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Books That Can Help Increase Motivation

When it comes to not feeling motivated to do something, don’t feel alone. Lots of people can find themselves in times where they lack the motivation for day-to-day activities. Something that you can do during these times when you lack inspiration is picking up a book that can give you some help to find that motivation again. Continue on for some reads that can help spark your motivation.

Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

Anyone who has gone through depression or a depressive period in their life knows that the idea of getting up and making the bed can feel unfathomable. McRaven talks about how making his bed makes all the difference in the morning. McRaven was a Navy Seal which instills principles in its recruits, and one of these habits is, in fact, making the bed in the morning. This book gives insight into these principles and skills that you can implement into your life and how it can instill some motivation you have been lacking.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Not every motivational book has to be categorized as a “self-help” book. If you are someone who likes fiction and storytelling, “The Alchemist” may be just the right read to help motivate you in your life. This book is a fictional story about someone who is looking for riches, but ends up on a journey of self-discovery. Millions of people have purchased this book, making it a worldwide read that allows people to realize the importance of finding themselves.

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

This female focused book is great for women who feel their professional life is lacking and they are unable to reach their goals. People who identify as women in this society sometimes feel the need to fit into a stereotype or give up on professional growth due to societal standards. Hollis challenges these ideas and offers tips and habits for women to try and implement into their life so they can start living the life they always envisioned themselves living!

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Working Out with a Bad Back

Sometimes when you are on your feet for too long or sleep on an old uncomfortable bed, you may wake up with some minor back pain. As we age, it’s not uncommon to consider yourself someone who has a “bad back”. Between spasms, slipped discs, muscle soreness, or “throwing out” your back, back pain is one of the most common complaints of ageing. If you feel back pain frequently, do not allow it to get in the way of your daily workout—movement and resistance are essential to maintaining resilient muscles and bones. Here are some workouts that you can do even with a bad back.

Swimming

Working out with back pain may be nerve wracking especially when you are worried you might make the pain worse. That is why you need to change up your exercise routine with something that puts less strain on your back. Swimming on days when your back is bothering you can help because this is a low-impact workout. High impact workouts that people are familiar with like running will exacerbate the pain. If your back pain is the result of an overuse injury, it is especially important to change your routine and consider swimming instead.

Yoga

Yoga is quite a flexible exercise to do—no pun intended. Since you know your limitations, you are able to work around your back pain. If you are working with an instructor, they will be able to adapt the session for you to be able to participate safely. Another way you can help your back is by using an exercise ball in your yoga session. This equipment is softer on your back which could reduce the pain.

Stretch

It is always important to stretch before and after a workout and on your active rest days from your workouts. Stretching often can help alleviate your back pain as well as strengthen your back muscles to keep it from occurring (not including back muscles being sore). If you skip the stretching part of your workout routine, this can lead to injury and excessive back pain.

When you are suffering from back pain, don’t let it determine your whole day or stop you from being active. There are plenty of alternative ways you can be active without having to worry about injuring your back further. Try some of these even if you don’t have back pain for something different!

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Easy-Prep Healthy Snacks

When it comes to snacking it is easy to just grab whatever is available and quick to eat when you need something to hold you over until your next meal. Instead of grabbing a processed snack full of sugar and salt, snack prepping could save a lot of calories and be better for your body. Here are some snacks you can prepare ahead of time that are easy to put together. 

Berries and Yogurt 

A popular snack that is full of protein and natural sugars is that of greek yogurt and berries. You can prep this in minutes and have it sit overnight. The berries give the yogurt a bit of flavor that you would not get from just plain yogurt. As well as all the protein found in this snack, your appetite will be fulfilled. 

Turkey Roll Ups 

Cold cuts are a great snack that people may not have thought of since they are thought of as lunch. To prepare these snacks take a piece of cheese and turkey and roll them up together. If you want to add something else for a bit of flavor or try some different veggies to see how you like it. You can also prepare this and leave it in the fridge for when you are ready. 

