We found 272 results tagged with "daily challenge"
272 Challenges
Analyze your diet
Ever notice that recall is less than 100% reliable when it comes to what we eat each day? Real change and increased awareness of the amount of food you eat requires an honest look at what you’re...
Research green power options
Did you know that it may be possible for you to purchase electricity from clean wind, geothermal, solar, or hydroelectric sources? Today, challenge yourself to learn if your utility company lets you...
Thank your mother
Acknowledging your mom’s love doesn’t have to involve buying stuff. Gifting can be as simple as donating to a cause in her name, going for a walk together, or organizing family memorabilia into an...
Eat whatever you want
Tomorrow is Eat What You Want Day. Sounds liberating, doesn’t it? However, a person who listens to their hunger cues, balances calories in vs. calories out, eats healthy foods, and exercises...
Pick your pan
Matching pan to burner size saves lots of energy on the stovetop. Today, when you cook on your stove, make an effort to match you pan to your burner.
Avoid overdrying
Overdrying disappoints in a number of ways. It uses excess energy, it leaves clothes more wrinkled (requiring additional ironing), and it wears fabric faster. The next time you do laundry, challenge...
Identify your fitness weakness
If you find sticking with an exercise routine difficult, it’s a good idea to figure out why. Perhaps you feel self-conscious at the gym. Or maybe you lack fitness know-how. Today, think about what...
Get your blood pressure checked
If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to a host of health problems. In the next 24 hours, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
Start a scrapbook
Not just for new moms and school kids anymore, scrapbooking is an ideal way to cultivate a passion or memorialize the people, places, and events you cherish. This weekend, get creative and start your...
Dare to spare the air
National Clean Air Month is a great time to remind ourselves that global change starts with each and every one of us. Today, challenge yourself to do something - big or small - to spare the air. Some...
Reset your thermostat
Did you know that you can save about 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 10-15° from the usual setting during 8 hours of the day? So, for example, if your heater is...
Workout 3 times per week
Yes, we know getting off your rump can sometimes be tough. But if you’re going to experience tomorrow, why not experience it strong and healthy? Some tips for sticking with a routine: • Start off...
Create a sleep-friendly space
What could be more essential to wellbeing than sleep? In the next 24 hours, make your bedroom more sleep-friendly by identifying - and eliminating - anything that interferes with a good night’s rest...
Get acquainted with the stars
Most of us recall an astronomical moment from our youth: camping, the indigo sky and the awesome sweep of stars overhead. Get inspired again! This week, challenge yourself to do a little research to...
Grow an organic garden
Seeds and starter plants raised without pesticides and herbicides make sense if you’re going organic. And they’re readily available at garden supply centers. This spring, if you’re planning on...
Plant a tree
Deciduous trees save energy by shading you in summer and, after they’ve shed their leaves, letting sunlight heat your home in winter. This process is most energy-efficient when trees are planted on...
Join the circus
Many of us dream of flying. Make it reality with a turn on the trapeze. Circus arts programs are springing up around the country, but if they’re not available in your town check vacation destinations...
Have an album-athon
The digitization of music has a dark side: When did you last listen to an entire album? Today, challenge yourself to find a piece of music that you haven’t heard in a while and listen to it straight...
Skim the surface
Whether you strap on double skis, single skis or even a wakeboard, water-skiing will get your heart pumping and your spirit flying. With some basic boating knowledge, you can easily rent a boat and...
Cut back on salt
Diets high in sodium are associated with high blood pressure. One way to reduce your salt intake is to substitute fresh foods for processed ones. Today, challenge yourself to eat less salt. Here are...
Team up for a scavenger hunt
Get ready for fun, teamwork, and healthy competition. The scavenger hunt idea can be applied to practically any occasion or theme. Create a Photo Hunt where teams must take pictures of hard-to-find...
Go bowling in your backyard
Various forms of lawn bowling are popular around the world (bocce, boules, pétanque), probably because socializing during the game is half the fun. And since they’re non-contact sports that are about...
Go climb a mountain
Get inspired by Earth Day. Sometime during the next week, challenge yourself to hike your favorite nature trail or explore a new one. _Always consult a physician before starting any exercise routine._...
