How To Feel Healthier & More Energetic

It’s a wonderful feeling when you truly feel healthy in yourself, and especially when you have the energy to match. For many people, this is a feeling that only appears every now and then, and for that reason it feels especially unusual when it does. Of course, it is not the best sign if you are not feeling that way often, and if you are not then you will want to make sure that you are looking into what you can do to make yourself feel healthier and more energetic more often. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the things you can do in order to make that a reality - and you might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it can prove to be.

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Focus On Getting More Sleep

One of the first things you will want to pay attention to here is how much you sleep. As long as you sleep enough, you will find that you feel considerably more naturally energetic, and that you are genuinely healthier in many ways too. Sleep is the thing which ties all other aspects of health together. If you have a great diet and you exercise all the time, you still are not going to get the full benefits from that if you are not sleeping enough. Understanding the importance of sleep is the first step in ensuring that you get more of it, so this is valuable to consider. When you appreciate just how important it is, you will find yourself making a point of doing everything you can to sleep more.

But what does that involve? One of the best thing you can do is to make sure that you have a routine for bedtime. Having some kind of a routine is likely to mean that you nod off quicker, as well as sleep deeper. That routine can be anything you like that will help get you ready for bed, but you should try not to use any screens during that time, as they have a way of interrupting your melatonin. However, as long as you have some kind of schedule, perhaps including reading a book, you will be able to find that you sleep much more easily and deeply on the whole, so that is worth thinking about.

It’s also a good idea to take care of what you ingest, and in particular try to avoid things that obviously make sleep harder such as caffeine. A little caffeine in the morning is okay, but try to avoid drinking any after midday. Caffeine can affect your sleep even up to twelve hours afterwards, so clearly you should avoid it in the afternoon at all. As long as you get plenty of sleep, you will feel much healthier and more energetic, even before you have done anything else towards that end.

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Get Moving

Of course, exercise is one of the most valuable things here too, and you need to make sure that you are going to exercise plenty if you want to feel healthy and energetic. This is one of those things that are hard to appreciate if you have not exercised much before or for a long time, but exercising more has a way of giving you more energy overall. This happens due to a number of reasons. Firstly, exercising helps you to sleep, which - as we have seen - is important in keeping your energy levels high. Exercise will also ensure that you are training your body so that it doesn’t get tired as easily, which effectively feels more like having higher energy than usual. What’s more, a good amount of exercise improves the circulation and the capacity of the lungs - two things that are bound to make you feel healthy and vibrant.

Most importantly, you need to exercise in a cardiovascular sense, so that you are getting your body moving fast and in a really powerful way. Going for a run every day is a pretty good goal to set, and you will find that it really does make a huge difference to how you feel in no time. But you should also consider doing a few muscle exercises, as they have a way of giving you energy too - and if you find some fitness apps for flexibility you will be able to ensure that you are finishing off your exercise properly. All of that will help hugely, and it is all worth thinking about.

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Eat More Whole Foods

When you are mostly eating processed foods, it has a way of negatively affecting your energy levels for the entire day. There is a huge difference to be had, however, when you start making a point of eating more whole foods, and it is the kind of change that you should absolutely think about making for that reason alone. Whole foods should be the entirety of your diet, or at the very least almost all of it, so that you can make sure that you are eating as well as possible. If you are not sure what a whole food is, it is simply anything that you get in that form in its natural state. Fruit and vegetables are whole foods, as are animal products - although consuming too much meat and dairy might rob you of some of the energy that you are looking for, so you should aim to take care with that. Generally, however, a whole food based diet is what you should aim for to be healthy and energetic.

Focus On Happiness

Something that also helps you to feel healthy and energetic is if you are happy - and this is kind of cycle which you might want to try and begin. You can do that by focusing on your own internal happiness, which is something that not many people do but which is likely to help you get to a happier state on the whole. When you are happy, you are almost always more energetic, and you certainly feel healthier in body and mind.

How Does An Injury Impact You As A Parent?

As a parent, you want the best for your kids. You want to be there for them as often as you can be, and you want to give them everything they need and want and deserve. You want to give them a good start in life, and to be the kind of parent every single little boy and girl out there dreams of. All in all, you want to be a good parent, and you’re not about to let anything stand in your way of being one!

