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Showing posts with label Aging Positively. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aging Positively. Show all posts

Jun 7, 2017

Day 2792 - Wellness Wednesday - Doona Day

Do you ever give yourself a Doona Day?


Occasionally we need to schedule ourselves a day of rest.  A PJ day with nothing but slippers, tea and back-to-back chick flicks.  A mental health day which we Aussies affectionately refer to as a Doona Day.

I do it so rarely that I have forgotten how to actually turn off my brain. Which of course can lead to stress, fatigue and complete and utter burnout.




It's occurred to me that I may be on the verge of burnout for some time.  But with so much going on in life, who has time for a break down?

Anyway, on this Wellness Wednesday I am making a commitment to myself: that I will have a complete day of forced bed rest.  Not because I'm sick but  because I want to avoid getting sick.

When will this day be?  Well ideally it will be when I have the house to myself.  Ideally it will be a day I can turn off the phone and unplug the computer.  Ideally it will be a day when nothing is due and nobody needs me.

Which is probably around the same time I see a pig fly past my window and a sparkly fresh batch of unicorn poo in my hallway.

So how does one effectively schedule a mental health day without the house falling apart, your work load suffering and (most importantly) without feeling guilty?

When it comes to that guilt thing, remember that mental health is just as important as physical health.  If you were blinded by a migraine, curled in a ball due to stomach cramps, coughing up phlegm or sitting on the toilet with a bucket on your lap you'd take the day off right?

As for scheduling it, check the diary.  Find a day in advance that has the least amount of impact on others.  A day when projects can be paused, communication can be cut off, kids are at school, the husband is at work and where there are no external appointments. Then block it out! If your kid was rushed to hospital due to a medical emergency you'd manage to block out your day wouldn't you?  You'd drop everything to spend the day by their side. It's time we started thinking about our Doona Days in the same no-holds-barred manner.

In reality an entire day from dawn to lights out for a mother is near impossible.  Even if you did have that bucket on your lap you'd probably be taking it with you while you drive the kids to school.  But having a Doona part-day is equally rewarding.

So my priority for this week is to find myself a Doona Day.  Even if it is only a part day scheduled within school hours.  Will it be today? Tomorrow? Friday?  Who knows.  But rest assured, there will be a day that the school run is being done in my slippers.

Do you schedule yourself a Doona Day?

What does a mental health day look like for you?

Seen any sparkling unicorn poo lately?  




For more information on burnout see Natalie's post "12 Major Signs of Burnout" over at Be Kind 3 You

Jun 6, 2017

Day 2791 - the health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar

Shot of ACV anyone?



They say an apple a day will keep the doctor away. It seems that drinking Apple Cider Vinegar will keep the naturopath, beautician and Jenny Craig away too. 

A bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar magically appeared in my food cupboard recently (no idea how it got there) and in my usual "must know everything" style I googled what I could use it for.

I not only discovered that it's the latest greatest buzz in all things health, but that it's now known as ACV because who has time to call anything by its real name anymore?

I learned that anyone worth their considerably lighter weight in ACV is taking a shot of the stuff at breakfast each day to improve everything from digestion to blood pressure to stamina (and everything in between).

So I grabbed my shot glass and took a swig.  

Not the nicest shot I've ever had but it's marginally better than that iron smoked apple wood whiskey I had once.

It turns out my "latest greatest" tag may have been premature because further investigation suggests ACV has been used throughout history to treat a long list of health problems.

Anyway, because I like to chat about ageing positively and all the super foods that help with that, I'm going to tell you what I found out about ACV.

9 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

  1. Improved Digestion: Have a tablespoon 15 minutes before a meal to stimulate digestive juices for better break down of food.
  2. Reduce Heartburn: By correcting low stomach acid conditions it can prevent heartburn.
  3. Constipation:  If your bowel movements are a bit irregular ACV can act as a mild laxative
  4. Intestinal Bacteria:  Apparently ACV is "full of beneficial acids which are believed to help improve the make up of your intestinal flora".  (www.healthambition.com) 
  5. High Blood Pressure:  Some studies show that daily does of ACV can have a general benefit on the cardiovascular system which (in time) results in lowering of high blood pressure
  6. Immune System:  Because of the positive impact on intestinal flora, the malic acid making it a strong antiviral and benefits to the lymphatic system, ACV is said to strengthen the immune system. 
  7. Weight Loss:  I read that studies have shown the acetic acid in ACV helps suppress the accumulation of body fat and liver lipids.  Plus due to pectin content it can slightly reduce the body's ability to absorb fat.  Plus having a swig before a meal not only helps digestion but can also reduce hunger levels. 
  8. Detoxification:  drinking diluted raw and unfiltered ACV is believed to help detoxify and cleanse the liver
  9. Skin benefits:  Drinking ACV can help with pH levels in the skin and can help with acne when applied topically.  

Not enough to convince you?  

Then wait, there's more ...

My reading also suggests it helps with stamina and energy; leg cramps and restless leg syndrome; bad breath; regulating blood sugar and aiding in diabetes; soothing sunburned skin; whitening teeth; wart removal; marinating steaks; detangling hair; and (wait for it) removing the smell of cat urine.


Did you know about Apple Cider Vinegar?

Have you got this magic potion in your kitchen cupboard?

Are you and ACV on an acronym basis? 


PS  I have an inner Naughty by Nature rap wanting desperately to emerge: "You down with ACV? (yeah, you know me!), you down with ACV? (yeah, you know me!), who's down with ACV? (every last homie!) ....



Note: I am not a nutritionist, dietitian, naturopath ... not even a foodie.  The information above is simply information found through my reading.

Information sources: www.spoonuniversity.com; www.healthambition.com;  www.mindbodygreen.com; www.davidwolfe.com; www.naturallivingideas.com 

Jun 2, 2017

Jun 1, 2017

Day 2786 - The Lovin Life Linky - The positive aspects of Instagram edition

What are you lovin' about life this week?

My Instagram feed from the last 7 days
They say that Instagram can give a false sense of reality with photos that are often staged and showing an unachievable sense of perfection.

I prefer to think of it as an exercise in focus, positivity and perspective.


Instagram for me is a haven in which I can look at the world through rose coloured square shaped glasses.  It's where I park the ridiculously real challenges at the door and instead look at the lovely things that are right in front of me.


My Instagram is a window showing my "lovin' life" view at that moment.

The view I've been enjoying this week includes:

  • A quick peek at Vivid from the southern pylon of the Harbour Bridge 
  • An outing with my daughter as her "plus one"
  • Flicking through travel magazines as I marvel at all that Australia has to offer
  • An overnight stay at a new hotel
  • A lovely lunch with a bloggy pal
  • A wander through Sydney University as I do what my FitBit tells me
  • Savouring the velvety taste of macarons
  • Finding more pockets of watery perfection in the greater Sydney area
  • Always having a warm bed "B&B style" at my parents house
What my Instagram doesn't show is that the model daughter fainted at a photo shoot, or that our boy is having challenges at school, or that the big grown up girl had the surgery that removed yet another sarcoma and is now hobbling about with a blood and gunk filled drainage bag.  

Instagram allows me to remember that despite the challenges there's still a lot to be happy about.  

What's your view been like this week?

Are you wearing your rose coloured square shaped glasses?

What does Instagram mean to you?


*   *   *   *   *
Without further ado, it's time for the Lovin' Life Linky.

The Lovin' Life Linky is brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Seize the Day Project, Write of the Middle, And Anyways, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty #teamlovinlife




May 31, 2017

Day 2785 - Wellness Wednesday - Why I love my FitBit

It's official - I'm a Fitbit convert.



Usually when there's a craze that everyone is doing I avoid it.  Just because I hate getting on the band wagon.

I refuse to have an iPhone because apparently you've got to have an iPhone.  I have never read the Harry Potter series because apparently you've got to read the Harry Potter series.  I don't watch Game of Thrones because apparently you've got to watch Game of Thrones.  So even though I'd bought both my parents and the two kids FitBits, I refused to get one myself because apparently you've got to get a FitBit.



Then as I sat at my desk day in and day out lacking the motivation to exercise I decided that perhaps I should consider getting myself a "coach".  Someone or something to kick me in the butt wrist and push me out the front door.

As you know I got my FitBit for Mothers Day.  I sat staring at it for a week or so and then finally worked up the courage to form a relationship with it.

We've been together ever since.

My FitBit travels with me, works with me, walks with me, eats with me and even sleeps with me. Sometimes it needs to spend time alone to recharge and on those days I feel lost without it.

I'm devastated when I forget to put it on after a shower and then go shopping without it.  The FitBit loves to shop! So much incidental exercise as I walk up and down the supermarket aisles.

Recently I worked up over 8000 steps just sorting uniforms for the local soccer club.  Walking from the socks box to the shorts box to the jersey box and back again really adds a few K's to your day.

A few weeks ago instead of dropping the model daughter at Carriageworks for Fashion Week I suggested we park at Broadway and walk there instead as I needed the K's.

Last Tuesday as I sat on a couch at Carla Zampatti waiting for my girl to finish her work day the FitBit told me I still had 2000 steps to go until I reached my goal. So I walked to Pitt Street Mall and back choosing the long route and rejoiced as my FitBit congratulated me via a buzzing little arm party.

On Sunday the FitBit gently hinted that I'd been immobile for too long (lying on the couch will do that) so I put on my sneakers and went for a quick wander with the dogs.

Yesterday while in Sydney filling in time, I set up my mobile office in the food court at Broadway.  About 90 minutes into my work day my FitBit gave me a kick in the wrist and said "go, go, go!"  So I did.  I packed up my laptop, put it in the car then proceeded to walk around Sydney University for the next 45 minutes.


When I checked into my hotel yesterday afternoon the FitBit said I needed to do 120 in ten minutes. I had no idea what that meant but proceeded to jog up and down on the spot until my wrist started to buzz and another arm party began.

Right now as I type the FitBit is asking me if I'd like to go for a stroll.  After spending 3 hours in the car driving home from Sydney and now sitting in front of a screen, perhaps a stroll is a mighty fine idea.

The bottom line is the FitBit gets me moving.  It encourages me to make better choices and choose more active options.

The FitBit holds me accountable.  By setting up my health and fitness goals it does what all good coaches should do and asks me how I'm going, gently shoves me when I'm immobile and cheers me on when I reach my milestones.

The FitBit also has a support system.  You can set up groups with friends who are at similar fitness levels as yourself so that you're part of a health and wellness group even if you don't see each other face-to-face.

Apparently the FitBit also does clever things like encourages better food choices and helps you track your water consumption for good hydration.  I haven't looked into that side of things yet, but rest assured I will.

Best of all the FitBit isn't hard to use.  It's any easy to manage system and you can adjust your goals in line with where you're currently at it life.  It doesn't judge you or scream at you when you have a dodgy day.  It simply encourages you to think about your choices.

And that's why I love my FitBit! 

Because when it comes to health and fitness, we could all use a good kick in the butt wrist.  

May 29, 2017

Day 2783 - Do you have a hobby?

What is a hobby?


According to the dictionary a hobby is "an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure".

This is where I get confused as to whether or not I actually have any hobbies.  Or if perhaps my life is one big hobby!



Back in the old days when I trundled off to work everyday at the Department of Agriculture it would be easy for me to define my hobbies and my leisure time. A hobby would be anything I was doing that brought me joy outside of  those clearly defined work hours. Technically speaking the family stuff doesn't count.  Being with your kids is called being a parent, not a hobby. So back then I would have listed stuff like reading, doing crosswords and creating photo albums of our adventures as my hobbies.

These days it's harder.  There are no clear lines between my "work" and my "pleasure". Time all rolls into one. Everything I do is usually because I enjoy it.

