Tag Archives: benefits

Preparing for Daylight Saving Time

11 Thursday Mar 2021

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Believe it or not, this Sunday at 2 am local time, marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in most of America. If you find yourself dreading the idea of springing ahead, you are certainly not alone. According to a poll conducted by the Philadelphia Inquirer, approximately 70 percent of Americans strongly dislike DST.

There are, of course, several benefits to adjusting the time twice a year, but most of us do not like the idea of losing an hour of sleep in the spring. Sadly, like it or not, the change is coming so we’ve compiled a list of ideas to help prepare for springing ahead:

  • Start going to bed earlier

The simplest way to adjust to the upcoming change is to make your bedtime earlier. In the perfect world, we all would have been preparing for weeks, but it’s not too late to start now. From now until Saturday, consciously try to go to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier than usual. If you approach Saturday night well-rested, you will help minimize the effects of Daylight Savings.

  • Create and enforce a digital curfew

Have you fallen prey to the notorious blue light? Many people don’t realize that using electronic devices before bed can delay your internal clock. Create and enforce a digital curfew for you and your loved ones in which you all turn off electronic devices for the night. Consider setting the limit 30 minutes to 2 hours before bed. Set a reminder if you must! Remember that the earlier you power down your devices, the more likely you are to experience a good night’s sleep.

  • Establish a relaxing routine

Get your mind and body ready for a good night’s sleep by taking the time to relax. Start turning down the lights, read a book, enjoy a warm cup of (non-caffeinated) tea. Do whatever you need to do to make sleep your focus.

  • Audit your sleeping allowance

The amount of sleep you require changes throughout your lifetime. Some people may only need a mere 6 hours while others require closer to 9 hours. Take Daylight Saving Time as an opportunity to determine how much sleep you need to thrive. Use this sleep calculator to find your ideal bedtime.

Here at Lions Pride, we may not exactly be excited about the prospects of losing an hour of sleep, but we are trying to remain positive. To us, Daylight Savings means spring is right around the corner. The next few weeks of adjustment may be challenging, but we know brighter days are ahead.

How do you prepare for Daylight Saving Time? Let us know if you have additional tips in the comments below.

Wishing you and your family a smooth DST!

The Benefits of Getting Outside

04 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by in Holidays, Special Events

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Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

Did you know that the first Saturday of every month is known as National Play Outside Day? This unofficial holiday gives families including kids, parents and grandparents a regular opportunity to get outside to play together. You may be wondering why we need a monthly occurrence to remind us to spend some time outdoors, but the fact is both kids and adults alike have stopped playing outside (and we’re not just talking about the time during these chilly winter months.)

One of the easiest ways you can improve the health of yourself and those around you is by spending a little more time outside. Here are a few important health benefits associated with getting out and enjoying nature at its finest:

  • You can find ways exercise without giving it much thought.
  • You can increase your Vitamin D intake, which is beneficial for your bones, blood cells and immune system.
  • You can improve your sleeping habits by regulating your internal clock.
  • You can enhance your creative problem-solving capabilities by refocusing your attention.
  • You can stay active and more easily manage a healthy weight.

Time outside may be on the decline, but it remains a core factor for our special campers in all of the summer programming at Wisconsin Lions Camp. In each session, children have the chance for a comprehensive outdoor program that includes everything from overnight camping, canoe and hiking trips, swimming, paddle boarding and more.

The goals, of course, are to assist each child in the development of self-confidence, interdependence and social skills, as well as help build upon their outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness. The staff understands that there is no better way to observe everything that Mother Nature has to offer with a variety of fun, outdoor activities that encourage campers to continue playing outside – even after leaving camp.

We can all take a play out of the Wisconsin Lions Camp handbook by remembering to get out and play. We know that the frigid temperatures this weekend may not necessarily be conducive to enjoying a lot of time outside, but it will be the perfect time to plan your favorite outdoor winter activity when the weather warms back up.  

If you know someone who could benefit from a trip to the Wisconsin Lions Camp, you can find additional program information and online applications on the Wisconsin Lions Camp website.

The Benefits of Charity Work

29 Thursday Aug 2019

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, News, Special Events

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people taking groupie near bridge

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

There are many ways to describe acts of charity. Merriam-Webster defines the idea as “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering,” and Lexico defines the concept as “the voluntary giving, typically in the form of money, to those in need.” Meanwhile Dictionary.com says charity is “an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.” All of the definitions mentioned above may have similar themes in common, but they all have some significant differences.

We believe the primary reason for the discrepancy is that the idea of charity can have different meanings to different people. Your personal definition is dependent on your experience level and your motivation.

Thursday, September 5, is International Day of Charity. The United Nations created the holiday to sensitize and mobilize people, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders from around the world with the common goal of helping others through volunteer work and philanthropic activities. The fifth day of September was selected to honor the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s passing. It should come as no surprise to learn the organization choose to commemorate Mother Teresa of Calcultta as she is often the first person who comes to mind when thinking about charity.

Charity can be a powerful way to make a difference in the world around you. It can contribute to the creation of inclusive societies, diminish the terrible impacts of humanitarian crises, help supplement public services and assist in cultural advancement, but did you know that it can also benefit you personally?

Studies have shown there are several positive outcomes when people choose to get involved in charity work. We’ve compiled just a few reasons to consider becoming an active volunteer or organization supporter:

  • Charity work makes people happyWe, as humans, are programmed to help one another. Scientists found from measuring hormones and serotonin levels that giving delivers great pleasure. In fact, the more we give, the happier we feel.
  • Volunteering keeps people connectedVolunteering allows people to stay connected to people, especially those in their communities. Through volunteer work, individuals can increase their communication skills, meet new people and strengthen relationships.
  • Charity can help find people find a sense of purposeLife can be busy and throughout the hustle and bustle, it can sometimes be difficult to remember one’s own purpose. Volunteering has been known to help people find their way and get more out of life. People who choose charity work can keep their minds occupied, get more mental stimulation and add most flavor to their lives.

As we previously mentioned, everyone has their own definitions of the idea for charity, which means you can serve a cause however you choose. Whether you prefer to put in an afternoon of community service or would instead prefer to send the gift of money to your favorite nonprofit, your acts of charity make a difference.

What is your favorite way to practice the act of charity? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Please consider Lions Pride in your giving plan, you make a difference today while we work to secure tomorrow. Happy International Day of Charity!

Fun Facts About Cats

25 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by in Holidays, News, Special Events

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Did you know that estimates show approximately Red kittenfour million cats are entering animal shelters each year with one to two million being euthanized? The folks behind National Cat Day are on a mission to lower that number by helping more cats find forever homes on October 29.

In the shelters, cats are often overlooked when compared to dogs because they don’t carry titles like walking companion, travel buddy or guardian. But cats have several other redeeming qualities. They help lower blood pressure, decrease stress levels and provide unconditional love. Learn about all of the benefits of owning a cat.

In honor of the upcoming holiday, we thought we’d celebrate with some fun facts that you might not already know about our favorite feline friends:

  • Cats make about 100 different sounds while dogs only make about ten.
  • Cats sleep a lot! In an average day, a cat spends about two-thirds of it sleeping.
  • Similar to a human fingerprint, each cat’s nose print is unique.
  • A total of 32 muscles control a cat’s outer ear. (Humans only have six!)
  • A cat can jump up to five times its height in one leap.
  • Cats only meow at humans. They will typically hiss, purr and spit at other cats.
  • A cat uses its whiskers to judge the size of spaces.
  • Scientists don’t know exactly how cats purr.
  • A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways, so they are unable to chew large chunks of food.
  • House cats share approximately 96 percent of DNA with tigers.
  • Abraham Lincoln was an extreme cat lover. He shared the white house with his wife and four cats. When asked about his hobbies, Mary Todd replied, “cats.”
  • A group of cats is called a “clowder.”

We are all encouraged to spoil our fur babies in honor of National Cat Day. Think about purchasing a new toy, giving them an extra tasty treat and providing additional pets and cuddling. Of course, the best way to celebrate is to save a life. If you have the ability, adopt from your local animal shelter. Let’s work together to decrease the number of homeless animals currently housed in local shelters.

Happy National Cat Day from Lions Pride!

Celebrating Our Heritage – Labor Day

01 Thursday Sep 2016

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Did you know that September 5, 1882, marked First Labor Daythe first-ever Labor Day parade in America?
News of the Labor Day march circulated throughout New York and the surrounding areas. People gathered to watch, and police were heavy in attendance as they were worried that the event might turn violent, but only a few men formed up to march. What was missing was, of course, the music. No one had thought to bring a band. Fortunately, at the last minute, the Jewelers Union of Newark Two showed up with 200 members and a band.

The Jewelers group marched along Broadway in lower Manhattan, past the city hall where a handful of men had been waiting. Then the members of other unions joined in the march; soon spectators followed, too. The parade grew from 200 to over 700 men in three marching divisions and ended with over 10,000 people. The column of people finished at Reservoir Park where close to 25,000 union members and their families celebrated that first Labor Day. Years later in 1894, and following protests and strife, a federal holiday was established to recognize the contributions made to the economy and society by the American labor force.

Participation in the celebration of Labor Day affirms the importance of our workforce. It is a way to thank those individuals and groups for the hard work, the sacrifice and their relentless commitment to the well being of all people’s lives. We have many luxuries today that we tend to take for granted; weekends, vacation time, shorter work days, and protection for our children from forced labor, the ability to negotiate wages and benefits, and a say in our government’s labor laws.

How do you plan to celebrate Labor Day weekend? If you don’t already have plans, there are lots of events taking place around the state of Wisconsin, including several Lions events:

  • Central Wisconsin State Fair– Enjoy rides, music, agriculture and more in Marshfield at the state fair. The fun starts on Wednesday, August 31 and goes through Monday, September 5.
  • Black Point Estate Nooks and Crannies Tour – Tour one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture at the Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva. The summer cottage was built in 1888 and overlooks beautiful Geneva Lake. Participate in the last walking tour of the season!
  • Taste of Madison – Take an adventure with your taste buds and enjoy food from over 80 restaurants and 26 beverage stands at Capitol Square in Madison. Entertainment will be taking place on three stages on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Amish Quilt and Consignment Show in Shawano – Peruse the work of talented individuals at the Amish Quilt and Consignment Show on Saturday, September 3. Purchase baked goods, quilts, antiques, furniture and more.
  • Merrill Labor Day Celebration & Lion’s Car Show – Participate in a huge parade downtown on Monday, September 5, at 10 am with events happening all afternoon at the Merrill Fairgrounds, including a classic car show, flea market, farmers market and more.

However you plan to spend Labor Day, please don’t forget about the reason behind the holiday! The Lions Pride Office will be closed on Monday, September 5. We wish you and your family a Happy Labor Day!