Hi all, this is just a short post today as I have to limit my time on the computer right now due to a pinched nerve in my neck and upper back. Ugh... so many things I want to get done. Physio appointments feel like they are taking over my life right now, lol! Oh well, sometimes you have to work around the things that happen to you and do things a little differently for awhile. I can't imagine living with a chronic illness that debilitates and prevents you from doing everyday things. I know many people deal with harsh health issues daily, it must take a lot of strength and energy.
For now I will just be doing around an hour or so a day of online business, marketing and designing. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to get back to my routines, kind of makes me feel a bit useless. My husband said, just rest, get some good books and do what you can!
You've probably noticed that I've been creating lots of Youtube videos to showcase different products and themes from my store, Designs by Shell. I hope you're able to enjoy these. I appreciate the thumbs up and any one that subscribes to my channel as I get going on this.
Here is the latest one that I've made. Thanks for watching.
So you probably thought I was going to say that your iphone was the culprit hey? Actually I'm talking about the silent killer, yup the one that no one wants to admit is wreaking havoc on your health. Sugar, yes, there it is. Sugar is the addiction that is stealing your health and shortening your life. I've recently been reading a lot about 'sugar' in all it's various forms and the damage that it does to our bodies when abused or consumed in excess.
It's no secret that the western diet is clearly one that is driven by sweetened foods. Though most people know that loading up on sugary foods and snacks is not good for their bodies it can be a real struggle for people to break this addiction or even realize that they are addicted to it. Sugar actually stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain making us crave more and more of it. Sugar is labeled with a lot of different names as to likely confuse the consumer when label reading. Here are some of the names that sugar can be hidden under:
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Glucose
- Sucrose
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Lactose
- Maltose
- Agave Nectar
- Fruit Juice Concentrate
- Evaporated Cane Syrup
The list really does go on, there are loads more words that we perceive to be healthy but are really disguising sugar. Here are some reasons that I've discovered that might make you think twice about the added sugar that you're putting into your body. I"m not talking about natural sugars that come from fruits as our bodies do need this sugar to produce energy. I'm talking about sugars that come from all types of desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, chocolate, etc., you get the idea. Also the sugars that are hidden in foods that we don't even realize are in there. Foods like ketchup, worcestershire sauce, yogurts, granola bars and so on.
- Contains no essential nutrients
- Can overload your liver and cause fatty liver disease
- Increases toxicity in the body
- Messes with blood sugar levels
- Causes inflammation
- Can contribute to cancer
- Sugar is highly addictive
- Can lead to obesity
- Raises cholesterol
- Contributes to heart disease
One of my goals this January is to get healthier and reduce my sugar intake. As of today I am on day 18 of no sugar. Meaning no sweets or chocolate, nothing other than natural fruits. So far I had a headache for a day in the first week but other than that I feel great and have no cravings for it. I think being active and working out regularly definitely helps with this too! Did you set any health goals for yourself this year, if so I'd love to hear what they are. Feel free to leave your comments.
Research and many studies have proven how the effects of being in nature for even a few minutes a day can have a remarkable effect on one's health. Taking time to be outdoors has been said to stimulate areas of our brains that can give us a mental and physical boost in energy. I know when I take even a 15 minute break to go for a walk or hop on my bike for a ride I feel so much better and re-energized and am then able to focus so much better on my work. Exercising outdoors is reported to provide us with more health benefits than performing exercise in a gym or indoor fitness facility. Spending time outdoors can not only increase our energy but may quite likely impact our happiness. Nature can revitalize us and have a positive impact on our brains.
