The pandemic became a new normal for awhile, including daily routines and patterns that were not there before.
I finally went to the doctor to have an annual physical that hasn’t been so annual for about three years. Overall, it was ok. I need to lose weight, no surprise there, even though my doctor didn’t actually suggest it. My cholesterol is high, although not as high as last time and my thyroid is out of whack for the first time since I went through thyroid disease in 2006. Ok, I can fix all of this with diet, exercise, acupuncture and stress management. But will I?
My habits since working from home have included way too much snack and Netflix time. I live in a one bedroom apartment so working from the other side of the house is not an option. The kitchen is right there. I would work for awhile and then leave the computer to look at something else and often ended up in front of the fridge. I think I wore a path from computer to fridge for awhile.
Knowing that I want to finally get back to better habits means paying attention to the habits that I have created since the pandemic. My eating habits became wildly untamed and often mindless.
So what do I do? Most of the work is in awareness. Why am I eating? Am I really hungry or am I avoiding something? What could I do instead?
And the rest is intention….What do I think I will gain/lose by changing these habits? What’s the end goal?
I have until the end of the year before the repeat bloodwork so the daily routine is getting a makeover. Some things that I have learned as a life coach that will help me here:
Take a step, the size doesn’t matter. And putting food in my mouth is not one of those steps.
Do one thing everyday that moves me towards my goal. Taking a walk is a good option.
Celebrate the successes, don’t focus on the rest. Not eating in front of the TV. WIN!
If I forget, miss or step back into an old pattern, notice it, forgive and move on. I will start again tomorrow and make better choices. Just don’t make a habit out of this now!
Get ready to succeed. Make every day a chance to do more, to be better and to create habits that support my goal. I will do this because I am choosing health and the thought of finally cleaning out my closet because I don’t like the clothes, not because I can’t fit in them!
Every day is a new day and a chance to look forward to postpandemic life!
What one thing can you do today to move you forward into success in any area of your life?
Be brave. Be clear. Aaaaaand go!
I’m going for a walk.
Vanderslice Coaching 