Wellness Wednesday – National Smile Month

 Share your smile with a friend

This post is a repeat from last year, yet still relevant. Happy National smile Month.

The month of May is celebrated as National Smile Month. This day was established by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness of important health issues. And it serves as an opportunity to flash your bright smile after a dental cleaning (just my opinion).

During my last dental cleaning, the hygienist asked how my adult sons were doing. She reminisced about the times my younger son would visit for his cleaning. He was about three or four years old at the time she recalled. “He would hop in the chair, no apprehensions, and after a short while he was asleep.”

A few years older, my son was still relaxed enough to fall asleep. The dentist and hygienist liked the antics of my son, but I was the one who got in trouble for his smile. I was told, “Mom, you have to brush his teeth for him when he doesn’t do it.” I don’t think they understood my struggle. I tried to brush his teeth; I got a few of them brushed before he twisted and turned.

Fast forward fifteen years or so I’ve still said a time or two, “Did you make your dental appointment?”

His response was, “Ma, I’ve got it from here.”

That’s when I realized, this phase of my parenting was done. The condition of my son’s smile was now in his hands.

What will you do to observe National Smile Month? Dental Health.org has ideas for celebrating. If you have grandchildren or know of young children, one idea that sounds fun is to write a letter to the tooth fairy.

For adults who want to show support, take a smiling selfie, and post it to social media. There is a “Smiliey” background that Dental Health would like you to use. If you’re interested in more details about National Smile Month, click here.

Keep your smile healthy and brighten someone’s day by flashing your smile at them.

Wellness Wednesday - Motivational quotes from women comedians

It’s Women’s History Month. Below are quotes by female comedians and actresses, to motivate you.

​​It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.

— Betty White

If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.
— Wanda Sykes

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.

-Lucille Ball

Comedian Jenna Kim Jones

Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy

 

Wellness Wednesday – 3 Ways to laugh yourself happy

 

Laughter is wellness. When you include laughter in your selfcare it can brighten your daily mood. Create happiness in your day with laughter.

Here are 3 ways to laugh yourself happy:

1.      Include laughter as part of your daily routine. Are there things you do to start your day? Add laughter to your program. Keep a joke book next to your bed. One of my favorites is a  Reader’s Digest joke book. Many of the jokes are short, you could read a page a day. If you want to keep a smile across your face, take short breaks in your work day to read a quick joke.

2.      Start a joke jar. This is something you can do as a family. Have each family member write a funny joke on a slip of paper and place it in a jar. During dinner have one person pull from the jar and read the joke. Let the laughter begin. The joke may lead to a trip down memory lane, reflecting on other fun times.

3.      Laugh at yourself. We practice this one in my household. My 26-year-old son called me the other day and said, “Ma, you won’t believe what just happened to me.” I pressed the phone closer to my ear in anticipation of his story.

Let me set the stage for you…it was a cold and snowy day. My son said, “I had my Crocs on and went outside to warm my car up…and slipped on the snow. I think it was caught on The Ring.”

Sure enough, his episode in the snow was caught on his Ring security camera. He did not simply slip on the snow, he was diving forward. He slid a couple of times as if he were ice skating, put his hand down to brace himself, slid again, then finally back up on his feet.

My son shared his video clip with me and gave me permission to laugh, and to share his mishap. No he was not hurt, and he was able to laugh at himself.

YouTube Video: A trip to the car that goes wrong (humorously speaking).

Laughter is wellness. Laugh yourself happy, beginning today.

Wellness Wednesday - 3 Tips for a Warm and Cozy New Year

If you were asked to identify one thing you will do this year to focus on your self care, what would you say? Make this year, the year of "you."

When temperatures are frigid outside, it brings to mind the desire to feel warm and cozy. This leads us to today's topic - ways to have a warm and cozy new year. Here are a few fun ideas I've generated:

1.    Slide into warm pajamas and curl up with a book.

2.    Sip a warm beverage while sitting wiht your feet proped up on something.

3.    Put on a pair of fuzzy socks and Moonwalk or slide across a wood floor. If you're so inclined, sing a Michael Jackson song while doing the Moonwalk. Of course, keep in mind your safety and ability level.

