The Switch to Daylight Savings Time

Feeling cranky? you are not alone. Daylight savings time began in most of Canada and the United States, this past weekend. The good news is we get an extra hour of daylight in the evening. The bad news is that we had to lose an hour of sleep in order to spring forward. Let’s look at the history of Daylight Savings and some tips on dealing with the time change.

Why do we Change the Clocks

The idea of moving the clocks dates back to 1895 when George Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand, suggested to shift the clocks two hours ahead so that he can have more daylight hours at the end of the day to go bug hunting. It wasn’t until World War I though when the clocks moved one hour. It started in the German Empire to save money on lighting during the war. Other countries followed suit, but returned to standard time when the war ended. Daylight savings time was used in the United States during the second world war.

It wasn’t until 1966 when the Uniform Time Act suggested to switch the clocks every year. It has been used ever since. Originally, the move to daylight savings time occurred on the last Sunday of April to the last Sunday of October. From 1987 to 2006, daylight savings time began earlier on the first Sunday of April. Since 2007, we enjoy the extra hour of light from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November.

So, why still bother changing the clocks?

While the idea of permanently going in to daylight savings all year round has been floated around, doing so would mean that although the would set later, so would the sunrise, meaning that people would have to go to work or school in the dark.

Adapting to Daylight Savings

Our biological clocks is what as us wake up and fall asleep around the same time. Any form of change can disrupt the clock system which makes it hard to adjust to the time change.

Sleeping earlier a week before the time change can help get your body adjust to daylight savings. It is best to go to bed fifteen minutes earlier than your usual bedtime, and keep at it until you are in bed an hour earlier than usual. In the meantime, enjoy that extra sunlight at the end of the day.

What do you think of the time change? Let me know in the comments section.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Feminism in 2022

Today is March 8th (the day this blog is out). It is International Women’s day, a day where we celebrate women and the way they have impacted society. The idea of this day is to promote equality, regardless of gender and race. Society has seen tremendous progress in the role of women in the workforce. Gender identity has become more accepted in recent years, tough more work needs to be done. As gender roles has changed, let’s look at where feminism stands in 2022, and a personal opinion on this subject.

History

Historically, women did not have the rights they enjoy today. For instance, women were not allowed to vote in Canadian Federal elections until 1918 when the Electoral Franchise upon women act was passed. Women also did not have any high ranking positions in the job force. Most women were told to get married and become a homemaker while the husband goes to work. With the rise of female power in the 20th century, what has happened to change things?

Since the late 1800s, a series of waves has changed the face of feminism. The first wave began in the nineteenth century when voting rights against women was raised. It wasn’t until 1920 when the nineteenth amendment was passed in the United States was when women could vote. The second wave of feminism of the mid-to-late twentieth century was concentrated on discrimination based on gender as well as sexism and birth control. The late 1990s saw a third wave of feminism during the Anita Hill Senate hearings. Hill accused a supreme court nominee of sexually harassing her. The hearings bought in a new era of activism. For more on the history of the feminist movement, click here.

Today

Although progress has been made, a majority of U.S. adults do not believe that the country is giving women equal rights with men. Most people believe that women still are not being treated equally with men. In terms of where feminism stands today, the main priorities for feminists in 2022 are abortion rights, racial equity, voting rights, LGBT Rights, among others. For more on current feminist issues, click here.

Personal Opinion

As an individual, I personally feel that everyone should be equal. There is no need to discriminate anyone based on gender and race. Feminism has came along day from its original roots in the nineteenth century. It’s interesting that women were not allowed to vote just because of who they are. I personally find that appalling and sad.

I just hope that the feminist movement doesn’t make men any less powerful. The feminist movement may seem like it is to take over males, but the purpose of this movement is to make the voice of women heard. Movements like #metoo may portray men as sexual predators. As a white caucasian male, it’s pretty embarrassing to see men with power behaving like animals towards women who are just doing their jobs and do not want any trouble. It’s important to note that most men do not believe in that kind of behaviour. I just hope there will be a day where everyone feels comfortable around one another, and not to fear on getting in trouble or being harassed around.

