Chicago Fitness Guru Mysti Cobb Inspires Us To Get Movin'

BeWell
by Mysti Cobb

 Mysti Cobb, Personal Trainer & LMT

"I love to exercise!"

Monday is a spinning class and an hour of Pilates. Tuesday is the Insanity Workout dvd. Wednesday is an hour and a half of yoga. Thursday is weight training with my workout buddy Cheryl. Friday is an hour and a half of African dance. And Saturday is my rest day. Then on Sunday I start the rotation all over again by hitting the gym for an hour.

Exercise has always provided me with a way to relieve stress, get a good sweat and feel good about myself.

Daily Meditation- Om ~

It is my goal each morning when I wake to stretch and start my day with 20 minutes of meditation. Okay, if you really want to know the truth, morning meditation doesn't always happen. Sometimes, I just get up, stretch and turn on Oprah. So, because I wholly believe in the benefits of establishing a daily meditation ritual, I have decided to journal my experience to help keep me motivated. And, in an effort to encourage you to join me, I have added a section in this blog called, "Om ~." I hope it will inspire you.

Often times when I ask people if they meditate their initial response is, "No. I would like to, but I can't sit still or quiet my mind for that long." They seem to almost fear the idea of being still for even a moment. I suppose that we can blame our fast-paced society for making us this way. We (speaking generally) are seriously distracted and stressed because of it. It is for that reason we must make the time to sit with ourselves and silence our minds. Ten to 20 minutes is all it takes.

Choose a space in your home be it your living room, kitchen or bathroom. Below, I list a few tips to get you started. For those of you that have small children, the best time would likely be while they're sleeping (obviously), give yourself permission to forgo one simple task for just a few minutes. You'll sleep better; think better; and feel better.  

Benefits of Meditation

• Increased concentration and focus.
• Heighten attention span, which will aid you in learning and processing information better.
• Physical well-being and stress relief.
• A calmer, more laid-back attitude that will benefit you in any difficult situation.

Meditation Techniques

• Begin each day with meditation. Mornings are ideal. It's best to meditate when well rested so that you don't fall asleep.
• Designate a space in your home that you deem as your sacred place. Meditate there at the same time everyday.
• Set an intention for your meditation, just as you would your yoga practice (if you practice). You can do this by reading an inspirational poem, article, scriptures, etc ... You can even refer to the "Om ~" section of this blog for a little motivation.
• Start by sitting for 5 minutes gradually working up to 20 minutes or longer.

Websites that inspire me ...
www.DailyOm.com
www.intent.com 
www.ymib.com 
www.healyourlife.com

Relax, Renew, Release

Studio Within Salon and Spa in Lakeview
www.studiowithin.net

Looking for ways to improve your quality of life? Here's an idea, try visiting a spa. It doesn't matter if it's your local neighborhood spa, which will likely offer more cost-friendly services, or a high-end spa on the Gold Coast. Spas offer services that can help heal the body and nourish the soul. "Yes, yes ... that sounds great, but it's a luxury that you just can't afford." Oh, I hear you. Well, think of it this way, the health benefits that you get from going to the spa every once in a while is something that you can no longer afford to lose.


While we may think of facials, massage, and mani-pedi's as frivolous luxury, they are actually ancient forms of healing that connects us to an even deeper more meaningful human experience. There is healing power in touch. When we set aside time for ourselves to engage in one of those services, our bodies and minds benefit tenfold. Whether it's from a therapist or a loved one, a simple massage helps our minds and bodies stimulate their own restorative nature. Touch promotes healthy blood circulation, can help reduce high cholesterol, and relieve stress. You will be better able to move and think more freely. After experiencing any one of those services your muscles will feel relaxed and your skin will glow.


So forgo that Cafe Mocha from Starbucks for a week or take a pass on those new shoes that will have your feet crying for mercy after wearing them for an hour. Set aside some time and a few bucks a month to nurture your wellbeing. Isn't that just as important?

Q & A: Someone told me that stress causes acne. Is it true?

Q: I have been under a lot of stress lately. I struggled with a mild case of acne as a teenager, but haven't had any problems as an adult until now. I'm almost 30 years old with a face full of acne! Someone told me that stress causes acne. Is it true?

A: No, stress does not cause acne. It can, however, trigger acne in people who are prone to it. Studies have shown that high levels of stress can cause an increase in cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal gland, which increases the production of sebum (oil) in the oil glands. Acne occurs when oil glands produce too much sebum resulting in pimples, cysts and blackheads.

Though stress may not be the cause of your acne, it certainly will continue to aggravate it unless you get it under control! Find ways to relieve your stress: meditate; take long walks; surround yourself with positive people who bring you peace. It's important not just for your skin; but, for your mental and physical wellbeing.