Concerned Bloggers: Exercise and Depression/Anxiety

When I've had a really bad day, I grab my iPod, plug my headphones in and I hit the ground running.  Literally.  I can go anywhere from 3 to 7 miles - depending on how much energy I have.

And when I'm done?  I feel light years better.  My head is clearer..I don't feel as overwhelmed - the running helps keep me sane.

According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043), the links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren't entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you're feeling better.

Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

• Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
• Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
• Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week can significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference. It may take less time exercising to improve your mood when you do more-vigorous activities, such as running or bicycling.

The mental health benefits of exercise may last only if you stick with it over the long term — another good reason to focus on finding activities you enjoy.

Note sure of what you like?  Well, there are so many options!

Running, strength training, yoga, dance..those are just SOME of the many different types of exercise that you can do on your own or in a class!


Of course before you begin anything, talk to your doctor or other mental health provider for guidance and support. Discuss concerns about an exercise program and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.

And if you already exercise regularly but anxiety or depression symptoms still interfere with your daily living, see your doctor or other mental health provider. Exercise is a great way to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it isn't a substitute for psychotherapy or medications.

As always, sending lots of love and light your way.  :)


XOXO,

Bliss

Circle chart picture borrowed from http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-little-word-2010-healthy.html.

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association.
If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

Happy Mother's Day!

I know it's late in the day, but Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing moms out there.

Hope you had a wonderful day.

XOXO,
B

Shepard Fairey Art Exhibit @ The Albert Docks Art Gallery

So, it's no secret that I love street art and graffiti art.  There's something so free and energetic about it - it's hard to explain if you haven't seen anything but gang tags (no, really). 

I'm a huge fan of Banksy, and of COURSE, Shepard Fairey (I also blogged my trip to the Mr. Brainwash exhibit in Florida back in December).  So I started searching in SL for art exhibits (something I haven't been able to do in FOREVER), I was really excited to find a Fairey exhibition going on at the Albert Docks Art Gallery.  The SL gallery is based off of the real Albert Docks in England.

I didn't think it was really right for me to post pictures of the exhibit here - mostly because I think you should experience it for yourself, and then there's always the nagging question of whether or not Mr. Fairey has actually given any permission for this exhibit.  While street artists not not really concerned with copyright infringement, it just didn't feel right to me. 

If you're not familiar with the "Obey" artist, then perhaps you recognize the red, white and blue hued picture of President Obama that swept the nation during his election.  That's his work - while there's still copyright infringement issues with the Associated Press, I think he altered it enough to make it his own.  But that's a WHOLE other post.

I did, however, snap one picture of my avi with the rotating image of the artist. 

Check out the exhibit.  It's not huge, but it's pretty interesting.  And if you want to see more, you can always check out his website!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jeogori/80/53/102

http://obeygiant.com/

His newest exhibition in NYC (Pace Prints) is on my list of visits for this week.  If you're in the area, give it a shot.

Also, for some more insight into the world of street art, you can watch (on Hulu Plus or DVD) "Exit Through the Giftshop", which is a phenomenally hilarious movie by the anonymous artist, Banksy that chronicles the creation of MBW. 

Aaaanyway!  That's enough from me. 

Hope you have a wonderful week.  :) 


XOXO,
B

The Last Week of April....

Happy Sunday, kids!

Been a really hectic and busy month for me - sorry for being so absent.  Hopefully May flowers will bring some peace and quiet (yeah, right!).

Spent yesterday hanging out in the Hamptons.  Shopped, hung out with some friends, had the best Thai food EVER.  Visited a very old friend who, incidentally, had a Costco sized bottle of bubbles on his deck for his kids.  Bubble blowing..good friends..eating Thai food..beautiful weather..and an all around good time is what the impending summer is all about!

I stopped at an amazing farm on the way home, bought some rhubarb to make Rhubarb Cupcakes with Whipped Cream, so INSANE fresh sugar snap peas (incidentally, they make better raw TV snacks than potato chips) and a huge bunch of lilacs that make my house smell sublime.

This morning I cracked out a rough 5 mile run. 

:)  And I got the following from my Nike+ system:

Makes this weekend pretty awesome. 

Hope you have a great week, my loves!  Hopefully I'll be back to posting regularly soon.


XOXO,
Bliss

Get Moving

This isn't a politically correct post.  So, if you're easily offended, please skip the post.

Okay.  So here's the deal.  We, as a part of today's generation, are lazy.  We rely on technology for everything and own gadgets to control gadgets that control gadgets.

So what's the result?

A lot of cankles.  No, I mean it.  A lot of morbidly obese people are roaming the streets.

Now, I live in NYC, which I think ranks third in vain states (lead only by California and Florida).  So we're a place where there are gyms on every single street corner (if not two!).  If you don't look a certain way, then you are looked down on.

Come on - did you want me to sugar coat this?

Pretty people get treated better than people with extra stomachs.  It's a reality.  So!

I know (and love) people of all sizes.  But I hate nothing more than when someone complains that they're overweight......but do nothing about it.

Nobody can change your life and your lifestyle....but you.

NOW!  Let me say this - there are people with medical conditions that cannot help weight gain.  Those people have an excuse.  But everyone else.....?  What's the story?

I know busy schedules.  I know the working late..the family..the no time to even breathe life.

But here's the thing, kids.  All it takes to make yourself healthier and extend your life span is thirty minutes.

Thirty minutes of your day can make a huge change.

And my Second Life friends.....we all know how quickly a two hour gig can go by.  So....skip 30 minutes of a gig and go for a jog.  Take 30 minutes and try some yoga or pilates.  Have a little more time?  Try a dance class or a spin class.

