Did you know that expressive writing can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, sometimes as effectively as therapy? According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology , individuals who engage in regular journaling report significant improvements in mood and emotional regulation. Yet, despite its proven benefits, many people hesitate to start journaling because they’re unsure how to begin or fear their thoughts won’t “make sense.” If you’ve ever wondered how putting pen to paper might help you better understand your mind and improve your mental well-being, this article will guide you through the essentials of starting a journaling practice tailored for mental health and self-reflection. The Power of Journaling for Mental Health Journaling is more than a daily to-do list or a diary of events; it’s a tool that enables introspection and emotional processing. When you write about your thoughts and feelings, you externalize internal
Did you know that Americans consume millions of fajitas every year, making this Tex-Mex favorite a staple across the country? Yet, few pause to consider the story behind the sizzling strips of grilled meat wrapped in warm tortillas or the significance of the day dedicated to celebrating this beloved dish. National Fajita Day, observed annually on August 18th, offers a perfect opportunity to explore the origins of fajitas and discover ways to honor this flavorful culinary tradition. The Origins of the Fajita: From Ranch Hands to Restaurant Menus The fajita’s story begins in the ranchlands of Texas during the mid-20th century. The term "fajita" derives from the Spanish word "faja," meaning “strip” or “belt,” referring to the cut of meat traditionally used—skirt steak, a relatively inexpensive and tough cut that ranch workers were often given as part of their pay. These workers devised a method to marinate and grill the meat, making it tender and flavorful
August 18 marks a day rich with historical significance, echoing moments that have shaped our modern world in profound ways. Moving back in time, August 18, 1587, saw the founding of Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in the New World, located in present-day North Carolina. Although the colony famously disappeared under mysterious circumstances, its story captivated imaginations and highlighted the challenges of early colonization. The fate of the “Lost Colony” remains one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries and continues to be a subject of historical inquiry and popular legend. August 18, 1920, was a milestone when the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This was a monumental achievement in the struggle for gender equality and women's rights, marking a significant expansion of democratic participation. The suffrage movement’s victory on this day inspired similar efforts worldwide
The premiere date for a BBC documentary on the late Ozzy Osbourne has been postponed.The film, titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, was set to air Monday, but has been moved to an…
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Daniel Zare worked one-on-one as an AmeriCorps member with students going through rough times in school, lightening teachers’ workload in the classroom. At AmeriCorps Project CHANGE, based in Silver Spring’s Sligo Middle School, Zare was one of several in his group who tracked adolescents’ emotional and social wellbeing over months using […]
Ronnie Rondell, Jr., the American stuntman who appeared on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album Wish You Were Here, has died.An obituary announcement posted online reveals that Rondell passed…
UPDATE: The male has been identified as 41-year-old Andre Jackson. His family has been notified. District 6 officers responded to a shooting in the 4900 block of San Francisco just after 7 a.m. on August 12. When officers arrived on scene, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. The age of the male […]
Today, expect a hot and humid day with a high of 94 degrees and a low of 72 degrees. It will be mostly sunny. However, the heat and humidity put us under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Allergy reports show moderate ragweed levels, low mold, and low grass pollen, so allergy sufferers should take note. Tomorrow's Outlook: High 87°, Low 70°, partly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Looking ahead to tomorrow, temperatures will drop a bit but remain warm, with a high near 87 and a low around 70 degrees. Expect a mix of clouds and sun with a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. It will continue to feel humid. Be prepared for changing weather and stay updated at https://riverbender.com/weather .
A fusion of authoritarianism and corporatism is destroying what’s left of already soggy U.S. federal consumer protection and corporate oversight. You might not know this because the U.S. press and many policymakers genuinely don’t appear to care, but it’s happening all the same. Whether by dodgy Supreme Court ruling, executive order, or captured regulators, the U.S. authoritarians, often […]
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. - A three-year-old boy from Tuscumbia, Mo., drowned Sunday afternoon in the Lake of the Ozarks. According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the drowning occurred around 12:25 p.m. on the 4.8 mile mark of the Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. The drowning occurred after [...]
ST. LOUIS - Thousands of students in the St. Louis region return to classrooms on Monday, marking the start of the new school year. The return to school is particularly significant for the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) students, as the May 16 tornado damaged several school buildings, necessitating relocations for many students. According to [...]
Americans are losing their starry views to light pollution.
But communities can make lighting decisions to help preserve night skies – while benefiting wildlife and human health.
ST. LOUIS - The Heat Advisory continues through Monday. We’ll see some relief starting Tuesday, but the real cool-down begins on Wednesday. Hot and humid again on Monday, with top afternoon temperatures soaring well into the upper 90s. Once again, pop-up showers and storms could produce a fast hit of heavy rain, wind, and lightning. [...]
John Fogerty and his bandmates in Creedence Clearwater Revival did not break up on the best of terms in the '70s. The acrimonious split resulted in a rift between John and his brother and bandmate, Tom…
Just as the Missouri Freedom Caucus appears on the cusp of its biggest legislative victories, half of its members in the Senate have quit. Missouri lawmakers are poised to return to Jefferson City next month to redraw the state’s eight congressional districts in order to gerrymander the Kansas City-based seat of Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel […]
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