"The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals."
Melodie Beattie


​Is there a better way to start the new year than to prioritize your happiness?
Each year, as a new chapter begins, most people reflect on what changes and improvements they want to strive for. We all love the idea of a fresh start and setting goals.

Unfortunately, many of us abandon our resolutions after just a few weeks. A fascinating study I read found that we tend to pick the exact same resolutions year after year...hello!!...Healthy body anyone?

My book is a guide, broken down into simple, doable tips. Each day, I not only share with you why the tip works based on science and how I apply it in my life, but I also provide tools like APPS and videos.

Why don't you start this year with me? I have been practicing psychology for more than 25 years and I am setting you up for success. 

I wish you a very, very HAPPY new year!

Ingrid

Get a plant and bring nature indoors.
Well, most of us are eager to take a few days off for the holidays. Here's an idea: plan to buy a plant for your office or home. If you don't have the chance to go outdoors as much as you would like, why not bring a little outdoors, indoors?

Even a small plant can make a big difference!
Working indoors all day can feel draining sometimes. One simple way to boost your happiness in the office is to bring a little nature into your workspace with you!

While you can't control the indoor climate in an office, you can improve the way the space looks and feels by brightening it up with a plant or two.

Office spaces can easily become too hot, too cold, too dry or too damp. Finding the perfect balance of temperature and air quality for a group of people is a big challenge as we all have different preferences.

In addition printers, copiers, computer monitors, floor coverings, paint and wallpaper can release substances into the air which affects the quality of the indoor climate.

The potential consequences of poor air quality are well known: irritated eyes, headache, skin complaints and dry membranes in the nose and mouth. This is not only unpleasant, it is also unhealthy.

Yet you can easily improve the indoor climate by using plants! Plants help create a healthy indoor climate and a happier workplace. Not only do they put water vapor back into the air, they also absorb heat and filter dust and harmful substances out of the air.

The effect of plants in the workplace has been the subject of repeated scientific investigation. Time after time the conclusion is the same: plants work! Here are some ways they help improve the quality of our work areas.

Fewer complaints & less illness
Some indoor palms give off a lot of water, which helps keep humidity in the air and prevent dry eyes and nasal membranes. Plants like sword ferns cleanse the air of the formaldehyde released by building materials, paper and furniture. Other good air-purifying plants are the rubber plant, English ivy and date palm.

More plants means less stress
The presence of plants does not just affect the physical climate. Researchers have discovered that a view of greenery can result in a demonstrable reduction in stress within five minutes. Research has shown that people who spend more than four hours a day working at a computer monitor feel better and are more productive with plants in the workplace!

The green view
Companies are increasingly willing to accept that they have a key role to play in protecting the environment and the welfare of their employees, and therefore often strive for a 'green' image. Presenting such an image starts with a healthy indoor environment. Plants at work fit perfectly within many company policies. Check with your employer to see what the workplace rules are regarding plants in the office.

Bring a little bit of nature to your desk or home
With your employer's blessing, you can give the gift of a better workplace to yourself and those around you. Bring a little nature to your desk by adding a plant which purifies the air or helps reduce stress and makes you feel more productive. If you don't work in an office or at a desk, get a few more plants for your home. Look for plants which do well in lower light settings and avoid flowering plants as others may have allergies.

In my book, 21 Days to Happiness, I talk about the importance of spending time outside in nature. It can be difficult to get outside every day, especially if you live in a place with cold winters. Bringing a few plants inside isn't a substitute for all the benefits of getting outdoors, but it's a small, easy thing you can do to improve your happiness in the time you spend inside.

From me to you, HAPPY holidays...it'll be a perfect time to read my book or offer it to someone special and apply some of the tips , especially the ones focusing on family and friends and taking care of you!

It’s that exciting time of the year again!
How I love the holidays: it's a time to share meals and snuggles with our loved ones. It’s also often an opportunity to take a few days off and take care of ourselves, catching up on our reading, seeing friends and family, participating in some outdoor activities…
 
One day I hope to find my book 21 Days to Happiness on "Oprah’s list". What an awesome accomplishment that would be!

In the mean time I was thinking, while I wait for the good news from Oprah's people, why don’t I share my own happy gift list with you? Here are 10 things you can buy as a way to say, "thank you," or, "I love you," to someone you appreciate or...why not, from you to you!
 
These 10 gifts, if combined, would make a perfect "happy day" during the holidays. Picture this…

#1: A pair of comfy pants for her ​or for him like these are the first thing you want when you wake up.

#3 and 4: Next, use a few drops of high-quality essential oils and this fabulous diffuser. These are 6 basic essential oils and this is the diffuser I use myself-- it's so practical and creates just the right mood!

#5: Before you do anything else, how about a hot treat to warm you up? Use a cool mug for him or for her for your morning coffee, tea, or warm lemon water. Ahhh! So good.

Acts of kindness are one of the best ways to increase your happiness and the happiness of those around you. Why not pick a few things from my list and share them with those you love-- or spoil yourself this holiday! Nothing wrong with a little self-care sprinkled in with your holiday giving. Remember, happiness is contagious. So when you feel great, you spread even more happiness!

Visit my books and more page for even more holiday ideas.