Worth Repeating: 6 Ways to Love the Skin You're In

When it is hot outside and you find yourself wearing less and less, do you scrutinize every body part before you leave the house? 

This is something that I posted just over 5 years ago and it is definitely worth repeating today.  It sparked some great discussion and a series of post on loving ourselves.

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Hobbies For Your Health

Did you know that enjoying any leisure activity  is just as important to your well-being as exercise?

Having a hobby is good for your health and here's why:

• It can help reduce stress and reduce blood pressure
• It keeps your mind sharp and engaged
• It fosters a sense of accomplishment
• It can help you find inner happiness

We often are trying to juggle so many things at once that we forget to do activities simply for the joy of it.  We put hobbies on the back burner using excuses like, "I don't have time" or "I can't afford it." 

I am absolutely guilty of this.

I have been wanting to take a cake decorating course for a few years and (as you know), just recently signed up.  I am loving it so much I am now wondering what took me so long to go for it.

Work-in Wednesday: Meditation

I have decided to work-in this week.

Working-in is very similar to working out, except the focus is inward.  You take the time to give the body a rest from intense exercise and do things that help calm and relax the mind, body and spirit.

Inner Fitness: Finding Your Happiness

I am working-in this week (I hope many of you are joining me too;)

During the #Fitblog Plank Challenge, I started posting my weekly workouts and a few of you asked me where they went, especially this week as you wanted to know exactly what a "work-in week"  looks like.

Ask and you shall receive.

I am going to take it one step further.  Along with my workouts, I am going to include what I call a "happiness" section.

Why?

It is just as important that we take care of our insides.  We need to approach health and fitness from a good place.  If you don't work on making yourself happy (and in turn, being happy with yourself), I believe that you will never truly get to where you want to be.

"Happiness" doesn't always equate to doing what is fun (although I certainly think you need to have fun), it can mean doing something that will give you piece of mind and contribute to your overall well being.

 

Being Skinny Does Not Always Equal Being Healthy

During #Fitblog Chats last night, a few of us got into a discussion about the thinking that being skinny = being healthy.  Here is just a snippet of our chat:

Work-In Wendesday: Plan, Bake, Sweat.

The last week has been crazy.

I have been doing some office work during the day, training in the morning and teaching at night.

Needless to say, I am not so used to these 12 hour days.

Enter Work-In Wednesday. 

I am actually off today and have a few errands to run (like getting ready for this event on the weekend:), but for the most part I am going to focus on taking care of me.

Between work, school, friends and family it is so important to squeeze in some "me time".  This could be as simple sitting outside with a nice cup to tea to booking a day at the spa.

So what am I going to do today?  I am so glad you asked.

Spending Time with Yourself

Happy Monday, friends!

I hope you had a fantastic weekend.  I was home alone and took full advantage of the time to relax.

Exhibit A:  Me in my PJ's at 9pm on a Saturday night.

Everyone needs down time.  After a hectic week of working, school, kids or whatever else keeps you busy, sometimes you just need to spend some quality time with yourself.

A Positive, Healthy Attitude

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We all have a pity party sometimes.

Maybe you are frustrated with your job.  Perhaps you are not reaching your goals or maybe you are just stuck in a rut.

Detoxing and Cleansing

My friend Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit was discussing cleansing on her blog the other day.  I have written about detoxing before, but I thought I would dig a little deeper.

A Strong and Powerful Body

I have always loved this picture. I have had it for many years and every time I look at it I am in awe.

This woman is lean, strong and powerful with a beauty and grace that I admire.

She is proud of the hard work she has put in to building her body and is not afraid to show it.

Being Flexible with Your Exercise Routine

I am having a mind-body conflict.

My mind is telling me that I want to break in these babies:

3 Ways to Soothe the Body and Mind

We have been blessed with some fantastic weather in Southern Ontario and I am planning on enjoying every minute of it.

Isn't amazing how the sun instantly lifts your mood?

Speaking of mood, I have been finding myself pretty tense lately, so I thought I would share a few of my favourite things that help me to relax and find some inner calm.

Work-in Week

The last few weeks have been busy, happy and exhausting.

Starting a business is very exciting, but it quite a task.  You don't quite realize how much there is to do between research, promotion and prepping until you are knee deep in it.

Don't get me wrong, I am beyond thrilled about this new opportunity, but I am finding myself a little stressed on this Monday morning.

3 Reasons Why You and I Are Fabulous

Every week, I participate in #fitblog chat on Twitter.  At the end of the discussion, we all gets the chance to brag about something we did this week that made us proud.

This is my favourite part of the chat.  It is so great to hear all of the fantastic accomplishments of my cyber friends.

Without hesitation, everyone tweets about recent weight loss, running that extra mile or completing a project at work.

Funny how we have pride in the things we have done, yet we don't feel the same way about our bodies or our minds?

