Finding Balance in Today's World

Within a few minutes of disappointing news this morning, I heard a loud noise coming from my bedroom.  A mannequin that stands on three legs collapsed. As a writer, I also look for symbolism around me to tie my thoughts together.

Perhaps the fall of this avatar-like persona often dressed up in a fashionable outfit with coordinated accessories was meant as a lesson of the importance of balance in our lives. The third leg was added to make an unsecured figure keep upright. To have proper balance, one needs to be equally footed; the third leg would make this impossible.

I went on a bike ride to clear my head and process the news I heard earlier. Fresh air and time alone were needed to maintain better equilibrium. I felt better after doing some exercise and having time to better reflect on my own intrinsic needs. 

As we each approach a new week, keep in mind that with the daily challenges life brings us we must always keep grounded and know where one stands. It is crucial to be able to share your true thoughts and not hide behind a costumed persona. I will keep this new image in my head as I move forward and begin the week ahead.

Wendy is a Realtor and Freelance writer residing on Cape Cod. She enjoys networking and writing to connect her ideas and curiosities with people she meets.   She welcomes your comments.  

Resources to find #funthingstodowhilesocialdistancing

As I was putting the final touches on this blogpost to publish later today, Massachusetts Governor Baker has just issued an Emergency Order for non-essential workers to Stay In Place effective noon tomorrow through April 7.  It is now more timely than expected and is something I have been working on over the past week just in case this occurred.  

As most of my clients and friends know I like to be proactive. When I grew up my parents would not let me go out with friends until I finished my chores.  Thus I was always ahead of the game with getting them done.   In addition, I was a Girl Scout leader and raised 3 kids which also explains my motto of always being prepared.   I have recently been putting these skills to use while exploring all modes of life one can do from their socially distanced space.  I have prepared this information below. 

Please note: This list is for #funthingstodowhilesocialdistancing and does not include any COVID health resources.  These are best available from your local Community Health organizations. I will add to this as I learn of more ideas but this is compiled over the past week and should cover most bases.  

Errands done from home to save and free up your time
  
Online food delivery-they will personally shop and deliver ShipT,  Instacart you can have curbside pick up or delivery RocheBros. Some of these services are on overload and may not have easy delivery slots. 
Need a new book, puzzle or game- you can order these online and either pick up outside the store or have delivered for fee Indépendant bookstores-Wellesley Book Store

No need to go to the Post Office just set up online-  Stamps.com

Need dog/pet food you can order online Chewy.com 

Entertainment/Movies to watch:
Instead of going to live theater check this Globe article for online resources Watching Theater
Also for live streamed music/concerts check here
Love Music Festivals- check these out
 www.stayathomefestival.com; or on Instagram at @stayathomefestival. 

Virtual Travel:
Instead of traveling to a real destination you can stream a movie and then go on tour to the film's location.  check this article
Its cherry blossom time and instead of going to Washington DC this spring you can see them here.

Socialize/Meetings:
Facebook-stay connected but beware of fake ads etc,  I would try to use other tools as much as possible as do not trust potential exploitation from them.  Look at tools such as Zoom and Facetime-you can have actual group meetings -try a lunch date with friends, happy hour, bookclub.

Exercise:
Yoga apps such as Yoga Studio
Meditation such as Buddify 
5 at home workouts featured in the WSJ
Train for a virtual 5K with Prevention Magazine
Join Gretchen Rubin 20on20 Walk Group

Inspirational / Spiritual:
Gretchen Rubin-daily Instagram chats at 4pm
check your local synagogue/church for streaming of services

Kids/family activities:
Listen to stories and do related projects from children's author Kate Messner through her site Read, Wonder and Learn
For some online and new Game ideas
How about making a photo book online?  You can create one and go through old photos on one of the apps such as Snapfish
Keep your kids engaged on current events with free NYI weekly news quiz -maybe reward them if score well



Culture:
Online virtual exhibit at the Reggie Lewis Museum Click here for a link to an exhibit donated by my family.  (Stearns collection)
Virtual Shakespeare
Google has partnered with Art Museums worldwide that you can visit virtually on a site called Google: Arts & Culture
Boca Raton Arts Museum has a program for kids called Keep Kids Smart with Art
See a virtual art exhibit hosted by The Cotuit Center for the Arts called BLUES
Classical Music lover here's the BSO online

Outdoor activities:
Places to go around Boston
Neighborhood walk
Drive around and look at architecture/old houses

Spring Cleaning and Home Maintenance:
For the practical or one who enjoys doing things around the house how about getting an early start so you have more time to play.
This is a great time to declutter, clean and get your home ready for spring. I have prepared a Home Maintenance checklist and am happy to send you a copy if you email me: wendy.bornstein@nemoves.com.

I continually am posting new ideas on my Facebook page @wendybcb (Wendy Bornstein Coldwell Banker Needham) and use the #funthingstodowhilesocialdistancing.  I invite you to visit and like this page.  Please feel free to share any new suggestions there or below in the comments section as well.  Thank you and stay healthy.  We are all in this together.  

A QuickGuide to a Healthy Happy and Fit New You in 2019

Are you constantly being bombarded with tempting foods and drinks this holiday season?  Are you too busy to keep up your exercise routine.  How about planning ahead by buying a few healthy tools you can incorporate into a healthy you after the first of the year.   I just got a Fitbit and an Instant pot and am excited to use both as I kick off 2019.  These are great gift ideas if you want to give a year of health to your loved ones.  For other suggestions check out NY Times writer Melissa Clark's many favorite tools including the Instant Pot.  In the interim though here are some tips to manage through this holiday season.

How about making a New Year’s resolution before the New Year?   How can you maintain your weight if constantly surrounded by your favorite high-calorie goodies and holiday drinks? Of note, the average American gains five to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  Read on for some tips on how not to become a statistic.

Dieting is near impossible this time of year, thus your goal should be to maintain not reduce your current weight.  Plan and assemble several quick, healthy meals that can be readily available for reheating to avoid relying on high-fat fast food when your days become chaotic.

Avoid attending a holiday party on an empty stomach. If you plan to drink cocktails be sure to have some food first as the side effects of alcohol are felt much more quickly and can lead to overeating and over-drinking. If you do drink alcohol, it is recommended to drink one glass of water before each glass of an alcoholic beverage.

If attending a party,  offer to bring a favorite healthy treat to be assured there will be at least one "safe" item available to snack on. Stand far away from buffets so you're not tempted to nibble constantly.  When selecting hors d'oeuvres choose the ones that contain whole grains and/or legumes while staying away from the high fat, high sugar options. Instead of totally cutting out high-calorie favorite holiday dishes, take a small portion of each and load up on healthier options like vegetables, fruits and breads.
  
Remember to continue your regular exercise program through the holidays as best as possible.  Even if this means extra long walks with your dog or doing a 15 minute yoga routine this is the key to maintaining good health and alleviating holiday stress.

Lastly be sure to get enough sleep and be mindful of spreading germs. Wash your hands frequently and be avoid sharing drinking glasses or utensils amongst friends.  

As the year wraps up I hope you will make the most of these tips to enjoy a happy, healthy season and launch a newer version of this self as you approach the new year.  

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys blogging about things near and dear to her lifestyle.  You can check out her Pinterest page to learn more about recipes she is trying with her new instant pot.