MIND, BODY
There is a small, still voice inside you, that one that talks to you at night. The one that pulls at your heart and mind strings about a certain situation or circumstance. The one you sometimes ignore, but “damn, you know it’s right!”. The unbiased whisper that is trying so hard to lead you, guide you, inspire you – is ultimately your universal connection, your God.
We all have a “connection” – a connection to what intuitively feels right and feels good within us. Trust this. Know that this is your internal guidance system, trying so hard to steer you in the direction of your true calling. When you’re off balance, you know it. You start to feel agitated, worried, stressed, sad and angry. Alternatively, when you’re balanced, you’re happy, excited, inspired and confident.
Stop ignoring the genuine feelings that are churning in your gut – we all essentially “know the truth”, but we just get good at lying to ourselves about it. Push through the resistance of your mind and know that life is full of opportunities, experiences, people and resources that are waiting for you to say, “enough’s enough, I’m gonna follow my gut!”
As a wise friend once told me, “when you take a leap, you either grow wings and fly or someone will be there to catch you”. You just never know what, where or why your instincts are navigating you in a certain direction. Trust yourself and the undeniable power of your God…
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Rounded; Glow; Gratitude; Prefer; Express
MIND, BODY
Below are SEVEN great tips on how to keep your body in tip top shape and ready for the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Care for it with respect and love and it WILL take care of you too!
FLEX THOSE MUSCLES, PUMP THE HEART
Strength training (aka. pumping weights) is crucial in the burning fat process (muscle burns fat!), overall body flexibility, increased muscle strength and minimizes the occurrence of injury. Similarly, implementing cardio on consistent basis is super beneficial for the ticker and other vital organs to keep your body in check. Elevation of your heart rate helps with blood circulation, releases “feel good” hormones, promotes elimination of waste, drives up your metabolism and improves recovery after a workout. So, grab those chrome 5’s and jump on the StairMaster, your body will pay you back tenfold.
AHHH….REPLENISH WITH H2O
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Our bodies are made up of 50 to 75 percent water; that is from blood, urine, digestive juices, perspiration, and in lean muscle, fat and bones. Since our bodies can’t store water, it’s critical to replenish! Our human bodies can last weeks without food, but only days without the all-important H2O. Drink up; about 6-8 glasses a day. It will assist in elimination of byproducts, aids in digestion and constipation, lubricates joints, carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells and regulates your body temperature. Indulge in some good, plain ol’ water, its carbonated counterpart or jazz it up with some lemon/lime/cucumber.
WHOLE LOTTA GREEN
“Eat your greens!”, as your mom would say. Wouldn’t you know, she was right! A powerhouse of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, fiber, even protein, it may help to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Low in fat and calories, which means you can binge a little and not feel so guilty. Spruce up your booooring salad with an assortment of leafy greens, colourful veggies such as chopped asparagus, tomatoes, red peppers, toss in some sweetness from sliced mango or strawberries, plus pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Viola, a SALAD of champions! Alternatively, blend veggies into a smoothie or bottoms up in a green juice. Yum!
CLEAN THOSE CHICKLETS
Keep your pearly whites sparkling clean by brushing and flossing every day, at least 2x day. Dental hygiene is so important to the body’s overall health, and here’s why… It aids in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even dementia. With regular brushing, you remove nasty bacteria that can live in your mouth, as to avoid it from travelling into the bloodstream. It also prevents gum disease, as is evident through swollen and bleeding gums. And of course, who wants to have smelly breath (pee-yew!). You can chew all the gum in the world, but it’s just masking what could be dangerously be lingering under your breath.
SCRUB, SCRUB AWAY
Dead. Skin. Cells. Yuck! Yes, we all have them. And some may even endeavour to do away with the nasty little scales every so often. This is one regimen that you really need to incorporate in your skincare routine. Exfoliation of the face and body helps to improve the appearance and texture of skin (youthful skin for life!) by detoxifying, improving skin tone and reducing fine lines and sun damage. It also kills bacteria and prevents breakouts. So, pull out the loofah and get scrub, scrubbing!
