(REE-source)
Bi-weekly newsletter focused on resourceful and sustainable living.
October 15, 2026
Welcome to REESORZ Wire, providing information, tools and creative ideas to promote resourceful, sustainable and healthy living.
If you’re new to REESORZ, check out our website at Reesorz.com or subscribe to the newsletter for free.
In today’s newsletter:
Anxiety can strike at any age. When life gets overwhelming, some small habits can help.
As gas prices stay high, what can you do to help minimize the pain at the pump?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - when was the last time you checked the health of your breasts?
FEATURE ARTICLE
Why are so many people feeling anxious and what you can do about it?
Anxiety is not limited to one age or stage of life. Children may feel pressure from school, social media or peer pressure. Young adults may worry about jobs, money, relationships, and the future. Parents may feel stretched thin when juggling family responsibilities. Older adults may face health concerns, caregiving, grief, retirement changes, or loneliness. No matter your age, anxiety is not weakness. Often, it is your mind and body saying, “Something needs attention.”
How common is anxiety by age?
Age Group | Past-Year Prevalence of Any Anxiety Disorder |
|---|---|
18–29 | 22.3% |
30–44 | 22.7% |
45–59 | 20.6% |
60+ | 9.0% |
Anxiety can strike at any time. The holiday season, which we’re getting ready to enter into, can add even more pressure: spending money, hosting meals, traveling, missing loved ones, managing family expectations, or trying to make everything “perfect.”
Peace does not come from doing everything. Sometimes peace begins when you slow down and ask, “What do I really need right now?”
Small habits can make a big difference:
Focus on the basics: sleep, movement, hydration, healthy meals, fresh air, and connection.
A short walk, gentle stretching, prayer, journaling, breathing exercises or talking with someone you trust can help calm your nervous system.
Limiting caffeine, alcohol, late-night scrolling, and constant news can also reduce stress.
For those looking for support, there are systems and resources available.
Community mental health resources:
Local community centers, NAMI HelpLine, and ADAA directories provide access to therapists, educational materials, and crisis support.
Workplace employee assistance programs (EAPs):
Many employers offer free, confidential counseling and support services.
Digital tools and apps:
User-friendly apps like Calm, Headspace, MindShift CBT, and Sanvello offer guided meditations, mood tracking, and coping tools.
Confidence grows when you take one small step instead of carrying everything at once. If anxiety, panic, depression or hopelessness does not improve, reach out to a healthcare provider, counselor, pastor, support group, or trusted friend. If you are in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988.
Practical steps to manage anxiety:
Move your body for 30 minutes daily
Pause before reacting to stress
Drink water before more caffeine
Write down worries instead of replaying them
Set a holiday budget before shopping
Ask for help early, not after burnout
Choose connection over perfection
REESORZ Reminder: You do not have to fix your whole life today. Start with one breath, one honest question, and one next step.
Related article: “Anxiety in my midlife - why it can happen and what you can do about it?”
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS
Less gas, more cash: Beating high gas prices
When gas prices rise and there is no real relief in sight, it is time to get resourceful. Transportation does not always have to mean driving everywhere, spending more, or silently glaring at the gas pump like it personally betrayed you.
A few smart changes can help you save money, fuel, time, and stress.
Start with one simple question.
Before you grab your keys, ask: “Can I combine this trip?” Instead of making several separate outings throughout the week, plan one intentional errand loop that saves time, fuel, money, and energy.
For example, you might schedule your route to include the grocery store, pharmacy, library, post office, recycling drop-off, and donation center all in one trip.
A little planning before you leave can help reduce stress, cut down on unnecessary driving, and make your day feel more organized and resourceful.
You can also use other ways to get around, such as:
Walking for short errands
Biking or scootering nearby
Using public transportation
Carpooling with friends, neighbors, coworkers or family
Traveling during off-peak hours to avoid traffic and wasted fuel
These options can save gas, reduce parking stress and may even add a little fitness to your day.
If you must drive, drive smarter. Try these additional, simple fuel-saving habits:
Sign up for point cards that give you cash savings at the pump.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Avoid aggressive braking and speeding.
Remove extra weight from your vehicle.
Keep up with maintenance.
