We found 311 results tagged with "daily challenge"
311 Challenges
Refrain from the plane
Planning a trip to a far-flung destination this summer? If the size of your carbon footprint is important to you, you may want to consider a vacation that doesn’t include air travel, which is...
Write a nutrition manifesto
What do you want to commit to nutrition-wise? Do you often say to yourself ‘I should eat more fruits and veggies?’ and then find it difficult to follow-through? Sometimes writing down your goals is...
Up your upper-body strength
There are numerous health benefits associated with strength training. Yet many people neglect their biceps, triceps, lats, deltoids, and pecs. Upper body strength has many rewards: a leaner, more...
Start a scrapbook of family recipes
Collecting family recipes puts you in touch with your history. It’s also a great way to preserve a food legacy for your children and to get in touch with people you might not have talked with for a...
Chop veggies a day ahead
When you have chopped veggies conveniently on hand, do you eat them more often? Why not find out? Cutting up produce in advance saves you prep time at dinner, it also gives you something nutritious to...
Tour an organic farm
Visiting an organic farm can be an exhilarating experience for children and adults alike. Many tours focus on sustainability, education, and farming best practices. And some even end the day with a...
Make a recommendation to your local market
Supermarkets are always soliciting customer feedback, but have you ever given any? Most markets are happy to stock desired products, particularly if they know regular shoppers will make a special trip...
Greenify your kitty litter
Millions of tons of clay cat litter end up in city landfills each year. Plus, the clay is harvested through strip mining. Thankfully, there are now biodegradable, compostable, septic-tank and corn...
Invest in a new cookbook
Sure you can browse recipes online, but there’s nothing like a well-loved cookbook cracked open next to your stove. Is your current collection full of old standards, or are there some new and more...
Measure your middle
Excess abdominal fat is commonly used as an indicator of less-than-optimal fitness. Today, challenge yourself to get out your measuring tape and take an honest look at your measurements. Then, write...
Summer with squash
Although often thought of as a winter veggie, squash also has a summer season too. Zucchini, crookneck, straightneck – summer squashes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Challenge yourself to...
Eat for summer
Summer is a great time to streamline your diet and eat locally as well as healthfully. Since today is the first day of summer, challenge yourself to incorporate summer eating habits into your day...
Save face
It might be time to give your face-washing regimen a makeover. While water alone cannot dissolve the pollutants of the day, using too many products may be comedogenic. And harsh scrubbing can damage...
Walk away your holiday
Some cities are made for walking. Why not make your next travel destination one you can explore on foot? From Venice and New York to Provence and the Greek islands, there are hundreds of places that...
Lighten your load
If you’re concerned about the environment and water usage, it may be time for a new clothes washer. According to Energy...
Soup up your leftovers
When food was scarcer and resourcefulness was essential, meat and veggie scraps were rarely discarded. From potatoes and carrots to chicken and squash, almost anything can be thrown into a soup pot or...
Explore alternative medicine
Are you thinking about exploring alternative medicine as a solution to a stubborn health problem? Thanks to the Internet there are a wealth of resources at your fingertips when you decide to take a...
Bean me up
It’s hard to beat the flavor of beans cooked from scratch. From cassoulet to refried beans to split pea soup, dried beans and legumes are a favorite the world over. If time is an issue, start your...
Dine with dad
When was the last time you not only shared a table with your father, but also cooked him a meal? Sometime this month, make an effort to cook a meal for your dad. Surprise him with a finished feast or...
Spring clean your media storage
Recycling your CDs and DVDs is as easy as contacting the Compact Disc Recycling Center of America. Currently sponsored by several CD/DVD manufacturers...
Spring into healthful eating
With new kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables popping up in local markets, spring is a great season to make positive changes to your diet. Strawberries, asparagus, and snap peas are just some of the...
Fit in knitting
Who hasn’t watched a knitter calmly sitting for hours on a plane or in a queue, creating something homemade and lovely? Recently, knitting is enjoying a renaissance, and classes and social groups...
Spice things up
From cinnamon and nutmeg to cardamom and turmeric, spices turn ho-hum dishes into something special. Today, challenge yourself to spice up one of your meals.
