Work Life Balance

What is Your Quality of Life?

/ Leave a Comment / happiness and contentment, Quality of Life, Work Life Balance / / , , , ,

Updated on March 18th, 2022

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Meaning of ‘Quality of Life’

The term ‘Quality of Life’ is a very broad and an ambiguous term and may mean different to different people. For some, good quality of life may mean being wealthy with a palatial house, fleet of cars, frequent exotic travel trips and so on. To someone else it may mean a good healthy body with a life of moral values. Yet to someone else, it may mean to able to live with just adequate means with a feeing of contentment and peace of mind.

Your Happiness and Contentment depends upon Quality of your Life


One’s level of happiness and contentment greatly depends on the quality o your life.“Quality of Life“ has has both physical and non-physical aspects. The non-physical part includes your psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects. One may have all the physical comforts and luxuries and yet may not enjoy a good quality of life due to psychological and emotional baggage which cause him anxiety and bursts of depressions in life. On the other hand, another individual may have limited resources barely to meet his necessities and yet may enjoy a good quality of life due to his emotional and spiritual health which make him feel contented.

In simple terms, it means degree to which an individual is healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy life. World Health Organization defines it as ‘individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. There are no standard laid down factors or parameters to measure one’s quality of life quantitatively.
However, the following factors are widely accepted to constitute one’s quality of life:

Good Health and Wellness status

Health and your Quality of Life are inter-dependant. Good health contributes greatly to the Quality of Life. At the same time, good quality of life definitely has a positive impact on health.

Social wellbeing & Relationships

Social factors and strong relationships make you feel good and contribute to your emotional growth and overall health.

Satisfying Employment

In general, one’s feelings about his/her job such as working conditions, time to commute, interpersonal relationships, rewards, benefits and  a well defined career path contributes a lot towards Quality of Life.

Clarity on Purpose and Meaning in Life through Spiritual Development

Having a clear purpose of life is the  key to achieving  contentment and eventually peace of mind. Spiritual People  have a clear purpose which makes their lives meaningful.They realise that the purpose of life is to find Happiness which is means communion with God. The joy and calmness one achieves with this communion cannot be expressed in words.

Perception and attitude towards life

Even if one is not financially strong and cannot afford a very high standard of living but yet due to his positive outlook, he may perceive a feeling of contentment and joy.

Good Financial status

Financial well being is an important component of Quality of Life. Being financially sound gives you access to good quality of food, more comforts and access to medicines and health care facilities which directly contribute to your health and good Quality of Life.

Good Work Life Balance

Having a good work-life balance leaves adequate time for leisure, time with family and entertainment and contributes to one’s health.

Security and Freedom

Security and Freedom that one one enjoys both during working and in personal life is an important factor that determines the quality of life.

Environmental conditions

Environmental conditions like climate and access to clean drinking water with no air pollution. Access to clean air and water and non-polluting environment has a direct impact on your health and well-being.

High education Level

High education Level and Self Development: Education level is another determinant of Quality of Life. If one is educated, he understands what is good or bad for him and can make choices which are beneficial and healthier for him.

Effective and Judicious utilisation of Technology

Effective use of computers and smartphones for activities like health monitoring, financial transactions, e-learning, communication and gaining fast access to information is a boon and enhances the Quality of Life. At the same time, addiction to these devices for social media and unfiltered load of information makes them a curse. Excessive screen time strains the eyes and leaves less time for outdoor activities. Therefore, Judicious use of these devices definitely improves the Quality off Life.

Activities that can add to your Quality of Life

Everyone is different and the way in which one person enjoys may not appeal to another. But there are definitely certain common ingredients which one may seek as they are under your control:
Do what you like and like whatever you do, It could be a productive engagement or a pastime or entertainment, but so long as love doing it, it will definitely make you feel good and enjoy. Follow your passions.

Exercise regularly to keep yourself fit. It helps release of Endorphin hormone which makes you relaxed and happy.

Do things which benefits others. Selfless service in giving it to nature or to the society, releases Serotonin hormone which acts as a mood stabiliser and makes you happy.

