Health Tips That Will Surely Change Your Lifestyle

<div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most effective way to meet any goal, experts say, is through a series of tiny changes. Here are 100 that work.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Wipe down your office doorknob.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using disinfectant wipes on commonly touched objects like doorknobs can reduce the spread of cold- and flu-causing viruses by up to 90%, according to researchers from the University of Arizona.</span></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Meditate in the morning.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I start my day with a simple meditation practice; it sets the tone for my day and clears my head to prepare for what's ahead," says Tiffany Cruikshank, an internationally renowned yoga instructor and the founder of Yoga Medicine. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Eat sardines twice a week.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They're packed with protein and omega-3s, and most worthy of a place on your plate. Try these 3 easy recipes with sardines—your heart will thank you.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Make your own salad dressing.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Skip the not-so-healthy bottled stuff; all you need are a handful of ingredients to bring out the best in your greens. Try these easy 5-ingredient salad dressings.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Cook with blood-pressure-lowering herbs.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add these super-healthy spices to your recipes, and check out these 25 healing herbs you can use every day.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Get Sugar Smart.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Americans eat an insane amount of sugar—and much of that sugar is hidden in foods without you realizing it. Take back control with The Sugar Smart Diet, written by Prevention's own Anne Alexander (published by Rodale, which also published Prevention).</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. Do a sun salutation each morning.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sukanya Mahajan, a retired city clerk from Chicago (shown above), runs through the postures 6 times for 10 minutes. It will start your day with some stretching and strengthening—and it just plain feels good.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. Ease anxiety with a Tibetan sky-gazing meditation.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Look out the window (or look upward), relax your whole body, and let your gaze expand into the spaciousness of the sky, says Dean Sluyter, author Natural Meditation: A Guide To Effortless Meditative Practice. Repeat the ahhh sound silently—it's the most open sound you can make, and it amplifies the feeling. Let your attention go, and sit for a few minutes.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Play that calming music.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The body's internal rhythms entrain to the external rhythms of music, like when you go to the sea and you start breathing slower and your heart rate slows down and starts moving closer to the rhythm and pace of the ocean. It's the same with music, especially reggae, says Frank Lipman, MD.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. Plan a trip.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Travel happiness actually spikes in the planning stage, according to research.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11. Put down your smartphone.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When that impulse to whip out the phone strikes, resist. You're going to feel a wave of anxiety, says Sluyter, but don't panic—that wave is supposed to happen. Once it rolls through, you'll see that there's something good in its wake: silence. Freedom.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12. Boost your memory while you grocery shop.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In lieu of a list, take a page out of US Memory Champ Chester Santos and think up a crazy story that features the items you need to buy. (Try these 6 simple brain boosters to keep your thinker thinking.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">13. Breathe deeply.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For fast focus, sit in a comfortable place, breathe naturally, and settle your attention on your breath, says Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation. With each inhale and exhale, mentally repeat the words "in" and "out." If your mind wanders, just let go without judgment, and bring your attention back to it.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14. Don't check your email when you wake up.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And don't turn on the news or the radio—just sit silently and have a cup of coffee or tea and allow your mind to wander. This 10-minute cocoon of time is a calming, centering way to start the day.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15. Try frozen brown rice.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Packed with all the whole grains and fiber of freshly cooked rice, frozen brown can be ready in minutes—just microwave per package directions.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">16. Focus on your mentors.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To feel a deeper connection to those around you, Sluyter suggests this ancient Tibetan technique: Sit quietly and think of someone who has unconditionally supported you. Close your eyes and visualize that person behind and slightly above you. Imagine her radiating love in the form of beautiful, golden light. Then visualize someone in front of you who you want to share the light with. Let it pour down through you and bathe the person in front of you.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">17. Start foam rolling.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Business owner Carolina Caywood (shown above) does a trigger-point massage with a foam roller on her legs and feet every morning to ease pain and improve flexibility. Try these 10 feel-good foam-rolling moves. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">18. Get creative with yogurt.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not only is it the fastest clean breakfast around, but it also makes an instant creamy addition to savory dishes. Use to marinate meat, as the base for dips, soups, and sauces, or these 6 other surprising uses for yogurt.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">19. Add rotisserie chicken to your grocery list.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using rotisserie birds in your recipes can be just as healthy (not to mention faster!) as home-roasting your own when you opt for organic (meaning no water, sodium, or artificial flavors were injected).</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20. Try a loving-kindness meditation.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sit quietly, breathe normally, and repeat the phrase "May I be happy, may I be peaceful," says Salzberg. Whenever your attention wanders, gently let those thoughts go and come back to the phrase. After repeating that phrase for yourself, offer it up to include all beings everywhere, saying "May all things be happy, may all things be peaceful."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">21. Use a netti pot.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Every morning, wherever I am in the world, I do a netti pot 'session' to rinse my sinuses and stave off nasty bacteria and germs," says Valerie Orsoni, health and wellness expert and founder of LeBootCamp. "Since I started this regimen, I have caught no cold during the winter or after traveling by plane."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">22. Brew a cup of afternoon tea.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The process forces you to take a break and will put you in a Zen mood, says Khalil Hymore, Prevention contributing food editor. (Follow these steps for the perfect cup of tea.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">23. Have eggs for dinner.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eggs turn into dinner faster than any other protein in the fridge (think beef, chicken, or tofu), saving you about 20 minutes. This superfood has endless uses, including in quiches, sandwiches, and soups. Try these 10 easy egg recipes made with just 5 ingredients.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">24. Scrub your scalp in the shower.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Improving circulation to the follicles is one of your best bets for keeping the hair on your head healthy. While shampooing, use your fingertips to apply light, steady pressure along the center of your scalp (right where your middle part would fall) for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">25. "Deal" with a difficult person.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visualize the person with whom you're having difficulty as a perfect, enlightened being radiating a pure, tranquil light, says Sluyter. But she's stuck in an eggshell, and all the actions you find difficult or problematic are just this person trying to peck away at that shell. Now visualize yourself gently helping to peel away that shell so she can become her best, enlightened self. Next time you see that individual, you'll frame your relationship in this new context.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">26. Press a spot on your face to relax.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Relieve tension and get your blood pumping with DIY acupressure. Find the base of each cheekbone and press lightly for 30 seconds—it's long been tied to a brightening effect on the complexion. (Also try this feel-good facial acupressure technique.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">27. Use quick-cooking oats.