Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after having a couple of guests for the last couple of weeks. I hope you enjoyed them, but I’m back today after a stressful week at work and trying to work on my writing at the same time.
It has been a week of trying to find balance during an incredibly stressful period. These are unprecedented times. What with the election and the pandemic, it has been hard to focus on my goals. It’s during these times that we must focus more than ever on where we’re going. We can’t let the world events deter us from our path, no matter how much anxiety they cause us. By focusing on our aspirations, we’ll alleviate our anxiety. Moving forward is one of the best ways to deal with worry.
I forgot this concept this week. I put my self-care on the back burner. Something I do when I’m stressing out. I don’t eat right, and I don’t exercise as much as I should. However, I saw the signs quickly and pulled myself out of my funk. I did this by deciding on a standard of care for myself. You see, I want to be healthy and active in my old age. I want to be one of those women who’s still running in her sixties. So, to do that I have to exercise a standard of care today.
I’ve been running and I’ve dropped my weight. I’ve also changed my eating habits and I’m watching how many carbs I eat a day to keep the weight off. Well, that’s my goal. This week, I veered off my path and started eating some sugary sweets and not exercising because I was stressed out. Because of this, I’m thinking I need to do some yoga to help alleviate the mental stress of trying to work, raise a family, and write during a pandemic. The exercise is awesome for getting those endorphins surging, but if it’s raining or too cold out, I struggle with jumping on the treadmill. It’s not the same as running outside. So, I’m going to add a couple more activities like yoga and Pilates to my exercise regime. I’m trying to do two things by doing this, strengthening my core and improving my mental health. Yoga is a great way to calm the turbulent seas of my emotions, and by increasing my activity, I’m changing my focus from things I have no control over to things I can do something about.
So, in a nutshell, I’m taking the standard of my self-care up a notch and I recommend that you do, too. I don’t think this pandemic is going away anytime soon and there are whispers of a shut-down. You don’t have to go gym to do Pilates or Yoga, there are plenty of YouTube videos out there. Check them out. It’ll be good for your health, both mental and physical.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my post. What is your standard of care? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
So often, when my boys are doing a sport or other exercise, I sit–reading, usually. This fall, I tried to walk when they were at soccer practice and at the skate park, and it’s really kept me sane and kept the extra pounds off. However, with the extra goodies and leftover candy around Halloween, I need to get in another couple walks–or a few more miles–this week! Great for thinking creatively, too!
By increasing your fitness level, you are taking the right step. Both Yoga and Pilate are awesome paths to fitness. My choice is Yoga and I prefer the traditional approach which most Indian Yoga schools take over the more western approach. The difference is that modern Yoga practitioners lay a lot more stress on physical movement whereas the traditional practitioners give equal importance to the mental aspect.
Hmmm…I didn’t know there was a difference. I’ve tried the Western approach, so I will have to try the Indian approach and see which one I prefer. Thanks for the info, Arv! And thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it!
Great, let me know if you need any further information.
Awesome! Thanks, Arv!
Good for you for taking such good care of yourself!
Awww…thanks for stopping by, Lydia and for your support. You’re amazing!
You go girl! We have the same goals. Being health all around in my senior years, plus doing what I love, which is writing. I plan on adding Tai Chi into my health regime soon. Cheers and continue to take care of yourself, Lisa!
Good for you, Sharon! I’m interested in how that Tai Chi works for you. I might want to try that, too! 🙂
That’s awesome! Congrats on getting closer to your goals. Lately, I’ve been putting my self care goals to the side. Currently, I’m working on doing the little things like eating only what I make at home and taking breaks when I need them.
Good for you. That’s where it starts small changes everyday! Keep up the good work and thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I just went rockclimbing for the second time with my daughter–I’m really starting to enjoy it, and it actually helps my bad shoulder!
How cool is that? I wonder if my boys would like rock climbing? It sounds like something my youngest might enjoy. Hmmm….I’ll have to give it a shot. Thanks for the idea! 🙂 I’m glad it doesn’t bother your shoulder.
It’s a lot of fun and great exercise!
I’m going to give it a shot! 🙂