by California Casualty | Educators |
Hannah Davis is an educator and NEA Member. She works every day to inspire and educate her middle school science students. When she faced serious personal challenges, she turned it into a learning opportunity for her class. Watch the video above and learn how the support she received from students and her fellow educators became a defining moment in her career.
What’s Your #Moment?
Are you an educator, firefighter, nurse, or peace officer with an inspiring story? Share it on social media with #ThisIsMyMoment and tag us, and we’ll help spread the word!
by California Casualty | Educators, Health, Helpful Tips |
You made it! After months of lesson planning, parent emails, grading marathons, and cafeteria duty, summer has finally arrived—and it’s your turn to recharge. Whether you’re craving quiet mornings with coffee and a good book, long walks in the sun, or finally catching up on that podcast everyone’s talking about, this is your season to rest, reflect, and reset.
We’ve compiled your summer self-care toolkit—packed with wellness ideas, downtime inspiration, and refreshingly practical tips to help you feel your best. Let’s dive in—because the best version of you starts with a well-deserved break.
Reconnect with Your People
You didn’t have time for coffee meetups or lunches during the school year. Now’s your chance to catch up. Whether it’s brunch with friends, a backyard barbecue with family, or a spontaneous coffee run, nurturing your relationships will help refill your emotional cup.
Turn Up the Music
Music has a magical way of shifting your mood. Make a summer playlist, explore a new artist, or revisit your favorite throwback tracks. Bonus points if it turns into an impromptu dance party in your kitchen.
Lose Yourself in a Good Book
Take a screen break and curl up with a page-turner. Whether it’s a juicy novel, an inspiring memoir, or a professional read that fuels your passion for teaching, books are a powerful (and portable) form of escape.
Plug Into a Podcast
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, folding laundry, or on a morning walk, podcasts are a great way to unwind, learn something new, or just be entertained. Choose from feel-good shows, culture and entertainment, true crime mysteries, or mindfulness meditations—whatever suits your mood. The best part? You can hit play and let someone else do the talking.
Pamper Like a Pro
Say yes to self-care Sundays—or any day, really. Run a bubble bath, try out a face or hair mask, paint your nails, or indulge in your favorite skincare ritual. When you feel good in your own skin, it shows.
Reignite Your Joy
Have a hobby you’ve put on hold? Now’s the time to dive back in. Whether it’s painting, gardening, baking, or learning something new, doing what you love brings balance and sparks joy.
Get Outside
Sunshine is healing. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, strolling on the beach, kayaking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in rays from your porch, nature has a way of restoring us—body and mind. And yes, your vitamin D levels will thank you.
Move Your Body (Your Way)
Exercise doesn’t have to mean a grueling gym session. A brisk walk, gentle yoga, tai chi in the park, or a dance class can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. Move in ways that make you feel alive—not drained.
Reclaim Your Rest
Now’s the time to reset your sleep schedule. Quality rest supports mood, memory, and immune function. Create a relaxing nighttime routine—think herbal tea, a calming playlist, or screen-free wind-down time—and aim for consistent sleep and wake times. Your future self will thank you come September.
Tidy Just a Little
Pick one small area—your catch-all drawer, your sock collection, your desktop—and give it a refresh. Organizing even a tiny corner of your life can provide a satisfying sense of control. (Pro tip: Leave the school supply bin for August.)
Laugh Often
They say laughter is the best medicine—and it’s true. Watch a favorite comedy, scroll through silly dog videos, or swap corny jokes with a friend. Surround yourself with joy and let the laughter roll.
Be Kind to Yourself
Practice self-compassion. That means speaking to yourself the way you would a close friend—with encouragement, not criticism. Notice negative self-talk and gently swap it for something more supportive. You deserve it.
Practice Gratitude
Before bed, jot down three things you’re grateful for. It could be your morning coffee, a meaningful text, or the way the sunset lit up the sky. Gratitude gently shifts your mindset from stress to satisfaction, helping you feel more grounded and connected.
You give so much of yourself all year long. This summer, give yourself permission to slow down, savor the moment, and take care of you. You’ve earned it. It could be inspiration to continue the self-care journey as you head back to school.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
Ever dreamed of snapping a selfie in front of Dunder Mifflin in Scranton or standing where Walter White once stood in Albuquerque? With a little imagination (and a full tank of gas), a road trip inspired by your favorite TV show can feel like stepping straight into the screen. It’s more than sightseeing — it’s a journey that connects you to the stories, characters, and places that have captured your heart. Suddenly, you’re not just a fan… you’re part of the world.
