{[15]} Minute Monday

If you only have 15 minutes today to make your day a little smoother and happier...

... Find a way to make someone's day a little brighter.
Research shows that generosity not only makes us feel better about ourselves and improves others' lives, it also makes us feel physically healthier and improves our mood.  Generosity is also one way to show gratitude for all the blessings in your own life.  So if you see someone homeless, tired, worn down, maybe offering a cup of coffee is one little thing to add a little brightness to their day.

... Read about the increasing income gap in the United States.
You've likely heard of Occupy Wall Street (or an offshoot of it in a city nearby to you).  Although they are not completely organized around just this issue, it is at the heart of inequality in our country.  Read more about the changing American dream as it gets more difficult to work hard and have enough in a really interesting article in the Economist here.

... Make your kitchen a little cleaner (the natural way).
To naturally clean your kitchen in just a few minutes, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with baking soda, and scrub down your counter tops and the outside of your frig.  Let sit for just a few minutes, then wipe down with a wet sponge or cloth.  To clear out your sink drain and remove residue from within the sink bowl, pour vinegar down the drain and stopped in the sink, and let sit for 10-30 minutes.  Rinse with cold water.  Finally, if you have a range oven, take off the metal burners and place in a basin of warm water mixed with baking soda.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe down with wet sponge.  Easy as that!

... Drink a glass of water.
Water is shown to be the easiest way to get an energy boost (turns out that many of us are dehydrated), purify your skin, and cleanse your body's systems.  For more on natural cleaning, read my earlier posts here and here.