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1. Get Collaborative

If money’s been tight all year, your children are likely aware you’ve been trying to cut corners. Get the family together and brainstorm about ways to spend less on gifts. They may enjoy coming up with ways to give their time to teachers, aunts, and cousins instead of store-bought items.

2. Co-host

Just because a function takes place at your house, that doesn’t mean you need to be solely responsible for hosting. Ask your sister to share the responsibilities to cut down on costs. She may appreciate the opportunity to do something together.

3. Barter

Lots of people list items–both used and new–they’re looking to trade on Craigslist. Search through the barter ads or list your own to find holiday presents, decorations, and more.

4. De-clutter

Now is the perfect opportunity the clear your space for a more calming environment. You may be able to earn extra cash by selling those items in a yard sale or online.

5. Share a part of you

Instead of giving away store-bought items, look through the possessions that mean something to you, and give them to your friends and family. Include with each a note that explains why you chose that specific piece of you to share.

6. Let other people off the hook

Make a wish list online for your friends and family that includes inexpensive gifts; or even gifts that don’t cost any money, such as a babysitter for a specific date in January. This allows them to feel they’re giving you something you want without breaking the bank.

7. Use your passion

Do you do what you love for a living? If not, use it now. If you play the guitar, write a song for your significant other.  If you’re a great writer, offer to revamp your friends’ resumes. Why not give the gift of your passion and skills to friends who can use them?

8. Hand deliver holiday notes instead of mailing cards

Your grandmother may prefer a note expressing what she means to you over a card everyone else received with your signature at the bottom.

9. Make a cash daily limit

This one is more practical than meaningful. People often don’t realize how little things add up, particularly when using credit cards. If you commit to only spending what you have in cash in your wallet, you’ll save on impulse buys, like food and decor items.

10. Show your children what matters

Kids will always have wish lists for Santa; but they’ll learn a lot about value by watching you. Don’t just tell them it’s the thought that counts–show them through your interactions with people who give and receive your gifts.

Maybe it’s the challenging economy. Maybe it’s anticipation for the holiday season. Or maybe it’s just your natural state of being. Whatever the cause, stress can feel overwhelming. And it may seem like you have no power over it.

You’ll always have bills, obligations, and people to please. You can’t change those things. But you can change the way you think and act to create a more balanced, peaceful life and environment. These tips are a good start:  

1. Put it in writing

Write in a journal, or pen a letter to someone explaining your feelings–even if you burn it instead of sending it. Research shows expressive writing is an effective method for reducing depression in people who tend to brood.

2. Change your thinking

The way you think about an event dictates how you feel about it. If you see your meeting as an opportunity to screw something up, you’ll naturally feel overwhelmed. If you see it as a challenge you can meet, you’ll feel more at ease with the experience.

3. Practice deep breathing

People often hold their breath when they’re anxious. This limits your oxygen intake, stressing your body further.

4. Meditate

Pull your body completely into the present moment, and perceive everything around you with all your senses. Meditation increases serotonin production, which influences mood and behavior.

5. Sweat it out

Studies show that people who go to a sauna at least twice a week for 10-30 minutes are less stressed after work than others with similar jobs who don’t.

6. Laugh it out

Research shows that laughter soothes tension, improves your immune system, and even eases pain. Give yourself a break to reminisce with a friend about a memory that made you smile. Don’t worry–you’ll have plenty of time to think about everything else when you’re done.

7. Complete a small task

According to Georgia Witkin, assistant director of psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, completing a small task increases your sense of control and decreases your stress level.

8. Get mindful

Mindfulness means focusing your full attention on the present moment, instead of thinking about past or future events. When practiced regularly, mindfulness actually strengthens the areas of the brain associated with joy and relaxation.

9. Minimize stress triggers

Avoid conversations about topics that stress you out. Limit your time with people who continually get you going.

10. Reassess how you manage your time

Your jam-packed to-do list may contain unnecessary items. Your morning routine may be too full to allow prompt arrival at work. If you don’t overextend yourself, you will likely feel less stressed.

Article Source – Tinybuddha.com

There is certainly no shortage of information about things we can do to maintain an illness-free and healthy lifestyle. Perhaps our biggest challenge is deciphering which nuggets of information are beneficial and which aren’t so great!

Developing a preventative mindset may be the true answer to long-term health, and it is necessary for each of us to implement practices which prevent sickness and disease before they happen.

