Hey guess what? Did I ever tell you how my 30 minute Thursdays came about? Oh I didn’t? Here, let me explain.
I’m sure a lot of you thought it was to post a quick effective workout for those lacking in time. Well, it is, but it was also because that’s all I could for a while. Then I stopped working out (other than yoga and walking/hiking with the dog) for a good 3-4 months after that.
Yes, I had a lot of health issues come back with a vengeance. Half the reason was due to stress. Yep, stress. Emotional stress, financial stress, physical stress, etc. My body does not handle it well and it just gave out.
The hubs and I have both gone through adrenal fatigue. But the good thing is we learned (are learning) how to overcome it.
Worry Less, Live More, Relax, and Pray. That’s my motto.
Or maybe this is my motto?
Our lifestyle is our choice. It’s not easy, but so worth it. For now at least.
We could take on more if we wanted. But for now we’ve decided less is more.
We’ve also realized that when we give more time to each other, to praying, to believing, to just being kind, then we don’t need much else. And stress is no longer an issue.
Read this article. It’s good stuff. About how our bodies handle stress, all kinds. Notice the part about exercise too. yes, less is more. Just lift heavy and move fast, short spurts right? haha.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am all about the training for endurance events (I married a pro triathlete here). But I think if we are going through any other kind of stress, we need to back off. Ya know? Like… don’t go train for a marathon if you are in the middle of career changes, moving, etc. Make sense? Again, this is just what I have learned from the past and am still learning.
So to end, here’s quick 30 minute workout that will leave your butt sore!
Cheers to more sunsets, more laughs, more hiking the trails, and more just plain chillin.
Can you really Relax?
LC
Jaclyn Trosper
This post REALLY resonates with me! I was so a victim of train, train, train…go, go, go no matter what. Stress, family, work…didn’t matter, I had to get it all in. And I burned out…big time. I’m so with you on this. When life gets in the way…ya gotta let it. Take a step back and focus on what’s important. Thanks for giving me yet another sign that I’m making the right choices 🙂
LCCotter
yes, take a step back and just be. Be still!
Katy
After reading this, I realized I haven’t used the rowing machine at the gym in ages!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
love the dog quote — i should definitely adopt that motto!! 🙂
LCCotter
i think we all should, for sure!
Michelle {lively kitchen}
I relax better with certain beverages – a mug of hot tea, a bottle of kombucha, a glass of wine. Somehow they trigger a relaxation response in me. I drink a lot of hot tea (year round) on the days I’m home all day, as the ritual and the hot mug seem to make my shoulders magically un-tense. Which isn’t a word, but you know what I mean. 🙂
I love yoga, but it’s more of a stretch and workout than a mental relaxation for me.
LCCotter
oh yes, tea and wine. MENTAL lifesavers.
Jane Lynch
Thanks a lot for the stress relieving tips. I have been under a lot of stress lately and reading this article really boosted my spirits. Hope your situation gets better too.
Jess
Oh this post came at the perfect time for me. I’m going through a really stressful situation and I don’t know when it will end. I have a tendency to train harder when I’m stressed. But you’re so right when things are stressful it is probably not the time to train for a marathon. I’d never thought about it this way. I think I need to find time for more yoga.
LCCotter
i think everyone does, we tend to run away from stress through OVERtraining. Workouts are great for stress relief, we just have to be careful how we use them, right? and YOGA it UP!
Petra
This is so interesting – and so true. Sometimes I have found that given everything else going on in my life, training for an endurance event has proved hard and stressful – kind of there right now. And it’s so helpful to read you saying to back off, be kind. It’s hard. But true. X
LCCotter
oh i know, because half the time we use it as an escape, ya know? But instead our bodies are craving restoration.
Tianna
i love your renewed priority list – people not things! instead of a “to-do” list, it’s a “to-be” list: be in love, be in the moment, be at peace!
LCCotter
yes! now… why did it take me so long to change that list. sigh. Happy ENGAGEMENT TO YOU!!!!
Megan
I love this post and have book marked it 🙂
I am way too hard on myself about having rests from exercise when I’m stressed or just really tired and run down. However, I have got a lot better at recognising the difference between me being lazy and needing a rest!
LCCotter
and that’s half the battle, just recognizing it, yes?
Beth @ Miles and Trials
I’m still working on learning to relax. Sure I can relax while on vacation or a lazy weekend afternoon (not that I have had that in forever!), the real challenge is learning to relax during the every day hussle and bussle. I’m a work in progress at this point.
LCCotter
and in fact, that’s most important time to relax! ya know? <3
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail
Fabulous post. I just read a Men’s Health article on Being the Person your Dog thinks you are! I like their philosophy!
I have to look up GI burpees now! 🙂 And, what is the longest time you have rowed? 10 mins is long to me!!
LCCotter
i row slow, so i’ve done 30 minutes. It took a lot of mental power, but it was sooo good on the arms. I loved it.
You’ll love GI janes too. SO SO FUN!
