It can be easy to get caught up in the overwhelming nature of the world. However, even in the best moments, it is important to remember to look after ones mental health. A frustrating time can be a setback.

For the past two years, I have looked to meditation and other relaxation activities as a way to feel centered and calm down after a rough day. I have tried multiple apps to track and aid in my journey of improving my mental health and have found some to be helpful.

Paying for apps is a deterrent for me, and likely others, so the ones I am recommending are free to download. While some have in-app purchases, I find the free features alone make them worth it.

Here are some of my recommendations for apps geared toward relaxation and mental wellness:

Oak - Meditation & Breathing

This simplistic app offers different meditation exercises depending on the main goal of the person practicing them. From breathing exercises to guided meditations, there are multiple options for different purposes.

I think the mindful meditation in particular is helpful, as it helps you learn how to clear your mind and focus. This app also tracks progress based on how many exercises are completed, with various stages from grasshopper to mountain representing how often the app is used.

stoic. mental health journal

This app provides prompts for journal entries revolving around subjects such as gratitude, future plans and daily summaries. These entries are saved in the app and tracked by day, along with all other activities within the app.

There are also sections for guided breathing exercises, inspirational quotes and visualization. The thoughts exercise is useful for breaking down negative thoughts and learning methods to rationalize or overcome them.

The clean layout makes stoic. appealing to the eye as well as easy to use.

Ladder: Mental Health Tracker

Ladder is a goal-setting app that allows you to track habits you would like to incorporate into your daily or weekly routine. These can be set to just be visible in the app or to send a notification at specified times.

New habits are recommended based on intended goals, such as increasing happiness or boosting productivity. Choosing one of these will show a list of habits that coincide with these goals.

This app also includes creative meditation exercises and articles about mental health issues and how to cope with them. Ambient sounds are another feature that can be set at a timer and played for purposes such as sleeping and focusing during work.

WellTrack

This app is offered free through IU when using student login information. When using the app through IU, the settings are customized especially for students and include resources for help at the university.

WellTrack offers wellness assessments based on a series of questions about experiences related to mental health functioning. These assessments then provide ratings on depression, anxiety and stress. While not definitive, they can be helpful for recognizing how extreme any of these states have become in recent days.

There are also courses available in the app that discuss the definitions of certain mental health topics and methods for coping with them.

Cove: music for mental health

Cove is a unique spin on a mental health wellness app. Rather than meditation, users can create calming music to correspond with mood.

Upon opening, the create new option at the top prompts you to identify your current feelings to begin creating a variety of beats to match these feelings. After making the song, it can be saved and played on repeat for relaxation.

While unconventional, I find the process of making the simple melodies to be distracting from other stressors.

Like what you're reading? Support independent, award-winning college journalism on this site. Donate here.

The opera centers around the COVID-19 pandemic.

IU students reflect on their favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

The special should satisfy Star Wars fans, old and new.

Original post:

COLUMN: Mental health and wellness app recommendations - Indiana Daily Student

Latest updated Report gives analysis of Mindfulness Meditation Application market overview, scope, market risks, market driving force and market opportunities. Mindfulness Meditation Application competitive situation, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers working in Mindfulness Meditation Application industry are analyzed clearly by landscape contrast

The Global Mindfulness Meditation Application Market divides the industry on the basis of the regions by growth, product types and applications, over the forecast period (2020-2027) of the Mindfulness Meditation Application market. It analyzes every majorfacts of the global Mindfulness Meditation Application by specifications of the product, restraints, challenges, andgrowth opportunities. Company profiles of the major leading player with Mindfulness Meditation Application investment forecast, latest technology trends,and future forecast. Detailed global understanding of the Mindfulness Meditation Application market based on present and future size(revenue) and Mindfulness Meditation Application market prediction plot in the form of a list of charts and tables, pie-charts to assist aspirants and major market players in making significant and growing choices.

Download Free Sample Pdf Report @ https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/ healthcare-it/global-mindfulness-meditation-application-market-research-report-2020-2027-of-major-types,-applications-and-competitive-vendors-in-top-regions-and-countries/143534#request_sample

The research mainly covers Mindfulness Meditation Application market in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Mindfulness Meditation Application Europe industry (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (Southeast Asia, China, Korea, India and Japan), Mindfulness Meditation Application South America industry (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa). The Mindfulness Meditation Application report also performs SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) with XX CAGR values, and XX USD of past(2015-2019) and Mindfulness Meditation Application forecast(2020-2027) on the basis of growth and market condition following with the size of Mindfulness Meditation Application market.

