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What’s on your PLAYlist?

About Janet Omstead

To re-ignite people’s passion for play (movement) to fight chronic disease while improving their quality of life as they age.
10 03, 2023

Are you struggling to change?

By |2023-03-09T02:46:19+00:00March 10th, 2023|

Have you ever told yourself, "I'm going to start eating healthy tomorrow!" Then, tomorrow comes, and you're like, "Hmm, maybe I'll start next week." If so, congratulations: You're normal. This feeling of "I want to change but also don't want to change" is called ambivalence. On the one hand, you might really want to change and [...]

24 02, 2023

The sneaky way to exercise more

By |2023-02-24T02:14:30+00:00February 24th, 2023|

You know that old cliche “every little bit helps”?  It’s true. Only most people have a hard time seeing it that way.  But have a look at this list: 🏡Vacuuming the house 🌱Weeding the yard (a.k.a. “gardening” for people who like it) 🐕‍🦺Taking the dog for an extra walk 🏀Shooting hoops in the driveway 🤽🏾‍♀️Marco Polo [...]

18 02, 2023

How to get the results you want

By |2023-03-20T22:56:24+00:00February 18th, 2023|

I sent a note to some clients this week to ask what the #1 question they had about their health was. I got a lot of great questions. When people talk about their health and fitness goals, generally, they say things like: ⚖️ I want to lose 10 pounds.🧘🏻 I want to sleep better.🏃🏾‍♀️ I want [...]

3 02, 2023

5 things we need to live a life filled with happiness, joy, and meaning

By |2023-02-03T12:41:31+00:00February 3rd, 2023|

I'm in the business of self-care. I help professionals struggling to take control of their health to learn how to put themselves first so they can live happier, healthier lives. Recently, I was featured in an article for Authority Magazine, where I shared five things I believe we need to live a life filled with happiness, joy, [...]

27 12, 2022

5 Tips to Keep to Your New Year’s Resolutions

By |2023-01-30T18:18:03+00:00December 27th, 2022|

Life is messy and can throw curveballs into perfect plans, so unless you’re creating resolutions that can last through a pandemic, for example, what you resolve to do will sink like the Titanic. So how can you make and stick to your new plans? These five tips below will give you the confidence boost you need to keep your New Year’s resolutions and the long game in mind.

30 11, 2022

Three ways to beat the winter blues

By |2023-01-24T13:51:38+00:00November 30th, 2022|

I’ve been thinking a lot about time and gratitude lately. And play, of course. Time because it was a year ago this month that my husband Shawn was diagnosed with Leukemia.   Grateful because he continues to make slow and steady progress. I am equally grateful to be continuing my education toward becoming a National Board Certified [...]

28 10, 2022

Investing in our health is as crucial as investing in our retirement. 

By |2022-10-28T11:49:45+00:00October 28th, 2022|

We are told again and again the importance of saving for retirement. No one can argue that logic – people live longer and require more financial savings to support their desired standard of living. However, we need to apply the same logic to our health.

18 07, 2022

As featured in Precision Nutrition’s article “How to exercise when you don’t like to exercise”

By |2023-03-21T17:58:56+00:00July 18th, 2022|

In her book, The Play Book: How to Get In the Habit of Good Health, coach and play expert Janet Omstead, PN2-MHC, suggests: “If 22 minutes all at once feels like too much, just break up that 22 minutes into smaller chunks.”

3 06, 2022

Want to feel more in control of your time? Here’s how!

By |2022-06-02T17:26:39+00:00June 3rd, 2022|

We all know that time isn't guaranteed for any of us.  All of life's certainty can go out the window in a split second (trust me, I've been there more than once!). Hard times come and go, whether the daily news or a health crisis. Good times come and go, whether moving into a new home or making fun memories with the ones you love. Yet, the most significant thing we can do to feel in control of our mental and physical health is to take time to move our bodies. 

20 05, 2022

Create a vision for your future healthy self

By |2022-05-20T01:12:42+00:00May 20th, 2022|

When it comes to your vision of your future state of health, do you have a navigation system to get you to where you want to go? A plan and a GPS are handy tools to guide you along the route when going on a trip. Did you know that the same idea applies to your health?  Find out how to create a vision for your future healthy self today!

29 04, 2022

How to prioritize play

By |2022-05-04T00:46:22+00:00April 29th, 2022|

This week I was reminded about the driving force of one's identity, priorities and values when making changes and setting goals. Change is possible, but it must start with self-acceptance. —Alexander Lowen What you identify as your core values will help guide you toward what you are most passionate about when it comes to play.  One skill [...]

15 04, 2022

How play is medicine for the whole body

By |2022-04-14T17:05:40+00:00April 15th, 2022|

Exercise is the most natural form of medicine - it's in my book and how I coach. We all need a daily dose of something. Why not make it, PLAY? It's NOT about fitting into a dress for your high school reunion or looking your best on a beach vacation! It IS about how you can achieve a manageable and sustainable change that lasts a lifetime.

22 03, 2022

Three tips to manage your health while caring for another

By |2022-03-30T15:19:32+00:00March 22nd, 2022|

At some point in each of our lives, we will be caregivers - for a pet, child, aging parents or a spouse that is ill. It's part of being a human, and it's challenging when it happens. Here are three tips on managing your health while caring for another.

11 03, 2022

How to shape your environment to get more active

By |2022-03-12T14:44:53+00:00March 11th, 2022|

By now, we are very aware that physical activity prevents chronic disease.  It’s one thing to say “get into the habit of play” or “be more physical;” it’s another to have people take consistent action. One problem is that not everyone lives in an environment promoting activity. But there is a solution!

11 02, 2022

You deserve a break today

By |2022-02-11T01:17:47+00:00February 11th, 2022|

Physical inactivity is the 4th leading risk factor for global mortality. Canadians are spending upwards of 10 hours a day in an inactive state. The long-term pandemic effects increase stress levels, burnout, and the feeling of being disconnected. The least we can do for ourselves is to start moving a little more. You deserve a play break today and every day!

28 01, 2022

Interview with Larry Jacobs from Education Talk Radio

By |2022-04-12T17:27:40+00:00January 28th, 2022|

Teachers' and students' social and emotional health is in jeopardy. Exercise is the solution to improve our mental and physical health. So why don't we move? Play isn't just for kids. Find out some of my favourite ways to quickly find time every day to move a little more in my discussion with Larry Jacobs from Education Talk Radio.

26 11, 2021

Play Tip No. 7: be honest about your time

By |2021-11-26T00:11:50+00:00November 26th, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

19 11, 2021

Play Tip No. 6: know your why

By |2021-11-19T01:21:27+00:00November 19th, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

12 11, 2021

Play Tip No. 5: stop the all-or-nothing mindset

By |2021-11-18T22:34:21+00:00November 12th, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

5 11, 2021

Play Tip No. 4: add play to something you already do

By |2021-11-05T00:43:39+00:00November 5th, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

29 10, 2021

Play Tip No. 3: put it on the calendar

By |2021-10-28T12:38:39+00:00October 29th, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

22 10, 2021

Play Tip No. 2: have a quick PLAYlist

By |2021-10-22T03:59:11+00:00October 22nd, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

15 10, 2021

Play Tip No. 1: stop saying you don’t have time!

By |2021-10-21T01:11:30+00:00October 15th, 2021|

Over the years, the fitness industry has convinced people that the only way to get healthy is to join a gym and do lengthy workouts. Stop saying you don't have time because you don't need an hour. You do have time to keep healthy even if you are busy. Find out how to take back control of yours!

16 09, 2021

Exercise cuts risk of dying from Covid-19 by 2.5x

By |2021-09-16T01:22:39+00:00September 16th, 2021|

As we stumble out of the pandemic, it feels as if people are aching to do fun activities, be together, and truly live life to the fullest. I believe there is nothing better than a community of like-minded people getting together in the pursuit of play, both virtually and in-person, to improve your mood and make you feel less lonely.  

1 09, 2021

How to feel less overwhelmed this September

By |2021-09-01T12:56:52+00:00September 1st, 2021|

As we stumble out of the pandemic, it feels as if people are aching to do fun activities, be together, and truly live life to the fullest. I believe there is nothing better than a community of like-minded people getting together in the pursuit of play, both virtually and in-person, to improve your mood and make you feel less lonely.  

16 08, 2021

National Tell a Joke Day

By |2023-03-21T17:59:42+00:00August 16th, 2021|

As we stumble out of the pandemic, it feels as if people are aching to do fun activities, be together, and truly live life to the fullest. I believe there is nothing better than a community of like-minded people getting together in the pursuit of play, both virtually and in person, to improve your mood and make you feel less lonely.  

9 07, 2021

How PLAY can naturally become part of your daily routine

By |2022-04-11T18:13:47+00:00July 9th, 2021|

Sharing some top creative ideas from my coaching business and my book, "The Play Book: How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health," you'll learn new ways to add more PLAY into your life so that you're not sacrificing your mental or physical health at work or home.  ⠀

26 06, 2021

The benefit of group activities for your health

By |2021-06-26T00:59:30+00:00June 26th, 2021|

As we stumble out of the pandemic, it feels as if people are aching to do fun activities, be together, and truly live life to the fullest. I believe there is nothing better than a community of like-minded people getting together in the pursuit of play, both virtually and in person, to improve your mood and make you feel less lonely.  

17 06, 2021

From hurt to hertz – the healing power of frequencies

By |2021-06-17T23:13:23+00:00June 17th, 2021|

I've always been proactive about health, healing, and listening to my body. It's why I became a coach in the first place. Last weekend, I was reminded of this commitment when I crashed on my bike into the sidewalk, fell and broke two ribs.  Luckily my helmet, and the fact that I fell away from traffic, [...]

23 04, 2021

Reframing exercise as PLAY

By |2021-05-28T15:26:14+00:00April 23rd, 2021|

What if we reframed 'exercise' as we know it? Reframed it so that anyone, regardless of confidence, fitness level, or social status, can do?  Exercise as PLAY. No, this isn't me trying to disguise a word to use a clever marketing ploy. And it's not about having washboard abs or being on the cover of a magazine. It's about taking control of your life so you can live fully. 

2 04, 2021

The hidden benefits of an easter egg hunt

By |2021-04-01T21:46:48+00:00April 2nd, 2021|

Did you know that seven holidays officially have chocolate tied to them?  And what goes better with easter chocolate than an easter egg hunt! Just because you are playing doesn't mean you have to restrict any food groups. Sometimes, doing things for the heck of it matters more than looking for the health benefits.

12 03, 2021

What is the #1 secret to change your habits?

By |2021-03-12T12:17:53+00:00March 12th, 2021|

Since we have all entered the one-year mark since the WHO declared a pandemic, have you made changes in your habits that will stick? To become healthier as individuals and as a society, we need to become people who try different things, listen to our bodies, and find positive lifestyle changes that we can stick with for the long haul.  Learn what the #1 secret is to change your habits!

26 02, 2021

Trends vs. Habits

By |2021-02-26T01:59:58+00:00February 26th, 2021|

To become healthier as individuals and as a society, we need to be the type of people who try different things, listen to our bodies, and find positive lifestyle changes that we can stick with for the long haul. But, you don't have to change everything in your life for the sake of a trend. How can you find sustainable habits that last?

19 02, 2021

The best way to start a new habit

By |2021-02-19T01:16:12+00:00February 19th, 2021|

What's hard? Change. With 1.5 billion people in the world not doing enough exercise to keep healthy, it's one of the most challenging habits people struggle to fit into their lives. But, despite knowing what you should do, maybe you choose not to do it because it seems too confusing or too hard even to start. Find out why!

12 02, 2021

What is one piece of the health puzzle that is often overlooked?

By |2021-02-11T23:02:39+00:00February 12th, 2021|

In this day in age, most individuals can sit for many hours at a time, day after day, between working on a computer to eating a meal, watching tv, playing video games, etc. Approximately 70% of the waking day may be in a sitting position.*  This affects not only your posture but, more importantly, your health. There IS a way to fix it, and it starts with some simple strategies you can start with today!

5 02, 2021

Breaking up is hard to do

By |2021-02-10T14:17:36+00:00February 5th, 2021|

Are you ready to identify as a healthier, better version of yourself? As a health coach, studying and understanding behavior change is what I love to do. I help clients change their habits and have fun (because let's face it, life is too short not to have fun!). People who break up with the all or nothing cycle have figured out a system or habits that work for them every day. Not just once in a while.

29 01, 2021

Play for your brain’s sake

By |2021-02-10T14:18:14+00:00January 29th, 2021|

October 20th, 2019, was a very emotional day in our lives.   Our daughter ran her first 1/2 marathon at 24 years old.   While this is a significant accomplishment for anyone, it was particularly poignant for her. Five years to that day, she had gone to the emergency room for a mental health crisis.   After suffering for [...]

22 01, 2021

This is your wake-up call

By |2021-01-22T12:35:14+00:00January 22nd, 2021|

With the pandemic, we've all be through nothing short of a collective wake-up call. When life gets crazy and responsibilities at home and work pile on one top of the other, it's easy to let our health and fitness slip. Now, more than ever, people appreciate just how much our physical and mental health is the most precious resources we own.

