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As much as we don't mean to, sometimes it's easy to take our pets for granted. As a result, we can sometimes miss the signs if our furry friends begin to feel a little down in the dumps. (Of course, this applies to all animals, not just those with fur.) If you live in a Flagstaff apartment and want to do something nice for your pal, here are a few tips.
1. Hide Their Treats
It's true for humans and it's true for animals too: Sometimes things are just better when you have to work for them. There are plenty of toys where you can tightly pack in a doggie treat to make it a little more satisfying when they can dig it out. Or get a small ball that will dispense cat treats as your cat rolls it around. You can even just hide treats around the apartment (just make sure that your pet finds them all before you call it a day).
2. Spend More Time with Them
Even if your cat seems entirely indifferent to you, they still want the attention. The more time you play with them, brush their coat, and hang out with them, the better they'll feel. Your pet doesn't necessarily need all that much, but when they start coming over to you for some affection, just make sure you make some time if possible.
3. Turn on the Radio
If you have to be apart from your pet for an extended amount of time, classical music can be soothing to them—especially to dogs. There's no way to entirely mitigate the loneliness for them (unless you want to get them a friend), but this can help.
If you're looking for an apartment in Flagstaff that will welcome your pet, University Square may just be the right place for you. Give us a call today to learn more about our pet policies and availability.
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Following a Mediterranean diet can facilitate numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and greater longevity! Let’s talk about how you can implement a Mediterranean diet into your own life and reap the benefits.
How to Start Eating the Mediterranean Way
What does eating the Mediterranean way mean?
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, fish, whole grains and olive oil along with moderate portions of meat, cheese, and red wine. It’s been a way of life for peoples along the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.
How to start the Mediterranean Diet
1. Eat mostly plant-based foods.
Because of the fertile land along the Mediterranean, vegetables and fruits grow in abundance, and they are a major part of every meal. Try to eat between eight and 10 services of vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Go for whole grains when possible.
People on the Mediterranean eat quite a lot of bread, and in the Eastern Mediterranean, pita is served with almost every meal. You don’t have to shy away from grains with this diet, but do switch to whole grains and avoid packaged-type grains with unhealthy additives.
3. Avoid butter and use olive oil instead.
Olive oil is a mainstay of Mediterranean life from Portugal to the Middle East. Use it to cook with, drizzle it on salads, and replace that butter dish with a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil.
4. Eat fish a few times a week.
Meat is eaten extremely rarely in most Mediterranean culinary traditions, but fish is a mainstay. Try grilled mackerel or trout, canned or fresh tuna, or a fillet of baked salmon.
5. Enjoy food with family and friends.
Unlike most diets, there’s a social element to this way of eating as well. The climate on the Mediterranean is pleasant almost all year-round, so people are often outside, and socializing is a huge part of life.
As you can see, you may need to brush up on your cooking skills to try this diet. So, why not do so in a brand-new kitchen of your own!
Looking for apartments in Flagstaff? Contact our office today and see what floor plans we have available.
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The University Square community is an active and vibrant part of the Northern Arizona University environment. In support of a healthy lifestyle, experts have found that using a foam roller is a great way to warm-up or cool-down before or after a strenuous activity, or it can be used as a stand-alone program to increase flexibility and loosen stiff joints.
How to Use a Foam Roller in Your Fitness Routine
A foam roller workout applies pressure to muscles, simulating a massage. It loosens tight muscles and will speed up your recovery after exercising. Not only will foam rolling decrease soreness in muscles, it also increases your range of motion.
Roll your calves by putting a foam roller underneath the knee and lift your body up onto the palms of your hands. Slide yourself back and forth on the roller, while flexing your ankle up and down to work out kinds in the calves. Don't be afraid to linger for a few seconds when you a muscle spot that feels tight.
Roll your upper back which can become tense and tight from the stress of your day. Lie on the foam roller, by placing it just below your shoulder blades. Lift your hips up from the floor allowing your upper back to be supported by the roller. Move in a back and forth motion to loosen tight upper back muscles.
