Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Home Blog Page 553

5 Habits That Will Help You Stay Energized

Your productivity is very much influenced by your stamina. Here’s how you can boost your energy levels every single day.

Energy is the most important factor when it comes to getting stuff done. Your energy levels can be influenced by many aspects. Some are obvious, like sleep levels, while others are more complicated, such as surrounding yourself with people who inspire you.

Luckily, your energy levels can be boosted if you develop some habits. On the surface, these are easy to comply with, but it’s only after committing to them for long periods of time that you’ll start to see positive results.

Scott Young, an expert on productivity and learning, compiled a list of some of the most helpful habits you can commit to when trying to be more energetic and productive. Here are 5 of our favorites:

Go to bed early

The most obvious advice there is for having more energy is also the most important. If you don’t get enough sleep, there’s more odds of you feeling less energetic and having less productive days. Seven to eight hours of sleep is the recommended amount for staying energized and for keeping your mind sharp in the long run.

Use your mornings for the hard work

5 healthy morning habits that are not healthy
Photo by rawpixel.com

RELATED: 5 Self-Care Tips You Wish You Had Adopted Sooner

While some people leave important work for the nighttime, this is likely not due to their own choosing. Time constraints, juggling different jobs and other pressures might force you to push off important tasks for later on in the day, leaving you feeling unmotivated and without energy. Young argues that getting the important stuff out of the way during the first 4 hours of your work day is important because it shapes the rest of your day and makes you feel accomplished.

Invest in good friends

Friends have a positive influence on you, especially if conversations with them can make you feel energized and inspired. Focus on these kinds of friendships, the ones that make you feel like there’s a two way relationship where you feel heard but you also get to listen.

Take 20 minute napsheres how you can share your bed without losing quality of sleep

Photo by Elizabeth Livermore/Getty ImagesRELATED: These Are The Wellness Trends You Should Know In 2020

While naps are considered a luxury, studies prove that they produce some cognitive benefits and that they can motivate you to complete a task late in the day. The most important aspect of naps is to limit them to 20 minutes, preventing it from becoming a long sleep and eating up the rest of your day.

Exercise daily

Going to the gym every day sounds like a tall order, especially if you’re not already in the habit of doing so. Young recommends doing pushups, burpees and other types of exercises you can do at home throughout the day, getting your body moving without taking large chunks of time from your schedule. These can be supplemented with visits to the gym and fitness classes.

Does Justin Trudeau Consume Weed

The prime minister of Canada is responsible for legalizing the recreational use of the drug. Does he consume?

Justin Trudeau is Canada’s prime minister, known for his progressive policies, such as pro-choice and legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. But many politicians have positive outlooks on the drug without placing it as one of their most important policies. It also certainly doesn’t mean they consume weed. But is this true for Trudeau?

There are plenty of occasions where Trudeau speaks about the benefits of legalizing of the drug, claiming that legal marijuana could minimize it’s access to minors and ensure that money doesn’t reach the hands of criminal organizations. He also stressed about the economic benefits legal marijuana would impart on the economy. 

“I have no doubt that Canadians and entrepreneurs will be tremendously innovative in finding ways to create positive economic benefits from the legalization and control of marijuana, but our focus is on protecting kids and protecting our streets,” said Trudeau, while speaking at Economist magazine’s Canada Summit in 2016.

Like many progressive politicians, Trudeau believes it’s important to address the disparity that exists within marijuana arrests, which specifically target minorities and young people.

RELATED: Does Pete Buttigieg Smoke Weed?

When it comes to his personal relationship with the drug, Trudeau is much more open than American and progressive politicians in general, claiming that he’s consumed marijuana and that he’s even done so while being in parliament.

His mother, Margaret, was a full personality which helped shape the future prime minister. “I smoked pot with the best of them and came to love it,” the former Canadian first lady  says on page one of her 1979 book Beyond Reason (Paddington Press). Born Margaret Sinclair in 1948 to a Canadian diplomat, she was the youngest first lady in the world when she married Pierre Trudeau in 1971.

When grilled by journalists who wanted to know whether he regretted consuming the drug, he said, “No, it wasn’t a mistake.” So, while Trudeau may not be a pothead, he might partake every once in a while if the situation is right.

5 Pet Dangers You May Have Missed

From when to call your vet to surprising items to avoid, here are some pet dangers that may shock you.

Are you a part of the 67% of American households that own something furry, fuzzy or scaly? With more families than ever before investing in their pets — to the tune of over $72.13 billion dollars — keeping your littlest family member safe is probably the first priority, and knowing the items that are particularly dangerous to your pet is the first step in assuring their well-being.

Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) and owner of the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics often has to remind families that birds and other exotic pets face dangers most pet owners don’t realize. “Not all things are necessarily safe for cats and dogs are safe for exotic pets,” Laurie explained. “Aerosol can be used around a dog but isn’t safe for a bird who has very sensitive respiratory tracks.” 

Laurie further shared that Teflon pans were especially concerning, and most new bird owners didn’t realize that non-stick cookware emits chemicals which can harm birds in a home. 

Many exotic pet owners don’t have a veterinarian who treats their pet. Having a yearly visit is one of the most loving (and responsible) steps you can take for your pet. If you have an unusual or nontraditional pet, a veterinarian can give you insights to temperature environment, food and everything you need to know about keeping your pet well.”  

Jonathan R., a certified veterinarian technician in Wisconsin, explained that often people stall on calling their veterinarian and that shouldn’t be the case. “Having a good relationship with your veterinarian where you can ask candid questions is vital to your pet.”

Not only helpful in diagnosing new behavior or warning signs, a solid relationship can greatly benefit your cherished and furry family member. “Many people forget that a phone call is free, and the vet is there to answer questions,” Jonathan stated. “There are no dumb questions.” 

People Keep Naming Their Dogs After Marijuana Terms
Photo by Joe Caione via Unsplash

From when to call your vet to surprising items to avoid, here are 5 pet dangers that may shock you: 

  • Products with foam like NERF darts or yoga mats can be chewed and often end up causing a serious blockage in your dog or cat’s intestines. 
  • Snacks or gum with xylitol can harm your dog or cat.
  • While they look like fun, hair binders can cause an internal blockage in pets where the intestines fold over and stop working. 
  • Lethal to dogs, ibuprofen should always be kept away from pets. 
  • Some essential oils are toxic to pets of all kinds. See a list from Michelson Found Animals of oils both safe and not safe for your pet. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a full list of items to keep away from your pet here

If your pet runs in to trouble or you believe they have gotten a hold of something they shouldn’t, resources are available. Call your vet or call: 

Pet Poison Helpline, 855-764-7661
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435
www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Should The Coronavirus Alter Our Dating Behavior?

With cases of the coronavirus rapidly spreading throughout the country, it’s important to be safe when going out on dates.

With a global pandemic on the loose, it’s natural to start worrying about everyday activities, such as going to work, meeting up with friends and going on dates. While the coronavirus is not transmitted through sex, it is transmitted through respiratory particles. So, making out with a stranger might not be your best idea.

Governments from around the world have started implementing social distancing, suggesting that people should steer clear of each other by at least 3-feet. This puts a serious damper on the dating world, with Tinder sending out notifications to keep people safe and Bumble adding a voice call and video chat feature, so people can chat with their dates instead of meeting out in the real world.

RELATED: Doctor’s Advice On How To Ease Anxiety Around Coronavirus

But most experts believe that foregoing dating all together is a little extreme. “I do not believe we need to shut down dating amid the coronavirus. In young, healthy adults, there is a very low risk of contracting serious consequences of the illness,” explained Dr. Taylor Graber to Mashable.

beautiful people dating site releases list of ugly physical traits
Photo by Chanikarn Thongsupa via rawpixel.com

When speaking to Vox, Anna Muldoon, former science policy adviser at the US Department of Health and Human Services, said that when enduring a pandemic, life must go on as usual, even if some behaviors should be tinkered with. People who go on dates should be more honest about their health, and cancel meet-ups if they’re not feeling okay. “I would love it if people would do that all the time, partly because it’s better for all of us as humans if we’re kind to each other like that,” says Muldoon.

RELATED: Are Gyms Safe Amid Coronavirus Outbreak?

When it comes to one night stands, Muldoon says people should converse more openly and have a certain amount of wariness. Since it’s a one night stand and you don’t really know this person, they might not be as forthcoming as someone you’re dating or someone you’re in a relationship with.

So, carry on with your life with as much care as possible. And if you feel sick or like you might be coming down with something, don’t go out. That includes bars, restaurants, parks and dates. Don’t put other people at risk.

Marijuana And Liquor Sales Rise As People Isolate

0

Americans have included marijuana and liquor as an essential good to have during the coronavirus outbreak.

In the intersection of the COVID-19 outbreak and marijuana businesses across the U.S., two different stories have emerged.

At the top of the pecking order, major cannabis players aren’t looking so swell. Entire growth strategies have been scrapped, thanks to disruptions in supply chains and dropping stock market valuation. Raising capital was already difficult for marijuana businesses as of late, and investors could wait to make moves until the market stabilizes.

On the other hand, marijuana dispensaries and stores can’t complain. The Fresh Toast contacted several stores in Washington’s Puget Sound to better understand how the coronavirus had affected sales. A Snohomish County resident in Washington received the first positive test for the coronavirus in the United States and, by some accounts, the state is suffering among the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country.

None of that, however, has stopped residents from stocking up on marijuana.

”Listen, when the people are in a state of unease about something like COVID-19, they need to know that they can manage their stress and anxiety,” Tedd Wetherbee, owner of The Gallery chain in Tacoma, told The Fresh Toast. “What better way to do that then with cannabis? Our sales are up and we’re happy that we can be a part of making people feel better about the madness going on around them.”

RELATED: These Are The Emojis People Are Using To Ease Coronavirus Anxiety

Stores have taken extra precautions to help contain the spread of the virus while still supplying residents with cannabis. At The Gallery, employees have set up stand-alone sanitizing station at all of their locations to ensure customer safety.

Here's What You Should Know About Coronavirus
Photo by Dr_Microbe/Getty Images

A new research study could help explain why marijuana sales are up. MKM Partners conducted a survey of 1,000 cannabis consumers and 863 alcohol consumers and found the two vices are being used the most to self-medicate in these trying times.

According to MKM analyst Bill Kirk, marijuana users were more likely to isolate themselves or gather only in small groups when consuming weed, while alcohol drinkers preferred larger groups. As medical experts and national leaders urge social distance to limit spread of the coronavirus, Americans will find themselves more isolated than usual in the coming weeks.

“The vice of choice when alone is cannabis. The vice of choice in large groups or with new people is alcohol,” Kirk told Investors Business Daily. “We believe any increased stay-at-home activity related to COVID-19 will accelerate the vice share shift away from alcohol toward cannabis.”

RELATED: What The Coronavirus Has Taught Us About Safe Drug Use

Some disagree. Groups might not gather in downtown bars or indoor sporting arenas, but people are still gravitating to alcohol during this time. They are just buying their wine and spirits at liquor stores in bulk instead, says Marques Warren, President of Downtown Spirits in Seattle.

“Sales at Downtown Spirits have continued to grow overall, however, specific customer groups have pulled back,” Warren told The Fresh Toast. “Most visibly, corporate sales have slowed dramatically as so many [South Lake Union] firms [in Seattle, where Amazon, Google, and Facebook are located], have suddenly closed up for the month of March. Our home delivery and brick-and-mortar businesses have continued to grow.”

What COVID Has Taught Us About Safe Drug Use

It is pretty clear that we should not be sharing joints, bongs, and vape pens. All of this is obvious, yet it is counter intuitive to the social atmosphere of marijuana use.

A doctor’s take on what COVID has taught us about safe drug use.

The explosion of coronavirus cases has awakened the world as to how quickly diseases may spread in our mobile society. We have all been given advice as to how to protect ourselves and the people we love. With the COVID-19 outbreak, is to time to change our habits and embrace safe marijuana use?

Purell and other sanitizers have jumped off the shelves in markets. People are wearing surgical masks and even stealing surgical masks even though they have been given good advice through evidence that masks worn by the healthy will not prevent the spread of disease. Simple hand washing and avoiding contact appears to be the most important part of prevention of disease.

It appears that the people most at risk of severe disease and death are the elderly and those who are medically frail with lung disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency and those who smoke.

