We are now two weeks into our "Invest in Healthy Aging" contest and your stories continue to be nothing short of inspiring! From lunchtime exercise routines that get you moving to relaxing hikes with friends that pay dividends for your mind, body, and relationships, you are making great investments in your health!
Last week, I shared a few of the stories that you had submitted. The responses have kept pouring in so here are even more stories to inspire you from across northern B.C.! Remember that you can enter the contest once a week so keep the ideas coming! How do you invest in your body, mind, and relationships?
For Natascha in Prince George, goal-setting has been key (good luck in your 5 km run, Natascha!)!
Six months ago, motivation hit me. I don't know what exactly inspired me, but I knew I wanted to improve my physical health. I signed up as a member at the YMCA and started my journey to better health. I set personal goals and made a commitment to do what it takes to have what I want. What do I want? I want a healthy body, a focused mind, and I want to have the ability to run multiple kilometres - starting with 5 km in June! I feel amazing! Better is always possible, everyday is closer to my goal!
In Dawson Creek, Korena has taken advantage of a local program to try new healthy living activities!
This month, I signed up for the 'Everybody Move Dawson Creek' program and have been going to the various gyms and aquatic centres in Dawson Creek to learn what each facility has to offer. I am thoroughly enjoying the program as it allows me to try out a variety of activities that I normally wouldn't try out for free. A super program which is promoting healthy living and incentives to be active.
Melanie from Saik'uz took a chance on an old favourite activity and decided to "just do it"!
I used to be an avid skier. It has been years since I skied (the last full day was when I was pregnant with my 13 year old son!). This past weekend, I was fortunate to chaperone our high school kids to the ski and snowboard zones in Jasper. Since I was on the hill, I decided to 'just do it', and went skiing. It's hard to have been able to do something then not be able to perform - but you have to start somewhere and I am glad I did!
Apps and technology can be great tools for healthy aging! For Cailey in Prince George, an app has helped her invest in a healthy mind!
Sometimes day-to-day life gets so busy! To invest in my mind, I have downloaded a meditation app on my phone. This app allows me to practice 10 minutes of meditation to relax me and continue my day with a clear mind!
The outdoors have supported Susan's healthy aging investments in Houston!
Living in such a beautiful area with great recreational opportunities means the world to me. On any given day, I can snowshoe out my back door, drive ten minutes to beautifully groomed cross country ski trails, or just walk a few metres to join a network of town walking trails. There's never a good reason to stay inside.
Delilah in Prince Rupert has found a nice balance and healthy activities to support healthy aging!
I engage in walking to work, drinking lots of water, ongoing learning to keep my mind active, help others where I can, relax myself with reading and keeping in touch with family members. I find a nice balance between work and time off. I also ride my bike and enjoy fresh air by walking outdoors as much as I can. Laughter is important to me and I try to read or watch funny things. I nap when I am tired and that makes a big difference in how I cope.
Joanna in Prince George has been counting her steps and seeing a connection between physical and mental well-being!
I've been investing in my health by making time for physical activity every day - ensuring I get my 10,000 steps on my Fitbit and going for a 5-8 km walk every evening. Not only does it help improve my physical health, but also my emotional well-being - endorphins are a powerful force for decreasing stress and improving mood!
Leanne in Terrace has chosen to be very active and wonders what else is in store!
Well into my 50s, I still play floor hockey and dragon boat in the spring/summer (really good as you climb up those years!). My daughter is doing a thirty minute exercise challenge with her peers at the school she works at. This will go on until April [and] I have decided to join her for encouragement and for my fitness. Curling on Wednesdays as well. Zumba ... what else is in store?!
For Kim in Burns Lake, family is a big part of investing in health!
I enjoy the outdoors when I can - this week went ice fishing with the family. I do as much home cooking as I can for myself and the family.
Grandchildren and some creative improvisation created a fun and active time for Laurel in Swan Lake!
The grandchildren and Teddy and I wanted to go outside sliding but there wasn't really enough snow for a long run this year so we had to improvise. We dug out the two children's kayaks that we have and found a small patch of snow across the road that was deep enough to travel on. We had tried the driveway but I had to have a leash so they would stop before hitting gravel and destroying the bottom of the kayak! That meant Grandma had to run ahead of the kayak to start, then stop and hold the rope!
This list of great stories and insights could definitely go on! Thank you to everyone who shared their healthy living ideas so far!
Comments