SHIATSU FOR YOU
Ooooo, ahhhh…. not only does a massage feel so good, there are many other pleasing health benefits. Massage therapy helps to reduce and eliminate pain associated with muscle soreness and injuries, as well as improve joint mobility and circulation. The release of muscular tension can contribute to relieving headaches and/or migraines, in addition to calming anxiety and depression. The relief from stretching and releasing those horrible knots can boost your immune system and allow you to rest your head a little better at night and sleep like a baby…Zzzzz…
RENDEVOUS FOR TWO
Va va vooom….oh yes, the 3 letter word that can be naughty, but is absolutley advantageous to your health…and not just for the (O)bvious reasons! Sex can relieve stress, contribute to a healthy immune system and boost that purring libido. In addition to being a great form of exercise, it’s been linked to lowering blood pressure and may even help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. So pull down the blinds, have fun under the sheets, sex is pleasurably healthful to the body. (And P.S…practice safe sex!)
MIND, SOUL
Learning to re-connect with yourself or even your significant other, is essential in re-energizing and refueling your vital “life tank”.
Take the foot of the gas pedal and pump the brakes; apply these tips to steer you in the right direction:
It’s okay to be selfish
Schedule one day per week, even if it’s simply an hour or two, when you turn off your ringer and disengage with EVERYONE. DO what you want to do. Whether it’s to lock yourself in a room with a good book, take a painting class or catch some zzz’s, it’s YOUR time; do what you want with it. Stick to it, make it a routine.
Give of your time
There is something gratifying about giving of your precious time. Volunteer at a shelter, become a Big Sister or Brother, sit with elders at a retirement home; not only will it take your mind off of your own circumstances, it will enlighten the lives of those you touch. Offering your time replenishes the soul, fulfilling your true universal self.
What’s calling you
Is there a passion, an innate talent/gift that you hold deep within? Something that makes you feel like “yourself again”, where you truly feel connected? Whatever it is, hone in on it and just do it. Whether it’s simply writing, stringing a guitar, taking photographs, painting a canvas or refinishing furniture, do what makes you feel good inside so you can feel whole.
Vacay or Stay-cay
Whether some time alone or with a significant other, time away, whether physically or just “unplugging” from the world, is what you need in order to recharge and reconnect. Learn to just be. Be in the moment. Listen to the sounds. Taste the flavours. Smell the aromas. Take it all in – take the time to just be at ONE.
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Transient, Focus, Cringe, Illusion, Commit
MIND, BODY
Lace up your runners, put on those ear buds and get moving for hearts sake! Implementing cardio into your routine is one sure way to get you on the road to good health and a happy heart.
In order for your heart to build, sustain strength and fight the good fight for a healthy body, it requires much needed attention on a regular basis, so you need to get moving! Your ticker is a muscle just like any other in your body, so why wouldn’t you give it the consideration it wholeheartedly deserves? As you become active and get that heart rate up, it will provide your body with many healthful benefits such as proper blood circulation, promoting elimination of waste, improved recovery after a workout and driving up your metabolism…and who doesn’t want a revved up metabolism to efficiently burn food into energy? I DO! Alongside an upbeat metabolism, performing cardiovascular training will also release “feel good” hormones. These happy hormones will aid in allowing you to take things in stride to have a more positive outlook in life; easing symptoms of stress, fatigue and depression.
Cardio is all about getting you moving and boosting that pulse rate. If you’re just starting out, find an activity that will help achieve this. Whether walking, running or going for a bike ride; keep it consistent in your daily life and build from there. As your fitness level increases, look at interval training, HIIT training or partake in an organized sport. Whatever your fitness level – beginner, intermediate or advanced – the idea is simply to love your heart and get it pumping for a healthier, stronger, happier you!
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A Good Match; Arid; Rhythmic; Against the Odds;Jiggle
MIND, SOUL
What are you requesting every day? Are you waking up every morning asking for strength, happiness, courage, or is it stress, loneliness and defeat? We may not actually realize it, but the latter is usually the unintentional, yet impulsive order we place in life. Due to worries of the day to day, fear of the unknown or overanalyzing our abilities, we allow negativity to seep into our mind and crash through its barriers.
All our thoughts are things; things that can turn into sickness or good health, sadness or love, loss or power. The “things” we want most in life, are the thoughts we need to consciously and intentionally focus on the most. View challenges as opportunities for growth, skills learned, friendships made, resources obtained; you just never know what prospects could be disguised as something that will thrust you forward into your destiny. Instead of getting frustrated or discouraged, trust in your path and whatever comes your way, accept it as such, and know it’s meant to be for a reason.
Place your purposeful, intentional order in life; do it on a daily basis. Think, act, speak all that you desire and deserve in life, and it will latch onto you just like a magnet.
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Yellow, Filter, Conventional Wisdom, Speak Out, Resist, Solitude, Lovingly
MIND, SOUL
When you think the answer is NO,
it’s just NOT YET
