Gratitude: Thankful for a Fit & Healthy Body

I am Thankful for… A Fit & Healthy Body

The first entry in this gratitude series focused on mental and emotional health. Here I will share my gratitude for physical health which I postulate is a very expressive part of our overall well - being. We sometimes slight the mind and body connection, focusing on one or the other when trying to resolve problems. I know I did until I began to learn and discover how close this connection really is. A weak or sick body can have an influence on a person’ s vein or motivation. A strong and fit body can positively affect self - confidence, mental vigor and focal point. Physical healing can be affected by a person’ s faith and determination. A negative temperament or perspective can debilitate a person’ s strength and energy. Taking care of our bodies is a challenge as well as a sweep. Following I will share the many ways in which I am Thankful for… A Fit and Healthy Body.

1. I am thankful for this body I live in.

I once wrote an article in which I compared our bodies to an automobile. In it I verbal we would probably take much better care of our automobiles if we had just one in our lifetime. Enhanced way I like to look at our bodies is as our home, post our soul and spirit reside. Looking at it this way makes it a very special place. We are a living, breathing temple. We have just one body in our lifetime. Caring for it is a big fault, and I want to do my best to keep it healthy and functioning optimally. I also want to appreciate my uniqueness. No one looks exactly like me. I may hunger some things were different, but I am going to make the best of what I have. I am thankful that I can love and care for this body I live in.

2. I am thankful that I can improve my body.

There is so much we must do on a daily basis to take care of our bodies. We must cater our bodies with good nutrition at head 3 times a day so they have enough energy to function efficiently. Proper hygiene and grooming are also necessary to keep them clean and looking good. If we want to increase our endurance, strength, and improve how our bodies function, we must exercise. Caring for our bodies is a big duty as well as an juncture to feel good and look better. It’ s not always easy, however. It takes struggle and persistence in exercising and changing our food intake before we bring about to discern some results. After gaining some weight over the winter, I was resolute to get into better shape. I began a more vigorous exercise program and cut out desserts ( exclude for lightless chocolate ). It wasn’ t too long before I could fit into my favorite jeans again. I am thankful that there are things I can do to look better and improve my body. I do not have to accept unhealthy habits or ailment. I can do something about them. I can do my part to make my body function better and I will get good results.

3. I am thankful for our Deity - accustomed propriety.

Sometimes I will reproduce on the simple blessings we are obsessed in being able to remark, hear, smell, taste, and touch. I bethink when I went to the eye doctor and got a new prescription. I didn’ t think my vision deviating very much until I put on my new contacts. All of a swift, as I looked all around I became really hysterical. I kept saying, “ I can descry.

” Business was so clear. I didn’ t know what I had been misplaced. I was so thankful to distinguish the outline of the clouds in the sky, the detail in the buildings ahead, and the clarity of colors pervasive. I am very thankful for clear vision. When I revel in the taste and aroma of nectareous foods, I am thankful for the argumentation that enable me to have this pleasurable experience. A sinus infection that kept me congested for weeks made it very difficult for me to smell or taste much of machine. I decisive was thankful when it clear up, and I was thankful for the little blessings I often take for definitely. I am oftentimes reminded of the many reasons to be thankful for our rectitude. I love music and spend a great deal of time playing and listening to it. I am also thankful for touch. Our bodies can experience all kinds of enjoyable physical sensations. As I think about all the amazing and classy things we can adore considering of our mentality, I am so thankful.

4. I am thankful for hands and feet.

Our hands and feet copy latitude we go and what we do. When my humongous began to have problems with her knees, her ability to go locality she wanted and fundamental to go was significantly hindered. She couldn’ t peregrination for very long before she would have pain and annoyance in her legs. Her experience always reminds me to be thankful. I love to go for long walks and I eat up mobile, climbing, and exercising that need healthy legs, knees and feet. I am also thankful for the many things I can do well with my hands like play my guitar and work on the computer. A performer intimate of mine has problems with arthritis in his hands that limit how long he can play. He is thankful for the ability to still play and he does not let it stop him. Fortunately, he has found some natural remedies that are productive and keep his hands working. With our hands and feet, we work and serve others. We dance, jump, and play. I take the time right now to give thanks that I am able to work and serve, drink in life, and go direction I need to go and do what I need to do.

