Simmer Down

Sharon

While I think for people who maintain as tough an exercise regimen as you do, there is definitely something to be said for rest days…unfortunately those in our society suffering from the ailments you speak of are often not pushing themselves enough physically. But yeah, I feel you on the rest day. I’m supposed to be going to Pilates today, but am really thinking of ditching it. I ran yesterday and my legs ache….when does that ever stop?

Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)

There’s a sound by Radiohead called, “Fitter, Happier” that perfectly summarizes the sentiment in this post. I agree whole-heartedly, the pressure to be productive seems to be an omnipresent theme in our society, yet in a weird twist we tend to burn out, rely on fad diets, plastic surgery for quick fixes, and crappy diet food to cut calories…what we really need is to hone in our individual intuition and be real. I think your blog is a fine example of that. 🙂

Maggie

You must be reading my mind or something, because your words are just what my soul’s sayin’

Crunchy Granola Gal

hmm, i may have to disagree. it depends which crowds your run (or don’t run :P) with – not everyone is health and exercise-obsessed, and not every media outlet urges this kind of lifestyle. depends who you hang with, who and what you listen to, and what you read, amongst other things. chose wisely.

Jil

I agree – we all need to ‘stop and smell the roses’ a little more often. 🙂

MollyM

I think the title ‘eat, live, run’ perfectly describes what this blog and you, are all about- balance. You obviously balance an active exercise life with a love for good food! And what is life without those little moments of quiet? I love your outlook on life- never change!

Mindy

I know what you mean about the need to go!go!go! I have to remind myself that it’s OKAY if I don’t workout today.. life will go on LOL. And.. have you seen Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution? That’s why we’re the leading nation in obesity..

Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary

I like the way you think ! 😉

Allie (Live Laugh Eat)

Usually, if I am not gung ho about going out for a run (i.e. I keep crawling in my bed and/or munching on cookies to delay leaving the house) then I figure I might as well chillax and give my body some lovin’. I’ll save my run for the days I jump out of bed ready to go go go.

eatmovelove

Yeah, that first comment is stupid – sorry, I hate that word, but it is….anyways – amen – slowing down would solve the WORLD’S problems girls!!! Stop and smell the roses…or whatever’s cooking…and then scarf it down like i do 😉

Meg

I agreeeee 100% 😀

MMiller

I agree Jenna! (Although I do give myself a few too many “rest” days!) When I first quit my job a few years ago, and started to do “nothing” and take care of myself and rest, I felt better that I had in years! I even started going to the gym regularly…For me! Just for about an hour, but I tried to go most days! Just to get moving a little! After battling Cancer and a recurrence that brought a stroke and kidney failure with it…I was still trying to work…and it was killing me! I have a lot less stress in general, but do get stressed over money often! Work needed me to work more hours and I was struggling to work the 15 hours that I was doing! By the time I showered and got ready for work, I was exhausted…and I hadn’t even gotten to work yet! I decided that whether I lived or died, this isn’t how I wanted to live…whether it was for 12 months or 12 years! I had just lost my sister and grandmother and just wasn’t going to push myself anymore! And my doctors are all thrilled, they can’t believe I am still alive!

Breanne

I’m with you Jenna
Let’s slow down and see the beauty in life
Taken in all that God created for us
If you don’t want to run one day … then don’t
I’m all for it

Charles

It’s an interesting observation.

On the one hand, healthy living has almost become a luxury, in that the least healthy options are the also the least expensive. They’re also the most convenient. See fast food “value” menus, for example. But that’s a whole other discussion for another time.

On the other hand, I think it’s the mental attitude that you mentioned, to push and push and push, for the ever elusive “more”. More of whatever it is you’re pushing yourself towards. Being able to reflect and say, “I truly enjoy what I have, so I have enough.” I think your current choice of apartment decor, available space notwithstanding, speaks volumes in this regard.

Balance.

Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)

I think people get obsessed with the idea of “dieting” and fall for whatever is the latest trend, which, of course, fails. It’s about permanent change and that includes indulging in wine, pasta and baked goods.

