Drop 010

Welcome to Drop 010 of the 1AND1 newsletter, your weekly dose of 1% Better. Let's start the week off on the the right foot! Here's what we've got for you today โฌ‡๏ธ 

  • How to cope with seasonal affective disorder

  • Tips for improving sleep habits

  • Guidance for easing stress during tax season

  • How to resolve conflict with your partner

  • An inspiring story of academic triumph against all odds

Let's dive in ๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ

1 Dose For Your Mind ๐Ÿง 

Feeling the winter blues? Let's beat it together. 

Seasonal affective disorder is a real downer. It's important to understand the symptoms and how it can affect your day-to-day activities. Let's check them out and see how we can fight back:

  • Low mood, feeling like the world's against you

  • Fatigue, low energy, and not feeling like doing anything

  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Carbs, carbs, and more carbs (sound familiar?)

  • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things

  • Not feeling social or not wanting to be around people

Now, here are some tips to help you feel better and more supported:

Light therapy: It's like sunshine in a box! Light therapy is the primary treatment for SAD. It involves using a specialized light box that mimics natural outdoor light to help regulate your mood.

Regular exercise: Exercise is a natural mood booster! Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in treating depression, including SAD. It releases endorphins that will make you feel good.

A healthy diet: You are what you eat! A healthy diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, can help improve your mood and energy levels.

Spend time outdoors: Fresh air and nature can do wonders for your mood. Even on overcast days, spending time outdoors during the daylight hours can help improve your mood.

๐Ÿ’Š How To Take Your Dose:

Choose one of these tips to try today and take note of how you feel. Keep practicing daily and make it a habit to fight back against seasonal affective disorder. For more tips and information, check out this piece from our Experts โžก๏ธ What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and Can You Spring Forward?

1 Dose For Your Body ๐Ÿ’ช

Sleep better with these proven tips! 

March is National Sleep Awareness Month! Sleep is an essential part of our well-being, and we want to help you improve your sleep habits. Here's how:

  • Stick to a sleep schedule

  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine

  • Limit screen time before bed

  • Make your bedroom comfortable

  • Avoid stimulating activities before bed

๐Ÿ’Š How To Take Your Dose:

Commit to following these tips this week and see how they improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Need more tips? Check this out โžก๏ธ How To Get Better Sleep: 9 Amazing Tips

1 Dose For Your Wallet ๐Ÿ’ต

Get tax season under control with these tips!

Tax season can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation, it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you take control of your taxes:

Stay organized: Gather all necessary tax documents and create a system to keep them organized.

Stay up-to-date: Keep up-to-date with tax laws and regulations that may affect your filing.

Choose the right status: Choose the filing status that's best for you.

Use tax software: Consider using tax software to simplify the filing process.

Maximize deductions: Look for all possible deductions and credits you may be eligible for.

Consider professional help: If your taxes are complex or you're unsure how to file, consider hiring a tax professional.

File electronically: E-filing is typically faster and more accurate than paper filing.

    ๐Ÿ’Š How To Take Your Dose:

    Ready to tackle tax season with ease? Choose one of the tips above and implement it into your tax preparation process this week. Challenge yourself to maximize your deductions and credits and file your taxes as efficiently as possible. And don't forget to share these tips with your friends and family to help them navigate tax season too. For more tax tips and information, check this out โžก๏ธ What is Tax Planning and Why is it Important?

    1 Dose For Your Relationships โค๏ธ

    Have some conflict with a partner and are unsure how to resolve it?

    Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but it doesn't have to be a source of tension and stress. Here are some tips to help you navigate conflict with ease and grace:

    Listen actively: Listen to your partner's perspective without interrupting or becoming defensive.

    Speak calmly and respectfully: Express your own feelings and needs in a calm, respectful manner.

    Find common ground: Identify areas of agreement and work together to find a solution that meets both of your needs.

    Apologize sincerely: Take responsibility for your mistakes and apologize sincerely when necessary.

    Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness, even if your partner hasn't apologized.

    Show appreciation: After resolving a conflict, show your partner appreciation for their willingness to work with you to find a solution.

    ๐Ÿ’Š How To Take Your Dose:

    Next time you find yourself in a disagreement or conflict, try using these tactics to resolve it in a healthy and productive way. By improving communication, building trust, and promoting mutual respect, you can strengthen your relationship and move forward together. Ready to take your conflict resolution skills to the next level? Check out this article from our experts โžก๏ธ Healthy Conflict Resolution Practices

    Real Stories From Real People 

    From Dismissal to Diploma: How Alyncia Fought Hard to Earn Her Master's Degree

    "It was a cold December night, and I was watching a Hallmark holiday movie when I got a notification from my school. My first thought was to ignore it; after all, I was on semester break and could deal with it later. But I noticed the subject line read โ€œAcademic Continuation Status.โ€ Suddenly my heart sunk into my stomach as this wasnโ€™t the first time I had received this email. Back in 2020, amid a global pandemic, I โ€“ much like the rest of the world had no clue what was going on and couldnโ€™t keep up with all that was happening and consequently failed my programming class. I received an email back then with the same subject line that warned if I got another below-satisfactory grade, I could pack my bags and go home. Well, I was determined not to let that happen, so I hit the books, and well, they hit me right back. And a year later, I found myself in the same position, but this time was much worse. The email stated that my performance did not meet the requirements and I would be dismissed from my masterโ€™s program. I was distraught and at a loss for words; I had so many feelings, but embarrassment and shame were definitely at the top of the list.

    In the following weeks, I made the choice not to let these bad feelings get the best of me and to do something about it. After emailing my advisor and asking to meet and discuss any alternatives to my being dismissed, they agreed to let me stay. The stipulation was that I would have one year to complete the rest of my program with nothing lower than B. This meant I had to take on double the amount of credit hours while working a full-time job, and I pretty much had to get all Aโ€™s.

    The last year of my master's program was challenging, to say the least, but it was also filled with valuable lessons that led to personal growth. The 45 weeks of full-time course work, working full time, and trying to maintain my sanity were not easy. But I made it and overcame any challenge thrown my way. I received all Aโ€™s in my remaining courses, earned my masterโ€™s degree, and a job promotion to go with it. I learned the importance of taking time to rest and recharge so I can show up as my best self. I practiced the art of saying no without feeling guilty or having to explain myself. And Iโ€™ve gained the confidence knowing that I am capable of amazing unimaginable things."

    Alyncia Mason, MPH

    ***If you'd like to be featured in our Real Stories From Real People section, fill out this form. You could end up in one of our weekly drops and inspire thousands of readers with your story.

    That's a wrap for Drop 010!  We'll see you on Friday for some "Extra Sauce" ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ  Remember โ€” 1 Step At A Time, 1 Day At A Time, 1% Better, Together. โ˜๏ธ๐Ÿ‘†

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