Health Watch (Yes, Come and See and You'll Feel a Bit Better)

Research indicates that even low levels of exposure to nature significantly benefit our physical and mental health.  Whether we're on site or are simply looking at a picture or video, this "green" exercise has been shown to
--lower blood pressure and stress levels
--aid healing
--diminish headaches
--increase productivity
--sharpen attention, creativity and general cognition
--improve mood
--reduce anxiety
(*"What are the benefits of interacting with nature."L. Keniger, K. Gaston, K.Irvine & R.Fuller
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Mar; 10(3): 913–935 )

So I'll invite you to give it a try. If you can't step outside for a walk in the park or a stroll through the woods here are seven one-minute videos to choose from for a moment of self-care.
(You know you can spare a minute.......)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALZwXyxpHQ Ocean waves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dT1acIHcls Forest  in North Carolina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XC7iIJ4kIk Waterfall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ercl6NiqyPA Trees and brook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMIc4S_k5Uc Laurel Lakeside

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L515SmPbRw Sunrise Sunset (time lapse)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0u8-XlLFs Calming Flowers (more than a minute--worth it)

"Good" News from The New York Times

We all know it's nice to balance the news of the day with some lighter fare. Some will choose the sports page. Others opt for the entertainment section. 

For the last three years I've chosen the "Smarter Living" page in Monday's New York Times. The Times says it wants to help its readers "live a more fulfilling life." I like how they gather well known researchers and professionals to tackle subjects ranging from how to approach difficult coworkers at your job to managing personal finances to learning how to say "no." 

Here's a link to a recent thought-provoking sample "Success Doesn't Always Bring Happiness" by A.C. Shilton. (June 3, 2019) 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/28/smarter-living/you-accomplished-something-great-so-now-what.html

Behavioral psychology deserves to be getting ink on a regular basis. Of course, screen time is an option, too--you can sign up for a free summary of each week's offerings at their web site. 

It's just one more way to take good care.

Money Fixes Everything----Nope. How Much is Enough?

Money is often tangled up in our search for identity, accomplishment, affection and regard.

The blueprint for its meaning and importance comes directly from our families, our culture and generational cohort and the times we live in.

Every year Northwestern Mutual conducts a U.S. study of adult attitudes, behaviors and perspectives around financial security and decision making. For 2018 the results showed that money concerns (44%) were considered more stressful than either personal relationships (25%) or work (18%).
https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progress-2018

It makes sense to look at our relationship with money. It gives us the chance to manage its influence consciously rather letting it run us.