How To Ease Anxiety In Children

If you’re in the trenches, trying to figure out how to handle anxiety in your child, you may come across a lot of information that can simply overwhelm and exhaust you.

The thing is, you won’t be able to ‘fix” your child because there isn’t a magic spray to help with the situation.

What you need are some tools to help attend to your child’s needs during their anxiety episodes, and luckily, I’ve got some for you today.

In this article I’ll go over some of the basic ways you can help your child manage anxiety, what anxiety looks like in children and healthy ways to tolerate anxiety with children.

Anxiety In Kids

Children can experience anxiety even if the parents have done everything right in the parenting process.

Anxiety can stem from things that happen at school or other activities where the parents are not around, and it's almost impossible to shield them from it.

Did you know that anxiety is actually a survival instinct reaction when our bodies or minds are faced with a threatening situation? That definition can be a little bit confusing because it sounds like fear more than anxiety doesn’t it?

Our adrenaline starts pumping, and our bodies and minds are getting ready to escape danger, even if the danger is not visible, like walking through a dark tunnel and getting butterflies because you feel like you’re not alone. This is how anxiety is triggered.

It's a really tough thing to go through for both the child and the parent. After all, no parent wants their child to suffer with anxiety.

The great thing is, not all hope is lost. There are things we can do as parents to help guide our children through these difficult moments of life.

image credit

What Does Anxiety Look Like

Anxiety can pop up in children as young as 3 years old.

Physical anxiety can show up in the form of young kids who cannot explain their true feelings can complain of tummy aches or headaches, even if they appear to be physically alright.

If your child who loves to eat suddenly stops eating his lunch at preschool or daycare, then there might be some anxiety popping up.

Other times, it could show up in the form of restless, fidgety, hyperactive, or distracted behavior in an otherwise calm child.

Emotional anxiety is a little more tough to recognize, but not impossible. Children who normally do not cry a lot can start to cry and appear to be very sensitive.

Children can also start to be afraid of future events such as starting second grade while they are in kindergarten.

To really find out if your child is experiencing anxiety and find out what is causing it, you’re going to want to take notes and track your child’s behavior.

If you have access to a school counselor, it might be wise to share these notes with them so you can work together with your school to solve the situation.

Your school counselor will be able to let you know if this is something you should look into deeper at this time, or hold off and keep watching the behavior and see what happens.

Photo by Hunter Johnson on Unsplash

Managing Anxiety

Luckily there are things you can do to help manage anxiety in children. It’s a bit of a tricky situation because it’s very difficult, impossible really, to completely eliminate anxiety, but management is a great option.

None of us want to see our children face sadness, but the best way to relieve anxiety in children is not to eliminate the trigger, but to know how to handle it when it comes into their path.

Over time, the anxiety will decrease and fall away. Yay! Here are some things you can do to manage the anxiety:

Respect The Feelings They Feel

When your child is going through an anxious moment, you must respect that their feelings
are real and very upsetting. Trying to diminish feelings and even brushing them off is not going to help your child not feel those feelings.

Let your kids go through those feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety and more, even if it’s difficult for you to see as a parent.

The good thing is, you can talk to your child about those feelings and create some pretty deep connections just by validating those fears.

Talk Things Out With Your Child 

When you let your child feel their feelings, and talk it out after the trigger wears off and the child calms down, you should discuss what happened. Being able to create these conversations is going to help you understand your child, which will help you help them with their behavior problems.

Avoid Asking If They Are Anxious

Sometimes, anxiety can be triggered if we ask our children if they are anxious about an event. For example “Are you anxious about your first day of school?” can trigger the anxiety that your child was not feeling before the question was asked.

Healthy Ways To Tolerate Anxiety

You can help your children handle their anxiety by letting them see how you cope with anxiety yourself.

Because children are perceptive, they will see when you cannot handle stress and anxiety in difficult situations and will start to behave the same way you do. It’s kind of like a monkey see, monkey do moment.

Children are like sponges aren’t they? 
I’m definitely not saying you need to pretend that you don’t feel anxious or stressed.
I am saying, you should be careful how you handle your anxiety because your children are watching. Practice calm, and celebrate any moments that you “get through”, especially when they were difficult.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety doesn’t have to be a scary thing. All of us experience anxiety at many different points in our life.

The difference is, how we handle the anxiety that our children are facing.
In young children, the anxiety may be more difficult to spot, but when you do figure out that the child is facing anxiety, you can manage the situation right away.

When anxiety is present in teens, the behavior management is more difficult to handle, but not impossible. Keep track of the behavior and involve the school if you must. The important thing is to pay attention and keep trying to have a conversation with your child.

Remember to allow children to feel their feelings, and comfort them when they are feeling anxious.

Many thanks to Elizabeth for this guest article.

Author bio: Elizabeth is a mom of 2 and has a passion for helping children reach their human potential. She enjoys helping parents raise confident and healthy kids by explaining how to handle situations using positive parenting. Check out the blog www.tiredmomsupermom.com 

How to Help Your Loved Ones Live Comfortably as They Get Older

The people who cared for you when you were young are among the very closest to you and most cherished. When they get older and start to need assistance to manage their own care, you want to do the most that you can in order to ensure that they have all of the help that they need. Here are some strategies to organize care for your loved ones and help them continue enjoying a great quality of life.

Photo by Damir Bosnjak on Unsplash

Help Your Loved Ones Stay Engaged With Healthcare

One of the most important ways to help the people who you care about stay healthy as they age is to help them stay engaged with medical providers. When somebody is coping with several concurrent medical conditions or experiencing chronic pain, he or she may tend to get discouraged about the possibility of being benefited by treatment. Moreover, simply going to appointments can seem somewhat overwhelming for somebody who is coping with impaired or limited mobility. Support your loved ones by encouraging them to stay connected with their primary care doctor and specialists. Accompanying them to appointments can make them feel better about going, and they’ll know that they have your care and support.

Be Prepared For Medical Decisions

When an aging loved one experiences an illness or medical condition that may affect his or her ability to consent to medical care, you need to be ready to help. The best way to address this issue is to execute a power of attorney that will authorize you to arrange for care. This form of authorization can also be applied to non-medical needs such as accessing financial accounts and information about senior benefits such as Medicare and social security.

Establish a Plan for Keeping Prescription Medications Filled and Organized

Many seniors need to take several medications to maintain good health. Staying on top of a lot of medications can be difficult. Help your loved one get prescriptions filled at the pharmacy or by mail and stay on top of when refills will be needed. Helping to organize daily medications in a pill dispenser can make keeping track of medications easier.

Help Your Loved Ones Eat Healthily

When people’s living habits change, their dietary habits are likely to change as well. It’s important to make sure that people are still able to eat the foods that they most enjoy. Take steps to ensure that getting groceries and preparing meals isn’t burdensome. Also, if somebody is experiencing diminished appetite, you need to help them find ways to maintain a healthy nutritional balance. Adding a nutritional supplement can help people get vital nutritional content that is necessary to maintain good health and prevent weight loss.

Find High-Quality Housing and Care

For many seniors, assisted living or independent living facilities that integrate managed care may be the optimal form of housing. Sometimes, the need for this type of housing is only temporary, such as when one is recovering from an injury. In other instances, it may be a preferable long term solution. You should find an option that offers comfortable accommodations as well as excellent quality care.

Surprise Someone with a Gift That Says You Care

Some people only know how to give, and they give without ever asking for anything in return.. During these challenging times, so many of our friends and family are still heading out each day for work. Many parents around the world are pulling round-the-clock shifts to make homes happy and comfortable places to live in. While many celebrations can be put on hold, the Coronavirus pandemic isn't a reason strong enough to not celebrate the people you love. You don’t even need an occasion for that!  A word of caution though, if you are planning to order a gift online, do not wait to do last-minute purchasing -- even the biggest retailers and stores cannot guarantee delivery in these uncertain times.

