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Why Doing Nothing is Good For Your Health

Why Doing Nothing is Good For Your Health

September 21, 2021 Lifestyle

It’s a Sunday…one of those early afternoon, hot and windy September days.

I decided not only is it too hot, but the wind makes working outside, fertilizing the lawn, and doing Fall prep work a bad idea, unless I want the fertilizing granules flying back up at me instead of onto the grass.  I’m not a fan of fertilizer flying up into my face, nose and eyes. Although it can perk up a yard, I’m fairly certain it does not do the same for humans!

So, I told myself, “you say you want to write more, why don’t you start writing more by writing right now?” 

That would mean I’d have to sit down and write…

This is where the struggle comes in. 

It’s not that I don’t know what to write about – I’ve got topics galore.  It’s that I get this nagging feeling that taking the time to sit and write takes away from doing all of those other “productive” things that need to get done for my business or around the house. 

Uh oh. That’s it! I self-diagnosed myself as having “getting-it-all-done, so-much-more-to-do-itis”: that mental state where you can’t just do nothing because there’s so much to do, and if you do nothing (even though sitting down and writing is definitely NOT nothing), sitting feels unproductive.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one with this. 

In fact, I just read that so many people are burned out, overwhelmed, and stressed because of exactly this – all they feel they have to get done. We have modern conveniences that make our lives easier, computers that allow us to work from everywhere and yet, we are more pressed for time than ever before.

I have gotten way better at this even though it still comes up. I’ve learned that doing nothing can be every bit as productive, perhaps even more so, than just keeping busy at working to check things off that on-going, ever-expanding list. 

When my kids were little and still living at home, and I was building my business as a single mother, I felt like I was wasting time if I wasn’t doing something on that never-ending list.  I can now hear a phrase in the back of my mind, both from my mom, and this inspirational group I listen to, telling me you’ll never get it done, and there will always be something more to do, so just let it go.  I’m guessing this is where the phrase “stop and smell the roses” came from. 

We often find ourselves regurgitating and living from our past or getting overwhelmed and over-focused on the future.

Both perspectives take us away from being in the present NOW moment. Unless you are reliving something that makes you happy from your past, or excited about a future event (both of which have positive value), getting too caught up in the stress of either the past or future, takes us away from the only moment we really ever have – the present moment. This is also where our power comes from.

Studies show that our brains need downtime to do nothing, meaning “no thing” right now. In other words, not a thing needs to be done right now. This downtime has been shown to stimulate creativity and imagination. It allows for daydreaming which helps us create a vision towards a future, and it reduces stress.

Our brains need space for this all to occur. 

If it’s caught up in “doing” all the time, it never gets that open space by just “being.” Meditation comes to mind, but even meditation can be hard for people because they are still trying to “do” something. Instead of letting go of thought, sitting still and just being present in the moment, they try to force “no thought,” which is still trying to do something.

If you’re anything like me, maybe we all need to remind ourselves that doing nothing is sometimes exactly what we need to re-group and re-charge. In that way, we become productive!

So ironically, we are still doing something.

For me, this time was the act of writing. It could easily have been looking at a magazine, reading a book or having a conversation with a loved one. What does rest and relaxation and being present in the moment look like for you?

Let yourself off the hook, chill out and relax and give yourself permission to do nothing – because that is something! And it’s something really good!

Active-ist for your health,

Irene

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Happy April 1st! 😜 If you want to live longer a Happy April 1st! 😜 If you want to live longer and feel great doing it, you might consider doing exactly the opposite of these things. 🙌

#longevity #healthylifestyle #healthtips
Irene has been healing a Dancer’s fracture for t Irene has been healing a Dancer’s fracture for the past couple months (and no, it didn’t happen during one of our dance practices, but yes, it is the reason we’ve been on break from our “Fancy Feet Friday” posts).👯‍♀️

A key part of her healing approach has included taking the Bone & Marrow product from @ancestralsupplements. You already know we love their products (which are whole foods, freeze-dried and served in capsule form). The concept behind why these products help so many people is called “like supports like,” where consuming a specific part of a healthy animal supports the health and healing of that part in your own body. There are some cool studies to support this and our ancestors knew it all along, before we had any of that research. 

