Fresh Strategies to Power Your Day
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are ready to energize your schedule and power up the weekend, you may be looking to make some changes.
Prevention suggests some good starting points.
Begin the day with a stretch - Something as simple as a daily stretch can keep you pain-free, healthy and mobile for the long term. Begin your day with the single-knee hugger. Lie on your back with your left leg flat. Bring your right knee up to your chest and wrap your hands around your right hamstring. Pull the hamstring slowly toward your body for 30 seconds. Release and repeat on the other side.
Start moving and keep moving - Begin the day with your stretches and then intersperse walking, yoga, or a workout throughout the day. If you are short of time, add some 15-minute exercises at lunch and 30 minutes in the evening.
Take 30 seconds to just breathe - This will dump a lot of stress before the day begins. Take five deep breaths. Count to five and stop at the top of the inhale. Then count to five and stop at the bottom of the exhale. As you breathe let go of all of those negative thoughts and picture some good stuff.
Get outside and lift your spirits - Whenever and wherever you can, use the outdoors as a backdrop. Early morning walks, lunch on the patio or evening runs to the park will all help to energize your day.
Treat yourself better - Imagine you are your best friend and do all of the little things that you would do for her or him. Listen to your thoughts, respect your wishes, and treat yourself with kindness. Sometimes it is too easy to be too hard on ourselves. Break that habit and enjoy the difference.
Make sure you are getting enough protein - A 150-pound person needs at least 68 grams of protein, plus vitamins every day. Swap out sugary treats and include oatmeal, eggs, fish, tofu and chicken in your diet. Look for new recipes that keep the protein coming.
Find ways to let the tension go - If you just never feel relaxed, it may be time to set aside times to decompress. When the day just keeps accelerating, step away and spend a little quiet time outside walking or just sitting in the sun. Breathe deeply and let go of all of the pressure.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesa, Ariz.