O, Florida. HANDOUT / GETTY IMAGES

And so we find this weekend the Republican governor Ron DeSantis completely opening Florida while the state is still far from out of the pandemic woods. Florida still averages 3,000 cases and something like 100 COVID-related deaths per day. Reopening did not work at all in July. It's not going to work in September. But he still did it. And he also "banned local fines against people who refuse to wear masks."

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But what DeSantis refuses to grasp is the obvious fact that the economy of his state closed on its own. Sure, a few bars and diners can operate as if the pandemic is over, but it's hard to imagine Florida's tourism bouncing back simply because the governor says: "We're open for business." It's also really amazing to see that if you are white and a leader of the party that white people get to have all for themselves, you are permitted to kill thousands of lives, many of which are white.

Back when the US had 160,000 deaths (it now has 206,000), Neel Kashkari, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, spoke for many capitalists when he recommended that the whole of the US should commit to a real six-week lockdown "to save both lives and the economy." Now we know that a lockdown, though effective, may not even be needed. The coronavirus code can be cracked with masks and basic social distancing practices alone.

The example of the Japanese economy is right there for all to see. There was no shutdown in Japan because the social habits of the majority of its citizens kept the pandemic in check. As the Atlantic reported at the end of August, "the country currently has approximately 98 percent fewer COVID-19 deaths than the United States."

Also:

Let's turn to the other hill that the GOP keeps running up and getting beat down: Obamacare.

On Sunday, the Editorial Board of the intellectual wing of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, posted an op-ed called "The GOPs ObamaCare Self-Sabotage." The piece drips with frustration. The nomination of Judge Barrett and the Supreme Court would have been smooth if the GOP had not, in the middle of a pandemic, submitted to the court yet another challenge to the Obamacare.

WSJ:

President Trump is at the Supreme Court trying to strip away the peace of mind from more than 100 million people with pre-existing conditions, Joe Biden said last Sunday. If Republicans confirm a nominee, he warned on Wednesday womens rights as it relates to everything for medical health care, is going to be gone. Nancy Pelosi claimed that the President is rushing a confirmation vote because Nov. 10 is when the arguments begin on the Affordable Care Act.

And so with indirection, the Democratic party seems to have found some direction.

Indeed, Biden even had a moment of brilliance when he described many of the survivors of the deadly virus as stuck with "preconditions."

CNN: "Biden made specific reference to some of the lingering tolls of the illness, including scarring of the lungs and heart damage, describing those complications as 'the next deniable pre-existing condition.'"

There is no way the Dems can beat Barrett's nomination, and in my opinion they should just ignore it. (The GOP cheated, they've already won). Instead, Dems should focus on beating Trump and winning the Senate, but as the pro-business Wall Street paper knows, and what will certainly be indicated in coming polls, is this approach (Barrett = No Cheap Health Care During a Pandemic and High Unemployment) will reach a large number voters who have little to no idea about the Supreme Court lies committed by the GOP in 2016, or why Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death matters, but who are by no means in the dark about hospital bills and the debt collectors and escalating court fees.

In this way, Dems will not orient themselves toward the past but toward a very visible future.

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American Health Will Sink the GOP in November - TheStranger.com

ALLEN PARK -- It was the fourth quarter, and the Lions were facing a third-and-4 while still trailing Arizona by three points. Thats a really big play, and Kerryon Johnson came up really big for it.

No, he didnt run for a first down. No, he didnt even catch the football for a first down.

But he did take out two blitzing linebackers on the play, first Jordan Hicks and then DeVondre Campbell. That bought Matthew Stafford enough time to find T.J. Hockenson over the middle to move the chains, and Detroit drove for the game-tying field goal in the 26-23 win.

Two days later, the Lions were still singing his praises.

Kerryon really, to me, was player of the game, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said.

Thats high praise for a running back who carried the ball just three times, and touched it just four times overall. But Johnson contributed in so many other ways that wont show up in the box score. That includes motioning out on a fourth-down play from the 5-yard line, then set a pick that Jesse James rubbed off for a touchdown catch.

Johnson added a key blitz pickup on a third-and-10 conversion, and of course took on two linebackers at once on that big third-and-4 that led to the game-tying field goal.