Get to know wildflowers
Can you identify the wildflowers you see on hikes or local wanderings? Learning the names of flowers – and interesting facts about the way they grow and pollinate – is a rewarding pastime that takes...
Turn off your TV
Besides leaving you free to take a walk, meditate, read, cook or socialize, a TV-free life means you save energy and feel like you did something truly rejuvenating. This week, join people across the...
Brave the rapids
You can raft the same river over and over and it will never be the same trip twice. Guided tours are advised, as experienced guides offer both safety training and interesting insight to the local...
Get in the swim
A low impact workout that builds strength and tones your muscles, swimming is also calming and therapeutic. Plus, gliding through that cool, invigorating water just feels fantastic. Challenge yourself...
Scoot around town
An easy-to-master cousin to the skateboard, foot-powered scooters are a great way to run an errand, visit a friend or enjoy a workout that doesn’t feel like one. Challenge yourself to engage in...
Dance with yourself
When was the last time you turned up your favorite music and boogied? If it’s been a while, you’ll be surprised to discover it’s more fun than you remember. Challenge yourself to indulge your secret...
Make family time happen
Sometimes it’s important to reassess our schedules and our commitment to family life. If you’ve been feeling like you don’t have enough quality time with your loved ones, challenge yourself this...
Test your luck…and tossing skills
A great option for family events, horseshoes toss extra fun into any barbecue or picnic. Challenge yourself to rally the troops and enjoy a friendly game. _(When logging progress for this...
Be a good steward of the earth
You live here. We live here. International Earth Day (on April 22) brings the world together and it feels good. This year, participants are working to combat climate change. One way to affect...
Hop to hopscotch
Remember when you owned the blacktop? Hopscotch captures the joy of using your body in challenging, varied ways, while also improving your aim and balancing skills. Plus, it’s something we can...
Plunge into nature
Leave chlorinated lanes behind and enjoy all the benefits of a brisk swim with the bonus of outdoor beauty. Join a swimming club like a triathalon training group or the so-called “polar bear” clubs...
Learn to decipher food labels
Organic, all natural, cage-free, Fair Trade...what does it all mean? Today, educate yourself about food labels.
Walk the city streets
One of the best ways to discover a city – even your own – is to ramble the streets on foot. The people, culture and landscape feel more vivid when you see them in real-time rather than whizzing by...
Get stronger
Studies show that strength training fortifies bones, increases lean muscle mass, reduces body fat, and reduces injury risk. And experts say a 20-minute session 2-3 times weekly is all you need. Today...
Find some fine-feathered friends
Hike to your destination, then enjoy your reward: the secret sights and sounds of nature. Prepare for your birdwatching expedition by researching native species and promising spots to explore, and...
Go fly a kite
Make the best of a windy day by grabbing a kite and a few pals. Head to your favorite green space or beach for the launch. You may find that getting it to fly is harder than it looks. But once your...
Make a dash for it
When was the last time you raced a friend 50 yards to the finish line? If it’s been awhile, you’ll be surprised at the adrenaline rush you get from competing full speed. Challenge yourself to gather...
Become aware of stress
Did you know that stress can cause headaches, irritability, poor concentration, confusion, and food overconsumption? The first step in reducing yours is to become aware of your stress triggers. Today...
Tag - you’re it!
As a kid you ran around just for the fun of it, remember? Jog your memory with friendly game of tag. You can level the playing field by having faster or fitter players hop, skip or jump instead of...
Make like a duck and paddle
Paddling a boat can be an easy outing or a strenuous day’s adventure - it’s your pick. Choose a local pond, lake or river and a canoe, kayak or rowboat. You’ll build abdominal and upper-body strength...
Grab a cup to go
Unless you recycle, disposable coffee cups and plastic lids pile up in our nation’s landfills. Next time you get your daily cup of joe, challenge yourself to bring a reusable mug from home.
Go in circles
Flashing lights, flashback music, and laps around the rink – time to lace up those roller skates. The roller rink provides an active outing for all ages and fitness levels. Just skip the unhealthy...
Catch a wave of your own
Less a sport than a lifestyle, surfing has a meditative mind-body aspect that earns lifetime devotees. If you’ve always wanted to try surfing but haven’t had the opportunity or courage, sign-up for a...