Wishing all my female readers, and all my readers for that matter, a Happy International Women’s Day!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

March Break

Happy March fellow readers. It is a month of hope as winter releases its last hurrah, and we start looking forward to the warmth of spring. It is also a time where students take a week off from school, rather its in February, March or April. For Elementary and High School students, it’s a time to relax and enjoy some time off. For college students though, it varies based on their situation.

Mid-Term Break in Elementary and High Schools

Commonly know as the March break, it is an opportunity for students to have a week off from the classroom. To get the kids out of the house, there are plenty of activities that kids can do. Indoor or outdoor, there is a good reason to leave the house. With winter still among us, kids and adolescents can take part of various winter activities including skiing, tubing, and skating. Parents can also take their children, if they have off, to museums or to indoor jungle gyms.

Mid-Term Break in Higher Education

Commonly known as reading week, the Mid-Term break gives college students a chance to rest, not stress too much about deadlines, while others traditionally fly down south to get away from the coldness of winter.

Depending on their schedules, it may or may not be a good idea to take a long awaited trip. Factors includes the timing of deadlines and grades. If students have mid-terms or other assignment deadlines immediately following the break, it is best to stay put. Students can also get involved in the community by volunteering or they just stay home and take it easy, unless they have a job.

Recap

Overall, having a week off can help students reset, and to get ready for the last part of the school year or semester. Personally, as a university student, I enjoy having time off halfway into the semester. It gives me time to catch up on personal projects I have been holding, and gives me time to prepare for the second half of the semester.

Enjoy the much needed break because you will be back in class, assuming you’re in school, before you know it!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Poetry

You’re a poet, and you know it.

Ok, I will stop rhyming from there.

Poetry is art. Art that we humans have talent.

Being a poet doesn’t require much.

You just need to start writing.

About anything your heart desires.

Don’t be shy

Just start writing

And have fun.

Until my next blog post

take care and thanks for reading.

Ok, I will stop now.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Dating

Valentine’s day is right around the corner. For couples, it’s a time to invest on flowers and candy. For singles, it’s simply an overrated holiday. It may be hard for singles and those who went through a recent break up. Of course the truth is, we should share our love everyday. With Valentine’s day looming, here are some tips when it comes to dating.

  1. Be sure to know when you’re ready

Sometimes, we think we are ready to date. Before taking the plunge, remember what your priorities are first. If dating is new for you, it may be a good idea to look at the pros and cons about dating, not about whom you’re dating! Avoid that!

ProsCons
Meeting new peopleSpending Money
Potentially finding your soulmateFocusing less on your priorties (School, Work)

2. Be careful what you put Online

If you decide to use dating apps such as, bumble and tinder, be sure to fill out information that represents you. Finding the “perfect” profile picture can be a daunting task. There are many questions surrounding tis quest. Am I good enough? Will people like me? Is this the right one?

First, it’s best to have a picture that represents you. For example, if you like being in nature, have a picture taken of you at the park. Whatever you, do not post a selfie in your dating profile. It doesn’t look that great, and I do not think people need to know when you go to the bathroom.

Second, watch out for you decide to talk too. You want make sure that their profile matches their personality. Look out for fake profiles, and go with your gut.

3. Just be Yourself

It can be tempting to try to be someone you’re not to impress your partner. The truth is though, it is important to be yourself. For a relationship to work, the best thing you can do is be yourself. Do not compare yourself to others, and most certainly do not be someone who is only taking advantage of you. Make sure you and your significant other having mutual respect for each other.

Recap

Dating can be fun, but it may not be worth your time. It all depends on your situation and if you are committed. Of course, dating does not have to mean anything serious. What’s important is that you and your partner are happy with each other. If you’re all set, get out there and good luck!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Seeking Discomfort in Winter Weather

Welcome to February! We made it past the coldness of January, and we are now entering the shortest month of the year. February is also the month for Valentine’s day. With winter still well under way, there are ways where we can get out of our comfort zone through the cold and darkness of winter.

The type of discomfort depends on what you like to do. Some of us like to take part of endurance challenges. Others may want to simply focus on a project they have held off. Since this blog will focus primarily on leaving your comfort zone, I will discuss the challenges you can face during the winer.

