STARS: How To Rest Yourself

Many of us are tired from the summer, back to school, work, the CFA v Popeyes battle.  It's important that we practice self care and recuperate. 

I like to lighten my load for a few days and relax. I do very little TV, social interaction or social media. I get more sleep and relaxation. 

I then do fun things I like such as running, coffee shop, music, writing, and taking a drive.  

I even plan a vacation or a small getaway. Doctors recommend that we take a full week off from work every week. I already have my time scheduled and exactly what I an going to do. 

I also meditate, drink apple cider vinegar and do yoga. Breathing is important. 

I return much more rested and charged and ready to get back in the game.

STARS: How To Successfully Navigate Carowinds

You see many that speak of how to successfully navigate tourist attractions such as Disneyworld. I don't see many that talk about properly navigating Carowinds, especially with a season pass. 

First, I would highly recommend getting a season pass, with at least the drink and meal plans add-ons. The park is now open 10 months out of the year so you have plenty of opportunity to use your pass. General admission ranges from $30-$60 and parking is $20/vehicle. A season pass without add-ons is $105. Therefore, you get a definite return on your investment.  

I would advise riding the rides during the springtime and evenings as it can be cumbersome and uncomfortable to do so during the summer. Also, try to go on weekdays or evenings only. It is extremely crowded on weekends there. 

You also want to spend as little inside the park as possible. Have an extra person to hold your belongings when you ride rides and even when you go to the waterpark so you don't even have to rent a locker. If you don't want a meal plan, no problem. There are restaurants nearby and you can pack a picnic lunch and eat it outside of the park. 

Also, have the app download to your smartphone and know all of the dates from season pass preview night to New Year's Eve. Plan accordingly, the more the merrier, and have fun. 

Lastly, keep a physical copy of your pass and your phone on you, and pack a bag in the warmer weather if you want to attend the waterpark and the general park. Both have different entrances/exits and closing times.  

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Do so and as you may hear over their loudspeaker "enjoy your day at Carowinds!"

STARS: Dealing with someone through an anxiety attack

I only try to talk, especially write, about things I know. I can definitely relate to anxiety and panic attacks since my mom has anxiety and has had many attacks, especially recently.

I recognize that my mom is having an attack through her behavior, silence, eyes, shaking and often crying.  I make sure she is in a quiet, tranquil place. I encourage her to breathe and air out any frustrations. 

Her and I then pray together as we both truly believe in the power of prayer. I then remain quiet and simply there for her. 

Next I then contact her mental health advocate and a crisis hotline, in that order. The number I use is 

Finally, I carefully monitor her throughout the coming days. A person is affected for up to a week after an anxiety attack. They need time to heal and replenish as they often take so much out of a person. 

STARS: Caring for your beard

Yes we are still in the midst of summer. However, with football beginning and Fall, No Shave November, etc, around the corner, you may want to grow a beard. 

Growing and properly caring for a beard is a lifestyle and an art. 

I let mine grow from scratch, from my clean shaven face. I then shape it up into the form I desire a week upon it growing. 

I then continue to shave and shape twice/week due to my sensitive skin and lack of desire for razor bumps. I use premium razors like Gillette. The Dollar Shave Club has proven to be effective also. 

I trim my beard every two weeks using my special beard clippers. It's a great investment to make. Another great one is some sort of beard oil to rub into your beard for smoothness.  I prefer coconut oil which has a variety of usages.  

This is how I reduce gray, keep my beard at a decent thickness and make it healthy looking. You may want to seek out a barbershop or a dermatologist if your beard is not growing and developing as you desire it to be.