It is hard to know who is at risk of severe disease in the United States. At this time the disease is underreported in the country. Our best reporting comes from China, but we have to realize that their health care system and population is different than the U.S..

After examining 72,000 patients, they found a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.3%. But the most important part of this reporting has to do with age groups and those with other diseases and their risk of death.

legal marijuana users have stopped buying vapes following illness epidemic
Photo by HighGradeRoots/Getty Images

From what we know, most people have a very mild illness, however, those who are elderly have a much higher risk of severe disease and death. The elderly also have a greater risk of preexisting diseases and immune systems which are not as robust. In the Chinese data we see a CFR of 14.8% in 80-years-olds, which decreases to 0.2% in those 10- to 39-years-old and 0.4% in 40- to 49-year-olds.

RELATED: Are Smokers And Vapers More At Risk For Coronavirus?

So, if you are under the age of 50, there is some risk of death associated with COVID-19. But the reality is that if you do not already have a preexisting serious disease, the risk of death is quite small. The importance of prevention of disease in this age group is not transmitting it to a higher risk group. That being said, we still do not have information about the rate of pneumonia, degree of pneumonia or long term after effects in all age groups.

We do not have significant data of the rate of disease or the CFR in the United States because we have not tested a significant amount of people. We will get that data as more people are tested who have minimal-moderate symptoms. We do not know if there will be long term lung damage from pneumonia in people in the United States.

RELATED: Doctor’s Advice On How To Ease Anxiety Around Coronavirus

How do we decrease contact in recreational drug use? It is pretty clear that we should not be sharing joints, bongs, and vape pens. All of this is obvious, yet it is counter intuitive to the social atmosphere of marijuana use. Will we end up only having parties through Skype/FaceTime/Hangout or other visual voice chats. I doubt it, but it sure decreases the chance of communicable diseases.

But people!! We are dealing with real disease here that is easily spread. We know that COVID-19 is more communicable than SARS/ MERS (remember them?), but much less deadly for those who are infected. The life you might be saving might not be your own, but that of your parents or grandparents or Mr. Jones who lives down the street.

Thanks for thinking of others.

The Emojis People Are Using To Ease Anxiety

The use of emojis tend to reflect what people are feeling and what’s currently stressing them out at any given moment.

Stressful moments in history are reflected in the digital world, with the coronavirus being no exception. What’s a better representation of digital expression than the use of emojis?

Facemoji, an emoji keyboard available for download on the Android Play Store, analyzed the use of emojis and words over the past four months, capturing people’s reactions before the outbreak and in the midst of it.

“The chosen time period reflects usage before the outbreak started (November-December 2019), as well as data after the outbreak began spreading more rapidly (January-February 2020),” explained a representative in an email to The Fresh Toast.

RELATED: Here’s What To Do If The Coronavirus Has You Working From Home

Stats show that during the end of January, there was a sharp increase in the use of the word “virus.” This moment coincides when the WHO announced that the coronavirus was a worldwide threat and the US banned flights from China. Around this time, people also started to use the face mask emoji more regularly. Another emoji that’s been progressively more and more utilized is the sneezing emoji.

Emojipedia, a website dedicated to looking into emoji news and updates, also showed that people have been using more “sick” emojis, including the face mask and the bacteria emoji.

RELATED: People Who Use Emojis Have More Dates And More Sex

“We found a significant proportion of tweets featuring the Microbe and the Face With Medical Mask were indeed related to the coronavirus – 42 percent and 36 percent respectively,” behavioral scientist Keith Broni told Mashable.

Another emoji that’s being used when talking about the coronavirus is the crying/laughing emoji, which suggests people are scared, awkward, but also humorous on the face of a pandemic. The increasing use of coronavirus memes and Tik Toks also show that even in the midst of a freak out, we still have to laugh.

Democrats May Have Hurt Chances For Federal Marijuana Legalization

With or without a presidential victory in November, Democrats must win Senate seats to have a fighting chance at taking the cannabis issue up a notch next year.

Democrats are busy trying to plot out a strategy to overthrow President Trump and regain control of the Senate in the November election. But, unbeknownst to the party, their actions over the past several months are blowing their plans to take over Capitol Hill right out of the water.

