10 Simple And Free Ways To Make More Of Your Day

If your life is anything like mine, you're crazy busy. Stress and anxiety have a way of paralyzing us. Sometimes taking a few moments to enjoy your day, doing something for YOU can actually help you be more productive in the long run. So go ahead, take a little time for you. Here are 10 simple and free ways you can make more out of your day and show yourself  (and others) a little love.

1. Spend a few moments of quiet gratitude in the morning before you plug into your day
2. Turn off the gadgets and curl up with a good book
3. Smile at the lady down the street that always has a frown 
4. Do something physical
5. Look up and absorb the brilliant colors in the sky
6. Lie on the ground, close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you
7. Eat clean and drink plenty of herbal teas and water
8. Call someone you’ve been meaning to see and make that date to get together
9. Write a love note to yourself or your partner
10. Light a candle and pamper yourself while you relax in a long hot bath 

There is only one today. Make the most of it and take care of you.

My Afternoon Of Yoga

I was excited when I woke up this morning because I knew I could finally get to one of my favorite yoga classes taught by one of my favorite teachers, Nancy Hsu.

I first took one of her classes about a year ago, and between my busy schedule and Nancy’s schedule teaching all over Manhattan, it’s rare when our stars align and I can get to this particular vinyasa class.  Nancy only teaches a handful of classes at my local gym, so it’s always a treat!

Brief History of Yoga:  Yoga originated from India over five thousand years ago. Yoga is probably the oldest defined practice of self development. The Indian sage Pantajali, in his Yoga sutras, defines yoga as the control of activities of ones minds. Yoga is founded on the belief of the progress of self awareness. It is also the connection of mind, body and soul.  Yoga shows us that we are multi-layered beings – with interconnected physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions.

It’s Good For You:  Most of the health benefits of yoga, especially in the beginning, are experienced at the physical level.  You can start practicing yoga at any age, and at virtually any fitness level.  

Just a few Health Benefits:

• Boosts immune system
• Improves circulation
• Helps normalize blood pressure and improves cardiovascular efficiency
• Improves digestion and excretory functions
• Increased energy levels
• Relieves muscle tension 
• Improves flexibility
• Promotes relaxation and healthy sleep
• Strengthens and tones the nervous system
• Increases physical strength and stamina
• Yoga benefits spinal health and improves posture
• Strengthens, lubricates and rehabilitates the joints, improving function and range of motion
• Many postures massage the internal organs, stimulate the glands and enhance endocrine functions
• Improves skin tone and complexion
• Increases lung capacity and Improves breathing
• Provides great conditioning for weight loss

What do I love about yoga?    In a nutshell, it makes me feel good! Yoga calms me, centers me, and helps me connect my mind with my body. I also find yoga can be an awesome workout.  I’m not getting any younger and yet I have gained more flexibility over the last few years by practicing yoga.

Simple Tip of The Day

"Simple Tip of the Day"--♥-- 

Create some quiet time.

If you’re susceptible to mood swings, stress, anxiety or feelings of being overwhelmed – meditation will help you clear your mind and feel more in control. From my experience, I can say that meditation has strengthened my immune system – I get ill less, have more energy - and I’m sure my memory is improving too. Give it a try...turn off your gadgets, find a quiet spot, close your eyes and breath. Let thoughts come and go, don't try to hang onto anything. Just 5 minutes every few days can make a big difference. Namaste....

Confessions Of A Personal Trainer 1/6/12

January 6, 2012

I’m sitting in a cool little cafe on Columbus and 72nd Street, having a cup of coffee and waiting for the breakfast special, these amazing Argentinian baked eggs. And even though I’m always trying to lose five/ten pounds I like to eat and I feel like I deserve this breakfast.  (I order salad instead of the potatoes and whole grain toast with olive oil instead of butter, I’m always trying.) 

I just got through teaching my boot-camp class at a studio up the street.  I kicked 5 ladies asses, well, 6, including myself.  For one hour we kick-boxed, squatted, lunged, jumped, punched, push-upped, crunched, lifted weights and sweated like crazy. I had some great mash-ups playing loud and at times the six of us were so in sync we could have been doing a number on Broadway.  

My moves aren’t complicated, but when we’re all on the beat and moving as one I get chills.  We are high, us ladies, high on life...It’s an endorphin rush, an organic, natural high, a zen like state.  As a group experience, in that moment, we are connected and even though it sort of sucks, to be working out like a maniac, we are all loving it.  (I hope I’m not making too much of an assumption here, ladies, but you do come back for more!) 

FLASHBACK:!:!:!:

Working out on my own at the tiny little Paris Health Club in 80's NYC...

FAST FORWARD:!:!:!

Where are my baked eggs?