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Mental health awareness is a top priority in 2021

Mental health awareness is a top priority in 2021

COVID-19 has caused joint trauma for many people around the world during the past year and a half. Just about everyone has been affected by Covid in one way or another, whether it was losing a loved one or simply adjusting to social distancing and wearing a mask. The CDC has made an announcement that masks are now not required for those that have been vaccinated. This announcement feels like a step towards normalcy. However, many people may feel anxious about adjusting to life after COVID. After this unprecedented of limited social interaction and feelings of isolation, we as a society will need to further emphasize the importance of mental health in order to restore normalcy. 

Social distancing and other preventative measures may have been necessary in order to minimize the spread of Covid. Although, there have been proven to be consequences to these actions. There are growing concerns about long-term impacts that may be caused by social distancing restrictions. 

There are two main issues that may be caused by the pandemic. First is the possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the other concern is the impact of isolation over an extended period of time. This prolonged isolation may make it difficult for some people to come to terms with the new normal after quarantine. 

Mental health is not only a concern for those who were directly affected by Covid through infection or the death of a loved one, but even those who were indirectly affected by covid may suffer from varying mental health issues.    

Anxiety in public settings can also be a common response after the pandemic. Many individuals may be unsure of new social distancing protocols. 

Many employees may find it difficult to return to the office after Covid so, employers must do everything they can to ensure that their team members feel safe and informed upon their return.  

Self-care will also be vital in order to maintain positive mental health post-Covid. There are many different techniques that can help you improve your mental health, such as staying away from screens two hours before bed, limiting the amount of social media and news you consume each day, monitoring your alcohol and substance use, and also keep in touch with loved ones and check-in. It’s also smart to find time in the day for relaxation, whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or a mindfulness technique. Following these different techniques can help you maintain a positive outlook as you adjust to life after lockdown.  

 Although there were several drawbacks to the coronavirus, one advantage we were given from Covid is the acceleration of teletherapy.  In the past, there was a concern that psychotherapy may not be effective online, but Covid has shown us that many individuals are actually more likely to seek treatment online as they are given much more flexibility and ease of access. Individuals are also less likely to cancel appointments since they are now able to meet with a professional from anywhere. Virtual therapy also eliminates any long commutes that may have prevented certain individuals from utilizing psychotherapy.

This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.

Shellie-Ann Kerns creates a farm in Washington with aid from crowdfunding

Shellie-Ann Kerns creates a farm in Washington with aid from crowdfunding

For one reason or another, the pandemic has inspired many people to pursue various dreams and business ventures. Some individuals may have been laid off from their job due to Covid or, they may have suddenly been inspired to pursue their dream due to these unprecedented times.   

Jamaican immigrant Shellie-Ann Kerns was one of those individuals who was inspired to return to her farming roots by creating a farm in Washington’s Middle Satsop Valley. Kerns was furloughed from her job as an aircraft dispatcher and was then inspired to pursue her goal of creating a farm. Her Instagram account documented her crowdfunding journey to build a 20-acre black lead farm.    

Shellie-Ann Kerns has a successful GoFundMe account where she has made comments indicating that donations will be used for equipment around her homestead. Donations are currently being used to fund a tractor, a new well, and a commercial kitchen which will be used for teaching and making spice blends. So far, her GoFundMe account has raised over $77,000.     

Shellie-Ann Kerns indicated that these donations are extremely helpful to growing her farm as donations will help to clear land for large-scale planting. Kerns is also very passionate about baking with sourdough, and she is very upfront about her desire to create a demonstration kitchen for creating spice blends and also teaching classes.  

Kern’s heritage remains an important part of her journey as both of her parents have agricultural roots. Her mission also involves complex issues of food insecurity. Kerns has applied for grants that will support her produce. Her main goal is to offer SNAP, EBT, and food stamp recipients reduced rates in order to feed people in need.

This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.

Apple revenues a striking $1 billion per day during the last 90 days

Apple revenues a striking $1 billion per day during the last 90 days

Apple crushed wall street projections amid a global pandemic. Wall Street analysts predicted that Apple’s revenues would fall around $77 million, but the tech giant raked in almost $90 billion in revenues from January until March of 2021 ($89.6 billion).  

Apple also experienced stellar performance during this same quarter last year, with sales increasing by 54%, with most of the increase occurring before the pandemic hit the United States.  

CEO Tim Cook expressed his enthusiasm in an earnings press release saying that the recent quarter reflected the ways apple products have helped its customers during these unprecedented times and also the optimism that customers hold for apple.  

This tremendous growth in Apple revenues can be attributed to gains in services, iPhone revenues, and iPad revenues, with services revenues increasing by around 26%, iPhone revenue increasing by 66%, and iPad revenue increasing by 78%.    

Despite the large growth in several areas, Apple’s big player turned out to be the iPhone 12, which showed an incredible demand. During the March quarter of 2020, iPhone revenues grew 66% reaching an incredible $48 billion. Apple revenues for the iPhone during the previous quarter were only about $29 billion.  

According to Apple, more users upgraded to iPhones this quarter than any other in Apple’s history. This switch can be attributed to the new iPhone 12, which proved to be high in demand.   

Apple showed dominance across the board with the top five best-selling smartphones in the U.S all being iPhones during the quarter. Apple also experienced a large demand internationally. The two best-selling smartphones in China were both iPhones, four of the top six best-selling smartphones in Japan were iPhones, the four most popular smartphones in the U.K were iPhones, and the top six most sold smartphones in Australia were all iPhones.      

Cook also revealed that Apple faced virtually no material supply chain restraints. Cook credits this factor as one of the reasons for Apple’s success during the March quarter as many other tech companies have struggled to access a sufficient number of chips.   

This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.