Health Benefits to Laughter
10-15 minutes of laughter burns about 15 calories
Increases the release of "feel good" endorphins
Reduces stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline
Helps stimulate circulation, aids in muscle relaxation
Can lower blood pressure
Positive thoughts release neuropeptides that reduce illness
Can improve alertness, creativity, and memory function
How to make WFH work for you!
1) Create a Designated Work Area
Designate an area of your home, specifically for getting work done. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or a desk in your living room, create a space where you can focus on your work and have limited distractions.
2) Sufficient Lighting
Open the blinds and let the sun in or turn on some bright while lights that mimic daylight. This will improve your performance by increasing alertness and stimulating your brain.
3) Get Comfortable Office Furniture
If you haven’t already, purchase office furniture like a desk and a comfortable chair with good lumbar support. Invest in whatever you need to comfortably and efficiently do your job!
4) Set Real Work Hours
If working from home is an everyday commitment, it would be wise to set specific hours that you’ll be working. WFH is great because if you normally commute to work, you can use that time to be productive and ultimately have more free time in your day.
5.) Update Your To-Do List Every Morning
It can be a challenge keeping track of what you must do and sometimes it can be easy to lose sight of priorities, tasks and deadlines when working from home. Start your day by making a list of everything you need to get done and the deadlines.Set goals and time limits for each task. After you complete each task, cross it off the list. This simple technique is both effective and fulfilling.
Virtual Events to Get You "Out and About"
Take a Tour!
- Visit the Palace of Versailles at http://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover
- Visit Minnesota State Parks, Trails, and Water Trails at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/virtual_tours.html#parks
- Visit the Smithsonian Museums at https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
Take a Class!
- Stress Busters Webinar (Led by Mariann Johnson, Mindfulness & Wellbeing instructorJoin the University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing for an informal hour of meditation and light movement. Bakken Center Mindfulness and Wellbeing Instructor Mariann Johnson will guide you through exercises that will leave you feeling physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually rejuvenated.Tuesday afternoons, 12 p.m., Cost: Free, Register online: Click Here
- The Science of Well-Being by Yale University - Cost: Free, Website: Click Here
If you are stressed, anxious, or just needing some extra calm, meditation may be helpful. Headspace is a meditation app and during the global crisis with COVID-19, they are offering community support through their app. Visit https://www.headspace.com/covid-19 for more information
- Inward Office is sharing free 15 minute live meditation sessions and on-demand recordings on a weekly basis.Stay tuned on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more! Meditation is attention training, the same way we train muscles at a gym. It gives us a sense of control over our thoughts, our emotions, and clarity through our senses. Join even if you have had trouble meditating in the past. Visit www.inwardoffice.com/online for more information.
Healthy Recipe - with ingredients you can find in your pantry
Chicken Parm Stuffed Peppers:
Ingredients:
- 3 c. shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 c. marinara
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz. fresh or frozen breaded chicken, cooked according to package instructions and diced
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1/2 c. Swanson Chicken Broth
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400º. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, marinara, parsley, and red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined, then gently fold in chicken.
Spoon mixture into halved bell peppers and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
Pour chicken broth into baking dish (to help the peppers steam) and cover with foil.
Bake until peppers are tender, 55 minutes to 1 hour. Uncover and broil 2 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan before serving.
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb