ashleyd /

Using Exercise to Maintain My Sanity

Moving is stressful. Saying goodbye to friends is tough. Transitioning from one job to another brings a lot of unknown and complexities. Based on these three facts, the next six weeks should be a joy.

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Luckily, these days, even thirty minutes of physical activity can help relieve stress. Gone are the days when I crave a pint of Ben & Jerry’s to eat away my stress induced anxiety after a long day.

These days, I’ve decided that my mantra for the next six weeks will be to lace up my sneakers and go.

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Today I spent 30 minutes outside letting my thoughts run wild while I ran through a local park, enjoyed the sight of the Spring flowers and completed a quick 30-minute run. I didn’t track my pace or distance.

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I stopped twice, once to complete my 5-minute strength circuit and again to say hello to a friend. This was far different from the training runs a few weeks ago. But, don’t get me wrong. It served a purpose that was equally if not more important. It helped me relieve the stress that comes along with moving two people on two very different dates, while managing a full-time job and trying to enjoy the last few weeks in Europe.

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If April training focused on the half marathon, then May and June’s training focus will be using exercise to maintain my sanity.

I’ll be living alone for June, which means I’ll have plenty of time for evening yoga classes and early morning workouts. I’ll try a few new Les Mills classes at our office gym before I say goodbye to that membership.

What are your suggestions for managing stress the next six weeks?

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ashleyd /

Meltdowns

You can tell that those of us training for a Fall marathon are hitting the wall. There are so many emotional posts out there where we are all trying to be happy and positive, just like Theodora’s latest post.

I’m emotional this week. I can attribute it to many factors some of which include, but are certainly not limited to the following:

  • WORK: I work in the fragrance industry. In case you didn’t know, it’s more than a bit driven by the holidays. Therefore, the next few weeks is crunch time when it comes to driving the business.
  • PERSONAL LIFE: I haven’t spent more than 2-3 hours of quality time with Bo in weeks. Between travel, our work schedules, and marathon training I feel like a horrible wife.
  • FOOD: My cravings have been all over the place. I have eaten very healthy this week until today. When you combine my time of the month, work stress, and an office full of Halloween candy you get a sugar induced headache and stomachache. It’s a good thing one day can’t ruin everything.
  • TRAINING: While I haven’t exceeded 32 miles in a single week, my body is still starting to feel exhausted. I woke up on Tuesday feeling a cold trying to take over my body. I’ve fought it off this week with water, vitamins, and sleep. But, I’m ready to focus on my need for speed and personal training as soon as the marathon is over. My personal training goal is one full, unassisted pull-up and my running goal is a 2:10 half and a 36:00 4 miler!

Now that I’m done venting, let me try focusing on the positive. Life isn’t all bad, in fact it’s pretty awesome.

  • I’m about to run my second marathon!
  • The weekend following the marathon one of my best friends is coming to visit!

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  • My friends chose a Halloween outfit for me so I’m not stressed about that! See below for a hint.

  • I’ve registered for my next half-marathon, during which I hope to PR!
  • This week I was able to line up the next 6 Marathons+Moderation guest posts!
  • This weekend is shaping up to be amazing!

In fact, just writing this post has helped me put the week’s stress into perspective. Sometimes you just have to put it all out there and focus on the positive.

 

Question: What is stressing you out right now? What is making you happy right now?

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ashleyd /

The Best Stress and Anxiety Relief Giveaway

Over the past few days, my life has been getting more and more stressful. Due to some circumstances out of my control, I’ll be doing two jobs for the next few days. This means longer hours and a steeper learning curve.

Instead of heading to the office this morning, I headed down to Philadelphia with my new team. An iced green tea and unpictured spinach feta wrap were enjoyed during our smooth trip down.

IMG_2002 (478x640) In between work discussions I relaxed with some new music and enjoyed the scenery.

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I forgot how much I love the Main Line suburbs and the Philadelphia skyline!  IMG_2004 (478x640)I said a quick hello to the Schuylkill River as we passed over it! I can’t wait to return in two weeks and enjoy a run with Meghann along Kelly Drive!IMG_2007 (640x478)While the trip down to Philadelphia was great, spending all day left me absolutely exhausted! By the time I got home at 8pm my feet were swollen and tired from visiting stores, my mind was whirling with the many unanswered emails in my work inbox, and I was stressed about what the next few weeks hold.

Over the past few months, I’ve discovered every unhealthy way to deal with stress including a few to many happy hours, too many sweets, and too little exercise. Luckily, over the past few weeks, I’ve done my best to fight stress and anxiety with healthy alternatives. But, nothing I’ve discovered melts away the stress of the day like a warm bath. Tonight that relaxing bath received an upgrade thanks to a new treat I purchased today: Ahava Muscle Soothing Eucalyptus Mineral Bath Salts. IMG_2022 (480x640)After hearing rave reviews of this product from friends and co-workers alike, I finally splurged today!  IMG_2023 (480x640) This 32 oz jar of soothing bath salts doesn’t come cheap but it does more than any bath salt or Epsom salt I’ve tried before. The descriptions sums up these salts perfectly! 

    • 100% Pure Dead Sea Salts provide mineral healing to help relax tight muscles, soften skin, and release stress
    • Therapeutic essential oils of eucalyptus revive tired, aching muscles

The smell is stronger than most bath salts but the strong eucalyptus scent is what ads to the sensorial affects. The salts literally pulled the pain and swelling out of my legs and feet!

In fact, I’m so in love with these salts, that I will be giving one away to a lucky reader! In order to help other stressed bloggers and readers alike, I want to dedicate a post to your stress relief ideas!

You can enter this giveaway a few different ways:

  1. Leave a comment on my blog letting me know how you best relieve stress and anxiety.
  2. Tweet about the giveaway: @healthyhappier is giving away @ahava muscle bath soak so you can soak your stress and anxiety away!
  3. Add me to your blog’s blog roll!

Please leave a comment letting me know that you did #2 and #3.

I will pick a winner, in the continental US ONLY, Wednesday at midnight!

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