fitness

Say Om!

Focused relaxation is vital to our well-being. It helps counteract the negative effects of stress on our mental and physical health. When we make a conscious effort to relax, we encourage the mind to become calm and our bodies to become loose. There are many different ways to relax massage, visualization, meditation, and exercise. Here are some easy methods you can incorporate into your busy everyday life.

Practice yoga. It is a great way to develop a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The physical postures help relax tense muscles and breathing helps calm our souls.

Visualize yourself calm. Visualizing a peaceful atmosphere with soothing sounds and colours can help slow your mind and create an overall sense of well-being.

Get pampered. Never underestimate the power of touch. A gentle massage will help to ease tension and improve circulation.

Inhale. Aromatherapy has been used for many years to stimulate the senses. Essential oils can be calming and soothing or invigorating and uplifting. Lavender, jasmine, and vanilla are especially helpful in relaxation.

Just breathe. When you are trying to relax, take long, slow, deep breaths. Place your hand on your abdomen to feel it rise and fall as you expand your lungs and diaphragm.

Did You Resolve to Get Fit?

Thinking about making some healthy changes for the coming year? You are not alone.  Many people make a  New Year's resolution to get fit, but even the best intentions to stick to a program can fizzle out by February. How can you keep your workout going strong? It's simple have a plan and forget about fast fixes.

The first step is to set realistic goals. Seek the advice of a fitness professional to help you with your plan. A fitness trainer can also give you the motivation and support you need to be successful. Make fitness a part of your daily routine.

Next, find a fitness program you enjoy, and document your progress. If you like to work out alone, you could try a home-based program. If you need the support of a group, check out what your local gym has to offer.

Last, think long-term and ask yourself if your new program is something you can adopt into your everyday life. A healthy lifestyle is built over time not in the few weeks after the holidays. Are you ready to commit? Good, now go out there and get fit!