Blog for Your Health

Post two entries and call me in the morning! Blogging may help you reap many of the following benefits:

Sounder slumber: Blogging about your feelings can bring on relaxation, which helps usher in sleep.

Improved immunity: Expressive writing may encourage growth of white blood cells, which fight off infection.

A hardy heart: Writing about emotional topics may lower blood pressure and heart rate, keeping your ticker in better shape. Write from the heart! And no need to go public- a Web diary that's for your eyes only can still do you good.

Stay Healthy at Work

Green Thumb: Plants help keep office air clean (or remind you of cleaner air), plus, the colors of your favorite flowers can help spark creative juices.

It's all in the light: Overhead lighting create glare (it's also unflattering, which is bad for your self esteem!), so use desk lighting, or rely on natural sunlight whenever possible.

Skip "free" foods: Let's face it, nothing's free- that includes unhealthy meeting snacks or the bowl of M&Ms on the receptionist's desk. Instead, follow bring your own guilt free snacks, like nuts or berries.

Stay Healthy at Work

Staying healthy is a full-time job. Follow these tips to make your office work for you.

Ergonomics: Avoid pinched nerves and carpal tunnel syndrome by keeping your seat, keyboard and screen well positioned.

Work color into your office: “Cool” colors like lavender and blue may help reduce stress levels.

Picture it: Keep an image of a loved one, celebrated moment or favorite place visible to serve as an instant mood booster when low moments strike.

Stay tuned for more tips on sprucing up your work digs.

Mastering the Art of Thanks continued

Good fortune isn't written in the stars... it's in your notebook. Taking time every day to jot down some of the gift in your life (people, pleasures, talents, etc), makes those feelings feel more tangible. Not into journaling? Get the same effect by exchanging an email with someone you love.

Remember: every cloud has a silver lining. It's hard to feel fortunate when something is happening that's unfortunate. Instead of dwelling, tell yourself, "Yes, this is bad but at least I ___" and fill in something you're still happy about.

Mastering the Art of Thanks

According to Dr. Robert Emmons, author of THANKS!: How The New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, mastering the art of appreciation can make things start to look up…way up.

AIM for the moon: Use this acronym as your shortcut to a grateful place:

Awareness - focus on something good you normally take for granted.

Interpretation - imagine how a specific "burden" might actually be a blessing instead.

Memory - remember people before you who have helped make your life easier.

Stay tuned for more tips on mastering the art of appreciation.