The Daily Minute v.VII

TDM7

Good morning, brand names and generic equivalents, and you know who you are. It’s another great day here at the mile-high broadcast tower and media complex of The 200 Project, and this is your Take 5 Daily Alignment.

Today, we travel around the virtual world in five easy steps. Here we go:

1. Urban Harvest digs Houston. Literally. This “nonprofit organization [has] three hardworking programs at its core: Community Gardens, gardening and youth Education, and Farmers Markets.” They’re one of the true-blue – er, true-green? – advocates for growing and eating local. Not only that: If you feel like getting down to the gritty-gritty, there are volunteer opportunities aplenty to help in their gardens and elsewhere, and no experience is required. Definitely worth a peek.

2.And speaking of doing the heavy lifting, our friends at Yoga Journal have been working to compose a list of yoga retreats that are more “one with the universe”of your budget. Is it time to get yer chataranga on beneath some swaying palms? Beautiful destinations that will restore and refresh you. Check out the list here.

3. There’s a lot to like about the food traditions of India. Visiting Govinda’s Restaurant in Houston, you can really enjoy delicious and healthy foods that are vegan or vegetarian and anything but boring. The 200 Project visited there recently and seriously contemplated moving in. We are happy to recommend this restaurant for their beautiful array of foods, their friendly staff, and comfortable setting. Plan to visit them the next time you’re in Houston.

4. Here’s a resource you may not know about: The Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Don’t scoff. Anxiety is the número uno mental health problem in the U.S. today, affecting over 18 percent of the population over the age of 40. The ADAA site is home to valuable information on a wide range of related conditions and the resources available to assist you in getting help for yourself or a loved one.

5. And while we’re on the topic of the goings-on inside our head, did you know just how healthy laughing is for you? It’s no joke. According to Helpguide.org: “Laughter relaxes the whole body, boosts the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins, protects the heart, burns calories, and lightens anger’s heavy load. And it may even help you to live longer: A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much.” Looks like laughing is no laughing matter. Get serious and laugh some today. For a belly laugh or two, try out the Top 100 here.

We’ll be back Monday with more curated guides to enhance your life.

Until then, live in the heart of the moment and you’ll never miss a thing.

Remember to please visit the200project.com, and like us like you like us.