But there’s always our health to look out for. It can change suddenly, it can change over time, and you can never quite be sure if you’ve protected yourself well enough against the co worker in the cubicle next to yours who’s coughing and spluttering with the flu.

But more than that, you’re a human being with a normal body, which can also easily get injured. And that’s something we’re going to focus on today. A sprained ankle here or a broken wrist there, or even a broken leg and shattered knee that you need to spend a good period of time in hospital for, can seriously affect you as a parent.

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An Injury Can Lose You Lots of Time

Put simply, an injury you’ve sustained can affect the amount of time you have in the day. It’s said we all have the same 24 hours, day in and day out, but that statement is seriously misguided. Because if you’re someone who can’t get out of bed until your partner has gotten themselves ready and can finally help you sit and stand up, or you need to go to bed earlier in the evening because you need the extra resting time, you’re not going to have the same kind of command over your time.

And when it comes to your kids, that can cost you. You might not be able to make them breakfast in the morning, you might not be able to take them to school, you might not be able to pick them up afterwards, and you won’t have the same energy to be with them in the evening. An injury, and healing from one, zaps your energy (and if you’re in pain too, there goes your patience!), and that costs you a lot of quality time with the people you love most in the world.

You might not even have the same amount of time to sleep well at night either. Maybe because you’re tossing and turning, or maybe because you can’t sleep because of the stress and frustration over losing some of your ‘capability’ as a parent, you’re not getting as much sleep as you used to. That can just slow your recovery time down even more, which just doesn't help anyone!

In the morning, you might just be a bit more frustrated, and not have the energy to get out of bed as soon as you might be able to. That means you don’t see your kids before they’re out the door, and on and on the cycle can go until you’re feeling physically better. It can be a vicious time in your life, but if you’re aware of the possibility of it, you can better prepare yourself for it.

An Injury Can Lose You a Lot of Money

If you live in a country where healthcare can cost you a lot of money, and you’re not sure whether the insurance you have can cover it (if you have insurance at all!), it can cost to get yourself fixed up after an injury. You might be out of pocket for an ambulance ride alone, which depending on the severity of the injury, could cost upwards of $1000. If you require surgery as well, the fees are only going to rapidly increase.

There’s also the fact that you’re going to have to take some time off work. Of course, if it’s only a couple broken fingers or toes, you can very easily grin and bear until you’re healed up again. But if you struggle to walk because of your injury, or you can’t even stand up at all, it might be a good month or so before you’re back at your desk.

All in all, you can lose out on the money that helps to feed, clothe, and keep your children warm. These often seem like the basics in life that a parent has to provide, and you can end up feeling like a pretty bad one if this is a moment in time where you struggle to.

But if you were injured in an accident whilst out and about, and it wasn’t your fault and there’s some clear evidence to prove that, you can turn to a lawyer at a time like this. Someone who can prove you’re owed money to help you through this difficult period in your life, and to help make some of the income back that you might have lost from your current inability to work.

It’s often quite a good idea to see if you’re eligible for a lawsuit after being injured, seeing as if you don’t ask, you don’t get! Companies such as Van Sant Law could prove very helpful, as it’s best to get in contact with a law service that specializes in personal injuries.

But even if you’re successful in your claim, and you look to be owed quite a substantial settlement, the attorney bills can be steep. Of course, personal injury lawyers often don’t ask for initial consultation fees, and often enough, only successful settlements are ones you have to fork out for. But some companies can ask for upwards of 25% of what you won from the judge’s settlement, and you should always check for any hidden fees in the contract before you sign one.

Remember, being injured doesn’t make you a bad parent, even in those low moments where the bills not get paid for another couple days and you’re so stressed you only want to sleep.

Dream Careers For Those Who Love Fitness!

It feels like a bit of magic when you find a career path that suits you. But, if you are a generally active and sporty person, and your interests span a few sectors - how do you know which one is for you? If you are interested in fitness careers that pay well first, and the style of training second, then the chances are you won’t have too much trouble finding something to match your personality.

