Wellness Wednesday 4/29

5 ways to a more productive day Put time on your side — and tackle your day with less stress

If you’re busy, you know this all too well: Stress and time are intertwined. You get short on time — and before long, you’re swimming in stress. What’s more, as the pressure you feel goes up, your productivity often goes down. And you know where that leads: to more stress. Taming the tension You can’t stop the clock. But you can take steps to keep a time crunch from putting the squeeze on you. Here are some time-friendly tips for better, more productive days: 1. See success. Do you feel overwhelmed by all you have to do? Try this: Picture where you want to be by the end of the day. And be as realistic and reasonable as possible. Then, set achievable goals to get you there. If you are taking on a big project, break it down into smaller, more doable tasks. Then, tackle one at a time. And don’t forget about delegating. What can you hand off? 2. Make a map. Write out a to-do list each day. Try to keep the number of tasks manageable. And put the most important items at the top. Do those first. A list can help you avoid spinning your wheels on trivial matters — and it feels great to check things off! (See “It’s going to be a good day” for a printable daily to-do list.) 3. Brake for breaks. Even a five-minute breather can be a great refresher. Stretch. Take a few deep breaths. And imagine your tension melting away. You’ll come back to your tasks with a clearer head. 4. Change your tune. Are you motivated by music? When you need a lift, listen to your favorite up-tempo songs. Or play more mellow melodies when you’re feeling tense. 5. Take a bow. At the end of your day, take a few minutes to look back — and appreciate what you’ve accomplished. This will give you some nice momentum going into tomorrow. One more word about your list … Don’t forget this positive perk: The same habits that help you stay healthy also curb stress. So even when you’re busy — or especially when you’re busy — take care of yourself. To feel your best, be sure to eat right, be active* and get the rest you need. In fact, add these rewarding steps to your to-do list! *Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. Choosing a morning mantra Discover more ways to relieve stress, including setting the tone for your day with a morning mantra.

Weekend Cocktail…

The Citrus Spritzer Cocktail

 Written by Carrie W.

 

Today, Claire Thomas—the creative voice behind The Kitchy Kitchen—is taking over our monthly Cocktail Occasions feature. She’s sharing her Citrus Spritzer Cocktail recipe, which will keep you feeling cool and refreshed during the sweltering days of spring and summer to come.

Spritzers often have the same rep as blush wine, that lame ’80s mom drink. Why? Well, they’re sort of a lightweight choice. But here’s the thing: that’s not always bad! Sometimes, when it’s really, really hot, you just want something easy, refreshing and delicious. It’s like reaching for a Pilsner or a microbrew IPA. There’s a time and place for everything. Even though my usual cocktail of choice is whiskey with an ice cube in it, we’re in the middle of a heat wave out here, so this spritzer is my new favorite.

This is the simplest of simple spritzers, so there’s a ton of room for flavor experimentation if you want to take it there. Essentially, combine an unoaked wine (I love the tropical flavors of Marlborough sauvignon blancs) with fresh fruit and a bit of soda. That’s it!

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 2 pitchers)

• 1 bottle sauvignon blanc
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 blood orange, sliced
• 1 tangerine, sliced
• 12 ounces soda

DIRECTIONS

Combine the wine and fruit in each pitcher. Top with soda. Add ice and stir!

(Words, recipe and photos by Claire Thomas of The Kitchy Kitchen)

The PR Girl Toolbox….

5 Reasons To Have A Work Backup Plan

 

After you’ve been working for a little while you might find recruiters and other companies reach out to you with job opportunities – particularly on platforms such as LinkedIn. Even though it might not be the right time to move, I recommend still considering a catch-up with one of the offers that grabs your attention – ultimately as a backup plan if things were to go pear shape.

Here’s why…

1. Putting Your Feelers Out There
Meeting up with a recruiter is a way to start putting a back up plan in place, should you need it. I’m not saying it’s going to lead to a sure fire thing – obviously a job isn’t going to sit there for you until you need it – but it’s a way to put your face and name out there.

2. Building Contacts
Relationships are hugely important – it’s not what you know it’s who you know! If you start setting up Plan B it means you’ve got someone/somewhere to turn to if things were to change unexpectedly. If you’ve built a connection with someone, it’s something you draw on in a time you might need it, rather than starting from scratch.

3. You Don’t Know What’s Around The Corner
Some industries are ripe with redundancies and they can happen quite quickly. Though you could be completely safe in your job right now, do you really want to risk it and find yourself out on your own one day?

