Putting a Spring in Your Step

If you live in Toronto, you are aware of the amazingly warm winter we had. We broke many records for high temperatures, and... I think most of us, loved every   minute of it. Still, some of us still felt a little of the 'SAD' we sometimes experience, and, fell into our Winter indoor activities and exercise routines. Spring has finally sprung, and we're all more than anxious to get back on track with our outdoor programs.
Runners often have a hard time readjusting to the streets if they've continued their training during the Winter, indoors on tracks or, machines. No matter what your outdoor sport might be, if you're one of those who hasn't kept up your steady workouts over the winter as avidly as you hoped,  the progression, of walking, to jogging, to running, might be a route to consider to prevent injury, and to ensure a safe re-entry into your outdoor work-out routines. Getting Massage is one great way to help your body prepare, and, regular Massage, can help to safeguard against injury.

Remember, Massage is something you can do, for yourself (or treat friends and family) all year long, to enhance your feel-good, fitness regime.

Dealing with Daylight Savings

Spring is getting closer, and you can feel it in the air. I even feel a boost of excitement by the few extra minutes of light at the end of the day. You’re exhilarated by the thought of early morning walks, and, even though that precious hour gained four months ago is gone... Summer is almost here!

Often, the expectation of summer blooming outside the window the very next day, feeling in summer mode, is shattered by that lingering winter, and, a feeling of exhaustion instead of glee, that can take some time to totally shed.

Certain people may ‘suffer’ more than others:

Shift Workers - One of the biggest challenges for people who do shift-work is, getting enough sleep. The internal body clock, the circadian rhythm, is directly linked to daylight, and darkness. Already being sensitive to time disruptions, they could surely find the time-change adds to their troubles, as, digestion, and hormone balances could take longer to adjust.

Children - Often more sensitive to seasonal changes than adults, children may seem irritable, and have more trouble getting to sleep. Sometimes, the extra light may keep them up wanting more play time. In my experience, let them adjust to time and seasonal changes at their own pace, with some extra patience, and hugs. Remember, you’re feeling it too! The more, you fight them, the longer it will take for them to sync-up, and, get with the program.

Seniors - At the best of times, seniors can have issues with the time of day. “Is it lunch time, or dinner”? An extra hour lost, or, gained can lead them to experience a sense of confusion. In some cases, this can lead to harmful situation, if medications are missed, or taken at the wrong time. If you are a caregiver, or involved with the daily well-being of a senior, be sure to keep extra close tabs on their schedules when time change kicks in.

So, go with the flow, and realize you may be a little overtired. Manage your daily stress by avoiding major decision-making when you can. Allow yourself extra time to travel, eat, and, to lounge in bed (set 2 alarms for a couple of days). Don't expect too much from yourself, just because the morning light beckons. Drink more water, plan a relaxing evening, and, power nap,

when you can, as, just a 20-minute power nap can increase alertness, and motor skills.

 Happy spring!

5 Second Stress Test - Body Temperature & Stress

Did you know the temperature of our hands and feet can have big affect on our stress levels? When we are tense & anxious, we "tighten" our bodies, from the inside out. "Squeezing" our organs, and muscles, causes a restriction in blood flow to our hands and feet, thus, affecting their temperature. This tensing action also affects our breathing, movement, thinking, even swallowing can be more difficult due to upper body muscle tension.

Dr. Timothy J. Lowenstein, tells us how we can monitor our temperature, and skillfully, even increase our hand temperature, in stressful situations, in an effort to maintain our calm. I see this as an asset, as we can then make more productive, safer decisions, in these instances. Dr. Lowenstein has written on the relation between "Stress and Body Temperature", and, even has a "5 Second Stress Test" , to monitor our own stress levels in any given situation.

This again, is another non-invasive technique for us to look at in our ever-searching quest to find....stress relief.