But, for your health..take the time and take care of your body.

Small good decisions lead to big good decisions.  And you'll see the difference in your life and yourself.  :)

I'm not looking down on people that don't work out.  But why wouldn't you take every opportunity to live a longer, healthier life?

I aim to work out at LEAST three times a week for an hour or more.  In reality, I work out seven times a week .  I run, and I've added dance class into the mix.  Do I love some chocolate and cake and ice cream?  Of course I do.

But I also know that if there's a train and I need to run for it.....I need to be able to do it without killing myself.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, don't get me wrong.  This isn't about being fat or thin.  

But there's healthy and unhealthy.  There's no two ways about THAT.

Get your body moving.  

Want some helpful links?

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002

https://www.presidentschallenge.org/

Just so you know I'm not full of shit....below is my own personal goal just recently reached (courtesy of my Nike+ system).

XOXO,
B

Concerned Bloggers: Autism

In a recent CDC press release, it is believed that every 1 in 88 children are autistic.  More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined..

 

But what exactly is Autism?

According to the National Institute of Health, Autism is often known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

What is autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication.  Symptoms usually start before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood.

What is an autism spectrum disorder?

Different people with autism can have very different symptoms.  Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder, a group of disorders with similar features.  One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms.  But they both have an autism spectrum disorder. Currently, the autism spectrum disorder category includes:

• Autistic disorder (also called “classic” autism)
• Asperger Syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or atypical autism)

Some possible red flags that a parent or guardian may look for are:

● The child does not respond to his/her name.
● The child cannot explain what he/she wants.
● The child’s language skills are slow to develop or speech is delayed.
● The child doesn’t follow directions.
● At times, the child seems to be deaf.
● The child seems to hear sometimes, but not other times.
● The child doesn’t point or wave “bye-bye.”
● The child used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she doesn’t.
● The child throws intense or violent tantrums.
● The child has odd movement patterns.
● The child is overly active, uncooperative, or resistant.
● The child doesn’t know how to play with toys.
● The child doesn’t smile when smiled at.
● The child has poor eye contact.
● The child gets “stuck” doing the same things over and over and can’t move on to other things.
● The child seems to prefer to play alone.
● The child gets things for him/herself only.
● The child is very independent for his/her age.
● The child does things “early” compared to other children.
● The child seems to be in his/her “own world.”
● The child seems to tune people out.
● The child is not interested in other children.
● The child walks on his/her toes.
● The child shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules (i.e., always holding a string or having to put socks on before pants).
● Child spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

The National Health Institute provides a helpful Autism Overview on their website.  But the reality is..if you feel that your child exhibits any of the red flags indicated above, you should seek professional medical advice.  Isn't that my number one answer to everyone?  Internet diagnosing is fun - but seeing your doctor is the smartest thing you can do for yourself and your child.
 
In Second Life, you can even find information and support at the Autism Awareness Center, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Western%20New%20York/118/18/2.

1 in 88 children is a lot.  And with the cause unknown...and no medical detection or cure for autism....it makes it a scary time to be a parent. 

Be aware, be prepared.

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association.
If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

XOXO,
Bliss

So..

Swept up in RL.  :)  But always missing you guys.

Here's a song that's stuck in my head.

Hope you're having a fab week.


XOXO,
B

True Love and the Modern Fairy Tale

So I've been sick-ish.  And my nights are mostly spent laying on the couch watching Once Upon a Time on Hulu.

And if you haven't watched this show, then you're totally missing out.

See, I grew up on fairy tales.  I grew up on happily ever afters.

But the reality is...that those don't truly exist.  There really are no happy endings.  True love is hard.  Finding your way to someone...over hurdles is hard.  And trying.  And some days...it all feels hopeless. 

And watching this show....kind of makes me feel better.

You see, Snow White and Prince Charming have their horrible ups and downs before they find their way to each other.  And all seems lost - hopeless even.  There is another woman involved!  Deception.  Thievery (is that a word??).  All kinds of stuff.

And yet, you just can't help but know deep down that they will, eventually, find their way to each other.  Despite the evil interceptions, despite the pain and the hardship.....you know in your heart that they will find a way.

Maybe that's the thing about me.  As much as I curse fairy tales for filling my head with unrealistic expectations...I want to believe in them so much.  I want to believe that everyone gets their happy ending.  I want to believe that *I* will get my happy ending.  And some of these hurdles in my life......well, it's just my path to my happy ending.  Because (and I've said this before) without the bad, how would we ever truly appreciate the good things?  How would we know what true love's kiss would feel like...if we'd never had a horrible kiss once or twice in our life?

I'm not completely caught up (so don't tell me anything!), but if you're like me...and like the dose of reality in this modern fairy tale series - I think you'll love it.  I know I do.  :)

XOXO,
B

Happy Anniversary to the Savoy!

Wow.  Can you believe the Savoy Jazz Club turned four years old this past Wednesday ?

A wonderful evening of great DJs and live performances was hosted at the club. Parker Janick did a great job decorating and hosting (as always!).  

I've had so many amazing memories at the Savoy - and I think my blog post would be truncated if I started recounting everything.  I've worked there..played there..and everything in between.  Owners Crighton Johin and Bill Mondegreen are fantastic - from their vast music knowledge (and teachings!) to their generous spirit in letting the Savoy be used as a venue for various charity auctions and fundraisers. 

A better place and better people..well, you won't find. 

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Marco%20Island/207/69/22

If you haven't been, you're missing out.  :) 


Happy anniversary - and here's to many more years.


XOXO,
B

A Thousand Years....

"A Thousand Years"
Christina Perri

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

One step closer
One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more