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They're still whole grains—they've just been pressed slimmer than traditional oats for faster cooking. Look for organic varieties to keep pesticides out of your morning meal.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">28. Remember what you want.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes we're so distracted by stresses that we never take time to settle down and listen to what our body, mind, and soul are telling us, says Malika Chopra, founder and CEO of Intent.com. Try this: Sit in a comfortable position, settle your breath, close your eyes, and, as you breathe, mentally repeat the words "I am" for 5 minutes. Next, ask yourself "What do I want?" 2 to 4 times—don't feel like you have to answer it, let your mind settle down and see what bubbles up.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">29. Dry brush your whole body.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do this for better circulation and glowing skin: Before your next shower, start at the tops of your feet, working your way up your body and brushing with long, straight strokes in the direction of your heart. Each stroke should take 2 seconds, skipping the too-delicate skin on your neck, décolletage, and face. Watch this short video for a quick demo. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">30. Have coffee…</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Women who drink at least four cups a day have a 20% lower risk of depression, a 65% lower risk of late-in-life dementia, and, per the most recent research, a 21% less likelihood of developing tinnitus, of all things.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">31. …And make it this kind of coffee</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mold-free coffee with butter and coconut oil gives you clean energy and a complete lack of cravings for about 6 hours, says Dave Asprey, author of The Bulletproof Diet (Rodale). Here's his recipe.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">32. Shiver for more burn.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exercising in temps between 62° and 65° activates brown fat, a metabolically active type of fat that cranks up calorie burn and helps your body regulate insulin, says George King, chief scientific officer at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">33. Turn down the music.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you work out with headphones, set the volume at 60% of max. Studies show consistent exposure to sounds above 100 decibels (normal conversation is 60dB) can leave your with a permanent "huh?" reflex.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">34. Stock up on frozen veggies.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Frozen veggies can save time and be healthier: Produce picked at its peak and then frozen often adds more nutrients than fresh that sits out too long.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">35. Pop a daily probiotic.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People who regularly supplement with probiotics report fewer cold symptoms and faster recovery, per research. Try a supplement with at least 1 billion colony-forming units of either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">36. Cook your kale.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cooking it and draining the water will remove much of its oxalic acid, which can contribute to kidney stones, says Asprey. Choose kale that's lower in oxalic acid, like dinosaur kale, and boil until tender.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">37. Visit the bathroom, even if it means being a few minutes late for work.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When poop sits in your colon, it becomes drier and harder, and that can plug you up, which causes pain (not to mention a pretty foul mood), says Alex Ky, associate professor of surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">38. Trade the cookie for a squat.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exercising in short bursts has completely changed Sadie Lincoln, wellness expert and founder of barre3 fitness (shown above). She says, "I do a quick 10 minute workout at around 3 pm every day. This time of day is when I used to grab sweets or reach for a cup of coffee—both were sabotaging my weight loss goals and didn't help my productivity in the long run. This way of exercising has changed my life so much that I have created an entire company around it!"</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">39. Sit up straight!</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you move from poor posture to good posture, you increase levels of energizing hormones, as well as feel-good serotonin, plus you decrease the stress hormone cortisol, says spinal surgeon Kenneth Hansraj. (Try these 6 quick posture fixes to stop the slumping.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">40. Take a peek at your pee.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It should be pale yellow to clear. If it's not, drink more water. Researchers at the University of Connecticut founds that even mild dehydration zaps energy and lowers concentration among otherwise healthy women.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">41. Jump in place 10 times.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a Brigham Young University study, women ages 25 to 50 who jumped 10 times twice daily upped their hip-bone density after 16 weeks. (Here are 12 more ways to get break-proof bones for life.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">42. Give your coworker a mega-watt grin, even if you'd rather throttle him.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even a fake smile can lower heart rate after a stressful event, according to a study from the University of Kansas.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">43. Daydream of superfoods.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People who called to mind sensible food instead of indulgent junk had smaller spikes in ghrelin, the hunger hormone, according to the new book 20 Pounds Younger (Rodale).</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">44. Relieve a headache in 30 seconds.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ease tension and relieve an achy head by searching for tender spots on your forehead and scalp, and then rubbing them in a circular motion with the pad of your thumb and knuckles, says Maureen Moon, past president of the American Massage Therapy Association.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">45. Resist the urge to stifle that big afternoon yawn.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yawning helps cool your brain, which in turn improves alertness and performance, according to research from University of Vienna in Austria.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">46. Indulge in a mini marathon of hilarious animal videos.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Laughing lowers stress and blood pressure and gives some sparkle to your frame of mind.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">47. Crush an afternoon slump with this 30-second yoga move.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stand and ground your feet by pressing into all four corners of each sole. Bend knees and fold forward from hips, keeping back straight. Hang for 10 to 30 deep breaths, then slowly rise back up. You'll improve blood flow to your brain and stretch your oh-so-tight spine, says yoga instructor Elissa Lappostato.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">48. Fill up your tank after dark.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gasoline emissions evaporate as you fill your tank, contributing to the formation of ozone, which is a component of smog—bad for your lungs and the environment. The sun facilitates this, so filling up postsunset keeps emissions from turning into pollutants.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">49. Take off your shoes at your front door.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This keeps all kinds of grossness out of your home. When researches tested shoes for germs, they found a disturbing array of pathogens, including E.coli. (Check out these 10 worst germ hot spots you touch every day.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">50. Brush your tongue.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That bit of flesh harbors a lot of bacteria, which can spread to teeth and up the risks of cavities and gingivitis.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">51. Keep your bedroom between 65° and 70°.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A cool bedroom helps promote the drop in core body temperature necessary to induce restful, uninterrupted slumber.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">52. Shop on Sundays for smoothies.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To make throwing together a daily smoothie super simple, stock up on ingredients from each of these categories: liquids, fresh leafy greens, fresh or frozen fruit, nuts and seeds, and boosters, says The Blender Girl Tess Masters. (Have fun trying these 25 mix-and-match smoothie ideas!)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">53. Prep smoothie packs for the week.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Load all measured solid ingredients into zip-top bags, starting with hard heavy ingredients, followed by leafy greens, and finally soft foods. Write the liquid you'll need to add on the front of each bag and freeze until you're ready to blend. Try these 5 smoothie pack ideas. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">54. Say good-bye.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist for Good Morning America, says she always kisses her husband and dog good-bye (even though they're asleep!) before she leaves for work. "Then on the ride to the studio, I take a moment to set my intention for the day. The routine has made me settled and focused."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">55. Make smoothie cleanup easier.