Axis 2300

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Axis 2300

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:51:23 GMT

At Axis 2300 Apartments , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us.

1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App

The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs:

Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card.
Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow.
Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime.

2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata

Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata.

How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.)

3. More Ways the App Helps Yo u

Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Irvine community. You can:

Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs.
Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details.
Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents.

At Axis 2300 Apartments , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.

Celebrate the Holidays in Irvine, CA!

chardy@amcliving.com (Camille Hardy) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 04:02:38 GMT

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The weather is cooling down, holiday lights are being strung up, people are cozying up next to the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a great book, and stores are offering great specials. The holiday season is full of exciting and heartwarming activities to enjoy, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you!

Irvine, California, is one of the best places to spend the holidays, whether you live here or are visiting for the season. The weather is temperate enough to get out and enjoy nature, and we’re near dozens of festivities. If you’re looking for holiday activities in or near Irvine, here are a few of the best things to enjoy, including great shows and performances, events, and opportunities to give back to the community.

Holiday Activities

You don’t need to stay bundled up inside to enjoy the holiday season! Here are a few of our favorite activities near Irvine that include getting outside and enjoying the cool weather.

Holidayz at the Park : At the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, from December 2 to January 7, you can enjoy a winterscape of holiday-themed displays, lights, and events. For example, the Palm Court Light Display offers the chance to stroll through decorations such as “Air Santa” and explore the military roots of the park. The lights are on daily from dusk until 9:30 p.m.

Ice Skating at Great Park Ice & Five Point Arena : Ice skating is a great way to be active and pick up a new skill. The Great Park Ice is one of the most popular ice skating rinks in the area. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy public ice skating sessions and learn how to skate. Because all sessions will be limited capacity, you will have to register before you go. If you’re interested, you can register at this link !

EVENTS

Many places near Irvine, CA, also host festive events for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. These are a few events that you and loved ones of all ages are sure to enjoy!

All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting : In Aliso Viejo, you can enjoy the annual lighting of a 22-foot tall tree, featuring a visit from Santa Claus, crafts like ornament making, train rides, caroling, and opportunities for giving. Exciting aerial performances will also be a part of this year’s event. This event takes place on November 30 from 5 to 8 p.m.

South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW Event : The GLOW event is hosted every year at the Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula, where thousands of lights are strung up and you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. Plus, you can experience stunning views of the beach, waterfalls, bayou, and kelp forest. Dates for this event are still pending but typically run from late November to mid-January. Watch for special themed nights, ensuring each year is a completely unique adventure.

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train: Take an enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park and meet Mr. Claus himself. The train operates from November 24-December 23. Tickets sell out quickly! While you’re there, visit Santa’s Christmas Village and participate in holiday activities, including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and carnival games. There are lots of opportunities for photos and delicious food will be available for purchase as well.

Shows and Performances

On top of fun events and activities, shows and performances are another festive way to celebrate the best time of the year! Whether you want to watch a show or star in one, here are a couple of fun performances to catch this year.

A Charlie Brown Christmas : Watch the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas unfold in this live action rendition of the popular cartoon. Limited tickets are available for this delightful play that runs on December 17 beginning at 3 p.m. This is a sensory-friendly (all ages) performance located at the Phantom Projects Theatre at the La Habra Depot.

Fancy Nancy, Splendiferous Christmas: Held in the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center in Anaheim, this charming remake of the endearing children’s book follows Nancy as she decorates her home for the holidays, sings carols throughout the neighborhood, and sets up her Christmas tree. Performances are held December 1-3. Tickets are offered on a “pay-as-much-you-can” basis (limited four per group). Seats are assigned one hour before the performance.

Shopping and Giving

We also love the holidays because it is the perfect time to show that love by giving gifts and letters of appreciation. It is also a great opportunity to give to those in need and make this time of year a great experience for everyone!

Irvine Spectrum Center : The Irvine Spectrum Center is one of the best shopping malls in the area! It has some of the most popular stores all in one place, making it the perfect holiday shopping stop for everyone in the family. With stores like Lucky Brand, Urban Outfitters, Lush, H&M, and more, you can find all of your must-have brands there.

