10 Last-Minute Stress-Busting Gifts to Wrap Up 2020

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

1. Wearing Easter Bonnets

For decades, Easter Sunday wasn't just a day to celebrate family and faith but also an opportunity to dress up in your finest attire, complete with a bonnet or hat.

Dating back centuries, people topped off their Easter Sunday outfits with colorful Easter bonnets (like this one) that featured flowers, ribbons, or even lace. The tradition was so iconic that in 1933, Irving Berlin sang, "You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade."

2. Gifting Easter Corsages

Gifting corsages isn't just for proms or weddings. It was also once a staple for holidays like Easter.

Men would purchase corsages for the women in their lives, like their mothers, wives, or daughters, and pin them on to add a special touch to their Easter outfits.

Bringing back this tradition would revive a meaningful gesture and add even more style to your holiday celebration.

3. Enjoying A Classic Easter Feast

Dining on a classic Easter feast brings families together. For many, the holiday marks the end of Lent, a period when Catholics typically give up certain treats. So, it makes chowing down on a big meal even more special, as you'll get to indulge in the foods you've abstained from for 40 days.

We know it can be tough to coordinate fancy feasts today, but this tradition is well worth your effort. Pay homage to classic dishes like ham or lamb chops, deviled eggs, and fresh carrots. Plus, get your family involved in the food preparation to make some meaningful memories.

4. Good Old-Fashioned Easter Egg Hunts

In a world where devices often take center stage, the classic Easter egg hunt offers a much-needed break from screens and encourages kids to unplug, run, and explore. The beauty of this timeless tradition lies in its simplicity and ability to bring communities together.

Yes, you can just hide eggs around your own living room or backyard to keep your kids busy. However, there's something to be said about gathering with other families in your neighborhood for a big old-fashioned hunt. Coming together presents an opportunity to connect with neighbors and pass down the practice to the next generation.

5. Sending Easter Lilies

Sending Easter lilies carries deep symbolic meaning and offers a beautiful way to celebrate the season.

These elegant white flowers represent purity, renewal, and hope. In many cultures, they're believed to have sprouted where Christ's blood and tears fell during the crucifixion and in the Garden of Gethsemane following his betrayal.

Sending someone a lily during Easter is a thoughtful gesture that signifies faith, remembrance, and the promise of new beginnings.

6. Baking Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns, which are sweet, spiced, and adorned with a cross on top, have been made and enjoyed for centuries, often on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

We understand that it might just be easier to pick them up at your local bakery. Nonetheless, baking this treat with loved ones is a tradition that will create lasting connections and memories.

7. Donning Your Sunday Best

Traditionally, if you and your family were attending church on Easter, you had to look your best. Putting on your finest clothes is more than just a fashion statement; it's a way to honor the significance of the holiday and show respect.

This trend has mellowed out in the modern day, but it deserves a resurgence. Iron your suits, polish your shoes, and don't be afraid to wear lace or floral patterns. Your outfit will set the tone for the day (and make for a great family photo).

8. Being Present For Family Time

Speaking of family, being present for quality time isn't just lost on Easter; it's a tradition that's struggling to persevere on practically every holiday.

Today, screens and schedules often take priority, making it tough to truly connect with loved ones. Easter is the perfect time to put your phone away, turn off the TV, and talk to those around you. Share a meal, play a game, or just enjoy each other's company. You'll be thankful you did when you look back years down the line.

What does "doom scrolling" mean?

"Doom scrolling" is exactly what it sounds like — an incessant amount of staring at social media feeds. From Dr. Lee's perspective, it's "when we continuously and compulsively scroll through negative news or distressing content on social media or news sites." The worst part is that she says "we often continue to do so even when it makes us feel progressively worse over time!" It's almost like we're in a toxic relationship with it 👀.

Also, the news is much more accessible than it used to be. I vividly remember my grandmother being glued to the morning and evening reports growing up, but now we don't have to look far for a breakdown of what's going on. Because of this, Dr. Lee believes "breaking ourselves out of this cycle is especially difficult because much of the news today is presented in a way that keeps us 'hooked.'" How?

Why are more people talking about it?

Based on her observations, Dr. Lee feels "social media algorithms often prioritize content that is engaging and gets reactions (often fear-based)." If you've ever used the word "rage-bait" in a conversation then you're already familiar with what she means. As a result, this "makes it easy to get stuck in a loop of distressing information," according to her. "In fact, with world issues such as climate concerns and political polarization, there seems to be an endless stream of negative news," she adds.

As much as I haven't wanted to talk about them, it's hard to escape concerns and opinions related to topics such as politics, reproductive health, or celebrity PR disasters. They have a way of showing up in conversations because almost everyone I know has access to a smart phone, where news is readily available at our fingertips.

What are negative side effects of being on social media or news sites 24/7?

If you've been feeling on edge or skittish lately, Dr. Lee wants you to know there's a connection between them and doom scrolling. "There are plenty of negative consequences of doom-scrolling. It can increase our feelings of stress and anxiety, lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness, disturb our sleep (if doom-scrolling late at night), and eat up our time during the day when we’re trying to be productive and engage in positive life activities," she says.

However, some good has come out of an increased awareness about doom scrolling. According to Dr. Lee, "we are becoming more aware of the effects of screen time, especially doom scrolling, our our mental health." I didn't know it at the time, but going into my phone settings to create boundaries for myself was the right thing to do!

How can I curb this habit?

If you're ready to stop being so attached to your phone, Dr. Lee has a few tips to help you make this necessary change.

1. Create screen limits: "Set time limits on how much news you consume. I like to keep it around 30 minutes a day of news exposure."
2. Review your notifications: "Remove news notifications from your phone to remove the constant barrage of 'breaking news' so that YOU can decide when to check in."
   
3. Try listening to a podcast: "Subscribe to a news podcast such as The Daily or NPR News Now. Podcasts automatically have a time limit and often discuss the most pressing news of the day. PLUS, you can listen while doing something stress-relieving, such as working out."

How can I tell if I'm doom scrolling or casually looking at social media?

It can be confusing when you're not sure if you're casually scrolling on social media, or succumbing to doom and gloom. But Dr. Lee doesn't want you to stress yourself out even further! Here's how she says you can tell which one you're doing:

1. Stay curious: "Pay attention to your mood during and after scrolling. Are you feeling anxious, drained, or exhausted? Do you keep scrolling bad news and struggle to stop even though it makes you feel progressively worse? These are signs that you are doom-scrolling."
2. Pay attention to content you're consuming: "On the other hand, if you are engaging with a variety of content (not just bad news) that makes you feel informed, entertained, or inspired, you are likely just casually scrolling. Casually scrolling often feels easier to stop than doom-scrolling."