Dive for sunken treasure
Here’s something you probably haven’t done since you were a kid. Go to a swimming pool with some friends or a group and take along some bright shiny objects. Now, toss those objects into the water...
Make commercials count
Drop that remote and use commercials as a stopwatch instead. Do classic jumping jacks, or mix it up by varying your arm movement or by moving your legs in a cross-country ski motion. Research shows...
Learn your lesson
When you’re learning a new skill or game, exercise stops being a chore and becomes a pleasure. Pick an activity you’d like to get better at that will motivate you to move. Then challenge yourself to...
Get fired up with flag football
For pure athleticism that almost anyone can enjoy safely, flag football is the way to go. Just tuck some colored cloth into the back of your sweats and get ready to run your tail off. Make up crazy...
Got game?
You don’t need 10 players to take to the basketball court. Just fire-up a friend or two and practice skills you want to master, like lay-ups, three-pointers or dribbling. By focusing on the technical...
Have a croquet day
It’s fun, it’s relaxing, and most of all it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon outdoors. A great game for mixed-age groups, croquet develops hand-eye coordination and puts the lawn to good use...
Jump Double Dutch style
There’s a reason some of the fittest athletes in the world jump rope as part of their regimens – it works. But kids do because it’s good old-fashioned fun. Double Dutch requires extra coordination...
Make a dog’s day
If you love dogs and want to keep active, why not spend some time volunteering at a local shelter or humane society? Many facilities have programs that enable you to take homeless dogs for a walk...
Get rolling
Once reserved for teenage boys, skateboarding is now for anyone daring enough to try it. It can be intimidating at first, so take it slow with a test run on a flat sidewalk before you hit the street...
Get into dodge
Finally, something you learned in school that you can use in real life. Dodgeball is great for grown-up play and fun family events (with a few rules to keep things in check, like throwing below the...
Flip a disc
Tossing a disc with friends is simple but satisfying. Even at a basic skill level you’ll capture the game’s joys. Relish the first time you go for an impossible catch…and make it. Or improvise a game...
Get your kicks
No serious strategy or batting skills required. Kickball frees us to get goofy and get a workout to boot. Played on a standard baseball diamond, kickball uses a big rubber ball that anyone can connect...
Catch some exercise
Few things are as elemental as tossing a ball back and forth with a friend. Challenge yourself to grab a glove, invite a kid or call up a pal, and head outside for a leisurely game of catch. _(When...
Take a window-shopping walk
When you're strolling and chatting with friends you don't even notice that you're getting some serious walking done too. It’s the same when you’re alone and focused on finding that perfect, elusive...
Stroll at sunset
With the sun setting later, this is great way to end the day. You don’t need to go very far - just a stroll around the block is all it takes to get some light exercise and fresh air. If you invite a...
Spread dance fever
Are you a dancing queen? Or do you have two left feet? Either way, when you gather a group of friends or kids for an at-home dance off you’ll get your heart pumping, plus a great ab workout from all...
Strength train instead of vegging
Feeling antsy while you’re watching TV? If a show doesn’t capture your full attention, use that extra energy to do some strength training. Get out your handheld weights for some bicep curls, or try...
Find your home's inner gym
Opportunities for getting active abound right at home. So don’t wait for a convenient time or place; Challenge yourself to get moving, using your everyday surroundings as a springboard for action...
Monkey around at the playground
When was the last time you slid down the slide? Or hung on the monkey bars? You may be surprised that lots of these activities leave you puffing after a few tries. Bring a kid along for inspiration or...
Roam off the beaten path
When there’s a group of friends, a campfire and slumber under the stars as payoff, the trail doesn’t seem quite so long. Backcountry hiking let’s you disconnect from the everyday and get closer to...
Hop onto the trampoline
An easy and exhilarating way to see what your body can do when it isn’t limited by gravity. Take a trampoline class to master basic moves. By day’s end most students are tucked into a harness and...
Horse around with hoops
In the game of Horse, participants choose a basketball shot – easy or outlandish – that their competitors have to match. Missing earns them an unwanted letter (H, O, R, S, and E). The game ends when...