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After you pour your drink, fill the pitcher halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Blend on high for 30 seconds, rinse, and air-dry. Voila!</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">56. Take a bath.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feel the stress leave your body while you soak. Cristina Ferrare (shown above), a model, actress, chef and host on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family" (weekdays at 10 am ET/PT) adds salts, soothing lavender, and grapefruit essential oils, and puts on soft spa music. "I do this for myself at night to calm down and it definitely has an impact on my life because it helps me to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night," she says.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">57. Consider avocado a food group.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eating an avocado or two per day gives you omega-3s, which help your body build healthy cell membranes, says Asprey. The dark part of the avocado closest to the peel has the most vitamins, so get out your scraping spoon—just discard any brown parts. Try these 29 amazing avocado recipes.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">58. Soak your face in ice water for 1 to 2 minutes.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exposure to ice water allows you to reset levels of the appetite hormone leptin, which leads to faster fat loss, says Asprey.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">59. Say a prayer.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Taking a few moments a day for prayer and breathing has been very impactful for me," says Monica Potter, Star of Parenthood and Founder of MrsPotter.com. "I used to be very mindful of prayer when I was younger and it just gets more necessary as I get older."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">60. Breathe with intention for 2 minutes.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inhale for 4 counts while saying "I am" in your mind. Then exhale for 4 counts while saying "at peace" to yourself. Repeat the cycle at least 4 times to ground yourself, says Aviva Romm, MD, herbalist and midwife.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">61. Push your pressure points.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daniel Hsu, doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, says key acupressure spots on the head, face, and hands are really close to bundles of nerves, so pressing on them can help relax the nervous system. Apply pressure to the meaty part of your hand between the thumb and forefinger anytime you're stressed.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">62. Align your chakras.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting your 7 so-called energy centers in line could ease your pain and up your happiness, among other things. (Check out one writer's crazy experience with her chakras.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">63. Throw a mini dance party with your partner.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Research shows that romance reduces the production of stress-related hormones, says Elaine Wyllie, MD. Dancing around the house for a few minutes leaves you feeling youthful and excited.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">64. Note 3 things you're grateful for every night.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I 'practice gratitude' for a few minutes a day," says Gail Saltz, MD, bestselling author and associate professor of psychiatry at The New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornel School of Medicine. "I note three things for which I am grateful that day, they can be small, like a delicious cup of coffee, or big like my husband totally supported my book project. Over time this has changed my feeling about how full my life is and how much I appreciate it."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">65. Boost immunity with saline nasal spray.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Travis Stork, MD, uses one or two squirts every morning and night—it immediately moisturizes nasal passages and washes away congestion, allergens, and other irritants.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">66. Eat cleaner.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cutting out artificial sweeteners, refined carbs, or anything that comes from a box changed Lisa Lenz, an office case manager in Auburn, CA (shown above). She says old friends barely recognize the new her.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">67. Do 100 push-ups every day.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It sounds like a lot, but Jim Sears, MD, says you can break it up into 20 reps 5 times a day. If you're not used to push-ups, do them on your knees, or start with 2, 3, or 5 and add one each week.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">68. Ground yourself.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stand and feel your feet on the ground, the distribution of weight between them, and with your eyes open, begin walking at a normal pace. Slow down and notice the sensation of your legs moving up and down. Your mind will wander, says Salzberg, but that's OK—when it does, bring it back to those sensations.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">69. Drink a cold glass of water with freshly squeezed lemon every morning.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It hydrates, gives a dose of vitamin C, boosts the immune system, and has fat-burning benefits, says Andrew P. Ordon, MD. Bonus: when skin is hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles are less obvious. (Not a fan of plain water? Consider these 25 slimming add-ins.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">70. End your day with a guided meditation.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Search YouTube and select whatever guided meditation you need that day: relaxation, love, or health, says Jennifer Berman, MD. You'll wake up happy and go to sleep with a quiet mind and calm stomach.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">71. Indulge your sweet tooth.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try this healthy dessert from Rachael Ross, MD: Slather a toasted slice of whole grain bread with 1 Tbsp of almond butter, and top with sliced banana, blackberries, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, and ground flaxseed. It satisfies cravings while providing protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, potassium, and tons of antioxidants.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">72. Exfoliate nightly, then apply a retinol or coconut oil.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exfoliating allows the next product to penetrate deeply, and alternating the powerful anti-ager retinol with natural coconut oil is like a one-two punch for skin, says Jennifer Ashton, MD.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">73. Eat like a caveman.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following the Paleo diet forces artificial sugars and packaged foods out of your life—and replaces them with high fiber fruits and veggies. Want a formal introduction? Give these 5-ingredient Paleo recipes a try and see what the trend is all about.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">74. Soak in some Epsom salts.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once dissolved in warm water, they're absorbed by the skin and replenish your body's magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress, says Deborah Levy, MS, RD.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">75. Turn off your devices long before bed.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These devices emit light in the blue spectrum, which disrupts sleep. It shuts down production of the sleep-enhancing hormone melatonin when it hits your retina, explains Robert Rosenberg, DO, of the Sleep Disorders Center of Prescott Valley, Arizona. (Give these 20 other ways to sleep better every night a try.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">76. Answer an email in person.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not only is it friendlier, but it also forces you to walk around, which you should do at least once every hour if you have desk job, says Martha Gulati, MD, director for preventive cardiology at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Studies link sitting to weight gain and poor heart health.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">77. Unleash your inner artist.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Research shows creative pursuits outside the workplace can noticeably increase your on-the-job performance. Researchers say the rush you get from creating something boosts self esteem and the belief you can succeed at anything. (Here are 9 ways to boost your own creativity.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">78. Chew gum to improve memory.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chewing Think Gum ($2, thinkgum.com), which contains caffeine, peppermint, and ginkgo biloba, improves aspects of memory, according to research published in the journal Appetite. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">79. Do a high intensity AM workout.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Serious, kick-butt workouts can increase the number of calories you burn at rest (called after burn) for up to 72 hours after your workout ends, finds research in the European Journal of Applied Physiology. Do this slimming 7-minute workout while your coffee brews.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">80. If it hurts, just treat it.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's that easy. It took Prevention editor-in-chief weeks to call the podiatrist after his new puppy chewed up his fancy orthotics. He could have saved himself (and his freaky-high arches) a whole lot of pain.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">81. Make a food plan for the week.