To help you, we have compiled this list of a few thoughtful gift ideas for parents, friends, neighbors or co-workers.

A Customized Gift Basket

Gift baskets make excellent gifts. Baskets contain several different items and thus, your mother or best friend is bound to like at least a few of them. Toiletries, such as shampoos and lotions, scented candles, coffee, wine, chocolates, cookies, cakes, and other edible items are popular choices for gift baskets. Many online stores even allow buyers to customize their baskets and add items that they think the recipient will like or enjoy best. If you can find an online store that allows customization, nothing's better.

Tickets to a Show or Event

Imagine the joy on their face when the unexpected becomes a reality – surprising someone with tickets to a show or exhibit is an art of its own. It's more than just a piece of paper; it's an invitation to a world of captivating performances to see an artist like Morgan Wallen, for example, or breath taking displays. The anticipation builds with every passing moment until that exhilarating day arrives, and they step into a realm of entertainment or culture they might never have experienced otherwise. In a world filled with digital communication, gifting someone an immersive and tangible experience like this not only creates unforgettable memories but also strengthens the bond between you. So, why not add a touch of excitement to life by gifting the magic of live entertainment?

Terrarium Candles

If the gift recipient loves plants and little things that beautify a home, a terrarium candle is a perfect gift for them. Terrarium candles are sweet-scented candles with a succulent sitting inside them. These candles come in different scents and feature a wide variety of plants. More importantly, if you do not want to order from outside, you can always make a terrarium candle at home if you're crafty.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Fitness Tracker

Wearable fitness trackers have become quite a rage. Once clipped on a person's wrist, they provide accurate information about the steps taken in a day, calorie intake, resting heart rate, sleep time, weight loss, etc. Some of the fitness trackers can even be connected to a phone, allowing users to respond to messages while working. Whether your loved one is a fitness enthusiast or not, a fitness tracker will certainly teach them to take better care of themselves. More importantly, fitness trackers are available in all budgets. There certainly is one that suits your budget and requirements, you just have to do some research.

Photo by Godisable Jacob from Pexels

Jewelry

It's hard to find a woman who does not love jewelry. Irrespective of however many bracelets and necklaces they have, there will always be another one that they would want to add to their collection. Surprise your loved one with a jewelry piece they have long coveted. If you do not know what's on their list, surprise them with a personalized bracelet or pendant with their name on it.

Beauty Subscription Box For Moms 

All that work around the house can leave a woman's skin feeling dull and dry. It is no surprise that women enjoy looking pretty. However, they easily let go of her wishes and desires to make sure her family is giving the best of everything. A beauty subscription box could be your way of telling your mother you care about her desires as much as she cares about your needs. With a beauty box, she will be able to try all the new and good makeup products in the market and purchase the ones that suit her skin the best.

Photo Collage For Parents

At the heart of everything a parent does is at the thought of their children. A parent's love is selfless and thus, many value things that appeal to their emotional side more than things that appeal to their materialistic side. If your parent is the kind who holds onto happy memories for good and bad days, a photo collage would make the perfect gift for them. It will also give you the chance to go back into the memory lane and pick out the most beautiful memories from your past. Any parent would treasure this gift.

Photo by Secret Garden from Pexels

Flowers 

If you have run out of ideas and are clueless about what to gift someone, know that you can never go wrong with flowers. Add a gift card and a heartfelt message to it and the recipient will surely love the gift. Just make sure to tell them things that you feel but never say.

Conclusion
We often take those who love us the most for granted -- let this not be the case for those closest to us. During these challenging times, do not forget to show your love and appreciation through a gift that says you care. We hope this list will help you find the right gift for the people who mean so much to you.

Alaskan Cod In A Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce (Recipe)

Do you feel like you are forever stuck in the rut of figuring out what to cook? It seems like many of us have the exact same menu that rotates week-to-week. I am always up for trying something different for dinner. I am happy to be partnered with Sitka Salmon Shares to show you what's been cookin' in my kitchen. 

