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Top Ten Fun Exercise Ideas For Different Fitness Levels

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Exercise is an important part of long-term health. The problem is that physical fitness is not always fun. You may not enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights. By making changes to your exercise routines, you can enjoy the process and make it fun at every level of fitness. 

Have a Dance Party

Invite a few friends over and put on your favorite songs. Dance around your living room. Alternatively, go out dancing with friends. Even if you aren’t a skilled dancer, it is a fun workout when you are dancing with friends or family.

Play with a Frisbee

Call your friends and play some ultimate frisbee. You can also play with a pet dog or children. Spend time at a local park and enjoy the game.

Go Rock Climbing

Try rock climbing or going to a climbing gym. The activity is a fun way to exercise, develop a useful skill, and improve your ability to plan ahead. Bring a friend or loved one to make the activity more interesting.

Go for a Hike

Plan a hike with friends, family, or even a local hiking group. Spend time outdoors in nature while you also enjoy a workout. Intensify your hikes as your fitness level improves by increasing the duration of the hike or finding more challenging trails.

Take Martial Arts Classes

Learn a useful skill while doing a workout with a martial arts class. The classes require running, jumping, falling, and moving around with a group. It makes the class fun, while you also improve your fitness level.

Go for a Walk

A walk around your neighborhood, in a local park, or through an interesting shopping district is an option for any fitness level. Bring a friend for a chat while you enjoy a low-intensity workout. You can increase the difficulty by walking up and down hills or increasing your speed.

Go Swimming

Enjoy a local swimming pool during the warmer months. You can also find an indoor pool for swimming throughout the year. Swimming is low-intensity, easy on the joints, and a fun way to exercise. 

Play with Water Balloons

Gather a group of friends, join in with your children, or get the whole neighborhood involved in the ultimate water balloon war! Set up teams or enjoy a free-for-all with a fun activity that is appropriate for all ages.

Jump Rope

Get a large jump rope and two friends for a fun activity with loved ones. You can also use a small jump rope for a fun workout in your home. Give yourself enough space to swing the rope over your head.

Play Workout Video Games

Set up your favorite workout video game and follow along with the routine. You can use a Wii Fit, a dance video game, or any virtual video game that requires active movement and activity.

Improving your health and fitness does not mean going to the gym and working with weights. Enjoy your workout by focusing on fun activities that require running, jumping, or moving around.

Top 10 Cutest Cat Breeds

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From stunning coats to distinctive markings to charmingly adorable personalities, let’s take a look at the top ten cutest cat breeds.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is fluffy, large and exceedingly friendly. Known as the gentle giant of cats, the Maine Coon is very easy to love. When fully mature, these large cats average around 12 to 15 pounds. They have a sweet and playful attitude towards life, making them an excellent family pet.

British Longhair

With cute chubby cheeks and rounded eyes, the British Longhair is one of the cutest cat breeds you’re sure to run across. As its name implies, the British Longhair’s stocky body is covered with luxurious fur. The British Longhair is a very calm, quiet and dignified feline companion.

Ragdoll

With its gorgeous fluffy coat and striking blue eyes, the Ragdoll is regarded by many as one of the cutest cat breeds around. Their cuteness is matched only by their affectionate, calm and laid-back personality. Ragdolls love hanging out with their human family, including children. The name “Ragdoll” comes from their tendency to flop down and relax, especially loving to "hang" out in the arms of their humans.

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold’s curled ears give this feline a very distinctive appearance and unique cuteness all at the same time. The Scottish Fold is calm, undemanding and moderately playful. This breed of feline develops a very close bond with their human families.

Munchkin

With their characteristic shortened legs and small, low stature, the Munchkin’s appearance is sure to make one smile. Even adult Munchkins look kittenish. The Munchkin’s fur, which may be long or short, comes in a variety of coat patterns. Munchkins make excellent companion pets due to their sweet, friendly and playful personalities.

Russian Blue

Perhaps Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat was related to the Russian Blue whose slightly upturned mouth gives it the appearance of smiling. In addition to its winning smile, the beautiful Russian Blue cat has a beautiful silver coat. The Russian Blue is moderately active, politely playful and has a winning personality.

Birman

The Birman cat is also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma. Legend has it that the Birman was given its stunning blue eyes and luxurious coat as a reward by a goddess because of its loyalty and dedication to a priest. The Birman makes an ideal pet due to its affectionate, gentle and playful nature.

Persian

Its round face, short muzzle and luxurious fur give the Persian its characteristic cuteness. Sometimes referred to as “furniture with fur,” the Persian may remain completely still for extended periods of time. The Persian is very calm and docile. They love to be petted and to cuddle up with their humans.

Siamese

The stunning Siamese is a sweet and adorable feline that doesn’t like to be left alone. It’s happiest when surrounded by its human family; therefore, they make amazing companions. They are vocal and have been known to talk to their owners all day long. The Siamese is one of the smartest cat breeds in the world.

Bengal

The Bengal is a hybridized miniature of its namesake, the Bengal leopard cat. Due to their breeding, Bengals are larger than the average house cat. They have muscular bodies, are very energetic and require lots of exercise and play. Although Bengals have the stripes, distinctive rosettes and coloration of the leopard cat, they are less wild than their cousins. Bengals are both curious and intelligent. 

 

5 Red Flags In Relationships

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Tired of getting years into a relationship and learning it was destined for failure from the start? Looking for red flags early in dating can help you determine whether a suitor is potential partner material earlier in the process, saving you heartache and opening the door for the right person at the right time.

It’s important to keep in mind that no partner is perfect. One red flag is not a reason to abandon ship. If you notice one or even two red flags, have an open conversation with your partner about your concerns. If you notice red flags in yourself, seek counseling. It’s never too late to become a better version of yourself. 

Onward! Five red flags you should keep an eye out for in relationships. 

The first red flag is entitlement.

Keeping an eye out for entitlement early can save you trouble later. Somebody suffering some self-entitlement believes they’re owed special treatment. 

Does your partner believe the rules don’t apply to him or her?  Do they often forget about the needs of those around them? Do they think they deserve special treatment when they go out, because of their title or some other reason? 

The second red flag is jealousy and mistrust. 

Occasional jealousy and mistrust are common and even normal. But constant or consistent mistrust is a red flag. Trust is the foundation to any healthy relationship and it starts early. 

Your partner might be overly jealous or mistrustful if: 

  • they accuse you of cheating on them (and you aren’t)
  • they remain in constant contact with you
  • they prevent you from spending time with others or insist on tagging along when you do
  • they search your phone, read your messages, or invade your privacy
  • they check on you to see if you are where you said you would be 

The third red flag is the inability to resolve conflict in a healthy way. 

Observe closely when conflicts arise. Does your partner place blame, deny their involvement, shut down, or lose their temper? 

Conflict is bound to arise in any long-term relationship, and the right partner can work through conflict in a constructive and respectful way. They should be able to both listen to your concerns and express their own concerns without demeaning or degrading you. 

The fourth red flag is gaslighting. 

Simply put, gaslighting is a form of manipulation that leads you to believe you’re crazy or losing your mind. It might involve distracting you, lying to you, discrediting you, blaming you, minimizing your feelings, and rewriting history in their favor. 

A gaslighter might ask you to make eggs for breakfast, and then lose their temper when you serve them and tell you they asked for pancakes. When all is said and done, you begin to wonder if you really are losing your mind and they asked for pancakes after all.

The fifth red flag is harming your relationship with friends and family. 

If your partner is hurting healthy relationships with people you love, it’s a red flag. If the people you love don’t accept your partner for reasons out of their control, that’s another topic – and begs the question whether those relationships are healthy are not.

How To Help Your Dog Be Happy

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Dogs are a human’s best friend. They provide us with pleasure, companionship and joy. In return, we can help our dog be happy and strengthen our bond in several ways. 

Provide Exercise

Exercise is essential for your dog’s physical health. Dogs also need movement to combat boredom. While you may need to crate your dog while you’re at work, offer adequate exercise, too. Take walks, runs or hikes together. And play games like fetch or tug-of-war. Even dancing and swimming keep your dog active. 

Rotate Toys

Your dog probably has a favorite chew toy, ball or stuffie. Even preferred toys can get boring, though. Stimulate your dog when you rotate toys. A few times a week, toss all the toys in a bin and bring out a fresh selection. 

Improve Diet

Feed your dog a nourishing and nutritious diet. After finding food she likes, follow serving size recommendations based on breed, size and age. Offer fresh water throughout the day, too. 

Promote Chewing

Chewing is a natural behavior. That’s why a bored or upset dog will chew on furniture and shoes. Offer plenty of chew toys to stimulate your furry friend. Bully sticks provide protein while dental bones clean your dog’s teeth and freshen his breath. 

Head Outdoors

Dogs love to sniff and explore. Meet this need with plenty of outdoor walks and playtime. Switch up the route or location every few days to add additional adventure and stimulation.

Offer Socialization

Dogs can be social creatures who need playtime with other dogs. Schedule doggie playdates with a neighbor’s pet or visit a dog park. If you’re new to doggie playdates, choose a neutral location, remove toys, start with introductions, and make sure your dog feels comfortable.  

Put Your Dog to Work

Some dogs thrive on hunting, digging or protecting, so give your dog a job. Hide a treat, several toys or yourself, and make them use their noses to find the objects. Or teach your dog to carry laundry and fetch your shoes. Also, consider setting up an agility course in your backyard. Give your dog a purpose and watch her thrive. 

Implement a Training Regimen

Your intelligent dog can learn tons of tricks beyond sit, come and roll over. Challenge and stimulate your dog to crawl, bow, spin, or jump through hoops. Use positive reinforcement methods and a consistent training schedule to give your dog confidence and strengthen your relationship.

Enjoy Snuggles

Pups appreciate physical touching like petting, brushing and snuggles. Maybe you don’t want your dog on your bed, but you can scratch her favorite spot. Or learn soothing massage techniques.

Study Your Dog

Because every dog is different, study your pet. Figure out what he likes and needs to be calm, stimulated and happy. For example, learn his boredom cues, offer his favorite treats and let him choose the walk route. 

You can help your dog be happy. Practice these tips as you support your pooch.

 

5 Strange Pets You Can Legally Own

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When it’s time for a pet, who wants to stick with something boring? Everyone has a cat or a dog. Why not choose something more exotic? There are several exotic animals you can legally own. With one of these, you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Serval Cat

Imagine a pet that looks like a miniature cheetah. That’s the Serval. Don’t worry, though. This exotic pet does well in captivity. It won’t tear through your yard at lightning speed. Also, they’re great hunters in the wild, but happily eat prepared food at home.

Servals are native to Central and Southern Africa. They live up to 19 years. You’ll love the exotic look fo their spotted coat.

2. Capybara

The capybara is the world’s largest rodent. These exotic pets kind of look like guinea pigs. Yet they can grow to 170 pounds. So they certainly are not cage pets. You’ll need more than one because they do best in groups. Because of their size and needs, pet capybaras also need a large outdoor space with a pool or pond. They are legal to own in most states.

3. Fennec Fox

The fennec fox has big ears and a small face. This adorable addition to your home may be legal with the right permit. But don’t let that adorable face fool you. These little guys are wild animals. They’re also skittish. This means they don’t like to cuddle. Also, they’re nocturnal. You’ll find they have a lot of energy when you want ot sleep. If you’re up for that challenge, this is one of the cutest exotics you can own.

4. Two-Toed Sloth

Many people are obsessed with the adorable, lazy sloth. Shockingly, it’s legal to own a two-toed sloth in several states. This exotic pet requires specialized care and doesn’t like to be held. You’ll need to give it climbing space and prepare for a long-term commitment. But one perk is that they don’t move fast. You’ll never have to chase your pet through the neighborhood if you choose a sloth.

5. Tamandua

The tamandua is a 10-pound variety of anteater. This popular pet has a personality similar to a cat. They may even be willing to cuddle. This makes them appealing as an exotic pet. You’ll draw plenty of attention walking a tiny anteater. Keep in mind that they sleep a lot. They are also nocturnal. This means they may be active at night.

Which exotic pet strikes your fancy? Before you buy, make sure you research local laws. Each state has its own exotic pet regulations. Always check the laws in your state before buying a pet. Also make sure to research care for your pet. Finally, choose a reputable, captive breeder.

Relaxation Techniques To Restore Clear Thinking

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Finding ways to reduce stress and relax your body is critical for your well-being. Proper relaxation techniques help clear your mind and restore clear thinking. The key is finding the right techniques to suit your needs and goals.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or PMR, is a technique used to reduce stress at the physical level. You start with your feet and toes. Tense up the muscles, hold the tension for five seconds, and then release the tension. Repeat the process in your calves. Move onto your thighs and then your core muscles. Repeat the process in your hands and arms. 

By the time you complete the relaxation technique throughout your entire body, you will reduce the tension in your body. It helps you feel relaxed and stress free. Furthermore, the active focus on tension and relaxation on each part of your body draws your mind away from anxiety, stress, or specific concerns. You are able to clear your mind by focusing on a specific task.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a relaxation technique that focuses on your breath. Take a deep breath while you count to ten. Hold your breath for ten seconds. Release your breath for ten seconds. If you have difficulty with ten second increments, then start with five seconds and move up to ten as you increase your lung capacity.

The advantage of deep breathing for relaxation is the focus on counting. Since you count each inhalation, hold, and exhale, you take your mind off of stressful situations or concerns. It helps you put your concerns into perspective by giving your mind a break from the thoughts.

Meditation

Meditation is a useful way to relax and restore clear thinking. Since you have different types of meditation that range from mindfulness meditation to clearing your thoughts directly, you can choose a personalized strategy to meditate.

A simple way to meditate is to turn on a candle and stare at the flame. Clear your thoughts by simply staring at the flame until you do not have any active thoughts. Alternatively, use mindfulness meditation to recognize your thoughts, accept them, and then let them go.

Listen to Calming Music

Music affects your mood and mind. When you listen to calming music, it helps you relax and focus on the sounds. Depending on the type of music, it may make you feel happy, content, or calm.

In the case of relaxation, focus on calming instrumental music. Soft music without any lyrics or words will allow you to clear your thinking and relax into the sound of the music.

Relaxation techniques range from active measures to passive strategies. The key is finding a strategy that works with your mind and helps you calm your thoughts. By considering meditation, deep breathing, or Progressive Muscle Relaxation, you can reduce stress and anxiety. The result is a calm feeling that allows you to restore your clear thinking and focus on finding real solutions to any problems that contribute to stress.

How To Eat To Look Younger

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Taking measures to look younger than your current age starts with your diet. The foods you eat play a critical role in your appearance. The right diet supports your skin, hair, nails and internal organs. By improving your food choices, you will notice changes to your skin that make you look younger and healthier.

Foods High in Antioxidants

When you want to eat to look younger, start with foods that are high in antioxidants. Generally, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help improve the appearance of your skin. Common antioxidant foods include:

  • Blueberries and other types of berries 
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Dark chocolate
  • Green tea

A diet that is rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables will naturally contain a high rate of antioxidants. Since antioxidants reduce the rate of free radicals in your body, they also slow natural aging and improve the appearance of your skin.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The human body needs a variety of fatty acids for good health. Unfortunately, many individuals do not get enough omega 3 fatty acids. By improving your intake of the long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, you reduce inflammation in your body.

Inflammation is a key part of your body’s natural defense against infections and sickness. The problem is that inflammation is harsh on your body and a poor diet may contribute to excess inflammation. By adding more omega 3 fatty acids to your diet, you are able to reduce the negative impact of inflammation.

Common foods with high rates of omega 3 fatty acids include:

  • Fish, particularly fatty varieties like salmon
  • Flaxseeds 
  • Chia seeds
  • Oysters
  • Walnuts

Omega 3 fatty acids support your body’s health and well-being. It also improves the appearance of your skin to help you look younger.

Orange Vegetables

Looking younger through your diet requires more orange vegetables. The orange vegetables contain high rates of beta carotene. While the nutrient is often associated with eye health and night vision, it also impacts the appearance of your skin.

Vegetables that are high in beta carotene give your skin a healthy glow. As a result, your skin looks younger and healthier. Options that are high in beta carotene include:

  • Pumpkins
  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Butternut squash

The beta carotene in orange vegetables is not the only reason to consider adding it to your diet. They also contain vitamin C, which is a key building block for collagen. As a result, they have two benefits to help with anti-aging.

Foods with Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often overlooked when it comes to aging. As you get older, your body is not able to produce vitamin D at the same rate. As a result, you may notice more damage from the sun, sunburns, and aging skin. Foods that contain vitamin D include:

  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Liver

Your body will produce vitamin D with exposure to the sun; however, too much sunlight can damage the skin and contribute to aging. By adding more of the vitamin to your diet, you improve your health without the risk of sunburns.

Changing your diet may result in looking younger. The key is eating a variety of healthy foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other building blocks your body needs to keep your skin healthy.

3 Questions To Check In With Yourself

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Checking in with yourself throughout the day is a great way to stay mindful, grateful, and well. 

One great question to ask yourself when you first wake up is, "What do I hope to accomplish today?" This question serves you throughout the entire day: 

  • it helps you set micro goals for health and well-being
  • it motivates you to do the things that move you toward your goals
  • it directs your thoughts toward the positive

When answering this question, it’s important to remember that goals that are too lofty can do more harm than good. Instead of planning to earn a Bachelor’s degree, for example, you might set a micro goal or reviewing the prerequisites.

Great examples of micro goals include: 

  • I will spend 15 minutes on my home or room today.
  • I will spend 5 minutes in prayer or reflection today. 
  • I will tell someone I appreciate them today. 

The second question to ask yourself every day is, "How am I feeling today?" Learning to identify and name your feelings has a butterfly effect in other facets of your life. 

When you know how you feel, you can take steps to better understand those feelings and cope in a healthy way. As a direct outcome, your behavior is less likely to reflect difficult feelings. That means your feelings are less likely to lead to negative behaviors that may have undesirable consequences. 

Finally, as you learn to recognize your own feelings, what causes them, and what helps, you begin to better understand those around you. Connecting with others becomes easier and easier. 

Finally, as the day comes to a close, ask yourself, "What went well today?"

It’s common to crawl into bed at the end of the day and replay all the moments that didn’t go as well as you had hoped. The result of this negative thought process at the end of the day is often difficulty sleeping, anxiety, remorse, and feelings of worthlessness. 

Asking what went well instead gives you an opportunity to reflect on your strengths. Which moments are you most proud of? Which habits would you like to repeat again tomorrow? Which decisions will support your larger goals? Which moments were the most fulfilling? Which of your micro goals did you achieve today?

Checking in with yourself throughout the day helps you stay focused on your goals and intentions. 

It helps you recognize and cope with difficult feelings in a productive way. 

And it helps you celebrate your wins and make habits out of them. 

So, to transform your life with three simple questions, ask yourself: 

  • What would I like to accomplish today?
  • How am I feeling?
  • And what went well today?

5 Habits to Improve Your Calm and Reduce Your Stress

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Stress.

If you’re like many others, you’re probably feeling stressed out right now. Most of us are tired, overworked, and over-committed. Unfortunately, stress can take a terrible toll on your physical and mental well-being. For example, it can lead to depression or an increased risk for heart disease. 

And that is why it is so important to reduce your stress levels. The following are 5 habits that can help you bring calm back into your life and also reduce your stress levels. 

Number one, practice mindfulness.

When you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to practice mindfulness. That means you should stop worrying about any future events and issues that you have no control over. It’s also important to let go of your past regrets. Stressing out over things that occurred in your past will not change what happened.

Instead, be mindful. That means focusing on and living in the present. You can start by taking a few moments each day to think about and be thankful for the good things in your life. 

Number two, make sure to exercise on a regular basis. 

Why? Well, for one thing, a good workout will release endorphins into your system. These hormones can trigger a positive feeling in your body that is often referred to as a runner’s high. Exercising can also improve your overall physical health. 

Another plus? Exercising can tire you out, which will hopefully lead to a better night’s rest. That takes us to our third stress-busting habit. 

Number three, get enough sleep. 

Your body needs sleep to recover both physically and mentally each day. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body may feel as if it’s in distress. This could cause a stress hormone called cortisol to be released into your system. Cortisol is also known as the fight or flight hormone. And too much of it can cause your body to feel like it’s under constant stress.

On the other hand, getting enough sleep can actually decrease your cortisol levels significantly. 

Number four. Minimize your time on social media. 

Research has shown that spending too much time on social media can stress you out for several reasons. You might, for example, feel depressed by seeing pictures of people who seem to have everything that you want. Or you might read a comment that upsets you.

Unfortunately, it’s very easy to let the virtual world negatively affect your reality. So if you find yourself feeling sad or anxious after being on social media, it’s time to put a limit on your screen time.

And finally, number five — prioritize yourself.

You are important. Don’t let other people hijack your life.

Sometimes that means saying no to an invitation. Or it might mean scheduling time in your calendar for self-care. That can mean anything from reading a book to getting a massage. 

Making yourself a priority might sound selfish, but it’s not. Because in the long run, when you take care of yourself, you’ll have more energy and love for others. And that is truly a win-win for everyone. 

 

 

Top 5 Mistakes In Self-Care

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Self-care is a term we often hear these days. But what does it really mean? And how do we do it properly? 

First, let’s define what self-care is. Basically, self-care is any action you take to support your long-term development. Self-care contributes to your mental, emotional and physical health. With proper and regular self-care, you feel nourished and grow as a person over time.

Self-care is different from self-soothing. Self-soothing describes temporary fixes like smoking or drinking after a stressful meeting. While self-soothing actions are helpful, they do not relax, calm or support us over time.  

Let’s explore the top five self-care mistakes people make and the beneficial ways we can practice self-care. 

Mistake Number One: Self-care is monotonous and routine.

A daily routine can offer predictable comfort and stability. That’s why we may drive the same route to work and order the same meal every day. 

We miss out on new growth and self-sabotage ourselves, though, when we practice a monotonous self-care routine. Instead, give yourself permission to try new things, and be flexible based on the situation. For example, you may decide to skip your regular spa appointment to hang out with a friend. 

Mistake Number Two: Self-care requires expensive treats.

Sure, self-care can involve spending money. You may schedule regular pedicures to boost your confidence or buy books to stretch your mind. 

But you can also participate in free self-care activities. Practices like daily stretching, regular dental checkups and early bedtimes nurture your whole being. Try different activities as you select the self-care actions that nurture you and support your budget.

Mistake Number Three: Self-care is all about outward actions.

Self-care indeed includes actions. For example, we eat salads to nourish our physical health and play with our pets to relieve stress. 

However, inward thoughts, self-talk and self-compassion are also vital to self-care. That’s why it’s important to practice reflection, journaling and meditation. Use these inward practices to notice behavior patterns like perfectionism or rumination. Then, you can make positive changes. 

Mistake Number Four: Self-care puts your needs ahead of others.

In our quest for self-care, we may neglect, inconvenience or become demanding towards co-workers, friends or family members. Self-care may include setting boundaries, but it also values others and ourselves. 

Take note of how you treat people as you perform self-care. If you consistently push responsibilities on others, avoid relationships or cancel plans, rethink your self-care practices. 

Mistake Number Five: Self-care is solitary.

It’s common to isolate yourself when you feel tired, sick or sad. In fact, recharging in solitude can renew your patience, ignite your creativity and enhance your mood. 

Be sure to socialize, though, too. Human connection brings comfort, boosts energy, develops resilience, relieves pain, and broadens perspective. So, prioritize one-on-one or group social outings like coffee dates, hobby club meetings and game time or play.

Self-care supports your growth and development. Learn from these five mistakes as you practice self-care the right way.