Cellphones Vs. Reality

Are you on your cellphone constantly?  Have you taken the time to monitor your cellphone time?  Do you just monitor your children’s cellphone time and not monitor your own?  Do you prefer the cellphone rather than one on one time with others?   Think about it.

Did You Know?

I recall something that my ex once said.  I told him I wanted to watch my favorite picture.  I emphasized that this was the day it came on television.  His response to me was, “Why watch your picture when you have the real thing right here in front of you?”  That did make a lot of sense, because everything that we see on television is not reality but rather fantasy, sci-fi, and other fictional characters.

 ***Purpose***

     1.   Digital Isolation

I am constantly amazed when in a restaurant, doctor’s office, even in the grocery store, the amount of people that are constantly on their cellphones.  Before cellphones we possibly engaged in actual conversation with others that were present with us.  It appears that things have now changed.  Psychlogytoday.com talks about a study that was done to track adolescents for three years as they transitioned into young adulthood and found that early problematic cellphone use predicted later depression.   

    2.    Cellphone Distractions

Have you ever tried to engage in conversation with someone, only to observe that they were preoccupied with their mobile phone?   They seemingly were glued to it. Possibly they should do a reality check.  That can be very distracting.  Cellphones help us, but overuse can turn them into major distractions.  

    3.    Quality Time

Can you create a signal with your loved ones to indicate you need quality time?   Yes you can.  Just as individuals sometimes step away from television or work commitments to focus on quality time, one can also transition from digital engagement to real-world experiences.   The newsroom.uscellular.com talks about this. They give examples such as, “Let’s put the phones away for a while,” or possibly using a non-verbal gesture. 

    4.    Cellphone Day

I recall one day I went to an event.  I would be at this event for at least 5 or 6 hours.  When I discovered I forgot my cellphone, I was devastated.  I literally felt naked. I could not imagine living in the moment.   I found myself reaching for a cellphone that was not there.   My husband bought me my cellphone.   I had to give him a big hug for that.

I recall 2 of my grandchildren spent the summer with me.  I observed they were constantly on their cellphones.  One morning at breakfast I asked them to put the cellphones away until after breakfast.  My one grandchild was really upset and said she did not feel well and needed to go lie down.  She did not know how to act without a cellphone. 

I also recall sometimes moving very quickly to get out of the way of someone walking that was looking down on their cellphones.  The problem with that is that when you are on the cellphone and looking down you are not aware of your surroundings and that can be very dangerous.

Have you ever tried not using your cellphone for a day or even for several hours?  Have you considered not using your cellphones when going to an event with family?  Have you checked your cellphone usage?  Have you tried limiting your cellphone usage before bedtime?   Did you observe you may have slept better because of this?  Have you observed that at the beginning of some funerals they now ask you to turn your cellphones off or either to silence them?  

   5.    Answering Your Cellphone

Do you always answer your cellphone immediately?   Have you considered just letting it go to voicemail and answering it later?   Have you thought about how you survived before cellphones were invented?   

   6.    Are You Addicted to Your Cellphone?

Addictions come in many forms, not just drugs.    Are you possibly addicted to your cellphone?  Do you have digital balance?  A few signs that you might be addicted to your cellphone might include  experiencing anxiety when your phone is not within reach, Your screen time shows a high number of hours, you frequently check your phone, even when it is not necessary, your Smartphone use interferes with your  sleep hours, you are compelled to use your phone during social interactions, you use your Smartphone while engaging in dangerous, activities, or you hear imaginary notifications.   According to howtogeek.com these may be a few signs that you are addicted to your cellphone.

I recall a friend that mentioned she was not getting much sleep.  She shared she was sleeping with her cellphone in her bed in case her friend gave her a call.  I thought to myself, “Why would she do that?”  There has already been so much talk about not sleeping with your cellphone near you because of the radiation it gives off.

    7.    How to Break Cellphone Addiction

If you discover that you are addicted to your cellphone just know that there are ways to break that nasty addiction.  Do you want to break your cellphone addiction? sometimes you might need to unplug to connect.   You might try a few of the following:

·        Think about how you feel after being on your cellphone: Is your neck stiff?