The Bone & Marrow product is a regular part of both Irene’s and Brianna’s daily food intake and you might consider adding it to yours, too. Why are bones and marrow so beneficial to health and longevity?

Ancestral Supplements Bone & Marrow contains:
🔹The entire bone matrix (living bone, pure marrow & cartilage)
🔹Platelets and stem cells to support red and white blood cells
🔹Collagen
🔹Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

All of these things support:
🔸Healthy blood (red & white blood cell production)
🔸Robust immune health
🔸Decreased inflammation
🔸Strong bones & teeth (dental health)
🔸Skin & joint health
🔸Marrow & cartilage health

Learn more about this wonderful product at the link in our profile bio!

#injuryrecovery #healthylifestyle #nutrition
Feeling especially inspired by today’s ruck part Feeling especially inspired by today’s ruck participants!! Talk about showing up and giving it your all! You are amazing and awesome! We can’t think of a better way to have started our Saturday. Congrats, two-percenters! 🤩

#iamhealthy #healthyhappy #healthywealthy #activelifestyle #iamfit #determination #motivation #inspiration #icandothis #instafit #instafitness #attitudeiseverything #attitude #gratitude #activeliving #foreverfit #fitnessislife #fitspiration #createyourlife #livelifetothefullest #designyourlife #omaha #omahanebraska #optoutside #betterouthere #omaharuckclub #glaruckclub #omahafitness #omahaevents #ruckclub
Join us this Saturday morning for our next ruck! T Join us this Saturday morning for our next ruck! The great thing about our rucks is that anyone can participate at their own level of difficulty. Someone who is very active and fit can carry more weight in their backpack, hold more weight in their hands or up on their shoulders, while someone who is newer to rucking can walk with just a few added pounds in their backpack. Parents can push strollers or use their kids as added weight in a carrier on their back or chest. If you have an elderly parent or disabled friend, you can push them in their wheelchair. There’s almost no situation that can’t be accommodated in some way - you just need the motivation to want to go!

If you would like to join us for our next ruck (it’s free), you can receive the details by email and/or via our private Facebook group. The links for both can be accessed from the link in our profile bio!

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#iamhealthy #healthyhappy #healthywealthy #activelifestyle #iamfit #determination #motivation #inspiration #icandothis #instafit #instafitness #attitudeiseverything #attitude #gratitude #activeliving #foreverfit #fitnessislife #fitspiration #createyourlife #livelifetothefullest #designyourlife #omaha #omahanebraska #optoutside #betterouthere #omaharuckclub #glaruckclub #omahafitness #omahaevents #ruckclub
Science is proving that when the heart and brain a Science is proving that when the heart and brain are in coherence, they operate synergistically and more efficiently. This coherence brings about major changes in our emotional states, our bodily health, and cognitive function. 

When we feel negative emotions such as anger, resentment, anxiety, and frustration, we create disordered heart variability and stress in our body and mind. We feel scattered and pulled because our thoughts and feelings are working against each other and creating disorder in our bodies. By focusing on positive emotions, such as love, joy, abundance and appreciation, we can turn down the stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response, and generate a harmonious and highly-ordered pattern in our heart’s rhythm. 

The heart and brain communicate in both directions. When the heart and brain are in coherence, we not only decrease stress, we increase creativity, calmness, greater focus, improved decision-making, and we bring about a sense of peace within ourselves and a deeper connection to those around us. 

As if that’s not already enough, it also strengthens our immune system, balances our hormonal function, improves sleep quality and increases physical energy. 

Take a few minutes to do this little exercise today and feel the difference it can make for you. 

#mindset #motivationmonday #mondaymotivation #gratitude #lawofattraction #getbetter #personaldevelopment #healthcoach
Some fun surprise weather on our walk today! #snow Some fun surprise weather on our walk today! #snowshowers #snow #walk #outdoors #dogwalk
“Some people have all the luck…”🍀 We don “Some people have all the luck…”🍀

We don’t believe in luck. We believe in making your goals and dreams come true through open-mindedness, vulnerability, optimism, determination, commitment, perseverance and tenacity. Not relying on luck. 

