Treat Yo’self (Right): why you shouldn’t be afraid to switch it up!

Note: This is just my experience with fitness and self-care. There are plenty of people out there that push their body to incredible limits on a regular basis and do it without injury or strain. Again, this is just my opinion…

First and foremost, you need to stop calling it “exercise” and start thinking about your regular activities as just that….activities. You are a human being that was built to move. Why not stay active and consider whatever way you choose to do so as an interest or hobby? Doesn’t that sound a lot more enjoyable? I think so.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about switching up your routine and listening to your inner dialogue.

Sometimes my body craves a challenge. I love pushing myself (safely) and seeing the improvements that come from doing so, i.e. lifting a heavier weight, doing one more push-up, holding a plank for an extra 30 seconds, etc. Our bodies are pretty fantastic and seeing it transform is kind of the best feeling ever. When I’m in this mode, I feel like a full-on superhero.

But then something flips in my brain and all of a sudden, I want nothing less than to continue to beat up my body (again, safely). And instead of pushing myself to the point of despising my next workout, I cut myself some slack instead. Sometimes that means taking an active rest day and just enjoying a nice walk or hike. Fresh air cures everything.

My favorite hiking buddy.

Other times? Yoga fixes me right up.

For me, yoga always brings me back to a place of peace and positivity when it comes to taking care of my body. Moving with intention keeps me present during my practice and also reminds me of the reasons why I love staying active in the first place. It doesn’t matter if it’s an intense flow or something more spiritual – I adore it all and so does my mind and body.

So what’s the takeaway? Take care of yourself. If something hurts, don’t push it. Listen to your body and do what feels right. If you take it easy or switch up your routine for a little while, the world won’t end. Every single time you move your body, you’re doing something great for yourself. When you think about it that way, you can do no wrong – the pressure’s off! Pretty awesome, right?

Be kind and patient and respectful to that vessel of yours. Remember that and the rest will fall into place.

A Decision & A Bold Move

After quite a lot of hemming and hawing, I’ve finally decided what my next bold move will be: I’m going to become a certified personal trainer!

If we’re being honest, that is a phrase I NEVER thought I would ever (ever ever ever) be saying. For years and year, fitness and exercise were a way of punishing my body….how in the world did I get here?

For me, being a personal trainer will not be about getting people “bikini ready” or “ripped” but more about tapping into an individual’s needs and finding a way to get them passionate and excited about fitness, feeling their best and moving their bodies. It took me a long time to find that happy place and helping others get there is a really exciting prospect for me.

While I still have dreams of becoming a RD, this step is a lot more realistic right now simply because it’s something I can do anywhere. Going back to grad school will (hopefully) come when we’re a bit more settled. As of right now, our living situation is pretty up in the air.

This is just one step for me but it’s a big one! I know that a certification does not guarantee success – that part is up to me and how I choose to build my business. However, I’m still really excited to get going and finally get some credentials under my belt.

I’m nervous. I’m excited. I’m inspired. I’m worried. All of these feelings are just pushing me to go ahead and do it. If anything, this will be one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Wish me luck!

You Should Get A Dog: 5 Reasons You Can’t Go Another Day Without One.

Dogs have a great way of structuring your life while simultaneously making you a happier and healthier person.  These wonderful creatures  put all of that petty and meaningless stuff into perspective. If adopting a new dog seems like too much of a commitment, consider fostering. When you foster, most rescues will cover the cost of food and vet care and some even pay for doggy daycare if you’re someone who works long days most of the week. It’s a win-win.

Our new foster, Hattie!

Here are my Top 5 Reasons why you should finally take the plunge and find your 4-legged best friend today:

 

1.  They will get you moving!

It’s no secret that dogs need exercise. Depending on the breed and age, the amount of exercise needed will vary, so choose wisely. If you’re looking for a running partner, make sure you pick an athletic dog that can keep up. At a minimum, most dogs benefit from a few walks a day, which is a great way to get you up and at ’em. Without even thinking about it, you get to bond with your dog while also doing something for yourself. Walking is a great, low-impact way to get your heart pumping and it’s something we should all be doing more often.

2. They’re instant mood boosters!

Who doesn’t want someone to cuddle with on a lazy day? Studies have shown that just by petting a dog, stress levels in people drop immediately. Pets  can also relieve anxiety and depression. Now imagine living with a dog full-time – you’ll basically be in a constant state of zen. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to chill out a little more!

3. They teach you all about unconditional love.

Taking care of another living creature can be a lot of work, but the rewards far outweigh the negatives. Oftentimes we have a hard time getting ourselves on a schedule that keeps us motivated and productive. In my personal experience, having that structure thanks to my dog breaks up my day in a way that keeps me going. When I know I have certain tasks to complete at certain times (walks, feedings, training sessions, etc.), it really helps me plan my other activities as well – working out, writing, cooking, etc. At the beginning, this may seem really stressful but you just need to get into the groove with your new dog. Once you both know what the other one needs and when, everything will fall together.

4.  They’re social butterflies.

Attend a training class or take your new dog into a pet store! When you find other dog lovers, conversation flows so easily – I mean, who doesn’t love talking about their pups? I’ve had some of my favorite conversations at the dog park. For the most part, dogs are social creatures – they push us to be more outgoing as well. And in today’s dog-friendly world, there are a ton of ways to incorporate your dog into your social life. Happy hour with your pup? Yes, please! 

5. The best friend you’ll ever have.

Self-explanatory. For anyone who has ever loved a dog, you know exactly what I mean. There’s nothing quite like the love of a dog. Open up your heart and your home and I promise you won’t regret it.

 

My best friend, fostered by us and then adopted when we just couldn’t live without him.

If you’re looking to adopt, Petfinder.com is a great place to start! You can search for your perfect forever or foster dog by breed, age, size and compatibility with your lifestyle. Contact your local shelters and rescues to find out how to get involved!