Eating well and taking care of yourself at any age makes you feel good. So let age not discourage you from maintaining yourself with fashion trends suiting your life style.

Travel more and explore the world. It is one activity which will refresh your mind and make your life exciting.

Try and always keep a positive mindset. Keep a company of positive and lively people.

Take adequate rest and always have a Good Night sleep.

How to calculate Quality of your Life


What are the most important factors that determine the Quality of Life. Is it possible to measure these factors and come to a quantitive figure indicating the degree of Quality of Life that a person enjoys. These factors can be broadly divided into categories given below, To come to a quantitative figure indicating level of Quality of Life that one enjoys, there is a requirement to come to a weightage given to each factor. Although this aspect is quite subjective and may vary from individual to individual. However for the purpose of this article, I have given the weightage that I consider to be most appropriate after a comprehensive research. The Weightage given to each factor is added in parenthesis. With these weightage, given the necessary inputs it would be possible to calculate one’s Quality of Life:

Factor affecting Quality of LifeWeightage
Health and Wellness factors20
Education Level, Technology and Self Development Factors 20
Social Factors & Relationships20
Financial Factors15
Purpose in Life and Spiritual Development10
Work Life Balance10
Environmental Factors5
Total100
How to calculate Quality of your Life

Analysis of Score on Quality of Life

Allot marks in each attribute out of weightage given in parenthesis and total it up to arrive at your total score.

Total ScoreQuality of Life
Less than 60Needs attention. Make efforts to improve
Between 60 and 70Fair
Between 70 and 75Good
Greater than 75Excellent
Analysis of Score on Quality of Life

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Work-Life Balance after Retirement

/ Leave a Comment / Life Activity Balance after Retirement, Managing Retirement, Relevance of Work-Life Balance after Retirement, Work Life Balance / / , , , , ,

Updated on September 21st, 2022

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work life balance after retirementRelevance of Work-Life Balance after Retirement

When one talks about work life balance, one is generally referring to balancing the time spent on work to the demands of one’s personal life. Is the work life balance relevant after Retirement? One may argue that once the person stops working, then where is requirement of a balance when the entire time is available towards personal life.

But the fact is that after Retirement, you do not stop working, but continue to work, with a difference that now you only work for yourself. The nature of your activities undergo a change. You are no more under obligation or binding and you do not take orders from others but are your own master.

There is a lot that you can do after retirement like creating something new that you are proud of, serving others, building your community, making strong relationships, and countless other forms of pursuits that are deeply rewarding. At times people become more busy after retirement due to their engagement in activities which they love and like. So, after retirement, what is required may be termed as Activity-Life balance instead of work-life balance.

Activity-Life Balance

But time is a finite resource and needs to be closely monitored and effectively utilised. If not judiciously used, it passes fast without you realising it. The days will pass into weeks, weeks into months and months into years, when you look back as to what you have achieved during the golden period of your time. The great contradiction of the retired life is that there appears so much time, and yet so very little of it. Retirement, after all, marks the beginning of your final phase of life.

Activities after Retirement

Productive Activities

Some retirees  take up a part-time job just to supplement their income or if they do not have adequate pastimes. Some others spend  their time in productive and creative activities  like reading, writing, blogging, painting, cooking, gardening, learning new skill etc. Your daily physical exercise, work out and meditation etc also forms part of this group.

Pastimes for Pleasure

Activities for Pleasure and Entertainment through hobbies, pastimes, holidaying and adventure. It includes your time taken for playing your games, watching movies, listening to music, taking a walk with your dog etc

Socialisation

Activities which involve socialisation and spending time with near and dear ones. These are mainly group activities.

Pre-occupation with Electronic Devices

Of late, an additional activity which takes away a good chunk of retiree’s time is their pre-occupation with electronic devices like smart phone, tab and laptop etc.

How to Balance Life after Retirement

There is a need to balance all the groups of activities mentioned above to get the most out of the time left in your life after retirement. Any imbalance in activities would result in devoting too much of time in one at the cost of other.

