Gift of a Beautiful Day

I was so surprised when I stepped outside with my dogs this morning.    The air was warm and balmy.  It actually caressed my skin.  It felt so good.  A nice surprise on a late September morning. I’m going to soak up as much of this warm sunshine as I can today.  Go for a walk, or maybe a hike.  Maybe I’ll throw the kayak on the river.  Breathe in this good air.  Wear shorts and sandals for possibly the last time.  Days like this, this time of year are a gift.  Enjoying them is healthy, and good for us.  What are you going to do today?

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Starting to Run

Cold and Snowy in Cambridge (10*F)

A couple of years ago I wanted to get into running again.  I’ve been a sporadic runner/jogger for all my adult life, so I know that when I get back into it I’m going to suffer from sore muscles for the first few days.  A couple of years ago I found this great program offered by Women’s Health Magazine.  Over a period of 6 weeks it gets you walking and running until you can do a steady 1/2 hour run.  It’s a gentle, effective process.  I loved it.

Since then I’ve learned some invaluable breathing techniques that enhance any workout experience and essentially eliminate the sore muscle issue, believe it or not.  I incorporate this breath work when I’m exercising, when I’m meditating, or when I’m just feeling a little tired.  It’s energizing, and it also helps balance our body’s pH.  I love sharing and teaching this technique, and I’ll be talking more about it in the future.

Here’s the link to the running program if you’re interested in starting running.  You have my full support.  I’d love to hear about your choice to start running, your daily progress, and even your woes.  Though I think woes will be few because it’s a gentle, effective program.  Hope you have fun!  http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/how-to-run-for-weight-loss?cm_mmc=Dose-Newsletter-_-634390-_-07062011-_-readon

 

Getting Out There

Self portrait snow shoeing New Year’s Day 2013.

In our pre-massage discussion today my client and I were talking about the effect of winter on our psyches; how we tend to withdraw and participate less and get a bit down. We noted that our inclination is to hunker down inside.

It’s important and helpful during these times to GET OUTSIDE, especially on sunny days, and get some exercise.  Breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the sun.  She said she knows this intellectually, yet she finds many reasons and excuses to put off getting outside. I know I can relate.  If you find yourself in this boat too sometimes, here’s the trick:  do NOT think about it.  Just put on the hat, gloves, mittens, and jacket and get out there.  Just do it, as the saying goes.  Once you get out there, you’ll feel better.  Guaranteed.

So when she was leaving after her massage she said, “Guess what I’m going to go do?”  And I knew the answer.  “Feel free to call me and let me know how good it felt to get out there!” I told her.

Massage therapy, exercise, fresh air, meditation, good nutrition, and happiness are all part of a healthy lifestyle.  I’d love to cheer you on in taking healthy steps in your life.  Please share your experiences.

Mandy Meyer-Hill, BA, LMT

Stairway Healing Arts Center

1 Washington Street

Cambridge, NY  12816

518-265-7889

StairwayHealingArts@gmail.com

Fresh Air and Friendship

 

Our path snow shoeing through the woods today.

My friend Maria invited me to go snow shoeing this afternoon and I jumped at the chance. I’d been feeling a bit tired and run-down.  Getting outside is always an excellent antidote to fatigue for me. Maria and I  spent a couple of hours trekking through the woods behind her farm and talking.  It felt great.  Exercise, fresh air, friendship.   I felt refreshed and rejuvenated afterward.