The tea of wisdom tonight for my relaxing sleepy time tea is:
“Appreciate yourself and honor your soul.”
Yogi Tea
Healthy Me
September 9th 2020
Every beat of your heart is a rhythm of your soul.
– Yogi tea bag
One of my favorite things about Yogi tea is their little quotes that come with each tea bag.
30 Days of Yoga Challenge
What It Taught Me
It took me a little longer than 30 consecutive days to do this challenge, but that’s okay. I actually started it back in March, which was a while ago. Even though it took a couple months, I still accomplished the challenge. There were many times that I thought I should just stop. Mostly because I wasn’t able to do it within 30 days or anything close to it. That has always been something I have struggled with. I felt like I had to do it within that time frame, or it wouldn’t count. I know that may sound funny, or a bit odd, but that’s how I tend to think. This challenge helped shape my way of thinking into something more positive. Something calming and something to look forward to. So what exactly is this 30 Day Challenge you ask…….
This challenge is part of the “Home series” of Yoga With Adriene. Anyone, and everyone, can participate in the routines in her videos. They range from beginner, to fairly advanced techniques. I’ve started off with her beginner videos and have slowly been working my way up. I am still nowhere near being an expert, but I’ve made a lot of progress through this challenge. I saw improvement in my form and flexibility, it also helped to calm my mind. This video above takes you on a journey of strength both physically and mentally.
How I Felt After Each Practice
My yoga days may have been sporadic, but I managed to do the videos in order. Some days I would be in a terrible mood before a video, but I would push myself to do them with the help of Chris and my family. I would set up my little area, turn on the video and focus on my yoga practice for the day. I would try to let go of what happened during the day and why I was feeling the way I was. After the video, my mood and attitude would be on a much lighter and happier spectrum. I started realizing that I can manage my stress and mood, with a little guidance, exercise and breathing. Sometimes.
What I Took Away From This Challenge
More and more I realize that yoga isn’t just different poses, flexibility and breathing exercises. I learned how to bring more positive vibes into my day. I learned that with a little tough love, and added motivation, I can finish something I put my mind to. Always remember, no matter how long it takes you to complete a goal or finish a challenge, if you keep at it, you will get there. This has given me a different perspective on challenges for myself. I will pursue my goals and keep motivating myself to achieve them. Yes, I get little bumps of encouragement along the way and that’s okay. It is awesome when someone gives you a tiny bit of motivation to make you work harder towards your dreams. Don’t forget to show appreciation to those that help motivate you. So stay strong. Stay motivated, you’ve got this. Give it your all and just go for it. 💚
“The Way To Get Started Is To Quit Talking And Begin Doing.”
– Walt Disney
July 24th 2020
After a busy morning of bringing my cat Solo to the vet, I decided to workout. I started off with my HIIT workout, then walked my pup Rex, did weights with my mom and then finished with Yoga.
I was debating whether or not I wanted to workout because I was feeling less than motivated. To be honest, whenever I feel like this, I try to find any excuse not to work out. Today, I pushed through that. I pushed through the stress and the feeling of not wanting to do anything.I’m glad I did. Doing the workouts, then winding down with the walk and Yoga, I had more energy and felt happier. My mind feels clear and I feel more productive.
If you start to feel that kind of negative energy, do something to occupy your mind. Try working out, reading a book or basking in the some. Do something to fill your body with more positive energy.
What are some of the things you do to clear your mind and bring positive energy into your day?
I have done thirteen days out of fourteen. It’s low impact, quick and effective.
For me, this is a nice Yoga practice after a workout or simply just because. Stretch those muscles and relax.
“The body achieves what the mind believes.”
– Anonymous
July 11th 2020
Savasana
The word means “corpse pose.” I feel like this is one of the more important poses in Yoga. It calms the body down commonly after the practice but, it can also be done in the beginning. Whenever it is time to go into Savasana I clear my mind and focus on the now. How my body feels, how my breathing is and how my mind is. Down below is a more in depth definition and a little “how to” do the pose. Relax your minds and your soul. 💚
“The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body.” — Jason Crandell
June 10th 2020
I enjoyed today’s practice because I felt like it focused on your back. My back has been hurting a little bit the past few days. This video allowed my back to stretch and decompress and savor the stretching. When working out, stretching is so important to your muscles and your body. It keeps it safe and your body will enjoy it.
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
— T.S. Eliot
June 7th 2020
Keep striving for your goals. Everything counts, that extra second, that extra push-up. I constantly remind myself that if I don’t finish a workout video 100% that, it’s alright. I’m a work in progress and so is the way I think. Today I was proud of myself because during the HIIT video I follow. I managed to do tricep dips and a few jump lunges. I haven’t been able to do that yet, and I thought it was awesome. Then during my Yoga video I realized that I’m on day 15. Half way to the 30 day challenge…It may be taking me more than 30 consecutive days but, again that’s okay. I felt more flexible and able to do more.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is. If you feel stuck, if you feel like you’re not making progress, keep going! Be positive, strive for your goal, strive to do a little more each time. Be safe and have a great start to the week lovelies! 💚
“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
– Buddha
Relax 😌
First Week of June!
Summer is upon us and this first week of June I’ve been on the search for the perfect fruit cup. Fruit cups aren’t only healthy for you but they’re delicious and simple to make. It doesn’t take longer than 15 minutes, and you can add whatever you like! Here are three simple steps in making my fruit cup:
Summer Fruit Cup
What you’ll need!
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Pear
- Strawberries
- Tajin
- Chamoy Sauce
- Cup/Bowl/Plate
- Knife and a fork
- Cutting board
- Any other fruit you want
Step 1:
Pick whatever fruit you would like in your Summer Fruit Cup. Cut the watermelon and pineapple into strips and slice the rest of the fruit. Store the leftovers in the fridge to keep them cool and fresh.
Step 2:
Place the fruit strips along the inside of the cup. You can do this however you would like. Then take the diced up fruit, for my case the strawberries and pears and put them in the center.
Step 3:
The final step. Sprinkle Tajin throughout and add some Chamoy sauce to get that sweet yet savory flavor with a little kick. Grab a napkin and a fork. Find a comfy spot and relax!
This tasty treat is healthy and delicious. It’s almost like you could eat this every day for Summer! This is simple to make, can be made in less than 15 minutes and there’ll be leftovers for more! Have fun trying out something new. Enjoy this sweet treat and have a refreshing start to summer. Take a break from the Khaos 💚
June 4th 2020
My Morning in the Heat
Summer is really starting to feel like it’s here. Taking Rex on his walk, he tuckered out faster than I thought he would. That was okay with me though, I forgot to put sunscreen on and I felt my shoulders burning. After I got him some cool water and some air I decided to do another HIIT workout from Monday. I wanted to do it before the heat became unbearable.
Grabbed my water, and my Ipad and headed to the backyard. Its the only space where I have enough room and don’t feel like I’ll bring the house down with all the exercises. By now it’s a little after eleven o’clock and the heat is making itself known. I’m doing my thing, sweating, keeping up and then it was time for burpees. I have a love hate relationship with them. I did them to the best of my ability but then, I felt it. After a while you start to really know your body and when you push your limits I was doing just that. I heard the slight ringing in my ears, followed by everything becoming muffled. I felt myself getting a little dizzy and tunnel visioned. You guessed it, the heat was getting to me.
Thankfully, I’m able to recognize when my body has had enough. I stopped, let my heart rate slow down, drank my water and got inside to the cool air. After a few minutes, my body began to cool down and get back to where it needed to be. Did I finish the workout? No. That’s okay though. I was a little bummed out, but I would rather be safe than not.
Things to Watch for:
- Heat Cramps. Heat cramps will feel like more intensified cramps.
- Heat Exhaustion. The skin will be pale, clammy with excessive sweating. Stop the activity and cool down immediately.
- Heat Stroke. Skin will be hot and dry, seek immediate medical help. This is very dangerous.
Be careful and stay safe working out in extreme temperatures. Make sure to have a source of hydration accessible. Wear comfortable clothing for you and your environment. Most of all, have fun! I hope my little excursion of the day helps with becoming aware of your body and in a hot environment 🙂 Have fun working out lovelies! 💚
“A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.”
– Marcel Proust
June 1st 2020
After taking my pup Rex for his walk, I decided I wanted to do a HIIT workout before my Yoga. So I scrolled through YouTube trying to find something with enough intensity but still kind of low impact. I can’t jump into high intensity extreme yet because I still have to watch out for my stress-fracture in my tibia. Her video had low impact exercises to go with every exercise she showed. I absolutely loved that! It allowed me to do the full workout at my pace. Here’s to June and putting my best fitness foot forward!
What are some of your goals, wants and plans for June? Have fun and stay safe out there my lovelies! ❤️
“Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits.”
-Jerry Dunn
Katie Writes 