Category Archives: health

Leaving our comfort zones

Posted on June 30, 2012 by stillalife

“Whatever scares you, do it. Now.” That advice comes from Ken Budd, author of the article, “New Adventures, New Risks, New You,” and of a memoir with an exceedingly long title that begins with The Voluntourist: A Six-Country Tale… Budd has had … Continue reading →

Posted in health, inspiration, personal reflections, volunteering | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Give me a break

Posted on May 30, 2012 by stillalife

The poem, “What She Said,” by former Poet Laureate Billy Collins (found in his most recent book, horoscopes for the dead), opens this way: When he told me he expected me to pay for dinner, I was like give me a break.  Collins goes … Continue reading →

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Sleep, the elixir

Posted on May 25, 2012 by stillalife

If Hamlet had lived longer, instead of saying “to sleep perchance to dream,” he might have said, “to lie in bed, perchance to sleep.” The latter happens to me more often than I’d like. Sleep is underrated, despite the badge … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, health | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

My mother was right

Posted on May 21, 2012 by stillalife

When I was younger, I had no idea how much posture mattered. “Stand up straight” was a popular mantra for my mother, who grew ever more attached to it during my teenage years. Since I’m from the generation that didn’t … Continue reading →

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According to eMed Expert, music can help us heal from depression, fatigue, pain, high blood pressure, headaches, and stress, as well as improve athletic performance, productivity, and concentration, boost immunity and support recovery from a stroke. In other words, it … Continue reading →

Posted on May 16, 2012 by stillalife | 3 Comments

Five more keys to a better life

Posted on April 29, 2012 by stillalife

On yesterday’s blog I shared five keys to better mental health.  Today, I’m adding five more keys, which, when combined with the earlier list adds up to “Ten Keys to Happier Living,” according to the British Action for Happiness Network. … Continue reading →

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Five keys to a healthy mind

Posted on April 28, 2012 by stillalife

Today’s five keys to a healthy mind come from the work of a United Kingdom government think tank, called the Foresight Project on Mental Capital. These keys have to do with our interactions in the world around us.  They are: *Connect to … Continue reading →

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Self-esteem vs. self-compassion

Posted on April 26, 2012 by stillalife

Self-esteem, whether in children or adults, is a major target of the self-help movement. Self-esteem in our culture is closely connected to winning, showing ourselves as stronger, smarter, faster, harder working or more talented than others.  That’s one reason researcher … Continue reading →

Posted in health, stress, support and caring | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Brain fitness

Posted on April 23, 2012 by stillalife

Does keeping busy keep you healthy?  Maybe.  As far as I know, researchers haven’t yet tested people who choose to behave like hamsters, moving quickly but without purpose. But a recent report on National Public Radio says they have tested people who … Continue reading →

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Keep moving

Posted on April 11, 2012 by stillalife

Latest health headline:  regular exercise isn’t enough; if you dare to sit down during the day, you’re going to die early.  This is only a slight exaggeration of the conclusions of  “Meet the Active Couch Potato” (New York Times, April 4). … Continue reading →

Posted in exercise, health, humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments