Picture of mobile phone
Wellness

How Tech Can Trip Us Up

The one accessory you’re unlikely to see me anywhere without is my iPhone. But tech tools have become such an indispensable component to most of our daily lives that we don’t often realize how much of a negative impact they might have on certain activities — one of which is exercise. So the next time you’re tempted to press “play”…

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Woman Folding Laundry
Wellness

Everyday Fitness You’re Already Doing

Working out, at times, can certainly feel like a chore. But the good news I wanted to share today is a reminder about a few household tasks many of us are already doing, that are pretty efficient in terms of cardiovascular exercise.  So, the next time it feels like you may be creeping toward a fitness slump, recognize you’re still…

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stack of books
Wellness

Reading or Listening to Anything Good These Days?

Editor’s note: I was chatting recently with TOPS Nutrition and Fitness Editor Rachel Werner, all about how she naturally gravitates toward wellness podcasts, books and other forms of media. I loved that! We spoke about Rachel discussing some of these items in her blog (or in email form — or somewhere else on tops.org). So you’ll likely be seeing this type…

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Mental Health Matters
Wellness

Mental Health Always Matters

I want to thank you all for continously making this Wellness Wednesday blog a safe space where everyone can be honest about the triumphs we achieve and the ongoing challenges we face. Being vulnerable by sharing when we are going through difficult times isn’t always easy. But that’s a testament to the strength of this community: “We’ve got each other!”…

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puzzles
Wellness

Staying Mentally Fit

I will admit to not having much “down time” most days. On the rare occasion when I am not scheduled to be away on assignment, in a meeting or on my computer frantically trying to meet a deadline, the default forms of relaxation I turn to involve physical movement outdoors. And while exercise is crucial to maintaining one’s health, our…

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nachos
Nutrition, Wellness

Foodies Travel, Too

Have you had a joy-filled July? I sure have! But it’s good to be back in front of the computer crafting this week’s blog. One TOPS member had requested I find out nutritional information on alligator while I was in New Orleans earlier this month. And lucky for me, it ended up being on the menu of the first restaurant…

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Summer Recap
Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Wellness

A Refreshing Recap

I have now officially been a part of the TOPS crew for six months. And thanks to all of you, it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience so far! I very much appreciate all the feedback and questions sent via email or posted weekly on the blog and social media. So keep the comments coming, because I read each one, plus…

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Fitness Equipment
Fitness, Health, Lifestyle, Motivation, Wellness

“Any Age” Fitness

Being fit and fabulous at any age requires being attentive to changes in spatial awareness and basic body mechanics. The importance of foot placement, hip mobility and range of motion also become increasingly vital as you age. So training yourself to notice whether you frequently shuffle rather than step, in addition to how your body subtly shifts while transitioning from…

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dinner of vegan Mexican food
Lifestyle, Stress, Wellness

Make Mealtimes a Mindful Moment

Staying present is much easier for me to do when I’m physically active. The exact opposite is true in regard to when I’m eating. I often power through meal and snack times standing up—especially when I’m working from home and attempting to squeeze in a couple of bites between Zoom meetings, walking the dog and frantically typing on the computer…

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