» "Start with the ""tried and true"" "

"One of the fundamental principles taught in medical school is ""first, do no harm."" In practice, this is not as straightforward as it sounds. Physicians regularly receive ""educational"" materials, ""free"" samples, and ""consulting"" opportunities. "

» 3 ways to boost your brain power

"Give yourself a time out. If you're feeling sluggish and need to recharge your brain, you may want to try closing your eyes and meditating. "

» A distraction-free dose of nature can do you some good

When is the last time you immersed yourself in nature - not just a walk around the neighborhood with your phone glued to your ear?

» Afternoon energizer

"Try a ""double hit"" of deep breathing instead of a double-shot latte. Take one short breath followed immediately by one long, deep breath. Hold the second breath for as long as possible while you tighten your fists and curl your toes. "

» Confront your cravings

"The ""forehead tapping"" technique has been proven to help stop cravings, says Dr. Susan B. Roberts, an obesity researcher at Tufts University. Try it the next time you're triggered by your favorite high-calorie comfort food. "

» Feeling overwhelmed?

"Try these things for quick stress relief: 1. Do some intense exercise such as running, jogging, or even dancing to your favorite music for 10 to 15 minutes. "

» Finding the meditation method that's right for you

"Meditation is often mentioned as a strategy for improving moods, but there isn't a one-size-fits-all method. What may work for you could be entirely different from what helps someone else. "

» Life events and stress

"Occasions that give you a reason to celebrate - like expecting a child, getting a promotion, and the holidays - can contribute to the stress in your life just as much as unhappy events. "

» Make silence part of your daily schedule

"Each day, pencil in a few minutes on your planner for complete silence. Turn off everything that might interrupt you, don't check your e-mail, and don't talk to anyone. "

» Make time for your mental health

"Give your emotional state the TLC it deserves, each and every day. Consider incorporating self-care techniques into your daily life. Here are a few ideas to try over the next month. "

» Meditation for pain management

"People who routinely practice meditation may be better able to manage chronic pain, according to a report in the journal Pain. "

» Proven strategies for beating stress

"Socialize. Laugh, cry, get angry, and express your feelings with family and friends. It's a great way to give and receive compassion and emotional support. "

» Re-energize a workout

A short visualization exercise may be enough to get you back on track when a workout isn't going well. Find a place where you can sit and relax for five to 10 minutes.

» Simple mid-year resolutions make sense

"Happy July� the start of the second half of 2016. If you made New Year's resolutions in January, you've either made good on them or have long since forgotten about them. "

» The living well scale - You're a perfect 10 if you...

"1. Walk 10,000 steps a day or take three 10-minute walks. 2. Count to 10 before you say or do anything in anger. 3. Eat the top 10 antioxidant foods (artichokes, blackberries, beans, plums, apples, cranberries, pecans, raspberries, and blueberries). "