Sunday, July 27, 2025
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Author: Confluence

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Confluence

A Surprising Solution for Stress Relief

Reading Time: 2 minutes New research from the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health shows that living with flowers can significantly alleviate daily stress. These findings follow decades of behavioral research studies conducted by researchers at universities including Harvard, Rutgers and Texas A&M that demonstrate flowers’ ability to make people happy, strengthen feelings of compassion, foster creativity and even provide boosts of energy.

The study, titled The Impact of Flowers on Perceived Stress Among Women, concludes that adding flowers to indoor environments results in a statistically significant and meaningful reduction in stress.

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Relate
Confluence

Podcast: An Honest Conversation About Screens and Our Children

Reading Time: 2 minutes Today’s episode will explore the issue of parenting in the digital age and how to get out of the cycle of using screen time as reward and punishment. Not all screen time is equal. We will look at the good and the bad and how we can best balance being a consumer with being a creator. Parents will be asked to reflect on their own screen habits before looking at a framework for house rules regarding technology. The goal is to humanize ourselves with our children, avoid power struggles and deepen our connection to one another as all of us learn how to co-exist with technology in the healthiest way. 

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Engage
Confluence

Cut For Life – Hairstylists and Barbers Against AIDS

Reading Time: < 1 minute This video is a perfect illustration of how impactful and important community is. It’s also a beautiful illustration of how to have conversations about subjects most would feel are difficult of awkward.

It’s thought-provoking to think about the role of a hair stylist or barber in a community, friend, therapist, confidante, even mentor.  It’s inspiring to see how the simple act of conversation, especially when it’s difficult, can change the course of a life or save a life.

Brave conversation is the most powerful catalyst for change we have. These two provide a brilliant example of how to navigate that territory.

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Informed
Confluence

Preparing an Emergency Plan for Your Unique Needs

Reading Time: 2 minutes Disasters such as hurricanes, floods, fires and other emergency situations are all too common these days. In fact, about 4 out of 5 Americans live in counties hit by weather events since 2007, according to disaster declaration data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). That illustrates how these events can impact nearly everyone and the importance of having a plan.

This is particularly true for older people and people with disabilities. Health issues, mobility concerns and use of assistive devices can create additional challenges during emergencies. However, there are simple steps everyone can take to prepare now for what may come later.

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EngageInformed
Confluence

A People Before Politics Platform that Makes Sense When Everything Seems Insane

Reading Time: 8 minutes I woke up this morning with the powerful need to write down what I want to happen in our country, politically.

I’m going to share these ideas with you not because I want you to agree with me, but because I want you to consider your own perspective on these issues and come to your own conclusions.

Then, take a hard look at the candidates on your slate next month. Where do they stand on the issue vs. where you stand? If it’s unclear, find a way to ask them.

Then, vote for the people who are closest to your point of view. They may not be 100% in alignment with you – but vote for the one who’s 80% there over the one who’s 10% with you.

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Thrive
Confluence

Warm Yourself with Autumn Soups—3 Easy Recipes

Reading Time: 5 minutes The act of preparing food to nourish yourself and your loved ones brings a sense of joy and accomplishment – benefits that are difficult to measure, but nonetheless add up.

And, if you’re after saving time, don’t forget the crock pot! If you have one of these versatile kitchen tools, you have a busy soup-maker’s best friend. When I had a family to feed that thing practically lived on my counter during the winter.

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