SEOTS Entry No. 1: Health Crisis!

I hate to start off on a negative note, but I don't understand why people aren't more interested in science and the human body. We've all got one. It's like having a car and not reading the manual; People just kind of "go with the flow" and don't ever wonder if they could be driving more effiiciently. Maybe it's just my questioning and clinical nature.

Anyway, I have been hearing too many people talking about the decline of their health, or family members passing away. It makes me worried and nervous at first, just thinking about how fragile life is, but then transgresses quickly to anger. I'm angry! Why don't people take better care of themselves? I mean, my personal internal conflict alarm (yes, I have one) goes off and says "Well, now, you shouldn't be talking...", and it's true. I'm not in good shape, and I have my own love/hate relationship with laziness and procrastination. But I try not to get sick, and keep my immune system up, so I can focus on getting INTO shape, not keeping myself out.

So, like my status updates on both Twitter and Facebook imply, I challenge everyone to make an effort today and everyday, big or small, to promote personal health. This can range from pushing yourself to run an extra mile today, or just sitting up straight. Any amount of effort is still effort, and can only help improve yourself, so you can do whatever it is you want or need to do.

Here are some tips to give a little positive oomph to your day:

Starting Small:

Desk Job Exercises
While sitting at that desk job of yours (or anywhere for that matter), place a little post-it note at the edge of your computer screen or keyboard with the word "POSTURE" on it. This will be a little reminder to stop slouching, and improve your posture. Improving your posture aids circulation, digestion, muscle and chiropractic health. Not to mention you'll look longer and leaner, even if it's just a few inches. You can also prevent carpal tunnel by doing some wrist and arm stretches, and doing some slow breathing exercises can help focus your mind better for more efficient work.

Chill Out
Know your limits. One of the best things you can do for yourself if you're already in great shape is to know the limits your body is telling you. Don't push yourself into overdrive and exercise until you hurt yourself, and while dieting may be crucial, let yourself indulge every once in a while; It can do miracles for your self-esteem and prevent binging.

Surf the Web
Do some research online. Finding out information about what foods or exercises can gear you up to try new things. Summer is here, which brings an entirely different array of seasonal fruits and veggies, which means a new palette of healthy dishes for you to try. Also, working out outdoors can be a refreshing change of pace for you if you're tired of the same old grays of the indoor gym.

Let Me See Your GRILL
Smile! Even if you don't feel good, greet each person with a smile. This will improve your demeanor towards others and make you more approachable. Also, your facial muscles have "muscle memory", so smiling just may trigger some fond memories to improve your mood.

Bigger Fish to Fry:

Hot Mama
There's nothing better than the feeling you get after knowing you've pushed yourself past your physical goals. When exercising, know your limits, but strive to reach just a little bith farther than you did the day before. There's always room for improvement. You can enhance that post-workout dopamine rush with a long, hot shower. Pay special attention to your muscles that allow you to reach those physical goals. Have an epsom salt bath, or my personal favorite, melt a bath bar from LUSH (try "Karma").

Sometimes It's Not All About You
Instead of opening up your wallet to donate to charities, open up your heart and your schedule. Volunteer some of your time and appreciation for your favorite non-profit organization, and lend a helping hand. You wont get a check at the end of your experience, but you'll get a reward of feeling good about yourself and your actions, and you might even get some physical exercise too.

Switch It Up
Try an entirely different type of workout plan, or a new diet plan. Expand your horizons by exploring a new way to exercise, like yoga, pilates, or even tai chi. This makes it an even better and more fun experience if you can share it with a friend. Also, look for different types of food to aid a new direction in your dieting journey. Switch to low-sugar, or low-sodium, or whatever fits your needs. Or if you're brave enough, try making a big life change and go vegan! See how your body reacts to different methods, and pick the one that's right for you.

Take Nike's Advice and Just Do It
Make an extra effort to keep some workout clothes and a pair of shoes in your car, or have them readily available at home, so when you get the urge to move, there are no excuses in your way. Just get up and go! Even if it's for 15 minutes, EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS. Be prepared for success.

Well, whatever it is you decide to do, commit to it. Don't say no to the cupcake now, and have one for dinner. Make positive choices in your life, and you'll get positive results.

PinkStar26