Hide and go seek
Where’s your best hiding spot? The great thing about playing hide and seek is that it exercises your body and your imagination. Challenge yourself to rally the young'un's and treat them to a game...
Scale a new height
Rock climbing has a counterpart that’s nearer to home and just as much fun: wall-climbing. Just head to the local climbing gym for the guidance of qualified instructors and support from other...
Get your garden growing
Gardening can be a surprisingly rigorous activity, made all the more satisfying by what you have to show for your efforts. Plant your favorite flowers, prune a tree, fertilize the lawn, or just pull a...
Trot to a stable
Almost anyone can ride a horse. To get started, just book a trail ride at your local stable. Your guides will teach you how to stop, start and steer. If you want to get more in-depth, take a series of...
Be a home-maker
Give something back while you get active. Sign up with an organization that builds houses for the underprivileged. Groups like Habitat for Humanity and GlobalTribe organize local projects and “working...
Peddle to the park
Riding with loved ones to a leisurely picnic lunch in the park is one of life’s simple pleasures. If the trip is too long to be do-able you can stash your bike on the front of a bus or on the subway...
Pick up ping pong
From the leisurely backyard variety to the intense sparring of competitive athletes, ping pong is exactly what you make of it. Open tables are often available at community centers and gyms. And some...
Have an exercise ball
The great thing about an exercise ball is that it’s so versatile. You can use it to strengthen your core. Or, you can tone your muscles and improve balance simply by sitting on it. Any ball you...
Infuse your own vinegar
Infused vinegars can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. They’re great as marinades and toppings for veggies, or as homemade gifts. In the next 24 hours,
Rev up a video
In addition to moving those muscles, workout videos can teach you new skills. Nowadays there are videos for practically any activity you’d want to try, often available online to download immediately...
Keep the world beautiful
Show your love for public parks, beaches and hiking trails: Call your local parks department to join a volunteer clean-up program. You’ll have an active day while meeting like-minded folks and...
Conquer a 5K
Lots of us think about running a 5K but never do it. What holds us back? The physical challenge can be intimidating. But if you can run two miles or so you can prepare with just six weeks of training...
Be thrifty
Thrift shops, vintage, consignment, or tag sales - whatever you call them, they’re recycling opportunities. Buying used clothing, appliances, and furniture not only saves you cash, it reduces demand...
Take credit for energy efficiency
Going green has its benefits - tax benefits, that is. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers consumers and businesses tax credits on fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-saving appliances. Today, do a...
Bike to work
According to the US Census Bureau, hundreds of thousands of Americans commute this way - and bicycling organizations believe this figure is low. The best thing about biking to work is that you get a...
Find a good salad recipe
Caesar or Waldorf? Beet or tabbouleh? It’s a toss-up. In the next 24 hours, add to your culinary repertoire by finding a salad recipe you’d like to try out. _(Watch out for the salad dressing...
Do your part for World Health Day
Personal change can be overwhelming, and making a difference globally even more so. This year, with World Health Day focusing on the effects of climate changes and how they affect everyone’s health...
Test for air leaks
Leaky homes use more energy. Here’s a neat trick for testing yours: hold a lit incense stick near windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, outlets, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches. If...
Run fully loaded
Fewer loads reduce energy output and water usage. The next time you do dishes or laundry, challenge yourself to start washers only when they’re completely filled.
Use recycled toilet paper
Tissue and TP made from other used products are less wasteful than conventionally produced options. The next time you buy this essential item, challenge yourself to look for the symbol for post...
Grow your own herb garden
Fresh herbs are not only a great way to add interesting flavors to your meals, they're also packed with nutrients. When you have them readily available, you can quickly toss them into your favorite...
Upgrade a piece of fitness equipment
Keeping yourself properly outfitted and equipped is important for fitness safety and injury prevention. In the next 24 hours, examine your fitness gear, paying particular attention to your clothing...
Seal your home
Sealing your home’s envelope—walls, floor, ceiling and roof—can save up to 10% on annual energy costs. Some tips: • Reduce drafts by adding weather stripping to windows and doors • Caulk ducts...
Recommend something
Remember the last time you suggested a movie/restaurant/book and basked in the glow of a tip well done? Try it again in the next 24 hours. It takes some courage, but the rewards definitely outweigh...
Do some sit-ups
If you haven’t done them for a while, you’ll discover they’re pretty challenging. In the next 24 hours, test the strength in your abs by doing one or two sets of 8-15 sit-ups. _Always consult a...
Bring balance to your digestive tract
Most people know that fiber is important for healthy digestion. But did you know that digestive harmony is also supported by beneficial bacteria? Probiotics help break down foods and maintain...
Confront a fear or phobia
No matter what you’re afraid of, it takes a lot of courage to face something that scares you. Today, challenge yourself to make a list of your fears or phobias. Then, pick one you’re ready to...
Go to a movie by yourself
If you’ve never done this before, you’ll be surprised at how liberating it can be. Although your first time may cause you to feel somewhat vulnerable, once you’ve done it you’ll be really empowered...
Be proactive about your health
Regular medical screenings are great tools for keeping on top of your physical health - and are recommended for everyone at various stages in their lives. Sometime in the next six months, find out...
Read a book in a new genre
Are you a fan of mystery novels or biographies? Whatever books you favor, it’s good to occasionally break out of your habit and discover something new. The next time you buy a book, challenge...
Get your eyes checked
Do you think that having 20/20 vision means you don’t need an eye exam? Well, if you do you’re mistaken. Even people with perfect vision still need yearly eye exams. Illnesses that can eventually rob...
Banish negative thoughts
We all have an inner critic that tells us when we’ve done something wrong and won’t let us forget it. What’s worse is sometimes it’s difficult to quiet that critic and get on with our day. Today...
Try ballroom dancing
Looking for an activity that feels more like play than like a workout? How about ballroom dancing? It’s not an activity reserved for older generations anymore. Lately, everyone’s trying it. Best of...
Clean your refrigerator coils
You’ve probably never heard about this energy saving tip before. How do you do it? The first step is to go to your local hardware store and buy a coil-cleaning brush. Next, unplug your refrigerator...
Know what to eat
March is National Nutrition Month®. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) every year, this campaign’s goal is to focus attention on the importance of developing healthy eating habits...
Build up your calcium
It’s important to get enough calcium every day, regardless of your age or gender. And the sooner you start meeting your daily requirements, the better. Why? Well, in addition to using calcium to...
Practice sun salutations
Sun salutations are a great method for loosening up in the morning and kick-starting your day. If you’ve never heard of them, they’re a yogic practice of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful...
Avoid dry cleaning, try “wet cleaning”
Conventional dry cleaning almost always uses perchloroethylene, or "perc," which is a probable carcinogen. Although some dry cleaners in states like California have begun to offer healthier options, there...
Make time for you
Many of us spend our days rushing from activity to activity with precious few moments to really stop and enjoy small pleasures. Today, make an effort to break that cycle. Challenge yourself to...
Write a grocery list
What you buy at the grocery store really determines what you eat until your next shopping trip...and what you snack on. That’s why it’s very important to plan your meals for the week and write out a...
Make a water heater cozy
An insulating blanket wrapped around your water heater can help lower your energy bill. How? It helps the heater retain heat. Insulating blankets are easy to set up and cheap to buy. (They’re usually...
Be on time
Some people are always on time, while others are chronically late. Few people fall somewhere in between. If you’re usually late, challenge yourself to be on time wherever you go today. Make the...
Eat a little, then wait
Did you know that it takes 20 minutes for your belly to tell your brain it’s full? That’s why it’s so important to pace yourself during meals, chew slowly, and savor every bite. Today, challenge...
Correct your posture
One of the first things that we notice about people is their posture. We tend to interpret people who stand up straight as self-confident, while we imagine those who slouch as less comfortable with...
Make a snack menu
There are so many nutritious and delicious combinations of snack foods. Oftentimes, though, when we’re hungry and on-the-go we grab the first thing available, which is not always the healthiest...
Lift your mood with music
If you sit down and pay attention to how music makes you feel you realize how powerfully it can affect your emotions. And not just your emotions. According to some studies, music actually stimulates...
