things you can do: self-care ideas

Probably THE easiest thing you can do for your health! Your stomach is working hard everyday, help out by chewing a little longer.

You are probably sick of hearing this... so I won't annoy you with the information you already know... 

Walking an extra block on your way back from the corner store, little movements like shoulder circles, ankle/ wrist circles, or drinking a less sugary drink will all benefit your health.

Don't go all out or push yourself. Do what you can enjoy = DO NOT DO what you can't enjoy!

Any continuous movement that raises and keeps your heart rate up (a little). It conditions your heart and lung functions- walking, running, bike/ arm ergometer, swimming, dancing or just marching in place... to name a few but, really, any smooth continuous movement will do! 

Adding resistance to your muscles by using handheld weights, resistance bands, or simply using your body weight against gravity to strengthen your muscles. The key is to use the combination of resistance and repetitions to "fatigue" the muscle, but NOT to "exhaust".

Stretching exercises keep your muscles supple and joints moveing smoothly and fluidly. When you are stretching, make sure to gently and slowly stretch your muscles to comfort, do not bounce, do not force. Stretching should be relaxing. 

Resting is as important as training. Have at least one or two days off a week from cardio exercises, and at least one day in between resistance exercises, or more days if your muscle is still sore from the previous workout.