Happy Wellness Wednesday, Sis! 💖
Have you been kind to your body lately?
If not, now is a perfect time to start!
Check out today’s video about loving your body in all stages.
“If we make self-love or body acceptance conditional, the truth is, we will never be happy with ourselves. The reality is that our bodies are constantly changing, and they will never remain exactly the same. If we base our self-worth on something as ever-changing as our bodies, we will forever be on the emotional roller coaster of body obsession and shame.”
— Chrissy King
Exercise is an important part of life.
Diet and hustle culture often portrays the idea that our workouts must be routine and boring, or overwhelmingly intense, or done at the gym with equipment.
No shade to the sistas that like to get down like that, but for the rest of us, I am here to remind you that there are so many other ways to get active and show love to your heart, muscles, and joints through movement. Need somewhere to start?
Checkout the suggestions below and don’t be afraid to get creative 😉
Let’s move, sis!
Dance
My old roommates will tell you, one of my favorite go-to workouts is having a Beyonce-themed dance party, or learning full choreo from one of her performances/videos! ‘Cause I slay 💁🏾♀️
Have a dance party, attend a dance class, or learn a choreographed dance online for a fun workout at the intensity level of your choice.
Walking
Go for a walk in your neighborhood
Walk to the store instead of driving
Visit a museum or be a tourist in your (walkable) city
Do some window-shopping–walk around the mall or outlets a few times
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Do a guided workout on YouTube, Instagram, or an app.
Here are a few of my faves:
YouTube: and8 Fitness has the best themed dance workouts, and I do mean WORK out!
Instagram: Put together a hodgepodge of workouts using IG:
@TheRealMoWorldwide, Auntie Mo’nique is always giving fitness and health inspiration with her trainer, @DwightHoltJr.
Check out @urbvnfit to “get in formation” - this page will help you tone your body and make sure your form is on point while doing so.
@_crystalimani plays no games, okay?! Check her out for guidance in the gym.
App: FitOn is a great app with a wide variety of workouts from stretching, to HIIT, to strength training, and much more. My favorite part is that the workouts range anywhere from 5 mins to 30+ minutes!
Work from home? Break up your workday with jumping jacks, pushups, burpees, or sit ups during breaks
Look up the Pomodoro technique for a cool work flow
Do the things you loved as a kid
Skating
Laser tag
Riding your bike
Join an adult sports team
Baseball
Softball
Flag Football
Kickball
& more… Check out what’s offered near you if you miss the healthy competition and regular workouts embedded in your schedule!
Do your chores
Cleaning the house can be a great source of exercise
May this article empower you to take charge of your medical experiences in a way that successfully meets your medical needs. Read more about our very own AAA Method for effectively navigating your medical appointments. You can also check out our previous blog, 5 Ways to Care for Your Health in 2022 to learn how often you should be performing self checks at home and making trips to your local medical professional.
The AAA Method - Archive, Advocate, Ask (Repeat)
Archive Your Experiences
Before your appointment, take note of things you may want to share with your practitioner.
Examples:
Any changes in your body, and when they started or when you noticed them
Effects of new medication - Are you getting the intended benefits? Are there any unfavorable side effects?
Personal health goals
Questions you want to ask
Advocate for Yourself
During your appointment, keep in mind that while the doctor, dentist, etc. is the medical expert, YOU are the expert on your body. Treat your medical appointment like a collaboration session with the purpose of keeping you healthy and meeting your goals. Let your doctor know what you want to get out of the session and the outcomes you want going forward, and then see to it that these are the main topics of conversation. There is no reason to be shy or intimidated when in the room with your doctor or medical professional, and you should resist the urge to lie or keep secrets. They can’t offer you the best possible solutions without the full context. If you don’t feel comfortable being transparent with your practitioner, consider finding someone you’re more comfortable with, whose medical values align with your own. Most medical insurance companies have online databases that allow you to browse medical professionals in your area that are covered by your insurance. If you don’t have insurance and your options are open, you can still utilize most of these databases, and/or Google is a great place to start.
Ask ALL the Questions
You are paying to see a medical professional; they are there with the intention to help you get and stay healthy. So, while you are there, ask the questions, including the ones you think are too “dumb” or personal, or might make you “look a certain way.” What they think about you as a person is none of your business, but the expertise they can offer your curiosity and gaps and knowledge IS your business, sis! & again, if you ever feel judged or out of place when opening up or asking questions, first, check to make sure it’s not just you adjusting to being out of your normal comfort zone, and if it’s not, guess what? You can look for someone who is a better fit!
Remember, “[She] who asks is a fool for five minutes, but [she] who does not ask remains a fool forever.” – Mark Twain
So, ask away!
Archiving your experiences, advocating for yourself, and asking questions
will help you to ensure you are getting the most out of your medical appointments.
Don’t be shy; partner with your professionals to maintain the best, healthiest version of you.
We hope this post helps you do just that!