Author: Bandera Admin

History of the Holidays

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The holiday season is filled with symbols and traditions. But what’s the history behind traditions like kissing under the mistletoe or leaving out milk and cookies come from? Here’s the history behind some of the most popular holiday symbols and traditions.  

Gingerbread Men 

Ginger made its way to Europe during the Middle Ages, and was incorporated into cookies, Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I was the first to have ginger cookies shaped into the iconic gingerbread man shape to represent foreign dignitaries. 

Wreaths 

This symbol goes all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome when athletes would adorn a crown of leafy branches to celebrate their victories. Wreaths were also a symbol of spring’s rebirth that pagans would put out in honor of the winter solstice. The wreath was later adapted by Christians to count down the weeks leading up to the birth of Jesus.  

Dreidel 

A dreidel is a spinning top that has a long history in the Jewish culture and the holiday of Hanukkah. This four-sided top has a different Hebrew letter on each side. The legend behind the dreidel goes all the way back to the time of the Maccabees (167-160 BCE), when Jewish children were forbidden from studying the Torah. The children defied this degree and studied the Torah anyway. When the Greek oppressors would come close to the praying children, the kids would put down their prayer books and start playing with the spinning dreidel, claiming they were just playing a game. Today, children play the dreidel game during Hanukkah as a reminder of their past. This tradition is made extra sweet by the candy children can win during the game. 

Stockings 

The tradition of hanging stockings can be attributed to a story about Saint Nicholas. It’s believed that the real Saint Nick snuck down the chimney of a poor widower who didn’t have enough money to pay dowries for his three daughters to get married. After coming down the chimney, Saint Nicholas saw the women’s socks drying on the mantel; he filled them with gold coins and left. The next morning the widower and his daughters were delighted to find the gold that would make it possible for the women to get married. 

Poinsettias 

The official Christmas flower originated in Mexico. Legend has it that a poor girl left a bundle of weeds at a nativity scene as an offering to baby Jesus , and the weeds miraculously transformed into a bright red flower.   

Holiday Gift Guide (For Everyone On Your List)

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

The holidays are about much more than the presents under the tree, but there’s no denying the joy that comes with giving and unwrapping a truly thoughtful gift from a loved one. Nonetheless, it isn’t always easy to know exactly what to give some of your family and friends. The following gift guide might give you some inspiration and help you to find something special for everyone on your list.  

For The Host 

Selecting a gift for the host of your holiday gathering is one thing, but what about for those family members or friends who love to entertain year-round? Gifts for the host typically include wine, soaps, and kitchen gadgets, but this year is the perfect time to think outside-the-box and give them something they can cherish forever. 

Bar Cart Details

Bar carts have become a popular piece in homes everywhere, and especially ones that are decorated with bottles and cocktail tools that reflect the homeowner’s style. For the host in your life, chances are the details on their bar cart don’t just look amazing, but are also practical items they might use frequently when entertaining guests. Some gifts you might consider adding to their collection this holiday season include cocktail stirrers made of elegant glass, a wine decanter to sit beautifully atop their bar cart or counter, or unique glassware that stands out from the typical crystal.  

Cooking Class

Getting to spend quality time with a friend or family member while learning a new culinary skill is the perfect gift for the chef in your life. You can gift them a cooking class at one of Knoxville’s cooking schools like The Cutting Edge, where you can take a class on everything from classical French seafood to savory and sweet doughnuts.  

 

For The Chef

The chef of the group may often seem like the easiest person to shop for, but there are only so many kitchen gadgets, dinnerware, and samplers out there. Stray away from the typical “chef’s gifts” this season and consider what else may really brighten their holiday season.  

Personalized Recipe Binder

Show your support for the chef in your life’s passion by gifting them a personalized binder for them to house their favorite recipes. Whether they are looking for a place to save grandma’s chocolate chip cookie recipe, or to tuck away their notes on how to make the perfect mac n cheese, a recipe binder will be a treasured item they’ll go to time and time again. You can curate the perfect binder with their initials, an image of their favorite dish, or a Julia Child’s quote – local companies like Make it Yours will help design the perfect personalized item. 

For The Health & Wellness Guru 

Gifting items or experiences that help the health and wellness guru in your life get the most out of their self-care will be treasured. Everyone’s version of self-care looks a little different, so consider the activities that the person in your life enjoys the most.

