Life Accelerated

5 Tips for Taking a Great Summer Vacation

Whether you're working the 9 to 5 grind or self-employed, you need to take time away from work--extended time, like a good 10 days or more at least once each year, more often if you can. That means taking the time to renew and restore your overall well-being.  Are you ready for a great summer vacation? Try some of the tips below to get started.

1. Don't spend more money than you budget.

Taking a vacation can be as easy as sitting in the hammock in the back yard. But if you're going to be making your way to a summer resort, make sure you have all the funds you need to do what you want so you won't be stressed financially.

Wherever you are, make sure you laugh each day. Laughter truly is one of the best medicines for lightening up our lives and helping us to feel a sense of joy every day.

Do something you've never done before. A change is as good as a rest they say, and there's nothing more exhilarating than trying out an activity you've never pursued--especially while on vacation. Whether it's scuba diving, trying a new food or learning a new board game, let your imagination run with ideas about how to spend some of those lazy summer days.

Stay true to your health. Whether you're on vacation or at home or work, it's important to keep your health regime going on a consistent basis. Go ahead and indulge while you're on vacation, but do keep at least the basics of your daily health routine in place so your body and mind aren't confused or overwhelmed by a sudden change. Remember that your quality of life is important, so keeping your routine going whether day-to-day or on vacation will serve you well in the long run.

Give yourself 2 or 3 days after you come back from vacation before returning to work if you can. Going from major relaxation back to a hectic pace overnight can rev your body and mind up too soon. Having a day or two to unwind after your vacation helps the transition.

Lifelong Wellness

Every day we all get a little bit older, but the secret to success is to also get a little bit wiser, specifically about your wellness. Lifestyle has the greatest influence on how healthy you are and how long you live.  Studies have shown that the quality of life is directly related to the length of your life. Wellness grows even more important as we age. In order to maintain your overall well-being, keep these factors in mind

The phrase “you are what you eat” has an element of truth to it: eating healthy can boost your energy and overall system wellness. Be sure to include the proper vitamins and minerals for your situation.

Physical activity (previously known as exercise) also plays a huge role in your overall wellness. However, if you are not up to the rigorous gym routine of your younger days, try simple substitutes instead. Studies have shown that consistent activity is more important than the type of the activity. Try walking, yoga, gardening, housework, or even babysitting your grandchildren.

Stay mentally active as well. Many people accomplish this by working, volunteering, daily board/puzzle games, or even just reading the newspaper.

When it comes to wellness, every little bit helps. So as you grow older and wiser, practice healthy behaviors to maintain your well-being and improve your quality of life. For more tips, read "Your Recipe to Living a Long Healthy Life"

Click on the link ;  http://lifeaccelerated.com/forum/, REGISTER and LOGIN to the Life Accelerated Forum and let us know what healthy behaviors you use to maintain your wellness.

Water, water, everywhere ...

We all know that we’re supposed to drink water, but how much is too much, or too little? What else affects how much water we need? Depending on where you look and who you listen to, these answers can vary widely. Here are a couple tips and guidelines that should help though:

• If you are thirsty, drink a glass of water.
• It helps you digest your food if you drink water with your meals.
• For every cup of caffeinated liquids (coffee, soda, etc.), you will need an extra glass of water.
• For every 30 minutes of exercise, you will need an extra glass of water.
• Generally, you need more water in the winter and summer months, than in the fall and spring.  In winter, the air is drier and you expel more water as you breath;  in summer, temperatures are warmer and you lose more water due to sweat.
• Pregnant women need about 50% more water than non-pregnant women.

Water can boost your immune system and improve overall health. The hard part is to remember to drink it throughout the day. Keep a bottle of water near you at all times. That way, if you’re thirsty, you won’t have an excuse for not drinking it. If the taste of plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try bottled water or flavored water. There are lots of waters on the market that include flavorings and vitamins (just make sure it doesn’t include caffeine).

So, raise a glass of water: “to your health”. 

Tax Time Wellness

Most of the time taxes evoke feelings of stress and frustration, not thoughts of peace and wellness.  Here are some simple things you can do to make the most of this tax season:
   
    1.  Unless you are an accountant with lots of spare time, I strongly recommend using tax preparation software.  There are many kinds available, both online and home use copies.  And for those who really want the stress-free version, the half-hour spent talking to your local tax preparation company is well worth the fee.
    2.  If you are receiving a refund, put the money towards something that will make you feel better.  See the list below of Top Ten Wellness Ideas for your refund.
    3.  If you owe taxes, adjust your W-4 so that next year the correct amount will be withheld.

Top Ten "Wellness" Ideas for Your Tax Refund:
10.  Spend a day at the spa.
9.  Get a professional family portrait taken.
8.  Donate to a charity (it makes you feel better).
7.  Hire a maid to help with your spring cleaning.
6.  Sign up for a year membership at the gym.
5.  Put half into savings for a rainy day.
4.  Decorate a room in your house.
3.  Take a continuing education course.
2.  Buy supplies for a hobby you always wanted to try.
1.  Pay off your debts.

Meditate for Health

Meditation can benefit every area of your life. A recent on the Health and Yoga website provides compelling evidence supporting meditation as a lifestyle.

Whenever I meditate, I focus on my breathing and “feeling” each of my body parts. According to the article, when your mind focuses on a part of the body, the blood flow increases and provides “body luster”. The health benefits of meditation are too many to list here, but it reduces blood pressure, enhances the immune system, and can even relieve PMS!

For me, the hardest part about meditation is finding the time to just do it. One of the things that I find works best is to meditate first thing in the morning when I wake up and right before I go to sleep at night. I often do this in bed with my eyes closed (my husband sometimes accuses me of sleeping instead of meditating!). I focus on my breathing and on each part of my body starting at my toes.  Since I started meditating I’ve found I am more alert and energetic throughout the day, and I fall asleep faster at night.

If you want to try meditation, but don’t know where to start, try this website, http://www.learningmeditation.com. It provides a good foundation for beginning your meditation journey.

Written by Karen Worthy

Make a Difference - Be a Mentor

Often all it takes is one person to make a difference.  For me, that one person was my first official mentor at work.  Not only did she make me feel welcome in my new division, but she gave me insights into how everything worked at that location (from what's the best time to eat lunch to how to get the promotion you want).  If each woman had someone like her that they could look to for advice and help, they might not feel so discouraged and overwhelmed.

An article I recently read, Women In Technology:  A Call to Action by Carmen Nobel (click here to read the full article), inspired me to continue the mentoring tradition.  We, as women, need to make an effort to help other women through formal or informal mentoring.  Even if you only have time to eat lunch together, this can help provide the encouragement that many women need.  One woman I know invites a different young employee to go for walks with her each week so that she can stay fit as well as provide mentoring for the younger generation.

So, pass on your knowledge - I know you have a lot of it - and help prepare for the future.  Also, don't forget to find your own personal mentor as well.