14 Favorite Reads From 2017

One of my favorite things about the end of the year (besides Christmas) is all the year in review stories that you can find just about everywhere. You know the ones. The biggest news stories, the top songs, the best viral videos, and so on. If you haven’t seen any yet, you will. I’m adding one more to the list. This is a list of my favorite reads from 2017.     I set a goal to read 50 books in 2017. I’m finishing the year having read 77. Some people may think I have a problem. But I love Read More

Self-Care Resolutions for the New Year

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I have a hard time keeping them and that always leaves me feeling bad. But I am all for making self-care a priority and maybe setting a few resolutions could help. Self-care became a major buzzword in 2017. As the year winds down and we start thinking about 2018, I thought it would be good to review what self-care is (and isn’t), and why it will still be important in 2018 even if a new buzzword comes around.         What is Self-Care?   At its most basic, self-care is taking Read More

8 Ways to De-Stress Your Holidays

I love the holiday season. I love the sights and smells and sounds of Christmas. But, sometimes, I feel overwhelmed and stressed out as I prepare for the holidays. A quick search of the internet, social media, or, even a good, old-fashioned conversation with friends tells me I am not alone. But there are ways to de-stress our holidays. The holidays don’t have to be stressful.     8 Ways to De-Stress Your Holidays   1. Strategic Shopping Plan your gift shopping ahead of time. Make a list and stick to it. That way you’ll spend less time in the Read More

Laughter is Good Medicine and There’s Proof

We’ve all heard the phrase “laughter is good medicine.,” but did you know that there is scientific proof that it’s true? I’ve been reading several different studies about laughter and am impressed by how much good giggles, guffaws, chuckles and chortles can do to our health and well-being.       Laughter is Good Medicine For Our Hearts   A  study at the University of Maryland’s American College of Cardiology found that laughter can reduce your blood pressure and help your blood vessels work better. This, in turn, reduces your risks of cardiovascular disease. Apparently, laughter has an anti-inflammatory effect Read More