5. I am thankful for smiles and sanctity

I totally conclude the words of this recite: There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness. ~Lady Marguerite Blessington. A aglow and happy smile on a person’ s face is so pretty. I think people look their very best when they have inner peace and joy. It shines through their eyes and smile. One of the best ways to bring a smile to our faces is through hopefulness. I am so thankful that prosperity is an inborn trait we all have. I posit we ought to laugh more recurrently. This nonverbal form of communication creates a positive energy and is highly contagious! Glee is not only good for our mental health; it is also good for our bodies. I heard a doctor state it as “ internal jogging” and a great way to relax our muscles, lower our blood pressure, and release endorphins. I am thankful for the tribute of geniality. I can laugh at myself more recurrently and not take life too seriously. There are many things that can make me laugh and smile. I make it a point to smile at people. I like the way I feel when people smile at me. I am thankful that I can express warmth, love, and joy when I smile and laugh.

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved. Written by Krystal Kuehn. NewDayCounseling. org & BeHappy4Life. com

Men And Teenage Male Stretch Marks - It ' s Not Just About Women

It ' s a common erratum that stretch marks are a problem only women suffer through. Both women and men are equal gang when it comes to being embarrassed and self - conscious about stretch marks. Males in general are a lot less likely to even talk about stretch marks which adds to the myth that stretch marks are a woman ' s kingdom.

In males, stretch marks repeatedly expose by way of rapid growth periods brought on by boyhood, excessive weightlifting, steroid use or during times of weight gain due to an abrupt slowdown from an energetic lifestyle.

Stretch Marks 101

Our skin is made up of distinctive layers, each with their own intent. The surface layer, the epidermis, rests on the dermis and is our bodies first line of protection against harmful environmental contaminates. Forthwith under, the dermis is comprised of collagen and elastin, proteins that are instrumental in keeping the skin flexible and firm. The dermis provides nutrients and foothold to the epidermis. When the dermis is healthy with lots of collagen and elastin, the skin looks firm an smooth. When there is a deficiency of collagen and elastin, the skin will look wrinkled, lumpy and loose.

In the circumstances of stretch marks, the skin is forced to convert quickly to an abrupt change in the size or shape of an people body. Often, it doesn ' t do an adequate job. Depending on your age, genetics, skin type or overall health, the dermis frequently cannot modify quickly enough, causing weak thin areas in the dermis. When new, these languid areas become red, salty or darker due to disastrous capillaries similar to bruising. It is these discoloured thin areas we mind from the surface as stretch marks. Over time, these coal marks do heal and become smaller, anaemic white or glossy white and less noticeable.

Hormones Are The Root Cause

Likewise common inaccuracy is stretch marks are caused by the " tearing " of the skin. Stretch marks are all caused by hormone imbalances. These glucocorticoid hormones affect the growth of elastin and collagen in the dermis. Imbalances bring about impaired collagen and elastin formation resulting in bands of " thin " dermis, particularly in areas of the body station growth is the greatest: innards, chest / shoulders, buttocks, arms, etc. So, in flak, the skin doesn ' t tear, but grows and expands abnormally due to a need of energetic building materials.

Hormonal changes eventuate in the male body for a unit of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are growth spurts during awkward age, rapid weight gain or loss, bodybuilding or weightlifting, and steroid use for malady or sport.

Growth Spurts during Immaturity

Throughout innocence, teenage boys commonly go through rapid growth periods. Stretch marks can exposition up on the lower back or intestines, shoulders, thighs or upper arms or virtually any area of the body that is developing very quickly.

Unfortunately, there is no way to slow the body growth. However, utilizing moisturizers, being active and maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins C, A and E can go a long way to keeping the skin healthy, durable and versatile.

Of note, being of the durable nature of a growing body, stretch marks acquired during youth much heal quickly and eventually become the numero uno noticeable.

Rapid Weight Gain or Loss

Rapid weight gain or loss is increased common chief to stretch marks. Hormones are coinciding in structure to cholesterol and fat, so putting on or losing a lot of weight quickly can cause imbalances in the skin ' s glucocorticoid hormone levels that influence how the skin regenerates and grows.

Avoiding a diet high in fat and simple carbohydrates such as mush and rarefied flour can clinch rapid weight gain. Weight gain also comes from an quick slow down in physical exercise. Going from an energetic outdoor job for an indoor sedentary desk job without any discongruity of diet can be enough in witting people to cause unwanted sudden weight gain.

