simple things to change your world

ever notice how the most simple, basic things can change your world?  i think one of the most rewarding things you can do for for yourself is check-in and recenter.  here are some things i do to connect with my inner maven : )

move – just 15 minutes of exercise can change your day…and your life.  i love starting my day with movement – especially yoga.  it sets me right with the world and with myself.  if an exercise routine is new to you, start small.  incorporate a manageable amount of fitness into your week (like 15-20 minutes, 3 days a week),  and grow from there.  don’t beat yourself up about what you should do – just do something.  some exercise is better than no exercise at all.

credit {here}

- eat – fresh fruits and veggies are not just good for you, they really and truly make you feel good too, inside & out.  when you feed your body wholesome, nutritious foods, it thanks you.  i know from personal experience that the better I eat, the better I feel.  i don’t need any diet plan or book to tell what to (or not to) eat.  my body tells me.  now i just have to focus on really listening : )

sleep – getting 7-8 hours of sleep is the backbone of any truly healthy lifestyle.  without restorative sleep, your body is not prepared to tackle the day – mentally or physically.  How can your body expect to focus let alone workout or be productive if it’s lacking something so essential?!  often we have to get up early for work, so sleeping in is rarely an option, but shifting your bedtime a bit earlier may be all it takes to make you feel refreshed when morning time comes.  (plenty of sleep and still struggle to get out of bed?  craig, my fiancé, swears by this trick.  drink a glass of water upon waking.  he says it clears the morning “fog”.)

credit {here}

read – for our jobs, we often are reading all day long.  but that’s not the kind of reading i’m talking about.  how long has it been since you’ve read something that enriches your life?  or read for pleasure?  probably too long.  lately, i’ve “rediscovered” my love of reading and have incorporated it into my pre-bedtime routine.  settling in with a good book and losing yourself in its pages is such a treat and a great way to wind down from a long day.

what simple thing has changed your world?.

Small Steps with Big Results

So, as you've heard me say, time and time again, the best, most sustainable way to make healthy lifestyle changes is with small steps. If you jump in, head first, full of enthusiasm, you're probably going to sink... I know from personal experience. The problem is when you overhaul your diet and exercise in an extreme way, you find yourself thoroughly out of your element and often completely overwhelmed. As rewarding as it may be to see major weight loss for a week or two, if the lifestyle you've created is something that you can't keep up with, the weight will come back plus some. So, instead of aiming for big numbers in the short term, aim for manageable changes that will result in big numbers (and healthy living) for the long term.

If you don't have a regular exercise routine...Do 10-15min of exercise 4-5 days a week for 2-3 weeks. This will get you in the habit of making time for yourself. When you get to week 3 or 4 increase your time by 5 minutes. As you feel more comfortable with your routine up the time again. Aim to eventually reach 30-40min 4-5 days a week.

If your eating habits need some cleaning up...Don't eliminate any food! Yes, that's right, nothing is completely off limits. The key is moderation. Think add, not subtract. Add more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet. Instead of toast with your eggs, have fruit salad. Instead of a chicken sandwich for lunch, try a salad topped with grilled chicken, instead of your 3pm granola bar, try a banana and some almonds, you get the idea...

If you don't know where to begin...Take some time a make a list of why a healthy lifestyle is important to you. List everything from fitting into your "skinny" jeans to being able to play with your kids, dogs, grand kids without getting winded. Anything that is a motivating factor for you, put it down. Then think about small, manageable changes you feel comfortable making and be specific. (Such as I will exercise/move my body/work out for 10min before breakfast Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for the next three weeks.) Being specific and writing down your thoughts and goals will help you stay motivated and avoid any potential pitfalls.

Best of luck on your journey to healthy living!

Cailen is a lifestyle designer and author and owner of Cailen Ascher Design, a lifestyle design company. For more information visit www.CailenAscher.com.

.