Working Out: Working It Out

This year as well as not taking my packing advice I shirked other important details. Like looking after myself.

It is an easy mistake to make but one that creeps up ever so silently until BOOM; you know you have dropped the ball.

It starts with an increased pace, changes that lead to greater commitments and less time in the overall day.  Changes chosen by you or for you – it doesn’t really matter, there are times when we have to do what we have to do. Once we start getting frantic in our quest to “get everything done” I find eating and drinking habits change. Basically, that means more of everything delicious, which at my age doesn’t necessarily translate as “delicious” on the body. Comfort eating and drinking is something most of us enjoy from time to time and there is nothing wrong with that in moderation; it is the moderation I’m not so good at. Once the extra becomes the norm then in my case I diminish the exercise.

See what I mean, it’s a nasty little cycle, which is hard to kick.

But kick it we must.

There will always be busy periods in life, unhappiness or great change – this is what makes for our incredible journey and these are the moments we must embrace. The art is in the management and not letting ourselves down in the process. Time is a balancing act and prioritizing is a skill to practice until perfect. What it does mean is we should not put ourselves last and we should factor in our needs. Our time and priorities must include our wellness. It is not rocket science; it is simply stopping, re-setting and appreciating us.

If we accept and acknowledge the benefits of a good diet and exercise and how they will inevitably enhance our performance in the day to day, we should be all set. It is such a pity this wisdom slips from my mind from time to time.

My focus is to find the balance; to do what I want and need to do without losing sight of me. Am I saying we should have it all? Why not?

Exercising more is my trigger to get back on track. It puts me in the right headspace and by working out I mean gym, yoga, Pilates and even walking. Whatever movement is yours; let’s make it happen. As begrudging as I am some days to bend and stretch, afterward I am so much more productive and energized. Not to mention the positivity and excitement that comes from feeling good about ourselves. Small changes can reap big rewards.

The downside? Bad hair days and too much workout wear.

The upside? Less of me but more of me, if you see what I mean ;) xv