Tag Archives: Wellness

A Different Type of Core

That Keeps You Healthy & Well

“An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!” That is one way to get to the core of the matter. However, there is another core that matters. Your core!

The exercise studio I have been going to for two years now really opened my eyes and awareness to the function of my core.

***Please note I am not a doctor or health professional. I am writing about my personal experiences. Thank You!***

The Core

Your core is more than your abs and stomach. Your core matters to your strength and overall health and wellness. Your whole body is connected through your core.

Who knew there was so many layers as well as deep layers of the core. This blew my mind! In focusing on your core you perform movements more safely and effectively.

I have learned that your core does matter in ALL that you do!

The Pelvic Floor

I remember first starting out and the instructor talking about our pelvic floor. It was so nonchalant and just put out into the open. I was thinking to myself who talks about the functioning of one’s pelvic floor. I thought I was pretty open about my body until the pelvic floor was openly talked about!

A pelvic floor that is properly strengthened has health benefits. It helps with prevention, pain and discomfort and dysfunctions. It helps with your overall core strength and that helps your body move and be in motion, including improving your posture!

There are many aspects when it comes to being open about your body and being body aware! One is being comfortable with who you are and how you feel in your body!

Think about how you simply hold yourself up throughout the day!

Benefits

One benefit is more effective breathing! Really knowing how to inhale and exhale. Especially when engaging your core and connecting to the deep layers of the core. Breathing helps release stress and tension as well as clears your mind and body!

Stress affects your whole being! When to release, respond or react by tuning into your self awareness. Tapping into your self care tool kit to protect yourself. A great stress reliever as well as self care is how you use movement (i.e. standing, stretching, taking deep breathes, going for a walk, etc.)!

My biggest take away! Slowing down while practicing. In using control and a smaller range of motion your help yourself create stability and strength throughout your whole being. Injury prevention is key to being a healthy and well being too.

Learning Lessons

Lessons I Have Learned . . .

  • I breath better. I am learning how to maintain my stress level.
  • I have become more in tune to my whole being, especially in how my body moves. I decrease my range of motion and focus in on my core activation.
  • I have learned to tap into my body’s energy through practicing.
  • I create power for my whole being through my energies and increasing my strength and stamina.
  • I have learned how to use and engage my body in everything I do, especially posture, movement and motion.
  • I can create space and lengthen my whole body. I am practicing and learning how to lengthen properly and safely.
  • I am seeing results in my tone, movement, posture, etc.


(Photos by RSheridan)

My quality of life has changed for the better too! I am continuing to practice and learn . . . From core connection to strengthening the pelvic floor to breathing and everything in between!

What Are Your Learning and Practicing? Love to Hear, Please Share!

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My #1 Wellness Practice

Be Kind & Gentle to You & Your Whole Being

I have learned throughout my health and wellness practice that I truly needed to shift my mindset! The “Golden Rule”. “Treat others how you want to be treated.” You really need to take care of you before you can take care of others!

Are you truly doing it for you too?

That is a big question to ask yourself that really matters! Know your “why(s)”. When you tune into doing as an act of self love you are tapping into your desires and passions. That you deserve this and remove that doubt, self-limiting beliefs, guilt, etc. You make that commitment to yourself and make yourself accountable too!

You truly have the ability to achieve your “why(s)”! When you are able to relax your whole being you help yourself connect to your whole being better. You communicate to fully connect and engage. That level of communication and that deep connection you have with yourself helps you get back to the basics in what you need and achieving your whys! 

That relaxed state also helps you slow down and maybe even get some good rest too! When relaxed you are more mindful and present. You take yourself out of stress as well as survival mode. Just taking time to pause and just breathe and clear the mind is a big assist to your whole well being!

I am finally out of that mindset that I need to spend hours getting my fitness on! Long as well as extreme workouts were not sustainable for me. I burnt out and had minor repetitive injuries that were becoming chronic. Start small and little by little it will add up!

I have been giving myself more grace, patience and compassion lately! For instance there are times I want to get up and get a workout in on the weekends. Then there are times where I want to sleep in, take my time and get in a later workout. Balance matters!

