Getting a good night’s sleep is as essential as exercise and a healthy diet. Our bodies and minds depend on sleep to recharge. Sleeping well also decreases our risk of chronic diseases. In short, when we can’t fall asleep, it can have repercussions on our health.
Insomnia is not only frustrating but also detrimental to mental and physical health. But there are ways to cure it once you understand the common reasons people have trouble sleeping.
Stress
Nothing will keep your mind more active at bedtime than stress. Stress is often a cause of insomnia, and while you may not always be able to cut down on stress, you can try some stress-relieving techniques before going to bed. Meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help your mind settle down.
Lights
Bright lights at night affects our circadian rhythm. An hour or two before bed, make your home dim so that your mind knows bedtime is approaching. Keep your bedroom completely dark at night. Lights from a TV or your phone can stimulate your mind and keep you tossing and turning.
Alcohol
Sure, a drink or two will initially make you sleepy. But overall, alcohol disrupts your natural sleep patterns. We need REM sleep to feel fully rested in the morning; the alcohol in your bloodstream from a nightcap will prevent you from reaching that essential sleep phase.
Eating Late
A snack before bed can help you feel drowsy, but a full meal can do the opposite and keep you up. Why? The stomach acid churning to break down your dinner can cause acid reflux when you lie down, creating an uncomfortable burning in your chest and throat.
Clock Watching
If you’re struggling to fall asleep after 20 minutes, it’s best just to get up. Clock-watching will only make you more anxious. You can try stretching, journaling, or reading until you feel relaxed and ready to try again. Be sure not to watch TV or look at your phone, since that will have the opposite effect.
Getting a full night’s rest is one of the most important ways to improve your health and wellness. If you have any of these common reasons people have trouble sleeping, don’t be afraid to try some new methods to conquer your insomnia.
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