4. Keeping Your Options Open
You don’t necessarily know how you’re going to feel in a year’s time. Things could change and you might be unhappy in your job and wanting to change. And at least through having a bit of a backup plan you have a starting point to enable for that change.

5. It’s The Smart Thing To Do
A backup plan might not necessarily be in the shape or form of meeting up with a recruiter to discuss a certain role, it could be loads of different things. For some it could be a small business plan or monetary savings to cover yourself in times of need. Whatever it is, I really recommend having a fail-safe in place. It doesn’t mean you’re planning to fail, it’s simply a precautionary action to take.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had a backup plan to draw on? Or when you needed one? Please share your thoughts below!

Laura Douglas

Thursday Night Lights….

Race For The Cure 2015 (Recap)

, You are amazing and made the 2015 Race for the Cure a success! We are grateful for you, and so are the women, men and families in Central Indiana who will receive the life-saving breast health services your donations help provide. We are still entering and tallying fundraising results from Race day. But with your help, we know we can surpass last year’s fundraising total. Individual and team fundraising will remain open until Monday, May 18. Every dollar counts! Donations can be made and entered online at www.komenindy.org/race or by mail. Please include this fundraising form when mailing donations. Be sure to check out the first round of 2015 Race photos in our Flickr Album. If you have pictures, you’d like to share, please email them to us at info@komenindy.org or share them on social media with the #MoreThanARaceIN. Thank you for you continued support. You truly make a difference in the fight against breast cancer! RACE TOTALS + FUNDRAISING Nearly 15,000 individuals came out to support this year’s Race. We are entering and tallying fundraising results from Race day. But with your help, we know we can surpass last year’s fundraising total. Individual and team fundraising will remain open until Monday, May 18. 14-year-old John Thomas Hodges of Greenwood won this year’s Competitive 5K with a finish time of 16 minutes and 52 seconds! If you participated in the competitive 5K, you can view your time results here. SAVE THE DATE

Fly Friday 4/24

 

 What to Wear in Abu Dhabi and Dubai by janiquehgb

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  Little Mistress Halter embellished neck maxi dress

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  Silver Jeans Silver Jeans ® Light Wash Cropped Denim Jacket

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    12775

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  True Decadence Printed Trousers

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  River Island Mid wash ripped knee ultimate boyfriend jeans

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  Converse All Star Low-Tops & Trainers

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  Madden Girl Kandis Flat Sandals

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  Steve Madden Bonzai Wedge Sandal

  $40 nordstromrack.com

   

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  Express Mini Flap Cross Body Bag

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    493

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  House of Harlow 1960 Geometric Statement Drop Earrings

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  •  

    20

Wellness Wednesday 4/22

Welcome…

Todays’ Wellness Wednesday is what I love to do so much…Detox My Home

Wellness Wednesday: 10 Ways to Detox Your Home

Through the air that we breathe, the food we eat and the products we use, we come into contact with numerous toxins on a daily basis that are harmful to our health. In honor of Earth Day, pledge to make some simple eco-friendly changes around your home that will help not only the environment, but also your well being! Here are ten ways to start detoxifying your home today.

Cleaning Products

We’re conditioned to believe that the only way to achieve a clean and germ free home is by using mass marketed cleaning products, but this is not the case. Get rid of these health-damaging chemicals and use basic and natural ingredients you probably already have around the house like vinegar, baking soda, plain soap and lemon juice.

Avoid Plastic

Plastic and plastic containers contain Bisphenol-A and can migrate into your food when stored causing thyroid and hormonal problems and even cancer down the road. Switch to glass containers, eco friendly bags and never microwave food in plastic containers.

Open Your Windows

Did you know that indoor air is typically about 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air? Insulation, carpeting and the chemicals we use throughout our home create a toxic environment and stale air. Keep air as clean as possible by opening windows to ventilate.

House Plants

Used for more than just decoration, houseplants help to get rid of air pollution built up in your home and balance internal humidity. Purchase a couple and place around your home to filter your air naturally and inexpensively.

Ditch Non Stick Pans

Teflon, Silverstone and other coated pans emit harmful chemicals classified as carcinogens when cooking. Ditch these immediately and opt for cooking with coconut oil instead.

Detergent

Fabric softeners, detergent and dryer sheets are extremely toxic and harmful to the environment. Think about washing your clothes in these toxins and them sitting on your skin all day! Switch to eco-friendly and unscented versions.

