If you come down with a cold this spring, you can clear nasal congestion by relaxing in a warm herbal bath. Place one-half cup of crushed rosemary leaves in the toe of hosiery and put it in the tub. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes, inhaling deeply. You'll breathe freely again!

Or try thyme. Pour three cups of boiling water over two tablespoons of crushed thyme leaves in a bowl. Let the water cool just a bit so you're not burned by the steam, then cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl. Close your eyes, and breath deeply for eight to 10 minutes.

For more herbal cold remedies and other herbal concoctions with healing powers:

• 7 Must-Have Healing Herbs
• 6 Herbal Teas With Healing Powers
• Energy In a Cup of Herbal Tea

Are you lugging a heavy bag or briefcase every day? The American Chiropractic Association says that carrying a bag that's more than 10% of your body weight can cause spine problems. Dump out your bag today, and see what you can get rid of. Your back will thank you—and so will your neck and shoulders!



Get rid of back pain in just 7 minutes and more help for your back:

• Get Rid of Back Pain in Just 7 Minutes a Day
• You May Have a Broken Back and Not Know It…Vertebral Fractures Can Be Silent But Deadly
• DIY Tricks to Untie a Knot in Your Back

We know that deep breathing relieves stress. But have you tried alternate-nostril breathing? It's particularly relaxing and easy to do once you've tried it. Sit comfortably, cross-legged on the floor. Place the index and middle fingers of your right hand on your forehead. Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale deeply, keeping your mouth closed. Before exhaling, release the right nostril and close the left nostril with your ring finger and exhale slowly. Then inhale, close the right nostril again and exhale completely through the left. Alternate nostrils for three minutes. You'll feel content with the world.

More breathing tricks that reduce stress:

• Breathe Like a Baby
• De-Stress—Little (or No!) Movement Required
• Stress Relief Is Just a Chew or a Spray Away

Nearly half of us spend five or more hours daily in front of a computer screen or an electronic device, says the American Optometric Association (AOA). No wonder so many of us have eyestrain. Here’s a simple way to give your eyes a rest. The AOA’s 20-20-20 rule goes like this: Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something that is about 20 feet away. Easy to remember, easy to do. And it feels restful, too. Also good to know: March is Save Your Vision month, a good reminder to schedule an annual eye and vision exam.