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chalkboards are trendy, but they're also good for guiding your mind and your mouth toward a healthy meal at the end of the day. (Fill your menu with these freezer-friendly recipes you can make ahead of time.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">82. Volunteer your time.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You get what you give: Research shows volunteering regularly can lower your risk for death by up to 24%. All that usefulness and altruism might cause your brain to produce more oxytocin and progesterone—good-vibe chemicals that curb stress and reduce harmful inflammation. (Here's how to find the good deed that matches your personality.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">83. Layer products for radiant skin.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never struggle to choose between two creams again: Apply lighter products like water-based serums first, followed by any oils or lotions, and finish with sunscreen, waiting a couple minutes between each step, says Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at USC.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">84. Firm up your neck with one move.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grasp your neck so your palms are touching your neck and the insides of your wrists touch. Then, simply jut your head forward using the muscles in the front of your neck and release. Do 20 repetitions twice daily for full effect, says Carole Maggio, a licensed esthetician and author of Ultimate Facercise.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">85. Wake up tired eyes with chamomile tea.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steep two bags in hot water for 5 minutes, then let chill for a few minutes. Once tepid, close your eyes and place one bag over each eye (you'll want to cover both upper and lower lids) for 10 minutes. Chamomile's anti-inflammatory qualities will soothe the sensitive skin around your eyes for a brighter, tighter look.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">86. Wear sunscreen every single day.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a reduced risk of skin cancer, and fewer wrinkles and sunspots, there are a million reasons to protect your skin, says Alison Sweeney, author of Scared Scriptless and host of The Biggest Loser. "Each morning, I make a point of taking care of my skin by applying moisturizing sunscreen. It gives me a few minutes of quiet and I'm protecting myself for that day and the years ahead."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">87. Try hand and foot therapy balls.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When used like a foam roller, they can relieve soreness, pain, and increase circulation in your hardest to reach places. These 10 pain-fighting tennis ball moves are the next best thing to a professional massage.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">88. Spike your breakfast with cinnamon.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The spice has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, blood fats that could contribute to diabetes risk. Find it in these 12 energy-boosting breakfasts.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">89. Drink water with apple cider vinegar.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The stuff has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, soothe digestive issues, and even treat dandruff, thanks to its anti-fungal properties. It's also a gut-healthy prebiotic, giving your microbiome a dose of healthy bacteria.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">90. Take the time to craft your mantra.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Especially when you're using one for fitness. Your mantra should be something that stirs you into action when things feel tough, so it should hit on the deeper reason you're exercising, says Jeff Halevy, a behavioral health and fitness expert. Find the best one for your workout.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">91. Use clean food as a flavor booster.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Research shows that certain spices, herbs, and spreads not only boost flavor but can also help curb appetite, ease digestion, promote better memory, and even fight heart disease and cancer. Here are 9 clean condiments to keep on hand.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">92. Keep peppermints in your purse.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They can ease ill-timed digestive issues, bring you back from a bout of light-headedness, soothe frustration during rush hour traffic, and give you a good afternoon pick-me-up.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">93. Laugh your way through meditation.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If ohm-ing isn't your style, trade yoga class for a comedy club: A good laugh now and then may give you a mental boost similar to meditation, suggests new research presented at the Experimental Biology 2014 conference in San Diego. (Learn more about making laughter your own type of meditation.)</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">94. Take your walk to greener pastures.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The University of Essex in the UK found 30 minutes of walking in a green scene reduced depression in 71% of participants.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">95. Bulk up on B12.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Low blood levels of B12 can lead to depression. The good news: it works the other way around, too. In one study, depressed people on antidepressants felt much better after taking B12 supplements for just 3 months.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">96. Take advantage of morning air.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I wake up, go outside, and I breathe fresh air morning air," says Dolvett Quince, author of The Biggest Loser Bootcamp (on sale January 6 wherever books are sold). "It rejuvenates me and gives me good energy—I feel like I can take on anything!"</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">97. Trade your after-work sweatpants for workout gear.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even if you stay home, donning workout clothes will give you an increased range of motion, so you'll probably put more energy into your chores.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">98. Switch the channels on the TV without the remote.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You could easily burn 200 extra calories a day if you stop using the remote, garage door opener, electric can opener, and other labor-saving devices.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">99. Trade that pat of butter for some olive oil.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In one study, those who dipped bread in oil ate a total of 52 fewer calories on average than those who used butter.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">100. Sip some green tea before you walk.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The caffeine frees fatty acids so that you burn fat more easily, while the antioxidants appear to work with caffeine to increase calorie burn.</span></div>

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Ways to Be a True Friend

<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other night I called an old friend I hadn’t talked to in a while. As we caught up, shared stories, and laughed over private jokes that would sound ridiculous had the phone been tapped, I wondered why I let so much time go by since I’d last given her a call.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We don’t live close to each other, so grabbing a drink or hitting up a yoga class isn’t an option. But really connecting with her, sharing pieces of my life  and receiving the pieces she wants to give, doesn’t require specific geography.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can be great friends to each other, despite the distance, if we choose to make the effort. If we remember to make the time, we can have those types of meaningful, fulfilling conversations that make us feel seen, understood, appreciated, and supported.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I started to think about all the times when I’ve gotten busy and lost touch with friends who live right down the street—times when I got caught up in everything going on in my life and forgot to nurture my relationships.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We need meaningful connections with other people.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not everyone has to be a close friend, but it’s integral to our happiness that we show people who we truly are, allow ourselves to know them in return, and then remind each other through actions—small or large—that we care.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We never need to be or feel alone in this world, but it’s up to us to create and allow opportunities to be together, enjoy each other, and be there for each other. It’s up to us to make our relationships priorities.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With this in mind, I recently asked on Facebook, “What does it mean to be a true friend?”</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I compiled some of the ideas that resonated strongly with me (some of them paraphrased or slightly altered for ease of reading).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here’s what Tiny Buddha readers had to say:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Always be there, even in silence. (Nerrisa Nam)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Be kind and listen. Be fun and light. Be serious when needed, love extensively, and forgive always. (Sandra Lumb)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Don’t be scared to tell each other the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. (Eva Valencia)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Guide each other in times of need with your honest opinions. (Ashna Singh)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. A true friend is someone who always listens and is genuinely interested in the good and bad, and someone who calls or writes just to say hello. (Kimberly McCarthy)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Be loyal in confidence and character, always open and inviting to share concerns, always honest even if you disagree. (Peggy Turner Beatty)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. A true friend tries his best to cheer you up when you are upset and makes you feel special. (Kalpana Tewani)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. Try and improve their life though your friendship. (Barry Cassidy)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Be who you truly are, be that vulnerable, and provide the other person the space, safety and choice to do the same. (Cynthia Ruprecht Hunt)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. Be genuinely happy when they get, receive, or achieve something you truly desire. (Heather Tucker)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11. Share the truth in your heart, without the fear of misunderstandings. (Ricardo Marques)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12. Be loyal and forgive but above all: love and respect. (Casey Jo Wagner)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">13. Accept the person as they are, as an individual, without conditions. Also, as important as it is for you to be there for them, sometimes you have to be willing to let them be there for you. (Casey Kimes)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14. Remain friends despite a person’s choices in life and don’t bail on them when they aren’t who you want them to be. (Kim Shaw)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15. A true friend always supports the person but doesn’t feel compelled to support the situation. A true friend knows how and when to say the firm, “No.” (Leslie Mollay)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">16. Help yourself and those closest to you grow. To live means to grow, and a true friend is someone that you can h</span>

Friendship Lifestyle Ways to Be a True Friend

The other night I called an old friend I hadn’t talked to in a while. As we caught up, shared stories, and laughed over private jokes that w...

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Secrets to Marriage Success

<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many married couples, falling in love and saying "I do" was the easy part. Living happily ever after is the part that takes a whole lot of work. </span><br /> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My family history doesn't have the best track record when it comes to the vow "until death do us part." My parents divorced when I was 18, and on my mom's side alone, not one single marriage has lasted (keep in mind, she's one of eight siblings). One might think this would make me a cynic when it comes to marriage — but for some unexplainable reason, that's not the case. Maybe I'm an idealist, but I think you can fall in love with your best friend, grow old together, and even live happily ever after.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sought out some honest advice from real people who might have insight as to what makes a marriage stand the distance. I reached out to all the married couples and divorcées I knew and asked them the burning question, "What's the secret to making a marriage successful?" Read their words of wisdom below:</span></div> <ol style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 14.5469px 58.2344px;"> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Share everything with each other. Most importantly, everything you are feeling. There is no way to be on common ground if you don't communicate how you're feeling.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whatever bad stuff happens, remember this, too, will pass.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Affection breeds more affection. Touch each other, kiss each other good morning, and have plenty of sex (even when you're old!). It's too easy to get out of the habit, which makes you feel distant. Intimacy and physical affection really help keep you connected.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children can be stressful, but they, too, will grow up.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let the little things go and think big picture. Since you're in it for the long haul, are you really going to care who did or didn't run the dishwasher when you look back in 10 years? Remind yourself that your relationship is much, much bigger than any one minor incident.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fill the fridge with his favorites — it's easy to do, so just do it.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take time for yourself to do what you love, what makes you happy and gives you energy — being successful as a couple will only work if each of you is strong and fulfilled as an individual.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Avoid giving the silent treatment. Talk about things that bother you as soon as possible; don't let your emotions build up, because you'll likely explode.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let go of hurts more easily, and try not to dwell on things that annoy you.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't be afraid to compromise. It sounds like a bad word and like you are giving up on your "ideals," but in reality it's about the push and pull of a relationship. Try rating how much you want something on a scale from one to 10 and have your partner do the same. So if eating out is a five for you and staying in is a nine for him, then you should stay in that night.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't take each other for granted. You have to work at it all the time.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be spontaneous. Change things up every once in a while, whether that means a last-minute vacation or a card for no special occasion. Grand gifts and the smallest gestures can go a long way when you're with someone for a very long time.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be nice! This can be harder than it seems sometimes, but remember that you (hopefully) love the person more than anyone else on the planet and you chose to marry them, so treat them with kindness.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be patient. You both might grow together at different times and in different ways, so you need to give and take to make it last forever.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Celebrate when good things happen, and be expressive about it.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find new things, new hobbies to do together like road biking, a cooking class, or starting a garden. It's just another reason to spend time together building your bond, and it keeps the excitement going.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marry someone you like killing time with.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tell them what you need. As much as you want them to, they can't read minds. Tell them that you feel disconnected and that you want a day alone together or date night.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of date nights, go on them and have fun! It's important to set time alone regardless of how busy either gets — especially when you have kids. Even if you're overworked, overtired, or low on funds, it doesn't take much time or money to reconnect. It can be as simple as going for a walk or cooking dinner together.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make a budget together. It's a great way to talk about your plans and dreams for the future and how to make them happen.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Surprise each other like you used to do when dating with special notes, small gifts, baking them a favorite recipe, or planning a weekend away. It lets the other person know you're still in love with them, and it makes you feel the love, too.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the other end, when your spouse does do something special for you, show appreciation. They may know that you think all those positive things, but it's nice to hear them out loud.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Build your partner up and support them to be all they can or want to be.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take time to put yourself in your spouse's shoes before judging. You want to avoid unnecessary criticism or negativity as much as you can.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make each other laugh. Try not to take everything so seriously.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Communication is key. When your marriage hits certain speed bumps, remind yourself that when you come out on the other side, your relationship should be better and more evolved. Make sure the tough times lead to improvement, and if you keep making the same mistakes, reevaluate why.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have couple friends but also your own friends who you hang out with on a regular basis, without your spouse.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be more generous with time and money.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be happy yourself. If you're in a slump, there's a tendency to take it out on your spouse or want them to fix it. You have to fix yourself.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't get defensive. Try to come at things from a place of love and kindness, and don't assume you're being attacked.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trust and be trustworthy.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try to always remember why you fell in love with your partner. Whether it was their sense of humor or ambition — always remind yourself.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Say "I love you," and tell your partner they look attractive.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Appreciate what you have and realize that marriages at times can be fragile and need to be taken care of.</span></li> <li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enjoy the NOW. Add a house, kids, etc. to the plate, and things just keep getting more complicated. Whatever phase you're in, embrace it and enjoy it.</span></li> </ol>

