LIVE LIFE BETTER
By Nanette Wiser
Mind: Feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin improve mood and mental energy. Canadian scientists say doodling about something fun you did in the past helps you recall the details later because drawing utilizes visual and motor skills, locking in information. Step away from a task and water your plants or play with your cat for 10 minutes to release dopamine to boost your mood. Finally, do one thing at a time. Multitasking frazzles the mind. When you cook, turn off the TV. When you walk, turn off the music. When you practice mindfulness, you’ll feel less distracted and more balanced.
Body: The city of St. Pete serves up dozens of great outdoor classes, from yoga in the park 1st Sat. of the month at Crescent Lake Park to Boot Camp (cardio/strength training) the 3rd Sat. of the month at St. Pete Pier. Try out pickleball on the 2nd Tues. of the month at Coquina Key Park. Campbell Park Exercise Zone offers a parcourse and exercise equipment for training. www.healthystpete.org.
There’s also poolside yoga at the Hollander Hotel on some Sundays and at the Sundial on the third Sat. of the month. Various yogis host yoga on the beach in Indian Rocks, Treasure Island and Madeira Beach; check Facebook events for the one closest to you.
Happy Foods: Phytonutrients in food help your body produce happy hormones like serotonin. Spreading peanut butter on apples and eating avocados boosts serotonin and shakes off mental blahs and unsweetened grape juice spritzers help reduce anxiety in the brain. Chickpeas and hummus are rich in nutrients that produce dopamine, another anti-depressant. For those with thyroid issues, say yes to nuts, seeds, chicken, beef and eggs for dietary copper, crucial to keeping the thyroid energized.
Health News: It’s mosquito season, producers of itchy bites and carriers of Zika and West Nile viruses. (You cannot get COVID-19 from a mosquito.) Remember to dump or cover standing water, dress in loose-fitting long sleeves and pants while outdoors, defend by using a CDC approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any receptacle that would hold water – particularly buckets and trash cans. Empty plastic wading pools, children’s toys, trash cans, plant saucers and wheelbarrows. Get rid of old tires, tin cans, bottles, jars and other containers – or keep them empty. Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns. Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets; drain hoses frequently.
