Tag Archives: body

Sep1

Weekend Update: Sick AF Edition

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Weekend Update: Sick AF Edition

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! You might have noticed that I haven’t been very active on my page this past week, even though I had posts publishing, cause pre-writing. And, that is because I came down with a really nasty bout of the flu. It. Was. Awful. What started out as an earache on Tuesday morning led to full blown incapacity by the early afternoon and I was completely down for the count.

We’re talking a fever that reached to 103 at its peak, a sore throat, an earache, chills, sweats, soreness all over, and not a snowball chance in hell of being able to eat anything. I would sweat so badly at night, that I’d wake up and see red all over my sheets because it made my hair color bleed! I am writing this post on Friday afternoon and am just now feeling semi-normal, even though the morning was really rough.

Because of my mom’s ongoing health struggles, I had to be quarantined to my bedroom for three days. This sucked on ice, because my room doesn’t have a TV! But, I was honestly so out of it that it didn’t even matter. Everything that I tried to do from taking a sip of water to swallowing much needed medicine caused me so much pain that there were points when I just started crying. It was totally and completely miserable.

But, after what felt like an eternity, I am finally back on the blogosphere and all I gotta say is thank gawd for pre-writing! I was so pleased when I discovered that all of my days away were covered because I had totally forgot! And, of course, I am so glad to be feeling better and back with all of you here on lifewithlilred. ❤

Aug31

Pacer Update (Finally!)

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Pacer Update (Finally!)

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I updated you guys on my Pacer pedometer app progress and, honestly, that’s because there wasn’t much. This past month and a half has been a total doozy. I was so mentally and physically drained, and the last thing that I wanted to do was commit to walking 10,000 steps per day when I could have been laying on my sorry behind watching TV!!

But, that wasn’t really getting me anywhere and, as soon as the events that were taking place in my life that caused me a lot of anguish turned around, I was excited to pick up the Pacer again. This past week, I have been really dedicated to getting my 10K steps in at least four days of the week and I have blown that goal out of the water. It feels good to get myself moving again and although a lot of progress hasn’t been made, I’m back on the horse and I’m proud of that. Take a look at my stats:

  • Steps Taken: 1,364,282
  • Calories Burned: 33,311
  • Miles Walked: 445
  • Hours Active: 211
  • Days As A Pacer User: 177

I was also really pleased to see that I’ve been more active than sixty percent of the users on Pacer because, the last time I did an update, I was at a measly thirty percent. I doubled that! Things are looking up, and my exercise regimen is back in full swing, which makes things seem like they’re looking up even more! I feel really happy, and I can’t wait to get my 10,000 steps in today! 😀

Who else uses a pedometer app? How do you get back on the horse after a hiatus from working out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug3

Meditation Station

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Meditation Station

Hi there! Something that I’ve been enjoying a lot lately is meditation. One of the libraries in my area has been hosting the two founders of a local nonprofit organization Health, Happiness, & Chan to teach meditation classes to the public. I have been going since the spring time, and found it to be really difficult. Dare I say, I even found it to be completely ineffective.

Then, we had a hiatus for a few months until the summer session began. Upon returning to classes, I had a total turn around during our hour together. I was able to complete the entire forty minute process when, before, I couldn’t even finish five minutes. It felt awesome and I left class feeling so uplifted and accomplished.

Unfortunately, but fortunately, one of our two amazing teachers (Both of whom are professors at Akron U.) has accepted a position at Harvard and is no longer with us. But, our other guru, Joanne is simply the best. I have such a strong connection with her and it was such a delight to be welcomed back to class by her with a huge hug.

Joanne has quite possibly the most beautiful voice known to mankind and, after all of us insisting on it for months, she has finally made a YouTube channel! The quality of her first few videos is not the best, but there will certainly be more to come so I wanted to share them with all of you, anyways. Joanne has such a gentle, kind, and nurturing spirit and you can literally feel it just by hearing her speak. So, subscribe and enjoy as she walks you through all different types of meditation!

Who else practices meditation? What are some of your meditation tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul15

Duolingo Progress (Finally!)

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Duolingo Progress (Finally!)

Hello!! So for a solid month I felt like I was completely slacking not only on Pacer, but on Duolingo, too. I was feeling super unmotivated and depressed and, damnit, I just didn’t feel like doing anything. But, now that I’m back to my normal, chipper, go getter self, it was time to get back on the horse and start making some progress again.

I’ve recently began working on my advanced French and beginner Spanish again and, I’ve got to tell you, it feels great. The mental exercise that I get from spending time with my languages daily makes me wonder why I ever stopped practicing in the first place, because I feel so good afterwards. In fact, it has motivated me to start practicing sign language again, which I took a hiatus from after having difficulty finding folks to practice with. Regardless of regular use or not, knowing a plethora of languages is an amazing skill to have, and I want to keep sharpening those skills on the daily.

I was halfway nervous to start practicing my languages again after a depression break, because I was worried that I had lost all of my knowledge in one short month. But, like riding a bike, I was able to pick up right where I left off and have since been enjoying every second of it. I’m proud that I didn’t let my anxiety about forgetting my skills get the best of me in regards to whether I should bother practicing again or not. And, even if I did forget anything, the worst that could happen is that I relearn something – and what’s the harm in that?

I’m getting back to feeling great mentally and physically after a rough past month and I am ready to continue making daily progress again just like in the good old days! 😀

Are you learning a new language right now? Who else utilizes Duolingo? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul4

Body Issues: Learning To Overcome Insecurities And Love Yourself

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Body Issues: Learning To Overcome Insecurities And Love Yourself

A study found that 63% of female participants identified their weight as the key factor in how they felt about themselves. Despite the rise of positive body awareness, such as Ashley Graham’s #BeautyBeyondSize, thousands of women feel the anxiety to keep up with celebrities and social media. The good news, is that there is never a ‘better time’ to start loving and taking care of yourself than right now. Here’s how you can learn to overcome insecurities and love yourself:

Make Healthy Changes:

What better way to boost self-confidence than to achieve long-term goals. Rather than setting impossible goals such as ‘losing 20 pounds in a week” or “achieving a tiny waist in three months”, aim to start a new fitness routine and incorporate organic foods into your diet. When you eat right and exercise on a regular basis, your hormones will slowly fall into balance and help you to feel your best.

Consider A Makeover:

While a proper diet and fitness routine can help you lose the unwanted weight, thousands of women still struggle with extra baggage. Despite the “taboo” of plastic surgery, 17.5 million procedures were performed in 2017 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’re tempted to get liposuction or a tummy tuck to reduce loose skin, you’re not the only one. In fact, nearly 2 million individuals opted for immense services like boob jobs, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. So, whether it is a total “Mommy Makeover” or a simple lip injection, your plastic surgeon will guide you and address the most common body issues.

Of course, any kind of plastic surgery is not a decision that should be made lightly. There is always going to be a risk when you go under the knife. Before you schedule any consultations with a surgeon, it is highly recommended to read their reviews online. For example, enter a search for “liposuction cardiff” (or your local area) to see if former patients were happy with their results.

Always remember that there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your appearance and using plastic surgery to do so. This is a topic that will always be somewhat taboo but if you feel confident about your choice then other people’s opinions are meaningless. The most important thing you can do is find an excellent surgeon to help you in the safest way possible so don’t be afraid to shop around. Enter a search for “plastic surgery houston” (or your local area) and schedule consultations with as many practitioners as you need to find the best fit for you.

Dealing with the Root of the Problem:

We all have our moments of highs and lows, but what’s important is that we see beauty in many shapes and sizes. So, to help you focus on dealing with what makes you feel insecure, you must first look at what triggers those emotions. Here are some ways to discover more about your interests, insecurities, desires, and most of all, yourself:

  • Writing a blog or your own personal journal about what you love about your body.
  • Stand in front of the mirror and look at yourself in a positive way. Like really look at yourself and voice out your favorite attributes.
  • Seek support from counselors, family, and friends to help you battle the insecurities and solve the underlying issue.

The reality is that no amount of diet, weight loss, or even plastic surgery can fix poor body image and low self-esteem. Those who struggle with negative body image must discover the underlying issues and learn how it is influencing the way that they feel about themselves.

Changing the way you look may seem like a tangible way to alter what you disliked about your body. But, the only way to heal from low self-confidence is to address the issues and face them head-on. Only then can you truly learn how to overcome your insecurities and love yourself.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun28

Pacer Progress (Or Lack Thereof)

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Pacer Progress (Or Lack Thereof)

Hello everyone and happy Thursday! This past month has been a total and complete shit show and, needless to say, my activity level has been pretty low. All of my motivation to make big gains on my pedometer app has essentially flown out the window, and I’ve been having a hard time peeling my depressed self off of the couch. So, my stats for the month are definitely not the best. 😦

  • Total Steps: 959,262
  • Calories Burned: 23,591
  • Hours Walked: 148
  • Miles Walked: 315

And, to make matters worse, my activity level dropped from being ninety percent more active than the people using Pacer to a whopping forty-three percent. Whomp freaking whomp.

Now that I realize how low I let my movement get during my depression stupor, I am SO ready to get back on the horse and keep going until I start making good progress again. It’s going to be difficult, because I’ve been feeling so sluggish lately. But, once I get started, it will go back to being easier to get my 10,000 steps in no time. So, here we go!

