I don't know about everyone else, but for me --- springtime means getting outside and training! I've been preparing for a couple of early summer events and the miles have been adding up.
What else has been adding up? FATIGUE! One day I just didn't want to wake up. So I slept... and I slept... and I slept some more. When I looked more closely at my training I realized that I had been going hard for 3 weeks. My body told me it was time to rest.
What happens during rest?
Your body recovers
Your body gets stronger
You reduce fatigue
You become more alert
Rest is good and good for you.
The JFA Worksite Wellness Team shares stories, tips and information about living well, or doing the best they can, while balancing life and working as worksite wellness professionals.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Keeping Active on Vacation
Public school spring recess was April 14 - April 21. We used the opportunity to take a family vacation. Because several other families in Upstate NY had the same idea, we decided that it was too expensive to fly anywhere and took an old-fashioned road trip. There are benefits to driving to your vacation destination - especially if you travel by mini-van.
Driving for 24 hours is exhausting. We left on a Thursday night and drove straight through to a small town just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Husband and I alternated at the wheel, sleeping when we could. We kept the kids busy with electronics and got as many miles as we could behind us while they slept.
How did we stay active? First, traveling by car, we were able to pack our active wear and sneakers. Second, we looked up local clubs in the area and connected with them as guests. I'd like to thank the Emerald Coast Triathlon Club and the crew at the Run With It running store for being so gracious. Not only did we meet new people, but we had people to run, walk, and even swim with as well!
I made it my goal to be active every non-driving day. This helped me to keep a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying some indulgence on vacation (read: decadent dessert). The kids saw this and were also active - swimming in the community pool and frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico - they collapsed at night, weary and sun kissed. We also did other fun family activities including kayaking and stand up paddle board. Connecting as a family while being active was good for the soul.
After a week, we loaded up the van and headed home. Exhausted yet refreshed.
Driving for 24 hours is exhausting. We left on a Thursday night and drove straight through to a small town just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Husband and I alternated at the wheel, sleeping when we could. We kept the kids busy with electronics and got as many miles as we could behind us while they slept.
How did we stay active? First, traveling by car, we were able to pack our active wear and sneakers. Second, we looked up local clubs in the area and connected with them as guests. I'd like to thank the Emerald Coast Triathlon Club and the crew at the Run With It running store for being so gracious. Not only did we meet new people, but we had people to run, walk, and even swim with as well!
I made it my goal to be active every non-driving day. This helped me to keep a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying some indulgence on vacation (read: decadent dessert). The kids saw this and were also active - swimming in the community pool and frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico - they collapsed at night, weary and sun kissed. We also did other fun family activities including kayaking and stand up paddle board. Connecting as a family while being active was good for the soul.
After a week, we loaded up the van and headed home. Exhausted yet refreshed.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Tis the Season...
Spring has sprung in Upstate NY! This means lovely spring days inviting us to go outside and enjoy the warmer temperatures followed immediately by days that bring the biting cold and (today) whipping winds.
It is also the season - for those who observe - of Lent. Lent is the time period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday where people often give something up. Chocolate, sweets, and soda are often popular choices as folks use the season as an opportunity to gain better health.
In my household, my children are my primary source of stress. They lollygag around the house getting distracted by toys or sparkly things when it's time for us to head out the door. They leave clothing and other miscellaneous items behind them like a trail of breadcrumbs, no matter how many times we ask them to pick up after themselves. They talk back or refuse to acknowledge being spoken to. They try to get out of homework. They fight with each other over anything and everything, and then get along and giggle endlessly at precisely the time we need them to be quiet. In short, they're kids.
My journey from now through April 16th is to practice patience. One day I will look back and miss those giggles, and tiny shoes all over the house, and water on the floor from fun in the tub. I will take deep breaths, release the stress, and find the joy that hides in each moment.
It is also the season - for those who observe - of Lent. Lent is the time period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday where people often give something up. Chocolate, sweets, and soda are often popular choices as folks use the season as an opportunity to gain better health.
In my household, my children are my primary source of stress. They lollygag around the house getting distracted by toys or sparkly things when it's time for us to head out the door. They leave clothing and other miscellaneous items behind them like a trail of breadcrumbs, no matter how many times we ask them to pick up after themselves. They talk back or refuse to acknowledge being spoken to. They try to get out of homework. They fight with each other over anything and everything, and then get along and giggle endlessly at precisely the time we need them to be quiet. In short, they're kids.
My journey from now through April 16th is to practice patience. One day I will look back and miss those giggles, and tiny shoes all over the house, and water on the floor from fun in the tub. I will take deep breaths, release the stress, and find the joy that hides in each moment.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Be Kind to Yourself
I listened to a webinar today about mindfulness and stress management. What stuck with me the most was the concept that "you can't drink from an empty cup". We have to take care of ourselves in order to best care for others.
What does that mean?
Be kind to yourself.
If the house isn't completely tidy...
If dinner isn't home made...
If there are crushed goldfish crackers in the backseat of the car...
If you skip a workout...
If you accidentally eat a box of Girl Scout cookies in one sitting...
If you turn the laundry pink...
... it's OK.
Things happen and maybe we don't always meet our own expectations for ourselves. That's OK! Be kind to yourself. Focus on what matters. Make memories, be happy, fill your cup.
What does that mean?
Be kind to yourself.
If the house isn't completely tidy...
If dinner isn't home made...
If there are crushed goldfish crackers in the backseat of the car...
If you skip a workout...
If you accidentally eat a box of Girl Scout cookies in one sitting...
If you turn the laundry pink...
... it's OK.
Things happen and maybe we don't always meet our own expectations for ourselves. That's OK! Be kind to yourself. Focus on what matters. Make memories, be happy, fill your cup.
Monday, January 23, 2017
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