A couple years ago I was introduced to Dan Sienkiewicz, a nutritionist, author, and formulator of Green Gold Nutrition products. After spending time discussing some of the health concerns I had at the time, he made some recommendations that have forever changed my life. In fact, these recommendations have been so life-changing, we’ve partnered with Green Gold Nutrition to offer our customers these same amazing products.

Here’s why I love it.

Green Gold Nutrition Formula gives me energy. Prior to taking this all-natural formula, I would find myself dragging by the middle of day. As a mom, that’s a critical time for me – it’s when my kids are coming home from school, and I need to begin preparing the evening meal. This added boost of energy has helped me be a better mom and wife, as I now have all the energy I need, and it lasts all day long.

Nutritional Balance.

We’ve all heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Whereas there may be some truth to this, imagine eating 97 cups of raw spinach every day… that’s the equivalent of the nutritional value in just one scoop. Not to mention the 200 other nutrients and minerals jam-packed into this stuff.

When I was pregnant, I suffered from severe Hyperemisis, which left me unhealthy for an entire year after each one of my three children were born. I truly believe the formula helped get me back on track, and today I feel incredible. Additionally, I have suffered from chronic ear aches since I was a child and today, they’re just a distant memory.

pH Balance

Many people don’t realize this, but the adult human body is made up of roughly 11 gallons of water. Just like an aquarium becomes laden with bacteria if the water’s pH isn’t balanced properly, so do our bodies. pH Care from Green Gold Nutrition helps you easily balance your pH with an easy-to-swallow capsule. We’ve been using this for 2 years as well, and are breathing easier (literally!), have increased energy, and have even noticed reduced muscle aches & pains.

Hormone Balance

For over a year and a half, I’ve been using Disora, which is a progesterone cream from Green Gold. Not only does it help to balance my hormones, it has also helped give me clearer, younger looking skin. Of course we always recommend that you talk to your doctor prior to using any hormone balance products.

We share Green Gold Nutrition’s goal of helping people live healthier more well-balanced lives. All of their products are 100% organic and vegan, and they’re a Michigan based company. That’s important to us as we’re both committed to the sustainable economic growth of the region.

We hope you’ll try Green Gold Nutrition from Ruma Organics, and begin the journey to a healthier, better you!

Have you ever walked into a house or apartment and felt instantly at home? You may have looked around and wondered why the home was so cozy and why you couldn’t get your own home to feel that way.

It doesn’t come down to having a sense of style or not. There are many simple things you can do or add to your home that will make it comfortable for you and your guests.

Where do I start?

We have five body senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing. Many people also add a sixth sense that is intangible. It is a feeling that is not easy to describe but is certainly there.

Throughout the process of making your home cozier, there is one thing that you have to keep in mind: we are guided by our body’s senses. This means that you have to appeal to the senses in transforming your home into a comfortable one.

How to do it

To ensure that your house is cozy, you have to ensure that you appeal to all five senses. You can also add the sixth sense when you have managed to satisfy the first five.

Touch

There are certain textures that are necessary for ensuring a cozy feel in your home. It is very hard for anyone to feel cozy in a home where most surfaces are hard. It is therefore important to include soft natural fabrics especially in seating and sleeping areas. Include natural fibers on seats and beds. Cushions that are soft will also add a cozy feel. Try to find mattresses that provide a balance between softness and firmness.

Ensure that your home is kept clean. Dust and wipe surfaces often. Dusty and grimy surfaces are unpleasant to touch.

For added coziness, add natural textures from the outdoors. Use items such as natural rocks, plants, wood and leaves to decorate your home. This variety of textures is exciting to touch.

Sight

Appealing to the sense of sight is probably first and foremost on everyone’s mind. Many people are concerned about colors and finding the right balance and furniture styles.

