Tips for Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Cascade Ice on August 21, 2020

The current world we live in can often feel overwhelming. We’re inundated with news and new information, and many are juggling difficult career situations or working from home along with caring for family. But what about taking good care of your own health and well-being? With so many things going on during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to forget that we need to set aside time to make sure we’re managing our lives in the healthiest ways possible. This includes daily self-care. 

Self-care can look differently to different people. Perhaps it’s getting out for a nice long walk around the neighborhood, or maybe it’s cooking up some comfort food. Whatever you choose to do each day, make sure that it helps to keep your mind and body healthy – even if that means turning off the news! Here are just a few tips that you can use to take care of yourself during uncertain times like these.

Eat healthy foods and maintain a well-balanced diet as best you can. Make sure to include in-season vegetables and fruits, lean meats and grains, and take a multivitamin to fill in any gaps in your diet.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your brain functioning optimally. If you feel fatigued, it’s likely due to dehydration, so make sure to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces (even more if you work out)

Give yourself little “treats” to make life fun. Staying at home can be monotonous, so it’s fun to incorporate spontaneous things like a family dance party or a fun, new cocktail recipe!

Get some form of exercise everyday. This may sound daunting, but climbing a flight of stairs or taking your dog for a walk is considered exercise. Getting your blood flowing has amazing benefits for your mental health, too.

Practice deep breathing. Take a few minutes each day (it’s best to do this first thing in the morning to set the tone for your day) to close your eyes and take several slow, deep breaths and focus on something. It will help clear your mind and put you in a happier mood instantly!

Utilize technology to maintain connections with friends and family that may not be nearby. While the state of the world has prevented us from socializing like we used to do, social media and video calls provide an amazing way to stay connected to others.

Practice graciousness. While times are tough, we could all acknowledge that we have things to be grateful for. The biggest one? Our health! Consider writing 3 things you’re grateful for each day in a gratitude journal and reminding yourself of those things throughout your day. It will put you in a positive mindset for the entire day.

Help others in need. While this may not seem like traditional self-care, many people report feelings of happiness when they reach out and help others. Check on older people in your community, or donate money or supplies to local organizations in need.

What are some ways that you have practiced self-care? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Starting Each Day out Right with a Healthy Breakfast

by Cascade Ice on August 6, 2020

Have you ever had one of those days where the afternoon hours hit, and all of a sudden you feel like you’re in an energy slump? If you’re having trouble getting over the midday lull, try making some changes to the most important meal of the day – breakfast!

Breakfast is a crucial part of each day, and sets the tone for healthy eating and creating a sustainable routine.  A filling, healthy breakfast that is low-sugar will give you a boost to jumpstart your day (and may even put you in a great mood!). You may also notice that when you eat a healthy breakfast, your concentration and focus will skyrocket!  

Some ideas for a filling, healthy breakfast include oatmeal with peanut butter, egg whites and fruit, or a homemade smoothie. Did you know you can even make a healthy, low-sugar smoothie with Cascade Ice Water? Check out our recipe below!

Cascade Ice Breakfast Smoothie

Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Orange Mango

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 banana

Ice

In a blender, pour 3/4 cup of Cascade Ice Orange Mango, 1 cup of fresh strawberries, 1 banana and 1 cup of ice cubes. Blend until smooth, and enjoy! 

What’s your favorite go-to healthy breakfast? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Need Some New Reading Material? Check out These Fellow Healthy Living Blogs!

by Cascade Ice on July 15, 2020

As a follow-up to our previous blog post on the best healthy living podcasts, we thought we could also offer up some great blogs that focus on living a healthy life through regular exercise, clean food, and mental wellness. Below are some of our favorite reads (besides our own The Flavorful Life blog, of course) that will help take your fitness, diet and overall wellness to the next level.

The Art of Healthy Living

Written by experts in the industry, this blog delivers information on everything from beauty tips to mental health. It’s laid out beautifully in dozens of categories, along with reviews on various diets or exercise offerings. The recipe section will give you some unique ideas on how to spice up your diet while staying on track with your goals. 

The Fitnessista

Gina, aka the “Fitnessista,” has had her blog since healthy living blogs started! She has a fun vibe and shares quick, impactful workouts and family-friendly recipes, as she’s a wife and mom herself.  She’s a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and weight loss specialist, so the blog is the perfect resource for getting inspiration on setting and maintaining healthy living goals (and getting inspiration on a cute outfit to wear too!)

The Healthy Maven

This blog is perfect for those who are looking for a varied approach and lots of options for advice. With focus on living a better life at home, work, and the gym, The Healthy Maven offers tons of amazing recipe ideas, DIY tips and enjoyable workouts. There is even a sister podcast available (by the same name) who have weekly guest speakers in the health and wellness industry.

Fit Bottomed Girls

This blog has been around for a long time, and follows the lifestyles of two friends who strive to maintain a healthier lifestyle without succumbing to the ideals of what fit should look like. They take a balanced approach to healthy living, with the advice of creating long-lasting, small, daily changes that you can stick with. They offer delicious nutrition-packed recipes, workouts, and meditation exercises.Do you read healthy living blogs? What is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Simple Ways to Boost Your Physical Endurance

by Cascade Ice on July 2, 2020

Are you a veteran exerciser who gets your physical activity in every day? Are you a beginner who is just starting to make long term healthy habits for a better lifestyle? Whether you’re an expert or a novice, everyone could use tips to increase their physical stamina. After all, good physical endurance can fight off fatigue and exhaustion, and can allow you to perform your daily activities easier while exerting less energy. Here are some easy, attainable goals that will help take your endurance to the next level.

Exercise

Have you ever felt completely unmotivated to exercise, but you get out there and do it anyway, and then you feel great? There is a reason for this phenomenon, which is why people often say “You never regret it when it’s over.” Consistent exercise – whether it’s a daily neighborhood walk or cycling class at the gym – has been shown to build your physical endurance. Not to mention, studies have shown that regular exercise can improve your energy levels, sleep quality, and brain function.

Meditation

Daily meditation can greatly increase your physical stamina and your ability to handle stressful situations. A recent study showed that those who meditated regularly saw  significant improvements in stress levels and sense of well-being, in addition to more endurance and less fatigue.  

Water

Water is essential for your body to perform at its best. Human beings, regardless of age or level of physical fitness, need adequate water throughout the day. But even water can get boring, which is why Cascade Ice Water offers several different product lines to meet your individual tastes, and to help you meet your daily water intake goals. When you’re properly hydrated, you can perform your preferred physical activity for longer, and with a clearer mind.

Caffeine

On days when you feel like you’re in a rut, and too tired to exercise, caffeine can give you the perfect boost to get you out the door. Cascade Ice also offers organic caffeinated options for the right amount of energy to power you through a workout. Keep in mind, you can build up a tolerance to caffeine, so stay away from caffeine sources that are loaded with sugar. 

How do you boost your physical endurance? What’s your biggest challenge or obstacle? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.