Happy August! As the last month of summer, August brings with it a time of sunshine, summer days and of course, preparing your family for the upcoming school year. As the days begin to get shorter, you might feel like the opportunities for summer activities are starting to dwindle. However, you could not be further from the truth.

In fact, the month of August recognizes National Family Fun Month, which means it’s the perfect time to get out in the warm summer heat and celebrate family-fun activities together. National Family Fun Month was created as a reason to embrace and make time for extra fun with your family this summer. If you want to take advantage of the last summer days and commemorate Family Fun Month with your loved ones, here are five ideas to celebrate this August.

1. Find activities outside.

As summer comes to a close, use the month of August to find and enjoy as many activities outside as possible with your family. For instance, try packing a picnic to benefit from an evening in the park. Or, take a trip to your local amusement park for a day full of fun and laughter. You could even consider going on a camping trip to really embrace the last few days of heat this summer. August is the perfect month to take as many opportunities to be outside as possible, whether it’s swimming in the pool or going putt-putting. In just a few short weeks, fall will be here, followed quickly by winter, and the time to be outside will come to a close. So, use National Family Fun Month as an opportunity to embrace family fun activities out in the sun.

2. Attend classes.

Lots of businesses and organizations will offer a variety of different classes over the summer months. While some of these might just be for children, there are also those that get the whole family involved. Check in your community for any classes you could do together with your kiddos. For instance, why not take a cooking class at your local grocery store, or a woodworking class at a hardware store? You could also check with local nonprofit organizations and see what types of classes they might offer, such as art or a writing workshop. Not only can your family have a ton of fun by attending these classes, but you can also learn something new together in the process.

3. Go to events in the community.

Speaking of attending classes, as summer winds down to a close, so do some of the events going on in the community. Take advantage of the last few weeks of summer by going to as many community events as possible with your family. Perhaps there’s an upcoming county fair, a street market or even an outdoor concert put on by a local business. Many of these events are low-cost admission, or might be completely free altogether for a family. Keep up to date and check which events are going on in your community, then celebrate National Family Fun Month by attending them with your loved ones.

4. Get involved with volunteering.

Finally, one of the best ways to have fun this August and teach your children valuable life skills is by getting involved through volunteering with your community. Learn about an important cause or organization near you and see how you can give back by volunteering. Whether you serve food at a mission, donate clothes to an organization or pass out flyers for an event, volunteering together as a family can be a fun and rewarding experience as you strive to live an altruistic lifestyle. Not to mention, you can also make a genuine impact on those people living in your community. See what volunteering opportunities are near you and get involved by serving others this Family Fun Month.

Family Fun Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of the summer before your children head back to school. Take advantage of these creative and altruistic ideas in order to have the best Family Fun Month possible this August.

When you think of the word “wellness” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s physical activity and focusing on being healthier. Or, maybe you’re reminded of self-care and the power of focusing on mental health. Wellness can take on a variety of meanings, and this August you can celebrate National Wellness Month by recognizing all forms of wellness with these 12 ideas. Check out our examples below for physical, mental, financial and community wellness!

Physical Wellness

• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables. Is half of your plate green? Could you eat more fruits daily? Set a goal to increase the amount of fruits and veggies in your diet, starting wherever you are and increasing by a small amount until you’re ready to increase that number again!
• Exercise 30 Minutes a Day. That’s right, we’re only asking for 30 minutes of exercise per day! Plus, it doesn’t have to be a crazy hard workout. Even elevating your heart rate by going for a walk or jog can help lead to many physical health benefits.
• Drink More Water. Many of us try, yet don’t succeed, at drinking enough water daily. Keep track of how much water you’re drinking and mark off your 8 glasses a day. Getting enough water can help you feel full faster, aid in digestion and help your physical health overall.

Mental Wellness

• Talk to a Counselor. Everybody can benefit from talking to an unbiased third party about what’s happening in their lives. Do your research and find a counselor that works for you.
• Prioritize Self-Care. Remember that it’s okay and necessary to put your mental health first. It’s easy to lose sight of what you need when you’re taking care of others. Make time each week for your own self-care habits.
• Say “No” to Draining Activities. You can only give when your metaphorical gas tank is running on full. If you don’t have it in you to do something, simply say “no” instead of draining your energy to please others.