Suzanne de Cornelia

I have much more French ideas–ours is not the only culture in the world. I do what’s right for me, appreciate what’s good, and ignore what doesn’t make sense. In the end–you are creating the spirit that live’s in eternity…and eternity doesn’t care if you ran a 9 minute mile!

To me, to know what most need to live your right life–consider [and re-evaluate this each year] what is the one moment you’d live with in eternity if could only chose one from your entire life. You will not be able to recreate this memory, but it will tell you what is most meaningful for you. Mine was very simple–and I realized all the money in the world couldn’t replace it. Then I also knew what I needed to be happy, balanced and free. Am trying to put as much of the quality of my ‘eternal moment’ as possible into my life.

Erin

I loev the simplicity and bluntness of this post. You need more of these affirmation-like posts Jenna. Thanks for reminding me to put on the brakes:)

briana

Hi Jenna I don’t comment much but I love reading your blog and this post is exactly how I feel all the time! You hit the nail on the head we need to just stop and relax sometimes its HEALTHY!

Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/

That’s right you rest and relax, you have had a tough week and you have all weekend to workout.

Motivations for Healthy Living

I absolutely agree that we MUST slow down!! Life is too short! why make it even shorter by rushing through everything?! For examples, on Saturday mornings I love to just kick back after breakfast and have some coffee while reading my favorite magazine. Whatever you love to do, is good to make time for it.

Nicole

I just want to say that I’ve been following your blog for over a year now and you truly are a role model to me. I have struggled with anorexia for 4 years and do have my high and very low points. From reading your blog, I realized that it’s ok to indulge at times and what well balanced meals look like. I hope to one day become an RD as well as meet you. I know that you probably get tons of e-mails and comments and don’t respond to all of them but I honestly hope to hear from you. Also, how do u get companies to send you healthy food samples? I need some connections girlie! Your the best, God Bless, Nicole

Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)

I reeeeallly need to slow down. Thanks so much for this!!

xo
K

Kath

I stopped to smell the Sonoma wines tonight and missed you 🙂

Jin

Jenna, thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this.
So often, I feel imperfect compared to the many bloggers who seem to strive for perfection each and everyday.
You continue to inspire me.

Greta

Amen! I’m pretty sure that stress and sloth are about equal demons. Have a great weekend Jenna!

Meghan@traveleatlove

I married a European, enough said 🙂 I learned to be a lot less insane and to live a little more than I was before!

lola

I agree with you Jenna, but sometimes is so hard for me to take a rest day!!
Your post about grief is so beautiful, if baking makes you feel better, go for it! If eating those 5 dozens of cookies will make you feel better, do it, also.
You are such a brave, beautiful soul, my blessings and good vibes go to you 🙂

Samantha J

Amen to that. I’ve been living by that a lot lately. The last month I’ve traded my usual cardio heavy workouts and crazy schedule in for leisurely walks or simply just sitting outside and taking it all in. And ya know what? I’ve never felt more relaxed and content with my life.

Mastering Public Health

I definitely like your concept but as a public health grad student, I must agree with Sharon — those who are sadly suffering from those health conditions that result from physical inactivity unfortunately need to do just the opposite. 🙁 It’s fine to take rest/relaxation days if one leads a generally balanced lifestyle (healthy diet/non-sedentary) — like you — but those top diseases that face our nation generally result from a need to “speed up”! But, again, I feel the serenity vibe that you’re coming from.

jenna

love rest days! you dererve it 🙂

steph-exercise physiologist and artist!

You know what is so funny. I didnt get healthy (that means lose 60lbs of excess weight!) until I learned to SLOW DOWN.
Before that I was so OBSESSED with calories/exercise/carbs/fat/eating/not eating…… bad body image.
My mind would race and race and race around these subjects from the time I opened my eyes in the morning until I went to bed a night.
Once I was able to slow it down step back and figure out what was really important to me, the weight began to come off and food was no longer bigger than me.
Slowing down is underrated and almost frowned upon. silly really

diana@mymarblerye

I always simmer down..but pronounce it “simma” down…anyways, I agree with you. Americans spend more money and time trying to “lose weight” than any other country but we are the heaviest!! I blame all those sugarfree, lowfat products out there….ESPECIALLY the dreaded high fructose corn syrup…AND..stress….OH the stress of our daily lives.