Eat 5 today
Most of us know that it’s a healthy habit to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies every day, but many of us fall short of this goal. Why? Well, for starters, what’s a ‘serving’ anyway? First of...
Wash all your laundry in cold water
When you use cold water to wash both darks and whites, you reduce your gas consumption. An added bonus is that you also preserve the wear and tear on your clothes. The next time you do laundry...
Get hydrated
While there is no consensus in the scientific community about exactly how much water the average person needs, it’s still a good idea to drink it regularly. Lots of us, though, don’t drink much and...
Be kind, randomly
At some point or other, we’ve all probably seen that ubiquitous bumper sticker “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” So this challenge might sound a little cliché. But that...
Take walking breaks
Sometimes finding 30 minutes in your day to take a walk just doesn’t sound do-able. The great thing is that recent research has shown that exercise doesn’t need to be ‘all at once’ to be beneficial...
Color your diet healthful
Fruits and veggies are actually colored by their various nutrients and phytochemicals. As a result, the more colors you eat at each meal, the more nutritious it is. Today, challenge yourself to...
Try salsa dancing
Dancing is such a fun, liberating activity. And what’s really great about salsa dancing is that its popularity means there are lots of opportunities for free classes in many of the medium- and...
Install faucet aerators
Are you serious about conserving water in your home? One of the best ways to do this is to install aerators on your faucets. Unsure about whether you need aerators? Look at the side of your faucet spigot...
Learn CPR
What better way to celebrate American Heart Month than by learning CPR? It really doesn’t take much a time and the rewards are substantial. What you learn in a short afternoon class could enable you...
Avoid a workout rut
Adding variety to your regular workout routine is more important than you might think. New activities not only keep you interested and motivated, they also challenge your muscles work harder to adapt...
Tune-in to your internal clock
Sleeping is part of your body’s 24-hour biological cycle, also known as your circadian rhythm. When you get enough sleep, your body has time to do regular maintenance work. That’s why after a good night...
Simplify dinner
Cooking a nutritious meal after a long day at work can sometimes be overwhelming. One great way to reduce the effort - and the dishes afterward - is to cut-up your produce before leaving the house in...
Reduce your office paper use
Ever find yourself lamenting the stacks of discarded paper in your office? Even though they’re in the recycling bin, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like it’s enough. Today, try to reduce your...
Smile at strangers
Isn’t it amazing how a smile from a passing stranger can brighten your day? Today, challenge yourself to smile at someone in passing. Spread a little happiness.
Throw a chocolate tasting party
Now that the holidays are over you may find yourself missing some of the hustle and bustle of social events and activities. Which is why we think that throwing a chocolate tasting party this month is...
Check your showerhead
Today, test your showerhead to find out whether you could be saving some serious water by installing a low-flow model. Here’s how: • Put a bucket into your shower and fill it with 2.5 gallons of...
Be good to your heart
February is American Heart Month. And since Kashi is a big proponent of keeping your heart healthy, we thought we’d highlight it by posting a challenge. This month, make an effort to pay...
Reward yourself for achieving fitness goals
Have you written down an exercise plan and worked toward your fitness goals? If so, you might want to plan out ways to reward yourself once you’ve met them. Lots of people find this practice...
Adjust your computer’s energy settings
Depending on your computer, there are several ways to adjust its settings to make it energy efficient during the day. For example, on a PC there’s a difference between ‘standby’ and ‘hibernate’ for...
Swap sweets for seasonal fruit
When we think of sweet treats, we often imagine decadent and sugary desserts. But there are lots of delicious options that are healthy for you too. Today, when you’re craving something sweet...
Visualize yourself healthy
Practiced by athletes to improve sports performance, mental conditioning can also work for overcoming everyday stress and improving health. What is it, exactly? A practice based on four core...
Measure out snacks for the week
It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re eating when you snack. Grabbing from a bag of nuts or box of crackers, you usually have no idea how much you’ve eaten. A great technique for avoiding this...
Clean out your fridge
Refrigerators have a way of collecting stuff that doesn’t get eaten. It’s important to remember that most foods have a shelf life even if they seem to last longer. This is especially true of...
