January national days

Many have enjoyed the art of storytelling through TV shows and films, but how often do we look behind the scenes and appreciate the minds behind the story? A person may ask: "What exactly is a screenwriter?" A screenwriter is a person whose job is to write and develop stories for films and TV shows. Despite the incredible work screenwriters do, they sadly are often overlooked. Ryan Reynolds, a well-known actor, stated about screenwriters during the 2016 Critics Choice Awards: “It is a hugely undervalued asset in Hollywood. They are the architects. They make us look good.” Without screenwriters, there would be no television stories to enjoy. Screenwriters often collaborate with directors, producers and actors during the writing of their scripts. When writing a script, according to Screen Skills, “Screenwriters prepare their script in a way that enables readers to envisage the setting, emotion and the way it will work on screen.” From there, the directors and producers are able to bring the stories of great minds to life, providing us with the beauty of movies. The art of storytelling is a very valued part of society, and screenwriters access it in a new and entertaining way. On Jan. 5 enjoy a movie night to appreciate the work of screenwriters all around.

January in Oregon consists of a lot of rain, which means plenty of puddles to fill the landscape. Perfectly, January is National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day. Though this seems like an oddly specific national day, the real purpose behind it is to encourage people, both young and old, to slow down and enjoy their lives in the moment. Perhaps, jumping in a puddle to splash your friends just might be the way to do that. Whether you actually splash in a puddle or not, just the activity of spending some time outside is beneficial to a person's mental health, and it can be beneficial for you, too. Andrew Avitt from the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) writes, “Studies show that being outside in nature is relaxing, reducing our stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates.” Also, in the words of Michelle Kondo, a research social scientist with the USDA Forest Service, spending time outside “can increase a person’s motivation, too.” There are so many benefits to being outside. For example, slowing down to live life in the moment is especially important with the amount of stress and anxiety that is felt in our society today. Many times, people find themselves jumping from one thing to the next and speeding through their life, which can lead to regrets of lost time. On Jan. 11, step outside and take a deep breath. We are all in this life together, so take time to appreciate the nature around you and the people you get to experience it with.

Hugs are a common way to show affection, comfort and encouragement to a friend, family member, and sometimes even a stranger. It is incredible the way a hug can brighten a person’s day, but that is not all hugs do. In fact, hugs have multiple benefits to a human’s mental and physical health. Researchers and therapists with a healthcare website, Therapy Brands, say that hugs can "reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen relationships and boost self-esteem.” In addition, journalists from the Greater Good Magazine also touch on these points; they write that hugs have long-term “benefits to our health, making us less reactive to stress and building resilience.” A hug every once in a while can make a person feel happier and aid in better health, as well. Remember this as you go through your day on Jan. 21. Consider the benefits of giving hugs and spreading some positivity in your life and the lives of those around you.

Everyone has bad days and experiences hard times and, sometimes, all a person needs is a little positivity in their life. Every day, we see, meet and bypass people-- usually without saying a word-- but is it true that even a small compliment can brighten a person's day and encourage greater positivity? Research has been conducted by many professionals, showing that even one compliment can change a person's whole day for the better. Anthony Jack, an associate professor of philosophy, psychology and more at Case Western Reserve University conducted a study on how compliments affect people. Jack says, “Research shows you can reliably increase your personal well-being by engaging in random acts of kindness toward others.” Telling a well-known friend or even a stranger a compliment can increase your own happiness-- along with theirs. The Harvard Business Review conducted a study on giving compliments. They stated after the experiment that “nearly 90% of people believe that they should compliment each other more often. And yet we tend not to give them in practice. In fact, only 50% of people in one experiment who wrote down a compliment for a friend actually sent the compliment along.” Sometimes, it can seem scary to talk to strangers or think of a compliment for anyone, but the good outweighs the bad because, when a person receives a compliment of any kind, it truly betters their day. Even non-verbal acts of kindness, such as buying someone a coffee or helping someone with housework, can create the same positive effects. Compliments can positively change a person's mood, and change their day for the better. After reading this, on Jan. 24, I encourage you to go out and help someone; give them a compliment and make their day a good one.

There is no better time for a warm and sweet drink than on a cold, wintery day in January. What better drink is there than hot chocolate? Presently, hot chocolate is a warm, sweet drink, but it has not always been that way. In fact, hot chocolate started out as a not very hot or sweet drink, but rather cold and spicy. This much different form of hot chocolate, according to Spruce Eats, was created by the Mayans, which contained ground cocoa seeds, water, cornmeal, and chili peppers. Spruce Eats writes, “They would mix the drink by pouring it back and forth from a cup to a pot until a thick foam developed, and then enjoy the beverage cold.” Today, hot chocolate is a creamy, sweet and warm treat, much different from its original form. The National Day Calendar says that, in the 19th century, the thicker, creamier version of hot chocolate was used often for medicinal benefits. Now that you know some interesting information on the delicious beverage known as hot chocolate, you can go out and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate on Jan. 31. Add some whipped cream, candy cane or sprinkles to make the perfect cup of hot chocolate to brighten your cold, January day.