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Doctor Lee's Blog

Thoughts & Tips from The Doctor of Fitness: Fitness Trainer, Nutrition Expert, & Sports Medicine Physician

We write informally on topics we're passionate at Doctor Of Fitness - fitness, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, sports medicine, and edge fitness and nutrition news. If you'd like to reach us directly, you can contact us here. For more information, you're invited to read Dr. Mancini's C.V. and informal bio.

Adding exercise to busy days

on Tuesday, 23 April 2024. Posted in Doctor of Fitness, Summer Sports Training

Exercise and physical activity often end up at the bottom of our lengthy to-do lists. The most common excuse for avoiding exercise is often "I don't have time." However, when you consider the 24 hours in a day, eight of which are recommended for sleep for adults, that leaves 16 hours for various activities, including work, daily tasks, and distractions.

Within these 16 hours, it's likely that you can carve out 10 to 15 minutes from distractions such as TV watching, online shopping, or browsing social media channels. You can prioritize your health and well-being by reallocating this time towards physical activity.

How To Fit A Workout Into Any Schedule

If you can't carve out extensive time for exercise amidst your other commitments, incorporating short bursts of activity into your busy schedule can make a significant difference.

Starting small is key when establishing a new exercise routine. Aim to create a habit by linking physical activity with a task you already do automatically every day. For instance, if you habitually check your email throughout the day, try incorporating a light stretch or three jumping jacks after each email check. Including small changes in your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away from your destination, can contribute to weight loss over time.

By engaging in short activities throughout your day, you contribute to your fitness goals and prevent workouts from feeling overwhelming. These small actions add up and can make a substantial difference in your overall health and well-being.

To stay motivated, it's important to reinforce your goals daily and discover your own motivation to overcome excuses to skip workouts or indulge in extra treats. Remember, you're more likely to regret missed workouts than the ones you complete.

Boost Your Mood with a Positive Attitude

on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. Posted in Doctor of Fitness

Attitude refers to an individual's thoughts and feelings towards a specific person, place, action or experience. It encompasses their emotions and behaviors directed towards someone or something. Attitude is often described as an outlook or mental state that influences how people perceive the world, navigate life, engage in work, and manage relationships. What is the link between mood and attitude?

Keeping a positive attitude can be tricky, especially during stressful times or when faced with obstacles. However, actively working to foster positivity can yield substantial benefits, like career advancement and greater life fulfillment.

A powerful way to cultivate positivity in your life is to start your day with purpose. Instead of rushing out of the house in the morning, try waking up earlier and dedicating extra time to activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and energy. This can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Consistently expressing gratitude has been shown to elevate positive emotions and moods, leading to sustained happiness. Research indicates that individuals who regularly reflect on their blessings tend to experience greater levels of happiness compared to those who do not acknowledge what they are grateful for.

Using positive language to describe yourself, your experiences, aspirations, and the people in your life on a regular basis can help you maintain a positive outlook on life. It can not only influence how you perceive yourself but also how others perceive you.

Many factors can contribute to your happiness, some of which are within your control. When you face a challenging moment, pause and reflect on the things you are grateful for. Changing your perspective can change your mood and increase your happiness, even in difficult circumstances.

Budgeting Strategies That Work

on Tuesday, 09 April 2024. Posted in Doctor of Fitness

A budget is a powerful tool that helps you manage your money more effectively. It's not about restricting your spending but rather a proactive strategy to allocate your income towards different financial goals and expenses.

Creating and sticking to a budget gives you a clear purpose for your money and allows you to take control of your finances. This shift from uncertainty to clarity can help reduce money-related stress and empower you to pursue meaningful financial objectives. In essence, budgeting transforms your relationship with money, giving you a sense of direction and purpose.

There are various budgeting strategies that you can consider. However, it's essential to keep in mind that not every approach may suit your needs. Experiment with different techniques and customize them to your individual requirements.

Zero-Based Budgeting This simple budgeting method works for people with a consistent monthly income or who can estimate their earnings accurately. It involves calculating your monthly income and deducting all expenses and savings until the final balance reaches zero.

Envelope System This is a cash-based method that helps you control your spending. Create a budget for each category of your expenses and put cash into different envelopes for each category.

Pay Yourself First This type of budgeting prioritizes saving by making it the first monthly monetary commitment. Then, allocate funds towards paying bills and use the remaining amount for discretionary spending. You can combine this approach with other budgeting methods for a comprehensive financial strategy.

