Have to thank one of those horrendous emails that circulates the world for this, but I thought it good philosophy for life:
A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience,
raised a glass of water and asked 'How heavy is this glass of water?'
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.' He continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. ' 'As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.'
'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can.'
So, my friend, put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while. Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have
a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late. The second
mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one
person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have an awesome day!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Go Nuts!
We've known for awhile the benefits of most nuts (excl peanuts - which are a legume, not a real nut) and I've pushed Almonds regularly but do get bored with them.
The next nut phase: Brazil Nuts
Accordingly to an article on the Blackmores ezine, Brazil nuts do wonders for our immune system and skin tone. They contain selenium, which helps strengthen the immune system’s antibody response.
In her book The Top 100 Immunity Boosters, Charlotte Haigh describes Brazil nuts as one the best sources of selenium around. This mineral, she says, is central to the action of glutathione, a free radical-suppressing enzyme [2].
What’s more, Brazil nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which ease inflammation, enhance digestion and improve our skin.
Here’s some helpful ways to work them into your diet (but be warned, Brazil nuts’ high fat content means they go rancid quickly, so don’t leave them sitting in your cupboard for too long):
* Eat raw for a simple, satisfying snack
* Process them into nut butter or milk to eat with toast and cereal
* Add to stir-fries for a crunchy punch of protein
The next nut phase: Brazil Nuts
Accordingly to an article on the Blackmores ezine, Brazil nuts do wonders for our immune system and skin tone. They contain selenium, which helps strengthen the immune system’s antibody response.
In her book The Top 100 Immunity Boosters, Charlotte Haigh describes Brazil nuts as one the best sources of selenium around. This mineral, she says, is central to the action of glutathione, a free radical-suppressing enzyme [2].
What’s more, Brazil nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which ease inflammation, enhance digestion and improve our skin.
Here’s some helpful ways to work them into your diet (but be warned, Brazil nuts’ high fat content means they go rancid quickly, so don’t leave them sitting in your cupboard for too long):
* Eat raw for a simple, satisfying snack
* Process them into nut butter or milk to eat with toast and cereal
* Add to stir-fries for a crunchy punch of protein
Friday, February 8, 2008
Pilates
Pilates is a body-conditioning programme designed to teach efficient movement patterns and provide general well-being using controlled exercises and deliberate breathing patterns.
Regular practice will provide you with a strong core, good alignment and functional mobility whilst providing a unique approach to body awareness, posture and stability.
Pilates exercises are generally low impact and non-aerobic so are ideal for all levels of fitness: from the injured and sedentary to fit people wanting further improvements.
Unlike a lot of other types of exercise, Pilates emphasises basic techniques that should be observed with EVERY MOVE, in short:
1. Concentration - use your brain to put bones and muscles in place and isolate moves ... think about what is happening;
2. Breathing - lateral rib breathing takes a bit of getting used to, it's essentially expanding your rib cage out to the sides;
3. Alignment (including Neutral Spine) - Pelvis, ribs, scapulae (shoulder blades), head, neck, feet all have a proper position ... before, during and after each move;
4. Corset Activation - activating specific muscles to support alignment;
5. Precision - it's quality of movement of quantity. In fact, generally you won't do more than 10 reps of any movement.
Around the world there are lots of variations on Pilates. The most popular are -
Winsor or West Coast (CA) - focusing on 'the burn' or cardio component;
East Coast (NY) - comes mainly from the dance world, where people are very flexible;
Stott (Can) - a combination of both of the above it was developed by a professional dancer and a team of sport medicine experts who introduced the neutral spine & imprint techniques;
English - the above but moving more towards the remedial;
Australian - as with lots of things, we've taken the best of the best, modified it and designed a safe, progressive program, which can be tailored to individual needs starting at the most basic and gradually making moves more challenging.
Joseph Pilates also developed a series of machines to help challenge the body. The machine most people use is called the Reformer, which is a sliding carriage with resistance springs. There is also the trap table or "Cadillac". This piece looks like a table with bars above. Personally, I strongly recommend learning fundamental moves on the mat before progressing onto the equipment (however cool it looks!). Working on a stable floor helps with control and you can then also exercise at home.
There are two big precautions in terms of Pilates:
Find a qualified teacher: Pilates is great for preventing injury and rehabilitating people who've had injuries. But if the teacher is not qualified, the opposite can be true. Don't put yourself in unqualified hands.
If you do have a back problem or other medical issue, make sure that your teacher knows about it: what it is, how long it's been going on, any other information etc. Pilates has become known for helping people with back problems. This can be true, but it is not a one-cure-fits-all.
If you bear these two precautions in mind, you should be on track to reap the benefits of Pilates.
Regular practice will provide you with a strong core, good alignment and functional mobility whilst providing a unique approach to body awareness, posture and stability.
Pilates exercises are generally low impact and non-aerobic so are ideal for all levels of fitness: from the injured and sedentary to fit people wanting further improvements.
Unlike a lot of other types of exercise, Pilates emphasises basic techniques that should be observed with EVERY MOVE, in short:
1. Concentration - use your brain to put bones and muscles in place and isolate moves ... think about what is happening;
2. Breathing - lateral rib breathing takes a bit of getting used to, it's essentially expanding your rib cage out to the sides;
3. Alignment (including Neutral Spine) - Pelvis, ribs, scapulae (shoulder blades), head, neck, feet all have a proper position ... before, during and after each move;
4. Corset Activation - activating specific muscles to support alignment;
5. Precision - it's quality of movement of quantity. In fact, generally you won't do more than 10 reps of any movement.
Around the world there are lots of variations on Pilates. The most popular are -
Winsor or West Coast (CA) - focusing on 'the burn' or cardio component;
East Coast (NY) - comes mainly from the dance world, where people are very flexible;
Stott (Can) - a combination of both of the above it was developed by a professional dancer and a team of sport medicine experts who introduced the neutral spine & imprint techniques;
English - the above but moving more towards the remedial;
Australian - as with lots of things, we've taken the best of the best, modified it and designed a safe, progressive program, which can be tailored to individual needs starting at the most basic and gradually making moves more challenging.
