Sunday, May 23, 2010

Right Exercise

Finding the time, energy, and right exercise for your body can be easier said than done.  However, once you get into the flow of an exercise routine you'll find that you can counteract the very limits that kept you from exercising in the first place.  Here are some of the benefits of engaging in a meaningful exercise routine:

  • Exercising can help you manage your time more wisely because you must schedule your routine into your day and adjust your other daily activities accordingly. 
  • Exercise also leads to increased energy which can keep you in your routine and helps you juggle everything else going on in your life.  
  • A good exercise routine leads to better body awareness.  This means that you won't be as clumsy and stressed out due to muscle tension & you'll be more aware of specific problem areas in order to make adjustments.
  • Exercise helps stave off depression.  When you exercise vigorously, endorphins are released giving your a natural high.
  • Exercise detoxifies.  Sweating is one of the best ways we can detoxify the largest organ of the body, our skin.  
  • You'll look good.  Exercise leads to a look of natural vitality & a healthy glow.  Sporting a lean & toned body is a confidence builder too!

Finding the time and the tools to make it work:
  • Do you have more time in the morning, afternoon, or evening?  
  • Carving out just 30 minutes per day is all you need. You can build up from there when your routine becomes more solid.
  • Videos are great!  You don't have to worry about a schedule so much & there are so many out there that cater to every person's needs.
  • Walking, jogging, and running don't require much time or extra equipment.
  • Weight training & pilates will help you feel stronger, more confident, and better able to perform daily physical activities around the house or at work. Pilates works your core muscles to help you feel better balanced as you go through your day. 
  • Yoga is great for toning muscles, creating better body awareness, and providing stress relief.  If you haven't tried it, you should.  Your body will love you for it!
So, I challenge you to make a commitment this week to developing an exercise routine that works for you.   Your reward: a healthier, happier, and more functional body.  The journey of a thousand miles  begins with one step.  

Thursday, May 13, 2010

5 Keys to Staying Healthy, Happy, & Balanced

Follow these  5 yogic pillars that lead to a healthy, happy, & balanced life:
  • Right Exercise-something that fits your age, health, and needs of your body (I'm going to encourage yoga.. your body will love you for it!)
  • Right Breathing- try to be aware of your breathing (in time of high stress, try inhaling for the count of 7, holding for 4, and exhaling for 7)
  • Right Thinking- try to de-scatter your mind & think positive (thought turn into actions... make sure they are good ones!)
  • Right Nutrition-eat food as "fuel" slowly & mindfully (try juicing one day a week and going meatless a few times a week)
  • Right Relaxation-seek mental,emotional, and physical relaxation by finding balance between your phases of activity & rest (think of it as a bank account... if you don't make deposits, you can't make withdrawals)

Focus on each day, then gradually add more as the awareness strikes you.  Which one will you start with?

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Riding the Wave

When we are at our best, we are rested, refreshed, and refueled. Before we get to specific ways to help us rest, refresh, and refuel, let’s talk about maximizing our time while we are in that good spot.

How do we recognize this spot? Here are a few things you may notice or may be feeling:
  • High energy
  • Happiness/ Euphoria
  • Spot on/ Confident
  • Productive
  • Creative
  • Socially adept/ Connected
  • Generous
  • Attractive
  • Agile  
  • Strong
  • Intelligent/ Witty
These are times to explore our boundaries. Of course we grow during the down times. In fact, some of our biggest lessons are learned during the down times. But think of the good spots as growing at warp-speed. Here are some ideas for maximizing this time when you are on the up-and-up.
  • Engage in physical activity (weight lifting, running, active game playing, etc.)
  • Smile a lot (attitudes are contagious and this is the best time to spread yours around)
  • Make a list of things you appreciate (this will come in handy during those “down” times when you have trouble remembering if there’s anything good in your life)
  • Share your ideas (personal & business)
  • Get things done (remember all those little things you’ve been “meaning to do”?)
  • Explore your creativity (make something, write something, etc.)
  • Entertain & spend time with loved ones
  • Practice random acts of kindness (remember, “what goes around, comes around”)
  • Flaunt your inner & outer beauty (pretty is as pretty does!)
  • Try something new (build new neural pathways)
  • Ask yourself: What are my unique gifts? (explore these & share them)
Making the most of these “up” times ensures that you won’t need to climb so far to reach them the next time you are finished “resting, refreshing, and refueling”. So, what are you waiting for? Now is your time to shine!