Tag Archives: spring

Springing Ahead Without Losing Sleep

05 Thursday Mar 2020

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closeup photography of adult short coated tan and white dog sleeping on gray textile at daytime

Photo by Christian Domingues on Pexels.com

March has officially arrived! The third month of the year brings a multitude of emotions. Many of us are hopeful that the coldest winter days are behind us, excited knowing that spring is right around the corner and perhaps a bit anxious after realizing that the start of Daylight Saving Time is less than 48 hours away.

You might be surprised to learn that that anxiety is not exactly unwarranted. While some of us may have no problems springing forward, others may not fare as well. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, some people can take up to seven days to adjust to the time change, though it might feel even longer! Anyone has ever experienced a sleepless night will empathize with these unlucky souls knowing that a lack of sleep can have a serious impact on mood, productivity and alertness.

We know that losing an hour of sleep is not exactly anyone’s preference, but it means that the Spring Equinox is only weeks away! The best way to create a better transition is by planning ahead. Follow these tips to start preparing your body for the new season:

  • Go to bed earlier

The AASM recommends that people start adjusting their sleeping and waking times by 15-20 minutes two to three days before DST. If you start going to bed 15 minutes earlier tonight, it will only feel like you are losing another 15 minutes on Saturday night, instead of the full hour.

  • Establish a healthy bedtime routine

To effectively get to sleep on time, you’ll want to make sure you include relaxation before bedtime. Engage in an activity that calms you, such as taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or meditate. Whatever you decide to do, stay away from your mobile devices. The blue light from these electronics suppresses melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Read through other reasons why you should consider putting the phone down at least 30 minutes before getting your shuteye.

  • Soak up the morning sun

On Saturday and Sunday morning, try to get out in the sun – even if it’s just sitting in a window. We may spend much of our days indoors, but don’t forget that sunlight still helps regulate our sleeping patterns. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the sun will alert our brains and set our bodies into motion.

  • Plan to nap on Sunday afternoon

Ideally, on Sunday morning, you would be waking up your new waking time (15 minutes earlier), but treat yourself to an afternoon nap. Make sure that you’re not snoozing too close to bedtime and try to keep it short. Studies show that most people do best when allowing 10 to 15 minutes for napping.

What other tips do you have for surviving DST? Let us know in the comments below.

Here at Lions Pride, we are also not thrilled with the idea of losing a precious hour of sleep when springing forward, but we keep trying to remind ourselves that winter is almost through. Always remember to look for the bright side and enjoy the passage to spring!

 

Fat Tuesday Fun Facts

20 Thursday Feb 2020

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Photo Credit to Mathieu Cheze on Unsplash

Spring is coming! The piles of snow may say otherwise, but we are confident it’s on the way. How do we know? Because Fat Tuesday is already next week, so Easter is already on the horizon.

As you know, Mardi Gras is a celebration held the day before Ash Wednesday when Christians celebrate with fatty foods and fun. Traditionally, participants would use the day as an opportunity to eat the richest, unhealthiest foods that remained in their homes before starting the season of Lent.

Although Mardi Gras may not be a huge holiday here in Wisconsin, that is not the case 1150 miles south. Fat Tuesday is one of the biggest parties of the year for New Orleans, so we thought we’d celebrate with a few fun facts:

  • The first Mardi Gras Celebration took place on March 3, 1699, by French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sier de Bienville. Upon arriving at present-day NewOrleans, they named their landing spot Point du Mardi Gras and held a small celebration (nothing like we see today!)
  • While the terms “Carnival” and “Mardi Gras” are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different time periods. “Carnival” is the period of fun and feasting that happens between January 6 (the Feast of the Epiphany) and Fat Tuesday, and Mardi Gras is the final day of festivity before the season of Lent begins.
  • The first Mardi Gras Parade was held on February 24, 1857, by the Krewe of Comus. Krewes are individual groups often named after Greek gods and goddesses. Each Mardi Gras Parade Krewe has a unique history and picks a new theme each year.
  • You have likely noticed three colors associated with the celebration: purple, green and gold. These colors were chosen by the Rex, the King of Carnival, in 1892. Purple represents justice; green stands for faith and gold symbolized power.
  • There is not an “official” Mardi Gras. Many may be surprised to learn that Mardi Gras is a holiday like Christmas or Independence Day (although New Orleans is typically the only city where businesses are closed,) so it belongs to everyone. In other areas of the United States, the government may be in charge of their Mardi Gras celebrations, but this does not hold true in New Orleans.
  • Even if you’ve never attended Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, you likely already know that the holiday is big, but you still may be shocked to learn how big. In 2019, the Mardi Gras celebration included 54 parades, 1061 floats, 588 marching bands and 135,000+ participants.

