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for an hour at an organization of your choice.

4. Save electricity by unplugging your devices when not in use.

5. Buy a gift for your mother or grandmother - just because.

6. Allow a fellow driver to merge into your lane.

7. Write a thank-you note to someone who won't expect it.

8. Find unneeded items in your house and donate them to a charitable organization.

9. Plant a tree.

10. Think of something you do well, and use your talent to benefit others - for example performing magic tricks at a children's hospital or playing music at a nursing home.

11. Teach an elderly person to use a computer to surf the Internet or write e-mails.

12. Organize a family meal and appreciate being together.

13. Collect stuffed animals or toys from family members, friends, and neighbors and donate them to an organization that helps children.

14. When you are outside, stop and look around you. Take time to appreciate nature.

15. Find a piece of winter clothing that you haven't worn all season, and donate it to a charity.

16. Donate an old cell phone.

17. Be environmentally conscious - use both sides of the paper before throwing it away.

18. Offer to cook or clean for the family of someone who has recently given birth.

19. Think of at least three things you should be thankful for in your life.

20. Sign up for a CPR course.

21. Plant a vegetable garden, and donate the vegetables to a food pantry.

22. Collect duffle bags, overnight bags, and suitcases from friends and donate them to organizations that send them to children in foster care.

23. Add yourself to a bone marrow registry and take part in a bone marrow drive.

24. Pick up trash from the sidewalk.

25. Offer to read to or play games with someone living in a nursing or retirement home.

26. Donate blood.

27. Conserve energy. Turn off the lights if you're the last person to leave a room.

28. Save articles about people performing acts of kindness as a source of inspiration and motivation for you and your family.

29. Decide to make one change in yourself that will make you a better person.

30. Swallow your pride and apologize for something you've done - whether big or small.

31. Take food to a new neighbor.

32. Take part in a literacy program, to help children or adults learn to read.

33. Donate school supplies to children from underprivileged homes.

34. Collect small soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and other small toiletries, and donate them to battered women's shelters, rehab centers for teens, or other places that would benefit from them.

35. Donate your old eyeglasses to an organization that will reuse them.

36. Treat a friend to dinner.

37. Return a phone call you have been putting off.

38. Give 10 percent of your salary to charity.

39. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

40. Answer the phone in a cheerful voice.

41. Recycle whatever paper, bottles and plastic items possible.

42. Hold a charity day at work. Encourage your colleagues and supervisors to bring in nonperishable items to be donated to a worthy cause.

43. Turn the tap off when you're shaving, brushing your teeth or scrubbing the dishes - every drop counts.

44. Take public transport instead of driving.

45. Adopt a shelter animal.

46. Make a double-batch of something delicious and freezable and give it to an older neighbour who doesn't cook for him or herself as much anymore.

47. Switch your light bulbs to the energy-efficient variety.

48. Ask a loved one about their day.

49. Hold the door open for a stranger.

50. Praise a colleague's good work.

52. When you're out buying food, purchase an extra item to donate to a food pantry or to a homeless person.

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52 Good Deed Ideas to Make a Positive Impact in 2016 - Goodnet

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for an hour at an organization of your choice. 4. Save electricity by unplugging your devices when not in use. 5. Buy a gift for your mother or grandmother - just because. 6. Allow a fellow driver to merge into your lane. 7. Write a thank-you note to someone who won't expect it.

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50 Most Uplifting Songs Ever Spotify Playlist

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Playlist featuring Sigur Rós, No Doubt, The Cure, Michael Jackson and blink-182

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Good News: Inspirational, Uplifting and Happy News | TODAY

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View good news for the week with photos, videos and positive news stories to make you smile. Read the latest feel good news today with stories to inspire you.

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"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence."

Aristotle said this more than 2,000 years ago. And it still holds true today. What is the true purpose of life, if not to live a happy life until we die?

Happiness is one of the most sought-after goals in life, yet for many it seems to be elusive. It's easy to delude ourselves into thinking, "When I just have that nice house and new car, then I can be happy." But in reality, happiness is available to all of us, right now. A big house or a new car won't actually make you happier; it's the simple joys in life that bring true happiness. Read on to learn 15 simple ways that you can start living a happier life today.

3. Be Thankful
When you think of all the things that you have to be grateful for, you realize how blessed you already are. Without even realizing it, we take our basic necessities for granted -- a roof over your head and plenty of food to eat. By appreciating the things that you already have, you'll begin to feel happier in your life.

5. Smile More
Practice smiling more and see how it affects you internally, as well as those around you. You can always afford to give a smile. Smiling can make you happier -- even if you have to force it, you'll still feel better.

6. Exercise
When was the last time you went to the gym or worked out? Exercise reduces stress and releases endorphins, also known as a "runner's high." Playing sports is a fun way to exercise as well, whether it's kicking around a soccer ball or shooting hoops.

7. Seek Out a Life Coach
A life coach will help you to evaluate your life and why you're not feeling happy in it. Maybe you're holding limiting beliefs or you have an emotional block without realizing it. By speaking to a life coach, you can uncover why you're actually unhappy and what you can do to feel better.

8. Find Ways to Manage Stress
Don't let stress rob you of your birthright to be happy. You deserve to be happy, and it wouldn't be right to let stress get in the way. Practices such as meditation can help you to manage stress better and feel great.

13. Forgive and Forget
Holding a grudge will harm you more than the person you're holding it against. Ask yourself, "What would it take for me to let go of the past?" and notice how you feel when you let go of your anger for a few seconds. Focus instead on a bright future and you'll feel better for it.
Want to be happier? Click here to learn how you can live a happy life with life coaching. A life coach is a professional who helps you to be happier, reach your goals, and find your true purpose in life. See how a simple shift in your thinking and attitude towards life can make you feel a whole lot happier.

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"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." Aristotle said this more than 2,000 years ago. And it still holds true today. What is the true purpose of life, if not to live a happy life until we die?

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these probably aren't relevant anymore but i was feeling nostalgic about vine so here you go

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When we're going through a hard time, there are a lot of coping mechanisms we can turn to-funny movies, tearjerkers, vodka tonics, beloved songs, chocolate, and of course, books. In that spirit, we at Off the Shelf offer these 12 books for your consideration. They have brought us comfort and solace because of their wisdom and humor, their insights and perspective, their spirit and language. They are books we love and we share them with you in the hopes that should you need it, they might bring you some comfort, too.

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12 Good Books That Get Us Through Hard Times - Off the Shelf

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When we're going through a hard time, there are a lot of coping mechanisms we can turn to-funny movies, tearjerkers, vodka tonics, beloved songs, chocolate, and of course, books. In that spirit, we at Off the Shelf offer these 12 books for your consideration.

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Peaceful Visual Zen Mediation Mix NEW for 2015

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Sit Back. Relax. Meditate. Contemplate. THINK. Trip Out. And Enjoy..... I slowed it down a bit this time. This is a relaxing, peaceful meditation mix for you all. We need tranquility and self analysis in such times of turmoil we are in. May Peace be with you.

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10 talks on the struggle of mental health

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Depression, schizophrenia, suicidal feelings-too often, these experiences stay private. These speakers who've struggled with mental illness boldly share their stories, in hopes that others don't feel so alone.

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4 Hours of Peaceful & Relaxing Instrumental Music | Long Playlist | BetterSleep

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We all know life can be a bit much sometimes, so why not take some time to yourself and have a good laugh or cry with these fantasic films.

Combine Elizabeth Bennet's independent spirit and a soothing soundtrack and you'll find yourself feeling inspiried by the first scene.

Harry Potter

Because nothing is better, and more comforting, than having a Harry Potter marathon when you're feeling frazzled.

Legally Blonde

No one wants to conform to society's standards, that's why watching Elle Woods be who she wants to be without diminshing her true self might is so satisfying - you'll be applying to law school as soon as the credits finish.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

You can't help but to smile whenever you see Gene Wilder appear on the screen. He brings such a soothing atmosphere to everything he does in this film.

Ghostbusters

You know it's impossibe to resist singing along to this classic song - you know the one.

Almost Famous

The "Tiny Dancer" scene will leave you crying sad and happy tears at the same time.

This movie will make you believe that even in the darkest days it is possible to make it through.

