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Maximizing health and happiness requires a peaceful mindset, and routine meditation can help. We hope our Element Deer Valley community members in Phoenix, AZ, find these easy meditation tips useful.
Be With Yourself for Two Minutes Each Morning
The idea of taking 120 seconds away from distractions may sound simple. But, most people rarely enjoy two full minutes of solitude each and every day. The value of being mindfully present with yourself cannot be understated. Establish a routine in which the first thing you do in the morning after getting out of bed is to take some space. Count your breaths or just close your eyes and enjoy the silence. You may find that once you secure this routine, it will be easier to expand the time and gain a more relaxed start to the day.
Listen to Your Inner Yoda
The iconic, big-eared Jedi master offers a wealth of spiritual advice in the Star Wars franchise. But in terms of mindful meditation, this one might be the most helpful: “Do or do not. There is no try.” One way to interpret that idea is to not get caught up in overthinking everyday tasks or next steps. Simply do them. Being in the moment is a form of meditation that often escapes us because we think it has to be a formal process. You can be restfully meditating while mowing the lawn, painting a fence, or preparing a meal.
Check In With Your Feelings
It’s virtually impossible to enjoy a meditative state if you are feeling emotionally unsettled. If you are worried about a work deadline, in-law visit, or some crucial life event, the likelihood of peace of mind is diminished. This is not to say that you cannot meditate while life’s challenges exist. That would certainly limit all of our meditation windows. Rather than search for the perfect time frame, just check in with yourself about how you truly feel. Ask yourself why the issue or issues are weighing on your mind. With a little personal honesty, you may be able to easily carve out some mental space.
Use the Meditation Nuclear Option
If daily stress is overwhelming, and you cannot get focused, the body scan remains the tried-and-true last meditation resort. Even if you have to get into a private room and lock the door, tuck yourself away and conduct a complete body scan to relax your mind and body. Begin with the soles of your feet and work your mindful inventory all the way to the top of your head.
We hope our Element Deer Valley residents find these meditation tips useful. If you or a friend would like more information about our Phoenix apartments, call us today.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average commute for American workers is rapidly closing in on a half-hour each way. The increasing commute time is a worrisome trend, as multiple studies have shown that long commutes can have negative health consequences. However, you can make use of your apartment amenities to offset these effects and establish a pleasant start and end to your day.
Peaceful Environment
Turn your Phoenix apartment into a private sanctuary. Keep things tidy, decorate with soothing colors, incorporate houseplants and use mood lighting. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll start relaxing the second you step through the door. Your vehicle practically becomes a second home when you have a long commute. Applying these same principles to your car interior can help you feel more at ease while driving.
Exercise
If your apartment community includes a gym, complete a short exercise routine before heading out and after coming back from work. Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and combat the physical and mental fatigue that comes from sitting still in a car for long periods.
Socializing
Humans are social creatures by nature, and simply being in the presence of friends and family can help lift our mood after a hard day at work. Socializing doesn’t have to require anything elaborate. It can be as simple as chatting with neighbors while lounging next to your apartment's pool or inviting friends to play in the communal game room. If you live in a pet-friendly apartment community, take your dog for a nice walk or indulge in some serious cuddle time with your feline friend.
Element at Deer Valley is the pinnacle of apartment living in Phoenix. This pet-friendly community is strategically placed in the North Phoenix area, perfect for anyone looking for a short commute to Scottsdale or Phoenix or needing streamlined access to the airport. Residents enjoy luxurious amenities including an on-site gym, four pools with spas, billiards rooms, BBQ patios and more — making it easy to relax after a long commute. Contact our office today to see which floor plans are still available!
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Phoenix, Arizona, has an amazing climate. The sun shines almost all year long, which means plenty of vitamin D for your body. Unfortunately, if you love the sun, chances are that you’ve had at least one sunburn. Sunburn damages your skin, but it’s also painful. If you’ve been wishing you could get some relief from sunburn, you’re in luck. Aloe vera is an ideal solution. But aloe vera can be hard to find in stores. Don’t worry. In your Phoenix apartments, you can keep your own unlimited supply of aloe vera. All you need is a healthy aloe plant. Once you have the aloe plant, you can use the aloe from it to soothe your sunburn. Here are more reasons to have an aloe plant.
1. Makeup Remover
The aloe in your aloe plant is a great natural makeup remover. Just put some on a clean cotton pad and wipe away every bit of foundation, mascara, lipstick, etc.
2. Face Cleanser
Aloe juice can also be used to clean your skin. It moisturizes as it removes all the dirt and grime off your skin, and it’s gentle enough to use morning and night.
3. Smoothie Ingredient
Add aloe vera juice from your aloe plant to your smoothies. The aloe contains a number of vitamins and minerals that help support good health.
4. Sanitizer
Do you enjoy having clean hands? If so, you’ll love using aloe vera as a hand sanitizer whenever you want to quickly freshen up.
5. Teeth Cleaner
Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial compounds that can work to help keep oral bacteria at bay. Aloe vera gel can’t replace ADA-approved toothpaste, but it can be used as supplemental oral hygiene.