A little background on Sitka Salmon Shares: 

• Wild: Wild-caught from the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific
• Sustainable: Harvested using hook-and-line methods to minimize negative ecological impact
• Traceable: Our relationships ensure that your fish is traceable to the boats of our fishermen-owners and trusted community partners
• Fishermen-centered: Individually caught by one of our fisherman-owners or partner fishermen (who we hope are on their way to ownership!). Fishermen ownership makes us distinct from our competition and creates a more just system that values hard work, high-quality fish and low-impact harvesting methods.
• Just: Our fishermen receive an average of 20-30% more for their harvest, which can equate to $10,000 extra income in a given season
• Premium: Blast-frozen at the peak of freshness to ensure the highest quality, guaranteed
• Convenient: Home delivered directly to your door, with recipes and a newsletter about the fishermen who caught that month’s share
• Conscious: Carbon offsets purchased and 1% of revenue donated to efforts promoting small-scale fisheries and conservation in Alaska.  

The April share box was Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod. The box was completely full of blast-frozen cod just waiting to be cooked. This has been a life-saver since meats are harder to come by these days. Plus, fish is healthier overall anyway. Cod has always been a tricky fish for me, so I knew I had to find a way to cook it so it would not be dry and tough. 

I poked around on Pinterest looking for some inspiration. I decided on baking the cod in a creamy lemon butter sauce. I used this recipe as a guide, but made a few alterations to suit my family's taste. 

Alaskan Cod in a Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

2 lbs Cod filets cut into smaller portions

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cloves of finely minced garlic

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp lemon juice

Salt & pepper

Creole or seafood seasoning (optional)

finely chopped red onion (optional)

How to cook the fish:

1. Heat oven 390°. Arrange the fish filets in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and Creole or seafood seasoning. Sprinkle red onion on top of fish. 

2. Melt butter and add mustard, garlic, lemon juice, cream, and a little salt and pepper. Pour over fish, and bake for 12-15 minutes (based on thickness of filets) until cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. 

3. Serve with desired sides such as rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli or asparagus. Enjoy!

Note: If sauce is too thin, you can transfer sauce into a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken. 

This was one very delicious dish! Even my picky 12-year-old devoured it. The fish had such a nice firm texture. It flaked beautifully and was not dry at all. This entree has already been requested again. Good thing we received so much fish in this share! 

How does Sitka Salmon Shares work? 

Community Supported Fishery (CSF) members purchase their very own "shares" of their harvest. Similar to preorders or vegetable shares ordered through your favorite CSA, these purchases determine how much fish their fishermen catch! After that, CSF members receive a monthly home seafood delivery - their "share" - of their wild Alaskan catch, ranging 4.5-5lbs per month and ranging 3-9 months during the CSF season (April thru December). Prices range from $18 to $28 per pound, depending on the species you choose and the quantity you buy. Shipping is also FREE, which is a plus! 

Right now, Mom Files readers can get $25 off any share except for the Taste of Fall share, using our affiliate code: MomFiles. Your share will be well packaged to stay completely frozen for several hours after the delivery is made. Shares start as low as $109 per month. If that seems like a lot to you, I assure you that it's well worth it. What you get in your local grocery store can't compare to the quality you get from Sitka Salmon Shares. The salmon we had a few months back was the best we ever tasted hands down!  It's a great feeling knowing that your monthly shares helps keep small fisherman in business. Here is the delivery schedule for upcoming shares. Just enter your zip code.

We hope you will give Sitka Salmon Shares a try. Please stay safe and healthy, and thank you for stopping by today! 

Freebies & Discounts During COVID-19 Pandemic

To express gratitude to all those on the front line during this challenging time, Sara Skirboll from The Real Deal blog has rounded up deals and freebies exclusive to health care workers, first responders, military personnel and law enforcement. Please be sure to share this list with your friends and family who can benefit.

