Dopamine, often called the “reward molecule,” is released in the brain evoking a sense of reward and pleasure, which is important because it motivates us to repeat certain behaviors – ideally, beneficial ones such as physical activity or eating healthy. Here are 10 simple ways to boost your dopamine levels. Sunlight and Vitamin D Image Credit: Depositphotos.com. The easiest way to increase your dopamine level is by going out for a walk and enjoying the sunlight. However underrated, sunlight can make a huge difference in your mood if you’re feeling downcast or tired. Sometimes, all you need is ..read more

As the weather warms up, we have the delightful possibility of cookouts and picnics, and of course, we want our pups along for the fun. It might be tempting to toss snacks at your pup, but some picnic foods are toxic to dogs. Pet owners and their guests need to know which human foods can be dangerous for their pets and say no to those puppy dog eyes. First Off, Manage Guest and Dog Interactions Image Credit: oneinchpunch/Shutterstock. If you're having a barbeque at your house, one way to prevent mistakes is keeping dogs separate from the party while food is out. “Make a point of announcing t ..read more

April is Earth Month, and we are looking at simple steps to help make the planet happier! Living a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle might sound like a big change, but there are simple things we can do. As a passionate conservationist, I've found that every small step we take makes a significant difference. Here, we look at steps that not only simplify our lives but also contribute to a healthier planet for our children. Make a Mindset Shift Image Credit: Deposit Photos. The first step is acknowledging the impact of our daily choices. Every meal we prepare, every product we buy – they all a ..read more

The day my volcano of mom rage erupted was the day that changed my entire approach to motherhood. I was on my third maternity leave, home with my three sons—eight weeks old, just under two, and three and a half. As you can imagine, life was generally chaotic at best. But the chaos I was experiencing went beyond the stress of herding three little boys. I wasn’t just frazzled—I had lost myself. I woke up every morning feeling irritated, as if I had already hit my limit for the day before I poured my coffee. I felt like I was drowning. The experience of motherhood wasn’t the happy, joyous, greet ..read more

Is your routine ready for a refresh? We've set up these spring cleaning mini checklists for daily tasks so you can shake out the excess and find more time in your day.  These mundane tasks can unnecessarily take up far too much time. Take a look at the time cost associated with each of these tasks and try our minimalist solutions to help regain those lost minutes. Social Media Scrolling Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Mindlessly scrolling through social media accounts can consume two to five hours daily.  Regain control by checking how much time you spend in various apps and setting ..read more

By Todd Rowley Churchill Downs is the home of the world-renowned Kentucky Derby. While you might expect racing to be a regular occurrence at the Kentucky track, there are only three racing meets each year after the Derby kicks off the season in May: the Spring Meet after the Derby, the September Meet, and the Fall Meet after Thanksgiving.   Yet Churchill Downs is synonymous with thoroughbred racing with a substantial collection of historic and memorable moments directly—and indirectly—tied to racing. With a history spanning over three centuries, there’s plenty to remember. Inaugural Kentu ..read more

We’ve all been there. Your child gets upset, turns, and stomps away. Along with their angry stomping steps, you hear: “I’m not talking to you!” as they slam the door for emphasis. Kids' and teens' actions can be downright confusing. They might shut us out and then seem hurt that we didn’t respond. They ask for help and then get mad when we try to help them. You don't know what upset your child, but you can TELL they're upset and won't talk to you about it. So, What’s the Deal?  Photo Credit: Shutterstock No one has all the answers. However, in our many years working with families as an ..read more

The impact of reading on the human brain has proven both puzzling and illuminating in the field of neuroscience. The concept of reading has only existed for around 5,000 years, making it a relatively recent adaptive ability in humans, according to linguist and neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf. Yet this recent ability causes the brain to change. Modern research has unquestionably displayed that the reading brain is far more activated than the illiterate brain. How is the brain so sparked by enjoying a good book or studying a new subject? Check out some of the intriguing ways the human brain i ..read more

Oh, to never be rushing for a plane again! If you’re like me, being punctual can feel like an intricate art and science whose mysteries elude you. It’s undeniable that punctuality is a great asset in life. So what do you do when you find yourself scrambling at the last minute, time after time? There are a variety of reasons we might regularly run late. Many people struggle with certain executive function tasks such as prioritizing, time estimation, or starting tasks which can make timeliness challenging, but it's possible to get better at it! Take a look at these ideas, including tips on mind ..read more

Do you ever feel stuck in a cycle of anger and resentment towards your child? Sometimes, I swear it's like a cloud descends on me. If that's where you are, be gentle with yourself. Some days we simply don't have the energy to do anything except hold on and try not to have a tantrum ourselves. Over time though, I know it's crucial to work to get out of that resentful place, because otherwise, everything my kids do – even totally normal, healthy kid things, makes me more and more grumpy, and I start to feel mean. Signs You Resent Your Child: You find yourself constantly on edge – ready to snap ..read more