For the purposes of the tax department, my consultancy business is loosely defined by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science as a hobby based business.  Which basically means it's small and something I do for my own personal enjoyment and satisfaction,  I don't earn big wads of money from it and I do it in my own time and only when people contact me. I don't race out there looking for clients.  A hobby  ✅

When it comes to my children's book series I guess that is much more than a hobby. I have invested a great deal of time, money and energy into Cheer Chick Charlie.  I do the taxes and there's a profit and loss trail. While I love it, according to the Government it's a business. Not a hobby ❎

As for blogging I would definitely define that as a hobby.  I do it regularly in my "leisure time" and the only reason I write most days is because I love it. I choose not to make money from my blogging. A hobby ✅

When it comes to my volunteer work, do I class that as a hobby?  Hmmm.  It's what I do to ensure I'm actively involved with my community.  I do it to give back.  While I do it regularly it's not necessarily done in my "leisure time". In fact, it eats into my leisure time.  But it does bring me satisfaction. Not a hobby ❎

Yesterday I took the day off from being an adult.  Other than a few household chores, helping kids with homework and a quick walk, I bummed around the house all day in my Ugg boots.  It would have been the perfect time to indulge in a hobby.

That's when I realised I don't have any traditional hobbies.

I don't like to garden.

I don't cook for pleasure.

I don't knit.

I don't sew.

I don't play chess.

I don't go dancing,

I'm not much of a bush walker.

I don't watch birds.

I don't play guitar.

I don't colour.

I read and I write and I communicate with people.  Then when it's all done I watch TV and hang with my family. That's what I do.

Could it be that my life is one big hobby?

Or don't I have any hobbies at all?

At what point do hobbies stop being hobbies and just become "life"? 

May 19, 2017

Day 2773 - How to wear perfume if you are sensitive to smells

Do you wear perfume?



As a migraine sufferer I can be sensitive to smells.  Cigarette smoke, for example, can cause me an instant headache that leads to vomiting fairly quickly.  Walking through the original casinos in Fremont Street, Vegas (which don't have the good air control) had me racing to the nearest toilet with "head in the hands" pain and vomiting.

Being in a room full of dressed up ladies wearing their favourite scents can also cause me some significant nasal irritation.  Especially if those scents have been over sprayed.

Because of these sensitivities I don't wear much perfume.  I love the idea of perfume, but in practice it just doesn't bode well for me.



Having said that I have had my favourites over the years.

I was a big fan of Georgio Beverly Hills and Elizabeth Arden's 5th Avenue.  I also quite liked Calvin Klein's Eternity and Versace's Red Jeans Woman.  Yes, I'm showing my age.

Recently as the Hubster travelled home from New Zealand he asked what perfume I might like from Duty Free.  I umm'ed and aah'ed and then decided to go for something I've never had before.  Strangely enough I chose my new perfume based on the name.  Which is how I ended up with Clinique's "Happy".

So how does someone who is sensitive to smells wear perfume?


Tip:
Wear your perfume on your back!


I spray mine on the back of my head/hair and on the back of my shirt. This means it's not going up my nose all day but I still smell nice to other people. 

According to some perfume specialists, "spraying on hair and fabric is a better plan in any case as the oils sink into the structure of the fibres and take longer to evaporate" (Greatist, December 2015). Perhaps best not to spray on silk and other delicate fabrics though.


Tip:
Choose a light fragrance.

People with fragrance "allergies" can smell things at lower levels than others, so finding nice light perfumes is the key for someone who gets headaches from smells.


Tip:
Perhaps go with the "Eau de cologne".


According to Total Beauty, "Eau de cologne" is the least potent version of perfume which works better for those who are sensitive to smells.




Do you wear perfume?

What's your favourite?

Anyone else get headaches from smells? 

What are you perfume tips? 




May 4, 2017

Day 2758 - The Lovin Life Linky - The stop, revive, survive edition

Forget slowing down, I've come to a stand-still.


If you follow me daily you'll know that I had an iddy biddy break down.  A bit of a crash really.  Let's call it a "multi car pile up".  It was more than a rear-ender, but less than a head-on. 

I'm OK.  I must stress that up front.  I'm totally fine.  My career as a crash test dummy was short lived.  

