The last days of the Glen Ivy August Challenge have been very rewarding!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated and shared their inspirations. Congratulations to Estela C., this weeks winner of a Glen Ivy Hot Springs one day admission voucher.

I have to say this was one of my favorite challenges. Like all of you, I made a conscious effort to direct a small portion of my day to better my health and happiness. I spent my time going for walks, meal planning, picking fresh vegetables, and doing some dance offs with my kids! They all made me feel great, and grateful. But the surprise for me was the journaling aspect. What I learned is that writing my thoughts and intentions down, keeping a record, was like giving myself a pat on the back and made me more likely to stay on course. I also realized that reading through your submissions was equally uplifting. While we worked individually on our goals, sharing them gave me a sense of teamwork that was supportive and inspiring. Thanks to everyone who made time for themselves, I hope you continue to do so, and please keep sharing your inspirations with all of us on Facebook!

Here are some of the submissions we received last week:

…My 10 minutes a day is spent doing something from my childhood.  As silly as it sounds, I have forced myself to give into the 10 minutes a day because it brings me back to the feelings of joy as a kid, when we gave ourselves ‘permission’ to play without guilt.  And this was the 10 minutes a day epiphany that now has become a daily ritual. I used to twirl the baton as a kid. I enjoyed it.  I have a desk job, so getting outside for 10 minutes, rather than sitting some more during my break, is really a nice thing to do. — Stacey K.

I have several 10 min activities in a day, yet they are all an everyday must.
1) At least 10 min of exercise and or stretching.
2) 10 min. reading time/prayer/meditation
3) 10 min in the bath tub
4) 10 min with my dog
5) 10 min watering the grass
— Monique O.

I’ve learned that time to myself is import to my well-being. I do many things to give myself much deserved “me” time. Something new in my life is going back to school after many years, and finding that my study time is completely relaxing and calming to my day.  I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, so at times I find it good for my soul to go in the kitchen and unleash my culinary diva!  A stroll through the local farmers market or health food store is another favorite “me” thing to do.  Yesterday, I enjoyed an hour of relaxation by sunbathing at the neighborhood pool. Some days I find a walk around the neighborhood is what I need to clear my mind and give me that sense of accomplishment for the day.  I love music, so I’ll often take a 10 or 15 minute drive just to have alone time and unwind while listening to a favorite CD.  And who doesn’t find sitting at a favorite coffee shop sipping on a beverage relaxing? Simple things are so rewarding … so I take advantage of “me” time, and enjoy life! — Jodie D.

My 10 minutes a day is usually in the morning, cup of tea in hand and on my patio. I usually am praying and meditating on being a better person each day and giving thanks for each moment I am fortunate to have in this life. As a bonus somedays, I give myself a mini facial, along with a cucumber hydrating mask. Ten minutes goes a long way for me and I am looking for more ways to defrag each day. —Gina M.

I’ll think about a time when I was very happy. It could be the day one of my kids was born, time spent with my grandmother, a great deal I got during a shopping trip or my last visit to Glen Ivy. I’m happy everyday the Lord gives me, but I have a lot of specials moments in my life that made even more grateful. Just focusing in one of those moments for 10 minutes a day really helps with any stress I may have. — Shandel L.

Thanks to everyone who joined in. We hope you continue to bring spa into your lifestyle everyday for health and happiness. Let us know how this Challenge worked for  you by leaving a comment below.

Stay tuned for September when we celebrate National Yoga Month!

“If you keep only healthy food in your fridge, you will eat healthy food.”

1. Stop by a Farmers Market or Farm Stand. Pick something colorful and build a meal around it. How about fresh tomatoes and basil for the start of an easy caprese salad? Or try one of these other quick and delicious tomato recipes from Fine Cooking.
2. In the kitchen prepping dinner? Take an extra 10 minutes to portion fresh veggies and fruit for healthy snacks and next meals, saving time later and the temptation of sugary alternatives.
3. Meal plan, Phase 1: Jot down a list of your favorite healthy meals, and then make a grocery list to have the basics on hand for the upcoming week. Need inspiration for fast and fresh recipes? Check out these from WIlliams Sonoma
4. Meal plan, Phase 2: Sit down with your morning coffee for 10 minutes to plan dinner that evening. Choose a meal from your list. Do you need to take anything out of the freezer or stop by the market on the way home? A few moments thought early in the day can mean the difference between a tasty homemade meal and takeout.
5. Does your dinner recipe freeze well? Double it and put the rest in the freezer for a quick meal on a busy day.
6. Always keep a glass a water nearby, and carry a water bottle. When you feel the urge to snack or low energy, try a few sips of cool water first and see if that staves the craving.
7. Plant a kitchen container garden of your favorite herbs. Easy to care for, lovely to look at, you can add zing and flavor instantly to any meal or drink!
8. Get inspired! Pick up a new cookbook, magazine, browse online recipes, or take in 10 minutes of your favorite cooking show. My two current favorites are Jamie Oliver and Tastespotting.
9. Use your BBQ or grill more often, a delicious way to prepare vegetables. Grilled dishes often have less fat than stove top ones because they don’t sit in a pan and absorb more fat (oil, butter, etc) while they cook.
10. Dish plates with slightly smaller portions before bringing them to the table, then take your time eating, enjoying conversation. Eating too fast can be one reason for over indulgence, another is convenience. If you stretch out your dining time, you may find you are full when you finish the first serving, especially if there isn’t more tempting you at arm’s reach.