The Global Mindfulness Meditation Application market reportcomprises variouskey manufacturers, application analysis and type analysis:

Key players of the global Mindfulness Meditation Application market:

Breethe Stop, Breathe & Think YOGAGLO Headspace Insight Timer Calm Inner Explorer Ten Percent Happier Enso Meditation Timer & Bell Smiling Mind Meditation Moments B.V. Simple Habit Committee for Children Buddhify

Market Segment Analysis

By Types:

Paid Mindfulness Meditation Application Free Mindfulness Meditation Application

By Applications:

IOS Android Web VOSS Automotive

InquiryHere For More Details https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/ healthcare-it/global-mindfulness-meditation-application-market-research-report-2020-2027-of-major-types,-applications-and-competitive-vendors-in-top-regions-and-countries/143534#inquiry_before_buying

Segments of the Mindfulness Meditation Application Report:

Global Mindfulness Meditation Application market report figure out a detailed analysis of key Mindfulness Meditation Application market players by referencing their company profiles, supply/demand study, sales margin, gross margin and year to year revenue to have Mindfulness Meditation Application industry better share over the globe. Mindfulness Meditation Application market report also includes development.

The Global Mindfulness Meditation Application industry research report analyses the supply, sales, production, and market status comprehensively. manufacturing market shares and sales market shares are analyzed along with the analysis of capacity, production, sales, and revenue.

Table Of Content Described:

1. Mindfulness Meditation Application Industry Synopsis

2. Global Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Size by Segmentation (2020-2027)

3. Mindfulness Meditation Application Leading Manufacturers Company Profiles

4. Global Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Competitive Study by Players

5. US Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Development Status and Overview

6. Europe Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Improvement Status and Overview

7. Africa Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Development Status and Overview

8. South-America Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Improvement Status and Overview

9. Asia-pacific Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Development Status and Overview

10. Southeast Asia Mindfulness Meditation Application Improvement Status and Overview

11. Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Forecast by Regional Analysis, And By Segmentation (2020-2027)

12. Dynamics of Mindfulness Meditation Application Market

13. Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Growth Factors Study

14. Research Conclusions

15. Appendix

Explore Detailed Information, Table Of Content https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/ healthcare-it/global-mindfulness-meditation-application-market-research-report-2020-2027-of-major-types,-applications-and-competitive-vendors-in-top-regions-and-countries/143534#table_of_contents

Read more from the original source:

Global Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Trends, Opportunities, Drivers, Challenges and Forecast to 2027 - PRnews Leader

We spoke with a neuroscientist and other academics to understand the principles and neurochemistry to help craft a personal productivity playlist.

Image: iStock/kerkez

The manipulated audible sheets of airwaves we call music can have profound impacts on human behavior. Studies have shown that the tempo of the music played in stores can affect the amount of time shoppers spend inside. Similarly, additional work suggests that certain modes could also boost retail sales. Other studies have shown that music can increase cognitive function including memory.

To understand whether it was possible to use this premise to craft a playlist for productivity purposes, to in essence hack the neurochemistry of our brains for a given task, we spoke with a neuroscientist and other academics. It turns out that the notion is theoretically possible and the ideal playlist may need a healthy dose of ABBA and less Wagner.

SEE:TechRepublic Premium editorial calendar: IT policies, checklists, toolkits, and research for download(TechRepublic Premium)

"The effects of music to introduce stimulation that will increase focus is not generic. Meaning that a playlist to create focus would need to be tailored to the person. Of course, background calming music that lets the mind focus is a good place to start. However, what could be calming to one person could be irritating to another," said Paula E. Bobrowski, a professor of health administration at Auburn University, via email.

Bobrowski, who holds a doctorate in marketing and international technology management, emphasized that there is no standard formula for this productivity hack and that it's best for individuals to first consider the principles promoting focus and relaxation. To do so, a crash course in neurology and the role of the neurotransmitter dopamine is a helpful starting point.

Kiminobu Sugaya, a professor of medicine and head of neuroscience at the University of Central Florida, explained that certain types of music can increase dopamine levels in the brain to enhance productivity. However, there are myriad factors at play and the optimal mixtape will entail careful attention to rhythm, beat, preference, lyrics, and more.

For those seeking a productivity boost from their playlist, Sugaya advised against listening to music with lyrics, explaining that lyrical music activates the language center and this could have productivity drawbacks.

"When you think about something, you're using your language. If the language center is occupied by the background music with lyrics, then your productivity should be reduced," Sugaya said.

Interestingly, some types of instrumentals may also reduce productivity with similar stimulation. For example, certain types of instrumental music, namely highly complex orchestral arrangements, may require the language centers to analyze them and limit the productivity of certain people, according to Sugaya.

Finding the ideal balance of complexity and productivity can be challenging. Citing studies surrounding theMozart effect, Sugaya said that playing students Wagner recordings did not produce much of an increase in brainpower, however, Mozart arrangements, especially more complex two-piano concertos led to a 50% increase in frontal lobe function.

"That means that some complexity is necessary," Sugaya said.

Rhythm is another input to consider and it's important to focus on the rhythmic baseline and beats-per-minute (bpm) first and foremost. Deviating from this base level bpm could increase or decrease productivity.

