You’ve heard it before: Laughter is the best medicine. There’s nothing quite like sharing a belly laugh with friends. Laughter can strengthen your connections with others, brighten up a dreary day, and contribute to some of your favorite memories. But did you know that laughter also comes with a variety of proven health benefits? Scroll …
According to the National Audubon Society, birding is “the perfect activity while practicing social distancing.” Of course you will need to be extra cautious when spending any amount of time outdoors, but if you can find an isolated area to take a walk and observe wildlife, birding may give you a sense of peace, a …
Mindfulness is defined as “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.” Though you may be tempted to dismiss the concept as “woo-woo” or worthless, thousands of studies have demonstrated the physical and mental benefits of mindfulness (source). And although it has roots in Buddhist …
Change is inevitable as we grow older. Over the years, you may have noticed your hair growing whiter and your skin becoming dryer, but have you observed any changes in your sleeping routine? It isn’t uncommon for older adults to struggle with sleep despite sleeping well in their youth. Once you learn how sleep changes …
Do your joints often feel stiff when you first wake up in the morning? Is winter a season of aches and pains due to your arthritis? Has your knee pain been flaring up more often than it once did? If you’ve been struggling with joint pain, talk to your doctor about methods of prevention and …
Do you often feel moody or melancholy in the wintertime? Does it ever feel like the cold temperatures and lack of sunlight are sapping your energy? Do you find it difficult to be upbeat and motivated when the days are short and frigid? Don’t brush off these feelings as “the winter blues.” You may suffer …
Winter may be cold and dreary, but it offers one undeniable benefit: cozying up indoors with your friends and family. On chilly days when the sun hides behind clouds and sets early in the evening, you can always enjoy the warm, relaxing environment indoors. However, not every house provides such an environment. If you want …
Valentine’s Day is about a week away, so now is the perfect time to figure out how you’d like to celebrate. You don’t need to plan a romantic date to enjoy February 14th – you don’t even need to be in a relationship! If you don’t already have plans, consider organizing a party, inviting a …
Isn’t it wonderful to live in a place that experiences four distinct seasons? People like to complain about winter, but let’s take a moment to appreciate all the lovely things about wintertime: beautiful snow that transforms the landscape, cozy fires, hot cocoa, soft sweaters and flannel pajamas, warm blankets, an excuse to eat comfort foods …
During the long winter months, when you spend so much of your time cooped up inside, it’s common to feel a little restless and bored. Why not inject a little creativity into your days? Even if you’re not naturally artistic and you’ve never been handy with craft supplies, you can enjoy some fun quality time …
