Recap #2: Try a “Non-resolution”

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written about how my 2018 non-resolution is going. As they say, “life happened,” which prevented me from writing but didn’t stop me from following through with my goals!

So here’s what has happened since my last recap in February. As you remember, I gave you four steps to follow:

Come up with the defining word or phrase for your year.
Translate your word or phrase into action.
Evaluate your goal each month.
Start at a time that’s right for you.

My word for 2018 is PEACE. Some of the areas I am focusing on to have more peace are

Meal planning
Reducing stress
Rest
Exercise

Meal Planning

I kicked off the new year with meal planning. I set a SMART goal to plan more meals per week. I’m still chugging along with that and am using that “Knock Knock What to Eat” pad I found on Amazon.

Rest

In February, I set a second SMART goal about rest. I set a 10:30 p.m. bedtime for myself and, believe it or not, I’m still following it!

Exercise

I set a third SMART goal for myself in March, wanting to exercise more consistently. Oh, that dreaded, dreaded word! With the weather turning nicer, I thought the time was right to start reducing stress and finding peace through consistent exercise. I set a small SMART goal, operating under the policy of “something is better than nothing.” And I encourage this with all of my patients—since daily physical activity is so important, swim, bike, walk, run or go to gym. Whatever gets you moving!

My goal was to exercise four days a week, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Mondays and Fridays, I work out in the morning after I drop my oldest off for school. This type of exercise is YouTube video, workout DVD, a walk with girlfriends or a class at our local rec center, and I allow for 30 minutes. On Tuesdays, I do a YouTube video, workout DVD or a walk with the kids, and on Thursday evenings I do a class at our local rec center.

And a note on YouTube videos: There are so many free workout videos on YouTube that are completely free! One of my favorite low-impact workouts is with Leslie Sansone, but you’ll be able to find just anything, so find something that works for you!

A second note on rec centers: If you don’t want to commit to a full membership, you can often pay a small free per class. Check out a facility that’s near you to see your options.

Reducing Stress

In April, I set a specific SMART goal for reducing stress. To accomplish this, I started exploring essential oils, and found they’re beneficial, not only for me, but for my family as well. I diffuse when I’m at work, and I diffuse at home in our common areas and bedrooms. It’s important with essential oils not to overdo it, but I find that my plan is working for me.

My Time

I set my final SMART goal in May, and I focused on increasing my “me time,” specifically, reading time. I set a goal to read for 10 minutes at least three times a week, preferably Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I decided that reading before bed would be the best option, and that required me to be in bed before by 10:30 actual bedtime. I actually set an alarm on my phone to help remind me to go to bed at the correct time so I could get my reading time in!

So now you’re all caught up—these are my action plans for the first part of my year to help bring PEACE into my life. I promise I will update you at least twice more before the end of the year to bring you up to speed on how my SMART goals are going.

How are your “non-resolutions” going? (Or maybe your resolutions?) Comment below!