So fuel up, check out our long-distance driving tips, and get ready for a memorable ride. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Breaking Bad
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Walk in the footsteps of Walter White with a trip to the heart of the Southwest. From the famous car wash to Jesse’s house and more, Albuquerque is filled with filming locations that bring Breaking Bad to life. While Walter’s house has an iron privacy fence now (from too many enthusiastic fans throwing pizzas), there are places you can visit. Drive by the Crossroads Motel, aka The Crystal Palace, or Tuco’s headquarters (now Java Joe’s). Grab a burger or burrito at Los Pollos Hermanos (actually Twisters on Isleta Blvd.) which features memorabilia from the show. Maybe pick up some blue rock candy as a souvenir from the Candy Lady in Old Town Albuquerque.
Gilmore Girls
Litchfield County, Connecticut
A drive through Litchfield County reveals quaint downtowns, cozy diners, and scenery that feels straight out of the show. Start in Washington Depot, the town that inspired Stars Hollow. Sip coffee in a café like Marty’s Cafe that might just remind you of Luke’s. For a Doose’s Market experience, stop at the Washington Food Market. Head to the Mayflower Inn & Spa which was inspiration for the Dragonfly Inn. Schedule a tour at Yale University and imagine Rory’s student life. For the iconic gazebo photo op, don’t miss a trip to New Milford.
Grey’s Anatomy
Seattle, Washington
Even if most of Grey’s Anatomy was filmed in Los Angeles, the show’s soul belongs to Seattle. The real-life Seattle Grace Hospital is actually the KOMO Plaza building, and fans will recognize the famous Seattle skyline and the Space Needle. Ride a ferry across Puget Sound for your own “Meredith and Derek” moment. Stop by the intern house in Queen Anne Hill. (It’s a private residence so enjoy it from a respectful distance.) While you’re there, explore the cool and quirky shops and cafes in the area.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
New York City, New York
Step into the 1950s and ’60s with a tour of the New York City landmarks featured in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. From Greenwich Village to the B. Altman department store on Fifth Avenue, fans can stroll through Midge’s world while soaking up iconic city sights, vintage charm, and world-class bagels. Visit the Gaslight Café (actually The Up & Up), where Midge first took the stage. Grab a bite at La Bonbonniere—standing in for The City Spoon in the show—where she dined after her post-jail appearances (just remember, it’s cash only!). See the Strathmore on Riverside Drive, which served as the exterior for Midge’s apartment building, and swing by Columbia University, where her father Abe taught.
The Office
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Make your way to Scranton for a dose of workplace comedy nostalgia. You’ll find the “Welcome to Scranton” sign from the opening credits at the Steamtown Mall. Grab lunch at Poor Richard’s Pub, a real bar frequented by the Dunder Mifflin crew. Bonus points if you wear a “World’s Best Boss” hat. Or try the “good” pizza at Alfredo’s Pizza Café. Don’t miss the mural, The Office: The Story of Us, in downtown Scranton, and the World’s Largest Dundie Award outside Scranton City Hall. While you won’t find the Dunder Mifflin office, you can visit the Pennsylvania Paper & Supply company tower featured in the opening credits.
Stranger Things
Hawkins, Georgia
Head to the Peach State for a glimpse into Hawkins—aka various Georgia filming locations. The kids’ houses were located on Piney Wood Lane in East Point. Jackson, Georgia stood in for downtown Hawkins, and Lucy Lu’s Coffee Café has a special Stranger Things menu. The Butts County Probate Court was the exterior for Hawkins Public Library. You can find the creepy Hawkins Lab at Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus. Fans of the Upside Down will enjoy the mix of small-town Americana and eerie science fiction vibes.
Yellowstone
Montana
For fans of the Dutton family saga, the wide-open landscapes of Montana are calling. Many scenes from Yellowstone are filmed at the real Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, which doubles as the Dutton Ranch. Visit Ruby’s Café in Missoula, the location of a memorable shootout. Take a scenic drive through the Bitterroot Valley. Head to Hamilton to tour the Daly Mansion, which was the governor’s residence. Drive the roads – Meridien and Bear Creek – where Kayce’s car chase was filmed. This is a road trip rich with ranch country, mountain views, and that rugged Western spirit.
These are just a few ideas to spark your imagination—there’s a whole world of TV-inspired road trips waiting to be explored. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, adventure, or just a great selfie spot, the open road is full of possibilities. Have a favorite show or road trip destination of your own? We’d love to hear it!
Ready to hit the road? See our blogs on childproofing your car and road trip preparation.
