Habits

Monday, January 18th, 2021

It was a good day. I slept in and was able to score a solid 8 hours of sleep after really throwing my sleep schedule off for the last week. It was nice to sleep in because I needed the extra time to recover. I have been pushing myself to keep regular and content with the things that "make me happy" See forming a habit can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days depending on the person, and what the habit is. On average it usually takes someone 66 days to make something stick as a habit in their routine.

For me I wanted to start off 2021 with positive habits that will translate into the rest of my life. A revamp of a life style if you will! In all honesty I started back in December when I came home from law school at the end of the semester. December 18th if you will - and I went straight to the gym after getting home from Springfield. I worked out and than headed to spend time with my parents. For me and the last month - the last 30 days I have prioritized working out. I haven't taken a single day off from exercising or moving my body since Christmas ... when I kind of had no choice since the gym was closed.

In the last 30 days I have worked out for a minimum of 90 minutes. See for me I dont see the point in working out if I cant complete at least an hour and a half workout. I have been going through a 10 day lift program and I've changed it up the different ways of completing the lift, whether it has beeb days 1-10 or doing it backward days 10-1. I've also changed the intensity in which I work out. I've done 3 rounds of 18, 3 rounds of 15, and now I'm trying out 4 rounds of 12. It really changes my heart rate, I am seeing a difference in how much I can lift, or how long it takes me before I start to sweat during the workout. I like doing 4 rounds of 12 especially after just finishing 3 rounds of 18 it feels like the workout goes faster which is wild. I have also noticed that I am lifting heavier which I think is amazing.

I have beens ticking to a caloric deficit making sure to stick between 1300 - 1800 calories a day. Since my resting metabolic rate puts me at 1500, and I'm focused on working out I try not to more than 1500 calories - especially when I dont workout for as long or as intensely. Like today I burned 1200 working out meaning I "could" eat 2700 ... did I? Nah, I ate 1450 which is solid because it leaves me in a deficit. I dont use working out as an excuse to eat more, unless I'm on my period I'll stop being so "harsh" or restrictive to myself than and allow myself what I'm craving, because working out and bleeding monthly is rough to put yourself through.

I know it sounds crazy, but in the last 30 days I have noticed a huge difference in myself. They say it takes 2 weeks to get in the swing of things 4 weeks for yourself to notice a difference and 8 weeks for other people to notice. For me I feel like I look happier, I like what I see in the mirror. I am prioritizing myself, and my health. I'm sleeping more, drinking water which keeps me hydrated and keeps my skin clear. I am "eating better" in the sense that I am following recommended serving sizes and I am making high protein choices for food which is really important! I am making time for what is important to me, and I've got myself to the gym, and I make sure to fit it in because it is important to me. It truly clears my head, and allows me that personal time to reflect and to work through any stress or anxiety I am feeling.

I've seen a difference in myself and I'm excited to see when other people start to see and notice a difference it would make me feel even more accomplished and proud of myself, because I have been working hard. I may not be socializing as much but that is because I am finding myself. See ... I lost myself at one point being with someone, doing everything I could for them and losing myself is the worst thing I ever did ... it really hurt me. But, now, I'm at that point in my life if I lose other people just to be able to find myself than so be it. Those who are supposed to be in my life will be, and they will see me struggle and help me grow. For those that dont want to see me improve, I'll hold the door open to have them walk out. I dont need that negative energy in my life. I only want people there who want to see me better myself.

I've even noticed a difference on the scale, which I know the number on the scale doesnt define me - but to see it going in the "right direction" is important to me - it encourages me that what I am doing is working, that I am bettering myself. Intermittent fasting has helped because I'm not as hungry at certain points of the day, and I've been able to curb some of my cravings. I'm not looking for sweet treats or salty crunchy snacks. Nothing wrong with them - I'm just craving other alternatives like fruit, or yogurt with granola. Protein fruits and vegetables have been a huge game changer because I notice I'm less bloated, and when I put in "clean" food that isn't ;processed or altered - I just feel like I am performing better.

Performance is important I want to be on my best game all the time so I can deliver. I want to have mental clarity when I am working in the classroom and I'm able to participate. I want this semester to be better than last semester and I want to push myself out of my comfort zone to not be to timid in class, even if I'm wrong I want to try. Its a mind body and soul process, I wan to be able to contribute in all aspects of my life along the way on this journey.

What is something you've been scared to do? Are you scared to do it because you're scared of being judged? What is something you'd do if you weren't holding yourself back?