5 Easy Steps to (Re)generate Energy

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Today my mom said something that struck home for me. She said that she felt that it just wasn't her day. She lacked the want or the energy to do pretty much anything. She wouldn't be my mom if that meant she'd actually not done anything. Of course she still went on to cook lunch, take care of laundry, go shopping for a parasol with my dad and went out to eat in the evening. Still, it bothered her and she was thinking of ways to fix that problem. Since I often encounter the same issue, I thought we might not be the only ones and that there must be some things we can do to remedy this kind of situation.

1. Prevention.
   The best way to not have to fix a situation is to prevent it. I find that it can help to plan your day early in the morning or the night before. Make a rough sketch of how you'd like it to go and let that be your guide throughout the day. You can read my previous post on how to visualize your day.
   
2. Stay hydrated.We often forget to drink enough water, and it shows. Water makes up a huge percentage of who we are and what we can do, and lack of energy is one of the major signs of dehydration. Try to keep a bottle of water with you at all times to remind yourself.
   
3. Move often.Feel like you've run out of energy? Get up and move around. It'll get your blood flowing and thus bring more oxygen to your brain and muscles. Can't get motivated to move? Think of an appealing reward such as more couch time but without the guilt once you get some work done.
   
4. Crank up the music. When you are energized, your heartbeat increases. When your heartbeat increases, you get more energy. So how do you raise your pulse? Put on some music that has a good beat. It'll also pump you up mentally. If it gets you dancing you've scored double!
   
5. Breathe deeply.Close your eyes for a couple of seconds and focus on taking deep breaths. The deepest ones you can take. Imagine the air revitalizing you from the inside out, reaching every part of your body. Remember to push your belly forward when you inhale, so the air fills your lungs completely. This is another great way to pump oxygen through your system. More on breathing in this post from a while ago.

These are just a couple of ways I like to regain my energy when I'm in a slump, but there's tons more. What do you do when you feel like every bit of energy has leeched from your body and you need a boost?

I love to hear tips from others in case I run out of stuff that works at a given moment.

Worth Every Minute

My advice from the doctor last week was to drink more water, because she feared I might be dehydrated. Naturally, I'm not one to argue, but I am one to inform myself, and that's how I came across the following article that I thought was really interesting. It talks about the health benefits of drinking water, and how it can help you stay fit by burning fat and nurturing your muscles.

It's a short article, a 2-minute read at most. Hopefully it'll inspire you to drink more water too. If you want to get some tips on how to drink more water, you can read this post.

Read the article and get re-hydrated!

Health Benefits of Water - How 8 Glasses a Day Keeps Fat Away

5 Adventures to be Had in Your State

Note: This is a guest post by Kara Taylor. She is a freelance writer who loves to clear her head with adventurous outdoor activities.
For more information on being a guest author, or having me write a guest post for your blog, click here.

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Finding the time and money to take a family vacation or have a bit of an adventure seems more and more of a challenge in today’s difficult economic times. However, having a bit of fun outdoors doesn’t have to be impossible. In fact, there are many outdoor adventures and activities to be had without even leaving the state or country. 

Regardless of your budget, you are bound to find inexpensive options that the whole family will enjoy. 

A brief, outdoor getaway is simple, affordable and can be the perfect way for you and your loved ones to relax without breaking the bank.

Here is a list of our favorite five outdoor activities you can do without leaving your state:

1. Hiking

Hiking is a great way to spend some time outdoors. Most states have designated hiking trails for individuals and can be found easily through your search engine. You may also want to consider your state’s tourism guide. The equipment required for your hike will depend on how long your hike will be as well as the climate and surroundings. As a rule of thumb, you will want to carry plenty of water, a map and food. Boots or extremely durable, comfortable shoes are also recommended. Other items that you may require include a flashlight, additional clothes, sunscreen and a first aid kit. A GPS navigation device is also a good idea if you are planning on hiking off-trail. 

2. Camping

If you’re really adventurous, you may want to consider camping as part of your hike. You may also consider car camping—which is done by camping near your car so that more supplies may be stored. Again, you can find camping websites for each state. Supplies can be found at your local hardware store or specialty outdoors and sports stores. You may also find bargains at local thrift shops. It’s important to take along a tent for shelter, first aid materials, sleeping bags, food and water. You may also want to consider items to make a camp fire (if this is legal in your state). A change of clothes, personal care items, trash bags and utensils are also important. Many state parks offer free or low-cost camp ground accommodations. 

3. Fishing

Fishing is great for people of all ages. It is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Fishing equipment can be purchased at general retailers such as Wal-Mart or Target. You could also visit specialty stores. You will need fishing poles, bait and other accessories which can be purchased relatively cheaply. Make certain to check your local gaming and fishing laws to ensure that you do not need a license in order to fish. Young children should always be supervised when fishing!

4. ATVs

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are also known as three or four wheelers, or quads. These vehicles are designed for off-road fun. An ATV is similar to a motorcycle but gives more stability to the driver. ATV sale and rental for your family can be a great way to race and spend time outdoors. ATVs can be bought in all sizes. Remember that young children should be supervised and always wear protective gear. For an experienced, mature rider, ATV racing is an extremely fun and exciting way to relax with friends. For more information on buying your own all-terrain vehicle, check out ATV sale

5. Water sports

How about jet skiing, boating, tubing and surfing? Water sports are a fantastic way to relax and spend some time and fun in the sun. Often, you can rent or buy the equipment for such water activities at an inexpensive rate. Many local renters will offer hourly rates and daily rates on boats and jet skis. Only experienced drivers should handle this equipment. Make sure that proper safety precautions are taken, including but not limited to life jackets. Check your state’s tourism site for water recreation areas near you.

Remember, relaxation doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. These are just five ideas for taking an inexpensive adventure within your state. Are you looking for an adventure?

5-Minute Yoga Routine

Eagle Pose in the Summer Palace

Finding time to exercise can be difficult, and even if you have free time, who says you want to spend your free hour working out? But I know many of you have that nagging feeling somewhere that you should be working out, or want to get fit.

I've found that yoga really helped me get back on the horse when it comes to regular exercise. I actually enjoy my work-outs, even if they're only 5 minutes or so, and I have noticed my body getting more flexible.

I can do yoga anywhere if I have a solid surface underneath my feet. For many poses you need a yoga mat, but you can also design a routine that doesn't require a mat.

Whenever you feel stressed, jittery or lack energy, try the following 5-minute mat-less yoga routine to get your energy flowing again:

1. Mountain: Start by placing your feet flat on the floor, toes spread out for balance. Stand up straight and control your breath.
2. Upward Salute: Raise your arms, with the palms together. Stretch and look upward.
3. Chair: keep your arms raised, but sink through your legs like you're sitting down on a chair. Great to create nice, firm thighs!
4. Standing Tree: bend your left leg, putting your left foot on your right thigh. Balance on the right leg while lifting your arms. Do the same for the other side.
5. Warrior III: stretch one leg back, and stretch your arms forward, putting your body horizontal, balancing on one leg. Same for the other leg.
6. Eagle: twist one leg around the other, and one arm around the other. Balance and sink through your leg until you feel it tensing. Then do the other leg and arm.
7. Extended Triangle: set your legs apart. Stretch your arms horizontally to the side. On an exhale, lean your right hand to your right foot, making an angle. The stretch on your side is phenomenal! Do the same for the other side.
8. Revolved Triangle: same, but in this case you move your right hand to your left foot and vice versa.
9. Wide-legged Forward Bend: keep your legs at the triangle position, but now bend forward (try to keep your back straight) and touch the floor.
10. Sun Salutation: go from lunge, to plank, to upward dog, and back to downward dog. See this site for a step by step guide to sun salutation.

In this whole routine, only your hands and feet need touch the floor at any time. So you can even do it outside, and not worry about your clothes getting dirty.
Enjoy!