We were surprised to learn just how much history is behind Fat Tuesday, but we know this is just a small sliver of facts. Do you have a Mardi Gras story to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Whether you choose to spend Fat Tuesday out and about or prefer to indulge in the comfort of your own home, we hope you enjoy the celebration. Happy Mardi Gras from Lions Pride!

The History of April Fools’ Day

28 Thursday Mar 2019

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Watch your back! April Fools’ Day is right around the corner. Monday, April 1, is arguably the most light-hearted day of the year when people try to prank others with silly hoaxes and extravagant tales, but did you know the exact origin remains unknown to this day?

pile of fish

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According to the History Channel, there are a couple of theories to explain the day of pranks. Some historians have been said to believe that All Fools’ Day goes all the way back to the late 16th Century. In the year 1582, Pope Gregory XIII announced that France would be replacing the Julian Calendar with the Gregorian Calendar.

Although the news was made public, there were several people who either didn’t get the message or refused to make the change. With the old calendar system, the New Year was celebrated on April 1, so those who were still recognizing April as the New Year were mocked by others.

The largest prank at that time was done by placing a paper fish on a gullible person’s back and calling them “poisson d’Avril” (April fish) to symbolize their character as similar to that of a young, easily-caught fish.

The second most well-known theory refers to the idea of April Fools’ Day falling near the Vernal Equinox. Many explain that the calendar may say that its spring, but Mother Nature is playing the biggest joke on us all with unpredictable, changing weather.

In today’s world, people, companies, and even governments, go to extreme lengths to pull off April Fools’ Day hoaxes. Below are three of the most notable pranks over the past century:

  1. In 1957, BBC ran a news segment announcing to the world that Swedish farmers were achieving great success with their spaghetti harvest.
  2. In 1985, Sports Illustrated featured a story about the fastest pitcher of all-time, Siddhartha Finch, who could throw 168 miles per hour. Observant readers immediately noticed that the first words of the second headline read “Happy April Fools’ Day.”
  3. In 1996, Taco Bell took out newspaper ads announcing their recent purchase of the Liberty Bell. The company had made plans to rename the historic treasure to the “Taco Liberty Bell.”

Do you find yourself participating in All Fools Day pranks? Tell us about the greatest prank you’ve ever been pulled off in the comments below.

Happy April Fools’ Day from Lions Pride!

Early Signs of Spring

14 Thursday Mar 2019

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Do you smell spring in the air? May, not quite yet, but believe it or not, it is right around Screen Shot 2019-03-14 at 5.51.46 AMthe corner. Next Wednesday, March 20, marks the beginning of the vernal equinox.

As you may already know, the equinox is a moment in time when the sun positioned directly above the equator, so night and day are of (approximate) equal length. We know that it may not yet feel like spring, but if you would consider yourself to be a skeptic, we have some additional signs to help you see the light:

  • The snow is disappearing slowly but surely. February brought in record-breaking amounts of snow. In fact, the city of Wausau set a new personal best with 39.1 inches of accumulation, well exceeding their previous record of 28.4 inches set back in 1964. Understandably, it will take some time to get rid of the snow banks completely, but we are making progress.
  • Mother Nature is celebrating with well-above average temps. Today, we are expected to reach 52 degrees here in Rosholt, which will feel like a treat. But we’ll need to stay tuned because it appears that 50-degree temperatures will become the new normal in the upcoming weeks.
  • The birds are back in town. Sparrows and sandhill cranes are making their way back home, and the robins will get back to their usual routines.
  • The days are getting longer. We may have lost an hour of sleep last week due to Daylight Saving Time, but we are now getting more sunlight. We’re looking forward to seeing a little bit more of our old friend, Mr. Sun.
  • It’s almost time to play ball! The 2019 MLB will open on its earliest day ever. All 30 teams will play on March 28, excluding international openers. The previous earliest opening day was only last year on March 29, 2018.

There are many ways to show us that spring is almost here. From now until June 21, 2019, we will be witnesses to the rebirth of the beautiful, Wisconsin landscape. What is your favorite part of the new season?

Happy Spring from Lions Pride!

Sleeping Tips for Surviving DST

07 Thursday Mar 2019

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Didn’t it seem like only yesterday that we were setting our clocks back and excited for an extra hour of sleep? It may be hard to believe, but Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST.)

