New Habits for a New Lifestyle

It's been one week since I have made the decision to change my life. I have quit drinking soda/pop, I have only been drinking water. I have been doing yoga every night before bed. I've quit eating out. I'm eating less processed food, and started eating more fruits and veggies. I have also changed my beauty regimen.

These are my goals:

1) Water
     I have been drinking only water for a week now. I've been having caffeine withdrawal headaches and extreme fatigue, but I know in time it will dissipate. Since the lack of caffeine I have been able to sleep better and actually feel rested when I get up every morning.
Goal: Drink 8 glasses or 1 liter a day.

hint: buy a reusable water bottle (love Camelbak), and haul it around with you everywhere!

2) Diet

     Changing my diet was one of the first goals I had. I am cutting out processed sugar and processed foods where possible. I have been drinking water and some tea. I find myself really wanting to munch in between meals, so instead of grabbing cookies or chips, I've opted for granola and/or nuts. I also love to munch on sunflower seeds, yum! Changing your diet may affect your blood sugar. Fresh fruit is always good if you feel a blood sugar dip.

Goal: No more fast food.

hint: stock your fridge and pantry with healthy alternatives only, to prevent a junk food relapse.

3) Yoga & Exercise

     The first physical thing I started to do was yoga every night before bed. I also did a little stretching. I felt so relaxed when my head hit the pillow! My next goal is to start running in the morning for 20 minutes; maybe mix in some crunches and planks.

Goal: Do yoga every night for 30 nights. Start exercising on the 31st day.

hint: start slow, start yoga for a month, and when you are comfortable with that, start running/exercising.

My routine before bed:

5-10 breaths:

Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-wall Pose)

Flow: 3-7 breaths each pose / 3 flows per night

Balasana (Child's Pose)

Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

Adho Muhha Svanasana (Downward-facing Dog Pose)

Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

Balasana (Child's Pose)

My routine when I wake up: (near future!)

10 min Stretch

10 Crunches

2 20 sec Planks

20 Run

4) Sleep

     Having good sleep habits are very important for a good nights rest. Along with nightly yoga, I established a bedtime and wakeup time. Every night I try to make it to bed before 10pm an try to wake up before 8am every morning. Too little sleep is not good, but too much sleep is just as bad. 

Goal: Go to sleep on time every night for 30 nights.

hint: set an alarm for bedtime, and an alarm to get up to.

5) Cleanliness

     Let's face it - no one wants to clean, but it's gotta be done. I dread having to clean the house, and having a two-year-old doesn't help. Toddlers are like tiny little tornadoes of destruction, and mine seems to have a radar that goes off every time I get finished cleaning a room. This goal is very important to me, even though I hate the task. Having a clean and organized house helps with stress and just gives you a peace of mind. I make sure that there are no dirty dishes in the sink before I go to bed. Who likes to wake up to a dirty kitchen? Not me! I also vacuum every night when H is soaking in the tub. I usually clean better when he's asleep; naptime and bedtime. 

Goal: No dish left behind, for 30 days.

hint: focus on one room at a time.

6) Beauty Regimen

     Not only have I changed what I put IN my body, but also what I put ON my body. I have struggled with cystic acne for about 10 years now and I now have adult acne. I dreamed for the day that I was no longer a teenager, but an adult who had clear skin. That day never came for me. I have tried all sorts of those "We promise you results or your money back" skincare lines; from Proactiv to Murad. All these products made my skin red, dry, and irritated. I started using Cetaphil about a year ago and didn't have much luck with that either. I recently was searching the web for some acne remedies. This is what I have found works best for me. I have been doing this for two weeks, and I have had zero cysts on my face, or body. Some minor little breakouts, but nothing compared to what I've been living with for so long.

Goal: Use this regimen for 60 days.

hint: having trouble finding Dr. Bronner's? look at your local health food store!

Beauty Routine:

Morning: Wash with honey (regular clove honey)

Night: Wash with oil (combination of avocado oil and jojoba oil)

Shower:

Hair: Dr. Bronner's: Hemp Tea Tree Soap

(1tsp diluted in 1 liter of water with 2Tbsp of Borax)

Body Wash: Clearly Natural Essentials: Aloe Vera Glicerine Soap

Body/Face Scrub: 1c Coconut Oil, 2Tbsp Sea Salt, 1Tbsp Baking Soda, 1 drop Lavender EO

(used once a week)

     Have you made the decision to change your life? If so, how?