Mindfulness

There is increasing evidence that social engagement keeps your mind sharp and prolongs your life. Social engagement has declined sharply among baby boomers between 55 and 64 years old. Is it Netflix or is boomers’ lack of confidence to blame? Either way, society is missing out when seniors hole up in their houses. There are countless ways for retirees to make friends, but here are just five examples.

Retirement is a time many people dream of in much the same way as graduation. It’s the hope of new adventures that tantalizes in both events. Equally enticing in retirement is the freedom to spend your time as you choose, to do precisely what you want as you want it. You even have the option to reinvent yourself. It’s a great time! The only question is where to begin.

Events happen in life that can change us forever. While conflicts arise for everyone, it’s how individuals handle these issues and move on that shapes them in the end.

The average person spends a third of their life counting sheep. That’s a heck of a lot of time spent incapacitated. And though it may seem as if time “tucked-in” is time wasted, the research begs to differ. It’s true! A healthy body and a healthy mind depend on healthy sleeping habits, but you know that already. What you may not know is that your “down in the evening, up in the morning” sleep strategy is but one example.

Meditation is a great habit to pick up. Even if you do it for a few minutes a day, you’ll soon start seeing tangible benefits in your everyday life. If you’re looking for a good reason to start meditating right now, we’ve laid out a few benefits that it can bring to your life, as well as a few suggestions on how to start today.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, many people ignore the adage that less is more, and resolve to get more active, lose weight, and be happier. While these are admirable goals, what people don’t realize when they set themselves these simple resolutions for the new year is that actually setting down tangible goals will always be more useful than simplistic statements that would be more at home in an ad for a gym or a new weight-loss beverage.

Christmas marketing – it starts before Thanksgiving and goes until the presents are unwrapped and the floor underneath your tree is covered in dead pine needles. This year, make meaningful memories and escape the relentlessly materialistic Christmas messaging by instituting some new traditions with your family. Things that will bring you together and allow you to bond over a new shared experience.

A holiday party calls for an elevation of the usual glass of wine or mixed drink, so this year, get your head in the game with our guide to mixology. We’ll teach you how to set up a home bar, and prep for any party in style. You don’t need to be an expert in order to wow your family and friends with amazing drinks — it just takes a little research, and patience. You’ll be a whiz in no time.

This year, resolve to flex your creative muscles when it comes to thinking up gifts for your nearest and dearest. Do-It-Yourself gifts are a fun and thoughtful way to communicate your love to your friends and family. Plus, they often cost less than a traditional gift bought from the mall, and are way more personalized and meaningful.

While the holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, the reality of the situation is that putting your entire family in one room together is probably going to result in a bit of stress.