A book called 'Your Brain On Nature' has been an interesting read. The authors have gathered some great information and statistics on this subject. Some quotes from authors Eva M. Selhub MD and Alan C. Logan ND stated "In a large study done on residents of Shanghai, researchers reported that neighborhoods with a higher proportion of parks, gardens, and other green areas were associated with a reduced risk of mortality. " Another U.S. study from the University of West Florida, showed that researchers found after examining 5 years worth of data on stroke mortality they found that those living in areas with a high geographic green space offered significant protection while areas with low green space were associated with a very high risk of stroke mortality." Very interesting, I'm glad we have a lot of green space around our neighborhood and easy access to amazing outdoor walking trails, hiking, biking as well as lakes and oceans not too far away.
Let's face it working in an office, staring and screens and walls doesn't do a whole lot for one's health. We need to stimulated to do our best work and the effects of nature can surely help us improve our health, lower stress and improve our immune system. Not to mention increase your longevity. I don't know about you but I'm in! As far as work, time spent in nature can help increase your focus, creativity and production. Eva M. Selhub co-author of 'Your Brain on Nature' says " a drop of nature is like a drop of morphine to the brain, since it stimulates reward neurons in your brain." It turns off the stress response, lowering cortisol levels, lowers heart rate and blood pressure and improves immune response.
I know it's not possible for everyone to get outside during the business day but when you can incorporate a few minutes of nature into your day, even a walk to the coffee shop can give you a boost of energy and help you refocus on your tasks.
If you are a walker you've probably already adopted or fallen into a certain style that you enjoy and that works for you. Perhaps you are very in tune with your walking style or maybe you don't give it much thought at all and just head out the door. I was thinking about different fitness walking styles recently as I watched people walking through my neighborhood, it is quite interesting to see the different gaits, arm movements and step sizes that people use.
I consider myself a very fast walker, my husband finds it hard to walk the pace that I go. I take deliberate quick strides throughout my entire walk which is usually 25 to 35 minutes depending on the route I take. I prefer shorter quick walks that get my heart rate up and engage my muscles. I guess you could call it power walking!
In European countries and growing in popularity around the world is Nordic Pole walking. This is a style of walking where you use poles in somewhat of a ski technique. It makes your walking stride easier and smoother. It is said to engage approx. 90% of your muscles as you move.
There are those that walk in more of a meditative way. Sometimes with their heads down, at a slow pace as if contemplating or in deep thought.
Race walking similar to Power walking is another popular style. In race walking one foot is always in contact with the ground. If done correctly is said to put less stress on your joints and burns more calories per mile.
Strolling is just a slow kind of lazy day walking style. Not being in a hurry just ambling along while taking in the fresh air and scenery.
Whatever your walking style is, it is important to just get outdoors and walk whenever the opportunity presents itself. Everyone has to find the correct balance for their own gait, speed, step length and frequency. With each walk you do and the more steps you take you will notice increased health benefits. Sitting too much can be damaging to our health so I say come on' just get out and walk, you'll be glad you did!
If you love to stay fit and healthy then you probably already know that exercise comes with many more benefits than just the physical ones. Exercise can improve many different aspects of your life. Think of how great you feel after accomplishing a good workout. I know when I get home from a great bike ride or fitness walk I feel energized and so refreshed just from being outdoors and having that great adrenaline or seratonin boost. It gives me a clear focus and I feel much more alert and ready to work on my business.
Whether you go to the gym to workout or prefer getting your exercise outdoors you will reap the benefits of staying active and in shape. Having more energy will keep you more alert and productive at your job and throughout your day. Even a 15 minute walk on your lunch break can be enough to recharge your battery and help you tackle tasks that feel like a burden.
We all know that exercising regularly, especially as we age can increase longevity and improve overall health. Here's a list of some things exercise can help improve:
- weight
- mood
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- illnesses
I don't know about you but those are enough to make me want to exercise regularly.
There are so many options of activities that you can choose from. Don't say you can't exercise, just find the type of activity that works for you.
Here are a few examples of what you could do:
walking, biking, hiking, gym classes, weight lifting, spinning, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, running, tennis... the list goes on.
Whatever you choose to do, do it well and you will improve your immune system as well as boost your productivity at home and work.
