The Armchair Activist: Change the World from your Living Room

You've heard of Gahndi's "Be the Change you want to see in the world?" These ideas follow that premise.

1. Turn Off Your Television*: No, seriously. We mean it. Studies have shown that watching television puts people in a hypnotic state, where you're much more suceptible to messages you watch. Which is why many people walk around feeling like terrorists are around every corner and further, that nobody will love them unless they are wearing the latest designer jeans. It's a big burden to carry, but one that's easy to switch off.

2. *Unless You're Watching a Documentary: This is a very important exception: there are so many fantastic documentaries available, you can relax AND learn. It seems that with digicams and editing suites moviemaking is much more accessible to the everyman (just watch YouTube if you don't believe us), and many excellent films are being produced -- see the list below for Netflix's Top five.

3. Pet Your Pet: Did you know that when you have Fido or Fluffy in your lap it lowers blood pressure for both of you? It's true. Really, it's therapy, and wouldn't you be a better human being operating from your centered, content self instead acting like a frenzied road-raging stress-monkey?

4. Eat Healthy Snacks: Somewhere between Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Whole Foods' growing locations, we started getting wise to processed foods. Our most powerful vote is often with our dollar. So next time, pass on the Cheez Poofs and crunch into an apple -- your body will reward you with a strong immune system.

5. Read a Book: Instead of watching the local news, why not read a book on political or foreign affairs perspectives? Or grassroots movements? Something that provides a more in-depth perspective than the hyped up soundbytes of the nightly party lines? We promise this will turn your brain back on and get you into the activist frame of mind. Instead of complacently accepting that we're winning (or losing) the War on Whatever, take some time to really get to know the issues. Imagine if everyone did.

So bottom line, if we each acted as healthy, centered, educated human beings would not the world be a better place? That easy chair's looking pretty comfy -- why not get started today?