Personal Improvement

Many of us have turned to hiking as a way to safely connect with friends while getting some much-needed exercise, fresh air and sunshine. That was easy to do when the weather was nice and the days were long. Winter is a tougher sell. Don’t be intimidated. Judging by the dozens of hikes scheduled each week throughout Northeast Ohio, a lot of people are doing a lot of wintertime hiking and they encourage the winter-weary to join them. ...

It’s easy to idealize our 20s, now that they’re firmly in our rearview mirror. It was a fun part of my life, but it also came with an undercurrent of uncertainty. I knew that a lot was going to happen, but my path was bracketed by fuzzy outlines that intimidated rather than inspired. ...

Many of our parents come from a generation during which they relied solely on the doctor to understand, identify and quickly know the answers to our medical concerns. The patient-doctor exchange was primarily focused on the doctor’s input, while the patient rarely questioned or added additional information. ...

Feeling down? Dr. Krystal Culler reminds us that there are many ways to find small uplifts in our daily lives. Seek these moments out and work to be present in them when they occur. After all, happiness is our inside work but we can benefit from other boosts in our environment and the way in which we live our lives: Reach out to others, stay active, rest well, nourish to flourish, meditate, spend time outdoors, and express gratitude. These actions can spark inspiration to find happiness in your day and create moments of joy for yourself. ...

Look for the January/February issue of Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond coming to newsstands (Marc's, Discount Drug Mart, Giant Eagle and others) starting Jan. 21. Of course, Boomer Insider Club members get our print issue mailed directly to their homes. But if you're out and about, look for our next issue featuring winter hikes throughout Northeast Ohio, just for starters. You can also read the issue online at northeastohioboomer.com. You'll find a wide range of topics that will enrich your journey to “Better Living After 50.” ...

If you have ever uttered the words, "Whenever I take a yoga class, I get injured," I ask that you please read this. First of all, that statement is an anathema to me — in fact, it's like nails on a chalkboard. The FIRST principle of yoga philosophy is Ahimsa - "Do No Harm" and that means, especially, no harm to yourself. And, keeping you safe during a yoga class is absolutely as much a teacher's responsibility as it is yours. ...

The Cleveland Orchestra has announced details of its 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Events will take place virtually, with video and audio performances presented on the Adella streaming app and website, social media, radio, and TV beginning on January 14, an encore broadcast of the Orchestra’s 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Concert will be available for free on Adella. The celebration includes new and revived performance and historical videos from The Cleveland Orchestra and Community Partners, released on social media starting January 18. ...

Most of us are eager to turn the page on 2020, put the year in the rearview mirror and move on. As we set our hopes on the promise of returning to some semblance of normal in 2021 after our personal and work lives have been totally disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we can begin formulating new goals and resolutions to be met in the upcoming year. ...