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Happy March!
Can you believe that it is already March? Time flies!
And time seems to move faster each year. It seems
as if the busier I am, the faster
time moves. And, I, like most of you, do not see
myself getting less busy or being able to slow the time
down!
Do you feel overwhelmed just thinking about all you
have to accomplish in a short period of time? Or do
you start to feel anxious when you consider the many
responsibilities and tasks that must be completed by
the end of the day? If so, you are like lots of others!
Unfortunately, the activities that seem to slip through
the cracks are those that we really need to do like
taking care of ourselves by doing things that we take
pleasure from to decompress and de-stress like
spending quality 'non-work' time with loved ones or
reading a good book. We also often fail to take the
necessary time to achieve a healthy body to enjoy this
life in. 'Lack of time' is high on the list of excuses not
to exercise or eat right. In fact, many of us take more
time on house keeping than on health keeping. While
I would prefer that you carved out time from your busy
schedules to exercise and plan healthy meals, I know
that many of you need quick and easy tips on how to
be healthy without spending too much time. So, read
on for some ideas...........
| Fit and Busy: Can They Coexist? |
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Time moving slowly is a rare occurrence in
my life. I can count on one hand the types of
instances I have noticed time moving slowly. On a
relaxing camping
trip with my husband in Canada time moved
wonderfully slow. But then there are the times where I
am
sitting in the car late for an appointment waiting
for a train to pass--a little bit more frustrating than
wonderful! But other than those types of
instances, time seems to slip away with a blink of an
eye.
With long 'to do' lists and many responsibilities, most
of us find ourselves feeling short on time, especially
when it comes to doing the things that we would like
to do for ourselves (i.e., reading a good book, taking a
relaxing bath, and EXERCISING!). I am sure that you
have felt like you need just one more hour in the day.
But, in reality, if you had that hour, would you use it
wisely or for
those 'self-care' activities?
Lack of time and
busy schedules
seem to be two of the biggest excuses I hear when I
talk to people about why they are just not taking care of
themselves. Whether you need to exercise more, do
regular stress relieving activities, or simply take time
out to talk to a good friend many of you have probably
used the 'time' excuse not to do those things that your
mind and body crave.
Unfortunately, time is never going to change. We
cannot get it back, create more of it, or manage it
(despite the popular seminar titles referring to 'time
management'). It ticks by and it is our responsibility to
use it wisely. So, if time is one of the reasons that you
have neglected yourself, here are some pointers to
get healthy even with a busy lifestyle:
- Change Your Perspective:If you
continue to tell yourself that you just cannot fit self-care
in, you never will. Let's face it, if it's important enough,
it gets done. So, adopt the perspective that taking care
of yourself is near the top of your priority list. All
successful behavior change starts with how you
THINK about it.
- Manage Your Energy: Reserve some
energy for
YOU. Learn to say 'no' if it means that you will be all
tapped out and not have the energy for taking care of
yourself. Make sure that you do energy producing
activities that rejuvenate you (like deep breathing,
brisk walks at lunch, yoga, eat well, etc) so that you
are not too exhausted at the end of the day.
- Prioritize your wellness goals: You know
what your mind and
body need
to be healthy and fit in order to live life to it's fullest. I do
not need to tell you that. You just have to take it
seriously and start (or continue) acting on it. Make
taking care of yourself non-negotiable!
- Be Realistic: You are not perfect and you
will never
be able to it ALL (despite the claims of many self-help
books). Personal wellness is about growth. It is a
process, a journey. Gradually try new things. For
example, maybe belly dancing won't work for you but
dancing in the privacy of your living room will!
- Realize Your Responsibility: You are the
only one
who has the ability to improve your health and fitness.
You HAVE to do it yourself. You may be able to hire a
personal trainer or nutritionist but YOU still have to do
the work.
How will you be able to work effectively, take care of
your children with the energy they deserve, or do
anything else to your full potential if you are not taking
care of YOU?
- One Thing at a Time: Instead of trying to
climb a
mountain, start simply by taking little steps. You may
think of lots of self care activities that you would like to
try. But research shows that those who focus on
small objectives rather then an overwhelming goal
are more successful than those who bite off more
than they can chew. That is why we help our clients
set small and realistic goals while progressing
towards the big win!
- Plan Ahead and Organize: Sit down and
actually
have a self care planning session. Get out your
calendar and schedule yourself in. I know, you have
heard this all before--well, this time do it !
Hopefully the above points have hit home with you.
Maybe you were hoping that I was going to somehow
explain away the need to carve out time for fitness and
taking care of yourself. Nope! There is just no way to
get healthy, feel fit, experience energy and practice
prevention without putting in the time. But with that
said, here are a few ideas for those of you who are
just not ready to sacrifice some of your time in the
name of health:
Kill Two Birds with One Stone: Include your kids in
your pursuits to get active by holding a dance party in
the livingroom. Listen to a relaxing book on tape as
you drive. Make cleaning an energetic job to get extra
movement. Have your kids pick out healthy recipes to
try with you.
Get Creative: Okay, you might think I am crazy but if
you want to do it, you will make it happen! Try
incorporating exercise into your regular daily activities
by using an exercise ball as a desk chair, doing
squats as you fold laundry, including some standing
pushups on the counter edge while working in the
kitchen. There are hundreds of ways to incorporate
wellness into your normal routine, just get creative!
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Real Life, Real Change |
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In the previous newsletter, we featured the 'Change'
program. We have had some calls and questions
about it but only a couple groups are officially signed
up and committed to the 6 month program. I was truly
hoping for more. I am so excited about 'Change' and I
am so confident that this unique program has the
components necessary to guide and educate
individuals to make some significant improvements in
their health, weight, energy levels, and overall
personal wellness. I really believe that following
the 'Change' program can actually CHANGE your life if
that's what you are looking for. And given the statistics
on obesity, weight related health problems, and an
over-
stressed population along with a lack of programs out
there like this one, I thought that Change would attract
more interest.
Then I thought about it. 'Change' is a real
commitment. I am asking people to be serious, follow
through with goals, get real about their barriers, and
tap into what really makes them tick. Sounds scary!
And, real change IS scary. It requires sacrifice and an
admission that your old ways are not working for you
on some level. Change means that you will have to
perhaps leave old comforting habits behind. And, you
really have to be ready for that if you are going to be
successful in a program like 'Change'.
So, maybe we scared people away. But here's the
thing--if not now, then when? And, while real change
can be scary or make you feel as if you are taking a
risk, I can guarantee that the rewards of change are
greater than any that complacency or denial can ever
offer. Besides, you will be replacing old habits and
comforts with new ones that will eventually feel just as
normal to you as those you are afraid to leave behind.
So, if you are ready, call Katie at 847-775-0076 to get
more information or to get started.
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