Most importantly do something that will bring a smile to you face and deliver that warm fuzzy feeling.

YouTube Video: The Moonwalk

I don't own the rights to this video 

Wellness Wednesday – National Fajita Day – 3 Ways to celebrate

 

Nothing says fajita like the sound of sizzling steak with the aroma of green peppers, onions, and chili spices. Are you hungry yet? When was the last time you ate a delicious fajita? Whether your favorite is steak or chicken - National Fajita Day is observed August 18^th. This is a great opportunity to add a new flair to your home recipe or dash off to your favorite restaurant.

Here are 3 Ways to observe National Fajita Day

1.      Share a fajita recipe with a friend

2.      Have a Girls Night – serve fajitas, pamper yourselves, and chill

3.      Post a picture on social media – perhaps it’s a picture of you having fun with fajitas, dancing while making them, or a picture of you taking a bite. Make it fun.

If you are not a meat eater, make a fake fajita, a pseudo fajita, or create your own fancy name it. Include all of your favorite veggies, season them, and make it pleasing to the palate.

Check out a chicken fajita recipe here.

What are your tips for observing National Fajita Day?

 

Wellness Wednesday – National Water Park Day – 5 reasons to celebrate

 

Rolling Hills Water Park - Ypsilanti, MI

Photo Credit:momexploresmichigan.blogspot.com

Splashing, spraying, and playing is the thing to do for National Water Park Day - celebrated July 28. Grab your bathing suit and head off to your local water park. Engage in the thrill of a Wave Pool, or glide along the Lazy River.

Here are 5 reasons to celebrate National Water Park Day.

1.      It’s refreshing

2.      It’s relaxing

3.      Create memories with your family

4.      It’s a splashing good time

5.      It can boost your mood

Red Oaks Water Park, Clawson, MI

Photo Credit: patch.com

Make a water park visit your destination. This does not need to be a one-day visit on National Water Park Day, repeat visits are encouraged.

Happy splashing!

Wellness Wednesday – Brain Health Awareness Month

 

Peloton Yoga with Chelsea Jackson Roberts

How is your brain health? Celebrate June as Brain Health Awareness Month by focusing on your mind, body, and spirit. The experts say practicing meditation and mindfulness regularly can help you focus more efficiently.

AARP is starting a challenge called the Staying Sharp Challenge. In the challenge you will learn breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation; techniques to help with mindfulness, and strategies for managing stress.

If you are a member of AARP, take advantage of the challenge. If you are not a member you may want to consider joining; grab the free gift and take advantage of healthy rewards(resources). I do not receive any compensation for suggesting this, I’m simply sharing information I’ve found beneficial.

Whether you decide to join AARP or not you can still make an effort to focus on your brain health. Be aware of your thoughts, be kind to yourself, and be informed about your health and wellness.

If you have never tried meditation before, give it a try. You can search Google for meditations you may like. There are a variety of meditations that I like on the Peloton app (this requires a monthly membership). What I like about the meditations is that you can choose different time lengths – 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.

When selecting a meditation think about your needs. There are morning meditations, sleep meditations, meditations that focus on peace, kindness, and so on.

Click here for a meditation video.

What is one action you will take today to focus on a healthy mind, body, or spirit?

Wellness Wednesday – National Smile Month

The month of May is celebrated as National Smile Month. This day was established by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness of important health issues. And it serves as an opportunity to flash your bright smile after a dental cleaning (just my opinion).

During my last dental cleaning, the hygienist asked how my adult sons were doing. She reminisced about the times my younger son would visit for his cleaning. He was about three or four years old at the time she recalled. “He would hop in the chair, no apprehensions, and after a short while he was asleep.”

A few years older, my son was still relaxed enough to fall asleep. The dentist and hygienist liked the antics of my son, but I was the one who got in trouble for his smile. I was told, “Mom, you have to brush his teeth for him when he doesn’t do it.” I don’t think they understood my struggle. I tried to brush his teeth; I got a few of them brushed before he twisted and turned.

Fast forward fifteen years or so I’ve still said a time or two, “Did you make your dental appointment?”

His response was, “Ma, I’ve got it from here.”

That’s when I realized, this phase of my parenting was done. The condition of my son’s smile was now in his hands.

What will you do to observe National Smile Month? Dental Health.org has ideas for celebrating. If you have grandchildren or know of young children, one idea that sounds fun is to write a letter to the tooth fairy.

For adults who want to show support, take a smiling selfie, and post it to social media. There is a “Smiliey” background that Dental Health would like you to use. If you’re interested in more details about National Smile Month, click here.

Keep your smile healthy and brighten someone’s day by flashing your smile at them. 

Wellness Wednesday - National Fitness Day

National Fitness Day is celebrated on May 7th. What does your fitness routine look like? For National Fitness Day, shake up your routine and try something different.

I've become acquainted with the orignator of Got2Go Fitness and have become a fan of her brand. She promotes wellness for women over 50 and has short fitness videos that are easy to follow. One of my favorite is her hula hoop challenge. As you may know, I love my hula hoop.

Check out Got2Go Fitness on YouTube.

YouTube Video Credit: Got2Go Fitness

Youtube Video Credit: Me (and my trusty hula hoop)

Whether  a hula hoop is your mode of exercise or something different, get moving and encourage a friend on National Fitness Day.

Wellness Wednesday – National Hot Tea Day – 3 Ways to Observe

 

Did you know that tea originated in China, and has “become the second most popular beverage in the world after water (someevents.com)?” National Tea Day is observed on January 12^th each year and was established by The Tea Council of the U.S.A. in 2016.

Experts say that tea energizes, relaxes, and detoxifies. Here are 3 Ways to observe National Hot Tea Day.

1.      Visit your favorite tea place.

2.      Have a tea party – get out your good china that you rarely use and steep a cup of your favorite flavored tea. Your tea party could be virtual or with a few close friends.

3.      Make a recipe that requires tea – Better Homes & Garden has an article titled 10 Surprising Things to Do with Tea. There was one recipe I found interesting that told how to make Chocolate Bark.

Maybe you’re a tea lover or a sometimes tea drinker, National Tea Day can be an opportunity to try something new.

How will you observe National Hot Tea Day?

Wellness Wednesday – National Play Outside Day – 5 Ways to Celebrate

 

Statute of kids playing outside - Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

Running, laughing, playing, these things remind me of childhood, and being outside. The fun does not have to stop after childhood, in fact it should not stop. National Play Outside Day is celebrated on November 5^th and encourages everyone to get outside and play.

The purpose of Play Outside Day is for kids, families, adults, and grandparents, to make play a priority. How you play is up to you. You could have an outdoor family scavenger hunt, visit a park or playground outside of your area, or play hopscotch.

Below are 5 ideas to help you celebrate National Play Outside Day.

1.      Create paper airplanes and see who can fly theirs the farthest.

2.      Have  pillow fight outside.

3.      Blow bubbles.

4.      Go for a power walk.

5.      Build a fort using lawn furniture.

The above ideas were taken from VeryWellFamily. See their full list of 50 Things to Do Outside With Kids as a Family, here.

What would you add to the list of ways to celebrate National Play Outside Day?

Wellness Wednesday - Fall into a healthy routine - 3 affirmations to shift your thinking

When was the last time you took a relaxed stroll through a park, your neighborhood, or simply added a few extra steps to your day? Did you say yesterday? You are well on your way to a healthier, happier you.

A walk through my neighborhood was both invigorating and peaceful. I slowed my pace long enough to soak up the scenes of fall - colorful leaves scattered the ground and Halloween decorations graced front lawns. The scenes remeinded me of positive affirmations that also stir joy and peace.

Declare what you want to be true in your life, through affirmations. You can use positive affirmations for all aspects of life - improved self-confidence, weight loss, finances, and relationships, to name a few.

Below are three affirmations to start you on your way:

-"I claim my desires. I hold great visions. I am ready to receive.

-"I am attracting great succes and prosperity."

-"My body is heaalthy and strong."

Check out more positive affirmations here.

Fall into a healthy routine by shifting your thinking and including positive affirmations into your life.

Wellness Wednesday – National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

 Peloton Bike Ride -  Session for a first timer

Thank you Peloton. Several of my fit friends post pictures of themselves working out with the popular Peloton Bike to encourage others. I learned a few things about my body as I took my first ride on the Peloton bike. Today, September 29^th, is celebrate as Women’s Health and Fitness Day.

Today I celebrate with a fitness story. Along the fitness journey you may become bored with your routine workout, or just want to try something different. While away from home at a conference, I checked out the hotel fitness center. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and variety of equipment available.

As I completed bicep curls and headed for the Elliptical machine, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye. It was the Peloton bike staring at me, flirting, as if to say, come on over here, give it a try. I rolled my eyes at the Peloton, and got on the elliptical, moving my arms and legs at varying speeds.

It wasn’t until the next day, that I had the courage to venture over to the Peloton. I climbed onto the seat, slid my feet into the pedal straps, and scanned the menu choices for a workout. I attempted to get my rump positioned appropriately on the seat, but it kept fighting me, and would not fit. It certainly gave new meaning to the word fitness.

I selected a workout tailored to my needs, it said first timer. The trainer was encouraging and kept me motivated. I felt as though he was talking directly to me. The session was only 20 minutes, but it was intense. I may need to repeat that session a few more times before I’m ready to take the training wheels off and advance to a more intense workout.

What is your fitness routine like? If you’re not doing anything, just start. Do something at a moderate pace to get your body moving. Walking counts too, don’t discount the benefits of walking. Since it’s National Women’s Fitness Day, commit to doing one thing today related to fitness. One step, one day at a time, will lead you to your end goal.

Get fit and take a friend with you.

Wellness Wednesday – Paperback Book Day

 

What are you currenrly reading?

Are you a bibliophile, do you have a love for books? You may already know that July 30^th is Paperback Book Day. Include reading as part of your wellness for Paperback Book Day.

Here are 3 ways to celebrate Paperback Book Day:

1.      Visit your local library – pick up a boo that’s been on your “to be read” list.

2.      Support your independent bookstore – purchase a paperback book by your favorite author.

3.      Pull out an old favorite book to read again, or swap with a friend.

Take your book to your favorite reading spot, relax, and put everything else on hold…temporarily.

 

Wellness Wednesday - Professional Wellness Month

Fitness Fun

Do not attempt to adjust your screen and don't be alarmed. You are really seeing what you think you're seeing...me in the flesh. By flesh, I mean, the soft substance of muscle and fat, that I'm working to improve. The month of June is recognized as Professional Wellness Month.

The purpose of Professional Wellness Month is to emphasize wellness in the workplace. This is a time to focus on a healthy diet, good sleep patterns, and exercise routine to kickoff your journey. Professional Wellness Month does not have to be limited to the workplace.

Today I choose to focus on fitness. How do you create a fitness routine that you will stick with? Make it fun and set yourself up for success. When are you at your best? What is your most productive time of the day. Schedule your workout for a time you know you will push throughit and not put it off.

In my virtual fitness class, we hold ourselves accountable by taking a photo at the end of class. It's only for our benefit, nothing we have to share with the world...unless you post it as I did today. Taking goofy pictures makes the end of the workout fun for me.

Don't turn your back on fitness - make it work for you

For the rest of the month focus on wellness at work and at home. If you work from home, bonus for you.

What will be your first move toward wellness this month?