Exercise And Adventure 

If the health and wellness guru in your life loves exercising and spending time in nature, they’ll love the outings offered by local companies like the Knoxville Adventure Collective. Gift them a guided e-bike tour, a kayak trip down the Tennessee river, or a mountain biking class.  

 

Relax And Rewind 

Taking care of your mind and spirit is a key part of health and wellness. To help the health and wellness guru in your life channel their inner Zen you can gift a relaxing massage, acupuncture, or an afternoon at a spa like Wake Foot Sanctuary.  

For The Jetsetter 

The person in your life that’s always off to the next adventure likely has their travel essentials down pat, but you can give unique items that will remind them of where they’ve been and keep their wanderlust alive while they are enjoying time at home.  

 

The Thrill of the Hunt

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Hunters anticipate the onset of autumn all year long, and has we begin to welcome hunting season back to the southeast, it’s time to head outside and reconnect with nature. Our region is home to various environments and locations that are perfect for some of the most beautiful game to thrive. Whether you’re looking for quail, pheasant, or deer, take advantage of all the south has to offer. Here are some of the finest spots and lodges you might consider traveling to for your first hunts.  

Pine Hill Plantation  

Donalsonville, GA

Located in South Georgia, Pine Hill Plantation is the luxury lodging destination for hunters looking to get in on the quail season. The property includes four lodges that are rented out to individual parties, and each with their own house staff and sous-chef. Guests can take advantage of the 6,000 acres of prime quail habitat, all while getting that private plantation experience and feel.  

 

Primland  

Meadows of Dan, VA 

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Primland offers deluxe accommodations for hunters hoping to put their skills into action. Head into the wild with semi-guided excursions to hunt deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail, with other archery, air rifle, and sporting clay opportunities too. When the day turns to night, guests can relax and admire the estate’s 12,000-acre space or enjoy its fine-dining restaurant, serene spa, and observatory tower.  

 

Deer Creek Lodge 

Sebree, KY 

Deer Creek Lodge is an award-winning destination in western Kentucky. With a selection of extravagant spaces and unparalleled hunting experiences, guests are given the trip of a lifetime. From Orvis endorsements to other high honors, Deer Creek Lodge has established itself as a quality location for hunting pheasant, quail, duck, and turkey, as well as for creating an unrivaled atmosphere for the season.  

Caryonah Hunting Lodge  

Crossville, TN 

Located in our very own Volunteer State, Caryonah Hunting Lodge is the exotic haven you’ve been looking for. Catering to hunters of all kinds, you can find a variety of different game across its breathtaking scenery. Guests are given a rare and thrilling hunting experience alongside luxurious accommodations and other adventures such as hiking and fishing. Plus, Caryonah cabins are built with sustainable techniques that bring the charm of the resort’s natural surroundings indoors.  

This is merely a taste of the destinations you may consider traveling to this hunting season. Luckily, you don’t have to go too far to get the big game experience! 

The Harvest Moon at Arcadia Peninsula

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The brilliant Harvest Moon is an illuminating phenomenon that occurs in either September or October, depending on how the lunar cycle lines up with the Gregorian calendar. Unlike other full moons, this one isn’t associated with a specific month and is instead named in relation to the timing of the autumnal equinox, which arrives on September 22nd, 2022.  

It’s called the Harvest Moon because of the abundance of bright moonlight it brings in the early evening, which was a traditional aide to farmers harvesting their summer-grown crops. For several nights, the moonrise comes after sunset, welcoming a particularly beautiful grow across the Peninsula.  

For those in our community getting ready to harvest their crops, the long-awaited Harvest Moon will help to light the way. Here’s a look at some of the vegetation that thrives in our area this time of year – some of which you may already be growing in your own garden.  

Kale 

Kale is merely one of the cooking greens that flourishes at the Peninsula. Some prefer to plant kale in the late winter or early spring, but thanks to Knoxville’s warmer climate, it can also be planted in the late summer for a fall to winter harvest. Kale takes roughly three months to reach maturity from seed, while cuttings will mature in about one month.  

 

Brussel Sprouts 

Brussel sprouts aren’t the easiest crop to grow, but the Peninsula provides the perfect environment for them to succeed. This tasty vegetable requires a long growing season and is considered a cool-season crop, meaning that they produce best when grown for a fall or early winter harvest.  

