Five years ago, if someone would have presented us with the premise of being locked into a room with only our wit and creativity as a means to get out, we would have shuddered at the thought. Today, this setup is known as the modern “escape room” and it’s taken the United States by storm.

Why? The escaping part is only a fraction of the fun. Along the way, players have the chance to get to know each other better, build teamwork, and have a ton of fun as they solve complex challenges to unlock passageways and ultimately, get out. This helps explain the popularity of the concept, though it’s actually not as new as one might think.

The idea of an escape room was around back in 2014, yet, according to industry research, there were only around 22 of the designated spaces. Now, there are more than 2,000 across the country. What was the impetus for the growth? The answer lies in increasingly sophisticated technology that makes the games more feature-rich and interactive than ever before.

It also correlates with the fact that we’re now in the era where social media and digitization are king, and a penchant for all things puzzling, challenging and intricate is no longer seen as uncool. Rather, geeking out over your new software or your favorite brand’s new mobile app is a common occurrence. This enthusiasm has spilled over to the choices we make for our recreation. Escape rooms fit the bill because they offer us a chance to explore our surroundings, test out hypotheses, tinker with tools and engage the part of our brain responsible for in-depth problem-solving. And, we get to do it all in the presence of company we enjoy, with good-hearted spooks or laughs along the way.

A Social Experience Like None Other

Of course, those who emerge from an escape room have the opportunity for a perfect photo opp, which is also available for those who needed a little assistance to make it out. This moment of shared celebration and relief has given rise to a host of social media hashtags and posts, with trending ones including #weescaped and #escaperoom. In fact, Instagram reports that in the past year alone, the use of those specific tags has risen 13% over the year before.

While escape rooms are ideal ways to have fun with your friends on your day off, they can also serve as ideal team building events for corporate communities. From seasoned colleagues and co-workers coming together to build relationships and trust to new intern initiations, there is no shortage of ways to implement an escape room outing for the office. This concept works because the very skills needed for employees to work seamlessly and successfully at work, including clear communication, role delegation, collaboration and teamwork are also required to maneuver out of an escape room.

Moreover, the rooms can also serve as the backdrop for just about any celebration. Today, it isn’t uncommon to hear of someone having their birthday party at one. They’re unique alternatives to traditional party fare, offer guests a chance to interact with one another, and are a rewarding group activity. With online booking capabilities, it’s easy to plan today for your next fete.

Tech-Savvy Elements That Deliver

While some of the earliest, most rudimentary escape rooms consisted of a series of spaces isolated by physical locks and keys, the contraptions and characters used are quickly evolving. Now, many room companies will employ actual people to make story settings come to life. They’re also relying less on concrete materials and more on tech-heavy interactive elements that give each room it’s own “theme.”

For instance, you may have a nautical-themed room wherein the environment is designed to mimic that of being on a boat. Players might even feel the room vibrate, move or sway back and forth to replicate the feeling of being on the ocean. Adding digital touches and special effects such as these is a key way to improve the customer experience and helps differentiate and elevate some escape rooms over others. From sound effects to special lighting design, the possibilities for creating an immersive and sophisticated escape room are virtually limitless.

The Human Element of Accomplishment

While we can wax poetic about the technological features that a certain escape room has to offer, the massive success of the industry as a whole comes down to one factor: They offer us an unmatched sense of accomplishment. As humans, we’re driven by risk and reward and these rooms have both of these concepts at their crux. While we work together to solve the problems, crack the cases, and elude the obstacles, we’re facing risks in a more head-on manner than most of us are used to doing in our real lives. In this sense, escape rooms can even be cathartic, allowing us to more clearly focus our energy and align our efforts.

Then, whether we emerge by our own accord or even if we fail to complete the challenges within the given timeframe, there is still a shared sense of relief. We did it together, or at least we attempted it. The photo opp alone is often photographic evidence of the collective sigh of relief felt at the conclusion of this journey, though it’s one that most of us can’t wait to tackle again.

The Future of Escape Rooms

There’s no denying that our world is inching closer and closer to a more digital future, though even against this backdrop, escape rooms still have a place. How? They offer us the best of both worlds. We have access to cutting-edge technology and dynamic special effects, but at the end of the day, this is a human game. It’s one that requires us to speak to, listen to, work with and learn from others. And, that’s something we’ll always crave, regardless of how automated the world around us becomes.

