There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get every thing done. With more demands being placed on workers because of increased competition in the work force, it is high time to find ways to better optimize your work life.

1.Come in early. A quite work space is more conducive to accomplishing tasks.

2.Outsource things you are not proficient at doing. There is no sense in taking the added time to learn a job that someone else already knows.

3.Stay organized. Being able to find what you need without having to take time to sort through a mess will make tasks easier and less stressful.

4.Prepare ahead of time (set out tomorrow’s work before you go home for the day)

5.Complete like tasks at the same time (i.e. Respond to all emails, return all calls, or do all correspondence).

6.Take short breaks through out the day. Get up and move around in order to get the blood flowing and get a change of scenery.

7.Ask for help. It is better to have extra hands than to fail at the task.

8.Do something you love. If you are enjoying your work, it won’t seem like work.

9.Get rid of distractions. Turn off the radio or television. Get into a quiet place away from the activity. Set your phone to message only. Without any thing to get you off track you will be able to stay focused and get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time.

10.Stay up to date. There are always new techniques and technologies being developed. Keep up with the ones that are utilized in your industry.

11.Work in teams. More minds and hands can make a task easier and more efficient.

12.Get plenty of rest. Most people need any where from six to eight hours of sleep to function fully. Make sure you are getting enough time.

13.Eat good meals. A healthy breakfast is a great start for the day. Lunch provides nutrition and a break to recharge. Dinner is just the meal to tide you over until it all starts again.

14.Exercise regularly. A healthy body allows for a more productive mind.

15.Just say no. Don’t take on too many projects at the same time. Limit yourself to what you can feasibly handle. It’s better to complete fewer tasks with excellence than have many that are just fair (or unfinished) projects to turn in.

16.Make your work space friendly. Live plants (be sure you keep them alive by watering regularly) are a great addition to any space and they are also good for the environment.

17.Dress professional, but comfortable. Dressing for success is about being able to work in your attire as much as it is about your appearance.

18.Be prepared. Have an easy snack or an easy fix lunch in your work space incase you aren’t able to get away for a bite.

19.Stay healthy. Take your vitamins, eat your fruits and vegetables, and wash your hands regularly (especially during the winter months).

20.Don’t try to work sick. Take some time off to let your body heal. A cloudy mind is a good way to make mistakes.

21.Reduce the paper trail. With so many ways to back up materials, try storing electronically instead of traditionally. This can also make it easier to search, copy, and even send materials.

22.Waste not; want not. Be environmentally friendly by recycling your materials. This could even save you money in the end (some places will pay for aluminum, paper, and even plastic).

23.Keep supplies easily accessible and shelves labeled. This will keep you from having to hunt down everything you need.

24.Keep your machines (printer, scanner, computer, etc.) in working order by keeping them clean and scheduling regular maintenance visits.

25.Take a break from tough tasks to do something easier or mundane (this is a great time to do those emails).

26.Brainstorm with others to open up ideas you might not think of alone.

27.Make a to-do list that can be broken down into days and weeks. This will keep the tasks in front of you and help you see what you can combine.

28.Put reminders of deadlines and commitments in your electronic calendars (like your email or your cell phone). This will give you a back up incase you forget something.

29.Be flexible. There will be situations that come up that will require you to change your schedule or your time line. Don’t panic; just try to go with the flow until you can get back on track.

30.Be assertive in what you need and want from your subordinates. Communication is the key to smooth sailing (whether you are on the open waters or in the corporate world).

31.Learn to play well with others. Animosity will not only hinder the way things can be done but it will also affect the quality of the work that does get accomplished.

32.Spend time with your family. Work can not be your life or it will end up destroying any life you might have.

33.Stay out of the office gossip (no matter if it’s by the water cooler or online). It’s not good for the morale of the work force or for your own productivity.

34.Clarify your job description. It is important to know just what is expected of you so that you can be sure to meet (and hopefully surpass) those expectations.