Tell us your healthy food short cuts!

This August, the Glen Ivy Spa Monthly Challenge invites you to find ways to live happier and healthier life 10 minutes at time!

We are now through our third week of this challenge, and I have truly been inspired by the responses. So many of you have made sincere and successful steps towards acknowledging your health and actively finding time in your day for YOU.  Reading through the letters has reinforced this and spurred some new ideas on how to make time in my day, and so we will continue to share some of the many that we have received.

Please keep sending your weekly notes to contest@glenivy.com, and if you haven’t tried the Challenge yet, it’s not too late! Next Tuesday, Aug 30 will be the last week that we will draw for a Glen Ivy Hot Springs admission voucher, but we hope that you will continue to invest a minimum of 10 minutes each day on your health and happiness. Please continue to share your successes with us by leaving comments on the Blog. Many participants have noted that the simple act of writing it down affirms their efforts and is powerful in helping to create new healthy habits. The extra perk is you may be inspiring someone else to do the same, and that feels great too!

Congratulations to Krissa W., Week Three WINNER of a one day admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs!

You will find Krissa’s letter for you to read below, as well as few more highlights from other participants. Spending time with animals, usually dogs, but also cats, horses and even alpacas, has brought calm and smiles to many this past week. Meditation and quiet time for reflection were other popular ways people chose to use their 10 minutes a day. What will you do with 10 minutes?

Here are some of the notes we received last week to inspire you:

I must say when I read the challenge I really doubted how 10 minutes a day could make any kind of impact on my day.  Boy was I surprised!  As a full time working woman, mom, and wife, it is amazing how you can make time and be sure everybody else is taken care of but neglect yourself.  With this challenge I vowed to try 10 minutes and see how it went, I mean who can’t spare 10 minutes (that is a coffee break).  On day one I just tried doing some meditation at my desk.  Closed my eyes and focused on my breathing.  It helped so much to just de-stress from the day I was having… then to my surprise when my 10 minutes was up I looked out my window to see a dragonfly rocking a yoga pose perhaps mimicking me.  Hilarious!  I think his pose was better than mine… but hey.  They next three days I opted to take quick walks since there was a lot going on at the office and real “quiet & alone” time would be hard to come by.  My goal was to enjoy my surroundings and find something that caught my eye and appreciate it.  I found some lovely red flowers one day, an amazing sunflower the next, a lovely serene view of some yellow flowers with the river in the background and finally on day five I ventured out even further for a relaxing 10 minute drive with a new CD and caught an amazing glimpse of the lakes by my office.  Funny how until the challenge I thought I need to spend more time getting away when my true escape came from within and giving back to myself……….just 10 little minutes.

Now I find myself looking forward to my 10 minutes of “me” time and since it is such a small amount of time… no excuses needed to justify it.  Now I combine it with my coffee break and enjoy a fresh cup and a walk to soak it all in and take joy in celebrating me.  I have also noticed it helps me relax and be more tolerant of those interruptions from both co-workers and family.  I have added an extra 10 minutes of “me” time into my home life too.  So twice a day I make sure that I relax and recharge.  Who knew 10 minutes was enough time!— Krissa W.

I found my ten minutes of better health to be in the morning when I first wake up. Its the one time I have the ENTIRE house quiet, and I have been meditating, stretching, day dreaming..etc! Sometimes, it takes place in the shower, other times its when im blow drying my hair. I consider ME time a way to a better healthier me! Plus, waking up early gives PLENTY of time for breakfast
My only advice…I need more than ten minutes! —Shanna F.

I spend ten mins. of my day decompressing from the business, by meditating to some wonderful Spanish guitar music and sometimes with a glass of wine. — Ashley S.

