Healthy Living

https://www.thirteenthoughts.com/50-lifestyle-changes-for-happy-healthy-living/

50 Lifestyle Changes for Happy + Healthy Living

1. Drink more water. If you like soda you can first try flavored sparkling water. If you can’t stand plain water, infuse it with fruit and/or herbs.
2. Don’t skip breakfast. You’ll be less likely to suffer from low energy levels or binge on something unhealthy later on in the day. I personally don’t like having big breakfast, but I always make sure to have something healthy like overnight oats or a smoothie.
3. Snack on berries and almonds. Your nails and hair will thank you.
4. Take Omega-3. Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to improve mood and alleviate depression. There are numerous studies linking anxiety and other mood disorders with low blood levels of omega-3 fats. Low intake of omega-3 is also known to change the functioning of serotonin and dopamine. Bonus? If you suffer from bad PMS and turn quite bitchy (like I do, I’ll admit it!) you’ll find that omega-3 helps with that, too.
5. Drink herbal tea. Make it a habit of enjoying your little tea-time- even if it’s just 5-10 minutes in the morning or evening. I love peppermint and raspberry leaf.
6. Try to sneak in something green and healthy into your diet, at least once a day. This is how I add more greens to my diet.
7. Always have something healthy to snack on, handy.
8. While working, or studying, step away from your desk at least once every hour. Take a quick walk around the office, have a light stretch.
9. Eat slowly.
10. Never go food shopping while hungry. I don’t think I have to explain this one? 🙂
11. Laugh often. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a good comedy show or movie, especially when you’re having a crappy day.
12. Practice gratitude. Before you go to sleep, think of the best thing that happened to you that day and say “thank you, thank you, thank you!” Trust me, there are great things that happen to you, even during ordinary days. I love practicing gratitude in the morning, as well.
13. Be kind. Always. Regardless of the circumstances.
14. Create a few morning rituals that you will look forward to, every day.
15. Take the stairs. When going shopping, don’t be afraid to park several rows away from the door.
16. Spend time in nature. Take long walks.
17. Rise early. Think about what you could do with extra 10 minutes in the morning? Not being in the rush while leaving the house, is worth the effort.
18. Do something nice for others, on regular basis. Nothing’s better than knowing you’ve put a smile on someone’s face.
19. Practice self-care. Always look after yourself.
20. Diffuse essential oils– they can help you relax and unwind.
21. Never write and send emails or text messages, while angry. If you’re angry with someone, you can let it all out by writing them a message, but instead of sending it, delete it once your anger goes away.
22. Remember to recycle.
23. Don’t complain. Especially when it comes to things that are out of your control.
24. Stop waiting. Don’t spend your life waiting for Friday, for summer, for love. “Right now” is all you’ll ever have.
25. Be more mindful.
26. Don’t waste your time crying over the past.
27. Let go of your need to be perfect.
28. Keep track of your goals. Set new ones.
29. Do more of what you love. Do you like to cook? Try a new, fun recipe. Do you love animals? Volunteer at a shelter. Do something that you really enjoy, every day. It can be as simple as listening to your favorite album when on your way to work.
30. Try new things, often. Do things that scare you- that’s how you grow.
31. Judge less.
32. Know how to slow down and be present.
33. Don’t compare yourself to others. Remember that you are unique and nothing can replace you.
34. Keep your email inbox organized. Digital mess, still counts as “mess”. 🙂
35. Learn to say “no” to things you don’t feel like doing.
36. Nourish your relationships.
37. Practice positive thinking. Your attitude can make the biggest difference, especially when experiencing something unpleasant.
38. Dance more often. Even if it’s just by yourself, in the kitchen.
39. Learn how to stop procrastinating. Tackle your most important tasks, first.
40. Get more sleep.
41. Take a little tech-time-out once in a while. Turn off your phone, the TV and pick up a book or try meditating.
42. Start using positive affirmations.
43. Don’t ever stop learning.
44. Worry less. Don’t waste your time feeling anxious about things that are beyond your control.
45. Listen more.
46. Edit your life frequently. Get rid of things that don’t serve you and surround yourself only with positive, supportive people.
47. Learn to appreciate little things in life. Your life is made up of moments- pay attention to those good, happy, exciting ones.
48. Stay curious.
49. Once in a while, spoil yourself-even if it’s only a cup of coffee from your favorite place.
50. Don’t be afraid to dream big.

 

Yoga – Beginners

http://www.relaxingrecords.com/2015/11/17/top-ten-yoga-positions-for-beginners/

4. Tree Pose

Benefits:

Improves balance and stability in the legs
Focuses the mind
Strengthens the ligaments and tendon of the feet
Strengthens and tones the entire standing leg
Improves pelvic stability
Strengthen the bones of the hips and legs
Builds self-confidence and esteem

Method:

For the Tree pose (Sanskrit name ‘Vrikshasana’) you will need to start in the upright position. Bend the right knee shifting all the weight into the left leg, and turn the right knee to the right wall resting the heel against the left leg. Your shoulders should be down and your back and chest pressing forward.