35.Be willing to move on. If the job becomes stagnant for you then find a job that challenges you and ignites your spirit. You will get more done if you want to be at work.

36.Come up with smaller steps to accomplish bigger goals. This will break down seemingly impossible projects into attainable jobs.

37.Use technology to your benefit. Don’t walk down the hall to talk with a colleague when a quick email (or even instant messenger) would be quicker and easier.

38.Find a mentor. Get someone in your industry (in your office or retired or even at another office) that will be willing to guide you along your way. They are sure to have some tips to keep you from stumbling over the small stuff.

39.Be willing to follow your dreams. If you see an opportunity or are willing to make it, then jump on in.

40.Work fresh. The longer you stay at something, the more tired your body and brain will become. Schedule harder tasks for in the morning when you are at your peak.

You don’t have to work longer and harder to get things done. The best way to get everything done is to work smarter. Following a few of these tips will get you well on your way to a more productive working environment.

Weight has been an issue for me for the last 25 years. Only in the last five I’ve started to understand how to deal with the problem. For most people, losing weight is not a medical condition (although there are exceptions to this). The keys to losing weight are simple.

1. Chew less. When I first read this statement, I was thinking about the “chew your bite 40 times” that I had heard in grammar school. The truth is that when I sit down to eat, I simply eat too much. Chew less means don’t eat so much.

2. Eat off smaller plates (or bowls). This will force you to eat smaller portions and will also trick your brain into thinking it’s getting more food.

3. Take your time. Eat smaller bites and take time in between each bite. It usually takes the “full” message from your stomach about twenty minutes to reach your brain. (I wonder if this is because all the blood and energy is being used to digest).

4. Make meal time an experience. Put out the nice linen. Light a candle. Play some mood music. Enjoy each and every meal instead of shoving anything into your mouth and calling it done.

5. Stop before you are full. I call it “first date” eating. Only consume as much as you would on a first date – or an amount about the size of your palm.

6. Get moving. You have to burn more calories than you take in, and movement is the way to do that. Make it your goal to walk just 10,000 steps per day.

7. Build muscle. Muscle will burn more energy than fat. The stronger you get, the more weight you can burn off with less effort.

8. Don’t ever give up. If you slip, start again.

9. Start now. If you wait until tomorrow then you will continue to wait until tomorrow.

10. Treat yourself. If you complete deprive yourself of chocolate then you won’t be able to think of anything BUT chocolate. When you are hungry, enjoy a small amount of your favorite food, but don’t go overboard.

Losing weight doesn’t have to require lots of charts and graphs. With just a little common sense, some self control and some get up and go you can work and live your way to a thin and healthy life without diets. The steps to losing weight are simple – now if they were only easy, too.

This world is full of negativity. It is the odd man that faces the day with a positive - the glass is half full - attitude. When you go through the day with a smile on your face, many people will say you are peculiar. That’s okay. Keeping a positive attitude will make your day worth living no matter what their comments might be or what situation might come your way.

There are some great ideas for staying positive across the internet. Recently, I stumbled across 15 tips that will definitely make your life easier. Donald Latumahina at www.lifeoptimizer.com has the tips to help you get on your way to a winning situation. Here are a few of my own to assist you in that journey.

1.Stay away from negative people (including music, televisions, and movies). There is a reason for the saying “birds of a feather flock together.” If you are around negative then you will be negative – like begets like.

2.Have a happy place. It can be mental or physical I sing a song in my head (one that is more of a chorus repeated over and over again). It takes me away from the situation at hand and lets my mind be a peace. Your happy place could be an actual location or a chant or a song of your own.

3.Take time to laugh. Laughter releases endorphins that make you feel better.

4.Don’t react to a situation. Take a time out – walk away if you can – in order to think through what you will do. It is better to act than to react.

5.Find the silver lining. It may not be much, but anything will give you something to hold on to.

