Q: If you think making a drastic decision is the only way out or the only thing that will make you happy, think again. You likely have more than 1 option to choose from. For example, if you're unhappy at your job, consider shifting positions, working at another branch, or asking to move up in your company. While it can be fun to make impulsive decisions, don't let them rule your life. Gather information and examine your choices first. If you feel like buying fancy things is the only way you experience happiness, find other ways to feel fulfilled, like growing a garden or learning how to dance. Get into the habit of waiting 24 to 48 hours before buying items that you suddenly want. Carefully and thoughtfully consider your options before moving forward. You don't have to make drastic choices to be happy. Try to give yourself a few months to think about making a big change, such as changing careers or moving to a new city. If you feel ready to make some big decisions, seek some wise counsel from someone you trust. This might be a parent, friend, therapist, or spiritual leader. Listen to what they have to say, even if you don't like it. They may share some perspectives you haven't considered. If you're planning to quit your job, leave your spouse, or make a big purchase, talk it over before going through with it. Many people who hit mid-life think that turning back the clock is the answer to moving ahead. While acting young, looking young, and dating young people might feel good for a few moments, it won't solve your problems. You may postpone feelings of confusion but they will likely not go away. No amount of fancy things or nice cars will actually turn back the clock. It's best to acknowledge your age and be okay with it. For example, if you've put your worth into your looks all your life, try to find worth in yourself in other more enduring ways, like your kindness and generosity. Everybody ages and gets older, it only matters how you handle it and grow from it. However, keep in mind that it is okay to invest in your appearance in healthy, non-invasive ways, such as by getting a personal trainer to work on your physique or getting your hair and makeup done professionally. This can be great for your self-esteem.
A: Make informed choices. Get some advice. Move forward, not backward.

Q: The following stretches can greatly reduce pain if done at least once per day: Do the knee-to-chest stretch. Lay on your back with your knees up and your head on the ground. Lift your right knee and grab it with both hands. Pull the knee lightly toward your chest for 30 seconds. Release and repeat 2 times with both legs. Do the piriformis muscle stretch. If you suffer from pain in your sciatic nerve, the piriformis muscle is most likely extremely tense. Lie on your back with your knees up. Place the outside of your right calf on the top of your left thigh. Lift your left thigh and grab it with your hands. Bring the thigh toward you until you feel a stretch in your right buttock. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat twice on each side. Focus on your neck. Stiff necks often accompany stiff backs. Lean your head forward so that your chin touches your chest. You should feel the muscles in the back of your neck stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Lift your head up and then lean your head to the right, bringing your right ear close to your right shoulder. The muscles on the side of your neck should be pulled taught. Hold for 30 seconds and then lean your head to the left, in the same way. Hold for 30 seconds. Stand with your back against a wall. Then gradually lower yourself so that you are in a seated position. You should feel your back, abdomen, and quads start to tighten. Hold for 5-10 seconds depending on how long it takes you to feel the burn. Then slowly straighten your legs and return to a standing position. Do this 10 times or so each time you work out. Lie on your back and bend your knees, so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Then slowly lift your pelvis off of the floor until your thighs line up with your core. Do not go too far. You don't want to over arch your back. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your pelvis back to the floor. Repeat 10 times or so each time you work out. Find an open space for this exercise. Begin on your hands and knees like you are a crawling toddler. Hold your head straight so that you're looking down at the floor. Holding your body firm, slowly extend one leg out behind you. Fully extend your leg so that it is on level with your back and then hold for 5 seconds. Now lower your leg back to the ground. Repeat 10 times with each leg. For this exercise, you'll need a large rubber Swiss ball. Roll onto the ball. Your stomach should rest comfortably on it. Now extend your upper body and legs out. Then slowly walk your body forward so the ball is now under your thighs. Keep your body as straight as possible. Then walk your body back so the ball is under your stomach again. Do this 10 times per trip to the gym. 30 minutes per day of low-impact aerobic exercise, such as swimming, fast walking, or cycling on a recumbent bike, will reduce back pain caused by atrophy over time. The increased blood pressure will help wake up those dormant muscles. After 30 to 40 minutes of cardio exercise, your body will kick into endorphin production, which can alleviate back pain. Yoga will further reinforce the above stretches and exercises as well as reduce stress which can lead to back pain. Focus on your breathing, while you complete each pose. The cobra, child's pose, and mountain pose are excellent yoga positions for strengthening your core and stretching your back muscles. There are dozens of other poses that focus on your core and back specifically. Try those that feel most comfortable to you. You don't want to push yourself too far. Over extension can lead to additional back problems, if you aren't careful.
A: Stretch several times per day. Strengthen your core with wall squats. Do pelvic lifts to build your core. Do leg reaches. Perform Swiss ball stabilizing exercises. Add more cardio exercise to your daily workout. Do yoga.

Q: If you'd like to have creative control over every part of your house's design, it's possible to design a floor plan with little or no experience. There are various online resources you can use to compose your own blueprints and floor plans. You'll also need to independently research many aspect of home building that your architect or builder would normally take care of, including: Analyzing the shape and slope of the land plot to determine a specific build location. Determining zoning regulations for your build site. If you choose not to design your own floor plans, you'll need to find someone to design your house. An architect will incorporate your own vision or the house and your own design preferences into their final design. Working with an architect should be more like collaboration than like handing over control of your pet project. Architect fees for drawing up floor plans usually reach around $5,000 or $6,000 USD. Use The American Institute of Architects online database to search for architects in your city or zip code: https://architectfinder.aia.org. The architect will make the blueprints and floor plans, but you need to find someone to actually build the house. Collect bids from at least 3 builders. In many scenarios, architects work closely with builders. Your architect may already have one (or more) builders that they can recommend with you. Ask your architect for a builder recommendation. This will save you the trouble of having to find a builder on your own.
A:
Design your own floor plans. Contact a reputable architect. Obtain bids from builders once the blueprints are complete.