recycledLIFE

Checking in . How’s everyone doing? I’m doing well...trying to be really intentional about not only boosting my physical immune system but my emotional one, too. There are so many health benefits associated with the outdoors, sunshine, nature, exercise, grounding, no electronics, music, fresh air, water, journaling, and prayer/meditation. Now more than ever...as we’re constantly bombarded with all things fear-inducing...we need to be mindfully focusing on health...y mindsets and de-stressing. Stress causes high-cortisol and inflammation levels which decrease the immune system, so keep decompressing, y’all. 1) Obviously exercise is HUGE for both the physical & mental aspects. Start a daily routine (all experts are suggesting daily routines right now) of walking, jogging, outdoor workouts (or indoor), etc. More on this one later...we all know the benefits are insane! 2) Get out in the sunshine. I can’t stress this enough. Vitamin D is a crucial ingredient for overall health; protects against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure, helps muscles, improves brain function & may even protect against some cancers. Sun exposure also has a huge impact on depression/mood, seasonal affective disorder and sleep quality. 3) Grounding. Do things that ‘ground’ you back to the earth, like walking barefoot in the grass or sand. You can also lie down in the grass/sand to ground your full body (and do it in the sunshine for extra benefits!). You can also dip your bare feet (or swim) in water...such as a clear lake or the ocean. 4) Prayer/Meditation have many health benefits contributing to a calmer state of mind, more positivity, better sleep, lower stress levels/anxiety, lower blood pressure, etc. More on this one later too. I could list the benefits of music, no electronics, journaling, etc. too...but you’re seeing the pattern here. These are all amazing ways to take care of your mental state right now, as well as your physical body. At a time when things are so uncertain, let’s not only be kind to one another, but to ourselves. Love y’all, I’m truly praying for you, & I’m in this with you. See more

8-hour #PLANK, y’all. Oh...and he’s 62.

HOME/TRAVEL EXERCISE OPTION: While bands aren’t always the ideal form of resistance used alone due to the very inconsistent resistance profile (you lose significant tension the closer you get to your starting point), they can be a good option when little to no equipment is available, traveling, or to change the resistance profile of another exercise. Similar to the 1-leg standing hip extension previously shown, the glutes are the primary mover here with less hamstring involvement since the knee is bent. Keeping the neutral spine, core tight, & hips even throughout the entire movement, press the leg up & out and then decelerate back down slowly. You also have the option to push straight up/back or even add internal rotation instead of external. Happy gluting! || SONG: Hold Up by @leslieaustinlife || : @whoisshon

#Magnesium is the 4th most abundant mineral in the human body & plays important roles in the #health of your body & brain. Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of magnesium: 1) Acts as a cofactor or "helper molecule" in the biochemical reactions of the body including: * Energy creation * Protein formation... * Gene maintenance (repairs DNA) * Muscle movements * Nervous system regulation 2) It may boost #exercise performance During exercise, you may need 1020% more magnesium than when you're resting, depending on the activity. Magnesium helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactate, which can build up in muscles during exercise and cause pain. 3) Magnesium fights #depression Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function & mood, and low levels are linked to an increased risk of depression. One analysis in over 8,800 people found that people under the age of 65 with the lowest magnesium intake had a 22% greater risk of depression. 4) Benefits against Type II #Diabetes Studies suggest that about 48% of people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of magnesium in their blood. This can impair insulin's ability to keep blood sugar levels under control. 5) Magnesium can lower blood pressure In one study, people who took 450 mg per day experienced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 6) Anti-Inflammatory Benefits Low magnesium intake is linked to chronic #inflammation, which is one of the drivers of aging, obesity and chronic #disease. 7) Help prevent #migraines Some researchers believe that people who suffer from migraines are more likely than others to be magnesium deficient. In fact, a few encouraging studies suggest that magnesium can prevent and even help treat migraines. Reduce #insulin resistance One study found that supplementing with this mineral reduced insulin resistance and blood sugar levels 9) Improves #PMS symptoms Interestingly, magnesium has been shown to improve mood, reduce water retention and other symptoms in women with PMS. 10) It’s safe & widely available The recommended daily intake is 400420 mg per day for men & 310320 mg per day for women.