Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Balancing Act {Healthy Living}

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Thanks to Crystal Light for sponsoring this post. To learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight.

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Take time to smell the roses/flowers…as illustrated by Pee Wee.

I used to think of myself as a professional dieter- always trying to lose weight, never quite finishing what I started. Like millions across the world (if not billions) this year I decided to rid of that title and just be healthy. Sure, it can be easy to try to plan to have healthier meals, but what about making enough time in your day to incorporate healthy activities like exercise or even sleep? Are these things you sometimes throw by the wayside because life is just hectic? I know how you feel. Trust me, I do.

I also know first hand how important it is to make time for yourself, especially if you’re wanting to be healthy. Sometimes I feel guilty over spending an hour or so on exercise when there are dishes in the sink, clothes to be put away or floors to be vacuumed. Or I feel even MORE guilty when I know I could be talking to my mom on the phone (she lives 2 hours away) or my best friend or just hanging out with my husband. These priorities of ours don’t just magically disappear because we need to exercise or rest or unwind for a little bit. So, what’s a person to do? I’ll tell ya what I do.

I can honestly say that over the past 60 days of 2011, I’ve learned a little thing called balance. And time management. After all, I have worked out for 60 consecutive days for an average of 45 minutes DAILY. However, I often waste a lot of time on Twitter (love it!) or just watching TV. That is time that could have been better spent OR I could have multi-tasked. I’ve gone back to the old school ways of planning out a schedule for myself that includes time to focus on fitness AND relaxation along with all the other “stuff” that comes with being an adult. Priorities also are important—and just because you feel a bit of guilt for wanting to go for an hour run or go to bed on time doesn’t mean they aren’t priorities. They are and you can make them happen. No excuses.

TV is not a priority, though I could argue with you about Glee and likely win that it is a MUST see on Tuesdays, so utilize that DVR or workout during your favorite TV show. Double duty. My husband will be nice enough to cook dinner while I exercise so that we both have time to spend with each other later in the evening. He helps me reach my goals because I’ve made him aware of what they are- communication is key. Often times he’ll cook enough for 2-4 meals, which means less time all around in the kitchen. I try to set a timer on my phone to allow myself a limit as to how long I can spend virtual shopping or scoping out Twitter.

Bottom line is that you can fit all of it in without feeling like you’re sacrificing anything. Shifting priorities, scheduling time for yourself and asking for help from those you love will all lead to less stress and more balance…and a better YOU.

And hey, those clothes can sit there for a few days if it means I got in some healthy time for my mind and body. How do you find balance in your life (especially if you have children)? What are your favorite ways to have a healthy mind and body?  What motivates you to find the time for yourself daily?

Here’s another reminder of what motivates me:

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Remember, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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