Posted on November 4, 2011
It struck me while out walking my dog, Holly, this morning how wonderful it is to have a dog and to have a reason to be out walking every day.
The dog's joy is obvious as she runs free across the fields, weaving and winding, sniffing and following interesting scents and bounding here, there and everywhere with her tail high and her ears back. As she races backwards and forwards enjoying the fresh air and the chance to run wild I realise how rewarding and how much fun it is having a dog. I appreciate her a little more every day. The simple pleasures in life are often the most rewarding.
Seeing her enjoy her freedom makes me happy and reminds me that there is more to life than the everyday stresses and strains of modern life. My pleasure is just as great as hers. Walking a dog brings many benefits, physical, mental and emotional.
When I'm out walking the dog my mind clears and I'm able to think. Striding briskly across the fields I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be alive and healthy. To have the energy to walk as far as I want, to enjoy time with my dog and to feel the vitality of walking whatever the weather and whatever is going on in my life.
Walking wakes your body up and energises you. It gets your circulation going, makes the blood pump round your body and makes you feel alive, and grateful to be so. The exercise and the fresh air feel so good and so healthy.
Being out in nature is refreshing and where I live I'm able to fully appreciate the beautiful views, the sweeping English countryside, the blue skies, the green fields, the red poppies, the birds swooping in the sky. And, the absolute peace and quiet of the countryside. In the city we enjoy exploring new neighbourhoods, searching for some green space to throw the ball. We never fail to find something of interest on our jaunts together.
We are, perhaps, a little more able to put life into perspective when out walking. Biologically, you are reducing the cortisone and other stress hormones in your body with a brisk walk. The chance to still your mind and realise your place in the bigger scheme of things is very centring. I often use my dog-walking time to reflect on issues that I need to deal with. Being out in nature with my faithful four-legged companion gives me a unique perspective on life, love and the universe.
Dog walking with a friend is fun too and offers the opportunity to share the experience, the exercise, the views and the exploration, and gives time for in-depth conversation. Together, you have the chance to look at the bigger picture of things, and to let the conversation take a different turn as a result of the stimulation of the great outdoors, and the exercise.
My heart warms when I see my dog bounding towards me, her tongue lolling out, waiting for my approval to go bounding off ahead again. The sheer enjoyment of our walks together makes this one of life's most simple but most valuable pleasures.
Posted on October 27, 2011
Learn how to breathe properly and let go of the troubles of yesterdays and your anxieties about tomorrow. Live in the present.
Below is a list of things you can do to be kind to yourself so that you may happy, feel joyful and feel at peace too.
- When looking in the mirror, rather than seeing your flaws, compliment yourself on your assets. Do this regularly. Tell yourself you are beautiful out loud.
- Burn candles, or nice scents through the house. Scents affect your mood and can create calmness.
- Listen to music. Get up and dance like no one is watching!
- Buy fresh flowers.
- Open up the windows in your home. Open the blinds and let the light in. Nature balances out the energy in the air with the sun and with rain. Open your home and let nature balance your home.
- Get a massage or facial.
- Hug someone. Never underestimate the touch of another human.
- Write a letter to someone you appreciate and say thank you.
- Bake. Paint. Make something and get creative.
- Stretch. Get the blood and oxygen flowing though the body and loosen up the joints.
- Stand tall. Slouch and your energy declines too.
- Say no to things you don't want. Don't feel pressured to have a piece of birthday cake if you don't want it, don't go to every family/friend event when you really just need time to chill at home.
- Ask for help. If you are running on empty, don't be embarrassed to ask for help or advice, the person helping will probably feel good helping you in return!
- Go for a walk. Fresh air and the sun will do wonders. Feel uplifted and energised.
- Play. Stop being so serious and tackle your partner to the ground, play a board game, throw a ball around outside, try skipping.
- Nourish your body with healthy food. How do you feel after a heavy meal? Exactly. Eat fresh and your body will love it. Drink lots of water.
- Dress and groom for success every day. Wear your best clothes. Wear your best underwear.
- Sleep. Buy yourself nice bed linen, wash them frequently. Buy the best Pjs.
- Use your best china every day. Every day is a special occasion.
- De clutter. Don't let bills, junk mail, shoes and everything else clutter your home. It clutters the mind.
- Spend time with people who make you happy. You become who you hang around. Remove yourself from the energy vampires, the complainers and the victims.
- Read. Learn something new every day. Keep the mind active and grow each day. You're never too old to start a course or learn a new skill.
- Use your work holidays. Why are you saving them all up?? They are meant to be used, life is for living.
- Stop stressing. It all works out in the end.
- Be optimistic. Choose to see life in the positive. How you feel is directly connected to your thoughts. Learn to change your thoughts.
Posted on October 14, 2011
Health is a very important part of human life, and plays a crucial role to the development of human beings, the revolution of society, the updating of culture, and the change of lifestyle. However, what is the definition of health? In 1948, the World Health Organization gave a specific one: Health not only means no disease of body, but also emphasizes the mental health. How to keep a healthy body and mind? The following tips will give you a reference.
First, set clear goals in life. We always pursue a lot of things during our life. However, due to the living environment, social culture, and individual condition, we cannot make all our dreams come true. And this requires us to set goals for the limitation of one's time and energy. In order to realize the value of life and pursue larger development in the limited time, it is better make sure what you want and set clear goals. With a clear goal, you can effectively eliminate all kinds of negative emotions and keep vitality to challenge.
Second, keep a forgiving attitude towards others. Nowadays, the competition among people is fierce for the advanced science and technology. Clear goals and success in life are certainly the elements to keep health, but be lenient with others and gain corporate progress also make benefits to one's happy and health. Sometimes, you will get unexpected results by helping others selfless.
Third, develop good living habits. Good habits can make contribution to people for a lifetime. We cannot underestimate its value to health. But in our real life, many people ignore this important aspect. They always keep bad habits in life. For example, some people like to spend all night to play cards or watch TV, which will do serious harm to health. According to the scientific research, the activities of the human body are controlled by biological clock. The violation of it will cause the disorder of body function. So, we should keep good habits in all aspects of life to ensure the best function of whole body system.
Fourth, ensure enough exercises. It is proved that physical activities can keep clear mind and nimble thought. Because exercises can enable enough rest for brain to maintain its work ability, and promote the blood circulation to improve the function of heart. Moreover, sports can adjust person's psychology to keep vitality. Regularly exercises can also improve person's adaptability and strengthen the resistance to disease, then to live a health and longer life.
In addition to these, reasonable nutrition composition and essential hobbies are also in favor of physical and mental health. In order to live an easy and happy life, please draw attention to the maintenance of your health.