Financial Wellness

• Build a Budget. Finances can be scary, especially if you don’t have a good pulse on what’s coming in and what’s going out. Develop a budget to help keep track of your spending and savings goals. That way, you can work toward building your finances and have a better handle of what is moving in and out of your account.
• Set a Savings Goal. Sometimes saving seems impossible. However, small goals add up to big amounts over time. Consider what is feasible for your finances and commit to saving an amount each month. Then, watch as your savings grows!
• Plan for Emergencies. Much like building a savings, develop a separate fund or amount to set aside for emergencies. This will help create security when the unexpected happens.

Community Wellness

• Volunteer. Lend a helping hand and pitch in to make your community a better place. Whether you invest your time in other people, community programs or making your community a better place, volunteering contributes to community wellness overall.
• Donate. If you’re able to give back, it not only has a huge impact on the success of your community, but also on your health and wellbeing! Studies have shown that philanthropic efforts have been linked to happiness.
• Start a Fundraiser. Take the time to organize people in your community to give back. Start a fundraiser for a local business that inspires you or an organization that does good in your local community.

Take advantage of the simple ways to find total wellness during August to celebrate National Wellness Month. While wellness does refer to your mental and physical health, it can also stretch beyond to include the people around you and the way you set yourself up for success financially. Work on taking small steps to contribute to your overall happiness and wellness.

The world could always use a little more kindness. In order to be the type of change you want to see in the world, it’s important to remember to practice what you preach. Luckily, there are some acts of kindness that you can do easily to make somebody else’s day brighter. Check out some easy ideas you can put into action right away to make somebody smile, or better yet, turn around their entire day or week!

1. Drop Off a Care Package

Keep personal care packages in your car to hand out to the homeless. Include items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, snacks and more. In addition, you could create a care package for somebody who you know needs a pick-me-up. Include some of their favorite snack foods or flowers just because.

2. Hold the Door

Random acts of kindness don’t have to be a huge gesture. In fact, something as simple as holding the door open for the next person who is a few steps away is something kind you can do that may turn their day around. In addition, flashing a smile to strangers can help provoke a smile from their face. Smiling has even been proven to help people live longer!

3. Pay the Tab

This could work in a fast food line, at a grocery store or even at a restaurant for a random stranger. If you’re able, consider buying somebody’s meal or drinks just because.

4. Mow a Lawn or Do a Chore

If you’re able, consider mowing the lawn in the summer for a neighbor. If you don’t have a mower to lend, consider another chore! Go pick up groceries for somebody who isn’t able to make it out of the house in the heat or snow. In the winter, scoop the sidewalk.

5. Donate Gently Used Items

Why wait for Spring cleaning to come back around? Clean out your house and closet and donate items you no longer need that somebody may be able to use.

6. Volunteer at a Local Shelter

Our furry friends could always use some help. Find a local shelter and volunteer for the day to help play with the animals, or do whatever tasks are needed. Pets that are waiting to be adopted need all of the love and attention they can get!

7. Pay it Forward

Think of the last random act of kindness that was done for you. Use that idea, and do the same thing for somebody else. If it made a difference in your day, it’s sure to make  a difference for a stranger or friend.

8. Compliment Someone

A compliment is free and yet it has a lasting impact. Be genuine with your compliments and make sure to tell people when you like something they do or see a strength in them.

9. Do Community Service

There is always work to be done in our communities. Consider partnering with a local organization. Or, you can organize your own community cleanup or betterment project. Get those around you involved!

10. Let Someone Go Ahead of You

Traffic may be a nightmare. The line at the grocery store is long. No matter where the line is, if  you have time and somebody seems to be in a hurry, let them go ahead of you. This small gesture is an easy and guaranteed way to turn someone’s day around.

These 10 random acts of kindness are simple to do, and yet they have the possibility to start a kindness reaction throughout the world. Take some time this week to think of a way that you can make a difference in the lives of others and go do it! There is plenty of kindness to spare, and the world could always use a little more kindness.

When it comes to living an altruistic lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to show you care for others. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, get involved in the community or even commit time to strengthening your relationships, living an altruistic life provides many ways to impact others around you.

