SUMMMMMMMERRRRRR
Cue Will Smith:And this is the fresh prince's new definition of summer madness
Cue Don Henley: I can tell my love for you will still be strong, after the boys of summer have gone
Cue Kenny Chesney:
School's out, the nights roll in Man just like a long lost friendYou ain't seen in awhileYou can help but smile
or
Oh Oh, another flip flop summer comin.
Kenny loves summer. He must have at least 15 songs about summer and/or loving life in the islands, aka nonstop summer.
In addition to today being the first day of summer, it is also the first day of my own Operation Take Good Care of Myself. Haha, okay it's really not anything formal. It's basically let's see if I can wake up next Sunday not feeling like I personally killed my own body. For me there are a few things that ensure I feel fantastic, they are...
1. Eating Healthy. This is probably #1 for me because my stomach is the first part of my body to get angry. I actually have been continuing to eat pretty healthy even though I've been crazy busy. Since being diagnosed with IBS I've found that there are so many ways to eat healthy even if you are busy including making food ahead (I always make a ton of things on Sunday), bringing snacks everywhere you go (I am known for having Cheerios no matter where I go, even by Eric's friends who were totally making fun of me on Saturday for my box of Cheerios) and buying healthy premade meals like Amy's veggie pizzas, Trader Joe's chicken gyoza- just be careful with the amount of sodium in these meals- I always pair them with veggies. One thing I love is that "fast food" places like Starbucks are getting really good at selling grab and go healthy snacks like popcorn and dried fruit! If I stop eating healthy, even for just one day, I pay the price in how I feel.
2. Working Out. It's easy to skip work outs when your days are jam packed, but after some time it's going to take a toll on how I feel. I have been squeezing in work outs lately and most have not been longer than 20 minutes. I'll do quick power walking treadmill work outs, or alternate between ab and arm work. Since I'm done with full time teaching for now, I'm hoping to get some better work outs in before the wedding, at least 5 days a week. Lots of power yoga- I went last Friday, and again today so hopefully I'm on a roll.
3. Sleeping. It's sort of a running joke in my life that I am very protective of my sleep. Do not try to mess with it. Any time I get sick I can usually directly relate it to not getting enough sleep. My sleep is also very picky about how it is received. I need to be in the right environment to sleep (it doesn't really matter how comfortable the bed is, but I have trouble sleeping in new places), if I go to sleep too late- my body says too bad you will wake up early anyways. If I drink alcohol at all, I basically sleep terribly- and if I'm stressed I have been known to wake up at 3 am with a list of things I need to do. In summary, I am pretty much terrible when it comes to sleep but I need it. I will ensure I get enough in the next 3 weeks by getting to bed early and avoiding wedding discussions any time close to bed time.
These top 3 mixed in with a little down time, social time and productivity (yup I'm one of those people who likes to get things done).
What do you need to feel 100 percent? How do you make sure you get it?
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These are really good tips. I especially like what you say about exercise--it's hard when you're busy!--but I try to do little things like walking to the bathroom farther away from my desk. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you and CANNOT sleep in no matter when I go to bed! I guess it's good to have a morning, right?! :)
ReplyDeleteI would echo what you said. Eating healthy is #1. It requires planning & preparation but it is so worth it. I am glad summer is hear because that means produce prices are dropping so it's becoming cheaper to eat healthy. :)
ReplyDeleteOoooh yay for a fun challenge! Eating Healthy is really important for me too. If I don't eat healthy I get really sluggish and feel crappy. Also, if I don't get enough sleep my body gets really run-down and I also get sick! Not good!
ReplyDeleteI keep a post it pad and a pen next to my bed because I make to do lists when I can't sleep/wake up in the middle of the night
ReplyDeleteThose are definitely my top 3 as well for feeling healthy! Oh, and lots and lots of water!!
ReplyDeleteThose are definitely things I need to feel 100%! And, I agree with Marlene - lots of water!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very smart to guard your sleep the way you do. I really need to start doing the same, as I function much much better on a regular 7 -8 hours of sleep a night vs. my current 5 or 6.
ReplyDeleteLots of time to myself. I'm not one of those people that likes to be busy all the time. If I'm always on the go, I get super-stressed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it's summer!!!