She Rocks Fitness
75 Jackknife… Seriously woman that’s a lot! HA! Beautiful post and agree with everything you said 100%. Yoga + Walking with the dogs is such a beautiful practice in itself and I think it’s what my body needs sometimes. Um and that quote about dogs..CLASSIC!
LCCotter
those are the most fulfilling workouts too. Dog bonding, eh? Happy Friday!
kalli
oh so good! and such thoughtful comments too. i am learning that we can’t push too much but i am also struggling with my fast paced job and the tole it can take on me. i am aware and working towards balance because life is too precious! and yes me too i have and still deal with adrenal fatigue!
LCCotter
i know we have both talked about this before, that’s why yoga is so important, ya know? We can enjoy our hard runs, workouts, etc. if we are able to balance our life and not be hard on ourselves. YES!
Rachelle
Great post! I have spent about 90% of my life being constantly stressed and just in the past 2-3 years (ironically since my brother passed away) have I learned balance, to relax a little, and enjoy the simple things. So glad I figured this out because being in a constant state of stress is so unhealthy!
Have an adventurous and fun weekend. 🙂
LCCotter
and i love that about you. I have learned so much from you, about simple gratitude and loving life! thank you friend. <3
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige
Love this post, Lindsay 🙂 So glad you’re getting back to being healthy. Love the doggie message. I should follow that more often.
People are very surprised to hear that exercise is stress on the body – it is! It’s also why I never work out when I’m sick OR majorly stressed out in other areas of life.
LCCotter
yes m’am! in our society, we always have to be go go go, not when we are stressed and sick, yes?
Alysia @ Slim Sanity
That’s a really interesting point, how not to stress your body physically when you are going through other stresses. This has been on my mind lately, and just this morning actually, whether I want to train for a half marathon, or whether I want to devote more of my mind, focus, time towards my degree… The answer to me is obvious: I need to focus on my schooling. I think that if I train for a longer race than a 5K I’ll worry myself about it and lose focus in more important areas in my life. I still get plenty of fitness in now…and I’m content with it.
LCCotter
I think that is so wise! Focus on your degree and school, fit in a few 5k’s and enjoy those short intense workouts. The half marathon training will come… later.
Lauren
It’s so interesting to hear about your lifestyle. I’ve seen you talk about the the different things you do (teaching, Health Bites, etc). Clearly you’ll only answer if you care to and I understand, but this post just made me wonder if your husband does more than one thing like you? Does he coach or anything like that?
LCCotter
he sure does. He coaches other age groupers, coaches master swim, gives swim lessons, and is a just an awesome husband. Clearly I am bias. haha.
Maren
I have a ridiculously hard time relaxing. I think that’s why yoga has been so important in my life lately. And I don’t really enjoy doing an hour of yoga, but as of now, I am able to focus for at least 40 minutes. It relieves my stress and it doesn’t put physical stress on my body.
Hope you have a great weekend! We are meeting with our Pastor tomorrow for wedding counseling! So excited 🙂
LCCotter
yes yes it does! The more you go, the better you feel as well. Mentally and everything! Good luck tomorrow. Keep me posted.
Lisa
Your always inspiring me with your posts Lindsay! They truly are helping me through this period in my life where exercise is limited and the focus is mental clarity and positivity in every aspect of my life!! You are an amazing person!xox
LCCotter
well woman, you inspire me. To be kind to each other, uplifting, and supportive! Have a blast at HLS!
Heather (Where's the Beach)
This week stress has taken its toll on me in a big way. I just had to take an unplanned rest day because mentally and physically I was absolutely done. It can be so easy to let things build up. And for me, my release is working out. But then you can only do that so long to hide the problem right? Then it becomes a problem too. Stop and breathe, that’s going to be my mantra for the day 😉
LCCotter
oh no. I am so sorry. I’ve been meaning to email you. Hope everything is ok.
Kim K
i need some stress counseling…between work and relationships, i am totally lacking on sleep. maybe you guys should come to boston and help me destress with a glass of wine and some gal chat -even JC can join girl chat – he is a good go-to guy for advice 😉
LCCotter
oh James is great at that for sure. I’ll poor the wine, we’ll both listen. xoxo
klh
I love the picture of yall! Less is indeed more 🙂
LCCotter
xoxo. Love you friend!
Jess
I hear what you say about training. However, what happens when the main way you deal with/get rid of external stress (such as school, money worries, etc.) IS by running (or your sports ‘drug’ of choice)?
I just know that without some endurance-cardio-based way of leaving all of my stress out there on the road, I crumble into a useless heap. So actually when I’m anxious I tend to need tough workouts more than ever, but paradoxically feel less inclined to do them (read: be lazy!) Despite this once I am actually out there pounding out all of my worries is the only form of ‘therapy’ I’ve ever found useful!
xxx
LCCotter
oh and i totally get that jess. It can be a way to relieve stress too. But not overdoing it is key. Shorter runs, more yoga, finding way to relief stress in other ways. I found yoga and prayer are extremely calming. Email me anytime! <3
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
You know we live the same life, right? I loved where you said your lifestyle was your choice yet it still causes stress. I am so with you. Honestly though, if you had a corporate everyday job, there would be different stresses and you would have to answer to someone else all the time. Tony had that option recently and turned it down to keep our company going. It gives him the perk of no commute and more time to see the kids. Sure, the funds flow in on a different pace, but that just means you have to plan better and like beans and rice more than one meal a week ;). I am learning to let go. This past year has taught me so much about the importance of taking one day at a time and not letting EVERYTHING get to me. Adrenal fatigue is definitely an issue here…we are working on it. I think you two are amazing…I just thought you should know! I hope you have an incredible weekend my friend!
LCCotter
oh i know. Can we please be in the same city so we can hug each other through each obstacle? haha. I love that you and tony are staying with your business. It’s a blessing in disguise and your boys are so lucky to have you both home.
Katie
Can I relax?!? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! (I’m trying.)
LCCotter
slowly but surely, right?
Kanoelani
WOW this is an awesome post friend! So true too. Learning how to relax can be so hard in this world can’t it??!! But you basically either learn to relax & stress less or it will manifest itself in you mentally, physically, emotionally, or even spiritually for that matter. And that workout…. Ooh LOL! <3 this though!
LCCotter
yes yes yes, spiritually too! we need that rest.
Lou
75 jack knives?? You’re a hard woman, that alone sounds like torture 😉
More gentle movement for me = more yoga = RELAXED LOU!
LCCotter
oh no, you are hardcore. Love that you are a yogi now. Hey, you are gonna be a wife in a week!!!!!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
Oh my gosh my butt hurts just looking at that workout 🙂
This is a great post. I think that I was training for my first tri in the midst of a lot of stress in my life. My body promptly broke down afterwards. Literally I couldn’t breath – I think my pulmonary output was about half of what it should be or something like that – plus digestive issues. No fun! It amazes me how people are so willing to overlook stress and just plug on through – myself included. Thanks for the reminder & love that quote!
LCCotter
oh how i can relate. I think we all go through it at some point. But we learn, and we listen now. Yes?
purelymichelle
oh stress, Lori and I sure wish we knew about it last year when we were going through a lot of change, leading to this year too! but now we have and have taken a step back. slowly learning to give our body respect when it comes to stress. our whole family does not do well with stress, haha, so lots to learn
LCCotter
i know me too. But i have to admit, it was and still is a humbling process. Good for the soul!
Kierston
Relaxing both our mind and body are so important. Great post 🙂
LCCotter
so important and yet always neglected it seems.
Abby @ Change of Pace
Love the post, and the new motto!
I think it’s crazy how some people train a lot when under a lot of other stress (like a new job).
I can’t wait to try this 30 minute workout in a few weeks.
LCCotter
totally. I hope your training is going well.. stress free! let me know how you like the workout too Abby!
Abby @ Change of Pace
I pinned it so I definitely will remember where to find it!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries
I love that dog quote! 😉
As you know, I’ve had to learn the hard way as well at putting too much stress on my body. If you asked me if I could truly relax as of a year ago, I would’ve definitely told you NO. Thankfully God has taught me some major lessons the past several months, and I’m at a much better place.
Love you!
LCCotter
So so true. Same here. God has taught me (us) so much over the past year. Praise Him! So happy for you too!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
I love this post… you know me- I can’t relax! I am working on it. I’m heading over to read that article now. I am in love with the Wellness Mama thanks to you!
LCCotter
yes m’am. I know we both are working on it. You can do it!! Praying for ya.
katie @KatieDid
I love my short intense workouts as well. So happy that you’re healing 🙂
LCCotter
yes, short and intense, still hard! feels good, eh?
Tina @ Best Body Fitness
Haha! That dog quote is hilarious. But, more importantly, I love the message you present here. Our bodies take a LOT and we simply must care for them, otherwise we end up dealing with a lot more than we expected. Praying for you and all our other friends battling this type of situation. Hugs!
LCCotter
yes yes, stress can do so much harm if we don’t let Go and Let GOD, amen?! <3
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile
Love this post! I need to work on relaxing more. I feel like I always need to be doing something!
LCCotter
and the beauty of that is you really don’t! 😉
Tamara
Seems like relaxing is a lost art. I think a big part of the problem is our modern mindset. To many, relaxing = time wasted = being lazy. We have to change our mental attitude and think about relaxation as just another part of the health puzzle.
Thanks for this thoughtful post! (And happy that you listen to your body!)
LCCotter
yes, we think we must be going 100mph all day every day. I really don’t think God created us for that. Ya know?
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb
Oh girl. I hear you on this. Unfortunately I too have learned the hard way. Love you.
LCCotter
live and learn, right? Hugs!
corrie anne
Loved that dog quote!!! That’s a fascinating article you linked to. I liked the tip to use your free time to do something that improves your mind (not tv). I’m kind of a tv hater so I’m always looking for extra ammo. But I definitely believe relaxation takes work. You’d think I’d be super relaxed with all my free time right now, but I actually feel stressed because I want to be productive, get a job, etc.
LCCotter
totally! It does take work. I think Dogs help with that though, right?
corrie anne
Exactly!! Puppy therapy!!!!