Spending too much of time on your productive engagements may be at the cost of your entertainment and socialisation. Similarly, spending too much of your time on activities like Golf, would leave very little time with your family and children/grandchildren. Over-socialisation may take a toll on your health and may deprive of your productive activities like  exercise, stimulation of your mind and other creative endeavours. Addiction to your electronic devices may result in  spending a disproportionate time on social media, messaging and other apps, thereby leaving little time for other activities.

Therefore one must make a conscious effort to track one’s time and spend it on a mix of activities which gives satisfaction and sense of fulfilment.

Structure your time

Schedule your time by laying down broad time-slots for each group of  activities. Structure it, but not strictly as it was being done for your working life. Have built in flexibility.

Have a Routine for everything

To name a few, you may have a morning routine which includes exercise, meditation, breakfast etc. Working routine which includes your time for productive and fulfilling activities, routines for socialisation, pastimes and entertainments, routine for your social media and messaging apps,  bedtime routine and so on. Routine forces you to stick to your plans which you have laid down for yourself. This way you are able to make the best use of your time. At the same time you do not miss out any activity which you are required to do.

Club your activities to get the best out of your time

Try and club activities which can be enjoyed with  family and friends such as hiking, playing games, swimming, dancing, cooking etc. Travel Frequently. It breaks the monotony of your routine life and brings in excitement and positivity in you life.

Devote time for adequate Rest

Taking rest is a productive activity as it rejuvenates and renews you. It is a kind of investment to improve your productivity and wellbeing.

Track & Fulfil you Bucket List

Make a Bucket List, if you do not have one. Make all out efforts to achieve all items in it before it is too late. Your list may include places to travel, skills to learn, people to meet, and doing anything else that matter to you most. Life is not endless, and you may not have the adequate strength to achieve many of the activities, if you postpone them indefinitely.

Use Technology to your advantage

Don’t be averse to Technology, but make use of it effectively. It  can automate many of your activities and add to the quality of your life. Your apps can help your manage your time. At the same exercise caution.Technology has literally increased the time on screen leaving very little time for outdoor activities and face to face socialisation. Switch off and detach from you devices at times and  take a break. Observe ‘Internet Fasting’ once in a while.

Develop a Habit of Writing a Diary

Writing a dairy is a good habit and helps you in analysing how you are doing. You probably want to know what you’re going to do when you wake up in the morning. So make a list of the important things which matter. At the end of the day, take a stock of what worked and what didn’t, what went wrong and how can you can set it right. Introspect by self-examination and self-analyses with the aim to improve.

“Everyone must learn to analyse himself dispassionately. Write down your thoughts and aspirations daily. Find out what you – not what you imagine you are! – because you want to make yourself what you ought to be. Most People don’t change because they don’t see their own faults.”

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda

Discover your Purpose of Life

One of the important challenges in the golden period is finding purpose and meaning in life. Having a clear purpose of life is the  key to achieving  contentment and eventually peace of mind. Embrace Spirituality. Spiritual People  have a clear purpose which makes their lives meaningful. They are clear on: “Why am I here?” and “What kind of Impact do I want to make in the world?”

Leave a Legacy

Remember, you have only one life and so make the best of it.  Have you ever thought as to what would people say about you at your funeral. What legacy are you going to leave behind after you depart this world. I am sure you always would like to leave a legacy behind to be remembered for your values and deeds which mattered to people close to you. So, there is a need to make a conscious effort towards this and try to leave a legacy which keeps your memories alive even after you leave this world.

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Most Creative Pastimes after Retirement

/ Leave a Comment / Creativity after Retirement, Life Activity Balance after Retirement, Work Life Balance / / , , ,

Updated on February 22nd, 2023

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Travelling is a creative pastime
Online learning is a creative pastime
Yoga and Meditation- a creative pastime after retirement

Ten Creative Pastimes

Whiling away time after Retirement is easy, but what is important is to spend time wisely on activities which give you a personal satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment.   We all have liking for some activities which make us feel relaxed and give us enjoyment. Retirement gives you ample time and  opportunity to do such activities which you have always loved, but had no time or little time to  do it earlier. There are certain activities which are creative, which energise your mind and give you a feeling of contributing something to this world. Such activities not just keep you busy but are good for your overall wellness. I recommend the following seven most creative activities  which any retiree can undertake as  pastimes without the need of any additional gear or resources.

