Some fresh air can help to keep you awake and alert. If you tend to stay inside much of the day, take a few breaks and head outside. Getting some sunlight (especially in the morning) can help regulate your waking and sleeping cycles so that you’re fully awake during the day and can sleep well at night.  Take a walk during your lunch break or ask to meet with people outside. For example, if you have a dog, go for a walk each morning so you can maximize your sun exposure. Engaging in social activities can help to keep you alert and involved. Find a friend to talk to. This might also be a good time to make any necessary phone calls.  Avoid using instant messaging to communicate; it’s best to speak in-person or over the phone to stay awake. Talk to another student or co-worker throughout your day. Schedule regular meetings so that you can be continuously engaged. Avoid reaching for the sugary snacks and grab something that will give you long-lasting energy. For example, try eating a handful of nuts or a bowl of fresh fruit. Spread some nut butter on a whole grain cracker or eat a yogurt. When you get a craving for a snack, get in the habit of fueling yourself for long-term energy to help avoid any lows that might make you drowsy or tired. If you’re struggling to stay awake, get up and take a 10-minute walk. Moving around can increase blood flow and provide oxygen throughout your body. Simple movement can help increase energy for up to 2 hours.  If you can’t take a walk, do some stretches or movements to wake up your body. Try some jumping jacks or burpees. If possible, use the gym or attend a yoga class in the morning or during lunchtime. Adding a supplement to your day can help to increase energy and keep you awake. For example, B vitamins are known to help increase energy, especially if your diet is low in B vitamins. However, beware of supplements that promise energy without any research or support.  Speak to your physician before starting any new supplements or medications. Be cautious of using stimulants like caffeine as they can increase feelings of anxiety.  Caffeine may also affect the quality of your sleep.

Summary: Get outside to regulate your circadian rhythm. Talk to someone as a way to stay engaged. Grab a healthy snack when you’re hungry and sleepy. Move your body to increase your blood flow for energy. Use a supplement for energy.


The first paragraph of any obituary includes these details. You may also choose to include information about your loved one’s current residence. It is not necessary to go into detail about the cause of death, but only to share what feels appropriate. For example, you could say that your loved one died after a long illness or died suddenly. Include her date of birth and the names of her parents. If there was a significant move in your loved one’s early life, mention it here. For example, you might want to state that he was born in Greece but immigrated to the United States as a young child. Include details about schools attended and degrees earned. This paragraph can also be the place to introduce important themes in your loved one’s life story. Did she first discover her love of literature while an English major in college, for example? The personal details you include will make this section meaningful to those who attend your loved one’s funeral.  You might proceed by writing a paragraph on each significant aspect of your loved one’s life: work, hobbies, and family, for example. Alternatively, you might choose to develop a narrative about your loved one. For example, if her crowning achievement was a position in national government, you might want to write several paragraphs describing how she earned the knowledge and experience necessary to get there. Use anecdotes and other personal details. Weave these elements into the larger life story. They should help to convey the overall tone of your loved one’s life.  For example, if your loved one adored jokes, you might include one or two of his most famous humorous quotes. The obituary of a beloved teacher might include a story from a former student about what it was like to be in her classroom. You should include relatives who predeceased your loved one as well as your loved one’s survivors. Begin this paragraph by saying that your loved one was “preceded in death by” the close relatives who have already died. Then, say that your loved one “is survived by” the close relatives who are still living. It is customary to list the cities or towns where the living relatives currently reside. State where your loved one will be buried or interred. While the newspaper version of the obituary should include details about the funeral service and visiting hours, the program obituary should be more general and simply record information about your loved one’s final resting place. You may wish to offer thanks to those who made your loved one’s last days or weeks easier, for example at a hospital or hospice facility. You may also wish to thank the staff at the funeral home. Include the names of caregivers here.

Summary: State your loved one’s name, birth and death years, and cause of death. Write a paragraph about where your loved one was born. Write a paragraph about your loved one’s education. Describe your loved one’s adult life, taking as many paragraphs as you need. Illustrate important aspects of your loved one’s life. List the names of close relatives. Write a final paragraph that includes details about funeral arrangements. End the obituary with a sentence of thanks.


If you have an older microwave, it's probably got yellow stains from years of use but these are easy to remove with a little nail polish. Dip a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover and rub the yellow stains until they lift. To remove the harsh acetone smell, wipe the microwave down with a damp cloth.

Summary: Wipe away yellow stains with nail polish remover.


This exercise is best done when standing. Hold the barbell or dumbbells with a palm-forward grip, slightly wider than your shoulders. Hold the weight in front of your head, just above shoulder level. You can do this exercise while seated, although the seated version does not exercise your core as much. If you've had lower back trouble, stick to the seated version. Sit on a press bench with vertical support for your back. Keep your back straight and your feet firmly planted on the ground. Shoulder presses build muscle most efficiently as a high-weight, low-repetition activity. Begin with 2-4 sets of 4-8 reps each.
Summary: Enter the starting position. Lift heavy.