Lifestyle Marriage Secrets to Marriage Success

For many married couples, falling in love and saying "I do" was the easy part. Living happily ever after is the part that takes a ...

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Tips To Improve Your Relationship Right Now

<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Relationships are hard.</b></span> Finding somebody you want to spend time with can be difficult enough, but once that happens, you’ve got to deal with the task of maintenance: keeping things fresh, finding time for each other, and generally just coming up ways to navigate the tricky ups and downs every partnership faces. Lucky for you, we’ve come up with 101 relationship tips—some big, some small—that’ll help you improve any partnership.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plus, we asked a few of our favorite relationship experts for their tips, including life and dating coach and Huffington Post blogger Kira Sabin, relationships author Samara O’Shea (whose forthcoming book Loves Me … Not is worth a read), and the sex and relationships editor at The Frisky Ami Angelowicz.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From how to deal with jealousy to how to get over a potentially deadly lull, we’ve got 101 relationship tips that you can start implementing right now, so start reading!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Listen.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It might sound obvious, but when you really allow yourself to listen—and ask questions about—what your partner says, it not only leads to better conversations, but also better communication.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Take a few days apart.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Missing each other is a great way to reconnect. Try grabbing some girlfriends for an overnight or a weekend getaway every few months.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> <b>Find a support team.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a handful of great friends or family members you can call so your significant other doesn’t have to hear every small grievance going on your life.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. <b>Put away your phones.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the biggest relationship tips is to give your undivided attention when your partner is speaking. It’s is one of the most important things you can do.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Volunteer together.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Giving back is a great way to keep perspective of how great your relationship is, and how lucky you both are.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6. Create a checklist.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jot down new and fun things you want to accomplish for a day as a duo.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7. Talk to couples over 65 years old.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get relationship tips from them, and see what you can take away to apply to your relationship.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>8. Stop and appreciate all that your relationship is this very second.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stop living for what it can be.  This person is choosing to be in your life every day, not every day in the future.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>9. Revisit the questions you asked in the beginning.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are you hoping to accomplish in the next year? What are you scared of? These answers change, so we need to keep asking these questions.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10. Find 10 things you really love about them and tell them. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Guys need confidence boosters, too!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>11. Stop nagging. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seriously, stop. Take a step back and figure out the big things about your partner that truly bother you, and approach them from a place of concern and support instead of nitpicking for sport. That’ll get you nowhere.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>12. Get over needing to be right.  </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Learning to say “I was wrong” is a skill worth learning.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>13. Take care of yourself. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No relationship can be successful if you don’t feel good about yourself, both inside and out.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>14. Know what you need and then ask for it.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You’re dating a human, not a magical psychic.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>15. Take a class.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s proven that couples who learn together connect deeper. Find some common ground (cooking? art? science?) and go from there.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>16. Stop complicating things that aren’t complicated enough.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t pull a Carrie Bradshaw during the Aiden years: If you bemoan the fact that your relationship is going too well, you might need to revisit why you’re constantly seeking out drama.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>17. Assume that if something was said that hurt your feelings, it wasn’t intended that way.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why would they want to upset you or hurt you? Give your partner the benefit of the doubt, but if it’s really bothering you, don’t be afraid to bring it up.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>18. Write notes.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether you have study hall together or live together, handwritten notes are personal touches in today’s highly digital world.  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>19. Pitch in.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Help each other with chores and other necessary, if banal, activities — cooking, cleaning, re-organizing, etc. Not doing them if you live together can create tension, and always doing them can create unfair expectations. Act as team of equals.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>20. Disconnect.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step away from the laptop during quality time. Everything on the Internet will still be there later.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>21. Allow things to be what they are.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes bad days and bad moods happen. Don’t go crazy trying to make everything better. Just be supportive and loving, because just being there at the end of a bad day can make it better for both of you.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>22. Create mini-traditions.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating small rituals can really help hold up a couple because they become “your thing.” Whether it’s a fancy night out during the holiday season, or watching a certain show every week, these are things that’ll give you both something to look forward to, and it’ll bring you closer together.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>23. Be an open book.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They can either deal with it or they can’t, but if you can’t be your most honest self with this person, it’ll come out eventually.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>24. Compliment, and often.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You’re there to make each other feel like your best selves, so let the genuine praise flow freely. Like his outfit? Tell him! Like her hair today? Let her know!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>25. Make promises that you really can keep.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Say things that you want to follow through with out loud. It’ll make you work harder to make them happen. Having—and setting—levels of reasonable expectations for your relationship is a healthy way to keep it strong.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>26. Acknowledge positive actions.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you and your partner see positive actions, solutions, or behavior in one another, acknowledge it and remind each other to keep it up.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>27. Establish genuine connections with the other’s friends and family.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hang out together with both of your friends and family. This is the stuff that makes the world go ’round, people!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>28. Pay attention to the tiny things that bother your partner, and if it’s painless for you, work to change them. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’re not talking changing your laugh or your style, but if you know that your partner really hates it when you leave the kitchen counter cluttered, try to make a point of clearing it off before he gets home. It’s an easy enough thing to do and it makes their day better, so why not?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>29. Never, never forget to ask about the other person’s day. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s such an easy slight to avoid!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>30. Only one person gets to have the bad day. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If your partner’s day sucked and yours was just “eh,” let them have the pity (and the control of the remote, and the choice of take-out). If it’s you, announce it early and let them know you need the support. If it’s a toss-up, trade stories about why your days were so awful and you’ll end up laughing while trying to figure out who wins.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>31. Small gifts go a long way.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bringing home a pack of their favorite candy/magazine/book by a favorite author never gets old.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>32. Graham Parsons has a song lyric that says “I just want to hold you, I don’t want to hold you down.”</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let that be your motto when you’re giving your partner advice.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>33. Log onto Instagram and like all their photos.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just because.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>34. Plan a date where you revisit the spot you went on your first date.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember all the amazing things that brought you from then to now.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>35. Go on a walk together somewhere beautiful.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And don’t forget to turn off your cell phones.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>36. Surprise them with dinner.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One unexpected night, surprise your partner with a home-cooked meal, and a nicely-set table.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>37. Review your top five favorite funny things your partner has done.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because your partner is funny! That’s part of why you like them.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>38. Go to a yoga class together.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or other exercise class together. Your body and relationship will thank you!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>39. Go on a road trip, even if you’re not going anywhere far. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s nice to get out of town sometimes.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>40. Pick up a six-pack of toilet paper or (even better) a six-pack of beer.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Without even being asked.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>41. Keep the surprises coming.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Think of your relationship as a creative challenge. To keep the romance fresh, come up with new date ideas, new sex positions, and new ways to demonstrate your love.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>42. Plan small outings.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether its brunch this weekend, or a trip to a new neighborhood.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>43. Make out.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kissing is something that is often set to the side the longer a couple has been together. Out of blue one day, initiate a high-school style make-out session.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>44. Let it go.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t hold onto that thing your lover said or did six months ago and bring it up each time you get mad at him. Do both of you a favor and let it go</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>45. Don’t interrupt. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even if what you think your significant other is saying is uninteresting, don’t bulldoze over his or her words. Being able to listen to each other—even when the details are mundane—is important.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>46. Say thanks. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let him know that you notice the little things he does by saying thank you for routine tasks like walking the dog or picking up groceries.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>47. Cook a meal together.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come up with a menu, shop, and prepare the food together.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>48. Have fun with hypotheticals.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conversation can become routine. Break from the ordinary and have a silly dinner conversation made entirely of imaginary situations—for example, “If you were on an island and could only bring five movies, which movies would you bring?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>49. Keep a couple’s journal. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Write down your desires and fantasies and leave them out for your significant other to find—encourage him to write back.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>50. Agree to disagree. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is one of the most important relationship tips, as you both have strong opinions and therefore some issues will never be resolved. Respect each other’s point of view and agree not to argue about the same issue, unless it’s something that could get in the way of your future, like politics, religion, or values.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>51. Set goals. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition to setting life goals, set relationship goals. For example: We aim to spend more time together outside rather than in front of the TV.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>52. Take responsibility for your own happiness</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love is grand, but at the end of the day the only person we can hold accountable for our happiness is ourselves. Do volunteer work, exercise, host dinner parties—find what satisfies you, and go from there.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>53. Learn each other’s conflict habits.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make an effort to understand you and your partner’s conflict habits so you can break bad patterns and find a middle ground that’s productive and respectful.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>54. Define love. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While “I love you,” is an extraordinary thing to say—and an equally wonderful thing to hear—it means something different to each person. Tell each other what you’re saying when you declare these magic words. It could be a list of many sentiments such as, “I would do anything for you,” and “I trust you completely.”</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>55. Take turns planning date nights that are actual, real, capital-D Dates </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Takeout and TV doesn’t count.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>56. Approach your partner’s issues in the context of how they affect the relationship.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’ll reduce the chances they feel personally attacked for no reason.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>57. Cuddle.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make ample time for cuddling. Whether or not it leads to sex, physical affection is important.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>58. Don’t forget to say “I Like You.”</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The greatest compliment you can give a partner (especially a long-term partner) is reminding them that not only do you love them, but also like them.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>59. Have a spontaneous midday tryst. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Send him a text as he’s about to go on his lunch break, take time out on a Saturday, however you want to play it.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>60. Travel together.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seeing the world together creates amazing shared memories.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>61. Tell them EXACTLY why you love and appreciate them as often as possible. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I love you” is good. “I love the way you make sure no one ever feels left out” is even better.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>62. Stay out of their family drama. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s so not worth it.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>63. Really look at each other. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spend a lot of time with our partners but sometimes we don’t actually see them. Take the time to actually look into one another’s eyes.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>64. Give each other a pet name. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may be super annoying to other people (and you may want to reserve it for when you’re in private), but a pet name can add an extra layer of intimacy to your relationship.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>65. Spend time alone.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As important as it is to spend quality time with your partner, it’s equally necessary that you develop a good sense of who you are without them. Kahlil Gibran said “let there be spaces in your togetherness,” and we stand by that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>66. Eat at the dinner table. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you eat in front of the TV? Try actually sitting down to a meal with your partner at an actual table. You may find it a welcome change.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>67. In fact, turn the TV off all together. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why not try instituting a TV-free night in your apartment? See what else happens when you spend time together sans the talking box.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>68. Ask for clarity. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re confused about what your partner means, ask for clarity instead of making assumptions about what they mean. Use an open phrase like, “What did you mean when you said, ‘xyz'” rather than instantly going on the offensive.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>69. Own your feelings. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Passive-aggressiveness is a total relationship killer. Quash it by practicing assertiveness and clarity. Saying “I’m fine” when you’re not fine is a prime example of not owning your feelings.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>70. Communicate in a constructive way.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For instance, we think the phrase construction “When ____ happens, it makes me feel ____” can be particularly helpful.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>71. Take an interest in what your partner’s into.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He’s into chess, or cheese, or cheese that looks like a chess board (maybe?). You don’t have to love it, but give it a shot. You may surprise yourself!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>72. But also cultivate your own. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You and your partner don’t need to have everything in common. Seriously. That’s actually really annoying.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>73. Let your partner teach you something they’re good at, and vice versa.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone—everyone—loves the feeling of being able to teach somebody they like about something they’re good at.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>74. Bring your groups together.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s easy to silo your social lives and create separate his-and-hers worlds, but bringing your friends, siblings, or colleagues together can be a fun thing.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>75. Don’t forget about sex.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Work, stress, and other responsibilities can get in the way of your sex life, and before you know it, you’ve gone a month without getting busy. Don’t let this happen. Schedule it in if you have to, just make sure to connect in an intimate way.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>76. But do forget about jealousy.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jealousy can be completely toxic to relationships, so keep yours in check. If you’re always jealous, figure out if it’s your personal issue, or if your partner is doing things to appear less trustworthy.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>77. Cultivate your appreciation.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spread what you love about your partner. Practice your appreciation by sharing it with others— not in a gross, gratuitous, braggy way, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to tell others why your partner is awesome. In turn, it’ll remind you why you like them, too.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>78. Laugh. In bed. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sex should be sexy, sure. But it should also be fun. Don’t be afraid to have a laugh if things take a turn for the ridiculous.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>79. Let yourself be taken care of when you need it.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all need special care on occasion. Let your partner help you when you’re feeling sick or down. It doesn’t mean you’re not strong, it just means you’re willing to accept help.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>80. Check your competitive edge.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You and your partner are there to support each other, not compete with one another. If you find yourself comparing yourself or competing with your significant other, check your behavior. That’s not healthy!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>81. Be kind to yourself.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The best way to develop positive patterns in a relationship is to develop them first with yourself. Don’t be so critical of yourself, and you’ll set a good example for your relationship.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>82. Express gratitude for the little things, and for specific things. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big gestures are great, but it’s great to recognize the little things your partner does that make you feel happy and loved, too.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>83. Date like you dated in high school.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ask each other out. Get excited. Take forever to get ready. Make out. Repeat.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>84. Be present. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can ruin a perfectly great relationship by focusing too much on the past, or worrying too much about what may happen in the future. Learn to enjoy where you are, and who you’re with right now.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>85. Don’t try to control.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A relationship isn’t a battle of wills, it’s two people who are choosing to be together, so don’t treat your partner like they’re some kind of wild animal you’re trying to tame.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>86. Embrace your common goals.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is it that you both want to accomplish? Can you support each other to reach those goals? That’ll be a big piece of what will hold you two to together as a couple in the long run.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>87. Have a cultural experience together.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See a movie, a play, or an art exhibition together — and then talk about them afterward. You may be pleasantly surprised by how differently—or similarly—you viewed things.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>88. Go on a long bike ride.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bike rides are deeply freeing experiences, and it’s nice to be able to do that with someone you love.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>89. Try talking on the phone.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, we know this sounds crazy, but phone calls are a different sort of communication than texting, or even in person communicating will allow. You may actually deepen your connection through a phone chat.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>90. Make a mix for each other. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s cute, romantic and something out of a rom-com. Although in this day and age, you might want to make a Spotify playlist rather than a mixed CD.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>91. Keep yourself in check.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spend so much time paying attention to how our partners behave, but take a second to notice how you’re acting — especially if you’re fired up or in a bad mood. And then give yourself a second to…</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>92. … Breathe. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before you say something you don’t mean, take a breath and ask yourself if that’s really the way you want to move forward. Chances are, taking a second out will help you recalibrate and think of a more constructive way of handling the situation.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>93. Help each other.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one is so easy, but if your partner’s having a hard time with something — whether it’s doing their taxes or organizing their closet — offer a helping hand.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>94. Be their biggest cheerleader</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If your partner’s accomplished something amazing, let them know it, and let them shine.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>95. In your craziest moments of frustration or anger, remember what it is that you like about them the most. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s a reason you’re with them after all, right?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>96. Remember that a relationship should always make your life better on the whole, not worse.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And aim to make sure yours is doing just that. If it’s not, it may be time to reconsider.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>97. Enjoy the quiet moments you spend with each other. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not everything has to be a big adventure or a big deal Sometimes the best times are the quiet unplanned things you do together.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>98. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t let yourself get so invested in your partner that you forget to take care of yourself.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>99. Let go of the past.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We often let our past hurts dictate our present. Learn to let go of past resentments and fears in order to live more fully with your partner right now.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>100. Touch each other often.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Simple touch builds intimacy — espeically non-sexual touch. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “yes, I’m here for you, and I care about you” and it helps reinforce your emotional bond.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>101. The best relationships are ones in which both partners feel like the luckiest person in the world. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find ways to communicate that and foster that feeling in each other, and you’ll be good.</span>

Relationship Tips Tips To Improve Your Relationship Right Now

Relationships are hard. Finding somebody you want to spend time with can be difficult enough, but once that happens, you’ve got to deal wit...

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