The Energized Woman

Archive for October, 2009

Today’s post was inspired by the arrival of Halloween.  For some reason this year my children have been getting more candy and treats in the weeks leading up to Halloween than I can ever remember.  I don’t buy candy when I grocery shop for my family, so having it in the house recently has, quite frankly, turned out to be a big pain.  My kids have turned into little monsters who can’t seem to get enough of the sweet stuff (and we haven’t even gone trick-or-treating yet!).  I’ve limited them to two pieces a day, but for some reason the issue is brought up way more than that and the whining is beginning to drive me a bit bonkers!!!

Okay, so back to the reason for this post.  I know that there are a lot of women out there who really struggle with their eating patterns and even at times feel out of control.  This can be especially true when it comes to sugar.  Sugar is one of those things that, unfortunately, the more you eat the more your body will crave.  In addition, many women turn to sugary foods for comfort and/or relief from emotional distress.  Does any of this ring true for your experiences with sugar?

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Our energy increases and our overall health – both physical and mental—greatly improves when we create and maintain strong relationships in our lives. 

I’d like you to consider how the relationships in your life are going these days.  Are they a positive presence in your life, or do you experience them as a bit draining?  Perhaps they need a little tending? 

Or, maybe you are in a situation where you would like to meet some new people and start new relationships. 

The article that I am sharing today outlines some amazing tips from Dr. Wayne Dyer for building stronger bonds with others.  I am a huge fan of Dr. Dyer and his perspectives and teachings.  If this sounds like a good fit for you and where you are in your life, please click here to read the post by Henrik Edberg on The Positivity Blog.

On today’s audio blog, I take a look at how our relationships can either “feed” us or leave us feeling malnourished.  I focus the discussion mainly on the marital relationship, but I also encourage you to extend the ideas to your friendships and relationships with other family members as well.  You can listen below, or you can access the audio and download it to your MP3 by clicking here.

The relationships in our lives require care, time, and attention.  When we create meaningful connections in our lives that truly nurture both our bodies and souls, we naturally increase our energy and well-being.

What can you do today to contribute to an important relationship in your own life?  Leave a comment below to share a step that you’re going to take. 

On today’s episode of the Great Living Cafe on Blog Talk Radio, I explore the role that timing plays in our lives and how, when we embrace where we are instead of resisting it, our energy increases.  Sound like an interesting topic for you?  If so, you can listen in below, or you can download the episode to your MP3 player by clicking here.

For me, it is a daily practice of allowing and trusting in the flow of life.  Just like with everything, some days I am more able than others to celebrate and honor where I am.  But awareness and being conscious of my tendencies has certainly been a huge step in this process.  And now I just take it one day at a time, which is really a great approach to so many things;-).

The article that I’m sharing with you today contains ten tips that are a great place to start when it comes to promoting healthier workplace habits.  These ten tips are helpful whether you work at home or outside the home. Take a look to see which of these habits you’re already practicing, and which ones you can begin to implement starting today.  

Please click here to read this great article.

I have never been a proponent of the various energy drinks that are available on the market these days.  They are full of stimulants and artificial ingredients that really do our bodies more harm than good.  Unfortunately, more and more women are turning to these types of options as the demands on their lives increase and their energy reserves decrease.

Are you someone who consumes these types of beverages?  If so, I highly encourage you to click on the link below.  The article points out some of the negative effects that energy drinks can have on the body.  Although the article is directed toward college students, the information is relevant for anyone who occasionally or regularly reaches for an energy drink to keep them going. 

http://www.northernstar.info/article/8696/

It is important to keep in mind that what gives you an extra boost in the short-term may not be the best for you in the long-term.  This is certainly true in the case of Energy Drinks. 

With more and more people coming down with colds and the flu this season, I wanted to share some additional tips that we can all start implementing into our daily routines.  I came across these tips in an online article, and I think it does a great job of highlighting those areas that can really make a difference in our health. 

You can read the article by clicking here.

I especially liked that the suggestions in the article are, for the most part, geared toward items we either already have or can easily add to our kitchens. 

On today’s installment of my audio blog, I explore the role of recovery time in our lives and why it is so important in our fast-paced and 24/7 culture.  I also share my perspective on why so many of us don’t give ourselves permission to have these much-needed recovery periods.  You can listen below, or click here to download the episode onto your MP3 player.

Just as our cars need an oil change, more gas, and some attention after a long trip, we as human beings need downtime on a regular basis in order to function at our best. 

Really take a close look at your schedule for the next few weeks.  Where could you start plugging in some recovery time?  What activities or events do you have coming up that will require a great deal of your time and energy?  Right now, on your calendar, schedule in some recovery periods after these so that you can renew your body and your spirit. 

We’re not the Energizer Bunny.  Create the space for you to honor your needs.  Your body will thank you.  And those around you will really notice the difference.

I’ve just started exploring YouTube, and it really is amazing the range of videos that are on there.  I know that people learn in different ways, so in addition to my written posts and audios from my Blog Talk Radio shows, I’ve decided to start including some videos on occasion that will provide great value for you as well.

Last week I shared several tips for getting a good night’s sleep and how important sleep is for our overall health and well-being.  The video below highlights a few additional tips that you can begin implementing in your own life for creating healthier sleep habits. 

What recommendations on the video really spoke to you?  What 1 or 2 tips can you put into practice starting today?

Recently I received the November issue of “Body + Soul” Magazine, which I absolutely love.  The issue offered many valuable health tips, as the magazine always does, and the one I want to share with you today has to do with meal preparation.  This tip encourages you to make a point of adding two particular ingredients to your meals on a regular basis (if you aren’t already).  And these two ingredients are…

raw or lightly cooked garlic and onions

According to the article, “Both garlic and onions appear to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties and are believed to boost immunity.”  Sounds great to me! 

Now that wintery weather has arrived (or at least here in Michigan it has), I’m more inclined to make heartier meals than I am during the summertime.  Meals like chili and stew just feel like such a great fit when there’s a chill in the air.  And now I’ll be sure to add in garlic and onions whenever possible, not only for the flavors, but to enhance my health as well. 

Enjoy your healthy eating!