50/20/30 This popular approach divides your net income into three categories: 50% towards needs, 20% towards savings, and 30% towards wants. 

Remember that budgeting is a highly personalized process, so be open to making modifications as required to align with your unique financial situation and goals.

Tips For Achieving Wellness

on Tuesday, 02 April 2024. Posted in Doctor of Fitness

Life moves quickly, and if we don't take the time to rest and seek peace, we risk experiencing burnout. It can be difficult to find clarity when we are stressed, but it is essential to prioritize our well-being to achieve wholeness and inner peace. We have the power to change our own perspective and way of thinking.

After a good night's sleep, our minds and bodies are refreshed; taking advantage of this is important. Rather than immediately getting lost in the world's distractions, like browsing through social media after waking up in the morning, it is crucial to spend some quiet time with our thoughts. Doing so allows us to connect with ourselves and nurture positivity and focus throughout the day.

Setting a specific time each day to stop working and transition into a "wind-down" period is recommended. This means engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, or simply sitting in silence. Establishing this routine allows you to create a clear boundary between work and personal life, which fosters a healthier balance and enables you to unwind and enjoy your evenings fully.

By adopting a purposeful approach, we can make small daily changes or significant lifestyle adjustments to prioritize our well-being. It only takes a little effort to carve out time for self-care, set boundaries, or practice mindfulness to replenish our energy and build resilience. Every step we take towards wellness contributes to our overall flourishing.

Taking care of ourselves and prioritizing our wellness empowers us to live healthier, happier lives despite the demands of modern-day life. Put your well-being first and take intentional steps to nurture yourself with these tips. Always remember that overall health and happiness are worth the investment.

Happy Easter! How will you celebrate?

on Tuesday, 26 March 2024. Posted in Doctor of Fitness

Easter is celebrated in various ways in the United States, combining cultural and religious traditions. It is a significant and holy celebration in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Christ. While Christians mainly celebrate Easter in church, it has become a widely celebrated holiday by people of all faiths in America, taking on a more secular tone.

This holiday takes place on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring, which can happen anywhere from late March to mid-April. In 2024, Easter will be observed on Sunday, March 31.

Easter Traditions: What Do People Do?

Easter celebrations encompass a vibrant array of activities, including colored eggs, the Easter bunny, new outfits, flowers, presents, and Easter sales. Here are other ways people celebrate Easter:

Egg Hunting. This fun activity involves decorating Easter eggs and hiding them in the garden for children to hunt and discover.

Egg Painting. Bring out your egg coloring kits and have fun painting eggs. Express your inner artist using various types of paint, such as acrylics, spray paint, watercolors, or even food dyes.

Easter Basket. Another Easter Day tradition is the giving of Easter baskets. The tradition dates back to Anglo-Saxon folklore. The baskets are usually filled with sweets and treats and are often given as gifts to children.

Church Visit. Families gather early in the morning, dress in festive springtime attire, and attend church together. Following the service, many participate in a large Easter brunch.

Get your family and friends together this Easter to enjoy these activities and more!

Tax Season: Beating Procrastination

on Tuesday, 19 March 2024. Posted in Doctor of Fitness

While delaying tasks such as mopping the floor or organizing your closet might be acceptable, procrastinating on your taxes could have financial consequences.

Procrastination is a challenge that many people grapple with, particularly when it involves tasks they'd rather avoid. Filing your tax return is a perfect example.

Putting off the planning and filing of your taxes may cost you extra money or delay any refunds you're owed. If you owe, and don’t pay by the deadline, penalties and interest may apply. If you are due a refund, why let the IRS hold your money?

But how can we resist the temptation of delaying our tax preparation until the last minute?

Filing taxes can be time-consuming, but having all the necessary materials in one accessible location can make the process much quicker and easier. Keeping your tax information well organized throughout the year can motivate you to complete the task in a timely manner. By doing this, you can minimize the chances of procrastination.

Schedule a specific date on your calendar to prepare your taxes. Set up reminders on your computer or smartphone to ensure you remember. By setting a concrete date, especially if it involves making an appointment, you can establish a clear timeline for completing the task. It's best to set this date as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush common among those who procrastinate and end up filing their forms in mid-April. This also give you plenty of time to locate more information if you’ve forgotten something.

Stress can often get in the way of completing important tasks. Rather than fixating on the potential consequences, such as legal issues or penalties for missing IRS deadlines, try to take a proactive approach. Remember, taxes don't wait! So, don't procrastinate!

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