Look down at the floor, focusing your mind on one particular area. Slowly slide your right foot up your left leg, as high as you can whilst maintaining your balance. Once you are balanced, bring your palms together holding the prayer position in front of your chest. Stay focused on the point on the floor to keep your balance. Once you are ready to release, exhale whilst bringing your arms down and releasing your legs to the floor.

To be continued …

Inspirational

But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him].  — Matthew 5:44-45

MARCH 05, 2018

When Good Things Happen to People Who Have Hurt You
by Joyce Meyer

Have you ever seen someone receive a blessing from God and felt like they didn’t deserve it? Have you seen good things happen to someone who has hurt you?

When a person who offended you gets a blessing, it can grate on you…at least it did for me until I learned how to forgive.

The Bible says that good and bad things happen to both the righteous and the unrighteous. When someone who’s hurt you receives a blessing, it makes it even harder to forgive them, but you are still called to pray for them.

I want to encourage you today to bless the people who have hurt you by praying for them, even though you may feel hurt and irritated by them. When you pray for people who have hurt you, it’s a choice you make. And forgiveness is based on your decision – not a feeling. But there’s healing in that for you.

A forgiving lifestyle helps you become more like Christ. As you learn the importance of forgiveness and begin to pray for blessings for those who have hurt you, your heart will heal from bitterness, and your personal growth will lead you to the blessings God has planned for you.

Yoga – Beginners

http://www.relaxingrecords.com/2015/11/17/top-ten-yoga-positions-for-beginners/

3. Warrior Pose

Benefits:

Strengthens the legs and ankles
Stretches the groins, chest and lungs, shoulders, legs and ankles
Stimulates abdominal organs
Increases stamina
Relieves backaches, especially through second trimester of pregnancy
Therapeutic for carpal tunnel syndrome, flat feet, infertility, osteoporosis, and sciatica

Method:

There are three variations of the Warrior pose (Sanskrit name ‘Virabhadra’), but we will just focus on the first version. For this pose, you will need to start standing. Step your left foot towards the back of the mat, pushing the heel to the floor and turning your toes out slightly. Begin to bend the right knee over your ankle to a lunge pose – you may need to widen your stance for stability. Ensure your hips are pointing forward.

Bring your arms up over your head whilst inhaling, and touch your palms over your head. Hold this position, then exhale as you release your arms, and bring your legs together to an upright position.

to be continued …

Tea

“365 Things” continued …

Black Currant Iced Tea

6 black currant tea bags

2 cups boiling water

1/4 cup sugar

3 cups cold water

cranberry juice

ice

Pour boiling water over tea bags.  Steep 90 seconds; then remove bags.  Stir in sugar and cold water.  Add a splash of cranberry juice and ice.

From Sandy Lynam Clough, The Art of Tea and Friendship

Inspirational

Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. — Romans 8:1

MARCH 04, 2018

You’re Not Built for Guilt
– by Joyce Meyer

When I ask large audiences how many people spend their lives feeling guilty, my guess is that at least 80 percent of the people raise their hands. I was part of that 80 percent until I decided that I was not built for guilt, and I was not going to continue to allow a renegade feeling to rule my life.

I studied God’s Word about guilt and studied His character and nature until I was totally convinced that God is not the source of guilt.

I see guilt as an illegal alien that attacks our mind and conscience, attempting to prevent us from enjoying anything God has provided for us. Guilt has no legal right in our lives because Jesus has paid for our sins and misdeeds. If it is in us illegally, then we need to send it back where it came from—which is hell!

Refuse to let guilt steel your joy any longer. You must remember that you are not built for guilt. Deal with it aggressively anytime you experience it by receiving God’s love and grace.

Yoga – Beginners

http://www.relaxingrecords.com/2015/11/17/top-ten-yoga-positions-for-beginners/

2.  Downward Facing Dog

Benefits:

Relieves stress and mild depression
Energizes the body
Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands
Strengthens the arms and legs
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Improves digestion
Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue
Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis

Method:

For the Downward Dog pose (Sanskrit name ‘Adho Mukha Svanasana’) you will need to begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and knees directly under your hips. Exhale as you tuck your toes and lift your knees off the floor, pushing your pelvis gently towards the ceiling. Begin to straighten your legs slowly, making sure you don;t lock your knees, bringing your body into the shape of an A.

Press the floor away from you, making sure you don’t move your feet any closer to your hands – keeping the extension of your whole body. To release – exhale as you gently bend your knees and go back onto your hands and knees.

To be continued …