Challenge Myself: Day #223 Help With Habitat for Humanity

Today is Day #223 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to volunteer time and help out with a Habitat for Humanity Project.

The book says,

Swing a hammer, carry some lumbar, and otherwise help build a home for a poor family if this appeals to your social conscience. Habitat For Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works in tandem with volunteers in communities worldwide to build houses for the low-income people.

Former president Jimmy Carter and wife spend a week every year swinging hammers to help erect affordable shelter for the poor on behalf of Habitat For Humanity.

If you believe that you could be doing more to help the less fortunate, then grab your hammer, go out, and work up a sweat with people like yourself working with Habitat for Humanity.

Now I personally have never helped with the Habitat program but I know others who have. I do help out in other ways. I help many of my neighbors in need. I help several older folks with housekeeping chores around their homes. Locally we have a Day of Caring. Mine just exceeds into days, months and years of caring.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Habitat is a good way of showing that you care, but there are other things you can do also to help out in your community. Donate to the local food banks is one way. There is a very good program happening every Thursday at the First Baptist Church on King St. here in Martinsburg. They feed the hungry every Thursday evening. Here is the link to Habitat Eastern Panhandle for those who are interested.

Just For Today: I will continue helping my neighbors in need.

Just a quick note, today is the last day of the challenges for the section on Finding Happiness Living Healthy. I wanted to add a quick note that the next section of Challenges will resume May 1, 2017, after the April A-Z Blogging Challenge is over. I have the first week of April posts completed and ready to go. I need to work on the second week. I still have about three days of posts I am still trying to complete. I hope you understand.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #222 Plan a Hike

Today is Day #222 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today suggests that we trek the Himalayas. 

The book says,

If you've ever wanted to break out of the ordinary routine and taste adventure, trekking might be just the thing to try. Trekking regions of the Himalayas used to be only for adventurers, mountain climbers, and tourists with a liking for remote and exotic destinations.

Today, trekking has become a popular pastime for ordinary people with a chunk of time and enough money to get to Nepal or India. It's a good idea for you to join a trekking group if you are a first-time trekker if you are first-time trekker.

Trekking, defined generally as walking while carrying a backpack. will take you through lots of different types of terrain if you are walking in regions of the Himalayas. As you hike, you'll burn lots of calories. Your muscles will become firmer and stronger and you'll begin to feel mental, spiritual, and physical renewal. Read up on trekking; give it a try.

I doubt I ever get the opportunity to trek the Himalayas, but I have had the opportunity to trek quite a few miles of the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington National Forest.

Just For Today: Just added this one to my 2017 bucket list of things to do this summer. I will spend more time out hiking this summer for the benefits of the mental, spiritual, and physical renewing.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Walk to the Local Market

Today is Day #221 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says we need to walk to the local market when we can.

The book says,

If there's a grocery store in your neighborhood or a weekend farmer's market, gather together canvas bags or heavy-duty utility bags and head out of a brisk walk to do your grocery shopping.

Since you'll be carrying bags of groceries back home afterwards, you'll want to be sure you can carry what you purchase, in other words, buy only what you need that will fit into a couple of bags.
Walking while carrying groceries means you'll be burning a lot more calories than you would driving your car to the store. Plus, it's better for the environment. Now, that's something to feel good about.

Just For Today: Now that the weather is warming up I am taking more walks.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Join a Rowing Club

Today is Day #220 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today suggests joining a rowing club.

The book says,

If you like working out with others, join a rowing club. Rowing tones the arms builds upper body strength and involves all major muscle groups. Basically, rowing takes tow forms.

Sculling is when rowers have an oar in each hand. But when the rowers have both hands on one oar, that type of rowing is called sweep rowing. Rowing is a low-impact exercise but does require a degree of agility, grace, and teamwork.

Rowing as a team teaches you to work together for maximum effectiveness. The boat advances more quickly when the rowing team members row fast and in unison. So make some new friends, learn the art of rowing, get in a regular workout, and feel good as your body becomes trim and toned.

