Self-Improvement Weekly Challenge: #1

I recently downloaded an app on my phone that gives me a daily challenge. These challenges range from smiling at strangers, to making an effort to eat healthier. In an effort to continually improve myself, and motivate my friends and family to grow as a person I have decided to post a weekly challenge. Feel free to follow along, and even comment with your progress throughout the week. I want these challenges to focus on things such as: relationships, having more fun, giving more to others, making more "green" decisions, family, expanding your knowledge, making healthier decisions, doing things you would not have done before, and etcetera. If we attempt these challenges (and hopefully continue them), then we should feel more accomplished as people, as well as make this world we live in even better. Lately I have done much better cooking and eating healthier, but I have not been exercising like I should. I always seem to have an excuse. So here is there first challenge...


Challenge #1:
Kick your physical activity up a notch. Not working out at all?...Try starting with walking twice per a week, or going to a class such as Zumba, Yoga or Kickboxing. Working out a little...but want to add more? Try doubling what you currently do. I once read that studies show it is best to exercise at the point of the day when you have the most energy. If it is in the morning, wake up a little earlier for some exercise. Middle of the day?...use your lunch break for exercise. Try to mix it up so you do not get bored. If you have trouble motivating yourself, ask someone to work out with you so you can hold each other accountable. And if you are in a time crunch...consider workout videos, or simple workouts that you can do at your own home (walking/free weights). If it is money...realize that you do not need a gym membership to do physical activity.


Personally, my schedule is the reason why I have stopped working out like I want to. Our busy lives allow us to make excuse, after excuse. I commit to getting around this by SCHEDULING to do my workouts in my planner, just like my work meetings and homework. If we make it a priority, it will happen. Also, I plan to encourage those close to me to join me in order to hold myself accountable to go and to help improve the health of others. Instead of going out to eat with family/friends... I am going to ask if they would like to join me for a walk, or a round of tennis instead.


Suggestion 1: Make a decision not to eat out at all this week. Use the extra money to go buy a new workout outfit, or workout shoes. The new gear will get you more excited about working out.


Suggestion 2: Have you considered adding a dog to the family? I read a recent study that states that dog owners live longer because of the activity that is added to their life. There are plenty of shelters with dogs that need homes...dogs that would LOVE to go on walks/jogs with you.

Benefits to working out:

• Relieve stress
• Control Weight
• Combat health conditions and diseases
• Improve your mood
• Boost your energy
• Cleanses your body
• Improve appearance
• Live longer
• Increase confidence
• Many more reasons

If you choose to join me, good luck! Let me know how it goes. :-)