A Playground Workout Fills Up the Happiness Tank

It's obvious that I haven't done a good job with the blogging part of my New Year's Resolution, but the good news is that I have been working on my other resolutions including increasing my workouts, managing my sweet tooth, organizing the house, moving closer to being a licensed independent social worker and in my own way, saying goodbye to Gram.  Since I haven't been doing a great job with my blogging resolution, my mom has been nagging me (thanks, Mom) to sit down and write a post.  After a week of ignoring her nagging, I have decided to finally give in and listen to her.

It's easy to get consumed in the daily grind, and I have noticed that since becoming a mom to Turtle, it has become even easier to lose track of things that are important to me, putting that sweet little seven year old's needs before my own.  That is all fine and dandy, until I recognize myself becoming resentful and irritable; snipping at the boys and dogs over the littlest things.  I am recognizing it even more as I am sitting here typing, and realize now more than ever that it is important to care for me, so that I can in turn care for those I love.  And so, I have allowed Turtle to play on his 3DS so that I can take some time and write, and fill up my "Happiness Tank", that keeps me running.

Before I go any further, I want to explain the Happiness Tank concept.  I am sure that some of you already understand what I mean, but even though I say I understand the concept of a Happiness Tank, I am guilty of forgetting daily to fill up.  In my work with client's I have always talked to them about their "Happiness Tank" and filling themselves up with things they enjoy and love so that when they give to others, they are able to continue running.  It may sound silly, or even cliché, but think of your car. If you don't put gas in it, what happens?  It will only be a matter of time before you are stranded on the side of the road, hoping that someone is nice enough to stop and help you get going again.  And since people may have ulterior motives in stopping to help, it is even more important that we learn to keep our own tanks filled.

One way in addition to writing that I keep my tank full is through spending time working out.  While Steven may argue with me about whether I enjoy working out due to my cussing, complaining and huffing and puffing while he puts me through a workout, it is really something I do enjoy.  There is something so satisfying about saying, "I just burnt 500 calories" or being able to squat a few pounds more than you did the day before.  Sure, soreness is a bitch, and I know better than anyone that having wobbly legs makes nearly every task impossible (Facebook Friends, you may remember a status about me falling out of the tub the other day?), but burning those calories, challenging myself and getting some of those feel good chemicals pumping through my body, helps me to keep my Happiness Tank full.

According to The Mayo Clinic there are seven benefits of working out.  (I would argue that there are more, but since the Mayo Clinic is a legitimate resource, and I am just someone who gets tortured by daily workouts with her boyfriend, I thought I would defer to their expertise).  Some of the benefits are obvious; weight management and reduced risk and/or management of certain health conditions are two of the positives to working out that probably everyone knows.  The other five benefits that the Mayo Clinic names are increased mood, increased energy, better sleep, a better sex life (sorry, Mom) and my favorite, exercise can be fun.

Since Steven is a personal trainer and my boyfriend, I have gotten a built in workout partner.  Between me cussing at him and telling him that "there is no way I can do one more" we spend a lot of our time working out together laughing and having fun.  One of our favorite workouts to do together is at the park.  We are able to modify the workouts so we are both being challenged, using the different playground equipment and some of our own supplies to get a full body workout, all while Turtle is able to entertain himself playing with other children or exploring the playground.

This would be the place where I would like to include a full routine for you to try at the playground to get your workout on, and fill up your Happiness Tank. But since Steven isn't here, I am just going to include some clips of us working out to give you a little idea.  If you are interested in more information about playground workouts, please email us at letsbewellness@gmail.com and we will be happy to provide you with more information. Also, please keep in mind that Steven is a personal trainer, and that you should never try any physical activity without checking with your doctor.  Also, if trying something new, please make sure you have the appropriate workout partner to help you.  (If you live in Charleston, I have a recommendation!)

As you can see, we are able to use the playground to get a workout in, and have fun.   All the while, filling up our Happiness Tanks.  Whether it's writing or working out, or just curling up with a good book, please make sure for your sanity, and the sanity of those who love you that you keep your Happiness Tank at least most of the way full!  That way you can make sure you have the energy to keep running, and to live your life its fullest.

Fresh Cherry Watermelon Mint and Feta Salad

I would be lying if I told you that I hadn't been putting off publishing this post until the very last minute. Well, there is a good reason for that.  I told myself that once I had three posts published, I would share my blog with everyone.  I don't feel uncomfortable with strangers reading my writing, but I have always been shy about people I know, other than my mom, reading some of my personal thoughts and feelings.  I am a pretty open book, but just like everyone I have insecurities.  While I think that Steven and I make delicious food, and that I am a pretty decent writer; everyone's palates for food and writing are different.  Plus, let's face it, not everyone can cook.  So, my fears with sharing my blog is that people will 1. not like the recipes and/or posts I have and/or 2. royally screw up our recipe and make it taste horrible (of course that won't be you!).  Maybe that's mean, but it's honest.  Anyway, a wise person once told me that our fear is meant to keep us from achieving greatness.  And I hope that this blog will be just that.  If I/we can help one person want to eat healthier, be more active and care for themselves more holistically then I will call this a great success.  

So here goes nothing, my leap of faith in touching one life. My third post. And my moment to share Let's Be Wellness with my friends, family and anyone else wanting to better their lives!
 This recipe for Fresh Cherry Watermelon Mint and Feta Salad serves 6 and has only 67 calories per 85g serving (a little less than 1/2 cup). While it's high in sugars and saturated fat, this recipe comes packed with a very high amount of Vitamin B6.  B6 plays an important role in the body's production of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are your body's natural antidepressants.  No wonder, I have felt so good at work these past few days munching on this for a midday snack. This recipe also provides us with high levels of Vitamins A and C which many of us already know are very important for our bodies.  We will provide you with more information about the nutrients and importance of eating healthy recipes as we  continue developing our blog.  But for now, I hope this recipe gives you an idea of how delicious and diverse healthy eating can be.

 

Fresh Cherry Watermelon Mint and Feta Salad

Recipe Makes 6, 85g Servings (a little less than 1/2 cup)

 

After making, recipe keeps in the refrigerator for about 5 days

 

 

Ingredients:

·        2 cups Fresh Watermelon, cubed (you probably want to pick out the seeds if you can!)

·        1/3 cups  Fresh Cherries, pitted and halved

·        1/2 medium Red Onion, cut in thin slices

·        1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled

·        4 to 5 leaves of Fresh Mint, minced

·        Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1.     Mix all items except for cheese together in a medium to large bowl

2.     Refrigerate until cold

3.     Add Feta crumbles and stir