Blue Zones Project Blog

When we’re feeling stressed or pressed for time, many of us are tempted to give up a few precious hours of sleep to tick a few more items off our to-do lists. But trading too much sleep for wakefulness comes at a cost.

Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” While this quote was part of a statement following the WWII destruction of Britain’s House of Commons, many have shifted the words over the years to read, “We shape our homes and then our homes shape us.” Not exactly a historically accurate quote, but no less true today.

When we hear the term, “spring cleaning,” we all know what this means - it’s that time of year again when deep cleaning and decluttering of our living spaces are in order. Why is it that spring is the best time to clean our homes, and why do we need to do this anyway?

The decision to start a new exercise routine can be downright daunting. Even more so if you’re juggling a full-time job, a family, and all the other time and energy life can demand. But you don’t need to spend a lot on an expensive gym membership or a monthly stationary bike rental to move your fitness needle. Here are a few tips for establishing an effective fitness routine in the comfort of your own home.

The importance of spending time together as a family (or chosen family) is pretty indisputable. Fostering healthy connections with family members is crucial for our social well-being, and for our overall wellness. 

May is Mediterranean Diet Month, a campaign started in 2019 by the Mediterranean Foods Alliance to celebrate the good-for-you foods associated with this region of the world.

The month of May brings warmer temperatures and longer days as well as many delicious fresh fruits and vegetables at their peak. It’s no wonder then that May is also National Salad Month.

If you hadn’t made the leap before, the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown aggressively shoved most everyone into the virtual world, whether it was by streaming movies at home instead of going to a theater, or buying dinner via a food delivery app. Some of these things will no doubt be ditched ASAP, but others will be permanently woven into our culture going forward. 

There's no doubt about it: We are smack-dab in the middle of winter. As beautiful and fun as these colder months can be, they can also bring challenges to our physical and mental health. Some can be mild, like dry skin or holding a few extra pounds, and others can be more serious, like seasonal depression.

Sure, the kitchen is where you cook, but it can also be the heart of your home. It may be where you gather with family to share stories about your day over a meal. Or your kitchen may be the place where you share recipes, and good times with friends.