How to Remove the Aloe Vera from the Plant
If you’ve never harvested aloe vera gel from the plant, it can seem daunting. It’s actually pretty easy, however. Simply cut off a tip from a leaf, about four inches down. Next, slit the leaf vertically to reveal the inside of the plant. You’ll see several pustules, each of which contains the aloe vera gel. If you pop the pustules with your finger, you’ll release the gel.
If you’d like to see what a fantastic environment the Phoenix apartments are for growing plants, please contact us for a personal tour.
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Weekend getaways sound great in theory, but it's easy to put them off because they're more work to plan than meets the eye. But there are too many amazing places to discover around the apartments of Phoenix to stay in every weekend. The key is to think of planning as half the fun! Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you branch out.
Think Small
Weekends go by faster than you think, especially when you factor in all the time it takes to get to and from your destination. An hour-long plane ride may sound entirely reasonable until you factor in the drive time to the airport, the time you spend waiting at the airport, and the time it takes to get to your hotel. Plus, you're probably going to want to unwind when you get back on Sunday!
Try aiming for a destination that's within an hour or two, and spend the extra money you save on a guided tour or an upgraded hotel room. Also, don't be afraid to stay close to where you want to be. It may be more expensive to stay in the city than its outskirts, but you'll ultimately have a better trip if you don't have to drive a half-hour or more every time you want to do something.
Turn Off Your Phone
In an age where people are so used to documenting their every move, consider the fact that having your phone on all the time can cause unintentional anxiety. To really get a sense of the place where you're going, you would do better to turn off your technology and just enjoy your surroundings. You're not leaving for a month — you'll only be gone for a weekend! If you absolutely must keep your phone on, make sure you're using it for emergency situations only.
Weekend trips are a great way to connect with the area around you and to take a break from the stressful weeks filled with work. If you're looking for an apartment that values wellness as much as you do, consider Element at Deer Valley. Call today to schedule a tour or to ask questions about our current availability and spacious floor plans.
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We all know how tempting it is to curl up at the end of the day and just plant yourself in front of the television. After a long day at work where nothing seems to go right, few people could blame you for taking some time to yourself. But as satisfying as it can be, it's not a very good choice if you want to promote a more active lifestyle. If you're going to watch your favorite shows or movies, you might as well burn a few calories while you're at it.
Wall Sit
The wall sit is perfect for viewing because you're essentially acting as your own chair. 'Sit' down against the wall and use only your legs and core for your support. You will start to feel the burn immediately with this exercise, and it can be a difficult one to hold. However, it's also one of the most effective ways to strengthen your body and to shed some of those extra holiday calories.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a childhood favorite that can instantly get your blood pumping. Instead of turning up the heat a few notches, try doing 20 jumping jacks in the middle of a commercial break. This achievable goal will hopefully make you rise up again and again during all those sponsored ads.
Planks
If you spend a lot of time in a chair or you're prone to lower back, planks are definitely for you. This is a strengthening exercise that involves holding your body up in a straight position with just your forearms and the tips of your toes. Start with holding yourself for 15 seconds and work your way up to a minute or more. Planks are a little harder to do while watching television (because you typically keep your head down), but they're also a fast enough exercise that you won't miss much.
Phoenix, AZ apartments are a great place to get some exercises done, even if you don't have expensive exercise equipment or workout clothes. If you're looking for an apartment complex that focuses on wellness as much as you do, consider touring the Element Deer Valley. With our sparkling pools and interactive fitness facility, you get everything you need to stay fit.
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You don't have to spend a lot of money on a gym membership when you live at an apartment complex that has its own fitness center. At Element at Deer Valley apartments in Phoenix, Arizona, you can get all the exercise you need without leaving the complex.
Whether you go to the gym on a regular basis or not, you can always find ways to exercise at home. Most people look at exercise as a chore they have to do. Instead, make your exercise time fun and exciting!
Include the kids
Include the kids when you exercise. Take them on walks around the complex and show them the different plants. If you like to do yoga or Pilates, have the kids do the exercises with you. Letting the kids exercise with you sets a good example that they will continue to follow.
Make your vacuum your dance partner
Cleaning your home will always be fun if you dance while you vacuum. Stretch to dust the hard to reach places. Crank up the music and spin your vacuum cleaner across the floor. Before you know it, your house will be clean and you will get the exercise you need to burn off unwanted calories.
Stretch it out
One of the best ways to maintain flexibility is to stretch. Stretch as often as you can. If you are relaxing at home, or even if you are at work, stand up at your chair, raise your arms over your head and stretch as far as you can. Stretch from side to side and reach as far as possible. Stretching not only improves circulation, it also improves both range of motion and flexibility.
If you are searching for the perfect apartment in Phoenix, Arizona, stop in and visit the office at the Element of Deer Valley apartment complex. Schedule an appointment to go over a few of the more popular floor plans. You can even take a tour and learn about all of the amenities the complex offers. Don't delay! Your new home awaits!