Here is a list of some great careers that you can choose from that will combine your passion and the need to pay bills.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Health & Wellness Coach

This one is pretty cool because it combines knowledge of training different body types, nutritional information, but combines it with a slightly more holistic approach. This isn’t about strict fitness and getting those muscles ripped, it’s about the overall wellness of you. Health and Wellness coaches help you create attainable goals, form health habits, signpost people to other sources like trainers and physiotherapists - should they be needed. If you chose this path, you would be helping people towards a healthier lifestyle.

Kinesiologist

A what now? Kinesiology is the study of physical activity. As a kinesiologist, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge in leisure, recreation and exercise physiology. The main aim here is to work alongside athletes to get them into absolute peak performance. Your in-depth knowledge of biomechanics will help them navigate through anything that they might feel is holding them back. This isn’t just about watching highly trained athletes run on treadmills though. You can go on to help in the manufacturing process of athletic equipment, or work in academia.

Physical Therapist

This is an incredibly rewarding role. It isn’t about building big muscles or breaking personal best times on the track. This career is about helping people rebuild their lives. It might be something simple like a tight ankle after injury, but it could also be helping people to walk again after a severe injury.  There is a deep sense of purpose that comes with being able to study the body and bring someone back to their former capabilities. This role comes with a lot of stability, as you’ll likely work in a hospital setting or in a private practice.

Yoga Teacher

This role is as much about mindfulness and finding calm and relaxation as it is about the movements. If you’re going to teach yoga, then you probably already have a lot of experience from attending classes yourself. You’ll likely work in yoga centers, health centers, local sports halls, or maybe your own studio one day. You’ll be able to lead a group of people who are all looking to relaxing, unwind, and stretch out the stress of the day. You’ll be a master at keeping people relaxed, and your active listening skills will be super sharp. There are many different types of yoga, so you’ll need to choose which one suits your lifestyle and career path moving forward before you decide.

Physical Education Teacher

There is nothing as satisfying as shaping and inspiring young minds. There is often a group of children who don’t love P.E, but there will be a few that shine. Studies show that the more physically active students are, the better that they perform academically too. Teaching P.E isn’t always the most natural thing as you get into the high school ages, the kids are full of energy, but if you know how to channel it in a positive and purpose-filled way, this can be a great career choice.

Nutritionist

What is an exercise program without the right eating habits? While most fitness trainers and even health and wellness coaches have some of the relevant skills, a nutritionist is at the top of their game. They have all the knowledge to help people lose or gain weight in a healthy way, the ability to curate and eating program for a perfect ‘gains’ schedule too. A Nutritionist will help their clients make smart decisions around their food at all times. You might be self-employed in this role or work at a spa or in a hospital, depending on your qualifications.

Strength and Conditioning

If you are eyeing up this role, the chances are you have a pretty strict gym ritual. You know what to eat and when to eat it, how many reps you’re doing before you even start and a passion for protein. A Strength and Conditioning Specialist will help athletes and weight lifters improve their performance through specific testing. You will have an in-depth knowledge of how the body works, and which muscle groups are best used to complete a particular task. You’ll be able to coach professional athletes be faster, stronger, improve their power and agility too - all while preventing injuries and meeting their personal goals.

Fitness Magazine Editor

Of contributor. If you have a passion for fitness, the chances are you can find an excellent publication that would love to have your input. You’ll be combining creative flair with knowledge. Keeping up to date with new scientific discoveries that make an impact on the health and fitness word it a must. You’ll interview experts, head to conventions, and maybe even test some new products out yourself.

Gym Owner

This one might seem like taking a dive off the deep end, but really it’s just logical. You have a passion for helping people achieve their goals, as well as reaching your own. It makes sense that you would want to have a space to do that. Of course, this requires a little more knowledge in business, but with the right support, you would be able to create a popular and successful gym.

When it comes to a career in fitness, there are a lot of options. For the most part, you will always be working with people to help them make improvements to their lives - and that always matters.

Thrift Store Shopping After the Orthodontist Appointment

This morning I took my 14-year-old daughter to the orthodontist. The purpose of the visit was to take pictures of her teeth/bite with a digital camera, as well as X-rays, so we could get a treatment plan going and figure out financials. You see, this is going to be our family's fourth turn on the Braces Merry-go-Round.

