Questions to reflect on to feel happier

If you find yourself feeling less than upbeat, thinking of something else can help move you to a better mental or emotional spot. However, at least for me – without a specific focus area, it can be difficult to stop ruminating on whatever is bothering you.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Healthy aging

A recent visit with an elderly relative led me to think about how the choices we make in our younger years play out when we’re older. In this case, a lack of exercise and general activity resulted in a need for physical therapy and a walker this summer. Eating poorly contributed to a loss of strength and some mental confusion. Although my relative really wanted to stay in her home, she couldn’t. Her house was not suitable for aging in place. Also, her small town did not have the level of visiting care services that she needed.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Tapas (the yoga concept, not the food)

In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that both yoga and Pilates are useful practices in conjunction with receiving the Rolf Method of Structural Integration. However, to experience thebenefits of either yoga or Pilates, one has to actually do the practice. Despite knowing that, on Saturday morning I was trying to decide whether going to yoga class would improve my day. I ended up going, had a good class and (not surprisingly) felt much better afterwards both physically and mentally.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Reading “Lean In”

When book club decided to read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, I was not that excited. However, I have actually found the book to be very interesting. She discusses research about workplace and home issues that affect everyone, especially women. She has simple and effective suggestions to change old patterns of behavior that hold us back. I would say the advice could apply not only to women but to introverts of both genders.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Strength training

I have heard more and more about strength training lately. While there seems to be no end of new information about the best type of and way to exercise, strength training is something to consider adding to your routine. New studies show it can benefit health in surprising ways. Along with an increase in strength, it can help reduce pain, improve both flexibility and balance and improve sleep.

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Barbara Jean Conti