Whether you are a mom, who is an entrepreneur, or a single woman trying to fit everything in, it is difficult to find the time to get to the gym.  Entrepreneurs are busy bees, and the order of prioritization tends to place working out after business and family life.

That being said, the following tips and tricks can help you to keep your mind and body in working order when you just can’t find the time to get on the treadmill:

1.   Start each day with a series of stretches: When you get out of bed in the morning, make an effort to perform a menu of stretches that makes you feel good.  Whether they are sun salutations (raise your arms over your head until your hands meet) or simple calf stretches, warming your body up before you get moving is a great way to get a positive start on the day.  This blog describes why and how stretching is helpful to weight loss.

2.  Choose green tea instead of coffee: I love coffee, can’t live without it.  And that is a problem.  Coffee is highly addictive and causes the ever dreaded noontime crash, if you become dependent.  I suggest switching off coffee with tea at least a couple of times a week, if not more often.  Green tea, both caffeinated and packed with antioxidants, is a great solution.  I like Tazo tea for its unique flavors and blends.

3.  Eat fruit: believe it or not, fruit is a very satisfying choice to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Instead of going for the Oreos, snack on some pineapples or strawberries.  I suggest these fruits because they are used in several desserts for its sweet taste and acidic content. So, this might assist in any mental block you have about satiating your sweet tooth with health food.

4.  Add fruit to breakfast food: Speaking of fruit, I’ve found that replacing syrup or butter with fruit atop my french toast or pancakes is a highly successful way to add nutrients and flavor to a carb-filled breakfast.

5.  Practice your posture at your desk: While immersed in work each day, we all become guilty of slouching, hunching or shoulders down, or generally treating our body’s alignment like garbage.  Be mindful of this.  Set your monitor high enough so that you don’t have to come down to your computer (use a monitor stand; Staples has very cost-friendly versions).  Wear reading or prescription glasses if you need them, so as to prevent sticking your nose into your screen.  Utilize an ergonomic gel wrist pad and mouse pad.  Most importantly, perform a posture check:  Head up, shoulders back, chest out, feet flat on the floor, and legs in a 90-degree position.   This website describes the benefits of good posture, and provides an alternative standing posture-benefiting exercise.

6.  Utilize a stability ball: My friend Shannon learned to use a stability ball not only for crunches, but also as a way to check her posture during work hours.  Sit on the ball with legs at a 90-degree angle, and keep your back upright and straight as if a puppeteer was pulling you up like a string puppet.

7.  Insert fitness blasts into your day: Need to go run errands?  Put on your walking shoes and hustle down to Kinko’s, Starbucks, the library, etc.  Power walk your way around instead of hopping into the car.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Small fitness bursts are better than no fitness at all!

8.   Volunteer: Volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen not only performs a great service to your fellow citizens, but it provides a great way to get a physical workout.

9.  Weigh and measure your food: Oftentimes people think that because they are eating grilled chicken or veggies, their meal is healthy.  The reality is that we are only supposed to have 4 oz. servings of protein at a time, and veggies are often loaded with oil or butter when prepared.  Be conscious of the ingredients in your meals, and perform a quick calorie count before serving.

Keep your diet and cooking simple:  Speaking of veggies, a great way to insert veggies into your everyday diet is to keep your meals simple yet satisfying.  I’ve learned that a well balanced and easy-to-do meal consists of a lean protein (chicken or fish) and a bag of frozen vegetables.  Quick, painless, good for you.

This show is talking with SK Joun of Parents for Parents™ Magazine

or download the Podcast (.mp3)

3% peroxide

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana

"I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out(I do it when I bathe). No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them
free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and
leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you
wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it
to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years – until I sprayed a 50/50
mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every
night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten
minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that
would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in
peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water
and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your
septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50
mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will
bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then
blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist
right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it
for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray
the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it
through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the
hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a
light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually
so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils,
fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load
of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on
clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a
minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no
smearing which is why I love it so much for this.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should
be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad
there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy
manner.

Wild WE President & Founder, Ja-Naéwww.webaddress.com

Timesaving Tips for Busy Moms!