Another big mind blower is TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE! Your wellness practice needs to motivate and drive you. Not bore you and become a chore. Think outside the box and try new things!

It is good to set goals, however; be careful in setting rules and restrictions as well as limitations and high expectations! Basically do not be too hard on yourself. Learn mindfulness and being more present. Learn forgiveness and acceptance. Learn to tune and tap into your whole being and what it needs! 

The best reward is seeing and feeling how you want to see yourself and how it makes you feel! That positivity and happiness. That excitement and motivation. That drive and passion. Only you know how that looks and feels!


(Photos by RSheridan)

Love to Hear About Your Wellness Practice, Please Share.


Lifestyle & Mindset – Part II

My Word for 2018: Health

Think about your current lifestyle and mindset . . .

  • Are you adding in the ease versus the stress?
  • Are you adding in the simple versus the strain?
  • Are you checking in with your whole being?
  • Are you BEING YOU?
  • Are you DOING for you?
  • Are you making time for you and your whole being?

Remember to practice to improve the process aka work smarter not harder!

Making Time for You

What does “ME” look like to you?

  • Are you creating balance, especially in what is a priority that matters and is important.
  • Are you creating fulfillment, satisfaction, reward, etc.
  • Are you adding in relaxation and rest.
  • Are you adding in play, laughter and fun.
  • Are you making time for yourself and your whole being.

Think about what you waste your time and energy on! Are you holding on to it or actually letting go to release it? Tuning into your self worth and values to forgive yourself to move on! It can be freeing and weight lifting.

What is Your #1 or Main Motivation!

Setting Goals

The goal at the end of the day is feeling GOOD! It gets you fired up and motivated. It gets you connected to engage and experience. It gets you aligned to have balance and stability. Do more of what you love and are passionate about in living your life fully!

  • Play, laugh and have FUN!
  • Relax and Rest.
  • Discover what makes you happy, brings you joy and gives you pleasure.

The goal at the end of the day is to do what is BEST for YOU! Be open to learning, growing and experiencing. Inspire and motivate yourself as well as encourage and engage yourself and your whole being in everything you do. Set yourself up for SUCCESS!

  • Prioritize YOU!
  • Let go of the guilt in being a little selfish in making time for your needs and taking care of yourself.
  • Listen to your whole being aka check in with yourself.

The goal at the end of the day is to be and do the BEST you can be and do! Stretch your comfort zone and try new things. Make mistakes and make them teachable moments to learn and develop from. Celebrate milestones and successes. Learn to practice and trust the process. It is amazing what you discover and realize about yourself and how you live your life!

  • Get out of the same old same old by switching it up a bit.
  • Find inspiration to motivate you.
  • Forgive yourself.


(Photos by RSheridan)

BE & DO what makes you FEEL GOOD! Really Set Your Sights On Something You Want To Do & DO IT! Love to Hear Your Thoughts, Please Share.


Lifestyle & Mindset – Part 1

My Word for 2018: Health

I have been changing up my lifestyle a bit and have discovered that my mind set got left behind! I like those light bulb moments that give you a little more clarity. Sometimes you become focused even to the point of hyper focused in moving forward. Sometimes you just have to pause to find your direction to make sure you are on track or at least where you need to be!

Think about your current lifestyle and mindset . . .

  • Are you adding in the ease versus the stress?
  • Are you adding in the simple versus the strain?
  • Are you checking in with your whole being?
  • Are you BEING YOU?
  • Are you DOING for you?
  • Are you making time for you and your whole being?

Remember to practice to improve the process aka work smarter not harder! 

I know for me patience is not my strong suit and then getting into that mindset that everything happens for a reason is another piece to wrap my head around!

Checking In

Remember to do regular self checks to determine what is working and what is not! Pause and press reset. Pace yourself. You are a priority and need to take care of YOU!

Remember to give yourself some love too! Reset the balance to find the calm. Restart the compassion and care. Recharge the energies. Rediscover the love and joy. It truly creates flow in living your life the way you want to live it!

Being You

Being true to who you are matters! How you value yourself, especially in how you want to be treated. It encourages you to be the best version of YOU! To believe and trust in yourself. It takes courage to give yourself the freedom to be you!

Give back to you and your whole being with love, care, kindness and compassion! Tuning into your intuition. Practicing health and wellness. Appreciating and accepting you for YOU! 

Think about that for a moment . . . do you appreciate and accept who you are, as you are?

Doing for You

What is your WHY? Is it a want, need, obligation, etc. Remember to value you and your needs, time and energies. 

  • Nurturing and nourishing your whole being.
  • Creating space and setting boundaries.
  • Slowing down the busy and the hustle.
  • Holding on or letting go.
  • Creating, manifesting, visioning . . .

Take your self care seriously and make time for it too!


(Photos by RSheridan)

BE & DO what makes you FEEL GOOD! Really Set Your Sights On Something You Want To Do & DO IT! Love to Hear Your Thoughts, Please Share.


Motivated

Time & Energy

I think most of us think about having more time along with having more energy! I know I do. I know I find myself just going through the motions most days and then find myself needing a switch up. I know I am also a creature of habit too. However, you need to add some motivation when doing the same thing day in and day out!

My Challenge to Myself in 2018!

Try something NEW! every month!

Think in terms of playful and fun in trying something new! It brings out your inner kid along with your curiosity. It can add a little excitement and motivation too. You will not know if you like something if you never try it out!

Do it solo or have a buddy join you. Having a buddy or your tribe behind you helps. It keeps you accountable to show up and do your best. It gives you someone to share the experience with as well as the process. You may even find your buddy helping to stretch your comfort zone in trying new things!

Grab a buddy, your tribe or even join your community and go!

Who knows, you might fall in love with it and it may become your new favorite thing!

Remember it is easier to stay motivated when you are relaxed and tuning into your body’s needs! Truly listen to yourself and your whole being from the inside out. Really focus in on the love you have for yourself to be and do more of what you love. By believing and trusting yourself it gives you that push to be and feel your best!

Ask Yourself . . .

  • What gives you inspiration and motivation?
  • Are you open to receiving? Especially the possibilities and opportunities.

There needs to be a simple and clear focus too! Think about what matters and is important to you. Think about what your intention is in the actions you take. Not getting into too much detail helps you achieve those intentions and meet your goals!

Think about . . .

  • What goals do you want to meet and maybe even crush in 2018?
  • What intentions do you need to work on and practice throughout the year? Remember to keep it focused, clear and simple.
  • What do you really need and want and know your “whys”?

Remember to check in with yourself on your focus from time to time.  In a way it is like watching that pot to see if it boils. If you just leave it alone it will happen in due time! You will not only see the results you will have enjoyed the process to get those results and feel good by working for it.

  • Are you focusing on the process or the results?
  • Are you taking the time to vision and manifest?
  • Do you truly believe and trust yourself in the practice to process and progress?

There needs to be that balance between doing all that you want to do versus finding the ease within all that doing! Take time out to make time for you. Add in some relaxation and rest. Just be in the present moment soaking it in!


(Photos by RSheridan)

Have You Tried Something NEW! Recently? Love to Hear, Please Share.


My Magic Circle

Whole Well Being

I am talking about Pilates and the Magic Circle prop used! When I first saw the Magic Circle I thought I am going to join the circus. I was use to straps and blocks and now you are giving me a circle and a ball. Yes going to be able to perform circus tricks!

I tend to call my magic circle a steering wheel. It looks and feels like a steering wheel to me. It also helps me steer myself to a whole well being! It reminds me that I am in control. It reminds me that I need to get out of my head and connect to my whole being from within!

These two props along with my mat are my besties now! I am actually embracing the three pound weights too. How can something three pounds make your arms shake and feel like jello!

With the squeeze of the magic circle I am strengthening and finding my power! The engagement between your inner being and your strength. The communication between your mind and your body. The connection that your body is connected and activated as a whole!