Roll your glutes, working separately on each side. Sit on the roller with one ankle crossed over the other side knee. Put pressure on your glutes as you roll back and forth with the body. Repeat with other ankle crossed to stretch alternate glute.
After your workout, relax in your spacious Flagstaff apartment home at University Square. The scenic environment, complete with outdoor grills and a picnic gazebo provide the perfect end your biking or jogging activities. While located near NAU, we offer pet-friendly living spaces in our studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment homes.
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Working hard to study those books, but don’t want to get stiff? No need to take a full-on yoga break to beat muscle soreness and loosen up; here are seven stretches you can do right at your desk.
1. Inverted Hand Arm Lift
Interlace your fingers in front of you, then raise your arms in the air. When they’re over your head, turn your hands upside down so palms face the ceiling. Hold for 15 seconds.
2. Side Bends
Stand in front of your desk, then grab your elbows above your head. Slowly bend to one side and hold the pose for 10 seconds, then bend to the other side. Keep the plane of your body straight, pulling your core in.
3. Shoulder Lifts
Stand straight up with your arms down at your side. Lift your shoulders up and let them drop in 5-second intervals. If you want, you can rotate them in the socket.
4. Behind-the-Back Arm Stretches
Put both arms behind your back, grabbing your left wrist with your right and pulling gently for 10 seconds, then switch arms.
5. Prayer Position
Place hands in front of you in prayer position, palms pressed together and fingers facing up. Hold for 10 seconds.
6. Arm Raises
Sitting in your chair, raise one arm into the air and hold it for 10 seconds, then do the other.
7. Back Arches
Sitting in your chair, place your hands on your lower back and arch it, leaning your head back and looking at the ceiling. Hold for 15 seconds, then release.
Get the perfect home office or dining room study setup when you live at University Square. With lovely views outside the window and comfortable Flagstaff apartment floor plans, you’ll enjoy sitting at your desk almost as much as you’ll enjoy stretching at it. Get in touch with us to learn more today!
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The Arizona summer can be hot–as you are probably well aware. While Flagstaff is noticeably cooler than its desert neighbors, it still gets warm during the summer months. Here are some tips that can help you stay hydrated!
7 Tips for Staying Hydrated in the Arizona Summer
Drink fluids. It is obvious, but it bears repeating. Drinking water or other fluids is important to stay hydrated. The more you are sweating, the more you need to drink–such as when exercising, or when in extreme heat.
You need electrolytes during intense exertion. While a standard workout does not necessarily require electrolyte replenishment, intense or long-term exertion does; long-distance runs, labor work outside and other activities can leave you overheated and depleted. You can get electrolytes from coconut water, sports drinks and even from electrolyte tablets added to your water.
Eat fruit. If you are hungry for a snack, consider fruit. Most fruits are packed with moisture.
Drink regularly. If you are out in the heat, you should be drinking regularly, before you feel really thirsty. Your body is constantly losing moisture when you are out in the heat. The hotter it is, the more moisture you are going to need.
Take notice of how you feel. If you are feeling dizzy, lightheaded or excessively tired, you may be dehydrated. Take a water break if you start to feel any of these symptoms.
Check your skin turgor. Skin turgor refers to the elasticity of your skin. If you pinch your skin and it takes some time to go back to its regular position, you may be dehydrated.
Seek shade or air conditioning if you feel overheated. It is okay to go someplace cool if you are feeling too hot.
Your Flagstaff Apartment Team
We are here to help you enjoy everything Flagstaff has to offer. Please contact us to learn more about our friendly community and available Flagstaff apartments!
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As the new year approaches, it's time to think about the changes you want to make for the upcoming year. Whether you want to start eating a bit better or you want to develop better study habits, it's a great time of year to consider how you would like to improve your life in the next year. Here are five achievable new year's resolutions for you to consider for 2017.
Develop Better Study Habits
When you're a college student, it can be hard to feel motivated to go to class and get your homework done. When you want to succeed, it's time to stop slacking and begin focusing on what matters, your education. To develop better study habits, you can try getting your homework done in a quiet place without interruptions. If you are struggling in a class, take advantage of tutoring.
