tame overwhelm with guided meditation

When I have too much work and not enough time, I find myself going into a state of manic overdrive in order to get everything done. While I'm in it, it feel like this state of frenzy helps me get things accomplished, but in actuality it leads me to get distracted, burned out, make mistakes, or simply give up.

So this week I'm trying something new, and when I feel overwhelmed I am trying to take a moment to slow down. I'm on day two of this strategy, and I must admit its still a bit uncomfortable (how can I take 5 minutes to sit quietly and breathe with all these deadlines looming?), but I really think if I stick with it this strategy will save me time in the long run.

Since sitting still on my own volition seems impossible, I've been doing these guided meditations available from the Meditation Room. They range from 3-10 minutes in length, and there's even one specifically for taking a workplace break.

FDA approves laughter for treatment of malaise

Perhaps I should have listened to my own advice, but as usual my winter-induced ennui convinced me to spend the last two months in hibernation. While I haven't really felt like doing anything, I have been able to stave off the sadness of SAD with a daily dose of laughter. While the FDA hasn't actually validated the ol' adage, there is plenty of data to prove that laughter can reduce pain, improve oxygen flow to the brain, and generally lift spirits.

So if winter is trampling your mood, try renting Super Troopers, reading some Sedaris, joining a laughter yoga group, or just yucking it up at my new favorite joke:

Bush and Cheney are at a restaurant for lunch. The waitress comes over and asks what they will be having.

Bush says, "I'll have a quickie."

The waitress steps back in disgust and says, "Mr. President, I thought that kind of piggish behavior went out with the last administration!"

She storms off and Dubya looks confused. Cheney shakes his head at the president and says, "George, it's pronounced QUICHE."

parsley: not just a garnish

This pretty green herb can add much more than decorative value to your kitchen. Parsley is rich in antioxidants, and is a great source of the essential nutrients vitamin C and vitamin A (via beta-carotene), as well as vitamin K, folic acid and iron. These nutrients are linked with heath benefits including heart health and protection against arthritis.

Parsley tea can be a fertile woman's best friend. Parsley is also known to nudge along a late period; its mild emmenagogue properties can stimulate menstruation, as long the lateness isn't due to pregnancy. Parsley is traditionally thought to relax the cervix and improve digestion, so it is also useful in relieving menstrual cramps and bloating. To prepare the tea, simply fill a mug with fresh chopped parsley and steep in hot water for about a half hour. Drink a cup every few hours to stimulate menstruation or ease menstrual distress.

yoga at your desk

Spending the day seated at a desk can leave you weary. The video above is from a series of desk yoga sequences that are suitable for the office. The 4 minute routines will leave you more refreshed than an afternoon espresso. If a video is too obtrusive for your work situation, try this inconspicuous series.