This week is going to be a very busy week for me and my family. We are moving. Which means lots of intentional movement. I might not be able to sneak away for a solo run or a good strength session… but I will be able to get many many steps, strength from lifting and moving boxes, unpacking boxes and more. I will be moving… my body, boxes and more.
Eight weeks into the new year and I am loving the accountability of sharing my weekly challenges with you. Many of these weekly healthy changes I have already been implementing, but knowing that you are reading and holding me accountable really keep me going. Each small change builds upon one another to help me with my goal of living a healthy and active lifestyle.
So far in 2012, I have made 8 healthy changes and have continued those changes the following week(s). I have made a commitment to eat a healthy breakfast upon waking (every day), drink more water (atleast half my body weight in ounces), take a daily multivitamin, eat more fiber (atleast 25g) , record my food in a food journal increase my protein ,eat five square meals a day and last week’s focus of moving more.
I love the quote in the image above: “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” ~ Plato It is so true. God made humans to move and be active. We were not created to be sedentary blobs.
There are many ways to get regular movement and activity into your day. You just need to be mindful of when an opportunity pops up and make the active choice: active body.
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Walk: Get up and use your body and commute to your destination by feet, walk the dog, park further away from the front door, make multiple trips.
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Active Television: While watching tv spend your commercial breaks being active: cleaning, laundry, or even doing calisthenics such as lunges, squats or pushups.
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Do the work yourself: Instead of hiring someone to do the work for you, do it yourself. Doing yard work, house work or even gardening not only burn calories but instill a sense of self accomplishment.
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Unplug: Technology is the root of many of our my sedentary habits. Letting machines do our bidding (travel, communication, etc). Unplugging from the computer or doing things by hand will allow you more freedom of movement.
I mentioned above, this coming week I will be doing lots of movement with our move. I will be unplugged (from the tv/internet) and doing a lot of work ourselves (moving, unpacking, and planning).
The funny thing about being active and getting fitness in each day, is the more I move… the better my brain seems to work. It is almost as if I get more oxygen to my brain to help me think more clearly and stay on top of my busy to do list and schedule.
“An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body.” General George S. Patton
As a busy mom, my life is crazy chaotic with lots going on. I need my brain to be fresh and with it to remember school activities, socials, husband work schedule, lunch, doctors appointments, and more. Being active helps keep my brain alert and mind fresh.
Thinking of a new goal for next week to add to the healthy changes (and keeping in mind my busy schedule), I am going to focus on staying calm and breathing when things get stressful.
This week my healthy change focus will be:
Taking a Deep Breath
I am going to dedicate five to ten minutes a day to breathing deeply (and learn about the positive effects of deep breathing vs shallow breathing). This goal will also include to pause and take deep breaths when things get stressful (instead of getting frustrated… focus on breathing and calming down).
Baby steps. One small change at a time!
Do you take deep breaths to help calm and center you?
When things get stressful what do you do to calm your nerves?
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says
I love the healthy changes that you have made this year, so far! I defintely need to drink more water and take a multi-vitamin! Thanks for giving me a kick in the butt!!
Julie says
Wow those are a lot of great changes to have already made in 2012! Although it may seem easy enough, to keep up with it is so impressive.