Tree Talk: Happy New Year!

If you are someone who feels compelled to make New Year's Resolutions, here are some simple resolutions to make you happier and healthier – and they are easier than losing some weight:

Become a PLANT owner. We are months away from tending plants in our flower beds and gardens, but how about plants in your home or office? Research shows that just the presence of indoor plants can lower human stress levels. One study found that actively caring for plants calmed the autonomic nervous system and lowered blood pressure. When people work near plants (an outside view through a window is almost as good), they report greater concentration, satisfaction, and perceived better air quality. Some of the best indoor plants that are easy to grow and help clean the air include English ivy, peace lily, spider plant, bamboo palm, red-edged dracaena, rubber plant and weeping fig.

SANITIZE your phone weekly. Our phones go with us everywhere and we check them constantly. They are exposed to lots of germs, which then transfer to our hands and then.... Clean your phone and other electronic devices with disinfectant wipes - but for smartphones, use those that don't contain bleach. Be careful about cleaning the screen – use only a cloth intended for that purpose.

VOLUNTEER, volunteer, volunteer. With the continuous snow and if you are able, shovel your neighbor's walk along with your own. Research shows that volunteering regularly can lead to less stress and lower blood pressure. And, it makes you and the recipients of your good deed feel good about life.

Finally, embrace the New Year with some Advice from a Tree:

Stand tall and proud, sink your roots into the earth, be content with your natural beauty, go out on a limb, drink plenty of water, remember your roots and enjoy the view!