Vine-Like Robot Grows to the Rescue

Vine-Like Robot Grows to the Rescue Vine-Like Robot Grows to the Rescue Vine-Like Robot Grows to the Rescue Robots leap, robots creep, robots fly, robots crawl. It seems that every robot to emerge from a robotics lab is inspired by the locomotive method of one of the worlds clever beasts, be it bee, galago, cheetah, or octopus. But each of these machines has its limitations. If they are large they are stymied by smaller crevices. If they are small, they are limited by the power they can carry. To overcome the difficulties faced by the fauna-inspired robots of the world, researchers in the department of mechanical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have turned to other life forms: plants and fungus. Rather than traverse ground and space as a single unit, their robot grows from place to place. I remember watching, over many months, an ivy plant on my bookshelf grow around the corner, seeking the sunlight, says Elliot Hawkes, the projects lead researcher and a professor of mechanical engineering at the university. I thought that, in a certain, very slow way, it was going somewhere. At the same time, I was working on pneumatic artificial muscles in lab, and I was able to modify the standard stretching behavior to get tip-based extension. I realized we were on to something when I attempted to grow an early prototype through the complete mess that is my desk, and against all odds, it easily passed through the clutter. The new censory devices could give robots the ability to feel their environment. Image: University of Minnesota Hawkes ultimate creation looks something like an absurdly long version of one of those slippery, slightly disturbing, water snake toys. We found these after the fact, but the eversion at the tip is very similar. Unlike the toy, it is not a loop though, so we are actually able to change length and grow, he says. Hawkes tube extends at the closed end and is filled with air at the open end. As the tube elongates, new material appears at the tip from the inside of the tube, while the outer walls stay put. By altering the pressure, either side of the tip can be lengthened, allowing it to turn. A small camera that stays with the tip allows the navigators to tell it where to go. Made of polyethylene, the winding anguine bot can squeeze into the tightest of corners and can take all kinds of abuse. It can grow through nails because the body does not move with respect to the environment, says Hawkes. This means that if a nail pokes it, the hole is sealed by the nail. This is in contrast to a body that locomotes, which would be gashed by the nail. It can also squeeze between a sandwich of flypaper, expand through a trough of glue, and travel through a slit less than a sixth of its inflated size. To make their grow-bot even more indestructible, Hawkes and his team are experimenting with other materials such as Kevlar and rip-stop nylon. These feats make it the ideal rescue tool. Hawkes lab has already demonstrated how the robot can be used to sneak under a door and into a room, where it can bend like a hook to shut off a valve. Its also wormed its way into a closed room and successfully put out a fire there. A smaller version may someday guide catheters during surgery. In theory, the soft robot can grow indefinitely: as one roll of tubing comes to an end it could be attached to a fresh roll. But, at the moment, the robot stops growing around 100 yards, regardless of how much tubing is available. The friction of pulling the new material through starts to get hard to overcome, says Hawkes. We are looking at new, lower friction options that can hold higher pressures, so we might be able to go quite a bit farther in the near future. With a stronger, longer, growing robot, there may be no emergency that cant be reached. Hopefully, the rescued wont be terrified by the appearance of a cycloptic, ever-extending, polymer digit. Michael Abrams is an independent writer. For Further Discussion I realized we were on to something when I attempted to grow an early prototype through the complete mess that is my desk, and against all odds, it easily passed through the clutter.Prof. Elliot Hawkes, University of California, Santa Barbara

