Month: April 2025

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Always appreciate the gift of life! Be happy and have fun.”- Michael Jackson

We all have hobbies we enjoy in our free time, but what if those hobbies could become a positive force in our daily lives? When I first started working out, it was just something I did to stay in shape. Little did I know that this simple hobby would become an integral part of my daily life.

Transforming a workout routine into a lifestyle doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be an exciting journey filled with discovery and personal growth. The key is to find ways to make exercise enjoyable and seamlessly integrate it into your daily activities. In this post, I’ll share my journey of how exercise went from a casual activity to a lifestyle I couldn’t imagine living without.

First Steps

My fitness journey began with a brisk walk near the beach when I was in Singapore in 2019. That walk near the beach motivated me to spend more time out there and helped me to connect with my thoughts. I wasn’t consistent before, and I didn’t even have a clear goal in mind. It was more about checking a box on my to-do list than anything else. 

The ocean being so vast, it started making me think that the worries that I had carried with me for years had been like a drop in the ocean. This journey started for my physical health without me realizing that it was changing my mental health in an amazing way. But being there gave me immense satisfaction, and I became consistent within a few weeks’ time. Now, I carry a piece of the ocean in my heart.

The Turning Point

Everything changed when I discovered that activities could change your perspective from negative to positive. For me, it was a mix of weightlifting, HIIT cardio, walking, cycling and aerobics. These weren’t just exercises; they were challenges that excited me and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Creating a Routine

Consistency and discipline were key in transforming my hobby into a lifestyle. I carved out dedicated time for workouts, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with myself. This routine became as natural as brushing my teeth or having breakfast. It now plays a vital part in my daily routine.

Mindset Shift

I began to view exercise not as a chore, but as self-care. It wasn’t just about physical benefits anymore; it was about mental clarity, stress relief and overall well-being. This shift in perspective made all the difference and led to the best decision for me.

Healthy Eating Habits

As my commitment to fitness grew, so did my interest in nutrition. I started paying more attention to what I ate, not out of restriction, but to fuel my body for better strength, stamina and recovery.

Improved Sleep and Energy

Regular exercise led to better sleep quality and increased energy levels throughout the day. I found myself more productive and more present in my day.

Dealing with Setbacks

Not every day was perfect. Sprains, muscle knots and life events sometimes disrupted my routine. However, I learned to adapt and find ways to stay active, even when I couldn’t follow my usual workout plan. The constant urge to get back to my routine helped me to recover much faster.

Staying Motivated

To keep my enthusiasm high, I constantly set new challenges for myself. I track my daily fitness routine on my smart watch, and I feel immense joy even when I do just 1% better than yesterday, which helps me stay consistent.

Creating a Positive Mindset

Try to focus on the joy of movement rather than viewing exercise as a necessary goal. Celebrate your progress and the way your body feels after a good workout. This positive association will help make fitness a natural part of your lifestyle.

Where I Am Now

Today, fitness is an essential part of who I am. It’s not just about the physical changes, but about the confidence, discipline and joy it brings to my life.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring new aspects of fitness. Whether it’s trying different sports or pushing my limits in strength training, I know there’s always room for growth and learning.

Transforming a workout hobby into a lifestyle has been a rewarding experience that has enriched my life in countless ways and didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process of discovery, commitment and personal growth. It’s shown me that, with patience, dedication and an open mindset, we can grow in ways we never expected.

If you’re just starting your fitness journey, remember that consistency and finding joy in the process are important. Your path might look different from mine, but the rewards of making fitness a part of your life are well worth the effort.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.

 

 

 

Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

We live in a world often dominated by deadlines, responsibilities, and a relentless pursuit of productivity, so having fun can seem like a luxury, a fleeting moment snatched from the busyness of life. Nevertheless, fun is not just a frivolous diversion; it is an essential ingredient for a fulfilling and balanced life. Our overall well-being is enriched by creativity, strengthening relationships, reducing stress, and enhancing our overall well-being. Playfulness and joy can be strategically incorporated into your daily routines when you consciously apply them in your life. We will explore practical strategies and mindful approaches to cultivate a life full of laughter, excitement, and genuine enjoyment in this article.

