Focusing on Body & Wellness

image via Untitled blue

At the beginning of each month, it has become a habit to map out my monthly goals. I try to find goals for all areas of my Lifestyle Map. In addition to these goals, I choose a focus for each month.

For example, last month I focused on Sensuality and Conscious Romance. My April Challenge was to practice Conscious Romance with my husband for the entire 30 days of April. It proved to be a fantastic little endeavor, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to feel more connected to their partner.

For May, my focus is Body & Wellness. I originally joked that there is nothing like the fast-approaching swimsuit season to inspire a focus on Body & Wellness; however, it goes much deeper than that.

For me, “Body & Wellness” means much more than thinner thighs and a great a$$. Sure, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want those things. Heck, I’ve even written an entire post on my distaste for the size of my a$$! But when I think about the true meaning of Body & Wellness, I think of daily exercise, good nutrition, yoga and meditation, positive affirmations, getting a good night’s sleep, and other small habits that you know you should be doing.

For the entire month of May –and beyond– I will focus on my Body & Wellness. Good health is the most important thing there is (besides love!), but you don’t always appreciate it until you lose it.

In my endeavor for healthier Body & Wellness, I will strive for the following:

1. Daily activity — at least 20 minutes
I know that a person needs more than 20 minutes for optimum health, but this is a mind trick I’m playing on myself. 20 minutes is absolutely, positively do-able. There’s no excuse for not fitting it in…and chances are, 99% of the time, I’m not going to stop at 20 minutes. In my reality, just getting motivated and out the door is the most difficult part of exercising.

image via mikebaird

2. Good nutrition
Good nutrition means different things to different people. For me, it used to mean low calories and/or low carbs, but not anymore. My current personal definition of good nutrition means a plant-based, mostly-vegan diet, which includes lots of fresh vegetables and legumes. It means having treats, but not every day. It means eating organic, whenever it is feasibly and financially possible.

I have been finding lots of inspiration from Shannon at Nourishing Days and Renee at FIMBY.

image via mikebaird

3. Daily meditation and/or yoga — at least 20 minutes
These two practices don’t always have to be combined, but in my opinion, they work well together. On a physical level, my body would greatly benefit from a daily yoga practice. Ever since I’ve had children, my left side (shoulder, upper back, neck) aches. Being right-handed, I’ve always carried my children on my left side, leaving my right hand to do things. And no, I don’t carry my children anymore, but it is still the side of my body that has the most aches and pains. On a spiritual level, my mind would benefit from the meditation and focus that is required in yoga. To quiet my mind for even 20 minutes, will help me in so many ways.

4. Daily Affirmations – 5 times a day
This idea comes directly from Amy at Feasibly Fit Mom. I strongly believe in the power of the mind and the positive results that can be manifested. My two affirmations come straight from Amy, and they are:

“My body is healthy and strong.”

“I rest when I am tired, eat nutritiously when I am hungry and operate at my highest function.”

5. A good night’s sleep – 8 hours a night
When you have children, there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances that prevent a good night’s sleep. However, for the most part, me not getting enough sleep lately has been 100% my own fault. I have been staying up late (either blogging or cuddling or watching junky TV) and getting up early to get a jump-start on the day. I have been burning the candle at both ends, and wondering why I’m so quick to lose patience. Duh.

6. Practicing other good habits
These vary from person to person, but for me, they would include:

~ Using the neti pot every evening (especially now, during allergy season)
~ Taking a multivitamin…every day instead of every once in a while
~ Drinking enough water (usually not a problem for me, but I’ve been slacking lately)

In the interest of full disclosure, I must mention that I have had a regular headache behind my left eye for the last five or six years — I don’t remember when it began. I’m pretty darn sure it’s sinus related, but I’d like to get to the bottom of it. No, I won’t disclose how much Tylenol I take; let’s just say it’s a lot. Too much. I’d like to see if proper care and nourishment of my body will help eliminate my constant headache.

I realize that it seems like a lot, but shouldn’t self-care be as regular as brushing your teeth?

How well do you take care of yourself? Are there any habits that you know you should be doing but aren’t?

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In other news…
Another interview is up! The funny and beautiful Sami agreed to be interviewed, and her interview is up. Sami is a life-lovin’ Aussie girl, living life to its fullest. Her blog Life, Laughs & Lemmings is a constant inspiration to me. Give it a read!

Tagged as: diet, exercise, health