How do you get yourself back on the horse after a stint with depression? What motivates you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun18

Signs You Might Struggle To Get Pregnant

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Signs You Might Struggle To Get Pregnant

So, you’ve started to get broody for a baby. You’ve been trying for a while now and you still haven’t gotten the result that you long for. It could be that it’s just taking a while for things to get going, but since around 10 percent of the female population struggle to conceive, it could be something more.

To find out for sure whether you might struggle to get pregnant, you need to see a fertility doctor as soon as possible but, in the meantime, here are some signs that you could find it hard to conceive:

You’re Over 35:

These days, more of us are waiting way longer to get pregnant, with many women not even trying until their mid to late 30s. Most of the time, this will not cause too many problems, but it is worth noting that once you’re over 35 its could take you longer to conceive, with the average being six months. If you haven’t been able to conceive after a year of regular sex, it could indicate a fertility problem and you will need to get yourself checked out.

There’s No Sign of a Baby Despite Regular Timed Sex:

If you use ovulation kits to calculate when you’re most fertile, you have sex during those times, and there are no signs of a pregnancy after a few months, it’s probably a good idea to have yourself evaluated by the professionals. Click this link to find out more about fertility treatments, and remember that men and women should be tested because 30 percent of cases are down to the male factor. It could be that things are just taking a bit longer to happen for you, but it’s worth finding out so you don’t waste any more time, especially if you are over 35.

You’re Overweight:

If you’re overweight, then it could be impacting your fertility. Not only does excess weight make it harder, but it can be dangerous for mother and baby if you are successful with things like gestational diabetes being more likely to occur. If you’re worried about this, seeing your gyno is a good idea, as is eating a clean diet and hitting the gym a few times a week if you want to boost your chances. It might take some hard work, but it will definitely be worth it in the end.

babyy1

Pixabay Image

Previous Miscarriages:

Miscarriages are more common than you might think, but if you’ve had more than three losses, you should think about seeing an infertility specialist to check that there is nothing medically wrong that could prevent you from seeing a pregnancy through. Many women are scared to do this because they don’t want their hopes to be taken away, but in many cases, there are medical interventions that will help, and if that isn’t possible, you can always click here to find out more about the possibility of surrogacy. There are more options available to you than you might think, but you need to know where you stand before you can make any decisions about them.

You Have a Feeling:

Yes, sometimes feelings can be way off the mark, but if you have an inner-voice that’s telling you that you may possibly have some fertility problems that are preventing you from getting pregnant, and you simply cannot shake those feelings no matter how hard you try, it could be that there is something in it. Us women are highly connected to our bodies and even if we don’t realize it on an intellectual level, intuitively we often know when something is wrong. So, if you feel like something is wrong, see a fertility specialist and don’t feel bad about doing so. If your instincts are correct, your specialist can begin recommending options like prp treatment for fertility, IVF, or ovulation induction.

babyy2

Feelings usually have some truth to them.

If you’re connected with your body, you know what it takes to conceive and you live a healthy lifestyle, chances are it will happen for you eventually, but it’s always worth ruling out illnesses and issues that could be preventing you from getting pregnant just in case.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May5

Feeling Blahhhhhhhh

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Feeling Blahhhhhhhh

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! Ugh, I don’t know about any of you guys, but I have been feeling so blah lately. I am in the process of getting over a flu/cold thingie that lingered on with me for a week and am now just trying to get myself back up to snuff. I had hot and cold flashes, a sore throat, a cold from hell, body aches, and – to top it off – I was on my period for part of it! Could it get any worse?!

During this agonizing week, I had a really hard time keeping up with my 10,000 steps per day walking regimen because I was so weak. And, now, after a week of feeling sluggish with some movement here and there when I was up to it, I am left feeling so blah about everything. The way my body looks, how I’m still feeling the effects of the sniffles from this blasted cold, and my severe lack of energy. Could it get any worse?!

I know that these feelings will pass, and I have been trying really hard to get myself back on track with my walking. But, I am having a hard time shaking away the post sickness blues, even with the lovely weather that Ohio is finally having. It’s been a lot of going through the motions for the past week, and feeling self conscious the entire time, so I am definitely looking forward to feeling back to normal soon so that I can start enjoying my days again.

Has anyone else been dealing with the blahs lately? How do you combat the post sickness blues? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

Leg Health: Often Overlooked, But Vital To Wellbeing

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Leg Health: Often Overlooked, But Vital To Wellbeing

We hear about heart health all of the time in the media, but what about leg health? After all, our legs are a major part the body that are essential to our mobility, so we really should be looking after them as much as possible. With that in mind check out the information below on how to keep your pins as healthy as you can:

Cramps:

Leg cramps can be painful and particularly inconvenient if you are suffering from them when exercising or standing on your feet for a long time at work. Most of the time, the cause of cramps can be something simple like forgetting to warm up properly before working out or standing for too long without a break.

However, sometimes leg cramps can be indicative of something more serious such as a vitamin B1, B5, or B6 deficiency. Something you can find out more about here.

