The Daily Kind

Gently place bugs outside

Cheryl — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:40:31 +0000

I admit I’m not a fan of bugs, especially inside the house. Instead of automatically killing them, however, I am working on practicing kindness, and gently moving the bugs outside. Spiders and centipedes are fairly easy to scoop up on a piece of paper and shoo out the door. The more often I do this, the less scary/creepy/gross I find the bugs to be.

Do you believe even insects deserve to be treated with kindness, or is that going too far?

Bring fresh fruit to work

Cheryl — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:01:10 +0000

Sharing food with coworkers is a wonderful gesture. Instead of the usual bagels or doughnuts, why not bring a plate of fresh, delicious fruit next time? Grapes, strawberries, melon, and pineapple are popular favorites that can help you show your appreciation while encouraging healthy eating at the same time.

Give composting a try

Cheryl — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:40:58 +0000

An estimated 24 percent of municipal solid waste in the U.S. is food scraps and yard waste. Much of this could be recycled and reused if it were composted instead of tossed in the trash. Composting is not as complicated as you may think. Turning compost, and carefully managing “brown” and “green” ingredients is optional—all you really need is a place to compost and ample time. We toss our food scraps and yard waste in a bin like this one, and use the resulting compost to enrich our garden soil in the spring. Learn more about composting in this article on Mother Earth News.

Do you compost?

Take a whiff of peppermint

Cheryl — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:20:17 +0000

The scent of peppermint has been shown to increase beta brain waves, indicating heightened awareness. Being more awake and alert leads to feeling more upbeat. Try: peppermint tea or a scented candle made with peppermint essential oil.

Does the smell of mint lift your spirits?

Thank someone who has helped you

Cheryl — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:18:30 +0000

Maybe it was a teacher, a friend, or a neighbor. If there’s someone who has always been there when you needed support, or helped you through a particularly difficult time, write a personal thank you letter in appreciation of his or her kindness.

Visit Mad City Vegan Fest

Cheryl — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:02:50 +0000

The second annual Mad City Vegan Fest is tomorrow, June 9, at Goodman Community Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Last year’s event was such a success, they had to find a bigger venue this year. If you live in the area, stop by and check it out. There will be delicious food samples, inspiring speakers, and raffle prizes. Mad City Vegan Fest is a free event and is open to everyone.

Have you ever been to a vegetarian or vegan festival? What did you think?

Don’t forget to vote

Cheryl — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:30:22 +0000

June 5, 2012 marks an historic event in Wisconsin. It’s the day of the first-ever governor recall election. No matter which side of the issues you are one, be sure to cast your vote. Your opinion counts. Today, let yourself be heard.

Pay the toll forward

Cheryl — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:56:09 +0000

Every now and then, when you drive through a toll booth, pay the toll for the person behind you as well. It’s an easy way to show kindness toward others.

Unplug your bug zapper

Cheryl — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:22:26 +0000

I learned this fact on, of all things, The Dr. Oz Show: Bug zappers aren’t very effective at killing mosquitoes, and also kill many beneficial insects such as moths, bees, and beetles. The episode was about staying safe and comfortable during the hot summer months. The reason bug zappers don’t work well against mosquitoes is that UV light does little to attract the little blood-suckers, but is highly attractive to other insects. Newer “zapper” models that use carbon dioxide as an attractant work better, but cost hundreds of dollars.

Read more about how bug zappers kill beneficial insects.

Get social

Cheryl — Thu, 31 May 2012 21:53:44 +0000

People who regularly socialize with friends are happier and healthier, studies show. An important part of self-care is making time to socialize with others. It can be as simple as catching up over a cup of coffee, or going for a walk. Having good friends, and being a good friend, adds to your happiness and overall well-being.

Read more about the importance of friendships on Everyday Health.