different people can see things a different way like some people can empathize with someone and defend them while others use the logical side and prosecute against them. The two major parts that people tend to use are their emotional side and their logical side, everyone uses both at least a couple times in their lives but some use one side more than others. Without this crucial skill people would not be able to spread knowledge around the world, there would be one certain system for everything and the population would be lower because they can't pick the right option that could help them survive the best.
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https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.cfainstitute.org%2Finvestor%2F2019%2F07%2F02%2Femotions-and-decision-making-five-steps-to-improve-your-process%2F&psig=AOvVaw1JsyW7elmuaxeVjkZRtyUF&ust=1762441730399000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CAMQjB1qFwoTCKDY0pyl25ADFQAAAAAdAAAAABAL
The science behind ice baths
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Written by: Maya Carlsen
10/21/25 We've all heard of ice baths and saunas, but do they actually do anything? You can do an ice bath whenever you would like, but it is recommended that you take one after a workout. Why is that? After a workout of any kind, it is important to rest and take care of your body properly so it can heal. An Ice bath can help to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. Ice baths improve circulation throughout the body. Ice baths can have a short and slight increase in your metabolism. If done consistently, the baths can also help your immune system. Just as ice baths have benefits for your body, there are also benefits for your mind. Cold water plunges have been shown to stimulate endorphins, which help to reduce and relieve stress and anxiety. You should only be doing ice baths for about 10-15 minutes. Saunas come with many benefits as well. Saunas are more made for relaxation. Saunas help our cardiovascular system a lot; they help to improve blood circulation, and they can reduce blood pressure. If you are having a lot of physical pain, a sauna can help since it improves circulation and blood flow to areas of your body that need it. Saunas also help to reduce stress hormones. Doing saunas regularly can also improve your overall sleep quality. The main thing that saunas do and are known for is it's detoxification. A sauna is a little hot steam room, and you will sweat in there. When we sweat, our bodies flush out and get rid of all those toxins in our bodies. Saunas can also help boost your immune system. Saunas are a great health benefit. Make sure they are done correctly, though. Don't stay in a sauna for too long; they are not meant for long sessions. The most time you can sit is about 30 minutes; most people do around 15-20 minutes. Another important thing is to stay hydrated and drink lots of water and electrolytes after the sauna, since you are sweating so much. |
This article gives you 11 reasons why saunas will benefit you!
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/the-science-behind-ice-baths-for-recovery/ https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/sauna-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOor6sKuIV9WB5pt0hz78PBkLPl3e8tglKOfBJrv6R9NkzPgEbNpq 
Picture credits from
Clearlight Saunas Ireland
Picture creds from
Walmart
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Is hiking useless?
From www.self.com
Written by Kaiya Mercurio
10/17/25
Lace up your shoes and go embark on a journey by HIKING! Hiking isn't just a hobby it is so much more. There are so many benefits to this activity and Arizona has the most awesome spots! If you are someone like me then most physical activities just aren't your favorite but I will say one thing I really do enjoy is hiking. I haven't had many chances to visit many hiking spots in Utah just yet but when I lived in Arizona there were some crazy hikes.
Hiking doesn't just have physical benefits such as building muscle, improving heart health, and decreasing risk of respiratory problems but also mental benefits like boosting mood, reduces stress, calms anxiety and according to a study done by Stanford researchers actually improves your sensory perception. Also hiking can be a super social activity. I love going with my friends or family. I think it makes it 10x more fun when you're doing an activity like this with other people.
Now when it comes to actually hiking you have to be careful because if you choose an ugly spot the hike will be way less enjoyable. My favorite spot in Arizona to go hiking is Sabino Canyon. Sabino has so much variety and was overall very easy. Obviously the most well known hiking spot in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. I'm sure you all have either been there or even just know of it but coming from someone who is actually from Arizona that place is the WORST! I love the outdoors and amazing sights but I genuinely thought the grand canyon was super overrated and not worth a trip. Now even though the Grand Canyon isn't worth it some other places are. Bear Canyon is another great place to go for hikes but the hike to seven falls is so beautiful. Seven falls is exactly how it sounds. It's an amazing waterfall with a pool at the end and when you reach the fall you HAVE to get into the pool.
Overall we all just need to relax and go on a nice hike here and there.
10/17/25
Lace up your shoes and go embark on a journey by HIKING! Hiking isn't just a hobby it is so much more. There are so many benefits to this activity and Arizona has the most awesome spots! If you are someone like me then most physical activities just aren't your favorite but I will say one thing I really do enjoy is hiking. I haven't had many chances to visit many hiking spots in Utah just yet but when I lived in Arizona there were some crazy hikes.
Hiking doesn't just have physical benefits such as building muscle, improving heart health, and decreasing risk of respiratory problems but also mental benefits like boosting mood, reduces stress, calms anxiety and according to a study done by Stanford researchers actually improves your sensory perception. Also hiking can be a super social activity. I love going with my friends or family. I think it makes it 10x more fun when you're doing an activity like this with other people.
Now when it comes to actually hiking you have to be careful because if you choose an ugly spot the hike will be way less enjoyable. My favorite spot in Arizona to go hiking is Sabino Canyon. Sabino has so much variety and was overall very easy. Obviously the most well known hiking spot in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. I'm sure you all have either been there or even just know of it but coming from someone who is actually from Arizona that place is the WORST! I love the outdoors and amazing sights but I genuinely thought the grand canyon was super overrated and not worth a trip. Now even though the Grand Canyon isn't worth it some other places are. Bear Canyon is another great place to go for hikes but the hike to seven falls is so beautiful. Seven falls is exactly how it sounds. It's an amazing waterfall with a pool at the end and when you reach the fall you HAVE to get into the pool.
Overall we all just need to relax and go on a nice hike here and there.
How to deal with school stress
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Written by: Shantale Simon (Editor of entertainment 1)
9/12/25 For students from as early as middle school, the stress of school has affected many people including me. But students don't have the best habit of keeping on track and when they are far behind catching back up. Now there are many ways to go about this, it just depends on who the person is. Like meditation and stretching is a great way to relax your mind and focus on something else. |
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From user @etsy on pinterest
Another good thing is to plan ahead and make schedules, not too strict but as a guide for what to expect for the upcoming days or even weeks. There are also a lot of causes for this stress, as Harvard's summer program indicates that many students are stressed because “Your body is changing. You may be grappling with your sexuality or gender identity. Add to that the academic demands of high school and throw in the pressures of social media, and the tension mounts.” Which for most cases is in fact true, dealing with academics and the stress of your social life is hard to balance. Now one of the best ways to manage stress is to keep healthy habits, which basically means eating three meals a day or getting the recommended amount of sleep. Teenagers are one of the biggest age groups that don't get either of those, causing their body to not be able to handle all that's coming towards you because your body can't get what it needs.
From user @mymymypins on pinterest
Now there are some easier ones like keeping a journal, most teens don't really want to vocalize their feelings but putting something out there so you're not cooped up inside your own head is an amazing thing to do. Even just setting some time for yourself to do something that you enjoy whether it's baking, painting, you name it, doing something you genuinely enjoy is a game changer if you are stressed. If you change your mental mind set by being more open and willing to accept failure because no one is perfect and even students with the most perfect grades end up not getting into colleges or things they dreamed of. Being considerate of that, what matters is that you are trying. Physically just being active and taking care of your body also makes it to where your body can handle that stress instead of using coping mechanisms.
