Hobbies can keep you healthy

When you think of hobbies keeping you healthy, I bet you are thinking about ones that are physically active. It is true that keeping fit will help you stay healthy but often mental health is not taken into consideration at all. Studies have shown us that happy people live longer than depressed people. Depression kills, depression is unhealthy.

In order to keep yourself happy and depression free take up a hobby that is mind challenging and fun. Try guitar lessons, photography, training a pet, knitting or learning something new that you wanted to do since you were little. Even meeting with old friends you have not talked to in years or putting a scrapbook together can bring interest back into your life. Don't let the economy get to you. You don't have to spend a dime to be happy. Happiness is a frame of mind. What ever you do to find that frame is all you need to stay there.

A healthy birthday

Birthday parties are fun and often fattening. Here are some tips to have a healthier birthday celebration.

• Eat small portions. You don't have to do without gourmet birthday cakes, just have a "taster" instead of filling up your plate with it. 
• If you are the host then put out more fruit and serve fruit juices. 
• Enjoy more active party games like swimming or playing a team sport. Forget those lame thinking games like trivial pursuit.
• Finally, don't stress out. Parties are often a source of stress for many people - don't sweat it, enjoy it.