15 minute read
Handling Stress
HANDLING HOLIDAY
The holiday season often brings an unwelcome guest — stress. And it’s no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining, to name just a few. And this year brings even more challenges. COVID 19 is a new normal and it is a factor in everything we do these days. If you are feeling additional stress about the holidays, you are not alone. Read on to see how it can be easier to get through the holidays this year.
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When stress is at its peak, it is hard to stop and regroup. If you are feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, since we won’t be able to celebrate as usual, consider dropping off a meal and/or dessert at a friend’s home for their holiday.
We all know that the holidays this year will be different than previous years. No longer can we invite twenty people to our house for the day and spend the day inside close together. If your family or friends can’t come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails, or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate. Video calls can be the the answer to some of your family traditions. Whether it be reading a story to the grandkids, a group activity such as singing, it all can be adapted to video. Even if it will be a small group this year, there is still the need to be organized and have a routine. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Most local businesses have their own websites in which to shop if you don’t want to go out. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And don’t forget, everyone else is in the same boat so shopping could get crazy. Get your holiday chores and shopping done early.
Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress. Adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Take a walk, read a book, listen to soothing music.
Don’t let this become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.
APTOS VILLAGE SQUARE
7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos www.aptosvillagesquare.com
Aptos Village Square is a host to several Aptos Favorites - all of which are family owned. The Shopping Center is a place where everyone in your family can find something, practical, healthy, fun, and interesting! Businesses include Jansen Music, The UPS Store, Showtime Pizza, Uncle Kwok’s, Fleet Feet, Hot Source Yoga, Crossfit Aptos, Studio E Dance, Quality Water, Let It Shine Hair Salon, and Caledonia Salon. Conveniently located in the heart of Aptos — take the State Park Drive exit off Hwy 1 heading south.
ARTS COUNCIL SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
1070 River Street, Santa Cruz info@artscouncilsc.org
It’s here! We are so excited to announce the official launch of the Visual Arts Network: art on your schedule, any time, all year long at visualartsnetworkscc.com. This online hub is a curated directory of 357 Santa Cruz County visual artists, showcasing their work and artistic vision. Jump on in and explore the Network to get your art fix anytime! You can search by artist name, medium, location, and more to meet a new artist in your neighborhood or connect with your favorite local creators. Not sure where to start? Stay tuned here throughout the year to learn more about featured artists every week. Explore the Network: www.visualartsnetworkscc.com. Please email Ann Ostermann at ann@artscouncilsc.org for more information.
BAY PHOTO LAB
920 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley 800.435.6686 www.bayphoto.com
Bay Photo Lab has a long history of innovative photographic printing and photo finishing services. Located in the coastal redwoods outside of Santa Cruz, California, we have been providing Professional Photographers with the highest quality printing and customer service for over 40 years. We are committed to providing personal attention and a wide range of products. We pride WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! ourselves on our quality printing and fast delivery. Bring your images to Bay Photo and join the many professional photographers who depend on us for outstanding quality, excellent value, and exceptional customer service.
BUBBLE LOUNGE
30 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos 831.708.4100 www.bubbleloungesc.com Our boutique carries a carefully curated and unique selection of yoga wear, loungewear, natural cosmetics, skincare and body products. We also carry a large assortment of owner favorite gifts, candles, and jewelry from local artisans. Our favorite daily comment is “this place has everything a woman could possibly want.” Come check out our Goddesswear. It is a year-round favorite. Brazilian styling hugs every curve while still offering extreme comfort with expertly designed pants, leggings, jackets, skirts, and shorts. A perfect gift for the holidays! We love our clientele at Bubble Lounge and look forward to giving only the best customer service!
CAPITOLA VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
www.capitolavillage.com
Named a best California beach town by “USA Today”, with 90 shops, restaurants and lodging on the beach. Capitola Village has a unique charm with its beautiful beaches and historic and colorful architecture, reminiscent of a Mediterranean village. Capitola Village is a great place to walk around and explore the eclectic mix of boutiques and restaurants. You will find gift shops, wine tasting rooms, galleries, apparel shops, surf shops, and more! Relax on the beach or get a little more adventurous and learn to surf or paddleboard during your stay, you can even rent a boat to explore the bay.