Be Aware of Fragrances

Did you know that air fresheners, scented candles, perfumes and laundry soap are all loaded with toxic ingredients? Research shows a link to these toxins and fatigue, mood swings, hormonal imbalances and more. Switch to eco friendly options, unscented soaps or all natural essential oils for a hint of fragrance.

Paint

Be sure when painting to stick with non-VOC paints, known as volatile organic compounds. These are linked to cancer and other health harming side effects. Always paint with windows open for proper ventilation.

Filtered Water

More than 700 chemicals have been identified in tap water and contaminants can become gases at room temperature. To avoid these toxins, be sure to filter your drinking water and invest in a shower filter.

Get Rid of Pesticides

As you replace chemical cleaning products, be sure to replace lawn and indoor pesticides for natural ones that are better for your health such as salt and citrus sprays, mineral oils and baking soda.

Wellness Wednesday 4/15

 Breast Cancer Awareness

Since I’m participating in the walk this Saturday, I thought it would be only fitting for this Wellness Wednesday to talk about Breast Cancer. I have had several friends pass away of breast cancer and relatives who are in remission, so this hits so close to home for me…we have come so far but yet still have work to do…

Who’s Walkin With Me!!!!

Race For The Cure April 18, 2015

(fun pics to come)

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million new cases of breast cancer occurred among women worldwide in 2010. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and at this time, there is no cure.

But there is hope. Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before.

The Susan G. Komen® national website, www.komen.org, offers comprehensive information about breast cancer risk factors, early detection and screening, diagnosis and treatment. Developed in conjunction with the Harvard School of Public Health, the site offers a one-stop resource for all the latest information on the disease

 

 IUPUI Sponsor Spotlight

 

By: IUPUI Representative

komenindy.org

The Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure has become a springtime tradition at IUPUI and neighboring Military Park. That area hosts much of the pre-Race activity, as well as both the start and finish lines of the racecourse used by the runners and walkers.

The annual Race for the Cure raises money for cancer research, support programs and more. Komen has provided vital knowledge to help women and men take steps to avoid the disease where possible and deal with it when it strikes. That first Race for the Cure in Dallas, which attracted about 800 participants, has grown into a global effort.

In the past, some of the research funds have stayed local, including funding to cancer research teams based at IUPUI. In addition, the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank, the first healthy breast tissue bank in the world, is housed in the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center to assist researchers in their efforts.

The schedule of events include the colorful Pink Parade & Survivor Village, honoring survivors and their supporters, the Kids’ Zone and Village, live entertainment and celebrity remarks, a One-Mile Family Walk and — of course — thousands upon thousands of pink T-shirts filling the IUPUI grounds and the city streets that make up the Race for the Cure course.

 

Community News…Small Business Week In Indy!

Community News…Komen Billboard

 