"If you use the 60, 70 [bpm] such as lullaby, which is comfortable for babies because of mimicking their mother's heart beat, your brain is resting. Your brain gets more alpha wave, the easy waves, but you don't get much faster or gain the more productive brainwave. So then definitely, you want to have the higher beat, but, of course, not too high, but the higher beat is necessary," Sugaya said.

The bass of a track and a sense of personal empowerment may play a role in perception and productivity. We also spoke with Professor Derek Rucker at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In a recent study, Rucker and colleagues sought to better understand whether music could cause individuals to feel more or less empowered.

"The short answer is, indeed it can. The paper has specifics, but in brief we found that certain types of music, certain songs can imbue some people with a greater sense of power," Rucker said.

But what does power have to do with productivity?

Rucker explained that previous work by researchers Pamela Smith, Nils Jostmann, and Adam Galinsky showed that executive cognitive functioning was negatively impacted in lower power states.

"If you want to maintain executive functioning, being in a state of power can facilitate that," Rucker said.

In a study by Rucker and colleagues, Queen's "We Will Rock You" caused people to feel empowered, whereas Fat Boy Slim's "Because We Can" did not cause individuals to feel as powerful.

When asked for his personal pick for his own productivity purposes, Rucker said Alkaline Trio and Chvrches were his go-to's.

SEE:5 Internet of Things (IoT) innovations (free PDF)(TechRepublic)

While rhythm, bass, and lyrics are certainly factors to bear in mind, preference and musical taste will also affect one's response to a track. Sugaya posed a rhetorical question to make this point.

"[Do] you know the difference between the noise and the music?" Sugaya asked.

After all, what sounds like music to one person may sound like noise to someone else.

"For me, rap music, that's definitely noise. My brain [tries] to ignore it as a noise," Sugaya said.

These proclivities may vary generationally and differ markedly from individual to individual. For example, a study found that people no longer follow the latest popular music by the time they've reached their early 30s. As a result, the en vogue musical styles of an era could impact musical preference and, in turn, response.

While tailoring a playlist based on rhythm, bass, a lack of lyrics may be a good idea, if a person simply does not like a particular song or genre, inserting such a track on a productivity playlist could have a largely negative impact.

"I grew up with disco music. That's one factor," Sugaya said.

Sugaya explained that disco music, with an emphasis on rhythm, helps him stimulate dopamine and also increase his emotional arousal. However, personal preference should be the overriding factor in the end.

"Of course, the most important part is [to] use your favorite [music]. If somebody likes rap, that's fine, but, in general, those rhythmical, constant rhythm, that's a nice way to stimulate," Sugaya said.

When pressed to name a specific track or artist for productivity purposes, Sugaya stayed true to his stated disco preference.

"Anything like ABBA."

Be in the know about smart cities, AI, Internet of Things, VR, AR, robotics, drones, autonomous driving, and more of the coolest tech innovations. Delivered Wednesdays and Fridays

Read the original post:
Brain hacks to boost productivity with music. Should you be listening to more ABBA? - TechRepublic

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransUnion’s (NYSE: TRU) newly released 2020 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report found that three in four consumers (76%) plan on conducting more than half of their holiday shopping online this year an increase from the 57% who said the same last year. The rise in online shopping is coming partly at the expense of traditional in-store holiday shopping events such as Black Friday.

The report found that only 21% of consumers said they plan on shopping in-person for Black Friday events and deals. Additionally, one-third of consumers (32%) said they will be shopping less at brick and mortar stores this Black Friday shopping season compared to last year. TransUnion’s Holiday Shopping Report includes insights gathered from an online survey of 2,620 adults conducted in late October. This is the third iteration of the report, which has observed consumer shopping preferences during the holiday season between 2018 and 2020.

As the prevalence of online shopping continues to grow, the report found that consumers have high expectations for retailers. Consumers indicated that they want retailers to provide convenient and secure shopping experiences as well as multiple shipping and pick-up options, promotions and coupons. Retailers providing such resources are already at an advantage as 45% of consumers said they started their holiday shopping in October or earlier; another 45% said they will begin in November with the remaining 10% starting in December.

The holiday shopping season has traditionally kicked off during Thanksgiving week, but it’s clear that a combination of factors has led nearly half of consumers to begin shopping in October or earlier,” said Shannon Wu-Lebron, senior director of retail in TransUnion’s diversified markets business. Much of this can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the greater propensity to conduct shopping online, but savvy retailers also are working to provide better online experiences and promotions to entice consumers to their websites earlier in the season.”

More Holiday Shopping Is Expected to be Conducted Online This Year

Topic/Year

Consumer s Seeking More Convenience This Holiday Shopping Season

The report highlighted how important convenient interactions are for many consumers. For the first time since TransUnion has conducted the survey, more consumers will be using their mobile phones to shop online than other devices such as laptops and tablets.