As soon as the temperatures begin to drop and the days start getting a little shorter, it’s not uncommon to feel a tinge of sadness. After all, the onset of wintertime marks a separation from the hot, lazy days of summer and the crisp, exciting weeks of autumn. In both of those seasons, there is a buzz of energy in the air. Vacations are plentiful and relaxation is top of mind when it’s warm out. Then, as we usher in fall, school begins again, there are plenty of fun festivals to visit on the weekend and everyone’s excited about bringing their boots and warm jackets out of storage.

Then, the leaves turn from colorful to gray and the lush landscape is suddenly bleak. It’s dark outside when we leave our home to go to work in the morning, and it’s dark as soon as we get in the car to head home. Light meals of fresh fruits and garden veggies that defined the earlier months are replaced by comforting stews as we seek to warm our chilled bones. With all of this occurring, you may feel a little down about the changing of the seasons and the different lifestyle this transition brings.

Yet, for some people, the change in season brings about more than just a little disappointment. They might suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. This is a form of depression and while it’s most common during the winter months, it can actually occur at any time of the year. Today, we’re diving into this issue to learn more about its root causes and how sufferers can find the treatment they need.

The Correlation Between SAD and Winter

Why is SAD most commonly associated with the winter? Most experts agree that the end of daylight savings time can be a major trigger. As we “fall back,” we essentially gain an extra hour, but it’s an hour of darkness. While it used to get dark around 7:00, it’s suddenly pitch black at 6:00 and our days therefore feel shortened.

There’s no denying the science behind the fact that sunshine makes us happy. Those rays are filled with mood and energy-building goodness that instantly invigorates us. With less exposure to the sun, we’re more apt to fall prey to depression as our brain chemistry adjusts. Yet, there are some pros that come from daylight savings time along with the cons. You can learn more about both sides of the issue here.

SAD vs. the Winter Blues: Which is It?

Are you wondering whether or not you might have SAD? While only a licensed healthcare professional can provide a definite diagnosis, there are signs that what you’re feeling is more than just the wintertime blues.

Start by considering how your emotions affect your ability to honestly function. It’s one thing to go to work and go through the motions of being productive. In fact, you might get everything done and excel in your position, all while suffering mentally from a sinking feeling you can’t put your finger on. Yet, if you’re only halfheartedly performing the effort, it’s only a matter of time before the facade catches up with you. If this is the case, SAD could be to blame.

Conversely, you might only feel a little down when the sun begins to set. Maybe you miss playing outside in the late evening or you’d like a little more light to work longer into the night. Other than that though, you’re in a generally good mood and aren’t too shaken by the change in temperature and sunlight.

Overall, around 4% to 6% of the population suffers from true winter depression. Roughly 15% have a mild form of SAD. Industry research shows that it’s also more common in women than it is in men, and your chances of getting it increase as you age.

Common Symptoms of SAD

Those who suffer from winter depression or mild forms of SAD will often exhibit physical symptoms that point to their diagnosis. These include but are not limited to:

• Appetite changes, craving starchy comfort foods more than usual
• Low energy levels
• Weight gain
• Anxiousness and irritability
• An urge to “hibernate” and avoid social situations
• Increased fatigue
• Difficulty with concentration

These symptoms also follow summertime SAD, though poor appetite, insomnia and weight loss are the most common signs during this time. Summertime SAD is also associated with a change in sunlight levels.

Finding Treatments for SAD and Reclaiming Your Life

If you or someone you know suffers from SAD, there are treatment solutions that can help. A primary one is light therapy, as this depression is often catalyzed by too much or too little sunlight. This is performed by wearing a special light cap on your head, which will mimic those rays you’re missing. You’ll wear the cap for around 30 minutes a day, with minimal side effects including headache and fatigue. Keep in mind that while it might be tempting to hop in the tanning bed to get that artificial sunlight, this isn’t a recommended treatment approach. These light sources feature harmful UV rays that ultimately do more harm than good.

Your doctor may also recommend that you begin a medication regimen or come in for behavioral therapy sessions. The ideal approach for you will depend on your specific symptoms, end goals and timeframe.

The good news is that there is help available. You don’t have to suffer through the entire winter just waiting for the springtime to arrive. Seek the help you need today and reclaim these cold-weather months as an enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.