Imagine never having to delve in the world of doctors, hospitals and pharmaceuticals until the very end (when it’s absolutely necessary).

Wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil is famous for saying that he wants to live only as long as he is able to maintain a full-range of health, awareness and vitality…and have his life “culminate with rapid decline” at the end.

Living as long as we can while being as vibrant and healthy as possible—that seems like a worthwhile goal to me (and the purpose of this article)! So how do you start integrating preventative measures in your life? Here is a list of 10 practices that will help you stay away from hospitals, feel healthier and live longer:

1. See a Chiropractor

The roots of chiropractic care can be traced all the way back to the beginning of recorded time. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, who lived from 460 to 357 B.C., declares in one of his writings “get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases”. Effective chiropractic care: inhibits spinal degeneration, restores normal nerve supply, improves immunity, allows better sleep, prevents surgery, and slows the aging process. This is preventative lifestyle at its finest.

2. Laugh HARD

Falling on the floor laughing is one of the best things you can do to prevent sickness from entering your life. Laughing boosts immunity, strengthens the heart, and improves lung function among a myriad of other benefits! Making a habit of renting funny movies, going to comedy clubs and watching Saturday morning cartoons like you did when you were a kid (SpongeBob Squarepants is actually hysterical…I have to admit) can add several years to your life! 

3. Scatter your Workouts

“Shaking up” your workout routine is a great way to stay healthy over the long-term. Too often we get stuck in exercise patterns that do not promote a diverse experience for the body and mind. Although you may feel like you are doing a really good thing by concentrating on one routine, you may be limiting yourself. People who only do Yoga need to lift weights; people who focus solely on weights need should do more Yoga! Doing the unexpected creates a wonderful “pop of opposites” in the body (a major component of Yin Yang theory). I’m not saying to ditch your favorite workout, but changing it up can strengthen a wider variety of muscles and tendons, increase your heart rate and intensify mental clarity!

4. Sleep at least 7 hours a night

Making a habit of sleeping well is the number one thing you can do to boost your health and longevity, and if you follow no other suggestions on this list try and implement this one. It has become widely accepted that the risk for developing disease increases significantly for people who get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night. Furthermore, lack of sleep has been associated with the worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, and increases risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Sleeping adequately reduces stress, lowers inflammation in the cells, and makes you more alert.

5. See an Acupuncturist

The basic premise of acupuncture, and much of Chinese medicine, is that all sickness we encounter is the result of obstruction to our naturally flowing life-force (or “Chi”). Practitioners treat conditions that are a result of Chi becoming stuck, depleted or weakened and thus making the individual susceptible to illness. Acupuncture benefits the improvement of physical health conditions as well as affective disorders and instills a feeling of increased mental clarity. Acupuncture is an invaluable tool for long-term and sustainable health (And no, the needles are not bad at all)!

6. Meditate

Meditation is the practice of silencing the mind, and can increase your health and vitality beyond measure. When your mind is silenced and focused on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive significantly more oxygen and other nutrients. Continuous meditation practice has been shown to strengthen the mind, and enables it to execute projects more efficiently. Meditation also leads to the following: deeper levels of relaxation; increased blood flow; a lower heart rate; an enhanced immune system…and it can build self confidence! A truly wonderful way to add healthy years to your life!

7. Perform Cardiovascular Exercise at least 4 times a week

Integrating at least 20 minutes of cardio workout a minimum of 4 times a week is a wonderful preventative measure to take. “Cardio” increases the capacity of the lungs to provide oxygen to the blood and improves the hearts ability to transport oxygenated blood to the cells. What is considered an acceptable heart-rate during a cardio routine depends on many factors (age, weight, general health) but no matter what kind of shape you think you are in you can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and decrease body fat by consistently getting the heart rate up!

8. Stretch

Stretching prevents injury by increasing the length of both your muscles and tendons. This leads to an increased range of movement, which means your limbs and joints can move further and (often) thwarts injury before it occurs. Stretching also ensures that your muscles and tendons are in good working order and conditions them to handle the rigors of sport and exercise. Furthermore, regular stretching improves blood circulation and increases energy levels! A great time to stretch is first thing in the morning, and is an incredible preventative activity to integrate!