About 78% of consumers said they will use their mobile phones for online holiday purchases this year up from 73% last year. Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X were the biggest users of mobile at 84% each, with Baby Boomers at only a 65% usage rate. About 71% of consumers said they will use their laptop or desktop computers and 32% will use their tablet. It’s evident the shift to mobile is continuing in full force and this means retailers must be equipped to offer shoppers with convenient and low risk mobile shopping experiences,” said Wu-Lebron.

With more mobile phone use, features such as pre-filling” a consumer’s personal information are becoming more important than in the past. About six in 10 (61%) consumers said it is at least moderately important to have some of their personal information pre-filled at the time of checkout. This was particularly important for the youngest generations (Gen Z 68%; Millennials 67%).

While shipping costs (58%) were the No. 1 reason consumers abandon their online shopping cart, payment issues (28%) and too many steps to make purchases (25%) were also cited by a good proportion of respondents.

And when ranking what is most important to them when shopping online, having multiple shipping and pick-up options ranked first (32%) followed by merchants who provide safe and secure shopping options (30%). These were followed by buying from familiar merchants (18%); merchants with lowest prices (11%); and free or low delivery fees (9%).

Online Fraudulent Activity Continues to Worry Consumers

Convenient transactions are clearly important to consumers, but security and fraud prevention are of particular concern for many shoppers this holiday season. Nearly half of survey respondents (49.6%) said they are concerned with being victimized by fraud this holiday season. This was a slight increase from last year when 46.4% were concerned.

Many consumers also do not mind going through a few extra steps to ensure a secure transaction. About 58% of respondents said they view additional identity validation steps during the check-out process positively.

Nearly 52% of respondents said account information and credit card information security are equally important to them during the holiday season. Approximately 22% of consumers prioritized protection of login ID and password while 23% said validation of credit card and identity information at checkout was most important.

Half of respondents said they would be more willing to make an online purchase from a retailer that provided two-factor or multifactor authentication rather than just username and password.

As the pandemic progresses, it’s clear that this is going to be an unusual holiday shopping season. However, some things do not change. Consumers continually want to have more convenient interactions with retailers without foregoing security. With more and more online shopping choices, it’s critical for retailers to meet these ever-growing consumer needs,” concluded Wu-Lebron.

For more information about the 2020 TransUnion Consumer Holiday Shopping Report, please click here .

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing a comprehensive picture of each person so they can be reliably and safely represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.®

A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

http://www.transunion.com/business

Read the original here:
76% of Shoppers to Conduct Majority of their Holiday Purchases Online - Stockhouse

Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 18: The Apostolic Carmel Congregation celebrated the 150 years of its foundation just two years ago. The first Carmelite order founded in Bayonne, France, for the mission of education in India took its momentous step just two years later with the three pioneering Sisters landing on the shores of Mangaluru, at Bunder on November 19, 1870. These three Sisters along with three Sisters of the Cloistered Carmel from Pau, France, who set foot on the soil on Mangaluru, embarked on their mission of the empowerment of girl children through education. The Cloistered Carmel in the mean time provided the power house of prayer to the diocese of Mangaluru. It is the day immortalized in the history of Mangaluru.

The contribution of the Apostolic Carmel since 1870 was significant in that it was a time girls received little or no education and were married off while they were in their early teens; besides there were very few families who could afford education for their daughters. The Hunter Education Commission noted that in 1881 only 0.2% of the women of this part of India were literate. This was the scenario which the Apostolic Carmel Congregation met with. It did not daunt them but rather, inspired the brave Sisters to venture into female education, towards their economic independence and personal empowerment and in particular, faith education.

Mother Veronica, nee Sophie Leeves, an English woman, was chosen by God to initiate this great mission of caring for girl children. The plight of girls while she was serving the poor children in Calicut, Kerala and the call of God I want you in Carmel resulted in joining the Carmel and the founding of the teaching order of Carmel on her return to Europe. While she was not destined to launch on this tremendous task in India, in person, Mother Marie Des Anges, a French lady who was prepared by her for the mission in India took over the mantle as the first Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel and guided the congregation. However, it was the daughter of the soil, Mother Mary Aloysia nee Mary Rosario, who joined the Apostolic Carmel during its initial years who laid the sturdy bedrock for womens education in India and Sri Lanka.

