Starting tomorrow I’m going to be making some changes – not huge changes, but little changes to give myself more space to focus on health, to allow myself to truly sparkle inside & out. Now I know someone will point out I enjoy eating healthy and being healthy almost all the time, which is true, but I feel an extra need to just care for my body right now, to nest internally of sorts. Every now and then a day or two filled with too much sneaks up on me - whether it be a stressful volunteering situation that comes home with me, or a stressful day caring for someone with significant challenges, or job worries, or beginning a new journey that causes some stress (and yet a great deal of joy), and before I know it, a day or two turns into three, followed by four and poof a week has gone, and that week was characterized by stress and bad choices.
The good thing is, since simplifying and really embracing a more simple & healthy life, I’ve become aware of teeny tiny changes in my body that let me know I need to get back into control. I was not always this in tune with my body and it’s needs, I used to go for weeks without noticing changes, I would often just suffer from headaches or exhaustion and look for quick fixes like a day at the spa or a night out with friends; quick fixes that really didn’t work! No more! I’m interested in genuinely and loving caring for my body and soul. For finding time each day to give my body what it needs, for seeing that health is about the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. For recognizing the equilibrium my body needs and allowing myself the time and space to receive it!
I found a much longed for book at the charity shop today for £1 and decided I was going to take this season to really and truly focus on repairing damage, on peace, tranquility, good food, exercise and rest. I’m hoping that it will help my PCOS symptoms. I also have an intense feeling that I owe it to myself now, and in the future, to do everything as naturally as possible!
I’ll be focusing on enjoying a smoothie for breakfast each day, a salad or simple soup for lunch, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, swimming each morning and walking or running each evening. I’m also enjoying a Wednesday night supper club with friends (roast chicken this week!) and continuing to spend more time in prayer!
I’m always skeptical about making changes in the short-term, so I’m hoping this simple focus on health is a strong focus of the next three months, with positive results lasting for years to come!
When you feel the need to make some healthy changes, what do you focus on? How long does it take for it to become your new routine?
Don’t you just love it when fate designs your finds like that? God just knows exactly what we need when we need it–at a price we need it–so often. But it never fails to amaze me.
I have been struggling myself with healthy choices lately. Since I’ve been feeling so ill and tired, healthy eating and exercise have taken a backseat to lots of resting on the couch. It’s very de-motivating and not a ton of fun. But I am feeling a bit better lately and am looking forward to getting back on track with healthy meals and activities.
Thrifted Life, when I can’t eat healthy I get sick almost instantly, feel tired, ill etc. Do hope you feel better soon!
what a great idea! i hope you are feeling better soon! i am trying a similarish plan of my own: to eat healthier and exercise more and take better care of myself physically…it seems to have great impact on my mentally/emotionally when i do! xx
me too! A huge impact! That and getting outside!!!
Such a great idea. It is wonderful that you know how to listen to your body and I guess not only repair it but prevent it. I hope you update us all!
Thanks! I’ve learned so much by listening to my body!
your post have given me food for thought. One week seems to melt into another week, then into another.
I do need to make changes for my health, and the sooner I do it the better!!
Gill in Canada
That’s always my motto Gill – the sooner the better!
Man, did I need to read this today! I exercise everyday and, for the most part, eat pretty healthy. But lately, I’ve been so discouraged as the weight I’ve been trying to drop has been holding steady!
I had a very bad “pity party” for myself today and was thinking about just giving up. Your words have made me think twice!!
Thanks!!
So glad it helped Joan!
Sometimes we receive gifts (the book) just as we need them. The salad looks so good and healthy. I hope your three months are fruitful.
That’s very true re the book M!
This is so great! The farther into the simplicity lifestyle I went, the more free and fabulous I felt. And I too became more in tune to my body. The food choices sound great, but don’t forget to listen to those cravings that your body gives you too.
When I first started my MPH program, we had to develop a goal driven change program for ourselves. While most people chose something simple, I went with trying to create more balance in my life. So I then went about setting sub goals for my social, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. By the end of the term I really did feel balanced and that I was giving more in some areas and cutting back in other areas—but I felt so much better!
Yes it’s funny, people think it limits you but really it sets you free!
It takes me 3-4 weeks to bed a new habit in. I live a reasonably healthy lifestyle – tons of exercise and mainly eat well without much junk and get plenty of sleep. My only issue is that I am super-busy in my waking hours so that is what I need to consider changing.