·        Check your screen time

·        Turn off unnecessary notifications

·        Delete as many apps as possible

·        Start using the do not disturb feature

·        Do not use your phone for minutes at a time

·        Set aside some phone free-time

Finally: 

·         Keep your phone where you can't easily reach it

·         Be intentional when using your smartphone

·        Don’t be hard on yourself

These suggestions are all talked about more in depth at pittsburgheartday.org.

I have had a stiff neck from using my cellphone, so I have cut down my screen time.   I should know better though because before cellphones were invented a job that I worked required me and my coworkers to call 1700 accounts monthly within a short time.  My coworkers and myself would experience neck stiffness during that time.  I would even line my children up when I came home from work to give me a neck massage.   They gave the best neck massages too.     

If you relate to these experiences, consider making a change.   Consider using your cellphone in moderation. Consider real life moments.   Remember everything in moderation.     

      

 

Source:

When Cell Phones Replace People | Psychology Today

Cohen: How Smartphones Affect our Relationships

7 Signs You May Be Addicted to Your Smartphone

10 Ways To Break Your Smartphone Addiction - Pittsburgh Earth Day

 

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Vegetarian Diet Vs. Vegan Diet: What’s the Difference?

Are you a Vegetarian?  Perhaps you are Vegan?  Is there a difference? Are you weighing both options?

  

Something to Think About:

***Purpose***

     1.   The Difference between Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

What is the difference between Vegetarian and Vegan Diets? A vegetarian does not eat any animal flesh such as meat, poultry, or fish, whereas a Vegan is a stricter vegetarian who also avoids consuming dairy, eggs, and any other ingredients derived from animals.   Healthline.com talks about this. They also mention that vegetarian diets have existed since at least 700 B.C. (Before Christ). Vegan diets are relatively new.

     2.      Why Become a Vegetarian?

Becoming a vegetarian can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, support weight loss, promote longevity, minimize exposure to food toxins, benefit the environment, support world hunger efforts, show compassion for animals, and let you enjoy diverse vegetarian cuisine.   This is according to downtoearth.org.

I recall my daughter was a Vegetarian and cooked me a meal.  I thought it would be bad, but it was actually very good.   I could not have imagined.

     3.   Why Become Vegan?

Animals are battery caged, dairy cows suffer physical tortures, animals are cruelly transported, mutilation for animals raised for food, fish can contain risky levels of dangerous chemicals, plant-based diets can lower cholesterol, boost your mood, improve your concentration, prevent osteoporosis, and much more according to the humane league.org.

 Did You Know That:

     4.   Free Meal Delivery

Did you know that Hungryroot.com is one company that delivers meal-kits to your door?  They also help with improved health, money savings and time. They further added that they select ingredients and meals to match your dietary preferences from 42,000 + recipes.

     5.   Healthy Food Choices

Ultimately, what is beneficial for one individual may not necessarily be suitable for another.  Verywellheath.com talks about making good food choices:

·        Keep a Food Journal to Stay on Track

·        Make Gradual Changes

·        Stack Up on Healthy Staples

·        Eat Less of These Foods

·        Meal Prepping and Planning

·        Swap Unhealthy
Snacks for Healthier Alternatives

·        Choose Healthier Options When Dining Out

·        Eat Healthy on a Budget

·        Drink More Water

·        Move Your Body

·        Get More Sleep

·        Practice Mindful Eating

·        Read Food Labels

·        Increase Calcium and Vitamin D

I can definitely Identify with most of these especially stacking up on healthy staples.  When I stopped smoking, I made sure that I kept fresh vegetables such as raw carrots, celery, etc. in the house and in the car when I traveled.  That really helped me.

          6.    The Art of Salad Presentation

Is there an art to salad presentation?  Why is it important to make a visual presentation? Have you looked at some salads and felt that they were not appealing at all?  They did not make you want to eat them. While salads are good for you a beautifully arranged salad can entice guests, encourage healthy eating, and showcase your creativity in the kitchen according to decorwithstyle.com.

I know that to be true.  I recall several places where I loved their salads, but when they changed management so did the salads.   They no longer looked or tasted as good as the previous salads did.  Decorwithstyle.com also added that presentation enhances flavor experience and promotes healthy eating.

