Subject: Washingon Post placement via Kansas City Star
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:30:12 -0800

http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/962013.html

Ditch the stress at bedtime
By LINDSEY MINNEMA
The Washington Post

Does concern for the economy have you tossing and turning? Stress can have a big impact on how well you sleep. To help you reclaim some of those zzz's, try these suggestions from the New York University Sleep Institute.

.Adjust your environment by darkening the room, adding some white noise (soothing sounds such as the ocean, rain or crickets) or blocking out noise entirely with earplugs.

.Do a little yoga before bed to relax and gain balance.

.Lie in bed and breathe slowly, allowing your abdomen and chest muscles to relax.

.Imagine a pleasant scene, and focus on the details.

Beat the blues

In winter's gray and cold days, the midday work blues can hit hard. If you feel tired, lethargic or unmotivated during the day, try these pick-me-up tips from GoodElements.com.

.Drink some green tea. Its small amount of caffeine will give you a boost, and its antioxidants will help protect you from some chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

.Take a walk to get the blood pumping to your heart and brain. A walk outside in the sun will also activate vitamin D in your body and improve your mood.

.Munch on a snack rich in protein, not sugar. A sugar high comes with a subsequent sugar low, so try something else: a slice of whole-wheat toast, a handful of nuts, yogurt and granola or hummus.

.Take a moment to stand up and stretch. Focus on the muscles in your shoulders, neck and upper back. Breathe deeply as you stretch, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips.