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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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We see a lot of pups at our pet-friendly apartments in Phoenix, AZ. While it's never a good idea to give your dog table scraps, there are a few foods that are good for you and Fido, too. When you're giving your dog "people food," make sure you're preparing it in a way that's healthy for your four-legged family member.
Here are a few ideas:
Eggs
These protein-packed pockets of goodness can stave off hunger and keep you energized throughout the day. If you want to share your bounty with your canine, set some time aside to hard boil a dozen.
Humans: Chop hard-boiled eggs and add to salads.
Dogs: Hide medicine inside the egg whites, or simply set a whole hard-boiled egg on top of his food.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is filled with healthy beta carotene (that's where it gets its vibrant orange hue). Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is tasked with helping living organisms produce healthy skin cells and solid immune systems.
Humans: Go for a pumpkin-infused smoothie.
Dogs: Bake ready-to-eat pumpkin dog treats.
Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support positive immunity, healthy skin and luscious hair (or fur, as the case may be). Although it's probably not a protein you'll have on your daily menu at home, it's a great item to share with your pooch when the occasions arise.
Humans: Glaze the fish with honey and garlic to create a taste that's perfect for a full dinnertime meal.
Dogs: Be sure to set aside some salmon before you put the other ingredients to work. Baked or broiled salmon with nothing else on it is perfect for a dog that's deserving of a special treat.
Chicken & Rice
Chicken's a great protein that can make any almost any dish heartier. Pair it with rice and you've got a meal that'll last for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow.
Humans and dogs: Boil thin chicken strips in water until they're thoroughly cooked. Prepare rice in the same water so it's already infused with the flavor of the chicken. Add barbecue sauce or interesting ingredients to your own plate. Your pet's treat won't require any additional seasoning.
Element at Deer Valley is a stunning apartment complex that comes complete with all the conveniences you'll need to feel comfortable, whether you're working from home or enjoying time off with your pooch. Take a look at the awesome amenities our Phoenix apartment community offers!
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Did you know the way you decorate your bedroom can affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep? It’s true. From the colors you use to the items you bring into your bedroom, having the wrong décor can sabotage your beauty rest. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, consider the following bedroom decorating ideas to improve the quality of your sleep as well as the amount of sleep you get at night.
Remove all Electronics From Your Bedroom
Many people not only bring their mobile phones into their bedrooms with them at night, but also have televisions, laptops, personal computers, tablets, and more. Get rid of all of them. They aren’t the sleep aids you intend them to be and actually serve as distractions to the sleep you’re trying to get.
Decorate in Soothing Colors
Bright, bold, and vivid colors, even in the dark, can become distractions from your ability to sleep. They draw the eye when lights are on and capture the imagination when lights are off. Your bedroom needs to be a room filled with soothing colors and imagery.
Clear Out the Clutter
Clutter comes in many forms. In the bedroom, it is easy to find actual clutter from clothes, papers, and other items on every surface, as well as visual and sound clutter. You want to get rid of all these things to create a space that is relaxing for your mind and body. Clean up your bedroom and eliminate the things that aren’t conducive to your good night’s sleep.
Turn Down the Lights
Stop using harsh, bright, overhead lights close to bedtime. This triggers the brain into a full state of wakefulness. Invest in light dimmers or bedside lamps instead. Save the bright overhead lights for morning time instead, when your body and mind are trying to wake up and face the day.
Little changes in your bedroom décor can make it easier for you to go to sleep at night and help you get the good night’s sleep you need. Contact us today to explore bedroom floorplans and options at our apartments in Phoenix, AZ to help you find the home that’s right for you.
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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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