It is startling that Americans have not used 705 million vacation days, according to the most recent figures from the United States Travel Association. Physically, you travel to another place. Mentally, it is increasingly challenging to disconnect, precisely because of the increasing digitalization of life. More than ever, we need to be mindful of the need to disconnect from everyday obligations. Yes, stop looking at your phone and be present. Take a clean break, be physically active and stay fully immersed in planned activities. Only when they are able to do so, can they regain the ability to focus, and a sense of connection with people, places and life in general.
Can you smell the ocean? Spring break is right around the corner and weather you are leaving town or staying put her are some tips to make it more meaningful.
If staying in town, check out these cool spring break ideas guides for families staying around the Twin Cities.
If you are traveling to a warm destination protect your skin & our oceans.
Don't use sunscreen containing harmful chemical that can leach into the ocean and damage coral. When you swim with sunscreen on, chemicals like oxybenzone can seep into the water, where they’re absorbed by corals. These substances can disrupt coral’s reproduction and growth cycles, ultimately leading to bleaching. Even if you don’t go swimming after applying sunscreen, it can still go down drains when you shower. Aerosol can often spray large amounts of sunscreen onto sand, where it gets washed into our oceans. Each year, about 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in our oceans. Haereticus Environmental Lab publishes a list each year of what sunscreens are safe for the environment, and organizations like the Environmental Working Group also publish a safe sunscreen guide. Mineral-based sunblocks that use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer than the oxybenzone-containing alternatives. Sunscreens with “non-nano” size particles are safer because they can’t be ingested by corals. Some sunscreens have a combination of nano-size and non-nano size particles, and the Consumer Products Inventory has a database that can tell you if your sunscreen contains nanoparticles. These 2 sunscreen are noted to be safe for the environment : Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen & All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Wear protective clothing. Dermatologists say clothing is just as effective as sunscreen at protecting from the sun, with the only downside being it doesn’t completely cover the body. Many companies offer sun-protecting clothing, such as long-sleeve rash guards or full-body swimsuits. Coolibar cover-up or when all else fails, put on a t-shirt.
Whether you're planning to galavant overseas or soak up some sun down South or out West, the "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" mindset can creep in as you attempt to fully get away from your day-to-day concerns. Ensure to be a "visitor of integrity," psychologist and behavior specialist Dr. Mary Alvord said, the Vegas mindset is the one thing you should leave at home. When you prepare to go to a different city, state or foreign country," she said, "it is crucial to look at the cultural and behavioral norms, and expectations. This makes for respecting the place and people you're visiting." No matter what you do be intentional with your time and be a visitor of integrity.
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