CLEAN JUICE
100 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos 831.661.0614 www.cleanjuice.com/locations/aptos Today’s lifestyle is busy and on-the-go, leaving many people with hardly any time to plan their meals. Being too busy to stop and eat a healthy meal sometimes leaves us with no choice but foods that are fast and convenient, which usually isn’t the healthiest choice. Clean Juice cold-press juice cleanses give you the quick and convenient solution you need but are packed with nutrition. Following a Clean Juice cleanse is a great way to give your body the attention it needs—fresh, healthy and safe organic ingredients in a convenient juice cleanse program. Cleansing is a safe, easy and healthy way to bring your mind, body and spirit back to life. It’s simple to get started, and you’ll find the benefits are endless the more you explore the world of organic juice cleansing!
CORRALITOS FEED & PET SUPPLIES
Our Country Store: 2895 B Freedom Blvd, Corralitos Our City Store: 1486 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville 831.722.7884 831.728.2244 www.corralitosfeed.com At Corralitos Feed and Pet Supplies we specialize in pet and livestock nutrition. We carry everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. Visit our Country Store in Corralitos for boots as well as horse and and supplies including straw, hay and alfalfa. We also carry a full line of pet foods and products. Visit our City store in Watsonville for all your pet needs. We also have live animals including birds, reptiles, rabbits, chickens, and fish, along with the full line of products and food for these pets. Come by and say hi and let us help you with all your critters!
BELLA DAWNA
7556 Soquel Drive, Aptos 831.688.3203 www.belladawnaesthetics.com BellaDawna is a modern apothecary spa located in Aptos. We offer a variety of skin care, waxing, spray-tanning, and make-up services; as well as a boutique with a variety of natural, bio-dynamic, and non-toxic products for face, body, bath, fragrance, and nails. When dealing with hyper-pigmentation, acne, and affective anti-aging, we can customize a series of treatments and at-home care for lasting results. The BellaDawna atmosphere is relaxing and down to earth. We offer quality services and pride ourselves on our expertise. Our goal is for everyone to feel comfortable; and we want to provide you with a service that fits your lifestyle. Visit www.michaelsonmainmusics.com for our live music calendar.
PET PALS DISCOUNT PET FOOD AND SUPPLIES
3660 Soquel Dr, Soquel 831.464.8775 www.petpals.com Pet Pals Discount Pet Food and Supplies has been family owned since 1987. We are not a chain or franchise. We aim to provide brand name pet food and supplies at the lowest discount prices at our 17,000 square foot warehouse store. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you and your four-legged friends find exactly what you need. We take pride in our local roots and give back to the Santa Cruz County pet community whenever possible. We offer a low-cost vaccination clinic and host pet adoptions every weekend. Please reach out if your nonprofit or pet organization would like to connect with the Pet Pals team.
ROOSTERS
28 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 831-612-6938 www.RoostersMGC.com
At Roosters Men’s Grooming Center, we provide authentic barbering services designed with men in mind. Whether you come in for the Roosters Club Cut or Signature 7-Step Facial Shave, you can be confident you will leave looking and feeling your best. Schedule an appointment with one of our talented barbers or stylists and receive hair care and grooming services specifically tailored to meet your needs. Give the gift of Roosters to the gentlemen in your life so they can experience the comforts of an oldschool barber shop with grooming techniques for the modern man. Our distinctive services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK
800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville 831.722.7110 thefoodbank.org
Help Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County continue to fill the gap and feed hope by providing healthy food throughout the current crisis and beyond. 100% of the funds raised during Holiday Food and Fund Drives goes to providing food to distribute at our 165 partner agency and program locations. Second Harvest Food Bank has the ability to provide 4 meals for $1. Distributions have doubled since March 2020. We hope you can be a part of the action this year. Be a Hunger Hero and join us!
