Nicole

Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

“Something to Stand For,” the new documentary, hosted by Mike Rowe, television host, actor, historic narrator, and former opera singer best known for his work hosting, Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, is a movie worth investing time into this summer. Featuring American patriots, extraordinary citizens, the collective desire to advance America’s positive strides forward, civics, and humanitarianism, while overcoming their unique circumstances to become legendary figures.

Rowe gives audiences key insight into America’s humanitarian-centered past by visiting local eateries, connecting with everyday Americans, and examining our nation’s current trajectory of change, all while driving in a quintessentially American vehicle, a vintage pick-up truck. Embarking on a road trip, including a pit stop to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and narrating stories detailing little-known facts of American history. Narratives adapted from his popular podcast, The Way I Heard It, With Mike Rowe, include historical anecdotes and about vital moments in our collective American history. 

Often appearing in historic theaters, Rowe shares a mind’s view of our nation’s past. Giving viewers a unique American perspective of historic scenes and re-enactments, while discussing events, before and after, that the audience is truly seeing on screen. Giving director Jonathan Coussens visions, and Rowe’s insight, new and dynamic vantage points. Framing people’s perspectives in such a way as to force the viewer to reexamine their take on the microcosms of everyday American life in a modernistic way.

During our current season of intense political scrutiny, Rowe reminds audiences to examine our collective misgivings and shared communal fabric, through shared American experiences, and eventualities we’re likely to face, again. Focusing on well-known historical tales retold and woven into personalized ways. More than well-known narratives and anecdotes, Rowe’s storytelling is a rich, vibrant tale of betterment and historical sojourning.

With its 96-minute run time, there’s much to be seen in this film for history buffs and casual movie viewers alike, with a focus on common tales and new takes on lesser-known tales, it’s hard to not feel patriotic in viewing this historic piece on the big screen.

Join America’s favorite storyteller, Mike Rowe, on an epic journey to the heart of America, our nation’s capital this summer season. From the frontlines of the American Revolution to the epic battles of World War II, into the internal struggles of the Civil Rights Era, and more in theatres starting June 27, 2024.

Be sure to watch the Momentum Influencer Network’s Jean Thomason’s interview with the film’s director, Jonathan Coussens, here, as well as catch the film’s theatrical trailer, here. Then, be sure to enter for your chance to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Momentum Publishing. To enter, please leave a reply in the comments as to why you’d most want to see this film in theatres nationwide starting June 27, 2024, through July 4, 2024. Please note, this giveaway is limited to United States winners. Only entries are counted and entrants winning on multiple platforms will be disqualified. Good luck!

Friends, will you be viewing Something to Stand For, with Mike Rowe, in theatres starting June 27, 2024? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Nowadays, the world is just so hyper-connected; while sure, even a decade ago, the world was super connected thanks to the internet being wider within the world, and even with smartphones being more common now than ever before, it’s really easy to see why. Sure, there are plenty of benefits, but the thing is, there are more than enough disadvantages, too. Actually, it’s easy to get sucked into the digital vortex of endless information. 

Of course, while staying informed is important, there’s a darker side to our online habits that can sneak up on us—doomscrolling. This term might sound ominous (and it is), but it’s all for a good reason. It’s coming up on the news and in articles more on how this is bad for your overall mental health (something that’ll be covered here). But it still goes beyond that, too. So, with that said, here’s the impact on productivity and what you can do to kick the habit.

What Is Doomscrolling?

So again, this has come up in the media a lot, but what exactly is this? It’s just scrolling on your phone, right? Well, doomscrolling refers to the act of continuously scrolling through negative news stories and social media feeds, often without realizing how much time has passed.

This habit can be especially prevalent during times of crisis (like what was happening during the pandemic) or uncertainty, like during a global pandemic (COVID or beyond), political unrest (like elections), or natural disasters. The constant flood of bad news can be overwhelming, yet we cannot look away. 

Sometimes, it just might be hard, too, because algorithms keep feeding you content —things you might not even want to engage with in the first place. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion—horrifying, yet we can’t seem to turn our eyes away.

But it’s not just doom-scrolling, either. Constantly having the news on, like CNN (something that a lot of elderly people do), tends to have a bad impact as well. 

How Doom Scrolling Affects Mental Health

Before brushing up on how it affects productivity, it’s best to first go over how it affects mental health because they’re so intertwined. 

Anxiety Will Increase

Now, you have to understand that reading about negative events continuously can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. Our brains are wired to respond to threats, and consuming alarming news can trigger a stress response, leaving us in a constant state of unease.

You’ll Feel Hopeless

When you’re bombarded with negative news, it’s easy to feel like the world is spiraling out of control. Honestly, it’s all really scary too! This can lead to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s really a shame because it makes you feel like there’s nothing we can do to make a difference.

How Can This Directly Impact Productivity? 

So, like what was said just right about, if something affects your mental health, it’s going to immediately affect your productivity as well. 

It Diverts Attention

A lot of people are guilty of being addicted to their phones; after all, you get a small release of dopamine from those notifications. But is that all? Well, you have to keep in mind that constantly checking news and social media can be incredibly distracting. Every time you pick up your phone to check the latest headlines, you’re diverting your focus away from tasks that need your attention. This constant switching can make it hard to concentrate on your work.

It Reduces Motivation

Do you know how it was mentioned that you’d feel hopeless because the world is crumbling, or do you feel like you’re not enough? Well, this is going to kill motivation, which in turn kills productivity. When you’re feeling down about the state of the world, it’s challenging to muster the energy and enthusiasm needed to tackle your tasks. 

It Might Be Harder to Make Decisions

So this is one that surprises a lot of people, but high levels of stress and anxiety can impair our cognitive functions, including decision-making. When our minds are clouded with worry, it’s harder to think clearly and make sound decisions, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of life. Honestly, it’s the furthest thing from ideal since your whole judgment gets clouded. 

What Can You Do to Stop Doomscrolling

Again, this is really bad, and the last thing you want to do is destroy your productivity. It doesn’t matter if this productivity involves your career, academic career, or even unpaid labor around the house. It needs to be taken seriously. 

You Need to Set Boundaries for Screen Time

It’s going to be a really good idea to just go ahead and establish specific times for checking news and social media and stick to them. Now, this might be a mental challenge at first, but it’s going to be a really good idea to go ahead and start avoiding looking at your phone first thing in the morning or right before bed. But if the temptation is just way too strong, then it’s best just to use apps or built-in features on your phone to limit screen time and set reminders to take breaks.

You Need to Engage in Positive Activities

It’s totally fine to use your phone during your free time, like your breaks. But the problem is scrolling. So, you’re better off looking into other apps and websites to use on your phone instead. For example, why not start doing crossword puzzles on your phone? 

How about playing video games on your phone? You’d be surprised about some of the long RPG games that phones can now play. You can even read books or chit-chat with people. But just trying to avoid news, social media, and even websites like Reddit should be ideally avoided, too.

Focus On What You Can Control

This goes back to that helplessness feeling. While yes, we can’t control the world, none of us can, but you don’t have to think all hope is loss. So, instead of dwelling on negative news, focus on actions you can take to improve your situation. Whether it’s volunteering, advocating for a cause, or simply being kind to others, taking positive actions can help you feel more empowered and less helpless. You might not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of one person, and that alone is incredible. 

Do you have someone special in your life who loves spending time outdoors and appreciates the beauty of nature? If so, you may be wondering what kind of gift would delight them. From outdoor gear to nature-inspired home décor, jewelry, and more, there are many unique and thoughtful gift ideas that any nature lover would appreciate. Keep reading for some beautiful gift suggestions for the nature enthusiast within your life. 

Experiences in Nature

One of the best gifts you can give a nature lover is the gift of a shared experience outdoors. Plan a hiking, camping, or kayaking trip together in a beautiful natural area. Look for locations that offer stunning scenery, great wildlife viewing, or interesting ecological features. For a simpler idea, purchase passes to a local botanical garden or tickets for a nature tour or whale-watching cruise. Experiencing nature together will create wonderful memories.

Nature-Themed Jewellery

Jewellery featuring natural motifs is a lovely gift idea for nature lovers. Nature-themed earrings, pendants, and bracelets remind the wearer of the beauty of the outdoors. Opt for pieces featuring trees, leaves, flowers, feathers, dragonflies, shells, or gems and minerals. Handcrafted bee jewelry, like necklaces and earrings featuring bee and honeycomb designs, is particularly popular. There is something unique and quirky about bee jewelry that the recipient is sure to love.

Field Guides and Nature Books

For the nature lover who enjoys learning about the natural world, books make wonderful gifts. Field guides that aid in identifying trees, flowers, mushrooms, animal tracks, constellations, and more allow nature enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge. Options like national park guides, natural history books, nature poetry anthologies, and books on gardening, herbalism, and foraging are also lovely choices. Find books with beautiful illustrations and covers to delight any nature devotee.

Gardening Gifts

If your special someone has a green thumb, give them gifts to nurture their love of gardening. High-quality gardening tools like pruning shears, shovels, and watering cans are always useful. You could also build them a custom potting bench or window box planter. For apartment dwellers, consider an indoor hydroponic or aeroponic herb garden kit. Gift sets that include seeds and gardening accessories are available on many gardening sites. A gift certificate to a local nursery or greenhouse will allow them to select their own plants and supplies.

Eco-Friendly and Upcycled Gifts

Nature lovers tend to care deeply about the environment. Giving them a gift that aligns with eco-friendly values by choosing products made from natural, recycled, or upcycled materials. Search for gifts like solar chargers, reusable water bottles, bracelets made from recycled paper or glass, coasters from upcycled rubber tires, or stationery crafted from tree-free paper. Supporting sustainable brands and artists keeps gift-giving green.

Nature Photography and Artwork

Give the gift of natural beauty by choosing a stunning photograph, print, or artwork depicting a landscape, animal, plant, or natural scene that you know they’ll appreciate. Search for pieces featuring their favorite outdoor places, national parks, or wildlife. Opt for framed photos or stretched canvas prints that can be displayed in their home or office. Local nature photographers, artists at outdoor art festivals, and museum gift shops are great sources for unique nature-themed art.

With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect gift that celebrates the nature lover in your life. A thoughtful gift reflecting their passion for the outdoors and natural world will absolutely delight them.

Friends, what gifts do you give nature enthusiasts in your life? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.