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Life Resolutions

Feb 13, 2012 | 12:51 PM

Well now that it’s the middle of February we can look at our New Year’s resolutions and evaluate if we are on track or if we need to get moving. Alternatively, you can be like me and not have New Year’s resolutions at all. Therefore evaluation is not necessary and neither is defeat.

I have decided to make some life changes but they are more to do with my situation than they are about the time of year. I have decided to “up” my self care because I am working more than I have in the last couple of years and I need to be able to give all I can at work and still have enough to give at home.

So what does this look like…….

Exercise!!!!!!

Oh I know. Blah right? Who wants to do that? Well I can speak from personal experience and a solid five weeks of working out that our physical health is imperative to our coping, energy, ability to go the extra mile and is just as important as our mental, emotional and spiritual health.

I really did not recognize the value until I applied it to my own life. One week into January my husband was going back to work for three weeks and I was asked to work every weekday (as opposed to two and a half days a week). I work as a counselor so energy and a good attitude are crucial and I was facing single parenting five children for 20 days. So I buckled down and started waking up early and working out before I went to work.

I have to admit some days are painful and I don’t like it but the benefits have been amazing. All that you hear about exercise and eating healthy and that it gives you energy is so true and I made it through those three weeks without feeling burnt out and spent.

Granted, there were days when I was crabby and exhausted but I am still human no matter how much I take care of myself.

Upping my self care with exercise has been amazing. I can’t express enoughhow much it helps coping, stress and daily demand.

I challenge every person to consider your physical health to be an important part of your daily routine and coping with the challenges life brings.

You may not be at the point of waking up before sunrise to sweat and feel the burn but baby steps count too. Watch what you eat and reduce unhealthy food intake. Get moving and be active. It is totally worth it to live a happy healthy life.