Stuff that youd have to really be watching the game and seeing that because thats not going to show up (in the box score)," running backs coach Kyle Caskey said. "Those kind of stats, ProFootballFocus may find a blocking stat for it or something like that, but its those kind of things. Its keeping the quarterback clean, being able to ID the defenses and stuff like that. Thats really where he stuck out this past game.

And thats why Kerryon Johnson continues to play despite being displaced as the lead rusher.

Adrian Peterson signed with Detroit just six days before the opener and has already drawn twice as many carries as anyone else, turning 43 touches into 209 yards. And it seems his role is growing now that hes had some time to settle into the playbook. Peterson drew his first start in Arizona, earned every running back carry in the first half and finished with a team-high 22 carries for 75 yards overall.

With Peterson leading the way on the ground and second-round pick DAndre Swift the primary option through the air, Johnson has found himself in a humbling spot. Hes been the No. 1 back since Detroit took him in the second round of the 2018 draft, but got just three carries for 16 yards in Arizona. He has 18 carries for 62 yards on the season overall.

But Johnson has been in good spirits about his evolving role, and embraced the dirty work that helps win games.

Hes been all team, all in, willing to do whatever weve asked him to do, Bevell said. We told him that we were going to make the switch, and he handled it great. But we told him, like, Hey, heres your role. Its this. Its a huge part. Protecting the quarterback on third downs, being in those situations, being the spell runner. So hes still a part of things, but I just appreciate how hes handled it, I appreciate the work that he puts in. Its still important to him. He wants to be out there and I think it showed in his play. I mean, it gives me confidence to be able to put him in really in any situation.

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Lions OC Darrell Bevell: Kerryon Johnson was the player of the game - MLive.com

Cardinals Panthers Football

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, right, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel celebrates after a touchdown by tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Rasul Douglas during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds is tackled by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Jordan Thomas scores Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is tackled by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore pushes way Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore runs pass Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.

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Panthers top Cardinals in 31-21 win - Greensboro News & Record

Taken to its logical apotheosis, this trend all but guarantees that the humanitiesphilosophy, literature, journalism, etc.will become the exclusive domain of the economic elite.

That getting the correct education is the key to moving up the ladder of social and economic prosperity is probably one of the most entrenched ideas in contemporary society. Indeed, from the repeated claims by many politicians that unemployment owes not to an absence of jobs but to a lack of qualified candidates, to the World Banks call to establish coding bootcamps to remedy youth joblessness, the message communicated by political elites is clear: that upward mobility can be achieved as long as one pulls himself up by his bootstraps and commits himself to an economically viable field of study.

In a way, this view is understandable. It fits perfectly with our late capitalist ethos; it suggests that economic outcomes are determined by individual choice and self-improvement. Of course, it is clear that education does make a difference. In the United States, for instance, employees with a college degree earn between 38% and 167% more than those who lack one, depending on the state. Moreover, individuals who elect to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects are more likely than their non-STEM peers to find work immediately after graduation, with only 30% of engineering graduates being jobless initially after graduation. Yet, lurking beneath these points are a couple of significant factors that put into doubt the narrative of educationand, especially, technical educationbeing an instant leveler.

First of all, while STEM majors enjoy an early career advantage over their non-STEM counterparts, this advantage tends to dissipate over time. And second, while our society currently includes more graduates (including STEM graduates) than ever before, the percentage of people making more money than their parents has been steadily declining since the 1940s. This has led to a situation in which the most educated generation in American history to have fully reached adulthood (i.e. Millennials) is now poised to make significantly less than its more meagerly educated Baby boomer or Gen X parents.

None of this, however, has stopped governments and companies from touting the advantages of technical job training as a one-size-fits-all solution to societys economic woes. According to this logic, if young people are not professionally succeeding, it is simply because they are not studying the right things. They should, therefore, be encouraged to eschew the humanities and, instead, pursue fields of study that provide nebulously labeled job skills. The Australian government recently announced a plan to increase tuition subsidies to majors that favor job readiness. The United Kingdoms Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, also emphasized the need for educationfirst and foremostto provide job skills in a speech delivered this July. Perhaps most interestingly, Google has now joined in. As Inc. reported with a headline that seems to have been crafted in a corporate platitude generator, Google Has a Plan to Disrupt the College Degree. Googles plan consists in offering a series of job training certificates in specific trades such as data analysis, which would then all but guarantee a job. With a price tag of $49 per month, these certificates cost orders of magnitudes less than a regular college degree.