I got through the other side simply by following the advice of this big sign on the road.



During my few days of "reviving" I discovered some great things that I love about life.

  • I love that my parents live less than an hour away so I can visit easily
  • I love that my model daughter can drive me there when I'm not feeling up to it
  • I love that I have a cousin and a bestie who both drop everything to call me when I scream "help"
  • I love that Messenger means I can contact them via video or phone for free.
  • I love that I have people in my life who walk straight up and hug me if I'm looking a bit "frazzled".  
  • I love that my husband gives mammoth bear hugs full of love and safety.
  • I love that my kids make family time their priority
  • I love that I have an amazing client/colleague/friend who sent me a house cleaner when she discovered I was struggling
  • I love that I have a granddaughter who turned 4 this week and adds big rays of light to our world
  • I love that we have extended family that pulls together.
  • I love that you guys visit me each Thursday to join the Lovin Life Linky
  • I love that my melt downs are not permanent and that I have the tools in which to survive the bumps in the road and the resulting bingles.
How has your week been?

Any other crash test dummies out there?

What are you lovin' about life? 


*   *   *   *   *

The Lovin' Life Linky is brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Seize the Day Project, Write of the Middle, And Anyways, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty #teamlovinlife





May 3, 2017

Day 2757 - Wellness Wednesday - Let's talk about mental health

Sometimes we need a mental breakdown to wake up.


Today I am not going to chat about exercise nor food nor the evils of bread.  Today I'm going to talk about mental health. Specifically my mental health.




As you know I take on a lot.  It's just part of who I am. I like to be busy.

Sometimes I don't actually realise how much I've taken on until all my projects are playing push-me-pull-me at the same time.

As I sit here and ponder my naval, I realise that investing in projects is a bit like investing in property.

It's all good when your investment houses are fully tenanted and the properties are paying for themselves without draining your resources. It's all good when the residents are behaving themselves and the world is sunshine and roses. It's not so good when the houses need maintenance, or they are all empty and your bank account is being depleted. It can lead to dire times.

It's the same with energy and mind matters.  It's all fun to take on new projects when they're running at different times and behaving themselves.  But when your energy is being consumed with all of them at once and your mind bank is being depleted through lack of resources, lack of time and additional personal challenges, it's draining on the mind, body and soul.  It too can lead to dire times.

I am writing this because I have over-invested my time.

I am writing this because my energy and mind bank is running dry.

I am also writing this because we've had a few extra challenges this year that weigh heavily on our shoulders causing structural damage.

I am tired and lacking resilience and it's all led to an iddy biddy breakdown.

So, here I am saying that when we invest our time, we should probably do it in the same way we invest in properties.  Only invest in them if we can sustain them even when there is no rental income or when there is maintenance or property damage to see to.

I am learning that I should only invest in projects if I can sustain them when they all suddenly peak at once and if I get hammered with challenges coming in from the outside.

Seems pretty straight forward doesn't it?

But you know all of this already.  It's me that is the queen of over commitment.  I'm a bit slow on the uptake.

This Wellness Wednesday I have taken a step back, I've dropped a couple of commitments and I'm taking some time to breathe.

Otherwise I may just end up bankrupt.

How's your health and wellness this week?

Are you feeling fit and fabulous?

How wisely are you investing your energy? 

Apr 30, 2017

Day 2754 - Don't let people pull you into their storm

Some Sunday wisdom



Apr 26, 2017

Day 2750 - How to make exercise a priority

Tip: Put exercise on your to-do list.


If you're anything like me, then you're extremely busy trying to balance work, family, house, life.  I'm a big believer in to-do lists and I can tell you right now, if exercise is not on my list, then it's likely it won't get done.

Exercise doesn't come naturally for all of us.  For some of us it's a chore (yes, that includes me).

So in order to make it a priority I simply treat it like the rest of my to-dos.  I put it on my list and then it gets done.  If you want to take it one step further you can even schedule it in the diary for a specific time in the day.

It really works.

Check! 