2015-2016 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT RECIPIENTS  Local Community Feels Impact of Life-Saving Breast Health Services Susan G. Komen® Central Indiana is awarding a total of $883,000 in Community Impact Grants to 12 breast health programs in our 21-county service area. If an individual lives in our 21-county service area and is in need of breast health assistance, she or he can contact the nearest grantee to find local resources. This funding is made possible through events like the Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure. When you participate and fundraise in Race for the Cure, you are making a difference in the lives of women, men and families in our community. In the past year, Komen grant funding reached over 30,000 Hoosiers with life-saving breast health services including mammograms, diagnostics, patient navigation and survivor support.  For those who want to support this work in our community, the annual Race for the Cure will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015. Visit komenindy.org/race to learn more and register today. RACE FOR THE CURE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS Komen Central Indiana would like to thank all of our 2015 Race sponsors. Your generosity will help us move one step closer toward our goal of a world without breast cancer! THE KROGER CO. 14 Years of Support Kroger has many associates that have been personally affected by breast cancer. We mourn those we’ve lost and are pleased to count many others, like former Komen Ambassador and Noblesville store associate Anita Thrasher, as survivors. Kroger is proud to partner with Komen and until a cure is found for our Kroger family and our local communities, you can count on us to be there working hard, with passion and determination.  Read full article.   B105.7 Embracing the Fight This year we have made a vow to fully embrace the strides made for the cure locally along with better aligning ourselves with a cause that is key to the well being of our listening audience. We feel the best way to make an impact in our community is to attend and help promote local events which help raise awareness, but also to inspire those who have been impacted by the disease. Each week we share another survivor story to hopefully remind those fighting that they are not alone.  Read full article.   IUPUI A Springtime Tradition on Campus The Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure has become a springtime tradition at IUPUI and neighboring Military Park. The annual Race for the Cure raises money for cancer research, support programs and more. In the past, some of the research funds have stayed local, including funding to cancer research teams based at IUPUI. Read full article.   STARBUCKS  Providing a Smile, a Friend and a Fresh Cup of Coffee It is a priceless gift to be able to provide a smile to those around us by handing them a fresh brewed coffee. We have the ability to congratulate our community as they cross the finish line. We take pride in all we do, where ever we do it and Susan G Komen graciously allows us to be who we are in our greatest element, the community. We have committed ourselves to strengthen our neighborhoods everywhere we do business, and we will continue to strengthen our community here in Indy through Race for the Cure. Read full article.   WTHR – Live Coverage and Care By: Anne Marie Tiernon Eyewitness News Anchor/Healthbeat Reporter This is the 14th year that WTHR sponsors the Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure. I’ll be at the Race again this year to emcee the Pink Parade of Survivors and the Opening Ceremony. Julia Moffitt, Sunrise anchor, will also be joining me on stage. Every year, I’m deeply touched by the survivors’ stories of courage and the incredible love and support pouring out from the community. Read full article. Also race participants, donors and supporters…WTHR is offering you free ticket vouchers for our Health and Fitness Expo on April 25th & 26th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Download your free voucher by using the code KOMEN at wthr.com/tickets.   LAMAR OUTDOOR A Personal Commitment By: Komen Central Indiana Nick Willey Sales Manager at Lamar Advertising Company of Indianapolis, has been personally engaged in enhancing Lamar Outdoors Race for the Cure sponsorship over the past 10 years. Nick’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 and again in 1998, when she eventually lost her battle. For Nick, like so many others, partnering with Komen Central Indiana is a personal commitment. Nick explained that it was natural for Lamar Outdoor to follow his engagement and become involved as a company, as they are involved in different sponsor opportunities similar to this throughout their territories, and breast cancer is a disease that impacts so many. You can see Lamar Race for the Cure billboards at I65 South and Greenwood by County Line Road, and I65 North and Zionsville State Route 334. Read full article.   THORNTONS INC. Fueling the Fight In 2006, Thorntons created Living Life Natural Spring Water, and a portion of each bottle or case of water sold goes towards the fight against breast cancer. Since Thorntons first began the Pink Ribbon Campaign in October 2007, customers have donated over $100,000 for this cause. The impact we can make in the fight against breast cancer, not only in Central Indiana but also across all our markets, is of utmost importance to the Thorntons team. Read full article.   PINK PARTY & PACKET PICK-UP Packet Pick-Up & ShopKomen will be held on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 from 9am – 7pm at Print Resources. This is your opportunity to pick up everything you will need for Race day! Print Resources is located at 1500 E. Riverside Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Join us for our Pink Party at Packet Pick up, Thursday, April 16, 4:30 – 7:00pm. Pick up your Race packet, enjoy music, food trucks, face painting and browse ShopKomen along with other fun activities! For participants 21 and over, enjoy a sampling from Sun King Brewery. Get a chance to meet and mingle with Pippa Mann, Indy 500 driver and Race for the Cure Team Captain of Pippa’s Pink Posse. More details here.   EVENTS & KEY DATES Brooks Brothers Derby Party @ Brooks Brothers at the Fashion Mall – Tuesday, April 7. See details. Indianapolis Indians Komen Awareness Night @ Victory Field – Friday, April 10. Kate Spade Pink Open House @ Kate Spade at the Fashion Mall – Saturday, April 11. See details. Race Packet Pick-Up @ Print Resources – Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17. See details. Pink Party @ Print resources (Packet Pick-Up) – Thursday, April 16, 4:30-7:00. See details. Race for the Cure 2015 – Register online today! Saturday, April 18. Komenindy.org/race WTHR Health & Fitness Expo Saturday, April 25 – Sunday, April 26. See details. Pink Tie Ball – Details to be announced. Saturday, September 19.   HOW YOUR SUPPORT SAVES LIVES Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Through generous gifts of time, money and personal commitment, Komen Central Indiana helps local women today with early detection and navigating treatment in 21 Central Indiana counties. Komen helps women tomorrow by conducting research to make detection easier, care better and outcomes more successful. Visit komenindy.org or call 317-638-2873 to learn more. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/komenindy and Twitter @KomenIndy.                 Update Email Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Forward to a Friend  |  Visit Our Website Susan G. Komen® Central Indiana 3500 DePauw Blvd., Suite 2070 – Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-638-2873 · Fax: 317-634-4980 · Email: info@komenindy.org