One More Reason to Use LinkedIn in Your Job Search

One More Reason to Use LinkedIn in Your Job Search One More Reason to Use LinkedIn in Your Job Search One More Reason to Use LinkedIn in Your Job Search If you're a job seeker in the business world, and you don't have an online profile on the professional networking site LinkedIn, make it a top priority to create one. In an article called How LinkedIn will fire up your career, Fortune magazine called LinkedIn the only social site that really matters if you're serious about managing your career. With its Company Follow feature, you can get an insider's view of what's happening at the companies you'd like to work for. There are plenty of good reasons to use LinkedIn in your job search, but Company Follow is a big one. According toLinkedIn, this feature lets you: Be in the loop on key developments at the companies you're following, See who has recently joined, left, or been promoted within the company, and Stay informed of business opportunities, job openings, and more. We've all heard the expression, it's not what you know, it's who you know. The problem is, most of us don't really know all that many people. But LinkedIn can show you who your friends and business associates know. It's one of those exponential math things that can quickly boggle the mind of a right-brained type like me. But even I can grasp that connecting to my business contacts in LinkedIn also connects me to their business contactsand that's waaaaaayyyy more people than I'd ever know on my own. Company Follow gives job seekers another powerful information source. You can keep up with the companies you'd like to work for (assuming they have a LinkedIn pageas all 500 of the Fortune 500 companies do), and even keep an eye on their competitors. Think about it: If your dream job is, say, a senior marketing position forStaples, and you're followingStaples' company page on LinkedIn, you'll easily be able to see who's whoamong current employees, new hires, orformer employees, as well as any recent promotions or changes. It might provide the heads up you need toanticipate an appropriate opening andget your resume and cover letter into the right hands (and you can find out whose hands are the right ones on... you guessed it... LinkedIn) before the hordes start applying from the job boards!

Low-cost solutions that can improve your mental health

Low-cost solutions that can improve your mental health Low-cost solutions that can improve your mental health The wellness industry,  which grew 12.8% from 2015-2017 to a $4.2 trillion global market, has done an amazing job at convincing us that self-care is a luxury.I fell straight into the trap of thinking exotic yoga retreats, expensive green juices, and fancy trips to the spa were the only ways to practice self-care. Over the years I’ve learned (as has my wallet) that self-care doesn’t need to be so elaborate. Rather, the best forms of self-care are those everyday practices that help you feel more balanced, more present, and more intentional on a regular basis.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Here are five  simple self-care practices  that don’t cost a dime:1. Meditate For 10 Minutes Per DayMeditation, which has its roots in Buddhism,  is about:1) paying attention to present momentary experiences (i.e. not trying to change or get rid of them).2) cultivating non-judgemental awareness so you learn to accept things as they are.According to Rachel O’Neill, Ph.D. LPCC-S, and Ohio-based Talkspace therapist who specializes in the use of mindfulness-based approaches to counseling, “Just about everyone can benefit from regular meditation practice.”