 

Maple 

Maple trees scatter the Peninsula every year with their beauty. As the leaves start to change, their vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red create an eye-catching scenery that sets the stage for the season. Often seen standing gracefully in front yards, maples are easy to grow and can be useful in many ways – aside from making gorgeous additions to our community. Maple is a popular wood for furniture and cabinetry and makes for fantastic firewood. You can also use the sap of a sugar maple variety to make maple syrup, as well as maple wood chips for adding a smoky flavor to your favorite cuts of meat.  

Knoxville’s Fall Festivities

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If there’s any town that knows how to celebrate the fall season, it’s Knoxville, and there are plenty of upcoming events and happenings to prove it. Here’s a look at what’s in store for this year’s autumn calendar.  

2022 Knoxville Film Festival  

The Knoxville Film Festival is a glittering celebration of the art of independent cinema. With 2022 marking its 19th year, the event has become the largest and most complete film festival in the region. Featuring a panel discussion, two filmmaking competitions, and of course, screenings of independent films, the Knoxville Film Festival is one to add to your fall agenda this year. Tickets are available for purchase online now. 

When

Sept. 16th – 18th, 2022 

Where

Regal Downtown West Cinema 8  

Website

https://www.knoxfilmfest.com  

24th Annual Fall Festival at Maple Lane Farms  

Marking its 24th year, Maple Lane Farms will open its locally famous Corn Maze and other seasonal favorites on the evening of September 30th. This year’s unveiling is especially exciting as it’s a commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World’s Fair. Guests will be able to navigate the Sunsphere shaped Maze all the way through October 31st.  

When

Sept. 30th – Oct. 31st, 2022 

Where

Maple Lane Farms 

Website

https://tnmaplelanefarms.com/#  

2022 Water Lantern Festival  

The Water Lantern Festival is coming to Knoxville. Enjoy a magical night that includes food, games, activities, music, and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope, and dreams reflected upon the water. It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp fall evening.  

When

Oct. 1st, 2022, from 4:30pm – 8:30pm 

Where

Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center 

Website

https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/knoxville.php 

Keith Urban: The Speed of Now World Tour 

Country music lovers, this one’s for you. Keith Urban is bringing his Speed of Now Tour to Thompson-Boling Arena, making for an exciting start to the season. Special guests include Tyler Hubbard and Ingrid Andress.  

When

Oct. 14th, 2022, at 7pm 

Where

Thompson-Boling Arena 

Website

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B005CC3CC6A69EE 

 

2022 Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade & Pet Expo 

The Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade & Pet Expo is a Knoxville favorite, and everyone is looking forward to the cuteness. Catering to our dog-loving community, this year’s parade will promote the invaluable resource of its sponsors, UT Gardens and UT College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as many other nonprofits and businesses in our area. Everyone is invited to enjoy a judged costume parade, an expo of educational booths, pet businesses and rescue groups, food trucks, and more. The event will also include a pet food drive to benefit Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (CAIT). Attendance is free, but there is a small fee for parade participants.  

When

Oct. 23rd, 2022, from 1pm – 5pm 

Where

The UT Gardens, Knoxville 

Website

https://utgardens.tennessee.edu/locations/knoxville/special-events-knoxville/howloween/  

Flower Arrangements for Your Fall Table

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Flower arrangements can enhance the ambiance of any room, especially during the fall season. Once the weather cools, flower arrangements allow you to incorporate natural elements in your home, giving it a chic upgrade for autumn.  

 Whether you prefer to buy your arrangements from a florist or would rather put them together yourself, we’ve gathered some information below to help you find the perfect bouquet for your space. From the flowers you should be looking for to current trends and styles, the following will give you plenty of inspiration for your arrangements.  

Relaxed Elegance 

Reflect the calming, inviting feelings of fall in your home by decorating with bouquets that emulate a relaxed elegance. Start by looking for an urn or vase that has a wide, low rim. This will allow flowers to overflow and hang loosely over the sides, creating a dynamic yet graceful display.  

