Check out our October newsletter!
OCTOBER 2025
KaizenSeattle.com | 206-524-6702
Fiscal Fitness A PT’s Guide to Saving Smart
Just as physical therapy helps you maintain your motion, so does monitoring your money. Although Oct. 31 is obviously Halloween, it’s also World Savings Day. Hopefully, thinking about your current financial situation isn’t scarier than any of the costumes appearing at your doorstep in a few weeks! Saving money effectively isn’t a skill learned overnight, and anyone can use a pointer or two from time to time. I can’t say I’ve mastered every aspect of my life (does anyone?), but saving and managing money have always come easily to me. For years, I’ve followed a gold-standard metric for keeping Kaizen Physical Therapy strong: Regardless of your monthly revenue, put at least 10% of it into a reserve fund, such as a savings account. I received this advice years ago, and following it has probably been the best thing I’ve ever done for my business. In addition to having funds available to address unexpected issues, it has helped us try out new things to help strengthen our business — such as new marketing endeavors — without fear of hurting our bottom line if something doesn’t work out. It’s also enabled us to grow our services, including self- financing our expansion into another suite last year and setting the stage for a possible second location at some point in the future.
Any business — or household, for that matter — can experience ebbs and flows, and there may be times when that extra 10% will come in handy at a moment’s notice. Even if you start small and put in less than that amount, you’ll still gain better traction than putting nothing aside. If you’re fortunate enough to see your income or revenue steadily increase over time, it’s a good rule of thumb to still act as though you’re still making your early amount and direct the new funds to your savings. The importance of having a solid reserve really hit home for us in the spring of 2020, when we were suddenly forced to weather the storm of COVID-19. Although we had already started our reserve before that time, we were still too new as a business to have enough savings to keep us afloat during the leanest months. Thankfully, we received some outside help that enabled us to survive and eventually thrive, and I’m grateful the experience made us better prepared in case a similar situation out of our control arises. While I’ve always had a good handle on my finances, it’s definitely been a muscle I’ve strengthened over time — and having specific end goals in mind has served me well. When I was much younger, I didn’t have much of a goal for my money, which meant I’d spend it on short-term things without a bigger
picture in mind. That all changed once I had a goal of getting married, buying a new car, and on and on. If I were to offer advice for younger people, it would be to start saving early — and stay on track by thinking of benchmarks you’d like to achieve with that money. If you need assistance tracking your progress, several great apps out there will help you visualize the money you have coming in, the expenses you need to cover, and where you can best put anything left over. Also, meeting with a financial planner regularly to ensure you’re making the wisest decisions — or having someone in your life with greater financial experience to help hold you accountable — never hurts. Hopefully, something in this article will help you grow your financial strength. The biggest thing is to hit the ground running sooner rather than later. After all, you’re less likely to experience hardship if you prepare for it.
206-524-6702 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
At an estimated 310 decibels (dB), Krakatoa’s roar remains the loudest sound human ears and instruments have ever recorded. To put that in perspective, even 150 dB can rupture eardrums. Krakatoa more than doubled that. TSAR BOMBA: THE LOUDEST HUMAN-MADE EXPLOSION Tsar Bomba was almost as intense as Krakatoa, but humans created this one. Detonated by the Soviet Union in 1961, this hydrogen bomb released the energy of 50 megatons of TNT. The blast was measured around 224 dB, enough to flatten buildings hundreds of miles away and break windows across Northern Europe. The mushroom cloud rose to over 40 miles high. THE MYSTERIOUS OCEANIC ‘BLOOP’ In 1997, underwater microphones in the South Pacific picked up an ultra-low-frequency sound dubbed the “Bloop.” It was so loud it could be detected over 3,000 miles away. At first, the unexplained noise caused people to speculate about unknown sea monsters. But scientists later attributed it to an icequake, or giant icebergs cracking and shifting in the ocean. Even so, its eerie origin and intensity are fascinating. COSMIC VIBRATIONS BEYOND EARTH Although sound can’t travel in space’s vacuum, cosmic events still generate wave-like disturbances. In 2003, scientists discovered a black hole in the Perseus galaxy cluster that was emitting pressure waves in space gas — the waves translated into an incredibly deep B-flat, 57 octaves below middle C. If we could “hear” it, it would be an impossibly deep, booming rumble across millions of light-years.