“Research consistently tells us that daily meditation can have both physical and mental health benefits,” O’Neill explained. “For  those who do experience anxiety, worry, or fear, meditation can be an especially helpful tool as they begin to learn how to adopt a more present-focused mindset.”For anyone who is worried about the time commitment, take comfort in the fact that a  recent 2018 study  on mindfulness meditation suggests 10 minutes is all people need to reap the benefits of meditation. Study results found that even people who were new to meditation  experienced reduced stress, increased focus, and lower levels of anxiety by just practicing meditation for 10 minutes per day.2. Go For A Mindful WalkWhile I am a huge fan of seated meditation, I prefer to go for walks to clear my head if I’m feeling particularly anxious. One  study  found that engaging in 8 sessions of 60-minute mindful walking training over 4 weeks was linked to reduced stress and improved quality of life. Sometimes I deliberately leave my headphones at home so I am forced to be present and notice my surroundings. It truly feels like a breath of fresh air!According to Dr. O’Neill, “Both [seated and active meditation practices] can be meaningful and could potentially be helpful at different times.”Just like I find in my experience, O’Neill says that, “For those who are feeling the need to slow down and find space for themselves, then perhaps a more independent and seated meditation practice could be beneficial.” She explained, “For those who would like to involve the sense of physical connection and connection with others, then activities like yoga or mindful dance might be helpful.”3. Set A Weekly IntentionThe simple ritual of setting a weekly intention can help your week start off on a high note. Instead of dwelling on what you didn’t accomplish from the previous week or feeling overwhelmed about what you need to accomplish for the week ahead, setting an intention can help focus your energy on what’s most important in the present moment.I like to simplify my intentions down to one word such as “nourishment,” “acceptance,” “vitality,” “ease,” “fun,” or “clarity.” This way, it’s easy for me to remember whenever I need a little recentering throughout the week. What will your weekly intention be?4. Don’t Book Back-To-Back MeetingsIt’s hard to feel mindful when you are  rushing from one meeting to the next. When I can, I try to schedule 25-minute and 50-minute meetings to give myself time to run to the bathroom, get a sip of water, or take a few deep breaths before my next meeting. That extra 5 or ten minutes before the top or bottom of the hour can make the day feel less frantic.Research shows that  taking breaks  is vital to our mental health and the prevention of burnout. In fact, some burnout scholars argue that daily breaks to boost energy such as  physical exercise, meditation, “power naps,” and reflective thinking may be more beneficial to preventing burnout than taking one long vacation.5. Set A Nightly Alarm To Wind DownI have a bad habit of overworking so it’s important for me to establish boundaries with myself around when it’s time to shut my computer down and get ready for bed. Setting a nightly alarm is one way that I hold myself accountable.There have been countless studies that suggest using electronics before bed can impact quality of sleep. In  a study  that surveyed 237 parents of children ages 8-17 about their children’s sleep and technology habits, children who were exposed to television, cell phones, video games, or computers before bed showed  decreased sleep duration  and quality and increased BMI.Whatever You Do, Keep It Simple!“Self-care doesn’t have to be a detailed or long process,” O’Neill shared. “1-2 minutes of mindful breathing, a quick gratitude practice (for example, listing 3 things you’re grateful for each day), or giving yourself a defined bedtime ritual can be a great place to start.”Self-care doesn’t need to feel like another item on your to-do list or something additional to budget for. It can be as simple as being more mindful about how you are  spending your precious time and energy  or remembering to take a deep breath.“It can also be helpful to explore times when you are free to engage in self-care,” O’Neill added. “For example, instead of beginning your day by scrolling your social media feeds, start with a daily affirmation and breathing exercise.”Learning how to weave in little moments of self-care throughout my day as been vital to my mental health and well-being. Otherwise, I can get consumed by my thoughts. I ruminate about the past, worry about the future, and miss out on the good stuff.Simply being present is the most valuable form of self-care there is. And lucky enough, it’s 100% free.  This article first appeared on Talkspace.  You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

