A good mattress is the foundation for getting cozy in bed. You may need a new mattress if your mattress is 5 to 7 years old, you wake up with pain or stiffness, your mattress sags or has lumps, or you find that you get better sleep when you are not in your bed. Your mattress should be comfortable, support your body, and keep your spine in the same shape as when you are standing.  If you cannot afford a new mattress, try a mattress topper or a thick mattress pad.  There are many options including feather toppers, egg crate toppers, and memory foam toppers. It is important to invest in a good mattress that will last because you spend about a third of your life sleeping, and this should be on a quality mattress that meets your comfort needs. Always test a mattress before you buy it.  Take off your shoes, lie down on the mattress, and try different sleeping positions.  It is best to test the mattress for 20 minutes to get a good idea of how it would feel to sleep on the mattress. Scent is very powerful and contributes to the ambiance of your room.  Light some candles or use a room spray that you enjoy.  Lavender is a scent that is calming, promotes sleep, and can help you feel calmer. Any scent that you like will help create a cozy environment. Some stores have pillow sprays that come in scents like chamomile or lavender. Spray the desired amount lightly on your pillow and blankets; if you like the scent, this can actually help you be more comfortable. The amount of light in your bedroom affects how you feel.  Natural light is best during the day, but dimmed lighting is best at night. Bedside lamps create softer lighting than overhead lights. Your blinds and curtains should also keep light from coming into your bedroom at night.  You can also replace your light switch with a dimmer to better control the lighting. A low watt bulb (40 watt or lower) is also a good lighting option. Your sheets should be the right size for your mattress so that they do not tear or come off when you are in bed.  Cotton sheets are the most popular and do well in the warmer months.  Silk sheets are very soft and retain heat. They are useful for cooler nights.  Flannel sheets are very warm and are best in colder climates. Synthetic fabrics (e.g. polyester) are less expensive, but can still be comfortable.  Change your sheets once a week. Look for cotton sheets that are 100% pure or Egyptian cotton and that have a high thread count. Flannel sheets are measured in ounces and heavier sheets are higher quality sheets. Everyone needs quality pillows. Some people prefer pillows that are shaped to support your neck or head, other people prefer them well stuffed, while others like them soft. At the end of the day, choose pillows that work for you after a little trial and error.  Load your bed with pillows of difference sizes and shapes.  You may want a full body pillow if you sleep alone, or a wedge pillow to put behind your neck.  Firm pillows are best if you sleep on your side. Medium pillows are best if you sleep on your back. Soft pillows are best if you sleep on your stomach. Clean or air pillows regularly and replace once every one to two years for complete freshness. Having a nicely made bed will make you want to get in it. Start with a fitted sheet on your bed.  Then tuck your top sheet and/or blanket in on the sides and foot of your bed.  This will create a cocoon and keep your feet from getting cold.  Nothing is worse than being all warm and toasty in your bed, but your feet are hanging out. Top your bed with a comforter, quilt, blanket, or duvet that is comfortable to you.  You may need to change your bedding based on the climate and season.  For example, a lightweight, cotton bedspread may be best in the summer, but a thick, down comforter may be best in the winter months. Add a throw or blanket on top of your bedding.  Cashmere, faux-fur, and knit blankets are especially cozy.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Find a comfortable mattress. Create a pleasant smelling room. Adjust the lighting in your bedroom. Get comfortable sheets. Find soft pillows. Tuck your sheets and blankets. Get soft, fluffy bedding.


Sexual harassment is one form of workplace harassment, but it isn’t the only form. You can be harassed on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information. Consider the following behaviors, which might qualify as harassment:  derogatory remarks or slurs based on the protected characteristic intimidation threats and physical assaults telling offensive jokes You’ll want to give Human Resources as much information as possible. Accordingly, you should sit down and write down the following:  Who harassed you and their relationship to you. You can be harassed by a supervisor or by a co-worker. Also, the harassment can come from someone as the same sex as you. When each harassing act occurred—date, time, and location. Also write down what the person said or did, and how you responded. Who witnessed the harassment. Write down their names and job titles. What tangible evidence you have of the harassment. For example, you may have harassing emails, voice mails, or notes. Set up your letter like a standard business letter. If you know the name of the contact in Human Resources, then include that in the salutation. Call and ask if you don’t know. In the first paragraph, you should give HR some idea why you are writing to them. For example, you should state that you want to lodge a complaint about harassment and identify your harasser. Be clear and get to the point. You want to provide enough information that HR can see there is a harassment problem that needs investigation. Explain where and when the harassment occurred, as well as who witnessed it.  Describe the incidents in chronological order, which is the easiest for people to understand. In some larger organizations, HR might not know everyone, such as a coworker. You should identify who they are, e.g., “Jason Jones, who works in the cubicle next to me, saw our boss make the obscene gesture.” Stick to the facts. You shouldn’t make any kind of allegation or charge that you can’t back up with proof, such as your written memories or a witness. For example, don’t speculate about your boss or coworker’s motivation for what they said or did. You don’t know that. This is legally important. Harassment is only illegal if it is unwelcome. If you welcomed the harassing behavior, then you haven’t been harassed according to the law. You should state what you did or said in response. For example, you might have told someone not to touch you.  Also explain if you tried to resolve the issue. For example, you might have met with your harasser to ask them to stop making sexually-explicit jokes. Remember to explain how the harassment made you feel. For example, you might have had trouble working in a team with the person who was harassing you, which caused you to skip work or perform below your usual standards. At the end of the letter, you should state what you want from HR. For example, you might want to be transferred to a different department. You can also request that HR investigate and punish your harasser. However, you should probably avoid telling HR to “fire” your harasser. That’s their judgment to make. Remember to end the letter by thanking HR for their time. Insert “Best” or “Sincerely,” and then sign the letter. Although you may be angry, you should try not to show it. Using foul language can only undermine your ability to get help. In fact, the person reading the letter might become angry at you.  Instead of writing, “I’m so pissed right now,” write “I am angry.” Instead of “my boss is a bigot,” write “Mr. Jones intimidates me by repeatedly yelling at me using racial slurs.” After you sign your letter, make a copy before sending it. Also hold onto any supporting documentation, such as emails, voicemails, notes, or witness statements. You may need to share them if HR opens an investigation.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Identify workplace harassment. Write down details about the harassment. Format your letter. Introduce yourself and your purpose. Lay out the facts of the harassment. Explain how you responded. Propose a solution. Avoid using offensive language. Send the letter to HR.