Traveling, for most, is an exciting and enlightening activity filled with rich experiences and a plethora of surprises. But it can also present challenges, especially in the context of maintaining one’s wellness routine. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Marrakesh, Morocco—a totally outside-the-box trip that I was equal parts excited and nervous about. Morocco, as a whole, has never been at the top of my bucket list. Keeping up with my healthy habits is relatively easy when I’m in, say, Costa Rica or the Virgin Islands, but Morocco presented new challenges. Here are five things you should know when travelling to a country like Morocco: 1. Pack healthy snacks. 2. Download a few meditations. 3. Indulge in a spa treatment. 4. Hydrate all the time. 5. Be flexible and kind to yourself.
Community News
Summer Day Camps
Preschool and school-aged camps at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Historic Fort Normandeau guarantee lots of warm weather fun! Outdoor adventures, mystery solving, a trip through time: something for every young explorer! Register up to three days before camp: $72 preschool/$150 school-aged, per child. Early drop off/late pick up available. Call 403-346-2010, ext. 111 or visit WaskasooPark.ca for more information or to register.
Disc Golf, Anyone?
Did you know that there are two 9-hole disc golf courses in Red Deer? They’re in Victoria Park (Allan Street) and Kentwood (Kent Street and Kendrew Drive). All players have their own disc (from local sports store) or frisbee. Each player throws their disc into the baskets using as few throws as possible. Great fun for families, friends, or special events. Visit CADGA.ca to join a league. Scorecards for each course can be printed off at reddeerpcn.com. Portable disc golf sets can be borrowed from RDRPCN for events.
Product Profile: The Beam™
The Beam™ by Nimbleback is a simple self-care tool used for exercise that may have some benefits when used with yoga stretching and breathing exercises. The Beam™ is based on yoga stretching theory and uses the breath to focus on releasing tension. It allows you to take 10 minutes a day to relax and focus on your breath with yoga stretching that will help to release tension and relax the mind and body. Release, relax, and restore your core.
Big Bend Market
Big Bend Market supports local farm families and locally made food products, and believes that we are what we eat. We specialize in hormone and antibiotic-free meat and have a variety of gluten-free products. Supplying Alberta with natural, local, healthy produce since October 2007, Big Bend Market South, located in Southpointe Common, is your full fine meats and fresh cuts deli. We also carry ready to go homemade meals: chicken pot pies, cabbage rolls, perogies, tourtiere, meatballs, and stuffed potatoes. Local organic milk, fresh farm eggs, fresh local vegetables, and a variety of locally produced products. We truly are your year-round farmer’s market!
FREE Kids’ Check-up Promotion
Fridays and Saturdays – FREE Dental Check-up & X-ray Program for children ages 5 and 6 years (see our ad). Call Bower Dental (general dentists) today at 403-347-8008 and mention the ‘FREE Kids’ Check-up Promotion’ to help keep your child smiling.
Product Profile: The Beam™
The Beam™ by Nimbleback is a simple self-care tool used for exercise that may have some benefits when used with yoga stretching and breathing exercises. The Beam™ is based on yoga stretching theory and uses the breath to focus on releasing tension. It allows you to take 10 minutes a day to relax and focus on your breath with yoga stretching that will help to release tension and relax the mind and body. Release, relax, and restore your core.
Practicing Body Positivity
How often do you look at a photo of yourself and immediately start picking out all the things “wrong” with you? The body positivity movement teaches us to appreciate the uniqueness of every body. It doesn’t mean that we always love every single thing about ourselves, but the goal is to shift the focus away from our outside appearance and instead celebrate our body’s abilities, regardless of size or physical traits. Once we learn to have self-compassion, we can also appreciate others for their differences and come to the realize that diversity is what makes the world a beautiful and interesting place.
One of a Kind
Skin protection – blah, blah, blah! Why should you care? Well, we all know about the risks of cancers, wrinkles, pre-mature aging of the skin, etc. Make sure that your sunblock matches the activity, age group, and best way to apply for you. Additionally, as we spend more time out of doors, we tend to do other things that we need to be aware of regarding our protection. Applying chemicals, servicing equipment, painting or staining projects, among other tasks, also require you to pay attention to how you need to address skin protection. So read those labels, folks; you are irreplaceable!
Yoga is for Everyone
Are concerns about how you look or that you’ll be expected to do advanced poses keeping you from attending a yoga class? Yoga is a great experience for every body size and type, at any age. A few simple stretches of the hands, feet, legs, arms, torso, and neck done regularly can help you regain and maintain flexibility. Seek out experienced and empathetic instructors, who specialize in providing a relaxed and supportive environment where these stretches are complemented with safe, accessible balancing postures. With this support, a path to greater physical comfort and security becomes available and you experience only joy when fear and pain are gone!
Dealing with Difficult People
How can you be present when you are around so-called “difficult people?” First, remember a person can only behave at their current level of consciousness, and their behaviour is not who they are at their core. Begin by accepting what they do and how you feel about it. In that moment, an opening is created by your acceptance. You’ve given them permission to be who they are and provided personal peace. Bring your complete awareness to your daily activities, including conversations and interactions with other people. Use what life gives you as an opportunity to choose your reactions throughout the day.
