Had a Bad Day Again...

Bad days are contagious, but hopefully, everyone around me has had the vaccine. It seems as though I have had more than my fair share of bad days in the last week. I do realize, though, and take responsibility for the fact, that I have let them turn into bad days because of my own negative attitude. There have been some unfortunate events that contributed to these days, but, ultimately, it was me who chose to let them alter my outlook.

I am not bringing this up so that people can pity or feel sorry for me. I am simply segwaying into the suggestion that, even though it might be tough, you should not let the "bad day" ruin your healthy eating. It is so easy to just go home after a tough day, and get out the 1/2 gallon of Breyer's Chocolate ice cream. However, there are other ways that you should deal with your problems.

The two main ways I like to relieve my stress are both therapeutic, as well as healthy and contribute to getting in shape. First, I like to journal. This is therapeutic, because I can get a lot of feelings out on paper. It's contributes to getting in shape, also. The way that it does this, is I journal what I have eaten each day. If I notice that I am higher in carbs than I should be, I do tuna for dinner. If I notice that I haven't had enough water, I try to remedy the situation. Journaling is a fantastic way to relieve stress. I also like to take a walk, long or short. If I have the time, long is great. I don't always have the time for a long walk, but even a short one will relieve stress, and burn calories along the way. I also, when I have the time, like to get in a little yoga. The slow, intense stretching, and deep breathing are very relaxing. It's a great way to get, or stay, fit. Journaling and exercising are helpful in keeping my stress level in tact.

Everyone has a bad day, but the important thing to remember is not to let it ruin what you are working towards. I have been struggling lately, and maybe you have, too. We can make it through this, though, and be better people because of it. (I probably sounded a little like a motivational speaker just then, but I sure could use some inspiration, and it seems to be coming out in my writing.)

Achieving Peace

Last night at 6:00, I began my journey toward achieving peace, both inside, and out. I rejoined my Wednesday night Yoga class for the first time in over a year. It was probably one of the two best things that I have done for myself in the last year. The other best thing that I have done is getting back to my low-carb lifestyle. I have been super busy over the past year. I changed places of employment in July, which has been great. We also started a new business back in April. This is on top of my husband's other business that I help him to run. On any weekday, I leave the house at about 6:45 in the morning, and head off to teach 5th grade. I generally leave there at about 3:15, except on Mondays and Wednesdays, when I do after school tutoring until 3:45. From there, I go to our new business, and work until closing at 8:00. I get home at about 8:30. On Saturday, I work at the business from 9:30 to 5:30. These make for really long days. No matter how hard I have tried over the past year, though, I have not been able to work my schedule to be able to fit in 2 hours a week for Yoga. I actually have a year gym membership that expires in May. I have only been back about 5 times since the new business and jog change. When I paid for the year, I was going 4 or 5 times per week, but not anymore. Last night, from 6:00 to 8:00 was wonderful. I feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and on track toward getting back into shape. Yoga helps your mind achieve peace, and also your body. My body realized in those 2 hours how little I have been taking care of it for the past 14 months. I have been taking care of so many other things, that I forgot to take care of one of the most important things I have. If you feel stressed, and beat down, I highly recommend signing up for a yoga class. I am so excited that I did.