Merritt Clubs Blog

As the summer months continue to trek along, many of us have started leaving the safety and isolation of quarantine and are venturing back out into the world, slowly and cautiously. As we walk the fine line between staying safe and returning to some sort of normality, we are faced with the concerns and fears of contracting the virus and keeping our families safe and healthy. In a measure to protect ourselves and our loved ones, it is vital that we take all the precautions we can to boost our immunity and maintain optimal health.

Back in March, life as we knew it changed. When the COVID-19 virus began spreading through our country, stay-at home orders were enforced and all non-essential businesses closed. Although it seems like that was a lifetime ago, it has only been three months since we were told to remain at home and avoid all social interactions. Back then, most of us could not wait for the curve to flatten so life as we knew it could resume and we could see our loved ones without using the screen of a computer. Now that rates of the virus have slowed and restrictions are easing, a new anxiety is setting in for many as we begin to plan to return to our old way of life.

After several weeks of dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s evident that we can learn lessons and find personal take-aways from this crisis. During these uncertain and stressful times of social distancing and quarantining, it is essential we tap into reflective activities that can drastically shift our thoughts to a positive mind state.  Thus, helping us get through this with as much grace and peace as possible.

“Watch your thoughts, they become Words. Watch your words, they become Actions. Watch your actions, they become Habits. Watch your habits, for they become your Character. Watch your character, for it becomes your Destiny.” -the Upanishads

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, decorative hearts remain visible all over. This can help serve as a reminder that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Statistics show that one person dies every 37 seconds in the US from cardiovascular disease, and unfortunately, the number of people impacted is only increasing. On the upside, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.

Another holiday season has come and gone and if you’re at home for the next few days enjoying your freedom until the reality of Monday rolls around, consider using this time to catch up on those Zzz’s. Getting proper sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health. When it comes to health, sleep is just as important, if not more, than exercise and a balanced diet. It turns out, sleep is the magical ingredient to keep your brain, your body, and your emotions functioning at an ideal level.

As 2019 winds down, our minds are filled with holiday plans, a long list of to-dos, and the beginning stages of setting resolutions for 2020. Goal setting is important because goals give us direction and help to build confidence. Goals are what take us forward in life and guide us on the path to achieving our true desires. It has been stated by the motivational speaker Zig Ziglar that “a goal properly set is halfway reached.” This statement cannot be more accurate!

It seems like Labor Day was only yesterday and now the sun sets way too early, sweats are our outfits of choice, and the stress of the holidays is already creeping in. With Thanksgiving several days away, there’s no better time to plan for a fun, festive, and feel-good day.

As the saying goes, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Among the world’s most popular fruit, there’s a lot of truth to this old adage. Apples are high in fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. They are filling and can be used in a variety of ways: sweet recipes, savory recipes, juices, sauces, drinks…the list goes on and on.

School hasn’t even been back in session for a full month, and yet, do you find yourself already bored packing the same lunches day after day? Does that PB&J look a little lackluster? Are you stumped for ideas of how to spice up both you and your kids’ lunch boxes? Look no further for a little inspiration to keep lunches not only fun and different, but healthy and full of essential nutrients to power your family through school and work, and to keep them energized through after-school activities, sports, and gym time.