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are guaranteed to leave you laughing in Back to the Future.

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8 Movies to Watch When You're Feeling Stressed

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We all know life can be a bit much sometimes, so why not take some time to yourself and have a good laugh or cry with these fantasic films. Combine Elizabeth Bennet's independent spirit and a soothing soundtrack and you'll find yourself feeling inspiried by the first scene.

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Finding the best relaxation technique for you

For many of us, relaxation means flopping on the couch and zoning out in front of the TV at the end of a stressful day. But this does little to reduce the damaging effects of stress. Rather, you need to activate your body's natural relaxation response, a state of deep rest that puts the brakes on stress, slows your breathing and heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, and brings your body and mind back into balance. You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, rhythmic exercise, yoga, or tai chi.

While you may choose to pay for a professional massage or acupuncture session, for example, most relaxation techniques can be done on your own or with the aid of a free audio download or inexpensive smartphone app. It's important to remember, however, that there is no single relaxation technique that works for everyone. We're all different. The right technique is the one that resonates with you, fits your lifestyle, and is able to focus your mind to elicit the relaxation response. That means it may require some trial and error to find the technique (or techniques) that work best for you. Once you do, regular practice can help reduce everyday stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your energy and mood, and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Relaxation technique #1: Deep breathing

With its focus on full, cleansing breaths, deep breathing is a simple yet powerful relaxation technique. It's easy to learn, can be practiced almost anywhere, and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is the cornerstone of many other relaxation practices, too, and can be combined with other relaxing elements such as aromatherapy and music. While apps and audio downloads can guide you through the process, all you really need is a few minutes and a place to sit quietly or stretch out.

How to practice deep breathing

Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.

Breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little.

Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.

Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. Count slowly as you exhale.

If you find it difficult breathing from your abdomen while sitting up, try lying down. Put a small book on your stomach, and breathe so that the book rises as you inhale and falls as you exhale.

#2: Progressive muscle relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body. With regular practice, it gives you an intimate familiarity with what tension-as well as complete relaxation-feels like in different parts of your body. This can help you react to the first signs of the muscular tension that accompanies stress. And as your body relaxes, so will your mind.

Progressive muscle relaxation can be combined with deep breathing for additional stress relief.

Practicing progressive muscle relaxation

Consult with your doctor first if you have a history of muscle spasms, back problems, or other serious injuries that may be aggravated by tensing muscles.

Start at your feet and work your way up to your face, trying to only tense those muscles intended.

Loosen clothing, take off your shoes, and get comfortable.

Take a few minutes to breathe in and out in slow, deep breaths.

When you're ready, shift your attention to your right foot. Take a moment to focus on the way it feels.

Slowly tense the muscles in your right foot, squeezing as tightly as you can. Hold for a count of 10.

Relax your foot. Focus on the tension flowing away and how your foot feels as it becomes limp and loose.

Stay in this relaxed state for a moment, breathing deeply and slowly.

Shift your attention to your left foot. Follow the same sequence of muscle tension and release.

Move slowly up through your body, contracting and relaxing the different muscle groups.

It may take some practice at first, but try not to tense muscles other than those intended.

#3: Body scan meditation

This is a type of meditation that that focuses your attention on various parts of your body. Like progressive muscle relaxation, you start with your feet and work your way up. But instead of tensing and relaxing muscles, you simply focus on the way each part of your body feels, without labeling the sensations as either "good" or "bad".

Lie on your back, legs uncrossed, arms relaxed at your sides, eyes open or closed. Focus on your breathing for about two minutes until you start to feel relaxed.

Turn your focus to the toes of your right foot. Notice any sensations you feel while continuing to also focus on your breathing. Imagine each deep breath flowing to your toes. Remain focused on this area for three to five seconds (or more).

Move your focus to the sole of your right foot. Tune in to any sensations you feel in that part of your body and imagine each breath flowing from the sole of your foot. After one or two minutes, move your focus to your right ankle and repeat. Move to your calf, knee, thigh, hip, and then repeat the sequence for your left leg. From there, move up the torso, through the lower back and abdomen, the upper back and chest, and the shoulders. Pay close attention to any area of the body that causes you pain or discomfort.