         7.    A Few Vegan Recipes

Vegan Fajitas: with sheet pan veggies

The ingredients are as follows:

·        Onion: white, yellow or red

·        Bell peppers any color

·        Cauliflower

·        Portobello mushroom

·        Olive oil

·        Chili power

·        Cumin

·        Smoked paprika

·        Garlic power

·        Onion power

The directions for making these can be found at acouple.cooks.com.

        8.   Easy Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

   The ingredients are as follows:

·        1 15-ouce can black beans, drained and rinsed

·        15-ounce can refried pinto beans

·        1 red bell pepper, finely diced (1 cup)

·        4 or 5-ounce can mild diced green chilis (optional)

·        ¾ cup canned corn

·        1 teaspoon each garlic power, onion power, cumin, and smoked paprika

·        ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

·         2 cups (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese

·        12 corn tortillas, cut in half

·        2 ½ to 3 cups mild red enchilada sauce (about 18-22 oz)

·        Finely minced red onion, green onion, and cilantro, for the garnish  

Because I like both Fajitas and enchiladas I may try them.

        9.  Vegan Food List for beginners

Are you possibly thinking of going to Vegan?  Below are a lists of foods to get you started.

·        Pantry Staples- legumes (canned or dried)

·        Grains (quinoa, rice, oats

·        Nuts and seeds

·        Whole grain pasta

·        Canned vegetables and sauces

·        Whole grain flour (for baking)

·        Refrigerated Section-Tofu, tempeh, or seitan

·        Plant-based milk alternatives

·        Plant-based yogurt and cheese alternatives

·        Fresh herbs

·        Freezer Section:

·        Frozen fruits and vegetables

·        Veggie burgers or meat alternatives

·        Spices and Condiments- Herbs and spices

·        Nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)

·        Soy sauce or tamari

·        Olive oil or other cooking oils

·         Vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, etc.

·        Bakery Section- Whole grain bread or wraps

        10.     Vegetarian Soup

·        Vegetable broth 6 cups

·        Carrots, 2 cups diced

·        Celery, 1 cup diced

·        Onion, 1 cup chopped

·        Garlic, 3 cloves, minced,

·        Potatoes, 2 cups diced

·        Spinach, 2 cups, fresh,

·        Zucchini, 1 cup diced

·        Canned diced tomatoes, 1 can

·        Bay leaves, 2

·        Thyme, 1 teaspoon, dried

·        Salt, to taste

·        Pepper, to taste

·        Olive oil, 2 tablespoons

The directions for making this can be found at easytocook.blog.   Because I love soups, I will probably try this recipe first and I will have to update here as to how it turns out.   I am looking forward to this.  I love various soups.

 

 

Source:

 

Vegan vs Vegetarian - What's The Difference?

Top 10 Reasons for Going Veggie | Down to Earth Organic and Natural

24 Reasons to Go Vegan in 2025

Hungryroot | The easiest way to eat healthy.

19 Easy Ways to Start Eating Healthier Every Day

Creating a Visual Feast: The Art of Salad Presentation - Decor With Style

50 Easy Vegetarian Recipes Everyone Will Love – A Couple Cooks

Vegan Food List for Beginners - learning from Plant-based dietitians

Hearty Vegetarian Soups to Brighten Your Day | EasyToCook

 

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The Great Escape Room

Have you ever been to an escape room?  If so, how was your experience?  Would you go again? 

 

Think About This. . .

***Purpose***

         1. What is an Escape Room?

An escape room is a live-action game in which participants work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and complete a mission before time runs out.  Wholebrainescape.com talks about this.   A theme is chosen, you meet the gamemaster, learn your mission, attempt to escape the room, and receive clues as needed.    Have you ever been to one?   There are several in Michigan.  I went once with my family.  I wasn't too interested, but it was impressive how some family members excelled at decoding and solving codes. Also, we were given a time limit in the room.

The room that we were in had a supposedly deadly chemical that would be released if we did not escape.  One of the family members was encaged within the room near the furnace which was another part of the puzzle.   We had to rescue him as well.   The scenario makes you think about real life situations.  That day it was kind of hot in the room too.  We finally found a way out.   