Clicking Knees:

Our knees take a lot of strain over the years, and they can be one of the most vulnerable places in our body to injury and damage. In particular, knees that click when you bend or move can be a sign that the cartilage inside them is wearing away. This can be a major issue because it means that over time the two bony parts of the knee joint will end up rubbing against each other without any cushioning which can cause serious pain and damage.

With that in mind, it is a very good idea to get painful or noisy knees checked out by a specialist at the first chance you get.

Varicose Veins:

Varicose veins are bulging purple veins that protrude from the surface of the leg. They are generally regarded as being unsightly and they can also be painful, as well.

On their own, they’re not usually seen as a major medical problem, although in combination with other symptoms such as leg swelling, spider veins, and leg discoloration they could be indicative of a heart condition. If you are concerned that this may be the case, it is wise to seek an assessment from your local cardiology department as soon as possible.

Strains And Pulls:

Lastly, a common leg health issue that many people can experience is the straining or pulling of a muscle. Many of this type of injury occurs while a person is moving or working out and they can be quite painful until healed, limiting their range of movement.

To treat a strain or pulled muscle, it is useful to elevate it as this will help halt any swelling. You can also use a compression bandage and apply a cold compress to the area every 30 minutes or so. It is vital that you rest the injury until it has healed and don’t aggravate it further by doing any strenuous exercise until then.

Your legs are what gets you from Point A to Point B, so keep them healthy so that you can stay on the move!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Apr27

Pain Relief Without Pills In Five Natural Forms

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Pain Relief Without Pills In Five Natural Forms

Many people opt for a natural lifestyle, which includes avoiding taking medicine if there’s an alternative way to cure what ails you. Looking for a natural form of pain relief? Here are five options to consider if you’re looking for a break from meds:

Herbal medicine:

There are plenty of herbal medicines that can offer pain relief. Ginger has long been used to treat stomach pain from menstrual cramps to digestive disorders. Meanwhile, Turmeric is an effective form of pain relief against joint pain. You can even try products such as cannabis oil as found at https://canabidol.com/. Herbal medicines can be taken as capsules or as herbal teas – you may even be able to incorporate them into your food.

When experimenting with THC or cannabis oil, it is always best to do your research before making any purchases. There are lots of comprehensive guides and best of lists online. Then, you can learn about delta 8 vs delta 9 vapes, the best cartridges, gummies, or teas for your needs!

Remember that if you are interested in using marijuana for pain relief, then it is important to do things right. Look into Arizona medical marijuana laws, speak with your doctor, and use a reputable dispensary. There is nothing taboo about using marijuana to manage pain, especially if you are looking for a more natural remedy.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of treatment that involves putting small needles in key points around the body. This treatment can be used to fight all kinds of pain from arthritis to migraines. You should always seek out a qualified professional when getting this kind of treatment. It’s a great idea to get recommendations from friends or family or read client testimonials when you search “Acupuncture Near Me“. If you are squeamish with needles, this might not be the best course of treatment for you. However, it can be most beneficial and having a friend to support you at your appointment can make a big difference.

pain

Ahhhh!!!

Hot water:

Taking a hot bath can also be a simple and effective form of pain relief. Hot water can help to relax your muscles and create a flood of endorphins around the body that can help to combat pain. This can help to relieve pain caused by everything from joint problems to early contractions during pregnancy. Some people find that using Epsom bath salts can also help when taking a bath. There are even professional forms of pain relief using water known as hydrotherapy if you really want to unleash your inner mermaid.

pain1

Take a soak!

Exercise:

Staying active can also help to fight pain in some cases. This is because exercise releases endorphins around the body and helps to reduce stiffness in muscles. Depending on the source of the pain, there may be some exercises that you should obviously avoid. For example, high impact exercises like jumping and running aren’t recommended if you have joint problems – you’re far better off doing low impact exercise such as swimming or yoga. Exercise is best for chronic pain and not for pain following a recent injury, in which you may be better off relaxing until the injury has began to heal. If you’re not sure which exercises are right for you, you could try talking to a physical therapist. Combining exercise with treatment plans from RELATYV At Home Pain Management in North Carolina (or a similar provider in your local area) can be most beneficial in alleviating your symptoms and improving your overall health. As your pain decreases, you will be amazed at how much more you can do when you are working out.

Meditation:

Meditating might not sound like an effective form of pain relief but it can be a major way of reducing stress, which is known to increase inflammation. Meditation involves clearing your mind and controlling your breathing so that your cortisol levels are reduced – cortisol is the stress hormone and plays a big part in triggering inflammation. By relieving stress through meditation, you could help to fight off the pain caused by inflammatory diseases such as IBS and arthritis.

Trying out these natural forms of pain relief might be just what the doctor ordered to get your body feeling back on track.