Finding Balance and Joy: September 2023

Monday, September 25, 2023

How Prepared Are You for a Disaster?

Greetings all!

Did you know that in the USA, September is National Preparedness Month? I did not until my utility company emailed me a link to an emergency supply list. I found the list very helpful, and it reminded me to check my preparedness kit.

Image from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214554369724667207/

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications
Non-prescription medications (e.g., pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives)
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents (e.g., copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container)
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

What did you think? How prepared are you? Drop me a line!

Sources:

Monday, September 18, 2023

3 Easy Stretches

Greetings all!

Do you ever find yourself collecting information - in the name of research, of course! - and then get overwhelmed by the options? I often feel that way with well-being tips and advice.

One of the healthy practices I like is stretching. But sometimes instead of just dropping on my yoga mat and doing a couple of familiar stretches, I end up reading yet another article or watching a YouTube video promising the next best stretch. Let me tell you - if only reading/watching translated into visible results, I would by now be performing in Cirque Du Soleil!

So I am setting myself a challenge: every time I want to learn about a new stretch, before I actually click on the link, I will do the following 3 stretches for at least 5 breaths each:

Cat-Cow

[Katie Thompson]

Reclined Twist

[Katie Thompson]

Child’s Pose

[Meiko Arquillos]

Do you have a quick stretching routine you want to share? Or you can join me on this challenge! Drop me a line, and I will see you on the mat!

Source (and more stretches but I will try to stick with these 3 to start with!): https://www.self.com/gallery/stretching-exercises

Monday, September 11, 2023

Hara Hachi Bu

Greetings all!

Are you interested in adding more happy and healthy years to your life? How about losing some weight in the process? If so, read on about Hara Hachi Bu, which translates as “Belly 8 parts!”

Image from https://thefullnester.com/what-is-hara-hachi-bu/

Side note: By now, I probably could write several books using the well-being tips and advice I learned over the years – but the implementation of those ideas into practice is a bit more challenging! Ideally, I would like to go to sleep and wake up healthier, lighter, and pain-free. Holding out hope for technological breakthroughs in this particular area is nice but in the meantime I am exploring and sharing with you more doable options.

OK, back to Hara Hachi Bu! I was recently reminded about the Blue Zones. You might recall my post “Three Strands of Happiness” that looked at these geographic regions with some of the world’s oldest people, as well as the healthy behaviors they practice that help extend their life spans.

Elder Okinawans in Japan practice the Confucian idea of Hara Hachi Bu - eating until you are 80% full. Do you usually eat until you are just no longer hungry, instead of being stuffed?

I am trying Hara Hachi Bu with these 3 tips:

Eat smaller portions. This approach does not deprive you of any foods, you eat what you are used to but in smaller quantities! Some people also find it easier to use smaller plates.
Eat more slowly so your body and brain can tell you when you are full. Did you know it takes the brain about 20-30 minutes to register the message that we are full? This means we continue eating – and stretching out stomachs – for longer than necessary!
Eat mindfully and focus on food – no TV, books, or phone! I find this one to be challenging, which is telling in itself :)

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Sources: