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Insights, book reviews & expert interviews about wellness, career & service

Shannon's Ergonomic Desk Setup

ergonomic standing desk work from home

I spend a lot of time working on my computer...

So I finally decided to invest in an ergonomic work station:

Standing desk: https://amzn.to/3RymxmN
Folding treadmill: https://amzn.to/3HVC3pD
Backless chair: https://amzn.to/3DEfR11
Desktop computer screen: https://amzn.to/3YkYp9I
Computer arm: https://amzn.to/3RuNkjW
Connecting cables: https://amzn.to/3HXGVLg
Keyboard: https://amzn.to/3JX77aj
Webcam: https://amzn.to/3JDY6m2
Mouse (Apple...

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Self-Help Tip #52: Practice Acceptance

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

You want to feel in control of your life. But Sometimes circumstances are so disappointing, that the only thing you can do is accept the way things are. Acceptance is "a psychological state characterized by the absence of protest and any attempt at denial when confronted by a difficult or distressing situation or circumstance."

...

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Self-Help Tip #51: Go Outdoors

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

(Heatwaves aside) summer is a beautiful time to get outdoors! The highlight of my summer was attending the MassQ Ball co-hosted by my friend Daniel Callahan. Held at Harvard's Arboretum, the event was a "large scale-celebration of ritual, performance, and cross-cultural arts, featuring the diverse artistry of Boston's communities of color." Being among the trees was truly magical.

...

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Self-Help Tip #50: Treat Yourself To A Favorite Food

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

“You are what you eat - so don't be fast, cheap, easy, or fake.”

I'll always remember when my dear friend Matylda (who is from Europe) called STRAWBERRIES a "treat"! Sadly that sounded a bit foreign to me at the time. Like many children from the U.S., I had grown up yearning for candy, cookies, donuts, and cake. But are those...

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Self-Help Tip #49: Practice Feng Shui

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

After decluttering my dwelling (which pretty much took TEN years), I tried to implement some principles from Feng Shui ("an ancient Chinese practice of organizing objects, spaces, and architectural structures according to certain spiritual principles.")

I read books by Feng Shui practitioner Karen Kingston, who claims that if your...

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Self-Help Tip #48: Go To A 12-Step Meeting

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

When life overwhelms us, we may feel tempted to turn to eating, shopping, working, gambling, alcohol, drugs, and other hedonistic distractions. But there's always the risk that those activities may become an addiction . . .

Alcoholics Anonymous (founded in 1935) has an estimated 2 million+ members, in over 150 countries worldwide. Their 12-steps are "a set of guiding principles...

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Self-Help Tip #47: Take Up A Hobby

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

Summer is a perfect time to dust off your books, fishing rods, knitting needles, paint brushes, golf clubs, and other hobby tools . . .

A hobby is "a leisure activity performed for pleasure and relaxation. Pursuing creative interests independently from the workplace can also lead to a sense of pride and accomplishment."

Pick a hobby
Obtain necesaary supplies
Read applicable...

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Self-Help Tip #46: [RESIST] Indulging In Schadenfreude!

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

There's a reason that reality TV, roast comedy, bloopers, practical jokes, gossip, and even competitive sports are all so popular in our modern era.

"Schadenfreude is a German word for the pleasurable emotions some people feel in response to other people's misfortune or embarrassment."

But there IS another (better) response . . .

As I walked through the park...

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Self-Help Tip #45: Write In A Journal

self-help

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Medical advice. Please read disclaimers.

Journaling is "writing down thoughts, impressions, feelings, gratitude, and dreams - in an attempt to process emotions more effectively." I've journaled on-and-off since the early '90s (and suspect it has saved me countless hours blabbing to a friend or therapist).