Summer Body? Try Every Day Body...

Since I pulled the tendons in my feet, running won't be an option for a little while. So I joined the gym to hit the ski machine, bike and weights.

I have to say, I did kinda miss the gym. Now I go at about 9 every night...so it's not terribly crowded. Maybe it's the change in routine I like too.

So, my friends..I encourage you to live healthy. Eat right and work out. If you smoke, maybe you should consider quitting...cut back on the booze. Add some years back onto your life.

Hope all is well with you all. Lots of love and light to you and yours.

Concerned Bloggers: Exercise and Depression/Anxiety

When I've had a really bad day, I grab my iPod, plug my headphones in and I hit the ground running.  Literally.  I can go anywhere from 3 to 7 miles - depending on how much energy I have.

And when I'm done?  I feel light years better.  My head is clearer..I don't feel as overwhelmed - the running helps keep me sane.

According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043), the links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren't entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you're feeling better.

Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

• Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
• Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
• Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week can significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference. It may take less time exercising to improve your mood when you do more-vigorous activities, such as running or bicycling.

The mental health benefits of exercise may last only if you stick with it over the long term — another good reason to focus on finding activities you enjoy.

Note sure of what you like?  Well, there are so many options!

Running, strength training, yoga, dance..those are just SOME of the many different types of exercise that you can do on your own or in a class!


Of course before you begin anything, talk to your doctor or other mental health provider for guidance and support. Discuss concerns about an exercise program and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.

And if you already exercise regularly but anxiety or depression symptoms still interfere with your daily living, see your doctor or other mental health provider. Exercise is a great way to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it isn't a substitute for psychotherapy or medications.

As always, sending lots of love and light your way.  :)


XOXO,

Bliss

Circle chart picture borrowed from http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-little-word-2010-healthy.html.

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Get Moving

This isn't a politically correct post.  So, if you're easily offended, please skip the post.

Okay.  So here's the deal.  We, as a part of today's generation, are lazy.  We rely on technology for everything and own gadgets to control gadgets that control gadgets.

So what's the result?

A lot of cankles.  No, I mean it.  A lot of morbidly obese people are roaming the streets.

Now, I live in NYC, which I think ranks third in vain states (lead only by California and Florida).  So we're a place where there are gyms on every single street corner (if not two!).  If you don't look a certain way, then you are looked down on.

Come on - did you want me to sugar coat this?

Pretty people get treated better than people with extra stomachs.  It's a reality.  So!

I know (and love) people of all sizes.  But I hate nothing more than when someone complains that they're overweight......but do nothing about it.

Nobody can change your life and your lifestyle....but you.

NOW!  Let me say this - there are people with medical conditions that cannot help weight gain.  Those people have an excuse.  But everyone else.....?  What's the story?

I know busy schedules.  I know the working late..the family..the no time to even breathe life.

But here's the thing, kids.  All it takes to make yourself healthier and extend your life span is thirty minutes.

Thirty minutes of your day can make a huge change.

And my Second Life friends.....we all know how quickly a two hour gig can go by.  So....skip 30 minutes of a gig and go for a jog.  Take 30 minutes and try some yoga or pilates.  Have a little more time?  Try a dance class or a spin class.

But, for your health..take the time and take care of your body.

Small good decisions lead to big good decisions.  And you'll see the difference in your life and yourself.  :)

I'm not looking down on people that don't work out.  But why wouldn't you take every opportunity to live a longer, healthier life?

I aim to work out at LEAST three times a week for an hour or more.  In reality, I work out seven times a week .  I run, and I've added dance class into the mix.  Do I love some chocolate and cake and ice cream?  Of course I do.

But I also know that if there's a train and I need to run for it.....I need to be able to do it without killing myself.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, don't get me wrong.  This isn't about being fat or thin.  

But there's healthy and unhealthy.  There's no two ways about THAT.

Get your body moving.  

Want some helpful links?

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002

https://www.presidentschallenge.org/

Just so you know I'm not full of shit....below is my own personal goal just recently reached (courtesy of my Nike+ system).

XOXO,
B