People are always talking about having a healthy lifestyle. We are bombarded with ads telling us what we need to do to be healthy. They often try to shame us into thinking if we don’t use their products we will never be healthy.
Being healthy is more than just exercising, eating right and keeping a good weight. I believe each of the following are important for a healthy lifestyle:
- Exercise
- Food
- Rest
- Work
- Leisure
- Fresh air
- Mental and spiritual well being
Beginning October 1, I plan to join #Write31Days. I will use it to keep me accountable as I work towards a healthier way of life. Hopefully I will make new habits and revive some that have fallen by the wayside.
EXERCISE AND HEALTHY FOOD
Exercise is on the top of my list, because I need to lose weight and strengthen muscles. Most days I follow a 15 minute routine developed by Teresa Tapp. Along with that I plan to take walks and ride the exercise bike a few times per week. I believe it will not only help me feel and look better, but be better able to do my work.
Food also plays a big part, because we all need food to survive, right? I’m not a fan of weight loss diets, because it’s too easy to put the weight back on once you stop the diet. The key is to take smaller portions. That can be hard, because if a food tastes good it’s tempting to eat more.By eating less, I can enjoy favorite foods and still lose weight. At the end of the 31 Days we’ll see if I am right.
OTHER AREAS TO CONSIDER
Rest, work and leisure also contribute to a healthy lifestyle. I do not go to a job, but there is much to do at home with writing and chores. Leisure includes time for art journaling, reading, taking a walk to get fresh air, or practicing some other form of self care.
I also plan to read scripture and pray each day. Music also plays a big part in my life. I enjoy word games with friends, and also a little Sudoku, Blendoku and Spider Solitaire. I’ve heard that playing games is a good way to exercise your brain. Reading a book for information or from a different viewpoint is great for stretching our minds.
MY HEALTHY PLAN FOR WRITE 31 DAYS
This is not a “how to” and the path is not crystal clear. I make no promises of success, but at the end of the month I plan to be well on the way to a healthier lifestyle.
Each day I will share snippets from part of my daily activities. On Tuesdays I will share a recipe our family enjoys. Sundays will include a poem or scripture with a photograph.
I also gave myself a challenge to use the 31 Days of #FiveMinuteFriday FreeWrites in my daily posts. Impossible? We’ll see!
I’d love to have you join me for this #Write31Days challenge. Along the way, maybe you will be inspired, too. Feel free to share your own tips or struggles, and we will encourage each other.
***All my #write31days posts can be found by clicking on the the left button below or on the Write 31 Days 2016 tab at the top of my blog.***
I’m linking up with: #LMMLinkup, #IntentionalTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #TestimonyTuesday, #TellHisStory, #SittingAmongFriends, #CoffeeforYourHeart, #ThoughtProvokingThursday
The Five Minute Friday book is still available and filled with words of encouragement.
****PURCHASE THE BOOK AT AMAZON OR CREATESPACE.****
All proceeds go to two ministries in South Africa: The Vine School and the Ten Dollar Tribe.
When you purchase a copy, you’ll not only enjoy some good articles, but you will be helping two wonderful ministries.
I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful book!
Cheering you on!
Thanks, Michele! You’re an awesome cheerleader!
Blessings to you!
Yay you! This will be good. “They” say it takes 40 days to change a habit or make a new one….hmm. I’m glad you like to play games and I think it’s your turn in Words with Friends!!!
Yes, I’m sure 31 days won’t seal the habits, but it will be a good start, I hope. 🙂 You are right, it is my turn in Words with Friends! Sorry, I guess I’ve been busy, but I’ll get to it soon.
Blessings to you, Susan!
This is a great idea! I agree that we have to keep our mental health in mind by resting and doing activities we enjoy. I look forward to hearing how it goes for you!
Thanks for your support, Courtney! It’s a big undertaking, but I’m going to do my best. 🙂
Blessings to you!
I also use writing or journaling to help with changing habits. Not easy though. I went with the idea of write it down make it happen. Sometimes it worked and sometimes not so much.