Circle K
First responders and health care workers can get a free coffee, tea, or Polar Pop Fountain Drink when they show an ID. Learn more.
When: Through April 30

Cumberland Farms
Health care workers, first responders and military personnel can get a free any-size hot or iced coffee. This includes police officers, firefighters, active military, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers.
When: Ongoing

Delta Sonic
Every Delta Sonic location with a Brick Oven will offer a free meal to “all doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters and police officers with a valid ID.”
When: Ongoing

Dough Donuts
NYC’s cult-favorite Dough Doughnuts is providing free individually packaged treats by the box to hospitals and health care workers in the Tri-State area to add a little happiness and sweetness to their lives. Check out Frontline Sweet Support to learn more.
When: Ongoing

Fazoli’s
Fazoli’s is offering all restaurant workers a Regular Spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara and a small drink for $2.99 for a limited time. Just show your restaurant name tag, uniform or pay stub to get the deal.  You can only get it through the drive-through window.
When: Ongoing

Fresh Brothers
With everything going on, Fresh Brothers knows that our first responders, nurses, doctors and other hospital staff are working overtime to keep our families safe. During this time, when you donate pizza to your favorite First Responders or Hospital Staff, Fresh Brothers will match your donation. Call 310.642.0533 to place a donation order today, and give those on the frontline the fuel they need.
When: Ongoing

Friendly’s
First responders and health care professional can get 10% off their entire order. The offer is valid on takeout orders (not for online ordering or delivery) because you will need to show your ID when placing or picking up the order.
When: Through May 31

Genghis Grill
Health care workers get 20% off their carryout and call-ahead orders at all locations for a limited time. Show a badge or medical ID to get the discount. Genghis Grill posted this deal on their Facebook page. Genghis is also running a promotion in which health care workers can comment with a “scrubs selfie” while at work, and the restaurant will pick two winners a day to feature and reward with a free bowl.
When: Ongoing

Hooters
Hospital workers, first responders and military get 20% off.  Show your work ID for pickup orders, or for online orders choose the “Pay at Store” option.
When: Ongoing

H&R Block
When you file during the month of May, all police, firefighters, EMTs, and health care workers can file both federal and state tax returns for free with Tax Pro Go. Just let H&R Block know you are a front-line worker by uploading a photo of a valid badge or medical ID during the tax prep process, and they’ll waive your tax prep fees.
When: Through May 31

IHOP
Get 20% off your entire check if you’re a medical, law enforcement, military and firefighter professional. Just mention this offer when you call in your order to IHOP.  Then, show your Official ID when you pick up your order.
When: Ongoing

Krispy Kreme
Every Monday, Krispy Kreme will give free donuts to health care workers. “Just go to a Krispy Kreme drive-thru, tell us what you need, and show us your employer badge. That’s it. Pick up some free dozens on the way to work for you and your colleagues, or maybe a free dozen on your way home to family after a long shift.”
When: Through May 12

Macaroni Grill
Send a $10 First Responder meal. To add this to your online order, select the First Responder Meal for $10 at checkout. This meal includes Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti. All First Responder Meals will be delivered by Macaroni Grill every Wednesday before 9 p.m. First Responders include fire fighters, police officers, paramedics and hospital staff. This offer isn’t available at airport or international locations.
When: Through May 31

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill
Naf Naf is giving first responders and active or retired military personnel a 15% discount on their order. Show a valid ID and order in-store. This doesn’t apply to catering orders.
When: Ongoing

Nando’s PERi-PERi
Any “nurse, doctor or health care worker” who stops into a Nando’s with an ID or wearing a uniform gets free takeout.
When: Ongoing

Mrs. Fields
Mrs. Fields is now offering 25% off their Heroes Collection of cookie tins honoring nurses and scrub-wearing health care workers (available in 30, 48 and 90 count for contactless delivery nationwide). Use the code NURSES to activate the discount.
When: Through May 31

