Attitude is Everything!

By Michele Batz

When you are working out, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking about your day? Are you making plans for that vacation trip? Or are you thinking, when is this over? Can I stop now!

Experts agree that when you are working out, you should be thinking about how your muscles are performing. Whether it is walking, running, or taking that step class, you should be thinking what muscles need to engage to perform the exercise. You do this, right?

If you are like me, you are planning your day, especially if you are a Mom. You must plan ahead to stay ahead of your family and any little bump that could change your plans. Have you ever tried sitting down and getting something done while everyone is home? It is impossible, is it not? Someone will ask you where something is or someone will ask you to help them out or the telephone will ring and it is your mother, so you don't dare blow her off. You are in demand all the time. Am I right?

So, while you have found some time for yourself to workout, during that work out —- Brainstorm! Have fun with it. Dream and develop a plan that could make your life a little easier. Here is some great advice that I received from a very dear loved one recently — Keep Your Sense of Humor.

When you keep your sense of humor in your daily life, you will not only feel better but you will look better, too! Get happy and be prepared to release everyday stress with the following ideas:

1. Manage your stress by using essential oil to help you relax; it is a natural sedative and nervine. Essential oils are available that you can put directly onto your skin, to inhale them, to give you calm. Other oils can put onto a soft tissue or handkerchief to achieve the same effect. Or you can purchase an oil diffuser to enhance your home. Check with a local supplier on how to use the essential oils.
   
   
2. Job and/or family demands can wear a person out. To help you energize and refocus: Stand up with your feet shoulder width apart, placing your palms on your lower abdomen. Close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, gradually expanding your diaphragm. If you're breathing correctly, you will feel your hands move outward. Hold for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this 10 times.
   
   Now that you are calmer and have more oxygen circulating through your body, place your arms straight out in front of you. Slowly do 10 deep knee bends. (not to deep to protect the knee joint) Make sure to squeeze your buttocks on the way back up. Don't you feel better now?
   
   
3. Smile more. Even if you are having a bad day. Try to find at least one good thing that will bring a smile to your face. Is the sky bright and sunny? Are the birds singing? Is your family all healthy? Find something to smile about that will lighten your mood.
   
   
4. Laugh more. "Laughter is the best medicine" — how many times have you heard that one? Go see a funny movie, read a funny book, play with your children or play with your pet. Laughter makes you feel good, makes your skin glow and stimulates circulation throughout your body. Go ahead and have a hearty laugh!

Attitude is everything? Your sense of humor and how you approach life, makes all the difference in the world. Think positive, plan ahead, brainstorm..it is your life, live it, love it and embrace it. Go out today and make something positive happen. You will be glad you did! That will put a smile on your face! •

© 2004 Michele Batz

About the Author
Michele Batz has an extensive 25 year career in sports education. She writes her own column for a Chicagoland newspaper and for eFitness.com and eDiets.com. Her book — What's Holding You Back? A Woman's Beginning Guide to Fitness is available through Amazon.com.