| How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Posted: 25 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST Although Thanksgiving is typically thought of as a holiday enjoyed with family and friends, many people celebrate it alone, whether by choice, necessity or circumstance. No matter the reason, you can still have a wonderful, fun, and relaxing Thanksgiving when you're by yourself. [Edit]Relaxing the Day Away - Sleep in if you have the day off. If you don't have anywhere to be today, take advantage of it! Turn off your alarm before you go to sleep and take your time waking up. Lounge around in bed for a while and enjoy the freedom.[1]
- Have a movie marathon or catch up on your favorite shows. Pick out some of your favorite old movies, or pull up your shows on your DVR or Netflix. Curl up in a blanket and pop some popcorn. It's your day to do whatever you want, guilt-free, so don't hesitate to relax with a few of your favorite movies.
- Read a book and sip a drink. Many people don't have time to read on a day to day basis, so this free day is the perfect opportunity. Sit down with a new novel or an old favorite, or a stack of magazines you haven't had time to get to. Sip some hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, or pour a glass of wine or beer.
- Pamper yourself to fully enjoy your free day. Take a warm bath with lots of bubbles. Schedule a massage or a spa day. Practice self care and do whatever makes you feel warm, comforted, and loved.[2]
- Order food if you'd rather not stress about cooking. One of the best parts about doing Thanksgiving alone is that you don't have to worry about preparing a big feast if you don't want to. If you don't feel like making a turkey, order pizza or takeout. Cook up something easy and stress-free at home. Finish it off with an easy, tasty dessert like ice cream.[3]
- If you're ordering out, look up restaurants online a day or so before Thanksgiving to see what will be open. Big chains and fast food places are the most likely to stay open.
- This day is all about you, so eat whatever you want. Don't feel pressured to have a turkey just because you feel like you should.
[Edit]Going Out and Getting Active on Thanksgiving - Go out for dinner if you want company. Being alone on Thanksgiving doesn't mean you have to stay in. If you feel like being around people and taking a break from cooking, look on the Internet or call a few restaurants to see what's open. You can chat with the servers and the other people at the restaurant while enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner that you, unlike most people, won't have to make!
- Catch a movie at the theater. Most major movie theaters are open 365 days a year, so you shouldn't have a problem heading to a showing of a new film. The theater won't be too crowded, so take whatever seat you want. Grab some popcorn or candy on the way in, then sit back and relax!
- Take a walk or go for a jog to get some fresh air. Even if you live in a big city, the sidewalks will probably be pretty empty. Take advantage of it by heading out for a refreshing walk or jog. Head to a nearby park or trail to enjoy some nature on a day where most people are stuck inside.[4]
- Remember to dress warmly if it's cold out!
- Do some holiday shopping or prepare for Black Friday. Look online or call to see what stores are open. Many stores are open on Thanksgiving Day, or open their doors that evening to prepare for Black Friday shoppers. Get in early to avoid the rush and take care of some of your holiday shopping, or buy a few new things for yourself![5]
- If you'd rather not brave the crowds, try online shopping. Some stores even have online deals that don't apply in-store.
- Take a vacation to another city if you have time to plan. If you have the funds to travel, book a flight or take a road trip out of town. Head to a tropical destination, or go skiing in the mountains. Exploring a new area, even if it's not too far from your own town, is a fun and adventurous way to get your mind off of Thanksgiving.[6]
- If you can afford it, going to a foreign country is the best way to distract yourself from Thanksgiving, since it's not celebrated on the same day in any other country.
[Edit]Volunteering and Giving Back - Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Call ahead to see what you can do. You might be asked to make a dish, or simply to show up at a certain time to serve up mashed potatoes and turkey. You'll be able to talk with others, hear their stories, and help them out, even if its in a small way.[7]
- Donate old clothes and other items to Goodwill or another charity. Go through your closet and drawers and toss anything you haven't worn or used in a while into a box. Call the charity to see if they're open on Thanksgiving. If not, label the box neatly and bring it to them when they're open, or arrange for a pick up.[8]
- Visit a nursing home and talk with the residents. Look online to see where the nearest nursing home is to you. Give them a call and ask when visiting hours are on Thanksgiving. Plan a couple things to do during your visit, like helping them decorate for the holidays, sharing some turkey and stuffing, or simply enjoying some music or a movie. Ask the nursing home what activities they allow and recommend.[9]
- Visit an animal shelter or donate pet food. Call up the nearest animal shelter and ask if they're open on Thanksgiving. Tell them you're interested in helping out any way you can and ask for their recommendations. You might be asked to come play with the animals for a while, or for a donation of pet food, toys, or bedding. Giving back to animals in need, and even getting to see or play with them, will help you feel warm and wonderful on Thanksgiving, even if you're alone.[10]
- If the shelter isn't open, set aside some dog or cat food and toys to bring over after the holiday.
