Archive for July, 2016

Paralympic Sharpshooter is Long-time Synergy Advocate July 5, 2016

Paralympic Sharpshooter is Long-time Synergy Advocate

sonja_tobiassen Every four years, international champions gather to participate in the ultimate test of athleticism and precision known to mankind—the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Like the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games showcase the tenacity and dedication of the world’s elite Paralympic athletes. Even though these athletes endure physical impairments, they push forward to become great in their sports despite the obstacles they face.

Sonja Tobiassen is no exception. She will be competing in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio on September 10 and 13 representing Norway in air rifle shooting.

Working as a nurse in Norway, Sonja noticed her muscles beginning to weaken in her mid-20s. At the young age of 25, she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, an incurable disease that interferes with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle. Now, 20 years later, Sonja is in a wheelchair and living every day with love and gratitude.

sonja_tobiassen_2 “The little things really mean something to me,” Sonja said. “Things like friends and family and stopping to enjoy the flowers. I live a good life, an independent life, with my daughter who is 17. I’m grateful every day for a house and a car and a sport that I love.”

While in a rehabilitation center in 2010, Sonja participated in an air rifle shooting activity. One man in the room was floored by her natural aim and consistency. Curious to see if Sonja was just having a lucky day, he took her to a shooting simulator where she again proved her natural talent. Soon enough, the Norges Skytterforbund (Norwegian Shooting Association) learned of her gift and, to Sonja’s surprise, a couple years later she found herself competing in London’s 2012 Paralympics.

To prepare for her second Paralympic Games, Sonja is putting a great deal of focus into achieving her goals. Essential to her training and everyday life is being able to take special care of her health.

Like shooting, Sonja found her passion for Synergy by coincidence when Synergy products were first being introduced in Norway. Open to try any quality products that could aid in her energy levels, Sonja gave Synergy products a chance. She began taking Phytolife and Mistify, then incorporated ProArgi-9+ and e9. More recently, she has added Body Prime to her nutritional regimen. Over the years, Sonja has realized just how influential Synergy products are in her daily pursuit to maintain optimal health.

Within the next few months, Sonja will attend three training camps throughout Europe to prepare for Rio. Training has been an emotional roller coaster for Sonja leading up to this year’s Paralympics. When her muscles don’t cooperate, her performance suffers and it’s easy to become discouraged, but she does not give up.

“Our limits are in our heads,” Sonja said. “If you really want something and you work for it, it’s possible. When I got sick, I stopped working. I lost friends. I fell out of everything. Now, I travel around the word. I meet amazing people through my sport. I have a widespread family through shooting that is inclusive and caring. Shooting makes me get up in the morning.”

Share your thoughts

Revitalize Your Morning Routine July 5, 2016

Revitalize Your Morning Routine

manwriting The way you start your morning impacts the quality of your day. If you start out feeling stressed and anxious rather than rejuvenated, it may be a sign that you need to update your morning routine. Finding a routine that works for you can provide the boost you need to conquer the day ahead.

Follow these quick tips to make the most out of your mornings:

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Eating a good breakfast in the morning is essential to a healthy morning routine. For a perfectly balanced and delicious breakfast on-the-go, mix three scoops of SLMsmart Health Shake into 10 oz. of milk or water. When you skip breakfast, your body reacts by conserving energy and slowing down your metabolism which causes you to have less energy throughout the day. Each person has different caloric needs, but it is important to eat something when starting out your day. Good examples of healthy breakfast items are oatmeal with cinnamon, yogurt with berries, or whole grain toast and fruit.

Start the Day with Exercise

First things first. Before beginning your morning exercise routine, rev up with ProArgi-9+ or e9. And remember, you don’t have to go for a 5-mile run every morning to boost your energy levels. Start the morning with 20 minutes of yoga or take a quick walk around your neighborhood is all your body needs to re-energize upon waking from a good night’s sleep. Yoga is especially beneficial because it gets your heart rate up while simultaneously improving your flexibility, posture, balance, muscle tone, and endurance. Yoga is accessible to everyone, and with various levels of difficulty, everyone can find a yoga routine that works for them.

Read or Write

Before the busy rush of your day begins, sit down for a few minutes and write your thoughts and goals in a journal. Journal writing can help unload some of your stresses and ease your mind. Writing for just 10 minutes in the morning can help you focus on yourself, create self-awareness, and give you the opportunity to think about how you can best capitalize on your day.

If you don’t feel like writing, take a few minutes to read the news or a few pages of a good book. Immerse yourself in the words of others and enjoy this peaceful time alone to jump-start your brain before you start your day.

Follow a Schedule

Following a morning schedule can help you maintain organization and focus. Perhaps you start with a quick walk outside, then take a shower and get ready, followed by a healthy breakfast before leaving to work. The important thing about a routine isn’t necessarily the order in which you do things, but rather defining and keeping that order to streamline your mornings and start the day with productive habits.

Share your thoughts