Buy Fair Trade
Shopping at your local grocery store, you may have seen the “Fair Trade Certified” label on foods like chocolate, tea, coffee, sugar, wine, and fruit. But what exactly does it mean? Essentially...
Test your bones
Although it may sound somewhat scary or painful, having your bone mineral density tested is anything-but. This test is simple, pain-free, and non-invasive. And you can even keep your clothes on! What...
Ask for help
Because we live in a culture that prizes self-sufficiency and independence, reaching out to others for help can feel pretty risky. In this environment, however, requesting help can actually signify...
Give your car a breather
Think about millions of parents all over the world waiting in their idling cars for their children to come out of school. Now add up all that wasted gas and air pollution. Although it may not seem...
Know your portions
When we’re hungry, our eyes are often bigger than our bellies and we tend to overeat. That’s why it’s so important to know what healthy-sized portions are for our favorite foods...and to savor those...
Have a tea party
Although you might think that tea parties are for children, they’re actually quite fun for adults too. Especially if you plan them on a theme. The best ones are based on a tea’s origins. For example...
Do a crossword puzzle
If you’ve never done a crossword puzzle before, they may seem pretty intimidating at first. But crosswords come in a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. If you don’t feel like you...
Keep an exercise diary
This is another wonderful idea for keeping yourself motivated toward achieving your fitness goals. And there are lots of different methods for doing it. You can use websites that are designed for this...
Admit you were wrong
Knowing you are wrong is one thing. Actually admitting it is something else. It takes a lot of courage and humility to step up and acknowledge when you’re mistaken. Today, think back on a recent...
Turn off your computer
Lots of us like the convenience of leaving our computers ‘asleep’ or in ‘hibernate’ rather than turning them off when we’re done every day. But this daily habit wastes energy. Today, when you’re...
Prepare fruits and veggies for the week
Sometimes, people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables because they don’t want to take the time to prepare them. Today, make an effort to avoid this pitfall by cutting up your favorite fruits...
Check for leaky toilets
Do you have a leaky toilet? If you do, you probably don’t know it. A quick and easy way to find out is to add food coloring to your toilet tank and then wait 30 minutes. If you see any color in...
Find an exercise buddy
Many of us are a lot more motivated to exercise if we have someone to do it with. Whether we’re going to the gym, taking a class or going for an afternoon walk during work hours, when we’re...
Say hello to people in the grocery store
Some people do this all the time. They talk to the cashier. They chat casually with people in the deli department. Basically, they aren’t worried about being rebuffed because they practice being...
Know your fish
Many species of fish are on the verge of extinction. And countless more are filled with toxins such as mercury and PCBs. All of these factors can make eating fish confusing for healthy...
Buy a battery recharger
When you throw away any type of battery, its contents eventually end up in the soil, groundwater, or air. Since batteries contain toxic components, it’s a good idea to avoid filling landfills with...
Write out an exercise plan
Seeing your exercise goals written down can really keep you motivated. Do you want flatter abs? Or do you dream of being able to run a mile or two? Whatever your fitness goals, make a plan for...
Limber up
Ever sit up in bed in the morning after a good night’s sleep, stretch your arms above your head and yawn? Well, if you haven’t you should try it. It feels fantastic. But then, stretching feels great...
Try a new tea
If you’re a tea drinker, you probably drink the same tea most days of the week. After all, when we find something we like we usually stick to it. The great thing about tea, though, is that it doesn...
Do 50 more jumping jacks
A few months ago we posted this challenge and immediately got a huge response. Everyone really seemed to love it. And what’s not to love? Jumping jacks get your heart rate up. They also make you...
Experiment with oatmeal
You may not realize it, but all oatmeal is not all the same. Depending on the way oat groats are processed, oatmeal has a very different texture once it’s cooked. So while you may think you don’t...
Wash your hands
Hand washing is such a simple way of staying healthy and avoiding illness, especially during cold and flu season. And it doesn’t take much time or any special equipment. Yet many of us forget to...
Close the door on last year
It’s natural to look back on the past year and assess where you started and how far you’ve come. This process helps with closure, and it also gives you renewed hope for the coming year. Every new...
Set goals for the year ahead
Looking forward to a successful new year is a lot more than just following through on a New Year’s resolution. It’s about setting tangible goals for yourself and marking your progress along the way...
