Spring is here, the sun is shining and it is time to get outdoors and exercise, right? Did you know that while this time of year is ideal for exercising many people find it difficult to stay motivated when the temperatures rise and there are so many “other” things to do.

To get or stay on track, try these 10 tips motivational tips!

1.       Remember your goal.

2.       Change up your workout.

3.       Find a workout buddy.

4.       Hire a personal trainer.

5.       Take your workout outside.

6.       Make a date night and train as partners at the gym.

7.       Keep your gym sneakers and exercise clothes out and always in site so they are a constant reminder.

8.       Post motivational quotes around your home.

9.       Set an appointment in your calendar for your workout.

10.   Sign up for an event.

I recently came across this article on the many benefits of a cucumber and had to share. Has anyone tried any of these?

Is the cucumber the "new" superfood???

1. Fat busting: Do you ever wonder why women put cucumbers on their eyes to relieve puffiness? The photochemical in cucumbers makes the collagen in your skin tighten, thus the lack of puffiness. Did you know that you can rub a cucumber on a problematic spot of cellulite anywhere on your body to lessen the visibility of it? Did you also know that it has the same effect on wrinkles? Wow, it makes purchasing those fifty dollar creams seem a little silly, doesn’t it? You can also rub a little bit under your kiddo’s eyes after a long bout of crying to avoid that puffy ‘I cried for an hour straight’ look.

2. Defogger: Do you get annoyed when you get out of the shower and you have to fight the fog on the mirror? Who has time for that when the kids will be awake at any moment? Try rubbing a slice of cucumber on the mirror before you hop in and not only will you get a fog-free mirror, but you’ll have a nice smell that will boost your mood.

3. Headaches: If you suffer from headaches from chasing your babies all day, eat half of a cucumber before bed. Cucumbers are high in B vitamins, sugar, and electrolytes, and they replenish the nutrients missing in your body to help you beat that headache that’s been threatening to take over.

4. WD-40 replacement: Did you know you can get rid of a squeak by rubbing a cucumber on the hinge? Wow, now you don’t have to tear your garage apart looking for that little can with the red straw, and the baby won’t wake up when you slowly open the nursery door to check on him.

5. Crayon on the walls: Take an unpeeled cucumber and rub the crayon off of the walls in the event that your kiddo left you some art. You can also use this technique to erase a pen mistake.

6. Halitosis killer: Take a slice of cucumber and put it on the roof of your mouth. Hold it there with your tongue for 30 seconds. The photochemical that you love for cellulite and puff reduction will also kill the bacteria that is causing your bad breath.

7. Tarnish remover: If you’re finding tarnish on your stainless steel kitchen faucets and appliances? Rub it off with a cucumber slice. Not only will it remove years of tarnish, it will leave it streak free and your hands will thank you, and your kids won’t be put at risk from a dangerous chemical.

8. Energy booster: If you’re feeling tired in the afternoon, don’t give your local coffee shop your five bucks. Instead, grab a cucumber. There are just enough carbohydrates and B vitamins to give you a longer-lasting and healthier boost of energy than soda, coffee, or those health hazard energy drinks.

9. Munchy madness: Slice some up and take them in a small plastic container to the movies if your theater doesn’t offer healthy alternatives to munching on butter soaked popcorn.

10. Frugal facial: Slice up a cucumber and boil it in a pot of water. The chemicals inside of the cucumber will mix with the steam. Remove the pot from heat and lean over it, letting the steam hit you. Your skin will be more radiant and healthy, and you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

11. Shoe polish: Cut a slice off of your cucumber and rub it on your shoe. It will not only shine it up, but it will repel water.

12. Pest control: Put three or four slices of cucumber in a small pie tin and place them in your garden. The chemicals in the cucumber have a reaction that pests hate. You won’t smell it, but it will drive them from your garden all year long. Replace them periodically.

13. Sunburn: Sometimes sun block doesn’t always protect your little ones from sunburn. If you have burnt little kiddos you don’t have any aloe, rub some cucumber on them. Many doctors even use cucumber to treat patients with irritated skin and sunburns.

14. Blood pressure: Cucumber has been long used to treat high blood pressure. If you have it, add cucumbers to your daily diet. There is also ongoing research into the use of cucumbers for lowering cholesterol.

Do you have a job that keeps you seated and infront of a computer most of the day? If so, reenergize and renew yourself with these mid-day stretches.

1. Side Neck Stretch

A side neck stretch is a great way to keep you energized and alert at work. To do this exercise, start by sitting tall in your chair with your head directly over your shoulders and your shoulders directly over your hips. Take a few deep breaths, and slowly lower your right ear to your right shoulder. You should feel a stretch along the left side of your neck. For a deeper stretch, bring your right hand to the top of your head, and gently pull the head down toward the right shoulder. Hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds before switching to the opposite side. Do another complete set of the stretch in order to achieve optimal results.

2. Chest Stretch

A chest stretch is another one of the great office stretches you can do, especially if your job requires you to sit at a computer for long periods of time. For this stretch, start by lifting your arms up so that your elbows are at shoulder height and your hands are reaching overhead with your palms facing forward. Slowly pull your elbows behind your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together. As with the above stretch, hold this for at least 15 seconds before taking a short break, and then doing another repetition.

3. Back Stretch

A back stretch makes another good stretch for office workers. Sitting in your chair all day can cause major back pain, and this stretch can help to alleviate some of that pain. Start by bringing your palms together in front of your chest with your elbows completely extended. Lace your fingers together, and then flip your palms out so that the palms are now facing away from your body. Slowly reach your arms overhead, so your hands are reaching for the sky. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds, rest and repeat another time.

4. Hamstring Stretch

A hamstring stretch is a great, easy exercise that can be done almost anywhere and is guaranteed to make you feel energized and alert. Start by standing tall with your feet under your hips, and spaced approximately one foot apart from each other. Make sure your toes are facing forward. Take a few deep breaths, and as you exhale, slowly bend from the waist. Allow your arms to reach down for the ground, resulting in a stretch along the back of your upper thighs. Hold this pose for fifteen seconds, before taking a short break and coming to an upright position. Do another repetition of the hamstring stretch in order to achieve optimal results.