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Creative recovery

Loosen your own rules, because a light attitude is the right attitude.

I have been asked about authoring a book. A book??? The first thought that entered my head was, how could I do it? Then at 2:45 a.m. one morning, my mind screamed – start planning! I yelled back, “How would I start”? “Sounds like a lot of work, who would read it?” I had lots of questions, but after an hour, it became a one-sided conversation. I knew in my heart I needed to do this, so I am starting. I am taking my own advice and taking my time. I want to inspire other women to live their dreams when adversity feels as if it is closing in.

Our stories are what makes us tick. We recover from a stumble, face our setbacks, and pick ourselves up again. Whether it is a new year or new day, we find a way to recover.

Here are some gems to get you back on track and then, maybe you too could write your story.

Allow yourself to feel success and pleasure. We often avoid uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Acknowledge that your low feelings exist and do what you can to move through them.

Focus on the moment. Projecting too far ahead can increase anxiety; stay present and grounded. Practice feeling grateful, either by jotting down your thoughts each day or learning to meditate.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your support system such as friends and family. If you feel unmotivated or stuck more days than not, consider a professional.

Get moving somehow, someway. Try this one as described below: SIT AND STAND. Check out our short and effective Exercise Snack Videos that you can practice at home. Enhance your current exercise routine or start fresh.

SIT AND STAND is one of the most functional exercises for movement. Getting in and out of a chair and on and off the toilet are two of the most common activities in our daily lives and should be augmented by exercise focusing on the same muscles. This exercise is to be done slowly, paying attention to technique, and feeling each movement. Repeat 10 times for starters.

• Sit up tall in a chair on your sitz bones (bones at the bottom of the pelvis on each side); lift your sternum (chest); lower your chin slightly and pullback, lengthening your neck.
• Come to edge of chair; with your feet flat on floor, pull your belly button to your spine; keep your chest lifted.
• Put your palms on the chair edge; straighten your arms; take a deep breath in and bend from your hip joint; push your heels down into floor; push your palms down into your chair to assist. Push up with your arms just enough to clear your seat, then, push all the way up to standing. Once standing, check your posture; tailbone in neutral; sternum lifted; neck lengthened; belly button to spine. Then, as you sit back down in your chair, make sure your knees do not move past your toes.
• Repeat 10 times, slowly.

In addition to the sit and stand exercise, pay close attention to how you are sitting in general. This exercise video demonstrates, with the help of some volunteers, the correct way to sit down in order to avoid injury to your knees or back.

If you are just starting or starting over, ask a skilled professional, watch videos from reliable sources online or wherever you can get your most trusted information. We have specific programs to get you started at Lori Michiel Fitness. If you have completed physical therapy sessions for rehab, now is the time to continue your rehab. We can also help you get stronger as you prepare for surgery. Improve your confidence along with balance, breathing, flexibility and strength too. You can call 818-620-1442 or contact me. I will respond within 24 hours. You can also follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for important research and fitness updates.

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