We believe that your starting point does not determine your destination. YOU determine your destination. 

If you don’t like some aspect of your life, then decide what you want it to look like instead and start taking action towards that!

Your mind is always scanning for opportunities. If you know what you want and you’re determined to get there, you better believe opportunities will “suddenly” arise to help you meet your goal.

Others watching from the outside will say it was luck, but you will know it was anything but.

To add an example with a touch of humor, if you’ve ever seen our favorite movie, Dumb & Dumber, then you’re familiar with the scene at the end. Harry and Lloyd get stopped by a Hawaiian Tropic tour bus and several bikini models get out to tell them they're looking for two guys to travel around with them on tour and help them get ready for shows. Harry and Lloyd respond by telling them there's a town just a few miles down the road that's bound to have guys for the roles they're looking for. Lloyd says, "Wow two lucky guys are going to be driving around with those girls for the next couple of months." Then Harry replies, "Yeah. Don't worry. We'll catch our break too. Just gotta keep our eyes open." 😜

To sum it all up, we leave you with two quotes that further support our perspective on luck:

"Shallow men believe in luck. 
Strong men believe in cause and effect." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I've found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” - Brian Tracy

Create your own luck today. Be the cause to your effect. Get real with yourself. Set your sights on something. Take a chance. Be the victor who knows you have the power to change your life, not the victim who thinks others have all the luck.

#mindset #longevity #health #comfortzone #goals #goalgetter #healthylifestyle #healthcoach #attitude #motivation
Here’s part 2 to our previous video. Are you agi Here’s part 2 to our previous video. Are you aging yourself? 

#mindset #aging #longevity #attitude #healthylifestyle
You have more influence than you think when it com You have more influence than you think when it comes to aging well. 😉 The whole video doesn’t fit in the reels time limit, so check out our post after this for part 2!

#mindset #aging #longevity #attitude #healthylifestyle
How many more reasons do you need before you’ll How many more reasons do you need before you’ll make the jump and join our ruck club? 😉

Our next group ruck is Saturday, March 25th at 9:30am. It’s going to be an awesome time! 🤩

All ages and abilities can participate. The level of difficulty is determined by how much added weight you carry in your backpack. Some of our members don’t carry any added weight because the ruck is already difficult enough. Some members push their kids in the stroller AND wear a weighted backpack. It’s your opportunity to challenge yourself and we will support you the entire way!

If you’ve been watching and wondering, it’s time to say YES to you by joining us! 💪

If you’re in the Omaha area and would like to participate (it’s free), you can receive the details by email and/or via our private Facebook group. The links for both can be accessed from the link in our profile bio!

#ruckclub #omaha #omahanebraska #omahafitness #outdoorfun #getoutside
We celebrated a birthday in the family this past w We celebrated a birthday in the family this past weekend and Irene made her amazing Tuscan chicken! This made us think maybe we should share the recipe with you, so you can picture yourself in Tuscany amongst the vineyards, too. Get the recipe at goliveabundance.com or at the link in our profile bio. For the birthday party, we went all out with a fresh salad with hazelnuts and Parmesan, organic angel hair pasta, and homemade sourdough garlic bread. It even got requested as the meal of choice for another family member’s upcoming birthday in a few months! Try it out for yourself! #recipes #healthyfood #healthymeals #dinnerparty #easyrecipes
“Just do 5 minutes!” - it’s one of our philo “Just do 5 minutes!” - it’s one of our philosophies for exercise as well as many other things that we sometimes don’t have a large block of time to do.

You may not feel like you have 30 minutes for a dedicated workout, but we bet you can find 5 minutes to do something. When you practice the “just do 5 minutes” approach, typically you’ll find that two possible results are achieved:

1. You really do just 5 minutes, which is great because it’s still getting your body moving and it’s much better than doing nothing!
2. You end up doing a little more (or sometimes even a lot more) than 5 minutes because you feel good and motivated once you start and you decide you have time to go a little longer than planned!

Both are great outcomes!

When you find pockets of time to do a couple or a few sets of 5-minute bursts, you end up multiplying your benefits even more! You may find it easier to find 2-3 different opportunities to do 5 minutes, than finding a single 10-15 minute block of time.

