Category Archives: Going Strong

Fitness, Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle

Struggling to Find Time to Exercise? Here’s What you Can Do About That

09/26/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Do you feel as though you are finding it hard to work out? If so then now is the time for you to do something about that. This guide will show you what steps you can take to boost your fitness goals, today.

Focus on Small Chunks of Time

One important thing to do is focus on making small chunks of time. Finding time to go to the gym can be difficult, especially when you have kids. One way for you to work around that would be for you to park further away from your destination, and for you to run errands on foot. If you can do this then you will soon see that you can take way more steps in the day and this can work in your favor. Taking a brisk walk when taking the kids to daycare can also help. Remember, all the minor improvements you can make now will add up, and they will make it easier for you in the long run to achieve your goals.

Combine Chores

Another thing you can do is try and combine your chores with exercise. Walk or ride a bike when doing your errands, as mentioned above, or do squats while you pick up toys. If you can do 20 squats a day then this will equal around 560 a month. It’s easy to see how this can add up and make a difference to your fitness level so make sure that you put in the work and that you go the extra mile in those small windows of opportunity you have.

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Go to the Gym

Did you know that some gyms have childcare facilities? This is a great way for you to turn your routine into a fun and exciting fitness opportunity. By taking your kids to daycare while you workout, you can give them the chance to get out of the house and do a lot of activities. You can also feel confident that you are getting the results you are looking for, which is a win-win.

Workout as a Family

Another thing you can do is try and work out as a family. There are countless ways that you can do this. Take a walk after work or go on a hike with the kids. The time before you watch a movie can be used to keep the whole family active too. Playing sports together, in addition to the health benefits, may also help you to enjoy family time more.

Focus on your Body
Your body needs protein to build muscle. If you are not getting enough protein then you may find that you end up struggling to meet your nutritional goals. You can also take Ostarine if you want to boost your results. Sites such as Science.bio have products that can help, so make sure that you look into them today if you want to start seeing bigger and better results. Make sure that you add a lot of vegetables to your diet too, as this will speed up your results.

Fitness, Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle, Tips

How to Maintain Independence and Active Lifestyle in an Independent Living Facility

09/12/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Moving to an independent living facility doesn’t mean giving up your independence or an active lifestyle. Indeed, it represents a chance to welcome a fresh phase in your journey, while preserving your self-reliance and zest. If you or a family member are contemplating independent living, it’s vital to recognize that such places are crafted to endorse self-sufficiency and a lively lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways to maintain your independence and an active lifestyle by finding the highest rated independent living facility in St. Louis for you. From social engagement to fitness activities, we’ve got you covered.

Maintain a Social Network

One of the keys to an active and fulfilling life in an independent living facility is to stay socially engaged. Loneliness and isolation can be detrimental to your well-being. Here are some ways to maintain a vibrant social network:

Join Clubs and Groups: Independent living facilities often have a variety of clubs and interest groups. Whether it’s a book club, a gardening club, or a chess group, there’s likely something that piques your interest.

Attend Social Events: Participate in community events and gatherings. These provide opportunities to meet new people and build friendships.

Volunteer: Many facilities offer volunteer opportunities. Giving back to the community not only keeps you active but also provides a sense of purpose.

Embrace Physical Activity

Staying physically active is essential for maintaining your independence and overall health. It doesn’t mean you have to run marathons, but incorporating movement into your daily routine is beneficial. Here’s how:

Daily Walks: Take a stroll around the facility’s grounds or nearby parks. Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps keep your joints mobile.

Chair Exercises: If mobility is a concern, consider chair exercises. There are plenty of seated workouts that you can do to improve strength and flexibility.

Fitness Classes: Many independent living facilities offer fitness classes tailored to seniors. These classes are a great way to stay active while socializing with peers.

Balance and Fall Prevention: Engage in exercises that improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. This is crucial for maintaining independence as you age.

Maintain Mental Agility

Keeping your mind sharp is just as important as staying physically active. Here are some ways to exercise your brain:

Read Regularly: Reading is an excellent way to keep your mind engaged. Whether it’s newspapers, novels, or magazines, reading stimulates cognitive function.

Puzzle Games: Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and brain-training apps are enjoyable ways to challenge your brain.

Learn Something New: Consider taking up a new hobby or skill. Many facilities offer classes in painting, cooking, or even learning a new language.

Stay Informed: Stay up to date with current events and engage in discussions. This keeps your mind active and promotes social interaction.

Maintain Your Living Space

Your living space plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Keeping it organized and comfortable can enhance your sense of independence. Here’s how:

Declutter: Regularly declutter your living space. This not only creates a more pleasant environment but also reduces the risk of accidents.

Personalize: Add personal touches to your apartment or room. Bring in cherished photos, artwork, or items that make you feel at home.

Safety First: Ensure that your living space is safe. Install grab bars in the bathroom and check that lighting is adequate to prevent accidents.

Ask for Help: If you need assistance with housekeeping or maintenance, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at your facility. They are there to help you maintain your living space.

Healthy Eating Habits

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for your overall well-being. Here are some tips for healthy eating in an independent living facility:

Dining Options: Find out what dining options are available. Many facilities offer nutritious and delicious meal plans.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which is important for your health and energy levels.

Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help maintain your energy levels.

Explore Local Amenities

Just because you’re in an independent living facility doesn’t mean you can’t explore the local community. Here’s how to do it:

Transportation Services: Many facilities offer transportation services for outings. Take advantage of these to explore local attractions, museums, and restaurants.

Visit Local Shops: If there are shops or markets within walking distance, take regular trips to get some fresh air and engage with the community.

Attend Cultural Events: Check out local cultural events, such as concerts or theater productions. These outings can be enjoyable and culturally enriching.

Conclusion

Maintaining independence and an active lifestyle in an independent living facility is entirely achievable with the right approach. Ensure you select a community that resonates with your preferences and requirements, remain socially active, prioritize both your physical and mental well-being, and tailor your living area to be both cozy and secure. By adopting these approaches, you can relish a rich and dynamic life in your new surroundings. Independent living doesn’t focus on constraints; it celebrates the liberty to shape life as you see fit.

Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle, Parenting

Getting Your Mojo Back as an Exhausted Dad

07/21/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

You wake up to energetic and demanding children every single morning, which you wouldn’t change for the world. You make them breakfast, play with them tirelessly, try to keep the house in order and attempt to put them to bed after a busy and hectic day. There is no wonder that you’re feeling depleted as an exhausted Dad! Getting your mojo back could look different to everyone, so you need to think about where you would like to make improvements to your current lifestyle. Whether you want to get back into healthy cooking, or you need to start prioritizing sleep more often, there are a number of small lifestyle changes that will make a world of difference. Parents can often hit a brick wall when they are deep in the throes of parenting, but this is a sign that you need to take a break and think about yourself for a change.

Of course, your children will always be your number one priority, but they won’t live a joyful life if they have an exhausted father who has lost a piece of himself during the process of raising them. Remembering who you are as a person will always bring you back down to the ground and allow you to see the whole picture again. Getting your mojo back is totally achievable, as long as you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and make a change.

Consider some of the following ideas and you will soon feel positive and ready to bring back the old “you” again, even as a busy Dad!

Enjoy Some More “Me Time”

As a dad, “me time” comes very infrequently and you need to carve out time in your schedule to make it happen. Although it may not seem important at the time, it’s a vital part of resting and recharging and it will ultimately make you a better parent in the long run. Whether you’re reading a book or going out for a run, your self care time needs to be enjoyable to you.

Take a Break from Work

Remember those vacation days you keep meaning to take from work? Now would be the ideal time to use them up! If you’re the type of person who often puts off taking work breaks, you will slowly but surely grind yourself to the ground if you don’t take time to reset your system every now and again. Taking a week off of work will not only give you the freedom to rest and do what you enjoy, but it will also help you to get your mojo back.

Get More Sleep

Getting more sleep as a busy dad is much easier said than done, right? Whether you’ve got toddlers climbing into your bed at midnight or babies co-sleeping in your bedroom, there are no words to describe how much you treasure your sleep. Although it can be tempting to stay up later and enjoy that TV show you are hooked on, it makes more sense to get yourself to bed early and enjoy an hour or two more of sleep. Prioritizing this will help you to think more clearly and make better decisions, which will ultimately help you feel more like “you” again.

Consider Hormone Testing

Lack of energy or motivation can stem from a variety of different things, but it could be a deep-rooted health issue that you aren’t even aware of. If you have recently experienced signs of fatigue, low sex drive, weight gain or a depressed mood, it may be a sign of male hormone imbalance. Seeking out medical advice from a professional can help you diagnose the problem quickly and find a course of treatment that is effective for you. Although this might feel like a huge step to take, it will be worth it in the long run when you feel more energetic, enthusiastic and positive about everything in your life again.

Focus on Your Relationship

If you have a romantic partner, your lackluster attitude towards life may be because you haven’t spent enough quality time with your other half. Now would be the perfect time to go on a date night, spend real time together and refocus on what’s important to you both as a couple. As parents it’s so easy to get swept up into the whirlwind of having children that you forget your true connection and why you chose each other as life partners. Think about some fun activities you can do together and enjoy spending quality time as a pair again.

Try Meditation

When you meditate regularly, it can actually increase your energy levels and give you more clarity on who you are as a person. Allowing yourself to sit with your thoughts and feel the silence around you is a beautifully powerful thing that not enough people know about. Give it a try for yourself and you will be grateful you discovered meditation!

Hopefully, you can use some of the following ideas to change your normal routines and rediscover who you really are as a person. For so long you have worn the dad badge with pride, but you can’t forget who you are as an individual. Whether you’re nurturing your relationship with your partner more, starting a hobby that you have always loved or simply starting a new and enjoyable morning routine, there are so many different options you can try. Don’t be afraid to take a step back, ask for help and allow some time for yourself to grow as a person. Once you are back on track again, you will be so grateful for all of the positive steps you have made.

All in all, being a dad is one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever do, but if you don’t have your unique mojo you won’t be the best parent you can be. Rediscovering your mojo again will help you to feel positive, energetic and joyful everytime you’re around your child which will benefit them immensely both now and in the distant future!