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Moving Your Body and Mind

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Do you realize that exercise and movement are in fact not always the same? Movement comes in many forms. There’s the physical type, of course, but then there’s the type that requires making personal progress in our lives; the kind that might not be visible to the eye but still requires much effort. This is why movement is also one of our favorite –ment words. 

The more simple definition of movement is described as a change or development. This could possibly be the best definition in my opinion. Why? Because the meanings are endless.  

 

Physical movement   

Yes, physical movement is important. Exercise is oftentimes based on the movements we already do in our daily lives. Things like walking, starting the lawnmower, squatting to reach your cooking pans, etc. It sounds pretty basic and to be honest – it is. But that’s the point!

It’s not always about burning calories, it’s about giving our bodies the attention they need. Weightlifting and running are great, but we forget about the smaller things that we can do as well. Things such as working on your posture by sitting on barstools or on the floor (I’ve been doing this a lot lately and it definitely draws focus on how your body is positioned). Stretching frequently and taking non-strenuous walks can also be a good option. 

Living a rather sedentary lifestyle isn’t uncommon these days and especially so when the word “quarantine” has become a casual thing. But research shows that the less active we are, the less active our minds are. This can lead to mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression. 

 

Movement in life

This one might be rather non-traditional, but it is definitely a thing. 

Be active. Not just physically, but in the things you do daily. Move towards the things you want. Be active in the journey towards accomplishing your goals. Set goals. Work towards them. Do little things. Whatever you do, don’t stop!

A part of what allows us to get to where we want to be in life is the people, places, and attitudes we surround ourselves with. We have the choice to actively seek out what we need in order to grow. As we said before, the opportunities are endless. 

We like to see everyone moving forward in life and how + where you work should not be what holds you back. That’s why we created a space with the freedom to move as you please, both in life and from one downtown Bowling Green hotspot to the next.

 

Bottomline

Progress comes from movement. You will never get anywhere if you don’t take that next step. We are here to take those steps with you, beside you, or carry you up to them if need be! You’re making big moves and so are we. Let’s do this. 

 

DIY Workouts

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Goodbye traditional ways of working out, hello getting creative and DIY workouts. There is no denying that the new norms we have been forced to adapt to have brought about some disruption. However, it’s never too late to bring some normalcy and structure back into your life. Getting active and exercising is the perfect way to do this. Whether you’re still stuck at home or transitioning back to office life, we’ve got some ideas that should fit into the lifestyles of just about everyone. If you thought you needed a gym membership or fancy equipment, think again!

 

Get moving – at home

Got kids? No problem! Incorporate your little ones into the workout. I guarantee they will have a ball with it. Make it a family thing and bring everyone into it! 

Play a game. Make your workout a little more fun or rewarding. Grab a deck of cards, assign an action to each one and the number on your card is your number of reps! Try to get through the whole deck or challenge someone else. 

Gather up those household items. Creating our own home weights since…well the 2020 pandemic I guess. I’m not even going to lie and say I don’t have at least three college textbooks lying around that never got any use…until now! I’ve been hearing that water jugs can really up the challenge also. 

Bed stretches. Yep, it’s a thing and you’ll love it. Not having to get out of bed for this one, or better yet – already completing something before even putting your feet on the ground. That’s my kind of time management

Get involved. If we haven’t all learned by now, 2020 has gone remote. There are so many great ways to stay in touch with others during this time. From Zoom to Instagram Live, and even Facetime, group workouts are all great options. If nothing else, you can always watch past videos from most of these events so if you miss a workout, you can go back and find it! 

Our community partner Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp has been doing just this for all of their bootcampers. Head coach and owner Allison Millet has classes for all types of workouts every day of the week! Affordable prices, perks, and a coach who knows how to keep in touch and engage with their audiences – That’s what we like to hear! Many of our members are taking advantage of their Ment member perk this week and are attending a series of FREE workout classes (some, maybe even as we speak.) 

Get moving – at the office

Office stretches. That’s right, you can do them at your workplace too. Most of us probably already are because let’s face it – sitting in a chair all day makes for the perfect way for your body to get stiff. Do you know how many modern-day offices I’ve seen with a yoga mat in the corner? I’m telling you, people are catching on! Taking a five-minute break and sitting on your phone at the desk OR simply standing up and moving a little to get your body back into alignment. It’s no longer a tough choice for me! 

Leg/arm lifts. If it’s something you’re already doing in the gym or at home, why not do it at the office! Bring those small hand weights with you in your work bag or grab a paperweight or stapler from the desk and build a little muscle while you check emails or watch that new training video your boss sent you. 

Take the stairs. This may not be for everyone but it definitely is an option. It requires discipline, I’ll admit, but it will be worth it when you get one step closer to meeting your goals! It’s a sure-fire way to get in some cardio at the workplace. 

Wall/desk workouts. There are really endless options for this one. From squats to wall push-ups to everything in between, all you really need is your desk chair and the four walls you’re already sitting in! Fair warning: shutting the office door and/or blinds may yield better results and prevent an office audience outside your window, but that one is up to you! 

Stand-up Meetings. I used to think this was a crazy idea. Standing up for an entire meeting? But then I realized in my 9 -5 job as a cashier, sitting down isn’t even an option. So actually I’ve just been training for this one! But seriously – sitting in a chair all day? It’s overrated. There are actually a ton of benefits to doing this in the workplace. Did you know it also improves productivity? If there was something you could do to think better – wouldn’t you? 

 

Make it a good one!

Sure our year may be looking a little different than we intended, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of it by getting creative with ways to maintain an active lifestyle. Maybe you have become a bit of a couch potato here lately? You’re not alone! But it’s never too late to re-spark that motivation that you had and make 2020 the year that you planned it to be. We haven’t forgotten about our 3:59s and if you never made a new year’s resolution, it’s never too late to set a goal (or a few) for yourself! 

If you thought Ment Cowork was just an office, we’re here to remind you that we are a community first and foremost. We’ve got the space to roll out your yoga mat, roll your workout ball in or anything else your heart desires. Don’t be a stranger, we are here and we are open! 

Mental Health 101

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It’s your intern Hannah coming back at you guys with one last blog on mental health before I hand it over to Sarah for the rest of summer!

Mental health awareness month couldn’t have come at a better time. A worldwide pandemic, self-isolation, gloomy weather, and boredom = the perfect cocktail for a lack of motivation and a spike in poor mental health. We want to make sure that you guys stay on track with what the CDC has been called being kind to your mind.

 

Taking back control

I’ve been seeing so many social media posts and memes saying things like “why did I even buy a 2020 planner?” I have to say I have been feeling like that a lot lately too. But then it hit me. This doesn’t mean that I have to stop planning or looking forward to things. All storms will pass and this won’t last forever.                       

So why do I have to stop doing something that gave me such a sense of normality? We may not have much going on right now but the things we do shouldn’t be any different than before. Write it down in your calendar. Keep making to-do lists. Take control over the things you can. 

 

What does mental health look like?

It looks different for everyone. There is no handbook on how to care for yourself. For some of us, it means carving out more time for ourselves, finding happiness in the “little things,” taking more moments to practice gratitude, or simply remembering to breathe. I will be honest – it’s a little of all the above for me! 

I’m not going to make the usual basic list of things you need to do to take care of yourself because let’s be honest, only YOU know what you need to do. YOU know you best. But there are a few things some of us often forget are an option sooo…oh look at that, I am making a list after all. 

Be open with yourself and others. I know – easier said than done. 

Be mindful. Become aware of your situation and focus on the present. Simply be aware that you are aware – if that makes any sense? I just started this book and I highly recommend it! 

Eat healthy and be active. It sounds like the overworn cliche but I can guarantee it’s not! Our community partner Allison Millet acknowledges mental health with just as much importance as physical health and encourages everyone to find their balance. It doesn’t mean running a marathon, it just means adding a little more movement into your routine. 

