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Changing your environment can make your choices harder as well as easier.  When I chose to become self-employed and start my business, Dhucks, I moved my work day from a 9 to 5 job in an office with co-workers, to working from home (or at a client's) with flexible hours and all the distractions and attractions that go along with it.  I knew I would be happier (a good thing); I thought I would use my neighborhood to walk more & spend more time gardening (that didn't happen); I knew I would be stressed but in a different way (so that was a push); and I figured I would be tempted to check the refrigerator or TV for inspiration (yup,  that happened).  My coping skills have definitely improved and my choices are much better than when I first started.

But in July, I'm opening an office in Hilo.  I am thrilled, not just for the business side of things, but about the change in my environment. I won't have the refrigerator for inspirational sessions -- I'll have other people around me to talk to and laugh with and bounce ideas off of.  But the biggest change that I see is how much easier it will be to move more in the course of my day.  I can see me arriving early to get a walk in before my business day starts (even 10 minutes is good).  I can see me asking for more 'walk and talks' instead of sit-down meetings. Maybe I'll even walk to my next appointment.  And if I need a break from the computer, I can take a walk around the block to clear my head.  I may even walk with friends at lunch or after work.  Oh, and then there are the stairs each morning!  I will definitely be able to increase the number of steps on my pedometer. 

I'm excited about what's to come.  I will definitely miss my dogs and my garden bench, but I'm looking forward to leaving most of the work at the office, casually chatting with others without having to schedule it in, and making activity a normal part of my day. 

Some ideas for stay at home parents to get more activity in their day  Everday Tasks Help Stay-at-Home Dads Stay Active 

Physical Activity in Your Daily Life from the American Heart Association 

 ~~~ Where's Shawndra This Week? ~~~

Check out my Saturday morning Weight Watchers® meeting in Hilo for free.  We open at 8:30 and the meeting starts at 9 am.  29 Shipman St, #101, Hilo.  Behind Koehnens (entrance is in the alley).