[Edit]Getting into the Spirit on Your Own - Celebrate with local friends who are on their own too. A few days before Thanksgiving, ask your friends what their plans are. If you're not the only one spending Thanksgiving alone, ask if they'd like to do something together. You could do a Thanksgiving potluck together, or simply arrange to do something fun during the day, like catching a movie or going out for dinner.[11]
- A local friend might even invite you over for dinner with their family. If you want to accept, say, "Thank you so much. That would be great. What can I bring?" If you'd rather decline, just say, "I really appreciate the invitation. I'm set on just relaxing this holiday season, but maybe I could take you up on that offer next year?"
- Head to a community dinner if you want company. Many smaller towns and communities host a Thanksgiving dinner for residents, often through a church or rec center. Go online to see what options you have locally, or talk to your neighbors and local friends. You can chat with neighbors and friends, meet new people, and enjoy a home-cooked meal and maybe even some games.
- Check ahead of time to see if your community hosts a dinner, in case you have to RSVP.
- Deck out your home with Thanksgiving decorations. Make a Thanksgiving wreath or deck out your table in a festive, fall theme. Bring out Thanksgiving decorations and pictures or items that remind you of wonderful times with your loved ones. A few fun decorations can bring you into the Thanksgiving spirit, even when you're alone.[12]
- Some people find that decorating their home and thinking of their loved ones helps them feel warm and happy during a Thanksgiving spent alone. It's okay if you don't feel the same. If decorating for Thanksgiving makes you feel lonely or miss your family or friends, feel free to skip it.
- Skype or call in if your family is away. If you wanted to join your family or friends for Thanksgiving but weren't able to, use modern technology to feel included. Call them to say hello to everybody and hear their latest news. You can also arrange a Skype or video call to feel like you're right there with them.[13]
- Make a Thanksgiving dinner just for yourself. Make a big turkey and some stuffing, mash a few potatoes and cook up some corn and other veggies. You can make the full meal and enjoy leftovers for a few days (or weeks!), or make a modified Thanksgiving dinner for one with deli turkey, a baked potato, and some corn on the cob or canned corn.
- Make whatever dishes help you feel the most Thanksgiving spirit. Don't forget the pie!
- Watch the Thanksgiving Day parade or football. Tune into the traditional Thanksgiving programming to feel a part of the holiday. Turn on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and watch the elaborate floats and fun performances. If you like sports, tune in for big Thanksgiving matchups in football. Check other channels to see if any festive movies or shows are on.
- If you're alone on Thanksgiving, that means you get to make the day all about you. Instead of feeling sad or lonely, embrace this opportunity to relax and do whatever you want to do.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Join Silver Sneakers Posted: 24 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST If you're 65 years or older and are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicap health care plan, you're eligible for the SilverSneakers program. To join, visit their website and fill in their eligibility form. This directs you to a page where SilverSneakers will give you your ID number and SilverSneakers card, which gives you access to the local gyms that offer the SilverSneakers program. If you don't want to visit a gym to workout, SilverSneakers has lots of online videos available so you can workout at home instead. [Edit]Checking Your Eligibility - Navigate to the SilverSneakers eligibility page to confirm your eligibility. To be able to use SilverSneakers, you need to be 65 years or older and be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that gives you access to the program. SilverSneakers has an easy form you can fill out to find out if you qualify.[1]
- Fill in the requested personal information and click "Submit." To check whether your Medicare plan includes the program, use the SilverSneakers form to fill out your name, birthdate, location, and contact information. Once you submit the form, SilverSneakers will use your information to find out if you qualify.[2]
- If you do qualify, you'll be taken to a page that instructs you on how to set up your profile so you receive your SilverSneakers card number.
- Follow the prompts on the page to set up your account. Once you're approved through the eligibility check, SilverSneakers will direct you to a form that needs to be filled out for you to access your ID number and SilverSneakers card. Fill in information such as your name, birthdate, zip code, and email address.[3]
- Get your SilverSneakers ID number for access to classes. After you've submitted the form, you'll receive your ID number. Your ID number is used to access the content on the SilverSneakers website, as well as to get into gyms and community centers that offer the SilverSneakers program.[4]
- SilverSneakers will send you a physical card with your number on it to bring to local gyms.
[Edit]Finding a Gym Near You - Use the SilverSneakers location tracker to find a gym near you. Not all fitness centers offer the SilverSneakers program. The SilverSneakers website offers a search tool that lets you figure out which gyms or community centers near you offer the program, as well as which types of classes they offer.
- Type your address or zip code into the tracker and press enter. The SilverSneakers location tracker page shows a picture of a map with search bars directly below it. Type your city, zip code, or full address into the top search bar and press the magnifying glass to find the closest gyms near you that accept the SilverSneakers plan.[5]
- The second search bar lets you narrow down your search by selecting specific classes or amenities that you'd like, but this isn't required.
- Click on the SilverSneakers logo in an area that's near you. The map will show you which gyms near you offer the SilverSneakers program by placing a sneaker on that spot. Depending on your location, you may have lots of different sneaker icons pop up, or very few. Click on a sneaker near your location to see which gym it is and what it offers.[6]
- Press "Details" to find contact information and available amenities for the gym. After you click "Details," the address, phone number, and website for the selected gym will pop up. The page will also list any amenities or classes that the gym offers, such as free weights, cardiovascular equipment, or the SilverSneakers Classic class.[7]
- Other amenities might include resistance training equipment, a steam room or sauna, or basketball courts.
- This page will also offer directions to help you navigate to the gym location.
- Bring your SilverSneakers card with you when you visit the gym. If you decide to go to one of the gym locations, you'll need your SilverSneakers number so they can check you in. If you don't bring your physical card, write down your SilverSneakers ID number so they will know that it's you.[8]
- If you don't know your ID number, visit the website and login to navigate to your profile.
- Replace your card by filling out an online form on their website that says you lost it, if necessary.
[Edit]Using Other SilverSneakers Features - Visit the SilverSneakers blog to read about health and wellness topics. The SilverSneakers website offers a blog portion with articles about things like healthy foods to eat, great exercises for beginners, or how SilverSneakers trainers are different from regular trainers. Visit their blog to read about other health and fitness topics that might help you on your exercise journey.[9]
- Find out details about each class option using the class listing. The SilverSneakers website offers a full list of the classes they offer, as well as a description of each class so you know what to expect. Click on the class title to be taken to a page that shows you a video of the exercise as well as more details about the class.
- Find the class listing at https://www.silversneakers.com/learn/classes/.
- For example, if you clicked on CardioFit, you'd find out that this class is 45-60 minutes long and is a 4 out of 5 for its level of intensity.
- Other class options include SilverSneakers Classic, SilverSneakers Yoga, SilverSneakers Splash, and Boom Muscle.
- Work out at home using SilverSneakers' on-demand videos. If you don't want to go to a gym, SilverSneakers offers lots of online classes that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Pick a class like SilverSneakers Stability, Circuit, or Boom: Mind to follow along with a video of the exercise.[10]
- Plan to do these workouts in a room with lots of clear space.
- The On-Demand video option also shows your recent activity and lets you participate in things like a 30-day challenge.
- Use the SilverSneakers app to customize and log your workouts. Download the SilverSneakers app onto your phone so you have access to workouts and your SilverSneakers account information whenever you need it. Using the app, you can find gym locations and classes near you and follow along with customized workouts.[11]
- The SilverSneakers app stores your ID number for you so you always have access to it.
- Log your workouts and track your exercise progress using the app as well.
- If you have questions, call 866-584-7389 to speak to a representative from SilverSneakers or email them at support@silversneakers.com.
[Edit]References |
| How to Do Wide Pushups Posted: 24 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST If you're looking for a straightforward exercise that requires no equipment and works a range of muscle groups, try the humble pushup! A slight variation, the wide pushup, engages your chest and shoulders a bit more and is no more complicated to do. Just make sure to maintain your form, go slowly, and listen to your body so you don't hurt your shoulders. [Edit]Positioning Your Body - Get down on all fours on a stable workout surface. For a standard wide pushup, a flat floor with a rug or yoga mat on it is ideal. Uneven ground or a rock-hard surface may be tough on your wrists and ankles.[1]
- You can do wide pushups barefoot or in shoes or socks, depending on your preference. However, you may have trouble keeping your footing if you wear only socks on a slick workout surface.
- To make your pushups slightly easier, pick a spot near a step or low bench that you can prop your hands up on. To make the pushups more challenging, use the step or bench to prop your feet up.