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Have you been searching for a gift for someone who enjoys running? Then check out our mini guide for five unique gift ideas for the avid runners in your life.
Headlamp
During the winter, it can be hard for a runner to exercise when it's still light outside. But running in the dark can be dangerous. There may be obstacles on the trail that could cause a runner to trip, and drivers may not be able to see a person who is jogging across a street or on the side of a road. That's why a headlamp can be a godsend for a runner. The best headlamps will be lightweight and should feature an adjustable light, so you can direct the beam where needed.
Gift Certificate for a Massage
Runners often develop tight, sometimes painful knots in their muscles. Show that runner in your life a little love by giving them a gift certificate for a well-deserved massage.
Foam Roller
If you can't afford a gift certificate for a massage, consider purchasing a foam roller so your runner can perform their own do-it-yourself massage on their tight muscles.
Race Bib Album
Do you know a runner who participates in a large number of competitions? Then gift them with a race bib album. An album is an excellent way to keep old bibs organized. And if the competitor writes their time on each bib, the album also becomes an excellent way for them to keep track of their progress as a runner.
Gift Certificate to a Restaurant
If you know your runner will be attending a marathon or other competitive run in the near future, consider purchasing a gift certificate for a restaurant that serves pasta near the location of the event.
Do you also love to run and have been looking for a new place to live in North Phoenix? Then come check out our apartments in Phoenix, AZ, which are set amid a multitude of local trails. We also boast a 24-hour on-site fitness center for those days when you just don't feel like dealing with the elements during your run. We also have four swimming pools that are perfect for cooling down after a run.
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While Phoenix may be far from the coldest area in the country, the change of seasons can still throw off your fitness routine considerably. If you're used to running around your neighborhood after work, you may be hesitant to keep that hobby up once the sun starts going down at 5 p.m. Adjusting your fitness routine can take some effort, but your goals shouldn't disintegrate just because the seasons start to change.
Inspire Yourself
Baggy clothing, unhealthy snacking and pushing back your bedtime will all conspire to land you on the couch during the winter months. Instead, look for small changes you can make to give your body a very different message. Wearing a fitted cardigan is a way to let yourself see the results that you've made after all your workouts. Going to bed earlier is the best way to wake up earlier feeling rested and refreshed so you can go for that morning run. Skipping the potato chips at your midafternoon break and substituting whole grains can give you the energy you need to stay on track.
Sub in Winter Activities
Ice skating, skiing and sledding are all great ways to burn calories while enjoying the new season. And while you may need to travel a few miles to find some snow, the effort will be well worth it. Not only will you be testing and improving your physical stamina, but you'll also be learning or improving upon a skill. If you come back from an activity and your shoes are soaked through, put crushed up newspapers inside them and set them in a warm (but not hot) place. Too much heat can wear down the materials of your expensive shoes.
Another option to keep up with your fitness plans during winter is to start using a gym. Gyms provide consistency so you're less likely to alter your routine no matter what season it is. If you're looking for Phoenix apartments that can give you the workout equipment you need to stay healthy, call Element at Deer Valley. We have all the gear you need to hit your goals, so schedule a tour to learn more about our amenities and floor plans!
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You’ve spent months searching apartments in Phoenix, eager to find the right one. Now you’re getting all settled in and you couldn’t be happier. Even though Phoenix doesn’t experience fall the way many other parts of the country do, this is still prime germ season. The temps will drop, especially at night, making colds and flu more prevalent.
If you want to stay healthy in your apartment this fall, follow these handy tips.
Stock up on Soap
If you don’t have a bar of soap or liquid soap in abundance in your apartment, stock up. You’ll want to wash your hands when you come home from being out. If guests come over, you should encourage them to wash their hands as well.
Hand sanitizer is convenient to have, but it doesn’t kill as many germs as good, old-fashioned soap and water do.
Clean up Your Space
A clean apartment is a happy apartment. Germs can linger for days, one day for the flu and up to seven for the common cold. With a disinfectant, spray and/or wipe down all doorknobs, handles, and other frequently touched surfaces. You should also get into the habit of cleaning your phone, as this is a huge germ hub!
Get Plenty of Sleep
To ward off sickness, your immune system needs to be at its best. If you’re not getting enough sleep every night, you’re only serving to weaken immune health. You should also eat nutritiously and try to keep your stress down so your immune system is running at its peak. This way, even if you do come across someone else who’s sick, hopefully you can fight off the illness.
When it comes to luxe, cozy apartment living in Phoenix, AZ, Element at Deer Valley is as good as it gets. You can choose from apartments with up to four bedrooms and two bathrooms that are perfect for bigger families.
No matter the bedroom count, apartment amenities include mirrored closet doors, energy-efficient windows, walk-in closets, built-in intrusion alarms, a designer kitchen, ceiling fans, French doors, a breakfast bar, a stainless steel refrigerator, a washer and dryer, and nine-foot ceilings.
With great community amenities (like gated access, spas, and four pools) and a generous attitude towards pets, don’t wait to set up your walkthrough at Element at Deer Valley today.
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