Finally some warmer weather has arrived! I’m currently sat in the garden enjoying the sunshine as I finish off this weeks newsletter and top up my vitamin D levels.
It really is the most natural energy booster and mood enhancer. Could you find 20 minutes of your day to soak up some natural sunlight? Maybe a walking meeting if you’re office based or a lunch time walk? Alternatively the park after school with the kids or even a bike ride if you’re feeling motivated.
We kicked off our 7 day healthy habits programme yesterday and the interaction in the group has been fab. I have lots of new people on board so welcome to you guys and thank you to my existing members who’re helping and offering advise too… I’m elated at how much you know and how you can offer support in this new group challenge.
You can still join in if you wish by registering here. However, you may need to scroll back through the posts to see what was happening yesterday.
Our day 2 habit we’re taking on board today is movement! Â Exercise! Â Working out – Whatever you like to call it! Â To help you get started I’m periscoping a mini workout today at 11am so if you would like to join me live you can do so by clicking here and searching for New Dimensions Fitness or Sharon Morrow. All you need is your trainers, a little space and a bottle or water. (You’ll need to download the app from your app store to view the workout) If you’re unavailable at this time you can tune in later and replay it as many times as you like, it will be available on my profile for about a month.
What’s In Season?
You might of guessed as it’s the start of Wimbledon this month, yes that’s right, strawberries are in season along with broad beans and peas.
I must say strawberries are much more exciting than the last 2 on that list, but let’s not neglect them as they can easily be added to slow cooker meals, stir fry’s and even salads. Strawberries are also good in salads, I personally like them served at room temperate rather than out of the fridge as the natural flavour is stronger.
Alternatively, you can blitz up a few in a blender or nutri bullet, add some honey or maple syrup and pour into plastic cups then freeze. Your very own healthy ice pops! The kids will love these too
Mental and Emotional Fitness By Carolyn Hanson
Often when we heard the word ‘fitness’ we tend to think of just the physical aspects of it but a person’s overall health status is not just linked to the physical fitness of our bodies. It is also linked to our mental and emotional health and fitness as well. These three are all equally important and proper exercise can improve and sustain all three areas.
Mental and emotional health is just as important as the highest degree of physical fitness one can achieve as one without the other is a bit like a stool with only three legs. It will tip over. Many people are plagued by negative emotions which can hold them back from achieving their full potential in life.
Proper exercise can act as a counterweight and dissipate those negative emotions before they can become life altering. When the human body performs vigorous activity natural chemicals are released that regulate the emotions and create positive feelings about oneself and our lot in life. This can help you get back in touch with your inner self.
We all know that exercise is great for strengthening our muscles and helping manage our body weight but many people do not think about how it helps our brain work better. From managing stress to processing emotions, exercise oils the wheels that turn in our heads when we think, feel and do.
Whenever we get our heart rate up with some muscle building and maintaining exercise like strength training oxygen rich blood gets pumped through our system to benefit all of the body’s cells, tissues and organs including the brain. This gives the brain a boost in power and generates a domino effect stimulating brain wave activity which provides energy to the rest of the body. If you are tired and fatigued an exercise session can wake up your brain and rejuvenate it again.
An exercise session also decreases stress. Vigorous movement helps release stress hormones that have built up in your body that can threaten to overflow. When you discover how physical activity will allow stress buildup to escape you will have the perfect way to manage it. Use its calming affect to help you reduce stress levels.
Exercise can eliminate the ‘stinkin thinkin’ that produces depression. A session will chase any negative thoughts away and banish them forever. Without exercise these thoughts can build up and ruin a life. Pills won’t fix things, but exercise will. Think of it like house cleaning – useless and bad thoughts are simply eliminated.
With your strength training program you will find you are more creative. Exercise sparks creativity and gets the creative juices flowing and within minutes you can encounter a range of new thoughts or ideas that await further exploration.
Whatever your mental state at the time you start exercising, your session will help you feel so much better which will make you a happier more fulfilled person. It is up to each of us to give this gift to ourselves. Just 2-3 sessions each week will keep you calm and centered and you will be more productive and less stressed.
And Finally…
Thought Of The Week
“I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given. I believed in myself, and I believe in the goodness of others..” ~ Muhammad Ali