The vessel should hold structural branches, shrubs, or foliage with colorful leaves or berries that boast autumnal hues. Combine those with large roses that are slightly battered by the cooler weather for an added uniqueness and textural element. Look for robust focal flowers such as chrysanthemum and dahlias that introduce a bit of drama to the arrangement. For a final flourish, search for wispy stems like spindle tree or acer leaves for a whimsical feel.  

With the relaxed elegance style, balance is key. This kind of bouquet can take on several forms and variations, and none of which need to be symmetrical, but the elements should flow together and work proportionally. Hazy hues and smokey tones blend beautifully together, as well as contrasting colors such as vibrant yellows and rich oranges. When in doubt, read the arrangement from left to right, with color, shape, and form effortlessly carrying your eye.  

Dried Flowers 

Rustic elements are an autumn staple in many homes, and dried flowers have become increasingly popular for those looking to achieve a vintage yet sophisticated flair in their home. Not only can they be combined to create a gorgeous piece for your mantel or dining room table, but also a long-lasting bouquet you can alter and revamp throughout the entire season.  

Keep an eye out for pampas grass stems, baby’s breath, preserved eucalyptus, bunny tails, and white nigella. You’ll should also look for colors such as dusty pinks, purples, and blues, which work harmoniously with neutral and warm tones.  

Non-Traditional Elements 

Have fun with your fall flower arrangements and experiment with non-traditional elements to create eclectic, eye-catching bouquet. You can be as adventurous as you want, but an easy place to start is by using a unique vessel such as a birch vase, champagne bucket, or watering can.  

 Look for seasonal items like oak, brunia, and thistle to be combined with anything from vanda orchids, caraluna garden roses, and anemones. Arrangements should be lush and autumnal, but edgy at the same time. Pairings of light and dark tones with complimentary details such as taper candles work together with florals to create an enduring tablescape that’s sure to leave your guests talking.

Warm Weather Cocktails

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There are few better ways to enjoy the summertime heat than with a refreshing cocktail to keep you cool. Whether you prefer to sip on something fruity, herby, or frozen, the flavors of the season make for some of the most exquisite drink combinations. Here are merely a few you might want to try:

Rum Runner 

The Rum Runner is a cocktail that’s rich with both flavor and history. Its name is a nod to the dangerous task of smuggling alcohol across state lines during the Prohibition Era. The practice became known as “rum running,” and is now tied to this classic tropical cocktail too. Staying true to its name, this drink calls for two types of rum to be mixed with fruity liqueurs and fresh juices, creating a beautifully balanced cocktail for even the warmest of days.  

Lavender Gin & Tonic Punch 

The Lavender Gin & Tonic is naturally flavored and takes on a beautiful, eye catching shade of purple. To make this light and refreshing drink, start with the standard gin and tonic ingredients – gin, tonic water, and lime. You’ll then infuse the gin and tonic water with dried lavender, as well as the lime juice with butterfly pea syrup to achieve the cocktail’s gorgeous color. And infusing spirits is actually quite simple. Mix 2 tablespoons of lavender with 1 1/12 cups gin and allow them to sit for anywhere between 5-24 hours. Once it’s finished, pour it through a mesh strainer, letting the gin fall into a class and catching the dried lavender to throw away.  

Cranberry Martini 

The crowd-pleasing Cranberry Martini is both delicious and simple to make. The trick is to use sweetened cranberry juice – not unsweetened. This will produce a decadent taste that balances the flavors of the spirits. You’ll also need freshly squeezed lemon juice, orange liqueur, and of course, gin. The best way to make this cocktail is to add all your ingredients into a pitcher ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Before serving, grab your cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. You’ll then add as much of the mixture as you can, shake for 20 seconds, and then strain into your favorite martini glass. Repeat this process for a perfectly served Cranberry Martini every time. 

Smoky Lemon Mule 

While its namesake isn’t a direct reference to our very own Great Smoky Mountains, the Smoky Lemon Mule earns its title. Made with lemon juice, vodka, finger syrup, ginger beer, and mezcal, its sweet and smoky flavor is great on its own or paired with your favorite barbeque recipes. To get the full effect of the Smoky Lemon Mule, mezcal is key – substituting it for another tequila won’t do. Given the differences in how tequila and mezcal are distilled, their flavors are entirely different, which is the source of the smokiness commonly associated with the latter.  

Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing

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Whether you’re an avid fly fisher or a beginner, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the summer’s ultimate destination for fly fishing – and it’s only a short drive away. With beautiful streams that are plentiful with trout and other exciting catches, you can take your next fishing trip a bit closer to home. Below, we’re sharing some information to help your Great Smoky Mountains fly fishing experience be both a successful and fun one.

The Catches  

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, and especially trout. Its native Appalachian book trout is merely one popular species that attracts fly fishers. This is the only native species of trout in the park, as well as in the Southeast, and is often considered the symbol of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s fish.

Wild, stream-bred rainbow and brown trout are another thriving species in the park’s streams and are often the most sought after. The rainbow trout specifically is the most common fish in the park, and can be found in cool, fast-flowing water of almost all the area’s mountain freestone streams. On the other hand, brown trout are said to be the toughest to catch and are typically the largest.  

Speaking of big catches, you won’t find many trophy trout in the Great Smoky Mountain waters. While there are some large brown trout swimming around, your chances of reeling one in aren’t all that high. This is because small trout are typical of any eastern headwater mountain stream where wild fish run the waters.  

The Best Times to Fish  

Fly fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a year-round activity. There isn’t any time that’s been deemed as the “best.” This means that you can fly fish all summer long and even beyond this season’s end. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at an advantage in this sense because when other fishing hotspots close for the season, you can usually continue to catch trout in the Smokies. Although, different techniques and strategies are still required depending on the season.  

The Sweet Spots  

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is over 521,000 acres with over 700 miles of streams. With that much land to cover, it can be difficult to know where to start. It’s first important to know that the park’s waters have been divided into 19 major streams or watersheds, along with several minor streams. Each spot is different, and while we won’t cover all of them, here’s some information about a few of the streams you might want to visit.

 

Abrams Creek 

Abrams Creek is often considered to be one of the greatest streams in the park. It’s home to quality fish and has a better water chemistry than other streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Given its location and flow of passage, Abrams Creek’s waters have a higher-than-normal PH level, which means there is more food for the trout, and thus, larger fish. In fact, the rainbow trout in Abrams Creek are as large or larger than any found in the park. You’ll also find the waters to be very clear, making even its higher waters fishable.  

Tremont  

Tremont refers to the Middle Prong of the Little River, which is a small to medium size stream formed by the confluence of two small tributary streams, Thunderhead Prong, and Lynn Camp Prong. This stream is a popular spot because of its easy accessibility. It’s also not especially difficult to fish in Tremont but fly fishing can be tough given overhanging tree limbs. Nonetheless, there are plenty of rainbow trout swimming around the Tremont waters, and you may even be met with a surprise brown trout if you choose to fish in the lower part of the stream.  

Little River 

The East Prong of the Little River is one of the largest streams in the park. It’s a popular and heavily fished location because of its accessibility, but also because it’s known to have some of the largest brown trout in its waters. Rainbow trout are also in abundance at Little River, and brook trout can be found in its uppermost part. Depending on where you are, the difficulty of fishing at Little River ranges from easy to hard, but visitors usually have success.  

 

Little Pigeon River 

The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River is one of the best trout streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll find rainbow trout in its lower and middle sections, as well as brook trout in its uppermost part and some of its tributary streams. This population at Little Pigeon River makes it a prime fishing spot and probably the second most popular in the park.  

 

No matter when or where you choose to fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can use resources like flyfishingsmokymountains.com to find all the details you need, as well as tips and techniques to help you fly fish like a pro.  

The Garden That Keeps On Growing

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This summer, we’ve been experiencing some record-breaking heat here in Knoxville. While the high temperatures aren’t unfamiliar to us, they can be a shock to your garden – and as we head deeper into the season, Knoxvillians know the heat won’t be letting up anytime soon. Chances are, you put a lot of work into your garden, and the sweltering climate shouldn’t be a reason to give up on it. To keep your spirits (and plants) from wilting, the following tips will help to make sure your garden thrives through the summer and beyond.

 

Water Wisely 

There are small strategies for watering your garden that can make a world of difference. First, you want to make sure you water your plants early in the morning. Examine them first thing when it’s cooler, and if you noticed any wilting, water those plants deeply. This will encourage roots to grow deeper and get away from the surface of the hot soil.

