Humans are social beings and warm contact with those you care about has been shown to reduce stress. In one study, for example, a person asked to do mental arithmetic showed a smaller increase in blood pressure (an indication of how stressed she was) if accompanied to the task by a friend. And for those of you on bad terms with friends or family, consider extending the olive branch, both for your sake and for theirs.
Before the dark and dreary chill of winter grabs you in its clutches, or even if it already has, here are ten ways you prevent winter from becoming the season of your discontent.
No bellhops or chocolates on the pillow. Someone else's laundry in your dryer. It's not for the squeamish, but if you really want to see the world on a dime, swap lives with a stranger.