Finding colors that are pleasing to everyone is impossible. You can therefore use your own favorite colors and achieve a cozy feel for yourself. However, warm colors are generally pleasant to most people and are great for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Add some decorative pieces that are reflective of nature to add to the comfort of the home such as landscape paintings and artifacts. Beauty is subjective but there are some items that are universally thought of as having the power to create a homely feel such as a fireplace, beeswax candles and soft lighting.

Smell

Fragrance has a lot to do with our comfort. Did you know that smells trigger memories and feelings associated with these memories? You can therefore add some scents from nature that can trigger good feelings in you.

You don’t have to rely on artificial air fresheners. You can use natural spiced cider or potpourris to give your home that natural scent without being too overpowering like many artificial air fresheners.

Taste

This doesn’t mean changing your home into a candy home out of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. Delicious food has a great role to play in making your home cozy. Preparing meals that are pleasant to the pallet (not to mention to the sense of smell) is important to adding to the cozy factor. There are many online resources with free healthy recipes that use natural ingredients.

Hearing

Many people spend a lot of money every year to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the country side or a quite retreat in the mountains. The noise of city life can make even the most comfortable home seem horrible. Keep noise out of your home and maintain a serene environment e.g. ensuring insulation around windows to keep street noise out. You can also enhance the serene environment in the home by adding sounds that are known to be soothing such as the sound of flowing water in a small table top fountain.

With these few basic ideas you can turn your home into that haven you have been dreaming about.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and hated the person staring back at you? Many of us have. Do you feel that you are not as beautiful as you would like to be?

There is more to beauty than many of us realize. Natural beauty is about more than being born with a pretty face and wearing the right make up. Natural beauty is about bringing out your best features and having a loveable personality. Most importantly, natural beauty is something that everyone has and needs to discover.

How to bring out your natural beauty

It is important to ensure that your body is receiving adequate nutrients to function properly. A healthy body is a beautiful body. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other healthy foods such as fish and nuts will not only ensure that your body is healthy, but also help to enhance different aspects of your beauty such as improving your skin.

It is important to mention that many people mistakenly starve themselves in a bid to look thinner. They believe they will look more attractive if they become thinner. However, the truth is your body looks beautiful when it is healthy; this simply implies receiving proper nourishment and not trying to make yourself thinner than what is appropriate for your body.

• Drink a lot of water. This will help in flushing out toxins from your body. This will not only help to enhance your health but also help give your skin a natural glow.
• Exercising regularly will help you get rid of pent up energy and help you relax. A regular exercise program will help rejuvenate your mind and body. If you want to get rid of those frown lines and other effects of stress, take a few minutes every day to exercise.
• They don’t call it beauty sleep for no reason. Getting enough sleep will help you feel rested and refreshed enhancing your natural glow. You will also avoid developing illnesses that could otherwise cause you to feel stressed or tired all the time. Ensure that you get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. This will allow your body to rest and function properly when you are awake. A good night’s rest will also do wonders for your skin and help you avoid those unsightly bags under the eyes.
• Take good care of your hair. Ensure that wash and condition your hair regularly. Brush your hair to ensure that it is presentable. Your hair is your crown of beauty. Ensuring that it is well taken care of enhances your natural beauty.

It is important to note that a simple care regime of washing, conditioning and brushing your hair is enough to ensure that you bring out its natural beauty. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive salon treatments and styling to achieve a natural glow.

Your smile is one of the best accessories you have. A smile will enhance your natural beauty by leaps and bounds. You should therefore ensure that you take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth after every meal and avoid eating sweets. Invest in a good toothpaste and dental floss. A great way to brighten up your smile is by brushing your teeth using a solution of a pinch of baking powder, vinegar and salt.

Most importantly, remember to smile often. It will not only make you look more beautiful but also feel better.

• You can instantly change your image by simply improving your posture. Stand up tall. Roll your shoulders back and keep your chin up. This will not only help you obtain a confidence that is attractive, but also enhance your natural physical beauty.
• Work on your confidence. Be happy with who you are and appreciate how far you’ve come. People are attracted to confidence.
• Wear clothes that actually fit you. Clear your closet of all ill-fitting clothes and buy clothes that fit your body.