The first school, a veritable temple of learning with 40 students at St Anns, Mangaluru took a leap forward in terms of enrollments to 160, the following year was acclaimed for its quality by the British administration of the time as to be on par with even British education provided at the Madras Presidency. This was solely on account of the quality education provided by her and the pioneering Sisters. The impact of their education on the lives of girls was so great that parents from different localities earnestly approached the management of the congregation to open schools in different places. St Anns Convent now served as the Mother House and schools were established at Dongerkere, later shifted to Urwa as Lady Hill High School, at the request of the Brahmin community; at Bendore St Agnes School, and St Marys School, Falnir and thereafter in Udupi and other suburbs of Dakshina Kannada in order to reach out to the poorest of the poor. At most places it was service for the poor through the opening of orphanages for poor girls. Simultaneously, Calicut,Kannur and other locations in Kerala too came under the influence of the Apostolic Carmel education. It did not take much time before requests poured in from the northern states and even Sri Lanka by the 1920s. Indeed the British administration that saw the quality of the teachers personally trained by Mother Aloysia, prevailed upon her to start a teacher training institute (1890) which gave a great boost to the girls from the whole of south India. Equally impressed was Dr Lakmanswamy Mudaliar, the chairman of the Mudaliar Education Commission when he visited St Anns as the chairman of the Affiliation Commission. He acclaimed that the existing primary teacher training institute was a sound proof for the quality that would be provided at St Anns Training College for graduate teachers he accepted for affiliation to Madras Presidency in 1943.

However, one of the main contributions of the Apostolic Carmel, with its characteristic foresight, is St Agnes College started by this daring woman, Mother Aloysia, the second Superior General. St Agnes College is the first women college on the west coast of India and the first college for girls to be started by an indigenous personin the entire country and provided guidance and direction to many a newly started womens college after that in South India. Four more Apostolic Carmel Colleges adorned other parts of our country, namely, the prestigious Patna Womens College, Bihar; Providence Womens College, Calicut, Carmel College, Goa and lastly Carmel College, Modankap, which at present provide job-centred and postgraduate courses with research centres established.

Today girls in thousands continue to be educated in different parts of the world through 150 AC convents in India and over50 outside our country, namely, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and finally in Europe itself. The girls educated in these institutions have not only made a mark in various field of life and profession, many young women have dedicated their lives as religious Sisters in the Apostolic Carmel as also in several other congregations and have been heading many of these religious congregations. Apart from education as its main mission, the Apostolic Carmel has been catering to the needs of the less privileged children through orphanages, social service centres, technical institutions, community colleges, schools and residences for differently abled children and adults, crches, health care centres, counselling centres, homes for the destitute, needle work centres, homes for the aged and social welfare centres. The Sisters have also adopted other ministries, institutions, programmes of the parishes and services to the surrounding villages. These include prison ministry, SHGs, rescue homes, adult education and care for delinquents, to name a few.

A modest celebration of thanksgiving will take place on November 19, at the Rosario Cathedral, marking the event of the arrival of the pioneers at this hallowed spot exactly 150 years ago. While Bishop Marie Ephrem, OCD welcomed them to India, Fr Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the present Bishop of Mangaluru will preside over the thanksgiving Eucharist with the Apostolic Carmel Sisters. At this celebration of the150 years of sacrificial love and committed service of the Apostolic Carmel Sisters, along with the collaboration of the staff, students, parents, alumni, benefactors and well-wishers, the congregation wishes to express its profound gratitude to all the Keepers of the Flame which was once lit by their founder, the venerable Mother Veronica. The Sisters of the congregation acknowledge with deep humility and respect, all the services, temporal and spiritual, rendered by church leaders and other individuals who have contributed towards the growth and development of the Apostolic Carmel, and thereby, of the society itself.

Read the original:
Mangaluru: Apostolic Carmel Congregation celebrates 150 years of its presence in India - Daijiworld.com

Two entrepreneurs are counting their blessings these days.

Cousins Kenyetta Richard and Courtney Strickland opened Belle Books Boutique & More in September in northeast Oklahoma City.

On Sunday, the pair will be giving out free turkey dinners during a drive-thru Thanksgiving food distribution at their new bookstore, 1742 NE 23, Suite 8. Richard said they will give out free turkeys and all the holiday fixings like pie, canned goods and rolls to make a Thanksgiving meal.

"We had noticed four or five family members in other states who became entrepreneurs about the same time. We all decided to honor our grandparents by having a community Thanksgiving event like this," she said.

The cousins also hope to instill a love of reading in children with the recent launch of the new Ellison's Young Readers Club, in partnership with the Ralph Ellison Foundation.

The pair said the free program includes a story time featuring a book written by a Black author and crafted around the themes of positive self-esteem and affirmation for Black children, Black history, social justice, education and community empowerment. Geared for children in kindergarten through first grade, the literacy program will be offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Registration is required, and each child will receive a copy of the featured book and a snack. In-person participation is limited to less than 10 children, but the program also will be streamed live on Facebook and Instagram.

Children and parents who have a genuine interest in Black history, education, social justice, personal growth and community empowerment are encouraged to join.

'Good for the soul'

See more here:
At new OKC Black-owned bookstore, "We just want them to come into a place and see themselves" - Oklahoman.com

Written by Abigail Petipas, Photo courtesy of Womens Empowerment Club

SCADs campus is full of students who come from all backgrounds and cultures. Womens Empowerment has created a place that also wholeheartedly welcomes diversity.

