Montelena

🛑 Feeling anxious? Try the STOP technique! 🛑

The STOP technique is a simple, effective way to regain control in moments of stress and high anxiety. Here’s how it works:

S: Stop whatever you’re doing when you feel anxious or overwhelmed. Just pause for a moment.
T: Take a deep breath. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth, repeating several times to calm your body.
O: Observe what’s happening. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and body. What are you experiencing at the moment?
P: Proceed with intention. Decide how you want to move forward. Focus on actions or thoughts that will help you feel calm and grounded.

Give it a try the next time you need a moment to reset. 💙

Drink of the week! 🍹 Strawberry Mint Lemonade (Ready in 15 Minutes)
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 5 mins (optional, for syrup)
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, julienned or chopped
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 3-4 lemons)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave)
6 cups water (divided: 2 cups for blending, 4 cups for dilution)
Ice
Optional: Extra mint and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

Prep Sugar Syrup (5 mins): In a small pot, heat 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
Blend (5 mins): In a blender, combine the strawberries, mint, lemon juice, cooled sugar syrup, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
Strain and Combine (3 mins): Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove pulp. Stir in the remaining 4 cups of water.
Serve (2 mins): Serve immediately over ice and garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lemon slices.