Just Plain Joy

FEBRUARY

Resolutions:

1. Sleep 8 hours/night.

2. Strength train 3 times/week.

3. Drink 16 oz. of water before one meal.

4. Take vitamins.

5. Eat breakfast.

Living Healthy was an admirable resolution for this month, and also an untimely one. My little family spent the first week of this short month with the flu. I took three days off work taking care of my daughter and then spent another 3 days in bed myself. My daughter had a temperature of 105 and was diagnosed with influenza A, and I fell sick shortly thereafter. Fortunately, my husband stayed healthy and was able to care for us! Given this setback, I found it ironic that I was set on focusing on health this month.

SLEEP 8 HOURS/NIGHT

Well, for the first week of this month I probably slept 16 hours/day! My daughter and I literally spent days in bed just cuddling and snoozing. It was great bonding time (after I was reassured that the flu bug was going to pass eventually). However, when my daughter is feeling normal, getting 8 hours of sleep is a challenge because she goes to bed late! By late, I mean 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m.

I TRY to get her to bed earlier. I have tried starting the bedtime routine earlier, looking for signs of sleepiness (eye rubbing, yawning, grouchy-ness), and setting the bedtime “mood” by turning down lights and doing “calming” activities. The little stinker just isn’t “tired.” She goes strong until 9:30ish and then says, “I’m ready for bed.” And then she’s asleep! She wakes up between 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. so she’s getting plenty of sleep.

“I” on the other hand am not! If my husband and I want any adult time together we have to sneak in an hour or so later in the evening or earlier in the morning. Plus there are the chores, emails, and bills that get pushed off until I can give them my full attention. And if I want to have a shred of hope to blog, read a book, or pick up a magazine that has to wait until the little one is catching her zzz’s. Overall, I’m probably getting a fair amount of sleep – 6-7 hours; but, I’m still making it my goal to get 8 hours or more!!!

STRENGTH TRAIN 3 TIMES/WEEK

I’m proud to say that I implemented this resolution this month! While I didn’t get to the gym 3 times/week (especially the first week), I did meet with a personal trainer and started a strength training program. I also have to give a shout out to my awesome sister who is giving me a free session with her trainer each month!

I have been doing great these past couple weeks and hope I can keep it up. Last night I had a parent meeting, and I literally stopped at the gym after work and got on the treadmill for 16 minutes (and lifted a few weights)! I figured it was better than nothing!

DRINK 16 oz. OF WATER BEFORE ONE MEAL

I love this idea in theory but not so much in practice. I’m lucky if I drink 16 oz. of water AT ALL during the day. I am working hard to create reminders for myself – like keeping my water bottle on my desk – but this one is still a work in progress. I am thinking about getting a plastic water cup with a straw (which seem to be the new “thing” these days), but I’m afraid it will fall by the wayside like my multiple KleanKanteens!

TAKE VITAMINS

I am loving this resolution! I have a huge pill box for the crazy collection of vitamins that my doctor recommended. And, after dinner I have been taking my vitamins with a tall glass of chocolate milk.

EAT BREAKFAST

I have to thank my husband for getting me on track with this resolution! A couple months ago he started drinking smoothies for breakfast. This month he started making enough for both of us. I feel great drinking fresh fruit for breakfast and even luckier that my husband is so thoughtful! I’m not sure which is making me happier – him or the smoothies!?!

Read more I’ve written about My Happiness Project Here:

My Happiness Project: Getting Started

My Happiness Project: New Years Resolutions

My Happiness Project: Saving Money