1. Reading, Writing and Blogging

  1. Reading. These may be separate activities but I have clubbed them together as they are closely related. Reading non-fiction books is a very good creative pastime which can be undertaken at anytime, at anyplace and at any age. It stimulates your mind and generates interest in the subject that you are reading. You generally read on the subjects which you like. Reading constantly exercises your mind and helps you to learn something new in your life.

    An e-Book reader is a good investment. The advantage of eBook reader is its easy access to millions of books some of which may be free. Using an E-book reader you can even start reading a number of books simultaneously on a time sharing basis. At the same time you carry your entire library with you wherever you go.

  2.  Writing. Nothing can be more creative than putting your thoughts on the paper. Writing anything,  which adds value to the existing pool of knowledge, is a challenging task and requires you to read a lot and carry out a research on the subject. Retirees have an advantage of having a wide experience which gives them adequate practical and useful knowledge  for sharing it with others. As you will always write on the subject which you love, writing becomes a very interesting and productive pastime. It forces you to think, gives you confidence and boosts up your self esteem.
  3. Blogging/Publishing. Your writing is of no value unless you have audience who would read your work. To reach your target audience, either you can write articles in periodicals and publication or compile your writings and publish a book or use the electronic media for publishing your work as Blogs. Blogging is the fastest means to reach your audience and it is also the cheapest. You have an option to monetise your blogs if you start building an audience base.

2. Watching thought provoking Documentaries and listening to Podcasts and stimulating talks.

A study has indicated that most retirees spend an average of  2 to 4 hours daily on watching TV. This time can be best utilised by watching interesting documentaries and inspiring talks. Documentaries cover important topics in a captivating way and give out comprehensive information with different points of views. Watching documentaries is a good way of combining entertainment with knowledge. The purpose of a documentary is to document with evidence something that has actually happened. There are many good documentaries which you can directly stream from applications like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube etc. Similarly watching stimulating talks like TED talks give you a lot of insight in to what others are doing in the area of science, education, environment, productivity, business, technology, etc. Subscribing and listening to useful podcasts is another option. There are a variety of are thought provoking talks which add to your knowledge base without straining your eyes.

3. Travelling and Exploring the World.

Another creative pastime for retirees is to travel and explore the world. While in your active working life, you probably did not have adequate time to plan and undertake travel trips to exciting places which you always wanted to see. After retirement, one has adequate time to plan and travel for recreation, rest and relaxation. Resources are also generally not an issue, presuming that one has planned his/her retirement well.

Travelling recharges you and brings about a change of environment. Retirees who take vacations and travel often are comparatively  healthier and live a long life. Do not postpone your travel plans. Remember that after retirement you are ageing, and if you postpone it, you may not have the energy to undertake such trips. You don’t even have a certainty that you will live till you are old.

4. Exercise, Yoga & Meditation

We all undertake exercise is an essential requirement for our  body to keep us physically fit. Combining exercise with yoga and meditation makes you not only physically fit  but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually strong.  It is a very productive pastime which will boost your energy, help keep you calm and improves you concentration. This pastime is a good investment of time. Meditation is a known scientific technique for focussing and concentrating your mind on higher spirit, Once you feel the cosmic power flowing within you, the joy and positivity that you get will be far higher than any material pleasures of life.

5. Cooking Nutritious Meals

Cooking is one activity which is again a necessity for everyone at all ages. As you age, your requirement of nutrition becomes more critical. If you cook your food at home rather than ordering from outside, you can ensure that you always have good food which is rich in nutrition and supplies you with all the nutrition your body needs. It saves you money, keeps you in good health and makes your family happy as you are contributing effectively in the household tasks. Combining taste with nutrition makes this pastime a very rewarding one.

6. Gardening

Gardening is an enjoyable and relaxing outdoor pastime  that benefits both mind and body. Scientists have discovered that the mycobacterium, a bacteria found in soil improves brain functions. Being outdoor in sunshine and fresh air with nature helps you in reducing stress. Interacting with nature help release Serotonin hormone which acts as a mood stabiliser and makes you happy. Even if Retirees do not have vast expanse of land, they can do gardening through potted plants. Whether it’s flowers, fruits or vegetables, you can grow them all on your terrace or balcony.