One way you can emphasize altruism within your life is by committing to donate to nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations and charities around the world make an impact on their communities and causes through the generous donations they receive. Donating to an organization or cause you care about has some surprising benefits. Check them out below!

Find more pleasure.

Studies across the board have consistently shown donating financial gifts can actually increase your pleasure and joy in life. One research study conducted by the National Institute of Health gave participants $100 each. When participants chose to donate a portion of their money, they experienced heightened and activated pleasure centers in the brain than those who did not. This means more often than not, donating money actually makes you feel better.

Protect your community.

Giving to local community organizations also provides important safety nets, which guarantee assistance for those in need around you. Many community organizations receive most of their funding from smaller, private donations. These groups can have the most significant impact on building up your community members and fostering a better environment for the future.

Improve your health.

Speaking of benefits, donating to a cause has actually been shown to improve your physical health, as well. People who volunteer and give consistently score better in measurements of overall health than those who do not. Additionally, knowing you make an impact can also improve your self-esteem and self-worth, helping to lower depression rates.

Reduce your stress.

With depression often comes stress, which can also be reduced through the simple act of giving. Researchers at John Hopkins University and the University of Tennessee found charitable givers often experience lower rates of stress and reduced blood pressure levels compared to their counterparts who do not give. By improving your happiness and health through giving and serving others, you can also reduce your stress levels.

Learn money management.

If you struggle to maintain a budget, giving can help you learn important money management skills. By setting up a recurring donation every month, you can feel even more motivated to attend to your finances and ensure you don’t fall behind. By paying attention to giving, you also pay attention to your bank account, and help learn better money management.

Get a tax deduction.

Finally, one of the most popular reasons to give: getting a tax deduction. If you give to an IRS-approved charity, you can write off any donations you make on your tax return. While it might not be the most important reason to give, it certainly doesn’t hurt to save a little extra money in the long run—and help others at the same time.

There are lots of ways to live an altruistic lifestyle and help those around you. One important way you can get involved is by giving a financial gift to an organization or a cause you care about. Not only can you be sure to help those in your community, but you can also enjoy the many benefits which come from giving.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. We all know that progress takes time. However, that’s easier said than done! For example, after a few days of eating healthier and exercising, many of us become frustrated when we don’t see quick results! Or, maybe you start off strong with a New Year’s Resolution, but by the middle of January, you’ve failed, and you’re back to your own ways.

Take heart in knowing you’re not alone. Many of us fail to follow through on creating a new habit that truly sticks. However, If you’re looking for a way to build a habit that lasts, there are some tried-and-true steps you can take to succeed! Check out these five tips to succeed the next time you’re looking to build a new habit.

1. Determine Your Goal

Step one is to determine what you’d like to achieve. Kick smoking to the curb. Eat more vegetables. Get more steps in your day. Volunteer one time per week for a month or entire year! Whatever the goal, creating a new habit starts with looking at the big picture.
Determine what exactly you would like the outcome to be. For example, if you’re hoping to get in shape, that may be your big picture goal, and going to the gym a certain number of times per week could be how you’re going to achieve that goal.

2. Start Small

Remember, just because you started with the big picture goal doesn’t mean you should jump right in full-force. Going too big into a change can make it unmanageable, resulting in the person being more likely to fail. If you’re trying to increase your step count to 10,000 steps per day, and you’re currently doing 1,000, start by trying to achieve 2500 each day. Over time, that will feel like a breeze, and you can increase your steps to get closer to your ultimate goal.

3. Capture Your Progress

Write it down. Take pictures. Log it in your computer. Seeing truly is believing, so make sure to keep track of your progress somewhere that you’ll see it. In addition, make sure to give yourself grace if you slip up. Just because you missed a day or slipped back into an old habit doesn’t mean that your entire goals are ruined. Instead, it’s just a setback! Keep going and get back on that horse the next day.

4. Make it Fun

Habits are more likely to stick if you’re having fun while doing them. If you view something as a chore and dread it, you’re much more likely to quit. Consider how you can incorporate fun into your new habit building. Make a game out of it. Give yourself a reward every 10 days you complete a task. The more fun you have, the more likely you’ll be to keep moving forward!