My M&M’s
Through a partnership with Operation Gratitude, My M&M’s is sending thanks and special packs of M&M’S to first responders across the country. How to participate: Purchase these packs, which are $1.99 each, and you must order a minimum of 20. But know that your purchase supports My M&M’s $50,000 donation to Operation Gratitude as well as them sending 5,000 “thank you” packs to first responders. You can also get a 10% discount and cash back through RetailMeNot.
When: Ongoing

Pieology
Pieology has launched Care Packs to send to medical professionals, first responders, family members, friends or anyone who could use a little pick-me-up. The Pieology Care Pack includes: four 11.5” Build-your-own Artisan Thin Pizzas, one Ooey Gooey Cheese Bread and one Family-Size Shareable Dessert, all for $50. To send a Pieology Care Pack, visit: pieolo.gy/sendlove
When: Ongoing

Pizza vs. Pandemic
The deal: A partnership of three organizations, including local pizza shop delivery app Slice, is taking donations and suggestions for health care workers that could use a delivery of free pizza.
When: Ongoing

Red Lobster
In celebration of International Nurses Day on May 12, Red Lobster is saying thank you to nurses and other health care providers and first responders by offering 10% off orders at Red Lobster (dine-in or to-go) through May 17. Show an employee I.D. or badge at the restaurant to redeem the offer.
When: May 11 through May 17

Starbucks
Starbucks has announced that, “any customer who identifies as a first responder or frontline worker supporting our health care system” can get a free hot or cold tall brewed coffee on each visit.
When: Through end of may

Steak ‘N Shake
Get a free order of fries through the drive thru only, at participating locations. Limit one per customer per visit. No purchase required.
When: Ongoing

Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen is delivering free salads and bowls to hospital workers in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.
When: Ongoing

Taco Bell
Taco Bell has turned its Taco Trucks, which are food truck versions of the QSR, into mobile commissary kitchens that bring food to frontline workers. “While most of our restaurants are operating only through the drive-thru, this leaves some truck and ambulance drivers unable to quickly order from us,” company CEO Mark King said in a letter. He added that the chain is working with its franchisees to make this service available “where possible.”
When: Ongoing

Tropical Smoothie Café
Tropical Smoothie Café announced that it would donate 100,000 smoothies to local health care workers and first responders nationwide. Medical professionals and first responders can contact their local Tropical Smoothie shop to have free smoothies delivered to their team.
When: Ongoing

Wawa
Wawa is offering all health care workers and first responders free coffee. Show your work ID or be in uniform as proof of your employment. Wawa posted details on their website.
When: Ongoing

Academy
Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering 10% off in-store and online to honor military veterans, first responders and health care professionals serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When: May 4 through May 25

Adidas
Verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses and military members get 40% off their purchases (note: It doesn’t seem that this deal can be used with other promotions or sales). Professional verification is required via ID.me.
When: Ongoing

Allbirds
When you shop for shoes, pick out a new pair for yourself, and automatically supply a pair to someone in the health care community. This is the latest after Allbirds donated $500,000 worth of shoes, which is about 5,000 pairs, exhausting the supply of shoes the brand had devoted to this cause. Due to demand, Allbirds has pivoted to a “buy-one-give-one” model. So you can bundle a shoe purchase with a donation that will split the cost of delivering a pair of shoes to someone on the list.
When: Ongoing

Asics
Medical professionals and first responders get 60% off any full-priced product. You must first create an Asics account using your professional email.
When: Ongoing

BP
BP is offering a discount of 50 cents off per gallon for first responders and health care workers when they fill up at BP or Amoco gas stations in the U.S. To obtain the discount, first responders and health care workers need to visit bp.com/localheroes to verify their identity and will then receive a discount code via text or email that they can enter at the pump.
When: April 30

Caliber Collision
Caliber, the nation’s largest automotive collision repair provider, is offering medical workers and first responders up to $500 in deductible assistance, free rental car (via Enterprise) for those without rental coverage and vehicle pickup/delivery—whether at home or work. Learn more here.
When: through May 31