Apr 24, 2017

Day 2748 - The World Masters Games

Olympics for old people



This week the Hubster is in Auckland playing basketball at the World Masters Games.  At last check they'd won their first two games convincingly and are hoping to at least get a medal in their 50-55 age group.



The World Masters is governed by the international Masters Games Association and is open to sports people of all abilities and many age groups.  The minimum age for some sports is as low as 25, with most sports being around 35.

The top story today is that a 101 year old woman just won a sprinting gold medal.

While most 100m sprints are completed in around 10-11 seconds, the very inspiring Man Kaur did hers in around 1 minute 15 seconds.

She may have been the only person in her category (she ran alongside the much younger 85-89 year olds) and technically she may not have been sprinting, but that doesn't take away from the fact that she actually stepped up and took gold.



This isn't her only sport either. She'll also be competing in the 200 metres, shot put and javelin later this week.

Even more inspiring is the fact that she only started her track and field career 7 years ago at the age of 94. She trains with her son who is also competing at the games.  He competed in his own 100 metre sprint in the 75-79 year age category.

So with that said I'd like to say that it's never to late to start! Whether it be a sport, project, career, hobby or fitness campaign, every day gives us the chance to create a fresh start.

Thanks for the inspiration Man Kaur.

Three cheers for all the athletes competing at the World Masters games.

Three cheers for my clever hubby who top scored at his game yesterday.

And three cheers for Man Kaur who has inspired me to get off my bum and shuffle down the road for at least 100 metres.  


Apr 22, 2017

Day 2746 - Are wraps any better than bread for weightloss?

Bread versus wraps - How do they stack up?


If you follow me daily then you'll know that I'm on a bit of a health and wellness mission.  I'm trying to get back to honouring my Fit and Fabulous tagline.

This mission includes weight loss because the truth is I've stacked on the kilos over the last six months and as I creep towards menopause I know it's going to be bloody hard to lose it if I don't get onto it now.

Anyway ...



I know for a fact that bread does me no favours.  It's the one food that instantly pads my stomach, butt and thighs. It also slows me down.

I also know for a fact that bread seems to be my comfort food. It's something I crave when I'm feeling pain (fibro) and migraine.  Which is happening fairly regularly right now (making the aforementioned fit and fabulous tag difficult).

So in order to reach a middle ground (for now) I tend to switch the bread for wraps.

But that got me wondering, is there any difference?

How do wraps stack up against bread?

So I did some quick research

Note: I am not a dietitian nor nutritionist (not even a foodie). This is all just my own uneducated thoughts taken from my reading.


According to my research, two slices of wholemeal bread contain around 760 kj (which is about 180 calories) compared to a wholemeal tortilla style wrap which is around 380 kj (about 92 calories).

Two thin slices of white bread contain around 755kj (about 180 calories) and two thick slices contain about 840kj (about 200 calories). Compared to a white wrap which is 422kj (about 101 calories).


So there you have it.  That's the deal with bread versus wraps.  If you don't want to ditch the carbs completely, making the switch from a thick white bread sandwich to a wholemeal wrap could save you 460kj which is around 110 calories.

Which is fine by me because I LOVE wraps and more than anything I like toasted wraps.  I'm thinking I might even start a blog series on wrap recipes.


Does bread make you gain weight?

Any other wrap lovers our there?

What's your favourite wrap?


Information source:  www.fatsecret.com.au/calories-nutrition; www.caltorieking.com; www.weightlossresources.co.uk. 


Apr 21, 2017

Day 2745 - A quote from Abraham Lincoln

Fancy a quote for your Friday?

Hope you were feeling creative this week! 

Enjoy your weekend. 

Apr 20, 2017

Day 2744 - The Lovin Life Linky - The Mudita edition

What are we lovin' this week?



Well, I've got to say I'm struggling a bit this week.  The fibromyalgia pain with the associated migraines is close to doing me in.

As I sit here and wonder what it is I'm lovin' about life I find my focus shifting from myself to the joy of the people around me. You could say, I'm dabbling in a bit of "mudita".