Endurance

The cold weather has us tempted to stay home; lie underneath a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate; watching Netflix. There are plenty of activities people can do to beat the winter blues. Skiing, tubing, skating, dog-sledding, and ice climbing are just some of the activities that we can do to pass the time.

If you like to do winter sports, you can do challenges which will help you with your endurance; you will also make lifelong memories. A simple search in social media may show you some events and competitions where you can participate.

Other Types of Discomfort

Not everyone is interesting in taking part of physical activities. If exercising is not for you, you can take part of other challenges that will help you leave your comfort zone.

For example, some people like to take cold showers. Cold showers has significant benefits to your body such as improving your metabolism, and even help prevent you from getting the flu or common cold (no it doesn’t prevent you from catching COVID).

Other less intense activities includes jumping in the snow with your bathing suit on, going camping in the woods, and taking long walks in the cold; while dressing up warmly of course.

Reward Yourself

Regardless of how you embrace the cold, reward yourself with a nice cup of hot chocolate or if you can, relax in a Jacuzzi. The heat from the jacuzzi will help warm your body after being exposed to the cold. You will also feel a great sense of accomplishment. Have fun, be safe, and stay warm!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Why Mental Health Matters

Our brains. The power of the brain helps us function. Without it, we would be unable to do the everyday things we take for granted. We would not be able to walk, eat, talk, write, read, think, among other abilities. The way our brains work functions differently for everyone. Some people are unable to do the simple things like walk or even talk.

Physical health is easy to have some awareness because we see people who are physically handicapped such as those who are on crunches or on a wheelchair. Although it’s very important to be in good health, we must also take care of our mental health. While on the surface people may seem normal, in their mental mind, it may be anything but. Let’s dive deep into this critical issue.

Mental Health Awareness

Our moods shift all the time. There are times we are happy, and times we are sad. Some of us may react to situations more differently than others. Some are anxious while others may not think straight. There are many types of mental illness including, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, among others. Over 6.7 million Canadians are living with a mental illness or have a mental problem; three times more than those who have type 2 diabetes.

The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had most of us go through lockdowns, and staying home to quarantine over the better part of the last two years. It seems when things were starting to get back to normal with the arrival of vaccines, there is always something that threatens to make us go backwards such as the Delta, and Omicron variants.

While it may seem easy for some to quarantine at home, it may not be the case for people who live alone, people who live in small places, people who live in abusive households or for those who feel trapped. With the feelings of being alone for a long period of time, it is only natural that we want out, and to see our friends and family.

There are people who are anxious about going back into the real world. Some are very afraid of being exposed to COVID-19 for their own reasons.

There has been an increase in people who have reported having stress and anxiety over the course of the pandemic. Teens and young adults are more likely to suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is because they have been missing out on meeting up with friends, and family. It is important for our well being to socialize with other people, away from the screen while staying safe.

Mental Health: The Next Pandemic

Prior to the pandemic, there has been an increase of people feeling anxious and stressed. Mental health has been the talk of the conversation as people were using their phones a lot, especially for scrolling on social media. With the pandemic, it has made this situation much worse.

Solutions

While there isn’t a quick fix with this mental health crisis, there are ways that can help cope with feeling pressured and stressed on a day to day basis. Little daily changes like healthy eating, exercising, and meditating can help deal with this ever changing challenging time in our lives. Having a conversation with anyone you trust will help you. Tomorrow is Bell Let’s Talk Day. Let’s start a conversation.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Distractions!

Distractions! Distractions! Distractions!

They are everywhere! On your phone, at home, in school, at work, and pretty much everywhere you go. There is always something that will take your attention away. It can be quite irritating when distractions pop up. So, what to do with a world of distractions?

Notifications

Notifications are everywhere. In our phones, emails, and laptops, receiving notifications is the most disruptive way to steer attention from whatever you were doing.

Solutions: First and foremost, turn your notifications off. While it can be difficult and tempting to check your phone, it is important that you try to put your phone away when you don’t need it. While at school, put your phone in your bag, and avoid looking at it while you are concentrating with your work.