It seems that all of that impeachment business — a process that ended in acquittal on all counts — really stuck in the craw of the American people. Now, more voters have sided with Congressional Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, according to a new Gallup poll. And that could mean hard times for the progress of federal marijuana reform come 2021. 

Although a lot is riding on this election year, the one issue that really stands to gain some traction, depending on how the cards fall at the polls, is marijuana legalization. Sure, weed has become a bipartisan issue over the past few years, but it is mainly the Democrats spearheading the cause. We watched last year as the Democratic-controlled House approved a couple of cannabis-related measures.

Much of the same will happen in 2020. The one roadblock that remains, however, is the Senate. McConnell and crew simply are not entertaining the concept of legal weed. In fact, they’re not supporting any part of the Democratic agenda. It’s because of this division that Democrats are hoping to win the Senate seats up for grabs this year and step into 2021 with all the power. That’s when a lot could get done, including federal marijuana reform.

RELATED: Divided Government Is The Reason Marijuana Isn’t Getting A Fair Shake

But Democrats might have trouble convincing America that their party is the way to go. The poll, which was published early this week, shows the approval-rating of the Republicans post-impeachment has increased by several percentage points. Surprisingly, too, is the overall favorability of McConnell. In less than six months, his approval-rating went from 47% to around 62%, a sign that we could be gearing up to see another several years of his heavy-handed influence on Capitol Hill. Unfortunately, this could prolong prohibition in the Land of the Free.

Judge Dismisses Federal Marijuana Lawsuit, Says Weed Can Be Beneficial
Photo by matt_benoit/Getty Images

Senator McConnell still refuses to get behind marijuana legalization. He’s said time and again that he has no plans to support such action. It means any marijuana-related bill that makes its way through the House is just going to get squashed once the upper chamber gets a hold of it.

Democrats are desperate to change the dynamic in the upcoming election. It’s part of the reason why they’re apprehensive about Bernie Sanders as their candidate. Much of the party is too concerned that his socialist ideas will turn more voters onto Trump and sabotage their chance at the Senate. 

And that can’t happen. 

Democrats are on a seek and destroy mission to lay claims to the 3-4 Senate seats up for grab (three if the new vice president is a Democrat and four if Republican). After all, if they are successful, Senator McConnell loses his position as Majority Leader and some new blood gets tossed into the mix. If we’re honest, that’s exactly what needs to happen this year.

RELATED: America Can Probably Forget About Federal Marijuana Legalization Anytime Soon

McConnell has been running the show in D.C. for far too long, and it shows. But where America has been mostly divided when it comes to their political affiliation, the latest poll shows that we could start seeing more voters leaning toward the Republican side. And much of this, as we suggested could happen in a previous article, is the direct result of the impeachment. It completely backfired.  

But is Republican rule a sure thing in 2021? Absolutely not. All we are saying is if more American voters decide to keep the Senate in the hands of Republicans — and Senator McConnell — marijuana legalization at the federal level is probably as good as on hold for at least another six years.  

With or without a presidential victory, Democrats must win those Senate seats to have a fighting chance at taking the cannabis issue up a notch next year. If not, we’re afraid prohibition will live on.

Here’s What To Do If The Coronavirus Has You Working From Home

Working from home is effective, but it might pose a challenge for people who aren’t used to it.

Now that the coronavirus has begun to directly impact our lives, you might have started working from home. If you live with roommates or a partner, this might be an anxious time due to the amount of oversharing you’ll be submitting yourself to.

While working from home is not uncommon, for those who are not used to this, it can create some problems and a consuming mix of work and personal life. The primary thing you should focus on is ensuring that you separate your work life from your social life. When you’re finished with work, leave your computer behind! This way, you won’t feel like you’re never not off the clock. You also don’t want to spend all of your time watching Netflix when you should be working, because, you know, you might get fired.

Here are a few tips that can help you make the most out of your time while telecommuting.

Set up a space for your laptop

While you may not have a space to call an office, it’s important to find a spot that can serve as one, preferably someplace that isn’t a couch or a bed.

