By Michele Tenney
Here’s To Your Health
Michele Tenney
As a mom of a senior in high school who is also a captain of the baseball team, I have found myself busier than usual these days. It’s all good stress, but stress nonetheless. Kudos to all you mommas who are juggling more than one child at home.
Let’s face it, whether it is good stress or bad stress, stress is still bad. I am grateful for the privilege of watching my son graduate high school and start off to college. However, there’s a little “sad” in me as well. I’m writing this column while overlooking a beautiful lake with shimmering sparkles from the sunlight beaming on the water, and I am reminded how important it is to slow down, breathe and take some personal time for myself.
While I know that beginning tomorrow the rat race will inevitably begin again, I have done my due diligence in self-care for however short a period of time. Refueling is so important. This Memorial Day sets off the busiest time of year for most of us. However, our bodies were not meant to be full of cortisol all the time. We really have to be intentional about our peace.
Massage therapy should not be a luxury service for us. We should use this treatment regularly to decompress, reduce stress and reset ourselves. I wish for a day when insurance companies pay for this treatment as a preventative measure for sickness and disease. I feel the same way about personal training and nutrition services. We should be on a path of preventative measures rather than a prescription after sickness and disease have already settled into our bodies.
With graduations, barbeques and vacations, our food needs to be balanced as well. I always find it hardest to stay in shape during the summer months despite the holiday season. It seems I’m always on the go, trying to make up for lost time being stuck inside for winter. If you’re like me, my recommendation would be to take advantage of farmers markets and freshly grown fruits and vegetables. They have a cleansing effect on our bodies.
Whatever it is that you’re celebrating, celebrate yourself. Take time to slow down, breathe the fresh air and eat some locally-grown foods to help maintain your wellness. There’s definitely no excuse now to get out and taking a long walk with the weather on the upswing. Make sure you’re exercising as well and getting good sleep. I believe in you, but it’s more important you believe in yourself. Here’s to your health.
Michele Tenney is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist & Wellness Coach. She is a member of the Orange Board of Health. She can be reached at 203-668-2969 or email at Hmgbrd3@gmail.com.