Eat a Bit Better
While losing weight may not be your goal, adding a little nutrition into your diet is always a good thing. Focus on eating a few more fruits and vegetables, and a little less pizza, and you'll reach your goal.
Manage Your Time
When you have class, work, homework and a social life, learning to manage your time is essential. Look to reduce the time you spend surfing the Internet and get focused on your work.
Get Fresh Air Every Day
Flagstaff is beautiful. Get outside and take a walk every day. You'll get a little exercise and clear your mind at the same time.
Call Your Loved Ones
If you're away at college and you aren't great at staying in contact with those at home, make a resolution to call on a regular basis. Your loved one will appreciate the gesture.
For one of the best off campus Flagstaff apartments in the area, give University Square a call at (844) 795-6793 to find out what floor plans we have available.
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]]>The post Keep Your Brain Sharp with These 5 Tips appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.
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Keeping a journal gives you a chance to put your thoughts and ideas on paper while also working on your writing skills. It also provides you with an opportunity to think about the day you’ve had and everything that happened during that time, which can help improve your memory.
Play Mentally Stimulating Games
Whether you’re a fan of crossword puzzles, video games or both, spend time playing games that challenge your cognitive skills. This could mean solving puzzles and even engaging in some problem solving if you play strategy games.
Have Meaningful Discussions
Being social and engaging in intellectual discussions with others on certain topics helps keep you on your toes in a mental sense. Chatting with other people can provide you with different perspectives on subjects and give you a chance to have healthy debates.
Break Out the Maps
If you’re traveling this summer or just exploring the local area, use a map to get around instead of depending on GPS. Reading a map requires more brain power than letting GPS tell you where to go.
Read Thought-Provoking Material
Put a number of books that require some critical thinking skills on your part on your summer reading list. You should also include works of fiction that encourage you to use your imagination.
Our community offers off-campus NAU housing in a calm, scenic environment. Contact us to learn more about our Flagstaff apartments and community amenities.
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]]>The post Have a Heart: Stay Heart Happy for National Heart Month appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.
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February is a month full of heart … No, not because of Valentine’s Day! February is also National Heart Month, which makes it the perfect time to think about what you can do to be “heart happy.” After all, your heart is one thing you quite literally can’t live without. Everything from diet and exercise to your levels of stress and happiness contribute to how your heart performs. Keeping your heart healthy and happy, then, is about more than just getting in a good workout every once in a while (though it couldn’t hurt). It’s about making good lifestyle choices to do what’s right for your health! Here are a few suggestions to help you concentrate on heart health this month!
Kick Up the Cardio
Add a little exercise to your daily routine. Go for walks. Join a Zumba class. Take advantage of the free Fitness Center! Aim for 15 minutes of activity three times a week to start, and gradually increase your activity level as you feel more comfortable!
Kick Out Bad Habits
If you’re a smoker, now’s a good time to quit. Quitting can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, among other things! Wave farewell to fatty foods. Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. Use spices instead of salt to add flavor to your food. Say goodbye to bad habits and say hello to a happier heart!
What’s Up, Doc?
Don’t forget the importance of regular check-ups with your doctor … even when you’re not sick. Your doctor can help you set heart healthy goals. Doctors are also great resources for asking questions about your health in general; remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your health! And make sure you’re willing to trust their advice … because they’re doctors, and you’re not.
Just Relax …
Raise your hand if you’ve NEVER had a stressful day at school, work, home, the store, church, the park … Yeah, we’ve all had stressful days. It’s impossible to avoid stress, but it is possible to learn to manage it. Take time daily just for yourself. Take a long bath or an extra long shower. Do some yoga. Take a nap. Meditate. Listen to relaxing music. Do whatever it takes to allow the stresses of your day to simply melt away … even if it just means putting your stressor on the back burner for now. Your heart will thank you!
Heart health is not magic. It is simply the process of making good choices. Celebrate National Heart Month by showing your heart a little extra TLC!
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