NEVER A DULL MOMENT
WHY WE SHOULD LIVE FOR TODAY
We can’t change the past, nor can we predict or guarantee the future. In the end, all we have is the present, yet most of us live our lives ignoring its many possibilities. It’s easy to tune out life around you, especially if you do many of the same things every day. Taking care of the kids, commuting, working, and running errands can blur together. Just as bad, when life isn’t going the way we want, it’s easy to fantasize about how things “should” be or how they once were. When we live busy or stressful lives, worrying or planning can also make us feel more in control.
only thing we can control: what we do now. Life can pass you by that way if you’re not careful. The solution is to exist in the present moment as much as possible and enjoy the good things around us while we have them. Studies show that living this way makes people happier, healthier, and more likely to form strong relationships. But how do you even get started? The process requires a different way of thinking called mindfulness. Mindfulness is about focusing on what is happening in the present moment — not that work deadline, the movie you just watched, what’s for dinner, or the kids’ extracurricular schedule. It takes practice, and many people use meditation or breathing to help.
When mindful, we concentrate on what others say and exist in that moment. We also start to notice the small things we usually overlook: the cool breeze on our skin, the sound of the birds, the feel of a sweater, or the sight of our loved ones smiling. Our lives become fuller. And our stress decreases because we’re not clinging to things beyond our command. No one ever stops worrying entirely, and some planning is necessary to live a successful life. But too much can leave us with no energy or time to enjoy it. John Lennon once sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Start living in the present so you don’t blink and miss yours.
The problem with these strategies is that they don’t change anything. They help us discount the
STRETCH IT OUT
Due to time restraints, eagerness to jump into a workout, or forgetfulness, many neglect taking the time to stretch, which is a vital routine to develop before engaging in physical activity or even beginning your day. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits stretching has to offer! Improve your flexibility. Flexibility is crucial for your overall health and well-being because the more flexible you are, the easier it will be for you to perform everyday activities. Increased flexibility can also help combat the inevitable decreased mobility as we age. Increase your range of motion. Joints such as knees, elbows, shoulders, and wrists are intended to move through a full range of motion. When joints properly move, bend, 6 REASONS TO DEVELOP A STRETCHING ROUTINE
turn, and rotate, you have freedom of movement, and stretching can help to increase this! Improve physical performance. Stretching before a walk, before a weight-lifting session, or before you hop into a game of basketball is essential to ensure your muscles are warmed up and ready to perform their best. Failing to stretch before physical activities can leave you more prone to injuries. Improve your posture. Did you know that poor posture can sometimes be attributed to muscle imbalances? Regular stretching can help encourage proper alignment in your body, improving your posture. Increase muscle blood flow. Studies have shown that stretching regularly increases your circulation and blood flow to
your muscles, speeding up your recovery time and reducing muscle soreness after working out. Reduce stress. Along with tight muscles comes stress — and vice versa! When you experience anxiety, worry, or physical and/or emotional stress, your body responds by tightening your muscles. Stretching your neck, shoulders, and upper back can help to eliminate any pent-up tension. The next time you consider skipping your stretching routine, think again. You don’t want to miss out on these great benefits. And, if you don’t have a stretching routine yet, it’s time to stretch it out! You won’t regret it!
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