I think writing and journaling will be very helpful. It is easier for me to follow through with things if I write them down. I will probably make part of this series like a journal post to keep track of the exercise portion.
Thanks for visiting! Blessings to you, Bonnie!
Love this challenge you are doing. How exciting! The journey to balance! Eager to hear more, and love you’re doing the Five Minute writing to help along..I’ve yet to do that! I love the idea of a holistic approach to this challenge! Look forward to hear more! Visiting from next door at #testimonytuesday
Thanks, Kathy. It is exciting and I hope I can stick with it so that I will be healthier. I think it will be fun, too, if I do incorporate all the areas like I want to.
I thought it might be fun to use the Five Minute prompts, too!
Have a great week! Blessings to you!
Your series will be great! I love that you included rest, word games, and music. I already feel refreshed, not bogged down and guilty.
Thanks for your encouragement, Sara! I really hope to stick with it even though at times it may be hard. I think approaching it this way where it’s not just about weight loss will help. It’s about taking care of my whole being and not feeling guilty if I don’t lose the weight as quickly as I’d like. I need to remind myself it’s about a lifestyle change and caring for myself properly.
I’m so glad you already feel refreshed. 🙂 That’s encouraging to me. It really helps to have people cheering you on, doesn’t it? 🙂 Blessings to you!
Yay! This sounds like you have such a great journey mapped out for your 31DayChallenge! And I love the photo choices that you included in your pin: lilacs always speak life and newness to me. I’m also taking the challenge, (albeit with not a little trepidation,) so I’ll be glad to cheer you along the journey! I’m blessed to be your neighbor over at #TellHisStory.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Bettie! I hope I haven’t taken on too big of a challenge. 🙂 I’ll just do my best and we can cheer each other on.
Thank for visiting today. Blessings to you!
a great plan! I need to move more! (ps did you get the book you won from me? You can read on the treadmill – haha)
Thanks for your encouragement, Sue. Yes! I did get the book and thank you! I have not had a chance to finish it yet because of so much going on in our family. But I will get back to it soon. 🙂 I don’t have a treadmill, but I can read it on the exercise bike! 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion!
Blessings to you!
Hi Gayl! What a great topic to tackle this October. It’s getting to be more temperate outside, not so beastly hot (finally) and I think I can get back to walking more regularly. You’re so right about it being a balance, and always a work in progress.
I know I’ll be visiting here, I look forward to your experience in trying to address a healthier lifestyle.
Blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil! It’s also a big topic to tackle, but I’ll do my best. 🙂 I’m glad we’re getting cooler weather, too. I miss taking walks, but it’s just been too hot.
Thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement. It’s great to have people to cheer me on. I’m sure I’ll make mistakes, but I’m going to keep pushing forward.
Blessings to you!
oooo I am so excited! I cant wait to see what happens : ) oh by the way what is blendoku
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Kristina! So glad to have you here.
Blendoku is an app I put on the phone. It’s a color puzzle game. You are given a few to start, and then you add other squares trying to blend them into the next color. The first ones are really easy, but it doesn’t take long to become difficult. There is a color wheel to look at to help you out. It’s challenging and fun.
Many blessings and have a good rest of the week!
Very nice start Gayl. I’ll be one of your cheerleaders. I’m in this challenge too. I am an advocate of being well, in mind, body, and soul!
Thank you, Kimberly! I hope it turns out well. I’ve only got a few posts written and I haven’t really planned it out completely. It’s going to be a learn as you go type of series. 🙂
Thanks for visiting! Blessings to you!
Sounds like a wonderful topic for your writing challenge. Eager to see your progress through out the month.
Thanks for your encouragement, Jessica! I really hope to establish some good habits and the keep on with them. We’ll see how it goes!
Thanks for stopping by. May God bless you!
Gayl, you’ve got this.
Tara, thank you so much for the way you always encourage! Many blessings to you! xo
What a great topic. I’m looking forward to reading!
Thanks, Amanda! I hope I can keep it interesting and fun. 🙂
Blessings to you!