#wellnesswednesday #wellnesscoach #wellnesstips #healthtips #mindset #exercisemotivation #fitnessmotivation
It’s not “cause and effect”, it’s cause an It’s not “cause and effect”, it’s cause an effect. Be the CAUSE to make the effect! Make it happen. 🙌

#mondaymotivation #motivationmonday
Remember to always add some fun to your workouts 😂

#fitnessfriday #fridayfitness #fitnessfun #homeworkout #workout #fitness #toddler #toddlerlife
No, we don’t always feel motivated to go outside No, we don’t always feel motivated to go outside at sunrise in the winter, but we do it anyways because we know it:
- Supports our circadian rhythms and proper functioning of many other processes in our bodies through morning sunlight in the eyes 
- Exposes us to the benefits of cold temps and getting out of our comfort zones
- Clears our minds and gets us centered for your day by being outdoors in nature

And P.S., we also don’t care what our neighbors think about our morning sunlight ritual 😜

#healthyhabits #healthtips #healthylifestyle #healthjourney #healthcoach #wellnessjourney #wellnesscoach #mindset #motivation #getoutside #getoutdoors #betteroutside
Our go-to tortilla chips! Made with non-GMO corn a Our go-to tortilla chips! Made with non-GMO corn and cooked in coconut oil instead of inflammatory seed oils. We’re the weirdos in the grocery store aisle looking at each @gilly_loco bag for the puffiest and saltiest chips. 😅 If you don’t have a Whole Foods near you, you can order these directly from the brand on their website!

#healthyfood #cleanfood #healthtips #healthylifestyle #foodie #healthcoach #wellnessjourney #betterfood
Want to improve your balance? Here are a few simpl Want to improve your balance? Here are a few simple ideas that you can do anytime, anywhere. Not only do they improve your balance when practiced consistently and regularly, they also strength your feet, ankles, knees and all the way up to the hips. 

#exercisetips #healthtips #personaltrainer #healthcoach #motivationmonday #mondaymotivation #longevity #aginggracefully #agingbackwards #fitnessmotivation #fitnessgirl
When you notice your avocados are ripe but don’t When you notice your avocados are ripe but don’t have any plans to eat them, don’t let them go to waste - freeze them! Just scoop the flesh out onto some parchment paper on a flat surface, freeze and then transfer the fruit to a bag or container for storage. Avocado halves only take about 20-30 min to thaw. Frozen avocado is also a great addition to a smoothie - adds creaminess, but no weird flavor! We especially like to stock up on avocados when they’re on sale and then freeze them.

#cookingtips #kitchenhacks #mealprep #healthyeating #healthyfood #keto #ketomeals #ketodiet #carnivorediet #carnivoreketo #carnivorelife #paleodiet #paleorecipes #momhack #parentingtips
You’ve heard us talk about rucking for a while n You’ve heard us talk about rucking for a while now. There are so many health benefits to walking with added weight (increased bone density, stronger muscles, more calories burned, etc.). If you have a small child or grandchild, let them be your ruck! Strollers provide some nice weighted resistance, but they don’t compare to the full body effort required for rucking. Carrying your child also means you can get out in all seasons more easily. Taking a stroller across an uncleared snowy path is no “walk in the park”!

#rucking #outdoorworkout #grandma #grandpa #parentingtips #momlife #dadlife #fitmama #wellnesswednesday #fitspo
You can only love others to the degree with which You can only love others to the degree with which you love yourself. This isn't ego love, or arrogance - that is not love. This is about truly loving yourself, respecting yourself, and honoring your self. Knowing your value and that you are worthy. You do this by becoming physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. That is the highest form of personal development. It takes commitment, perseverance, tenacity, a focused mindset, and putting in the effort even when you don't feel like doing it. That's how you build self-esteem, confidence, and inner strength. It's a process, and it's an ongoing one. It's in the journey along the way where the growth occurs. Love yourself enough that you become your most idealized self. Then go out and share that love with everyone else in the world. Everyone will benefit. Happy Valentine's Day. From our hearts to yours, we love you! 

#valentine #valentineday #love #gratitude
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