Category: Physical Health and Wellness

Health and wellness for the body

Netflix and Exercise

kimbrown16152 Comments

Santa brought me an exercise bike for Christmas. It’s only mid January, but so far so good.

I LIKE working out, but I LOVE Netflix. So I made myself a deal. I picked one Netflix series that is “exercise bike only.” I can only watch it while exercising and I must pedal the whole time. This show is about 45 minutes long.

This has absolutely forced me to spend more time on the bike. I have wanted to quit after 15 or 20 minutes, but I kept going because I wanted to watch my show. Shortly after I made this deal with myself, I started reading a new book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. In this book he tells of a man in Ireland who created a computer program linked to his exercise bike. If he pedaled below a certain speed his show would actually turn off!

Brilliant!

I am a little jealous as my plan does not have that level of sophistication! But it works for me and it is better than sitting on the couch.

Even if you can’t make you own computer program, you can make yourself a deal.

What two loves can you combine to make a better habit?

If this, then that

kimbrown1615Leave a comment

We’ve all said it…If this, then that…A million examples come to mind.

My current if this, then that:

If I lived somewhere else I would…

Exercise more…While on vacation in Florida, I went for a morning walk on the beach and swore if I lived in Florida, I would do that everyday. I saw someone doing yoga on the beach. Pure zen!

While Michigan is NOT anything like Florida, we do get a few months of warm weather. How often do I walk in the mornings? Hardly ever. Do I do yoga outside? Maybe once a month.If you can’t/won’t move, then how can you make adjustments? For me, it means working out inside during those colder months. Some days I just need the fresh air so I bundle up and do a shorter walk outside. Your surroundings might make it more challenging, but it can be done!

If I had more time, then I would…

This one could be many different things.. Do you know how many hours I spent watching Netflix last week? Trust me, you don’t want to know. Nothing wrong with a little Netflix here and there. But it’s easy to go down that rabbit hole, especially when it’s like 20 degrees outside (see above…Michigan weather)A little chill time is a must. So watch Netflix and chill, but then… hit pause before that next episode starts playing automatically (sneaky little trick isn’t it?!) Then get up and move. Do something! Balance those relaxing times with some action.

If I wasn’t so scared, I would…

I love and hate this one all at the same time. I am sure you have heard the quote about how great things happen outside of your comfort zone. Well friends, it’s TRUE! I am getting better at doing things scared. I can think of several things I did NOT want do this year because I was scared. Guess what? I did them anyway. I pushed through. Each time felt like a little victory and the next scary thing was a little less scary. What’s your “If this, then that?” More importantly, how can you make the things you want happen regardless of your circumstances? Don’t keep pushing your goals down the road. Do it now! If you wait for the perfect time and place, you might be waiting a while.

Basics for Brain Health

kimbrown16152 Comments

The brain is pretty amazing! Like many parts of our body, common sense care goes a long way. Eating well, getting quality sleep, and exercise benefits your whole entire body, including your brain.

Brain facts: Did you know

*Here are some random, cool things about the brain…

There are about 100 billion neurons in the brain, allowing thoughts to travel up to speeds of 250 MPH.

The adult human brain weighs about 3 pounds.

The brain is about 75% water, so staying hydrated is important for brain health.

Dreams prove your brain is working even when you are sleeping.

“The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe.” – Michio Kaku

Building Blocks for a Healthy Brain

The Cleveland Clinic has some great online resources for brain health. They discuss a lot of those common sense things I mentioned above and explain how they correlate to a healthy brain. The bottom line: exercise, sleep, and a health diet are all important factors to keep your brain healthy.

Brain Food

The foods we eat affect our whole entire body, not just our belly.

**Fatty fish, blueberries, and nuts are just a few food that help your brain stay healthy.

Omega 3 is found in fatty fish and makes up a % of your brain, so eating foods rich in this type of fat helps your brain thrive. Some people take an Omega 3 supplement if they don’t eat these types of food regularly. Supplements should be plan B in my opinion. Food sources are better, but a supplement is better than nothing!

Brain Exercises

As if we don’t have enough body parts to work out…

When is the last time you said, “I really need to get a brain workout in today!”

Work out your brain by challenging your mind! Our brain needs exercise too. Puzzles, memory games, and learning new hobbies can work out your brain.

I have been trying to use my non-dominate hand as much as possible. My writing looks like a 4 year old but it’s getting better. Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand. It feels so weird!

Habits and patterns are great, but to work your brain, you need to break the mold and try something new! Paint a picture. Learn a new language. Read a book you would not normally read. Try a new sport.

One of my 2021 goals is to include my brain in my workout routine!

*Source: Healthline

**Source: Healthline Brain boosting foods