Holiday Toy Drive : The holidays are such a great time for giving back to the community. This annual toy drive is something you can do with your kids to give toys to other children. This year donors are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift for children 0-12 years to help aid the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee. Drop off locations will be available from November 1 - December 11 at the Irvine City Hall/Police Department and the Great Park Visitors Center.

Celebrating Safely

On top of enjoying holiday events in Irvine, it’s also important to stay safe this holiday season! According to the US Fire Administration, this time of the year is the top time for home candle fires. In fact, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve are the top three days of the year with the most fires caused by candles! Everyone loves a pumpkin- or pine-scented candle, but be safe by monitoring them and never leaving them unattended.

Christmas trees are another common fire hazard. They cause hundreds of fires every year due to electrical light shortages or the flames from candles—especially when the tree is dry and neglected. If you’re someone who loves to keep a real tree in your apartment, be sure to water it regularly to minimize the risk of home fires. Stay safe this holiday season!

We wish you the happiest holiday season filled with the best holiday activities in Irvine, CA. We hope you enjoy these holiday activities, events, shows, and opportunities for shopping and giving back. Let us know what you like most about the holiday season! From all of us here at Axis 2300 , happy holidays!

The Top Summer Activities in and around Irvine, CA

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:52:00 GMT

Enjoy This Unique Take on Sushi in Irvine, CA

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:53:00 GMT

Do we have any sushi lovers out there? Sushi is constantly growing in popularity. In fact, there are over 4,000 sushi restaurants in the United States today! If you are craving some good sushi, try giving this different take on sushi a try. A Cup Of SUSHI in Irvine gives a new approach to this well-loved food, making it a whole new experience. Let’s take a closer look!

What is A Cup Of SUSHI?

A Cup Of SUSHI is a modern sushi restaurant that presents its sushi in a new and unique way: seven delicious and beautiful layers stacked in a cup. Miyo at A Cup of SUSHIi explains, “A Cup of SUSHI combines traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors in a novel way to create visually appealing, nutritious, and delicious meals that are easy to eat and packed with colors, textures, and nutrients that appeal to all your senses.” This new approach to sushi preserves the tradition of sushi while adding a whole new appeal. Plus, having it in a to-go form is a huge bonus!

The Menu

The menu at A Cup Of SUSHI is simple and straightforward. All you do is pick a base (white rice, mixed rice, salad, or konjac noodles), a house-made sauce (eel sauce, spicy sesame dressing, wasabi vinaigrette, onion chia dressing, etc.), and one of their cup options. Each cup has a unique variety of proteins and sides, and they all look amazing! Just take a look at their online menu to see all of their mouth-watering cup options!

In addition to the sushi cups, A Cup Of SUSHI has delicious sides, beverages, and desserts. All of these additions are unique and worth giving a try! Make sure to come hungry—there is a lot that you will want to taste!

Why Should You Eat Sushi?

Even though sushi is already delicious, it tastes even better knowing there are a lot of great reasons to be eating it! In this article, Sushi FAQ gives 10 reasons why you should be eating sushi :

Bonus Reason

11. Sushi is yummy!

Whether the health benefits or the social aspect appeals to you, there are so many reasons to eat this popular food. Add a unique twist on sushi—like A Cup Of SUSHI provides—and you have even more reasons why you should give it a try!

We hope you can take some time to try A Cup Of SUSHI in Irvine, California. With a unique approach, a delicious menu, and lots of sushi-only perks, you won’t regret stopping by! If you are planning on staying in Irvine for a while, be sure to check out our Axis 2300 Apartments . Axis 2300 offers studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent and could be the perfect home for you! We hope you enjoy your time in Irvine, California.

Enjoy These Four Unique Summer Activities in Irvine

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 22:37:00 GMT

Spending a few days in Irvine, California, and don’t know what to do with yourself? Irvine is home to many attractions that few people know about. It hosts a large range of activities that are sure to excite everyone in the family! Here are four fun-filled summer activities in Irvine, ranging from carnival rides to wildlife and music!