4 tips for building a compelling company culture

4 tips for building a compelling company culture 4 tips for building a compelling company culture Company culture is playing an increasingly  larger role in the job selection process. A few years ago, ping pong tables in an  office started a trend of perks qualifying  as “good company culture.”  Now, the stakes have been raised: Google has in-office saunas, Basecamp allows  remote work from anywhere in the world, and Yahoo has a company gym with sand volleyball and basketball courts. The problem is, those perks are being confused with company culture. At the core of any  company, there are values, beliefs, standards, and goals that have to be communicated  and well-received in order to guarantee success.  Those  are what make up company culture. As an entrepreneur, here are some tips from my experience that have helped my company  succeed. As an entrepreneur, here are some tips from my experience that have helped my company  succeed. 1. Create a company vision that your employees should, and want to, embody As a leader, it is up to you to institute a company vision that includes business goals, growth strategy, and values that act as governing rules for your organization. At Motivate Design, we have two rules that our employees follow and embody. Rule No.1? Use your best judgment. Rule No. 2? See Rule No.1. This vision is something that your team can constantly look to when things get crazy or feel misaligned. Write down your vision, print it out or put it up on the walls â€" whatever you do, making it easy to constantly reference will spur its fervor within your organization. When you see someone embodying this vision, give positive reinforcement. At Motivate Design, we have two rules that our employees follow and embody. Rule No.1? Use your best judgment. Rule No. 2? See Rule No.1. This vision is something that your team can constantly look to when things get crazy or feel misaligned. Write down your vision, print it out or put it up on the walls â€" whatever you do, making it easy to constantly reference will spur its fervor within your organization. When you see someone embodying this vision, give positive reinforcement. Write down your vision, print it out or put it up on the walls - whatever you do, making it easy to constantly reference will spur its fervor within your organization. When you see someone embodying this vision, give positive reinforcement. 2. Establish clear parameters for how and when employees receive company information It’s up to you to decide how much to share with your staff regarding business decisions. To ensure a healthy company culture, clearly state how your employees receive that information and in what medium. No one likes to hear things through the grapevine, as it can often turn into a rumor mill. Whether it be a quarterly report, Slack channel or weekly meeting (like we have at Motivate Design), your employees will appreciate the opportunity to be filled in Whether it be a quarterly report, Slack channel or weekly meeting, your employees will appreciate the opportunity to be filled in  on the latest information. This also creates a safe place to ask questions or for clarification around lingering issues. Use this to address concerns like staffing decisions (who is joining/leaving and why), changes in positioning (new offerings or services), current market trends and upcoming events. Use this to address concerns like staffing decisions (who is joining/leaving and why), changes in positioning (new offerings or services), current market trends and upcoming events. 3. Find employees who identify with where the company is and where it wants to go This piece is especially important in start-up and growth-stage companies. Things can (and will) change. And that’s OK. As a leader/entrepreneur, this is something that you may even find unsettling or scary. Make sure your team is there to support, rally and advocate for you and your company when those changes emerge. Not everyone will be a fit for certain changes and staffing changes may need to be made. And that’s also okay. But it will be easier for your employees to ride the waves of change when they are clearly communicated from the get-go. Review these at quarterly meetings where employees can work through these changes in a collaborative, creative environment. 4. Feedback  is your friend You are the leader of your company, but you can’t do it all. A staff full of unhappy campers only makes for poor-quality work and a hostile environment. In a good company culture, it’s important to have an outlet for employees to provide feedback on what’s going on in the day-to-day office life. For example, send monthly surveys with opportunities to collect specific and broad points of feedback, or create a company culture committee responsible for boosting morale and fixing issues  before  they become issues. Implement what you hear to maintain a happy and prosperous company culture. These aren’t the only things that make for good company culture, and ping pong tables  are  a nice touch. But, it is evident that communication might just play the most important role in  what ends up shaping the culture. This article originally appeared on BusinessCollective. Mona Patel is Founder and CEO of  Motivate Design.

