What a great response to Week 1 & Week 2 of #ActiveApril. We are half way through the month and I’m loving the enthusiasm from those participating.
Week 1 The focus during my Facebook Live Videos was on learning the benefits of exercise, how Food Diaries can help and also strategies for overcoming Emotional Eating.
Week 2 was all about Mental Health and Wellbeing. During the Facebook Live Videos, I discussed the importance of Keeping our Aging Brains Sharp and How Food and Getting back to Nature can help our Mental Health.
Week 3 – Let’s Devote some time to Self-Belief & Spiritual Health
This week, the focus will be on our Spiritual Health which to me is about Self-Belief and learning who we are – our Values and Core Beliefs. Our Emotional Agility & Nourishing our Soul.
We will also have a challenge to try two new healthy recipes to ensure you are getting your 2 & 5 a day.
We will also be continuing with another suggested Workout Video from Strong Healthy Women.
Emotional Agility & Stretching
What is Emotional Agility?
In her book, EMOTIONAL AGILITY: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life, Dr Susan David describes Emotional Agility as:
a process that enables us to navigate life’s twists and turns with self-acceptance, clear-sightedness, and an open mind. The process isn’t about ignoring difficult emotions and thoughts. It’s about holding those emotions and thoughts loosely, facing them courageously and compassionately, and then moving past them to ignite change in your life.
It is all about
- Showing Up by facing all your emotions rather than ignoring difficult thoughts
- Stepping Out of your emotions to observe what they are
- Walking Your Why –Your core values provide the compass that keeps you moving in the right direction.
- Moving On by making small deliberate changes to your mindset, motivation, and habits.
Nourishing the Soul
Just as our body requires nourishment so does our Soul and Spiritual side. Take time each day to nourish with self-care, reflection and meditation or prayer. Above all having a grateful Heart and concentrating on what we have rather than what we don’t have will fill our soul with Joy.
I would recommend you listen to the following podcast which I listened to during the week. Podcasts are great – you can multi task and listen to them at the same time. I listened to this while I was cleaning the Oven and it certainly provided some mental stimulation while completing a chore!
The Plan
REMEMBER: Check with your doctor if you haven’t exercised for a while and get the OK to start. I am not a professional but a guide to support you.
Strong Healthy Women Video – I Am EVERYTHING You will need some handweights for some of the videos
EATING
- Select two healthy recipes to make and post to the Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond Facebook Group page.
- Eat your 2 & 5-a-day – That means five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit. Click Here to read if you ‘Are really getting your 2 & 5 a day’.
MIND
Daily Mental Exercise – 20 minutes for puzzles, crosswords or anything that makes you think. Weeks 1 – 4
SPIRIT
Daily Spiritual Connection – 10 – 20 minutes to reflect, pray, meditate or journal Weeks 1 – 4
HYDRATION
Drink Water – CLICK HERE FOR THE STRONG HEALTH WOMAN WATER CHEAT SHEET
Other Resources
Weekly Planner
Complete the Workout sheet for five days, including physical, mental and spiritual activity. Don’t forget to record your wins and don’t be ashamed to record your struggles. Click HERE to download your worksheet.
Warm Up Exercise Examples CLICK HERE
Stretching Examples CLICK HERE
Exercising your Brain – Need some ideas for puzzles, crosswords? CLICK HERE
Spiritual Connection – I’ve provided a link with several Mindfulness Apps you could try. CLICK HERE
Yoga – I love Yoga with Adriene. I follow her on YouTube and do my practice at home. CLICK HERE
Don’t forget to check in at the Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond Facebook Group for daily tips, inspiration and motivation. Not a member? You can join HERE – it’s FREE!
4 Comments
Hi, Sue – I am impressed, and grateful, for all the tips that you have been sharing here. It is often much easier to remember to nourish our bodies…and then to neglect our souls. Thank you for this critical reminder!
Hi Donna, it has really stretched me to come up with ideas and useful information. We are in the midst of packing to move next week and I actually wasn’t thinking this morning and hit publish instead of scheduling this post. Never mind, I’m so pleased you are enjoying the series. Any thoughts on a theme for May? xx
Hi Sue,
Helpful info, as always. Will try to get a recipe or two onto the Facebook page…are packing to move back to NH for 6 months so busy, busy, busy. Who ever said retirement was quiet?
Such a lot of good useful information Sue, you’ve certainly been busy and we’re all benefitting from your generosity and hard work! Thanks so much, you’re a wealth of information.