Wednesday 29 May 2013

Time to Get Healthy!



As writers we can often live a sedentary lifestyle. Too many hours sat on our backsides in front of a computer screen, taking solace in chocolate and other less than healthy snacks! Today's the day we can share our ideas and tips with others, something that has had a beneficial effect on our health. 

My tip is try yoga. I have been going to a class for the last 18 months or so and can thoroughly recommend it. It is great for working on your posture and alignment. It strengthens and tones your muscles but one of the best parts for me is the relaxation. It is a chance to switch off from the day to day woes and recharge. The commitment of going to a class also helps me continue because it is an hour and a half for ME away from distractions.

My other tip is herbal teas. I don't drink coffee at all but enjoy regular tea, to ring the changes I usually have a selection of teas in my cupboard to fall back on. Most of them are reputed to have beneficial qualities and I must say I have found they help me. Here is the list of those I enjoy, although there are many others so why not give it a try!

  • Camomile - Relaxing and calming, I drink this every night before bed.
  • Peppermint - Ideal after meals as aids digestion.
  • Lemon and Ginger - I like this one particularly for stomach aches or sore throats
  • Nettle (sometimes mixed with other ingredients) - Detoxifying.
  • Fresh mint leaves from the garden in hot water - Just delicious anytime!



76 comments:

  1. I think, I'll start with then tea then work on being bendy ;)

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  2. I love herbal teas too, but I haven't tried Nettle. I'm going to look out for it.

    Be well, Suzanne.
    xoRobyn

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    1. Nettle is a bit of an acquired taste which is probably why it is often mixed with something else.

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  3. I've always wanted to try yoga - it's on my to-do list! I love herbal teas, although I don't drink them a lot. I have peppermint during my breaks at work, which I love. I also drink lemon and ginger, because I sometimes suffer from nausea and it tends to help.

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    1. I find them useful when writing because you can drink them hot or allow them to cool and they still taste nice. Well, I think so anyway!

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  4. Great tips on being a healthier you.

    Yvonne.

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  5. I don't do so well at bendy but I definitely agree that having a commitment helps us stay focused and diligent. Thanks for your tips!

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    1. I think the thing about yoga is that there is something for all levels, we have all ages in our class including pregnant ladies.

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  6. Some great tips. I always fall back on good old black tea.

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    1. I love tea but sadly not so keen on it without milk.

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  7. Hi Suzanne .. I can't do yoga, but have started Pilates and Qigong ... and I'm stretching out when I'm at home - getting a little extra exercise in .. I need to do more - but the brain is on that cause!

    I bought some nettle tea from the Tregothnan estate (at the Eden project) for a friend .. and she loves it .. I tend to drink coffee early on and then water for the rest of the day, til a glass of vino in the evening ..

    Cheers to you - Hilary

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    1. Have never done Pilates but understand that is good too. Finding what works for us as individuals is key to success.

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  8. Great advice. There are many health benefits to practicing yoga, and I'm glad you mentioned it. Funny thing is though, I tried yoga in the past but I didn't like it very much. I think it was the style of yoga that just wasn't for me, but I'm glad you've found something that works for you. (:

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    1. Thanks, Elise. We are all different so what works for one isn't necessarily going to be right for another. For example, I'm not a 'going to the gym' kind of person I find it way too intimidating, but I know for others it is essential.

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  9. Nettle works really well, I get a big bag of it, boil water, put a few inches in a container then fill it with the boiling water, let it sit for 4-5 hours and whalla, nettle juice for the next 4 days, rinse and repeat. Want to try yoga, but have to wait on that with my issues lol

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    1. Sounds like that would make a whole lot of juice!

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  10. We go in and out of the tea thing, but I have recently begun to drink it again. Its fun to experiment with different teas and flavors from around the world.

    And thanks for participating in the Get Healthy Blog Hop!

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    1. It is fun to try new teas, there are so many different ones available on the shelves.

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  11. hmmm great advice--love the tea tips :)

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  12. Yoga is such a great way to relax and herbal teas tastes so good too!

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  13. I love coffee in the am and tea in the pm. I'll have to check out the Nettle and mint. Especially since I have a mint bush in my backyard.

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    1. It's great to pick it fresh and use straight away. It's free too!

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  14. I love teas as well. My go-to is green, mint tea. I keep a thermos of it on my desk to sip throughout the day. I love the taste of chamomile tea but was having an allergic reaction to it if I drank too much-- go figger. Good for you and yoga!

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    1. I've never heard of a reaction to chamomile tea before, what a shame. Green tea is a great antioxidant though.

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  15. I haven't done yoga for a while but it's on my to do list for next winter. I used to drink teas all the time when my daughter was at home. Now that's she's off to college I'm back in my coffee habits.

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    1. Hope you get to try it again soon. Thanks for the visit :)

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  16. The problem I have with flavoured teas is they don't taste as lovely as they smell!