Care.com
Frontline workers get a month of free premium access to the company’s services, which include care for kids, aging parents and pets.
When: Free for 30 days once you activate

Crocs
Every day at 12 p.m. ET, Crocs is giving away free pairs of Crocs. However, there’s a daily limit. Learn more.
When: Ongoing

Cub Cadet and TaskEasy
Cub Cadet and TaskEasy are teaming up to offer a free month of lawncare (two cuts, every other week) to nurses, doctors, paramedics, EMTs, police officers and firefighters on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The service can be reserved at cubcadet.com/heroes.
When: TaskEasy will accept submissions from May 4 through June 30. The number of participating applicants is subject to funding and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Dagne Dover
Health care workers, teachers and members of the military all get 20% off Dagne Dover’s collection of high-quality bags, backpacks and wallets. Learn more.
When: Ongoing

Danform Shoes
Health care workers can use the code SUPERHERO20 for 20% off online footwear purchases.
When: Only as long as stores are closed

Down Dog
All of Down Dog’s wellness, yoga and fitness apps are free for everyone through May 1, but the offer is extended an extra two months, through July 1, for health care professionals, teachers and students.
When: Through July 1

Emma Mattress
Emma is offering an additional 10% discount off any order for health care workers, first responders, warehouse workers, transportation workers and grocery store workers. To get the discount, send an email to support@emma-mattress.com and attach any documentation that acts as proof of employment, i.e., badge, paystub, contract, and Emma will process the discount for you. Learn more.
When: Ongoing

Enell
The sports bra company is offering health care workers, first responders and teachers a 50%-off coupon valid on bras. Request your code here.
When: Until May 30

Free Hooks for Masks
Medical friends can get free hooks for masks to make them more comfortable to wear all day long. These are made of acrylic and very easy to sanitize as well as durable to last a long time. Please fill out this form to request any you may need for you and/or co-workers. “No cost to you at all. Any donations made for them will be used to purchase additional material to cut more. We have a long road ahead of us, and I appreciate each of you more than you know!”
When: Ongoing

Handful
This sports bra company is offering a special 40% discount on bras to health care workers and first responders. Fill out the form at this link to receive your single-use 40% discount cod—which is valid on full-priced bras. Offer is valid for U.S. shipping addresses only.
When: Through May 31

Headspace
To help support health care professionals, Headspace is offering mindfulness content—from meditations to sleep and movement content—to listen to at any time for free. Sign up today.
When: Ongoing

HELM Audio
HELM Audio has a Tag A Hero and Front Line Hero campaign running. We are giving away two pairs of HELM True Wireless 5 headphones each week until May 31 to heroes working on the front lines to fight COVID19. For those front line workers that don’t win, HELM is offering a 50% off discount through ID.me on their website.
When: Ongoing

JoraphLLC
From May 6 through May 10, use the code NND25 to stock up and save 25% on Pit Juice Deodorant, which is natural with no aluminum. Scents come in Orange, Lavender, Cedarwood and Unscented.
When: May 6 through May 10

Lovesac
Right now, all medical professionals, first responders, military personnel and teachers can get 40% off their entire order at Lovesac.com.
When: Through May 31

Medelita
Get 30 percent off scrubs with code: FRONTLINES. Medelita was founded by a PA and complies with CDC guidelines (can be washed in the hottest temperature every single day and not lose durability), and the products have a 365-day warranty.
When: Ongoing

Nike
First responders and medical professionals (including technicians and researchers) get 20% off (usually this discount is 10%) most items on Nike’s website. The discount can be used up to four times per month, and Nike uses SheerID to verify employment status.