Interact or recharge. These are complete opposites but also go hand in hand! There’s an interesting theory behind the personality types:  For my fellow introverts out there, spending too much time with others can cause us to feel drained and we need time to recharge in order to be at our best. For others, interaction leads to thriving and they need to be around others to be at their best. Both of these are okay. Just do what is best for you. Ment Cowork is a pretty even mix of both so you shouldn’t have trouble fitting in here! 

Create a routine. For some of us, it’s been all work and for others, it’s been nothing but play. Neither of these is “healthy.” It’s about that balance. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Set some goals but don’t overwork yourself either. Find a reason to “get out” and get into a different space

Create the perfect environment. Ever see a room with the perfect amount of natural light and your mood goes from 0 to 10? It’s a thing! From plants and skylights to cozy nooks and books – open coworking lounges to private office spaces, you know what you need and we’re here to make it happen. 

 

Struggling is normal

With the especially trying times here lately, many of us have experienced the blues. And That. Is. Okay. 

And if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that it really is those small things that make an impact on us. When all this was going on, was it the big trips, vacations and shopping sprees that brought us joy? Nope. It was time with our families, brewing coffee every morning, and having time to finish that book that made us look at things a little differently. 

 

But most of all…

We simply wanted to stop in and say that you are not alone. If you read one of our latest blogs on the reopening of cowork spaces during the pandemic, you’ve probably gotten a good idea of the direction we are heading with our current take on the situation. With that being said, whether it’s coworking or anything else in life, finding the perfect medium really is the key. 

Whether you’re jumping up and down to get back out into the world or hesitantly watching from afar, we will be here – ready when you are, to help you get back on track. 

 

Take care of the world by taking care of yourself.

-a Hannah Vanover original quote

Let’s Move Into May

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From a few backyard workout sessions to a community-wide movement, our latest community partner Allison Millet of Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp has taken her business from her home to all around the Bowling Green community.

We could all use a little extra motivation right now and that’s where our fitness friend Allison Millet comes in!

“There are ways that we can all have more movement. It’s about finding ways to focus on you.” 

 

About Allison

Allison has been a coach for over 20 years and has taken her passion for fitness to the next level since the start of her backyard workouts in 2010. 

What started as a small group of people began to grow until the lot beside her home was no longer sufficient. She soon found herself asking, “Now what?” 

Millet now holds classes at multiple parks and locations throughout the community and has an inside gym location during winter months. 

Backyard Bootcamp is made up of a team of coaches all offering their own set of classes from yoga and stretching, to classes designed specifically for glutes, abs, upper body, and more, along with mash-up and all-encompassing workout classes. Basically, if you need it, they offer it! 

The classes are focused on helping bootcampers find the best version of themselves that they can be – one that is healthier and happier. 

 

Working out your mind

As we know, it’s mental health awareness month so we’re all trying to focus on our health a little more here lately, right? Did you know practicing a little extra movement can be just the way to do that?! No, I promise this isn’t a gimmick to make you put down the wine glass and hop on the treadmill – it’s me simply reminding you that getting up and getting out (in your front yard or on your yoga mat that is) may be just what the doctor ordered. 

“It’s a stress reliever… working out releases those happy endorphins,” says Allison. 

Studies show that we’re not lying guys! You’re hearing this straight from the mouth of someone who can barely touch her toes most days, so believe me when I tell you that having a little extra time on my hands lately to practice yoga has been an excellent relief for me. The best part is? You don’t even have to be good at it! You just have to do it.  

 

Making it happen

Allison also spoke on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by doing things such as practicing healthy eating habits and enjoying the simple things in life like spending time with family and being in the moment. 

The local business owner has not let the current circumstances get the best of her. When regulations were put in place, she was quick to adapt and switch to an online format for all of her classes. Allison stays connected mainly via Facebook with a group page specifically for those who are members or what she calls “bootcampers.” All calendars and weekly challenges are now online and can be found on the calendar on her website.

Classes are offered on a 6-week basis allowing people to sign up ahead of time and take part in the bootcamp experience. (Ment members — you guys are in for a treat!) As of right now, all community members are invited to join the classes at any time. Another perk with the new format: bootcampers currently have access to the online “vault” of all previously recorded classes, allowing everyone to work out on their own time. 