We all wish we had alittle more time to get things done. This is especially true for Wild WE Moms. Here are a few tips for those busy moms out there:

Where do you waste time?

Keep track for one week of all the ways you waste time. Do you spend 10 minutes finding your keys? If so, make a key hook by your door, and use it. Do you forget "that one item" when you go to the store? Keep a list on your refrigerator and, each time you empty something, add it to the list.

Designate Days

Choose a day or night to do your grocery shopping and errand running each week. Choose a day to clean your home. Stick to your schedule and forget about these responsibilities the rest of the week.

Teach Your Child

Teach your child how to prepare a drink mix, do laundry, empty the dishwasher and clean his room. An extra set of hands goes a long way.

Remember, this is YOUR business!
Only YOU can Grow it, but Wild WE can help!

By Author Wild WE President & Founder, Ja-Naé

How to Relax!

I think it is safe to say, that we all need a little relaxation in our busy lives. Here are a few tips on how to achieve just that:

Eat Healthy

Sugar and caffeine are your enemy. They both cause severe ups and downs, upsetting your body and its ability to regulate energy. Instead of sugary, carbohydrate loaded snacks (like cookies (sugar-free) or granola bars), eat fresh fruits and whole grain breads or crackers (sugar-free). Make sure you get plenty of protein, like that found in chicken, lean beef, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

Breathe

Inhale deeply, counting to five, then exhale slowly, counting to five. Do this ten times.

Shiny Happy People

Avoid people who are constantly angry or complain. Stress can be contagious, so avoid transmitters.

By Author http://wwtw@thewildwe.com/

Looking for Comfortable Shoes?

If you are anything like me, you are on your feet a lot. So, why not find the right shoe (including heel) for YOU! Here are some tips:

Pump, Pump it up!

Hold the shoe at the heel and the toe area. The sole should be flexible and bend at the front of the arch but have a stiff bottom through the arch.
Make sure the toe area is wide enough through the ball of your foot.
Test a shoe for cushioning by pressing a finger into the ball area. It should have a little give or a slightly padded feel.
Avoid synthetics. Wear shoes with leather, suede, or fabric uppers. These materials breathe, which lessens the chance of blistering.

Flat like a Pancake!

Hold each end of a shoe and try to twist it. If the shoe bends too much, it won't be supportive.
Buy shoes with leather or rubber soles for optimum shock absorption.
Wear only shoes that have leather or suede insoles. Breathable and pliable, they help prevent chafing and blistering, and they mold to the feet.

Remember, this is YOUR business! Only YOU can Grow it, but Wild WE can help!

Wild WE President & Founder, Ja-Nae, Says . . .
Want to go for a Walk?

First off, I would like to thank the ladies who shared their sexual harassment stories on our listserv. Sharing such experiences shows your inner strength, as well as, how much you trust Wild WE as a community. Thank you for letting us in.

On a happier note, Wild WE is looking to have Saturday Networking/Mentoring Walks in the Fall. Though we LOVE the idea, we want to hear from you. Tell us:

* Do you like the idea?
* Does Saturday morning work for you?
* Where do you live?

For everyone who responds, we will enter you into a raffle and pick a winner!

Look forward to connecting with you!

Ja-Nae
Your Fun, Fearless, and Fabulous Leader

Little children never cease to amaze. University of Washington researchers have found that 18-month-old toddlers engage in what is called "emotional eavesdropping," by listening and watching emotional reactions directed by one adult to another and then using this emotional information to shape their own behavior.

The research indicates infants understand other people's emotional states at a very young age. This may be a precursor to 'reading' other people's minds by understanding their emotional and psychological states.

Understanding other people's emotions is a lifelong skill and is crucial for school readiness. The fascinating result of this study is how sensitive toddlers are to the emotional dynamics of the interactions around them.

To test whether infants eavesdrop on adults to pick up emotional clues, the youngsters watched an adult play with a toy, while another adult expressed anger or a neutral reaction in response to the adult playing with the toy. The infants were then allowed to play with the toy.

