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How Going Out Can Lower Your Stress Levels

How Going Out Can Lower Your Stress Levels
by freelance contributor Sally Perkins

Attractive young woman in a pensive moment

After a long week at the office, it’s normal to feel a little bit stressed out. In fact, 77% of Americans regularly experience physical symptoms as a result of stress, while one-third of people feel that they live with extreme stress. There are plenty of methods to deal with stress – massage, exercise, creative outlets, and more – but one severely underrated way of unwinding is by heading out of the house to socialize. Letting your hair on the dancefloor is a great way to blow off steam.

Humans of all ages are social creatures, and without enough contact with other people, it can take a toll on both our physical and mental health. If you’re feeling drained or stressed out, a night out with friends might just be what you need to revitalize yourself.

How Socialization Impacts Stress

There are a couple of ways that social support can lower our stress levels. Contact with other people raises the level of oxytocin in our brain. This hormone not only helps us to bond with others but also has powerful relaxing effects that help us to de-stress and decompress. Additionally, a social setting is the perfect way to take your mind off of stressful or painful circumstances and give yourself a short break. This lets you return to your work or your home feeling refreshed and helps to prevent burnout.

Your social circle is also a good place to turn in difficult times. If you’ve been feeling stressed out, it can help to talk your problems through with friends and loved ones. Even if you don’t come up with any solutions, simply discussing an issue and getting it off your chest can make a world of difference when you’re feeling anxious.

Getting Yourself Out There 

These days, it’s easier than ever to get out of the house and socialize. You can reach out to professional services and plan an event for yourself and your friends, or see what’s going on around town. If no one you know is available, online groups on sites such as Meetup.com are a great way of finding new friends that share your interest. You can also find love connections online by signing up for dating sites or using classifieds such as Craigslist.

If you find yourself feeling stressed out on a regular basis, you’re not alone. A hectic home and work life can leave you feeling drained. No matter how busy you are, though, it’s essential that you take the time out of your week to care for yourself. Going out and socializing with the people you love can help to lower your stress levels and leave you feeling happy, relaxed, and fulfilled.

4-4-18, Engagement photos for Laura and Jon !

Curtis from Curtis Knight Entertainment, www.curtisknight.com was the Photographer for the engagement session of Laura and Jon.  Their wedding will be on Saturday, June 16, 2018 and they have allowed CKE to provide their Justice of the Peace, Photographer and DJ Duo.   This is actually the best possible package you can book with CKE. The engagement / save the date shoot was at Great Brook Farm State Park, 984 Lowell St, Carlisle, MA 01741, Phone:(978) 369-6312, http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/gbfm.htm  Curtis shot about 100 Still Photos. It was a great shoot with a few laughs and a familiar warmth between Laura, Jon and Curtis.  Very enjoyable.  Have your wedding services presented by CKE 978-590-5910! www.curtisknight.com.  To order your custom package with DJ, MC, Photography, Videography, Photo Booth, Uplighting, Gobo Monogram, Justice of the Peace go to  www.curtisknight.com  #CKEevents   @curtisknightent
ave the

A Review on CKE’s DJ Mike and JP Bob!

Jessica Baldrate
Jessica and Brian got married !
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
How they found CKE: a friend
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Westford Regency, Westford, MA 01886
CKE Team Member (s): DJ Mike D, JP Bob Spinosa
It was great! Curtis was so helpful and made everything so easy! Working with Mike and Bob was wonderful! They both did a fantastic job and it honestly couldn’t have been any better!
Thank you so much for the perfect ceremony Bob! You were so great and everyone loved you! We really appreciate everything you all have done! Thank you for taking care of the marriage certificate paperwork too :). They were perfect! Thank you so much to everyone there! You made our day so special and memorable and I’m so happy and grateful for everything!
Jessica’s 5 Star Google Review:    ( Thank you Jessica ! ) 

Jessica's 5 Star Google Review pf Mike and Bob - DJ and JP from CKE.
Jessica’s 5 Star Google Review pf Mike and Bob – DJ and JP from CKE.

The All-Inclusive Kit For Planning A Work Event

by freelance contributor Sally Perkins

The All-Inclusive Kit For Planning A Work Event

Large Conference room set up with Big screens for Event !
Large Conference room set up with Big screens for Event !

