Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Soul!

 “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”  ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Take a listen to Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uizQVriWp8M

Our feelings towards the way we treat our bodies is a subject frequently spoken about however we are reluctant to do anything about it. Being self-aware has become coupled with being called "vain" and "conceited". Today I would like to say, MY PERSONAL OPINION, there is nothing wrong with being conscious about your body & even your mental state. There is nothing wrong with looking after yourself, making sure that you are healthy!

We need to take note of these things & treat ourselves with respect. After all it is our well being at stake. So today I grant you the permission to take hold of your life as far as your health is concerned. 

Lets start with a Healthy BODY!, you look good, you feel good. I swear by this! 

Here are few easy exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. Joining a Gym is brilliant but if you're scared of that like I am, this is what you could do for just 30 minutes a day or 15min in the morning and 15min in the evening.

 Jumping Jacks: Do them for 2 Minutes

Side Lunge: Stand holding 5 to 8 Pound dumbbells. Step leg out to side and bend knee to 90 degrees, reaching hands down on either side of your right foot. Push off right foot to return to standing with right foot directly in front of left foot, arms sweeping with palms facing in. Repeat on left side. Do 24 Reps, and then switch legs.

Dancing Squat: Stand with right foot forward, a 5 to 8 pound weight in left hand. Squat; touch weight to floor as right hand lifts.  Do 24 reps and then switch sides.

Line Hops: step or hop sideways over a stretched-out jump rope for 2 minutes

Tipsy Bridge and Lift: Lie on your back, feet hip-width apart, flexed left foot on a yoga block or thick book, right foot on the floor. Keeping shoulders and head neutral and abs tight, lift hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulder to knees. Lower down then lift right foot, bring knee in toward chest and the return foot to the floor. Repeat for 24 Reps and then switch sides.

Biceps and arm circles: Stand with legs slightly wider than hip-width, a 5 to 8 pound dumbbell in each hand, elbows bend and palms up. Keeping spin straight, squat and circle left hand up and in toward your shoulder in a circular motion (as if calling someone towards you), reverse to lower hand. Do 16 reps and then switch sides.

Fast feet: Step quickly forward and backward over a stretched-out jump rope for 20 minutes

Triceps with a twist: lie on back with knees bent, a 5 to 8 pound dumbbell in right hand lifted so weight is over shoulder, let knees fall left while bending right elbow until end of weight touches floor near ear. Straighten right arm while lifting hips, legs head and shoulders. Lower gently down. Do 24 Reps and switch sides.

Roll over and sit up: Start lying on stomach, chest lifted, arms stretched overhead and legs straight. Roll to right onto your back, bending knees slightly and bringing arms halfway down; curl up to sitting position with arms move back overhead. Do 16 Reps and then switch direction.

Cross Crawl: Raise your arms, then lift left knee and bring right elbow down to meet it. Repeat on opposite side, alternate for 2 minutes moving as quickly as possible.

& YOU'RE DONE!! do a few light stretches && drink loads of WATER!!!!!!

Now that we have taken care of our physical well being, lets consider what we put in & on our bodies. 

All natural recipes that will help take care of our SKIN, as well as a healthy alternative MEAL to the fatty foods we tend to eat these days. 

Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper & Chickpea Salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

-          1 Can of Chickpeas

-          2 Green Onions Chopped

-          1 Red pepper chopped

-          2 Cups of Broccoli

-          ½ Cup Fresh parsley, chopped

-          ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil

-          1 garlic clove, minced or 1 Tsp chopped

-          Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

•  In a large bowl, whisk together the oil , mustard, salt & pepper
•  Add the remaining ingredients & stir to combine.
• Let it marinade in the fridge for a few hours. Keeps well several days in the refrigerator. 

THIS IS THE YUMMIEST HEALTHY THING I HAVE EVEN EATEN!!! #TrustMe!

Homemade Exfoliating Facial Mask:

Ingredients:

-          1 Tablespoon honey

-          1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions:

Mix the 2 ingredients well until it forms a paste like texture. Wet face with lukewarm water and apply the taste. Making sure it is evenly distributed. Avoid putting on your eyes of near your eyes. Keep mask on for 2-4 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water. Apply desired moisturizer immediately after.

This mask should be used twice a week as it removes all blackheads and cleanses the paws 

Lets look at our Mind, something usually taken for grated as we cannot physically see the affects our minds experiences. These are steps I try & live by...so happy to share them with you. 

10 Tips for staying mentally healthy.

1. Connect with others. Develop and maintain strong relationships with people around you who will support and enrich your life.
2. Take time to enjoy. Set aside time for activities, hobbies and projects you enjoy. Let yourself be spontaneous and creative when the urge takes you. LIKE ME DOING THIS BLOG =)
3. Participate and share interests. Join a club or group of people who share your interests. Being around people who share in and love what you love gives us a sense of community and family.
4. Contribute to your community. Volunteer your time for a cause or issue that you care about.
5. Take care of yourself. Be active and eat well – these help maintain a healthy body. Physical and mental health is closely linked.
6. Challenge yourself. Learn a new skill or take on a challenge to meet a goal.
7. Deal with stress. Be aware of what triggers your stress and how you react. You may be able to avoid some of the triggers and learn to prepare for or manage others. Working Smart is something my family “the Groepe’s” live by. Doing things in advance, not leaving it to the last minute can help you avoid stress.  Facing your stress can help more than you ignoring it.
8. Rest and refresh. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed at a regular time each day and practice good habits to get better sleep. Sleep restores both your mind and body.
9. Notice the here and now. Take a moment to notice each of your senses each day. Simply ‘be’ in the moment – feel the sun and wind on your face and notice the air you are breathing. As Christian this is where prayer plays a big role for me. It allows me to take in the day, the moment and also gives me a chance to thank God.
10. Ask for help!  You are never alone. You could even speak to me by commenting.  I am always up for a listen. Sometimes that’s all we really need. Someone to just listen, no judgement, and no strings attached. 

Our beauty comes from God, the inner beauty as well as the outer beauty. It is our responsibility to take care of it. Lets take a minute, away from our busy lives, & think about what we do that harms our well being. I promise it is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. 

With Love 
Abby Gia Loon 

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