To many mothers, life can seem chaotic. Whether you are a working mom or a stay at home mom, there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day to get things done. The running around seems endless; yet, you never seem to be accomplishing as much as you hope.

One of the worst effects of this roller-coaster of a life is that it can affect your health. Many busy mothers find that they don’t have time to eat or prepare healthy food or engage in a regular exercise program. Some get stressed over their busy lives and develop health conditions that could otherwise be prevented. The negative effects are numerous; therefore, a balanced lifestyle is certainly necessary.

How to achieve balance in your life

Do you feel like you are sinking under the weight of your daily life? Do you feel like throwing in the towel (though it isn’t an option at this point)? Don’t give up just yet. There is a lot you can do to help you live a balanced life.

Make a plan for your day

Though the thought of making lists may sound tedious to someone who already has too much on their hands, it is the best way to ensure that you accomplish more. Preparing a list of things to do and prioritizing items on the list will help you focus on the most important tasks that need to be accomplished for the day. Many busy moms are distracted by little things that may not be as important and end up wasting precious time and energy on these tasks instead of concentrating on the more important tasks. Therefore, lists will help you create a schedule and work on important items first.

Prepare your meals in advance

If you find that you don’t have time to prepare healthy meals every day and are eating junk food as a result, prepare your meals in advance. Pick out a day and time when things are slow and use this free time to prepare healthy meals. Portion the meals and store them in your refrigerator or freezer. You will only need to warm them when meal times come around. This is a great way of ensuring that you and your family eat healthy, home cooked meals.

Find time to workout

Exercising will enhance your health and improve your fitness levels. You will be better able to handle challenges with a healthy body and mind. Most moms complain that they simply don’t have the time to exercise. Your exercise program does not need to be an hour of intense cardio. Rather, you can have a brisk walk or jog with the stroller and get your child out for fresh air in the process. You can also have short 10 minute exercise sessions throughout the day. It will all add up.

Cherish every moment

You may be feeling overwhelmed by it all, but there are a lot of great moments being a mom. You should, therefore, keep these moments at the forefront of your mind. You can take photos to remind you of those special moments. Remembering the good times will help you remember why you are doing it all. Most importantly, it will keep you in a positive frame of mind and help you avoid getting stressed.

Enjoy being a mother

Your children will eventually grow up and leave home one day. So cherish your time with them now. Do what you can to enjoy being a mom in the present. Being a mom is one of the most important jobs in the world. You have the opportunity to mold your children’s minds and help them develop into responsible adults. Find fun activities to spend time with your kids, such as going to the park or participating in arts and crafts. You will find that you also enjoy these activities.

Summer is quickly approaching (we promise!) and many of us are eagerly waiting to shed off the remainder of our winter wardrobe in exchange for lighter summer clothes. You may already have started digging through your wardrobe in search of your favorite t-shirts and light tops. Then you notice the yellow stains on your t-shirts, especially on the light colored ones. There is no way to mask them. These underarm stains seem to be on all your light summer t-shirts and tops.

Don’t blame it on the sunshine

Most people believe these yellow stains are a result of sweat. After all they only occur in the armpit area. In addition to this, they seem to be ubiquitous on summer clothing. It just has to be the sweat that causes it. After all, we sweat more under the summer sun right?

The facts

Contrary to popular belief, sweat doesn’t cause the yellow stains. In fact, sweat is a colorless liquid. It therefore cannot possibly cause staining even on light colored clothes.

The stains on your t-shirts are as a result of a chemical reaction that only takes place because of the use of deodorants and antiperspirants. Many people use antiperspirants and deodorants during the hot summer months in a bid to stop sweating and therefore avoid bad body odor and staining of their clothes.

