February Spotlight – Jeanne Smit

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Jeanne SmitHi…my name is Jeanne Smit and I have been coming to Sarah’s class for just over a year now, with my husband Ed. I enjoy gardening, sewing, and fitness, which has always been a big part of my life. I have been doing some form of exercising since I was a teenager.

I have four children, who are very fitness-minded also, and eight grandchildren who I hope will find their fitness important also.  I always knew that you need to keep your body moving in some way in order to maintain a good, healthy life.

‘Keep moving’ is my motto. I do know I’m not the most flexible person in the yoga class, but I know it’s very good for my mobility.  It’s so true, as you age, your body just doesn’t move like it used to….and I cannot believe I fall into that category!!    My body isn’t the same one as when I was 20, 30, 40, or even 50!

I believe that Yoga is very good for the body and mind, and I enjoy the feeling after the class is over.

When Willpower Isn’t Enough

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When Willpower Isn’t EnoughDo you snack every night in front of the television?

Do you drink too much when you are out with friends?

Do you buy clothes that you don’t need without realizing it?

These can become bad habits.  Many bad habits are operated mindlessly, on autopilot.  How do you stop these bad habits? The key is to figure out how to get your mind off of autopilot. It is learning to disrupt the behavior before it starts.

How many of you go to the movies and buy popcorn and eat the whole bucket within the first 20 minutes of the movie, and then have to run out again to get more? Are you hungry? Probably not. It is just mindless eating. If you would like to break a bad habit, spend some time thinking about the situations in which bad behavior often occurs. Considering doing something else instead of going back into mindless autopilot. Any alternate activity is less likely to trigger mindless eating. Try mixing up your routines, or changing hands when you eat making the situation more mindful and aware.

Many times, we blame ourselves for failures and chalk it up to lack of commitment or willpower.  We need to understand how behavioral mindless activities start by understanding how they really work and applying the most effective strategies to overcome our bad habits.   We need to get off of autopilot and fly our own plane. This would be a great coaching session. Are you ready?

Taking Care of Yourself

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Taking Care of YourselfYour children can often pick up on your stress much like a sponge.

  • Do routine things to ensure less stress for all
  • Do your best to make sure the entire family eats a balanced meal to stay well and nourished. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and exercise.
  • Do not forget to take care of yourself. If you are not feeling okay, it conflicts with the order of everything else.
  • Take a nap, read a book, or take a long hot bath. Relaxation is one of the ways you can best approach the struggles with that following stress and anxiety.

Help Anxious Children

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Help Anxious ChildrenAnxious people tend to be hyper-aware of their surroundings. They are always on the lookout for possible threats or risks in new situations.  Plan ahead.

  • Talk to your children about upcoming situations.
  • Teach your child to shake hands to say hello instead of a hug.
  • Practice deep breathing techniques for when your child is overwhelmed.
  • Eliminate the unexpected.
  • Tell your child ahead of time what to expect.
  • Create a secret signal. This is a way you and your child can let each other know when they need help without alerting others.
  • Schedule special family time.  Try to find time for your family to sit down together to play games, watch a video, or engage in other fun and relaxing activities.

How to Overcome Your Fears of Traveling

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Overcome Your Fear of TravelingPeople with agoraphobia may find things such as overcrowded airports and train stations overwhelming. Many anticipate their trips with dread. Those with generalized anxiety may find a bunch of new things to worry about during travel. This can interfere with your life. It is important to remember that avoidance will not help you overcome anxiety. Instead of dreading travel try practicing your fears head-on. Taking one step at a time and have some support.

Plan and confirm all details: to decrease your stress, try to book flights that leave early in the day when the airport is less crowded.  Allow plenty of time to organize your belongings, your IDs for security checkpoints, and check to make sure that you have your medication.

Start thinking ahead. Make a list of activities that you would like to engage in during your travel. Plan stress-reducing techniques. Such as slow, deep breathing, meditation, and progressive relaxation.

Put your strategies to reduce anxiety to work.  Connect with staff on the plane, request seating by the aisle or window whichever you feel most comfortable.