For more details (trust me you’re gonna want to see all of the awesome things she is doing) check out her website and start moving toward a better you! 

 

Moving on up (and hopefully outside) 

We’re moving in a direction of our own here at Ment Cowork. One that includes taking steps to get back on track as a bit of normality creeps back into our daily routines. Here’s to hoping, better yet knowing, that our partner Allison can help us out with this one! Whether we’re fighting the daily struggles of COVID-19 or fighting to shed those pesky pounds, success is just a kick, punch, and a few “you can do it!”-s away.

The Perfect Environment – Going Above and Beyond

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We know that environment makes all the difference in your work-life balance and that’s why it’s the second of our core values. Something that we aren’t straying from during these times. 

“So many people are getting caught up in all of the chaos and forgetting to go back to their roots,” Ment Cowork owner JD Haase enlightens us.

That’s why we are sticking true to what we know and bringing you the info that you NEED to hear. We definitely put focus into how we can make our Ment home a thriving community, but it’s also much more than that. 

Our current COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to shift their way of thinking and areas of focus in their lifestyles, workplaces and beyond. Cool hangouts and fun perks are great but now it’s also about looking at “how can this place contribute to my mental and physical health?” While many are now considering how they can effectively make their environments safer and promote healthier living, we were ahead of the game when we started here at Ment. 

The most important thing in time of crisis – preparation. While some simply see these little things as advancements, we see them as precautions and care for our members. Things like touchless lights and faucets to advanced HVAC and cleaning care routines. 

Our forward thinking building owner and real estate developer JD Haase had truly thought of it all before allowing the city’s first ever coworking environment to open its doors. Haase’ prior experience in the food industry made him more aware of the precautions that needed to be taken in the business world today. 

 

 

Going All In

Our staff discovered the potential of Ment Cowork – a true definition of a diamond in the rough, when JD said the building had spoken for itself. 

“The space let us know what it wanted…it sounds crazy but it was just wanting to come to life,” he said. 

New life was breathed into the space over a nearly two year span.

“It was a long process but we wanted to make sure that everything was up to par.” 

The renovations and additions to the building have made it modern, functional and safe and something that our staff believes will outlive us all. 

“I’ve never been one to sweep things under the rug,” said Haase. He spoke on the importance of doing something 100% or not at all.

“I don’t believe in grey. Things should be black or white, not in between.”

 

Main coworking lounge in Ment Cowork – before

 

 

 

Main coworking lounge in Ment Cowork – after

 

Location, location, location

For us, it hasn’t just about what was in our building, but what was outside as well. While many businesses are temporarily closed, we have seen a decent amount of traffic and downtown happenings here near 911 College St. Why is this? Because our area offers the best of traveling, convenience, and proximity to the square, ballparks and other walking paths as well as so many local businesses, shops and restaurants.  

If we haven’t realized by now, mental health is just as important. With Spring having arrived and going green and living healthy being a topic on everyone’s minds, many are finding their own ways to get out without “getting together.” This means taking a walk or simply getting some fresh air. That’s where a little sunlight, downtown views and location can make a world of difference.

One thing that I can almost guarantee we will all be a little more cautious about when this is all over? Distance! Call it luck but we’re not too worried about that either around here. From private office and dedicated desk options to our open coworking areas and floor plans, we’ve got this stuff down pat! *sigh of relief* 

 

Our Advice

Stay ahead of the game. Research. Find out what people are looking for in their ideal place of business.

Learn from the past. The mistakes of today will be the lessons of tomorrow…is that not a famous quote yet because I feel like I just made one?? This pandemic will change how we all operate our business models when doors are opened again. 

Stay aware. Keep your eyes and ears open to what people are talking about. Listen to what people want. Our needs and wants are shifting and will continue to do so. 

Most importantly – stay true to who you are. Are we perfect here at Ment? Well of course not but we are {ment} to adapt. We are taking notes and keeping up our usual creative flow of ideas to bring you all even more than we had before.

 

We can’t wait for you all to be back. See you on the other side! 

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