 |
 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. (kahorowitz@gmail.com) www.kathyhorowitz.com. |
| Now that spring has arrived, everyone’s busy cleaning their flowerbeds, raking up last winter’s leaves, planting flowers, and basking in the warmth of the season. Here are some ideas to fine-tune your mind and body so that you’ll be ready to sit back, relax and be ready for summer. • Once or twice a week, or as time allows, go to the gym for that 30 to 45-minute aerobic workout and then double-up your efforts by hiking the trails afterward. Enjoy your favorite iPod tunes while on the machines, but when you’re out in nature listen to the Robins, Cardinals, and Carolina Wren sing their songs. Tune in to your thoughts as you work out unresolved problems. Walk sans earphones so you sync body and mind. Think of this exercise as a tandem bicycle, two for the price of one. I guarantee you’ll feel energized mentally and physically. If you’re unable to fit in that extra workout, park your car as far away as possible when shopping and/or doing errands and always take the stairs. • Take up a new hobby. Have you always wanted to learn how to paint or draw, but were too embarrassed to try? Dozens of Long Island bars and restaurants host painting parties where a certified instructor will make your time at the easel fun, not intimidating (www.paintnite.com). Recently while at a bowling alley, my partner and I watched an entire class paint water scenes that were far from amateur. • Once a month, whether you’re in a committed relationship or single, have a ladies’ or guys’ night out be it bowling, dinner, movie, or whatever strikes your mood. It’s rejuvenating to reconnect with old friends. Don’t forget to give yourself a big hug. You deserve it! • For both mind and body, visit a museum or arboretum where you can learn something new (I recently learned that the River Birch is a tree that grows along, yes, rivers, as well as the names of different orchids when we visited the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx). NYBG (www.nybg.org) allows you to learn while exploring the grounds. The Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn (www.nassaumuseum.org) offers public programs and has beautiful trails. Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington (www.heckscher.org) is always rife with new exhibits and what better place to do laps around the pond and then head into the village afterward for lunch or dinner. Whatever your taste, go out and be adventurous. Your body and mind will thank you for it! |
|
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 