The good (amazing? strange?) thing is that I haven’t been sick for well over a year now. I guess I must be doing something right.
Good luck with your new regime.
oooh well done you!!!
you are amazing and you do sparkle, already. when i come on here to read i feel like i’m getting back in touch with a friend. that’s how your posts feel. but still … i know *just* what you are talking about. for me, i didn’t start to notice minute changes in my constitution until i became a vegetarian and started practicing regular yoga.
to answer your question, when i feel the need to make healthy changes, I definitely incorporate more raw foods into my diet …. use the neti pot twice daily (i REALLY recommend this for flushing out germs, bacteria and just negative energy…) … get more yoga mat time in …. and sleep more. never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! i also unplug … from TV (not that i watch much to begin with) and facebook, etc. as much as possible.
i think everyone goes in and out of phases with a great routine … i can’t do the same thing every day, i’d feel bored and stir-crazy.
one more thing that helps me to process stuff/get it out is to write a long catch-up letter to a faraway friend, and read it over several times. you realize things about yourself, can let them go, and see where you need to move next.
i’m excited for you! wishing you all the best.
xo
lol I don’t always feel like I sparkle! LOL
Thanks for the lovely comment!
Good luck on your continuing quest for a healthy lifestyle! I struggle with getting enough exercise and eating too much rubbish and I always plan to do the right thing, just don’t quite manage it! Oh well, one day………..!
Cheers
Judy
You’ll get there Judy, I always think it’s a journey! And, I for one, make mistakes daily!
It’s interesting to me that when I am doing really well at being healthy and eating well, I start craving more things that are good for me, and less of what’s not. It’s so great that you really are tuning into your body and what it needs. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest, and lots of fresh air. I think they say it takes 21 days to form a habit, though I’m sure it’s different for everybody. Doing something for about a month works for me.
That is so true Jennifer, re the cravings!
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I’ve been recording what I eat each day and what I do for exercise since Jan 1st. It’s become such a habit for me. I’m proud of myself for keeping track and for sticking with it. I’m eating very clean and I feel great!
I’m also trying to pay attention to what my body is telling me. Am I tired, thirsty, hungry, just need to rest?
oooh Melanie, well done you!!!
I’m with you on this one. I’ve just started to experience little niggling health concerns and have finally come to realise that I must listen to my body and really start to look after myself better. In the past I would have just forged on regardless. So it’s more sleep, more relaxation, more quiet moments and definitely less caffeine for me.
Good luck!
Thanks Stella! I hope all’s well for you too!
It seems to take me about 2-3 weeks, it did for my dietary changes at the end of last year.
I’m hoping that I can get back into early morning stretches as easily!
Good luck with your changes.
Thanks Looby! It’s funny though how quick one can fall of the bandwagon!
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That salad looks amazing!
(that just prompted us to have a salad for dinner, thanks for saving me to think what to make!)
I wish I was as disciplined in looking after my self & my spirituality as you are. I pray in the morning, but I don’t think I could do it for an hour, and I certainly don’t RUN! lol
Walking is just as good
You always eem to hit on stuff when I need to hear it, be inspired… I think the way I sustain everything in a changing routine type is to just say ‘Try to do it one more day, you can do it today, if you really don’t want to do it tommorow, ask yourself again tomorrow, but TODAY– just do it today..” until it becomes a routine. Change is scary no matter what it is, so I am in awe of your bravery
Glad it helped Collette! I’m not sure if I’m brave, or honest
Your plan sounds very helpful, indeed! I think including dinner with friends is an important part…keeping up with them means you aren’t spending all the time contemplating your navel. I can focus on exercise, food, self-improvement, etc. so much that I start to neglect family and friends. They deserve better…and frankly, I am a better person for having them in my life.
I’ve been hoping to hear from you for quite some time…please e-mail me! I left a comment for you on my blog, too — next to yours.
Hey Cindy, I’ve emailed you twice. Do hope you got at least the last one!
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Girl, what a wonderful name for your plan…sparkle
You’re doing much what we’re doing as far as some health focus and nurturing, and I, too, have PCOS and other things as well. How have your changes made you feel? Mine have made me feel much more aware, generally in better health, and also with some tough detox and stubborn habit realizations. I encourage you on your fine-tuning…I looked at your recent goal list and the reading the entire Bible this year, wow, you will SO love that! God keeps teaching me about trusting Him, and for some reason I still have to keep learning that lesson, and am always amazed at His goodness.
Hugs across the pond
Robbyn