5. Find Your Support Group

Although it can be formalized, a support group could also be a good friend or somebody trying to achieve the same goals. Find somebody who will help hold you accountable and who you can check in with to give a progress update. Come up with a time period where you promise to check in, or ask if it’s okay to call if you feel like slipping up on your habit.

Habits aren’t built overnight. It’s important to find your big goal and then start small. Remember that tiny steps will add up to miles of progress over time. There’s no time like the present to start building healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. If you fall off on your habits, don’t worry! There’s always tomorrow to give it another go.

Strolling through a farmers market is a fun and cheap way to spend a summer morning. The bright colors and fresh scents are enough to draw nearly anyone in. However, farmers markets have so much more to offer than just the sights and smells. The following is a list of just a few reasons you should visit your local farmers market this summer.

1. You’ll know exactly where your food is coming from.

When you shop at a typical grocery store, you don’t always know exactly where the food you’re buying was grown. That’s the beauty of farmers markets; you get to speak face-to-face with the farmers and ranchers who produced your food. They can tell you exactly what processes they used and where the food was grown. You’re able to get all your questions answered by the person who saw your food go from their farm to your hands.

2. You’ll be helping the environment.

The food you find at grocery stores will typically travel an average of 1,500 miles before it gets to your shopping cart. All that travel means large amounts of natural resources, such as fossil fuels, are being emitted into and polluting the air. Today’s agricultural practices are also not very sustainable; producers often use toxic chemicals that contaminate water, air and land. Excess packaging used for shipping also creates more trash that winds up in oceans and landfills.

Food at farmers markets travels much shorter distances since it’s usually produced in the local area. Its sustainable farmers traditionally grow and raise organic fruits, vegetables and animal products, so their products have much less of an impact on the environment.

3. You’ll be promoting the safe treatment of animals.

The animals whose byproducts are found at farmers markets usually have had natural diets and have grazed on green grass. They don’t spend time in cages or unnatural living conditions like conventional agricultural animals do. At farmers markets, you are getting meats, cheeses and eggs from animals that have been raised without hormones or antibiotics. When you buy animal byproducts from farmers markets, you can feel better knowing you’ve supported farmers who treat their animals safely and humanely.

4. You can learn cooking tips and recipes.

The farmers and ranchers whose food you’re buying will know better than anyone how to prepare delicious recipes. They’re often cooks themselves, so they can tell you the best seasonings to use and which cooking techniques work best with each product. It’s like getting a free cooking lesson with your purchase!

5. You’ll be supporting local farmers and ranchers.

Supporting local businesses is important to a thriving community, and so is buying from local farmers. Small family farms are currently having a hard time competing with agribusiness, or large-scale agricultural production. Buying your food directly from these farmers and ranchers sustains their livelihoods and gives them a chance against big-name corporations.

6. You can find foods you’d wouldn’t normally see in a grocery store.

Farmers markets are a great way to add some color to your plate. There are so many diverse fruits and vegetables readily available at farmers markets. Try picking up some purple cauliflower, maitake mushrooms or a rainbow of heirloom tomatoes on your next visit. You might find your new favorite food.

7. You can connect with your community.

Farmers markets bring people together. They introduce consumers to the people who grow and raise their food. They’re perfect for families looking for an easy outing or friends who just want to meet up. They also can give people a small-town experience in the middle of a large city.

The fresh air of farmers markets is much more enjoyable than the fluorescent lighting found in grocery stores. Buying food from farmers and ranchers has so many great benefits. Consider stopping by your local farmers market to enjoy the many advantages it has to offer.

Taking care of yourself is the first step to everything that you do. Without a full tank of gas, you can’t get very far. Your mental and physical health and wellbeing works that way, too. When you aren’t feeling your best, it’s nearly impossible to put your best effort out into the world, whether it be professionally or personally. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself first! Check out these seven helpful ways to incorporate wellness into your everyday routine for huge results!

1. Take Time to Meditate

Meditation doesn’t have to look like hours in silence. Instead, these days you can spend five to 10 minutes per day using an app to help you meditate and reset! Take some time for yourself each and every day to reflect and set your intentions for the day.

2. Do Something Kind for Others

Make it a goal to do one kind thing for somebody every day. It doesn’t have to be a monumental act—it could be as small as holding the door open for nesomeo. You may need to set a reminder at first, but after a while, it’ll come second nature to try to get in your act of kindness for the day!