9. Eat Organic Food

It’s important to add “eating organic food” as a critical factor leading to long-term health. Bottom line, you want the least chemicals in your body as possible and eating as much organic fare as you can limits the amount of pesticide and chemicals you ingest. There is much ambiguity in the scientific community concerning the role of pesticides in human disease…but your best bet is to stay as far away from them as possible!

10. Be Wary of Medications

This is the only recommendation on this list that has a negative spin to it (where I suggest “not” do something) but I think it’s important to note the potential dangers of our pharmaceutical friendly society. There are tens of millions of people in the U.S. alone dependent on drugs, and I think its necessary to ponder whether or not this is a good thing. Although proponents of pharmaceuticals will point to the increasing longevity of human beings as a sign that they are good for us, I think what is really needed are some new statistics. Perhaps something like: “longevity while living with independence, strength and happiness” will do the trick

In conclusion, cultivating a “preventative lifestyle” means habituating a way of living that inhibits illness from ever taking a hold of you. Amid all the clutter out there it is absolutely imperative for each of us to begin taking responsibility for our own health. The recommendations in this article are holistic and timeless, and can get you on the right track for living 100+ years with full awareness and fulfillment…so try them out!

So, you’re a nerd (or a geek, if you prefer). You spend your life sitting in front of your computer, your TV, or your latest book. You don’t play sports, you don’t go running, hiking or cycling, and the word gym conjures up painful memories from middle school.

And you’ve put on a bit more padding than you’d like.

The problem is, you can’t stand exercise, you don’t want to spend the next 2 months eating cardboard food, and you don’t want to record your every caloric intake with a spreadsheet (though if that idea appeals to you, go for it). What’s a geek to do?

Well, here are some tweaks you can make to your lifestyle that, with a minimum of effort, will help. They won’t take the weight off quickly, but they’ll lower it over time.

And you might be able to keep it off better than someone who goes on a crash diet, because you’re changing your habits, not just making a short-term change.

1. Take the stairs, not the elevator

You have to get there somehow. Take a few extra seconds and get some incidental exercise on the way to work. (If you work on the 47th floor, you can try taking the elevator most of the way, and getting off early.)

2. Walk a bit more, drive a bit less

Instead of hunting for a parking space close to the store, grab one of the many spaces a bit further off. Take 10 minutes to walk down the street to lunch instead of driving. Park the car and walk into the restaurant instead of taking the drive-through. You’ll get a little exercise, and you’ll save a little gas.

3. Cut out sides

If you go to a sandwich shop, just get the sandwich. Skip the chips or potato salad. If you have a burger, skip the fries. If you absolutely have to get some sort of side, make it a side salad or a piece of fruit (if that’s an option), or at least something with intrinsic nutritional value beyond starch and grease.

4. Cut restaurant meals in half

Over the last decade or two, restaurants in the US have become very *ahem* big on portraying value. Look how much food you’re getting for your money! Unless you’re 6 feet tall or physically active, though, you don’t actually need two entire chicken breasts, a cup and a half of rice, and a side of lasagna. I’ve found that at most places, a good rule of thumb is to eat half the meal and take the rest home. (Plus then you have a meal ready to go the next day.)

5. Stop eating when you’re not hungry anymore

I know this sounds simple, but a lot of us had “clean your plate” drilled into us as children. And you’ll probably hit “not hungry” before you hit “full.”

6. Cut down on the soda

I know, you absolutely need that Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew. (Believe me, I know!) But if you can, try to get used to having, say, iced tea with meals. Or drink coffee instead (just don’t sweeten it too much). If you’re out somewhere with a soda fountain, and you can handle diet soft drinks, try mixing the diet cola with something else, to cut down on the sugar.

7. Try to go a step up from fast food

Sure, the dollar menu at Jack in the Box or Taco Bell is cheap, but if you can spare a few more bucks, you might get healthier food at someplace like La Salsa.

8. Find vegetables that you like

You might have to experiment a bit for this. Don’t be afraid to try things you disliked as a child; tastes change as you get older. And don’t forget to try different ways of cooking them. I never liked broccoli when I was younger, and I still don’t like it raw…but steamed, it’s become a staple. (Don’t try to force cauliflower or Brussels sprouts on me, though.)

9. Learn to cook

Home-cooked meals can be tailored to the right size, so you won’t have extra food sitting on your plate with an “eat me” sign. Plus you know exactly what’s going into them, and you won’t need to load it up with extra butter, salt, etc. like restaurants love to do.

