History of Labor Day
Sober Holidays and Fun with Family, Friends, Shopping
In This Article
Labor Day 2021
Labor Day is always celebrated on the first Monday of September. Labor Day 2021 is September 6, 2021.
For many, Labor Day is the last big Three Day Weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Although retail and hospitality workers – as well as medical personnel and others – ‘celebrate’ Labor Day by working longer shifts.
But even for those who have to work on Labor Day – the three day weekend (Sept 4-6, 2021) is a great time for visiting with friends and family. And to participate in the traditional summer holiday activities that include cookouts and bargain shopping.
But why do we celebrate Labor Day?
Unions and the Origins of Labor Day
The origin of labor unions dates back to the eighteenth century and the industrial revolution in Europe. During this time there was a huge surge of new workers into the workplace that needed representation.
A Brief History of Unions
The idea of Labor Day emerged in the late 19th century out of the organized labor movements.
The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. The labor movement led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired.
In the United States history of unions, early workers and trade unions played an important part in the role for independence. Although their physical efforts for the cause of independence were ineffective, the ideas they introduced, such as protection for workers, became part of our American culture.
In September 1882, unions in New York decided to throw themselves a parade to celebrate unions as a concept and the hard-working union members.
New Start Recovery Solutions is proud to provide counseling and addiction treatment services to Union Members.
The Founding of Labor Day
In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed into law that Labor Day in the US would be celebrated on the first Monday in September.
Labor Day originated during one of the most difficult times for American workers.
The United States in the late 1800’s was at the height of the Industrial Revolution. In order to earn a basic living, the average American worked seven days a week, 12 or more hours a day.
Despite laws in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 worked in mills, factories and mines across the country. For details, see Child Labor in the Industrial Revolution.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a landmark bill into law in 1938: the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). The FLSA banned child labor in America. It also established a minimum wage and overtime pay. The 7 day work week featuring 12+ hours of daily work – was replaced with a standard 8 hour work day. Regulations for safe working conditions were created.
Read More at History of Labor Day, US Department of Labor
We have made significant progress in creating safe working environments.
And that is something to celebrate!
How to Safely Socialize Labor Day 2021
There are ways to safely socialize this Labor Day weekend!
Going outdoors with fresh air and sunshine promotes wellness. Outside activities can be a priority as long as the weather cooperates. And outside activities do not need to be complicated. Walking, riding bikes, skating, picnics or swimming in an uncrowded area are all fun!
Epidemiologist Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington – as well as other health experts – give this advice for staying safe while being social on Labor Day.
• Gather with friends or other families outside.
• Make plans to remain outside if there is bad weather.
• Wear masks when not eating.
• Keep family unit ‘bubbles’ separated by at least 6 feet.
• Make sure tables, food, condiments and utensils are separated.
• Each individual or family brings their own food.
• If food is shared, separate it in advance into individual servings.
• Have a safety process in place for bathroom visits.
Shopping Online Labor Day Sales 2021
What is the most convenient way to shop in 2021 during COVID-19? Online!
Online shopping has been growing in popularity for years. And this year – more stores have moved their big holiday sales online.
• 80+ Labor Day Sales to Shop 2021
• Best 2021 Labor Day Tech Sales to Shop
• 100 Best Labor Day Sales- Mattresses, TVs, Appliances and More
Staying Sober During Holidays
Holidays are times to relax and have fun! For those recovering from alcohol and substance abuse – holidays present an added challenge.
Holiday Sobriety Planning Tips
• Have a strong determination and resolve to remain sober.
• Prepare in advance relapse prevention strategies.
• Have a Relapse Prevention Plan; know potential obstacles.
• Use Mindfulness to stay in the present moment.
• Attend support group meetings.
• If family gatherings are too stressful – attend support group meetings and/or spend time with supportive friends.
• Remember self-care: Check H.A.L.T. – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
• With Mindfulness, acknowledge and work with emotions: do not ‘bury’ unpleasant emotions.
• Allow yourself to have real fun – Sober. Create new sober holiday traditions.
• Sobriety is the Priority. (And have a back-up plan in place).
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Bay Area Work From Home Functional Alcoholic Warning Signs
Northern California Mindfulness Meditation and Addiction Recovery
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Mindfulness is very helpful to both addition recovery and preventing relapse.
Mindfulness is having the internal focus to be quietly aware of your own thoughts and impulses – without judgment and without acting on the impulses.
New Start Recovery Solutions uses a whole person approach to addiction recovery. We include mindfulness training and mindfulness relapse prevention as a part of our Northern California Evidence Based Integrated Substance Abuse Treatment program.
Mindfulness is very helpful in relapse prevention and addiction recovery. Long-term addiction recovery depends on discarding habitual behaviors to drink or drug – and engaging in new sober activities. Mindfulness meditation research has shown that mindfulness is connected with being able to process new information.
With increased self-awareness – impulsive and habitual behaviors can decrease.
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