After completing the body scan, relax for a while in silence and stillness, noting how your body feels. Then slowly open your eyes and stretch, if necessary.

#4: Visualization

Visualization, or guided imagery, is a variation on traditional meditation that involves imagining a scene in which you feel at peace, free to let go of all tension and anxiety. Choose whatever setting is most calming to you, whether it's a tropical beach, a favorite childhood spot, or a quiet wooded glen.

You can practice visualization on your own or with an app or audio download to guide you through the imagery. You can also choose to do your visualization in silence or use listening aids, such as soothing music or a sound machine or a recording that matches your chosen setting: the sound of ocean waves if you've chosen a beach, for example.

Practicing visualization

Close your eyes and imagine your restful place. Picture it as vividly as you can: everything you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Just "looking" at it in your mind's eye like you would a photograph is not enough. Visualization works best if you incorporate as many sensory details as possible. For example, if you are thinking about a dock on a quiet lake:

See the sun setting over the water

Hear the birds singing

Smell the pine trees

Feel the cool water on your bare feet

Taste the fresh, clean air

Enjoy the feeling of your worries drifting away as you slowly explore your restful place. When you are ready, gently open your eyes and come back to the present. Don't worry if you sometimes zone out or lose track of where you are during a visualization session. This is normal. You may also experience feelings of heaviness in your limbs, muscle twitches, or yawning. Again, these are normal responses.

#5: Self-massage

You're probably already aware how much a professional massage at a spa or health club can help reduce stress, relieve pain, and ease muscle tension. What you may not be aware of is that you can experience some of the same benefits at home or work by practicing self-massage, or trading massages with a loved one.

Try taking a few minutes to massage yourself at your desk between tasks, on the couch at the end of a hectic day, or in bed to help you unwind before sleep. To enhance relaxation, you can use aromatic oil, scented lotion, or combine self-message with mindfulness or deep breathing techniques.

A five-minute self-massage to relieve stress

A combination of strokes works well to relieve muscle tension. Try gentle chops with the edge of your hands or tapping with fingers or cupped palms. Put fingertip pressure on muscle knots. Knead across muscles, and try long, light, gliding strokes. You can apply these strokes to any part of the body that falls easily within your reach. For a short session like this, try focusing on your neck and head:

Start by kneading the muscles at the back of your neck and shoulders. Make a loose fist and drum swiftly up and down the sides and back of your neck. Next, use your thumbs to work tiny circles around the base of your skull. Slowly massage the rest of your scalp with your fingertips. Then tap your fingers against your scalp, moving from the front to the back and then over the sides.

Now massage your face. Make a series of tiny circles with your thumbs or fingertips. Pay particular attention to your temples, forehead, and jaw muscles. Use your middle fingers to massage the bridge of your nose and work outward over your eyebrows to your temples.

Finally, close your eyes. Cup your hands loosely over your face and inhale and exhale easily for a short while.

#6: Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness has become extremely popular in recent years, garnering headlines and endorsements from celebrities, business leaders, and psychologists alike. So, what is mindfulness? Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness switches your focus to what's happening right now, enabling you to be fully engaged in the present moment.

Meditations that cultivate mindfulness have long been used to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Some of these practices bring you into the present by focusing your attention on a single repetitive action, such as your breathing or a few repeated words. Other forms of mindfulness meditation encourage you to follow and then release internal thoughts or sensations. Mindfulness can also be applied to activities such as walking, exercising, or eating.

Using mindfulness to stay focused on the present might seem straightforward, but it takes practice to reap all the benefits. When you first start practicing, you'll likely find that your focus keeps wandering back to your worries or regrets. But don't get disheartened. Each time you draw your focus back to the present, you're strengthening a new mental habit that can help you break free of fretting about the past or stressing about the future. Using an app or audio download can also help focus your attention, especially when you're starting out.

A basic mindfulness meditation:

Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted or distracted.

Sit on a comfortable chair with your back straight.

Close your eyes and find a point of focus, such as your breathing-the sensation of air flowing into your nostrils and out of your mouth or your belly rising and falling-or a meaningful word that you repeat throughout the meditation.