I spend 50-minutes at least three times a week for myself and my whole well being. I love the variety at the studio I go to. I enjoy the mix of Barre, Mat Pilates, Yogalates and Yoga offered throughout the week. I find my center and focus as well as my reset and recharge in my practice!

I am still a work in practice when it comes to using my energies effectively and efficiently. That needing of a second wind or that needing of some relaxation and rest. It is balancing and centering for the mind and body! That wanting to nourish and nurture your whole being for the better. It helps you concentrate and become more focused! 


(Photos by RSheridan)

Knowing how to move well is a practice of process, but so worth it once it clicks for your whole being! Learning how important breathing, posture, movement and form are for you and your whole being. Motion and movement is key to overall health and wellness! 

  • Think ease and softness.
  • Think alignment of body in relation to motion.
  • Think of innovative and creative ways to add movement.

It is challenging, fun and rewarding! 

It is about taking time for yourself and your whole well being! Love to Hear What You Are DOING for Your Whole Well Being. Please Share.


That Mind-Body Connection

An Addition to the Journey

I still remember being that 20-something out on her own for the very first time. Eating cookies before dinner. Getting by with about 4 hours of sleep. Enjoying the weekend with cents maybe dollars in my bank account. Who was I fooling – ha!

Now I am more proactive in that mind-body connection. Eating better. Getting my sparkle on by exercising. Knowing that I need to work my body as well as my mind to be a healthier and happier whole well being!

Being connected and having that sense of belonging also helps with that mind-body connection. Giving to yourself and others. Communicating and interacting. Engaging and connecting. Sharing experiences to learn, develop and grow!

When the stress and anxiety kick in I really try to pause and do a check in with myself! Give reassurance that everything is okay and will get through it. Give reassurance that nothing is wrong with you necessarily and that everything will be fine. Give your whole being a hug!

Find that outlet that works best for you to connect your mind and body! Take the mind off the spin cycle. Put the body into being and/or motion and movement. Go for a walk to ponder and wander. It clears the mind and connects the body!

Making the time for yourself and your mind-body connection can be quite the experience, adventure and journey all rolled into one! In learning more about who you are and how you work can teach you more about health and life and everything in between. Talk about an energy and mood booster! It can be freeing by tuning more into your essence and sense of self. Talk about a boost of self confidence and self independence! 

When there is that mind-body connection . . .

  • You and your whole being feel GOOD!
  • You have more energy.
  • You learn to relax and rest.
  • Oh My Goodness! You sleep so much better and wake up – wait for it – RESTED!
  • You know most things are manageable and you will get through it one step at a time.
  • You know closing your eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out with a smile and/or chuckle helps.


(Photos by RSheridan)

Health, Wellness and Happiness is Part of Your Journey. Remember to Nurture and Nourish Your Whole Being! Love to Hear Your Thoughts, Please Share.


Living Wholly

Whole Well Being That Is!

I am not sure if I started on a journey or one heck of an adventure back in mid-November! I had been a gym member for many years. However, it was no longer serving my best interests. I needed a change and found one that I fell head over heels in love with!

I enjoy the studio I go to. When I first started I did not think I would survive the first 50-minute class. I persevered and have been keeping my practice up for 8 months now. I find a good combo between challenging myself and having fun doing it!

The one major lesson I learned back in 2012 that still sticks with me today is that EVERYTHING is CONNECTED! 

  • Your health, wellness and happiness.
  • Your body in general has to work together to become one in motion and movement.
  • Your mind, body and spirit.
  • Your inner being to your outer being.
  • Making time for you and your whole being.

Practicing . . .

I am progressing in my practice. Learning to focus on the form more versus just going through the motions. Learning to embrace poses and accept that it challenges my body in a good way. Learning how to breathe better while exercising. Not only am I discovering my strong I am finding my sense of balance again!

Positioning . . .

The biggest change I have seen in myself is being able to properly position myself! Desk jockeying to mat work to walking and biking and everything in between. The ability to breathe easier, not crunching into your spine, being able to twist, rotate and pivot better and more fully, etc. Proper posture has so many added benefits!