THINK YOUR HEADPHONES ARE LOUD? These Sounds Put That to Shame
Most of us think we’ve experienced “loud”: a front row seat at a rock concert, a jetliner taking off, or a fire alarm blaring in a small room. But those everyday rumbles don’t come close to the Earth’s loudest sounds that have shattered records, and in some cases, been heard across entire oceans. KRAKATOA’S EARTH-SHATTERING BLAST In 1883, the volcanic island of Krakatoa in Indonesia exploded in a detonation so violent that it obliterated most of the island and generated tsunamis that killed more than 36,000 people. People heard the sound from over 3,000 miles away, as far as Mauritius and Australia.
Workout Guilt Is Real HERE’S HOW TO DITCH IT FOR GOOD
We’ve all been there. You swore this would be the week: four workouts, minimum. But it’s Thursday, you’ve squeezed in one short walk, and now you’re sitting on the couch feeling like a fitness failure. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Workout guilt is incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean it’s helpful. It often leads to unnecessary shame and harsh self-talk. Let’s change that. Fitness is a long game, not a perfect streak. Missing one workout, or even a few, doesn’t undo your progress. After all, fitness isn’t all about keeping your record flawless. It’s about building habits that fit into real life, and real life includes bad days, busy weeks, and changing priorities. Your progress is measured over time. Instead of fixating
on what you didn’t do, focus on what you have done and, more importantly, what you will do next. Guilt doesn’t motivate. It paralyzes. Many people think guilt is a good motivator, but it often backfires. It creates an all-or-nothing mindset, where the whole week suddenly feels lost if you miss one day. That mentality is what derails consistency, not the missed workout itself. Instead of letting guilt spiral into self- sabotage, pause and ask yourself: What do I need right now? Rest? Support? A plan for tomorrow? That shift in mindset makes all the difference. Be flexible, not flawless. Flexibility is the key to long-term success. Some days, your body needs rest more than a workout. Other times,
a walk or a stretch might be all you can give, and that’s still movement. It counts! Honoring your needs rather than punishing yourself builds a healthier relationship with exercise and makes it more sustainable (and enjoyable!) in the long run. Remember, you are not your workout log. Whether or not you exercised today, you are worthy, strong, and capable. The goal of fitness should be to feel better in your body and life, not rack up perfect gym attendance. So, don’t beat yourself up next time you miss a workout. Show yourself the same grace you’d offer a friend. Take a deep breath, reset, and move forward without the guilt.
2 • KaizenSeattle.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Meaningful Ways to Connect With Your Grandkids CREATE MEMORIES THAT LAST
Prioritize outings over gifts. Take a second to think about the best gift you received during your childhood. Now, imagine the best trip, vacation, or family outing you had as a kid. Which memory is stronger?
There’s something very special about the grandchild- grandparent relationship. While parents often must play the role of disciplinarian so their kids stay out of trouble and become the best version of themselves, grandparents get to spoil and pamper the grandchildren. Most grandparents want this relationship to be as strong as possible, but it’s easier said than done, especially if you only see your grandkids a few times each year. Here are three strategies you can implement to strengthen your relationship with your grandchildren while allowing you to make memories to last for the rest of their lives. Take advantage of holidays. The holiday season is a time for families to get together, participate in time-honored traditions, and share their love for one another. Make sure you set aside time for your grandkids. Show them your favorite holiday movies, encourage them to help cook a few dishes, and involve them in your traditions and activities. Once you establish these activities, pay attention to how your grandchildren react. If they enjoy them, do it again next year!
