June 21, 2010 marks the beginning of the summer solstice and I, for one, can’t wait for summer to get here. As we move through the everyday hustle and bustle of life we often forget to take a minute to enjoy some of the simple things in life that may lift our spirits and energize our bodies. Everywhere we turn, the news is bad. We’ve got wars, oil spills, broken economies, social injustices, job woes and friends and family drama that can make our lives completely miserable. So how does one stay positive in this environment? How do you cope? Many of us are exercising to relieve stress while others are eating to soothe the soul. I, of course, encourage each of you to begin exercising to feel better instead of reaching for that cake or Snickers Bar. Making small changes in your daily routine can create BIG changes in your life. For example, eliminate soda from grocery list (including diet soda) and/or go for a 10 minute walk after dinner. These two simple modifications will have a positive effect on your life and we need positive energy to help relieve stress.
One of the things I love about living in Southern California is the mountains, the weather and the coast offer so much in the way of breath taking beauty and kick ass adventure. If you live in California, you have no excuse for being lazy. Walking the stroll on Venice beach or Hollywood Blvd cost you nothing and it’s entertaining. You can bike across the Golden Gate Bridge or go camping in Yosemite or you can stay home and put on your favorite dance tracks and have a family disco party! The possibilities are endless. If you absolutely, positively have to make cookies for your little ones bake sale, well by all means, DANCE WHILE YOU BAKE!! Our bodies are not designed to be couch potatoes, your body is designed to MOVE and stretch. So why not move and stretch outdoors in the sunshine, or in your back yard or at the beach.
Now let’s get off the couch and go do something. Make a commitment to move more and eat less. Treat your body with love and respect by living in moderation. Recognize you are a work in progress and you are setting goals and sticking to a plan. Taking care of yourself is the only way you can continue to take care of others. I always tell my clients to train the mind and the body will follow. To be the person you want to be, you must think and act as the person you want to be. Surround yourself with like minded individuals and let go of negative thoughts and people that drain your energy. Stay in the present and don’t let anyone crush your dreams. Happy Pride everyone. Get up. Get out. Get ACTIVE!!!
Absolutely love this post of yours and completely agree. This week was the start of a new me.. no more excuses and being lazy… I have been waking up at 5.30am, running, doing 100 pushups and some abs and I feel great. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning. Thanks for motivating!
Smrithi
Nice motivation Chris.. Even a small stroll with my Nano calms my nerves and has ME feel’n good about myself
. Thanks for the inspiration.. 