Being body proud isn't about vanity, it is about loving yourself and being happy with the skin you are in.  Don't be afraid to love who you are, what you look like and the qualities you possess.

I'll start.

I am fabulous just the way I am because...

My laugh is infectious.  It is hearty, distinct and can be heard from across a crowded room. 

My back is strong.  Through  running and strength training, I love how my back is becoming more defined and toned.

I have a baby face.  My cousin's daughter thought I was in my early 20's.  This truly made my day.  For the record, I am not in my early 20's :)

Now it's your turn.

Write down 3 reasons why your are fabulous just the way you are!

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Going Vegan, Day 3: Work-in Wednesday

Veggie Hummus Pizza

Now, I know I mentioned last week that I will not be taking pictures of my food for this challenge, but I am so proud of this.

I couldn't resist sharing my masterpiece.

A pizza made from scratch.  It was healthy, delicious and now, gone. :)

I have been so happy to read some of the great discussions surrounding veganism this week.

For many vegans, food is just one piece of the puzzle.  Susan @ The Great Balancing Act points out that many vegans are concerned with animals being hurt for our benefit.

Over with Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans, she wonders whether true vegans would be offended by this "challenge".

One of the reasons many of us signed up was to be more mindful of the food we eat and to better understand the vegan way of life.

Veganism encompasses a spectrum of beliefs.  For some, they are choosing to eliminate animal products in their diet simply for health reasons.  For others, their choices run a bit deeper and they have ethical and/or ecological reasons for going vegan.

I think there is room for everything in between.  Whether you decided to just go meatless once a week or shun all animal products forever, it is about learning more about yourself and your connection with the world around us.

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This brings me to the title of this post.

In the spirit of being mindful, I have declared today a day of rest and reflection.  No workout for me today, rather a work-in.

A day to take care of myself.  Perhaps with some meditation, reading, revisiting my goals or just journaling my thoughts.

It is so important to set aside some time for you and use that opportunity to do something that is going to nurture your mind, body and spirit.

Have you had any discussions surrounding veganism this week?  

What are you going to do today to take care of yourself?


Stay Healthy,
Tracy

6 Ways To Love The Skin You're In

It's summer and that can only mean one thing: bikini time!

Instead of the dread your feel when you pull out your 2 piece for the first time since last year only to find a few extra lumps and bumps, I invite to you embrace your body and find something, just one thing, about your body that you truly love. You'll feel better, I promise.


1. Imperfections? What Imperfections?
With all of the beautiful bodies that lace the cover of every magazine,it is very easy for us to be our worst critics. Do yourself a favour -stop picking your body apart. OK, so you don't have legs like J-Lo or abs Jessica Biel but try to focus on what your DO like about your body.
Is it your button nose, or maybe your toned arms. Don't you feel better already?

2. Your Body Is A Wonderland
The way our body functions is a true miracle of nature. It works for us night and day without any complaints. Unfortunately, most of us take it for granted until something goes wrong. So be thankful for your health and stop worrying about your butt!

3. Reality Check
Models are not perfect. They have an entourage of professionals making them beautiful 24/7. Many magazine photos are airbrushed. Are you getting the idea? This is not the real world, don't use it to measure your own beauty.

4. Talk To Yourself
Try to think more positive thoughts toward body image. Repeat to yourself, "I am a beautiful, intelligent woman." You will be surprised how much better you will feel when you start to look at yourself differently.

5. Your Body Is A Temple
Be good to your body, it is the only one you have. Stay active and eat healthy. I know it is simple but it is true. No diet, just balanced nutrition. Do whatever exercises that you love, that keep you motivated. Then, pamper yourself with a massage or a spa night with the girls - you deserve it.

6.Forget About It!
Contrary to what you think, the whole world is NOT looking at you. Forget about what other people think and worry more about how you feel on the inside.

Stay Healthy,

Tracy

A Little Bit Of Calm

Deep Breathing:

Deep breathing is a simple but very effective method of relaxation. Taking long, controlled breath can help calm the mind and relax the body.

Imagery

Relaxation imagery helps you think of a scene, place or event that you remember as safe, peaceful, restful, beautiful and happy. This imagined place is a retreat from stress and pressure.

Meditation

Meditation consciously relaxes the body and focuses thoughts on one thing for a sustained period. This serves to occupy your mind, diverting it from the problems that are causing you stress.

 Progressive Muscular Relaxation (PMR)

This is the tensing and releasing of muscle groups. This allows the muscles to fully relax, thereby allowing you to be more comfortable and relaxed.

Yoga

Yoga can help you achieve your goals with a clearer head, a more in-tune body and a renewed spirit. It combines many of the relaxation techniques and maintains a connection of mind, body and spirit

Life can be very stressful. At the end of the day, we find that we have very little time for ourselves. You can practice relaxation any time, anyplace and it is easier that you think to include in your everyday life!

Stay Healthy,

Tracy