The club was founded with the intent of providing a safe space for anyone who can relate, identify or empathize with the female experience. Focusing on the importance of intersectionality within activism, the club provides a platform for anyone who wants to engage in an open dialogue about the female perspective.

We get a full perspective on a lot of peoples views that come to our club, said Saria Mary Netto, ICC Liaison. I think its just really important to understand what other people go through.

The club meets every Wednesday at 8 p.m. and meeting times can be found on their Instagram. During their meetings, they present different presentations each week on topics such as self-care and body love. The presentations allow for an open dialogue between club members.

I think what people come here for is that they really love having a safe space. I think people feel really heard by us, said Ari Cooper Bermdez, former club president and club mentor.

Meetings are structured to create a space where members are encouraged to speak about their own personal experiences. Discussions on current events are also welcomed, since each meeting begins with a recap of events that pertain to the female experience.

Its a super easy, fun way to know things. Instead of having to go and read an article about politics, you can just go with your friends and talk with SCAD students, said President Jenna Guiterrez.

The Womens Empowerment Club is open to all. For more information, visit here or send an email to @wec.scad.

See the original post:
Join the club: Womens Empowerment provides a safe space - District

Andrea Aycock can only sometimes look at the photos of her hands clasped with her mothers just before she died in May. But shell always cherish the helping hand she got from Anna Adams, an end-of-life doula in San Antonio who preserved that personal moment and so many more for Aycock in her mothers dying days.

Anna came and took care of her, said Aycock, a call-center operator in San Antonio. (She) just mainly comforted me.

Just as birth doulas help expectant parents bring new life into the world, end-of-life doulas help the dying cope with their next journey. They help the dying and their survivors face death with empowerment and affirmation instead of fear and anxiety.

Also known as death doulas, these trained professionals provide the terminally ill and their families physical and emotional support before, during and after death. These are nonmedical services that often include relaxation exercises, funeral planning, educating the family on their loved ones condition and simple companionship.

Adams sees death awareness becoming more commonplace in the United States in the way that Da de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations have grown more mainstream and that there are more calls for the services of end-of-life doulas.

San Antonio death doula groups:

Savior Doula Services:saviorendoflifeser.wixsite.com/website, 210-721-3422

TX Doula Movement:txdoulamvmnt.com, 206-627-0257 or 206-627-0258

National death doula groups:

Doulagivers: doulagivers.com, 917-830-5364

National End-of-Life Doula Alliance:nedalliance.org

The International End of Life Doula Association: inelda.org, 201-540-9049

General information for death and dying:

San Antonio Death Cafe community organization:facebook.com/sanantoniodeathcafe, deathcafesa@yahoo.com

Cultures like the Mexican culture that have these beautiful traditions of staying in connection with that (dying) process are so admirable and so beautiful. Doulas want to make sure that is available to all people, said Shelby Kirillin, an end-of-life doula in Richmond, Va., and program-development manager for the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) in Jersey City, N.J.

On ExpressNews.com: David Zamora Casas Da de los Muertos art altar installation connects HIV-AIDS, coronavirus pandemics

Kirillin sees the rising awareness of death doulas as part of what she calls a death positive movement, where more people are getting back to supporting their dying loved ones at home and engaging with their death more up close and personal, much as their ancestors did.

In the last 100-plus years in our Western culture, that has been taken away from us, Kirillin said. How to be with someone who was dying, how to touch them. That was something that we knew how to do.

INELDA is one of just a handful of death-doula organizations in the nation and was launched five years ago. Co-founder Henry Fersko-Weiss created the first end-of-life doula program in the United States at a New York hospice in 2003.

Kirillin estimates INELDA has 40 certified death doulas across the country yet has trained 3,000 individuals in death-doula care. Many sign up to learn more about facing death and dont pursue death-doula work, she said, while others branch off to do their own training.

Most services come in three phases.

The first is planning and preparation, which involves getting a terminal patients affairs in order and asking some tough questions that call for honest answers. Where does that person want to die? Whom do they want present for those final moments? What do they absolutely need to say or do before theyre gone?

Kirillin said that first phase often addresses the dying individuals regrets and unfinished business, as well as any advance directives, wills, etc. Often referred to as legacy work, such planning makes it easier for family to understand and respect the dying persons wishes.

On ExpressNews.com: S.A. doula Brian the Birth Guy delivers childbirth advice, support for new moms and dads

Fran Morgan is in that early stage with her dying mother, Rosalee, who receives hospice care at the private residence of a family friend.

With Anna in the picture, she will be advocating for all of the things that need to happen, said Morgan, a retired telecommunications-company manager in San Antonio. It will release me from those responsibilities, and I can just be with my mom and cherish those final moments.

That second phase is called the vigil, usually the last four or five days of the dying persons life, when end-of-life doulas and family members spend more time at their bedside.

I call them my angel vigils, Adams said.