The fact that access to technical education should be rendered more affordable is, obviously, not a bad thing. However, the accompanying, relative defunding of the humanitiespaired with the underwriting of technical fieldshas a critical downside. This is that it risks crystalizing a profoundly inegalitarian class system even further at the cultural and intellectual level. Google, for example, is offering 100,000 need-based scholarships for its certificate program. And this is on top of an already ridiculously low sticker price. At the same time, governments seem committed to removing all financial aid that does not directly go to technical trades. Taken to its logical apotheosis, this trend all but guarantees that the humanitiesphilosophy, literature, journalism, etc.will become the exclusive domain of the economic elite.

Of course, to a large extent, the humanities already are the domain of the wealthy. Less instrumental fields of study such as English and history, for instance, tend to be majored in by students from higher-income families. Part of this is explained by the fact that, contra our received wisdom, the best careersif not starter jobsusually flow from degrees that bestow the kind of soft skills maligned by many policymakers. Liberal arts graduates, while slower to establish themselves than individuals with professional or pre-professional degrees, earn $2,000 on average more in their peak earning years in the United States. However, even this statistic scarcely does justice to the difference in upward mobility experienced by liberal arts graduates at the higher end of the achievement scale. Of Presidents of the United States in the 20th century, for example, the most popular undergraduate majors were history, international affairs, and economics. One could argue that this is a consequence of sheer elitism: that individuals with liberal arts degrees are rewarded with the most prestigious positions because we wrongly assume that other degree holders do not have the same broad-based competency. But it is difficult to deny that there is likely a kernel of truth to this assumption. As Zena Hitz argues in The New Statesman, technical fields of study generally privilege mechanical activities over the kind that foster critical thinking. And should one wish to play an active rather than passive role within an organization, this often requires the possession of soft skills, such as problem-solving and adaptability.

If the wealthy are already more likely to acquire the skills that have the most long-run value, the question, then, is this: Why enact policies that make the gap worse? One defense often trotted out to justify the subsidization of technical fields (and the associated gutting of the humanities) is that we should not pressure practically-oriented students to conform by pursuing an academic pathway that they are ill-suited for. Certainly, it is true thatdue to nature or nurture, though more probably the latternot everyone is a good fit for the more abstract material of the humanities. But given that this argument is often coded doublespeakand used to suggest that working class men, in particular, cannot reasonably be expected to rise above their class stationsit also smacks of elitism. Besides, if the goal were to afford students with a preference for hands-on activity more choice, why defund the humanities at all? It is easy to imagine a policy that encourages technical study without drastically widening the current class divide. For instance, governments could increase funding for both humanities and technical fields but provide more for the latter. This would not, of course, make the class division go awaythat can only come from a structural change in the economic system. However, at least, it would not turn it into a permanent, insurmountable obstacle.

We should not kid ourselves: As long as we live under capitalism, it will be necessary for some to perform technical tasks while others tackle more expansive ones. This is one of Marxs lessons: that the division of mental and material labor is at the root of property-owning society. Wide-ranging assessments such as these, however, should not blind us to the need to defend recent advances. Since the start of the neoliberal era four decades ago, wealth inequality has greatly increasedto the point where many in the first world are now having a hard time making ends meet. However, this era also has a silver lining to itin the form of the tremendous increase in the educational level of the general population. Although this newly-educated generation often had to incur significant debts to do so, even many lower-income millennials succeeded in maneuvering themselves into academic programs that had previously been the stomping grounds of the super-rich.

Predictably, this opening of the doors of the humanities to a wider subset of students than ever before has caused it to attract a great deal of hostility. For right-wing thinkers like Jordan Peterson, cultural changes in the humanities have today rendered it nothing more than a propaganda mill used to dole out postmodern neo-Marxist propaganda. For neoliberal politicians, it is an economic punchline. Belied by both these points of view is a more sinister motive: that the Right wants to safeguard the humanities from infiltration by the unwashed masses because it is afraid of them. In turn, the Left should cautiously support measures intended to make technical education more available. It should also fight to broadennot restrictthe range of students who can access a humanities education. Given the importance of working class intellectuals to a working class movement, its future depends on it.

Nstor de Buen holds an M.A. in social sciences from The University of Chicago. He has previously written at Quillette.

