Top 10 Ways To Be Active (and Stay Active)

1. Choose a consistent time

Try to plan your work outs for the same time each day. Working out will become part of your routine and help you to maintain an active lifestyle. 

2. Create action plans 

Make a goal (i.e. loose 5 lbs), but most importantly, decide HOW you will accomplish it! 

*Tip: Use the FITT principles as a guide. Frequency of workouts (# of workouts/week), intensity (light, moderate, vigorous), time (how long), type (what kind of exercise). 

Example: 

F: 4 times per week

I: Moderate intensity 

T: 45 minutes/workout session

T: Jogging and/or cycling


3. Do morning workouts, when possible

If you have the option, do your workout in the morning. You are more likely to make excuses to miss it later in the day. 

4. Track your progress

Post workout, write down what you did. The more specific the better! At the bare minimum, mark an "X" on the calendar for every workout you complete. Look back and be proud of what you have accomplished. Look forward to future workouts with more confidence. 

5. Make activity part of your routine 

Can't find a block of time to be physically active? Build it into your day! Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk! Take the stairs instead of the elevator! Make it your goal to complete 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day, in at least 10 minute bouts. 

6. Plan active get togethers

Be active when you get together with your friend(s). For instance, get coffee "to go" and walk!

7. Rely on your friends and family 

Ask friends and family to play a role in your active lifestyle! Their encouragement, knowledge, companionship or practical assistance (i.e. driving you to the gym) may be what you need to be active and stay active! 

8. Anticipate obstacles

Anticipate a day when your workout plan falls through. What could the reason be? How will you cope with it? Think about barriers that could come up before they happen! This will help to maintain your active lifestyle. Don't let yourself relapse into a sedentary living pattern! Get back to your workout routine the next possible day! 

9. Buddy up

Join a group work out class or find someone to work out with! This will strengthen your commitment to being consistently active. It is also an opportunity to socialize. Still, be confident that you are able to be active independently.  

10. Use your resources 

Canada's Physical Activity Guide provides information on the benefits of being physically active, suggestions on the amount of physical activity you should complete, exercise intensities and more. Use this knowledge and apply it to you! Use health care professionals for more individualized information. Use online resources to track your progress. 


How do you stay active?

Top 10 Decorating Tips

1. Draw inspiration

Inspiration can come from photographs, nature, pieces of art, or even fashion. Starting with this will help to create a colour pallet for the space and (hopefully) make it easier to decorate. 

Sedona, Arizona

2. Borrow ideas 

Decorating experts, like Nate Berkas, or as seen on HGTV, offer inspiration, ideas, and photos that can be used to start or continue your decorating process. 

3. Be patient

Decorating can be, and often is, a long process. It may take time to find the right elements for your space. Buy something when you know it is the right fit. 

4. Decide on a vibe

Sleek and sophisticated? Bright and vibrant? Tranquil and relaxing? Benjamin Moore offers advice on how to create the feeling you want your room to offer. 

A warm, inviting, country feel
My family schoolhouse

5. Choose colour last

When picking out paint colours, consider existing elements in the space. These items include (but are not limited to) flooring, furniture, curtains, or lighting. Certain elements, like flooring, may be more permanent than others, which may dictate your colour choices. 

6. Mix old and new

Pieces from the past add individuality and character to a space. This antique bed frame complements the shape of this modern country lamp. 

Bed Frame, Au Lit Fine Linens Outlet

Lamp, Thornbury, Ontario

An antique dresser updated with a fresh coat of paint and new drawer handles. 

7. Consider your lighting 

How you see a colour in the paint store often changes in other spaces. Bring home multiple samples, in the same and different colours, and test its appearance on your walls. Test its appearance in natural light, under different weather conditions, at different times of day and with room lighting.

8. Test out colours

If you are unsure of whether a certain colour is appropriate for a space, buy a small paint sample to test how it looks. This should make you confident in your colour selection.  

*Colour Tip: Benjamin Moore's "Historical Colours" and "Designer Classics" have more layers and interest, than "Affinity" or "Colour Preview," and pair nicely with "Off-White Colours". 

9. Use pops of colour

Pops of colour add interest to a room and can be easily modified over time, if your taste changes. Consider using colourful cushions, lamp shades, throw blankets, or an accent wall to add colour to a space.  

10. Bring the outside in 

Plants are an easy way to bring life into a space and help to purify the air. If you're looking for something lower maintenance, fake plants are a good approach to add colour.

Plant life in a Toronto apartment

How would you decorate your space? 

Top 10 Ways To Build Your Wardrobe

1. Start with neutral colours

Neutral garments offer the most versatility, since they complement any colour. They are classic pieces that make any outfit look put together. 

2. Use pops of colour

Nothing completes a neutral outfit like a pop of colour. One to two colours against a "plain jane" outfit commands attention, without looking busy. Consider using colour in your belts, shoes, purses, jewellery and scarves. 

3. Know when to buy something

It is important to be selective about what you buy. Consider whether it is a need or a want. And consider whether it is a trend or timeless.

4. Look for staple tank tops 

Tank tops can be worn year round, if you find the right one. Consider its fit and fabric. Consider if it can be layered. And consider if it can be worn on multiple occasions with multiple pieces in your wardrobe. 

5. Choose pieces that are versatile

Consider existing pieces in your wardrobe. Consider whether it can be worn year round. And consider whether it complements your body type.

6. Be confident

Never buy something you aren't comfortable wearing. 

7. Visit multiple stores

If you are searching for something specific, visit multiple stores. Until you can't leave a store without something, go to the next. Be patient, not impulsive.

8. Be thrifty about trends

Test out trends at lower price points, in case it no longer appeals to you the following season. For example, consider a denim tunic from Joe Fresh; $29.    

9. Ask a friend

If you're unsure about how something looks, ask for someone else's opinion. It is also helpful if you can return the garment you purchase so you can try it on with existing items in your wardrobe.

10. Clean your closet

Get rid of what you no longer wear. Consider organizing a clothing swap with your friends. Consider selling them online using Facebook or Twitter. Consider selling them at consignment stores. Or consider donating to women's shelters. 

How else can you build your wardrobe?