Irvine Spectrum Center

Want a night out on the town? The Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California’s most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment lifestyle destinations. It houses more than 130 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It even includes a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round that the kids are sure to love! The Irvine Spectrum Center is sure to entertain the entire family.

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Love wildlife and want to immerse yourself in nature? The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful home to many birds and animals. These wetlands offer the perfect living conditions for beautiful plants and animals to thrive. The sanctuary is peaceful and relaxing, and your kids will love learning about the various types of plants and animals!

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Want to enjoy a lovely evening at the theater? Then the Irvine Barclay Theatre is the place for you! Since its opening in 1990, the theater has become one of California’s most imaginative and innovative performing arts venues. Enjoy a night out by watching one of Barclay’s famous plays!

OC Parks Events

This summer in Orange County, the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema Film Series are back! From June 18 to September 10, there will be 10 free concerts and 13 free movie showings. The concerts will be on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., with the music beginning at 6:00 p.m. The movie nights will be on Fridays at 6:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at sundown. Visit the website to see a schedule of the events.

Irvine, California, is a much more active place than people realize! These four attractions are only a few of the sights that Irvine has to offer. Whether you’re into shopping, wildlife, or the theatre, Irvine is sure to have something for you this summer. And if you decide to stick around past the season’s end, Axis 2300 offers studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Irvine, California.

Image courtesy of the Sea & Sage Audubon Society

AMC Holds Memorial Tree Planting to Honor the Lives of Three Outstanding Employees

Thu, 20 May 2021 20:43:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 22, three AMC properties held memorial tree planting services to celebrate the lives of three beloved and outstanding employees: Salvador Saenz (Serena Vista Apartments in Fountain Valley), Efren Diaz (Countrywood Apartments in Redlands), and Tuesday Beard (Lakewood Manor Apartments in Lakewood).

Salvador was an incredible individual. For 12 years, he came to work with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. From carrying our residents’ groceries to assisting them with their needs, Salvador lived a life of excellence and kindness.

Efren graced our company with his friendly personality, contagious smile, and strong values. His dedication to our residents shone through his actions and words. He was considered the heart and soul of every job because he had no enemies—only brothers, sisters, and friends—and he was an example to us all.

Tuesday Beard was a talented, kind, and dedicated woman loved by every member of her team at Lakewood. After she was hired as a leasing consultant in December of 2017, she quickly gained the recognition she deserved for her hard work and dedication to the community when she won Leasing Consultant of the Year for 2018.

These individuals have positively impacted the lives of so many VIPs across several AMC properties. We are honored to have known and worked alongside them. The beautiful trees we planted are reminders of the amazing legacy they left with us. May we cherish their memory always. Thank you, Salvador, Efren, and Tuesday, for your wonderful examples and kind spirits.

Wondering How to Improve Credit? Pay Rent Online

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 05:29:00 GMT

Paying rent is a part of many people’s routines, but it can also be a great tool for building credit. In 2017, TransUnion studied 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to credit bureaus and found that they were able to improve their credit score by an average of 16 points within six months. Those with credit scores below 620 benefited the most from doing so.

Paying rent online is an easy way to make sure a record of your consistent, timely payments are being reported to credit bureaus. Here’s a breakdown of how it works.

Ensures Your Payments Are Reported

“Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” according to Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

How do you know your rent payments are being reported to credit bureaus? At Crestwood, our online rental payment system does the work for you. In order to opt in for the credit reporting, follow these steps:

Shows Credit Bureaus What They Are Looking For

Building credit is easy when you know what credit bureaus are looking for. Experian, for example, determines credit scores through the following elements :

Since payment history plays a key role in your credit score, it helps to have consistently on-time and in-full payments reported. That’s where paying rent online comes in handy: You can take a payment you already make on a monthly basis and use it to build a long record of payments for credit bureaus to look at.

Combines with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

While paying your rent online, consider using a credit card for an extra boost to your credit score. LaToya Irby , a credit expert for The Balance, advises, “Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month. The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Paying rent online does not require a credit card, but it does help build a long record of on-time and consistent payments that you make monthly, boosting your credit score.