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Understandably, most of us do not look forward to the end of Daylight Savings, like we do at the beginning. According to sleep.org, the average person sleeps 40 minutes less on the night following Daylight Saving Time then they would on a typical night. Many people feel adjusted to the change by Wednesday, but other unlucky individuals may struggle for weeks.

Anyone who has experienced a rough night of sleep will likely tell you that it can have several negative impacts on the following day. To prepare for Daylight Savings, now is the perfect time to audit your regular nighttime routine. Keep these following tips in mind as you plan to spring ahead:

  • Gradually transition into the time change

Ideally, you would already be going to bed a little earlier than usual. If not, it’s not too late to get started. For the next couple of nights, make an effort to go to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier. If you are well-rested before Saturday night, you will help minimize the effects of DST.

Remember that different people need different amounts of sleep. Make an effort to determine how much sleep you need.

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

Alcohol and caffeine, which can be found in coffee, chocolate, tea and pain relievers, can disrupt your sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid these stimulating substances for four to six hours before bedtime.

  • Don’t schedule nighttime workouts

Moderate exercise during the day can help you sleep better at night. When done regularly, aerobic exercise can help improve your quality of sleep, but the timing is important. For some, working out too close to bedtime can hinder sleep. Rule of thumb, if you don’t often sleep well, think about exercising earlier in the day.

  • Establish a digital curfew

When using smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices at bedtime, you are unknowingly delaying your internal clock. These devices suppress the release of melatonin and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Create 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. The earlier you in the evening you power down the electronics, the better.

  • Commit to a regular sleeping schedule

Finally, for the best night’s sleep, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day (yes, even weekends.) By sticking with a schedule, you can help your body regulate its sleep pattern and maximize the hours you sleep.

Here at Lions Pride, we may not exactly be excited about losing an hour of sleep, but Daylight Saving Time means that spring is right around the corner and brighter days are ahead. Don’t forget to enjoy the changing of the season!

The Symbols of Easter

29 Thursday Mar 2018

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If you’ve stepped into a retail store sometime in the past few weeks, you know thatJoyful Easter rabbits, pastel-colored boxes and candy of all shapes and sizes have recently taken up residence in the seasonal aisle. We know that Easter is traditionally known as a religious holiday, have you ever wondered where these symbols got their origin?

We did, too, and after a bit of research, we think we found the answers!

Believe it or not, these characters are said to pre-date Christianity. The origin of the word, “Easter”’ stems from Eostre, the Germanic goddess of spring. Each year, on or around the 21st of March, the Celtic people would celebrate Ostara. Although it sounds like a holiday, it was seen as an opportunity to be in tune with the changing of the seasons.

Because the Spring Equinox is known as a time of rebirth, it has strong ties to fertility and sowing seeds. The symbol of the rabbit first appeared during medieval times in Europe. Hares had been known to be nocturnal most of the year, but in March when the mating season began, bunnies could be seen everywhere. In no time at all, the hare became known as a major symbol of fertility.

As for chocolate and candy, you will not be surprised to learn that we could find evidence of existence during the original Celtic celebrations. We can likely assume the abundance of candy can be rooted back to Catholic traditions. Christians typically sacrifice items they enjoy during the Lenten season such as rich food items like meat, soda or candy. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the end of Lent by indulging in sweets.

There you have it – some of the best-known origins of Easter. What is your favorite symbol of Easter/Spring Equinox?

It indeed is a remarkable time of the year. After a long winter season, it’s amazing to see our beautiful land coming back to life. We hope you have a chance to take a moment to appreciate spring’s arrival as you celebrate with your family this weekend.

Happy Easter from Lions Pride!

Eye Donor Awareness Month

22 Thursday Mar 2018

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When you think about the month of March, several topics probably come to mind. YouNatl Eye Donor Month may think about the first day of spring, St. Patrick’s Day and the start of baseball season, but did you know that March is also Eye Donor Awareness Month?

In 1983, President Reagan established the first National Eye Donor Month as a way to recognize its donors, celebrate the recipients and bring awareness to eye donation.

Approximately ten million people around the world are affected with corneal diseases that have resulted in blindness or other visual impairments. Corneal transplants have become one of the most frequently performed transplant procedures. According to the National Eye Institute, doctors perform approximately 40,000 corneal transplants each year.

