Thursday, December 29, 2011

Resolutions and Such

It's that time of year - the time when everyone makes New Year's resolutions that usually involve losing weight or exercising. Why not make your 2012 resolution one of "wellness"? It is a resolution that involves the physical and the spiritual as well as sometimes changing your surroundings. We all have read and heard the same things every year - eat this, don't eat that, use this product, join this gym, etc.

Here are some good wellness tips for around the office and home that you don't often hear. Enjoy!!

1. Build good relationships with your family and co-workers and you'll live longer - research has proven this fact. Resist the urge to complain - it harms working relationships and causes family strife.

2. Plant a potted plant in your bedroom, living room or office. It filters volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released from carpet, fabric, paint, plastic and wood furniture. Look for rubber plants, peace lilies and other easy-to-care-for plants. If you have room, get more than one plant!

3. De-Clutter!!!! (this is my favorite) Living and working in a disorganized environment makes it very difficult to process information and function efficiently. Face it - we ALL have too much stuff. Sell or donate things that are in your way or that you don't use - you'll feel better once they are gone.

4. Air things out! NOTE- this can have two meanings. First - if you have fatigue or nausea symptoms, it's possible that you're not ill - your environment is making you feel that way. Poor air quality causes headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, nausea and forgetfulness. The air around you can be more polluted than outside air due to poor ventilation, cleaning products chemicals and those VOCs from #2 above. Fix this by being sure all vents are unblocked or clean, change filters frequently, buy a clean air machine and OPEN THE WINDOWS when weather permits. Second - what if your symptoms are caused by issues you need to discuss with a family member or co-worker. If so - it's time to sit down with them and discuss what is bothering you in a non-confrontational way. Clear the air, come to an agreement and then move on!

5. Mute the Madness!! Constant noise from elevators, printers, co-workers who talk too loudly or are always on the phone.....it's all distracting. This happens at home when the TV is on but no one is watching. Solution?? Turn off that TV and enjoy the quiet. Pop in earplugs while working....OR - ask that annoying co-worker to please be quiet so that you can concentrate:-)

6. Straighten up!! You may think that 3:00 pm slump is the result of too little sleep or eating too much lunch. But it could be due to the way you are sitting. Correct posture helps you breathe more fully, improves appearance and therefore, concentration. This is not just true at work - it can be true at home when watching TV or working on a computer or sewing / craft project.

7. Slip Out!! Being inside all day is not good for anyone. A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending as little as 20 minutes outside makes you feel more vital and energetic. Even standing up throughout the day can revive you.

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I am a mother who works full-time but who is also a chauffer, chef, seamstress, fitness instructor, teacher, maid, gardener, runner, organization expert, salesperson, secretary and wife. I love my family and life is always busy but fun! Come along with me for the ride:-)

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