I start the day outside on the patio with my first cup of coffee.  I am spending time with nature and my dogs… no kids, no husband, this is my private time, and I enjoy the silence and tranquility before any chaos begins. It’s my time to be mindful, to center myself, to focus on ME. This morning ritual is VITAL to maintaining health and happiness. — Sande M.

Horseback riding, grooming and exercising 2 horses. Very relaxing and fulfilling. Horses are my physical and mental therapy! I took a ballet class for one hour & 1/2. I haven’t been in a dance class for over 20 years. I must be crazy. Sweated like a pig and huffed like a steam engine. The following day… walked my two dogs morning and evening. Tried to stretch out in the evening to work against the sore muscles from yesterday’s dance class. I am so sore, but it is a good sore...— Irene H.

Laid outside and read a magazine, hardly ever do I sit and relax like this. Another day… Went to the gym and did more yoga for an hour, and then came home and read for 20 minutes about healthy recipes. — AE

I relax at the end of the day while enjoying a hot cup of chamomile tea for a restful sleep and with great energy the following day. Reading, soaking feet in warm water and foot massages are also favorite ways to spend my 10 minutes. — Rosa Z.

I visited an alpaca farm with friends for the entertainment of the kids, but was surprised by how much I enjoyed being around these animals. They also have incredible soft wool and so I bought some and decided to try learning to knit. It was easier than I thought and I have been spending 10 minutes a day, or more, knitting. It is far more relaxing than I thought, but kind of fun too! — Alyssa N.

What will you do with 10 minutes? Post your comments here, or email to contest@glenivy.com.

10 Minute Activity Breaks Can Be Your Ticket To Lasting Fitness

Meg Root is an ACE certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist with over 25 years in the fitness and spa industry.

Count me in! This month’s Glen Ivy Spa Challenge, “Ten Minutes To A Happier, Healthier You!” is right up my alley!  Let’s face it. We all know that we need to exercise, and we need to do it on a regular basis. But for most of you reading this, the biggest barrier standing between you and that happier, healthier life is TIME—or actually, lack of it. Let’s be honest. Where does one find the recommended 30-60 minutes, 3-5 times a week, for a moderate, sweat producing workout? Is it in your office cubicle where you work 40+ hours a week? In the kitchen where you prepare countless family meals? Maybe it’s under all that dirty laundry!

The truth is, large chunks of unscheduled time are often MIA in our overcrowded lives. And if a break in all the madness does present itself, it could be argued, “Who wants to head to the gym?” That’s why I love this 10 minute challenge! It’s all about finding the nooks and crannies in your already busy day, to put your wellness center stage. And studies show, ABSOLUTELY, that 10 minute bouts of moderate exercise can have a positive effect on a variety of health variables like blood pressure, heart health and overall wellbeing. Not only that, when you stop moving, research shows that the benefits don’t. Your gift of 10 short minutes of exercise will keep on giving to you for up to one hour!

So let’s get down to business. Here are my top 5 suggestions for 10 minute “flash” fitness routines anyone can do:

• 10 Minute Walk: Simply put, stand up and get moving! Push away from your computer and go for a walk! This is the best workout for those of you who are just getting started. It’s easy, convenient and safe. Ease into your pace for 3 minutes, walk briskly or take a few stairs for 5, cool down for the last 2. Fit two of these in each day, and you’re really on your way!
• 10 Minute Dumbbell Routine: Standing squats or lunges, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, shoulder raises, modified pushups from your knees. 12 repetitions of each. That should do it!
• 10 Minute Low Tech Cardio Circuit: Put on your favorite music. March or jog in place to warm-up. Jumping Jacks. Jump rope. Jog in place. Fast feet! Just dance! 1 minute each with a little rest in between. Chances are, 10 minutes will not be enough!
• 10 Minute Yoga Routine: Mountain pose, Triangle Pose, Warrior Pose, Tree Pose, stretch those hamstrings with a yoga strap, hug your knees to your chest, relax in Savasana and breathe.  AHHH!! Feel better already?
• 10 Solution DVD Series: I read about these in BlogHer. They seem fun and worth a look.  I even found a few of them featured on YouTube for free! Check them out if you need some direction.

Beyond the physical benefits, these small, but manageable connections to daily exercise can be a valuable stepping stone to longer and more lasting exercise habits. People who take short activity breaks during their day have been shown to make time for exercise again, either later in the day or on weekends. I’ve seen this positive shift in my clients many times. When you begin to see yourself as an “active person” instead of a “sedentary person,” you start to make more active choices on a regular basis. And before you know it, there’s no going back!

