Stress is a funny thing. Sometimes, mental and emotional stress takes the form of physical stress. It can make you as tired as if you have run a long distance. It can make you physically sore. And, stress can self-perpetuate. Think about when you have a quick bout of anxiety – like a close call in a car or bus. Do you tense your shoulders and neck? Over time, long-term stress makes us tense all over.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Are you curious about holistic medicine and wellness? If you are, this is the post for you. I recently finished a book by one of my favorite holistic medicine experts, Tieraona Low Dog. I learned so much about finding wellness through holistic methods while reading this book. Continue reading Holistic Medicine, Health and Wellness→
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
This holiday, my spouse and I travelled to Big Island, Hawaii. It was the trip of a lifetime: spectacular views, incredible people, and up-close-and-personal wildlife. The best parts of the trip also taught me some great lessons in purposeful growth.
Here are the seven life lessons I learned in Hawaii.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
A productive morning begins with a purposeful evening. When I take the time to gear up for the morning, this helps me wind down for the night. Here are 10 evening tips you can use for successful morning – each take less than 15 minutes to do! You can even incorporate these tips into your evening routine.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
I talk a lot on this blog about productive mornings. This week, I tried something a little different, and I found that my productivity was great, and that my mind was relaxed, clear and ready for the day: I enjoyed a slower morning! Slowing down my morning (while still waking up early) gave me peace of mind before a busy day. Here’s how to slow down your morning:
First, I practiced my compass routine the Sunday night before.
So, the house was clean and food was prepped for the week.
When you follow a consistent weekly routine, it gives you more freedom to do what you want in the mornings.
Then, I began my morning at the usual time
…which is between 5:00 and 5:30 AM. I find it incredibly important to stay consistent with my bed time and the time I wake up.
Don’t shortchange your sleep to wake up early. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you are waking up at 5:00 AM, I recommend going to bed no later than 10 PM for seven hours of sleep. Be realistic with yourself. If you know you need more than seven hours of sleep, make it a priority to go to bed earlier.
The average adult loses over one pound of water during the night (mostly through our moist breath). Dehydration can make you feel sleepy. Begin rehydrating yourself right away.
I set out the yoga mat in the living room instead of heading off to the gym.
During my yoga session, I watched the sun rise. It was an amazing sight that added such an energetic feeling to the morning.
To get started, try this 20-minute yoga sessions podcast to find a routine that works for you. I recommend episode 84, titled “Good Morning Yoga.”
I enjoyed a healthful breakfast.
A healthful breakfast will give you the nutrient-rich energy you need to be productive. And, people who eat breakfast weigh less than folks who skip it.
In her book The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends writing three pages of your stream of consciousness, right after you wake up, to spark creative thoughts. Unlike a journal, morning pages don’t have structure—they simply exist to get your thoughts on paper. After my morning pages, my mind is clear and I feel prepared for the day.
What activities do you enjoy that slow down your morning?
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Especially during the cooler winter months, it can be tough to wake up and head to the gym. Make it easier on yourself by exercising at home. These 10 tips will get you started and show you how to exercise at home: Continue reading How to exercise at home: 10 tips to get you started→
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Need to make plans for Valentine’s Day? Show the love (for yourself and others) with these eight lovely things to do for Valentine’s Day.
1. Get your heart pumping. February is full of cold days and nights. Buck the urge to cozy up (just for a little while) and take a refreshing walk outside.
2. Spend quality time with loved ones. Instead of watching a movie (less screen time = more creativity time!), try a silly board game or go bowling.
3. Treat yourself. Relaxation can be the key to future productivity. Dip into a warm bath, take a yoga class (you can find them for free on this 20-minute yoga podcast), or treat yourself to a de-stressing massage!
4. Reflect. Appreciate and acknowledge the present moment. Start a gratitude jar or journal. Even better, write a thank you note!
5. Cook something lovely that takes a little extra time. Cooking can be a relaxing. Sometimes, however, it can be a lengthy process. Take a day to enjoy cooking something that takes a long time. And, if you make too much, you can always freeze the leftovers!
6. Discover something new. Discover something new in your neighborhood. Take a look in the local paper, or do a search online. Is there a new restaurant nearby? What about a gallery or exhibit? Or, simply a new workshop at the local community college?
7. Find an art project. Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist’s Way, recommends bringing art into your life frequently. Define art loosely—perhaps you would like to make a scrapbook of summer adventures, or refurbish worn furniture. Or, paint a picture. You choose.
8. Volunteer in your community. Helping others boosts your own happiness, longevity, and effectiveness. Check out resources to match your interests with the needs of others.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let us what you plan to do in the comments!
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
The holiday season is well underway. Thanksgiving brought friends and families together, and now people are celebrating the light of the season. It’s easy during the winter to forego an exercise routine. Most of us start and end our work days in the dark. But, this season is the perfect time to re-focus your commitment to exercise. It will pay off when you are considering your New Year’s Resolutions come January. In this post, I’ll give you 10 tips to keep you exercising this holiday season.
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!
Celebrating creative productivity, healthy living, and purposeful growth
, recommends bringing art into your life frequently. Define art loosely—perhaps you would like to make a scrapbook of summer adventures, or refurbish worn furniture. Or, paint a picture. You choose.
