Now that Summer vacations are over and back to school chaos has calm down, let’s make sure we get back on track. As moms, we have to remember to “put the oxygen mask on ourselves first.”
We have spent the last couple of months on family vacations, family picnics, family reunions, back to school shopping for the family, getting the family into a school routine, etc. It is now time to breathe and make sure we are back on track. It is a good idea to get back on track before the hectic holiday season is here.
Here are four simple things we can do to get back on track for Fall.
Make a decision.
Although it seems like overstating the obvious, it is the most crucial thing we have to do. We must decide to pull back the reigns and focus on ourselves. The decision does not have to an unrealistic “I am going to work out every day, cut out all treats, drink a gallon of water, etc.” decision. Just a decision to focus on getting back on track. It’s a self-promise.
Drink water
There are so many reasons to drink water. We have heard them before but hearing them is not enough. We have to make an effort to drink more water. If you are one who drinks 8-10 glasses of water a day, this might not be that hard to do. If you are not up to 8-10 glasses a day, take baby steps. Make a goal to add two glasses a day for a week. Then continue to add two glasses a day each week until you are at 8-10 glasses. This is the hardest thing for me. I really do not like water.
Food
I said these are 4 simple ways. The one thing we should not do is make extreme food promises to ourselves. Extreme food promises are when you decide to go cold turkey and eliminate ALL food that you perceive as negative and eating all good stuff. This is usually not sustainable. Take baby steps here Maybe reduce desserts week one, add more fresh vegetables week two and eat less simple carbs week 3.
Changing your food can mean adding things to your diet. In the post, 5 Lifestyle Changes That Helped 20 Pounds Disappear, I highlighted a 6-month journey that was based completely on adding things to my diet. Whatever you decide, make sure that it is doable.
Move more
This does not mean for you to get a fancy gym membership and promise yourself that you are going to work out 1 hour a day 6 days a week. It simply means moving more than you are now. If you have been sticking to a workout schedule, step it up your intensity and/or increase your time. If you have not been exercising at all, start with a small and attainable goal. How about a 15-minute walk before breakfast, at lunch or after dinner? Take the kids to the park to play. Whatever you do, be sure to increase it a little every week.
I said they were 4 simple ways. Very simple. Let’s try to do these simple things. I am going to start on Monday and post weekly updates. Is anyone willing to do these 4 simple things with me?