SUPER SILVER
Santa Cruz: 1301 Pacific Ave, 831.460.9696 Capitola Mall: Across from Food Court 831.477.1932 Capitola Village: 214 Capitola Ave 831.462.9696 Sacramento: Old Town 916.443.2801 www.supersilversantacruz.com Super Silver has a wide variety of chains to choose from, ranging from 14” to 36” (and everything in between!) Come in and try on some of our gorgeous thick Italian chains and handmade Bali Necklaces! No matter what you’re looking for, you will find it at Super Silver! We have a huge assortment of chains, basic styles such as Box, Snake, and Figaro. Eye-catching Curb/Cuban, Marina, Rope and SO MUCH MORE! We even have Chains for infants and children! Ask about our Amber Teething Necklaces. Stop by Super Silver, your one stop shop for all things Sterling Silver!
AVENUE CAFE
Avenue Cafe 427 Capitola Ave, Capitola 831.515.7559 Come in, Relax and Enjoy! There’s nothing better than dining at a great neighborhood restaurant with family and friends. The kind of neighborhood restaurant that inspires people to introduce others to their find. Avenue Cafe Capitola was created with that in mind. We serve traditional breakfast and lunches as well as Mexican dishes. We are a family owned and operated restaurant serving delicious recipes made from the best and freshest ingredients. Fresh and Authentic... Whether you eat-in or take-out, we take great pride in making sure you get delicious food made from quality ingredients.
HEAVENLY ROADSIDE CAFE
21210 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley 831.335.1210 www.heavenlyroadsidecafe.com Founded in 1955 as Heavenly Hamburger, Heavenly Roadside Cafe is one of Scotts Valley’s landmark destinations. Our goal is to provide good food and good service in a warm and friendly environment. We always use fresh, local and organic fare when possible. Join us for a great breakfast or lunch. We serve old-time favorites with modern additions and some new twists. Our most popular breakfast items include the Crab Cake Benedict, Loaded Potatoes, and the California Scramble. The John Wayne Burger topped with house made onion rings is also a favorite. Come see us!
KAITO
830 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 831.464.2586 www.smilekaito.com
The name Kaito means “Ocean Lover” as fits those who love the beach town of Santa Cruz. At Kaito we are focused on providing the best service & food with the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We will do everything we can to meet your expectations. With a variety of offerings to choose from, we’re sure you’ll be happy. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. Check back later for new updates to our website. There’s much more .... We hope to see you soon!
MICHAEL’S ON MAIN
2591 Main St., Soquel 831.479.9777 info@michaelsonmain.net • www.michaelsonmain.com Michael’s on Main offers what we like to call “Americana Cuisine” — you will find fresh local-caught fish, pizza, tacos, as well as pasta, vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten free choices. The ambiance at Michael’s on Main is warm and inviting. Indoor spaces are decorated with works of art by local arts and our outdoor seating overlooks beautiful Soquel Creek. We also feature live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Visit www.michaelsonmainmusics.com for our live music calendar.
Agape Dance Academy presents: NUTCRACKER the MOVIE 2020!
This holiday season our community needs entertainment, Jacob’s Heart needs donations, Agape Dance and all the arts needs funds to continue training up dancers for greater purposes! Agape Dance Academy is so excited to present our Nutcracker holiday tradition at the Boardwalk Drive-In theater! This exciting, beautiful Nutcracker Movie is filmed in Santa Cruz by Taylor Productions with master dancers, local ballerinas, Agape Dance alumnae and fun community leaders! Dramatically filmed in small groups and produced into a huge hour of holiday excitement! Ticket sales benefit Jacob’s Heart and the local ballet arts! (Director of Agape Dance, Melanie Useldinger). Miracle Nutcracker. We’re looking for a miracle this Christmas , of a beautiful work-of-art movie version of the beloved Nutcracker Ballet 2020. We hope to lift the human hearts of audiences, participants, dancers, community members and creators with this very special Nutcracker movie that will create beautiful memories of triumphant times in the challenging year of 2020. Please help us reach our goal of funds that will be the source of the a truly high quality movie that shows off the incredible talent that has been celebrated year after year of our live Nutcracker performances! Please consider any amount that you are able to give to this project as every bit helps! Go Fund Me: https://gf.me/u/y7tgvp
happy holidays in
Dine & Shop during the Holidays and enjoy the magic of the season. This year many stores will be accepting donations for Salvations Army
Come stroll the village & enjoy the beautiful lights, check out the decorated storefronts & the lights of Depot Hill
“Angel Tree” Your Angel Tree donation helps keep joy & hope alive for local Santa Cruz County families
