happy place | Day With KT

I think that we have all been in situations that cause us stress and maybe even a little bit of panic if we aren’t careful. No matter how hard we try to enjoy life and make it fun, it is inevitable that we will have some experiences that aren’t really very pleasant – LIFE!!!

Yesterday I had to do something that could have caused me to completely lose control. I tried to keep myself relaxed and my mind calm by thinking about my happy place!

And, you know what?! It actually worked!!! I had to have an MRI and the last time I had one (about 1.5 years ago), even though it was for my hip, they slid me all the way into the tunnel. I pretty much freaked out – hyperventilated, broke out in a sweat – it was AWFUL!!!

For yesterday’s MRI, I knew that my entire body would have to go in the tube so I was a ~~little~~ nervous wreck!

(Not me – but that is the set-up I had.)

I told the technician that I was going to close my eyes as soon as I laid down so that I didn’t see the mask above my face or the inside of the tube! There was still about a minute of pure panic when she slid me into the tube!! But – I just forced myself to relax and breath.

I pretended that I was enjoying my happy place (the beach!!!) and it would have worked except the machine was super loud and I was cold!!! But, I made it though all 20 minutes without freaking out!!!

I truly think that mental visualization and focusing on breathing are a great way to get through many unpleasant situations!

Do you have a way to stay calm in situations that could cause you to panic?
Have you ever had an MRI? Did you freak out?

Happy Wednesday!

Kim

For my 43 today, I did a standing crunch combo. I started with my hands behind my head and lifted my right knee to the side with a side crunch – lifted my right knee to the front and twisted my left elbow to it while crunching – kicked my right leg out to the front and reached my left hand to my toe – repeat all 3 moves on the left = 1 rep.

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeOiU1pY7gk’]

Besides working my core (and balance), this move was good for my hip flexors!! I’m pretty sure I ended up doing more than 43 because I was talking to Hunter and kept losing count so I would go back to the last number I remembered saying – I figure extra is better anyway!

Today seemed like a good day to spend some time with Chalean (since we’re such good friends, you know!!). I did Turbo Fire – Fire 55EZ. It was a great 55 minutes – high intensity cardio leaving me a sweaty mess – perfect!!

During my workout I realized that I haven’t done a plank or wall-sit challenge in awhile so I decided to get that done.

Wall-Sit: 3:20 (new record for me!)

Plank (extended arms) – 4:15 (also a record!)

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z5qpyxRR-A’]

I love the movie Happy Gilmore – his happy place is pretty random but whatever works for you!!

I think that there really is value in the idea of finding your happy place. Sometimes just picturing it in our minds can be calming and remind us that even unpleasant times will pass. Or, in the middle of a really tough workout or run it might be helpful to escape to your happy place.

My happy place looks like this:

with these guys thrown in!

In my real life it is 30 some degrees outside and cloudy but in my happy place it always sunny and warm!!(my happy place definitely includes a fun cocktail!!)