Time for another post on LIFE! I like to incorporate all aspects of life into my blog posts besides nutrition, exercise, and toxins. Taking time out to recharge is essential to our physical and emotional health. It can mean the difference between burnout and excelling.
I took the day off yesterday and lived in the moment. Spent some time with a great guy and was happy with myself and where I am in life. I don't usually let myself unwind because I am always doing things to better myself and improve my business. I'm not one to stay up late or sleep in because I do not like the feeling of "wasting" a day. But yesterday was an exception and I loved it! I even slept for 11 hours last night!!! That is unheard of for me! LOL! My body needed the rest and I'm sure it was greatful that I allowed it to recharge!
If we take care of our bodies we have more energy and are more inclined to take care of others. When we feel GOOD we are able to handle what life throws our way! My friend just sent me this song and I love it so I thought I would share it with you! Go into each day thinking it will be the best one of your life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutzv7JjX7k&feature=player_embedded
Blessings!
Jackie
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
With Thanksgiving only a little over a week away I have been thinking more and more about what I am thankful for in life. One of the top things on my list believe it or not is HUGS!! After being married and in a relationship for 8 years and getting one every day to being divorced and living alone; I can go days and sometimes weeks without that daily gentle embrace. Anyone who has ever met me knows I am a hugger!! haha ;-)
Opal, my adopted 99 year old grandma always told me, "you need at least 6 hugs a day!" :)
For decades we’ve known that babies won’t thrive without physical holding and affection. There is little that will comfort and settle small children as the warm embrace of their family. Yet it is still not uncommon for parents to stop hugging their kids as they reach puberty. And for many adults, the amount of physical nurturing we receive declines as we age, even as medical studies confirm that the health benefits of physical touch extend throughout our lives.
Research has shown that hugs can improve mental health, physical health and build a good immune system. A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that hugs increase the "bonding" hormone oxytocin and decrease the risk of heart disease. In fact, levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased in women, as did their blood pressure.
"Hugging is an excellent tonic," said Dr. Harold Voth, senior psychiatrist at Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. "It has been shown scientifically that people who are mentally run-down and depressed are far more prone to sickness than those who are not. Hugging can lift depression, enabling the body's immune system to become tuned up. Hugging breathes new life into a tired body and makes you feel younger and more vibrant. In the home, daily hugging will strengthen relationships and significantly reduce friction."
It's amazing how one simple hug seems to make everything better! Check out the FREE HUGS Campaign! :) I want to do this sometime downtown when it warms up again!
"A hug is a universal medicine, it is how we handshake from the heart." -Anonymous
I recently started up my yoga practice again after a year off. I realized I stopped doing a lot of the things I loved when life was difficult. I bought a package at CorePower Yoga in Uptown and love it! One of my favorite classes is Hot Yoga Express since I attended the traditional hot yoga classes at Bikram Yoga in the past. It is a great break from my regular routine of biking and running! Keeps me focused!
The practice of yoga bestows upon the well disciplined student: a firm body, a steady mind, and a peaceful spirit. Yoga has many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Here are just a few:
Physical:
Strength-yoga postures tone every part of the body.
Endurance-regular dedicated practice increases the capacity to do work.
Flexibility- a youthful ease is maintained or reestablished through correct stretching
Posture-as tone and flexibility are balanced, a straight and effortless posture is achieved.
Increased energy-improved glandular functioning and deep relaxation leave one refreshed.
Health-a consistent and positive state of well being is experienced when the body and mind are balanced.
Mental:
Concentration-improved ability to concentrate on everyday issues.
Emotional stability- more balanced mental attitude.
Peace-inner peace and harmony; a sense of being "unruffled" even during times of stress.
Spiritual:
Wisdom-increases one's intellectual potential.
Freedom-give the soul a sense of lightness and freedom.
Integration-helps unite body, soul, and spirit.
CorePower Yoga offers a week for free on their website!! Take a chance and try it out!! :)