6 strategies for delivering your message with style

6 strategies for delivering your message with style 6 strategies for delivering your message with style Be honest, did you almost pass on reading this article because you thought “this doesn’t apply to me, I’m not  that  person”? Well, keep reading because delivering your message with style doesn’t mean speaking with pizzazz or using gimmicks, it means making a point with confidence, command, elegance, and relevance. No doubt, you can be that person!Before we go any further, let’s deconstruct the words “message” and “style.”Message  is a word with so many applications. So let’s streamline this for the conference room. In other words, let’s talk about what a message is when you’re participating in a meeting or delivering a presentation. In these venues, a message is a key point. It conveys significance or value. A message captures or summarizes â€" like a concluding statement does â€" the importance of what you’re sharing. And a message is one sentence, one repeatable, reinforce-able, retainable sentence.Style  speaks to memorability, or the impression you ma ke. Frankly, it doesn’t matter your age or stage of career, making a good impression matters every day (or as I like to say,  executive presence never gets a day off!). Style is that part of you â€" whether it’s calm confidence, commanding presence, elegant fluency, or the ability to be relevant â€" that sticks with audiences. Style is different for everyone, it’s a personal strength worth noting and nurturing.Given those definitions as a baseline, here are 6 strategies for delivering your message with style:1. Be clear on your messageThis is actually the work of a good communicator â€" being able to look at a bundle of information you need to share in a meeting or presentation and packaging it inside of a key point. If you need to be informative, then your message will sound a lot like a summary statement. If you need to be persuasive, then your message will convey benefit or value to your audience. By you doing the work to identify your message, it takes the work off of othe r people to figure out what you’re conveying â€" and leaves the impression that you are sharp, in control, and on point.2. PrioritizeKnow your facts but limit how many you deliver in support of your message. It’s important to make the distinction between a message and information. Information merely supports, as evidence, a key point or message. Prioritize your facts and information, use them to back up a message, and then move on. TMI is a killer. People who try and share every fact and figure come off as either pedantic and arrogant or insecure and rambling. You want to come off as commanding and relevant.3. Set context and expectationsI know an executive coach who, when dealing with her clients’ interpersonal communication issues, often tells them to “label the conversation.” By this, she is suggesting that the speaker tell their audience what’s coming, what kind of a conversation is about to begin. Will it be difficult, positive, challenging? Does a decision need to be made or does a robust discussion need to ensue? Do the same when you’re about to deliver a message. It will sound something like this: “what I’m about to share is something for us to consider as we go through this process” or “I’m here to tell you about our ideas and capabilities and by the end, I hope to have earned your confidence.”4. Take the high roadAlways. If and when you find yourself on the receiving end of criticism or disagreement, you must maintain composure and stay above the fray. Here’s a #protip for remaining gracious while experiencing conflict or confrontation: There is always a common goal, something that both parties agree on. That’s your go-to point for disarming the conflict and taking the high road. State the shared goal, acknowledge that there’s a difference of opinion, and stay positive and respectful while you deliver your message. Now that’s style!5. Look the partOkay, so here’s where we talk about  executive presence. Let me just say yes, people are looking at you and sizing you up. All the time. It just happens. It’s a thing we humans do. It may not even be conscious or intentional. Your appearance sends a non-verbal message, so it matters also. Model yourself after someone you admire, use a style consultant, or ask a friend. Just be sure to look the part.6. Ignore the introvert/extrovert conundrumAnd finally, let’s revisit what might have caused you to pause before reading this article in the first place. You saw the words “delivering your message with style” and you thought, that’s never going to be me, I’m an introvert, not an extrovert. Well, of course it’s you. Author Susan Cain, in her book  Quiet, dispels the  myths of introverts and reveals their value  especially in the workplace.   The styles of introverts and extroverts will naturally be different, but each has strengths they can use to make themselves and their points heard and remembered.Ultimately, an authentic representation of yourself whilst following a carefully thought-out framework will improve your message and style tenfold. And each time you take the stage, the delivery will only get better and better.

