What’s the most fun way to exercise?

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Opinions on exercise are as varied as the colours of a garden in full bloom. Speaking for myself, I find gardening to be the ultimate workout. Not only do you engage a variety of muscles while tending to your plants, but you also get to soak up some much-needed vitamin D in the great outdoors. And let’s not forget the satisfaction of seeing your hard work pay off in the form of a gorgeous, vibrant garden. So, while others may prefer the monotony of a treadmill or the intensity of a spin class, I’ll take my gardening gloves any day.

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When Are You Most Productive?

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Have you ever noticed that sometimes you feel really productive and other times you just can’t seem to get anything done? Well, it turns out that our productivity is affected by a few different things.

There are three main things that can affect how productive we are: our mood, our health, and our energy levels. These things can change throughout the day, which is why you might feel more productive at certain times.

Your mood can have a big impact on how productive you are. If you’re feeling happy and motivated, you’re more likely to get things done. On the other hand, if you’re feeling sad or stressed, it can be harder to focus and be productive.

Your physical health can also affect your productivity. If you’re feeling sick or tired, it can be harder to get things done. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

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Finally, your energy levels can affect your productivity. If you’re feeling sluggish and tired, it can be hard to focus and get things done. On the other hand, if you’re feeling energized and alert, you’ll be more productive.

Personally, I find that I am most productive in the morning, especially after a good night’s sleep. I also find that if the weather is nice and sunny, it puts me in a good mood and helps me be more productive.

So, when are you most productive? Pay attention to your mood, health, and energy levels throughout the day to figure out when you work best. And remember to take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying active.

How do you use social media?

How do you use social media? I wonder what you use it for. This is how I use it.

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Social media is how I keep in contact with friends, family, the local community, and colleagues where I volunteer. Social networking online (as well as offline) allows you to connect with people from further afield and finding those who share your same interests and knowledge, this allows you to build up a wider range of people to help, and who can help you.

As well as keeping in touch with people I know, using social media enables me to keep up to date with local events and news which I may not know about otherwise, as people and businesses post about these in groups, or as posts/events on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn. There are many more Social Media websites and apps, but these are the ones I myself am most familiar.

Phone screen showing the icon for instagram.
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One other thing I use these sites as a social media marketing strategy for sharing my blog posts to a wider audience. I don’t do this on all the Social media sites mentioned earlier on, but I certainly do on several of them. Social media platforms are a great way to share snippets of information whilst providing a link to the full article elsewhere.

Be aware that anything you put online, stays online, so decide your limits in advance and stick with them. Don’t get keyboard happy and say things that you’d regret later, and wouldn’t normally say face to face. Also think carefully about any other information and photos you put online. The laws still apply online.

What book could you read over and over again?

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What book could you read over and over again?

This is such a difficult question, because I can’t just pick out one single book. I will happily read books again after a gap. Probably the ones I’ve read the most are the books which I own from the ‘The Chalet School’ series of books written by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer . Sadly I don’t have the complete set – some of the rare ones now cost in the £100’s so I won’t be purchasing them at that price.

I enjoyed these books as a child, and occasionally still go back and read them again. I love escaping into that world for a short while, and enjoying their adventures.

In 1925, Madge Bettany found herself in a difficult situation when her brother had to return to his job in India. She needed to create some much-needed income while also caring for her delicate younger sister, Joey. After considering her options, Madge came to the realisation that starting a boarding school would be the most convenient way to achieve her goals.

However, finding a suitable place in England proved to be too costly for her plans. Undeterred, Madge decided to look further afield, and eventually settled on a large chalet in the Austrian Tyrol. The location provided a helpful climate for Joey’s recuperation and was the perfect setting for the school.

Thus, The Chalet School was founded. Little did she know of the excitements and adventures that lay ahead!!

If you think you, or someone you know might enjoy them, then have a look on here https://amzn.to/3UIoRJu

What book, or series of books have you read more than once or twice?

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This post contains an Amazon Affiliate link. If you choose to make a purchase, then I may earn a small amount. Thankyou.

