QUALITY OF LIFE STANDOUTS

I’ve been reflecting on what helps me feel better and more creative. Two quality of life activities come to mind that have high returns without too much effort. Full disclosure: all I receive for these suggestions are the satisfaction of sharing. Both are old ideas that have been made more accessible for us to use.

The first seems like it belongs in science fiction. Snow is falling and my crops are ready to harvest from seeds planted just last week. The plants don’t require sunshine or rain, there is no weeding, no dirt, and they provide a steady supply of healthy radish, bean, and broccoli sprouts right in my kitchen. While, hydroponics has been around for centuries, do-it-yourself farms are becoming popular, as are micro-greens. I got started last year with this tabletop vertical Bioset farm that takes less space than a gallon of organic soy milk.
Just adding water twice a day for fresh eats in 5 or 6 days. This leaves endless opportunities to experiment with favorite vegetables but the real creativity is needed in finding uses for the I-Love-Lucy conveyor belt of hydroponic micro sprouts. The endless supply inspires new recipes and healthy eating.

Along with healthy eating comes some exercise. While people have benefited from the next practice for over 5000 years, I’ve been successfully avoiding it my whole life. While I thought I was in good shape, my wakeup call came after a Taekwondo black belt test left me with muscle pain for months. Please take note; it wasn’t me taking the exam! I became sore from just sitting in the audience. Watching for three hours from a wooden gym floor, alternating between folding my legs and kneeling. When crisscross applesauce felt more like a burnt pretzel, I realized, that something had to be done.

For the millionth time, yoga was suggested but this time, it sounded less silly. I thought about trying but my schedule doesn’t allow for classes and I’ve never been into group embarrassment. A teacher recommended a program 3 Week Yoga Retreat I could do at home in 30 minute segments and that was all it took. While any exercise could help, Yoga surprised me. Through the easy to follow instructors, I’ve improved flexibility, balance, strength and posture – and I may have grown a few inches taller.

Creativity takes focus, strength, flexibility and it helps if you feel good. With some commitment and little effort, Microgreen farming and Yoga both have helped me feel better – and this is something I wish on everyone.