Ready for better credit? Make the change today and pay rent online using our resident portal . Simply log in and pay. Don’t forget to consider using a credit card to pay rent and boost your credit score even more. Happy credit boosting!

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month by Supporting These Local Businesses

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 00:05:00 GMT

When you Google “ice cream shops near me” and scroll through the long list of delicious options, all the choices can be paralyzing! In honor of National Ice Cream Month, we rounded up our three favorite local spots for that creamy, cold goodness. Check them out!

Homemade Variety for the Whole Family

About a 13-minute drive to the east of us on Santa Margarita Parkway, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream makes their ice cream fresh each day, and they have lots of fun options! You can get quarts and pints, Handel Pops (a scoop of ice cream covered in gourmet chocolate and served on a stick), a four-scoop sampler for when you just can’t decide, smoothies, and more.

They also have a huge selection of flavors . On top of the classic favorites, some flavors include caramel corn with nuts (popcorn-flavored ice cream with Spanish peanuts and a caramel ripple), grape, and vanilla with lemon Oreo. For anyone with specific dietary requirements, they serve no-sugar-added, fat-free, and vegan options. Take out is available.

Unique Flavors to Satisfy the Tastebuds

Another ice cream shop near us is La Michoacan Premium , located about 10 minutes southwest of us on the corner of El Toro and Rockfield with takeout available. Some of their unique ice cream flavors include marzipan, Snickers, pecan, cajeta, chicle, and tequila. On top of ice cream, they also serve chips, beverages, and paletas, so you won’t leave hungry!

Amazing Ice Cream Creations

At Axis 2300 https://axis2300apts.com/ , we love any reason to celebrate, especially when there’s ice cream involved! Join us in celebrating this fun national month by visiting one of the ice cream shops near us: Handel’s, La Michoacan Premium, or Afters. Or Google “ice cream shops near me” and let us know what unique finds you come across!

4 Fun Summer Activities for Kids

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 03:51:00 GMT

Summertime can be absolutely magical for kids. And, it doesn’t take much to get them excited! Anything involving dirt, noise, experiments, or the outdoors is sure to be an instant hit. Here are four kid-friendly activities to do this summer that check each one of those boxes:

Tend to a Garden

Kids love to play in the dirt—so let them! Plant some seeds in small pots and watch your windowsill garden grow. Or, if you’re not quite ready to commit to letting your little ones grow their own garden, you can still teach them all about the process at the nearby Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab . Here, they’ll have all kinds of hands-on, gardening-geared learning opportunities. There’s truly something to interest everyone—including you!

Get Musical

We all know how much kids love noise! And if that noise is actually music, there are plenty of brain-boosting benefits as well. Create your own instruments , have a dance party with different styles of music, or even delve into introductory music theory together through an online course . It could even be as simple as sharing your favorite songs from your growing-up years with them. Thanks to the incredible nostalgia-inducing abilities of music , you’ll probably enjoy that walk down memory lane too!

Enjoy the Outdoors

Kids seem to often find their “happy place” in the outdoors. Go on a walk around the neighborhood or find a spot at the park and play some fun games together —while practicing social distancing, of course. You could do a water balloon toss, hold a three-legged race, or simply throw the frisbee back and forth. Being outside together will make for a great time while keeping your family active and healthy.

Conduct a Science Experiment

Kids love to experiment with new materials and textures. There are lots of kid-friendly science experiments that use common household supplies that you likely already have on hand. From making snow fluff to a paper hovercraft, there’s something to interest every child. As an added bonus, you may begin to recall some forgotten scientific principles from your school days.

Summer is an exciting time for kids! Try these four fun summer activities with them to make this time even more magical. The time you spend together may very well become cherished memories that will last long past summertime!

There’s No Place Like Your Apartment: 5 Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:21:00 GMT

There are few things as exciting as moving into a new apartment. With a new space, new routines, new places to go, new friends, and new sights to see, you’re starting a fresh chapter in your life. And decorating that new space is so much fun!

Despite how enjoyable it is to decorate, sometimes people don’t know where to add that personal touch to make their new apartment feel like home. But feeling at home in your apartment is vital, so here are our best tips for doing just that.

