Taking Care of Myself…

Photo Credit: EpicTop10.com via Flickr

I’ve learned through the years that I have allowed my core relationships to affect my physical well-being. I am learning a lot about emotional attachment in my relationships and that I somehow allow the issues and drama of others around me to affect my mood and decisions. As I look back at my last marriage which will soon be legally over, I would choose to not put myself first because I was trying to control or handle everything else around me.

I truly believed that everyone around me was more important than me. Sometimes I would get into really bad habits of just not even spending time on the way I look or showering regularly because I told myself I was too busy or the kids or my husband came first. I don’t know why I prioritized me last. I am still trying to figure that part out.

Looking back, I realize the last time I put myself first was when I was no longer in an emotionally taxing relationship. In 2013 I made a big leap and moved from Dallas to Austin with my kids and was single for 2 years. Austin has so many outdoor activities available as well and is full of beauty being so close to the hill country and I embraced it. I signed up for a sprint triathlon and I completed it! I had a routine and was in a zone and I was still able to handle all of my other responsibilities and work fitness and self-care into my life.

On August 7 of this year, I decided that self-care is now a priority again for me. One of my reasons is probably selfishly motivated because I am fully aware I’m single again at 47 and that I need to be in good physical shape if the universe does decide to bring me someone who is emotionally healthy and also ready for a relationship. That’s not the only reason, though. I want to feel good about myself and my body. I want to set an example for my kids that staying active and being committed to positive routines is important. Of course, having much more time flexibility without having a demanding full-time job where I worked 50+ hours a week has also helped.

I am almost 2 months into this commitment to myself and the benefits are so rewarding. I have more energy, I feel more comfortable with myself. I feel lighter and more at ease. I have never worked out or done a physical activity and regretted it later – it’s always a great stress reliever and something I know I need to continue.

The key for me was finding something that worked into my schedule and also a physical activity I love doing. I currently do 4 20-minute Hiit routines from home each week with video-led exercises. I don’t need any weights or anything and the exercises aren’t terrible – they are challenging and they do work for me. For any women who haven’t been able to commit to anything but are looking – I recommend the V-Shred toned in 90 days program if you haven’t quite been able to find something that works in your schedule. As a busy mom – this is the best plan for me. I literally have no excuse because I can do this at home, at any time of the day. I also love swimming laps after I trained for my triathlon and my community pool is the perfect length for 25-yard laps. I try and swim at least 3-4 times per week as well, mostly on my non-workout days.

After almost 2 months I’ve been holding on to a pair of jeans I haven’t been able to wear for 10 years and they now fit! I didn’t think I would ever be in a size 27 waist jeans ever again. I know I would be further along as well if I also held to the recipes they suggest for meals – but I have been eating less carbs and trying to make healthier choices. I also cut way down on sodas – and I will have an occasional one at dinner or at the movies as a treat. It worked for Post Malone and has worked for me too 🙂

I’m also not one to brag or gloat about these things – but I want to encourage others to look at your physical self and see what you might want to change. If your outlook is positive and you find things that you enjoy in your exercise routine, it isn’t a challenge, it just becomes a way of life. I also started tanning because well you know, everything looks better with a nice base tan too haha. Here are my progress pictures. The hardest part for me is starting and keeping the schedule the best that I can. I try and do my workouts in the morning, but there are plenty of days I don’t get up when I want, but I finish it before I go to sleep. I hope this encourages someone out there to explore self-care and also make a commitment to yourself. You only have this one life and one body – so you might as well take care of it and learn to love yourself again. I know this simple change in my life has worked wonders for my mental health and my overall well-being – it can for you too. The most challenging part is just starting and then sticking to the schedule the best that you can.