In the past few months I’ve realized why I’m like that: I’m just really aware of everything around me. So much so, that when something is out of place, it’s all I can think about. My solution in the past? Fix it and everything’s better.

Here’s the problem: it’s exhausting. In an effort to make things perfect, I’ve even driven myself close to being forever uptight.

Then again, being so aware of everything around me certainly proves beneficial at times; those times when someone gets just a little too close to a delicate wine glass, or a candle is dangerously close to a stack of napkins.

I had a really great conversation with one of my best friends about this just last night. She told me how she’d kill to be so aware of everything. As with many things in life, the grass is always greener on the other side.

But what I realize I need is balance. Balance between being hyper aware and being unaware. Balance between caring about everything around me so much and not caring at all.

So how do you strike the balance?

My solution? Be aware of the things that really matter. So maybe a light gets forgotten and left on for a few extra minutes before someone realizes it’s on? What’s the harm? A few extra cents on the ol’ electric bill? No biggie.

By saving the worrying for important things and letting go of the little ones, I’ve noticed that I am an all-around calmer and happier person.

So which are you? The one that needs to care a little more? Or a little less? Or have you already gotten the balance figured out?

Photo credit: ejmc

Since the day I created my list, I’ve only missed maybe one day (because I was sick). But I’ve noticed that instead of having any of those “icky-today-was-a-waste” days, I’ve felt like every day’s been complete.

I am by no means suggesting you can – or should – plan out perfect moments. Instead, I’m suggesting that if you feel like your day isn’t complete, are feeling “bleh”, or are simply restless, visit your “happy list” and take that next step to being a happier you.

For inspiration, some things on my list include:

• Make dinner while having a glass of wine and listening to jazz.
• Spend a night with girlfriends playing cards and laughing.
• Do a solid yoga session.
• Get dressed up and go out with friends at a jazz bar.
• Get dressed up and go…anywhere!
• Take a long, relaxing run.
• Check off a ton of items off my to-do list.
• Write something I feel good about.
• Have a really good conversation with a friend or family member.
• Make someone belly laugh.
• Belly laugh myself.
• Turn off the TV and read a great book.

What about you, what’s on your “happy list”?

Photo credit: lawprier

I’d like to think I’m 25% smarter, 25% wittier, 25% cooler than 25 years ago. And you know the great part? Every day that number grows.

Out of everyone I know, I’m one of the few that enjoys getting older. I genuinely love it.

Here’s to the next 25. Cheers!

Photo credit: spool32

Classes

Doing fitness classes are a great way to stay motivated and keep with a program. Whether you’re into yoga pilates, or something more intense like a boot camp or kettle bell class, to something more fun and adventurous like a zumba or pole dancing class, you’ll find something in your area to suit your needs.

One of the best part about a class is that you’ll have less of an inclination to give up early or in general on it. You might even take friends with you – so that you’re all in it together!

There’s also the small bit about money. Often, you’re going to have to pay for the exercise classes you take, and sometimes it’s no small amount. Think you’ll skip a class after shelling out that much dough? I doubt it. But there’s a bonus: tons of studios and classes give you a free “try before you buy” class so you that you can test out how you like it, first.

So if you’re the type of person who needs a little more motivation and are able to spend a little in order to gain a lot, classes might be right for you.

Gym

The gym is another great option for your fitness regimen. Often less than taking classes (I’ve heard of fees as low as $10 – $20 per month!), you’re left to your own devices a bit more. That said, some gyms do offer classes and even personal trainers.

Another place to get and stay motivated, the ambiance of a gym may be just enough to kick you into gear once you get there. If not, make sure you bring a friend along and you’ll keep each other on track.

Some things to consider: what are the gyms in your area? What perks do they offer? Do they offer hours that work with your schedule or are they 24 hours?

If you’re the type that needs just a little motivation and an indoor space with all the equipment you need, the gym is calling your name.

On your own

For this routine, you’ll need the most discipline. But, let’s look at the perks: you’ll never be restricted by time and working out on your own doesn’t cost any money.

This may be the perfect choice if you enjoy running outside, swimming at a lake or in the ocean, surfing, plus any of the many indoor activities you can partake in. If you’re a video junkie – say you love P90X – this may be the perfect way to fit in your exercise, and all right from the comfort of your living room!

If you’re the self-motivated type that enjoys a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities, a fitness routine all your own may be just the ticket!

Remember: you don’t have to be defined by one routine, why not try all three?!

The point is: figure out what works for you. It may not be the same every week, but it’s good for your body to mix things up a little!

but I came up with a golden rule a while back. It helps you figure out whether you’re in love, lust, or friendship. It may seem a teeny bit morbid, so bear with me.

Let’s say this person were to die.

If you like the person…you’d go to their funeral.

If you love the person…you’d cry at the funeral.

If you’re in love with the person…you’d die at the funeral.

So if you’re ever confused about how you feel for someone, try that simple test. It may be morbid, but it definitely works.

Allow me to preface this by saying: I’m no yoga master. However, I’ve spent the past 4 years working on and deepening my practice. Admittedly, there have been day, week, and even month-long breaks I’ve taken from that practice. That said, here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Everything will be better.

Your posture.

Your breathing.

Your stress level.

Your alignment. (No one likes a sore back.)

Your happiness.

The overall way you feel.

Everything.

2. There are no rules.

Don’t feel like doing yoga today? No problem. You’re just not getting your balance poses? Skip ‘em. Just not feeling the rhythm? End early.

And the bonus? You don’t have to feel bad about a single one of those things!

3. You can do it anywhere.

I’ve always thought that practicing in non-traditional places was the best. I’ve recently carved out a cozy spot on my deck to practice, but my favorite place is the beach (and as it turns out, there are a ton of added benefits of practicing there).

The point is: yoga is versatile enough to practice anywhere – the girl in the picture above is on top of a mountain for crying out loud. So, find the places that work for you or, better yet, try some impromptu sessions wherever you go!

4. It’s just as good exercise and stretching as it is meditation and relaxation.

I never feel in better shape than when I do yoga regularly. I never feel as flexible as when I do yoga regularly. And I never feel more relaxed (what I like to call zen Nicki) as when I do yoga regularly.

I’d call that a win-win-win!!

5. It’s all about your own journey.

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a class or doing yoga on your own, it’s all about you. There are days when I feel like working on my balance or inversion poses, so I do. There are other days where I want stronger warrior poses, so I do more sun salutations (Surya Namaskara) than I’d care to admit.

More than that, though, there’s an even important element at work here. It may sound hippie dippie (ok, it does), but your relationship with your yoga practice is key. Like a relationship with a person, you have to work at your yoga practice to strengthen and enrich it so that you can enjoy all of the benefits I’ve mentioned here. So, make sure you enjoy the journey

Obviously I can’t say enough good things about yoga. What has your experience been like?

Photo credit: lululemonathletica

Detoxing, the right way

I’m no dietitian, and certainly no doctor. But the way my homeopath explained it, a lot of people do juice detoxing or water fasting – both of which do a great job flushing out your system. The part most people miss, however, is flushing all the toxins out of your body. In order to do that, you need amino acids. So, here’s what my diet was allowed to consist of during my detox. It wasn’t a diet and it certainly wasn’t a fast:

• Take two scoops of BioCleanse everyday. It’s a great source of protein and amino acids, as well as a ton of other good-for-your-body nutrients.
• Eat vegan; ideally organic, whole foods/grains, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
• No meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, (added) sugar, salt (fresh spices are OK), or processed foods.

What I learned

• I had really high expectations. I thought that this would be so easy. Turns out, without my vice (dairy), I am cranky.
• I can live without my morning coffee! I love tea, I’ve always loved tea; it just took not being allowed to drink coffee to realize how much I love it.
• My cookbook is my new best friend. Typically, when I need a new recipe, I’ll look it up on Eating Well, but I finally learned to use the cookbook (The Vegetarian’s Bible) that my Mom gave me a few Christmases ago.
• I need to be able to couple this kind of program with more rigorous exercise. Exercise is important, regardless of what lifestyle you’re rocking. However, during a detox, exercise proves to be nearly impossible.

Have you done a detox? What was your experience like?

Flash back to August 2009. I brought this little bundle of joy home. I know I’m biased, but he was literally the cutest puppy I’d ever seen.

It didn’t take me long to learn Brady wouldn’t be the calm, lackadaisical labrador that I’d grown up with.

Brady’s a lab who has a big personality and a ton of energy. Regardless of how often I ran him or how much he swam at the lake, it seemed like Brady would never tire.