All of the infants were interested in the toy – watching closely, leaning forward, making noises and indicating they wanted it. When the other adult expressed anger, it took the child an average of 5 seconds to pick up the toy. But, when the other adult reacted neutrally, the youngsters grabbed the toy within 1 second.

This study is the first demonstration that infants can modify their own behavior in response to an emotional communication that does not involve them.

Interesting… don't you think? Let's all be careful of our behavior when we're around children.

by Lauren Lee www.womensu.com

"Restoring a sense of rhythm to our lives is crucial to discovering Wholeness."

- Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance

Are you IN SYNC with your body's rhythm?

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing color, the geese are flying south, the horses are growing fuzzy coats – all signs of winter approaching. What signs is your body showing of winter approaching?

Now based on my question, you may have a couple of possible reactions:

1) What? What do you mean "what winter signs is my body showing?"

-or-

2) I have no idea!

-or-

3) Now that I think about it, my body has been showing…

-or-

4) My body is showing…

-or-

5) None of the above (there's always a 'rebel' in the group )

Several years ago, I noticed that my body 'automatically' switched into fall/winter mode. The weather gets cooler and in one day, my body makes the switch. How do I know?

During the hot Texas summers, my body thrives on, loves, and even craves salads. Light, healthy, living foods. So I eat alot of salads. But come fall/winter, all of a sudden my body wants warm foods, like soups and breads and stews. And it doesn't want salads anymore. Interesting, huh?

This year, I knew it was coming, so I've been keeping an eye out for it. You know the cycle of learning: 1st you become aware of your behavior; then you only notice it afterwards, then you notice in the middle of the behavior and finally you notice before. I've been watching for the switchover and last week, it happened.

I'm amused at my behavior: looking up heavy, old-style European bread recipes on the Internet; gathering stew ingredients, realizing I need a new crock-pot for slow-cooking, and wanting to stock my pantry with lots of soups.

Another body sign of the impending winter is my body's desire to 'hibernate'. Well, not literally. (Although I love the idea). My body is less interested in moving; it's rhythm is slowing down.

During warmer months, I'm outside all the time, constantly active, being physical. Come cooler weather, my body just wants to stay inside and be cozy. And this is true for alot of you which is why we typically put on 5-7 pounds during the winter months.

My question to you is "Have you noticed these changes in your body?" If so, do you honor them, embrace them and give your body what it wants? If you're not honoring the changes, would you be willing to?

If you haven't noticed winter changes in your body, I invite you to pay attention for the next week and notice what your body is telling you. Consider it a deepening of your relationship with your body.

I've developed some strategies for staying fit during winter months; and I have to tell you, it's still a work in progress. If you have winter fitness strategies that work for you, I'd love to hear about them!

So far, my winter fitness strategies include:

• weight lifting to keep strength and tone, (I enjoy this, believe it or not!)
• exercise videos, like TaeBo, that get my heart pumping and get my body all warmed up on the inside and outside (see www.CollageVideo.com for a huge collection of exercise videos),
• taking advantage of sunny, warm daylight hours
• walking/hiking with my dogs and my fiancee
• dancing to my favorite tunes
• yoga or Pilates (that'll get your fire burning )

You might also consider these strategies:

• walking in the mall
• joining a fitness club and enjoying the facilities including hot tubs & massage
• taking up roller-blading, roller skating or bowling (indoor facilities available)
• swimming (health clubs and aquatic centers often have heated, indoor pools)
• amping up your regular household activities

Bottom line: Get Conscious about the changes in your body. Notice its rhythms, its cravings, its desires – it is trying to tell you something!

Lauren Lee is a Spiritual Teacher, Master Spiritual Life Coach, Certified Prosperity Guide and author. Her passion is empowering women to awaken their spiritual gifts and their Divine life mission. She specializes in supporting women who have had a career in corporate America (where there is not much room for soul) and found the courage to leave it. Creating a strong, synergistic partnership with her clients, Lauren helps her clients find their voice, their courage, their inner fire and their unshakable core so they can build their successful, passionate, purposeful life (and profitable business). Visit Lauren at www.womensu.com.