Malaria Diagnosis in Minutes

Malaria Diagnosis in Minutes Malaria Diagnosis in Minutes Bioengineers at Texas AM University have combined a smartphones camera with optics to create a polarized light microscope that could be used to detect malaria. The mobile-optical-polarization imaging device (MOPID) has the potential to rapidly diagnose malaria by providing microscopic resolution on a cellphone, with the same level of accuracy as benchtop spectroscopy. According to the latest estimates from the World Health Organization, there were 214 million new cases of malaria and 438,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2015. However, rapid diagnostic testing, introduced widely over the past decade, has made it easier to distinguish between malarial and non-malarial fevers, enabling timely and appropriate treatment. MOPIDis a step in that direction. After the device is attached to the phone, the diagnosis could take just minutes using an app. From the proof of concept to now, the biggest challenge was to get the lens optics right so that we can get the microscopy resolution we need but in a small form factor, says Professor Gerard L. Cote, director of the Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, and the Charles H. Bettye Barclay Professor in the Texas AM Department of Biomedical Engineering. Cote was inspired to create the device after conducting a summer study abroad program organized by Engineering for Global Health in Africa. A part of that study is to teach students to fix medical equipment in developing countries, where there is lack of resources, and the second part of the project was to design low-cost methods for diagnostics that would work in those countries. So I took upon myself the same task that we were asking the students to do, he says. Prof. Gerard L. Cote (left) and his team have tested MOPID in the lab with both iOS and Android. Image: Texas A&M University Blood Samples Currently, malaria is diagnosed with a big benchtop microscope that needs a trained technician to operate it, explains Cote. The blood samples are usually sent to a central lab, but there arent many central labs or the expertise to read the slides, particularly in remote areas with low-resources. So I decided to design a cellphone-based device, he adds. According to Cote, there are two key things that enable accurate imaging of the malaria pigment known as hemozoin: By using cross polarized light we can get a better contrast and by making the optics smaller and usable on the cellphone camera itself we can get resolutions down to about 2.1 microns. The actual imaging is pretty quick and depends on how many samples you take. Typically the blood sample is on a cartridge, Cote explains further. The device images a blood sample using polarized light that can detect the malaria parasite byproduct, the hemozoin crystals, which appear as bright dots in the image. Thats a key indicator of infection. Automated Detection The team is still developing the algorithms for automated detection through an app that would take the image and automatically count the number of red blood cells and malarial parasites over different fields of view. The idea is there should be enough to make the decision to diagnose. We can automate that process using the app, says Cote. It would probably take longer to collect the blood than to run the algorithm, he adds. Although Cote and his team have tested MOPID in the lab with both iOS and Android, the placement of the camera varies in each smartphone. When you build the optics polarizers and the cartridges for the blood, youve got to have it in line with the camera to get the best results. We havent started app development yet so we dont know which platform will be easier for developing it. One goal is clear: As much as possible, they aim to do the processing on the phone itself. Cote is now gearing toward doing field studies in local hospitals in Rwanda, Africa this summer. The WHO and some NGOs have shown interest in our device, he says. When ready for commercialization, MOPID could cost approximately $50. There are recurring costs of disposable cartridges, however, that have to be made cheaply. We envision the cartridges to be available for less than a dollar, says Cote. Although not yet in mass production, MOPID shows the potential to detect malaria at much lower cost and complexity, just like few other smartphone-based devices such as Lifelens, xRapid, and Matibabu are trying to achieve. This is particularly important for remote areas and in low-resource settings, where the medical infrastructure is often limited or nonexistent. Learn about the latest trends in bioengineering at ASMEs Global Congress on NanoEngineering for Medicine and Biology. For Further Discussion It would probably take longer to collect the blood than to run the algorithm.Prof. Gerard L Cote, Texas A&M University