Take the Stairs

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I remember when a certain friend's ex-boyfriend told me that the best way to achieve a nice bum, was to walk up the stairs taking two steps at a time. I don't think I'll ever quite forget that.
Taking the stairs is now almost an act of nostalgia. Taken a look at a hospital stairwell lately? It's probably the quietest place you can find.
But stairs have value! Today I'm preaching the return to walking stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Taking the stairs doesn't take you as long as you think. I only have to walk up to the 6th floor, but still find myself taking the elevator more often than not. There's always an excuse: "I have too much stuff", "I'm tired", "it's too hot", "it's too cold", and so on. Today, however, I'm re-committing myself to taking the stairs. And here's why:

1.  Exercise. It's always great to get a couple of minutes extra exercise in. If you haven't walked up any stairs lately, you'll feel this one instantly!
   
2. Avoid smells. I know you're thinking body odor now, but our elevator has contained a whole range of smells that I got me holding my breath!
   
3. No aimless waiting around. I've waited around for longer than it takes me to walk up to our floor. Multiple times! What a waste!
   
4. Environment. You're not using any energy except your own when you walk up the stairs. Totally green!
   
5. Less risky. Just imagine the elevator getting stuck. It's happened before. We've all seen the movies/tv shows. Now, does it still seem like taking the elevator saves you time? Right! I didn't think so!

So what about you? Are you a stair-walker or an elevator-rider? Or do you try to live your life on the ground floor at all times due to a paralyzing fear of heights?

P.S. It is now possible to rate posts below! Feel free to 5-star me, or shatter my heart. Whichever you choose. Really! No pressure!

Lift Some Weights

Picture by Keith Ramsey

Okay, so exercising is great and everything, totally necessary for your health and wellbeing, but let's face it: Who has the time? And if you have the time, who really wants to spend all their time on sweaty cardio-workouts? I sure don't.

As I've mentioned before, I do yoga for exercise. Yoga is mostly stretching and strengthening. I do it half an hour every morning, but somehow, I feel like it's not enough.
So lately, I've started using my husband's dumbbells on a regular basis. About twice every day.

Lifting weights doesn't have to take a long time. I can do about 50 repetitions in 2 minutes or less. I just do arms for now, and I just put on a fun song to pump me up a bit. 
It's key that you make this a habit. It can be totally random, just make sure you do it every day or every two days. Otherwise I can't guarantee results.

You can find some easy exercises here and here.

You could plan to do 20 reps every time come back from the bathroom. Or every time you eat something (before is better than after!). 
They're great, simple exercise. And you can just do it in little spurts of a couple of minutes. Doesn't seem like all that much effort, but those little bits add up. Also, ladies, don't worry about getting buff. Unless you're secretly taking testosterone, I'm sure you're safe!

Exercising is one of the things that's very difficult for me to keep up. So I have to cheat a little. I just do tiny bits here and there, and in the end it adds up to at least 30-45 minutes every day.

Instead of weights, you could also use other heavy objects, such as bottles of water or bags filled with sand. Dumbbells just happen to be very easy to hold.

Do you enjoy exercising? Do you make time for it? What kind of stuff do you do?

Dance

I love to dance. It's such a joyous way of expressing myself. I do not love getting totally wasted or breathing in cigarette smoke, however. I also don't enjoy being harassed by drunken men or feeling self-conscious about the way I'm dancing.

I used to dance mostly at 'dancing-occasions', such as parties or girls' nights out. There I had all the benefits of good music and having my friends around, but also the disadvantage of the smoke and not being left alone.

Then I took some latin dance classes with a couple of friends, and the teacher told us to practice at home.
The classes have now stopped, but I still dance when I'm home alone!

Put on some great music, preferably music that you've danced to before. Maybe one of the songs from when you were a teenager and went out to party from time to time. Or put on a radio channel that has plenty of dance music. 
If you're a little rusty, start with tapping your foot and gradually work your way up 'till every part of your body is moving. 
Try goofing around a bit to let go of your self-awareness and just enjoy bending your body every way it'll go. Acting foolish is a wonderful way to improve your mood. 
Don't worry about someone walking in too much. Chances are that if they do, you will have given them a cheerfulness-boost too!

I love to put on some great music when I'm sweeping or mopping. I'm already up anyways, and it makes cleaning the house a whole lot more fun.
It's also the most fun exercise routine I've come across so far! Just let yourself go and you'll get a double boost of happiness hormones and exercise all at the same time!

What kind of songs do you suggest dancing too? I'm trying to make a 'dance at home' playlist!