|
On Earth Day, April 22, 2026, I am thinking about and thankful for the world that provides so many outdoor opportunities to be active. It also makes me think about the things I do, should do, and don't do for the world I live in. For more information, check out Earth Day: The Official Site. Activities for adults and children can be found on this Parade page. Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K is an activity that supports tree planting and forest protection in several states in the United States. 
0 Comments
 Mayo Clinic has suggestions for ways to start walking and stay motivated on Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health. There might even be a walking club in your area to help you start and stay motivated. Check out America’s Walking Club (AVA) - This non-competitive sports organization emphasizes "Fun, Fitness, and Friendship." An interactive map helps walkers find a local club. If there isn't a club nearby and you want the motivation other people provide, start your own walking group to encourage more walking. Walking is not only good for your health, but it can also improve your mood by increasing positive feelings of happiness and contentment. You may even feel like you are "walkin' on air." Taken on July 2, 2007 with a Canon PowerShot A630 in Alberta, Canada.
 "I bend so I don't break." Anonymous Check out these two online resources to help you bend so you don't break. Stretching: Focus on Flexibility a resource from Healthy Lifestyle: Fitness on the Mayo Clinic website offers many recommendations.. 5 Easy Flexibility Exercises from the Cleveland Clinic offers more suggestions for a more flexible body. Try the following simple laughter exercise as you work to improve flexibility. Laughter can help reduce stress and muscle tension, enhance range of motion, increase blood circulation, and improve breathing. Shaking It Out: Inhale deeply and as you exhale, shake your arms and hands while laughing or smiling. Background is from a sky photo and used with a Canva Element.
Newest Laughter Exercise: Deep or Diaphragmatic Breathing This laughter exercise involves breathing in through your nose and into your diaphragm so that your belly expands. Breathe out through your mouth with the "out breath" lasting longer than the "in breath." Inhale as you raise your arms above your head, hold your breath for 3-5 seconds. Then slowly bend your body from the waist, let your arms dangle, and exhale saying “haaaaaaaaa” and continue to laugh. Repeat a few times. End each time with: “Feeling good, feeling good, YAY.” If at any time, you feel uncomfortable, stop immediately.  Chair exercise is an excellent movement option if you are not comfortable standing. Exercise with others at a community center, YMCA, or fitness studio. If you prefer solo workouts, find a YouTube video for chair exercise and start moving. If standing or walking is uncomfortable right now, ask a healthcare professional for suggestions about ways to move your body. Perhaps you might be able to do simple stretches, flex your fingers or toes, do head circles, or touch your knees while sitting in a chair. Explore the options to just move. Procreate background with a Canva Element.
|
|||||||||||||