Conrad Bongard Hamilton is a doctoral student at Paris 8 University pursuing research on the relationship between agency and the value-form in the work of Karl Marx. He is a co-author of Myth & Mayhem: A Left-Wing Critique of Jordan Peterson.

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The Crowding out of a Humanities Education - Merion West

Lush have added brand a new product to their Sleepy range -- and they sound justdreamy.

The brand's Sleepy lotion has previously been hailed a "miracle" by people who have been struggling to fall asleep. A shower gel and a soap in the same scent were later introduced (and fans went just as wild for it).

And now Lush have unveiled a new addition to the Sleepy lineup: Beauty Sleep, a face and body mask.

The mask -- which is available in the 125g size and the 315g size -- is described as the "stuff dreams are made of".

The luxurious clay mask is jam-packed with soothing and calming ingredients like lavender oil, neroli oil, lemon and verbena and valerian root extracted in honey.

Lush's Halloween collection is here and it's absolutely spooktacular

The maskalsocontainsground organic aduki beans, which will gently exfoliate your skin, and a spoonful of Gorgeous, Lush's most decadent moisturiser, for an added boost of hydration.

And the company have also provided a bit of advice for the best -- and most relaxing -- way to use the product.

"Run a warm bath, put on some relaxing music and apply this beautiful face mask to clean skin. Sit back and relax," they advise.

"Inhale the neroli and let the valerian and lemon verbena get to work. Once youre feeling relaxed and ready for bed, rinse away with warm water."

Like we said, it sounds absolutely dreamy.

See the article here:

Having trouble falling asleep? Lush have added a brand new mask to their "miracle" Sleepy range - Her.ie

Music is many things to many people.

I have known that for many years, but this week it seemed to be emphasized by a couple of things on TV.

One was background music, which I thought was so loud it drowned out the dialogue and rather annoyed me.

The other was a realization that just before a dramatic scene the music seemed to intensify as though to say "pay attention; something important or dramatic is going to happen." Again, I have known that for eons, but it hit me the other night when I was only half-watching TV and the music got louder and I had to pay attention or miss the important part of the shown.

I recently attended a funeral in which a soloist sang two songs, "One Day at a Time" and "Love Lifted Me." She did a beautiful job and I thought it really spoke volumes about the person to whom we were paying tribute.

At church, we have been blessed to have both a praise team, which sings beautiful music (including my favorite which says "God Knows Your Name"), and a praise band, which definitely adds to the worship experience. There is something about people making beautiful music together which speaks to my soul, uplifting my spirit, reminding me how important music is in so many ways.

It seems music has always been important to me. I have loved country music foragesand still do. I think it speaks to the mind and spirit with its honesty in the messages itportrays. Whether it's a sad song or a party song, some of my favorites always remind me of thingsthatwere important to me. I love some of Randy Travis' songs and, of course, George Jones and Merle Haggard.

For party music I'd put Alabama and Garth Brooks up against anyother artistsfor getting the crowd to really celebrate life and have fun. They really put people in a happy mood, ready to let off steam. Of course, Garth Brooks also has some songs like "The River," "The Dance" and "Unanswered Prayers," which I think have the best messages about life and love that anyone could imagine. They truly speak to me about things that make a difference in how we live.

Somehow I never liked classical music until my granddaughter played violin, and now I think some of it is beautiful especially if she is playing it. But, it's still not my favorite for reasons unknown to me.

Rock and roll was music I grew up listening to;I still enjoy it, although mostly now I hear it as background music, not really party music.

Holiday songs are geared to get people into theseasonalspirit and it usually works, no matter if it is a novelty song or a religious song. They all speak to the celebrationsthemselves,from Thanksgiving to Easter and even the Fourth of July.

"Silver Bells" will always be my favorite Christmascarolbecause it was sung by my mom for so many years as she rocked the kids to sleep, singing it over and over. Hearingittoday seems to say my mom is nearby.

Like movies, it's hard to choose favorite songs if asked because, depending on the mood, one or another would be my favorite.

I have to admit, though, I still love Bill Luther's song, "Who You'd Be Today," because it makes me remember and to wonder what life would have been like. It's still a powerful song that speaks volumes about how people feel sometimes.

Those who are music therapists tell us how important music is to those who are ill and howitcan soothe their soul and lift their spirits and even get them to sing sometimes.

