Fun In Recovery

I was thinking about how to have fun in recovery. Just for kicks out wanted to make a list of things to do that could be fun, or simply occupy some time. a lot of folks say there is nothing to do so simply to be contrary I decided to make a list of some fun things to do. I hope you will add your comments and list the things that you like to do most.

• Go to the zoo.
• Read your favorite magazine.
• Go to a play.
• Tryout for play.
• Go to the movies and have some popcorn.
• Go to the park and watch the kids play.
• Go skydiving.
• Go for a glider ride.
• Take a walk at night and look at the stars and moon.
• Get dressed up for no reason.
• Walk around your house backward.
• Read a silly book.
• Use the blender to make a homemade milkshake.
• Make ice cream.
• Skip to my loo.
• Jump rope.
• Take some dance lessons.
• Go bird watching.
• Sing a silly song.
• Go bowling.
• Go shoot some pool.
• Call an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while.
• Play Frisbee.
• Go to the nature center.
• Treat yourself to some flowers.
• Go look at new cars and pretend you have all the money in the world.
• Drive exactly 20 mi. due north and see where you end up.
• Go buy a candy cane in the middle of summer.
• Buy a scented candle.
• Meditate.
• Bake cake.
• Go to the library.
• Check out of volunteer opportunities.
• Go to the mall and sit and just watch people.
• Start a new project.
• Finish an old project.
• Smile at everyone you see today.
• Make an apology owed.
• By some houseplants.
• Make someone laugh.
• Plan a vacation.
• Go on a vacation.
• Make caramel apples.
• Go to McDonald's and order a hamburger without the bun.
• Make a campfire in your back yard.
• Look at yourself in the mirror and say something nice.

Well, there are a just a few ideas and my fingers are cramped from typing. So I will turn over the task of thinking of new fun things to do over to you. Please add some things to do that would be fun in recovery.

Are Athletes Really Healthy

BY: Kimberly Coventry Olson
http://FitKim.com

While training for my first marathon, I was obsessed with Runner's World magazine. I loved reading all of the inspirational stories about superior athletes and those that overcame amazing odds. But periodically a story would pop up about an unexpected death of a seemingly very healthy athlete. Eventually I noticed a pattern and became intrigued. How could these amazing athletes, who ran upwards of 50-100 miles each week, suddenly die? Weren't all of those miles and races completed guarantee to ensuring a long and healthy life?

After doing some research, I discovered why these sad tragedies occurred. Although exercise has tremendous health benefits, anything beyond moderate physical activity puts a great deal of stress on the body. If this compacted stress isn't countered with a healthy diet, the body gradually becomes taxed. Although there aren't necessarily any outward symptoms, much can be happening deep within the body.

So as an active person, what can you do to prevent negative effects of intense exercise? Bring your body into balance by eating a very clean diet. This includes eating mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains and a moderate amount of protein and fats. Fruits and vegetables provide countless benefits for the body, as well as help to restore lost vitamins and minerals. Also, athletes greatly benefit from the complex carbohydrates gained from eating whole grains. Proteins such as fish and lean meats and fats such as avocado and olive oil are important, but should be a side to the main meal. Drinking plenty of water is also essential, along with hydrating after a workout. I love drinking coconut water because of all the natural electrolytes!

In addition, I think it's a fantastic idea for active people to incorporate mind-body techniques to recharge their batteries and rejuvenate their souls. Examples of this includes Yoga, meditation, reading, walking in nature, spending time with loved ones, getting a massage, journaling, praying and many more. Basically anything that supports your well-being and helps you mentally is a great idea. We put our bodies through so much, it's the least we can do!

Although being highly active is often seen as an esteemed attribute of any individual, a healthy diet must equally be valued. By choosing to fuel your body with the proper nutrition that your active lifestyle demands, you will be well on your way to a long and healthy life.

Kimberly Coventry Olson, CNC, CPT
Regional Educator & Trainer

Visit at www.genesistoday.com
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Stressed

Stress accounts for 80 % of all migraines, according to a study in the journal Cephalalgia. That's because it causes fluctuations in cortisol and adrenaline - the fight-or-flight hormones - which can lead to pain and nausea, says Sheena K. Aurora, MD, medical director of the Headache Center at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. Stress can also make you clench your jaw and neck muscles, causing neck pain that, in turn, can set off tension headaches.

Trigger Tamer: Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and massage can help. Or consider a mind-body technique called biofeedback - get more information from the Association for Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

By Winnie Yu Scherer