6.Surround your self with positive support. It’s good to have friends and family that will help life you up during your down times.

7.Read a book about having a positive mental attitude. You may not find your magic answer in there, but you are sure to come out of it inspired.

8.Think happy thoughts. There is a reason that the children in Peter Pan could fly when the thought happy things. It’s hard to get down when you are thinking uplifting thoughts.

9.Don’t look back. It is okay to learn from the past, but focusing on the past accomplishes nothing. Look to the future and all the potential it holds.

10.Keep smiling. A happy face is the beginning to a happy heart.

There is a lot of pressure trying to drag you down. It seems like it is work to try and keep a positive attitude. The more your practice it, the easier it will become. Soon you will be one of the peculiar people that are walking through life enjoying each and every step.

When work responsibilities start getting in the way of your sanity, you can lose your ability to maintain your health and well-being. And that’s when stress sneaks up and takes over.

It can be difficult to define stress; you just know it when you feel it.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress:

Psychological: Tiredness, fatigue and restless sleeping habits; irritability and impatience; frequent worry and anxiety; and moodiness and sadness.
Physical: Increased blood pressure, tension (often felt in the neck, shoulders, back and head); loss of appetite or overeating; and upset stomach.

Stressed out workers everywhere need to embrace emotional well-being, and consider it integral to a healthy daily work routine. Though it’s not possible to avoid work-related stress, there are efficient steps you can take to help alleviate, cope and move on before it takes over and negatively affects your life.

Here are some helpful tips:

1.Take deep breaths. Stop what you are doing and compose yourself. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. The steady pace will force your mind to relax and focus on the breathing rather than your stressful situation.

2. Get away. Find a quiet place to sit down and gather your thoughts. Go outside or find an empty office or break room - anywhere free from distraction. Relax your muscles to ease the tension. Close your eyes and try to drown out the worries of the job.

3. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Try to keep the situation in perspective. Everything isn’t always going wrong; it’s just one bad day. Remind yourself that tomorrow will be better.

4. Communicate with your supervisor. Notify him/her of the frustrations you’re experiencing. It may be something that can be easily fixed once brought to the management’s attention. It’s important for supervisors to be aware of problems, so they can better manage and ensure the well-being of their staff.

5. Share your worries with friends and family. It’s also helpful to express your feelings to people outside the office. Often times, these are the people who know you best and will listen with care and compassion. They may not be able to solve whatever stress or frustration you have, but they will most likely know how to get you out of the funk better than a boss.

6. Do something fun. De-stress after work by engaging in a non work-related activity. Practice your favorite sport, join a club or hang out with friends. Just make sure that your conversation doesn’t revolve around your stressful day at the office.

7. Set realistic goals for yourself. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself and that’s what is causing the stress? Know your physical and emotional limitations and when to delegate responsibility.

8. Exercise regularly and eat healthy. A healthy body increases your ability to have a healthy outlook on life. Pack a well-balanced meal and take the time to sit down and enjoy it. Plus, bring nutritious snacks that’ll help give you a boost throughout the day. If possible, go for a brisk walk on your lunch break. It’ll give you some fresh air, a bit of exercise and a chance to blow off some steam.

9. Practice relaxation techniques. There are plenty of books about doing yoga at your desk. You can practice breathing techniques, stretches and even positions throughout your work day.

10. Take time off. If the stress is just too much to handle, ask for some time off. Most companies offer personal days for employees. If not, consider your stressed out situation the perfect opportunity for a vacation. Your health is the most important thing. When you’re well, you’ll be better equipped to do your job well. Take a Friday or Monday off so you can enjoy a longer break without using up too many vacation hours.

My house if full of active boys and cats and company on a regular basis and it often needs some tender loving care. Because I love being hospitable, but hate the three hours of mad cleaning that is usually needed before the company arrives, I’ve started developing a system to keep the house clean and near visitor ready at all times.