There are apps that can help you stay focused. I personally use the app “Screen Time Self Control” app to help with my distractions. For $6.49 bimonthly, this self control app will prevent you from looking at your phone, as long as you wish. To use the app, set the amount of time you want to stay off your phone. Once you do, the timer will start. If you use your phone at anytime while you’re on “focus time” not only a notification will pop up, warning you to get off your phone, but a sound alarm will go off and keep going off until you return to the app.

For me, the Self Control App has helped me stay focus on my work. I also get a much needed break from the world of distractions. To avoid getting distracted while on your laptop, download the Self-Control app for free, and select the sites you want to block yourself from going on for a certain period of time.

Loud Noises

Loud trucks, ambulances, kids, construction, the annoying neighbour who has to start mowing the grass at 7AM on a Saturday morning. You name it. External distractions is the most challenging to deal with. You can’t just tell a construction worker to stop doing their work or yell at your neighbour who you don’t get along with to be quiet.

While it is technically possible to tell the kids to stop making noises, it can be difficult for them to listen. It is just irritating when you want to have at least five minutes of peace and quiet. I can see all parents agreeing with me from a mile away.

Solutions: If there is construction in your area, try to leave the house as often as you can. If you need to study, try to go to your local library. If that’s not possible try to find a room with less noise and focus the best ypu can. Try to also find out when the construction work is expected to wrap up.

In terms of having children around, the best way to avoid distractions would be when they sleep. Of course, this is easier said than done.

Emergencies

Perhaps the most excusable reason to get distracted, being notified of an urgent situation can change your mindset throughout the rest of your day. It’s difficult to control an emergency, particularly a life and death one.

Solutions: Figure out what the emergency is and see if it can be resolved quickly. Being part of an emergency situation is definitely distracting, especially if it’s life and death. If the emergency is from your child asking you “what’s for dinner?”, try not to get irritated when you are in a false emergency.

There are plenty of reasons why we get distracted. Today’s world is pressuring us to give them their attention. What we see in the media can be distracting because they want your distraction. See what kind of distractions that you are willing to tolerate, and remove the ones that are not essential for you to get distracted from.

I hope this helps and keep on focusing!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Staying Healthy in January

What comes to mind while thinking about January? I bet you are thinking about the cold and eating lots of carbs. The winter blues can have you craving for any form of comfort food. With the lack of sunlight, and the struggle to keep warm, how can you stay healthy during the coldest month of the year? Let’s have a closer look.

Winter Blues

It’s freezing and there is snow on the ground. It can be tempting to lie down and cuddle in bed all day. The late afternoon sunsets makes the sky seem like it’s the middle of the night by 5pm. After a long day of work, you just want to sit on the couch with a bag of chips and watch some Netflix. Not much motivation right?

Healthy You

Getting some exercise and eating healthy is an obvious way to stay fit. While having the carbs, try to put in food which helps boost your immune system. Adding fruits and yogurt in your snacks can help as well.

Exercise is important as well. While it may feel too cold to be out and about at times, taking a simple walk can help brighten your day. It will also give you some much needed vitamin D. If your gym is still open, make going to the gym a part of your everyday routine despite the cold weather. You will feel better after going. not, try out some workout videos on Youtube that will help stay active. Taking part of winter activities like skating and skiing can also help you get through the January blues.

Whatever you do to stay healthy, please stay safe and have fun.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

What to Expect in 2022 from Robert’s Views

Hello fellow readers and Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2022!

With 2021 behind us, it is time to unveil what is in store for 2022, from this blog.

Adventures

2021 saw this blogger take part in marvellous adventures. Taking part of incredible adventures, like zip-lining and edge walking on the CN tower in Toronto has helped me grow as a person, and for me at least, making amazing memories which will last a lifetime.

Robert’s Views

As Robert’s Views marks the third anniversary since its launch, it is time to expand this blog. I will be publishing new content on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays blogs will continue to feature topics involving society and seeking discomfort through a blogger’s perspective while Thursdays will focus on coffee. The coffee blogs will look at the best of Montreal cappuccinos, and where to go for a good Capp.

Podcast

Another big step for Robert’s views is the launch of the Robert’s Views Podcast. The podcast will provide similar material to this blog only through a voice perspective. I plan on launching the podcast later this month.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger