It's good for your stress levels, your health, and your business. Amazingly, even a fake laugh has health benefits.

Here's a Weird Niche combined with a Motivational Monday for ya. A Dr. has formed “Laughing Clubs” to help improve the world – one giggle at a time.

Take 5 minutes to laugh — it'll improve your day.

Don't forget that the other big thing you can do to improve your mood, your health, and your overall productivity is exercise. Take a walk. Go skating. Have a quickie with your significant other. Turn on your favorite 80's tune and dance. Grab a hoola hoop or a jump rope. It doesn't matter what you do — just get a move on.

On that note, I'm off to do my 10 Minute Home Office Workout Quickie for the day. Care to join me? If so, check it out here: 10 Minute Home Office Workout Quickie

Have a beautiful day.

Warmly,
Nicole “not afraid to belly laugh or snort on her podcast” Dean

From Mom: Our Remarkable Wrinklie

Today I used my first walk-it time to put away the dishes. I used the second walk-it time to fill the sink to do my dishes afterwards… bad idea. I walked away and forgot. Luckily I remembered just in time to prevent a flood. So, yeah, the walking time is great to get something simple done, but don’t start anything that involves running water or turning on a burner. Yikes!

Tip? If you take your “walk it out” time to do a quick chore – make sure you don't flood the house!

Another one from Mom about productivity.

This one is in reference to yesterday's post. (Day 24: Increase Focus & Productivity):

So, here I was, writing away on an article I have to finish NOW, not taking the 10 minutes I needed to do my workout. Instead, I kept thinking “right after I finish this article I’ll do the workout.”

Now, that wouldn’t be a BIG problem except I couldn’t think! I was writing at about 1/10th the speed and thought process that I normally have! Ah, connect the dots… so, I hopped up and got to work on my weight session for today.

Oh, that felt so good, and I’m thinking again like I need to in order to finish the article. Okay, case closed. This whole Quickie thing works.

As far as setting time limits, that seems very important to me. I, too, work better and more productively when I set a deadline for a project, rather than giving myself all day to do something. Great insight Scott and Nicole… again!

And, from Erica (Lucky Duck!)

Since I got my new weights, I did the whole workout with 20 lb weights and I have found a whole new level of energy.

I think my Marine is starting to get scared. He and a buddy ordered the P90X workout system thing. I mean while I’m perfectly content to sit here and watch 2 Marines see who can do more pull ups….

Woo hoo!

Congrats to everyone who is seeing results from the Fat Loss Quickie Program!

Please share your Home Office Workout Tips below. What are you finding that can help someone in our group?

Ready to Get In Better Shape, and Get More Done During the Day so you Can Make More Money?

When you're ready to join the Fat Loss Quickie program, click on the graphic below.

It’s only $20 for all of your quickie workout videos, a personal trainer who you can ask questions here, plus my awesome community of kick-butt marketers sweating with you and cheering you on.

Please post your updates or I'll track you down on Twitter!

Let’s find 10 minutes every day to get healthier so we can enjoy the LIFESTYLE that we’re working towards.

((hugs)) to all.
Nicole

PS. If you haven’t listened to my interview with Scott yet, here it is: Interview with Scott Tousignant, The Fat Loss Quickie Guy

Note: You can follow all posts by keeping an eye on the Computer Butt category to the right.

Scott shared an insight that he recently had about how he's increasing his focus. I've found the same results. When I limit my work hours, I get more done.

Here's the email that Scott sent me:

Bob had me on a call the other day and asked me about any challenges that I had set that didn't directly relate to business

Here was my answer…

Angie said, you know what, we would just love for you when the kids get home from school to just turn off the computer and just completely focus on us as a family. So, that was a challenge from her to just, hey, can you do it? Can you get all your work done during the day while the kids are in school and then the rest of the time spend with us?

Mind you, if I did have a coaching call once a week or there was someone going to interview me at night, that was OK. It was an hour and it wasn't every day. So, that's allowed.

So yes, that was a big challenge just to shut the computer down once the kids are home at 3:00 from school. Once that happened I realized that when I set that time for myself, I know after 3:00 I can't turn on the computer again unless I want to…

For example; if the kids are playing with their friends and Angie is doing something else, I can get on it and tweet someone or whatever.

But, once I realized that when I do shut it off at 3:00, I end up become even more focused during the day knowing that OK, I've got a deadline. Once 3:00 comes, I'm done.

I got to make sure I get all this work done during the day and I realized after doing it for a little bit that wow, I can get a lot of things done when I'm focused through the day. I can a lot done before 3:00 and I just started thinking about how much time I was wasting throughout the day, just unfocused time.

So, that challenge really, really helped me to get even more balance in my life than I had previously. And it has me more even more focused and just enjoying life to the fullest, because now I'm really balanced.

I feel like I'm enjoying the most of life and reaping the benefits and rewards of what the online Internet kind of lifestyle allows us to have.

Scott Tousignant

So, what is there to learn from that?

1. Taking time for your 10 minute quickies will not hurt your overall productivity.

2. Taking time for your family will not hurt your overall productivity.

3. Limiting your work hours will not hurt your overall productivity as there is much wasted time spent in front of the computer — if you're like most entrepreneurs.

It's about making sure that you are healthy, happy and whole — and that your time spent in front of the computer is dedicated to things that give you direct results in your income.

In fact, I have 2 reports that I'll be posting soon that will give you a more focused and productive way to work, but I have to get them edited first. So, keep an eye on my blog (or sign up for email updates) so you'll know when those are ready for you.

Ready to Get In Better Shape, and Get More Done During the Day so you Can Make More Money?

When you're ready to join the Fat Loss Quickie program, click on the graphic below.

It’s only $20 for all of your quickie workout videos, a personal trainer who you can ask questions here, plus my awesome community of kick-butt marketers sweating with you and cheering you on.

Please post your updates or I'll track you down on Twitter!

Let’s find 10 minutes every day to get healthier so we can enjoy the LIFESTYLE that we’re working towards.

((hugs)) to all.
Nicole

PS. If you haven’t listened to my interview with Scott yet, here it is: Interview with Scott Tousignant, The Fat Loss Quickie Guy

Note: You can follow all posts by keeping an eye on the Computer Butt category to the right.

Yesterday, I shared about how Results May Vary – especially this first month.

(Read it here, if you missed it: Fat Loss Result May Vary.)

Here's what Scott said about that:

This post made me incredibly happy Nicole. I appreciate you sharing it. And by the way… don’t feel shy to tell me if you don’t think something is working for you… Let me know, it’s the only way that I can truly help you to the best of my abilities. I’m a big boy. I can handle any comments or concerns But most important… I want to help you.

Ok, so this topic is something that has come up very frequently throughout my personal training career. Some people can just think of losing weight and it melts off them. Others experience the average 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week. And others… well they are like you Nicole… and trust me there are several hundred thousand people just like this… if not way more.

You nailed it Nicole. So many people quit just before great results were about to happen. I love the analogy of a seed breaking through the earth. It can be a battle, but once it breaks through it flourishes, and it actually becomes stronger when it’s faced with challenges such as wind or several days of drought.

I have had hundreds of clients who experienced no results on the scale during the first 8 weeks. Yet they were looking better, feeling better, they were managing their businesses better, they were having more fun with their family, and so much more.

Even though they were succeeding in all these areas they were still ready to give up because the scale didn’t budge.

And then something miraculous happened the following week… they would drop 3, 5, 7 pounds. And then the momentum would just keep rolling and the fat would melt off them.

Some people it took 12 weeks and for some people the scale results started after 8 weeks but it wasn’t so rapid. It would just be the 1 to 2 pounds per week, which still made them very happy and it became consistent.

It’s during times like these that you need to reflect on the successes that you have achieved and look at the entire impact that it’s had on your life. Otherwise, what happens when you reach your goal of losing 20 pounds… do you stop because you reached that goal? If not, why would you keep going?

Ask yourself, Why did I start the Fat Loss Quickie program? Was it to drop a lot of weight? Or was it because it’s a balanced approach that suits your lifestyle, that meets your needs, that has a positive impact on your business and life.

For me, fat loss is a secondary benefit. It’s a great benefit, but it’s not the reason why I workout or eat well.

That’s been the way that I advertise Fat Loss Quickie to be. It’s a balanced approach, helping you transform your business, fitness, and life.

I could offer crash course diets and have you doing some crazy unrealistic workout program… but would you stick with it? Would you experience long term success?

That’s what I want you to achieve. This isn’t a one shot deal. You are embracing a new lifestyle that you can actually stick with, enjoy, and notice the impact that it has on all areas of your life.

You are doing something truly amazing right now. You are making the time for YOU and everyone else and everything else, benefits as a result of this.

You are doing better than you think. Congratulate yourself for your consistency, your efforts, and the example that you are showing for your fellow work-at-home-moms and dads.

Yes, there have been many members who have been releasing 2, 3, 5, and 6 pounds per week… but you should never compare yourself to others. You are your own measuring stick and only you can define what success means to you.

You really do ROCK! Keep up the incredible effort and continued success will keep knocking on your door.

I’m here to support you every way possible. Let me know how I can best serve you and help you push through these challenging moments.

Just think… when you are celebrating your big successes, you will be looking back at this very moment as a crossroad where you chose the path least followed which led to the treasure you’ve been seeking.

It’s worth it. You’re worth it.

Scott Tousignant

I also went on with some suggestions about how to really jump start your metabolism if things feel sluggish for you.

I’ve got to tell you that I think the Squat-Off Challenge really boosted my metabolism, because over the weekend, I noticed some results all of a sudden. Perhaps it was hopping up and doing squats every hour? My metabolism never had a chance to settle back into sluggish mode.

Anyway, I wanted to give these tips for helping boost the effectiveness of your Quickies (and Scott please jump in with more) –

1. Do one quickie in the morning (or go on a walk first thing) to get your metabolism revved up.

2. Spread your two quickies apart during the day.

3. Every hour, get up from your desk and do any one of your favorite quickie exercises for a minute just to get your body confused and ignite your metabolism.

4. Increase your weights. (I think I can increase mine on some of the exercises already, but not on others.)

And, reward yourself for ANY improvements in strength, focus, productivity, and improved mood. Pat yourself on the back!

((hugs)) and high fives to all.
Nicole

And, Scott's response:

You got it Nicole. I definitely recommend that you break your quickies up not just for the metabolic effect, but because it will give you two mental boosts throughout the day as well.

You should definitely get up for at least a couple minutes each hour and walk around just to get your blood flowing. It’s incredibly unhealthy to sit at your desk for extended periods of time and very poor for your circulation. It can lead to joint problems as well.

Always focus on progress. You can either increase the weight, decrease your rest, or do more reps. If you don’t progress from week to week in at least one of those categories you can’t expect your body to progress either.

Note: The true effort and intensity that you can dish out is mucho grande bigger than you can imagine. Test your true limits.

Scott

Ready to Get In Better Shape, and Get More Done During the Day so you Can Make More Money?

When you're ready to join the Fat Loss Quickie program, click on the graphic below.

It’s only $20 for all of your quickie workout videos, a personal trainer who you can ask questions here, plus my awesome community of kick-butt marketers sweating with you and cheering you on.

Please post your updates or I'll track you down on Twitter!

Let’s find 10 minutes every day to get healthier so we can enjoy the LIFESTYLE that we’re working towards.

((hugs)) to all.
Nicole

PS. If you haven’t listened to my interview with Scott Tousignant yet, here it is: Interview with Scott: Achieve More in your Business

Note: You can follow all posts by keeping an eye on the Computer Butt category to the right.

* RESULTS MAY VARY THIS MONTH *

Some of you have mentioned to me in private that you're not seeing weight loss results yet from the workouts. Let me tell you how my body responds as it might help you to understand and stay motivated through the process.

I actually EXPAND before I start to slim down. What I mean, is that I get bigger before I start to melt off fat.

My body type tends to build muscle very quickly, and it holds fat. I have hypothyroid (actually post-partum thyroiditis which turned into hypothyroid) and have taken meds for it for about 7 years, which also doesn't help with metabolism.

First of all, if I just do cardio with no resistance training/weights, nothing happens. Cardio alone doesn't work for me as far as losing any weight. I can walk 10 hours/day and still not get to where I want to be. All I'd get out of that is another blown knee. So, I have to do resistance or it's just ineffective for me.

So, this is what happens to me when I start an exercise program that includes resistance/weights.

I start a weight program.

I begin building and strengthening muscles UNDER my … fat. (gross and too much info, sorry)

This results in my jeans getting tighter and my scale increasing (yes, my weight goes up), and my measurements usually do slightly, too. (At this point, my husband hides the tape measure so I don't get discouraged by this and so he doesn't have to see me cry.)

So, at that point, I feel stronger, but am about ready to give up because I don't LOOK any different.

The muscle continues to build, which then finally jump-starts my metabolism into burning more fat 24-hours/day (yes, even when sitting on my butt working) than it did before I started the exercise program.

Then, overnight, the fat starts to melt off and I finally drop the inches.

My point is that people do the same thing in both exercise and in business — we quit after we've done the sweat and hard work, but RIGHT BEFORE we see results. So, I challenge you to stay off the scale and just trust in the fact that you're growing stronger, getting more productive, gaining focus, getting rid of stress in a healthier manner, and that the fat loss will be the result, but possibly not as quickly as you'd hoped.

Although, for some, like my mother — she has started slimming down already and, if I didn't love her, I'd probably have to say ugly things about her right now about keeping the good genes and passing on the bad ones.

So, please continue because I care about each of you and also, totally selfishly, I also need your support. So, no, you can't quit. Keep focusing on how much easier the exercises are getting and just wait — the fat loss will happen for each of us, at its own pace, but it will happen.

Please check in below with your thoughts.

Oh, and here's a video that Scott did about Hypothyroid, for anyone else who may be in the same boat:

Ready to Get In Better Shape, and Get More Done During the Day so you Can Make More Money?

When you're ready to join the Fat Loss Quickie program, click on the graphic below.

It’s only $20 for all of your quickie workout videos, a personal trainer who you can ask questions here, plus my awesome community of kick-butt marketers sweating with you and cheering you on.

Please post your updates or I'll track you down on Twitter!

Let’s find 10 minutes every day to get healthier so we can enjoy the LIFESTYLE that we’re working towards.

((hugs)) to all.
Nicole

PS. If you haven’t listened to my interview with Scott Tousignant yet, here it is: Interview with Scott: Achieve More in your Business

Note: You can follow all posts by keeping an eye on the Computer Butt category to the right.

Yesterday Was the Team Computer Butt Contest: Who’s the Squattiest?! Challenge

Here are the results:

• Joel = 620 – Woo hoo! Came out of nowhere and kicked butt!
• Arika = 501 – Girl power!
• Kevin = 435 – Go, Mr. eBay!
• My Mom = 350 – Old Ladies RULE!
• Judi = 310 – Way to power through the whole day!
• Susanne = 286 – I'm gonna tap into that competitive power. After the first 200, you thought you were going to die, but you kept on trucking!
• My Son = 290 – Go buddy! It's hard work trying to catch Gramma.
• Me = 260 – I had a pulled muscle in my leg, so I'll catch you guys next week, for sure!
• Erica = 180 – Way to keep on truckin'.
• Lisa Marie = 170 – AND you did the shuffle workout, too?! Wowza.
• Traci = 100 – Our Month 2 Superstar. Thanks for jumping in. ((hugs!))

Grand total of … over 3000 Squats!

EVERYONE Who participated is a winner in my eyes. The positive attitude and spirit of the competition was awesome, and I thank you all for making it FUN!

Joel -> Your Choice of the Prizes Below.
Arika -> Next Choice of the Remaining Prizes.
Kevin -> Next Choice of the Remaining Prizes.

The prizes are:

• $25 towards any purchase at www.EasyPLR.com
• Copy of Homepreneur Habits (one of my favorite reports!)
• A pair of Handerpants mailed to your home. You know you want them!
• Susanne's Freezer Cooking Guide (e-Book). Giving you less time in the kitchen, and more time to do your Fat Loss Quickie Workouts!

To claim your prizes, email my helper at helper@justaddsweat.com and she'll set you up with your prizes.  As far as I'm concerned, you can each pick the prize of your choice, even if you ALL want the Handerpants.

Research Shows the Exercise DOES Improve your Productivity and Focus.

Here are some references to check out when you have the time…

Exercise – Brain Rule #1 from John Medina, the author of Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

Scott also turned me on to Dr. John Ratey, author of “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” who has done amazing research in the area of how exercise impacts brain function.

I love this quote by Dr. John Ratey

“Exercise is the single most powerful tool you have to optimize brain function.”

If you click here: “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain”  You can read an excerpt from the book (by clicking on the “look inside” area on Amazon). Dr. Ratey has done extensive research on kids at a high school in Illinois with some dramatic results. Showing the connection between exercise and brain function and productivity. Very important stuff.

Ready to Get In Better Shape, and Get More Done During the Day so you Can Make More Money?

When you're ready to join the Fat Loss Quickie program, click on the graphic below.

It’s only $20 for all of your quickie workout videos, a personal trainer who you can ask questions here, plus my awesome community of kick-butt marketers sweating with you and cheering you on.

Please post your updates or I'll track you down on Twitter!

Let’s find 10 minutes every day to get healthier so we can enjoy the LIFESTYLE that we’re working towards.

((hugs)) to all.
Nicole

PS. If you haven’t listened to my interview with Scott Tousignant yet, here it is: Interview with Scott: Achieve More in your Business

Note: You can follow all posts by keeping an eye on the Computer Butt category to the right.