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Can I be honest here guys? The last half of 2018 I was NOT in a good space mentally and physically. I had surgery in July, that surgery hurt my back and I spent the next couple of months with awful sciatica. I couldn’t work out, it hurt to move, I just laid in bed.
For me, being active makes me happy. In the words of Elle Woods, “Working out gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy.” I can tell a difference in my mental state when I’m inactive. I get anxious, depressed and feel like I’m in a dark hole. Once the holidays were over and my back was feeling better, I promised myself that I would get back to my old self.
Today I thought I’d share 5 things that have helped me get back on track mentally and physically. (Please note, I am in no way promoting weight loss. I’m simply sharing a few ways to make me feel stronger and healthier.)
- Back in the gym – I take barre and yoga classes at Studio 51st and go 4-5 times a week. Barre is gentle on the joints but is a deep workout. I’ve loved getting back to class and waking up feeling stronger and sore from my workouts!
- Water, water, water – At the end of 2018, I was drinking so much soda. I was feeling bloated, my skin was breaking out and I felt lazy from all the sugar I was drinking. I’ll have the occasional soda with pizza but I’ve switched to water. I can tell a difference with my energy and my skin, but I do hate having to pee a million times a day. A small price to pay I guess!
- Tracking my calories – I’m not trying to lose weight but I am maintaining my current weight. I’ve been using My Fitness Pal and log my calories every day. This keeps me from overeating and I’m more aware of what I’m putting in my body. I also have a friend who keeps me accountable on there so that helps! I also have a strict rule where I don’t eat past 8 p.m. at night.
- Therapy – This is something I haven’t mentioned much but I go to therapy once every two weeks. I’m an anxious person and have been for as long as I can remember. While I love my job, it’s also a profession that’s based on engagement and appearances. A level of perfection is expected as a blogger and sometimes it’s a lot to live up to. I’ve found it so helpful to talk to someone about everything that worries me and have them listen and give me ways to cope. It’s not mentioned enough but mental health is so important!
- Chiropractor – I’m a HUGE fan of the chiropractor. I go once every two weeks right now and hope to move to once a month soon. For me, the chiro is like a visit to the spa. I get popped and put back in place and I love the feeling of relief my body has once things are aligned properly. The chiropractor has been such a help with my migraines and lower back pain!
Top | Bottom | Purple Hair Spray |
What do you do for your physical and mental health? Share with me in a comment below!
I am trying hard to work on these things this year too!!! Thanks for sharing girl & I am loving the purple hair.
xx rebecca // the crystal press
These are all great ways to be healthier! I need to drink more water too, it’s so hard because other drinks taste better. haha. I go to a chiropractor once a month too. It’s so important for keeping a healthy spine. Loving your tips!
XOXO
Cathy
This is literally me this year. We got this girl!
I love this list! I need to check out a chiropractor – I got acupuncture and I loved it. Totally helped with my anxiety and de-stressing
Glad to hear you’ve been able to get back on track with your fitness and mental health this year – it’s amazing what a difference it makes in every facet of our lives when we are feeling our best.
Chic on the Cheap
I like that you listed doable great things. Nothing too difficult to manage!
-Kara
http://Www.everydayk.com
I’m the same way, I get anxious and don’t feel great when I don’t work out. It’s such a good pick me up!
I also use MyFitnessPal and it helps me so much. Going to the chiro is so important! Good for you girl. These are all great tips
I use MFP and it really keeps me on track! I have heard that a chiropractor can make a huge difference to someone’s help. I am glad its helping you!
Yay for a better, healthier, happier you in 2019! I love it! I’ve been trying to uptake my water intake too!
Working out always makes my feel better!
I really need to invest in a chiropractor, I feel like my hips and back could use a bi-weekly session!
These are definitely great ideas. I love exercising too!! Makes me feel energized and helps me to manage stress. Keep it up girl!!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
A. Love the hair
B. Great ideas! I love that you mention seeing a chiropractor– I know my job will cover once visit a month or something, I really need to look into it more!
Great tips!! I am also a huge fan of the chiropractor!
It’s incredible what drinking more water can do for you – I totally feel different on the days when I don’t have as much water as I should.
Self-care is so important. These five things are great to do. I’m a huge proponent of therapy and am so glad to hear it’s helping.
I just joined a gym so I’m looking forward to that. I need to drink more water as well!
Just the post I needed to read! I have especially been trying to drink more water as it is a simple one, yet often neglected. Thank you!!
These are all amazing tips! I drink water like nobody’s business lol! Glad to hear that therapy is helping as well! Blogging is such a tough industry mentally.