March's National Days

Most teens, and people in general, enjoy music. Whether it is making music, attending concerts or even just sitting alone in a room listening to music from a phone, music is a big part of society. Music can influence a person's mood and give an exceptional way to deal with emotions, which is why music is considered a therapy. On Mar. 1, the world recognizes this day as a time to realize the benefits of music as a therapy. Sometimes, simple acts ranging from singing in the shower or blasting a song while driving with the windows down--to dancing around the house while you are alone; all of these are musical ways people deal with emotions. Music therapy is a type of therapy that traces back many decades. According to Positive Phycology’s research on Music Therapy as an occupation, it was after both of the world wars that Music Therapy became a profession. “It helped military service members recovering in Army hospitals with occupational therapy, education, recreation and physical reconditioning”, Cleveland Clinic’s website says about music therapy during that time. In the present day, music therapy is a growing source for people globally. During a meeting, a music therapist may have you create, sing, listen, or move to music, discuss lyrics or play an instrument; all of which increase joy and motivation, help with self-regulation, and manage pain-- to name a few.

Mental health awareness is becoming increasingly prominent in society. Ranging from children to adults, mental health can be a weighing struggle-and for teens, especially. Teenagers are at the stage of life where they are leaving childhood innocence and preparing themselves for the real world, all while trying to figure out who they are. In a world revolving around social media and, unfortunately, negativity, keeping up with mental wellness is not easy. It is often true that mental wellness gets set on the back burner and labeled as “less important” but that should not be the case, and it does not have to be. Mar. 2 is acknowledged as World Teen Mental Wellness Day and, according to writers with the National Days Calendar, it “aims to normalize conversations and dismantle stigmas around teen mental health issues.” They also add that the American Psychological Association says that compared to any generation, Gen Z has the worst mental health. However, according to a report by Y-Pulse, the National Day Calendar also adds that 64% of Gen Z want to improve and get better mental health-wise. The emerging question is: what can teens do to work on improving their own mental health on a daily basis? SafeSpace, a youth-led, mental health-focused organization, discusses ways everyday teens can work toward the goal of improving their mental wellness. These include: getting proper rest, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising, practicing relaxation and mindfulness, accepting help from positive influences plus, and focusing on individual strengths and using them to help others. On Mar. 2, reflect on your mental wellness. Are there ways you can better care for yourself? Always remember: your mental wellness is important, and you are, too.

It was on Febr. 14, 1859, that Oregon was admitted to the Union as an official state. However, it is on Mar. 8 that Oregon’s history is celebrated as a National Day. The state of Oregon is bordered on its left by the Pacific coast, and on land by Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and California. Oregon was mapped by the Lewis and Clark expedition and was settled by many pioneers. One of the greatest events in history associated with the state is the westward migration of American people by the Oregon Trail; in a time when families migrated with cattle, horses and covered wagons on a long and rough trail that stretched 2,170 miles from Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, many lives were unfortunately lost. Oregon is presently known for its great forests and mountains, beautiful coastal land, waterfalls, and a variety of weather. Along with Oregon’s natural aspects, the state has some unique facts that define it. For one, according to the History website's research, Oregon grows 99% of the hazelnuts produced in the United States. Oregon is also the leading producer of Christmas trees. One of Oregon’s most famous landmarks is Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet deep. Oregon is home to the popular movie The Goonies, which was filmed in Astoria, Oregon in the ‘80s. Though Oregon is only the 27th most populated of the United States, that does not take away from the fascinating history and beautiful scenery that Oregon offers. On Mar. 8, think about what you like about Oregon and take some time to enjoy and appreciate the unique history and beauty of the state.

The concept of an asteroid hitting Earth seems pretty preposterous, but on Mar. 23, 1989, this unbelievable phenomenon was close to occurring. Asteroids are rocks from the solar system that can--on occasion--come close to Earth, but rarely are asteroids acknowledged as something to worry about being a severe threat. However, in 1989, an asteroid by the name of Asclepius tested the boundaries and came scarily close to planet Earth at 425,000 miles away, passing through the exact area Earth had been only 6 hours earlier! Alex Bracetti, a writer with the website Complex, wrote in an article section on Asclepius, ”Astronomers Dr. Henry Holt and Norman G. Thomas discovered a 300-meter space rock, which geophysicists declared would have created an explosion twelve times more powerful than the Tsar Bomba: the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated.” The “near-miss”  asteroid, Asclepius, proved to scientists and mankind that humans truthfully have no control over the universe, and asteroids themselves, for that matter. On Mar. 23, National Near Miss Day is celebrated by appreciating the near misses and that our Earth has survived many close calls throughout its existence. 

Drafting essays, solving math equations, signing papers; pencils are used daily in the lives of students, and many adults also. Though a few could contest, the chance that very many people think about the origin of pencils is quite rare. However, do not worry, for Mar. 30 is the best time to learn about the past of the famous pencil by asking these questions: what is the origin of the pencil, and what interesting history lays beneath the surface of those 7 ½ inch long pieces of wood and graphite to which we write with? Modern pencils owe the credit to their far ancestor, the stylus, which was a small metal rod that scribes in ancient Rome would use to lightly make markings on an early form a paper, papyrus. Now, pencil lead is made from a mix of non-toxic graphite and clay, which emerged after the founding of a large reservoir of graphite in England, 1564. Writers at the website Pencil state,”Originally, graphite sticks were wrapped in string. Later, the graphite was inserted into hollowed-out wooden sticks and, thus, the wood-cased pencil was born!” Not only are pencils a helpful key to artistic expression on paper through sketching and creative writing, but they also serve us for everyday usage, both at school and at home. On Mar. 30, take out a pencil and admire the ways that they help people with everyday tasks.