A New Year: 3 Ways to Feel Great & Be Active in 2018

Happy New Year! Here we go! It’s 2018! We’re going do all those things we said we’re going to do. Let’s go! Be healthy! Eat less junk! Lose that weight! Exercise every day! Go! Go! Go!

Personally, I find New Year’s resolutions a bit tiring. They are good intentions that are often set up to fail. We are a culture that wants measurable results fast. (Read: weight loss)

When I begin working with people, I always ask, “How do you feel? How do you want to feel? What does being healthy look like to you?” The answer is never as straight forward as a number on a scale.

Being healthy is a way of life.

I’m inviting people who want to make resolutions to ‘get healthy’ and ‘take better care of themselves’ to begin with some basic lifestyle changes. It’s the first step to creating a framework of self-awareness and habits that are sustainable, enjoyable and fulfilling.

So, if you are resolving to ‘feel better’ or ‘take better care of yourself’ in 2018, I’ve put together my top three habit changes that will lay the groundwork for you to work toward your healthy lifestyle.

Starting today. Right now.

1. LESS SCREEN TIME 

Participate in real life with undivided attention. The next time you are at The Forks, put your phone away. Or better yet, leave it at home. Be present with the people you’re with. I’ve started the practice of phone-free outings on the weekend. We are ridiculously tethered to communication. If I’m meeting you at The Common I’ll USE MY EYES to find you instead of texting. My phone-free days are relaxing. You see the world. Notice people around you. Don’t wait in a line and mindlessly scroll, just be. Starting point: turn your phone to airplane mode when you’re hanging out with pals.

2. DEVELOP HEALTHY TOOLS TO MANAGE STRESS

We all have stress. It’s an inevitable part of life. Identifying plausible and sustainable self-awareness strategies to manage those tougher days is a game changer in mental health. My go to is a run. Nothing clears the head and gives me a fresh perspective like a run. Take a bath. Read a book. Go outside for a walk. Connect with nature. Starting point: after a rough day, go for a 10-minute walk before that glass of wine. See how it feels.

3. SAY YES TO NEW THINGS

It has long been said that having new experiences is one of the most fulfilling parts of life. Old habits die hard. Stop saying no. Try something new. Be open. It’s amazing how life can open up when you step out of your comfort zone. You don’t know what you like until you try it. You have to build your healthy lifestyle by trying new things to see what fits. Starting point: when someone asks you to go for a skate, instead of saying “I don’t skate” you say: “I’ve never skated but am going to try!” (Then send me an email and I’ll give you some skate lessons!)

These three practices are pillars to my health and happiness. Even if you only resolve to try one of them, it will nudge you in the right direction. Make the changes from the inside out—the right way to build a sustainable healthy life for the mind, body and soul.

Looking forward to more health, happiness and adventures at The Forks in 2018! Happy New Year!


Other posts that might interest you:

• Get Going: Commuting with Company Using GoManitoba
• Get Going: What You Need To Know About GoManitoba
• Getting Cozy: Winter Prep in The Forks Market

Get Going: Commuting with Company Using GoManitoba

It’s no secret that I believe movement should be integrated into our daily lives. One of the ways to maintain long-term health is to create routines and habits to move our bodies while fulfilling other purposes at the same time. Like commuting. Everyday, I have to get to my studio somehow, so might as well use my body to it.

When I heard there was a new app that helped connect like-minded commuters to one another, I knew I had to give it a try. After all, it combines all of my favourite things – being outside, active commuting and meeting new people.

The Go Manitoba app is for all types of commuters – walkers, cyclists, transit takers and drivers. After entering your home and work/school destination, it provides a list of all potential commuters in your area. There are six cyclists and four walkers in my neighbourhood! I have never winter cycled—I’m thinking this would be a great opportunity to pair up with someone who can show me the ropes of winter cycling!

But for now, I was mostly interested in finding someone to walk with. So I arranged a walk with Kristin, who was also walking along the river trail to The Forks.

Winnipeg is such a small city—turns out I TOTALLY know Kristin. Ha! So we grabbed a coffee and made our way from the Village to downtown via The Forks on a sunny winter morning.

It was so nice to have someone to walk with! I’m mostly a solo walker, so it was great to have someone to chat with as a change of pace. If you wanted to start the habit of walk commuting, I think many people would benefit from having a walking buddy to help hold them accountable to the habit. When someone is expecting you—you have to show up!

For those not within walking distance of their workplace, the ride share option seems like it would be quite useful. Save money on parking, fewer cars on the road, and better for the environment. And, potentially…make a new friend!

Would you try active commuting if you had a buddy? Sign up for the Go Manitoba app and see who’s around you to try active commuting with!


Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. All photos by Janine Kropla.


Other posts that might interest you:

• Get Going: What You Need To Know About GoManitoba
• Holiday How-to: Hosting + Guesting
• Making Friends at The Forks Starts With Hello

Get Going: What You Need To Know About GoManitoba

So, what is it?

GoManitoba is a network of people who need to get placed and help each other get there.

It is a ride-sharing app that connects you with people who take similar commutes as you – whether that be by bike, foot, transit, car, or other, so you can ride together for a whole list of really good reasons. 

This way, we can all work together to create a more sustainable way to get where we're going and meet some cool people along the way.

How do I use it?

Go to the GoManitoba app or on your browser, and start a profile. It will ask you for the usuals – email, phone, etc. – and then it will prompt you to start entering trips you make often and how you get there. You can use the app to enter places you're going, how, and when to find people doing the same.

Follow the steps and explore a little. 

Why should I use it?

We have a long list of reasons why this is awesome, but here's the highlight reel...

Bye bye rush hour madness 
By carpooling, you're taking at least one more car off the road. So, every person that jumps in the car with you – that's one less car in front of you while you're trying to get to work on time. Less cars = less traffic = more smiles. Biking and transit will get even more cars off the road!

Easy breezy parking
Less cars on the road also means less competition for the primo parking spots. Find some people in the area that are also coming to The Forks on a busy Sunday, home games for all the Winnipeg teams, downtown for a concert (you get the idea), and hop in with them.

Shrink that footprint
You don't need us to tell you that biking, taking public transit, and carpooling reduce greenhouse gases, and make our planet happier. 

Save some $$$

Trade gas for leg-power. Split gas and parking. The app will track just how much money you're saving along the way. Money you can use treat yourself to a pizza from Red Ember Common opening SO soon. 😉

What if I'm not comfortable taking my bike or public transit?

On the app, you can find your bike or transit sensei. OR – be the sensei by clicking on the graduation cap icon when selecting ride methods.

Want to know how to be someone with those huge bike tires showing the snowy roads who's boss? You can find someone on GoManitoba who can show you all the tips, tricks, and best routes. 

Want to start taking the bus to work but nervous about having to switch buses half-way through? You can find someone to give you all the Winnipeg Transit pointers, including etiquette like leaving the front seats open for those who need it, and waiting until the green light comes on above before trying to open the back door.

Where can I read more?

To get to know everything and anything about GoManitoba, peruse these links:

• About GoManitoba
• GoManitoba: How To Guide
• Sharing the Ride: Hints and Tips to keep it safe and fun!
• GoManitoba Is For Everyone