7. Online courses

Learning something new which you like, makes you feel good, lifts your self-esteem and adds excitement to your life. Every time you learn something, your brain grows new cells.  It always keeps you young, no matter what your age is.  There is a wide variety of courses available today to choose from depending upon one’s interest and inclination. Today, professionally made videos give you a near-classroom effect. You can do these courses in the comfort of your home in your own time. There is no real pressure of time as most of these courses are paced comfortably. Many of these courses are free and and do not put any financial burden on you. It is never too late to learn anything new and you are never too old to do it. “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”– Henry Ford

8. Volunteering:

It gives fulfillment in giving back to their community. There are many opportunities to volunteer with organizations such as hospitals, schools, and libraries that you care about by donating time, money, or resources. Also consider mentoring young people,or offering your expertise to a non-profit organization.

9. Socializing:

    Retirees often have more time to spend with family and friends. Participating in social activities such as book clubs, card games, and community events can provide opportunities to connect with others.

    10. Artistic pursuits:

      Retirement can be the perfect time to explore your creative side. Consider taking up painting, drawing, photography, music or other artistic pursuits that can provide a sense of accomplishment and personal expression.

        Undertaking these ten activities would provide you with a feeling of physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental well being, which is considered essential for a happy long retired life.

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        Change your Lifestyle. Live the Natural Way

        / Leave a Comment / Diet and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Living Natural Way, Natural Life Style, Work Life Balance / / , , , ,

        Updated on September 21st, 2022

        Change your Lifestyle to live with nature
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        Nature Created us to be Healthy

        Man is born in this world without anything, in birthday clothes. Nature has created everything for us to survive and live a healthy life. It has made the world very beautiful with all the flora and fauna, crops, clean air and sufficient water –  everything that human beings need for a healthy and happy living. In olden days people were enjoying unprocessed fresh food, clean air and water.  Their lifestyle was close to nature. Living the natural way made their bodies capable of curing themselves by providing it the right immunity against harmful organisms. 

        Exposure to natural surroundings not only makes one  feel energetic but also improves his physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The feel of fresh clean air, the chirping of birds and scenic beauty of natural life rejuvenates you.

        Modern Technology has moved us away from nature

        Today, we  are living in an artificial world and rarely find access to natural clean, hygienic and fresh air, food and water. Vast stretches of natural vegetation and lakes have been converted to concrete jungles. We have polluted everything without taking into account its’  side effects. Pesticides and chemicals used to enhance yield have resulted in compromising the nutritional value of food. Food has become processed and artificially flavoured. The promotion of pharmaceutical industry has made us dependent on drugs and supplements to make good the deficiencies in nutrition, which nature would normally otherwise provide. The life has become competitive, fast and materialistic resulting in high stress levels. The information revolution and our addiction to computers and cell phones has made the matter worse. All this is the reason for all our ill health and so called ‘Modern Day Life Style Diseases.

        How can you make your lifestyle closest to nature.

        Aim for Holistic Wellness

        For holistic health, we must treat both mind and body. Scientific studies have established a connection between mind and body. All diseases are a result of multiple causes pertaining to mind and body. Therefore it is important to apply an approach to life which provides  for overall wellbeing of physical, mental and emotional health. A balanced diet, appropriate physical exercise and movement and natural measures to manage and control stress are important measures to live in a manner the nature wants us to live. The healthy lifestyle should be according to the laws of nature. Adhering to its principles will improve your immunity, resist disease and give you live a long, healthy and useful life.

        Food is the most important medicine

        Hippocrates said, “Let food be our medicine.”  Our body is a chemical processing factory, the raw material for it is food. Most of us aren’t getting the nutrients we need. A good diet is essential to  produce high quality of nutrients. Living with nature advocates balanced diet made from raw and unrefined foods life vegetable and fruits, sprouts, wholemeal bread and salads. Live naturally, eat plant based diet, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. These will improve your digestion and give you all the energy you need.