Firstly, I'm lovin' that I just dropped the hubster off to the airport for his trip to New Zealand.  He's headed to the World Master's Games in Auckland for ten days of basketball.  Basically it's the Olympics for old people, so it's a pretty big deal.  Yay for him!



Secondly, I'm lovin' that my boy's soccer season is about to commence and he's finally had his first training session.  He's been very antsy of late just itching to get back on the field.  The recent selection to division one means he's back with the team of guys he played with last year which makes him happy. Yay for him!



Thirdly, I'm lovin' that casting season is about to begin for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week which means my girl gets to make regular trips to Sydney to try her luck in the big city.  She's working hard on her health and fitness right now, plus she's getting ahead of all her school assignments to ensure she's ready for the many days off school.  There's no guarantee that she'll get a spot, but at least she's putting her best foot forward. Yay for her!




Finally, I'm lovin' that I get to hang out with you guys for the day as you link up your Lovin' Life posts.  Yay for me!

The Buddhist teachings of Mudita is another great way to age positively.

Have you ever heard of Mudita?

Do you get pleasure from the joy of others?

What are you lovin' about life this week? 

Without further ado, let's get this linky started.


*   *   *   *   *

The Lovin' Life Linky is brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Seize the Day Project, Write of the Middle, And Anyways, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty #teamlovinlife






Apr 19, 2017

Day 2743 - Wellness Wednesday

How's your health and fitness going?



Put your hand up if you ate too much chocolate on the weekend.

Put your hand up if you drank too much champagne.

Put your hand up if you're now feeling like you need to run a marathon to deal with the consequences.



The good news is today is a brand new day with a blank sheet of paper in which we can write a new story.

Who's with me?


I did do one thing that was somewhat healthy and fit on the weekend - I climbed a hill.  Not sure if it was enough to ditch the chocolate and the huge Easter lunch, but my calves are definitely feeling the benefits.  They're reminding me of it every time I stand up.

Walking up Rocky Hill, Goulburn, NSW

Dare Devil Dogs enjoying the view from the top

The War Memorial at the top of Rocky Hill, Goulburn

Happy Wellness Wednesday!

Hope you are well.  

Apr 12, 2017

Day 2736 - Wellness Wednesday - the challenges of being on holidays.

Why do holidays contain so much bread?



It's that time of the week,  Time to check in and brag about the wins and admit to the defeats of the Wellness Week.



We're on holidays!  So let me firstly brag about that.

Wandering along the board walk at Narooma

Paddling around the rock pools and in the shallows at Tomakin 

Now let's get into the nitty gritty of this post.

Exercise
As far as exercise is concerned for the past week, I can safely say I didn't do well.  One of my volunteer roles has had me strapped to the keyboard which has meant the dawn exercise has suffered.While there has been a bit of incidental exercise, the 5km morning walks have gone by the wayside mainly because of the extra screen time I've had at 5.00am.

Of course I can't blame the volunteer work.  I could have made it happen if I'd really wanted to.  I just used the "lack of time" excuse because sometimes that's easier than pushing myself that little bit further.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

Food
My food choices have not been as bad as they could have been.  Holidays do tend to bring with them more meals with bread (which I'm feeling very attracted to right now), but so far I have managed to avoid the fish and chips, pizza and hamburgers.

Holidays also seem to bring daily doses of champagne.  Which feels incredibly fabulous but may not be doing my body any justice.

Salads are still high on the menu, as are all the clean green foods without packaging.

Sugar is starting to creep back in via baked goods that magically appeared in our holiday house.

Mindset
You can't beat a holiday mindset.  While I'm still at my screen during periods throughout the day keeping things ticking over, I'm managing to get plenty of time to read my book, hang with the fam and wander along the beach.

I think the best part about holidays (whether you take your work with you or not) is that when you're away from your home you can cleanse from the worries of household management, the kids schooling and the general day-to-day chores.   A few layers are removed that help you feel lighter.

I can safely say I feel lighter this week, even if the bread and baked goods won't reflect that on the scales when I return to the real world.

How's your wellness this week?

Anyone else on holidays?

What one food brings you undone when you're on holidays?  


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