You invested years and energy into your occupation of choice and the time to retire is drawing near. It may be months or years before retirement, yet ample preparation is essential to yield optimal results. Ideally retirement planning should commence early in your career or at least 10 years prior to leaving the workforce. Financial advisors and professionals coaches offer ample resources and guidance, which can prove beneficial. For starters it’s key to consider housing plans, as this will likely influence other major decisions.

There it is, Jerry Seinfeld “live-on-stage” and your face looks like you just chopped some fresh onions- Streaming with irrepressible tears. Yet this weeping originates from joy and laughter. Go ahead, and treat yourself to a giggle. It can actually save your life! According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM.edu), a study revealed that people with heart disease were 40% less likely to laugh than others within the same age group. Many experts agree in the numerous health benefits of laughter, but can this joyful expression truly prevent a heart attack?

There are ways to prevent holiday blues, and have a fulfilling New Year! It’s time to nurture you, and to care for the little things that warm your soul in 2014! Whether you have family going out of town, or just spending the holidays a lone, there are ways to make this time of year exciting and open to all sorts of positive possibilities. 

1. Creative ways to connect with loved ones:

If loved ones will be put of town make arrangements to set up times to call. FaceTime and Skype are great options to interact and see family and friends during calls.