Water your garden right
Gardens are gorgeous - and potentially a waste of water. However, there are ways to conserve this valuable resource and enjoy your garden at the same time. It just takes planning. While watering...
List your top 5 favorite veggies
Writing down your favorite vegetables will make you wonder why you don’t eat them more often. And maybe this will inspire you to find some new recipes and make your diet more nutritious. Today, write...
Shut off pilot lights in the off-season
Gas-powered wall heaters use a small pilot light. Though necessary in winter, they burn continuously in warmer periods too, wasting gas and costing about $6 per month. Today, challenge yourself to...
Jog your memory of running
Anyone who remembers being a kid recalls the pure pleasure of running free. For exercise, few things beat a jog: It’s free, it can be done anywhere at any time, and it’s highly effective at improving...
Screen your sun protection
Summer’s coming: Time to dig out that sunscreen bottle and give it the once-over. The active ingredients in sunscreens lose efficacy after three years, so it’s important to check their expiration...
Clear out your car trunk
Less weight in your car means better gas mileage…and energy savings. Every pound counts. Today, challenge yourself to take an inventory of the stuff in your trunk and take out anything that’s...
Schedule exercise in your calendar
One way to make fitness a priority is to write it down in your calendar and treat it like an important appointment that you can’t miss. In the next 24 hours, block out some time for your favorite...
Take stock of your cupboards
When was the last time you reviewed you cupboards? Are there things in there that you’ll probably never use? Today, challenge yourself to take stock and organize your cupboards. Put aside unused...
Have a greener outdoor summer party
Outdoor summer entertaining can have a carbon footprint. However, there are a few easy ways to lessen your impact. When you entertain outside this month, challenge yourself to: • Use a natural gas...
Learn about grilling responsibly
Summer’s here, so lots of people are getting ready to picnic, grill outdoors, and entertain. Before doing so, it’s a good idea to know about preventing food-borne illness. Here are a couple tips: •...
Observe speed limits
Speedy driving can lower your fuel economy by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets. In the next 24 hours, cut down on your energy consumption by obeying the speed limit. Other pro...
Try capoeira
Based on ancient warrior moves, capoeira is a form of dance that can get your heart pumping and muscles moving. This week challenge yourself to see how fun capoeira can be. _Always consult a...
Recycle your clothes
Giving away or reselling your gently worn clothing reduces waste, plain and simple. This month, challenge yourself to go through your closet and collect anything you don’t wear. Then, plan ways of...
Lighten up
How many of us read in bed with less-than-adequate lighting? Experts say this is not good for your eyesight. Today, challenge yourself to be good to your eyes by turning on sufficient light for...
Start a composting bin
Whether you use plant clippings or last night's dinner, compost is very easy to make. Essentially, compost is made up of anything that was once living. If you're a gardener, it's a great additive to...
Quit your car
There’s no way around it: Cars pollute. Here are some cleaner ideas for getting places, ranging from “light green” to “forest green”: • Walk – Fresh air, exercise, and a surprisingly quick trip if...
Analyze your diet
Ever notice that recall is less than 100% reliable when it comes to what we eat each day? Real change and increased awareness of the amount of food you eat requires an honest look at what you’re...
Research green power options
Did you know that it may be possible for you to purchase electricity from clean wind, geothermal, solar, or hydroelectric sources? Today, challenge yourself to learn if your utility company lets you...
Thank your mother
Acknowledging your mom’s love doesn’t have to involve buying stuff. Gifting can be as simple as donating to a cause in her name, going for a walk together, or organizing family memorabilia into an...
Eat whatever you want
Tomorrow is Eat What You Want Day. Sounds liberating, doesn’t it? However, a person who listens to their hunger cues, balances calories in vs. calories out, eats healthy foods, and exercises...
Pick your pan
Matching pan to burner size saves lots of energy on the stovetop. Today, when you cook on your stove, make an effort to match you pan to your burner.
Avoid overdrying
Overdrying disappoints in a number of ways. It uses excess energy, it leaves clothes more wrinkled (requiring additional ironing), and it wears fabric faster. The next time you do laundry, challenge...
