ARE YOU A NEW SIESTA MAGAZINE READER?
If so, then the message below if for you!
Since the STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED newsmail began in January of 2006, it has grown in length and popularity, now reaching multiple states in the US as well as several European countries. As SPM strives to offer a fresh look with each issue, Siesta Magazine has moved all contents to this blogspot site, which was created back in the spring of 2009. For those subscribing to Siesta Magazine through standard e-mails, reminder e-mails for the Siesta Magazine link will discontinue being sent out as of this month. All subscribers who wish to continue reading each issue may keep this website address in their favourites and refer to it on the first of each month.
www.siestamagazine.blogspot.com
Thank you for understanding about STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED simplifying! It just proves that SPM practices what it preaches!
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"Bleeding Hearts of NYC" Conservatory Garden, Central Park, NYC -DeNitto ©2004
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
+ SPEAKING OF SIESTAS!
+ THE BOOK CORNER
+ PICK OF THE MONTH
+ RECIPE OR COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH **COOKBOOK PART IS NEW!
+ GREEN LIVING TIPS
+ TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
+ MOM TIME
+ SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH
+ QUOTE OF THE MONTH
+ PHOTO OF THE MONTH
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+ SPEAKING OF SIESTAS!
{ Pictured: Ulysses resting from his little kitty journey. DeNitto © 2006 } A siesta /siːˈɛstə/, original Spanish pronunciation [ˈsjesta] is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some hot countries. The word siesta is Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta - "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest").
At SPM the true definition is taken a bit further. If a nap is not possible, but there is enough time allowed for any other type of break, it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of that precious moment. As long as the mind and body can rest for a short period as often as possible during the work week, it can only enhance the quality of living.
Each month, learn more facts about SIESTAS and how you may benefit from taking them into your daily routine.
Below are February's SIESTA TIPS/FACTS:
SLEEP BETTER TO KEEP HEART HEALTHY
Emory University doctors and researchers continue to study sleep and sleep apnea with links to heart problems. Like many other studies througout the world, research shows definite risks stemming from disrupted or inadequate sleeping patterns that can cause health issues with this most vital organ. If you feel that you may have sleep issues that are affecting your health, it may be wise to read about such risks and make an appointment to with a healthcare professional to learn about how to adjust your routines in order to improve the situation and prevent long term problems in the future.
SLEEP BETTER FOR YOUR HEART
For more information on the The Emory Clinic Sleep Center at Emory University, visit the link below.
EMORY CLINIC SLEEP CENTER
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+ THE BOOK CORNER
This section offers ideas for books related to various subjects including organizing, designing, lifestyle improvements, humour, business, psychology and green living. During the year, the occasional novel or biography may also slip into an issue.
: BOOK RECOMMENDATION FOR FEBRUARY :
TITLE: Boost Your Heart Health: Vital Ways to Nurture Your Most Vital Organ
AUTHOR: Dr. Ruth Chambers
COPYRIGHT: 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0399533761
As part of Dr. Ruth Chambers' "52 Brilliant Ideas" book series, this book takes the reader through 52 chapters of how to take better care of your heart. In addition to the already assumed diet and exercise tips and recommendations, Dr. Chambers pours light onto other important considerations. Such considerations are found in chapters 24-28, 45, 48 and 51, which cover anxiety, depression, relaxation, stress, adequate sleep, job satisfaction and time management. This all ties into keeping well organized in order to enjoy family, work and overall quality of life. It's worth a read if you feel that your current status of work and personal life is taking a toll on your heart health.
HEALTHY HEART READING
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+ PICK OF THE MONTH
MAKE SURE YOU ARE TAKING THE RIGHT MEDICATION!
If the room is dim or your sight is not what it once was, a mistake could be made if not able to see the small print clearly enough on what you hope is your medication. Here is a helpful item that helps to avoid such a possibility.
PRESCRIPTION MAGNIFIER
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+ RECIPE OR COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH
HERE'S A RECENT COOKBOOK HITTING THE SHELVES!
For those living alone or with one other person, there are times when cooking for such a low number can be just as challenging as cooking for ten or more. Having leftovers is nice... but you don't want to have too many leftovers taking up space or being wasted. Also, the meals that you plan for shouldn't be too difficult to prepare, particularly if you live in a small space. The cookbook below, having just hit bookshelves in October of 2009, may prove to be helpful when cooking for two or less hungry souls.
TITLE: The Pleasures of Cooking for One
AUTHOR: Judith Jones
COPYRIGHT: 2009
ISBN-13: 9780307270726
SOLO COOKING
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+ GREEN LIVING TIPS
It's time to Greeganize!!! (an official SPM term!)
February Tip:
What's that? You don't already have a home recycling center?
With Earth Day coming in April, why wait to create a nice recycling center at home? By organizing a specific area of the home, the habit of recycling can be adjusted to quite easily.
See links below for help getting started!