It is a gift, I think, to be able to sing beautifully or play beautifully and to perform the songs that talented songwriters have given us to enjoy to use in praise, to dance to, to sing to, or just have when a relaxing day is needed.

Somehow songs that are so meaningful do just that.

The song "Sanctuary" will always remind me of a beautiful moment during an anniversary celebration when a young boy led the congregation in an impromptu singing of the favorite chorus which truly does speak to our soul.

Each person has his or her favorite song and I hope each one enjoys the songs as much as i enjoy my favorites and that they still enjoy them when some of them are used in commercials instead ofonthe dance floor.

I also hope that asLee Ann Womack's songsays, that given the opportunity, "I hope you dance."

And if you don't like to dance, I hope you at least enjoy the lyrics and the tunes which make your day go just as little bit brighter, your soul feel a little bit lighter, your life a whole lot better.

That's what music is really intended for, I think not just to warn you a dramatic part is coming on a TV show.

Jean Shanley is retired from The Meadville Tribune where she was society and communities editor.

Continued here:

COLUMN: Music is so much more than background noise on TV - Meadville Tribune

Welcome toThe Unwind, a recurring feature in which Yahoo staffers share the ways were finding moments of peace, levity and inspiration during these trying times. From adopting soothing strategies that boost ourmental health, to losing ourselves in virtual social calls, newfound passions and other joyous diversions, these are the things getting us through the pandemic. The days may feel uncertain, but beauty and bright spots abound.

For more, check out past editions ofThe Unwind.

Hitting the road every evening helps Nathalie Cruz clear her mind. (Photo: Getty Creative stock image)

Every week my husband and I take sunset drives to nowhere specific. We just drive around for an hour or two with the windows down. It clears our mind and changes the scenery while giving us a sense of going somewhere. Nathalie Cruz, multimedia designer

I have not had a good night's sleep since the start of the pandemic in March. I've tried everything from melatonin to CBD, and everything in between. Nothing has worked. It would take me hours to fall asleep, and when I finally did, Id wake up in the middle of the night, wide awake. Id scroll through Instagram and Facebook in the wee hours of the morning and then check emails which, let me just say, is not advisable. Someone suggested that I download the Calm app. I was skeptical, but it worked like a charm.From guided meditations to sleep stories, to nature sounds and relaxing music, the app helps you focus and relax in order to get a good night's sleep. Harry Styles has even lent his voice to a lullaby-like sleep story called Dream With Me, and I've had good dreams ever since. Jen Kucsak, Yahoo Life & Entertainment supervising producer

After a lot of coordinating and quarantining beforehand, I treated myself to a solo staycation at a trendy local motel following strict COVID-19 protocols (including a room key presented in shrink wrap) while my parents babysat. As someone whose personal time typically consists of wolfing down dinner, showering and maybe watching a Law & Order rerun before bed, having a couple of days to catch my breath, sleep, read, sunbathe, do online yoga without a toddler climbing on me during a downward-facing dog, sleep, watch cheesy movies in bed and yes, scroll through photos of my kid on my phone, felt so restorative and made me feel like myself again. Its been a heavy year, and just having some space to reflect, and not simply react, was a blessing and a privilege. There are a million analogies about oxygen masks and pouring from an empty cup, but as a parent, its still difficult to not feel guilty about taking time for yourself. This mini-break taught me, however, just how valuable it is, especially in these tumultuous times. Erin Donnelly, Yahoo Life news editor and writer

Becky Horvath is benefiting from hikes in nature thanks to a helpful app for outdoor adventurists. (Photo: Becky Horvath)

Story continues

Though I've never considered myself much of a hiker, it turns out wandering through the woods is a very zen experience during these uncertain times. And naturally, theres an app for that! While on a road trip out West, I started using AllTrails. The app caters to both novice and experienced hikers with everything from short, easy walks to long, challenging climbs. Not only do they have trails through national and state parks, but Ive also discovered new walking paths back home in New York City. Youre bound to find the perfect path to unwind. Happy hiking! Becky Horvath, Yahoo Life and Entertainment supervising producer

Earlier in the pandemic, I committed to streaming weekly, hour-long dance cardio classes. Now, more than six months at home have passed, and I admittedly fell into a fitness funk. Thanks to a OnePeloton membership, however, I was able to break it. The 20-minute dance cardio classes, with warm-up and cool-down to follow, make me feel like I can hit tangible goals of getting up and moving multiple times a week. Not to mention, the music choices (Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, anyone?) help me to not take the workout too seriously.Alexis Shaw, Yahoo Life and Entertainment news editor

