The longer and warmer days of Spring herald a new season and the opportunity for you to invite change and increased energy into your life. Consider it a restart button and use those extra hours of daylight to pamper yourself and plan for self-renewal.
Like the plants that have been dormant throughout the winter, Spring can be your time to bloom. A fresh start requires you to drop any blame or negativity about what you have not done or what you should have done. Instead, focus on where you want to go.
Make a new list. As moms, we are great list makers: grocery lists, to-do lists for home and work, appointment and activity lists for family members, but do you have a ‘to-me’ list? Mannon Pelletier, Certified Lifestyle and Meditation Coach suggests that you create a ‘to-me’ list. This sends a positive message to both you and your family. “When you begin adding a little ‘me’ time to your schedule, it signals those around you that you are taking care of yourself, have the intention of becoming healthier and you are able to be at your best when playing, working and caring for them.”
Start with your strengths. Dana Lloyd, Leadership Coach, suggests that you stay in your strength zone. “To easily identify strengths, pay attention to what you are doing when you lose track of time. Watch for when you have an emotional high as well. When you identify your strengths, find ways to bring them into your life as frequently as possible because passion is fuelled by our strengths.” If you are struggling with this, ask a friend for help because sometimes others can see our strengths while we are too busy listening to our inner critic.
Start small. We often fail when we adopt changes that are too drastic. In Michelle Cederberg’s book, Energy Now! Small Steps to an Energetic Life, she recommends starting where you are and consistently adding in small changes. If you are a couch potato, start moving for 10 minutes. If you enjoy your wine, you might be more willing to try Cedeberg’s suggestion to limit alcohol to two or less drinks on most days. That can be easier to swallow than a program that has you eliminating alcohol, and exercising for an hour daily as a starting point.
Make your goals specific. “If you want to lose weight, be specific about your goal by answering how much and by when,” says Lloyd. For example, you might say you are going to lose 10 pounds by a predetermined date. Instead of a vague, ‘I will eat more fruits and vegetables,’ set a daily goal and track it, remembering to start with a small improvement from where you are and as you establish the new habit, you can ratchet up the goal.
Try yoga. An activity like yoga that focuses on breathing offers you a rare time where you focus totally on you. It is never too late to start. Yoga teacher Jayne Wilbur took her first yoga class at age 50, “I was awestruck at how good it made me feel and at how it brought me into the moment.” Experiment with styles and teachers until you find a practice that suits you.
Remember your spirit. Doing something nice for others is good for your immune system and lifts your mood. Show yourself that same kindness. When was the last time you bought flowers just for you or had a deep belly laugh? If you are searching for greater meaning to your life, consider a spiritual practice or begin by reading spiritual or uplifting books.
Buddy up. Just as it is easier to get out of bed for that early morning walk when you know a friend is waiting for you, a buddy who keeps you accountable and shares your struggles can help you stay on track. If you need more structure, consider getting expert help whether it is a dietician for better eating, a life or weight loss coach. All these professions thrive because it is beneficial to have extra support.
Flow with the seasons. The warmer weather and longer days may entice you to spend more time outdoors, moving your body and absorbing Vitamin D. Soon summer will arrive and with it fresh fruits and vegetables, so it may be easier to make dietary changes.
If you falter on your new path, do not give up. Start again, maybe with even smaller steps. But put yourself on your list and have fun.
Books:
• Energy Now! Small Steps to an Energetic Life by Michelle Cederberg
• Living Your Yoga by Judith Hanson Lasater
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
• The Joy Diet by Martha Beck
• Left Neglected (fiction) by Lisa Genova
Sue is a health and wellness journalist, and a trained yoga teacher. She is often course-correcting by taking small steps.
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