Joseph Sustainable Health Writer

Most of us have heard of morning habits that lead to a healthier lifestyle, but what about habits that lead to better sleep and overall health? It's important to wrap up the day in a way that sets a positive tone for the morning ahead, and there are seven simple steps you can add to your routine to make sure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Stay organized.

Preparing for the next day by setting out essentials such as glasses, water, an alarm, and chapstick on your bedside table will save you time and reduce stress in the morning. Ironing your work clothes and getting your exercise gear sorted out can also be done before bed to eliminate last-minute preparations in the morning. You'll be amazed at how much of a difference this can make.

Grateful journaling.

Writing down what you are grateful for each night can increase happiness and reduce stress, leading to better sleep and fewer symptoms of illness. It's a small gesture that can have a big impact, and make plan for the next day.

Read a good book.

Reading before bed can calm your nerves, improve brain function, memory, and thought processes, leading to a more restful night's sleep. It can also help you escape into another world and forget about the stress of the day.

Meditate for peace.

With the constant barrage of information we receive daily, it's no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. Meditating before bed can slow down your brain activity, leading to a more peaceful and deeper sleep. You don't need a fancy setup; just sit on your bed or floor with your eyes closed and breathe intentionally.

Stretch your body.

Stretching can lengthen tendons and muscles, reducing the frequency and severity of leg cramps and sore backs. By giving your body a good stretch, you can release any built-up tension and relax.

Tech-free before bed.

Checking Facebook, Instagram, or watching television can distract you from winding down and cause difficulty sleeping. The blue light from screens can also interfere with your body clock, so try putting your phone away and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Sleep well.

It may sound obvious, but it's important to make sleep a priority. With busy schedules and constant distractions, we often forget to prioritize rest. Committing to a good night's sleep will help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

By incorporating these seven habits into your bedtime routine, you'll notice a change in both your health and happiness. Try adding one at a time to build on and improve your bedtime routine. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make

The future of our planet hangs in the balance, and it's no secret that our current agricultural practices are tipping the scales in the wrong direction. The United Nations Environment Programme sound the alarm about methane emissions from farming. It's clear that we need to take action to mitigate the damages that are caused to the environment. It looks more like we are helpless in the fight, and it is difficult to do away with our favorite foods, meals, activities and income. This implies we're ignoring the potential consequences of the current farming actions. If that be the case, then, we are not ready to make any real difference in the battle against climate declination.

Agriculture is the predominant source of Methane gas, that is continuously hitting our climate in hard ways. The agricultural industry contributes to 32% of global methane emissions. And most of this methane is generated by livestock such as cows, sheep, and goats, through their manure and gastroenteric releases. Paddy rice cultivation is also a great contributor, and it is not in a small amount, as cultivation alone accounts for 8% of human-linked methane emissions. The increasing world's population growth and economic spreads, indicates that our insatiable demand for rice and animal protein will be on the rise. All at the cost of climate change.

To have our food crops meet with methane will generate consequences with time. Then it will occur that agriculture is hurting itself, setting traps for our farmlands. The trend and many more shows — we are not ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work – unfortunately, the planet is counting on us.

Why is Methane a big deal?

Despite the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, atmospheric methane levels continued to rise. Methane is a tipping point when climate change becomes self perpetuating, as it doesn't stay longer than 12 years in the atmosphere. So it has conveniently contributed to a 30% increase in the global temperature since industrialization. This potent greenhouse gas is estimated to have 28 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide over a 100-year time frame. It's also the primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a hazardous air pollutant that causes 1 million premature deaths every year. Therefore, if we are to compare the methane crisis to the hunger crisis, cutting methane should be our emergency food project. Or what's the essence of feeding ourselves for death? Likewise, it's important we know that methane also has our long-term farming practices in its book, with the potential effects that could surface.

How will methane emissions affect farming?

Well, for one, methane has the ability to trap heat and influence climate instability, which can lead to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns that affect crop growth. Plants need just the right amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight to flourish, and any major changes can throw everything off. When there's not enough rain, drought conditions cause plants to wilt and wither away. Drought patterns can be especially tough on plants, as they struggle to get the water they need to survive. This can lead to stunted growth and even death. And it's not just the amount of water that matters - changes in temperature is another issue. The leaves wilt and burn in the heat, or the entire plant getting damaged or killed on prolonged heat.

Methane can mix with other pollutants in the air, to create surface ozone, which can cause chlorosis in plants. Chlorosis is a condition where leaves turn yellow, indicating that the plant is not producing enough chlorophyll to sustain itself. Additionally, methane emissions can deplete nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential nutrient for crops. When methane is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with other gasses to form ground-level ozone. This ozone then reacts with nitrogen in the soil, creating nitric acid that makes the soil more acidic. Soil acidity can be bad news for plant growth, as it can make it harder for plants to absorb the nutrients they need to grow big and strong. This would lead to stunted growth, lower yields, and crops that just aren't as healthy for consumption.

