Tag: cycle

How Gratitude Makes You Healthy

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An attitude of gratitude. Thankful. Blessed. We all know that we should appreciate the things, people, and opportunities we have; however, did you know that an ‘attitude of gratitude’ has proven health benefits? (Possibly even more than that green juice you paid for.) Before we chat science, why not start with a little exercise to get that gratitude flowing? Ready, set, gratitude.

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  • The simple act of expressing thanks automatically lessens stress, which can lead to illnesses like cancer and heart disease, overtime. So, next time you’re in a rut, shift your focus to the good things you have going for you to boost your mood and your immune system.
  • Grateful people are more likely to take care of themselves, which is hugely related to both physical and mental well-being. Dedicating time for self-care makes us happier, less stressed, more focused, and more capable to take care of others. Think of the oxygen masks on airplanes; we can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves first.
  • Showing thanks may spark new relationships. Whether your colleague does you a favor or a stranger holds the door for you, expressing appreciation may initiate conversation, which may lead to friendship, which may lead to more happiness and even more gratitude.
  • An attitude of gratitude increases self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem because your focus is on the good things that you like about yourself. Heck yes.
  • Grateful people are less likely to blame others, react with aggression, and experience anger, as they acknowledge their blessings and feel more empathy for others. Bye bye, road rage.
  • Trouble sleeping? Gratitude reduces anxiety, which can keep us awake or interrupt sleep. Simply put, get grateful and get good shut-eye.
  • Gratitude boosts resilience. We’re far more likely to overcome an obstacle or stay strong through a tough time if we keep an attitude of gratitude.
  • Grateful people are proven to exercise more, which also relieves stress and initiates all of the other benefits listed above. Lace up your sneakers for this double whammy.
  • You do not have to be “successful” to feel gratitude. In fact, those with less money or “stuff” have actually been proven to feel more gratitude. It’s not about what we have or do not have, it’s about perspective.

So, how do we practice daily gratitude? Simply set aside time daily or throughout the day to count your blessings. Write them down or simply make a mental list if you’re on-the-go. Be more observant of when others do something nice for you or someone else and express your appreciation. Even if you’re really down in the dumps, force yourself to smile or think of one thing you’re thankful for. It takes little energy and actually produces happy hormones, which lead to all of the above. Giving thanks all year-round will make you a healthier, happier, more productive, well-rested, confident, unstoppable human being.

One Healthy Breakdown: adopt an attitude of gratitude and reap the benefits…then express your gratitude for ’em and let the cycle continue!

Turkey Burn Baby Burn

The holidays are a time to indulge, absolutely! A little of this and a little of that, sure, but did you know that the average Thanksgiving meal totals about 4,500 calories and over two hundred grams of fat?! Shockingly, it’s true! Don’t you dare skip out on the fun – you can still enjoy your tasty turkey, beloved potatoes, and precious pie, in fact you should! In true Thanksgiving fashion, I give you these tips to burn it off, move it out, bounce back to balance, and regain your sanity!

Turkey-Trot-Logo-071. Sign up for a local Turkey Trot, a popular pre-feast 5k in various towns across the country. If you’re in the Hamptons, Montauk it is! If you don’t have a local trot, pick a playlist that fills you with energy and gratitude and head out for a run around your neighborhood. Even a couple of miles will rev your metabolism, get your endorphins going, and burn off a piece of pie. That “runner’s high” just may empower you to make better food choices all day long!

2. If you’re not going to trot, find a class. Luckily, you’re not the only one seeking a turkey day workout, so dedicate an hour to sweating before the cooking. Here are some of the many options:

  • Join Rachel at Exhale Bridgehampton at 8:10, 9:25, or 10:35am
  • Take 90 Minute Spin at Sag Harbor Gym 8am with Kerrie, John, and Cindy
  • Jim’s at Truth Training in East Hampton at 9:30am
  • LTB with Patti at Pure Barre Southampton at 9:30am
  • Jessy’s teaching open yoga 8:15 Friday at KamaDeva
  • Surf it off with Emma Friday 8am at Well Within
  • You can find Rachelle teaching at Flywheel at 8:30am
  • Turkey TRX with Linda at 8:45 Thurs and Fri. Gain some peace of mind at Silich Core + Strength in EH for Indo Board Yoga with Evelyn at 9:45 Fri.) ‘Tis the season for giving and Silich is offering unlimited classes for $200 thru Dec. 31, free yoga when you purchase 1 TRX class, and sales on personal training, gift bundles, gift cards, & youth packages!

Image-1(7)3. Walk it off. Instead of settling on the couch after your big meal, why not take a family walk? Leash the dog, rally the crew, bundle up, and take a spin around the neighborhood. Walking is the best non-workout workout because you can literally do it wherever you are (no excuses!) Your stroll will aid digestion, produce endorphins, and give you an opportunity to enjoy nature with loved ones.

4. Hit the yoga mat for a morning flow. As much fun as family holidays can be, sometimes they can get a little chaotic and stressful too. Anyone have that kinda family? Thought so. Yoga practice will get your body moving and your mind centered for the days events.

sunsalsOne Healthy Breakdown: wherever, whenever, however, just MOVE and give thanks for what our bodies can do for us!

Book Your Spot to ‘Cycle to End The Cycle’ Today!

Join us for a FLY workout to help a GREAT cause!

Summer Head StartHead Start is a National non-profit organization providing early education and ongoing assistance to children and families in our own community with income levels below the poverty line. Head Start offers community services in education, disability programs, health & nutrition, mental health, family partnerships, and parent trainings.

The Hamptons is home to two fabulous Head Start programs; Bridgehampton and Southampton, both of which help local children and families each and everyday. The educators, children, and families that walk through these doors are truly amazing beings, doing all they can to level out the playing field. Your donation can help fund Head Start’s summer and school programs. We’re making the most of it with local snacks, a fun raffle, free T-shirts, and tons of fun! Register here!

Price is a minimum (tax deductible!) donation of $50 (or $80 for two spots) this covers spin class, shoes, water, a t-shirt, refreshments from The Juicy Naam & Anke’s Fit Bakery, and a raffle ticket for each awesome prize (a wine tasting for two at Wolffer Estate, a massage at Naturopathica, $100 shopping spree to Gloria Jewel, fresh flowers from Groundworks, and a bakery basket from Anke’s Fit Bakery! Hope to see you on the bike, sign up here today!

One Healthy Breakdown: get your sweat and your good on and head into summer feeling GREAT!