Why some people just look happy and some just don't smile? Why while we may have the same living conditions, one person seems happy and the other is not? And in addition, the happier person kinda does look more successful in life in general - relationships, money, career success? What's different between two similar people?

What if the difference is how we choose to generate happiness moment by moment? I say:

Want it? Generate it!

What if happy people just built a habit generating happiness?

So what mistakes do we do that prevent us from happiness and tips to generate happiness habits:

• Mistake 1. Ruminating in negative thoughts too long. Negative thoughts are good for us, for a short period of time. But when we take hours, days, weeks, even years, those thoughts become beliefs that don't serve us. Moreover, they underline our chronic stress condition.

  I say, transformation is not about a change. It's about a choice. One step at a time. Choose happiness and peace.

...

We're constantly told to be strong, independent, and handle everything ourselves. But what if that's actually holding us back?

I can personally vouch for this. For years, I struggled with the "I can do it myself" mentality. But what if asking for help wasn't a sign of weakness, but of strength? What if being authentic and vulnerable is where true power lies?

Consider this: by asking for help, you can achieve your goals faster, more effectively, and with less burnout. Instead of a slow, frustrating journey filled with mistakes, isolation, and exhaustion, imagine feeling inspired and supported.

Let's be honest, none of us are truly exceptions. Even as I write this, I recognize areas where I still struggle to ask for help.

Here's the shift:

Asking for help is a sign of power and progress. Together, we can accomplish so much more, in less time, and with better results. This applies to everything from one-on-one situations to group settings.

My Challenge to You:

For the ne...

Finding Your Happy Place: A Journey of Becoming, Not Just Getting

What if you could have everything you want? 

This powerful question sparks a fire in many of us, a yearning for a life filled with fulfillment, health, and deep connections. But before we chase that "everything," we need to take a step back and ask ourselves: Do we truly understand what we desire and why?

This blog post explores the idea that happiness isn't just about achieving a final destination, but about the journey of becoming who you want to be. It's a journey filled with self-discovery, continuous growth, and the creation of powerful systems that support your evolution.

The Misconceptions of Achievement

Many of us believe happiness comes from external validation – that bigger bank accounts, stronger relationships, or a perfect physique will finally make us content. However, this pursuit often leads to frustration. The truth is, the journey of becoming holds the key to lasting happiness.

It's not...

Happy Sunday, {{ first_name }}!

The Juggling Act: Priorities and a Struggle for Balance

In this huge world, it's easy to get trapped in a never-ending loop of to-dos and responsibilities. We get entangled with priorities, sometimes wondering how to prioritize them. We feel trapped, stuck, and want to find a way to do better.

On top of that, our health suffers. We neglect prioritizing self-care. Workouts get pushed to another day. Fast food becomes a convenient solution. We foster the habit of not eating on time, don't have time to cook or prep – the list goes on. Our health pays the price: overweight, stressed, and just surviving.

What If There Was a Solution?

What if you had a solution that fits your busy lifestyle? What if it gently reminded you of what's important? What if you took just a few minutes to reflect? What if you had a coach in your pocket?

A Time of Immense Challenge: My 2020

Back in 2020, I had one of the most difficult times of my life. COVID, personal lif...

I am often get asked how I stay in shape. It's true, I've never been overweight, but keeping a healthy weight requires mindful choices. Today, I want to share the 3 key pillars of my fitness routine that I also incorporate into my teaching.

Taking a Step Back: The Power of "Why"

Before diving in, it's important to acknowledge the mental aspect of fitness. Your "why" is your motivation, the reason you push yourself. Maybe it's keeping up with energetic kids, like mine! Whatever your reason, a strong "why" fuels your persistence and keeps you going.

Nutrition: You Are What You Eat

We've all heard it before – nutrition is 80% of the battle, especially for weight loss (we'll delve into common weight loss mistakes next month, stay tuned!). Eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require making conscious choices.

The Three Pillars of My Fitness Routine (and Fitness for Life Flow)

My fitness approach is built on three main elements, which interestingly mirror the F...

Happy Earth Day! Today, let's celebrate the incredible planet that sustains us. It's the source of our air, water, and everything we need to thrive.