            2.   When Were Escape Rooms Invented?

The first real-life escape room was created by Japanese game designer Takao Kato in 2007. By the mid-2010s escape rooms had exploded in popularity worldwide.  This is talked about at cognitionescapes.com.  They further added that some of the escape room themes involve horror-themed, historical and adventure, sci-fi, and immersive experiences with actors. 

            3. Where can I find escape rooms near Flint?

Escape Rooms near Flint are as follows:

·        Spymaker Escape Room, 1235 S Center Road, Burton, Michigan

·        Adventure Mode Unlocked, 725 N. State Road, Davison, Michigan

·        Great Lakes Escape Game, 566 S. Main St. Frankenmuth, Michigan

·        Escape Rooms at Crowne Pointe Center, 3045 Grange Hall Road, Holly, Michigan

·        Michigan Escape Games, 9023 Davison Road, Davison, Michigan

Michigan Escape Games was the room I attended.  Escape room prices range from $30 to $40 per person and require appointments.  

               4. Benefits of an Escape Room

Are there benefits of playing in an escape room?  Sure.  Escape rooms boost communication, build trust, and develop problem-solving skills, all of which help teams solve puzzles more effectively.  Numberanalytics.com further adds to remember to stay calm and have fun.  

               5. Cognitive Augmentation:   Sharpening the Mind Through Play

Can Escape Rooms Sharpen the Mind?  Sure.  According to Masterescaperoom.com escape rooms foster problem-solving and critical thinking, enhances memory and pattern recognition, cultivates creativity, and forges bonds under pressure.

This brought to my mind the scripture Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing  soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.   This reminds me because I believe God’s word is alive I know that I can search His words for problem-solving and critical thinking.

                 6. What are Some of the Themes of Escape Rooms?

This is something to think about.  Some themes might reflect real-life situations.   Escape room themes include:

·        Kidnapping

·        Haunted schoolhouse

·        Rescue mission

·        Espionage

·        Christmas

·        Wild West

·        Runaway Train

·        Egyptian Explorer

·        Search for a Cure

These are just a few.  Teambuilding.com gives much more information about the themes.  I really can relate to the runaway theme.  As I watched the movie Unstoppable with Denzel Washington, it was amazing to see a man attempt to control a runaway train that was speeding out of control.  Watching the movie reminded me that this movie was based on a real-life situation where a runaway train traveled nearly 66 miles through Ohio.  It could have been you, me, or a loved one on that train.

7. Escape Rooms During the Pandemic (COVID-19)

COVID-19 had a great impact on everything and everyone.  In order to keep customers safe escape rooms offered private experiences only, booking in advance, sanitizing with disinfectant the doors and windows after every game, mandatory temperature checks for all the employees and players, players were asked to wash their hands with soap and water upon entering the venues and once again before playing the game, and hand sanitizer was made readily available everywhere.   

                 7.  Virtual Escape Rooms

Have you ever been to a virtual escape room?  The first type of virtual escape room is similar to the in-person version and is hosted through a video platform and the group controls a “field agent” in real-time, directing the agent to complete the challenges instead of doing it themselves. The second variation  is a fully virtual experience where the individuals are completing challenges on a virtual platform to solve the escape room.  This is talked about at bookelevent.com. They further added that the cost may range from $20-$50 per person.  Now this to me sounds very interesting.  A Virtual escape room is something I would try.   Also, you can view a virtual escape room experience below on youtube.

https://youtu.be/ZmAvNC8P0aA?si=t1BGi-wreXeM6Yfv

                    8.  Team Building

Are virtual escape rooms good for team building?   They surely are.  Bookelevent.com states that team activities help members communicate effectively and create learning opportunities together.

                    9.   Theme Rooms for Virtual Escape Rooms

Did you know that there are theme rooms for virtual team building?  Some of the virtual escape rooms might include Snowglobe slip-up, All I want for Christmas is to get out of here, Escape the Yeti, and Honey I shrunk my coworkers.  This is all talked about at letsroam.com.

     

 

Source:

 

What is an Escape Room? - Whole Brain Escape

Escape Room Socializing 101

Unlocking Potential: The Multifaceted Benefits of the Escape Room Experience - Master Escape Room

21 Creative Escape Room Themes for Teams

COVID-19 AND Its Impact On the Escape Room Industry

 Virtual Escape Room FAQs

 Virtual Escape Room

 

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