by Lucy | Sep 7, 2015 | Motivational Mondays
On this Labor Day that celebrates us hard-working American’s it only seems appropriate to talk about the importance of these play days.
I was lucky enough to be raised by mother who believes in taking mental health days. Yes that’s right, she let me stay home from school “just because” one time per semester (as long as I was not dodging a test or presentation).
As I dive into a 2 week mental health retreat, it occurred to me that I have 110 hours of unused PTO from five years working for the clinic. That’s almost 3 weeks of vacation time that I didn’t use.
It’s no surprise that Americans are world-renowned for not taking their leisure time as other countries do. According to a US Travel Association study, American’s took 16 of their 20.9 vacation days in 2013. All work and no play does not help get us ahead as we often end up more stressed or burnt out by neglecting to take days off to recharge.
Food for thought:
What are we waiting for? If you’re like me and found yourself saving up PTO only to watch it go unused, stop that.
I understand completely that it’s hard to step away because of the flurry that awaits when you get back, but this is your time and your health. Today I wish you courage to take that step to be selfish and plan your next fabulous get-away!
by Lucy | Aug 31, 2015 | Motivational Mondays
Becoming More Mindful
Mindfulness… What’s that mean anyway?
Last week I became mindfully aware of how distracted I am most of the time. I know I’m not alone as I see other people walking down the sidewalk on their smart phones, talking on the phone while driving or watching TV while eating. Yep, we’re a nation of multitaskers.
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by Lucy | Aug 24, 2015 | Motivational Mondays
The tan lines may fade, but the memories will last forever…
The sweet (and spicy!) taste of Summer
Last week on the radio the DJ started talking about enjoying these last days of summer… The good news is you still have a full 4 weeks until Fall Equinox, but with September just around the corner and schools starting back up we know Autumn is almost upon us.
It’s good reminder that we only have a few weeks left to savor Summer. As I sit here munching on my sweet, juicy fresh, and local peach I can’t help but stop and appreciates how delicious the summer season is.
There have not been enough tomatoes and peaches in my life so I have to make up for that in the next few weeks!
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by Lucy | Aug 17, 2015 | Motivational Mondays
"It's sugar-free, non dairy, peanut free, gluten free, no msg, no trans fats, low carb, non GMO, organic, vegan, low calorie no fructose, and it tastes like crap too..." -someecards
Brain Power: brought to you by Carbohydrates
Your brain needs energy.
Last week as I was puttsing around the house trying to get things off my to do list (apparently puttsing is not a “real” word). I got frustrated because I don’t know how to scan documents directly into my computer, how annoying!
I really needed to get an application completed and I wanted desperately to get this off my to do list. In the midst of walking back-and-forth between my computer and the printer I decided to grab half a banana with peanut butter (hello can we say addiction?).
Almost immediately or at least after the first few bites I got a really good idea. Instead of scanning the document directly into my computer I will do it the “old-fashioned way” and make a paper copy to fax. It’s not as eco-friendly; however, much less frustrating. Finally realizing how to accomplish the task without minutes or hours of tears and heartache.
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by Lucy | Aug 10, 2015 | Motivational Mondays
As you local North Carolinians have noticed, it’s been a really freaking hot summer. My new fancy car, Elsa the Prius, tells me the temperature and I sort of miss living in blissful ignorance. Seeing it come below 80 degrees this past weekend was particularly delightful.
It’s been in the 90’s for what feels like an eternity, but that’s okay because now it is August and it’s supposed to be sweat your buns off hot outside!
Needless to say, these temperatures call for an increased fluid intake and as your dietitian and wellness cheerleader I’m obligated to make sure you drink lots of water. Luckily for us, Ellie Krieger (my favorite famous dietitian) wrote an article about our water options including some more enticing and fun choices.
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