1. The first thing I do is make a plan. Using a book about all the jobs that need to be done or should be done and breaking them down into daily, weekly, monthly and special jobs, I make a chart. (I like charts). Include estimates of how long the job will take.

2. Be realistic. Make a schedule that works with your personality and life style. If you are the type that has to do it all at once, then plan a day for getting everything done at one. In our house, the goal is to spread out the work over the week because I work at home and have the kids with me all day. All day cleaning is NOT an option. I need a plan that breaks the work down into no more than an hour per day.

3. Enlist help. I took the daily chores (like picking up each room or feeding the pets) and made index cards. Once a month, we lay out the cards as a family and then take turns picking jobs for the month. When it is time for chores (once in the morning and once before bed) we know exactly what we need to do.

4. Purge, purge, and then keep on purging. This is where I confess that I was born a pack rat from a long line of pack rats and then I married into a family of them. Our home was only 1100 square feet, with two bedrooms and only two closets, but I had enough stuff to pack another house entirely. Then “Clean Sweep” came along, the television show about de-cluttering your home. I was inspired. Over the next couple of years I cleaned out every box from the attic and got rid of anything I didn’t need, love, or use. (This included the collection of about 200 stuffed animals that I had from the time I was a child – I have boys, so they aren’t something I can exactly pass down to them).

5. Give away and throw away – even if it was a gift from your husband’s grandmother. It is better that it finds a home where it will be loved and cherished. Besides, there might be someone in this world that actually needs an Auburn Tiger’s cookie cutter.

6. Put everything in a home. It can be a drawer or a cabinet or a closet, but it needs to have a place where it can reside. Because of limited storage in the children’s room, I bought under the bed storage containers for their toys. They know where their stuff is and where it needs to go when they are through with it. If it can’t find a home then it needs to be given away or thrown away.

7. Don’t walk past it. The rule is, if you kick it or trip over it then pick it up and put it in its home. It doesn’t matter who left it there in the first place. If you notice it then you take care of it.

8. One in and one out. That means when I get new clothes, I go through the old clothes and get rid of some things. When it’s gift giving time (holidays or birthdays) the kids go through their toys and get rid of anything they don’t play with or love to make room for the new gifts.

9. Do it now. Procrastination is the one way you can guarantee your house won’t get clean. Most of the time I find that if I just do the job, it only takes about five or ten minutes (way less than I would normally spend complaining that I needed to do the job in the first place).

10. It’s okay to pay. When I first started working at home, there was no way for me to balance the cleaning and the work and the kids. I had a friend who cleaned houses and needed some extra work. I met her needs and she met mine. Once a week, she would come and do the big jobs making it possible for me to focus on the little ones (and the job of kids and work).

11. Be consistent in following the schedule, but flexible enough for unexpected situations. If you wash the sheets every Monday, but can’t on just one Monday, I promise it will be okay. That’s the great thing about being consistent. If you miss one day, the world won’t stop – just make sure you get right back on track.

12. Enjoy your clean home. Don’t be so concerned about keeping things clean and in order that you miss out on living in it. If you stick to the rules, even after a tornado of a dozen kids runs through the house, you’ll be able to guide them to put everything back in its home and no time. The more organized and structured the home to begin with, the easier it is to get back to the organization and structure.

Even people who are not clean and orderly by nature can grow to a place where the home is inviting to guests (just ask my husband, the perfectionist, who married a devout slob). It requires some new ways of thinking, but a clean and organized home is a fun and functional place for the whole family.

Many people want to save money. Some want a retirement account, some want emergency reserves, and some just want to have a little tucked away for unexpected expenses (like new tires or maybe a vacation). Whatever the purpose, few know how just where to begin, especially if extra money is a new situation for them to be in. There are some easy tips and suggestions to get you well on your way to your savings goals or to just get you started in the right direction.

1.Save big items for sales – first of the year or seasonal.

2.Buy as a group – whether it’s food or movie tickets, you often get a discount when you buy in bulk.

3.If you don’t have to have it then don’t buy it. Even if you buy something you don’t need at a great sale price you still go home with something you don’t need. Just walk away.

4.Compare prices, don’t just buy on sale. Sometime things that seem like a good deal can be bought elsewhere at a better price.

5.Combine insurance policies under one company. Most companies will give substantial discounts for multiple policies.

6.Do without. Cut back your extravagants – have one phone line, don’t get the extended cable package, get rid of unnecessary services (laundry, car, answering, etc).

7.Buy generic. Many of the non-brand name products are just as tasty are durable as the more expensive alternative.

8.Take a twenty four hour cool down period before you make a new purchase. This will give you time to decide if it is something you can live without.

9.Don’t buy on credit. Interest rates will eat up a large portion of the payment. Instant gratification will often cost more in interest than the original purchase actually cost.

10.Plan ahead for what you need to buy. If it’s groceries, make a list and stick to the list. If it is gifts, make a list of who you need to buy for and a limit that you will spend. It also helps to write out some suggestions of what you might want to get.

11.Don’t rush the purchase. Take your time, look at your options, and talk over the in’s and out’s with a knowledgable associate. When you get into a hurry you often make costly mistakes.

12.Ask for a discount or for extras to be included with the purchase. It is possible to negotiate a lower price. Also check to see what their rebate policy is if the item goes on sale in a certain number of days after your purchase.

13.Buy with cash. If you use your debit card, you won’t be a conscious of the amount you are spending.

14.Save your change. At the end of the month you can roll it up and deposit the change in a savings account.

15.Shop around for your bank accounts. Today, like all businesses, banks are having to compete for customers. Look around for the best interest rates and accounts for your purposes.

16.Down size. Get a smaller home or smaller (more fuel efficient) car and you can save on payments, insurance, AND utilities or upkeep.

17.Be aware of hidden fees. Read the fine print of every thing you sign so that you know exactly what you are agreeing to buy and to do.

18.Pay yourself first, out of each paycheck. Make the 10% (or $10 or what ever amount you can afford to start with) payment to your savings one of the first things you pay.

19.Combine errands and other trips to cut back on the wear of the car and the use of gas. If you have to take the kids to soccer practice, stop at the store at the same time.

20.Get your movies from the library. Our public library had DVD’s and videos that can be checked out just like library books – for free.

21.Use coupons – but only if the product costs less than it’s competition. If possible, use the coupons on top of sales. It is possible to get items for free or nearly free.

22.Wait for double days. Many grocery stores now double coupons. Find out what days your local market has double or even triple days.

23.Look for deals at restaraunts. Most family friendly places will have nights when the kids eat free or for a discount. Take advantage of these nights.

24.Don’t eat out if you can cook at home – especially if you have a family.

25.Use what you have. Many people throw out all the money they save buying bulk because the let the food go bad.

26.Ride with a friend. Commuting can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

27.Pack your lunch. Not only will you save the $5 - $10 a day, but you will also have a better nutritional choice.

28.Eat breakfast. A good meal to start the day will keep you from splurging on expensive vending machine snacks.

29.Don’t shop hungry. Not only will hunger effect you grocery shopping, but it could make you irrational about any purchase (because you want to get it done and get something to eat).

30.Share with friends. Why buy something when your friend has one they don’t use. Pass on anything you don’t need to your friends as well.

31.Make it yourself. Save money on gifts and cards by making your own. You can bake some cookies or bread; knit a scarf; get some craft paper and stamps and make a card.

32.Look for free days. Many museums, zoos, or botanical gardens offer discount or free days.

33.Travel in the off season. Not only are the prices much lower, but the crowds are smaller as well.

34.Take the tour. Many resorts and condos offer free weekends if you are willing to sit through a one hour presentation.

35.Use a debit card or credit card with rewards or cash back (but be sure to pay it off each month. Use the rewards to purchase your holiday gifts.

