The Importance of Fresh Air

Fresh, clean air is indispensable to good health and well-being. Fresh air refreshes the cells, lowers body temperature, improves lung functioning, and kills bacteria and viruses in the air. High concentrations of negative ions are essential for high energy and a positive mood. In nature, negative ions are generated by tumbling water, like waterfalls and ocean surf, and though electrical thunder and lightning storms. Unfortunately, the average person spends about 90% of their time indoors, often with the windows shut, breathing very little fresh air. If you spend most of your time indoors, whether by choice or not, there are some things you can do to revive the air you're breathing. Fresh, clean, outdoor air is alive with a combination of positively and negatively charged oxygen atoms. On the other hand, indoor air that has circulated again and again through air conditioning and heating systems becomes polarized, containing only positively charged ions. Indoor air pollution comes from paint, upholstery, carpeting, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, and hundreds of other synthetic products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene – making stale, stagnant air even unhealthier. What can you do to improve the quality of the air you breathe?  Take breaks outside in the fresh air whenever possible, and open windows whenever possible. Place indoor plants throughout your home and workspace. NASA scientists have discovered that many houseplants are able to extract volatile organic chemicals from the air, thus filtering out toxins as well as providing a constant source of oxygen. Get an ion generator and keep it in the room you spend the most time in. Install a decorative indoor waterfall to generate some negatively charged ions that help to purify and recharge the air.

Insomnia

whether you suffer from occasional bouts of sleeplessness or full on insomnia, you probably know that excess energy, stress, and distractions can affect your ability to get adequate amounts of sleep. Here are a few tips for developing a lifestyle that's conducive to better sleep.
Don't go to bed upset, angry or anxious. Take action in your waking life to reduce stress, anxiety and negative feelings that hinder your sleeping life. Exercise, relaxation, and mediation techniques that are great for sleeping disorders related to stress abound.
If you work and live in the same space, this can affect your sleep. Put some neutral time between work and sleep activities. If you work in your bedroom, place a screen, curtain or some kind of divider between your sleeping area and your work area if possible.
Keep a sleep diary. If you have persistent insomnia, track your diet and sleep behavior to look for patterns.
Comfortable bedding. Your bedding should be comfortable and non-restricting. Use an inviting pillow as well. Natural fibers are best as synthetic fibers can cause static and even electromagnetic interference.
A good mattress. If you have a bad mattress that's old, warped and buckled, you're probably not waking up refreshed from a good night's sleep every morning. A comfortable, supportive mattress, although it could be a bit of an investment, can make a world of difference. If you use a futon, try placing a thick sheet of plywood under the mattress for when you're not using it as a couch.
Stick to a regular sleep routine as much as possible. Go to bed and get up as consistently as you can. Bright, early morning sunlight helps reset the human circadian clock, which is based on 24.8 hours. Getting used to rising early will help you get to bed earlier and fall asleep easier.

Managing Stress

There are many fun and creative ways to manage stress, aside from the usual techniques like exercise, relaxation, meditation, and counseling. As a matter of fact, the following stress management ideas are not dissimilar from the more common methods in terms of what they accomplish: a sense of well-being, a venue for healthy expression, and a productive vehicle for coping. So if you'd like to explore some new ways to combat stress, try some of the tips below, or use them to develop techniques of your own.

• Write yourself a letter or a love poem, complementing yourself and highlighting your successes.
• Take pictures. Step outside yourself and take a look at the world around you though a lens. Snap photos of trees, flowers, animals, people, buildings - whatever it is about your world that you truly appreciate.
• Create a sacred space. Find a corner or small area in your house and fill it with items that have a relaxing effect on you - candles, incense, artwork, photos, spiritual figures, books, crystals, etc. Make it a comfortable and welcoming space where you go to relax and no stress is invited in!
• Paint or draw. Express yourself on canvas - or paper! However you choose to manifest your energy in the form of art, run with it! You may even choose to ceremoniously break some old glass plates or trinkets and then reassemble them into a mosaic! Do something conducive to taking negative, stress-causing energy and turning it into a beautiful creation that's symbolic of your calm, positive mentality.
• Take a class, play a sport, or cultivate a hobby. Anything outside of your normal routine that you have a little time to focus on is a great way to enhance your overall quality of life. After all, it is something you can look forward to - a healthy diversion from the everyday.
• Cook or bake something delicious for either yourself or someone else. For some people, immersing themselves in the preparation of delicious food is calming in itself. Cook with the intention of nourishing the bodies and souls of those you feed and it will make you feel good.
• Make a lifetime to-do list. Include things, aside from work-related goals, that you'd like to do in life. Climb a mountain, visit the Egyptian pyramids, skydive, build a house for a family in need, take your children on a cross country road trip, or whatever! Think of things that pertain to your adult life as well as things you always wanted to do as a child. Make a promise to accomplish at least one of these things per year.