Problem: Article: Write down a list that eliminates unhealthy snacks and incorporates healthy snacks you want to try. Do your best to stick to the list, while also keeping an open mind to trying new things. The unfortunate truth is that organic, sugar-free, and low-fat items are generally more expensive. If you rely on fresh fruits and vegetables, you may find that you’re shopping more frequently and having to replenish food items in larger quantities. This is where fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and fresh grains are stocked. The inner aisles carry processed and packaged foods such as potato chips, cookies, and frozen snacks.  Health food stores offer healthy options throughout the entire store. Feel free to wander unhindered! If you want a packaged snack, make sure to read the ingredients on the label. A label that claims it has all-natural ingredients does not always mean it is a healthy choice. A common example is all-natural fruit juice, which is actually high in sugar. Organic may be healthier, but it can still be an unnecessary and indulgent snack. Choosing a package of cookies just because they are organic will do nothing to improve your snacking habits. Stick with healthy food choices and avoid purchasing items that you can easily do without.
Summary: Create a shopping list. Be prepared to spend more money. Keep to the outer rim of the grocery store. Read and compare the labels. Avoid indulgent purchases.

Problem: Article: Have a plan in place to get your brand name in as many stores and in front of as many people as possible. Depending on the product or service you’re offering, you might want to consider taking out ads online, in newspapers, in magazines, and wherever you might find new customers.  Apply your branding, including your visual brand and brand messages, to all of your materials—from packaging, signage, and stationery, to your website and marketing materials. Don’t be shy about boldly branding your products and displaying them in as many venues as possible. You want your brand to be everywhere people look. Advertise your brand in unexpected places. Radio advertisements, employee uniforms, and freebies with logos (such as tissues or pens) are all relatively inexpensive ways to promote your brand. See if you can get publicity from a local newspaper, TV station or blog who will review your product or service. Social media is one of the best ways to build a brand these days. Get basic social media accounts and update them regularly with pictures, deals, and other information about your company. Find things that are related and appeal to your customers and give them the chance to interact.  For example, if you're a travel company, post a picture of a beautiful location with a message something like: "Counting down the weeks to summer vacation and some time to unwind! Where do you want to travel this year?" Do not become spam. Avoid constantly pushing your brand in an annoying way or without context or to people that have no interest. Stay out of your customer's recycle bins. Be real and conversational, not a metaphorical sleazy car salesman. This is the age of the Internet and social media, so having a website is central to building a brand. It's fine to base your business in the flesh and traditional media, but if you don't at least have a website, you'll be seen as old-fashioned and inaccessible. Hire a professional or use a template and get a nice looking website. This should, at a minimum, discuss what your brand is about, where your offices can be found, what your hours are, and how you can be contacted.  Use your site as an opportunity to tell your story proudly. People have an easier time understanding something that fits into a story, and they'll especially identify with things that let them feel like they're a part of that story. Give your customers a story that they can be a part of if you want to build your brand into a big name. Publish it on your website’s “about” page or distribute it in your publicity materials. For example, in the '80s and '90s, Microsoft painted themselves as a company that pulled themselves up by their bootstraps in order to become the most innovative and effective product in their field. This resonated with business-oriented individuals, who wanted to see their own lives in the same way and who could feel apart of that spirit of greatness by buying Microsoft products. Having an in-person presence helps to build trust and spread the word about your brand. Throw events, attend events put on by others, do volunteer work, and be civically active. This is a great way for your customers and potential customers to see what your brand stands for.  Street fairs and other daytime events often provide opportunities for businesses to set up a table and hand out information. Take advantage of this opportunity to forge bonds with people in your community who could potentially be customers. Giving back to your community through donations and sponsorships is another good way to get your brand out there. You could sponsor a little league team or a girl scout troop to build up your community presence.
Summary: Develop a marketing strategy.  Have a presence on social media. Have a killer website. Be involved in the community.

Problem: Article: If you often feel hopeless or worthless, you are probably depressed. This is a serious medical condition that needs treatment. The sooner you understand this, the sooner you can find support and improve your well-being.  Click here to learn more signs of depression. The people in these groups share their experiences, encourage each other, and give advice on how to cope. You might be surprised by the number of people who understand what you're going through.  In the United States, search this map of support groups. There are many online support groups or depression forums as well, including the DBSA alliance, depression-understood.org, or the collection listed at psych central. You may even want to look into Youtube channels that deal with depression. This can help you to find a community of people who are having similar experiences. Take a few minutes each day to unload your thoughts and feelings on paper. Many people find they feel better if they get a chance to "share" private experiences in this way. Over time, the journal can help you identify what affects your mood, and which coping mechanisms help or don't help. End each entry with something you're grateful for. Remembering small things like a good cup of coffee or a stranger smiling at you can boost your mood. Forcing yourself to stick to a regular schedule can help your mood, though this can take a few weeks to kick in. Try to get enough sleep each night, and get up and dressed each morning. Leave the house for at least a short walk. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can lead to a major mood boost. Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. While they may make you feel better in the short term, they often make it harder to fight your depression. Overcome your addiction with professional help if necessary. Therapy is an effective treatment for depression, recommended by many experts and organizations. Regular visits with a licensed psychologist can help you find coping mechanisms and make positive life changes.  You might need to try out several therapists before you find one that you are comfortable with. Give it time to work. Many people visit a therapist weekly for six to twelve months. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to manage depression, but keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution. Medication alone will not solve your problems, so it is still important to work with a therapist and work on specific concerns. There are many varieties of medication out there, and you may need to try several before you find one that works. Talk to your psychiatrist often about how your new medication is working, and about side effects you've noticed. A combination of medication and therapy may be the most effective treatment, especially for teenagers. Medication alone is typically less effective over the long term. When you're upset, visit a quiet, private place. Natural surroundings work especially well. Sit down and focus on deep, slow breathing. Many people learn to improve their mood through meditation or prayer.
Summary:
Understand your depression. Join a depression support group. Keep a journal. Make healthy lifestyle changes. Seek therapy. Consider medication. Practice meditation or prayer.