Unplug yourself
For one day (or one afternoon or even one hour if that’s all you can manage), turn off your cell phone and beeper and log off your computer. Marvel when the world doesn’t grind to a screeching halt.
Get out of the house
Need an excuse to play hooky? Here it is: People with diverse social ties get sick less frequently than those who rarely branch out of their tight-knit cliques. Invite an older neighbour to lunch, tag along with your niece to a coffeehouse—and see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Tip a glass
Of water, that is. Sure you’ve heard it before, but did you know that symptoms of dehydration are often confused with hunger, fatigue and even stress? Fill up before you feel thirsty to avoid becoming part of the parched majority.
Get garlicky
Did the whole family have a bad day? Pop some garlic bread into the oven (yes, the frozen kind is fine). In a recent study, garlic’s tantalizing aroma was shown to reduce negative family interactions at the dinner table by 23% and increase positive ones by 7% -- and it tastes pretty good too.
Rub it in
Before you shampoo and condition, give yourself a head massage with essential oils found at any health food store. Looking to relax? Try jasmine or ylang-ylang. For energy, opt for mint or citrus. Massage for a few moments, then shampoo. You'll be surprised how beautiful you look and feel.
Pack novelty into your day
Eat with your nondominant hand, give your kids’ video games a whirl or take a new route to work. Such “cerebral aerobics” are believed to strengthen the part of the brain that helps keep you mentally agile. And who couldn’t use a little extra brainpower?
Put your feet up…literally
If your feet were employees, they would have quit a long time ago. Reward them for a lifetime of hard work by lying down on a bed or the floor with your rear end against a wall, then extend your legs up the wall for 10 to 15 minutes. The tingling in your toes is a sign that the enhanced circulation is helping relieve tension and muscle fatigue.