Use Some Elbow Grease

First things first: give your apartment a deep and thorough clean . Declutter, throw any garbage away, and give all surfaces a good scrub. With your apartment now a clean, blank canvas, you can clearly see where your apartment could use that personal touch.

Get the Lighting Just Right

Have you ever stepped into a poorly lit room and felt sluggish and even down? Lighting , whether good or bad, can affect your mood in many ways. While insufficient lighting can contribute to depression, better lighting can actually help people feel more energized. If the lighting in your space is a little off, experiment with lamps that help you feel relaxed or alert—whatever the situation calls for.

Get Those Sentimental Items Out

Once you have the new place clean and the lighting is just right, get out the sentimental pictures and items that give you warm fuzzies. Doing this will really give your apartment that personal touch as you see familiar memories all around.

Spritz a Scent You Love

Speaking of memory, smell is a powerful way to remember positive emotions and events. Is there a scent that helps you feel calm or happy? Go to the store and look through the air fresheners to find the smells that help you feel great. Spritz your home regularly, and you’ll feel a difference!

Throw Yourself a Housewarming Party

Even if you aren’t finished setting everything up the way you want it, consider hosting a get-together when it is advisable to do so. If you can’t wait, give your friends a virtual tour of your new place! Having people you care about see your home makes it feel more like yours.

The sooner you’re all settled in, the sooner you can feel at home in your apartment. So try these tips and see the transformation!

4 Ways to Keep Your Air at Home Clean

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:22:00 GMT

When we talk about keeping the air clean, we’re usually thinking about the environment and doing our best to stay green. But the air inside your home matters just as much, especially for your health. So in honor of National Clean Air Month, let’s look inside.

Fortunately, cleaning your apartment air is much simpler than closing a hole in the ozone layer. By throwing out bad cleaning chemicals and fighting dust mites, you can keep irritants out of your lungs and live a healthier life.

Cut the Chemicals

It’s a bit of a pickle: You need to clean up pet dander, junk, and dust, but cleaning products can often contain lung irritants. Even walking into a freshly cleaned home can hurt your lungs, and wearing a mask won’t always help. If you use chemicals sparingly, you should be okay, but even better would be to start using vinegar and regular soap with water—anything without fragrance. You should also stay away from glues, paints, hair spray, perfumes, and—believe it or not—air fresheners if possible.

Keep Dust Mites Away

Dust mites love to burrow down into your mattresses and bedding. Using mattress covers, however, and bug-proof pillowcases can be very effective. When choosing your pillow, pick the kind that is made out of foam rubber—not feathers or goose-down. Washing your linens in water above 130°F once a week will also help keep those pesky dust mites away.

Stay Away from Smokers

In the US alone, cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year. That includes more than 41,000 deaths from inhaling secondhand smoke. To protect our residents, we are a smoke-free zone. While you won’t have to worry about smoke inside your apartment, try to stay away from smokers. If you smoke (outside of the apartment, of course), now’s the time to work towards quitting—for the sake of your family, the community, and the air we breathe.

Just like the food you put in your body, you have to be careful about the quality of the air you breathe in your home. Reevaluate your cleaning supplies, fight dust mites, and stay away from smokers. Remember, no one has ever regretted taking care of their health before.

Three Common Courtesies of a Good Neighbor

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 06:02:00 GMT

Just like people, families have their own personalities. And so do apartment communities! Some are shyer and keep to themselves, while others are more likely to plan and party it up at community functions. No matter the vibe in your building, there are standards of etiquette that apply to all. Here are some tips:

Keep It Quiet

Rule number one: don’t run around and scream at the top of your lungs in the middle of the night. Be courteous to your neighbors who live on the other side of your walls and take your band practice elsewhere.

Instead of honking your horn every time you pull into the apartment parking lot, use your cell phone to get the attention of the person you’re picking up. Or, if you’re picking a special someone up for a date, consider showing how classy you are by knocking on the door.

Make the Outside of Your Apartment Look Nice

Whether it’s your front porch or the courtyards, the outside area of your apartment sends a message about you and your neighbors. So keep it clean! Throw away your trash. Alert maintenance if there is mold or peeling paint. Make sure that any potted plants or decor don’t creep over into your neighbor’s space.