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    1. I am like that with coffee, like the smell, hate the taste!

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  17. I love herbal teas and have a whole shelf full of dried herbs. I drink red raspberry leaf tea every day.

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    1. I think this is one I haven't tried, I'll have to look out for some.

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  18. That's awesome that you do yoga, Suzanne! I've taken a couple of classes and it definitely is a work out!

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    1. It's funny, it isn't an exercise that leaves you totally out of breath but you certainly know you've done it!

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  19. I did some yoga when I was in high school but sadly have not continued with it. After the kids start school, I might more time so I can try it out again, I do drink lots of tea though...

    Great tips ;)

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    1. Hope you may find time to try it again in the future. Thanks for the visit.

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  20. I'd probably tie myself into a pretzel attempting yoga. But it works for you and that's awesome!

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    1. Haha, yes some of the moves are a little strange to start with!

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  21. We've been cutting -way- back on the coffee and have tried some herbal teas.

    You've given us some more ideas on other options we can go with...thanks!

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    1. Hope you enjoy them, Mark. I did get to make some fresh juice today so thanks for the nudge.

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  22. Yoga is awesome. I keep meaning to go to a class...it's been years, but I really should get back into it. And I love nettle tea. Yum!

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    1. That's great, hope you try the yoga again sometime :)

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  23. Great tips! I've heard that yoga is a really good form of exercise. I like enjoying a cup of dandelion root tea.

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    1. Oooh yes, dandelion I haven't had that for a while.

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  24. Yeah, switching from coffee to tea could (and should) definitely be in the cards for me. Thanks for the tip!

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  25. Hi, I have never tried yoga, but I drink a lot of herbal teas, anything with a bit of punch I enjoy. I'm not so keen on the ones that just taste like hot squash!
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe

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    1. Me too! I prefer the herbal flavours rather than the fruity ones! Thanks for the visit today.

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  26. Your list of herbal tea looks interesting.
    I love my rooibos tea, though I don't drink it as much as I used to. I need to cut back on the coffee, and get back into the swing of tea drinking!
    Writer In Transit

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    1. Hi Michelle, never tried rooibos will look out for it. Hope you get to try some new teas soon.

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  27. I like herbal teas. Chamomile is one of my favorites.

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  28. Thanks for all the tips. Great post. I haven't taken herbal tea as yet, noted down. But I just took up yoga.

    Nas

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    1. Good luck with the yoga, hope you enjoy it :) Thanks for the visit today.

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  29. Steeped in sereniTEA! Nicely done...I'm craving a cup right now :D

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    1. But which one to pick, Ella?
      Thanks for stopping by today :)

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  30. I'm a huge tea fan. Earl Grey is my go-to in the morning, but I love finding new varieties to explore. I also love Yoga. It totally helped my feet get strong after foot surgery.
    Thanks for stopping by today and for your encouragement!
    Tina @ Life is Good

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    1. Yoga has helped with my knee problems.
      Be happy stay healthy :)

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  31. I wrote my post today about how taking classes helps me, too! And I love yoga. I don't do it as often as I should, but I'm a big fan.

    And herbal tea is wonderful- particularly when I have a cold or a tummy ache.

    Thanks for sharing these tips!

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    1. I'll check your post out, Beverly. I find herbal tea a comforting drink. Thanks for the follow too :)

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  32. Hi, Suzanne,

    I love the idea of different teas for different uses. I wish I had a garden to grow fresh mint. Can they thrive on a windowsill?

    Yoga does have many benefits, but my sadly my joints can't handle it. Standing in positions for minutes at a time would kill me. I even move in my sleep.

    Thanks so much for your tips and joining the HOP!

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    1. It should grow well on a sunny windowsill, Michael, just keep well watered. I grow a couple of herbs in my kitchen that don't seem to like my garden very much!

      Thanks for the fun and useful bloghop :)

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  33. I need to try both. My mom is elderly and can no longer reach her toes...I want to be able to reach my toes and yoga would certainly help!

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  34. These are really great tips!

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  35. I like the list of teas/herbs. Never tried nettle, though. And yes, yoga is always good.

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    1. Thanks for the visit glad you liked my list.

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  36. i wish i liked tea, well i do like some iced tea, does that count?
    and yoga is great for older gals like me! nice & slow!

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    1. It can be slow but it gives you a great workout and helps with toning.

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  37. Yoga is wonderful, and I hate that my knee keeps from enjoying it anymore. Great list of tea. I do love my herbal teas. Writer’s Mark

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    1. Yay for the herbal teas! Thanks for stopping by today :)

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  38. I haven't tried yoga, but I did switch from coffee to tea a couple years ago and it's much better for me. :)

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  39. I am trying yoga, not easy and sometimes a bit painful but it's working. I know it will need time. I loved the teas. :)

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