Ever notice how people are more focused on what they aren't doing well rather than what they are? Their statements are usually padded with shoulds, wishes, and my favorite "I know..." Let's put it all together and see how familiar it sounds.
"I know I should exercise more. I wish I could get motivated. I'm sure one day I will."
If you'd like to increase exercise or any other health practices in your life, great! The best starting place, beyond actually doing so, is by taking a look at what you are already doing well to take care of yourself. All that focus on what you aren't doing is added pressure, taking you further and further away from what you want to do and making you feel bad about it in the meantime.
I was reminded of this while visiting the blog Wellness Journey. It's filled with health tips and great yoga poses that you can easily incorporate into your life. Making change doesn't have to be hard or something to lament about. How much energy do you invest in wishing things (or you) were different than they are?
Instead, consider these questions in your assessment of how well you take care of yourself. Then build from there.
Do you brush your teeth? Shower? Style or brush hair?
Do you change out of your sleep clothes into work clothes?
Are you moving at all throughout the day? Do you shift and adjust your body to get more comfortable?
Have you had a good conversation with anyone? Have you appreciated someone for being nice to you?
Do you eat? Drink water? Go grocery shopping? Eat out and support the economy? Ever share a meal?
I'm guessing you answered yes to all of those questions. Because we get so accustomed to our habits, we stop thinking of all that we do and all that is done for us that supports health. Obviously, the healthier your choices are, the better for staying well in the short term and long term. AND, it's important to learn to acknowledge any efforts you are already making. This makes it easier to choose health on a moment to moment basis and you'll feel a heck of a lot better about yourself too.
In what other ways do you take care of yourself?









