Did you know that gardening has psychological benefits? When we work in a garden our stress lowers, we’re more mindful, our moods improve, and we have a sense of purpose. It’s not the size of the garden that matters, it’s caring for plants and nurturing them to maturity. In effect, we are giving of ourselves, our time, and our energy to another living entity. There’s still time to put plants in the ground or a pot if you live in the northern hemisphere. C’mon, get off the sofa and get gardening, you’ll feel better.
Month: June 2023
Something to Think About ~ It’s All About Love
Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning recalled as he marched with other oppressed and brutalized prisoners in the concentration camp, ‘A thought transfixed me, for the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many pets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth – that love is the ultimate an the highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love (pps. 48-49).
If you’ve been loved unconditionally you know you feel safe, you know you feel accepted as you are, blemishes and all, there’s nothing else you want to do except return the love in kind without thought to one’s self. When we lose that love, we recognize a deep void that only love can fill. Love, love, and love some more.
Joke of the Day
Joe: “I’m going to have an MRI.”
Pete: “Why? Is something wrong?”
Joe: “I don’t know, they’re going to see if I have claustrophobia.”
Health Tip for Today ~ Walking is a Powerful Exercise
Lace Up Your Walking Shoes – Walking is a Great Exercise
Walking is simple, yet powerful. It can help you stay trim, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen bones, keep blood pressure in check, lift your mood, and lower your risk for a number of diseases (diabetes and heart disease, for example). A number of studies have shown that walking and other physical activities can even improve memory and resist age-related memory loss. All you need is a well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes. Start with walking for about 10 to15 minutes at a time. Over time, you can start to walk farther and faster, until you’re walking for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week.
Inspiring Quote for Today ~ Victory Awaits if You Endure the Struggle
“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle, and a victory.”
Something to Think About ~ Don’t Give Up
Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning had a deep impact on my life. It was the basis for my doctoral dissertation. It became the foundational work for much of my research in higher education. I still treasure a typed letter from Viktor Frankl giving me advice on writing my dissertation. I am re-reading Man’s Search for Meaning (I’ve read it numerous times always gleaning some new insight). As I re-read Man’s Search for Meaning I will share Frankl’s insights with you and my take on how they apply to our contemporary lives.
Frankl describes a scene from a holocaust camp when he writes, “Thus, when we saw a comrade smoking his own cigarettes, we knew he had give up faith in his strength to carry on, and once lost, the w9ill to live seldom returned (pps 21-22).
I’ve witnessed the same phenomenon in older men and women who suddenly stop taking care of their appearance or the space in which they live, it is as if one can see the cloud of death hovering over them. It’s not long before they die. Don’t give in, ever. Fight the thoughts that you are powerless. Fight the thoughts that life is not worth living. You and your life are important and even the smallest contribution to make life better for another is significant. You are needed.
Inspiring Quote for Today ~ Good Things Are Coming Your Way
“Keep your eyes wide open in the darkest of times. Only then you can rely on shooting stars.”
Health Tip for Today ~ How Long should One Wait after Eating Before Exercising?
Give Your Body a Chance to Digest the Food You Consumed Before Exercising
The general recommendation is to wait at least 1 to 2 hours after eating a large meal before engaging in exercise or any intense physical activity. This allows your body to properly digest the food and minimize the risk of discomfort or digestive issues during your workout.
When you eat, blood flow is directed to your digestive system to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Exercising immediately after a meal can divert blood away from the digestive process and towards the muscles being used, which may hinder digestion and potentially lead to cramping, nausea, or discomfort.
However, it’s important to note that this timeframe can vary depending on individual factors such as the size and composition of your meal, your digestion speed, and personal tolerance. Light to moderate exercise or physical activity, such as walking, may be more comfortable even if you’ve recently eaten.
In summary, if you plan to engage in vigorous exercise or intense workouts, it’s generally advisable to wait for 1 to 2 hours after a large meal before starting. Listening to your body and finding a balance that works best for you is key. If you’re unsure, consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.