Hi Readers! Does anyone out there take this short and sweet approach to your fitness routine? How do you fit fitness into your busy life? We’d love to hear your ideas!

—Meg Root

This August, the Glen Ivy Spa Monthly Challenge invites you to find ways to live happier and healthier life 10 minutes at time!

We chose this challenge knowing that sometimes the surest way to change is small steps, and believing that everyone can find 10 minutes in their day to focus on health and happiness. It’s not too late to join in, so we hope everyone will participate by jotting down how they used 10 minutes in their day, and email it to contest@glenivy.com, each week will draw a winner for a complimentary admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs! Winners will be announced the following Tuesday here on our Blog.

All month long we are looking at ways a 10 minute break might be used to focus on our health and happiness. We all know how important sleep is to our overall health yet we still seem to miss getting enough some days. A short 10 – 20 minute nap is a great way to catch up, feel refreshed and increase energy. A nap will also relax your body to reduce the effects of daily stress, and some studies have shown that napping can even help decrease risk of dying from heart disease.

We have also been noticing a lot of people using their smart phones and wondered… is there an App for Naps? It turns out there are many, ranging from as simple as  timers with snooze buttons to scientific sounds to induce sleep…

Here are a few we found:
For iPhone

Nap App $0.99
Just the basics here, a one click alarm clock. Just launch the app and enjoy your 15 minutes, with the option of a nine minute snooze. But just one snooze, it is a nap after all.

Power Nap with Andrew Johnson Free
Simple yet effective guided relaxation and visualization will give you tools to access the incredible power of the mind/body connection, use relaxation to rebuild energy levels, stamina and strength.

Brainwave Power Nap $0.99
Using a series of binaural tones to in induce desired brainwave patterns for restful sleep. brainwave entrainment programs, and frequency blends, combined with configurable, soothing ambient nature sounds to create the perfect restful, energizing power nap.

iNap Arrival Alert $0.99
The ‘next-generation’ travel alarm. Using the GPS in your iPhone it will determine where you are, and wake you when you are close to your destination! Ideal for travelers and commuters.

Just for fun:
NY Nap App $0.99
For the homesick New Yorker in need of a nap or a good night’s sleep… Now you can fall asleep or wake up to the sounds of the greatest city in the world no matter where you happen to be.

iNap@work $0.99
Makes office-like “productivity noises” so that your co-workers will hear a constant din of activity coming from your space. Even though you may be snoring, your workers will hear sounds like typing, mouse clicks, flipping through papers, stapling, and human sounds such as clearing your throat. We don’t really recommend this, just thought it was funny!

For Blackberry

Nap App $0.99
The handy Nap App lets you curl up anywhere- a desk, a bus, a bench- for a relaxing and refreshing rest. Just set the alarm to the time you need (or choose one of our pre-set nap lengths), and you’ll wake up when you want to a tune of your choice.

Ultimate Power Nap $1.61
Combines the relaxation of a white noise sleep app with a simple timer alarm to create the ultimate power nap app.

Let us know which one is your favorite, also share with us any other smart phone apps you have found to help with wellness!

This August, the Glen Ivy Spa Monthly Challenge invites you to find ways to live happier and healthier life 10 minutes at time!

Congratulations to Ginny Meinen, Week One WINNER of a one day admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs!

The first week of the August Challenge has been lots of fun, especially hearing back from all of you. We chose this challenge knowing that sometimes the surest way to change is small steps, and believing that everyone can find 10 minutes in their day to focus on health and happiness. We are just at the beginning so it’s not too late to join in. We hope everyone will participate by jotting down how they used 10 minutes in their day, and email it to contests@glenivy.com, each week will draw a winner for a complimentary admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs! Winners will be announced the following Tuesday here on our Blog.

We are thrilled with the results and want to share a small sampling of what we received to inspire you:

I use my getaway 10 minutes to take relaxing deep breaths. Breathing deeply through my nose & exhaling through my mouth, & giving myself a good stretch.This helps me to relax & gives me a sense of well being. —Roma M.

I love to sit quiet to think or read. That is a great relaxing activity for me. It’s like my own time out. — Sonia M.

A special bath with Epsom salts, lit by tea light candles, in which I focus on relaxation with soft music playing, usually music with ocean sounds, but today it is “Celtic Twilight” and I list on paper my three best moments of my day. — Ann

The one thing I have done over the past week is have a cup of tea and read a book for at least 10 minutes in the morning which has made me feel so much more relaxed. I also feel much more efficient as I get my day going. —Danielle K.

