Cold Temperatures Will Continue After Helena and May Lead to Lasting Travel Woes. What can you do about it?
Massage & Healthy Living is closed this weekend due to inclement weather conditions. The office will be open again on Monday, January 8th.
1. Sleep In
Sleeping in makes you feel good. It helps with quality of life, memory, reducing inflammation and can lower blood pressure. If you’re an athlete, a lot of our clients are, it can improve your performance on the field. So turn off the alarm and go back to bed!
2. Treat yourself and EAT!
Are you one of those people who run out the door with a cup of coffee and drive to work? Or maybe you’re scarfing down a bagel and checking your appointment calendar at a red light. You can change all of that this weekend with a big and healthy breakfast. Try these quick combos:
- a bowl of high-fiber, multigrain cereal, lots of strawberries, and low-fat milk
- a granola bar, an apple, and low-fat milk, nonfat yogurt, fresh blueberries, and a slice of whole-wheat toast with fruit spread
- a mini whole-wheat bagel, spread lightly with cream cheese and jam, a peach; and a cup of yogurt
- scrambled egg on a whole-wheat roll, with fresh fruit salad and a cup of low-fat milk
- a low-fat muffin, a wedge of cantaloupe, and a cup of latte made with skim milk
- multi-grain pancakes, bacon or sausage, agave syrup, choice of fruit topping, grits, spinach egg white omelet, rye toast, and a glass of orange juice
May we suggest afterwards to try #9 to burn off some of these calories.
3. Get stuff done
How liberating is it to cross an item off your checklist? Take a look at your project list today to see if there is anything you can do around the house today. Hang a picture, do laundry, organize your desk, or do homework with your kids.
4. Binge watch your favorite series
If you’re week is all work no play then this weekend you can take the opportunity to cuddle with a loved one under the blanket on the couch or in bed. Stress management coach and holistic therapist Catherine A. Connors reminds how physical contact with others can help to reduce stress. “Hugging, kissing, or more physical acts of touch increases oxytocin levels, which is a ‘bonding’ hormone—this chemical reaction can help to reduce blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease, but it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety,” Connors says.
5. Watch a funny movie
Laughter is the best medicine. Adds joy and zest to life, eases anxiety and tension, relieves stress, improves mood and mental functioning, enhances resilience, improves self-esteem, helps overcome anger and resentment.
6. Parents: Help make an Indoor Fort and/or other games
Here’s a link to 9 Creative Forts Click Here
7. Make your favorite hot soup
There’s nothing like a warm, hearty soup on a cold chilly day. Here are some of our favs, Cauliflower Chowder, Classic Chicken Noodle, Creamy Chicken and Mushroom, Spinach and White Bean Soup or our favorite Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Soup.
8. Parents: Play in the snow with your kids.
Try Freeze tag, Sculpt in the snow, or blowing bubbles and watch them freeze on the wand (must be below freezing temperatures).
9. Exercise
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Check out this “at-home workout” here: http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/30-minute-no-equipment-circuit-workout
10. Hang out with friends
If you’re lucky enough to have friends within walk-able distance, either invite them over or walk over to their place. Socializing is like free therapy for de-stressing. You have a chance to unwind and catch up, to hear or share some interesting stories. Some good games to play, Cranium, Family Fued, Catch Phrase, or the classic Scrabble.
If you’re lucky enough to live in the Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Morrisville, Chapel Hill, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, then there is no escaping winter storm “Helena”. So make the best of it. Your health and wellness are counting on you, and so are your kids!!!
