Snapping a Photo Sharpens Memory:
When we spot something we want to remember, such as a ladybug resting on a flower, we often take our phone and snap a photo. It turns out, even if you never look at the image again, you still recall it later on. Why? Yale researchers found that just taking the photo tells your brain to concentrate more closely on what you’re seeing, which embeds it deeply into your memory center of your brain, so it sticks.

Can’t Find your Keys? Crinkle a Sheet of Tinfoil:
Instead of tearing the house apart when you can’t locate your phone, glasses or keys, etc., ball up a sheet of aluminum foil while paying attention to the feeling as it compresses in your hands. Practicing mindfulness with a simple gesture like this can help to boost spatial memory that’s needed to find objects and even navigate directions. The tactile sensation of the foil momentarily redirects your attention, letting your brain’s memory centers reboot, so it becomes significantly easier to access stored information. A study on mindfulness found that 63 percent of participants reported an increase of memory, concentration, and general wellness. (Journal of Scientific Reports)

Taking a Break Can Lead to Breakthroughs:
Stuck on a task? A study in Psychology Science found that by stepping outside for just 60 seconds, even a quick "joy break" resets your brain so you’re more open to new ideas.  

Playing Fetch Strengthens Your Immune System:
To ward off a cold, flu, and other viruses, toss a ball with your dog, chase down the ice-cream truck with your kids, or do anything fun that’s quick and high intensity. While chronic stress weakens the immune system, Stanford scientists say short bouts of "good" stress such as sprinting, produce hormones (norepinephrine, epinephrine and cortisol) that bolster defenses by signaling immune cells to spread throughout the body, enabling them to better attack bacterial and viral invaders.

"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller

"If it gets hard, know that it might get harder, but eventually every storm runs out of rain." ~ Maya Angelou

"When faced with a challenge, fear and uncertainty are often inevitable." ~ Arch Bishop Tutu

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open." ~ John Barrymore