1.Learn reikiThis ancient Japanese practice helps you channel positive collective energy and transmit it for healing purposes by running your hands on or over another’s body.
The technique is thought to develop intuition in its practitioners, who eventually are able to align with a harmonic and universal frequency of energy. Try a free class at reikiawakening academy.com.
2.Switch to soy (ink, that is)
Did you know your computer’s printer ink is most likely petroleum-based? Ick. Switch to a greener, cleaner option with renewable soy ink; it’s cheaper (both to produce and to buy), lasts longer and is easier to recycle. Check out inkpal.com for more info.
3.Try ginger for post-gym pain
Regularly consume about a half teaspoon of ginger each day and you’ll likely experience about 25 percent less post-exercise soreness, according to research from the University of Georgia. Try it freshly grated in tea or in stir-frys.
4.Stand up straight for self-assurance You are how
you act: An Ohio State University . study finds that proper posture— along with smiling and nodding your head— actually builds confidence. Go figure!
5.Be a tea alchemist
Create your own signature tea blend with Numi Organic Tea’s Artisan’s Tea Blending Kit, which includes a glass teapot, 20 tea sacs and 10 organic ingredients including Moroccan mint, rose, lemongrass, rooibos and green, black and white teas. ($40; numitea.com)
6.Go agrarian
Fulfill your farm fantasies: Williams-٠ Sonoma’s new line of agrarian designs is all about homegrown and homemade, including chicken coops, backyard beehives and cheese-making and canning kits. To find out more, visit williams-sonoma.com/agrarian.
7.Choose vegan shoes Think
your footwear is vegan, as long as you eschew leather? Think again. Much of the glue used to keep shoes together is made with gelatin (which can contain animal hooves, bones and skin). Instead, try these vegan options؛ the ladylike Form & Fauna Sunset Wedge ($250; formandfauna .com); the sporty Etnies Caprice Eco ($50; etnies.com); and the comfy, classic Neuaura’s Naiya flats, shown. ($74; neuaura shoes.corn)
8.Kiss away calories
Every time you and your partner lock lips for a ٠ minute, you torch 26 calories. It may not sound like much, but with Valentine’s Day around the corner, you just might log enough action to work off a box of chocolates.
9.Get better glassware
Vitality Glassware is both pretty and practical; the bottles and jars block all light rays that can degrade water, food, oils, herbs, vitamins, medicines and more. (Limitedtime price of $125 for the “Natural Health magazine set ” above; vitality glassware.com)
10.Swap food
Craving a pantry-full of homemade foods but just don't have the dough to make it happen? Try using real dough; at a Food Swap, you trade your own homemade goods for others' items. It can diversify your kitchen, connect you to your neighbors and get you back to the basics of bartering. Visit foodswapnet work.com to find a swap near you (or start your own؛).