From the DJ down to the decorations, you’ve planned everything for your work event. But when the keynote speaker comes up to give their much-awaited speech, no one can hear him or her because you completely forgot to bring the speakers. After all the hard work that goes into planning an event, you don’t want something simple to ruin the night. So, check your checklist and be sure to pack these essential items for your next work event.

The audio system                 

Depending on where you host your event, you may have your audio system already installed. However, it’s best to bring your own just in case the system isn’t compatible with your laptop or other event equipment. You will want to test the audio interface to make sure it works prior to arriving at the venue. Also, be sure to double check to see if your mics are working and that they are compatible with the sound system.

Your laptop

Don’t rely on the venue providing you with computer equipment. You should bring your laptop in case there is nothing available. This also ensures that your presentations will display exactly as you meant it to be shown. Sometimes venue computers don’t have the same Microsoft package as you and therefore, it may not open your files properly.

Backup USB drive

Sometimes we rely too much on technology and it ultimately lets us down. We’ve all been there and know how it feels when we can’t pull up the PowerPoint online, our laptop dies, or we simply forgot to email ourselves the attachment. To prevent any disappointment, be sure to pack up your presentations. Put all your files on a USB drive and keep it in your backpack for emergencies.

HDMI cords

HDMI cords are extremely light and easy to carry in any bag. They can also be a lifesaver during any work event. If you’re using a Mac to project any of your information, you will also want to ensure you bring an Apple HDMI to DVI adapter. Macs are not compatible with many installed projectors and therefore need an adapter to work.

Extra batteries

We live in a world that is fueled by power. When we run out of power, we completely freak out. You don’t want to have a meltdown during your event, so be sure you bring extra sources of power. This can be batteries for your computer mouse or the charging cord for your laptop or phone.

Don’t let all your hard work and planning go to waste. Be sure you’re completely prepared for your event and pack everything you need beforehand.

Photography, DJ, MC for Wellpet 12-16-17

Curtis and Anna from Curtis Knight Entertainment www.curtisknight.com were the DJs at the Boston Hilton Woburn.   Here are photos shot by Curtis.  A copy of was sent to Wellpet via U S Mail !  The CEO presented awards including the TOP DOG award for the team member that has the most impact during the year.   And Joanne did a very nice job planning and executing this upscale gala. Have your event services presented by CKE 978-667-8910! www.curtisknight.com .  To order your custom package with DJ, MC, Photography, Videography, Photo Booth, Uplighting, Gobo Monogram or Justice of the Peace go to  http://curtisknight.com/create-event/ #CKEevents   @curtisknightent

 

 

Brady Company’s Annual Christmas Karaoke Gala 12-03-17!

Saturday December 3, 2017 Curtis and Anna were the DJ’s and masters of ceremony for the Brady Company’s Annual Christmas Karaoke Gala at T J Callahan’s Pub – Tewksbury, MA. It was fun and crazy and Curtis and Anna used a Karaoke system that allowed the Large TV screen to face the audience with the lyrics.  Curtis and Anna from CKE shot photos and they were retouched on the spot and loaded to the 43” high Def TV facing the audience.  Bob, Jen, Bobby and MJ were amazing as they have always been and there was so much food – OMG!     Have your event services presented by CKE 978-667-8910! www.curtisknight.com .  To order your custom package with DJ, MC, Photography, Videography, Photo Booth, Uplighting, Gobo Monogram or Justice of the Peace go to  http://curtisknight.com/create-event/ #CKEevents   @curtisknightent est

 

MIT Annual Christmas Karaoke Gala 12-08-17!