Annie@stronghealthyfit

I took a rest day today too, and it felt good for my body AND my mind. i had time to practice the piano, spend time with my husband, and also just lie down and close my eyes for ten minutes. There are a lot more things to being healthy than just working out! Thanks for the message Jenna 🙂
What’s with that first comment? Hi-frickin-larious.

Jennie {in Wonderland}

Ever since I read ‘The China Study’, I no longer wonder why the Western world leads in ‘diseases of affluence’ like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But that’s another story! I really recommend the book though; I think you’d enjoy it!! It’s riveting.
I love your posts lately. I feel like you’re letting us into your heart. It’s really lovely, Jenna. Thanks for this!

andi

ditto to mastering pub health and sharon–the overwhelming majority of americans have slowed down too much in terms of fitness. i live in a high stress, very competitive area and think that perhaps if we express balance; a balance of vigorous activity to leisurely activity, a balance of workout days to rest days, a balance of indulgent foods to healthier choices, a balance of work to life…i could go on…if we’d get different results. instead, everything is bigger, faster, harder, do more, earn more, go go go go and we’ve gotten into an all or nothing mentality as a country. imho, of course.

(and love the blog :))

Sarah

Love, love, love. The need for SLOWING DOWN is why I love yoga. That is where my mind finds rest. Now, granted, my yoga practices aren’t as tough as some of the practices you do!

theemptynutjar

I have been forced to slow down (physically) for over a year now. If you are able to now, just breathe…sit, eat, breathe. Ride with it. Don’t fight it. Don’t resist it. Forget the coulds, woulds, shoulds.

runnerforever

Agreed, everyone is always rushing around these days. Sometimes we forget to stop and just enjoy life!

Karen

I took a “rest” day yesterday, but stayed home and cleaned for 5 hours??? Kinda wish I had gone for that bike ride, lol….

Lisa

I completely agree! As a homeschooling mom that also has all the other extracurricular activities, social life, etc. going on, I DO make time to just hang out and read, play, explore the outdoors with my kids. I think this is one of the greatest things I am teaching them!! Annoying how people use their busy lives as excuses for everything, we are ALL busy, but have choices in what we do!!

Heather (Heather's Dish)

i totally agree. you’ve been to france, so you can probably say for certain whether this is true or not BUT: in french women don’t get fat she talks about how french women walk a LOT and do a ton of yoga and just very light weight training like crunches. and they don’t get fat. i can’t help but wonder what our society would be like if every city or town was easier to walk around, and then maybe people wouldn’t feel totally inclined to join gyms and spend hours there…

Lauren

living a healthy life means doing what is best for you, and if that means baking cupcakes and sugar cookies and taking a break every once in awhile than that’s ok with me! i got thai last night with some of my running friends and we were discussing our workut for this morning and i said happily “i’m taking the weekend off, who’s up for dessert?” 🙂

kate

Such a good point? Why are we the unhealthiest?

Meg

Well said, Jenna! I love your balanced approach to exercise and eating!

C

Thinking of you, Jenna! Hope you’re taking a well deserved rest and getting some jenna-time.

Lauren @ Running Examiner

Great post, Jenna. I fully agree that it’s essential to honor and respect our bodies AND minds by allowing them the chance to be still. I have been a competitive runner for over a decade, and in the past year have begun to feel a little burnout. While exercising for health and fitness is obviously important, I don’t think you should push yourself do to something at the expense of your happiness and internal wellbeing. For this reason, I began to focus on yoga, running only three days a week (a major cutback for me). I must say, I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve been in quite awhile. I feel a newfound reverence for my body and all that it can do. You can learn so much by reevaluating your expectations of yourself, and permitting yourself the freedom to just breathe, stretch, and be mindful.

Helen

I agree! We all need to slow down and appreciate life, spend more time with the people we love. I too was going to go for a run today but decided to skip it to spend some much needed time with my bf!

Anthony

Great post, Jenna. I fully agree that it’s essential to honor and respect our bodies AND minds by allowing them the chance to be still. I have been a competitive runner for over a decade, and in the past year have begun to feel a little burnout. While exercising for health and fitness is obviously important, I don’t think you should push yourself do to something at the expense of your happiness and internal wellbeing. For this reason, I began to focus on yoga, running only three days a week (a major cutback for me). I must say, I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve been in quite awhile. I feel a newfound reverence for my body and all that it can do. You can learn so much by reevaluating your expectations of yourself, and permitting yourself the freedom to just breathe, stretch, and be mindful.

Amanda

Loooove just slowing down!! Today I chose to take my dog for a relaxed trail walk. No music, no pounding heart … but we had sunshine and fresh air, and it was just so rejuvinating!! Enjoy resting 🙂

Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit

I couldn’t agree more! It’s sooo hard to let the ego slide and listen to the body sometimes, but it’s usually when you find a way to slow down that you actually feel the best.

New Friend

Jenna,

I have only recently began reading your blog and I am already so addicted to your view on life. Reading about how much you enjoy to exercise and eat foods that are genuinely healthy and wholesome rather than just low-fat, low-carb, low-cal, etc. You truly embrace the healthy living style that so many experts are begging Americans to embrace instead of this yo-yo lifestyle. Healthy means taking breaks, enjoying the best things of life and embracing the challenges we all face willingly. I can’t imagine the difficulty you’re going through right now, especially this week, but my heart reaches out to you with every step you take to stay positive, optimistic and healthy in every way. From what I’ve read about your brother he truly understood that healthiness is very simply happiness.

sophia

Your worth is measured in how many days you exercise? By whom besides yourself? I think that’s a very personal comment that could be made for yourself and possibly the people in your own world but I don’t think that it is at all accurate in anything larger than that.

nora

Just hoping your slowing down is bringing you peace.

Steven

Just hoping your slowing down is bringing you peace.

ForDGRedial aka Amy

I just wanted to say lovely post and totally agree. Personally I am at the beginning of my healthy living journey and at first I kind felt overwhelmed, reading about just how healthy people ate and how much exercise they do. I am a perfectionist, tend to suffer from an all or nothing attitude and have a habit of setting myself ridiculously high standards and not giving myself some time to just be. They are things that I am working on. Your blog and a couple of others that I have started following recently are helping me see that it is ok to take small steps, running/walking for 45 minutes 3 times a week doesn’t make me a failure – it makes me someone who is working toward where they want to get to. :o)

Oh and to people new to the blog, who think Jenna needs to rename her blog or is hypocritical because she has talked about ‘treat’ things recently…a) you don’t own this blog, a blog is a personal account and to me that means it should move with the author b) if you are new then have the manners to read through old posts so that things make sense like I did, then you’d see that this is a tricky time of year for her c) if you don’t like it move onto another blog, as my granny always said ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, why say anything at all’

Amy x

Jenn (www.j3nn.net)

Yes, rest and relaxation are vital to staying healthy. Your body needs time to reset itself and recovery. 🙂 Not to mention, constantly taxing your body gives it unneeded stress. Be good to yourself in all ways!

Jenn

Samantha

I hope you’re doing okay. Haven’t heard from you in awhile!!!! Have a sunny Sunday! 🙂 How cheesy is that! :p

Jaya

Jenna, I will always think of you on April 24th because I know that it represents a significant day in your life. It also happens to be my birthday, but it gives me pause to think about your family and to have gratitude for the presence of my intimate others. I lost my father 10 years ago in April and in the past few years, I have come to find new lessons, light and learning in old memories. We can keep learning from people and interacting in magical and previously unthinkable ways, when the time is right. In the meantime, allow yourself all of the time, space and unpredictable emotion you need. I’m sending warm vibes your way.

lucie

i agree. it’s so good to take a break from our hectic lives sometimes.

erica

Hi, Jenna,

I hope you’re living your life in the way that you want, not the way others want you to 🙂 It’s not your job to give other people something to read, it’s your personal diary…at least that’s how I see it! Thinking about you and your family xoxox Your step-cousin, Erica