Change Is Good

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This summer has been filled will some stress and personal issues but I am back and I have some exciting news:


I am going to be a student again!!

That is right, I am going back to school in just over a week for Corporate Communications. I don't think I have ever been this excited for school. It is a total 180 coming from the world of fitness but I know in my heart that it is time for a change.

Don't get me wrong, I still love fitness and I have every intention of staying active in the field and continuing to write and blog about the importance of health and exercise. However, for many reasons, I just know that it is time for me to shift my career focus and move upward and onward.

This brings me to my topic to today: Making Changes

Most of the time we resist change. We are all creatures of habit and try our hardest to make sure that everything stays the same. Even when we know that things must change, we spend more time thinking and worrying about it than we do actually trying to change. It is much easier to keep doing what we are doing.

There is also the change that it out of our hands. The kind of change is thrust upon us. In my opinion, this is often the best kind as it forces us re-evaluate our lives and explore different options. This creates an opportunity to do things that we never even imagined.

Make a small, positive change in your life. You will be surprised what a big impact it can have.

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

The "S" Word

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I know, I know, it has been a while since my last post but I have to tell you that June was a whirlwind of a month.

I am currently trying to get my act together so I can attend school in the fall (I will fill you in when everything is finalized) and there has been so much to do. Paperwork, traveling, interviews and all of it had to be done in a very short period of time. The entire process has been exhausting. Along with all my other responsibilities, I have been totally stressed out!

There it is. The "S" word.

We know it all to well. Everywhere you turn there is more of it. At work, at home, with our friends, with our families. So what can you do to stop stress from taking over your life? Here are a few things I have learned over the last few years that have really helped me deal with stress and I hope that they can help you too.

Take a Step Back - The next time you find yourself knee deep in projects ready to pull your hair out, take a break. Remove yourself from the area, take a few deep breaths and have a cup of tea. You will be surprised how a few minutes away can give you a fresh outlook. Make sure that you take time for yourself every week. Join a yoga class or spend an hour with a good book.

Talk It Out - If something is bothering you, your silence is only going to make it worse. Confide in a friend or family member. You may even find it helpful to speak with a health professional about your problems. This is not only therapeutic but it may help you to see your issues from a different perspective.

Be Positive - Having a positive attitude is a great asset in any situation. When we we are under a lot of pressure, it is so easy to say, "I give up" or "I can't do it." Focus on what you "can" do and ask for help if you need it. Have a sense of humour if things are not going your way. Laughter is the best medicine.

Keep It Real - Much of the stress that we feel comes from the pressure we put on ourselves. For example, you to do a presentation, run a PTA meeting, take your kids to soccer and make cookies for a bake sale all in one night. Does this sound like you? Be realistic when you are tackling projects and set clear goals. The best thing you can do is learn to say, "no".

Have a great week and Happy Canada Day!

Tracy

Vitamins 101, Part 2

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Here is part 2 of my quest to take the mystery out of vitamins, why we need them and what they do for our bodies.

And now we move on to the fat-soluble vitamins...

Vitamin D (Calciferol) - The most important role of this vitamin is to maintain calcium levels in the blood. Vitamin D helps increase calcium absorption from food and reduces urinary calcium loss. It is also necessary for healthy bones and teeth. The majority of vitamin D is created by a chemical reaction between the sun and your skin. Other sources include cod liver oil, egg yolks and butter.

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - It is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat soluble parts of the body from damage. Vitamin E promotes a healthy immune system and may help to ease muscle cramps. It can be found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Vitamin K (Phylloquinone) - This vitamin is needed for proper bone formation and blood clotting. It does this by helping the body transport calcium. Sources of vitamin K are leafy greens such as kale and spinach, soybean oil and olive oil.

Keep an eye out for Minerals 101 in future posts!

Tracy

Source: Truestar Health