Not only that, methane emissison can tamper with the essential carbon in the soil. Soil carbon is super important for healthy soil, as it helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. But when methane emissions are high, it will cause soil carbon to decrease, leading to soil degradation and making it harder for plants to thrive.

Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature, also have a direct impact on livestock health. This is by affecting the quality and quantity of forage available for livestock. This, in turn, can impact the nutritional value of their food and ultimately their health. And at high levels methane displaces oxygen in the air, making it difficult for livestock to breathe and ultimately leading to asphyxiation. It must also be noted that the formed ground level ozone can be deposited in water bodies, leading to increased acidity levels that can harm aquatic life and ultimately make it harder for livestock to access clean, safe water.

Absolutely! we've seen, agriculture itself is not exempted, from the looming effects of methane emissions. From soil depletion to crop yield, livestock health and water quality. That's why it's so important for agriculturalists to do everything to reduce methane emissions and protect the environment. Endeavor to take necessary actions as from now, although they can be difficult, but they are investments into what will help protect our soil, water, crops and livestock, and further ensure a healthy future for agriculture. So let's all do our part and work towards a more sustainable and methane-reduced agricultural industry.

The future of our planet hangs in the balance, and it's no secret that our current agricultural practices are tipping the scales in the wrong direction. The United Nations Environment Programme sound the alarm about methane emissions from farming.

It's clear that we need to take action to mitigate the damages that are caused to the environment. It looks more like we are helpless in the fight, and it is difficult to do away with our favorite foods, meals, activities and income. This implies we're ignoring the potential consequences of the current farming actions. If that be the case, then, we are not ready to make any real difference in the battle against climate declination.

Agriculture is the predominant source of Methane gas, that is continuously hitting our climate in hard ways. The agricultural industry contributes to 32% of global methane emissions. And most of this methane is generated by livestock such as cows, sheep, and goats, through their manure and gastroenteric releases. Paddy rice cultivation is also a great contributor, and it is not in a small amount, ascultivation alone accounts for 8% of human-linked methane emissions.

The increasing world's population growth and economic spreads, indicates that our insatiable demand for rice and animal protein will be on the rise. All at the cost of climate change.
To have our food crops meet with methane will generate consequences with time. Then it will occur that agriculture is hurting itself, setting traps for our farmlands. The trend and many more shows — we are not ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work – unfortunately, the planet is counting on us.

Why is Methane a big deal?

Despite the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, atmospheric methane levels continued to rise. Methane is a tipping point when climate change becomes self perpetuating, as it doesn’t stay longer than 12 years in the atmosphere. So it has conveniently contributed to a 30% increase in the global temperature since industrialization. This potent greenhouse gas is estimated to have 28 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide over a 100-year time frame.

It’s also the primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a hazardous air pollutant that causes 1 million premature deaths every year. Therefore, if we are to compare the methane crisis to the hunger crisis, cutting methane should be our emergency food project. Or what’s the essence of feeding ourselves for death? Likewise, it’s important we know that methane also has our long-term farming practices in its book, with the potential effects that could surface.

How will methane emissions affect farming?

Well, for one, methane has the ability to trap heat and influence climate instability, which can lead to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns that affect crop growth. Plants need just the right amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight to flourish, and any major changes can throw everything off. When there's not enough rain, drought conditions cause plants to wilt and wither away. Drought patterns can be especially tough on plants, as they struggle to get the water they need to survive. This can lead to stunted growth and even death. And it's not just the amount of water that matters - changes in temperature is another issue. The leaves wilt and burn in the heat, or the entire plant getting damaged or killed on prolonged heat.

Methane can mix with other pollutants in the air, to create surface ozone, which can cause chlorosis in plants. Chlorosis is a condition where leaves turn yellow, indicating that the plant is not producing enough chlorophyll to sustain itself. Additionally, methane emissions can deplete nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential nutrient for crops. When methane is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with other gasses to form ground-level ozone. This ozone then reacts with nitrogen in the soil, creating nitric acid that makes the soil more acidic. Soil acidity can be bad news for plant growth, as it can make it harder for plants to absorb the nutrients they need to grow big and strong. This would lead to stunted growth, lower yields, and crops that just aren't as healthy for consumption.

Not only that, methane emissison can tamper with the essential carbon in the soil. Soil carbon is super important for healthy soil, as it helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. But when methane emissions are high, it will cause soil carbon to decrease, leading to soil degradation and making it harder for plants to thrive.

Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature, also have a direct impact on livestock health. This is by affecting the quality and quantity of forage available for livestock. This, in turn, can impact the nutritional value of their food and ultimately their health. And at high levels methane displaces oxygen in the air, making it difficult for livestock to breathe and ultimately leading to asphyxiation. It must also be noted that the formed ground level ozone can be deposited in water bodies, leading to increased acidity levels that can harm aquatic life and ultimately make it harder for livestock to access clean, safe water.

Absolutely! we've seen, agriculture itself is not exempted, from the looming effects of methane emissions. From soil depletion to crop yield, livestock health and water quality. That's why it's so important for agriculturalists to do everything to reduce methane emissions and protect the environment. Endeavor to take necessary actions as from now, although they can be difficult, but they are investments into what will help protect our soil, water, crops and livestock, and further ensure a healthy future for agriculture. So let's all do our part and work towards a more sustainable and methane-reduced agricultural industry.

Climate change has brought forth a new psychological phenomenon called "eco-anxiety." The term describes a feeling of unease experienced by those who are concerned about the environment, particularly the younger generations and parents of young children.

Climate change Fear Paddles

The daily barrage of news, such as bushfires, half a billion animals incinerated, drinking water shortages, and rising oceans, has left people feeling panicked, anxious, resigned, fatigued, guilty, outraged, and disconnected. Some people feel powerless or stuck, while others experience guilt and a sense of doom. There are those who suffer from "compassion fatigue," which is characterized by chronic physical and emotional fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and feeling numb and unmotivated.
It's clearer that climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a reality we all have to live with, and it is taking a toll on our mental health. As we wake up to images of bushfires, floods, and droughts on our phones and TVs, we are bombarded with a sense of existential dread. It is difficult not to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and powerless in the face of such a massive challenge. Meanwhile, younger millennials and Generation Z, as well as parents, are facing an uncertain future. Those who already suffer from an underlying mood disorder, like mild anxiety, may find it even more challenging to cope with eco-anxiety.

So, how can we cope with Climate Anxiety? Navigating through Eco-anxiety

1. Acknowledge that eco-anxiety is a valid response to the climate crisis. It is not a sign of weakness, but a natural reaction to a real and urgent threat. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry about what is happening to our planet. However, it is also important not to let these emotions consume us.
   One of the biggest challenges of coping with eco-anxiety is the constant bombardment of bad news. Every day, we are confronted with stories of disasters and tragedies that can leave us feeling numb and helpless. To avoid compassion fatigue, it is crucial to find a balance between staying informed and taking breaks from the news. Limit your exposure to social media and TV if it is making you feel overwhelmed. Instead, seek out positive stories and actions that give you hope and inspiration.
2. Cope by taking action. While it is easy to feel powerless and disconnected, there are many ways to make a difference. Joining a local environmental group, volunteering for a conservation project, or simply reducing your carbon footprint can give you a sense of purpose and agency. Remember, every little action counts, and together, we can make a big impact.
3. Get Familiar with Nature: Spending
   time in nature can have a profound impact on our well-being and help us move forward when we feel stuck. Studies have shown that, the more time we spend in nature, the deeper our connection to it becomes, and we realize that we are a part of it.
   However, for those who are deeply distressed about the state of the environment, simply being in nature may not be enough to alleviate their anxiety. Likewise, focusing on land restoration and land use, and you witness degraded habitats, such as mowed lawns, monoculture farms, or invasive species, can be triggering.
   In this case, it better to create a safe space where you can enjoy nature without being overwhelmed by negative emotions. You can set up an area like a garden with native pollinator-friendly plants where you can relax and appreciate the beauty of nature without being triggered by what is wrong with the environment
4. Take care of your mental health. Exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature are all great ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling and seek professional help if needed. Many mental health services offer support for eco-anxiety, and there are also online resources available.

6 Foster a sense of community and connection. The climate crisis affects us all, and we need to work together to find solutions. By connecting with others who share your concerns and values, you can feel less isolated and more empowered. Whether it's joining a local activism group or simply having a conversation with your neighbor, every interaction counts.

Foster a sense of community and connection. The climate crisis affects us all, and we need to work together to find solutions. By connecting with others who share your concerns and values, you can feel less isolated and more empowered. Whether it's joining a local activism group or simply having a conversation with your neighbor, every interaction counts.

Eco-anxiety is a valid and natural response to the climate crisis, but it is essential not to let it consume us. By finding a balance between staying informed and taking breaks from the news, taking action, taking care of our mental health, and fostering a sense of community, we can cope with eco-anxiety and work towards a more sustainable future. Remember, we are all in this together