Living Well — lifestyle

Sometimes we find ourselves stressing before we have to travel when we should really be preparing to enjoy ourselves. Whether it’s for a vacation, business trip, or a day trip, many of us are frequently on-the-go. It’s not always fun though, and traveling can oftentimes be a huge stressor in our lives that adds a lot of unnecessary worry or anxiety. Here are 5 ways to reduce that stress and enjoy your travels!

1. Make a list. What to pack, an itinerary of places to visit, or a list of people you need to buy a gift for. A list is a great way to let your mind relax and release the information you need to know without the worry of forgetting something. You can double or even triple check if necessary, and it also allows you to manage your time better when you have everything written out in front of you.
2. Get a good night’s sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep before you embark on your travels will leave you energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the day. You’ll be able to accomplish more, and having a full tank of gas will even allow you to be more prepared to try something new! Of course, sleep doesn’t always come easily for us, so check out the blog for some tips to combat sleep anxiety.
3. Have a backup plan. Your mind will rest easier knowing if something goes wrong, you’ll be prepared. Have an alternative means of transportation in case an issue arises, or a second choice for an activity or place to visit if something you want to do gets rained out. When you prepare for the worst, you leave a lot less to chance.
4. Research your place of interest beforehand. Oftentimes we take a chance on traveling somewhere we’ve never been before, maybe even in another country. It’s important to research your destination beforehand, so you won’t be thrown into any surprises or undesirable situations. You’ll also get a better grasp on the culture and what to expect upon arriving!
5. Change your mindset. If you begin to find yourself stressing about your upcoming trip instead of being excited for it, try and change your outlook. Don’t look at your travels as a stressor. After all, most of us travel for pleasure, it shouldn’t make you uneasy! Have something to look forward to. Try to find an element of your trip you really want to experience, and if nothing else, let that guide you.

Sometimes we can hit a wall with whatever we’re going through in life and need a little pick-me-up. Whether you’re working on getting in shape, getting into a healthier lifestyle, struggling with your mental health, or dealing with chronic illness, we’ve compiled an assortment of healthy living quotes we hope you can all identify with and bring you comfort.

Sometimes we can hit a wall with whatever we’re going through in life and need a little pick-me-up. Whether you’re working on getting in shape, getting into a healthier lifestyle, struggling with your mental health, or dealing with chronic illness, we’ve compiled an assortment of healthy living quotes we hope you can all identify with and bring you comfort.

1. Don't forget to put yourself first.

2. Small progress is still progress.

3. Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.

4. Fitness is not about being better than someone else. It's about being better than you used to be.

5. Invest in yourself, you're going to be here for a while.

6. Strive for progress, not perfection.

7. Don't let your struggle define you.

8. Push harder than yesterday if you want a different tomorrow.

9. See the good in all things.

10. It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.

11. Your track record for getting through difficult days is 100 percent.

12. It's not "can I do this?", it's "how can I do this?"

13. What 10 things can I be thankful for right now?

14. A healthy outside starts from the inside.

15. See the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yoga is a great way to wake up your mind and body first thing in the morning, and one of the stepping stones to living a healthier and more fulfilled lifestyle. Yoga aids in strengthening, stretching, and sculpting your body, but also has the ability to soothe your mind and put you in a better mood.

Here are 5 yoga poses you can utilize to start your day off in a positive way!

Downward Dog

Step one: Begin on your hands and knees and bring your hands slightly forward of your shoulders.

Step two: Exhale and press the floor away from you, lift your hips back to push yourself into an upside down v-position.

Step three: Lengthen your spine by lifting your hips, and straighten your legs. Take the tops of your thighs and knees back. Press and hold for 30 seconds.

Warrior II

Step one: Start with your feet spread wider than hip-width. Turn your right foot slightly to the right and your left foot 90 degrees to the left. Align your left heel with your right heel.

Step two: Exhale and bend your left knee over your left ankle so that your thigh is almost parallel to the ground. Strengthen your right knee and press firmly into the floor.

Step three: Stretch your arms directly out over your shoulders, parallel to the floor, and press your tailbone inward. Turn your head to the left and look over your fingers. Hold for 30 seconds.

Pigeon

Step one: Start in downward dog. Raise your right leg extended away from you, then pull it it in by the knee, angling your right shin under your torso, and bringing your right foot up to your left hand. The outside of your right shin should now be firmly on the ground.

Step two: Slide your left leg straight behind you and let the top of your foot rest on the floor. Be sure your left thigh is rotated inward.

Step three: Place each hand on either side of your hips and press your tailbone down to lengthen your spine. Hold for 30 seconds.

Child’s Pose

Step one: Start by kneeling with your feet a hip’s width apart. Exhale and bring your chest down onto your thighs, and your forehead to the floor.

Step two: Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of your pelvis.

Step three: Lay your hands on the floor, forward, away from your body. Rest in this pose for 30 seconds.

Standing Forward Bend Pose

Step one: Start by standing straight upward. Bend forward so that your hands may now touch the floor.

Step two: Walk your feet towards your hands and let your upper body hang. Your knees may be bent.