The truth is that the antiperspirants only block the sweat pores. They don’t stop the production of sweat but stop the sweat from being expelled from the body as it should be. This only lasts for a certain period of time.

Sweat builds up in the sweat glands in the armpits in the mean time. A large amount of sweat however can push through the pores and be expelled right onto the clothing. A chemical reaction then occurs between the deodorant or antiperspirant and the sweat. The urea in the sweat reacts with the acidic and aluminum components of the deodorant or antiperspirant and result in the yellow discoloration that shows up on light colored clothing.

The results

This yellow discoloration is not easy to remove even for those who maintain a rigorous laundry routine. The sweat stains attract unwanted scrutiny from others. They make you appear like you either have a low level of personal hygiene or are simply lazy. This can cause great emotional distress as it certainly doesn’t reflect the truth.

How to prevent it

Since you can’t stop your body from sweating, you must look for another solution. It is actually quite simple. You need to stop using antiperspirants and other commercial deodorants that are aluminum based.

This doesn’t mean that you have to give up using deodorant all together. First off, you need to understand that sweating is a natural process that allows your body to get rid of toxins. Your body needs to sweat. You should therefore stop trying to stop this natural process.

Secondly, you should understand the sweat on its own does not result in bad body odor or yellow staining.

Thirdly, invest in an organic deodorant. These deodorants are based on natural products that will work to kill bacteria in the armpit therefore preventing the development of bad odors. The deodorants allow you to sweat and are not acidic or don’t contain aluminum. There is therefore no chemical reaction that could cause the development of yellow stains.

Still not convinced?

If you think that you can simply switch to wearing darker colors and continue using the aluminum based antiperspirants and deodorants, be warned. There are significant health risks associated with the use of these aluminum based products. You may be avoiding a yellow stain but still be placing your health under considerable risk.

While many people look forward to changes in the seasons, many others dread the thought of the changing weather conditions and what it will mean to their health. Seasonal allergies can drive you crazy, especially since conventional remedies don’t always seem to work. You may also not want to keep taking the numerous pills and nose drops with their attendant side effects.

The good news is that nature has provided abundant solutions for seasonal allergies. There are many simple and natural ways to effectively deal with your seasonal allergies.

Humidifier

You can keep allergens at bay throughout the year with a simple humidifier. Allergens disperse more freely in dry air. Keeping a humidifier on indoors will increase moisture content of air and in turn help to keep the allergens that cause your allergies out of the air. This is especially important on cool nights when moisture content is low. The water droplets will bind onto the allergens making them heavy. They are therefore unable to move around as freely as they would in dry air.

Inhale steam

This is one of the most widely known and applied remedy for a congested nose. But not many people know that it can apply even for allergies. You simply need to add some essential oils to your regular steam basin. An effective combination of essential oils for the treatment of allergies would include Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Myrtle and Tea Tree oil. Add two to three drops of each of these essential oils to hot steaming water and inhale the steam as deeply as you can. Repeat this two to three times a day for the best results.

Honey

Ever wondered if you could get a natural anti-allergy shot? Honey might be just what you need to help you with allergies to pollen. You only need to ensure that the honey is produced within your local area. This is because the bees in your locality will collect pollen from plants within the area.

Acupuncture

Eastern medicinal methods are gaining popularity even amongst conventional medical practitioners. There are many things about the body that even modern medicine still can’t explain. For example, why is acupuncture so effective against allergies?

Well, we aren’t here to answer that question but to point out that this method of natural treatment is probably one of the most effective treatments for allergies especially if you start it about a month to the change of the season.

According to medical specialists, acupuncture is so effective because of the stimulation of the meridians. This is said to be the channel through which energy in the body flows. Stimulating this channel may help in stabilizing your immune system and prevent it from becoming hyperactive when exposed to allergens at the turn of the season.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatments are very effective for various ailments including allergies. These treatments involve the use of flower and herb essences that are believed to stimulate different organs and reactions within the body. Modern homeopathic therapies allow you to take a tablet that dissolves on your tongue. Some common homeopathic remedies for allergies include Allum cepa a great remedy for a running nose and Euphrasia an effective remedy for burning and itchy eyes.

