January Soul Snacks

Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs: creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less.

Here's a week's worth, specially designed to help you infuse this cold season with joy and warmth.

Day One
Regardless of how you're doing with your New Year's Resolutions, let us take this day to put a positive spin on things. Ask yourself:
In what ways is your life right on track? What do you love about the way your life is right now? Record your thoughts and insights in your journal.(An affordable luxury to help you: Jennifer Louden's Inner Organizer for 2004 at http://www.momscape.com/a/comfortqueen.htm )

Day Two
Make sure your dollars are doing what you want them to in this world. Check the evaluation of your favorite stores' social and environmental performance here:
http://www.responsibleshopper.org(For more information, read Eliza Bloom's "How to Make a Difference with Your Dollars":
http://www.momscape.com/articles/bloom/dollars.htm )

Day Three
Start the "Generosity Game" in your neighborhood. It all starts with a card inviting you to do a good turn for someone - anonymously. Then you pass on the card, which invites the kindness recipient to go perform a random act of kindness for someone else. You can download and print the cards at the Generosity Game website. The site also provides more information on the game and fosters imagination on creative ways to make the world a little nicer.http://www.generosity.org

Day Four
A recent study indicates that a weekly talk with a friend can be as effective against moderate depression as counseling or antidepressants. Even if you're not feeling blue, call a friend who may be having a tough time. Meet her for coffee or a jog through the park. Let her know how much she means to you.

Day Five
Put aromatherapy to work for you. Try an energizing scent, such as orange - or a soothing scent, such as lavender. Combine two drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of safflower or canola oil, whatever's on hand. Massage the blend onto your pulse points. Another affordable luxury: you can download aromatherapist Francoise Rapp's "Spa Recipes for All Seasons"for free here: http://www.momscape.com/aromalchemy

Day Six
Treat yourself to a new magazine full of new recipes that are just right for the season. Bon Appetit and Cooking Light (if you're watching your calories) are great choices. Get good deals and free gifts on these magazines here:
http://www.momscape.com/a/bluedolphin.htm

Day Seven
Brainstorm ways you can get away from it all in 15 minutes or less. Whether it's an indulgent bath, a phone call to a distant friend, or quiet time with a good novel, schedule one of these "escape tasks" for today. Then call a friend and encourage her to do the same.