15 01, 2021

How to reframe exercise as play

By |2021-01-15T12:45:51+00:00January 15th, 2021|

I genuinely see play as a habit that anyone can do regardless of confidence, fitness level, or social status to help manage their health. How? Much like free play, the instructions for exercise are not "rules" set in stone. They are guidelines - a suggestive framework for being your healthiest - that you can adapt to make your own. 

8 01, 2021

The power of data for better health

By |2021-02-10T14:19:29+00:00January 8th, 2021|

If you're ready to make some changes to the way you exercise, eat or manage stress, here's a pro tip: find someone who can help you keep accountable and push you outside of your comfort zone. I did with Project PR and WHOOP. Not only was the challenge fun, but it proved to me the power of data for better health.

1 01, 2021

How to pick just ONE new healthy habit in 2021

By |2021-02-10T14:20:01+00:00January 1st, 2021|

If you haven't been able to make your health a priority, I could certainly tell you why I think you need to make a change. But is that going to motivate you actually to make a change? Probably not. The truth is that mastering change has to start with the right mindset, and focusing on less will get you more sustainable results in the long run. Why not pick just ONE new habit for 2021?

11 12, 2020

How to find joy again

By |2020-12-11T02:47:13+00:00December 11th, 2020|

If exercise is a keystone habit for a healthier life, I want to show you easy it is to implement play as a lifelong adventure!  Everything you need to move more is right outside, or even inside, your front door: stairs, rocks, benches, trees, fences, sidewalks, parking lots, green spaces - they are all functional movement spaces.  Yes, you can find joy again! Helping you recapture that "feel good" sentiment is what I'm here to do.  Have fun, feel good, and improve your health!

4 12, 2020

5 ways to make healthy changes that stick

By |2020-12-04T01:35:44+00:00December 4th, 2020|

This year, 2020, brought on many unexpected changes to our lives because of a pandemic. Planning was hard.  And maybe your health and wellness objectives got put on the back burner so that you could cope with the day-to-day challenges of life.  While many would like to see 2020 in the rearview mirror, why not take time now to plan for the year ahead?

20 11, 2020

Be Dutch and “Speel!”

By |2020-11-20T03:50:31+00:00November 20th, 2020|

You might not know this, but as ex-pats, in the late 90's we learned that it rains A LOT in Holland.  The Dutch don't mind at all - they don't live to work; they work to live and "Speel" (play). They especially love to bike. We quickly learned that even though you can't control the weather, you can control how much you play. 

13 11, 2020

Go ahead, give yourself a “time-out”!

By |2020-11-13T12:03:53+00:00November 13th, 2020|

When people can't find the time in their busy lives to increase their movement, I suggest they go ahead and give themselves "time-out." It is possible to keep fit without gyms, and it's time people started to shift their mindset around exercise because COVID isn't going anywhere for a while (yay to the vaccine announcement though this week!)

6 11, 2020

Slow and steady wins the race

By |2020-11-06T01:09:39+00:00November 6th, 2020|

Why keep strong as you get older? Strength is a crucial component of staying healthy, mobile and flexible as we age. Unless you are regularly playing and strengthening your muscles, you can lose as much as 3 to 5% of your muscle mass each decade after 30.  The adage "use it or lose it" is real - but it doesn't mean it can't be fun!

30 10, 2020

What’s your sleep score?

By |2020-10-29T21:56:39+00:00October 30th, 2020|

Not only does getting the right amount of sleep to improve your ability to recover from physical and emotional stressors, but it also helps keep your brain and body functioning optimally. For me, nothing out there compares with on-demand health monitoring products like WHOOP because behaviour change is at the forefront of what the data feedback gives. Don't allow a lack of sleep to undermine your health and future quality of life.   

23 10, 2020

How can play keep you healthy in a pandemic?

By |2020-10-23T02:47:28+00:00October 23rd, 2020|

Physical inactivity is one of the leading global risk factors for morbidity and premature mortality. And now there is COVID. How can play keep you healthy in a pandemic? People who feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world can still benefit from even modest activity. Regardless of your age and stage in life, try doing more things that bring you joy — just like when you were a kid. 

9 10, 2020

13 things to give thanks for

By |2020-10-09T00:31:09+00:00October 9th, 2020|

Every year at Thanksgiving, I take a moment to reflect on how grateful I am that my husband, daughter, son, and I are all still here. I didn't realize how vital practicing gratitude was until a few tragic events happened in my life that made me see every day as a gift. Here are, in no particular order, 13 Things I wish for you ALWAYS to Remember at Thanksgiving and beyond.