Identify your fitness weakness
If you find sticking with an exercise routine difficult, it’s a good idea to figure out why. Perhaps you feel self-conscious at the gym. Or maybe you lack fitness know-how. Today, think about what...
Get your blood pressure checked
If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to a host of health problems. In the next 24 hours, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
Start a scrapbook
Not just for new moms and school kids anymore, scrapbooking is an ideal way to cultivate a passion or memorialize the people, places, and events you cherish. This weekend, get creative and start your...
Dare to spare the air
National Clean Air Month is a great time to remind ourselves that global change starts with each and every one of us. Today, challenge yourself to do something - big or small - to spare the air. Some...
Reset your thermostat
Did you know that you can save about 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 10-15° from the usual setting during 8 hours of the day? So, for example, if your heater is...
Workout 3 times per week
Yes, we know getting off your rump can sometimes be tough. But if you’re going to experience tomorrow, why not experience it strong and healthy? Some tips for sticking with a routine: • Start off...
Create a sleep-friendly space
What could be more essential to wellbeing than sleep? In the next 24 hours, make your bedroom more sleep-friendly by identifying - and eliminating - anything that interferes with a good night’s rest...
Get acquainted with the stars
Most of us recall an astronomical moment from our youth: camping, the indigo sky and the awesome sweep of stars overhead. Get inspired again! This week, challenge yourself to do a little research to...
Grow an organic garden
Seeds and starter plants raised without pesticides and herbicides make sense if you’re going organic. And they’re readily available at garden supply centers. This spring, if you’re planning on...
Plant a tree
Deciduous trees save energy by shading you in summer and, after they’ve shed their leaves, letting sunlight heat your home in winter. This process is most energy-efficient when trees are planted on...
Join the circus
Many of us dream of flying. Make it reality with a turn on the trapeze. Circus arts programs are springing up around the country, but if they’re not available in your town check vacation destinations...
Have an album-athon
The digitization of music has a dark side: When did you last listen to an entire album? Today, challenge yourself to find a piece of music that you haven’t heard in a while and listen to it straight...
Skim the surface
Whether you strap on double skis, single skis or even a wakeboard, water-skiing will get your heart pumping and your spirit flying. With some basic boating knowledge, you can easily rent a boat and...
Cut back on salt
Diets high in sodium are associated with high blood pressure. One way to reduce your salt intake is to substitute fresh foods for processed ones. Today, challenge yourself to eat less salt. Here are...
Team up for a scavenger hunt
Get ready for fun, teamwork, and healthy competition. The scavenger hunt idea can be applied to practically any occasion or theme. Create a Photo Hunt where teams must take pictures of hard-to-find...
Go bowling in your backyard
Various forms of lawn bowling are popular around the world (bocce, boules, pétanque), probably because socializing during the game is half the fun. And since they’re non-contact sports that are about...
Go climb a mountain
Get inspired by Earth Day. Sometime during the next week, challenge yourself to hike your favorite nature trail or explore a new one. _Always consult a physician before starting any exercise routine._...
Get to know wildflowers
Can you identify the wildflowers you see on hikes or local wanderings? Learning the names of flowers – and interesting facts about the way they grow and pollinate – is a rewarding pastime that takes...
Turn off your TV
Besides leaving you free to take a walk, meditate, read, cook or socialize, a TV-free life means you save energy and feel like you did something truly rejuvenating. This week, join people across the...
Get in the swim
A low impact workout that builds strength and tones your muscles, swimming is also calming and therapeutic. Plus, gliding through that cool, invigorating water just feels fantastic. Challenge yourself...
Scoot around town
An easy-to-master cousin to the skateboard, foot-powered scooters are a great way to run an errand, visit a friend or enjoy a workout that doesn’t feel like one. Challenge yourself to engage in...
Dance with yourself
When was the last time you turned up your favorite music and boogied? If it’s been a while, you’ll be surprised to discover it’s more fun than you remember. Challenge yourself to indulge your secret...
Brave the rapids
You can raft the same river over and over and it will never be the same trip twice. Guided tours are advised, as experienced guides offer both safety training and interesting insight to the local...
Make family time happen
Sometimes it’s important to reassess our schedules and our commitment to family life. If you’ve been feeling like you don’t have enough quality time with your loved ones, challenge yourself this...
Test your luck…and tossing skills
A great option for family events, horseshoes toss extra fun into any barbecue or picnic. Challenge yourself to rally the troops and enjoy a friendly game. _(When logging progress for this...
Be a good steward of the earth
You live here. We live here. International Earth Day (on April 22) brings the world together and it feels good. This year, participants are working to combat climate change. One way to affect...
Hop to hopscotch
Remember when you owned the blacktop? Hopscotch captures the joy of using your body in challenging, varied ways, while also improving your aim and balancing skills. Plus, it’s something we can...
Plunge into nature
Leave chlorinated lanes behind and enjoy all the benefits of a brisk swim with the bonus of outdoor beauty. Join a swimming club like a triathalon training group or the so-called “polar bear” clubs...
Learn to decipher food labels
Organic, all natural, cage-free, Fair Trade...what does it all mean? Today, educate yourself about food labels.
Walk the city streets
One of the best ways to discover a city – even your own – is to ramble the streets on foot. The people, culture and landscape feel more vivid when you see them in real-time rather than whizzing by...
Get stronger
Studies show that strength training fortifies bones, increases lean muscle mass, reduces body fat, and reduces injury risk. And experts say a 20-minute session 2-3 times weekly is all you need. Today...
Make a dash for it
When was the last time you raced a friend 50 yards to the finish line? If it’s been awhile, you’ll be surprised at the adrenaline rush you get from competing full speed. Challenge yourself to gather...
Find some fine-feathered friends
Hike to your destination, then enjoy your reward: the secret sights and sounds of nature. Prepare for your birdwatching expedition by researching native species and promising spots to explore, and...
Go fly a kite
Make the best of a windy day by grabbing a kite and a few pals. Head to your favorite green space or beach for the launch. You may find that getting it to fly is harder than it looks. But once your...
Become aware of stress
Did you know that stress can cause headaches, irritability, poor concentration, confusion, and food overconsumption? The first step in reducing yours is to become aware of your stress triggers. Today...
Make like a duck and paddle
Paddling a boat can be an easy outing or a strenuous day’s adventure - it’s your pick. Choose a local pond, lake or river and a canoe, kayak or rowboat. You’ll build abdominal and upper-body strength...
Tag - you’re it!
As a kid you ran around just for the fun of it, remember? Jog your memory with friendly game of tag. You can level the playing field by having faster or fitter players hop, skip or jump instead of...
Grab a cup to go
Unless you recycle, disposable coffee cups and plastic lids pile up in our nation’s landfills. Next time you get your daily cup of joe, challenge yourself to bring a reusable mug from home.
Dive for sunken treasure
Here’s something you probably haven’t done since you were a kid. Go to a swimming pool with some friends or a group and take along some bright shiny objects. Now, toss those objects into the water...
Go in circles
Flashing lights, flashback music, and laps around the rink – time to lace up those roller skates. The roller rink provides an active outing for all ages and fitness levels. Just skip the unhealthy...
Make commercials count
Drop that remote and use commercials as a stopwatch instead. Do classic jumping jacks, or mix it up by varying your arm movement or by moving your legs in a cross-country ski motion. Research shows...
Catch a wave of your own
Less a sport than a lifestyle, surfing has a meditative mind-body aspect that earns lifetime devotees. If you’ve always wanted to try surfing but haven’t had the opportunity or courage, sign-up for a...
Make a dog’s day
If you love dogs and want to keep active, why not spend some time volunteering at a local shelter or humane society? Many facilities have programs that enable you to take homeless dogs for a walk...
Hop onto the trampoline
An easy and exhilarating way to see what your body can do when it isn’t limited by gravity. Take a trampoline class to master basic moves. By day’s end most students are tucked into a harness and...
Stroll at sunset
With the sun setting later, this is great way to end the day. You don’t need to go very far - just a stroll around the block is all it takes to get some light exercise and fresh air. If you invite a...
Monkey around at the playground
When was the last time you slid down the slide? Or hung on the monkey bars? You may be surprised that lots of these activities leave you puffing after a few tries. Bring a kid along for inspiration or...
Flip a disc
Tossing a disc with friends is simple but satisfying. Even at a basic skill level you’ll capture the game’s joys. Relish the first time you go for an impossible catch…and make it. Or improvise a game...
Learn your lesson
When you’re learning a new skill or game, exercise stops being a chore and becomes a pleasure. Pick an activity you’d like to get better at that will motivate you to move. Then challenge yourself to...
Trot to a stable
Almost anyone can ride a horse. To get started, just book a trail ride at your local stable. Your guides will teach you how to stop, start and steer. If you want to get more in-depth, take a series of...
Find your home's inner gym
Opportunities for getting active abound right at home. So don’t wait for a convenient time or place; Challenge yourself to get moving, using your everyday surroundings as a springboard for action...
Have a croquet day
It’s fun, it’s relaxing, and most of all it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon outdoors. A great game for mixed-age groups, croquet develops hand-eye coordination and puts the lawn to good use...
Get fired up with flag football
For pure athleticism that almost anyone can enjoy safely, flag football is the way to go. Just tuck some colored cloth into the back of your sweats and get ready to run your tail off. Make up crazy...
Got game?
You don’t need 10 players to take to the basketball court. Just fire-up a friend or two and practice skills you want to master, like lay-ups, three-pointers or dribbling. By focusing on the technical...
Get into dodge
Finally, something you learned in school that you can use in real life. Dodgeball is great for grown-up play and fun family events (with a few rules to keep things in check, like throwing below the...
Spread dance fever
Are you a dancing queen? Or do you have two left feet? Either way, when you gather a group of friends or kids for an at-home dance off you’ll get your heart pumping, plus a great ab workout from all...
Get rolling
Once reserved for teenage boys, skateboarding is now for anyone daring enough to try it. It can be intimidating at first, so take it slow with a test run on a flat sidewalk before you hit the street...
Get your kicks
No serious strategy or batting skills required. Kickball frees us to get goofy and get a workout to boot. Played on a standard baseball diamond, kickball uses a big rubber ball that anyone can connect...
Jump Double Dutch style
There’s a reason some of the fittest athletes in the world jump rope as part of their regimens – it works. But kids do because it’s good old-fashioned fun. Double Dutch requires extra coordination...
Take a window-shopping walk
When you're strolling and chatting with friends you don't even notice that you're getting some serious walking done too. It’s the same when you’re alone and focused on finding that perfect, elusive...
Have an exercise ball
The great thing about an exercise ball is that it’s so versatile. You can use it to strengthen your core. Or, you can tone your muscles and improve balance simply by sitting on it. Any ball you...
Roam off the beaten path
When there’s a group of friends, a campfire and slumber under the stars as payoff, the trail doesn’t seem quite so long. Backcountry hiking let’s you disconnect from the everyday and get closer to...
Peddle to the park
Riding with loved ones to a leisurely picnic lunch in the park is one of life’s simple pleasures. If the trip is too long to be do-able you can stash your bike on the front of a bus or on the subway...
Horse around with hoops
In the game of Horse, participants choose a basketball shot – easy or outlandish – that their competitors have to match. Missing earns them an unwanted letter (H, O, R, S, and E). The game ends when...
Be a home-maker
Give something back while you get active. Sign up with an organization that builds houses for the underprivileged. Groups like Habitat for Humanity and GlobalTribe organize local projects and “working...
Pick up ping pong
From the leisurely backyard variety to the intense sparring of competitive athletes, ping pong is exactly what you make of it. Open tables are often available at community centers and gyms. And some...
Hide and go seek
Where’s your best hiding spot? The great thing about playing hide and seek is that it exercises your body and your imagination. Challenge yourself to rally the young'un's and treat them to a game...
Scale a new height
Rock climbing has a counterpart that’s nearer to home and just as much fun: wall-climbing. Just head to the local climbing gym for the guidance of qualified instructors and support from other...
Strength train instead of vegging
Feeling antsy while you’re watching TV? If a show doesn’t capture your full attention, use that extra energy to do some strength training. Get out your handheld weights for some bicep curls, or try...
Catch some exercise
Few things are as elemental as tossing a ball back and forth with a friend. Challenge yourself to grab a glove, invite a kid or call up a pal, and head outside for a leisurely game of catch. _(When...
Get your garden growing
Gardening can be a surprisingly rigorous activity, made all the more satisfying by what you have to show for your efforts. Plant your favorite flowers, prune a tree, fertilize the lawn, or just pull a...
Infuse your own vinegar
Infused vinegars can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. They’re great as marinades and toppings for veggies, or as homemade gifts. In the next 24 hours,
Rev up a video
In addition to moving those muscles, workout videos can teach you new skills. Nowadays there are videos for practically any activity you’d want to try, often available online to download immediately...
Conquer a 5K
Lots of us think about running a 5K but never do it. What holds us back? The physical challenge can be intimidating. But if you can run two miles or so you can prepare with just six weeks of training...
Keep the world beautiful
Show your love for public parks, beaches and hiking trails: Call your local parks department to join a volunteer clean-up program. You’ll have an active day while meeting like-minded folks and...
Be thrifty
Thrift shops, vintage, consignment, or tag sales - whatever you call them, they’re recycling opportunities. Buying used clothing, appliances, and furniture not only saves you cash, it reduces demand...
Take credit for energy efficiency
Going green has its benefits - tax benefits, that is. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers consumers and businesses tax credits on fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-saving appliances. Today, do a...
Bike to work
According to the US Census Bureau, hundreds of thousands of Americans commute this way - and bicycling organizations believe this figure is low. The best thing about biking to work is that you get a...
Find a good salad recipe
Caesar or Waldorf? Beet or tabbouleh? It’s a toss-up. In the next 24 hours, add to your culinary repertoire by finding a salad recipe you’d like to try out. _(Watch out for the salad dressing...
Do your part for World Health Day
Personal change can be overwhelming, and making a difference globally even more so. This year, with World Health Day focusing on the effects of climate changes and how they affect everyone’s health...
Test for air leaks
Leaky homes use more energy. Here’s a neat trick for testing yours: hold a lit incense stick near windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, outlets, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches. If...
Run fully loaded
Fewer loads reduce energy output and water usage. The next time you do dishes or laundry, challenge yourself to start washers only when they’re completely filled.
Use recycled toilet paper
Tissue and TP made from other used products are less wasteful than conventionally produced options. The next time you buy this essential item, challenge yourself to look for the symbol for post...
Grow your own herb garden
Fresh herbs are not only a great way to add interesting flavors to your meals, they're also packed with nutrients. When you have them readily available, you can quickly toss them into your favorite...
Upgrade a piece of fitness equipment
Keeping yourself properly outfitted and equipped is important for fitness safety and injury prevention. In the next 24 hours, examine your fitness gear, paying particular attention to your clothing...
Seal your home
Sealing your home’s envelope—walls, floor, ceiling and roof—can save up to 10% on annual energy costs. Some tips: • Reduce drafts by adding weather stripping to windows and doors • Caulk ducts...
Recommend something
Remember the last time you suggested a movie/restaurant/book and basked in the glow of a tip well done? Try it again in the next 24 hours. It takes some courage, but the rewards definitely outweigh...
Do some sit-ups
If you haven’t done them for a while, you’ll discover they’re pretty challenging. In the next 24 hours, test the strength in your abs by doing one or two sets of 8-15 sit-ups. _Always consult a...
Bring balance to your digestive tract
Most people know that fiber is important for healthy digestion. But did you know that digestive harmony is also supported by beneficial bacteria? Probiotics help break down foods and maintain...
Confront a fear or phobia
No matter what you’re afraid of, it takes a lot of courage to face something that scares you. Today, challenge yourself to make a list of your fears or phobias. Then, pick one you’re ready to...
Go to a movie by yourself
If you’ve never done this before, you’ll be surprised at how liberating it can be. Although your first time may cause you to feel somewhat vulnerable, once you’ve done it you’ll be really empowered...
Be proactive about your health
Regular medical screenings are great tools for keeping on top of your physical health - and are recommended for everyone at various stages in their lives. Sometime in the next six months, find out...
Read a book in a new genre
Are you a fan of mystery novels or biographies? Whatever books you favor, it’s good to occasionally break out of your habit and discover something new. The next time you buy a book, challenge...