11 simple ways to make your home a stress-free sanctuary

11 simple ways to make your home a stress-free sanctuary 11 simple ways to make your home a stress-free sanctuary You’ve likely heard about or been swept up in  Marie Kondo mania  in the wake of her hit Netflix show,  Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. In it, she teaches people with  cluttered, chaotic homes to tidy up their surroundings, which then  decreases their stress and anxiety.Whether you’re moving into a new place or thinking of making some changes to your current one, there are several simple ways to create the calming space you deserve. We asked members of the Thrive Global community to share how they make their home  - or even just a nook in it - a stress-free sanctuary.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Try the 5S method“My favorite way declutter my home and workplace is using the 5S method: sort, store, shine, standard and sustain. I actually combine it with the Marie Kondo method. Not only is it a simple, visual method that you can share with family, it’s a culture tha t keeps your life focused and stress-free.”-  Luciana Paulise, agile quality coach, Beaumont, TXStrip a room to its simplest form“I like stripping down a room to its simplest form: a comfortable piece of furniture, lighting that suits what you’ll be doing, a single stem of something beautiful - like a casablanca lily or a trailing ivy plant - and as little personalized clutter as possible to keep the energy moving freely. I use the same elements of beauty in every room I design. Color magic is first, as each color has its own influence: orange is for courage, blue is for healing, green is for prosperity, and yellow is for communication. Diffusers with essential oils are a must: lavender or frankincense to calm, lime or grapefruit to inspire, bergamot or lemon to cleanse. ”- Jo-Anna Silver-Sparta, Communications Connector, Berlin/Cannes/New YorkPut things in their place“I’m fortunate that my boyfriend and I both dislike clutter, so we make an effort to keep our space neat and tidy. The key for us has been this one simple rule: a place for everything and everything in its place. We do not allow things to pile up on counters or tables. When we new items enter our home, we decide where to put them immediately, and if there’s no logical area to do so, we purge and make space. Another simple trick: I vacuum our living room and bedroom every Friday. It gives the space a clean, fresh feeling leading into the weekend.”- Rebecca, freelance writer/editor, Westlake, OHUse soft pink light bulbs for a warm glow“One of my tricks for creating a soothing environment at home is using soft pink light bulbs. It emits a softer, warmer glow, which we all need in the dark days of winter!”- Cindy J., executive search and HR consultant, Boston, MAOnly keep what you like in view“My home is also now my working studio space, and my working space must always be available. I only keep what I like in view. Fresh flowers are on my table and at least on one windows ill at all times.”- Chanit Roston, painter, New York City, NYLight candles and add soft blankets for a lounge-like feel“When I make my sitting room/lounge a stress-free sanctuary, I feel more relaxed at night, and more organised in the morning because I have the right mindset for my work day. I take a few minutes when I get home to do some simple things which help me relax, leave work behind, and become my ‘at home’ self with my family or friends. Decide what your unique needs are. I like lighting scented candles around the house using beautiful, long matches, so that even the act of striking them is a part of the experience. Next, I tidy any items that have been dumped in my sanctuary (just into a ‘to do’ pile elsewhere for the owners of said items to deal with). I plump the sofa cushions and get out a pile of soft blankets for whoever likes to curl up, and put music on low volume. There’s also a bunch of great novels to read if the fancy takes me, and luxurious hand cream within reach. These simple things create an environment where I can relax and we can come together organically.”- Melanie Yates, digital agency office manager, Brighton, UKLet simplicity take center stage“About 15 years ago, my husband and I remodeled a dilapidated Victorian house. Since Victorians are, by definition, full of details and are therefore somewhat visually cluttered, we chose to streamline our redecorating process as much as possible. We painted all the walls white, used only white shades for our light fixtures, and stuck to a palette of natural woods, black, grey, and pops of blue and navy. We limited patterns on rugs and upholstered furniture. This simplicity helps us feel calm, and appreciate the intricate molding and details of the house without feeling overwhelmed or burdened by them.”- Francesca Moroney, writer, Edwardsville, ILTurn your bathroom into an at-home spa“I treat my entire home like my sanctuary. I believe that if your space is a mess, it reflects your thoughts being a mess. With that in mind, I keep my home tidy and fill it only with the things I love (including many candles and pictures of fun memories with friends and family). I prioritize my sleeping habits, so I invested in high-quality bedding. When I’m well-rested, I function better in all aspects of my life. I turned my bathroom into an at-home spa experience, hanging fresh eucalyptus on the showerhead to bring out the scent with the hot water and steam. This is great for clearing your head and respiratory system. I also have a plethora of bath oils, ranging from lavender oil for relaxation to peppermint oil for energy. I retreat to my homemade spa frequently to indulge in some much-needed self-care.”- Heather Reinhardt, self-love aficionado, Los Angeles, CAMake your bedroom a cocoon“My bedroom is the one room in my house that I always keep tidy so that it remains my sanctuary, and won’t cause me stress! I have never put a TV in my bedroom, althou gh I sometimes watch something on my iPad (which is rare). My bedding is soft and comfortable, and feels like a cocoon. Lastly, I always have some good books on my nightstand - both fiction and non-fiction/business books - and I use a sage diffuser with a lavender scent to help me relax. When it’s time to go to bed or when I want to wind down, I know that I have a relaxing, stress-free space to rest, dream and sleep well.”- Kathryn Djordjevic, pharmacist, Toronto, CanadaBring a room to life with scent and flowers“Here’s a simple, easy tip: I use lemongrass oil in an aromatherapy lamp to uplift the whole atmosphere of the space. Lemongrass helps to de-stress, relax, keep mosquitoes away, and is good for the respiratory system. I also like to keep fresh flowers in the room so that life becomes a focus and we require less of inanimate decorative items.”- Dr. Rizvana Patel, Ayurvedic practitioner, Pune, IndiaCreate a ‘Zen Zone’  â€œI’ve created a ‘Zen Zone’ in a spare bedroom with a small couch which serves as a guest bed when the need arises. It gives me a space to curl up and read a book (or take a nap) when I need to relax and recharge. I’ve used muted pastels and earth tones for décor. According to Feng Shui principles, this room is located in my ‘relationship’ corner, so I chose to feature pink as my accent color. In addition to candles and incense to ignite my senses, I’ve incorporated a Himalayan salt lamp to help keep the energy free and clear.”- Mina Fies, Zen remodeler, Reston, VAThis article originally appeared on Thrive Global.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people