25 09, 2020

How to manage your health with PLAY

By |2020-09-25T00:59:21+00:00September 25th, 2020|

With so many people working from home and uncertainty at an all-time high, people forget to put their health first.  By implementing the right healthy habits now, the better you will be able to handle the changes in your body in the future and have an even better quality of life as you age.  Movement truly is medicine. Let's play!

18 09, 2020

3 healthy habits to adopt to play like an athlete (even if you are far from one)

By |2020-09-18T01:32:18+00:00September 18th, 2020|

We are all born the same - you, me, and Olympic athletes. Each of us enters into this world with an innate ability to want to move our bodies and to play. Exercise (or play) trains you to be a person of action. Find the way to play that makes you want to take action and have fun!

28 08, 2020

The #1 reason you don’t need a meal plan

By |2022-09-01T16:43:20+00:00August 28th, 2020|

Everyone on this planet has different DNA. Meal plans are not just for our weight and size. Proper nutrition must consider our amount of muscle tissue, activity level, stress levels, quality of sleep, health status and even our body type, our genetics and our past health history. Exercise and nutrition don't need to be complicated. It needs to be consistent.

24 07, 2020

Why does movement (play) matter more now than ever?

By |2020-07-24T02:34:22+00:00July 24th, 2020|

It is a privilege to move our bodies. I have had a front-row seat in my personal life with mental illness, and I can honestly say every effort towards moving a little more equals progress for your mental health.  Your brain and body will thank you, even after COVID is gone.

10 07, 2020

What is the most important investment you can make?

By |2020-07-10T15:26:22+00:00July 10th, 2020|

Your most important investment is REALLY your health and vitality. Yet, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.4 Billion (60 to 85% of the population worldwide) does not engage in the minimum amount of movement to keep healthy, which makes physical inactivity (aka being sedentary) the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. That's NOT cool. I'm here to change that!

3 07, 2020

What does healthy active ageing look like to you?

By |2020-07-03T15:48:35+00:00July 3rd, 2020|

Canada celebrated its 153rd birthday this week. If a person could live to that age, I wonder what pearls of wisdom they would share? I wonder what dreams got fulfilled and what goals got lost? What would their quality of life be like? I found myself questioning this when I was younger as I watched my [...]

26 06, 2020

The simplest nutritional change everyone can make

By |2020-06-25T19:59:35+00:00June 26th, 2020|

A while ago, I asked this question on my Facebook Page:  What do you think is the simplest, but perhaps not the most obvious, nutritional change everyone can make? It's one of the most commented-on posts I've ever had!   Here were some of the most popular guesses in no particular order: drink more water eat [...]

12 06, 2020

Covids “Silver Lining” Play Book

By |2020-06-12T12:45:25+00:00June 12th, 2020|

Rather than inspiring people to keep active for their physical and mental health, getting and keeping in shape has been turning people off with serious consequences. With more data coming to the surface as global public health agencies navigate through the Covid-19 crisis, it is clear that particular lifestyle habits (smoking, obesity and physical inactivity) increase the risk of being hospitalized. There is a silver lining though!

15 05, 2020

Cultivating mental resiliency

By |2020-05-15T12:20:24+00:00May 15th, 2020|

Did you know that if you do something new for 21 days in a row, you can re-wire your brain to work and think more optimistically and give yourself a much-needed boost of mental resiliency?  After COVID-19, life should not go backwards. Focus on where you can move forward by holding onto the vision of the health you want. Create lasting positive change. 

8 05, 2020

Patience is a virtue

By |2020-05-07T13:31:06+00:00May 8th, 2020|

Yes, we all want COVID-19 to end, and we all want life to go back to "normal." Some estimates are it might take as long as a year to find a stable vaccine that has few side effects. A lot like your health, being impatient for a quick fix by dieting and exercise regimens in the short term, might feel like the right thing to do, except it's not. Respect the process.

24 04, 2020

Living outside of your comfort zone

By |2020-04-23T12:55:35+00:00April 24th, 2020|

I wouldn't be a good coach if I encouraged the people I work with to stick within their limits. When I have clients that are stuck in their health journeys, I really understand their fear of change. What's the worst that can happen? What's the upside? What's the best that can happen? You have to lean into negative feelings to get you to the other side of what you know you deserve.

6 04, 2020

Motivation Mondays – You don’t need to be athletic to move your body!

By |2020-04-24T14:45:37+00:00April 6th, 2020|

You don't need to be athletic to play. When you focus on enjoyment, rather than performance, moving your body becomes more playful and fun. Find something you LOVE to do rather than HAVE to do. You will be amazed at how consistently you'll want to show up. No time like the present to move a little more!

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