Like many of us, I’m confined to home right now. You would think that means I’m getting lots done but I confess that I’m easily distracted and not nearly as productive as I could be.

I already knew this but it’s even more clear to me that I really like going to the gym and that I’m much less likely to do strength training when left to my own devices. I’m just not doing the things I know I should be doing. I could easily spend a half hour doing push ups, squats, and lunges and have a good workout.  It just hasn’t happened yet.

Cardio

Since I can go outside and, in fact, it’s probably good for me to get some fresh air, I’ve tried to do some cardio every day. I broke out my couch to 5K app (yes, AGAIN!) and am doing a run/walk routine to get back to running. Every year I vow not to lose my running over the winter. That seems to be a vow that is easily broken. I really need to work on that.

It’s really not been warm enough in Ohio for me to take a bike outside but I now have a bike set up inside. I have started to use it to vary my cardio workouts. I’m using Zwift and a Wahoo Kickr Snap to make my bike rides more challenging. I’ll share more information on both of those in a future blogpost.

If you use Zwift and want to follow each other there, please let me know. I could use more support.

Just getting outside and moving is great. I enjoy going for a walk in my neighborhood.

Confined to Home

When I’m in the house, I notice that I’m on the phone a lot more often and I’ve started to pace while talking. It really is an easy way to get more steps in without having to think about it.

Between getting outside and the pacing, my Fitbit numbers have gone up a lot. It’s noticeable, for sure. So, that’s one good thing. Being at home and not working has some benefits.

What have you been doing to keep yourself active? Are you stuck at home or are you going to work? If you’re home, are you working from home? Let me know how you’re doing.

This past week the weather has improved quite a bit here in Ohio and I got my first bike ride of the season!

While it was still really cold at 47 degrees, the sun helped. My tire pressure was low, so I pumped the tires up. Actually I was surprised there was still air from last year in the tubes. Checked the brakes. Made sure I remembered which side was the big gear and which one was the small gear.

Found my bike gloves, helmet, and bike shoes. Bundled up really well, with an extra sweatshirt and warm socks.

After spending so many days at home, it was nice to be out of the house, even for a short first bike ride of the season. I didn’t go near any people and only saw a few cars.

I have to tell you I got inspired after Zoom video call from the Becoming Elli Facebook Group.

It was fun to worry about potholes and normal things like shifting the gears on the bike.

I can tell I haven’t been in spinning class for a month… I noticed my seat right away.

Hope you are finding some normal things to do that bring you joy during this unusual time of quarantine from the COVID-19. While I really stayed close to home, this ride offered a nice break and another thing to add to my list of counting my blessings.

Let us know how it is going! Send over an email or call 330-970-6662 and leave a voice message.

I decided to think about and then share why I listen to podcasts. If you’re reading this blogpost, you’re probably aware that Chris Brown and I are co-hosts of our Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast. We’re obviously predisposed to listen to podcasts since we produce one regularly. I did listen to podcasts well before Chris and I thought we should start one.

My brother recently was housebound while he recovered from an injury. I suggested that he listen to podcasts when he wanted to lie down to rest but maybe didn’t really want to sleep. He wasn’t really aware of podcasts so I suggested a couple that I thought he would enjoy.

I pointed out that it might be enjoyable just to listen to something without having to read or watch a screen.

Statistics

According to Podcasting.Org, there are over 820,000 different podcasts and over 28 million episodes. That’s a lot of podcasts and a lot of episodes. It makes finding the right podcast a bit challenging. That’s where word of mouth comes in. If you’re trying to figure out what you might like to listen to, ask a friend who enjoys podcasts. That’s often the best way.

You can, of course, do a search on Google. Simply type in the topic you want and add the word podcast and Google will find them for you.

Reading

I’m a reader by nature. In an ideal world, I’d just sit and read my book. Since I have to drive to work and take road trips to visit family, I can listen to audio books but also like to listen to podcasts. For one thing, I can listen to people discuss a variety of topics, learn about subjects I’m interested in, and feel like I’m having a conversation with people. It’s a different experience than listening to audio books.

