Nicolas Chamfort lightens the morning with the simplest of thoughts. “The most wasted of all days is that in which we have not laughed.” Or thought about gardens or connecting with nature! Unfortunately, most of us allow those deadlines and schedules to take over and we forget how to stay centered when those feet touch the floor in the morning. So with the start of February and all the hoopla that goes with Groundhog Day, let’s focus on balance and get this month off to a steady start. Plus, let's not forget love during the month of Cupid.
Speaking of love, here are a few heart secrets for American Heart Month (from Blue Cross Blue Shield):
Week 1: “Get together. Ongoing social activities – lunch groups and book clubs for example – can help lower risk factors for heart disease.” Annie’s take for week 1 – ease up on social media and connect face to face. Garden clubs run all year round if you are looking for an old-fashion social activity.
Week 2: “Watch a funny movie. Laughing improves blood vessel function, which helps prevent heart attack and strokes.” Annie’s take for week 2 – Take Nicolas Chamfort’s advice: find something to laugh or at least smile about each day. And if you’re not in the mood for a funny movie, watch an old classic like ‘Pollyanna’. Play the glad game!
Week 3: “Make a date for a walk. Losing as little as 10 pounds can reduce your blood pressure if you are overweight.” Annie’s take for week 3 – Make a date with nature every day in February! If the weather deters you, find a botanical treasure for your walkabout: a greenhouse, a conservatory or even a consignment store. Search for that unique urn or pot that you can plant in the spring. Find the incentive and you can do anything!
Week 4: “Plant herbs in your garden. Using herbs and spices instead of salt is an easy way to lower your risk for hypertension.” Annie’s take for week 4 – While most of us can’t plant in the garden quite yet, we can pot some of those herbs to sit in a sunny window. Take a look back at my easy Egg Lemon soup. It may give you that extra incentive to get those herbs growing now. Or you can always find fresh stashes in your produce section. It’s just cheaper to plant your own. Plus it’s a great way to dabble with easy gardening!
So steady yourself with February’s balance act. Just think, when it’s all said and done where we’ll be in that countdown for spring! And if anyone caught that Groundhog report, postings are always welcome along with your questions, photos, comments…and any other ideas for balancing those four weeks in February. Remember to jump right in. How many more days until spring?
So steady yourself with February’s balance act. Just think, when it’s all said and done where we’ll be in that countdown for spring! And if anyone caught that Groundhog report, postings are always welcome along with your questions, photos, comments…and any other ideas for balancing those four weeks in February. Remember to jump right in. How many more days until spring?
©Image by Ann Bilowz
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