Attractive young brunette woman exercising and sitting in yoga lotus position while resting at home

As a single mom with a stressful schedule of juggling two kids Zoom calls as well as my own, there just arent enough hours in the day. I had to find a way to steal some time for myself. (Im a highly sensitive introvert and I have a couple of wild ones!) Ive always been a night owl and found it hard to transition to being a morning person, but a 30-day morning meditation class for just 15 minutes on the app Insight Timer helped me start the day calmly and with intention, learn to find focus throughout the day, and practice mindfulness. At 42, you can still make new habits! Ariella Quatra, Verizon Media producer

In the Before Times, it was all too easy to throw our old kids toys, personal mementos and general household clutter in plastic bins that we stashed in the garage and ignored. But during housebound COVID Times, those bins proved seriously underfoot. So with apologies to Ben Grimm it was declutterin time! Every few days, Id open a random bin and make snap decisions about what stayed and what went. Block sets with 65 percent of the blocks missing? Gone! Old print magazines with my byline? Relevant pages clipped and archived in binders, the rest gone! That brokenTV set? Gone! My collection of 80s-eraMADMagazines? OK,thoseI kept. Nostalgia and inertia had always kept me from taking inventory and getting rid of said inventory, but every plastic bin I emptied over that weeks-long project made me feel a little lighter ... and the garage a little easier to navigate. Ethan Alter, Yahoo Entertainment senior writer

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The Unwind: How were finding calm, from hiking to morning meditation - Yahoo News Canada

From working from home to homeschooling this year has been tough. Before you go reaching for your cellphone to make a booking at some or another spa to relax and unwind, allow us to give you some helpful advice on how to unwind in the comfort of your home. Spas, although relaxing, can be costly. Why not get a good book, light some scented candles and run your bathwater while we school you on convenient ways to relax at home.

With the kids back at school for two to three days a week, its the perfect time to reset and strike a balance. Set the tone for your day by starting it off with a warm bath or shower, sing if you must, but setting the tone for your day goes a long way in restoring balance, be it mentally, emotionally or otherwise. Use a body wash that is infused with floral beauty oils and fine fragrances such as fig extracts, magnolia and coconut to restore lost moisture while leaving your skin deliciously fragranced long after your morning shower routine.

You read that right, sister friend! Taking time off from your busy schedule to reconnect with you is vital in the art of relaxation. Conveniently, unleashing your inner goddess can be done in the comfort of your home with chocolate ice-cream, a hot bath, relaxing music and a great aromatherapy body wash. Body washes infused with honeysuckle helps with inflammation while neroli oil helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, age spots and scars. A fine fragrance collection from a reputable skincare and beauty brand will have you looking and smelling every bit the goddess that you are!

Taking some time to yourself after a long day is not only good for you mentally, it can be great for your skin too. Dull and dry looking skin be as a result of not resting enough. Sleep doesnt necessarily equate to rest, you can rest while relaxing peacefully in the shower as the water provides a gentle but much-needed massage. Pair that with an aromatherapy body wash infused with essential oils and exotic fragrances and youve got yourself one of the most convenient ways to relax at home yet.

One of our five senses is the sense of smell. Fragrances have the ability to influence how we feel or bring to a mind a memory of a person or a place. Starting and ending your day with one or two of your favourite fragrances can be relaxing and good for the health of your skin, if your preferred beauty skincare products cater to the needs of your skin. Relaxing in the comfort of your home as we fully adjust to the new normal shouldnt have to break the bank. Investing in a beauty skincare brand that invests in you, by providing great products, is essential in maintaining your peace of mind, radiant glow and beautifully soft skin. Now that weve briefed you on convenient ways to relax at home, allow us to leave you with some beauty tips that will not only complete your beauty routine, but will save you time in the process. This article was supplied by NP Digital.

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Aromatherapy & Essential Oils-New And Convenient Ways To Relax At Home - Highway Mail

There is no denying that stress is a constant factor when it comes to dealing with lifes many responsibilities. Whether you have to deal with responsibilities at home or at work (or both simultaneously), stress has a way of piling up and causing trouble when you least expect it. That said, just because stress is commonplace does not mean that you always have to resign yourself to its grasp.

As a matter of fact, there are plenty of modern amenities available that can help you make life much easier, reducing stress levels, and helping you focus on the tasks at hand. After all, life is about working smart not necessarily always about working hard. Here are just a few ways you can use technology to reduce stress.

Fortunately, there are plenty of different ways to make use of tech to help relieve stress while at work. Here are just a few examples:

Aside from dealing with modern technology to help relieve the stresses while at work, there are also plenty of ways to destress while relaxing at home. As mentioned above, streaming relaxing music is one of the best ways to set the mood and relax.

For those who want to make the most out of their free time and relax as much as they possibly can, you can use apps to shop online for wellness products. In a lot of ways, just the act of shopping online can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. You might even end up with a new flavor of tea you have yet to try, or perhaps even CBD oil with its variety of health benefits that can reduce anxiety without any side-effects.

It would also be a good idea to look online for fitness videos, to help sweat the stress away with a bit of exercise. Not only will exercising help distract you from troubling matters, but it also makes it much easier to get some sleep at the end of the day. When it comes to dealing with stress, modern technology has you covered!

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to ourTwitterorFacebook.

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The Bangtan Boys, popularly known as the BTS boy band, is a phenomenon of our times. This South Korean boy band group has caught the attention of the world with their music as well as their boyish charms. In fact, their fans collectively refer to themselves as the BTS Army. Among the seven members of the group, theres Suga originally named Min Yoon-gi who is primarily the rapper in the group.

Its no surprise that fans want to know more about their favorite BTS members, so heres a little treat on Suga.

BTS members have maintained that they dont have time for dating. Suga told ELLE Girl Russia that he works all day from morning to night, then repeats the same every day. This leaves the members with little to no time for romance.

Suga has never got a tattoo, but he opines that a tattoo can be construed negatively. He does have plans for getting a small, inconspicuous one & might do it for charity.

His writing process has evolved over time. Suga mentioned that he now tries to write from his heart. Its how his lyrics are able to reflect a more intimate, dark, contemplative side.

Suga is a staunch mental health advocate. He was quoted, We feel that people who have the platform to talk about those things really should talk more, because they say depression is something where you go to the hospital and youre diagnosed, but you cant really know until the doctor talks to you.

Hes very conscious of the influence & the reach he has, and makes every possible effort to use it to bust stigmas around mental health, When celebrities talk about it if they talk about depression for example like its the common cold, then it becomes more and more accepted if its a common disorder like the cold.

Among his various interests lie basketball, piano, and photography much of which is self-taught. He was a regular at basketball, practicing & training until an accident prevented him from taking on the sport professionally.

But his love for basketball was so pronounced, his stage name Suga has been derived from his position in basketball called the shooting guard.

According to a Soompi list, Sugas Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introvert-intuitive-feeler-perceiver (INFP). It makes sense since Suga is always very altruistic & giving.

Suga understands that the BTS members have an on-stage aura to maintain, so he acknowledges the role of fashion in live performances. He told Billboard, Music is not just about listening any more. I think visuals are very important. He understands how music is complemented by fashion & art, but when hes not performing, he likes to keep it simple.

When not on tour, he can be found relaxing in comfy clothing, oversized outfits & slippers included. At the same time, he has his quirky tastes hes expressed his knack for bracelets, king rings, and the like.

In his own words, Suga actually wanted to become a composer, I didnt want to become a rapper, I wanted to become a composer. Thats why I joined the agency.

Following from that, Suga never could have imagined or anticipated what signing up with Big Hit Entertainment would entail. He often jokes about how the agency founder & co-CEO Bang Si-hyuk tricked him into joining BTS, He told me Id be in a group like 1TYM. He said I wouldnt have to dance, only groove a little. He said all Id have to do is focus on rapping.

Suga is considered the most outspoken member of the group in a positive manner, of course. Hes been very vocal about the social causes he supports & his charity efforts. As mentioned before, he also openly talked about mental health. He knows the influence he wields on BTS fans & is using it for good.

Kritika is a writer and communications consultant based in India. She loves consuming stories in all forms books, movies, TV shows and places these stories under a fierce assessment to see if they are feminist, empathetic or entertaining enough. All of Kritika's work is undergirded by her passion for mental health.

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Film Daily

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The ten essential facts you need to know about BTS's Suga - Film Daily