Powering . . .

You learn how to power to perform and utilize your energies too! All that sitting makes your hip flexors short and tight and your glutes are limited in range of motion and may even weaken. Then your legs, hips and lower back take over and take the brunt. Think better blood flow too!

In looking back I think about all the hours and sweat I put into exercising and feeling at times the results were hit and miss. It is hard to explain the transformation unless you experience it. I went from sweating and burning to more focused in on motion, movement and breathing. I found I was more connected and that meant a more meaningful workout session. I also found compassion for myself and relaxation and rest for my whole being too!

For me it is about how I feel instead of look when it comes to my whole well being! Activating and engaging to a deeper and stronger mind body connection. All that bridging, working out on all fours and even squatting and planking. Stretching, increasing range of motion and of course balance (repeat what you did on the right-side on the left-side). It does a whole well being GOOD!


(Photos by RSheridan)

What Are You Doing for Your Whole Well Being? Love to Hear, Please Share!


My Word for 2018

Health

I am making a healthier and happier me a priority in 2018! Continuing to discover my strong. Continuing to be thankful in what my whole being does for me, especially when I take care of myself.

Love, Care, Kindness, Compassion . . .

Miss Katie over at Healthy Diva Life gives me clarity and light bulb moments with her posts. Thank you! I love when women love and support as well as inspire and empower the women around them.

My recent light bulb moment stems from being in a crossroads right now in living my life. Am I on the right track? What sign or direction am I looking for to get me moving forward again? Here is the light bulb going off – I have been changing my lifestyle, but my mindset got left behind! 

Being Real, Taking Risks and Having No REGRETS!!!

I am changing that in 2018 for myself! I recently wrote a post called 4 Buckets and there was my sign and a sense of direction for myself. It truly resonated with me at that moment! However, I need to take it to the next level for myself and my whole, well being.

I have two major goals in mind for 2018.

  1. Create more ease.
  2. Make time to find my happy.

FULLfilling . . .

It may not be easy and it may come with its share of hard work, but so worth it! Doing what is best for you and what serves your needs. Communicating, interacting, connecting, and engaging your mind, heart and whole being in pretty much everything you do. Be true to who you are and trust what you know to be true!

When your heart, mind and being are in tune it creates the space you need to go after what you need! The dreams turn into goals. The coming from love versus fear in following your heart’s desires. The believing and trusting that you are right where you need to be! 

To just focus on one thing at a time or even just doing nothing at all! To be mindful as well as in the present moment. To bring about awareness, especially of self. Everything happens in due time and being patient and trusting the process is key!

Journeying . . . (Photos by RSheridan)

Do You Have a Word for 2018? What Are You Doing for YOU? Love to Hear, Please Share!

 


4 Buckets

When It Comes To

FULLfiling Our Whole, Well Beings

I recently attended a class on managing stress. There were some really profound aha! moments for me!

#1 – There are essentially four buckets to FULLfil.

  • Physical
  • Mental
  • Emotional (including Social)
  • Spiritual

#2 – Exercising is more than the physical.

Exercise is physical well being as well as mental health and wellness! It is good to engage both in the activities. Remember fun and not chore. Play, laugh, get curious, explore . . .

Really think about what gives you joy, pleasure and overall happiness! It is motivating and energizing. It can be an attitude and mood changer. It is a confidence booster and gives you a sense of your overall strength aka empowerment!

#3 – Thinking about social being part of not only the emotional, but the physical, mental and spiritual.

I like being solo; however, grabbing a friend or being in a group can add a social aspect and a spirit of fun! It makes you accountable. It makes you a little more willing to try new things. It can be connecting if not at times bonding. It is a way to communicate, interact and engage too! 

I also enjoy getting outside to escape into the Great Outdoors! The fresh air and natural light. The becoming of one with the natural and nature is calming and grounding. The engagement of all your senses! 


(Photos by RSheridan)

It all correlates and connects, right! Communicating and engaging. Interacting and connecting. Your whole, well being!


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