There are hundreds of ways to save money every day. The best thing to do is to be aware of your spending, budget wisely, and cut every extra expense you can manage. A little saved here and a little saved there will end up being a lot in the long run.

There is only one sure fire way to get out of debt.  The income must exceed the outflow – or to put it plainly, you have to make more money than you spend.  This can be accomplished by either increasing the amount of income (by getting a new job or additional jobs) or by decreasing expenses.

For most people, the best place to start is cutting expenses.  It sounds easy, but there are some steps that need to be taken to get you on your way.

The first thing to do is to keep a record of what you are currently spending.  Carry a small (hand sized notebook) around with you for a full month.  Write down every thing you spend, no matter how big or how small.  At the end of the month, total up all that you have spent.

The next thing you need to do is divide you’re spending into categories.  Housing, utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage), telephone, groceries, entertainment, auto expenses, insurance, medical, and emergency are just a few if the categories that are normally used.

After you have totaled the amounts you are spending, and divided out how are spending, it is time for the painful part of the procedure.  The categories must be cut.

I usually start with excesses – it is important to spend each and every dollar in the best possible way.  If you are single, it might cost less to eat out (at small diners or restaurants) as apposed to trying to cook and shop for a single person.  As for families, it is almost always more cost effective to eat at home.

The best way to cut food costs is to plan ahead.  Make three menus (each one for one week) that include recipes and shopping lists.  Rotate the three menus to keep the family from getting too bored with meals.  It will also help to cut costs if you prepare lunches instead of buying at the office or school.

The next big spending items in today’s gadget driven market are the electronic toys and services.  Take a good, HARD look at the value of your internet service, cell phones, and television programming.  If you need these, then keep them.  You may be able to cut back on the packages and save that way.  If you don’t absolutely have to have the items then get rid of them.

There are some things I encourage people who want to get debt free to spend money on.  It is important to save money.  If you can’t do that now, then make it a goal.  Plan on setting aside part of your tax refund or holiday bonus to start a savings account.  If you save $10 at the grocery store, add that to your savings.  A little here and there will accumulate quicker than you might expect.  And don’t forget to set aside some money for entertainment.  Getting out of debt is a lot like dieting, if you cut everything out all at once then you are more likely to cheat.  Plan a little for entertainment, but limit the amounts you spend.
Setting a budget isn’t like writing in stone.  I recommend you look over the budget every few months – tweak the categories and your spending habits – until you are living in the freedom of a debtless life.

Dealing with stress is never fun. Unexpected expenses that strain the bank account, sudden tragedies, or just the normal, inconveniences can drive normally sane people off the deep end. Here are some tips for keeping it calm.

1. Take a walk by the ocean (or lake or river). The sound of running water is great for the nerves.

2. Listen to a favorite song at high volume. (It helps even more if you sing and dance). Losing yourself in the lyrics, the rhythm and the motion will help you lose the stress.

3. Drink a hot cup of tea. Keep the tea herbal and caffeine free. The warm liquid if soothing for your body.

4. Find a quiet place (closet, bathroom, or even under the bed) to get away for a few minutes. Think of this as your quiet place where no cares (or children or spouse) are allowed to follow.

5. Go on a drive through the country. Taking time out to enjoy the scenery and the seasons will make it easier to return and face reality. Don’t limit your time, just go where the road leads you.

6. Write a friend a note or letter. Talk about the good things going on in your life. Share some of the fun and adventures you are having. Ask about what is going on with them. Talking with a friend, even if it is in print, always makes life a little better.

7. Go see a fun, uplifting movie. Being around positive influences will rub off on your own attitude.

8. Go visit with a favorite relative. Visiting with someone special helps to take the focus off of your own situation or life and allows things to fall into better perspective.

9. Read a good book – or at least a good magazine if time doesn’t allow for a whole book. Let your mind wander into the life and adventures of other people.

