What steps have you taken to improve your health that you would recommend to others?
TAKE 10 STEPS
For over 30 years, these are the steps I’ve taken to keep me healthy. I recommend them to many women I have the privilege to encourage in my walk of life. Give them a try.
Ten steps to stay healthy:
1. Same wake-up time – Set an alarm and wake up at the same time Monday through Friday, no matter your line of work or if you’re retired. You can sleep more on the weekend.
2. Get moving – As you go to the bathroom right after you wake up, bring your exercise clothes with you and change into them right away. This is the best habit to help you exercise, because now you must exercise before you take a shower.
3. Drink water – Drink 16 ounces before you exercise. One down, only a few more to go today.
4. Exercise – Thirty minutes five days a week equals two hours of committed movement. On the weekend, go for a walk or do some other movement. Keep on moving. Otherwise, you won’t.
5. Drink water – Drink another 16 ounces after you exercise and before you drink coffee. It gives your insides a shower and you have two down before you drink coffee or your favorite morning drink.
6. Do for others and yourself – Make coffee, lunches for the day, finalize supper plans and eat breakfast. You can fill in the blank on how to serve others.
7. Quiet time – Sit and read your favorite devotion, the Bible and journal a bit. It helps you focus on what the day will bring.
8. Take a shower – Clean the sweat from your exercise and feel refreshed.
9. Get dressed – Get dressed and look good, no matter where you go and even if you don’t leave the house. It will make you more productive.
10. Ready, set, go – Now, you are fully ready to do the next right thing, no matter what is thrown your way.
Sue Hamilton
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
TAKE 10 MINUTES
In November 2014, a health-related app on my phone challenged everyone to exercise for 10 minutes a day through the end of the year. We were also encouraged to track our 10 minutes of exercise, because it is one way to start a positive habit. This was also one small step people could take to keep moving through the sometimes challenging months of November and December.
I accepted the challenge and since that date, I have not missed a day of exercising at least 10 minutes a day. It hasn’t been without its challenges. Some days, I can only find 10 minutes to go for a quick walk or do some stretching. The biggest challenges I have had are when I tweak my back and it is difficult to walk. But on those days, I just take some light weights and do some bicep curls for 10 minutes. This exercise streak has positively impacted my physical and mental health.
Julie Fornshell
Capital Electric Cooperative
ENROLL IN EXERCISE CLASSES
This year, I have implemented exercising at home into my daily routine. Since Dec. 27, 2023, I have exercised every day in some format, except for two days when we were on vacation. Even the first two days of vacation, I was able to do some exercise.
I would recommend those of you who are eligible for Silver Sneakers to visit www.SilverSneakers.com and check your eligibility with just a few answers needed to see if you qualify based upon your current health insurance. It is easy to do. Then install Zoom on your home computer or phone and select the classes you want to attend. It has more than 45 classes most days in a variety of formats, levels and instructors. I absolutely love this format where I don’t have to leave my home to exercise and, best of all, it is free.
Joette Buchmann
Roughrider Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTION:
May: What is your favorite part of North Dakota to explore?
Deadline for submission: April 12
June: As we wrap up our celebration of 70 years of North Dakota Living, what has been your favorite part of the magazine and why?
Deadline for submission: May 13
We want to hear FROM you: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number anåd name of your electric cooperative. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make edits and cuts. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727