5 Ways To Prevent Your Electronic Device From Overheating
Photo by VIKTOR HANACEK via picjumbo.com

RELATED: 5 Things Not To Do When Using Your Work Computer

Try using a dining table or counter and try to sit on a chair, preferably far from distractions like your TV or bookshelf. It’s also helpful to avoid taking your laptop to your bed or bedroom, since once you start working from there, it’s tough to get back on track.

Establish a routine

Creating a temporary office in your house is important, since it allows you to develop a routine. Working from home can get tough once you realize that there’s not much socializing going around you and that you could easily waste away the hours sitting on your couch and watching Netflix.

Here's What You Should Know If You'll Be Working From Home
Photo by Alexey Suslyakov via Unsplash

RELATED: Are Gyms Safe Amid Coronavirus Outbreak?

Establish a routine that works for you, be that dressing up for work, putting on a comfy pair of sweatpants, checking emails at set times and limiting the amount of time you spend on social media. Now that you’re working from home, completing your work requirements is on you. There’s no nosy co-worker peeking at your computer, which is good, but also bad.

Take a break

Just as it’s important to work and to complete your tasks on time, it’s also very important to take breaks and remember that there’s a world out there.

5 tips on how to quickly reduce stress
Photo by rawpixel.com

While most communities are suggesting avoiding crowded places, you can always go for a run, take a walk around the neighborhood, or just sit on a park bench or beach to destress. The idea is to clear your head, allowing you to get back to work with fresh ideas.

5 Of The Hottest Jobs In Cannabis

Cannabis jobs pay 11% more than the average salary in the United States. Cannabis is hot and the range of cannabis jobs is even hotter.

Cannabis is an industry and the boom in jobs has been huge. Even with some layoffs and business closures, cannabis is beating the manufacturing industry in job creation. The Motley Fool states that the North American cannabis market is expected to grow by 28% through 2021. All this growth means that jobs in cannabis are going to be created for years to come.

We have already seen a boost in jobs:

  • Data shows 211,000 full-time cannabis jobs added to the United States job market. If taking into consideration part-time and indirect employment, that figure increases to almost 300,000.
  • Of all the states, Florida added the most jobs in cannabis — 9,000 in 2018 which equals a 703% increase.
  • Forbes states that cannabis is projected to reach a 110% job creation rate between 2017 and 2020.  

There are many out there looking to make the career transition into the cannabis industry and may be wondering if a job in cannabis will still allow the payment of bills and care for family. CNBC reports that cannabis jobs pay 11% more than the average salary in the United States. Cannabis is hot and the range of cannabis jobs is even hotter.

RELATED: Despite Layoffs, Cannabis Industry Job Growth Continues To Boom

Understanding The Importance Of Marijuana Studies And Outcomes
Photo by boonchai wedmakawand/Getty Images

5 of The Hottest Jobs in Cannabis and Average Salaries

  • Dispensary Manager: the overseer of daily dispensary operations and sales; $48,634 annually.
  • Cannabis Grower/ Cultivator: the people that work the Cannabis farm, overseeing the growth of Cannabis plants; $14.00 hourly.
  • Cannabis Trimmer: the specialists that oversee harvest: cutting/trimming the flowers from the stems; $13.85 hourly.
  • Cannabis Budtender: referred to as sales associates, this position is the happy face behind the counter, similar to a bartender; $12.54 hourly.
  • Extraction Technician: the scientist responsible for extracting oils/cannabinoids/ terpenes from the Cannabis plant; $16.15 hourly.

Salaries vary by company, location, and recreational vs. medicinal legality. Because cannabis is a newer industry with many people wanting to make a transition, a lot of newcomers are in competition for getting hired.  

RELATED: How To Succeed At Marijuana Job Fairs

Preparing for a Job in Cannabis

Preparing for the transition of a new job in cannabis means self-mastery/self-motivation. Cannabis is a new industry and something that employers like to see: prospective employees that take ownership of their career development. Though job training is almost always offered, it is always a plus when employers see that candidates have already started the process on their own. It shows leadership that the candidate took their personal development seriously for a transition into a new industry.

Interested in landing a job in the booming cannabis industry? Here are some online training institutions that can help get you started: Cannabis Training University, THC University, Cannabis Training Institute, Clover Leaf University, The Trichome Institute.

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.