Self Care Goal #2

Self Care Goal #2: EXERCISE

The thing really is--I am not a fan of exercising. I have never experienced the rush or addiction that comes from truly loving a sport or a physical endeavor. However, my level of physical activity goes up and down throughout the year, usually based on the amount of time I have to "give myself"--and while I'm exercising, I am generally happier! I like how I feel, and I like the accomplishment part of it. I also really love hiking, and my husband has made it a point to start scheduling hikes for us (he's an amazing person!). 

Exercising during the summer isn't all that hard for me to achieve! But my GOAL is to continue an exercise routine during the school year. One thing I noticed is that when I am negative or having what I see as a bad day/month/year, I don't WANT to exercise. "I'm just too tired. I want to relax." But I have to remember the benefits of exercise!!

According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise controls weight, combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, puts the spark back into your sex life (how nonclinical, Mayo! lol--is that a measurable, scientific fact? hahaha!), and can be fun (okay--if you say so). 

These are all great things that will likely influence my mood while teaching! Also, several of my students are into exercising, and it gives us a bond. Which is cool.

The challenge, of course, is finding the time. I teach most days from 7 to 4. I don't like to leave my kids. My husband isn't up early enough for us to use my treadmill at home. I need a schedule, and not to feel guilty about taking time for this. (One of those things is easy, the other is not so much.)

Shooting for 5 days a week: 

Saturday: Early morning gym (easy to to do, since I'm an early bird and my kids/husband sleep in)

Sunday: Early morning gym--Zumba class if offered!!! That would be awesome

Monday: Treadmill and weights at home--evening

Tuesday: DAY OFF

Wednesday: EARLY morning Gym--a new thing to try! Go to the gym before work and get ready                           there--we'll see if I can. Plan B: Treadmill and weights at home--evening. (might be the

                    better plan, but I've never tried--so I guess we'll see???)

Thursday: DAY OFF

Friday: Lunchtime Gym!

In addition to this, my husband and I go walking 2.5 miles in the evening together. It's my favorite date! It's great for many reasons: FREE, good for us, and good for our marriage.

It would be fun to keep a tab on how many miles I walk during the year.

I have several workout challenges I'm going to start next week at our annual family cabin retreat (no wifi? Exercise! LOL) that target arms and abs; and while I am there, I plan to walk every morning, every evening, and swim everyday (um, depending on the temperature). Being up at "The Ranch" has really turned into a health retreat every summer--and that's pretty cool. 

In closing, since I kicked myself off social media for the summer: