Another List

The last couple weeks I’ve had a lot bouncing around in my head. Things I want to be/do/accomplish. This isn’t the first time I’ve done a list like this. The difference with this one is that it’s more about taking care of myself, instead of putting pressure on myself to meet high standards.

These are some of those things:

• On workdays when Nolan gets up around 7, just get up at 7 instead of laying back down on the couch for 30-45 minutes. It’ll make me feel less rushed in the mornings, plus will probably make me much less groggy.
• Get back to meal planning to a) save money and b)make work-nights smoother and easier; create several weekly menus and rotate.
• Do some sort of exercise in the morning, whether that’s 15 minutes of yoga or going for a walk or run (if the weather is warm) – just get moving and do something aerobic-ish.
• Spend more time with myself; read, play music, blog, etc. – SCHEDULE IT!
• Meditate for 5 minutes every day. SCHEDULE IT!
• Work on a plan to move into the career path I really want and can be passionate about; put that plan into motion.
• Try to be more positive and count my blessings while making the best of my current situation.

The last few days I’ve had moments where I feel like I may finally be coming out of my depression a little bit, but unfortunately those usually end with an emotional crash and burn. I still am having far too many weepy times throughout the day where someone will say something or I’ll think of something that just makes me really sad. To be honest, the other night I was feeling a little manic. I was feeling very “high” – very up, very happy/giggly, I had trouble falling asleep, etc. but by the morning I was kind of down and groggy again. It’s definitely time to start hunting for a new counselor since the woman I used to see is no longer in private practice. This might help me get on track with other aspects of my life as well, help me to start working on my “career plan”.

I’ve had some random bursts of motivation and inspiration to get things done – like cleaning, organizing, etc. I’m going to continue to take advantage of those bursts as often as I can. I’ve completed 2 out of 3 workouts so far this week, and we are supposed to have some beautiful weather on Saturday during which I’m hoping I can get a run in. The exercise may be what’s been boosting my mood, too. All the more reason to do a little more of it!

If anyone is interested in the circuit training I’m doing, here’s the link: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/express/20-minute/bob-harper-circuit-workout/

Right now I’m only doing 2 sets, instead of 4. With warm-up and cool down/stretch it takes me roughly 30 minutes. According to my Polar HRM, I burn about 335-350 calories per workout. It keeps my heart rate pretty high. Definitely falls into the HIIT category.