Needless to say, I was worried. Sure, I was only 22 when I got him, but I knew he’d be around for a while and maybe I’d have kids by the time he was all grown up. So I asked around.

I asked friends, family, dog trainers, you name it…will this dog ever calm down?! “Yes,” they said, “around the time he’s 2 years old.”

Today my sweet boy turned two, and boy, has he ever calmed down.

Brady’s never been a destructive dog (thank goodness!), but I’ve noticed a huge difference in the past 6 months. I can do things like leave my shoes out without him bothering them. He will lie down and fall asleep even when there are things going on around him. He’ll even get into his create willingly and (only sometimes) bark to be let out.

He’s no where near perfect (and I love him just the same), but growing up has made a world of difference.

Like children going into adolescence and then adulthood, dogs grow up and mature.

So, for all of you out there who are ripping your hair out with your energetic puppy, it will all be OK. Have patience, work with them, and they’ll eventually grow out of it.

I’ve been coaching for two years now – my first year, I was the Assistant coach and this past year, I was the head coach – at St. Joseph’s College of Maine.

Coaching, in general, teaches the coach just as much as the kids. At least, being on both sides, that’s what I’ve found. That said, there are 3 huge lessons I’ve learned by coaching.

1. You can still be yourself. 

It was hard going from being on the team – even as a leader – to coaching the squad. I had to learn when to be tough and when to have fun with the girls. I think after two years I finally found the balance, but when I first started, I wasn’t myself. I was uptight, and didn’t feel comfortable joking with the team.

I’m goofy, it’s just how I am, so this year I think I was finally able to let the girls see that – at least a glimmer of it. But it’s really a life lesson, you see, because it’s like a lot of things in life: you need to stay true to who you are, no matter what.

2. You have to roll with the punches.

I used to be an uptight person. I still have some OCD in me, but a few years ago, I was admittedly even more uptight. I’ve learned – in thanks to those I’ve coached – that sometimes you just have to roll with things that life throws at you.

Whether it’s a girl who simply can’t be on the team anymore for completely legitimate reasons or another dramatic moment, rolling with life’s little moments and not letting them phase you can make all the difference.

3. At the end of the day, people can still surprise you.

As far as I’m concerned, I can read most people like a book: I can tell what type of person someone is moments after meeting them, and what level of drive they have in life after 10 minutes.

My cheerleaders may have their quirks, their bad days, but there will always be those moments that take my breath away.

This year, that moment came during competition. The girls didn’t have an overly wonderful attitude heading into competition – and it’s a long story as to why – but it all changed after they performed and I’ve never been so proud. Not only did they nail their routine, but they had awesome attitudes and were so pumped up for the following day when they could perform again.

Spring.

Like clockwork, allergies, illness, and colds start popping up everywhere you look. For instance, I coach college cheerleading, and in the past month, almost every single one of my girls has been out sick. Why? They’re probably not doing everything they can to take care of themselves. How many times have I been sick in the past month? Zero. (Knock on wood.)

While you can’t do much about seasonal allergies without medication, you can do something about getting a cold or the flu – none of which involve shots or medication. There are 5 easy ways to stay healthy and germ-free this spring:

1. Get sleep - Lack of sleep will push you over the line of getting sick to calling out of work. We need 6-8 hours a night, and I think it’s best to stick near a solid 8 hours of z-catching goodness.
2. Take your vitamins/supplements – With the amount of Vitamin C I take daily, it’s no wonder I don’t end up having to take triple doses of Airbourne if I start feeling under the weather. Being proactive about taking your vitamins is a surefire way to not have to be reactive about it later.
3. Eat right – Like #2, if your immune system is already presented with constant pressure from attacking viruses, you need all the help you can get from what you put in your mouth.
4. Exercise – Sometimes, it’s just best to sweat out a cold. Again, by being proactive about your health, you can decrease the chances of contracting whatever your coworkers have.
5. Wash your hands - I can’t tell you how many times I watch people shake someone’s hand and then later touch their own face. Here’s a better rule of thumb: don’t touch your face without washing your hands first! You give germs a direct path by putting your hands anywhere near your eyes, nose, or mouth…so don’t give them the opportunity! If you can’t get to the sink, keep some antibacterial hand sanitizer nearby!

And there you have it! 5 super easy ways to keep from getting sick this spring!