5 Memory Boosters

Have you misplaced your keys again? If you’re like most people, it’s an occasional annoyance. But if it’s happening more frequently than you’d like to admit, maybe it’s time for some memory boosters to help strengthen your mind. Here are five easy tips to improve your memory power: 1. Keep Items Where You’ll Need Them. Keep your keys by the front door; eye glasses in the same place everyday, and wallet/purse in the same location. 2. Keep A Notebook With A Calendar. Keep names, phone numbers, important dates, medical information, to do lists, and a notepad. Carry it with you (or carry a small notepad), so you can jot down information as needed. 3. Minimize Distractions. Focus on one thing at a time. Turn off the TV or radio when you need to focus your attention on a task. 4. Exercise Your Mind. Read, do crossword puzzles, play cards, chess, or a musical instrument to keep your mind active. Watch television shows like Jeopardy. 5. Take Care Of Your Body. Go for a walk, swim, or bicycle. It’ll clear your mind. And remember to eat a balanced diet and get enough rest!

Seven Ways to Ease Stress

1. Master Your Thoughts. Stress and anxiety are actually a choice. You have the power to choose how you feel at any given moment. When you are feeling stressed out, take a moment to pause and close your eyes. Ask yourself, “Is there another choice I can make that will make me feel more at peace with myself or this situation?” 2. Breathe. It sounds so simple, but breathing has a tremendous affect on your mind, body, and your mood. Focus on your breathing when you find yourself feeling stress. If you put your finger on your belly button, you’ll begin to breathe from your belly and relax. 3. Exercise. Regular exercise can release stress and make you feel more in control of your life. Try a 30-minute brisk walk, bike ride, or play a game of tennis or racquetball. 4. Take Up A Hobby. Hobbies give our body and mind a place to relax. Whether it’s painting, woodworking, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, hobbies can give us that feeling of a vacation without having to go anywhere to get away. 5. Pace Yourself. Many of us have a tendency to over schedule ourselves or our family, and then become stressed when we can’t meet the demands. Prioritize your workload and concentrate on one task at a time. 6. Lighten Up And Take The Long View. If you’re feeling anxious and tense...take a moment and ask yourself, “will this really matter tomorrow, next week, or even five years from now?” 7. Strive For Peace of Mind. You can get more out of your life by actually doing less. Happiness comes not from the number of activities things we collect, but from the opportunity to enjoy our experiences. Doing less may actually make you happier...it’s your choice.

Ways to Fight Jet Lag

Studies show that there are eating habits that can help fight the effects of jet lag, including before, during, and after your flight. • The most important key to avoiding jet lag is hydration. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating foods and drinks – such as salty snacks, caffeine, and alcohol. • A 2016 study published in the Psychology & Health Journal said that long-haul flight attendants who adhered to a meal schedule instead of eating whenever they wanted suffered fewer jet lag symptoms. Keep your own eating schedule and skip the snacks. • Starting out your travel day well-rested is a big help in fighting jet lag. Consuming carbs the night before a flight can increase serotonin levels in your brain, and serotonin helps you sleep. • Focus on protein when you land to trigger your brain’s production of norepinephrine and dopamine, which make you more alert. Carry some protein-rich foods with you, which may not be easy to find depending on where you’re going (peanut or almond butter with crackers, protein bars, or hard aged cheese that doesn’t need to be refrigerated). • Eat foods that naturally contain melatonin, a sleep aid, to help your body adjust to new time zones. Cherries are a great source of melatonin (dried cherries work, and are easier to transport than fresh cherries), as is fresh ginger.

Stress Releasing Tips

• Breathe – Stress makes us take short breaths. Concentrate on deep breaths through the nose, exhaling through the mouth, for several minutes to increase oxygen flow and reduce tension. • Pattern Reset – Forcing your brain to focus on something else, such as the repetitive task of doing dishes or knitting, can help get your mind off whatever’s bothering you. • Go for a Walk – Not only will a 10-minute walk physically remove you from any stressful situation, the exercise releases stress-relieving endorphins in your brain. Dancing to your favorite song works, too. • Take an e-Break – We love technology, but it can also cause a huge amount of stress. Turn off your phone or computer to increase your ability to relax, and don’t leave your email inbox open all day. • Have a Snack – It’s important to be mindful about snacking (stress eating is nobody’s friend), but some nibbles can be helpful. Potassium can help modulate blood pressure, which can in turn reduce stress levels, so have a banana. Something like a handful of nuts offers a satisfying crunch and the energy your brain needs to get past the stress.

