I hope you are feeling even more compelled these days to be an active citizen. Being active in your community not only can make you healthier, but it can also grow your purpose (and perspective), and make our society more productive. Continue reading How to register to vote→
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
With The Royal Wedding just days away, remember: you don’t have to be royal to feel pampered! In the spirit of all things royal, check out this post about 12 ways that you can give yourself the royal treatment this week. And who knows? These creative ways to treat yourself might just help you be a little bit more productive at the same time. Continue reading 12 ways to give yourself the royal treatment this week→
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Do you drink sugary drinks? Some argue that sugary drinks play a significant role in today’s obesity epidemic in the US. Why? Because when you drink sugar, you are consuming calories. And, your body doesn’t feel as full when you drink these calories compared to when you eat the same number of calories as food. 1
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Notes:
Pan A, Hu FB. Effects of carbohydrates on satiety: differences between liquid and solid food. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2011;14:385-90. ↩
Need to make plans for Valentine’s Day? Show the love (for yourself and others) with these eight lovely things to do for Valentine’s Day.
1. Get your heart pumping. February is full of cold days and nights. Buck the urge to cozy up (just for a little while) and take a refreshing walk outside.
2. Spend quality time with loved ones. Instead of watching a movie (less screen time = more creativity time!), try a silly board game or go bowling.
3. Treat yourself. Relaxation can be the key to future productivity. Dip into a warm bath, take a yoga class (you can find them for free on this 20-minute yoga podcast), or treat yourself to a de-stressing massage!
4. Reflect. Appreciate and acknowledge the present moment. Start a gratitude jar or journal. Even better, write a thank you note!
5. Cook something lovely that takes a little extra time. Cooking can be a relaxing. Sometimes, however, it can be a lengthy process. Take a day to enjoy cooking something that takes a long time. And, if you make too much, you can always freeze the leftovers!
6. Discover something new. Discover something new in your neighborhood. Take a look in the local paper, or do a search online. Is there a new restaurant nearby? What about a gallery or exhibit? Or, simply a new workshop at the local community college?
7. Find an art project. Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist’s Way, recommends bringing art into your life frequently. Define art loosely—perhaps you would like to make a scrapbook of summer adventures, or refurbish worn furniture. Or, paint a picture. You choose.
8. Volunteer in your community. Helping others boosts your own happiness, longevity, and effectiveness. Check out resources to match your interests with the needs of others.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let us what you plan to do in the comments!
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
What makes a great holiday gift? From my experience, it is the gift that has been thoughtfully purchased specifically for that person. Need some ideas? Last year, I talked about 27 gifts that promote community connectedness. I have kept some of those gifts on the list, but also have introduced a number of different options too. Check out these 12 great holiday gifts:
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
This week, I wrote a guest post about Dialogue: 7 ways your words can bring out your best self. It kicks off bullying prevention month with seven strategies to use dialogue and words to be your best.
Check out my blog post this week on the website Get it Going, a brand that inspires and motivates people to be their greatest self.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Last year, we moved from Boston to Dallas. In my frenzied packing, I frustratingly noticed the many cleaning agents under the sink. We had a spray to “kill germs in the bathroom,” a separate spray for the shower “to prevent mildew,” cleaner to “cut kitchen grease,” another abrasive to scrub the shower, and even disinfectant spray for door knobs. I was overwhelmed by the variety (and specificity) of these cleaners. I knew that we couldn’t pack and move them. All I could think about was having to start over once we reached Dallas.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Getting Outside for Healthy Living, Purposeful Growth, and Creative Productivity
A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to hear a talk from Cheryl Charles, CEO of the child and nature network. She spoke about the importance of getting children outside. Cheryl’s co-founder of the Children and Nature Network, Richard Louv, states in his book Last Child in the Woods that children who are outside tend to behave better, be in better physical health, and exhibit more mental resiliency than their peers who spend more time indoors. I think this is true for adults as well.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Celebrating creative productivity, healthy living, and purposeful growth
, recommends bringing art into your life frequently. Define art loosely—perhaps you would like to make a scrapbook of summer adventures, or refurbish worn furniture. Or, paint a picture. You choose.
that children who are outside tend to behave better, be in better physical health, and exhibit more mental resiliency than their peers who spend more time indoors. I think this is true for adults as well.