Stinging Nettle Leaf

Stinging nettle leaf probably has bragging rights over the herbal allergy treatment crown. This herb is the most common herb in allergy remedy combinations. You can get full strength benefits of stinging nettle by simply having some stinging nettle leaf tea. Ensure that you get the full benefits from the tea by pouring hot water into a cup and letting the stinging nettle leaf tea bag sit in the water for at least 10 minutes before you drink the tea.

These are just a few of the many natural remedies available for allergies. You don’t have to suffer the side effects of conventional allergy treatments or have to get painful shots to avoid allergic reactions. Let nature take care of your body with natural remedies for seasonal allergies.

Your face is not only a reflection of how you feel; it is also a reflection of your lifestyle. You can tell a lot about how a person treats their body and what they spend a lot of time doing by just looking at their faces.

We’d all like to be as attractive as our favorite public personalities. The flawless skin, the heart shaped face, the full lips and the gorgeous big soulful eyes. While we can’t change the shape of facial features without indulging in expensive and painful plastic surgery, we can change the condition of our skins through simple life changes.

You don’t need lots of money to hire a skin expert or buy the most expensive skin care products to have beautiful skin. The following five tips are surprisingly easy but effective for getting healthier and younger looking skin.

Rice water

Who would think of using rice water on their faces? If you have spots on your face that you want to get rid of desperately, the answer to your problems in right in your kitchen. Simply put some rice in a bowl and fill it up with some warm water. You can use as little as two tablespoons of rice. You can use any rice you want brown, red or white. It doesn’t matter. Simply let the water and rice stand for a few minutes then stir it with your fingers. Wash your face with the rice water and pat it dry. Use this treatment several times a week. You will notice a big difference after a couple of weeks.

Natural moisturizer

Keeping the moisture locked in to your skin is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. It keeps the skin looking fresh and young for longer. You can keep your skin from drying up by using naturalmoisturizers such as some of the common essential oils. A few drops of extra virgin olive oil make for a great moisturizer. Simply rub them between your palms and apply on your face.

Natural oils are great because they do more than simply lock in moisture. They also have a great calming effect on your skin as well as some emollient effects. Sunflower, safflower and almond oils are all common ingredients in the kitchen that have these effects on the skin. Applying these oils on your face will make the skin soft and give it a natural glow that commercial cosmetics don’t provide.

Quick natural home facial

You don’t have to spend loads of money on facials at a beauty salon. You also don’t have to take a large chunk of time out of your busy schedule to get that beauty treatment in. You simply need a few minutes every week for a quick natural home facial. Start off by using lime, lemon or orange peels as facial scrubs. You simply need to grate the peels into a pulp and add some honey. Rub the mixture on your face gently for a few minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. For added benefit, add some green tea to the water. Pat your face dry with a towel and apply moisturizer.

Water, vegetables and fruits

What is happening on the inside is often reflected on the outside. You should therefore ensure that your insides are healthy so that it can reflect on your skin. Drink lots of water to flush out toxins and eat lots of vegetables and fruits to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to repair and retain elasticity. Some of the best vegetables for skin include carrots and tomatoes which contain carotene and lycopene. These are best eaten raw.

Green tea

You don’t have to drink green tea to experience its benefits. You can use it as a face wash. Dissolve a bag of the tea in warm water. You can store the water in the fridge for use later and therefore save time during a busy week.

"I'm just too busy to eat healthy..."

"I simply don’t have the opportunity to get a healthy meal during a busy day..."

"It’s difficult to grab healthy snacks while on the go..."

Ever find yourself making these statements? Many of us want to eat healthy but the demands of modern life often make it difficult to do so. This is especially true for those of us who find that they have to eat most meals away from home. We start off eating a healthy breakfast. But it’s downhill after that. We grab anything that fills the hole and feel guilty at the end of the day. Then go through the same cycle the next day.

