 One of my passions is gardening and I like to keep up with it all summer long and into the Fall, but that takes some extra selfcare so that my body can make it happen. Here are some of the things I practice so that body pain doesn't grow, the garden does... Here's the list of things I make sure I have before starting my day out in the dirt: *Water, lots of it *Epsom Salts for the end of day *Knee pads because as you know, gardening is hard on them *A Chair in the shade Following are some other helpful tips so that you enjoy your gardening season  Pace Yourself Be realistic about your garden goals for the day as your body can only do so much. I struggle with this as I get into the dirt and lose track of time, BUT, you don't want to end up injured and on my Massage table the next day...or maybe you do! Listen to your body as you go along and take breaks or at least check in every hour or so  Body Posture, Body Mechanics and Body Rest Be sure to end your gardening day without back pain by remembering to bend from your knees when lifting and using long handled tools and being as close as you can to your project. Keep yourself in pelvic tilt, low back long to protect yourself Use knee pads to spare the pressure on your joints for weeding, seeding and other on the ground garden work Every hour or two take 5 minutes to stretch your muscles, replenish your fluids, sit down in the shade.  Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate I certainly can't emphasize enough just how important water is for your body. Hydration plays a key role in your body's ability to function well. When gardening or participating in other outdoor activities, our body loses water through increased respiration and sweating...that needs to be replaced.  Treat Your Body With End of Day Selfcare
You've had a workout, your muscles have had a workout and it's time for rewards, with some body selfcare! Muscles love hot moist heat as it increases the circulation of blood, and therefore nutrients to the muscles, as well as encourages muscles to release toxins. They also love an extra dose of Magnesium after a workout and there is no faster delivery system than through the pores of the skin. So take a soak in the tub, throw in a cup or two of epsom salts, pour yourself an extra glass of water and slip in. Your muscles will thank you for it
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 Whether you love your job or would rather do something else, the night of your last day off before the work week begins can be stressful when thinking about the week ahead, what needs to get done and finding the time. My days off are Sunday and Monday and each Monday night I have a ritual, it's something I've been doing for years and it ensures that my week ahead will be smoother. First the practical stuff...  Coffee is my get up and go juice, it's likely an addiction but really, I don't care. I really enjoy that first cup in the morning (I only allow myself 2 a day). I know that if I take the time to sit and sip then my day will go well. So on Sunday night I set up the coffee maker for the morning AND grind enough coffee for the week so that I can selfcare each morning. I also take a wander through the fridge and cupboards and in my head figure out the meals for the week. I make sure that what is there will meet my nutrition needs and for the longer work days, will be easy to prep. And then of course, given the work that I do, there is the nail care. Making sure that my nails are trimmed and short so that I don't knick or scratch a client's skin during their sessions this week. There's also the mundane...checking that the clothes are clean and ready, the linen for clients session is washed and folded... Right Mindset...  While meditation is a regular habit, I take some extra time with visualization the night before my work week begins. Lighting scented candles that I love and putting on some quiet back ground music I make myself really comfortable. This has become an invaluable practice in easing into the first day back and being in a space to give my clients the best of myself throughout the week. What do I visualize? The work week ahead going smoothly and easily where clients receive the best care that I can give them, Sending positive energy ahead to the clinic so that as I walk into my workspace it feels really good from the get go and that will reflect upon my mood when working with clients, visualizing my days filled with clients as I do something that is my absolute passion! And with those pictures in my mind I breathe deeply and settle into bed just a little earlier than needed with a book and a cup of tea, knowing that the week ahead will be fabulous! What tips and tricks do you have to set your work week off right?
Do you take the time to visualize?
 AND then there is our mindset...going from the confines of indoors to the spacious outdoors. Yes, even our emotions are affected by this new found liberation. Throughout the month of June you will find a series of articles to not only prep your body and mind for the great outdoors but also how to maintain so that you can enjoy your passions throughout the summer months. On my Facebook page you'll find daily links and tips to be sure YOU are getting the most out of summer! How are YOU getting ready for outdoor activities?
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Teresa Graham,
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