Blog

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Spring Fun in Santa Monica

spring fun in santa monicaSpring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to step outside, enjoy the fresh air and take advantage of the abundance of seasonal activities taking place in Santa Monica! 

There’s plenty to do – from farmer’s markets to kite festivals and paddleboarding contests – and here’s the best part: it’s all sober fun!
  • Take part in the Annual Kite Festival on April 14 at Santa Monica Pier. Participants receive a free kite and kite makers from across the U.S. create a “gallery in the sky” as they showcase their unique designs.
  • Celebrate Earth Day with Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium on April 21. Participants who help with beach cleanup will receive free admission to the aquarium.
  • Come together with the Santa Monica community for a day of 5Ks, DJ-powered yoga sessions and guided meditation during Wanderlust 108—The World’s Only Mindful Triathlon on April 28. 
  • Watch top athletes compete in stand-up paddleboard, prone paddleboard, dory and swim races in the 8th annual Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival on June 9. 
And, of course, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy spring on weekends without any scheduled events. Try one of these ideas: 
  • Visit your local farmer’s market and stock up on seasonal produce like artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and fava beans.
  • Plan an outdoor picnic and invite friends for a game of Frisbee.
  • Take a long hike or stroll on the beach.
  • Plant a garden filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Sit outside and meditate or write in a journal. 
Spring Recovery Fun in Santa Monica
Sustained recovery should incorporate daily fun and our Southern California location is blessed with mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, making it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor recreation as part of your recovery activities. HAUS has bikes, surfboards and paddleboards for residents to use, and we organize group activities and outings every week. To learn more about our sober living services, activities and amenities, call today: 888-551-4715.




Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Is Stress Contagious?

Feeling stressed? It could be contagious, according to research published in Nature Neuroscience. A new study found that you can pass tension to someone else – even a stranger – and without even knowing it.

“Recent studies indicate that stress and emotions can be ‘contagious,’ ” Jaideep Bains, a physiology professor at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, wrote in a press release. “Whether this has lasting consequences for the brain is not known.”

Although this was a mouse study, researchers believe these findings are also relevant in humans. “We readily communicate our stress to others, sometimes without even knowing it,” Bain says. “There is even evidence that some symptoms of stress can persist in family and loved ones of individuals who suffer from PTSD.”

What is stress? The American Institute of Stress defines it as “an emotional and/or physical response your body has to situations or change that make you feel uncomfortable or anxious” – and it’s different for everyone.

Those of us in the recovery world likely know that stress is a pretty well-know relapse trigger. What's more, chronic stress can lead to a host of health conditions, including high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, headaches and mood swings. It can also impact your relationships and productivity in the workplace. 

Being mindful of your own stress and how you feel around others who tend to be “stressed out” a lot is a great first step in taming tensions. The following anxiety-reduction techniques can help, too. Bonus: they'll also strengthen your recovery.
  • Regular exercise 
  • Stretching and breathing exercises
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Spending time in nature
  • Journaling
Get Nurtured in Nature
Our Southern California location is blessed with mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, making it the perfect place for outdoor recreation as part of your stress management and recovery activities. To learn more about our sober living services, activities and amenities, call today: 888-551-4715.