10. Keep healthier snacks around

If you know you tend to get hungry half-way through the afternoon, plan ahead so that you don’t find yourself grabbing a candy bar from the vending machine. Bring some fruit, or carrot sticks, or cheese, and keep it in the lunch room. If you find yourself chewing down on a Twix every afternoon, whatever else you do isn’t going to help much.

Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. But if you never use your brain, or abuse it with harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will deteriorate. Here are 10 simple ways anyone can squeeze a bit more productivity out of the old gray matter.

1. Minimize Television Watching

This is a hard sell. People love vegetating in front of the television, myself included more often than I’d like. The problem is watching television doesn’t use your mental capacity OR allow it to recharge. It’s like having the energy sapped out of a muscle without the health benefits of exercise.

Don’t you feel drained after a couple hours of TV? Your eyes are sore and tired from being focused on the light box for so long. You don’t even have the energy to read a book.

When you feel like relaxing, try reading a book instead. If you’re too tired, listen to some music. When you’re with your friends or family, leave the tube off and have a conversation. All of these things use your mind more than television and allow you to relax.

2. Exercise

I used to think that I’d learn more by not exercising and using the time to read a book instead. But I realized that time spent exercising always leads to greater learning because it improves productivity during the time afterwards. Using your body clears your head and creates a wave of energy. Afterwards, you feel invigorated and can concentrate more easily.

3. Read Challenging Books

Many people like to read popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren’t mentally stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise, elegant English. Don’t be afraid to look up a word if you don’t know it, and don’t be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when necessary, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the author’s style.

Once you get used to reading challenging books, I think you’ll find that you aren’t tempted to go back to page-turners. The challenge of learning new ideas is far more exciting than any tacky suspense-thriller.

4. Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Nothing makes it harder to concentrate than sleep deprivation. You’ll be most rejuvenated if you go to bed early and don’t sleep more than 8 hours. If you stay up late and compensate by sleeping late, you’ll wake up lethargic and have trouble focusing. In my experience the early morning hours are the most tranquil and productive. Waking up early gives you more productive hours and maximizes your mental acuity all day.

If you have the opportunity, take 10-20 minute naps when you are hit with a wave of drowsiness. Anything longer will make you lethargic, but a short nap will refresh you.

5. Take Time to Reflect

Often our lives get so hectic that we become overwhelmed without even realizing it. It becomes difficult to concentrate because nagging thoughts keep interrupting. Spending some time alone in reflection gives you a chance organize your thoughts and prioritize your responsibilities. Afterwards, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s important and what isn’t. The unimportant stuff won’t bother you anymore and your mind will feel less encumbered.

I’m not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant ‘ommm’. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said, “All the best ideas occur while walking.” I think he was on to something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.

6. Cultivate friendships with people who think differently

I enjoy talking to people who really challenge my conception of the world. Artists (I’m not one), medical staff (I’m not one), construction workers (I’m not one) and so on.

7. Get outside your own culture through travel, social gatherings

Travel is great (but the hit on the environment is large, so…. do a few long trips rather than many short ones perhaps?) especially if you immerse locally. Going to Cuba and staying in a western hotel is not travel. Going backpacking in Nepal is. Doing voluntravel (going somewhere to help, e.g. Medicins Sans Frontiers) is ideal. But in any event the challenge to your sense of normalcy is fabulous. I spent a month in western China with my kids. Watching them take in the local environment and adapt was a real eye opener to how stuck-in-my-own-ways I’d become.

8. Learn that it is okay to turn off your cell phone and email

Reflective thought and deep reading take time. Oh excuse me, just got an email, be right back. Nope, that doesn’t work. Its okay to be unreachable for hours a day. I aim to answer email for an hour at the end of the day, at most. For many hours I’m unreachable except by family. Since I started that my time for thinking and reading has risen dramatically.

9. Do less better

There’s always another project that we rush to, never finishing the one we were doing. Sorry, great works of science and art take great dedication, polish, and repolish! Sure, we’re not all Darwin or Monet, but we should ASPIRE to be. Just say no to some projects. Focus on a few (make your family a project… for extra points!).

10. In all things seek balance

I agree that exercise is good. So is reading. So is relaxation – and if a bit of TV is what works, great. I for one watch old romantic comedy movies when I’m brain dead (well, okay, when I’m especially brain dead). I also enjoy blending my activities – go for a long walk that ends up at a coffee shop where I read a paper or book and stare out the window.