And when it comes to toys, skateboards, and bicycles, make sure each has a designated place and looks neat. There are times when it’s appropriate to use your patio for an organized storage space and times when it’s better to keep these items inside. When in doubt, check with the office.

Smile and Wave to your Neighbors

Remember those personalities we talked about earlier? If you’re an introvert, it might be hard to introduce yourself to your neighbors. You don’t have to become everyone’s best friend, but do your best to show your neighbors that you’re a friendly, contributing member of society. You’d be surprised just how far a single smile and wave can go.

When you get the opportunity, spend a few minutes getting to know them. If someone ever tried to break into your home while you were gone, would anyone that lived next to you go the extra mile to call you to let you know? Or call the cops for you? Whether or not you care to make friends, getting to know your neighbors can really help you out when hard times come.

Being a friendly neighbor helps everyone involved gain a sense of calm and comfort. There’s peace of mind in knowing that you are all surrounded by people who could look out for each other. The community will look more beautiful, and chances are you’ll be more content at your home.

Looking for the Recipe to Healthy and Happy Living? Try Being More Kind.

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 03:09:00 GMT

Kindness. We just can’t get enough of it. Millions of us click on viral posts of random acts online: people proudly post images of the exorbitant tip left to an unsuspecting waitress or videos of a rescue team saving a horse from drowning. Even today’s workplaces are exploring the emotional effects of kind acts among coworkers.

“Office culture can be cutthroat and competitive, leading to hurtful criticism, lack of collaboration, and miscommunication,” says Dr. Pragya Agarwal . “However, now we are increasingly talking about wellbeing in the workplace, and bringing an authentic quality to our work, being gentle with ourselves, and with others around us.”

Research shows kindness and well-being are closely linked. Although the benefits to the recipients of kind acts are evident, science is uncovering connections between kindness and one’s health and overall happiness.

If you need an incentive to take the high road when you interact with people, here are four healthy and happy rewards for choosing kindness.

1. Improves Heart Health

There’s a reason why kind people are known for having big hearts—literally. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , the emotional reaction to acts of kindness release the hormone oxytocin.

“Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels,” explains Hamilton. “This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure).” So it seems science proves that having a heart is actually good for it, too.

How can you reap these heart-health benefits? Plenty of studies have shown that social support is associated with better health, including cardiovascular health. So get out there in the community, make friends with your neighbors, and see how it benefits your heart—emotionally and physically.

2. Reduces the Risk of Depression

A study headed by Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we share our time, resources, and other selfless acts, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced, and wellbeing and good fortune are increased.

At Cedars-Sinai , scientists are studying the links between kindness and increased dopamine levels. As dopamine is known for elevating feelings of euphoria, research is focused on the effects dopamine has on mental health.

“Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions,” say doctors at Cedars-Sinai. “The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”

Essentially, practicing kindness increases your dopamine levels, which ultimately helps improve your overall happiness and health.

3. Reduces Anxiety

In a study published by the University of British Columbia Study , a test group comprised of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction, as well as a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. The act itself didn’t need to be big to be effective. Kind acts took larger forms like donating to a favorite charity and small gestures such as putting a quarter in a stranger’s parking meter that was about to expire.

“We found that any kind act appeared to have the same benefit, even small gestures like opening a door for someone or saying ‘thanks’ to the bus driver,” says Dr. Lynn Alden, who led the study. “Kindness didn’t need to involve money or time-consuming efforts, although some of our participants did do such things. Kindness didn’t even need to be ‘face to face.’”

In other words, it isn’t the size of the act that promotes happy feelings but the act itself. When anxiety creeps in, try being more kind. Doing so can help reduce your anxious feelings and replace them with positive ones.

4. May Extend Your Lifespan

Some experts believe one of the keys to a long life is our social network. “What we call loneliness—the feeling that you have no one to turn to, that no one understands you—is a form of stress,” explains Health.com writer Ray Hainer . “And if it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on your blood vessels and heart.” With heart disease being the number one killer among Americans, the connection between improved heart health and avoiding stress contributes to a longer life.

