October has been a busy and exhausting month. I was out of town for five days at a conference. The drive to Nashville was pleasant, but we had car issues on the way home, turning a 9-hour drive into a 16-hour drive. Two days later, I spent a 15-hour day at the hospital for my husband’s scheduled surgery, returned to pick him up the following day, and then stayed around the house the following week as chief cook, shopper, and cleaner. Since my husband is generally the cook and shopper, this added some chores to my usual list. The following week, I moved my mother-in-law into assisted living from independent. And of course, my husband was unable to help because he was restricted from lifting. And, oh, my new book was ready to be released, so time in my office was spent finalizing all the little details that go along with that process.
My book is about personal wellness, and I have to say I failed in following my own advice about physical exercise during the last few weeks. Life happened. But I am back on track. A new month is coming. This week, I have also had some unexpected family responsibilities, but they have not kept me from the gym. Further, personal wellness is also about relationships, and I have strengthened those this month by providing care and support to family, and also by traveling with a friend and colleague. And in the midst of that, I realized and achieved the incredible personal goal of having my first book published.
Life really is a journey, and our pursuit of wellness is ongoing. Sometimes circumstances will interfere. We will be busy caring for others, and self-care will take a temporary back seat. But we shouldn’t forget that taking care of ourselves is important so we will have strength to take care of others.
The holidays are another time that schedules can get us off track. They get busy, which can sabotage workout times because there are so many special activities. And the food choices get sweeter, which can add calories. Combine the lack of workout with the added sweets, and it’s no wonder that people feel motivated to start new programs in the New Year. But this year, I am going on the defensive by upping my workout goals now. I’m not waiting until January. I’m setting my mind to combat the holiday frenzy with a specific plan!
Generally, I work out an average of three times a week. Sometimes I work out at home; sometimes at the local gym. But somedays, I don’t workout at all. So, I’ve decided that in addition to my scheduled three times a week, I am going to do something every day! Just ten minutes. This will not replace what I am doing. It will be in addition. Another ten minutes on those four days I usually don’t do anything is an additional 40 minutes per week. That’s like adding another day to my routine. I can find ten minutes.
So, beginning on November 1st, I am putting the plan into action. November 1st is a Friday. That is not usually a workout day for me; but this Friday, I’m exercising at least 10 minutes. Who wants to join me in November? Thirty days of workouts!
Maybe you haven’t been doing any workouts. Ten minutes is a great place to begin. Just think, 30 days times 10 minutes a day is 300 minutes of exercise. Who is ready to fight off the holiday calories before they arrive?
Join me and tag a friend or two to join. It’s easier when we are doing it together!