What makes you happy?

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

“What are five everyday things that bring you happiness? Here is my personal list.”

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  1. Listening to music.
  2. Getting up in the morning to discover that the sun is shining.
  3. Reading a good book.
  4. Spending time gardening.
  5. Chatting with friends.
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In the Present: Capturing the Thought of the Moment

Daily writing prompt
Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind.
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The first thing that comes to my mind. Well, I am sat here with the dog curled up behind me, and the TV showing Sky News and the protests in Paris are being shown at the moment.

The word 'thoughts'
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I am thinking that it’s sad that protests often end up being violent and people and property get hurt/injured in the process, but also that it shouldn’t happen that people of their countries (where ever they live) need to get to that stage where the only option they feel they have left is to go out onto the streets and protest, for their Governments to listen and respond in an appropriate way.

What will happen about the pension age decision in France tomorrow? Well we can only wait and see, but I believe it will still be well below the UK pension age even if it is increased.

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Working for free, would you do it?

What job would I do for free, well that’s called volunteering isn’t it? I already do a voluntary job, and this is helping adults, most of whom have dementia or another memory issue. I go in and chat with them and help with games and other activities aimed to stimulate and interest. We talk about lots of different things, such as what they’ve been up to, what their life was like when they were children, how the world has changed, their garden or pets. Anything goes really.

Honestly, I really enjoy doing this and gain a lot from it, but for any other job I’d like to be paid thankyou very much. Jobs I’d love to do would be.

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  • Wheelchair tester and reviewer.
  • Blogger.
  • Growing seeds – horticulture basic level type job.
  • Taste tester for crisps or chocolate.
  • Access advisor for shops, businesses, and public transport.
  • Secret shopper.
  • Hotel tester/reviewer.

https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering/

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The Hour that Sets the Tone: My Morning Routine

Daily writing prompt
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

I used to hate early mornings, but now I much prefer them. Thus I usually get up about 7.20am.

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Once I’m up and awake, I wash and get dressed. Letting the dog out for a pee at some point during the getting up and ready process.

Then it’s the all essential first cuppa of the day, which is tea (never coffee, I can’t stand the stuff) and sometimes I’ll have something light to eat as well, such as a piece of fruit, a yoghurt or a scone.

bowl of yoghurt with berries on top.
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Whilst I’m having this the dog will be eating his breakfast, and generally wanting a fuss and attention.

Once breakfast is over I’ll do any really quick tasks that need to be done, and then it’s off out for the first walk of the day.

Are you an early bird, or a night owl? I used to be a night owl, but now enjoy early mornings and getting on with the day.

Thriving in the Digital Age: The Benefits of Positive Technology Engagement

Daily writing prompt
How has technology changed your job?

I volunteer, and this involves helping at a group for those with dementia, and other memory issues. We use all sorts of things to help bring memories to life, and as props when we reminisce.

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One big thing that makes a difference is being able to add the modern technology available, alongside day to day items such as newspapers, magazines, board games, exercises, and singing etc….

An example of a piece of technology we use for group interaction is what’s known as ‘the magic table’. Think of a giant screen which is interactive like a touchscreen tablet would be, but it’s actually images projected onto a table top, or the floor. The Magic table has all sorts of different activities, from playing football, adding splashes of colour to a blank canvas (the table top), and also other interactive puzzles and games. These are aimed at different levels of ability and concentration.

https://www.tover.care/uk/tovertafel/seniors

The Magic Table is a versatile tool that can be utilised both individually and in group settings. Its unique design promotes social interaction, encourages physical movement, and fosters moments of joy and happiness. The Magic Table is an excellent resource for enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.

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Learning to say ‘no’.

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

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How often do you turn down opportunities that could impede your progress towards achieving your goals? Personally, I am still working on mastering this skill and am committed to improving it. I think self-doubt is one big part of this issue, and a get out clause can be an excuse to avoid that risk of failure.

The word 'no' written in sand with waves lapping along towards it.
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