Socializing with purpose also has healthy effects. “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains,” writes Christine Carter in her book Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. “People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

Looking for a new strategy for better health and happiness? Try kindness. Studies show that performing kind acts have a positive effect on everything from reducing depression and anxiety to longevity. “We all seek a path to happiness,” says Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai . “Practicing kindness toward others is one we know works.”

The surprisingly wonderful benefits of rental living

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 01:26:00 GMT

If you are considering moving into an apartment, you are not alone. Experts estimate there are just over 43 million renter-occupied housing units in the US. And while renters are renting for a variety of reasons, there are some common perks that renters enjoy.

Here are four of the most common benefits of rental living.

1. Location, location, location

Sometimes, the easiest way to live close to the communities you frequent isn’t to buy property, but to rent. “Renters can live virtually anywhere—a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village or a townhouse in Queens,” says professor of economics Teresa Ghilarducci . “Homeowners are more restricted to neighborhoods they can afford.”

There are certainly times when paying rent over is more expensive than paying a mortgage. For example, many renters will see their lease increase the moment their contract is up for renewal. But in some cases, experts say there are financial advantages to renting in desired locations rather than trying to buy property. “If you live in a market where you can rent an apartment for substantially less per month than you could own a home, you can invest the difference,” explains David Weliver , founder of Money Under 30. “The difference doesn’t have to be huge.”

Weliver presented an example like this: If you compare $1,000 rent per month versus a $1,300 mortgage payment on a comparable home, that generates $3,600 each year that you can save or invest. “And, unlike home equity, those savings are liquid,” added Weliver. “You can use them to build an emergency fund, pay down student loan debt, or fund a retirement account. None of which you can do with home equity.”

2. Awesome amenities

Most of us haven’t included installing an in-ground pool on our to-do list. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t enjoy having access to recreational amenities like a swimming pool, a fitness center, or tennis courts. And today’s rental properties are offering even more options to entice would-be renters.

Some of the more popular features include onsite laundry facilities or a washer and dryer within the unit. Many offer cable or satellite television and free Wi-Fi. Others offer fully-furnished units. And as a person just starting out on their own, having options for these types of services can help the transition to apartment living.

3. Flexible career options

The workplace model is changing, with more employees at varying job levels working from their homes. Experts estimate that almost half of the US workforce works remotely. But that also means employees are more mobile. And that is where the convenience of renting a home or apartment works well. Renting gives workers the freedom to move more frequently than they could otherwise. Additionally, some apartment communities offer amenities for workers. In some of our communities, for example, we offer dedicated workspaces, perfect for individuals who work remotely.

Have job, will travel. That’s an effective way to set the pace for job promotion or move to a better job opportunity should the need arise. “You need to be able to credibly leave a job to be well treated by employers,” says Ghilarducci . “Mobile workers can move for a pay raise or to make a career move.”

4. A sense of community

There are varying degrees of socializing among renters. You can be as social or reclusive as you choose; the fact remains that you are sharing common space with other people. Whether it’s the pool area or the fitness center, apartment living offers a unique opportunity to befriend your neighbors.

“Apartment buildings draw an array of residents and visitors. Your neighbors, their families, their friends, their delivery people, and anyone offering an at-home service will pass through your shared entryway. Your children will learn to share a space with these people—and perhaps even open the door for them,” says Natalie Saaris , writing for Zillow. “While living in an apartment may deprive you of the privacy of a standalone home, the feeling of community may more than compensate for the loss.”

Whether your apartment is a temporary arrangement or a permanent decision, the benefits of apartment living offer pleasant and financially strategic opportunities for you.

Reasons why setting goals is a good thing

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:12:00 GMT

Don’t let New Year’s resolution failure fool you. Setting goals is a good thing.

Let’s talk about goals.

Wait! Not New Year’s resolutions. I mean regular, everyday goal setting; those goals that you can (and should) start at any time. Although around 80 percent of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions, setting a goal—a SMART goal—will make you feel better. And in some cases, literally.

A SMART goal is a task based on something Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. And while resolutions may bite the dust two months after we set them in place, the truth is that almost half of us (40 to 45 percent) continue to make goals for ourselves each year.