Almost-18-year-old Joel is on his second round of braces (I think he started when he was like 11 or 12). (fun fact: did you know you can't join the military if you have braces? I might bribe the orthodontist to keep those braces on past Joel's 19th birthday LOL)

Michael is 16 and got his braces on fairly recently … last fall maybe.

Callie should get hers put on late June after a baby tooth is pulled or falls out on its own and we get the down payment together.

*Sidenote: payments start soon for my own double tooth-pulling situation by an oral surgeon and subsequent bone grafts and coming implants.

Callie had been begging me to go to our thrift store "in town" … which means 10 minutes away when you live in the country-ish. I said, "Hey, we are in this fancy part of town, so why don't we go to the Fancy Goodwill!" She agreed.

It was just okay. She found a three shirts and a cardigan for about $20, and she spent her own money. I bought her some barely used shoes for $9 and found myself a huge black bag for $15 (would've been $40 at Target, and my other one is falling apart; if the straps hold on this new bag from the weight I like to put into my bags, we are good to go).

We had a nice time together … some alone time like a little mother/daughter date. I hunted for a massive slow cooker, a hair dryer, dish drainer and a Waterpik to no avail. I have this ongoing thrift store list. It would be a garage sale list if I ever went to garage sales anymore. I probably need to start so we can save money.

So I ask you: do you go thrifting? Yes, it's a verb.

Do you do it for the hunt aspect or for the money-saving aspect? I for one am addicted to my Amazon and Target lifestyle where I can quickly and easily get anything I want but at a price. I should have checked the book section at the thrift store today; might have found some books we are planning on reading in our homeschool in the coming years.

**Callie likes the hunt aspect. I like the saving money part of it.

Hidden Treasures In Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles isn't celebrated in the way that, say, downtown New York or Cincinnati are. People imagine that the urban center of LA is a gang-dominated wasteland where tourists are escorted around in armored vehicles. But, that is actually a long way from the truth. After all, some of the largest businesses in America have chosen downtown LA to locate their offices.

Because downtown LA has such a bad rap, and because other locations, like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, have stolen its thunder, it's now full of hidden treasures for those intrepid enough to go looking for them. Check out these fantastic places you would never guess were located right at the heart of the City of Angels.

LA Boulders

LA Boulders is a company located in downtown LA which runs an indoor climbing facility. It is, therefore, the perfect way to work off a few calories if you visit one of the areas many fast food joints for lunch.

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LA Boulder wants to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, and so it offers people the opportunity to try out climbing walls of varying difficulty. The beginner climbing walls are still hard if you're not used to heaving your body up vertically, and you'll quickly start to feel the burn in your arms. But it's still a fun day out and one that you don't want to miss if you're in the area.

Velveteria

Did you know that you could paint in velvet? Probably not. But that's the whole point of LA's Velveteria, a gallery dedicated to velvet-based art.

It's not a small place either. The venue is home to some 3,000 original paintings - enough to keep you occupied for a full afternoon. The Velveteria is open all days except Tuesday.

LA Broadway

If you've ever searched for cheap theater tickets, you will no doubt have come across LA's very own Broadway. LA's Broadway is a knock-off version of the real thing in New York, right? Wrong. It turns out that LA has had its own theater district for just as long as New York, but like so much else in downtown LA, it's been overshadowed by other parts of the city.

Nickel Diner

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If you're on a diet, you might want to stop reading now. The Nickel Diner is not a diet-friendly place. It is, however, just the sort of dive you want to find when you're on holiday and treating yourself to pleasant culinary experiences.

Top items on the menu include strawberry crumble donuts, pulled pork sandwiches and homemade biscuits with jam. Is maple-glazed bacon more your thing? Fear not: you can get that here too.

Biddy Mason Park

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L.A. doesn't have an equivalent of New York's Central Park, but it does have the Biddy Mason Park, located just off Broadway. The park is a tribute to Biddy Mason, a courageous woman who fought for equal rights for African Americans in the nineteenth century. You can find out more about her life and struggles inscribed on murals in the park.