This year my goal was to create a better work / life balance. Sound familiar? I know that others have tried it, and frankly I’ve tried before, too. This year I was determined not to fail. (Just like every other year.)
Well, we are in the 9th month of the year and I’ve actually done it. My daily routine has been reformed. I’m still going strong on my first small action steps, and I’ve added more over the year. I didn’t go from nothing to full speed ahead. Instead I made little changes to clear the road and aimed for forward movement.
The first thing I did was to start meditating each morning. What I do, is get my iPod out and listen to a guided meditation. My mind is always racing on to the next thought, then the next thought, and so on. I need help so I can set aside my mental to-do list and work on relaxing instead. I’ve enjoyed meditations by Collette Baron Reid and The 21 Day Meditation Challenge from the Perfect Health series by Oprah and Deepak Chopra
Next, I wanted to get a grip on my eating and exercising. I still have my garden for fresh vegetables. There is nothing better than picking the lettuce and tomatoes from my garden for a salad and eating it that very day. Sadly, it’s Fall and the garden is winding down for the season. What will I do this winter?
With the help of my good friend, role model and inspiration, Vicki Heise of Live Your Health Life I tried LoseIt.com. It helps me track my eating and exercise. Most of the foods Dave and I eat are already programmed in by brand and restaurant – and I can add my own recipes. It’s a website and an app, so I can use it wherever I am – no more pad and paper for me. I check the calories and nutritional break down to see if I am eating too much of the same types of foods. The best news? There’s a free version.
Now for the exercise portion – I have always been a walker but recent vertigo attacks have made me nervous about walking by myself. Then I found a program called WalkWithADoctor.org. It’s a health program where you can take your walking exercise with a real, honest-to-goodness, right-there-with-you physician. The nearest location to me is Stamford, CT. I walk with two cardiologists for 45 minute sessions. This program has locations throughout the US. Now that the weather is getting cooler, it’s such a pleasure to be outside.
As you can see, I am moving forward with my goals and making lasting changes versus quick fixes. I’m not letting distractions or disabilities get in my way.
All the little improvements have come at a much slower pace than I’m used to. I make one small change, get used to it, then make another. That’s worked much better than the all-or-nothing, go-all-out-for-30-days-and-fail routine. And, I haven’t spent a whole lot of money. That’s good for the budgeter in me and it’s another step towards maintaining my work / life balance.