This topic was in my queue for blog posts, but seems especially relevant in our current climate, with many people unsure of how concerned they need to be about the corona virus.  Please understand that I'm not a doctor and am not giving medical advice.  Please consult your doctor and use your own judgement to make any decisions about your health care!

It can be so confusing to know if you should exercise if you’re feeling a bit under the weather.  I’m going to explain a few rules of thumb, plus outline some easy things you can do to avoid spreading or catching any “bugs.”

Today, I’ve got a great mini-quiz to give yourself a check-up on how well you’re really doing with self-care ... and your answers may surprise you! 
 
February is all about the HEART.  I mean, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow!  Plus, in the US it also happens to be Heart Awareness month. 

As I've said before, it's really important to add our health into the equation of our success or lack thereof.

With my High Performance Coaching clients we spend at least as much time on Energy that we do on Clarity, Influence, Courage, and Productivity.

If you don't feel well, it's hard to perform well!  Taking care of your heart is big...for everyone!
 
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States and in many other countries around the world, including Australia and major parts of Europe.
 
Here’s another statistic that’s super shocking.  According to the American Heart Association, about 80% of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented.
 
EIGHTY PERCENT!!!!

​That’s why this assessment is SO IMPORTANT. ​

​Picture this for a second....
 
You’re at a holiday party. You’re surrounded by your family, friends, or coworkers and are having a great time. 
 
Drinks are flowing and food is everywhere. And it’s delicious. In fact, you’ve already indulged in some of your favorites, in moderation of course ;-) 

But then your friend asks you to have another drink, and then someone else asks you to try that amazing casserole they made. Or maybe a plate of cookies has caught your eye.
 
Even though you’re full, you can feel yourself about to give in to those temptations – 
and break the commitment you made with yourself not to over do it.
 
Ever been there before?  
 
I know I have. ​

​This is one of my favorite times of the year, because it’s all about reflecting on what we are grateful for in our lives.

Although, for the last four weeks I've been writing out five things I'm grateful for every single morning as part of my journaling routine.  It definitely gets more press on this one day of the year!
 
Taking the time to really FEEL gratitude is actually good for your health.

We're headed into. a busy time of year with new schedules, etc... and I know that as women, we often try to toughen up and push through.

Spoiler alert:  you can't do it.  That’s because stress isn’t all “in your mind.” It’s also in your body.

Your stress response system is a primal reaction... it’s hardwired into your system to keep you safe and alive.

Today, I'm going to outline some important things you need to know about stress and how it affects you – info that also will help you:

1. Use stress to your best advantage, and
2. Learn how to conquer it so it doesn’t run (and ruin) your life.

​When your ancestors were under threat – whether it was fighting off a predator or dealing with everyday problems like feeding a growing family – their bodies responded with energy to keep them out of harm’s way.
 
Our culture has changed a lot since then, but our body’s wiring hasn’t. We react to stress the same way, except our stressors don’t require us to outrun a bear or worry about where our next meal is coming from.
 
And that can have a major impact on your health!
 
I want to walk you through what happens to your body during a typical stressful situation. Hang in there with me, because it’s pretty eye-opening.

Did you know that almost 1 billion people across the world have a vitamin D deficiency?

That's a big deal, because vitamin D does so much to keep us feeling healthy.

Do you know how your vitamin D doing?

One big symptom of being low in vitamin D is feeling rundown and tired, along with catching every cold/bug that comes around.  Feeling depressed and losing hair are also two common signs that you might be low in the "sunshine" vitamin.

Did you know that there's a nutrient in your food that can keep you feeling full, doesn't have any calories, and also helps you live longer?

​Most of us don't get enough of it!

It's fiber, and it's definitely worth taking a look at your intake...including all those healthy snacks I've included in my free ebook this month!

Spoiler alert:  I've got a delicious fiber-rich recipe below that you'll definitely want to try.

Before we get to that, though, let me tell you how much fiber you need to get each day.

Do you get enough sleep every night?

Some surveys are showing that people are sleeping less than ever, with some only getting five to six hours of sleep per night.

"Powering through" on too little sleep is not a good idea for the long-term health of your body.

There are two major hormone "pathways" that take a big hit when you don't get enough sleep -- including hormones that handle things like your sex drive, stress, hunger, and blood sugar ... and (ironically enough) your ability to fall asleep.

​And...it only takes a night or two for them to get out of balance.

One pathway is governed by your pituitary gland and the other is your autonomic nervous system.  But they are intertwined, and they have a hand in virtually every function of your body.  Keeping your hormones in balance is a huge part of feeling strong, focused, and vital.