Have you ever considered becoming an eye donor? Regardless of whether you have thought about donating in the past, or this is the first time you’ve carefully considered the idea, here are a few areas of to note that may help you make your decision:

There is just no substitute for human corneal tissue. If you have considered becoming an eye donor, you can rest assured knowing that your donation can make a world of difference for someone in need. Just think your gift could help restore someone’s vision, support the advanced treatment of blindness or other vision impairments – and beyond.

To get started, be sure to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, and thank you for your precious gift.

Happy Eye Donor Awareness Month from Lions Pride

Honor Flight to Washington DC

25 Thursday May 2017

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Memorial Day may only Memorial Day Cemetarybe four days away, but a group of our state’s heroes has gotten a head start on the celebration.

Ninety Wisconsin veterans received the opportunity to fly to Washington DC on Sunday, May 19, with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. This flight was the second of three scheduled for the spring of 2017.

The group left Mitchell Airport early at 7 am to fill in a full day of site seeing. Upon arrival, our veterans visited the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Iwo Jima/Marine Corps Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall. The group also got to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The heroes arrived back in Milwaukee at 9 pm that evening and were graciously welcomed home by family, friends and community members.

Although many of us may celebrate the holiday with a classic barbecue with loved ones, it’s important to remember the true meaning of the holiday.

As reminded by the SSHF, “Memorial Day isn’t a ‘thank you for your service day’ for our living veterans or active duty military. It’s a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and were denied the privilege of growing old.” Read the entire excerpt here.

It’s so easy to lose sight of the origin of Memorial Day, appreciating those who sacrificed themselves for our country and freedom. Consider spending some time on Monday, to visit a cemetery and saying “thank you” to our nation’s greatest heroes.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the holiday. We’d like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Signs of Spring

23 Thursday Mar 2017

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Ahh… spring is in the air, right? Well, not quite. Sitting RobinMonday may have marked the first day of the vernal equinox, but it doesn’t exactly feel it’s time just yet. Fortunately, there are signs that warmer days are ahead.

  • Spring flowers are beginning to peek through the soil. You may have already seen crocuses, crested irises and hyacinth. We hope they make it through the next few chilly nights.
  • Flowering trees are budding and beginning to show new life.
  • The birds are back and ready to sing their hearts out. Robins, sandhill cranes and song sparrows are becoming old regulars.
  • College basketball has taken over all of the TV stations. There’s a reason why they call it March Madness, but we’ve already made it to the Sweet 16.
  • The days are getting longer. We have lost an hour of sleep on the night of March 11, but we are now getting more sunlight. We can’t wait to spend more time with Mr. Sun!
  • The snow is disappearing. We do not see the large snow banks that we saw only a month ago. Now, all that’s left are the dirty piles on the sides of roads.
  • In many cities, school is out for the week. Our office intern is off and enjoying a much-needed break in Mexico for Spring Break.
  • It’s time to play ball! Baseball season is only a week and a half away. The official MLB 2017 Opening Day is next Monday, April 3.

There are so many ways that spring is right around the corner! Now we want to hear from you – what is your favorite sign of spring?

Happy Spring from Lions Pride!

Make Your Own Luck by Paying It Forward

16 Thursday Mar 2017

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As you know, tomorrow, (St. Patrick’s Day) Garbage Pickupis known as the luckiest day of the year. You
may celebrate the occasion with a green ensemble, a corned beef dinner and a lottery ticket, but where does that leave you today and the rest of the year?

Here at Lions Pride, we are firm believers in the power of making your own luck. The theory of Karma is a fundamental belief in Buddhism, and the law of moral causation.

Simply speaking, karma teaches us that we are accountable for our actions, so the trick is always to be looking for ideas to help others. Consider setting a goal to perform a random act of kindness each day to keep paying it forward:

Here are seven ideas to get you started:

  1. Experience a friendly customer service associate? Be sure to stop and tell their manager.
  2. Pay it backward by buying coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.
  3. Start spring cleanup early by picking up garbage along the highway or in your neighborhood park.
  4. Compliment the first three people you see today.
  5. Donate to a cause you care about.
  6. Leave a generous tip for a kind server. You can bet that will make their day!
  7. Send ‘Thank You’ cards to your area police officers and firefighters expressing your appreciation for their service.

If you’re not crazy about these ideas, read through 43 more at randomactsofkindess.org. We’re almost certain that you’ll find one that suits your fancy and your good deed will inspire others to repay the favor.

Who needs the luck of the Irish when you can make your own? Don’t forget that what goes around comes around. Remember that you reap what you sow!