Mar 24 - Apr 6

Due to increased interest on Well-being, I am taking Heal110: Personal Health. In the past weeks, the course focused on personal fitness, managing stress and nutrition. All three topics were crucial for everyone who are longing for a wellness. Also, all three categories have recommendations and suggestions for individuals to stay healthy. Working out at least 150 minutes in a week, reappraisal and reframing- viewing what happened in the past from different view and add positive thoughts-, and eating healthy with a balance were the example of each topic. Although I do not fully match up to recommendations from all three (fitness, managing stress and nutrition) topics for wellness, I found that I am in serious need of consuming enough water each day.

It is well known that we can live without food for almost two months, but we cannot survive without water over seven days because human body is about 65 percent water and dependent on water every day. If one is dehydrated, his or her organs will not be able to handle its function. And most importantly, the brain –which consists of 75 percent water and controls water in the body- would not be able to function properly.

I learned that individuals need to drink at least 64 ounces of water since we lose 64-80 ounces of water a day through from organ movements, urination, and even from normal exhalation. The regular water bottle is about 16.9 ounces, so consuming at least about four water bottles is recommended. I barely drink one bottle a day, which means that I am not even close to the minimum request of my body. And this is the reason why I feel staying hydrated is in greatest need of attention in my life.

In the past years, I have been limping after a simple exercise such as yoga, moving meditation and Pilates. Sometimes, I thought I was okay, but the instructors used to ask me if I am alright. In addition to this, I often felt dizzy when I stand up from sitting in one positing or after picking up something in a quick motion. Moreover, I had unknown twitch around the core of my body. After listening to the lecture and skimming articles about the importance of water, I think I can eliminate all these physical problems simply by drinking enough water consciously.

 

 

 

Mar 24 - Apr 6

I usually wake up in the middle of night around 3~4AM. I don’t know the exact reason, but I think it is about body clock. As many of you know, exercising is my one of the mindful practices for this semester. I use running machine and elliptical machine usually, but do Pilates two times a week for about an hour. One thing I noticed about my sleep pattern is that I take deeper sleep than in the past. The only thing I have changed was exercising, so I searched if there is a connection between Pilates and Sleep. And there was! I found that Pilates could be helpful for those who have trouble sleeping. Joseph Pilates suggested spinal rolling exercises- wall roll down, roll back, spine stretch, etc- for better and deeper sleep. The exercise massages the spine, relax the nerves and restore natural flexibility. For those who want to try Pilates, there’s the link! Spine stretch--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDVLJKjk-s4 .

well-being check

So I have been struggling with my some of my classes and I really broke down. I told myself after one of my required classes that I didn’t want to become a teacher. I feel because I am just having that anxiety of being close to graduation that I still haven’t got my exams for Praxis and licensure in yet and I mentally freaked myself out. But really after this one required class I can take my Praxis.  I have struggled with a learning disability my entire school career, since elementary school, and I feel like my “wall” has gotten taller and harder to overcome.  I feel like I am struggling with some of my other well-being practices because I get inside my head.  I just had my advising appointment and realized that it would be very stupid of me to give up now, because I am so close to graduation and am eligible for accelerated master’s program.  I feel I just have to really work even hard and not give up on myself or my future, and seriously work on mediation and keeping a clear focused mind, even though it is going to be hard.

My New Pets!!

So Sunday the 24 of March my sisters and I decided to go to our local farming store for some supplies. But not just any type of supplies. We got living, breathing, walking supplies! Actually pets… baby chickens to be exact.  We were actually going to get two but ended up with six, 6 little fuzzy birds. The lady at the farming store actually said we have to leave with six…it’s the policy, then we can get six FREE! But what are we going to do with six chickens, really?! We actually don’t have enough room for 12 chickens.  Any way these new additions to our house hold actually caused a stir with my dog, he got a bit jealous. But taking care of them and nurturing them and keeping them clean has brought awareness to how much time and patience it takes to care for a baby animal, let alone and other living thing. So as an addition to my well-being practice I am adding caring for my chickens, all which have a name, and having them become use to human hands. Once they are grown big enough we are sending them to our friends farm where they can live healthily in open space and air. Then we can get a rooster to join their coop.     

Stepping it up with my affirmations

So I have been doing my affirmations every morning and I really think this practice has been beneficial to me!  I am not exactly a morning person and holding myself responsible for making time to sit with myself and reaffirm my purpose in life.  It is also a great reminder for me to stay grounded in my values by emphasizing the qualities of myself that I want to let shine.
When we met in our small groups last class and talked about how our practices have been going Andrew you inspired me to write down my affirmations and post them somewhere I can see it daily.  I don't have one solid affirmation but I decided to post sticky notes with my affirmations all around the house! My refrigerator now says: I am strong willed and also able to adapt.  My bathroom mirror states: I am a friend to myself and others. and above my desk reads: I am a human being, it is a new day, and I will find and appreciate the beauty in this world.
I think that reading these notes throughout the day will make my affirmations even more effective for me and really remind me to be mindful at all times of the day, not only the time I set aside for it.

EVERYONE READ THIS!!! >>about Sunday Dinner

Hey guys!!
I am hoping you will all read this because I cant find everyones phone numbers! hahaha so if you have mine please text it so I can have yours too! =)
My address is 5825 Jacksons oak ct Burke VA 22015 there is guest parking on the right when you turn on Jackson oak but if they are all taken you can park on the street of Oak Green and walk right over! =)
I am going to make delicious vegetarian chili! =) and I have drinks and stuff already!
I am excited to see you all! Let me know if there is anything else I can do (or if you have any issues getting here!)
Amy

Busy week/weekend

Well I was going to write about how much I failed this past week/weekend with keeping up with the practices, but today I woke up early, did some meditating, homework and hooping and I feel less pessimistic! Haha

I have been hooping as a practice all semester, but last night I saw a video of a hula hooper and was so inspired.  I only have made maybe 2 videos of my hooping but its been a long time! I think it would be really inspiring for me to make hula hoop videos so that I can better acknowledge my successes and faults and also reflect on my progress as a hooper! I wanted to start today but have to go to work so maybe tomorrow I will start making videos during my hooping practices every week.  I think I will probably post them here so I can share that with you all as well! =)

I am excited to start this and I am hoping that you guys will watch them!  maybe itll even inspire you to start hooping with me as a practice! ;) hahaha

I hope you all had a great Easter! and I am exicted for our upcoming dinner!