You should also avoid wetting your plants’ leaves when possible because wet leaves increase the chances of disease. If you use a sprinkler system to water your garden, leaves will obviously get wet, but running your sprinklers in the early morning will give the foliage plenty of time to dry before the sun starts beating. 

Watching your garden for an “indicator” plant throughout the day is another way to ensure you’re watering wisely. Your indicator plant is the first plan to wilt as the soil becomes dry. When its leaves begin to droop, that’s when you’ll know it’s time to water. Healthy plants will recover from wilting once the evening’s cooler air rolls in.

Weed Often

Weeding isn’t a particularly loved part of gardening, but it’s a process of high importance if you want to keep your plants growing strong. Just like your garden’s beauties, weeds drink water, and they will fight with domestic plants for hydration. To ensure they don’t steal any water away, make a habit of checking your garden for weeds while you’re watering in the early morning hours. Doing so will allow you to throw weeds out on a rolling basis before they can begin to spread and cause trouble.

Don’t Skip Mulch

Mulch is a sort of protector for your garden. It provides a barrier between the hot sun and the soil, keeping it cooler and preventing it from rapid drying. Mulch around your garden with grass cuttings, straw, or shredded leaves, but be careful to keep it loose. Laying it on too thick or allowing it to become compacted will get in the way of water reaching the underlying soil. 

Fertilize & Feed

Water isn’t the only component of a healthy plant diet. Actively growing plants need a steady supply of nutrients, which makes fertilizer a key factor too. Soil, water, and air provide plenty of nutrients on their own, but you’ll need to provide the rest. And since not all plants should be fed the same, it’s important to understand the necessary nutrients and amounts of each. Here’s some basic information to start.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients include nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, all which plants need in large amounts. Nitrogen helps to synthesize proteins, chlorophyll, and enzymes, but is often likely to be inadequate in garden soils. Phosphorus promotes flowering and fruiting, strong root growth, and the transfer of energy within the plant. Phosphorus deficiency is rare, and an overdose can be bad news. Finally, potassium helps to regulate the synthesis of proteins and starches that make plants sturdy. It also increases resistance to disease, heat, and cold. 

Secondary Nutrients

Secondary nutrients are less likely to be deficient in most soils, but they’re needed in nearly the same amount as macronutrients. Calcium is one nutrient in this group that’s critical in cell formation and growth. Magnesium is another and is responsible for forming the core of the chlorophyll molecules in the cells of green leaves. The final secondary nutrient is sulfur, which acts with nitrogen in the manufacture of protoplasm for plant cells. 

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are needed in small amounts with excess quantities being potentially toxic. They include zinc, manganese, iron, and for some plants, boron. 

Choosing the right fertilizer for your garden may be easier with the help of a local professional here in Knoxville. There are various plant nurseries and garden centers around who can offer their advice and expertise. Equip them with knowledge of what type of plants and soil you have, as well as any amendments you might currently be using, to allow them to steer you in the right direction. 

Make Exercise a Habit Once and for All

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How to Stick to Exercse Habits 

Habits are difficult to form, especially when it comes to exercising. Nonetheless, being active can become part of your daily routine for life. Here’s some expert guidance to help you form exercise habits and stick to them. 

 

Identify Your Motivation 

The key to making a true lifestyle change is having a self-driven reason to adjust your habits. According to Tori Hinchman, director of fitness and wellness on Thomas Jefferson University’s East Falls campus, it’s best to think about what you want to achieve or improve for yourself, and make sure you aren’t working solely on external motivations.  

Making a change because someone else may have told you to isn’t enough. If you want to be successful in this endeavor, it’s important that you find your “why” – Why is this something you care about and why make changes now? 

 

Find a Routine You Can Maintain

Your exercise habits should be built around you. Meaning, if you don’t want to invest in an expensive gym membership or force yourself to love running – DON’T. There are plenty of ways you can actively exercise without sacrificing your money or interests, such as taking a long walk around your neighborhood or jogging through the park.  

Finding your ideal routine involves figuring out the best time to exercise too. Some prefer early mornings and others choose late nights, but the answer to this question varies for everyone. Consider your personal preferences and take inventory of your day-to-day tasks. Hinchman recommends adding small exercises into your regular schedule to start, and over time, it will grow into a bigger, more guaranteed part of your day.