Friday December 8, 2017 Curtis and Anna were the DJ’s and masters of ceremony for the M I T Department of Chemistry annual holiday Karaoke Gala. It fun and crazy and Curtis and Anna used a new Karaoke program that allows patrons to use their cell phone to log on to an in house WIFI and then enter a Karaoke system with 92000 songs on it.   They were able to create a stage name and then make their song requests.   The request was automatically added to the cue and the order of the singers appeared on the screen.   While each singer performed their name was flashed on the Large TV screen that faced the audience along with the lyrics.  Michele and Danielle who hired us in the past were there and Emrick, the righteous heir to the throne, was there and made presentation of gifts to several of the attendees by way of a raffle.      Have your event services presented by CKE 978-667-8910! www.curtisknight.com .  To order your custom package with DJ, MC, Photography, Videography, Photo Booth, Uplighting, Gobo Monogram or Justice of the Peace go to  http://curtisknight.com/create-event/ #CKEevents   @curtisknightent MIT

Skid School Fundraiser with Jeanie

On November 03, 2017 Jeanie Clements from CKE ( Curtis Knight Entertainment )  orchestrated a skid school scholarship event at the Billerica, MA Elks Lodge.  This was a fundraiser under the auspices of www.carefuldrivers.org to promote safe driving among our teen population. Curtis Knight was the master of ceremonies and took photographs.  Anna from CKE took photographs and edited them and launched them in real time to the display 4K TV.  CKE Photo Booth was set up and Steve Hooper from CKE made it a huge hit with the attendees. 

Last Laugh, a hugely popular band from the area, played and added happiness, dancing and excitement to the event.  Jeanie was celebrating a milestone ( ahem ) birthday and friends and family turned out to enjoy with her.  One of the highlights of the evening was the raffling off of a Guitar that was signed by all of the members of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, including Tom Petty while he was still alive and that brought in thousands of dollars for the cause.  All in all a fantastic evening.   http://www.glcfoundation.org/event/skid-school-scholarship-event/ 

https://www.facebook.com/carefuldrivers/ , http://carefuldrivers.org/  Have your event services presented by CKE 978-667-8910! www.curtisknight.com .  To order your custom package with DJ, MC, Photography, Videography, Photo Booth, Uplighting, Gobo Monogram, Justice of the Peace or Rene Rancourt singing the National Anthem go to  http://curtisknight.com/create-event/ #CKEevents   @curtisknightent

Activities which can enrich the life of any older adult

by  Sally Perkins

Partying Like the Planet Matters

Socializing is part of our nature as humans, but so is wastefulness and disregard for the planet. We will continue to get together in groups of common interest, but we do not need to continue to make the planet pay for it. Having a party never needs to cost the planet its health. It is inexpensive and simple to throw waste-free parties with only small changes to what is normally expected from social gatherings. Everything from planning a fantastic wedding party to small garden gatherings can be successfully eco-friendly by following a few simple tips.

How to Start

Begin with the invitations by ditching the paper. Use virtual invites over Facebook or other, more formal, invitation sites. Tracking RSVP’s is easier, communications are quicker, and updating information is fast, all without extra paper. Choose natural decorations, such as flowers in season, greenery for an outdoor party, or reusable candles. Fabric banners can be used over again, or loaned out to other parties for less waste. Consider using fabric napkins over paper, and ditch the paper plates for reusable alternatives. According to the EPA, 730 thousand tons of fake dinner products, such as plates and cups, are thrown out annually. Using as many reusable products as possible must be a top priority in the fight against the death of our planet.

If the Party Isn’t Yours

What do you do if the party isn’t yours? When you’re going to someone else’s party, make eco-friendly choices. Choose party preparations and personal care products, such as make up made with organic ingredients that will help you look great while preserving the environment. Choose jewelry and clothing made of natural products. You’ll feel better about yourself, because you know you’re doing your part.

If you’re not sure that your hosts will supply reusable products, bring your own. A small camping kit, which includes a reusable plate, fork, knife, spoon and cup, will come in handy for any gathering. Bring along more than one fabric napkin as well as a reusable, fabric bag for dirty dishes. When you get home, wash everything so it will be ready for your next social invite.

Cleaning Up

The cleanup of a reusable party may not be as fast as a disposable party, but it is far more satisfying. Simply pick up the reusable table service and run it through the dishwasher. Pack it away for the next party, or to loan to friends and family for their social gatherings. Run linens through the washer. Save banners and any other reusable decorations in airtight storage containers. While you won’t be able to simply tie off a bag for the curb, you will feel great knowing that you have contributed far less to the local landfill.

Gatherings are part of our social nature as humans. Luckily, adding to our already crowded landfills does not need to be part of these events.