Wellness Wednesday - National Smile Month

Mother and son

There is power in a smile. It conveys feelings of happiness, hope, joy, and improves your mood. Behind your powerful smile is the health care of your mouth. Did you know that our oral health influences our every day wellness?

National Smile Month, observed in June, is designed to bring awareness to our oral health and provide tips for maintaining your smile. Here's what I learned from a Delta Dental article:

1.    The health of our mouth can impact our cardiovascular system.

2.    People with high blood pressure often have higher levels of plaque buildup on their teeth.

3.    One study indicated that people who brush less than twice a day are at a higher risk of heart disease than those who brush twice a day for two minutes. 

Go out there and work your smile this month and watch your mood change. Even when you don't feel like smiling, do it anyway. In the words of gospel artist Kirk Franklin, "...even when you hurt, smile." 

Your challenge this month is to smile every day. Check in and let me know how you feel at the end of each week.

Wellness Wednesday – 5 Ways to Invest in Your Spiritual Well-being

 

Family Relaxing - Brothers with their Grandma

Is your spiritual bank account running low? Don’t let it lead to insufficient funds, make a deposit today. Spirituality has been described as the belief in something greater than yourself. Just as you would take care of your mental and physical health, your spiritual health should be included too.

There are benefits to investing in your spiritual well-being. Here are 4 benefits listed by The Hartford:

·         Feeling calmer, more centered, more mindful

·         Decreasing anxiety

·         Giving you a sense of community

·         Developing your values and feeling more attuned to your emotions

We have to be intentional about our well-being. I say we because I have to remind myself to make time for self-care. The Hartford article also listed 12 Ways toinvest in yourself, I will share my top 5, in no particular order.

1.      Meditate – meditation can reduce symptoms of stress and possibly reduce headaches.

2.      Spend Time in Nature – reduces stress and increases happiness.

3.      Digital Detox – take time away from technology.

4.      Practice Mindfulness – focus on the present moment without worrying about the past or future.

5.      Do a Good Deed – helping someone else can give you an emotional boost.

Don’t let your spiritual bank account lie dormant, take action today. Round out your mental and physical well-being by activating your spiritual well-being.

What tips do you have for investing in spiritual well-being?

Wellness Wednesday - National Senior Health & Fitness Day - 3 Ways to Celebrate

It's National Senior Health & Fitness Day, celebrated May 26th. The purpose of this day is to encourage seniors to participate in health and wellness events. As a proud member of AARP, we seniors need to have knowledge of resources available, and to keep our bodies moving.

Here are 3 Ways to Celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day

1.  Participate in a health & wellness event.

2.  Walk for fitness.

3.  Hula Hoop for fun - that's what I'm doing (see my how-to video below).

How to Get in Shape without Working Out

For more resources/ideas on how to celebrate health and fitness day, check out this link. 

NOTE: I am not affiliated with this site, nor do I receive payment for mentioning this.

What are your suggestions for celebrating National Senior Health & Fitness Day?

Wellness Wednesday - National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

May is celebrated as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.  Shake up your fitness routine with something different than you typically do.

Have you ever tried HIIT Yoga? Below is a 15 minute video that I came across recently and found it helpful.

YouTube Video Credit: Kemetic Yoga & Wellness

No matter what you choose as your fitness regimine, establishing a healthy lifestyle is the main focus. Share you favorite workout routine in the comments. You never know who may benefit from your suggetion.

 

Wellness Wednesday – National Walking Day – 5 Ways to Celebrate

 

National Walking Day

It’s National Walking Day, celebrated on April 7^th. Lace up your shoes, put one foot in front of the other, and get your body moving. On National Walking Day improve your circulation and mood as you raise awareness about the importance of physical activity.

How will you celebrate National Walking Day? Here are 5 Ways to celebrate:

1.      Take a walk with a friend.

2.      Do a racewalk.

3.      Walk as a family after dinner.

4.      Walk at lunchtime.

5.      Park further away – when shopping park away from the store entrance, and make your steps count.

Will you walk for the health of it? What are other ways to celebrate National Walking Day?