- Put your palms slightly beyond shoulder-width as a novice, or a bit wider with experience. If you're new to doing wide pushups, place your palms on the floor about wider than shoulder width. Spread your fingers and point them straight forward or slightly outward.[2]
- Your palms should be wider than your shoulders, but still in line with them. Someone looking at you from the side should see your shoulders and palms in complete alignment.
- Over time, you can start spreading your hands out wider. However, if you go too wide, too soon, you may strain or otherwise injure your shoulder tendons.
- Lift your body so only your palms and toes are on the floor. Keep your palms planted in position and extend your arms fully, locking your elbows. Keep your feet and legs together, and curl your toes so that they're the only part of your lower body touching the floor. Lock your knees so your legs are straight.[3]
- If you're not quite ready for full-on pushups yet, put your knees (instead of your feet) on the floor to make the pushups a bit easier to do.
- Create a straight line from head to toe in a "high plank" yoga pose. Put your neck in alignment with your spine (in other words, in a neutral position) so you're not looking straight ahead or straight down. Engage your core and quads to keep your back from arching upward or sagging downward. Aim to create and maintain a straight line from your ankles to the top of your head.[4]
- Yes, a good pushup starts with a basic yoga pose! Keep your core and quads engaged throughout the process to maintain a straight line from head to toe. You should "feel the burn" in your core muscles after doing a set of pushups!
- Try to spread, rather than pinch, your shoulder blades during your pushups. It's a bit hard to describe rather than demonstrate, but you want it to feel like your shoulder blades are spreading apart, not pinching together, throughout the pushup. Focus your attention on this area and envision your shoulder blades spreading apart.[5]
- If your shoulder blades pinch in during wide pushups, you'll be more susceptible to shoulder pain or injury.
[Edit]Completing Your Pushups - Lower your chest almost to the floor with a smooth, steady motion. Breathe in deeply and go slowly—it's not a race! Keep your neck, back, and legs aligned. Bend your elbows, letting them spread outward at somewhere between 45-degree and 90-degree angles to your body. Drop down until your chest is lower than your elbows—you can go lower if you wish, even all the way down until your chest touches the floor, but only if you don't feel any shoulder discomfort.[6]
- Keep reminding yourself that good pushups require smooth, steady, even movements, not fast, jerky, up-and-down motions.
- During a classic pushup, your elbows should flare out at no more than 45-degree angles. It's necessary to flare them out wider than this during a wide pushup, but your risk of a shoulder tendon strain increases the closer you get to 90 degrees.
- Pause for a brief moment with your body in the "down" position. Once you stop lowering your chest downward, hold your position for just a split second. During this instant, make a quick mental check of your core muscles (making sure they're still engaged) and your shoulder blades (confirming that they feel spread apart).[7]
- Don't try to bounce up and down off the floor like a jackhammer! Remember to go slow and steady.
- Exhale slowly as you push yourself back up into the starting pose. Imagine that you're using your palms to push the floor away from your body! Maintain your body alignment and core engagement while lifting yourself up slowly and smoothly. Keep going until your elbows lock into position.[8]
- Don't snap your elbows back into locked positions. Go slowly and deliberately!
- Repeat the process until you complete your intended set. Pause just for an instant at the starting pose, then lower back down for another pushup. If you're just starting out, aim to do around 8-10 repetitions (reps) in a set—but, if you can't do that many yet, that's okay![9]
- Over time, aim to do around 20-30 pushup reps per set. If you can do more than 30 without losing your form, increase the difficulty by propping your feet up on a step or low bench.[10]
- Complete 3-4 sets, 2-3 times per week. Pushups are a great workout, but don't overdo it! After completing a set, wait 1-2 minutes, then do another, then repeat the process up to 2 more times if you wish.[11]
- After completing your sets, wait about 48 hours before doing another pushup workout. It's important to give your muscles time to rest and recover.
- Adjust your hand width between sets to target other muscle groups. Wide pushups are especially great at engaging your serratus anterior muscles, which run roughly between your lower shoulder blades and lower pectorals. If you slide your hands inward and do narrow pushups for your next set, your triceps will be particularly targeted. If you set your hands at shoulder width for standard pushups, your pecs will get an exceptionally good workout.[12]
- No matter how you position your hands, though, pushups work a lot of muscle groups. Wide, narrow, and normal pushups all engage the following muscles: deltoideus p. acromialis, pectoralis minor, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, and infraspinatus.
[Edit]Warnings - Listen to your body! While wide pushups are a great workout, they create added strain on your shoulders, in comparison to classic pushups. If you feel shoulder pain, take a break and try switching to standard pushups for next time.
[Edit]References |
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