Finally, make sure your car is covered—so you can enjoy the ride with peace of mind. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Health, Nurses |
You spend your days caring for others—rushing from room to room, charting notes, and squeezing in quick sips of coffee between patient calls. As a nurse, your schedule is anything but predictable and finding time for fitness can feel like one more thing on an already overflowing to-do list. But here’s the good news: staying active doesn’t require hours at the gym. With a little creativity (and maybe a pair of sneakers in your work bag), you can sneak in movement that boosts your energy, strengthens your body, and helps you keep doing what you do best—taking care of everyone else.
Why Fitness Matters—Especially for Nurses
Let’s be honest: nursing is physically and emotionally demanding. Long hours on your feet, unpredictable shifts, and high-stress situations take their toll. Incorporating fitness into your routine is about:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and ease tension.
- Preventing injuries: Stronger muscles and better flexibility help you lift, bend, and move with less risk.
- Boosting energy: Moving more often can increase your stamina for those marathon shifts.
- Improving sleep: Regular physical activity can help you unwind and sleep more soundly—critical for anyone working nights or variable hours.
- Supporting overall health: Exercise strengthens your immune system, helps manage weight, and lowers your risk for chronic conditions.
You don’t need to overhaul your life to start seeing benefits. A few minutes of targeted movement each day can make a real difference.
The 5-Minute On-the-Go Workout
Got a quick break or a quiet moment? Keep your blood flowing and muscles engaged with these fast, equipment-free exercises:
- Seated neck stretches – Gently tilt your head to each side to loosen up tension (30 seconds each side).
- Seated spinal twists – Sit tall and twist your torso from side to side (1 minute total).
- Standing calf raises – Stand tall and lift your heels off the ground to work your calves (1 minute).
- Wall sit – Slide your back down a wall and hold a seated position to engage quads and glutes (1 minute).
- Glute bridges – Lie on your back, bend knees, and lift hips toward the ceiling (1 minute).
- Push-ups against a wall – Great for upper body strength without needing to get on the floor.
- Side leg lifts – Stand tall and lift one leg to the side, then switch (30 seconds per side).
- Squats – Classic and effective (1 minute).
- Jump rope simulation – Mimic the motion without the rope—it’s fun and gets your heart rate up (1 minute).
These are perfect for breaks, pre-shift warmups, or even winding down after work.
The 10-Minute Power Routine
If you have a full 10 minutes, you can fit in a quick circuit that strengthens your core, tones your muscles, and gets your heart pumping:
- Bicycle crunches – Work your core with 30–60 seconds of alternating elbow-to-knee movement.
- Plank – Hold a forearm plank for 30–60 seconds to strengthen your core and shoulders.
- Mountain climbers – Start in push-up position and alternate knees to chest for 30–60 seconds.
- Penguin crunches – Lie on your back and reach side to side for your heels to target obliques.
- Jumping jacks – Get your heart rate up with this classic move (30–60 seconds).
- Tricep dips – Use a chair or sturdy surface to strengthen arms (30–60 seconds).
Repeat if you have time or mix in your favorite bodyweight moves.
Short on Time? Try HIIT or Tabata
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a smart strategy for nurses. It alternates quick bursts of effort with short recovery periods to get maximum benefit in minimal time.
One of the most efficient formats is Tabata:
- 20 seconds of intense exercise
- 10 seconds of rest
- Repeat for 8 rounds (about 4 minutes total)
Try it with:
- Squats
- Push-ups
- Burpees
- Jumping jacks
- Kettlebell swings (if you have one handy!)
Not only does HIIT burn calories and boost endurance, it also revs up your metabolism—great for shift workers who may have unpredictable eating and sleeping patterns.
Easy Ways to Add More Movement to Your Day
Sometimes the best fitness “plan” is simply to move more often:
- Walk during your break – Do a few laps around the building or in the parking lot.
- Take the stairs – It adds up over the course of a shift!
- Stretch at the nurse’s station – A quick spinal twist or shoulder roll can ease tension.
- Park farther away – It’s an easy way to squeeze in a few extra steps.
- Do leg lifts or calf raises while you chart – This is multitasking at its finest.
Little actions can help keep you limber, mobile, and energized during even the most grueling days.
Let Technology Be Your Trainer
Don’t want to think about your next move? Let an app do the heavy lifting. These free or low-cost fitness apps offer guided routines, timers, and tracking tools to help you stay consistent:
Set a daily reminder and treat your workout like a meeting you can’t skip—you deserve that time.