Goat Cheese Dip 

This is a quick and simple recipe you can prep and grab whenever you want to snack. You can use it with Triscuits, carrots, celery or put it on chicken. All you need is a log of goat cheese, one tablespoon of basil pesto and two teaspoons of olive oil. Once you combine you can store it for four days as you snack on it from time to time. 

Try some of these recipes in the future before you want to snack so you will have them all ready and prepped! 

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

 

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Benefits of Pilates

There are plenty of different kinds of classes you can find at your local gym. Between yoga, zumba, aerobics and more, you are bound to find one you like. Recently, Pilates has become a popular exercise methodology for folks working out both at the gym and at home. If you have hesitations about taking a pilates class, read on for some benefits that could give you some motivation. 

Tension Release

Facing back pain day in and day out can become distracting and uncomfortable. There are many reasons why people may experience this excruciating pain, but by taking part in a pilates class, you may find relief. Pilates builds and works on your core strength which has many positives as it serves as your body’s stabilizer. With a stronger core you will develop better posture which helps against the stress cumulative towards your lower back. It will also help you move your body more freely. 

Low Impact Exercise

Taking part in a low impact exercise means that it is great for everyone. Low impact exercise is defined by how easy it is on muscles and joints. With a workout like this you will not be running or jumping, but still working on your muscles and strengthening them, while working up a sweat. So, you can do a pilates workout at home, or in an apartment without having to worry about bothering others.

Decreases Stress

Working out in general is a great way to release some stress you may be feeling. Pilates takes it a step further by making sure you are in tune with your breathing. Regulating your breathing is essential for mindful exercise for methods such as yoga, barre and pilates. It centers your body and mind and brings you to the present while working out the stress you may be feeling. Take notice of your mood before and after you finish because pilates can also help improve your overall mood. 

Pilates is becoming a trend that a lot of people are starting to take part in. Whether you want to take an in-person pilates class or follow a routine online there is minimal equipment needed so you will be able to get started right away. Overall your body will thank you in ways you may not even realize. 

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Five Ways to Create a Productive Morning

Not everyone is a morning person that can stick to a routine and enjoy it. Still, having a morning routine that is effective and productive can help start your day on the right track, day in and day out. If you struggle with this, read on for five tips that can help you implement a productive morning routine. 

Don’t Hit Snooze

Some people may struggle getting out of bed because they still feel tired. That is where the snooze button comes in—this  is the first way you ruin your productive day! Make sure to keep your alarm anywhere else but next to you to reinforce that you need to get up in order for your alarm to be silenced. This will make it increasingly harder to go back to bed and oversleep. 

Cold Shower 

While taking a cold shower may seem like a crazy idea on the surface, it has many potential health benefits. Implementing cold water in your shower will help wake you up, burn calories and reduce stress. This doesn’t mean the water needs to be freezing, it just needs to be a little colder than normal and you can work your way down to colder and colder if you desire. If this seems impossible at first, begin by turning the temperature down for the remaining 30 seconds of your shower to start seeing how it impacts your mental state. 

Lemon Water 

Lots of people start their day with coffee or tea, and while both drinks have some health benefits, these are not the best morning drinks for your body. Water with lemon actually helps keep your body hydrated, while coffee contributes to dehydration. Having a cold glass of water takes minimal effort and boosts your mood and can also help with motivation. Try transitioning to this drink by opting for a warm mug of lemon water to start.

Prep Your Days

One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself is plan. If you make a plan and a to-do list for your days, this helps keep you on track and prioritize your most important tasks first. Not only does this keep you on track but it limits your stress because you know exactly what you need to get done for each day. 

Quiet Time

Include at least fifteen minutes every morning to yourself. You can spend this time exercising, mediating, doing yoga or anything that would benefit your mind and body. Keep your phone away from you and set a timer so you can stay on track with this habit. If you have your phone nearby, you will be tempted to check your email or scroll on social media during this time. By indulging in your phone this can dictate how you spend your day, but it is YOUR day so take advantage of some me time by building mindfulness into your routine. 

Implementing these habits into your morning routine may help you become the morning person you don’t believe yourself to be. Not only that, but it can increase your motivation on the work you need to get done throughout the day.

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.