I had a job with a heavy workload where my team was understaffed. I enjoyed that job, because everyone was reliable, our workflows were efficient, and we communicated well with each other. I had jobs that paid high salaries; but I was rarely home, tired all the time, and never felt I was helping society. I worked on a project that was chaotic, missed deadlines, and lacked resources. But I enjoyed problem-solving the issues, I helped people who were in need, and the client was pleased with the outcome.

What did I learn from all of that? My ideal job involves problem-solving, has great team communication, allows for quality time at home, and helps people who are in need despite a heavy workload and varying schedule.

With each struggle, obstacle, and inconvenience is a chance to learn what we need to feel fulfilled, the things we absolutely cannot bear, and what costs little-to-nothing in the pursuit of happiness.

One night during my third year of college, some friends knocked on my dorm room door proclaiming, "We're going country line dancing! Let's go!" In which reality would you see a Jamaican going country line dancing in the middle of Connecticut? Apparently, in the one where your friends offer to pay for everything.

With our fast-paced, mind-cluttering existence, stress, anxiety, and lack of restful sleep are very common among adults. One tool for helping ease these issues is the weighted blanket.

Originally created in the 1990's to provide calming effects on those with mental health conditions, weighted blankets apply "deep touch pressure" to the body, providing a feedback to our nervous system that reduces anxiety and makes it easier to fall asleep, similar to swaddling a baby.

Weighted blankets come in various sizes and weights, and the recommended weight for sleeping is ~10% of your body weight (if that feels too heavy, it's fine to go even lighter). Some are puffy like a comforter for warmth, and others are thin to provide breathability for people who have night sweats. For those who need help managing stress and anxiety during the day, lap blankets and throws are great to use while seated at a desk, traveling, or lounging on the couch.

Weighted blankets are available for both adults and children who weigh at least 50 pounds and can be easily purchased online or in department stores. So, curl up with one for more calm, a better night's sleep, and cozy 'hug' on demand.

We get our energy from the food we eat, and we need energy to get through the day. But, how does that energy flow throughout the body? 

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that just as blood flows through blood vessels, life energy flows throughout the body via meridians. Meridians are a network of channels connecting all parts of the body, distributing energy to where it's needed. 

Meridians can become blocked, which creates pain, muscles spasms, inflammation, joint stiffness, fatigue, and other physical discomfort. These energy blocks can be caused by poor physical care, unfavorable environmental conditions, and persistent mental/emotional stress. 

To help remove blocks from the meridians and keep energy flowing throughout the body, many have turned to:
• Acupuncture, acupressure, or reflexology: inserting needles into or applying pressure to points on the body to break up energy blocks.
• Qigong or Tai chi: using physical movements to help move energy throughout the body.
• Reiki: channeling and delivering life energy to the body to restore energy levels and proper energy flow. 

With these techniques at your disposal, don't suffer unnecessarily with discomfort and sluggishness. Treat your mind and body by boosting your energy flow.

When things don't go according to plan or become uncomfortable, it's easy to get caught up in anger, fear, worry, sadness, or feeling defeated. However, if we take a breath, pause for a moment, and observe things neutrally, we can find a lesson in every situation.

You had a performance review with your boss. You did not meet expectations, and you spent an hour going over what improvements are needed. You may feel sad; ashamed; or angry at yourself, the boss, or the job. You could also see it as a chance to learn how to grow in your job role.