Action Plan

6 simple ways to make a difference in your life

1. Find Peace on a Garden Bench
What better place to rest, recoup, and refresh your flagging spirit than a secluded spot in the garden or backyard? Designate a quite outdoor seat just for dreaming-and visit it as frequently as you can this summer.

2. Make Walking a Practice
Sure, you know how to do it, in the left-foot/right-foot sort of way. But if you approach walking mindfully, you can elevate this everyday function to a powerful centering practice for mind/body health.

3. Eat More Flax
It's easy. Mix a single tablespoon of ground flax seeds in a daily meal to help protect against heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer.

4. Cut the Added Sugar
From pasta sauce and soups to bread and cereals, added sugar is seemingly everywhere. A three-week reduction plan will help curb your cravings, reawaken your taste buds, and set you on a nutritional course to better health-one that celebrates sugar in moderation.

5. Be a Friend
Female companions have more to offer than just a good time (or a good cry). We reap tangible health benefits by connecting with our girl-friends. Make friends a priority, not an "extra", in your life.

6. Transform Your Anger
Don't simmer and seethe-or adopt eye-for-an-eye tactics. Your anger offers a priceless opportunity for self-understanding. Use it as fuel to create a life that reflects your values.