Conclusion

I hope you aren’t disappointed that none of the techniques I’ve proposed are revolutionary. But simple, unexciting answers are often the most valid. The challenge is having the will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following these 5 tips, you’ll be rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of knowledge.

What are your favorite ways to make the most of your intelligence? Share them in the comments.

Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Years’ Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success? Try using the Top 10 Tips below.

1. Write Them Down

It’s a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.

2. Commit

Move beyond the land of "good ideas" to the land of true "commitment". Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment.

3. Tell People

Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.

4. Get Accountability

Even better than just letting others in on your "secret" dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, "So, how’s it going with your goal?" Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!

5. Make a Plan

Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. Wake-Up Call Coaching loves to work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You’ll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality.

6. Do a Goal Check-In

Before you decide on what you’ll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, "YES!" to the following questions: "Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?"

7. Get Real!

If you’re contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What purpose is it serving you each year? What is the good enough reason to truly commit?

8. Focus With Reminders

Once you’ve gotten your goals and plan in place, figure out ways to remind yourself. Some Electric Kites’ clients post their goals in on their bathroom mirror or in their car. Others put reminders in their palm pilots or cell phones. Figure out what works for you.

9. Believe and Visualize

Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself on New Years Eve 2010 with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.

10. Use anchors

Tie your goal to a habit you already have in place. Perhaps you decide to do your exercise right after brushing your teeth, or practice meditation after checking email. Anchoring your new behavior and goals to an existing habit is a great tool for success.

May 2010 be the year that your goals and dreams reach full flight!

About the Author - Amy Ahlers, CPCC, is a Certified International Coach and CEO of Wake-Up Call Coaching. She can be reached at http://www.WakeUpCallCoaching.com, info@WakeUpCallCoaching.com Make sure to sign up for the free Women Masters tele-seminar at http://www.TheWomenMasters.com

Content herein previously developed by Amy Ahlers and Melissa McFarlane

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Ahlers

As we live our daily routine, our lives, no matter how busy or involved you are, can become monotonous. How can you make it more exciting?

1. Kick up your wardrobe a notch

Wearing bolder clothes or a different style may let people see you in a new light–which means they’ll interact with your differently.

2. Use a pedometer to count your steps

It’s an easy incentive to get more active, and it may encourage you to go outside when you’d usually be sitting indoors.

3. If you drive, park your car a mile away and take the bus the rest of the way

Maybe you’ll see a restaurant you’d like to try some time, or meet someone you’d otherwise never meet

4. Switch offices or desks with a coworker for the day

A new space may inspire you to think differently, which could ripple into your actions.

5. Do something you used to love but haven’t done in a while

Ride your bike to work, talk to your Spanish friend in her native tongue, or post a soulful blog.

6. Help someone with something you love doing

Post a Craigslist ad offering to give someone dating advice or help someone choose the right used car.

7. Learn something new on your lunch break

Listen to an audio book, take a class, or head to your local library.

8. Use familiar things in new ways

Make a planter out of a milk jug. Use egg to make your hair shiny. Google "odd uses for" to find more ideas.

9. Talk to someone on Twitter who does what you’d like to do for a living

Ask that designer how she got her first break. Find out which schools that architect recommends.

10. Commit to trying five new things

a new food, a different hair style, a new exercise class. Anything that pulls you out of your comfort zone.

Have you ever had one of those days where you could barely squeeze in 5 minutes to use the bathroom? At one time I had my 3 little ones in diapers, it’s a wonder my bladder didn’t explode! Or I could’ve used a diaper myself.  As a busy parent, we hardly have a moment to ourselves. While parenting our children is undoubtedly the most rewarding job in the world, the joy can be robbed if we are overworked.

We cannot be at our best as a parent if we are short on energy and short on our temper.

Here are three signs that you need a break –

• You want to scream, cry, and throw something across the room all at the same time.
• You want to gorge 10 pounds of chocolate at one sitting.
• You want to curl up in a fetal position.

Don’t let yourself get to that breaking point!

The ideal situation would be to get a babysitter for 2 hours and have that time to yourself. However, we all know it is unrealistic to have that luxury everyday. However, we can be creative in carving out some moments where we can give ourselves a quick lift. It will make all the difference.