10. Get a massage. A trained masseur will be able to help release the stress from muscles you didn’t even know you have.

11. Jump on a trampoline (or just go play on the playground). Acting like a kid again gets you feeling like a kid again. Kids have no stress.

12. Take a thirty minute nap. Every thing needs to be recharged now and again. A quick, power nap can often be the key to releasing all your stress.

13. Take a LONG, hot bath (complete with candles and soft music). Taking time to pamper you is essential to dealing with stress.

14. Volunteer some time for a good cause. This not only puts your focus on another person, it often makes you appreciate the life you are living. Besides, helping others is always a good thing.

15. Go for a sailboat ride. There is just something about the sound of the water lapping against the boat and the silence of electronics and motors that comes when the boat is under sail that will make you breath a little easier.

16. Get your hair cut and styled. This isn’t as good as a massage, but you will be pampered and come out looking great and feeling better.

17. Visit the local zoo or botanical gardens. Taking time to enjoy the simple things in life keeps you from getting too caught up in the stressful issues that come at you from all directions.

18. Have a game night with family or friends. Friends and family, coupled with games and laughter, are certain stress relievers.

19. Eat a picnic outside. Taking time for a picnic means taking time to slow down. You get to experience your environment instead of just passing through.

20. Do some bird watching. Birds can be fascinating to watch, and it can be exhilarating to see a hawk take some prey or watch a momma feed her young.

21. Take a walk in the rain. Use an umbrella if you must, but just walk in the rain if the temperature allows (and there is no lighting). Let the warm drops wash away all the stress. It helps if you stomp in a few puddles along the way.

22. Learn to play a musical instrument. It is true that music soothes the savage beast. You also have the added benefit of learning something new.

23. Go horseback riding. If you have never had the chance to go, it’s like sailing on land. The power of the horse, the wind in your hair, the beauty of the trails will not only take away the stress but it is likely to take your breath away as well.

24. Get a pet. There is nothing more soothing than a cat purring in your lap or a dog curled up by your side.
25. Build a bonfire, watch the flames, and roast a few marshmallows. The flickering flames almost hypnotize away the stress.

26. Take an art class. Art gives you a new way to express yourself and time away from the issues that may be causing you stress.

27. Go to a hands on craft store. Make a couple of ceramic pots. Cut out a few scrape book pages. Letting your creativity out for a little while is a great way to run stress out of your life.

28. Find some time and a place to just be alone. Take some time to breathe in the fresh air or listen to the quiet.
29. Crochet or knit a scarf. Another creative way to let your mind escape the stress. Plus you will have some great gifts for the winter.

30. Write in a journal. Let your problems and cares spill out on paper and they almost seem to evaporate from your mind. If nothing else, writing out a problem will help you work through it – which will help the stress factor in your life.

31. Bake some bread or some cookies or cook some stew. Home cooked food warms the soul long before it is consumed. If you are worried about adding pounds on to your figure, then give your creations to friends, family, or neighbors.

32. Have a good, long laugh. Laughing every day is great exercise and had been proven to make you live longer. Besides, it’s hard to be stressed when you are laughing.

33. Take time off from work. The world will not end if you take a day off now and then. Use your vacation time and personal leave time to recharge and refocus. You will not only be less stressed, but you will be a better employee.

34. Keep your finances in order. Money issues are the number one cause of stress in most people’s lives. Avoid problems by managing your finances.

35. Start a savings account. Having a safety net is the number one way to reduce stress in your life. Also pay off your private student loans, as interest can pile up and can cause a great deal of stress

Avoiding stress is probably possible in a perfect world, but most of us have to deal with it now and then. By using some creativity, and thinking outside the box, you can deal with what ever stress life might throw your way.

Getting a good night sleep is more valuable than gold for most people. A night full of tossing and turning just won’t cut it for todays on the go society. Here are some tips for making sure your slumber is one of peace.

