Feeling Fearless

You know what I used to do…

Wake up early to work out. 

When I did this before work, I always had a healthier day. I made better choices when snacking or cooking. I had more energy. And basically just felt better all around!

I have been having a few issues with doing this lately.

1. They closed our gym at my apartment complex. This makes it a little less convenient because I can't just go up the stairs for a quick workout. I have to drive to the gym and make sure I have all my shower stuff and work clothes. 

2. Getting up at 5:30 a.m. is hard. I don't think I have to explain that one further.

3. The yoga classes that I am loving right now are at night! 

Here is what I am going to do this week. Work out before work every day this week. Monday through Friday. On Monday and Thursday, the nights of the yoga classes I love, I am going to do a light gym workout in the morning.

Monday :: morning Arm Workout // evening Vinyasa Yoga

Tuesday :: morning Cardio and Legs 

Wesnesday :: morning Rhythm and Flow Yoga

Thursday ::  morning Arm Workout // evening Vinyasa Yoga

Friday :: morning Vinyasa Yoga

I am also a over halfway done with my previous challenge. It's going well! I think I am most impressed that I haven't forgotten to write in my positive/gratitude journal. I'm not sure if it is something I will keep up after this but it is nice to let go of negative energy before I go to sleep. Keeping my phone away from my bed has definitely helped me fall asleep quicker and easier, which is great!

Let's hope I can wake up tomorrow morning…

 

 

 

It's about Progress, not Perfection

I am all about this title. It's about progress. What are you doing to reach your goals? 

I set up 3 very ambitious goals for this challenge. I really hope no one expected me to quit cold turkey! But I promise I am trying and I think its helping.

1. I have been keeping my phone in the corner of my room, away from my bed every night. 

The Benefit :: Gets me up in the morning (no snooze) and it' is off my mind for about 30 minutes before I actually fall asleep.

The Problem :: I do not have an alarm clock so when I wake up in the middle of the night, I check my phone, which is the main reason I wanted it away from my bed. 

The Solution :: Actually use my alarm clock… WHAT. Or I could keep my phone in the bathroom and then the light would already be on when I check my phone so it wouldn't be as blinding to my eyes…

I'll keep you posted…

2. Do not watch Netflix in bed. I am not going to lie about this one but I am about 50/50. 

The Benefit :: Not having the lights from the computer will make it easier to sleep (and make it a better sleep).

The Problem :: I am really enjoying watching Friends and The Office before I fall asleep. Sometimes, I think it makes falling asleep much easier, which probably is not true AT ALL.

The Solution :: I need to get into a habit of not taking my computer into my room. I think this weekend will be good for that. I am going to Florida for a short weekend and I do not plan to take my computer which completely eliminates the option of watching Netflix in bed. 

3. Writing at least 3 things in my "positivity/gratitude journal" every night before bed. 

The Benefit :: Sheds a positive light on the day and eliminates negative energy before bed. 

The Problem :: What problem? This has been fairly easy to remember to do, however, sometimes three things is hard to think of. And I know most people write things like family or friends (which I am 100% grateful for) but I really trying to make my lists very specific to each day. 

The Solution :: Do more things that make me happy.

**I really hope you all find my posts interesting/inspirational/entertaining… or something along those lines. If you ever think of something that you might like to see me write about or challenge, feel free to write to me!**

Stay Inspired

Get on your mat. 

I was unable to make it to class today so I spent some time on my mat practicing a few poses I have been working on. 

I was first introduced to Side Crow in one of my Power Yoga classes in December. 

I fell on my head…

I didn't try again for a couple weeks after because I didn't think I'd be able to do it. It came up in another Power class the first week of January. 

I fell on my head… again.

But something had changed. My attitude. 

I felt inspired to see what I could make of this pose. Today, I finally was able to hold this pose with control. I just had to share because I was so excited!

"Yoga is a powerful vehicle for change. As you build strength, you start to believe in your own potential." ~Tiffany Cruikshank

The Art of Powering Down

I won't pretend like I am not one of the many electronic addicts out there. I love my phone. 

There, I said it. The first step is admitting it.

But through writing this blog, I've become aware of a few bad habits that have worked their way into my life. I am sure they are not recent, but they have been recognized now. Public knowledge to the world!

1. I play with my phone (social media, responding to messages, checking my email) for at least 10 minutes every morning when my alarm goes off and every night before I go to sleep. I've even started checking my phone if I wake up in the middle of the night. Who does that… phone addicts. That's who. 

2. I've started watching Netflix in bed again. 

3. I've noticed some negativity in my life and I let it affect me.

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

I'll tell you what I am going to do. 21 days. That's all it takes to create a new habit. So three weeks from now… on the 18th of February… I should have kissed these terrible, no good habits GOOD-BYE. 

Here's my plan...

1. Get that phone away! Mom and Dad were right. I should have listened years ago! They wanted me to keep my phone outside of my room when I was sleeping. However, since I use my phone as an alarm, I have concluded that I will place it in a corner of my room, away from my bed. I will place it there 15 minutes before I go to sleep and I will not check it for 15 minutes after I wake up. I know you can't really hold me accountable for this one, but you will have to take my word for it. It is a challenge I am willing to accept! I am putting it there now...

*Added bonus - I won't be able to hit snooze!

2. Say no to Netflix in bed! I don't foresee this being too difficult. I love to read! I am currently reading The Power of Habit. Interesting that my post is about habits… Could it be a coincidence? ;)

3. Gratitude / Positivity Journal. Every night before I go to bed (instead of playing with my phone) I am going to write down 3 things that are either things I am grateful for or positive things that happened that day. Maybe I will even share them with you sometimes!