Hi Everyone,
Did you read my last post and try to start a 21 day chart to develop a new healthy habit, or to help you try to get rid of a bad habit? I did. Although there are many things I could attempt, I chose this goal: To work on my book, I Am Awesome!, (a workbook on improving self esteem, geared towards middle school kids), at least one hour a day. So far so good! You'd think an hour a day would be a cinch, but not with my hyperactive hectic life. However, my ultimate goal is to have this book finished by my (milestone) birthday, which is in mid-September, so I have a lot of pressure motivation right now.
Anyway, on to the topic of today's post, "Preparing for a Big Event." I'm going to a wedding tonight, so that's a small scale big event, but nevertheless I've been preparing for it: manicure, check!; pedicure, check!; just the right dress, check! You get the drill.
I love having a big event looming out there on the horizon. We all enjoy having something to look forward to, don't you think? Now that I'm writing about it, I think it's time to schedule another cruise! I've discovered something about preparing for big events: sometimes it's more enjoyable preparing for an event than the level of gratification you get from the actual event! Well, obviously there can be somewhat of a letdown after the excitement of getting ready for something. So, enjoy the preparation! The journey!
What are some things you do to prepare for a big event? Besides what I have already mentioned, I like to: make sure I'm happy with hair style and color; figure out what jewelry goes with each outfit; use teeth-whitening strips; try to lose some weight; work out more often and at a higher intensity; make a countdown chart as time gets closer; research places to travel/things to do, (if it's a trip); make a "To Do" list and prioritize daily. Heck, my list might even include that new luggage I've been wanting needing for a long time.
Well, I have another big event, besides today's wedding--a four day family reunion which starts tomorrow! So, I shall close for now. Don't you know? I need to make a list!
Wishing you tons of energy and a positive outlook when working on your wellness goals, and in your day to day life! And, hey, I hope you are now feeling motivated to plan a little trip, or a party, or something similar that you can look forward to and work towards. Enjoy!
Mary R.
So, here goes! Blog #1. I hope I can help motivate at least one person each time I write a post. And, I'm looking forward to being motivated by many of you, from your blogs, and your feedback.
I subscribe to three wonderful health magazines. Each time I go through a magazine, I tear out articles, sayings, recipes and ideas that I want to refer back to, and glue them into a blank composition book that I have decorated wtih magazine pictures and phrases. I was just looking at the cover of one of these "Good Stuff to Know" composition books of mine, and saw that I'd glued down this saying- "Exercise is Your Top Age Eraser".
Amen to that, don't you think? Think about the people you know who work out. Aren't they just vibrant and happy? Don't they just have a healthy glow about them? A positive outlook? Good posture? I don't have any statistics to share, but I don't know very many people who exercise frequently that use many of their sick days. I do think people who exercise frequently tend to appear more youthful.
Now, I'm sure many of you would agree with me that it takes awhile to be in the zone with exercise, and that it's tough to get motivated when you are just starting an exercise program. It takes probably about six weeks of working out at least 3-4 times a week, for at least thirty minutes at a time, for you to get that extra bounce in your step, and not feel like it's pure drudgery to get up and get moving. When I say "thiry minutes at a time", I mean non-stop movement, using the large leg muscles--biking, swimming, walking, your choice. Find what works for you. Do you prefer to be inside? Outside? Alone at home with an exercise DVD? Out walking with a buddy? Are you someone who prefers to be at the gym very late at night, so that you are not around the large crowds? Or, do you enjoy being in a large class with others? Do you have a dog that needs a daily walk?
One thing that has worked for me is a little rule I've made for myself: I may not go more than two days in a row without exercise. If life gets too hectic, I have to at least put in a few fifteen minute exercise sessions on that third day, even if that means just a short dog walk and lifting a few weights at home. Seems to work for me. It's good to make healthy rules for yourself, as long as they are reasonable.
I will close for now, hoping that you might consider starting an exercise program, if you have not yet done so. If you are someone who exercises, good on ya! Think about trying something new and please let me know how that goes for you. I tried a spinning class at the gym the other day. Yeow-sah! Guess I haven't been sweating much in my other workouts, compared to what I went through with that workout. It was a reminder to push myself to 60-80% of my maximum heart rate. That is the level one must work at in order to improve the strength of the heart muscle, and to burn fat.
Happy Exercising!
Mary
The Fit Optimist