The good news is that difficult doesn’t mean impossible. Eating healthy is possible with a little planning. You can eat healthy while traveling, having a busy day at work or while away from home for any reason. The following snack ideas are great for vegetarians or people on the go who want to eat healthy.

• Mason jars are all the rave right now. There seem to be countless uses for these timeless containers, and now we have one that will help ensure that you eat a healthy vegetarian snack while on the move. Have a green smoothie in a jar. Mason jars allow the smoothie to retain its nutrients so they don't get lost through oxidation. There are endless varieties of smoothies that you can carry around in a mason jar. Some are as simple as veggie smoothies with spinach or kale.
• Mason jars aren’t only good for veggie smoothies. They're also a great way to store veggie salads. Use any combination of greens for your salads and pack them into a mason jar. Mason jars do a great job of keeping the salads fresh for several hours even without a cooler.
• Fresh fruit is the ultimate no-excuses vegetarian healthy snack for people on the go. You can choose to carry the whole fruit or have fruit salad. Fruits like bananas and apples require no preparation. Bananas, bags of berries and apple or other sliced fruits are packed with nutrients and are perfect for a much needed energy boost.
• Another easy no-excuses healthy vegetarian snack is mixed nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fat. They will fill you up and help you avoid the temptation of eating unhealthy snacks. Dried fruits are a great source of fiber and carbohydrates. They are also great for those with a sweet tooth and will help you curb your sugar cravings.
• If you’re still craving something sweet, you should try some homemade chocolate bars. Use dark chocolate to make your chocolate bars. You will beat your sugar cravings in a healthy way.
• Dried veggie chips. Yes, there are kale chips, zucchini chips and other veggie chips. These chips are easy to make and last a long time. You can easily make a batch of chips over the weekend and have a bag ready to eat when you need a snack. They are a great alternative to those potato chips addicted to.
• Roasted chickpeas are also a great and easy go-to vegetarian snack for people on the go. They are packed with protein and fiber that will help you stay full longer. They are also easy to prepare and can be stored for a long period ensuring that you have a healthy snack for the rest of the week.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming or involve preparing meals all the time. With a little planning you can provide your body with the right kind of fuel to keep it going.

Time is a major factor when deciding to make a lifestyle change. There never seems to be enough time to get all the things you need done in a day. Now you have to find the time to implement healthy lifestyle changes. This often seems too overwhelming for many of us.

Eating healthy seems to be one of the healthy lifestyle changes that fall on the way-side when time never seems to stand still. We find ourselves buying fast food because we didn’t have time to prepare a healthy meal and have to eat on the go. As a result, many of us come to the conclusion that eating healthy is something reserved for health-nuts who don’t have to work a 9-to-5, take care of screaming toddlers and still ensure that all the bills are paid.

The following tips will help you spend less time in a grocery store and in the kitchen but still help you eat healthy. It’s a win-win.

Create a Shopping List & Keep it Handy

Keep your grocery list where you can see it such as on the fridge, a notice board or on your desk at work. Keep adding items to the list as they run out. Ensure that the list is accessible to you at all times e.g. keep it in your bag. You can even use your phone’s memo pad or other apps to keep a grocery list. This ensures that you have a list to guide you anytime you get the opportunity to go shopping.

Include long lasting greens and spinach in your grocery list. These should be the bulk of your meals. Greens are versatile and are great for adding bulk to your meals. You can combine them with practically any protein to make a healthy and guilt free meal.

Include Root Vegetables in Your List

You should also ensure that you stock up on root vegetables. These include potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, carrots and turnips. Root vegetables are easy to prepare and can be stored all week in a refrigerator without going bad. They are a great source of fiber and carbohydrate.

