The Pause Wellness Blog

Articles, tips & resources from Martha to help you be your best self — for you and those around you.

Martha Kester
The Power of Routines

The Power of Routines

  And A Trip Down Memory Lane As I write this, it's the end of July. It's funny how certain times of year can transport you right back to another season of your life. I haven't taught elementary school in almost ten years, but the end of July still takes me back...

Easy Mango Salsa

Easy Mango Salsa

This is an easy recipe (from Love and Lemons) to make and one you will make over and over again.  I added chili pepper, jalapeno and even a cucumber.   "This mango salsa recipe is one of my favorite appetizers to make throughout the spring and summer. It’s refreshing,...

Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon Lime Vinaigrette

Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon Lime Vinaigrette

"TYou'll love this extra crunchy and bright Mediterranean Cabbage Salad recipe, no mayo with loads of fresh veggies, herbs, toasted almonds, and a zippy dijon vinaigrette.  This is the perfect make ahead salad, and it comes together in 20 minutes!"  I do not have...

Summer Fitness For Women Over 50: Staying Active In The Heat

Summer Fitness For Women Over 50: Staying Active In The Heat

  If you live in the South, summer can make exercise challenging. By mid-morning, the combination of heat and humidity can leave even the most motivated person wanting to stay inside. But staying active doesn't mean you have to power through a workout in...

Purpose Doesn’t Retire

Purpose Doesn’t Retire

While Lee and I were in the mountains recently, we started talking about what retirement might look like one day. I asked him what he hoped to do in retirement. His answer was simple: fishing and traveling. Then he asked me. I immediately started rattling off ideas. I...

Could Your Grip Strength Predict How Well You Age?

Could Your Grip Strength Predict How Well You Age?

  When most people think about healthy aging, they focus on their weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. While those numbers matter, researchers have identified another surprisingly powerful indicator of overall health and longevity: grip strength....

What the Blue Zones Can Teach Us About Healthy Aging and Longevity

What the Blue Zones Can Teach Us About Healthy Aging and Longevity

What the Blue Zones Can Teach Us About Healthy Aging and Longevity Last week, Lee and I escaped to the mountains for a few days. The scenery was beautiful, but one thing quickly became apparent: those hills were no joke. Every walk was a workout. My heart rate climbed...

5 Habits That Support Longevity and Healthy Aging

5 Habits That Support Longevity and Healthy Aging

5 Habits That Support Longevity and Healthy Aging When many people think about longevity, they picture living to 100 years old. But healthy aging is about much more than adding years to your life. It’s about adding life to your years. Most women I work with are not...

Chronic Cardio: Why Your Body Needs More Than Endless Cardio

Chronic Cardio: Why Your Body Needs More Than Endless Cardio

  Chronic Cardio: Why Your Body Needs More Than Endless Cardio Walk into almost any gym and you will likely see rows of cardio machines filled while the weight section sits mostly empty. While both men and women can fall into the trap of overdoing cardio, women...