Bodybuilding or Weightlifting

In bodybuilders and weightlifters, the arms, shoulder muscles and upper body are particularly tender to stretch marks due to these areas build muscle quickly with rigorous exercise or by using anabolic steroids or supplements. To prevent stretch marks while muscle building, exercise all muscle groups instead of concentrating on just the upper body. For supplementary protection, lubricate the skin in places such as the upper arms, chest / shoulders, upper thighs and buttocks, and most importantly, create a plan to develop muscle mass consistently over time.

Steroid Use

The use of any steroids, whether to treat certain illnesses or boost sturdy performance can eventually lead to stretch marks. The use of steroids are known to affect hormone animation consequently potentially pleasing the connective tissue of the dermis. Common types of steroid use are prolonged or overuse of corticosteroid medications like those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis or asthma and anabolic steroid use in athletes.

Effective Treatments

First and foremost, prevention should be a priority when dealing with male stretch marks. Once present, stretch marks can be penurious even to the point locus they are hard to consideration, but they will be with you for life. There are many over - the - counter topical creams that can be fully effective. Most work best for recent stretch marks and lack hopped up consistent use for many months. The costs can add up. When looking for an effective stretch mark cream, research the subject online wealthy particular attention to even-handed reviews that maintain good details and products that offer a satisfaction guarantee.

For white " aged " or severe stretch marks, stopover a dermatologist for a more in - depth evaluation of your particular case. A good dermatologist will have experienced knowledge of what will most likely work best for your stretch marks. They can fix up information on more advanced treatments such as laser stretch mark removal, microdermabrasion, massage therapy or combinations of treatments.

How to Prevent Low Back Pain on an Elliptical Machine

If you have ever encountered low back pain from working out on an exercise machine, you are not alone. Many people suffer from back pain which comes with exerting yourself on machines that you are not used to, and don ' t necessarily appropriate to everyday muscle movements in life.

However, this doesn ' t parsimonious that you have to stop working out, or even give up the machines you love. You also don ' t have to live with this pain, or try to work through it.

There are ways to prepare before your workout, be careful during, and care for yourself after to ice that your back ' s health and comfort will be a digit one priority. Using an elliptical machine is one of the best ways to do this, along with other preventative measures.

The basis why elliptical machines are so easy on the back, is due to they are low - impact in nature. When you are running on pavement, your feet hit the ground and pipe a shock up through your body which is absorbed by your back and knees.

This can cause damage to your joints and muscles. When you use an elliptical machine, your legs and hips are being led through a soft, completely sap motion which does not crave the foot to inherit any impact whatsoever.

So, if you have any altruistic of injury or simple back and joint pain, using an elliptical is a smart abstraction, at first while you rehabilitate. If you have decided to use this machine, here are some things which you should also incorporate to help you overcome the struggle of low back discomfort at the gym.

To bring about with, make perfect that you properly stretch yourself before stepping on the elliptical. This means stretching your legs, arms, hips, shoulders, canoodle, and particularly your back.

To stretch each muscle pool in your back, try these simple, quick stretches. Actualize by lying on your back on the flag.

Extend your arms out to either side of your body, at about ninety degrees. Bend your knees, and turn your waist so that your knees point to the right - keep your upper body completely flat on the flag and do not turn.

Turn your head to the desolate as you point your knees to the right. Clasp this position for as long as you can, and switch your legs over to the contradiction side.

Make assured that your head is always gamy in the reverse direction that your knees are gamy. This will help you to get a sweeping canoodle and shoulder stretch at the same time.

Be unmitigated to properly stretch out your hip muscles beforehand as well. If your hips are tight, often that tenacity and pain will scatter up through your back, and cause you disappointment.

Once you are done with warming up your body, be unmistakable to start on your machine going easy. Don ' t start with a high level of resistance - build you way up as you find that your body is totally plush.

Make genuine that your body is staying proper and smooth on the machine, and that you are not irregular in any way that could be causing you pain or disappointment. Make real that your feet are facing forward, and aren ' t gamy too far in or out.

Go through your workout as you normally would - if you start to feel pain or tension, delay your workout, and stretch again. Do not work out if the pain becomes too intense - it is better to just start slowly and work your way up to what you would like to be accomplishing.

Once you have ended your workout, it is time to stretch again! Go through all of your muscle groups, so you don ' t build up lactic acid in your muscles - this can cause pain which will come when you wake up the next day.

Make direct to drink lots and lots of water. Believe it or not, drinking water will help to flush the toxins out of your muscles, and keep your circulation better throughout your body.

It is certainly not impossible to workout with back pain. You just need to take special care to listen to your body, its limitations, and what it needs.