Schedule Your Shopping Expeditions

Set a specific time and day of the week when you will go for shopping. Ensure that you stick to your grocery list. Shopping at a preset time of the week will help you avoid impulse buying and therefore avoid the urge to buying food items that are unhealthy.

Plan Your Meals

Even the busiest of us take some time off from work during the week. Take your off day as an opportunity to prepare healthy meals for the week. Cook your favorite healthy meals and store them in the freezer. You will have no excuses all week for not eating healthy since you have a refrigerator full of healthy ready to eat meals.

Incorporate the Bean

If there is one protein that you need in your kitchen it is the bean. There are several types of beans including white beans, red kidney beans and black beans. You can purchase canned beans in bulk and store them in your pantry for months. Beans are a great source of protein. They are easy to prepare and can be combined with just about anything. Combine beans with vegetables and spices and you can have a Mexican chilly or a tasty bean burrito. The possibilities are limitless.

Brown Bag It

If you find it difficult to make healthy food choices while at work, you can cut out the cafeteria or restaurant completely and bring your own food with you. Simply carry left-over food from the previous night’s dinner and have it as a healthy lunch. You’ll not only be making a healthy choice for your body but also for your bank account.

Last week we discussed several ways you can reduce the amount of stress you have in your life now, and in the future. Small adjustments to the way we view the world around us, as well as how we prioritize our time can make a significant impact to the quality of life we lead. Here are 7 more golden nuggets that will help you enjoy a more full, and meaningful life - all while reducing the level of stress you encounter on a daily basis.

Enjoy!

Spend less money

Money (or lack thereof) is one of the greatest sources of stress in our culture today. You can greatly reduce your stress by simply spending less. Visit the shopping malls less often and find fun activities that don’t involve spending a lot of money like playing a sport. It’s also important to get a grip on impulse buying. Small purchases add up quickly without you realizing it, and leave you feeling like you have holes in your pockets.

Get rid of clutter

A cluttered environment results in increased stress. Take a few minutes to get rid of items you don’t need and organize your surroundings. If you haven’t used an item in six months to a year, do you really need it? Are you sure? Also, if you have kids, birthday and other gifts add up over the years. And next thing you know you’re busting at the seams with toys. Our rule is one toy in, one toy out. Donate old items and get a break on your taxes!

Creativity

Get in touch with your creative right brain. Take some time to engage in creative arts. You don’t have to be Picasso to enjoy painting, crafts and other such activities. Develop a love for music, gardening, or creative writing.

Decompress

After a grueling day, it is important to take some time to assess your activities. This doesn’t mean beating yourself up. Try to be objective and see what went wrong and what you did right. And Moms, it’s okay to sit down! Don’t feel guilty about taking an hour to watch some mindless television or read a few chapters in a book. The world won’t stop spinning, I promise!

Have fun

Take some time everyday to have some fun. Engage in an activity that you enjoy. This could be anything from sports to completing a crossword puzzle. Get on the floor and play with your kids. Or, if they’re older, find a hobby you can do together. This will foster a closer relationship, which can reduce significant stress for obvious reasons.

Talk

Talk to someone you trust about the problem or situation you face. This can be a professional or a friend or family member that you trust. Talking will help you get perspective on an issue. Don’t live in isolation. In this day and age, it’s easy to do, but meaningful relationships are essential to our health and well being. It’s an investment of time to be sure, but the return is a much more full, meaningful, and joyful life.

Avoid alcohol

Sometimes the temptation to drown our stress in a glass of wine (or a few of them) can be very appealing. Problem is, if this becomes a cycle, it only leads to other problems which create more stress. It helps nothing. Enjoy yourself, but find healthier alternatives to coping with life’s difficulties. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run (and your liver will too!).

Develop a sense of humor

Try not to take yourself too seriously. Laugh at the things that happen in your life and learn to brush off negative comments and incidences. We often hear that “laughter is the best medicine” and it’s true. Plan wisely for your future, but don’t borrow tomorrow’s trouble. Each day has enough problems of it’s own.