Balancing a Busy Life with Health and Happiness

It is safe to say that sometimes our lives can get the better of us. We all have stressful jobs, kid’s extra-curricular activities, pets that need exercise, bills to pay, and trouble squeezing in time for the grocery store. It seems like there is never a second to breathe let alone think about our own health and fitness. It is easy to forget that if we are not healthy ourselves then the chances of being successful in any of these everyday tasks are slim to none.

In reference to the term “healthy”, it does not necessarily require six-pack abs or the ability to run a marathon. What it means is that you make time to get some form of movement daily- walking the kids to school, hitting the gym, trekking through the woods with your dog, or doing an at-home exercise routine. Anything is better than nothing and the beginning is always the most difficult. Once you find it is possible to fit in a simple thirty minute walk around the block it will become part of your routine.

The term “healthy” also refers to your level of nutrition; what you put into your body to fuel your day. Thinking about food consumption as a source of energy to help you power through your busy schedule makes it easier to make nutritious choices. Rather than falling for the “fast food is easier” trick, instead stop at a local Coop and build your own salad or wrap. This kind of locally grown, minimally processed fuel will keep you awake and energized much longer than a greasy burger made from undisclosed parts of an animal. Your body craves these nutrients to disperse to your muscles, your brain, and throughout your body to improve growth, repair and maintenance.

When you find yourself being conscientious about your food intake and fitness routine, you will find yourself ultimately happier. Endorphins will run wild and the stress will seem easier to manage.

Visit this website for advice on what to buy at the grocery store for family meal planning in advance, for last minute recipes, and for general nutrition tips. http://recipes.familyeducation.com/

Here is a list of a few low-impact exercises to get you started as an individual or as a family:
Swimming, walking, rowing, body-weight training, yoga, and light weight lifting

By Catherine Pearson, Upper Valley Aquatic Center, Aquatic Director, dog owner and happy life liver :0))

The Go3 Way to Live With Passion in 2015

Passion-

"Passion is when you put more energy into something than is required to do it. It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement, passion is ambition that is materialized into action to put as much heart, mind body and soul into something as is possible."

 

 THE Go3 WAY

Living with Passion

How will you use your passion, your gift?

How are you going to share it?

What’s your vision for 2015?

What are you aiming for?

It’s hard to create goals without values?

What are you moving towards?

What skills do you need to get there?

How will you grow?

How are you going to nourish yourself with your workouts and your mind?

The workouts prop us up but how will you train your thinking?

How do you want to feel?

Who do you want to be as a partner, parent, athlete?

What friends and family do you want to surround you?

Everything stems from self...

by Robin Asbury

Go3 Coaching

 

10 Things You Can Do to Lead a Longer, Healthier and Happier Life in 2015

Thousands of books have been written telling us what to eat, how to exercise, and even where to live and work so that we can live longer. But recent research done by the International Council on Active Aging resulted in 10 basic tips that impact living a long, vital life.

Think Positively. Strive for many small successes in your endeavors. Stay away from negative thoughts, especially about your age. Thinking positively about getting older can add as much as 7.5 years to your life.

Turn Your Spark Into a Flame. If you have a passion, talent or hobby, nurture it. Grow it. And let that enthusiasm spill over into other areas of your life.

Keep Your Motor Running. Have goals and stay focused on them. Maintaining a high energy level is important. If you find that you are feeling lethargic it could be something physical or mental so see a doctor.

Eat a Balanced Diet. OK you knew this one was coming. Eating with common sense and keeping weight down are critical. Forget the fad diets. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Cut back on sugar. You can do it!

Connect With People. Maintain an active social life. Go out with friends for coffee or a movie. Even better- volunteer. Research has shown that people who volunteer have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than people who don’t.

Don’t Stay Down. Everyone gets down at times, but if depression lasts more than 2 weeks it’s recommended that you see a doctor. But, as mentioned before, people who eat right, exercise, volunteer, and stay connected seem to bounce back sooner than those who don’t.

Exercise. Staying physically active fuels the body and the mind. It helps delay physical decline. Be realistic. Be consistent. Exercising with friends provides both connectivity and the physical exercise. Walking, group classes, tennis or anything that is done with a group of friends will help motivate you.

Keep Learning. Lifelong learning adds a dimension to life, whether just staying in touch with what is happening in the world or keeping the brain stimulated. Regardless of fitness levels anyone can start learning new things at any age. So why not start today?

Invest in YOU. Shift your expectations to yourself- then embark on new behaviors to realize your goals. This takes energy and effort, but consider it as an investment that will pay big dividends.

Have Fun. People who live long generally have a life that is filled with joy and laughter. So figure out what you need to do to have a good time. Ride a bike. Learn a new language. Take up Zumba or square dancing. 

You may have to step out of your comfort zone, but 2015 could be the best year of your life.

by Rich Synnott, Upper Valley Aquatic Center Executive Director