1. Cut the caffeine. Don’t drink ANY caffeinated beverages within three hours before you are going to hit the sack.

2. Take a long, hot bath. Use lavender scented candles to add to the relaxation.

3. Don’t eat just before bed. Your body wants to hibernate for about ten hours and it can’t do that if it has to digest food.

4. Turn off the television. The continuous noise will disturb you REM.

5. Read a chapter in a book. This will give your mind time to wind down from the day.

6. If you don’t fall asleep after twenty minutes, get up and read another chapter or drink a cup of hot (decaffeinated) herbal tea.

7. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable. If a room is too hot or too cold then it can make for an uneasy night.

8. Turn on some white noise. The sound of a fountain running or the ceiling fan can help lull you to sleep and keep you soundly there until morning.

9. Get into a routine. Getting up at different hours every day of the week will mess up your internal clock.

10. Get a mattress that is comfortable for YOU. Every one has a different firmness factor so shop around.

11. Keep the room nice and dark. Sudden lights can disturb your sleep.

12. Buy sheets that are comfortable to the touch (I prefer flannel) but that are also easy on the upkeep (stay away from 100% cotton unless you like to iron).

13. Try a little meditation before bedtime. This clears your mind of wandering thoughts.

14. Check the locks before you climb into bed. Worrying about something like that can give a person insomnia.

15. Get nice, comfortable pillows. If you fold your pillow over and it stays in that position, then it’s time for a new one.

16. Get a friend to rub your back.

17. Get a friend to cuddle next to you.

18. Use a Breath Right strip or some vapor rub to help you breath easy through the night.

19. Don’t take long naps (more than thirty minutes) during the day. It throws your sleep pattern off.

20. Get comfortable, loose fitting pajamas.

The perfect night of sleep is just a few steps away. Be consistent in your process and you will be dreaming soundly in no time.

Well, you had a great time last night, that’s for sure. You partied. You danced. You mingled. You drank waaaay too much. And now you hurt.

You need a cure for your hangover, which includes any or all of the following: headache, nausea, aching body, exhaustion, dizziness and overall lack of well-being.

Here are some full-proof remedies to get you back on your feet in no time and ready for round two tonight. They won’t cure your guilty conscience or the “Oh my gosh, I did WHAT last night?” fears, but at least your physical pain will be gone.

Hydrate. Your body is hurting so much because the all the booze you consumed last night sucked the moisture out of your body. That’s also the reason you have dry mouth. You’ll want to re-hydrate your body with electrolyte-rich liquids, like a sports drink or water. And drink a lot of it. At least two big glasses as soon as you wake up and then another glass at least once an hour. Skip coffee or soda; They will only make your headache/cotton mouth worse.

Take some medicine. There’s nothing wrong with resorting to the medicine cabinet for a cure. Take your favorite headache pill. Aspirin is the best choice; Advil can upset your stomach and mixing Tylenol with alcohol can have severe consequences on your liver. DO NOT do it. Dramamine or PMS medications like Midol will help with symptoms like bloating and nausea. Multivitamins are also a great way to get the much-needed nutrients back in your system. , Dramamine and PMS medication

Get your grease intake. Eat the biggest, greasiest burger, burrito and/or pizza possible. Don’t worry about ruining your diet. The worst thing you can put in your stomach after a night of drinking is anything “healthy.” It seems contradictory—after all, you’d want to make up for the poor nutrition decisions the previous night with some healthy choices today—but grease and fat will help more than salad. And eat as soon as possible and then fall back asleep from the food coma. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed later.

Nothing but mindless activity. What’s the plan for the day? A whole lot of nothing. Some people love exercising after a night of drinking. I don’t understand people like that. Your mind is tired; let it rest. Only engage in mindless activities so your brain and body have time to recover to a functional state. Some good ideas include: watching T.V. reruns like I Love Lucy, America’s Next Top Model or cartoons. Having sex. Taking a long, hot shower or relaxing in a hot tub.