Tag: exercise

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Glorious Backyard Gardening

Being stuck inside these past few months has given many people pause to examine ways to re-engage in hobbies as well as be active outdoors while still maintaining social distancing standards.  Gardening is one of those hobbies currently on the rise.

Gardening is more than just digging in the dirt, carrying pots, and planting seeds; it is an art and a science as well. Many people do not recognized the numerous benefits that you can reap in planting these green and colorful patches! For some, gardening is a way for them to relax, restore, and renew their outlook in life while others use this hobby as an additional holistic food source.

Here are the benefits of gardening in the mental and physical aspects of your life.

Exercise for the Win

Just by walking while carrying pots of plants is already a form of cardio exercise and core training for balance. Depending on the weight of the load, pushing a wheelbarrow is a good form of strength training and can also improve your grip and strength in the lower arms.

Pushing, gardening, trimming the hedges, they might sound simple but they can leave you out of breath and 10 minutes of it, at least once a day, can help protect you from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Bye Bye Blues

Let there be light, in your life! Soak up all those Vitamin D but make sure to cover your skin with a reliable sunscreen. Vitamin D helps our body to absorb calcium and it also boosts our immune system and blocks depressive mood.

Mental Therapy

After a long day or week at work, gardening at last 30 minutes or an hour can diffuse your anxieties and stress. Vitamin D alone can already help improve your mood but more than that, gardening also gives you a sense of purpose and puts your priorities in perspective.

If you have been experiencing a major setback in your life, gardening can spark a sense of hope and optimism within you.

Preserving the Environment

Gardening is also a way for us to give back to Mother Nature and in return, it helps us back. Plants are known to purify carbon emission preventing global warming and they produce oxygen which is very important to humans. The root system of the plants helps prevent erosion by keeping the soil in place. Aside from providing shade and beautifying our surroundings, they also shield our garden from the outside world giving as tranquility and privacy.

One of the best ways you can do in order to enjoy gardening is to invite your friends over and do it together. It is fun, interactive, less expensive, and therapeutic!

Cheers to growing some veggies, herbs or plants this summer!

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Energizing Tips For A Healthy Spring

After being exposed for months to the chills of the winter season, springing back into action can be challenging especially when your muscles and bones start to feel like they have not moved in ages! The secret is to take it slowly because overworking your body can weaken you further or may even cause possible injuries. In order to keep our body healthy for this season, journey with us as we introduce to you a series of techniques that are quick, easy, and effective!

Stretching is the key!

To jumpstart your body before starting your day’s activity, stretching can help increase your range of motion, flexibility, and blood flow. Start with the largest group of muscles which are the quadriceps and hamstrings. Both of these muscles are located in your thigh area which is why they need to be conditioned from inner, outer, back, and front. If these areas get stuck before even getting started, then you might have trouble moving your back.

After working on the thigh area, proceed with your back, arms, neck, and down to the calf and ankle.

Get enough sleep

Springtime can be longer compared to the other season, and aside from this, the change in temperature can affect your sleeping patterns as well as your health.

After getting back home from work, instead of checking on your social media or watching t.v, try reading a book or doing yoga. These types of activities release any forms of stress which help relax your mind and promote drowsiness. 

Food can also trigger insomnia especially those who have caffeine. Since you are still trying to get your body to sleep, cut-off the caffeine for now until you reach the sleeping time you deserve.

Don’t be too “Idle”

Wherever you are, at home or work, move away from your desk and start doing something active! Stretch your back, neck, and arms to avoid those nasty aches. There are loads of exercise you can do on your desk, and they can easily be found on the internet, an easy distraction instead of checking your social media right?

When you are at home, you can do laundry, re-arrange your living room, or clean up your closet, or take your pet for a walk.

This season has so much to look forward to, and as flora and fauna starts to bloom, we want you to blossom in the best way you can!

Author:

Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen, DC, MS, CNS, CCN is a licensed chiropractor, certified clinical nutritionist, and owner of Lime and Lotus, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina.  She utilizes saliva testing, herbs, and whole food supplements to correct female hormones imbalances in her patients.  Download her free guide: Dr. Stephanie’s Naughty List – The Top Five Foods that Wreck Your Hormone Health here.