SETTING UP A HOME RECYCLING CENTER
WOODEN TRASH BINS
ELECTRONIC RECYCLING CENTER
Now is the time to embrace the green.......
>>In future issues, Siesta Magazine will offer more tips or product guidelines with the latest information on how to adopt routines of green living!
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+ TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
TOO MANY WIRES!!!
With the simple idea of labels for cords and cables for computer or entertainment centers, you can save a lot of time with installations or disconnections if moving, needing repairs or adding new components.
See links below for products on the market specifically for this problem that so many of us have to battle with.
CABLE IDS
CORDOTZ
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+ MOM TIME
FORWARD: A note from SPM MOM...
During the early 1990's, as a mother raising two children through their first years, I now learn of many new products that are thrilling to me, even with my empty nest. I often find myself wishing that some of them were available 22 years ago. Below are neat links and ideas to products or educational items currently on today's market for parents to explore for their children-- babies through college students!
READING IS FUN!
Parents can gear up for the next National TV Turnoff Week by encouraging kids to have better habits in reading so that their they look forward to settling down with a good book.
Making it fun for kids to want to read regularly...
PHOTO BOOKMARKS
LETTER GAMES
For the older kid, late nights studying in bed can tend to be the trend. Give your student more comfort with a lap desk.
LAP DESKS
And for the serious scholar...
LEVENGER
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+ SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY ~ The Heart of the Matter...
It's quite possible that last year may be considered a record year for people making life altering changes. Many changes may have been forced, while others happened voluntarily. During 2009, it was observed that more and more people were asking themselves why they were bothering with certain items, people or issues in their lives. Many began to wonder if what they were putting so much time, energy, money or care into was really worth it. With so many Americans using the recession as a time to reflect and reprioritize, one question seems to have risen over and over again.
"Is my heart really in this?"
Some may have answered "yes", while others came to the realization that what they were in the deep habit of hanging onto as a job, relationship, hobby, residence or possession was no longer what they desired.
Some people may have removed themselves from a job in which they were only finding themselves overworked, underpaid and generally miserable from day after day. Even with the risk of high unemployment, some of these people prefered to take that chance by leaving one job, (in hopes of another,) with the notion that remaining a minute longer in such misery could be detrimental to their health and sanity. They determined that leaving would be healthier than staying.
The same senario goes for those who detached themselves from relationships with people who caused them more stress and anguish than care and consideration. They decided that the relationship was, in some way or another, harming their ability to live in peace and that the stress was causing their overall health to deteriorate. The disruption of issues within a relationship can easily cause a number of health risks.
Still others have given up a once enjoyed hobby for various reasons ranging from commitment to finances. What was once a splendid activity may have changed over the years and simply became more of a chore than something once enjoyed.
In some cases, it was the location of residence that was the problem. In finding that a location of residence had grown boring with no room for improvement or new opportunities, a cloud of dullness began to hover over the area. Over time, it may have become less attractive or less safe. Or, it may be the opposite in that the area has improved so well that it has become too expensive to continue maintaining. Whatever the case, moments came when locations needed to change in effort to improve the overall situation.
As for possessions, many, many people have lessened their loads, whether it be of trinkets, clothing, books, cars, boats or even real estate. The reasons, again, may have stemmed from financial obligations causing stress on accounts... not to mention, again... that their hearts simply were not in it.
Their hearts no longer cared as much for the sports car that had once thrilled them to pieces. Their hearts were no longer in the vacation house that no one seemed to remain interested in visiting. Their hearts were no longer fascinated with the jewelry collection that somehow didn't keep the meaning that it once had.
No matter what the reason, whether it is a hobby, person, or possesion, if your heart isn't in it, it will begin to weigh down on your soul and drain your energy. You see, decluttering is NOT simply about possessions. Rather, decluttering is about everything, tangible or not. Yes, a room can be decluttered, but so can a mind and heart, which is equally, if not more important to consider.
Clutter drains us. It drains us of energy, clear thinking, healthy habits and happiness.
Is what you are doing or who you are associating your time with worth the stress, worry, disruptions, money, time or energy?
In keeping a healthy heart in mind during this National Heart Month, consider what might be troublesome deep down and ask yourself if your heart is in it. Ask yourself if it may be helpful to make any changes to relieve yourself of what may no longer be worth your attention. Without making any huge and abrupt alterations to your life, figure out what small changes can be made and see if they make an overall difference in the other areas of your life.
Once you have adjusted to small changes, you may either notice a difference in the weight you carry on your shoulders or you may wish to continue altering a few more issues or habits to continue into an upward path until you find that your heart is in everything you do or have.
Remember, when your heart is in what you do and in the people you spend your time with, your happiness beams outward... and as it beams outwards, it will reflect back toward you. If there is any cycle in life that is worthy as a habit, having your heart in "it" is the cycle you want to be stuck in...
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+ QUOTE OF THE MONTH
One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter. --James Earl Jones
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+ PHOTO OF THE MONTH
"NYC Traffic Free" - 7th Avenue, NYC DeNitto ©2005
