We hear a lot about prisons in the US and most of the coverage tends to be negative. There are many reasons for that, but many people still don’t fully understand the specific problems overwhelming the prison system today and why these issues are so pressing. Change in certain areas is certainly going to be required to make the system more functional and sustainable going forward. So keep reading to find out about the biggest problems today.

Even though crime rates in America have been falling for a few years, this has not led to any decrease in the number of people being incarcerated in America. This is a strange problem, but one that gets to the heart of many problems in America. Prison target should never come before justice. In a healthy society, a fall in crime would lead to lower rates of people getting locked up.

There is a clear disparity between black and white inmates in prisons, with the former being more overrepresented in prisons than the latter. The numbers for incarceration rates along racial lines are worse today in America than in Apartheid South Africa, so this is clearly something that needs to be taken seriously and hopefully addressed. It’s a huge problem though, so it won’t be easy to overcome.

There are now a significant number of people in US prisons serving life sentences for crimes that were completely nonviolent. Many people question the worth and reasoning behind this policy, and whether it’s the right thing to be doing. The belief that only people who’ve committed violent crimes should serve life in prison is growing in popularity. There are many campaigning for the situation to be changed.

When people don’t even understand the bail bond system, it’s pretty evident that there are ways the system can improve. There are also some inconsistencies that people have highlighted in recent years. Luckily, there are organizations like Alamo City Bail Bonds that can help people to navigate the process when they’re having difficulties or don’t know where to start. It would help if the system was improved and simplified though.

Because of the skyrocketing prison numbers in America, overcrowding is becoming an issue that’s hard to ignore. There simply aren’t enough places for all the people who are being sent to prison, and this might be linked to harsher rules meaning prison sentences are being given for crimes that wouldn’t previously have warranted such a punishment. Whatever the causes, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed.

The American prison system is not in the healthiest state right now, and even compared to 30 years ago, the situation is far, far worse. It will take root and branch reform to overcome these problems because they’re truly systemic right now, but it remains to be seen whether there is the motivation there to make it happen.

Note: This post has been contributed.

Remember when you were a kid and you didn’t have a care in the world? Your primary objective in life was to have fun and be happy, so why does that change as you get older? From dealing with stresses in work to problems in your personal life, can get very tough indeed. Why not step back to your childhood and take some time to have some fun to let your worries disappear, even if only for a short period.

Image: Pxhere

Here are some great ways to find the fun again.

What was your favorite board game as a kid? Operation? Monopoly? Whatever it was, dig it out and get playing. Playing board games has a surprising number of benefits for your health, including helping your memory, reducing blood pressure and reducing stress. Get your friends or family together to enjoy a night of playing classic board games and relax as you find yourself in a familiar routine.

Were you into skateboarding as a kid? Or maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to try but never got round to doing? Skateboarding can be a fun hobby and a convenient way to travel - it’s not uncommon to see commuters using their skateboard to get to work! Give yourself a workout and have fun at the same time - Cruiser skateboards are sleek and easy to carry round to help you rediscover your lost youth. Get riding and blast past all of your problems and worries.

It’s very difficult to be miserable around puppies, as they’re full of energy and keep you on your toes. Even if you can’t get your own puppy right now, there are plenty of shelters who are looking for volunteers to help out or opportunities to help with dog walking. Help a friend or relative to take care of their dog and you’ll soon find your stresses disappearing as you enjoy the company of some four-legged friends.

Cartoons were the perfect way to chill out when you were a kid, but when was the last time you watched a cartoon? Whether you rediscover some old classics (YouTube is great for this), or take a look at some new cartoons, you’ll soon be laughing away. Think you’ve grown up out of classic kids cartoons? Try adult-oriented cartoons like Family Guy and The Simpsons instead.

Having hobbies benefits you in many ways, and by finding something that you love to do in your free time, you can enjoy an escape from it all while you get active or creative. From adult coloring books to joining a sports team, there are plenty of options available to you that will help you discover a fun new hobby.

When you’re going through a tough time or need a break from it all, looking for fun things to do can soon lift your spirits. Think of activities that make you laugh and smile and you’ll soon ease your stresses for a much more relaxed and happier you.