May 3, 2022
Northwest trail runs with Raya and Mandy Seattle, Washington May 2017
"When asked, what was the most difficult part of his strenuous training routine, Olympic Gold Medal Runner, John Aki Bua, responded, 'the heavy blankets.' He explained that when he woke in the morning the blankets were so warm and his bed so comfortable that overcoming that resistance was the most difficult part of his regimen." ~origin unknown
Every so often, I get off track. My whole rhythm goes out of whack. Some people are very methodical about their workouts, dietary regimes and personal care routines, but most of us seem to get off track now and then.
Throw off those heavy blankets!! Look at your personal patterns and make changes that inspire your health and well being. If your routines are working, then add some spice. Go to a flower show. Take an evening ride through the city. Get your bike tuned. If you are feeling sluggish from winter blues or lazy from too much Florida sun, then step up your game.
Think in terms of body, mind and spirit. Fill in the blanks. Have fun creating a new rejuvenating
routine.
The body needs movement!!!!! Whatever your age or condition, there are ways to exercise your body. Find a routine that suits you. Enjoy whatever you choose. Be graceful. Feel empowered. Breathe deep. Pretend you are an out of shape Olympian creating a comeback. ROCKY BALBOA!!!!
If you already exercise, try something different. Do some yoga if you run, some aerobic if yoga is your thing. Take dancing classes. Learn to Samba. Cross training is good for your mind and body. Studies show that cross training enhances your fitness routine. A different form of exercise wakes up new circuits in the brain. The mind says...what is this?? What are we doing today?? This is weird, but I'll try it! Every type of workout uses different muscles and thus different parts of the brain. It keeps you young to try new things.
Eat healthy. Don't be fussy. Simple foods. Fresh foods. Whole foods. Eat slowly, while sitting down. Take a moment to bless your food. Give thanks. Be grateful. Giving thanks and saying grace slows you down and prepares your digestive track to ingest the food. One study showed that the body absorbed more nutrients from food when a person said grace before eating. (Makes sense to me. It is as if the body is more aware when you are not tense and rushed while eating. Much like listening. If your mind is preoccupied you don't absorb what you hear.)
Establish a self care routine that nourishes you. Shut out the world and enjoy that shower with the lovely scented soap. Push away the challenges of the day ahead as you slowly wake, stretch and appreciate the good in your life. Find a way to squeeze in some simple luxury. My Mom used to swear by the cold water splash she would give her face every morning before greeting the day. One simple act becomes a mantra of self love that begins your day on the right foot.
Nourish your mind as well as your body. Stimulate it, stretch it and try new things. Books on tape, movies from the library, a trip to a museum. Try some puzzles, sign up for a language class, play bridge or scrabble. Find ways to stimulate your mind during the day. I love to wake up with a cup of coffee and do newspaper puzzles. Try something new. Exercise your brain!!!
What does your spirit need? What will lift you out of the doldrums? A visit with the grandkids? A stimulating vacation or an elegant dinner at a fancy restaurant next to the lake? Maybe a long walk in the woods. A chat with an old college buddy. Maybe you need a routine that nourishes your spirit. Morning affirmations. Bedtime prayers. A gratitude list. A trip to a church or temple or talk with a priest or spiritual advisor?
How can you lift your spirit? Do you need to ask for help? Maybe you just need a good cry or temper tantrum!! Positive thinking only gets you so far. Sometimes we need to cry, laugh, throw a fit, have a date with a punching bag. Channel that frustration into something positive. Throw paint on a large canvas. Go smack golf balls at the driving range. Chop some wood.
Spring is a great time to start anew. Buy a new bike, some snazzy running shoes, or a journal and new pens. Keep track of your progress. Go shopping for some fashionable spring clothes. Join a golf course or gym. Even one small change can open the door to refreshing new worlds. Throw off those heavy blankets and excuses. Get started today.