Small habits can add up to real savings. Ask about transportation discounts as some people may qualify for reduced costs rides or special programs including seniors, students, veterans, people with disabilities, or low-income riders. If you qualify for one of these, ask about:
Reduced transit fares
Paratransit
Medical rides
Community shuttles
Senior center transportation
Veterans transport assistance
The bottom line - with a few simple adjustments you can move smarter, spend less, waste less and stay connected.
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REESORZ TIPS & TOOLS
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month is a time to honor survivors, remember loved ones, support those in treatment, and encourage early detection.
It is also a reminder that breast cancer can affect both women and men, and that knowing your body matters.
Important observances include Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 and Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week, October 17–23.
This month is also a good time to practice self-care and self-screening awareness. Self-care may include getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, moving your body, managing stress, and keeping up with medical appointments. Self-screening means becoming familiar with how your breasts or chest normally look and feel, so you can notice changes such as a lump, swelling, skin dimpling, nipple changes, pain, or unusual discharge. A self-check does not replace a mammogram or medical exam, but it can help you recognize changes early.
Routine screenings, knowing your family history and risk factors, and talking with your healthcare provider can make a real difference.
Awareness saves lives—and support gives strength.
If you can't exercise, Bed-ercise!
Getting motivated to exercise can be hard, especially when your bed is warm, your alarm is rude, and your brain is whispering, “Sleep is cardio.” Here’s the good news: you don’t have to leap out of bed and become a fitness influencer by sunrise. You can start right where you are.
Try a few gentle bed exercises before your feet hit the floor: ankle circles, knee hugs, spinal twists, leg lifts, bridge poses, deep breathing, or a slow full-body stretch. Think of it as telling your body, “Good morning, we’re moving…but gently.”
This simple habit can help wake up your muscles, improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and shift your mindset from “I hate exercise” to “Okay, I can do five minutes.
Need ideas? Try these 8 bed exercises.
The little wipe that could
Papaya-style and Swedish dishcloths are reusable “paper towel” alternatives made from materials like cellulose, cotton, or plant-based fibers. They are lightweight, absorbent, quick-drying, and great for counters, spills, sinks, and tables.
They can be washed and reused many times, they help reduce paper towel waste, plastic packaging, and constant repurchasing. They also tend to dry faster than regular kitchen towels, which can help reduce that sour cloth smell.
Rinse, wring, hang dry, wash often, and color-code by task.
Keep regular paper towels for messier clean ups like raw meat juices, pet messes, illness cleanup, or heavy grease.
Wipe smart. Waste less. Save more.
October travel: National Parks
In 1872 President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Act, making Yellowstone the world's first official national park.
In modern times, the U.S. has 63 official national parks and more than 430 National Park Service sites, including monuments, battlefields, historic sites, and lakeshores.
In 2025, there were over 323 million recreation visits to the 63 designated national parks.
The most visited national parks in 2025 included the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (over 11.5 million visitors), Zion National Park and Yellowstone National Park (both over 4.7 million visitors).
October is a great month to visit because crowds are smaller, weather is cooler, and travel costs may be lower. Check your own area as you may be closer to a national park than you realize.
Entrance fees vary, but many parks are free; others average about $20–$35 per vehicle. Frequent travelers can save with the $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
National parks remind us that some resources are worth protecting, sharing, and passing on.
REESORZ 26-week house detox challenge
Welcome to week 10. It’s time to look down at your feet and the rugs underneath them. As a reminder, this 26-week challenge will guide you through simple yet impactful steps to to help create a safer, healthier living space. Remember, detoxing your home is a process, so take it step by step. 🌱
Week 10: Swap out rugs and carpets
What’s getting the boot? VOCs, flame retardants, and those pesky dust mites throwing a party in your synthetic rugs and carpets. Synthetic rugs love to off-gas chemicals like it’s their job, while carpets are basically allergen magnets.
Challenge: Kick those synthetic rugs to the curb or give your carpets a deep, royal cleaning.
Replacement tip: If you must have rugs or carpet, go natural with fiber rugs made of wool, jute, or cotton, and don’t forget to vacuum like your allergies depend on it (because they do)!
Did you miss a previous week’s challenge? It’s easy to catch up on our website.
PRACTICAL WISDOM FOR YOUR JOURNEY
Let go of what you cannot control. "Some things are within our power, and some are not." — Epictetus. Stoic Philosopher
Focus your energy on what you can influence; release what you cannot.
