Mental Health

We all know dogs offer love and companionship.

If you don't have a family meal each day, it's time to get out the plates. Table time yields benefits that go far beyond food. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University says that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs.

Throughout your day, consider these ideas to reduce stress.

1. Take five to 30 minutes in the morning to be quiet and meditate. Sit or lie down, and be with yourself.

The holiday season is upon us, but does the thought of family commitments, cooking and shopping stress you out? For many, the several weeks can produce extra stress, a breakdown in healthy eating habits and even depression.

Whether you're laughing at the Saturday morning cartoons, listening to your favorite comedian or on the verge of tears from the office clown, a good laugh seems to do wonders for your mind and body.