The North Face
Health care workers in the United States get a 50% discount. This can be used for the purchase of non-sale items on thenorthface.com and at The North Face–owned retail stores in the United States. Health care workers can also get a 10% discount on non-clearance items at our outlet stores in the United States. Lean more.
When: April 14, 2020, to December 31, 2020

Purple
Comfort product company Purple has created a special sweepstakes to honor COVID essential personnel, such as nurses, teachers, truck drivers, grocery store employees, police officers and all the others who keep our country running. Simply nominate a hero in your life with an explanation as to why they are your hero, and both people (the nominated and nominee) can each win $5,000 Purple sleep suites, including a mattress, bed frame and pillows. There will be two pairs of winners total.
When: Giveaway ends May 11

Reebok
First responders, teachers, nurses and military all get 50% off their purchases, with no item exceptions. You must verify your status with ID.me.
When: Ongoing

Simple Habit
This well-reviewed meditation app is making its product free. “We’re giving away premium memberships for any individuals who are financially impacted by this pandemic. Memberships are typically $89.99/year and give access to our 150 world-class meditation teachers, therapists and coaches and 2,500 guided meditations for specific situations and moods.” Email Simple Habit at help@simplehabit.com to receive your free premium membership.
When: Ongoing

Sittercity
All those working on the front lines of the crisis are eligible for three free months of Sittercity Premium, which connects families with trusted child care.
When: For three months once you activate the offer

Sonos.com
The audio company is offering a 30% discount on Sonos.com to verified health care workers and first responders for speakers and home theater sound equipment. To activate the discount, shop on Sonos.com and find the button at checkout that says “Healthcare/First Responder Discount. Verify with ID.me.” After verified, you will get a one-time use code that is valid for 30% off a single purchase (up to $2,500 before the discount, valid on all Sonos products, cannot be combined with other promos). Add this code during the checkout process on Sonos.com.
When: Through December 31, 2020

Speeko
If you’re a health care or public health professional working on the frontline, public speaking app Speeko wants to offer you a free subscription to the Speeko mobile app (iOS only). This is like “a gym membership for your voice.” Get access to a library with more than 100 activities, ranging from storytelling to giving online presentations. Sign up here.
When: Ongoing

Thrivetalk
Telehealth company Thrivetalk is offering free mental health services for essential health care workers and first responders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit thrivetalk.com/online-therapy for more information and to sign up. For those who aren’t health care workers or first responders and are seeking mental health services, Thrivetalk is currently offering sessions at discounted rates. For example, 45 minutes sessions are $45 (regularly $75), and 60 minute sessions are $60 (regularly $90).
When: During the pandemic

ThirdLove
Saying bra-vo to our essential workers, Thirdlove is offering 15% off to military, veterans, medical professionals, first responders and teachers. Get verified here.
When: Ongoing

Trust & Will
We’re offering all U.S. health care professionals who work in public health settings free access to a complete Will-Based Estate Plan, for themselves and their spouses. Head here to enter your information and receive a code for a free individual or couple’s will valued at up to $129.
When: Ongoing

Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle is providing first responders and the military with 15% off their purchase.
When: Ongoing

Uber
Uber Health will provide transportation for front-line health care workers, both to and from patients’ homes as well as between health care facilities, according to this news release. In the U.S., Uber is partnering with 1199SEIU, one of the country’s largest health care unions, to make sure their members can get to work. They’re also committing 300,000 free meals on Uber Eats to first responders and health care workers in the U.S. and Canada, 100,000 in London and 25,000 in Australia and New Zealand.
When: Ongoing

Under Armour
Right now, Under Armour is recognizing those on the front lines by offering a 40% off discount for military members, first responders, health care workers and teachers. Just choose Military and First Responder Discount at checkout to get your discount.
When: Ongoing

Verizon
Starting April 23, for new or existing Verizon customers, Verizon will expand wireless unlimited pricing to nurses and teachers. Both join active-duty military, veterans and people who work as first responders who already enjoying this pricing. Wireless unlimited plans will be as low as $30/mo per line for four lines, and Fios 200Mbps internet as low as $34.99/mo. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Verizon has committed $45 million in contributions and donations to non-profits directed at serving students, health care workers, first responders and small businesses.
When: Ongoing

Vineyard Vines
Medical workers get 15% off their orders. A professional ID is required, and it will take one to two hours to be approved and receive your discount code. Learn more.
When: Ongoing