Skating Uphill - April 2020

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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“#GoPlay gives us permission
to do exactly that, right?”
– The Uphill Skater –

 
I love this month’s theme, #GoPlay. It makes me feel empowered by the sheer intention of not only implying permission to play, but also encouraging play to be an important part of our daily lives. I will GoPlay now until my heart’s content, and what better time than the beautiful, colorful spring month of April. It is not too hot, not too cold, not too rainy, and not too dry. It is just perfect, which inspires me to offer a few suggestions. (My husband says I am never without suggestions, but I don’t believe that is a bad thing.)

> Since this is a column about winning the battle of the bulge, let’s talk about being playful with food. If you enjoy eating out, there is no better place than the Lowcountry, with literally hundreds of delicious restaurants of every type and ethnicity. Many have water views, sunsets and live entertainment. Think outside of your typical restaurant rut and enjoy a night out at someplace you’ve never been. While there, order something off the beaten path of your norm. If you don’t like to eat out, cook up a new fabulous recipe at home. I frequently try different types of foods and also try different takes on old recipes. It is not always appreciated around my kitchen, but I am not one to let that discourage me!

> Another interesting and inexpensive way to play is just that—games! Game night is old stuff, but how many of us really do it? Do you have people over for trivia, or my all time favorite “Taboo,” or even a game of Canasta? Don’t just sit and watch a movie, get up and play charades. We play Bridge with a group of friends, but never anything else. Why is that? Well, the answer is simple. We are in a rut. Nonetheless, games, and especially Bridge, are a delicious treat for your brain and excellent for your health. Enjoying the company of others has actually been proven to benefit mental and physical health. When I say go play a game, I no NOT mean sit down at your computer and play solitaire—talk about a rut!

> I mentioned this month’s theme to a friend and she had a super suggestion. (It was such a good idea, I nearly thought of it myself!) If you’re stuck at home (hopefully not now), or have extra time, go to your closet and play with accessories. Just like dress-up when you were young! Try your old stuff in a new way. Try tying your scarf around your purse strap instead of your neck. Try different earrings with that new blouse. Put your bracelet around your ankle. Try to go a week and not wear black pants; seriously, just try it! Wear something in your hair. Fool around with a scarf with any dress or jewelry. Don’t reach for the black pants, white blouse, gold hoops uniform. Instead, try the print skirt with a green jacket and cream-colored shell. Where your new strappy sandals, too. Add some big jewelry, layer it. Layer it again. Now, you are set to play in style!

We all should enjoy free time and devote some of it to playing and some of it to resting. Many research studies have proven that we require, not just want, some hours, or even minutes, to be silent. Yoga and meditation have gained in popularity in recent times for very good reason. People just need to shut off…completely. To that end, when you have worked, and then you have played, I encourage you to also breathe. A piece of a quote from one of my favorite Psalms tell us to “Be still and know.” Love, Judith

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas.
Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.
Look at my blog and maybe you will want to try it yourself!

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and girls Club. Judith is also a long time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her BLOG www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.

 

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