Bottom Line: Take Care of You
You give 100% to your patients. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Fitness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making movement a regular part of your life in a way that feels good and fits your schedule. So, grab your sneakers, press play on your favorite workout app or simply stretch and breathe for a few minutes. You’ve earned it.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Firefighters, Health, Peace Officers |
You run toward danger, answer the call in the toughest moments, and shoulder the weight of other people’s emergencies. But who looks out for you? For first responders, the toll of constant stress, trauma, and long shifts can quietly accumulate—until it erupts as burnout, anxiety, or worse. That’s why taking a mental health day isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
In this article, we’ll explore why stepping back is just as vital as stepping in, what a true mental health day looks like, and how to spot the warning signs that it’s time to take one. Don’t miss the quick self-check quiz to gauge your current stress level—it could be the first step in reclaiming your well-being.
Why Take a Mental Health Day?
Mental health days give your mind and body time to rest and recover from prolonged stress experienced by first responders:
- Emotional overload from repeated exposure to trauma
- Physical exhaustion from long shifts and irregular hours
- Compassion fatigue from constantly caring for others
- Feeling constantly on edge, even outside of work
Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic burnout, strained relationships, stress that affects daily living, and serious mental health conditions like depression or PTSD. A mental health day gives you the space to breathe, reset, and care for an important member of the team—you.
What Should You Do on a Mental Health Day?
A mental health day should be intentional and restorative. While it might be tempting to sleep in, stay in your pajamas, binge your favorite show, or scroll endlessly through social media, that’s not likely to leave you feeling truly refreshed. Instead, try making a simple plan to help you get the most out of your time away from work. Start by thinking about what brings you joy. Jot down a few possibilities—or if that feels overwhelming, just choose one thing. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Avoid the news, emails, and social media. Give your mind a chance to unwind. Be fully present in the moment. Even a short break from screens can lower anxiety and help you feel more grounded.
Get Outside: Nature has powerful healing properties. A walk in the park, time at the beach, or even sitting in the sun can reduce stress hormones and boost mood. If the weather is warm enough, take off your shoes and walk on the soft grass. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of nature engage your senses.
Move Your Body: Stretching, yoga, or a bike ride can ease tension and improve your mental clarity. Movement can also release endorphins and help shift your mindset.
Be Creative: Engage your creative side. Draw or paint, write, experiment with a new recipe. Focus on the process of creation rather than the outcome. In other words, don’t judge your work. Enjoy the playfulness of creativity.
Do What Fills Your Cup: Read a book. Listen to music. Cook a favorite meal. Watch a show that makes you laugh. Reconnect with hobbies that bring you joy. Give yourself permission to slow down and indulge in what makes you feel most like yourself.
Practice Mindfulness: Quiet your mind. Try deep breathing, journaling or simply sitting in stillness to tune into your inner voice. Reflect on where you have been and where you are going. Evaluate goals and affirm your direction—or write down ideas of future explorations.
Burnout Self-Check Quiz for First Responders
How are you really doing? Take this quick quiz to find out. For each statement, choose the option that best reflects how you’ve felt over the past two weeks.
- I feel emotionally drained at the end of my shift.
A. Rarely
B. Sometimes
C. Often
D. Almost always
- I’ve been feeling more irritable, anxious, or disconnected than usual.
A. Not at all
B. Occasionally
C. More days than not
D. Nearly every day
- I struggle to get quality sleep or feel rested, even on days off.
A. Never
B. A few times
C. Most of the time
D. Every night
- I’ve lost interest in activities I used to enjoy (hobbies, time with family, etc.).
A. Not at all
B. A little
C. A lot
D. Completely
- I often feel like I must push through the day with little motivation or energy.
A. Rarely
B. Occasionally
C. Frequently
D. Constantly
Results
Mostly A’s – You’re in a good place. You may feel tired now and then, but you’re managing stress well. Keep practicing regular self-care to stay on track.
Mostly B’s – Take note. You’re starting to feel the weight. A mental health day could help you reset before stress takes a bigger toll.
Mostly C’s – Time to pause. Burnout may be setting in. Prioritize a mental health day, seek support, and consider checking in with a professional.
Mostly D’s – You need support now. Your tank is running on empty. Take a break immediately and talk to a trusted mental health provider. You don’t have to carry this alone.
You spend every day helping others. It’s okay—essential, even—to take a day to help yourself. Mental health days aren’t a sign that you’re falling short. They’re proof that you value your health, your career, and your ability to continue serving others with strength and compassion. Make space for rest. You’ve earned it.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