Get your eyes checked
Do you think that having 20/20 vision means you don’t need an eye exam? Well, if you do you’re mistaken. Even people with perfect vision still need yearly eye exams. Illnesses that can eventually rob...
Banish negative thoughts
We all have an inner critic that tells us when we’ve done something wrong and won’t let us forget it. What’s worse is sometimes it’s difficult to quiet that critic and get on with our day. Today...
Try ballroom dancing
Looking for an activity that feels more like play than like a workout? How about ballroom dancing? It’s not an activity reserved for older generations anymore. Lately, everyone’s trying it. Best of...
Clean your refrigerator coils
You’ve probably never heard about this energy saving tip before. How do you do it? The first step is to go to your local hardware store and buy a coil-cleaning brush. Next, unplug your refrigerator...
Know what to eat
March is National Nutrition Month®. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) every year, this campaign’s goal is to focus attention on the importance of developing healthy eating habits...
Build up your calcium
It’s important to get enough calcium every day, regardless of your age or gender. And the sooner you start meeting your daily requirements, the better. Why? Well, in addition to using calcium to...
Practice sun salutations
Sun salutations are a great method for loosening up in the morning and kick-starting your day. If you’ve never heard of them, they’re a yogic practice of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful...
Avoid dry cleaning, try “wet cleaning”
Conventional dry cleaning almost always uses perchloroethylene, or "perc," which is a probable carcinogen. Although some dry cleaners in states like California have begun to offer healthier options, there...
Make time for you
Many of us spend our days rushing from activity to activity with precious few moments to really stop and enjoy small pleasures. Today, make an effort to break that cycle. Challenge yourself to...
Write a grocery list
What you buy at the grocery store really determines what you eat until your next shopping trip...and what you snack on. That’s why it’s very important to plan your meals for the week and write out a...
Make a water heater cozy
An insulating blanket wrapped around your water heater can help lower your energy bill. How? It helps the heater retain heat. Insulating blankets are easy to set up and cheap to buy. (They’re usually...
Be on time
Some people are always on time, while others are chronically late. Few people fall somewhere in between. If you’re usually late, challenge yourself to be on time wherever you go today. Make the...
Eat a little, then wait
Did you know that it takes 20 minutes for your belly to tell your brain it’s full? That’s why it’s so important to pace yourself during meals, chew slowly, and savor every bite. Today, challenge...
Correct your posture
One of the first things that we notice about people is their posture. We tend to interpret people who stand up straight as self-confident, while we imagine those who slouch as less comfortable with...
Make a snack menu
There are so many nutritious and delicious combinations of snack foods. Oftentimes, though, when we’re hungry and on-the-go we grab the first thing available, which is not always the healthiest...
Lift your mood with music
If you sit down and pay attention to how music makes you feel you realize how powerfully it can affect your emotions. And not just your emotions. According to some studies, music actually stimulates...
Eat 5 today
Most of us know that it’s a healthy habit to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies every day, but many of us fall short of this goal. Why? Well, for starters, what’s a ‘serving’ anyway? First of...
Wash all your laundry in cold water
When you use cold water to wash both darks and whites, you reduce your gas consumption. An added bonus is that you also preserve the wear and tear on your clothes. The next time you do laundry...
Get hydrated
While there is no consensus in the scientific community about exactly how much water the average person needs, it’s still a good idea to drink it regularly. Lots of us, though, don’t drink much and...
Be kind, randomly
At some point or other, we’ve all probably seen that ubiquitous bumper sticker “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” So this challenge might sound a little cliché. But that...
Take walking breaks
Sometimes finding 30 minutes in your day to take a walk just doesn’t sound do-able. The great thing is that recent research has shown that exercise doesn’t need to be ‘all at once’ to be beneficial...
Color your diet healthful
Fruits and veggies are actually colored by their various nutrients and phytochemicals. As a result, the more colors you eat at each meal, the more nutritious it is. Today, challenge yourself to...
Try salsa dancing
Dancing is such a fun, liberating activity. And what’s really great about salsa dancing is that its popularity means there are lots of opportunities for free classes in many of the medium- and...
Install faucet aerators
Are you serious about conserving water in your home? One of the best ways to do this is to install aerators on your faucets. Unsure about whether you need aerators? Look at the side of your faucet spigot...