Write More Effective Email

 Use a concise, compelling subject line. “More information” and “new program” only ask the recipient to say “about what?” Better to say “Action Items On Project XYZ.” Say “urgent” if necessary.  Don’t use long lists of email addresses if the subject only pertains to some of them. Type the relevant addresses into the address line ("To" line) and use the BCC line for the others.  Keep your message to the point. Say why you’re writing within the first two lines and try to limit yourself to one topic. Using bullet points helps you organize your thoughts. Re-read or print your email out (if you have time) before you send it.  Be careful with humor and irony. Emails aren’t good at conveying emotions, and humor, inside jokes or over-used phrases don’t really build a dynamic business relationship. Avoid phrases like “can I pick your brain” (what are you offering in return?); or “please advise” (better to say “can we discuss this further?”).  Respect confidentiality. Should everyone read this?  As a recipient, do not “reply all” unless everyone needs to know. You know this but people still do it, sometimes accidentally.  Respond promptly. Don’t leave people hanging. Include your signature and phone number for follow-up.

Watch for Unwanted Pests

Could you be sharing your home with uninvited visitors – like mice, squirrels, birds, or even termites? Pests are a common problem for everyone, so here are a few tips to spot them and what to do: Where you might find them. Look for animal droppings, signs of chewing, and odor in your kitchen, basement, closets, and attic. Check any moist areas like around air conditioning units. In the case of termites, look for “dirt tubes” around your home’s perimeter. What to do. You know how to trap mice in the kitchen. After you trap them, be sure to clean up crumbs and keep food sealed up. When it comes to larger animals, like squirrels, birds, or snakes, don’t try to remove them yourself. They can be dangerous when cornered. If you suspect you have the larger visitors or tiny bugs like termites, hire a professional animal catcher or pest control company.

Be Ready In An Emergency

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency preparedness kit ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Some items are standard, regardless of who you are or where you live, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and multi-purpose tool. Consider the specific needs of those in your family and geographical location as well. Find pre-made lists and help in building an emergency kit at ready.gov/kit and redcross.org.

Keep Your Pets Healthy and Happy

Most pet owners would say that pets are important members of the family. We welcome them into our lives knowing we’ll most likely outlive them- but we can help them have the best possible life.  Maintain a healthy weight. Feed pets the proper type and amount of food. Avoid feeding fatty human foods to your furry friends.  Exercise regularly. Dogs need regular walks every day, and time to run around. Indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats, but they should have stimulating toys and room to play and exercise too.  Schedule regular vet visits. Regular health screenings (at least once a year for healthy adult animals) allow vets to detect and manage diseases early. Keep vaccinations updated.  Keep teeth clean. Tartar, gingivitis, plaque, and other problems with teeth and gums can lead to other health problems. Try making your own toothpaste with coconut oil and baking soda, and your dog will enjoy his brushing time.  Note behavioral changes. If pets aren’t following their normal routines, this may be a sign that something isn’t right. Don’t wait too long before checking with a vet about abnormal behavior.  Chill out. Even pets need time and space on their own, so make sure they have at least a couple hours a day to relax.

The Power of Small Talk

Have you ever found yourself at a meeting or social event and been at a loss for words? Making small talk isn’t random. It follows a formula, says Bernardo Carducci, author of The Pocket Guide to Making Successful Small Talk. Carducci says you can anticipate where the conversation is going and plan ahead. Here are some tips to follow:  Look for someone not talking with a group and use a simple opening line, “This appetizer (food) is great!” Or, mention something about the building or room. Then introduce yourself.  If a conversation stalls, you can restart it with a compliment. “That’s a great suit (tie, jewelry, color of clothing), you’re wearing.”  If there’s someone you want to talk to (but they’re talking in a group), meander over, introduce yourself to others in the group and soon enough you’ll be able to talk directly with that person.

Deal with Bullies

Bullies are among the top fears school age children expressed in a recent study. Here are six strategies for dealing with bullies in school: 1. Listen to your children. Encourage your kids to talk about school and other kids, so that you can hear if they are having any problems. 2. Take your child’s complaints of bullying seriously. A minor complaint may actually uncover a more serious problem. 3. Report bullying behavior to school officials. They can stop the problem at the source. If it’s happening to your child, chances are it’s probably happening to other children. 4. Help your child learn the social skills they need to make friends. A confident child who has friends is less likely to be bullied. 5. Teach your child non violent ways to resolve arguments. Teach your child self-protection skills, staying alert and verbal assertiveness. 6. Teach your child that they can walk away from a bully.