healthy laps

Healthy Lap of the Week – Reduce Stress!

This is definitely something that I need to work on, so I thought it would be a good tip this week!  There are many different factors that cause us to get stressed, but there are also many things that we can do to help combat our stressors.  Try to think positive.  Instead of getting frustrated on your drive to work because that person cut you off, take a deep breath and keep on driving.  Is it really worth it to be stressed about that?  I try to spend at least 30 minutes a day doing something that relaxes me, such as reading a book before going to bed, taking a bath, going for a run, attending a yoga class, etc.  When I do this, it definitely works as a stress relief, but the point is that I need to do them more often!  Being less stressed will help you to become a much happier person!

Fitness Lap of the Week – Make sure to S-T-R-E-T-C-H

Stretching is good for all of us, whether we are athletes or not!  It is the key to injury prevention and overall flexibility.  It has been shown that athletes who are more flexible tend to have fewer problems with muscle strains and cramping.  It has also been shown that flexibility can prevent overall muscle soreness.  By trying to remain flexible throughout our lives, it will ultimately put less stress on our bodies because we will have more movement throughout.  Stretching can be done before or after you exercise, but be sure to have warm muscles before doing so.  Yoga classes are great for stretching, and will help you become more flexible over time!  I find that I get very stiff from sitting at a computer all day, so I try to get up every so often and walk around to help stretch out.  Instead of just sitting at home and watching TV at night, plop down on the floor for 10-20 minutes and do a little stretching!

Filed under: Laps of the Week | Tagged: tip of the week |