Skating Uphill - March 2020

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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“It’s time to get up and out!”
– The Uphill Skater –

 

Spring has sprung and all of that glorious stuff. The temperatures are in the 70s and azaleas are competing with new spring daffodils for the big color award. In case you have not noticed, it is time to get out of that jacket, get off the sofa, and check out the world. Our publisher, Elizabeth Millen, was spotted walking at Harbour Town without a coat and having a gin and tonic, the ultimate summer drink. So how about the rest of us? That cold-stay-inside weather is over, ladies. It’s time to open windows, open minds, and let the sun shine in!

Let’s figure out what we can do about coming out of hibernation to return—or start—living a healthy, active life and not be sad watching HGTV all day, longing for other people’s houses and decor that seems way better than ours. I have done that, and don’t pretend you haven’t.

Get out of the house! I don’t work every day, so to get out of the house (and my pajamas), I like to go to the gym, shop, or go to a movie. Taking a walk is also a great idea. Next time you’re walking snap a few shots of beautiful and interesting things along the way. Make a pictorial walking journal. There are just so many ways to leap out of the doldrums of winter. All you have to do is apply yourself and repeat.

One of my favorite things has become going to the gym, mainly because I picked one that fits my needs. They (whoever they are) say that doing exercise you enjoy helps you stick to it. I like to swim, so I chose a gym with an indoor pool so I can swim all year. It also has a dry sauna, which I love. They recently added a dark room with massage chairs that I have tried once, but not yet added to my monthly bill. I am careful about adding ongoing charges until I’m sure I will really use something. The one thing I have added is a towel fee. It is next to nothing, and I get unlimited towels, which eliminates having to bring my own and then go home with wet towels. This is a real convenience and makes my experience even better. Join a gym. The benefits are numerous and if you do what you enjoy, you will find it’s one of your favorite places, too!

Next, shop a little. When I say shop, people automatically think of clothing and accessories, but I think it is a real field trip to go to the grocery store. I am a foodie, and I can’t afford to eat out as much as I would like, so I make food shopping and cooking part of my “hobby” time. I know, eating is not much of a hobby, but what can I say—I like it! I buy and read cookbooks. I am now using a recipe book called The Four Ingredient Cookbook. I have shared many recipes from it on my blog; check it out.

Go to a movie: Stay in your yoga pants and sweatshirt, call a friend or not, and go to a the movies. I recently saw 1917, and it was super. I also went with my neighbor to see Judy, and it was sad, but fascinating. My husband and I went to see Ford vs. Ferrari, against my will, but actually, it was great. Movies are the perfect way to transport yourself into a different mood. There is magic in the big screen that watching Netflix can’t replicate. Plus, you get out of the house and get to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the movies! Can’t you smell the popcorn right now?

Those are my top three suggestions, but there are lots more. Sometimes just for fun, I rearrange furniture in various rooms in my house. It’s liberating and has a way of giving us a fresh feeling of rejuvenation. Speaking of fresh, buy colorful bouquets of fresh flowers and put them out. Repot your house plants, maybe even buy a few new pieces of fun pottery planters to change things up. Change your decorative pillows to reflect the season. This adds a new “pop,” which not only brightens a room, but also the soul. Finally, I like to add to this scintillating switch-a-roo sport a closet re-org, or a kitchen cabinet clean out. And, don’t forget that junk drawer!

There are many easy, fast and inexpensive ways to emerge from the cocoon of winter. Robin Williams said, “Spring is natures way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” He’s right. Let’s get out, get fresh and get going! It’s time to bloom. Love, Judith

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas.
Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.
Look at my blog and maybe you will want to try it yourself!

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and girls Club. Judith is also a long time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her BLOG www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.

 

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