I always get up early and make myself a cup of tea. I walk around the garden, my 16 year old deaf dog at my heels, listening to day awakening. This little time to myself empowers me to be able to be everything to all the people (my family included) with a smile on my face and in my voice. — Lesley A.

So far this “10 minute challenge” is really making me take an active role towards a healthier lifestyle. I would usually look at exercise as a chore, but now I’m looking at it with a more positive outlook. These past three days, I’ve excitedly woken up planning how I’m going to spend those 10 minutes focusing on my health. I’m really enjoying this challenge and having to write about it reminds me that I am already taking care of myself. — Christine B.

I washed pears and walked around the house silently handing one to each family member. We all ate the sweet juicy pears in slurpy heaven. Then threw the cores into the composting bin in back. It felt good and healthy. — Juliette W.

I knew today was going to be stressful and busy.  So, I planned a 10 minute break at the end of the day just before preparing dinner.  I went outside and sat in the shade of the trees and just took in the beauty of my backyard.  It was amazing to slow down and take in all that was around me.  I could hear the water splashing in the fountain and look out at the brilliant blue sky.  A butterfly flitted around over the flowers, testing one here and one there.  I was entertained by my cat rolling on the warm concrete and our little dog nipping at her heels.  This is something I have to remember to do more often!— Ginny M.

A theme we have noticed is that being mindful of the time you set aside for yourself is a big part of the benefit of this exercise. How are you spending your 10 minutes?

This August the Glen Ivy Challenge is to use 10 minutes of your day towards making yourself healthier and happier. I have noticed in my family that dining habits can be the first thing to suffer, heading for take out when we are short on time and energy. Instead of hitting the drive thru, here are my top 10 favorite recipes that can be thrown together in a flash, from a New York Times article written a few years back, you can check out the full list of 101 here.

Add a salad and a loaf of bread and you can turn any dish on this list into a meal that will be better than takeout! Try these and let us know what you think, or share your favorite quick and easy meal below.

13 Gazpacho: Combine one pound tomatoes cut into chunks, a cucumber peeled and cut into chunks, two or three slices stale bread torn into pieces, a quarter-cup olive oil, two tablespoons sherry vinegar and a clove of garlic in a blender with one cup water and a couple of ice cubes. Process until smooth, adding water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, then serve or refrigerate, garnished with anchovies if you like, and a little more olive oil.

15 Call it panini: Grilled cheese with prosciutto, tomatoes, thyme or basil leaves.

22 Make wraps of tuna, warm white beans, a drizzle of olive oil and lettuce and tomato.

29 Chop prosciutto and crisp it in a skillet with olive oil; add chopped not-too-ripe figs. Serve over greens dressed with oil and vinegar; top all with crumbled blue cheese.

40 Put a large can of chickpeas and their liquid in a medium saucepan. Add some sherry, along with olive oil, plenty of minced garlic, smoked pimentón and chopped Spanish chorizo. Heat through.

64 Pasta with fresh tomatoes: Cook chopped fresh tomatoes in butter or oil with garlic until tender, while pasta cooks. Combine and serve with grated Parmesan.

68 Brush portobello caps with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil until tender. Briefly sweat chopped onions, then scramble eggs with them. Put eggs in mushrooms.

77 Sear corn kernels in olive oil with minced jalapeños and chopped onions; toss with cilantro, black beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped bell pepper and lime.

78 Cook shrimp in a skillet slowly (five minutes or so) to preserve their juices, with plenty of garlic and olive oil, until done; pour over watercress or arugula, with lemon, pepper and salt.

98 Rub flank steak or chuck with curry or chili powder before broiling or grilling, then slice thin across the grain. Delicious on salad with bread.

Check back later this month as Glen Ivy’s Chef Bill Wavrin will be sharing his tips and tricks to fast and easy healthy eating!

10 minutes is enough time to…

Prepare a healthy breakfast
Park further away from the entrance and walk in
Call a friend
Complete one task on your to-do list
Take the stairs
Send a long overdue email to a friend
Enjoy a healthy snack—away from your desk and at a real table
Close your eyes and rest
Meditate
Walk around a block or two
Read at least a few pages of a book
Think positive thoughts

If you are someone who sometimes doesn’t stop to sit down all day, The Glen Ivy August Challenge is for YOU!

You may not have a free hour every day, but if you really think about it, I bet you can free up 10 minutes of your day to feel healthier and happier. Here is a short list to get you started. Each day, commit to at least one 10-minute segment of “me” time.

Ready to get started? Participate in this month’s challenge and you can also enter the  weekly draws to WIN a Day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Get all the details here.