5 Reasons To Kick Your Phone Out Of Bed

David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Smartphones have become our sole source of communication, our daily weather updates, the way we unwind with games, and even our cuddle buddies at night. This is mainly focused on the younger generation though, as the only generation that seems to have got it right is the older generation, by only using their phones for making phone calls. I know that not all the older generation just use their phones for taking calls, but some do. There are even these cell phones for older adults, which can make things a lot easier for them. Going back to what I first started talking about though. I know many of you can’t think of another way but to have your phone next to your head at night. However, this is something I’ve never done and refuse to do. I have to set boundaries or else I’d go insane…checking and rechecking emails, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Since getting a Blackberry for work about seven years ago, I’ve always kept all of my phones in the living room, nice and far out of reach. Being connected 24/7 is not only a distraction but it’s also not good for your health. Sleeping is supposed to be peaceful and sacred. Just ask Arianna Huffington — she worships sleep and thinks you should “Sleep Your Way to the Top” — and you should too! 🙂

Anyway, here is a list of why you should dump your phone and snuggle your pillow (or your honey) instead!

1. Lights. When my Blackberry blinks red, my eyes open right up. This isn’t just your inner-email intuition, as I once believed. Artificial lights will disrupt your body’s natural rhythm and acts as a stimulant that will keep you awake longer. The sense of urgency would cause me to pop out of bed and deal with whatever issue is at hand, right then. No good for sleep or my nerves. (more here)

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Checklist For Pet Owners Before It’s Too Late

Brody

Losing a pet is one of the most difficult times you’ll ever go through. It’s like losing a member of the family. I lost my dog when I was young and still miss her. I’ve mentioned Brody, my cousin’s beagle, from time to time on this blog and his fear of fireworks and adorable personality.

Sadly, Brody’s kidneys started to fail him and he had to be put to sleep recently. It’s a decision that has affected my entire family. Everyone loves Brody. His owner, my cousin Jen, wanted to share a list of things all pet owners should think about before it’s too late.

Checklist For Pet Owners Before It’s Too Late

by Jennifer Walsh

My recommendation is to think about these things now, while your pet is healthyBrody and his family and you are not overly emotional, as I was. Maybe it’s a good idea to write them down and keep them in a safe place so that when the time comes & you need this list you have all your decisions in writing. I am sure that this will not make these decisions any easier or that you will not change your mind, but maybe you will feel better prepared. When my dog passed, it was a very difficult time. I found myself looking for distractions everywhere and ended up getting a pit border collie mix to keep me company. Getting her really saved me a lot of sadness. I know not all dog owners want to get a new dog straight away but for me, it really helped. A pit and collie mix require a lot of exercise so I was constantly going on walks and it really did take my mind off the situation. Everyone’s situation is different and you have to do what feels right for you, there are no right or wrong decisions.

Think about how you may want to proceed should your vet bring up the topic of euthanasia. For us, we felt that the decision should be left up to the vet, who we trust only wanted the best for Brody and was making a level-headed decision. We didn’t want to let Brody go, but we also didn’t want him to suffer for our selfish reasons. Read more

Do Not Resolve to “Get Organized” This Year

Organizing my Seed Stash

Organizing my Seed Stash (Photo credit: Chiot’s Run)

Happy New Year! I love the way a new year feels like a fresh start and a chance to try new things. I’ve written about throwing away your resolutions and instead turning them into goals, and I think that’s a great way to create a better and more productive and organized you in 2014!

Every year “get more organized” tops New Year’s resolutions lists and it’s a great intention but it can be overwhelming and difficult to focus on. The problem with resolving to get more organized is that it’s a vague goal that points to the negative and doesn’t give our brains something constructive to work on. What does “get more organized” mean to you? Think about it. What is the biggest pain point in your day? Focus on that. Read more

Throw Away Your New Year’s Resolution

Resolutions 2012

Resolutions 2012 (Photo credit: simplyla)

Happy New Year to all of you.  I hope 2014 brings you everything you desire!  But if you have a New Year’s Resolution — I urge you to throw it away.  Yep — that’s right.  I think there is a much better way to get organized, be healthier, become more productive etc. etc.

Get Rid of that Resolution

It Really Works

This tactic really works.  And the reason I know is because I used it last year.  I’ve been into yoga here and there but really wanted to incorporate it into my life.  So instead of resolving to “do yoga” — I made a goal for myself to “practice yoga for 10 minutes a day.”

This very specific goal turned out to be the best approach for me.  It’s not overwhelming — I’m not intimidated by 10 minutes a day like I might be to commit to an hour long class a few times a week.

So since last year — every day (ok, most days…but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t do it) I do yoga for 10 minutes in the morning.

What’s your goal for this year?

5 Ways to Remember Anything

Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I write down everything: To dos, books I want to read, groceries I need to get, websites I want to visit, gifts I want to buy, goals I’m trying to reach…I mean everything! Part of me does that so I can make the task or action a real concrete thing. Once I write something down it becomes attainable – it’s the first step of a plan to accomplish it. But the other part of me does it because I don’t want to forget it.

I rely on written list, emailed lists and lists in apps all day long to remember things. But what about when you are in a situation when you can’t write something down? You’re at the gym for instance and you have a great thought or remember something you need to do later… but there’s no pen and paper around. Or you’re taking a break from technology and don’t have your smart phone with you while you’re on vacation and inspiration hits you.
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