Just For Today: Appreciating the challenges of living healthy in the exercise challenge.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #219 Exercise Outside

Today is Day #219 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to take an eco-themed trip to a rainforest or other exotic locale.

The book says,

Experience sheer exhilaration as you get a workout in an exotic locale. Sign up for a fun-filled eco-tour vacation. Teach your children about ecology and learn some new facts yourself while hiking in nature.

You'll burn roughly 544 calories an hour rock or mountain climbing or about 510 calories if you are just climbing hills with a 10- to 20- pound pack on your back. Head off for the Lapa Rios Ecolodge, a rainforest reserve and wildlife corridor near Costa Rica's Corvado National Park, where you can hike and see spectacular birds and other wildlife. Or travel back in time to discover ancient Ethopia and hike with eco-tour guides into the Simein Mountains.

If you prefer a locale closer to home, learn about the life of eagles and try a little kayacking on an eagle watching trip into the wilds of Maryland. The point is to burn calories doing fun activities in a natural setting.

I personally love getting out into nature.

Just For Today: I am thankful that Spring is here. The temps will be getting warmer and I can get outside.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #218 Skate Your Heart Out

Today is Day #218 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, put on your rollerblades or your skates and skate your heart out.

The book says,

Have you tried skating lately? You can still rent skates and get a workout in a roller skating rink or ice skating facility. Ice skating is particularly fun when done in the winter in an outdoor rink. Roller rinks still offer the young and young-at-heart places to get a workout, complete with music and a light show. 

Another option is to buy some inline skates designed for skating on paved surfaces such as streets and sidewalks. Inline skates are sleeker and more stable and lightweight than their traditional counterparts.

So grab your family or friend or even your favorite canine for an afternoon outing in the park. Take 
along a picnic lunch, a bottle of water, and your inline skates. Don't forget to take along some gloves to protect your hands, and pads for your elbows and knees just in case you fall. But don't let the fear of falling keep you from working out and having some fun. Skating particularly works the thighs, calves, and buttocks, and when you see the results on your body for doing that type of regular exercise, you'll exercise your facial muscles too, into a big smile.

This is an activity I haven't done in awhile.

Just For Today: Brush the dust off of my rollerblades and like it says, skate my heart out!

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #217 Just Dance It Away

Today is Day #217 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to dance around the kitchen while you are waiting on your coffee.

The book says,

Start your day with a little salsa, mambo, cha-cha, or your favorite dance steps as you make your way over to measure the coffee, add the water, and turn on the pot. Dance until the coffee is ready, have a cup, and dance some more.

Start your fancy footwork in your kitchen and jig throughout your house. If you have to leave for work, dance your way to your dressing room, keep moving while you do your makeup, dance over to pick up your purse, briefcase, and car keys... and dance right into the garage. Keep moving and watch the pounds melt away.

This is a challenge that I love. The experts say dancing can burn lots of calories. Some experts say it helps us in times of stressful situations which I have found to be true. Many times I have just danced. Not a fancy dance like the salsa or cha-cha, but I have danced. Many times the hubby and I have danced to songs on repeat. No matter what I hope you dance!

From the book: Live Happy 

Video from: youtube

Challenge Myself: Day #216 Design and Plant an Herb Garden

Today is Day #216 f the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. Today's challenge is one that I can really get into. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, design and plant your own herb garden.

The book says,

Gardening gives you the opportunity to work out in the fresh air. And nothing beats fresh-picked herbs when you want to intensify the taste of salsas, sauces, and savory dishes.

Using a spade to turn over dirt and dig in fertilizers and soil amendments can give you a workout. The number of calories burned while gardening, according to a variety of Internet sites and fitness, ranges between 250 and 272 per hour

That's roughly one Starbucks grande Caffe' Latte made with milk, or one Snickers bar. You can get a bit more of a workout if you use heavy equipment during your time in the garden, for r example, a rototiller or cutting trees with a chainsaw.

The calories then add up to around 400 to 405 per hour. But if you love to cook and also appreciate having fresh herbs as well as fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, consider designing and planting a garden and then combine the gardening with cooking for a healthier you.