Learn CPR
What better way to celebrate American Heart Month than by learning CPR? It really doesn’t take much a time and the rewards are substantial. What you learn in a short afternoon class could enable you...
Avoid a workout rut
Adding variety to your regular workout routine is more important than you might think. New activities not only keep you interested and motivated, they also challenge your muscles work harder to adapt...
Tune-in to your internal clock
Sleeping is part of your body’s 24-hour biological cycle, also known as your circadian rhythm. When you get enough sleep, your body has time to do regular maintenance work. That’s why after a good night...
Simplify dinner
Cooking a nutritious meal after a long day at work can sometimes be overwhelming. One great way to reduce the effort - and the dishes afterward - is to cut-up your produce before leaving the house in...
Reduce your office paper use
Ever find yourself lamenting the stacks of discarded paper in your office? Even though they’re in the recycling bin, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like it’s enough. Today, try to reduce your...
Smile at strangers
Isn’t it amazing how a smile from a passing stranger can brighten your day? Today, challenge yourself to smile at someone in passing. Spread a little happiness.
Throw a chocolate tasting party
Now that the holidays are over you may find yourself missing some of the hustle and bustle of social events and activities. Which is why we think that throwing a chocolate tasting party this month is...
Check your showerhead
Today, test your showerhead to find out whether you could be saving some serious water by installing a low-flow model. Here’s how: • Put a bucket into your shower and fill it with 2.5 gallons of...
Be good to your heart
February is American Heart Month. And since Kashi is a big proponent of keeping your heart healthy, we thought we’d highlight it by posting a challenge. This month, make an effort to pay...
Reward yourself for achieving fitness goals
Have you written down an exercise plan and worked toward your fitness goals? If so, you might want to plan out ways to reward yourself once you’ve met them. Lots of people find this practice...
Adjust your computer’s energy settings
Depending on your computer, there are several ways to adjust its settings to make it energy efficient during the day. For example, on a PC there’s a difference between ‘standby’ and ‘hibernate’ for...
Swap sweets for seasonal fruit
When we think of sweet treats, we often imagine decadent and sugary desserts. But there are lots of delicious options that are healthy for you too. Today, when you’re craving something sweet...
Visualize yourself healthy
Practiced by athletes to improve sports performance, mental conditioning can also work for overcoming everyday stress and improving health. What is it, exactly? A practice based on four core...
Measure out snacks for the week
It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re eating when you snack. Grabbing from a bag of nuts or box of crackers, you usually have no idea how much you’ve eaten. A great technique for avoiding this...
Clean out your fridge
Refrigerators have a way of collecting stuff that doesn’t get eaten. It’s important to remember that most foods have a shelf life even if they seem to last longer. This is especially true of...
Buy Fair Trade
Shopping at your local grocery store, you may have seen the “Fair Trade Certified” label on foods like chocolate, tea, coffee, sugar, wine, and fruit. But what exactly does it mean? Essentially...
Test your bones
Although it may sound somewhat scary or painful, having your bone mineral density tested is anything-but. This test is simple, pain-free, and non-invasive. And you can even keep your clothes on! What...
Ask for help
Because we live in a culture that prizes self-sufficiency and independence, reaching out to others for help can feel pretty risky. In this environment, however, requesting help can actually signify...
Give your car a breather
Think about millions of parents all over the world waiting in their idling cars for their children to come out of school. Now add up all that wasted gas and air pollution. Although it may not seem...
Know your portions
When we’re hungry, our eyes are often bigger than our bellies and we tend to overeat. That’s why it’s so important to know what healthy-sized portions are for our favorite foods...and to savor those...
Have a tea party
Although you might think that tea parties are for children, they’re actually quite fun for adults too. Especially if you plan them on a theme. The best ones are based on a tea’s origins. For example...
Do a crossword puzzle
If you’ve never done a crossword puzzle before, they may seem pretty intimidating at first. But crosswords come in a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. If you don’t feel like you...
Keep an exercise diary
This is another wonderful idea for keeping yourself motivated toward achieving your fitness goals. And there are lots of different methods for doing it. You can use websites that are designed for this...