Take Care of Yourself.

In your day-to-day activities, do you think of yourself?  What do you do for yourself?  Sometimes in the midst of life, we forget to enjoy it.  I'm certainly guilty of over-committing and not leaving time for anything.  What is your favorite activity--one that you often think "I haven't done that in forever?"  Sometimes working out, reading a book, getting a spa treatment (for an amazing massage guaranteed to relax you:  http://www.balancedayre.massagetherapy.com/), or simply taking yourself to a movie is enough.  For others, it may be making a purchase that makes you smile.  Think about it and ensure that you are taking care of yourself. 

I know that I normally focus on getting your butt moving and exercise, exercise, exercise....But your mental health is also a necessity.  Exercise DOES benefit your mental health in a great way--once those endorphins get rolling you may relax or just simply feel better and want to smile!  :)  For those who still need an extrinsic motivation for exercise, perhaps mental health is another benefit you can add to the list if you're having trouble getting committed.....

For all the Moms and Dads out there.... I know that time is even more scarce for you.  Often I hear that there is only time for the kids, but there has to be "ME" time because otherwise you're no good to yourself.  I know what your thinking, "that's easy for her to say she isn't a parent," but I know a number of parents who set periods of time for Mom and the same for Dad.  Moms and Dads, how do you find time?  What is your "Me" time, and how do you make it work?

Trust me, this isn't considered being selfish.  I've been told time and time again that I need to take care of me, and I've discovered sometimes a simple activity like buying a bath bomb and reading a book in the tub is the most refreshing thing.  This not only is a guaranteed way to rejuvenate yourself, but will help you smile and have a more positive outlook on life.

I have a number of nieces and nephews, and I heard a story on the radio yesterday that touched my heart and made me think of this post. Kids surround us every day. Sometimes they just say amazing things that touch our hearts in a way that just makes you think, "Why didn't I think of that?" So, take a minute for YOU and smile like a kid, act crazy and enjoy it! 


Smile that crazy smile!!!!



Share your thoughts and ideas!  Tell us your favorite activity to do when you need to refresh and rejuvenate.

You can do this!  :)

Have a great day and smile, smile, smile!

What time is it!?! SPRING TIME!?!?




http://www.muttscomics.com/

  Well, of course it isn't Spring time just yet, but after yesterday I think we are all hoping!  Check out this scene from my favorite Mutts Comics. :) 

Fast forward to Spring, please.  It is time to start planning those outside activities to ensure that the hibernation weight comes off with the arrival of the sunny sunshine!  For those of you that stayed active throughout winter, congratulations!  Go on with your bad self!  Please share some tips as to what helped you throughout the winter, and how you were able to crawl out of your warm bed to work out.  :)

Now--on to the Spring topic.  Race schedules are up.  Lots of races all over.  Check the schedules and sign up for a race.  It gives you incentive to ensure you prepare, and also pushes you make it through to the end.  Perfect times to hang out with friends, make a weekend trip, or just to conquer something by yourself!  Just because it says it is a 5k, doesn't mean you have to run the race--jogging, walking, walking and jogging, walking and running--these are all acceptable.  I PROMISE!  

Here's one of the first opportunities for you to get some fresh air with other people (well, specifically women for this race...) who are conscious about their health.  My neighbor planned a race last year, and again this year:  Women's 5K by the Bay.  Check it out.  It is a beautiful scene and it's on April 10th so what a great way to start off the beautiful weather in beautiful Havre de Grace!  To all the Moms--there are Mother/Daughter Teams!  What a great opportunity to get your child involved and educated about their health!  I saw Moms coaching their girls last year and it truly was a special moment!  Thoroughly warmed my already warmed heart! :)

Oh---another added benefit of a race is that you get a prize--a free shirt and free food at the finish line (bananas, bagels (make sure you don't over do it), and this year at the Women's 5k by the Bay---CHOCOLATE! The ticket to all ladies' hearts. (Remember, if it is dark chocolate 72% and above--it IS good for you!!!)


For all the men, check out http://www.charmcityrun.com/ for their events, and maybe you can come along and support your beautiful chick on this day, with some lunch afterwards in historical Havre de Grace.  There are lots of guaranteed smiles on April 10th if you can make it!  You can also find the Women's 5k by the Bay on http://www.active.com/ along with many other races!  Many companies have begun to use this website in order to be green and save some trees! :)

One more thing:  with Spring comes the lovely, and long awaited sprout of the first green thing (or orange, red, etc.)  The farmers will be soon heading to the Farmer's Market.  Check out your local area, and see how you can help support local farmers, as well as your own diet.  Remember, if you choose one day of the week to cook you can have well planned meals already prepared for those nights when you're running late at work and starving when you walk in the door.  Also, here's a great series of Crock Pot oatmeal recipes that I found on So Delicious' website:  http://healthyslowcooking.com/2011/02/15/slow-cooker-creamsicle-oatmeal-orange-vanilla-goodness/  I haven't had an opportunity to try them out yet, but I have some oatmeal that I got from the health food store so I can't wait to try one of them.  Hit "Previous" or "Next" to check out the variety of recipes on here. :)   For some other healthy options, check out http://www.turtlemountain.com/ as I found some really yummy ones on there too! 

Share your stories, share your races that you are planning on signing up for, and shout from the top of the mountains that you are pledging to have a healthy heart, a healthy body, and a healthy year!!!

Have a great day, and don't forget to SMILE!!!

Is your nose the only thing running???

I wanted to share this clip from Muttscomics (http://www.muttscomics.com/).  I'm sure that this time of the year, when we are all surrounded by germs, that your exercise is bound to get held up at some point.  My last post was about setbacks, and certainly getting sick can be a setback.  If you still go full force with your workout while you are sick, you may only be spreading your germs to others and delaying your recovery time.  Each of you know your body best so you need to assess your own symptoms, but sometimes allowing your body to rest is the best medication you can give it!  You may need to simply allow your nose to be the exercise of the day..... :) 

Do not let the setback overcome you--be prepared, accept the rest, and feel refreshed and renewed when you're well enough to get back into your exercise routine!  You will prevail!  And....don't forget to SMILE!

My friend, Brian, is a holistic pharmacist and I've been under his care for a little while now.  I feel just wonderful with his recommendations for me.  There has been a recent discussion with the government regarding Vitamin D that seems to be an attempt to lead us astray..... Check out your Vitamin D intake and check out Brian's article for some great information: http://www.wellbeing247.net/CoughCold.html.  It may be worth contacting him to ensure you're getting all the nutrients you need.  In today's society, regardless of how well you eat, our food is so nutrient starved thanks to all the pesticides and such that we often need a little something extra. :)  You can contact Brian Sanderoff, P.D. at brian@wellbeing247.net.  He's well worth the visit, I promise!!!!

Feel free to post your comments on how you like to get well and feel your best!!! :)

Have a great day!!