During her doula vigils, Adams, 38, often creates a soothing space for the dying with soft music and dim lighting. Sometimes shell add a favorite scent with aromatherapy. Most times, she just gently massages her clients arms and holds their hands.

And in those final moments as they take their last breaths, Adams comforts them with what they most want to hear, be it Bible verses, soothing music or just someone to say its going to be OK.

On ExpressNews.com: Retired major helps uncover long-lost African American cemetery in San Antonio neighborhood

The final phase of a death doulas work addresses survivors grief. Kirillin said that involves circling back with the family a few weeks after their loved ones death to check on their emotional well-being.

Kirillin stressed that end-of-life doulas do console families but are not licensed grief counselors and will refer families to such resources if necessary.

When it came to caring for Aycocks mother, Adams mostly helped with her bedside care and keeping her visiting nurses on task. Adams also explained to Aycock any of her mothers diagnoses she didnt understand.

Then there was that time Adams took those hand photos of Aycock and her mother. Difficult as it is for Aycock to look at those photos, much less share them, she still holds them close.

She holds Adams work even closer.

It is the best help that you can get, Aycock said. They provide comfort not only for your loved one that is going through the transition but for you.

Morgan expects to experience more of that care from Adams. Im looking forward to the relationship that were going to have, said Morgan, who started working with Adams in October. For now, my initial experience (and) impression is she certainly has the heart for what shes doing.

Adams first experience comforting the dying came when she was 16. Fresh from certification as a nursing aide, Adams tended to a best friends cousin for several months at her home with bathing and conversation. That care continued when that cousin transferred to hospice care and well up to her death.

So we just had a bonding moment. I gave her that sacred zone, Adams said. That kind of piqued my interest.

Adams went on to pursue a career in hospice, then for the past four years worked as an EMS manager and dispatcher for a private company. But something pushed her back into working with the dying.

I told my family, God wants me to do this. God is keeping me in line with this, Adams said.

At the start of this year, Adams got her end-of-life doula certification. Over the summer, she partnered with fellow certified doula Sonja Koenig to launch TX Doula Movement, an online training and certification course for death doulas, senior care doulas and doula consultants.

Adams knows of just a handful of death doulas in San Antonio, but she expects that number to double later this year when about five of her TX Doula Movement students complete their certification. Adams plans to launch her own doula-training service next year.

Adams said the coronavirus has not deterred her from her work, save for having to incorporate more video consultations with families and masks and frequent hand-washings during visits. She has yet to provide end-of-life doula services to someone with COVID-19, but one of the hospice companies she works with takes in COVID-19 patients.

I dont have a problem working with COVID patients, Adams said.

On ExpressNews.com: Why did so many die? Coronavirus devastates San Antonio councilwomans family

Adams said most hospitals still dont work with death doulas, but hospice services are slowly warming up to them as adjuncts to their own care.

It is relatively new, but were seeing it more, said Rachel Hammon, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice in Austin.

Holistic Hospice Care is one of two hospice centers in San Antonio that works with Adams. Administrator Erica Sandoval said Adams has been a welcome bridge between families and clinical teams.

She can get on (everyones) level, Sandoval said. And shes very calm and very patient. And she just wins their trust, and they feel very comfortable with her.

Like Adams, Sandoval sees parallels between death doulas and Da de los Muertos, such as the memory books the doulas make for their clients and the Day of the Dead tribute altars families make for their lost loved ones.

I definitely think that theres a good association to that because they are (both about) wanting you to cherish their memories and enjoy the last moments and everything that you can remember of the individual, Sandoval said.

rguzman@express-news.net

twitter.com/reneguz

See the original post:
Death doulas help the dying meet their end with affirmation instead of anxiety - Houston Chronicle

Free Guy Director Shawn Levy Says the Movie Is More Timely Than Ever

There has never been a better time to watch the story ofFree Guythan the times we are living in now. At least, thats what the movies director Shawn Levy suggested while talking withTotal Film.Levy discussed why the story of Ryan Reynolds Guy comes at the right time. In the movie,Reynolds portrays a nonplayer character named Guy in a video game set in a Grand Theft Auto-like world. Thanks to the help of Comers Molotov Girl, he will embark on a mission to save his digital realm from oblivion. The moviewill feature some cameos from some real-life celebrities, including late Jeopardyhost Alex Trebek, who has recently passed away.

As I was finishing up the sound mix for the movie, Levy said (via Games Radar). I was almost freaked out by how increasingly timely it feels. Because its not just that our real world feels like some augmented reality; its that it feels slightly dystopian. But the theme of the movie which is a belief in the power of individuals to rally and have an impact on their world thats what the impetus for making this film was about: personal agency, personal empowerment. And if ever there was a need for a reclamation of those themes, its now more than ever before.

Total Filmalso debuted a couple of promotional pictures from the movie, featuring Reynolds and Jodie Comers characters ready for their daily share of action. The photos do not add any details to what fans have already seen in the recently released trailer.

