Here's to health

It's already February and, though I didn't get all of my January punch list accomplished, I'm moving on.  I feel like progress was made so I'm going to surrender what went undone and move on to February.  I've got my list in my phone and I'll keep it there to refer back to from time to time so perhaps a few of the decluttering items will get done yet :)

Anyhoo, the focus for February is health. Yes, health.  This one couldn't have come at a better time, seeing as how I've been binging on starburst minis for the past 3 days.  I don't know who came up with this little gem of an idea, but they should be lashed, whoever they are.  Without the wrappers slowing me down as well as serving as a reminder of the amount I've eaten (when I see the embarrassing quantity I've hastily emptied) I have no concept of how many I've eaten until the bag is emptied.  It's shameful really.  But I digress.

The tricky part about health is that it really has to be an ongoing focus.  Sadly, I can't just make a list of what needs to get done and check it off as each task is finished.  So instead of a February punch list, I'm going to have a focus items.  Since I'm starting February so late and next months focus is food, I'm not going to include food for this month, though it is an obvious element of health :)  Here's what I'm focusing on:

• Sleep- I've heard that the body needs 8 hours of sleep.  The only time I ever get near to that number is on the weekends when I can sleep in.  I would love to get 8 hours every night but it's hard to see that as a legitimate possibility.  That being said, I think it is a worthwhile pursuit so I'm going to give it a shot.   I haven't quite worked out the logistics of that, nevertheless, my goal is to get 8 hours of sleep each night.

• Exercise-  Because I am on my feet moving around all day, I live a fairly active lifestyle.  That being said, there is something therapeutic about going for a walk or run outside.  Additionally, I know my kids, dog and husband would love (and would benefit from) a nightly walk so its a win-win-win-win.  We used to do this when the girls were little and I think it's time to reinstitute it.  Might not be feasible every night, but most nights we could squeeze in a 15 or 20 minute stroll.

• Coping with stress-  This has been a biggie lately.  I feel like if I address my sleep and exercise, that some of the stress with dissipate but I also think that making decisions more deliberately will help as well.  Here's a quote from a book that I am reading that brought me to this idea:  "Overcommitment is a very common reason for stress.  We take on more than our bodies and minds can handle, but our insecurities cause us to keep taking on more and more.  Why?  To make sure people notice us, so we feel accepted as part of a group, to feel important, or so we don't have to be alone with ourselves." (The Simple Living Guide, Janet Luhrs).

• Drink more water-  This seems like such an easy thing.  I don't know why I have such a hard time with it.