Where does the time go! Summer is over, school is back in session and the holidays are quickly approaching.
For many (if not all) of us, time passes way too quickly and we can easily put our jobs and our families ahead of our own health and peace of mind.
We're not saying ignore the kids, let your spouse fend for himself, or start slacking off at work. But, we want to make sure you're also making some time for yourself and that you don't leave it to January 2012. Fall is a perfect time to reboot, the weather is cooler for an outdoor jog or stroll and it’s easy to picture your renewed, fitter self in a few months, at a holiday party or family gathering.
So let's start today!
We all know it’s not just about diet. When was the last time you got a good night's sleep? Had a great workout? Or got a massage? Do you have an endless To-Do list that’s keeping you from taking a walk? Do you want to try yoga, boxing or P90X?
Well this week, SheSpeaks wants to help give you some tips and a friendly boost to Reboot Your Body. And, we're enlisting the SheSpeaks community to help with their collective wisdom and cheerful advice. So, we're asking each of you to share your tip, your words of wisdom, whatever you've learned along the way that has helped you and might help someone else!
Comment on this blog post below with your words of wisdom and enter to WIN one of the items below that will help you Reboot Your Body Today! The contest starts Thursday, September 22nd and ends midnight EST Tuesday, September 27th.
Here’s a tip from a member of the SheSpeaks team:
If you’re looking to lose weight, the “My Fitness Pal” app on the iPhone is ridiculously helpful. You enter how much you weigh now, how much you want to weigh and it will tell you how many calories you can intake a day and track it. Enter everything you eat each day (as specific as the Cosi signature salad) and whatever exercise you do and it will tell you how many calories you ate, how many you have left (if any) and exactly how much you would weigh in 5 weeks if you keep doing what you’re doing. It’s a great way to know exactly where the weight is coming from and how to lose it!
And these are the prizes!
Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation DVD System (over $50)
Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit
Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer
YogaAccessories 1/4” Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat
Good Luck!
We moved to a new home with a neighborhood school. I walk my kids to/from school every day for an extra alorie burn.
You don't need to go through a major retreat to reboot. Little practices daily can do it. For example, I do a daily yoga practice, which I find has a truly meditative effect. I also try to eat all my meals mindfully, taking my time, instead of scarfing my food, and really feel grateful for the good food I am eating, farmers who grew it, person who prepared it (even if it's me) and the nourishment it is providing to my body. Getting enough sleep is also very important. Just these little practices can work wonders!
To reboot my body, i know that i wear plays a big part in how i feel about myself. That said, when i feel i need to recharge my fitness routine or recommit to being a healthy me, I treat myself to a new exercise outfit. I think if you wear clotihng that fits you nicely and flatters you, rather than bulky old clothes, you are more likely to treat your body with the respect it deserves. I always feel a bounce in my step when i like what i see in the mirror.
i have always taken 10 minutes in my day to do some form of exercise. my personal favorite has always been pilates but any form of activity is great! there are some great dvds to do at home (my personal favorite is "tight on time") and this past year when i was pregnant i did prenatal pilates that were also broken up by 10 minute workouts (the instructer was lizbeth garcia). now that i have a child i still take the time to do exercise even if it is only for 10 minutes. it really makes such a difference!
Have a day at the Spa, have your hair color touched up and a trim, get a facial, get a manicure, get a pedicure, get a massage, lay in the tanning bed for 10 minutes to help with muscle pain or tension, you can do one of these, all of these, or any combination and it's a great way to pamper yourself, get some much needed attention by having someone to talk to, or just being around someone who cares in a safe environment. Then go get a coke and go to your local church or park and walk. Exercise will improve circulation, help your overall health, and help give you mental clarity. Just take 2 or 6 hours out of a Saturday or on your day off from work and have time ti relax and do something for yourself. You and your family will be better off in the long run if you do.
I make time for toning and strength building exercises. Just takes a half an hour and it keeps my body tone and weight in check!
It may seem silly, but it works. Most of us have a calendar of some sort where we mark down appointments and things for the week. Write down an hour or half hour somewhere to do whatever you want. Whether it be go for a walk, sit and read, just watch the clouds go by. Whatever. Pick something for you totally unrelated to work and make your appointment for yourself. This guarantees that you are taking some down time for yourself!
I eat breakfast every day. It's not always traditional breakfast food, but it is a balanced meal. Enjoy healthy snacks such as spinach dip made with yogurt or cottage cheese mixed with your favorite fruit. I substitute baby spinach for lettuce and hummus for mayo on my sandwiches. Just as important as what goes into the body, get your rest. I have several meditation/relaxation/ nature sound CDs that I listen to after I get into bed. I don't try to get thru the entire CD; I just want to relax and fall asleep which I do quite easily :)
When I really need to re-boot, my mind and body, I go out into the woods behind my house with only my camera & my dog. It's so peaceful out there and using my camera I can focus on just the beauty of it, while my dog runs around like a puppy again (he's 12) and reminds me to really enjoy the little things in life.
Start slow at first. My friend used to be inactive and a tiny bit overweight (even though I told her she looks fine which she does). First she started her regimen on a stepper at night time while watching her favorite TV shows. After a month or so, she progressed into jogging at the park near her house. When she felt she could increase the intensity of her workout, she started running around the neighborhood (think 2 to 5 mile runs). Nowadays exercise is a part of her life. She even participates in yoga which everyone should try out. So if you're inactive, start out slow at first and it'll pick up on you soon enough.
I Love sparkpeople.com. There is a space to log everything you have eaten for the day. A great way to keep track of calories. Nutrition is so important when you are trying to lose weight. I also think that you need to find an activity that you enjoy when you exercise. Whether it is a Zumba class, or walking to your kid's school to pick them up, as long as you enjoy it!
One of the things that allows me to relax and to re-energize is to do a series of movements or poses (yoga, pilates, stretching) that feel comfortable with my body and allows me to a loosen any tense muscles. This is a great way to get exercise while focusing exclusively on yourself and the way your body feels.
It's taken me a while to get here, but I've finally discovered how to really listen to my body. Despite wanting to exercise for hours on end every day and never taking a day off, I've discovered some very important messages my body tries to tell me at certain times, ie, when to rest or relax, when to eat and how much to eat.
I freeze No Sugar Added Cranberry Juice in ice trays and suck on the ice cubes in lieu of eating popsicles and ice cream which are full of calories. When I want a milks shake , I blend frozen fruit, almond milk and a tsp of cocoa powder for a creamy traet without the fat.
My doctor told me that an easy way to get more movement/exercise into my lifestyle is to get up and march around the room while the commercials are on when watching TV at night. Or do squats, or simply march in place. The hard part is if you are watching shows you DVR'd, don't let your spouse fast-forward through the commercials! If you are wathcing a movie, march in place instead of getting something to munch on!