Fun can be applied by recognizing its importance and prioritizing it. It is common for us to postpone joy, telling ourselves that it will be more fun “when we have more time” or “when things calm down.” The truth is things rarely calm down on their own. Making time for fun is as important as scheduling any other important meeting or appointment on our calendars. It is counter-intuitive to the spontaneous nature of fun, but this ensures that joy is not lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. Ask yourself: What activities truly bring me joy? How do I make myself laugh? How do I spark my curiosity? As you answer these questions, you will build your personalized fun plan.

The next step after you identify your sources of joy is to actively seek out opportunities to engage in them. A fun way to do this might be to explore new interests, revisit old hobbies, or simply be more open to spontaneous adventures. Never be afraid to try something new! Don’t be afraid to explore your hidden passions and step outside your comfort zone. Try cooking a recipe you have never tried before, take a pottery class, learn a new language, or join a hiking group. Embracing these experiences with an open mind and embracing the unknown is key. The goal is not perfection, it is enjoyment.

Playfulness is an important component of injecting fun into your life beyond structured activities. By embracing spontaneity and finding humor in everyday situations, we can learn to see the world through the lens of curiosity and wonder. Find at least one thing each day that makes you laugh. Amuse yourself by watching a funny video, sharing a joke, or just enjoying the absurdity of life. Observe the small pleasures that often pass unnoticed in the rush of daily life and practice mindful playfulness. There is simply nothing better than waking up to a warm cup of coffee or the way the sun filters through the trees.

Being surrounded by people who make you happy is another crucial aspect of applying fun. Happiness and well-being are boosted by laughter and camaraderie. Spend time with people who share your sense of humor and enthusiasm for life. Consider weekend getaways, game nights, or a casual coffee date as possible activities. You can significantly boost your happiness levels by spending time with joyful people. Fun is contagious, and spending time with happy people can be contagious.

It is also important to remember how powerful it is to incorporate fun into your work routine. Despite the seriousness and responsibility associated with work, injecting humor and playfulness into your daily routine can significantly improve your morale and productivity. It might include listening to music during breaks, engaging in lighthearted banter with colleagues, or creatively approaching challenging tasks. Games and competitions can be incorporated into your workplace to foster camaraderie and friendly competition. To make your work environment more enjoyable and engaging, you need to create a positive work environment.

To apply fun, it is also necessary to relinquish control and embrace imperfection consciously. We are often driven by the quest for perfection, striving to excel in all aspects of our lives. As a result, stress and anxiety can develop, resulting in diminished enjoyment. Being more present in the moment and appreciating the simple pleasures of life is possible when we learn to let go of control and embrace imperfection. Be willing to make mistakes, to laugh at yourself, and to accept surprises. Life is full of imperfections and spontaneity, and that is where the fun can be found.

Fun is not just about participating in activities; it is also about cultivating a sense of gratitude for the joy you already have. Make sure you appreciate the little things in life, whether it is a sunset, a loving relationship, or a simple act of kindness. By practicing gratitude, you cultivate a sense of fulfillment and well-being by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes or simply reflecting on your gratitude every day.

The application of fun is a continuous process, not a one-time event. Developing a playful mindset and prioritizing joy require conscious effort. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and fun can seem impossible. At these times, it is especially important to take advantage of every opportunity to spread joy. Taking a short walk in nature or listening to your favorite song can significantly improve your mood and well-being.

In summary, incorporating fun into your life is not about escaping reality or shirking responsibilities; it is about enriching your overall well-being through joy, playfulness, and a sense of wonder. You can transform your life into a vibrant tapestry of laughter, excitement, and genuine enjoyment by prioritizing fun, cultivating a playful mindset, surrounding yourself with joyful people, and practicing gratitude. It is important to remember that fun is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A fulfilling life is fueled by passion, as it ignites creativity, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and gives you a sense of fulfillment. So, let us start today and discover the power of joy as we apply fun to our lives.