Congratulations! You’ve found the love of your life and you’re ready to make things official. While the idea of getting married can be overwhelming to some, it is ultimately a beautiful declaration of your union and your intent to spend the rest of your lives together. Yet, before you get down on one knee and pop the ultimate question, you have to find the perfect ring first!

While you may think you can waltz into a jewelry store and a ring will immediately jump out to you as being “the one,” the reality is that the ring shopping process can be more than a little arduous and time-consuming. Doing a little research beforehand can save you time, money and sanity down the road. That said, here are five steps to choosing an engagement ring that will send your partner to the moon.

1. Know your budget.

There’s nothing like finding the perfect ring of your dreams, then realizing that it costs more than your house and car are worth combined. Before you even set foot in a jewelry store or hop online to compare your options, it’s wise to know exactly how much you can afford to spend. Though this is arguably the most important piece of jewelry you’ll ever buy in your life, you don’t want to spend years paying it back in installments. Rather, set a budget that you are comfortable with and that won’t require you to sacrifice your quality of life to pursue.

When you’re ready to shop, knowing your price range can save you a ton of time. This way, the jeweler will be able to show you options that fit within this range so you can avoid looking at ones that are way over or under your ideal number. While you’re coming up with these figures, remember that the old adage rings true: It really is the thought that counts. Ultimately, buy the nicest ring you can confidently afford and your partner will appreciate the sentiment regardless.

2. Determine your partner’s ring size.

While it’s a simple fix, nothing ruins the mood quite like slipping a ring on your partner’s finger only to find that it’s grossly under or oversized. To make sure the proposal goes off without a hitch, it can be helpful to determine your partner’s ring size beforehand. The easiest way to do this is to bring a ring that he or she doesn’t wear too often (but that you know fits) to a local jeweler. You may need to recruit a friend or family member to help you pull off this stealth surprise!

This step is worth it, though, as a professional can tell you the exact size so you know what to order when it’s time to buy the ring. Though you can always get an ill-fitting ring resized down the road, this process can be costly and time-consuming. Ensuring a true fit will save your budget and help make the proposal as swoon-worthy as possible.

3. Understand your partner’s style.

Does your partner love old Hollywood movies? Does she enjoy dressing in throwback vintage pieces and decorating in a classic style? If so, you may be best served by looking at vintage or antique engagement rings that are both unique and time-honored. From round center stones to colored gems and diamond-encrusted bands, these are one-of-a-kind and never go out of fashion. You could even consider using a family heirloom, such as your great-grandmother’s ring, if one is available.

Or, does your partner prefer a more modern look? If so, there are plenty of rings available in a clean, streamlined look that are equally stunning. From white and yellow gold to platinum and titanium, there are a range of different material options available as well. If you aren’t sure which style to go with, consider your partner’s personal everyday style and use that as a guide.

4. Choose the perfect ring.

Once you know your budget as well as your partner’s ring size and personal style, you’re ready to go shopping! It can be easy to become overwhelmed at this point in the process. If you don’t see anything you love after the first time out, don’t get discouraged. It can take months to find the perfect engagement ring!

Of course, if you’re running into myriad roadblocks while out shopping for a premade ring, you can always design a custom creation yourself! In tandem with your jeweler, you can share your vision for the ring, describe your partner’s style and work together to make your dream a reality. This can also be a sweet way to incorporate a special personal touch into the ring as well. For instance, you can engrave the band with your wedding date or a special saying. You can also create a custom diamond look, such as a three-diamond ring that symbolizes your past, present and future together. This is a small but meaningful way to give your partner a ring that means something significant to the both of you.

5. Insure your ring.

After you’ve popped the question and you know the ring fits and is the one your partner adores, it’s a good idea to insure your engagement ring. Why? This is a valuable personal possession and should be protected as such. Ring insurance will safeguard the ring against theft, damage or loss. In the event that the ring is lost or stolen, you can use the insurance money to either replace it or you can invest it anywhere else you see fit.

You can usually incorporate your ring into your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, making the process as simple as possible. Make sure to read the fine print to understand what level of coverage this offers. Most will insure a ring against natural disasters but not human error, meaning that if it slips off while your partner is doing dishes, you may be stuck footing the bill for a new one. Conversely, a replacement insurance policy will usually reimburse you for the full amount that the ring is worth. Your jeweler can point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing a policy that’s best for you.

Ultimately, shopping for an engagement ring should be a fun and memorable experience. After all, this is your first step toward forever so take the time to prepare beforehand so the journey is everything you want it to be.