In the Flow with Healing Waters

It’s time for your report card

If you were to give yourself a letter grade on how well you take care of yourself, what would your grades be? To balance it all and take care of yourself emotionally and physically can be challenging, but what if you gave yourself some grace and changed your patterns gradually? Making changes gradually sets you up for success for the long term. Let’s visit two areas where you may be giving yourself a lower grade.

Do you drink enough water each day?

Did you know that your water intake doesn’t only come from drinking water? For example, watermelon, cucumbers, and spinach are almost 100% water by weight. Many beverages are primarily water as well, so if water isn’t your go-to beverage, eat some fruit, and vegetables or drink other liquids such as milk, juice, or herbal teas. If you are dehydrated, you may feel fatigued, tired, thirsty, dizzy, or lightheaded and urinate less. 

What will your action plan be to increase your water intake? 

-Set a timer to go off every hour to remind you to drink 8 oz of water to create a healthy pattern.

-Purchase a water bottle and set a goal for how many times you’ll need to fill it and drink it.

-There are apps available to help keep you on track. 

How often do you exercise?

Motion is lotion for your joints and you’ll have increased energy throughout the day. If joining a gym or studio isn’t your thing, there are so many things you can do at home, but you need to be motivated to do them. Any movement is good, just do something. Even simply stretching, bending, and taking some deep breaths in and out are helpful. The benefits of any kind of low or high-impact movement will improve your memory and brain function, aid in weight management, improve quality of sleep, reduce feelings of anxiety/depression, improve heart health, and improve joint pain and stiffness. 

What will your action plan be to increase your movement?

-Decide how you want to move each day.

-Write it down so you’re accountable to yourself or find an accountability buddy that you can check in with.

-Carve out the time even if it’s only for a few minutes.

-A great way to have some direction in your exercising is to sign up for the virtual classes at the YMCA. It’s very reasonably priced and there are many class options that range from balance to aerobic and everything in between for all skill levels.

-If you’re looking for an in person low impact movement class, I teach a class every Thursday from 12:15 pm -1 pm focusing on moving through your joints.

So, what is the grade you give yourself in these two areas? Are you already nailing it or can you do better? If you desire improvement, what will your action plan be? Take note that if you change things physically, you’ll feel better emotionally. The mind-body connection is powerful. Listen to your body, evaluate, adjust as needed, check in with how you are, and embrace the idea of improving your personal grade by taking action. 

Hydrated and moving in the flow,

Deb