3. Get Moving

Physical health is an important part of wellness. Just 30 minutes of activity per day can drastically reduce chances of serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. Start with something as simple as walking. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous hour-long workout to make a difference in your physical health. Small steps equal big results over time.

4. Take Time for Self Care

Self care can look like a lot of different things to different people. It’s not all about bubble baths and face masks, but it can be. Consider what you need for yourself. Maybe that looks like sitting in silence for a half hour because you talk to people all day. Maybe that looks like a bubble bath and face mask! Whatever you need, make time to prioritize it.

5. Find a Hobby

Having something that you do just for yourself can be both rewarding and great for your mental health! This could be a brand new hobby or simply getting back to something you wish you dedicated more time toward. There’s no time like the present.

6. Give Back to Your Community

Giving back to others is a great way to boost your own dopamine. You’ll feel great knowing that you were able to make a difference for someone else. Look for an organization you love in your community where you can lend a helping hand.

7. Kick a Bad Habit to the Curb

Maybe you like to eat fried food (who doesn’t?!). Maybe you’re a smoker. Maybe you simply have something you rely on when you feel stressed. Whatever the case may be, use this as a reminder to kick that bad habit to the curb. You could try going “cold turkey” with the habit, but you may be more successful making a small change and building from there. For example, if food is your vice, find healthy alternatives for the things you like (broccoli tots instead of fries!). Remind yourself that you can still indulge, but you can also take a step toward changing your habits for overall wellness!

Don’t wait until it’s too late to focus on your wellness. How you feel trickles into your everyday life, which is why it’s important for you to put your physical and mental health and wellbeing first. Use this as a reminder to take the time you need to focus on “you” today.

The world can be a scary place, especially as of late. From a global pandemic to senseless violence and other tragedies, the weight of the world can often feel heavy. Luckily there are do-gooders like you who help make our world equally as beautiful. Volunteers around the world give their time daily out of the goodness of their hearts. People give their hard earned money to organizations, pledging to make the world a better place.

In times of difficulty, what can you do? Next time you encounter a friend, family member or even a stranger who is having a hard time because of any of the worlds’ events, check out these tips to help them as you navigate these times together.

Lend an Ear

Sometimes it helps to simply listen to what struggles a person may be going through. You don’t have to understand their problems completely and that’s okay. You’re there to learn, listen and be empathetic. Use active listening to repeat back what you’re hearing and clarify for understanding. Let them know they are not alone, and that you’re there if they need a sounding board.

Refer a Professional

While it’s always a great idea to listen to the struggles your friends or family may be going through, it’s also important to know when they might need to speak to a professional. Depending on the nature of the conversation, such as with mental health matters, it may be appropriate to encourage them to seek a professional to help them process whatever they may be going through.

Do Your Research

No matter the circumstances, it’s okay not to know what to say or do. Luckily, we’re living in the information age. Use this as an opportunity to educate yourself on the subject at hand. The internet has a wealth of information and resources are often free and easy to use. Look for reputable sources such as known nonprofit organizations dedicated to the cause or verified academic and professional sites and resources.

Give Actionable Next Steps

Now that you’ve listened, learned and have a better understanding of the situation at hand—what’s next? Discuss how you plan to move forward with making a change, continuing to educate yourself or schedule check ins with the person you’re helping. You can make a commitment to each other to keep moving forward however you both see fit.

When times are hard, it’s important to move forward and do what you can for others. Above all, open yourself up to listen and try to better understand the situation from your friend or loved one’s perspective. Remember that it’s okay if you don’t have all of the answers. Do your research to find verified information and resources so you can take action and be the change you wish to see in the world!

School’s out for the summer, and the great outdoors is calling! Whether you have kids or you’re just looking to enjoy the warmer weather, there are plenty of ways to celebrate that also give back to the world we know and love. This is the perfect reminder to get out there, give back and go green, so we can keep the world a beautiful place for years to come. Check out these ideas that you can celebrate Great Outdoors Month throughout June!

Pick Up Litter in Your Community

This is an activity that can be done at any age! Organize a group of friends or family to pick up litter on your community streets or parks. You’ll need trash bags, gloves and preferably bright vests if you’ll be near a roadway. Remember—safety first! You’ll enjoy the nice summer air all while preserving our planet.