Linger over a glass of wine
In addition to being good for your heart (thanks to all those antioxidants), wine can also be good for your soul. Tonight, savor a glass of wine and enjoy its multifaceted benefits alone in...
Say “no” to paper napkins and paper plates
When you’re entertaining, it’s tempting to use disposable dishes and napkins to avoid the clean-up afterwards. But sticking to the more environmentally-sustainable options really is a lot more...
Give something away
In many countries around the world today, people are observing Boxing Day. Celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas (usually on the 26th), this holiday is traditionally reserved for handing out...
Give to people you don’t know
This holiday season, extend your generosity to people outside your social circle — to people who might find the holidays difficult or lonely. This week, make an effort to identify a charity or...
Cook ahead
Sharing food with family and friends is one of the joys of the holidays. But if it’s your job to cook the meals, you may find yourself spending more time in the kitchen than enjoying the festivities...
Eat for winter
We love eating foods that are at the peak of their flavor and nutrients. After all, when fresh whole food is naturally delicious it entices you to eat it more often. When is food in its optimal...
Give a green gift
Learning how to live greener is so much fun. It’s all about feeling like you really can make a difference. No matter how small a change, when it’s combined with everyone else’s it really does help...
Be the last in line
During the holidays, overflowing buffet tables piled high with goodies make it difficult to watch calories. That’s why it’s important to make a plan for visiting them. One way to enjoy buffets is...
Follow the 90-10 rule
During the holidays it’s fun to celebrate, attend parties, visit loved ones…and sample lots of delicious foods. And even though food is just a small part of what the holidays are all about, you might...
Turn down your water heater thermostat
In a typical household, the water heater thermostat is often set to 140 degrees F. But did you know that 120 is usually fine? Why is this important for the earth? Well, according to Power Scorecard...
Go vegan for a day
Ever wonder what it’d be like to be a vegan? Do you think living without meat or animal products would be impossible? Today, challenge yourself by putting your ideas to the test. Try a vegan diet...
Calculate your carbon footprint
While it’s practically impossible to eliminate your impact on the environment, you can minimize your carbon footprint. The first step is figuring out how much carbon your lifestyle generates...
Start a morning workout routine
Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to get motivated to exercise after a long day of work. That’s why exercising in the morning is such a good idea. When you get moving early, you set the pace for the...
Join a book club
Some of us are so busy that taking the time to read a book seems pretty daunting. But we all know how important reading is. This weekend, do some research and find a book club in your area. Libraries...
Try a 10-minute workout
Although longer, sustained workouts may help you reach your fitness goals faster, shorter workouts can help you stay healthy too. Better yet, they get you in the habit of regular movement, which is...
Try “slow laundry”
Ever heard of the “slow food” movement, which emphasizes the enjoyment and preparation of foods? Well, here’s a slight variation on that theme. Slow laundry aims to get more people line drying their...
Get out of your comfort zone
What makes you feel shy? Ever feel like there’s something you just can’t do because you don’t want to embarrass yourself? Sometimes, we fear doing things that we actually might enjoy. Today, make...
Check your air filters
Did you know that dirty filters on your furnace or air conditioner restrict the airflow, causing them to run longer and increasing your energy consumption? By changing your filters every month, you...
Identify your eating traps
In addition to hunger, there are lots of reasons we eat. Sometimes we eat for pleasure, for comfort, out of habit, and to alleviate boredom. It’s easy to eat without thinking about it. This week...
Enter your day slowly
Rushing to get ready every morning causes you to start your day at a high-stress level. Today, make a commitment to start tomorrow morning at a slower pace. Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier...
Spread some organic love
Don’t you just love it when coworkers bring in healthy snacks and fresh produce to share? Today or tomorrow, be that generous person. On your way to work (or on your way home tonight) stop off at...
Learn about local tap water
Do you drink bottled water because you assume it’s better than tap water? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if you live in the United States bottled water is not necessarily safer...
Try a team sport instead of jogging
A recent study by Danish scientists who conducted research on 37 men found that soccer players worked off more fat and built more muscle than joggers exercising for the same amount of time. In...