Thinking of Wellness in a New Light

Today's message takes a slightly different spin on wellness. Our well-being is deeply connected to the health of our planet. After all, our planet is our home, and a healthy home is essential for a healthy us!

Fun Tips for a Clean and Happy Home Environment

Here are some fun tips to keep your home environment clean and positive, inspired by a conversation with my friend and local realtor, Rockie Marvel.

Air:

• Breathe Easy: Swap harsh cleaners for non-toxic options to avoid harmful fumes. 
• Natural Air Purifiers: Consider houseplants like snake plants or peace lilies to improve air quality and add beauty. Benefits: fresh air, reduced allergies, and increased energy. 
• Embrace Sunlight: Open curtains and blinds during the day for natural light, which can boost mood and energy levels. 

Food:

• Pu
...

In Friends in Health group, I recently asked about the biggest struggles with fitness. The overwhelming response? "Consistency and scheduling it in."

We all know exercise makes us feel better, healthier, and happier. So why isn't it a non-negotiable part of our lives?

Here's the thing: we might be focusing on the wrong thing.

We immediately think of "formal fitness": scheduling gym time, driving there, working out – the classic image.

But what if I told you that if you haven't found consistency with formal fitness yet, it's because you've got it flipped?

Baby Steps: Awareness and Movement

Instead, begin with awareness and intentional movement. Simply by moving more throughout your day, you're on the right track.

Here are some ideas:

• Park farther away and walk.
• Take the longer route to the bathroom.
• Use a standing desk (if possible).
• Do "microwave circles" while waiting for your food.
• Click here for more ideas about how to get your daily step goal.

Mast...

 I want to introduce you to my dear friend and colleague, Bob. We'll see how he's using functional fitness and bodybuilding within my program to achieve his fitness goals as a 73-year-old in extra-ordinary health conditions. 

"I'm a 73-year-old man who values functioning at my highest potential. A pillar of my mental and physical fitness regimen is working out with Nadya, which I have done for the past five years.

What I appreciate the most about her training is her philosophy of whole-body, functional fitness which exercises all muscle systems in all planes of motion. The balance of cardio and strength training, with body weight and dumbbells, makes each new exercise session interesting and challenging. All the variety leads to optimal muscle confusion, and occasional enjoyable cognitive confusion as my brain processes the movements I'm asking it to do.

This has been the best physical training I have experienced in my life. I'd highly recommend it to everyone, but particularly...

I want to share my fitness story: a story about overcoming self-doubt, embracing movement, and proving that it's truly never too late to start your fitness journey, or any journey for that matter.

 

Prefer to listen?

 

Believe it or not, I wasn't always the fitness enthusiast I am today. In fact, gym class was my least favorite subject in school. Running felt like torture, and let's not even mention sit-ups! I remember dragging my feet to class and feeling discouraged.

Fast forward to my 40s, and things hadn't changed much. Then, a friend invited me on a Wednesday morning run. I was hesitant – 5 kilometers seemed like an impossible feat! After each run, my hips were hurting – the kind of pain no one wants to feel.

One day at the gym, I saw a sign for "leg day" classes. Perfect, I thought! This was the turning point. For the first time, I learned proper form – how to run correctly, how to avoid injuries, and how to truly engage my muscles and use gravity to my advantage for move...

 We recently explored the emotional connection behind comfort food cravings. While these foods bring back happy memories, sometimes they can lead to overeating.

So, how can you break the cycle and eat less without feeling deprived? The answer might surprise you: breathing.

The Power of a Breath

Taking a mindful breath before you eat might seem insignificant, but it can have a profound impact on your relationship with food. Our nervous system has two key branches:

• Sympathetic (fight-or-flight): This is activated during stress, hindering digestion and overall well-being.
• Parasympathetic (rest-and-digest): This promotes relaxation and optimal digestion.

By taking deep breaths before eating, you activate the parasympathetic system, leading to several benefits:

• Reduced Cortisol: Deep breathing lowers stress hormones, potentially boosting metabolism and improving digestion.
• Relaxation and Focus: A few mindful breaths can promote relaxation, allowing you to focus on the...