I’ve found these 10 ways to rejuvenate my energy in the midst of a busy day. These work even with the kids around:

1. Get some fresh air

I know it can be an effort to get out of the house, but believe me, it is worth the effort. Pack the kids up in a stroller, take a snack and juice for them, and go outside for a short walk. Breathe deeply! Look up at the sky, enjoy the beauty of the day. Take a camera with you and take pictures of flowers or a butterfly. Have your children collect pebbles, leaves and flowers. That keeps them well-occupied. I love looking at the houses in my neighborhood while getting landscape ideas and criticizing weird choice of paint colors! Occasionally I’d find a neighbor to chat with. Going outside gives you a freshness in your day.

2. Make yourself a hot cup of spice tea

Sit down and drink it slowly. Sometimes I put a warm towel over your eyes for one minute.

3. Start making plans to do something for yourself

Call the babysitter, make a hair appointment, schedule a lunch with a friend. Having something to look forward to will lift your spirits.

4. Do jumping jacks or jump rope with the kids

A little exercise to get the blood flowing will actually give you more energy than sitting down. I have a very old Jane Fonda aerobics tape that I follow once in a while with my children jumping around along with me.

5. If you can’t get away to take a shower, the next best thing is wash your face

I like to splash my face with nice warm water for several minutes and scrub with a moisturizing cleaner. Once in a while, I’ll apply a mask. The laughter of the children at the way you look with a mask on is an added benefit! After that, put on fresh make-up, even if you’re not going anywhere. You’ll feel more alive when you look good in the mirror.

6. Call a friend

Call a friend to chat.

7. Turn on the radio to your favorite station

I like listening to talk shows to engage myself in the outside world. Music that promotes a calm atmosphere is good too.

8. Read a joke book or read jokes from a joke website

there are so many good clean jokes on the internet. Make sure you laugh out loud

9. Get food delivered

I generally prefer my own home-cooked meals, but some days, I don’t need the stress of having to cook. It’s also relaxing to eat out of the box so there are no dishes to wash.

10. Give time to yourself

This is the most important one – when your children take a nap, make sure you use that time to clean the house do something for yourself – take a shower, read a book, take a nap!

Life is chaotic, at best. We rush, we multi-task, and we try to be all things to all people, often failing to save anything for ourselves. We crave peace – but usually aren’t willing to do what it takes to achieve peace, or we take the alternative route and look for ways to find peace that generally only bring more chaos. Here are ten simple ways that you can bring peace to your life…no matter how chaotic your life may be.

1. Realize that you cannot control anything other than yourself in this world

You are the only thing that you have complete control over. When we realize this, and adjust our outlook and our actions accordingly, life becomes much more peaceful. Trying to control other people, or situations that really are beyond our control, only serves to suck away our time and adds to the chaos and frustration of life.

2. Cut some ties – and make new ones

This one isn’t easy, but if you want a peaceful life, it must be done. For most of us, there are one or two people – possibly more – that are in our lives, but bring very little to our lives on an emotional or support level. This isn’t a question of ditching friends who haven’t done anything for you.

3. Reduce the clutter in your life

Clutter does not represent peace. This doesn’t mean that you have to give away all of your worldly goods. It means that you need to clean and organize the closets, drawers, shelves, and other nooks and crannies in your home and office. As you organize, get rid of anything that you don’t use, don’t need, and can easily live without. Donate items to charity, hold a yard sale, throw it in the trash…just get rid of the junk that you don’t need.

4. Clear the air

If you’ve had any disagreements in any of your personal relationships, and you are still smarting from them, clear the air. Go talk to that person. Let them know how you feel. Apologize and ask for forgiveness if this is needed. Request an apology and forgive if that is what is needed. Lay your cards – and feelings – on the table. If the relationship is worth saving, you will work it out. Otherwise, it is causing discord in your life – even if that discord is only in your mind – and you might need to cut ties.

5. Re-evaluate your budget and finances

Money makes everything very complicated, and does little to garner peace. It has been said that money cannot buy happiness, but that isn’t necessarily true. Are you going to be happy if you can’t pay the mortgage, and you have to live on the street? No. Are you going to be happy if you can’t afford a college education for your kids? No. Are you going to be happy if you can’t pay the power bill, retire, take your annual vacation, or purchase new clothing for your kids? No, no, no and no.

6. Forgive yourself

Think about past mistakes that you have made. Reflect on them for a bit. Be clear about where you went wrong. Forgive yourself, and promptly remove it from your mind. We do learn from our mistakes, and we take those lessons into the future. It doesn’t mean that we have to dwell on those mistakes and constantly beat ourselves up for them. We are all human, and even the smartest and brightest have made their fair share of mistakes. You are not alone. Forgive yourself and move forward.

7. Turn off the news

Obviously, you do need to keep up with what is going on in the world. Most of us don’t have to do it on an hourly basis, or even a daily basis. Use the Internet and services such as Google to have news delivered to your email inbox. Make it a point to only read those news stories once or twice a week – and never in the evening hours, when you are trying to unwind from your day. The world is a scary place, and the news reminds us of that each minute of each day. This doesn’t contribute to a peaceful life.

8. Take the time to make a schedule for your week, each week

Stick to that schedule as closely as possible, but also understand that plans sometimes must change. Make a note of free time and instantly schedule in some ‘you time’ or something fun, instead of waiting for other people to fill that time for you. Set priorities to the items on your schedule. Make detailed notes that you will understand. Plan, but don’t over plan. When something new comes up, put it on the following week’s schedule, instead of rearranging this week’s schedule. Learn to say ‘no’ and ‘I can’t do that this week, sorry.’

9. Limit the technology in your life

Technology does not bring peace. The computer looks innocent enough – but you have the entire world at your fingertips right inside of that little box. This is overwhelming when you actually think about it. Learn to turn the box off, turn the television off, turn the cell phone off, and simply get out and enjoy the world up close and personal.

10. Take time out for yourself

Most people really fail to see the importance of this. When we take time to simply be by ourselves, without doing anything else to occupy our minds, we are able to reflect, dream, and simply relax. This brings the ultimate peace.

About the author – Kelly Lowe offers more tips and information on Simplifying Your Life On her site, Let Me Tell You What, you can learn more about simplifying your life, bringing peace into your life, dealing with day to day problems, and learning to be happy and healthy in general.

If there’s one thing everyone wants in life, it’s to feel a sense of meaning–to believe what they do matters and makes a difference.

Purpose doesn’t need to be complicated idea you search for all your life. It can be something your nurture and support today by connecting with yourself and the world around you. Here are 10 ideas to do just that:

10 Ways to Make Your Day Meaningful

1. Get curious

As children we’re full of wonder, excited to learn how things work. Tap into that excitement and immerse yourself in something new. Ask your coworker to explain her job. Buy a book about something that interests you, and devote an hour to reading.

2. Find the lesson in a difficult experience

You don’t need to believe everything happens for a reason–you just need to find a way to learn and grow from each experience. How can your recent adversity make you a stronger, better person?

3. Reignite a passion

Sometimes as we get older, we shift our focus from things we love to do to things we need to do. Take a little time to reconnect with something you once loved–dance, ceramics, karate. Actually do what you love today, even if for just a short time.

4. Connect with someone new on a deeper level

Open up your heart, share yourself, and allow them to do the same. You never know when you may begin a relationship that enriches your life.

5. Be authentic

Sometimes we adapt who we are to please different audiences. Nothing leaves you feeling less connected to yourself. Mean what you say and say what you mean today. Who you actually are makes a difference.

6. Focus outward

It’s easy to get wrapped up in yourself, particularly when you’re stressing about finances or personal needs. Shifting your focus to the beauty outside–the changing seasons, new construction in your neighborhood, people who live and work near you–reminds you you’re part of something larger.

7. Support your purpose

Not everyone works a job that aligns with their sense of purpose in life. That doesn’t matter. If you feel you’re biggest goal is to help other people, set aside an hour just for that pursuit. Answer questions on Yahoo! Answers. Ask people on Twitter how you can help them.

8. Ask your loved ones what matters to them

Most people have a sense of what their purpose is in life. Focus on someone else’s meaning for a while, and you may feel even more connected to your own.

9. Take a step to create change

It’s hard to feel passionate and purpose-driven when you feel trapped in a situation you don’t like. You can’t change everything overnight, but you can do one simple thing. Make a call. Request an application. Simply start today.

10. Reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going

A lot of people let life happen to them. They allow life’s ups and downs to toss them around without making any conscious decision. Reconnect with what you really want, and evaluate whether or not you’re headed there.