Gratitude, Coffee, Screen Time, Rent vs. Buy, and Recycling

This week delves into the life enhancing properties of practicing gratitude, the potential health benefits of coffee (yay!), and the impact excessive screen time can have on your child, and some ideas to limit, and get them moving. We also take a look at the considerations of renting a home vs. buying, the importance of recycling along with how and where to do, and more…

Mind

Gratitude. “…gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” – Harvard Health. https://fitlyf.com/gratitude-an-easy-step-toward-enhanced-happiness-health/

Body

Have you transitioned your workouts to home, or perhaps looking to start? Many of us have due to the closures and limitations of our local gyms, clubs, and yoga studios. The home routine I started back in March has served me well, however I’m definitely starting to crave the variety of a club. This article is a comprehensive and thorough guide on getting started and sustaining home workouts, as well as offering a variety of different workout types – from HIIT to Cardio to Yoga. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/coronavirus-workout-home-exercise-fitness-motivation-tips-experts-a9440806.html.
This link provides a plethora of home-based workout routines. Many of them you’ll need dumbbells, kettlebells or a pull up bar. https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/home

Food

Coffee! Most of us love it, need it, and swear by it. But is it actually good for you? Here’s a hint from Harvard Health, “It is one thing to say that coffee may be good for you; it’s another to say it’s so good for you that drinking it should be recommended. And we’re not there yet.” You can ready the extensive and insightful article here (2012): https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-is-it-about-coffee

Recipe of the Week

Vegan Soft Tacos. If you’re thinking about going vegan, or already a diehard, this recipe is quick, easy, and delish! (and who doesn’t like tacos, c’mon!). https://happykitchen.rocks/5-minute-easy-vegan-tacos/

Kids

Encourage your kids to get outside for fresh air and play! This is more important than ever in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, as kids are more isolated, and gravitating more and more to screens, not to mention it’s now required for most kids to attend school from about 5 years old and up.
- WebMD explains how screens can hinder your child’s development: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20190128/can-too-much-screen-time-hinder-child-development#1
- This article provides tips on how to limit screen time (and highlights the importance of being tech savvy, as your kid is likely much more so than you!): https://www.verywellfamily.com/tips-for-limiting-electronics-and-screen-time-for-kids-1094870
- Here are 87 unique ideas to get your child moving indoors as winter descends upon us: https://whatmomslove.com/kids/active-indoor-games-activities-for-kids-to-burn-energy/

Podcast

The Transformative Power of Practicing Gratitude. Rich Roll Podcast, #85. https://www.richroll.com/podcast/rrp-85-julie-piatt-on-the-transformative-power-of-practicing-gratitude/

Books

Good Days Start With Gratitude: A 52 Week Guide To Cultivate An Attitude Of Gratitude: Gratitude Journal. “…a self exploration journal designed to focus on being thankful for what we have, the big things in life, as well as the simple joys.”

Quote of the Week

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ― Epicurus

Gear

If you’re in the market for home fitness equipment, following are a few options. Engineering and technology are driving some very exciting options. Though they can be expensive, be sure to account for possibly canceling your gym membership, as well as the fuel saved not driving to and from the gym.
- Tonal, a very smart and adaptive home gym that learns. It also takes up very limited space on your wall.
- Cardio – Peloton and Echelon both offer some great options.
- Body Weight – TRX Training. I’ve used this, and you can get a great workout.
- Traditional – If you’re looking for traditional weights, you can’t go wrong with Rogue Fitness. I just recently purchased another weighted vest and kettlebell from them. Good quality equipment.

Give

First Nations Development Institute – Our mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We invest in and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.

- Charity Navigator Score: 4 of 4 stars

Personal Finance

This is an insightful article from Investopedia on buying a home vs. renting. If you’re considering either, now or in the future, it’s definitely a worthwhile read. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/083115/renting-vs-owning-home-pros-and-cons.asp

Wild Card

Recycling – good for the planet, good for humanity, and critical for future generations. Here are some tips and tricks to better understand what can be recycled and composted and how to do it.