We, as humans, struggle with following through on New Year’s resolutions. But the practice of continually setting goals is a good thing. Here are six reasons why.

Do you know how it feels to merely coast through life, where you find yourself simply reacting to things? When you target your energies into achieving a specific goal, you are forcing action.

“ Goal setting helps you align focus with behavior because you get feedback on your progress,” says Forbes contributor Jeff Boss . “The actions you take—or avoid—offer clues about your values, beliefs, challenges, strengths and weaknesses which allow you to course correct as necessary and reset your goal achievement strategy (and subsequently, your focus).”

Goals that truly make an impact are those that are specific and follow a timeline toward completion. For example, instead of making a goal to be thinner, a well-thought-out goal will include a series of smaller goals that encourage weight loss and are arranged over a month, a year, or two even years.

“ Think of your goal as the destination. Now think of each step you take toward that goal as a smaller yet attainable step to get you there,” explains Dave Richards , a performance and leadership coach. “If your goal is to launch a business someday, your smaller steps would include defining your products or services or getting funds to start up.”

There is no better feeling than one of accomplishment. And when you set attainable goals, your success at achieving those goals is an incredible boost to your self-esteem. Keep in mind the operative word here is “attainable.”

“By setting goals and achieving them, you send a signal to your brain that you are successful which builds confidence and pride in yourself and that helps build your self-esteem,” says Jennifer Silvershein . “We all love to feel accomplished and meeting or exceeding your goals does just that.”

By setting up a primary goal, which is your main objective, and secondary goals, which are the stepping stones that move you toward your primary goal, Silvershein believes “you can set yourself up for success with the right mindset and the right tools.”

This process of identifying a primary goal that’s supported by secondary goals boosts your self-image. But it can also stave off mild forms of depression. “ Setting goals and targets can sometimes help when a person is feeling demotivated,” reports Jayne Leonard . “However, it is important to make sure that goals are achievable, specific, and realistic.”

For instance, a goal to no longer be depressed may not be all that successful as a stand-alone goal. But setting a goal that is proven to help treat minor forms of depression, such as to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables every day or exercise daily, makes reducing or eliminating depression an added benefit to your primary goal, which may be losing twenty pounds. This brings us to the next benefit: your health.

Of Inc.com’s ten top New Year’s resolutions of 2019, five dealt with improving our health. So while we may not always follow through on those resolutions, they are certainly on our minds. In fact, out of the 2,000 people surveyed, 71 percent of them wanted to eat healthier in the coming year. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed planned to exercise more, and over half (54 percent) hoped to lose weight. Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, making conscious goals about lifestyle changes will have a positive impact on your overall health.

“Staying engaged in life as you age is essential for your health,” say experts at Harvard Health . “Goals should revolve around a purpose in your life: What matters to you now? What is important?” Once again, setting up a SMART goal will help connect your goals with a meaningful outcome within a specified amount of time. And when it comes to goals about your health, the end result feels great.

Let’s consider for a moment what the process of setting goals is doing. According to research by goal-setting theorists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, goals not only affect behavior and work performance, but they also ignite a desire to put forth a higher and more persistent effort. And because with every action there’s a reaction, people around you are impacted by your efforts.

For example, if your goals are to be more productive and efficient at work and to manage your time better, you’ll likely return home sooner. Depending on what goals you’ve made regarding your habits at home, your family will benefit from the time you are able to spend with them. Perhaps you’ve made a goal to be more patient or a better listener. Those efforts impact others.

You will likely see similar positive effects if you have a goal to volunteer in your child’s school every month or plant a vegetable garden and share your harvest with neighbors. And as the cycle of goal-setting continues, you’ll be motivated to set more goals because of the positive feedback you receive from those who’ve benefited from your efforts. See? Win-win.

Don’t let the bad publicity surrounding resolutions fool you. Setting goals is a good thing. Nothing else is more effective and empowering than setting goals that improve your health, quality of life, focus, and contributions to the things you care about most. So let’s hear it for the new year and make it a goal to ensure it’s the best one ever.