A Nod to Egg Nog

Hi again friends! I hope the last month has treated you well. Our StretchiFlex coaches have had such good blog posts recently, I was almost disappointed when I saw that it was my turn to write up a blog! Haha! Hopefully the good content doesn’t stop here ;)

INTERMITTENT PRACTICE

Intermittent practice is a practice technique that my first year university teacher taught me. He always said that practicing regularly for 5 minutes at a time was often more beneficial than practicing sparingly for longer periods. I saw the progress that I made in my vocal training by regularly practicing for 5 minutes at a time, and I knew he was on to something. I would be caught sirening all throughout the day, and yes, I’m sure it was irritating to listeners. I’m sure they were also thinking, “either sing properly or shut it!” But the intermittent practice helped me override bad habits and stay in a ‘singing mindset’ all the time. Recently I had the thought, what if we did the same with movement? What if we intermittently exercised for our general wellbeing?

Sometimes I find myself feeling pressured to hit a 45 minute workout every day, and to give it everything I’ve got. But sometimes I’m honestly buggered and the last thing I want to do is go for a run to get my steps up!

What if I allowed myself to break up my office days with regular 15 minute walks, just to get some sunlight and stretch the legs? What if I broke up my working hours with 5 minutes of mobility work, rather than 5 minutes of screen time? I believe that intermittent movement could be the key to living more active and healthy lifestyles, in a maintainable and enjoyable way. I’m going to start trying this! Will you join me?

WHAT I’VE BEEN COOKING

I’m in my hippy era, and I’m loud and proud about it! Actually, I don’t offer up this information unless people ask, so maybe I’m not as proud as I thought… But I’m confident in my holistic decisions and that’s gotta count for something hey. My hippy era means limiting processed foods. I’ve been resorting to high protein snacks that are homemade (and homegrown if possible), as opposed to protein bars (which I used to INHALE). I’ll dive into a full day of eating and a diet breakdown another time, but for now, here are a couple of snacks that I’ve been preparing for my long days of semi-adulting.

1. Boiled eggs

Yes, you read that right. I am that smelly person that stinks out the lunch room by bringing boiled eggs to work. I can’t believe I’m seriously suggesting this to you!! I’m sorry!!

My boiled egg obsession is not only good for my protein consumption though, because it also encourages me to eat my lunch outside (so that my colleagues don’t hate me). This has been great for my mental health. Throw some salt and pepper on those bad boys and they are the perfect protein snack!

2. Cottage cheese

Now that the weather is warmer, I’ve been loving snack plates. Chopping up some carrots with a side of cottage cheese has been my go to. You could also pair it with some deli meats. Mmm, delish! Cottage cheese is a great source of protein compared to other dips, and with some salt and pepper it’s a great high-protein snack idea as well. Combine them all for a great snack plate!

MONTHLY FAVOURITE

Last month I had my end of year ballet concert. As a creative who is trying to prioritise health and fitness, my schedule can feel so full. So combining the two; creativity and fitness, into an art form has been the most fulfilling hobby! There is nothing like the thrill of performing onstage. The lights and the fog, no sound but the music, the eye contact with the audience while you’re high on confidence and the magic of live performance. The room buzzes with excitement and the eye contact with your fellow performers on stage communicates that you both know how HIGH this high is. My ballet concert went so well; the last performance was the best and we went out with a BANG! I encourage you to find a form of exercise that you LOVE, and if you have time, find a form of exercise that allows you to be expressive and creative as well. It will fill your cup.

Another aspect to my love of dance is the nostalgia that comes with it. I feel like I can reconnect to my inner child, and move around freely with only joy at the forefront of my mind. Reconnecting with childhood dreams and enjoyment is so special. Let’s make more time for it.

To wrap up, I hope that you can find a form of exercise that you enjoy, but also something that allows you to be creative. Movement should be enjoyed; it’s not a punishment. If you enjoy a 15 minute walk a few times a day instead of a 60 minute walk, then do that! Let’s go back to basics and really enjoy moving our bodies.

I can’t wait to catch up with you all after the Christmas season. Let me know if you become the stinky person in the lunch room; we need to band together. Merry Christmas, and if I don’t speak to you beforehand, Happy New Year!

Caitlin x