Hello all!  Am I finally doing this?  My first blog and the experience is amazing.  I have wanted to start a blog for quite sometime.  I feel as though I have made great efforts to try to be a motivator and innovator to others in my life, not to mention in my professional career.  But am I really? I think one reaches a particular age and he or she starts reflecting on their life and what he or she has really accomplished.  Why is that?  Is it just a natural  progression or is it inevitable that one becomes who they are?  Or is one’s life actually mapped out for him or her by a higher power.  I don’t know, maybe we just become more philosophical as we become more seasoned. And maybe I am having these thoughts because it is the dead of winter and I could possibly have a little “seasonal affective disorder.”

So what is seasonal affective disorder (SAD):  It can be described as a recurrent, seasonal pattern of stress and at times depression and it can be exhibited in different ways.  For some, their energy can be zapped and the ultimate result can be moodiness.  “SAD” often starts in the fall months and can continue into the winter months.  If I am sad for any reason (whether it is related to the possibility of seasonal affective disorder, or any other assumption), I exercise.  I realize this may not work for everyone but it can be extremely helpful for me.  I am forever trying to be careful on how and what I eat (you may or may not have not noticed, as one gets older, he or she may tend to gain weight).  So what about exercise?  Exercise has many health benefits including:

• Exercise can control weight
• Exercise combats health conditions & diseases
• Exercise improves mood
• Exercise can boost energy
• Exercise promotes better sleep
• Exercise can help your sex life
• Exercise can actually be fun

So obviously, exercise is not for everyone and if one decides to exercise, it should be slow at first and then be increased as tolerated.  Fitness can feel great but like everything else, take it slow and be consistent.  However, if exercise is uncomfortable or hurts, take a break.  Of course, one should never exercise unless he or she has been cleared by his or her health care provider.  Life should be enjoyed, which is not always easy when he or she is trying to be healthy by exercising, eating healthy, and making choices that are the best for him or her!

As I look out at the snow white lake I can’t help but wish that Lake of Egypt was still crystal blue and the family and I could be flying down the lake on the Sea-Doos with the sun beaming down and the water splashing in our faces.

How does one continuously improve themselves, while working every day and simultaneously being a wife and a mother.  It seems so difficult to juggle everything.  I often find myself making lists of items to complete.  There are so many things that need to be done and very often not enough time in a day, or for that matter in a week, or a lifetime to get them all done.  Thank goodness I am continuously working on becoming a motivator and an innovator.

Well, that’s it for my first blog post ever!  I look forward to sharing experiences with nurses, friends, colleagues, and my family.  Until next time.

Thanks for reading,

Kimberly

BLOG disclaimer:  While I make every effort to use correct information, I am still learning.  I will always verify all the facts but as always, life and facts may change.  Medicine and nursing is a constantly changing science and art.  Each nurse and/or provider may have a different way of doing things.  I am really just presenting my views and opionins that will be as evidence-based, as possible.  I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.  I receive no money from drug or device companies.  By reading this blog, you agree not to use this blog as medical/nursing advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own medical provider for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the blog.  Under no circumstances shall Kimberly A. Keser, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, any guests or contributors to the blog be responsible for damages arising from the use of the blog.

Resources:

emedine.medscape.com

www.mayoclinic.org