Joseph Pilates also developed a series of machines to help challenge the body. The machine most people use is called the Reformer, which is a sliding carriage with resistance springs. There is also the trap table or "Cadillac". This piece looks like a table with bars above. Personally, I strongly recommend learning fundamental moves on the mat before progressing onto the equipment (however cool it looks!). Working on a stable floor helps with control and you can then also exercise at home.
There are two big precautions in terms of Pilates:
Find a qualified teacher: Pilates is great for preventing injury and rehabilitating people who've had injuries. But if the teacher is not qualified, the opposite can be true. Don't put yourself in unqualified hands.
If you do have a back problem or other medical issue, make sure that your teacher knows about it: what it is, how long it's been going on, any other information etc. Pilates has become known for helping people with back problems. This can be true, but it is not a one-cure-fits-all.
If you bear these two precautions in mind, you should be on track to reap the benefits of Pilates.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Better Body Bits
On 4 February 2008 I'll be launching my new online newsletter.
It's weekly and absolutely free and cover health & related topics. If you'd like to subscribe I'll need your email, so drop me a line at mail@balm-energy.com.au or fill out the form on my website: www.balm-energy.com.au.
Of course you're details will remain confidential and won't be shared with any third party.
It's weekly and absolutely free and cover health & related topics. If you'd like to subscribe I'll need your email, so drop me a line at mail@balm-energy.com.au or fill out the form on my website: www.balm-energy.com.au.
Of course you're details will remain confidential and won't be shared with any third party.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Sitting
Following are a few guidelines for sitting - whether at work, study,
Keep the computer mouse close enough that the elbow remains close in to the body.
Do you suffer from "mouse creep", where you arm ends up extended? Then I recommend adding a little blue-tak (removeable putty) to the bottom of your mouse mat and placing it in close to the keyboard, so your elbow is at your waist. There's a high chance you will automatically keep the mouse on the mouse-pad and therefore work more ergonomically.
Distribute all frequently used desk items evenly between left and right hand’s reach
Keep feet comfortably flat on the floor - don't cross your legs. Use a foot-rest if your feet don't reach the floor.
Men: don't keep your wallet in your back pocket when sitting as it gives you an unbalanced seat.
Ensure the chair has a relatively high and straight back rest, which is well adjusted and use a lumbar support. Check the seat tilt and arm-rest height also. For more ergonomic tips check out: http://www.ergonomics.com.au/pages/400_useful_info/420_how_to_sit.htm
Do not hold the phone receiver between shoulder and ear – use a headset.
Also stand up on long phone calls, or when you don't have to be in front of your computer screen ... the change helps relieve stresses on your body.
Other things to do:
* walk the long way to the toilet, kitchen, meeting room etc;
* stretch every hour - even a few minutes will help;
* when walking, turn your hand so your thumb is pointing forward. This gently externally rotates your shoulder (backwards);
* transporting your laptop? Don't carry a heavy bag on one shoulder. Use a well-balanced back-pack, using both straps, or a bag-on-wheels;
* when travelling to or from work practise your pelvic-floor and gluteal (butt muscle) activation exercises ... both boys and girls please!
Keep the computer mouse close enough that the elbow remains close in to the body.
Do you suffer from "mouse creep", where you arm ends up extended? Then I recommend adding a little blue-tak (removeable putty) to the bottom of your mouse mat and placing it in close to the keyboard, so your elbow is at your waist. There's a high chance you will automatically keep the mouse on the mouse-pad and therefore work more ergonomically.
Distribute all frequently used desk items evenly between left and right hand’s reach
Keep feet comfortably flat on the floor - don't cross your legs. Use a foot-rest if your feet don't reach the floor.
Men: don't keep your wallet in your back pocket when sitting as it gives you an unbalanced seat.
Ensure the chair has a relatively high and straight back rest, which is well adjusted and use a lumbar support. Check the seat tilt and arm-rest height also. For more ergonomic tips check out: http://www.ergonomics.com.au/pages/400_useful_info/420_how_to_sit.htm
Do not hold the phone receiver between shoulder and ear – use a headset.
Also stand up on long phone calls, or when you don't have to be in front of your computer screen ... the change helps relieve stresses on your body.
Other things to do:
* walk the long way to the toilet, kitchen, meeting room etc;
* stretch every hour - even a few minutes will help;
* when walking, turn your hand so your thumb is pointing forward. This gently externally rotates your shoulder (backwards);
* transporting your laptop? Don't carry a heavy bag on one shoulder. Use a well-balanced back-pack, using both straps, or a bag-on-wheels;
* when travelling to or from work practise your pelvic-floor and gluteal (butt muscle) activation exercises ... both boys and girls please!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Tips to Stay Young n Happy
I KNOW this is one of those clutter things on the web, but it's great philosophy! Let's practice this in 2008 (and beyond)...
1. Throw out nonessential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them.. That is why you pay them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)
3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle.
'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
4. Enjoy the simple things
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!
6. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourself.
LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
--
"It's not the situation, but whether we react
(negative) or respond (positive) to the situation that's important"
Zig Ziglar
1. Throw out nonessential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them.. That is why you pay them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)
3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle.
'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
4. Enjoy the simple things
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!
6. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourself.
LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
--
"It's not the situation, but whether we react
(negative) or respond (positive) to the situation that's important"
Zig Ziglar
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