I love this idea. I have my own little herb garden. We had a groundhog who devoured my chamomile last year as well as a few others. I can't wait for the weather to break to get out in the yard again.

Just For Today: Monday is the first day of spring. Cannot wait for warm weather again! 

From the book: Live Happy 

Challenge Myself: Day #215 Go Horseback Riding

Today is Day #215 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to go horseback riding.

The book says,

Just imagine bundling up in a sweater and scarf on a chilly spring or fall morning and riding horseback along a beach past crashing waves or through a leafy forest glade, replete with dew-laden spider webs and small critters scurrying out of your path. The world looks and feels different from the back of a horse.

Horseback riding seems to heighten your senses of sight, smell, and touch. Riding at full gallop requires you to use those thigh muscles, and your feet and hands to stay in the saddle. Mounting anddismounting also can provide a little workout. But the joy you feel seated atop a horse and observing the world awakening is a bonus for exercising by riding horseback.

When I was younger my grandad had ponies we rode. My aunt used to have horses. It has been a very long time since I rode a horse. It was peaceful just to ride listening to the sounds of mother nature all around me.

Just For Today: Monday is the first day of spring. I can't wait for warmer days.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #214 Lay Tile in the Bathroom

Today is Day #214  of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, tile your bathroom for a rigorous workout. 

The book says,

If your idea of exercise involves moving your body and doing something else productive that pays a big dividend, then consider taking a class on how to lay tile or renovate/remodel your bathroom.
Laying tile involves many activities, including but not limited to carrying, cutting, and applying tile with special tile glue. But before you lay any tile, you may have to first remove old tile and/or cabinets, tub, toilet, and shower.

You will be bending, lifting, walking, reaching, and stretching during the process. You most certainly will be tired at the end of the day. But as you stretch out the soreness in your muscles, imagine how happy you'll be to have a brand new bathroom and to know it will add dollars to the value of your home.

Just For Today: I get a good workout just going to work!

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #213 Take a Kickboxing Class

Today is Day #213 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, take a kickboxing class.

Now today's challenge is one I can get into. Releasing some pent of aggressions about this heroin epidemic in some Tae'bow. I was pretty good at Tae'bow many years ago then I sprained my ankle doing a Tae'bow kick.

The book says,

Release some of that aggression in a kickboxing class where you'll learn to combine martial arts kicks with boxing punches for a great workout. There are many different styles of kick boxing and variants to chose from, for example, Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Burmese Kickboxing, Indian adithada and French savate, to name a few.

Many of the kickboxing forms and styles have evolved into national and international competitions. As a kickboxer, you typically "fight" in rounds of varying durations (these are usually agreed upon prior to the fight). You get a great cardio workout regardless of the form of kickboxing you choose, and when you study with a spouse or a friend you can practice (and get in shape) together

Just For Today: This is a challenge I may have to look into.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #212 Play a Game and Burn Calories

Today is Day #212 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, play Twister or Musical Chairs at your next get together.

The book says,

The next time your family gets together for some good old-fashioned fun, suggest a game of Twister or musical chairs. Spread out the Twister mat and review the game rules. Spin the needle and prepare to twist yourself into knots. 

Or, try a few rounds of musical chairs. Before starting the music, make sure there is one less chair than the number of players. For every cycle of music remove another chair to that there's always one less chair than there are players.

These activities may not burn a lot of calories but do provide a little exercise with the emphasis of fun.

I did have to laugh at the first suggestion of the game of Twister. OMGosh it has been a very long time since I played that game. At my age, I'm not sure if I would try to attempt it. It made me laugh thinking about it.

Just For Today: Just thinking about today's challenge made me laugh. 

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #211 Vacation by Home Exchange

Today is Day #211 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, exchange your home with a foreign family.

The book says,

If you've dreamed of exploring exotic European locales, sampling the cuisine, and shopping in local markets and antique stores, consider swapping your house with a foreign family. You will stay in the home of an Italian, French, Spanish, or German family and that family gets to come to your house in America and stay in your house.

Whether you want to swap for a week or a month or longer, home exchange organizations and property management companies specialize in vacation house exchanges can answer your questions and facilitate the house swapping.

Ask if the homeowner would allow you to ride the family bicycles, row the family boat, or ride the horses. The point is to not just laze around in the swapped house, but enjoy your new surroundings to the fullest and keep the exercise going.

The challenge today reminded of the movie, The Holiday. Remember when Cameron Diaz needed a vacation after a breakup so she googled vacation and went on Home Exchange. Who knew, Home Exchange is a real website.

We haven't been on a vacation for over about ten years now. Due to our job situations, this year doesn't look promising either. I am often reminded of how badly I need to vacate from all of this.

I have a work buddy who works a side job selling vacation packages. If you are interested, check out her site at Kicking The Bucket List Travel Vacations

Just For Today: I am reminded of how badly I need a vacation from all of this.

Home Exchange

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #210 Go Buy a New Swimsuit

Today is Day #210 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, go buy a new swimsuit and play in the water.

The book says,

Swimsuit shopping can lift your spirits, especially if you've gotten in shape prior to the summer swimsuit season. So go buy a suit and join family or friends for some water play.

Skin cancer is a serious risk, so be sure to use adequate sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck. Also, avoid the hottest times of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Opt for playing in the water during the early morning and late afternoon hours when you can swim, snorkel, water-ski, deep sea dive, surf, or row around in your kayak or canoe.

Also, drink plenty of water to replenish what you lose through perspiration from all that exercise. Now go and have a blast. The temps have been up and down this season. Today they are calling for a big nor'easter here in the eastern portion of the state. 

With the weatherman calling for snow this week, it is hard thinking about the summer season. Mother nature has however been teasing us with warmer temps for the past month. Just think there are eight more days until Spring!

For those of us still trying to lose a pound or two, we have plenty of time!

Just For Today: I am not thinking about the few extra pounds I have to lose. I am eating healthier and exercising. I'll accomplish my goal.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #209 Learn the Game of Tennis

Today is Day #209 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to sign up for tennis lessons.

The book says,

Playing a game of tennis is a great way to get a workout. Warm up your muscles first and take care to use proper hitting and serving techniques to prevent injuries. Tennis pros say that a couple of days each week on the court should be enough for a good workout.

Days off the court allow your overused muscles to rest and recover. Almost anyone, from eight- to ten-year-old children to seniors in their seventies or eighties, can play tennis. Learn how to play now and you can enjoy it for a lifetime.

Plus, tennis is one of those games where you need another player. If you are playing doubles, you'll need three other players; it's a good way to meet new people, get a workout, and feel great.

It has been a long time now, but we used to go hit some tennis balls. We of course only played for fun.

Just For Today: Hitting some tennis balls may be a way of releasing some stress too.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #208 Trade Healthy Recipes With Friends

Today is Day #208 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to invite a friend to help you prepare healthier foods.

The book says,

What you eat influences how you feel, and feeling happy is all about eating healthy. Learn to choose healthy fruits and vegetables by visiting your local organic grocery and farmer's market and then enlist a friend to help you discover interesting ways to prepare heart healthy entre'es using whole grains, nuts, eggs, legumes, fish, and chicken.

Try also to purchase beef, pork, and veal that are certified organic, range fed, and free of additives.
Use extra-virgin olive oil if possible for recipes calling for oil. And as a general rule, stay away from packaged products in favor of fresh.

Split the cost of a cookbook for healthy meals with your friend, and get ready to cook a little something sure to delight your senses.

I like the idea of finding healthy recipes and trading them with friends. I once read that a Mediterranean diet is great for heart health.

Just For Today: Today is the day that I will start taking care of myself better with a healthy diet.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #207 Fitness With a Friend

Today is Day #207 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to ask a friend to join you in a fitness program.

The book says,

Once you have resolved to live a healthier lifestyle, learn about good nutrition, introduce lots of fresh vegetables and fruits into your and your family's meals, and invite a friend to be your exercise buddy.

Walk during your lunch hour. Ride bikes or roller blade around a local park. Take a swim aerobics class. Do yoga together. The point is to make exercise fun, a social event as much as a workout.

When you are laughing and conversing, the time goes by much more quickly. Socializing stimulates the mind just as exercise increases blood flow. Both nourish you and should be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Years ago my sister in law and I did the Richard Simmons, Sweating to the Oldies. Let me tell you one never knows how out of shape you are until you want to do something to get in shape. Or, maybe a task forces you to do something and you realize this out of the blue.

We shared healthy food ideas and choices and learned to make recipes that were better for us.

Just For Today: I am excited about this set of challenges, learning to live healthy.

From the book: Live Happy

Exercise Your Way to a Happier You

Well the challenges in the section of Promoting Happiness in your workplace have come to an end. Did you learn something them? Have your tried any of the suggestions at your workplace?

The next set of challenges in the book are about exercising our way to happiness. There is a saying that when you feel healthy, you are happier. I have found that to be true.

I know personally the stresses I deal with as the parent of an addiction.  We often forget to take care of ourselves. We eat the wrong things and we don't always exercise. None of us get enough rest.

I peeked at many of the challenges ahead. I can't wait to share them with you. Many of them are simple ways to becoming healthy. Part of staying healthy is eating healthier too.

For me we are trying to get away from packaged and boxed meals. They are simple to have on hand when you don't get home until five or six in the evening, but they aren't really good for you.

I am trying to stay away from artificial preservatives and flavor and seek those all natural flavors by preparing dishes from scratch.

Artificial sugar was never good. It didn't even taste good. There are way too many in our foods today with the added fructose and sucrose. It is in everything we eat these days.

I look for organic and non GMO when I can because of the GMO warnings that came out a few years ago.

We want to get back to the gym. We belong to a local gym, pay the dues and haven't been there in over a year. The hubby and I are setting a date to go back to the gym.

I have learned that no one takes care of me but me. Hopefully I can find something new in the next section to live by.

pic found @ clipart

Story content © 2017 Gossip Girl

Challenge Myself: Day #105 Bedtime De-Stress

Today is Day #105 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we need to de-stress before bedtime each night.

We know that getting a good nights sleep and rest is very important to our health. Often many of us find that hard to do especially with the worries that go a long with loving an addict. I know I myself spent many nights unable to sleep.

The book says,

After a long day at work, are you tense, tossing and turning while trying to go to sleep every night?

Release stress before you go to sleep and you may find that you are able to fall asleep more quickly, have better quality of sleep, and wake up more rested and refreshed.

There are myriad ways to calm your mind and let go of the tension held in your body, including taking a warm bath, sipping a glass of wine or warm milk. listening to relaxation tapes or peaceful music, doing some deep breathing, or praying to release concerns to a higher power.

Rather than living your life stressed out, make it a point to let go of the tension accumulated throughout the day so that you get deep, restorative sleep.

Some ways that I found is a calming bath in the evening with a couple of drops of lavender oil added. I also have a sachet of lavender at the head of the bed. I drink a cup of warm tea at night. I have a sound machine that I use often.

I just went back to work and found that I needed a few weeks of melatonin therapy at night to readjust my brain.

Do you have your own ways of relaxing before bedtime to fall asleep? What are the steps you take to get a good nights rest?

Just For Today: I will close this day with serenity and drift soundly to sleep.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #104 Happy At Work

Today is Day #104 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to brainstorm three ways to make you happier at work.

Personally for me I wish there was a way to de-stress and not worry about meeting my quotas daily.

The book says,


Think of three things you can do to make yourself happier on the job. Would listening to your favorite music on an MP3 player lift your spirits?

Or, could taping some miniature pictures of your family members to the bottom of your computer screen inspire you to be happy?

Would checking your email at noon instead of when you arrive keep your mood elevated throughout the morning?

Find ways to be happy while at work and your creativity and productivity are likely to rise along with your mood.


1- Hire happy by nature people.
2- Make employees feel that they care
3- Change up in work routines.
4- Have open communication.

Just For Today: It's the weekend so I am de-stressing and not worrying about what Monday will bring!

Other Links:
The HR Digest

pic from: hrdigest
From the book: Live Happy