In this episode of "A Dash of Salt," hosts Stacy McCracken and Sharon Mawet discuss the benefits of having pets, particularly dogs, emphasizing their role in social interaction, stress reduction, and mental health. Stacy shares her personal experiences with dogs, including her current husky, Jaxon, and the positive impact they have on her life. Sharon talks about alternative donation options for items that traditional shelters can't use, such as professional clothing for homeless shelters and old sheets for animal shelters. They also touch on the importance of enjoying the moment and how people can connect with animals, whether through pets or observing wildlife. The episode concludes with a recipe segment featuring a trendy cinnamon roll upgrade.

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In this episode of "A Dash of Salt," hosts Stacy McCracken and Sharon Mawet discuss the importance of friendships and mental health. They highlight Mel Robbins' advice on self-love and positivity, emphasizing the benefits of starting the day with a positive affirmation. They delve into the impact of loneliness, citing a US Surgeon General report that links loneliness to significant health risks, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death. They stress the value of in-person interactions and the challenges of remote work. They also share personal anecdotes and strategies for maintaining friendships and combating loneliness, such as intentional networking, joining meetups, and reaching out to acquaintances. They conclude by recommending books on building relationships and encouraging listeners to connect with others.

Action Items

• Open your contact list and reach out to a friend or acquaintance you haven't spoken to in a while.
• Consider joining a local meetup group or alumni association to expand your social circle.
• Make a habit of reaching out to someone in your network at least once a week, even just to say hello.

Resources

If you are feeling distressed and need to talk to a counselor, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

By calling or texting 988, you'll connect with mental health professionals with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Books in this episode:

How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi

Engagement Question

What are you most passionate about right now?

Challenge
Reach out to someone in the next week to re-connect and check in.

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In this episode of "A Dash of Salt," hosts Sharon and Stacy discuss the joys and challenges of travel, particularly in midlife. They share their experiences traveling together and separately, highlighting the differences in travel preferences with their spouses. They discuss the benefits of travel in broadening perspectives and overcoming prejudices, referencing a quote by Mark Twain. They also talk about the practical aspects of travel, such as packing efficiently using the 5-4-3-2-1 method, using compression socks, and carrying essential items like facial essence and snacks. Stacy introduces the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for travel planning, which can help create itineraries and suggest activities. They emphasize the importance of balancing travel plans with personal interests and the value of enjoying the travel experience.

Action Items

• Try the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method for an upcoming trip.
• Check out the packing list on our website - twosaltywomen.com
• Go somewhere 😀
• Try ChatGPT or another AI tool for planning

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