Time for fun

I’m writing a story about the importance of play – about just having fun. Thing is, we are more likely to celebrate those who work all night, make big money, but rarely have fun than we are those that take time out to play. Should be just the opposite. Play stimulates our brains and our bodies. It improves our health. Leaves us feeling more optimistic and engaged in our lives. And physical movement is one of the triggers for play. I’m learning that even on those days when I don’t want to exercises, if I do it, if I just get up and move my innately playful qualities will begin to take over and my body and brain will respond in a way that is healthy and maybe even fun. Case in point: I was tired when I got up for my walk this a.m. My hip hurt the whole 30 minutes. I moved slowly. It was drudgery. But once I showered and poured a cup of coffee, I felt great. Relaxed, happy, light and lighthearted. Play has many earmarks – but it doesn’t always have to feel fun on the spot according to the experts. Sometimes it’s enough to be engaged in something working toward a higher goal, one that brings you satisfaction when you complete it. Practicing the piano isn’t always a kick, but playing well a year from now will be. Walking today was tough, but I’m more engaged and truly enjoying the other parts of my day, because I took that walk. One other thing, when I’m having fun, I hurt a whole lot less.

Guilt-free choices

I find myself being very aware, every minute, of what I’m eating and what it’s doing to me and it’s making me crazy. I had a bowl of ice cream last night and it tasted great, but even while I enjoyed it I was thinking, this isn’t good for me, this isn’t healthy. I never planned to go cold turkey. I’m not going to give up the foods I love. I just decided early on to smaller portions less often and I’ve stuck to that. And it’s worked. I’ve lost some weight and I’m definitely healthier than when I started making these changes in January. I’m also more conscientious. And more often than not, I’m making good food choices. But now I need to rid myself of the guilt when I decide to eat a bowl of ice cream. The experts say feeling bad can be a detriment to the changes you’re trying to make. Instead, they say, I am to acknowledge the choice – or setback, depending on how you look at it – be aware that it was my decision and then strive to make different decisions down the road. O.K. I can do that. I get to choose what to eat and how to think about it. That’s empowering. I am in control. So, I will eat ice cream when I feel like it. I will enjoy it and then I’ll choose to have oatmeal and skim milk for breakfast and celebrate the fact that my healthy efforts will not be derailed as long as I stay clear about what I want and what I’m doing to live a healthier life. Now, if I can just kiss the guilt goodbye.

Seasonal health

Warm weather, strawberries off the vine, fresh melon and snap peas, long, light-filled days. These things have made it a whole lot easier to be active and healthier this summer. I feel like I’ve come out of my winter hibernation and, though my exercise routine hasn’t changed much, my activity level has doubled. I’m up earlier, feel more energized. I wander the market, plant flowers, play at the park with my daughter, plan picnics. I’m eating less and more of the good stuff naturally, because it’s all available and fresh at area farms. During the dark days of winter, I find myself wanting to chew through pounds of macaroni noodles covered in cheese or fill up on other carbs. This year I’m particularly aware of the change in my mood, energy level and eating habits – probably because I’m writing this Blog. I'm thinking about it more. But with that awareness comes the understanding that I don’t want to just be seasonally healthy. I want to feel good year round. Guess, I need to get a little more creative during the winter months and find ways to be active. Try new foods and exercise routines. Now is the time to start thinking about it, right after I eat this strawberry.