You likely can’t even remember a specific gift you received, but those memories of trips to the zoo, beach, or mall have remained strong. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on gifts, consider taking your grandchildren out for an evening together. Do what they want to do. To put it simply, your grandchildren will only get so much enjoyment participating in your favorite activities or regular routine. Figure out what they like and participate in those activities right alongside them. They’ll never forget the day they saw grandma ride around in a go-kart, grandpa win the big prize at the arcade, or their grandparents adding the finishing touches to an art masterpiece!
Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
TAKE A BREAK!
Inspired by EatYourselfSkinny.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 bay leaves • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • Fresh parsley
• 2 cups green lentils, rinsed • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes. 2. Add all other ingredients except for salt and parsley. 3. Turn the heat to high until it is boiling, then reduce it to low and allow to simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through. 4. Remove pot from heat and stir in salt. Top with parsley and enjoy!
206-524-6702 • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
206-524-6702 KaizenSeattle.com
5025 25th Ave. NE, #201 Seattle, WA 98105
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Tips for Mastering Money Mobility
2. Earth’s Most Deafening Moments One Missed Workout Won’t Wreck Your Progress (but Guilt Might)
3. Be the Grandparent They’ll Never Forget Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
4. Stop Sabotaging Your Plate and Start Rewriting Your Thoughts
The Mental Shift Behind Better Eating
YOU NEED A NEW DIALOGUE, NOT A NEW DIET
You’ve tossed the junk food. You’ve Googled “healthy recipes.” You’ve sworn off dessert … again. But despite your best intentions, your late-night snack turns into a secret sugar rendezvous. What gives? It’s not your willpower. It’s your mindset. Healthy eating has less to do with your stomach and more with what’s happening between your ears. The beliefs you carry about food, those quiet little thoughts that zip through your brain unconsciously, are the real drivers of your habits. Take this classic thought: “I have to eat healthy all the time.” Sounds noble, but it feels like a punishment or a need for perfection, which is exhausting and unsustainable. Every time you think this, try swapping it with: “I get to choose how I nourish myself.” That simple shift puts you back in the driver’s seat, steering you toward empowerment, not burnout. Or maybe you’ve told yourself, “I have terrible eating habits.” That’s not a fact, it’s judgment. A better spin? “I have habits I’m ready to upgrade.” Now you’re someone on a mission, not someone stuck in shame. Then there’s the emotional trap: “Eating makes me happy.” Spoiler: It doesn’t. It gives you a sugar rush and a dopamine blip,
but that’s not joy; it’s a high. Repeat this thought instead: “Food can comfort me in the moment, but real happiness comes from deeper places.” Now you’re seeking peace, not pie. Do you feel out of control and think, “I can’t stop eating” ? Yes, you can. You own your arms, your fork, and your next move. Remind yourself: “I may want more, but I choose when to stop.” That’s strength and autonomy.
And when you slip? Don’t spiral. Instead of “I shouldn’t have,” ask: “What can I learn for next time?” Growth is always on the table; you just have to reach for it. So, yes, eating well starts with vegetables. But thriving? That starts with your thoughts. Flip your mindset, and you won’t just eat better; you’ll feel better, too.
4 • KaizenSeattle.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
WHEN WE SEE CLIENTS LEAVING BENEFITS ON THE TABLE …
Every year, we are treated to the downright spooky sight of clients leaving their annual medical benefits on the table — benefits they have already paid for all year! That’s like throwing your hard- earned money straight into the trash. We’d hate to see that happen to you. That’s why we want to let you know that now’s the time to take advantage of your 2025 medical benefits or lose them forever. Make sure that you … • have used your wellness appointment and physical for the year • taken advantage of meeting your deductible (because it will reset after this year!) • have checked your Flex Spending balance • aren’t putting off any treatment that could be more expensive in the long run. Make an appointment to get a jump start on your health before the new year.
Appointments are filling up fast, so don’t wait — give us a call at 206-524-6702 before it’s too late!
KaizenSeattle.com | 206-524-6702
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator