Lifestyle

As January approaches, the time is ripe for reflecting on the past year and planning for the months ahead. Though 2016 was challenging for many of us, setting positive and inspiring goals for 2017 can help us create a brighter, more joy-filled future.  Let these New Year's resolutions guide you and inspire your own personal goals in the coming year and beyond.  Cut down on mindless screen time.  Going online or watching television can be time well spent. Watching a favorite old movie or sending emails to friends, for instance, can be positive experiences. What isn't valu... more ...

The holiday season is a taxing time for many of us. Studies suggest that eight out of ten adults experience elevated stress levels during the winter months. One of the biggest sources of anxiety is family gatherings. Dysfunctional and toxic family dynamics can dredge up old memories and cause tension around the dinner table. Though you can't change your family, you can approach these holiday gatherings with realistic expectations and a few healthy coping mechanisms. Here are some of our top suggestions for managing dysfunctional family dynamics this holiday season. 1.) Assume tha... more ...

Enjoy the Holidays AloneMany of us find ourselves alone during the holidays. Whether it's due to a recent breakup or high airfare costs, some of us simply need to prepare for solitary celebrations. Though you might be alone for the holidays, a few good practices can help you avoid the pitfalls of loneliness, boredom, and depression. Follow these simple tips for jollier holidays alone.  1.) Don't fall for the commercial hype. Being alone during the holidays isn't wrong or unnatural! Unfortunately, portrayals of stereotypical "happy family" get-togethers leave man... more ...

Do you ever find yourself around someone who constantly makes you feel drained, ashamed, and emotionally exhausted? Does someone in your life constantly seem to be at the center of drama, leaving you to constantly care for them? If these scenarios sound familiar to you, you're probably engaged in a relationship with a toxic person. Though relationships with a toxic intimate partner may warrant a breakup, other toxic relationships can be more difficult to avoid. A toxic coworker, parent, sibling, or employer, for instance, may be someone you need to maintain a relationship with despite thei... more ...

With the U.S. Election Day just around the corner, political discussions are becoming particularly heated and argumentative. Many voters-to-be continue to strive to change the minds of their friends and family before November 8th. Individuals of all nationalities, in fact, have opinions on this year's controversial candidates.  Though discussing politics can be invigorating, bitter fights and snide remarks can also end friendships and cause familial drama. Follow these simple tips to avoid the biggest pitfalls of engaging in political discourse this election season. 1.) Don&... more ...

Almost everyone is familiar with the most popular novels of all time. Whether you've read them or not, you probably have at least a rough idea of what happens in1984 and To Kill a Mockingbird.  Whether you've read many influential novels or none at all, there are scores of slightly less mainstream classics that are also worth reading. The next time you're perusing the titles at your local library, consider picking up one of these memorable literary gems.  This Side of Paradise - F. Scott Fitzgerald   Best known for the flapper-era classic The Great Gatsby, ... more ...

As you approach your retirement years, you'll almost certainly find yourself having more free time. Though there's no shortage of hobbies in the world, many pastimes quickly become costly endeavors.  Fortunately, not all hobbies cost a pretty penny. For some affordable entertainment, try out these fun and thrifty activities.  Writing   Writing is a diverse hobby that includes something for everyone. To begin, all you need is a pen and notebook or a computer. If you're looking to relax and reflect on your life, consider journaling or writing down some autobi... more ...

Blogging has become an extremely popular online activity for many, providing an outlet for people to express their interests, share their experiences, discuss a favorite topic with others or to help others learn something new. They are commonly used by businesses, individuals and professionals on a daily basis. But you still may be wondering what exactly a blog is and how it can benefit you.  What is a Blog?Essentially, a blog is a series of entries, or posts, that are shown in order starting with the most recent and ending with the oldest ones. Blog entries utilize a variety of medi... more ...

Water can be conserved in countless ways and all it takes is a little thought. It’s true that some water conservation plans may require a financial investment such as installing low-flow toilets, water saving appliances or a system to recycle gray water for use in the garden. But when these fixes seem too expensive to consider, you can still cut your water bill and save many gallons of water every day with simple, painless changes to your routine. Opportunities to conserve water can be found all over your house and yard. The tips listed here take no planning, little effort and won’... more ...

Most seniors today can expect to live well into their 70s or 80s, if not longer. Though many adults continue to feel young well into their twilight years, the hands of time often take a toll on the body. Older adults are often frustrated by the sagging skin and extra pounds that come with age. Seniors are increasingly turning to plastic surgery to remedy these perceived imperfections.   Plastic Surgery on the Rise   In the United States alone nearly 1 million adults over the age of 65 underwent plastic surgery in 2014. In fact, the senior demographic has seen the steadiest growth... more ...