Give Back to Organizations Devoted to Our Environment

There are a ton of organizations that give back to making the world a better place. Do your research to find an organization that you would love to support. Consider reaching out to the organization to learn more and possibly even volunteer before you decide if you’d like to make a donation. Remember that any way you help a nonprofit organization, no matter how big or small, is making a difference!

Enjoy the Outdoors

Turning off the television and lights while you get outside to go for a hike or play in the park conserves energy! Enjoy mother nature by hiking on a nearby trail, playing an outdoor game, swimming at a local lake or any other outdoor activities in your area. Simply being outdoors is a great way to appreciate Great Outdoors Month!

Make a List of Ways You’ll Help

Sit down with your family, roommates or friends and create an action plan for the year to come. Include ways you want to celebrate the outdoors and continue to keep it beautiful. This list can include habits you’d like to change, or good deeds you’d like to perform. To get your list started, here are a few ideas!

• Use less water when you brush your teeth
• Take shorter showers
• Recycle as much as possible
• Shop at thrift stores to get gently used versus new
• Plant trees in your community
• Plant a garden in your own backyard

June is the first official month of summer, which makes it the perfect opportunity to celebrate the great outdoors! Together, we can make a difference in our world and preserve it for our children, their children and so on. You can do your part by reducing, reusing and recycling, conserving water, planting trees and even simply enjoying mother nature.

Like many Americans over Memorial Day, you might plan on spending this weekend grilling out with family, relaxing by the lake or going on a quick trip to the mountains. Memorial Day is well-known as time off from work, the perfect opportunity to relax and refresh. However, there’s much more to the holiday than simply taking a break.

Memorial Day is a time commemorating the U.S. military men and women who have died in active service to our country. We honor these servicemen and women for the contribution they gave, even when it cost them their lives. Memorial Day means much more than time off from work and hosting a barbecue, so if you want to get involved this weekend, check out these great ways to give back.

Serve at a homeless shelter.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, approximately 11% of the current adult homeless population are veterans themselves, many of whom suffer from mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. Unfortunately, homelessness can be a pervasive issue many U.S. veterans face. By using time this Memorial Day to serve at a homeless shelter, you can potentially help veterans right in your community. Contact local shelters near you and see what assistance they need this week and how you can get involved.

Work with a nursing home.

More than 16 million Americans served in World War II; over 5.7 million served in the Korean War; and 2.7 million U.S. soldiers served in Vietnam. The youngest of these brave men and women are still in their 60s. Chances are, almost every nursing home in the country houses at least one veteran. Without visiting friends or family, nursing homes can feel like incredibly lonely, isolating places. Fortunately, you can brighten someone’s day by volunteering your time and talents to care for veterans within these home facilities.

Donate to organizations.

There are plenty of nonprofit organizations—both local and national—who work tirelessly to support veterans near you. These charities help veterans with housing, job placements and healthcare, or strive to improve the wellbeing for those on active duty. For example, organizations such as Combat Wounded, Veterans of Community Response and Veterans Matter are all valuable causes to contribute to. Research charities near you or nationally to find one you can support this Memorial Day.

Send a care package.

If you want to do something more personal and related to active duty service members, consider sending a care package this weekend. Put together a military care package to send overseas and raise a soldier’s spirits. Include goodies from the United States, comfort foods and of course a note thanking them for their service. These men and women are often separated from their family and friends for long periods of time in stressful situations, so receiving mail—even from a stranger—can brighten their day.

Decorate a site.

Before Memorial Day, it was “Decoration Day”—a holiday dedicated to decorating fallen soldiers’ graves. Nowadays, you can keep this tradition alive and well. If there is a memorial site or veteran cemetery near your area, go visit and set out flowers or other decorations on the graves. Better still, get together a group of friends or family and divide up the cemetery into different areas, to clean and decorate as many grave sites as possible. This is even a great way to get kids involved and share the true value of Memorial Day with them.

Memorial Day is an incredibly special time in our America’s history. This weekend, do more than barbecue. Take time to truly commemorate the meaning of the holiday and celebrate the servicemen and women who have given everything to this country.