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.

 

 

Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer 

When does a hobby change from a pastime to a lifestyle? I answer this question daily as my pole dancing journey progresses. 

When I started, I wanted to learn how to pole dance and stay consistent after briefly experiencing it in university. I never dreamed that pole dancing would transform me in every sense and become such an integral part of my life and identity.

I have trained at home for the past five years through online tutorials and exercises. In that time, I’ve lost weight and kept it off, with the exception of last year when I lost myself following personal losses. It took awhile, but I am back to training regularly and taking control of my life again. 

My interest in pole dancing started in university and was reignited in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2020 that it became my lifestyle. With the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, I began working out at home full-time, and alternated between pole dancing, cardio and resistance training. 

As I became more invested in pole dancing, I realized that lifting weights wasn’t producing the strength I needed for pole, and I knew something had to change. 

If I wanted to build the strength needed to lift myself onto the pole, I knew I had to make another adjustment, and decided to try calisthenics after seeing a video on YouTube. Afterwards, I reached out to my instructor and asked if weights or calisthenics were better for pole and she told me to focus on calisthenics and flexibility training, and to make an effort to build in time for each. 

Here are the five main components of what training pole requires physically: 

1. Strength
2. Flexibility
3. Balance
4. Endurance
5. Agility 

It is important to build a foundation in these on and off the pole. On the days I’m not training pole, I perform exercises that require the continuous building of strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and agility needed for me to train safely and efficiently. 

On the mental end of the training spectrum, here are a few examples of what is required for pole dancers to get the most out of their training sessions: 

1. Concentration
2. Rest
3. Complete Control Over Mental Faculties 
4. Determination 
5. Playing Music While Training

Just as the physical components go hand-in-hand, the five mental elements tie together as well. It is essential to be well-rested before a training session, because our bodies produce a growth hormone during sleep that adds to tissue growth and repair, influencing our energy and pole practice. If I don’t sleep well the night before, I stretch or take a rest day.

Pole dance is high-risk, and if you’re exhausted and you train anyways, you’re more likely to hurt yourself. No matter what the injury is, it can set you back. Never attempt a pole practice under the influence. 

On a lighter but serious note, determination is important for pole dancers, because how else would we be inspired to do our crazy awesome tricks? That being said, it is imperative that we don’t become discouraged when a training day doesn’t go the way we want, which can be tough. Pole dance takes hours of practice, dedication and determination, and there are days when I feel dejected because I’m not where I would like to be, or I’ve tanked a move I have done perfectly before, and I have to remind myself that tomorrow’s a new day and I can always try again. 

Finally, playing music while training improves intellectual stimuli, motor control functions, and emotive inspiration. What I listen to while training depends on the day and my mood, so I’ll listen to Taylor Swift one day and then switch over to an R&B/soul or soft pop playlist the next. 

Before I twirl off to go for a spin on the pole, I’d like to share some pole dancer quotes and sayings: 

1. “Pole dance is a passion, an addiction, a sometime obsession, a lifestyle, a discipline, an art.” 
2. “Point Your Toes!” 
3. Pole Kisses 
4. “Hold It!”
5. “We’re not even going there!” 
6. “Stop bobbing your head.” 
7. “Never mess with a woman who hangs upside down for fun.” 
8. “I don’t pole dance because I’m strong, I’m strong because I pole dance.” 
9. “Yes, it’s a sport and I’d like to see you try it.” 
10. “It will hurt. It will take time. It will require dedication. It will require willpower. You will need to make healthy decisions. It requires sacrifice. You will need to push your body to its max. There will be temptation. But I promise you, when you reach your goal, it’s worth it.” 
11. “Never compare your pole style with others. Your journey is unique. Own it and make the best of it.” 

And my personal favourite: 

1. “Your pole is the canvas, your body is the brush, your soul is the paint. We all have the ability to turn a self-portrait into a masterpiece.” 

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Born and raised in Quesnel, BC, Lauren Long is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, as well as being a major Swiftie and a role model for positive body image. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the pole, on the training mats or curled up with a good book.