Make It Easy on Yourself

 

I have suffered from back pain for a very long time and I know a lot of it is thanks to sitting in front of a computer for way too many hours and slouching. Unfortunately slouching has become a comfortable way to sit. More about that later… Recently I came up with a check list of things that seem to work for me. I’m passing it along in hopes that it works for you too. There is NOTHING worse that a back that loves to ache.

 

1. When you change the sheets on the bed, flip and rotate the mattress so you aren’t lying in the same spot night after night.

2. Keep a timer set to go off each hour. And when it goes off, go for a walk… even if it’s just around the house. Stretching like a cat feels amazing too.

3. I think I told you about the latest Yoga Journal magazine that featured easy positions to strengthen your back.

4. Heat. I picked up this heating pad that can wrap around you to apply heat exactly where you need it. On a cold day, that feels pretty amazing as well.

5. Learn to sit up straight. My husband came into my office last night and literally pulled me back against the back of the chair. He said if I spend a lot of time in that position each day, he’s not surprised that my back would ache!!

*I hope that this helps somebody out there!!

From the Queen of the Snackers

Where is that water bottle? I hope that it is sitting with you, right now.

From experience, I have noticed that I am more apt to sip the water than head to the kitchen for a snack, if the bottle is handy. If it’s not, you guessed it…  I head for the kitchen.  I think that on a cold day like this, keeping a mug of herbal tea might work as well. I was about to make a pot of coffee, but I’m going to re-think that idea. I like cream in my coffee… tea I can drink clear.

Who Ever Said Happiness Needs a Reason

It both amuses and saddens me to think that when a child laughs for no reason at all we think it wonderful, but when an audlt laughs for no reason at all we immediately fear for his or her health. The point is… who ever said that happiness needs a reason. Robert Holden

I just finished my 15 minute walk, meditating for 10 minutes (I have a long way to go here) and I finished off my session reading Robert Holden’s book, Happiness Now. The man is brilliant and I’m learning a lot from him. If you have the opportunity to pick up the book, it is a very wise investment for your state of mind. The quote above just jumped out at me and I had to share it with you. So… have you smiled today??

*Master The Art of Day Dreaming

 

 Do you remember as a child, laying on your back in the grass on a hot summer day and watching the clouds float by? We imagined all kinds of things.  Well, we are going to do the same thing, and if you want to use a grassy lawn, go for it. If you don’t have a piece of grass handy, simply lean back and close your eyes. It doesn’t really matter where you are as long as you let your thoughts drift to somewhere pleasant. My thoughts often drift to a past holiday in Martinique. Just 15 minutes and I have felt the sun on my face and the beach sand between my toes. And oh yes, there is also a contented smile on my face.

I sometimes think of day dreaming sort of along the same line as meditating. Any way you look at it, when you are done, you feel better.