Finding Inspiration in Exercise

Many of us say that exercising is a chore; that it's something we put at the bottom of our list, and if we get to it, we get to it. This is the completely wrong mindset.

We need to say that exercising is the only way that we function properly and the only way we can stay mentally and physically strong.

Begin to look at exercising as an inspiration. Use it as a time to rejuvenate yourself and allow yourself to feel confident in your skin.

For me, there is nothing more mentally calming, physically empowering and overwhelmingly inspirational than running down this trail:

Hobble Creek Canyon, Springville, Utah

As it turns to fall, I feel my body ache to run, walk or bike down this beautiful trail. It clears my mind, makes me feel strong and most of all, it inspires me.

 

Allow this to happen to you in your exercise. Find a location in your town that allows you to look forward to getting out and exercising because of the inspiration it brings.

 

Many times we find that we have tried to exercise, we get in a good routine and then we just get plain burnt out. It happens. It sure has happened to me. Don't let this stop you from allowing exercise to become an inspiration.

Here are some great ways to get you out of your exercise funk and to make exercising rejuvenating and fun again:

 

• Switch up your exercise music playlist
• Try something new that you have never done before (like Zumba or yoga)
• Get your kids or spouse involved by going on a brisk walk or a bike ride in the evenings
• Change the location of your exercise. (Drive to a trail to run or bike or do yoga in a park instead of in your living room. Take advantage of new places while on vacation, or participate in races that are not in your area to make the race more fun and exciting!)
• Find an exercise buddy or running group to join. Who said you have to do it alone?
• If you are a runner, try swimming for a few weeks; it will sure give your knees a break, and allow your body to overcome a plateau that comes from doing the same exercise over and over again.

 

There are so many things that we can do to stay inspired by exercising. It is just of matter of getting out there and doing it! Let your mind be creative in what it can do and let your body reap the benefits.

 

Give these tips a try. I am continually inspired every day by exercising and allowing my body to get the workout it needs. It is such an awesome thing!

 

So tell me, what inspires you?

Handling Stress 101

Following this six simple steps can help you manage the stress in your life a little better.

1. Try to change how you perceive specific stress-inducing events

For example, the next time a person in another car does something foolish, try not to percieve him or her as the enemy who is out to run you off the road, but as a friend who has simply made driving a mistake.

2. Try to understand and deal with your anger

Acknowledge your anger to yourself. Learn to differentiate between levels of anger. Try to diagnose the threat that is causing you to be angry, it may result of a difference in values or in style and be no real threat to you at all. Finally, try letting go of anger through forgiveness and by try letting go of anger through forgiveness and by try letting go of anger through forgiveness and by canceling the charges against the other person.

3. Take time to relax or meditate

Try to manage your time more effectively so that you don't court stress through disorganized scheduling.

4. Expand your social support system

Contact and try to establish relationships with new individuals or groups who may be able to give you emotional support.

5. Regular exercise is an ingredient in reducing stress

Considerable evidence indicates that individuals who regularly exercise have lower arousal to stress than individuals who are less fit. Exercise aids in balancing and stabilizing the consequences of emotional stress. Allows you to handle stress effectively.

6. Good nutrition is vital

Eat regular, well balanced meal. Try to eat a small amount every two hours. 3 meals and 2 snacks. Breakfast is essential.


When stress is handled properly you will be able to live a healthier and more positive life!

Have a great weekend!

Time Management

Life can be busy but organizing all the things that you need to get done can make it more manageable. Here is a list of ten tips to help manage your time and stay organized with your hectic life schedule:

1. Use a daily planner to help you remember when your families activities, work assignments, and different assignments are occurring. Leave some time for some unanticipated events, interruptions, or unseen problems.

2. Schedule tasks before fun. Reward yourself when you are done with a task.

3. Do things ahead of schedule if possible. Avoid procrastination.

4. Prepare for the next day the night before. Pack lunches for the kids or for work. Have you outfit for the day laid out. Figuring out the logistics of your next day the night before makes the next morning easier to get out the door and to your destination on time.

5. Get adequate amounts of sleep. 7-9 hours is recommended amount of time an adult should sleep. By getting the right amount of sleep it can help you refuel and recharge your batteries. You will be able to concentrate and focus better on the tasks you have to accomplish the next day.

6. Engage in some form of physical activity for 30 minutes a day. This will fortify your immune system and strengthen your body to resist any colds or flu that may be going around.

7. Write down distracting thoughts and save them for a scheduled "worry time" each week where you can give them your full attention.

8. Enjoy the process of what you are doing rather than focusing so much on the end result.

9. Plan to work on the most difficult and important tasks during the day when your energy level is the highest. Do easy tasks when energy is low.

10. Avoid overloading your schedule. Remember that most projects take longer than anticipated.

Practicing time management is important because it can help improve your health. You will feel less stressed and be able to stay focused and alert throughout the day.

Go ahead and try it!

STRESSED.....!

Working, running your kids to soccer practice, making dinner, working out, cleaning the house, finding time to sleep; the list goes on and on and on. Life is busy and can overwhelming stressful most of the time. No matter how many things we try eliminate to simplify our lives another things seems fill the gaps. Learning how to deal with stress that will help improve your emotional health and ultimately increase how you function in your daily life.

Here are some simple tips to help you handle the stress in your life:

1. Create a stress diary: At night write down the things that caused you the most stress that day. Write about how you reacted to the stressor and make a vow to yourself to react differently in the situation next time. This way you learn how to react positively to the stressful moments and not let them wear you down.

2. Focus on your breathing: Try to find a quiet moment of your day and place your hand on your abdomen. Close you eyes and focus on breathing normally through your belly and not your chest. Try it! It really has relaxing benefits!

3. Muscle Relaxation: Starting at your feet and working your way up through the muscles of your body, tense each muscle for 5-10 seconds and then release. Focus on the difference of how the muscles feel when they are tense they how they feel when they are relaxed. Try doing this a few times throughout the day to help you relax the muscles in your body and hopefully release some tension.

4. Listen to music: Doesn't have to classical music but any kind of relaxing music you enjoy should do the trick. This allows you to hopefully get your mind off what has been causing you stress and you get to listen to something you enjoy in the meantime.


Give these this suggestions a try and see how your emotional health improves one day at a time!