 

Pumpkin Oat Bars

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Pumpkin Oat BarsIngredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 2 tsp. pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips

Directions

  • Preheat oven 350 degrees, grease 8×8 baking pan.
  • Mix together flour, oats, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat together pumpkin, coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet and stir well.
  • Mix in raisins or chocolate chips
  • Pour batter into greased pan.
  • Bake 16-18 minutes.
  • Let cool, then cut into squares.

Enjoy!

 

What are Chakras in Plain English?

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The chakras are seven energy centers in your body that affect your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. When you begin to work on your chakras, your energy begins to flow upwards. Many people’s chakras are not balanced. They are often blocked, overactive or inactive, resulting in confusion, depression, imbalances, and low energy.

How to balance your chakras is a good question.  Through movement, breathing, and sounds help to move the energy in the body into the right directions which can help you to be more positive, have peace, clarity, energy, and balance within your life.

Here are some yoga poses to help you balance your chakras:

 

So Let’s Talk about CBD Oil

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CBD OilHello again. First off CBD is NOT marijuana. They both come from the same plant, cannabis (hemp) but they are two different varieties. Think of it like apples – the granny smith is sour but the red delicious is sweet. They both come from apple trees but they are different varieties.

Just like apples, there are different kinds of CBD oils. Young Living uses the CBD oil that does NOT contain any THC (the mind-altering and addictive substance). Young Living essential oils are also mixed in with the CBD oil to help boost the effects of the product.

Young Living uses plants that are grown in chemical/toxin-free soil and have the seed to seal approval. Seed to Seal guarantees no chemicals/toxins are in the soil, used in the growing stage, or in the processing stages. Every oil is kept pure and free from chemicals/toxins.  This is why Young Living products are more expensive than the ones in your local store. You pay more to guarantee no chemicals/toxins are being added to your body.

  • Calm CBD Roll-On creates a peaceful environment that will help relax and quiet your mind.
  • CBD Muscle Rub can specifically target those sore, achy muscles.
  • Cool Mint CBD targets Digestion, Immune function, Inflammation, Neuroinflammation, and Pain.
  • Citrus CBD targets Mood, Sleep, Appetite, and Memory.
  • Cinnamon CBD targets Appetite, Digestion, Immune function,  and Inflammation.

If you are ever interested in learning more about any of the information in these blog posts please feel free to contact me through The Hammock.

Well, that is it for now. We will chat again later.

 

How to Experience Yoga in a Welcoming Environment

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How to Experience Yoga in a Welcoming EnvironmentYoga students typically seek out a quiet, tranquil, and breath-focused environment with minimal distraction. Here is some etiquette that can help maintain calm:

  1. Arrive early…it helps you to get in the right mindset, and it won’t interrupt others.
  2. Plan to stay for the whole class. It is very disruptive when someone gathers their belongings and opens doors to leave.
  3. Leave your shoes at the door or on the trays. This shows a sign of respect and doesn’t get the floors wet during inclement weather.
  4. Leave your cellphone outside the room. That way you won’t disturb the other students and it won’t distract you from being present.
  5. Bring water, towel, and if possible, your own mat.  Drink your water at the end, as through the yoga practice your body builds a digestive fire, necessary to break down food. You want to keep that fire going during the yoga class. A towel can be used to wipe sweat or to use as a prop. Bringing your own mat is great for hygienic reasons and can connect with your personal mat.
  6. Avoid perfume or scented lotion. This could be distracting or disturbing to the other students. Essential oils are fine if used in moderation.
  7. Wear appropriate clothing. Wear something that is comfortable, stretchy and breathable. Modesty is traditionally a part of yoga practice.
  8. Let the teacher know about any physical issues and preferences. Before class is a good time to touch base with the teacher on any issues that may impact your time there. Let the teacher know if you are uncomfortable with hands-on assistance.
  9. Clean up after class. Wipe the mats down and put the props away where they belong.
  10. Be compassionate and don’t judge others. Reactions are not necessary for passing gas or making other noises. Focus on yourself, and be ok with yourself and your practice. Enjoying just being you.