Free Guyis currently in a holding pattern for release. Disneys 20th Century Studios pulled it from its December 11 date, awaiting a post-COVID future.

Do you expectFree Guyto be timely? Let us knowin the comments section below.

Recommended Purchase:Framed Ryan Reynolds Deadpool Autograph Replica Print

Go here to see the original:
Free Guy Director Shawn Levy Says the Movie Is More Timely Than Ever - Superherohype.com

The welfare and safety of women is an integral pillar of democracy. However, gender-based abuse and discrimination against women are repressing them from participating in the workplace, economy, and the society as a whole.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in three (35 percent) women across the world experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. When it comes to India, the scenario is even more bleak.

As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 4,05,861 crimes against women were registered in the country during 2019, and this marked an increase of 7.3 percent when compared to 2018 (3,78,236 cases).Majority of the atrocities included murder, rape, dowry death, suicide abetment, acid attack, and kidnapping. A poll of 548 global experts released by Thompson Reuters in 2018 ranked India as the worlds most dangerous country for women, ahead of Afghanistan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

With a view to change this, 40-year-old Aparna Rajawat laid the foundation for a non-governmental organisation called Pink Belt Mission in 2016. Though the NGO is based in Agra, it empowers women from across the country with all the tools required to stay aware, fight violence, and respond to challenges.

Aparna training women on self-defence.

Pink Belt Mission has designed and implemented three different programmes centered around self-defence, education, and vocational training. So far, it has impacted the lives of over 1.5 lakh young girls and women.

Meet the actor-cum-martial artist who is empowering girls to fight sexual violence with self-defence lessons

Born and brought up in Agra, Aparna had two elder brothers who used to bully her. While they would spend their time flying kites and playing gilli danda, she was restrained to being at home most of the time.

Aparna Rajawat, Founder, Pink Belt Mission.

Just when Aparna was about to turn 18, she met with an accident that resulted in multiple fractures, due to which she had to discontinue these activities for a while. Later, she went on to direct all her energy towards academics. She pursued her Masters in English Literature from Dr B.R. Ambedkar University and then completed her MBA at Manav Bharti University, Solan. Though she kicked off her career in the field of sales, she subsequently became a tour manager for international trips.

Aparna was touring abroad when she heard about the gangrape and murder of a 23-year-old girlinside a moving bus in Delhi. The horrific incident, which occurred in December 2012, reminded her about the stark reality of exploitation against women in India.

That was when Aparnas resolve to empower women grew stronger. After spending a few years doing research and laying the groundwork, she set up Pink Belt Mission.

Pink Belt Mission has designed and implemented three different programmes for the empowerment of girls and women.

Women of Wadi: Breaking out of poverty using a community-based enterprise centre

To start with, Aparna pooled in her personal savings to meet the NGOs day-to-day operating expenses.

Since education is one of the best tools to enable women to achieve their social, economic, and career goals, the first initiative was focused on the same. At the outset, we identified young underprivileged girls in and around Agra who had either dropped out of school or were struggling to obtain education. And then, we began sponsoring their school fees, says Aparna.

Till date, Pink Belt Mission has sponsored the education of more than 28 girls.

Aparna making her way into the Guinness Book of World Records for organising the largest self-defence training class with 7,401 girls.

Another programme that the NGO is known for is to do with vocational training. For this, Aparna collaborated with Mansi Chandra, a businesswoman who runs a shoe factory called Tara Innovations in Agra. Mansi taught unskilled and unemployed women the nitty-gritties of shoe making, handling machinery, and managing assembly lines. At the end of it, she also employed 150 of them in her factory.

While these two initiatives have been running consistently, Pink Belt Missions signature programme is that of training girls and women in self-defence. The organisation has been taking help from the UP police force (including the Women Power Line), Rajasthan State Commission for Women, and UNICEF to connect with schools as well as colleges and implement the programme.

Aparna teaching girls to fight abuse and discrimination.

Since its inception, the NGO has trained approximately 1.5 lakh girls and women, who in turn have equipped many more across Gorakhpur, Agra, Noida, Jaipur, Varanasi, Pune, Lucknow among other cities.

33-year-old Asha Singh is one of them. Asha, an IT professional who works in Agra, attended the self-defence workshop organised by Pink Belt Mission in 2018 and found it to be extremely empowering.

Pink Belt Mission is presently looking to garner funds from both individuals and corporates in order to expand its reach.

One of the biggest challenges that I have been dealing with is lack of support from government authorities. I have written to the Uttar Pradesh government multiple times expressing my interest to work with them on the Mission Shakti campaign. Sadly, I have not received any response from them so far. I feel that the NGO can benefit a lot more women with a little bit of assistance from the government, says Aparna.

Read more:
Meet the 40-year-old who has empowered over 1.5 lakh women through self-defence - YourStory