The science of motivation

With a new year just starting, many people take the opportunity to assess their situation. Perhaps they decide to make some changes, like taking better care of themselves. This might even include getting structural integration bodywork to improve how one’s body feels (just a thought!).

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Barbara Jean Conti
Snowflakes poem

For all you cross-country ski fans – excellent grooming today at Lebanon Hills in Eagan. The forest was truly a winter wonderland, with the trees flocked with snow. And, have I mentioned that XC skiing is a great full-body, low impact (well, as long as you don’t fall!) workout? In honor of the snowy season, here is a short poem on the topic.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Walking

Today was a good day for a walk with a friend around a nearby lake. The temperature was brisk but the sun was shining and the Minneapolis Park Board did a great job of plowing the paths after last week’s big snow storm. If you don’t already have an exercise program, walking is a good place to start.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Breathing lessons

It seems that lots of people don’t realize how important the way they breathe is. Having habits like taking shallow breaths or sometimes holding the breath can contribute to back and neck pain and increase your stress.

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Barbara Jean Conti
SI and Yoga

Clients have asked me how to maintain the changes to their body that they experienced from structural integration (SI). Common activities of modern life tend to work against maintaining the benefits of SI. Computer or desk work, being in a car and plane trips are all things that hold your body in a more-or-less fixed position and that tend to contract the body’s structure.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Thanksgiving

It seems like there is always some challenge or other in front of us. Even so, most of us have many things to be thankful for. Focusing on those things on just one day a year is not enough. Happiness research has shown that we need to think about what we are grateful for and things that went well on a regular basis. Are you ready to be systematic about counting your blessings?

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Barbara Jean Conti
A different kind of to-do list

Fall can be a busy time for many people. There are school activities and sports, putting the garden to bed and preparing the house and hearth for winter.  However, I find that taking a couple hours off from dealing with the list of things I “have to” do to recharge my batteries may be more productive in the long run. Here are a few exhibits and events in November that look good to me.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Tasty squash soup

Eating well is an important part of being healthy. Here is a recipe that I really enjoy and which uses seasonal produce. It is from The Food and Mood Cookbook by Elizabeth Somer and Jeannette Williams. Serve with a simple salad of mixed  greens.

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Barbara Jean Conti