        Move and Exercise more

        Mechanisation and automation have resulted in lack to movement and exercise. To exercise body and keep it toned, the techniques Lake yoga, breathing exercises, stretching weight training are Important. In olden days, people  used to get adequate exercise by doing their daily chores, walking, cycling and so on. Today, people have to take out dedicated time for necessary exercise and workout for the body needs.

        Control your Mind

        Manage stress Naturally. Stress is the by-product of modern day living. Some stress is good for you but  too much can cause anxiety and poor health. A mild stress is acceptable as it gives your necessary motivation and strength to accomplish your tasks, but in today’s competitive world, the heavy demands are placed on you which far exceed your resources and capability and is leading to early burn out. There are natural methods you can use to control your mind to help you in stress relief like meditating, deep breathing and yoga.

        What you can do

        1. Get back to the basics of living in harmony with nature

        2. Buy Local ; Buy Organic

        – Buy organic products grown locally and directly from source as far as possible. Wherever possible, grow your own vegetables and fruits. Always cook your own meals and avoid eating outside.

        3. Be predominantly Vegetarian. 

        —Remember, Humans are anatomically designed to be Vegetarians. Therefore try to be predominantly Vegetarian. Restrict the intake on non vegetarian food, if you can’t avoid it altogether.

        4. Always stay Hydrated

        —Make it a habit to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water everyday.

        5. Spend more time outdoors

        —Look for natural ways to stay fit. Spend more time outdoors and opt for  walking and cycling, whenever going for short distances. Use the staircase over the lift. Park your vehicle at a distance from your destination and enjoy the scenery as you walk. Take out time to play your favourite sport. Play with your children outdoors. Make it a point to find time to stretch every day.

        6. Embrace Naturopathy

        —Embrace Naturopathy as it includes exercise like Yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, oil massages, sauna etc and host of other natural treatments which aid the body’s natural healing process while helping to release toxins from the body. It has no side effects.

        —Make yoga, breathing exercises and meditation your daily habit. These natural approaches are designed to minimise stress and make you feel more peaceful.

        —Include natural immune boosting foods, herbs and essential oils that help you protect your body from become sick.

        —Avoid products made from chemicals and all the factory produced packaged and processed food, as far as possible. 

        —Treat Yourself with Natural Body Massages.  These massages relax the muscles and helps in rejuvenating the body cells

        7. Embrace Spirituality

        –Studies have proved that spiritual people enjoy a better health and live longer. Such people are always calm, mentally strong and have a better immunity to cope up with illness and suffering

        8. Stay in clean and pollution-free environment

        —If you can help it, stay away from cities at a place which provides you clean and pollution-free environment. Improved living environment resulting from reduced toxin exposure, safer and green surroundings not only adds life to your years but also  adds years to your life.

        9. For Self Care use herbal & natural products

        For self care, use of artificial/chemical cosmetics, lotions, deodorants, lipstick, soaps etc can harm human skin and other parts of body. Use non-toxic cosmetics, herbal skin care products and toiletries. You may even use normal edible oil like coconut, olive or mustard oil in lieu of expensive lotions for personal care.

        10. Internet Fasting

        –In addition to occasional food fasting, periodically, switch off and detach from all your electronic devices for a while and take a break. This fasting will improve your performance.

        11. Plant a tree every year

        –The least we can do to repay to Mother Earth is to take a vow to plant at least on tree every year.

        12. Implement Environment-Friendly Measures

        –Use Solar energy extensively and green building concept to get natural lighting and air, where possible.
        –Use Electric Vehicle, Car-Pool or Public Transport
        –Always use Energy_Efficient appliances.
        –Conserve Electricity by switching off lights and appliances when not in use.

        Our Gains: Lasting Wellness at Lesser Cost

        Thus, apart from keeping the planet green, natural living helps in improving health and wellness.  The healthy lifestyle should be according to the laws of nature. Adhering to its principles will improve your immunity, resist disease and give you live a long, healthy and useful life. As an additional benefit, natural living costs less than the alternatives provided by modern technology.

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