Five Reasons Why I Listen to Podcasts

1. I enjoy listening to people discuss things I’m interested in and want to learn more about. I listen to some podcasts that deal exclusively with podcasting and so I learn from them. Then, when Chris and I work on Fit Strong Women Over 50, I often have some fresh ideas on how to do things.
2. It’s motivational to hear what other people are doing. The podcasts that deal with running or fitness or diet all bring new perspectives to me. When I listen to people who are doing amazing things, I’m motivated to do more or at least to keep doing what I’m doing.
3. I’m entertained. Some podcasts are just fun to listen to. I don’t necessarily learn anything new but I enjoy hearing what they have to say. This can include suspenseful podcasts too. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there are a lot of unsolved mystery podcasts and they’re very popular. I don’t listen to many of them but once in a while I enjoy one. Find something that you like to listen to and stick with it or look for more.
4. They’re portable. Podcasts work well in the car when I’m driving. Any commuting that I do usually means I’m listening to an episode of something. If I’m running or walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, podcasts are great. I usually have my phone with me and just plug in headphones (or connect my Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones) and I’m ready to start listening.
5. I love the variety. Some podcasts are very short, say ten minutes, and come out daily. Others are over an hour and come out maybe once or twice a month or even less. Some are serious and very informational. Others are just kind of silly and make you laugh. The great thing is that you can try a new podcast and if you don’t like it, move on to the next one.

Today’s post is a compilation of ways I’m maintaining my healthy mindset and keep my mental resiliency.

During this challenging week, I’ve exercised three times, but am finding my anxiety start to creep up because I’m challenged with uncertainty. Mental attitude is key.

Usually cardio and a good workout keeps the creeping anxiety away, but this past week has been a challenge.

This challenge is a different kind of long haul than running a long distance, but keeping good mantras in my head will definitely help!

Part of this list is keeping a positive mental attitude and another section is a distraction from deluge the constant texts, emails and social media news about the virus. While I want to stay informed, I know that for me, it’s important to for my mental health keep my focus optimistic and peaceful.

1) Projects I haven’t had time for – remember that quilt stash I talked about getting rid of? Now is a perfect time to create something beautiful. I am going to start with throw pillow sized blocks and then piece them together. I find a special joy in creating something, needle work, or art work that also brings calm.

2) Yoga – One of my favorite places to find wonderful yoga online that relaxes and inspires me is Dr. Melissa West’s library of yoga videos. I particularly like her Yin Yoga series as most of the yoga classes and videos don’t touch on that type of yoga.

3) Museum Tours – Who knew that some of the biggest and best museums have free online tours. Although I haven’t had the time or inclination to visit these on line in the past, having a major getaway like this will definitely feed my brain with creative and inspiring images.

4) Learn a new skill – My library and many libraries subscribe to Lynda tutorials, which is owned by LinkedIn. With thousands of how to videos, this is a wonderful opportunity for me to brush up on some new technologies, for free. I’ve been working on my family’s genealogy and may have more time for that now. Connecting ancestors helps me think about all the struggles people have had over the years and how lucky I am.

5) Declutter – This was one of my yearly words and now is a perfect time to take this one seriously. It’s on my to do list, but in small doses. I feel better afterwards, as long as I take it in one hour bits.

6) Garden – Now that it is almost spring, pulling weeds and cleaning out some of the old dead leaves and pine needles will help bring out some new blooms. Flowers help me keep maintaining a healthy mindset.

These crocus from March 5 are signalling that spring is just around the corner!

Last year on March 15, 2019. My PJM bush is not blooming yet this year.

7) Little Indulgences – While now is perhaps the time to try those healthy recipes, I’ve gone back to adding honey in my tea. (It more sweetness than sugar!)

8) Hand Massage – My skin is getting a bit rough and cracked from all the sanitizing and hand washing, so a short daily hand massage with nice smelling lotion and warm towels is getting added to this list.

How about you? What are you doing to maintain your health, both mentally and physically?