(don't let it) slide

Lately, conversations with friends revolve around 'stepping up'. 

This of course, means different things to each person.

For the most part, it is stepping up to keep--if not make one's self more healthy, fit and possibly attractive.

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This is not centered on any particular agenda, except that you wouldn't want to 'slide'.

Youthfulness from a physical perspective is something that easily slips between your fingers when you reach a certain age.

Truly for me, turning thirty shook me up pretty good.

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It did not happen overnight.  It was a slow process of packing in pounds. 

Someone came to visit, we went to a buffet.

It was someone's birthday, we drank a little too much cocktails.

My Mom sent over my favorites.

I attributed the tightness of my pants to these small seemingly harmless activities.  I thought to myself, I am just bloated, I'd be back to normal next week, when I go back to my routine.

It never happened. 

One day, I woke up overweight.

That was my new 'normal'.

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As if having to buy clothes one size bigger was not enough clue.

It took my brother pointing out that I needed to lose weight to get me started.  I need to thank him for challenging me to a round of biggest loser.  That made all the difference. 

I bought a digital weighing scale. 

And gasped at my weight, the first time I stepped on it.

I weighed myself everyday.

I gave up some things.

Eventually, I was somewhat back to my old self.  Not as I was early in my twenties, but a more 'realistic' version of it.

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I've managed to stay somewhat the same since.

And now that a few years had past, and we are all about continuous improvement, it is truly time to step up again?

foolish, foolish heart

Come mid afternoon, I felt something funny.

My heart was fluttering. Literally. Obviously, not in a good way.

It was as if my heart was struggling to beat. Like it was great effort to beat.

I did the easy test to see if I was having a stroke.

It is quite handy to know. It is funny how I once attended a seminar and sort of "never forgot" about the three steps.

1. Smile
2. Raise your arms to the side like you are forming a letter T
3. Recite a full sentence

I forget now the reasons behind each one. But if you find yourself unable to do at least one. You must NOT PANIC and try to force yourself to cough.

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I tried all three exercises and I was able to do each one.

Still not convinced, I forced myself to cough.

Still fluttering.

I sat down, placed my hand on my heart and took big, long inhales and even longer exhales.

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I got better eventually.

The fluttering had gone, but my heart feels funny. Not sure if it is psychological.

Is this really what being thirty-something means?

not sick but tired

I just got back from a trip, going on a trip tonight and booked another in January.

The past three months had been horribly hectic and I anticipate that after I get back next week from holiday, it would once again be busy till halfway through December.

Luckily it wasn't / isn't always because of work. Sometimes though, whether you are out spending time with friends or having marathon teleconferences during off hours, it really takes toll on your health. Admittedly, my body's ability to recuperate is no longer as good as when I was a teenager.

I feel tired.

While the formula eat healthy and exercise regularly for more energy is THE answer. I thought I'd start by scrutinising my habits.

I did some self assessment to define what my poison is.

It doesn't seem like I have any addiction. While I do have vices, there isn't one that hinders me from doing my daily functions, control my actions, dictates my schedule or activities or could not stand not having for weeks. Or months.

With that out of the way, it seems like there is no major obstacle trying to take better care of my body. And mind.

Here are a few things I'd like to do:

1. Eat breakfast regularly. Properly. No eating a granola bar while walking to the bus stop. Breakfast should be taken sitting down. With a place mat :)

2. Limit soda intake. I had always (as in dating dati pa RN!) loved how Diet Coke tasted, so while there were some adjustment when it was phased out to be replaced by Coke Light, I had somewhat grown to love the new counterpart's taste as much as the first edition. I don't mind Coke Zero too. I somehow justify my unreasonable intake to the fact that these are zero calorie drinks and thus, is okay. I know it is still better to drink water. Or fresh fruit juice.

3. Salt / Seasoning. OMG! This may be my poison! I could hardly eat out or at home without dipping sauce (steak excluded). I also like requesting for "extra" sauce. I'm not sure I can give this up completely. At least not today. I'd start by cutting down :)

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Oh, I once jokingly accused a friend of not putting the entire pack of seasoning into the instant mee goreng because it was for me, tasteless.

spotted

I had been so curious about this cupping method since I first read about it.

The therapist would spend 45 minutes to an hour alternating massage and pulling your muscles with suction cups all over your back and you can literally feel the tension on your back melting away with every rub, press and pull.

After the session, I felt young again. As in no back pain!

Of course the hassle is that your back looks ridiculous afterwards, but that is a very small price to pay for the relief and wellness that you get out of it. I promise that it is well worth the trouble--even if you spend a day at the beach where obviously, your back is exposed for the world to see.

I would have booked another session with the therapist if only you can do this as often as you like. Apparently, the body can only take one session every four weeks.