Happy Motivation Monday, and Happy Veterans Day! A personal thank you to all of those who have served our country. I’m sorry that I missed yesterday’s post, but some unexpected twists and turns kept me from writing it. Even though I’ve only been blogging for 6 months, missing a post seems to “throw me off” because blogging has really become a habit that I enjoy!
There are many habits that I’ve built into my life, and are now critical to my general happiness. We often think of habits as negative things that we need to break, but there are also habits that help us live a healthier, or happier life. Some of my best healthy habits are drinking a lot of water, always finding a way to have a healthy breakfast (even if it’s after my workout!), running and working out, and always fitting in plenty of vegetables! But there are also some I’d like to change … mindlessly snacking at night when I’m trying to stay awake in front of the computer, not prioritizing sleep, chewing gum, and straying away from yoga as I have over the past few months. 
(picture source)
I’ve always said that life is a journey of continuous improvement, and half the fun of living is figuring out how we can make ourselves better! So on this Motivation Monday, challenge yourself to recognize your habits (both positive and not-as-positive) and figure out what you can do to maintain or improve them!
I’ve come across several habit-related articles in the past few weeks that have been piling up in my “links to share” list, so check them out if you’re interested!
- Ways to kick an unhealthy habit. This article contains a tip for each of these common unhealthy habits: overeating, not sleeping enough, drinking soda, not drinking enough water, and not exercising.
- Top 10 reasons you overeat. I relate to a lot of these when I find myself overeating – it’s often because I’m not paying attention or I’m eating emotionally! Do any of these resonate with you?
- AMAZING reminders of things you should do every day. If you only read one of the links, read this one! It will remind you of some simple things (like smiling, thanking people, prepping healthy food, and appreciating your body) that make a world of difference. I wish I would read this list every day!
So tell me in the comments … What is your best healthy habit? What health habit would you like to develop or change?
i want to get better about practicing my cooking and meal prep skills. i have barely done any of either since moving back home after college, but now my mom has been spending more time in FL at our condo. she leaves me meals but i have run out and she won’t be back for another week. so i have resolved to do meal prep for the coming week this saturday or sunday, because i refuse to be a slave to the whole foods salad bar! though there are less healthy takeout addictions, that one isn’t healthy for my wallet and i don’t want to make a habit of it.
Caitlin, I think you said on Instagram tonight that you did some food prep (either that or you made turkey chili!). If so, congratulations!! I SO hear you on the Whole Foods salad bar … it’s SOO delicious but I can’t restrain myself and end up with such an expensive pile of food every time! In Chicago, we lived right next door to a Whole Foods … so dangerous! I had to limit myself to only going on special occasions!
I was just thinking about habits today, actually, because my work walking challenge is over as of today. That meant today was the first time I didn’t put my pedometer on, consciously monitor my steps, and be really aware of the whole thing in TWO months. It’s amazing how naked I felt without it and how much of a habit the whole thing has become.
Congrats on your work walking challenge, Amy! I love how your work allowed you to count other activities as steps, too – so fun! Although I bet it’s kind of nice to be “naked” without the pedometer for once!
I love that quote – so very true!
My healthiest habit is working out. I realize on the hard days that it really has become a habit when I’m draggggging my butt to the gym for not reason other than it’s what I DO. 🙂
You’re a beast at dragging yourself to the gym – I love seeing your Instagram selfies for motivation to get myself there, too! (Or, rather, outside – my own personal “gym” :))
I have to echo Amy here- I genuinely look forward to your Monday posts (well Tuesday morning for me!) because they really help me set the tone in a different light!
My healthy habit would have to be probably a pretty clean diet. A habit I need to work on is more balance, but also breaking up my routine- I think it’ll be easier once exams are over!
Thank you for saying that, Arman! I think we ALL could stand to work on balance a bit – it’s a constant challenge and there’s always something to improve! I hope you get some time for relaxation after all of these exams!
Excellent links. I like suggestions about smiling at kids, and replying to texts right away. The suggestion about not obsessing over stupid stuff I’ve said very pertinent. I still feel that awful flush of shame at some of the things that have come out of my mouth. Wish it was as simple as saying it out loud and laughing to let them go…
The one thing that bugs me about the texting thing is I think it should have a complement … such as:
7a: If you are having a real-life conversation with someone when a text message comes in, take out your phone to ensure it isn’t REALLY ‘life or death’, then silence the phone and put it away.
Sitting with someone who spends their entire time physically with you but 60% of the time mentally elsewhere is totally annoying and inappropriate. 🙂
Totally agree!
I couldn’t agree more with you, Michael! My work expects me to be instantly available at all times, except some weekends, and I’m often really embarrassed (as I well should be) if I have to check my phone. It’s a terrible feeling to be the one who has to check your phone, and it’s a terrible feeling to be the one that is trying to have a conversation with someone attached to their phone! Technology is a blessing in a lot of cases, but it takes a lot away from human interaction, too.
I so understand … I was in the ‘pilot’ group that got a first-gen Blackberry (pre-phone) at my old job, and it was really cool … until it became ‘a thing’ and the expectation was that any email sent to me anytime would be instantly received and have my attention. I was happy to dump it when they were switching to the phone model a few years later.
At Corning they are very particular about company cell phones, mostly those who travel internationally. There is something to be said for not always being available … 🙂
Absolutely something to be said! I’d ditch my work phone in a millisecond if I could :). Hope you had a great weekend!
I know the shameful feeling, too! We all say stupid things at times, so hopefully realizing it will make us more forgiving of others when they do so :).
Best habit:
– My love of fruit, as it is my go-to snack.
– Also, having a bag of pistachios at home and at work for occasional snacks.
Worst:
– Dawdling on the computer. I wrote about it this weekend, but noticed it this past week as I was in recovery mode from the half-marathon, and also it was the first cold week (19F last Monday). This is one I need to get on and conquer, as it tends to ‘creep’ and suddenly I won’t have time to go for my run despite getting up at my normal time!
Yum – I love fruit and pistachios, too! Unfortunately I also share your bad habit, especially on the weekends – it is relaxing, but it is such a time suck, and I already spend enough time in front of the computer during the week!
Just saw the dentist and it’s clear my flossing is subpar…at least I didn’t have any cavities! I use an app called Lift which helps me keep track of my goals and if I followed through with them. I used it to quit gum 🙂 Look into it!
Good job for having no cavities!!! I just recently had a cavity filled – I hadn’t had one in probably 10 years! Bummer. I’ve never heard of Lift but I just downloaded it … can’t wait to play :). Thanks for the recommendation!
Your motivation Monday posts are my favourite. Your messages are amazing and I can relate to your healthy and not-so-healty habits immensely. I am so glad you mentioned chewing gum because that is also a habit I am trying to break. As long as I don’t buy it, I’m fine! 🙂
ps. I cannot thank you enough for your email. So much amazing information that I want to absorb before replying. Thank you friend! xoxo
Thank you for the compliment, Amy! I have fun writing the Motivation Monday posts – especially on Sundays when I’m feeling down like this past one, they really lift me up!! Yes, gum is a beast of a habit to kick – I think it upsets my stomach and I end up chewing way too much, but like you – out of sight, out of mind. Trying to buy less! Davida recommended an app called “Lift” that I just downloaded but haven’t explored yet – maybe it will help us out! And, no need to thank me – I have loved our email conversations and look forward to them continuing!