Don't worry about distracting thoughts that go through your mind or about how well you're doing. If thoughts intrude your relaxation session, don't fight them, just gently turn your attention back to your point of focus, without judgment.

#7: Rhythmic movement and mindful exercise

The idea of exercising may not sound particularly soothing, but rhythmic exercise that gets you into a flow of repetitive movement can produce the relaxation response. Examples include:

For maximum stress relief, add mindfulness to your workout

While simply engaging in rhythmic exercise will help you relieve stress, adding a mindfulness component can benefit you even more.

As with meditation, mindful exercise requires being fully engaged in the present moment, paying attention to how your body feels right now, rather than your daily worries or concerns. Instead of zoning out or staring at a TV as you exercise, focus on the sensations in your limbs and how your breathing complements your movement.

If you're walking or running, for example, focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the rhythm of your breath, and the feeling of the wind against your face. If you're resistance training, focus on coordinating your breathing with your movements and pay attention to how your body feels as you raise and lower the weights. And when your mind wanders to other thoughts, gently return your focus to your breathing and movement.

#8: Yoga and tai chi

Yoga involves a series of both moving and stationary poses, combined with deep breathing. As well as reducing anxiety and stress, yoga can also improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Since injuries can happen when yoga is practiced incorrectly, it's best to learn by attending group classes, hiring a private teacher, or at least following video instructions. Once you've learned the basics, you can practice alone or with others, tailoring your practice as you see fit.

What type of yoga is best for stress?

Although almost all yoga classes end in a relaxation pose, classes that emphasize slow, steady movement, deep breathing, and gentle stretching are best for stress relief.

Satyananda is a traditional form of yoga. It features gentle poses, deep relaxation, and meditation, making it suitable for beginners as well as anyone aiming primarily for stress reduction.

Hatha yoga is also a reasonably gentle way to relieve stress and is suitable for beginners. Alternately, look for labels like gentle, for stress relief, or for beginners when selecting a yoga class.

Power yoga, with its intense poses and focus on fitness, is better suited to those looking for stimulation as well as relaxation.

If you're unsure whether a specific yoga class is appropriate for stress relief, call the studio or ask the teacher.

Tai chi

If you've seen a group of people in the park slowly moving in synch, you've likely witnessed tai chi. Tai chi is a self-paced series of slow, flowing body movements. By focusing your mind on the movements and your breathing, you keep your attention on the present, which clears the mind and leads to a relaxed state.

Tai chi is a safe, low-impact option for people of all ages and fitness levels, including older adults and those recovering from injuries. As with yoga, it's best learned in a class or from a private instructor. Once you've learned the basics, you can practice alone or with others.

Tips for starting a relaxation practice

Learning the basics of these relaxation techniques isn't difficult, but it takes regular practice to truly harness their stress-relieving power. Try setting aside at least 10 to 20 minutes a day for your relaxation practice.

Set aside time in your daily schedule. If possible, schedule a set time once or twice a day for your practice. If your schedule is already packed, try meditating while commuting on the bus or train, taking a yoga or tai chi break at lunchtime, or practicing mindful walking while exercising your dog.

Make use of smartphone apps and other aids. Many people find that smartphone apps or audio downloads can be useful in guiding them through different relaxation practices, establishing a regular routine, and keeping track of progress.

Expect ups and downs. Sometimes it can take time and practice to start reaping the full rewards of relaxation techniques such as meditation. The more you stick with it, the sooner the results will come. If you skip a few days or even a few weeks, don't get discouraged. Just get started again and slowly build up to your old momentum.

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Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief - HelpGuide.org

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Learn how to relieve stress and boost your mood with powerful relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, visualization, and yoga.

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These powerful stories shatter preconceived notions about mental illness, and pose the provocative question: What can the world learn from different kinds of minds?

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You have JavaScript disabled For the best experience, please turn JavaScript on. Here's how These powerful stories shatter preconceived notions about mental illness, and pose the provocative question: What can the world learn from different kinds of minds?

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✰ 8 HOURS ✰ Best Fireplace HD 1080p video ✰ Relaxing fireplace sound ✰ Fireplace Burning ✰ Full HD